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“Would your wife like another mocha cappuccino?” the waitress asked.
My wife? To Sean’s surprise, he liked the idea of Robyn being Mrs. Sean Parker, of them living happily ever after in his new five-bedroom dream house. At thirty-three, he’d dated his fair share of women, but Robyn was in a class all her own. And not just because of her killer curves. She was a free thinker, with a can-do attitude and, most important, loyal. Robyn had proved, time and time again, that she could be trusted, and he appreciated having her in his life.
“No, thanks,” he said, retrieving his wallet from his suit pocket. Sean opened the leather sleeve, slid a couple hundred-dollar bills inside and stood, just in time to see Robyn approach their table. Taking her hand, he led her out of the restaurant and through the glass doors.
The sun was hot, the air humid and the breeze light. It was the perfect day to go swimming, and if Robyn wasn’t in a rush to meet Kim, he would have invited her back to his place. Though he was swamped at work—hiring staff, finalizing menus and meeting with vendors—he was never too busy for Robyn, and he liked the idea of her hanging out at his house. “When can I see you again?”
“Next time you’re at the resort, call me, and we’ll have lunch.”
Sean wore a blank face, didn’t let his frustration show. Why would Robyn suggest meeting up at the Parker resort? A place he wanted nothing to do with? He thought hard for several seconds as he tried to remember her weekly schedule. “Since you’re off on Thursday, I thought we could spend the day together. We’ll hang out at Manhattan Beach, have lunch at the SP Grill, then check out Posh Lounge in the evening—”
“Sean, I’m not off on Thursdays. I work from home. There’s a big difference.”
“Then, play hooky.” He put a finger to his lips. “It’ll be our little secret.”
“I can’t do that. You know summer is the busiest time of year at the resort, and if I don’t keep on top of my paperwork, I’ll make enemies in the HR department.”
“You’re beginning to sound like a broken record,” he said, leaning against her car door to prevent her from leaving. “Every time I ask you out, you turn me down. That hurts.”
Robyn raised an eyebrow as if she was surprised by his confession and playfully poked him in the shoulder. “Sure it does,” she said with a sarcastic tone. “You have tons of girlfriends. You don’t need me.”
But I do. More than you know. You’re the only person I can confide in. “Of course I do,” he said, his gaze glued to her lips. “You’re my number-one girl, and that will never change.”
“Sean, you’re a great guy, and I value our friendship too much to—”
Driven by need, he captured Robyn around the waist and pulled her to him, right up to his chest. Sean lowered his mouth to hers and stole a kiss. A slow, sensuous kiss that awakened every nerve in his body. It was magic, the best thing to ever happen to his mouth. She tasted sweet, and he was instantly addicted. He felt her shoulders stiffen, sensed her trepidation and, for a split second, regretted his impulsiveness. But then he heard Robyn moan, and he deepened the kiss. The longer they stood there, teasing and arousing each other, the more he wanted her, desired her, ached to have her in his bed.
Electricity crackled in the air, exploded around them like fireworks. He felt it, knew she did, too, when she draped her arms possessively around his neck. On the surface, Sean was calm, collected, in complete control of the situation, but his heart was pounding so loud he couldn’t think straight. He loved the way she felt, her body pressed hard against his, her flesh warm and soft in his hands. He stroked her neck, caressed her shoulders and hips. They were in a restaurant parking lot, in broad daylight, not in the privacy of his home, but Sean didn’t give a damn. He wanted Robyn to know that he desired her, that he wanted more than friendship, and what better way to prove his feelings than a little public display of affection? Kissing her wasn’t enough; he wanted more, needed more. He wouldn’t be satisfied until she was in his bed.
Sean heard Robyn’s cell phone ring and tightened his hold around her waist. She broke off the kiss and turned away from him. “Sean, you shouldn’t have done that,” she said, her eyes darting nervously around the parking lot. “Someone from the resort could have seen us.”
“I want you, Robyn, and I don’t care who knows.”
“That was Kim calling. I could tell by the ringtone. I’d better go or I’ll be late for our hair consultation.” Robyn threw open her car door, slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “Thanks for lunch.”
