Lakeshore Secrets: The McAdams Sisters, #1

By Shannyn Leah

She was the one who got away.

Or rather, snuck away.

Billionaire Marc Caliendo shouldn't have to chase his women across the world.

They were supposed to get married, but she left without a goodbye, taking her secret with her.

And now she's back in Willow Valley. A changed woman.

His soul ignited when he saw her.

He doesn't trust her, but needs a fake fiancé.

Keep your enemy close, isn't that the saying?

Fate throws her and Marc together, once again.

Will she stay and face her demons or will her secrets destroy any future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannyn Leah
• Release date: Jul 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386010920

Shannyn Leah

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Shannyn Leah welcomes you to her small town of bad boys and smart, sassy heroines. Contemporary romance with the perfect blend of humor, heart and heat.  To be notified when new books, exclusive excerpts and contests are released, join her mailing list here: http://www.shannynleah.com/newsletter-and-secret-access-club.php

Book preview

Chapter One

MARC

I WALK INTO MY NEW office and immediately catch sight of my secretary bent over a filing cabinet drawer.

Her skirt is too short, riding up her legs and flashing the bottom of her ass cheeks. If she’s wearing underwear, they sure as hell aren’t showing.

Most men would appreciate the view.

Most men don’t have our shared history.

A twinge of discomfort piles onto the irritation already building inside me, and it isn’t even lunch yet.

I dig my fingertips into my closed eyes before I clear my throat.

Melissa stands quickly and pivots to face me, wearing a condescending smile. Good morning, Marc. Her voice is silky and smooth, like the conniving vixen she is.

I’d been ready to fire her the second I took over the CEO position of my father’s resort empire. It turns out that even after my father passed, my uncle still holds all the cards and final decision-making, treating me like the pawn my father always had.

So, here Melissa Carter stays, employed at the resort as the secretary I don’t want.

Why are you going through my father’s filing cabinets? I try to keep my voice steady, and those two little words—you’re fired—off the tip of my tongue.

Looking for a file. Why else would I be in the filing cabinet? Her eyes lock on mine with no guilt or fear.

Most people fear the Caliendo family.

Not her.

I suppose that’s what happens when your father is the town’s mayor; you don’t fear anyone, and everyone fears you. But I’m not everyone, and I’ve at my limit with the mayor’s daughter.

Those files are off limits.

God only knows what information my father packed in the filing cabinets encasing the office walls. He hoarded files on everything little thing that’s occurred in town since the day he arrived. Not to mention the private dossier’s detailing every person he’d ever encountered. I’ve never been a fool of my father’s unethical work under the radar, but I plan on turning his shady empire into one my family can be proud of.

I know. Her lips curl into a mischievous smile. I thought organizing would be helpful, as I am your new secretary. She folds her arms under her breasts, giving me a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.

I refrain from loudly sighing—or saying those two little words. I will never be interested in this woman’s advances.

Melissa, please refrain from going through the files without my instructions to do so. I don’t want to have to ask you again.

She slowly sashays toward me. Her heels click rhythmically on the hardwood floor. Her hips sway with each step.

The thing is, I worked for your father and uncle much longer than the few short months I’ve worked for you.

She straightens my tie, but I’ll bet it was fine before her fingers got anywhere near it.

She tightens the knot against my throat. And I already know everything inside those files, aka, dossiers. She licks her red-painted glossy lips. Why don’t we skip the part where you try to be the boss and let the adults do the work?

I catch her wrist. You’re on a fine line to being unemployed.

We both know that’s an empty threat. Like we both know that I don’t need to work here. The question you should ask yourself is, why am I working here?

I try not to flinch when she drags her thumb over my bottom lip. I also resist the urge to throw her off the property and slap her with a restraining order.

I lean in so close our noses touch. This is never going to happen. Whatever you think there is between us is nothing more than some twisted story you’ve created in your head.

Her teeth playfully bite on her lower lip. Tell that to your uncle. Now that you’re back, he will want the connection your father and my father wanted between our families. And that connection is us.

There is no us.

We will see. She releases my tie and straightens.

She smoothes the front of her skirt, which surprisingly falls sophisticatedly above her knee. This drives me to believe she hiked the material and had been waiting for me to enter my office to see the show.

