The man every woman wants…wants her

There are flings, and then there’s real life. Minka Gerald, assistant to one of the country’s top financiers, is too smart to confuse the two. But a business trip to Miami is the perfect place for a workaholic to let loose, and Oliver—brother to her boss’s fiancée—is the ideal partner-in-pleasure. And with his heartbreaker reputation, that’s as much as she expects.

A ladies’ man doesn’t become a one-woman guy overnight. But once property developer Oliver Bauer has a taste of real connection, he wants more. Outwardly reserved but full of fire, Minka could hold his heart forever. Can he make her believe in him, before an old enemy’s quest for revenge puts her safety and their sizzling new love in jeopardy?

“Minka, you should know that I have a habit of coming on strong in the presence of things that appeal to me, but you don’t have to be afraid of me.”

She was studying the patterns painstakingly crafted into the glass constructing the spotlight several feet up. She heard his voice very close, very…soft. When she turned, he was right there looking adorable and wholly concerned that fear was the emotion she had for him.

Her expression discounted that. It was soft, bordering on amused that he could think such a thing. “Oliver that—that’s crazy. You’ve done nothing to—”

His head dipped and he was kissing her, his tongue plundering, exploring, discovering. Minka responded with a moan that held tones of surprise and expressed need. She wasn’t sure what to do with her hands—an unnecessary concern as he’d taken possession of her wrists. He held them fast as he tugged her into the unexpected kiss.

The gesture wasn’t overpowering—it teased. His tongue enticed her to respond in kind yet was just as content being the lone participant in the act.

At first, Minka had been too stunned to launch right into full participation, but that eventually—deliciously—changed. His tongue continued to tantalize hers, thrusting and withdrawing during its hearty sampling of her mouth.

Dear Reader,

Treasure My Heart was a complete surprise to me. How? Well, I was all set to write a completely different story, but had to switch gears to spin the tale of Oliver Bauer and Minka Gerald. I have to say it was a completely enjoyable surprise. I did NOT expect this story to take on the life that it did. The couple quickly became a treasure to me. The dynamic between Oliver and Minka is one that I hope you will feel as strongly as I did. Of course, you know how I enjoy tossing in those dangerous little twists, and Treasure My Heart will bring those to you.

So kick back with your favorite treat and spend a little more time in California wine country with Minka Gerald, Oliver Bauer and a few other familiar faces.

AlTonya Washington

Treasure my Heart

AlTonya Washington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ALTONYA WASHINGTON has been a romance novelist for over eleven years. She’s been nominated for numerous awards and has won two RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Awards for her novels Finding Love Again and His Texas Touch. AlTonya lives in North Carolina and works as a college reference librarian. This author wears many hats, but being a mom is her favorite job.

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Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Copyright

Prologue

San Francisco, CA

“Will, man, what—what the hell? What the hell happened?” Charles Ruggles rushed into the office to find his colleague viciously filling a leather carryall with the few personal effects he had in his office.

At the door stood two uniformed guards. They were there to ensure William Lloyd took nothing more from the Wilder Investments building than he’d brought.

“Will, man, what happened?” Charles pleaded.

“Little witch got me fired, is what,” Will grumbled in a voice as sinister as the look on his attractive honey-toned face.

Charles’s bewilderment continued to mount.

“Minka Gerald is a nosy little micromanager who can’t let anybody outshine her in the boss’s eyes.” Will shoved a wad of sticky notes into the carryall.

“That doesn’t sound like Minka,” Charles said after expelling a low whistle.

“It’s her, all right.”

“Well damn, man, what happened?”

“Forget it.” Will wasn’t about to share what had led up to his firing, nor did he have time to come up with a believable lie. His head ached, and his thoughts were raging. He had to get out of there.

“Will—”

“Let it go, Chuck, will you?”

“This has to be some kind of mistake.” Charles paced the room, rubbing his jaw. “Sim’s always raving about what a good job you’re doing with the foundation.” He referred to the boss, Qasim Wilder. Will had been the point person for Qasim’s Wilder Warriors Foundation since he’d been hired.

“Why don’t I talk to him—”

“No, Chuck, please. It’s cool, all right?”

“Sim’s a reasonable guy, you know?”

“I appreciate the effort, Chuck, really,” Will said earnestly. “Wish there were more folks like you in the world, but this is nothin’ but the same ol’ same ol’. I’m used to it—they get off on treating us like crap.”

Charles let the comment slide, not quite sure who Will meant by they or us. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

Will smirked. “Get Congress to pass a bill ordering the country to treat war vets like humans.” He shook his head, finished up his ferocious packing and slung the strap of the carryall across his shoulder. He rounded the desk.

“Thanks, Chuck.” Will extended a hand. “You always treated me like somebody, and I appreciate it.”

“Pleasure workin’ with you, Will,” Charles smiled earnestly. “You’re good people.”

Will left with a curt nod, and then stormed down the hallway with the guards in tow. He arrived in the executive corridor in time to see Minka Gerald, the chief admin and right hand to Qasim Wilder.

Minka approached her desk from the private corridor leading to the president’s wing. Will watched her round the desk and stand there, shuffling through a stack of papers.

“Happy, Mink?” he called while punching the elevator’s down button. He gave the button a second forceful stab for good measure and then looked down the hall to glare at Minka.

“I guess I should be thanking you.” His smile was cold. “Sim said I’d most likely be walkin’ out of this place in cuffs if you hadn’t dragged your feet on getting me that signing document. Funny, I don’t feel like I’m much in your debt.”

Minka let the papers fall back to her desk. “You’re right.” She strode past her desk to face him. “You shouldn’t feel in my debt. It’s Qasim you betrayed, even when he gave you numerous chances to redeem yourself. You just went right on disrespecting him by stealing from a charity to help kids, of all people.”

“Disrespect?” Will sneered, turning slightly from the elevators. “Disrespect? I was the one who saved his life, you—”

“Watch it, Lloyd” one of the guards breathed.

“Nah, Wayne, let him go on and say it,” the other guard said, smiling at Minka. “No offense, Ms. G., but I’ve been itchin’ for a chance to acquaint my fist with this fool’s face.”

“I’d break your hand before you even clenched that fist.” Will’s gaze never veered from Minka’s face.

Minka refused to look away, refused to give Will Lloyd the satisfaction of knowing he’d rattled her.

Will smiled as though he knew Minka’s attempt to remain unfazed had failed. He nodded. “Thanks for all you’ve done... Ms. G. Be seein’ ya.”

The elevator dinged. One of the guards followed Will inside. The other waited, his dark features drawn in concern.

“You okay, Minka?”

She blinked, putting a phony smile in place. “Yeah, Paul, thanks. I’m good.” She gave him a wave and watched him disappear inside the elevator.

Alone, she returned to her desk and expelled a weighted breath.

Chapter 1

Saint Helena, CA

Oliver Bauer’s hand hovered over the ignition switch of his Jeep. Inside him, undying male desire, curiosity and a fair amount of recklessness were waging war. All dictated that he follow the curvy sliver of chocolate who had just bounced out of his sister’s home.

“Hopeless,” he murmured, bowing his head to rub a few fingers through the almond-brown curls complimenting his cinnamon skin. Silently, he acknowledged that his “conquest at all costs” frame of mind would get him in over his head one day.

