Lovers Unmasked: The Complete Series

by Nicole Flockton

  She glared at him before pulling her top over her head, muffling her words. “It’s not funny, Noah. It would be mortifying.”

  Once her head popped out she saw that Noah had his shirt back on and was shrugging into jacket. He looked poised and in control. Anyone looking at him now wouldn’t believe that not one minute ago, he’d had a raging hard-on and his hands down her pants.

  She knew she probably looked a wreck and reeked of sex. How was she going to finish her shift like this? How could she have lost her head and gotten so carried away?

  She started pacing the small space, as if she was the one suffering from claustrophobia now. “This is bad, bad, bad.”

  Noah grabbed her hands and pulled her towards him. “Stop, Lisa. No one knows what happened between us in this elevator. I’m not going to say anything, and I bet you’re not going to say anything either.”

  For some reason, his words, delivered so coolly and rationally, hurt. She thought they’d shared something special, but for him it appeared it was just a way to pass the time. To keep his mind off the fact he was stuck in a confined space. What a jerk.

  “Fine, the last hour or so didn’t exist, and especially not the last half hour. I’ll never mention it again.”

  She stood and walked to the other side of the elevator, but it wasn’t far enough away from him. And Noah obviously didn’t get the message that she wanted to be alone because he stalked towards her.

  He stopped in front of her, leaning close, and planted his hands on the wall on either side of her head. “Don’t cheapen what just happened between us, Lisa. I want nothing more than to sink into you over and over and over again. I’ve wanted to ask you out since the first day I saw you, but you treated me with indifference, like I didn’t really exist in your world. I did tell you that the only reason I got into this godforsaken tin can was because you were in it.”

  Shock rendered her speechless. She’d had no idea Noah was even remotely interested in her. When she finally got her wits about her, she opened her mouth, but still nothing came out. She closed it and tried again. “Oh, I, umm, had no idea.”

  “Well, now you do. So Lisa Wheeler, before the doors open and our private little oasis is shattered, I’ve got a question for you.”

  “And what’s that, Noah Collins.” She said with a smile.

  “When our shift is over, will you have breakfast with me?”

  “Breakfast?”

  He smiled and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “And maybe…more?”

  The elevator whirred to life and Lisa knew she only had seconds to answer. “Yes. I would love to.”

  Noah smiled at her and moved away so that he stood next to her. As the doors slid open and the maintenance and security crew awaited them, Lisa knew that, against all odds and her misconceptions of Noah, Cupid hadn’t ignored her today. Cupid had fired its bow at the two of them, and it had landed truly.

  Who needed flower deliveries or Hugh Grant movies? She’d gotten the best present of all.

  About the Author

  Nicole is an Australian living in Houston. She writes contemporary romances and enjoys creating characters and situations unique to them. When she’s not writing romance, she is busy looking after her own personal hero, her husband, and two children. You can find out more about her at www.nicoleflockton.com.

  Check out Nicole’s Masquerade, Rescuing Dawn, and Seducing Phoebe.

  Crimson Sneak Peek

  Daniel’s Decision , by Nicole Flockton

  Daniel Whitman swirled the glass tumbler, watching the amber liquid circle and cling to the outer edges of the glass, the ice clinking against the sides in musical accompaniment. It did little to drown out the noise coming from the party going on behind him.

  He should have been celebrating with the rest of his family. He was happy his little brother had found contentment and happiness in his life. Jen, his brother’s fiancée, had made remarkable changes in Chad’s wayward, fun-loving personality. Seems everyone around him was finding love—including his father. He took another gulp and welcomed the burn trickling down his throat.

  What he felt like doing was buying a bottle of the twenty-year-old malt whiskey he was drinking and having his own private little party. Instead, he lifted his near-empty glass in a signal to the barman that he wanted a top-up.

  “Everything all right, son?” his father asked as he slipped onto the empty barstool next to him.

  Daniel raised his glass in a mock salute. “Absolutely, just having a quiet drink.”

