It Must Be Love
Rules Were Made to Be Broken
Jewel Chandler’s list of boyfriend requirements is extensive—and Sterling Bishop doesn’t meet any of them. Sure, the wealthy businessman is gorgeous, but he also has an ex-wife and a young daughter. Sterling knows he’s the only man for Jewel, and the sexy heiress’s efforts to keep him away only fuels his determination. When steamy days melt into desire-fueled nights, Jewel wonders if he’s truly the one for her.
NICKI NIGHT is an edgy hopeless romantic who enjoys creating stories of love and new possibilities. Nicki has a penchant for adventure and is currently working on penning her next romantic escapade. Nicki resides in the city that dreams are made of, but occasionally travels to her treasured seaside hideaway to write in seclusion. She enjoys hearing from readers and can be contacted on Facebook, through her website at nickinight.com or via email at NickiNightwrites@gmail.com.
Also By Nicki Night
Her Chance at Love
His Love Lesson
Riding into Love
It Started in Paradise
Desire in a Kiss
It Must Be Love
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk
It Must Be Love
Nicki Night
www.millsandboon.co.uk
ISBN: 978-1-474-08477-2
IT MUST BE LOVE
© 2018 Renee Daniel Flagler
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 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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Version: 2020-03-02
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“Let’s go watch the sun set.” Sterling’s voice was almost a whisper. Leading her by the hand, they grabbed glasses of wine and walked to the deck at the front of the boat. In silence they held hands and watched the sun make a show of its descent. Pink and orange hues, turned red and nearly purple before the sun fully tucked itself away.
Sterling led Jewel inside the cabin. They sat at the candlelit table there and enjoyed dessert. Music continued to float through the speakers in a variety of genres. They were back at love songs.
Sterling stood and held his hand out to Jewel. She took it, rose to her feet and stepped into his arms. They swayed to the soothing tempo. Jewel laid her head against his chest. His chest felt as if it were made for her to rest there. When she looked back up at him, Sterling leaned forward and captured her lips with his. When they connected, Jewel wasn’t sure if the sway she felt was caused by the boat, or the dizzying affect of Sterling’s kiss. He tightened his arms around her. She held him back. He kissed her breath away.
Hello Darlings,
Jump right in and journey with Jewel Chandler and Sterling Bishop through this rule-defying tale of love. You’ll meet Jewel, the wittiest sister of the Chandler bunch, and Sterling, a handsome, divorced, doting father and self-made man. It’s my pleasure to share their story of finding love in a place Jewel least expected. Sterling will steal your heart, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them both. Jewel finally realizes that love can conquer all, including lengthy lists of highbrow standards. But when she comes face-to-face with what she had feared from the start, will they be able to work through it and find their way back to each other? Enjoy finding out!
Ciao,
Nicki
This book is dedicated to my first hero—my dad, Benny Daniel, who first showed me what love looked like.
Acknowledgments
Sometimes, I literally feel like I’m God’s favorite. So much has transpired in the past few years, it almost seems unfair to be so blessed. I will continue to allow him to receive the glory for all that I’ve accomplished. Without him, I wouldn’t be here—writing and living my dream. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Harlequin Kimani, Glenda Howard and Keyla Hernandez, thanks for all you do and all of your patience! To Sara Camilli, thanks for always having my literary back.
To my family, thank you for always supporting my #DreamJourney and for being my rowdiest cheerleaders. We are The Freaking Flaglers! Love you Les, Lil Les, Milan and Laila. You’re my breath. To the Daniels Clan, you’re my strength.
To my sisters and brothers in the craft, I adore and respect you. Let’s keep each other lifted and keep the books coming, Zuri Day, Tiffany L. Warren, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray, Elle Wright, Sheryl Lister, Sherelle Green, AD and so many more.
A special thanks to Beverly Jenkins and Brenda Jackson for your guidance, for always being there for me and for allowing me to drag you into stuff! LOL. I appreciate you! Priscilla Johnson, Rowena Winfrey, Michelle Chavis, Shavonna Futrell, Shannon Harper, Cheryl McClinton, Stephanie Moss, Deirdre Young and Yolanda Rigby, I can’t thank you ladies enough for all of your support. Thank you for being on my team! Shawana Kenner and Shannel Parker, thank you for helping me name my last two heroes!
