Two rivals. One desire.

Stunning, sensual Puerto Rico is the perfect place to combine business with pleasure. Yet Chloe Chandler can’t indulge her attraction to Donovan Rivers when they cross paths at a convention. Heir to an exclusive Long Island venue, Donovan is vying to host the same A-list gala that her parents’ restaurant hopes to gain. And as events director for her family’s empire, Chloe and her loyalty are being tested by an intense longing for a man who’s determined to win both her...and the client.

An in-demand bachelor who plays by his own rules, Donovan never stops until he gets what he wants. Falling for his beautiful competitor will anger their families, but Chloe has already sacrificed too much to please others. Now Donovan intends to show her everything she’s been missing—including the heat of his embrace. But when the competition comes between them, will their ambitions force them to lose out on love?

Holding her hand, Donovan led the way to the balcony, welcoming the cooling ocean breeze. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Am I?” Chloe asked breathlessly, wiping her brow once again. “I haven’t had this much fun in so long. Thanks.”

Donovan’s response was a smile. He looked out over the water, listening to the sound of the waves. Still holding her hand, they stood silently on the terrace, allowing the gentle wind to lick away the sweat generated from their sensual dance. Rays of moonlight bobbled on the water, inviting Donovan to the shore.

“Let’s go,” he whispered to Chloe, then he paid the bill and led her through the restaurant to the exit facing the sea. Donovan removed his shoes and rolled the hem of his pants to just above his ankles. Chloe followed suit, removing her sandals and knotting the end of her dress below her knees. Hand in hand, they walked to where the water met the sand. Chloe’s hand felt good in his, as if it belonged. They stopped walking, still holding hands, and turned to watch the evening’s light dance across the ripples in the midnight blue water.

Dear Reader,

I hope you truly enjoy taking this romantic and somewhat bumpy journey with Chloe Chandler and Donovan Rivers in my new series about the Chandler family. Could you ever imagine falling for the one person that your family could never accept? Chloe and Donovan seem to do just that. Donovan coaxes a side of Chloe to the surface that she had buried long ago. She starts to enjoy exploring her new self and sexy Donovan Rivers. Their affair begins as a fun little rendezvous in a lush, tropical setting in Puerto Rico, but desire follows them back to New York, where there’s much at stake, like family loyalty and business contracts. Donovan doesn’t only rock her world, he steals her heart, and now Chloe has to determine if she’s going to please her family or please her heart and become Donovan’s lady.

Enjoy the ride.

Ciao,

Nicki

It Started in Paradise

Nicki Night

www.millsandboon.co.uk

NICKI NIGHT is an edgy hopeless romantic who enjoys creating stories of love and new possibilities. Nicki has a penchant for adventure and is currently working on penning her next romantic escapade. Nicki resides in the city dreams are made of, but occasionally travels to her treasured seaside hideaway to write in seclusion. She enjoys hearing from readers and can be contacted on Facebook, through her website at nickinight.com, or via email at nickinightwrites@gmail.com.

This book is dedicated to my hero, Les Flagler.

I love the way you love me, Sunshine.

Acknowledgments

As always, I begin by thanking my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without him, there wouldn’t be any books, readers, contracts, writing...anything. I’m so grateful for this journey.

I offer up a special shout-out to my squad at Harlequin Kimani, Glenda Howard and Keyla Hernandez, for all you do. To Sara Camilli, agent extraordinaire, thanks for great conversation, guidance and for always having my back.

Thank you to my family, who doesn’t mind sharing me with my dreams. I appreciate you Les, Lil Les, Milan (Hollywood) and Laila (Suga Mama). To the Daniels clan and my gals, thank you for your continued support.

To my sisters and brothers in the craft, I adore and respect you. Let’s do this!

My mentors, Beverly Jenkins and Beverly Jackson, I appreciate that you don’t mind pouring into me. You are amazing women.

To my street team, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thanks for all you do.

Reviewers, bloggers, readers...you completely ROCK! That’s it and that’s all.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

“I saw you looking at him,” Jewel Chandler teased her older sister, sipped her cocktail and then lay back on her lounge chair.

Chloe Chandler choked back a laugh. “I wasn’t looking at anyone.” Turning her head in the other direction, she shielded her eyes from the glaring sun. She’d seen him all right. All six feet four inches of his muscular frame draped in skin so rich and smooth, it could have been dripping from a fondue pot.

“Humph! Whatever you say, Sissy.” Jewel waved her off. “There’s never been anything wrong with looking. It’s the touching that gets people in trouble! But who am I to tell you to play by anybody’s rules?”

“Exactly. Now hush!” Chloe laughed. As the oldest, she’d always been careful to set a good example. Not that it helped at all. All three of her younger siblings were rebels in their own rights.

Donovan Rivers jumped into the hotel’s Olympic-size pool, sliced through the water as smoothly as a knife cutting ice cream and popped up on the opposite side. The water cascading down his taut back made Chloe hiss.

Jewel sat up, lifted her wide-brimmed hat meant to block the sun and tilted her sunglasses downward. “You’re a liar if you tell me you didn’t see that gorgeousness rise from that water like a Greek god.” Jewel sat back and chuckled.

Chloe couldn’t help but laugh with her. “No one wants Donovan.”

“And there’s another lie.”

“Jewel!”

Jewel twisted her lips at Chloe. “Plenty of women want him. I happen to know a few of them rather well and so do you. Humph! A woman would be crazy not to want a man like him or his brother.”

“You know our mother would have an emotional breakdown if one of us were to mess around with one of those Rivers boys.” Chloe lay back on her lounger, closed her eyes and crossed her feet.

“And that is just what makes it so much fun. Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest!” Jewel snickered.

Chloe sat up. “What?”

She laughed full out this time.

Chloe’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “Have you messed around with one of those Rivers men?” Chloe wouldn’t put it past her sister.

“Sure did, and it was good and so much fun!”

“And you never told me?” Still seated, Chloe parked her hands on her hips.

“Nope!” Jewel pursed her lips.

Offended, Chloe gasped. There were never any secrets among the sisters. “When?”

“Last summer, and I never said anything because you would have told me not to do it.” Jewel swung her legs over the deck chair and faced Chloe. “I wanted to do it. I did it and I liked it—a lot!” She squealed. “It only lasted a few delicious weeks but then we moved on. It was more like...” Jewel thought for a moment “...an extended fling, but it certainly was fun while it lasted.”

Chloe squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. “I can’t believe you! Was it Donovan?”

“No. It was Dayton.” Jewel closed her eyes and moaned as if she’d eaten a decadent bite of dessert.

Chloe giggled, despite feeling snubbed. The talk about the forbidden rendezvous made her giddy. Her sisters lived much riskier lives than she ever had. One day she’d take a page from their book. “I still can’t believe you hid that juicy little tidbit from me.” Chloe tossed her towel at Jewel. She blocked it.

“I’m sorry.” Jewel pouted. “Do you forgive me?”

“Of course I do, but don’t ever leave me out of the loop again.”

