Passionate Night Read online

  “Okay, you must really like him if you invited him to the club. Isn’t that a no-no rule for you?”

  “Yes, and you know how I am about sticking to my dating rules.”

  “Well, rules are made to be broken.”

  “And you should know,” Harper teased, thinking about all the wild and crazy things they’d gotten into when they were younger.

  “Ha, ha,” London retorted in a tone laced with sarcasm. “Well, this guy must be drop dead gorgeous and fit all the criteria on your list.”

  “Every. Single. One. And guess what? He has a twin brother. We can double date.”

  “Oh my. Where does your possible new suitor live?”

  “No set place. He’s from Memphis, but he works for Doctors Unlimited and travels all over the world.”

  “I did a story on that organization a few years back. Hmm, now I understand your reservations. But again, have some fun. You used to be fun.”

  Taken aback, she scrunched her brow. “Excuse me? I’m still fun. You know our motto. Work hard. Play hard.”

  “Harp, you are at that club all the time. Even when you’re off you’re there.”

  “Not true.” Okay, that’s a lie.

  “You’re supposed to be at work at four. What time did you arrive there today?”

  “Noon, but I had a gazillion tasks to do.”

  “And what time are you leaving tonight?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Three perhaps. There’s a celebrity birthday and a few other private parties.” Even though she had a trusted staff, Harper was a perfectionist and wanted to oversee everything. Carrying on her parents’ legacy was very important to her and her brothers.

  “And then right back at noon?”

  “Maybe … if need be.”

  “Mmm-hmm. Exactly, and tomorrow is your off day. I’m not saying marry the brother. Just have a little fun.”

  “We’ll see. So enough about me. What about you? Is everything okay?”

  London remained silent except for a long sigh that erupted, and Harper knew her girl still worried about the crazy ex-boyfriend that used to stalk her.

  “I’m hanging in there, but I need a change of scenery. I’ve decided to take Hot Atlanta News up on their job offer. I’m moving back to Atlanta at the end of next month.”

  “Oh, perfect! You can crash with me until you find a place. I miss you being in the ATL. It’s not the same without you.”

  A familiar knock on Harper’s door jerked her head toward it. “Hold on, L. Come in, Mase,” she called out.

  Her big brother by one minute stuck half his upper body inside with one of his favorite gourmet lollipops in his mouth which kept him calm when he was stressed. Harper figured he’d had a long day considering he was in the process of updating the security system for the club.

  Mase slid the candy out to speak. “Harp, do you have a moment? I need to meet with you and Cam to go over a new security protocol before we open. Say in ten minutes by the second-floor bar?”

  “I’ll be there. I’m finishing up with London.”

  Harper swore she caught a tiny sparkle in her brother’s eye at the mention of her best friend’s name.

  “Tell her I said what’s up,” he requested, before shutting the door closed.

  “My brother says hello,” she passed on, wearing a wide grin.

  “Mmm-hmm … I heard.”

  Harper imagined her friend running a hand through her pixie-cut and then wrinkling her nose in frustration from messing it up considering she had to go back on the air tonight.

  “So you know he’s back for good. No more tours of duty.” Even though Harper sensed that Mason wanted to but after having reconstructive surgery on his right hand, chin, and jaw during his last tour, he was discharged honorably. That had been a little over a year ago, and six months ago he decided it was time to finally work at the club he owned.

  “You’ve told me several times in the last few months.”

  “Simply reminding you. Didn’t you say Mase looked hot in his uniform? Of course, now his uniform consists of a black suit, but I’m sure you’ll think he’s still hot. But anyway, Mason is here … so burrowing the bug in your ear. Again.”

  While Harper tried not to play matchmaker, she wanted her brother and her best friend happy and preferably happy together. They’d always had a brother-sister type bond even though at one point Harper sensed that it changed as they grew older. London grew up next door to the Bennetts and Mason, who rarely showed any emotion outside of his immediate family, always had a soft spot for her because her parents were killed when she was only ten and was raised by her grandparents.

