Rave reviews for the novels of
Carly Phillips
CROSS MY HEART
Who doesnt love a reunion of long-lost loves? Add a diabolical villain, as Carly Phillips does, and you have everything you need for a beach read.
Columbus Dispatch
Smart, engrossing and totally addictive! Cross My Heart is a definite must-have in this seasons beach bag.
www.FreshFiction.com
SUMMER LOVIN
Phillipss light touch assures a happy ending to this diverting beach read.
Publishers Weekly
A funny and touching family drama.
Romantic Times BOOKreviews
A fun, yet emotional story. A story that will keep you hooked with its kooky, yet charming characters.
Romance Reviews Today
Whats steamier than a New York City summer? Carly Phillipss Hot series!
HOT ITEM
Saving her best for last, Phillips wraps up her jocular Hot Zone trilogy.
Publishers Weekly
Phillips has penned a charming, fast-paced contemporary romp-through-the-sheets.
Booklist
Hot Item is a winner.
Romance Reviews Today
HOT NUMBER
A veteran romance author who climbed to star status in Harlequins Temptation line, Phillips is certain to capture a new bank of fans with the fresh venue and stylish dialogue featured in this perky series.
Publishers Weekly
Hot Number is a fun, sexy read. For everyone who has ever wished to turn the head of a guy, this book definitely allows you that fantasy while giving you a satisfying love story. Ms. Phillips has proven herself more than capable of delivering stories that touch your heart and your funnybone.
In the Library Reviews
In the follow-up to last years Hot Stuff, Phillips once again dives into the high pressure world of sports. Micki and Damian each have quite a few issues to resolve, which adds spice to an already volatile mixture.
Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times BOOKreviews (4 stars)
Carly Phillips hits a home run with the fun, yet touching Hot Number.
Jennifer Bishop, Romance Reviews Today
HOT STUFF
This breezy book will likely score a touchdown with readers looking for sexy thrills and instant gratification.
Publishers Weekly
This first book in The Hot Zone trilogy shines with Phillips trademark sizzle and sensuality. She delivers strong, appealing characters while exploring the dynamics of familieswhat brings them together and what draws them apart. The ending emotionally satisfies and gives readers a tantalizing peek at the romantic quandaries awaiting the rest of the family.
Romantic Times BOOKreviews (4 stars)
Hot Stuff is a surefire hit.
Jennifer Bishop, Romance Reviews Today
Carly Phillips
Simply Sensual
SIMPLY sensual
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
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
BEN CALLAHAN FROWNED at the bone china cup on the sterling serving tray in front of him. Unable to fit one of his large fingers through the handle, he tried instead to hold the delicate cup with his whole hand. Hed have chucked the idea of attempting to grasp the cup, if not for his elderly hostess. Emma Montgomery had declared it was teatime, and from what Ben had seen, he wouldnt be getting any information out of her until hed shared in her daily ritual.
Hed never understand the wealthy, nor did he care to try. Hed had a good deal of experience with the breed, none of it leaving a positive impression. His mother had scrubbed floors for a living and hed seen firsthand how poorly the help was treated. Hed whisked his mother away from menial labor and verbal abuse as soon as he was old enough to support them both.
It was ironic, really. Most of the clients hed accumulated as a private investigator had money to burn. Ben didnt mind taking their cash. It paid not only his bills, but the extra money covered the cost of the independent living community where hed placed his mother. He considered it payback for her years of service.
The elderly woman seated across from him was a potential client. Shed been referred to him by an acquaintance in her social set, one he remembered from the time hed worked for her last year. So far Emma Montgomery, his hostess, had been refreshing, both charming and persistent at the same time.
While other clients tried to whittle away at his expenses and final take, despite their ability to afford his reasonable fee, Emma Montgomery had paid his airfare and expenses from New York City to Hampshire, Massachusetts, to discuss her reasons for wanting to hire him. As further enticement, shed named a hefty sum hed never seen before on a single case, and promised him free rein with expenses, no questions asked. All before shed explained why she needed his services.
