No Ordinary Fortune Read online

  Heck no. She was dying inside. And her heart had cracked right down the center. But no way could she reveal that to him. The last thing she wanted was for him to think that she was flaky or weak. That she was a woman who was afraid she couldn’t get through life without a man.

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  The conversation stalled for a moment. She tried to rally her thoughts and come up with some kind of feasible script, but it wasn’t working.

  “You told me you were okay earlier,” Carlo said. “But for some reason, I can’t buy that.”

  Probably because she’d told him a lie. A big fat one.

  “For the record,” he added, “last night was amazing, and I have three empty condom packets to prove it.”

  He was right about that. Their lovemaking had been everything he said it was. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  “I don’t usually make follow-up phone calls,” he said. “I never need to. But this is different. I wasn’t happy about the way things ended this morning.”

  She’d take the blame for that. But if she hadn’t left when she did, things might have ended a lot worse. She wasn’t about to admit that, but she did have to say something. And she couldn’t leave him hanging.

  “I had a great time at the party,” she admitted. “And making love with you was...” A golden memory she’d never, ever forget. “Well, it was awesome. And it could become habit forming.”

  “And that’s a habit you’d rather not have.”

  Was he expecting confirmation? She could give him that, but it would be yet another lie. She could easily get used to waking in his arms each morning. But they’d agreed to keep things simple.

  Hadn’t he said he kept his sexual relationships simple?

  She’d even assured him that she preferred not to become attached. And then she’d ruined everything by doing an about-face.

  “I’ve always been a little uncomfortable with the after-sex talks,” she admitted. And this time it was a whole lot worse.

  “Me, too. Those chats can get pretty awkward.”

  Especially when the two people involved had such different expectations and hopes for the future.

  “Don’t get me wrong,” she added. “Making love was better than good last night. And I really enjoyed it.” In fact, way too much. “But can we talk more about this later? I just walked into the house to change my clothes before going to Dottie’s to pick up the pups. I’d like to take them for their morning walk before she has to do it.”

  Now there was an excuse that sounded believable. And it was also consistent with what she’d told him when he dropped her off at her car.

  “Sure,” he said, “we can talk later. Or we can drop the subject completely. Just keep in mind that I’m the last one in the world who’d ever push you. Or ask more from you than you’re willing to give.”

  Yes, he’d been up-front about that early on. And she’d tried to do the same thing. Then she’d flipped and done a complete one-eighty. And now she was no longer opposed to an exclusive relationship. She was even pondering words like forever. And that really should run against her grain. It always had.

  “I’m not worried,” she lied.

  “So you don’t have any regrets about last night?”

  She had a ton of them, but rather than admit that, she looked heavenward, hoping she wouldn’t get struck by a lightning bolt for her dishonesty. “No, not at all.”

  “Good. Then there’s nothing more to talk about. Let’s just take things one day at a time, okay?”

  “Sure.” She closed her eyes, willing them not to tear up. “It sounds like we’re still on the same page.”

  “By the way,” he added, “I scheduled a special tasting at the winery on Saturday afternoon. Are you available to pour at two o’clock?”

  Apparently he thought everything was status quo, which meant he wasn’t trying to put any distance between them. Of course, he hadn’t mentioned anything about that full-time position. But then he probably still had to discuss it with Alejandro.

  Still, if that job offer came through, she’d have to turn it down. She couldn’t risk being in daily contact with Carlo. Not feeling the way she did.

  “I’m free on Saturday afternoon,” she told him. “I’ll even arrive an hour earlier to make sure everything is set up the way I like it.”

  “Sounds good. Saturday is also the same night we’re going to see Jersey Boys. So I’ll make sure you’re finished in time. Just in case, I’ll have Ricardo in the wings as a backup.”

  With all the emotional upheaval, she’d nearly forgotten their date. The real one she’d been looking forward to.

  “I’m not worried about the timing.” Her biggest concern was figuring out just how and when to back off.

  But then again, wasn’t that what she was already doing?

  Silence hung on the line.

  Finally Carlo said, “I’d better let you go.”

  That’s exactly what she’d been afraid of since early this morning—that he’d make that very decision. And that’s why her pride insisted that she let him go first.

  * * *

  Carlo had sensed that Schuyler was withdrawing from him the moment he woke up and saw that she’d already gotten out of bed and showered. In the past, he might have felt relieved that things had gone so smoothly, but that wasn’t the case with Schuyler.

  He hated to see things end before they even had a chance to get off the ground. Just the thought of her leaving town and going back to Houston nearly choked the breath out of him.

  Like it or not, he’d gotten attached.

  It’s not as if he hadn’t seen this coming, either. Ever since he met her, she was all he’d been able to think about. At first, he’d considered her unique and a real novelty. She’d been able to lift his spirits in a special way. She was fun to be with, to laugh with. And for that reason, he’d wanted to spend more and more time with her.

  But it was more than that. He’d fallen for her—headfirst and hard. And now that he’d slept with her?

