‘There’s no other option. Please respect my decision. Goodbye, Jack.’
She hung up, put her mobile on silent and hid it in her wardrobe. Collapsing onto her bed, she could no longer hold back the tears. She loved him, and she’d set him free to find someone who’d fit the image of a perfect executive’s wife. They’d have a fabulous house and adorable children, and she’d...she’d never stop loving him. She sobbed until her pillow was soaked and her throat raw.
Fourteen hundred kilometres away, in a high-rise office block on Sydney’s North Shore, Jack stared at his phone in disbelief. She’d dumped him. Refused to explain.
Anger simmered below the amazement. But he’d be damned if he’d accept it without her telling him why to his face. They were incredible together, perfectly tuned to each other’s desires. She was his, had been from the moment she’d asked him to take her to bed. Hell, he’d screwed up. He should have told her how he felt.
‘Jack?’
He swung round, pocketing his phone. To heck with dotting every ‘i’. They’d work late tonight, and tomorrow they’d sign off on the main points. The peripheral stuff could be agreed by email or at a future meeting.
He had business at home to deal with.
* * *
Jack’s flight landed in Adelaide a few minutes early on Wednesday evening. By six-thirty he’d picked up his ute from long-term parking, and made a quick call to Mel, felt relieved when she mentioned Cassie first.
‘Cassie hasn’t been feeling well since Sunday so I sent her home yesterday. Hopefully a few days’ rest is all she needs.’
‘I’m sure she’ll be fine. She’s resilient. You take care, Mel. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
He parked in the last street space available, half a block from Cassie’s home. His throat felt dry and raw, his gut churned and his brain felt overloaded from trying to work out why? What if she wouldn’t listen to him, wouldn’t see him...? No, not to be contemplated.
He swiped his hand across his mouth, jumped from the ute and strode to her front door. There was no sound inside, no sign of life. He didn’t have a plan B so he’d wait on the porch until someone came.
Sending up a silent prayer, he rang the doorbell. A door slammed, a male voice called out ‘Coming’, and something heavy thumped on the floor inside.
He sucked in air and waited. Whatever he’d expected, it wasn’t the blond, well-built athlete who, hand on the half-open door, studied him with guarded interest.
‘Yeah?’
Jack pulled the flyscreen door open. ‘Is Cassie home?’
‘Who wants to know?’ Was his blunt demand a friend’s protection for her or something more?
‘Jack Randell.’ He hoped it sounded more confident to the man confronting him than it felt, and automatically straightened his shoulders as he was subjected to the most intense scrutiny he could ever remember enduring. Determinedly keeping steady eye contact, he refused to buckle, wouldn’t leave until he’d seen her.
With a slight nod of the head, the guardian of the door pushed it wide open and held out his hand.
‘Brad Collins. Cassie’s friend and housemate.’ Jack heard the message, wasn’t sure it meant he was confirming that was all they were or sending him a warning.
His surprise must have been evident as he returned the firm handshake because Brad’s eyebrows rose for a second and he grinned.
‘She didn’t tell you she shared with two guys? Interesting. Come on in.’
Two guys? Jack was still trying to process that fact as he entered a spacious lounge area and nearly tripped over a large gym bag. His mishap amused Brad even more, though there was no malice in the short laugh.
A toot from outside turned both heads. Brad caught the flyscreen, preventing it from closing, and waved at the blue car pulling into the driveway. ‘Be right there.’ He walked across the lounge and disappeared into the hallway.
Jack heard a loud double knock on wood then, ‘Cassie, you got a minute?’
Not waiting for an answer, Brad returned, swung his bag over his shoulder and picked up a set of keys from the coffee table. His eyes locked with Jack’s and the tacit message was strong and unmistakable.
Hurt her anymore and you’ll answer to me.
He nodded, still stunned that Cassie had omitted to mention that her housemates were male, yet thankful that she had such a champion, and that the man trusted him enough to leave them alone.
