Once, they meant the world to each other—
Can they regain what they lost?
A chance encounter with Paula Starker is all entrepreneur Linus Brooks needs to try to win back the woman who was once his whole world. And where better to romance the sultry Philadelphia DA than a lush villa on a private tropical island? But before they can share a future, Linus will have to reveal his tragic secret...
ALTONYA WASHINGTON has been a romance novelist for fifteen years. She’s been nominated for numerous awards and is the winner of two RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Awards for her novels Finding Love Again and His Texas Touch. She won the Romance Slam Jam EMMA Award for her novel Indulge Me Tonight. AlTonya lives in North Carolina and works as a reference librarian. This author wears many hats, but being a mom is her favorite job.
Also By AlTonya Washington
As Good as the First Time
Every Chance I Get
Private Melody
Pleasure After Hours
Texas Love Song
His Texas Touch
Provocative Territory
Provocative Passion
Trust In Us
Indulge Me Tonight
Embrace My Heart
Treasure My Heart
Provocative Attraction
Silver Screen Romance
Seductive Memory
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk
Seductive Memory
AlTonya Washington
ISBN: 978-1-474-08630-1
SEDUCTIVE MEMORY
© 2018 AlTonya Washington
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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“Ready.” She considered the word.
Ready indicated it was only a matter of time. Linus’s words indicated that the time would never arrive. That was good, wasn’t it? She didn’t want the full truth, did she? She thought she didn’t before...and now—
“Tough break.”
Paula whirled to find Linus standing just a few feet behind her. His molten chocolate stare appeared more vibrant against the tropical morning sun as he, too, stared at the Idella disappearing around a bend in the bay.
“Guess they thought you wouldn’t make it,” he said.
“Wonder what would’ve given them that idea.”
Linus barely shrugged in response. Paula rolled her eyes as she resumed her study of the quiet waters.
“If you’re bummed about it,” he said, moving closer, “I’m sure we could arrange something.”
The offer made Paula smile. “I’m sure we could.” She averted her face so he couldn’t see her lashes flutter when he moved close to cup her hips.
“I’m not going to bed with you, L.” She swallowed around the ball of need suddenly occupying her throat.
“That’s the great thing about a place like this.” He didn’t seem discouraged by her decision. “There are all sorts of places we could substitute for a bed.”
Dear Reader,
We’re approaching the end of a long and wonderful road. I’ve been so fortunate to have you follow me on my journey with the cast of the Provocative series. I’ve enjoyed telling this story and introducing you to a group of Philadelphia powerhouses who joined forces to meet some pretty intense situations—the greatest among them falling in love.
I’m pleased to present Linus Brooks and Paula Starker in Seductive Memory. Much drama has settled in the worlds of these estranged lovers. Still, unspoken words and past regrets remain. To find the way back to the love they lost, Paula and Linus will have to shed their fears of facing the past and take hold of the desire still igniting between them.
I’ve enjoyed creating this world. Thank you for welcoming my stories and the characters who bring them to life.
Peace and Blessings Always,
AlTonya
altonya@lovealtonya.com
To my loyal readers, thank you for cheering me on. Your support over the years has meant the world to me.
Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
About the Author
Booklist
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
Dear Reader
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Extract
About the Publisher
Prologue
Costalegre, Mexico
The wedding plans had changed, and quite suddenly. The bride and groom had opted for an event with a lot less flash and dazzle than the bride’s mother would’ve liked. Still, no one could argue that the ceremony hadn’t been a perfect one.
Santigo Rodriguez and Sophia Hail had spoken their romantic and heartfelt vows amid tropical breezes scented by the variety of exotic flowers adorning the environment. The change in venue and time had been a gift of sorts from the bride’s sister and brother-in-law-to-be. Viva Hail and her fiancé, Rook Lourdess, had arranged a breathtaking escape that the bride and groom had eagerly accepted.
