One-Click Buy: September Harlequin Presents

by Penny Jordan

  Kate bit into her hand, hardly able to breathe round the boulder of outrage and agony in her throat. How had Zack endured this man’s brutality? How had any of them?

  ‘We never saw the boy again. It devastated Mary and I. We missed Billy something fierce, feared what had happened to him. We called the cops, but they never found a trace of them. Eventually we had to get on with our lives. It’s the guilt I can’t get over, though, even now.’

  ‘What guilt?’ Kate brushed the tears from her cheek. ‘What have you got to be guilty about?’ she demanded.

  Hal stared at her, misery shadowing his face. ‘We should never have kept him. If we’d turned the boy over to the authorities like we should have, his father wouldn’t have been able to take him back. Billy would have been safe. We were selfish and he suffered because of it.’

  Reaching across the table, Kate grasped Hal’s hand, squeezed hard. ‘You’re wrong, Hal. So wrong. You gave that child something he’d never had. You gave him a home.’ She wanted so badly to tell him who Zack was. Knowing she couldn’t made her feel partly responsible for the old man’s pain. ‘You weren’t selfish.’ She sniffed, desperate to make him see how wrong he was. ‘You did the right thing.’

  ‘But—’

  She squeezed harder. ‘No buts, Hal. You can’t blame yourself for another man’s crime. The only villain was Billy’s father.’

  ‘Do you really think so?’

  ‘I know so.’ She let go of his hand, gave him a watery smile. If only she could tell him how she knew.

  Hal’s face brightened, his shoulders losing some of their stoop. ‘Gosh.’ Hal gave a half-laugh, scrubbed his hands down his face. ‘Thanks for that. It’s made me feel…’ he shrugged ‘…I don’t know—better somehow.’

  ‘I’m so glad.’

  ‘You’re a good listener.’ He patted her hand. ‘I guess that’s one of the skills of a great PA.’

  ‘I suppose,’ she said, her heart lightening at the affection on Hal’s face.

  No wonder Zack had fallen in love with this good, strong, loving man. She couldn’t think of a better role model, a better father for any young boy. It was a tragedy Zack and Hal had been given so little time together, but it occurred to her that those six months had been enough to change Zack’s life. He could have become like his father, but instead he’d become like Hal.

  If only Hal knew how much he’d really done for that little boy.

  She had to get Zack to tell Hal the truth.

  After giving Hal a goodbye hug, Kate walked back through the hotel gardens and ran possible scenarios through her head. How and when to approach Zack. How to get him to talk about Hal again. How to persuade him to tell the old man who he was.

  She steadfastly ignored the niggling voice in the back of her mind that whispered: Why are you getting involved in Zack’s personal life? You and Zack are just casual lovers. This isn’t any of your business.

  She wouldn’t worry about that now, she was on a mission.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ‘I CAN’T BELIEVE this is the slum Steinbeck wrote about.’ Kate peered over the balcony of the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant into Monterey Bay. The afternoon sunshine glittered on the water and caught the shiny brass fittings of a luxury yacht bobbing next to functional fishing boats draped with netting. Kate grinned as she spotted the whiskered snout of an inquisitive seal. The crying of seagulls on the lookout for lunch filled the air but couldn’t compete with the seal’s hungry bark.

  ‘It’s clean and pretty,’ she said wistfully, ‘but not quite as colourful as I expected.’

  Zack smiled at her across the table. He took off his sunglasses. Those killer green eyes sparkled with humour and affection. ‘You’re the only woman I’ve ever met who’d prefer to eat in a flophouse than a five-star restaurant,’ he said, picking her hand up.

  ‘I didn’t say I’d prefer it.’ Her belly fluttered pleasantly as he threaded their fingers together. ‘If we’d eaten here in Steinbeck’s day we would have got food poisoning.’

  ‘My point exactly.’ He chuckled.

  As she watched him playing with her fingers Kate realised how much she had come to enjoy Zack’s company, to depend on it even, in the last week. She knew it wasn’t wise. But after the fabulous morning they’d spent browsing the brightly coloured curio shops along Fisherman’s Wharf and visiting Monterey’s awe-inspiring aquarium—not to mention the two glasses of Californian Chardonnay she’d polished off over lunch—she couldn’t summon the will to care. She’d worry about it a week from now, when she was on her flight back to England and this all became an impossible romantic dream.