Oliver climbed out of the Jeep. Still, he couldn’t resist another look toward the woman who was settling behind the wheel of a chocolate Benz, with personalized plates that read LUVMINK.

Oliver watched the car until it took a left down the road to the main gate at Carro Vineyards. The vineyard and world-renowned winery had been in Oliver’s family for decades. Was LUVMINK there for business? Business associates were usually shown to the door, though, weren’t they? The woman had left as if she was quite familiar with his sister’s house.

Oliver shook his head, silently chastising his thoughts. It was too damn early in the morning for such fantasizing, and besides, he was there on business. Oliver headed toward the house, walking right in the unlocked door.

Locked doors during the day were rare around Carro Vineyards. Even in the nearby neighborhood, where many Carro employees resided, few saw the need to secure their doors. Oliver had always adored that feeling of contentment, of safety, that seemed to permeate everything in Carro. He supposed that was one reason he had never strayed too far from home.

He maintained a small house in the nearby Carro Acres neighborhood and a more fashionable condo in San Francisco.

As he walked in, Oliver was greeted with a hug and kiss from head housekeeper Charlotte Sweeny.

“Have you had breakfast?” Charlotte asked once she’d stepped back from the hug.

“I was gonna grab something later.” Oliver knew the explanation wouldn’t sit well.

Charlotte grimaced. “Something, huh?” She reached up to pat Oliver’s cheek in a gesture that danced a very fine line between affectionate and reproving.

Oliver’s guileless grin accentuated his very handsome face.

“You need to take better care of yourself.” She gave his arm a halfhearted shove.

“That’s what I have you for.” Oliver dropped another kiss on her cheeck.

Charlotte only shook her head. “Don’t go missing on me.” She turned. “I’m going to get you some breakfast. Your sister’s in the library,” she called.

Oliver watched the woman walk off and sighed. Silently, he tried to talk himself out of what he was about to do. “Charlotte?” Hopeless. “Um, I don’t want to disturb Vecs if she’s busy,” he said. “I saw someone leaving when I was pulling up.”

Charlotte thought for a moment and then her expression cleared. “Are you talking about Minka?”

“Minka.” Oliver hoped that his expression was cool enough to mask the heat that filtered through his voice when he spoke the woman’s unusual name. “She a new friend?” He couldn’t recall her from his sister’s small, practically nonexistent list of female acquaintances.

“I’d like to think so.” If Charlotte was curious about Oliver’s interest in the woman, she didn’t let on. “I’m hoping she’ll be a more frequent visitor. Seems she and Vectra are becoming pretty close. I guess we have Qasim to thank for that.”

“Sim?” Oliver thought of the respected financier who was also an old friend. Qasim Wilder was his sister’s new, and from the looks of it, permanent love.

Charlotte was nodding. “Ms. Gerald is Qasim’s right hand at Wilder, you know?”

Minka Gerald. Oliver repeated the name silently and may have put it on loop had Charlotte not swatted his arm.

“Stop stalling. I’ll be right back with breakfast, and you better not leave before I put something in that tummy of yours!” Charlotte hurried down the corridor.

“Yes, ma’am.” Oliver’s grin renewed, and he savored the woman’s knack for making him feel like he was eight years old again. An instant later, he set off to find his sister.

* * *

Vectra Bauer waved for her brother to enter when she saw him peek into the library. She was on the phone. The cradle of a powder-blue cordless was tucked in the crook of her neck as she shuffled through folders on a high worktable.

“I have them right here,” she said into the phone. “Sorry I haven’t had a chance to go through them yet...Mmm-hmm...Okay, that sounds good.”

Oliver strode over to the table, relieving his little sister of the file she held. He thumbed through the folder. Thick, sleek brows drew close when he saw material he recognized.

“If you give me another few hours to review it all, I should have more input by this evening,” Vectra was saying. “I’m sure we can give you what you want, but I’d like to look over the photos before we fully commit...Right...Right...Okay, then. Thanks, Austin, we’ll talk tonight.”

“What’s up?” Oliver waved the file once Vectra put the phone down.

Vectra eased a tuft of her clipped hair behind an ear and smiled. “The photographers you hired are about to have a gallery showing. Austin Sharpe wants photos of the new space you acquired for him to be featured at an event he wants to hold at Gallery V-Miami.” She referenced one of two art galleries she owned.

“And he wants that featured in your gallery?” he asked playfully.

Vectra gave a light shrug beneath the auburn robe she wore over PJs of the same color. “He says he wants to think outside the box. He’s pulling out every stop to wow his clients.”

Oliver was once again browsing through the file of glossy eight-by-ten shots. The photographers had been hired by his staff to capture Sharpe’s new office park in South Beach, Miami.

“Sim involved in this?” he asked.

Vectra’s expression softened.

Oliver let out a playful groan when he saw Vectra’s dreamy expression.

She elbowed past him, away from the worktable. “I guess he’ll be involved since Austin’s a client.”

“That why his assistant was here?”

“Yeah, she—” Vectra turned, sending Oliver a measuring look. “How’d you know that?”

“Saw her leaving.” Oliver tossed the Sharpe file to the table and leaned back against it.

“You’ve met her?”

“Nope. Never saw her before today.”

“How’d you know it was her?” Vectra’s curiosity amplified.

Oliver suddenly seemed interested in the cuffs of the navy shirt peeking from his beige blazer. “I asked,” he said.

“Asked who?”

His smile was all cunning, with not a shred of guilt. “Charlotte.”

“Olive,” Vectra said firmly. “No, Oliver.”

“I take it you’ve known her for a while.”

“Quite a while.”

“And you never introduced me.”

“Jeez, Olive.” Vectra rolled her eyes and continued toward the sofa. “It’s not like I’ve been hiding her. She works for Qasim, and you get together with him often.”

“We rarely get together in each other’s offices.”

“Too bad, since that’s where she usually is.” Vectra shrugged and claimed a spot on the sofa with an airy grace.

“Why haven’t you introduced me?” He pinned her with his stare.

Her gaze reflected more sternness. “Do you really need me to answer that?”

Sudden regret tinged his eyes. His sister had few female friends. Few? “None” was perhaps a more apt estimation. Vectra definitely had what it took to garner swarms of friends, but she never had actually set out to make any. While she had passing acquaintances, he knew she longed for friendship that had more meaning. So many potential friendships had lost their luster when it became quite clear that those women had used the possibility of her friendship as a way to obtain his.

“Is that why you didn’t introduce me? Afraid I’d steal away another potential friend?”

“Oh.” Vectra gave a wave and appeared amused. “I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that with Minka. She’s got a standing rule against dating anyone she knows through business.”

“And yet you’ve known her all this time and never mentioned her to me.” He intentionally overlooked the point she was trying to make.

Vectra let her head fall back against the sofa. “Olive...” She shook her head against the cushions and then straightened. “Leave it alone, why don’t you?”

Oliver left the worktable and went for the breakfast cart that had been brought in for Vectra earlier. He opted for a glass of OJ instead of his preferred black, unsweetened coffee.

“Is she married?” he asked.

“No.” Vectra sighed, intent on surveying the monogram of her initials etched into the oversized cuff of her robe.

