Justine knew Mandy was speaking figuratively, but the thought of kissing Casson again gave her a rush. She felt her cheeks burn, and saw Mandy looking at her speculatively, but she wasn’t ready to share what had happened...
“I hate to spring another surprise on you, Justine, but the call I just took...” Mandy sighed. “It was Robert. He wants to see you. He tried to book a cottage.”
Justine just about dropped her coffee mug. She set it down and stared at Mandy. “What for?”
Mandy took a deep breath. “He told me that he knows he made mistakes but that he hopes you’ll give him a chance to apologize.”
“He’s the last person I want to see,” Justine moaned, covering her face with her hands.
“I hope you’re not talking about me, Miss Winter.”
Justine slowly let her hands slip from her face.
“And I hope you don’t mind if I join you for lunch.” Casson looked at her directly. “I haven’t picked up any supplies for my stay yet, and I hear the locals come to eat here a lot, which convinces me I should try it.” He glanced over at Mandy. “Hello, Miss Holliday. Nice to see you again.” He offered his hand.
“My pleasure.” Mandy beamed. “And, yes—please join us.”
Justine wanted to scowl at her, but Casson had turned to look at her again.
“Only if the Boss Lady agrees,” he said, amusement tinging his voice.
“That’s fine,” Justine said, trying to keep from clenching her teeth.
Casson pulled out a chair to sit next to Mandy.
“Actually, I’m not staying for lunch,” Mandy said. “My fiancé’s taking me out.” She waved at Justine and Casson. “See you later.”
She glanced slyly at Justine, and Justine shot her a Just wait ’till you get back glare.
* * *
When a waitress walked over and set down two glasses of water for them Casson thanked her and looked over at Justine expectantly.
Justine flushed. “Hi, Mel. Casson Forrester—meet Melody Green, our wonderful waitress.”
After Melody had taken their orders—turkey burger for her and fish and chips for him—Casson flashed Justine a smile. “I can see why people want to stay at Winter’s Haven,” he smiled. “The cottage is perfect. Luna has already found her favorite spot.” As Justine’s eyebrows went up, he said, “Couch in the living room. She’s curled up on it right now.” He chuckled. “But I don’t doubt she’ll find a way to join me on the bed tonight.”
Casson saw something flicker in Justine’s eyes. He might be totally out in left field, but was that a spark of—?
“She’s a nice dog,” Justine said grudgingly.
“And she’s very protective of her owner.” Casson grinned.
“I can’t imagine you’d need protecting.”
Casson gave a hearty laugh. “I might—if the owner of this place becomes aggressive with me.” He gazed quizzically at Justine. “But, then again, Luna likes you. If you tried to tackle me she’d probably do nothing. Or think we were playing and try to join in.” He gazed at her for a few seconds.
Justine’s face wrinkled into a frown. “There would be no reason for me to tackle you, Mr. Forrester.”
“Please. Call me Casson. After all, we’ll be neighbors for the next week. By the way—I have a couple of guests coming to spend the weekend with me. I figured it was okay, since the cottage has a loft and a pull-out couch. But I did want to mention it in case there’s an extra charge.”
He looked expectantly at Justine. She was slightly taken aback, judging by her hesitation in responding and the sudden tapping of her foot against the table leg, which she seemed unaware of.
“Yes, a limited number of guests are allowed. There is a minimal charge.”
“Great—just add it to my bill.” Casson nodded in satisfaction.
“Here are your orders,” Melody announced cheerfully. “Enjoy.” She placed a platter in front of each of them. “Is there anything else you’d like to drink, Mr. Forrester?”
“Water will be fine, thanks.” He slipped her a couple of bills. “No change needed.” He smiled at Melody’s look of appreciation, and then picked up one of his fries. “Bon appétit.” He winked at Justine.
They ate silently for a couple of minutes, and even though Casson tried not to make it obvious he couldn’t help glancing occasionally at Justine. While he enjoyed his fresh-cut fries and battered whitefish, Justine was trying to eat a massive burger delicately. When she set her bun down in frustration he saw a smear of ketchup on her cheek and chin. He had a crazy desire to lean over and lick it off her face.
But of course he wouldn’t.
Casson watched as she ran her tongue over her lips and just outside her mouth. His heart did a flip. He picked up a clean napkin and, rising slightly, reached over and gently wiped at the two spots of ketchup, his eyes locking with hers.
It was like looking into the bay. Deep blue. A blue that could swallow you up.
He didn’t know how long he stayed in that position, half out of his seat, but when he sat down he felt like something had knocked him out temporarily. Justine’s face was flushed, and she immediately looked down and concentrated on finishing her burger.
“By the way, it seems that one of your prospective guests couldn’t book a cottage here, so he asked around and was told about the Russell properties being under new ownership. He came looking for me and asked if he could rent the small cottage.” Casson shrugged. “I hadn’t even thought about renting it, but what the heck? Might as well let someone enjoy the place.”
He saw Justine stiffen. “Who did you rent it out to?” Her voice trembled slightly.
“A lawyer called Robert Morrell.”
