Passionate Night Read online

  Normally this would be her time to work out, followed by a light breakfast, perhaps go back to sleep, run some errands, followed by another nap and then go to work at four in the afternoon. Even though lately she’d found herself going in earlier than necessary to work on upcoming events or take meetings with potential clients or their managers if they were a celebrity. While her three event planners performed their jobs exceptionally well, Harper had become somewhat of a micro manager for the past year or so and she wasn’t even sure why.

  London’s reminder of their motto began to sound in Harper’s head once more. Had she really been working hard without playing hard?

  Sometimes work to her was playing hard because she loved the thrill and the atmosphere of the club. The joy of creating a fantasy environment for the patrons and the VIP guests was magic to her. Whatever they wanted, she could make it happen—within reason—and that alone made her job all the more exciting.

  It had been her life for as long as she could remember having worked under her mother for almost a decade before the triplets took over. They’d made changes including changing the name from Zenith to Club Masquerade. They renovated the entire club and changed the laid back atmosphere to a more posh, upscale one that catered to the grown and sexy crowd. They’d added a full-service kitchen, and while they’d had private events before, the ones now were celebrity fueled ones which drew large crowds every night.

  Spending time with Hunter had caused her to see her life in a different light. It had become the same mundane routine, and she’d become complacent with it. Like right now, today’s original and usual agenda was on her mind but going into work early wasn’t even necessary. Though yesterday she’d jotted down ‘sit in on Shannon’s noon meeting with DJ Scoop to go over his upcoming listening party’. But why? It wasn’t her event or client. Harper trusted all three of the assistant event planners like she trusted herself, otherwise she wouldn’t have hired them because she was a stickler for perfection.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” a groggy yet sensual voice spoke behind her.

  Turning around she met Hunter’s gaze and smiled as she reached to open the refrigerator.

  “Can you stay for breakfast?” she asked.

  “I can stay for as long as you want me to,” he answered, stepping into the kitchen and snatching her into his nestling embrace. He laid a tender kiss to her forehead.

  She giggled and normally would curse herself out for giggling like a silly teenager over a man, but she didn’t care. No man had ever made her feel like Hunter did, especially considering going to the club early was the furthest thing from her mind.

  “What time do you have to be at work?” She slid back to the refrigerator and pulled out ingredients for an omelet and croissants for French toast.

  “I pretty much make my own schedule when I’m in the States. I have a conference call but it’s later on this afternoon. What time do you have to be at the club?”

  “Um … four o’clock,” she replied, trying to remember her actual scheduled time. “I need to make a quick phone call to Shannon.” She grabbed her cell phone that was plugged in on the island. “I’ll be right back to make breakfast.”

  “Cool. I’ll start the coffee,” he volunteered, opening the bag of Sinful Delight sitting next to the coffee maker. “Maybe after breakfast you can show me around downtown some more, but after I go back to my hotel for a quick shower.”

  “That sounds like a plan.” After kissing him on his cheek, she pivoted toward her bedroom with a huge smile on her face.

  *****

  For the next month, Harper continued wearing the huge smile as she showed Hunter all that Atlanta had to offer. The Centennial Olympic Park, Six Flags, plays and shows at the Fox Theatre, an Atlanta Hawk’s game, Sunday brunch at Ray’s on the River, and The Georgia Aquarium were all activities they’d managed to squeeze in around their work schedules. For once, she stayed away from the club on her off days and went in at her scheduled time. Of course this shocked her brothers and the staff, but she desired to savor every moment that she could with Hunter.

  Today was no exception. While swinging hands with him, they strolled the grounds of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, which was one of her favorite places to visit twice a year—or more depending upon the exhibits. It was also the venue she wanted for her wedding if that ever happened. Although it was something she envisioned in her future, a husband and kids seemed so far down the line. However, she admired her parents’ love and adoration for each and hoped to have a husband who would gaze at her like her father would at her mother … with pure love in his eyes. Sometimes, she caught Hunter staring at her absently in the same way and while she loved it, at the same time it scared her. They never discussed the fact that he wouldn’t be in Atlanta forever, but it was the elephant in their space. During their time together, they’d had plenty of passionate kissing sessions but the thought of going any further was something she didn’t want to explore. Well, that wasn’t true but Harper knew she’d become even more attached and would have a hard time letting him go if they shared a passionate night. So far he’d been respectful and hadn’t pushed the issue, but she knew it was hard for him as well.

  “Let’s stop and take pictures in front of the fountain in the rose garden,” he suggested.

  “Perfect. It’s one of my favorite places here. It’s so tranquil. I remember the last time I came I sat on one of the benches and relaxed. Well ... I was making phone calls for work but at least I had a beautiful view.”

  “Mmm, like the one in front of me.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks and the smile she tried to suppress appeared. “You’re so sweet.” Reaching her hand up to his cheek, she blushed again as he kissed each finger tenderly. “I’m going to miss you when you leave.”

  The words that had been on the tip of her tongue finally spilled out. She wasn’t supposed to tell him. That statement was to never leak from her mouth.

