It had begun that day when Sam was just four years old and she’d sat in the garden with her mother. Vivienne had taken out that blue, green and white tea set. The colors and the flowers had become a source of contentment for Sam in the years after her mother had passed away. Now, all these years later, that same tea set was the inspiration for Sam’s perfect wedding.
One week after they’d returned from Maryland, Sam had been the one to propose to Gary.
“I’ve never been in love before,” she’d told him while they’d walked along the beach.
He was holding one of her hands. In the other were her shoes. There was a warm breeze and the water was calm. It was a picturesque day and the thought had just floated into her mind.
“Neither have I,” he replied.
“I kind of like it,” she said.
“Me, too,” he answered.
“I wonder if I’ll like marriage as much.”
“It’s wonderful when you’re in love,” he said. “I know because I witnessed it.”
She’d nodded and then said the very next thing that came to her mind. “Let’s do it, then. Let’s get married and be wonderful.”
He’d stopped walking and simply stared at her. Sam had looked up at him in anticipation of his answer. When he shrugged, leaned forward and kissed her forehead, she’d been sure that was an easy letdown. Her mind hadn’t had a moment to decide how she would react when he’d said, “Let’s do it.”
The planning had begun the next morning and the following seven weeks had been full speed ahead.
Now, today, Sam was ready for the biggest and best tea party ever.
“It’s time, Ms. Samantha,” Lucie said from somewhere behind her.
Sam stood at the window just a moment longer. She stared out at the sea and whispered quietly, “Thank you, Mama. For everything.”
Forty-five minutes later Sam walked down the grand staircase in the foyer of the palace. Everything around her sparkled, from the huge crystal and gold chandelier to the candles that had been lit and placed on every surface as far as she could see. Her veil was pulled down over her face, her arm entwined in her father’s.
When they made it to the bottom of the steps and the photographer continued to snap pictures, Rafe turned to her, his hands holding both of hers now.
“Vivienne would be so proud,” he told her. “So very proud of the strong and decisive woman that you have become. She would be especially happy that you have found love.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” Sam said, once again blinking back tears. This morning had been a battle of keeping her eyes dry and her makeup intact. For this reason Sam was so glad she had decided on a noon wedding. It would be over soon and the threat of tears would be thankfully behind her.
“I’m glad that you’ve found love, too. I know Mom would have wanted you to be happy. After the wedding, I will be spending more time in Maryland with Gary, so I’ll make sure to give Malayka everything she needs to run the palace,” Sam told him.
Rafe smiled and Sam noticed the tears filling his eyes, as well. “I can’t say that I’m happy about this man taking my Sammy-Girl to another country. But I understand that he is not just a former soldier, but that he also has a budding writing career. I commend you both for being so fearless in this ever-changing world.”
“I thank you for giving me everything I needed to be prepared for this world. I love you, Daddy. More than any words can possibly express.”
“I love you, too, my darling,” he said and hugged her closer to him. “Now, let’s go get you married. I saw Gary this morning and he looks as anxious as a kid on Christmas.”
Sam chuckled. “That’s a good thing, right?”
“Oh, baby, that’s a wonderful thing. Love is a wonderful thing.”
* * *
Samantha Raine DeSaunters walked down the white runner amid white-iron chairs placed at tables covered in white, floor-length, satin tablecloths. Large crystal vases filled with blue hydrangeas with large green leaves were used as the centerpieces. The napkins on the table were blue, a saucer and teacup at each seating in a pattern that almost exactly matched the one her mother had given her. There were carafes of water and of hot tea in three different flavors. After the ceremony a fabulous brunch would be served with mimosas and fresh fruit, individually made omelets at Gary’s request and a grand buffet of foods.
Her aisle had been created with a white runner and candelabras holding tall, white candles separating the fifty tables. As she walked slowly, Sam looked around to see people she’d worked with in town. Detali and her daughter, the women from the Children’s Hospital where she spent a lot of her time, as well as all the members of the Bella Club and the girls currently enrolled there. It had been one of her girls from the club that had suggested Sam wear a blue wedding gown.
