by Pamela Yaye
“Can someone please tell me what’s going on?” Robyn asked, trying not to let her nervousness show despite the quiver in her voice. Seeing Sean unnerved her, left her feeling scared and confused. Her thoughts were scattered all over the map. Sean’s strong, citrus cologne tickled her nose, as well as the space between her legs. Robyn told herself to quit staring at him, but she couldn’t help herself. Sean looked all kinds of sexy in his baby-blue shirt, tan shorts and leather sandals, and if that wasn’t bad enough, masculinity and sensuality oozed from his pores. Her hands itched to touch him, to stoke his fine, fit physique, so she buried them in her lap and stayed put on the couch. “Sean, what are you doing here?”
“Shortly after you called and canceled our plans, Enrique phoned to discuss the menu for his birthday party, and we got to talking.” His expression darkened, and he folded his arms rigidly across his chest. “When Enrique told me about your three o’clock meeting, I hopped on the next flight, and here I am.”
Robyn hung her head, slid down farther in her seat. Feeling guilty, like a criminal on top of the FBI’s Most Wanted list, she swallowed hard and wiped her damp palms along the side of her white pencil skirt.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but we need to finalize the plans for my birthday bash,” Enrique said, glancing discreetly at his Rolex watch. “It’s all decided then. Robyn, you’ll plan the event, and Sean and his staff at the SP Grill will do all the cooking. We’ll have it here, at my villa, so you’ll need to order dozens of tents, tables and—”
Robyn stopped him. “I thought you were having your birthday bash at the Belleza Resort.”
“And I thought Sean was still the executive chef at The Pearl.” His gaze was strong, and his anger evident. “You and Kim lied to me, and that’s not cool, but since Sean assures me you’re the best event planner in the business, I’m going to let it slide this one time.”
“You’re right,” Robyn replied. “I was wrong, and I’m sorry, but I can’t plan your party. You’ll have to find someone else because I only do business on behalf of the Belleza Resort.”
Enrique’s eyebrows drew together as if he didn’t understand. “I’ll give you a hefty signing bonus and personally introduce you to my celebrity friends during the party. How does that sound?”
“I can’t.” Robyn smiled to prove there were no hard feelings. Enrique obviously wasn’t used to hearing the word no, but it didn’t matter how much money he threw at her, she wasn’t turning her back on Kim or the Belleza Resort. “It was great seeing you again, Enrique. Thank you for your hospitality and for welcoming me into your lovely home.”
Enrique and Sean exchanged a bewildered look.
“How much will it take to change your mind?” Enrique asked. “Five grand? Ten?”
“My loyalty isn’t for sale. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a flight to catch.” Robyn stood, grabbed her purse, and exited the living room with her head held high. She didn’t remember how to get back to the foyer, but she marched briskly down the hall as if she knew where she was going. Robyn had to get the hell away from Sean, and the quicker the better.
Needing a moment to catch her breath and gather her thoughts, Robyn ducked into the bathroom she saw at the end of the hallway. Like the rest of the villa the space was lavish, with marble sinks and the largest bathtub Robyn had ever seen.
Pacing, her heart pounding out of control, she replayed her meeting with Enrique in her head. Damn Sean. Why couldn’t he have just stayed in LA, where he belonged? Why did he have to come to Guadalajara and ruin everything?
You’re wrong for lying to him, said that inner voice she wished she could silence.
But that doesn’t give him the right to stick his nose in my business.
Robyn inhaled deeply, allowed the lavender scent in the air to calm her down. Realizing she couldn’t spend the rest of the day holed up in the bathroom, she grabbed her purse and yanked open the door. Robyn was shocked to see Sean standing in the hallway. Rather than show her trepidation, she hitched a hand to her hip. “What do you want?”
“You.” He captured her around the waist and crushed his lips to her mouth with a savage intensity.
