Once her door was closed, she ripped the envelope open. And gasped. It was an invitation to spend her birthday on board Raffa’s superyacht.
As fast as surprise and elation swept over her, gloom set in. The accompanying note was hardly romantic.
This will be an ideal chance to discuss business. I’m inviting some people I’d like you to meet. R
‘That sounds like fun,’ Rose murmured, pulling a face.
But why not? Why the hell not? Socialising was part of her job, and for as long as it lasted she’d do that job to the very best of her ability. And if she didn’t wear those fabulous clothes hanging in her dressing room on board thePegasus, who would?
Don’t even go there, Rose’s inner critic advised.Just reply to the invitation and accept.
Raffa sent a helicopter to the ranch to pick her up. As it hovered overhead Rose hoped with all her heart he’d be at the controls. He wasn’t. A cordial older man in uniform came to help her board. There was scarcely any conversation on the way, bar the information that they would be joining thePegasusoff the coast of Spain. Would Raffa greet her when they arrived, or would he be too busy? He might not even be on board, she reasoned sensibly. Helicopters were nifty taxis for the super-rich. He could be anywhere.
With anyone.
And that was none of her business.
How could her heart be so wrong? Rose wondered as the pilot helped her down on to the deserted deck. No welcoming committee this time. Just the instruction to report to the grand salon. Thankfully, the sea was smooth today with just the slightest hint that the ground was shifting beneath her feet. How apt, she thought as she opened the doors to the grand salon.
‘Surprise!’
She gasped with shock. There were banners everywhere, wishing Rose a happy birthday, and so many people she knew—some she hadn’t seen for ages.And all her brothers!
‘How—’
Sofia was at her side in moments. ‘Come with me.’ Raffa’s sister linked arms with Rose to draw her deeper into the crowd. ‘You deserve this,’ she shouted above the cheers, as Rose shook her head in bewilderment. ‘This is our chance to say thank you, for all your hard work on the new retreat, for the programmes you set up and for...well, just being you.’
‘I don’t know what to say,’ Rose shouted back.
‘You’re going to enjoy this,’ Sofia promised. ‘KellysandAcostas, as well as a prince or two. If that isn’t a chilli-spiked mix, I don’t know what is. I’m a respectable married woman, but even I’d have to be wood from the neck up not to think lock up your daughters when the Kelly brothers are here.’
‘I can’t believe they’re all here,’ Rose marvelled. ‘How on earth did you find them?’
‘Thank Raffa, not me,’ Sofia explained. ‘There isn’t a thing that man can’t do when he puts his mind to it. And don’t mind your brothers—look at the cake!’
A snowy white damask tablecloth set off a towering edifice of chocolate and cream. ‘Six entire feet of chocolate heaven,’ Sofia enthused. ‘I can’t wait for you to cut into it.’
Rose stared ruefully at her rumpled travelling clothes. ‘I’m not dressed for this.’
‘None of us are, but we will be,’ Sofia promised.
‘Happy birthday, Rose...’
The familiar deep husky tone thrilled its way through Rose’s body. Raffa’s eyes finished the job. His expression was such a mix of brooding purpose and delicious promise, her words came out jumbled and all in a rush. ‘Just seeing my brothers again—I can’t express—I don’t deserve this.’
‘Sofia assures me you do. Please accept this as our birthday gift. Can I interest you in a glass of champagne?’
‘Oh, no, I should keep a clear head, but thank you. I imagine there are people you want me to meet.’
‘You do as you please tonight. This is your birthday party.’
‘I’d like to say hello to my brothers.’
‘What are you waiting for?’
She glanced up, thanks blazing in her eyes. The last time she’d had a birthday party her mother had been alive.
Rose,Rose,Rose, Raffa reflected, thumbing his stubble as he watched Rose’s exuberant reunion with her brothers. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Rose. The entire impossible-to-please Acosta clan appreciated what Rose had accomplished, both on his ranch, where she had improved rotas and training regimes, and at Sofia’s retreats, where her programmes were already making a difference.
