Read Miami Spice for Free Online Page A

cost.”
    “Shall we make it this evening then?” No
wonder Erica hadn’t heard any noises last night! She hadn’t spoken
with her sister since yesterday’s lunch to know Maritza’s new love
had left town. Of course, she wondered if perhaps Gianni Sloan had
taken his love fest to Mari’s place since he had become well aware
of his neighbor’s “hearing problem.”
    “Fine. Shall we say seven o’clock? Eat a
light supper. I’d like to offer something to compensate for my
brother’s rather forward behavior. I make a mean chorizo appetizer
and love to pair it with a nice crisp blush wine.”
    A cook as well! My, my! Erica felt things
looking up already. “All right, then, Mr. Slo— Nico. I’ll see you
at seven.”
     

Chapter Five
    Before she rang the bell, Erica smoothed down
the organdy fabric of her new dress. After her meeting with Nico
Sloan, she found it almost impossible to concentrate on work, so
she had taken the rest of the day off to go on a shopping trip.
Besides, she hadn’t bought herself anything new in ages. The minute
she spotted the butter yellow dress with its floral design, she
knew it would be perfect for an informal spring evening. Of course,
that also meant a trip to the shoe store, and Erica could hardly
pass up a deal on gold sandals.
    Now she waited a few seconds after she
pressed the doorbell. Nico Sloan answered promptly and gave his
temporary neighbor a welcoming smile.
    “Wow! You look great, Erica!” he commented as
his dark eyes took in her outfit, but more importantly, the woman
in it. He opened the door wider. “Come on in.”
    “Thank you for the compliment and the
invitation.” She felt her face blush and her body heat up, even
though he had turned up the air conditioner to a comfortable level.
Nico, too, looked great this evening. Sans sports coat, he appeared
relaxed and comfortable in his light Dockers and polo shirt.
    “Please, make yourself at home. Look around
if you like.”
    As she entered the apartment, Erica forced
herself to look at the condo with a judicious eye for details. As
both brothers had stated, Gianni hadn’t done much with the place.
The living room contained a modest sofa, and two sling back chairs,
all in dark leather, while a slim, plasma TV hung on the opposite
wall. A packing crate served as a makeshift coffee table.
    “Erica,” Nico Sloan called to her from the
kitchen, “please feel free to wander around while I get things
together in here.”
    She did just that and took in mental details
as she went. Gianni’s apartment featured a similar layout as her
own with the same sized living area, the recessed kitchen, a dining
alcove, a fairly large bathroom, and two bedrooms. The first and
smaller of the two contained boxes, some open, some still sealed.
Several paintings had been stacked against the wall, and Erica
immediately felt drawn to the first one of a tropical scene done in
tempura with splashes of color. Glancing down, she spotted the
artist’s name in quick brush strokes. Sloan. She hoped the work of
art could be credited to the talents of Nico and not his brother.
Besides, when did Gianni Sloan have time to paint with such a busy
love life? The other two offered the same boldness of design.
Though Erica hadn’t tried her hand at painting in years, she still
appreciated those who had the time and talent to pursue their
muse.
    She moved on to the master bedroom. Here the
Latin Lothario owned a king-sized bed, now neatly made with a deep
blue spread and pastel blue cases on the pillows. Twin nightstands
flanked the bed, one with a slim, gold metallic lamp. Sparse but
serviceable. The utilitarian look certainly did not deter the
owner’s frequent guests. Besides, who looked at the decor in the
throes of mad, passionate lovemaking?
    “So, what do you think?” Nico’s sudden query
behind her made Erica jump. She leaned up against the door
frame.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
    “No, that’s quite all right.”