The Marriage Mistake (17 page)

“Perfect.”

He threw a few bills on the bar and stood up. “Try not to get into any trouble.”

“Good girls don’t get into trouble, do they?”

He shot her a warning look and left. She nursed the rest of her martini and sifted through her options. One thing was clear. She needed to fix things on her own—no matter the cost. Unfortunately, there was one way left.

Remove herself from the deal.

She traced the rim of her glass and held back a sigh. Even with her skills, her mistakes far outweighed her benefit. Maybe it was time to dig a bit deeper and find out what she really wanted instead of trying to be a carbon copy of everyone else. Her soul itched for freedom and creativity. What if La Dolce Maggie couldn’t offer what she really needed?

The thoughts danced in her head but she focused on the one thing she could control.

Fix the mess. She drained her drink, grabbed her purse, and headed back to the room to contact Sawyer Wells.

S
awyer belonged in Vegas. Carina tamped down on her nervousness while he prowled across his office like a large jungle cat. He shook her hand and invited her to sit down, as if deciding to play with his food before taking a bite. And, dear God, he looked like he could bite. Sex vibrated around him in waves, but there was something deeper that scared the crap out of her. He reminded her of the blond vampire from
True Blood,
with golden-boy looks and seething amber eyes to hypnotize any helpless female. His lush lips held a cruel curve, and his face was a mass of hard lines with sharp cheekbones and a wicked scar that curved from his brow down his cheek. The scar only added to the dangerous appeal. He wore his hair extra long, almost like her brother, but not long enough to be held back with a tie.

She’d done her homework and knew all the basics. The man boasted a long line of successful hotels he took over and pumped full of profit. Then something happened and he moved on to the next challenge. The Venetian was his current toy he took quite seriously, but the rumor mill hinted he planned to unveil a chain of luxury hotels throughout the country. He traveled to Italy frequently, and Max seemed to know him as more than a casual business partner.

She took a seat across from the sprawling teak desk and glanced around. His office was housed on the top floor of the Venetian. Ceiling-to-floor windows displayed the city in its glory, and reminded her more of a suite than a workplace, with matching teak furniture, bookcases, and a wet bar. Gorgeous artwork filled the walls, an intriguing mix of raw landscapes and erotica. She studied the lines of a couple naked but in shadow, wrapped around each other. The simple sensuality stirred something inside of her until she longed to study the picture. He caught her staring and a blush stained her cheeks.

“Do you enjoy art, Carina?”

“Very much. I paint myself.”

He settled in the leather chair behind his desk and studied her with a thoughtful air. “Interesting,” he murmured. “Professionally?”

“No, I put it aside so I could finish my MBA. I miss it, though.”

“You should never deny a part of your soul. Eventually it will wither and die, or fester inside until you cut it out.” His face shut down as if fighting an image from the past. “Life is too short for regrets.”

“Yes.” The odd conversation rattled her. Holy crap, was that a king-size bed in the attached room? And why was she suddenly thinking he didn’t only sleep there, but did other things?

“I have many contacts in the art world. If you ever think of holding a serious show, let me know. My dealer can spot talent immediately.”

She gave a quizzical look. “You’ve never even seen my work.”

“I have good instincts.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Carina crossed her legs. His gaze snagged on the expanse of naked flesh from her skirt and slowly worked its way up her body. The appreciation in his eyes seemed to honor the woman inside rather than objectifying her body.

His gravelly voice reminded her of morning-afters and lots of nakedness. “It’s a pleasure to have this time with you. My assistant said you wanted to talk about the deal. Is Max joining us?”

She swiped her palms down her skirt, dug deep, and took the leap. “No, Max doesn’t know I am here. I’d like you to keep this between us.”

He cocked his head. She caught her breath and wondered
if he had the ability to see into her soul. “How interesting. I would usually decline, since you’re not heading the negotiations, but you’ve intrigued me. I can’t promise to keep anything from Max, though, if I disagree with your intentions.”

She nodded. “Of course. I wanted to let you know I’m leaving Vegas and I’m off the deal.”

A shadow flickered across his features. “Did you get fired?”

“No, Mr. Wells.”

“Sawyer.”

“Sawyer.”

