Seduced by Mr. Right (14 page)

Jariah gestured to her stomach with a nod of her head. “Can I have this baby
first
, before you start pressuring me to have another one?”

The couple laughed and shared a kiss.

Sharleen glanced at Emilio, sensed that he was still thinking about his nephew and took his hand in hers. Their eyes met, and for a long moment they stared at each other, oblivious to the world around them.

“I found it!” Ava, Jariah's six-year-old daughter, burst through the French doors, waving a soccer ball in her hands. “I'm ready to show you my moves, Uncle Emilio!”

“Ava, honey, not now,” Jariah said, hugging her daughter to her side. “Let your uncle finish his dessert. You can play soccer later.”

Her face crumbled. “But I want to play now.”

Emilio stood and smiled at the adorable girl with the short black curls. “Lead the way, Ava. I'm right behind you.”

“Hey, wait for me!” Nicco jumped up, scooped his stepdaughter in his arms and nuzzled his chin against her cheek. “That's what you get for trying to leave me behind!”

She giggled uncontrollably. “Sorry, Dad, I didn't mean to.”

“Next time you try to ditch me I'll bring out the Tickle Monster.”

Ava gasped in horror, and everyone laughed.

Sharleen watched the trio set off for the field and giggled when Emilio blew her a kiss. Every time Emilio looked at her she felt as if her heart would burst with love.

“I think it's cute the way Emilio dotes on you,” Jariah said, refilling their empty glasses with juice. “That's rare to see in this day and age.”

“Tell me about it. The last guy I dated never referred to me as his girlfriend and he once introduced me to a colleague as his ‘homie.' I almost died of embarrassment!”

“I hear you, girlfriend. I dated a lot of frogs before I met Nicco, so I'll never take him for granted. I thank God every day that we found each other.”

Sharleen picked up her glass and tasted her drink. Her gaze strayed back to the field. Nothing was more attractive than a man playing with a child, and watching Emilio chase Ava around warmed her heart.

“Are you nervous about getting engaged?”

Sharleen choked on her mango punch. Mortified, she grabbed a napkin and covered her mouth as she coughed. “What makes you think Emilio and I are getting engaged?”

“I overheard the guys talking in the living room,” she explained. “Emilio said he's ready to settle down, and that he'd like to be married by the end of the year.”

“He said that? Really? But we've only known each other for a couple of months.”

“When a man knows, he knows. And these Morretti men waste no time staking their claim.”

“Is that what happened to you?”

“Yes, and I didn't even see it coming!” Jariah told her about the first time she met Nicco, about how she hated him on sight and her valiant efforts to resist his advances, especially after meeting his difficult, opinionated mother.

“But you can see how well
that
turned out,” she quipped, rubbing her protruding stomach. “I never dreamed I'd get married and pregnant all in one year, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad I followed my heart. You should, too.”

I want to, but I'm scared. What if he meets someone else? Someone beautiful and perfect and everything I'm not?

“Nicco told me you're the only woman Emilio's ever introduced him to—”

“No way! But he's dated tons of celebrities.”

“That's true, but
you're
the one who captured his heart, and that's all that matters.”

Her mind was reeling, spinning like a wheel.
Is Jariah right?
Is he planning to propose? Is that why he brought me to Miami?

“Can I give you some advice?”

Sharleen blinked and shook off her thoughts. “Yes, of course.”

“Morretti men
always
get what they want, so don't bother playing hard to get. He'll sweep you off your feet, and before you know it, you'll be head over heels in love.”

“Girl, please,” Sharleen said with a laugh. “Tell me something I
don't
know!”

Chapter 16

“B
aby, wake up. We're home.” Emilio placed a hand on Sharleen's thigh, hoping she'd respond to his touch. She murmured in her sleep but didn't open her eyes. He wasn't surprised; they'd had a long day and he knew she was exhausted. They'd spent their last few hours in Miami strolling around South Beach, shopping for their friends and family at high-end boutiques.

