Harlequin E Contemporary Romance Box Set Volume 3: Falling from the SkyMaid to LoveWhen the Lights Go DownStart Me Up

by Sarina Bowen

  “What you’re saying is, in between staring at your phone waiting for him to call, you were actually working. And here I thought I knew you so well.”

  Nina rolled her shoulders. “I wasn’t waiting for him to call, I just kind of expected him to.” Especially after that kiss.

  “You could have called him.”

  “This whole thing was his idea. If he wanted to see me, he’d have called.” Or texted. Emailed. Sent up a smoke signal from Calabasas. “He’s not mooning over me so I’m focusing on my business. Simple as that.”

  “He could be just as nervous about this as you are, you know. You weren’t exactly a willing partner for either date or the red carpet.”

  Nina waved a hand at Cassidy. “Please. The man’s last girlfriend strutted catwalks for a living. He was not nervous about dating me.”

  Cassidy hesitated. “I’ve watched you downplay your physical assets since they developed in high school. I’ve seen you keep men at a distance with your intelligence, especially after the Randy fiasco. Chase didn’t strike me as only being after your body and he certainly isn’t after your business connections, so why not play this out to the fullest?”

  “Not my style.” Nina clicked open her spreadsheet but the numbers might as well have been in Sanskrit.

  “Okay, then. How many times did you bring up plotting a non-relationship cycle so you could control the situation?”

  Three times? Four? Too many, probably, but she worked better with a plan to put in motion. Flying by the seat of her pants was a wedgie waiting to happen.

  “That’s what I thought.” Cassidy tapped her fingers on the edge of Nina’s desk. “So you’re trying to keep your attraction to him at bay with plans and spreadsheets and annoying questions like, ‘what do you want out of life?’”

  She closed out of the spreadsheet, giving up on the hope that Cassidy would return to her desk. “That’s one of the most important questions on our profile sheet.”

  “But not on the first date.”

  “We’ve been out twice.”

  “Three times but that isn’t the point. That’s a post-sex question, preferably a post-six-month question.” Cassidy blew out an exasperated breath. “Remember Molly’s Golden Rule? We can know what the client thinks he wants. He can think he knows what he wants. But under no circumstances is that client to talk about long-term plans within a month of that first date.”

  “Then Molly was wrong.” Nina furrowed her brows. Molly wasn’t wrong. Nina didn’t like going into anything blind. That was the problem. She liked her spreadsheets, her question and answer sessions. Her computer programs. She trusted her hormones with Randy and look where that got her.

  Figuring out what a guy wanted without knowing what he wanted from life was…like figuring out an algebraic equation without knowing any of the variables. It made her twitchy.

  On the other hand, not knowing the variables meant she could use any variables necessary to come to the conclusion she wanted. An interesting thought.

  So, what did she want?

  Nina ran the nail of her index finger under her thumbnail and sucked her lower lip into her mouth.

  “Nina, I’m just as focused on getting the business back on track as you are. I don’t have my trust fund tied up in it, but then, I wasn’t born with a trust fund.” Cassidy reached across the desk, stilling Nina’s hands. “Your spreadsheets and plans and attention to detail are perfect for a business merger, but on the personal front, sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. Look at Molly.”

  “Molly never married.”

  “Because she was married to her business. That was what she wanted from life. Men were great to have around for a while, but Wright Attraction was it for her. She was happy. When we started at USC you had a huge smile all the time. I haven’t seen that smile in months. Not until Chase came in on Monday.”

  “He’s just…a challenge.” Not even Nina believed the lie. Cassidy raised her brows and cocked her head. “Fine, he’s gorgeous and funny and exactly the kind of guy I’ve avoided since I was old enough to date.”

  “But you know he’s nothing like that reality show wannabe.”

  “He knows how to see and be seen. I’ve never wanted that.” But she did want him.

  “A guy who only wants to see and be seen wouldn’t go to such lengths to get the paparazzi to stop following him.” Cassidy shook a piece of paper between her hands. “‘I want a man to see me. Not my father. Not my house or my car. Me.’ If that sounds familiar it should. It’s the questionnaire Molly had you fill out when we were interning.”

