Harlequin Desire June 2020 - Box Set 1 of 2

by Maureen Child

  “I’m Nick Campbell and this is my fiancée, Silvia Lane.”

  Silvia had a small baby bump and Reese felt a twinge of jealousy. What would Josie look like pregnant with his child?

  But immediately, he shut that question down. He wasn’t ready for long-term with her or anyone else. He and Josie were forging their way through this new territory and the thought of a child terrified him.

  That one-day-family idea he’d had wasn’t coming anytime soon. He had too many plans he wanted to have in place before he started thinking about his legacy.

  “I have to be honest,” Maty said, leaning toward Josie. “Silvia and I are giddy with excitement that you’re here. We absolutely love your column.”

  Reese watched as Josie simply beamed. “Thank you so much. I love meeting readers one-on-one. Writing can be a lonely industry.”

  “And congratulations on the engagement,” Silvia added. “Isn’t it funny how life works? The guys all discover they’re brothers and we all have recently become engaged.”

  Josie glanced to Reese and he literally saw the proverbial shield come down, masking her true emotions. Nobody knew her like he did, so her reaction wouldn’t be noticeable. Still, he hated they were in a position to lie.

  He also hated that he’d heard Chris had still been leaving notes and flowers on Josie’s doorstep. His construction crew had kindly informed Reese of that fact, and Reese had sent Chris a not-so-subtle text telling the guy to move on or face harassment charges.

  Hopefully that was the end of the issue.

  The women seemed to shift and congregate discussing weddings and babies…neither topic appealed to Reese, so he moved toward Nick and Sam.

  “Thanks for making the trip,” Nick said. “I’m sure this is still a shock to you.”

  Reese tucked his thumbs through his belt loops and nodded. “I’m getting used to the idea. I spoke with my parents, so that was the toughest part.”

  “I can’t imagine,” Nick added. “Sam and I have a meeting set up with Rusty tomorrow evening at seven. We’re actually meeting in his office.”

  Reese listened to the details about how the charges of embezzlement were sticking, how Rusty was about to lose everything and how Sam had never revealed to Rusty that he was Sam’s father.

  “So Rusty only knows of you?” Reese asked Nick.

  Nick nodded.

  “I didn’t want anything from him,” Sam chimed in. “I didn’t want money or to merge our businesses, nothing. I didn’t want to give him any inkling that I was his son, but after thinking it over, I don’t care if he knows. He’s tried to buy my distillery for years now and I’m more than happy to show him just how powerful I’ve become. He’s got nothing on me.”

  Well, Rusty was in for one hell of a surprise when he discovered he had two more bouncing baby boys.

  Laughter from the women filtered through the open space and Reese couldn’t help but smile. Josie fit into every single aspect of his life. He wondered what that kiss meant earlier, the one just outside when she’d claimed it was because he needed it.

  Was she developing stronger feelings? Was he?

  He glanced over his shoulder and she happened to glance his way. She sent him a wink that packed a punch, but not of lust. There was something building between them, something he wasn’t sure he was ready for.

  Regardless of what happened once their two-week sham was over, Reese knew he would never be the same.

  * * *

  “That was so much fun,” Josie exclaimed as she and Reese made their way into the cabin they’d rented. “I cannot believe I got a tour, a tasting and an invite to come back to watch firsthand production.”

  Reese unlocked the door and ushered her inside the spacious mountainside cottage. Well, this particular cabin was called “Cozy Cottage” but there was nothing tiny about the four-thousand-square-foot space. Josie didn’t realize how much she would love the mountains until she and Reese had driven up to this secluded rental. No wonder people always wanted to vacation here.

  She might be a beach girl at heart, but she had a feeling the mountains would be calling her name again and again.

  “And here I was worried you’d feel left out,” Reese joked as he tossed his keys onto the table by the front door. “Sam seemed pretty anxious to let you interview him for a piece.”

  Josie smoothed her hair back and crossed her arms. “You’re not jealous, are you?”

  Reese held her gaze and cocked his head. “Should I be? Sam was named one of Tennessee’s most eligible bachelors not that long ago.”

  Josie took a step closer. “Well, I think he’s pretty in love with Maty and I’m—”

  She stilled. No, she wasn’t in love.

  That was absurd. She was just getting caught up in all of this engagement fiasco.

  “You’re what?” Reese prompted.

  Josie dropped her arms and squared her shoulders. “I’m not looking for a man,” she told him.

  Reese reached for her, his hands already working the zipper hidden on the side of her dress. “Is that so? Well, I wasn’t looking for this, either, but here we are.”

  What did that mean? She wanted to ask, but his hands were moving on her, ridding her of all her clothes as he walked her backward.

  “Have you checked out the deck?” he asked, a naughty gleam in his eye and a cocky smile to match.

  “No. Should I?”

  Her hands went to the buttons of his black dress shirt and she had him out of it before he could answer.

  “There’s a hot tub,” he told her, firmly settling his hands at the dip in her waist. “There’s also a flatbed swing. Both perfect for stargazing.”

