Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  Startled, she withdrew her hand and gripped the edge of her seat.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I’d prefer not to wear my coffee.” She gulped down the remainder of her latte.

  He grinned. “This reminds me of ocean sailing, which is always more fun on windy days when the waves are huge.”

  “Maybe, but I prefer sailing on a calm sunny day.”

  “And miss out on all the fun. Why?”

  “Do you really want to know?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “It couldn’t be that bad.”

  “Well, when I was eleven, Dad entered his yacht in a special event race. It was a hot day and a storm was brewing.”

  “All right, I concede this isn’t sounding good.”

  She nodded. “We were on the home leg and in the lead when the yacht tacked sharply and I ended up overboard.”

  “Were you okay?” His face mirrored the concern in his voice.

  “I could swim and Dad yelled out that he’d come back and collect me after he crossed the finish line.”

  “What? He left you to fend for yourself?”

  “Yep. Yachts were coming at me from all directions and there was lots of lightning and thunder.”

  “That’s really scary for an eleven-year-old.”

  “Dad didn’t think so.” She dropped her gaze to study her fingernails. “Winning the race was more important to him.”

  “I’m glad you survived.”

  “So am I.” After that hair-raising experience she’d avoided sailing with Dad for a long time.

  “Are we still on for Sunday? If the weather’s bad, I understand if you want to bail.”

  “I’m not working and I don’t think rain is forecast.”

  “Great. How about I pick you up at your place after eleven?”

  She wrote her address on her business card. “What can I bring?”

  “I’ll fix lunch. Make sure you wear warm clothes.”

  “No problem.” She glanced out the window, relieved to see the rain had eased off. With any luck she wouldn’t get wet racing up the road to work.

  “Have you eaten breakfast?”

  “Sort of.” If she counted the apple she’d eaten while rushing around her apartment.

  “Why don’t we grab a bite to eat before work? There’s a little café with great views just up from the quay.”

  She widened her eyes, surprised by his tempting invitation. Breakfast with Ryan would kill any chance she’d have of making it to tennis this afternoon. But if her workload today grew any bigger, she’d have to stay back and miss tennis even if she started work half an hour early.

  His eyes twinkled. “I can recommend their bacon and eggs.”

  Her stomach rumbled. She’d need to eat something substantial soon. “A muffin and fruit salad would hit the spot.”

  “That will work.” He lounged back in his seat, a satisfied expression on his face.

  Her gaze roamed over the familiar landmarks as the ferry glided toward the quay. Rays of sunlight beamed through the windows although the sky remained gray, highlighting the stark whiteness of the Sydney Opera House. The ferry docked and they were soon on their way to breakfast.

  Ryan chose an indoor table at the café and pulled out a wooden chair for her. A waiter came straight over to take their order, scribbled down their choices, then returned to the kitchen.

  Ryan sat opposite her, his hands clasped together on the table and a distant look lingering in his eyes.

  She searched his face, unable to read his thoughts. Why did he look so serious? Had she done something wrong?

  “How was your weekend?” he asked, switching his attention back to her.

  “Pretty good. Did you visit your parents?”

  He nodded. “I’m glad I did. Another debt collector turned up on their doorstep looking for Sean.”

  “What happened?”

  “We found out he’d applied for credit cards in Melbourne a few months ago. He blew the limits straight away and did a runner.”

  “That’s terrible. How did your parents take the news?”

  “Not well. They’re both really stressed.”

  “Where’s Sean?”

  “We don’t know.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Do you remember his friend Billy?”

  She nodded.

  “He works next door to me and he’s certain he saw Sean at Bondi Beach a few weeks ago.”

  Her jaw dropped. “Sean’s in Sydney?”

  “We think so.”

  Apprehension shot through her, and their last meeting before he’d disappeared flashed into her mind. What would she do if she saw him again?

  Her immediate answers weren’t pleasant, but the likelihood of running into him couldn’t be huge in a city as big as Sydney.

  The waiter returned with their breakfast and Ryan devoured his bacon and eggs. When did he find the time to maintain his athletic physique?

  She picked at her fruit salad. “Do you think you’ll find him soon?”

  “He’ll eventually run out of money and I doubt he’s foolish enough to contact me or my parents.”

  “Why? Wouldn’t he realize you could help him?”

  “My brother’s looking for money, not help. He’ll go to extreme lengths to get what he wants. You’re an easy target. He may contact you.”

  Cassie gasped. “Are you saying I’m a pushover?”

  “He’ll use anyone to get money.” Concern softened his eyes. “Does he owe you money?”

  She shook her head, alarmed that Sean might seek her out after all this time.

  “Then you’ll be on his hit list.”

  No way! This couldn’t be happening. Her head started to ache. “You really think he’ll come looking for me?”

  He nodded. “I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  Cassie shivered. Would Sean try to hurt her again? She hoped and prayed Ryan was wrong.

