Bella Bucannon – Captivated By The Enigmatic Tycoon (страница 7)

‘White tea, thank you. I’ll finish here.’

Instead of moving away as she expected, he stepped sideways, resting his hands and butt against the bench and crossing one foot over the other. A very masculine stance which should not affect her. Renewed flutters in her stomach proved otherwise.

‘I’m not totally convinced about this extra sorting. It might prove too much for her.’ Corporate tone. And she knew there was no uncertainty in his mind at all.

‘Because you care for her.’

His brow furrowed, his chest expanded and he crossed his arms as if preparing to challenge her reasoning. She forestalled him.

‘She’s been through a prolonged, trying time. Getting rid of clothes that no longer fit is cathartic and means she’s looking forward. I can schedule a few days at a time, and if she finds it tiring or too traumatic we can stop.’

‘Your contract will...’

‘Have an out clause which allows for either of those as well as unforeseen circumstances.’

Jack wished he could explain why he wanted a longer break before Mel disposed of anything else. His treasured aunt was on a high at the moment, and he feared she might regret the impulse later. Any delaying tactic would be welcome. Unfortunately, his normally active mind was blank.

Well, not really. It was a jumbled mass of thoughts and images of the dark-haired beauty who was regarding him with stunning, empathetic eyes. She had no conception of the perceptive and compassionate woman who’d been the mainstay of the family as long as he could remember. Mel had been the one they’d all turned to for guidance until Bob’s death had shaken her belief in life and herself.

‘She lost confidence in her own judgement. People she trusted as friends tried to scam her while she was grieving for Bob. Two years ago, an acquaintance claiming to have been a business colleague almost coerced her into signing a contract to put this house on the market.’

He’d been in Queensland that time too. He pushed to his feet, needing action. The exasperated breath he took filled his nostrils with her delicate scent, distracting him. He shook his head, fisted his hands.

‘She had the sense to tell my cousin, and he warned the guy off. She wasn’t ready then—why now?’

‘She may not be.’

What the hell? He glared at her, irked at her composed and conciliatory demeanour.

‘Then why the charade?’

Her lips curled and his exasperation dissolved, his taut muscles slumping like Sam after a run. The combination of her beguiling eyes, enticing smile and husky voice was irresistible.

‘It’s not. She needs to know she’s in control after months of relying on you and your family for so much. I’ll ensure she doesn’t do anything irrational without consultation. You have to ensure no one else puts pressure on her in any way.’

Easily done. Whatever was best for his aunt—his great-aunt. Accepting she was ageing cut deeper than he’d imagined. The thought that this home might no longer be his family’s focal meeting place was mind-numbing. The likelihood had been mentioned occasionally; now it was looming as a reality.

Verbally committed to the new business purchase, he’d be unable to buy the property himself in the foreseeable future. He rubbed the back of his neck in frustration as he turned towards the bench to make the tea and coffee.

On the positive side, staggering the downsizing over months pushed any definite decision into next year. There would be time to find out what Mel really wanted, time for family discussions about the future ownership of the house they all loved. Time to work out an optimum solution for everyone.

For now, strong coffee and reliving today’s encounters with Cassie Clarkson would probably keeping him awake tonight, surprisingly not an unpleasant prospect.

He heard the dishwasher start up and glanced sideways to see Cassie pulling on rubber gloves to rinse the wineglasses. Picking up the two drinks, he left her alone, unable to think of a suitable parting remark.

* * *

Cassie let the hot water cascade over her hands, allowing treasured memories of her and Mum to flow back. If they were both home, they’d share the cooking and cleaning up, then often settle in front of the television with drinks and home-baked biscuits.

The pain of losing her had barely diminished. The love and laughter they’d shared was as vivid and powerful as ever. She’d been the one who’d taught Cassie to believe in herself and never let anyone demean her, either as a woman or a person.

Jack’s bond with his aunt was reminiscent of hers with Mum, as close as that of natural mother and child. She’d give up everything she owned to share life with an ageing Julie Clarkson. Death had denied her the gift she hoped Mel’s family appreciated.

