“If Marriage Is Something You Want, And Love Is Truly Something You Believe In, You Shouldn’t Settle For Anything Less Than The Best.”

Turning to face him, Abby quirked a brow. “Aren’t you settling?”

His smile widened. “Not at all. This business arrangement is perfect for all parties involved.” His tone softened as he laid a hand on her arm. “People don’t always marry for love, Abby.”

Looking into his mesmerizing, amber-flecked eyes, she spoke from her heart. “They should.”

“So you’re holding out for the real thing?” he asked, sliding his hand from her arm.

She offered him her sweetest smile. “Didn’t you just tell me not to settle?”

And that right there gave her the ammunition, the courage and the knowledge to hold on to what she wanted.

And she wanted Cade Stone.

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wanted something so badly, so within reach, but didn’t feel you were adequate to go after it? Welcome to Abby Morrison’s world.

If you read Seducing the Enemy’s Daughter, you are already familiar with Cade and Abby. I absolutely loved Abby from the moment I made her Cade and Brady’s shy assistant. I mean, how hard would it be keeping not one, but two hunky CEOs in line and holding on to your sanity in the process?

Added to that, now she is asked to plan Cade’s wedding…to another woman. Finally Abby stands up for herself and fights for what she wants. Cade’s quiet, bashful assistant morphs into someone that shocks them both when she takes charge of not only her life, but his. Cade has finally met his match.

I hope you enjoy reading about Abby’s courage and Cade’s fall into love.

Happy reading!

Jules

JULES BENNETT

FOR BUSINESS…OR MARRIAGE?

Books by Jules Bennett

Silhouette Desire

Seducing the Enemy’s Daughter #2004

For Business…or Marriage? #2010

JULES BENNETT

Jules’s love of storytelling started when she would get in trouble as a child and would tell her parents her imaginary friend Mimi did it. Since then her vivid imagination has taken her down a path she’d only dreamed of.

When Jules isn’t spending time with her wonderful supportive husband and two daughters, you will find her reading her favorite authors, though she calls that time “research.” She loves to hear from readers! Contact her at julesbennett@falcon1.net, visit her Web site at www.julesbennett.com or send her a letter at P.O. Box 396, Minford, OH 45653.

To Jenn Schober, my awesome agent. You’ve directed me down a path I never would’ve chosen. Thanks for the guidance…and for reading this opening scene over and over.

Contents

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

One

“Ride it!”

Her body quivered, shook, bucked. Every muscle ached as she held on for the ride of her life. Nothing else mattered but holding out for the finish.

“Roll your hips.”

As if she had any other choice. Hips rolling, thighs burning, she nearly collapsed as she came to the end.

Thank God. The mechanical bull finally stopped.

The crowd roared and whistled.

“That, ladies and gentlemen, is a lady who can ride!” The DJ’s voice boomed through the crowd. “She stayed on for eleven seconds. Someone get this girl a beer.”

On shaky legs, Abby Morrison stomped over the red padded vinyl and hopped down onto the scarred, peanut-covered wood floor. Never in all her twenty-eight years had she ever done something so…silly, so fun.

She thought walking over the foam matting had been difficult, but now that she was on solid, stable ground, she was still having problems.

Hmm, maybe drinking two, no three, no—who knows how many margaritas and the two shots of mystery liquid the bartender had chosen was the problem. Oh well, after the day she’d had, she deserved a little fun. She needed to detach from reality, no matter how brief or how much she’d regret her decision in the morning.

Abby accepted the high fives as she wound her way through the thick crowd. She was just getting back to the bar, and the stool she’d warmed before taking a daring risk and mounting the bull, when a large, familiar hand clamped down on her shoulder.

Did he have to ruin everything today?

Her gaze trailed from the tan hand to the rolled cuff of a crisp, white shirt and on up to a set of coal-like, angry eyes. Eyes that were much more affectionate in her dreams and fantasies.

“Cade.” She smiled sweetly and looked him in the eyes—all four of them. “What are you doing here?”

“Saving you.”

He motioned for the bartender to hand over her keys and purse.

And that was what irked her about Cade Stone. The man didn’t even have to speak for people to jump at his command.

In the year that she’d known him, he’d maintained an aura of power combined with a sexy, lethal body all wrapped up in Italian suits. All he had to do was walk into a room and women swooned…and she was no exception. Damn it.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she declared, though if the invite was back to his house, she’d seriously reconsider. “But, if you want to stay, you can join me for a drink.”

“I think you’ve drunk enough for both of us tonight.”

With a forceful grip on her arm, he spun her toward the exit and out into the unusually cool spring evening.

“How did you find me?” Abby demanded as she stumbled behind the Neanderthal who was currently dragging her to his black Lincoln Navigator.

He opened the passenger door, tossed in her things, gripped her waist and hoisted her up and into the heated seat. “This was the first piece of property I sold when I got into real estate with Dad. The owner and I have remained friends.”

Figures. Who didn’t know the almighty and powerful Cade Stone? Not only that, Abby had yet to meet someone who didn’t jump through hoops to make Cade, and his brother, Brady, happy.

She tried to ignore the tingling on her body where he’d touched her hand, her waist. The shivering sensations were alcohol-induced—they had to be. She refused to believe her feelings for Cade were anything other than superficial.

How could she trust her instincts when she was, oh what was the word she was looking for? Oh, yes. Trashed.

“But why would he call you?” she asked, slapping his hand away as he attempted to fasten her seat belt.

Those charcoal eyes that haunted every fantasy, sleeping or awake, came up to meet hers. “He figured I didn’t want my assistant soused in public. He was right.”

The door slammed before she could think of a response or a defense. She settled into the warmth of the leather seat and shut her eyes as Cade got in and roared the engine to life.

Abby tried to push aside the thoughts that led up to this evening’s entertainment. But her mother’s mounting medical and funeral bills and Cade’s most recent job offer were too much of an overload for her mind. She could think of little else.

Forget the fact she’d already decided to quit her demanding job just before Cade dropped his life-altering announcement. Her life, and his. How could she leave now? How could she stay, though?

“Do you have a reason for behaving like a free-spirited party animal?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Silence stretched as he wound through the streets of San Francisco. She knew he waited for a response, but she honestly didn’t feel he deserved one.

“And?” he prompted.

She opened her eyes and spared him a glance. “My actions, and the reasons behind them, are really none of your concern.”

Abby couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face when Cade’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. Serves him right after dropping that little bombshell this afternoon at the office.

He was engaged.

He’d practically driven a knife into her heart when he made the announcement. But that wasn’t enough. No. Cade twisted the knife when he asked her to coordinate the wedding and work directly with Mona, the lucky budding bride-to-be.

She’d just gotten up the nerve to tell him she was leaving. There was no way she could continue to work for a man she was secretly falling for.

But now he’d offered her a staggering amount of money to coordinate his “business nuptials.” God, she didn’t know the lucky fiancée, but nothing about this upcoming wedding sounded romantic. How could she plan a lavish, beautiful wedding when one—possibly both—of the parties involved considered it just another business deal?

Great. Just great. Simply because she’d worked as a wedding coordinator for a prestigious company for several years before coming to work for Stone Enterprises, Cade now thought she was qualified to plan his.

Wonderful.

“This is out of character for you, Abby.”

Did he really know her well enough to say that? Sure, she worked for him, but he knew nothing about her on a personal level. Because if he did truly know her heart, he never would have put her in this position.

She kept her eyes closed, unable to look at the shadowed expression on his face in the darkened car. Though the fact he had major bedhead—a minor imperfection—made him seem somewhat more approachable. Never, in the whole year she’d worked for him, had she ever seen him look anything less than perfect.

And she certainly did not want to consider that Cade had been in bed when he’d received a call about her. Was this Mona woman waiting for Cade back at his house? Was she keeping the sheets warm?

No, that was definitely not a path she wanted to travel down. Unfortunately, though, all of her senses were now plagued with Cade. The man not only occupied a large space in her mind, but his masculine scent filled the car, as well. Too bad the sexy aroma encompassing her wasn’t his strong arms.

Abby groaned aloud.

“You okay?” he asked. Concern laced with irritation filled his tone. “Do I need to pull over?”

She chuckled at the fact he thought she was getting ready to toss her cookies right in the front seat of his sleek, immaculate vehicle that screamed CEO. Was he more concerned with the cleaning bill or her physical state?

Stifling another groan, she turned her attention out the darkened window. “Just take me home.”

Wallowing in self-pity and misery would be much better in her small, empty studio apartment across town. Quite a contrast from where Cade lived in his overpriced penthouse where his fiancée, more than likely, was waiting for him in bed.

Who ordered up a marching band?

Willing the percussion section to cease, Abby rolled over. Her cheek slid against smooth, soft…satin?

She jerked up, only to grab her head to prevent it from falling off. She was in bed, but not hers, she noted with only one eye open. Definitely not hers. She didn’t have a black king-sized mission-style bed with charcoal gray silk sheets and matching duvet.

And then she remembered where she was.

Cade’s place. Great. Just great.

With a hand on either side of her head, she risked opening both eyes to see if he was standing close by with that signature smirk on his face. Thankfully she was alone. And fully dressed.

Obviously nothing had happened, unless Cade had redressed her right down to her sandals.

She listened for a minute, but didn’t hear him moving about in any of the other rooms, either. Hopefully he’d gone out and would be a gentleman about this whole ordeal and let her sneak out without a word. When she went back to work on Monday, they wouldn’t mention Friday night’s events.

Yeah, right. And then he’d confess his undying love to her. Sure.

Struggling to get out of bed, adjust her rumpled clothing and stay upright, Abby reprimanded herself for even thinking such romantic thoughts. Cade was—and always had been—out of her league and off-limits.

Especially now since his engagement announcement.

Searching frantically for her purse and keys, Abby slowly stepped out into the hallway. She still hadn’t heard Cade—thank you, God.

In the sunken living room, which was twice the size of her whole apartment, she saw her handbag resting on the wrought iron table in front of the brown leather sofa.

Leaning against her purse, however, was a note. The queasiness in her belly increased as she crossed the gleaming hardwood floors and snatched the paper.

Stay here. We need to talk.

Cade

With note in hand and dread in her stomach, Abby sank to the oversize couch. The buttery soft leather groaned beneath her, mimicking her own emotions.

Was he planning on scolding her again? True, he may be her boss, but he most certainly was not her keeper. Anger began to override nerves as she realized Cade had no right to drag her away from Bulls ’N Beers last night. For once in her life she’d been doing something without thinking it through—and she’d been having a blast.

This morning, though, was not so fun. The hangover, the fact that she was to assist Cade’s fiancée in planning the wedding of the year and the fact she couldn’t turn the job down because she was still paying off her mother’s medical bills all made for a day-downing combo.

She swallowed the lump of tears that threatened to overtake her already miserable morning. Her mother wouldn’t have wanted her to dwell on her death, nor would her mother have wanted her to take a job that she’d hate. But, being buried in debt was not an option, either. Once the wedding was over and done, Abby would move on, no matter what Cade said.

On a sigh, Abby sank back against the cushions, welcoming the comfort they provided. Too bad the comfort she so desperately needed, craved, came in the form of a couch costing thousands instead of a six-foot-two-inch CEO billionaire with charcoal eyes, a slight dimple in his chin and shoulders that filled out his tailor-made Italian suits.

Yeah. Too bad.

Cade had wagered multi-billion-dollar deals. He’d gone skydiving with a daredevil associate just for the hell and the thrill of it. He’d even ventured to ask a woman he was not in love with to marry him—all for the sake of launching his business into other countries.

He’d loved every minute of those moments. But right now, standing outside his penthouse door, Cade could only stare at the dark wood finish and the gold plated P. All because he was scared to death to face the curvy, petite blonde.

The image of Abby riding that damn mechanical bull had kept him up all night. He wished he’d never gone down to that bar to haul her pretty little self home.

No, that’s not true. Even though the erotic image of her hips gyrating back and forth, her hair clinging to her damp face, had embedded itself so deep in his mind he’d never forget, he wouldn’t change a thing. He’d never known her to be so spontaneous, carefree and…sexy. At least, he assumed her trip to the popular bar in San Francisco had been a last minute decision—the bartender had told him Abby had come alone. This was one of those times he was thankful that people knew who he was and who worked for him.

He had to get that damn image out of his head. She was his assistant for pity’s sake. She aided him with everything from conducting business transactions to traveling with him to reviewing potential properties he wanted to purchase. Never once had he associated her with sex. But now, with last night’s events embedded in his head, that’s all he could think of.

With a bakery bag under his arm, Cade finally let himself into his apartment and forced himself to act like a man and not a teenager with prom-night hormones.

Abby’s pale, golden hair was the first thing he saw. The second was her bare, shapely legs propped up on his coffee table.

She turned to meet his gaze and jumped to her feet.

Angry with himself for allowing her to get to him at the most inopportune time, he let the door slam. She jumped once again, her eyes squeezing shut at the boom.

Good. A hangover. Just what he needed to deal with.

“Recovered from your night?” he asked, stepping down into the living area.

She sat back down on the sofa, but only on the edge. “I’m fine. Why am I here?”

Ignoring her question, he tossed the bag onto the table. “Here’s your favorite artery-clogging breakfast. Eat up, so I can yell at you again.”

Her perfectly arched brow lifted. “If my cherry cheese Danish with an extra side of cream cheese comes with stipulations, I don’t want it.”

Remaining on his feet, Cade rested his hands on his hips. “Do you really want to have this out on an empty stomach with a raging headache? Your choice.”

She eyed him for about ten seconds, then dove into the bag. As she devoured the flaky pastry, he took in her pink sleeveless, button-up blouse and white dress shorts. Even though her clothing was a wrinkled mess and her long, thick blond hair disheveled, Abby didn’t look like she’d slept off a night of drinking.

She looked as if she’d spent the night with her lover.

No. No, no, no. Throwing another kink into his chaotic life right now was simply not an option. And Abby Morrison would most definitely be a kink. Something he’d never considered until last night.

Well, okay, maybe he’d thought of her as attractive before, and something about her had always intrigued him. Perhaps the way she kept to herself as if protecting her private life. But Abby had worked for him and his brother, Brady, for nearly a year, and he’d never, ever considered her a woman to fantasize about all night. Until now.

How had her sexy, yet foolish side managed to work its way into his every thought for the past ten hours?

Just watching her dip her Danish into the small tub of cream cheese and lick the excess off her fingers made him grit his teeth and turn toward the kitchen to get her a glass of juice. Nothing about this situation was professional—especially on his part.

With his impending engagement to Mona Tremane, he had to remain focused. Mona was just the break he needed since his father had handed the reigns over to his sons before passing away ten months ago.

After becoming co-CEO with Brady, Cade had been waiting for a chance to build up Stone Enterprises and launch their real estate company into other countries. Brady was one hundred percent on board with going global, but he was thinking in the distant future. Cade was thinking now.

Mona’s father had mentioned a form of partnership between his multi-billion-dollar real estate firm and Stone Enterprises…then conveniently laid the marriage card on the table. Just the thought of moving into another league had Cade salivating and ready to sign by the X—even if it was a marriage license.

Why not propose to Mona? They’d gone out to the theatre a couple of times and were already good friends. Why not make the partnership permanent on all levels? After all, his brother had married and seemed to be enjoying holy matrimony. Granted, Brady and Sam were totally in love…something Cade had yet to feel for or tell a woman.

Love was for some people—he just didn’t consider himself one of them. People who “fell in love” were just filling a void for something else. He was more than happy to fill any void with a new plane, fast cars and beachfront homes.

Besides, didn’t power and money last far longer than love? Anyway, he wasn’t convinced love even existed unless it was from a toddler to a puppy. Or a son to his father.

Cade shook off the remorse that crept up at the thought of his late father. Dwelling on the man who’d molded him into the businessman he was today wouldn’t bring his father back. Nothing would. But he could honor his father’s legacy by making their company the best in the world.

As he poured a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, Cade knew that it was time for him to settle down and start a family so the Stone name could live on. Mona had already agreed to a family. He wanted to pass down the company to his kids as his father had. Brady and Sam were already well ahead of him. They were due with twins in less than three months.

He turned toward the living room just in time to see Abby’s mouth open wide as she gobbled up the last bite of Danish. When she proceeded to lick each and every one of her fingers clean, Cade cleared his throat and stepped down into the living area.

Forget the damn image of those hips while she was on the bull.

“Here you go.”

Cade set the juice on the table, then crossed the room to lean against the entertainment center. With his arms crossed, he glared at her and waited for an explanation.

Abby merely stared back and said, “What?”

“Care to tell me why you drank so much last night?”

One creamy shoulder lifted. “I’m a grown woman, Cade. I wanted to unwind, have fun. Surely you know about having fun. Right?”

“We’re not talking about me,” he said through gritted teeth.

“No, if we were you could tell me why this sudden engagement is the first I’ve ever heard about Mona Tremane.”

Levering off the entertainment center, Cade came to his full height, resting his hands on his hips. “My personal affairs are none of your concern. You are my employee.”

A flash of hurt skipped across her face or maybe he just imagined the reaction because now her rounded chin tilted up.

“You’re right,” she agreed. “Which is why when I want to go out and have a good time, I’m entitled. I don’t need you to come play daddy.” She paused and picked up the juice. “Although, you see more of me than he ever did,” she muttered, almost under her breath.

Her tone had gone from indignant to sad, and it drew him into her web of innocence.

What had gotten into his private, dignified assistant? And why was this the first time he’d ever heard about anyone in her family?

Because they only had an employee/employer relationship, as he’d just told her. So why did that suddenly make him feel cold, uncaring?

She pushed her messed hair back from her face. “I’m too tired to deal with this right now. Give your fiancée my name and number. I’ll see when I can start planning this wedding.”

Cade watched as Abby scooped up her purse and slid into her little pink-heeled sandals. Did she always have French-manicured toenails? Hmm, sexy.

He forced his eyes back up. “I’ll drive you to get your car.”

“I’ll take a cab,” she called over her shoulder.

Before she could reach the door, Cade stepped up from the living area and blocked her exit with a slap of his hand to the door. “We’ll use the time in the car to talk.”

Her lids fluttered shut for a brief second before lifting again. “I’m not on the clock, Cade, and we don’t discuss personal things, remember? We can talk business on Monday.”

Why did her words have such a sting to them? Had he sounded this frigid to her?

“We will be discussing business,” he assured her, refusing to look down to her chest, which was nearly brushing his black T-shirt. “I’m signing partnership papers with Tremane International as soon as Mona and I say ‘I do.’ I want this merger, both business and the marriage, to be done in a month.”

Two

Mona Tremane was everything Abby wasn’t. Beautiful, tall, curves in all the right places. Wealthy.

Too bad Abby’s green-eyed monster had to join them for lunch.

Abby sat across from the woman, who wore a sparkling emerald cut engagement ring, trying her best to smile and nod at all the appropriate times.

Could there be a more miserable way to spend a lunch hour?

“I can’t tell you how nice it is to get out of the office for a few minutes.” Mona beamed, leaning across the table. “I guess we’re just lucky that my one o’clock canceled. But, really, the details of the wedding don’t matter to me. You’re the professional. Whatever you think best is fine with me.”

Thankfully they had met at a neutral locale. The café beside Stone Enterprises was a perfect place to eat her lunch—if she could stomach it after Miss Shiny Teeth got done smiling like she’d won the bachelor lottery. This meeting couldn’t end soon enough.

“You really don’t want to discuss details? What if you don’t like what I choose?” Abby said with what she hoped was a sincere smile. “I may have a totally different image of what is romantic than what you do.”

“I don’t have time,” Mona said simply. “Besides, there is nothing romantic about this arrangement. I don’t have on rose-colored glasses. Cade and I are doing this strictly as a wise business move for both our companies.

“Cade was confident that you’d do a good job. I was actually going to hire the wedding coordinator you previously worked for, but when Cade suggested you, it just made sense to deal with one person instead of a company.” Lucky me.

Between the pale pink Chanel suit and glossy lips, Abby knew there was no way she could ever look this attractive or appealing to Cade.

Blah, blah, blah…God, why did Mona’s voice go into Abby’s ears sounding like the Charlie Brown teacher?

Because the third member of their lunch party—Abby’s green-eyed monster—was rearing her ugly head again.

In all honesty there was not a thing wrong with Mona Tremane and that’s what irritated Abby the most. She could hardly fault Cade for wanting to spend the rest of his life with this polished, upscale beauty. She was nice, professional…the perfect image to help front an imperfect marriage.

“Well, I’m glad the two of you have confidence in me.” Abby folded the paper back over her untouched chicken wrap and signaled the waiter for a to-go box. “This will be a tedious job, but I’ve done it before and everything will work out just fine. We’ll just be very busy for the next four weeks.”

Mona waved her well-manicured hand. “Actually, I have to do some traveling on business for my father and I’ll be in and out for the next three weeks. You have my cell if there’s something you definitely have to ask, but like I said, I don’t much care. I’ll give you my measurements for the dress and other than that, you’ve got free reign.”

Mona wasn’t even planning on picking out her own wedding gown? Abby hadn’t lied when she said she’d planned weddings in a crunch, but the bride was usually around to at least confer with and assist.

“Not to be judgmental,” Abby started slowly, “but isn’t your wedding more important than business? Could your father send someone else?”

Mona shook her head, sending her curled, highlighted hair dancing around her shoulders. “As the vice-president, there are sites I need to oversee and I want to get all of that out of the way so I can concentrate on this merger of companies. Oh, and I assume you’ll do the honeymoon, too?”

Honeymoon. The one word Abby truly did not want to hear—at least in association with Cade and Mona.

“I do.” Abby confirmed, cringing. “Do you have any input on that?”

“None at all.” Mona reached her perfectly manicured hand across the table and squeezed Abby’s short, unpolished fingers. “I have confidence in you. If Cade says you’re the best, then I know you are.”

Abby felt like a traitor. This woman was genuinely sweet and was putting her trust in Abby.

Why did she have to feel guilty about loving someone?

After their brief wedding-planning lunch came to an end, Abby took her white to-go bag and headed back to the office where she attempted to get her mind off this wedding and onto real estate.

What would happen to the San Francisco office if Cade and Brady went global? Would Cade and his new bride want to jet-set from country to country and check out new properties? Would they hire a stranger to take over the office their late father had started from scratch?

Abby sighed as she stepped behind her desk and dumped her uneaten lunch into the trash. She toed the can aside and slumped into her chair. This upcoming marriage would be perfect and the only person who was unhappy about the arrangement was her…and she had no right to be.

