Heat of Passion Read online

  Entering the dining room, he searched around for the unexpected visitor with the gruff voice and strong-smelling aftershave. Sean was surprised to find a short heavyset man with tinted glasses, scoping out the bar. “Can I help you?” he asked, giving the stranger the once-over. There was something familiar about the balding, middle-aged man, but Sean couldn’t place his face.

  “I’m Detective Fenton from the Belleza Police Department.”

  Damn. It was the detective who’d called yesterday while he was having lunch with Robyn, then again when he was at the gym. Why wouldn’t he leave him alone? He had nothing to do with the fire or any of the unfortunate mishaps at the Belleza. He produced a leather wallet, flashed a shiny gold badge and stuffed it into his back pocket. “Are you Sean Parker?”

  “Yes, I am. What can I do for you, officer?”

  “There was a fire at your family’s resort on the afternoon of June 15, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you some questions about the incident.”

  Sean kept his mouth shut, didn’t speak. The less he said the better. He watched crime TV; he knew what was up. He had the right to remain silent and would exercise that right if the detective was disrespectful.

  “Were you at the resort on the day in question?”

  Shaking his head, he folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the bar.

  “A security guard said he spotted you on the grounds around noon.”

  Sean spoke through clenched teeth. “He’s lying.”

  “Is your father lying, too?” Detective Fenton took a notebook out of his pocket, flipped it open and scanned the first page. “Your dad says you’re angry at him for awarding control of the resort to your younger sister, Kimberly, and that you’re out for revenge.”

  Sean coughed, but the lump in his throat remained. He was shocked, crushed that his dad thought so little of him. It tore Sean up inside, but he didn’t share his feelings with the detective. He kept his voice calm when he spoke. “I was here, at the SP Grill, all day.”

  Detective Fenton glanced over his shoulder and gestured at the front door with a flick of his head. “I noticed that you have video cameras in the parking lot. Do they work?”

  Sean nodded, tried to figure out what the detective had up his sleeve.

  “I’d like to see the footage from June 15.”

  “Sure, no problem. Show me a warrant, and I’ll get the video.”

  His eyes darkened. “Innocent people usually cooperate with the authorities.”

  Good for them. Sean didn’t like the cop’s tone, hated his smug, superior attitude. Detective Fenton gave off an angry, hostile vibe, and Sean didn’t want to spend another minute in the man’s presence. But he couldn’t kick him out of his restaurant. Not without making an already bad situation worse.

  “I’ve got twenty years on the job, and I’m a damn good detective. You know why? Because I trust my instincts, and you know what, Mr. Parker? My instincts are leading me straight to you.”

  Sean’s jaw went tight, felt as stiff as barbed wire, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. He’d never punch a cop, no matter how angry he was, but dammit, he was tempted.

  “You think you’re above the law because you’re rich, but I have news for you. You’re not,” he snarled. “You started that fire outside of the Ruby Retreat, and I’m going to prove it.”

  Rage bubbled up inside him, threatened to consume him. Detective Fenton was trying to intimidate him, trying to throw his weight around, but Sean wasn’t having it. And he wasn’t turning over his security video, either.

  He straightened to his full height and stepped forward, looking down at the officer. “This conversation is over,” he said calmly, despite the anger coursing through his veins. “I had nothing to do with the fire at the Belleza, and I resent you implying that I did.”

  “Do you know anything about the recent thefts at the resort?”

  Sean felt his mouth drop open but quickly slammed it shut. What was he talking about? What thefts? What was stolen? It took everything in him not to ask the questions running through his mind. He knew Detective Fenton was toying with him, trying every trick in the book to trip him up, but he wouldn’t give the veteran cop the satisfaction of seeing him sweat. Sean walked over to the door and opened it. “Goodbye, detective.”

  “I have a few more questions.”

  Sean wore a broad grin. “Then I suggest you contact my attorney. She’s in the book.”