“Good. I won’t. I promise,” Jewel said before standing. “You need to get yourself a piece of forbidden action someday, too. You won’t believe how delightful it can be.” Jewel slid her arms through her sheer white cover-up. “Perhaps Donovan could be the perfect candidate.”

“Oh no!” Chloe wagged her finger. “I don’t think so.”

Jewel flashed a sly smile. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

Chloe rolled her eyes toward the sky. “I’m not indulging in this foolishness.” She stood too, grabbed her cell phone and the magazine she’d intended to read at the poolside but never opened. “Let’s go get ready for our dinner meeting.”

“I’m going to get you to loosen up one of these days, Sissy. You can’t be all work and no play all the time.”

“I have plenty of fun.” Chloe headed toward the hotel but stopped when she sensed that Jewel wasn’t walking with her.

She looked back to find Jewel with her hand propped on her hip, lips twisted and head tilted. She obviously didn’t agree with Chloe.

“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

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

“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.”

They had arrived at the elevator. Jewel pressed the call button and sighed. “I completely understand but I still think it’s time that you get out. I know it’s easy to get so involved in what you’re doing that you forget to have a life and I don’t want to see that happen to you any longer.”

“You’re right. I can’t remember the last time I had dinner with someone and it wasn’t about business.”

The elevator doors opened and the two of them stepped on.

“No better time to start than the present. Let’s go have some fun, girl. Woo!” Jewel raised a fist in the air.

Chloe shook her head at Jewel’s loud hoot, but laughed. She had to agree, it was time to begin carving a little extracurricular fun into her life. Loving what she did for a living shouldn’t prevent her from enjoying a fuller existence. Perhaps she’d start with a girls’ night out with her sisters and friends when she got back to New York.

A bustling lobby greeted them when the elevator doors opened. A festive vibe had taken over now that the evening had given way to the night. Music, laughter and jovial conversations in various languages blended like a symphony. Shorts, floral shirts and casual dresses replaced the business attire from earlier in the day.

Chloe and Jewel snaked through the crowd toward the outdoor bar that Donovan had directed them to via text. Chloe’s stomach clenched when she spotted Donovan’s handsome profile outlined by the glow of the moon. He was seated with his head resting against the back of the chair. He was gorgeous from every angle.

Chloe looked forward to hanging out with him. Though they’d operated within the same social circles for many years, they’d never spent much time together. Tonight, she’d get to know him a little better.

Donovan stood as they approached. Kissing both their cheeks, his lips lingered against Chloe’s for just a moment longer. His hand gently pressed against her lower back, causing shivers inside her core. She stepped back and smiled graciously and then turned toward the calming sound of the ocean waves. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply to compose herself rather than to delight in the ambiance.

“Have a seat.” Donovan pulled out a chair for both. The low timbre of his voice caused her core to react once again.

“Thanks.” She sat first and then Jewel.

“It’s beautiful out here,” Jewel acknowledged.

“There’s something mysterious about the sea at night. It’s frightening, yet intriguing,” Chloe said. When she looked up, Donovan was staring at her. She held his gaze for a moment and cleared her throat. “I’ve always wondered what it must be like to be out there in all that darkness.”

“It’s pretty cool,” Donovan said.

“Is it?” Jewel asked. “How so?”

“It’s peaceful. I took one of those midnight cruises before. We should see if they do those here at this hotel.”

“Oh. Let’s check into that. Sounds like fun.” Jewel turned to Chloe. “Doesn’t it?”

“It does.” Chloe sat back, allowing the breeze to relax her. It was almost as satisfying as Donovan’s presence.

Donovan waved the waiter over. “What are you ladies having?”

“I had this great drink by the pool earlier. It was fruity with rum in it,” Jewel said.

“I could use a nice glass of wine,” Chloe added.

As the waiter approached, Donovan nodded toward the women. “May I?” he asked, requesting their permission to order for them.

Chloe and Jewel looked at each other. Agreeing with raised brows, Chloe then turned to Donovan and said, “Sure.”

Donovan ordered wine for Chloe and a rum cocktail for Jewel.

“What are they doing over there?” Chloe leaned forward, squinting at a few of the bar’s staff members setting up speakers and a large projection screen against the backdrop of the dark ocean.

Donovan and Jewel turned toward Chloe’s line of sight.

“Are they showing a movie tonight?” Jewel inquired.

Donovan shrugged. “Perhaps.”

“How cool!” Chloe added. The idea of watching a movie under the velvet star-spangled sky charmed her. “How were your meetings today?” she asked Donovan.

“Pretty good.” Donovan told them about his day and the hotel his friend was renovating. The waiter returned with their drinks. They nodded their approval, which Donovan acknowledged with a confident smile.

“That sounds amazing! Let us know if he does a grand opening. We could come down to celebrate with you,” Jewel said.

“That would be great. I’ll make sure you have the best accommodations.” His comment was for both women, but his eyes were on Chloe.

If she wasn’t mistaken, there was more meaning behind his words that were spoken. His slightly narrowed gaze and the sultry smile that spread across his sexy lips gave her that indication.

Chloe felt warmth settle around her like a soft blanket. She matched his gaze for a moment before turning and looking out over the water.

“Just make sure we’re on the opposite side of the hotel from your mother,” she said and the three of them laughed.

“You’re right about that,” Donovan admitted. “If she knew we were here having a good time together, she’d probably faint.”

“I know,” Jewel added, releasing a belly laugh. “What’s up with them?”

Donovan shook his head. “I don’t know. My mother would never tell us.”

“Neither would ours,” Chloe said.

“It’s so crazy to me,” Jewel said.

“Me, too,” Chloe agreed. “Whatever it is, it has been going on for a long time.”

“That’s one thing I do know.” Donovan took another a sip of his rum and pointed toward the setup the bar staff was working on. “Looks like they’re setting up for karaoke.”

“Really?” Chloe got excited.

“Chloe. You should sing,” Jewel said, craning her neck toward the screen. “Donovan, you’ve got to hear her. She has an amazing voice.”

Donovan looked at Chloe and raised a brow. “Is that so?”

Chloe waved her hand dismissively and cast her eyes upward. “I don’t sing much. I haven’t done it in years.”

“She’s totally being modest.” Jewel grabbed Chloe’s hand and pulled her up. “Come on, let’s go pick a song. I’ll be your backup!” she hooted.

“Jewel!” Chloe pleaded but was ignored as Jewel dragged her over to the table that had been set up for people to sign up.

“I can’t sing here,” Chloe said, feeling nervous.

“Of course you can. Didn’t you say you wanted to start having more fun?”

Chloe groaned. “Let me look over the list.” Jewel squealed and Chloe squinted at her. “I didn’t say I was going to sing. I’m just checking this list out.”

Jewel handed her the clipboard containing the songs and peered at it over Chloe’s shoulder. “Oh. Do this one.” Jewel pointed to Natural Woman.

Chloe thought about it for a moment. She loved singing that song but the idea of doing so in front of Donovan would make her feel exposed. She already felt overtly aware of her senses in his presence.

