River Jewel Resort Box Set Books 1-4 BOOK BUNDLE

by Madison Sevier

  “Damn.” He needed to stop thinking about her. She’d left him twenty years ago without turning back. Why was he trapped in this never ending, perpetual mental prison?

  “Let’s just live in the moment. Names aren’t important. We’re meant to be. That’s all that matters.”

  Her blue eyes danced with amusement and mischief as she tossed back her long, blonde hair and laughed. The sound of her voice rolled over him like warm sunshine and Kevin, never a big fan of rules or social etiquette, embraced the chance to be with the gorgeous young woman.

  Did he regret it? Sometimes, but only when the memories became too hard for him to bear. Only when he looked at the ruby-red rose tattoo he’d gotten on his chest above his heart to remind him of their time together, did he realize what a stupid idea it had been. What kind of man tattooed a rose on his chest? Why hadn’t he chosen a knife or a skull or something badass?

  Still, Kevin craved the honey-sweet taste of her skin, the way her eyes seemed to sparkle with magic and delight as they’d danced on the beach, the way she sighed, her scarlet lips slightly parted as she was about to climax when they’d made love. In the past two decades, no other woman had compared to her. He knew no one ever could.

  “For tonight, I’ll call you mine.” He smoothed her hair back behind, careful not to disturb the small rose she’d worn in her light blonde hair, as she clung to him in the warm ocean water. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she laced her fingers behind his neck. Drawn together like forces of nature, their tongues danced, their bodies rocked in unison, moving in rhythm with the salty waves that crashed against them.

  They’d made love off and on for hours in various places and positions before she’d left him, each had made a promise to meet the next day. Promises that were broken and he’d been left with a large, aching, black hole in his heart. Had something horrible happened? Had she changed her mind? Did he say something wrong? Why had she left? She surely would’ve called if she could.

  Though he’d only known her a short time, Kevin thought she’d been honest. He’d felt it, hadn’t he? Shortly thereafter, the anger of her betrayal, her lies, set in. Sadness followed and self-doubt reared its ugly head more times than not over the years. She’d left him before there’d been a chance for them to have a real beginning. He was haunted by the constant, annoying voice that whispered “You weren’t good enough for her. How could you believe she’d ever want you?” Yet, he knew he’d never give up looking for her.

  For years, he’d searched the country for her and after his mother died, he invested the inheritance she’d left for him. Garnering big gains, Kevin realized he could live off of the interest for the rest of his life without ever worrying about money again and growing up in a well-to-do, but humble household, he knew he should use the money to help others.

  His grandfather, the man who’d been there for him more than his own father had, was a veteran of the Korean War and after his return to the U.S., he’d been treated like a pariah. Given nothing more than a cheap piece of metal for serving his country, Phillip Sunman never said a word about how hurt and betrayed he’d felt, but Kevin could see the sadness in his grandfather’s eyes whenever he’d recounted the story of his return from the war and it tore him up inside to see his grandfather is so much pain.

  With his grandfather as an inspiration, Kevin sought out other veterans, eager to hear their stories. He soon realized that it hadn’t only been his grandfather who had been forgotten, but all generations of servicemen and women had suffered through maltreatment. In some way, each former soldier he spoke with felt as though they’d been discarded as used goods by the same country they’d voluntarily given their lives to defend.

  Kevin then used a sizable chunk to fund a local veterans’ charity in his grandfather’s name. Sunman’s Soldiers provided medical treatments, housing, furniture, food, counseling and clothing for military veterans and their families in need. Each case was different, but Kevin did whatever he could to make sure that everyone who came through the door or called his office was taken care of. Over the years, he’d paid for more funerals than he could count. But those soldiers were buried with dignity and were given a proper ceremony.

  Those men and women deserved so much more and if it were up to him, he’d rewrite history for them. Of course, that wasn’t possible, so Sunman’s Soldiers did all that they could to let those people know how much their service was appreciated. Sometimes, that was all they needed to hear. They just wanted to be appreciated and loved. He worked night and day for years before realizing that he needed those same things.

