eyond Desire Collection

by JS Scott, M Malone, Marie Hall, et al

  ***

  Riley awoke the next morning in Thorsen’s bed, her body nestled against his, securely wrapped in his strong arms. The diaphanous curtains caught the breeze coming in through the windows they’d opened, and though it promised to be a beautiful summer day, the night had been chilly, and the air had yet to warm. She hunkered down further in Thorsen’s embrace, the heat of his body contrasting against the cool air in a most delicious manner.

  “Are you still up for a day-trip? Maybe head south along the coast?” Thorsen trailed a hand down her back and then quickly kissed her.

  “That sounds perfect. We can grab some breakfast here and then take the bridge over to the mainland since we’re in no hurry. Ogunquit’s really pretty, as is Newburyport—just a bit further south, if you’re interested.” She ran her fingers down his chest and kissed the hollow at the base of his neck.

  “Maybe pack a bag for a few days. Just in case.” Thorsen let out a grunt of need as her hands continued to wander. “We’ll only be a few hours away if the inn needs you to come back for any reason.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  By the time they made it to the inn for breakfast, she was starving and suspected Thorsen could probably eat out half the kitchen. And she might be hungry, but food would have to wait until she had at least one cup of coffee in her. She quickly doctored her brew with enough cream and sugar to make her feel guilty, and stole a sip before moving on to grab some food.

  The breakfast buffet was plentiful and varied, but she could never resist the pecan pancakes with warmed maple syrup that had been harvested locally. She quickly added a couple more tidbits and morsels to her plate and then grabbed a seat across from Thorsen.

  Cradling the cup of coffee in her hands, she held the mug to her face and inhaled deeply, the richly scented brew filling her head as she took a long sip, its effect on her like magic. She looked across the table to Thorsen, who was already digging into a massive pile of food, eating like he was the runt in a family of ten and the food might disappear if he didn’t get to it fast enough. “Are you really going to eat all that?”

  “I am. And then I’ll go get seconds—and maybe thirds.” He flicked his eyebrows up in a tease, before taking a bite of his bacon with his eyes still locked on hers. “I’ve got a fast metabolism and want to keep my energy up for later.”

  A furious blush bloomed across her cheeks as a molten heat thrummed between her legs at the thought of him taking her again. Before she managed to find her voice again, his cell phone buzzed. He checked it, paused as if debating whether or not to answer it, and then hit a button to dismiss the call, setting it aside on the table. “If you need to take that or call them back, feel free. It’s not like I couldn’t do with another cup of coffee.”

  “It’s nothing that can’t wait.” He gave her a small smile, but she noticed his gaze still drifted back to his phone a few minutes later.

  “Are you sure?” She didn’t want him ignoring things just because she was around. “I know how important work can be.”

  “Eat up, love. Work is not on my agenda for the day, and I’d like to get going before long”— he leaned in, propping his arms on the table —“or I’m liable to skip our trip and drag you back to my cabin to have my way with you. Make you scream my name. I’m in the mood to pillage and plunder, sweet Summer.”

  She nearly gulped at his words. The blush on her cheeks kicked up another notch, and sent a pulse throbbing between her legs in time to her heartbeat. It was insane that he could have such an effect on her in so little time.

  “Is that so?” Her voice sounded a few octaves too high and breathy, like she couldn’t quite get enough air.

  “It is.” He flicked his tongue out to lick his lower lip and then bit that same spot, her gaze held captive by the action, knowing full well what that tongue was capable of. “Shall I prove it to you? Our day-trip can wait.”

  She all but squirmed in her chair as if it could possibly offer her a bit of relief. “It is rather tempting…”

  Thorsen then looked down with a crooked grin, not quite managing to suppress a laugh. “No pressure, darling, though it looks like your decision is being waited for with bated breath. I believe our novelists have a bit of a curious streak and are looking to see if this might turn out like one of their romances.”