Malayka had been appalled by the idea but Landry was instantly hyped by the prospect. Sam’s sister-in-law had taken great care in selecting designers to send their ideas for Sam’s perfect gown. And it was perfect, she thought as she came closer to the altar. The strapless, fitted bodice that flared out at the waist in a traditional ballroom style was a gorgeous shade of blue, with an overlay of white chiffon from the waist down. She felt unique and beautiful and happier than she ever imagined she would be.
Gary’s smile confirmed everything she’d been thinking. Sam was happy and she couldn’t wait to marry this man.
The moment their vows were said and they were pronounced man and wife, she kissed and hugged her husband, whispering in his ear, “Your mom’s probably smiling down on us right now because she knows that this time you really did marry for love and that this princess has no intention of ever letting you go.”
“And I’m never going to stop loving this princess,” Gary told her.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781488013652
Loving the Princess
Copyright © 2017 by Artist Arthur
All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, M3B 3K9 Canada.
This is a work of fiction.
Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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The tycoon’s tender caress
She’s got sky-high ambitions to match the glamorous penthouses she shows, but real estate agent Angela Trainor keeps both feet firmly on the ground. Her attraction to her sexy boss, Daniel Cobb, needs to remain at bay, or it could derail her promising career. But when Daniel takes Angela under his wing, introducing her to clients at society events, mutual admiration becomes a sizzling physical connection.
Daniel has turned his starter company into Miami’s premier agency. In the process, he’s earned his place among the Millionaire Moguls—an elite and exclusive organization dedicated to paying success forward. He’s known for showering women with lavish gifts, attention…everything except commitment. Now the lovely Angela has discovered the pain in his past and is daring him to open up. But will it be enough to convince her that he wants so much more than just an unforgettable fling?
She’d clouded his thoughts until he’d finally decided he had to do something about it. He was now determined to convince her that they needed to spend time together and figure out what was between them.
Daniel placed his wineglass on the cocktail table in front of him and reached for one of Angela’s hands. “Don’t deny yourself, deny us, because you’re scared. I know we’re in uncharted territory here, but there’s something between us. You must feel it like I do.”
He watched her bring her wineglass to her mouth for a sip and realized her hand was shaking. Daniel wished he were that glass. Wished he could take her lips with his and suck the sweet juices off them. But he didn’t want to come on too strong or she would pull away.
He released her hand and rose to his feet. “Think about it.”
“You’ve certainly given me a lot to consider,” she finally said.
“I know, but when I feel strongly about something, I go after it.”
“And you want me?”
Those beautiful brown eyes of hers looked up at him expectantly.
Dear Reader,
Miami After Hours is the first book in the dynamic new Millionaire Moguls series featuring three heroes: Daniel Cobb, Joshua Delong and Ashton Rollins. In Miami After Hours, you’ll meet sexy millionaire Daniel Cobb. Daniel has been hurt in the past by unrequited love, but I infused him with just enough heart that he’s willing to risk an affair with our feisty heroine and his mentee, Angela Trainor. The chemistry between the pair is off the charts. Hope you enjoy all those steamy love scenes!
I’ve threaded a great subplot involving who will run the Miami Millionaire Moguls organization into the book. If you want to know how it will play out, you’ll need to read the next two installments in the series: A Miami Affair, Joshua’s story, and Secret Miami Nights, Ashton’s book.
Visit my website at www.yahrahstjohn.com to download my latest ebooks or write me at [email protected] for more info.
Enjoy,
Yahrah St. John
Miami After Hours
Yahrah St. John
Yahrah St. John is author of twenty-two books. St. John is the recipient of the 2013 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Kimani Romance for her title A Chance with You. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances, she can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her fiancé. Or, this thrill junkie can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.
