A world of secret passion awaits...

As Belleza Resort’s general manager, Kimberly Parker is living her dream of transforming her family’s decades-old property into California’s most exclusive A-list retreat. Her 24–7 dedication leaves the driven executive no time for romance, especially as rumors of sabotage and Belleza’s haunted history vie for her attention. But the hotel’s enigmatic, überelegant new guest arouses more than her curiosity, sweeping Kimberly into a taboo affair that jeopardizes all she wishes to achieve.

Heir to a powerful financial dynasty, Jaxon Dunham knows he can’t hide out at the luxurious desert resort forever. Even if his passionate nights with Kimberly are the closest thing to paradise he’s ever known. Then Jaxon finds himself the focus of scandalous headlines. Risking exposure, he has to make the decision to trust his heart or walk away from a promising love...

“I don’t understand.”

“Oysters, figs, pomegranate, vanilla crème?” He raised a brow. “Those are known aphrodisiacs that heighten the senses. They make you aware of everything and everyone.”

He stopped walking and turned to her. “And I’m very well aware of you, Kimberly Parker. I’ve been aware of you and wanting to kiss you for some time now, so I think it’s about time I did something about it.”

Before Kimberly could protest or deny the very real attraction between them, Jack bent his head and his mouth feasted on hers. The shock of having his lips on hers and feeling his hard, compelling body against her was like a jolt of electricity. She couldn’t help but respond by winding her arms around his neck. He took that as an invitation and took more.

His tongue dived inside her mouth and skillfully merged with hers, stroking her over and over again. His teeth incited wild thrills inside her as he nipped and teased at her mouth. Kimberly responded to his fervent ardor by grasping his head in her hands and allowing him to devour her mouth—that was the only word she could use to describe the way he ravished her. He took his time drawing out each sensation, and she delighted in his warm exploration because it matched her need.

When he finally lifted his head and their lips parted, he said, “That was just as good as I imagined it would be.”

Dear Reader,

I’m excited to share Heat Wave of Desire, the first book in the California Desert Dreams trilogy, with you. Collaborating and brainstorming ideas with authors Lisa Marie Perry and Pamela Yaye was a blast.

Headstrong heroine Kimberly Parker was recently put in charge of her family’s resort, Belleza, much to her brother Sean’s dismay. She’s drawn to mysterious, sexy guest Jack Scott. Little does she know he’s the überrich son of one her top competitors. Wanna know a secret? I added a scene with Sean, hero of book three, to give readers a taste of the drama to come.

My next Kimani project is in the works! If you can’t wait that long, visit yahrahstjohn.com to download my latest ebooks. Feel free to write me at yahrah@yahrahstjohn.com.

Sincerely,

Yahrah St. John

Heat Wave of Desire

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of fourteen Kimani Romance titles. St. John is the recipient of the 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Kimani Romance for A Chance with You. A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America but is an avid reader of all genres. She enjoys the arts, cooking, traveling, basketball and adventure sports, but her true passion remains writing. St. John lives in sunny Orlando. For more information, please visit yahrahstjohn.com.

To my creative and always resourceful sister Kimberly Marie Mitchell for helping boost my brand.

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

Copyright

Chapter 1

“I want it.”

Kimberly Parker, general manager of the Belleza Resort and Spa, didn’t wait long after her two best friends sat down to breakfast at one of the resort’s three luxurious pools on Monday morning. She started in on resort business. Located in the town of Belleza, the resort was a hundred or so miles east of Los Angeles. Though it was considered a desert town, Kimberly would never tire of the breathtaking mountain views surrounding the resort’s luscious grounds.

“Want what?” Robyn Henderson asked. As the event planner for the resort, she managed special events for their private guests and corporate clients.

Gabrielle Royce, the executive chef, looked equally confused. “I’m with Robyn on this one. What is it you want?” She glanced longingly at the sumptuous egg-white veggie soufflé she’d prepared for their breakfast, which they hadn’t yet touched. But Kimberly had business not breakfast on her mind.

“I want the Dunham Foundation gala,” she explained, reaching for the glass of orange juice Jessica, their waitress, had placed on the table for her. She didn’t have to ask because Jessica knew the ladies’ morning ritual. They always sat down to a health-conscious breakfast after an intense workout and Pilates at the Belleza’s three-thousand-square-foot gym.

Kimberly had changed into her usual attire for the day—a lavender silk shirt, cream pantsuit and pumps—and had pulled her hair back in a sleek ponytail. Robyn had donned a simple black pencil skirt with an orange cap-sleeved shirt and low sling-back heels. While Gabrielle opted for distressed jeans and a graphic T-shirt under her chef coat and her ubiquitous PUMAs. They each had such different styles, but they’d been thick as thieves for years.

Robyn was the tallest of the bunch, with creamy tapioca skin and hazel eyes. She wore her hair in a sophisticated updo. Gabrielle was short, five foot three to be exact, and had a mass of unruly auburn curls and brown eyes. She had a fairer complexion than Robyn’s, while Kimberly was the odd man out with her broad nose, almond-shaped brown eyes and dark caramel skin.

“Ah.” Robyn nodded her head in understanding. “I’d heard the illustrious Dunham family was in the market for a venue for their annual gala, but I didn’t know the Belleza was in the running.”

Kimberly nodded. “Not that I wish anyone ill, but the Beverly Wilshire, where they normally hold the Dunham gala, had a major flood a week ago. The damage was so extensive that the remediation and repairs will take months. Their misfortune is our gain. Which is why we can’t let it slip through our fingers.” She practically rubbed her hands together in glee.

“And we won’t,” Gabrielle responded. “The Dunhams aren’t our first high-profile client. We’ve had scads of celebrities come here in recent years. Isn’t that R & B singer Cole on-site now?” She patted Kimberly’s arm. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this, Kim.”

Gabrielle was right. The resort had hosted innumerable big-time guests. Surely the Dunhams would be just as satisfied. And she remembered that though her friend didn’t know them personally, Gabrielle’s parents had been acquainted with the Dunhams for years.

She smiled at her friends whom she’d known since meeting them at the Merriweather Academy boarding school when she was fourteen. She didn’t know why she was letting this event get her worked up. Hadn’t she been the one to help her parents oversee the renovation that had revitalized the resort? Now people were flocking from all over the world to stay at the Belleza. But all her success had come at a price. She’d lost both her brothers in the process.

“Kim!”

“Hmm?” Kimberly blinked, bringing herself back to the conversation. “What was that?” She turned to Robyn.

“I asked you when the Dunhams are coming.”

“Hayley Dunham is coming at the end of the week and we need to be prepared.”

“That isn’t much notice,” Gabrielle stated.

“True,” Kimberly replied, “but this golden goose has just come to roost and we can’t pass up this opportunity.”

“And you want to go all out for a consult, I presume?” Robyn inquired.

“Of course,” Kimberly stated. “We can give them a preview of what we can do from the music, the flowers, the food, the ambience. Show them there’s no place better than the Belleza.”

“You don’t have to convince me,” Robyn responded. “Or Gabby for that matter. We’ve drunk the Belleza Kool-Aid and absolutely love this place. Whatever we can do to convince the Dunhams,” she said as she pointed her nose upward, “that we are worthy of them, we’ll do.”

“Fabulous.” Kimberly beamed at them. “I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”

“The Dunhams aren’t the only clients to express interest in holding an event at Belleza,” Robyn replied. She pulled a manila folder out of her oversize Louis Vuitton tote and opened it.

Robyn updated them on other potential event prospects, but Kimberly’s attention was momentarily distracted when she saw extended-stay guest Jack Scott sit across from them. The quiet, handsome guest had been at the Belleza for the past three weeks. It was somewhat unusual for a guest to stay so long, especially when it didn’t appear that he was conducting any business. Then again she’d often seen his head buried in a tablet.

“I have some great ideas about changes to the spring menu that I’m sure your prospect might enjoy,” Gabrielle enthused. “I’m thinking of doing a chilled corn soup with bacon jam, and a seared scallop and braised pork belly with a polenta cake. And for dessert—” she paused for effect “—a lemon vanilla crème with mint puree and hazelnut sable crumbles.”