  Chapter 3

  Cassie perused the contents of her mother’s fridge, locating the springwater at the back. The rich chocolate dessert her mom had made for their Thursday night family dinner caught her attention.

  Her taste buds tingled. A small serving of dessert tonight would satisfy her sweet tooth. This afternoon she’d done her final bridesmaid fitting with Laura, and the striking blue silk dress inspired her to eat healthy. She’d been on edge during the fitting, knowing the boutique was only a few suburbs away from where Sean had been sighted.

  Cassie frowned. Over the past few days she’d been looking over her shoulder and scrutinizing the faces of strangers walking past. Ryan’s warning played over again in her mind. Would Sean really harass her for money? Was he lurking nearby?

  Determined to enjoy a pleasant dinner with her mom and sister, she cast aside her worries. She’d work out how to deal with Sean later if he turned up.

  She poured a glass of water and wandered outside to join her mom. The wafting aroma of barbecuing chicken brought a smile to her lips. “This smells great.”

  Susan spun around on two-inch heels and adjusted her apron over her designer jeans and sweater. “I’m using a recipe from that nice-looking chef on the Lifestyle channel.”

  “Mom, he’s younger than me.”

  “So what?” Her blue eyes sparkled. “Great cooking is near the top of my perfect man list.”

  She pressed her lips together, refusing to debate the merits of her mom’s dubious list and not wanting to hear any more stories about her father’s lousy cooking.

  Susan raised a manicured brow. “Where’s Laura?”

  “Upstairs in her room. Greg’s stuck at work and she called him as we came in. Do you want me to make a salad?”

  She shook her head. “I’ll f
ix it and let the chicken sizzle a little longer. Has she found a dress?”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “Not yet. She’s looked at heaps of dresses but can’t decide which designer she wants, let alone the style.”

  “She’d better hurry and make up her mind.”

  “We’re going shopping again in a few weeks and she promised me she’d make a decision by then.”

  “I hope so.” She ran her fingers through her short blond curls. “Why don’t you go back indoors where it’s warm and I’ll be in soon?”

  Cassie nodded and returned to the living room. She pulled out a chair at the wooden table overlooking the kitchen and outdoor courtyard.

  Susan came inside and rinsed some lettuce leaves in the sink. “Have you spoken to your father?”

  “Not since the weekend.”

  “I thought you were going to call him this week.”

  A decision she’d made before the party, when she’d been deluded and actually believed he’d appreciate her hard work. “He knows my number if he wants to talk to me.”

  Her mom drained the leaves before adding them to a white ceramic bowl with the other ingredients. “You’re still angry with him over the party?”

  She nodded. “He thinks Laura should have hired a professional party planner.”

  “But he knew Laura wanted you to organize it.”

  “Apparently I’m not good enough for him, even though the party was a big success. He didn’t say thank-you or anything.”

  Susan frowned. “You know he’s hopeless at talking about his feelings.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “You’ve got to keep trying.”

  “We always end up arguing.” She dropped her gaze. “I’m glad Laura gets on with him, but it’s different for me.”

  “Maybe, but your father cares about you and wants what’s best for you.”

  “Yeah, and that’s why he’s always critical and thinks I make stupid decisions? Just because he was right about Sean doesn’t mean he always knows best.”

  “Maybe you need to talk to him about Sean.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Not after the massive fight we had two years ago.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I want to make things better, not worse.” She wanted to fix their relationship, but so much had happened...

  “He probably thought he was helping you by telling you about Sean.”

  “Maybe, but he should have realized I’d be hurt and angry.” She blinked away a few tears that threatened to escape between her lashes.

  “I wish you’d talked to me. I could have helped you.”

  “You couldn’t have done anything.” She met her mom’s concerned gaze. “My faith has helped me.”

  Susan’s frown deepened. “I don’t understand your religious nonsense, but I guess it’s good that you think it’s helping you.”

  Cassie tightened her grip on her glass. Now was not the time to get into another heated discussion.

  Susan carried the salad bowl over to the table and sat beside her. “One day you’ll have to deal with these problems.”

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Mom’s attitude toward her father had softened in recent weeks. Maybe Laura’s upcoming wedding had something to do with her mom’s sudden change of heart.

  Footsteps thumped down the stairs. She opened her eyes and Laura breezed into the room.

  “Something smells good. Is dinner ready yet?”

  Susan stood. “The chicken should be done. I’ll be back soon.”

  Laura sat down opposite Cassie. “So, what’s the deal with you and Ryan?”

  “He’s nice.”

  “Is that all you can say?” She ran her fingers through her brunette locks. “You two looked cozy last weekend and I waited all afternoon for you to tell me what’s going on.”

  She sighed. Laura would probe her for information until she cracked. “It’s no big deal. We caught the same ferry the other day and we’re going sailing on Sunday.”

  Laura grinned. “I knew it. You two are perfect for each other.”

  “I’m not so sure. Give me a chance to get to know him first before you start planning another wedding.”

