Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  The few days Adrian was in New York had cemented her endearment for the handsome, brown-eyed guy. She was sad they hadn’t discussed when he might return, and he’d seemed hurried as if he wanted to get back home as soon as possible. She didn’t understand his rush to leave, but she’d been assured he’d had a fantastic time and he would miss her.

  Charley leaned across her kitchen counter studying the unique jewelry box--dark enamel redwood with glass doors, tiny roses etched in the delicate glass. Her mother always knew what she liked best. She opened the door and ran a hand over the red velvet interior, triggering a memory from her childhood. She’d always admired her mother’s jewelry box and she loved the gift.

  “What’s this?” she asked out loud pulling out a rolled letter. It had been nestled snugly in the back corner of the box. She untied the red ribbon sitting down on a stool to read it.

  My Sunshine,

  Charley Rae you were my joy. My delight as a mother started the moment I had you. Now that I’m gone, I can say this--Everly was a great daughter, but you, my dear, you’re exceptional. I know you’re my strong one, and I know you’re going to stay successful even when I’m gone. Not because you don’t care, but because you understand that I’m still with you.

  I never had to worry about my Charley; I always looked forward to every step you made through life. You are a hard worker, you love life, and I am proud to call you my daughter.

  The day I wrote this letter, I sat alone in my office, sipping on chamomile tea from that little boutique up the street. And it took a lot to convey all that I wanted to say in short letters, but I found a way.

  I don’t need to handle you with kid gloves; I can tell you how it is. My death was something I’d seen coming. I knew that I’d been playing with fire. I loved Sam and I’m sorry you had to find out this way. I’ve loved him for many years and we saw our lives passing us by. We were desperately trying to be free and move on to have a life together.

  Don’t hate Sam, Charley; he is not the one responsible for you not having your mother. I don’t want you to make a big deal about my death. Live your life, sweet girl. Just know some things are better left for the authorities to work out.

  And lastly, Charley, there is not much more to tell you than this—I want you to live an amazing life. Find a special man to share it with. You deserve happiness and I’m sure there is someone out there for you. Find time to occasionally enjoy yourself. And keep an eye on your dad. He’s going to need someone now more than ever.

  p.s.

  I know the locket is a bit confusing. Just know my heart will help you when and if you need it the most.

  Love, Mom

  Charlie folded the letter neatly, putting it away in her top drawer. She stood for a long moment taking in all her mother’s words. She knew her mom would want her to move forward and not linger in the past. She touched the dainty locket that hung from her neck, wondering what was on that tiny chip. Her mother had said the answers were there when and if she needed them, but she didn’t need them right now.

  ***

  Quinn stood staring at the small package that sat outside her apartment. Something about it didn’t seem quite right and she didn’t know who it was from. She kneeled down poking it with her fingers. Finally satisfied it wouldn’t hurt her, she picked it up and shook it near her ear. She unlocked the door, tossed her mail and keys on the coffee table, then plopped down on the sofa in her tiny living room, ready to dive right in to see what was in that package.

  She put her feet up on the table, sat back and popped the tape on the package. She shook the box and an envelope and a small red pouch fell onto her lap.

  Untying the pouch, she reached in with two fingers and pulled out a silver necklace.

  “Not bad,” she said softly, studying it for value. She popped open the locket, wondering what the chip was all about. She moved on to the letter, hoping it would tell her about the jewelry and who had sent it.

  Quinn Rose,

  My angel, you were always my sweet princess. Spoiled and headstrong, you have all my bad qualities. But those who know you best, know you’re really delicate and sweet and you mean well. I have always loved you. I realize you may be somewhat scattered and my death has brought you so many questions.

  Beginning to sob, Quinn tossed the letter on the couch. Percy scampered off, startled at her behavior. She pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them while maintaining a firm grasp on the locket. She felt so alone not having anyone there to soothe her of the pain she felt at the moment. She finally pulled herself together and wiped her eyes. She held the letter in her trembling hand, telling herself she’d be okay.