“That sounds delicious, Gabby.” Robyn licked her lips in anticipation. “Doesn’t it, Kim?”

“Oh, yes,” Kimberly replied, turning her gaze back to her friends. “Those are all wonderful selections and we’ll need it to compete against The Pinnacle.” Several travel magazines had already done features on the new resort opening up about thirty minutes away.

“Do you really think we’ll have some competition?” Gabrielle inquired. “The Belleza has been a staple in this community for years.”

“Which is why we can’t rest on our laurels,” Kimberly pointed out. “We have to keep up with the ever-changing market. We don’t want to appear boring or old or stale. We want to be fresh, innovative and cutting-edge. We must constantly reinvent the resort.”

“That’s exactly how I describe the Belleza to corporate clients,” Robyn added.

“Good,” Kimberly said. “With our long-standing reputation for class and quality, we have a step up over The Pinnacle, which is just a start-up. But they will be looking at ways to eat up the market share, so we have to be diligent in our efforts. I think all three of us should present during your corporate client consults, Robyn. Show them why the Belleza is a step above the rest.”

“Agreed,” Robyn said. “I’ll send everyone invites. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to eat my soufflé before it gets cold.”

“Dig in.” But instead of looking down at her breakfast, Kimberly’s eyes darted across the pool and connected with Jack Scott’s dark brown ones.

* * *

He’d been caught staring.

Jaxon Dunham had been watching the three women from across the pool as they ate, laughed and talked. It was pretty hard not to stare when they’d had the same routine each morning since nearly three weeks ago when he’d first caught sight of her. He’d been unable to stop himself from coming down here to watch them.

The one who’d caught his eye was about five foot seven inches tall, had caramel-colored skin and long silky black hair. Despite the pantsuit she was wearing, which he’d seen in a variety of different colors over the past three weeks, it was evident she was shapely and toned underneath. But what sparked his interest even more was the confident aura with which she carried herself.

He suspected she was in a position of power given the way she disseminated orders to the staff around her, but it wasn’t in a harsh way. From where he was sitting, he could see she treated her employees fairly and with respect. It went a long way in his book. The problem was he wasn’t supposed to be looking at any woman. He’d come to Belleza for a vacation from his family and had sworn off women, all because of Stephanie Sawyer.

He’d been casually dating Stephanie for the past few months because he’d been trying to stop his parents from pushing him toward the altar. His parents expected Jaxon to do as they’d done. When he’d reached thirty, his father, Charles Dunham, had agreed to an arranged marriage with Claire Butler, who was of his same class. Since Jaxon was now thirty-two years old, his parents wanted him to do the same. Stephanie’s from a good family, his mother had said, and you need to settle down and start a family.

So at his mother’s constant urging, Jaxon had finally agreed to start seeing Stephanie. From the outset, he’d explained to Stephanie that he had no intention of marrying, but he’d thought if they dated, his family would get off his back. He’d thought Stephanie had been cool with the no-strings-attached arrangement. At least until two months ago.

Over dinner with both the Dunham and Sawyer families present, his mother had announced their engagement. Jaxon had been furious and he’d thought Stephanie had been, too. He’d been wrong. The next morning, when their engagement was announced in the society pages, Jaxon had gone to Stephanie’s place to figure out damage control. And that was when he discovered that Stephanie was in on the whole thing.

“Getting married is a great idea,” she’d said. “Haven’t I shown you how good we can be together?”

When he’d disagreed, she’d attempted to entice him into the engagement by getting him into bed. When that didn’t work, she’d threatened to sully his reputation in the media. Stephanie knew how important the Dunham family image was. They’d been a long-standing family in the Beverly Hills community for half a century and he wasn’t about to let her ruin that. Jaxon had pointed out that blackmail was no way to begin a partnership and he wouldn’t let her, his family or anyone force him into marriage. When he was ready, he’d choose his own wife. He wouldn’t have an arranged marriage like his parents. Instead, it would be one of mutual love, passion and respect. Stephanie had vowed revenge, but he hadn’t cared.

Furious with his parents for getting him into this debacle, he’d packed his bags and left the family estate in Beverly Hills. At first, he’d thought about leaving the country, but then had thought better of it. Why not hide in plain sight? He’d been hearing great things about the Belleza from research his family had done for an upcoming gala, so he’d decided to give it a try.

He’d been at the Belleza for the past three weeks under a false name. Everyone at the resort believed him to be Jack Scott. They had no idea he was really Jaxon Dunham, member of the über rich and powerful Dunham family of Beverly Hills. He was glad they didn’t, because they treated him like a regular person instead of someone born to privilege.

Even though he was wealthy and considered by some to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Jaxon didn’t shirk his duties to the family business. The Dunhams had made the bulk of their money in financial investing through Dunham Investments, and forty-five years ago, his grandparents had formed the Dunham Foundation to help those less fortunate.

Finance was Jaxon’s specialty at Dunham Investments and the Foundation, which coincidentally allowed him the chance to work remotely instead of having to work on-site at the corporate offices in Beverly Hills. He could conduct business from his laptop or iPad and lay low with no one being the wiser. Until the brunette!

Thinking about how those cream-colored pants hugged the caramel beauty’s toned behind stopped Jaxon from focusing on his iPad and the society page of the Beverly Hills Times. Stephanie had been airing their dirty laundry to whomever she could get to listen to her rants. Couldn’t they see she was a jilted woman? No, they wanted to sell newspapers and the Dunham name made for good fodder. He could easily sling the hash back at Stephanie, but what would that accomplish except fuel the flame?

He would stay here at the Belleza until the dust settled. But something told him he wouldn’t be alone for long.

* * *

Kimberly tried focusing on the girls’ conversation, but her mind kept wandering back to Jack Scott. There was something about the mysterious stranger that was appealing.

She looked in his direction again and once more her gaze collided with his and she quickly looked away. She hadn’t expected to be caught checking him out again.

“Looks like someone’s got it bad,” Robyn teased.

“Who?” Her eyes grew large with wonder.

“You.” Robyn laughed. “I saw the way you were looking at Jack Scott like you wanted to sop him up with a biscuit.”

“Robyn!”

“You’re talking about the superhot guy who checked in a few weeks ago, but has been primarily keeping to himself?” Gabrielle asked.

“The very same,” Robyn said. “And Kim here has been unable to stop staring at him since we sat down.”

“That’s not true.” But her denial sounded weak.

“Is too,” Robyn countered.

“A girl can look, right? Given our no-dating-guests policy, there’s nothing to worry about.” Kimberly attempted to act as if she was unaffected by the handsome and mysterious guest. The truth was, he was by far the most attractive man she’d seen in ages. In her position as general manager, she rarely had time to date, if at all.

“Are you sure about that?” Robyn asked. “Because you’re not the only one doing the admiring.”

“What do you mean?” Kimberly was afraid to hazard another glance in Jack’s direction for fear he would find her out.

“He’s not looking at me or Gabby,” Robyn responded. “He hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you.”

A flurry of butterflies swarmed in Kimberly’s belly. He had been looking at her. She hadn’t imagined it.

Kimberly cocked her head to one side. “Well, he can look all he wants, but you know I don’t fraternize with the clientele.”

“I agree. The rules are in place for a reason,” Gabrielle said. “They prevent us from being put in a bad spot.”

“I don’t know, Gabby,” Robyn replied. “If any rule was made to be broken, it would be for a date with that fine specimen of a man.”

“You needn’t worry,” Kimberly replied, “because I will not be breaking that rule. The policy is in place to preserve our reputation and I’m not just talking about the resort. People come on vacation looking for a fling and I won’t be another notch on the bedpost.”

“It’s too bad he’s a guest,” Gabrielle said, “because maybe it might loosen you up some.” She patted Kimberly’s arm. “When was the last time you got laid?”

“Gabby, you’re incorrigible!”

“But she also hit the nail on the head. When was the last time?” Robyn pressed.