  Five years ago, weary of paying detectives and supposed computer geniuses who’d come to him empty-handed with claims that his mystery woman didn’t even exist, Kevin worked with a famous chrome shop and bike dealer to design a custom chopper before hitting the road, intent on finding the woman who virtually disappeared and made him question his sanity for far too long. If there were answers to find, he’d get to the bottom of it himself.

  Sadly, he was now at the end of his rope. He knew he’d never find her and the women he’d bedded over the years were sad stand-ins for the woman he loved and needed. Any sexual encounters were out of pure necessity, simply a way to feel and release the weight he carried inside of him. They meant nothing. The only thing in his life that felt right was the leather, saddle seat that pressed against his thighs as his motorcycle purred beneath him.

  Turning right after crossing the Kentuckiana Bridge, he cruised along the Ohio River Byway, passing through town after small town. He’d been on the road since six in the morning and the sight before him was just what he needed. There, against the setting sun, stood the most incredible building. Mirrored windows appeared to be floor-to-ceiling, reflecting the Ohio River and the massive exterior seemed to absorb the colors of the sunset, giving it an inviting, comforting glow. If there were a place that reminded him of Heaven, the gorgeous site before him would be it. He downshifted as he drew closer, flipping on his turn signal, he waited for the passing cars to go by before aiming his bike onto a driveway that was lined with large concrete pillars and a brass plaque adorned a monstrous, wrought-iron gate.

  “River Jewel Resort.”

  Stopping, he planted his feet on either side of the motorcycle, his heavy leather boots leaving deep imprints in the pea gravel driveway. He gazed up at the mammoth building and pondered whether they’d even let him inside. Normally, he avoided places like this one, stuffy and catering to the well-to-do. Despite being loaded, Kevin had never cared for opulence. However, this time, he was fucking tired and he just needed a room with a bed.

  Kevin, in inexpensive jeans which were clean but with a few holes from wear and his navy blue, sleeveless T-shirt that exposed his well-defined, tanned arms, knew that most people looked at him, seeing only the stereotypical biker. For the most part, he didn’t care and if he were being honest, it actually helped that people didn’t know how wealthy he was. His money was meant to help people who needed it and he didn’t need every Tom, Dick and Harry coming up to him with their hand out looking for a free ride. So, being free, out on the open road with none of the material things that most folks clamored for, was exactly how he wanted to live. If only he had the woman of his dreams to share his life with. For her, he’d do and become anything, anyone she wanted. Until then, he’d live his life by his own rules.

  “What the hell. Might as well walk up in there like I own it.”

  Putting the chopper in gear, he placed his feet on the front pegs and rode up to the entrance where he was greeted by a short, foreign man. Turning off the engine, Kevin used his heel to lower the kickstand, making sure his bike was steady before standing and lifting his right leg over top of the bike. After removing his leather gloves, he held his hand out to shake hands with the guy standing in front of him.

  “Welcome to the River Jewel Resort, Sir. My name is Javier. Would you like me to park your… ride?”

  Kevin had to suppress a smirk as the man was clearly
not going to be able to park his cycle for him. It was quite obvious that Javier, not exactly what one would call a powerhouse, wouldn’t even be able to lift the kickstand.

  “No,” he smiled as he removed his black rimmed riding glasses. “I’ll see if there are any vacancies and then, I’ll come back out and park it. She’s awfully…temperamental.” Kevin didn’t want to offend the little guy by saying his bike was heavy, insulting his size and ability. He knew he could be a jerk, but these days, he only acted out when provoked. For the most part, Kevin was as easy-going as they came.

  “As you wish, Sir.” Eager to please, his dark brown eyes full of sincerity. “When you’re finished making arrangements, you can park your cycle over there.” With his eyes, Kevin followed the direction Javier pointed in, surprised at the rather large garage he hadn’t noticed before. “And may I say that you have an exquisite machine, Sir.” Javier proceeded to make revving motions with his hands and murmured “Vroom, vroom.”