With the absurd amount of money she was getting for arranging the wedding of the year, she could not only pay off her mother’s old medical bills, but she could also afford to buy a house of her own and get out of her studio apartment. Granted the only reason she chose the tiny, cozy place was to get out of the house she’d shared with her mother. The house where she’d watched her mother’s life wither away day by day.

When a tear slipped down her cheek, Abby didn’t even bother to swipe it away. What good would it do? Swatting away tears almost seemed as if she was brushing aside her mother’s memory.

“Abby.”

At Cade’s demanding, powerful voice, Abby turned in her chair and pasted on a smile. “Yes.”

“What happened?” His brows drew together and, in a gesture that shocked her, he plucked the canary-yellow handkerchief from his navy Italian suit jacket and dabbed her cheek. “Are you all right?”

She didn’t know if she was more impressed at the fact he truly cared about her feelings or the fact he may be the last man on the planet who actually used the handkerchief for something other than decoration.

“Everything’s fine.”

She tried to back away, but his intense, concerning gaze held her still. The silk slid over her cheek, making her shiver, making her recall the feel of his sheets against her skin.

“Did you need something?” she asked, trying to pretend his touch hadn’t just sent shiver chasing after shiver through her body.

For a moment, Abby wondered if he heard her. He was, after all, only inches from her face. But then, as if he just realized their close proximity, Cade handed her the silk cloth and came to his feet.

Clearing his throat, he shoved his hands in his trouser pockets. “How was the meeting with Mona?”

Clutching the handkerchief, as if she could actually squeeze some of Cade’s courage and strength into her body, she nodded. “The meeting went well. I’ll be swamped, though, since Mona will be out of town a lot until the wedding, plus my work here. But…”

“You can handle it.”

His confidence warmed, yet irritated her. Was he completely dismissing the fact she’d be in utter chaos or was he just that sure of her abilities? And, God, why did she let him tie her up in knots? She’d never questioned her ability to do her job before.

“There is one area that you need to do yourself, though,” she added before he could turn away.

“Whatever you decide will be fine.”

Abby came to her feet and handed the handkerchief back. “No, as the groom, it is your responsibility to plan the honeymoon. Normally I assist, but that was when I only had wedding planning to do and when I had plenty of time to plan the big event. And, since I know you, I don’t feel a bit guilty asking you to take on that part. Besides, you’ve traveled enough to know what would be a nice getaway.”

Nope. She didn’t feel the least bit guilty asking him to plan the erotic—er, exotic—honeymoon where the two of them would be able to frolic and make love for days as an orange, glowing sunset made their picture-perfect backdrop.

Ugh. This was not her idea of a dream job. But, if it paid the bills…

He folded the silk cloth and slid it into perfect position in the slim pocket of his navy jacket. “I don’t care where we go. You pick and book something.”

“No.”

Cade’s brows shot up. “Excuse me?”

“I said no.” Some of his strength had come off that cloth after all. “A bride wants something special, something romantic. She doesn’t want the groom’s assistant to choose something so intimate.”

The corners of his kissable mouth tilted. “You already know this after meeting with Mona for an hour?”

Exasperated, she rolled her eyes. “No, I know this because I’m a woman and I’ve worked with hundreds of brides. We all want romance. If we wanted something impersonal, we wouldn’t hire a wedding planner. We’d go to the county courthouse.

“You’re due to go to Jamaica to look at some property. Why don’t you bump up your trip and check out the surrounding resorts. Call it a business trip if that makes you feel better.”

The muscle in his jaw ticked and Abby held her breath. Had she pushed too far? She’d never spoken to Cade in such a harsh manner. Then again, before she’d heard of the engagement, she’d never gotten drunk and ridden a mechanical bull, either. Why was she suddenly getting so courageous? Probably because she had nothing to lose at this point. The man she’d once thought was her very own knight was going to ride off into the sunset with the princess…not the hired hand.

Even so, why was she pushing so hard for him to add romance into the mix? Both Mona and Cade were up-front about this arrangement. Neither was in love and they weren’t looking for it. Though, Abby admitted, a part of her was thrilled he didn’t love Mona.

But was everything in the man’s life about business? Was moving into other countries that important to Cade and Brady?

And as a woman, how could Mona settle for something other than true love? Yet again, this was none of her business, no matter how much she wanted it to be.

“Fine,” he conceded. “I’ll leave Friday. Change my schedule for two weeks and contact my pilot. While I’m out, I’ll fly into Cancún, Cozumel and Jamaica. I have some unsettled business to attend to.”

She should’ve known he’d take his “research” and run with it. Cade never did anything halfway. Perhaps that was one of the reasons she’d fallen for him months ago.

So why wasn’t she fighting for him?

Because she knew she didn’t stand a chance against perfection and Cade had handpicked the perfect wife. After all, they were both more focused on their careers and the getting ahead than the wedding and the living happily ever after.

“Consider it done.”

“Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen this time,” he told her.

“What?”

“Sunscreen. Last time we were in Florida you got scorched during the afternoon meeting we had on the patio.”

She recalled the painful experience due to her strapless sundress. She also recalled the way Cade kept insisting she see the resort doctor, and that was after he’d personally applied aloe lotion to her crispy shoulders and back—when she recalled feeling a different kind of burn.

Just the thought of those strong hands gliding over her bare skin sent a ripple through her entire body, hitting every major nerve in the process.

“I’m not going,” she informed him with a definite tilt of her chin.

“You most certainly are.” He straightened his shoulders and propped his hands on his hips. “This is no different from any other business trip.”

Because she knew he wouldn’t back down, Abby turned, took her seat and pulled up Cade’s schedule on her computer.

When she heard his office door close a moment later, she shut her eyes, bowed her head and sighed. How could he be the one, the man of her dreams and wildest fantasies, when he never once showed her he was interested? If Cade Stone was truly the man fate had chosen for Abby, wouldn’t he at least acknowledge her as something other than an assistant?

But, even more, would he really be marrying someone else for the sake of business? Absolutely not.

Well, that was fine. Strumming up every ounce of power and courage, Abby vowed to make this the best, biggest and most glamorous wedding the country had ever seen. If they wanted to get ahead in their businesses, well, she’d just boost their image by making their wedding the talk of the century.

She’d go out of this job with a bang…even if it damaged her soul and heart for the rest of her life.

Cade couldn’t concentrate. How the hell could he when Abby’s scent surrounded him? Literally. Oh, the aroma was subtle—much like the woman and her single teardrop that nearly had him on his knees—but it still consumed him as if she were embracing him in her delicate arms.

Something jasmine and soft kept filtering up from the handkerchief, wreaking havoc on his thought process.

Why had she been crying? He knew even before he asked that she wouldn’t open up to him. Why would she? He’d certainly never asked about her private life before. Up until the other night, he’d never socialized with her outside work—and traveling on business didn’t count.

Traveling on business.

Why had he insisted she assist him as if this were any other business trip? Because it was, he told himself. Checking for honeymoon destinations was just as much business as the wedding.

The merging of two real estate moguls like the Stones and Tremanes was beyond perfect. Once their contracts and the wedding were behind them, he and Mona would start to build the next phase of real estate in numerous countries. Who said marriage had to be built on love? This was just another business deal.

Even though Brady didn’t know about the nuptials yet, Cade knew his brother would be completely behind the merging of companies.

Brady would agree to nearly anything right now because he was still floating in the clouds. Only eight short months ago Brady had gone to Kauai determined to steal back their family’s resort. But Brady’s plans had been rearranged when he fell in love with the current owner.

But now that Brady and his new wife, Sam, were expecting twins, Cade was pretty much in charge of the San Francisco office while the newlyweds and parents-to-be were renovating the Kauai resort.

Cade, however, knew love wasn’t going to happen to him. Besides, his reasons for marriage far outranked love. Money and power were two very compelling motivations.

His office door flew open, followed by his once even-tempered assistant. No sign of tears now. Her eyes held a bit more fire than moments ago. As if she needed to look sexier.

“I will be staying here while you go look for a honeymoon destination.”

She stood in his doorway with her hands on her hips. Because she’d shed her baby-blue jacket that matched her knee-length skirt, her white button-up shirt pulled against her chest. He had to keep his eyes focused on her vibrant green eyes and not the simple outline of her plain white bra.

Damn. He wouldn’t be looking at or even thinking of her undergarments if he could get that damn image of her riding that bull out of his head.

“You will go and you will do your job as you always have.” He paused, daring her to say a word. “End of discussion.”

“What I have to say doesn’t matter?”

Her slightly raised tone shocked him. “That’s not what I said. What I said was you will do the job I am paying you to do.”

“And what will you tell Mona?”

“There’s nothing to tell.” Because he didn’t want the control to slip from his grasp, Cade came to his feet and rounded his desk. “We’re going on a business trip. I’ll be working, as will you. Surely you’ve assisted previous clients with their honeymoon getaways?”

“Of course, but this is different.”

“Why? You work for me, in not one but two settings now. I will need your input on real estate business and honeymoon planning. If you can’t handle the pressure, just say so.”

She opened her mouth and then closed it. The tension in the room mounted and Cade wondered what she was thinking. He knew that bit about her not handling the pressure would get her. She hated to be thought of as incapable—not that he’d ever thought of her that way.

He crossed his arms, leaned against his mahogany desk and waited her out. Not that he minded staring at her, but he hoped she said something soon before he made a fool of himself and crossed the line of professionalism, doing something completely insane. Like grabbing her and kissing her.

“We’re leaving Friday morning,” she said through clenched teeth. “Seven sharp.”

She spun on her heel and slammed his door behind her.

Cade didn’t know whether to laugh or groan. He wasn’t sure if he was going to make it to the aisle. First he had to survive this trip.

Three

Abby settled into her plush, leather seat aboard Cade’s private jet and buckled her seat belt. Under normal circumstances she would be ecstatic to be flying off to Jamaica, Cozumel and Cancún, but these were far from normal circumstances. And in just a few hours, they’d be on the pristine, sandy beaches of Cancún.

As Cade came through from the cockpit, Abby booted up her laptop and set her file folder in the vacant seat next to her. Might as well work on the wedding planning. The sooner she got all the details perfected, the sooner she could get on with her life…alone.

“What are you working on?” Cade plucked the folders from the seat, tucked them in the side pocket of his chair and eased in beside her.

“Wedding plans.”

He clicked his seat belt into place and continued to stare down at her computer screen. Did he have to be so close? Smell so good? Torture her on a daily basis?

Hopefully once they reached their destinations, they would go their separate ways, only meeting up for dinner and to discuss business like they did on any other trip.

“Are those the flowers Mona chose?” he asked, referring to the simple, elegant calla lilies on her screen.

“These are the ones I like. She told me to do what I wanted.”

“Why do you like those? Why not go for something traditional, like roses?”

Abby glanced over, only to find those dark, haunting eyes roaming over her face. “Because they add grace to any wedding. Just a few here and there will really make the arrangements seem softer, more romantic.”

“And you know all about how to create romance for other people. Right?”

Was he mocking her?

“I’d say you’re pretty knowledgeable in the romance department, as well.” Abby smiled, trying to get him to open up, to see if he had any genuine feelings for the woman he was about to marry. “That was quite an impressive rock on Mona’s hand.”

He shrugged, crossing his ankles and lacing his hands over his abdomen. “I wouldn’t know. She picked it out.”

Appalled, Abby cocked her head, turning even more to face him. “You’re not serious? You didn’t even pick out your fiancée’s engagement ring?”

“No. I sent her an e-mail and told her to get what she wanted and send the bill to me.”

Her heart actually froze from the iciness of that statement. “I speak for women everywhere when I say that is the worst way to start a marriage and the tackiest proposal I’ve ever heard.”

Cade laughed. “Maybe so, but you have to remember, Mona and I aren’t going into this for love or any other personal reason. We want to build our companies up to the best of their abilities. Once we create this merger, the impact of going global will be nothing short of perfect.”

Shocked, though she supposed she shouldn’t be, Abby knew “merger” really referred to the marriage. Her heart broke a little at the fact that this beautiful, powerful man was lowering himself this way. If he could just open up to the idea of loving his mate, he would be an amazing husband. He gave his all in everything he set his mind to. His wife would be the most fortunate woman.

“I can’t get my work done if I’m chatting about non-existent romance with you,” she told him abruptly, drawing her attention back to the screen. “Besides, I’m sure you have something you should be doing.”

Cade’s rich, robust laugh filled the cabin. “You sounded just like my mother.”

Ouch. That was not something a woman wanted to hear out of the mouth of the man she’d fallen in love with.

“She used to shoo me away when she wanted alone time,” he went on. “Brady and I would purposely aggravate her just to get her riled up.”

Abby had no problem imagining the Stone boys getting into mischief. “You must miss her.”

His wide smile dropped some. “Every day. It’s harder now, too, with Dad gone.”

“There’s nothing worse than the death of a parent.”

“The few times you’ve mentioned your parents, it was in past tense.” Cade shifted in his seat as the plane taxied down the runway. “How long have they been gone?”

Great. Now he wanted to get to know her personal side. After nearly a year of working for him and his brother, and just a brief time with their father, he wanted to know more.

“My father’s never really been part of my life. He left when I was two, so I don’t remember him.” Abby concentrated on clicking through sample floral arrangements instead of the empty, aching hole in her chest. “My mother passed away right before I came to work for you. I took care of her until she passed. It was the hardest time of my life.”

“You’re a strong woman.”

Cade’s words washed over her, touching her in areas she shouldn’t allow. But she couldn’t stop the emotions from taking over any more than she could stop him from marrying Mona. The fact that someone like Cade—a powerful, courageous CEO—thought she was strong, really boosted her self-confidence.

“I don’t know about that,” she replied, trying to stay on topic. “At the time I did what I had to do, what she needed me to do. I didn’t even think about my needs. I wanted to devote every moment and ounce of energy to making her as happy as possible and making memories while she was still here.”

“So that explains why there’s no man in your life.”

Her fingers stilled over the keyboard as the plane lurched into the sky. “Excuse me?”

“You’ve never mentioned a man, never mentioned dating at all in the whole time you’ve been working for me. Now I understand why there wasn’t someone. Your time was limited.”

Limited. Yeah, that’s the only reason she didn’t date. Had she really not dated in a year? God, how pathetic was that?

“So you spent years planning weddings, creating an aura of romance for other people but there was no one to romance you,” Cade added, as if talking his way through her analysis.

“Don’t make it sound so glum.” She spared him a glance, but quickly looked away when she saw how he was practically dissecting her. “I enjoy seeing other people happy and knowing I helped make the most important day of their life even more memorable.”

“Surely you’ve had prospects, gentlemen who wanted to date you, get to know you on a personal level.”

Abby shrugged. “A few. I’m picky.”

“You should be,” he agreed. “If marriage is something you want, and love is truly something you believe in, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best.”

Turning to face him, Abby quirked a brow. “Aren’t you settling?”

His smiled widened. “Not at all. This business arrangement is perfect for all parties involved.” His tone softened as he laid a hand on her arm. “People don’t always marry for love, Abby.”

Looking into his mesmerizing, dark, inky eyes, she spoke from her heart. “They should.”

“So you’re holding out for the real thing?” he asked, sliding his hand from her arm.

She offered him her sweetest smile. “Didn’t you just tell me not to settle?”

And that comment right there gave her the ammunition, the courage, and the knowledge to hold on to what she wanted.

And she wanted Cade Stone.

Hadn’t he fought for everything he’d ever wanted? That was how he’d gotten to the prestigious position he was in today. So, he should appreciate a woman who didn’t just turn her cheek and let her desires pass her by. Besides, if she didn’t at least try to open up, let Cade see the personal side of her, she’d never know what could have been.

They both needed to know each other on a personal level. Nothing could develop further between them otherwise.

God, not only did she get wasted and ride a mechanical bull, now she was thinking of a life she could have with the man of her dreams who was currently engaged to someone else.

Lyrics for a country song, anyone?

But a little spark of hope ignited deep inside Abby.

They were on a honeymoon quest, right? Well, she’d just have to make sure he saw exactly what he’d be getting for his money at these luxurious resorts. Private sauna for two, couple’s massage, candlelit dinners on the beach…

Hey, someone had to research all the couple’s amenities. There was no reason she couldn’t multitask. Mixing business and pleasure may be a no-no to some companies, but she’d never been told it was at Stone Enterprises.

Abby bit the inside of her cheeks to keep from giggling like a school girl. Look out, Cade. You’ve met your match.

He’d told her not to settle for anything less than the best. How could she go against her boss’s command?

Cade wasn’t quite sure what was up with Abby, but something certainly was. She’d been acting weird since last Friday. She’d left the office that day just like any other day, but then after midnight he’d gotten that damn call to come pick her up at the bar because she was too drunk to drive.

Granted he wasn’t sure what she did in her off time, but he never in his wildest dreams would’ve guessed her to be a barhopping, bull-riding woman.

Damn. There go those thoughts again. Too bad he couldn’t delete that particular file from his mind as easily as he did unwanted documents from his computer.

And now, even though their rooms were side by side, he hadn’t seen Abby since they checked into Cielo Islandés.

Usually on a business trip she would check in with him, let him know his schedule, what needed to be done before they left and what he could expect. But not this time. She’d practically disappeared.

But, in her defense, she was pulling triple duty. Between the planning of the wedding and honeymoon, she was also assisting him with researching potential properties to invest in and purchase.

Cade carefully hung his suits in the closet and shut the white double doors. As always, Abby had requested the suites so he had plenty of room to move about, but now he was antsy. How was he supposed to be thinking of a honeymoon getaway when all he could think of was Abby and this unleashed sexuality that he hadn’t known existed?

Not only that, she seemed to have gotten brazen, stronger. Now she was standing up against him and speaking her mind. And he had to admit he liked this new side of her.

Damn it.

He threw open the glass doors that led onto the balcony and welcomed the fresh, salty Cancún air. The waves of the ocean were soothing to both listen to and observe.

Curling his hands around the wrought iron banister, he watched as the glowing orange sun started to make its descent into the water. The day was coming to an end and still no word from Abby.

She was probably just busy planning his wedding.

His wedding. Words he never thought would enter his mind, much less be put into action. But everything in his career was falling into the perfect place and his upcoming arrangement with Mona was just another step in his intricately laid plan.

He needed to talk with Brady as soon as possible, but he wanted to make sure both the wedding plans and business plans were set in place and ready to go before he broke the news of the merger.

At the knock on his door, Cade turned and headed back through his spacious, tropical suite.

When he opened the door, though, everything in his mind vanished. How could he form a single thought when Abby stood in his doorway wearing…God, what was she wearing? Something wispy and sheer that had been wrapped around her so many times that all he saw was flowing material and creamy skin.

Her shoulders were bare and her hair had a tousled look. She brought to mind the image of a wanton woman wrapped in her lover’s sheet after making love.

“Throw on something casual and meet me on the beach,” she said through pink glossy lips. “You’ve got five minutes.”

And with that she was gone, leaving Cade to watch the material flowing behind her, beckoning him to follow.

More than curious and, he hated to admit, aroused, he changed from his dress pants and silk shirt to a pair of khakis and a simple white short-sleeved button-up shirt, cursing himself all the while for allowing sexual thoughts to creep into his mind when he was marrying someone else in only a month. Whether he was in love or not wasn’t the issue; he intended to be faithful to Mona.

He grabbed his room key card and headed down to the beach directly in front of the resort. But he came to an abrupt halt when he saw a deserted beach, save for Abby with her flowy material, hair dancing about her bare shoulders and a table for two set complete with candles and flowers.

Oh, boy, was he in trouble.

Four

Nerves danced through Abby’s body as she stood next to the intimate table, the soothing ocean waves at her back. She prayed to God that her smile looked genuine and not twitchy. At this stage in her plan, she couldn’t afford to appear unsure or jumpy. If there was one thing she knew about Cade Stone, it was that he was strong, independent and powerful. He would expect nothing less from the woman in his life.

“I hope you’re hungry,” she said, hoping to break the tension.

Cade, still rooted in place only a few feet away, glanced from her, to the table, then back again. “Is this for…us?”

Us. How could such a simple word hold so much meaning and sound so right?

Abby gestured toward an empty chair. “Who else? We’re researching, remember?”

With slow, cautious steps through the thick sand, Cade moved toward the seat. “Researching?”

“Honeymoons. You are getting married. Right? And I’m in charge of planning everything right down to the romantic getaway. I know, I know,” she cut him off before he could say a word. “You’re not marrying for romance or love, but you still need time to yourselves before you and Mona take on the real estate world.”

Abby waited until Cade sat down before popping the champagne and pouring a glass for each of them. After setting the bottle back in the ice bucket, she lifted off the silver dome lids to their plates and took a seat across from him.

“I hope you like what I ordered.” Abby smiled, even though Cade hadn’t taken his eyes off her and still looked confused and amazed all at the same time. “This was short notice considering I put all this together after we landed.”

“I’m impressed.”

Giddiness coursed through her. “I know how much you like fish, so I knew that was a safe choice, as were the steamed veggies. But the dessert threw me. I couldn’t decide between the Key lime pie or the chocolate truffle.”

He eyed the smaller dome next to his plate. “And you chose?”

“The truffle.”

Easing back into his seat, Cade smiled. “Perfect. I’d always choose chocolate over a fruit dessert any day.”

“Me, too.”

Could the man be more perfect? Sexy, powerful, and he loved chocolate. What single, sane woman wouldn’t want a relationship with that? All the necessities to form a firm foundation.

“I don’t want you to worry,” she told him as they each picked up their forks. “I plan on doing the company work during the day and planning the wedding and researching the honeymoon in the evenings.”

“I’m not worried. I know you’re a genius at multitasking.”

The flaky fish fell apart in her mouth and she tried her best not to groan. “This is amazing.”

“Yes, it is.”

At the low, sultry tone, Abby glanced up to see Cade’s eyes directly on hers…not a bit of food in his mouth.

Was the romantic ambience making him see her in a different light? Not just in a sexual way, but in a way that tugged at his heart?

She swallowed. “I have your itinerary for the next few days, but I left it up in my room. I didn’t really want to discuss business tonight.”

There. She’d planted a seed. No matter how minute, she wanted him to know that she was a woman, not just an assistant. Hence the flowy dress, the tousled hair, the hint of makeup.

Even though Cade didn’t believe in love, wasn’t even looking for it, that didn’t negate the fact that he was a man. Surely he could appreciate the different look she’d attempted to achieve.

