Love Contract (The Match Broker) (15 page)

Chapter 24

O
ne week passed in complete chaos for Milán and Adrian. Both were swamped with work with little time to spend together outside the office. They were finally able to squeeze in a late dinner at a neighborhood restaurant near Adrian’s house.

“I can’t believe that we’re both leaving tomorrow,” Milán said, tiredly.

He swept a lock of hair behind her ear. “I know. It’s been crazy lately. Not much time for extracurricular activities,” he lamented.

“I miss you,” she confessed.

“I miss you, too. I wish you were going with me.”

“Not as much as I do,” she joked. “I wish I could reschedule my trip.”

“Your sisters would kill you.”

“
Muertos
,” she laughed. “I still don’t know where we’re going, but one thing is for sure, I’m definitely ready for a vacation. I’m exhausted.”

“We’ll both be back in a week, and we can make up for lost time then.”

Milán entwined her fingers with Adrian’s. “
¿Promesa?
”

He leaned in and kissed her. “
Prometo
.”

After their meal, they walked back to Adrian’s house. When they got there, he said, “How about we both shower and meet up in my room?”

“Deal,” she said heading up the stairs while he locked up.

Milán took a quick shower and put on a purple silk chemise with a matching robe that she’d left there in case of impromptu sleepovers. She went to Adrian’s door and tapped lightly. His muffled voice bid her to enter.

“You know you don’t have to knock,” he told her. “Just come in.”

She waved her hand in the direction of his bare chest and pajama bottoms. “What if you were in the middle of changing?”

The smoldering look he gave her could have ignited a candle. “I wouldn’t mind in the least.”

“Nor would I.”

Adrian’s head snapped up at her words. “
Eso es peligroso, cariño
.”

She bit her lower lip. “I know it’s dangerous, but I find that I can’t help myself when I’m with you.”

Without warning, Adrian strode over and hauled Milán up against him. His lips closed over hers with an intensity he’d never shown before. Milán’s knees almost buckled. He released her arms and she immediately grasped his shoulders for support. Before she could utter a word, he picked her up and headed for the bed. He lowered her onto the thick mattress.

“Adrian,” Milán choked out.

“There’s no way we’re not making love tonight.” His eyes raked over her flushed face.

“No,” she said quickly raising herself up on her elbows. “Our first time can’t be the day before we both leave. That would be horrible.”

“Why?” he demanded. “It’s the perfect going away gift,” he countered running his lips down the side of her neck.

“Please,” she implored him. “Can’t we wait a week? When we get back I promise we’ll spend an entire weekend locked away here. It will be incredible,” she assured him.

“It could be incredible now,” he said thickly.

Milán kissed him before running a hand up his back. “
Yo se
.”

He stared down at her. “You’re killing me.”

“So you’ve said.” She gazed up at him with an expectant look.

“Fine,” he grumbled. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we’ll wait. One week, Milán. After that—”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. “
Soy todo tuyo
.”

“Good.” He grinned and unbelted her robe. He slid the material open with his right hand, and then ran it slowly down her stomach.

“
¿Qué estás haciendo?
” she asked suspiciously.

The smile he gave her was definitely carnal. “Giving you something to remember me by.”

* * *

Milán returned the magazine to the seat pocket in front of her. There was no way she could concentrate on what she was reading. Not when her thoughts kept drifting back to her incredible night with Adrian. She closed her eyes. Luckily for her, the two passengers seated next to her were engrossed in a book and a laptop movie, respectively. Her flight to Miami would be just under three hours. That allowed her all sorts of time to recall some of the heart-stopping details from last night. Adrian had given her much more than just
something
to remember him by. He’d ignited a passion in her that refused to be doused.

Madre de misericordia.
Adrian had rocked her with a desire that left her senseless. From the moment his hand slid down her body, Adrian hadn’t stopped his fingers from tormenting her until she was shaking beneath him begging for release. And when it came, Milán practically saw stars. She’d writhed beneath him as wave after wave of pleasure ravaged her body. Once his fingers stilled, Adrian held Milán until her body stopped trembling and her breathing returned to normal.

