Page 16 of The Bride's Billionaire

Kayla laughed. “It has been going through my mind. But honestly, Rogerio, I prefer Brazilian music. I heard the loveliest bossa nova. And the samba…” She didn’t even look at Tyler when she said it.

He smirked anyway.

Rogerio grinned. “Ah, you love our customs, our people.”

“I do.” She cleared her throat. “I have cousins who live here. And I care deeply about Brazil as a country.”

Ah, so she would be Brazil’s sweetheart. Well, nothing spoke stronger than the bottom line. When it came down to it, he could save Antar money. He would win this bid. Especially now that he knew the competition so well.

But at what cost?

They drove along the coast, and he bit his tongue to hold back a laugh when the car passed by Madame Rosario’s wedding-dress shop.

Kayla twisted in her seat to watch it go by.

“Ah, you know our famous designer, Madame Rosario?” Rogerio’s eyes sparkled in pride.

Kayla nodded. “I do. Very well. She is famous all over the world. My friend is going to use one of her dresses in her wedding this spring.”

Rogerio sat back in his seat, a self-satisfied smile filling his face. “We have much here to interest the Americans.”

She nodded. “Absolutely.” Her cheeks turned pink, and she avoided Tyler’s face. He couldn’t wait until they could talk about this and get rid of this strange awkwardness between them.

They turned up the next street and drove for many minutes. Tyler knew where they were going, but he didn’t ruin Rogerio’s surprise.

As the car began an incline, Rogerio made his announcement “And now we will visit Rio’s jewel, the beauty of our landscape, Cristo Redentor on O Corcovado.”

Kayla’s soft gasp couldn’t have been orchestrated. She was too open for that. “I have never been.”

Mr. De Santos, who was usually so quiet that Tyler wondered what role he played in the business, responded. “Many view it as Rio’s biggest blessing.”

“Wrapped in His Arms.” Kayla nodded. “Can you see it from where you live?”

Mr. De Santos nodded and crossed himself. “Every morning I look up to see Him watching over our city.”

“It is an iconic image for Rio. Most here love it, atheists included.” Rogerio grinned. “I use it for directions.” He smiled, and his driver slowed. A man approached, a wad of cash in his hands. The driver paid him, and they continued.

“We are entering the Tijuca Forest National Park. Not many drive in their own vehicles up here. But we wanted you to have the full experience. Once we park, we can walk the rest of the way.”

Mr. De Santos nodded. “And tomorrow we go to Sugarloaf.”

“This will be very special.” Kayla touched her heart. “Thank you. I know how much this means to some of your people. To all of Brazil. It’s famous around the world.”

“One of the seven new wonders of the world now, yes.” Rogerio sat up in his seat.

Obviously, Kayla had a love for this country, these people. But she hadn’t looked at him hardly at all, as if he wasn’t there.

Tyler cleared his throat. “So, Miss Finley.”

She lifted her eyes to his, and he was struck again by their brilliance. Moments from their evening together, her lips on his, in front of the wedding dress shop flashed before his eyes.

Her cheeks turned pink, and he wondered if she read his mind. “I was wondering if you’ve been able to see much of Rio since you’ve arrived?” He raised his eyebrow just a little bit. He couldn’t resist. Something about her in business attire did things to him, even more than her in the little white dress he’d bought for her. He wanted to shake fate and ask, “What are you thinking?” But for now, he had to play it cool and somehow nail this deal without losing her. Could he close the deal if she didn’t matter? Hands down, certainly, no problem. But as he studied her face, he had to ask himself,didshe matter? And even though he’d known her but a few hours, he had to suspect the answer might end up being yes.

“A bit, yes. I feel this visit I’ve been able to see more in a short amount of time than ever before.”

How could she say these things without even cracking a smile?

Rogerio led them up the trail. “Tell us what you’ve done.”

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