Kimberly didn’t answer. Couldn’t. It had been a long time since she’d had a date, let alone got intimate with a man. She’d been so focused on reinventing the Belleza to the exclusion of all else that her love life had dwindled to next to nothing. Ben Lawson was the last man she’d dated and her friends knew that hadn’t ended well.

Ben had accused her of being a workaholic and too self-involved to put someone else, him in particular, first. His words had hurt, but his departure from her life hadn’t. Kimberly hadn’t been shattered by his disappearance. In fact, she’d just worked harder, striving for success to prove to her brothers and the Belleza staff that her parents had made the right decision in putting her at the helm of the resort. But in the back of her mind, Kimberly had always wondered. Could Ben be right? Was she too selfish to consider someone else’s needs above her own?

“You should go talk to him,” Robyn urged.

“I don’t know...” Gabrielle said.

Kimberly thought about sex as much as the next woman and she enjoyed male company. She refused to end up a spinster or alone like Jonah Grady. As much as she loved the elderly bartender who’d been at the Belleza since its early humble beginnings, she didn’t want to be alone as she went into maturity, so she made a split decision and rose.

“All right, all right,” Kimberly said once on her feet. “If it’ll get you two hens off my back, I’ll go talk to him.” She gave them both a wink and started toward Jack Scott.

Chapter 2

I can’t believe I’m doing this, Kimberly thought as she made her way across the to Jack’s table. Perhaps if she got the curiosity out of her system, she could go back to business as usual.

Jack Scott was sitting under an umbrella with a plate of fruit, toast and a cup of black coffee. He looked up as she approached and his brow quirked, but that didn’t stop his eyes from roaming over every inch of her.

She offered a smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

God, why does his voice sound like hot maple syrup over buttermilk pancakes?

Finding her voice, she said, “I haven’t had the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Kimberly Parker, general manager of the Belleza. Please allow me to welcome you to the resort. I understand you’ve been staying with us for several weeks. Are you having a pleasant stay?”

Why did she have to sound so trite? Did he sense her uneasiness? It was out of character for her to make the first move, let alone talk to a male guest outside of business, but there was something about him that intrigued her.

He smiled back at her. “My stay has been very enjoyable. Your staff has a way of making the Belleza feel like my home away from home.”

“That’s the promise we deliver on,” Kimberly replied. “Can I offer you a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary?”

“Thank you, but I prefer to keep a clear head. Maybe another time?” His face split into a wide grin.

That was the opening and she’d hoped to smoothly transition into her manager routine.

“I—” All words escaped Kimberly at his disarming smile.

Jack motioned to the seat across from him. “Care to join me?”

“I, uh—” Her mind went blank and she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Instead, she merely nodded. Before she could make a move, Jack Scott jumped up and pulled a chair out for her. She walked over and took a seat. “Thank you.” She finally found her voice.

“The pleasure is mine,” he said.

Kim offered a genuine smile.

“I’ve seen you around the resort,” he replied. “But you’re always running around and appear quite busy.”

She shrugged. “It isn’t easy managing a resort of this size alone.”

He frowned. “I’d heard the Belleza was a family business. Am I mistaken?”

Kimberly shook her head. “No, you’re not. It’s just that...” Her voice trailed off.

“Just that what?”

“I shouldn’t talk about it here.” She looked around the pool area, but only a handful of people were milling around. A few were at the breakfast buffet and several others were swimming in the pool. Meanwhile Robyn and Gabby were blatantly staring at them from across the way.

“Seems like you have a lot on your mind,” Jack replied. “Sometimes it helps to talk about it.”

He was very intuitive, Kimberly realized, if he could pick up on her duress mere minutes after meeting her. Was it written all over her face? “I guess I do.”

“Care to tell me?”

“It’s nothing really,” she replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”

Kimberly laughed at his bossiness. “All right, if you must know, not everyone in my family is as happy as I am that I’ve been named general manager of the Belleza. You would think they’d approve, given all the time and effort I’ve put into the renovations. After all I’ve given—” She stopped herself before she revealed too much.

“Are they jealous?”

Kimberly frowned. “Perhaps, but I don’t believe that’s the only reason.”

“What else could there be?”

“My older brother felt like it was his birthright and that I stole the job from him. Sean and other staff members assumed because he was the oldest, he was an automatic shoo-in for the position. But if I was just in it for myself, why did I suggest to my parents that Sean and I run the Belleza together?”

“Hmm...” Jack nodded in understanding.

“What?”

He shrugged. “Well, from Sean’s position he didn’t want a consolation prize, and if I were him, I’d have to agree. If my parents didn’t deem me worthy of the responsibility I wouldn’t want any of it.”

“So you’re taking his side?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m just trying to get you to see things from his side and that the situation isn’t black-and-white.”

“I get what you’re saying and I know it was a tough pill for Sean to swallow, but if the shoe were on the other foot, I would have supported him no matter what. I’d be proud of him.”

“Then you’re a better woman than most,” Jack responded, “considering it would have squashed your own dreams.”

“But that’s what you do for family.”

“I agree with you, but he’s too hurt to see that now. Give him time. I’m sure he’ll come around.”

“I hope so. We’ve always been so close and I hate having this division between me and my big brother.” Kimberly couldn’t help the tears that stung her eyes. But she didn’t want to blubber in front of this handsome man.

Jack reached across the table and laid his large hand on hers. “It’s okay. Disagreements happen in families, but if the love is there, in time you’ll get over the hurt and disappointment. And who knows, your relationship might be better for it in the end.”

Kimberly stared at Jack. If anyone had told her that this sexy stranger would be so insightful, she would have told them they were a liar, but he was. And he’d made her feel as if there was hope for her and Sean’s relationship. “Thank you. What do I owe you for the session?”

He laughed. “You owe me nothing. Well, perhaps—”

He didn’t finish his sentence because Kimberly’s cell phone rang on her hip. “Sorry. I have to take this.” She rose from the table, stepped several paces away and took the call.

When she returned several minutes later, she apologized. “I’m sorry, but I have some important business to attend to.”

“Not a problem,” Jack replied. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

Kimberly nodded and began walking away. She sure hoped she’d be seeing a lot of Jack Scott around.

* * *

After she’d gone, Jaxon exhaled deeply. Kimberly Parker was even more beautiful up close. She’d been more approachable than he’d ever seen her, and a bit vulnerable. He hadn’t expected her to confide in him of her family and business troubles, but he was glad she had because he could relate. He knew what it was like to be angry with your family and to want to write off the lot of them. Not that he would. He just needed time to cool off.

Staying at the Belleza was supposed to be a retreat, a time to reassess his life and come up with a game plan, not fall for the first beautiful lady that came into his view. But Kimberly Parker wasn’t just another set of legs. She had brains and wit. How else could she have achieved the success she had at the Belleza? But what surprised him the most was that she was more than just a suit hiding behind her work. She had heart.

The way she’d talked about taking a backseat if her brother had been chosen to run the resort told Jaxon just how special she truly was. And that was trouble. He wasn’t just attracted to her physically, even though the sparks had been flying back and forth between them during their exchange. No, he was also attracted to her spirit. And that was much worse.

If he intended to keep his vow of not getting involved with another woman, he’d have to keep his distance.

Yes, Kimberly Parker was a big problem.

* * *

After she finished handling a small inventory crisis with cleaning and bedroom supplies, Kimberly returned to the administration offices to study labor and revenue reports to get a sense of yesterday’s results. Then she began forecasting the day ahead, studying any issues that might arise. Some VIPs were due to arrive at the hotel that afternoon, and a significant catering event was coming up this weekend.

Still, her mind wandered to the short time she’d spent with Jack Scott earlier. He’d been an excellent conversationalist and she’d felt comfortable opening up to him, which had surprised the heck out of her. She hadn’t intended to be so honest about her family with Jack, yet—and that was when it hit her. During the entire conversation, Jack hadn’t revealed a single thing about himself.

Robyn poked her head into Kimberly’s office.

“C’mon in.” She motioned her forward.

“So,” Robyn asked, her eyes wide and full of questions, “how did it go with Jack Scott?”

