by Pamela Yaye
“I’m glad you called,” Sean said. “I’ve thought a lot about you the last few months.”
Then, why didn’t you reach out to me? The thought reverberated in her head, but she didn’t have the guts to ask.
“I wanted to call you,” he continued, “but I didn’t think you’d speak to me.”
Why? Because we had too much to drink one night and made out like teenagers?
Her thoughts returned to that fateful night. After Kim had been awarded control of the Belleza because of her outstanding marketing campaign, Sean had shown up at her doorstep, drunk and distraught. He’d asked if they could talk, and he’d looked so downtrodden, she’d invited him inside for a cup of coffee. Sean had seemed blindsided by his parents’ decision and couldn’t believe his dreams of running his family’s resort had gone up in smoke. She’d listened as he’d poured out his troubles, and when he’d leaned over and stolen a kiss, she’d shocked herself by kissing him back. Robyn had never thought he’d cross that line, but was secretly glad he had.
The logical part of her mind had warned her to pull back, but her body had yearned for more. His advance had been fueled by liquor, but she’d still felt special, chosen. After all, Sean had had several casual girlfriends who would have gladly hooked up with him that night—or any night for that matter—but he’d come to her door and found solace in her arms. And it had been the greatest feeling in the word.
Try as she might, she couldn’t stop thinking about that sensuous, passionate night. They hadn’t slept together, and Robyn didn’t know whether to be grateful or sorry about the missed opportunity. They’d kissed and laughed, stroked and caressed each other for hours, but stopped short of doing the deed. It had been the wise thing to do, but part of her secretly regretted not making love to Sean.
No one knew about their late-night hookup, and although months had passed, Robyn still couldn’t bring herself to tell Kim about what had happened.
“Are you still mad at me for kissing you?” Sean asked.
“No, of course not,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I forgot all about it.”
His gaze darkened, but he spoke in a calm, reassuring tone. “I want to apologize for my behavior that night, and I want you to know that I’d never take advantage of you.”
Too bad, because you’re one hell of a kisser, and you have the most amazing hands.
“How are things going in your department?” Sean asked, unbuttoning his suit jacket. “Have you hired another event planner, or are you still working like a madwoman?”
“You know it!” Robyn shrieked, hoping to make him laugh. He did, and the sound of his hearty chuckle warmed her all over. “I’m planning several parties, the Dunham Foundation gala, and your sister’s wedding, of course. Speaking of which, will you be there?”
A wicked grin claimed his lips. “As long as you agree to be my date.”
Feeling her cheeks burn, she picked up her glass and tasted her lemonade. Damn Sean and his megawatt smile. Every time he looked at her like that, his gaze blazing with fire and desire, she lost her train of thought. It had always been that way.
That’s no surprise, her honest inner voice said. You’ve had a crush on him since eighth grade.
Her thoughts returned to the summer they met, and she pictured the scene in her mind’s eye as she sipped her lemonade. She was visiting Kim during summer break, and was in the Parker family kitchen with Kim, baking shortbread cookies, when Sean had walked in, dribbling a basketball. The tray had fallen from Robyn’s hands, and cookies had scattered across the hardwood floor. For several seconds all she’d been able to do was stare at the star athlete. She’d tried to regain her composure, to peel her eyes away from his bare chest, but she hadn’t had the strength to look away.
Nothing’s changed, her conscience pointed out. You’re staring at him right now.
The waitress arrived with their entrées, and Robyn eagerly dug into her food. The veal was succulent, full of flavor, and the mushroom Bolognese was so delicious she moaned in appreciation. “This is so good,” she gushed, swirling her fork around her pasta. “I’ll have to bring Kim here one day. She’d love this place, especially the cute waiters.”
Sean’s jaw tightened and lines of tension wrinkled his smooth brow. He was thinking about his sister, no doubt, about how she’d crushed his hopes and dreams. Sensing now was the perfect time to talk to Sean about his family, she put her utensils on her plate and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Have you spoken to your parents recently?” Robyn asked.
“Why would I? They made their choice, and I made mine.” He picked up his drink, sipped his soda and put it back down on the table. “Tell me what’s happening at the resort. You sounded upset on the phone, and my mind’s been running wild ever since you called.”
She wasn’t upset; she was terrified. Someone was after his family, and she was scared Kim was going to get hurt.
Robyn took a deep breath to steady her nerves and told Sean about the misfortunes that had befallen the resort the past few weeks. Individually, none of the incidents were alarming, but taken together they seemed to form a nefarious pattern. The false complaints about the Belleza, posted on numerous travel sites, the fire outside the Ruby Retreat lounge, the waitress who’d fractured her elbow, the cases of food poisoning—all were worrisome. Robyn suspected someone was out to destroy the resort, but she doubted it was Sean. “It’s been a stressful time for everyone.”
“I can imagine.”
He took her hand in his, and relief flooded her body. He was on her side, a sympathetic friend she could confide in, and it felt good having him in her corner. “Some staffers think the incidents are nothing more than the old ‘curse of the Belleza,’ but your parents believe something sinister is going on. They’re taking the matter very seriously and have hired additional security to ensure everything runs smoothly at the resort.”
