Beach Reads Boxed Set

by Marie Force

  “I’m beyond happy. We’ve worked everything out. Thank you for all your help and support. You were a rock.”

  “I’m glad for you and for me, too. I don’t get to see many happy endings.”

  “This is definitely going to be a happy ending. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Actually I’ll see you at the ball.”

  “Great. I’ll look forward to it. Thanks again for all you did for me, Diane.”

  “No problem.”

  Susannah arrived for her two o’clock appointment with five minutes to spare. She had managed to convince Ryan she could take care of herself for a couple of hours and had driven herself into the city. As she waited for the doctor, her heart beat with excitement and anxiety and—despite all her tough talk from yesterday—fear. How would she ever stand to wait thirty-nine weeks to find out if she could carry a baby to term, and what would she do if the same thing happened again?

  Before she had time to work herself into a total state of hysteria, she was called into the exam room and handed a gown. She changed quickly and sat on the table, chilled to the bone all of a sudden. It was hard to say what she was more afraid to hear—that she was pregnant or that she wasn’t. Maybe it was too soon to find out anyway. Gnawing on her thumbnail, Susannah willed the door to open, so she could get this over with.

  Pam Dennis swept into the room ten minutes later, full of apologies for keeping Susannah waiting. She greeted her patient with a warm hug. Besides their doctor-patient relationship, they’d worked together on several committees and had become friends over the years. “It’s so good to see you, Susannah, and I was thrilled to hear you’re back with Ryan.”

  “Yes, it’s been quite a week.”

  Pam sat down and crossed her legs. “How did Henry take the news?”

  “Not so great. In fact, this happened when I broke off our engagement.” Susannah held up her bruised wrist. “I don’t think he meant to hurt me...”

  Pam got up, put on her glasses, and switched on a bright light to take a closer look. “Are those fingerprints?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Susannah winced when the doctor pressed her fingers against the bone. “It isn’t broken, though, is it?”

  “I can’t tell without an X-ray.”

  “But you don’t think it is, do you?”

  “I really don’t know. It looks like it must’ve hurt.”

  “It did.”

  “I can’t picture Henry doing something like this.”

  “Neither could I—before yesterday, that is.”

  “You know,” Pam said, appearing to weigh her words carefully, “this technically qualifies as assault. If you wanted to file charges—”

  “No.” Susannah shook her head. “I just want to move forward with Ryan, and I want to forget about what happened yesterday. In fact, the main reason I’m here is I’m wondering if I might be pregnant.”

  Pam’s warm brown eyes widened with delight. “Really? What’re you feeling?”

  “Hungry—all the time. And kind of full and tingly,” she said, with a hand over her chest. “Here. Just like before, with Justin.” She dropped her hand to her lap.

  Pam put her hand over Susannah’s. “And you’re already preparing yourself to lose a baby you don’t even know for sure you’re having. Am I right?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Why don’t we take this one step at a time? A quick urine test will tell us what we want to know. While we’re waiting for the results, we’ll do an exam. I’ll also take a film of your wrist to rule out a fracture. Sound good?”

  Susannah nodded. “If I am pregnant, it’s not by much, only a week or so. It might be too soon...”

  Pam squeezed her hand. “Then we’ll do a blood test, too, just to be sure. Everything’s going to be fine, Susannah.”

  “I’m going to do my very best to believe you.”

  Chapter 21

  Ryan parked in almost the same spot in front of the bank he’d scored the day before. He sat there for several minutes reminding himself that Susie had forbidden him to kill Henry. When he decided he was ready to face the other man without harming him, he got out of the car and went inside. He was so focused on his mission that he missed the stares he received from several bank patrons.

  Holding his Stetson, he stepped off the elevator on the second floor and walked into Henry’s outer office.

  His assistant’s mouth fell open when she recognized Ryan. “Um, good morning, Mr. Sanderson. May I help you with something?”