CHAPTER FIVE
JUSTINE WANTED THE floor to open up and swallow her. It was bad enough that she had an issue with Casson. Having to deal with Robert now was just too much. She had spent the last couple of months convinced she was finished with him, and had never imagined he would come to see her here at Winter’s Haven. Not knowing what he was planning to do jangled her nerves. She couldn’t believe he had called the office and tried to rent a cottage... He could walk into the diner at any moment...
She realized Casson had asked her a question...asked if she knew Robert. “Yes, I know him.” She tried to respond in a neutral tone, so Casson wouldn’t ask any more questions, but she heard her voice crack.
She saw Casson looking at her thoughtfully. The sun had nudged its way through the clouds, shining through the window, and it was reflected in his deep brown eyes. His suntanned face with its dark beard, his plaid shirt with its rolled-up sleeves and his jeans made him look like a muscled hiking guide. She felt her heartbeat accelerating.
“Old boyfriend?”
Justine stared at him. “How did you—?”
“Know? You’re not that hard to read. You know that expression ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’? Well, with you, your feelings show on your face.”
Justine cocked her head at him and frowned.
He nodded. “Yup. Eyelashes fluttering. Blue eyes darkening. Cheeks flushing. All the classic signs.” His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward. “Did you dump him or was it the other way around?”
Justine wanted to squirm. Casson wasn’t her friend, for goodness’ sakes. She wasn’t about to reveal anything about her past to him, and nor did she intend to enlighten him as to who had dumped whom.
While she grappled with an appropriate response Casson leaned back again and took a long drink of his water. Afterward he stood up, and with a nod said, “Sorry. I was being nosy. Nice doing lunch. I’ll see you later...” He turned away and then glanced back at her. “If he let you go, he was a fool...”
Not waiting for her to reply, he walked out of the diner.
Justine followed him with her eyes until the last inch of him was out of si
ght. Reaching for her handbag, she shuffled through it for her keys. She left the diner and got into her car. She was glad she had already planned to go into Parry Sound to pick up her order of bread for the diner. Now, with the disheartening news about Robert, she decided she’d stay away even longer.
Justine headed first to West Lake Cosmetics. She loved owner Wendy’s natural handmade soaps, skincare products and bath treats. She also stocked the cottages with products having names like Muskoka Mimosa, Rose Rapture and Georgian Bay Linen. After today’s stress, she needed something to help her relax.
She chose a Rose Rapture soap and a Citrus Wave bath pod, and looked forward to pampering herself later with a long, soothing bath. But first she’d have to relieve Mandy for the afternoon shift.
Justine left the shop and moments later stepped into The Country Gourmet Café and Gallery to pick up the loaves she had ordered for the diner and two walnut loaves for herself. She thanked Chris, the friendly owner, then headed back to Winter’s Haven and tried not to think about Robert.
Everything looked fresh and clean after the earlier downpour. Justine rolled down her windows, lifted her face to the warm breeze and thought about Casson’s last words. If he let you go, he was a fool... Her heart catapulted at the memory, just as it had done when he had uttered the words.
She replayed the conversation in her head as she drove, and wondered why Casson had wanted to know who was responsible for the ending of her relationship with Robert.
Robert!
He was the one who had decided to break things off. Unable to face working with him every day, Justine had resigned immediately and fled to Winter’s Haven for a few days, needing the support of her parents. She had been stunned when they’d made her the offer...
She’d gone back to Toronto and fortunately had only had to wait a month for the end of the lease on her apartment. But it had been the hardest month to get through. She’d had lots of time to process the failed relationship. To go over every painful detail of how Robert had taken advantage of her trust, her naïveté. She winced at the memories, and a rash of anger ignited and spread under her skin.
She had been naive. She had allowed Robert to draw her in, letting her care for him while his marriage deteriorated. Robert had used her, milking her genuine concern and thoughtfulness until she had been practically frothing over him. She had believed his intentions to be honorable, and his betrayal had hit her like a winter gale from Georgian Bay.
By the end of the month she’d accepted that it was over and had become determined not to allow anyone to use her again. She’d realized it was a godsend that her parents had offered her the opportunity of taking over the business.
It had been time to leave the city and go home.
When she’d driven into Winter’s Haven two months ago, and breathed in the fresh scent of the woods and the bay, she’d known she had made the right decision. The chapter of her life with Robert Morrell in it was finished.
Until now.
Justine took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She dropped off the loaves to Melody, took over the office from Mandy, and tried to focus on business tasks. Every once in a while she looked up, wondering anxiously if Robert would suddenly appear.
Justine was relieved when the time came to close up the office. When she got home she kicked off her shoes, put away the bread, and eagerly reached for the bag inside her purse. She was more than ready for a relaxing Citrus Wave bath. And, although it was not yet eight, she started to fill up the tub. She began to undress—then heard the doorbell ring.
Her heart skipped a beat. Was Casson here with another strategy to entice her to sell? He had said, “I’ll see you later...”
Justine slipped her T-shirt back on and flew down the stairs to the front door. Through the window curtain she could make out a profile.
Wrong man.
* * *
When Casson entered his cottage he made a pot of coffee and satisfied himself that the place was ready for his guests’ stay. His cousin Veronica would be arriving around noon the following day, along with her son Andy.
