He’d never felt such a spontaneous desire for a woman before. The doubts he still harboured stemmed from previous attempts to con Mel and, if he were honest, his own experiences with women seeking a rich husband.
When she walked in, he instinctively smiled, his chest tightened and his pulse raced. It was as if she brought sunshine, even though it was raining outside.
‘Ham sandwiches ready when you are.’ Brown eyes shining, she gazed around the sunroom. ‘Every home should have a room like this, bright and sunny most mornings and snug and intimate in the evenings.’
To Jack it had always been the small room at the front of the house, containing a sewing machine, long table, odd chairs and a large lockable cupboard where Christmas and birthday presents were hidden. A woman’s room as opposed to Bob’s workshop, where he’d spent so many happy, productive hours learning handyman skills.
‘Good timing. Can you pass me that bulb from the table, and stay to switch on when I say?’
He grinned when it lit up, and stepped down. ‘Never can tell with these old fittings. What are you thinking?’
Her head was at a slight tilt as she studied the now sparkling chandelier, her expression reflective. He followed her gaze.
‘How hard it must be to face the prospect of leaving a house you decorated, where many of the fittings and furniture were chosen as a couple. All of them would have been selected with the aim of providing a loving family home.’
Her voice grew softer and emotional towards the end, as if she were describing a personal memory. Their eyes met and he glimpsed a fleeting sadness that proved him right.
‘She and Bob moved in two years after their wedding, and renovated every room together. She never wanted to live anywhere else and always said she’d be here till...’
He faltered. When Mel made the statement it sounded right. He couldn’t bring himself to say the final words.
‘I’ve been helping with repairs for years and never considered any of their belongings in quite that way before. It makes a difference. Thank you, Cassie.’
A new concept flared like a beacon, breaking through the gloom of Mel’s health-related intention to move. Too new and undefined to share. They could install brighter lights, rails, new, easier to manage taps and other safety measures. Redesign the downstairs bathroom if need be. Mel was sure to agree. The changes would enable her to stay as long as she really wanted. For many, many years if he had his way.
If that was what she really wanted—that was the pivotal point. And there was no denying she did need someone living with her. He’d make notes and talk to her tomorrow.
‘Let’s have lunch.’
He ushered Cassie from the room, eager for food and talk. Sinking into his usual spot, plate of sandwiches on his lap and cold beer within reach, he relished the comfort he felt from being in Bob’s favourite chair. If Mel ever decided to let it go, he’d take it home, make it his. For now, he’d settle for the contentment it evoked right here.
He liked that Cassie had chosen a favourite spot too. She looked good, snug against the corner of the settee, outwardly at ease though her breathing was slow and controlled and the fingers on her right hand were curled but not clenched.
Lifting his drink, he took a long swallow and dived in.
‘Where do you live? Mel mentioned north of the city.’ He watched for signs of hesitation or evasion. There were none.
‘Oakden—twenty minutes from the city in good traffic.’
‘So why take a job involving possibly two hours’ driving daily?’
‘I wouldn’t normally.’ She matched his gaze, letting him know she wasn’t fooled by his seemingly casual questions.
‘Mel called me and we met for coffee in the city. I advised her to find someone local to make it affordable and she offered accommodation Tuesday to Thursday.’
‘You accepted the job without coming here?’
Her laugh was unexpected and accompanied by a tantalising sparkle in her eyes. The inevitable ripple through him was accompanied by a stomach clench and an instant acceleration of his pulse.
‘Would you estimate on a job unseen? I came for lunch, toured the house at her insistence and visited a couple of wineries on the way. My quote included an allowance for food and board.’
Jack bit into his sandwich and chewed slowly as he considered her answers, which were open and plausible. The same could apply to the woman who’d conned his mother into investing in a dodgy jewellery business. And the man who’d plagued Mel for weeks after Bob’s death about a special memorial site until she’d told Jack and he’d informed the police.
‘Have dinner with me tonight.’ He realised he’d voiced his thoughts when he heard the words and saw her startled reaction.
‘What?’ She’d jerked forward, her sandwich held in the air, her brown eyes darkening, widening with astonishment. Big and beautiful, drawing him in.
‘You were supposed to stay here, so you can’t have anything planned.’
‘Why? You don’t trust me.’ Defensive. Wary.
‘I never said that. Let me get to know you. And you, me. I’ll pick you up at seven and we’ll go somewhere local.’
* * *
Cassie stared at the nonchalant figure watching her with a resolute expression. This didn’t have the feel of an I-like-you invitation, more a come-into-my-web trap.
She’d be crazy to accept. Probably regret saying yes, definitely would if she declined. If she agreed, and gave him limited information, maybe he’d be satisfied and let her do her job unhindered.
That’s it, Cassie. Logical, reasonable thoughts to help you make a rational decision.
‘Strictly platonic.’
And that tells him you’ve been thinking the opposite.
Her mind registered the sudden tension in his shoulders and neck, her eyes only saw the quick flare in his green eyes that sparked a heated response in her abdomen.
‘Absolutely. I’ll need your address and phone number.’ He reached for his mobile on the shelf beside him.