Oliver sipped the juice and debated the reply. “Seeing someone?” he tried.

“Not that I’m aware of, and just so we can wrap up this part of the conversation, the biggest reason for not introducing you to her is because I just value your life a little too much.”

Oliver hesitated before taking another sip of the juice. “Value my life?” He laughed.

Vectra appeared thoroughly unamused. “Qasim will kill you if you do Minka wrong in any way, and I’d probably help him.” She leaned forward, crossing her wrists over her knees. “Minka’s not the type you just call up when you need your ego...and other things... stroked. She deserves more than a guy who doesn’t believe in ‘sleeping over.’ She deserves to be treasured and to be the only one. You’ve made it clear that you’re not looking for that. Has that changed?” She waited for his response, the expression on her lovely cinnamon-toned face proving she already knew the answer.

Oliver set aside the juice glass. “No.” He gave a quick shake of his head. “That hasn’t changed.”

Vectra nodded as though she were satisfied. She scooted closer to the coffee table, where folders lay marked with the Carro Vineyards logo. “Now, if we’re done discussing the sad state of your love life, I’ve got some questions about these documents you need my proxy for.”

Oliver obliged, joining his sister on the sofa. “For the record, my love life is not sad. I laugh often,” he grumbled.

Vectra selected the folder she was most interested in. “There’s a difference between laughing because something’s funny and laughing because you’re happy.”

Grimacing, Oliver relieved her of the folder. “Anyone ever tell you you’ve got a weird philosophical outlook? Sunny too.”

“I’m not trying to put you down, Olive.” Vectra smiled off the teasing criticism and squeezed his arm. “You’ll understand once you’re ready to.”

But what if I’m never ready to?

Petaluma, CA

Located in Sonoma County, Petaluma was a picturesque historic town about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. It boasted an impressive reputation as a shooting locale for several major Hollywood films.

The town was also well-known for its numerous poultry farms. It was how Minka Gerald’s grandfather Bryant Gerald had earned his first million in a time when such success was virtually unheard of, especially for an African-American man.

Bryant’s business savvy motivated him to not only experiment with cutting-edge methods and techniques to streamline his farm, but also to branch out into other lucrative areas of industry. Those areas had taken him to billionaire status long before his passing seven years prior.

Minka parked at the top of a brick horseshoe drive, and frowned amusedly as she stepped out. “Well, hey!” she said to the portly mocha-skinned gentleman who strode down the five semicircular steps.

“Gram Z. said you were leaving on vacation,” Minka said as she drew close for a hug.

Claudio Moritz put a kiss to both of Minka’s cheeks. “I decided to take a later flight when Zena told me you were coming up for a visit,” he explained.

“How is she?” Minka sighed, looking toward the palatial Georgian home set in an expansive estate. She smiled when Claudio grunted a laugh.

“Kickin’ ass and not bothering to take names, because she doesn’t care whose ass she kicks,” he said.

“Hold on now.” Minka wagged a finger at the seventysomething Haitian. “You’re supposed to be handling things so she won’t have to kick any asses.”

“Are we talkin’ about the same woman?” Claudio’s expression was one of mock surprise. “About yea high, moves around this place like hell on wheels and’ll curse you out like a sailor if you even hint that she needs to slow down? That woman?”

Minka’s laughter echoed in the crisp air. “You are her first cousin, remember?”

“Lovely.” Claudio fixed Minka with a teasing look of woe. “If your own granddad couldn’t get that woman to slow down, how in Hades do you expect me to?”

More laughter soared between the two. Claudio was the first to sober.

“She still misses him.” He looked toward the house.

Minka nodded, knowing as much. “I guess one never gets over their true love.”

“Especially when it’s a first love,” Claudio added with a decisive nod.

Minka put a refreshing smile in place. “Can you tell me what she wants?”

“No idea.” Claudio put on a phony display of innocence when he shrugged. “What else could it be when grandmother and granddaughter spend time together, except the sweetest things?”

“Mmm-hmm, sweet things like when I’ll make her a great-grandmother.” Minka sighed, her tone only playfully agitated.

Claudio added a chuckle as he nodded. “Will it make you feel better to know there will be talk of business too?”

Minka read Claudio’s caginess and knew that he’d tell her nothing of further use. “Thanks for the info,” she said and pulled him in for another hug before they parted ways.

The stateliness of Zena Gerald’s home was equally evident on the interior. Rooms were posh, yet comfortably designed.

The house, with its open spaces and picture windows that revealed views of rolling greens, sky-blue hues and colorful floral splashes, gave one the impression that they were standing in the middle of a breathtaking watercolor painting.

“Babylove!”

Minka turned into the sound of her grandmother’s melodic voice and rushed into the woman’s embrace. Though she had just seen Zena a couple of weeks earlier, it always felt like months between the visits. Minka adored spending time with the energetic, outspoken woman.

“Thank you for being prompt.” Zena Moritz Gerald cupped her granddaughter’s face and gave a squeeze.

“I just saw you a couple of weeks ago.” Minka patted her grandmother’s hands where they lay on her face. “Did this just come up?”

“It’s a talk we’ve needed to have for quite a while.” Zena planted a soft kiss on Minka’s mouth and then hugged her. “We shouldn’t postpone it any longer.”

“Gram Z....” Gently, Minka took hold of the woman’s arm when she would’ve walked away. “Is everything okay?” Her dark eyes were assessing her grandmother’s slender figure.

“Oh!” Zena rolled her eyes. “It’s nothing like that. I feel very fine. Although...” She intentionally let the word hang while her expressive eyes scanned the high ceiling of the foyer. “I do feel like I’m wasting away roaming around this house and that god-awful office building of your grandfather’s.”

“That building is a work of art.” Minka took her grandmother by the arm and led her from the foyer.

“Work of art or not, it’s hard to enjoy it if you don’t want to be there.”

“Which I’m guessing is what brings us to the purpose of this visit?” Minka continued to prompt.

“Your father was slated to be the one to take over, being our only son and only child,” Zena explained as they walked down a short corridor leading to a sun-drenched parlor. “But...you know how that’s turning out...”

Silence settled as grandmother and granddaughter covered the distance to the parlor. Minka walked ahead of Zena as they entered the room, which opened on to a split-level wraparound terrace, part of which overlooked a pool below.

“Your parents said nothing about coming back to the States when I spoke to them last week,” Zena said while taking time to water-spritz the arrangement of lilies and yellow tulips on the glass stand just inside the door.

Minka’s parents, Brice and Leslie Gerald, had lived in France for the past four years. Minka knew that Zena hoped they’d return, but Minka could hear the lightness, the happiness in her parents’ voices whenever she spoke to them. Returning to the States was definitely not on their agendas at the moment.

“They’re not coming back,” Zena confirmed. “Not to work anyway, which means the job is yours, my love.” She spread her hands, as if offering Minka a prize.

Minka’s eyes widened. “Gram Z....you said...you said you’d never do that to me no matter how much I wanted it. It was one of the reasons I went to work for Sim.”

“You’re right, honey, I did.” Zena began to walk through the parlor, water-spritzing the various arrangements of flowers brightening the space. “I said that because I wanted you to get out there and get more experience. You going to work for Qasim was a godsend.”