  “You might want to go easy on that,” Richard Whitman said as he inclined his head at the glass in Daniel’s hand.

  He let out a harsh laugh and downed the rest of the contents. “It’s my first drink, Dad.”

  He felt rather than heard the heavy sigh his father let out. “Look, you’re not still upset about the meeting this afternoon, are you? You know Adam and I thought long and hard about your expansion plans for the resort. We agree they have merit and will be a good idea in the future, but with the new microbrewery, we can’t justify another large capital outlay.”

  Daniel loved his older brother, Adam. He had missed him while Adam was away carving out his own career in Los Angeles. But during that time, Daniel thought he and his father had grown close while they discussed ideas like streamlining some of the business practices and accounting procedures at Emerald Tea Farm, which had increased profits and productivity. Now with Adam back, it was like Dad had disregarded all those conversations and listened only to his firstborn. He knew it bothered Chad, too, but Chad had eventually talked the family into expanding the diner into a modern microbrewery. Maybe he could use this opportunity to plant the seed in Dad’s mind that proceeding now with the plans for Emerald Paradise Resort was the way to go.

  “You do realize, Dad, we are missing out on a niche market? When we had Michael Williams, the actor, staying at the resort, he loved the privacy. It was the first time in years he and his wife had been able to vacation where no paparazzi bothered them. Where they didn’t have to worry about embarrassing pictures appearing in the press.” As Daniel warmed to his topic, his earlier melancholy mood drifted away on the breeze. “If we add a few high-class facilities to the ones we already have and increase the services we offer in the spa, get something that makes our resort stand out from the rest of the resorts in the United States, I believe we’d be running at nearly full capacity year-round. Not to mention if we made a few other changes to our processes—heck, we could be totally eco and environmentally friendly. Those types of features appeal to the rich and famous.”

  “Son, these changes you’re proposing don’t sound cheap. How can you guarantee that if we lay out all this money, we will run at capacity? It’s a big risk, and at present it’s one I’m not prepared to take, especially with the new microbrewery expansion.” Dad paused and picked up the drink the bartender had placed in front of him. “Besides, how do you propose we attract these high-class guests to the resort? If we publicize our products and services, we effectively neutralize our anonymity, which according to you, is the main drawing card for these guests.”

  “Word of mouth, Dad. I told Michael we were looking at making changes, and he said to let him know when we did. He’d come back and let all his friends know.”

  “I wish you’d waited a little longer before saying anything, Dan. I know you have control of the resort, but the final decision is still mine. I just think we need to take a little time and sort through all it will take to achieve this.”

  Daniel bit back the groan of frustration that threatened to burst out of him. Why couldn’t his father see what a great business decision this was? He’d drawn up a business plan, worked out the costs of the few changes necessary to make the resort one hundred percent eco-friendly. And with Adam’s knowledge, it would be so easy. The main backbone of his father’s business had been organic—sheesh, Chad’s microbrewery was going to be organic. The resort had been one of the first in Washington State to use the latest green
technology. They treated him like he didn’t know how to do anything. He was the one who had an MBA in business, for heaven’s sake.

  “Dad, we already have a good reputation as a resort that uses green energy, but we’re getting a little tired. We need to freshen things up, offer new and innovative spa techniques. I can’t say it enough; I want to draw a different crowd to the resort.” Then Daniel plunged ahead with an idea he hadn’t presented that afternoon to his father and brothers. “In addition to trying to find something new and innovative for the resort, I’m also looking at introducing holistic massages and therapies to help with the treatment of cancer. Mom would’ve loved this. She’d have been helping me do the research.”

  Damn straight she’d help. No doubt she’d have dug up information he’d never even consider looking for. Even after five years, he still missed her like crazy. He must have been the only kid in his school whose mom had been his best friend. Sheila Whitman had always had time for him—no matter how busy she was she’d sit with him. Listen to him. Encourage him. She always believed in him, always thought his ideas were fantastic. She had been his biggest champion.