She hesitated. ‘It’s a long way to come. Couldn’t we meet somewhere between?’
‘No way. I invite a girl to dinner, I pick her up and ensure she gets home safely.’ He scrolled to his contacts list, thumbed in her name and silently waited for her reply.
After entering the information, he thanked her then added, ‘You’ll need my number. In case.’
There was a hint of caution in his voice, as if to say it should not be used for a change of mind. Once she’d closed her phone, he relaxed. Not in an arrogant way, more like quiet satisfaction.
That was exactly how Jack felt, as if he’d negotiated a truce. Keeping it was up to him.
* * *
Thirty-six minutes past two. Cassie shut everything down, leant her elbows on the table and pressed her face between joined thumbs and fingers. Closing her eyes didn’t make her problem vanish. Instead, it conjured up images of Jack, and the widely diverse expressions in his compelling green eyes. How many women had found themselves succumbing to their spell?
She straightened her back, shook her head and exhaled loudly. Taking the new lists from the printer, she turned to look at the neat rows of footwear. Cassie’s collection fitted in the bottom of her wardrobe; Mel’s began next to the first leg of the billiard table and ended over halfway along the opposite wall. A reminder of the social chasm between this family and her, no matter how friendly they were.
Why was she sitting here daydreaming instead of packing up and heading home? Because, even allowing for traffic, showering or a leisurely bubble bath and getting ready for—not a date—there’d still be time to kill.
Had she made the right decision? Conversation wouldn’t allay Jack’s fears about the effect more sorting and decision-making might have on his great-aunt. Physically seeing h
er happy at being organised and prepared for the future would. So why had she succumbed to his invitation? Because she’d been spellbound by his tingling touch, his deep alluring voice that hijacked her pulse and his mesmerising green eyes.
Arching her spine, she brushed away those disconcerting images. Perhaps taking a detour to her local shopping centre to browse for a while would settle her. Better than being dressed to go early and pacing the floor. Drat the man and his innate appeal.
* * *
He was in the downstairs bathroom, taking measurements and writing them in a thick red diary, when she went to say goodbye. As far as she could tell, there was nothing in the room that needed adjusting or repairing.
Jack didn’t enlighten her, merely placed the book on the washstand and leant against it, arms folded, body at ease.
‘All done?’
‘Until Friday. I’ve left printed sheets and highlighters by her computer.’
And I’m not sure about tonight.
Thankfully, he didn’t pick up on her reservations. ‘I heard you make quite a few trips up and down. How many pairs are there?’
‘More than I’ll ever wear out. High quality and in good condition.’
His crackly laugh shimmied up and down her spine. An Outback trip to authenticate her fantasy was now on her bucket list, earmarked for this summer.
‘What is it with women and shoes? You seem to need a pair for every outfit.’
‘Hey, no stereotyping. It’s a personal trait. And what about men and their gadgets?’
His hands came up in surrender. Without warning, she imagined them caressing her into submission, and felt her skin burn at the thought. His smile and sparkling eyes did nothing to ease the heat or embarrassment, especially when buffalo grass-green darkened to near black.
‘I’d better go. I’ll see you tonight.’ She swung away, eager to put distance between them.
‘Seven o’clock, Cassie. I’m looking forward to the evening.’
Less than a minute later Jack heard the back door close. That was the quickest exit he’d seen anywhere for a while. And what the hell had caused that beautiful deep red blush?
He recalled their discussion without finding a reason. There’d been gentle teasing, nothing awkward. He let it go, not wanting to upset her for Mel’s sake. His aunt’s happiness was paramount, not that it meant he wouldn’t try to find out more about Cassie Clarkson.
Opening his diary and picking up his tape measure, he tried to concentrate on his renovation plan. His head refused to cooperate, persistently flicking up images of Cassie. After he’d wrongly read a figure twice, he took Sam for a run, followed by a strong black coffee.
* * *
Cassie was ready at quarter to seven. She turned the television on then off, not wanting it to drown out his arrival. Believing he’d come early so she’d invite him in, her plan was to meet him outside.
Repeated brushing of her hair hadn’t changed its style, and peeking through the blinds didn’t make him miraculously appear.
Checking the hall clock against her wristwatch proved both were aligned. Going to the kitchen for a glass of water to ease her dry throat took one minute. Checking her reflection in the mirror above the lounge mantelpiece simply gave her cause to chastise herself for being so uptight.
Although there was no denying the chemistry between them, she sensed his resolve to avoid any form of close relationship. This wasn’t a date; he’d stated the objective was to become more at ease with each other for his aunt’s sake. And she could hardly complain when having a shining knight’s protection was most women’s fantasy come true. It was even on her own some-day-in-the future list.
Was Jack prepared to talk about his relatives, as in one-for-one questions? The snippets she’d learned from Mel had stirred her interest in the close-knit, yet diverse family.
She slipped on her jacket and went to the window overlooking the street. Three minutes later—it seemed so much longer—the ute drove past, slowing down to park by the kerb. Feeling an almost childish eagerness, she picked up her handbag, walked out and was halfway down the driveway when he strode into view.