  “I’d like to see Mr. Merrill, please.”

  “Ah, let me check to see if he’s available. Would you like to have a seat?”

  “I’ll stand. Thank you.”

  She got up and scurried into Henry’s office. Several minutes passed before she returned. “Mr. Merrill will see you now.”

  “Thank you.”

  Ryan walked into the spacious office and closed the door behind him.

  “What do you want?” Henry asked.

  “Before I say anything else you need to know the only reason I’m not here to kill you is because Susannah asked me not to.”

  “That’s a huge relief. Thanks for clearing that up.”

  In a flash, Ryan tossed his hat onto a table, crossed the room, and hauled the smaller man out of his leather chair. With his face half an inch from Henry’s, Ryan said, “I’m only going to say this one time, so you’d better listen up. If you ever lay a hand on her again, I will kill you, and I’ll make sure it’s a slow, painful death. You got me?”

  Henry’s face was red from rage and the chokehold Ryan had him in. “What are you talking about? I never touched her!”

  “The hell you didn’t! She’s at the doctor right now finding out if her wrist is broken from what you did to her yesterday!”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” Henry said, but the coldness in his hazel eyes told a different story.

  “I don’t believe you, and neither does she. So I’m going to make this really simple. Stay the fuck away from her, or you’ll be dealing with me, and the next time I won’t be half as friendly as I’m being now. Am I clear?” When the other man didn’t answer right away, Ryan tightened his grip.

  “Yes,” Henry croaked.

  Ryan released him, and Henry sagged into his chair, tugging at the collar of his shirt. “You’ve really got the macho man act perfected, don’t you?”

  “I’d rather be macho than passive aggressive, which is your preferred method. At least my way is honest.”

  Henry’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Give me a break. You know exactly what I mean. Your goal in life has been to fill her with doubts about me and to undermine our marriage. Ironic, isn’t it, that the one she should’ve been watching out for was you.”

  “I’ve never been anything but a good friend to her.”

  “That’s the biggest bunch of bullshit I’ve ever heard.”

  “You may’ve won this round, but this is not over, Sanderson.”

  “Oh, yes it is. It ends right now. You’re out of her life—out of both of our lives—for good.”

  “You’re fooling yourself if you think she won’t come to her senses and realize what a big mistake she’s making.”

  “She has come to her senses. The mistake she made was thinking she could trust you.”

  “You’re playing way out of your league with her, and you have been from the very beginning. But of course you know that.”

  The comment was a direct hit to one of Ryan’s deepest insecurities—that despite all his success, he had married up. “Sure I do,” he said with bravado he didn’t really feel. “But she doesn’t seem to be complaining. What did this morning’s paper say I was worth? Was it forty million?” He scratched his chin. “Or forty-five? I can’t remember.”

  Henry’s smirk faded. “Too bad all that money can’t buy breeding, and it sure as hell can’t buy class, two things you’re sorely lacking. She’ll wise up to you. She
did before, and she will again. And when she does, good old Henry will be there to pick up the pieces, just like always.”

  It took everything Ryan had not to pummel the guy. “Stay the fuck away from her. I mean it. You do not want to screw with me.”

  “You’ve made your point. I think you know the way out.”

  Ryan picked up his hat, but before he left he turned back to Henry. “Why don’t you just go back to New York or wherever you were before? There’s nothing here for you anymore.”

  “Oh, I disagree. I’m giving it a month, two at the most. You’ll screw it up. You always do. And when you do, I’ll be waiting right here to clean up your mess. It’s what I do best.”

  Ryan glared at him. “Leave us alone, or you’ll be very sorry.”

  “You’re the one who’s going to be sorry.”

  Ryan decided to give him the last word. He’d said everything he had come there to say, and he was proud of himself for letting the little worm live. He decided to get out of there before he forgot he’d promised Susie he wouldn’t kill the bastard. But damn, he wanted to!

