Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  Ryan retrieved his dinghy from a nearby shed and dropped it in the water next to the dock.

  He leapt into the dinghy, displaying excellent balance as it bobbed about underneath him.

  She helped him load their gear and then he held out his hand.

  “Thanks.” She stepped down into the dinghy, her hand trembling within his firm grasp.

  She sucked in a deep breath and scurried onto the bench opposite him. Her intense awareness of him had knocked her off balance.

  He grabbed hold of the oars and began rowing out into the bay.

  She studied the assortment of yachts surrounding them before they pulled up beside a yacht named Adventurer.

  “Ready?” He steadied the dinghy for her.

  Cassie nodded and leapt onto the deck. Her gaze roamed over the yacht, taking in the state-of-the-art fixtures and navigation equipment. No expense had been spared.

  After unloading the last of their gear, Ryan tied the dinghy to the stern of the yacht. He unlocked the hatch, lifted up the solid cover and started checking the equipment.

  She shifted their gear down into the cabin, eyeing the picnic hamper and cooler bag. What had he brought for lunch?

  The engine roared to life as she climbed back on the deck.

  He smiled. “Are you ready to help me with the mainsail?”

  “Yep.” She followed behind him, admiring his agility as he clamored over the deck and ducked under the boom.

  Her sense of balance returned, giving her the confidence to loosen her grip on the side railing.

  He untied the main halyard and handed it to her.

  She grabbed hold of it, looking up at where it disappeared into the top of the mast. “When do you want me to pull on the rope?”

  “Now,” he said.

  She followed his instructions, maintaining a firm grip on the halyard while he set the sail into the right position. The stark white sail billowed in the breeze as they worked together to secure the lines to hold it in place.

  “Sailing is so random,” she said. “Name another sport where you begin miles behind the starting line and then hope you don’t pass through it before the starter sounds.”

  He shrugged. “It’s all part of the challenge, plus choosing the right wind to follow.”

  “Too many variables for my liking.”

  “Then you’re better off sticking with a more precise sport like tennis.”

  She lifted a brow. “How do you know I play tennis?”

  “Laura suggested we play doubles with her and Greg sometime.”

  She cringed. Did her sister’s matchmaking have to be so obvious? What else had she said to him?

  Ryan raised the anchor and steered the yacht out of the bay before shutting down the engine. He stood tall behind the helm, looking at ease and in control of his world.

  She lounged back on a cushioned bench seat in the cockpit and absorbed the peaceful atmosphere of the bay. Majestic homes scattered between low-rise apartment buildings lined the foreshores. Seagulls skirted over the gentle waves, looking for an early lunch.

  She tightened her ponytail and secured her baseball cap in place. “What’s the plan for today?”

  “We’ll tack down the harbor toward Manly.” He adjusted his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose.

  “How rough will it be?”

  “Not too rough.” His smile widened. “I’ll steer clear of the ferries.”

  “I sure hope that won’t be a problem.”

  He laughed. “I don’t take risks with my baby.”

  “Good.”

  “But don’t get too comfortable in your seat.”

  “I know.” She stretched out her legs. “I’m ready to switch sides when you give the word.”

  He nodded. “Ready about.”

  Cassie jumped across to the bench seat on the other side of the cockpit. The sharp angle of the yacht required her to brace her body in an almost upright position, balancing her feet on the opposite bench seat.

  Ryan shifted the yacht around onto the next tack. The boom flew over the front deck to the other side of the boat. The yacht gained speed and continued its zigzag route down the harbor.

  Each time the yacht tacked she switched sides to avoid sliding backwards, headfirst, into the water.

  At least in the cockpit she didn’t need to duck under the swinging boom. Waves started to lap over the bow of the yacht as it cruised through the building swell near the entrance to the harbor.

  She tightened her grip on the handles as they tacked toward the open sea. The yacht traveled through the turbulent ocean at breathtaking speed.

  “How are you doing?” he asked.

  “Fine,” she said. “I’d forgotten how fun this can be.”

  “The wind’s good.” He yanked his cap lower over his face. “Strong enough to give us speed but not too strong that we end up drenched.”

  “That’s okay. I brought a change of clothes just in case.”

  He grinned. “We should reach our lunch destination soon.”

  Before long a small cove with a beach surrounded by native bush came into view.

  “We can ride the tide to this cove where we’ll drop anchor for lunch, if that suits you?”

  She nodded. “All this hopping around has given me an appetite.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, because we have a feast awaiting us.”

  “I’m impressed you’ve organized lunch.”

  “A gutsy decision, considering you’re a catering expert.”

  “But not a critical one.”

  “Then I’m a lucky man. I throw people overboard who complain about the food.”

  She giggled. “I’ll keep that in mind. It’s a shame I can’t throw clients out the window who complain at the hotel.”

  He laughed. “Remind me not to get on your bad side in high-rise buildings.”

  “I’m really a sweet girl at heart, but I’ve been told I’ve inherited my father’s tenacity.”