  Riley looked over at the table of writers, and sure enough, they were all watching with too keen an interest. She had to laugh—and blush, since it was clear she’d been getting up to no good with Thorsen. Not only had they walked into breakfast together, but she suspected that even a blind man could tell that their interactions had crossed over to a more intimate nature. And after seasons of hosting the romance conventions, she knew that those writers could pick up on the slightest bit of attraction between two people—which meant she and Thorsen were probably as obvious as a strobe light in the pitch dark.

  She gave them a smile and a finger wave before turning back to Thorsen with a laugh. “Those women are too funny.”

  “And it’s because of all the fun and interesting people who keep coming back to the Siren that you can’t let this place change. I get that, Riley.” He reached across the table and gave her hand a squeeze. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  “That’s really sweet of you, but unless you have a big chunk of money stashed away and want to buy the inn, I think our hands are tied. If Holt doesn’t want to see the importance of keeping the inn’s uniqueness, there won’t be much any of us can do.” She shook her head and pushed the thought aside, refusing to let her problems get in the way of her time with Thorsen. “But today’s not about that. The way I see it is we have two choices—you can either take me back to your bed and have your way with me or we can get on the road and find new places where you can have your way with me. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a win-win either way.”

  “I’ll not argue with you there, darling.”

  Chapter Eight

  Though Thorsen couldn’t resist the brief distraction of falling into Riley’s bed when they went to pack her overnight bag, it didn’t take long for them to get on the road. Since he’d turned in his rental before taking the ferry over to Mermaid Isle, they took Riley’s little SUV. He liked watching her drive—liked watching her, period. Especially when she was happy—and when her eyes weren’t darkened with worry.

  Ethan had called during breakfast, and though he needed to know what Anna and Mark were up to, it would have to wait until he could get a few moments away from Riley. It’d be impossible to discuss things with her present, especially if he didn’t want her growing suspicious.

  She pulled him from his thoughts with a sideways glance and a sultry smile. “This entire area will be really pretty once the leaves start to change colors in the fall. The oaks primarily turn a gold color, but it’s the maple trees that turn that gorgeous red and orange.”

  He brushed her hair from her shoulder so that his fingers lingered against her skin, unable to resist touching her. “We’ll have to take another trip then, once the leaves change.”

  When her smile faded, it left him wondering if he’d said something wrong, though he already suspected he might know what might be the problem.

  “So you really are thinking of staying?”

  “Darling…” Thorsen had to laugh. “I don’t know what I need to do to convince you that I’m serious about staying—and I’m serious about you.”

  She shrugged with a smile that made him wish she’d pull over so he could flip her seat back and go exploring. “Well, I’m sure you’re capable of finding a way to convince me.”

  Bloody hell, she had him going hard again. “That I am, though I’ll need to make sure I do a more thorough job of convincing you.”

  Yet the more serious things got between them, the bigger his deception felt. Once again, he thought of telling her about his role in the sale, but quickly dismissed it, knowing it’d probably only muck things up further, especially when Mark was looking for any excuse to get con
trolling interest.

  Riley reached out and took his hand in hers. “I’ll admit, having you on the island is going to make the winter lull a hell of a lot more enjoyable. If you stick around that long.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Riley.” His voice came out more intense than he’d anticipated or wanted. “I’d planned to come back to the island even before I found out you were working at the inn, though I’ll admit, it was fueled by memories of our summers together.”

  “But that was ages ago, Thorsen.” She sounded so worried and reluctant. Like she’d had her heart broken or been involved with others who ended up leaving.

  “I’m fully aware that things have changed—that we’ve changed since then. However, I enjoyed myself that summer, and if I have to settle somewhere, why not pick a place that’s dear to my heart?” It was more or less the truth—even if his reasons for staying on Mermaid Isle long term had more to do with Riley than he was willing to admit to her.

  “I guess so. I mean, it’s why I came back year after year, and why I’ve stayed.” She pulled onto a road that ran parallel to the coastline, the sun’s rays sparkling on the ocean surface. “We should be in Portland shortly—about another thirty minutes.”