  His heart beat hard as Ryan rode the elevator to the first floor. The little worm had gotten off a few well-aimed shots, but Ryan believed he had won the battle and the war. He checked his watch and discovered it was two thirty. Why hasn’t Susie called me yet? In the car, he tried to reach her, and when she didn’t answer, he was filled with irrational fear. Some of Henry’s barbs had hit too close to home, and Ryan was desperate for some reassurance that everything was all right. Hearing her on the voicemail message made him feel better. He hung up without leaving a message, certain she’d call him the minute she left the doctor’s office.

  “Does he think I don’t know I married up?” Ryan said out loud as he pulled into traffic. He had a meeting at three with his attorneys to figure out how his retirement would affect his endorsement deals. “He’s in for a rude awakening if he thinks he’s going to get another shot with her,” Ryan muttered. “The only way that’s going to happen is if I’m dead.”

  Susannah finally called as he pulled into the parking lot at his lawyers’ office. “Hey, baby, what did she say? Is it broken?”

  “No, just a bad sprain.”

  “Oh, good,” he said with a deep sigh of relief.

  “She wants me to wear a brace for a week or two until it feels better.”

  “I know just what you need. I’ll pick one up for you.”

  “That’d be great. Thanks.”

  “Is everything else okay?”

  “Everything’s fine. Where are you?”

  “Heading in to see the lawyers, but I can do it another time if you need me.”

  “No, go ahead. I have a few errands to do. When you’re done there, will you meet me at The Brown Palace?” she asked, referring to one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

  “What’s at The Brown?” he asked, confused.

  “You’ll see.”

  “You’re being very mysterious.”

  “Will you meet me?”

  “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  She chuckled. “Ask at the desk. They’ll tell you where I am.”

  “I’ll do that. Susie?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I love you. You know that don’t you?”

  “Of course I do. Why would you ask me that?”

  “Just making sure.”

  “I love you, too, and I’ll see you soon.”

  “Yes, you certainly will.”

  A liveried doorman dressed in hunter green greeted Ryan when he arrived at The Brown Palace just after five thirty.

  “Good evening, Mr. Sanderson.” The effort to maintain his professional demeanor was clearly a challenge for the star-struck young man. “It’s an honor to welcome you to The Brown Palace. May I take care of your car for you?”

  With a glance at the young man’s nametag, Ryan said, “Thank you, Tom.” He grabbed a plastic bag off the passenger seat and handed Tom his keys and a twenty-dollar bill. “Take good care of it for me. It’s new.”

  “Yes, sir!” He whistled for a valet and issued strict instructions to give the car VIP treatment.

  Ryan chuckled when he heard Tom excitedly whisper, “That’s Ryan Sanderson!”

  “What brings you to The Brown tonight, Mr. Sanderson?”

  “I’m meeting my wife. Can you help me track her down?”

  “Right this way.”

  Ryan followed him inside where high tea was being served in the lobby.

  “Give me one minute,” Tom said, gesturing Ryan toward a chair.

  While he waited, Ryan acknowledged the stares—and gawks—from staff and patrons alike with a friendly nod that discouraged anyone from approaching him. It was a routine he had perfected over the years, and it allowed him to venture into public without being mobbed everywhere he went. Susannah loved to poke fun at the fact that he only needed “the nod” in Denver where he was a local celebrity. During their separation, however, he had needed security to get through LaGuardia Airport. He’d have to tell her about that one of these days.

  Tom returned with a key card for Ryan. “Your wife is waiting for you in one of the Top of the Brown suites on the ninth floor.”

  Perplexed, Ryan said, “She is?” He had expected to meet her at the bar or in one of the restaurants.

  Tom rattled off the room number as he pointed to a bank of elevators next to the front door.

  “Interesting.” Ryan shook Tom’s hand. “Thanks for your help.”

  “My pleasure. Enjoy your evening.”

  “I believe I will,” Ryan said with a grin and a wave. Holding his coat and hat, he rode the elevator with growing curiosity. What is she up to?