He remained silent but she gave him no further information. After a few moments, a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. She congratulated herself on winning the minor skirmish. “Is that all you wish to tell me?”

“The figure I gave you was incorrect. Max already told me he’ll walk from the deal if you insist on keeping to my assumption. There’s just not enough profit margin to take the leap in Vegas, especially when we’ll be competing with your in-house catering.”

He studied her. A strange awareness trickled through her. Almost as if he catalogued her secrets and decided whether or not to challenge her. He steepled his fingers together. “Does Michael know?”

“Not yet.”

“I see. So you are removing yourself from the situation in order to save the deal.”

“Correct. You can’t use my mistake against Max or my brother.”

“Did you think I would threaten your brother? Use you as leverage for gaining more profit? Urge him to stick to the figure or fire you?”

She lifted her chin and refused to cower. “Of course. You’re a businessman. If I were you, I would have called Michael and told him if they don’t give you that figure there will be no deal. I’d say his sister screwed up and now had to make good.” She paused. “If you push him on that issue, though, I will quit.”

A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “You will go as far as that to save this deal?”

“Yes. And Mr. Wells—”

“Sawyer.”

“I don’t bluff.”

His lips twisted. “How intriguing. You have definitely complicated things.”

Relief coursed through her. Finally, she’d done something beneficial for the company. At least Max started with a clean slate, and her brother wouldn’t be put in an awkward situation. “I’m sure you will find an alternate plan. You seem to be extremely adaptable.”

“I will tell you this, Carina. Your mistake won’t hold up the negotiations moving forward.”

“Thank you.”

“Still, I think I’m owed something in this whole deal.”

“Excuse me?”

A smile played upon his lips. Her breath caught at the smoldering sensuality in his hooded gaze. “Be my date tonight.”

“What?”

“My date. Unless you and Max are an item?”

She shook her head a bit too hard. “No, Max and I aren’t together. Why do you want to see me?”

His tone held pure amusement. “You are a beautiful woman with guts. I’ll take you to dinner and then we’ll visit the club.”

Carina tried to figure out what the game was. He was extremely attractive but out of her league. Wasn’t he? She let out a snort. “Don’t think you can get me to spill more secrets.”

“You underestimate yourself. Seven?”

“I’m having an early dinner and seeing a show with Max.”

“Afterward, then. Ten.”

Again, he waited her out. The leashed sexuality beat from him in waves. Isn’t this exactly what she needed? A man who wanted her and wasn’t afraid to ask? Instead of sitting next to Max hearing Celine sing about unrequited love, she could be getting to know Mr. Blond, Tall, and Sexy . . . and perhaps making her future one-night stand a bit jealous?

He laughed and shook his head. “You are a delight. I haven’t had to work this hard to get a woman to agree to a cocktail in a while.”

“Drinks before dinner. In the bar. Six.”

“Done.”

She walked to her suite to shower and change for the evening, not sure how her biggest business mistake had scored her a hot date. She had one last night in Vegas before returning home and intended to make the most of it.

Screw Celine Dion.

•   •   •

Carina walked through the doors of the famous V bar and looked for her date. The sleek, sultry lines of the lounge fit her mood. Double-sided leather chaise lounges flowed through the bar, and crowds had already gathered to sip their popular martinis. Frosty glass walls encased the room in privacy. Perfect for a quick cocktail before her dinner with Max.

Immediately, she was led to the corner table where Sawyer stood to greet her. He favored black, and it was the perfect color for him. Lean and graceful, his hair hit his shoulders and framed the harsh features of his face. He held a dangerous aura about him that intrigued her.

She ordered a dirty martini and they engaged in small talk.

“How do you like Vegas so far?”

Carina motioned around her. “What’s not to like? I’ve
been trapped in Bergamo my whole life, so this is like a gourmet meal after living on crackers.”

He smiled. “I’ve traveled to Milan many times and know your mother. I’ve always loved the tranquility of your home.”

“Bergamo is part of my soul. But I’ve lived with three older siblings who were overprotective, and it was hard to experience anything new and exciting. I’m enjoying my taste of freedom.”

“Freedom is a heady drink.” Those eyes gleamed with mischief. “Like the first hit of a fine wine. The taste is more explosive due to being contained for many years.”