  ‘So, you ready to hit some more shops yet—’ he grinned, turning her hand over ‘—or do you want to go home for a nap?’ He bussed her palm with his lips.

  Her heart swooped in her chest at the casually intimate gesture. She dismissed the jolt to her system as lust, pure and simple. They hadn’t indulged in their usual morning escapades today because she’d been so exhausted and she’d missed it.

  ‘Why do I get the feeling your idea of a nap is liable to tire me out more?’ she teased, determined not to read too much into the smouldering look he was giving her.

  This was about sex, nothing more.

  ‘You could be right about that,’ he said, keeping his eyes on her as he signalled the waitress. ‘Let’s hit Cannery Row, then.’

  As he asked for the bill the memory of how sweet he’d been that morning came back to her. He’d let her lie in, brought her breakfast in bed and had then insisted they took a day away from work so she could ‘recharge her batteries’, as he’d put it. Her heart squeezed as it had that morning and she curled her fingers into a fist in her lap.

  Stop reading so much into it. He was just being a nice guy—and she had been almost comatose after burning the candle at both ends for days. The way he’d taken care of her didn’t mean a thing. But it still bothered her that she’d enjoyed being pampered so much.

  The waitress slid the bill onto their table and told them to ‘have a nice day’.

  Zack pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and began to count out some bills. As usual he’d decided to pay the tab without consulting her. She ought to call him on it, but they’d already had several disagreements about what constituted a legitimate business expense since they’d arrived in California and Kate knew she wouldn’t win.

  Reluctantly she let it go this time and indulged the urge to study him instead. He hadn’t bothered to shave today and the stubble on his chin, coupled with the T-shirt and faded Levis he had on, gave him a rakish, dangerous look even sexier than his usual smooth, commanding, captain of industry image. No wonder she was having trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy.

  She needed a distraction before she gave in to her raging hormones and jumped him in broad daylight. Surely there couldn’t be a better time to talk about Hal.

  She gathered her courage, knowing what she was about to say might spoil the sexy, easygoing companionship between them. ‘I had an interesting conversation with Hal yesterday.’

  He stiffened slightly as he stuffed his wallet back into his jeans. ‘Yeah?’

  ‘About an abused and abandoned little boy named Billy who he’s never been able to forget.’

  He swore. ‘Kate, I told you not to interfere.’

  She pushed the hurt to one side. ‘I didn’t bring it up—he did. His version of events was a bit different to yours, though.’

  ‘I don’t care,’ he said, shutting her out.

  ‘Well, you should. He’s never stopped worrying about you, you know.’ She reached across the table, laid her hand over his. ‘You should put his mind at rest. Don’t you think you owe him that much?’ It was a low blow and she knew it, but she had to try and make him see reason.

  He pulled his hand out from under hers, stood up. ‘I’m not talking about this now.’

  She stood, too, thrusting her chin out. ‘When are you going to talk about it, then?’

 
; He gave a harsh laugh, shook his head in disbelief. ‘You know, that’s rich coming from you. The woman who’s better protected than Fort Knox.’

  ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘How about I show you what it means?’

  He didn’t look angry any more; he looked determined. In Kate’s experience that could be dangerous. ‘Show me what?’ she asked, warily.

  ‘Uh-uh.’ He tapped her nose. ‘If you want to talk about Hal you’ll have to come with me first. Then we’ll see.’

  Okay, this definitely did not sound good. ‘We’ll see is too vague.’

  ‘Fine.’ He held her upper arm, propelled her out of the restaurant with him. ‘I promise we’ll talk about Hal—’he shoved open the restaurant’s door, guided her through ‘—after you’ve done something for me. That’s the deal, take it or leave it.’

  Kate’s skin began to itch. Something definitely didn’t feel right. What exactly was all this about? But then she thought of Hal. Good, kind, honest Hal who had a right to know about the little boy who still haunted him. Whatever Zack intended, she couldn’t let Hal go on suffering because of Zack’s obstinacy. ‘I’ll take it,’ she said.

