Heat of Passion

His words triggered memories of fine wine, soft music and passionate kisses that had left Robyn breathless. Choosing to concentrate on the present, not the past, she broke free of her thoughts and took the arm Sean offered.

He winked at her, and a giggle tickled her throat. Robyn chided herself to get it together, to quit making eyes at her best friend’s brother. You’re a twenty-eight-year-old woman with a fantastic career and money in the bank, so why do you get nervous every time Sean’s around?

The hostess led them through the dining room, placed the menus on their corner table and sashayed back to her post. Seconds later, a brunette with a thick Spanish accent arrived with water glasses and a bread basket. “Would you like to hear the day’s specials?”

Robyn didn’t, but she listened patiently as the waitress spoke. The brunette chatted with Sean about the menu, then took their orders before moving on to the next table. Robyn was glad to see the waitress go, to finally have Sean all to herself. She hadn’t seen him in months and wanted to catch up with him.

Liar! her conscience shrieked. You’re here for another kiss. Just admit it.

“I’m glad you called,” Sean said. “I’ve thought a lot about you the last few months.”

Then, why didn’t you reach out to me? The thought reverberated in her head, but she didn’t have the guts to ask.

“I wanted to call you,” he continued, “but I didn’t think you’d speak to me.”

Why? Because we had too much to drink one night and made out like teenagers?

Her thoughts returned to that fateful night. After Kim had been awarded control of the Belleza because of her outstanding marketing campaign, Sean had shown up at her doorstep, drunk and distraught. He’d asked if they could talk, and he’d looked so downtrodden, she’d invited him inside for a cup of coffee. Sean had seemed blindsided by his parents’ decision and couldn’t believe his dreams of running his family’s resort had gone up in smoke. She’d listened as he’d poured out his troubles, and when he’d leaned over and stolen a kiss, she’d shocked herself by kissing him back. Robyn had never thought he’d cross that line, but was secretly glad he had.

The logical part of her mind had warned her to pull back, but her body had yearned for more. His advance had been fueled by liquor, but she’d still felt special, chosen. After all, Sean had had several casual girlfriends who would have gladly hooked up with him that night—or any night for that matter—but he’d come to her door and found solace in her arms. And it had been the greatest feeling in the word.

Try as she might, she couldn’t stop thinking about that sensuous, passionate night. They hadn’t slept together, and Robyn didn’t know whether to be grateful or sorry about the missed opportunity. They’d kissed and laughed, stroked and caressed each other for hours, but stopped short of doing the deed. It had been the wise thing to do, but part of her secretly regretted not making love to Sean.

No one knew about their late-night hookup, and although months had passed, Robyn still couldn’t bring herself to tell Kim about what had happened.

“Are you still mad at me for kissing you?” Sean asked.

“No, of course not,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I forgot all about it.”

His gaze darkened, but he spoke in a calm, reassuring tone. “I want to apologize for my behavior that night, and I want you to know that I’d never take advantage of you.”

Too bad, because you’re one hell of a kisser, and you have the most amazing hands.

“How are things going in your department?” Sean asked, unbuttoning his suit jacket. “Have you hired another event planner, or are you still working like a madwoman?”

“You know it!” Robyn shrieked, hoping to make him laugh. He did, and the sound of his hearty chuckle warmed her all over. “I’m planning several parties, the Dunham Foundation gala, and your sister’s wedding, of course. Speaking of which, will you be there?”

A wicked grin claimed his lips. “As long as you agree to be my date.”

Feeling her cheeks burn, she picked up her glass and tasted her lemonade. Damn Sean and his megawatt smile. Every time he looked at her like that, his gaze blazing with fire and desire, she lost her train of thought. It had always been that way.

That’s no surprise, her honest inner voice said. You’ve had a crush on him since eighth grade.

Her thoughts returned to the summer they met, and she pictured the scene in her mind’s eye as she sipped her lemonade. She was visiting Kim during summer break, and was in the Parker family kitchen with Kim, baking shortbread cookies, when Sean had walked in, dribbling a basketball. The tray had fallen from Robyn’s hands, and cookies had scattered across the hardwood floor. For several seconds all she’d been able to do was stare at the star athlete. She’d tried to regain her composure, to peel her eyes away from his bare chest, but she hadn’t had the strength to look away.

Nothing’s changed, her conscience pointed out. You’re staring at him right now.

The waitress arrived with their entrées, and Robyn eagerly dug into her food. The veal was succulent, full of flavor, and the mushroom Bolognese was so delicious she moaned in appreciation. “This is so good,” she gushed, swirling her fork around her pasta. “I’ll have to bring Kim here one day. She’d love this place, especially the cute waiters.”

