Her Tycoon Hero

by Narelle Atkins

  “Dad surprised me by being supportive about my job interview in Queensland.”

  “What if he hadn’t been supportive?”

  She lifted a brow. “What do you mean?”

  “Hypothetically speaking, what if your father had said he didn’t think it was a good idea for you to pursue the job. Would that change anything?”

  She shrugged. “It’s irrelevant because he told me he’s happy I applied for the job.”

  “I value John’s opinion. Would it make a difference to you if he had concerns about the job?”

  “I guess I’d hear him out and try to understand why he holds a different opinion.” This had proved to be difficult in the past when yelling had been their main form of communication. “But I make up my own mind and I pray first before making any decisions.”

  He nodded. “Sounds sensible.”

  Did Ryan feel awkward about her father being his boss? Dad spoke about Ryan in glowing terms. Ryan and Greg were like the sons he’d never had.

  She suspected her father might even side with Ryan against her.

  “What are you going to do if you’re the successful applicant?” He tapped his fingers on the side of his mug. “Will you move to Queensland?”

  She lowered her lashes. “I don’t know. I guess it depends.”

  “On what?”

  “I’d love to move to Queensland, but I know that means moving away from you.”

  He nodded and remained silent.

  “You’ve just returned to Sydney and have an exciting career ahead of you.” She couldn’t expect him to drop his career and follow her to an island resort.

  “Cassie, I’ll be honest with you.” He looked her straight in the eye. “I’m not interested in a long-distance relationship.”

  The finality of his words shook her. If she moved to Queensland they’d be finished. No turning back.

  She owed him the truth. “Neither am I. What sort of relationship are you looking for?”

  He sipped his hot chocolate. “I look at Tim and Lisa and see how happy they are together. They love their kids and have created a wonderful family.”

  She agreed. “Their kids are great.”

  “I look at my parents, who will celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary next year.”

  “Wow, a big achievement.”

  He nodded. “Laura and Greg adore each other and can’t wait to get married. How do you find a lasting relationship?”

  “I think good communication helps. My parents never communicated effectively with each other and disagreed on all the important issues.”

  “Honesty is very important.”

  “I agree.”

  He leaned forward and sneaked a kiss on her lips.

  Her heart melted like the warm and smooth chocolate milk in her mug. She didn’t want this wonderful evening with Ryan to end.

  * * *

  The next morning Cassie struggled to climb the outdoor stairs. She reached the top and leaned back against the wall beside the front door of the holiday house.

  Laura appeared in the doorway. “How’s your ankle?”

  “Improving. I’ve finished packing.”

  “Great. Is Ryan giving you a lift back to Sydney?”

  She nodded. “We’re planning to leave after lunch.”

  “That’s our plan, too.” Her sister gave her a hug. “I’m so excited that everything’s working out between you two. Ryan has cooked up a big breakfast and I’d better get moving. The others are waiting for me in the car. We’ll be back from our hike by lunchtime.”

  “Have fun.” She waved goodbye to her sister. The delicious aroma of bacon and eggs tantalized her empty stomach as she limped down the hallway to the kitchen.

  Ryan stood at the stove, adding tomato wedges to a frying pan. “I hope you’re hungry. We can eat on the balcony.”

  “A great idea.” She shuffled over to a stool at the breakfast bar.

  Minutes later he served up two plates of food.

  “You’re spoiling me.”

  “You deserve to be spoiled.” He added piping hot toast slices to their plates. “How’s your foot?”

  “Much better.” She followed him outdoors and chose a chair facing the mountains.

  He smiled. “The coffee is brewing. Would you like a cup now or later?”

  “I don’t mind—whatever is easier for you.”

  “I’ll be back soon.”

  She poured a glass of orange juice and drank in the beauty of the mountains.

  The cool breeze and warm sunshine invigorated her senses. The holiday house was situated on prime real estate and the large balcony overlooked the road and gardens. A number of people were out on the street jogging or walking their dogs.

  He returned with two mugs of coffee. “Isn’t the view stunning?”

  She nodded. “If my ankle was better I’d take a stroll through the garden.” A flight of steps from the balcony led down to the cottage garden.

  She sampled her meal. “This is wonderful. Thanks for cooking breakfast.”

  “My pleasure. I cooked while the others got ready to go hiking.”

  The front door bell chimed.

  Her stomach tightened. “Do you think it’s Sean?”

  “I’ll go and see.” He stood. “Do you want to see him?”

  She nodded. “I want to find out what’s going on.”

  “That’s if he tells us the truth.” His face hardened and his mouth formed a straight line.

  She pressed her lips together. Tension exuded from his body. Sean would take one look at him and run if Ryan didn’t calm down. “Can you give him a chance? Hear him out?”

  “I’ll try, but I’m not making any promises.”

  “Please, Ryan, he’s reaching out to us. We need to listen to his side of the story.”

  He crossed his arms. “He’d better listen to a few things I have to say and not run away like last time.”

  “What are you going to do? Chain him to a chair?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” He tapped his foot on the wooden decking.