Intent on returning the favor, she wasn’t happy when Adrian told her that he would wait until they came home to finish what they’d started.

“Tonight is all about you, Lani,” he’d told her.

Remembering his words, it was like her body was on a countdown until they were in each other’s arms again. Until they consummated their love. That thought caused Milán to snap to attention. Her eyes wrenched open and her breath was shallow.
Their love?
Did Adrian love her? More importantly, did she love him? How could she be certain of his affections? Everything was incredible between them, and had been for months. Now, they were even more simpatico, but...was it love?
¡Que dilemma!
She groaned inwardly. Deciding not to think everything to death, Milán tried to relax against her seat and will herself to fall asleep.

Hours later, her plane landed at Miami International Airport. Pulling her luggage behind her, she walked to their rendezvous point. When she saw her sister, she stepped up the pace. “Nyah,” she cried stopping in front of her.

“¡Es muy bueno verte!”
Her sister hugged her tightly.
“Te he echado.”

“I’ve missed you, too,” Milán said excitedly.

Before either sister could speak, they were engulfed in Elena’s embrace.

“What a family reunion.” Elena laughed as the three of them hugged and kissed each other.

“I’m so glad to see both of you,” Milán replied, her eyes full of tears. “It’s been too long.”

“That’s what this trip is for,” Elena said picking up a piece of Milán’s luggage.

“Speaking of which,” Milán said taking the other bag, “it’s time to tell me where we’re going.”

“You’re right.” Nyah grinned and cast a conspiratorial glance at Elena. “The Caribbean awaits, Lani. We are heading to the Bahamas!”

Chapter 25

A
drian had been in the Bahamas for four days and was ready to leave. It was not that the white sandy beaches were unappealing, or the idyllic views not breathtaking enough. The problem was thoughts of Milán kept invading his business, and his peace of mind. Delectable remnants of their last night together caused his body to react at the most inopportune times. He had sent her a few playful text messages to entertain himself but also to let her know she was on his mind.

“Adrian, are you listening to me?” Tomás Moreno said loudly.

“Hmm? Oh, sorry.” Adrian ran a hand over his face.

“Is something wrong? I know the last place wasn’t all that great, but we have several more to look over before we head back to Nassau.”

“It’s true, I thought the property too small, and the landscaping wasn’t that appealing either, but that isn’t the issue. I just have a few things on my mind.” Adrian took a deep breath. “So what’s next?”

“Next,” his buddy said eagerly, “we check out an eco-friendly hotel that just came on the market, and then we’re heading to the Harbour Lobster and Fish Company in Port Lucaya for lunch. I thought we’d go Cajun today.”

“Sounds good,” Adrian said trying to sound enthusiastic. “I’m ready.”

* * *

“Milán, are you ready?”

“In a minute,” she called from the bathroom. “I’m just putting sunscreen on.”

“How much body do you have left?” Elena complained. “You’ve been in there twenty minutes.”

“You’re on vacation, remember?” Milán reasoned. “Why in the world would you be clock-watching? Relax.”

“She’s never been good at that,” Nyah chimed in. She reached for her camera. “You two meet me outside. I’m going to be by the pool doing some people watching.”

“You mean man watching,” Milán called out.

“Well of course. Vacation, right? If I don’t engage in some hot, torrid fling while I’m here, what’s the point?”

“You need to find one for Milán while you’re at it,” Elena joked. “She’s strung tighter than a bow.”

“Not interested.” Milán came back into the room and grabbed her beach bag off the bed.

Nyah made a face. “Oh right, you’re saving yourself for Mr. Wonderful.”

“Saving herself?” Elena spun around to stare at her Nyah. “She didn’t take my advice and drop the panties?”

“Oh she dropped them, all right,” Nyah joked. “She just didn’t keep them down.”

“Hey,” Milán interrupted. “Am I not standing right here?”

