by Carol Henry
Hunter looked into Juelle’s eyes, making sure she was aware of what they were about to do. He had no doubts this was the right thing for him. Her thoroughly kissed lips smiled up at him. Her fingers rubbed across his mouth, down his neck, and headed south to his navel, belt buckle, zipper, and beyond. God help him, he was lost. It was the sign he was looking for. His own hands found their way down her delectable, sexy body, and hugged her hips close to his aching need. Between the two of them, he wasn’t sure who was needier, but then, it didn’t matter. His hand found her center. She arched into him. He slide his hand back up to encompass her breast and positioned himself over her, levering his body mere centimeters from hers. She wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him down to her. God help him, they were destined to reach this moment in time. Together, they made love, both reaching a climax that had them out of breath, yet sated, and entwined and clinging to each other. He wanted more.
“That was…”
“Perfect. You’re perfect.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Nothing. Just lay here in my arms.”
“I should go.”
“Stay. I don’t want you to leave yet. I’m not sure I can ever let you go. At least not tonight.”
“Hunter…”
“Shhhh. Relax. You don’t have to rush home tonight. We’ll deal with everything tomorrow.”
She snuggled in his arms and fell asleep. Hunter watched her breathing relax, soaked in her beauty, the way her eyelashes swept over her soft cheeks now full of color, her lips swollen, and he wanted her again. How was he ever going to leave her behind when he went back to Hawaii? He’d fallen in love with an angel.
Chapter Ten
Hunter met Juelle at Pier One the following morning, and together they entered the offices of McClintock and McClintock. He held the door open, smiled down at her pensive face, and gave her a brief hug and a peck on the forehead.
“It’s only a consultation. Nothing saying we have to keep the business. But it won’t hurt to check it out.”
She hesitated, looked uncomfortable. Damn. He didn’t want her to have any regrets about last night, but it was obvious from her shyness she was having second thoughts.
“If you want the company, I’ll sell my portion to you. I don’t know a thing about the lobster business.” Her eyes lowered, her voice a whisper. She scanned the area as if she’d never been inside the warehouse.
He panned the ample entranceway and discovered the door to the left stood open.
“We’ll see. Wait until we talk to Mr. Baker, find out what shape the company is in, then we’ll talk.”
He escorted her into the room that served as a reception area, as well as a work space. Coleman Baker sat behind a long, low counter that served as a desk, which held what looked like the latest in computer technology. Behind him, along the back wall, was other electrical equipment he surmised monitored the weather conditions, water temperatures, and video equipment which appeared to be currently supervising activity in the warehouse and the holding tanks.
McClintock’s acting manager stood and extended his hand in welcome. Hunter stepped forward and clasped the man’s hand. Juelle followed suit.
“Thanks for seeing us, Mr. Baker. I hope we aren’t imposing on your workday.”
“Not at all. Call me Cole. It’s good to see a McClintock show some interest in the family business.”
Hunter could only surmise who he referred to, but didn’t offer his own take on the subject. Or on Sebastian. Once again he was thankful that even if others didn’t know it yet, he was happy to learn Sebastian was not his half-brother—not a real McClintock.
“As you’ve already heard, Juelle and I are now co-owners of the company. Although I don’t claim to know much about the lobster business, I do know about running a company. We’d appreciate it if you would run us through the main points of this one, first of which is, how viable is the business? Is it turning a profit?”
“Good place to start. Yes. It was a bit iffy after Hunt died. Things started going downhill, but we’re back on track now. How about a tour while we talk. It might give you a broader picture of our operations.” He clicked off a few controls, grabbed a set of keys, and escorted them out into the hall before locking the door behind them. “It’s never a good idea to leave such expensive equipment unattended. Not saying we’re worried about the competition, but in this day and age, you never know.” The man grinned and started walking down the hallway. “Follow me.”
