Marooned With the Millionaire Read online

  Evernight Publishing

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2013 Sandra Bunino

  ISBN: 978-1-77130-356-9

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: JS Cook

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To strong women and the heroes who love them.

  MAROONED WITH THE MILLIONAIRE

  Sandra Bunino

  Copyright © 2013

  Chapter One

  A crack of thunder startled Jason Royce from deep thought as he stared into his short glass of bourbon at the hotel’s bar.

  “Señor Royce, you’re quiet tonight, is everything okay?” asked Carlos, the hotel’s bartender.

  Jason looked up from his glass and gave Carlos a small smile. “Yeah, Carlos, everything’s fine, although I wish this storm would move out to sea. The grand opening of the Pearl Del Mar is in a couple of weeks, and I’m worried about the schedule. I have a new project breaking ground in Salt Lake City a month from now, and I’ll need to move my operations over there soon.”

  “I’m sure it will blow over, just like all the other storms we get here in Miami this time of year.” Carlos’ eyes flitted to the lounge entrance. “I haven’t seen Miss Jessica yet during your stay. Is she here with you?”

  Jason tipped the glass to his lips and swallowed the last of the liquor. “No, I’m afraid you won’t see Jessica here again. At least not with me.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, señor,” Carlos said and poured more golden liquid into Jason’s glass.

  Jessica. Young and beautiful was always a dangerous combination as far as Jason was concerned. Jess had him convinced she was not with him for his money, and he actually believed her. Maybe it was wishful thinking, or he simply let his guard down. That was until a few weeks ago when he came home early from a business trip and caught her in bed with their personal trainer, Rex. Personal trainer my ass. He cursed the decision to hire Rex, not to mention the thousands of dollars of state of the art gym equipment he bought. He’d just wanted to make her happy and comfortable after she moved into his Seattle mansion two months ago. Jessica burned him, big time. If walking into his bedroom and catching them in the act wasn’t bad enough, what hurt him most was she didn’t even try to explain or ask for forgiveness. Jessica simply packed all of the clothes, jewelry, designer shoes and handbags he’d bought her and left. She even withdrew every dime from their joint checking account without a word. Cold. That was the only word to describe her actions.

  Jason pledged to swear off women, at least until he could cool down and clear his head. But Jason was a sucker for high heels and the staccato clickety-clack of heels sounding through the lobby easily distracted him from his conversation with Carlos. Swiveling in his barstool, he first spotted those sexy black stilettos. His eyes wandered up her toned calves to her tight linen skirt. Since she was facing the elevator, he leisurely admired the way her skirt hugged her tight ass. Did he just imagine the outline of thong panties through her skirt? He needed to know more.

  “Excuse me, Carlos.”

  Walking toward the mysterious woman, his glance traveled up to glossy, thick, dark hair that flowed down her back as she animatedly talked on the phone. She was sexy from behind, and he wasn’t disappointed when he approached her at the elevator. She was taller than he expected, probably just about six feet in those heels. Her linen suit showed off her curvy body. She was preoccupied with her conversation, so he used the opportunity to admire the way her silk blouse tugged around her full breasts as she moved. He curiously wondered about her story. She was definitely a high maintenance woman. Rich housewife? No, she carried a laptop bag and was in the middle of a business conversation. He was even more intrigued.

  ****

  “Rick, I’ve told you why I like staying here, I just need a break from the pharma crowd. You know I’m not into the after-hours drinking and partying scene at the Convention Center hotel,” Stephanie Thomas explained to her boss, shaking her head.

  Her job as a pharmaceutical rep involved extensive travel and as she panned the lobby, she smiled in appreciation of her find. “My hard work paid off. You should see this place. It’s beautiful, quiet and relaxing, just what I need right now.”

  Rick called her a “Google Goddess” because her favorite past time was researching hotels near her business meeting locations. She took pride in finding obscure accommodations with understated elegance.

  “Just be forewarned, Rick. If the next three deals go like this one, I’m staying another night on you!” Stephanie laughed. “Yeah, I didn’t think you would mind too much.”

  Downtime was important to Stephanie. These trips provided her an outlet to wind down from the everyday stress of her job and personal life. Not that she had much of a life outside of her job recently. Her divorce finalized only the month before, and she was still reeling from the experience. This was a much-needed retreat to decompress if only for a few days. Her chosen oasis for this particular stop in Miami was The Hotel Del Santos off Ocean Drive. The Del Santos, only steps away from the white sandy beaches of Miami’s South Beach, had her attention from the second she laid eyes on the website. Its inviting old world charm welcomed visitors to the front patio with potted ferns and tropical flowers. The lobby’s expansive windows showcased the beautiful wood moldings and ornate chandeliers that cast soft shadows on its high ceilings.

  “I’m about to get into the elevator now. I’ll send you the specifics when I get up to my room.” The account was a big win for her, and she was excited about what the new business would do for her sales numbers. She poked the “Up” button of the hotel’s elevator with a manicured finger.

