скачать книгу бесплатно
“Come on, silly!” Chloe waved her along. “This pavement is scorching.” She dropped her flip-flops on the ground and stuck her feet in them.
Jewel fell into stride next to Chloe. “I bet you’ve never had a one-night stand.”
Chloe’s mouth dropped, then closed quickly. She looked around to make sure no one else at the resort heard Jewel’s comment. “No, I haven’t!” She stood erect but then leaned closer to Jewel. “Have you?” she whispered.
Jewel’s response was a loud cackle. The laugh lasted several moments. When Jewel was able to catch her breath and regain her composure, she looked at Chloe pitifully, shaking her head. Chloe crossed her arms over her chest and glared back at Jewel.
“Sissy. You’ve got to learn to live a little.”
“I don’t need to have sex with strangers in order to live a little,” Chloe mocked and then turned abruptly, heading for the door.
“Don’t be mad. I just want you to have some adventure.” Jewel trotted after Chloe. “A one-night stand isn’t necessarily with a stranger. Mine wasn’t.”
Jewel’s words softened Chloe’s resolve. “I’ll show you I’m capable of being adventurous after we handle business at this dinner tonight.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
Chloe discreetly looked back toward the pool to see if Donovan was still around.
“I saw that!” Jewel said without losing her stride.
“You saw what?” Chloe feigned innocence.
“You’ve never been a good liar.” Jewel’s shoulders shook as she chuckled. “He left the pool about five minutes ago.”
Chloe decided not to try to deny the fact that she wanted to get one last glimpse at Donovan’s sculpted body. Jewel was right. Looking had never hurt anyone. Touching Donovan was something else altogether.
Chloe had no time for men anyway. Her job kept her busy. Loving what she did made it easy to work all day long and sometimes well into the night. Eager to impress her boss, who was also her mother, she didn’t mind putting in the extra hours.
Thinking about work brought to mind her reason for visiting Puerto Rico. As scenic as the views were and as pleasing as it was to gaze at Donovan’s perfect body from a distance, she was there for business, not pleasure.
Chloe hadn’t been looking for Donovan Rivers, but as he was the heir to La Belle Riviere, a coveted venue for lavish events along Long Island’s Gold Coast, she wasn’t surprised to see him at the International Food and Beverage Convention. The little bit of sun she and Jewel had just soaked up was probably all they would have time for since their schedules were packed for the rest of their stay. The next few days were filled with sessions, business meetings and then the revered awards dinner.
Chloe’s goal was to return home to New York with strategies for making their restaurant on the pier a more sought-after venue for high-profile events. Jewel’s goal was to find out the latest technology in packaging for their family’s consumer goods dynasty, Chandler Food Corp. Jewel was also looking into the latest in appliances for the renovation that their father planned for their company’s kitchen.
Chloe couldn’t focus on Donovan in any serious manner anyway. Despite the close proximity in which their families lived, both literally and figuratively, getting involved with Donovan would be highly problematic due to the level of hostility that existed between their families—specifically their mothers.
Elnora, or El as most called her, could hardly stomach the sight of Donovan’s mother, the refined and oh-so-esteemed Joliet Rivers. Chloe and her sisters had never been told of the history behind their situation but they did know not to socialize with the Rivers children even now as adults.
Donovan was the oldest of his siblings and had always been extremely attractive. Chloe had her fill admiring him from a distance.
Jewel and Chloe showered and were outfitted in dresses that were comfortable but polished enough for conducting business. Their dinner meeting would be with a potential supplier of industrial appliances who wanted to show Jewel his state-of-the-art equipment. After that, they were scheduled to have drinks with a consultant who was interested in helping their family take Chandlers, their restaurant on the marina where Chloe served as the director of events, to the next level.
Jewel pushed the call button for the elevator and the doors opened right up. They stepped in chatting about their evening. As the elevator doors began to close, a strong hand reached in and waved. The doors slid back open.
Donovan’s statuesque frame entered as if he were floating across the red carpet at an awards show. His well-fitting gray suit highlighted his broad shoulders and slim waist and the pleasant scent of his cologne made the small space mannishly aromatic.
“How are you, Jewel?” He nodded. “Chloe.” He nodded again, winked and his lush lips slid into an easy smile as he swept Chloe with his gaze from head to toe.
Chloe’s stomach tightened.
“I’m well, Donovan, and you?” Jewel was cheerful. Too cheerful, Chloe thought.
“Doing well,” he said, still facing Chloe’s direction.
Jewel turned to Chloe also. She still hadn’t responded.
“Donovan.” She nodded in a refined manner, just as her mother would have.
Jewel and Donovan engaged in small talk for the short ride. To Chloe, the air in the elevator seemed to have thinned. She cleared her throat, painted on a regal smile and held her head high until the doors opened on the lobby level.
Donovan stepped out first. With his back against the door, he held his hand out. “After you.”