  I am wondering right now if you will have the strength to read this whole letter. I hope you do. I will not make it long and drawn out. Just know that I love you. It’s going to take some time for things to feel normal again, but it will happen. I need you to find peace with my passing and try to move on. Do all that we’ve talked about and try to be happy with your life and your goals. Please keep in touch with your family--they’re going to need you as much as you will need them.

  Love,

  Mom

  Quinn balled the letter up and tossed it into her wastebasket. She wasn’t ready to read that and she never wanted to again. Her mother was right; she didn’t do well with her emotions. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about them.

  She curled up into a nice tight ball on her sofa and closed her eyes, wishing with everything she had in her that sleep would come easily.

  ***

  Ethan was still shaken as he made his way back into his dorm. After nearly crashing his truck in a big traffic jam, he wasn’t feeling all that well. He shook his arms rapidly, trying to free himself of the tension that lingered from his near accident.

  Seth, his roommate, a young quiet kid came into the room carrying a brown box. He made his way to Ethan and, without a word, handed over the brown box.

  Ethan just stared at it; he never got gifts.

  “What is this?” he asked.

  “You weren’t here, so I signed,” he mumbled.

  Ethan quickly went to work tearing into it, leaving Seth to his privacy. He pulled his chair next to his bed taking a seat; Seth took notice as well watching his roommate.

  “It’s from my mom,” Ethan spoke, his mouth going dry. It was a bit creepy to be receiving a package from his mom after her death. Rifling through the box, he pulled out a letter and a box. In the box was a watch. When he took a close look at it, he saw a small chip inside the face of the watch, the second hand clicking slowly around the chip.

  Ethan turned away from Seth and opened his letter. He was ready to read anything from his mom and hoped this letter would provide him with some answers.

  Ethan,

  Son, my one and only, you’re all a mother could ask for in a son. And you’re the one I presume will be on the lookout for answers to everything, it will consume you.

  I don’t want that, so I give you the answers you’re looking for in this letter, and I ask that you leave the rest alone. Listen to your mother for once.

  I know by now you have learned a lot. Yes, I had an affair with Sam. You’re too young to understand love of this kind. But know that I did love him, and I am sorry I betrayed your father. But I also loved him. Sam and I had a deeper love and I just couldn’t be without him anymore. Sam is a good man, Ethan, and I don’t want you to ever think he would harm me. There are some people, however, who have such torrid pasts and are so powerful, they should be feared. So, please, let it be.

  I have sent you a watch, and I ask you to keep it with you at all times. If anything ever comes up. I think you will know what to do with it. Be safe, and take care of the family for me.

  You’re a good kid, Ethan, and I have always seen a bright future ahead of you. I am sure you will get everything you want out of life. Know I will always love you and be near even if I am not there physically. You’re going to be a great man and husband on
e day. Enjoy life!

  Love,

  Mom

  Ethan sat back in the chair in astonishment. The letter has given some answers, but he wanted to know more, and he wasn’t going to give up until he had what he needed. If Sam hadn’t murdered her, then the killer was still out there, and that didn’t settle well with Ethan. Ethan understood his mother’s concerns, but no one was going to take his mom’s life and get away with it.

  Adrian

  Adrian slammed his car door in a fit of rage, his heavy boots pounding the long driveway that led up to his parents’ enormous home.

  He was angry for many reasons. He had to deal with his mother who acted like a child on most days, stresses on the job, and his father would soon be out and walking free.

  He nearly knocked over his mother’s staff as he barged in going straight to the family room. He knew she was in there; her voice wasn’t hard to miss.

  Large exotic plants hung from the ceiling, red curtains drawn open letting the sunlight cascade the gold and red room. Evelyn lay like an old starlet from the movies, draped in a fancy Asian robe. Her hair was in rollers and a small Asian woman was painting her toes. She bathed in the sunlight, looking nothing less than royalty. It irked Adrian that she couldn’t even acknowledge he had busted his hump to be back in time.