Oh, who was she kidding? She was pleased with her appearance. She’d taken great care in putting together precisely the perfect beach look. Granted she wasn’t supermodel thin or tall like so many of the women Cade had had draped over his arm the past several months, nor did Abby resemble Mona and all her natural beauty. But Abby knew, with her curves and all, that she was not unattractive.

That wasn’t being vain, she just wasn’t one of those women who always talked about how ugly they were just to get compliments. But she was realistic and she knew she paled in comparison to Mona.

“Just what did you intend to discuss?” Cade asked.

As if right on cue, the harpist she’d hired began to play off in the distance.

“Couples on their honeymoon don’t have to discuss anything.” Abby came to her feet and pulled her wooden white chair around the small table and sat down right next to Cade. “They just feel.”

She unveiled the chocolate truffle and slid a clean fork into the thick delicacy. When she held the bite in front of Cade’s lips, he merely stared at her. Not backing down, Abby quirked a brow.

He opened his mouth, slid his lips around the fork and took the bite she offered. Her own mouth had gone dry and she could only hope this was the first of many things she offered that he accepted.

A dollop of chocolate lingered on his top lip, but Abby refrained from swiping it off. This was only the first stage of her seduction plan; she had to move slowly. After all, as of right now, she knew Cade only thought of her as his assistant.

His tongue darted out, cleaning his lip, and she was sorry he had taken away the slight imperfection. For just that brief moment, he had seemed more human, more approachable—more on her level.

“Are you going to eat any?” he asked, his voice husky.

“Are you kidding? I’m not letting this go to waste.”

He smiled, took the fork from her and proceeded to feed her a bite. Abby opened her mouth, keeping her eyes on his.

Could this moment be any more perfect? Soft, soothing music behind them, one of the sexiest, most powerful men in the world feeding her the most decadent dessert…ah, yes, she wanted to freeze this moment in time. Or, at least file away this euphoric feeling for the days when she needed a pick-me-up.

Cade’s eyes widened, then turned to slits as he watched her take the bite. Abby wanted desperately to know what he was thinking. Was his mind on business or was it possible he was enjoying the moment? She so hoped she had the ability to distract him—even if only for a short time.

A soft breeze caused her hair to tickle her shoulder. She slid her hands through the messy strands and lifted them off her neck. Now Cade’s eyes lowered toward her breasts and she couldn’t help but wish he’d say something, do something.

Desire definitely ignited in his heated gaze.

She knew the look of desire when she saw it, but she didn’t just want Cade to find her sexy or attractive, though that was a nice place to start. She wanted him to want to put a ring on her finger and believe in everything that simple band stood for.

She wanted him to see that love did exist and was within his reach.

Man, did she have her work cut out for her or what?

Abby let her hair fall down her back and came to her feet. “Let’s take a walk,” she said, holding her hand out for him to take.

When he slid his warm, strong hand in hers and rose from his chair, she wanted to proclaim a victory. She’d never touched his hands. Well, not palm to palm. Brushing fingers accidentally while handing over documents didn’t count, either.

There was nothing intimate about the way they held hands. Their fingers weren’t interlaced, he wasn’t rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. But Abby would take this small step and call it progress. At least he didn’t act appalled at the fact he was holding hands with his assistant strolling along the beach. Knowing Cade, he was thinking of how big he could make a resort here and what amenities to add to make it the best on the island.

“So, is this what you would like if you were on your honeymoon?” Cade asked, surprising her.

She absorbed everything all at once—the harp to one side, the rhythmic ocean waves to the other, her body full from an amazing meal and the man of her dreams holding her hand while walking on a deserted beach in the moonlight.

“It would be a dream come true.”

“Then I hope one day you get your wish,” he said in a tone so soft, she barely heard him over the surf. “You deserve to do things for yourself and not just for others. You’re a hard worker, but at some point you’re going to have to take a break if you want to find that man to take these long walks on the beach.”

She smiled. “Are you sure you can give me advice on taking a break from work? Aren’t we currently working while researching a honeymoon?”

A slight shrug and a smile confirmed everything she said was true and he had no place to argue. This easy banter helped ease her and give her more confidence. Cade was so easy to talk to, so fun to be with, especially when he relaxed.

Cade stopped walking. “I really appreciate all the effort you’ve put into this.”

She turned to him, the slight movement causing a strand of hair to blow across her face and cling to her lip gloss. Before she could take the wisp away, Cade pulled the hair from her mouth in a slow, easy manner, his fingertip trailing across her cheek. Abby felt his touch all through her.

The thin material of her dress floated against her body in the breeze, making her ultra-aware of the skimpy thong she wore underneath. Her nipples puckered at the realization that this was the first time she’d stood before Cade wearing something sexy, something she’d picked out just with the idea of being with him tonight.

Not that she thought they were going to go back to his room and get down to something other than business, but she had to at least feel sexy or she’d never be able to drum up the nerve to go through with this seduction thing.

“Abby?”

Cade’s tipped head and questioning tone pulled her back to the fact the man of her dreams was trying to get her attention.

“Sorry. I was dreaming of doing this again one day. With my husband,” she quickly added.

“You want to come to Cancún for your honeymoon?”

Abby shrugged. “Anywhere would be fine with me. I would even stay home if I knew we wouldn’t be disturbed. That’s what honeymoons are all about—privacy.”

“And what you do with that privacy,” he said with a knowing grin, releasing her hands.

A shiver crept up her spine. “Exactly.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and stepped closer. “Seeing as how you used to be in this business, how would you recommend a couple spend that private time?”

Had his voice just taken on a sexier, lower tone?

“Well, I just did the wedding planning and put together some honeymoon packages. What they did after that was up to them. I’m pretty sure they didn’t need guidance.”

“No, but what about special touches?” Cade’s eyes roamed over her face, down to her breasts and back to her mouth. “Like tonight, for example. Did you ever arrange intimate dinners like this?”

She licked her lips. “Yes.”

“What else can you do?”

His eyes never wavered from her mouth and Abby had to force herself to keep her knees locked and not melt into a puddle.

“Whatever the couples preferred,” she told him, trying to concentrate on his question. “You get to know a couple pretty well while planning their wedding. I tried to make some things a surprise and tailor events to their tastes. One couple was adventurous, so I planned a skydiving lesson for them. That may be a bit too much for my taste, though.”

Charcoal eyes still bore into her as one corner of his mouth kicked up in a half grin. “What kind of taste do you have?”

Was that a rhetorical question? From the look on his face, he wanted to know what she tasted like. Abby just hoped that whatever spark he was feeling carried over when they weren’t surrounded by such intimacy.

“I’m simple.” She wiped her hair back from her face. “This dinner was great. I like being out in the open like this, but still all alone.”

“Essentially, you’re a private person and want to keep your lover to yourself?”

Her lover? It had been so long since Abby had had a lover she didn’t even know anymore.

“I suppose.”

A moment passed, then another. Nothing could be heard but the distant harpist and the subtle waves and ripples of the ocean. She should be uncomfortable, but she wasn’t. Nothing about being here, at this exact point in time, was wrong.

Cade’s whisper broke the silence. “Why aren’t you seeing anybody?”

“No time.”

He stepped closer, so close now their thighs were touching. So close, she could feel those lean, strong muscles in his legs.

Oh, God. Was he going to kiss her? His eyes remained on her mouth. Instinctively, Abby’s lips parted.

The intimacy was cut short by Cade’s cell phone. He swore, took a step back and ran a hand through his hair before pulling the phone from his pocket.

“Stone.”

Abby stepped back, as well, cursing whoever was on the other end of that call. She’d been mere milliseconds away from being kissed. There was no doubt in her mind.

“Yes, Mona.”

Abby turned toward the ocean, wrapped her arms around her waist as if that would keep the hurt from seeping in. Cade was talking to his fiancée. If that wasn’t a dose of reality slapping her in the face, she didn’t know what was.

With Cade’s low, powerful tone behind her, Abby knew she could either give up and accept the inevitable or she could step up her plan to fight for the man she wanted, the man she knew was capable of love.

Giving up wasn’t an option.

Five

What the hell was wrong with him? Flirting was one thing, but he’d been on the verge of taking a huge step beyond that.

Cade walked through his suite door, unbuttoning his cotton shirt. He’d cursed himself with every step since he’d left the romantic ambience of the beach just minutes ago.

But the scene had been magnetic, drawing him in and making the hold nearly impossible to break.

Before Mona’s ill-timed—or perfectly timed, depending on how he looked at it—phone call, he’d been less than a breath away from kissing Abby. Kissing Abby?

She was his assistant for crying out loud. Never once in the year that she’d worked for Stone Enterprises had he had any inkling of desire to get intimate with her. But tonight, the intoxicating combination of Abby’s sexy-as-hell dress, the secluded beach, the dinner and a harpist—that she’d planned just for them—had him wondering just what she was up to.

Planning a honeymoon was one thing, but Abby had gone above and beyond. Granted, she was the best assistant he’d ever had and she always did her job to the best of her abilities. But, he feared, it was those abilities that were going to get him in trouble.

Why the hell was he having these newfound emotions for Abby? Especially now that he was on the verge of a multi-billion-dollar deal, he couldn’t afford to allow any interruptions.

Of all the times in his life to find a woman he wanted to pursue, this was the absolute worst.

Cade grabbed the phone on the nightstand and dialed Abby’s room.

“Hello.”

Damn. Even her voice reminded him of sex on the beach.

“I need my schedule for this week.”

“Now?” she asked.

“Five minutes ago.”

He slammed down the phone, angry with himself for being rude to her, but angrier with her for playing games with his libido. And she probably had no clue the hold she had on him.

Not a minute later a knock sounded on his door. Crossing the coral-colored tile floor, Cade jerked the door open and strode away, expecting Abby to follow.

He stepped through the double doors, into the living area and turned. Damn it. She was still wearing that dress that did amazing things to her body, especially her breasts. Which reminded him he still stood with his shirt wide open.

She lifted the file in her hand. “You have a meeting with a contractor tomorrow at eleven. I’ve arranged—”

“What the hell is going on?”

Abby’s hand dropped, as did her face. “What?”

“The beach. The intimate dinner. That was more than research for a honeymoon.”

One hand went to her rounded hip. “Whatever you’re implying, just spit it out.”

Frustrated, Cade ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not implying anything. I’m stating facts. You could’ve worn a T-shirt and jeans, not…” He ran his hand up and down, motioning to her dress, what there was of it.

“What I’m wearing, or not wearing, shouldn’t be an issue. Every woman in Cancún is wearing something like this. Would you rather I wear my thong bikini?”

Cade swallowed. Mercy. Was she serious?

Focus, Cade. Focus.

“I’d rather you dress as the professional you are,” he explained between gritted teeth.

“And what about you?” She gestured to the open space of his shirt. “You always ask your assistant to come to your room when you’re half-naked?”

“I’m not half-naked,” he retorted. “I just want my schedule.”

Abby slapped the folder down on the end table next to the pale yellow sofa and crossed to stand directly in front of him.

Poking him in the bare chest, she stared up at him. “I have been nothing but professional since I started working for your father a year ago. And if my wardrobe is a problem, then it’s your problem.”

He grabbed her finger. “No, my problem is with your behavior lately.”

“Behavior?”

Damn. He was starting to feel like a fool. When she repeated his own words back to him, they did sound rather silly, but she started it.

Well, hell, now he sounded like a child.

“First your bull-riding exhibition,” he said, glaring down at her. “Then you try to get out of coming on this business trip right when I need you the most, and then you show up at my door tonight looking like sex wrapped in a sheet. If Mona hadn’t called earlier, we would’ve…”

She arched an eyebrow and grinned, her finger, encased in his hand, still poked his chest. “What? Would you have kissed me, Cade? Is that what’s got you all riled up?”

The passion in her eyes, the tinted color in her cheeks and the sweet, floral scent wafting around him had him taking her finger from his chest. He tugged her until she fell against him, her mocking smile now replaced by surprise.

He didn’t wait for another sassy, albeit true comment. He covered her mouth with his and to hell with the consequences. He needed to feel her, to taste her and, damn, she tasted as good as she looked and smelled. Like pure sin.

She resisted for all of two seconds before grasping onto his bicep with one hand, while the other trailed up his bare chest and around his neck. Her fingertips toyed with his hair.

As he swept his tongue through her parted lips, she groaned and matched his demanding kiss. The woman was just full of surprises.

That passion he’d seen in her eyes was real and she freely gave as much as he took. But he wanted more.

With his shirt still unbuttoned, only the thin, wispy fabric of her dress separated them. But he could feel the tips of her nipples and that was enough to drive him positively insane.

Who knew she had all this fire behind her innocence?

He couldn’t get enough of her. As if of their own will, his lips traveled across her jaw line, making a damp line down her smooth throat. Abby arched her back, offering him more. But he had a feeling even if he took everything she had, he still wouldn’t have enough.

Both hands now fisted in his hair, urging him to her breasts. “Cade.”

He froze. Her sultry, pleading tone should’ve had him ripping that material from her curvy body instead of pulling him back to reality. Just as abruptly as he’d pulled her to him, he pushed away.

His body shook. He couldn’t breathe.

They’d been on the verge of taking their professional relationship into territory it had no business going. And he had no one to blame but himself. As much as he’d like to place the blame on Abby and this newfound seductress side of her, he couldn’t.

Even worse than the lack of professionalism was the fact he’d just cheated on his fiancée.

“I’m sorry,” he rasped. God, was that his voice?

Abby wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing one hand up to her moist, swollen lips. She was shaking, too.

“I didn’t mean to…” Cade turned, took a deep breath and looked back to her. “I don’t know what to say, Abby.”

She went over to the table where only moments ago she’d dropped the folder. When she came back, she handed it to him, but remained arms-length away.

“Here’s your schedule with the contractor tomorrow and his credentials.” She shoved her messed hair over her shoulders and smoothed her hands down her dress. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend that meeting.”

He kept his eyes on hers, though he wanted to watch her chest rise and fall. “Why?”

Her chin tilted up a notch. “I think it’s best if I don’t.”

And with that, she spun on her heel and left the room. But, unlike most women who had been rejected, she didn’t slam the door. Though the soft click was just as deafening and just as final.

He’d screwed this up. But, unfortunately his problem wasn’t that his behavior was unprofessional or that he had already promised to marry another woman.

Cade’s problem was that he wanted Abby Morrison now more than ever. And when he wanted something, he never gave up until it was his.

He’d broken his promise to be faithful to Mona, even though they weren’t in love. But how could he marry one woman when all he wanted was to be with another?

Cade prayed to God this was just sexual attraction. Sex he could handle. Sex he could live without until he married Mona.

But he had a feeling this was more than lust and carnal thoughts.

An orchestra or a simple harp?

No. No harpist.

Abby resisted the urge to slam down the screen on her laptop. She simply couldn’t concentrate on wedding plans…especially those of the man who’d kissed her like he was going to devour her, then rejected her all within one breath.

But she had debts to pay off and planning this god-forsaken wedding would take care of all her mother’s medical bills. She couldn’t avoid it. No matter how much she wanted to stop this preposterous “business arrangement,” Cade had to see on his own that this wedding was a mistake.

If, and only if, he came to his senses, would Abby come clean and confess her feelings. Until then—if then ever came to be—she would continue to work with Cade in a professional environment.

On a personal level, though, she couldn’t halt her plans to show him what a honeymoon with a woman he loved could be like. After that kiss, that body-shaking, toe-curling kiss, she knew Cade wanted her on a physical level. Now if only he could see the love she wanted to give him. If only he’d open his eyes and heart to what was within his reach.

The ache in Abby’s chest only worsened when she came to her feet and saw the dress she’d worn last night draped over the white wicker chair next to her canopy bed.

She turned the opposite way and went to the wide double doors that led out onto the balcony. Resting her arms on the wrought iron railing, she breathed in the refreshing ocean scent. A soft breeze caressed her, lifting her hair to dance about her shoulders.

A tremor swept through her body. She didn’t even have to close her eyes to remember the way Cade’s lips had felt against her heated skin. But she closed them anyway, as if locking the memory inside forever.

What if he didn’t ever come around? What if his business was more important than his happiness? What if he never saw her as anything more than his assistant?

But, what if he did?

Abby knew giving up was not an option, but the devil’s advocate kept interrupting her daydreams. She only had four weeks to show Cade romance and passion. To show him just how much life had to offer if you could spend it with the one you loved.

He had no reason to be so cynical about love. His own parents had had a long, happy marriage until his mother passed. His father had never remarried. From what Abby learned before Cade’s father’s passing, the man had said no one would replace his one true love and the memories of his wife would last the rest of his life.

Abby rubbed her arms and blinked back tears. Something was keeping Cade from seeking love, but what? His own brother, Brady, was happily married and expecting twins in a few months.

Cade just had to see there was more to life than business mergers, luxurious resorts and jetting off to the next hot piece of real estate.

On a sigh, Abby turned. She had wedding plans to get back to. Even though she thought this was a mistake and she was going to do everything in her power to make Cade see that he needed love in his life, she still was being paid to do a job.

Settling back down at the small desk in the corner of her suite, she sent a quick e-mail to Mona to ask her opinion on the music.

Once the message was sent, Abby couldn’t stomach another plan. She’d chosen the flowers, fresh of course, planned the extravagant menu, booked the location at a historical church in San Francisco and arranged for the special lighting that she always used for evening weddings to illuminate the happy couple.

Ugh, just the thought of the pale glow around Cade and Mona made Abby ill. But, just because she didn’t agree with this wedding didn’t mean she’d slack on her duties…no matter how nauseating and heartbreaking they may be.

Her computer chirped, letting her know she had a message.

Abby clicked on the Inbox icon to see a reply from Mona.

“That was fast,” Abby muttered.

Abby,

Anything is fine. Just plan this as if it were your own. No need to consult me, I’m leaving everything in your capable hands.

Mona

Insane. Positively insane. But at least she didn’t have to consult the woman anymore. She hated the thought of hurting Mona, but if she wasn’t even remotely in love with Cade, she shouldn’t get hurt. At least, Abby hoped not.

Six

Always the professional.

Cade hurried his way through the meeting with the contractor, barely able to concentrate. All he could think of was Abby’s mouth, Abby’s soft sighs, Abby’s hands running up his bare chest and around his neck.

But when he’d pushed her away, she’d immediately reverted back to professionalism.

He’d known her for a year and had only seen her lose control twice—the mechanical bull fiasco and yesterday when she’d melted into his arms.

As he let himself back into his suite, he wondered what Abby was doing. Was she working on his schedule for their next destination? Was she working on his wedding?

His wedding.

He’d already cheated on Mona. No, they weren’t married yet, and no, he didn’t love her. But he’d promised himself to her and he’d gone and kissed another woman. Granted, some men wouldn’t consider a kiss cheating. But he was a man of honor and was taught to uphold promises and respect women.

The kiss was a problem in itself, but now he was on the verge of an even bigger disaster. He needed Abby on a level he should never even be considering. Abby had awakened unnerving feelings in him. He’d never thought this much about wanting a woman before. In the past, if he’d desired a woman, there was no second-guessing, no fantasizing. He’d just acted on his instincts and gone after what he wanted.

But Abby was unique. She was simple, pure. She’d never used her curvy, sexy-as-hell body to gain his attention. Or that of any other man as far as he knew.

Yet, Abby’s sexuality was just as effective and just as damning as the supermodels and A-list actresses he’d dated.

He needed to stay focused, though. No matter how hard his teenage hormones tried to control his actions, he was an adult now and he needed to act like one. He had a multi-billion-dollar business deal hinging on his arrangement with Mona. The merger was black-and-white…even if Abby was turning into the shaded gray area.

She knew how much this partnership meant to him. There was no way she’d purposely try to sabotage his business.

Cade checked his messages on his BlackBerry and chuckled at the thought. Abby wasn’t interested in him. She’d never once acted as if she wanted something on a personal level. In fact, she’d specifically avoided even talking about her personal life. She’d never been anything but his organized, precise assistant.

And the kiss didn’t count. He had been the instigator. He had pulled her lush body against his. He had been the one who would’ve taken her right there on the floor had she not sighed his name and brought him to his senses.

Even though she’d matched his demanding kiss, he couldn’t blame her. He’d given her no choice but to respond. He’d obviously caught her off guard, causing her not to think clearly.

And when it was over, she’d handed him his file and walked away. She hadn’t yelled or screamed at his rejection like most women would’ve. Which only proved she wasn’t interested. How silly, really, to think that she would be.

Brady had always accused him of having an overinflated ego. Guess this only served to prove his brother’s point.

Cade clicked through the messages and came across one from Mona stating she was in Rome, looking for some possible properties to build on. Her next stop was Florence and she’d contact him there with their options.

While Mona took Italy, France and England, Cade would concentrate on tropical islands and tourist hotspots…with Abby at his side.

Damn. Every thought lately was hinged around his libido and his assistant. Not good for business.

The knock at his door jarred him from the unwelcome thoughts. Sliding the phone into his pants pocket, he crossed the tiled floor and opened the door to find Abby standing on the other side.

“I was hoping you’d be back from the meeting,” she said, sidestepping around him and making herself welcome in his suite. “I have some hot real estate news and we need to act on it now.”

After Cade took in her simple, yet sexy yellow sundress that flowed around her ankles and left her shoulders bare, he laughed and closed the door.

No, this woman who just breezed through his room was not attracted to him. She looked him dead in the eye as she spouted off orders. Obviously she was not upset about their last smoldering encounter.

“What’s the news?” he asked.

“I was researching honeymoon destinations in Puerto Vallarta just because it’s a hot spot, and I came across a resort that is getting ready to shut its doors due to lack of tourists.”

As she talked, Cade listened, but found himself mesmerized by her mouth. How could he look at those naturally pink-tinted lips and not recall how they felt against his?

“I told them we’d be there first thing in the morning.”

He forced his gaze up to her eyes. “What?”

“At the resort,” she explained. “I told them we’d be there to look at it in the morning. Once I said your name, they assured me they would let Stone Enterprises have first dibs before they put the property up for sale.”

Yes, Abby was something. She was efficient, she was knowledgeable about the business…and she had starred in every one of his dreams last night.

“I’ll call my pilot.” Cade pulled his phone from his pocket and punched in the numbers, trying to forget his last thought. “How soon can you be packed?”

She tilted her head and offered a wide, cocky grin. “I’m ready. My bags are being held downstairs.”

“You’ve had a busy morning.”

“Is there any other kind?” She moved past him, back to the front door. “Meet you in the lobby.”

And she was gone.

