It Started in Paradise

by Nicki Night

  “I’m sorry, too, but I also need you to know that I’m not interested in being friends with you.”

  Offended, she glared at him. “What?” She wondered if she’d heard him right. Again she was torn; she thought it best to part ways now, too, but hadn’t expected him to be so brazen about it.

  “I want to be more than your friend. What we had...” Donovan pointed between them “...I want it back—and more.”

  A sigh of relief lifted Chloe’s chest.

  “Donovan...” she started.

  Donovan held his hand up, halting her words. “We’re grown—too grown for games.” Donovan slid off the stool he occupied and walked around the island to where Chloe sat. “I had a lot of time to think this past week. I even told my family about you.”

  Chloe gasped. Her mouth opened and shut several times but her words wouldn’t find their way past her lips. There were too many thoughts to sift through in that moment. She wanted to know how they responded to his news but then again she didn’t. She imagined El fainting if she ever told her such a thing.

  “Donovan... I—” It hurt to complete her sentence. “I can’t.” I need more time would have sounded better. It would have been truer—offered more of a possibility, but the definitive response came out instead. Chloe couldn’t take it back now.

  As she dithered, Donovan closed the distance between them. In the next instant, she felt his lips on hers. Her first inclination was to resist but his lips on hers felt like the warmth of home. They belonged there.

  Her body disobeyed her intent, leaning into his. Her hands found their way around the back of his neck. Greed surged inside of her, compelling her to want much more. A sudden rush of heat engulfed her, sending white-hot signals throughout her body, pebbling her nipples. Then it was over. It took a moment for Chloe to recover. She sat there, panting, eyes closed, lips swollen, her body craving more.

  “You can. You’ll see that I’m right,” Donovan whispered against her ear. “You just need a little time. Just a little.” Kissing her temple, Donovan pivoted, picked up his coffee cup and headed for the door.

  Chloe never made it out of her chair. Yes, they were grown. Yes, she wanted Donovan. That was obvious but was he worth the rift that it would cause between her and her mother?

  Chapter 26

  The kiss was a test. Donovan had to know for sure that Chloe wanted to be with him. Was moving forward even possible? It took every ounce of will to pull away from Chloe. He wanted to sweep her off her feet, carry her to the bed and make love to her for the rest of the day. Donovan wondered if he was successful in showing Chloe that she still wanted him as much as he wanted her.

  The feel and thoughts of that kiss stayed with him through the day, night and into the next morning. Donovan hummed to the music as he drove to work Monday. He was on his way back to Chloe.

  “Sweetie.”

  Donovan looked up to capture the beautiful, polished sight of his mother entering his office. She was stunning in her gray skirt suit despite the fact her usually cheerful demeanor was gone. It had been since the other night when she shared her story.

  “Jacqueline has been called out of the country.” Joliet sat on the edge of Donovan’s desk. “She needs to move the date of the gala up several weeks.” Donovan’s eyes widened. “I know,” his mother said, knowingly. “Apparently the trip is unavoidable. She has to reshoot scenes from a movie currently in production. That gives us even less time. I spoke with Jim over at the country club and he can do the Saturday after next. We’re clear for the night before. Jacqueline has asked for a meeting later this evening so we could go over all of the logistics and see how much this change would cost her.”

  “We have two weeks to put this thing together?” Donovan slapped the desk.

  Joliet huffed. “Yep. And we need to make this work. The following week, Jacqueline is off to Dubai for a month to reshoot the film and then Wales for a few weeks after that on a deal she couldn’t refuse. She’s been reaching out to all of her contacts to see who can still make the gala. Her team is also working on a new list to send invitations. She’s confident that she can still meet the guarantee and fill the room. As she said, ‘she’s got plenty of friends.’”

  Instinctively Donovan looked at his watch. He knew the luxury of time would evade him over these next two weeks. “I’ll review the budget now and see how moving the date will impact us.”