After a short pause, Brad gave a quick echoing gesture and left, closing both doors behind him. Leaving Jack alone to face the challenge of his life.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JACK STOOD, EYES focused on that doorway, every muscle tensed, every cell in his body attuned to the soft footsteps coming nearer. He drew breath and held it, his mouth dried and his hands splayed on his thighs.
Suddenly she was there, framed in the doorway, his gorgeous, sunny, beloved Cassie... Except...?
He felt his heart rupture, painfully ripping apart, and he’d swear it would leave a permanent scar.
Her usually beautiful, sparkling brown eyes were dulled, rimmed with shadows, and her sweet, quirky lips gave no welcome. She looked tired and broken and he couldn’t fathom what the hell he’d done to cause such anguish.
‘Cassie?’ Raspy. Fractured. Like he felt.
She gasped, startled by his presence. Her eyes grew larger, darker, a bright red flush appeared on her cheeks, emphasising her pallor, and her hands flew to clamp round her waist. Her head swung towards the dining area past the front door, as if seeking support.
‘Brad left.’
No way would he be following her friend until he’d found out why she’d dumped him. On the damn phone. He tried to suppress the niggling irritation and had to admit defeat. It simmered in his gut, more so now he’d seen its effect on her.
She swallowed, drawing his eyes to the slight movement of her throat.
‘I said I didn’t want to see you.’ He hadn’t believed her then, didn’t now. There was a yearning in her tone that tugged at his heartstrings, gave him the tiniest glimmer of hope.
‘I heard. I want to know why. After what we shared, I deserve that much consideration.’
She held his gaze for so long he was on the point of marching over, taking her into his arms and kissing her. He was positive deep down to his soul that she cared for him, so why the charade? Even now he could see desire—for him—ignite, bringing a faint glow to her lacklustre eyes. One gentle kiss and he wouldn’t be able to stop until she melted into him as she always did, alleviating his anguish.
Her sudden blink and quick headshake broke the spell. She took careful steps to an old round-armed chair and sank into its well-worn cushions. He frowned as she drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around her body, as if needing protection. From him?
Scouring his mind for a reason for her apprehension, he sat in the chair on the other side of the fireplace, giving her space. Clasping his hands between his legs and leaning forward, he waited.
The tip of her tongue appeared, and ran across her lip line, nearly tipping him over the edge. Did she have any idea how provocative her action was?
Staying calm was the best way of getting an answer so he dug deep for the self-discipline he’d been so proud of. He wasn’t completely successful. Watching her breasts rise and fall in agitation had him fisting his hands, shifting in his seat and digging even deeper.
* * *
Cassie hugged her stomach tighter. Jack was here. In her home, asking—no, demanding—an explanation. His male ego must have brought him; limited truth would send him away.
‘You. Your family. Your social position and lifestyle. I don’t fit.’ Even to her ears it sounded lame. She flicked her hand, encompassing the room. ‘I can’t live that way.’
Her words made no impression.
If anything, he seemed to find them irrelevant. He ground out an oath, one she’d never have expected him to use in any situation.
Her jaw dropped, her head jerked, and a gleam appeared in his green eyes. His sharp bark of laughter cut through the air and its irony had no magic to conjure up her Outback daydream.
‘If I believed that for one second, Cassie Clarkson, I’d never have kissed you, no matter how attractive I found you.’
She fought back. ‘Your whole family socialise with the elite of Adelaide—Australia, even. You’re invited to gala events people like me would need a police check to attend as a waitress.’
Seeing his brow furrow and his eyes narrow, she realised she’d hit a nerve, and her stomach clenched. She wanted, desperately needed, to be alone. Before she broke down and admitted she ached to be in his arms, held close and cherished, his lips kissing away all thoughts of separation. Her head ached, her brain was a foggy mess and she spoke without thinking.
‘You’re so much more than you divulge to the world.’
He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. She continued, not giving him a chance to butt in.