Casson smiled. Andy was such a good kid. When he was born, five years ago, Ronnie had asked Casson to be his godfather and he had been thrilled. Ronnie was like a sister to him—the sister he’d never had.
Casson’s jaw tightened. She had separated from her husband, Peter, over a year ago. Peter had been unable to deal with the day-to-day challenges of his son’s illness, and had found solace in the comforting arms of a woman who was “there” for him.
But Ronnie had rallied and Andy was now in his second year of his treatment. He had recently finished another round of maintenance chemotherapy, and when Ronnie had texted Casson with this news he had immediately invited them to spend a weekend with him at Winter’s Haven. To his delight, Ronnie had called to accept.
Casson poured himself a big mug of coffee before going out to sit on the back deck. Watching the blue waves, he found his thoughts returning to Justine, and the alarm he had glimpsed in her eyes when she’d found out Robert Morrell was renting his cottage.
His jaws clenched. Had the creep hurt her in some way?
He’d find an excuse to check on Robert tonight. And Justine, just to make sure she was okay. Whether it was his business or not, and despite the fact that he might very well be wrong in his suspicions, Casson needed to know what Robert Morrell wanted with Justine.
CHAPTER SIX
JUSTINE HESITATED. WHY had Robert waited until this evening to come and find her? She jumped as Robert tapped the door knocker. She could ignore him...but he probably would have seen her approaching through the lace curtain.
He knocked again. She bit her lip and opened the door slightly, the chain still in place. She didn’t offer a greeting; she just gave him a cold stare.
“Justine... Look, I wouldn’t blame you if you slammed the door in my face. I just... I just had to try to make things right with you.” His voice had a slight tremor. “Even if we never see each other again.”
Justine pursed her lips, unconvinced. She wasn’t sure if he expected her to let him in, but she felt reluctant to let him step foot in her house. After all, she had never invited him to Winter’s Haven before they’d split up—no, before he’d dumped her—so why should she allow him into her private space now?
And besides, did she really want to hear what he had to say?
Justine shivered, even though the evening air was warm and still.
She cleared her throat. “Why would you want to do that now, Robert?” She hoped her voice was cool, uncaring—unlike the way she had responded when he’d told her it was over.
Robert cringed visibly at her tone, as if she had just struck him across the face. “I want to apologize, Justine. Please—just let me try to make amends. I made a mistake in the way I treated you. You deserve more than an apology...”
He looked like a puppy dog, Justine thought, with doleful eyes that were begging for a little mercy. Justine felt herself waver. Robert sounded genuinely sorry. Maybe she needed to hear him explain his less than cavalier behavior toward her...
Nodding, she slid the door chain off. “I don’t have a lot of time,” she lied.
Relief flooded Robert’s face. He stood hesitantly as Justine opened the door wider and then offered a grateful smile as he entered her home. He looked around appreciatively. “Nice place,” he said, eyebrows lifting as his gaze settled on the bay window. “Beautiful view.”
She gestured toward a recliner, away from the love seat...
Robert nodded and passed in front of her. And then she heard the water still flowing into the bathtub.
“Good heavens!” She threw him a panicked look. “I forgot to turn off the water.”
She bolted up the stairs two at a time. She drew out a long breath of relief as she turned both taps off. The water level was an inch below the top of the
tub. With jangled nerves she returned to the living room. She wanted to get this apology thing over with, see Robert out, and then have that relaxing bath she had planned.
She sat in the recliner opposite Robert and glanced at him pointedly.
He shifted in his seat, his forehead glistening with beads of perspiration. “Look, Justine, it was never my intention to hurt you. I—I was in a dark place emotionally with my wife, and you were like a ray of sunshine.” He smiled at her crookedly. “Sorry, I know that’s an overused cliché…But after spending my evenings arguing with Katie, and my nights on a couch, I came to appreciate your positive, funny and charming personality...and I wanted that. I—I wanted you.”
He paused, waiting for her to reply, but she had nothing to say—yet.
“I was all mixed up. I admit it.” He looked away and gazed at the view of the bay. “It was exciting to be with you, and yet once I’d tasted some freedom I started wanting even more. More freedom, more fun, more adventure.”
Justine felt a jab in the pit of her stomach. “And that’s when you decided to break up with me?” she said, as steadily as she could. “You said the whole divorce thing had depleted you and that you didn’t have the energy to carry on with a serious relationship. Only I found out the real reason you were ‘depleted’ when I came to the office early the next morning to pack my things and leave my letter of resignation on your desk... That’s when I spotted your lover’s panty hose on the couch in your office.”
He cringed again. “I’m sorry, Justine. I was screwed up. I know I crossed the line.” He gazed at her helplessly. “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I was so mixed up. Afraid of another commitment but hungry for love. I played with fire and you were the one that got burned.” His eyes glistened. “I was the loser, letting you go.” His voice broke. “I’ll do anything to have you back.”
Justine let out a deep breath. She hadn’t expected this.
“I’ve rented the cottage on the property next to yours for a few days, hoping I can eventually convince you to forgive me and give me another chance.”
Swept Away by the Enigmatic Tycoon Page 6
