Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  She lowered her lashes, shame cloaking her. Her partying days were a blur she’d rather forget.

  “You were wearing a little black dress.” A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “My brother kept you close by his side all night.”

  She cringed. Could things get any more embarrassing? She’d thrown the figure-hugging dress in the trash long ago. “Sean and I went to lots of parties.” She frowned. “I’m sorry, but I don’t remember.”

  “No worries.” He stepped closer, lowering his deep voice to a whisper. “You’re more beautiful than I remember.”

  “Thanks.” Her cheeks heated and she switched her attention to his silk tie. Conservative hues of blue and green. Had he chosen the tie especially for tonight or had he been wearing it all day at the office?

  She inhaled a deep breath. Why did she feel such a powerful connection with Sean’s brother?

  “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  “It’s a little awkward not remembering we’d met before.”

  “Okay, I confess I have an unfair advantage. Your father has a photo of you and Laura on his desk.”

  Did Dad display her photo to keep up appearances? Or did he care about her despite his abrupt attitude?

  A ray of hope lighted inside her. Lord, please help me find a way to mend my relationship with Dad.

  Curiosity drove her to ask the one question burning in her mind. “How’s Sean doing?”

  A dark look shadowed his face. “I’ve no idea. You’re the last person to see him before he left the country. Even my parents haven’t heard from him in over two years.”

  “Really? He hasn’t contacted anyone?”

  Ryan nodded, his mouth set in a grim line.

  She sipped the remainder of her tea, struggling to understand why she had once contemplated Sean’s crazy idea of turning their friendship into a more serious relationship. Not that they’d have stood a chance. Her drinking problems combined with his irresponsible actions had destroyed any potential for a healthy relationship or future together.

  The passing of time and a clear head had revealed Sean’s character flaws. But they’d been close friends, inseparable before he’d left, and she’d known another side of him. She couldn’t forget or dismiss from her mind the many times he’d been caring and considerate.

  “Ryan, I’m sorry about how everything turned out with Sean. I’d hoped he’d sorted himself out by now.”

  “My brother chose his life path and he has to live with the consequences.”

  Her father didn’t let her forget her troubled past. The consequences seemed never ending.

  Ryan’s eyes softened as he met her gaze. “Do you keep in touch with any of Sean’s friends?”

  “Not anymore.” She twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “I avoid the party scene.”

  “Have you heard anything about Sean’s whereabouts?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not interested in seeing him again.”

  He nodded. “You’ve done a great job organizing this party.”

  “I haven’t done much.” She loosened her grip on her glass, thankful he’d changed the subject. “The caterers and waiters have done most of the work.”

  “They deserve a bonus.” He removed his jacket and draped it back over his shoulder, emphasizing the broad expanse of his chest.

  She drew in a few deep breaths and tried to calm her tightly coiled nerves. She felt like a schoolgirl in the throes of her first teenage crush.

  Her father began speaking into the microphone, calling Laura and Greg to join him up on the musician’s dais. She welcomed the distraction from the man standing close by her side.

  Dad’s short, humorous speech drew plenty of laughter, even from her. But her aggravation with him remained. She’d do her best to stay out of his way.

  Laura and Greg thanked everyone for coming and proceeded to cut their engagement cake.

  Ryan signaled a waiter, who immediately came over.

  “What can I offer you?” Ryan asked.

  “I’m good, thanks.” She passed her empty glass to the waiter.

  Ryan selected a beverage, his eyes twinkling. “Let’s go outside?”

  “Sure.” She should stop by the kitchen. But her staff were on top of their game and distributing cake to appreciative guests. The kitchen could wait.

  She walked with Ryan toward the balcony. His honesty regarding his brother demonstrated his integrity. Sean had insisted that Ryan and his parents were critical and judgmental, but who could blame his family for being concerned about him?

  Ryan came to a halt, his fingers cupping her elbow for a brief moment. “John’s waving at me.”

  Her smile froze on her lips. Talk about bad timing. Why did her father need to see Ryan right now?

  Chapter 2

  Ryan frowned. Which deal had hit a snag this time?

  John Beaumont sauntered over, annoyance shadowing his tired face. “Sorry to interrupt, Ryan, but we need to talk.”

  Cassie stepped away from him. “Oh, I’ll go check on things in the kitchen.”

  Ryan turned to her, his mouth curving up as he looked into her deep blue eyes. “Please stay—this shouldn’t take long.”

  “Two minutes at the most,” John said.

  “Okay.” She shifted her gaze to the floor, her wavy blond locks falling forward over her face.

  His breath caught in his throat. Her beauty mesmerized him, but her discomfort around her own father surprised him.

  “I just received a call from London,” John said.

  His stomach sank. This could only mean one thing. “What’s wrong?”

  “The parent company has changed some of the project parameters,” John said. “They need the revised projections by close of business, London time.”

  Ryan checked his watch, frustrated by the interruption. He hadn’t transferred the latest version of the confidential files to his off-site data storage account, assuming this stage of the project was finalized. But he needed to talk to Cassie first, before he left. “I’ll go back to the office tonight.”