  “Sounds perfect.” His smile was interrupted by a buzzing sound. Thorsen glanced at his phone, expecting to find Ethan’s name on the screen. But it wasn’t Ethan. It was Mark.

  Fuck.

  He wasn’t sure if Mark was just calling to harass him about taking an active role within Holt or if Mark had caught on that he was at the Siren. Either way, Ethan would be able to find out more.

  “I don’t mind if you take the call, Thorsen. It could be something important.” She threw him a teasing grin. “I promise I won’t listen in on any of your super-spy secrets.”

  “If only it were anything that exciting. I’m afraid it’s nothing more than work, and since I’m on vacation, whatever it is can wait.” He made sure not to telegraph his thoughts or emotions to his face or demeanor, not wanting Riley to pick up on what was actually going on.

  Luckily, their plans for the day were a pleasant distraction. The rest of their morning was spent in Portland, walking around and checking out the shops and historic waterfront before heading to picturesque Ogunquit for a late lunch.

  Thorsen sat on a picnic bench across from Riley with a view of the ocean just beyond, a sea breeze keeping the summer heat from becoming unbearable. At least for a short while, he could ignore his problems—especially easy to do when he had Riley to focus on. The sun had set her dark hair aflame, picking up on all the deep reds, as the wind tugged at her locks. Yet it was her eyes that kept him mesmerized as they shifted from green to aqua, so the flecks of brown became more noticeable.

  And then she licked some mayo off her finger before flicking her tongue over those full kissable lips. The effect she had on him was immediate and intense, all logical thought burning up in a wave of want and need.

  “Don’t you like your lobster roll?” Her brow furrowed as she looked at his plate of food. Distracted with his thoughts, he’d only taken a bite or two. “They’ve got other stuff, if you’d prefer something different.”

  He shook his head no, hoping it would also snap him out of his daze. “Actually, this is perfect. It’s been awhile since I had one of these. It’s even better than I remembered.”

  And it really was—the hotdog bun was buttered and grilled to a golden brown, before being piled high with succulent lobster meat, the natural sweetness of it accented with a touch of mayo. It was the quintessential New England summer food.

  But the best part was the company he was keeping. He could easily get used to this. If his phone would stop buzzing. That was the fifth call.

  Riley laughed. “Would you just take it? You’re not going to get any peace until then.”

  She was right, damn it. “I’m sorry, darling. I’ll be just a moment.”

  With a smile and a wave of her hand, she shooed him away. He answered his phone as he moved past the tables, far enough to not be overheard. “Ethan…what is it?”

  “Bloody hell, Eirik. Where the hell have you been all day?” Ethan’s voice bordered on panic, which likely meant his dear friend was stressed—not an uncommon occurrence, though with everything else that was going on, Thorsen hoped things weren’t going to hell.

  “I was taking a drive down the coastline and couldn’t really get away. What did you find out about Anna?”

  “Looks like Mark was behind sending Anna to Maine. He convinced some of the board members that it would be a good idea to send a lawyer to look into the current running of the inn, in order to ensure it’ll be profitable for Holt—or to find a way to make the board think the inn was a bad purchase and your idea.” Ethan let out a weary sigh. “You’d barely left the Boston office when he started conspiring against you.”

  “It’s a good purchase, Ethan. They know that—they saw the financials.” Damn it. If Mark convinced them that purchasing the inn was a bad business decision, then before long he’d be arguing that Holt would be better off with someone else at the helm.

  “Do you think it’ll matter if Anna finds that the financials are indeed sound? If Mark sent her, then she’ll find a way to skew things to their favor so the numbers don’t add up even if they should.” Ethan was silent, but Thorsen knew Ethan wasn’t done. “If they find out you’re there, Eirik…”

  “If they find out I’m here, I’ll be justified, since they’ve gone behind my back and sent Anna Blake.” At least he hoped the board would see it that way. They may very well not. “Mark also called me, though I didn’t pick up. I don’t know what the hell he wants, but I’m sure it’s just more of the same.”

