Love's Deception (16 page)

One month later

S
itting on top of the world—what a joke.

Carissa’s dispirited gaze roamed across the Atlanta cityscape while remorse settled in her chest.
I can’t do this anymore
, she said to herself.
I can’t go back to business as usual
.

With each passing day, she thought more about dropping everything and just going, but she didn’t know where. She just couldn’t keep masquerading as the cold and ruthless C. J. Cartel anymore.

She turned from the window and walked to her desk, where she picked up Colin Hunter’s letter of res
ignation. “It’s just as well,” she said to her aunt, who sat in the chair across from her desk. “It saved me the trouble of firing him. No doubt he’s been able to walk away from this whole fiasco unscathed.”

“Don’t you worry about him. I firmly believe that what goes around comes around. A man like that will get his due. You can trust me on that one.”

Carissa exhaled and shook her head. “I know that this may sound strange, but I actually feel sorry for him.”

“You’re right. That does sound strange. If I weren’t a lady I’d pound the weasel into the ground myself.”

Carissa laughed at the image. “Now why don’t I have any trouble believing that? But let’s face it. Everything he’d done, he did for love—or what he thought was love. He loved Nathan’s mother and, I guess, did whatever he could to keep her.”

“There
is
such a thing as crossing the line, Risa. And look at the mess he’s made. Sometimes you have to learn to walk away from love.”

“Tell me something that I don’t know.” Carissa lowered her head. “Maybe once I leave here, I can begin making some sense out of my life.”

“You’re doing the right thing by stepping down as president and CEO,” Helena said. “You hated working here.”

“More like I hated what I’d become. But there were some good things about the job. I’m proud of a lot of my accomplishments here.”

“You’ll still be a member of the board.”

“I know. It just feels strange, that’s all. Then again, it’s exciting. I think I’ll take up dancing again, maybe teach in a small studio somewhere.”

“That sounds nice. Summer is just around the corner. You know that you’re more than welcome to come with me to Costa Rica. Then after that I think I’ll jet off to Spain.”

Carissa considered it. Maybe it was time for her to start taking chances, to do exciting things. “I’ve always wanted to go to Morocco. You think we can add it to the list?”

Helena’s face brightened. “Of course we can.” She clapped her hands together. “This is going to be great. Just picture it, you and me traveling around the world without a care. There will be fun, lots of dancing and plenty of men. Which brings me to another philosophy of mine. ‘Nothing helps you get over this man like the next man.’”

“You’re impossible.” Carissa laughed. She leaned back in her chair and reviewed her options. “So when do we leave?”

Liz buzzed in over the intercom. “Ms. Cartel, you have a visitor.”

Carissa frowned. “I asked for all my appointments to be rescheduled.”

“Yes, ma’am. This gentleman wasn’t on your calendar, but he’s insisting on seeing you.” Liz’s voice lowered to a whisper. “I think you really want to take this visitor, Risa.”

“All right, send him in.” Carissa straightened in her
chair and tried to get into character. “Maybe we should talk about this later, Auntie.”

Helena stood. “Okay. I’m going to call my travel agent. We’re going to have so much fun.” She headed out just when Liz knocked, then opened the door.

Nothing could have prepared Carissa for who waltzed inside.

Travis Edwards met her startled gaze with a cool, satisfied smile. “Good morning, Ms. Cartel. I hope I’m not inconveniencing you.”

“Holy smoke,” Helena said, staring at Edwards. “You’re an older replica of—”

“Aunt Helena, I’ll see you tonight,” Carissa said, cutting her off.

Helena turned with a questioning look.

“It’s okay.”

Liz also gave an apologetic look, then eased out of the room with Helena following close behind.

Carissa stood, not sure of what to say, then sat down again. He looked good, damn good. His domineering presence filled the room, while his striking resemblance to Nathan tore her apart.

“Please, don’t get up,” Travis said, moving toward her desk.

“I didn’t know you were out of the hospital.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Of course not. But I have to admit I’m a little surprised to see you here.” She crossed her arms, unable to quell her guilt. The last thing she wanted to do was
beg this man for forgiveness…again. “Don’t tell me you came all this way to finish me off?”

He held up his hand as a sign of surrender. “No need to get defensive. I guess someone should have called and informed my fiancée of my release.”

Embarrassment heated Carissa’s face. “I was afraid that you’d hear about that.”

“I heard a lot of things.”

“I was afraid of that, too,” she said despondently.

He shrugged. “Actually, I was touched.”

She met his gaze. “Mr. Edwards, I don’t know how to say this. But I’m terribly sorry about what happened. It was never my intention to wish you any harm, nor did I have some hidden agenda to destroy your company. You’ve got to believe that.”

“I know.”

“I wish there was something I could—”

She stopped. “What do you mean, you ‘know’?”

He sat in the vacant chair in front of her desk. “Let’s just say I had a very interesting talk with your vice president.”