He led them down a narrow hall and opened a door leading into an elongated warehouse. Large aerated tanks lined both sides of the spacious room, the temperature cool, the scent of seawater and marine life, heavy.
“This is our holding facility. We’ve upgraded our systems to chill the water temperature to 36 degrees in the tanks, which puts the lobster to ‘sleep’, so to speak. This allows for better quality and taste—it locks in the freshness. We also have a water filtration system to simulate the lobster’s natural environs, also helps maintain their freshness before we ship out and during shipment.”
“How do you keep them fresh when you ship them?” Juelle rubbed her bare arms. The air in the warehouse was cool due to the temperature of the holding tanks. Hunter wanted to put his arms around her, warm her, but this wasn’t the place. He didn’t want rumors to run rampant about her so soon after her husband’s funeral.
“We ship with cold packs. Keeps them cool until they arrive at their destination.” Cole called to a man who was at the far end of the building leaning over one of the tanks. “Jim. Got a minute?”
A man with a five o’clock shadow, looking to be in his fifty’s, ambled over.
“This is Jim Sherman, our tank room manager. He oversees the grading process. This is Hunter McClintock and Juelle, Sebastian’s widow.”
“Pleased to meet you.” He shook their hands and stepped back. “How can I help you?”
“They’re here to find out a bit about our operation.”
“Well, we have a quality control team—five of the most experienced lobster men in town. Hard to explain the control process—experience is the key. These men know a thing or two about lobsters. They’ve been at it a long time. McClintock’s is lucky to have them.”
They finished checking out the tanks, then walked out into the bright sunshine and a comfortable breeze blowing in off the harbor, and stepped up on to the pier to check out the fleet. McClintock’s had two trawlers tied up at the pier at the moment. But harbor life thrived—the area was afloat with kayaks, sailboats, and in the distance, a cruise ship tendering in passengers near Bar Harbor. Pier Two, across the way, was a teeming mass of activity, with tourists and locals visiting the vendors and carts lined up along the mid-way, part of the Oil and Water Art Festival that was underway.
“Most of our fleet left early this morning and haven’t returned yet. We maintain a fleet of fifteen,” Cole stated. “Our captains are experienced and dependable, and our trawlers are equipped with the latest technology. We employ a few private fishermen during our busy season. McClintock’s have secured the rights for several of the fishing areas.”
“Impressive. What about pay? Benefits for the employees?”
“The price per pound right now is significant. With our catch and sales on a daily basis, there is no reason our fishermen have to be underpaid. We provide benefits and health insurance, as well. If you’d like to see the books, I can arrange that.”
“Who deals with the financial end of the business?”
“You’re looking at him.” Cole smiled, pointing his thumb to his chest. “Hunt promoted me before his death. Sebastian had his say until the accident, but he wasn’t keen on the business end of the company—he liked to be out on the water, so I stepped in and made sure everything was back on track. You aiming to sell this company? Or take it over?”
Hunter admired the man’s forthright manner. The question was, did he intend to take over? It was something he and Juelle needed to dis
cuss further.
“It isn’t necessary to see the books just yet. As for taking over the company, that remains to be seen. Juelle and I need to discuss our options first. In the meantime, we’d be happy for you to continue in your managing capacity. Is there someone you can suggest to assist you. It looks to me as if you have a lot on your plate at the moment.”
“Yes. I have someone who has been working with me. He’s an honest man. I’m sure he’d be happy to continue.”
“I’ll get back with you as soon as we discuss the situation and make a decision.” He faced Juelle. “Does that work for you?”
“Of course. Thank you, Mr. Baker. Like Hunter said, we’ll be in touch.”
They left Pier One and headed toward their individual vehicles.
“We can go to the park and discuss this over a cup of coffee, or, we can go somewhere else where we’ll have more privacy.”
“It’s rather crowded there right now with the festival in full swing. Feel up for a walk? There’s a trail along the shore down the coast, or we can follow one of the trails in Acadia.”
