Harlequin Kimani Romance January 2018 Box Set

by Reese Ryan

  “We’d better go, too.” He picked up both backpacks and handed Bree hers. “There’s one more thing I want to show you before we head back to the hotel.”

  Bree turned and looked one last time at the incredible view, wishing they could stay longer. Or maybe it was just her time with Wes that she didn’t want to end.

  CHAPTER 11

  Wesley tapped softly on Bree’s hotel-room door. She didn’t answer right away.

  He wouldn’t blame her if she’d fallen asleep. After climbing Looking Glass Rock Trail and a quick drive to Looking Glass Falls, they’d grabbed fast food and returned to their respective rooms for a quick shower and change before heading out again.

  Wes knocked again, louder this time.

  “I’m ready.” Bree rushed out of the door, filling the space between them with the scent of fresh summer peaches. Her hair, still wet from the shower, was pulled into a high ponytail.

  She wore a casual dress in a bold handkerchief-style print. The vivid orange with accents of pink and teal suited Bree well. A nude leather belt cinched her waist. A tan jacket and nude ballet flats with an ankle strap completed the look.

  Casual, but sexy. Funky, but not over the top.

  “Something wrong?” Bree’s gaze dropped to her feet. She flexed her leg, showing off a sexy, heart-shaped calf.

  “Everything’s good.” Wes steered her down the hallway to the elevator.

  The valet brought the car and they went just a little way up the street before he turned onto Biltmore Estate Drive.

  “We’re going to tour the house?” Bree’s eyes lit up. She was clearly thrilled.

  “Couldn’t bring you to Asheville without taking you for a tour of the largest private residence and the most visited winery in America.” Wes chuckled.

  They parked and he opened her car door. His gaze instantly followed her mile-long legs to the hem of her dress, which ended well above her knees. Wes extended his hand to her, helping her out of the car. They made their way to the main house.

  Wes had toured Biltmore before. But Bree’s amazement as they toured the home, with its beautiful atrium, lavish furniture, extensive library and impressive grounds, made him feel he was seeing it all for the first time. There was something about her wide-eyed wonder and pure fascination with the estate that reminded him how genuine she was and how much he enjoyed being with her.

  Maybe he wasn’t a science nerd, but he was fascinated by history. It was the reason he’d visited the historic property, and several others all over the world, whenever his schedule permitted.

  Bree squeezed his arm as she related her enchantment with the estate’s incredible library of more than twenty-two thousand volumes.

  “Relax, Belle,” he teased. “There’s a lot more to see.”

  His Beauty and the Beast reference wasn’t lost on her. Bree pursed her lips and propped a fist on her hip.

  “I happen to love that movie, and I know every single word to every single song. Call me Belle again and I’ll start singing to the top of my lungs about the simplicity of this provincial life.” She cocked an eyebrow that dared him to try her.

  “You win.” He couldn’t help but grin. “Still, you can’t deny the similari—”

  Bree spread her arms and opened her mouth, preparing to go into song, when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

  They both dissolved into a fit of laughter that caused the people around them to give them odd looks.

  “You were really going to do it, weren’t you?” Wes asked, after they’d regained their composure and rejoined the tour.

  “Would’ve been worth it to see the panicked look on your face.” Bree wiped away tears from laughter. “Besides, I need to keep you on your toes. Can’t be too predictable.”

  Wes chuckled. “Mission accomplished.”

  * * *

  They toured the remainder of the house and the grounds together. After a tour of the winery, they sampled a variety of wines at the subsequent wine tasting, and purchased their favorites.

  “Today was incredible.” Bree’s face practically shone once they were in the car and heading down the long road that led off the Biltmore property. “Thank you.”

  “Glad you enjoyed it, but the night’s not over. Got someplace special in mind for dinner. You’ll love it.”

  “Let me pay this time,” she said. “I know these are business expenses, but still… I should pick up the tab for something.”

  “You can pay when we get to Charlotte tomorrow.” This wasn’t a lovers’ getaway, it was a business trip. Still, he didn’t feel comfortable allowing Bree to pick up the tab for dinner tonight or any night.

  “Deal,” she conceded. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  * * *

  Bree agreed to his terms begrudgingly.

  She should be annoyed with his little game. Yet, she’d been delighted by every one of his surprises. No reason to believe he’d disappoint her now.

  Bree’s belly tightened in a knot. Her anticipation over their mysterious dinner destination rose, along with a growing fondness for Wes.

  They were working together as a team on a project that was equally important to their careers. They needed to get along so they could work together seamlessly.

  Didn’t her fondness for Wes make working together easier?

  Bree focused on the scenery as they drove through the streets of the charming mountain town. She could keep telling herself this trip was strictly business. But her attraction to Wesley Adams was blooming like a pretty, but unwanted, weed.

  She glanced at Wes. Was it possible he was growing more handsome as the day went on?

  Bree wanted him. There was no doubt about that. He wanted her, too. She was equally sure of that. But did he see the potential for more between them? Did he want it the way she did?