  He slowly shook his head at what had become a stark reality. He wanted to stake a claim on a woman who’d made it clear that she was interested only in having fun. And that left him in one hell of a fix.

  It also made him feel like a love-struck fool.

  He walked across the room, turned and strode back again, hoping to shake off the compulsion to level with Schuyler, to tell her how he really felt. But how could he do that when she’d obviously sensed it and was pulling away already?

  And why wouldn’t she? She owned a condo in Houston, where she also had family and had created a life for herself, so she had every reason to return. Hell, even though she was in Austin now, she’d rented that place on a month-to-month lease. She’d moved there from the Monarch Hotel only because of the dogs.

  He raked his hand through his hair, then continued to pace his apartment like a caged jungle cat. He needed to talk to someone. Maybe then he could put things in the proper perspective.

  Alejandro came to mind, but his cousin was too wrapped up in his new bride and thought everyone else ought to find their own happily-ever-after.

  Give love a chance, he’d told Carlo.

  Yeah, right. Carlo had tried to do that with Cecily, and where had that gotten him? Hot sex had gone cold within a couple of months. It didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that what he’d thought was love turned out to be lust.

  So how could he consider throwing his hat into the marital ring again?

  Yet that’s the direction his damn thoughts had been leading him. He had to be losing his mind.

  Sure, sex with Schuyler had been out of this world—hotter and sweeter than anything he’d ever experienced. But sex wasn’t the great equalizer. It took more than that to solve life’s problems. He’d learned that lesson when he’d been married to Cecily.
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br />   Of course, he’d never smiled as much with her as he did with Schuyler, never enjoyed her company as much. And in the bedroom? There was no comparison.

  But Schuyler was sure to blow him off in a few short weeks, if not sooner.

  He had to clear his head from fruitless thoughts. He really ought to talk to someone, another bachelor who understood the appeal of great sex, the disappointment of a failed marriage and the need to remain single for life.

  The best person would be his father, a man who was the happiest single guy Carlo had ever known. Esteban Mendoza would know just what to say to set things back on track. And the sooner he said it, the better.

  Carlo grabbed his cell and made the call. It wasn’t until his father answered, his voice sleep-laden, that he realized what time it was.

  “I’m sorry,” Carlo said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “That’s okay. What’s up?”

  Carlo blew out a ragged sigh. “I’ve got a problem, Dad. And I need you to talk me through it.”

  “Sure, but hang on a minute.”

  Carlo waited, listening as sheets ruffled, as a groggy feminine voice uttered, “Huh?”

  Obviously Carlo and Schuyler weren’t the only ones to go home together after a romantic party.

  “Shh,” his father said. “Go back to sleep, babe. I’ll take this call in the other room.”

  A door clicked shut. Moments later, his father said, “Okay, Carlo, I’m back. What’s the problem?”

  “I didn’t realize you had company. This obviously isn’t a good time. We can talk later.”

  “You rarely call, especially claiming to have a problem. What’s going on, mijo?”

  Carlo raked his hand through his hair, then proceeded to tell his old man what happened and how he was struggling with his feelings.

  “I’m not surprised you fell for Schuyler,” Esteban said. “I saw it coming before you did.”

  “You mean when you caught us kissing?”

  “No, that’s not what clued me in to what was happening. You’ve kissed plenty of pretty ladies in the past, but I doubt you’ve ever looked at any of them the way you look at Schuyler. I’ve seen you smile more in the past couple weeks than in the past ten years. You’re happy again, and if you want my opinion, I think you should go for it.”

  But Carlo wasn’t happy. He was miserable.

  “Thanks for the advice, Dad. But Schuyler isn’t interested in having a serious relationship.”

  “With you?”

  “With anyone.”

  His dad let out a humph. “Kind of like you felt before, huh? But you’ve changed your mind. Maybe, given time, she will, too.”

  “I doubt that.” Carlo slowly shook his head. “And even if she did, I don’t want to face another failed relationship. So the only thing I can do is to pull back.”

  “That won’t be easy to do with her working at the winery.”

  “I’m not sure how long that will last anyway. And so I’ve been thinking that I’d better not offer her a full-time position. In fact, having her hostess for those special events isn’t a good idea, either. Not when she isn’t feeling the same thing I am.”

  “What about that tasting Saturday afternoon?”

  “I already asked her to do it, but Ricardo can handle it.”

  “You’d fire her?”

  “If I have to.” Wouldn’t it be best? Then again, maybe he wouldn’t have to go that far. What if he didn’t make her working environment so comfortable?

  “You could be making a big mistake, mijo. Schuyler’s done a great job so far.”

  She’d also done a real number on his heart, and if he didn’t figure out a way to send her back to Houston, he’d be toast.

  “Yes, I’m sure.” He couldn’t handle the frustration, either sexual or emotional.

  He had to let her go.

  “Thanks for letting me talk through this,” Carlo said. “Go on back to bed. My head’s clear, and I know what to do now.”

  “Don’t do anything rash. You might wind up regretting it in the end.”

  “I won’t.” He thanked his dad again, then ended the call.