“You stand right there. I’m going to find myself a date for this evening,” Nyah boldly proclaimed.

When their hotel door slammed seconds later, Elena regarded her sister. “You love him, don’t you?”

Milán blushed slightly before a toothy grin lit up her face. “I think so.”

“By the two-hundred-watt smile just now, I’d say you definitely know.” She came over and hugged her sister. “I’m happy for you, Lani. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Maybe we’ll come for a visit. Adrian has lots of friends in D.C. and it’s been a long time since I’ve been to visit you.”

“I’d love that.” Elena donned her sunglasses and her purse. “Now, let’s go keep an eye on Nyah. She’s gone stone crazy since we got here. I think the climate combined with the overabundance of shirtless men has definitely gone to her head. You’d think this was Vegas,” she said and laughed, pushing Milán out the door in front of her.

* * *

An hour later, Milán was on a chaise longue sunbathing when her sisters descended on her.

“Milán,
tienes que venir a ver este tipo. El es totalmente guapo.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Milán replied not bothering to open her eyes. “Besides, I’ve seen plenty of cute guys today.”

Nyah grabbed Milán’s bag and started dropping stuff into it. “Not like this. Come on, who knows how long he’s going to be there.”

“He’s definitely worth a peak,” Elena agreed.

“I’m not on the market for a boyfriend—I have one.”

“Who’s not here,” Nyah pressed. “So what’s the harm in looking? He is an Adonis, Lani.”

Milán readjusted her bathing suit as she sat up. “An Adonis?” she snickered. “Fine, I’ll go. It seems that’s the only way I’ll be able to come back and relax.”

Nyah smiled in triumph as she handed Milán her bag and hurried off. Milán and Elena had to quicken their pace to catch up with their sister. Nyah slowed as they entered the Port Lucaya Marketplace. With over twelve buildings spread out over several acres, the marketplace was home to many boutiques, restaurants and stores. It overlooked the many boats and yachts docked at the Port Lucaya Marina.

“Okay, we’re here.” Milán glanced around. “Where is this Greek God?”

“He was heading into one of the restaurants for lunch with some other guy. They’re bound to come this way eventually.”

Milán sat down at a table. “Nyah, that’s a big if.”

“
Paciencia
,” her sister implored.

Elena stood up. “You two continue the stakeout. I’m going to get us some drinks.”

Their patience was rewarded a few minutes later when a man strolled into the square.

“That’s him—Adonis,” Nyah whispered loudly. “
Muy delicioso, eh?
”

Milán scrutinized the man walking along at a leisurely pace. She had to admit that Nyah calling him Adonis was definitely warranted. He was Latin, with smoldering looks and a body that would make a woman do almost anything to run her hands over it. His dark, tousled hair only accentuated his appeal. “
Tenías razón. El es precioso,
” she replied.

“
Te lo dije.
”

“Yes, I know you told me,” Milán replied shaking her head.

Elena came back and handed each of her sisters a Bahama Mama. “
¡Salud!
”

While Milán sipped her drink, Nyah and Elena argued over the best way to get his attention.

“I’ll stroll over and ask him to join us.”

“Direct, but what if he says no?” Elena inquired. “You need a backup plan.”

Nyah shrugged. “Maybe not. It appears he’s got a friend.
Dios mi
,” she groaned. “Look at him.”

“Two Adonises in one day?” Elena said with amusement. “I’d say the odds are definitely in our favor.”

Milán chuckled and looked up to see the new man her sisters were swooning over. She spit out her drink and dissolved into a fit of violent coughing.

“Oh my goodness.” Nyah bolted out of her seat with such force it turned over. She began pounding Milán on the back. “Lani, are you okay?”

“
Respirar,
Milán,
respirar
,” Elena commanded.

Tears ran down Milán’s face from all the coughing. She dabbed at her eyes with the damp napkin her drink was sitting on. “That’s...no...Adonis,” Milán choked out. “That’s Adrian.”