  An angry crack of thunder boomed, and a flash of lightning lit the entire lobby. The chandeliers all flickered in unison as the elevator doors opened. Swearing under her breath, she looked down at her three-inch heels and considered walking up the six flights of stairs to her room.

  “Hey, is it okay to take the elevator in this storm?” Stephanie called to the front desk clerk who nodded and gave her a small wave.

  A night stuck in the elevator was not in her plan. She debated for a moment about walking up barefoot when she heard a low voice to her right.

  “How about we chance it together?”

  She spun around to see the source of those words that washed over her like a slow-moving current. Stephanie’s breath caught when she turned toward the source of the silky voice. A man stood before her with his eyebrows raised as if he were waiting for an answer. He appeared out of nowhere; surely she would have noticed him in the lobby. Dark stubble covered his chiseled cheekbones below dangerous blue eyes. Stephanie’s heart raced, while she imagined her fingers combing through his dark wavy hair. Stop it! She shook her head slightly, hoping the action would rid her mind of thoughts that were relighting embers in her belly. An angel and a devil sat on her shoulders: one said kick off those heels and walk up all of those damn flights of stairs, but the other told her to take him up on the offer. The devil was winning. Hell, the front desk attendant didn’t foresee an issue with the elevator, so why should she?

  Stephanie’s eyes narrowed, careful not to give him any indication of the attraction she felt, even though his dark hair and tanned complexi
on made her insides turn to mush. There was something about his presence that made her feel sexy. She couldn’t make sense of the feeling. Heat coursed through her veins and straight down to her core. How could a stranger have that effect on her? I’ve got to start dating. I’m turning into a horny mess. She hurried into the elevator and pushed the button for the sixth floor. He followed closely behind, slid his key into the PH slot at the top and pushed the button.

  Waiting for the elevator to arrive at her floor, she wondered if he was checking her out. Looking down to brush her hand over an imaginary piece of thread on her skirt, she stole a glance to her left. Mr. Sex on a Stick looked straight ahead with a smug look on his face. Ah, one of those—good looking, rich and arrogant as hell. Doubts of her decision to board the elevator entered her head as the car painstakingly climbed the floors. The elevator’s floor display slowly changed from 2 to 3 when the lights flickered and the car screeched to a stop. Stephanie screamed in terror when the floor lurched from her footing and all went dark. The elevator car only dropped about an inch or so, but it alarmed her enough for her purse and laptop to slip from her hands as she attempted to stabilize herself against the wall.

  “Oh my God, we’re going to die,” she choked, on the verge of tears.

  “Sweetheart, we’re not going to die. We’re stopped between the second and third floor. The front desk knows we’re in here, just calm down and for God’s sake, please don’t scream again.” His voice poured out slow and deep, like honey.

  How could he be so calm and smug at a time like this? “Let’s just get one thing clear here: you stay where you are. I swear, if you take one step toward me, I’ll kick your ass. I know self-defense.” Stephanie tried to muster as much authority as possible and cursed her shaky voice.

  “I’m sure you can kick my ass. Those heels you have on are lethal. Not to worry, I don’t need to hold a woman captive. They come to me quite freely, if you know what I mean.”

  “Oh wonderful, I’m stuck in here with an asshole.”

  He simply laughed as the elevator shimmied.

  Tears streamed down her face and Stephanie screamed again.

  “Oh, God, you really are upset. Shit.” His voiced softened. “Listen, here’s what you need to do. Sit down.”

  Stephanie slid down the wall into a back corner.

  “Okay, now with your knees up, lean forward and take deep breaths,” He said as she tried to stifle a whimper, which came out like a sob.

  “Shit,” he said under his breath. “I’m going to come and sit next to you, okay? No sudden movements. I don’t want to be impaled by a heel.”

  “Don’t do me any favors,” she said in barely a whisper. “I’m fine,”

  “You’re not fine,” he said as he slid down next to her on her left. Warm hands encircled hers, and she immediately felt just a little safer.

  “That’s it, deep breaths in and out. Now, what’s your name?”

  “Stephanie,” she said between deep breaths.

  “Nice to meet you, Stephanie. I’m Jason.”

  He placed one arm around her shoulders and held her hand with the other. His warm, hulking presence was indeed comforting, she admitted. As she continued her deep breathing, she became increasingly aware of the warmth that emanated from his body. His musky scent, a mixture of cologne and fresh ocean air, calmed her nerves.

  “Better?” he asked softly. His mouth was just inches from her ear.

  “Yes, thanks,” she answered breathlessly, turning toward his voice.

  “Is your husband here at the hotel with you?”

  “Husband?”

  “Yeah, you’re wearing a ring.” He rubbed the wedding band on her left hand that she still wore while traveling.

  In her line of business, clients and vendors constantly hit on her. The ring dissuaded advances, at least to a degree. “Oh—um, no, he’s not.”

  “Really? He left a pretty thing like you alone in South Beach?”

  Stephanie stiffened and pulled her hand away. “I’m okay now. You can go back to your corner.”

