Do Date Your Handsome Rival (Jewel Family Romance Book 3) Read online

  “Stop.” She pushed at his arm with her hand. His very firm forearm. His very manly arm. His very … Oh crap, she was still touching it, and he was staring at her hand on his arm as if entranced with it. Quickly pulling her hand back, she looked around at the wedding party. Everyone was satiated with great food, spending time with well-loved family and friends, and sharing Isaac and Cosette’s joy; the happy couple competed with the sun for shine and sparkle. “We did good, right?”

  “Excuse me?” Luke was still looking down at where her fingers had been pressed against his skin as he’d removed his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt.

  “The wedding. We pulled it off.”

  “Oh. Yes.” Luke focused back on her face. “Well, you and Rachel pulled it off.”

  “You definitely helped. Thank you for paying for everything.”

  He waved a hand at that. “I was happy to.” He glanced away from her and at the newlywed couple; they were talking to some of Isaac’s Air Force buddies who’d been able to get the day off and come to the beach twenty miles from their base. “I want them to have every happiness.”

  Something in his voice made her spine straighten with defensiveness. “Of course they’ll have every happiness.”

  He stared at her. “That’s what I said.”

  “That’s not what you meant.” She challenged him with a tilt of her head and an arch of her eyebrows. It was true—she didn’t know the meaning of demure, and she was far too fiery.

  A waiter brought drinks around, and Luke snagged them a couple of strawberry lemonades. Mar thanked him and took a long drink of the cool, tart, yet sweet drink. Luke took a drink, then set it down and tugged at his tie.

  “You’ve already taken the jacket off; maybe you should keep the rest of your clothes on,” she said before she could help herself. Lord forgive her wanton thoughts.

  She thought he might give her a flirtatious line back, but he started guiltily and took another drink. “I have a hard time sitting still,” he admitted, casting his eyes to where his regal mother was talking with a group of ladies. Mar wondered if he had gotten in trouble for being restless as a child.

  Now that he mentioned it, she couldn’t help but notice the restless energy that emanated from him. She wanted to ask him more about it, but first had to reiterate, “Why are you worried about Isaac and Cosette’s happiness? They radiate happiness.” She leaned back and assessed him as he prepared to answer.

  “I think they’re a perfect fit; otherwise I never would’ve agreed to help you and Rachel and funded the wedding. My concern is that it’s going to be hard to juggle careers they’re both extremely passionate about. Especially if Isaac gets deployed again.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Cosette has been willing to make every sacrifice.” Even sacrificing her best friend. “Moving her lab here, leaving her dad and everything familiar to her …”

  “I recognize that, and I hope she never feels alone and resentful when he’s off saving the world.”

  “I don’t know that she has a resentful bone in her body, but I can imagine she might feel alone.” Mar’s heart twinged at the thought of it. She vowed that when Isaac was deployed, or even when he was on missions that took him away from home for a few days or a week, Mar would come keep Cosette company. She smiled, feeling better already. Her friend would need her. Thank heavens. Most people thought it was hard to have no family because you had no one looking out for you, but for Mar, it was harder not having anyone need her.

  Luke had fallen silent, almost broodily so.

  “You definitely don’t match what the media portrays about you,” Mar said.

  He focused back on her and smiled easily, spreading his hands. “The billionaire playboy. Why not? Am I not being flirtatious enough for you, Ms. Valez?”

  “No, you’re not,” she shot back. “But maybe that’s simply because you’re not interested in me.” She threw it out there as a quip, but it sounded insecure and needy. She was both, but no one needed to know that. She scrambled for how to retract her statement.

  “Oh, I’m interested.” Luke’s voice dropped to a low and husky pitch as his gaze swept hungrily over her face. “What red-blooded American playboy wouldn’t be interested in you?”

  Mar’s stomach lurched from his look and words; at the same time, she reprimanded herself for letting him affect her at all. Which was the act—the “American playboy,” or the restless genius? He was obviously playing a role just like she was. She wished she knew how to read him.

