
Harlequin Publishing Corp.
Romantic suspense
February 2025
ISBN-10: 1335502696
ISBN-13: 978-1335502698
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Colton’s Deadly Trap
A stalker is threatening their lives …
But who is the real target?
Celebrity chef Maxwell Powell III is on a working vacation at the Colton’s exclusive Arizona resort to write a cookbook. Although Alexis Reed’s assignment as his assistant could help her career, she cannot ignore the powerful attraction sizzling between them. Just as Max is drawn to both Alexis’s candor and her beauty. But when they become targets in a series of attacks, it’s Max’s protective instincts that kick into high gear. And the terrifying realization that it’s not clear who the perpetrator is really after—Max or the woman he’d defend with his life.
Colton’s Deadly Trap: Excerpt
“Thanks, Aaron.” Alexis waited for the porter to leave before continuing to enumerate the resort’s features. “The paths back to L Building, our main building; S Building, which houses our spa and gym; our hiking trails and other amenities are all marked.”
She highlighted the resort’s offerings, including horseback riding, pool and fine dining at Annabeth, the resort’s five-star restaurant, which was named for Adam’s mother. Its menu included a champagne breakfast that sounded very tempting. Max set down the half-opened box and strolled the sitting area again. He focused more on Alexis’s voice than her words. The warm, husky notes were at the same time, soothing and stirring. It brought to mind images of champagne, canapes, cozy fireplaces and rumpled sheets.
Max had experienced an instant interest in attractive women before. But he’d never had such a strong, immediate connection. It was a restless need to be near her, to learn everything about her. Did she feel this way, too? How would she react if he asked her to spend time outside of work with him?
“If I can.” Alexis’s words startled him.
He turned to her. She stood in the center of the sitting area. Her patient eyes were fixed on him as she waited for him to respond.
“Excuse me?” For a split second, Max was afraid he’d spoken his private musings out loud.
Alexis’s polite smile remained in place. “I said I’d be happy to answer any question you may have about the resort at this time, if I can.”
Max sent her an self-conscious grin. “Oh. No, I don’t have any questions right now. Thank you.”
Good grief. How did he recover from this embarrassment? He found himself back beside the chair on which he’d left the package. He picked it up.
“All right, but if you think of anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Anyone at the Mariposa would be happy to assist you.”
Max’s hands stilled on the box as he shifted his attention to Alexis. “Thank you. I don’t know whether I’ll have a lot of time to take advantage of all the resort’s offerings. I have a lot of work to do.”
“I thought this was at least partly a vacation.” There was humor in her voice.
“I’m sure I’ll have some down time.” He responded with a slow smile. “But it’s more of a busman’s holiday.”
Alexis took a step toward him. “Would you like to discuss that now? Laura asked me to acquire the ingredients you’ll need for your recipes.”
“That’s right and I appreciate your willingness to help me.” His discomfort eased as he thought about the adventure of creating new dishes. “I’m adding a southwestern twist to several of my dishes that I want to include in my book.”
Her smile brightened into a grin. “Congratulations. It’s all very impressive, your restaurants, your show and now your cookbook.”
“Thank you.” His eyes roamed her face, taking in her delicate features and the sparkle in her eyes. “I’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients, spices, fruits, vegetables, fish and poultries.”
“You’re in luck.” Once again, Max heard the pride in her voice. “We have an excellent farmers market not far from the resort. It’s open Sundays and Mondays from seven A.M. to noon. They have great fruits, vegetables, juices and condiments. They’ve also recently started selling poultry. I’ll have to go to a separate market for fish, though, if you’d like me to pick that up for you.”
Max shook his head. “I’ll be coming with you.”
He felt a surge of happiness at the thought of spending that time alone with her. Based on the surprise she quickly masked, Alexis didn’t have the same reaction.
She lifted her palms. “There’s no need for you to take the time and trouble to come with me. I’m happy to do the shopping for you.” She lowered her hands. “You can just make a list of everything you’ll need and we can add those items to your final billing.”
Max considered her professional demeanor. Her expression was calm and friendly, but he sensed she really didn’t want him to do the shopping with her. Why not? A never-before-recognized imp of contrariness prompted him to dig in his heels.
“Well, you mentioned the market opens at seven A.M. That’s pretty early.” He spoke slowly as though he was considering his options. “And I’m not much of a morning person.” Max saw the light of relief in her eyes. “However, this is really important to me, so I’ll make the effort. In fact, we should get there before the market opens to make sure we get the best, freshest picks. Afterall, a great meal starts with great ingredients.”
Alexis spread her arms. “I realize you’re the expert, but I assure you, I’m capable of grocery shopping for you.”
“Grocery shopping?” Max’s eyes widened with surprise and disbelief. This time, his reaction wasn’t feigned. “This isn’t grocery shopping. It’s much more than that. The produce has to be fresh and unblemished. The poultry and fish cuts have to be lean and perfect. I’m very particular. It would be best if I came with you.”
Alexis considered him. Max sensed her sizing him up and going over his explanation. “Of course, Max. You’re the expert and the guest.”
Victory! He did a mental fist pump.
And, bonus, Max finally got the box open. His smile vanished. His body froze. His mind went blank. Inside the box were the two items that had been stolen from his condo during the break-ins: his old cell phone on which he’d saved his playlist and his deodorant. There was also a note, “Enjoy your stay at the Mariposa Resort & Spa.”
“Max?” Alexis’s hand was warm against his bare forearm. She’d moved to stand beside him without his noticing. “Is something wrong?”
He raised his eyes to hers. “I’m being stalked.”