  “Thanks. Once we have that, let’s call a meeting to go over everything with the staff.”

  “No problem, Mom.” Donovan opened the Excel file on his computer. “I’ll send this over to you as soon as I rework the numbers.”

  “Thanks.” Joliet slid off the desk and headed toward the door.

  “Ma.”

  She turned slowly. “Yes, dear.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, honey. Just fine.”

  Donovan knew otherwise. He assumed that having his mother rehash that story of her past made her think about her ruined friendship with El. Maybe it could somehow be restored, he thought. That would certainly make life easier for Chloe and him. At some point, he needed to talk to Chloe about what his mother shared. Right now, he needed to brace himself for another close encounter with Jacqueline.

  With all the meetings, schedule rearranging, maneuvering budgets and supply ordering, the day went by in a blur of busyness.

  Joliet asked Jacqueline if she wouldn’t mind meeting them at the venue as opposed to the restaurant she’d requested. Donovan was relieved she obliged. He didn’t need another spotting with him and Jacqueline. He was thankful that last one didn’t end up on the entertainment pages of any local publications. They loved a good scandal and Jacqueline’s behavior was definitely scandal-worthy. He could see the headlines. “Does Jacqueline Bosley Have a New Beau?” above a picture of her laughing in that carefree way with her head thrown back.

  Donovan was enveloped in tasks right up until the moment their celebrity client walked through the door. Joliet came to get him and he followed her to the conference room. He figured Jacqueline would tame her flirting with Joliet around but his mother’s presence didn’t seem to make a difference.

  “Oh.” Jacqueline purred when Donovan walked through the door, folders in hand.

  “Good evening, Ms. Bosley,” Donovan said with an outstretched hand.

  “Are you kidding me?” Jacqueline swatted his hand and pressed her body against his in a sensual hug. “It’s great seeing you again.” She air-kissed both sides of his face. “I thought I told you to call me Jackie,” she chided as she pulled away.

  Behind her, Joliet raised one brow before pulling out a chair and inviting them to join her at the conference table.

  “Whew.” Jacqueline fanned herself. “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” She released a hearty laugh.

  Joliet and Donovan looked at her and each other. “I’m fine,” Joliet noted.

  “I’m fine, too. I’ll turn on the AC.” Donovan went to the thermostat and within seconds the sound of whirring air expanded in the room.

  “Ah! There we go.” Jacqueline sounded relieved. “Maybe it was that hug.” She turned to Joliet. “How do you keep women off of him? Tall, dark and handsome is a boring cliché when you’re describing that son of yours.” She flashed a seductive smile in Donovan’s direction.

  He smiled cordially. “Thanks, Ms. Bos...” She tossed him a playfully scolding glare, prompting him to change how he addressed her. “Thanks, Jackie,” he said pointedly.

  “You’re welcome. So.” Jacqueline clamped her hands together. “What do you have for me?”

  Joliet took over explaining the outcome of her meeting with the owners of the country club. “So the biggest change here is going to be the cost since we have to put a rush on a few orders to be prepared.” Donovan distributed his budget shee
t. “We’ve made the necessary adjustments to staffing, food and contacted our vendors for the centerpieces and requests you made for the décor. Things should fall right into place. As long as you’re okay with the revised pricing, we can move forward. Next, I’d like for you to take a look at the menu to make sure you don’t require any changes there.”

  Jacqueline reviewed each document that was placed before her carefully, inquiring about a few items and listening to the responses intently.

  “Is this a new cake vendor?”

  “Yes,” Joliet replied. “Unfortunately, the initial vendor was unable to squeeze in another order for that weekend. She’s terribly sorry and quite upset that she won’t get to make your cake. She admires your work and was ecstatic about baking for you.”

  “Would it be possible for our team to sample new vendors’ goods? I don’t need any additional surprises at this point.”

  “Absolutely,” Joliet encouraged. “I’m sure we can get something set up for tomorrow. I know you’re leaving town the day after.”