  She ignored his words. Any knee-jerk response would sound overconfident. Every male seemed interested, but she’d never met one who was the right fit for her, one who wanted a long-term relationship with a sassy, driven, independent businesswoman. She asked instead, “I hear you’re something of a creative genius and an expert in business?”

  He shrugged and leaned casually back in his chair. His body was lithe and coiled like a tiger ready to spring. She liked his power and energy, but he unnerved her a little bit. She couldn’t tell if he was interested in her like she was in him, or if he was simply toying with her.

  “Why?” he asked simply.

  “I just wondered if you’d give me a bit of advice.”

  “Of course.” He leaned forward now, his blue eyes intent and excited.

  “Have you heard of the show Shark Tank?”

  “Sure.”

  The way he said it and the overconfident look in his eyes made Mar wonder if they’d asked him to be on the show. He’d be an amazing fit, as impressive as the other sharks but a lot better-looking, at least in her eyes.

  “They came to me asking if Cosette and I would be interested in coming on the show. I think for a start-up company it’s a fabulous idea, but why would an established business want to give up any equity, even for a partner who can get them on QVC?”

  Luke pushed his drink aside, leaned forward, and started expounding on different reasons she might consider the show, the best argument being the basically free exposure it would give their brand. He understood that they didn’t want a partner, but he explained that some of these partners could bring retailers and revenue sources to the table that they might never be able to approach on their own.

  They went the rounds discussing, sometimes vehemently, sometimes surprising themselves by agreeing. They moved on from Shark Tank to other marketing successes, failures, and new ideas, to employee recruitment, motivation, and retention, and then to distribution. Luke expounded or enhanced many ideas that Mar knew would help the company.

  It was growing dark, and suddenly Luke’s sister Rachel was standing over them. “You two done ‘discussing’ so we can send the bride and groom off?”

  “Oh!” Mar scrambled to her feet, shocked that she’d gotten so lost in her discussion with Luke that she hadn’t fully focused on her darling friend on this most special of days. Not that Cosette needed Mar, as she had Isaac attending to her every whim, but Mar was still the best friend and maid of honor. “Thanks, Rachel.”

  They hurried together to get the sparklers and lighters. The twins, Seth and Caleb, had promised they could do a fabulous fireworks show to send the bride and groom off, but Rachel shut them down quickly, explaining that fireworks were illegal in Florida, and no, they weren’t going to break the law under her watch.

  “Were you two having fun?” Rachel asked.

  Mar looked back to where Luke now stood, watching her. His expression was unreadable. “He’s really smart,” she said. “I appreciated his business insights.”

  Rachel gave her a stare-down that only a sister could achieve. “Is that the only insight you’re interested in?”

  Mar arched an eyebrow and tossed her long hair over her shoulder. “I don’t think I’ll answer that question.”

  Rachel laughed. “Good for you.” She bumped Mar’s hip with her own as she carried her supply of sparklers to the crowd forming a line. “I think you’d fit in great with our family.”

  Mar watched her go.
It was a kind statement, but Mar would never fit in great with any family. She didn’t understand the concept of family, and she was more than likely destined to be alone.

  Chapter Three

  Luke worked the same amount as usual over the next few months: twelve- to sixteen-hour days, six days a week. He always honored the Sabbath; it not only brought him blessings but also gave his mind and body a much-needed break. June finally came to his beautiful mountain spot in Colorado, bringing warmth and sunshine. He took advantage of hiking and mountain biking in the sunshine.

  If only he could get the beautiful Marietta Valez out of his mind. He’d only spent, what, a couple of hours talking to her? He’d loved those hours. They’d discussed, they’d outright argued, and they’d learned from each other and come up with some pretty great marketing ideas and ways to increase revenue for her and Cosette’s business.