“Damn. I heard Kim’s first few months as general manager were off to a rocky start, but I had no idea someone was trying to destroy the Belleza.” Sean blew out a deep breath and raked a hand over his short black hair. “Do the police have any leads? Any suspects in custody?”
“They’re being tight-lipped about the investigation, but your dad thinks—” Robyn stopped, catching herself just in the nick of time. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
“Go on, I want to hear what you have to say.” Sean wore a sympathetic smile and nodded his head in encouragement. “I won’t betray your confidence. You have my word.”
Robyn blurted out the truth. “Yesterday your father fingered you to the police.”
Chapter 2
Puzzled, Sean furrowed his eyebrows. Her words didn’t make sense, didn’t add up. Robyn was joking, had to be. He hadn’t seen his parents in months, but there was no way in hell his father had fingered him to the police. Not after everything he’d done over the years to make the Belleza Resort a success. Convinced Robyn was pulling his leg, he chuckled agreeably. “Good one,” he said, gesturing at her with his glass. “You almost fooled me.”
Silence descended over the table, filled the air with tension. Robyn dodged his gaze, wouldn’t look at him. The truth hit Sean like a fist to the gut, leaving him dazed and confused. How had his father turned against him? He knew things had been difficult between them, but he’d had no idea they were that bad.
“You have to return to the resort to clear your name,” Robyn said quietly.
No way, no how. I’d rather run naked through a burning building.
“Your family needs you,” she continued, raising her voice to be heard above the boisterous chatter in the dining room. “Kim’s putting up a brave front, but she could really use your love and support right now.”
Sean scoffed and shook his head. “My sister has all the answers, and I highly doubt she needs me, or anyone else, for
that matter.”
Robyn flinched as if she’d been slapped and shot him an incredulous look. “How can you be so cold? Your sister’s going through a difficult time. Don’t you care?”
He didn’t, but he held his tongue. There was no use arguing with Robyn. He was mad at his family, disappointed that his kid sister had stolen the resort out from under him, and there was nothing Robyn could say to change the way he felt.
“You and Kim have always been so close and fiercely protective of each other.”
That was then, and this was now. Kim had betrayed him, and he wanted nothing to do with her.
“Do you agree with my parents?” Sean told himself it didn’t matter what Robyn believed, that she was just another smokin’-hot woman he was attracted to, but deep down he cared what she thought. They had a powerful attraction, a mind-blowing chemistry he’d never experienced before, and he wanted Robyn in his corner. “Do you think I’m out to destroy the Belleza?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t have called you. You’re a good guy, Sean, and I know you’d never do anything to hurt the people you love.”
Her words heartened him, lifted his spirits, and for the first time since quitting his job at the Belleza, he didn’t feel so alone. He felt understood, as if Robyn cared about him, and made a mental note to send her flowers after he returned to the SP Grill. Sean wanted to cook for Robyn, but before he could invite her over to his house for dinner, she dropped another bombshell. One so shocking he almost fell off his chair.
“A security guard said he saw you lurking around the premises just hours before the fire at the Ruby Retreat, and after your father questioned the guard, he contacted the police.”
What the hell? This can’t be happening. Sean felt as if he’d been kicked in the teeth by a horse, and needed a moment to catch his breath. He gripped his glass so hard he was surprised it didn’t shatter into a million pieces. His restaurant was due to open in a few weeks, and if the media found out about the security guard’s erroneous story, it could ruin him. “The guard is lying. I haven’t been back to the resort since I quit.”
“I believe you, and I want to help. Sean, put the past behind you, reconcile with your family and help the authorities catch the bastard who’s trying to ruin the Belleza.”
“They should be the ones reaching out to me,” he argued, struggling to keep a lid on his anger. “My parents screwed me over big-time, and I don’t know if I can ever forgive them.”
“You’re upset. You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do. And, to be honest, I like being on my own and not having to answer to my father about every decision I make.” He gave full voice to his anger, didn’t censure his thoughts. “I’m tired of living life according to the Parker rules. Look where that got me.”
“That got you training at the best culinary school in Europe and your own restaurant,” Robyn shot back. “The next time you feel like bashing your parents, don’t, because you sound like a spoiled, ungrateful rich kid.”
Sean winced and hung his head. Taking a moment to recover from the bitter tongue lashing, he considered what Robyn had said. She never minced words, always spoke her mind, no matter what. He admired that about her, thought it was one of her greatest character traits.
“Your parents aren’t perfect, but they love you and have always been there for you.”
Her words gave him pause. Sean thought about his parents, remembered all the great times they’d shared and felt a rush of emotion. To the outside world, the Parkers seemed to have it all—money, success and status—but they had their fair share of problems, too. Still, he had to admit Robyn had a point. His parents had worked hard to build a good life for him and his siblings, and he never forgot all the times his mom had given him advice about girls or helped him with his homework. His relationship with his father had always been rocky, but his mother was his biggest supporter.
“You’re right,” he conceded, wearing an apologetic smile. “I have a lot to be grateful for, especially you.”
