Will this Westmoreland affair remain a secret? Find out in this novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson!
It has been a year since Jillian Novak ended their affair—a year that left Dr. Aidan Westmoreland determined to win back his lover. He knows they shouldn’t have to keep their relationship a secret and he’ll follow her around the world to prove it. Fourteen days on a cruise ship—just Aidan, Jillian and the deep blue sea…and a passion that won’t be denied.
Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda Jackson
“Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles and characters you fall in love with.”
—New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Lori Foster
“Jackson’s trademark ability to weave multiple characters and side stories together makes shocking truths all the more exciting.”
—Publishers Weekly
“There is no getting away from the sex appeal and charm of Jackson’s Westmoreland family.”
—RT Book Reviews on Feeling the Heat
“Jackson’s characters are wonderful, strong, colorful and hot enough to burn the pages.”
—RT Book Reviews on Westmoreland’s Way
“The kind of sizzling, heart-tugging story Brenda Jackson is famous for.”
—RT Book Reviews on Spencer’s Forbidden Passion
“This is entertainment at its best.”
—RT Book Reviews on Star of His Heart
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The Secret Affair is part of The Westmorelands series: A family bound by loyalty…and love! Only from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson and Harlequin Desire!
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Dear Reader,
It is hard to believe that The Secret Affair is my twenty-eighth Westmoreland novel. Time most certainly flies when you’re having fun, and I hope you’re getting as much enjoyment out of reading about this dynamic family as I am in writing about them.
Holding center stage is Aidan, identical twin to Adrian from The Real Thing. From the very beginning the twins were a challenge to their family, but we’ve watched them grow up and mature. They now see life differently than they did as teens. But the one thing that holds true is that Aidan is a Westmoreland man who will go after what he wants.
And he wants Jillian Novak.
Jillian was first introduced some books back when her older sister Pamela married Dillon Westmoreland. Pam and Dillon are clueless that a romance has been bubbling under their very noses. And that’s Aidan and Jillian’s secret. Aidan is ready to publicly claim the woman he loves, but Jill is having some misgivings. Find out how Aidan convinces Jill in the most passionate way that true love can’t be hidden forever.
I hope you enjoy this story about Aidan and Jillian.
Happy Reading!
Brenda Jackson
BRENDA JACKSON
The Secret Affair
To the man who will always and forever be the love of my life, Gerald Jackson, Sr.
Special thanks to Dr. Dorothy M. Russ of Meharry Medical College for your assistance in providing information on medical schools and residency programs.
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
—Colossians 2:3
Books by Brenda Jackson
Harlequin Desire
*A Wife for a Westmoreland #2077
*The Proposal #2089
*Feeling the Heat #2149
*Texas Wild #2185
*One Winter’s Night #2197
*Zane #2239
*Canyon #2245
*Stern #2251
*The Real Thing #2287
*The Secret Affair #2323
Silhouette Desire
*Delaney’s Desert Sheikh #1473
*A Little Dare #1533
*Thorn’s Challenge #1552
*Stone Cold Surrender #1601
*Riding the Storm #1625
*Jared’s Counterfeit Fiancée #1654
*The Chase Is On #1690
*The Durango Affair #1727
*Ian’s Ultimate Gamble #1745
*Seduction, Westmoreland Style #1778
*Spencer’s Forbidden Passion #1838
*Taming Clint Westmoreland #1850
*Cole’s Red-Hot Pursuit #1874
*Quade’s Babies #1911
*Tall, Dark…Westmoreland! #1928
*Westmoreland’s Way #1975
*Hot Westmoreland Nights #2000
*What a Westmoreland Wants #2035
Harlequin Kimani Arabesque
ΔWhispered Promises
ΔEternally Yours
ΔOne Special Moment
ΔFire and Desire
ΔSecret Love
ΔTrue Love
ΔSurrender
ΔSensual Confessions
ΔInseparable
ΔCourting Justice
Harlequin Kimani Romance
ΩSolid Soul #1
ΩNight Heat #9
ΩBeyond Temptation #25
ΩRisky Pleasures #37
ΩIrresistible Forces #89
ΩIntimate Seduction #145
ΩHidden Pleasures #189
ΩA Steele for Christmas #253
ΩPrivate Arrangements #269
*The Westmorelands
ΔMadaris Family Saga
ΩSteele Family titles
Other titles by this author are available in ebook format.
BRENDA JACKSON
is a die “heart” romantic who married her childhood sweetheart, Gerald, and still proudly wears the “going steady” ring he gave her when she was fifteen. Their marriage of forty-one years produced two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon, of whom Brenda is extremely proud. Because she’s always believed in the power of love, Brenda’s stories always have happy endings, and she credits Gerald for being her inspiration.