Flora of such splendid hues looked to have been skillfully shaded, as if from the colors of an artist’s palette. The flowers, brilliant as they were, simply enhanced the sky. To call it magnificent just didn’t seem to do it justice.
Paula Starker didn’t think there were any words that could describe the presence of something capable of instilling such an intense sensation of serenity. And she could use a little serenity just then. The vivid blue, dotted by blindingly white and puffy clouds, infused her bloodstream with calmness like a drug. Paula was eager to let it have its way.
Serenity—as much as she could get—would remain a necessity if she was expected to make it through the rest of the day. She hadn’t thought to ask Sophia how long a maid of honor was expected to hang around once the nuptials had concluded, especially when she had two. Viva had stood up with her sister as well.
Of course, such questions hadn’t occurred to her until she’d realized who else she’d be sharing the ceremonial stage with. She’d actually been enjoying—or at least relatively enjoying—herself. The ceremony, its locale and the weather were all beautiful. Here were the good things of life—love, beauty, relaxation—all rolled into one. Who could ask for more?
Well, for starters, not having the man she almost married watching her throughout the entire occasion might’ve been nice. It should’ve been easy to ignore him. Seriously though, what woman with working eyes could truly ignore Linus Brooks? Especially when he stood just over thirty feet away? One of the groom’s two best men, he epitomized tall, dark and stunning in linen trousers and a shirt as blindingly white as the clouds dotting the magnificent sky above.
He watched her with an unerring intensity that came across as just enough amusement and certainty. The look told Paula that he knew damn well the effect he was having on her. It didn’t take a psychic to know the direction of her thoughts when her eyes lingered on his shirt billowing against the strong breeze.
Linus Brooks was well over six feet of taut, licorice muscle. His lean frame flattered every stitch of clothing he wore. This shirt was no different in the way it beautifully contrasted with his skin tone, and accentuated a sleekly sculpted chest.
Oh, he knew what he was doing, alright. Paula focused on keeping her brooding to a minimum, which helped to keep her eyes off the man who’d once held her body and soul in the palm of his hand. The heated reminder almost knocked the wind out of her. Surprising, since it was a truth never all that far from memory. Regardless, it was a truth that evoked a reaction when in the presence of the one it involved.
Linus Brooks had been that one—the only man she had ever wanted. Standing within sight of him then, Paula feared he always would be.
* * *
Costalegre’s vibrant flowers and sky were rivaled strongly by its waters. Unending turquoise ran alongside the Pacific and had the ability to mesmerize onlookers with little effort. Paula was no exception. She had abandoned the lively beachfront reception not long after it had gotten underway. Though the sun was setting, it took nothing away from the brilliance of the day—in fact, it enhanced it. She’d already strolled along the shoreline, smiling as the water worked its way between her toes.
The maids of honor had been decked in linen, same as the best men. Sophia had selected baby doll dresses with capped sleeves and lace hems that were perfectly suited to the climate. The dress code forbade shoes, and Paula couldn’t have been happier. She moved into the water until the tranquil waves lapped the backs of her knees. Serenity had found its way deep into her bloodstream, such that she wasn’t too unsettled when his voice resonated above the quiet roar of the water.
“Some wedding,” Linus noted while he too enjoyed the unending turquoise before his eyes.
“Some wedding,” Paula managed, despite the violent stab of arousal his voice summoned.
“Tig and Sophie are already brainstorming ways to outdo this when they plan Rook and Viva’s wedding.”
Paula couldn’t help but smile over the news Linus shared. “When couples compete, their friends get caught in the middle.”
Linus grunted a laugh. “If the middle lands us here again, then I’m all for it.”
“Yeah.” Paula inhaled the pleasant air as she studied the sun making its way closer to the horizon.
“We should’ve been first.”
His words clipped her appreciation of the view. “What?” She shifted to face him, gasping when her gaze collided with his. It had been years since she’d looked so closely into it. His eyes were molten chocolate orbs that had a sensually jarring glint and sometimes reflected hints of amber. His gaze was seductively set beneath long, thick brows of sleek ebony. Stricken, Paula directed her glare toward his pant legs rolled clear of the water.