  Laughing at the site of Javier mock-riding a motorcycle in his burgundy waist-length jacket, black trousers with creases that could slice a throat, expensive, black shoes and a crisp, white tuxedo shirt complete with black cumberbund and bowtie, Kevin shook Javier’s hand again, “Thanks, man.”

  Kevin approached the gold-trimmed doors and as they opened he walked into the type of place he’d always tried to avoid. “Here goes nothin’.”

  “Welcome to the River Jewel Resort,” a perky, blonde woman chirped as he strode into the lobby.

  “Good evening. I’d like a room please.”

  “Of course. We’ve been expecting you” she smiled.

  “Oh? You,” he pointed a long, tanned finger, “have been expecting me? Sweetheart, I doubt it. I’m far from anything you’ve ever expected.” Kevin grinned at her.

  “Well, my name is Maria and I’ll be happy to help you with your accommodations. Will you be staying long, Mr. Sunman?”

  “No. And how do you know my name?” Taken aback by the thin bombshell of a woman, he placed his hands on top of the oak reservation desk and raised one dark eyebrow as he waited for an explanation.

  “I could’ve sworn you’d told me. Have you been in the news or something? I’ll bet I’ve seen you on TV or in the paper.”

  Maria seemed to backpedal and she was clearly uncomfortable. “I haven’t been a topic of conversation for some time, but, yes, I’ve been in the paper before.”

  “There you have it. I have a photographic memory. I remember the silliest things. For example, I remember how many petals were on a daisy that little Billy Johnson gave me in fourth grade. And once, I…”

  “Okay, okay.” Kevin held his hands up in surrender. She was definitely a chatty thing. “I believe you. No need to explain.” He wasn’t sure he truly believed her, but what other explanation could there be? He was exhausted and frankly, he just didn’t care.

  “Right. Sorry. Here’s your key card. Just hop on the elevator and head to the third floor. Your room is the first on the right. I’ll have the bellman bring up your bags.”

  “Thanks.” He reached into his back pocket, pulling out a black, leather wallet and opened it to remove his credit card.

  “Mr. Sunman, you’re payment will be arranged at another time. We do our best to just get our guests settled in. Worrying about payment isn’t our top priority.”

  “But I have money.”

  “I’m sure you do, Sir.”

  “I’m not a charity case. Are you assuming I can’t pay because of the way I’m dressed?”

  “No, Sir. Not at all. I’m explaining our policy. We strive to make our guests comfortable first and later on, payment is arranged. Our goal is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Plus, if you don’t like your accommodations after you’ve already paid, we have to go in and handle the refund. Sometimes it becomes such a mess. If the credit card company is slow, it could take days for your refund to be returned.”

  Man the woman could talk. Maria was a rambler. He couldn’t imagine that was good for business. But as he looked around, she babbled on and on and Kevin surmised the surroundings indicated exactly the opposite. Whoever owned the place was definitely well off. Maybe he made her uncomfortable? Regardless, she was definitely a looker, so that helped. He was sure Maria made a lot of customers happy. However, Kevin wasn’t a chatty kind of guy and the banter was getting to be a bit irritating.

  “All right. I understand. I’ll arrange payment later. As for my bags, I don’t have much. I’ll grab my duffle when I go out to park my bike. Thank you, Maria.” Though he didn’t feel like it, he smiled and remained as polite as he could.

  “Thank you, Mr. Sunman. Enjoy your stay.”

  He watched as Maria hurried off into an office behind the desk. Wow! That woman had energy like that rabbit on TV. He could just imagine her running around banging a big pink drum when no one was around. He let out a long, slow whistle and exited the lobby.

  After parking his bike in the temperature controlled, hundred-bay garage, Kevin returned to the lobby just in time to see Maria getting off of the elevator.

  “Oh, Mr. Sunman? I forgot to tell you that our resort is twenty-four hour. No matter the time of day or night, whatever you need, just ask and you shall receive. In fact, we have everything…”

  Kevin slung his duffle over his left shoulder and raised his eyebrows, listening as she went on about their services. Too tired to pay attention, he zoned out a bit and only came back to her melodic-if-hyper voice when she asked “Are you all right, Mr. Sunman?”