“Couldn’t you tell?” Kimberly asked. “You guys were gawking.”

“We were not.” Robyn lowered her head. “Anyway, someone had to give you a little push.”

“He was a perfect gentleman,” Kimberly replied. “And kind.”

“Kind?” Robyn said. “That wouldn’t have been the word I would have used to describe him from where we were sitting. Hot. Sexy. Gorgeous. Fine. Those are all words I would use.”

Kimberly chuckled. “And normally I would agree if Jack hadn’t shown me that he’s more than a pretty face.”

“How so?”

“Somehow I ended up pouring out my heart to him about Sean.”

“Sean?” Kimberly noticed that Robyn’s ears perked up at the mention of Sean’s name. At times, she’d wondered if Robyn fancied her brother, because she was always popping up in his kitchen, but nothing had ever come of it, so Kimberly had dismissed the notion. “What about him?”

“I told him that Sean was angry that he wasn’t chosen to run the Belleza.” Kimberly rose and walked to the windows. She stared out. The administration offices overlooked the Plaza’s lush foliage with palm trees and man-made bridges and ponds. “I still can’t believe he just quit and cut all ties with the family, Robyn.” She turned to look back at her friend. “And Jack... Well, he could see that I’m still struggling with the loss and offered—”

“Comfort and a warm bed?” Robyn interjected, trying to lighten the mood and make her laugh.

And Kimberly did laugh. Something she hadn’t done enough of lately. “He offered me some words of wisdom.”

“Sounds promising.”

“Doesn’t matter.” She walked back over to her desk and slid into her executive chair. “Because it won’t happen again.”

“Why not?”

“You know my policy on dating guests.”

“Policies are made to be broken,” Robyn said, sitting on Kimberly’s desk. “Jack Scott got you to open up about a subject you’ve been pretty closemouthed about the last few months, even to me and Gabby. There’s something there. Don’t you owe it to yourself to find out? What harm would be there to share a meal with the man?”

“Perhaps.” That was all Kimberly was willing to concede.

As if sensing she couldn’t keep pushing Kim or she’d bolt in the opposite direction, Robyn changed the subject. “So, have you heard from Sean?”

Kimberly shook her head. “Nope. And it sucks. I miss him.”

“I heard he’s opening up his own restaurant in LA. The SP Grill.”

“I—I heard those rumors, too,” Kimberly replied, “And I wish him much success. Really I do. But we could have run this place together, like Batman and Robin. No pun intended.”

Robyn laughed. “Maybe you will one day. In the meantime, I’d like to go over the Brooks wedding for Saturday night.”

“Let’s get to it.”

Kimberly was busy for the remainder of the afternoon, walking around the hotel, visiting with staff, answering emails or having lunch with a congressman’s aide to prepare for his arrival. She finished the day by holding her daily staff meeting before the shift change. At 6:00 p.m., she was finally able to leave the resort to go to the Parker family home because she had some paperwork her parents needed to sign. After the promotion, she’d been so busy she hadn’t had a chance to visit them much. Or so she told herself. Deep down, she knew that wasn’t the only reason she hadn’t gone home.

Family dinners felt empty without her two brothers, Sean and Ryan. Sean had left and gone to Los Angeles, while her younger brother, Ryan, had taken his guitar and headed for New York. He’d said it was to strike out on his own and finally make a go of his music career. Even though she knew Ryan’s interest extended beyond the resort, Kimberly knew the real reason he’d gone at just that moment: he’d sided with Sean and had abandoned her, too.

She swiped her access card against the panel, and the large wrought-iron gates opened, allowing her entry into the Parker compound. Her parents lived in a large Spanish Colonial–style house just a few miles from the Belleza Resort and Spa. The two-story main house had white stucco walls and a red-tiled roof. There were also a pool house and a two-bedroom guesthouse on the grounds.

As she got out of her red Audi S7, Kimberly looked up at the wrought-iron balcony facing the large swimming pool. She’d spent many a summer there just reading a good book while Sean and Ryan played in the pool below her. Her head had always been in a book back then. She smiled at the fond memory as she walked up the cobblestoned path of the long driveway up to the house.

She heard music coming from the side of the house and walked up the side path to find her mother in a big straw hat and apron tending to her garden. Ilene Parker was proud she’d been able to maintain a vegetable and herb garden given the desert climate around them. She was knee-deep in dirt without any gloves on. Why did her mother persist in not taking care of herself? Kimberly resolved to get her a pair.

Her mother must have sensed her presence because she turned around. “Kimberly!” The happiness in her mother’s voice made Kimberly feel bad for keeping her distance.

“Mom.” She bent down to give her mother a hug while lending her a hand to rise to her feet. Her mother looked comfortable in her jean capris, T-shirt and tennis shoes.

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?” her mother asked, wiping her hands on her apron. “I didn’t prepare anything special for supper, just some homemade chicken soup and salad. I came down here to get some fresh tomatoes.”

“It’s okay, Mom,” Kimberly responded. “I just came by to get you and Dad to sign some final paperwork about the management turnover. I’m not really hungry.”

“Okay. We can take care of that over dinner.”

As usual her mother didn’t listen and insisted that she stay for supper.

“Where’s Daddy?” She looked up at the stucco house.

“In front of the television watching the Golf Channel.”

Kimberly laughed. Her father had always been an avid golf watcher, but now that he’d retired he was enjoying playing the sport, as well.

“I should go inside and have him sign these.”

“They can wait,” her mother said, removing her big straw hat. Her reddish-brown hair had been pulled back in a bun. “Why don’t you tell me how it’s going at the Belleza. How are you coping with all the changes?”

“Well, I’m honored at the faith you and Daddy have in me.”

“But...”

“But nothing. I can do the job. No, correction. I was born to do the job. Sean was always in the kitchen creating masterpieces, while I,” she asserted, as she patted her chest, “worked all over the hotel, absorbing as much information as I could from you, from Daddy, from anyone and everyone. I developed the marketing plan that put the Belleza back on the map and reminded folks of our history, not to mention those pesky rumors of a buried treasure stashed on the property.”

Her mother smiled at the reference. “You certainly capitalized on that with your ‘Discover a world of hidden riches’ theme when you renamed the common areas after precious gems. That campaign was ingenious, baby girl. Emerald Empire, Sapphire Sanctuary, Ruby Retreat and of course The Pearl were featured in luxury travel magazines because of you.”

Kimberly smiled. “Thank you, Mama. That’s why I can say without any doubt that I earned my place.”

“Earned what?” her father said from the top of the deck that overlooked her mother’s garden.

“Earned a right to come over for dinner unannounced,” Kimberly replied, glancing in her mother’s direction. She knew her father didn’t want to rehash this topic. He’d made his decision and didn’t appreciate it being second-guessed.

“Of course,” her father said. “You don’t need to ask. This is your home. Whatcha got in your hands?”

He inclined his head toward the manila envelope she held.

“Some papers for you to sign.”

“Well, come on up,” he said, “and let’s take care of the business before your mama finishes up supper.”

Kimberly touched her mother’s shoulder as a sign that they would talk later. Once Kurt Parker made an edict, they all followed. She climbed the concrete steps from the garden up to the deck at the back of the house and found her father sitting in one of the wicker rockers outside.

“Daddy.” She came forward and bent down to give him a hug. “How’s retirement treating you?”

He pushed up his silver-rimmed glasses. “I’m still adjusting,” he said gruffly. “Miss the resort, but I’ll make do.”

“We miss you, too.”

Her father guffawed. “No, you don’t. You’re like me. I know you’re glad to have the run of the place without my interference.”

Kimberly shrugged. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree?” She smiled at him. His face didn’t look a day over fifty, she thought, though his salt-and-pepper hair and mustache gave away his age. For some reason she felt a little sentimental looking at him. Perhaps her conversation with Jack had made her a touch homesick.

“Never has,” her father said. “But all is well?”

She shook off her thoughts. “Yes, everything is fine.”

“You know you don’t fool me,” her father replied. “You’ve always been a bad liar, Kimberly. So why don’t you tell me what’s really going on?”