“It sounds like just what we need.”
The shaded woodland trail they chose was a flat, easy trek. They strolled in silence, side by side. Juelle’s heart raced at Hunter’s closeness. Maybe the park would have been a safer choice to have that talk. She hadn’t forgotten their lovemaking the night before, how he’d made her toes tingle, her heart race. Hunter was an excellent lover, she hadn’t wanted to leave his arms, but she knew what they shared wasn’t going to last. How could it? He wasn’t going to hang around Lobster Cove. They’d both been caught up in the McClintock web, and in every instance he’d championed her side. Not that she’d declared sides, but it was comforting to have someone who understood the hurt. Because there was no doubt Hunter McClintock still hurt from his father’s desertion. She had to guard her heart against more heartache at the McClintock hands. Business or no business, Hunter had his own travel agency to run back in Hawaii.
She picked up the pace to match her racing mind and heart. Hunter clasped her hand and tugged, causing her steps to slow. His touch zinged right through to her heart. Maybe this walk along a secluded path wasn’t such a good idea after all.
“Penny for them?” His words low, sexy, held a touch of humor.
“I suspect my thoughts are the same as yours.”
“You’d be surprised what I’m thinking.”
He tugged on her hands, squeezed her fingers, and pulled her to his side. Oh, my God. The man was lethal. Her cheeks warmed. She lowered her head to hide the results of what his touch did to her, let alone the meaning his words invoked. She had to remind herself he wasn’t a permanent fixture in the Cove.
“I’m serious. I’m not sure I’m up to running a business—let alone an international business the size of McClintock’s. What about you? Are you ready to live here in Lobster Cove and take over your father’s affairs?”
“Not really.”
She knew it. He confirmed it—he wasn’t staying. She’d been a fool to let him make love to her.
“Taking over the business requires serious deliberation. Cole has things under control and doing an excellent job. How hard would it be to promote him, give him a raise, and keep the company running as is until we decide what we want to do?”
“What are you proposing?”
She stopped and swung around to face him, their hands still entwined. The lopsided grin and raised eyebrows suggested his feelings were the same as hers right now. She wriggled her hands out of his and walked down the trail. She couldn’t think while his touch sent the wrong signals to her brain via her heart. A few birds flittered in and out of the trees. A squirrel scampered up a tree trunk. Two bikes whizzed by, their peddlers nodding a hello as they passed.
“Juelle. I’m sorry.” He caught up to her. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’ve been going crazy thinking about our making love last night. You know I’ve become fond of you and Makenzie. I think you feel the same way.”
He swung her around to face him again. She couldn’t form a single word as she looked into his dark sable eyes—eyes looking right back into her very soul. She froze as his lips laid claim to hers. Her insides melted and she clung to him, and kissed him right back—she didn’t care. She arched into his hold—couldn’t get close enough. His arms spanned her hips, his hands tugged her into his hard arousal.
“It’s too bad we aren’t behind closed doors right now.” His whispered words fanned against her mouth were erotic. Her insides turned to mush.
It took a minute for sanity to put in an appearance. She stepped back, not letting go of him—her arms clinging. He was more than physically fit, he was desirable from head to toe. She cleared her throat, and looked into smoldering eyes that made her want to jump back into his arms. The McClintocks hadn’t been good to her. Would he be any different? The taste of his lips on hers had her mind in turmoil. She couldn’t think of anything else but Hunter. His arms around her. But she had to shake those sensual emotions out of her system. There was much more at stake here than worrying about the man’s kisses. She didn’t need another broken heart. And Lord help her, she was falling for him. Hard.
“Sebastian has only been—”
“Forget Sebastian. I have. He’s not my half-brother. I won’t let you down like he did. You can count on me.”
Doubts and confusion set in. Was he right? Was Hunt McClintock not Sebastian’s father, as Hunt had stated in his letter? Would the DNA test prove otherwise? Sebastian had been her husband. Not a very good one, but her husband, nevertheless. There was no erasing that fact. A smidgen of guilt over Hunter’s erotic lovemaking the night before washed over her.
