by Danni Rose
Beth's back stiffened.
Jason wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered, "The mayor will direct this circus. He'll do most of the talking and handle the press. We're here for the show."
Mayor Derr clapped his hands. "Let's begin, shall we?"
Beth lined up with the council members behind the mayor and smiled, and Jason stepped to the side. She smiled, but there was no happiness in it. Was she worried that he'd learn her secrets?
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm glad you could join us this evening. Tonight we are here to announce the construction of an addition we've wanted in this community for years." The mayor spoke through the wide grin on his face. "I'm certain you've heard of business magnate and philanthropist, J.D. Richards, CEO of Ziron Corporation. What you may not know is he got his start in Serenity Bay."
Adrenaline pumped through Jason's veins. He'd looked forward to this day. He wanted to show these people how wrong they'd been about him. The worthless Fischer boy had become a man others admired and respected. With Beth here to witness his triumphant return, his victory was complete.
"Several months ago, Mr. Richards contacted me about a project he wanted to undertake. After we worked out the details of his proposal, we took the plan to the town council. The vote was unanimous in approval of Mr. Richards' venture."
Jason watched, entertained, while the mayor played the room with the skill of a veteran politician. Reporters recorded his words while the photographers took picture after picture.
"Please welcome J.D. Richards who will tell you about the project he wishes to undertake in Serenity Bay." The mayor beamed and applauded louder than anyone in the room.
Jason walked to the podium, and the fire of victory raced through his veins. "Thank you for your warm welcome. As Mayor Derr said, Serenity Bay was my home for many years. Since leaving town, I have been fortunate in my business and financial endeavors. I want to share my good fortune with those who contributed so much to my life."
He'd dreamed of vindication, and now he had it. He intended to savor every moment and let it wash away the years of humiliation he'd endured. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Beth frown before she replaced it with a smile. He'd love to know what she was thinking.
"After several discussions with the mayor, we agreed Serenity Bay could use a recreation center. A place where parents can spend time with their children or friends, and they can take part in a variety of activities."
There were gasps when Jason set a drawing for the proposed complex on the easel. "The Council approved my proposal for a recreation complex that will serve this community for years to come. There will be a large community room for social gatherings and classrooms for educational use. The complex will have an indoor swimming pool and gym for athletic events. Outside we've planned courts for bocce ball and tennis. We plan to build the complex on a ten-acre park that will overlook the bay at the north end of town."
He looked at the people who knew him when he lived in Serenity Bay. The shock and surprise on their faces soothed the wounded ego of the boy who'd been told again and again he wasn't good enough.
"To make sure the planning and construction move along smoothly, I will stay in town to oversee the project." He paused. "After the construction is completed, I will sign the papers giving the Richards Recreation & Family Complex to Serenity Bay."
Satisfaction coursed through his veins when the council members and the audience joined in applause that echoed through the chamber. He took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet scent of vindication.
The mayor asked, "Are there questions?"
Several hands were raised. It took Jason and the mayor twenty minutes to answer the questions plus another twenty for pictures. During a lull, Jason left the mayor to wrap up the press conference.
He wore a smile when he went to Beth and held out his hand. Those closest watched with interest when she laced her fingers with his.
The flashes of cameras lit their way from the stage. A few reporters followed and shouted questions. Jason stopped to talk with them, but his patience was wearing thin. He wanted to get Beth alone.
One journalist commented, "The two of you seem close."
Jason smiled at Beth. "We're old friends."
The reporter smirked, "You seem like more than friends."
Jason fisted his hands. Would it be worth a few hours in jail to punch the jerk? Instead, he turned to answer another question.
Behind them, Mayor Derr thanked everyone for attending the press conference. When he reached Jason, he said, "That couldn't have gone better." The mayor wore a proud new-father smile. "I understand the guests have begun to arrive at the reception. We should be on our way. Do you need a ride?"
Jason shook his head. "Thank you, but my car and driver are here. We'll meet you at your house." He slid his arm around Beth's waist. Her muscles tensed, but she didn't pull away. Careful to hide the smug smile he knew was on his lips, he steered her to the door.
Marco stood at the curb with the car door open.
She tried to step away, but Jason held tight and led her to his car.
"I need to get my car. It's at the shop."
"A beautiful woman shouldn't wander through town alone at night."
"This is Serenity Bay, one of the safest towns in Minnesota."
"I'd like you to go with me to the reception. Then you can tell me the gossip about the other guests."
She looked at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you trying to do?"
He shrugged. "I want to prove I can be your friend and am worthy of your trust."
"Why?" Beth glared at him.
"Once we were best friends. We knew everything about each other. It's good to have friends who know your past."
She stared at him. Would she insist on getting her car? If she left on her own, he doubted she'd go to the reception. She turned to the limousine. He held her arm as she got in.
Marco drove to the mayor's home which was a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Jason looked over the three-story house with a builder's eye. Whoever restored it had preserved the original structure, and the workmanship was first-rate. Wherever Jason traveled, he looked for local contractors to work on his projects. He'd ask the mayor for the builder's name.