Ben was not only intrigued, but inclined to accept. The money shed promised would enable him to have his mother moved from independent living to assisted care. With her eyesight rapidly deteriorating, she couldnt live alone and this case might make the upgraded care possible. If it meant putting up with idiosyncrasies like teatime, hed force himself to endure.
He met his hostesss gaze. Piercing brown eyes regarded him from over the rim of her cup. Im waiting, she seemed to be saying. There was nothing he could do but raise the cup and take a sip.
The minute the hot liquid passed his lips, she said, My granddaughter needs a sitter. Do you have any interest in the job?
He swallowed fast, burning his tongue and nearly losing his precarious hold on the fine china. No way hed heard her correctly. She was offering all that good money for him to play baby-sitter? He shook his head. Excuse me?
Perhaps I didnt phrase that quite right. I think maybe keeper is the correct word. She tapped the side of her head, without messing the perfect bun in her gray hair. Yes, thats right. My granddaughter is in the process of finding herself and she needs a keeper.
He placed the cup onto the saucer before he could do serious damage. I think youve been misinformed, Mrs. Montgomery. Good money or not, Ben drew the line at baby-sitting.
Call me Emma. Her smile grew wider.
Emma. Im a private investigator. I dont baby-sit wayward children. Just how old is your granddaughter anyway?
Emma reached onto the table beside the couch, holding a photo in her hand. She turned the picture toward him.
The woman staring back at him was no child. Honey-blond hair, warm brown eyes and a face as delicate as the china hed recently held stared back at him. A rush of desire hit Ben hard and a shot of adrenaline jump-started his heart.
Shes almost thirty and quite a beauty, isnt she? Emma asked, pride lilting her voice.
He met the older womans gaze and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Shessomething all right. A golden princess.
In his profession Ben was used to observing people and photographs. He was used to forming opinions and going with gut instinct. He was rarely mistaken in his impressions and never blindsided by a pretty face. And hed always been able to remain detached. Until now.
This woman was beautiful enough to affect his senses and sensual enough to rev up his libido. Her eyes reflected a wealth of emotion and hidden secretssecrets he yearned to uncover. The assignment hed been about to throw away had suddenly become one he couldnt resist and a distinct sense of unease slithered through him.
Grace moved to New York City a few years ago, Emma said. Shes always lived off the trust her parents set up for her as a child. No steady job, no steady man. She said the last with enforced meaning before she appraised Ben from his work boots to his unkempt hair.
He shook his head as if he could rid himself of her penetrating stare. And whats going on with Grace thats prompted you to contact me now?
Shes stopped withdrawing money from her trust and decided its time to live on her own.
Id think that was an admirable move, Ben said, having more respect for the new Grace than the one who had lived off her family money for years.
Well, of course it is. Its how I raised her, after allTo be her own person. It worked, to an extent. She got out of Hampshire and away from her controlling father, Edgar, who is my son. We call him the judge. She laughed but the sound contained no joy. He has no idea what family means. Though I admit, with my grandson, Logans, recent marriage and new baby, hes learning. But Grace isnt around to see it.
Sensing shed gotten off track, Ben tried to steer her back to what she wanted from him. So you want Grace back home?
Emma shook her head. Not if shes safe and happy in New York. Thats all I care about, you see. But I cant get information out of her because shes clammed up on me. The older woman zipped her fingers across her lips. All shell say is that shes fine and I shouldnt worry. Emma snorted, telling Ben what she thought of her granddaughters silence. How can I not worry, the way she travels with a camera around her neck, paying more attention to her photographs than her surroundings?
Shes an adult, Ben felt compelled to remind Emma.
Women like her are attacked every day in New York City. She swears shes taken a self-defense class, as if thats enough to soothe me. Im certain shes holding out. Ever since my brush with death, she thinks shes protecting me. She doesnt realize its more stressful on the heart, being kept in the dark.