  “I’m here, Mother,” Adrian spoke up, taking a seat across from her on the large sofa. He stared at her as he waited for her to turn her head and acknowledge him.

  “Did you have a pleasant trip, Adrian?” she asked, no emotion—only the cold, flat tone he was so used to hearing from her.

  “Yep, until I had to return home,” he said.

  “Was it all you dreamed it to be?” she asked, finally turning her head, her eyes boring a hole into his skull as she stared him down.

  “Cut the bullshit,” he said, getting annoyed.

  “Yes, Adrian, was it all you dreamed it would be? Are you in love with this blonde bimbo?” his brother, Angelo, asked as he entered the room. He raised his glass of scotch, a cavalier grin spreading across his face. He swirled his glass watching so the ice cubes didn’t slip out.

  “Wow, on time for once,” Adrian said, ignoring his brother’s insult. Adrian didn’t react to his taunt. He knew all too well if you showed any weakness, his brother would never let up.

  “I’m always on time, bro. Hey, Mom, what’s there to eat around this place?” he asked, plopping down next to Adrian. Angelo wasn’t concerned in the least that he’d invaded Adrian’s personal space when his pushed a muscular leg into his brother’s.

  Evelyn pulled her eye mask down, resigning to a nap, not concerned that her sons were there and waiting. Adrian hated how demanding and selfish she was.

  “Miss Evelyn is going to take her nap now,” her butler, Jacque, said as he began cleaning up after her.

  He kept his eyes on the ground afraid to look at the two enormous men in front of him. He was afraid of their mother, but terrified of them.

  “Miss Evelyn is going to tell us why she called us here, and then she can take a nap,” Angelo responded, irritated. Adrian rolled his eyes, knowing what was coming next.

  Evelyn rose from her chaise lounge like a rabid animal. She tore her face mask off throwing it at Angelo. Jumping on top of her golden coffee table, she began shouting.

  Adrian turned away staring at an old painting in the hallway as Angelo sat back and enjoyed the fireworks. It took a lot to make him back down to his mother.

  “Don’t you come into my home and think you’re going to tell me what I can and can’t do!” she screeched.

  “Look--you’re wasting my time, what am I here for?” Angelo asked, crossing his arms, his biceps bulging under his tight t-shirt, his brown hair as unmoved as his reaction to her antics.

  “I want the files. I gave you a deadline. Your father could be out any day now--I’m sure of it,” she said.

  Sam’s release from prison was what Evelyn feared most, she was in a race to the finish line with their father.

  “I’ve got some ideas,” Adrian offered, sending Evelyn’s stare to him now. She tilted her head, interested in hearing what he had to say.

  “I can’t say just yet, but if I could get some more time with Charley I might be able to get you what you want,” he said.

  He wasn’t willing to give up all the details, but he was sure that locket held information. He was sure of another thing as well—he would use any reason to go back to see her.

  Everly and Vinnie

  Vinnie unlocked his condo door; another day at the studio was finally over. He’d been working every day. Johnny was still upset with him for ditching him at Club Red, so he stiffed him on his hours, leaving Vinnie to pick up the slack.

  As he walked into his living room, he was shocked to see Janelle sitting on his leather couch. She smiled when she saw him; very calm for an intruder, he thought.

  “Hey there,” she said, smiling wide showing off her pearly whites.

  “I didn’t know you were coming over--how’d you get in here?” Vinnie asked as he walked to the kitchen.

  “The maid let me in. I get the feeling you know a lot of women. I didn’t think you would mind. Do you mind?” she asked, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed defensively. She appeared to be rethinking her plan.

  “No, hon, I don’t mind. I just had a long day and I wasn’t expecting company. Is everything all right with you?” he asked, taking a beer from his refrigerator. He handed her one, heading back into the living room.

