Bree

by Raine English

  His breath hitched in his throat as he read the letter and then reread it. As part of a promotional campaign, Dawson Yates, owner of the agency, was offering him a free week in Bali with a woman sure to be his perfect match. A week in Bali? His heart nearly stopped beating. Jayce had never left Nebraska, and although the thought of spending seven glorious days on an island was indeed intoxicating, reality hit him square in the face. He couldn’t possibly leave the farm. Dally was due to deliver her calf soon, and a new cooling system was being installed in the barns. It was crazy to even consider accepting the invitation. He needed to write a quick refusal and put it out of his mind. However, the thought of meeting a sweet, down-to-earth country girl—that’s what he’d put on his application as his perfect match—made him hesitate, and when the kitchen timer went off, indicating his dinner was ready, he took that as an omen to hold off a bit longer before refusing the trip.

  Jayce grabbed the ledger off the desk that his office manager had given him yesterday to look at, then headed down the hall toward the kitchen. As he waited for the beef stew to cool a little, he thumbed through the pages, but his mind wasn’t on business. It was on Bali and the possibility of falling in love again. If he didn’t go, he might regret it for the rest of his life. But what if something went wrong at the farm while he was away? That was too big a risk to take, yet as he ate his food, the “what ifs” weighed heavy on his mind. This was a huge decision to make alone.

  Jayce took his last bite then called Henry and an employee who worked in the maternity barn and asked them to come over. About fifteen minutes later, both men were sitting in his parlor drinking a beer.

  “Something’s come up that I could use some advice with,” Jayce said, suddenly feeling stupid to be asking the two men their opinion regarding his love life. But seeing as he’d look even more stupid if he said nothing, he had no choice but to spit it out. Jayce leaned back in the chair, crossed his ankles and said, “I have an opportunity to go to Bali for a week, but I’d have to leave in about two weeks.”

  Henry’s bushy brows furrowed, leaving no doubt that he was thoroughly confused. “Bali? That’s a long way from Nebraska. Would you be going alone?”

  Jayce took a long swig of his beer. “I’d be flying alone, but meeting someone when I got there.”

  His friend’s face brightened some. “Does this have something to do with Perfect Match?”

  “You’ve always been perceptive.” Jayce shot him a half smile.

  “What’s Perfect Match?” Jimmy, the young maternity barn worker, asked, before chugging down the rest of his beer.

  “It’s a matchmaking travel agency,” Henry answered.

  Jimmy let out a roar of laughter. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Of course, I know about dating services and travel agencies, but never the two combined.”

  “It’s a new concept,” Henry answered. “It’s good for singles who don’t want to vacation alone. I talked Jayce into joining.”

  “And you asked to go to Bali? I never heard you mention wanting to go on vacation.” Jimmy seemed puzzled. “I didn’t think you’d ever left the state.”

  Jayce clenched his jaw. “I haven’t, and I didn’t ask to go to Bali. I didn’t plan on going anywhere. I thought I might find a nice country girl from Wisconsin or somewhere who’d like to see Sterling Hill. But the agency is offering six couples a free vacation. The woman picks where to go. I never thought I’d be selected, but I was, and now I have to make a decision.”

  “So you want our opinion?” Henry asked.

  “It’s crazy to even consider, right? I mean, there’s so much going on here right now, I couldn’t possibly take a week off. There’s Dally, and the new cooling system—”

  “Don’t you worry about the calf comin’, I can take care of that just fine. You can’t turn down a trip of a lifetime,” Jimmy said, cutting him off.

  “That’s right,” Henry added. “There’s nothin’ here that we can’t handle. You have to do this, Jayce. Besides, you could use a vacation. Nobody could keep up the pace you do and not crash. It will do you a world of good. And maybe you’ll meet that special gal who’ll fill that hole in yer heart.”

  Henry’s words hit home. “It’s only a week. Everything’ll be fine here, right?”

  “Of course. You worry too much. This is your chance to live a little, and you sure do deserve to. So go accept that invitation and don’t give Sterling Hill another thought.”

  Looked like he was going to Bali.

  Later that night, as he undressed for bed, he caught a glimpse of himself in the floor length mirror. At thirty, he was in as good shape as he’d been in his twenties. His physique was lean and muscular. Long days of hard physical work attributed to that. And hours in the sun, left him tanned and had lightened his naturally honey blond hair to pale gold. He knew he was a good-looking guy. Plenty of women had told him that, but would his perfect match think so? Would he be her type? It had been a long time since he cared if a woman was attracted to him and it left him feeling weird and uncomfortable to worry about that. But he was going to travel a long way to meet his match and that first impression, that spark of attraction, was crucial. If she didn’t feel it for him, not only would his ego be crushed, but his heart would be too.