  She shook her head. “You can’t make him stay and listen to you.”

  “If Sean wants my help then he’ll listen to me.”

  The doorbell pealed again.

  She frowned. “You’d better answer the door before whoever it is gives up and leaves.”

  He stomped inside and she placed her head in her hands, whispering a prayer.

  Loud male voices echoed from the house.

  She stood and hurried inside, each step on her injured foot shooting pain up her leg. Not far to go. She’d left her crutches in the apartment.

  The voices from the front of the house abated. Had Sean left already?

  Disappointment and anger raged inside her. If Ryan had sent Sean away without giving him a chance, she’d have a few choice words to say.

  She stumbled into the hallway and gasped. “Sean, what happened to you?”

  Sean stared at the ceiling. “Can I come in?”

  Ryan shoved his hands on his hips. “Do you want him coming in looking like this?”

  She took in Sean’s messy hair and disheveled clothes. “Where did you sleep last night?”

  Sean stared at the floor. “It doesn’t matter.”

  She sucked in a deep breath. “Ryan, he needs a shower and a change of clothes. Can we help him?”

  Ryan paused. “If you insist.”

  “I do.” She shot Ryan a stern look. “I’ll hunt around the kitchen for something for him to eat.”

  “No, you go back outside and finish your breakfast that he has interrupted. I’ll find some clean clothes and make him breakfast.”

  She attempted a smile. �
�Okay.”

  “Don’t thank me yet.” Ryan turned to face Sean. “You and I have a few things to discuss.”

  Bile rose in her stomach. This situation wasn’t going to end well.

  * * *

  Ryan glared at Sean. “The bathroom is at the end of the hall.”

  Sean nodded. “Thanks.”

  Cassie took her weight off her injured ankle. “We’ll talk soon.” She limped away and disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Get moving,” Ryan said. “We haven’t got all day.”

  Sean sent him a sour look. “I don’t have a change of clothes with me.”

  “I’ll find something for you.” He kept a tight rein on his rising temper. Play it cool and focus on protecting Cassie from being hurt by Sean.

  “Is Cassie okay? Did she hurt her foot?”

  “Her ankle is getting better.” He led Sean to a spacious bathroom and grabbed a towel from the linen cupboard. “There’s soap and toiletries on the shelves under the basin and I’ll be back in a minute with clothes.”

  Ryan walked into a nearby bedroom, unzipped his suitcase and pulled out clean clothes. No surprise his brother intended freeloading off him. He’d give him clothes but not cash. Would Sean ever get his act together?

  He returned to the bathroom and handed the clothes to Sean. “They should fit you.”

  Sean nodded. “Thanks. Tell Cassie I won’t be long.”

  Ryan grunted, leaving the bathroom before he said something he’d regret.

  Cassie sat at the table on the balcony, finishing her breakfast. “Is he okay?”

  He shrugged. “He didn’t say much. I’ll wait for him inside and make his breakfast.”

  “Do you think he’ll run away?”

  “I don’t trust him.” Who knew what stunt he’d pull next?

  “I’ll join you, and don’t forget you need to finish your breakfast.”

  His stomach churned. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

  Cassie walked beside him to the kitchen and pulled out a stool at the breakfast bar, her brows drawn together.

  He put bread in the toaster and paced the length of the hallway.

  “Ryan,” she called out.

  “What?” He stopped at the entrance to the kitchen.

  “You need to calm down.”

  He hid his clenched fists behind his back. How could she expect him to feel calm? “What I need is answers.”

  “You’ll get them soon. I’ll make your coffee.”

  “Thanks.” He remained in the hall, keeping a close watch on the bathroom. He would get answers from his brother today, whether Sean liked it or not.

  The toast popped up. Cassie poured the coffee and organized Sean’s breakfast.

  Ryan leaned against the kitchen door frame, arms crossed over his chest and his gaze glued to the bathroom door. The bathroom window was too small for Sean to escape through. He wouldn’t put it past him to try and run again.

  His brother emerged from the bathroom looking more respectable now that he’d cleaned up and put on fresh clothes.

  “Where’s Cassie?”

  Ryan pointed to the kitchen. “In there.”

  Sean sauntered past and pulled out a stool beside her.

  Ryan stood in the doorway, his temper rising at the familiar way Sean treated Cassie, as if they were still best friends. In contrast, his brother’s eyes filled with contempt every time he darted a glance in Ryan’s direction.

  Cassie shifted her stool closer to Sean. “What’s going on with you? I’ve been worried sick since your last phone call.”

  “I needed to see you.”

  She lifted a brow. “Why?”

  Sean picked at the food on his plate. “I need your help.”

  Ryan stood over his brother. “Don’t you dare ask her for money.”

  “I can ask for whatever I want. You don’t control me.”

  He pointed to the door. “I think you should leave. Now.”

  Cassie placed her hand on Ryan’s forearm. “Sean, please stay. And, Ryan, please calm down and hear him out.”

  Ryan drew in a deep breath. He stepped back and moved to the other side of the breakfast bar.