Sean’s jaw tightened and lines of tension wrinkled his smooth brow. He was thinking about his sister, no doubt, about how she’d crushed his hopes and dreams. Sensing now was the perfect time to talk to Sean about his family, she put her utensils on her plate and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Have you spoken to your parents recently?” Robyn asked.

“Why would I? They made their choice, and I made mine.” He picked up his drink, sipped his soda and put it back down on the table. “Tell me what’s happening at the resort. You sounded upset on the phone, and my mind’s been running wild ever since you called.”

She wasn’t upset; she was terrified. Someone was after his family, and she was scared Kim was going to get hurt.

Robyn took a deep breath to steady her nerves and told Sean about the misfortunes that had befallen the resort the past few weeks. Individually, none of the incidents were alarming, but taken together they seemed to form a nefarious pattern. The false complaints about the Belleza, posted on numerous travel sites, the fire outside the Ruby Retreat lounge, the waitress who’d fractured her elbow, the cases of food poisoning—all were worrisome. Robyn suspected someone was out to destroy the resort, but she doubted it was Sean. “It’s been a stressful time for everyone.”

“I can imagine.”

He took her hand in his, and relief flooded her body. He was on her side, a sympathetic friend she could confide in, and it felt good having him in her corner. “Some staffers think the incidents are nothing more than the old ‘curse of the Belleza,’ but your parents believe something sinister is going on. They’re taking the matter very seriously and have hired additional security to ensure everything runs smoothly at the resort.”

“Damn. I heard Kim’s first few months as general manager were off to a rocky start, but I had no idea someone was trying to destroy the Belleza.” Sean blew out a deep breath and raked a hand over his short black hair. “Do the police have any leads? Any suspects in custody?”

“They’re being tight-lipped about the investigation, but your dad thinks—” Robyn stopped, catching herself just in the nick of time. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“Go on, I want to hear what you have to say.” Sean wore a sympathetic smile and nodded his head in encouragement. “I won’t betray your confidence. You have my word.”

Robyn blurted out the truth. “Yesterday your father fingered you to the police.”

Chapter 2 (#ulink_3c5427dd-aa53-5275-959b-0d492fd06287)

Puzzled, Sean furrowed his eyebrows. Her words didn’t make sense, didn’t add up. Robyn was joking, had to be. He hadn’t seen his parents in months, but there was no way in hell his father had fingered him to the police. Not after everything he’d done over the years to make the Belleza Resort a success. Convinced Robyn was pulling his leg, he chuckled agreeably. “Good one,” he said, gesturing at her with his glass. “You almost fooled me.”

Silence descended over the table, filled the air with tension. Robyn dodged his gaze, wouldn’t look at him. The truth hit Sean like a fist to the gut, leaving him dazed and confused. How had his father turned against him? He knew things had been difficult between them, but he’d had no idea they were that bad.

“You have to return to the resort to clear your name,” Robyn said quietly.

No way, no how. I’d rather run naked through a burning building.

“Your family needs you,” she continued, raising her voice to be heard above the boisterous chatter in the dining room. “Kim’s putting up a brave front, but she could really use your love and support right now.”

Sean scoffed and shook his head. “My sister has all the answers, and I highly doubt she needs me, or anyone else, for that matter.”

Robyn flinched as if she’d been slapped and shot him an incredulous look. “How can you be so cold? Your sister’s going through a difficult time. Don’t you care?”

He didn’t, but he held his tongue. There was no use arguing with Robyn. He was mad at his family, disappointed that his kid sister had stolen the resort out from under him, and there was nothing Robyn could say to change the way he felt.

“You and Kim have always been so close and fiercely protective of each other.”

That was then, and this was now. Kim had betrayed him, and he wanted nothing to do with her.

“Do you agree with my parents?” Sean told himself it didn’t matter what Robyn believed, that she was just another smokin’-hot woman he was attracted to, but deep down he cared what she thought. They had a powerful attraction, a mind-blowing chemistry he’d never experienced before, and he wanted Robyn in his corner. “Do you think I’m out to destroy the Belleza?”

“If I did, I wouldn’t have called you. You’re a good guy, Sean, and I know you’d never do anything to hurt the people you love.”

Her words heartened him, lifted his spirits, and for the first time since quitting his job at the Belleza, he didn’t feel so alone. He felt understood, as if Robyn cared about him, and made a mental note to send her flowers after he returned to the SP Grill. Sean wanted to cook for Robyn, but before he could invite her over to his house for dinner, she dropped another bombshell. One so shocking he almost fell off his chair.

“A security guard said he saw you lurking around the premises just hours before the fire at the Ruby Retreat, and after your father questioned the guard, he contacted the police.”