God, what was he going to do about this new take-charge Abby? She’d always been efficient, knowledgeable, yet meek and quiet. Never before had she steamrolled past him and told him what they would be doing next. Usually when she had a suggestion, it was just that—a suggestion.

But she’d stormed her way through like a tornado. She was in, she was out and she was effective.

And she’d caused so much damage in his life in such a short time, he didn’t know if he’d ever recover.

Jet-setting was exhausting. Abby once again settled into her leather seat on Cade’s lavish plane and booted up her laptop.

Cade settled into his own seat, using the matching tan leather sofa directly across from her. He was on his cell talking to Phillip, discussing business she cared nothing about.

Tuning out his sultry, sexy voice, Abby pulled up her spreadsheet for the wedding. Flowers, check. Music, check. Lighting, check.

Unloving bride and groom, check, check.

Moving onto the reception decorations and covers for the chairs would keep her mind off the inevitable uncomfortable silence that would surely join them on this flight.

She’d put on the performance of a lifetime this afternoon. Pretending she was all business and not still shaking from their kiss had been difficult. She hoped he hadn’t picked up on how fast she’d been in and out of his suite.

Oh well, no time to dwell on that amazing memory. There was work to do.

Cream jacquard chair covers would add to the elegance of the candlelight and the calla lilies that would extend and drape from tall, slender vases. Round tables, of course, to keep the immense production as cozy as possible.

Name cards with guests’ names in calligraphy and a little note from the bride and groom on each plate.

Yeah, and what would it say? Thanks for helping us celebrate our business deal?

Abby groaned in frustration, both at the preposterous nuptials and the fact she wanted to throw her laptop down, stomp on it and yell at Cade until he came to his senses. Okay, so maybe acting like a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler wasn’t the best approach.

“Everything okay over there?”

Abby jerked to see Cade looking at her with a slight grin. He’d ended his call and her groan was obviously louder than she’d thought.

“Fine,” she assured him, lying through her teeth. “Just ran into a snag with a minor detail for the reception.”

His cocky, devilish smile fell. “I appreciate the extra work you’re putting in. There’s no way I could’ve done this without you.”

“You could’ve had a simple ceremony like your brother.” Shut up, Abby. “He got married on the beach, right?”

Cade shrugged. “He was in love and wanted that intimate setting. I want everyone to know about the merging of two dynasties.”

Abby’s heart actually hurt. Not for her, though, but for Cade who really, truly thought this was his only option in life.

“I don’t mind the extra work.” She lowered the screen on her laptop, silently indicating she wanted to talk. “I needed the extra income and you needed my help. It’s a win/win situation.”

His dark eyes seemed to study her for a second. “You make a pretty good living, Abby. What on earth do you need more money for? You have no children, no spouse. As far as I can tell, you never go out on shopping sprees and I’ve seen your apartment building, so I know it’s not too expensive.” He stopped, seeming to catch himself. “Sorry,” he said, raising his hands. “Your finances are none of my concern.”

Abby swallowed, sorry that she’d unknowingly chosen this particular path to travel down. The last thing she wanted from anyone, least of all Cade, was pity.

“I have several medical bills.”

He eased forward in his seat. “Were you sick?”

“My mother was.”

No. No, she couldn’t cry. The unwanted tears burned her eyes anyway and Abby looked out the window at the puffy white clouds below.

“How long ago did she pass away?”

Blinking back the moisture, Abby looked back. “A little over a year ago.”

“Just before you came to work for the company?”

She nodded, unable to speak further.

Cade unbuckled his seat belt, and, dear God, he moved to sit right next to her. He removed the computer from her lap and set it on the table in front of them. Then, in a move that shocked, moved and touched her, he took her trembling hands in his.

“Just before my father died?”

“Yes,” she whispered, caught in the moment of being held by Cade and looking into his caring eyes.

His thumb stroked over the back of her hand. “You never said anything.”

“What was there to say? I didn’t know you all, I was there to do a job, not get sympathy.”

A ghost of a smile flirted around the corners of his mouth. “You’re one of the strongest women I know. You dealt with your mother’s death and then after my father died, you consoled me and Brady.”

Embarrassed, Abby looked away. “I didn’t console you.”

“Maybe not with hugs and reassuring words, but you ran everything in that office and kept us going through the toughest time in our lives. I’ll never forget that.”

With a shrug, she looked back up. “I was just doing my job. No big deal.”

“It was certainly a big deal to me, and to Brady. How did your mother pass?”

“Cancer.” One tear trickled down her cheek. “She fought ’til her last breath. If I’m strong, I get it from her.”

Cade wiped her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “I’m sure she was amazing. Her daughter is.”

Abby’s breath caught. Between the endearing words and his hand now resting on the side of her face, Abby could hardly think.

And as much as she craved the strong arms of someone to hold her, she didn’t want to get Cade’s attention, or affection, out of pity.

“I really need to get back to work,” she told him. “My boss is a slave driver.”

She chewed on her bottom lip, waiting for him to reply, but his eyes were on her mouth.

“The last thing the boss is thinking about right now is work.”

Abby closed her eyes, and, God help her, she leaned into his hand. “Cade, you can’t say things like that to me.”

He stroked her cheek. “I can’t help what I think sometimes.”

Opening her eyes, she saw something in his eyes she’d wanted to see for so long. Desire. Need.

“Don’t kiss me.”

He smiled. “I’m not, though God knows I want to.”

“You’re engaged to another woman,” she reminded him.

“I am.”

“We can’t do this.”

His smile widened. “We’re not doing anything. I won’t compromise my merger or you. But I’ve got to say, you’re making me crazy lately and I don’t know why.”

Abby knew why—she’d been trying to drive him crazy—but she kept her thoughts to herself.

Perhaps Cade was coming to his senses. Perhaps he did want her.

But were his feelings ever going to be strong enough to override business? And if so, would he even take the risk?

Seven

Puerto Vallarta was just as Abby had envisioned, and she was glad they’d added the stop. Bright, tropical, exotic. Beautiful people everywhere she turned, wearing anything from a simple maxi dress to string bikinis. The casual look was definitely in style.

Street vendors sold their goods along the roadside. Anything she wanted could be found here from beads to dresses to handmade purses and hats. She’d have to purchase something little to remind her of this excursion…as if she could forget hopping from destination to destination with Cade.

The backward C-shaped town may be bustling with tourists, but it wasn’t all that big. Abby only hoped that word hadn’t gotten around about the hot spot they were on their way to look over. Even though she had been promised that Stone Enterprises would have first dibs, the real estate world was ruthless.

When the driver pulled in front of a white four-story resort, Abby knew Cade’s mind was already in motion. She could tell by the way he flexed his fingers and drew them in over and over. He may not show how eager he was to purchase his first piece of property outside the US, but inside, Abby knew he was jumping up and down like a little kid on Christmas morning.

The grounds were immaculate with bougainvilleas and hibiscus, and vines of greenery darting in every direction on anything and everything stationary. The bright, vibrant blossoms of the flowers really made the landscaping pop.

Three wide, arched doorways opened to the lobby. No doors were to be found. Fresh, breezy air flowed through the front of the lobby and out the back. The open layout feel had the same look as their Kauai resort. And Abby knew how much that resort meant to Cade and Brady.

There was no way Cade would let this property go.

When the driver opened the door, Cade exited and extended a hand to assist her.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered with her hand still in his.

“Don’t look so eager,” he whispered back.

How could Abby not glow right now? Between the precious stolen moment they’d had on his plane and the beauty of the city, Abby had to practically hold herself back from skipping.

Cade kept a hold on her hand as he led her across the terra-cotta tile. She wasn’t a bit surprised that even though he didn’t say a word, the staff working the desk magically knew who he was.

Within two minutes of their arrival, a tall, native-looking man in a well-tailored cream suit greeted them and led them into a long, narrow meeting room. Abby took a seat beside Cade, who sat adjacent to the owner of the property.

The meeting took less than an hour and by the time they walked out to their waiting car, Cade and his brother Brady were the proud owners of their first property outside the US. Abby tried her best to keep her comments to herself, but once they were secluded in the back of the Jaguar and heading toward their own accommodations, she turned to Cade.

“Are you sure Brady is going to be okay with this?” she asked.

“He’ll be fine.”

Cade had already shed his cobalt tie, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt and was now rolling up his sleeves to reveal some nice, tan forearms.

“You’re sure?”

He shrugged. “I’ll call him tonight and tell him we need to talk. I’d rather discuss this in person, though. We also need to talk about changing the name of the resort.”

Drawing her knee up in the leather seat, Abby shifted even more to face him. “He didn’t know you were coming here?”

He threw her a glance, one that said it was none of her business, but she didn’t back down.

“Cade,” she began in a soft, understanding tone. “I know how important this is to you, this moving into other countries, but your father left this legacy to you and Brady. He has a right to know sooner rather than later.”

He wasn’t listening. Abby watched his eyes wander to her bent knee in the seat and she jerked it back down. Lord, she’d completely forgotten she was wearing a sundress. Granted, it wasn’t short, but the hemline did hit right at her knees, so he’d seen her bare thigh.

Had the driver forgotten to turn the air on?

“Where are we staying?” she asked, praying to God he took the hint and didn’t try to kiss her or anything else inappropriate while in public. Because, heaven help her, if he offered, she’d concede.

His dark gaze traveled back up her heated body. “I booked us at a little bed-and-breakfast down the way. They are few and far between anymore and I figured you’d like the change of scenery, so I cancelled the reservations you had previously made.”

Abby smiled at the idea he’d thought of her. “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I could do,” he smiled. “After all, you found this deal of a lifetime for me. I intend to take you to a nice dinner tonight to celebrate.”

Dinner? Alone with Cade? Oh, God. Who was doing the seducing here? And was he really just thanking her for stumbling across the diamond-in-the-rough piece of property or was he starting to have feelings for her?

Was it too much to hope that Cade might see just how well they blended together? How could he overlook the fact that they made a great team? What one didn’t think of, the other did.

“There’s no need to thank me,” she told him, righting her skirt over her knees. “I’m part of this company, too. I want to see it thrive just like your father intended.”

Cade smiled, reached for her hand and squeezed. “When he hired you, he kept telling Brady and me what an asset you’d be.”

Shocked that Mr. Stone had said that about her, Abby returned Cade’s smile. “That’s quite a compliment coming from such a prominent businessman. I’m just sorry I didn’t get to know him better before he passed.”

“Me, too. He was the greatest man I’ve ever known.”

Because she didn’t want him dwelling on hardship, she turned the topic back around. “So, where are we going for dinner?”

“I have a little something planned,” he assured her. “Trust me, though. You’ll like it.”

Trust him? A flutter of excitement and giddiness flooded through her. She trusted Cade with every fiber of her being. Even her heart. Especially her heart.

He had no clue just how much of a hold he had over her. Even though Abby prided herself on being independent and strong, she knew she’d crumble at the first sign Cade had indeed turned his feelings toward something more personal, more intimate.

Fifteen minutes later the driver pulled up in front of a two-story white stucco home with vines and greenery darting up each side of the doorway.

Abby loved the fact Cade knew her well enough to pick something so laid-back and simple. Even with his life of leisure and jet-setting, he had never acted like he was too good for anything or anyone.

But even if Cade Stone was a janitor at a high school or earning minimum wage, Abby would still want to spend the rest of her life with him. She’d never had much money, but she didn’t even consider his bank account one of his characteristics.

No, in her mind money was only a small part of Cade’s life. He wouldn’t even have that money if he wasn’t powerful, hardworking, driven to take what he wanted…and Abby could only pray that he’d want her as much as she wanted him.

An elderly woman wearing an apron over her peach button-down dress, a loose bun in her hair and a bright smile greeted them. Once she showed them to their rooms, directly across the hall from one another, she informed them breakfast would be served at precisely 8 a.m. and then she shuffled back down the curved staircase.

Cade glanced at his watch. “Can you be ready in an hour?”

“I can be ready in fifteen minutes.”

“Really?” His brows lifted. “I’ve never known a woman to get ready in fifteen minutes.”

Abby laid a hand on his arm—an arm she wished would wrap around her and lead her toward a bed. “You obviously aren’t dating the right women. But seeing as how you’re used to beautiful women, maybe I should take more time. I’ve just never fussed with my hair or makeup, so I really wouldn’t know what else to do.”

Those charcoal eyes darted down to her hand, then back to her face. “You’ve never been anything less than beautiful. No more fuss is necessary.”

His tone was low, his eyes hot and heavy-lidded. The warmth of his breath tickled her cheek, sending shivers throughout her already heated body.

“I don’t know about beautiful—”

He took her chin between his thumb and index finger, made sure she was focused on him and repeated, “Beautiful.”

Abby swallowed, still looking him in his eyes. “I—I don’t know how to handle compliments.”

“You’re embarrassed?” he asked with a lift of his brows. His hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb sliding against her skin. “I’ll agree that you don’t wear all the makeup and your hair is simpler than most women’s, but that’s what makes you extraordinary. Why mess with such beauty by covering it up with artificial products?”

The whole time he spoke, his hand caressed her cheek. Abby didn’t know if she wanted him to stop until he figured out his true feelings or if she wanted him to continue, not caring he was engaged to another woman.

God, was she a home wrecker? No. There couldn’t be a home wrecker, when there wasn’t really a home to wreck.

She swallowed hard. “I need to get ready for dinner.”

She spun away from his hand and into her room, closing the door between them. Abby rested against the wood, hand to her heart.

Was Cade just responding to sexual attraction or was he actually wanting her in an intimate, more personal way?

Abby didn’t know, but she wasn’t going to act on her feelings until she was positive that Cade understood where she stood and she was positive he wouldn’t marry another woman. She had to be sure she was the only one in his life.

No way would she make Mona feel like “the other woman.”

And Abby, too, refused to be put in second place.

Eight

Cade didn’t know what the hell kept coming over him when he was alone with Abby. He’d traveled with her before on business and had never felt the urge to drag her back to his room for endless days and nights of love-making.

But his mind kept betraying him and taking him back a week to when she was jerking and gyrating against the back of that mechanical bull. Lucky bull.

But that was purely physical. On a more intimate level, he couldn’t get the image of the hurt in her eyes out of his head. Each time she’d mentioned her mother, a veil of remorse cast over her green eyes.

Maybe dinner was a bad idea. Maybe he shouldn’t be keeping his time all tied up in Abby.

There was just something about her that was niggling at him, though. The more he was around her, the further and further his upcoming wedding was from his mind.

But he had to forget the feeling of dread he got when images of him standing in his tux and Mona in a white gown came to mind. His thoughts had to fast-forward to the business aspect and how prosperous they would be after the nuptials.

Cade took his phone from his pocket and called Mona’s father.

“Tremane International,” the chipper receptionist answered.

“Cade Stone for Mr. Tremane.”

“Just one minute, Mr. Stone.”

Within ten seconds, Phillip answered. “Cade, good to hear from you.”

“I just wanted to inform you that I purchased a resort in Puerto Vallarta. It’s on the brink of closing, but I think with some major renovations and updating, we could make this resort into the best in town.”

Phillip’s robust laughter filtered through the phone. “Don’t waste any time, do you? I assume you’re there now?”

“I am,” Cade confirmed with a bit of pride.

“When you get a chance, send me the information on the new property. Pictures if you have any.”

As Cade got ready for his date—no, his business dinner—with Abby, he went over the specifics with Phillip. The price he’d paid, the number of rooms in the resort, his ideas for updating.

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything,” Phillip confirmed. “What’s your brother think?”

A bit of guilt crept up. “I haven’t talked to him yet.”

Cade knew Brady also wanted to go global, but he had no idea he was marrying Mona Tremane to do so. He wasn’t quite ready to break that little announcement just yet. Though Brady would have to be informed soon that Phillip Tremane was putting up the capital for them to go global. Amazingly he’d kept the engagement out of the press so far, in part to Abby’s discreet work ethic. He’d announce the plans when it was time—after he’d talked to Brady. Which he really needed to do soon, since the wedding was less than a month away.

“We’ll all meet when you get back from your honeymoon,” Phillip went on. “Keep me posted.”

Cade disconnected the call.

Why was his first call to his soon-to-be father-in-law instead of his brother?

Because after that encounter with Abby in the hallway, he’d needed to remind himself he was engaged and he needed to hear Phillip’s voice to affirm he was going in the right direction.

But how “right” was it when he excluded his best friend and business partner? Second-guessing his actions had never happened before, but Cade was having second and third thoughts on what he’d gotten into.

Taking a deep breath, Cade pocketed his cell and his room key and went across the hall to get Abby. He only prayed she didn’t have another of those sheer dresses on.

When he knocked, she was quick to answer.

Be careful what you wish for.

She stood there with her hair in some low bun, swept away from her face, a bit of pink gloss on her lips, a strapless pale yellow dress that hit her just at the knee and a pair of gold heeled sandals with straps all over the top of her dainty feet and going on up her ankle and calf.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, dropping her hand from the door.

He forced his eyes back up. “I reiterate my previous statement about your beauty. You’re stunning.”

And she’d been ready in the fifteen minutes as promised. Amazing.

She slipped her room key into her small, gold clutch, stepped out and shut the door. “I am going to start getting a big ego if you keep complimenting me.”

He hadn’t stepped back when she’d come out, so now they stood toe to toe and Cade couldn’t comprehend a single sane thought. How could he? Her glossy lips begged to be kissed; her eyes held so much passion he couldn’t believe they had ever gone unnoticed. And her signature floral scent surrounded him, drawing him deeper under her spell.

And the most amazing fact about Abby and her hypnotic ways was she had no clue the power she possessed. Hell, he’d had no clue until a week ago.

Had she always been so spellbinding?

“Are you ready?” she asked, looking up at him with those big, sparkling green eyes.

To slide that dress down her body? Yes. To take her back into his room—or hers, it didn’t matter—and lose himself in her sweetness? Yes.

To lose a multi-billion-dollar deal? A week ago he’d have said no. Now…well, he wasn’t sure anymore.

He held out a hand, gesturing her ahead of him to the steps. “Let’s go.”

Distance. He needed to maintain distance, at least on a personal level. Keeping the topics on business and how his wedding plans were going was the safest thing he could do.

Except, he didn’t want to discuss wedding plans. He wanted to learn more about Abby and what made her, well…Abby. How did this humble, yet dynamite woman land in his father’s office? What really made her seek a different career after her mother’s death? And why the hell hadn’t some man taken one look at her and gotten down on bended knee?

By the time he stepped outside, he was perspiring and the beads of sweat trickling down his neck had absolutely nothing to do with the ninety-degree heat and everything to do with the ray of sunshine smiling over her shoulder at him.

“Are we walking?” she asked.

“We’re not going far.”

Because she had on killer heels, he took hold of her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm to assist her. The gesture had nothing whatsoever to do with the fact he wanted to touch her smooth skin. Really, it didn’t.

He escorted her around the side of the house beneath a canopy of lattice work, vines and blooming flowers. And, just as he’d requested, there was a table for two set up in the corner, nestled against a backdrop of bright pink bougainvilleas and a trickling waterfall that spilled into a small pond, complete with lily pads.

“We’re eating here?”

Cade smiled at the surprise in her tone. “I know how you love simplicity and I wanted to do something you liked to show you just how grateful I am to you for discovering that resort at such a great price.”

She waved a hand. “Oh, Cade, I was just doing my job. I’ve told you that. But I do appreciate the gesture.”

He took her hand from his arm and guided her across the small, wooden bridge over the pond and led her to her seat.

“I have to admit,” she said with a wide grin as he sat down across from her, “This is probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

What? Cade couldn’t believe that. But all the more reason he was glad he had made these plans for her. She deserved the best of everything.

He smiled. “Had I known, I would’ve done more. This is just a simple dinner.”

She lifted one bare, sexy shoulder. “I’ve been on my own for so long, taking care of my mother and then working to pay off her bills. So, pretty much if I get pampered, it’s of my own doing.”

Cade sat back in his seat, watched as she took the cloth napkin from her plate and placed it in her lap. How on earth had he not seen how hard she was working herself? She didn’t even get out to meet people. Was it any wonder she was still single? The only males she’d been around were him and Brady.

“I’m sorry.” He watched her eyes dart up from her lap where she’d toyed with her napkin. “I’m sorry that we worked you too hard and you couldn’t enjoy life. I guess I just assumed when you left the office you would go out with friends or…I don’t know, do something.”

“Like ride a mechanical bull?” she asked with a smirk and lift of her brows.

Cade laughed, something he didn’t do often. “Not exactly what I’d pictured you doing.” God. Had he thought of her in the off hours before now? Obviously so, seeing as how he’d just admitted as much.

Damn. That’s how slick she was with her…wiles. She’d been in his head for quite a while now. And he wanted nothing more than to call off this wedding and see if he and Abby had anything in common other than real estate dealings and mergers.

But if he called off the wedding, he’d also diminish any hopes of teaming up with the world’s most renowned real estate mogul.

And what the hell would he call off the wedding for? Because he had developed a sudden case of hot pants for his assistant? How cliché and pathetic was that? But there was a niggling feeling deep down that told him this…whatever it was between him and Abby was more.

“What did you picture me doing, Cade?”

Her sweet, yet sultry voice hung in the air, as if mocking him.

Careful. You’re treading on shaky ground.

“Meeting friends for a drink or shopping or going on a date.”

“I can’t recall the last date I had.”

Cade swallowed. “You’re kidding? Do I work you that hard?”

“No, but I’ve always stayed after you and Brady left because I really had nothing to go home to.”

Before he could utter another word, two women wheeled out a cart with several dishes. Once the food was served and they were alone once again, Cade couldn’t get over the fact she’d been alone for so long.

“Surely you do something for fun?”

Abby shoved a fork in a mandarin orange in her salad. “I love to read. Poetry mostly. I also like to surf the web for various destinations. I…”

“What?” he asked when she trailed off.

She stabbed another orange. “It’s silly.”

“I still want to hear it.”

With her fork hovering over her plate, she grinned. “I look for destinations that I’d like to see one day. I love to travel, but the only way I can afford to do it—other than our business trips—is through the Internet.”

Guilt crept over him. Granted it wasn’t his fault he was born into money and could hop on his private plane any time of the day or night he wanted, but he still felt like Abby had been cheated of seeing the beauty of the world. And she’d cheated the world of seeing her beauty.

“Don’t get me wrong,” she said in a rush, then popped the orange into her mouth. She chewed, swallowed and continued, “I love all the traveling I’ve gotten to do with you, but I’d like to go somewhere where I can leave my laptop behind and just pack a bikini and some sunscreen.”