  “Your poor mother. How did she cope?”

  “She gained a few gray hairs, not that she’d ever admit it.”

  “Smart lady. We met briefly at the party.”

  Cassie smiled. “You made quite an impression on her.”

  “A favorable one, I hope.”

  She nodded, remembering her mom’s glowing remarks.

  He steered the yacht into the cove and dropped anchor.

  “Can I help with lunch?”

  He shook his head. “I’ll fix it now. You can relax and I’ll be back soon.” He disappeared into the cabin below.

  Gentle waves lapped over the sandy beach in the small cove, and a group of children played in the shallows. Half a dozen boats were moored around the cove.

  She stretched out on the warm deck. If only she could spend more of her weekends cruising around the harbor with Ryan.

  He emerged from the cabin and set up the foldaway table between the bench seats. She struggled up from her prone position on the deck and sat under the boom awning.

  “I was beginning to think I’d lost you for the afternoon,” he said.

  “Hunger pangs would have shifted me.” A selection of salads, fruit and bread filled the table. “This looks delicious.”

  “I raided the gourmet deli this morning.”

  She slipped into a seat opposite Ryan and he served her a plate of nutritious goodies.

  They chatted through lunch and she still didn’t have any answers concerning his faith. She could say something now, but why rush? They could talk later.

  Before long he’d devoured his plate of food and she finished eating a crunchy red apple.

  She stretched her arms out above her head, stifling a yawn. “You organized lunch so I’ll s
tart cleaning up.”

  “Let me do it.”

  “I’m happy to help.”

  “There’s not much to do.” He gathered up the leftovers and took them below deck.

  Heavy-eyed from the warm sun and a full stomach, she shaped her towel into a pillow on the shady side of the deck. She closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled the refreshing sea air. How easy it would be to fall asleep.

  A shuffling noise lured her out of her restful state. She sat up, rubbing her eyes.

  “Did you have a nice nap?” Ryan asked.

  “I’m sorry I dropped off.”

  “No problem.” He sat beside her and reached for her hand. “I’ve had maintenance stuff to do.”

  Cassie looked up and his smoldering gray eyes captured her gaze.

  He raised his other hand, skimming his tapered fingers over her cheek. Warmth radiated from him as he lowered his head toward her.

  She closed her eyes and parted her lips, welcoming his featherlight caress. Her mouth tingled and she twined her fingers in his windswept hair. Tilting her head up, she drew his mouth back to hers.

  He cupped her face with his hands and released her lips, his gaze searching her eyes.

  She smiled. Wow. She drew in a deep breath to try to calm her racing thoughts.

  “Cassie, you’re one amazing woman.”

  She lowered her lashes, the logical part of her brain starting to tick over. What was she doing, kissing Ryan before she had determined if she wanted a relationship with him to go somewhere? Had she learned nothing from her past mistakes?

  She traced her tongue over her upper lip, longing to kiss him again and rekindle their magnetic connection. But first she needed answers to the questions she’d put off asking all day.

  “Do you have plans for tonight?”

  “Not yet.”

  She stared into the warm depths of his eyes. “I was wondering if you’d like to come to church with me.”

  His eyes widened, remaining fixed on her. “I haven’t been to church in ages.” He paused for a few seconds. “Why not?”

  Chapter 4

  On Sunday evening Ryan sat in a cushioned plastic chair beside Cassie at Beachside Community Church.

  Cassie whispered in his ear. “The service should start any minute.”

  “Okay.” The subtle scent of her perfume brought a smile to his lips.

  The church was located in a historic sandstone building with a modernized interior. A group of singers and musicians belted out contemporary music from a large stage at the front.

  Not the type of music for quiet contemplation and nothing like the somber hymns from his church back home. Did they use the pipe organ at the front of the sanctuary? Or have a choir?

  A singer introduced the opening song and he stood with the congregation.

  Cassie leaned closer. “What do you think?”

  “It’s different.”

  She smiled. “I like it here.”

  Why? What attracted her to this church? “I’m used to a more traditional church.”

  “We have a traditional service in the morning.”

  He nodded, unable to envision his parents enjoying this style of worship. “Do you go in the morning?”

  “Sometimes.”

  His childhood experiences at a small church in the country hadn’t prepared him for the intensity of this vibrant church community. Encouraged by his parents, he attended services at Christmas and Easter. He complied more out of duty than a desire to learn about God.

  He believed in God, figured he was doing okay and would end up in heaven one day.

  The second song commenced and Cassie’s face lit up, her body swaying in beat with the music.

  Standing still, he fixed his gaze on the overhead screen. Why were all these people excited about being in church? It didn’t make sense. His idea of God was a distant man in the sky who wouldn’t approve of his people having fun!

  “Are you okay?” she asked. “You look a bit shell-shocked.”

  “It’s not what I expected, but I’m glad I’m here with you.” Her presence made up for his discomfort.