‘And your new enterprise will take you a giant step further up the corporate ladder.’
His eyebrow shot upwards then his features froze. ‘Enterprise? Whose gossip have you been listening to, Cassie?’
He pronounced the words with care, voice flat and devoid of its richness, his eyes as hard as granite. His scornful huff hung in the air as he continued. ‘Of course, you hear things. I seem to remember you saying you don’t retain them.’
‘You’re not denying it. You kept your corporate ambitions well hidden; now they’ll make you super rich and...’
He cut in, restraint abandoned, anger rising. ‘And you’re not prepared to talk this out, try to find out where what we have might lead? That’s not the impression I got from our time together.’
She stared in disbelief at the agitated stranger in front of her, so different to the disciplined Jack she knew. It was as if he were keeping a mere semblance of control by the barest of threads.
She wouldn’t cave in. She mustn’t. For his sake. Because she loved him more than life itself. Focusing on what was best for him, she ignored the throbbing in her head.
‘That’s not for me. It’s better we split now. Move on with no regrets.’
He lunged to his feet, sending her shrinking into the cushions. A second later a surge of adrenaline sent her upright, facing him with her head held high, determined to negate any argument. Without conscious thought, she narrowed the gap between them a little.
‘Move on?’ He flung his arms out wide as if to encompass the world. The vein in his forehead pulsed, the corner of his mouth twitched, and his eyes pinned her with scorn. His resentment hung in the air, almost tangible. Surrounding her.
This was a side to him she’d never have imagined, so far removed from the restraint he’d always exercised. Because she’d made the decision, not him?
‘That’s your future plan? To discard everything we shared—the walks, the kisses?’ His Adam’s apple jerked in his throat. ‘Making love?’
She began to quiver inside as his voice rose with every word, the last two rough and raspy as if painful to get out. Yet she didn’t retreat, strangely felt no sense of danger.
He stepped towards her. ‘You’re suggesting we move on to someone else, Cassie? Date them? Kiss them? Make love to them?’ Each emphasis cut deep, as he intended.
Another step and he loomed over her, green eyes blazing. ‘Tell me how the hell I’m supposed to do that when I’m so totally crazily in love with you.’
No. No, he couldn’t be—mustn’t be. Obviously didn’t want to be. Her world spun into orbit, leaving her disorientated and gasping for air. Holding up her hand in denial, she backed away until her legs hit the armchair.
‘No. No, Jack, I... Please. It...it’s...’
Words failed her as the colour drained from Jack’s face and his features contorted. His head shook from side to side in slow motion, his fingers clenched then splayed and his eyes glazed over as if he were seeing another time, another place.
‘Don’t...don’t go. I’m sorry. Please. Don’t go.’ His faltering voice, and the ragged pain in his voice stunned her.
Go? Go where?
A violent shudder ran through him; he staggered back and sank into the chair he’d vacated minutes earlier. Bending forward, he dropped his head into his hands and groaned like a wounded animal.
Cassie’s heart ripped at the tormented sound, and she sped across the room to kneel beside him and place her hand on his arm. Everything about him stilled.
A moment later, he was beside her on the carpet, his arms around her, cradling her head to his chest.
‘Cassie, forgive me.’ Rocking her gently, he repeated his plea, giving her no chance to answer. Last night she’d vowed to keep distance between them, learn to live without his touch. Her resolve hadn’t lessened, but oh, it felt so good in his embrace.
* * *
His anger shattered by her reaction, Jack was left drained and racked with guilt. The one thing holding him together was having Cassie nestled to his heart, her soft fingers touching his arm and her unique aroma calming him with every intake of breath.
He’d broken his sworn oath and lost his temper, after nine years of rigid constraint. The thought of losing her, of not knowing why, had smashed the restraint on his emotions. Letting his fear out as a tirade had frightened her.
