Endless Summer Nights Read Online Free

lost millions. I won’t allow that to happen. I want to ensure success. I want the new brand, the image, to be clear and strong long before I open the doors for the world to see.”
    “I’m curious about one thing,” Sydni said.
    “Yes.”
    “When I was doing my research I stumbled across information that said your family name is Santiago. So why St. James?”
    Gabriel grinned. “St. James, Sant Iago, is the great patron saint. In business we felt that St. James—my mother’s maiden name—was much more acceptable on a broader scale. My certificate of birth still reads Santiago.”
    “I see. Any other bits of folklore that I need to know about?”
    “Whatever you need to know, I’d be more than happy to provide you with the answer.” He lifted his glass and took a sip.
    Sydni swallowed over the sudden dry knot in her throat. “Do you have any questions for me?”
    Gabriel leaned back, appraised her from beneath his lashes. “Are you free for dinner?”
    Sydni blinked in surprise. “I...”
    “I may have some questions once I go over the material.”
    “Of course. I’m sure I can adjust my schedule if it’s necessary.”
    “Good. Then let’s put work aside for now and I will give you ladies a tour of the property. Yes?”
    “Sounds wonderful,” Sydni said. “Our driver should be back in about forty minutes.”
    Gabriel stood and so did Sydni.
    “You two go ahead,” Lynn said. “The travel is beginning to catch up with me. I think I’ll sit here and take in the view of the ocean.”
    “Are you sure?” Sydni asked, giving her the “you bettah come on, girl” look.
    Lynn smiled. “Very.” She waved her off. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.” She slid on her sunglasses and leaned back.
    Gabriel slid open the glass door. “After you.”
    Sydni squeezed by him and subtly inhaled his scent. She could feel the heat of him behind her and then he was at her side. He lightly placed his hand at the small of her back to guide her through the main level. He opened the door and extended his hand to lead her out in front of him.
    “This is an amazing piece of property,” Sydni said once they were outside.
    “My first taste of land development was about ten years ago. I was scouting around for a place to build a home and came across this place.”
    “From the ground up?”
    He nodded as they proceeded down the walkway that was like taking a stroll through the Garden of Eden. “Nothing was here but wild bush, trees and the ocean.”
    “How long did it take you to build?”
    “Hmm, four years from start to finish.”
    On the side of the house was a little rippling pond that was filled with koi. There was a bench that was shaded by an overhang. The atmosphere at the pond was totally soothing, almost hypnotic.
    “I come out here a lot when I have things on my mind.”
    She glanced at him as they continued to tour the grounds. “When would you have time to sit and ponder?” she teased.
    Gabriel laughed. “Unfortunately, not as often as I would like. So much of the family business takes me everywhere in the world except here.”
    The images of him and the countless women on his arm flashed through her head. Her brow tightened.
    “If I had my way I would be here full-time. All the travel, all the people, are tiresome.” He gave a short snort of disgust. “The world would have you think that it’s such a fabulous life. Don’t get me wrong,” he continued, “having money, having access, is a powerful aphrodisiac. I only wish that it could all mean something. It’s very easy to get comfortable and caught up in the trappings that all this—” he waved his hand expansively “—can afford you.” He slid his hands into his pockets, turned to look at her briefly and then continued to walk.
    “Well, my vision for the string of resorts is to provide a getaway of superb quality for those who would never be able to afford it. But it can’t be viewed as some publicity stunt, or some charity resort,”