“I’m glad you approve,” I said as I joined him, but not before winking at Vanessa.
“My fiancé is an amazing cook,” she added as if right on cue.
“He should consider becoming a chef. The seafood pasta was to die for and certainly rivals anything we’ve had in Spain.” Triana, Andres’ wife, had enjoyed every moment of the cruise, chatting with Vanessa as if they were old friends while Andres and I conducted business over cocktails and shrimp.
I’d hosted several business meetings over dinner in my career, but this one felt more personal and not simply because I’d used my private yacht. A suggestion by the woman who continued to keep me on my toes. She knew what allowing strangers to invademy privacy meant. She fully understood the reason I rarely allowed anyone on board.
Caroline.
Barely anyone in my life knew about the tragedy. Of course people in my close circle had learned early on I’d had a sister who’d died, but the events had never been discussed. Michael knew them. No one else I was close to. Yet, I’d felt compelled to share the horrible details with Vanessa. At first, I’d asked myself why as I’d waited to see if she would return to the house.
Then I’d realized even accepting it was what I’d needed. Maybe what we’d both needed. The relief was tremendous, but Vanessa’s words of forgiveness continued to weigh heavily on my mind.
I waved my hand, laughing when I noticed the amused look on Vanessa’s face. “Not a chance.”
“That’s right, darling,” Andres said while keeping a watchful eye on me. “Mr. Elliot is the king of business, so it surprises me that he had time to find such a beautiful, beguiling woman to be his bride.”
“Careful, dear,” Triana purred while punching him playfully in the gut.
“I’m curious. How did the two of you meet?” His question was probing. I could easily tell by the hard look in his eyes.
Vanessa moved next to me, gazing down at her ring while issuing a heavy sigh. “I’m not going to tell it like our first meeting went well. In fact, I was determined to hate him. He came across as an arrogant bastard.”
Andres chuckled. “I can tell he is. What changed your mind?”
My sweet fiancée threw me a look, playing the part magnificently well. The ring of truth was perfect.
“To be honest with you, I’m not entirely certain. Maybe when he brought me on this amazing boat the first time and cooked me lunch. I was stuck with him for hours. I’d thought about jumping overboard and swimming with the sharks to safety, but somehow, he won me over. To a degree. Begging also helps.”
All four of us laughed and I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. As I nuzzled into her ear, she cooed appropriately. “Nice touch.”
“Always.”
The moment was perfect and I could tell by the look Andres and Triana shared they were more comfortable in seeing our relationship. So much of the lie continued to piss me off. There were a lot of thoughts racing through my mind, including about the future. I’d been so used to living a certain way, the last week of disruption had thrown me.
However, I couldn’t say in a bad way.
“How does your father feel about your engagement?” The fact Andres threw in the question answered one of mine.
He had talked with Jonathan Blair, pitting one company against the other. The man I was before wanted to jump in and derail Blair Development, but that wasn’t going to happen. Not now. Not since I’d all but made a promise to Vanessa.
She took a few seconds to lock eyes with mine before answering. “I love my father, Mr. Lopez, but that doesn’t mean I like him. He is unforgiving and insists my life isn’t going down the right path. I doubt he’ll ever approve of anyone, given his behavior inthe past. However, I’m no longer trying to please him. I need to please myself.”
“Very wise, Ms. Blair,” Andres said as he looked me directly in the eyes. “You’re a lucky man.”
“Yes,” I said. “I am extremely fortunate.”
I meant every word.
Andres approached, giving me a onceover. “I admit, Mr. Elliot, I had my reservations about you, but you’ve proven that your love of this woman and your company is exactly what Barchella has been looking for in a partner. However, may I suggest that you ensure your bride becomes a part of the alliance. She will be the right person to market our product. I very much look forward to working with you both.”
As he shook my hand, I allowed myself to smile. Everything was happening as it should.
The marriage contract had worked perfectly.
Only at this point, I wasn’t certain the contract would prove useful in the future. Why? Because Vanessa wasn’t the kind of woman to be constrained by rules.
“I think I might be able to convince her to come to work for me.” I threw her a mischievous look, knowing exactly how she’d handle the comment.