“You heard me.” Linus moved closer until he was taking Paula’s other hand. Her fist was clenched tight near her thigh. “We should’ve been first. You should be my wife, have a house full of my kids and another inside you—”
“Linus, stop.” She snatched her hand free and used it to cover her mouth. How long had it been since she’d spoken his name? “Don’t.” She hated the pleading quality she heard in her voice then.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
The determined tone of his voice had Paula looking up again. She couldn’t tell whether the apology spoke to their immediate conversation or to a situation long passed and best not revisited.
“It’s too late,” she said anyway. She couldn’t resist probing to see whether their past was on his mind too.
It was.
“Is it?” He left barely a sliver of space between them then.
“It’s a wedding, Linus. You’re just getting caught up in the moment,” Paula reasoned.
That was true. The moment was having its way with her as well. She wouldn’t be able to resist leaning into him if he stayed where he was for much longer. Her thoughts buzzed with memories of the way he used to feel—strong, safe, capable of pleasure she’d never found a match for—
“Ma’am?”
Snapping to, Paula turned to give a nod to the tall dark-suited man who’d interrupted. He said nothing further, only turned and left once she’d acknowledged him.
“Was that for my benefit?” Linus asked.
Again, Paula smiled at the laughter in his query.
“No.” She sighed. “I think we both know it’d take more than one member of my security team to have an effect on you. Anyway.” She glanced across her shoulder to find that they were alone again on the quiet stretch of beach. “There’s not much I can do without them, you know?”
Linus nodded. “One of the perks of being the district attorney,” he said, only cringing a little at her dig.
“And one of the few I’ll miss. He was just coming to let me know it’s time,” Paula explained before Linus could follow up his curious look with a question.
“That’s why I came to find you.” He nodded again, then said suddenly, as though remembering, “Sophie said you’re on your way back to Philly.”
“Yeah, um, they moved up the wedding date and threw me off schedule, so...” She shrugged. “Best I could do to make it work.”
“But you just got here last night.” A teasing light glimmered in his eyes. “Surely the DA can finagle a week off to celebrate her best friend’s wedding?”
“There’s a lot going on at the office.” Paula issued the response she’d gotten down pat with all Sophie’s begging for her to take more time as well. Truthfully speaking, it would’ve taken little more than her saying she’d be back when she got back if she’d wanted to “finagle” a week off or more.
She hadn’t wanted it, and the reason was standing right beside her.
“You know, I never got to tell you how proud I am of you,” Linus was saying, the pride he spoke of alive and well in his eyes. “You wanted DA and you got it.”
“Not bad for an opportunist, huh?”
“Paula—”
“But that’s not the word you used, was it?” She expected her words to have him stepping back.
Linus didn’t budge. “May I talk to you?”
“About what, Linus? The past? The fact that we should’ve been first and I should be spending my time having your babies? We aren’t them.” She threw a hand toward the general direction of the beachfront reception. “Love? Future? We already know what that turns into, don’t we?” She was the one stepping back then. “I already said my goodbyes.” She turned to leave.
He blocked her way. “Don’t you want to know why?”
“I did.” Paula swallowed past a rising sob and silently celebrated the accomplishment. “I did when I was that heartbroken little girl, confused and shattered by the guy I would’ve killed for if he’d asked me to.”
With a resigned shake of her head, she backed off a few more steps.
“I’m not the girl you knew, Linus. She’s gone. You saw to that.”
Chapter 1
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Three Weeks Later
“Maxton says the place will inspire our creativity.” Elias Joss’s piercing blue-green stare held a mix of doubt and curiosity as he observed the eight-by-eleven glossy in hand. The square work table before him carried several more of the aerial prints.