  “You’re not playing fair.”

  “The question is do you still want all of those things? Or do you want Molly’s life? Or your dad’s?”

  The front door opened before she could examine her emotions, which was just as well. She wasn’t quite ready to answer Cassidy’s questions, not even in her own mind.

  How the hell was she supposed to know how to answer what she wanted in her personal life when her business life was about to go up in flames? Five new clients did not a healthy bottom line make.

  The air seemed to suck out of the room when Nina turned and saw Chase. Blood rushed into her cheeks, making her feel hot even as her palms cooled, which then made her feel cold. Her toes curled against the smooth soles of her peep-toe booties. She’d worn a striped top and skinny jeans today, knowing clients wouldn’t stampede through the door, and now wished she had put on something different. Like that dress from the red carpet that made Chase’s eyes bug out of his head.

  He didn’t seem to mind her dressed down look though. Leaning against the doorjamb, folded arms over his chest, his gaze made the slow journey from the tips of her pink toes to the crown of her head. Appreciation shone in his eyes.

  “I was thinking today would be the perfect day for a picnic at the beach.”

  Chapter Seven

  “It’s October, you know, the beach is going to be cool.”

  They were speeding down the Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu, top down, and Chase was anything but cool. As soon as he’d mentioned the words “beach” and “picnic,” Cassidy made it her mission to find suitable shoes (canvas loafers from the office closet filled with items of clothing), sunscreen (her desk drawer behind a glue stick) and a floppy hat (different closet, still filled with clothes). Then she reminded Nina of her own business degree—which apparently came with phone skills—and pushed them out the door.

  Now Nina was struggling to remove the lace-up booties, and she had her left leg hiked onto the seat beside him. Sure, her legs were covered in denim but the skinny cut did fascinating things to his libido. And when she released her foot from the confines, displaying smooth skin, pretty little toes painted hot pink and a fascinating vein along the side, he had to grip the steering wheel tighter. Focus his attention completely on the road ahead.

  “We’re in the low seventies today, which will keep most people home.” And while he planned to visit a quiet beach with very little public access, the cooler temperatures should give them more privacy.

  “There’s a storm brewing.”

  “Won’t be here for hours.”

  He parked the Vette beneath the branches of a coastal live oak and hurried around the car to open Nina’s door. “There is a little trail over the bluff to the beach.”

  Nina raised an eyebrow. “Another local favorite?”

  Chase chuckled and began closing the convertible top. “Not quite.” He pointed over his shoulder to the peaks of a home hidden down the road behind them. “My parents’ estate and private beach. No locals allowed.”

  Nina’s eyes widened. “You brought me to your parents’ home?”

  “To their beach, a place they rarely visit outside the usual summer holidays. Don’t worry, no more lying to family members.” The words didn’t relax her. Nina’s gaze darted over his shoulder, as if she worried one or the other of his parents might appear at any moment. Like they were teenagers waiting to get bust
ed sneaking out of the house at two in the morning. “They’re in the Caribbean at the moment, so you’re perfectly safe,” he lied. Although it was highly unlikely they were in residence; once Labor Day hit his parents went back to their Beverly Hills mansion. His father was probably in Studio City working on a show, his mother at her law office. And with Lily and Nate sailing to Catalina, that left the beach to him.

  Finally she took a deep breath and nodded. “Sorry, I know it’s silly. I’m just not good at the lying thing.”

  “You did fine Monday night. And I haven’t seen a quote yet telling the world we’re faking this whole thing.”

  “That’s because I’ve been avoiding phone calls.” She worried her fingers, lacing them together and then separating them. He watched her twiddle her thumbs and then flick them against the pads of her fingers. All the while she seemed to be trying not to be obvious that she was already on the alert for interlopers.

  Chase popped the trunk and handed the picnic basket to Nina since she seemed to need something to do with her hands. He slung a small wine cooler over his shoulder and took a blanket from the trunk before snapping it closed again.