After this weekend, he was more eager than ever to build a life with Sharleen. He caressed her cheeks with the back of his hand. What he loved most about Sharleen was her resilient spirit. She'd overcome insurmountable odds, but never lost her smile or her zest for life. She was good for him, someone kind and trustworthy who would do anything to make him happy, and he was excited about their future.

Emilio studied Sharleen, took his time admiring her fit and fine physique. He didn't understand why a ridiculously beautiful woman would struggle with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. More shocking still, she was a virgin. Emilio never would have guessed it, not in a million years. A puzzling thought crossed his mind. Did Antwan know Sharleen was a virgin? Was that why he wanted him to back off? Because he wanted to be her first?

Shaking his head, he told himself it didn't matter, that it wasn't important. Sharleen was his girlfriend now, and if Antwan wanted to keep their friendship, he'd leave her alone. It had happened all of a sudden, without him even realizing it, but he'd fallen hard for her.

Emilio nuzzled his face against hers and inhaled her scent. Her hair was styled just the way he liked, in loose, lush waves flowing down her back, and she was wearing one of the dresses he'd bought her. She was feminine and sexy, without revealing too much, and she carried herself in a graceful manner. Emilio was itching to make love to her, but he wouldn't pressure her. He'd wait until she was ready—

That could be six months from now, or a year?
Can you handle being with her every day without crossing the line?

Emilio was pondering the question, when Sharleen opened her eyes and smiled sheepishly at him. “I drank too much wine on the flight, and it's all your fault. I told you one glass was enough, but you just wouldn't listen...”

“I like spoiling you. Is that a crime?”

Sharleen glanced outside the window. “I thought you were taking me home.”

“I want you to spend the night.”

She raised an eyebrow, and he did, too.

“Get your mind out of the gutter,” he joked, faking a scowl. “I just want to hold you in my arms tonight. I might steal a couple kisses when you fall asleep, but that's it, I promise.”

“Then I accept, but don't snore. I'm a light sleeper!”

Emilio slid out of his seat, came around to the passenger-side door and helped Sharleen out of his Escalade. He led her up the walkway and into his estate. “Are you hungry?” he asked, flipping on the lights in the foyer. “I could throw some steaks on the grill if you'd like.”

“Sounds good to me,” she said, flashing a cheeky smile. “I worked up
quite
an appetite making out with you in your private jet and I could use a good, hearty meal.”

Emilio kissed her forehead. “I figured as much. Two T-bone steaks coming right up!”

Minutes later, he unlocked the French doors and stepped onto the deck. He turned on the grill, the fire pit and the stereo. Soft music played, and lights twinkled in the distance, creating a romantic mood. It was the perfect evening for stargazing, and Emilio was glad Sharleen was spending the night. Tomorrow was Memorial Day, and after his practice at the speedway, he was going to cook her an authentic Italian meal to celebrate his favorite American holiday.

“What do you want me to do?” Sharleen asked, sidling up beside him.

“Nothing. Just sit down and relax.”

“But I want to help.”

“Then get out of my way!” Chuckling good-naturedly, he steered her over to the couch, dropped a kiss on her cheek and returned to the grill. While he cooked, Sharleen read online reviews to him about the car show. According to Sports.com, the event had been a hit, and everyone was still buzzing about his surprise appearance on Saturday afternoon.

“Listen to this,” she said, in a loud, animated voice. “‘Emilio Morretti wowed the crowd with his dashing good looks and dreamy accent, and long after he left the stage his fans were still screaming and cheering...'”

It was a challenge, but Emilio kept one eye on the steaks and the other on Sharleen. He couldn't go five minutes without looking at her, admiring her. Being with her was easy, as natural as breathing, and he knew he could never be happy with anyone else.

