He managed to restrain the urge to laugh at her description which clearly contradicted her own outlook on life. And not being a traditional kind of girl you instead went out and found yourself a business partner and shocked everyone by starting your own sports enthusiast business. Including her prominent councilman boyfriend at the time.
All Seasons Outdoor Adventures, isnt it? Mitch asked. From what he knew, she and her partner, Guy Jacobs, not only put together packages for clients interested in outdoor recreational activities, but the two of them were guides on various hiking and rock-climbing expeditions, white-water rafting trips, and other daredevil sporting events, as well.
Yes, thats all true. Her chin lifted in a mutinous slant that matched the multifaceted spark brightening her eyes. The business has been extremely profitable, not that my father has ever acknowledged my success.
And for some reason, her fathers approval was obviously important to her, despite her attempt to pretend otherwise. The tinge of hurt in her voice was slight, but unmistakable, and was quickly concealed with an indifferent shrug of her smooth, tanned shoulder.
The woman apparently had a soft spot beneath that sassy, aggressive, sexy facade of hers. Personally, you dont seem the receptionist type to me, either.
Thank you. She beamed as if hed given her a compliment of the highest degree, and lifted her water glass for a quick drink. You know me better than I originally gave you credit for.
And damn if he didnt want to get to know her a whole lot better.
Unexpectedly, she leaned toward him and slipped her palm over the back of the hand resting on the table between them. His pulse leapt, and her smooth fingertips, chilled from the water glass shed just touched, made his skin sizzle.
Her lush mouth curved into a smile filled with wicked intent. So, shall we stroll out of this stuffy country club hand in hand like lovers and let our mothers come to their own conclusions when they hear the gossip about us? She waggled her perfectly arched brows in a dare. Could be tons of fun.
One thing was certain in Mitchs mind. If he took Nicole up on her brazen challenge and they ditched this luncheon, he doubted anything that happened outside this restaurant would be feigned. The vibrant fire in her eyes told him the attraction was real. And while she might pretend not to care about their mothers speculation about them, he was willing to bet it was all an act. They both knew their parents would jump on the opportunity to encourage any interest between them, and he didnt think she wanted that, either.
He switched the positions of their hands, trapping hers beneath the heat and weight of his palm. His thumb rubbed the sensitive flesh between her thumb and forefinger, and she sucked in an audible breath.
He blinked lazily. You know, I do believe you could tempt a saint to sin, and if it wasnt for both of our mothers heading this way at this very second, Id call your bluff and see just how far you were willing to take this game of yours.
At the mention of their mothers approach she subtly retrieved her hand so they werent caught in such a compromising position. She sighed, a gusty breath of sound that held the barest hint of regret. I guess well never find out just how far I was willing to take things, now will we?
He stifled a grin and instead gave her a private wink designed to leave her a little unbalanced. Not this time anyway.
NICOLE STARED at her lunch menu but was unable to concentrate on the array of entrées offered. While her mother and Joyce Lassiter chattered on about the fabulous sale at Bloomingdales theyd hit that morning, which had made them late for their lunch date, Nicoles mind spun with other, more distracting, matterslike the gorgeous, too-appealing man sitting beside her, their sexy banter, and her traitorous bodys reaction to him and his arousing touch.
She drew a deep, stabilizing breath, which did little to alleviate the flutters in her belly. Mitch Lassiter always did have a way of shaking up her normally unwavering composure and generating feelings of restlessness that no man had ever evoked. He possessed the ability to turn her on with a look, a charming smile or just by speaking in that deep, rich voice of his. Not that shed ever let him in on that intimate secret.
Her personal life was exactly where she wanted it to be, free of the kind of restraints and emotional entanglements shed struggled with for the better part of her childhood and adult years. The only frustrating thing she had to deal with was the way her parents constantly compared her to her younger brother. Robert, who was working toward becoming a successful orthopedic specialist, had recently married a sweet, traditional kind of girl, and had a baby on the way. Being the oldest, and their only daughter, Nicoles parents had been pressuring her for years to settle down and get married. And if theyd had their choice, they would have picked her ex, Jonathan Gaines, to be her husband. An affluent councilman and socially connected, Jonathan was exactly the kind of man her parents would have adored for a son-in-law.