To all my readers, thank you for being here! MUAH!
Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
About the Author
Booklist
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
Dear Reader
Dedication
Acknowledgments
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
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Extract
About the Publisher
Chapter 1
“The words Jewel and committed in a sentence together...” Dominique let her statement fall and sniffed out a chuckle.
“I know. It doesn’t even sound right. Ha!” Harper waved incredulously as if the concept was too ridiculous to consider.
“I’m completely capable of being in a committed relationship.” Jewel defended herself, twisting her ankle in the mirror to check out the stiletto she tried on. “I just have standards.”
“Standards,” her friends said together and burst out laughing.
“As penetrable as a petrified forest!” Dominique’s loud whisper elicited laughter from both ladies as she plopped on a pink faux fur bench with a shoebox in her hands.
Jewel placed her hand on her hip. “I am not that bad.” A beat passed. “Am I?”
Dominique and Harper exchanged sideways glances and looked back at Jewel.
“There’s nothing wrong with wanting certain things in the man you date.” She dismissed their unspoken scrutiny with a flip of her hand. “Why waste time getting to know someone if you know you’re not compatible? I say have your fun and move on.” Jewel shrugged, slipped out of the stilettos and placed them back in the box.
Leaning against the shoe rack, Dominique crossed her arms. “You don’t give people a chance. Look at Maddox. He was charming and had a great body.”
“Please!” Jewel twisted her lips. “I’ll admit he was incredible in bed, but I don’t do ex-wives. It’s too much trouble.” Jewel slipped her foot into a pair of sandals and tilted her head in her reflection.
“What about Sabien?” Harper closed her eyes and shook her head. “That man was gorgeous. I would never tire of that sexy accent of his.”
“Boring!” Jewel sang. “And he had kids.”
“That can be challenging,” Dominique admitted.
“I don’t think that’s so bad—especially if he gets along with the child’s mother.”
“I prefer a man who doesn’t have those kinds of attachments,” Jewel said matter-of-factly.
“Oh! I know.” Dominique stepped forward. “What was that guy’s name?” She squinted. “Evan. That’s it. He had an edge.”
“Yeah, Jewel.” Harper tilted her head. “What happened to him? He was really sexy.”
“Oh. I remember.” Dominique nodded. “He wasn’t an Ivy League man.”
“You’re a tough one, Jewel,” Harper said.
“Hey! You ladies make it sound horrible. I know you can’t always help who you fall in love with so I just try to make sure I don’t get too serious with anyone that I wouldn’t be equally yoked with. We have to have common goals, and share similar values. I want us to enjoy certain firsts together—like our first marriage, first child, etc. I had an Ivy League education and I prefer a man who shared in that experience. What’s so wrong with that?”
“When you put it that way—nothing I guess,” Dominique noted.
“See. I’m not a witch. I just have standards.”
“Just don’t let those standards get in the way of getting a great guy. You’ve let a few gems slip through your fingers already, miss.” Harper pointed her finger at Jewel.
“And there will always be more. Humph.” Jewel put down the shoebox that she’d just picked up. “I’m too hungry to shop for shoes. Let’s do this after brunch.”
Without hesitation, Dominique stepped up and Harper pulled off the shoes she’d been trying on and returned them to the box.
“Good because I’m starving!” Dominique said.
The trio left the shoe store located on the main road in the Hamptons and entered the eatery that sparked their outing. Sundry’s served a robust brunch with a mix of southern and French cuisine. The ladies were seated moments after entering.
Harper brought the conversation right back around after they placed orders. “Explain why Dayton didn’t work again. He was an Ivy Leaguer with no kids or ex-wives.”
“That man could never be taken seriously. He’s more allergic to commitment than I could ever be accused of. We had our fun, but it would take a lot more to tame Dayton Rivers. Dating him was fun when it was forbidden. Now that our families actually get along, we both agree it’s just not the same. Now it’s like we’re the best of friends.”
“I don’t know what’s going to work for you, Jewel.” Dominique took a piece of the warm bread the waiter placed in front of them and tore it in half.
“Right now, a mimosa and a—” Jewel stopped speaking. Dominique and Harper followed her gaze. The three of them watched as four handsome men passed their table following closely behind the restaurant’s hostess. With seductive smiles, the men watched them just as closely.