“Creativity, huh?” Santigo Rodriguez’s gold-flecked dark gaze harbored similar doubt, which was laced with humor instead of curiosity. “Where’s this villa he mentioned?”
Frowning slightly, Eli leaned over the table and upended another of the gold-toned folders that carried an additional sheaf of glossy images. “Here we go,” he said.
Tig’s light honey-toned face brightened with approval of the villa displayed in full color. It was tucked away on its own island a few miles from Finley Cay in The Bahamas.
“Now this is more like it,” Tig breathed, as if awestruck. “Yeah... I could see myself getting very creative in there.”
“Damn right.” Eli’s voice carried the same awe-filled chord. He had reached for one of the glossies as well and studied the immortalized image with distinct appreciation. “You thinkin’ what I am?”
“I am, if you’re thinkin’ our work should be mixed with a few weeks of unadulterated playtime.” Satisfied, Tig reclined in the wide ladder-backed chair to shuffle through a few more of the prints.
“Then it looks like our thoughts are one, my friend.” Eli helped himself to a few prints from Tig’s stack.
“I even have my playmate in mind.” Tig’s murmured words carried across the room.
“So do I,” Eli murmured in return.
The snort that followed had both men looking toward the far end of the table.
“What?” Tig queried in reaction to the glare Linus sent his way.
“You’re serious here?” Linus’s expression reflected amused disbelief. “I could swear you just got back from two weeks of unadulterated playtime with your playmate.”
“We’re newlyweds, Line.” Tig sighed matter-of-factly while giving a lazy stretch. “It’s my duty as a husband to keep my wife in bed for the better part of the next two years at least.”
“Good to know you take your vows seriously,” Linus noted while Eli chuckled.
Again, Tig sighed. “It’s an exhausting job, but I’ll survive somehow.”
Linus’s quick grimace sent the hint of a dimple flashing in his cheek. “You know Maxton will expect us to get just a little work done?” he said.
“See? This is why you’re their favorite.”
“I’m everyone’s favorite,” Linus countered. “Without me, they don’t get through the front door to the two of you.”
“And here they are, already through the front door, and you’re still their go-to guy because you keep us all on the straight and narrow.”
It was true. Linus’s outspoken nature and often biting wit had built him a respected name. Instead of clients shying away from his frequently intimidating persona, they appreciated the integrity that accompanied it.
“Line’s right.” Eli sobered. “Besides brainstorming ideas to turn this villa—and the island it sits on—into a worthwhile resort, we’ve got a stack of potential projects to decide on.”
Expressions on the three handsome faces in the room grew distinctly downcast. The partners of Joss Construction eyed the rust-colored accordion folder they’d been avoiding. Secured by a rubber band, the folder was fat with potential groundbreakers.
Joss was among a very select few in the construction business that rarely put in bids for jobs. The luxury of clients seeking them out for first refusals was one they’d worked very hard to acquire. Linus, Elias and Santigo had already taken preliminary meetings concerning each proposal. They had yet to decide which ones to add to an already robust lineup. Of course, being busy was nothing new for the talented trio.
Joss Construction was Elias’s inheritance, but his friends shared equally in the partnership. The three—friends since before they could talk—had taken Evan Joss’s brainchild and carried it to even greater heights of success and respect. While Elias believed that his late father would’ve never admitted he’d been surpassed in the business, he knew the man could never have argued it as fact.
Still, despite the partners’ notable accomplishments, clients who offered tropical escapes to exclusive, fully furnished villas on private islands in The Bahamas didn’t come around every day.
“Is it just me or does it seem like Line isn’t comprehending all the fringe benefits of this getaway?”
“He’s just stressing over which of his many playmates to bring.”
Tig laughed over Eli’s remark. “Not to worry, Line. According to the list of amenities, the place is segmented into ten suites. You can bring at least two of your playmates.”
“At least,” Eli agreed.
“We can’t forget Bark though. He’ll need a place to tuck away one of his guests.” Tig referred to another close friend from the before-they-could-talk stage, Barker Grant.