Unfortunately, Nicoles opinion on the matter hadnt mattered much. While her relationship with Jonathan had been more comfortable than exciting and shed enjoyed his company and intellect, he, too, had harbored certain expectations of herand shed fallen short. Like everyone else in her family, he hadnt approved of her business venture, or her ideals, and he resented the time shed devoted to All Seasons Outdoor Adventures. While there had been some relief attached to their breakup, it had also served as a painful reminder of how men found her independence and ambition too intimidating.
And then there had been her parents astounded reaction over her split with Jonathan to contend with, especially her fathers disappointment. Hed held her responsible for driving away such a prominent, solid prospect in lieu of pursuing what he referred to as a mans business. The entire incident had been yet another in a long string of disappointments for him.
But despite her past, and despite deeper, unsettled yearnings inside her now, she wasnt about to give up her hard-won independence for anyone. Not even Mitch. Occasional playful flirtations she could handle and walk away from, and so long as she didnt allow her encounters with Mitch to escalate beyond harmless, teasing fun, shed be just fine.
With that lecture assuaging her mind, and feeling more in control of herself and her response to Mitch, she decided on a club sandwich and an iced tea, then placed her menu on the table to await their server. The four of them ordered their meals, and once the waiter moved on to a nearby table, Nicole picked up her linen napkin, spread it on her lap and regarded both of their mothers with extreme interest.
So, what was so important that the four of us needed to have lunch together? she asked.
The older women exchanged an excited look, then pinned their gazes on their respective children. Rhea was the first to speak. We asked you two here today to ask for your help in aiding our charity work for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Mitch immediately sat up straight in his chair. His dark brown eyes, the color of rich chocolate, glimmered with concern as his gaze honed in on his mother. Is everything okay, Mom?
Nicole waited for Joyces reply as well, knowing how crucial Mitchs question actually was. Seven years ago Mitchs mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While shed recovered and had been in remission for years, there was always the chance of a reoccurrence. Nicole knew this all too well, since her mothers sister, Andrea, had passed away from the disease. Her mother and Joyce had met at an emotional-support group and had been best friends ever since. In their spare time, which they both had a surplus of, they raised money and awareness for their favorite charity.
Nicole waited for Joyces reply as well, knowing how crucial Mitchs question actually was. Seven years ago Mitchs mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While shed recovered and had been in remission for years, there was always the chance of a reoccurrence. Nicole knew this all too well, since her mothers sister, Andrea, had passed away from the disease. Her mother and Joyce had met at an emotional-support group and had been best friends ever since. In their spare time, which they both had a surplus of, they raised money and awareness for their favorite charity.
Im perfectly fine, Mitch. A bright smile reassured both of them of her exemplary health, and Mitchs relief was nearly palpable. This request isnt for me specifically, but for the organization as a whole.
As the waiter delivered their drinks, Mitch sat back in his chair. The knit collared shirt he wore molded to his well-defined chest and toned biceps, and the bronze hue brought out flecks of gold in his dark irises. You know Ill do anything I can to support your charities.
Joyces face softened with maternal affection. For a woman in her late fifties and having endured many hardships, including the loss of her husband, she still looked beautiful and vibrant. I knew I could count on you, honey, she said, patting her sons hand.
You know Ill do the same, Mom. Nicole squeezed her wedge of lemon into her iced tea and stirred the liquid with her straw. What do you need? A donation from All Seasons, or help in sponsoring a certain event?
You know I appreciate the offer, Rhea said as she brought her cup of hot tea to her lips for a dainty sip of her favorite herbal blend, but this is something wed like the two of you to do for us and the organization.
She and Mitch exchanged a perplexed look. Witnessing the bewilderment in the depths of his eyes, Nicole knew he had no idea what was going on, either. Their server arrived with their lunch order, and while he placed various dishes around the table and made certain everyone was satisfied with their meal, Nicole contemplated her mothers odd and very nebulous comment.
Mitch was the first to question it. Mind sharing the details of this arrangement with us?
Of course. Joyce laughed lightly and dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. Rhea and I came across an advertisement in the Denver Post publicizing a high-profile charity event and we immediately thought how perfect it would be if the two of you represented our organization.