“Can’t I visit my parents without the Spanish Inquisition?” She rose in a huff from her seat.

“Sit back down, girl.”

Kimberly rolled her eyes at the commanding tone in his voice. Once upon a time, it would have stricken her with fear, but not anymore. But out of respect, she walked back to her seat.

“This is about your brother?”

Kimberly nodded and was irked that he could read her so easily. “Have you heard? Sean’s opening a new restaurant.”

“Not from him.” Her father reached for a cigar out of his cigar box next to the rocker. He cut the edge with a guillotine and lit it up. “One of my pals at the club told me while we were out on the ninth hole. Imagine my surprise to hear this from a stranger and not from your brother.”

“I had no idea, either, until Robyn told me today,” Kimberly responded. “I tried to play it off like I knew, but I didn’t. I mean I know he always wanted a place to call his own.”

“He had that at The Pearl.”

“Apparently he didn’t think so. For him, being executive chef at The Pearl and managing the resort went hand in hand. He didn’t want one without the other.”

“Your brother is stubborn,” he said as he puffed on his cigar. “He couldn’t see what I see.”

“Which is?”

“The big picture. He internalized my decision, when it was strictly business. There’s a lot more to the Belleza than just the kitchen, as you’re fully aware.”

“I am.”

“Then good, let’s not beat the dead horse. I wish your brother much success with his newest endeavor, but I don’t regret my decision for one moment.”

Just then, her mother came up the steps with a wicker basket full of large, plump tomatoes. “How about some dinner?”

Kimberly breathed a long sigh of relief. Coming here had been the right choice. Hearing her father reaffirm his decision that she run the Belleza was exactly what she needed to hear. “Thanks, Daddy.”

Chapter 3

“Have you seen the papers?” Jaxon’s best friend, Nate Griffin, asked him on the phone the following morning as Jaxon walked into the Belleza’s gym for his morning workout.

“No, what are they saying now?” Jaxon stopped short of the doors and stepped aside for some privacy. He didn’t want anyone hearing his conversation or associating him with the Dunham family.

“Stephanie is claiming that you made promises to her, that you went back on your word.”

“You know I never promised that woman a darn thing,” Jaxon responded harshly. “We agreed to a mutually beneficial dating scenario, which once over should have been over.”

“She doesn’t seem to think so. She’s telling every gossip columnist or blogger in the Beverly Hills area that you broke her heart and she’s completely devastated.”

“Well, if she’s looking for sympathy, she’s not going to get any from me,” Jaxon replied. “Did I tell you she’s the one who told my parents we were getting engaged?”

“No, you didn’t. You just rushed off and left Beverly Hills without a word.”

“I’m sorry about that, but I had to bounce. The heat was on.”

“Where are you?”

“Can’t tell you that,” Jaxon said. Walls had ears and he didn’t want anyone in his family to find out where he was until he was good and ready.

“I’m supposed to be your boy.”

“And you still are. I just need some time away from the Dunham clan—hell, from the entire situation. To get some perspective. You understand?”

“Of course I do. I have your back. I could have told you that Stephanie was no good. Those society types are always looking for a husband. When she saw you, she saw fresh meat.”

Jaxon laughed at the analogy. “I’ll talk to you soon, Nate. I gotta get my workout on.”

“All right, Jaxon, take care of yourself, man.”

“You can bank on it.”

Jaxon ended the call and pulled the handle to enter the facility. The Parker family had spared no expense when they’d renovated the Belleza a few years ago. The gym was state-of-the-art. It had the usual equipment and flat screens, but it also contained a glass-fronted fridge with cold water, towels, alcohol wipes and, most important, a killer view of the mountains. He was about to head over to the rows of free weights when a curvy backside caught his attention. He would know that backside anywhere. It was the same one that had him up last night wondering what it would be like to run his hands over it.

It didn’t help that she was wearing one of those skimpy outfits that women loved to wear to the gym under the guise of working out. Most wanted to show off their figures and have men take notice. Kimberly, however, appeared oblivious to the appreciative stares of the men in the gym. The hot-pink halter sports bra and matching capris she wore looked as if she’d been spray-painted into them. They revealed her sculpted arms, legs and firm behind.

He walked over to the treadmill where Kimberly was jogging and added a taut stomach to that description of her amazing figure. It was well earned because even though she was running at a steady pace, only a light sheen was on her forehead. She had on earbuds, so he was forced to move in front of the treadmill to catch her eye. When he did, she stumbled and had to press Stop on the treadmill to prevent herself from falling.

“Are you okay?” he inquired, rushing over to her side.

“I’m fine,” she said with annoyance. “Or I would have been if you hadn’t startled me.”

“I merely walked in front of your machine. I imagine I wasn’t the first this morning.” His gaze swept across the gym, which was half-full with guests. “By the way, good morning, Kimberly.”

She smiled and Jaxon’s heart instantly melted. She needed to smile more often instead of wearing her usual stern expression. “Good morning, Jack.”

He liked hearing his nickname on her lips. It was too bad he couldn’t tell her who he really was.

“Want some company?” He eyed the empty treadmill beside her.

She glanced to her side. “Only if you can keep up.”

A broad grin spread across Jaxon’s face. “Is that a dare? Because I warn you I used to run track in college.”

“And how long ago was that?” she asked, laughing as she restarted her treadmill to a slow walk.

“You’re on.” Jaxon eyes blazed laughter as he stepped up onto the treadmill beside her.

Kimberly bunched her shoulders. “It’s your funeral.”

Jaxon wasn’t above a challenge. In fact, he welcomed it and began increasing the speed on his treadmill to match her fast walking pace. “How often do you come to the gym?”

“Five days a week,” Kimberly replied. “Sometimes seven if I can make it, but five is the minimum.”

“You’re very disciplined. Not many people make working out a daily habit.”

“It gets results,” she said, “plus, it allows me to pretty much eat whatever I want. In moderation, of course.”

“That’s the key, right? Most people miss the moderation part.”

“You don’t look like you’re one of them.” The moment the uncensored comment came out of her mouth, she instantly looked down to adjust her treadmill.

So she had noticed his physique? Jaxon was glad he wasn’t the only one feeling the chemistry between them. It had been just as strong as the day before when they’d talked after breakfast. And now, sexual tension crackled between them.

“Like you, I try to maintain,” Jaxon replied. “My regimen is two days cardio, three days weight training. Works for me.”

Kimberly shot him a furtive glance out the corner of her eye. He could see she was trying her best not to check him out in his tank top and shorts, but she was. And from the looks of it, she liked what she saw.

“So, are we going to do this or what?” she inquired. “I typically go three miles and I’d just got started when you interrupted me.”

“Then you’ll get a little bit extra in today,” Jaxon responded. “Let’s go.” He quickly increased the speed on his treadmill and took off running.

Kimberly caught up to his pace and joined him in the quest for domination of the treadmill. She kept up with him for the first mile and a half, but after that Kimberly slowed.

“Ready to give up?” he asked at the second mile.

“Hell no.”

He laughed at her passionate response. Kimberly had a feisty side to her and he liked it. He liked it a lot.

“I don’t give up,” she added. “So I’ll finish. Even if I’m last, I’ll finish.”

In the end, he finished several minutes ahead of her, but he had to give the woman props on her fortitude. She kept pressing on until she completed the three miles.

When she stopped and jumped off the treadmill, she was no longer misty as before, but had a fine sheen of perspiration on her face and running down the valley between her breasts, which he couldn’t help but notice. “You won.” She held out her hand. “Fair and square.”

He grasped her hand in his. “And what do I win?” He held it for a long time and their eyes connected. A quick burst of desire made him want to pull her into his arms, kiss her senseless, remove the sweat-drenched clothing from her body and make her sweat underneath him.

“I...” Words seemed to escape her and he liked that he had her off balance.

He just had to have a taste of her. He was about to act on his impulse, without a thought that they weren’t alone, when a feminine voice yelled, “Kim!”

Hearing her name broke the trance and she blinked several times and released his hand. “Thanks for the run.” She inclined her head toward him and started in the direction of the voice.

