Come Away with Me Page 2

  A few minutes later she turned and headed inside. The modest entrance gave way to a large garden atrium-style lobby. It was a surprise she hadn’t expected. The first thing she noticed was its stunning center showpiece, a modernized fountain which resembled a clear wall of water flowing down from just beneath the ceiling’s skylight. Crystal clear sparkling water poured and flowed against dramatic lighting into a lavish fountain below. It was certainly an impressive entrance.

  She imagined it was supposed to be serene, but not today. The gentle sound of running water was overshadowed by a constant buzz of excitement in the air as a number of groups of boisterous women and couples milled around both outside and inside the main lobby area. She looked around, getting her bearings, then continued to the reception area.

  A petite woman looked up from the desk and smiled graciously. “Good evening, welcome to the Serenity Resort and Spa. If you’re here for the book signing, it hasn’t started yet. The conference is running a little long. As you can imagine, there are a lot of questions for the doctor.”

  “Actually, I’m checking in. I have a reservation. My name is Shay Daniels,” she said, handing over her credit card.

  “Oh, I beg your pardon, Ms. Daniels. I’ll be happy to assist you in checking in. Please have a seat.” She motioned to the seat across from her desk as she took the offered identification.

  Shay sat down. “I’m here for two and a half weeks. You mentioned a conference,” she queried, hoping it wasn’t a stereotypical loud and rambunctious sales conference. “How long will it be going on?”

  “Today is the last day of this particular conference, so most of the guests have already checked out. We do have another conference coming in tomorrow, but I’m sure your stay will be quiet and peaceful for the next two and a half weeks.” The receptionist turned to her computer and began typing. She waited a moment then frowned. “Hmm, I don’t seem to have you listed, Ms. Daniels. Might your reservation be under a different name?”

  Shay grimaced. Bruce had initially set up the reservation, but when they broke up she asked him to remove his name. “Yes, you can try under Bruce Payne.”

  The receptionist typed again. After a few seconds she nodded slowly. “Okay, yes, Ms. Daniels, I did have a Bruce Payne reservation. It looks like you were scheduled under the private couple’s romance package. But unfortunately the reservation was cancelled a few months ago.”

  “What, no. He was supposed to remove his name and keep mine for the reservation.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t have you listed and we’re completely booked for the next week and beyond. I can certainly check area resorts or hotels for you, but everything is pretty much booked.”

  Shay just shook her head. She couldn’t believe it. “Yes, would you please check any area hotels, at least for the night?”

  “Yes, of course.” She quickly began typing then stopped. “Oh wait, it looks like I do have something available on-site. One of our guests had an emergency and checked out an hour ago. The room is vacant, but there was only one night left on the reservation. I can give you that room for the evening and continue looking for something else in the area.”

  “Yes, that would be perfect,” Shay said, relieved. At least she had a room for the night. Tomorrow was another story.

  “The room is being cleaned up right now. It will be ready in another hour,” the receptionist added.

  Shay nodded.

  “Can we expect Mr. Payne later this evening?”

  “No, definitely not,” she said assuredly.

  The receptionist nodded without questioning. “Okay, you’re all set. You’re reserved in a guesthouse suite. It’s a single suite located behind the hotel.”

  “That sounds perfect,” Shay said, hoping for the calm the resort promised, at least for one night.

  The receptionist continued typing, pressing one last key with added flourish. Afterward she looked up smiling as she returned the credit card and passport then gave Shay her room card. “You’re all set, Ms. Daniels. I am sorry about the mix-up and I’ll certainly continue to search the immediate area for alternate accommodation.”

  “I’d really appreciate that.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I’m printing out some pertinent information to make your evening more enjoyable. Would you like me to have your luggage delivered directly to your suite as soon as it’s available?”

  “Yes, that would be perfect,” Shay said, noticing a small group of women chatting excitedly as they hurriedly walked down the hall. “I think I’d like to look around first.”

  “Of course,” she said, reaching over to the printer. “Here’s a map of the grounds and directions to your suite. My name is Alona.” She stood and reached out her hand to shake. “I’m with guest services. If you have any problems or questions, please ask for me. Also, please feel free to take a few minutes to look around the resort. We have several lovely restaurants on-site and a number of extraordinary guest amenities for your pleasure and enjoyment.”

  Shay nodded. “Thank you, Alona. I really appreciate all you’ve done. Tell me, if the conference is over and the next one hasn’t started yet, why all the excitement this evening?”

  Alona smiled. “Dr. Quinn Anderson is finishing the last day of his weekend conference with an open forum. Also, this is the last day of his national book signing tour.”

  “Dr. Quinn Anderson, as in Dr. Love,” Shay said.

  Alona, nodded. “Yes. He’ll be signing books in a few minutes. The signing is open to the general public.”

  Shay immediately thought about her conversation with Jade the week before. She knew about the infamous Dr. Love of course—who didn’t? His books sold millions and he was syndicated in some form in nearly every city in the U.S. He was a nationwide phenomenon and constantly growing in prestige. “Where exactly is the book signing?” Shay asked curiously.