  Josie smiled, raking her fingertip over the lines of his abs. “Is that what you’re undressing me for? Stargazing?”

  “You shouldn’t get into the hot tub with your clothes on,” he said.

  Josie let him lead her outside, where she finished undressing him. The wide deck did provide a spacious hot tub and on the other end, a wide bed on a swing, perfect for lounging with your lover.

  And that’s the word she’d been looking for all this time. Reese had moved from best friend to lover, but she wasn’t sure where his head was with all of this. What would happen once they decided to publicly call off the engagement? Would they still sneak a rendezvous here or there? Would he still want this physical intimacy? Because she wasn’t sure she could give this up now that she’d experienced Reese.

  “You’re letting your mind take you away again,” he accused.

  Before she could defend herself, he picked her up and hauled her over his shoulder like she was nothing more than a blanket. Mercy, his strength was sexy.

  He climbed into the hot tub and gently set her down. The warm water instantly had chill bumps popping up. He reached over and tapped a button, instantly turning the jets on…as if she needed more stimulation to her already-aroused body.

  When he turned back to her, he had that look again, the one that promised she was in for a good time.

  “About that kiss earlier,” he started as he reached for her. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap, giving her no choice but to straddle him. “Want to tell me why you’re kissing me when nobody was looking?”

  Yeah, about that. She’d told him he looked like he needed it, but in reality, she’d just wanted to. The pull toward him was growing stronger and stronger. She’d had to make up something quick because she didn’t want to reveal her true feelings…basically because she wasn’t even sure what her true feelings were.

  “Maybe I like kissing you,” she said, looping her arms around his neck. “Maybe I’m enjoying myself with you, despite all the chaos around us.”

  His hands eased up her thighs and around to cup her backside. “We do seem to draw the attention to us, don’t we?”

  She leaned into him, her br
easts flattening against his chest. How could he keep carrying on a conversation? Her body was ready to go and he seemed to be taking his time.

  Josie shifted a little more until she settled over him at the exact spot she ached to be. With her eyes locked onto his, she sank down, smiling when he moaned and closed his eyes.

  Being in control where Reese was concerned wasn’t an easy task. The man thrived on staying dominant at all times. But now his head dropped back against the edge of the hot tub and Josie braced her hands on his shoulders as she began to move.

  Reese lifted his head and closed his mouth over her breast. She bit down on her lip to keep from crying out. Between his hands, his mouth and that rock-hard body moving beneath hers—oh, and those jets—Josie wasn’t going to last.

  When his lips traveled up to her neck, Josie dropped her head back and arched her body into his. He murmured her name over and over as she rocked against him.

  All too soon, her body started climbing. As much as she wanted to make this moment last, she was fighting a losing battle.

  Reese kept one hand on her backside and gripped her neck with the other, easing her down so he could claim her lips. She threaded her fingers through his hair and let every wave of emotion wash over her, through her.

  His body tightened beneath hers as he joined her. Josie kept herself wrapped all around him, taking in the passionate kiss as her body came down from the high.

  Reese’s hold lessened as he nipped at her bottom lip, then rested his forehead against hers. The water continued to pulse around them, relaxing Josie even more. She didn’t want to move, didn’t want to face reality. She only wanted to stay in this moment that seemed so right because all too soon she would have to face the fact that she had to let Reese slip back into that friend box.

  But for now, for tonight, she was in his arms.

  Tomorrow he would meet his biological father and Josie wanted to give him as much comfort and peace as possible…and she prayed she could keep her heart from tumbling into love for her best friend.

  FOURTEEN

  “Are you ready for this?” Sam asked.

  The three brothers stood outside the Lockwood Lightning Distillery. The sun was just starting to set behind the mountains, the tours had all ended, and the place was closed. Rusty was expecting them and Reese had a ball of nerves in his gut.

  “Are you ready?” he countered to Sam. “Rusty isn’t aware that you’re his son, either.”

  Sam shrugged. “I honestly don’t care if he ever finds out about me, but I’ll stand with you guys as a united front.”

  Reese could understand and respect that. They were all at different places in their lives, but ultimately the deathbed confession of one woman had brought them all here. He also understood why Nick’s mother had sent those letters. She hadn’t wanted her son to have no family once she was gone.

  “Let’s get this over with,” Nick stated. “I don’t like spending any more time with this bastard than necessary.”

  Reese had dealt with some shady jerks in business before, but he hadn’t imagined someone could be as terrible as Rusty was rumored to be. Clearly, he was getting ready to find out.

  Sam reached up and pressed the intercom button next to the side door of the offices. Seconds later the door clicked and Nick reached for it.

  He opened and gestured. “After you guys.”

  Reese stepped inside and the mixed scents of leather and alcohol hit him. The atmosphere was quite different from Sam’s distillery. Here things seemed older, definitely a vibe from twenty years ago, where Sam’s distillery seemed fresh and cutting-edge with the older themes complementing the decor.

  “Gentlemen.”

  Reese turned toward the staircase and stared up at the landing, at Rusty Lockwood. He seemed older, heavier, in person than the photos Reese had seen online. Or maybe Rusty was just tired and run-down after being arrested and investigated regarding some serious charges.

