Heat of Passion. Pamela Yaye

in my thoughts.

      The card wasn’t signed, but the lavish, colorful flower arrangement could be from only one person—Sean. Admiring the long-stemmed pink roses, she thought about their cozy lunch yesterday and wondered when she was going to see him again. Sean was a sensitive, soft-spoken gentleman, but he had no shortage of confidence. Or sex appeal. He turned heads every time he entered a room and had such an imposing presence women approached him from every direction. He was a dark-chocolate hottie with killer swag, and just thinking about that kiss they’d shared in the restaurant parking lot made Robyn’s mouth water. Sean was the perfect combination of bad boy and boy next door, but she appreciated his chivalrous, old-fashioned ways.

      Robyn closed her eyes, but she couldn’t get Sean—or that kiss—out of her mind. Inhaling the fragrant scent in the air, she ran her fingers along the smooth, soft petals. She wanted to call him and thank him for the flowers, but he was busy preparing for the grand opening of his new restaurant, and Robyn didn’t want to disturb him. Later, when she returned to her condo, she’d give Sean a ring. Talking to him made her nervous—even on the telephone—but she was determined to keep it together.

      Girl, please, quipped her inner voice. When it comes to Sean you’ve never been able to keep it together, so just quit while you’re ahead.

      Memories of hanging out with Kim and Sean at the Parker family estate filled Robyn’s mind. She’d harbored a crush on him ever since they’d slow danced to “Fallin’ ” by Alicia Keys at Kim’s birthday party, but it was nothing Robyn would ever act upon. She didn’t want to lose her job or upset her friend. Besides, she and Sean were all wrong for each other. They were both stubborn, opinionated people with fiery personalities, and back when Sean was the head chef at the Belleza, they’d clashed repeatedly.

       That’s true, but arguing with him only made you want him even more.

      Breaking free of her thoughts, Robyn scooped up a pen and flipped open her monthly planner. Enough daydreaming—she had to focus, had to get her head in the game. She had plans with Kim and Gabby that evening, and if she wanted to leave the office by six o’clock, she had to quit fantasizing about Sean—a man she knew she could never have—and get back to work.

      Robyn scanned the items on her to-do list and groaned in despair. Contracts had to be proofed, and entertainment booked. The longer she looked at the list, the more hopeless Robyn felt. She had a staff of three in her department, but it wasn’t enough. She’d been working ten-hour days all summer and feared if she didn’t get some help she’d collapse from exhaustion. That week alone, she’d planned a Moroccan-themed bridal shower, two engagement parties and a book-club luncheon for a hundred women.

      Drumming her fingertips on her desk, she considered what to do. One person came to mind, and even though Charlene Vincent had a reputation for being flaky, Robyn decided to ask the restaurant hostess to give her a hand. She had no choice; if she didn’t swallow her pride and ask for help, the Dunham Foundation gala would be a disaster. The biggest charity event of the year could make or break the Belleza.

      Robyn didn’t want to disappoint Kim and her parents. They’d welcomed her into their family with open arms, and even though she’d been raised in the worst housing project in New York, the Parkers never looked down at her or made her feel inferior. After graduating from Merriweather Academy, she’d enrolled in Boston University, and received a master’s degree in Public Relations. She’d landed a job at a chain hotel fresh out of university, and although the hours were long, and the accolades were few she’d shined in the assistant program coordinator position. But now, thanks to Kim and her parents, Robyn was living her dream. Robyn glanced at her watch, decided now was the perfect time to track down Charlene and strode out of her office. The beauty and grandeur of the Belleza Resort and Spa never ceased to amaze her. Palm trees and vibrant flowers added to the tranquil ambience of the property, the air held the scent of tropical fruit, and the postcard-perfect views were nothing short of spectacular. The resort had a golf course, a fitness center and a state-of-the-art spa that attracted celebrities from around the globe, but Robyn’s favorite place at the Belleza was the pool area whenever she was stressed out, she swam laps in the pool. The moment she dove into the water, her thoughts cleared, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

      Her gaze swept the lush, manicured grounds. For the second time in minutes, her thoughts turned to Sean. Even though her heart knew he was off-limits, she couldn’t stop thinking about him and found herself wishing he was at the resort. Robyn remembered all the times they’d played tennis and jogged along the trails, talking and cracking jokes. Robyn missed seeing Sean every day and hanging out with him on their days off. Things hadn’t been the same at the Belleza since he’d quit, but she’d never admit that to Kim. He was enemy number one, and whenever she tried talking to Kim about making amends with Sean, her friend became defensive and angry. No, she was better off keeping her thoughts to herself.

      And while you’re at it, keep your lips off Sean, too, her conscience warned.

      The Pearl, a five-star restaurant with award-winning food, was the crown jewel of the Belleza Resort and Spa. Robyn was surprised to find Charlene standing in front of the dining room, flirting with a French film star. Fraternizing with guests was against hotel policy, but ever since Kim had got engaged to financial investor Jaxon Dunham, Robyn noticed the female staff were more touchy-feely with male guests—especially the ones worth millions.

      “Charlene, may I have a word with you?”

      The hostess flashed a sheepish smile. “Yes, of course.” Her face covered in guilt, she nervously bit her bottom lip. “What’s on your mind?”

      “Let’s go inside. We’ll have more privacy.”

      Waving goodbye to the actor, Charlene flipped her wavy blonde hair over her shoulders and sashayed into the restaurant with a provocative swish of her hips. She stumbled in her stilettos, and Robyn feared she was going to trip over her feet. Righting herself, she continued through the lounge, smiling wide. Charlene had a beautiful figure, and her slinky, cutout dress drew appreciative glances from several male patrons.

      “I can’t believe how busy it is in here,” Robyn said, noting that every table in the dining area was occupied. The patrons were a mix of silver-haired guests, well-dressed couples and young families. “It’s only eleven o’clock.”

      “Welcome to my world.” Charlene glanced around her. “It’s been crazy around here all morning. Guests love the new menu, but that’s no surprise. Gabby’s a whiz in the kitchen.”

      Robyn felt her cell phone vibrating inside the pocket of her blazer, but she ignored it and gave Charlene her undivided attention. “As you know, I’m planning several high-profile events, and I could really use your help finalizing details for the Dunham Foundation gala and Kim’s wedding.”

      “Sure, why not? I could use the extra money, and besides, I just love weddings.” Charlene clasped her hands together and swayed from side to side to an inaudible beat. “Who knows? Maybe if I do a good job, Kim will ask me to sing at the reception. Wouldn’t that be something?”

      Robyn swallowed a laugh. The hostess had a better chance of winning the Mega Millions Jackpot than performing at Kim and Jaxon’s wedding.

      Charlene had few friends at the resort, but Robyn liked her good humor and positive energy. She could always count on the perky blonde for a laugh, and she was looking forward to getting to know her better. “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you. Just swing by my office after your shift, and I’ll fill you in.”

      Charlene adjusted her dress to reveal more cleavage. “Sounds good, Robyn. See ya!”

      A spicy aroma wafted through the dining room, causing Robyn’s empty stomach to rumble. Deciding to order a chicken salad, she entered the lounge in search of a waiter.

      Stopping abruptly, Robyn narrowed her eyes and hitched a hand to her hips. She was surprised to see Gabby and Kim sitting together at the bar. Why hadn’t they invited her for lunch? she wondered, her gaze zeroing in on them like a laser beam. And what was so funny?