Minka could only frown. She wasn’t sure what question to ask next.

“Being over at Wilder, where no one knew your background, your family, your...money, I’d hoped you’d gain more than just a reputation as Qasim’s efficient, take-no-prisoners assistant.”

“Ah, jeez...” Minka closed her eyes. “Gram Z.—”

“I wanted you to come out of there with a husband, or at the very least some kind of meaningful relationship.”

“Gram, I wouldn’t have been any good at my job had I gone there looking for love.”

Zena gave in to a bit of soft laughter while spraying a vibrant vine that rippled all the way to the hardwood floor. “Such dedication to business.” Her dark eyes sparkled with both humor and regret. “You’re as ambitious as your granddad and your father,” she sighed, turning to Minka. “But at least your father had enough of my genes to get out of it and focus on what was most important. I wish you had gained those particular genes.”

“Me?” Minka straightened in her chair. “Why?”

“Being ambitious and business obsessed is expected of men. It doesn’t keep them from being drawn to women and companionship, but it tends to have the opposite effect on women.” She set aside the water bottle and began to stroll the room again.

“Women tend to shy away from husbands and families in pursuit of our goals,” Zena added.

Minka shook her head. “That’s not true, Gram.”

“It is in your case, though, isn’t it?”

Minka stood. “So you called me here to discuss my nonexistent love life.” Again, she tacked on silently.

“No.” Zena’s calm was unshakeable. “I asked you here to offer you the keys to the kingdom, so to speak. Bryant G Industries is yours, my love.”

“Gram.” Minka joined the woman on the other side of the room. “Be serious with me now. Are you okay, really?”

Zena laughed, the sound as bright and airy as the sunny flower-dotted room around her. “Babylove, I promise you I’m fine. I’m not about to kick the bucket, but there are things I’d like to do before the bucket is kicked.” She tugged at the cream-and-mocha ties around Minka’s figure-flattering dress and fixed her granddaughter with a stern look.

“Your grandfather always wanted a family presence in the building, and he wanted it to be family he trusted. You’ve been groomed for this your entire life.” Zena sniffed disdainfully. “Perhaps we groomed you too well for business when we should’ve spent time on home-ec.”

“So when do I start?” Minka asked after shaking her head over the “home ec” remark.

“Oh, there’s plenty of time, but it’s going to require lots of big changes on your part, so you should be ready.”

“Yeah...” Some of Minka’s budding excitement began to wane as thoughts of leaving her job at Wilder took shape.

“You’ll be acquainting yourself with BGI business associates that you may not know,” Zena said, “and even though others will be on hand to handle the day-to-day management of those clients, meeting you in person will go a long way to enhance those relationships. I’ll keep you posted on those dates.”

Minka only nodded. She didn’t want to reveal too much of her excitement.

Of course, Zena saw it clearly enough. “Your grandfather wanted family to take over, but I will find someone else to put in this space, child, if that’s what I have to do. My plan is to announce my successor at the stockholders’ meeting. I want you to use the time between now and then to figure out if this is really the life you want.”

“I’m not a hermit, Gram.”

“No, but my guess is that when you take an interest in a man, it’s not because you see him as a potential life partner.”

“Gee, thanks!”

Zena shrugged off her granddaughter’s outrage. “You know what I mean. This is one woman speaking to another now, Mi-Mi.”

Minka stiffened her stance and nodded. “A woman doesn’t have the same freedoms in business that a man does, Gram. I’m sure things weren’t easy for you when word got out that you were dating your boss.”

“Ha! Especially during those times.” Zena laughed, her dark eyes glimmering in remembrance.

“The gossip spread all the way to my parents,” Zena recalled, “through their well-meaning church members, of course.” She let out a purely girlish giggle and sighed. “At least they got it right. Bryant and I were quite the scandal. I’m sure we christened every floor of that gorgeous office building of his.”

Minka felt her cheeks heat even as laughter tickled her throat.

“Sorry, love.” Zena winked. “Your ears are still a little too young to hear about such romps.” She patted Minka’s cheeks and took a seat on the cushioned window seat that lined the length of the room.

“Things between your grandfather and I weren’t just physical, Mi-Mi. Bryant was just as interested in the way my mind worked when it came to business. Don’t close yourself off to a man because you’re afraid of what the world may think.”

Minka stood, quietly absorbing the advice.

“You’ll be surprised how the world fades into the background when a man you’d give anything to be with steps into the picture. And you’ll be just as surprised by what’s going to be demanded of you once you sit in the main chair. You’ll do well to have a man who not only understands what that responsibility means, but who also reminds you that responsibility isn’t all your world consists of.”

Zena sighed, satisfied that she’d delivered enough advice. “Just something to think about. Come on, Babylove. We’ll have tea on the terrace,” she said as she walked out of the parlor.

* * *

Minka rushed though the door of her dinner event for the Sharpe Organization and was relieved to see that the event had yet to begin.

The open bar was already being well used. Apparently the organization’s leader, Austin Sharpe, wanted his attendees nice and pliable before the meeting commenced.

Thoroughly pliable, if the level of intoxication of a few of the attendees was any indication. The room had been decorated with Southwestern flair, and the menu reflected the theme. She barely had time to get a drink of her own before she was cornered by one of her colleagues.

Charles Ruggles began slurring his opinions to her about why they should partner up over the course of the next several weeks to ensure that the Sharpe project went off without a hitch.

“Jus’ makes sense for us to join force—forces to ensure it all goes smooth...”

Minka stifled a laugh over Charles’s crooning of the last word. “Maybe we should hold off on setting any private meetings until we know more about what Sharpe has in store for us, don’t you think?”

Charles twisted his mouth. “Nope.” He smacked the word after a moment’s consideration.

“Why don’t we discuss it after the meeting?” She moved to excuse herself from where he’d huddled her against a wall.

Charles wasn’t quite done making his pitch. “You know this’ll involve us at some point...” He barred her escape with a hand planted against the wall. His other hand still clutched a glass carrying traces of vodka tonic. “You’ll enjoy how well we’ll work together—”

“Ms. Gerald? Could I have a minute?”

Minka looked over Charles’s head to the much taller man behind him, and her agitation instantly softened. Charles was still too absorbed in his drunken wooing to notice the interruption.

Minka’s gaze fixed on the stranger with the steady light brown eyes. She nodded just slightly to accept the man’s request, and looked on in wonder as he eased Charles aside and gently laid claim to her arm.

Chapter 2

“Thank you.” Minka smiled as the stranger led her through the crowded dining area to another unoccupied corner of the room.

“There was no need for a rescue. He’s harmless,” she said, her heart flipping when she looked up at her escort.

Wait a minute...flipped? The idea gave Minka pause, but yes, her heart had definitely performed some sort of acrobatic feat when the man’s gaze had met hers. She looked on as a curious smile curved his wide, carefully crafted mouth.

“You think I did that for you?” Unhurried, he released her arm. “I was just trying to help the guy. He really shouldn’t go into a meeting with a black eye. It’s not a good look.”

Minka laughed, her head falling back and her eyes closing. She missed seeing the stranger’s curious smile evolve into a provocative grin as he appraised her lovely dark face.