People used to love listening to her jazzy voice. She’d won several talent competitions but she hadn’t sung in front of anyone besides her sisters since her mother chided her years ago for wasting time at an audition for a performing arts school. According to El, Chloe was going to be a successful businesswoman and the notion of her daughter attending school to sing was a ridiculous misuse of her time and energy. Her days of public crooning had ended then. She was disappointed but wouldn’t disobey her mother.

“I don’t know, Jewel.” She frowned. “I haven’t sung in a long time.”

“It’s just for fun.” Jewel pouted. “Please...for me. I love hearing you sing. Come on, Chloe.”

“What are you going to sing?”

Chloe spun around at the sound of Donovan’s voice. She hadn’t realized he’d come over to where they were.

“I’m still trying to convince her,” Jewel said.

“I’ll sing if you sing first.” Chloe raised a brow at Donovan.

“If you don’t mind the torture. I couldn’t hold a note if it was duct-taped to my chest but it’s all in good fun, right?”

“Exactly! All in good fun,” Jewel endorsed Donovan.

Chloe exhaled. “You first.” She pointed to Donovan.

“Whatever. Let me see what’s on this list.” Donovan took the clipboard from Jewel. His eyes scanned the paper and within seconds he tapped his finger on the selection sheet. “I’ll do this one.” Donovan selected a popular rap song from the late nineties.

Chloe and Jewel bent over laughing. “I can’t wait to see this,” Chloe said.

Each of them signed up for a song and headed back to their table.

“This is going to be epic!” Jewel cracked up.

They ordered more drinks while the people before them took to the karaoke microphone. Enjoying themselves immensely, they sang along with a group of men who hilariously performed the YMCA song. An obviously intoxicated woman with a nasally sounding voice sang an out-of-tune rendition of Love Shack. By the time she hit the last note, she and the entire audience were doubled over laughing. Being a great sport, she finished with an impressive bow as if she’d just brought down the house with a stellar performance.

It was Donovan’s turn. He took to the microphone with confidence. The music started and he captured Chloe’s gaze and smiled. She blushed, tickled by the way his smile affected her.

“Go, Donovan!” Jewel cheered him on.

Donovan pointed at Jewel and winked.

The words came up and Donovan missed the first line. He jumped in, tripping over the words in the second line until he caught up. He was off tune but clearly didn’t care. He swayed to the music and poorly belted out the words until he was breathless.

The crowd cheered him on. Jewel and Chloe both had tears streaming down their faces as they laughed and sang along. Donovan waved his hands instructing the crowd to join him. By the time he finished, everyone was waving and singing. Donovan stepped off the stage as confidently as he had stepped on.

“Your turn,” he said to Chloe when he got back to where they were seated.

“You did a fine job,” Jewel teased. They all laughed.

If Donovan could make a complete fool of himself in front of all those people, why should Chloe feel nervous? She had to admit she was having a great time.

The crowd settled down and the announcer called Chloe’s name. Her stomach fluttered but she stood and made her way over to the stage. She took the microphone and looked out over the crowd. Closing her eyes, she swallowed and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, she noticed her hand trembling. She held the microphone with both hands to ease the shaking. The music started. Anticipating her performance, the crowd quieted. She felt exposed and tried to remember that she was there to have fun.

“You got this, Chloe!” Jewel yelled, which generated other random supportive shouts from the crowd.

“You can do it, girl!” one woman yelled.

“Have fun with it,” another said.

“Chloe!” Donovan’s deep voice reached her. When she looked over he was clapping, encouraging her in the distance.

Chloe closed her eyes and started singing. She didn’t need the words. Her exquisite voice floated out over the audience. Whistles, applause and whoops erupted from the crowd.

“Sing, honey!” someone else shouted.

Suddenly, the crowd no longer existed to Chloe. The joy of singing returned, rushing over her like the waves crashing into the shore.

Chloe removed one hand from the microphone and got so into the song that when she finished, she felt like she had blacked out. Cheers exploded from the audience, jolting her back to time and space. She opened her eyes and people were jumping up and down and whistling high-pitched shrieks through fingers. The standing ovation lasted until she’d made it all the way back to her seat where she found Jewel in tears and Donovan’s mouth agape.

Jewel wrapped her arms around her sister. “Oh my goodness! Chloe, that was absolutely beautiful!”

When Jewel finally pulled back, Chloe’s eyes met Donovan’s. This time she saw something different staring back at her. It was more than a flirtatious gesture. It was something stronger and magnetic that pulled her to him.

“That was amazing,” Donovan said, pinning her with his gaze.

“Thank you.” Chloe lowered her eyes, unable to withstand the intensity of his stare any longer.

In that moment, something new kindled between them. Emotions shifted. Chloe wondered if Donovan felt it, too.

Chapter 4

The sound of Chloe’s beautiful voice reached down deep inside Donovan and triggered something. When she returned from the stage in that flowing sundress, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Curiosities emerged and suddenly he wanted to find out more about her. Of course he’d known all about her family and where she’d grown up, but now he wanted to know more intimate things about her. What made her smile?

They continued to hang out for a while longer, listening to those bold enough to take to the microphone. Some were great, most were intoxicated and fumbled over the words to the songs they sang. Many were hilariously horrible, causing laughter to erupt, filling the beach with inebriated elation.

Despite the fact that Donovan had an early start to look forward to the next morning, he stayed by the bar talking to Chloe and Jewel well into the night. Jewel excused herself to use the restroom, leaving him alone with Chloe. At first, she squirmed under the scrutiny of his gaze. He enjoyed the fact that he affected her in some way. Perhaps she was curious about him as well.

Chloe closed her eyes and appeared to enjoy the breeze that washed over her. Donovan took that moment to admire how the moon cast soft light across her supple skin. Her shoulder-length hair danced gracefully with the wind. He found himself wanting to trace the outline of her nose and lips with his fingertips and run his fingers through her hair. She opened her eyes and he smiled.

“You never told me you could sing like that.” Donovan started conversation to shift his focus. He could have stared at her until the sun returned, but he knew that would have made her uncomfortable.

She chuckled. “When would I have had the opportunity to tell you?”

“You’ve got a point.” Donovan emptied the last of his drink. “You know what’s funny?”

“What?” Chloe asked, finally turning to fully face him.

Chloe blinked and Donovan could have sworn time slackened to slow motion. She fixed her doe eyes directly on him. His body reacted with a spasm in his groin.

“We’ve known each other since we were kids, attended the same schools and lived within the same social circles for years and there’s still a lot I don’t know about you.”

“You’re right,” Chloe acknowledged.

“We should do something about that.” His desire flew past his lips before he had a chance to filter the thought.

Chloe cleared her throat.

“How about dinner tomorrow night?” Why waste time, Donovan thought. He wanted to learn more about Chloe Chandler and he had no intentions of toying with his interest. “I know a beautiful place on the other side of the island.”

“That should be fine.” Chloe looked at her watch and then looked toward the resort’s entrance. “Let me check with Jewel and make sure—”

“Just you and I,” Donovan interjected.