A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. She lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful, where there’s great weather all year round. For more information, please visit www.yahrahstjohn.com.
Books by Yahrah St. John
Harlequin Kimani Romance
Two to Tango
Need You Now
Lost Without You
Formula for Passion
Delicious Destiny
A Chance with You
Heat Wave of Desire
Cappuccino Kisses
Taming Her Tycoon
Miami After Hours
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To my bestie and sister, Dimitra Astwood,
for being strong in your darkest hour.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
CHAPTER 1
Daniel Cobb strode through the glass doors of Cobb Luxury Real Estate, confident and poised in a custom Tom James suit and Ferragamo loafers. He’d started the company with the commissions he’d made while working with his father. Now he was the proud owner of his own thriving and highly sought-after real estate company.
Daniel only accepted wealthy clients looking for the most high-priced condominiums and homes in Miami. Anyone walking through the double glass doors of his agency knew what to expect. A skilled agent with expertise in the marketplace. As head broker, he’d hired only six other agents because he wanted to ensure that his clients received the most discriminating customer service.
Determined to make Cobb Luxury Real Estate the premier firm in Miami for luxury homes, he was at the office early in the morning and late into the night, reviewing numbers and overseeing staff. Along with his commitment to Prescott George, a men’s club he belonged to, that left very little time for play…or for women. Not that he was celibate. He had the odd date or two, which usually ended up with a beautiful female in his bed and a smile on his face. But he had no time for serious relationships.
He’d made sure of that after he’d foolishly fallen for Mia Landers back in college. She’d been petite and adorable, with dark doe eyes and a shy demeanor. Daniel had been instinctively protective of her, but Mia had been head over heels for Ashton Rollins, a fellow student of Daniel’s who paid her no attention. Daniel had thought if he bided his time, Mia would see the light. She hadn’t and had died in a tragic car accident later that year, leaving Daniel alone with his anger and regrets. And his guilt. If he’d managed to keep Mia away from Ashton, would she still be alive? Daniel would always wonder if he could have done more.
After that tragedy, he’d focused all his energy into building an empire. He wanted to own homes around the globe, and that required lots of money, especially if he wanted to travel.
Thanks to the phenomenal last few years, he’d added a penthouse in Key Biscayne to his portfolio. The building housed only three other units and was surrounded by nothing but glass. It was sleek, modern and sophisticated. Just like him.
“Good morning, Myrna,” he greeted the receptionist as he passed by.
“Good morning, Mr. Cobb.” Myrna smiled back at him as he made his way to his all-glass office facing downtown Miami.
Myrna was easy on the eyes, which was exactly what Daniel wanted to portray to prospective clients. However, he wasn’t fooled by the cool blue eyes, slick blond hair and slender figure. At twenty-five years old, Myrna was not only smart and capable, she was hungry for more. He could easily see her obtaining her Florida real estate license and becoming one of his agents. He recognized the drive; he had it himself.
Closing his office door behind him, Daniel walked over to the window and looked out over the bay. He’d always been driven to succeed, but it hadn’t been easy. Even though it appeared as if he came from rich parents, he’d been raised in a middle-class family. And once his parents had divorced, because of his father’s philandering ways, he’d been shuffled between two middle-income households.
Daniel grew up learning the business from his father, Kenneth Cobb, who had a small real estate company in Fort Lauderdale. He’d been required to man the phones during school breaks. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have gotten a chance to spend any time with his father, who, when he wasn’t working, was more concerned with the ladies than his only son.
Once he’d graduated from Nilson University with a degree in finance, he’d decided to open his own firm, except he would cater to a select niche of young, hip and most of all wealthy buyers and sellers. Cobb Luxury Real Estate was a frequent poster on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And thanks to meeting the illustrious Rollins family, a connection he’d made in college, the doors to the rich and famous had been opened to him. Too bad that connection had cost him the only woman he’d ever loved.
Harlequin Kimani Romance June 2017 Box Set Page 19
