we...lost Mom...me and Vectra, we...we worried about you. It was scary to see what love and...the loss of it can do to a person, even a person as strong as you.”
Something haunted crossed Oscar’s face at the mention of his beloved late wife, Rose. “When I lost her, I hated the world and God for it. I wanted to shut them both out.” A smile fought through the darkness of his expression.
“No matter how raw I felt, how much it hurt...it was worth it. It was worth it to know love like that.” He looked at his son. “That’s what I want for you and your sister.”
“I’m afraid I’m a creature of habit, Dad.”
Oscar fell in step with his son as they headed toward the rugged A-frame in the heavily wooded outskirts of Carro land. “You know the best way to get rid of an old habit, son?” He clapped the middle of Oliver’s back. “Replace it with a new passion.”
South Beach, Miami
As soon as Minka crossed the threshold of Vectra Bauer’s stunning condo, she knew she wouldn’t be in the mood for the meetings and events scheduled for the Sharpe account.
The condo’s floor-to-ceiling windows offered sun-splashed glimpses of a large invisible pool beyond which lay the captivating brilliance of South Beach. Minka was certain that it would take her at least a week before she was ready to leave the gorgeous condo.
Scratch that, she was certain it would take her at least a week before she was ready to leave the master bathroom.
Rose-blush marble dominated the flooring as well as the shower and tub areas. It also ran the length of the counter space, merging into the rich dark oak finish of the cabinets at the rear of the split-level room. Golden light from electric candles outlined a recessed bay mirror from which a glass mantel protruded. The space supported a row of hand-carved brass candle holders filled with candles that highlighted the rose-blush color scheme.
The floor tiles were sparsely covered with plush area rugs of the same color. Minka decided the color had to be one of Vectra Bauer’s favorites. The rugs beckoned visitors to cast off socks and sink their toes into their warmth.
Despite the room’s warm spacious quality, the most show-stopping element had to be the tub. A work of art, the square rose-blush marble tub sat atop a platform made of the same oak as the cabinets.
Of course it was irresistible, so much so that Minka decided a long, bubbly soak would be first on her to-do list. She started to undress in the middle of the gorgeous bathroom, only pausing to select a bath gel from Vectra’s unbelievable stock of aromatherapy products located in a cabinet beneath the tub’s platform.
Ten minutes later, she was submerged in white foam and hot water. Laughter began to tickle her tummy as she relaxed for the first time in weeks.
She thought about her career so far. Going against the norm worked for her, and it had been a large factor in her decision to work outside her family’s company. The life of a working girl had suited her just fine. Now, her grandmother needed her to assume her rightful place at the head of BGI.
It went without saying that she was up for the challenge. She was perceptive enough to know that Qasim hadn’t given freedom or authority at Wilder because he was such a firm believer in delegating authority. But he knew her pedigree—knew she’d been business educated since she could talk. Now, she was about to see if all the preparation had paid off. As Qasim had said, it was another thing entirely to be the one sitting in the chair.
For the time being, however, she was content with lounging in a fabulously decadent tub. She fell into hypnotic bliss and lost track of time. The tub’s Jacuzzi setting massaged her tired body, and Minka could’ve pampered herself there for several more hours.
She decided against that. One couldn’t while away the hours when there was work to be done. Laughing softly over the idea, Minka made a lazy effort to leave the tub. The bubbles hadn’t completely dissolved, and they clung to her body even as the water sluiced down her belly and thighs. Stepping out of the tub, she discovered that the rugs delivered on their promise of plush comfort and warmth.
Relaxed and refreshed, Minka took a moment to admire herself in the big mirror.
“Guess I should’ve called first,” said a husky voice behind her.
She turned on a dime, forgetting that she was only covered by quickly dissipating bubbles. Her total focus was now on Oliver Bauer leaning against the door frame.
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