  Jayce turned away from the glass and flopped onto the bed. Funny how he didn’t worry about being attracted to her. Something deep inside told him it was a given. Maybe it was because he’d been without a woman for so long. Perhaps it was because he’d put a lot of faith in the matchmaking system. Whatever it was, he was anxious to meet his match, and that would make for a long two weeks before he left for Bali.

  Chapter Three

  “There’s a lot more traffic than usual,” Bree said to the limo driver while straining her neck to try to see past the delivery truck in front of them. “You know how my dad hates it when I’m late.”

  “I dare say, I do, but I’m sure he’s quite used to it by now,” Randolph said in a clipped British accent.

  “You’re right about that, but he still doesn’t like it, and I so want him to be in a good mood tonight. Can’t you go around that truck?” she asked with annoyance.

  “I don’t think the vehicle in the lane beside us would appreciate that. So would you have me go under or over the truck?” He glanced at her in the rearview mirror, and there was no mistaking the twinkle in his faded blue eyes. Randolph had been with her family since she was a little girl, and he was more like an uncle than an employee.

  “I know I’m being ridiculous, and there’s nothing you can do,” she said, tapping her fingers on the leather seat, “but sometimes this traffic makes me want to move out of the city.”

  “And where would you go?”

  “Somewhere quiet and stress-free.” She knew he was playing along with her, as they’d had this type of conversation many times before. Whenever she was annoyed, she’d threaten to move out of New York. “Maybe the country…”

  He chuckled softly. “You’d be bored in ten minutes and planning your trip back home.”

  She smiled. “I’m sure you’re right, but it’s fun to imagine.” Bree had grown up in the city and had lived with her dad in the penthouse at their Wilson Hotel on Fifth Avenue until last year when she moved across town. The thing she missed the most was the fabulous view of Central Park from her bedroom window. And of course, being able to order room service at whatever hour desired. However, living alone had forced her to learn how to cook, and she had yet to taste a mac and cheese that was better than hers.

  When they finally reached the hotel, she was ten minutes late. Bree opened the door and jumped out before the limo had come to a complete stop.

  “You’re going to get hurt doing that one of these times,” Randolph yelled out the window, but Bree just blew him a kiss and raced into the hotel lobby.

  “Good evening, Miss Wilson,” the front desk clerk said as she ran by him.

  “Evening, Phil.”

  The Pink Swan was packed
, but she spotted her father at their usual table, and without waiting for the hostess to seat her, she weaved through the crowded restaurant and took a seat across from the most handsome, distinguished man in the place.

  Brandon Wilson stood six feet three in his bare feet, had silver hair cut short, but not too short that he wasn’t able to gel it back into whatever the current trend was, and piercing green eyes that could cause an employee to tremble with one quick glance. But to Bree he was Dad, and the man she adored.

  He tapped his watch before saying hello.

  “I know. I know. I’m always late. But this time it wasn’t my fault. The traffic was unbelievable.”

  “I’m glad you’re back.” The smile he shot her lit up his usually stern face.

  Bree was all he had, and when she was away, she knew he missed her terribly. It had been just the two of them since she was a little girl. Bree barely remembered her mom. She left when Bree was only four. But she remembered her parents’ terrible arguments. They kept her up at night. Even pulling the pillow tight around her ears didn’t help. And they always began when her dad was set to go out of town. Her mom hated having to take care of a toddler, despite having a full staff available at her beck and call. It still meant she had to curb her outings to the various luncheons and parties that normally filled her days and nights. Tina Wilson was a social butterfly and the things she liked most about her husband were his money and status in New York’s elite circles. When he was in the city, he’d take Bree to work with him, but when he was gone, Tina had to take over. Not that the incessant workload her father had wouldn’t have put a strain on any marriage, but when it involved a woman who never should’ve had a child in the first place, it was unbearable.

  There was no doubt her parents’ horrible marriage had contributed to Bree’s decision to remain single. She worked as hard as her dad and traveled as much as he had before his heart condition slowed him down. Bree had taken over the managing of the out of state projects, and that meant nonstop trips across the country and abroad. But she loved it and couldn’t imagine ever doing anything else. Someday the business would be hers, and she would be sure to maintain her dad’s high standards. If her personal life suffered because of it, so be it. No one had everything. That was for sure. But Bree had close to it, and for that she was thankful.

  “Are you going to have the salmon?” her dad asked, looking up from the menu.

  “I always think I’ll try something new, but I never do.”

  “Consistency is good. That’s what’s made us so successful. I heard you did a fine job with the golf club in South Carolina.”

  “I don’t mind patting myself on the back. It is magnificent.”

  “I’m thankful every day for you, Bree.”

  Her cheeks warmed. It wasn’t often that her dad paid a compliment, so when he did, it meant the world to her. “I saw Dawson while I was there. He’s getting married.”

  Her dad put down the menu. The corners of his mouth drooped. “I’d always hoped that you two…” His words faded away.

  She sent him a small, warm smile. “I know you did, but it never was going to happen. We’re like brother and sister. Those other feelings just aren’t there. Besides, I don’t have time for romance. I have an empire to run.” She laughed.