  “Thanks.” John cast a wary glance in his daughter’s direction before returning his attention to Ryan. “I know this is bad timing and I’m sorry to cut your evening short.”

  Cassie continued to stare at the floor. Why wouldn’t she even look at her father? What had gone wrong between the two of them?

  “Good thing I’ve taken over this project from Greg.” He hoped to thaw the frosty atmosphere between father and daughter. “Laura would go nuts if Greg had to work tonight.”

  John nodded. “I’ll pass on your apologies. See you both later.” He walked away.

  Cassie’s beautiful eyes narrowed. “You really have to leave now.”

  “Yes, unfortunately.” As second in command at the Sydney office, he often found himself working at all hours of the day. John was a good boss—tough but fair. Both Ryan and Greg had followed John when he set up his own management consulting company four years ago.

  “I hope you won’t have to work too late.”

  “Me, too.” He drained his glass. “First thing tomorrow morning I’m driving to my parents’ place for the weekend.”

  “I met them once, when they came to Sydney.” She nibbled her lower lip. “Are they still at Port Stephens?”

  He nodded. “They remember you.” His parents had liked Cassie and had hoped she might be a positive influence on Sean.

  “The bays are beautiful.”

  “Dad always wanted to learn to sail. When he retired he bought a yacht and ten acres near the water.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I love sailing, although I haven’t been out on the harbor in ages.”

  He gazed into her striking eyes, the same color as her stunning blue
dress. No wonder she was the first person he’d noticed when he arrived at the party.

  “I’d like to be out on the water every weekend,” he said, “and I’ve just brought my yacht back from Port Stephens.”

  “You have a yacht.” She shuffled closer to him as the crowd pressed in behind her.

  “She’s a little beauty and sails like the wind.” He leaned forward so she could hear him above the party chatter. “I’m taking her out on the harbor next weekend. Come with me.”

  “Why?” Surprise filled her voice.

  “Why not? You love sailing and my yacht needs a run on the harbor.” He held her gaze, giving her a big smile. “It’ll be fun.”

  “I’ll have to check my work schedule. When are you heading out?”

  “Probably Sunday afternoon.”

  She paused, her brows knitting together. “You don’t think it’s a little awkward for us to be hanging out because of my history with your brother?”

  “My brother is history.” He clenched his fist. “He needs to come home and deal with his problems. My parents are worried sick.”

  “I can’t imagine how awful this is for your family.”

  “It’s tough.” Every time he and his mother spoke she still asked him if he’d heard from Sean.

  “I hope he returns home soon.”

  He nodded, anger and frustration coursing through him. Ryan needed to find his brother. Sean owed him and Dad a stack of money.

  He’d heard rumors his brother was in Sydney. Sooner or later he’d track him down and make him repay his debts.

  “Can I let you know next week if I’m free on Sunday?”

  He nodded, handing her his business card. “My cell phone is the easiest way to contact me. Or I might see you on the ferry.”

  She lifted a brow. “How do you know which one I catch?”

  He grinned. “Laura.”

  She lowered her lashes. “Why doesn’t this surprise me?”

  “It’s all good,” he said, aware of her discomfort. “Anyway, I have to run. Have a great weekend.”

  “You, too.”

  Cassie disappeared into the crowd and he spotted Laura waving at him from across the room.

  Laura approached him, smiling. “Thanks for coming. Dad said you’re leaving now.”

  “Yeah, have you seen Greg?” He’d hardly spoken to Greg all evening.

  “He’s around somewhere.”

  “I’m glad I could make it.” He scanned the crowded room, searching for Greg.

  “Me, too,” she said. “Let’s do dinner soon.”

  “Sounds great. Tell Greg I’ll be in touch.”

  “Sure.” Laura gave him a brief hug. “See you later.”

  He made a final sweeping glance of the room and found Cassie looking his way. Returning her smile, he sensed she shared his disappointment over his having to leave early.

  The elegant woman he’d met tonight didn’t resemble the wild girl he remembered from a few years ago. Despite everything, he wanted to get to know her better and prove to her he was nothing like his brother. The magnetic connection between them had captivated his thoughts.

  She’d claimed to have no clue of his brother’s whereabouts and he’d believed her, entranced by her wide-eyed innocence. Would she help him find Sean?

  Being seen with Cassie might have the added benefit of drawing his brother out of hiding. She was his best lead so far, and he intended to see her again very soon.

  * * *

  On Tuesday morning Cassie groaned as the Manly Ferry glided away from the wharf without her. If only she’d left home ten minutes earlier.

  Her plans to play tennis later today with Julia and the singles group from church were now in doubt, even if the rain held off. She could work through her lunch break but couldn’t guarantee she’d finish everything in time.

  The overcast gray sky and chilly breeze off the harbor inspired her to walk faster on the path along the foreshore. She buried her hands deeper in the pockets of her full-length coat.

  Her father’s words plagued her thoughts. If she wanted to find a suitable husband, she had to prioritize opportunities to meet possible candidates. Playing tennis with her church friends wasn’t what Dad had in mind.