  God, he wished she was here right now. She’d be able to convince his father that Daniel’s plans were exactly what the resort needed.

  “Yes, I’m sure she would’ve loved that. She always believed that eating the organic fruit from our farm slowed her illness.” His father’s words were quiet and filled with admiration for the woman who’d tried with all her might to fight the insidious disease that had taken hold of her and had never let go.

  Daniel nodded and took another sip of the whiskey, not needing the numbing sensation he had craved a half an hour ago. “There have been great leaps in using holistic treatments to help cancer patients recover from chemotherapy and radiation sessions. Doctors are adding everything from massages to herbal teas to acupuncture to diet changes, including eating totally organic produce, to cancer treatment plans. We have a chance to reach that market, too. We already know how eating organic can help cancer patients. We’ve got all of that at our fingertips with the orchards. But imagine if we introduced a technique or concept so unique no other resort in North America has ever seen the likes of it. It would really set us apart from everyone else. The possibilities are endless, Dad. Surely you can see that.”

  “Dan, I can’t argue with anything you’re saying. Of all my sons, you’ve been the one with the business acumen. You have ensured that Emerald Paradise Resort has always been profitable, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. However, we just can’t do it at the moment. Maybe in a year’s time.”

  “In a year’s time it will be too late. Other resorts are already starting to make these changes. I’ve been trying to speak to the marketing manager at a resort in far north Queensland in Australia but haven’t had any luck yet. According to their website, they’re an eco-friendly resort and their spa is the best in the country. I thought about taking a trip down there to check it out.”

  “That’s a long way to go. I’m sure there are other resorts in the United States that will give you everything you need.”

  “You’ve seen the research I presented to you earlier, we’re on par with the resorts here in the States. But I don’t want to be the same as the others. I want Emerald Paradise to be the best, and this Australian resort is an award-winning, world-class operation; we could learn a lot from them.”

  “Richard, darling, are you ready to go?” A light feminine voice interrupted their conversation.

  Daniel gripped his glass a little tighter. He still found it hard to believe his father and their housekeeper, Patty, were now an item. His father loving another woman. A woman who wasn’t his mother. The idea seemed so foreign to him.

  He kept his eyes focused on his hands and not on what he was sure would be Patty touching his father’s arm.

  “Give me a couple more minutes, sweetheart, then I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Okay, I’ll go wait with Zoe. Bye Daniel.”

  Daniel tried not to flinch when he heard the sound of lips meeting in a quick kiss. He needed to get out of there. There was no point continuing with the conversation. It was a dead end. He placed his glass back on the bar, pulled a couple of bills out of his wallet, and threw them down.

  “It’s okay, Dad, I’m leaving now anyway.” He couldn’t deny the happiness shining on his father’s face. It didn’t mean he had to like it, though. “I’ll see you both later.”

  He turned and walked away, not bothering to say goodbye to his brothers. He was sure they’d give him hell over it later, but at the moment he didn’t care. He just needed to get away.

  The cool night air hit him and he welcomed its freshness. He’d walked to the restaurant, as he knew it wouldn’t be a good idea for him to drive home after a few drinks. He used the time to clear his head and work out what his next move would be.

  There were so many changes going on around him. Both of his brothers were now engaged. His father was in love with his housekeeper. Even Colleen, the daughter of his father’s former business partner, had fallen in love and was expecting a baby. She’d been the last person he, and everyone else in town, had expected to succumb to Cupid’s clutches. It appeared there was something in the water in Emerald Springs, and he planned to stay as far away from it as possible. The very idea of falling in love and getting married was anathema to him.

  Footsteps sounded behind him, but he didn’t bother turning to see who was there. Lots of people walked the streets at night. Emerald Springs was a safe place; he had no need to worry about anything bad happening. But he did up his pace a fraction, surprised when the person behind him also sped up.