He watched her saunter over to her friends. They talked in hushed tones and one of them—the one with the auburn curls—glanced in his direction, before her arm was quickly wrenched away.

Damn! He’d been so close to paradise. If only he hadn’t been interrupted. What was wrong with him? He felt like a hormone-raging teenage boy without any self-control. He had to get ahold of himself. He’d told himself no romantic entanglements. But at the first sight of a hot body, he was ready to forget about his promise. But if anyone could make him want to forget his edict, it would be Kimberly Parker.

* * *

Oh, Lord! Kimberly fanned her face as she approached Gabrielle and Robyn. Why had she agreed to Jack’s challenge when she’d sworn she’d stay away from him? Her policy was no interaction with the guests, but Jack Scott had her breaking all the rules.

“Hey, Kim.” Gabrielle eyed her up and down. “Looks like you got a head start on us this morning.” Her head inclined in Jack’s direction.

“Oh that.” Kimberly laughed, but even to her ears it sounded shaky. “That was nothing. Just a little challenge among friends.”

“Are you sure about that?” Robyn inquired. “Because when we walked in, you two were holding hands.”

“We—we weren’t holding hands,” Kimberly responded. “We were shaking hands after he won our bet and beat me jogging.”

“Is that right?” Gabrielle sounded skeptical as she headed for the mats. Kimberly and Robyn followed her. Gabrielle wasted no time, dropping to the mat to begin her morning stretch routine and Robyn did the same.

“It is,” Kimberly said with her hands on her hips as she looked down at them. “There’s nothing going on between us.”

“Tell that to the choir,” Robyn said. “Because we know you, Kim, and sexual heat was coming off you in waves—still is.”

Kimberly turned back around to glance at Jack, who’d moved from free weights to the bench press. He’d found a partner to assist him as he lifted the dumbbell up and down. Even from her vantage point, she could see the definition of his muscles.

“Earth to Kim.” Gabrielle snapped her fingers.

Kimberly spun around. “What?”

Gabrielle shook her head and shrugged as she stretched her torso to the right. “Nothing.”

“I have to get a move on it this morning, so I’ll see you both later at the staff meeting.” She made her way toward the gym’s exit.

“No breakfast?” Robyn inquired.

“Can’t. I have a conference call.” Seconds later, Kimberly was out of the room. She didn’t want her friends to catch on to just how attracted she was to Jack because she didn’t understand it herself. Could she keep him at arm’s length? Or was it just a matter of time before she gave in?

Chapter 4

Kimberly took a quick shower at her condo at the resort before making her way to the office to go over some paperwork. Gabby and Robyn each had their own condo in the same building. A decade ago, her father had erected the luxurious condominiums in the rear of the resort behind the villas and hotel buildings so that staff and time-share members could enjoy the Belleza lifestyle. It was an added bonus for Kimberly because she was close by if needed.

With work so close to home, Kimberly knew she was considered a workaholic, but she enjoyed the day-to-day running of a resort this size and didn’t consider it mundane. With a bachelor of science in Hospitality Management from California State University in Long Beach and her ten years’ experience working full-time summers and part-time during the school year, she was more than capable of handling the Belleza’s complex operations.

Speaking of, she had a laundry list of items on her agenda for today. She took care of the immediate fires, did her daily walkabout and completed one of her quality assurance checks for the month before stepping into the staff meeting later that afternoon.

Among the others already present were Robyn and Gabrielle, as well as Allison Haines, the Rooms division manager, Megan Johnson, the director of Food and Beverage, and Kimberly’s assistant manager, Antoine Colbert.

“Good afternoon, everyone.” Kimberly took a seat at the head of the table.

There were several rumbles before Kimberly got down to business. After taking care of the usual business, she made it to her favorite topic: special events and the tasting menu.

“The Belleza is in the running for the annual Dunham Foundation gala in a couple of months,” Kimberly began. “Due to a flood at the Beverly Wilshire, they have to make a change and try someplace new.”

“That’s fantastic,” Megan replied.

“Yes, which is why our presentation to Hayley Dunham needs to be the best we’ve ever done. The recognition of having the Dunhams here and the potential referrals would really solidify our position as the venue for special events.”

“When are they coming?” Robyn inquired. “I have some preliminary mock-ups that I’ve begun sketching out this morning that we can go over.”

“That’s great,” Kimberly said, “but we also need Gabrielle’s hand all over this.” She glanced at her best friend. “We have to show them you’re the best executive chef on the West Coast.”

“Even though Sean is gone?” one of the other staff members responded with a snort. “Everyone came to the Belleza because of his reputation.”

“Yeah,” another staffer joined in. “Did you hear he’s opening up his own restaurant?”

There were several whispers among the crowd.

“Settle down.” Kimberly glared at the man who started the conversation; she could see out of the corner of her eye that Gabrielle had been mortally offended by his comment. Kimberly suspected some of the staff had doubts about the kitchen living up to its reputation since her brother had left. But Gabrielle was a skilled chef and Kimberly would not let her be disrespected. “Sean was talented, no doubt, but Gabrielle is our secret weapon. The Belleza will shine with Gabrielle at the helm.”

She smiled at the chef, who offered a fake smile. She knew her friend well enough to know that the comments had struck a nerve. “Gabrielle, why don’t you tell us what’s on tap for this month’s tasting menu?”

The experience was open to only a few select guests who were considered to be the crème de la crème. Gabrielle had designed some creative selections for their sophisticated palates. Now Kimberly was forcing her to face her fears and not let the staff comments get her down.

Gabrielle cleared her throat before speaking. She started off slowly with her initial comments about her starter, but bounced back with a livelier description of her second course, entrée and dessert. By the end, she had everyone at the meeting salivating.

After the meeting ended, her employees began filtering out. Gabrielle tried to make a fast getaway, but Kimberly called out to her. “Can you stay behind for a moment?”

Robyn stayed behind, too, and when it was just the three of them, Kimberly closed the door.

“Kim, do we have to do this now?” Gabrielle asked sharply. Now that the door was closed, all pretense of confidence had gone away.

“Yes, we do.”

“Why can’t you let this rest?”

“When has she ever let anything rest?” Robyn replied. “You know how she gets.”

“I can’t let you go when you’re upset, not without talking about it first.”

“Why talk? It won’t change anything.” Gabrielle’s tone was chilly as she continued, “All those people think I got my job as executive chef out of nepotism. That because you and I are friends, I was chosen to step into the role.”

“But it’s not true,” Robyn said firmly. “You’re a damn good chef, Gabby.”

“I know that!” Gabrielle blurted out. “But they don’t. And I won’t change their opinion anytime soon. I’ll have to earn their respect day by day and I’m fine with that. Do you think this is my first rodeo? It’s not. Do you think it was easy turning my back on medical school and choosing the culinary field? Do you think it was easy when I came back to the States after France and dealt with the old boys’ network in New York? Well, it wasn’t.”

“Of course,” Kimberly said. She knew how hard it had been for Gabrielle to go against her parents’ wishes. Even more so when they’d cut off her trust fund. Thank God for her grandmother’s financial support. It had allowed Gabby to attend culinary school in France, otherwise who knew how long it would have taken for Gabby to realize her dream. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.” She patted her chest and inclined her head to Robyn. “We know that it wasn’t an easy road for you, but you have persevered and all I wanted to say is that I have your back.”

“That’s all?”

Kimberly nodded. “That’s it in a nutshell. I wouldn’t have appointed you and my father wouldn’t have backed me if we didn’t think you were and are the chef to keep the Belleza at the top.”

“Thank you, Kim. That means a lot. I guess I just needed to hear it.”

Kimberly patted her hand. “We all do sometimes.” Yesterday, she’d needed the very same thing from her father. “So how about we all look at the mock-ups that Robyn prepared to wow Hayley Dunham and talk menus?”

Over the next hour, she, Robyn and Gabrielle did just that. By the end they’d agreed to present three themes to Hayley Dunham, who was coming in two days. It would give Gabrielle enough time to purchase several items that were critical to the complicated four-course menu that included a dessert using molecular gastronomy.

