Look whatRT Book Reviewsis saying about Kate Hoffmann
The Charmer Hoffmanns deeply felt, emotional story is riveting. Its impossible to put down.
Who Needs Mistletoe? Romantic, sexy and heartwarming.
Doing Ireland! Sexy and wildly romantic.
Your Bed or Mine? Fully developed characters and perfect pacing make this story feel completely right.
The Mighty Quinns: Ian A very hot story mixes with great characters to make every page a delight.
The Mighty Quinns: Teague Sexy, heartwarming and romantic a story to settle down with and enjoyand then re-read.
Dear Reader,
The inspiration for this book came from an unusual sourcemy sister. We had both just watched The Thomas Crown Affair (the one with Pierce Brosnan) and she was complaining that the story was supposed to be her life, not the heroines! She was certain some quirk of fate had deprived her of a life that included a private jet, an international playboy and scads of designer clothes.
I think being swept away by a wealthy playboy might be a pretty popular fantasy, one I decided to explore in Into the Night. After finishing the book, Id have to say that, given the same offera quick getaway to a beautiful islandI wouldnt hesitate to hop onto a plane with a sexy stranger, either!
I hope you enjoy this FORBIDDEN FANTASY.
Happy New Year!
Kate Hoffmann
About the Author
KATE HOFFMANN began writing in 1993. Since then shes published sixty books. When she isnt writing, she enjoys music, theater and musical theater. She is active, working with school students in the performing arts. She lives in southeastern Wisconsin with her two cats, Chloe and Tally.
Into The Night
Kate Hoffmann
www.millsandboon.co.uk
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1
TESS ROBERTSON STEPPED through the doors of the Perryman Hotel, nodding at the doorman as she passed. The lobby of Nashvilles most luxurious hotel was decorated for the Christmas holidays, although the atmosphere was now buzzing with the excitement of the upcoming New Years weekend.
She searched the scattered guests, lounging on upholstered sofas and chairs. A few of them glanced over at her and she wondered if they could see right through her elegant facade. Maybe that saying was true. You can take a girl out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the girl.
Her gaze dropped to her shoes, purchased just that morning, along with her dress and the small clutch purse she had gripped in her hand. The sexy shoes pinched and the sleek bag barely held more than money, a lipstick and her cell phone. But she had to admit the dress was the prettiest thing shed ever owned, worth every penny shed charged on her credit card. It was important she looked her best tonight. For the first time in the five years shed worked for the Beale family, shed been invited to their annual New Years Eve party.
The Beales, Frank and Nan, and their son, Jeffrey, were Tennessee gentry, their old family money made in industrycotton, tobacco and shippingand now invested in commercial real estate and the thoroughbred farm she managed for them outside Lexington, Kentucky. They wintered in Palm Beach and summered at a mountain estate near Asheville, leaving their vast business concerns to Jeffrey, their thirty-three-year-old only son.
Though people like the Beales moved in a very different world from Tesss, their paths often intersected at the farm and at all the important horse racesthe Derby, the Preakness, Belmont. Still, there had always been an invisible wall between themthe Beales relaxed in a luxury box while she worked in the stables. They wore beautiful clothes and she dressed in jeans. They traveled on private jets and she rode in a pickup truck, pulling a horse trailer. The rich were very differentexcept for Jeffrey.
Tess!
She spun around to find her best friend, Alison Cole, hurrying across the lobby, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she walked.
Sorry Im late, Alison said. Have you been here long? She leaned close and hugged Tess. How was your Christmas? And your Dad? Good I hope. She stepped back and gave Tess a quick perusal. You look fabulous! You clean up very well. She examined Tesss hair and nodded in approval. No hay. Thats a good sign.
Tesss spirits brightened. Do you really like the dress? It was between this and a blue one. The blue one made my chest look enormous, but I thought this garnet color was more sophisticated.
They both glanced around the lobby, realizing that Tess had spoken a little too loudly. Good choice, Alison said with a laugh.
Well, its true, Tess whispered, silently reminding herself to think before she spoke. It was one of her worst habits, one she was trying to change.
Now, tell me, why was it so important that I come along with you to this party? You hang around these people all the time. Why are you nervous about tonight?
Tess grabbed Alisons hand and led her toward the bar. Ill explain everything over a drink. I dont want to get upstairs too early. I havent eaten all day and the buffet will be too much to resist. You know I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to crab claws.
Once theyd settled themselves at the bar, Tess took a gulp of her vodka tonic, then drew a deep breath. I think Jeffrey is going to propose to me tonight, she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth.
Alison gasped, her eyes going wide. What?
Ive been expecting it for a while. Weve been carrying on this relationship for about four years and I can tell hes getting restless. When he was at the farm a couple weeks ago, he told me he was going to make a very important announcement at the party tonight and that I might be surprised. Then, out of nowhere, I get an invitation. Ive never been invited before. And this would be so him, shocking his parents with the news that he wants to marry me. I can just see him, getting down on his knee at midnight in front of all these people.
Have you even discussed marriage?
No, not really, Tess said. But it makes perfect sense for both of us. We make a good team.
And you love him?
Tess hesitated before answering. It was a question shed asked herself over and over again. The answer seemed to change like the weather. He can give me the security I never had, and I can be a good wife to him. She shook her head. I know youve never really liked him, but
No, Alison said. Its not that I dont like him. I dont know him. Weve never met. Youre the only one who knows him. This whole relationship exists in the dark, Tess. No one has a clue anythings going on between you. Dont you find that strange?
