Escape to Paradise Read online

“Where are you going?” Ramón asked, his bushy eyebrows jammed together in a crooked line. “We have to find a replacement for Mrs. Ortega today, Santiago. That reporter woman from Good Morning Cabo is doing a feature on the resort next month, and we have a lot of interviews and radio spots planned to promote the celebration bash.”

  “Leave everything to me,” he announced, already halfway through the office.

  “Do you want me to go online and make a list of all the local event coordinators?”

  Santiago grinned. “Nope. I already have someone in mind.”

  Hobbling like a ninety-year-old woman with a broken cane, Claudia pushed open the door to her posh suite and collapsed onto the closest thing with four legs. Seven hours ago she’d set off for a relaxing stroll in the mountains, but instead of basking in the sunshine, she’d ended up aggravating every bone in her body. The only bright spot of the day had been meeting Ana. At the thought of the older woman, Claudia smiled. She had been anxious to return to her suite, but Ana wouldn’t let her leave. At least not until they’d had lunch. Two aspirins and a shot of tequila later, and the older woman was flittering around the kitchen, reheating leftovers and setting the table.

  “What do you think of the tortilla shells?” she asked, pouring peach lemonade into Claudia’s oversize glass. “I’ve never used flax seed before, but I’m trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and my dietician said it’s good for me.”

  Claudia chewed until every muscle in her jaw hurt, then forced the rubbery bread down her throat. It tasted like something cooked in an Easy-Bake Oven, but she smiled and told her hostess it was delicious. Hurting others had never been her style, and she could never understand why her ex-husband enjoyed putting people down. He garnered a sick satisfaction in berating her, and when he’d unleashed his full terror on her last Christmas Eve, she’d feared for her life. I should have left when I had the chance, she thought, replaying the events of that night in her mind for the hundredth time. If I had followed my instincts, I’d still be…

  Feelings of despair overwhelmed her, spread from her heart to her soul like an infectious disease. To keep the tears stinging the back of her eyes at bay, Claudia remembered how much fun she’d had that morning. Ana was a hoot. Sixty years young with a sharp mind and a killer wit. During lunch, they’d chatted about celebrity gossip and Mexican culture, and before Claudia knew it two hours had flown by. Being with Ana made Claudia feel good, energized, the way she used to feel before her life took a disastrous turn for the worse. Claudia couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so hard, and when Ana suggested they have breakfast again tomorrow morning, she’d readily agreed. Why not? Spending time with Ana would take her mind off the fraud case and the seriously sexy resort manager with the ripped physique.

  Craving a cold drink, she licked her lips and stared longingly at the wet bar. Ana swore by her unconventional pain remedy, but Claudia needed more than some aspirin and a shot of tequila to revive her. A defibrillator would do the trick. Claudia wished she had the strength to get up, but she was so utterly exhausted she couldn’t move.

  “Hello? Claudia?”

  At the sound of the deep masculine voice she’d heard last night in her dreams, Claudia bolted upright. When she saw Santiago standing in the doorway, the wall lights illuminating his delicious silhouette, she almost fell off her chair. Seeing Santiago was the ultimate adrenaline rush, and his charming grin caused desire to spark between her legs.

  Avoiding his gaze, she combed her fingertips through the ends of her matted hair. She looked a mess, smelled like funk, and had so many blisters on her feet a searing pain shot through her side when she sprang to her feet. Hoping he’d keep his distance, but doubtful he would, she slid behind the couch. Right, as if a physical barrier would conceal her hideous scent.

  “It’s good to see you.” His greeting was warm, friendly, as if he’d been looking forward to seeing her all day. “The resort is safe, but I still wouldn’t recommend leaving your door open. You never know who might be lurking around.”

  “I thought I’d closed it, but I was so out of it when I came in, I didn’t double-check.”

  “Are you okay? You look a little worse for wear.”

  “Let’s just say I won’t be hiking on Cardiac Mountain anytime soon.”

