Miami Spice Read Online Free PDF

continued, “I’ve been thinking
about decorating my place. I haven’t done a thing since I moved in.
For one, I haven’t hung any pictures on the walls, and two, half my
stuff is still in boxes. I just don’t seem to find the time.”
    What a loaded statement! Erica bit her lip to
keep from bursting out with her succinct observations. Of course
you don’t have time, buddy boy! You’re always too busy screwing
your brains out!
    “Do you want me to look at your apartment and
then let you know what I’m willing and able to do?”
    “Yes. I know you’re very capable, and if you
give me a quote for your services we could start right away.” He
held up a hand again. “Of course, I’m not asking for a special
price because I know Mari.”
    “Oh, believe me, I hadn’t planned to give you
one.”
    “So, will you consider it?”
    “I think I’d rather refer you to my
associate, Sacha Kahlo. He’s a marvelous designer and will help you
every step of the way.”
    Gianni Sloan allowed a small moue of
disappointment to purse his full lips. “I was hoping you’d be
willing to do it.”
    Do what and where? In your bedroom so I can become
another notch on your headboard?
    Thankfully, Erica’s sister returned, thus
sparing her from further comment. The food arrived as well; but
before the waiter departed, Gianni requested a bottle of
Chablis.
    “I think we should all toast to our good
fortune,” he suggested when the waiter left. His hooded gaze
flicked from one sister to the other. “To our futures, in career
and in love.”
    Maritza glowed with her newfound happiness.
“Sounds wonderful! What do you say, querida? ”
    Erica forced a smile, if only for her
sister’s sake. “Sounds good to me, too.”
    After the wine arrived and they made their
toast, Erica concentrated on eating her food, though she had little
appetite. Her drink remained untouched. The conversation drifted to
a convivial pace, little tidbits and snatches of information. Erica
learned Giancarlo Sloan hailed from Connecticut and had learned a
little Spanish from his mother who was of Mexican descent. His
father, an economics and business professor, had taught at
Quinnipiac University in Hamden before his retirement and
subsequent move to Miami. Gianni followed his parents and quickly
realized that the baby-boomer retirement crowd would make ideal
clients for his investment services. After saving some money, he’d
recently purchased the condo, glad to move from his former
apartment building.
    Maritza took up the Rael family history, with
her older sister contributing a few pertinent facts. Finally,
thankfully, they finished their lunch, thus giving Erica the
impetus to leave gracefully.
    “You sure you don’t want to join us at the
beach?” Mari asked with bright eyes. “It’s a perfect day for a swim
and then to do some sunbathing. If nothing else, you can ogle the
oiled body builders in their Speedos. The beach certainly offers
enough of them.”
    Erica politely declined, citing a previous
engagement with a client. Not even the enticement of buff, bronzed,
semi-nude male bodies could persuade her to join the duo. And as
they always said, three’s a crowd.
    “Do you have an appointment with some famous
celebrity?” Gianni quipped with a sly laugh. “Aha, that’s why
you’re holding out on us!”
    “I’m afraid it’s nothing that exciting.”
Erica reached for the bill to pay her share, but Maritza lightly
slapped her hand away.
    “Oh no!” she argued. “Gianni is going to pay for
lunch, and he won’t take no for an answer, Eriqueta .”
    “It’s my pleasure,” the man agreed, “and I
will gladly pay the price to bask in the company of two of the most
charming ladies I know...and beautiful sisters to boot!”
    Oh, brother! Erica felt her lunch try to work
itself back up as Maritza giggled in appreciation of her new
lover’s captivating wit. As soon as possible, she made her quick
exit, though instead of going directly home,