The mayor and guests clapped when Jason and Beth entered the house. Long past being flustered at such attention, he squeezed her hand. "Keep smiling, and we'll get through this."
Mayor Derr rushed to them. "If you'll come with me, I'll introduce you to everyone."
Jason knew the people who attended the reception had been invited based on their importance to the mayor's reelection, but he liked him so he smiled and shook hands. The whole time, he kept Beth at his side. She didn't complain, but the look she gave him promised retribution. He looked forward to the challenge.
Like the mayor, several guests had moved to Serenity Bay after Jason left town and didn't know his history. However, there were people who had known him, and he thoroughly enjoyed the surprise and shock on their faces. When Mayor Derr made his introductions, most said they were glad to meet him and acted as though they hadn't known him. A few welcomed him back, and everyone thanked him for his generosity.
One woman, bolder than the others, asked, "Did you return to show everyone what you've made of yourself?"
Jason stared at the woman with his iciest smile. Her face flushed a deep red when he said, "Our focus should be the recreation complex, and how it will benefit the community."
The woman mumbled a few words and hurried away.
After that, the mayor deflected personal questions. Jason decided Mayor Derr didn't want anyone to insult the man who was building their sports complex and getting him reelected.
While Jason and Beth talked to him, her parents walked into the house. Jason wanted to rub his hands together. He knew Archer's reputation for cutting corners and fleecing investors to line his pockets. He had to consider J.D. Richards a prime target, but it was Archer's reaction to his introduction
to the worthless Fischer boy that held Jason's interest.
When Beth saw her parents, her muscles stiffened. Jason wondered about her negative reaction. It was true Archer had never treated her like a beloved daughter but could their relationship be more strained than he knew? He looked into her eyes and was surprised to see them filled with anguish. Without understanding why, Jason gave into the need to protect her and pulled her close.
Archer looked around the mayor's home. It was nice, but his home was more impressive. He'd brought in a designer from New York to stage his home and make it a showcase for his wealth and power. Archer grinned. He was the biggest shark in this pond, and he made sure everyone in town knew it.
It had taken years to sharpen his teeth, but after he finished college, Archer shed his past the way a snake sheds his skin. He'd buried the poverty-stricken details that had been his life until he escaped to college. Then he clawed his way into the world of business and married the boss's daughter. The day he took control of the company and changed the name to A.K. Industries was his reward for the bowing and scraping he'd done. It had taken time to arrange, but soon he'd have full ownership of the company.
Archer looked around the room. Was anyone here worthy of his attention? Mayor Derr chatted with a man and woman. That must be Richards. Archer steered his wife to them. He didn't care if he talked to the mayor, but he intended to meet the great J.D. Richards. Archer's sole reason for attending this reception was to talk him into an investment in his latest deal. His name would draw other investors and put more money in his pockets.
The woman at Richards' side triggered a faint recollection, but he couldn't see her face. Archer huffed. He wasn't interested in any decoration on Richards' arm.
Mayor Derr said, "Beth, I believe you know these people."
Archer clamped his lips together. Elizabeth?
The mayor said, "Jason, have you met Archer and Deidre Kingsley, Beth’s parents?"
"Never formally."
With a grin on his face, the mayor said, "Archer is the owner and president of A.K. Industries. Deidre sits on the board of several of our charities. Archer and Deidre this is J.D. Richards."
Archer stared at the worthless Fischer boy. Was this a joke? He narrowed his eyes and glared at his daughter. Fischer was a hoodlum and calling himself J.D. Richards didn't change that. Why was she with him? "Elizabeth—"
"Hello, dear." Deidre smiled and kissed Beth's cheek. She shook Jason's hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Richards. I’ve read about you and your company."
Archer stared at Deidre. She'd read something other than the society page?
Richards smiled. "I’ve looked forward to meeting you. Please, call me Jason."
Jason? They should call him what he was—trash.
Archer had tried to have him sent to prison ten years ago. Someone had broken into his car. He'd insisted Fischer was the thief and had convinced the sheriff to question him. The police couldn't find any evidence to tie the boy to the crime, so they released him.
When she'd been young, no matter how often he'd told Elizabeth to stay away from the boy, she'd found a way to spend time with him. Until Archer had come up with a plan to keep the worthless punk away from his daughter.
He sneered at Richards. "You've come up in the world, and now you plan to share your good fortune with the people of Serenity Bay."
"I want to repay everyone for all they did for me when I lived in town."
Mayor Derr jumped into the conversation. "We're thrilled you've returned and can't thank you enough for your gift."
Archer pressed his lips together. What was Richards planning? The mayor didn't know predators the way he did. Archer knew a shark's only interest was their next meal not giving gifts to towns that knew he was nothing but trash.
Archer smirked. "Serenity Bay must look different from this side of the tracks." The glares he got from the mayor and Deidre didn't bother him. Only one opinion mattered—his own.