In a blink, Robyn was back inside the bathroom, flat against the closed door, kissing him back with everything she had. He tasted great, like fine wine, and teased her tongue with the tip of his own. His hands were under her skirt, squeezing her ass, stroking her thighs, and everything about the kiss was sensuous, hot and erotically charged.
Robyn wanted to push Sean away, wanted to yell at him for disrespecting her in front of a potential client, but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth. The truth was she wanted him, craved him, needed him like her next breath. She was filled with an intoxicating blend of hunger, and lust and knew there was no turning back when Sean yanked down her panties and rubbed his erection against her sex. He tickled her curls, then slid a finger between her legs. His pace was so fast and furious Robyn couldn’t catch her breath. But first she had to apologize to Sean.
“I’m sorry I lied to you,” she said, panting her words. “It was wrong.”
“You’re damn right it was. What were you thinking?”
“I didn’t want you to be mad at me.”
“Don’t you ever lie to me again,” he growled, his gaze locked in on her face. “We’ll never have a healthy relationship if you keep secrets from me, Robyn. I always want you to be straight-up and honest with me, no matter what. Understood?”
Robyn nodded, almost wept tears of joy when his mouth reclaimed hers. Did it ever taste good. Better than chocolate. Sweeter, too. He stroked her arms and hips, excited her with each urgent caress.
“I don’t believe in playing games,” Sean said, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Either you want to be with me, or you don’t. It’s your choice, and if you decide I’m not the right man for you, I’ll walk out that door and out of your life forever.”
His words were shocking, a painful blow. Not seeing him for the past eight months had been agonizing, and not a day went by that Robyn didn’t think about him or long to be with him. “I want you, Sean, but we can’t do this. Not here,” she said. “What if Enrique hears us? I’d never be able to look him in the eye again.”
“He won’t,” Sean promised, massaging her breasts. “The game’s on, and he’s the biggest Real Madrid fan ever, so there’s no way in hell he’s looking for us.”
Ignoring her doubts and the voice inside her head screaming at her to stop, Robyn unbuttoned his shorts, yanked down the zipper and slid a hand inside his boxer briefs. And there it was. His erection. Long, thick and standing attention to greet her. She hungrily licked her lips.
Robyn recognized what she was doing was reckless and irresponsible, but she wanted Sean, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. She needed Sean the way she needed sustenance. She kissed him ferociously, as if she was starving and he was lunch. And he was, without a doubt, the best thing she’d ever tasted. They hadn’t made love in days, and Robyn didn’t think she could survive another minute without him.
Hopping up on the counter, she pulled him to her and clamped her legs possessively around his waist. Seconds later, he was inside her, thrusting and pumping his hips. Feeling him between her legs, moving sensually against her was the greatest feeling in the world. They weren’t making love, they were having sex, and Robyn loved every minute of it. It was the first time she’d had sex without her mind and heart getting in the way. And it was incredible.
Robyn loved his technique, couldn’t get enough of him, wanted and needed more. She bucked hard against him, rotated her hips. Moans escaped from her mouth, ricocheted around the bathroom walls. Out of her mind with desire, she clawed at his back, dug her fingernails into his shoulders, gripped his ass, pulling him closer, deeper inside her.
Robyn felt out of it, at a complete loss of
control, and buried her face in his chest to stifle her screams. It was in that moment, making love to Sean, that Robyn realized the truth: this was about more than just sex. She loved him, mind, body and soul, with every fiber of her being. Just then the climax slammed into her, and she cried out, a groan that exploded out of her mouth. She rode it until spent.
“I hope we’re making love like that in twenty years, because that was incredible.”
Stunned by his words, she raised her head and met his gaze. You want a future with me?
“Baby, are you okay?”
“Of course,” she said with a dreamy smile. Her heart was overcome with love, full of joy, but she kept her feelings to herself. Robyn didn’t want to scare him off or ruin the moment by getting emotional. “Sean, that was amazing. I haven’t felt this good in years.”