  “I’m ignoring you, Harp. Gotta run. I’ll see you soon.”

  After hanging up, Harper retreated to the powder room in her office to reapply what little make-up she wore and fix a few loose curls. Taking a deep breath, she placed on her work-attitude cap and reminded herself that her thoughts could not for any reason float to Hunter Arrington. And just as she said the affirmation to herself in the mirror a wide, Cheshire Cat smile emerged.

  Chapter Three

  Harper’s eyes scanned the club as she stood on the second floor peering down at the crowded dance floor. The DJ played a smash up of hits for Wind Down Wednesday and she found herself involuntarily rocking to the beat of a rap song mixed with an R&B one. However, her focus wasn’t on the music or the scenery in front of her. Instead, her stare stayed glued on the entrance from the lobby to the main floor. Happy hour was almost over and still no sign of Hunter. She hadn’t heard from him and had made a conscious effort not to contact him at all that day. Even while she worked on the arrangements for his event, she refused to call for his opinion for the fear of sounding like a rambling fool on the phone.

  Out of the corner or her eye, she noticed one of the cocktail waitresses, Misti, approach. Even though she wore a purple and green masquerade mask, Harper could tell that Misti had a raised eyebrow.

  “Hey, Ms. Bennett. Surprised to see you here on a Wednesday night unless there’s an A plus celebrity in the building.”

  Harper was off on Wednesdays and Sundays, but she’d stopped by around five to work on a few projects. Though it was an excuse to be present during happy hour to see Hunter.

  “Is there something you need?” Harper asked in a dismissive manner.

  “No. I’m surprised to see you,” Misti replied, skirting away in haste to a table that had signaled her.

  Placing her focus back on the scene below, Harper spotted the person she’d searched for the past hour gazing at her with a mischievous yet honest grin. She suddenly became very aware of her appearance as he raked his eyes over her body in one swoop. She’d taken extra care that afternoon in selecting her attire. A red, lacy dress that stopped at her knees, was accentuated with a classy gold bracelet and matching necklace. Big bouncy curls surrounded her face and cascaded below her shoulders, and a pair of red pumps completed her look. She didn’t want to appear overly sexy, but she wanted to be beautiful to him considering she couldn’t erase his comment of “beautiful one” out of her head.

  Holding onto the rail in front of her for support, Harper watched as he strode over to the escalator. Her eyes roamed over his khaki dress slacks, and the way his butt sat nice and firm in them caused her to let out a soft moan. His blue dress shirt was unbuttoned at the top and showcased a peek of his chest, which looked more appetizing than any Hershey bar she’d ever eaten. She was somewhat disappointed he wore a black newsboy hat, but it was just as well because if she’d seen his bald head, the urge to reach out and travel a hand over it may have come into play. The thought sent a warm sensation to skate through her body and her heart to overbeat erratically.

  Harper reminded herself over and over that she had to keep it professional with him. Unfortunately, her tossing and turning last night and the two cold showers after her morning jog only heightened the fact that she wanted to know more about him. She hadn’t been this interested in a man in a l
ong while … if at all, and that scared her. Usually she was able to turn off any attraction when she knew it wouldn’t work out.

  Yes, Hunter was handsome, intelligent, and seemed like a very nice, down-to-earth man, but she feared that she’d fall for him more than she should. And then what? Emails, phone calls, and the occasional visit when he wasn’t shooting off to another part of the world to offer his services to help save it? However, the genuine smile he bestowed to her when he jumped onto the escalator reminded her why she’d invited him in the first place. She had an inkling the smile she returned matched his.

  Hunter didn’t stand on one step. Instead his long legs skipped every other one. As soon as he stepped off, he dashed straight to her.

  “Hello, Ms. Bennett,” he greeted in a loud tone over the music. “You look amazing.”