“Dinner is served!” Emilio put the food on the table and sat down beside Sharleen on the couch. As they ate, they talked about their weekend in Miami, the car show and how much fun they'd had last night at Nicco and Jariah's estate. They moved comfortably from one subject to the next, and when Emilio glanced at his watch he was shocked to discover it was midnight. “I can't believe we've been sitting here for three hours,” he said. “We should turn in. I have practice in the morning, and you have to be at the office by noon.”

“Can we stay out here a little bit longer? I'm not tired, and I'm having a great time.”

Emilio couldn't take his eyes off of her, and the sound of her voice turned him on. She had the most amazing personality, and her smile was a thing of beauty. He wanted to kiss her, to stroke and caress her shapely body, but feared that if he did he wouldn't be able to stop.

“I love this song.” Sharleen snapped her fingers and swayed to the beat of the music. “Mariah Carey is my favorite singer, and I listened to this song so much my freshman year that my roommate confiscated the CD!”

“Dance with me.” Emilio swept her up in his arms and spun her around the deck. They danced in the moonlight, talking and laughing. “I've given a lot of thought to what you said on Saturday, and I've decided not to sign with Ferrari.”

“But they're offering you millions of dollars and the opportunity to resurrect your career.”

“I'll compete in the All-Star race, but I won't be their celebrity spokesman. I want to be with you, not thousands of miles away doing interviews and photo shoots.”

She stared at him in amazement, as if she didn't understand what he was saying. “Emilio, are you sure about this? You're turning down a lot of money.”

“I have everything a man could want, and all I need now is the right woman to complete the picture. And that's you.”

“I feel the same way,” she said, tenderly stroking the back of his head. “When we're together I'm happier than I've ever been.”

“I was hoping you'd say that.” Emilio tightened his hold around her waist, held her close. “I want to open the Lucca Morretti Recreation Center next year, but I can't do it without you. You're full of great ideas, and you're one of the smartest people I know.”

“Now I
really
want you!”

Her kiss blindsided him. Sharleen pressed her body against his and crushed her lips to his mouth. She kissed him so hard, with such passion and intensity, he stumbled into one of the potted plants. She tasted sweet, of wine, and her hands felt warm against his skin.

Emilio didn't know what had gotten into Sharleen, but he liked it—a lot. This was not what he was expecting when he'd brought her home from the airport, and her aggressive, take-charge attitude blew his mind. Turned on, he couldn't think of anything but making love to her.

Sharleen parted her lips slightly, to let him in, and he eagerly accepted the invitation. She sucked his tongue into her mouth, licked it as if it were covered in chocolate. Emilio told himself to calm down, but it was hard to control his desires when she was grinding her hips against his crotch. “Take me upstairs to your bedroom.”

“Do you want me to draw you a bath?”

“No, I want you to make love to me.”

She gave him
the look
, and his mouth dried. Emilio stood motionless, paralyzed.
Did she just say what I
think
she did?
Determined to do the right thing, he dropped his hands to his sides and took a step back. “I respect your decision to wait—”

“I don't want to wait. I've given this a lot of thought, and I want you to be my first.”

His lust spiked. She slowly licked his ear with her tongue. A groan fell out of his mouth. Then another one. His heart was thumping wildly in his chest, and his mind was jumping from one explicit thought to the next. Emilio couldn't concentrate, and he struggled to reclaim his voice.

“Don't you want to make love to your very sexy, very horny life coach?”

You have no idea.
Emilio wanted to rip off her dress, bend her over the couch and bury himself so deep inside her they became one. But he shook his head and held her at arm's length. “I think you've had too much to drink.”

“And I think you're scared I'm going to rock your world.”

Her bold declaration stunned him, blew his mind. Sharleen was the sexiest virgin he'd ever met, and by far the most beautiful, but he wouldn't take advantage of her. Not tonight, not ever. Tomorrow, she'd thank him for ignoring her sexual advances and probably have a good laugh about her antics.

“I'm wearing red lace panties. Do you want to see them?”