  She squeezed his hand. “So am I.”

  He held her hand, not wanting to break their connection. Vivid memories of their kiss earlier that day lingered in his mind. He didn’t regret his impulsive urge to kiss her, and he’d do it again if the opportunity arose.

  Cassie inspired thoughts in him of settling down. But their relationship would become complicated after he found Sean.

  His brother couldn’t hide forever. He’d heard another rumor that he’d been spotted at an inner-city café.

  Maybe he should hire a private investigator. He refused to watch another Christmas pass with his mother shedding tears for her lost son.

  Before long the pastor stood on the stage and began his sermon.

  Ryan sat still, fascinated by the pastor’s words. Did God really want to have a personal relationship with him? Wouldn’t God be too busy running the universe to be concerned with him?

  He stood for the closing songs. Something had shifted in his world and for the first time in years he considered how God fitted into his life. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d prayed or thought about God.

  The service ended and Cassie turned to face him. “I usually have coffee in the hall next door. Would you like to join me?”

  He smiled. “Sure. Coffee sounds good.”

  “Was the service very different from what you’re used to?”

  “Yeah, but the sermon was interesting.”

  She nodded. “I find Simon’s sermons helpful. He’s heading our way.”

  He turned to find a young, energetic man waving in their direction. Simon didn’t look old enough to be a pastor. At his old church, the pastors usually had gray hair and grandchildren.

  Cassie made the introductions and someone yelled out her name from across the aisle.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” she said.

  “No worries,” Ryan said.

  Simon smiled. “So you’re a friend of Cassie’s?”

  “I also work for her father, and her sister’s engaged to one of my friends.”

  “That’s right. I recently met Greg and Laura and I’ll be officiating at their ceremony.”

  He nodded. Simon was the cool preacher guy Greg had talked about last week. “I guess you do lots of weddings.”

  “Yes, but I have every third Saturday off to spend with my wife and baby girl.”

  “I assume Sunday is always a workday for you.”

  “True, but I love my job and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I studied to be a lawyer and worked in a law firm for a few years before going to Bible college.”

  “An interesting decision.”

  Simon grinned. “The right decision for me.”

  A teenage boy approached Simon. “Jack said to tell you Hannah’s ready now.”

  “Ryan, it’s been great talking with you and I hope we’ll see you again.”

  He shook Simon’s hand. “Sure. See you later.”

  Simon followed the teenage boy down the middle aisle toward the front of the church.

  Ryan searched the crowd for Cassie. Why would someone like Simon turn his back on a lucrative career in law?

  Cassie appeared by his side.

  “Ryan, I’m sorry that took so long. Did you have a chance to talk to Simon?”

  He nodded. “He seems content with his life as a pastor.”

  “He’s good at his job. By the way, are you in Sydney all week?”

  “Yes, I’ve got a ton of work to get through.” He paused. “The company-sponsored charity dinner is on Friday night. Are you going?”

  Her eyes widened. “I
’d forgotten all about it. Laura mentioned it ages ago and Dad will expect me to be there.”

  “Would you like to come with me? I’ve got two tickets and I was hoping to see you next weekend.” He leaned back, resting his hands on the row of seats behind him.

  “Okay.” She twisted a lock of hair around her finger. “Dad would be ticked off if I didn’t make an appearance.”

  “Great.” He tightened his grip on the chairs. “I’ll pick you up from your place at six.”

  Did she want to attend the dinner with him? Or did she agree to go because she wanted to appease her father? A few days ago her father had asked him if he’d invited Cassie to the dinner.

  The church building emptied out. “Did you say there was coffee nearby?”

  “I’ll lead the way,” she said.

  He walked beside her to the hall. After greeting a number of people he realized he wouldn’t mind coming back again.

  * * *

  The security intercom buzzed on Friday evening and Cassie stashed her makeup in the bathroom cabinet. Ryan was five minutes early.

  The buzzer sounded again. She padded barefoot across her carpeted living room and picked up the intercom handset.

  “Hey, Cassie, are you ready?” Ryan asked.

  Butterflies skittered in her belly. “Nearly. Come on up.”

  She left her front door ajar and retreated to her bedroom. She slipped on her flimsy black sandals and caught a glimpse of her reflection in the full-length mirror.

  Her black fitted dress glided over her curves. Delicate spaghetti straps held the straight bodice in place and the full length skirt swirled around her ankles.

  She rummaged through her antique jewelry box, locating her sapphire and diamond pendant. Lifting up her hair, she attached the necklace given to her by her paternal grandmother.

  Lord, please help me to resist temptation tonight. Help me to remember that even one tiny sip will cause me grief.

  She sprayed her favorite floral scent and heard the front door close.

  A shiver of anticipation coursed through her as she left the sanctuary of her bedroom. She found Ryan in her living room, studying the framed photographs on the side table next to the sofa.

  Her breath caught in her throat. His tailored pin-striped suit added to his aura of authority and emphasized his athletic build.