“Oh...” Chloe’s surprise and coyness made him smile once again.

“I’m sure Jewel wouldn’t mind but do check with her to make sure. I wouldn’t want her to feel left out.” The fact that Jewel had never returned from her “bathroom” run wasn’t lost on him. Jewel was rooting for him and he was sure that she was intentionally giving them space.

“I’ll do that.” Chloe looked at the door again before sitting back.

“It’s been a while. I don’t think she’s coming back,” Donovan responded to Chloe’s constant looking back toward the hotel.

“Maybe I should go check on her. She did have quite a few of those rum cocktails.”

Donovan stood. “Come on.” He held his hand out. “I’ll walk you to your suite.”

Chloe looked at him for a moment before taking his outstretched hand. A quick current shot through him when their palms touched. Donovan liked it. He wondered if she felt it, too, and if she did, had she enjoyed it as much as he had?

Helping Chloe to her feet, he held on until she tamed her billowing dress from the gusty ocean breeze. Donovan deliberately slowed to an unhurried stride as they made their way into the hotel. Remembering his former years, he chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” Chloe asked.

“Did you know I had a crush on you back in high school?”

Chloe’s mouth fell open. “Really?”

“Yeah!”

“I never would have thought that, especially with all those girls that hung around you and your brother all of the time.”

“Those were just friends.” Donovan dismissed her comment with a flick of his hand.

“Yeah, right. Friends with benefits I’m sure.”

Donovan’s reply was a hearty laugh. “Maybe,” he finally said. He couldn’t deny the truth. As a star basketball player, he always had a healthy following of girls vying for his attention. “You always seemed so mature back then.”

“People always said that. I think it’s that oldest-child thing. I had to watch over my siblings and be the responsible one.”

“That’s not always fun,” Donovan said.

They had reached the door to the resort. Chloe paused with a faraway look in her eyes. “Sometimes I resented always being the responsible one.” She shook her head. “I missed out on a lot of fun.”

“It’s never too late,” Donovan said. Chloe shrugged as she walked through the door while Donovan held it open. “There’s no better time than the present.”

“I’m too old for that stuff now.” Chloe waved off his notion, continuing toward the elevator.

“You’ve always played it safe, huh?”

Chloe responded with a nod.

“No wonder I never saw you at the parties.”

“I bet you saw Jewel there.” Donovan nodded, confirming her suspicion, and Chloe tittered. “I remember her sneaking out her bedroom window. She hasn’t changed much, you know.”

“Oh, I know.” Donovan raised a brow and pressed the call button for the elevator.

They continued reminiscing about the years behind them, reaching her hotel suite far too soon. They stood silently for a moment.

“Are we on for dinner tomorrow?” Donovan leaned against the wall.

“I’ll let you know for sure tomorrow. Is that okay?”

“Not a problem.” Donovan leaned forward and kissed her cheek as if it was the most natural thing. “See you soon,” he said after she opened the door. “Good night, Jewel,” he said loud enough for her to hear from the hallway.

“Good night, Don,” Jewel yelled back.

Taking in the surprised look on Chloe’s face, Donovan grinned, winked and headed down the hall back toward the elevator. It was apparent that Chloe was the last to realize that Jewel truly did leave them alone on purpose.

Donovan was thankful for her intuition. He looked forward to spending more time with Chloe the next evening. Jewel’s actions tonight let him know he had an ally and he planned to use her help to satisfy his curiosity about Chloe.

Chapter 5

“Jewel!” Chloe shrieked when she had closed the hotel room door behind her. Jewel tucked her head into her shoulders and giggled. “You just left me out there by myself?”

“You weren’t by yourself. Donovan was there,” Jewel said matter-of-factly. She closed her laptop, got up from the desk and lay across the couch.

“You know what I mean.” Chloe rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. She wasn’t really mad at Jewel, she just wished she’d given her a heads-up about leaving her alone with Donovan. “You could have said you weren’t coming back out.”

Jewel flopped on the couch, hit the mute button on the remote and faced Chloe. “Then you would have tried to come with me. Did you have a nice conversation?”

Chloe sat on the sofa, fixing a narrowed gaze on Jewel. “What made you think I wanted to be alone with him?”

“I knew that he wanted to be alone with you. You should have seen the way he stared when you started singing. That man was mesmerized. I thought he had fallen in love right then and there.” Jewel sat up suddenly. “Did you know he had a crush on you when we were in high school?”

“He told me tonight. How’d you know?” Chloe parked one hand on her hip. Everyone seemed to know what was going on except her.

“He asked me to hook the two of you up back then. I told him not to waste his time because you wouldn’t be interested.”

“Why’d you say that?”

“You weren’t rebellious enough to go against mom’s orders. I knew there was no way you were going to date him. You hardly push back against her now and you’re almost thirty.”

“None of that’s true. Mom doesn’t run my life, nor am I that close to thirty!”

Jewel threw her head back and laughed. “You’re on the other side of twenty-five. That’s close enough!”

Chloe tossed a pillow at Jewel. She caught the pillow, twisted her lips and looked at Chloe sideways before laughing.

“Whatever.” Chloe paused a moment and then went on to explain herself. “I tried to be an example for you all,” she said, referring to her siblings. “I always felt like I needed to protect the three of you.”

Jewel sat up, looked at Chloe and sighed. “And we appreciated it, but, sis, we’re all grown now. I just want you to be bold enough to live on your own terms for once in your life.”

Chloe huffed. “I do live on my own terms.” She didn’t sound convincing even to herself.

“You never answered my question,” Jewel reminded her.

“What question?” Chloe was puzzled.

“Did you have a nice conversation?”

Chloe shrugged. “He asked me to dinner.”

Jewel’s eyes widened and so did her smile. “You said yes, right?”

“I told him that I’d let him know. I don’t want to leave you hanging.”

“Oh. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Tell him you’ll go.”

“It would be nice. We had a great time tonight, but part of me wants to go because he’s a cool guy and the other part feels like I shouldn’t bother.”

Jewel whipped her head in Chloe’s direction. “Why not?”

“Why start something that won’t go anywhere?”

“Who said it won’t go anywhere? Who even cares if it goes anywhere? Just have a good time.” Jewel waved away Chloe’s concerned look. Jewel held her hand up. “And please do not say it’s because our mothers wouldn’t approve because I don’t want to hear that!”

“Then I won’t say it.” Chloe shrugged, pulled pajamas from her suitcase and started toward the bathroom. She didn’t realize that Jewel had tossed the pillow back at her until she felt it against her back.

“You better go to dinner with that man,” Jewel yelled after Chloe as she entered the bathroom.

Squeezing a swirl of face wash in her hands, Chloe thought about what taking Donovan up on his offer for dinner meant.

She enjoyed his company and couldn’t deny that she was curious about who Donovan really was. If it weren’t for their problematic family history, would she consider seriously dating Donovan? Her answer was an unwavering yes. Who wouldn’t? Donovan was handsome, successful and seemed to have a great personality. The only questionable issue was the fact that the Rivers brothers were known to be ladies’ men and Chloe had never been into players.