  “Thanks, Joliet.”

  They reviewed a few more documents before Donovan presented Jacqueline with her revised contract. “So if you’ll just sign here.” He pointed. “And here, we will be all set.”

  “Anything for you, Donovan.”

  The way Jacqueline scrutinized him helped him understand what women meant when they said men made them feel like pieces of meat. Jacqueline could have licked him clean right there in their conference room.

  “Oh. One last thing,” Jacqueline said. “Joliet, would you mind looking over my new guest list? I’ve added a few more people whom I think it would be good to have them experience what my galas are like.” She handed Joliet a spreadsheet. “Also, I’m sure you’re used to this, but there will be plenty of press here that night. Several editors and television producers have confirmed their attendance. I’ll need a room set aside for the interviews with the press.”

  “No problem,” Joliet said. “We can set them up in our best bridal suite. The space is conducive to that sort of thing.”

  “Wonderful!” Jacqueline took out her pen and signed her name in all the designated areas with a flair Donovan had never witnessed. Donovan wondered if all of her mannerisms were exaggerated and if it was authentic. “That copy of the guest list is yours. Let me know if you have any questions regarding any of those names.”

  Joliet nodded. The three of them stood and shook hands. Together, she and Donovan walked Jacqueline to the door. When they turned back to head to their offices, Donovan looked down at the list in Joliet’s hands.

  “May I?” he asked, reaching for the list.

  “Oh. Sure, honey. When we were on the phone earlier, she mentioned this. She said she wanted to make sure that anyone who was anyone at all got invited to her gala.”

  Donovan’s eyes perused the list, stopping at one name that he was sure to consider a no-show. If they actually came, having them in the same room with Jacqueline for hours could prove challenging.

  Chapter 27

  El busted into Chloe’s office and tossed an envelope on her desk. Huffing, she paced back and forth. “Look at that. Can you believe it?”

  Chloe picked up the envelope curiously—almost not wanting to open it. “What is it?” She looked up at El.

  “An invitation.”

  “To what?” This was like pulling molars. “Mom. What’s this about?” Without waiting for an answer, Chloe shook her head and pulled the contents out. The paper was beautiful and made of linen. As Chloe read the script lettering, her eyes stretched wider. “Jacqueline’s inviting us to her foundation’s gala.”

  “Yes! It’s a personal invitation for the Chandler family to join her as special guests. I don’t trust this at all! I’m sure Joliet has something to do with this.”

  “Ma!” Just as Chloe attempted to calm her down, her cell phone rang. It was her father. “Hey, Dad.”

  “How’s your day, sweetheart?”

  Before answering, Chloe looked up at El standing stiffly with her arms crossed. “Just fine.” She wondered if her father could sense her sarcasm.

  “Good. Is your mom there? I’ve been trying to call her and she’s not answering.”

  “She’s right here in my office.”

  “Put me on speaker.” Chloe did. “Honey.” Bobby Dale called out to El.

  “Bobby! Can you believe that woman invited us to her gala? This has got to be some tricky business.”

  “Sweetie. Slow down. What woman...the actress?”

  “Yes. The actress,” El repeated. “That Joliet is up to something. She probably just wants to rub their win in our faces. I’m not going.”

  “Now slow down, honey. You don’t want to act like that. It’s not Joliet’s event. The invitation came from Jacqueline, right? It’s pretty high profile. Maybe you should consider it. Isn’t Chloe working on raising Chandlers’ visibility? Your presence at the gala could help.”

  “Yes!” Chloe got an idea. “And maybe we could invite Jacqueline to our reception. That would be a good look for us, too. We should go. She’s considering having her gala at our place next year anyway. This could serve as research.”

  El straightened her back and stared at Chloe. “Who told you that?”

