The Santana Heir
I’m trying to be honourable, Grace.'I advise you not to push me.'How on earth did Grace Chandler think she could fight billionaire Emilio Santana for custody of her stepsister’s orphaned baby? The boy is, after all, the last Santana heir. When Grace agrees to act as nanny, suddenly they’re closer than either had imagined…But can they trust each other enough to pursue the passion pulsing between them?
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âWhat just happened was a mistake, Emilio.â
He refrained from reminding Grace that she had been the one to start the kiss. âI had the impression you enjoyed it as much as I did.â
Her look darkened. âI came here to decide what was best for Zac and for me. The last thing I need is to have my judgment clouded by a Latin Romeo whoâd hit on any female old enough to drive. As far as you and I are concerned, nothing happened here. Understood?â
âUnderstood.â The barb had stung more than he cared to admit. But long experience had taught Emilio when to advance and when to retreat. This was retreat time.
But the conquest was far from over.
ELIZABETH LANE has lived and travelled in many parts of the world, including Europe, Latin America and the Far East, but her heart remains in the American West, where she was born and raised. Her idea of heaven is hiking a mountain trail on a clear autumn day. She also enjoys music, animals and dancing. You can learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website: www.elizabethlaneauthor.com
Recent titles by the same author:
THE NANNYâS SECRET
THE BALLAD OF EMMA OâTOOLE IN HIS BROTHERâS PLACE THE HAND-ME-DOWN BRIDE
Did you know these are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
Contents
One
Urubamba, Peru, January 21
Emilio Santana stared at the folder on the massive mahogany deskâthe desk that had served the head of the Santana family for seven generations. Until two weeks ago that desk had belonged to his brother. Now it was his.
He was still reeling from Arturoâs death in a highway accident. But the vast Santana business holdings couldnât wait for grief. Catapulted into place as the new jefe, Emilio had a world of things to learnâand barely enough time to learn them. Heâd never wanted this responsibility. But now it was hisâfor life.
Arturo had always been the one who took care of things. While Emilio jetted around the world, partying with rock stars and dating glamorous women, Arturo had managed the family estate in Urubamba, the corporate offices in Lima and the portfolio of global investments and properties that comprised the Santana fortune. Steady and competent, Arturo had always been there to bail his wild younger brother out of trouble. Now he was gone, the reality of his loss still sinking in.
Since the funeral and the novena, Emilio had spent much of his time going through the files in Arturoâs home office. Invoices, contracts, business correspondence. It was all a lot to take in, but heâd found nothing out of the ordinary.
Until now.
The manila folder, marked âPersonal,â had been tucked into the back of the file drawer. Inside, Emilio found a certified envelope, addressed to Arturo and mailed from Tucson, Arizona, ten months earlier. Inside was a folded letter, printed on plain white paper and signed in a strong but feminine hand.
March 10
Dear Mr. Santana:
It saddens me to inform you that my stepsister, Cassidy Miller, passed away March 1 of this year, due to a brain tumor...
Cassidy dead? But how could that be? Emilio stared at the page in disbelief. Cassidy had been so beautiful, so full of life and mischief. A model with a reputation as a party girl, Cassidy Miller had been doing a fashion shoot in Cusco when Emilio had met her. After the shoot heâd invited her and several model friends to spend a few days at the Urubamba estate. One look at Arturo, and sheâd cancelled an upcoming assignment to stay with him. During the five weeks theyâd spent together, Emilioâs brother had never looked happier. Then Cassidy had vanished from his life. Emilio had wondered why, but if Arturo had known, heâd never said a word.
Biting back emotion Emilio read on.
I know this news will come as a shock. Cassidy begged me not to tell you about her illness. But now that sheâs gone I feel duty-bound to write to you for another reason. In the last days of her life, Cassidy gave birth to a baby boy. Since he was born February 26, nine months from the time she was with you in Peru, I have every reason to believe heâs your son.
Rest assured that Iâm not writing to make any claim on your wealth or your estate. In fact, if you agree, I would like to raise the boy myself. Little Zac, as Cassidy named him, will be well cared for here with me. Iâve brought him home and would love to raise him as my own. My lawyer has advised me to inform you of his birth and ask your permission before taking steps to adopt him.
My business card is enclosed. If I donât hear from you, Iâll assume you have no interest in the boy and proceed with the adoption.
Sincerely,
Grace Chandler
Emilio reread the letter. His numbness ebbed as the news sank home. Cassidy was gone forever. But Arturo had left a sonâa son heâd kept secret. Why?