  “I’ll look into it.” Ethan let out a weary sigh that had Thorsen thinking it might be a good idea for his friend to come up to Mermaid Isle for a bit of a break. Thorsen’s current business dealings had left Ethan with a pretty full and stressful plate.

  “I appreciate it. And I’ll let you know if I find anything out on my end.”

  “Does she know?” Ethan’s tone was…annoyed.

  “Does who know?” Thorsen feigned ignorance and stupidity, hoping it would fly and knowing it wouldn’t.

  “You know damn well who I’m talking about. That girl.” Ethan’s voice kicked up a notch, and Thorsen could already picture the vein bulging on his friend’s forehead. “The one all this is for—and don’t go telling me it’s not about her. Does she know you’re the one who orchestrated the inn’s purchase? That you did this for her?”

  It was Thorsen’s turn to sigh. “No…she doesn’t know, and quite frankly, I don’t think she’ll be too happy about it either.”

  “Why the hell not?” Ethan was now yelling, and there was no doubt in Thorsen’s mind that the bulging vein was now throbbing. “You’ll be able to give the inn the financial backing it needs to make it a viable contender as one of the premier resorts in the country.”

  And that was exactly the problem. If he didn’t completely overhaul the inn and change it to a luxury resort, the financial projections wouldn’t add up and the board would have his head. Yet if he did change things to keep the board happy and hold onto his position within Holt, then Riley would never forgive him. Clearly, he hadn’t figured on her not wanting the types of changes he’d been thinking of, and that put one hell of a big wrench in the works.

  “It’s complicated, Ethan. But I’ll make it work, all right? Just keep me informed if anything else changes.”

  “Well, that would require you answering your phone—so let’s try that the next time around. Okay?”

  “Goodbye, Ethan.” Thorsen hung up and cursed. Damn it. He was screwed.

  Not wanting Riley to know there was anything wrong, he did his best to push aside his worries before heading back to her. “Sorry about that.”

  “Not a problem.” She looked up at him as he shifted into his seat, her gaze taking him in before she pursed her lips into a frown. “Is everything okay?” />
  “Aye, darling.” He managed a smile to keep her from worrying. “It was just my assistant checking in on a few things. Ethan doesn’t like it if he can’t get a hold of me.”

  “An assistant, huh? Nice.” She picked up an onion ring and took a bite. “So does he wrangle your spy schedule for you?”

  He had to laugh. “I’m not a spy, sweet Summer. Not even close.”

  “Hit man?”

  “Nope.”

  “Bounty hunter?”

  He shrugged with a smile. “Let’s just say I help coordinate the capture of certain criminals.”

  “With your super powers?” When she waggled an eyebrow at him, he burst out laughing.

  He put his elbows on the table and leaned forward, suddenly wanting her close. And just wanting her, period. He didn’t think he’d ever get his fill. “And what super powers would those be?”

  “After last night, I can certainly think of a few, though I’m not sure if you’d be using those particular powers to catch criminals.” A teasing smile tugged at her lips, her eyes alight with mischief. “Or maybe you are? Is that what you do, Thorsen? Seduce criminals until they’re helpless to do anything but obey your every command?”

  “Is that my super power then? Might have to double-check once I get you alone.” And at the rate they were going, he’d be lucky if they actually made it to a room before he ravaged her.

  “Then I guess I’ll have to try my best to behave—or not. Misbehaving is always a fun option, don’t you think?”

  Bloody hell. He was doomed.

  Chapter Nine

  The sun was starting to set by the time Riley pulled into Newburyport—a pretty coastal town in the northern part of Massachusetts. It was a beautiful blend of historic elements mixed with modern, all of it picture-perfect and quaint. Brick buildings and walkways, large colonial homes, cute little boutiques and restaurants, all highlighted with pops of color from the flowerboxes and hanging planters that overflowed with riots of blooms. In a way, it reminded her of Mermaid Isle, though the island was quirkier.