“Ex-vice president,” she corrected, then asked, perplexed, “Colin told you of his involvement?”

“That and a whole lot more.” Travis folded his hands. “I know this may sound strange, but it’s starting to look like this hostile takeover was the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“You must be joking.”

He shook his head and smiled. “The truth is, Ms. Cartel, I came here to thank you.”

“Thank me? For what?”

“For giving me my son back. Nathan said that it was you who convinced him to stay and try to bury our past. I thought I’d never see this day. I have you to thank for it.”

Carissa stood and moved toward the window. “I’m happy you two will have a second chance to become a real father and son. I wish I’d been so lucky.” She swallowed the lump lodged in her throat. “But I am glad that you’re here. I need to talk to you about Edwards Electronics.” She straightened her shoulders, then turned to face him. “I decided to revert control back over to you.”

Surprise registered in his eyes. “You’re giving me back my company?”

“It’s not exactly a wise business move for me, but it’s definitely the right thing to do.”

He stared at her for a long time, then looked down at his braided fingers. “I’m not going to pretend that I understand you, Cartel.”

She shook her head and laughed sadly. “How could you? I don’t understand myself.” She drew in a deep breath. “But you can start by calling me Carissa.”

His smile broadened as he stood. “Very well, Carissa. Thank you, but no thank you.”

“What?”

“Well, I’ve thought about it and I think it’s time for me to slow down—take time out and smell the roses as they say. I’m going to enjoy some time with my son. We have a lot of years to make up.”

Tears stung the back of her eyes. “That sounds great. I’m happy for you.”

“Well, I better get going. Again, I want to thank you.”

“You’re welcome, I think.” She nodded, lowering her gaze, and she struggled on whether she should ask about Nathan. No, she decided. It was over. The sooner she accepted that, the better off she’d be.

“Could you tell him I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know what I did hurt him and I just want him to know how sorry I am.”

When she looked up, Travis smiled. “I tell you what—I’ll let you tell him.” He opened the door and Nathan entered.

Carissa’s heart squeezed at the sight of him. She couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t think, and, God, he looked good. Dressed in black, he appeared more handsome than she remembered.

“I’m going to leave you two alone,” Travis said, then eased out of the office.

Nathan and Carissa stood facing each other. A strange and powerful electrical current streamed between them.

“So this is what the inside of your office looks like.” He glanced around, nodding.

She nodded. “I guess I deserved that.”

“I didn’t mean it the way it sounded,” he apologized.

Another awkward silence lapsed between them before he tried again. “So how have you been?”

“Miserable,” she answered honestly. “And you?”

“Pretty much the same.”

“Now that you’re here, I don’t know where to begin.” Her eyes moistened as her voice softened into a whisper. “There’s so much I have to tell you—things I need to explain.”

He crossed his arms and studied her. “Sounds like another all-nighter.”

Nervous, she shifted her weight under his scrutiny. “Please don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Stare at me like that. It makes me feel like a convict on death row. This is hard enough.”

Nathan laughed.

Her eyes narrowed. “Do you find this funny?”

“Only because you’re trying to pick a fight with me in order to ease your guilt. Let’s face it, saying you’re sorry or apologizing has never been your best suit.”

“I did apologize, remember?”

“Good point. What can I say? I was hurt. But then I realized that it wasn’t your name that I fell in love with. It’s important that I know things about you. That way, I know that the
person
I fell in love with is real.”

Carissa’s eyes widened in surprise. “You love me?”

“How could I not?” He walked toward her. “I spent a lot of time going over in my head all the things that I know and love about you. Like, I love that you have a quick temper. And that at times you appear so childlike, then the next moment you’re this spitfire. I love your compassion, and I love the fact that you’re here
right now.” He now stood just inches in front of her. “I’ve missed you, Risa.”

She neither knew how she remained standing nor whether she could trust her hearing. “What happened between you and Smokey?”

He drew in a deep breath. “We fought, we cried, and we’ve made up. Despite everything that has happened, I still love him. Nothing is going to change that. It’s going to take time for all the wounds to heal, but they will heal. I think it will be a while before he and Travis bury the hatchet. But you never know.”

“It would be nice if they did,” she conceded.

“After talking with Smokey, I understand more why you lied to me. To tell you the truth, I’m not so sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing myself.”

“No, you wouldn’t have, Honest Abe. Besides, you weren’t too forgiving at the hospital.”

“Okay, maybe not. But aren’t I allowed to make mistakes, too?” He pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you so much. Every time I turn around, I see your face and smell your perfume. I love you so much. I don’t want to live another day without you in my life.”

“Despite my name?”

“Carnes, Cartel—it doesn’t matter. But I’m actually leaning more toward Edwards. Carissa Edwards. I love the way that sounds.”

Her arms flew around his neck as their lips met in a passionate kiss. When they withdrew, Carissa snuggled within the crook of his neck. “I love you,
too,” she whispered. “And I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into because I’m never letting you go again.”