“Way to stroke a guy’s ego. That’s just what I wanted to hear.”
Laughing, they shared a kiss and held each other tight.
* * *
“I’d better get up and pull myself together. My flight’s at eight o’clock, and I can’t afford to miss it.” Robyn stood, gripped the counter to steady her balance and faced the mirror. At the sight of her disheveled reflection, her eyes widened in alarm. “Goodness gracious. I look a mess!”
“That’s impossible. You can never look anything but beautiful.”
Robyn fixed her business suit and smoothed her hands over her tangled, tousled hair.
“This is turning out to be one hell of a day,” Sean said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “Flying to Guadalajara was the best decision I ever made.”
Turning toward him, Robyn tasted his lips, tried to communicate everything that was in her heart through her deep, passionate kiss. “Sorry again for canceling on you, but Kim sprang this trip on me at the last minute, and I couldn’t say no.”
“Why is that? You have no problem saying no to me, and I’m supposed to be your man.”
He spoke in a quiet voice, a tone Robyn had never heard him use before, and for some strange reason, she felt guilty, as if she’d done something wrong. She’d apologized, and they’d had a hot, explosive quickie, but something was definitely bothering him. The truth came to her, caused her mouth to dry and her heartbeat to speed up. They’d had unprotected sex—something Robyn had never done before. Was Sean thinking about the consequences of their impulsive actions? To put his fears to rest, Robyn told him, “I’m on the pill, Sean. Don’t worry. I won’t get pregnant.”
A grin came to his lips. “Who’s worried? I’d love to get married and start a family.”
You would? Seriously? For real?
“Baby, I love you,” he whispered, taking her in his arms. He held her close, right up to his chest. “And I couldn’t imagine anything better than having a life with you.”
Robyn was speechless, couldn’t do anything but stare at Sean. She wanted to return the sentiment, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. Not because she didn’t share his feelings, but because the first and only time she’d said “I love you,” she’d had her heart broken. And if Sean hurt her the way her college sweetheart had, Robyn knew she’d never be able to recover.
Chapter 13
“What do you want to do tonight?” Sean asked, resting his water glass on the patio table. “Hang out at the Santa Monica Pier or go dancing at Lure?”
“Neither.” Robyn kicked off her high-heeled white sandals and joined Sean on the wicker sofa overlooking the infinity pool. She loved the LA nightlife and enjoyed getting dolled up for a night out on the town, but she didn’t want to compete with Hollywood starlets for his attention. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay here with you at your house and watch the sunset.”
“And have homemade brownies, right?”
“You know it,” Robyn said with a laugh. “What can I say? I love good food.”
“Isn’t that the truth? I still can’t believe you ate two entrées at La Tequila last night.”
“That’s what you get for making me miss lunch.”
Yesterday, after leaving Enrique’s villa, they’d headed for the city center and spent the rest of the day hanging out in downtown Guadalajara. They’d taken a two-hour sightseeing tour, then strolled hand in hand through the market, snapping pictures, buying souvenirs and sampling the local cuisine. They’d shared kisses and confidences and laughs as they’d wandered from one noisy booth to the next.
Hours later, they’d had dinner at the best Mexican restaurant in the country. As Robyn was eating, she’d spotted a mariachi band enter the dining room and had been shocked when the group stopped at her table. Dressed in traditional clothes, they’d sung with excitement and strummed their instruments with dramatic flair. They’d added her name to their songs and gazed at her longingly as if they were overcome with love. Their performance had been loud and over-the-top, but Robyn had loved every raucous minute of it.
They’d returned to LA that morning, having changed her scheduled flight, but instead of returning to the resort, Robyn had gone home with Sean. From his Jaguar, she’d called and touched base with Kim. Kim was disappointed they’d lost the Salazar contract, but she’d thanked Robyn for her efforts. She’d asked Kim for another day off, and thankfully she’d agreed. Robyn had also had a lengthy conversation with Charlene about the Rabinowitz anniversary party on Saturday night. Everything was coming together perfectly, just as she’d envisioned, and Robyn was glad she could count on Charlene to keep on top of things in her absence.