  They fell into step on the boardwalk leading to the sand.

  “What do you mean private? California doesn’t have private beaches.”

  “True, once you’re on the wet sand. The property backs up to a small area that doesn’t have a public access point. So, to get to the wet sand a photographer would have to access a half mile or so down the road and hoof it.” They topped the rise and started down the steps. “I’m not saying it can’t be done, but very few have tried.”

  Nina whistled behind him. Waves crashed against the sand. Down the beach a lone jogger ran with a big dog but otherwise they were alone. In the distance gray skies met dark water, but so far the breeze was gentle and the crashing surf controlled. “It’s beautiful.”

  Chase toed off his shoes, leaving them on the edge of the boardwalk, and then began laying out the supplies. Nina followed suit and joined him on the blanket a few yards away.

  “I always wanted a house in Malibu, but my parents hate the beach. Or maybe it’s just my father.” Nina plucked some grapes from the container and then added pita chips and cheese to her plate while Chase poured the wine. “Too many nature-loving liberals in Malibu, he always said.”

  “Your father sounds very interesting.”

  “He’s okay. Overprotective and always convinced his way is the right way. But okay.”

  “Sounds a lot like mine. Supportive but only after passing judgment.”

  “Exactly.” She popped a grape into her mouth and sighed. “I love grapes.”

  “Nice conversation change.”

  Nina laughed. “Complaining about parents is just too high school, don’t you think?”

  They fell into a companionable silence as they ate and watched the waves. Chase found his gaze traveling to Nina’s side of the blanket as the meal went on, but she seemed oblivious to him. Sitting with her legs curled under her, she was intent on the water line. As if he wasn’t there.

  Nina leaned on one hand while she sipped the wine. She closed her eyes as if savoring the play of wine, cheese, salty chips and sweet grapes on her tongue. Chase pushed his plate away and gave in to watching her. She lifted her face to the sky as a ray of sunlight broke through the cloud cover, letting her rich black hair cascade nearly to the sand. Barely a half hour had passed since they arrived and the sun had only been out a few minutes but already it was caressing her cheeks. That kissable neck.

  She straightened her legs, stretching out over the blanket to wiggle her feet in the sand.

  “I’ll bet the water’s still warm.” Her voice was dreamy and she swirled the wine in her glass as she stared out to sea.

  “Doubtful. But we could try it out if you like.” His voice was husky but she didn’t seem to notice.

  “Maybe.” Nina finished the wine and set the glass aside. Her plate followed and she stretched both arms behind her to recline while her pretty pink toes played in the sand. Chase reached for her hand. “Did Jillian try to make up with you yet?”

  The question stopped him cold. Jillian.

  “She hasn’t.” Or at least he didn’t think she had. The truth was he didn’t care. Chase swallowed. He dug his fingers into the cool sand. “For the past three days I’ve been stalking my own email and phone, but it wasn’t to catch a call or text from Jillian. I wanted to hear from you.” Nina’s eyes widened in surprise and her mouth fell into an O shape.

  “I—”

  “The truth is I was never in love with her. I’ve never let myself love anyone.”

  The air between them seemed to sizzle with anticipation. Nina’s tongue licked over her lips. Chase leaned forward but before he could press his lips to hers for a repeat of their first kiss, Nina leapt to her feet.

  “I think I’ll just go see how warm the water is.” She hurried toward the surf.

  Chase watched her walk away for a second and then he was hot on her heels. She wanted him. He wanted her. Hadn’t he said as much ten seconds ago?

  Nina splashed into the cold water and squealed. “You were so not kidding about the cold water. How do surfers do this?”

  “Wet suits. Why are you running away from me?”

  “I’m not running.” She shook her head. “I just don’t think this is the road we should go down. We have a plan. You want Jillian back—”

  “I just told you I didn’t.”

  She talked over him. “I need to have my company associated with positive images, not the madam innuendo. This works as two friends doing one another a favor. We shouldn’t mess with the dynamic.”