  “I missed you,” she said softly, taking a seat next to him. “I know…I shouldn’t be saying that.”

  Vinnie nodded in total agreement.

  “When you hold me, you make me feel incredible. It’s hard to stop thinking about you,” she explained, taking his hand.

  “I’m not Brad. I’m not your fiancée, Janelle,” he told her, touching her face. He felt bad that she felt so connected to him.

  “Will you just hold me?” she asked, giving a sad smile. She rested her forehead on his chest, her hand holding tight to his neck. Vinnie sighed and leaned back on the couch. He couldn’t believe the mess he’d gotten himself into this time

  “Janelle, I’m not trying to come off as rude. But I can’t do this. I have a lot going on in my life, and I don’t want to add your pre-marital drama to it,” he said, sitting up. He’d needed to stop this and blow her off like he had the others.

  “What?” she asked, looking guilty.

  “I’m going to go. I don’t know what I was thinking coming all the way over here. You probably think I’m some crazy stalker,” she said, running her hands through her curls. Vinnie couldn’t help himself. He changed his mind so suddenly it made his head spin. He stood up and took her by the arm and pulled her in close and planted a hard kiss on her lips.

  “Okay, now I’m confused,” she said, grinning.

  “There’s something about you,” he whispered in her ear. He pulled her shirt to the side so he could kiss her shoulder.

  She wasn’t like the other girls he’d pick up in a bar or some club. They were similar in that they were both searching for something. She thought her ‘something’ was him. He didn’t feel the same toward her, though. All he thought about on a daily basis was Everly. He enjoyed Janelle’s company and she helped to make life a bit easier for him as he grieved for Everly.

  “There’s something about you too, Vinnie,” she agreed, lifting her head just enough so he could kiss her neck.

  She let him undress her as she did her best to rid him of his clothes. Wasting no time, Vinnie was out of his clothes in a flash. He picked her up and carried her to the couch. Just as things were heating up, there was a knock on the door. He lifted his head to listen, hoping whoever it was would go away.

  Janelle bit at his ear as Vinnie held tight to her wrists and pressed them into the sofa. She didn’t fight him or seem bothered by his actions. This just turned him on more, until that pesky knocking started up again.

 
“Is that your door?” Janelle asked, alarmed.

  “Yes, I think they will go away. Just be quiet,” he said, pressing one finger against her soft lips.

  “Are you sure?” she asked again.

  “Yes,” he said as he started up where he left off.

  But the knocking didn’t go away, it only grew louder. Janelle pushed Vinnie off and pointed at the door. She grabbed up her clothes and hightailed it to his bedroom.

  Vinnie threw on sweatpants, adjusting himself before he went to the door. The last thing he wanted was for this unexpected visitor to see what he had going on in his pants. Or knowing what he was doing in his condo. He expected it to be her fiancé, having been in the same situation about a half a dozen times before, he wouldn’t be surprised if it was.

  He slowly opened the door, his gaze coming to a stop on Brad, her fiancé. The look on his face was hard to read, but he knew what was up.

  “Hey there, Brad,” he said, holding tightly to the door frame.

  Brad gave him a stare down going from the top of Vinnie’s head to his shirtless body.

  “Janelle said she had dance class tonight, but she hasn’t made it home. Have you seen her?” he asked. He crossed his arms and waited; his chest rising and falling in a fast rhythm.

  “I haven’t…no haven’t seen her since,” he said, his thick accent making him seem all that more genuine.

  “Well, thanks,” Brad said. Sure, she might not have been with him, but he knew his fiancée had a thing for him. Most women did.

  “Okay, take it easy Brad,” Vinnie said giving an innocent smile, which failed miserably once Janelle came out of hiding and pushed the door open. Vinnie let out a huge sigh. He knew what was coming next.

  Brad’s face grew three shades of red. He looked at Vinnie, totally dumbfounded that he’d just lied to him.