Love in San Francisco ; Unconditionally Read online

  LOVE IN SAN FRANCISCO

  For foundation director Ellie Hamilton, dancing with gorgeous Blake Thorn at a charity ball means gambling with heartache. She can’t reveal the part she played in changing his life. Manager of the House of Thorn’s San Francisco store, Blake avoids commitment since a tragic accident, but Ellie’s an intriguing challenge. Their nights are filled with passionate discovery...but can love withstand the truth?

  UNCONDITIONALLY

  Meghan Gaines’s unorthodox teaching style has nothing in common with by-the-book English professor Leo Wolfe. Yet electricity crackles between them. When their mutual desire finally erupts, it’s even hotter than Meghan dreamed. Though pitted against each other at work, they’re perfectly in sync in the bedroom. But the secret Leo’s been keeping has the power to drive a rift between them for good...

  Shirley Hailstock

  and

  Janice Sims

  Love in San Francisco & Unconditionally

  Table of Contents

  Love in San Francisco by Shirley Hailstock

  Unconditionally by Janice Sims

  Excerpt from A Taste of Passion by Chloe Blake

  Love in San Francisco

  Shirley Hailstock

  “I’ve dreamed of holding you like this since the gala,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

  They had danced together, but Ellie didn’t think this was the time to remind him of that.

  Then his face blurred as it came closer to hers. Her eyelids fluttered closed as Blake’s mouth touched hers. His lips were soft, seeking, teasing. He moved his head from one side to the other, kissing her on the left and right of her mouth. Ellie could feel the heat rising in her face, feel the pounding of her heart. Her neck and ears were hot enough to melt. And the wind must have picked up, because she suddenly heard it roaring.

  Ellie’s arms circled Blake’s neck, and her body melted into his. His arms banded her waist, then traveled smoothly up her back. His mouth crushed hers as if it was hungry for the sweetness only she could provide. Desire and wonder flooded through her as something so elemental, so right, pulsed within her. She’d been kissed before. But she’d wanted Blake to kiss her. It was their first, although she was unsure if there would ever be a second. But this was not a first kiss, not an initiation or a getting-to-know-you sampling of need. This was an elemental consummation of a brand. Blake was claiming her, making her his, speaking only to her, and his message was clear. She might never see him again, but she would from now on compare every other man to him and find them wanting.

  Shirley Hailstock began her writing life as a lover of reading. She likes nothing better than to find a quiet corner where she can get lost in a book, explore new worlds and visit places she never expected to see. As an author, she can not only visit those places, but she can be the heroine of her own stories. The author of forty novels and novellas, Shirley has received numerous awards, including a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Romance Writers of America’s Emma Merritt Award and an RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award. Shirley’s books have appeared on several bestseller lists, including the Glamour, Essence and Library Journal lists. She is a past president of Romance Writers of America.

  Books by Shirley Hailstock

  Harlequin Kimani Romance

  His Love Match

  Someone Like You

  All He Needs

  Love in Logan Beach

  Love in San Francisco

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

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  To Mrs. Marion A. Smith, a fan. May she rest in peace.

  Dear Reader,

  There are cities that inspire writers. After visiting San Francisco, I knew I had to set a book there. When I was plotting the House of Thorn series, Blake insisted that his store be in the city by the bay.

  The idea of his story came from a past incident. It had nothing to do with the events of Blake and Ellie’s connection. I taught at a university and I spent a long night discussing options with a student on how a small accident could derail his future plans. Blake’s life was derailed the night of his accident. And like an alternate timeline, it put him on a different emotional trail. Then Ellie walks into his life, challenging his emotions and holding a secret that could either free him or again change the direction of his life.

  I hope you enjoy this second book in the House of Thorn series.

  Sincerely yours,

  Shirley Hailstock

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 1

  Elliana Hamilton loved parties. They were usually a lot of fun, unless it was your party and you were the host. And this was Ellie’s annual fund-raiser. But it was more than that. This was her evaluation. The Thorns, her employers, were expected at any moment. Ellie’s stress level increased at the mere thought of them. Nothing could go wrong, she told herself for the umpteenth time that day. She was in the hot seat. Every detail had to go as planned.

  Ellie stood at the top of the stairs. A couple appeared at the door. She drew in a breath and released it as she recognized the couple. It wasn’t the Thorns. Suddenly she questioned her decision to go with holding the affair at the Riverton Mansion. The place was absolutely majestic. The staircase alone was worthy of Architectural Digest. Yet if she had to run up and down it one more time, she was going to have to change her shoes—or her legs. She didn’t know which, but one of them had to go. Whoever thought to put the workroom on a separate level from the activities had to be a man with no sense of engineering or workflow. Her shoes usually fitted like soft gloves, but with this much abuse, her feet were protesting. Unfortunately she couldn’t complain, at least not out loud.

