Surrender to Temptation by Ednah Walters

about marriage, Nikki knew she was in for a long lecture and anecdotes. She recounted every girl Nikki went with to school who was either married or having her first or second child. As if hearing about them would make Nikki find a husband faster. She was in no hurry. She was twenty-nine, hardly an old maid, but the way her mother went on, one would think Nikki was fifty. She dated on and off and was presently happy being single.
    “I have to go, Mama. It’s cocktail hour. I’ll talk to you in a few days.”
    “You don’t have to check on us, sweetheart. Relax and have fun.”
    Shaking her head, Nikki went to the bathroom to splash water on her face. The room was spacious and done in emerald green countertops. Pastel pictures of horses were on the walls and scented candles sat on the counter. The tub was wide, and she could imagine relaxing in it while aromatic scents wafted from the candles. Chase Fitzgerald had a beautiful home.
    She was patting her face with a fluffy towel when a knock resounded on the bedroom door. Mrs. B beamed from the other side of the door, a hamper of clothes by her feet.
    “We’ll have to hold off the tour until later, dear,” the housekeeper said. “He’s back, and he wants to see you.”
    She didn’t need to explain who “he” was. “Of course.”
    “He is in the den.”
    “Where is that?” Nikki asked.
    “Downstairs. The room across from the stairs. Is everything okay with your room? It is such a fun and airy room, but if you think there’s too much sunlight coming inside, you can choose a different room. We have several bedrooms up here.” She indicated the hallway to her left.
    “No, this room is perfect, Mrs. B. Thank you.”
    Mrs. B clasped her hands and nodded. “Good. If you need anything else, I’ll be in the kitchen once I’m done up here.” She picked up the hamper and ambled toward the left hallway.
    Nikki went toward the stairs. When Mrs. B had brought her upstairs, she’d noticed the broad hallway splitting the upstairs floor. It led to double doors, which opened onto the upstairs deck. The walls had family pictures, some black and white or yellowed with age, which she was dying to study. She recognized Chase’s mother from the video conference she’d had before Mo Fitzgerald hired her. Beside Chase’s mother was a distinguished man with wavy brown hair, probably Chase’s father.
    Pushing her curiosity aside, Nikki hurried downstairs.
    Chase’s deep voice pulled her toward the partially open den door. Her heartbeat increased in tempo and her palms started to sweat. She didn’t know whether it was caused by the inevitable confrontation or the nerves snapping and tingling in her body at the thought of being in his presence, again. Sweat dripped down the small of her back, and she suddenly wished that she’d had time to change her top. Yeah, into one of the sexy tops her mother had packed.
    Nikki sighed. She was so screwed.
    Thoroughly annoyed with herself, she blew out a breath. She would apologize to Chase Fitzgerald and be civil. Then she would wow him with the websites she’d designed. Wiping her palms on her dress, she lifted her hand to knock.
    A chuckle followed by laughter came from the room, and she paused. Chase was on the phone. Nikki dropped her hand and waited.
    “You can’t get out of this one, Uncle Mo. I specifically asked for a male assistant, not another one of your females. Obviously my wishes aren’t important.”
    There was silence, and then he said, “Vacation? Last time I checked, I don’t run a dude ranch. Yeah, I’m on my knees thanking God,” Chase added sarcastically. “Just do me a favor, Uncle Mo. If this doesn’t work out, don’t send me any more assistants. I’ll find a way to deal with my problems.”
    Nikki started to walk away. She’d give him time to finish his phone call. Two steps, then she heard, “As soon as Ms. Savoy stops eavesdropping and enters the den, I’ll let her know you want a word with