“I’ll have to make sure Charles comes over later to thank you for saving his face from your fist,” Minka said once she’d sobered from her laughter.

“Best to hold off on bringing him near me till after the meeting, or else he’s liable to get that black eye, after all.” The stranger smiled, then extended his hand. “Oliver Bauer.”

Minka settled her hand into his. “Minka Gerald,” she said.

“I know who you are.”

Minka waited for those extraordinary eyes of his to take a trail downward, just like they always did when men first met her. Besides, the cut of her black wrap dress offered quite the irresistible view.

Oliver Bauer’s gaze took no such journey, however. Minka didn’t know if she felt more disappointment or offense over the slight. She blinked again, confusion pooling her eyes.

“Bauer? You’re related to Vectra.” It wasn’t a question. Her new friend and this man shared the most entrancing eye color—a light walnut-brown shade. In Oliver Bauer’s eyes, though, there lurked a playful, almost rakish look.

“She’s my sister,” Oliver confirmed.

Minka frowned. “I thought she said you were older?”

“Well, I am.” He feigned offense that she didn’t think he was. “By eighteen months, thank you very much.”

“Your parents didn’t waste any time, did they?”

Oliver shrugged. “My folks never wasted time when it came to sex.”

Minka surrendered to more laughter. “I’m sorry.” She gave a quick shake of her head and cleared her throat. “You said there was something you needed to talk to me about?”

Broad shoulders lifted beneath an olive-brown suit coat. “Not really.” His tempting mouth curved into a crooked smile. “I just didn’t much care for him talking to you, is all.” He inclined his head in the general direction of Charles Ruggles. His eyes never left Minka’s face. “Ms. Gerald.” He nodded once slightly, then made his retreat.

* * *

“So you’ve all heard the proposal,” Austin Sharpe said once his guests had settled around the meeting table. “Your minds are relaxed by drink and unoccupied by hunger.” Austin grinned while his audience laughed. “Do I have any questions?”

All around the table were representatives from the companies Austin had tapped to play a role in his bold venture.

“Yes, sir?” Austin sent an encouraging smile across the square table toward the man who had raised a hand.

“Thank you, sir. I’m Ed Summeral—Wilder, VP Marketing,” the freckle-faced redhead said.

Austin’s welcoming smile remained. “Go on, Ed.”

“Thank you, sir, uh.” Ed moved to allow a server to top off the coffee Charles Ruggles had been drinking since the onset of the meeting.

“Sir, what part will Wilder, specifically the marketing team, have to play in this venture?”

“Good question, Ed.” Austin ticked an index finger in the VP’s direction. “This will be the marketing team’s turn to shine and get some credit for all that back-breaking work your boss loads on you.”

Everyone laughed at Qasim Wilder, who sat next to Vectra.

“My clients know I trust Wilder with my money, which means I trust Wilder with their money too,” Austin continued. “This is your chance to show them why. The same goes for all the departments represented here tonight. It’ll be exciting to see how you toot your horns.”

More laughter followed as hands rose more freely following the opening question. Minka took notes on the queries from Wilder staff. Chances were high that she’d have to help the various departments at Wilder “toot their horns.”

Absently, she toyed with a loose jaw-length curl. She glanced away from the pad and locked in on Oliver Bauer’s bright, potent gaze fixed on her. The heat of self-awareness coursed through her, and Minka cast a subtle glance toward Qasim and Vectra.

The room and the square table were relatively large, but anyone paying close enough attention would be able to pinpoint the object of Oliver’s stare. Thankfully, Minka thought, no one else seemed to notice.

She looked down at her pad again and only made a pretense at note taking. Another hand rose, this one belonging to Rita Waymore, the floor manager for Gallery V in San Francisco.

“Mr. Sharpe, you’ve stated that Wilder handles your money, and we all know Bauer Development acquires your land and builds your executive parks, but what part will our gallery serve?”

Austin nodded approvingly and smiled. “The part your gallery will serve is the one I’m most excited about, because it’s an unprecedented one. The work done by Oliver and his team at Bauer D is staggering. We’ve all seen it and can attest to that, I’m sure?”

The room livened with sudden applause and cheer. Only then did Minka risk looking over at Oliver. Her heart performed another of its acrobatic flips when she saw that he was still staring her way. He had no qualms about allowing a few seconds to pass before he acknowledged the applause with a smile and wave.

“I’d like for Gallery V to showcase that genius,” Austin Sharpe said. “My hope is that the skills that have earned Gallery V a reputation as one of the most cutting-edge art galleries on the East and West coasts will create a dazzling showcase of the new Sharpe Executive Business Park in South Beach, Miami.” Austin waved with a flourish.

“Gallery V’s creator, Vectra Bauer, assures me that such a request is child’s play for her dynamic staff.”

Another round of enthusiastic applause erupted.

“Well, this concludes my presentation, folks.” Austin beamed as he surveyed the group. “We’ll all be meeting many more times over the course of the next several weeks.”

“I urge you all to remain a little longer and get to know one another. We’re all going to be spending lots of time together,” he added before giving a final salute and reclaiming his seat.

Conversation colored the room at once. Some remained chatting at the table, while others collected at the elaborate hot-beverage-and-dessert buffet that had been set up.

Minka was drawn aside by Wilder’s financial consultants. She focused on the conversation and took notes on the group’s preliminary ideas for wowing Sharpe’s Miami clients.

Much of the staff at Wilder questioned Minka’s decision to remain Qasim’s assistant when she so clearly had a talent in other areas. Alas, Minka was happiest helping her boss and friend, and more important, it kept her privileged background off the radar.

The consultant team made plans for a lunch meeting the following afternoon. Once they parted ways, Minka decided it’d be in her best interest to get lost while she could. It had been a long day, what with the drive and visit with her grandmother in Petaluma as well as the drive back to San Francisco in time for the Sharpe meeting.

She was wiped and made quick work of packing her tablet, pens and notepads in her tan portfolio tote. Despite her determination to make an exit, she paused and gave in to one last look at Oliver.

He was tall, but height seemed to run in their family. He had the kind of lean, muscular frame that Minka was sure would make him a formidable opponent on a basketball court. Dressed as he was in a tailored three-piece, she couldn’t help but appreciate the breadth of his frame. Even at rest, he seemed on alert somehow, as if he were ready to act in an instant if necessary.

He hadn’t bothered to get up and mingle, she’d observed. She supposed there was no need when a number of the meeting’s attendants made a point of stopping by his place at the table to hold brief conversations. Minka could tell that a great deal of the men were business as well as personal acquaintances.

She wasn’t sure what to make of the women. A number of them had stopped by to chat or...simply be seen with him. Who could blame them? Cinnamon-skinned with that luxurious crop of almond-brown curls...he was gorgeous. The hypnotic gaze was such an undeniable draw, especially when paired with a perfectly crafted nose, a generous, alluring mouth, a wide forehead and a faint cleft in his chin.

Minka closed her eyes and inhaled. Evidently, she’d observed him more closely than she’d realized during their earlier encounter. And you should go home before you do something really stupid, Mink.

Minka dug out her car keys and snapped the tote bag shut. She turned and smiled, genuinely happy to see Qasim and Vectra approaching.