“Bark isn’t all that showy.” Eli smirked. “Most likely he’ll be content with just one playmate. Line’s in a whole different league.”
“Hell yeah, he is.” Tig smiled, nodding. “Alright, Line, if B’s good with one guest, you can bring upwards of four lucky beauties. Tucked away in their own suites, everyone should be happy.”
Eli grinned, and it seemed as though full-blown laughter would soon follow. Linus muttered an obscenity as he pushed back from the table. The movement diffused the good vibes circulating the room. Linus left without another word. The door slamming at his back sent frowns passing between his friends.
“Something I said?” Tig queried.
Eli shook his head, gaze still fixed on the conference room door. “No different than usual. We always give him grief about all the women he juggles.”
“Yeah.” Tig set aside the villa photos, having lost interest in them. “Guess there comes a time when a joke’s been told too many times.”
“Mmm... I don’t think that’s it though.” Eli’s gaze was still on the door. “Line’s seemed...off for a while now. I noticed it when we got back from Cortina for your wedding.”
“From Rook’s place?” Tig referenced the home their friend kept in the small Italian province. “Think we should talk to him?” Tig shrugged at the skeptical look he got in return.
“You really want to do that while his temper is up?” Eli mused.
“Right.” Tig wagged a finger in the air. “We’ll wait ’til he’s cooler.”
Both men were well aware that a temper surge from Linus Brooks could be akin to setting a lit match to gasoline. They knew the man had made great strides in controlling the darkness when it took hold. They were also smart enough to know better than to tempt fate.
“Right,” Elias said in response to Tig’s suggestion. “We’ll wait.”
Boston, Massachusetts
Caught up in the moment. That’s all it’d been. That’s all it could ever be.
Paula Starker massaged her temples and then drew her fingers through the plump dark ringlets that covered her head in a flirty bob. Silently, she ordered the words to take hold of her psyche and convince her of their truth.
Linus had just been caught up in the moment; that’s where all his...insane talk had come from. She began to tap her fingers to her forehead to convince the idea to take root. She couldn’t quite make it stick, and knew the girl inside her was to blame. That was what happened when a woman went to war with the girl she’d been.
Paula had been sensing that girl—her former self—creeping closer to the surface of her consciousness ever since she’d seen Linus at the hospital following Sophie’s accident during her investigation of a previous case. All it had taken was a look from him to have the girl clamoring back to the surface. When he’d taken her hand to shake it, the girl had nearly swooned.
Paula couldn’t begrudge the girl her desires. More than anything, she wanted to give in to them too. The woman in her though...the woman was who she was now. Back then, the woman had swept in heroically to save the girl from being consumed by waves of self-pity. While the girl had only cared about being back in the arms of Linus Brooks, the woman had wanted to know why Linus Brooks had crushed her heart and left it to rot.
“Stop!” Paula gave a violent shake of her head. She was making too much of this now. Besides, she’d pretty much set him straight before storming off that beach in Mexico anyway.
The woman wanted answers, but she was also just fine with keeping things as they were. Yes, she deserved answers about the night things had changed between them so long ago. If she got them though...if she got them and her heart melted for him again... Paula knew neither the girl nor the woman would survive that kind of hurt twice in a lifetime.
Resting her head against the seat back, Paula studied the house at the top of the long winding brick drive.
“Hope you’ve got some words of wisdom, Professor B.” She sighed and rolled her window down to speak into the callbox outside the iron gates securing the home of Dr. Miranda Bormann, Esquire. Paula’s former professor and mentor had been her go-to source for answers to life’s most perplexing questions.
Paula sure hoped the woman hadn’t lost her knack for issuing excellent advice.
* * *
She ascended the wide front steps with more confidence than appreciation. Paula knew her confidence was most likely due to the fact that Miranda Bormann had been the one to reach out to request a visit. While Paula had kept healthy contact with her favorite professor over the years, she was usually the one to connect with offers to get together for dinner or a quick chat over afternoon tea, or coffee as it were.
