Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  “No. The Brisbane trip went well and I should be out of here soon.” Hopefully before midnight. He glanced at the time on his computer screen. Eleven thirty-six.

  “How’s Cassie doing?”

  He frowned. “She had her job interview today, and we had lunch at the resort before flying back late this afternoon.”

  “Aha. That’s why you’re working so late.”

  “I caught up on work this evening, and I’m on schedule to leave for Melbourne tomorrow afternoon.”

  “How did her interview go?”

  “Too well.” He tightened his grip on his pen. “She’s confident she’s got a good chance of being offered the job.”

  “Is she aware of your thoughts?”

  “Yes. We had a difference of opinion over the wisdom of her working in a party environment.” Ryan had dropped the subject after their tense conversation over lunch, but his concerns remained.

  “I hope you didn’t tell her to turn down the job.”

  “Why?” What was John not telling him?

  “She’s stubborn, and I learned the hard way to say nothing. If I gave my opinion, Cassie always did the exact opposite to prove me wrong.”

  That explained a lot. Would Cassie do the same thing to him, as well? He twirled the pen between his fingers. She seemed more mature than John gave her credit for. “What do you think of this job she’s chasing?”

  “I’m happy she’s seeking to advance her career.” John paused. “But I agree with you. It’s the wrong environment and I’m worried she’ll start drinking again.”

  “What do you suggest I do?” He valued John’s opinion.

  “Back off and don’t push the issue.”

  “That’s going to be hard. All she talked about this afternoon was this wretched job.”

  “If you push her, she’ll dig her heels in. Hopefully she’ll work out for herself that it’s the wrong move to make.”

  “Yeah, I can see your point. It’s the same with me and Sean. He always does the opposite of what I tell him he should do.”

  “Have you heard from Sean?”

  “Not yet.” Renewed anger began to build within him. “I called him again today and left a message. I told him if he doesn’t contact me by next week, I’m going to hire someone to track him down.”

  “Good plan. Sean had better stay away from Cassie. If he hurts her again...”

  If Sean did anything to upset Cassie, he’d have to answer to Ryan. He refused to tolerate his brother’s inappropriate behavior. “You do remember Cassie’s the one who arranged their last meeting.”

  John huffed. “Foolish girl. Has she seen him again?”

  “No, and I don’t think she’s trying to contact him, either.”

  “That’s a relief. I need you to take care of Cassie and keep Sean away from her. I don’t trust him.”

  “That makes two of us. She’ll be with me this weekend. It’s Greg and Laura’s weekend away for their bridal party.”

  “That’s good news. I trust you to take care of my girl. Look, I must go. My next appointment is here.”

  “No worries. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”

  Ryan ended the call and stifled a yawn. Silence penetrated his office. Everyone else had left hours ago. He’d pack up soon and catch a few hours of sleep at home before returning to the office early tomorrow morning.

  His work never ended, but today it had been worth it. He’d shared a fun day with Cassie.

  She wanted a fun job. Did a fun job that paid well exist? Work and fun were mutually exclusive concepts in his world.

  Simon enjoyed his job, and he had challenged Ryan to consider what would happen if he died tomorrow. Would his financial success and career achievements mean anything? Were relationships more important to him than money?

  His immediate answer had been that relationships were definitely more important. But Simon had gone one step further and reminded him that his priorities in life were demonstrated by how he spent his time.

  Sure, he’d taken the day off today, but it was nearly midnight and he was still at the office catching up on work. He could list a stack of reasons for why he was here, and with John overseas he couldn’t delegate much of his workload.

  Work ruled his life. He even put off sailing if he needed to work. He canceled visiting his folks if work commitments cropped up. Was it worth it?

  Cassie’s decision to move forward with her job application hit a raw nerve. In the past he’d ditched relationships to chase a new and better career opportunity. Now the boot was on the other foot, and he didn’t like it one bit. How could she consider choosing her career over a relationship with him? He hated the idea of being her second choice.

  This weekend he’d work on changing her mind. Prove to her that a future with him was far superior to an island resort job. Today had been a good start.

  Sean had better contact him soon. John would go berserk if Sean harassed Cassie. Not that Ryan could blame John. His own protective instincts were on full alert, and he’d do whatever it took to keep Cassie safe from harm.

  * * *

  Late Thursday afternoon Cassie hobbled into her mother’s kitchen and opened the fridge. The painkillers hadn’t kicked in to dull the ache from her ankle.

  The interior door to the garage slammed shut and she heard her mother bustle through the house.

  Her mom appeared at the entrance to the kitchen.

  “Hi, Mom. How was work?”

  “Busy as usual. Have you been resting that foot and following your doctor’s instructions?”

  She nodded. “I’ve been good today, and the cab ride home from work helped.” For the past few days she’d been staying with her mother to avoid the two flights of stairs in her apartment building.

  “Sit down and I’ll fetch whatever you need,” Susan said.

  “I’m hungry.”