“Look, let’s sit down on that bench up ahead and talk this through like we planned.”
He ran his hand over his face, through his thick dark hair. Her heart thudded. Without touching her, he walked up ahead and sat down, waiting for her to do the same.
She had to shake off the sexual fantasy she’d been having in his arms, which was driving her crazy. A relationship with Hunter McClintock would end up going nowhere. Why he bothered coming on to her, making love to her and stirring up emotions better left alone, was a puzzle she didn’t want to unravel.
“Here’s what I’m thinking.” He slung his arm over the back of the bench as she sat down, keeping a space between them.
He couldn’t be as affected by their lovemaking as she’d been if he could switch to business so casually.
“If we decide to hang on to the business, it can only be a win-win for both of us. You won’t have to worry about a job to provide for you and Makenzie, unless you want to get involved in the business. You’ll have a steady income and collateral to purchase the house we looked at the other day. I can continue with my business back home. If we find it isn’t working for either of us, we can do one of two things. Either one of us can buy the other out, or we can sell the company to an interested buyer. I suggest we take a wait and see attitude, until things settle down.”
She had to admit he had a point. She could stay at home and raise Makenzie, and re-evaluate her options once her daughter started school, as she had contemplated.
“It doesn’t seem right to own a company and not be involved.”
“Give it some time. Make an appointment with the realtor to seal the deal on the house, first. Talk to Mr. Jordan. He can help with all the legal details pertaining to Sebastian’s affairs. In the meantime, I’m going to meet with Cole and go over the financial records. You can join me if you wish.”
“No, you can meet with him on your own. I’ll pick up Makenzie from Katelyn’s, talk to Mr. Jordan, and give the realtor a call. I want to call the hospital and see how Eugenia is doing. She appeared to be doing much better when I called this morning, but I want to visit and make sure.”
She could only hope something positive would come out of the session with the lawyer this afternoon. She was anxious to leave the McClintock Estate behind. A
nd start putting distance between her and Hunter.
****
Katelyn brought Makenzie to the park to meet Juelle. She found her friend feeding her daughter a vanilla ice cream cone, the two of them were sitting on a bench in the gazebo out of the hot afternoon sun and away from the mingling festival crowd. Makenzie started to wiggle off the bench when she saw her. Juelle rushed forward and caught her up in a hug before the baby managed to fall.
“How’s the lobster business? You and Hunter going to remain partners?” Her friend bit into what was left of the melting cone.
Juelle shook her head. “I don’t know, Katelyn. It all sounds too good to be true. And you know how that goes.”
“If it’s too good to be true, then it probably isn’t good.”
“Hunter thinks we should take a wait and see attitude. And it does sound like a solid plan. But I have to talk to Mr. Jordan first and double check my finances—make sure everything is in order, and that becoming partners with Hunter is in my best interest.”
“Honey, becoming partners with Hunter sounds like the epitome of perfect.”
“Yes, well, he’s not sticking around Lobster Cove, so any relationship, even a minor one with him, is not a good idea.”
Makenzie anchored her hands on either side of Juelle’s face and pivoted her head around and planted a vanilla kiss on her mouth. All three broke out laughing.
“Here. Have a wet cloth.” Katelyn handed her a fresh wipe. Juelle cleaned up her daughter first, and then mopped up her own cheeks and lips.
“Thanks for taking care of Makenzie—again. If this keeps up, I’m going to have to put you on the payroll.”
“I won’t take a dime. But once classes begin in September, I won’t be available.”
“I’m going to look into a day care center, even if it’s part time. Any suggestions?”
“Jolene Graham is the director at Hearts and Hands. I understand she takes children starting at six months old, so that should work for you. But, hey, I’ll watch this little miss anytime in between, you know I love having her.”