Carly Phillips - Secret Fantasy

And now that she had, she refused to take a wait-and-see attitude with her life and her future. Perhaps her newfound determination to take charge had something to do with Stuart’s demand that she keep silent, and his absolute belief that she would comply. Or perhaps it had more to do with loving a special man who she refused to lose after this vacation was over. At least not for lack of trying.

So although she’d keep silent about Stuart, at least for now, she had every intention of telling Doug she loved him. With a little luck he felt the same and happily ever after wouldn’t be a farfetched notion for Juliette Stanton, Senator Stanton’s daughter.

DOUG LAY AWAKE long after Juliette had dozed off. He inhaled, taking in the fragrant scent of her hair and the musky reminder of all they’d shared. They’d skipped dinner out and called in for room service, then made love one more time. Although his body was temporarily sated, his heart wasn’t even close. How could it be when too much was uncertain?

He needed to know they had a future and the only way that could happen would be for him to come clean and hope she could find a way to understand and forgive. Considering she’d been hurt recently by a man who’d used her, Doug had his doubts. But he refused to lump himself in the same category as Stuart Barnes because Doug loved Juliette and had never set out to hurt her. He stifled a wry laugh. He was a master at using people for professional ends and if he lost his greatest desire now, it was probably no more than he deserved. Because, initially, he had set out to use her-no matter what his reasons or how good his intentions seemed at the time-just like her ex-fiancé.

She sighed, stirring in his arms. He brushed her tangled hair off her face and let her curl more snugly against him. He might not know what she ate for breakfast when she was late for work or how easily her living habits would gel with his, but he had no doubt they could make a long-term commitment work. And he was certain he wanted not just to have an affair or to live together but a till-death-do-us-part commitment like his parents shared.

His certainty was born of his past. He’d never experienced anything as all-encompassing or strong as what he felt for Juliette. And he couldn’t mistake the difference in his feelings for his past lovers and his current love.

Careful not to wake her, he eased himself out of bed. She shifted and resettled, snuggling against the pillow. And he pulled a resort pad out of the desk and began jotting down notes. Ways to protect Juliette, the eyewitness, from harm and ideas for his current story.

He wrapped things up, tucked his notes into his suitcase and crawled back into bed. To his delight, Juliette immediately rolled back into his arms. Minutes later, her breathing evened out. Slow and easy, he knew she was asleep.

“I love you,” he whispered, knowing he had the freedom and wanting to test the words out loud for the first time. They felt right and certainty filled him once more. He shut his eyes and let himself relax, his body slowly matching her rhythm.

Morning would come soon enough and with the break of dawn, his truths. And Juliette’s reaction.

But he woke up alone with a note propped against the clock, covering the digital numbers. At least she’d attempted to make sure he wouldn’t miss her message. He stretched, reaching for the white paper.

It’s my understanding most men don’t like a woman to spend the night.

Wanted to avoid an awkward morning after, so I went back to my room to shower and change.

Breakfast at my place? Door’s open.

Juliette.

P.S. Last night was incredible.

Incredible didn’t begin to describe it. Doug crumpled the paper in his hand.

He wasn’t most men. Not when it came to one specific woman, anyway. He’d not only wanted to wake up next to Juliette, he’d wanted to be the one to do the waking. In a sexy, sensual, arousing way meant to show her exactly how he felt-before he lay his truths and life in her hands.

But breakfast had its advantages, too and, being a writer, Doug was an inventive man. He could come up with all sorts of erotic ways to enjoy a meal that would leave Juliette with no doubt about his feelings. After a quick shower, he headed out the terrace door and around the back, to the path leading to a congregation of secluded cottages.

Doug had been a reporter for longer than he could remember. Ever since meeting Ted Houston, digging for a story had become a part of him. Watching people. Listening carefully for hidden meaning and innuendo. He knew how to follow at a discreet distance and because there were often other reporters on the same trail, Doug knew when he had company.

And that same uneasy feeling pricked at him now. Here on Merrilee’s secluded island, Doug wasn’t alone and he wasn’t talking about other guests of the resort. They wouldn’t be in hiding. He glanced around but already knew he’d see nothing out of the ordinary. He also knew the rustle of bushes he’d just heard wasn’t a bird or animal.

Instead of going directly to Juliette’s, Doug decided to test his theory. He circled back toward the pool, choosing a rarely used path that was overgrown with vines and greenery. Not a trail someone following him could take without being heard and, sure enough, when he’d made it halfway, the rustling noise began, then stopped suddenly, repeated itself and then silence descended. Whoever was behind him had begun to follow and stopped when the person realized Doug was on to him. A rank amateur to be sure.

Doug darted back to see if he could catch the interloper, but whoever it was had obviously anticipated Doug’s move and was nowhere to be found, giving him cause to rethink the amateur label. Whoever had followed him might have made more noise than a bull in a china shop, but had been quick enough to avoid capture. Silence now surrounded him, unbroken but for the chirping of birds and an occasional laugh from someone walking by.

But Doug never discounted gut instinct and if he needed proof, hadn’t Merrilee said she’d fit some people in at the end of the week who’d seemed more desperate than most? He hadn’t a clue who’d come down here, but he knew one thing for sure. All candidates led to Juliette. And none would appreciate finding her with the reporter who’d broken the original story and who had the potential to destroy them now. He needed to narrow down the list and fast.