If this wasn’t a date, heaven help the women he dressed to impress. The combination of royal blue shirt, navy tie, dark denim jeans and brown suede jacket could feature in any classy magazine. His shiny black boots looked new, and his hair... She didn’t think there was a woman alive who wouldn’t be tempted to finger comb his unruly brown hair into place. Again and again.
His sensual wide mouth curved into a stunning smile that triggered warning flashes in her brain.
‘Hi, Cassie, I’m glad to see you too.’
Had she smiled first? It was an automatic female response to an attractive male coming to greet her.
Taking her arm, he led her to the vehicle, clicking the locks on the way. Leaning past to open the door, he stayed close enough to assist her if needed. His sandalwood cologne teased her nostrils, inviting her to sway towards him and inhale deeper.
She resisted, tossed her bag onto the seat and reached for the handle high on the inside of the cab. With the other hand on the back of the seat, she stepped up and swung in, his light guiding touch arousing quivers she had no way of hiding.
Her ‘Thank you’ sounded breathy and choked. His ‘You’re welcome’ resonated with an undertone she couldn’t identify.
* * *
Jack walked around the bonnet, chest tight and pulse racing. He’d thought parking in the next street until seven minutes before his due arrival was a good idea. Manners would dictate he be invited in while she put on her coat, and introduce him to her housemates if they were there.
Instead he’d been thwarted in the driveway by a captivating beauty in a fitted red woollen dress that covered her knees, black tights and heeled red ankle boots. Her unbuttoned thick navy jacket fell to her hips.
He’d fought for air as his gaze met enticing brown eyes, enhanced with make-up for the first time since they’d met. She’d also added an unneeded—as far as he was concerned—slight touch of gloss to her red lips. Her sudden smile had sent a surge of heat zapping from head to foot, and all points east to west.
Standing behind her as she boosted herself into his ute had allowed him a closer view of her curvaceous hips and shapely legs, with predictable results. So much for keeping calm and in control. He’d become aware of his gritted teeth and set jaw, and with effort managed a stilted reply to her thanks. Necessity ensured he take a moment to refill his lungs before opening his door and climbing in beside her.
He flicked her a glance, checked his mirror and pulled away. ‘You look nice, Cassie.’
Idiot. That was an understatement and a half. She was delightful, exquisite. The line between knowledge for Mel’s protection and discovering the woman behind the professional persona became more blurred with every breath, every look. Every touch.
‘Thank you. Where are we going?’
Her voice captivated him, pleasurable to hear with its unique edge. And he had all evening to enjoy the sweet sound.
‘North Adelaide. Australian menu. Do you have any preferences or absolute dislikes?’
‘Apart from very hot or spicy, I’ll eat almost anything. Mum and I enjoyed finding new venues and sampling different foods.’
He caught the tense. Before her mother died, leaving her alone. That might be a subject best left for another occasion.
Traffic was light and they drove in comfortable silence towards the city. She hadn’t mentioned her father so he wouldn’t. He’d blow any chance of her opening up to him if the man had treated them badly.
* * *
Cassie had been to many of the diverse cultural restaurants in O’Connell Street and the surrounding area. She regretted not having been for a while. Her memories from here were all happy, comforting her when she be
came nostalgic.
She caught her breath when Jack slowed and activated his left indicator as they approached a two-storey colonial-style building. The wide steps with their Roman-style columns, peaked eaves and romantic balconies were reminiscent of a classic Hollywood movie. Was that their destination or was he looking for somewhere to park?
Jack made another left turn into the low brick-walled enclosure. It was here. A magnificent hotel she’d always admired yet thought too grand for the casual nights out she’d shared with Mum and friends.
There were plenty of spaces yet Jack drove to the one by the far wall and deftly reversed in. His consideration earned him Brownie points as she remembered numerous frustrating times trying to see beyond a vehicle this size at shopping centres.
‘Hang on.’ His soft tone negated the order in his words.
She unfastened her seatbelt and waited for him to open her door. The touch of his warm fingers clasping hers sent a tremble way down past her knees. She held tight as she alighted, praying they wouldn’t buckle and send her sprawling or into his arms. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing. Would it?
As if he sensed her apprehension, he placed his free arm around her, holding her steady as he closed the door and activated the lock. She didn’t demur when he kept it there to guide her to the entrance and up the steps.
CHAPTER SEVEN
IT WAS COSY and warm inside, and they were ushered to a table next to a decorative brick wall and under a glass awning. Cassie loved the padded plush black seats, and the way the softened lighting gave the whole room a subdued ambience. It was ideal for private conversations.
Both declined pre-dinner drinks and enjoyed a lively discussion of the menu, eventually agreeing on entrée and main course. Dessert would depend on the size of the first two courses.
‘You’d easily manage all three, wouldn’t you?’ Cassie bantered after they’d given their order. ‘Your job must build up an appetite.’
‘Most days the work’s steady rather than strenuous. I try not to overindulge, with an exemption where Mel’s desserts are involved.’
Captivated by the Enigmatic Tycoon Page 6
