Ryan closed his eyes, stress exuding from his tense body. “I want to be able to trust you.”
His words impaled her heart, cutting to her inner core. “You don’t trust me.”
He opened his eyes and let out a big breath. “I don’t know what to think. Where did Sean go?”
She swung around, her mouth gaping open. “He’s gone.”
Ryan rushed past her. “I’m going to find him.”
* * *
Ryan ran out of the holiday house and along the front path to the road. He stood beside the letter box, searching the tree-lined street for his brother. Where had Sean gone? His head start could only have been a couple of minutes.
He resisted the urge to smash his fist on the wooden fence. Unfamiliar feelings of jealousy had assaulted him at the thought of Cassie and his brother sharing a past relationship. Sean’s insinuation had distracted Ryan, allowing his brother to make a quiet and quick escape.
He stomped back up the path, furious that Sean had once again avoided being held accountable for his behavior. Ryan detoured via the bedroom, grabbing his luggage. He paused in the doorway to the kitchen.
Cassie stood in the kitchen, her hands wrapped around a coffee mug. “Did you find Sean?”
He shook his head, his tone low and controlled. “I’m leaving.”
Her downcast red-rimmed eyes met his gaze. “Why?”
“I need space, time to think.”
“I’m really scared for Sean.” She wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye. “I think something really bad is going to happen to him.”
His wounded heart hardened, unable to deal with her misplaced empathy for his brother. “Greg and Laura can give you a lift home.”
He walked out of the kitchen, each step taking him further away from the woman he loved. Her illogical loyalty to Sean spiked his anger. Could he trust her? He needed time away from Cassie to cool down and consider his next steps regarding the Sean situation. His brother was out of control and heading for disaster.
* * *
Cassie hugged a cushion as Ryan’s footsteps pounded on the polished floorboards in the hallway.
Minutes later a door slammed. Silence. He was gone.
More tears flowed down her face. The man she loved had walked out on her. She didn’t deserve his love.
Racking sobs shook her body, her tears soaking the cushion cover. Her past mistakes had driven him away.
She swiped tears from her eyes as she hopped over to the window, her ankle aching. Ryan’s SUV was no longer parked on the drive.
She glanced at her watch. Laura and the others would be back in less than an hour. The last thing she wanted to do was answer a million questions about Ryan’s early departure without her.
A bottle of red wine stood on the sideboard. Laura and Greg’s engagement present from the restaurant owners last night.
She’d kill for a drink, anything to dull the pain. She grabbed the bottle and hurried to the kitchen. The throbbing in her ankle intensified, but she ignored it, desperate to locate a corkscrew.
Cassie rifled through the kitchen drawers and found an opener. She cradled the bottle in her hands. An expensive drop, it would glide down her throat and take away all her problems.
Her mouth watered. A glass. Did she need a glass?
No, just open the bottle, tip your head back and drink to the bottom like old times.
She picked up the corkscrew and reality hit her.
What was she thinking? Her gaze remained fixated on the bottle. It called her to open it.
Please, Lord, help me to walk away.
The bottle tormented her. Her mind whirled in different directions but she had to get away. Now.
Adrenaline pulsed through her and she turned her back on the bottle, stumbling toward the front door. Her ankle protested, but her mind screamed out louder.
She unlocked the door and threw the house keys on the table beside the door. Better to be locked out of the house so she couldn’t return later and consume the bottle.
Hopping down the stairs, she used the railings for support. Each step took her further away from temptation.
She opened the apartment door, staggered inside and locked herself in before crashing on the sofa.
Tears poured down her face, relief mixed with sadness. That was close. Too close. Her weakness remained, even after all these months.
The comfortable one-bedroom apartment became her cozy cocoon. She dropped her head into her hands. How had it happened? Would her desire to drink ever disappear?
She whispered a prayer, thanking God for giving her the strength to walk away.
Her call to Julia’s cell phone went straight to voice mail. She tried their home phone. No answer.
She curled up on the sofa and closed her eyes, imagining a life with Ryan minus the complication of her past. An impossible dream. Who would want to marry someone like her?
Next week she should hear if she was the successful applicant for the job in Queensland. Yesterday she had considered declining the position if they offered her the job.
What a difference a day made. Her whole outlook on her future had changed in a few short hours.
Julia and Ryan were right, though. The temptation to drink still haunted her and moving to Queensland might not be a smart decision. But she no longer had a compelling reason to stay in Sydney.
She dragged a pillow under her head. The emotional drama of Sean’s visit and her near fall into temptation had taken its toll.
Tears escaped from under her closed eyelids. Exhaustion overcame her and she dropped off to sleep.
* * *
The persistent knocking on the door dragged Cassie out of a dreamless sleep.
“Cassie, are you there?”
She struggled to her feet and unlocked the door.
Laura’s jaw dropped. “What happened to you?”
“My life just fell apart.”