  A sincere smile reached his face and Hunter kissed her hand once more before bending down and kissing her gently on the lips. “I’m going to miss you, too,” he whispered. “Very much. I know we just met but I’m so into you, woman, I honestly don’t know how I’m going to leave when its time. Hell, I’m going to Memphis the week after next, and I don’t want to leave you for even a few days.”

  “It will be good practice,” she said, as her voice cracked and her pulse raced faster than a greyhound sprinting to win the race. She slid from his embrace when she felt a tear wanting to emerge. Silently chastising herself, Harper pivoted toward the sidewalk that led to the fountain. “Let’s take those pictures.” Walking to the fountain, she sat on the concrete that surrounded it and bestowed a pretty smile on him.

  He gave a knowing nod, and her heart skipped a few beats before hammering against her chest. She couldn’t and wouldn’t get that deep with him. While he was away in Memphis, it would prepare her for what life would be like without him in it. The more she told herself that ridiculous idea the more it saddened her, but she continued to flash smiles and change poses as he took the pictures.

  After the photo session they made their way to the orchid conservatory but chose to sit outside on a bench while a field trip with middle school aged children ventured inside.

  “This has been a beautiful day,” she said, followed by a long sigh as she checked her watch. “I have to be at work in two hours.”

  “Still can’t believe you’re going in later than you normally do.”

  “Neither can my staff, but I’m sure they’re secretly happy when I’m not around. I can be somewhat strict according to the whispers I’ve heard.”

  “You’re a sweetheart. There’s not a mean bone anywhere in your body.”

  “Well, I don’t consider myself mean, but as a woman who owns a nightclub in a world full of men club owners, I have to be firm and assertive. I can’t let anyone think that I’m naïve and don’t know what the hell I’m doing. My mother was like that. I studied her over the years work
ing at the club. She’s tiny in stature and innocent looking like me, but trust me she’s no pushover and the employees respected her. Now when she visits, they’re all ecstatic to see her and treat her like a queen.”

  “That’s understandable. I’ve watched you at work. You run a tight ship.”

  “Thank you. And I’m rarely worried when I’m not there.”

  “So your best friend is arriving the day after tomorrow?” he asked, taking a swig of his bottled water left over from their lunch at Lintons, a restaurant on the premises of the gardens.

  “Yes, and I’m glad she’s finally moving back to Atlanta. We’re pretty much the only family she has. She doesn’t have close friends like me in Charlotte, and since her ex-boyfriend at one point stalked her, I think its best that she’s here among people who love her. Plus, I kind of want her and Mase together. I know that sounds crazy and I’m by no means a matchmaker, but I’ve always sensed they’ve liked each other more than they cared to admit.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “Sit back and watch. Oh, and then there’s Cam. He recently became serious with a lady named Simone. I swear she’s the only woman I’ve ever liked for him, and I really hope things work out. It’s obvious how much they love each other. “

  “Seems like the Bennett triplets are all making love connections at the same time.”

  “You’re silly,” she said nervously, brushing off his comment. There could be no love connection between them. This Bennett is having some fun. “Since the weather is warmer in the evening, how about you come over tomorrow night for dinner? We can eat on the rooftop among the city lights.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea. I’ll bring the wine you loved so much from Café Intermezzo.”

  “Perfect. You know me well because I was going to suggest it.”

  “And the cheesecake?”

  “Nope. I already made it.”

  “Really? All right, woman. You’re going to make it very hard for me to leave in a few months.”

  A heaviness rose in her chest as she turned away briefly and realized for the first time that she wished he never would.

  Chapter Six

  Harper lit white tea light candles that she’d set around the terrace for her romantic dinner with Hunter. The night sky glistened with stars and the full moon was the perfect spotlight on the dining table for two. It was the ideal setting for tonight. She’d buzzed him up a minute ago and had just enough time to finish the ambience. Grabbing the remote from the table, she turned on her iPhone deck to a jazz playlist the DJ created for the club when they hosted the occasional Sunday brunch.

  Dinner was done and waited under two warmer domes she’d borrowed from the club’s kitchen. Smoothing down her black, strapless dress, she stepped into her heels and turned when she heard the door to the terrace open. Hunter emerged carrying a wine bag and a bouquet of pink and white peonies.

  “Good evening, beautiful one.”

  “Good evening, handsome one,” she greeted. “You’re on time as always.”

  He halted, somewhat taken aback, and gazed around the area with a sexy grin on his face. It was his first time up there and she wanted everything perfect. A table for two covered in white tulle held their meal, along with wine glasses and a tall lit candle in the middle. To the left of it was a seating area with an outdoor wicker couch, loveseat, and table which sat under a pergola with outdoor white sheers. On the right side was a hot tub and Harper noticed his eyes linger there for a moment longer while wearing a sinful smirk. In the corner was an outdoor daybed covered with comfy pillows under another pergola which had ivy vines she’d trained to grow around it.

  Chuckling, he shook his head as he approached her. “Soooo, is that where the magic happens?” he asked in a teasing manner, jerking his head in the direction of the outdoor bed. He handed her the flowers and landed an affectionate kiss on her lips.

