She put her pocketbook on a table by the front door. “Who was it?”
“My business partner. Come on.” He escorted her deeper into the house.
In the distance she could see Biscayne Bay and a huge patio with furniture to host a party that overlooked the aqua water, complete with a wrought iron fence so no one would fall into the bay.
This was the house of movie stars. Her heart beat faster, but she reminded herself that they were just things. She swallowed and went back to the phone call. “And brother and best friend?”
He shrugged. “Damien and I are tight.”
True. They worked together as one. She turned and asked, “Would he like me?”
Galen motioned toward the marble stairs. “He doesn’t get to have you.”
They walked up the steps, side-by-side and he placed his hand on her lower back, sending a thrill through her. She tried to sound normal. “Silly, I meant would he be okay with the two of us dating. Heismy other boss.”
On the top step, Galen guided her down a hall tastefully decorated with marble statues, like this was a museum and not just a house. “I don’t care what he thinks and he can’t fire you. I have the controlling share if we ever do fight in the real estate venture.”
Right. His statement shook her, and she ignored the Renaissance paintings that lined the walls. “Venture. That means you could move on at a moment’s notice.”
He stopped in an upstairs pantry and grabbed wine and two glasses. She hugged her waist until he returned to her side. “Relax. I’m not going anywhere. My family has settled in Miami, and all of us are here now.”
She needed to not think about losing her job, all the time. Galen’s words had to be enough. She lowered her hands and tried to smile. They walked together further down the long hall. “Family is important to you. With who your father was, it’s surprising.”
They reached huge French doors that were rounded at the top and he opened them to reveal his bedroom. “My mother held our half of the family together. Mitch, Damien, Catherine, and Axel are the ones I count on the most, but I would credit Peter, Victoria, John, Luke Matthew and Elizabeth for surviving our father and being willing to open up to us as family.”
His family was famous for being billionaires, rock stars, movie stars, fashion icons, and entrepreneurs.
The chandelier in his bedroom was blue Venetian glass. The patio outside was white with blue designs. The curtains were all open, revealing the bay that could be seen from all three areas and the windows were floor to ceiling. During the daylight, his bedroom had lots of sun. She turned toward the white framed bed with white sheets and blue trim.
Her own bedroom had been decorated with a yellow duvet she bought on sale, and knickknacks she had acquired from various rummage sales. She turned on her heel, unable to believe she was here—it was like a fancy hotel.
Part of her wondered if they should have braved Rocco showing up again and having security notify her. This room alone outclassed her homey apartment.
Galen went to a side table and emptied his pockets of his wallet and money. She rubbed her arms to calm down and spoke softly. “It’s surprising about you, nonetheless. I thought money and power made people fight and distrust each other—but that could be influenced from too much television. I’m glad my assumptions weren’t worth much.”
Could he tell that she was babbling? Her cheeks felt hot. She faced the patio and the palm trees and prayed she wouldn’t get too hurt for diving in over her head. Galen came behind her and kissed the base of her neck. “This is the bedroom.”
Right. Her entire body was tight as she turned toward him with wide eyes. “Italsooverlooks the bay.”
His hands massaged her shoulders and she closed her eyes, letting him soothe her. “The view will be better without your dress.”
She swallowed and gingerly placed her hand on his chest. “A glass of wine, then?”
He instantly stopped touching her. “If you don’t want to Natalie, I’ll send you home.”
Her heart sped up. Galen was what she wanted. She stepped toward him and brushed his strong arm. “I want to, but I’m nervous.”
He nodded and walked over to the wine bottle, opening it and pouring them both a glass. “You? You always seem on top of your game.”
He handed her the glass that she took with a nod. She swallowed a small sip and tried to tell her heart to calm down. The zips she felt were just nerves. Galen was a good guy. She lowered her lashes. “Whatever is on my mind comes out near you. Near other men, I’m usually pretty shy and reserved. Maybe because I got to know you at work for the past year.”
He clinked glasses with her. “In that wig. I have fantasies about it now.”
“You do?” She needed to take charge or else her anxiety would get to her. She put the glass down and reached behind her, unzipping her dress.
“Next time, bring it.” He put his glass next to hers.
Her heart beat was so fast she swore she’d have a heart attack, but she also knew it was just her nerves. She was one hundred percent certain that sex with Galen would be more than just sex. She let the zipper go and reached for his shirt button. “There is a next time then?”