  “Thank you, and so do you.” Checking her watch, she glanced at the line at the upstairs bar. “You’re just in time for a drink. Happy hour ends in ten minutes.”

  “I’m good,” he replied, closing the small gap between them, and gave her a warm hug. “I didn’t come for the drinks, beautiful one.”

  And there it was. That dang, charming term of endearment that would surely have her forget all the affirmations she’d made to herself and have a little fun as London had suggested. As she reluctantly pulled away from his secure embrace, she had to steady herself. Hunter’s body was hard. Rigid. Sexy. Being encased by him for that short period of time awakened a feeling of pleasure and passion to explode through her. She fit snug and perfect in his muscular arms. His scent, which was now imbedded on her skin, was downright provoking.

  Doesn’t he realize I’m trying to resist him?

  Backing a step away, Harper motioned for him to follow her to a nearby seating area that had been roped off. It contained oversized, comfy, white leather sofas and chairs that were flanked with purple, square tables. It was situated out of the way of the speakers and now she wouldn’t have to scream at the man. Taking a seat in one of the chairs, she crossed her legs as he sat on the couch adjacent to her.

  “So, as you can see the atmosphere is quite low-key on a Wednesday night, at least for now. There’s an after-party for a concert later on so the place will be packed. But I figured happy hour was more your speed. You don’t seem to be the club type, but a lot of professional women attend during this time.”

  “I’m not here to pick up women and drink.”

  A heat wave rushed across her skin at his words. She knew why he was there, but she had to have willpower and stay focused. Instead she nodded and darted her eyes away from him and straight into a security camera mounted on a column a few feet away. She hoped like hell that Mase wasn’t in the security room watching her. The triplets knew each other’s facial expressions and mannerisms better than anybody else. While she could hide what she was thinking from Hunter, there was no way she could hide it from her brothers.

  Blinking her eyes and turning away from the camera, she put her professional cap on and prayed that it wouldn’t blow off during their conversation. “There’s different lighting effects depending upon the music, the night, the event, etc. I’m thinking for your event perhaps soft white and pale pink lights. I had the DJ try them out before we opened and it gave the club a really elegant feel for your fundraiser gala. I was also able to book the jazz band I was telling you about, but I think we should still use the DJ during the band’s breaks. What do you think?”

  “Whatever you suggest,” he replied with a shrug.

  “Also, since tulips are in season I can have my girl that creates amazing flower arrangements make elegant, classy centerpieces perhaps intertwined with peonies and some other pretty blooms. Maybe orchids.”

  “Are all those your favorite flowers?” he questioned.

  “Um … peonies are my favorite. Preferably the pink and white ones.”

  “Good to know. And yes, that’s fine for the centerpieces.”

  “Perfect. Also, I spoke to Josh, the bartender who will be working your event, and he’s going to create a special peach cocktail for the evening. The man is a crazy mixologist. Probably why our drinks are voted best in Atlanta every year.”

  Chuckling, Hunter leaned in toward her and grabbed her hand. “I didn’t come here to discuss business. I trust your judgment for the fundraiser, otherwise I would’ve gone elsewhere. I came to see you.”

  “Hunter, I need to be honest. I would love to hang out with you while you’re in town, but I don’t see the point of wasting your time, or mine, for something that isn’t going to go anywhere. I’m too old for flings, one-night stands and such. You’re a very-welled travelled man who probably has women in every country.”

  “Glad you think so highly of me … I think,” he said in a sarcastic yet joking manner. “But I’m not an international player ... well, not on purpose. I’ve had a few girlfriends here and there, but it’s kind of hard with all the travelling I do to have a meaningful relationship.”

  “That’s exactly why I can’t go out with you.”