A New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred romance titles, Brenda is a retiree from a major insurance company and now divides her time between family, writing and travel. You may write Brenda at P.O. Box 28267, Jacksonville, Florida 32226, by email at [email protected] or visit her website at www.brendajackson.net.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Epilogue
Excerpt
Prologue
Jillian Novak stared across the table at her sister, not believing what she’d just heard.
Jillian placed the glass of wine she’d been holding on the table, barely keeping the drink from spilling. “What do you mean you aren’t going with me? That’s crazy, Paige. Need I remind you that you’re the one who planned the trip?”
“A reminder isn’t needed, Jill, but please understand my dilemma,” Paige said in a rueful tone, her dark brown eyes shaded with regret. “Getting a part in a Steven Spielberg movie is a dream come true. You can’t imagine what I was feeling—happiness at being chosen one minute, and then disappointment the next, when I found out that shooting starts the same week I was supposed to be on the cruise with you.”
“Let me guess, your happiness overpowered your disappointment, right?” Jillian felt a pounding pressure in her head and knew why. She had been looking forward to the Mediterranean cruise—for many reasons—and now it appeared s
he wouldn’t be going.
“I’m sorry, Jill. You’ve never gone on a cruise and I know it’s one of the things on your bucket list.”
Paige’s apology only made Jillian feel worse. She’d made her sister feel awful for making a choice Jillian would have made herself if given the chance. Reaching across the table, she grabbed Paige’s hand.
“I’m the one who should be apologizing, Paige. I was only thinking of myself. You’re right. Getting that part in the movie is a dream come true and you’d be crazy not to take it. I’m truly happy for you. Congratulations.”
A bright smile spread across Paige’s lips. “Thanks. I wanted so much for us to spend time together on the cruise. It’s been ages since me, you, Pam and Nadia have had sister time.”
Nadia, a senior in college, was their youngest sister. At twenty-one she was two years younger than Paige and four years younger than Jillian. Pamela, their oldest sister—who Jillian, Nadia and Paige were convinced was the best older sister anyone could ever have—was ten years older than Jillian. A former actress, Pam had given up the glitter of Hollywood to return home to Gamble, Wyoming, and raise them when their father died. Now Pam lived in Denver. She was married, the mother of two and the CEO of two acting schools, one in Denver and the other in Gamble. Paige had followed in Pam’s footsteps and pursued an acting career. She lived in Los Angeles.
With Pam’s busy schedule, she’d said accompanying them on the cruise would have been close to impossible. Nadia had wanted to go but finals kept her from doing so. Jillian had wanted sister time with at least one of her siblings. And now that she had completed medical school, she needed those two weeks on the cruise as a getaway before starting her residency. But there was another reason she wanted to take that two-week cruise.
Aidan Westmoreland.
It was hard to believe it had been a little over a year since she’d broken things off with him. And every time she remembered the reason she’d done so her heart ached. She needed a distraction from her memories.
“You okay, Jill?”
Jillian glanced up at Paige and forced a smile. “Yes, why do you ask?”
“You zoned out on me just now. I was talking and you appeared to be a million miles away. I noticed you haven’t been yourself since I arrived in New Orleans. More than once you’ve seemed preoccupied about something. Is everything okay?”
Jillian waved off Paige’s words. The last thing she wanted was for her sister to start worrying and begin digging. “Yes, everything is okay, Paige.”
Paige didn’t look convinced. “Um, I don’t know. Maybe I should forget about being in that movie and go on that cruise with you after all.”
Jillian picked up her wineglass to take a sip. “Don’t be silly. You’re doing the right thing. Besides, I’m not going on the cruise.”
“Why not?”
Jillian was surprised at her sister’s question. “Surely you don’t expect me to go without you.”
“You need a break before starting your residency.”
Jillian rolled her eyes. “Get real, Paige. What would I do on a two-week cruise by myself?”
“Rest, relax, enjoy the sights, the ocean, the peace and quiet. And you might luck up and meet some nice single guy.”
Jillian shook her head. “Nice single guys don’t go on cruises alone. Besides, the last thing I need right now is a man in my life.”
Paige laughed. “Jill, you haven’t had a guy in your life since you dated Cobb Grindstone in your senior year at Gamble High. I think what’s missing in your life is a man.”
Jillian bristled at her sister’s words. “Not hardly, especially with my busy schedule. And I don’t see you with anyone special.”
“At least I’ve been dating over the years. You haven’t. Or, if you have, you haven’t told me about it.”
Jillian schooled her expression into an impassive facade. She’d never told Paige about her affair with Aidan, and considering how it had ended she was glad she hadn’t.
“Jill?”
She glanced up at her sister. “Yes?”
A teasing smile spread across Paige’s lips. “You aren’t keeping secrets, are you?”
Jill knew Paige had given her the perfect opportunity to come clean about her affair with Aidan, but she wasn’t ready. Even after a year, the pain was still raw. And the last thing Jillian needed was for Paige to start probing for more information.
