SECRETS

Sarah woke up out of a delicious sleep to the feel of something hard prodding against her buttock. She blinked at her surroundings. Big hotel room. Strange art on the walls.
Warm body against her. One hand squeezing her bare breast. Erection pushing against her backside. Her pajama pants still on her legs, but no top.
Oh.
Flashes of last night flooded through her mind and she bit back her gasp. Arousal snaked through her veins, and she recalled vividly what she’d done to him . . . and what he’d done to her. And oh, it was fun. More than fun—amazing. She wanted more.
But she peered at the alarm clock on the bedside table and sighed. Eight in the morning. She had to be at breakfast with Brown has she promised him the day before, and then she still needed to go with Stephanie for one last fitting and a makeup trial run to go through. There was no more time to lie back in bed and cuddle, as tempting as the thought was. So she peeled back the covers and started to edge out of bed.
“Nope,” Drake said sleepily, and pulled her back against him. “Stay here with me.”
“I can’t,” she said, though she was smiling as he gave her breast another squeeze. It sent pleasurable shockwaves through her body, a reminder of last night. Gosh, last night had been wonderful. “I just realized, by the way, that you switched rooms.”
“I did,” he mumbled. “Shower broke in the other.” He lied
“Oh.”
“This shower comes with a free back rub if you stay, though,” he told her, giving her breast another squeeze.
“I wish I could, but I have a full schedule this morning.”
“Call in sick.” He moved a little closer and pressed a kiss to her shoulder.
“I can’t,” she said again, and when his thumb began to stroke her nipple in teasing circles, she regretfully had to pull his hand off of her. “I owe the couple a gift for being present. This is the last fitting with Stephanie and she’s stressed out of her mind as it is.”
“So responsible,” he said, kissing her shoulder again. “That’s sexy. Let me know when you’re free?”
“I will.”
“Text me?”
“Sure.”
“Text me pictures of your pussy?”
She gasped and slid out of his grip. “No way.”
He chuckled, eyes closed, and tugged the blankets closer around his body. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“You devil.” She scooped her top up off of the floor and buttoned it, then reluctantly looked back at him. Drake had fallen asleep again, so she tiptoed out of his room and closed the door quietly behind her.
An hour later, she was showered and changed, and racing down to the reserved dining room so she wouldn’t be late to meet Brown who had constantly texted her he was waiting .Sarah arrived with one minute to spare, and the only person waiting in the dining room was Brown , not that she expected someone else but she hoped atleast anyone else might be . Sarah adjusted her hair pulled up in a bun and her eyes bright. She looked happy and relaxed.
“I’m here,” she said as she sat down next to Brown at the empty table. The places were set for three others as she wondered who they might be “Where is everyone?”
“I think we’re all running a little late this morning. No worries. They’ll be here.”
“You look relaxed,” Sarah told Brown with a smile. “Everything going well?”
“Nope,” Brown said. “The couple cake was flown in from the mainland and crumbled to pieces so the groom’s flying in a new cake chef and paying a ridiculous amount of money because he doesn’t want the bride to cry. The flowers are the wrong shade of red. Again. And that awful man that’s pissing the groom off is still somewhere on the island.” Her smile widened. “But I’m good because I have no problem with the hall booked in my hotel.”
“You look good,” Sarah said. “Very relaxed and happy.”
“I am happy,” she admitted. “I know as crazy as things get with the wedding, it doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day, I’m with a man who’s bending over backward to try and make me happy. And that’s all I could really ask for, you know?” She leaned forward. “Speaking of happy . . . you look pretty good yourself. Is the mystery man turning out to be everything you’d hoped?”
“And more,” Sarah told him ,a dreamy smile on her face. “He’s so wonderful. We’re opposites in a lot of ways, but when we’re together . . . we just click, you know? It’s like magic. We’ve been spending every free moment together since we met, and it still doesn’t feel like enough time.”
“I know that feeling,” Brown said, and clapped his hands. “I’m so happy for you! This is wonderful. You’re such a lovely woman,Sarah. I knew someone would see it eventually!”
“I feel so lucky,” Sarah admitted. “I just . . . I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s time to leave.”
“I should probably act like I don’t know this man , you have been referring to him like he is a stranger.then? Do you want to go back instead of taking the job with me? I’d miss you, but I’d understand.”
“No, I think he’s actually cool with the development .” Sarah unrolled her cloth napkin from around her silverware and laid it flat on her lap. “I still want to go to New York for a while before I come back here . That hasn’t changed. And we . . . haven’t really talked about what happens later. We’re still enjoying each day.” Though two days from now, that would have to change. A twinge of unhappiness marred Sarah’s cheery mood. “I’ll have to broach the topic at some point, I guess.”