  To be honest, he was impressed by Mar and wanted to spend more time with her. Very few people were intelligent, informed, and confident enough to discuss with him like she had. Usually when he tried to engage someone in a conversation like that, they’d either end up with a blank stare, or treat him like he was Zeus and say far too many times, “Well, you’re Luke Jewel; of course you’re right,” or something equally annoying. Not Mar. She’d been quick to acknowledge when he had a good idea or insight, but she’d been just as quick to argue with him and question his ideas or expound upon them.

  His phone rang, and he snatched it off his desk and stood and stretched, grateful for the break from his own thoughts.

  “Isaac,” he said, greeting his brother warmly. “How’s married life?”

  “Exceptional. How are you?”

  “You know me, working nonstop.” He paced his large office, facing the majestic peaks west of Boulder. He could have his office anywhere in the world, but he’d become obsessed with the Colorado mountains. He also had three family members close by. Eve’s gym was only thirty minutes south of him in Golden, and he loved any opportunity to be with Paisley. Caleb played lacrosse for the Denver Outlaws so it was great to go watch his games. If Luke wasn’t acquiring or starting a new project, he’d usually be in Colorado. His mansion had a private airport close by where he had a hangar for his jet, and he could hike or mountain bike from the back doors of his mansion.

  “Yeah, about that. You up for a short break?”

  “Only if there’s a chance to start a new business during the break.”

  “No,” Isaac said firmly. “I mean an actual break.”

  “Um …” He looked back to his desk. The “pile” of work was all in his computer files, not actually visible, but it was still there. He had several personal assistants, and very competent CEOs running each of his various businesses, but he still liked to try to “touch” each business as often as he could. His ideas always increased profit and productivity.

  “Come on. What’s it going to matter if you make another million dollars? I’ve got three days’ leave, and Cosette and I are flying to San Francisco for the weekend to be with Mar. We thought it’d be fun to have you come.”

  “Mar?” He leaned against the glass window, suddenly a little short of breath.

  “Come with us. We’ll take in the sights with the local tour guides. Rachel’s convinced Cosette that you and Mar had a spark at our wedding.”

  “You and Cosette should have time alone.” He wasn’t going to admit that Rachel was dead on or admit to the “spark” he felt with Cosette.

  “Believe me, I’m a fan of that, but she’s worried about Mar. The two of them have been inseparable since middle school, and Cosette claims Mar is working herself into the ground without Cosette around.”

  “So this is a charity intervention trip?” He knew there was nothing charitable about him wanting to be around Mar.

  “Whatever you have to tell yourself, bro. Come on. I haven’t seen you since my wedding. Come hang out with us.”

  Luke felt bad that his siblings always had to twist his arm to do anything. Eve was the only one who never asked. He was the driving force there, because he loved her and Paisley so much and wanted to make sure Paisley had a good male influence in her life. Did Marietta have family? Isaac acted like she was floundering without Cosette. That was sad. Maybe he could help.

  “Okay,” he said, surprising himself with his quick acquiescence. He could work on his laptop, and he’d see Mar again. He wasn’t ready to start a relationship, but he’d really liked her.

  “Sweet. We’ll meet you tomorrow afternoon. I’ll text you Mar’s address.”

  “Sounds great. See you then.”

  Luke hung up the phone and stared out the window. He loved using all the ideas crowding his brain to start, grow, or reenergize businesses, but he probably needed a break. It probably wasn’t healthy for him to work so much, only taking time off to hike or bike or be with his niece.

  Would Marietta be as feisty, intriguing, and fun as she’d been at the wedding? He certainly hoped so. Yet he also hoped he could remain detached. He wasn’t following his brothers’ examples and falling for a woman. He’d made that mistake years ago, and he had no desire to repeat it.

  It was late Friday afternoon, and Mar decided to do something completely uncharacteristic. She went home early, took off her heels, blouse, and skirt, put on the comfiest clothes she owned, and settled in with a tub of ice cream, a spoon, and the latest Jennifer Youngblood novel on her Kindle. She wasn’t wallowing in missing her best friend, nor was she crying about her lack of dates tonight because she’d refused a dozen men who’d asked but couldn’t possibly compare to Luke Jewel, who she hadn’t seen or heard from in months. She was simply relaxing. It was allowed.