“What? Where’s Ryan?”
“He left.”
“Why? What happened?”
She pressed her lips together. “It’s a long story.”
“I’m sorry.” Laura embraced her in a big hug. “Do you want to tell me about it?”
“Okay. You can make coffee.”
Laura busied herself making two mugs of coffee while Cassie filled her in with the skeleton details.
Her sister gave her another hug. “I had no idea Sean wanted a relationship with you.”
“I’m not sure what Sean wanted. Even Sean doesn’t know what he wants.”
“It doesn’t matter now—it’s all in the past.”
Cassie nibbled her lower lip. “I nearly drank your bottle of wine.”
Laura sighed. “So that’s why it’s in the kitchen. You’ve had a stressful morning.”
She nodded and wriggled into a more comfortable position on the sofa.
“But you didn’t drink it.” Laura sat beside her. “That’s good. And Ryan will eventually calm down and see reason.”
“I don’t know if he will.” Fresh tears formed in her eyes. “He deserves someone better than me. Someone who doesn’t have a past connection with his brother.”
Laura frowned. “Do you really think Sean’s in trouble? It’s not just a big story to get your sympathy and money?”
“I know in my gut that this time he’s on the level. He’s desperate and I’m really worried about him.”
“Is Ryan concerned, too?”
She sipped her coffee. “I think so.”
“To be honest, I can’t blame Ryan for being ticked off. Sean’s track record for honesty isn’t great.”
“I know, but I can’t shake the feeling that he’s in danger. Call me crazy, but I’m frightened for him.”
/> “You could always contact Sean and leave a message on his cell phone.”
Cassie shook her head. “What good would it do? Ryan told Sean to stop harassing me for money. I doubt Sean would be game to contact me for fear of what Ryan would do if he found out.”
“What would Ryan do?”
“Yell and rant at Sean again.” She threw her hands in the air. “It’s an impossible situation.”
“You really think it’s over for good between you and Ryan?”
Cassie nodded. “I love Ryan, but it’s not enough. My past will always be a wedge between us.”
* * *
On Wednesday afternoon Cassie rode the elevator to her father’s office. They’d arranged to meet for lunch at a nearby restaurant before her father had called to say he’d be late. He’d asked her to meet him at his office.
She reached the top floor of the high-rise building. Her sensible low-heeled shoes sank into the plush carpet in the foyer and she inhaled the scent of fresh cut roses.
Her gaze darted to the left, homing in on Ryan’s office at the end of the corridor. A part of her hoped she’d run into him. She missed seeing his face, hearing his voice.
Shaking her head, she turned right and headed to her father’s office. Ryan hadn’t contacted her since the disastrous weekend away, almost two weeks ago. She’d heard nothing from Sean, either. Was he still in trouble?
She’d see Ryan again at Laura and Greg’s wedding.
Tears threatened and she bit her quivering lower lip. She needed to pull herself together and put Ryan out of her mind.
She entered her father’s outer office, passing a vacant desk. Dad’s personal assistant must be at lunch. She strolled through the open door into his private office and sat across from his desk.
Her father smiled and returned his attention to his phone call.
The magnificent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House snagged her attention. Nothing but the best was good enough for Dad.
He ended the phone call and sighed.
“Dad, are you okay? You sound breathless.”
John slumped back in his chair. “I think so. I have chest pain.”
“What? How bad?”
He paused and took a few deep breaths. “Comes and goes.”
She leaned forward. “When did it start?”
“This morning.”
“Why didn’t you say something when you called earlier?”
“I didn’t want to worry you over nothing.”
She lifted a brow. “I don’t think this is nothing.”
“I’m fine.” He stretched in his chair. “Ouch. My shoulder hurts, too.”
She stood and rushed to her father’s side. “You don’t look fine to me.”
“Who’s not fine?” Ryan strode into the office.
“Something’s wrong. He has chest pains.”
John frowned. “You’re overreacting.” He tried to stand and fell back into his chair.
“Dad.” She crouched beside him, reaching for his hand.
“I’m calling an ambulance,” Ryan said.
She nodded. “Dad, you’re sick.”
John shook his head. “I’ll be okay.”
Her eyes filled with tears. Her father was never ill. He ate an appalling diet, but she’d always seen him as indestructible. “Try to breathe normally. The paramedics will be here soon.”
Ryan hung up the phone. “They’re minutes away. Cassie, do you know when his symptoms started?”
“This morning. He’s breathless and has pain in his shoulder.”
Her father’s skin paled and fear squeezed her heart. “Dad, you’re going to be okay. Hang in there.”
“Cassie’s right.” Ryan crouched beside her. “Take some slow breaths. Help is on the way.”
Pain lined her father’s face, his hand resting on his chest.
Ryan’s eyes widened. “Do you want me to pray for your dad?”
She nodded, closing her eyes and holding Ryan’s hand.