  “Listen.” Rising, he walked over and knelt in front of her as the music became louder and the lights darkened to a deep purple. “Ever since I turned thirty-five, I’ve started thinking more and more about my future. Eventually, I want a wife and children in a stable environment. Trust me, I understand where you’re coming from. I’m too old for flings and one-night stands as well. The thought of those with you never crossed my mind. There’s something about you that I find endearing and I want to know why regardless of only being in Atlanta for the next few months. I need to know why I lost sleep last night. I need to know why I daydreamed about you all damn day. I need to know why you have me contemplating things I’ve never given a second thought to.”

  Suppressing the smile that wanted to emerge at his testimony, she withdrew her hand from his before she did the unthinkable. He was close enough to lay an erotic kiss on his delectable lips, and she knew he wouldn’t mind at all. And she wouldn’t regret it either. “Wow. That’s pretty deep.” Considering I had those exact same thoughts. “I think I need a drink,” she chuckled nervously, rubbing her hand back and forth on her neck to cease the sweat that was forming before she became a puddle of water on the leather chair. “Maybe two.”

  “Well, that won’t be hard to do here.” He rose from his knee. “I can go grab one for you. What do you want?”

  “Oh, no. I don’t drink in front of the employees. Tell the bartender to make my usual mocktail.” She nodded toward the bar. “And order whatever you want. It’s on the house.”

  A sexy grin crossed his lips as he bent down and whispered in her ear, “What I want the bartender can’t make unless you can squeeze your fine, sexy ass in one of those martini glasses.”

  Heat rushed to her face and the smile she’d compressed finally emerged. “Go grab the drinks, Hunter.”

  Once he left, she finally exhaled. The man caused emotions to swirl around and attack whatever common sense she had left. Which wasn’t much at the moment as she contemplated whether or not to have fun with him while he was in town. It had been a long while since she’d met a nice guy like him. Who knows? They could be great friends … and yet the word “friend” wasn’t what she wanted.

  “Hey, pretty lady.”

  Frowning at the interruption of her deep, amorous thoughts, Harper peered up into the bloodshot eyes of a man towering over her. He was way too close and unfamiliar to her. She knew most of the regulars from happy hour as his orange wristband signified that he’d attended it. However, sometimes when conferences were in downtown, the club had an influx during Wind Down Wednesday as hotels in the area had Club Masquerade ads in their information booklets.

  Standing, she backed out of his personal space, clasped her hands in front of her, and smiled politely. “Hello. Are you having a nice time this evening at Club Masquerade?” she asked in a professional tone which usually made men who approached her at the club back down and realize she more than work there.

  �
��Yes, and I was hoping to have even a better time later on. Can I buy you a drink?”

  “No, thank you. My boyfriend is handling that now.” As soon as she said it, an uncanny feeling washed over her. Boyfriend? While that was her usual lie to ward men off, she almost believed it as she glanced at Hunter who was third in line at the bar.

  “Mmm-hmm,” he said as a snarl appeared. “I know you’re lying. You were sitting here for at least five minutes by yourself.” He stepped into her comfort zone. “I spotted you when I rode up the escalator.”

  Clearing her throat, Harper stepped away from him as his unappealing, cheap cologne and a whiff of alcohol filled her nostrils. “I’m not lying, and if I were you, I’d walk away right now and leave the premises.” She silently chastised herself for leaving her earpiece in her office to contact security, but technically she was off tonight.

  Grabbing her hand, he pulled her roughly toward him as she yanked away.

  “You really shouldn’t have done that,” she stated in a calm yet stern manner.

  “Why? Is your so-called boyfriend a black belt or something?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am,” a deep, firm voice stated.

  A pleased smile crossed Harper’s face as she turned to see Hunter standing behind her wearing a confident yet serious expression aimed at the bastard who’d bothered her.

  Hunter moved her behind him and stepped in the unruly man’s space. “Now, I really hate to cause a commotion in front of a lady; therefore, it’s in your best interests to leave. She’s been very nice to you. But me …” Hunter paused, clenching his jaw. “I’m not so nice. And considering you had the fucking audacity to put your hands on my woman, I can’t make any promises not to lay hands on you and not in a prayerful way either.”