Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  “Ryan, I’m ready.”

  “Great.” He smiled, an ornate silver frame cradled in the palm of his hand.

  “A happy family snap from long ago.”

  “Your dad looks different with lots of hair.”

  “He wore it long when we were kids, and Mom used to tease him about having hair longer than her own.” Her parents looked happy together in the photo. Why did her father have to run off with another woman and ruin everything?

  Ryan held her gaze, his smile widening. “You look incredible. I like your hair loose.”

  Her face heated and she unclenched her moist palms, sucking in a steadying breath. “Thanks, this dress is one of my favorites. Would you like a drink before we go?”

  He shook his head. “We need to get moving, beautiful lady.”

  He placed the photo frame back on the side table, hooked his arm through hers and escorted her out of her apartment.

  The chill in the evening air took her by surprise and she pulled her wrap closer around her shoulders.

  He slowed his stride, falling into step beside her.

  They reached his SUV and he opened the passenger door.

  The soft leather seat molded to fit the shape of her body and she felt like Cinderella heading to the ball, but without a disaster ready to strike at midnight.

  Ryan hopped in beside her and revved the engine to life. He maneuvered the vehicle through the backstreets and onto the main road leading to the city. Music from a local radio station played in the background.

  Her appearance at the dinner tonight would please her father. To get past her issues with his behavior at the engagement party, she needed to let go of her hurt and forgive him. In theory a good idea but much easier said than done.

  Dad approved of Ryan. Dating Ryan might help her relationship with Dad, but her niggling doubts remained. Was she making a mistake?

  The traffic crawled along and Cassie appreciated the blast of heating. The warmer spring weather was still a few weeks away.

  The heat and humidity of North Queensland would be a welcome change. Yesterday she had received notification of her success in the first round for the job in Queensland. In the next few weeks she hoped to confirm a date and flight details for an interview at the resort.

  Ryan seemed deep in thought. She could mention her upcoming job interview. What would he think? Would he tell her father?

  Dad would be furious if he found out her news through someone else, and she wasn’t ready to broach the subject with him.

  Lord, please help me to have a fruitful conversation with Dad. I’m sick of the arguments. Help us to rebuild our relationship tonight.

  She played with the clasp on her purse. “How many people will be at the dinner?”

  “A couple hundred. I’ve arranged for us to sit with Laura and Greg.”

  “Good.” At least she’d know someone at their table. She hadn’t visited her father at work or attended many company-related functions since Sean had left.

  The traffic flowed steadily over the harbor bridge. He turned off at the first exit and within minutes the hotel towered up ahead.

  The hotel lobby hummed with activity. Ryan placed his hand over her elbow and guided her to the ballroom.

  Cassie searched the crowd for her sister. “Have you seen Laura?”

  He shook his head. “Let’s go inside and find her.”

  He escorted her into the ballroom. A spectacular chandelier hung from the elaborate ceiling. Dozens of round tables, covered by crisp white linen tablecloths, filled the spacious room. The guests congregated near the bar, sipping predinner drinks.

  “They’ve done a fabulous job with the decorations,” she said. “I wonder who does their floral arrangements.”

  “Hey, you’re a guest, remember.” He stopped beside her. “Time to relax and forget about work.”

  “Occupational hazard, I’m afraid. There’s Laura.” She spotted her sister in a flamboyant red dress.

  She walked ahead and greeted her.

  “Ryan, you look dashing tonight,” Laura said.

  “So do you.” He smiled. “Where’s Greg?”

  Laura rolled her eyes. “Mingling somewhere.”

  He turned to Cassie. “I need to talk with a few clients. I’ll leave you two to chat and be back soon.”

  “No problem,” Cassie said.

  Laura gave Ryan a conspiratorial wink. “Cassie and I have some catching up to do.”

  Cassie smiled. “Take your time and we’ll meet you at our table.”

  “Okay.” Ryan disappeared into the crowd.

  Laura took hold of her arm. “You must tell me everything.”

  “There isn’t much to tell.”

  “I’m not blind. I can see those warm looks passing between you two.”

  “This is only our second date, well actually our third if you count breakfast the other week. It’s early days.”

  Laura embraced her in a big hug. “You’re falling for him. I knew it would happen because you two are perfect for each other. I’m so excited.”

  “You’re getting ahead of yourself. There’s no rush. Give us time to get to know each other.”

  “Of course. I’ve done my job in prodding you both in the right direction. Dad will be pleased.”

  Cassie lifted a brow. “What’s Dad got to do with this?”

  “Ryan and Greg are his two top executives. He’ll be delighted if they both became his sons-in-law.”

  Cassie clenched her fist, digging her nails into her palm. “Did Dad put you up to this?”

  Hurt flared in her sister’s eyes. “Absolutely not, but it’s about time you both reconciled your differences. I see your dating Ryan as a positive step in that direction.”

  She drew in a calming breath. Her father could be dictatorial, but accusing him of interfering in her love life...