She plucked an olive from her drink and slid it off the stick. His gaze followed her mouth in obvious interest. “You’re a poet, Sawyer Wells. Who would’ve thought? How do you know my mother?”

“We met years ago. She pulled me out of a delicate situation, and I promised her my loyalty.”

She lifted a brow. “Are you going to elaborate?”

“No.”

Carina grinned. “You must have read the handbook for women. We love a good mystery.”

“I thought you liked to fix us also. Save us from ourselves.”

“We do, but you rarely let us.”

A chill skated down her spine at the sudden flare of heat in his gaze. Oh, yeah, she was way out of her league.
This man was a master of seduction and she belonged in training camp. Still, the heady banter and his sharp wit pulled her in, even as he scared the hell out of her.

“Are you going to tell Max about our date?”

The mention of his name yanked her back into reality. Her fingers clenched. “If he asks.”

Sawyer caught the motion and leaned in. The scent of woods and musk wrapped her in sensuality. “Tell me about your relationship with Max.”

“He’s my brother’s best friend. We grew up together and he followed Michael to New York to open La Dolce Maggie.”

“Childhood friends?”

“Yes. Why so many questions about Max?”

Sawyer studied her. “Has he claimed you?”

She sputtered on her next sip. “Excuse me?”

“Are you sleeping together?”

“No. But I’m not sure why it’s your business.”

“There is no question you should be afraid to ask, Carina. You’re not only beautiful, but intelligent. A dangerous combination. I want to make sure you’re free.”

His rich tone wrapped her in possibility. This man wanted her. Why wasn’t she swooning and inviting him to her room? Damn Max. Somehow, she was still stuck on her childhood crush, and it only pissed her off.

“I’m free. And I’m tired of talking about Max.”

He reached out and snagged her hand. A pleasant jolt vibrated through her, but nothing like the intense belly-dropping
excitement when Max touched her. Not that she was thinking of Max.

“So am I. Though I may need to release you to let you keep your dinner date.”

She tilted her head and her hair slipped over one shoulder. “But not yet.”

A smile touched his lips. “No, not yet. What do you paint?”

“Portraits. Family members, babies, animals. I love looking beyond the surface of people and trying to capture something they never see. Reminds me of how my sister-in-law describes her photography.”

“I can’t paint a stick figure, but I can appreciate. I remember my first trip to Italy and getting drunk on the art. I was almost arrested at the Uffizi Gallery because I wouldn’t leave.”

“Yes, I’ve haunted the gallery my whole life. The first time I laid eyes on the Sistine Chapel I sobbed like a baby.”

“You never wanted to paint professionally?”

The longing washed over her, fierce and raw. The more she realized her future with La Dolce Maggie, the more her soul cried out for something different. Carina hesitated, not sure how much to share with him. “Yes, but I never believed in myself enough.”

Sawyer nodded. “I know how that feels.”

The silence between them throbbed with the lure of friendship and the possibility of more.

Carina smiled. “Now, tell me about the glamorous world of hotels.”

They talked for the next hour until it was time to meet Max for dinner. Sawyer clasped her hand within his. “Carina, I’d like you to join me afterward. I’ll show you the club and we can go dancing if you’d like.”

Carina hesitated. Her need for Max battled with the temptation before her. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

“I’ll be in Tao waiting for you. You decide.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheek and left her.

Her past fantasies warred with her present.

Time to choose.

•   •   •

Carina made her way back to the lobby where Max waited for her. The look on his face when he spotted her set the tone for the evening.

His jaw dropped. His gaze took in her outfit, and his features tightened. “You can’t wear that,” he whispered in fury. “For God’s sake, Carina, that dress is, that dress is—”

“Hmm, a simple ‘you look nice’ would have been appropriate.”

The moment she spotted the Versace dress she’d gone nuts. An elegant crisscross of straps wrapped her breasts up in a wicked game of peekaboo, until the beholder
had no idea what was fabric and what was flesh. The skirt nipped in at the waist, then fell to the floor in a series of jagged cuts, and the peachy color complemented her olive skin. A quick trip to the spa took care of her Brazilian wax, and even though she’d screamed, the pain had been well worth it. She left her hair down loose and wore only a thick gold cuff around her wrists, reminding her of a sexy slave girl.