“I love being out here. It’s so peaceful and relaxing.”
“Me, too,” Robyn said, admiring the breathtaking view. “I’m having a great time.”
“Of course you are. You’re with me.”
He kissed her, and she melted into his arms. Tilting her head to the right, she leaned into him, lovingly caressed his face. His hands were on her, too, stroking her shoulders and hips, grabbing her behind. Warmth flushed her skin, and shivers danced down her spine.
Robyn felt dizzy, out of it, as if her mind was no longer connected to her body. She ached for his touch, could almost feel him between her legs and “accidently” brushed her fingers against his groin. Yup, just as she thought: his erection was rock hard and standing at attention. “Someone’s happy to see me,” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
“Woman, you better slow your roll before I strip you naked and do you right here.”
Robyn giggled and snuggled against him. They’d cooked dinner in his kitchen, eaten by candlelight, then grabbed a bottle of wine and retired to the patio. It was a gorgeous night, breezy and warm, and the sky was painted a magnificent shade of pink. Lights twinkled in the distance, made Tinsel Town look as beautiful as a postcard.
Resting her head on his chest, she closed her eyes and inhaled his spicy aftershave. The last twenty-four hours had been incredible, the most fun she’d had in years, and Robyn didn’t want their time together to end. Sean had a way of making her forget everything, and for the first time in her life, she was doing just that, living in the moment with the man she loved.
The word reverberated around her mind, echoed through the four chambers of her heart. It was true. Robyn adored Sean, loved everything about him. Raising her eyes to his face, she returned his smile. God, I love when he holds me like this. There’s no greater feeling in the world.
Robyn thought about their relationship, reflected on how close they’d become in the past weeks, how tight their bond was. He treated her like a queen, as if she was all that mattered, and he was always doing things to make her smile. That alone made him stand out from every other guy she’d met in the past. Robyn could count on one hand how many dates she’d been on since moving to the Belleza, and no one could compete with Sean. His parents had obviously raised him right, because he was a gentleman in every sense of
the word, and the most thoughtful, compassionate man she’d ever met.
“I’m making you dinner before Ryan’s show on Sunday night, so meet me at the restaurant at six o’clock.” A grin brightened his eyes. “And don’t be late, because I have a special surprise for you.”
“Sean, I can’t go with you to the show.”
“Why? Because you’re scared of someone seeing us together?”
Robyn gulped a breath of fresh air. He knew how she felt and why. But tonight she didn’t want to argue with Sean, not after the romantic, candlelit dinner they’d had. She made up her mind to keep the peace, no matter what.
“I’m tired of sneaking around.” His eyes darkened, and his lips curled into a sneer. “Are we ever going to date like other couples, or is this as good as it gets?”
To lighten the mood, Robyn flashed a cheeky smile. “We’re just having fun, remember?”
“Fun?” Sean repeated, wrinkling his nose. “Naw, baby, I’m in this for the long haul.”
Robyn parted her lips but tripped over her tongue when she tried to speak.
“What do I have to do to prove my love to you?” He leaned back in his chair and stroked the length of his jaw. “Do you want to elope? Would that put your doubts to rest once and for all if we tied the knot in Las Vegas?”
“That’s crazy. We’d probably be divorced within the year.”
Sean cocked his head to the left, stared at her so intently her skin flushed with heat.
“Is this about your parents?”
Robyn’s smile vanished, and her eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?”
“Just because your parents divorced doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful marriage.”
“My reluctance to settle down has nothing to do with my parents and everything to do with my horrible track record with men, starting with my college sweetheart,” she blurted out.
“Did he break your heart?”
Over and over and over again, but who’s counting?