Chloe continued to ponder scenarios pertaining to Donovan as she showered. After all that careful consideration, she wondered why she bothered thinking so hard. He had only asked her to dinner, not for her hand in marriage. How harmful could dinner be?

Chloe stepped out the shower, wrapped a large plush towel around her body and went to tell Jewel that she’d decided to go to dinner.

Jewel was sprawled across the bed asleep with the TV blaring and all the lights on. Chloe shook her head, turned off the lights in Jewel’s room and prepared for bed herself. They had another long day ahead of them.

An hour passed and Chloe lay in the bed still awake. Sleep evaded her while her mind churned with thoughts of how this dinner with Donovan would turn out.

He’d kissed her on the cheek but she thought nothing of it, considering it a friendly gesture. By the time she finally fell asleep, she’d fully convinced herself that there was nothing wrong with having a friendly dinner. In fact, she looked forward to it. She was on a beautiful tropical island and even though she was there for business, she was determined to play as much as she worked for a change.

Her sister’s comment taunted her as well. Chloe had to agree, it was time for her to be rebellious enough to live aloud. She no longer had to set examples for her younger siblings. They were all adults. It was time for her to have some fun.

Despite little sleep, Chloe woke energized and more excited about having dinner with Donovan than she was willing to admit. Feeling giddy, she hummed as she dressed, took extra care with her hair as she delicately brushed it.

“You sound chipper this morning.” Chloe was so caught up in her own elation that Jewel’s comment startled her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jewel fluttered her hand. “Since when do you hum and sing while you’re getting dressed?” She chuckled. “You’re excited about your date tonight, aren’t you?”

“No!” Chloe shook her head as she dismissed Jewel’s observation. “And it’s not a date. We’re just having dinner.” She spread another coat of lip gloss across her lips and through the reflection in the mirror, she caught Jewel cutting her eyes toward the ceiling. After a moment she confessed. “Okay, maybe I’m a little excited.”

Jewel ran over and hugged her. “Yay! Chloe’s gonna have some fun tonight.” She swayed her hips, dancing out her own excitement. “Enjoy yourself.” She straightened her back and pointed her finger as if it were a command. “Don’t think about anything or anyone back home. You hear me? And let him kiss you at the end of the night if he wants to. Who’s going to know?”

“You will, Ms. Big Mouth.”

“I’ll only tell Jade. She has to know.”

“Jewel!”

“What?” Jewel unsuccessfully tried to refrain from snickering. She fluffed Chloe’s shoulder-length hair with her fingers. “Let me do your makeup tonight. Oh! Let’s go shopping around lunchtime and find a nice dress for later.”

“Jewel. Slow down. It’s not that serious.” Chloe looked back at her.

“Oh, but it’s fun! Besides, who needs a serious reason to shop?”

Chloe closed her eyes and exhaled.

“Now get out of the bathroom so I can take my shower.” Jewel turned on the shower water.

Chloe gathered her comb and cosmetics that lay sprawled across the vanity top and stuffed them in her travel bag. “It’s all yours,” she said, exiting the bathroom.

Chloe couldn’t remember the last time she’d been on a date. Placing her toiletry bag inside her carry-on, she imagined how tonight would go.

Envisioning a moonlit light dinner accompanied by a tropical soundtrack of waves crashing against the shore made her smile. A shiver crawled up her hand where she imagined him touching her. Then she chided herself for acting like a lovesick teenager.

She thought about her sister’s comment. If Donovan tried to kiss her tonight, would she let him?

Chapter 6

Excitement surged through Donovan. The conference was going well for him but that’s not what caused him to feel so elated. He looked forward to his date with Chloe. Looking down at his watch made him smile. He had several hours to go before meeting up with Chloe.

Donovan thought about his crush on Chloe. High school was a long time ago. Since then, he’d been the target of many women’s desire. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was about Chloe that intrigued him then or now but he intended to enjoy the process of finding out. Hearing her beautiful voice during karaoke caused his sense of curiosity to leap off the meter. He’d felt her soul when she sang.

Thankfully, the rest of the afternoon sailed by quickly. Donovan hurried to his room, showered and returned to the bar in the hotel’s lobby dressed in a blue lightweight sports jacket, white linen shirt and slacks. He topped his look with a straw fedora in the same tan hue of his pants.

A pre-dinner cocktail was the perfect way to start the evening. He’d given Chloe some extra time to do all the stuff women do to get ready to go out. After his drink, he called her.

“Hey there! We’re meeting in the lobby, right?” She answered out of breath.

“How about we meet at the bar by the pool?” Donovan heard her groan. “Are you okay?”

Chloe huffed. “Yes. I was just turning everything upside down looking for my sandal.” She chuckled. “I promise you I’m not out of shape, just rushing. That’s all.”

“Your shape seems fine to me,” he joked.

Silence.

Donovan expected a laugh but then wondered if he’d offended her. “I was joking.”

“I know.” There was more silence. “It’s fine. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” Chloe hung up before Donovan could say anything else.

Chloe was going to have to get used to his sense of humor. He planned to take his time getting to know her. Something told him she was worth it.

Donovan headed to the pool bar, ordered another glass of Cabernet and looked out over the convention crowd who had now traded in their business casual garb for more relaxed options, like shorts and swimsuits. Boisterous laughter ran out amongst a group of gentlemen mixing with the loud merengue streaming from hidden speakers. Several flat-screen TVs hung from the rafters, adding an array of voices and volume to the clanging of plates and utensils.

This symphony would continue through most of the night, which was why Donovan opted for a more serene environment for his date with Chloe.

His Cabernet arrived just as he spotted Chloe stepping off the elevator. She arrested his attention in a flowing coral maxi dress that slightly swept the floor beneath her and exposed the smooth skin of her shoulders. Her hair was pulled up in a bun with a few delicate wisps hanging down around her face.

The heads of several men turned to her as she made her way toward him. A cocky grin eased across his lips, proud of the fact that the center of the many patrons’ attention was his date for the night. As she drew closer, he quickly took in her long lashes, high cheekbones and the soft pink sheen on her lips.

He stood, greeting her with a peck on the cheek and a possessive hand placed respectfully in the small of her back.

“Ready to go?” he asked.

“Yes.” Her affirmation was followed by a sweet smile that Donovan wished he could have caught on camera.

Leaving his wine behind, Donovan swept his hand before her, allowing her to walk ahead of him, eager to begin his night out. “Oh!” He stopped. Chloe turned to him. “About my little joke earlier, I hope I didn’t offend you.”

Chloe waved her hand. “I wasn’t offended.” She pursed her lips. “And I’m sure the pun was intended.”

“Indeed it was.” Donovan laughed. “So we’re all good?”

“All good.”

“Great. I don’t want to scare you off on the first date.”

“I’m a big girl, Donovan.” Chloe laughed and shook her head.