“Oh!” Brown said, snapping his s fingers. A smile lit up her face. “Lilian’s husband to be had a last-minute cancellation for dinner tonight. We should go out on a double date. You bring your guy, and Lilian and I will join you. It’d be lovely. I’m dying to meet this guy and see you two together.”
“I’d love to,” Sarah said, pleasure flushing through her at the thought of introducing handsome, quick-witted Drake to his friend as her man. “I think you’ll really like him. He’s a bit of a cusser—”
“So is Lilian ,” Brown interjected with a grin.
“—but underneath, he’s really sweet and kind.”
“Then I absolutely cannot wait to meet him,” I have unfinished business with him anyways Brown said, reaching over and giving Sarah’s hand a happy squeeze. “ You must have a close relationship with Lilian.” Sarah finally let out her mind
“ we are cousins, Drake didn’t tell you?.”
“ No.” she whispered
“Tonight should be so much fun.”
It really would. Sarah couldn’t wait to text Drake and surprise him with the plans. He knew she was here for the wedding—wouldn’t it be fun for him to show her off to the bride and groom, who were the reason why she was here on vacation?
“Brown has dinner reservations for four at a black-tie restaurant,” Sarah said. “Lilian’s man cancelled but you can join us and it’ll be an even better evening!”
And maybe tonight she could ask Drake what he thought about the future. Their future. Sarah couldn’t stop smiling at the thought.
***
Drake straightened his tie, then removed it at the last minute. Black-tie or not, they’d simply have to make do without him having neckwear. He had a nice little hickey on his neck thanks to Sarah, and he wanted to show it to the world. So, he’d wear a collared shirt and cufflinks, and a jacket, but that was the extent of it.
He whistled as he ran a comb through his hair one last time. Funny how spending the night curled up against a woman could put him in such a good mood. His insomnia—normally so prevalent—had utterly vanished, and he’d slept like the dead. His dick hadn’t even touched pussy and he still felt sated and replete. It was a good feeling.
It was a feeling he wanted more of, and he wanted more Sarah.
Maybe she could put off being Brown ’s assistant for a while. He’d bring it up to her tonight, hopefully after her hand was wrapped around his cock. Maybe she’d come out to New York with him for a bit so they could fuck like bunnies and get it out of their systems. Then when they were both tired of each other, they could go on with their lives.
Even as he said it to himself, he frowned. Sarah wasn’t the type to just turn a blind eye to the fact that his business ran off of no marriage and no commitment . His friends were already on the lookout for him, thinking he was determined to ruin the wedding. He wasn’t, not after spending time with Sarah .
In fact, he’d called Ashroff (the only competent assistant he had) this morning and told him to pass along the message to the strip crew that they were to make themselves scarce for the next while. He didn’t want Sarah upset over anything that might happen with the wedding. Not because he cared about her friends, but because he cared about her.
He checked his phone for new messages. Nothing beyond her earlier one of Meet me in the lobby for dinner tonight. Black tie. I have a nice surprise for you. She’d even thrown in a smiley face at the end, so he knew she was excited. And he couldn’t wait to see her again. He’d worked for most of the day but it still felt like forever since he’d last touched her.
Idly, he wondered what the surprise was. Were they going somewhere new? Was she going to jump him as soon as he got off the elevator? Was she not wearing panties under her dress? Whatever it was, he hoped she was wearing the heels he’d gotten her—he wanted to see those on her while he undressed her, wanted them wrapped around his back while he fucked the hell out of her.
Picturing Sarah in nothing but those shoes made his dick hard, and he adjusted himself before stepping out of his room. A quick trip in the elevator led him down to the lobby, and he scanned the room for an impossibly tall blonde.
Sure enough, there she was, beautiful enough to make his heart skip a beat. Her blonde waves cascaded over her shoulders, teased into curls. Her dress was plain black, her long, luscious legs bare, and he saw those sparkly stilettos adorning her gorgeous feet. She looked incredible.
He started to walk toward her, and stopped.
She was standing next to Lilian Red and his best friend Brown . They were talking quietly, and Brown had his arm linked in his. Her dress was a sparkly red, and Drake wore a dark suit.
They were dressed for a fancy dinner.
He was going to a fancy dinner with Sarah . . . who had a surprise for him.
Shit.
Shit shit shit.
