Sinfully Summer by Aimee Duffy Read Free Book Online Page B

An audience with world leaders, maybe even a few queens, but not to raise money for homeless children.’ She turned to him, her expression unapologetic and went on. ‘Why ask my opinion? I’m sure you’ll go ahead and book it regardless of what I think.’
    She was almost right. Her opinion didn’t matter as much as any party planning skills he had, but he wasn’t sure about the venue and Alexa confirming his doubts made up his mind.
    He sighed. ‘I agree with you, but I don’t see us being able to find anywhere else on short notice. I can’t host this at another hotel, especially since I’m in competition with most and I would prefer not to do it at Hotel Castillo.’
    Her eyebrows rose. ‘Why not? It belongs to your family.’
    Ric wasn’t willing to admit that he’d refused to live off their name all his life, instead he told her, ‘It’s the last option.’
    Her gaze drifted to the view again. With the sun beaming on her face he could see the moisture shine on her forehead. ‘We’ll be leaving soon.’ He didn’t want to think too much about the fact she wasn’t wearing a bra, but wanted to reassure her that her discomfort wouldn’t last long.
    She nodded. After last night’s meeting with Santos, he had been wary bringing Alexa to Mr Romero’s, but if he was going to contract the property for the ball she could get a good feel for the place. Now, she was a stark contrast from the woman he’d found in her underwear in his penthouse the day before and a part of him wanted her back. Sparring with Alexa made him feel lighter than he had in a long time. She had a young spirit, said what she meant when she thought it and didn’t back down from him.
    ‘Who owns that?’ She pointed at the ocean.
    Ric’s gaze landed on the luxury yacht. ‘I don’t know. One of the residents, maybe.’
    She turned to him, a smile spread across her face and her eyes glittered with excitement. ‘It shouldn’t be hard to find out. Imagine having your ball there. I bet people would be talking about it for a long time.’
    Her words painted the picture in his mind before logic could rule it out. He grinned at her, unable to help himself. She bubbled with excitement and her eyes already sparkled with the possibilities. His breath caught and heat jolted south. Ric cleared his throat and frowned at his body’s reaction.
    ‘It would be difficult to find out who the owners are and persuade them to rent it to the cause in such short notice.’ Business. That’s why she was here. It would do him good to remember that.
    Alexa’s face fell. She turned her head back to look at the boat. ‘You sound like a quitter.’
    Ric bit back a laugh. ‘Not a quitter, just realistic.’
    Alexa let out an hmph . He smiled at the back of her head. She was every bit the spoiled heiress. Maybe living in the real world for a month would teach her that what Alexa wanted, she couldn’t always get.
    They arrived back at the hotel earlier than expected, and since Jenna had confiscated her phone just after midnight enforcing the ‘no work on holiday’ rule, Alexa asked Ric for the use of one of the offices. He’d led her to the room the event organiser had been using and suggested she take a look over the files Lydia had left.
    She shifted uncomfortably in the leather seat. The linen blouse had stuck to her torso after a morning sweltering under the suit jacket. She swore today was the last time she’d put on the manky skirt and jacket combo. This afternoon she’d go shopping with the girls and find something less…yuck. Though it irritated her he’d told her how to dress, Ric was right. She needed something more respectable if she wanted to change the world’s perception.
    It would take a lot more than an ugly pencil skirt to do the job.
    The phone on the desk rang and she picked it up. ‘Hello?’
    ‘Good, you’re still there. Get me a coffee before you leave.’
    The line went dead and she blinked at the receiver. How about he get his