  “You’re going to regret that someday. Right now, you’re young and beautiful and could have any man you desire. That won’t always be the case. Don’t let too much time go by, Bree, or you’ll wind up like me.”

  She shot him a questioning look. “Is that so bad?”

  “It’s lonely.”

  Her brow furrowed. She had no idea her dad felt like that. He’d never mentioned regretting staying single. “Are you okay?”

  His face softened. “I’m fine. I just worry about you. I know my relationship with your mother has tainted you, making you afraid to fall in love. I’d give anything to change that.”

  “Then you’ll be happy to hear that I’m participating in Dawson’s promotion for his new matchmaking business. I’m going to Bali for a week and will meet my match there. I don’t expect anything to come of it, but it’ll make Dawson happy and apparently you too. Of course, I’ll check on our new resort while I’m there.”

  “Don’t spend too much time working.”

  Bree groaned. “That’s what Dawson said.”

  “He’s a smart man. You need to listen to him, and to me. Although, I know you never do. You have a mind of your own. That’s for sure.”

  While she pondered that statement, their waitress came over with a basket of dinner rolls and took their order.

  “When are you leaving?” Her dad asked after the waitress walked away.

  “In the morning.”

  His jaw tightened. “I’m glad I got to spend a few hours with you, at least.”

  She took a sip of her water. “I’m sorry it’s such a quick trip home, but after Bali, I’ll be in New York for a few months. I don’t have anything planned before Dawson’s wedding in late June. I’m his best woman.”

  He chuckled. “I miss you, Bree. Life is quite boring when you’re gone. My wish is that you’re matched with a nice man from the Upper East Side who wants to settle down and have a child or two. A couple of grandchildren would make me very happy.”

  Her chest tightened because she knew her dad meant it, and she feared his wish would never come true. Luckily, one of his long-time friends spotted them and came over to say hello, giving her an out of responding.

  During dinner, understood the conversation turned to business. They spent the next couple hours discussing the shopping center in San Diego, the high-rise apartments in Miami, and of course, the resort in Bali.

  Before saying goodnight, her father said, “Have a safe trip, my dear, and remember there’s nothing more important in life than love.”

  “I know, Dad. And I have love in my life. I have you.”

  He stood up and leaned over to kiss her cheek, but before he could reach her, he staggered and grabbed hold of her chair to steady himself.

  “Dad!” Bree shot up and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you okay?”

  “I must’ve gotten up too fast.”

  The greyish tinge to his skin told her it was more than that. “I think you should see your doctor.”

  “I have an appointment next week.”

  “You need to go sooner. I’m going to cancel my trip and make sure you get checked out.”

  His ashy skin-tone flushed to a purplish red, and his voice was icy when he said, “You are not. I can take care of myself. I’ve done so for sixty-eight years, and I have no plans to stop anytime soon. Besides, you’re not going to put your life on hold. You’re going to Bali, and that’s that.”

  Bree knew it was senseless to argue with him. When his mind was made up, there was no changing it. “Promise you’ll take it easy while I’m gone. And if you need me, for any reason, you call, okay.”

  “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. Enjoy yourself.”

  Bree kissed him goodbye, and as she left the restaurant, a heaviness centered in her chest. Randolph was waiting for her in the lobby, and she spotted him sitting in one of the plush wingback chairs. He must’ve seen her at the same time because he got up quickly and waved to her.

  “How was dinner?” he asked as she approached.

  “Fabulous, as always. I don’t think Chef Carlo has ever served a bad meal.” She waited until they were in the limo to mention her father. “My dad had quite a dizzy spell. Do you know if that’s happened before?”

  Randolph took a moment to answer, and when he did Bree could tell he was choosing his words carefully. “Your father is doing all he can to stay healthy, and his medical team is as well, so try not to worry. It won’t do him or you any good.”

  She hated that he’d skirted around her question, and despite his advice, her nerves were like a rubber band about to snap. Later, back in her apartment, after her suitcases had been packed, she gave her dad a call, but his assis
tant said he’d already gone to bed. A painful knot formed inside. She’d wanted to hear his voice one more time before leaving for Bali. Her flight was so early in the morning that she couldn’t call then. Added to her disappointment was a feeling of guilt. She didn’t spend near enough time with him. Her travels didn’t allow for that. But those trips were business. This one—although she would be visiting their resort—was for pleasure and entirely unnecessary.

  She never should’ve accepted Dawson’s invite, but to back out now would anger both Dawson and her father. No. She needed to keep her word to both men and go. But she’d be counting the days until she got home. And that wasn’t exactly a great way to begin her vacation.

  Chapter Four

  “Sir, please buckle your seat belt. We’re about to take off.”

  Jayce shifted his gaze from the window, where he’d been studying the runway below, over to the flight attendant. “How long does it take?” He pulled the belt snugly across his waist.