“Are you sure you haven’t put too much on yourself?” Kimberly asked her. “It’s an elaborate one.”

“It is, but it’ll guarantee us winning the Dunham contract,” Gabrielle replied. “And it’s important to me that we do.”

“You don’t have to prove anything to anyone,” Robyn said. “If anything goes wrong...”

“Nothing will go wrong.” Gabrielle popped up from her chair. “This would be a big coup for us. I can just see my parents’ faces now...” Her voice trailed as she stared out the window.

“What about them?” Kimberly asked.

“They’ve attended the Dunham gala every year,” Gabrielle answered.

“Did you?” Robyn asked.

Kimberly knew Robyn had grown up in the projects. Her friend looked a bit starstruck at the thought of Gabrielle at such a lavish event.

Gabrielle shook her head. “No, it wasn’t really my thing, but my parents always did. Can you imagine how shocked they would be to learn that I am partially behind its success?”

“It would certainly make a statement,” Robyn replied.

“Then it’s no-holds-barred,” Kimberly said. “We go all out.” Gabrielle wasn’t the only one with something to prove. She would show her parents and her brothers that she could make the Belleza an even greater success. There was no doubt in her mind that with her and her friends’ hard work, it would be.

* * *

Instead of going to the pool, which was his usual MO for this time of day, Jaxon stayed in his villa. He wasn’t going to be present in Beverly Hills for the Dunham Foundation Board of Directors’ meeting, but he would call in. Despite how angry he was with his parents, the work he did at the Dunham Foundation was important to him and he wouldn’t shirk it.

How could he when it was founded by his great-grandparents? They’d given a twenty-five-thousand-dollar donation to start the Foundation during a time of great unrest in the country. African-Americans were fighting against injustice and his grandparents had wanted to help those less fortunate during those tough times. The Foundation had come a long way from its humble beginnings.

Today, the Dunham Foundation was a success because they’d harnessed his grandparents’ initial investments into future growth capital, which was part of the work Jaxon oversaw among his other duties as director. In addition to promoting democratic values and reducing injustice, the Foundation gave grants to reduce poverty, foster cultural expression, strengthen children’s futures with higher education and deepen connections to nature and community around them.

He dialed the Foundation’s number and Pam, the receptionist, answered.

“Jaxon,” she whispered into the phone. “Your parents are fit to be tied that you didn’t return for the meeting.”

“I expected as much, but thanks for the heads-up, Pam. Patch me through to the conference room.”

“Sure thing. Good luck.”

Several seconds later, the connection was made and a feminine voice asked, “Jaxon, is that you?” He didn’t need to be present to know who it was. It was his mother.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m here.”

“The question is why you aren’t here?” his father asked through the line.

“Let’s not get into that right now,” Jaxon responded. “I assume everyone is present. Has roll call been taken?”

“No, we were just about to do it,” his sister, Hayley, replied. She was secretary as well as a director at the Foundation along with his parents, his uncle, Robert, and aunt, Eleanor, and their two sons, Andre and Mason.

“Then let’s get started,” his father replied.

After roll call was taken, his cousin, who was in charge of grants, went through several grantee applications, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

“Well, I, for one, think we should finally get involved with autism,” Jaxon heard his aunt Eleanor say. “The disorder is becoming more prevalent. This would be a great cause to champion.”

“So are the other candidates,” his father commented. “We have to look at our mission statement and see how they fit with our core values.”

“I agree with Daddy, Auntie,” Hayley said. “As much as that’s a great cause, the local food bank Second Harvest is in desperate need of our support. I think we should consider them for the grant.”

“Why can’t we do both?” Jaxon asked from the other end of the line. “It doesn’t have to be one over the other.” He knew his sister was active in local charities, and wanted to support her.

The conversation raged on for nearly an hour with no decision before his father as president and presiding officer agreed to table the discussion to the next board meeting.

Jaxon was about to hang up when the meeting concluded but his father stopped him. “Stay on the line, son.”

Jaxon was not looking forward to this discussion, but he would listen out of respect for his father. He heard voices dissipating before he said, “Yes?”

“You have your poor mother up in arms.”

“She should be,” Jaxon said. “She and Stephanie concocted this whole ruse to get me down the aisle and it backfired.”

“You know we just want what’s best for you, son.”

“Let’s be real, Dad. You want the next Dunham heir to carry on the family name. But I’m not there yet and you can’t force my hand. Help Mom realize that, because until you do, I’m not coming home.”

Abruptly, Jaxon ended the call. There wasn’t anything left to be said. The only thing he wanted right now was a massage. His family had gotten him all stressed-out when he’d been in such a good place.

He picked up the receiver and quickly arranged for a relaxation massage in ten minutes. The spa had a cancellation and was able to squeeze him in. A massage would be exactly what he needed to let go of the family drama. Tearing off his T-shirt, he changed into some shorts, slipped on his flip-flops and headed out the door.

The massage was peaceful and serene and as he closed his eyes and the masseur’s hands roamed over his shoulders, he let the worries of the day fade. His parents had no idea where he was, so he was free to do as he pleased. Speaking of doing as he pleased... An image of Kimberly popped into his subconscious. Her smooth caramel-colored skin, those long shapely legs that met a curvaceous bottom had him suppressing a groan.

He didn’t want the masseur to think him a pervert, but the woman had invaded his thoughts when he was supposed to be relaxing. Now, instead of feeling relaxed after the massage, he felt more anxious than before. He needed to get back to his room and take a cold shower. Maybe then he could get those sexy images of Kimberly out of his mind.

He was so deep in thought as he rushed back to the villa that he didn’t watch his step and collided with a warm body. His hands instinctively reached out to stop them both from falling. When he did, he felt soft and very supple curves. He glanced down and right into Kimberly’s rich brown eyes.

Chapter 5

“We meet again.”

Kimberly’s breath caught in her chest but unlike when she saw Jack at the gym, this time he was shirtless. Her hands were now splayed across his expansive chest as she’d used him for support to keep from falling. It allowed her to see what his shirts had hidden from her view. Broad shoulders, a smattering of hair on a well-defined chest, six-pack abs... Or would it be eight-pack abs if his shorts dipped lower?

She swallowed.

“Kimberly?”

“Hmm...” She glanced up at him and wished she hadn’t because she saw something in his eyes. Desire. She felt it, too. Had been feeling it since their breakfast encounter a couple of days ago. Fate, it seemed, kept putting them in each other’s path.

Jack’s hands roamed upward from around her waist where he’d lightly planted them to stabilize her. They threaded through her long black hair, which she’d decided on a whim to wear down rather than in her usual sensible, professional bun. He brought her forward into closer contact with his body even though Kimberly couldn’t see how it was possible since they’d collided with each other in a mass of arms and bodies.

She could feel the heat emanating from his chest as she went closer, and then her nipples brushed against him, causing them to pucker underneath her silk shirt. Jack leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers and breathed her in. Kimberly tried to wiggle away, embarrassed by her traitorous body’s response to him. It wasn’t right that he could make her feel this way when she barely knew him.

“Don’t fight it,” he whispered softly.

He was lowering his mouth to hers when a loud crash sounded behind her. Jack instantly spun around, pushing Kimberly behind him.

It was a protective move that Kimberly admired, but it was hardly necessary. The noise was courtesy of Charlene Vincent, the newest hire at The Pearl, who’d just dropped a handful of menus. The girl seemed prone to mishaps.

“Sorry,” the buxom blonde said, picking up the menus before rushing off in her stilettos.

“Can she even walk in those?” Jack murmured aloud.

“Clearly not.” Kimberly pushed away from him and took several steps backward to give herself some distance to breathe, to think.

A smile ruffled his mouth. “What’s wrong? I don’t bite.”

Kimberly sensed the sexual magnetism that made him so self-confident. “Are you sure about that? Because this—” she pointed between the two of them “—is not going to happen. I don’t date guests.”

“We aren’t dating,” Jack responded. “We were, however, about to kiss, which if we hadn’t been interrupted would have been overdue. I know you felt it.”

“Felt what?”