Before Sean could answer, Robyn was gone, speeding through the parking lot as if her life depended on it. He stood there, stroking the length of his jaw, reliving every moment of that kiss. He needed Robyn in his life and wouldn’t let anyone—not even his family—keep them apart. She was one in a million, the kind of woman he’d be proud to have on his arm, and Sean decided, right then and there, that he wasn’t going down without a fight.
Chapter 3 (#ulink_21eb7e30-747d-5a2c-85eb-7ab5d747dd14)
Robyn’s gaze fell across the flower arrangement perched on the corner of her desk, and a smile tickled her lips. The gift had been delivered fifteen minutes earlier, and she’d been admiring it ever since. The message inside the Hallmark card touched her deeply, made her feel like the prettiest girl in the world, and every time she read the note, happiness bubbled up inside her.
The flowers don’t compare to your beauty, but please accept them as a token of my affection, and know that you are always in my thoughts.
The card wasn’t signed, but the lavish, colorful flower arrangement could be from only one person—Sean. Admiring the long-stemmed pink roses, she thought about their cozy lunch yesterday and wondered when she was going to see him again. Sean was a sensitive, soft-spoken gentleman, but he had no shortage of confidence. Or sex appeal. He turned heads every time he entered a room and had such an imposing presence women approached him from every direction. He was a dark-chocolate hottie with killer swag, and just thinking about that kiss they’d shared in the restaurant parking lot made Robyn’s mouth water. Sean was the perfect combination of bad boy and boy next door, but she appreciated his chivalrous, old-fashioned ways.
Robyn closed her eyes, but she couldn’t get Sean—or that kiss—out of her mind. Inhaling the fragrant scent in the air, she ran her fingers along the smooth, soft petals. She wanted to call him and thank him for the flowers, but he was busy preparing for the grand opening of his new restaurant, and Robyn didn’t want to disturb him. Later, when she returned to her condo, she’d give Sean a ring. Talking to him made her nervous—even on the telephone—but she was determined to keep it together.
Girl, please, quipped her inner voice. When it comes to Sean you’ve never been able to keep it together, so just quit while you’re ahead.
Memories of hanging out with Kim and Sean at the Parker family estate filled Robyn’s mind. She’d harbored a crush on him ever since they’d slow danced to “Fallin’ ” by Alicia Keys at Kim’s birthday party, but it was nothing Robyn would ever act upon. She didn’t want to lose her job or upset her friend. Besides, she and Sean were all wrong for each other. They were both stubborn, opinionated people with fiery personalities, and back when Sean was the head chef at the Belleza, they’d clashed repeatedly.
That’s true, but arguing with him only made you want him even more.
Breaking free of her thoughts, Robyn scooped up a pen and flipped open her monthly planner. Enough daydreaming—she had to focus, had to get her head in the game. She had plans with Kim and Gabby that evening, and if she wanted to leave the office by six o’clock, she had to quit fantasizing about Sean—a man she knew she could never have—and get back to work.
Robyn scanned the items on her to-do list and groaned in despair. Contracts had to be proofed, and entertainment booked. The longer she looked at the list, the more hopeless Robyn felt. She had a staff of three in her department, but it wasn’t enough. She’d been working ten-hour days all summer and feared if she didn’t get some help she’d collapse from exhaustion. That week alone, she’d planned a Moroccan-themed bridal shower, two engagement parties and a book-club luncheon for a hundred women.
Drumming her fingertips on her desk, she considered what to do. One person came to mind, and even though Charlene Vincent had a reputation for being flaky, Robyn decided to ask the restaurant hostess to give her a hand. She had no choice; if she didn’t swallow her pride and ask for help, the Dunham Foundation gala would be a disaster. The biggest charity event of the year could make or break the Belleza.