Another journalist was his first thought. Not likely. If the person had managed to get the story, he was talented enough to remain out of sight and hearing. And besides he’d be watching Juliette more than Doug.

It could be Congressman Haywood if Stuart had blabbed to his business partner about what Juliette had seen and heard in the church. Not a likely candidate either. He’d send Barnes, Juliette’s ex, to exert influence if she was wavering.

Which led him to Stuart Barnes checking up on his errant ex-fiancée. More likely. And as a squeaky clean senator-to-be, one dumb enough to get involved with the Mob, he wouldn’t be smart enough to let other people do his dirty work. And once he put the pieces together he’d be more interested in Juliette than Doug.

The Mob. Damn. Doug hadn’t any idea if they knew about Juliette or not but he wasn’t taking chances and took off at a run. He had to get to Juliette and make sure she was safe. Then he had to reveal his own truths-not just because he loved her but because she needed the knowledge to protect herself from all converging outside forces.

Including Doug. But with the word Mob echoing in his brain, at this moment he’d settle for just seeing she was safe.

JULIETTE LET the room service waiter out of the room and set the table on the terrace for two. He’d delivered the setting and promised he’d return with her breakfast order, fresh mimosas included, as soon as she called. As soon as Doug arrived.

She inhaled deeply. Orange bird-of-paradise surrounded the patio and she’d accented the table with fresh hibiscus. Their fragrant, aromatic scent lingered in the air. She was filled with more hope and optimism than ever before and she had Doug to thank. In her sleep last night, she dreamed she’d heard him say those three magic words.

And if she was lucky she’d hear the phrase again, but this time she’d be awake and Doug would be looking into her eyes and meaning every word.

In the meantime, her feelings floated out there, changing her perspective. Juliette saw things more clearly now-she had from the minute she’d told her story to Doug. Clarity came from talking out loud to a neutral third party, far away from Chicago and her problems. And she’d realized she didn’t need to hide the story, she needed to inform her father. The man had an uncanny knack of understanding and sorting out problems. He’d be disappointed in Stuart and his choices, but he would never put a criminal in the Senate.

She shook her head, amazed she hadn’t seen the solution sooner. Confide in the man who’d instilled her with values and let things sort themselves out from there. She wondered if she was deluding herself about the simplicity of it all. Wondered if love was just making her view of the world rosy, or if she’d truly found some sort of realistic resolution.

Another thing to discuss with Doug, along with her newfound feelings. She smoothed out a wrinkle in the tablecloth, excitement building at the thought of seeing him again. But she had no desire to have him find her still rumpled and messed from last night’s activities.

Heading inside, she selected her outfit for the day and, after laying it out on the bed, stripped off her clothes and stepped into the steam-filled bathroom, then shower. Hot droplets pelted her skin and she reluctantly let the water rinse away any remnants of last night’s lovemaking. But knowing last night was just the beginning allowed the tingling anticipation to build all over again.

“Juliette.”

She thought she heard her name being called and grabbed for the shower curtain to cover herself.

“Juliette.” The voice sounded again, only this time she recognized it as Doug’s.

“In here.” Knowing he was her visitor relaxed her. Until the bathroom door slammed open and she realized she’d given him permission to join her. In the shower.

“You’re okay?” he called into the bathroom.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She slipped open the curtain, poking her head out but still keeping herself behind the opaque barrier.

He leaned against the doorframe, disheveled and out of breath. “You’re alone.” His relief was tangible.

She shook her head, damp strands touching her shoulders. “Who would be with me? What’s wrong with you?”

“You shouldn’t leave your door open,” he muttered, moving closer.

She inhaled the potent scent of sweat and man. “Been running a marathon?” she asked jokingly.

He kicked off his shoes and stripped off his shirt. Ripping the shower curtain open wide, he stepped inside, heedless of the running water, unconcerned about his remaining clothes.

His strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. “I thought…never mind what I thought,” he said as he covered her mouth with his.

Juliette sighed and molded into him, letting him take control. He devoured her with his kiss and his hands roamed her body as if he didn’t quite believe she was okay. She didn’t know the reasons behind his obvious fear and concern but she had to admit she liked his possessiveness when directed her way. “I’m okay.”

He stepped back. “We need to talk.”

He had to be joking. He’d invaded her shower, treated her to one of his mind-blowing kisses, aroused her body and now he wanted to talk? She reached for the snap on his shorts. “Talking’s overrated.”

“Juliette.”

“Did I ever tell you what that low growl does to me?” She popped the snap and undid his zipper, pushed his shorts and briefs down. “It’s a sexy sound.”

One he made again as she wrapped her palm around his already hard erection. “There are things you need to be aware of,” he said.

“Later.” She pressed a kiss against his bare chest. “The hot water only lasts so long and I want to take advantage.”

More like she wanted to take advantage of him, Doug thought, helpless against her tender yet arousing touch. He kicked off the clothes encircling his ankles. Though he did need to level with her, now that they were alone and he knew she was safe, the news could wait a bit longer. Her lips traveled a steady line downward from the center of his chest past his abdomen and lingered so she could tease and torment him with her tongue.