“Lord, we pray the ambulance will arrive soon and the paramedics and doctors can help John. Amen.”
“Amen and thank you.”
Ryan’s mouth curved upward and warmth filled his gaze. “You’re welcome.”
She let go of his hand, blinking away her tears.
Within minutes the paramedics arrived. Cassie stepped away from the desk, giving them room to work.
She called Laura on her cell phone.
Laura picked up on the third ring. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Dad’s sick. We called an ambulance and the paramedics are here.”
“Slow down, you’re not making sense,” Laura said.
“Dad has chest pains.”
“A heart attack?”
Her grip tightened on the phone. “Maybe.”
“What’s happening?” Laura’s voice wavered.
“The paramedics are with him.” She sucked in a deep breath. Now wasn’t the time to lose it.
“Where are you?”
“Dad’s office. I’ll go to the hospital with him and you need to meet me there. Ryan’s here with me.”
“Which hospital?”
The paramedics placed her father on a stretcher.
“I’ve gotta go. Ryan can call you with the details.”
She ended the call and turned to Ryan.
“I heard you,” he said. “I’ll call Laura.”
“Thanks.” She swiped at a tear rolling down her cheek.
Ryan placed his hand on her shoulder. “You need to go.”
She nodded. “See you at the hospital?”
“Yes.” He patted her arm. “He’s in good hands.”
Cassie followed her father’s stretcher out of his office, her steps heavy. She waited for the elevator to arrive on their floor. What if her dad had been alone? How close had she come to losing him today?
* * *
The elevator doors closed, taking John and Cassie downstairs to the waiting ambulance. Ryan raced over to his office and grabbed his car keys. He called Laura on his cell phone, giving her the hospital details as he rushed to the elevator.
He tapped his foot, anxious for the elevator to arrive. John’s condition worried him. A heart attack. How could this happen?
He prayed John had received medical attention early enough, before it was too late.
He hurried through the parking garage, wanting to be at the hospital with Cassie. Her distress had tugged at his battered heart. She’d reached out to him and he hoped he could help her through this ordeal.
He missed her, and seeing her teary blue eyes had torn him apart. Had Cassie seen or heard from Sean? Now that his anger had cooled he remembered her concern for his brother. She’d been adamant that Sean’s life might be in danger.
John’s health scare had shaken him up. What if he received a phone call about his brother being in the hospital? How would he react?
Was Sean in serious trouble or pulling another one of his stunts to get more money?
He dialed Sean’s cell phone. The call went straight to voice mail. He waited, then left a message.
“Sean, it’s Ryan. I’ve had time to think and I’d like to meet with you.”
Ryan slipped his phone back into his suit pocket before leaping into his SUV.
The olive branch had been extended. What happened next was up to Sean, and he prayed his brother would do the right thing.
Chapter 14
Cassie pulled her chair closer to her father’s hospital bed. She held his limp hand and attempted to smile. “You’re going to be okay.”
He nodded. “I’m all wired up.” A cardiac monitor was set up beside his bed.
“Take
it easy. The doctor will be back soon.” She glanced at the clipboard in her lap. What did she know about Dad’s medical history? When Laura arrived she could help her finish the paperwork.
A nurse returned to the tiny examination room. “We’re ready to draw more blood and set up the ECG.”
Cassie nodded, recognizing her cue to leave. Her father hated needles and, when the ambulance had arrived at the hospital, he’d demanded a private room. “Dad, I’ll just be around the corner in the waiting room, fixing up your medical forms.”
“Thanks.” He squeezed her hand.
Tears pricked her eyes. “You’re welcome.” She kissed his forehead and left the room.
Cassie slid into a lumpy vinyl chair. The words on the forms blurred.
She closed her watery eyes. Laura and Ryan should be here soon.
The scent of Ryan’s distinctive aftershave teased her senses. She opened her eyes.
Ryan dropped into the seat beside her. “How’s he doing?”
“They’re running tests and we should find out more soon.”
“How are you holding up?”
She rubbed her hands over her face. “I’m okay.”
“John will get better soon.”
She nodded.
“But it’s still a shock.”
“I know. You think your parents are going to live forever and then something like this happens.”
He frowned. “I didn’t know John suffered from heart trouble.”
“I don’t think he knew, either, although the way he eats his cholesterol is probably sky-high.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“You should see all the junk food in Dad’s pantry. Laura and I have tried to get him to clean up his diet. Now maybe he’ll listen to us.”
“I hope so,” he said.
The glass doors slid open and Laura rushed over to Cassie and hugged her tight. “Is there any news?”
“Not yet. Dad’s lucky he came straight to hospital.”
Her sister blinked away a few tears. “He’s a fighter and he’ll pull through.” Laura gave Ryan a brief hug. “Thanks for being here with Cassie.”
“No problem,” he said. “I’m relieved John is going to be okay.”
Her Tycoon Hero Page 14