Robyn didn’t want to disappoint Kim and her parents. They’d welcomed her into their family with open arms, and even though she’d been raised in the worst housing project in New York, the Parkers never looked down at her or made her feel inferior. After graduating from Merriweather Academy, she’d enrolled in Boston University, and received a master’s degree in Public Relations. She’d landed a job at a chain hotel fresh out of university, and although the hours were long, and the accolades were few she’d shined in the assistant program coordinator position. But now, thanks to Kim and her parents, Robyn was living her dream. Robyn glanced at her watch, decided now was the perfect time to track down Charlene and strode out of her office. The beauty and grandeur of the Belleza Resort and Spa never ceased to amaze her. Palm trees and vibrant flowers added to the tranquil ambience of the property, the air held the scent of tropical fruit, and the postcard-perfect views were nothing short of spectacular. The resort had a golf course, a fitness center and a state-of-the-art spa that attracted celebrities from around the globe, but Robyn’s favorite place at the Belleza was the pool area whenever she was stressed out, she swam laps in the pool. The moment she dove into the water, her thoughts cleared, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
Her gaze swept the lush, manicured grounds. For the second time in minutes, her thoughts turned to Sean. Even though her heart knew he was off-limits, she couldn’t stop thinking about him and found herself wishing he was at the resort. Robyn remembered all the times they’d played tennis and jogged along the trails, talking and cracking jokes. Robyn missed seeing Sean every day and hanging out with him on their days off. Things hadn’t been the same at the Belleza since he’d quit, but she’d never admit that to Kim. He was enemy number one, and whenever she tried talking to Kim about making amends with Sean, her friend became defensive and angry. No, she was better off keeping her thoughts to herself.
And while you’re at it, keep your lips off Sean, too, her conscience warned.
The Pearl, a five-star restaurant with award-winning food, was the crown jewel of the Belleza Resort and Spa. Robyn was surprised to find Charlene standing in front of the dining room, flirting with a French film star. Fraternizing with guests was against hotel policy, but ever since Kim had got engaged to financial investor Jaxon Dunham, Robyn noticed the female staff were more touchy-feely with male guests—especially the ones worth millions.
“Charlene, may I have a word with you?”
The hostess flashed a sheepish smile. “Yes, of course.” Her face covered in guilt, she nervously bit her bottom lip. “What’s on your mind?”
“Let’s go inside. We’ll have more privacy.”
Waving goodbye to the actor, Charlene flipped her wavy blonde hair over her shoulders and sashayed into the restaurant with a provocative swish of her hips. She stumbled in her stilettos, and Robyn feared she was going to trip over her feet. Righting herself, she continued through the lounge, smiling wide. Charlene had a beautiful figure, and her slinky, cutout dress drew appreciative glances from several male patrons.
“I can’t believe how busy it is in here,” Robyn said, noting that every table in the dining area was occupied. The patrons were a mix of silver-haired guests, well-dressed couples and young families. “It’s only eleven o’clock.”
“Welcome to my world.” Charlene glanced around her. “It’s been crazy around here all morning. Guests love the new menu, but that’s no surprise. Gabby’s a whiz in the kitchen.”
Robyn felt her cell phone vibrating inside the pocket of her blazer, but she ignored it and gave Charlene her undivided attention. “As you know, I’m planning several high-profile events, and I could really use your help finalizing details for the Dunham Foundation gala and Kim’s wedding.”
“Sure, why not? I could use the extra money, and besides, I just love weddings.” Charlene clasped her hands together and swayed from side to side to an inaudible beat. “Who knows? Maybe if I do a good job, Kim will ask me to sing at the reception. Wouldn’t that be something?”
Robyn swallowed a laugh. The hostess had a better chance of winning the Mega Millions Jackpot than performing at Kim and Jaxon’s wedding.
Charlene had few friends at the resort, but Robyn liked her good humor and positive energy. She could always count on the perky blonde for a laugh, and she was looking forward to getting to know her better. “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you. Just swing by my office after your shift, and I’ll fill you in.”
Charlene adjusted her dress to reveal more cleavage. “Sounds good, Robyn. See ya!”
A spicy aroma wafted through the dining room, causing Robyn’s empty stomach to rumble. Deciding to order a chicken salad, she entered the lounge in search of a waiter.
Stopping abruptly, Robyn narrowed her eyes and hitched a hand to her hips. She was surprised to see Gabby and Kim sitting together at the bar. Why hadn’t they invited her for lunch? she wondered, her gaze zeroing in on them like a laser beam. And what was so funny?
