by Tessa Radley
“It can and it will.”
He almost told her of the love building in his heart, of the ring buried in his dresser drawer. But not yet. When he took her for his wife he wanted to put a final period to the past and be in a position to move decisively into the future as head of both Carolina Shipping and The Kincaid Group. But that wouldn’t happen until after the annual meeting at the end of June. Gently, Jack kissed Nikki, giving into desire instead of following his heart.
He let the moment go, only seeing the crossroad long after he’d chosen a path and allowed his heart’s desire to slip away.
* * *
The next morning, Jack took Nikki on a tour of his plantation home, as promised.
“This is incredible,” she informed him, marveling over the beautiful melding of past and present. She gestured toward the crown molding. “Is all of the wood trim original to the house?”
He leaned against a doorjamb and smiled at her enthusiasm and pleasure. “In the oldest section, every last piece. In the two newer wings, it’s an exact replica. It’s even the same type of wood.”
They’d explored almost every inch, but she had a sneaking suspicion he’d saved one part for last—no doubt the room where he’d left his own distinctive mark, a mark she’d predicted had his interior decorator up in arms. He led her to a final door and shot her a quick grin, which told her they’d finally arrived at that statement. Opening the door with a flourish, he stepped back and allowed her to enter first.
She did and instantly burst out laughing. “It’s a tiki bar,” she marveled.
“Somehow, it’s just not a plantation without a tiki bar,” Jack informed her gravely.
She wandered through the room, pausing to stroke the sweeping surface of the bar. “This is wild.”
And it was. From the bamboo flooring to the decorations, to the thatched bar featuring a wooden menu listing umbrella drinks in colorful chalk, to the electronic games and big-screen TV, the room had it all. Not a single detail had been overlooked.
“The windows along the wall by the pool are removable so it can be opened to the outside or left screened in.”
“You know, I wouldn’t have thought this suited you if I’d come across it anywhere else.” She tilted her head to one side. “But now that I think about it, in an odd way, it does.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “And why is that?”
She settled in close, absorbing his warmth and strength. “Because it’s unconventional.”
“Surely you’re not accusing me of being unconventional.”
He’d made the comment in a neutral voice, which had her pausing to consider. “For the most part, no. And yet, there’s this rebellious streak that flows through you,” she explained slowly. “It’s almost like you’re saying, ‘You may think you have me pegged, but you don’t. I’m not my father or my mother or any of my siblings. I’m my own person. And damn it all, if I want a tiki bar in my plantation mansion, that’s what I’ll have.’”
He fell silent for so long she wondered if she’d offended him. She tilted her head to glance up at him, moved beyond words when she caught sight of his odd defenselessness. Finally, he spoke. “You know, there are times when you can be uncomfortably astute.”
“You’re not alone, Jack,” she whispered. “Not anymore. You’ve made a home here. You’ve made a place for yourself in the world, a place where you belong.”
Without a word, he yanked her closer, wrapping her up in a tight hug. She gazed out over the beautiful home he’d created, realizing he was close to achieving everything he ever wanted…so very close. If he could just let down his defenses a little more, he could have it all. And he deserved it all, just like this plantation deserved to fulfill its promise. To be imbued with the sort of love and happiness Jack could bring it.
If she listened carefully enough, she could practically hear the future. Could hear the plantation ringing with youthful footsteps racing across the wooden floorboards, the sound of children’s voices echoing off walls that had known generations of love and laughter and stood poised to hear still more, to have their sons and daughters gamboling across the endless sweep of lawn like newborn fawns.
“Jack…” She turned to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her face to his, too overcome with emotion to say anything further.
She almost told him of the love building in her heart and of the secrets she kept from him. But not quite yet. When the time was right, she’d confess all. Maybe before the annual meeting that would determine who would become president and CEO of The Kincaid Group. But that wouldn’t happen until the end of June. Gently, Nikki kissed Jack, giving in to desire instead of following her heart.
She let the moment go, only seeing the crossroads long after she’d chosen a path and allowed her heart’s desire to slip away.
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459227262
Copyright © 2012 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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