“Quite the cast of characters.” Minka turned an assessing gaze toward the mingling crowd. “It’ll be great to see it all come together.”

“Yeah, it’ll be almost a shame to miss it.” Qasim Wilder looked to the woman at his side. He appraised Vectra with one meaningful sweep of his ebony gaze along her body. “Almost,” he added.

Minka smiled curiously while looking between the two. “Am I missing something?”

“No,” Qasim sighed the word and gave Vectra another look. “But we might. We’re thinking about getting lost for a while. So I want you to put together a team for this Miami trip.” Qasim eased a hand into one black trouser pocket and studied the room.

“Austin’s not looking to get things started down there for another week or so...” He looked back to Minka with an encouraging smile. “I’ll support whomever you tap to send.”

“Sim.” Minka rolled her eyes. “You know me well enough to know I can’t pick a team for something that important unless one of us goes along too.”

Qasim’s very dark, very gorgeous face was a study in disapproval. “You deserve to get away more than anybody. We’ve got a good group, so give ’em some credit.”

“If you don’t mind me saying, Minka,” Vectra chimed in, “from what I’ve heard, your boss is a real slave driver. You should take the time while he’s offering.”

Minka laughed. “Well, it is Miami. I promise you guys I’ll take time to enjoy it.”

“Well, if you change your mind—”

“I won’t.” Minka shook her head to Qasim’s worry. “And Gram Z. already ordered me to take some time too.”

Qasim’s curiosity was piqued. “How’s she doin’?” he asked.

“Good.” Minka nodded with a quick smile. “She’s ready to give up her crown.”

Qasim’s curiosity melted into understanding. “Do we need to talk?”

“Yeah.” Minka’s nod was a bit more somber then. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” She smiled when he reciprocated her nod and then looked to Vectra and pulled her into a hug. “Have a good night.”

“You too, hon.” Vectra’s light eyes followed Minka as she made her way out of the room, shaking hands and holding quick chats with colleagues. “What was that about?” she asked, turning back to Qasim.

“Ever heard of Bryant Gerald?”

Vectra frowned. “Gerald Industries? Bryant Gerald, the billionaire?” she blurted. “He...?” Her expression cleared. “Minka?”

Qasim inclined his head a fraction. “He was her grandfather.”

Vectra’s confusion mounted. “But why’s she working for you?”

“Thanks.”

Vectra responded with a playful eye roll and shoved Qasim’s arm.

He flashed her a killer smile. “The Geralds are clients,” he explained. “Minka wanted to make it on her own—she wanted a position that would keep her under the radar, but still into everything. Her grandmother approved when I offered, but Minka would’ve accepted anyway.”

“Hmph, sounds like her.” Vectra smiled. “What’d she mean about her grandmother being ready to give up her crown?”

Qasim rubbed his jaw, some of the easiness of his expression receding to a more distressed look. “Sounds like Zena Gerald wants her granddaughter back.”

* * *

“Had enough already?”

Minka stopped in the restaurant vestibule when his voice reached her ears. “It’s been a long day.” She found Oliver Bauer closing the distance between them. “And it’s going to be an even longer night,” she said.

Oliver made a face. “Surely you get to take one day off? Sim won’t object to that, will he?”

“No.” She smiled. “But I would.”

“Ah.” He appeared satisfied. “It’s good to know Qasim at least tries to get you to take a break.”

“He tries. Rarely succeeds.”

“Interesting.” He leaned against a wall in the vestibule. “You always get what you want?” He seemed very interested in the possibility.

Minka sighed, scanning the restaurant entrance as though she were taking time to seriously consider his query. “I think that only happens when it’s something I want bad enough. No sense fighting for it if it’s something you’re just going to lose interest in, don’t you think?”

“Hold on.” He brought two fingers to his brow and tapped them there. “I need time to think about that. Seems I’ve fought for a lot of things I’ve lost interest in.” He lowered his fingers, shrugged. “Sort of a blow to realize I’ve wasted a lot of time.”

“Consider it proof that you’re maturing.”

Oliver winced. “My sister’ll be happy to hear that.”

Minka felt herself staring, adoring... With effort she tugged her gaze from his exceptional face. “I really need to get home—”

“Are you going out to Miami?”

Her movements settled. “I’m sure I will be.”

“More work.”

“It’s Miami,” she rebutted with a smile.

He grinned. “Right. So I’ll see you there.”

“You’re going?”

“It’s Miami.”

She laughed softly. “Good night, Mr. Bauer.”

“My dad’s the only one who enjoys that Mr. Bauer stuff. My friends call me Oliver.” He gave a quick tilt of his head.

“Friends?” Her frown was teasing. “Have I reached that status already?”

“You think you’re unworthy?”

“I don’t know you. You don’t know me.”

“Right.” He nodded, bumping his fist to his jaw. “I see your point. Guess that means we’re going to have to change that.” He held the door for her. “Good night, Ms. Gerald.”

Chapter 3

Minka tuned in to her phone’s ringing and reached for it, hoping to catch the call before it went to voice mail.

“This is Minka.” She was preoccupied with folders on her desk and didn’t notice the lack of response on the other end of the line until a few seconds had passed. “Hello?” She shook her head and hung up, figuring she’d missed the call through her daydreaming.

Smirking, she silently noted that it wasn’t even midmorning—way too early for daydreaming. How could she resist, though? If Oliver Bauer wasn’t prime daydream material, she didn’t know what was.

The night before, she’d chatted with her female colleagues at the meeting, and it was clear they all knew Oliver. It went without saying that he had a successful personal life, but there was still the question of how successful. She hadn’t seen a ring, but knew that meant nothing. Men often went without their bands.

But she couldn’t allow musings of Oliver Bauer to disrupt her workday. Things were going to be hectic enough without her being preoccupied by the sensuality that lurked in the man’s exquisite eyes. She looked at the phone still in her hand, and with a tired smile, she tossed it back across her desk.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing here so early?!”

Minka saw Qasim and blurted a surprised laugh. “Where’d you come from?”

“The...elevator?” Qasim looked ready to laugh, as well. “Didn’t you hear the bell?”

Grimacing, Minka made a play at shuffling through the folders littering her desk. “It’s been a long morning.”

“Long morning, huh?” Sim slowed his steps the closer he drew to the desk. “My offer for time off still stands, you know? You could’ve at least slept in today.”

“No...I arranged a few early meetings to follow up from the Sharpe thing last night.”

“Oh, yeah...” Sim began to pat his trouser pockets.

Minka watched curiously as her boss fished out his key ring. He pulled off a long silver key and handed it to her. Accepting it, she frowned expectantly.

“It’s from Vectra.” He smiled. “She has a place in Miami near the gallery. She wants you to stay and enjoy it while you’re there.”

“That’s sweet. Very sweet, but I—I can’t let her do that—it’s too much.”

“Ah, take it.” Qasim waved off her attempt to return the key. “Vectra doesn’t think it’s much at all. She thinks you’ve probably got some palace on the beach.”

“What?” Minka frowned. “Why would she think that?”

Qasim shrugged, returning the key ring to his pocket. “The heiresses to billion-dollar fortunes usually have such things, don’t they?”