“Let’s go have some fun then.” Donovan took Chloe by the hand and led her through the resort.

After a brief inquiry with the concierge, they hopped in a taxi. At first, Chloe quietly took in the tropical scenery as they drove along the main road.

“By the way,” he began, capturing her attention. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He couldn’t help touching a wisp of hair that hung by her ear.

Chloe blushed, dipping her head into her shoulders. “Thank you.”

Donovan enjoyed watching her blush. To him, it meant that his compliment affected her in some way.

“So where are we going?” she asked as she turned to him.

“A place a friend told me about. I think you’re going to like it.”

Light conversation carried them the rest of the way to the restaurant. The taxi pulled up to an exquisite modern structure, which rivaled anything in an upscale design magazine. A stone pathway nestled in the center of lush tropical flora led them to the front entrance of the establishment.

Donovan announced his name and the host led him up a winding staircase to a rooftop seating area that overlooked the ocean. A live band played near the center of the room before a cozy dance floor.

The host pulled out chairs for both, giving them a perfect view of the water. Donovan sat, removed his hat and placed it on his leg.

Chloe looked around and nodded approvingly. “This is a beautiful place. You should thank your friend.”

Their waiter quickly approached, took drink orders and left them to their small talk. Donovan was anxious to make Chloe feel comfortable so he could dine with the magnetic woman that sang karaoke the other night.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah...” She seemed to want to say more. Donovan waited, giving her space to find her words. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a...date.”

“Really?” Donovan reared his head back slightly. “A beautiful woman like you?”

Chloe’s cheeks flushed. A coy smile told Donovan that she appreciated his compliments. “Yes. I’ve been buried in work and time just passed by. It wasn’t intentional. I just enjoy my work.”

“So what exactly do you do for Chandler Food Corp?”

Donovan seemed to have asked the right question. Chloe’s expression brightened as she talked about both sides of their family’s business. It was clear that she had a passion for planning the extravagant events that their waterside venue, Chandlers, was known for. She spoke highly of their plans for expansion and of all the work they’d put into increasing their visibility across the Gold Coast.

Her excitement engaged him. She asked him about his work with his family’s catering hall. He shared a little family history, telling the charming story about how the name La Belle Riviere came about. His father endearingly referred to his mother as his beautiful half as opposed to using the more common term, his better half.

“Aw.” Chloe inclined her head sideways and pouted. “How sweet.”

They exhausted the topic of work over a few glasses of wine before it turned more personal.

“So about this crush.” Chloe swirled the liquid in her wine glass and chuckled.

“Ha! Those were the days.” Donovan took a sip, leaning to the side so the waiter could place the hot plate piled with an impressive lobster that was still steaming. He waited until her plate of sea bass was set on the table before continuing. “I’m surprised you didn’t know about it back then.”

“It’s amazing how we were so close, yet so far from each other. Other than seeing you and your siblings in school and around the community, I really don’t know much about you guys.” Chloe took in a forkful of her dish and sighed, indicating her approval of the meal.

“Good...huh?” Donovan asked, pausing between his words.

“Delicious!” Chloe covered her mouth as she spoke.

Donovan tilted his head. “What would you like to know about me?” he asked, bringing the conversation back to them. His voice dipped lower than he’d intended.

Chloe sat back and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.” After a moment, she added, “Let’s start from the beginning?”

“I was born...”

“Not that far back, silly,” she interjected and then laughed.

Donovan snickered. “Did you know that I still play the tenor sax?” he said, dipping a chunk of lobster meat into the butter sauce.

Chloe swallowed the sip of wine she’d just taken before speaking. “I remember that from prep school.”

“Yes, I play with some friends in the city sometimes. There’s a lounge that books us for gigs.”

“You’re part of a band? Very cool! How often?” she asked.

“Yes. Quite often, actually,” Donovan said matter-of-factly.

“I’d love to hear you play one day,” she said.

“We can arrange that when we get back home.” Donovan paused a moment, but continued when Chloe didn’t respond to his invitation. “What about you? Hobbies?”

“I haven’t indulged much, but as you know, I like to sing.”

“And that you do very well.” Chloe blushed. Donovan smiled. “What else?”

“Um.” Chloe looked up as if the answer were on the ceiling. “I like to play chess.”

“Really!” Donovan’s eyes stretched. He was genuinely surprised.

“I’m quite good at it, too,” she proclaimed.

“We’ll have to see about that.” Donovan sat back confidently.

Chloe narrowed her gaze at him. “Maybe we should engage in a game one day.”

“I have to warn you. I play quite well.”

“I guess we will have to see who’s better.” Chloe leaned back and crossed her arms.

“You’re challenging me.” Donovan sat erect and pointed to his own chest.

“If you think you can handle getting beat by a lady like me,” Chloe stated and dared him with a direct stare before sipping her wine.

Placing both elbows on the table, Donovan leaned closer to Chloe. “I’ll set the place, you set the time,” he said.

Chloe fell into a fit of laughter. “I pulled you right into that one.”

“Oh no! You’re not getting out of this. We have a chess match coming up.”

“We only have another day or so here in Puerto Rico.”

“We don’t have to play here.” Donovan waited to see how she would respond to him alluding to seeing her back home. Once again, she left his statement hanging.

By then, Chloe seemed to have entered her comfort zone. They finished dinner, then shared a decadent dessert and talked some more. Conversation flowed easily, dipping in and out of past years and springing forward into future hopes and dreams.

“Why don’t you sing more often?”

Chloe lowered her eyes and swirled the wine in her glass again. Donovan noted that as a gesture of avoidance.

“I just don’t have time for it. I work so many hours.”

Seeing that the subject slightly changed her mood, Donovan wanted to recover the moment. “Let’s dance.”

“Sure.”

Donovan stood, placed his hat on the empty seat beside him and held out his hand. Chloe placed hers in his. Donovan two-stepped a version of salsa to the dance floor. Once there, he turned to Chloe, held out one hand and put the other gently against her lower back.

For a moment, they stood staring eye-to-eye before Donovan began swaying his hips in time with the upbeat tempo. Pulled in by her eyes and delicate long lashes, Donovan didn’t want to look away. He held her gaze until it intensified slightly. Chloe was the first to break the connection but not before he felt something spark between them.

Dancing in sync, they found their collaborative rhythm. Donovan led, guiding their movements to match the syncopated tempo. Songs started and ended until it seemed like one long refrain.

Chloe folded her body into his. He released her with a turn. Catching the beat, they stepped in time to the spirited beat until Donovan felt a bead of sweat roll down the center of his back. The longer they danced, the more he pulled her in. Dancing chest to chest caused heat to circle in his groin. This warmth had nothing to do with the fact that they’d been moving nonstop for a while now. This heat was directly linked to Donovan’s growing desire for the woman skillfully twirling her hips against him. He needed air.

“Wanna go outside?” he asked. Chloe nodded and then delicately wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. Holding her hand, Donovan led the way to the balcony, welcoming the cooling ocean breeze. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Am I?” Chloe asked breathlessly, wiping her brow once again. “I haven’t had this much fun in so long. Thanks.”