The image of her in a bikini had him dropping his own fork. The metal clattered against his plate.

“Maybe when things calm down in a few weeks you can take that much-needed vacation to anywhere.” He hoped he masked his blunder well enough by moving the conversation forward. “In fact, I’ll pay for your trip. Think of it as your yearly bonus.”

Abby’s bright eyes dimmed a bit before darting down to her plate. “I don’t want to go alone. Besides, you’re paying me more than enough for planning the wedding. I can’t accept any more money.”

Yeah, the wedding. Funny how that word kept creeping into their private conversations.

Nine

The next morning offered bright, beautiful sunshine as Abby and Cade boarded his private jet once again for yet another honeymoon location.

Abby knew she needed to bump up the “amenities” she was supposed to be researching. Dinners were proving to be too emotional. For her anyway.

The way Cade kept quizzing her about her lifestyle only made her feel more pathetic. She hadn’t realized just how lonely her nonexistent social life was until she heard the words aloud.

This plane ride was short. So short, in fact, that Abby and Cade didn’t speak a word in flight. He was busy on his phone with Mona discussing office arrangements after they were married and Abby was busy planning that “blessed” day.

With a sigh, and a heavy heart, she closed her computer as the plane came to a stop in Cozumel. They were booked at the Crown Paradise in the honeymoon suite—per her request. She wanted him to see exactly what he could have by ways of luxury for a newly married couple.

Of course when night fell she and Cade couldn’t exactly sleep in the same room, so she’d also booked the suite down the hall.

When they went to check in, Abby stepped in front of Cade at the reception desk.

“I’ll take care of this,” she told him. “Why don’t you make sure the bellboy doesn’t squash my laptop bag?”

When he walked away, Abby offered her sweetest smile and checked in. The registrar paused only a bit when he saw they had two rooms booked. Probably not something commonly done alongside the honeymoon suite.

“Just in case we get into a tiff,” she explained with a staged whisper.

She’d also requested the bellboy bring the luggage to the second suite, not the honeymoon suite. She and Cade could work it out later who would stay in which room.

Cozumel was beautiful…from what she’d seen online. She couldn’t wait to go snorkeling in the morning. But first, they were going to get a couples’ massage. She was both nervous and excited to be in such an intimate setting with Cade.

She hadn’t missed the way he’d been looking at her. There was passion in his eyes, no doubt, but she wanted more.

If there was one piece of advice Abby would always remember from her mother, it was to never settle for second best. Hadn’t Cade told her the same thing?

Though she did feel a bit hypocritical working on his wedding to another woman while trying to get him to see her love and accept it all at the same time, in the end she knew the added stress would be worth it. She hoped.

Abby really, really didn’t want her heart broken. She’d wanted to make sure she was the only one, so she was laying everything on the line here. There were no guarantees, but she couldn’t give up without a fight.

Love was worth fighting for. Everything in life worth having took risks.

She led the way down the hall past the elevators and several rooms. The honeymoon suite was on the ground floor and was supposed to be the nicest, largest room in the resort. When she found the double doors leading to their suite at the end of the hall, she swiped her key down the lock and waited for the click and flashing green light.

But when she opened the doors, she froze. Nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared her for the glorious, romantic room filled with red rose petals sprinkled over the white duvet, trickling down onto the beige ceramic tile.

In the far corner, beyond the giant-sized bed with sheer material draping completely around it from the ceiling to envelope two lovers, was a bathtub for two. The bath, which already had bubbles filled to the top, was sunk into the ground and was also sprinkled with rose petals around the edge.

“This is our room?” Cade asked from over her shoulder.

Abby could only nod as her eyes traveled to the patio doors which led to their own private pool area. She made her way across the suite, her heeled sandals clicking on the tile.

The oval pool was large enough to swim and frolic in, but still intimate enough for the honeymooners who would occupy this suite. Surrounding the water were lush, tropical plants. The variegated shades of greenery provided privacy from outsiders, but was still low enough so Abby could see the beach and ocean beyond.

Oh, God. This was her room. Cade could take the other one. Of course, she wouldn’t complain if he wanted to share all the amenities with her in this room and they could forget about the other one.

“There must be some mistake.”

Abby turned to see Cade taking in all the romantic touches. Besides the rose petals and foaming bubble bath already drawn, there were towels folded into two swans kissing each other on the bed and a bucket of champagne chilling next to the nightstand.

Oh boy. Abby resisted the urge to fan herself. This was going to get interesting.

“No mistake,” she informed him, slipping out of her sandals. “I booked the honeymoon suite. How else am I going to know what is best for you and your lucky bride?”

He turned, his eyes roaming down to her bare toes and back up her bare legs. Suddenly the casual khaki shorts and sleeveless button-up shirt seemed too skimpy.

“You requested this room?” he asked in a thick voice.

“Yes.” Gathering up courage, she took a step for ward. “Do you think you’d want something like this for your honeymoon? I asked for the works, but you could always tone it down if all the fuss is too much.”

His eyes never left hers. “No, it’s perfect.”

Her body heated all over again. How was it she’d been in love with him before, but all of a sudden she felt even more? What emotion was beyond love?

The way he kept looking at her made her so aware of the dangerous ground she was treading. But when he let his businessman guard down and became just man, he made her feel so feminine, so sexy. And he did it with just one look.

The look he was giving her now.

“I have a surprise for us later,” she told him. “I hope you like it.”

His eyes darted to the bed. “I’m sure I will.”

Her emotions were torn. On one hand she was elated that he was seeing her in a different light. On the other, well, she didn’t want him to think that this was just sexual attraction.

“Are we both sleeping…”

His voice trailed off as his eyes stayed on the bed. The way it was secluded from the rest of the room with all that sheer material almost made it like an oasis.

“I have another room booked.”

He smiled as his eyes came back to her. “Did the clerk laugh at you when you checked in?”

A laugh escaped her, easing some of the tension she’d been feeling since that double door closed behind Cade. “A little. I just told him it was in case we have a tiff.”

Cade shook his head and laughed. She didn’t hear him laugh often, but when she did, it always amazed her at how rich, how natural it seemed.

“You don’t do that enough,” she told him before she could think better of her actions.

“What’s that?”

“Laugh.”

His face sobered a little. “No, I guess I don’t. But lately, with you, I seem to be doing more and more.”

She’d take that small victory.

A knock on the door kept her from celebrating too long.

“I’ll get it,” she said and rushed past him.

As soon as she opened the doors, two women with folding massage tables and a tote bag full of who-knows-what entered the room.

“What’s this?” Cade asked.

Abby closed the door and turned. “Surprise. We’re getting a massage.”

He quirked a brow, ignoring the women who were already setting the tables up by the patio doors. “Really?”

“Yes. We can relax for a few minutes so we’re rejuvenated to tackle business while we’re here. I’ll go change,” she told him before he could change his mind…or hers.

She slipped into the bathroom and shed her clothes, donning the thick white terry cloth robe compliments of the resort. There was no way she could not get turned on during this massage. Knowing they were in the same room, naked, with only a thin coating of massage oil and a towel providing a shield.

Oh, and the two strange women.

She only hoped this would make Cade a little uneasy, as well. Yes, she wanted him off balance. He walked the straight and narrow too often, and she wanted to show him what it was like to let go every now and then.

The wedding, for example. He was only going to follow through on that preposterous plan because he thought it was the “right” thing to do. Now, if he and Mona were actually in love, Abby wouldn’t do a thing to stop them, but she knew they weren’t. The man hadn’t even seen her engagement ring, for crying out loud.

Abby sighed as she went back into the room. “Your turn,” she told him with a smile. “There’s another robe on the back of the door.”

Once he was behind closed doors, she shed her robe and padded over to the table where she lay down on her stomach. A towel was draped over her bottom and she waited in anticipation for Cade to come out.

Oh, God. Was she actually doing this? Was she actually going to be naked in the same room with her…boss?

Yes, she could, because she was in the fight of her life.

There wasn’t a moment of the day when she didn’t love Cade. There wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for him if he asked. And there was no way she’d back off and watch the man she’d fallen in love with walk down the aisle toward disaster.

Ten

Cade came out of the bathroom to find Abby already on the massage table wearing only a white towel over her cute, rounded backside. Cute?

What grown man used the word “cute”? Obviously him. But, there it was. He thought Abby’s behind was cute and he didn’t want to admit it, even if just to himself.

He walked over to his table, keeping his back to her, trying to get the image of that tan, smooth-looking skin against the stark white towel out of his head.

“Go ahead,” Abby told him. “I’m not looking.”

Cade didn’t miss the questioning glance from his masseuse—they were in the honeymoon suite after all—but he quickly shed his robe without a word and lay facedown on the table.

He couldn’t help but sigh as a towel covered him and an instant later he felt the warm oil, followed by what he presumed were hot rocks down the length of his spine.

“Amazing, isn’t it?”

Turning his head toward Abby’s relaxed voice, he started to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Not when her head was nestled on the pillow of her folded arms—leaving the whole side of her body exposed.

The swell of her breast mocked him.

Cade gritted his teeth and prayed he wouldn’t get aroused right now. But, how could he not?

Abby’s eyes were closed, her pink lips pursed together as she relaxed and enjoyed the massage.

He, on the other hand could not relax. Especially his lower half. He barely felt the hot rocks as the masseuse readjusted them, nor did he feel when she began to knead his lower back.

All he could feel was an uncomfortable throbbing in a part that no masseuse could touch.

He closed his eyes, willing the image of Abby’s breast to get out of his head. Unfortunately it was embedded in there and he knew nothing, short of seeing her completely naked, would override that image. And that would burn a whole different image on his brain, one far more dangerous.

How could he marry Mona when he was having such strong feelings for Abby? Not only was it not fair to either woman, it wasn’t fair to him.

Either way he went, whether he followed his lustful feelings for Abby or his business merger with Mona, he was going to pay the price.

One would be monetary, the other his heart.

Whoa! His heart?

Cade let out a deep, frustrated sigh. Yes, he was afraid his heart was becoming entangled with Abby and her seductive ways. That blew his previous theory of lustful feelings.

Now what the hell was he supposed to do?

Was his mind just playing games with him because of this intimate setting?

No. If he were honest with himself, this started with that damned mechanical bull. Well, at least the sexual awareness did. But his respect and caring for Abby began mere moments after she started at Stone Enterprises and he saw just how capable and efficient she was.

Cade blocked out the fresh, clean aroma of the oils. He blocked out the trickling of the waterfall just outside the patio doors. He blocked out the slight moans coming from Abby as she enjoyed her massage.

But he couldn’t block out the fact if he gave into his urges, he could kiss everything he’d worked for goodbye.

There was only one option.

Abby secured her robe around her waist as the women gathered their tables and their fragrant oils and left.

Cade had already donned his terry cloth robe while Abby kept her eyes shut…mostly.

Now they were alone with just their relaxed, loose bodies and too much sexual energy humming in the air. Abby knew Cade wasn’t unaffected. She’d seen his heavy lids roam over the bare upper part of her body as they lay getting massaged—another time he’d thought her eyes were completely shut. Most of the groaning she’d done had been from the fact he looked like he wanted to devour her right there, strange women or not.

And that thought thrilled Abby. But, yet again, she wanted more. Every woman deserved to be loved.

Just another reason she didn’t feel too guilty about Mona. Surely Mona wanted unconditional love and not just to be married to someone because of her last name or her career status.

Cade stood by the door he’d just closed behind the masseuses and Abby remained by the patio doors. He didn’t speak, but was looking at her as if trying to contemplate what to do or say.

Abby nearly laughed. Cade Stone at a loss for words and actions.

“I don’t know about you,” she said, taking a step forward, hoping to cut through the tension, “but I enjoyed getting pampered.”

“This isn’t going to work.”

His words stopped her. “What?”

Moving forward in a slow, deliberate manner like a panther to its prey, Cade closed the gap between them.

“I can’t be part of your research for honeymoon amenities anymore.”

Abby looked up into dark eyes, covered mostly by heavy lids. “If your schedule is too full, I can try to adjust it. I mean, this research is to benefit—”

He kissed her.

Without grabbing her, without touching any part of her body. Just lips to lips.

But Abby’s whole body heated as if he’d touched every inch of her skin from head to toe.

He may not need to touch her more, but she needed to touch him. Abby raked her hands up his shoulder, gripped hard and secured their bodies together.

Cade didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her waist and arched her back. His lips tore from hers, only to trail more demanding kisses down her neck and into the open V of her robe.

Abby groaned as her nipples tightened and tension curled low in her belly. She didn’t know what she was doing—what they were doing.

Well, okay, she knew what they were doing, but she couldn’t explain why. Why now? Why…

God, did it matter? Now was certainly not the time to analyze this situation.

Her hands moved up to either side of Cade’s smooth, freshly shaven cheeks. “Cade.”

She whispered his name as his mouth parted her robe even further. The ache in her was unlike anything she’d ever known. She wanted him, wanted this, wanted to make love to him since she’d fallen in love—nearly a year ago.

But just as abruptly as he’d driven her to this passion-induced haze, he stepped back, leaving her cold and confused.

“That’s why,” he said in a hoarse, raspy voice. “I can’t be with you in this setting and not want you.”

Even more confused, and even more aroused, Abby clutched her robe together as if trying to keep his kisses locked inside.

“You want me?” she asked.

His gaze darkened. “I think that’s obvious.”

“Then why push me away?”

“Abby—”

She held up her hands. “Sorry, I’m sorry. Mona. You’re getting married.”

Her hands were shaking. Abby shoved them in the pockets of her robe, praying Cade hadn’t seen just how unnerved she was.

The muscle in his jaw clenched as he stepped forward again. “Abby…”

She offered him a smile. The fact that he was, yet again, at a loss for words humbled her. He was feeling torn, which was a good thing for her. But she really didn’t want him to be miserable.

She wanted him to see that he could have it all—a business and a wife who loved him. But he’d have to come to that conclusion on his own.

Yes, it was obvious he wanted her, but Abby wanted, deserved, more. She deserved to be loved.

“It’s okay,” she assured him. “I’ll go stay in the other room. I’ll have your luggage sent over along with your schedule for the next few days while we’re here.”

Cade lifted a hand as if he wanted to touch her again, but just as quickly dropped it. Her heart ached for him, for her. For this whole situation.

Hopefully everything would all work out in the end. If Cade loved her, she’d be the richest woman in the world—and not monetarily.

If he chose to go ahead with his wedding plans to Mona, well, Abby would just continue to work for Stone Enterprises. She needed the job and she needed to know Cade was happy.

No matter what he decided.

Eleven

Cade emptied the tub of the now cold bathwater and watched as the dwindling bubbles shifted down the drain, some still clinging to the side of the tub.

As he sat on the edge, he still couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment in time when his life had gone from perfect and heading in the right direction to chaotic and heading down two different paths.

The urge to march to Abby’s room and say to hell with everything was too strong…strong enough to scare him senseless. Obviously. If he had any sense, he never would’ve kissed her the first time, let alone a second.

This last kiss was just to prove a point to himself and to Abby that they had entered dangerous territory. But he’d done more than kiss. Once he’d started, he’d wanted more. So he’d taken it.

Cade cursed and came to his feet, shaking the excess water from his hand. He shed his robe and padded into the bathroom to shower and rid his body of the scented oils which only proved to be a damning reminder of this afternoon.

As he stepped into the oversize shower with nozzles shooting water from all directions and overhead, he tried to get his mind back on work. He was in Cozumel, for crying out loud. There was real estate just waiting to be snatched up at a good market price.

With the economy in such shambles, he needed to act now so he could reap the benefits later. So many resorts were closing due to lack of tourism. He intended to get those properties before they looked like ruins and offer cheaper rates.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Stone Enterprises to go global and with Mona’s help, he and Brady were on the fast track to bigger things than they’d ever imagined. Well, just as soon as he told his brother.

Yes, he thought as the hot water pelted his whole body at once. The timing was perfect.

So why the hell did he choose this point in time to become sexually attracted to Abby Morrison?

Cade rested a hand on the tile wall and dropped his head, allowing the water to run down his face. His attraction was beyond sexual, though God knew he’d give just about anything to be with her.

Whatever he was feeling—he couldn’t even find the right term—was making him ache, making him miserable when he wasn’t with her.

A tight band of unease slid around his chest and squeezed at the thought of marrying Mona. He’d always thought of Mona as pretty and charming and all the other qualities that would make a good wife. But suddenly, or maybe not so suddenly, everything about her paled in comparison to Abby.

Cade flicked the knob and shut off the water. No amount of washing would scrub away the memory of Abby lying on her belly, the side of her breast mocking him as she groaned with delight from a stranger’s hands. He wanted to make her groan like that with his touch.

Nothing would erase the image of her with her head tilted back, her creamy throat exposed as he trailed bruising kisses down to the opening of her robe.

Cade slammed his hand against the wall, but even self-inflicted pain didn’t help.

He’d never, ever been in a position where he couldn’t handle his life, business or personal. And now the two collided like a fatal train wreck.

How the hell was he supposed to clean up this mess?

A soft knock at the suite’s door had him pulling a towel off the warming rack. Abby?

One part of him wished she stood on the other side of that door, the other wished she was tucked in her room trying to forget what had just happened between them. Yeah, right.

He shook off the image of the hurt in her eyes when he’d pushed her away as he went to answer the door.

A glance through the peep hole showed only the bellboy with his luggage.

Securing his towel with one hand, Cade opened the door with the other.

“Hola, Señor,” the bellboy greeted as he rolled the luggage cart over the threshold. “Señorita Morrison had these sent as well as this.”

Cade took the manila folder the man extended to him. “Gracias.”

After tipping the young man, Cade closed the door and sat on the edge of his bed to see what Abby had sent.

When he opened the folder, he was a bit disappointed to find his schedule for the duration of their stay as well as information on potential properties that were either on the market or rumored to be in trouble of closing.

What did he expect? A love note? What was this, junior high?

He scanned the schedule and saw where she’d slid in snorkeling for tomorrow morning before his meeting with a small, local real estate company.

Snorkeling? He had no idea she liked that sort of thing.

There was quite a bit he didn’t know about her, though. The idea that she might enjoy a little adventure appealed to him in a way that tugged at his heart.

Damn. His heart couldn’t get involved. That was unacceptable. He was just thinking with another organ, that’s all. He refused to believe anything else.

The adventurous side of him, though, looked forward to relaxing a bit with the ocean and a snorkeling mask.

But how could he relax when an image of Abby in a bathing suit, or God help him, a bikini, had been conjured up in his mind? And why the hell did she insist on dragging him into her research?

He tossed the folder behind him and dropped the towel. Seeing as how he had his own private pool just outside the patio doors of his “honeymoon” suite, he decided to go for a swim and cool off, so he slid into his trunks.

Cade had to admit, the suite was perfect for lovers. They never had to leave if they chose not to. They could still enjoy the beauty of the ocean, the crystal water and keep their privacy. He supposed Mona would like this place.

So why then, when he thought of honeymoons, did his mind automatically go to Abby?

He stepped down into the water and knew he had some important calls to make.

Flowers, check. Church, check. Hundreds of candles, check. Music, check.

Abby went through her list as she did every morning. All the plans were coming together quicker and easier than she’d thought. But when the bride couldn’t care less about details, planning a wedding could be done with ease.

God knew she’d worked with her fair share of Bridezillas in the past. If Cade weren’t the groom, Abby would be enjoying planning this wedding immensely.

Unfortunately, Cade was the groom and some other lucky woman was the bride.

Abby saved the changes to the menu items on her laptop and shut it down. She was dressed and ready to go snorkeling with Cade. They hadn’t spoken since yesterday when he’d practically devoured her, then abruptly sent her on her way.

But she couldn’t fault the man. He was probably torn in many directions now and Abby knew with all of her heart that he wanted to do the right thing. He just didn’t know what that was anymore. And sometimes, neither did she.

She grabbed her orange beach tote, slipped some cash and the room key in the inner pocket and zipped it shut.

With a deep, courageous breath, she went and knocked on Cade’s door. She hoped he’d had a sleepless night in that big bed. Hoped he’d tossed and turned and wondered what she was doing.

She knocked and stepped back, waiting.

When he opened the door, Abby had to bite back her smile. He looked exhausted. Good, that meant he was thinking.

“All ready to go?” she asked in her perkiest voice just to tick him off.

His eyes raked over her aqua tank and white shorts with her bright yellow bikini straps tied around her neck. He’d put on his navy board shorts and gray T-shirt that pulled gloriously across his chest.

“You sure you want to go?” he asked.

Even though she felt like throwing up due to all the nerves in her belly, she smiled. “Of course. I’ve never done this before. I’m excited.”

His brief hesitation alarmed her, but then he returned her smile. “Let’s go, then. You’ll love it.”

“I suppose you’ve been?”

He closed the door behind him, checking to make sure it locked. “Several times. I love the water.” He held out his keycard. “Can I put this in your bag?”

Abby slid the card into the side pocket, held on to the straps of her bag over her shoulder and walked with Cade down the dimly lit hall. Surprisingly, she wasn’t as uneasy about seeing him as she thought she’d be. Granted, she wished he would’ve pulled her into the room and said forget snorkeling, but at least he wasn’t avoiding her, either.

A driver was waiting at the front entrance to take them to the docks where a catamaran awaited them.

“It’s a beautiful day for your first snorkeling adventure,” Cade said as he assisted her onto the gleaming white boat.

She took a deep breath of fresh ocean water and fresh, masculine Cade. Once they were on board, the guide informed them that they would be going out to the second largest coral reef in the world. Seeing as how Abby had never seen the largest, she was sure to be impressed.

There were two of everything—snorkel masks, life jackets, flippers. As the guide continued to explain all the fish and plant life they might encounter, Abby pulled her tank over her head and dropped it into her bag.

Just as she unbuttoned her shorts and hooked her thumbs in to slide them off, she caught Cade’s heated glare.

Keeping her eyes on him, she slipped out of her flip-flops and pushed the shorts down her legs. With the edge of her foot, and her eyes still on Cade’s, she scooted her belongings off to the side.

When packing for this trip, she’d tried on every suit she’d owned. She wished she’d had the extra money to purchase a new one, but she hadn’t. In the end she’d chosen her favorite—the one that enhanced her curves.

The yellow two-piece was simple and plain, save for the bright red flower on her right breast. The top was two triangles and strings, the bottoms tied on her hips with little red beads dangling on the ends.

“You can’t get in the water like that,” she joked with a grin, motioning to his still fully clothed body.