“Whew!” Harper turned back toward the table. “With all that eye candy we just took in, I may not need dessert.”
The three of them laughed.
“I’m still eating mine!” Jewel declared. They laughed harder.
Their meals arrived. The girls chatted around mouthfuls of cage-free omelets with crab and roasted asparagus, lemon brioche French toast and frittatas loaded with seasonal veggies.
“Can you believe it’s already been ten years since we graduated?” Jewel sighed and sipped the mimosa the waiter placed in front of her.
“I know.” Harper nodded her head. “It doesn’t feel like that much time has passed.”
“Dominique!” Jewel sat taller. “What’s the name of that guy who had that crush on you the entire time we were in school?”
“Oh!” Harper put her hand on her forehead. “I remember him. He had a unique name.”
Dominique squinted. “I can’t recall his name, but I saw him a few years ago and he was gorgeous. He married some model and moved to Europe.”
“Yes!” Jewel snapped her finger. “Basil!” she almost shouted. “I went through my mental Rolodex of spices. I knew it couldn’t be oregano.”
Dominique’s cheeks puffed. Quickly she covered her mouth to keep the champagne and orange juice from exploding all over the table. She gulped and released her laugh. The incident elicited more laughter from Jewel and Harper. Guests at surrounding tables looked over smiling as if they wished they could be part of the fun.
Wiping a tear from her eye, Harper shook her head. “We never know what’s coming out of that mouth of yours.”
Jewel’s smile spanned wider. It took several moments for the girls to recover from another round of laughter.
“Whew!” Jewel sat back catching her breath. “I remember you refused to date Basil because he was so quiet. He was good-looking back then.”
“I know, but I was afraid he’d be boring.”
Jewel raised her flute as if to toast. “Yeah. That wouldn’t have been fun.”
“Not. At. All,” Harper added.
The women became quiet for a moment as they ate and enjoyed the atmosphere. Jewel contemplated her life since high school as she absently lifted the fork to her mouth. The reunion was just a few days away. Had she accomplished all that she wanted by this time in her life? Her younger self anticipated being married by now. The mature Jewel couldn’t see it since the opportunity hadn’t presented itself in an appropriate enough package. Of course she’d come across a few opportunities, but now many of the gentlemen that did meet her standards were already committed or having too much fun to bother committing. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for all of that anyway. She was having her share of fun as well.
“Jewel.”
“Huh?” She looked up into two quizzical faces.
“You didn’t hear Harper calling you?”
“What’s on your mind?” Dominique put her fork down and folded her arms. “Spill it.”
“I just wonder if we’re going to be the only single ladies at this reunion?” Jewel sighed. How would that look?
Chapter 2
“When is Kylee coming?” Charles Bishop sat back in his tall chair at the head of the table. The Sunday brunch spread before him was like a feast fit for a king’s court.
“In just a few weeks, Dad. School ends earlier there.” Sterling sank his teeth into one of his mother’s homemade biscuits and couldn’t help but moan. He looked forward to his family’s monthly brunch—a tradition his mother, Patricia Bishop, or Patti as most called her, started once life began to steer her adult children in varying directions. It was her way to keep them all connected.
Patti clapped her hands together. “I can’t wait to see my baby girl. I think I’ll take her with me to California in July. What do you think about that, Sterling? It will only be a week.” Patti continued without giving Sterling a chance to respond. “Sandra’s grandkids will be there too. We could take the girls to Disneyland. Yes.” His mom confirmed her plan right then. “Kylee will love it. When does she have to go back to Chicago?”
“Kylee would definitely love that,” Sterling’s sister Taylor interjected. “I may have to go and chaperone.”
“No need for you to chaperone. Sandra and I can handle Kylee and the girls.”
“Not for Kylee—for you and Aunt Sandra! I know how you two get when you’re together.” She reached across the table and sliced the butter with a small knife and spread it across the top of her biscuit. Patti laughed and gave her daughter a dismissive wave.
“You just want to go to Disney.” Sterling winked at his sister.
“You saw right through that, huh?” Taylor held her hand over her mouth and laughed. “You’re never too old for Disney.”
“Speaking of which. I may need to borrow Kylee a few Saturdays.” Stephan’s comment elicited questionable expressions from the rest of the family including Sterling. “I have a couple of events where she would prove to be...” Stephan stretched his eyes, seeming to search for the right word. “Helpful.”