  Concern showed on his face.

  “What are you doing here?” As the words left her mouth, she remembered the incident at the front desk and felt guilty for snapping at him. “I didn’t have time to call the credit card company today, but—”

  “I came here for two reasons, and none of them have to do with what happened at the front desk last night,” he said, interrupting her. “I’m not even thinking about our incidental policy. I know you’re good for it.”

  Claudia sighed in relief and smiled her thanks. At least she didn’t have to worry about being tossed out of the suite.

  “I’m here on official resort business, but first I need to apologize.”

  “For?” she asked, hoping he’d fill in the blanks.

  “I feel horrible for standing you up this morning.”

  Well, I’ll be. Shocked by this unexpected turn of events, she leaned against the couch to steady her tired, wobbly legs. Santiago had stood her up? It shouldn’t have mattered, but it did. Claudia didn’t know why she was surprised by his confession. This was the story of her life. Men hurt her, apologized, then did it again for good measure. If she had a quarter for every time a man had disappointed her, she could pay off her mortgage and finally take Max on that Mediterranean cruise she’d been dreaming of for years.

  “I didn’t hear my alarm go off, and by the time I woke up it was nine-thirty, and you had already left.” His expression was solemn, but his voice was strong. He strode toward her like a man on a mission, like a man who could crush her willpower and her heart.

  Claudia backed into the floor lamp and winced when her foot struck the base. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Shaking her head, she cleaned her sweaty palms along the side of her shorts. Who was she kidding? She could hardly walk, let alone run. And where was she going to go? Into the doorless en suite bathroom? The thought of fleeing to the bathroom made Claudia laugh inside.

  “This is for you,” Santiago said, offering the flower-print bag he’d had concealed behind his back. “I picked it up in the resort gift shop. It’s our most popular seller, and one of my all-time favorites, too.”

  The scent of cocoa was so thick in the air Claudia’s mouth watered. Opening the bag, she reached inside and pulled out a ceramic angel cookie jar. It had intricate hand-painted designs along the top of the canister and the word hope written throughout. Claudia was ready to dig in, but since Santiago was watching, she curbed her enthusiasm and read the tag attached to the jar. “Shaped in a traditional fleur-de-lis design, each chocolate cookie has been mixed with the finest ingredients and baked with a mother’s love.” Claudia licked her lips and rubbed a hand over her stomach. “I can hardly wait to try one. I absolutely adore chocolate.”

  “Most women do.”

  His smile was sweeter than the scent swirling around the room.

  “Few people know this, but chocolate and chili were discovered in Mexico. These cookies are a marriage of both, and people all over the world order our jars.”

  “Santiago, you have been terribly kind, and saying thank you just doesn’t seem enough.”

  He shook his head, shrugged a shoulder. “I haven’t done anything special.”

  “Yes, you have. You bought me lunch yesterday at the airport lounge in Washington, escorted me to my suite last night, and now you’re here with cookies. You’re a modern-day Prince Charming!”

  “Who needs a louder alarm clock!” Santiago chuckled. “Aside from the scorching heat, how was your hike?”

  “Brutal. I hurt like you wouldn’t
believe.”

  “I tried to tell you not to go alone, but you wouldn’t listen to me.”

  “What did you expect me to do? You stood me up, remember?” Claudia couldn’t resist teasing him. Not when he looked so smug, so confident. It was hard to believe that they’d only met yesterday. She didn’t know much about Santiago, but she liked him immensely. “You should feel bad for standing me up,” she said, fighting a smile. “If we had gone together, I wouldn’t be in so much pain now. I think you owe me a lot more than a jar of cookies.”

  “You’re right. I do.” Santiago placed a hand on her forearm, lightly.

  Claudia stopped breathing.

  His touch prickled her skin and caused goose bumps to erupt across her arms. A sensual wave assaulted her, left her feeling so flustered she couldn’t speak. Which was just as well, because all she could think about was kissing him until she was breathless. Deep down, she wanted more. She ached for him, and the luscious smile stretched across his lips made her desire every inch of him.