Their voices were filled with enthusiasm, and their excitement was palpable. All business in a fitted black suit, her long black hair cascading down her back, Kim radiated confidence and femininity in equal measures. Just like Gabby. Pretty and petite, the Harvard graduate was often still mistaken for a college coed. Though she was casually dressed in a white T-shirt, skinny jeans and sandals, her beauty was undeniable. Her eyes were striking, her complexion flawless, and her lush auburn curls tumbled around her face every time she laughed out loud.
Robyn smiled at her friends despite her annoyance. They were probably gabbing about their fiancés, she guessed as she headed toward the chatty twosome. That’s why they had stars in their eyes and giddy expressions on their faces.
Robyn was thrilled her best friends had met their soul mates, but she couldn’t resist teasing them. “Squeal a little louder,” she joked, sidling up to the bar. “I don’t think the people across the room heard you.”
Kim and Gabby burst out laughing and greeted Robyn with one-arm hugs.
“You’re not going to believe this.” Kim’s words fell from her lips in a gush, and stars twinkled in her big brown eyes. “Yesterday, I told Jaxon how much I love sailing, and this morning, I found out he rented a fully staffed yacht to celebrate our two-month anniversary.”
Robyn whistled. “Girl, your man’s the real deal.”
“Tell me about it. I almost fell off my chair when he showed me pictures of the yacht, and he booked live entertainment, too.” Kim admired the marquise-cut diamond on her left hand, gazing at the engagement ring adoringly. “Jaxon is the love of my life and, hands down, the most romantic man I’ve ever met. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to prove I’m not dreaming.”
“Me, too!” Gabby shrieked, giving Kim a high-five. “Geoffrey means everything to me, and I cherish every moment we spend together.”
Robyn cocked her head to the right, studied her friend closely for several seconds.
Were her eyes deceiving her? Was that a love-struck expression on Gabby’s face? The trio had been besties ever since Merriweather Academy—but this was the first time she’d heard her friend gush about someone. “You sound head over heels in love.”
“I know,” Gabby said, releasing a dreamy sigh. “Isn’t it great?”
“I never thought I would feel about a man the way I do about Jaxon, and I wish that kind of love for you, too, Robyn. I hope you find your soul mate and live happily ever after.”
Robyn wanted to tell Kim about her feelings for Sean, about how much she enjoyed spending time with him but couldn’t. Kim would be upset, and Robyn didn’t want to put a wedge between them.
“Have a seat,” Gabby said, patting the empty stool beside her. “Take a break.”
“Shouldn’t you be in the kitchen, whipping up one of your new signature recipes?” Robyn asked, helping herself to a garlic shrimp from the oversize plate and popping it into her mouth. Like everything Gabby made, it was moist and full of flavor.
“I’ve worked double shifts for the last two weeks, so I’m taking the rest of the day off. I trust my staff, and I know they won’t let me down.”
Kim spooned sugar into her cup of coffee and stirred. “Robyn, sit, and I’ll fill you in on all of the latest wedding developments.”
“I have to get back to my office, but you can tell me all about it tonight.” Robyn had been looking forward to girls’ night for weeks and was excited about spending some quality time alone with her girlfriends. These days, she hardly saw Kim and Gabby—unless they were doing wedding-related stuff—and she missed seeing them outside of work. Jaxon Dunham and Geoffrey Girard were great guys with big hearts, but Robyn was tired of hearing about how wonderful they were. Tonight was supposed to be about reconnecting with her girls, not discussing floral arrangements, seating charts and honeymoon destinations.
“What time are we leaving for the Comedy Store?” Robyn asked. “I’d like to leave early so we can get good seats.”
Kim and Gabby shared a puzzled look, shifted uncomfortably on their stools.
“I thought the comedy showcase was tomorrow night,” Kim said.
Gabby nodded. “Same here. I must have gotten my days mixed up. Sorry.”
“Do you have other plans?” Robyn asked, knowing the answer to the question even before it left her mouth.
“The guys are taking us to The Tower Bar for dinner and dancing.”
“You’re more than welcome to join us,” Gabby added, wearing an apologetic smile.
To watch you coo and fawn all over your fiancé? Been there, done that, and not doing it again! Robyn decided, masking her displeasure by wearing a blank expression on her face.
“I’ll tell Jaxon to invite one of his cute investor friends, and we’ll make a night of it,” Kim proposed. “How does that sound?”