Taylor rolled her eyes and then directed her attention to Sterling with the tip of her fork. “Sterl, you know he intends to use your daughter to catch women, right?” She turned back to Stephan with a shake of her head. “Kids are not like carrots to a rabbit. You can’t lure women with a six-year-old.”
“Yes I can!” Stephan’s laugh belted from his mouth. He slapped the table. Sterling chuckled and shook his head. He knew Stephan was right. He always received more attention from women when his daughter was with him.
Patti narrowed her eyes over the top of her glasses at Charles. “That,” she pointed at Stephan but kept her eye on Charles, “comes from your side of the family.” She swirled her finger in the air. “All that silly thinking.” By now everyone at the table was laughing.
Sterling loved the camaraderie his family shared as well as the way they doted on Kylee. “I just want her to have a great summer.”
“She can help me have a great summer also.” Stephan raised his brow. His lips eased into a Cheshire grin.
“Really, Stephan!” Taylor huffed and shook her head.
Stephan burst out laughing again. “You all know how much I love my Kylee. Attracting women when we’re together is just a perk. They love kids and dogs—especially the small ones.”
“They’re looking at how you interact with children and dogs. Adoration is attractive,” Taylor added.
“So that’s it.” Stephan threw his hands in the air, feigning understanding. “It’s not because they think I’m ridiculously handsome?” He laughed at his own joke. In unison, Sterling, his sister and parents just stared at Stephan for a moment before laughing themselves.
“And that part—” Charles pointed at Patti this time “—comes from your side of the family!”
“Stephan, how about getting married and having some kids of your own. I could use more grandchildren while I’m still able to hang with them.”
Stephan stretched his eyes and placed a forkful of frittata in his mouth.
Patti sat back. “So how long, do y’all plan on staying single? I want more grandkids. I need other little girls to leave my clothes and jewelry to.”
“She’s talking to you two.” Sterling pointed between his brother and sister. “I’ve done all of that already.”
Taylor and Stephan looked at each other and at the same time, without a word they stood and began clearing the table. Charles’s belly laugh could have shaken the foundation.
“You too, Sterling.” Patti added with a narrowed gaze. “That marriage of yours didn’t last very long and Kylee could use a few siblings.”
Also without a word, Sterling got up and joined Taylor and Stephan in their silent table-clearing protest.
Now Patti laughed, loud and strong. She enjoyed teasing her kids. “Uh-huh! You all just want to deprive me. How about I help? I’ll find a nice lady for you two and a nice man for you, Taylor. I have plenty of friends at work whose children are still single.”
“NO!” All three shouted—hands in the air as if they could stop the comment. Their laughter joined together filling the space with an air of mirth.
Good-humored conversation continued as the family worked together to clean the kitchen and put away leftover food. Charles asked about Sterling and Stephan’s technology business, which continued to grow exponentially and keep them extremely busy.
Charles then headed to the den, sat on the couch and put one foot up on the leather ottoman in the center of the room. “Y’all got time for a movie?” Charles pointed the remote at the television, clicking it to life.
“What about that movie with Denzel that was in the theaters a few months ago. I never got to see that one.” Patti flopped on the couch next to her husband. Charles put his free arm around her shoulders and she nestled inside his embrace.
“Let me see if I can find it.” Charles flipped through several channels on the TV.
Sterling, Stephan and Taylor finished up in the kitchen and joined their parents. During the search for the movie, the conversation somehow turned back to their single status.
“Sterling, do you think you’ll ever get married again?” Taylor tilted her head contemplatively as she folded her feet under herself on the loveseat.
“Yeah. It’s possible.” Sterling shrugged. “My relationship with Raven wasn’t horrible. We just weren’t right for each other.”
Sterling was seated on the other side of Patti. She touched his hand. “You tried to do the right thing, honey, and I applaud you for that.”
“She was carrying your child, son. Your actions were noble,” Charles added.
Sterling drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yeah. I didn’t expect it to fold so quickly, but we knew it wouldn’t work.”
“I’ve always said it was best for Kylee to experience what it’s like to have two happy parents living separately than two miserable ones living together.” Patti nodded, punctuating her statement.
“And we all benefit from the best part of it all,” Taylor interjected. “We got Kylee.” She tilted her head and flashed a toothy grin.