  Guilt attacked Claudia, making her feel dirty and ashamed for ogling his thick, bulging biceps. Surely, she wasn’t the only female guest who’d had sinful thoughts about him. He probably hooked up with a lot of women at the resort. But not her.

  Ignoring the throbbing between her legs, she withdrew her hand and folded her arms. Claudia caught a whiff of her shirt and almost fainted. She smelled like she hadn’t showered in days, and wondered how Santiago could stand being so close to her. Time to bring this visit to an end, she decided, resisting the urge to plug her nose. “Thanks for stopping by,” she said, moving toward the door with renewed energy. “I really need to take a shower and get down to work. I’m planning a fantasy ball, and I promised my assistant I’d send my preliminary notes by the end of the day.”

  “I understand. I actually came over here to discuss a project I thought you might be interested in, but since you’ve already got your plate full, I’ll be on my way.”

  “What project?”

  Santiago waved off her question with his hand. “Forget it. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sure you wouldn’t be interested.”

  “You won’t know unless you ask.”

  He watched a frown crease her forehead and knew he’d piqued her curiosity. “We’re looking for an event coordinator to plan our twenty-fifth anniversary bash, and since that’s your area of expertise, I thought you might want the job. But never mind. You’re busy.”

  “I can spare a few minutes now to discuss it.”

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’ve already taken up enough of your time.” Santiago opened the door. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Señorita Jeffries.”

  Claudia touched his forearm. “Hold on! I’d like to hear more about the job.”

  Smiling inwardly, Santiago slowly pivoted back around.

  “What exactly does the job entail?” she asked, her eyes wide with interest. There was a note of apprehension in her voice, but also a hint of excitement. “Would I have complete creative control or would I be working with a team?”

  “The resort turns twenty-five this year, and we want to throw the biggest celebration ever. We’ll be unveiling our new fantasy suites and the wedding chapel at the event as well,” he explained. “So, basically we’re looking for someone to plan, promote and orchestrate the event.”

  A smile fell across Claudia’s face, lighting her mouth with joy.

  “If you take the job, we’ll comp your meals, drinks and spa treatments and…” He paused, waited a moment for his words to sink in, then said, “Pay you twenty-five thousand dollars.”

  Her eyes doubled in size. “Twenty-five thousand dollars?”

  “Cash,” he tossed out, hoping that would be enough incentive to seal the deal. Paying her off the books was against company protocol, and if his mother ever found out there would be hell to pay, but Claudia was worth the potential ass-kicking.

  “I’ll need some time to think about it.”

  “I see.” Santiago pulled back the sleeve of his shirt and made his eyes wide. “I have to go or I’ll be late for my meeting, and the last thing I want to do is annoy my boss.”

  “Are you free tonight?” she asked, trailing him out into the hallway. “Maybe you could come back later and we could finish our discussion.”

  “I’m sorry, but I really don’t have time. I need to hire an event planner as soon as possible, and since you’re not interested—”

  “But I am.”

  “Good, then let’s meet at the outdoor café and finalize the deal over dinner.”

  Claudia’s smile lost its warmth. “It’s noisy there, and crowded. Hardly the right place to talk. And we’ll probably end up waiting a long time to be served.”

  “Is there somewhere else you’d prefer to go?”

  “No. I’d rather stay here. In my suite.”

  A grin crowned Santiago’s face. This was too good to be true! But as he gave more thought to her suggestion, his excitement waned. Having dinner in her suite wouldn’t be special or memorable or exciting. They were in Cabo, a land of destiny and promise, and one of the most romantic places on the earth. Santiago would have loved nothing more than to show Claudia his beloved country. They needed to be out, together, enjoying life. And Santiago knew just where to go. Besides, once they finished planning the celebration bash there would be plenty of time for cozy, intimate dinners. But tonight, they’d talk business.

  “Do you have a problem having dinner here?” she asked, a scowl bruising her lips.