“You know the reason I don’t have a man in my life is because of time. My focus has been on becoming a doctor and nothing else.” Paige didn’t have to know that a few years ago Aidan had wiggled his way past that focus without much effort. That had been a mistake that cost her.
“That’s why I think you should go on that cruise without me,” Paige said. “You’ve worked hard and need to rest and enjoy yourself for a change. Once you begin your residency you’ll have even less time for yourself—or anything else.”
“That’s true,” Jillian said. “But—”
“No buts, Jillian.”
Jillian knew that tone. She also knew that whenever Paige called her by her full name she meant business. “If I were to go on that cruise alone I’d be bored stiff. You’re talking about two weeks.”
Paige gave her a pointed look. “I’m talking about two weeks that I believe you need. And just think of all the fabulous places you’ll get to see—Barcelona, France, Rome, Greece and Turkey.” Now it was Paige who reached out to take hold of Jillian’s hand. “Look, Jill, there is something going on with you, I can feel it. Whatever it is, it’s tearing you apart. I picked up on it months ago, the last time I came to visit you.”
A wry smile touched Paige’s lips when she added, “Perhaps you are keeping secrets. Maybe there’s some doctor in medical school that caught your eye and you’re not ready to tell me about him. One who has blown your mind and you don’t know how to handle the intensity of such a relationship. If that’s the case, I understand. All of us at some time or another have issues we prefer to deal with alone. That’s why I believe two weeks on the open seas will be good for you.”
Jillian drew in a deep breath. Paige didn’t know how close she was to the truth. Her problem did center on some doctor, but not one attending medical school with her.
At that moment the waitress returned with their meal, and Jillian appreciated the interruption. She knew Paige would not be happy until Jillian agreed to go on the cruise. She’d heard what Paige had said—Paige knew something was bothering Jillian. It would only be a matter of time before Pam and Nadia knew as well, if they didn’t already. Besides, Jillian had already taken those two weeks off. If she didn’t go on the cruise, the family would expect her to come home and spend that time with them. She couldn’t do that. What if Aidan came home unexpectedly while she was there? He was the last person she wanted to see.
“Jill?”
Jillian drew in another deep breath and met Paige’s gaze. “Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll go cruising alone. Hopefully, I’ll enjoy myself.”
Paige smiled. “You will. There will be plenty for you to do and on those days when you feel like doing nothing, you can do that, too. Everybody needs to give their mind a rest once in a while.”
Jillian nodded. Her mind definitely needed a rest. She would be the first to admit that she had missed Aidan—the steamy hot text messages, the emails that made her adrenaline surge and the late-night phone calls that sent heat sizzling through her entire body.
But that had been before she’d learned the truth. Now all she wanted to do was get over him.
She sighed deeply while thinking that Paige was right. Jillian needed that cruise and the time away it would give her. She would go on the cruise alone.
* * *
Dr. Aidan Westmoreland entered his apartment and removed his lab coat. After running a frustrated hand down his face, he glanced at his watch. He’d hoped he would have heard something by now. What if...
The ringing of his cell phone made him pause on his way to the kitchen. It was
the call he’d been waiting for. “Paige?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Is she still going?” he asked, not wasting time with chitchat.
There was a slight pause on the other end and in that short space of time knots formed in his stomach. “Yes, she’s still going on the cruise, Aidan.”
He released the breath he’d been holding as Paige continued, “Jill still has no idea I’m aware that the two of you had an affair.”
Aidan hadn’t known Paige knew the truth, either, until she’d paid him a surprise visit last month. According to her, she’d figured things out the year Jillian had entered medical school. She’d become suspicious when he’d come home for his cousin Riley’s wedding and she’d overheard him call Jillian Jilly in an intimate tone. Paige had been concerned this past year when she’d noticed Jillian seemed troubled by something that she wouldn’t share with Paige.
Paige had talked to Ivy, Jillian’s best friend, who’d also been concerned about Jillian. Ivy had shared everything about the situation with Paige. That prompted Paige to fly to Charlotte and confront him. Until then, he’d been clueless as to the real reason behind his and Jillian’s breakup.
When Paige had told him of the cruise she and Jillian had planned and had suggested an idea for getting Jillian on the cruise alone, he’d readily embraced the plan.
I’ve done my part and the rest is up to you, Aidan. I hope you can convince Jill of the truth.
Moments later he ended the call and continued to the kitchen where he grabbed a beer. Popping the top, he leaned against the counter and took a huge gulp. Two weeks on the open seas with Jillian would be interesting. But he intended to make it more than just interesting. He aimed to make it productive.
A determined smile spread across his lips. By the time the cruise ended there would be no doubt in Jillian’s mind that he was the only man for her.
Moments later, he tossed the empty can in the recycle bin before heading for the shower. As he undressed, he couldn’t help but recall how his secret affair with Jillian had begun nearly four years ago....
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