  “The signing will be in Serenity Salon A. There’s a line forming along the far corridor. It’s already pretty long. But since you’re a guest of the resort…” she leaned closer and lowered her voice “…go along this walkway then make a left, then a right and then keep straight. You’ll be at the rear of the conference area. As it lets out you’ll be nearly first in line with the conference attendees.”

  “Thanks,” Shay said, glancing down the walkway and nodding. Her writer’s instinct immediately took over. She followed another group of women down the hall. They went straight, but she turned left and continued following Alona’s directions.

  Chapter 2

  Quinn Anderson saw her as soon as she turned the corner. He glanced up, then did a double take and had yet to look away. She was stunning. Her smooth, flawless skin was the color of roasted pecans and her lips were full and sensuously enhanced with the slightest tint of subtle color. Her hair hit just below her shoulders and flowed in loose waves. Her body was sexy and slender, but not thin. The fitted top she wore accentuated her ample breasts and narrow waist as perfectly as her pants attested to long, luscious legs. She was definitely built to give a man a night’s pleasure. He unconsciously licked his lips. Just the thought of her beneath him made his mouth water and sent instant shivers through his body. It had been a long time since he reacted to someone so quickly. And even then, never like this.

  He knew his reaction wasn’t lust, or rather wasn’t just lust. In his profession he knew the subtle and not-so-subtle differences. His immediate reaction was telling: sweaty palms, surge of desire and passion, physical arousal, accelerated heart beat and emotional yearning. It was a classic textbook scenario and according to everything he knew scientifically, was completely impossible. Still it was what he felt.

  He had been waiting for his turn to go inside. Leaning back against the side panel, he was far enough out of sight to observe her at his leisure. She seemed to be in her late twenties or very early thirties and she was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman he’d seen in a long time. He feasted his eyes on her stunning features for a few more moments then had every intent
ion of stepping out and making himself known. But he didn’t, at least not yet.

  She walked slowly, casually, as if she had all the time in the world. Quinn took a deep breath then exhaled slowly as an admiring glint sparked in his eyes. His body tightened again. He was riveted to every move she made as he watched her glide near then stop. She read the first book cover poster, smiled, then stopped at the second, third and fourth. The closer she got the more stunning she appeared. She was definitely a tourist, and she wasn’t the kind of woman he’d easily forget if he’d seen her before.

  When she got to the fifth poster, she was directly across from him. She was so intent on reading each poster, she never saw him standing there. He looked down the full length of her body and shook his head, admiring. This was one woman he had to meet. He pushed away from the wall and slowly walked up behind her. She still hadn’t noticed him. He heard her chuckle as she tilted her head, obviously reading the cover copy. “Okay, Dr. Love, so how do I seduce a complete stranger?” she said quietly, apparently thinking she was alone. He smiled and answered.

  Shay followed Alona’s simple directions: a left, a right and then keep straight. But instead of keeping straight she made another left seeing a large open area to the side. It was empty except for several book cover posters set up on easels beside a series of cloth-covered tables. They were lined up at attention like soldiers between each table. She speculated this must have been the registration area for the conference. She looked around quickly to make sure there was no one around. Then she walked the length of the area, stopping to read each poster in turn.

  She shook her head after reading the first one and then stepped to the next one and continued on to the last. Then she looked down the line, reading each title in turn, The Process of Romance, The Secrets of Sensuality, Unlocking Your Passion, Freeing Your Fantasies and finally, The Sensual Seduction. Each was more outrageous than the last. The last one proclaimed to reveal the secrets of romance. She chuckled to herself at the absurdity of its claim. There were no secrets.

  But these were the books that made Bruce dump her. In hindsight, she wasn’t sure if she should thank the good doctor or not. Being dumped was hurtful, but having Bruce as a boyfriend wasn’t exactly a laugh a minute. He was needy and immature. Not exactly qualities for a long lasting relationship. Why they had stayed together for so long was beyond her. Perhaps it was because she was away eighty percent of the time.

  Her eyes narrowed as she squinted and tilted her head to read the last poster again. Maybe she should pick up a copy. Then she remembered Jade’s suggestion of having a vacation affair with a stranger. She chuckled to herself, wondering if she could really do it. Why not? If they were strangers and neither gave their names, it might be fun and certainly an experience to remember. Besides that, she would be gone first thing in the morning and she’d never have to see her fantasy lover again.

  One night only. The idea made her giggle. It was a sneaky, sexy, tempting thought. All she needed now was the perfect stranger and perhaps a few pointers. “Okay, Dr. Love, so how do I seduce a complete stranger?” she muttered rhetorically.

  “You start by saying hi.”

  A deep, sexy voice had shattered the stilled silence and made her jump. Shay gasped and turned quickly. The instant she saw him her stomach dropped and her heart jumped twice in less than a second. She felt as if she’d just hit zero gravity. Her head seemed to spin and everything around her went hazy, except for him. He was brilliantly crystal clear. Everything else faded into the background.