  His immediate response was to turn and check out who was following him. He would’ve if he wasn’t a short distance away from his house. An uneasy feeling settled over him. He jogged at night and had never experienced any problems. Why was he worried about the walk home? To see what would happen, he again increased his pace. The person behind him did the same.

  This was definitely unusual.

  He reached the front door of his house as his phone rang. Over the tone, he heard a muffled curse. He turned quickly to see someone darting across the street.

  What the hell?

  Shaking his head in disbelief, he pulled his cell out of his pocket along with his keys, and glanced at the caller ID as he unlocked the door.

  Adam.

  The last thing he wanted was to talk to his older brother. What he really wanted to do was catch up with the suspicious person, demand to know what the hell he wanted and why he felt the need to follow him. But Daniel knew if he didn’t answer, both his brothers would be camped on his doorstep first thing in the morning.

  “Hey Adam, what’s up?”

  “You tell me, Daniel. You left Chad and Jen’s engagement celebration without saying goodbye. That’s not like you; so what gives?”

  Daniel sighed; it was never good when Adam called him Daniel. He closed his door and walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing around him. His house seemed quiet and lonely.

  “Nothing, man, I’m just tired.”

  Even to his own ears he didn’t sound convincing, and there was no way Adam was going to let him get away with it.

  “I saw you talking to Dad. Tell me you’re not still annoyed about the resort plans. It’s just not—”

  “I know, I know, it’s just not good timing,” he interrupted his brother. “I heard it from Dad again tonight. The fact you guys can’t see how this will improve the overall profit margin of the organization baffles me. You’ve both made your decision, but it doesn’t mean I have to agree with it or like it or even follow it.”

  “What have you got planned, little brother?” Suspicion laced Adam’s every word.

  “Nothing.” Daniel ran his fingers through his hair. He wanted off the phone. “Nothing at all. Look I need to go. I’ll speak to you later. Bye.”

  Adam’s goodbye faded as Daniel pulled the phone away from his ear. He tossed it
and his keys onto the coffee table, right on top of the plans he’d shown to his family this afternoon. He sat down on the couch and picked them up. Every time he looked at them, he got excited. The possibilities were endless.

  His phone buzzed for a second time, and he knew who it would be without having to check caller ID. He picked it up and connected the call.

  “Hey, Chad, I’m fine.”

  His younger brother’s chuckle drifted down the line. “I should be mad at you for slinking out on me. I had so much more fun planned for you. One of Jen’s friends was eyeing you earlier. Seems she likes the brooding, silent business-suit type. Guess there’s no accounting for taste.”

  “Bro, I don’t need you to do any matchmaking, thanks. I can find my own dates; I’ve never had to rely on you or Adam to set me up.”

  “What about Becky and her sister, Trina?”

  Daniel burst out laughing. He could always count on Chad to lighten his mood. “Man, that was the date from hell, and besides, you tricked me into going with you.”

  “Who knew Trina was an octopus in disguise?”

  Daniel recalled how Trina’s hands seemed to have a life of their own—all over his body. “Well I don’t plan on falling into the trap you and Adam did. I’ve got my life planned out and getting married isn’t even listed on the pages at present.”

  “Famous last words, bro, famous last words. It’s contagious you know. Even the old man got hit.”

  Just like that, Daniel’s good mood evaporated. He didn’t need any reminders about his father and Patty. “Yeah, well, not happening here. I’ve got too much to do before I’d even consider entering into a serious relationship with someone.”

  Daniel reached out and woke up the laptop sitting on his coffee table. A picture of a stunning wooden structure surrounded by lush green trees filled his screen. An idea quickly flared to life. He wanted to get away, and what better place to do that than at the resort he wanted Emerald Paradise Resort to emulate? Since Kulang Resort was on the other side of the world, it was the perfect getaway from all the sickening happiness surrounding him lately. Without a solid plan in place, without doing all the research necessary, Daniel acted solely on his need to disappear for a while and made a decision. “Listen, Chad, I’m going to take a trip. I’ll probably be gone for a couple of weeks. When I get there I’ll call you.”