  Laura frowned. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

  “Has Dad said something to you? Did Dad tell Ryan to date me?”

  “He’s aware you’re seeing Ryan and he approves. I’ve no idea what he’s said to Ryan, but I thought you’d be happy about this. You keep telling me you want to fix your relationship with Dad.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you’d never intentionally do anything to hurt me.”

  “You’re forgiven.” Laura hugged her again. “But I can’t help seeing the benefits for your relationship with Dad if you date someone he approves of. After the fiasco of your friendship with Sean...”

  “I know.” She stared at the plush carpeted floor. “Hanging out with Sean wasn’t the smartest decision I ever made. But I’m a different person now, and I’m trying to do the right thing.”

  “I’m so proud of you. It’s unfortunate you got caught up in Sean’s mess, but it’s unlikely he’ll return anytime soon. Now, let’s find our table so we can start on the appetizers that are being served.”

  Cassie took her seat next to Laura, inhaling the spicy aroma of the Thai beef salad in front of her.

  She tasted the beef and smiled. Cooked to perfection. Her father would be pleased the food was top-notch.

  Ryan slipped into the seat beside her. “How’s it going?”

  “Good. I haven’t seen Dad yet.”

  “He’s caught up with some clients and he said he’ll drop by our table when he’s done.”

  Cassie sipped her iced water. “Thanks for letting me know.”

  “No problem. I’ve done all the mingling I need to do so you have my undivided attention.”

  Ryan’s warm gaze created havoc with her composure. If only she could stare into his eyes all night and ignore everything else going on around her.

  Their appetizers were promptly cleared away and replaced by an Atlantic salmon entrée.


  She tilted her head sideways. “I’m really glad I came with you tonight.”

  “So am I.” His eyes sparkled. “I wish it was just the two of us.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe they could duck away early and take a moonlit walk by the water.

  Her gaze swept over the ballroom. At least three hundred people filled the room. A number of celebrities had shown up to lend their support. “The Children’s Hospital needs the money raised here tonight.”

  “It’s a full house and your father is happy with the turnout.”

  Cassie sampled the salmon, wondering when her father would swing by their table.

  Before long she placed her napkin next to her empty plate, deciding it was time to freshen up her makeup.

  She stood, excusing herself to go to the restroom. “I won’t be long.”

  “I’ll be here waiting for you.” His gray eyes softened and matched the warmth in his deep voice.

  “I’ll be quick.” She tore her gaze from him and walked away from the table.

  Wow. Ryan’s warm looks sent her senses into overdrive.

  She weaved her way across the room and turned into the hall leading to the restrooms.

  A man stepped out in front of her, blocking her path.

  She looked up and gasped. “Sean.”

  Chapter 5

  Sean smiled. “Cassie.”

  Cassie opened her mouth but no words came out. What was he doing here?

  “Aren’t you going to say hello? Or give me a welcome-home hug?”

  Covering her mouth with both hands, she stepped away from him.

  How long had he been here? Dressed in a charcoal business suit and sporting a conservative haircut, he’d easily blend in with the other guests at the dinner.

  His gaze swept down the length of her. “You’re looking good.”

  “What do you want?”

  His smile widened. “To see you, of course.”

  Her anger ascended to the surface. “How dare you?”

  “Now don’t go and get upset on me—”

  “Don’t patronize me.” She thrust her hands on her hips. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Can’t we have a civilized conversation?”

  “There’s nothing civilized about the way you left. The word callous comes to mind.”

  “I want to talk to you about that.”

  “That’s right—you’ve had two years to think up a good excuse for why you took off.”

  “You don’t understand—”

  “I understand all too well.” She took a step forward. “Please move out of my way.”

  He held his ground. “I heard you’re dating my brother. He’ll lose interest in you now I’ve returned.”

  She ignored his gibe, flattening her palms against the side of her dress to keep her fists from hammering his conceited face.

  “I’ve been thinking about how much fun we used to have together.” He slid his arm around her shoulder. “We should get together sometime—”

  “Get away from me.” She wrenched out of his hold, his touch sending a chill through her body.

  She spun on her heel and ran the five remaining steps to the ladies’ room. The door closed behind her and she leaned back against it, breathing hard.

  Hot tears filled her eyes. Sean’s arrogance stunned her. Her sobriety gave her a clearer picture of his true nature.

  She staggered over to the washbasins, grimacing at her reflection in the mirror.

  Footsteps sounded outside the door. She rushed over to a cubicle and locked herself in, needing time to pull herself together.

  Tinkling laughter from the girls who entered the ladies’ room jarred her overwrought nerves. Hopefully they didn’t intend to hang around for long.

  “My lipstick’s smudged already.”

  “My hair isn’t sitting right. I should have used more mousse.”

  “Girls, did you notice Ryan Mitchell is here?”

  Cassie’s back stiffened against the wall of the cubicle.

  “Who didn’t?”

