Seduced by Second Chances

by Reese Ryan

  Liam loosened his tie and opened the doors to the patio that overlooked the vineyard. He sat at the little café table, his thoughts immediately returning to the three-hour lunch he and Teresa had enjoyed together on the property just two weeks before. A memory to which his mind often drifted.

  Liam could recall nearly everything about the hours they’d spent together. What she was wearing. How she’d worn her hair. Her delectable scent. The sound of her laugh. How much he’d wanted to kiss her. How his body had craved hers as he lay in bed alone that night.

  Liam sighed. He was sure Teresa was hiding something. But then, he’d been holding something back, too. A secret he hadn’t dared share with anyone.

  He had reason to suspect he’d been adopted.

  Eleven

  Jessie checked her watch after she’d steamed the dress she chose for her performance the next night. It was nearly 10:00 p.m., almost 1:00 a.m. back in New York. She was already feeling the jet lag. If she went to bed now, she could get a decent night’s sleep and still work out before breakfast. Her phone rang.

  Geneva.

  “Hey, big sis.” Jessie yawned. A signal that their call wouldn’t be long. “What are you doing up this early?”

  It wasn’t quite 7:00 a.m. in Amsterdam.

  “Where did you run into Gideon? Did he recognize you right away?” Her sister completely ignored her question.

  “I’m at The Goblet. It’s a—”

  “Luxury hotel in Napa Valley.” Her sister sounded impressed.

  “You know it?”

  “Who doesn’t?” Geneva scoffed. “What are you doing there?”

  “That gig I got to perform for billionaire Matt Richmond and a bunch of his business associates—”

  “The one that got canceled because of a mudslide?” her sister said incredulously. “What about it?”

  “They rescheduled the event and moved it to Napa. I’ll be performing the next two nights.”

  “So Gideon is a friend of Matt Richmond of Richmond Industries?”

  “It seems so,” Jessie said through an exaggerated yawn. As if it were the least interesting piece of information she’d ever heard. “They both live in Seattle. You know the rich guys there run in the same circle.”

  “So what did he look like? Did he recognize you right away? After all, he hasn’t seen you since I broke up with him.”

  Not true. But it wasn’t a secret she wanted to share with her sister.

  “He did recognize me right away. And he looks pretty much the same. Only more mature.” And infinitely more handsome. A fact she didn’t need to mention.

  “Do you think he’s as rich as the business magazines say he is?”

  How the hell was she supposed to know? “I’m not a forensic accountant, Gen.”

  “I know, smart-ass. Tell me what he was wearing, and don’t spare any of the details.”

  “It’s not like I was cataloging his entire outfit.”

  A slim-cut charcoal-gray Tom Ford suit with subtle pinstripes, a crisp white shirt with a burgundy Tom Ford tie, and a pair of black leather Dolce & Gabbana shoes buffed to a high shine.

  Not that she was paying attention.

  “Well, what did he ask you about me? You do remember that, don’t you?” Geneva said, impatiently.

  “I do.” How could she forget? For the first time it seemed Gideon saw her as an attractive woman. But then he’d burst any delusions she had about his interest in her by inquiring about her sister. The woman who broke his heart. “He asked how you were doing.”

  “And?”

  Jessie sighed. “And if you were still living overseas.”

  That was the part that had irked her most. It meant Gideon had been keeping tabs on Geneva. Pining away for her, though her sister clearly hadn’t wanted him.

  “Why do you care so much, anyway? You’re an old married woman, living the life abroad, remember?” Jessie teased.

  Geneva suddenly got quiet. “There’s something I haven’t told you, Jess. Edmond and I...well, we’re separated.”

  Jessie had moved into the bathroom and started unpacking her toiletries, but her sister’s admission stopped her in her tracks. “Since when?”

  Geneva was slow to respond. “The past three months.”

  “And you’re just telling me?” She and Geneva weren’t the kind of sisters who told each other everything. Still, Jess couldn’t believe her sister would hold back something like that.

  “We’ve spoken at least a dozen times over the past few months.” Jessie returned to the main room of her suite and looked out the window at the surrounding vineyard, lit by strings of lights. Had she been that wrapped up in her own life that she hadn’t noticed how unhappy her sister had been?

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “I hoped it was only temporary. That I’d never need to worry you or Mom and Dad with this.”

  Jessie doubted Geneva’s reasons for holding back the truth were as altruistic as she made them out to be. Like their mother, Gen had always cared about maintaining appearances.

  “But you no longer believe you two will reconcile?” Jessie sank onto one of the comfy chairs in the room. “Or has the news that your old flame, billionaire Gideon Johns, inquired about you prompted that decision?”

  “Don’t be like that, sis,” Geneva pleaded. “I know you think I’m the tough one, but this whole thing with Edmond has done a number on my ego.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be...” Jessie raked her short, trim nails through her hair. “What happened? The last time I visited, you and Edmond seemed very happy.”

  “I thought we were happy, too. But that didn’t stop Edmond from finding a younger, prettier model that made him happier.”

  “He cheated on you?” It figured.