Drake turned around and headed back to the elevator before anyone could spot him. He sprinted, barely catching the doors as they began to close again, which earned him a few irritated looks from the others on the elevator. He didn’t care. His brow had broken out into a cold sweat, and he punched the number to his floor again, and then paused.
Shit. If he went back to his room, Sarah would just come looking for him there. She’d think he’d forgotten the time or something. And she’d probably have Brown wn in tow.
That would be no good, either. Fuck.
He put his phone to his ear—an awkward feeling, after using his Bluetooth for so long—and called his assistant hotline.
Ashroff answered. Thank god. “Yes, sir?”
“I need a room. Now.”
“A different one? Let me see what I can manage, sir. Give me five minutes.”
“No. Now.” He hammered at the door-close button when the elevator opened. Someone shot him a dirty look as he pushed past, but Drake ignored it. “What floor are you on?”
“I’m on two, sir. You are welcome to come and stay here if you need to—”
“Be right there.” He hit the button for two and tapped his foot impatiently. Even as he did, his phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Where are you? Sarah sent. Did you get lost?
Christ. She’d sent another smiley face at the end of her sentence. He felt like such a dick. The door opened to floor two and he hesitated.
He could go downstairs and admit everything to Brown in front of Sarah’s judging face. Tell her that he was the jerk behind LOVE OR STRIP and how he wasn’t fully intentional about her she’d probably hate everything he was ever associated with, and know that his friends loathed him because they thought he was a scummy businessman. Which he kinda was. And then he could watch her expressive eyes fill with tears and he’d ruin the rest of the time she had at her contract vacation.
Or he could be a dick tonight and pretend sickness. Or that business came up. Something. She would be hurt, but he’d make it up to her with a little smooth talking, a little romance, and then they could cuddle their way back into a good mood.
Immediately, he knew which one he was going to pick. Drake stepped off the elevator, paused, and texted.
Something came up with work. Sorry.
***
“I don’t understand,” Sarah said, her brows furrowing. “I talked with him earlier today and he said he was looking forward to dinner.” Maybe if she dated more, she’d be used to cancellations and blow-offs. This one felt like it was ripping a hole in her heart, though, and she didn’t know what to do.
His message wasn’t even personal. It was cold, succinct. His normal messages were filled with crass flirting and attempts to make her blush. This . . . this wasn’t even trying.
“I wonder if I said something to make him upset?”
“I’m sure that’s not it,” Brown exclaimed. “You’re looking for problems that aren’t there, Sarah. I bet he just had a meeting come up that he couldn’t miss. Brown knows how that is, isn’t that right?” Lilian looked up at her handsome cousin with an adoring expression.
Sarah ’s heart hurt all over again. “But if it’s work, he didn’t say when he was going to get out of there.” And Drake had told her that work was taking a backseat this week so he could spend more time with her. Hadn’t he said his assistant had it handled? “I don’t understand.”probably he was embarrassed to let Lilian see him with her.
Oh, no . . . what if it was something she’d said or done last night? What if she’d somehow come across as terribly unsexy and he’d woken up this morning and realized he didn’t want to be with her? She felt stricken at the thought.
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Brown reiterated. “I can tell from the look on your face that you’re worried, but these things happen all the time.”
“What business did you say he was in?”Brown w asked, his mouth a firm line.
Sarah felt a twinge of nervousness, as if her aborted date with Drake had somehow messed up Brown’s evening as well. “I uh . . . well, he said business. I never really pried too much because Drake said he was on vacation.”
Brown ’s cool gaze continued to assess her. “I see.”
“M-maybe I should have asked him?” Gosh, how was Drake coping ng this icy man? He was scaring the pants off of her tonight. It was odd how he could be so very warm to cousin and so controlled to the rest of the world. “It just never really came up. I—”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Lilian said, cutting her off. “And I have an idea,” she said, turning to Brown “Since it’s both of us ladies, why don’t you see if Greeze and other friends are free tonight and take them with us to the restaurant? I’m sure they’d love to join you. You know they probably feel as if my wedding is monopolizing your time.”
“Oh, no. Do you think so?” Brown looked concerned. “They’re all my friends. I don’t want anyone to feel left out.”
“I’m sure they’re not,” Sarah reassured him pushing back her own concerns. “And we don’t have to make it a big deal this night just because my date canceled. It’s really not necessary.”
“I insist,” Drake said, and he gave them both a smile that was both charming and predatory at once. “I have unfinished business to attend to myself, and should probably beg off.” He leaned in and whispered into Lilian’s ’s ear for a long moment.