  “I’ll be back, so don’t skip town.”

  Sean watched the steely-eyed detective exit the restaurant and speed off in a late-model gray truck. Thoughts about the Belleza bounced around his brain like the metal ball in a pinball machine. He knew about the fire, the food poisoning, but why hadn’t Robyn told him about the thefts? Was there anything else she’d forgotten to tell him?

  Sean thought of calling Jonah. Whenever he needed to vent, he reached out to the good-natured bartender, and he could always count on Jonah to give him solid advice. He hesitated as he picked up his cell phone. There was only one person he needed to talk to right now, and it wasn’t Jonah Grady.

  He hit Redial on his phone and put it to his ear. To his disappointment, his call went straight to voice mail, but when Robyn’s smooth, silky voice floated over the line, his scowl fell away. Whatever her reasons for keeping the thefts from him, he knew that she understood, better than anyone, the pressure he was under. Robyn was a lot to handle—fiery, saucy and stubborn—but he liked her. And, assuming his plan worked, he liked the idea of being the only man in her life, the one she’d spend her nights with, the only one she’d make love to.

  Sean heard a beep and cleared his voice. “Robyn, it’s me. Call me back ASAP.”

  Hanging up, he checked the time on his phone. Sean was giving Robyn an hour. If she didn’t call him back, he was going after her. The thought aroused him, brought a devilish grin to his mouth. He was seeing Robyn tonight, and nothing was going to stop him—not even the fear of being arrested at his family’s resort.

  Chapter 5

  Four o’clock couldn’t come fast enough, Robyn thought, glancing at the wall clock hanging above the conference-room door. Once this staff meeting wrapped up, she planned to retreat to her condo, and no one was going to stop her. Kim and Gabby were still trying to convince her to join them at The Tower Bar, but Robyn wasn’t interested in meeting Jaxon’s investor friend. Instead, she looked forward to a nice, quiet evening alone, eating leftovers and watching TV. Hardly exciting, but it was better than suffering through an awkward blind date. The last time Robyn had put herself out there, she’d been burned, and she wasn’t going down that road again. Men were liars who couldn’t be trusted, and she was better off without them.

  Really? questioned her inner voice. If all men are no-good dogs, then why did you let Sean kiss you in the parking lot yesterday?

  Robyn told herself not to go there. She didn’t want to think about Sean, told herself she was wasting her time. Plenty of women were interested in him—and vice versa—and that was reason enough to keep her distance. Robyn remembered the ever-changing parade of ladies he’d dated in the past, how he’d moved from one girl to the next without a second thought. His last conquest was Trina Erickson, a snobby heiress Robyn had known since her boarding-school days. She’d never liked Trina—still didn’t—but there was no denying her beauty. And if Trina couldn’t hold Sean’s attention, Robyn didn’t have a chance in hell of winning his heart.

  “That’s all for today,” Kim said, tapping her pen on the table. “Are there any questions?”

  Each department manager was represented at the meeting, a total of twelve people in all, and Kim sat at the head of the conference-room table, consulting her agenda. Like Sean, the staff at the Belleza had been blindsided by Mr. and Mrs. Parker’s decision to make Kim general manager, and mo
nths later, employees were still adjusting to the shocking news.

  “Have you hired additional staff for the weekends?” the housekeeping manager asked. “We discussed it at our last meeting, but nothing’s come of it, and I could really use the help.”

  Kim nodded her head in understanding and wrote on her yellow notepad. “Hiring qualified people takes time, so please be patient. The HR department is doing the best they can.”

  “It doesn’t take three weeks,” he grumbled, folding his arms across his ample chest. “If Sean was running the resort, it would have been done already.”

  Snickers rippled around the table.

  Robyn wanted to elbow the housekeeping manager in the ribs for disrespecting her best friend, but she exercised self-control. Robyn stole a glance at Kim. No doubt about it—she was pissed. Her eyes were narrowed, and her lips were pursed, but she spoke in a calm, measured tone, as if she was addressing a child.