Nicole took a bite of her club sandwich, feeling a setup of some sort coming on, but she was too intrigued by whatever elaborate plan their mothers had concocted to waylay their intentions until shed heard everything. A quick glance at Mitch confirmed that he was equally curious to hear what this charity event was all about and what their involvement would entail.
Go on, Mitch drawled.
Rhea stabbed a cherry tomato in her salad with her fork and continued where Joyce had left off. Theres this island resort off the Florida Keys called Wild Fantasy, and theyre hosting an annual charity contest. The grand prize is one hundred thousand dollars that will be donated to the charities or organizations that the winners specify.
And you want us to try to win that money? Mitch guessed.
Joyce nodded enthusiastically, causing her silky, frosted hair to skim her smooth jawline. Exactly. According to the rules in the ad, in order to participate in the contest the guests have to be single and willing to compete in a variety of events and competitions against one another to accumulate points and win one of three cash prizes.
Sounds right up my alley, Nicole said, completely hooked on the idea. And I definitely qualify on both accounts.
Mitch shot her a humorous glance. Yup. Youre single and youre definitely competitive.
She grinned sassily and wrinkled her nose at him. And proud of both accomplishments, I might add. Indeed, growing up shed honed those competitive skills all in an attempt to capture a smidgeon of the attention and approval her father had lavished on her brother. While her efforts hadnt gained her what shed ultimately sought, they had made her a stronger, more independent person, as well as ensuring that she was always up for a challenge.
Actually, youre both more than qualified, as well as our best chance at winning the money for the organization. Reaching into the bread basket for a roll, Joyce broke it open and slathered butter on the two pieces. But this is more than a competition and charity eventits also a vacation package. So either way you two should have a good time.
Mitch stopped his forkful of pasta halfway to his mouth as he stared at his mother. Care to explain the vacation part of this?
Joyce waved a hand between them, as if the details of that were insignificant. Wild Fantasy first and foremost caters to guests fantasies, she explained. And while Fantasies, Inc. is sponsoring the event, the guests who participate will be treated to all the regular amenities the island and resort has to offer in their vacation packages. According to the brochures and information Rhea and I picked up from our travel agent, this place is a virtual paradise.
Nicole considered all the decadent possibilities inherent in a personal fantasy and knew she wouldnt miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a week of fun, sun and pure relaxationand competitive games with Mitch.
Sounds great to me, she said, making up her mind. I havent taken a vacation in over a year, so Im sure I can work out something with Guy and get another guide to cover for me while Im gone. She glanced at Mitch to gauge his response and to see what hed decided, but he remained quiet and contemplative.
Rhea lifted her leather bag onto her lap and dug through the contents, withdrawing two separate folders. She handed one to Nicole and the other to Mitch, who reluctantly accepted the portfolio. Since there are only a limited number of single guests allowed on the island to participate in the charity event, and we wanted to make sure you didnt miss out on this opportunity, we took the liberty of purchasing both of your airfares to Florida, along with your vacation package on Wild Fantasy. Theres a questionnaire and application inside your folders requesting personal information that youll each need to fill out before you get to the island.
Nicole thumbed through the colorful brochure, fascinated with everything the resort offered and promised their guests. Then she came to the questionnaire her mother had mentioned and the tempting phrase, Where anything goes and anything is possible, jumped out at her, as did the intimate question, What is your fantasy?
She bit her bottom lip in thought. If she was taking into consideration forbidden, erotic fantasies, the sinfully virile man sitting beside her fit the bill. Mitch Lassiter had been a part of her most private erotic desires for years, stealing into her dreams and fulfilling some of her most seductive fantasies in the darkest part of the night.
But beyond her favored sexual fantasy, there was something emotional she craved, a secret wish shed harbored deep inside since she was a little girl. Unexpectedly, her chest tightened with insecurities shed sworn shed banished years ago when it had become apparent that shed never live up to her fathers expectations as her brother, Robert, always so effortlessly did. Shed given up trying to please her father and lived her life according to her own rules and expectations. Yet there was still that little girl within the strong, independent woman who wanted his approval instead of criticism. Just once.