But the joke was on her when Cade pulled off the gray T-shirt he’d worn with his navy and white trunks. To say the man was ripped would be a vast understatement.

She’d gotten glimpses of him yesterday during their massage, but now that they were facing each other, she got a full, agonizing look at him.

The sun beat down on his bronzed shoulders and Abby wanted nothing more than to toss their guide over the side and let him go snorkel while she explored all those nice ridges and planes on Cade’s body.

“Any questions?”

Abby jerked her gaze to the guide who’d been talking the whole time about safety in the water and what to expect.

“None from me,” she said a bit guiltily, since she’d not heard a word. “Cade?”

Without taking his eyes off her, he shook his head. “We’re good.”

Once they were suited up, the guide showed them to the end of the catamaran where Cade promptly jumped off.

He bobbed in the water and motioned for Abby to join him. Even if he were swimming in shark-infested waters, Abby would still have jumped in without a second thought.

Twelve

She hit the warm water and secured her mask like Cade showed her. After he ducked under the water, she did the same and was positively amazed at the secret world below she’d never known about.

Abby could easily see why Cade enjoyed this. The colors were so vibrant, so alive. She couldn’t take in all the beauty at once. She tugged at Cade’s hand over and over to point out various plants and fish and other sea creatures.

Every now and again Cade would tap her on her shoulder or leg, depending on how they were swimming, so he could show her something, as well.

After what seemed like only minutes, Cade motioned for her to turn around and head back to the boat.

They surfaced next to the ladder and Cade helped her up first, then hoisted himself up and onto the boat.

“That was amazing,” Abby squealed the second she’d taken the mask off.

Cade smiled as he took off his gear. “I thought you’d enjoy that.”

“I can’t believe I’ve gone my whole life without doing this.” She sat on a small bench, slid the flippers off her feet and reached for the towel in her bag. “I want to go again as soon as I can.”

Cade laughed, drying off with a towel the guide handed to him. Leave it to Cade to expect things like towels to be provided.

“Just say the word,” he told her, drying the droplets off his chest. “I have a yacht docked in the Keys. I can take you out anytime you want to go. The jet can be there in no time.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, his face turned grim and his smile faltered. Abby turned away as she squeezed the water from her hair.

They both knew he’d never be able to take her out on his yacht. Not once he was married to another woman.

The return trip to shore was quiet, as was the ride in the car back to the resort.

Cade thanked the driver and assisted Abby from the car. He shouldered her bag and Abby imagined when they walked through the open-air lobby that they looked like a traditional, honeymooning couple.

Man, could looks be deceiving.

Side by side they walked down the hall, stopping in front of his room. He lifted the bag from his shoulder, pulled out his keycard and handed the tote to her.

“I’m really glad you let me experience your first snorkel experience with you.”

Abby took her bag, and a sudden feeling of dizziness overcame her. “I’m glad, too.”

Had she eaten breakfast?

“You okay?” he asked. “You’re looking a little pale.”

She held out a hand and grabbed the edge of the door frame. “I’m okay. Just give me a—”

Everything went to black.

Panic flooded through Cade as Abby’s body went limp. Thankfully he had quick reflexes and caught her before she could hit her head or go down on the floor.

Keeping her tight against him, he swiped his card through the lock and opened the door.

He scooped Abby into his arms. Her tote slipped from her shoulder, landing just inside the door, as he carried her through the room and onto the bed. “Abby! Abby!”

He tapped the side of her face, smoothed her damp hair from her forehead and prayed she was okay.

Just as he grabbed the phone by the bed, she stirred, her lids fluttered and she let out a slight moan.

He sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his. “Abby,” he said, still shaken by her lifeless form. “Can you hear me?”

After several rapid blinks, she turned her attention on him. “What happened?”

Relief like he’d never known seared through him. “You passed out.”

When she struggled to sit up, Cade took her shoulders and eased her back down.

“I’ve never passed out in my life,” she informed him. “I felt funny a minute ago, though.”

“Maybe it was all the sun,” he suggested, thankful to see color creeping back into her cheeks.

She eyed him with a tilt of one brow. “You had the same amount of sun.”

“True. Did you eat before we left?”

Abby thought back. “No, I was busy going over some plans for the wedding.”

Fury bubbled inside him, but now was not the time to unleash it. After all, who was he truly angry with, her for ignoring her body’s basic demands or himself for putting so much strain on her lately?

Once again he reached for the phone and dialed room service, ordering lobster, bread, fresh fruits, cheese, shrimp. A minute later when he hung up, Abby was grinning.

“What?”

She giggled. “Who are you planning to feed? I certainly couldn’t eat a fourth of what you ordered.”

God, she was beautiful. Even without a hint of makeup, with hair hanging in rope-like strands that were half-dry, Abby Morrison was hands down more beautiful than any woman he’d ever known, both inside and out. And maybe he did order too much food, but he wanted to please her.

“I just thought you’d enjoy a variety,” he said, hoping his voice didn’t sound hoarse. “So, you really had a good time today?”

Her angelic face lit up, and her green eyes sparkled. “I’ve never seen anything like it. For just a minute there I wished I was Ariel.”

“Who?”

Abby laughed again. “Ariel? The Little Mermaid?”

“Oh. Sorry, I’ve never seen it.”

She shifted to her side, folding one arm behind her head. “It was like a whole new world under there. The colors were so vibrant. I really think I could become addicted to sea life.”

Cade listened to her as she went on about the school of fish they’d seen, and it made him happy to have shared the experience with her. As he sat there, something shifted inside him. This moment seemed so perfect, so…right.

When did Abby go from being his efficient assistant to the heart and soul of his daily life?

Before he could answer his own question, someone knocked at the door.

“Room service.”

“Already?” Abby asked, pushing up on her elbow.

Cade grabbed his wallet, took out tip money and let the waiter in. Once he’d positioned the cart in front of the bed, Cade paid the man and closed the door behind him.

“What would you like first?” Cade took off the silver dome lids and set them on the small table in the corner of the room.

“I’ll just have the fruit plate for now.”

She’d shifted up to her knees and rested her hands in her lap. She looked like an innocent, pure beauty.

And she didn’t deserve to be treated like she was anything less than perfect.

“I’ll bring it to you,” he offered and returned to the bed with a tray of fresh pineapple, strawberries and blueberries.

She smiled. “That looks great.”

He set the plate in front of her and eased to sit next to her, careful not to shift the plate.

Okay, so being this close to Abby while she sank her teeth into juicy fruit then licked her lips and fingers was just pure torture. But he’d gone too far to turn back now.

He couldn’t explain if it was the image of her crumbling at his feet or the vibrant way she talked of their morning excursion that made the coin flip to the other side, but all he knew was that he wanted Abby. He wanted her in his bed. Now. Tomorrow and the next day.

And even though he hadn’t heard back from the important phone call he’d made last night, he couldn’t wait another minute.

When she picked up a ripe strawberry, he covered her hand with his own. “Let me.”

Abby didn’t know what had happened, but everything shifted. Cade fed her strawberries, wiping her mouth with the pad of his thumb after every bite.

There was something different in his eyes. Something…did she dare hope?

“I’m afraid I’ve gotten your bed wet from my suit,” she told him, trying to figure out just what was going on.

“I don’t give a damn about the bed.” He lifted a small blueberry to her lips. “You scared the hell out of me when you fainted.”

“I’m sorry.”

His eyes moved from her lips to meet her gaze. “Don’t apologize. I’m just glad you’re okay. Are you sure you don’t want me to call the in-house doctor?”

“No, I’m feeling better.” She chewed the fruit. “I just needed to eat and get inside. All the excitement probably just got the best of me. I’m not used to all this.”

He pushed a strand of hair over her shoulder. “You should be. You should have the best life has to offer.”

Embarrassed, she looked down to the half-eaten fruit plate. “I’ve got a good life, Cade. I don’t need to be pampered or given the best of everything.”

He tipped her chin with his hand. “I disagree.”

“That’s because you’re used to being pampered,” she joked, but he didn’t smile. If anything, his eyes heated even more.

Her nipples puckered against her bikini and she was sure it showed even through her tank.

“I’m a fool,” he muttered, taking his hand from her chin to cup her cheek.

She didn’t know what aspect of his life he was referring to, but she hoped it wasn’t about being with her.

“Denying my attraction to you is impossible,” he told her. “You make it impossible.”

Was she supposed to apologize? God, she’d waited for this moment for so long. No way was she sorry.

He shifted closer, taking the plate and setting it on the nightstand. “Everything about you is real. Your zest for life astounds me and all I can think of is why I haven’t made love to you yet.”

Abby nearly fainted again. “Because you’re engaged.”

Shut up.

“Mona and I can’t work,” Cade contradicted.

Could he actually be in love with her?

Abby rested a hand on Cade’s wrist as he stroked her cheek. “Are you saying you want to make love to me?”

He leaned in, captured her mouth and Abby had her answer.

They both came up on their knees, hands grasping at clothing. Tearing their mouths apart just long enough to pull each of their shirts over their heads, they plunged back into the depths of the kiss.

Abby couldn’t believe this was actually going to happen. She’d waited so long to be intimate with Cade and now he’d finally come to her.

His tongue tangled with hers as she felt the knot at her neck come undone. And then—thank God—her breasts were free and she was skin to skin with Cade.

The hair on his chest tickled her, only adding to the arousing effect he had. Her hands slid down his sides and to the edge of his shorts. She dipped one hand in and found him more than ready.

Cade tore his lips from her mouth and groaned as he took one taut nipple into his mouth.

They were driving each other mad and Abby couldn’t stand another second. She carefully pushed his shorts to his knees and went to unfasten her own.

Cade lifted his head and grinned. “In a hurry?”

“You have no idea.”

He shifted off the bed, allowing the shorts to fall to the floor with a wet smack to the tile.

As he went to his wallet to retrieve a condom, Abby wrestled her way out of her shorts and damp bikini bottoms. She lay back on the bed and admired Cade’s naked form.

“Cade.”

He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes taking in every inch of her naked, aching body. When they landed back on her face and he smiled, her heart swelled.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Foil packet in hand, he padded back to the bed and loomed over her. “Can it wait?”

She reached for him and drew him down. “I love you.”

The muscle in his jaw clenched and he tore open the packet and sheathed himself before capturing her mouth again.

Her body sank into the bed as his weight settled on top of her. She embraced the warmth, the man. His passionate kiss morphed into tiny, slow pecks over her face. Her eyelids, her nose, her cheeks and jawline.

As he came to rest between her legs, Abby tilted her hips, urging Cade closer.

Finally, yes finally, he entered her. Neither spoke a word, but they both froze, adjusting to each others’ bodies.

Cade’s coal-like eyes gazed into hers and Abby knew she’d never, ever love another man like she loved Cade. She could never feel this level of intensity with another, never come close to aching for another like she did with him.

“Make love to me, Cade.”

He began to move, slowly, but when Abby locked her ankles behind his back and tried to take control, he increased the pace.

She didn’t want this moment to end, but her body was climbing to its peak and a split second later she lost all control and fought just to hang on.

Gripping Cade’s slick shoulders, Abby arched her back as the climax slammed into her. Cade took a nipple in his mouth and sucked, intensifying her pleasure.

Before she could catch her breath, Cade was coming apart, as well. His body stiffened as he drove into her hard, fast.

She held on to him, thrilled to know just how wonderful this man who was so in control of his life felt when he came apart and let all his shields down.

Instead of coming down on top of her once his tremors ceased, he eased to the side and slipped out of her. He did, however, keep an arm around her waist.

With light, gentle strokes, he caressed her heated skin with his fingers. Now all she could do was wait and pray to God that he didn’t regret what just happened.

She’d told him she’d loved him and, while she didn’t get a verbal response, Abby knew this man wouldn’t have just taken her to bed if he didn’t love her—as much as he was capable—back.

He may not have recognized the emotion, but love was exactly what he’d shown her.

Right?

Thirteen

She loved him.

Cade ran a hand down his face trying to come up with the right words to say after what they’d just shared.

How had his life become so chaotic? How had his feelings done a complete one-eighty?

Abby’s soft, steady breathing combined with her soft, luscious body nestled at his side rendered him speechless. He loved running his hand up and down her smooth, flat abdomen.

There were no words to describe how he felt now. There were no words to comfort her because Cade knew that Abby wouldn’t have offered her body if she didn’t truly love him. She was the happily-ever-after type and he was in a way, too. They just considered happiness two separate worlds. His revolved around mergers and contracts; hers involved love and cherry cheese Danishes.

Happiness in his world was making sure his company stocks were going up, up, up.

Her happiness was daydreaming of her children flying kites.

Stock, kites. They were both supposed to soar…right?

No, no, no. What the hell was he thinking?

God, this situation had gotten so jumbled he was equating kids and kites to stocks and mergers.

“Cade.”

Abby’s tender voice drew him back. “Yeah?”

She turned, resting her head on her hand as she looked down to him. “You’re not regretting this are you?”

The hand he’d used to stroke her midsection now cupped her cheek. “No.”

The simple word was out of his mouth before he could retract it. But then he realized he didn’t want to take it back.

Regrets? No. He wasn’t sorry he’d slept with Abby. How could he be when she was all flush from their love-making? How could he possibly be unhappy with the sparkle he now saw in her sea green eyes looking back at him?

“I know I kind of jumped the gun earlier,” she told him, resting her other hand over his heart. “I know men don’t like the L word thrown around, especially in bed. But I just wanted you to know where I stood before we went any further.”

He covered her hand with his own as if he could actually give her the organ she covered. “That’s what makes you so amazing. I always know where you stand.”

That didn’t sound lame at all, he thought. But, he couldn’t say the four-letter word back to her.

“This won’t be awkward between us. Will it?”

God, when she bit that lower lip she nearly undid him. Her words may have sounded confident, but her actions were not. She was nervous.

That made two of them.

“Not at all,” he lied, easing out of the bed.

Abby fell back against the oversize white pillow. A wide smile spread across her face and Cade wished she’d always look at him like that.

He had to talk to Mona and her father. Why hadn’t they returned his calls? What would he do if they took away the merger altogether if the marriage was called off?

Dammit, he didn’t want this thing with Abby to be cheapened to romps behind his fiancée’s back or limited to this business trip they were on.

His engagement had to end.

As he stood beside the bed, he couldn’t help but take a mental picture of Abby’s soft, blond waves fanned out on the white sheets. Her flushed cheeks and chest. Her swollen mouth and sparkling green eyes.

Everything about her made him want to say to hell with the company and this marriage.

There had to be a way. He refused to take Abby’s affection and throw it back in her face. He needed to know how to keep the arrangement he had with Mona’s father, but skip the wedding.

Cade knew if there was a way, he’d find it. He had to. “How are you feeling? I mean from earlier,” he clarified with a smile of his own. “No more dizziness?”

“I’m fine. Better than fine.”

Cade had to look away before he found himself falling deeper into those mesmerizing pale green eyes. He focused on the tray the waiter had delivered.

Grabbing a bottle of water and the fruit plate, he walked around the bed and came to stand beside her.

“I think you need to eat some more.”

She sat up, causing the sheet to fall around her waist, exposing her breasts. He couldn’t help it. His eyes fell and took in the full, pink tips.

“Looks like we both need something, but I don’t think it’s food.”

Her eyes had dropped, as well, and, since he stood before her wearing nothing but a grin, there was no hiding the fact he wanted her again.

Why fight feelings?

He set the plate and bottle back on the nightstand. “Stay right there.”

Once again, he moved around the bed and over into the corner. He turned on the water to the sunken garden tub, tested the temperature.

Once the water was adjusted to his liking, he dumped the small bottle of bubbles into the water and flicked the droplets from his fingertips. When he turned, Abby stood mere inches away.

“Is that for me?” she asked.

Unable to keep from touching her one more second, he wrapped his hands around her waist and drew her close.

“It’s for us.”

He eased down, taking her mouth beneath his. How was he already addicted to her taste, her touch?

Crazy, but there it was. He wanted her again and wasn’t ashamed to show her.

Easing away from her lips, Cade guided her to the water and helped her step down. After he followed her in, he reached and shut off the water.

The iridescent bubbles foamed up around Abby’s creamy pink skin, clinging onto her breasts where his mouth ached to be once again.

She eased against the back of the tub, tilted her head and closed her eyes. “Mmm, this feels nice,” she moaned on a sigh.

Wet strands of her hair danced on the top of the water and bubbles. Cade could do nothing more than watch and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of this amazing woman.

He reached beneath the water and found one delicate foot and began to massage. “You love me.”

It wasn’t a question, but Abby’s eyes snapped open, her body tense.

“Relax,” he said as he continued to rub her foot. “I just had no idea your feelings were that strong.”

Her shoulders settled a bit, but she still didn’t tip her head back in the relaxed position she’d been in. He was almost sorry he’d mentioned anything, but he had to know.

“You want me to be honest?” she asked, biting on her bottom lip, her eyes darting to the bubbles. “Of course.”

The hesitation was brief, but Cade noticed. She was more nervous than she wanted him to believe.

“Hey.” He tugged gently on her foot to get her attention. “Just tell me what you’re thinking. The best way of life is to always be honest.”

Her eyes came up, this time with unshed tears. “My mother used to say that.”

Cade worked his hand up to her calf and kneaded. “Tell me more about her.”

If she loosened up, maybe he could get an insight as to why, or better yet when, Abby fell in love with him.

“She was my best friend,” Abby explained with a sad smile. “I’ve never known anyone like her. She fought to the end of her illness. Her strength was amazing.”

“You’ve mentioned her strength before.” He kept his touch light. “You have to see you have the same quality, as well. Your mother would be proud.”

Abby shrugged. “I don’t know about that. I’m not sure how strong I’ve been since she passed.”

His hands stilled. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Not at all. You should’ve seen my mother. She never let anything get in the way of what she wanted. She lived each day to the best of her abilities and made an impression wherever she went.”

Cade could only smile as he listened. “Like I said before…”

Abby smiled. “Well, if you really believe that I’m describing myself, that’s the greatest compliment I’ve ever received.”

Switching to the other foot, Cade continued massaging, not wanting her to become tense. “Keep talking,” he urged.

“Why?”

“I want to hear your voice. I want to know everything about you.”

She rolled her eyes and laughed. “I’ve worked with you for a year.”

Guilt crawled up and tightened around his chest. “And I still don’t know much about your personal life. Riding the mechanical bull, for example. You don’t seem like that type at all.”

“I’m not. I’ve never done anything like that before.”

Once Cade had worked over her calf, he shifted around to sit closer. “What on earth prompted you to do it, then?”

Her eyes leveled on his. “You.”

“Me?”

With a nod, Abby moved to face him. “You’d just asked me to plan your wedding. I was crushed.”

“You were?” How the hell had he not noticed? “Why?”

“Because I love you.”

The simplicity of her words humbled him—and made him feel like a jerk.

“I’ve had feelings for you for quite some time,” she went on. “You wanted honesty, there it is. Although, I’m sure that’s not what you wanted to hear.”

Was it? He honestly had no idea anymore. All he was sure of was that he wanted Abby. Not just her body, though that was a nice perk. He wanted to get inside her head and know everything she had stored and locked away.

To know that she buried feelings, all this time, deep inside herself, was amazing. How long would she have kept them bottled up? Was she so intent on making sure everyone around her was happy that she would’ve continued to plan his wedding?

“Any thought on your mind, I want to hear,” he assured her. “Are we clear? Don’t worry about if I want to hear it. I’m telling you now, I want to know everything in your life.”

Her eyes widened, followed by a brilliant smile. “Really?”

He nodded, completely satisfied with staying right here, feeling Abby’s skin beneath his and listening to her talk.

“Well, in that case, I have to admit I sort of set up all these little extras in the hopes you’d see me as something more than your assistant.”

His hand stilled. The fact she did so much for him thrilled him. Her actions certainly spoke volumes of her feelings. Abby bit her lip and looked away.

“I won’t apologize,” she said, still looking off into the room. “I’m not sorry because it gave me the courage to tell you how I feel.”

“Abby.” He waited for her to look back. “I’m not upset and I don’t want you to apologize. You have to know that I’d appreciate the fact you went after what you wanted. I wouldn’t want to be with a weak woman or one who didn’t fight for someone she cared about.”

“You’re really not upset?”

Beneath the water, Cade ran a hand up her thigh, pleased when she eased her legs apart. “Not at all.”

He went on to show her just how much he wanted to give, how much he wanted to take.

No. There was no way he could let this woman go. Not even for a multi-billion-dollar deal.

Fourteen

So far, their trip had been a success. Cade had had contracts drawn up on a resort in Puerto Vallarta and had his eye on another in Cancún.

Oh yeah, and the fact she’d bared her soul to him and made love with him four times. That was certainly beyond her expectations for this trip.

But he hadn’t confessed his love to her, nor had he mentioned Mona’s name.

Abby figured she could look at this two ways—either she was a home wrecker or Cade had already spoken to Mona and was leaving Abby out of the messy ordeal.

Please, God, be the latter.

Cade had told her there wouldn’t be a wedding, but she hoped he didn’t regret his decision or end up resenting or placing blame on her. Was the merger at risk now because they’d acted on their feelings?

Abby boarded Cade’s jet once again. Now they were making a visit to Jamaica, though this one would be brief, only one night. Cade had seen some pictures of a resort in shambles and pretty much decided it wasn’t worth the money, but he still wanted to see it in person.

And since there wasn’t going to be a wedding, there would be no honeymoon, so Abby didn’t have to do research.

During this trip, Abby planned to lie on the beach in her floral bikini with a non-alcoholic drink in hand and relax while Cade met with the owner of the despaired hotel. He’d already told her there was no need to accompany him and she should take some time for herself.

“We’re making a side trip tomorrow after we leave Jamaica,” Cade said as he buckled his belt beside her. “I just hung up with Brady and I’d like to swing by Kauai to talk to him in person. That’ll give you some time to chat with Sam about baby things.”

She raised a brow and grinned. “Baby things?”

“Well, yeah.” He shrugged. “Women all congregate around pregnant women and giggle and chat about booties and diapers and…whatever.”

Abby laughed. “And I assume you and Brady will be discussing man topics like business while Sam and I talk about…whatever.”

His charcoal eyes gleamed, not something she saw often. “Precisely.”

Cade reached for her hand during the takeoff and Abby didn’t know what to think. Actually, she wouldn’t allow herself to think because if she did that, she’d start to fantasize about where this burst of romance was headed. She feared she’d get her hopes up only to be devastated in the end.