"It's true, there have been a lot of changes. I've heard it said you can't go home again, but it can be interesting to visit. Don't you agree? Besides, staying in town while the recreation complex is constructed will give me an opportunity to reacquaint myself with—" Jason smiled at Beth, "Serenity Bay."
Archer's eyebrows lifted. Was Richards still interested in Elizabeth? Maybe he could use her to get Richards to fund his Chicago project. When it went bankrupt, he would make millions. If J.D. Richards invested in the project, it would make his success that much sweeter.
Archer handed Richards his business card. "Let's have lunch. I have an investment opportunity that could make you a great deal of money."
CHAPTER FOUR
After three hours of smiling, Beth's cheeks ached. If she had to be pleasant to one more fawning admirer of Jason's, she'd sputter gibberish.
They stood with another council member and his wife and chatted about the recreation complex. He leaned over and whispered, "We've stayed long enough. Are you ready to leave?"
"I'm so ready. My lips have frozen in a permanent smile and might need medical attention."
His lusty laughter ignited a fire in Beth's blood and heat pooled at her center.
They found the mayor, and Jason shook his hand. "Thank you for arranging today's events. Everyone seemed pleased with the plans for the complex. But if anyone raises objections, let me deal with them."
"I will. Once again, on behalf of the town, thank you for your generous gift. The complex is a welcome addition to this community." The mayor pumped his hand. "You remember that we are scheduled to meet next Friday?"
"I have it on my calendar. I'm eager to see the updated drawings."
Cameras flashed while Jason and Beth walked away. Once again, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She tried to step away to put space between them, but he didn't loosen his hold. "The photographers are taking pictures—of us—together."
"They've been taking pictures all night." He shrugged. "Don't let it worry you."
"People will talk. Like that reporter, they'll think we're more than friends."
"People will gossip about anything, even if it's not true, until they find the next juicy morsel. In a few days, we'll be old news."
Beth clenched her teeth. Since she'd escaped Archer's control, Beth didn't worry about gossip. They'd always find someone to talk about. No, she was more concerned about the need she had for Jason's touch. A longing she'd thought dead and that once again burned hot in her.
Jason had shattered her dreams and almost destroyed her, but the past didn't change her body's reaction. She'd be a fool to put her heart at risk again. Somehow, she had to stop wanting his lips on hers.
Once again, Marco waited for them at the limousine. After she settled on the seat, Jason sat with his thigh pressed against hers. She moved over a few inches, but he followed her. Why hadn't she driven her own car instead of riding with him?
He pounced. "I am starved. Are you hungry?"
"I'm not—" Beth's stomach rumbled.
"That's a yes." He laughed. "What's your favorite restaurant?"
She wasn't getting out of this. "Chez Belle Ami. It's on River Road. They have a good menu, and the food is excellent."
He asked Marco, "Would you take us to Chez Belle Ami?"
"Wait. I need my car." Beth grabbed Jason's hand. "If you'll take me to the shop, I'll get my car and meet you at the restaurant."
"We'll take you to your car after dinner."
"It's inconvenient to have to drive to town."
"It's not a problem. Besides, you need to make sure we don't get lost."
She looked out the car window. They weren't far from the restaurant, and Marco hadn't needed directions. Maybe Jason thought she'd stand him up? That's exactly what she'd do.
When they walked into Chez Belle Ami, she inhaled the fragrant aroma of rosemary, lavender, thyme, and the other spices used to season the food. The food was excellent, but Beth also loved the old world elegance. White lin
en cloths covered the tables, the place settings included lead crystal goblets and fine bone china. The atmosphere in the restaurant was intimate and quiet.
Adam Wainwright, the owner and chef, grew up in Serenity Bay, but he'd left to study at the best culinary schools in the United States and Europe. After Adam returned to town, he opened the restaurant. It had gained a reputation for its French cuisine that one critic called a sensual adventure into the divine.
While they ordered, Beth racked her mind for a safe topic of conversation. There was always the weather. Instead, she asked, "How did you get a job in construction? You never did that kind of work in Serenity Bay."
He chuckled. "When I moved to Chicago, it was the only job I could get. I've always enjoyed working with my hands so it was a good fit. But more than that, I was fascinated by the intricacies of running a company. I read books about economics, management, and finance. I enjoyed learning and discovered a talent for business."
"You always liked a challenge."
He chuckled. "That's true. I like to test myself, and I like to win."
"Tell me more about your construction work."
"I enjoy the people. They are honest and down-to-earth."
She tilted her head. "You talk about your employees as though you know them."
"I know a lot of them. My first job was working with the crews. They taught me about the construction business and life." He smiled. "I still go to job sites to talk to them. They often see problems before management and have ideas on how to deal with them."
"Most CEO's don't take the time to talk to their employees."
"Those people are more than employees. They're my friends."
Beth brushed her fingers over her mouth then said, "You said people need to learn not to judge others. Is that why you came back? To teach us a lesson?"
He shrugged. "I left town with unfinished business. It's time to finish it."
"What unfinished business?"