  “I’ll bring you some fresh fruit before I start making dinner.”

  Cassie hopped over to the counter and collapsed on a bar stool. “These painkillers aren’t working.”

  “Your trip to Queensland on Tuesday was too much. You should have stayed here and rested.”

  “But I really want this job and I’m glad I went.”

  Susan’s frown deepened. “Has Ryan phoned about the weekend?”

  “I sent him a message a few hours ago. He’s probably still on his way back from Melbourne.”

  Her mother switched on the coffeemaker. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go away this weekend.”

  She sighed. “Laura would never forgive me if I backed out.”

  “What are you going to do up there? Stay at the house while everyone else is enjoying the outdoors?”

  “It will work out okay, and with any luck I won’t need these horrible crutches to get around.”

  The doorbell pealed and Susan glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ve no idea who that could be.” She walked out of the kitchen.

  “Cassie, you have a visitor,” her mother called out.

  She wriggled around on her stool and smiled.

  Ryan stood three feet away, holding two dozen yellow roses.

  “They’re beautiful, Ryan. You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”

  “I wanted to surprise you.” He handed her the roses and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “How are you feeling?”

  Her pulse quickened and her usual optimism returned. “Okay.” Much better now that she’d seen him.

  “Good. I have something else to cheer you up.” He gave her a wrapped gift box.

  She opened the present and laughed. “You’re a lifesaver. This is just what I feel like.”

  “Between flowers and chocolate I couldn’t go wrong.”

  She inhaled the
distinctive fragrance of the roses. “They’re gorgeous, and such a vivid yellow.”

  “The florist guaranteed they’d cheer you up.” He gazed into her eyes. “Would you like me to make coffee?”

  She nodded. “I feel so useless at the moment.”

  “You’ll be walking again soon.”

  “I hope so.”

  He poured the coffee and passed a steaming mug to her. “Have you coped okay at work?”

  “Sort of. I mostly stay at my desk because my ankle’s still really sore.” She added milk and sugar to her coffee. “But I have the next three days off.”

  “Are you still coming up the mountains with us tomorrow night?”

  She nodded. “Mom doesn’t think I should, but I don’t want to disappoint Laura.”

  “Do you want to go?”

  She sipped her coffee. “I do, but I don’t want to spend the whole time at the house while you guys are out having fun.”

  “I have an idea for Saturday.”

  “Such as?”

  He grinned. “It’s my surprise, but I promise you’ll like it.”

  “Please tell me.”

  “No way. You can wait two days until Saturday.”

  “Two surprises in one week. Come on, spill it.”

  He shook his head.

  “Are you ticklish?” She edged her bar stool closer to him.

  He laughed. “You’re out of luck.”

  “Not fair.”

  “I’ll be around to collect you about this time tomorrow.”

  Her cell phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Private number. She connected the call. “Hello.”

  “Hi, Cassie.”

  “Sean? Where are you?”

  “I can’t talk long. I need to see you this weekend.”

  “I’m out of town.”

  “Where?”

  “Katoomba, with Laura and Greg’s bridal party.”

  “Good. I’d rather meet you away from Sydney.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s complicated. What’s the address?”

  “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I can’t. It’s not safe.”

  She gasped. “Are you in trouble? Is someone after you?”

  “I’ll tell you in person. What’s the address?”

  “Smith Street. I can’t remember the number but it’s the house at the end with views called Rose something.”

  “Okay. I’ve got to go.”

  “Sean, wait.”

  The phone disconnected.

  Cassie groaned and turned to Ryan. “As you heard, that was Sean.”

  “Is he in trouble?”

  She nodded.

  “What does he want?”

  “He wants to see me this weekend.”

  He frowned. “Did he say why?”

  She shook her head. “I think someone’s after him.”

  “Debt collectors. That’s nothing new.”

  “I got the impression he’s concerned for his safety. He’s happy I’m out of town this weekend, and it’s like he’d prefer to meet me away from Sydney. Something’s very wrong.”

  Ryan nodded. “He has probably borrowed money from one of those loan sharks and they’re after him to recoup their cash.”

  “Do you think they’d hurt him?”

  “Who knows? He may have crossed the wrong person this time. I was afraid that would happen.”

  “I’m really scared for him. He sounded agitated.”

  “Did he call from his phone?”

  She checked her caller list. “Private number. There was lots of traffic noise in the background so he probably rang from a pay phone.”

  “I’m not leaving you alone this weekend.”

  “Why? I can handle Sean.”

  “Can you handle the nasty people who may be following him?”

  She gasped. “You think he might put me in danger?”

  “It sounds like he’s trying to keep a low profile for a reason. Why else would he travel all the way to Katoomba to talk to you?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe he realizes he needs help?”

  “Or maybe he’s going to hit you up for a loan to repay the people he’s hiding from. My parents and I have been leaving messages on his cell phone for weeks. Why has he contacted you again and not us?”

  She widened her eyes. “Do you think he knows you’ll be there, too?”