He steeled himself and stood, lifting her with him. Grateful that she didn’t pull away, he cupped and raised her chin, relishing the softness of her skin. Her face was still pale and he didn’t deserve the compassion in her tender eyes. He ran trembling fingers over her cheek, stroked her tempting lips with his thumb. Ached to crush her to his heart and never let go.
‘I had—obviously still have—a temper. I believed I’d conquered it. Instead, as we’ve both found out, it was just lying dormant.’
Her eyes widened, so big, so beautiful, and he struggled to contain the riotous emotions raging through his mind and body. Taking her hand, he led her to a brightly patterned couch and, without letting go, sat and drew her down an arm’s length away.
Huffed all the air from his lungs, refilled them then made eye contact with her and held it.
‘There was a girl. We were both nineteen, both proud and obstinate. She flirted and I liked the attention I got from other women.’
The accusations they’d traded had been childish, worded for maximum insult. The making-up had always been hot and heavy, the best part of their relationship.
‘It was my fault she died. I walked out of the room in the middle of a volatile slanging match, and slammed the bathroom door behind me. She stormed off and went skiing alone on a run for experts only. One of the instructors found her crumpled against a tree later in the day.’
Cassie reached out and laid her free hand over his, her sympathetic gesture deepening the guilt for his churlish treatment of her. He’d never revealed the full truth of that day to anyone; now he felt cold and drained.
‘That day I swore I’d never lose my temper again. Haven’t until now.’
He’d ignored Cassie’s request for privacy, and shown her his baser side. Accepting her right not to see him would have been the honourable course of action, however distressing for him. Taking hold of both her hands, he raised them to his lips and kissed each one.
‘I’m sorry, Cassie. I shouldn’t have come.’
He forced himself to bring both of them to their feet, wanting to beg her to let him stay. To tell him the truth about why they couldn’t be together.
Stepping away, he kept touch, sliding his fingers down her arms and over her hands to her fingertips, keeping the connection as long as possible.
‘I’d be
tter leave.’
She nodded, a forlorn figure, arms loose at her sides, shoulders slumped, and...hell, he’d swear he’d seen tears forming in her eyes before she dropped her gaze. Nausea struck and bile rose in his throat, rendering him speechless.
Shame drove him, almost running to the door to prevent himself from reaching for her. If he held her again he’d kiss her. If he kissed her again he might never stop.
Standing between the two doors, he flung his head back, jaw clenched, body taut. Daren’t turn around for fear he’d crack.
‘I love you, Cassie. Nothing in heaven or earth will change how I feel. I’ll never stop loving you.’
Closing each door with exaggerated care, he strode down the driveway, fighting tears that threatened for the first time since Bob’s funeral. He’d let them fall then, a tribute to the mentor whose love and guidance he would always cherish.
Keys in hand, he stopped by his ute, leant his forehead against the door and thumped the roof with his fist. He’d never felt so low, so impotent. Cassie had stolen his heart, now it lay crushed in his rib cage, its beating sluggish, purely corporeal. If she didn’t want him, he might, with effort and tenacity, accept what she said. But he couldn’t because her eyes, her touch and her body belied her words.
He couldn’t think straight, and his hands were shaking. Leaving the ute where it was, he strode towards the main road that led to the local shopping centre. If the fresh air didn’t clear his head, strong coffee would.
He recalled every word she’d said, didn’t buy it. She’d spouted clichés and used his background and business venture to hide the truth. Damned if he could figure what that might be.
* * *
Cassie heard the doors shut and pictured Jack striding away, spine rigid, features impassive and brain racing. Her own kept repeating his departing vow.
‘I love you, Cassie. Nothing in heaven or earth will change how I feel.’
Heart-stopping words declared with deep conviction from an abraded throat. Jack Randell, property owner, and soon to be even richer, loved her. Desirable, connected and eligible, with a choice of any of the beautiful, privileged women in Australian society, his heart had chosen her.
Captivated by the Enigmatic Tycoon Page 16