Donovan’s response was a smile. He looked out over the water, listening to the hollow sound of the waves. Still holding her hand, they stood silently on the terrace, allowing the gentle wind to lick away the sweat generated from their sensual dance. Rays of moonlight bobbled on the water, inviting Donovan to the shore.

“Let’s go,” he whispered to Chloe, paid the bill and led her through the restaurant to the exit facing the sea.

Donovan removed his shoes and rolled the hem of his pants just above his ankles. Chloe followed suit, removing her sandals and knotting the end of her dress below her knees. Hand-in-hand, they walked where the water met the sand. Chloe’s hand felt good in his, as if it belonged. They stopped walking, still holding hands, and turned to watch the evening’s light dance across the ripples in the midnight blue water.

A fleeting thought about settling down flashed across Donovan’s mind and he snickered to himself. It was too early to consider all of that but he certainly looked forward to exploring more of her world. He wondered about her dreams.

“What’s one thing that you’ve always wanted to do?”

“Hmm.” Chloe sighed and closed her eyes, stayed that way for a moment and opened them back up. Instead of answering, she smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

“What was the first thing that came to mind?” Donovan turned to her, studying her pensive gaze.

“As a little girl, I used to imagine singing before an adoring crowd and receiving a standing ovation. I’d stand in the mirror, throwing kisses to my fans and telling them how much I love them, the way Diana Ross used to do.” She giggled. “Sounds silly, right?”

“That can still happen.”

“Oh, please!” Chloe dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand. “That was a little girl’s fantasy.”

Donovan observed her closely. After a moment she looked away, directing her attention toward her feet. He watched her create abstract swirls in the sand with her bare toes. Donovan felt as if there were more she wanted to say.

“What about you?” she asked after a while.

Donovan chuckled. “When I was a kid, I fantasized about being an astronaut.”

“What happened?”

“Girls,” Donovan said matter-of-factly. Both enjoyed a good chuckle.

He liked the way she laughed: the way her head fell back revealing the sexy long line of her neck, the sweet melody she released into the air, the way she wrinkled her nose and how her sweetheart lips parted. Suddenly, he felt the urge to kiss those lips.

Chloe stopped laughing and looked at him curiously when she noticed him watching her. “What?” she asked, staring inquisitively.

“I want to take you out again.” He was direct.

“Let me check with my sister to see what her plans are for tomorrow.”

“I’m talking about when we get back home to Long Island. I want to see you on a regular basis.” A few dates wouldn’t satisfy him. He was interested in the quest. Where could this go?

Chloe tucked her lips in but didn’t say a word. Donovan imagined her doing the same thing when he made that comment earlier when they were on the phone. He was beginning to understand the indications of her silence.

“I love my mother but she doesn’t run my life.” Donovan faced her, taking both her hands into his. He looked into her eyes. After a moment she looked away. “I want to see you again.” It was more than a statement.

Chloe’s only response was a sigh and a smile. Donovan wasn’t settling for “no” as an answer. Getting what he wanted had never been a concern. He only ever needed to figure out how to attain that which he desired.

Chapter 7

Jewel pulled the door to the hotel suite open before Chloe could remove the keycard.

“What—”

“I heard you put the card in the door. Come on!” Jewel pulled Chloe into the suite. “Tell me all about it.” Jewel smiled hard and wide. “Did you kiss him?”

Jewel flopped on the couch in the living room and sat cross-legged. She kept her eyes trained on Chloe as she kicked off her shoes and unknotted the bottom of her dress. Jewel’s eyes were wide with anticipation. The only thing missing was a bowl of popcorn. “Tell me you kissed him,” she prompted.

“No, we didn’t kiss, but we did hold hands.”

Jewel’s mouth formed an O and her shoulders slumped. “You’ve been out with him all this time.” She craned her head toward the digital clock on the desk in the living area. “And you didn’t even get a kiss? You held hands?” she asked incredulously.

Chloe went into the bathroom on her side of the suite and started the shower. The heat of their dance, mixed with the salty beach air, made her feel sticky. Jewel hopped off the bed and followed Chloe when she came back into the room.

“So tell me about the date,” Jewel urged.

Chloe grabbed a T-strapped nightie, turned back toward the bathroom and bumped right into Jewel.

“Oh my goodness, Jewel. Give me some space!” Chloe couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ha!” Jewel hooted, making Chloe giggle some more.

When they gathered themselves, Chloe began to tell Jewel’s eager ears how much she enjoyed Donovan’s company. Jewel closed the lid of the commode, covered it with a towel and sat down, listening to Chloe as she showered.

“Wow! So what’s next?”

“Pass me a towel,” Chloe said. Jewel did as she was asked. “I don’t know what’s next.” Chloe patted her body dry, wrapped the towel around her and left the bathroom with Jewel on her heels.

“You don’t want to see him again?”

Chloe flopped on the couch and huffed. “I do but...”

“But what?” Jewel planted her hands on her hips.

“You know...” Jewel twisted her lips. Chloe grunted. “I just don’t want any drama.”

“Chloe.” Jewel sat beside her sister. “For once, forget about doing what you think you’re ‘supposed’ to do.” Jewel curled her fingers into quotes. “And do what feels good to Chloe.”

Jewel’s words brought Chloe back to the question Donovan asked on the beach. What’s one thing that you’ve always wanted to do?

Donovan had no idea how loaded that question was. It would have taken more time than they had for her to tell the truth. She’d backed herself into a highly safe box in life. She had long ago begun to feel caged and compelled to break out of the safe zone she’d created, knowing that her actions might shock some and anger others. However, every day, she longed to break free.

“It’s obvious that you like him and he likes you. You’re a brilliant, talented, hardworking woman and you deserve to indulge every now and then. Go out with the man. No one ever said that the two of you have to get married. When the novelty wears off, you both can go your separate ways and no one will be any wiser—except me of course. Ha!” Jewel slapped her knee, mimicking an instinctive gesture of one of their favorite uncles.

“Uncle Jack!” they said at the same time and burst into laughter.

“I don’t know what I want to do,” Chloe began when they calmed down. “I need to think about this.”

Jewel stood and headed toward her bed. “Good. And remember to focus on what you want. Don’t worry about anyone else.” Jewel lay down but jumped up almost immediately. “Wait!” she said, running through the suite. “I have to tell you about the guy I met in the lobby. He’s from New York.”

Jewel sat on the edge of Chloe’s bed and shared a witty rendition of her encounter with a tall, dark and handsome man from the hotel restaurant industry. As usual, he was eating from the palm of her hand by the time she left him. They’d exchanged contact information but Jewel wasn’t sure if she’d pursue him any further since he seemed too straight-laced for her liking.

“You’re too much.” Chloe slipped under the covers. “See you in the morning.” She went to sleep with mirth in her spirit and Donovan on her mind.

The next morning she rose to an endearing text from Donovan noting that he’d had a great evening. Chloe wondered about Jewel, who was probably still sleeping, and pulled back the covers. As her feet hit the floor, her cell phone rang.