“Oh, no.” Minka closed her eyes as if pained. “You told her?”

“I’m surprised she didn’t figure it out sooner. It surprises me that a lot of people haven’t figured it out already. Guess that’s about to change, huh?”

“Sim...”

“Don’t worry. I told her how you feel about folks knowing. She promised to keep it quiet. At least until you claim the big chair.”

Minka folded her arms over her short-waist walnut brown blazer. “I haven’t accepted yet.”

“But you will.” Straightening to his full height, Qasim waved a hand toward the corridor leading to his office. “Shall we talk now or later?”

* * *

Needing to work off a sudden case of nervous energy, Minka headed to Qasim’s bar the moment she entered his office.

“She says she’s got things she wants to do before she kicks the bucket, so it’s time for me to do my duty, blah, blah, blah...”

Qasim grinned while getting settled at his desk. “I always said Miss Zena is a woman who knows how to live. Wish the same could be said for her granddaughter.”

“Sim.” Minka’s head fell forward as she shook it. “Don’t start. Gram wouldn’t let up about me doing that very thing. She wants me to take time off and think about the job first before I accept.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am about the business.” Minka set coffee to brew. “It’s about more than that, though. Gram doesn’t want me focusing so much on the business that I don’t give any time to what she considers the most important things in life, namely having a husband and family.”

“Ah...” Qasim’s dark eyes narrowed as though he’d decided no further clarification was needed.

Minka shrugged and began looking for mugs. “That’s why I want to go to Miami. Of course there’s business to handle, but it is Miami. Hopefully Gram’ll appreciate the effort I’m making to have fun.”

“And also to keep her from worrying?” Sim guessed.

“Bit of both.” Minka set silverware next to the mugs filled with steaming French roast. “I just don’t think the marriage game is for me.” She laughed at Qasim’s look of playful outrage.

“This from the woman who gave me continuous grief over not going after Vectra in a way she approved.”

“It’s not the same, Sim.”

“Oh?”

“I’m from a family of billionaires, Sim. A heiress. That’s a whole different set of assumptions, Sim. A whole different kind of drama than a man would have.”

“You’re worried about not being able to find a man to love you for who you are.” Qasim added an understanding nod. “You’ve thought a lot about this.”

She gave a wan smile. “Sometimes it’s hard not to. But, trips to Miami definitely make it easier.”

“Good outlook.” Sim’s expression remained sober. “Talk to me if you need to, okay? And not just to give me your two weeks’ notice either, all right?”

“I’d never leave you in a lurch!” Minka laughed.

“Mmm...the way I’m leaving you. Holding the bag on this Miami thing to run off for love.”

Minka threw her head back to laugh robustly. “Love is the best reason to leave someone holding the bag.”

“Try asking the person left holding the bag.”

Minka spread her hands over the desk as though she were presenting it in a showcase. “You just did.”

“I only want you to understand how serious I am about you talking to me,” Qasim reiterated, following more laughter. “It’s one thing to work to make the boss look good and another thing entirely when you’re the boss. Just keep me in the loop, all right?”

Minka moved from behind the bar, nodded and met Qasim in the middle of the room for a hug.

* * *

Oliver Bauer was a man who worked hard and played harder. This lifestyle suited Oliver just fine—he had no desire to follow in his sister’s footsteps anytime soon.

However, that was before he met Minka Gerald. Oliver silently called himself an idiot. He carried a sopping-wet sponge to his navy Jeep Cherokee, one of two that he owned. Waiting on deck to be washed were also two Jeep Wranglers and a black Benz G-Class SUV. The vehicles were already gleaming, but Oliver didn’t see the harm in a little extra pampering. He was about to be out of town for the next few weeks, after all.

Suds and water coated the wheel and rim, but Oliver wasn’t attacking the job with the same gusto he usually had for his vehicles.

Minka Gerald. She’d been an almost constant presence in his mind for days. She was a beauty who would not escape his notice, or his bed, until he was able to put his persuasive powers to the test. Yet his distinct...infatuation...was about more than that. It had to be. After all, he knew tons of lovely women. But one who had practically hypnotized him? What the hell was that?

Oliver grunted out a laugh and gave the sponge another dunking. Idiotic indeed. He grimaced. He’d barely spent two hours in the woman’s presence, and a fraction of that actually talking to her. There had certainly not been enough time for her to enchant him the way she had. Yet there he was, unable to get her out of his head.

Returning to the Jeep, Oliver attacked the job, scrubbing as if the act would set his thoughts to rights. It was some time before he faintly realized his name was being called. He quickly angled his tall frame out from under the vehicle when he recognized his father’s voice.

“Mine could stand a good wash, since it looks like you’re open for business.” Oscar Bauer laughed when he saw his only son stand up next to the soapy SUV.

Grinning easily, Oliver tossed aside the sponge. “Just giving them a last wash before I hit the road to Miami.”

“Yeah, I heard about the big meeting with Austin.” Oscar nodded. “Sounds like you’ve got things well in hand on our end.”

“Yeah, we’ll see.” Oliver wiped his hands on the seat of the faded denim shorts that hung low on his lean hips. “Austin’s looking to pull in all kinds of new elements into this job.” He rounded the back of the vehicle where his father stood.

“Sounds interesting,” Oscar noted, his handsome caramel-toned face alight with curiosity.

“Yeah, interesting.” Oliver shared a skeptical grin. “He wants to display the photographs of the new offices at Vecs’s Miami gallery in the hopes of wooing new clients.”

“That boy.” Oscar chuckled. “He was always an out-of-the-box thinker.”

“That hasn’t changed.” Oliver rubbed his jaw while regarding his father more closely. “Everything okay, Pop?”

Stepping closer, Oscar clapped a hand to Oliver’s arm. “You know I’m proud of the work you’re doing, Oli. The way you’ve stepped into my place and assumed control, just the way a president should.”

Oliver gave his father a mockingly firm look. “Why do I feel like those words are about to be followed up by a huge but?”

Oscar squeezed his son’s arm again. “I only wanted you to know that I have no issues whatsoever with the way you’ve taken over the business. I could retire today, content in the knowledge that my life’s work will be well cared for.”

“I’m still hearin’ that but, Dad...” Oliver lost some of his playfulness.

“There’s no but, kid. Not the kind you’re expecting. I just don’t want to offend you.” Oscar managed a slight chuckle.

Doubt merging with concern, Oliver went to pull down the tailgate to one of the Cherokees. He patted the area, urging his father to sit. “Talk to me, Dad. What’s up? Really?”

Oscar leaned against the edge of the lowered tailgate, but didn’t sit. “Looks like we’re going to have to partner up for an upcoming meeting.”

“Partner up?” Oliver smiled curiously over the news. “Like when I was first learning the ropes, partner up?”

Oscar nodded, his easy expression showing signs of distress. “I know you don’t need me looking over your shoulder anymore, but tag-teaming this thing would be a good idea for this particular client.”

“Well, who is it?” Oliver folded his arms across the worn Lakers T-shirt that stretched over his broad chest.

“I’m still handling it more or less, but now with my impending retirement, it’s going to be important for them to understand that a changing of the guard is needed.”

“Is the guy difficult to work for or something?” Oliver asked.