  “Don’t gloat, Jess. Please. I couldn’t take that right now.”

  “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry to hear it.” Jessie returned to the bathroom. She needed to strip off her makeup and get ready for bed. “Will you be returning to the States?”

  “I haven’t given it much thought. I love my life here in Amsterdam, but I hadn’t realized how inextricably it’s tied to Edmond. Now that the people in our circle are being forced to take sides, it’s clear that they’re his friends, not mine.”

  “You should stay with me for a little while, as soon as I get back to New York. Or Mom and Dad would love to see you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll think about it,” Geneva said. “I have to get ready for work, and it sounds like you need to hit the sack. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” Jessie put her phone on the charger and got ready for bed.

  Gideon’s inquiry about her sister had prompted Jessie’s envy, but it seemed to be just the thing her sister needed. She should be grateful to Gideon for that.

  It was just as well because Gideon was only interested in Geneva.

  Perhaps that was exactly how it should be.

  Twelve

  Gideon rose early and dressed in his workout gear, determined to get in a session before his meeting with Matt Richmond later that morning. They’d had to cancel their planned meeting over drinks the night before due to an emergency conference call Matt had to take.

  Gideon walked over to the main building from his luxury cottage on the property and used his key card to access the workout facility. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by an angelic voice.

  Jessie was running on a treadmill wearing a headset. Oblivious to his arrival, she was singing her heart out. Gideon couldn’t help smiling. He’d always loved the unique, husky tone of her voice.

  He was frozen where he stood as he surveyed her. Jessie looked incredible in her tiny workout shorts and racerback tank.

  Long, lean brown legs that seemed to go on for miles. A curvy derriere and generous brea
sts that bounced slightly with each movement. Her dark brown hair was piled atop her head in a high ponytail.

  After Jessie’s icy reception the previous afternoon, he’d planned to avoid any further interaction with her. But seeing her now, he just couldn’t walk away. Jessie had once meant so much to him. He thought he’d been important to her, too. He needed to understand what had changed.

  He stepped onto the treadmill beside Jessie’s. She was startled, but grabbed the sides of the treadmill and recovered mid-stride.

  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t... Gideon. Good morning.” Once she recognized him, her demeanor shifted from open and friendly to polite but shuttered. She yanked the key from her machine and it ground to a halt. “I’ll leave you to your workout.”

  Jessie turned to leave, but he caught her elbow as he’d done the day before.

  “I know you have to prepare for tonight, but if you could just give me a few minutes.”

  “Why?” She looked at him defiantly.

  “Because I need to know why it is that I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see you yesterday, but you obviously don’t feel the same.”

  Jessie tugged her arm free, but her demeanor softened, and he saw a glimpse of the sweet young woman he’d once adored.

  A chill swept up his spine as her gaze met his.

  Jessie was sexy and gorgeous. She had an incredible voice and a regal presence.

  Any man would be attracted to her.

  But what worried him most as he stared into those big, beautiful brown eyes was that the feelings he’d tried so hard to ignore came rushing back. Feelings he needed to shut down, for both of their sakes.

  * * *

  Jessie’s gaze swept down Gideon’s physique. He was obviously no stranger to workouts. The fitted sleeveless shirt highlighted his strong arms and broad, muscular chest. His athletic shorts showcased a firm ass, strong calves, muscular thighs and the outline of his...

  She raised her eyes to his quickly, meeting his dark, penetrating gaze. The image of a young Gideon Johns was permanently burned into her brain. But fifteen years later he was more handsome than ever.

  As she surveyed his fit body and handsome facial features what she felt was desire, pure and simple.

  But then, her feelings for Gideon had never been as simple as her physical attraction to him.

  “The last time we saw each other—” Jessie tipped her chin and folded her arms “—you made it exceedingly clear you wanted nothing to do with me.”

  She’d gone to Gideon’s apartment. Kissed him. Admitted that she wanted him. And he’d flatly rejected her.

  “I know I could’ve handled the situation better, but you surprised me and I overreacted. You were my ex’s sister. I didn’t want to cause friction between you two. And if I’m being honest, I wasn’t willing to take the risk of getting involved with another Humphrey sister. Your father didn’t believe I was good enough for one of his daughters. I wasn’t interested in going through that again.”

  Jessie’s central memory of that day was how harsh Gideon had been toward her. He’d yelled at her. Something he’d never done before. His eyes had been filled with what she’d perceived as anger. Now she wondered if it’d been fear. “You should’ve told me how you felt.”

  Gideon sat on a nearby weight bench. “I knew you well enough to know you would’ve tried to convince me otherwise. I didn’t want to hurt you, Jess. But I didn’t want to be hurt again either. It seemed best if we both walked away and didn’t look back. I hope you can understand where my head was that day. I realize, in retrospect, that I was an ass about it. I’m sorry for that.”

  The sincerity in his voice and dark eyes made her chest ache.

  “The resentment I’ve harbored since then wasn’t fair to you. So I’m sorry, too, Gideon.”

  “I’m glad we finally had this conversation.” His broad mouth quirked in a half smile. “It’s something I’ve wanted to say to you for a long time.”

