Chapter 2

Although Mason Spaulding’s fingers were moving over the keys and he looked as if he were concentrating on the screen before him, his thoughts were elsewhere. It had been almost three weeks since he’d encountered the beauty at the resort opening.

He was usually a master at control, but right now his mind was sabotaging his efforts. He could feel his sister Nicole’s eyes analyzing his every movement.

“Your zipper is down, and I see all of your glory,” Nicole Spaulding said, intending to derail him with the false statement.

Ignoring her comment, he asked, “Did you contact the caterer we used for the resort opening?” He continued to focus on making notes on his laptop. They were sitting in the cushioned chairs at the mini-conference table in his plush office that overlooked the Delaware River.

“Did you hear what I said?” Nicole raised her voice a notch.

“Yes, I heard you. And, as usual, you’re being a brat,” Mason said without looking up. From beneath his eyelids, he saw her frown when he didn’t take the bait. He hid a grin. Nicole always liked to get the upper hand. “Have you contacted the caterer yet?” he inquired again.

Nicole ignored his question. “You were typing so hard I didn’t think you were listening.”

He set aside the laptop, stood, walked to his desk, and grabbed his iPhone. He made a quick note and pocketed it, then leaned against the desk and crossed his arms. He knew his sister wouldn’t be happy until she had his undivided attention. Nicole, who still sat in the cushioned chair, watched him closely.

Again, he said, “Did you call the caterer?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Did you talk to the owner?” he asked casually.

“No. I talked to her assistant. She, along with the owner’s sister, does all the bookings. Everything’s all set. I’m meeting them Tuesday to start the process.”

“What’s the owner’s name?” When his cell phone buzzed, he straightened, pulled it from his pocket, frowned, and hit the end button. He laid the phone on the desk and waited for Nicole to answer.

“Regine Thomas is the owner.” Nicole closed her laptop, twisted around in her seat, and gave him a pointed look. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” he said. He tried to make his tone disinterested.

“Mason Spaulding, I’ve known you all of my thirty years and I know when you’re interested in a woman.” She got up and moved to the chair in front of him. “What’s going on? Did you meet her at the resort opening?”

Mason needed to be careful. He didn’t want his sister poking her nose into his business. She did have a tendency to do so. But he wanted to know about the woman who’d captured his interest. He liked what he’d seen. The thought of her long legs wrapped tightly around his waist caused Mason to stiffen. Damn. He moved to relieve the pressure. He wasn’t looking for a long-term romance, but he would like to get to know the cheeky miss… a lot better.

Her mouth had been full and tempting. He wondered what her lips would taste like. Everything about the woman had piqued his interest, enough so that she was still on his mind after three weeks. It’d been a long time since anything like that had happened. He just needed to make sure Nicole didn’t catch on. When he’d suggested the same caterer who did the resort opening for his parents’ anniversary party, Nicole had agreed without question.

“Nothing is going on. Since you were raving about the food and service, I thought we should use the same company. I want everything for Mom and Dad to be perfect,” he said.

Nicole’s silence meant she was thinking hard. And she was watching him intently. That could only mean one thing. She wanted more information, and would fish for it. He stared back, unflinching. If he even blinked, it would give her ammunition. Nicole was so much like him that she could go head to toe with him in any given situation and not back down. But there were times when she was gracious enough to bow out when she knew she was fighting a losing battle with him. This time she thought she had the major part of the bone, and she wasn’t letting go.

Though she was nosey and bossy, he loved her without question. They were very close and had always been that way. The almost ten-year difference in their ages was never a problem. It was Nicole he’d told when he found the woman he’d briefly thought about proposing to in his bed with another man. He’d never told anyone that the man had been his best friend.

Granted, Megan Standish had been tall, blonde, and a supermodel. However, he’d learned that lust at first sight can be dangerous, leaving a person exposed and empty after the affair ended. As time went by he’d realized that Megan lacked substance and his desire for her had already waned before he caught her in bed with someone else. They still shared some of the same friends, but nothing else.

“Mason, are you listening?” Nicole asked. “I said I agreed that Seasoned Just Right Catering did an excellent job for the opening. The food was fabulous. Of course, you wouldn’t know because you were missing most of the night.”

“I heard you, brat,” Mason chuckled. “I did get to taste a couple of canapés.”

His smile widened when the image of the fiery brown-skinned beauty flashed before him. She wouldn’t give him her name, but now he knew it. He couldn’t wait to meet her again. His mind sounded a warning, but he ignored it.