  Seeing Darlene, one of her assistants, Ellie headed for her. “Here are the ribbons,” she said, handing the colorful collection to her.

  “Everything’s going to be fine,” the woman said, obviously homing in on Ellie’s stress level. “I think the Thorns are arriving.”

  Ellie tensed at the sound of their names.

  “Breathe,” Darlene said.

  The Thorns ran a chain of department stores. Ellie was the executive director of their charity, the Deborah Thorn Give It to the Girl Foundation. Every year the entire family came for the fund-raiser that supported the charity’s programs. Well, almost all of them. The manager of the House of Thorn San Francisco hadn’t appeared once during Ellie’s three-year tenure.

  When she first took the job, she’d avoided the store, feeling she’d inadvertently run into Blake Thorn, but after a while she felt it was unprofessional to be in the same city and not introduce herself. She’d made several failed attempts. He was always away when she tried to reach him. Maybe he knew who she was and didn’t want to see her. The thought struck her, adding to her stress level. Calming down, she told herself he hadn’t come in the past. Why should she expect to see him tonight?

  Doing as Darlene suggested, Ellie took a deep breath and headed for the door. The first person to come through was definitely one of the Thorns. The resemblance to hi
s father was unmistakable. Ellie had seen him once before, but she’d been too distraught to give him much attention. It had to be Blake.

  Ellie’s breath caught in her throat and she stopped with her foot in the air, balancing on one high heel. She was suddenly glad she’d climbed those stairs, or she’d have missed seeing him.

  She forgot about her feet. His presence arrested her attention, and everything around her seemed to stop. His gaze changed from daydreaming to focusing on her. Ellie didn’t even think of moving her eyes from his. They were tied together, bonded by invisible threads to each other.

  His eyes were dark brown pools that oozed bedroom, and despite herself Ellie felt a sense of arousal. Ellie wondered how any woman could get work done if he turned those sexy eyes on her. It was hard to judge his height from where she stood at the top of the staircase, but she’d bet if she walked up to him, even wearing her heels, she’d still have to look up to see his face.

  Broad shoulders spoke of daily workouts, as did the strength of his legs, which she could appreciate through the tuxedo he wore. And if “the clothes made the man” was a true statement, it applied to him tenfold.

  “Time to go down,” Darlene whispered.

  Blake held the door for the others, allowing the entire family to file in, all wearing bright smiles. Ellie swallowed and took another breath. She put on a smile, descended the stairs and went to greet them. Her gown made a slight twinkling sound as she moved. She loved the way it felt about her legs. It gave her the confidence to begin her night.

  “Ellie,” Mrs. Thorn said, greeting her with a large smile. “Wonderful to see you again.” The two women hugged.

  Katherine Thorn introduced Ellie to her family. Except for one of them—the one who really didn’t want to be there—Ellie had met them before. “This is Blake. He’s right here at the San Francisco store, but I don’t think you’ve met before.”

  Ellie glanced at Mrs. Thorn, then smiled and shook hands with Blake. She knew his name, knew who he was, what he looked like. Apparently he didn’t know her. His hand held hers a moment too long. It was warm, but not as soft as she had expected. It wasn’t the hand of a man who sat at a desk all day. Blake Thorn clearly worked with his hands.

  She liked that. She’d met a lot of donors in her time. Most of them had soft hands. Somehow this workman appealed to her.

  “And this is Rose,” David said, pulling his wife close to him and slipping his arm around her waist.

  “I heard you were recently married,” Ellie told him. Then she directed her attention to the dark-haired woman. “Congratulations.” They shook hands. “Go on in. There’s a table waiting for you near the front. Enjoy yourselves.” She gestured toward the main room.

  As she moved to the side, she bumped into Blake. Ellie looked up, ready to apologize, but stemmed the thought as soon as she gazed into his dark brown and piercing eyes. He didn’t smile or speak. His hand had jutted out to steady her, but stopped prior to actually making contact. Yet Ellie felt it anyway.

  “I’m... I’m sorry,” she stuttered.

  He remained quiet, but she thought she saw a slight bob of his head.

  “Please excuse me,” he said.

  With his first words, he left her. Ellie’s gaze followed him as he returned to the entrance, where a strikingly beautiful woman had just come in. He embraced her, kissing her on the cheek and smiling. It was the first time he’d smiled. Despite Ellie’s stress, her stomach did an indescribable flop. She put her hand on it for a second.

  “Are you all right?” Darlene appeared at her side.

  “Fine,” Ellie said.

  “Good. Just relax and the night will go by faster than you think.”

  One can only hope, Ellie thought. She turned. Blake and the beautiful woman were talking to another couple near the dance floor. Ellie put her mind to work. She had to check everything. There was entertainment later in the evening. Right now the band was playing. She’d talked to the band leader, making sure the song “Endless Love” was not on their playlist.

