She and Mitch exchanged a perplexed look. Witnessing the bewilderment in the depths of his eyes, Nicole knew he had no idea what was going on, either. Their server arrived with their lunch order, and while he placed various dishes around the table and made certain everyone was satisfied with their meal, Nicole contemplated her mother’s odd and very nebulous comment.
Mitch was the first to question it. “Mind sharing the details of this arrangement with us?”
“Of course.” Joyce laughed lightly and dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “Rhea and I came across an advertisement in the Denver Post publicizing a high-profile charity event and we immediately thought how perfect it would be if the two of you represented our organization.”
Nicole took a bite of her club sandwich, feeling a setup of some sort coming on, but she was too intrigued by whatever elaborate plan their mothers had concocted to waylay their intentions until she’d heard everything. A quick glance at Mitch confirmed that he was equally curious to hear what this charity event was all about and what their involvement would entail.
“Go on,” Mitch drawled.
Rhea stabbed a cherry tomato in her salad with her fork and continued where Joyce had left off. “There’s this island resort off the Florida Keys called Wild Fantasy, and they’re hosting an annual charity contest. The grand prize is one hundred thousand dollars that will be donated to the charities or organizations that the winners specify.”
“And you want us to try to win that money?” Mitch guessed.
Joyce nodded enthusiastically, causing her silky, frosted hair to skim her smooth jawline. “Exactly. According to the rules in the ad, in order to participate in the contest the guests have to be single and willing to compete in a variety of events and competitions against one another to accumulate points and win one of three cash prizes.”
“Sounds right up my alley,” Nicole said, completely hooked on the idea. “And I definitely qualify on both accounts.”
Mitch shot her a humorous glance. “Yup. You’re single and you’re definitely competitive.”
She grinned sassily and wrinkled her nose at him. “And proud of both accomplishments, I might add.” Indeed, growing up she’d honed those competitive skills all in an attempt to capture a smidgeon of the attention and approval her father had lavished on her brother. While her efforts hadn’t gained her what she’d ultimately sought, they had made her a stronger, more independent person, as well as ensuring that she was always up for a challenge.
“Actually, you’re both more than qualified, as well as our best chance at winning the money for the organization.” Reaching into the bread basket for a roll, Joyce broke it open and slathered butter on the two pieces. “But this is more than a competition and charity event—it’s also a vacation package. So either way you two should have a good time.”
Mitch stopped his forkful of pasta halfway to his mouth as he stared at his mother. “Care to explain the vacation part of this?”
Joyce waved a hand between them, as if the details of that were insignificant. “Wild Fantasy first and foremost caters to guests’ fantasies,” she explained. “And while Fantasies, Inc. is sponsoring the event, the guests who participate will be treated to all the regular amenities the island and resort has to offer in their vacation packages. According to the brochures and information Rhea and I picked up from our travel agent, this place is a virtual paradise.”
Nicole considered all the decadent possibilities inherent in a personal fantasy and knew she wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a week of fun, sun and pure relaxation…and competitive games with Mitch.
“Sounds great to me,” she said, making up her mind. “I haven’t taken a vacation in over a year, so I’m sure I can work out something with Guy and get another guide to cover for me while I’m gone.” She glanced at Mitch to gauge his response and to see what he’d decided, but he remained quiet and contemplative.
Rhea lifted her leather bag onto her lap and dug through the contents, withdrawing two separate folders. She handed one to Nicole and the other to Mitch, who reluctantly accepted the portfolio. “Since there are only a limited number of single guests allowed on the island to participate in the charity event, and we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on this opportunity, we took the liberty of purchasing both of your airfares to Florida, along with your vacation package on Wild Fantasy. There’s a questionnaire and application inside your folders requesting personal information that you’ll each need to fill out before you get to the island.”
Nicole thumbed through the colorful brochure, fascinated with everything the resort offered and promised their guests. Then she came to the questionnaire her mother had mentioned and the tempting phrase, Where anything goes and anything is possible, jumped out at her, as did the intimate question, What is your fantasy?
She bit her bottom lip in thought. If she was taking into consideration forbidden, erotic fantasies, the sinfully virile man sitting beside her fit the bill. Mitch Lassiter had been a part of her most private erotic desires for years, stealing into her dreams and fulfilling some of her most seductive fantasies in the darkest part of the night.
But beyond her favored sexual fantasy, there was something emotional she craved, a secret wish she’d harbored deep inside since she was a little girl. Unexpectedly, her chest tightened with insecurities she’d sworn she’d banished years ago when it had become apparent that she’d never live up to her father’s expectations as her brother, Robert, always so effortlessly did. She’d given up trying to please her father and lived her life according to her own rules and expectations. Yet there was still that little girl within the strong, independent woman who wanted his approval instead of criticism. Just once.
Win or lose, she wanted to be appreciated for who she was and not for what she accomplished. That was her fantasy.
Her fantasy was simple, yet so intangible it was almost impossible to grant. But that wouldn’t stop her from putting the request in writing—for her own personal, private reflection, not to be shared with anyone else.
Closing her folder, she met her mother’s expectant gaze. “I’m game for a wild fantasy.” Grinning, she turned toward the man beside her to gauge his response. “How about you, Mitchell?”
He shook his head regretfully. “Mom, I know how important this is to you, but I can’t just up and leave the business for a spontaneous vacation.”
“Sure you can,” she refuted, placing her fork on her plate. “I already spoke to your brother, and he’d be happy to handle things for a week.”
Mitch’s dark brows creased into a deep vee at that bit of information.
“Quit frowning,” his mother scolded gently. “I know you don’t like me meddling in your business, but Drew agreed it was high time you took a vacation, since you haven’t done so since your father passed away. And that was over eight years ago.”
With a heavy sigh that echoed his hesitancy, he pushed his fingers through his thick, sable hair, mussing the strands in a way Nicole found incredibly sexy. Heck, everything about the man was inherently masculine and sensually exciting, enticing her in ways she had little defense against.
“I’ve been busy,” he said, his tone a shade defensive.
“Exactly.” Caring and kindness permeated Joyce’s gentle voice. “Busy supporting me and putting both your brother and sister through college. What about doing something for yourself for a change? And in turn, you can do something great for our organization, too.”
A startling warmth inundated Nicole, along with respect and admiration for Mitch and the responsibility he’d taken on since his father’s death. He’d obviously abandoned his own wants and needs for his family’s, yet he gave no indication that he begrudged the sacrifices he’d made to support them. It was difficult for Nicole to imagine her