  She adjusted a loose hairpin and rearranged the fluffy scarf around her neck. Her cell phone beeped in her purse.

  Slowing her pace, she checked the screen and almost dropped her phone as she read Ryan’s message. He was catching the next ferry and had offered to buy her coffee.

  Cassie smiled. Something good had come from running late. She sent him a hasty reply, thanking him in advance for a latte with one sugar.

  Moments later her phone beeped again, confirming the coffee arrangements.

  She walked along with an added spring in her step. He wanted to see her. Last night she’d again put off calling him to confirm the arrangements for Sunday.

  She’d chided herself for feeling nervous, but a sermon on marriage a few weeks ago had stuck in her mind. Was it wise to consider dating a man who didn’t go to church? Right now she had no idea if he shared her faith.

  She reached the promenade leading to the wharf and shortened her stride. Numerous pigeons flew around, seeking crumbs left by the hundreds of tourists who visited Manly each day. The towering Norfolk pines swayed overhead in the salty sea breeze; their fallen needles crunched under her low-heeled boots on the paved path.

  She joined the flow of commuters filing through the wharf to the boarding area as the next ferry came into view. She searched the crowd, looking for Ryan among the people milling around her.

  The ferry docked at the wharf and she waited for the boarding gates to open. Still unable to see him, she moved forward and made her way to the rear of the upper deck.

  She sat next to a window and reached into her leather purse to retrieve her travel-sized Bible. Hopefully she’d have time to read two or three verses before Ryan arrived with coffee.

  Her hand skimmed over the spiral notebook she used to write down questions for Julia. Her best friend had led her to Christ and spent many hours helping her understand the Bible.

  She opened the Gospel of Matthew, found her place and started reading.

  The departure bell sounded, and a sudden feeling of awareness came over her.

  Ryan headed her way, cutting a dashing figure in his unbuttoned coat and business suit.

  Her heart skipped a beat and she returned his smile. The sweet aroma of coffee wafted in her direction as she lifted her purse off the spare seat beside her.

  “Hey.” He passed over her latte.

  “Thanks.” She held the warm cardboard cup, invigorated by the scent of caffeine and his presence. He must be a morning person to be so energized this early.

  “No problem.” He sat next to her, stretching out his long legs and crossing them at his ankles. He glanced at her Bible. “I didn’t realize I was interrupting your reading.”

  “I’m all done.” She tucked her Bible into her purse, having finished reading the passage in Matthew where Jesus and Peter walked on water.

  The waves outside lapped around the ferry, and she marveled at Peter’s faith and trust in Jesus. She wanted to experience the same depth of faith. Could she be like Peter and give up everything to follow Jesus?

  She sipped her latte, remembering she’d only drunk half a mug of instant coffee earlier this morning. “This is good coffee.”

  He nodded. “Do you read the Bible every day?”

  “I try to read during breakfast. But on days like today when I’m running late, it doesn’t work out that way.”

  “I’d also planned to leave much earlier.”

  “Is my dad being a hard taskmaster?”

  He laughed. “Always, but he’s a good man. His de
dication is the reason his company is successful.”

  “But his success has come at a price.”

  “The financial rewards are worth it.”

  She lifted a brow. “Maybe. Dad lives at the office and hasn’t got time for a personal life.” She resented the fact her father prioritized work over family. How could Ryan perceive Dad’s unbalanced lifestyle as good?

  Ryan’s smile faded. “He has a girlfriend.”

  “You mean the blonde.”

  “I met her once and she seemed nice.”

  “She’s nice because she sees dollar signs.” Cassie sipped her latte, avoiding his penetrating gaze. “She won’t last.”

  “How do you know?” He sat up straighter in his seat. “Have you even met her?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I know my father. If she’s an important part of his life, he’d tell me. I don’t even know her name.”

  His frown deepened. “Her name’s Debbie.”

  Cassie shrugged. “Whatever.”

  “Maybe you’d know her name if you spent more time with your father.” Irritation pervaded his tone.

  Ouch. “It’s not that simple. Anyway, if he didn’t work all the time, he’d have more time to see me.”

  “Laura sees him a lot.”

  She pressed her lips together. He didn’t get it. Laura had the brilliant relationship with Dad that she wanted but couldn’t achieve. “My relationship with Dad is complicated,” she said, uncomfortable with the way he defended her father. “Can we talk about something else?”

  “Sure.” He sipped his coffee. “I think it’s going to be a rough ride today.”

  She nodded and stared out the window. Rain pelted down on the glass, obliterating the view of the headlands. Had Ryan adopted her father’s obsessive work ethic? Did that explain his single status?

  The rhythmic rocking of the ferry gained momentum. She unfolded her legs and placed both feet on the deck. The last thing she needed was a coffee stain on her coat.

  Where did Ryan stand with God? He’d seemed comfortable with the idea of her reading the Bible, but he’d shown no interest in discussing the content.

  The loudspeaker system blared to life, advising passengers to remain indoors. The ferry lurched up and then dropped. She reached for the armrest and grasped Ryan’s forearm.