Stolen Kisses, Page 20
Ruth Cardello
Dax took her hands in his. He remembered how Kenzi dreamed of everyone being together and happy. He couldn’t bring her brother back for her, but he thought of a location that might work for both Kenzi and her mother. “Clay owns several hotels in Clearwater, Florida. Some are right on the beach. Clearwater is not quite an island. It’s all connected by roads and bridges, but Clay says the sand is white and can’t be beat for beauty.”
Kenzi hugged him so tightly she nearly choked him again. “I love that idea. And you’re right, it doesn’t matter where the wedding is as long as it ends with us together.”
Dax didn’t have the words to express the love that surged through him just then, so he turned and kissed her. It lasted longer than he meant it to.
Dale cleared his throat loudly across the table. “Kenzi. Dax. We’ll see you two tomorrow.”
Kenzi broke off the kiss with a laugh. “I believe they’re throwing us out.”
Dax stood still holding Kenzi’s hand in his. “I believe they are.” He nodded at her father. “See you tomorrow, Dale.”
“Dad. Call me Dad,” Dale said and stood.
That simple request touched Dax deeply. He wasn’t the type to show his emotions outwardly, but his voice was husky when he said, “Dad.”
Kenzi looked from her father back to Dax with huge round eyes.
Looking into the eyes of the woman he loved reminded him of why he wouldn’t see her family the next day. He leaned over the table to shake Dale’s hand. “I’m taking Kenzi out of the country tonight for part two of her surprise.”
Kenzi’s mouth dropped open. “You mean there is more?”
It was time to see if Kate actually did deserve that raise. “I’m taking you to a business meeting.”
“Me?”
“Yes, I need to decide what to do with a certain island resort I own. The family I bought it from couldn’t afford to maintain it, but it had been in their family for generations. I’m meeting with them to see if we can come to an agreement that would involve them taking over the day-to-day running of it in exchange for partial ownership of it. They think I’m joking, but once they meet you they’ll understand. I don’t want to sell the place we met, but I don’t want to build our future on a memory of who I was. I can’t go back and undo everything I’ve done, but I can undo this one. And with your help, Kenzi, I can do it right this time.”
Kenzi looked up at Dax with such love in her eyes that Dax knew he finally had what he’d never allowed himself to admit he wanted—a home. His life with Kenzi would probably be filled with children and pets. It would be messy and complicated, but it would be full of love.
And he couldn’t imagine wanting it any other way.
Chapter Twenty-One
Two weeks later Kenzi was attending the opening of Emily’s Tactile Museum of Art with Dax. It was a large event, but only a hint of what would be thrown for the opening of the education complex her brother was building for Emily in New Hampshire.
Kenzi and Dax were both dressed to the nines, but the one who’d received the most attention as they’d entered the event had been Taffy. Her hair had grown in well and her scars were finally covered, but the journey she’d been through was forever immortalized in an exhibit at the museum. People of all ages came over to say how beautiful Taffy was and how deeply her story had touched them.
Kenzi and Dax were working their way through the crowd when a man approached them and handed Kenzi his card. He was a producer and said he was interested in making Taffy’s story into a movie. Kenzi met Dax’s eyes briefly, curious to see his reaction.
Dax asked what she thought he would: “Is that what you want, Kenzi?”
Kenzi looked at the healthy dog who was happily tucked beneath Dax’s arm. Kenzi leaned lovingly against Dax. “No, I already have I want.” She leaned over and gave Taffy a scratch beneath her chin. “And so does Taffy.”
Dax bent to kiss her briefly, and the man walked away. The moment was broken by Lance appearing beside them. “Kenzi, is Willa coming tonight?”
Kenzi looked at Dax and hid a smile. They’d spoken about how Lance had a sweet spot for Willa. “She said she might. Should I tell her you’re looking for her?”
Her brother went a light shade of pink. “No. I was just curious.” He waved a hand around dismissively. “Hey, I have a question for you.”
Completely at a loss, Kenzi shrugged one shoulder. “Okay.”
“Emily asked me about Mom’s sister, Patrice. She’s really curious about her. She said she’s reading her journal and found notes about you and Kent along with a string of numbers and an address. She said it was odd. Emily wants to ask Mom about it. I told her hell no, but I wanted to see what you thought.”
Kenzi gripped Dax’s arm. “Mom handled everything with me so well, but she still won’t talk about Kent. I don’t think it’s a good idea to ask her anything about her sister. Do you agree, Dax?”
Dax leaned in. “I wouldn’t read anyone’s journal, but if I did and I found something in it that didn’t sound right, I’d have to ask about it.”
Kenzi looked back at Lance. “What does Asher think?”
Lance rolled his eyes skyward “He doesn’t want to know about it. He says the past is the past.”