“Me?” she repeated, resting a hand on her chest. “But I haven’t done anything.”
“Thanks for having my back, Robyn. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.”
“That’s what friends are for, right?”
Friendship? That was the last thing on his mind. At least when it came to Robyn. He wanted her in his bed, and he would pursue her until she belonged to him.
At the thought of making love to Robyn, his temperature soared. An erection stabbed the zipper of his pants. It took every ounce of his self-control not to dive across the table and take her in his arms. Their connection was undeniable, so damn strong he couldn’t think of anything but kissing her passionately on the lips. At the thought, his pulse raced out of control. For years, he’d tried to ignore their attraction, but after their make-out session, he started seeing his kid sister’s best friend in a different light.
Yeah, and now you want Robyn so bad you’re drooling all over your Tom Ford suit.
Sitting back in his chair, sipping his drink, Sean admired her creamy skin, the extra long lashes that framed her hazel eyes and her lush lips. Her diamond-stud earrings and silver-cross necklace gave her dress a touch of glamour. Robyn looked like a woman who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but nothing could be further from the truth. She’d been raised in the projects in New York City, and was awarded a scholarship to Merriweather Academy boarding school where she’d met his sister. In spite of her humble beginnings, she carried herself with remarkable poise. Though she was five years his junior, she was wise and discerning and he enjoyed spending time with her.
Sean felt an ache in his belly, a thirst only Robyn could quench, and struggled to control his desires. Sean wanted to kiss her again, imagined himself crushing his mouth to hers, but cautioned himself to relax. This wasn’t the time or the place, and he didn’t want to ruin their lunch by putting the moves on her. Instead, they finished their meal, and over coffee, they just talked. Sean was shocked to discover how much they had in common. They both loved action movies, the great outdoors and spending their days off at the beach. As Robyn spoke, he learned some interesting facts about her. She was an avid surfer, the only person in her family to ever graduate from college and a die-hard Bruce Lee fan. Upbeat and bubbly, she made him forget his problems and laugh out loud at her outrageous stories about the resort.
“How are things coming along at the SP Grill?” Robyn asked, tasting the carrot cake they’d ordered to share.
“Great,” he said, bursting with pride. The restaurant was his brainchild, something he’d been contemplating for years, and thanks to the help of several generous investors, his dreams were about to become a reality. “I’ve put my heart and soul into this project, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make the SP Grill a success.”
Sean watched Robyn lick the icing off her fork and groaned inwardly, as if he was being tortured. Sweat drenched his shirt. A spark ignited inside his body when their eyes met, causing lust to course through his veins. The blood drained from his head and shot straight to his groin. Did she have any idea how much he wanted her? How much he needed her right now?
“This cake’s pretty good, but yours is much better,” Robyn said, gesturing with her fork to the plate. “I hope the menu at the SP Grill is filled with your decadent desserts, because they’re to die for, especially your chocolate truffle cheesecake.”
“I’ll be overseeing the day-to-day operation of the restaurant, not slaving away in the kitchen twenty-four seven.”
Robyn frowned and poked out her bottom lip. “Why not?”
“The emphasis at the SP Grill is on luxury foods like caviar, lobster and foie gras, but I’m willing to tweak the menu, just for you.”
“You’d better,” she said, her tone full of sass. “Or I’ll take my business elsewhere.”
The sound of her
laughter brought a smile to his mouth, made him feel better than he had in weeks. “The SP Grill opens on Labor Day, and to celebrate, I’m throwing the biggest bash LA has ever seen.”
That’s if you’re not in jail! joked his inner voice.
Sean refused to entertain the thought and refocused his attention on Robyn. “I’d like you to be my date for the grand-opening celebration,” he said, gently stroking her hand with his own. “It’s going to be the biggest night of my life, and I want to share it with you.”
Her eyes dimmed, lost their warmth, and Sean knew instinctively that Robyn was going to turn him down. They’d had great conversations about life, shared the same values and enjoyed each other’s company, so why was she playing hard to get? Or maybe she wasn’t playing, Sean thought, swallowing hard. Maybe Robyn was dating someone else. Was that why she was brushing him off? Why she refused to look him in the eye? Because there was another man in her life?
“Are you inviting your family to your grand opening?”
Hell no, he thought, but didn’t say. He missed his family—especially Kim—but he couldn’t bring himself to call them. “I don’t know,” he said with a shrug. “Why does it matter?”
“Because they’re my employers and you’re their estranged son.”
Sean raised an eyebrow, gave her a skeptical look. “I don’t work at the resort anymore, and furthermore, you’re a grown woman who’s free to date whoever she wants.”
And, by date whoever you want, I mean me!
“I can’t attend your grand opening.”
His shoulders fell. Sean was disappointed that Robyn wouldn’t be at his side on the most important night of his life and wondered if there was anything he could do to change her mind. “Are you seeing someone?” he asked, driven by curiosity.
“No, but under the current circumstances, it wouldn’t be right. I don’t want to upset your parents, or cause a rift between me and Kim. She’s my boss and, more importantly, my best friend, and I’d like to keep it that way.”