You have an eleven o’clock phone call with Drake Sinclair, the CEO of Frostpeak Ski Resort you want to purchase up north. You’re not exactly in his league—he’s seasoned, while you’ve been traveling the world for years on daddy’s dime—so I arranged for Carl to join you for the call.

My damn uncle won’t just step aside. I suspect it’s to maintain my father’s dirty deals, and that’s the opposite of my plans.

You also tend to disappear, and Carl guarantees the deal goes through smoothly.

I’m yet to decide whether the Frostpeak Ski Resort is worth purchasing. If Mr. Sinclair is honest or if this deal is one of my father’s many fronts to whatever illegal activity I haven’t been able to unearth. The unlawful activity I’m sure my uncle—possibly even Melissa—is fully aware of. My two-week disappearing act had everything to do with digging into a lead that turned out to be a dead end.

I step around Melissa and head straight to my desk, putting as much distance between us as possible.

She turns to watch me under thick eyelashes. After you seal the deal, we could grab afternoon cocktails at the bar to celebrate and see where that leads.

I press my closed fist onto the desktop until pain digs into my knuckles. What part of no are you having difficulty understanding?

I’ll discuss your schedule with Carl. I’m sure he’s open to us celebrating. I’d bet he’d encourage it. With that, she gathers files I’ve given her no permission to take and exits my office. What’s the point in demanding them back? I wouldn’t doubt she knows every word.

Shit.

Shit!

I collapse into the office chair before my fist lands through a wall. To hell with letting everyone trample over me. I dial the number, hit the speaker icon, and wait for the Mr. Sinclair’s secretary to put me through.

Ah, Marcus Caliendo, good to hear from you. The voice on the other end of the line is deep and gruff like I’d bet a seasoned criminal would sound.

Mr Sinclair.

Call me Drake.

Drake.

Are we ready to put this deal in writing, son?

Son.

The term drives a surge of anger through me. I take a second to find my voice.

I’d like to schedule a visit to your ski resort and meet you in person. The suggestion is against my uncle’s direct orders, but I’m tired of taking his orders.

Drake chuckles. Well, that’s quite a bold move for a young CEO like yourself. But I like your style. When were you thinking of coming?

How about next Wednesday?

Drake hesitates. Wednesday’s a pretty busy day for us. How about next weekend? Come up on Friday and stay until Sunday. Make a vacation out of it and see how we pamper our guests.

That works.

Marcus, I like a man who knows what he wants, but let me give you a word of advice. In this business, you must be willing to play dirty if you want to come out on top.

A shiver runs down my spine.

Is it a threat?

Is it a warning?

Just how dirty did my father play?

Just how dirty am I expected to play?

I’ll keep that in mind.

Drake’s tone softens. Listen, kid. I’ve been in this game a long time and have seen it all. But I can tell if you’re anything like your father, you’ve got potential.

I’m nothing like the selfish, arrogant prick I’d rather not call my father.

If you need any advice or guidance, don’t hesitate to call me.

I get the sickening feeling his offer solely revolves around the side of the business I want no part of.

Thanks, Drake.

The older man laughs. Hey, don’t thank me yet. You haven’t seen my ski resort.

I’m looking forward to it. I hear it’s one of the best.

Bring your lady with you. Have a couples’ getaway.

She flashes in my head. The one who got away—or, more precisely, ran away without a word. The only woman I’ve ever loved to my deepest core. The only woman who saw the real me and not the person my father expected me to be.

Sounds like a plan.

Drake’s tone becomes serious again. There are sharks in these waters, Marcus. Make sure you know what you’re up against.

I appreciate your candor, Drake, but we both know I’m my father’s son, and I know exactly what kind of man he was.

Drake hesitates for a moment before he speaks again. I know what it’s like to lose a father. I lost mine a long time ago. And I know how hard it is to step into his shoes.

My office door swings open, and my uncle storms inside. His judging eyes land on the cell phone on my desk.

Drake, my uncle, decided to join us. I sit back and fold my arms behind my head, meeting my uncle’s angry gaze with one ready for a fight. You remember Carl Caliendo?

Carl, ol’ buddy, is that you? It’s been a long time. How have you been?

I’ve been good, Drake. He glowers at me. Busy with the resort business, as always.

I heard you’ve been teaching your nephew the ropes. How’s he doing?

