name is—” A smile gave her an impish appearance. “Oh, I’m not allowed to say that.”
“Fair enough.” His eyes narrowed in thought. “What do you do?”
The hologram blinked and then the woman reappeared. “Hey, you can read that in the material. I thought you wanted to get to know me.” She crossed her arms across her chest, openly challenging him. “The real me.”
He stood, circled his desk, utterly captivated. “Okay, tell me about yourself.”
The hologram gave another jump. “I’m not quite sure how to answer that.” She hesitated, lounging against the desk, her eyes drifting shut for a moment while she gathered herself. “As uncomfortable as this makes me, I’ll be really honest with you.” A deep, feminine wariness flitted through her gaze. “I’m lonely, okay? I haven’t met a man who’s come close to being right for me. I’m not even sure he exists. But here’s who I am. I’m intelligent and a bit sarcastic.”
“I’d never have guessed,” Trey replied.
She lifted her shoulder in a quick shrug, though he knew it wasn’t in response to his irony since the program couldn’t interact to that extent. “I guess sarcasm is my shield, something I learned to use as a kid to protect myself.” She hastened onward as though she’d betrayed too much. Something about her past, he realized. Something that had had a profound effect on her. “I love nature in all its forms, its colors and shapes and its chaotic way of being. I don’t know, maybe it’s because the rest of my life is so structured and linear.” Now her wariness eased into vulnerability and her voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I want the dream, you know? I want what my parents found. Is that so wrong?”
The question hit hard, the longing behind it slashing through his defenses and tugging at a heart he denied possessing. No, it wasn’t wrong. He understood her desire, it just wouldn’t happen with him. How could it when he didn’t believe perfect love actually existed? Despite the Pretorius Program’s claims, there was no such thing as perfection. Not when it came to true love or soul mates or whatever else this woman hoped to find. And yet… He gazed at the hologram, the woman’s lovely features etched with longing.
What if she ended up being his perfect match?
Trey laughed. Yeah, right. Not a chance in hell. No doubt he’d have a terrific week with a gorgeous woman with a brain capable of doing more than calculating the latest discount at Bloomingdale’s. At least she would if the Pretorius Program worked as promised. Even if she didn’t, what the hell? Maybe he’d get lucky and spend the entire week in bed with her.
And if she happened to possess any of the other attributes he considered a must-have in the woman he eventually married?
Not possible.
He’d realized long ago that he wasn’t a man destined to know love. He didn’t even believe in the emotion. Nor would he find someone who met most, let alone all, of his criteria—a woman who possessed unwavering loyalty. Who understood the concept of honor. Who was brilliant. Was capable of working alongside of him. Respected his work ethic. And yet, who also wanted a family.
No, the woman of his dreams didn’t exist, and wishing she did wouldn’t change that fact.
He gave an impatient shrug. Hell, best to be practical.
If she rocked in bed, he could live with that.
* * *
Les glanced around to make absolutely certain he wouldn’t be seen or overheard. Flipping open his cell phone, he dialed the private number he’d been given. It was answered on the first ring.
“Does he suspect?”
“No, Mr. St. John. Nor is he aware of the identity of the match. He flies out Friday.”
“I appreciate your help, Les.”
“Mr. St. John… He still intends to take you down. He still blames you for—”
“I know what he blames me for. But…she’s my daughter, Les.”
“Trey’s a good man in every regard except when it comes to you. I’m sure he’d never use her to hurt you.”
“If he does—” Justice fought to keep his voice even, though his gut twisted at the mere thought. “I will stop him.”
“He needs closure. It’s the only way. This is the only way,” Les said. And prayed he was right.
Jett arrived on Destiny Isle late Friday afternoon, the final leg of the journey accomplished by boat. The island boasted a single mountain, which no doubt had been a volcano at some point in its life, but was now covered in banana and coconut palms. Though they approached from the south, they circumvented the island to its western side where she discovered that, rather than being round, the island was actually crescent shaped.
A long pier extended from one of the sandy arms as it curved out to embrace a glorious aquamarine lagoon, complete with a powdered-sugar sand beach. The brochure had promised her a snorkeler’s paradise and from what she could see it hadn’t lied. Tucked snugly between lagoon and mountain sprawled a huge villa.
“Why did they put the pier out here instead of in the lagoon?” she asked the boat’s captain.
He grinned, his teeth a brilliant flash of white against his dark face. “Coral eat da boat.”
She returned his grin. “That would be bad, right?”
“Serious sufferation,” he confirmed with a laugh. He pointed toward the lagoon. “No trade winds on dis side. Storms, they come from d’other side. Calm water for swimming and snorkeling here.”
The minute they docked, the captain transported her luggage to the villa. “We deliver Sa this morning.” Sir, she interpreted. “He tallowah.”
Okay, she was clueless about that one, but considering the approval in the captain’s voice, she’d take that as a positive. “Great.”
He accepted the gratuity she pressed into his hand with another wide grin. “See you inna di lights.”
She frowned over the words. “I hope that’s soon,” she said.
“Oh, ya mon. Soon.”
And then he was gone, leaving her to face “Sa” on her own.
Leaving her luggage on the wide verandah, she opened the door and stepped inside the villa. Sunlight filtered in behind her, revealing a shadow-draped foyer. She couldn’t hear anyone, didn’t even sense anyone. Overhead a fan revolved in lazy circles, which told her the island possessed a generator. That meant both A/C, lights and other modern conveniences, thank goodness.
She walked farther into the foyer, the heels of her sandals clicking against the pale, bamboo hardwood flooring. So where the heck was Sa? No sooner had she thought the question than she sensed him behind her. Whirling around, she found him, his huge form taking up the entire