His arms tightened around her. “I guess this means that life is full of second chances.” Nathan’s head descended to seal their love with a kiss, but the moment his lips landed on hers, his body craved something more. Suddenly, their hands were tearing at each other’s clothes.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for too long,” Nathan said huskily. His eyes drifted closed at the exotic feel of her tongue dancing across his lower earlobe. At the same time, his hands managed to free her breasts from their lacy confinement.

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, then leaned her head back as his lips caressed her neck.

Their clothes fell in pieces and formed a trail heading to the couch. There was no way they were going to wait until they were home.

Helena, Travis, Smokey and Liz stood from having their ears pressed against the door. Each wore a wide smile of satisfaction.

“I think I’m going to cry,” Helena said, trying to retrieve a tissue from her purse.

Travis handed her his handkerchief. “I can’t believe we’ve pulled it off,” he said to Smokey.

“I’m no fortune teller, but I’d say we’ll be planning a wedding here soon.”

“Now, I know I’m going to cry.” Liz wiped at her eyes and was rewarded with Smokey’s handkerchief.

Much later, Carissa and Nathan lay spent in each other’s arms and wore smiles of satisfaction. Carissa loved the way their different skin tones complemented each other. This was the man she wanted to share the rest of her life with, and he was what completed her.

“There you go thinking again.” Nathan lifted her chin to claim another kiss. “Should I dare ask what steals your attention from me?”

“Actually, I was thinking about you—or shall I say us.”

“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” His eyes darkened with concern.

“Never.”

“Good.” Their lips met again before Nathan grew serious. “Now that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together, I think it’s time we have a little talk about honesty and communication.”

“I was afraid of that.” She bit her lower lip.

He laughed. “It’s very important to me that you never feel that there’s something you can’t tell me. No matter how much you think it may upset me, I want you to come to me. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” She stole another kiss, then slid her arms around her future husband. “I love you, Nathan Edwards.”

“I love you, too, Risa.”

Six months later

N
athan carried Carissa across the threshold and into their honeymoon suite. Their lips remained locked in a passionate kiss as he continued to carry her blindly to the king-size bed.

When their lips finally parted, it was only long enough for him to whisper, “I love you, Mrs. Edwards.”

“Not half as much as I love you.”

Nathan slid next to her and immediately fumbled with the buttons on her blouse.

Greedily, she tugged at his clothes, but couldn’t
stop herself from laughing at their sense of urgency. They’d chosen to remain celibate since they’d announced their engagement. Both had agreed that the wait would enhance their wedding night and give them something to look forward to.

So far they had been right.

Nathan’s brows arched in surprise at the discovery of her red lace teddy. “You really know how to melt a man’s heart,” he complimented with a cocky grin.

Carissa ran her hand down the corded muscles of his chest. “You’re not doing such a bad job with me yourself.” She winked.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re too much of a tease, Mrs. Edwards?” His head descended to capture a tan nipple between his teeth.

Carissa’s head lolled back as a moan escaped her lips. Her body arched as her mind’s passion-filled haze thickened. How was it that he knew her body so well? How was it that she came alive with just the simple touch of his hand?

“You’re mine,” he whispered huskily, just as his fingers invaded the dewy folds of her womanhood. Waves of ecstasy rippled throughout her body. It was as though she were suspended through time and space.

Tears of joy slid from her eyes as he entered her and filled the void in her life. As their bodies found their own tempo, Carissa’s moans of pleasure reverberated throughout the room and sounded like sweet music in his ears.

Throughout the night, the couple experimented with exotic oils, candle wax, feathers and Carissa’s favorite…blindfolds.

“I wish it will always be this way between us,” Carissa said, snuggling closer to her exhausted husband.

“It will be. When we go back to Miami, I have a nice little surprise for you.”

“What is it?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”

She sat up. “You expect me to wait after our three-week honeymoon to find out what the surprise is?”

“Yep.” He rolled over and pretended to go to sleep.

“I don’t think so.” She shook him and became frustrated when he started to snore. “You’re not asleep, Nathan. Tell me what it is?”

His snoring grew louder.

Carissa playfully pounded his back. “Wake up, you brute. And tell me what the surprise is.”

With lightning speed, Nathan turned over and pinned his wife to the bed. “I’m the brute? Aren’t
you
the one beating
me
up?”

Carissa laughed as she tried to break free from his iron grip.

“You want to know what the secret is?”

She stopped struggling and nodded.

“I found this nice little studio, not too far from our place, that I thought would be perfect for you to teach dance.”

Carissa’s eyes grew wide. “Really?”

He released her and was immediately rewarded with a fierce hug.

“I can’t believe it,” she cried excitedly. “My own dance studio?”

“You haven’t even seen the place yet.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She pulled back to stare at him. “I know that I’m going to love it. Just as I know that I’m always going to love you.”

“That’s good to know because I’m always going to love you, too.”