Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith Page A

choked on her drink. “What!” she sputtered. “Girl, have you lost your mind?”
    Tina laughed, rich and full, a sound that delighted her clients almost as much as her soothing, capable hands. “I’m just saying, Raina. A man like that doesn’t come around every day. Tall, dark and handsome. Rich enough to buy up all this land and build an office complex. Nikki said his suit must have cost at least five grand and he was driving a Bentley, for God’s sake. She looked for a wedding ring and didn’t see one. You think a man like that would still be available if we were back in Saint Croix?” She laughed again, as if the mere idea were preposterous. “So who was he, Raina?”
    Raina frowned. “I already told you—”
    â€œNo, I mean what’s his name? Hell, if you’re not interested, let me give him a call!”
    Raina reached for a folder on her desk, mumbling, “His name is Warrick. Warrick Mayne.”
    Dead silence filled the room. Then Tina sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening in shock. “Warrick Mayne was here? ”
    â€œIn the flesh,” Raina muttered.
    â€œWhy didn’t you say so!”
    â€œI just did.”
    â€œNo, why didn’t you say so at first?”
    Raina frowned. “What difference does it make?”
    â€œWhat difference does it make?” Tina stared at her, shaking her head in incredulous exasperation. “What am I going to do with you, Raina St. James? Do you know who that man is?”
    â€œYes,” Raina said through gritted teeth. “And if one more person reminds me, I’m going to—”
    â€œWarrick Mayne is the president and CEO of one of the largest engineering firms in the country! He’s worth, like, eighty milliondollars. Two years ago, they named a street in Houston after him. And don’t you remember when he was featured on the cover of Essence last year? The girls and I were sitting around drooling over his pictures and arguing over who should get to take home the magazine since it was sold out in every newsstand around the city. You finally stepped in and said it was the property of the spa since you specifically bought it for the waiting area, even though when the magazine disappeared a couple weeks later we all figured you probably took it home for yourself.”
    â€œI did not!” Raina protested.
    Tina grinned slyly. “No one would blame you if you did.”
    â€œI didn’t.” Raina didn’t need any physical reminders of Warrick Mayne lying around her house. God knows she wasn’t likely to ever forget what he looked like. She had enough memories of the man to last her three lifetimes.
    â€œAnyway,” Tina continued, “I just can’t believe you didn’t mention his name up front. Warrick Mayne coming to the spa is a very big deal.”
    â€œEven if he is trying to snatch it out from under me,” Raina grumbled darkly.
    Tina paused. “There is that.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Well, he is a businessman. You can’t blame him for trying to do what he feels is best for his company.”
    Raina shot her an accusing look. “Whose side are you on?”
    Tina laughed. “Yours, of course! Believe me, I’m not biting the hand that feeds me. I’m just trying to see things from his perspective as well. And if you were thinking about selling to him—”
    â€œI’m not.”
    â€œI know. But if you were, he could definitely make you a nice offer. A very nice offer.”
    â€œI don’t give a damn,” Raina snarled. “I don’t want his money. And you’re starting to sound like Tyler Ralston, so just stop it.”
    â€œAll right, all right.” Laughing, Tina held up her hands in surrender. “This is your spa, Raina, and you have to do what’s best for you. Trust me, I’m in no hurry to start looking for another job. I really like