Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  She couldn’t shake the feeling of doom over her relationship with Ryan.

  * * *

  Cassie slipped into a spare seat beside Julia toward the back of Beachside Community Church. She glanced around the building, hoping to find Ryan among the evening congregation.

  A week had passed since the disastrous dinner, and Ryan hadn’t contacted her. Each morning she searched the crowd waiting for the ferry, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Even Laura hadn’t seen him.

  Maybe he’d been interstate with work? She’d considered asking her father before remembering she wasn’t his favorite person at the moment. Earlier in the week Laura had listened to her father rant about her rude behavior at the dinner. Could anything else go wrong?

  She stood for the opening song. The familiar words about God’s grace and love washed over her, bringing her a small measure of comfort.

  After everything that had happened with Ryan, she’d never actually found out why he’d been challenged by Simon’s sermon a few weeks ago. She still didn’t know for sure if he was a believer.

  She missed Ryan. None of the single men she knew through church set her heart racing or captured her thoughts like he did.

  She blinked away the moisture building in her eyes. It was time to stop moping and get on with her life. Shedding more tears wouldn’t change the situation.

  Julia elbowed her in the side and leaned toward her. “Guess who just slipped into a row, two in front of us on the far right?”

  Cassie followed Julia’s gaze. She raised her hand to smother a shriek.

  Ryan stood still, his attention focused on the overhead screen at the front.

  What did this mean? Would he talk to her after the service or rush out the door after the closing song?

  Before long Simon stood to deliver his sermon. Cassie listened with rapt attention, refusing to glance in Ryan’s direction.

  By the time she stood for the closing song, she could no longer hold back and did her best to catch Ryan’s eye.

  He glanced in her direction, nodding in acknowledgment before returning his attention to the words on the screen.

  The song ended and he waved.

  Julia smiled. “It looks like he’s heading your way. I’ll make myself scarce.”

  “I don’t know what to expect and I don’t feel like arguing with him again.”

  “Stop stressing. Most people don’t go to church looking for a fight.” Julia turned away and started talking to someone in the row behind.

  Cassie spun around to find Ryan standing two feet away from her.

  He looked tired, as if he’d been working too hard or hadn’t been sleeping well. His eyes lacked their usual spark.

  She smiled and waited for him to break the awkward silence between them.

  “How’s your week been?” he asked.

  “Busy. And yours?”

  “Hectic. I’ve done three interstate trips this week.”

  She nodded. Maybe she’d been too quick to judge him over his lack of communication this past week.

  “Have you seen Sean yet?” he asked.

  “No.”

  He paused. “I thought you were keen to see him and become friends again.”

  Friends? Did he think she wanted to hang out with Sean? “I’ve put off phoning Sean because seeing him again will be difficult. His appearance last weekend was a big shock for me, too.”

  Ryan raked his hand through his hair. “But you still intend seeing him.”

  Cassie nodded. “Have you seen or spoken to him?”

  His eyes hardened and a frown marred his handsome face. “No, and I can’t say I’m unhappy about that, either.”

  “What did your parents say about Sean’s brief reappearance?”

  “I haven’t told them.”

  She lifted a brow. “Why not?”

  “What can I say to them? It will hurt them to hear about Sean’s behavior at the hotel.”

  “But wouldn’t they like to know that you’ve seen him in person?”

  “It’s not that easy.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “How would you like to tell your parents that you’ve seen your long-lost brother, but he’s still as selfish and unrepentant as before?”

  The angry tone in his voice stunned her into silence. What could she say that wouldn’t inflame the situation further?

  The uncomfortable silence continued and Cassie nibbled her lower lip. She understood Ryan’s pain and hurt over Sean, but avoiding him wasn’t necessarily the best solution.

  Ryan met her gaze. “Life is unfair. My parents are good people and they don’t deserve a son who treats them as badly as Sean does.”

  “But Sean has problems and he needs help. Your parents could try and help him—”

  “My parents have suffered enough.” He rubbed his hands over his weary face. “I’ll tell them about Sean in person when I visit them in a few weeks. Mom’s too heartbroken to hear this news over the phone.”

  “Ryan, I’m sorry. I realize this is difficult—”

  “Do you? Do you understand the full extent of the pain and suffering that Sean has inflicted on us? If you did, you wouldn’t be so quick to try and forgive and forget.”

  “Wait a minute.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Who said it would be quick or easy? Did you hear what Simon said tonight about forgiveness?”

  “Yeah, and I have issues with his ideas on forgiveness.”

  “What bothers you?”

  “The Bible talks about God being just and fair. I can’t see any fairness in this forgiveness stuff you’ve all been talking about.”

  Cassie sucked in a deep breath. “Why don’t you talk to Simon? I’m sure he’d be happy to discuss his sermon.”

  “You know, I think I will.”