  “Everything okay? You’ve gotten really quiet.”

  “I’m thinking, that’s all.”

  “Anything you want to talk about?”

  “Not really.”

  “Fair enough.” Wes was quiet for a moment, as if contemplating his next question. He seemed to ask despite his better judgment. “Then let me ask why making the tournament a family event is such a focal point for you?”

  Discussing the tournament was exactly what she needed right now. After all, that was the point of the trip.

  “The truth?” She turned to him. “Bex and I want to elevate the game. Pass our expertise on to the next generation of players. We’re planning to put on volleyball clinics for kids eight to seventeen years old. Gearing the tournament toward families will allow us to tap in to our market.”

  “I see.” He mulled over her revelation in silence for a moment. “It’s a solid business idea. Who wouldn’t want their kids to learn the sport from two of its most successful athletes? But in terms of the tournament, your target market doesn’t align with the resort’s.”

  “Pleasure Cove Luxury Resort isn’t an adults-only destination,” she countered.

  “It isn’t a family-friendly one, either. It’s the kind of place parents go to get away from their kids for a week.”

  “That’s awful.” She couldn’t help laughing.

  “It’s also true.” He chuckled, seemingly relieved the mood in the car had lightened. “That doesn’t make them bad people. Let’s face it, being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Sometimes you need to take a break and reset.”

  “You sound like a man who speaks from experience. Are there any little Wesleys out there I don’t know about?” She grinned.

  His shoulders seemed to stiffen and his smile vanished for a moment. He pulled up to the valet stand in front of a huge, pink stone building.

  “No one out th
ere is calling me Dad, I assure you.” He forced a smile, but his eyes seemed sadder than she’d ever seen them. He nodded toward the building. “We’re here.”

  A valet at the Omni Grove Park Inn opened the door and helped her out of the car. Wes handed him the keys.

  “Shall we?” Wes waved a hand toward the entrance of the building.

  “This building is amazing.” Bree surveyed the open front hall, which had two massive stone fireplaces blazing. Most of the furniture was art deco. “How long has this place been here?”

  “Over a hundred years. The exterior was hewn out of native granite. The roof is comprised of red clay tiles. Some of the original furniture is still on display throughout the hotel.”

  Wes led her to the Sunset Terrace—a steak-and-seafood restaurant situated on a large, covered outdoor terrace with an incredible mountain view. The server seated them.

  “It’s stunning.” Bree was mesmerized by the incredible view of the mountains as the sun began to set. “A perfect end to a perfect day.”

  “I wanted your final night here to be memorable.” Wes smiled sheepishly. He added quickly, “To give you a sense of the area.”

  “Then why do I feel like I’m on a date?” Bree couldn’t help the smirk that slowly spread across her face.

  His eyes widened and he coughed. Wes took a deep drink of his water without response.

  “Or maybe I just need to get out more.” She sipped her water then returned the glass to the table. “Because the last time I had this much fun was the night we spent together in London.”

  Wes seemed relieved when the server appeared and took their orders. By the time the man left, he’d gathered himself.

  “Bree…” He said her name as if it’d taken every ounce of his energy to utter it. “I like you. A lot. And maybe you’re right. This was supposed to be a simple business trip, but I’ve turned it into what feels like something more. It wasn’t intentional.”

  “So we stumbled into a romantic getaway?” One eyebrow raised, she sipped her water.

  “Maybe I allowed my attraction to you to shape my choices.” Wes sighed heavily. “But the fact remains that we’ll be working together, and we need to keep things professional.”

  “Not to mention that you’re not in the market for anything serious. Ever.” She buried her hurt behind a teasing tone and forced smile.

  “Then there’s that.” Wes seemed saddened by the concession. He thanked the server for bringing their bread and decanting their wine. “I wish the circumstances were different.”

  “What makes you think I’m looking for more?” She traced the bottom of her wineglass, her gaze on her fingertips.

  “Because you can’t even look me in the eye when you ask the question.” He was clearly amused. “Before I met you, I thought the good girl thing was an act to garner sponsorships. It isn’t. That’s who you genuinely are. That isn’t a bad thing, Bree. But I don’t want to be known as the scoundrel who broke the heart of America’s volleyball sweetheart.”

  Bree met his gaze, resenting that he knew her so well. Maybe it was the beautiful, romantic setting, but she wasn’t prepared to back down.

  That night in London she’d been sure they’d connected. That there’d been the potential for something meaningful between them. The past two days had reinforced that belief.

  Something was definitely there. Every moment they spent together indicated Wes felt the same.

  What is he so afraid of?

  They were attracted to each other. So why couldn’t they just be adults about it?

  Regardless of what happened between them personally, they could simply agree to maintain a professional working relationship.

  Bree formulated a proposal in her head.

  Sound confident, not desperate.

  When she returned her gaze to his, he was carefully assessing her. There was a distance in his gaze that wasn’t there moments before.

  She lost her nerve, panic gripping her. What if Wes turned her down? Bree couldn’t deal with another humiliating rejection.

