Page 9 of Seductive Desires

ChapterFive

I fellasleep in the stupid ballgown. When I woke up, I was still on my back on the bed. It was then I noticed a few things. One, ball gowns are not fun to sleep in. Two, I wasn’t wearing any underwear. My face burned when I realized I took them off with Mateo and never bothered to grab them when I ran. Someone today was going to go looking for some cleaning products and find my thong on the floor. I buried my face in the bed, groaning.

My phone went off in the living room and I sighed. Dragging myself out of bed, I tried not to trip over the dress as I went to grab it. Carlos’s name flashed across the screen but I didn’t answer quick enough and missed him. It rang again a few seconds later. Scrubbing my face, I answered.

“What?”

“What?! What do you mean what? You were supposed to text me last night letting me know you got home safely! I thought you were dead!”

I grimaced. “Well, I’m not dead.”

“Great, then can you explain to me why I got a really angry email from Pablo this morning about you being unprofessional at the gala? What the hell, Mari?”

I had no idea what he was talking about. “I don’t know what you mean.”

He sucked his teeth, obviously annoyed. “Just get in here. You were supposed to be here thirty minutes ago.”

He hung up and the time popped up on my phone screen. I yelped, running back to the room to change. I don’t remember the last time I slept until nine thirty.

I got dressed in record time, throwing on a knee length black skirt and a nice cream colored blouse. I managed to brush my teeth and toss my hair into a messy bun before I raced out of the room, shoving the sensible heels I wear to work on my feet as I dashed out the door.

The studio was only a couple blocks away but running in heels sucked and my feet were screaming by the time I arrived. Carlos stood in front of the bay window, his face red. He looked pissed, which was unusual for my friend. He generally gave me the benefit of the doubt.

I barely stepped in the door before he railed into me.

“Seriously, Mariana? I send you to one big event and you insult a client and end up losing a huge showing?

I actually hesitated at the door. Carlos was screaming at me, pacing the studio. He went on and on about how I lacked professionalism and this event would have been huge for the studio and we lost out on thousands because I couldn’t be polite for one evening. I couldn’t get in a word edgewise to defend myself. By the time he ran out of steam, tears stung my eyes. I dropped my head to hide them. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

He clicked his tongue. “You know what, I’m going upstairs. Do you think you can handle watching the studio for a little while without offending anyone else?”

I clenched my fist, pressing my lips together. He waited for my sharp nod before he stormed upstairs and away from me.

Once the door upstairs slammed closed, I raced to the kitchen, grabbing the counter as angry tears spilled over my cheeks. Apparently Pablo didn’t like me using Mateo as a shield last night and decided to throw me under the bus. I thought I’d at least be able to explain to Carlos what had happened but he went on a rampage instead. I had no idea what I did would offend him so much that he would cancel the event showing.

I heard the tinkle of the bell above the front door, letting me know someone had just entered the studio. I took a few deep breaths, wiping my face on my sleeves before plastering my best customer service smile on my face and making my way to the main viewing area.

Apparently, Carlos heard the bell too because he was already there, gushing over the new arrival. None other than Mateo Ramirez himself.

My stomach dropped and my lips parted on a gasp. I didn’t expect to ever see him again. Wasn’t the rule of playboys one and done? And yet there he stood, his eyes on me as Carlos invited him into the studio, his hands moving erratically as he tried to gather himself enough to show his art.

Mateo looked dashing in a grey suit. His tie was dark blue, like the color of my dress last night. Even his shoes looked perfect, shining in the studio lighting. Someone could go blind looking at shoes that shiny. He finally broke eye contact with me, his attention swinging to Carlos as he pointed to a few paintings. He nodded thoughtfully and looked like Carlos had his full attention but I felt his focus on me, even as he was looking away.

“Mariana!”

I jumped, jerking my attention to Carlos. He was suddenly in front of me, scowling at me. “What are you doing? Get him a drink or something,” he whispered harshly.

“That won’t be necessary, but thank you.” Mateo locked eyes with me again. I felt the familiar dump of butterflies in my belly and I twisted my fingers. This was awkward. What was he doing here?

Carlos beamed at him. “Okay. Just give us a minute.” He grabbed my hand, tugging me into the kitchen. “Holy shit, that’s Mateo Ramirez.” He sounded more like my friend now. I frowned. Not thirty minutes ago, he was screaming at me and now he wanted to dish like besties? I don’t think so.

“I’m aware. What are you doing? You should be out there with him,” I snapped, my voice frosty. Carlos looked surprised, his eyes searching mine for a moment. The creak of the floorboards seemed to snap him back to the moment and he hustled back to Mateo’s side. I decided to wait in the kitchen. Standing around awkwardly wouldn’t help any and neither would staring at Mateo. Even if he did look more delicious than a boatful of chocolate truffles.

“Really? Absolutely! Mariana!”

I heard him just fine without him yelling for me. I tried to hide my irritation, plastering on a smile as I joined them.

“Yes?”

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