  Having your life and company on the brink of collapse would certainly wreak havoc.

  Rusty’s eyes scanned the guys, but ultimately landed on Reese.

  “Recruiting new allies?” he asked. “I don’t even know him, so I doubt he wants to see my demise.”

  Sam snorted. “You’re about to know him. Are you coming down or standing there lording over us?”

  “Are you staying long or will this meeting be short?” Rusty asked as he started to descend the steps.

  Reese’s first impression was that the man didn’t like that he was being overrun. He didn’t even bother with an introduction, as most people would when meeting someone new. He clearly didn’t have any positive feelings toward Sam or Nick.

  “Trust us, we don’t want to be here any longer than necessary,” Nick stated. “But there are some things we need to discuss.”

  Rusty came to the bottom of the steps and crossed his arms over his chest.

  Reese couldn’t stand it another second. “I’m Reese Conrad,” he said, extending his hand.

  Rusty stared for a second before giving a firm shake. “I’ve heard your name. You own those restaurants.”

  Those restaurants, like there was something wrong with being a restaurateur. Like people didn’t have to book reservations at least a month in advance for a table, and even longer for the private lounge.

  Rusty clearly had the mentality that he was above everyone else.

  “I own eight restaurants and I’m opening my ninth in New York this coming weekend,” Reese amended.

  Rusty grunted and turned to Nick. “So what’s this all about?”

  “You recall my mother left me a letter about you being my biological father.”

  Rusty nodded. “And?”

  “She sent letters to two of my brothers as well,” Nick added.

  Reese watched as Rusty processed that statement, then the man turned toward Sam, then Reese. His eyes showed absolutely no emotion. Nick might as well have told him the sky was blue for the lack of surprise on his face.

  “So is this a family reunion?” Rusty asked. “And how do I know any of this is true?”

  Sam took a step forward. “I don’t give a damn if you believe us or not. We’re just letting you know that you do have children. We want to clear the air and you can decide what to do from here. I don’t believe any of us are looking for fatherly advice or holiday invites.”

  “I’m actually going to offer to buy Lockwood Lightning from you,” Nick stated.

  Reese jerked his attention to Nick, who only had his sights set on Rusty. From the way Sam reacted, he was just as surprised by Nick’s offer.

  “Buy me out?” Rusty scoffed. “When hell freezes over.”

  Nick shrugged and slid his hands into his pockets. “I knew that would be your first reaction, but that’s why you’re failing right now. You aren’t thinking like a businessman. Instead, you’re letting your emotions override common sense.”

  Rusty glanced at each of them. “Is that why you all came here? To gang up on me and get me to sell? You think I’m just passing down all I’ve built because I supposedly fathered you?”

  “Bloodlines have nothing to do with this decision,” Nick amended. “You don’t need to answer me now, but I will own this distillery.”

  “What do you know about running a distillery?” Rusty mocked. “You renovate buildings and sell them off for others to run.”

  “He doesn’t know about distilleries,” Sam agreed. “But I do, and I’ll be his partner.”

  “You think I’d sell to either of you?” Rusty asked. “After I tried to buy you out for years and you turned me down? I supposed your third crony is going to want in on this, too?”

  Reese shrugged. “Always looking to expand. I’d go into business with them.”

  Rusty puffed up his chest as he pulled in a breath. The buttons on his shirt strained against the mov
ement.

  “If that’s all you guys wanted, you wasted your time.” Rusty started to turn back to the steps, but stopped himself. “I won’t sell my distillery to any of you and I’m not really looking for children who will inherit my legacy. You can see yourselves out. The door will automatically lock, so don’t come back.”

  And with that warm parting, Rusty went back up the steps to his lair or office or hellhole.

  Nick and Sam both turned to Reese and he honestly didn’t know what to say about the anticlimactic, not to mention fast, meeting they’d just had.

  “Well, I guess that settles that,” Reese said. “Clearly, he doesn’t care about his sons, so I’m done here.”

  Nick glanced toward the empty steps and back to his brothers. “I meant what I said. I’m going to buy this place. It was something I’d thought about, but the minute I saw him, I knew. If you guys want to join me, we’d make a hell of a team.”

  Reese didn’t make rash business decisions, but this was one thought that held merit. An already-established distillery run by three brothers who had all already made names for themselves in the hospitality and real estate industries was a no-brainer.

  “We should discuss this elsewhere,” Sam stated as he started toward the main door. “Let’s head to my place where we can talk. I have a feeling this is going to take some strategic planning.”

  Reese followed, already pulling out his phone to text Josie and tell her what had happened and where he was heading. Odd that his first instinct had been to contact her and not his parents, but he would talk to them in person. He missed Josie when he wasn’t with her and wanted to fill her in on everything going on in his life.

  After last night, between the hot tub and then falling asleep holding her on the swinging bed under the stars, Reese couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he was ready for more. Maybe the thought of commitment and long-term had always scared him in the past because the right person hadn’t come into his life.