by Gina Gordon
“How did you know I was down here?”
“Jack sent me.” She held on to Sterling’s biceps. “Do you think you can handle a trip to the ladies’ room?”
Sterling nodded and by the time they arrived at the bathroom, the need to upchuck had finally dissipated.
Slumping forward over the sink, she grabbed on with both hands. The reflection staring back at her from the mirror was horrifying. Her eyes were watery, her cheeks were flushed, and her hair frizzed from her sweat-soaked scalp. “I’m a mess.”
“Shush. He still looked interested and after I get you cleaned up, we’ll hunt him down again.” Penn winked and then dug around inside Sterling’s bag. She held out the travel toothbrush and toothpaste. “What exactly were you doing down here?”
“I…” Sterling straightened and tamed the strands of her dark hair. “I was feeling sick and I was trying to…”
“Escape?”
Sterling laughed. “That’s exactly what Jack said.” She scrubbed her teeth, a little uncomfortable at the way Penn stared at her in the mirror. “What?” she mumbled with the toothbrush still in her mouth.
Penn cocked her head and rested her hand on her hip. “I feel like a proud mama. I tell you to find a man and you waste no time picking the most infamous bachelor on the boat.”
She rinsed her mouth and placed the travel toothbrush into its holder. “You mean Jack Vaughn?”
“Duh.” Penn reached into her own purse and pulled out a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash. When she noticed Sterling’s curious stare, she shrugged. “You think you’re the only one who’s prepared? This comes in handy many a morning when I find myself waking up in a gorgeous man’s bed.” She smiled and thrust the bottle into Sterling’s hand.
After rinsing her mouth with the green, minty liquid, Sterling took a deep breath. Much better. She should probably find a new man to kiss now—one who hadn’t seen her inglorious upchucking. But her introduction to Jack Vaughn had just narrowed the playing field. Not too many were going to compete with that much sex on a stick.
“So, you and Jack?” Penn asked, as she slipped the mouthwash back into her purse, coaxing Sterling for more information.
“It’s not like I sought him out on purpose.” Definitely not. Sterling was way out of her element on this boat. Hobnobbing with fancy, rich people was not a typical evening of fun. However, she had promised Penn she’d try her best to leave stick-in-the-mud Sterling at home and let loose. So much for that plan. And now that she’d met Jack Vaughn, her own self-doubt needled its way back into her brain.
“Maybe not, but the fates have decided something else entirely.” Penn wiggled her eyebrows. She’d been coaxing Sterling to date for months and finally, Sterling felt ready to get back in the game. Granted, she had a lot of baggage, but she wasn’t looking for Mr. Right. She was looking for Mr. One-Night Stand. That was about all she could handle right now. But was Jack Vaughn the best candidate?
“Don’t you think it’s a little awkward?” she asked.
Penn stared at her. “How so?”
“Considering he’s your boss.”
Relief washed over Penn’s face. “When have I ever suggested anything appropriate when it comes to men?” She grabbed a handful of paper towels and held them under the tap, drenching them in cold water. “He doesn’t seem to be as involved in the family business as Cole, Finn, and Neil.” She patted the wet paper towel against Sterling’s face and neck. “He does his own thing.”
Everyone knew that Jack Vaughn partied as hard as he worked. And it was easy to do when you owned five of the hottest restaurants in the world. He flitted across the globe, tending to his businesses, keeping girlfriends in every city. If she was honest, the man she read about in the magazines and the man who held her hair while she heaved just didn’t jibe. But she’d promised Penn, and herself, that she’d break out of her shell. And tonight was supposed to be the first night of a new and improved, sexually enticing Sterling Andrews.
How many years had she spent compartmentalizing her life—organizing, planning, being prepared? Her plans should’ve led to a successful, drama-free existence. Which so far hadn’t worked out. Every moment of her life was spent doing things for other people. She was tired of being used. Now was her time to do something for fun, something strictly for herself. Maybe Jack could be her “something fun.”
“Is it just me or is Jack the hottest thing you’ve ever seen?”
“Honey, try working with three of them every day. I’m constantly wiping drool from my mouth.”
They laughed and walked back to the scene of the crime. George was no longer there sweeping up glass. Sterling glanced at the spot where she’d first seen Jack, remembering his utter gorgeousness.
Penn was right. Those men were drool-worthy. Especially Jack. Who cares if he was the type to take what he wanted and leave her in the dust? That’s exactly what she was looking for. This time, she was going to be the one to take what she wanted and never look back. And what better man to practice with than the King of Flings, Jack Vaughn?
“So…” She bit her bottom lip. “How exactly do I go about seducing a man like Jack Vaughn?”
Chapter Two
Jack paced the main deck of the boat, desperate to jump over the railing and swim to safety.
Toronto’s wealthiest citizens filled the yacht, waving their tumblers of top-shelf liquor, talking about their checkbooks and summer vacations. Luckily, they were exactly the type of people who were more than willing to give away some of the money collecting interest in their bank accounts. But indulging all the cloyingly perfumed women hoping to hit it rich by trapping one of the Madewood brothers wasn’t his idea of fun. At least not anymore. Hence his retreat to the bottom deck.