The easiness returned to Oscar’s expression as he shared a cunning grin with his son. “The guy wasn’t difficult at all—he was a good friend as well as client—one I handled exclusively which is why you don’t know him. But he’s passed on, and his wife’s the client now.”

Oliver whistled, made a face. “How difficult is she?”

“Oh, not very difficult at all.” Oscar laughed over his son’s skeptical expression. “Seriously, she’s just, um...demanding and determined to see that her demands are met.”

“And she’s demanding that you be present for this meeting?”

“Not exactly.” Oscar leaned more heavily against the tailgate. “She doesn’t know I’m about to tell her you’ll be the one handling her land acquisition deals for the foreseeable future.”

From his seat on the tailgate, Oliver swung one sneaker-shod foot back and forth. “Has she been pleased with our work so far?”

“So far, yes. Very pleased.” Oscar scratched his whiskered jaw and looked out over the backyard. “She calls these meetings every couple of years just to get face time with the folks who handle her money and other interests.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be happy to be your wingman.” Oliver reached over to squeeze his father’s shoulder. “You think the client will put up much fuss about the change?”

“Nah.” Oscar waved off the concern. “She’s a pistol, but a sweetheart.”

“Well, she sounds lovely.” Oliver moved off the tailgate. “Anymore details you’d like to share? Such as a name?”

Oscar grinned knowingly. “Not a chance. I know you, and I don’t want you fixated on researching and trying to prepare yourself just yet.” He shrugged. “I only wanted you to put this on your radar. We can save the rest until after your big trip. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you to have fun while you’re in Miami?”

Oliver’s rakish grin was almost a replica of his father’s. “No, sir, such a reminder is totally unnecessary.”

“Ha!” Oscar fell in step with his son. “Don’t even know why I bothered.”

“Um...Dad?” Oliver’s steps slowed. “Are you ever...concerned about the way I live? The way I live my life?”

Oscar erupted into a rich round of laughter. “Where the hell did that come from?”

“It’s just with all the uh...all the women...” Oliver rubbed his fingers through his hair and gave the curls a tug. “Are you ever concerned that I won’t have anything more? Like you did with Mom?”

Oscar eased his hands into the deep front pockets of his gray trousers and graced his son with a probing look. “What’s gotten into you, Oli?”

“I don’t know.” Oliver shrugged, understanding that the question sounded crazy coming from him. “Just somethin’ Vecs said got me thinking...”

Oscar’s rich laughter returned behind an even greater force then. “Letting that girl get in your head as usual, huh?!”

Oliver smiled, conceding. “I thought she might have a point.”

Oscar curbed his laughter—some. “What’d she say, exactly?”

“Something about the difference between laughing because I’m happy and laughing because something’s funny.” Oliver shrugged, shook his head and commenced to rubbing at his curls again. “She said I’d understand what that meant when I was ready. I guess it’s something folks in love would get.”

“Hmph. I’ve been in love over half my life, but I’m still not quite sure I get your little sister’s philosophy on that one.”

The men shared a laugh, and then Oscar quieted.

“Being amused to the point of laughter is just a reaction to something at the moment,” he said, walking as he theorized. “Happiness is a condition—a state of being—something more sustaining. Only love instills happiness like that.”

A poignant gleam crept into Oliver’s light eyes as he studied his father and shrugged. “See? It’s something folks in love would get. Like I said.”

“Is that regret I’m hearing in your voice, kid?”

“More curiosity than regret, I think.” Oliver studied the ground as he spoke. “Dad when we...lost Mom...me and Vectra, we...we worried about you. It was scary to see what love and...the loss of it can do to a person, even a person as strong as you.”

Something haunted crossed Oscar’s face at the mention of his beloved late wife, Rose. “When I lost her, I hated the world and God for it. I wanted to shut them both out.” A smile fought through the darkness of his expression.

“No matter how raw I felt, how much it hurt...it was worth it. It was worth it to know love like that.” He looked at his son. “That’s what I want for you and your sister.”

“I’m afraid I’m a creature of habit, Dad.”

Oscar fell in step with his son as they headed toward the rugged A-frame in the heavily wooded outskirts of Carro land. “You know the best way to get rid of an old habit, son?” He clapped the middle of Oliver’s back. “Replace it with a new passion.”

South Beach, Miami

As soon as Minka crossed the threshold of Vectra Bauer’s stunning condo, she knew she wouldn’t be in the mood for the meetings and events scheduled for the Sharpe account.

The condo’s floor-to-ceiling windows offered sun-splashed glimpses of a large invisible pool beyond which lay the captivating brilliance of South Beach. Minka was certain that it would take her at least a week before she was ready to leave the gorgeous condo.

Scratch that, she was certain it would take her at least a week before she was ready to leave the master bathroom.

Rose-blush marble dominated the flooring as well as the shower and tub areas. It also ran the length of the counter space, merging into the rich dark oak finish of the cabinets at the rear of the split-level room. Golden light from electric candles outlined a recessed bay mirror from which a glass mantel protruded. The space supported a row of hand-carved brass candle holders filled with candles that highlighted the rose-blush color scheme.

The floor tiles were sparsely covered with plush area rugs of the same color. Minka decided the color had to be one of Vectra Bauer’s favorites. The rugs beckoned visitors to cast off socks and sink their toes into their warmth.

Despite the room’s warm spacious quality, the most show-stopping element had to be the tub. A work of art, the square rose-blush marble tub sat atop a platform made of the same oak as the cabinets.

Of course it was irresistible, so much so that Minka decided a long, bubbly soak would be first on her to-do list. She started to undress in the middle of the gorgeous bathroom, only pausing to select a bath gel from Vectra’s unbelievable stock of aromatherapy products located in a cabinet beneath the tub’s platform.

Ten minutes later, she was submerged in white foam and hot water. Laughter began to tickle her tummy as she relaxed for the first time in weeks.

She thought about her career so far. Going against the norm worked for her, and it had been a large factor in her decision to work outside her family’s company. The life of a working girl had suited her just fine. Now, her grandmother needed her to assume her rightful place at the head of BGI.

It went without saying that she was up for the challenge. She was perceptive enough to know that Qasim hadn’t given freedom or authority at Wilder because he was such a firm believer in delegating authority. But he knew her pedigree—knew she’d been business educated since she could talk. Now, she was about to see if all the preparation had paid off. As Qasim had said, it was another thing entirely to be the one sitting in the chair.

For the time being, however, she was content with lounging in a fabulously decadent tub. She fell into hypnotic bliss and lost track of time. The tub’s Jacuzzi setting massaged her tired body, and Minka could’ve pampered herself there for several more hours.

She decided against that. One couldn’t while away the hours when there was work to be done. Laughing softly over the idea, Minka made a lazy effort to leave the tub. The bubbles hadn’t completely dissolved, and they clung to her body even as the water sluiced down her belly and thighs. Stepping out of the tub, she discovered that the rugs delivered on their promise of plush comfort and warmth.

Relaxed and refreshed, Minka took a moment to admire herself in the big mirror.

“Guess I should’ve called first,” said a husky voice behind her.

She turned on a dime, forgetting that she was only covered by quickly dissipating bubbles. Her total focus was now on Oliver Bauer leaning against the door frame.

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