* * *

Through all the commotion, they drew the attention of several passersby, including Adrian and his friend. He did a double take. Striding over to their table, he crouched down in front of Milán with an elated, but worried expression.

“My God, are you okay? What are you doing here? How long have you and your sisters been in the Bahamas? He was pulling Milán to her feet and into his arms before she’d even answered.

“Adrian,” she said, then kissed him. “You said you’d be in the Bahamas, but I didn’t know you’d be here,” Milán stammered with excitement. “I can’t believe it.”

Nyah was the first to find her voice. “You’re Adrian?”

“Yes, he is.” His friend responded for him.

With Milán and Adrian caught up in their own reunion, the other three made introductions.

Finally, Milán turned to the group. “Adrian, I’d like you to meet my two sisters, Nyah and Elena.”

“A pleasure to finally meet you.” Adrian extended his hand to Nyah, but she batted it out of the way and gave him a big hug.

“We’re a family of huggers,” she said by way of an explanation.

“So I’ve heard,” Adrian replied before turning to embrace Elena. The guys took two chairs from a nearby table and sat down. Adrian introduced everyone to his friend.

“I’d like you all to meet my friend, and business associate, Tómas Moreno.”

“Oh, we’ve met,” Nyah said looking the man over with admiration. “So tell us how you ended up here. I thought you were going to Nassau?” Milán asked.

“We did...are,” he told her. “We’re just here to look at a few properties.” Adrian twisted his fingers around one of her curls. “I never, ever expected to see you here, Lani.”

“I didn’t know I was going to be here until I reached Miami,” she explained. “This is an amazing coincidence.”

“So it is,” Tómas chimed in. “To find three additional flowers of beauty to add to this tropical paradise is more than any man could hope for.”

Elena pursed her lips to hide a smile, but Nyah leaned forward propping her chin in her hands. “Well, aren’t you lucky.”

“
Muy afortunada
.” He grinned.

While the three of them conversed, Milán and Adrian were deep in a conversation of their own. Finally, he stood up and then helped Milán to her feet.

“You all don’t mind if we take a walk, do you?”

Elena smiled knowingly. “Not at all.
Hasta luego
.”

Adrian waved and placed his hand at the small of Milán’s back. They began to walk.

“So where are you staying?” he inquired when they had more privacy.

“At the hotel across the street. Aren’t you staying in Nassau?”

“I was,” he corrected.

A smiled brightened her expression. “Was?”

Suddenly, Adrian stopped and placed her in front of him. He watched her closely. “Sweetheart, I realize you’re here with your sisters, and I don’t mean to interrupt your family vacation but...”

* * *

His question was loud and clear. He was asking her to spend the night with him. Milán thought she would have a week to build up to their sleeping together, but things didn’t always work out according to plan. The moment their eyes had locked across the courtyard, she knew the week’s wait was over. He looked so incredibly sexy, and she had missed him terribly. Fate had intervened to bring them both to this place at this time. There was no way she was going to squander the opportunity for them to be together. She wasn’t that crazy.

“Hey?” Adrian squeezed her arm. “Are you in there?”

“Yes, of course,” she recovered herself. “Yes.”

“Is that yes, you’re here, or yes you want to be with me?”

For a split second, Milán thought there was uncertainty in Adrian’s expression.
How could he doubt my feelings for him?
she wondered. Not once had she ever seen him display anything but pure confidence and control. Except on a few occasions when he and his mother had not seen eye-to-eye, she corrected herself.

Milán whispered in his ear, “Both,” before she nibbled on it.

She felt his hand tighten against her back. “That’s going to get you in all sorts of trouble,” he said thickly.

“I certainly hope so,” she replied saucily.

By the time they returned to the group, Nyah and Tómas were acting like old friends.

“So, what should we do this evening?” Nyah asked the crowd. “Dinner and dancing?”

Adrian sat down and pulled Milán onto his lap. “I’m not sure, but whatever it is, Milán and I will take a rain check.”