Despite the fact that many people believed him to be nothing more than a rich playboy, Mason was a barracuda when it came to business. He didn’t tolerate incompetence, and expected his employees to contribute one hundred percent. Though he played hard, he worked even harder. He loved women too much to marry. He just couldn’t see himself with one woman for the rest of his life. Everyone assumed he was cold-hearted, but his sister and parents knew the real Mason.

He’d learned a lot from his father. Jude Spaulding had started with a small record company forty years ago. Through hard work and diligence, he’d turned Sparrow Records into Spaulding Entertainment Group, a billion-dollar business that now consisted of many other businesses besides music. Through the years, they had produced successful movies and televisions shows. Now, with the building of the resort, they had ventured into unknown territory that was already proving to be a sound investment.

Mason moved to the window and looked down at the moving traffic below. He loved Philadelphia. It wasn’t pretentious like Los Angeles, where he’d lived for a while. Philly had a great nightlife, but most of all genuine people. He sighed as the sun disappeared behind a cloud and a light rain began to fall.

“Have you found a house yet?” Nicole asked.

Mason reined in his thoughts and strolled back to his desk. “No. I’m looking for something outside the city.”

Nicole’s eyes widened. “You? In the suburbs? How far out?”

He shrugged. “No more than an hour from the city.”

Her worried eyes ran over every inch of him. “Are you sick or something?”

Mason laughed. “No. I’m not sick.”

“If you leave the city, how are your women going to find you?”

He laughed. “Funny. Real funny. Did you forget we grew up in the suburbs? There are times when I crave peace and quiet.”

“Uh-huh. But you hated it.”

“No, I didn’t, it’s just that our house was so isolated. The nearest neighbor was a mile away. I was young and wanted to be closer to my friends.”

“This is a new side to you.”

“Don’t tell me you believe all the hype you read about me.”

“No. But I know you love women…lots of women. I can’t imagine you being too far from them.”

“Ouch. You don’t think I would like to find one woman and settle down?”

“You? Big brother, I think not,” she returned.

“I just might fool you one day.”

She chuckled. “That’ll be a day I’ll want to see.”

Changing the subject, he asked, still smiling, “Will Jason be back in time for the party?”

“My dear husband has promised me he’ll be here.”

Nicole’s husband, Jason Connors, a renowned cardiologist, was sought after all over the world for his expertise in atherosclerosis and congenital heart disease. Right now he was in Africa doing a delicate operation on a young child.

“I believe he’ll make good on his promise,” Mason said.

“He always does. I’m very proud of him.” Nicole’s smile widened. “He’s the best at what he does.”

“I agree,” he said and sat in the big mahogany chair behind his desk. He stacked the papers lying scattered on the surface. “You need to start working on the catering contract,” he reminded her.

“I know. I thought I would drive out to Exaner and go over it with Regine Thomas. I would love to see her shop.”

“Exaner?”

“It’s an hour drive from the city.”

Thinking quickly, Mason said, “Why don’t you have a car bring her to the office?” He nodded at her stomach. “You shouldn’t be driving that far in your condition.”

“Mason, I’m six months pregnant, not an invalid. And it’s a short drive.”

“I know. Humor me. You’re carrying our parents’ first grandchild. I did tell Jason I would watch over you while he was gone.”

“You’re a pain.” She gave a big sigh. “All right, I’ll send a car for her.”

“Good. Are we finished?

“Yes.” She pushed on the arms of the chair to help herself up.

Mason moved to her. “Let me help you.”

“Thanks, but I got it.”

She walked slowly to the door. “Oh, by the way, don’t think I forgot your interest in the owner of Seasoned Just Right,” she threw over shoulder. “For now, I’ll let it go.”

* * *

“Thank you for coming, Ms. Thomas.” Nicole smiled at Regine and offered her hand.

Regine took the hand and returned the warm smile. “Please call me Regine. It was no problem at all.”

“And you may call me Nicole.”

“Okay.”

Nicole closed the door and pointed to one of the soft-cushioned chairs in the corner of the office.

Regine walked across the thick, plush carpet. It was designed in rich earth tones, along with splashes of bronze and mahogany, and it practically oozed money. It was contemporary with hints of feminine touches. A large bouquet of fresh flowers in a massive Lenox vase perched on the edge of Nicole’s desk. Large round beige pillows lay against the backdrop of the oversized chairs. A love seat splashed with floral etchings hugged the far wall. Beautiful mahogany oval end tables on each side of the sofa stood guard.