  “Mmm ... thank you for the peonies.” After taking his hand and leading him to the table, she set the flowers in the middle as he pulled out her chair. “Honestly, I come out here to relax and read with a glass of wine. I have the occasional party with close friends, but this is my first time I’ve had dinner with a man. I guess you’re special.”

  Leaning over, he dropped a sensual kiss to the back of her neck. “Love your hair pulled up in a bun. Easy access to your tempting skin.” He placed a kiss on her shoulder followed by a soft bite to her neck.

  “Mmm,” she sighed as his lips warmed her skin. “I’ll do it more often.” She handed him the corkscrew next to her wine glass. “Filler up ... no, wait. Not too much for me. I’ll have the giggles all night.”

  Hunter opened the wine, poured it into their glasses, and then topped hers with a villainous laugh. “I like your giddy giggles. Leads to me kissing your enticing lips and its usually without the wine.”

  “All right, now. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.” And I lead you over to the outdoor bed for more than just kissing. But that can’t happen. It can’t.

  He sat in his chair and lifted the lid on the plate at the same time as she did. “Wow, this looks and smells delicious, beautiful one.”

  Requesting the recipe from Cameron—who was a master chef in the kitchen—she’d cooked rack of lamb, sautéed green beans with almonds in a garlic butter, and roasted-creamed new potatoes.

  “There’s plenty more in the kitchen along with your toffee cheesecake in the fridge.”

  Raising his wine glass in the air, he leaned toward her and clinked her glass. “My compliments to the lovely chef. Thank you for the home-cooked meal. It’s one of the things I miss when traveling.”

  “I’m sure it is.”

  “You don’t want me to leave, do you?” he joked, taking a bite of the green beans. “These are good. You keep cooking like this and I may not.” He took a bite of his potatoes and nodded his head. “Oh, yeah. You are definitely trying to tie a brother down.”

  Harper laughed as she cut into the meat, but the truth was she didn’t want him to leave. She was just getting to know Hunter and liked him way more than she should, but soon he’d be gone. She’d promised herself not to harp on it because she knew the circumstances going in. However, it didn’t make it any easier.

  *****

  Hunter noticed the silence and melancholy that was wrapped around Harper that evening. Usually she was talkative and cheery, but tonight a solemn mood surrounded her and he sensed it was because he’d mentioned leaving. A part of him didn’t want to either—the part that wanted to take Cannon up on his job offer as the director of the US headquarters just to be with Harper.

  She was the epitome of what he dreamt of in the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Yes, she was beautiful, but outside beauty faded and he was more impressed with her overall personality. Her confidence, intelligence, and sassy wit along with the elegance and class that exuded from her no matter what were the characteristics that he admired. He loved the humbleness that she possessed and her independent nature. It was one of the first things that drew him to her.

  Once they were finished with dinner, Hunter stood and reached his hand out to her.

  “Dance with me,” he requested as the jazz version of “Spend my Life with You” began to sound through the speakers. He’d loved the song ever since hearing it at Cannon’s wedding a couple of years back. It was something about the words of the song that fit the way he felt about Harper and that shook him to his core.

  Taking his hand, Harper stood and fell into his arms with a deep sigh. He nuzzled his head in her neck and hummed the song in her ear. She swayed in his arms and squeezed his shoulder when he began to place light kisses on the side of her neck. Angelic moans sounded from her throat, and she squeezed his shoulder again, sending an electric current to bolt through him. The willpower he’d been able to keep in check faded away with every tantalizing moan she uttered. Her hand sensually travelled up his cheek to his head and back down to his lips. She was silent but the insatiable e
xpression on her face screamed at him loud and clear. Lowering his head, he touched her lips with his but didn’t kiss her. Instead, they stared at each other with unwavering eyes until hers fluttered shut, and she kissed him as if she’d never see him again. Unwavering emotion poured over him at that thought and seized his heart in an uncomfortable imprisonment.

  Hunter returned the kiss in a slow but unruly way, eliciting the most breathtaking sounds from her. Lifting Harper in his arms, he carried her to the bed and laid her down. Her fiery eyes turned dark with lust, and he knew what she desired. Sliding on top of her, she reached up and captured his lips as satisfied, relieved sighs escaped from her. Her body trembled under him as she wrapped her legs around his waist and kicked the heels off her feet. His manhood pressed against her center and the slight grind of her hips made it hard for him to turn her down. He wanted to be strong, but Harper evoked emotions on him that couldn’t be turned off.

  Lifting his head, he gazed down at her and ran a finger along her soft cheek. “Tell me what you want, Harp.”

  “A passionate night with you. No strings. No worries about tomorrow. Just us, right now.”

  “Glad I came prepared.”

  “So did I. I’ve wanted you from the moment I first saw you. Of course I have to admit it was more in a lustful way but now that I know the kind of man you are, I need to experience being one with you, considering I can’t have you forever.”

  The thought of forever surged an uncontrollable shiver to bolt through his body and a guttural groan emerged at the thought of Harper yearning for him all this time. Yanking her up, he kissed her in a possessive manner as if she was all his and no one could ever have her again. He wanted to brand her and etch tattoos all over heart to make it clear she was all his. He had no idea where that notion came from, but his goal was to erase any trace of any other man she’d been with and replace it with the desire and craving for only him.