here.”
John glanced around, as if making sure they weren’t overheard. Cruz was careful to stay hidden in the shadows.
“Lexi, you’ve been my customer from the first day you decided to open your day spa. I’m the one who talked you into the loan you’re having trouble with. I don’t want you to lose your business. But you have to do something to get the money and fast.”
“I know that,” she whispered. “And I will. Going to Skye isn’t an option.”
“Two million dollars-that kind of money won’t appear out of nowhere.”
“Thanks for the update. If you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen my drink.”
She slipped away. John watched her go, as did Cruz. But while the older man looked troubled, Cruz was only pleased.
Life was all about timing. The right deal at the right time. The right conditions for the race. He believed in being prepared and then ready to attack when the moment was right.
Like now.
CHAPTER TWO
LEXI STOOD ALONE on the balcony at Glory’s Gate. She’d wanted to escape the crush of the crowd and find a private place to feel sorry for herself. Something that had lasted all of three minutes. She heard footsteps behind her and held in a sigh. So much for a little peace and quiet.
“You are looking especially beautiful tonight,
The man’s voice was low and sexy with the slightest hint of an accent. She recognized it, and him. Cruz.
She turned to face him, then wished she hadn’t. He stood closer than she’d expected, all tall and broad- shouldered, backlit by the light spilling through the large windows. The railing prevented her from retreating, and moving to the side seemed too much like admitting she was rattled.
“Mr. Rodriguez,” she murmured, then sipped her drink. She would play it cool. He didn’t have to know she wasn’t very good at the game.
He smiled, his teeth flashing in the shadows. “Now, Lexi. We both know we’re very much on a first-name basis.”
Her eyes widened. “What? Are you saying you remember?” She blurted the words before she could stop herself, then wanted desperately to claw them back.
He moved closer, which she hadn’t thought was possible, bent down and kissed the side of her neck. He barely touched her, but she had the impression of firm lips and warm breath. Heat and shivers raced through her, making her toes curl and certain parts of her want to beg.
“How could I forget?” he asked, his voice low and sexy.
Playing it cool be damned, she thought as she sidestepped him and put several feet between them.
“You didn’t say anything before.”
“I didn’t think you wanted to discuss our night together in front of your sister.”
He hadn’t even hinted, she thought, annoyed and reaching for mad. Anger was safe. Anger could protect her from tall, handsome men who stood too close and made her feel desperate.
“How thoughtful of you. Now we’re reacquainted. Why don’t you return to the party? The bidding will begin soon. You won’t want to miss that.”
“I’m not here for the auction, Lexi. I’m here for you.”
She’d never been a swooner, but a sudden faint seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately she was too practical and knew landing on the floor of the stone balcony wouldn’t be pleasant or pretty. Though those strong arms might lean in to catch her and…
Wait a minute. They hadn’t seen each other in ten years. He’d never once bothered to get in touch with her and she happened to know she wasn’t all that hard to find. The urge to swoon left quickly.
“You’re very smooth,” she said, taking another sip of her drink.
“Thank you.”
“I like the suit. Custom?”
He nodded.
“You wouldn’t have been invited unless you had plenty of money to give to my sister’s foundation. Her charity only extends to hungry children. Last time I saw you, you were racing cars for pink slips.”
“A hobby,” he told her. “I already had my business.”
“But it’s grown considerably,” she said, remembering Skye’s introduction. “You have it all. So why are you here, Cruz? Why now? We had one night, a very long time ago. Nothing more.”
It had been more to her, but he didn’t have to know that.
“Enough with the Spanish words and neck kissing,” she said. “What do you want?”
He leaned against the railing. “What makes you think I want anything except you?”
She wanted to believe. More specifically, her libido, and maybe pride, wanted her to believe. But the logical side of her brain pointed out that Cruz could have any woman on the planet. Why her? Why now?
She set her drink on the small table by the railing. “It was great to see you again. Enjoy the auction.” She turned to leave.
He grabbed her arm.
It wasn’t enough that she was going to lose her business. No. Fate had to get a good giggle over her very visceral, uncontrolled reaction to this man. She should get one of those Medica Alert bracelets. “In case of cardiac arrest, administer one kiss from Cruz Rodriguez.”
He stared at her. “Tell me about the money you need.”
She went cold inside. “How do you know about that? Who told you?” Was he the one? Was it possible Cruz was trying to screw with her business? But why?
“I overheard you speaking with your banker. I assume he’s your banker?”
“Yes,” she said absently. “John. He’s here because he knows everyone. Who else heard us talking?” She couldn’t let word get out. If her father learned about this…
“No one. You were alone.”
“Except for you.”
“Yes. Except for me.” His dark gaze seemed to see through her. “What’s wrong with your business?”
“Nothing,” she snapped, embarrassed he’d found out. “Look, I don’t want to talk about this. I appreciate the interest, but unless you have an extra two million dollars lying around, I need to get going.”
One eyebrow raised. “And if I do?”
“I’m not interested.”
“Are you sure?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t get it,” she said. “What are you doing? What’s the game?”
“Why won’t you go to your father for the money? He has plenty.”
“Not an option.”
“I can’t help you if you won’t talk to me.”
“I didn’t ask for your help.”
Noise from the party filtered out to them, but it was as if they were in another world. Just the two of them. She was aware of his breathing, aware of every part of him. He was a constant distraction, which made her crazy.
He stared at her, then nodded slowly, as if coming to a decision. “You know the senator who is here?”
“What? Sure. Be grateful you’re not female. He’d want to pat your ass.”
“I spoke to him earlier. Introduced myself. He was polite, then dismissed me.”
“He can be pompous,” Lexi said, feeling oddly protective of Cruz, which just went to show how very stupid her hormones could be.
“I could buy and sell him five times over, but that doesn’t matter. No matter how custom the suit, I’m still that kid from the barrio. But you know this world. You live in it.”
“Hey, I’m not like that.”