“Have a seat.” Nicole nodded to the chairs, walked around and folded herself into one.

Regine sat across from her, crossed her legs, and waited. She observed Nicole Spaulding twisting to make herself comfortable. Nicole was a shockingly beautiful and pregnant woman. Since Stella and Farin had handled the previous contract, she hadn’t met her earlier. She’d been too busy to talk to anyone. Her focus was on doing a great job and making sure Seasoned Just Right would be remembered. It had worked out well because she now was being considered for a second event for the world-famous Spaulding family.

She continued to look at the beautiful woman in front of her. She guessed there was truth to the saying that pregnancy made a woman more beautiful. Nicole Spaulding was glowing. Her bluish-gray eyes were mesmerizing. The noticeable mound of her stomach gave her definition. Average in height, she wore her blonde hair short and curly. When she moved, it brushed against her cheek.

Finally settled, she looked at Regine and smiled. That expression vaguely reminded Regine of someone. Before she could put her finger on it, Nicole produced papers and put them in front of her.

“Sorry. Sometimes it takes me a while to get comfortable.”

Regine threw her a genuine smile. “It’s no problem at all.”

“Thanks. Although I exercise, the pregnancy has slowed me down a bit. I’ve gained more weight in the last month than I have during the first few months, and I still have three more to go. I guess I’ll finally have to stop the ice cream and fudge brownies,” she said with a giggle. “It’s getting harder to sit and get out of a chair. Since my husband is away, my family has been watching me like a hawk. I was hoping I could drive out to your place to get a breath of fresh air. However, my brother vetoed it.”

“Your brother?”

“My older brother. Sometimes he acts like my second father. Mom and Dad tried unsuccessfully to have more children after him, but it didn’t happen for ten years. Mom found herself pregnant with me at thirty-five. ”

“I don’t have any brothers. I can’t imagine life without my sister, who’s younger. I guess you could say I’m a little protective when it comes to her.”

“It’s called older sibling syndrome.”

Regine laughed. “I guess you’re right.”

They were going over the menu when there was a quick knock at the door. When it opened, Regine looked up and gasped softly. There stood the man she’d caught ravishing the bimbo in the kitchen at the resort opening. He was even more gorgeous. No, she needed to rephrase that. He was breathtakingly handsome. How many women had he stopped in their tracks? She could count herself as one of them.

His thickly lashed, startling grey eyes were still his most striking feature, and she could imagine many women had succumbed with just a look from him. His lean and muscular body had everything lined up in the right places. Boy, he certainly could make a woman forget everything without trying.

Nicole smiled at the man standing inside the doorway. “Hi, Mason. Come in and let me introduce you.” She waved a hand for him to come forward. He closed the door, moved toward Nicole, and bent to give her a hug and kiss.

“Mason, this is Regine Thomas, the owner of Seasoned Just Right Catering.” He turned to make eye contact with her and she was held immobile by his riveting gaze. The vibes he generated this time were more powerful than before. She swallowed. Get a grip and breathe deeply. Electricity sizzled between them. She squirmed in her seat, uncomfortable with the conflicting emotions she was experiencing.

He held out his hand, a knowing grin on his face. “It’s a pleasure,” he said in a smooth and sexy voice. It was meant to entice and melt feminine hearts as easily as his smoldering eyes. She realized he was fully cognizant of his effect on women.

Heat stole into Regine’s cheeks as she slowly placed her hand in his. Nicole continued the introductions. “Regine, this is my brother, Mason.” He stroked his thumb over her knuckles and fingers, making her remember the first time he held her hand in the kitchen. She flushed and tried to pull her hand back. He held on gently but firmly.

“Mr. Spaulding,” she said. She didn’t like the knowing grin on his lips.

“Please call me Mason.” With a crooked smile plastered on his face, he brought her hand to his lips. She licked her lips and his eyes flamed at her actions. She flushed again and tried to take back her hand. He didn’t release it. As before, warm heat suffused her and her heart fluttered. Regine glared at him. She fought hard not to snatch her hand from his. Finally, he released it. Regine stood so she could breathe freely.

“I don’t think—”

“I insist. And I’ll call you Regine. It’s good to see you again.” He winked at her. She drew herself up. He was the one who should be embarrassed, not her. But he wasn’t. Judging by his smirk, he was enjoying her discomfort.