Just because he wasn’t going to marry Mona, that didn’t mean he wanted to spend his life with her.

Once the plane reached cruising altitude, Abby unfastened her belt and reached beneath her seat to retrieve her laptop.

“Don’t.”

Settling the device in her lap, she looked to Cade. “Don’t what?”

His hand covered hers, his eyes held steady. “Don’t work.”

“I wasn’t.”

His shoulders sagged just a bit as he squeezed her hand. “I need to explain what’s going on with Mona.”

“Cade, so long as you’re honest with Mona, me and yourself, you don’t have to explain anything to me. Just tell me you’re definitely not going to marry her.”

Please, God, let him utter those words. Otherwise she would be nothing less than scum. Then again, so would he.

“Okay,” he told her.

Not quite what she wanted to hear.

“Because you feel like you cheated on her?” Abby clarified. “Or because you see that it would be wrong to spend your life with someone because of a business transaction?”

He sighed, reached with his other hand and smoothed the hair from her forehead. “Because I don’t feel like this when I’m with her.”

A bit of giddiness crept up.

Oh, who was she kidding? A ginormous amount of giddiness bubbled up like a volcano and threatened to explode.

She’d prayed that he’d feel the same when they weren’t in bed. Emotions and feelings could sometimes get jumbled in the bedsheets.

“How do you feel?” Abby risked asking.

He searched her face. “I can’t define it. I know you love me and I know you want me to say that back—”

Abby placed a finger over his lips. “I only want you to say it if you mean it. Not out of obligation. I would rather have complete honesty.”

He covered her wrist and drew her hand away. “That’s why I find you so remarkable. You’re always giving, expecting nothing in return.”

The rest of the short trip went in silence and Abby didn’t think of work once.

Lounging on the beach after making love to the man of her ultimate dreams was definitely the kind of relaxation Abby needed.

Fantasizing about being with Cade and actually having him run his strong hands over her body as he pleasured her were on two ends of the spectrum.

She’d had no idea he’d be so attentive to her needs in bed. Honestly, her thoughts hadn’t gone that deep. For a man that was all business and take-charge with everything in his life, he’d been laid-back. Still in charge, but sensitive.

Their time together had truly been blocked out of all reality and taken to a place where just the two of them existed.

Abby stretched her arms over her head and settled even more into her lounge chair as the sun baked her tingly skin.

While Cade hadn’t professed his love to her, Abby couldn’t deny the fact he’d all but shown it to be so in his actions. He’d said he didn’t believe in love, but Abby had a feeling he may be reconsidering.

And while she couldn’t stop her hopes on that topic from soaring, she also had to keep reminding herself that Cade was always honest. He would never lie to her or betray her. If he didn’t want to be with her, he wouldn’t have been.

Abby rolled over so she could sun her back. Laying her head on the pillow she’d made with her arms, she closed her eyes and relived, for the umpteenth time, every second of her intimate moment with Cade.

What woman didn’t do that? Replaying their private moments was what kept her waiting for him to return from his business meeting. She wanted another night like the one they’d shared. And another and another.

Now that she’d had a taste of what being in Cade’s life would be like, there was no way she’d back down.

She’d put people’s needs ahead of her own for too long. Now was Abby’s time for happiness and nothing made her happier than waiting for her lover to return.

Well, that went as expected, Cade thought as he strolled through the double doors leading out to the white sandy beach.

Abby had told him she’d be suntanning all day while he was in his meeting with a real estate agent and the owner. But the meeting had only taken about two hours and Cade knew this wasn’t the right investment for Stone Enterprises.

Time to board the jet for Kauai.

But he stopped in his tracks when he saw Abby lounging in a blue-and-white beach chair with a drink in one hand and a young boy’s hand in her other. Even from a distance her laughter bubbled up and floated to him.

Jealous? No. How could he be? He was happy to know that while men may flirt with her, it was he who held her heart.

He’d had women express their love for him before, but he knew Abby’s gift of love was genuine.

But, this did open his eyes a bit more as to the woman Abby Morrison was. She could truly have any man. What guy wouldn’t want a smart, sexy, girl-next-door? No one had to tell him how fortunate he was.

He strolled up to her and discovered the boy who held on to her hand was just that, a boy.

“Abby.”

With a wide smile she turned her attention to him.

“Cade. Are you done already?”

He nodded. “I am.”

Abby turned, said something in a language he didn’t understand and the boy hurried off with one hell of a grin on his face.

“What language were you speaking?” he couldn’t help but ask.

Abby swung her legs to the side, grabbed her orange mesh tote and came to her feet. “Patois. It’s the native language.”

Baffled, Cade took a step back to allow her to pass. She walked toward the sidewalk and he found it difficult to keep up with her with his damn dress shoes on.

“Hang on.” He took hold of her elbow and stopped her. “You speak the native language in Jamaica? How on earth did you learn that?”

She shrugged. “I lived for a time in Miami up until high school when my mother relocated to San Francisco. My best friend was Jamaican.”

She turned again and began walking through the lobby of the resort and on out to their awaiting car. Cade fell paces behind, but he was amused, puzzled and downright impressed with her hidden talents.

Once he settled in beside her on the plush leather seat, Cade turned to face her.

“Let’s back up. You speak this unique Jamaican language?”

“Oh, not very well.”

She crossed her legs and Cade couldn’t help but notice she hadn’t even put on a cover-up. Had she not changed on purpose just to torture him? There was smooth, glistening skin everywhere and now the interior of the car smelled not of the expensive leather, but of coconut oil.

But he didn’t give a damn about what the lotion was doing to the seats. He’d pay to have them replaced if he had to. Right now all he wanted to do was get Abby on his plane and into the lavish bedroom. This was one of those times he was glad he’d upgraded to top-of-the-line additions where the private jet’s bedroom and bath were concerned.

“So what were you talking about?”

“That boy just asked if I wanted my hair braided,” Abby went on. “I gave him a ten-dollar bill and told him I didn’t need anything done, but he could use the money to buy his momma something nice. Of course, not in that many words. I’m sure my speech was sketchy.”

Cade lifted her hand, brushed his lips across the back of her knuckles and smiled. “You’re amazing. You know that?”

“You’ve been saying that a lot lately.”

“That’s because I just opened my eyes recently.”

Abby smiled, pulled her hand from his and reached into her tote. When she pulled a bright red cover-up out, Cade stopped her.

“Leave it.”

“Why?”

He took the flimsy material from her hands. “Because I want you just like this when I get you aboard my plane. I want as little as possible to remove.”

Her eyes widened, as did her smile. “You want your pilot to see me boarding your plane in my bikini and flip-flops?”

Cade pulled his cell from his pocket just as the car pulled into the airport. “Simon, please remain in the cockpit. Ms. Morrison and I are in a hurry. Please go ahead and start the engines.”

“We’re in a hurry, huh?” she mocked with a raised brow.

“Definitely.”

Fifteen

Kauai was by far the most gorgeous place Abby had ever seen. She’d always heard Cade and Brady talk about the resort, but she couldn’t believe she hadn’t ever heard them speak of the beauty of the exotic land.

Huge hibiscus in various shades bloomed everywhere. Lush greenery covered all the hills and valleys. And at the base of all the tropical plants was the most pristine white beach she’d ever seen.

And the water. Oh, the turquoise water nearly stole her breath. The mountains in the distance seemed to surround and protect all this beauty.

“Abby!”

Abby turned at the squeal to see Sam trying to waddle and run at the same time through the lobby area. Granted the two women had only met once before, but they had chatted via e-mail and over the phone several times since Sam had married Cade’s brother, Brady.

“Look at you.” Abby hugged the very pregnant woman and leaned back to look once again. “You still look absolutely gorgeous.”

Sam rolled her eyes. “Ugh. I’m rivaling the weight of those dolphins out there.” She motioned behind her toward the ocean. “Where’s my brother-in-law?”

“Right here.”

Cade strolled in through the open lobby area and he never failed to make Abby’s heart race. The soft, ocean breeze blowing through ruffled his dark hair, and his gleaming white smile stood out against his tanned skin.

And he had just made passionate love to her on-board his jet, not only on the bed, but in the shower, as well. She’d barely had enough time to pull her hair into a loose bun at the nape of her neck and throw on a pair of white sandals and a pink sundress.

Cade moved between the women and hugged Sam. “You’re looking really good. Where’s Brady? I can’t believe he let you out of his sight for more than a minute.”

“Me, too,” Sam laughed. “He’s very protective of his girls.”

Abby watched as the other woman rubbed a hand over her protruding stomach. The gesture, Abby was sure, was done without thought, but with much love.

Sam and Brady were two of the most generous people Abby had ever met; it was no wonder they were immediately attracted to each other.

They were poster children for the beauty Kauai represented—Brady with his coal black hair and exotic looks, Sam with her pale blond hair and vibrant blue eyes.

“Cade. Abby.” Brady came charging toward them.

“Told you,” Sam said with a smile as she turned toward her husband of only seven months.

Brady slid his arm around Sam’s waist—or where her waist used to be—and drew her to his side. “About time you got Abby out of that office to see what all her hard work goes for.”

“Oh, I don’t mind,” Abby told him. “But I must admit, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”

“That’s what we like to hear,” Brady told her before turning his attention to his brother. “How long are you staying?”

Cade shrugged. “A few days. We have some issues that I need to discuss with you in person and I’d like to take a day to relax.”

Brady’s brows rose. “Relax? Cade Stone?”

“It happens on occasion,” Cade defended.

Abby opened her mouth and before she could think better of it, she asked, “When?”

Brady threw his head back and laughed, Sam snickered, but tried to be polite about it and Cade just stared at Abby.

“Okay, maybe not since you’ve been working for us, but I did when our father still ran the company.”

“I don’t recall that,” Brady chided. “But, I will say you’re long overdue and I’d love to have you here with me and Sam for as long as you want.”

Abby was thrilled to be able to spend some time on the island that meant so much to the Stone boys and to the company. This resort was the first property purchased by their father. Of course, then it was stolen by Sam’s father and just recently taken back into Brady and Cade’s hands.

Abby didn’t know a lot of the details surrounding Lani Kaimana—which meant Royal Diamond—but she did know that somewhere in the middle of all the turmoil and backstabbing of companies, Brady and Sam had fallen in love and were now expecting twin girls in a few short months.

Talk about a romantic story. She couldn’t wait to get the scoop from Sam later. There was no way a woman who beamed that much at a man wouldn’t want to tell every detail about their journey to the altar.

“Let’s get started on business so we can get you to that relaxation,” Brady told Cade.

Sam leaned up and kissed her husband on the cheek. “Use my office. It’s bigger.”

He hugged her with a smile. “You always have to brag.”

Abby looked to Cade expecting…what? A hug? A kiss?

Nope. No PDA for them.

She wished that didn’t hurt, but she could no more stop her feelings than she could stop the evening tide from coming into shore.

Cade glanced her way as he started to walk with his brother. “We’ll meet up later.”

Abby could only nod and will away the lump in her throat. This was the man who’d just given a whole new meaning to the “mile high club,” right? So was he being distant because he was in businessman mode now or because he was around Brady?

“Being in love sucks sometimes, huh?”

Abby tore her gaze away from Cade’s retreating back and stared at Sam. “Yes.” Obviously the woman had been in Abby’s shoes or she wouldn’t be able to read her so easily.

“Well, you’re doing better than I was. I denied being in love for a long time.” Sam took hold of Abby’s hands. “Come on. Let’s go shopping and eat lots of chocolate.”

Abby laughed. “You can eat all the chocolate you want because you have a reason. Me, I just say the word and gain a pound on each thigh.”

As if they were old friends, Sam wrapped an arm around Abby’s shoulder and led her to the front entrance where a driver was waiting.

“Oh, I just wish I could have the sexy, pinup-girl figure like you,” Sam said as the driver opened the door for them. “Tell you what. I’ll eat a lot of chocolate while you watch and you can try on clothes that don’t have an elastic waistband while I watch. Deal?”

Abby nodded and got into the car. “Can’t argue with that.”

“What the hell were you thinking?”

Cade knew the bombshell wouldn’t be pretty. And he’d only dropped half of it.

Brady slammed a hand down on Sam’s desk causing a picture to tip over. “You got yourself engaged to Mona Tremane because of some absurd notion that we needed to go global and couldn’t do it on our own?”

Because he wasn’t in the mood for a fight, Cade eased back in the black club chair and crossed his ankle over his knee. Maybe if he appeared nonchalant about this situation, Brady would settle down.

But probably not.

“Basically, yes.”

Brady ran his hand through his hair. “And when is the big day?”

Good question. “That’s complicated.”

“Because you’re in love with Abby.”

Cade’s heart literally stopped for a fraction of a second. How could Brady assume to know these things when he himself had no idea what name to put on his newfound feelings?

“If you’re thinking of a lie, don’t bother,” Brady went on. “I’ve known for months that the two of you were going to wind up together.”

“Months? What the hell are you talking about?”

Brady shrugged. “I’ve seen the way the two of you argue in the office about petty things like an old married couple. Besides, I’ve also seen how you look at her when she’s not looking at you in the same love-struck way.”

What? Abby had been giving off vibes and the one person who should’ve picked up on them—meaning himself—hadn’t?

“You can’t possibly know what I feel,” Cade corrected, suddenly not so relaxed. “Let’s get back to this business merger with the Tremanes.”

Brady leaned back in the oversize office chair and smiled. “Business merger? That tells me, and you, right there that you shouldn’t be going through with this.”

Cade didn’t say a word. How could he argue with the truth?

“I’d already decided I couldn’t marry Mona,” Cade confessed. “I can’t hurt Abby that way.”

“Or yourself,” Brady added.

Cade remained silent.

“So what are you going to do?”

Cade shrugged. “I have no idea. When I first started with this plan, nothing was going to stop me from going global just like Dad wanted. But now…”

“Since you’re already down, I’d like to kick you some more.” Brady’s seat creaked as he leaned forward and put his elbows up on the desktop. “Why the hell didn’t you talk this over with me? We are partners, not to mention brothers, and there’s no way I would’ve let you go through with a wedding if that was the only way.”

“I honestly saw the opportunity and jumped on it. I knew you’d disagree and try to talk me out of it.” Cade swallowed and realized he’d left out the biggest part of his confession. “I asked Abby to plan the wedding.”

Brady cursed and shook his head. “Are you trying to kill the poor girl? Did you not know that her mother passed just before Dad and she’d had to leave her job as wedding coordinator to care for her?”

“How did you know all of that when I just found out in the last few days?”

“Because I listened when she talked,” Brady ground out through clenched teeth. “I knew when Abby started working that she was depressed, but she did everything not to let it show. I would just speak casually and pick up hints she didn’t know she was dropping.”

God. Cade didn’t know what was worse, the fact that his brother knew about Abby’s problems or that he knew she’d fallen for him.

“Did you tell her to stop planning this preposterous wedding?”

Cade nodded. “I told her I couldn’t marry Mona, but I haven’t talked to Mona, yet. She hasn’t returned my calls. I’m still trying to figure out a way we can sink into this amazing opportunity that will still allow me to keep Abby.”

“And if you can’t?” Brady prompted.

“Then I’ll have to decide which one is more important.”

Sixteen

“He what?”

Abby watched as Sam’s hand froze halfway to her mouth to sink into yet another bite of caramel-filled chocolate. They relaxed on lounge chairs overlooking the ocean, gossiping like teens and old gal pals.

Abby cringed, hating the words. “He asked me to plan his wedding.”

“Jerk.”

Sam bit into the chocolate, then just popped the whole thing into her mouth. Abby really felt she deserved some kind of award for sitting through the agony of not only watching Sam eat her weight in chocolate, but also for rehashing the nightmare of planning the wedding for Cade and Mona.

“Well, I can’t say too much,” Abby amended. “I kind of manipulated the situation to get closer to him.”

A smirk crossed Sam’s face. “I knew you wouldn’t let him go without a fight. I want all the details.”

Could this conversation be any more juvenile?

But, she really needed a female opinion, so Abby trudged on.

“Well, at first I refused to travel with him, but then I told him I needed to look into honeymoon destinations and he needed to accompany me.”

Sam’s face lit up. “I love it. Go on.”

“I told him this would be the perfect opportunity to look into resorts that were floundering due to the economy.”

With a hoot of laughter, Sam clapped. “Beautiful. You obviously know him well enough to know you needed to discuss business. Keep going.”

“The first night in Cancún I had a dinner set up on the beach with a harpist playing in the background.”

Sam ran a perfectly polished fingertip over the row of chocolates in her box and finally chose another. “I love this. Romance, the cat-and-mouse game and eating chocolates. Don’t stop.”

Abby smiled and settled into the chaise lounge. This was a nice recap.

“We walked a bit and he nearly kissed me, but his phone rang. It was Mona.”

Sam cringed. “Oh, no.”

“Yeah.” Abby reached for her own piece of chocolate. What the hell. “But that night was not totally a wash because he was looking at me like he never had before so I knew I was getting somewhere. And he kissed me.”

“He what?” Sam all but shouted.

Abby chewed on her lip. “But it was an angry kiss.”

Sam smiled. “Oh, the best kind. Keep going.”

“He actually apologized and I was so hurt, I just left the room.”

The other woman closed her eyes and groaned. “Idiot. Him, not you. What happened next?”

“At our next stop in Puerto Vallarta, he booked a bed-and-breakfast for us and arranged a quiet dinner around a small pond and tropical plants. I couldn’t believe it.”

“He’s a romantic at heart whether he knows it or not,” Sam said. “Then what?”

“Our next stop was Cozumel and I requested the Honeymoon Suite so he could see the amenities they offered. Of course I booked another room in my name so there was no pressure, but he didn’t know that.”

Sam extended her tan legs and crossed her ankles. “I love blindsiding a man.”

“As soon as we arrived two ladies came to give us our couples’ massage. Once they were gone, he did kiss me. And I can’t even describe that to you, because I’ve never been able to find words.”

Sam glanced over, patted her stomach and smiled. “I understand.”

Yeah, she would.

“The next morning we went snorkeling,” Abby went on, shoving her sunglasses up onto her head so she didn’t have white lines around her eyes. “When we got back, I passed out. Heat combined with no breakfast was not a smart move, but we, um…”

Sam darted up in her seat, which was not an easy feat considering the added midsection. “You…did? Oh, Abby. You really do love him, don’t you? There’s no way he’ll marry Mona. No matter what’s at stake.”

Abby’s heart leaped in her chest. “What makes you so sure he won’t change his mind?”

“Cade isn’t like that.” All joking now gone. “I’ve only known him a short time, but I know Brady and those men aren’t the type to play with a woman’s heart. Cade may not realize that he loves you, but he does. He wouldn’t put billions of dollars at risk by sleeping with you if he didn’t.”

Abby sighed. “That’s what I thought, what I’ve prayed for, but hearing someone else say it eases my mind a bit. But then I think of Mona. Have you seen her?”

“Mona Tremane? Once or twice.”

“She’s beautiful.”

Sam nodded. “She is. But do you think she’s the only beautiful woman in the world? You do look in a mirror for your daily grooming, right? You’ve got that simplicity that Mona doesn’t. There’s something wholesome and…angelic about you.”

“That doesn’t make me sound like a catch. It makes me sound like a Sunday School teacher.”

Sam reached over, patted Abby’s leg. “Listen. Cade has dated actresses, models and gorgeous women from all over. But I’ve never seen him so relaxed, so at peace with himself, as when I saw the two of you in the lobby. He was beaming just as much as you were.”

Did she dare hope? “Really?”

“You two seemed like just another honeymooning couple to onlookers.”

Abby looked back to the turquoise water and the white caps rushing to shore. “I don’t want to just portray the image. I want to actually be that couple.”

Cade escorted Abby back to her room after they’d dined with Sam and Brady. The bellboy had taken their luggage to the honeymoon suite, where they’d changed for dinner, but the sleeping arrangements were still unclear. She wasn’t sure if they were sharing a room or if they were keeping things simple.

Simple? Nothing about this whole situation was simple. She was sleeping with her boss who was recently engaged to someone else.

Abby cringed. Her mother would be so disappointed.

The elevator dinged at the Penthouse and Cade gestured her ahead of him once the doors opened. There was only one room on the top floor so no keycard was required since they’d needed it to get on this particular elevator.

She stopped in front of the door and turned to tell him good-night, but was taken by surprise when he pushed her against the wall and ravaged her mouth, her neck, tugging at her off-the-shoulder blouse.

Abby arched into him, her greedy body wanting, demanding more.

“I’ve been dying to do this all day,” he murmured against her heated, moist skin.

As his lips continued to torture the tops of her breasts, now nearly spilling from her top, his hands went to work on doing a little torture of their own.

He lifted her skirt and slid his fingertips along the edge of her bikini panties.

Needing no more coercion than that, Abby started undoing his trousers. With a quick flick of the hook and eye closure and a careful tug on the zipper, Abby sent Cade’s pants to his ankles, but not before his quick reaction pulled a condom from his pocket.

He lifted his head, smiled and jerked her panties down, easing back just enough for her to get one foot out of them.

“We’re still in the hallway,” she reminded him.

His cocky smile widened as he lifted her. “I know.”

Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around his waist and forgot about being in the hallway. Well, she hadn’t entirely forgotten as the penthouse door was at her back, but at the moment she didn’t care.

Cade covered himself with the condom as Abby tilted her hips and welcomed him in.

Too much. Too fast.

“Cade.”

She didn’t know what she was begging for, but her whole body tightened as he captured her mouth once again. Tongues tangled, bodies moved in a quick, frantic rhythm.

Abby’s release swept through her body as she tightened her hold on Cade. His shoulders, his hips, she curved her body around him like a well-tailored suit as she crested.

Before she could come up for air, Cade released her mouth and let out a low, sultry groan as he found his own release.

Once all tremors had ceased, Abby unlocked her legs and slid down Cade’s body. Limp, sated and more than shocked at their current locale, Abby smiled.

“We’re still wearing clothes.”

He pulled up his pants, not bothering to fasten them and reached around her to open the door. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t wait another second to be with you.”

Horror spread through Abby. “Please tell me your family doesn’t have security cameras installed on this floor.”

Cade’s rich laughter mocked her as he ushered her into the suite and closed the door. “This is the honeymoon suite, Abby. Everything that goes on on this floor is private and between the couple. Your reputation as a good girl remains intact.”

Was she supposed to take that as a compliment? Did men actually like “good girls”? Hey, so long as Cade was happy with a good girl, she didn’t care.

