Yahrah John - His San Diego Sweetheart

“You’re going to give this guy another chance after he lied to you about something as simple as his name?”

“Why not?” Miranda shrugged. It wasn’t as if she had men lined up at her door. Plus she was about to tie herself down in marriage for the next year. Why not enjoy what could be the final night of her freedom? “He explained why he was less than honest when we met. He’s encountered a lot of gold diggers, just like I have. If anyone can understand I can. Plus, he’s attractive as hell.”

“Yeah, I know,” Sasha replied. “Vaughn Ellicott is considered quite the commodity in San Diego, but no woman has ever captured his heart. The man is a notorious playboy. About the only thing he can commit to is the ocean and his fascination with surfing.”

“Who’s to say I need him to commit?” Though that’s exactly what she needed. “Perhaps I just want someone to spend some time with? It’s not easy being alone.”

“Of course not, sweetie. I just want someone worthy of you.”

Miranda sighed heavily. She might have found one, a man who didn’t care about how many zeros she had in her bank account because he had plenty to go around on his own. Which meant she was no closer to finding her husband than she’d been twenty-four hours ago.

Chapter 3

The evening came quick and Vaughn was happy it did. Once he’d discovered that he had no reason to fear that Miranda was after his money, he felt relieved. After they’d talked, Vaughn spent the remainder of the afternoon at the beach riding the waves like he’d stolen something. Then he’d returned to his home in La Jolla for a hot shower. Donning his favorite navy suit, Italian loafers and a splash of cologne, he was ready for the night.

Opening his five-car garage, Vaughn stared at the various vehicles. He wasn’t in the mood for the Ferrari tonight. He certainly didn’t need the Humvee. Or the Bugatti. No, tonight, he intended to woo and he knew just the vehicle. He reached inside the custom-made cabinet that housed all the keys to his babies and started toward his Rolls-Royce Phantom. Vaughn walked over, hopped in and, when the engine purred to life, he zipped out of the garage.

Was he trying to impress Miranda? Maybe just a little. Usually he was a take-it-or-leave-it kind of guy, but for some odd reason, he wanted Miranda’s approval. Wanted her to see him with new eyes and as a viable catch she wouldn’t mind having on her arm or in her bed.

He arrived promptly at 7:00 p.m. He pulled up to the hotel’s entrance and found Miranda outside waiting for him. What had she thought was going to happen if he knocked on her door? Or maybe she didn’t trust herself if they were alone in a room together? The anticipation of what if caused Vaughn to exit his Rolls-Royce with a bit more pep in his step than usual as he approached her.

He glanced at his Piaget watch. “Punctual. I like it.”

Miranda shrugged. “It’s a habit.”

“One I like.” He opened the passenger door for her to get in, but she turned to him.

“A Rolls?” She grinned as she slid in. “Nice touch.”

Vaughn grinned like a Cheshire cat as he closed the door and strode to the driver’s side. He glanced over at Miranda and took a moment to enjoy the expanse of leg on display thanks to the side slit. The woman had legs that went on for miles. Maybe one day those very legs would be wrapped around him as he brought them to sweet completion. Just then, Miranda glanced up and caught his appreciative gaze, but turned away.

Vaughn wasn’t sure she was ready for him yet, but at least for tonight, she was his.

* * *

Miranda swallowed the frog in her throat as San Diego whirled by. She had no idea where Vaughn was taking her and she wasn’t worried. She suspected it was going to be someplace chic because he’d told her to dress up. Or rather told her to wear something “sexy.” She’d opted for an off-the-shoulder formfitting red dress with ruffled sleeves and a hem that hit above her knee. Miranda didn’t want to give him any ideas that she was catering to his male fantasies. She’d worn the dress for her because it showed off her shoulders and figure, but left enough to the imagination.

Or had she?

Wasn’t just a tiny part of her excited at the hungry gazes Vaughn bestowed upon her moments ago? He had been unable to hide his appreciation of her outfit. And Miranda had to admit that she’d gone the extra mile to ensure she looked spectacular tonight. She’d had her hair styled at the salon downstairs so that it now hung in soft curls down her back. The makeup artist had subtly accentuated her eyes, the curve of her lips and her high cheekbones. Overall, she was pleased with the result which made it appear as if she’d gone to little or no effort for the evening when it was quite the opposite.

With his eyes on the road, Miranda allowed herself a moment to hazard a glance at Vaughn’s sinfully masculine face. Tonight, he looked much different than the casual Vic from last night. He looked more like an authority than the easygoing surfer with a zest for life. His suit was dark and tailored to fit like armor and accentuated every inch of his fit and trim six-foot physique. She was sure it had to have been custom made for him. He was every bit the assured businessman she’d researched online this afternoon, who’d come from a proud military family.

After lunch with Sasha ended, Miranda had pulled out her iPad and put Vaughn Ellicott into the search engine. She’d been shocked by the results. A former Navy man turned businessman. His surf gear business, Elite, had started out as a one-man operation, but having garnered contracts with several surfing associations to solely provide their gear, it had quickly morphed into a million-dollar company almost overnight. Vaughn Ellicott had a substantial fortune behind him.

Her practical side told Miranda to forget about Vaughn and focus on finding a man who could be bought, but her feminine side wasn’t ready to let the sexy surfer go. And so, she’d agreed to a second date as a final hoorah. When it was over, she would return to her husband hunting search. For tonight, however, she would indulge her fantasy of what it would be like if she was free from restrictions and could have this man.

“We’re here,” Vaughn said, when he smoothly pulled up along the curb.

A valet opened Miranda’s car door and she exited. Vaughn came around and met her, sliding his arm around her waist as he led her inside the building. Miranda had to admit that she liked how he took charge. He led her to the elevator which took them to the twelfth floor.

“Reservation for Ellicott,” Vaughn told the maître d’ when they entered the restaurant housed there.

“Right this way, Mr. Ellicott.” The portly man walked them through the elegantly appointed restaurant with views of San Diego and the bay at their feet.

“This place is amazing,” Miranda commented once they were seated with a view of the San Diego skyline. She’d never heard of Mr. A’s, but knew she’d be talking about it to Sasha later. Who would have anticipated such a jewel on the top floor of an office building?

“Only the best for you,” Vaughn replied smoothly.

“Great line.”

The waitress came over and Vaughn selected an expensive bottle of red wine from their black label wine list. Miranda knew it cost a mint because it was one of her father’s favorites.

When she departed, Vaughn was wearing a frown. “I didn’t give you a line earlier. I wanted to take you to someplace special after last night’s chill atmosphere. Show you there’s more to me than just what I portray outwardly.”

“So you were acting last night?” She’d thought he’d been real with her, but if he wasn’t she could hightail it out the door now. She’d been there and done that.