The luxury boat was rather old, but the decor masked its age. Several stations had been set up with spectacular hors d’oeuvres made by a group of kids in the program. The bar—which had no shortage of alcohol—sat off to the left.
Big band music played in the background—his mother’s favorite. His brothers worked the room, mixing and mingling with the guests, but Jack kept a low profile. A year ago, this cruise would have been his bread and butter. The schmoozing, the socializing…he could charm a buttload of zeros onto a donation check. But his former life—one of girls, drinking, and the never-ending party—now seemed insignificant.
Feedback from the microphone quieted the boat and everyone turned their attention to the lectern, where Neil waited to address the crowd.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming tonight.” He grabbed both sides of the lectern and took a deep breath. “My brothers and I contemplated long and hard about whether to hold this event tonight. Given the circumstances, we just weren’t sure if we were in the right frame of mind. But thanks to the newest member of the Madewood team—Penn Foster—we’re all here tonight, helping raise money for the Cooking for the Future program. Ladies and gentlemen, please acknowledge her hard work and dedication.” Neil gestured to where Penn stood. She raised her champagne flute and smiled from ear to ear.
From what Jack had gathered in the small amount of time he’d spent with her, she loved the attention.
“Penn is the brains behind this event. On behalf of my brothers, and all of the kids in the program, I’d like to say thank you.” Neil winked. “It seems that the four of us just can’t function without a strong, focused woman telling us what to do.”
The crowd laughed.
Neil gripped the lectern tighter and Jack noticed the grimace flash across his face.
“We’re also here to honor a wonderful businesswoman, mother, and friend—a woman who was taken from us far too early by breast cancer.”
Breast cancer. Just hearing those two words had him breaking out in a cold sweat again.
It had been unbearable, watching his mother waste away from the vibrant, beautiful woman she had been, to a pale and fragile shell. But through it all, she’d never lost sight of what mattered—family.
And in her absence, there would always be one thing that would keep his family together.
Cooking. It had been his saving grace. It had also kept him out of trouble when it seemed that was all he was good at. It was the one thing in the world that tied him to his brothers and their mother—who was the only constant the four of them had ever known.
After his mother became sick, he returned every few weeks to pitch in. He did as much as he could, battling his need to be with his family and his determination to prove he could be successful in his own right. And if he was completely honest, he hadn’t believed that she would be taken from him so soon.
It was on Finn’s watch that she had passed. Jack hadn’t been there. And he would forever be reminded of that night—of his guilt—when photos of him and an anonymous woman were plastered all over the gossip blogs and magazines. His innocent meeting with a holistic practitioner was turned into an evening of debauchery. All he wanted was to consult with an expert on some alternative methods of treatment. Instead the press claimed he was indulging in sex and alcohol while his mother took her last few breaths. Because of that, there wasn’t one reporter or photographer on this boat tonight. He stayed far away from the media.
“Many of our guests here tonight are current students and graduates of the Cooking for the Future program. Talk to them. Ask them how much the program has given them. These are young men and women who have overcome the odds and are shining examples of how your donations literally change lives.” Not one for long speeches, he wrapped up quickly. “Enjoy the food and drinks, and open up your hearts…and your checkbooks.”
The night air swelled with applause, and Jack added his own hearty clap as his brother left the stage with a final wave.
The gentle evening breeze lifted the ends of his shirt and reminded him of the sight of Sterling on the deck below—of that outfit, which left little to the imagination. He’d caught sight of her at the food table at the beginning of the night, placing hors d’oeuvres on a black napkin. Her legs were long and lean, with toned calves leading up to supple thighs that were mostly hidden beneath a pouf of coarse material. And those shoes, with heels that went on forever. Jack twitched, almost feeling the bite of pain as those heels pinched into his ass when she squeezed her legs around his hips.
After meeting her, he knew his decision to take it slow with women was going to be challenged. Funny how no sooner did Neil mention getting back in the game than Sterling Andrews walked into his life. More like crashed into it. But she could crash into anything as long as she did it wearing as little as possible.
“Only a woman could put that look on a man’s face.” His brother Finn O’Reilly stepped beside him along the railing.
“Sterling Andrews.” Jack smiled just saying her name.
“Oh, the friend.” Finn looked at him with a sly grin. “I would have expected Penn to bring a man to this shindig, not a chick.” He leaned his body against the railing, his blond hair tousling in the wind. “I don’t know how Neil and Cole concentrate all day long, having her around.” Finn sipped on his drink. The brown liquid was no doubt Jameson Irish Whiskey. “You should see her in her tight skirts.”
“You really shouldn’t be speaking like that about the woman who works for us.” Jack tried to sound stern, but he was already scanning the room, trying to find the woman who’d captured his attention…who was friends with the woman who worked for them. Slightly better, at least.
“You’ve been looking all over the place since I got here.” Finn took another sip of his drink. “Can’t find her anywhere?”