Ben nodded in understanding. His own father had died of a heart attack when Ben had been eight. He remembered him as a good man with a heart of gold. Too bad that heart had also been weak and hed died driving home from his job as a department store manager, leaving no insurance and little money in the bank. His mother had been forced to extreme measures to make ends meet, and shed turned to the only experience she hadhousekeeping, only this time she worked in other peoples homes.
Make no mistake, Mr. Callahan. Im glad Grace is finally ready to tackle the world on her own. Emmas voice brought him back to the present. Itll give her a chance to sow those wild oats her father made her suppress, but at the same time, that kind of sudden freedom frightens me. Even nearing thirty Grace has been sheltered too long. And I know her. Now that shes made a stand, her pride wont let her call on me or her brother if she runs into trouble. I need to know shes okay. Emma placed a frail hand on his arm.
Call me Ben, he said, wondering if Emma was rightif Grace had a penchant for getting into trouble, and if so, what kind.
No way he could deny Emma the peace of mind she sought. Her obvious love for her granddaughter, along with his financial need, sealed his agreement.
She smiled. Ive taken a few liberties under the assumption youd take this case.
Ben was used to presumptuous clients, but he could only imagine what this woman had decided for him. What liberties would those be, Mrs. He caught the quick shake of her head and corrected the formality. What liberties, Emma?
Grace lives in Murray Hill, in a one-bedroom off Third Avenue. After a long talk with the landlord, I managed to secure you the apartment across the hall. It seems his brother lives there and hes out of the country on business for the next month. Her white smile widened. Wouldnt it be nice of his good friend Ben Callahan to apartment-sit for him? She reached for something on the sofa table behind her and dangled a set of keys in front of his eyes.
Ben shook his head. How convenient. He thought hed been prepared for anything. Hed been wrong. Im sure you realize I already have a place to live, Emma.
She rolled her eyes as if he were slow. Of course you do. Without warning, the older woman grabbed for his hand again, and her eyes met his in a silent plea, one he had a hard time ignoring. His gut clenched as he silently acknowledged he was in trouble.
I need to know Grace is safe, satisfied and fulfilled before I pass on. And you can only do that if you get close enough to see for yourself. Ive heard youre the best, Ben.
He knew he was being worked shamelessly, and even so, he couldnt look away. Worse, her motives seemed so honest and pure, he couldnt bring himself to turn her down. What would it hurt if he got to know the granddaughter to assure the grandmother everything was okay? He could give the older woman peace of mind and finance his mothers care at the same time. A win-win situation, even if it meant putting up with the older womans meddling.
Well? Emma asked.
He glanced at the photo once more. Detachment? Hell, hed been sucker-punched by a picture. Heaven only knew what his reaction would be to Grace Montgomery in the flesh.
Emma patted his knee. Thats okay. All men react like that the first time they see her.
Was that supposed to make him feel better?
I suppose you realize now why she needs someone to look out for her, especially since shes on her own and more vulnerable than before.
Ben had his doubts Grace was as naive as Emma painted her. After all, shed been living in the city and even with money to burn, shed have learned to be cautious and careful. Still, he understood and felt the older womans concern.
Ben let out a groan. With little effort, hed become invested in both Emma and her granddaughter. More than he should be with a client. Enough to warn him away from this case.
He stared into those compelling brown eyes and knew he couldnt walk away. Emmas obvious love and concern for Grace was one reason, his financial needs another. But there was yet another, more elemental reason not to opt out, his personal misgivings be damned. If he bailed, Emma would find another private investigator to get up close and personal with her granddaughter.
At a glance, Ben knew he couldnt trust himself around Grace. But he sure as hell wasnt about to let someone else take the job, either.
ADRENALINE PUMPED THROUGH Graces system, a natural reaction to the afternoon spent capturing pictures that filled her soul. Unlike her temporary job at a photo studio specializing in portrait shots, her time at the park held the key to her future and she reveled in every minute. Even a routine stop at the corner grocery store hadnt dulled the sense of excitement she found doing what she loved, and if her instincts were on target, shed captured exactly the right shots.