Eye Candy (City Chicks) by Tera Lynn Childs Page A

for anything dumb enough to put out." I stood, setting my plate on the bench behind me, and settled in at Phelps' side. "I'm much happier where I am."
    Phelps grinned at me and I did the most startling thing; I kissed him. Right there in front of God, Gavin, and everybody.
    Just a quick peck, but enough to send Gavin stalking back into the house with a vengeance.
    "Bravo," Phelps whispered as he gave me a return peck on the ear.
    Someone started clapping. I turned to find Alberto applauding my brilliant set-down, and several female—recently divorced—guests joined him.
    Alberto stepped forward and patted me on the shoulder. "That was a very pretty thing. For you." He inclined his head to Ferrero, walking this way from the other end of the deck. "Just remember who your audience is."
    With that, he disappeared, leaving me alone with Phelps to face the approaching Ferrero.
    While I was proud of myself for putting Gavin in his place, I knew that kind of outburst was unprofessional and could not be repeated.
    "That was great," I whispered hurriedly before Ferrero arrived, "but we can't do that again. I need to maintain my professional image."
    "Got it." If he smiled that cocky grin one more time, so help me— he grinned. And made good his exit. "I'll just leave you to face the letch alone."
    "Good morning, beautiful Olivia," Ferrero greeted.
    So much for my lasting impression.
    "Actually Mr. Ferrero, it's Lydia," I reminded.
    "Of course, but I asked you to call me Franco."
    He smiled, his white teeth a perfect match to his white hair and white linen shirt. The shirt hit mid-thigh, and a far as I could tell he had nothing on underneath. Great Mr. Goodbar.
    "Since you have disobeyed, you must join me in the bubble tub." He frowned, searching for the English word. "The hot tub."
    I hid my scowl, pretty sure I detected the teeniest bit of Jersey in his accent.
    "I don't have my suit on," I objected.
    "Nonsense. Who needs a suit?" At my look of horror, he added, "I only tease. Go. Fetch your suit." He waved me away. "And that man of yours."
    As he turned and walked off in the direction of the hot tub—its very existence a mystery to me since the ocean was only steps away—this time I openly scowled. His eyes had nearly glowed at the mention of Phelps.
    Maybe Marlene's rumor about the flesh was off by a gender.
    Phelps in swim trunks was a sight to behold.
    Tall, six-one or six-two. Broad-shouldered and muscular—like he played a little football in the park on weekends. Only he probably didn't since any injuries might conflict with his modeling career.
    Then again, the man climbed the Andes for fun, so what did I know about his career conflicts.
    But I did know a mighty fine ass when I saw one. And the ass emerging from our en  suite  bathroom, encased in gray nylon with white piping, definitely qualified.
    Sweet Saltwater Taffy.
    "Ready to hit the bubbles?" He cocked a brow and tucked two fluffy white towels beneath his arm.
    "Yes," I said, tugging the belt of my French terry cover-up tighter around my waist. "But first we need to have a little talk about rules of conduct."
    "Rules of conduct?"
    I had been mentally reliving the interchange with Gavin for the past twenty minutes. And while I gloried at the flustered look on his pretty face, my behavior had been less than professional.
    "Remember that the primary reason for this weekend—and your presence here—is my job." I grabbed my Havaiana flip flops and dropped them to the floor. "As much as I will always adore you for that brilliant shut down of my late-fiancé, we have to keep the rest of the weekend on a more mature level."
    Phelps casually tugged his waistband into place. "You want me to act like a grown-up, then?"
    "If you please."
    He tossed a towel my direction, which I caught with a scowl. Nothing in his demeanor to this point suggested a capacity to act like an adult.
    I dug my hands into my pockets, seriously wondering whether he could rise to the occasion.