”Not yet. But I will.” His gaze bounced from teased blond head to teased blond head. He wasn’t in the mood for a blonde tonight though. No, he had his sights set on a fetching brunette. Who gets seasick. He should probably be checking along the railing.
Finn clapped Jack’s shoulder. “Did you get her number?”
Jack shrugged, still scanning the crowd milling about on the deck.
“I guess her number would be easy enough to get since she’s Penn’s friend,” Finn said.
Jack grinned at his brother. “You always have the best solutions.” If all else failed, he’d get her digits from Penn and call her in the morning. Maybe ask her out to breakfast. After tonight’s belly catastrophe, she’d probably be starving come morning.
“Have fun, bro.” With a wink, Finn walked away and into the crowd.
But before he tracked down Penn, what could the harm be in trying to find her one more time tonight? After all, she was sick. What kind of gentleman would he be if he didn’t make sure his guests were comfortable at his party?
He hadn’t found her after doing a lap around the boat, the peppermint tea in his hand cooling with every minute wasted, and sidled up to the bar to get a better look at the area. Instead of Sterling, he found Penn, deep in conversation with Finn and an older couple.
If Sterling wasn’t below and she wasn’t on the main deck, there was only one other place she could be. He snuck behind the curtain that sectioned off the top deck and climbed the stairs, surprised at the strong wind that greeted him when he emerged.
Sterling sat at the front of the boat, with her arms wrapped around her torso, her hands rubbing up and down her arms. Her dark hair whipped in the wind as she stared at the Toronto skyline reflecting off the water.
“Looks like you could use some warming up.”
Her body tightened before she turned. “Jack.” She relaxed, her eyes softening when they settled on him. A good sign. “You scared me.”
“I’m sorry.” He stepped closer. “How are you feeling?”
Her eyes shone in the moonlight. She gave him a weak smile and lowered her gaze. “The fresh air up here seems to help a bit.” She smoothed her hands over her hair to secure the flyaway strands. As if expecting that he had come up with someone else, her eyes darted behind him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve been looking for you.” He held out the cup. “I brought you some tea.”
“You did?”
He slid onto the bench beside her and offered the cup. “Peppermint. It’ll relax your stomach.”
Her eyes lifted, settling on his. Her look of admiration tightened his chest. She took a sip of the tea and moaned. The sound vibrated through his body, igniting a fire inside him that had been buried for too many months.
She settled the cup on her lap. “Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do for the emergency medical services you provided earlier this evening.”
“That’s not the first time my bag of tricks has saved a life.” She chuckled and took another sip of the tea.
“I take it you don’t come to these sort of functions often?”
“Definitely not my scene.” She sipped again. “What about you? What are your plans for the Madewood legacy?” she asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Funny she should ask. Just before his mother got sick, Jack had dreamed up a plan for the program, a way to extend their reach to more than just foster kids. But he hadn’t thought about it in over a year.
He sighed. “For now, I’m just helping out at Cole’s restaurant. I know he’s short-staffed.”
“You don’t seem too excited about that.” She angled her head to the side, her face glowing under the moonlight.
“I love being a chef, don’t get me wrong.” He was here to help for as long as they needed him, but he didn’t want to work for his brothers. “It’s just…I have a commitment I need to take care of soon.” He’d neglected all five restaurants while he’d been hiding out here the last two months and he couldn’t put off his involvement any longer. His general manager—the only one who was capable of running all five restaurants without Jack micromanaging—needed a break. Jack had hired J.R. White to work at his first restaurant as a bouncer and ended up taking him to every new location he opened. J.R. was loyal and smart, and Jack trusted him with his life. More than his life, with his livelihood. And Jack had promised to show up in Chicago in four we
eks so J.R. could have a much-deserved vacation.
Sterling sat silently, her legs crossed toward him, her eyes soft and inviting. Everything about her screamed that she was interested in anything and everything he had to say. She could also be tired and woozy from being sick and too weak to make a break for it. But something about this woman made him want to tell her everything about himself. “Finn and Cole are happy to follow the grain. They have their own restaurants and they are content. Neil has always been the leader. For as much as he complains, he loves being in charge of the entire family business. He thinks big, outside the box, and I…I just don’t connect with anything we do here and if I stayed, I…”
“Would just be going through the motions?”
She took the words right out of his mouth. He nodded. But that wasn’t completely true, not really. He connected with the program. He’d miss those damn kids. And there were so many more of them that needed his help. But with his mother gone, his idea to expand the program would mean he’d have to stick around. And that so wasn’t happening.
“It’s normal, you know. To feel guilty about wanting to do things for yourself.” She waved her hand in the air. “I know all about that.”
What did this wonderful woman know about guilt? And who was the asshole making her feel this way?
His mother had always been supportive, but he knew she would have been happier if he had followed in his brothers’ footsteps. Jack was the black sheep of an adopted family, and recently, the difference between him and his brothers became even more apparent. All four of them had the same work ethic, the same motivation and know-how, but Jack lacked the one trait Neil, Finn, and Cole cherished most—they preferred to stay in one place.