He’s doing alright. It’s been a tough transition for him, especially after his father passed away, but he’s managing.

A grunt threatens. If by managing, he means being shoved aside for every decision, then I’m doing fantastic.

I’m sorry to hear about your brother, Drake says. He was a good man.

A second grunt is almost impossible to hold back.

Thank you. It’s been hard on all of us.

My uncle sits on a throne of lies.

I guess a weekend away at my little haven is exactly what Marc needs.

A weekend away? Carl’s glare deepens.

He’s going to bring his lil’ lady along and check out all the ski resort has to offer.

His lil’ lady? My uncle raises a bushy grey eyebrow at me.

Tag along, Carl. It’d be nice to see you face-to-face again. Drake sounds like the invite is more of a dare. Bring Eliza along. I would love to catch up with you both.

My mother has consistently refused to be a part of my father’s side hustle, and I doubt she’d be interested in accompanying my uncle on a trip. Although, since I’ve returned, I’ve noticed the two of them have been close—too close.

I might just do that, Carl says.

Shit. I feel my arrogant face slip.

It’s settled then. See you both next weekend.

Take care, Drake.

You, too. My uncle presses the end button and stares at the phone screen like it’s what’s provoked him when we both know my making decisions is what has his face all the shades of fire. That meeting was scheduled for eleven o’clock.

I’m meeting someone at eleven, so I moved it forward. I’m meeting with a bottle of whiskey.

You moved it forward without me.

I shrug and lean across my desk, sliding my phone across the glossy wood surface. You managed to make it. Should I thank Melissa for the tip?

He stands, groaning as he runs his fingers through his head of pepper grey hair. The wavy tips stand on end when he faces me. His face is etched with lines that tell a helluva story about the path he chose to live. You think this is a game.

It’s my job. One I’m more than qualified for.

You don’t have a clue—

My chair rolls behind me when I abruptly stand. Then why don’t you tell me.

He points at me. You’re canceling the trip, or I’m canceling it for you. He storms to the door. And don’t you dare pull another two-week disappearing stint. My father’s art rattles against the door walls when he slams the door.

The bastard. Growing up, he’d been the father figure I admired—who smiled and encouraged me. I’d been wrong. He’d just been waiting for the second my father died to take over the business.

A knock on the door has me shouting come in.

I’m not prepared for the woman who opens the door. Nothing could ever prepare for seeing Kate McAdams again.

Chapter Two

KATE

I CAN DO THIS.

I have to do this.

My heart pounds in my chest as I step inside Marc’s office and shut the door behind me. I want to press my back against it and hold the doorknob in case I change my mind. But I can’t change my mind.

My strides stop at the back of one of the leather chairs opposite his desk.

The tension is palpable. We stare at one another as if searching for the right words. Or maybe words are the last thing on our minds—I know it’s the last thing on my mind.

I never expected to see him again, and I can’t stop the rush of emotions flooding back all at once. His woody cologne scent hits me, but not as hard as his blue eyes. How is it possible that just the sight of him heals all the parts of me that have been broken for the last six years?

Hi, Marc. No matter how hard I try to carry confidence, my words sound hesitant.

His darkened gaze narrows on me. I’m surprised my secretary let you in.

No one was at the desk. I let myself in.

What are you doing here? His voice is sharp.

I’m back in town for Gran’s funeral. Sadness consumes me at the mention of my grandmother. I wish I’d seen her just one more time before she passed.

I see sympathy wash through his blue gems before he forces the emotion away for a cool gaze—a gaze too similar to his father’s.

I didn’t ask why you’re in town. I don’t care. What are you doing here? In my office?

His coldness surprises me. I’m not sure what I expected after all these years, but I guess the replica of Robert Caliendo wasn’t it.

My legs tremble, ready to run away like I’d been forced to do six years ago. Only his father isn’t around to threaten me, and if I want answers, confronting Marc is the only way to get them.

A suit suits you. The compliment is out of my mouth before I can stop it. I clamp my lips shut, and the endless oak cabinets around the room remind me why I’m here.

I need answers.

Names.

A location.

An address.

He folds his arms over his chest. After all this time, you just waltz back here like nothing happened?

I take a deep breath. I owe him an explanation. Or I owe the man he’d been the truth, but I’m not sure he’s the same man I’m facing now. I