  “He’s cute and rich. What I wouldn’t give for a night on the town with him....”

  “Isn’t he here with some blonde?”

  “His boss’s daughter,” a new voice piped in.

  Cassie bit hard on her lower lip.

  “Could be a business arrangement.”

  “He’d do well financially if he married her.”

  “I heard she’s a bit of an ice maiden these days. A church girl, if the rumors are true.”

  “Really.” A high-pitched giggle floated across the room. “He’ll soon be bored with her, and I’ll be there waiting for him when he slips through her fingers.”

  “No way! I saw him first.”

  “If he prefers blondes you won’t have a chance.”

  “Now girls, hold back the claws. I heard James is back on the market.”

  “He dumped Kelly already? Let’s find him and cheer him up.”

  Their footsteps finally receded and the restroom door clicked behind them.

  Cassie buried her face in her hands. Those girls had a nerve. Their cruel gossip had ripped apart her old wounds and resurrected her insecurities.

  She should ignore their idle talk. No longer did she seek to be popular and liked by everyone. While she valued the opinions of the important people in her life, it was God’s approval that mattered.

  She cared about Ryan. The prospect of a serious relationship with him had filled her thoughts since their sailing date.

  Now her initial doubts resurfaced. Was Ryan seeing her because of her father? Was money a motive? Would he dump her as soon as he found out Sean had returned?

  Fury at Sean’s behavior ripped through her. She tightened her grip on her purse, her muscles tensing as she suppressed the urge to scream at the top of her lungs.

  How could Sean reappear as if nothing had happened? He’d hurt so many people.

  He’d hurt her. She’d drunk herself into oblivion to numb the pain. Her father’s harsh words rang in her mind. Their arguments over Sean had pushed her to rock bottom.

  Two years later she still fought the desire to drink away the memories and dull the emotions bubbling inside her.

  An icy chill engulfed her. What will Ryan do when he sees Sean again?

  Lord, please help me to calm my anger so I can think rationally about Sean. I need every ounce of self-control I possess to stop myself beating him up. I know I should let go of my anger, but I can’t. It’s too hard. Please help Ryan to deal with his brother’s return.

  Cassie sucked in a deep breath and released the air from her lungs. What was the right course of action to take regarding Sean?

  No answers were forthcoming and she wished Julia was here to give her some words of wisdom.

  She unlocked the cubicle door and glanced at her reflection in the mirror above the washbasins. Rummaging through her purse, she found the necessary makeup to conceal the dark smudges under her eyes. If only she’d worn waterproof mascara tonight. She reapplied her lipstick, preparing to face the outside world.

  She held her head high and strolled out of the ladies’ room.

  Sean stood in the hall and stepped toward her.

  Her heart sank. Not again. Why couldn’t he leave her alone?

  “Cassie, please, I need to talk to you.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

  “I need to ask you a favor—”

  “You must be kidding. After everything that’s happened, you expect me to help you.”

  “I’m sorry about earlier. My behavior was out of line and I promise it won’t happen again.”

  Did Sean’s promises mean a
nything these days? She read the desperation in his eyes. “You have one minute.”

  “I need to talk to Ryan and I don’t have a ticket to the dinner. Can you ask him to meet me in the lobby?”

  “Contact Ryan yourself. It’s not like he’s hard to find.”

  “He’s here, I’m here. I must see him tonight.”

  She planted her hands on her hips and looked him straight in the eye. “Why should I help you?”

  “Because you’re a nice person—”

  “Right now I’m not thinking nice thoughts about you.”

  He raised his hands. “Cassie, I beg you. I need to see Ryan tonight.”

  “Do you really think he’ll agree to see you?”

  Sean paused. “Then don’t tell him it’s me.”

  “I’m not going to lie to him. Why don’t you call him tomorrow?”

  “Please, I’m begging you, this is important. I want to try and make amends with Ryan and explain my side of the story.”

  “This has nothing to do with me.” She waved her hand through the air, dismissing his pleas. “I don’t want to be involved and you need to sort this out with Ryan yourself.”

  “I know you care about Ryan. Wouldn’t you like to see us reunited as a family?”

  Family. Sean hit the right button, playing on her need to reconcile with her father. Did Sean realize his mother was grieving his absence, worried that something horrible had happened to him?

  Knots of guilt over her own messy family situation wrenched her heart. How could she say no? “I’m not making any promises. Wait in the lobby.”

  “There’s one more thing.”

  She lifted a brow. “You’re in no position to negotiate more favors.”

  “You need to be there.”

  “In the lobby?”

  He nodded.

  “Why?”

  “Ryan’s more likely to give me a fair hearing if you’re there. Think of it as an investment in furthering good family relations.”

  She nibbled her lower lip. Maybe her presence would stop Ryan from thumping Sean. Not that she’d blame Ryan if the thought crossed his mind. “Okay.”

  “Thanks, Cassie.” A broad smile covered his face. “You’re the best!”