Like torture. I don’t do blind dates. Never have, never will.
Robyn felt tears sting the back of her eyes at her disappointment. What was the matter with her? Why was she getting so emotional? Why did it feel as if she was mourning the loss of a loved one?
Because you are, whispered her inner voice. You lost Kim to Jaxon and Gabby to Geoffrey and now you’re all alone.
Robyn knew she was being ridiculous, but she couldn’t change the way she felt. For more than a decade, Kim and Gabby had been her closest friends, and now they were head over heels in love and planning their lives without her. And it hurt like hell. Robyn hated to admit it, even to herself, but she was envious of the relationships Kim and Gabby had, and she secretly wondered if love was in the cards for her.
An idea came to her, one that turned her frown to a smile. Robyn considered inviting Sean to the comedy showcase, even rehearsed what she was going to say when they talked. He’d look great at her side, no doubt about it. Images of him filled her mind. She appreciated being with a man who was not only attractive but intelligent, and Sean was the total package, exactly her type. But they were friends and nothing more, and since she didn’t want to give him the wrong impression, she couldn’t ask him out.
“Hi, Robyn, how are you doing this glorious morning?”
Jonah Gray, the jovial bartender with the perpetual twinkle in his eye, greeted her with a smile. Eighty-six years young, he’d worked at the resort for decades but showed no signs of slowing down. He was as skillful at handing out advice as he was at mixing drinks and was loved by all. From the time Robyn had arrived at the Belleza, she’d bonded with Jonah. He was a father figure to her, someone she could depend on, and she enjoyed hearing the colorful stories about his past, along with his tales of buried treasure at the resort. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Nothing, Jonah, thank you. I’m not staying.”
Kim wore a long face. “Come on, Robyn. Don’t be like that. I want to go with you to the comedy showcase, but I can’t be two places at the same time.”
“We’ll hang out tomorrow,” Gabby said. “We’ll do whatever you want, okay?”
Still, Robyn was unable to shake her foul mood. Feeling her cell phone vibrate, she took it out of her pocket. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Sean’s picture come up on the screen. Her mind raced, jumped from one thought to the next. What was wrong? Why was he calling?
“I have to take this call. I’ll see you guys later.”
“Who is it?” Gabby asked, her tone filled with concern. “You seem upset.”
Robyn stumbled over her words and blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. It was a lame explanation, one she doubted her friends would believe, but she couldn’t think of anything else to say. “It’s my, uh, mom. She’s been having...car trouble, and... I’m worried about her. I’ll see you guys at the afternoon staff meeting.”
Hustling out of the dining room, Robyn put her cell phone to her ear and spoke in a whisper. “Hello, Sean. Is everything okay? Are you in trouble?”
“No, of course not. What makes you think that something’s wrong?”
Sighing in relief, Robyn marched from the restaurant and ducked out one of the side doors. Bikini-clad women, men with perfect bodies and rambunctious children were soaking up the sun and frolicking in the pool. Conversation and high-pitched laughter sweetened the air, and the scent of fresh pineapple made Robyn’s mouth water.
“When your number appeared on my phone, I got worried,” she explained, feeling embarrassed for jumping to conclusions. “I thought maybe you were in police custody.”
“I am in trouble...”
Oh God, no! Not Sean. He didn’t do what his father is accusing him of.
“I’ve fallen hard for a pretty event planner from New York, but she won’t give me the time of day. Any ideas on how to win her heart?”
Robyn scolded Sean for teasing her. But his soft, sensuous plea and the yearning in his voice made her long to be back in his arms. Her pulse quickened at the thought, and a delicious sensation caused her body to tingle.
Plugging her ear with her finger to block out the noise around her, she listened intently to what Sean had to say. Never before had a man made her feel this way, so special and desirable. He spoke about missing her, about how anxious he was to see her again, and it took everything in her not to confess her true feelings. Robyn pictured him sitting inside his office with his feet propped up on his desk and smiled at the sexy image scrolling through her mind.
“Did you get the roses?”
Robyn nodded her head, though he couldn’t see her. “Yes, I did, and they’re beautiful. I was going to call to thank you, but I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“You could never disturb me. Talking to you is the highlight of my day.”