  Cassie turned to Sean. “We can’t help you unless you tell us the truth.”

  Ryan’s frown deepened. “That’s assuming he knows what the truth is.”

  “Ryan!” She shot him a stern look. “Be quiet and let Sean have his say.”

  He clenched his fists. “I’ll shut up, but this had better be good. I don’t want to listen to any more rubbish.”

  Sean finished his mouthful of toast. “I’ve really messed up this time.”

  How could it be worse than last time? What was worse than embezzling fifty thousand dollars?

  “What happened?” she asked.

  “I was doing okay, working for some guys I know and staying at their place.”

  Cassie nodded. “Where do they live?”

  “It doesn’t matter. I won’t be there much longer.”

  “Why?” Ryan tapped his foot, his impatience growing. Had Sean done the wrong thing by these people?

  Sean shrugged. “It’s not working out.”

  “What sort of work were you doing?” Cassie asked.

  “Nothing exciting. Mainly delivery work.”

  Ryan exploded. “You’ve been drug running?”

  “No,” Sean yelled. “It was legit work. They own a car spare parts business.”

  “Stolen spare parts?” he asked.

  “Give me a break,” Sean said. “It’s all aboveboard.”

  Cassie’s eyes begged him to back off. “Ryan, please let him talk.”

  “I don’t think my questions are unreasonable. As far as I’m concerned my brother is capable of anything.”

  “I’m not a drug dealer.”

  Ryan sucked in another deep breath and counted to ten. He sipped his coffee, attempting to rein in his fury. “What’s your problem?”

  “I know someone who has been helping me out with a small cash flow problem.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Here we go. How much do you owe him?”

  “Get off my case. Why do you always assume the worst?”

  “Because I’m usually right.”

  Cassie flashed him a look. “Ryan, let him finish.” She looked back at Sean and her voice softened. “Is that why you’re concerned for your safety?”

  “Cassie, don’t fall for it. He’ll give you a big sob story about how he’s in danger and you must help him by lending him money. Isn’t that right, Sean?”

  Sean scowled. “I hate your superior, know-it-all attitude. Stop pretending that you want to help me. No one is buying it.”

  “Now you listen to me.” Ryan’s hands trembled, anger consuming his body. “How dare you interrupt our pleasant weekend with all your rubbish? Since you’re so great, you can tell me why you haven’t contacted Mom and Dad in over two years? Mom leaves a message on your cell phone every week.”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  Ryan glared at his brother. “How can you treat our parents with such contempt after everything they’ve done for you?”

  “You must be kidding. They do everything for you because you’re their favorite son who can do no wrong.”

  Ryan shoved his hands on his hips. “That’s no excuse for your behavior. I regret fixing your fifty-thousand-dollar mess. I thought I was helping you, but clearly I was wrong. I should have let you rot in jail.”

  “I didn’t ask for your help,” Sean said.

  Ryan raised his voice. “You begged me to get that job for you at the company and this is how you thank me. When are you going to start repaying the fifty thousand dollars?”

 
; Sean rubbed his hand over his unshaven jaw. “You’re not listening to me. I have a cash flow problem and you’re going to fix it for me.”

  “What? Are you out of your mind?”

  “I need five thousand dollars by next week.”

  “I’m not giving you any money.”

  Cassie’s eyes widened. “Sean, what have you done? Why do you need so much money?”

  “It’s a long story.” Sean stood. “So, big brother, do you have your checkbook with you?”

  “I’m not giving you another cent.” How could his brother be so selfish and ungrateful?

  Sean stepped closer to Cassie. “Can you help me out? I’m in a bind and I need to come up with this money fast.”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I want to help you, but giving you money will just make everything worse.”

  “See, Sean, listen to Cassie. She agrees with me.”

  “Please, Cassie. I know I messed up but you’re my last hope.”

  “Sean, I can’t. You need to deal with your problems—”

  “I thought I could count on you. Have you forgotten we were going to elope in Vegas?”

  “Vegas.” Ryan’s anger intensified and he turned to Cassie. “Were you planning to marry my brother?”

  Chapter 13

  Cassie gasped, the full impact of Sean’s words imploding in her mind. “Ryan, it’s not true. I never wanted to marry Sean.”

  Ryan’s cold gaze held her captive. “Why would he make up a story like this? Did you talk about going to Vegas?”

  She bit her lip, unable to escape her past. “It was a stupid, drunken conversation not long before Sean disappeared.”

  “See, Ryan, I’m telling the truth.” Sean stepped backward, edging toward the hall.

  Ryan’s gaze remained fixed on her. “Did you have a relationship with my brother?”

  “No!” She rubbed her hands over her eyes. “We were good friends and spent a lot of time together. Sean was my only friend who wasn’t judgmental about my drinking and he liked partying with me.”

  Ryan grunted. “Typical.”

  “I realize now that he enabled my addiction and our friendship wasn’t healthy.”

  “What else are you hiding from me?”

  Her stomach roiled, nausea threatening to overwhelm her. “You have to believe me. It was a silly conversation that meant nothing.”