  “The last few months have been stressful for everyone, what with new management and the mishaps at the resort, and I want you all to know I appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

  Kim stared directly at the housekeeping manager, who lowered his gaze and shifted in his chair.

  “Rest assured,” she continued, her tone full of confidence. “I’m doing everything in my power to ensure the Belleza remains the number-one resort in California, but I can’t do it without each and every one of you.”

  Robyn was proud of Kim, glad that her friend had taken the high road, even though the housekeeping manager was being a jerk. Her cell phone vibrated, alerting her to a new text, and when she read the message, her heart danced with excitement. Sean wanted to talk and had suggested they have dinner at a five-star LA restaurant known for its tasty cuisine and celebrity clientele. Robyn wanted to see Sean again, but she couldn’t do it, wouldn’t do it. No good would come of her sneaking around with him. She had to ignore his calls and texts, she decided. She felt bad for brushing Sean off, but she couldn’t let history repeat itself.

  “Is there anything else?” Kim asked, making eye contact with everyone seated at the table. “Don’t be shy. If something’s bothering you, speak up.”

  “I’d like to hear more about the buried treasure and the curse of the Belleza,” said the new front desk manager, Diego, his eyes alight with interest. “Any truth to either story?”

  Kim shook her head. “Absolutely not. Any other questions?”

  “Why haven’t the police arrested Sean? What’s taking them so long? He’s guilty, and everyone knows it, so why hasn’t he been locked up?”

  Robyn cranked her head to the right and glared at the bony redhead from guest services. All at once, everyone spoke. Questions, accusations and insults flew around the room. Why was everyone against Sean? Had they forgotten all the great things he’d done for them and the resort over the years? It was the first time Robyn had heard employees voice their concerns. She didn’t like it, felt as if she was betraying Sean’s trust by listening to his former friends bad mouth him. Robyn wanted to leave, but she knew it would look bad, and she didn’t want to embarrass Kim.

  The stern sound of her friend’s voice yanked Robyn out of her thoughts.

  “Everyone, please quiet down. Arguing isn’t going to solve anything.” Kim raised a hand in the air to silence the chatter. “The police are investigating the fire at the Ruby Retreat, but from what I’ve heard, they’re very close to making an arrest. In the meantime, ignore the rumors and focus on doing your job. Remember, our guests are depending on you, and so am I.”

  Kim was direct; Robyn liked that and inwardly cheered when Kim reminded her staff that Sean was innocent until proven guilty. Finally! The voice of reason!

  Moments later, everyone filed out of the room, leaving Kim, Gabby and Robyn alone.

  “Good job,” Robyn said, flashing Kim a thumbs-up. “I’m glad you set them straight. Sean didn’t start the fire and—”

  Kim cut her off. “We don’t know that for sure.”

  Robyn exchanged a puzzled look with Gabby, who was standing beside the cooler, refilling her purple water bottle. “You think he did it?” she asked, unable to believe what she was hearing. Confused, she tried to make sense of what her best friend was saying. “But there isn’t a shred of evidence against him.”

  “I don’t know what to believe anymore, but I’m sick of talking about it, so just drop it.”

  Her cheeks heated, and the air grew thick, making it hard to breathe. She felt as if the ceiling was shrinking, as if the walls were closing in on her. “Fine, I won’t mention it again,” she said tightly, snatching her blazer off the back of her chair. “I’m out of here.”

  “Sorry, girl. I didn’t mean to snap at you.” Kim’s face softened as she reached out and touched Robyn’s forearm. “It’s not your fault my brother’s a selfish jerk.”

  He’s not a jerk. He’s sensitive and thoughtful and an amazing kisser.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to hang out with us tonight?” Gabby asked.