She drained the water, flipped the gloves off and squared her shoulders. Jack Randell had been told to play nice and he better had. No more disturbing tingles, and hopefully he’d be busy doing repairs and maintenance a good distance away any time she was here.

* * *

Cassie’s tea was just right, the after-dinner mints melt-in-the-mouth and Jack’s presence in her peripheral vision distracting. Even the TV interview with the hunky action movie star hadn’t grabbed her attention. Yesterday it might have. She shifted position, curling her legs up, angling her body away from the big armchair.

A distinct humph made her swing round and catch him frowning at the weather pattern on the screen. The presenter was forecasting steady rain for two days.

‘That cans tomorrow’s lawn mowing. Looks like I’ll be working through that list of yours, Mel. And any other chores you think of.’

‘Are you sure, Jack? There must be...’

‘The inside jobs booked for next week can’t be brought forward. I’m all yours.’

Those three little words created unfamiliar and unwarranted sensations in Cassie’s abdomen. Like a ferry ride in rough weather, exhilarating and heart-stopping. They spread warmth to her toes and up to her cheeks, and she quickly looked away. Bending her head, she sipped her drink, hoping he’d think any colour came from its heat.

Mel muted the sound and left the remote on the coffee table.

‘Do you want to stay tonight, Jack?’

Her innocent question almost had Cassie choking as she swallowed. Jack sleeping in the room across the hall from hers. Jack showering in the bathroom one wall away. Jack...

What was the matter with her?

She shared a house with two men, and didn’t turn a hair if they wandered around draped in a towel.

‘I’ll go home, thanks. How about I pick up breakfast in the morning? Special treat.’

‘Ooh, yes, delicious egg and bacon rolls, full of calories and cholesterol. Delightfully wicked at my age,’ Mel enthused. ‘Just don’t tell my doctor.’

‘It’s a deal.’

‘With that pleasant thought to send me to sleep, I’ll say goodnight. Thank you both for a lovely day, the best I’ve had for ages.’ After turning the sound up again, she left the room.

Persuasive advertisements urged them to buy, buy, buy, backed up by jarring music. Cassie finished her drink, held on to her mug and tried to formulate an intelligent topic opener. Nothing came to mind.

‘Yawning might help.’

Startled, she almost dropped her mug. His smooth-as-silk deep timbre coiled around her heart, enthralling her. His wide smile and the provocative gleam in his eyes activated warning signals in her brain.

She set her mug down, clenched her stomach and mentally strengthened her resolve. If he thought she’d be easy to charm, he was in for a disappointment. The foolish romantic side of her hoped he’d try.

‘Help what?’

His grin widened. ‘Convince me you’re tired and want to go to bed.’

Her sucked-in gasp wasn’t nearly as incriminating as the heatwave that swept over her skin. The surge of desire at his unintended suggestion stunned her, left her speechless and fighting for breath.

He caught the double meaning, chuckled, and that darn Outback scene flashed into her head. She blinked it away. Too late—he’d noticed.

In a rapid switch, he leant forward, hands clasped between his knees. His now sombre expression matched the thoughtful contemplation in his eyes. She drew in a steadying lungful of air and waited.

‘Your choice, Cassie. I can leave now or we can a while. We’re going to see quite a lot of each other in the next few months. The more at ease we are together, the happier Mel will be.’

Easy for you to say, Jack Randell. Your hormones aren’t going crazy whenever you’re near me.

She wriggled back into the corner.

As if that little bit of distance will diminish his potency.

Her brain scrabbled for an intelligent question.

‘How long have your parents lived in Queensland?’ Background stuff, not too personal. If he followed suit, her disclosures could be of similar ilk.

* * *

All Jack had gained was a few minutes’ grace so why the crazy, unwarranted zing of success? He felt muscles he hadn’t noticed become taut, loosen, and wished he were on the settee beside her. Close enough to inhale her alluring aroma. Not tonight, perhaps—would there ever be a good time? And what had happened to his stay away when she’s here decision?

‘Nine years. My mother hated Adelaide winters, always spent part of them up north with her family. She met Dad on a spring cruise to the Pacific Islands and married him six months later.’