Hell yeah!
His face must have betrayed his desire, because Sharleen took his hand and led him back into the house and up the staircase. His second-floor master suite was spacious, filled with luxurious furnishings and framed oil paintings from Italy.

“This is quite the bachelor pad,” Sharleen said, glancing around. “You must entertain in here a lot.”

“No, this is my private sanctuary, and completely off-limits to guests.” He smiled. “Except you, of course. You can come in here anytime you want.”

She walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the car-shaped pool and pulled back the burgundy silk drapes. “Wow, what an amazing view.”

“It pales in comparison to your beauty.”

Emilio watched her as she fiddled with her fingers and knew coming upstairs to his suite had been a mistake. He longed to make love to her, but tonight wasn't the night. Spending time with her the past few weeks had made him realize how shallow his previous relationships had been, and Emilio was determined to build a long, lasting relationship with Sharleen. Not one based solely on sex.

“This is all new to me,” she said, with a shy smile. “What happens now?”

“Sharleen, we don't have to do this. There's no rush.”

Her face fell. “You don't want me—”

“Of course I do. You're sexy and vivacious and beautiful.” To prove it, he pulled her into his arms for a kiss. He didn't want to come on too strong, but one kiss wasn't enough. He loved her with his mouth, feasted on her lips until his body ached for her. Emilio was weak, desperate for her, and each slow, sensuous kiss intensified his hunger, his need.

Emilio broke off the kiss and cupped her chin in his hands. He forced her to look at him. “I want you more than I've ever wanted anyone, but I don't want you to do something you'll regret in the morning. We can wait.”

“Don't you think we've waited long enough?”

“We have the rest of our lives to make love. What's a few more months?”

Sharleen grazed her lips against his ear and whispered, “But I want you
now
.”

The sound of her throaty, sultry voice made his head spin. He'd never seen her like this and wondered what had gotten into her. Her touch was passionate, urgent, her words a desperate plea. She knew what he needed, what his body was craving, and she was giving it to him. Emilio struggled to control himself, felt as if his mind and flesh were at odds. He hadn't been intimate with anyone in years and was secretly nervous about making love to Sharleen. Would he please her? Would they be sexually compatible?

“Emilio, kiss me.”

He did. Over and over again, until she was breathless. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, roared like thunder, and his erection was harder than steel. He couldn't fight his feelings anymore, wasn't strong enough to resist her. They stumbled around the room kissing and caressing each other, and they laughed when the cordless phone fell off the side table and crashed to the floor. Emilio stroked her body with loving tenderness, took his time pleasing her. They kissed for what felt like hours, but it wasn't enough. He needed more. He had to have her. Now. Before he lost the battle with his flesh and exploded inside his jeans.

“Your clothes are in my way,” he said. “Turn around so I can unzip your dress.”

“Not until you close the drapes.”

Emilio saw the fear in her eyes, the trepidation, and hugged her to his chest. To reassure her, he tenderly stroked her hair, neck and shoulders. “Please don't deny me the pleasure of seeing you naked. I think you're gorgeous, and I want to see every inch of your body.”

Her face brightened, glowed with happiness.

“You're so beautiful it blows my mind,” he whispered, nibbling on her earlobe. “But you're more than just a pretty face, Sharleen. You're the total package, and don't you forget it.”

He must have said the right thing, must have put her doubts to rest, because she sighed dreamily, as if she was overcome with love, and kissed him hard on the lips. Emilio took his time undressing her, savored the moment. He unzipped her dress, let it fall to the floor and admired her curvy shape for several seconds. Sharleen was perfection. Big, beautiful breasts, wide hips, silky brown legs he could almost feel wrapped around his waist and a tight ass.

“You're staring.”

“Of course I am. You're stunning.” He cupped her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his gaze. “When I look at you, I don't see scars or imperfections. I see a strong, tenacious young woman who beat the odds and built a great life for herself. You're beautiful, inside and out, and I want you more than I've ever wanted anyone.”