She took in her surroundings and sighed. A perfect suite in a perfect resort. Everything about Kauai drew her in. Even inside, the tropical theme of the island carried throughout.

The canopy bed with white sheers draped around the mattress sat in the corner on what she considered a stage. Two small steps led up to the romantic bunker and Abby got chills all over again just thinking about lying there with Cade.

Would he want to sleep in that bed all night with her? Would he make love to her again?

Double doors led out onto a balcony overlooking the gorgeous crystal blue water and mountain peaks in the distance.

She turned to Cade. “If you ever open a Kauai office, please, I’m begging you, let me run it.”

“Deal.”

Barefoot, Abby padded from the open living area, bedroom and small galley kitchen and found her way into the bathroom. And holy cow, what a bathroom.

Dark green tile covered the floor. Miniature mirrored tiles formed a shower so large, she figured at least ten people could wash at once. Showerheads from all directions pointed toward the middle.

She couldn’t wait to explore that with Cade.

A huge garden tub sat off in the distance just under a skylight.

“Never mind the office,” she told him when he came in behind her. “I’d like to make this my apartment.”

Cade chuckled, slipping his arms around her waist. “You deserve this.”

His soft words combined with his warm breath on her cheek only added to the multiple goose bumps she had.

Could this be for real? Could she really believe that he would choose her over Mona and a multi-billion-dollar business deal?

Sam seemed to think so. Besides, everything in Abby’s heart told her not to give up.

Unless, of course, he did end up choosing the business over her. No matter how much she loved him, she would not play second to anyone or anything. She deserved better.

“I feel as if I should apologize again for attacking you in the hallway,” he told her. “I really wanted to bring you up here and relax and talk. We don’t talk enough.”

Abby smiled, turning in his arms. “That’s because we’re either working or having sex.”

Oh, Lord. When the words came out and hovered in the open they didn’t sound so good. Was that all this…relationship consisted of?

“I can’t seem to get enough of you, Abby.”

She knew the feeling. So, when Cade slowly undressed her and kissed her as they made their way to the king of all showers, Abby realized that talking was definitely overrated.

Seventeen

Cade stripped his clothes and slipped back into bed, thankful that Abby was still sleeping. He took just a moment, as he had when he’d had to leave her an hour ago, to admire the simplicity, the beauty.

Flawless. She was magnificent in every way. Creamy skin, soft, subtle blond waves spread over the stark white pillow, full pink lips parted just so. Yes, it had been difficult to leave her this morning, but he’d had another important call to make and he’d had to make sure his package arrived.

Lying on his side, Cade propped his head in his hand and trailed the strand of pearls between her breasts, which were uncovered because the sheet had slipped to pool at her waist.

She moaned, shifting beneath the pearls.

Cade smiled. She was just as amazing to watch asleep as she was awake. The subtle way the corners of her mouth kicked up as she stirred, the sexy way her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek…

God, had he ever noticed these things about a woman before?

No, because he’d never lingered in a woman’s bed. Never wanted to until now.

And that solidified the decision that he’d made earlier—hence the important phone call to Mona’s father this morning.

He slid the strand of pearls back down, then up again, pleased when her eyes opened and focused on him.

She smiled and stretched her arms. “Good morning.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed, now roaming the pearls around each breast.

“What’s this?”

“They’re yours.” He held up the necklace for her to see. “They are flawless, much like the woman who used to own them and like the woman I’d like to wear them.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “These are…these…were…”

“My father’s mother’s pearls.” He sat up, tugging her with him to fasten them around her neck. “Perfect. I knew they’d suit you.”

Instinctively her hand came up to feel the pearls. “Do you just travel with these in the hopes of giving them away on a whim?”

Her bluntness never ceased to amuse him. “No. These were in my safe back home. I asked my housekeeper, whom I trust with everything I own, to have them sent here.”

Abby’s hand froze on the pearls. Her green eyes darted to his. “When did you do this?”

“Yesterday morning before we boarded the plane.”

She studied his face for a moment without saying a word. Speechless? He’d never known her to be. But what shocked him more was when tears gathered in her eyes and she threw her arms around his neck and nearly knocked him backwards off the bed.

Realization must’ve dawned on her. He didn’t want her to think he took her gift of love lightly. And just because he wasn’t ready to say the words, didn’t mean he couldn’t show her in other ways how much he cared.

Warm tears fell onto his bare shoulders, but he felt her emotions all the way into his heart.

His hold on her tightened. “I take it you like them.”

“I love them.” She sat back, wiping her eyes. “Sorry. I don’t mean to cry. I’m a hideous crier.”

He took her face in his hands, stroking her damp cheeks with his thumbs. “You’re beautiful no matter what you do.”

She fingered the strand again and smiled. “My mother had a set of pearls. Nothing this expensive or perfect, but they were her favorite piece of jewelry.”

Cade eased her back into his embrace and laid down, drawing the light sheet over them. He wanted her to talk, wanted to hear about her life before him. Wanted to help ease the hurt she still carried for her mother. He knew all too well the pain of losing a parent.

“I battled with myself,” she went on. “When it came time for me to choose her funeral attire, I held those pearls in my hands and cried for hours. I wanted to keep them, to keep her. But I wanted everyone who came to say goodbye to be able to see her looking like she’d want.

“It was hard to let go of anything that belonged to my mother, but I knew she’d want me to move on and be happy.”

Cade kissed the top of her head. “And are you?”

She turned her head, resting her chin on his chest. “Happy is when you ace an exam in college or when Santa leaves you the present you asked for all year. I can’t even define what I feel when I’m with you. Happy doesn’t even skim the surface.”

Cade looked down into the face of the woman who’d come into his life not once, but twice. The first time as his assistant. And the second, just two weeks ago as the woman he found himself falling in love with.

And it was so easy to see the emotion now. Strange how he’d had a hard time putting a name to his feelings before.

Business mergers never made him this happy. Ever. And even if he didn’t count his own happiness, the elation on Abby’s face was worth the decision he made.

There was no turning back now.

Lounging on the beach during the day with Sam was a nice change. Abby knew in her heart this would be a lifelong friend and someone she could confide in, which was good because she didn’t have a female figure in her life anymore and, coincidentally, neither did Sam. Her mother had died at a young age in a car crash.

Now, though, Abby sat alone soaking up the sun. Sam’s doctor had told her too much sun could cause her to overheat and bring on false contractions. Abby had had to force Sam inside for a nap or just to rest with the threat of calling Brady—who had probably already hired at least three resort employees to keep a watch over his wife.

Would Cade be that protective if she carried his baby? Would he always be making sure she was safe, guarded?

Of course. This was Cade. He would do anything for the people he cared about. Hadn’t he gotten engaged to a woman he didn’t love all for the sake of making his brother happy and honoring his father’s legacy?

Everything he did, he did out of love for others.

How could she not love him with her whole heart?

Granted, he hadn’t spoken any more of the “business arrangement” with Mona, but he’d told her not to worry about it, so she wasn’t. After all, Abby was the one wearing his grandmother’s pearls and waking beside him the past few days.

But she really wished he’d just tell her what was going on. She didn’t want to ask, but in all honesty, Abby felt as if she had a right to know.

She absolutely refused to believe he would throw her aside for business, no matter the amount of money involved. If Cade wanted to make Stone Enterprises a bigger name, he’d find another way to make it work.

Abby blindly reached to the side of her lounge chair and picked up her water bottle. She misted her legs and stomach and tossed the bottle back down.

There was nothing more relaxing than soaking up sun on the most gorgeous beach she’d ever seen, all the while thinking of the man she loved.

I’m happy, Mom. I’m really, truly happy. She hoped her mother was looking down smiling.

A cell phone rang in the distance, which reminded Abby she hadn’t checked hers in a few days. On a sigh, she leaned over, reached into her mesh tote and pulled out her BlackBerry.

She refused to check the e-mails, but she did listen to the two voicemails.

The first one was from her landlady letting her know her one-year lease was coming up and needing to know if she was going to sign another one.

“Hopefully not,” she muttered as she skipped to the next message waiting.

“Hey, Abby.” Mona’s perky, yet sweet, voice filtered through the phone. Abby sat up, jerked off her sunglasses and listened. “I know I said I didn’t want in on any of the details for the wedding, but I did end up picking out a dress, and I had it shipped to Cade’s office so you could see it. I figured you’d be able to tell me if the style would go with everything you’ve chosen so far. Let me know if you have any questions. Bye.”

A chill came over Abby so fierce, so hard, that even in the ninety-five-degree heat, she trembled.

Questions? Yeah, she had some. Why was Mona sending a dress to the office? Why did just the sound of her voice make Abby feel inadequate and less of a woman?

And why hadn’t Cade called off that wedding?

Hurt and anger fought to be the top emotion flooding through Abby’s body. Unfortunately, there was a tie.

Once she’d gathered her belongings, pulled on her terry cloth cover-up and slipped into her white flip-flops, Abby was battling a war with herself.

Surely there was some explanation as to why he hadn’t called Mona. There had to be. He’d made love to Abby numerous times in the past week. He’d held her and listened to her go on and on about her mother.

He’d given her his grandmother’s pearls, for crying out loud.

As she stomped up the beach, Abby didn’t know if she wanted to barge into Brady’s office where he and Cade were discussing business or if she wanted to wait and discuss the situation in the calm serenity of their suite.

Considering she was fighting for the man she loved, there was only one option.

She marched her way through the open, airy lobby and down the hallway of executive offices she’d seen Brady and Cade go yesterday morning. Once she found Brady’s nameplate, she didn’t hesitate. Anger fueled her every decision.

Both men jerked in their seats as Abby, without knocking, opened the door to Brady’s office.

“I would apologize for interrupting, but I wouldn’t mean it.”

She walked over, plopped her bag in the only vacant club chair and waved both men to stay seated. “No need to get up.”

“Is something wrong?” Cade asked, ignoring her request and coming to his feet to study her face.

Abby laughed, propping her hands on her hips. “Wrong? Well, I don’t know, Cade. You tell me.”

Brady now came to his feet. “I think I’ll—”

“Sit back down,” Abby finished without taking her eyes off Cade. “This will only take a minute and you two can get back to your business.”

“Abby. What the hell happened?” Cade demanded. “I’ve never seen you this worked up.”

She didn’t hesitate. There was only one question she needed answered. “Did you tell Mona the wedding was off?”

“I—”

Holding up a hand, Abby repeated, “Did you?”

“No.”

Abby had to give herself credit for not crumbling to the floor—or slugging him in the gut, like he deserved.

She ignored the burning in her eyes. She’d be damned if she’d let him see her cry. And she’d be damned if she’d play the other woman for one more second.

“Consider this my resignation from the office.” She picked up her bag, slung it over her slightly burnt shoulder and added, “Oh, and you’ll need to find another wedding planner.”

Eighteen

Cade sat in his office. His lonely, quiet office.

He’d been back in San Francisco for two days and not a word from Abby. She’d left the hotel so fast, by the time he’d explained his actions to his nosy brother and gotten back up to the room, she was gone. Her luggage was still there, but she’d requested for everything to be sent to her home address.

She’d charged the shipping, an airline ticket and cab fare to the company credit card.

Not that he cared. He’d handled this whole situation in the worst possible way. Instead of saving her from dealing with the mess, he put her right smack-dab in the middle of it and ripped her heart out in the process.

The electronic ding sounded, indicating someone had walked into the lobby. Cade sighed and knew it was now also his job to greet new clients.

But, before he could get from behind his desk, Mona appeared in the doorway with a large, blue folder in hand.

“Busy?” she asked.

Other than the fact his office skills sucked, the temp replacement was late, he’d ruined the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he was trying to figure out how the hell to fix the mess?

“No,” he replied, gesturing to the burgundy wing-back chair across from his desk. “Have a seat.”

She laid the folder on his desk and sat down. “These are the legal papers from my father. He said you and Brady need to sign all five copies. One for each of you, one for me and one for each of our companies’ attorneys.”

Cade opened the folder and scanned the heading. “This can’t be.”

“There’s no mistake,” she assured him. “My father still wants to go into business with you and Brady. He’s actually thrilled about the endeavor.”

Cade looked back up. “Why? I called off the wedding.”

Mona smiled. “Before I could.”

“What?”

“I’ve fallen in love,” she explained. “I didn’t know who I was more afraid of upsetting, you or my father. And now that you’ve also fallen for someone, this will all be so much easier.”

How the hell did everyone know what he was feeling?

“You were going to call off the wedding? But you had a dress shipped here,” he reminded her, thinking he needed to give the thing back before she left. It was taking up way too much room in his coat closet.

She smiled and tucked a strand of ebony hair behind her ear. “I did. I figured I needed to keep up my end of the deal, but when I got your message that you needed to talk to me and it was urgent, I hoped that was the reason.”

“I hated to leave a voice mail, but I was running out of time,” Cade explained. “I hated having two women think they were the one in my life. It wasn’t fair to anyone.”

“Especially you,” Mona added.

Cade smiled. She really was a beautiful woman. But all her body-hugging business suits and perfectly placed hair were nothing compared to the beauty of Abby when she’d woken that morning he’d given her the pearls.

The signal from the front door chimed again and Cade came to his feet.

“Excuse me just a second.”

But, yet again, he was too slow to make it to the lobby before Abby entered his office.

She didn’t look half as miserable as he felt. The tan she’d gotten from their traveling only added to her natural beauty. Her golden hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders and her knee-length baby blue sundress only made her look that much more wholesome and innocent.

“I’m sorry,” she said, looking past Cade to Mona. “I just came by to get some of my things from my desk. I won’t get in the way.”

Cade had a feeling she was talking about a lot more than the present meeting.

“You’re not in the way,” he told her, but he was talking to her retreating back.

“Damn,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair and turning to Mona.

She came to her feet. “I’m leaving. Talk to her. I’m sorry if I caused this.”

“You didn’t,” he assured her. “I did all this damage on my own.”

“Just sign those papers,” she reminded him. “I’ll come for the dress later. I don’t think that’s a good idea right now.”

Smart and beautiful. “You’ll make some man very happy.”

She smiled and left, leaving Cade to his own misery and mess.

As he went to his doorway, his heart clenched at the sight of Abby taking a box of pictures from her bottom drawer. He’d never seen that box or the contents, but he could only assume it held treasured pictures of her mother.

“Can you come in here for a minute?” he asked.

She turned, clutching the box to her chest. “I think we’ve said everything. Let’s not rehash the mistakes we made.”

“I know I don’t deserve your time, but I’m asking for one minute anyway.”

Abby sighed. “One minute.”

Elated from such a small victory, Cade stepped aside, allowing her to pass through.

“You said you loved me,” he said without much thought to how he would actually use his one precious minute.

“I did.”

He quirked a brow. “Did?”

“Fine. I do. I can’t turn my feelings for people on and off, Cade. I’m human. Is that what you called me in here for? To hear that I love you so I could add to your ego trip? Mona’s visit wasn’t enough?”

Cade eased toward her, even though he knew it wasn’t a smart move. “I deserve that. But I have to tell you—”

That damn chime to the door sounded again.

“Better go get that,” she told him. “You’re short an assistant.”

He groaned and made his way to get rid of whoever was in the lobby.

A young, college-aged woman stood holding a purse and a folder. “Hi. I’m Kelly Armstrong from the temp agency.”

She couldn’t have been five minutes later?

“Have a seat.” He gestured to the empty desk. “I’ll be out in five minutes.”

Just as he turned to go back into his office, Abby brushed past him and out the door.

“Is this a bad time?” the temp asked.

Cade glanced over his shoulder. “Actually, yes it is. I will make sure you get paid for today, but is there any way you could just come back in the morning?”

“Absolutely.”

Once she was gone, Cade went back into his office and froze.

The legal documents to form the multi-billion-dollar merger were spread across his desk. He had not done that. He’d left them in a neat stack.

Obviously, Abby had shuffled through them. And left her own mark.

Coiled on top of one of the papers were his grandmother’s pearls.

Abby didn’t sulk. Really. She liked to think shopping and buying outrageous items she couldn’t afford was simply a cleansing of her life. Hard on the credit card, but a nice, temporary pick-me-up.

She hadn’t used her credit card for months and she was certainly making up for it.

Shoes, purses, raw silk dresses with the skinny belts, a variety of summer casual clothes—those made her happy. But when she went into an upscale furniture store and picked out a brand-new bedroom suite, that elated her…for now.

A mahogany sleigh bed—to be delivered in two days—would look nice with the jewel-toned bedding set she’d seen in a catalog. She also picked out a matching armoire and dresser. She didn’t care that all this enormous furniture would take up the majority of her studio apartment.

On her drive back to her apartment, Abby felt a bit better about the new things in her life. But she knew nothing, absolutely nothing, could fill the void. Just like she knew she had no one to blame but herself.

Was she sorry she’d gone after what she’d wanted? No. At least she’d had a few days of loving Cade. Just because he didn’t want to accept her gift, didn’t mean she’d change anything.

She wasn’t going to beg, she wasn’t going to grovel. But she also wasn’t going to sit around and mope, feeling sorry for herself.

Abby let herself into her apartment and dumped her bags onto the sofa. She upended them, spilling out all the skirts, dresses, capris, tanks, halters and other goodies. She grabbed the first colorful, cheery top she saw and a pair of khaki shorts.

Starting right now she was going to make something of her life and come Monday morning, she’d hit the pavement once again to look for a job. But for tonight, she was going to have some fun.

Her thighs burned, her body ached, but she held on.

Abby tightened her legs around the bull as she jerked back and forth.

“Woo!”

“Go, girl!”

The cheers from the crowd added with her own determination had Abby holding on until the end.

She’d beaten the bull again.

“A new record for Bulls ’N Beers,” the DJ announced. “Twenty seconds!”

Abby gripped the outstretched hands and hopped off the stage. She slid back into her wedged sandals and smiled as people patted her on the back and offered their remarks of amazement.

Making her way over to the bar for a drink—her first of the night—Abby felt a small tingle of victory for setting a record on the bull.

“I’ll take whatever you have on tap that’s light,” she told the bartender.

“Put it on my tab.”

Abby turned to the sound of the voice she’d tried for days to get out of her head. Unfortunately, seeing the man was much, much worse than hearing him.

And he looked agonizingly good. Did she expect anything less than perfect from Cade Stone?

With his tan, bronzed skin against his baby blue polo, he looked like a beach boy taking a break from CEO life.

“Here you go, young lady.”

Abby turned to get her drink and pulled a five from her pocket. “I pay for my own drinks. Keep the change.”

Cade slid his fingers around her arm and turned her back to face him. “Come with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He ignored her glare—which she thought was her meanest look—and tugged her with him. Since she didn’t want to cause a scene, she went along.

But he didn’t go outside as she’d thought he would. He waded through the crowd and went down a narrow, dimly lit hallway and into an office. Once he ushered her inside, he closed the door.

“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded.

“I’m making you listen to me.” He reached out, took the beer from her hand and set it on the glass-top coffee table. “And I want you lucid when you do.”

Lucid? Had he thought she’d been drinking all night? Hmm…funny.

Without a word, Abby crossed her arms and waited. Please, please don’t let him say how sorry he was for their time together and that this was for the best. She would absolutely crumble right here if he announced their brief relationship was only a fling.

“Can we sit?” he asked, gesturing toward the old black leather couch against the wall.

For a second she thought about ignoring his request, but if he was going to hammer home the fact he had to marry Mona, Abby wanted a firm foundation beneath her.

She walked around the coffee table and sat on the far end of the couch, thankful that Cade sat at the other end.

“Everything that has happened since we were in Kauai has been one misunderstanding after another,” he explained. “I couldn’t approach you until now, now when everything was chaotic around me.”

Abby’s heart started beating again for what seemed like the first time since Mona’s voice mail. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up. She couldn’t stand another blow mentally.

He ran a hand through his hair and Abby’s anticipation kicked up a notch. He was nervous.

“First, let me say that Mona and I aren’t getting married.”

“Because of what happened between us?” Abby asked.

“Yes and no.” He eased forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “I’d been calling her while we were gone last week to explain I couldn’t marry her while I was having strong feelings for you, but she never answered my calls. Finally I left a brief message on her voice mail telling her I had to talk about the engagement and I needed her to call me.”

Because she couldn’t sit still, Abby crossed her legs, pleased when Cade’s eyes followed her movement and his jaw clenched.

“A few days after that,” Cade went on, “I called her father and told him that I was sorry, that I couldn’t marry Mona, but if he’d still like to work out a deal, I’d be willing to listen.

“I didn’t think he’d go for it, but this morning Mona brought papers by my office.”

Abby allowed the excitement to build within her. There was no way he would be telling her this if he didn’t want to be with her. Would he?

But, since she’d suffered, she allowed him to go on. This was petty, she knew, but he deserved it.

He eased over a bit on the sofa and stared into her eyes. “Mona also came to tell me she was going to call off the wedding, as well, because she’d found someone. She wasn’t sure how to tell her father or me, so that’s why she called you and sent the dress. She felt as if she had to keep this up until she could confess.”

Abby wasn’t quite sure what to think. But she did have some questions.

“Would you have given in and married her if her father had turned down any other idea?” she asked.

“No.”

He didn’t hesitate and his eyes never wavered from hers. This was a good sign.

“So why are you here? And how did you know I was here?” She held up a hand. “The owner called again, right?”

“Yes. I asked him to watch for you. I thought you might come here since this is where you came when you found out about the wedding initially.”

He knew her so well.

She swallowed. “What do you want from me?”

“Everything.” He came to his feet, reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, black pouch. “You left these.”

He pulled the strand of pearls out and took her hand to pull her to her feet. “I want everything from you, Abby, that you are willing to give me. Your life, babies, your love.”

Abby’s knees shook, her eyes filled. “What will you give me in return?”

He clasped the necklace around her neck. “My life, babies. My love.”

Abby closed her eyes, absorbing the moment. Tears slipped out and down her face. When the softness of Cade’s fingertips swiped at the moisture, she opened her eyes and met his.

“I love you, Abby. Realizing that was worth so much more than a multi-billion-dollar deal.”

She smiled and knew he meant every word.

“Say you’ll marry me,” he whispered as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t want to go another night without you.”

Abby stepped forward, slid her arms around his neck and said the only thing she could choke out through the tears.

“Yes.”

ISBN: 978-1-4268-5211-4

FOR BUSINESS…OR MARRIAGE?

Copyright © 2010 by Jules Bennett

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Silhouette Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

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.

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Table of Contents

Cover

Dear Reader

Title Page

Books by Jules Bennett

About the Author

Dedication

Contents

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Copyright