  “Thank you, Gideon. It really was good to see you again.” Jessie turned to leave.

  “Wait.” He sprang to his feet, standing between her and the door. “You’re still leaving? Why?”

  “I was practically done with my workout anyway.” She folded her arms, her gaze not meeting his.

  Gideon had glanced at her machine. He folded his arms, too. “You had thirty minutes left.”

  She smoothed back her hair. “I’m on a tight schedule this morning. I have to grab breakfast and get some practice time in on the piano I’m performing on tonight. Then I hope to wrangle a meeting with a couple of music execs who’ll be here this weekend.”

  “Chase Stratton and Dixon Benedict?”

  “Yes. How’d you—”

  “I overheard Teresa talking to her assistant about them. Neither of them has arrived. Stratton’s studio session got extended another day and Benedict is coming in a day late.”

  “Oh.” Jessie’s heart sank. She didn’t regret taking the gig. The payday was more than generous and she was grateful for the chance to have this conversation with Gideon.

  But this retreat was her best chance of connecting with her two dream producers.

  “Look, if meeting them means that much to you, I’ll talk to Matt. I’m sure he can arrange some—”

  “No.” The word came out more harshly than she’d intended. After all, Gideon only wanted to help.

  He frowned, confused by her objection.

  “I mean...thank you, but no. I prefer to do this on my own.”

  “I admire your spirit and determination, Jessie. But if I can do this for you—”

  “Then I’d owe you.”

  Jessie hadn’t meant to say the words aloud, especially not so bitterly. Her face stung with heat, remembering the day Arnold Diesman had offered to give her complete creative control on her next album, if only she’d play the game.

  She’d considered Arnold a friend and mentor until the moment he’d tried to convince her that quid pro quos were the way things were done in the industry. That it wasn’t a big deal.

  “When I reach the pinnacle in my career, it’ll be because I earned it. Not because I knew the right exec or because I’m beholden to a billionaire.”

  Gideon’s thick, neat brows came together. He stepped aside. “I’m sorry I offended you.”

  Guilt knotted Jessie’s gut. Gideon was a good guy who wanted to do a wonderful thing for her. She appreciated that. But doing this on her own was important to her, and she needed to spell that out to Gideon in no uncertain terms.

  “You didn’t offend me. I just need you to understand my position on this.” After a few moments of awkward silence between them, she jerked a thumb over her shoulder toward the door. “I’d better go.”

  “Wait, Jess.” He stalked over to where she stood near the door. “If you want to do this on your own, I respect that. Hell, I even admire it. But that doesn’t mean two old friends can’t catch up over breakfast, does it?”

  Jessie turned to Gideon.

  God, he’s handsome.

  He seemed eager to absolve himself of any guilt where she was concerned.

  “I could meet you at the restaurant in an hour.”

  He glanced at his watch and frowned. “I have a business meeting then. What about now?”

  “I’m not going to the restaurant looking a hot, sweaty mess. I have my public persona to consider.” She smoothed her hair back.

  Gideon nodded thoughtfully and shoved his hands in his pockets. The move pulled the panel of fabric tight over his crotch and inadvertently drew her eye there. “Room service in my room?”

  Oh. My. Gawd.

  Her entire body flushed with heat and she resisted the urge to fan herself with her open hand. When Jessie raised her gaze to his, he’d caught her checking him out.

  He was more than a little pleased with himsel
f. The smirk on his face reminded her too much of the one on Arnold’s face the day he’d invited her up to his suite to strategize the direction of her career.

  It was like an icy shower had been turned on over her head.

  She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. How about breakfast in the restaurant tomorrow at eight?”

  “Sounds good.” He pulled out his phone and added their breakfast date to his calendar. He assessed her tentatively. “We should exchange numbers. In case there’s a last-minute change of plans for either of us.”

  Jessie rattled off her cell phone number.

  He sent her a text message. “That’s me. Call me if there’s a change in your plans or...anything.” A broad, genuine smile spanned his handsome face.

  Jessie’s heart danced. She was as drawn to him now as she’d been then.

  Thirteen

  Gideon folded the burgundy pocket square and placed it in the front pocket of his suit. Tonight’s festivities would officially be under way in just a few minutes. He removed a pair of platinum cuff links from their felt jewelry box and pushed one through the hole of his custom-tailored dress shirt. He’d just put the other cuff link in place when his cell phone rang.

  He checked the screen.

  Landon.

  Gideon answered the phone and put it on speaker before returning it to the bathroom counter. “What’s up, Land?”

  “Mr. Johns...”

  Oh shit. This wasn’t going to be good.

  “I’m sorry to bother you while you’re at the retreat,” he continued. “But I’m afraid I have a bit of bad news.”

  “Is another investor considering bailing on the project?”

  “No. I think I’ve done a good job of addressing any concerns they may have had.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “Some issues have come to light regarding the owner of the construction company whose bid we planned to go with. I know his bid was considerably less, but concerns are now being raised about the quality of his work. Complaints that weren’t available when we did our preliminary groundwork. Even if it turns out that the information is false—”