  “I’m positive,” Robyn said, nodding her head. “Have fun with your men, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

  Three days a week, Kim, Gabby and Robyn took an early-morning Pilates class at the resort gym. They spent the hour cracking jokes and gossiping about the resort’s most colorful guests, and by the end of the session, Robyn felt revitalized. Nothing beat hanging out with her girlfriends and reminiscing about their days at Merriweather Academy—

  Nothing? questioned her inner voice. Not even kissing Sean?

  At the thought of him, a smile exploded onto her lips, and her body quivered.

  * * *

  Thirty minutes later, Robyn entered her condo, kicked off her sandals and collapsed onto the couch. She loved everything about her spacious, two-bedroom suite, just steps away from the pool. The wraparound terrace, the brightly colored fabrics and furnishings and the spectacular views. Simple elegance was the best way to describe the condo, and everything in the suite was eye-catching. Growing up in the projects, surrounded by violence, crime and poverty, Robyn never had dreamed she’d one day live at a five-star resort and rub shoulders with the rich and famous. She was thankful for her mother. If not for her mother working two jobs to put her through school, Robyn had no idea what her life would be like now. Her father had certainly never cared.

  Leaning back against the cushions, she closed her eyes and crossed her legs at the ankles. A nap was just what the doctor ordered. Robyn heard laughter and the distant sound of rock music, smelled a spicy aroma that made her mouth water and her stomach roar. Later, she’d warm up her leftovers, but first she needed to rest.

  When she heard a knock on the door, she buried her face under a sofa cushion. It was either Kim or Gabby; it always was. Whichever friend it was, she probably wanted to borrow something from her closet or ask her opinion about her outfit. There were upsides to living near her best friends, but being disturbed while she was trying to rest wasn’t one of them.

  A second knock, louder and longer than the first, forced Robyn up on her feet.

  “I’m coming, I’m coming,” she grumbled. “Keep your Spanx on.”

  Robyn yanked the door and gasped. It was Sean! He was there, at the resort, which could mean only one thing. He’d made up with his parents, reconciled with Kim, and now all was right with the world again. Robyn couldn’t put her feelings into words, couldn’t get her thoughts in order. Joy and relief flooded her body.

  “Sean, you’re here!” Overcome with emotion, she threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. “It’s so good to see you. Welcome home.”

  Sean gave a hearty chuckle. “Now, that’s what I call a proper greeting.”

  “How did things go with your parents? Was Kim receptive to what you had to say? Did you guys smooth things over?”

>   His eyes thinned, darkened a shade, but his tone was a warm, sensuous whisper. “I didn’t come here to see my family. I came here to see you.”

  Robyn frowned, tried to make sense of his words. It took a moment for her to understand what he’d said, and once she did, her spirits sank. Panic set in, filling her with a sickening sense of dread. A cold chill pierced the air, caused her body to quiver.

  Poking her head into the hallway, Robyn glanced up and down the corridor, praying that no one was watching them. Seeing no one, she grabbed Sean’s hand and dragged him inside her condo. “Did anyone see you come up here?” she asked, slamming the front door. “Where are you parked? What did you drive?”

  “Why did you hang up on me?”

  The wounded expression on his face tugged at her heartstrings, but Robyn pretended she didn’t hear the question. “Please tell me you didn’t drive your Lamborghini here, because if you did, I’m dead meat.”

  “Robyn, calm down. You’re getting yourself all worked up for nothing.”

  “Nothing?” she repeated, struggling to control her temper. “Are you kidding me? If Kim finds out you’re here, my life is over.”

  “That wouldn’t be so bad. You could move in with me and help me run the SP Grill.”

  Was he going crazy?

  “You have the most beautiful scowl.”

  A giggle slipped from her lips. Leave it to Sean to make her laugh. She couldn’t stay mad at him, didn’t even try, but she had no choice but to send him away. Feeling a heaviness in her chest, she leaned against the door and released a deep sigh. “Sean, you shouldn’t be here—”