  Chloe realized her mistake. She couldn’t possibly say she got the information from Donovan. El would accuse her of fraternizing with the enemy. “Look.” Chloe pointed to the invitation. “She’s doing a golf challenge at the Beckingham—the country club next to the Riverses’ place. That’s why she chose their location. I heard she wants to do a sailing or yacht event next year and she’d like to work with Chandlers for that.”

  El narrowed her eyes at Chloe and then looked away. Chloe could tell she was thinking about everything she just said.

  “See, honey?” Bobby Dale’s voice came through Chloe’s cell phone. “It’s not a conspiracy. It’s business. You should certainly go.”

  El lifted her chin and cleared her throat. She tugged on the bottom of her suit jacket. “All right. I’ll go. I need to go shopping.”

  Bobby Dale’s rich, deep laugh barreled through the receiver and filled Chloe’s office. Chloe held hers behind a small smile. El didn’t laugh at all. In fact, she looked appalled by the fact that Bobby Dale was still cracking up. She turned on her heels and left. When she cleared the doorway, Chloe burst out laughing.

  “She stormed off, didn’t she?” Bobby Dale assumed aloud, his laughter decreasing to a chuckle.

  “She sure did,” Chloe confirmed.

  “This is going to be some night,” Bobby Dale said. “Joliet Rivers, Jacqueline Bosley and your mom in one room. Woo!” He started laughing all over again. Chloe joined him. “Let me get off this phone and call your mother. I think I’m going to need to calm her down.”

  “Okay. Bye, Dad. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, sweetheart.”

  Chloe knew what to expect for El at this event. What she didn’t know was how to deal with it herself. Donovan’s surprise visit and knee-buckling kiss left her dazed. Memories of his lips on hers taunted her day and night. How was she to deal with all of them in the same room for hours?

  Chloe propped her elbows on her desk and rested her head in her hands. Her sight fell on the invitation and that’s when she noticed the date. She sat back abruptly. Instead of having two months to prepare their minds for this encounter, they only had two weeks. In addition to that, the gala was the day after the Chandlers’ reception.

  Chloe groaned and shook her head and then wondered if Donovan knew about this. As much as she intended to avoid Donovan, she wanted to know. Chloe dialed Donovan’s number for the first time in over a week.

  “What a nice surprise.” As always, Donovan’s voice aroused her senses.

  “Hello, Donovan.”
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  “Hello, Chloe. What can I do for you?”

  “I just received an invitation from Jacqueline Bosley to attend her foundation’s gala.”

  “That was quick.”

  Chloe reared back. “You knew about this?”

  “I just found out yesterday when she revised the contract because she needed to change the date. She revamped her guest list and left a copy with us.”

  “I see. So this was her all her idea,” Chloe said, referring to Jacqueline.

  “Yep.”

  “Okay.”

  No one spoke for moments. The awkward silence made Chloe tense. It felt odd because the conversation had always flowed so easily between them.

  “I hope you can make it,” Donovan finally said.

  “Thanks.” Chloe didn’t know what else to say to that.

  “Are you busy this evening?”

  “No.” Chloe punched the air. She hadn’t meant to answer so quickly. “Why?”

  “Well, there’s something important I think we need to discuss. My hope is that it will help us move forward. I’m serious about us but just don’t want to push you. We can meet at Sandy’s by the Shore. I won’t keep you out long.”

  Chloe took in a long deep breath. “What time?”

  “Right after work. Let’s say...five thirty.”

  “See you there.” Chloe ended the call, wondering what Donovan had to say.

  Instead of waiting to the end of her day, she headed home early and freshened up before meeting with Donovan.

  Chloe arrived at the restaurant right on time to find Donovan already seated at the bar. Sliding off the bar stool, he greeted Chloe with a kiss. Donovan guided her by the elbow to the hostess and they were seated.

  Chloe blushed under the scrutiny of Donovan’s gaze. She felt like a prized artifact in a museum. They engaged in small talk over drinks and appetizers. It almost felt the way it used to be between them. Not wanting to tease herself, Chloe decided to get to the reason they got together.