  “So about the tournament…” Wes leaned back in his chair. “I think we agree now that family-friendly isn’t the way to go. But I promise to promote your volleyball clinics any way I can. After all, it’s the kids’ parents who’ll be paying for it.”

  “True.” He’d given her a small concession, likely out of pity. Still, she couldn’t afford to turn down his offer. “We’d appreciate that.”

  “You’ll need to have your camp dates, website, organization and promo in place by the time we start printing marketing materials. Think you can handle that?” He’d slipped back into business mode, as if their earlier conversation hadn’t occurred.

  If only Bree could be so pragmatic and detached.

  “We’ll be ready,” she said resolutely. “Bex is restless. She’ll be glad to have a project to take on.”

  “If you need help with the planning and promo—”

  “You’d take on a project as small as ours?”

  “For high-profile clients like you and Bex? Sure. But I’m not suggesting you hire me. I’m talking about helping as a friend.”

  “Friends…is that what we are, Wes?” The stunned expression on his face made her regret her words. Wes hadn’t done anything wrong. Hadn’t promised her anything more than this…whatever this may be. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Your offer is generous. Thank you. I’ll talk it over with Bex.”

  “The sun is setting.” Wes pointed in the distance. He seemed anxious to change the subject.

  The sky was streaked with lovely shades of purple and orange. The entire scene glowed like a luminescent oil painting.

  “It’s beautiful. I could sit here staring at it all day.”

  “Me, too.” Wes wasn’t looking at the sky. His gaze met hers for a moment that felt like an eternity before he finally turned to survey the mountain range in the distance.

  Heart racing and hands trembling, Bree did the same, determined to ignore the mixed signals Wesley Adams was sending.

  * * *

  “Dinner was amazing. Thank you again for such a lovely evening.” Bree stopped in front of her hotel-room door.

  “It was a good day,” Wes said softly, leaning against the door frame. His eyes met hers, and were filled with the same longing, desire and frustration she felt.

  And those feelings were heightened, as they’d dined on a tower of lobster, shrimp, crab and oysters.

  Bree sank her teeth into her lower lip, her heart racing. The idea had been brewing in her head all night, and she’d been emboldened by the longing in his eyes and the gruffness of his voice.

  Even now, she could feel the gentle tug between them. So why couldn’t she just say what they were obviously both thinking?

  “Wes…” Bree reached out to straighten his tie. “I’m not ready for our night to end.”

  “We could grab dessert. Maybe go dancing—”

  “No.” She stepped closer, their eyes meeting. Her heart beat faster. “I want you. Here. With me. I know you want that, too.”

  “I do.” He sighed heavily. “But we’ve been over all the reasons this is a terrible idea. Nothing’s changed.” He pushed a few strands of hair from her face. “I don’t want to hurt you, Bree. And I don’t want to jeopardize the friendship we’ve been building.”

  “Neither do I.” Her eyes met his, her voice soft. “And we won’t.” Stay calm. Sound confident, not desperate. “I don’t expect anything more than tonight. No promises, no obligations. Just…us.”

  Bree slipped her arms around his waist, her gaze trained on his as she tried to read him, hoping he’d say yes.

  CHAPTER 12

  Wes was trying to do what was in Bree’s best interest, but she wasn’t making it easy.

  T
hen again, neither had he. Dinner overlooking the sunset? What the hell was he thinking?

  This trip was supposed to be about getting better acquainted with the State of North Carolina. Instead, they’d been reminded of all of the reasons they’d gotten on so well together that night in London. The reasons they seemed perfect together.

  “I want you, Bree. You know that, but—”

  “You’re not looking for anything serious.” Her tone was sexy, teasing. She leaned in closer. Her soft, sweet scent teased his nostrils. The heat radiating from her body raised his temperature. “Neither am I.”

  It was a lie, and they both knew it. A lie he wanted desperately to believe.

  Wes gripped her shoulders, drowning in her soft gaze. Thoughts of Bree occupied every available space in his brain. Distracted him from what he should be focused on right now—the tournament.

  And yet…he wanted this. He wanted her.

  The thud of Wes’s heartbeat grew louder, his desire for Bree building. He leaned down and slipped his fingers into her hair as his mouth met hers.

  A soft sigh escaped her mouth as she pressed her hands to his back and pulled him closer, melding the warmth of her body to his. He pinned her against the door as he captured her mouth in an intense kiss that made him ache for her.

  His tongue delved inside her warm mouth. She welcomed it. Glided her own tongue along his as she gripped his shirt.

  The voice in his head that was screaming at him not to do this was drowned out by the thud of his heart, his raging pulse and his feverish desire for her.

  The elevator dinged, interrupting them as it had the night before. Wes pulled himself away, his eyes studying hers. This time, he couldn’t walk away. He extended his palm, his eyes not leaving hers.

  Bree dug out her key card and placed it in his palm. There was a hardened edge to her expression, belied by the slight trembling of her hands and her shallow breathing. Wes ushered them inside her room and wrapped one arm around Bree’s waist, tugging her body against his.