“But you think there might be something to this?” Kenzi bit her bottom lip. “Aunt Patrice wasn’t a happy woman. I can’t imagine what she’d write about.”
Lance asked, “So, you’ll read it?”
“Only if you do,” Kenzi said then turned to Dax. Lance did, too.
Dax shook his head. “No. Keep me out of this.” Kenzi gave him hopeful eyes.
Lance said, “We need someone who can be objective.”
Dax groaned. “I’ll read it once, but you two will owe me. What are you so afraid of, anyway? What could possibly be in some dead, old woman’s journal?”
The End
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Read on for an Excerpt from Maid for the Billionaire, Book 1 of the Legacy Collection
Acknowledgements
I am so grateful to everyone who was part of the process of creating Always Mine. Thank you to:
Nicole Sanders at Trevino Creative Graphic Design for my new cover. You are amazing!
My very patient beta readers. You know who you are. Thank you for kicking my butt when I need it.
My editors: Karen Lawson, Janet Hitchcock, and Marion Archer.
My Roadies for making me smile each day when I log on my computer. So many of you have become friends. Was there life before the Roadies? I’m sure there was, but it wasn’t have as much fun.
Thank you to my husband, Tony, who is a saint—simple as that.
Other Books by Ruth
The Legacy Collection:
*Also available in audiobook format
Where my billionaires began.
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (available at all major eBook stores for FREE!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving The Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea’s Redemption
Book 7: A Corisi Christmas Novella
The Andrades
*Also available in audiobook format
A spin off series of the Legacy Collection with cameos from characters you love from that series.
Recipe For Love, An Andrade Christmas Novella
Book 1: Come Away With Me (available at all major eBook stores for FREE!)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
The Barringtons
A new, seven book series about the Andrade’s Boston cousins.
The first
series in the Barrington Billionaire WORLD.
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses (Available for pre-order now)
Book 3: Trade It All (Coming 2016)
Book 4: Let It Burn (Coming 2016)
Book 5: More Than Love (Coming 2017)
Book 6: Forever Now (Coming 2017)
Book 7: Never Goodbye (Coming 2017)
*Look for a linked series set in the same world, written by Jeannette Winters (my sister).
You won’t have to read her series to enjoy mine, but it sure will make it more fun. Characters will appear in both series.
Author Jeannette Winters
Book 1: One White Lie
Book 2: Table For Two (Coming in April)
Book 3: You and Me Make Three (Coming 2016)
Book 4: Virgin for the Fourth Time (Coming 2016)
Book 5: His for Five Nights (Coming 2017)
Book 6: After Six (Coming 2017)
More by Ruth Cardello
Lone Star Burn Series:
Hot, fun romances that roam from the country to the city and back.
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: (coming October, 2016)
The Temptation Series:
Guaranteed to put you on Santa’s naughty list.
Book 1: Twelve Days of Temptation
Book 2: Be My Temptation
Two hot novellas about one sizzling couple.
Other Books:
Taken By a Trillionaire
Ruth Cardello, JS Scott, Melody Anne.
Three hot fantasies about alpha princes and the women who tame them.
Author Jeannette Winters
The Billionaire’s Secret: Betting On You Series: Book One
The Billionaire’s Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two
The Billionaire’s Longshot: Betting on You Series: Book Three
The Billionaire’s Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four
All Bets Off: Betting On You Series: Book Five
Read on for an Excerpt from Maid for the Billionaire, Book 1 of the Legacy Collection
Author Biography
Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York—then came full circle and moved back to Rhode Island. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.
She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love– writing and has never been happier. When she’s not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm, riding her horses, or connecting with her readers online.
Contact Ruth:
Website: RuthCardello.com
Email: [email protected]
FaceBook: Author Ruth Cardello
Twitter: @RuthieCardello
Read on for an Excerpt from Maid for the Billionaire, Book 1 of the Legacy Collection
Excerpt from Maid for the Billionaire
Book 1 of the Legacy Collection
Available at all major eBook retailers for FREE!
Dominic Corisi knew instantly that Abigail Dartley was just the distraction he was looking for, especially since having her took a bit more persuading than he was used to. So when business forces him to fly to China, he decides to take her with him, but on his terms. No promises. No complications. Just sex.
Abby has always been the responsible one. She doesn’t believe in taking risks; especially when it comes to men – until she meets Dominic. He’s both infuriating and intoxicating, a heady combination. Their trip to China revives a long forgotten side of Abby, but also reveals a threat to bring down Dominic’s company.
With no time to explain her actions, Abby must either influence the outcome of his latest venture and save his company or accept her role as his mistress and leave his fate to chance. Does she love him enough to risk losing him for good?
Chapter One
By dying now, his father had won again. That old bastard.