  Once he put away his cell phone, he went into the kitchen and brewed a pot of coffee. He needed a heavy dose of caffeine before setting his plan in motion.

  He was going to act cool and unaffected, which years ago had helped him break things off with a woman who’d forgotten their agreement and gotten clingy. If he kept his distance from Schuyler, maybe she’d quit and return to Houston on her own. Either way, he had to end things.

  Starting right now.

  * * *

  Everett called Schuyler early on Saturday morning and apologized if he woke her up.

  “You didn’t. I’ve already showered, gotten dressed and had breakfast.” She didn’t blame him for thinking she might still be in bed. She tended to be a night owl, but ever since she’d gone home with Carlo, she hadn’t been sleeping very well.

  “Where are you?” she asked.

  “I just hit the Austin city limits.”

  “Then you’re only ten minutes away from my place. Just meet me here.” She’d already given him the address, so she provided him with the easiest directions from the interstate. “I’ll see you soon.”

  While Everett was en route, Schuyler took Fluff and Stuff outside for a potty break. Once her brother arrived, she was going to ask Dottie if she’d dog sit again today.

  The front door squeaked open. Schuyler glanced over her shoulder and watched her sweet, pet-loving landlord step out on the porch.

  “Good morning,” Dottie said. “You’re up early.”

  “My brother is coming to visit.”

  “That’s nice. Will he be staying with you? Not that it matters. I’m just curious.”

  “I’m not sure.” If Everett had his way, Schuyler would be following him home tonight.

  And maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

  “How long will he be visiting?”

  “Just a day or so. I thought I’d take him around Austin and show him the sights.”

  “I’d be happy to watch Fluff and Stuff—unless you’re going to take them with you.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “I’d love to. I’m growing very fond of these sweet little rascals.”

  “That would be great. Thanks, Dottie.”

  The women and the dogs were still in the front yard when Everett arrived.

  “Hey,” Schuyler called out as he got out of his car. “You found me.”

  “It wasn’t hard.”

  Gosh, it was good to see him in person. Not that he’d provide an instant cure for her heartbreak, but having him here would help.

  Schuyler introduced him to Dottie. “Everett is a doctor in Houston.”

  Dottie reached out to shake his hand. “How nice to have a physician in the family.”

  Yes, that was true. But there was more to Everett than his medical degree. He was one of the smartest men Schuyler had ever met. He did get a little hyperfocused at times, but only because he was determined to be the best doctor in the world. He also had a kind and sympathetic heart.

  Schuyler was actually surprised he hadn’t gotten married yet. She would have thought some woman would have snatched him up by now.

  He was attractive, too. At six feet tall, he was both lean and buff. With his dark hair and expressive blue eyes, he reminded her of a young Christian Bale. Not so much today, though. He was wearing glasses, which he sometimes did.

  Schuyler liked seeing them on him. They made him look even extra bright and not the least bit geeky.

  “Well,” Dottie said, stooping to pick up Stuff, who’d jumped up on her leg, “it was nice to meet you, Doctor. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take these little rascals inside and leave you two t
o visit and take that drive. Maybe you’ll see why Austin is so appealing.”

  “Thanks, Dottie. And don’t worry, I’ll show him all the sights.” Then she turned to her brother. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

  “Yes, before I left Houston. I’m not hungry now, but I’ll probably want an early lunch.”

  “That works for me.”

  Everett scanned the yard, taking in Dottie’s two-story brick house, the tree-lined street and the quiet neighborhood.

  “What do you think of my temporary digs?” she asked.

  “It seems like a nice place to live, but this isn’t anything like your loft condo in downtown Houston. And it seems a little too much like suburbia to suit you for very long.”

  He might be right, but she’d found it peaceful.

  “Have you given any thought to coming home with me?” he asked.

  “Yes, but I have some commitments. I have a wine tasting to hostess this afternoon.” She also had a date tonight, but she was going to cancel that, using her brother’s “surprise” visit as her excuse. She couldn’t have made up a better one than that.

  “So where are the sights you’re going to show me?” Everett asked.

  The only one that came to mind was the winery. So why not take him there? After all, that’s what had kept her in Austin. Well, that and the handsome Latino vice president who didn’t love her back.

  As much as she’d like to avoid Carlo, maybe it would be best if she did find him there. That way, Everett would understand why she was so taken by him and why she was so confused about what to do.

  “You know,” Schuyler said, “let’s drive out to the Mendoza Winery. I think you’ll like seeing it, and it’ll also give me a chance to introduce you to my new friends.”

  “That’s fine with me. Do you want to take my car or yours?”

  “I’ll drive.”

  Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the winery and parked near several familiar cars, including Carlo’s. Her heart made a swan dive, then belly flopped. Had she made a bad decision to face him?

  “This is impressive,” Everett said, as he unbuckled his seat belt.

  Well, there really was no getting around it now. Worst-case scenario, upon seeing Carlo she’d break into tears. And if that happened, she’d drive home, pack up her things and her dogs and follow her brother back to Houston.