  “I can’t. It’s against company policy.” Santiago felt his right eye twitch and averted his gaze. Lying made him feel guilty, but if twisting the truth would bring him closer to Claudia, he’d gladly recite a thousand Hail Marys. “Employees are forbidden from dining with guests in their suites, and I want to set the right example for my staff.”

  Claudia sighed. “Let’s just forget it then.”

  “I know the perfect place we can go. It’s quiet, secluded and far away from the crowds.”

  “I like it already. Should we meet in the lobby at six o’clock?”

  Her eyes held him hostage, caressed him as tenderly as a hand along his jaw. Santiago wanted to kiss her until he had nothing left, but gave her a peck on the cheek instead. “Make it seven, and Claudia…”

  “Yes?”

  “Don’t keep me waiting.”

  Chapter 9

  “What’s this nonsense about you firing my event coordinator?”

  Santiago stared at his mother as if she’d rappelled down from the vaulted ceiling. His eyes wide with shock, he watched her through the dresser mirror, wondering how in the world she’d ended up inside his bedroom. “How did you get inside?”

  “I used my master key, of course,” she said, waving the white plastic card around like it was a golden ticket. “I have to speak to you, now, and I wasn’t about to be put off.”

  “Next time, I’d appreciate it if you knocked. What if I had female company and—”

  “And what? You were watching Telemundo?” Ana barked a laugh. “I love you, son, but you’re not exactly smooth when it comes to the ladies. Women love confident men who aren’t afraid to take risks, and you’re about as safe as they come.”

  “I’m very assertive. I have to be or I wouldn’t be any good at my job.”

  “That’s work. I’m talking about in relationships. Case in point, you dated that adorable cheerleader for months without passing second base. And now she’s Miss Cabo.”

  “Mom, we were in the ninth grade!”

  “Yeah, but that didn’t stop her from flashing her tatas at every chico in the neighborhood, did it?” Ana wore a superior face. “Your father and I raised you to be a gentleman, but that doesn’t mean you should be pass
ive, Tiago. Wishy-washy guys never win the girl, but strong, assertive ones always do!”

  Santiago squirted aftershave in his palms and rubbed his hands along his jaw. Maybe if his mom saw that he was busy getting dressed, she’d leave.

  “Now, back to the celebration bash. I just had a long talk with Ramón and he told me everything.” Ana limped into the bedroom and made herself at home on the sofa love seat. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to convince Mrs. Ortega to take the job? It took months of emailing, calling and a lavish five-hundred-dollar gift basket!”

  “Mom, are you okay? You’re favoring your right side.”

  “Don’t try and change the subject.”

  Her evasiveness roused his curiosity. Santiago faced her, watched as she struggled to put her feet up on the black leather ottoman. “Did you get hurt during your morning hike?”

  “The only thing I want to discuss is why you canned my event planner, so start talking.”

  Santiago took a moment to organize his thoughts. He’d planned to talk to his mom about the celebration bash tomorrow, but since Ramón had a weakness for running his mouth, he had no choice but to do it now.

  “I asked you to review the budget, not to make unauthorized changes. I’m not a whiz at numbers like you, but if I had known you were going to fire people, I would have put in an appearance.”

  “I didn’t want anything to do with the project, but you begged me to come down here and oversee the renovations while you recuperated from surgery, remember?”

  Ana wrung her hands in her lap, intently studying the tips of her French manicure.

  “My job is to keep the project on budget, and that’s what I intend to do. I know you’re a big fan of Mrs. Ortega, but we simply can’t afford her. She’s too expensive, and in these trying economic times we need to be conservative with our money.”

  “But she’s very well connected in the entertainment industry!” Ana argued, pounding the arm rest. “Thanks to her, an episode of Destination Weddings will be filmed in the chapel, and Eye on Cabo is doing a feature on us. November is a big month for us, and the anniversary celebration has to be perfect, lavish, unlike anything anyone’s ever seen before.”