“Thank you,” the women said in unison.
“My pleasure,” Donovan said with a sexy glance directed at Chloe.
“We should get together for drinks while we’re out here,” Jewel said.
“We should.” Donovan stepped aside to keep from blocking the elevator. “What are you doing later tonight?”
“We don’t have anything planned after our meetings,” Jewel said.
Chloe just smiled.
“Me neither.” Donovan reached inside his suit jacket and retrieved his cell phone. “Take my number. Let’s confer when we’re done. I know a great place.”
“Cool!” Jewel took out her phone and tapped in his number.
“Chloe, what’s your number?” Donovan’s voice warmed her ears.
Chloe swallowed and gave it to him.
“Good! I’ll see you ladies later.” Donovan’s light touch to Chloe’s shoulder sent slight tremors down her back.
“Damn, that man is gorgeous,” Jewel said as he walked away.
Chloe winced, hoping Donovan hadn’t heard her. “Come on. We have people waiting for us,” Chloe said, dismissing Jewel’s acknowledgment of the obvious.
“Maybe he could be your first one-night stand,” Jewel teased.
Chloe stopped walking and swatted Jewel’s arm. “You’re unbelievable.” She laughed. “That’s not going to happen.” She continued walking.
“Never say never!” Jewel sang.
Chloe kept her mouth shut but allowed the possibilities to roll around in her mind even though she couldn’t see it happening in real life.
Chapter 2 (#u31e36d9c-0fb0-5d42-99a7-1ae874060ddc)
Donovan peered across the dim, busy restaurant and spotted his friend. Merengue blared through speakers tucked into the ceiling. The volume elevated to a level that made it difficult for him to hear his own thoughts. Donovan snaked through tables sideways and then weaved through a crowd of dancers yelping and winding their hips to the rhythm pulsating through the restaurant like a collective heartbeat.
“You made it!” Keenan tapped the stool next to him. “I saved you a seat.” The two shook hands.
“Great to see you! I think someone touched my behind on the way over here.” Donovan looked back toward the dance floor. A woman in a white ruffled blouse and red flowing skirt winked as she three-stepped from one side to the other. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure that happened.”
“There’s a good chance that it did in here.” Keenan laughed. “How’s the conference going?”
“I haven’t done much yet.” Donovan lifted his hand to signal the waiter. “My flight got in early. After settling in, I did a little sightseeing and spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool. I tried to take advantage of what little downtime I have. How’s business coming along?”
“The deal looks like it’s going to happen.” Keenan took a sip of amber liquid after swirling it in his glass.
“That’s great!” The waiter arrived and Donovan ordered his drink in Spanish. “I’m glad we were able to get together for a drink before you left.”
“I know. We’re like two vessels crossing. You come the day before I leave.” Keenan sat back and gave Donovan a pensive look. “The offer still stands.”
Donovan sighed. “I appreciate it but my plate is full.”
“I know the resort would do well with you heading up the events department. It’s a great venue for weddings and conferences. I’d like to see you take on a larger role than just being an investor on this project. And the money.” Keenan whistled. “We’re going to make a ton. The seller got into some legal trouble and he’s offloading his properties for ridiculously low prices.”
“You make an attractive offer, but to be effective I’d have to stay here for extended periods of time. Right now my father’s relying on me to expand our business back home. We’re contemplating renovations, hiring consultants, ramping up our PR efforts and all kinds of stuff. I almost didn’t make it here for this conference, but I worked it out and was able to schedule a few important meetings.” Donovan looked down the bar for the bartender. “You just make sure I have a special suite for when I visit Puerto Rico. Let the staff know they have to treat me well. Ha!”
“That will certainly be taken care of.”
The bartender finally arrived, set Donovan’s drink in front of him and napkin beside it. He waited for Donovan’s nod of approval before leaving. “How’s the family?” he asked Keenan.
“Everyone is great. My parents are moving to Miami. My dad said he’s done with New York winters. Jackson opened a private investigation company and he’s doing extremely well. He didn’t expect all the disgruntled spouses but they pay well.” Keenan’s laugh settled into a wide smile. “I’m getting married.”
“Wow!” Donovan sat back and patted Keenan’s shoulder. “Congratulations, man! I haven’t seen Adriana since graduation. Is she still in banking?”
“She runs a brokerage firm now. Miami has been good to her.” Keenan placed his empty glass on the bar top. The waiter held his finger up, questioning if Keenan wanted another. Keenan held his hand up in return, letting the bartender know he was done. “Graduation,” he said reminiscently. “So much has changed since then.”
“Yeah.” Fond memories of days in their Ivy League graduate program flashed across Donovan’s mind. “All good things.”
After catching up, they went back to talking business. Keenan shared the renovation plans and reviewed the finances for the resort his company was in the process of purchasing. Even though Donovan’s only role was that of an investor, Keenan gave him a thorough update, promising to keep him informed through the entire process.