  She held his stormy gaze. “Would you like to join me for coffee?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve got an early flight tomorrow so I must run. I’ll look into meeting with Simon later this week.”

  “Sure.”

  “See you later.” He strode toward the exit.

  She let out a big sigh. It could have been much worse. There had been no raised voices during their conversation, and he’d kept a firm grip on his rising anger. Would he lose control if he saw Sean again?

  She focused on the good news from their conversation. Ryan wanted to talk to Simon. His conversation with Simon might not go well, but he was prepared to talk about his issues. A good starting point.

  This coming week she’d work up the courage to call Sean and arrange a meeting. She’d prefer to avoid him, but the time had come for her to address the issues in her past. She couldn’t put off seeing Sean any longer.

  Chapter 7

  The following Saturday morning Cassie strolled along The Corso, passing the numerous restaurants and cafés lining the promenade as she headed toward Manly Beach. She glanced up at the clock in the middle of the pedestrian thoroughfare.

  Her stomach tightened. Five minutes to go. Would Sean bother turning up?

  During her tense phone conversation with Sean last night, he’d insisted on brunch at a beachside café they used to frequent. She hadn’t set foot in that café since he’d left.

  She approached the ocean promenade, and the aroma of ground coffee mixed with the salty sea breeze brought a smile to her lips. The familiar blackboard sign stood outside the café. Doubts plagued her mind. Had she made the right decision?

  Cassie stared at the soothing ocean. The rhythmic pattern of the rolling waves calmed her pulse. She stepped inside the café, inhaling a deep breath.

  Sean sat at their usual corner table with panoramic ocean views. Sporting a suntan and wearing a casual T-shirt, he fitted in with the local clientele. His intense blue gaze scoured over her
.

  She flinched, resisting the urge to run.

  He indicated the seat beside him and she chose to sit opposite, her back facing the view.

  He raised an eyebrow. “You don’t want to look at the ocean?”

  “I’m fine here.”

  “Your loss.” He drained his coffee mug.

  How long had he been waiting? Had he arrived early to secure his favorite table?

  She attempted a smile. “You’ve ordered?”

  “Only coffee.” His eyes softened. “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes, but I’m not sure what I feel like.”

  “I’m ordering the big breakfast with the works.”

  Did he intend footing the bill for his breakfast or expect her to pay for his decadence? Cynical thoughts kept crowding her mind.

  She nibbled her lower lip. How could she give him a fair hearing if she kept judging him by her previous experiences?

  She perused the menu. “I’ll have eggs Benedict.”

  “I didn’t know you liked your eggs that way.”

  “Things change. People change.”

  A waiter arrived and wrote down their order.

  Sean stretched out in his seat. “It’s like old times.”

  “Not really.”

  “Come on, you remember our weekend ritual of brunch right here at this table.”

  She straightened her back, wriggling in her seat. “If it was so good, why did you take off?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  She twisted her hands together in her lap. “Tell me about it.”

  “Not much to tell.”

  “I’d like to hear your side of the story.”

  He frowned. “What did your dad and Ryan say?”

  “Enough. I know why you took off in a hurry.”

  “Then you’ve got to understand I didn’t want to be hauled off to jail.”

  She looked him straight in the eye. “Why did you take the money? Dad paid you a decent salary.”

  “It wasn’t enough.”

  “That’s ridiculous. You were paid top dollar compared to similar jobs elsewhere.”

  “I did it for you. I was going to surprise you with a diamond solitaire engagement ring during our trip to Vegas.”

  She gasped. “We were drunk when you talked about Vegas. That trip was never going to happen.”

  “But you must have known how I felt about you.”

  She shook her head. “We were friends, that’s all.”

  He smiled. “I know you had feelings for me.”

  She ignored his comment, recognizing it was a distraction. “I want to know why you took the money.”

  “I needed to clear some debts and leave your dad’s company.”

  “I can’t believe you thought you’d get away with it.”

  “I nearly did. If only that idiot contractor hadn’t queried his invoice on my day off.”

  She lifted a brow. “You must have known you’d get caught.”

  “And you never did anything bad and never got caught? I can think of a few examples....”

  Dark memories threatened to bubble to the surface. “Stop changing the subject. Stealing fifty thousand dollars is a big deal.”

  “I don’t get why you’re being so self-righteous. What do you think paid for your drinks and our nights out?”

  “No way! You’re not shifting the blame to me.”

  He leaned forward in his seat. “But I did this for you, for us.”

  “There is no us. If I’d known the truth, I wouldn’t have accepted the drinks.”

  “Really? Are you sure about that?”

  Shame filled her heart. Lord, please forgive me. I’m thankful I’m a different person now.

  A waiter returned with their meals and she ate her breakfast, unable to forget the past.

  She sipped her latte. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth? I could have helped you.”