We both wanted it that way, Tess insisted. It would have caused too many problems if everyone at the farm thought I was sleeping with the boss. And you know my father. Give him a few drinks and hed be bragging about it to all his buddies. Besides, the Beales have always wanted Jeffrey to marry someone from a prominent family. Hes trying to protect me.
Alison shook her head, turning back to her drink. I just think its a little weird.
Tess reached out and touched her arm. I know it is. But were two very practical people. We respect each other. Were both focused on our work. And even though the sex isnt earth-shattering, its enough for me. I can be very happy with that.
I thought I could, too, Alison said. But when you find the real thing, youll feel much differently. Think about yourself for once, Tess. Dont worry about your father or your finances.
That was easy for Alison to say, Tess mused. Alison had two parents who had loved and cared for her and two sisters to support her along the way. All Tess had was an alcoholic father whod drifted from job to job during her childhood and gambled away any chance they ever had at a stable home life.
Tess had become his caretaker at the age of seven, at the moment her mother had walked out nearly twenty years ago. How many times had they been homeless since that day? How many days had they scraped out a living doing menial labor on horse farms just to eat? She knew exactly what Jeffreys money would buy. Tess would finally have a home of her own, a place in the world that wasnt dependant on keeping her job.
I know what Im doing, Tess said.
Then why am I here? Are you sure you didnt want me to talk you out of this?
Moral support. I need at least one person in that room on my side. And I can say anything to you. You understand me.
You should be able to say anything to Jeffrey, too, Alison said. You shouldnt have to pretend to be something youre not, Tess.
Im not pretending, Tess countered. Im just moderating my bad habits. She straightened. He lives in a whole different world, with different rules. I just want to fit in.
Up until the time shed entered college, Tess and her father had been gypsies, outsiders who never stayed in one place more than a year. From upstate New York to Florida to California, back and forth across the country, Tess had made friends only to lose them.
Shed met Alison their freshman year in college at University of Kentucky in Lexington. They were both there on scholarship and spent long nights working at various campus jobs to make ends meet. Alison was Tesss first and only true friend.
Do you really think Im settling? Tess asked.
I just want you to be happy. You deserve a guy who makes your heart race, one who cant live without you. A guy who loves you exactly the way you are. She paused. How do you feel? Can you live without him?
Of course I can, Tess said. She stopped short, realizing shed spoken too quickly. It wasnt the answer Ali wanted to hear. You know what I mean. Ive been providing for us since I could muck out a stall. I just meant that its possibleto live without him. To live without anybody. She paused, her voice going soft. I know what I want. Tess took a long gulp of her drink then set the glass in front of her.
You also deserve a man who doesnt want to keep your relationship a secret, Alison continued. Who doesnt have to explain his feelings for you to his parentswho doesnt send you an engraved invitation to show up for his marriage proposal.
Stop! Tess cried. Have you found this paragon of manhood? I dont know if he exists. I could wait my entire life and never find him. She looked over at Alison to find a tiny smile twitching at the corners of her friends mouth. What? You have?
Im almost afraid to talk about it, Alison said. Its so new. But it is so incredible. We just cant seem to keep our hands off each other. Hes a doctor. And he works out of a little clinic in the mountains, a few hours from Johnson City. Ive only known him about a month, but its like weve been together forever. Hes sweet and sexy and funny and hes turned my life upside down. And I love him.
Then why arent you with him tonight?
Because you said you needed me here. And youre my dearest friend. Alison smiled coyly. All right. Hes upstairs, naked, in bed, enjoying treats from the minibar and watching a hockey game until I get back. Im planning to rejoin him as soon as my duties as best friend are completed.
Oh, no you dont! Tess cried. You dont need to stay with me. Im just being silly. Go back to your naked man.
Hes just fine, Alison said.
Really. I can do this on my own, Tess insisted. And after Jeffrey proposes, Ill bring him downstairs and introduce you. Then I can meet your doctor.
Or maybe we can get together for breakfast tomorrow? Alison suggested. Or brunch?
All right, Tess agreed, anxious to send Alison on her way. Brunch.
Are you ready? Alison asked.
She shook her head. No. Im going finish my drink. Then Ill be ready. You go ahead. Ill talk to you later.
All right. Ill see you tomorrow. Alison gave her a hug, then picked up her purse. Listen to your heart, sweetie, and youll be just fine. As Alison headed back out to the lobby, Tess grabbed a bowl of pretzels and munched on one, thinking about the way the evening might unfold.
Shed met Jeffrey when hed visited the farm with his parents right after Derby Week four and a half years ago. Shed been working as the assistant manager at Beresford and Tess had thought he was handsome and friendly. There hadnt been an attraction, at least not on her part. But after hed returned every weekend for a month with the excuse that he wanted to learn how to ride, theyd just fallen into a sexual relationship. Two years later, she was promoted from assistant manager to manager, due in part to Jeffreys recommendation.
Though they secretly slept together whenever he was at the farm, theyd maintained a cordial business relationship outside the bedroom. Jeffrey had helped her learn how the stable fit into the Beale holdings and shed taught him nearly everything she knew about the horse business.
Beyond their shared interests on the farm, they were quite compatible in the bedroom. Sex was enjoyable, if not a bit mundane. And Tess seemed to satisfy his needs. Shed never felt giddy or light-headed, never heard angels singing or saw fireworks when they were in bed together, but shed written all that off as some silly schoolgirl myth.