Eventually, she nodded. “Well, if you’re sure,” Lilian said. “We’ll miss you.”
Brown pulled her against him and gave her a tender kiss. “I’m sure, love. Call the girls instead . Go enjoy yourselves.” His eyes gleamed. “Business calls.”
***
Tucked away at a desk in Ashroff ’s room, Drake lost himself in work. His inbox was endless. Lawsuits, tabloids, ratings drops, ratings increases, advertisers, unhappy advertisers, people wanting to advertise . . . he should have been able to concentrate on it. To tear through things as he normally did.
But he kept thinking about Sarah. How she’d been waiting for him, radiant . . . and he’d stood her up like a coward and was now in hiding.
What a fucking chicken he was.
He knew it, and yet, if the other option was hurting her, he’d be a goddamn chicken if he had to. Anything to avoid hurting Sarah’s feelings and ruining her time on vacation. So maybe it was cowardly of him, but he had a reason, and a purpose.
“Sir?” Ashroff asked, interrupting him from his work-slash-mooning.
Drake looked up, removing his headphones and closing his laptop. “What is it?”
“Stephanie is staked out on the fourth floor, and she says that Brown Brooke is hovering at the doorstep to your old suite. He’s making calls trying to locate you.”
Ah, so Brown had come sniffing after him after all. Figured. The asshole just couldn’t resist, could he? “I’ll go up and say hello.”
“Are you sure that’s wise, sir?”
“I’m pretty sure it’s not, but it needs to be done.” Plus, he wasn’t a coward. Brown wasn’t the one he was hiding from, not really. It was Sarah, and the knowledge that he really, really wasn’t good enough for her and wanted her anyway.
So he headed up the elevator, back toward his old room—the one Brown had made him book out of—and strolled down the hall.
Brown was still there, phone to his ear. He turned, spotted Drake, and hung up his phone. He stalked down the hall toward Drake , a contrast from his own strolling, forced casual steps. “I might have known you were still here, you piece of shit.”
“Brooke ,” he said broadly, extending his arms in a fake hug. “Come on. You kiss your mother with that mouth?”
“I thought you knew how to leave my property ,”Brown snarled. “But no, you decided to play like a dirty dick when you didn’t get your way.”
Irritation sparked, even though Drake knew it shouldn’t have bothered him. He’d been called worse. “Actually, not at all—”
“Going after a sweet, innocent girl just to worm your way into a meeting with me? Don’t you think you’ve gone a little far with that?”
“Now wait just a goddamn minute—”
Brown threw his hands up, just as furious as Drake . “You want a meeting with me? Fine. I’ll meet with you, but you need to leave Sarah Rosewood alone.”
Drake clenched his jaw, rage blinding him. “You fucking leave her out of this. She’s mine.”
“You’re the one that needs to leave her out of this,” Brown roared. “She’s an innocent woman and you’re fucking trash to use her like this.”
“‘Use her’?” Now Drake was yelling. “Fuck you, Brooke . I’m not using anyone.”
“Bullshit,” Brooke said. “You win. You get your meeting aside I am not forgiving you for what you did to my cousin , but you leave that girl alone.” He clenched a fist. “We won’t tell her about any of this. She’s a sweet, sheltered girl, and it’d break her heart. I’m not about to stomp on her feelings. I happen to give a shit about them.”
“Fuck. You.”
“Like I said. You win. We can meet tomorrow.”
“I don’t want your goddamn meeting. So you can tell me no? Go fuck yourself.”
“Get out of my goddamn resort.”
“If you kick me out, so help me, I will make the biggest fucking scene you can imagine.”Drake gave him a cold smile. “Lilian’s wedding is in what, a week ? Hate to have a scandal show up on your doorstep just in time for it. The missus would probably be mighty upset.”
“ why are you even this upset.”Drake asked with so much irritation
“ I am in love with Sarah.”
Brown ’s shoulders heaved, and for a moment, he thought the man might punch him. Instead, Brown ’s nostrils flared, he gave Drake one last simmering look, and then he stormed away.
Drake maintained his cool until Brown turned the corner. Then, he moved to the nearest wall and put his fist through it, leaving a gigantic hole in the drywall. His knuckles split, but the pain only momentarily dimmed his rage.
Fuck him. Fuck Brown if he thought that he was dicking around with Sarah ’s feelings. What kind of lowlife bastard did they think he was?
Worse, what kind of lowlife bastard was Sarah going to think he was, once they told her the truth? For all he care , Brown is never having Sarah.
He punched the wall with his other fist. Great. Now both of them hurt, and he was still pissed.