  Using his key in the door, Ryan walked in to find the elegant sitting room bathed in candlelight. Soft music filled the air and a bottle of champagne chilled next to a table set for two. He had just noticed a pair of beautifully wrapped gifts when Susannah appeared at the doorway to the bedroom.

  “I thought you’d never get here.”

  Still absorbing the rest, he finally glanced over at her and almost swallowed his tongue. She was in black from head to toe: a lace teddy that left nothing to the imagination, garters, thigh-high fishnet hose, spiked heels, and a flowing silk robe she’d left open to ensure maximum effect, which was instantaneous and painful.

  She’d rendered him speechless.

  Chapter 22

  She sauntered over to him and took his hat and coat. Laying them over a chair, she looped her arms around his neck. “Cat got your tongue, baby?” she asked with the amused lift of an eyebrow.

  “You could say that.” He molded her to him and leaned down to capture her mouth for a deep, sensual kiss. He found it hard to breathe as her tongue met his in an explosive burst of passion, like she hadn’t seen him in days rather than hours. With his hands encircling her waist, he lifted her against his instant erection. Her lips were moist and slick as they slid enthusiastically over his.

  When he finally came up for air, he managed to ask, “To what do I owe this most amazing surprise?”

  “We’re celebrating.”

  He wanted to feel her everywhere, and then taste her, and then, well...Forcing himself to bring his eyes back to hers, he asked, “Celebrating what?”

  “Your retirement, of course. What else would it be?”

  “I thought we were just meeting for a drink or something.”

  “We are.” She took him by the hand and led him over to where champagne awaited them. “Care to do the honors?”

  “Sure.” He handed her the plastic bag. “I brought you this, but I can see I should’ve put more thought into my gift.”

  She chuckled when she opened the bag to find the wrist brace he had promised her. “Thank you. I’ll treasure it always, but you’ll understand if I don’t put it on right away. It’ll clash with my outfit.”

  He untwisted the wire covering the cork. “Just so I’m certain they gave me the right key, are you
the same girl who was telling me only this morning that we needed to find something else to do besides have sex all the time?”

  With a look of pure innocence, she asked, “Who said anything about sex?”

  He threw his head back and laughed. A moment later, he sent the cork flying across the room.

  Susannah was ready with two crystal glasses. She handed one of them to him. “Here’s to my husband, the retiree, who not only went out on top but did it with tremendous grace and a great deal of class. I’m very proud of you, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

  As he touched his glass to hers, Ryan wanted to say, “Take that, Henry.” Instead, what he said was, “Thank you, baby. I’m just overwhelmed. I can’t believe you did all this.”

  “I had a little time to kill this afternoon.”

  “I’d hate to see what you could come up with if you had a lot of time to kill.”

  “Since we have nothing but time these days, maybe I’ll show you.”

  Amused and amazed, he could only stare at her. “You’re so incredibly beautiful. I seriously almost swallowed my tongue when I saw you in that get up.”

  “Don’t do that! I might have a use for it later.”

  “Susie...” He reached for her, but she took a step back.

  “Not so fast. We have an agenda.”

  “Oh, really?”

  She held a chair for him at the table. “Have a seat.”

  “Do I have to?”

  Her stern expression answered for her.

  “All right. If you insist.”

  She served him caviar, pate, and crackers.

  “Where did you get all this?” he asked.

  “I had to run into Nordstrom to pick up my gown for the ball, so I hit the gourmet shop—and the lingerie department—while I was there.”

  Reminding himself to chew and swallow, he took a long drink of his champagne. He was hard as a rock, and she expected him to sit here and eat crackers and make small talk? “What’s next on the agenda?” he asked, shifting in his seat in an effort to find some relief.

  “Don’t be so impatient.” She spooned some of the black caviar onto a delicate cracker and handed it to him. “Remember the first time you tried caviar?”