  Jason removed his arm from her shoulder, but didn’t move from his spot next to her. “All right sweetheart, did I say something wrong?”

  “Do you treat all women like objects? I’m here on business, actually. In fact, I travel all over the country for my job. Alone. I don’t need a husband, or any other man for that matter, to accompany me. I’m fine on my own.” The heat rose in her face, and she was thankful he couldn’t see her flushed complexion.

  Silence took over the dark elevator car for a few moments until she heard Jason inhale and exhale slowly.

  “You’re right, what I said was uncalled for. Please forgive me.” His voice softened.

  “Yeah, whatever,” she called out in the darkness.

  He cleared his throat. “Seriously. I know I can act like a pompous jerk sometimes. I misjudged you, Stephanie. Please accept my apology.”

  Stephanie opened her mouth to respond when she heard a voice below.

  “Hello! We’ll have you out in a moment!”

  The car shook and Stephanie held her breath as the elevator slowly descended and finally came to a halt. A faint light came from the space between the two doors and grew brighter as the doors were pried open. Stephanie was never so happy to see two handymen in her life. Jumping to her feet, she grabbed her laptop and purse as she thanked her rescuers. One of the men held his hand out and helped her step out into the lobby. “It’s so good to be out of there! I’ll stick to the stairs from now on,” she joked as she headed toward the staircase.

  “Stephanie?” Even though he voiced a question, his commanding inflection caused her to stop in her tracks.

  Turning on her heels, her gaze landed on Jason standing outside of the elevator. Damn! To her dismay, her heart fluttered just looking at him. She raised her eyebrows, giving him her best ‘what the hell do you want now?’ look.

  “Have a drink with me. It’s the least I can do, and I think you need something to calm your nerves.” He countered with his million-dollar smile.

  “I need to go upstairs and e-mail my boss.”

  “The power is still out and judging by my phone, there’s no cell service either. You won’t be able to send an e-mail now, I’m afraid.”

  Stephanie scanned the candlelit lobby. She was so thrilled to be out of the elevator that she hadn’t noticed the lights were still out, or that the entire hotel’s main entrance was beautifully illuminated by candlelight. Waiting out the power outage in the bar was a more attractive option than walking six flights of stairs, only to sit in a dark room.

  Stephanie sighed. “Okay. Fine. One drink,” she said, walking past him toward the hotel lounge.

  Chapter Two

  Just like the lobby, the cozy lounge was basked in flickering candlelight. Low tea lights lined the bar and votive candles of varying sizes sat on the baby grand piano where the pianist played Stephanie’s favorite Billy Joel song. Stephanie placed her bags under the bar as Jason pulled out a barstool. She slid into the seat and ordered a pomegranate martini.

  “Beer for me, Carlos,” Jason said and sat next to Stephanie.

  “Señor Royce, I understand Miss Thomas and you were stuck in the elevator for a while. You okay?”

  “Yes, we’re fine. A little shaken, but fine.” He smiled at Stephanie.

  “Mr. Martin had to leave but he said your drinks are on the house tonight, for your trouble.” Carlos shook Stephanie’s martini and poured it into the glass on the bar.

  “Mr. Martin?” Stephanie asked, lifting her drink.

  Jason picked up the bottle Carlos placed in front of him and clinked the neck lightly to the rim of Stephanie’s glass. “Here’s to hurricane season in Miami. Max Martin. He owns the Del Santos.”

  “Seems like you spend a lot of time here?”

  “I have business nearby; the Del Santos is one of my favorite places to stay.”

  “I’m surprised you don’t go to the Ritz Carlton. Isn’t that
more your speed?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

  Jason chuckled. “I love hotels like this. The charm, elegance and magic of the Del Santos are hard to reproduce. So, tell me about this job of yours that has you traveling all over the country.”

  As Carlos continued refilling their drinks, they talked at length about her job as a pharmaceutical rep and some of the funny events she experienced in different cities. She actually enjoyed Jason’s company. He was sincere and attentive, not the same cocky personality she observed just a short time ago in the elevator. They talked and laughed comfortably with one another for at least an hour.

  “I don’t understand something, Jason. You were so arrogant and cocky when we first met, but you’re so different now. Why?”

  “You want the truth?”

  “Of course.”

  “This may come out sounding really awful, and I don’t want to go back to asshole status with you, but I’m just used to acting that way around beautiful women. You see, most of the women I meet at bars and hotels really don’t want to know me. They want to have a good time, allow me to spend a lot of money on them, and then we go our separate ways. It’s a game and I play my part.”

  Stephanie looked straight ahead as he spoke. She understood why he felt the way he did because she knew women like that. Most of Stephanie’s friends were single and plenty of them searched out good-looking rich men, especially when they were away from home. They loved to tell her tales of their incredible, sexy trysts and even one-nighters. She had a girlfriend that swore by them. She could hear her say, “You just don’t know what you’re missing, Stef. Sometimes you just need to blow off steam with a random hottie. Get it out of your system. No strings attached.”