  Ellie had enough on her mind. She didn’t need to hear an oldie that her father had loved, especially one that had been playing the night of the accident. It would bring memories of him back. Those memories always made her sad. And tonight she needed no distractions. Thankfully, the band leader said it was not among his plans. Ellie smiled. She had a surprise in store for the donors later. And tonight, everyone was a donor.

  She found the Thorns, excluding Blake, and feeling more relaxed, went over to check on them.

  “Ellie, this is an absolutely beautiful place,” Rose Thorn said as she looked around. “I’ve never been to San Francisco before. I hope to see a few of the sights before we have to fly back.”

  “It’s a beautiful city. See as much as you can. And call me if you need a guide.”

  “I’m going to be guiding her,” David said, coming up to join them. “We’re making it a second honeymoon.”

  Ellie looked confused. “I thought you were only married a few months ago.”

  Rose laughed, “Three months.” She glanced at her husband. “David calls it a second honeymoon every time we leave the house.”

  Ellie thought that was so romantic. They were obviously in love. She’d never felt like that about anyone. She knew she was missing something, and hoped someone would one day love her like David obviously loved Rose.

  “Is there anything you need before I go?” Ellie asked.

  “We’re fine,” David and Rose said at the same time. They all laughed.

  Ellie moved to the other Thorns to make sure they were fine, as well. She knew she had to speak to several people about donating to the foundation and wanted to get it done before they sat down to dinner.

  Katherine took her arm and pulled her aside. Ellie felt as if a bomb was about to drop.

  “Ellie, don’t worry about us,” Katherine told her. “Do what you have to do and have some fun.” This last part she said with happy emphasis, squeezing Ellie’s arm.

  Ellie smiled and relaxed. “I’ll try,” she said. Taking a step back, she turned to find herself face-to-face with Blake.

  * * *

  No one had ever looked so surprised to see him as the woman standing in front of Blake did. His mother, with whom she’d been speaking, gave him a sly smile and melted back into a group of people next to his dad. The expression on Elliana’s face changed to something more serene.

  “Excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was behind me.”

  He ignored her comment. Blake hadn’t intended to surprise her. He hadn’t thought she’d turn that quickly, although he’d seen her moving at the speed of light, taking care of whatever detail called for her attention.

  “Is there anything I can get you?” she asked. Blake felt as if he were being dismissed.

  He shook his head.

  “Well, I suppose you want to rejoin your party.”

  There was that dismissive tone again. It irritated him. Elliana, or Ellie as his mother had called her, had a familiar look about her. Blake was sure he hadn’t met her before. He’d surely remember those light brown eyes, high cheekbones and that lustrous hair. It was black and long. Although it was coiled on top of her head, several curls swung free along her temples and a section on the back lay about her shoulders, looking so crushable, he had to curl his fingers to keep from reaching for it.

  She moved to step around him. Blake stepped in front of her, another action he hadn’t intended.

  “This is a beautiful place to hold a charity function.” He looked around at the high ceiling, the brilliantly lit chandeliers, the textured wallpaper.

  Ellie smiled proudly. “Have you been here before?”

  “Once or twice. It’s very expensive.” He expected a reaction, but saw none. “Wouldn’t having this gala at a little less expensive place put more contributions into the foundation?”r />
  Her skin was a beautiful walnut color, but Blake saw her face turn darker under her makeup.

  “No, Mr. Thorn. It wouldn’t.”

  “Why not? Weren’t any of the major hotels available?”

  “I’m sure they were.”

  “Yet you opted for the most expensive place in the city?” He looked around again. Laughter came from the brightly dressed women and the tuxedo-clad men. It was a beautiful function, in a gorgeous setting. “What’s this cost? Without catering, this place alone must go for a cool hundred grand.”

  Ellie stepped back. Her body language was just short of her putting her hands on her hips and giving him the stare. “All the numbers aren’t in yet,” she said with controlled calmness, “but from what we calculated, that figure is three to four times larger than your estimate.”

  He whistled in amazement. “Is there going to be anything left over for the fund when all this is accounted for?”

  This time Ellie took two steps closer to him. She leaned in until he could smell the tantalizing perfume she wore. Her voice was menacingly low when she spoke. “Mr. Thorn, it’s nearly time to announce dinner. However, you seem very interested in the cost of this event and how much funds we raise. I assure you that, unlike your office, mine is always open. I go over the expenses of operations with your mother four times a year, including this weekend. If she has any issues with this event or any other financial considerations, I’m sure she’ll bring it to my attention. Now, please excuse me. I have other guests who need my attention.”

  She left him then. Blake swung around and watched her move through the crowd. Even in anger, she walked with the grace of a queen. Few people, other than his brothers, ever talked to him the way she had. He was the head of the Thorns’ San Francisco store, and his family’s money gave him a certain amount of power. Elliana Hamilton didn’t seem to care about that. He smiled. He liked her, yet he’d challenged her. He didn’t have to ask himself why.