  “We messed with the dynamic as soon as I kissed you and you kissed me back. And we’re not friends.”

  Her eyes widened, the pupils dilated to almost black.

  “What we are,” Chase continued, “is so much more complicated than friends. I like you. I’m attracted to you.” He stepped closer to her, tracing his fingers along her hairline. Nina shivered, but not from the cold water this time. “I’d like to lay you down in the surf right now and perform a cover of Chris Isaaks’s ‘Wicked Game.’”

  Nina swallowed and Chase’s gaze was drawn to the delicate curve of her neck. He noticed the take-me look in her eyes. The hands clenching and unclenching at her sides.

  “I’ve never allowed myself to love anyone because love killed my godfather. He fell for the wrong woman and it killed him. Jillian was easy to have around. She didn’t challenge me and I liked it that way.” Nina took a step back, wincing at the chilly water. Chase followed and ignored the cold sting of the surf. “You challenge me, and it’s freaking me out. But I want to have conversations with you. I want to find out-of-the-way restaurants and beaches with you. I want to hear you laugh and listen to your business plans and do absolutely nothing with you. And I’d really like to get you out of the cold surf and—”

  The skies opened, cutting him off. Cold rain pounded down on the sand, drenching them both in an instant. Chase grabbed Nina’s hand and started for the picnic supplies. They tossed everything into the basket and ran for the boardwalk. Laughing, Nina slid over a few planks, caught her balance and let him lead her past the car and up the path to the family estate. Chase found the hide-a-key and opened the back door.

  Rain and wet sand puddled around them on the tile floor. He put the picnic basket and wet blanket on top of the washing machine but before he could lay open his heart any more, Nina put her hands on his shoulders, turned him around and kissed him.

  Chase dove into the kiss, determined to show Nina the explosiveness of their chemistry. But she didn’t need instruction. Nina twisted her hands in his tee, pulling him closer until he could feel her heat through the layers of clothes. Her lips burned against his, her tongue teased and tortured as it danced along the seam of his mouth.

  Her hands loosened from his shirt to glide over his pecs and shoulders to play with the hair at the back of his neck.
Chase decided he’d had enough of her leading. He didn’t want slow and he didn’t want sweet.

  He dug his hands into her hair, angling her head up so he had better access to that sweet mouth. Where Nina’s tongue played along his lips, his tongue delved inside on an exploratory mission. To taste. To feel.

  To burn.

  She mewed and opened more for him. Nina’s arms crossed over his shoulders as she slid her body up, up, up until her breasts were on par with his chest. She wrapped her legs around his waist as if she might melt right into him. The move was his undoing.

  Chase turned, pushing her back against the wall. He held her head immobile so he could see her clearly. Pupils dilated. Nostrils flaring. That sweet tongue flicked out again, inviting him closer. The pulse in her throat beat madly against her skin. This was what he wanted.

  The passion and fire.

  The conversation and fun.

  He wanted it all.

  “I see you,” he panted. “You started me up that first day and now I can’t stop. It’s you, Nina. Not our plan. Not the headlines and not the ex. It’s you.”

  She nodded, a slight move he’d have missed if his body wasn’t so attuned to her at that moment. “And it’s you,” she whispered and his heart gave a little jolt. Her voice grew stronger. “It isn’t your notoriety or the plan because that was out the window before I hit the red carpet. It’s the way you bought the Corvette, how you’ve approached your business. How you are with your sister and Nate.”

  “I don’t know where this is going.” He nibbled along her jaw and she shivered. He moved her hips against his in invitation and when he kept a little distance between their bodies she reached between them to caress her hand over the front of his jeans. Chase clenched his jaw to keep from exploding then and there.

  “Me, either.” Her fingers danced lightly along his jeans, teasing the skin just above the snap and then nearly killing him when she cupped her whole hand around his denim-clad erection. “But I do think we should take it out of the laundry room.”

  “Oh, but I’ve heard washing machines do amazing things to the sexual appetite.”