  The itch instantly got worse.

  Zack held on to Kate as they walked through the tourist Mecca of the once-rundown Cannery Row. Silversmiths and designer boutiques vied for attention with souvenir shops and candy booths. The eclectic mix might be more picturesque than in Steinbeck’s day but Kate was wrong about the atmosphere. The tourists and the locals alike exuded the same happy-go-lucky air that Doc and his pals had done in Steinbeck’s imagination. All except Kate, who was stiffer than a street light by his side.

  He knew how much she hated being manoeuvred into things—and how hard she found it to relinquish control. Tough. He hated it too, but that hadn’t stopped her sticking her cute little nose into his personal business.

  He didn’t want to talk about Hal. Hell, he didn’t even want to think about Hal. The shame and guilt over what had happened the day JP had come back had haunted him for years afterwards. He’d become a wild and angry teenager, hating himself and living on the edge of his temper, until he’d found an outlet in the poker parlours of Europe. It had taken him too many more years to channel it into something genuinely productive. He was within weeks of finally burying that miserable part of his life for good. He didn’t want to open that can of worms all over again.

  But in the last few days, his perspective had changed. He still didn’t want to risk telling Hal the truth, but he might be persuaded to do it, if he could get one thing in return. And that one thing was Kate’s trust. He’d enjoyed the light, teasing nature of their relationship in the last week. Hell, the sex alone had been phenomenal. But it wasn’t enough any more.

  He could feel the curve of her hip beneath the linen of her dress, stroked his palm over the fabric. Even above the bustle of the crowd, he heard her breath hitch and smiled. Her response to him was so instant and so dramatic. Every night they made love with a violent passion that still staggered him. He frowned, his hand tightening around her waist—and afterwards she always tried to wriggle out of his arms. He never let her, of course, but each time she tried it made him want to hold her even closer.

  And then there was her damn hang-up about money. He’d always enjoyed giving lavish gifts to the women he dated. He liked to show a woman she was appreciated. With Kate he’d never even broached the subject because he knew what her reaction would be. She’d even got huffy the last few days about what meals and services he was paying for, which was ridiculous. No way was he letting her pick up the tab on a business trip.

  He guessed that non-materialistic side of her, that stubborn, unflinching independence, was one of the things that had captivated him at first. But there was independence and there was pigheadedness. And her arguments every time he paid for anything were starting to bug him. He knew it was all part of that invisible barrier she’d put up to stop him getting too close. The higher she built it, though, the more determined he became to knock it down.

  The exclusive jewellery store he’d been looking for came into view at the end of the street. Taking his arm from around her waist, he clasped her hand and led her through the crowd.

  ‘Where are we going?’ she asked, her step slowing.

  ‘It’s a surprise,’ he replied, tugging her along behind him.

  Kate’s heartbeat kicked up as Zack pulled her towards the seafront. She was more wary than ever now. She still hadn’t been able to figure out what this was all about.

  ‘I don’t like surprises,’ she said cautiously.

  He glanced over his shoulder. ‘Stop looking so scared,’ he said with a quick grin. ‘You’ll like this one.’

  She decided to reserve judgement on that as he marched off again, still hauling her along.

  The old-fashioned frontage of the silversmiths’ shop looked sedate and chic sandwiched between a powder-pink arts store and a sportswear emporium. The sign out front stated it was a supplier for the local designers, but Kate had barely had a chance to glance at the window display before Zack had pulled her inside. With the lighting dimmed, an old Mamas and Papas tune playing softly in the background and a young saleswoman the only other person in the shop, it was an oasis of calm and good taste from the seething swell of afternoon shoppers and tourists outside.

  Her misgivings momentarily quashed by curiosity, Kate wandered over to a long glass cabinet. Her breath caught as she examined the exquisitely detailed and expertly crafted pieces on display. Silver dolphins cavorted on a charm bracelet carved in a sea swell motif. Tiny rubies winked red fire at her in a necklace intricately crafted from white-gold filigree.

  ‘What do you think?’ Zack’s hand settled on the small of her back.