He raised a quirky brow. “The pull. Between you and me.”

“Th-there’s no pull. We just...” Kimberly couldn’t think of a single, plausible reason why she’d ended up in his arms just now. He was right. If they hadn’t been interrupted, they would have no doubt ended their collision with a hot, searing kiss. Her panties were nearly moist just from touching him. The prolonged anticipation was unbearable.

“Kimberly.” Hearing her name on his lips was like a sensual caress washing over her. “You can’t deny what’s happening between us.”

“I can. And I will.”

“Why should you have to?” He quirked a brow. “We are two adults who are interested in each other. What’s the harm in that?”

“I don’t want to complicate our relationship. I’m in charge of running this hotel and—”

“And you don’t want to let your parents down by taking your eye off the ball?”

How could he know what she was thinking? Feeling? He seemed to know without her verbalizing it. She’d met many attractive men before, but none like him. He wasn’t vain; he was observant, kind and it made him dangerous to her well-being.

“Don’t try to change the subject. I don’t fraternize with guests, especially those I know nothing about.”

She noticed he paused, so she had definitely given him something to chew on.

“True, you don’t know much about me, but that would change if you agreed to spend some time with me.”

Kimberly glanced down at her watch. “I have to go.”

“All right, Kimberly Parker, but this isn’t over between us.”

Kimberly sure hoped it was as she stalked away back to her office. She hoped that Jack would be checking out soon and then things would go back to normal. But when she checked Jack’s reservation, it was open-ended. She had no idea how long he would stay on at the Belleza. And the longer he stayed, the harder it would be to stay away from him. She was afraid her resolve might weaken and she might give in to temptation. And that was exactly what Jack was, all six feet of him.

* * *

A couple of days later, after a three-mile jog and a quick smoothie, Kimberly returned to her condo and dressed carefully for the day’s big event, the Dunham presentation. She’d managed to successfully avoid any further run-ins with Jack Scott because she’d been swamped with hotel business, but it was a matter of time before their paths crossed again.

She took one of the golf carts parked near her condo and rushed toward the Plaza. Located next to the main hotel building, the Plaza housed ballrooms of various sizes, several restaurants and boutique shops for their guests. When she arrived at the Grand Ballroom, Robyn was running around arranging the decor from the floral arrangements to the linens to the crystal chandeliers they’d ordered for the event.

Kimberly grabbed Robyn’s arm as she rushed past. “I thought I would come lend a hand. What can I do?”

“I have it under control.”

Kimberly glanced around at the upheaval surrounding her and raised an eyebrow.

“Kim, the event isn’t until 1:00 p.m. and it’s only...” she said, glancing down at her watch. “Nine. We have plenty of time to arrange the tables and the decor according to the vision I created in the presentation.”

“You can never have too much help,” Kimberly replied. “And remember how important this presentation is for us.”

“I’m well aware.”

Kimberly sensed Robyn’s annoyance with her constant questioning. At times it was hard to separate their friendship from work, but she wouldn’t be doing her job if she didn’t stay on top of her staff. “Where’s Gabby?”

“In the kitchen with the pastry chef,” Robyn answered as she rifled through a box. “They’re putting the finishing touches on the miniature dessert display.”

“Excellent, so what can I do?” Even though she was general manager, Kimberly wasn’t above getting her hands dirty if things needed to get done. To her, that was the sign of a good manager.

“Well, if you must do something,” Robyn said with an exasperated sigh, “why don’t you get started with the display of gift boxes I’ve created for the registration desk outside.”

“No problem.” Kim walked into the hall to the large table they had set up outside. There was an array of gift boxes and various giveaways. She took off her jacket, draped it over the back of one of the chairs and dug in.

She was knee-deep in stuffing the gift boxes with chocolates and one-of-a-kind charm bracelets from their on-site jeweler that she didn’t see Jack approach until he was standing right in front of her. Her pulse suddenly leaped with excitement. There was no denying the spark of attraction toward him. She was trying her best to ignore it, but it was hard not to be excited when the man was obviously interested in her. She hadn’t had the time or inclination for male company in a long time. So if she was honest with herself, it was nice to be wanted.

Jack was dressed casually in white linen trousers and a matching shirt, which highlighted his coffee-colored skin.

“What are you doing here?” she blurted out. Shouldn’t he be relaxing by the pool at this early hour? Why was he at the Plaza?

“Good morning to you, too.”

“I’m sorry.” She’d completely forgotten her manners. “Good morning. But the question is still on the table.”

“Is the ballroom off-limits?” Jack inquired. “Because I thought guests were welcome throughout the hotel grounds.”

Well, he’d just put her in her place. “I’m sorry.” How was she apologizing again in the span of a few seconds? “You’re right, of course. It’s just that we— I mean I don’t see guests in the ballroom foyer unless they’re part of the event.”

“And do you have an event coming up?”

She nodded. “This area will be closed off for a private event this afternoon.”

“Sounds exciting. Who’s it for? Or can’t you tell?”

Kimberly glanced around. It couldn’t hurt to share her excitement with Jack. It wasn’t as if he was involved in any way with the Dunham Foundation. “We have a presentation with a representative from the Dunham Foundation.”

“You do?” He glanced down the hall in each direction. “Are they here now?”

“Oh, no.” Kimberly shook her head. “Do you think I would be this calm right now with all there is to do?” She inclined her head to the mess of gift boxes and miscellaneous items on the table.

He appeared to breathe a sigh of relief before he said, “I guess not. Do you need any help?”

Before she could say no, Jack was already coming behind the table to sit next to her. “So what are we doing here?” he asked as he surveyed the assortment of items.

“We’re putting candy and jewelry in each gift box. Then we’re wrapping it up in a bow, like this.” She demonstrated one box to him. “But you really don’t have to do this.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to, so just accept that you have my company until it’s over.”

He didn’t know what he was asking of her or how hard it would be to sit beside him and act as if she was unaffected. He smelled woodsy and earthy and she just could breathe him in all day long. Instead she continued packing the goody boxes.

“Are you familiar with the Dunham Foundation?” she asked, trying to get her mind off him and on to other neutral topics.

He turned to her sharply. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, it just sounded like you were familiar with them.”

“I’ve heard of them.” He reached for a box and began stuffing.

“So you’re from the Los Angeles area?” Kim inquired.

“Roundabout.”

He sure wasn’t offering much information about himself. Was that what was attractive about him, the air of mystery surrounding him? “You’ve been at the Belleza for some time, but if you live nearby, why the long stay?”

He stopped stuffing boxes long enough to glance her way and smile. “Have I worn out my welcome?”

“Of course not. I love paying customers.”

“And is that all I am to you, Kimberly? A paying customer? You don’t strike me as someone afraid of taking chances. Please tell me you have the courage to admit there’s something between us?”

“Between us?” she asked with a slight edge to her voice.

He stared at her long and hard and her mouth became dry. He was calling her out, forcing her to confront what was happening between them like she’d done to Gabby. He wasn’t backing down and she was finding it harder and harder to resist him. Yes, he was a guest and although they had a strict policy of no fraternization, she couldn’t fight it anymore.

“I can’t deny there’s something between us,” she finally admitted aloud to herself and to him.

“Progress.”

He gave her a sideways glance as he returned to his task and closed the box.

She laughed and watched in surprise as he managed to tie a decent bow.

“What are we going to do about it?” He slid the finished product toward her on the table.

Should I go for it?

Her mind told her to stay away from him and play by the rules, but her body, her heart, told her to go for it and she did. “On Friday night we’re having our monthly tasting menu. You should come to the dinner. My best friend Gabrielle goes all out. It’s the highlight of her month, except perhaps today’s event because she really wants to impress the Dunhams.”

“I’ve no doubt you all will,” Jack said. “Because I’m sure you succeed at everything you do.”

“I certainly try.”

* * *

Jaxon watched Kimberly from the ballroom doorway as she moved around the room. He could see she was champing at the bit to take charge, but she’d told him outside that her friend Robyn was the event coordinator for the hotel and in charge of pulling all the trades together from the kitchen to the event staff.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.