“Good morning.” Chloe was surprised by the smile in her own voice.

“Good morning. Have you two had breakfast yet?” Donovan’s voice seemed as smooth and rich as molasses.

“Actually, we’re just getting up,” she said, yawning and stretching. “Oh! Excuse me. Let me check with my sister.” Chloe stuffed her feet into her slippers, swished her way to Jewel’s room, and sat on the side of her bed. “Jewel! Hey, Jewel. Wake up,” she sang.

“Whaaa...” Jewel whined and pulled the covers over her head.

“Get up. Donovan is asking if we’ve had breakfast.”

Jewel groaned. “What time is it?”

Chloe looked at the clock on the table. “Eight thirty-six.”

“Darnit!” Jewel pushed the covers off. “There was a session I wanted to make at nine.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed. “It doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now. Breakfast sounds great.”

“We’re good for breakfast,” Chloe said to Donovan.

“Meet me in the lobby by nine thirty. I have a great place.”

“You got it.” Chloe ended the call and hopped up. After speaking with Donovan, she felt energized.

Chloe headed to the bathroom. Jewel dragged herself to the one connected to her room. Within the hour, they were dressed and stepping off the elevator to meet Donovan.

Chloe spotted Donovan near the entrance with his cell phone glued to his ear. As they approached, Donovan wrapped up his call and smiled. Chloe could tell the smile was somewhat forced.

“Good morning, ladies. You look beautiful!” Donovan gave Jewel a friendly peck on the cheek before leaning toward Chloe. Donovan took one of her hands in his, placed the other on her arm and pressed his lips against her cheek, lingering just longer than what could be considered friendly.

Chloe’s cheeks burned from blushing but the spot where his lips had just been tingled. She swore she could hear the actual sizzle from the sparks that passed through her when his lips touched her face. Jewel discreetly raised her brows and grinned.

“Shall we go?” he asked, holding both elbows out. The sisters hooked their arms in his and headed for the door.

Donovan had done it again, Chloe thought as they pulled up to another beautiful establishment. Donovan paid the driver and advised that he’d call him back when they were ready to be picked up.

The restaurant was its own tropical paradise. The interior was elegant, complete with water fountains and lush tropical plants with a bright nautical theme. Delectable aromas met them at the door, inviting them in.

A young hostess guided them to a table on the deck overlooking a marina. Chloe watched the boats bob on top of the water. The cool breeze caressed her skin and lifted her shoulder-length hair.

Their server arrived promptly and took their orders. He moved in a stealth-like manner as he delivered their drinks and meals. It was as if he could read their minds. Chloe thought about wanting more water, looked at her glass and found it full. The only thing better than the impeccable service was Donovan’s presence. Jewel’s spirited demeanor was a plus as well.

“Do you like sailing?” Donovan asked Chloe. He looked out over the marina.

“Yes. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the last time I was on a boat.”

“That’s because you don’t take time off,” Jewel said. When she finished her forkful of eggs, she continued. “Remember when Dad used to take us out on the boat when we were kids?” Jewel questioned and took a sip of her mimosa.

“My goodness! I used to love that.” Chloe smiled as she reminisced. “What about you, Donovan? You sail?” Chloe pushed her half-eaten vegetable omelet aside and picked up one of the mini breakfast pastries that were delectably perched on a long white dish. She took a bite and closed her eyes momentarily, savoring the taste. At her reaction, Jewel reached for one as well.

“I sure do. It was one of my dad’s favorite things to do also. My brother and I try to get out on the water a couple times a year.” Donovan stopped speaking for a moment and held Chloe in his gaze. She felt it, only responded with an inward smile. “What are some other things you enjoy, Chloe?”

Chloe tilted her head and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

“Chloe is a mixed bag,” Jewel interjected, holding her hand over her mouth to cover the pastry she’d just bit into. Chloe shook her head and laughed, assuming she hadn’t answered quickly enough for her sister. “It depends on her mood. Only lately, she hasn’t done much of anything besides work. Just so you know, she’s the type that can go from the bowling alley to the boardroom. It depends on what she’s in the mood for. When she’s feeling adventurous, she’ll jump out of a plane and other times, she’s happy sitting on the couch, eating a bowl of popcorn while watching movies.”

“My kind of girl!” Donovan said.

Chloe had never blushed more in her life. “Thanks. I am pretty well rounded,” she said confidently.

“Oh! And she plays a hell of a game of chess.” Jewel took a long sip of water to wash down the dessert.

“I’ve heard about that. I need to see that for myself,” Donovan said, inviting himself to the challenge.

“Anytime, my friend. I haven’t slaughtered a good-looking man at chess in a long time.” Chloe laughed as soon as she said those flirtatious words.

Jewel’s brows rose and so did Donovan’s. Chloe held up her glass of mimosa, her third since they’d arrived, and looked at it as if there was something in the glass that caused such audacious speech. Despite being a little embarrassed, her forwardness made her feel giddy.

“I’d be happy to take you up on that challenge if you think I qualify.” Donovan tucked his luscious lips inside his mouth and licked them—a gesture that Chloe deemed extremely sexy.

“Oh, you qualify!” She laughed aloud. Jewel’s eyes stretched and she looked back and forth between Donovan and Chloe.

Donovan sipped his mimosa, without taking his eyes off Chloe. Usually she’d match his gaze for a moment and look away, but this time, she refused to break the stare. Unspoken desires seemed to pass between them, intensifying the moment and charging the atmosphere.

“Good, because I don’t think I’ve ever been challenged by such a beautiful woman before. This will be interesting I’m sure.” Donovan raised his glass, nodding his acceptance. Chloe raised her glass, sealing the deal.

Jewel cleared her throat. “I’m still here. Should I just leave you two alone?” She chuckled, causing them to join her.

Chloe looked at her watch. “Oh! I really need to get back. I can’t miss my lunch meeting.” She was surprised at how much time had passed. Chloe enjoyed the company, energy and the conversation and hated that it was coming to an end.

Donovan signaled for the waiter. When he got his attention, he wiggled his hand, indicating that he was ready for the check.

“When are you heading back home?” Donovan asked.

“The day after tomorrow. We’re on the first flight out,” Jewel stated.

“Me, too. Perhaps we could ride to the airport together,” Donovan said, taking the billfold from the waiter and stuffing his credit card inside.

“We could,” Chloe answered, batting her eyes. Who knew flirting could be so much fun? “What are you doing for dinner tonight?” Chloe tilted her head and raised her shoulders playfully.

Donovan’s sexy smile eased across his lips again. “I was hoping you’d join me wherever I go.”

“Gladly.” Chloe had always been confident but was surprised at her own forwardness. It was almost like an out-of-body experience but it felt real and amazing and exciting. “See you tonight.”

Donovan winked as he accepted the billfold with the receipt, signed his name, and handed it back to the waiter. “Time for work.” Donovan pressed his hands into the table and stood. “Jewel, you’re welcome to join us tonight.”

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