Dominic Corisi slammed the door of his black Bugatti Veyron and stepped onto the sun baked Boston sidewalk without giving the million-dollar vehicle a backward glance. The joy of owning it was dead along with his desire to answer the incessant ring of the cell phone he’d ignored since yesterday. Rather than turning it off, he’d muffled the noise by burying the device deep within a coat pocket, maintaining the connection to his life like a distant beacon.
Despite the oppressive heat, he paused at the bottom stair of his old brownstone. There was nothing spectacular about it, outside of its location near the upbeat Newbury Street. If he remembered correctly, its rooms were small and the main staircase had a creak that he never did get around to fixing. It was nothing like the sprawling mansions he now owned in various countries around the world.
But it was the closest thing he had to a home.
His phone rang with a tone he couldn’t ignore. Jake. His second in command would simply call again, killing whatever chance Dominic had of finding a moment of peace inside those brick walls. “Corisi,” he barked into the phone.
“Dominic, glad I caught you,” Jake Walton said smoothly, as if he hadn’t unsuccessfully rung twenty times in the last two days. That was Jake, calm and professional, even in the storm of hostile takeovers. Nothing fazed the man.
Normally, Dominic appreciated his even temper, but today it grated on him. Maybe the forty or so hours without sleep were beginning to catch up with him. He fought an impulse to toss his phone over the metal railing. The world wasn’t the orderly, rational place Jake liked to organize it into. It was messy. It was ugly. And, most recently, it lacked justice.
“How is Boston?”
The inane question almost sent Dominic over the edge. “How do you think?”
It was probably too much to hope that Jake’s uncharacteristic silence signaled an end to a conversation Dominic wished he had avoided.
“We need to discuss the China contract. The Minister of Commerce is expecting to meet with you tomorrow to cement the details. This is your dream, Dominic. By next week, Corisi Enterprises will be a major global player. What do you want me to tell the minister?”
“I don’t know,” Dominic said wearily.
Jake made a sound somewhere between a choke and a cough, then was speechless—a revealing response for a man who handled irate international diplomats without missing a step. He was the fixer and navigated the unexpected with ease. Until now.
Poor Jake. Nothing in their shared history had prepared either of them for Dominic’s sudden desire to withdraw from the world. The creators of financial empires didn’t take sudden vacations and they most certainly didn’t hide, especially not after having laid the groundwork for the single greatest business venture of the century. Bill Gates himself had called last week to discuss the ramifications of the negotiations.
“Jake, I need to drop off the radar for about a week. Why don’t you take over the China contract?”
“Okay . . .” Jake said awkwardly. In another situation, Jake’s loss of composure would have been amusing.
“Can you handle it or not?” Dominic challenged. He could barely think past the throbbing of his headache.
Maybe coming to Boston was a mistake. It had been here, at seventeen, that he’d walked away from his inheritance and waited tables to fund the search for his mother. Here, in this very brownstone, that he’d cultivated a hatred for a father who had denied both involvement and interest in the disappearance of his wife.
Jake’s voice slammed Dominic back into the present. “No problem. I’ve followed the progress you’ve made with the Chinese Investment Promotion Agency. They’re eager. I’ll clear my schedule and cover yours. Duhamel wi
ll forward all of your calls to me until further notice.”
“Good.”
“Dom . . .” Jake hesitated. “It’s normal to need time to grieve. You just lost your father.”
A harsh laugh escaped Dominic. “Trust me, I’m not grieving his loss.” He leaned a hip on the metal railing and looked up at the building he had instinctively returned to, searching for the man he’d once been and hoping to find something there that would shake off the immobilizing apathy he felt for all he had done since—high expectations for brick and antique wallpaper.
Jake said, “That’s what worries me. No matter what your plans were or what he once did to you, he’s gone now. You’ve got to let it go.”
Jake was asking the impossible. Of course the past mattered. Sometimes it was the only thing that did. “Just do your job, Jake. If you can’t handle it, tell me and I’ll promote Priestly to help you.”
For the second time since they had met at Harvard, Jake lost his temper. “That’s bullshit, Dom. You want to send Priestly to China? Send him. You’re absolutely right—you’ve made me a very rich man. I don’t need this. But heed my warning: you won’t be a billionaire for long if we both step away from the helm. A lot is riding on this contract. The lawsuits alone will freeze your assets if you screw this up. You invested too much of your own and you’re playing with the big boys now. Governments are not very forgiving when it comes to last minute walk outs.”
The speech should have shaken Dominic, but it barely breached the numbness that had settled in since he’d received the phone call from his father’s lawyer. What did all the money matter anyway? He’d wasted fifteen years amassing an empire that would allow him to throw down a forced buyout contract on his father’s enormous mahogany desk. Dominic should have taken action years ago, but no level of prior success had felt like enough. He’d choreographed the day from both sides, building his company while undermining his father’s, always working toward that one absolute win. Dominic had counted on his father’s desperation finally forcing him to confess what had actually happened to his mother.