Nicole looked from one to the other. “You know each other?”

“We met briefly at the opening,” he said.

“Mason, you never said you met Regine,” Nicole scolded.

“I didn’t actually say I didn’t meet her. Besides, we didn’t even get each other’s name.”

Regine snorted under her breath. “I wouldn’t exactly call it a meeting.”

He leaned into her. “What would you call it?”

Although he had invaded her space, she refused to back up. If he wanted to play, so could she. Leaning forward, Regine made unflinching eye contact with Mason.

“I would say it was catching you with your pants down.”

She knew she was in danger of losing the contract with her remark, but she wasn’t going to retract anything she’d said. He deserved it, and much more.

He threw back his head and laughed as he had when they first met. Crinkles formed at the corners of his eyes. Shocked, she was amazed at his ability to laugh at such an embarrassing thing. She wanted to capture his laughter and save it for moments when she needed something to lift her spirits.

Nicole gasped and shot daggers at her brother. “Mason, please don’t tell me Regine really did catch you with your pants down.”

Still laughing, he kept his eyes locked on Regine. “Not quite.”

Nicole’s face turned red in embarrassment. “Oh, my God. Regine, I apologize for my brother’s behavior. He should—”

“Calm down, Nicole. All clothes were intact,” Mason said.

“What in the world happened?” She held up her hand. “Never mind, I don’t want to know. I assume it involved some woman you just met. No, don’t answer that. Sometimes, Mason, you go too far.”

“I think my behavior caused Regine to be embarrassed,” he replied, his eyes caressing Regine.

Shrugging, Regine cleared her throat. “You didn’t embarrass me. You’re a man. What else is there to say?”

He grinned. “I’m indeed a man. But I’m in control of myself…and my urges.”

“You could’ve fooled me.”

“Mason, you better not—” Nicole warned.

“Am I interrupting?” A tall handsome man with a pale complexion, sandy brown hair, and green eyes stood in the door with a wide smile on his face.

Nicole Spaulding squealed and ran into the man’s open arms. He caught her and swung her up in his arms, holding her close. She rained kisses on his face, finally settling on his mouth. The kiss was long, thorough, and consuming.

“Humph.” Mason interrupted the couple. “Are you two coming up for air?”

Nicole stuck out her tongue at her brother. She gave the man another deep kiss, and he set her upon her feet. “You’re jealous I’m getting all of the action.” Grasping the man’s hand, she walked toward Regine.

“Regine, this is my husband, Dr. Jason Connors,” she said.

He produced his hand and smiled. “Please call me Jason. It’s nice to meet you.”

She returned his smile and shook his hand. “It’s nice meeting you, too.”

Nicole slipped her arm through her husband’s. “Regine catered the food for the opening in Atlantic City. Seasoned Just Right did such a fabulous job, we’ve decided to hire them for Mom and Dad’s anniversary party.”

“That’s great. Nicole told me the food was wonderful. I look forward to sampling it at the party.”

“Am I to be ignored?” Mason said.

Jason chuckled and moved to grasp Mason’s hand. Then he slapped him on the back. “It’s good to see you, man. I see you did what I told you and took care of my wife.”

“Believe me, it was a lot of work.” He groaned in fake pain when Nicole punched him on the arm.

“I never gave him one ounce of trouble.”

Jason laughed. “I believe you, baby.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” Nicole planted another kiss on his lips. She took her time and lingered.

“Will you two please find a room?” Mason said.

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do. Let’s go home. I have six weeks to make up for.” Jason caressed her cheek, rested a gentle hand on her protruding belly, and leaned in to kiss her again.

Ending the kiss, she pulled back and ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. “You certainly do.”

She looked at her brother. “Mason, you can finish the contract with Regine, can’t you?”

He gave Regine a heated look. “No problem.”

Color crept over her light brown skin and her spine stiffened.

“Mason, please behave,” Nicole warned him.

He placed his hand over his heart. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

“All right.” Nicole grabbed her purse from the desk. “Regine, I’ll call you in a couple of days to finalize the menu. Is that okay?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.” Nicole waved as she left the office with Jason following close behind.

Regine felt Mason’s eyes on her, but she refused to look at him. She resumed her seat and retrieved the contract. She scanned the document, not really seeing the words. His silent observation made her nervous. She had expected him to take the seat vacated by Nicole, but he continued standing. Finally, she looked up at him.

“Now we can address the heat that is simmering between us,” he said.