  Throughout the past three months, she’d prayed alternately to either have Luke show up on her doorstep or for her besotted mind to forget about him. The latter was proving impossible. He was simply too impressive. Obviously, he hadn’t felt the same about her.

  Half an hour later, her doorbell rang, and her head jerked up. First of all, she wasn’t expecting anyone; second of all, had she really consumed an entire carton of Moose Tracks?

  She set everything on the coffee table, stood, and stretched before making her way down two flights of steps and to the door. It was probably one of her elderly neighbors. She lived in a fabulous area below Coit Tower, populated with unique San Francisco houses that went straight up five stories and were skinny as Cosette.

  Swinging the door wide, she froze in the doorway, not sure if she was seeing an apparition or the Lord had finally granted her wishes. Luke Jewel stood there, looking absolutely incredible in a white button-down shirt open at the collar and dark gray slacks. His golden-brown hair was slightly disheveled, his beard was the perfect length, his intriguing mouth hung slightly open in surprise, and his bright blue eyes swept over her and obviously failed to see what they’d expected.

  “Holy crap!” Mar slammed the door in his face, spun, and pressed her back against it. What was he doing here? Why today, of all days, when she not only was dressed down but probably had ice cream smudged on her chin? She glanced down at her loose T-shirt, which indeed had a splotch of chocolate on it, and her yoga pants, which had a hole in the knee. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. At least she still had makeup on from work.

  “Mar?” Luke’s voice came questioning through the door. “Did Isaac and Cosette not tell you I was coming?

  “Uh, no.”

  “Please forgive me for surprising you.”

  “No. You’re great. It’s great. Can you just give me one second?”

  “Well … sure.”

  “Okay, thanks. Be right back.” She pushed off and sprinted up the stairs. One flight up was the main living area. She grabbed the ice cream and shoved the entire container into the garbage, not bothering to remove the spoon. Looking around, she figured the rest of it would pass. There were some dishes in the sink, but it didn’t reek or anything. She hoped so, anyway. Smelling her armpits, she prayed that she didn’t stink eith
er.

  Mar ran up three more levels, past the office and another sitting area, past the extra bedrooms, and finally to her master suite. Ripping off her clothes, she yanked on a long, off-white dress and Levi jacket, pulled her hand through her hair, brushed her teeth, and put on some cinnamon lip gloss. She raced back down the stairs, then took some gulps of oxygen and called through the door. “Okay, go ahead and knock now.”

  She heard his deep chuckle, and he rapped on the door.

  Mar smiled and flung the door back open, staring up at him.

  Luke’s face had looked concerned and confused when she opened the door earlier; now it looked amused, and she could bet she was about to get teased. His eyes swept over her, and those beautiful blue orbs twinkled. “You’re a lot … smaller than I remember.”

  Mar reared like a cat with its hackles up. She’d forgotten to put her heels on. Even her casual and workout shoes had some kind of lift. She glanced down at her small, bare feet, grateful that at least her toenails were painted pink. “I don’t know why you’d remember me at all.”

  Luke’s gaze deepened. He eased in a bit closer. “I don’t know how I could’ve forgotten you.”

  Mar’s eyes widened, and she found herself swaying and forgiving him for his reference to her height. She had to lean against the doorjamb for support, keenly aware of the distinctive scent of Cosette’s Businessman line on this appealing man. She could quote the advertising pitch: “For the powerful and tantalizing businessman. Base note is the tang of pineapple with top notes of bergamot and blackcurrant.” It fit him. Just as the pitch said, he was … “Powerful and tantalizing,” she whispered.

  “Excuse me?” Luke’s words were blasé, but the look in his eyes was not. Those blue eyes had it all. “Who’s powerful and tantalizing?”

  “You,” she admitted, but she hurried to add, “The way you smell. You’re wearing our business cologne. The ad describes it as powerful and tantalizing.”