  He laughed. “Who are you kidding? You would have run to daddy with a sob story to save yourself from being implicated.”

  “Dad deserved to hear the truth. After all, you were stealing from him.”

  “You would have abandoned me and been glad when you heard I went to jail. It was always all about you.”

  Her jaw dropped. His words stung like a cold glass of water thrown on her face. The mirror from the past sitting opposite her didn’t present a pleasant picture.

  He cut a bacon strip into bite-size pieces. “Don’t look so stunned. That’s why we got on so well. We’re two of a kind.”

  She sighed. “I’m sorry.”

  “I heard you got religion. Guess that means you now live a boring life.”

  “What? I live a fulfilling life—”

  “Spare me the details. I went to Sunday school and it didn’t do me much good.”

  She took her time chewing her food. Too many revelations had unsettled her.

  “How’s my brother doing?” he asked.

  “Fine.”

  “He still mad at me?”

  She frowned. “Ask him yourself. You know his number.”

  “Aha. I knew it. Did he dump you after I showed up?”

  She ate another mouthful and remained silent.

  “It’s not too late for us,” he said. “You’ll get past this religious phase and—”

  “No!”

  “Isn’t that why you contacted me?”

  She shook her head. He couldn’t be more mistaken about her motives for this meeting. “I want to know when you’ll start clearing your debt to Ryan.”

  “This is getting old. Ryan’s loaded and he won’t miss a few thousand dollars.”

  “Sean, you need to repay him. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “Whatever.” He finished eating his breakfast.

  “I want to help you, but you’ve got to look at things from Ryan’s perspective. If you repay the money, you can start working toward rebuilding your relationship with him.”

  “Why would I want to do that?”

  “Ryan’s your brother—he’s family.”

  “Don’t lecture me on families. I hear you’re still not getting on with your father.”

  “I’m working on it.” She’d made plans to have dinner with Dad next week.

  “Why don’t we go out tonight?”

  “I don’t drink.”

  He stared at her. “You’re serious?”

  She nodded. “My sobriety’s very important.”

  He pushed back his chair and stood. “I’m outta here. Tell Ryan I’ll contact him when I need something.”

  “What?”

  “He took it upon himself to fix my last big money problem. Next time I’ll call on him myself.” He tossed two twenty-dollar notes on the table and sauntered out of the café.

  She placed her head in her hands. He wasn’t prepared to listen to reason. What more could she do?

  A few years ago she’d been like a boat without an anchor, blowing in whatever direction the wind took her. Now her faith provided her with a stable foundation, and she prayed Sean would find his anchor soon before it was too late.

  * * *

  Cassie pressed the doorbell at her father’s home. The musical chime irritated her and raised her anxiety another notch.

  She peeked at her watch. Eight-thirty. Right on time for the late dinner she’d organized with Dad.

  The door opened and her father smiled. “Come in. I’ve ordered Indian.”

  “Butter chicken?”

  He nodded. “Plus korma and the curry you like. You’ll have leftovers to take home.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Her mouth watered over the prospect of Indian cuisine. Dad had ordered her favori
tes, an excellent sign. Indian food was his usual peace offering. He’d accepted her apology for rushing off with Ryan at the dinner.

  She followed him through to the dining room. Piles of documents were spread out over one half of the ten-seat mahogany table.

  “You look busy,” she said.

  “I’d hoped to have all this finalized before you arrived.”

  “That’s okay.” She understood his work was important. He’d keep on working through dinner, scanning documents and half listening to her.

  He continued to sort papers into various files. “Would you like a cool drink?”

  “I’ll make a jug of iced tea. And you?”

  “I’m still going on my coffee.”

  “At this time of night?”

  “I’ll be up past midnight and catch a few hours of sleep before waking at dawn.”

  She frowned. “I worry about your health. Do you have time to exercise and eat three proper meals a day?”

  “I’m fine.” He waved away her concerns. “I have more important things to think about.”

  Like work. His life revolved around work. Why couldn’t he see past his obsession with work and realize there was more to life?

  “Has Laura found a wedding dress?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “We’re going shopping again in a few weeks.”

  “Why doesn’t she get that designer in Double Bay to put something together?”

  “She still hasn’t decided on the style and color.”

  “At least I’ve got one daughter who can make a fast decision.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

  “For saying something nice.”

  “I always say nice things about you.”

  She sucked in a deep breath. Let it go. So far the evening was working out much better than she’d anticipated.

  “I’ll go make the tea,” she said.

  He nodded. “Dinner should arrive soon.”

  She returned with her iced tea. Her father remained seated, glasses on as he scanned through documents.

  He looked up. “How’s work going?”

  “Fine.” She pressed her lips together. He never changed. As usual, he inquired about work first. Why couldn’t she accept this was his way?