  “Yes, yes. I’m just exhausted. I appreciate your thorough explanation of all things River Jewel, but honestly, right now I need a hot shower and a bed. That’s all.”

  “Of course. I’m so sorry for keeping you. I’m not normally like this. You know,” she waved her hands and wiggled her fingers, “all manic and babbly. My sincere apologies. Again, please enjoy your stay.” Maria scurried off again, her heels tapping out a steady, rapid staccato across the marble floor.

  “Wow. That really just happened.”

  Maria reminded him of a really hyper puppy; eager to please and skittish with strangers. Somehow, he’d forgotten how energetic twenty-something-year-olds could be. Of course, she could be older but Kevin was pretty good at estimating the age of most of the women he met. There’d been countless times when a seemingly, legal-aged woman had approached him and if he’d let his dick override his brain, he might’ve ended up in trouble if his ‘jail-bait’ alarm hadn’t gone off. He widened his eyes as the elevators doors opened once again and he stepped onto the elevator, coming face-to-face with yet another over-the-top enthusiastic employee of the River Jewel and braced himself for another unwanted conversation with another stranger.

  “Good evening, Mr. Sunman. Can I carry your bag for you?” The six foot tall man smiled ear-to-ear, reaching with a white glove-covered hand for Kevin’s bag.

  Kevin must’ve given him the look of clear annoyance because the bellman seemed to shrink into himself instantly. How did all of these people know his name? He hadn’t been in a newspaper for over four years, not since a few months after he’d opened the charity. And why were they so eager to help some stranger? Didn’t they see how he was dressed? Anywhere else in the world, people would avoid him. Not here though. Instead, it was like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory had transformed into a large hotel and it was being run by Oompa-Loompas who were disguised as normal human beings. The River Jewel had to be the friendliest hotel in the country. Or the weirdest. Maybe both.

  With a long sigh, “No, I’ll get it. Thanks.”

  “My pleasure. Ah, here we are. Have a great stay.”

  “As long as there’s a bed, I’m good.”

  The mirrored elevator doors slid open and Kevin stepped out of the car onto the thickest carpet he’d ever set foot on. Generally, he wasn’t a big fan of carpet. He hated the fact that he knew how many allergens like dirt, pollen and mites could become trapped within the fibers and if he thought ab
out it too long, he’d get freaked out, imagining all sorts of disgusting, invisible parasites and bugs crawling all over his body. Thankfully, this carpet appeared to be fairly new.

  “Let’s hope it’s brand new.” Mumbling to himself about figments of his imagination, he slid the key card into the electronic reader of his suite door and pushed it open when he was given the green light.

  Instantly, he was taken aback at the décor. Surrounding him was everything a man could ever hope to have in a place of his own. He was fairly sure there wasn’t another hotel anywhere like the one he’d stepped into tonight. In fact, Kevin had stayed at over a thousand of them and not one was ever set up like this.

  “No fucking way.” He dropped his bag to the floor and stood in the hallway taking it all in.

  If Kevin were to have a home, one where he’d feel comfortable and could do whatever he wanted, this would be it. From hardwood floors to the brick-covered archway that led to the rustic living room, he was completely amazed. Designed like a far- from-typical man cave, his suite could be considered perfect.

  He slipped off his boots, placing them on the rug just inside and to the left of the door. “No way am I going to be the one to damage these floors.” He bent down, running his palm across the dark, rich and perfectly stained wood before standing and moving further into his room for the evening.

  To his right, he noticed a complete kitchen, large enough for a home and nowhere near efficiency size. The grill-top, double oven stove with perfectly polished stainless steel exterior was enough to make his mouth water as he imagined the many things he could cook. It’d been so long since he’d had a real meal. Standard fare for him had been whatever was quick to grab, eat and get back on the road. Needless to say, he didn’t care what he ate most days or where it was from. Now, he felt a pang in his gut at the things he’d been missing in his life.