  Kate eased out the breath she’d been holding. ‘They’re exquisite. You should buy some cufflinks or something.’ She’d already spotted some beautiful ones.

  He folded her hand in his. ‘I’ve got something to show you.’ He led her to the end of the case and pointed at a necklace laid out on black satin.

  Kate’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. Clusters of tiny freshwater pearls cascaded down from a series of interlinked waves fashioned from sterling silver. She imagined the hours the designer must have spent creating such an incredible piece. The pearls looked like teardrops falling from a savage sea. It made her think of the surf the day before on their private beach.

  ‘Why don’t you try it on?’ Zack said next to her ear.

  She touched the glass, unbearably tempted. ‘I’d love to.’ She stole a glance at the shop assistant who had kept a discreet distance. ‘It seems a bit cheeky to put her to the trouble, though.’

  ‘Don’t worry about that,’ he said. ‘She’s paid to go to the trouble.’

  Spoken like a man who’s never had to wait on anyone, Kate thought wryly. But just this once she wanted to forget about who she really was and pretend to be a woman who could afford something as exquisite as the necklace shimmering seductively at her.

  Zack signalled the young woman, who was only too eager to get the pearls out of the display case.

  ‘It’s called Sea of Dreams,’ the assistant said in hushed tones as she draped the necklace around Kate’s neck and clipped the clasp closed. The young woman picked up a mirror from behind the counter, angled it so that Kate could see her reflection. ‘It looks sensational on you.’

  Kate’s hand came up to touch the pearls, which glowed warm against the skin of her cleavage. She noticed for the first time the delicate, painstakingly fashioned silver chains attaching the pearls to the necklace. ‘It would look sensational on anyone,’ Kate whispered.

  ‘Let me see.’ Zack turned her towards him. His eyes lowered to her breasts. He reached up and ran the pad of his thumb under the pearls. Her skin sizzled with awareness, her nipples pebbling into hard points as his eyes met hers. ‘It suits you,’ he said, his voice low and husky, the green of his eyes smoky with desire. ‘You’re beautiful,
Kate.’

  Desire and something far more dangerous made Kate’s skin flush with colour.

  Zack glanced at the shop assistant. ‘Box it up. We’ll take it now.’

  ‘What?’ Kate said, shock tightening her voice.

  ‘Certainly, sir,’ the young woman replied eagerly and began to unclasp the necklace. ‘Will that be cash or charge?’

  ‘Wait.’ Kate flattened her hand on the necklace, pushing the pearls into her skin. ‘You’re not buying this.’ Had he gone completely mad? He hadn’t even asked the price.

  ‘Charge,’ he said to the assistant, ignoring Kate.

  The woman took the necklace delicately from Kate’s numbed fingers. ‘I’ll put it in its case for you, miss,’ she said.

  Kate watched her walk off, stunned. ‘Zack, don’t be ridiculous. I can’t accept it.’

  His lips quirked. ‘It was made for you,’ he said, as if she hadn’t spoken. He stepped closer, ran a knuckle down her cheek. ‘When we make love tonight,’ he whispered, his fingers curling round her nape, ‘I want you in nothing but those pearls.’

  The erotic vision sent heat spiralling down to her core. She forced herself to step back, to let his hand fall away. ‘I don’t want it.’

  She’d expected to see temper, had been more than prepared to meet it. But instead his gaze softened. He shook his head. ‘Yes, you do. But you won’t admit it.’ He cupped her cheek in his palm, the gesture so gentle it made her ache. ‘Why?’

  ‘I…’ The tenderness in his eyes almost had her blurting out the truth. She stopped, swallowed the words. She couldn’t let him see how needy she was. It would give him too much power. ‘It’s too expensive.’

  He dropped his hands to her shoulders, slid them down her bare arms. ‘That’s not why and you know it,’ he said. ‘I thought we had a deal.’

  So this was what he had meant. He wanted her to expose herself, to let him delve into the rawest corner of her heart. To take that last little bit of control away from her. ‘I can’t…’ She stood rigid, restraining the urge to step into his embrace. ‘I need some air.’ She tore herself away and rushed out of the shop.