  A second later her heart sped up like a snare drum and she was sure she had stopped breathing. Have mercy. He was definitely the perfect stranger. He was over six feet tall, well built and too gorgeous. To call him eye candy was an understatement. She smiled. Yes indeed, he was exactly what she needed, the perfect stranger. “You scared me.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Hi,” she said, as a million thoughts zipped through her mind. She could get right to the point and rip his clothes off right here, right now. She smiled at the scandalous thought, having more merit than not. She really was wanting.

  “Hi,” he answered.

  Neither spoke for the next few seconds. They just stood looking at each other. She released a long, steady exhale, realizing she had forgotten to breathe again. Goose pimples rose on her skin as a very wicked, sexy smile graced his full lips. She knew exactly what he was thinking. She was thinking the same thing. She looked down, first to his broad shoulders, and then to his massive chest and narrow waist. “Are you here for the Dr. Love conference?” she finally asked, finding her voice.

  “Yes, are you?” he asked.

  “No, actually I was just curious.”

  “Have you read any of the books?” he added.

  “No, I’m not a big fan of self-help books.”

  “I believe they’re a bit more than just self-help.”

  “Really, then maybe I’ll try one.”

  “This one is an excellent read,” he said, glancing down at the cover to the fifth poster. “The Sensual Seduction,” he read the title then turned back to her. His eyes focused and penetrated deep into hers. “It explores the many masterful techniques of seduction while extrapolating specific details of the interaction.”

  She smiled wryly. It was pure psychobabble of course, but this time she didn’t mind. Just watching his lips move was sending her body on a physical and emotional roller coaster. Usually more restrained, she found herself itching to touch him. Boldly, she did just that. She touched the side of his face. Just as she imagined, it was firm, strong and soft.

  As her hand dropped slowly, he captured it, drawing her to take a step closer. They were standing toe-to-toe. She looked up into his eyes. Kissing him right now was tempting. But instead she smiled. She liked the idea of making him wait. “Really,” she said instead.

  He nodded slowly. “Maybe you can tell me about it over dinner.”

  “Are you asking me out?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, then yes, I’d like that,” he said.

  “Wait. Are you married, engaged or otherwise attached?”

  “No.”

  She believed him and nodded. “Good.”

  They paused another few seconds before each stepped back. Then he glanced around her at the door behind the poster. “I need to go inside. Are you coming?”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. You enjoy.”

  Shay watched as he walked over to the door and grabbed the handle. Before pulling it open he turned back to her. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves,” he said.

  She shook her head. “Not necessary. Why spoil all the fun?”

  He smiled that sexy smile she saw earlier then nodded and stepped inside. A second later it hit her that she needed to find out where they would meet for dinner. She was just about to follow him inside when she heard someone call her name. “Ms. Daniels.” She turned. It was Alona.

  “There you are. I’m glad I caught up with you. Your room for the evening is ready. I’ve already had your luggage delivered. Also, I found an excellent hotel in the city of Tucson for you. It’s only a few miles away. They had a last-minute cancellation, so I reserved the room for you. They’re holding it, but we need to get back to them immediately. So if you’ll come with me, we can complete the transaction.”

  “Great,” Shay said, delighted to have found an alternate place so soon. She turned, noting that the stranger had gone inside and not come out. She turned again and followed Alona back to the reception desk.

  It took a few minutes to complete the arrangements. The hotel room was confirmed and Serenity would see that her luggage was delivered the next day. She thanked Alona and headed out. But instead of going to her suite, she went back to the open area to make dinner plans with her perfect stranger.

  Then she heard joyous laughter coming from behind closed doors. She walked behind the table and quietly opened one of the salon doors and slipped inside. She wanted to know exact
ly who Dr. Love really was.

  The tête-à-tête was nice. He was still smiling when he stepped inside. It was sexy, seductive, provocative and most certainly arousing. She had stimulated every nerve in his body. He was attracted to her the instant he saw her, then speaking with her confirmed everything else he needed to know at that point. She was intelligent, challenging and audacious, the perfect candidate. She could certainly hold her own. Unfortunately, he was so distracted by her touch that he’d lost his train of thought. It didn’t occur to him until a minute after he walked inside that they hadn’t firmed their dinner plans. He quickly stepped out again. But now it was too late. She was gone. He went back inside. It was time to go to work.

  Chapter 3

  As soon as Dr. Quinn Anderson was introduced and walked into the main room, the audience stood with joyous applause. He smiled and waved graciously as he headed to the front stage. He shook his manager’s hand then waved again. Applause rang out louder as he attached the cordless microphone to his silk tie. It was always a pleasure being home and doing what he enjoyed.

  He greeted the assembled attendees and thanked them for accepting the challenge he put before them that weekend. They applauded. He asked them to remember what they learned and take just a moment to open their minds to a new experience. They applauded again. He challenged them to go back to their loved ones and make them happy. This time the applause was overwhelming.

  Twenty minutes later he was ending the three-day conference with his customary charm and charisma. He posed scenerios and answered questions. The forum was unscripted and customarily, very informal. He smiled graciously as he walked around the room, mingling with the forum attendees. He nodded when needed and smiled when necessary. He was a pro when it came to this. It was part promotion and part sales with a larger part being the astute knowledge of human psychology. He was an expert in the field, with sex, seduction and romance being his specific specialties.