Donovan felt confident about the money he’d invested in the endeavor and looked forward to gaining a robust return. If this went well, there were resorts in other areas of the island they wanted to explore. After that, they’d see about getting property in other tropical cities as well.
When business had been handled, Keenan stood and Donovan followed his lead.
“Great seeing you, man,” Donovan said. They hugged.
“I wish I could hang around longer but I need to head back to the other side of the island since I’m on the first flight out in the morning. Next time we need to coordinate our travel better so we can really hang out. I don’t get to see anyone since I moved to Miami.”
“Tell Adriana I said hello and good luck with the wedding.”
“You’re going to come down for it, aren’t you?” Keenan asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Donovan and Keenan walked out together. Both had drivers waiting to take them back to their respective hotels, where Donovan headed straight to the lobby bar in search of Chloe and Jewel. He checked his watch and then texted the ladies.
Jewel responded first, letting him know that they were still in their meeting and should be done soon. They agreed to meet up in an hour. That gave Donovan enough time to freshen up and change into casual clothing.
Donovan walked through the lobby, stepping in time with the rhythm of the music floating from the lobby bar. The day had been productive and he felt good about that. Now it was time to relax and enjoy the evening essence of beautiful Puerto Rico and he looked forward to doing that with the Chandler sisters—especially Chloe.
Since they were children, he’d always been aware of her. Donovan chuckled. What would his mother think? She would certainly be upset, but as much as he loved his mother, Donovan was his own man. Besides, tonight would be nothing more than an opportunity to unwind with friends—friends that just happen to be quite beautiful despite their familial history.
In the hotel suite, Donovan got dressed and slipped into a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt before squirting on a few splashes of cologne. This time, he opted for the tiki bar outside of the hotel.
Salsa mixed with the sounds of the waves offered audible splendor. A cool breeze caressed his arms. Donovan smiled in response. Finding a table that provided the best view of the moonlit ocean, he sat facing the water as he waited for his server. A young man with a long ponytail, untamed facial hair and a floral shirt approached shortly after.
“I’ll take your best scotch,” Donovan said.
“Sure.” The waiter scribbled Donovan’s order on a pad.
“Wait. No.” He thought better of his decision to indulge in his signature selection. He was in the tropics. Why not order accordingly? “What do you recommend?”
“Rum, of course!” His accent made his words sound like music. “I’ll bring something you’ll like. Trust me?”
“I’ll go for it.” Donovan nodded in agreement.
“Be right back.”
As the waiter walked off, Donovan sat back in his chair, allowing the tropical breeze to soothe him. His mind drifted. What was it going to be like when Jewel and Chloe joined him later?
Chapter 3 (#u31e36d9c-0fb0-5d42-99a7-1ae874060ddc)
“Great meetings. I’m really excited about the renovation now. I can’t wait to get back and share this information with Mom,” Chloe said to Jewel as she headed toward her room. She stepped out of her dress and laid it on the bed.
A few minutes later, Jewel joined Chloe in her room. “Technology is an amazing thing. We’ll be able to produce more pies using the same amount of space. We’ll never have a problem meeting demand now—especially during the holidays.” Posing in the mirror, Jewel checked out the flowing jumpsuit she’d just put on.
“How’s this?” Chloe presented herself to Jewel, twirling in the floral strapless sundress she’d selected for the evening.
“Oh! Very pretty.” Jewel offered a wide smile. “Donovan’s going to love that,” she teased.
“I’m not thinking about Donovan.” Chloe waved her off and slipped her feet into a pair of beaded flip-flops.
“You should be. It’s been months since you’ve dated—about a year, actually.”
“And I’m fine with that. Who’s counting anyway?” Chloe shrugged.
“Me! And so should you. It’s time to get back in the game.” Jewel put her hand on the doorknob. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” Chloe walked through the open door. “Truthfully, Jewel, I’ve been so into work I’ve hardly thought about it. I’m thrilled about taking the restaurant to another level. Chandlers can really become the sought-after venue for events once we start working with this consultant. It’s time to elevate our brand. When you love what you do, it’s easy to be caught up. After my breakup with Alan, the days and months have just rolled right on by.”
“Mom loved that guy for some reason.”
“I know. She just knew that he was going to be her son-in-law. At first, I thought that he would be the one, too. He seemed refined, debonair and worldly. He relished living up to the image of what we represented—two successful people with all the appropriate fixings and a glamorous lifestyle. I wanted genuine romance. I didn’t care what we looked like. Warm hugs, kisses, cozy movie nights and long walks are the things that I craved. He wanted to be seen at every major function. We just couldn’t seem to find our middle ground. I’d end up at home while he attended his high-profile parties. Eventually, we just grew apart. As much as it hurt, we both knew it was best to end the relationship. Mom will never get it.”