  “You must like him a lot to be seeing him Sunday.”

  “We’re friends and I haven’t been out sailing in ages.”

  “You’ll have a fantastic time. He’s interested in you and before long you’ll be more than friends.”

  Cassie let her comment slide. Her sister needed no further encouragement in her matchmaking.

  Their mom returned with the chicken and they helped her serve dinner.

  Cassie broke apart a warm roll and smiled. It was good to catch up with her family.

  “This chicken is beautiful,” Laura said.

  Cassie sampled a bite. “I’ll have to add the recipe to my collection.”

  Susan laughed. “You mean lose it in your collection.”

  She shot her mom a stern look. “One day I’ll find time to organize my recipes.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  Laura smiled. “Speaking of organizing things, I haven’t told you my news yet.”

  Cassie lifted a brow. What was her sister up to now?

  “Greg just confirmed that his parents’ holiday house in the Blue Mountains will be free on the weekend I’ve chosen.” Her smile widened. “Isn’t that excellent?”

  “Sure.” Cassie dropped her gaze. Miss Matchmaker strikes again. Laura wanted her bridal party to get together before the wedding. In theory a good idea. But why did it have to involve a whole weekend away with two couples and Ryan? An uncomfortable situation would arise if she and Ryan had a falling out, but she couldn’t see a way to change Laura’s mind.

  Susan smiled. “You have it all organized?”

  Laura nodded. “Anna and Craig can definitely make it. I haven’t spoken to Ryan yet, but Greg said he’s due back from Melbourne tomorrow.”

  Cassie swallowed hard, resisting the urge to ask her sister about Ryan’s schedule. She prayed she’d made the right decision to see him on Sunday.

  * * *

  Cassie pulled her hair back into a ponytail and layered clear gloss on her lips. She checked her watch. Ryan was due to arrive any minute.

  Her stomach churned as she slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed into the living room of her apartment.

  Her roommate, Julia, looked up from the sofa and smiled, closing the book in her lap. “You’ll have a great time sailing.”

  “I hope so, but I’m nervous.”

  Julia’s green eyes widened. “You must really like him.”

  She nibbled her lower lip, tasting the strawberry flavor of her gloss. “At first I was skeptical because of Sean, but now...”

  “Don’t stress and just enjoy getting to know Ryan better.”

  Before she could relax she needed to share her niggling concerns. “I’m going to level with you.” She examined her fingernails. “I don’t know if Ryan’s a believer.”

  Julia stood, tucking her dark auburn locks behind her ears. “You can still be friends and maybe invite him to church.”

  “You think that’s a good idea?” She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

  “He’s seen you reading the Bible and probably assumes you go to church.”

  She nodded.

  “And he didn’t cancel seeing you today. That must mean something.”

  “Yeah, but what?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe you could ask him today.”

  Her heart sank. What if she didn’t get the answer she wanted?

  “I’ll be praying,” Julia said.

  “Thanks.” She gave her best friend a brief hug before closin
g her apartment door and racing down the stairs two at a time. Lord, please help me to make wise decisions.

  Cassie stepped outside and slipped on her sunglasses. Ryan drove along the street and stopped in her drive. She opened the passenger door, made herself comfortable in the front seat and flashed him a big smile.

  His gray eyes sparkled. “Good to see you’re all set and ready to go.”

  She nodded. “I can’t wait to get out on the water.”

  “Me, too.” He put his sunglasses on and swung the SUV onto the street.

  He seemed relaxed and looked good in his casual blue sweater and cargo pants.

  She stared out the window, unable to ignore the tension clenching her heart. Unanswered questions flitted through her mind.

  Julia was right. If the subject didn’t come up earlier, she could mention her faith during their drive home later today and invite him to church this evening if he seemed interested.

  Before long Ryan pulled into a parking bay in a leafy street above the yacht club.

  Jacaranda branches swayed overhead in the cloudless sky. She unbuckled her seat belt. “The wind’s picking up.”

  He nodded. “We’ll only need to motor in and out of the bay. I could use your help with the mainsail.”

  Distant memories of assisting her father on his yacht sprang to mind. “I haven’t done any real sailing in ages.”

  “Once we’re out on the water you’ll remember everything.”

  She hoped so, not that she had much knowledge to recall. Lying back on the deck had been more her style.

  Ryan collected his gear from the back of his SUV before walking with her on the path leading down to the yacht club.

  She inhaled the salty air carried by the breeze and swiped her ponytail back off her face. Her cable-knit sweater and comfortable jeans kept her warm.

  Pausing on the steps, she drank in the beauty of the bay. A quaint wooden clubhouse overlooked the shimmering water with a vast array of boating craft moored around it.

  He stopped beside her. “We’re not the only ones taking advantage of the good weather.”

  “On sunny days like today you can forget it’s still winter.” She continued walking with him along the path toward the busy clubhouse.