She smiled, flexing her fingers around the handle of the paper bag she carried. The package contained a tin of Bormann’s favorite French roast. As district attorney of a major city, it had been difficult for Paula to keep to a consistent schedule of visits, but she made a tremendous effort.
It was nice to be visiting by Bormann’s invitation, rather than by her own request. Still, the technicalities didn’t change the fact that Paula was in need of serious mentoring just then. Her troubled past and recent encounter with Linus Brooks weren’t the only things wreaking havoc on her mind now.
Paula was poised to ring the bell when the broad pine door opened before her. She laughed, surprised and delighted to be met by the hostess herself.
Miranda Bormann personified what it meant to retire well. One reason was because the woman considered herself a lifelong student. She’d taken to acquiring firsthand knowledge of the world around her once she’d resigned from her tenure as a renowned law professor. The various LISTSERVs and web groups Paula subscribed to often reported on what hidden corner of the world Bormann had travelled to.
Understated elegance was the phrase that often followed a mention of Miranda Bormann’s name. Her papers and lectures also graced the shelves of some of the finest libraries in the world.
Bormann, however, was no diva. She was happy whether she was speaking over commencement exercises at a major university or working tirelessly in her greenhouse or outdoor flower garden. When the woman answered the door now, it was obvious she’d been getting her hands dirty.
“Looks like I’m dressed for work.” Paula spread her hands to indicate her worn jeans, sneakers and the lightweight sweatshirt under her jacket.
“For a change,” Miranda Bormann scoffed, but her sky-blue eyes were sparkling playfully as she assessed the younger woman’s attire. “It’s usually Prada or Gucci with you. Get in here.” Bormann pulled Paula into a tight embrace, which was followed by a cheek kiss.
“You always said clothes make the woman,” Paula noted when they pulled apart and she presented Bormann with the coffee.
“Ooh!” the noted professor cooed. She sniffed inside the bag as though the aroma of the freshly ground beans was wafting from the can.
“Nooo,” she said, her freckled nose scrunching in disagreement to Paula’s words. “I said perfectly pressed clothes make the woman. Invest in a good iron, and folks won’t know whether you’re in Coco Chanel or JC Penney. Now let’s see if this tastes as good as it smells.” Bormann hugged the bag close and led the way from the foyer.
“I was surprised to get your call,” Paula said as she followed. “I’m usually the one bugging you for a visit.”
“You never bug me! You keep me spry!” Bormann declared as she took the long corridor to her kitchen at a speed that had Paula sprinting to keep up.
“Glad to hear that.”
Bormann’s quick steps slowed, and she turned to eye Paula speculatively. “What’s that tone?”
Paula shrugged. “Life stuff.”
The playful sparkle in Bormann’s eyes turned sly. “A young man?”
Paula laughed. “We aren’t so young anymore.”
Bormann stuck out her tongue. “You’re a baby. Hank and I broke up four times before we were married and made a go of it for fifty-two years.” She raised thin, perfectly arched brows.
Again, Paula laughed. “It’s complicated.”
“It always is, my love.” Bormann turned and continued her trek down the corridor. “So...young man troubles and? Anything more to go on the day’s agenda?” She breezed into the airy kitchen that looked to be half the size of a football field.
Paula took her place on one of the cushioned high-back stools dotting the long wood-grained island that separated the cooking space from a cozy breakfast nook and sunken den area. “The rest is about work.”
“New case?” Bormann asked while scanning the labeling on the coffee tin.
“No.” Paula focused on the invisible design she traced into the island top. “And I’m thinking about keeping it that way.”
Bormann looked every bit the hard-nosed professor then as she eyed her former student. She set down the coffee tin and moved closer to Paula at the island. “Keeping it that way as District Attorney Paula Starker, or Paula Starker, Esquire?”
Pulsuz fraqment bitdi.