  “The bridal party details were listed online under the photos from Laura and Greg’s engagement party. I’m guessing that’s how Sean knew we’d be together at the charity dinner.”

  “I’m not lending him money.”

  “I agree. He may be contacting you to get to me.”

  She shuddered. “He’s going to make good on his threat.”

  “It’s not going to happen.” A grim expression shadowed Ryan’s face. “I’m going to sort out this mess once and for all.”

  Chapter 11

  On Saturday morning Cassie gazed out the window of Ryan’s SUV at the brown undulating hills, covered in patches of grazing sheep. They’d stayed at the holiday house in Katoomba last night and headed out straight after breakfast, traveling farther inland on the Great Western Highway.

  Ryan pointed to a clump of trees on the horizon. “The homestead is on the rise behind the trees.”

  “Is this your big surprise?” Why did he think she’d be interested in visiting a farm?

  He smiled. “I grew up on this farm.”

  Her mouth gaped open. Ryan had once lived here? “Do your parents still own it?”

  “My friends live there. My parents sold the farm to Lisa’s dad and then, a few years later, she married Tim, one of my old friends.”

  “Interesting.”

  His smile broadened. “Yeah, and before Dad sold the farm everyone had expected me to marry Lisa.”

  She lifted a brow. “How old were you?”

  “Twenty. I was studying in Sydney and too ambitious to settle for life on the farm.”

  “Lisa didn’t consider moving to the city?”

  He turned left onto a gravel road. “She’s a country girl. We’ve kept in touch over the years.”

  She nodded. He understood her need to pursue her dream job, although he’d voiced his concerns about her sobriety and highlighted glitches in her plan.

  The SUV bumped along an unsealed dirt track and the homestead came into view. Ryan parked under a shady gum tree near the house.

  Native plants grew along the edge of the drive and a wide veranda surrounded the brick home. A tall brunette holding a small child waved from the veranda.

  “Lisa and Tim are looking forward to meeting you,” he said.

  “Okay.” He’d told his friends about her?

  He walked up the front path beside her. She shoved her sunglasses on her head and snuck a glance at Ryan. His taupe polo shirt and khaki cargo pants accentuated his muscular physique.

  Twinges of discomfort radiated from her ankle, slowing her pace. At least today she could hobble short distances without the crutches.

  Lisa gave Ryan a hug before turning to Cassie. “I’m glad I finally have a chance to meet you.” She smiled. “Come inside and rest your ankle.”

  Lisa’s friendly greeting put her at ease and she flopped on a comfortable sofa in the living room, smoothing her long skirt over her knees.

  A dark-haired boy, who looked no older than four, threw himself into Ryan’s arms.

  “Hey, little man, good to see you.” Ryan said.

  Lisa’s smile widened. “Brett’s our exuberant youngest child.”

  Brett settled on Ryan’s knee and Ryan gave the boy his full attention, whispering in his ear.
/>   The little boy grinned and laughed.

  Cassie’s heart melted. He’d make a great dad. She couldn’t remember receiving her father’s undivided attention, except for the times when she’d upset him. Dad had yelled at her for hours after Sean disappeared with the company money.

  “Daddy went fishing on the boat.” Brett jumped off Ryan’s knee, landing on his bottom on the carpeted floor.

  “Your daddy’s a lucky man,” Ryan said.

  Lisa laughed. “He still talks about all the boats he spotted from Ryan’s apartment.”

  “Daddy catches big fish.” Brett stood and raced outside, banging the screen door behind him.

  “Tim went fishing with Ben, our eldest, first thing this morning and should be back soon.”

  “What are the girls up to?” he asked.

  “Linda’s upstairs buried in a book and Katie’s outside riding her bike.”

  “I’d like to show Cassie around the property. Should we go now or after lunch?”

  “Do you mind if we have a late lunch?” Lisa glanced at her watch. “Tim promised me they’d be back by now.”

  He grinned. “They probably lost track of the time. We’ll go now and return within an hour.”

  “Tim’s motorbikes are in the shed or you can take the tractor. Would you like a drink or a snack before you go?”

  Cassie shook her head. “I’m good. We stopped for coffee in Bathurst on the way.” She held Ryan’s hand and rose from the sofa, walking with him to the back door.

  She frowned. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

  Ryan opened the screen door. “Huh?”

  “My ankle will make it difficult to ride a tractor let alone a motorbike.”

  “I figured you could ride with me.”

  “Is that a good idea?”

  He nodded and led her along a paved path toward the shed. “I’ve had a bike license for years.”

  “Okay.” She nibbled her lower lip. “You’ve noticed I’m wearing a skirt.”

  A slow smile spread over his face. “I’ve noticed.”

  “I don’t want to ruin it with grease.” Or mud. Or manure. Ick! “Why didn’t you suggest I change into jeans this morning?”

  “You look great in your pretty skirt, and it’s easier for you to wear a skirt with your ankle all bandaged up.”