Bella Bucannon – Captivated By The Enigmatic Tycoon (страница 8)
He relaxed into his chair, legs outstretched, arms loose on the side arms. When Sam walked over and plopped beside him, head over Jack’s ankles, he bent to scratch the dog’s ears.
‘She put up with the cold because she loved him and he was an integral part of the family law firm, handling the accounting department. Once my brother, sister and I were self-sufficient, Dad resigned, sold up and they relocated to Queensland. He works for himself with an assistant. Less pressure, more time together.’
An abridged version, omitting his mother’s depression in his teens, and his struggle to avoid becoming ensnared in the Randell legal world.
‘Mel said most of the family find a reason to visit them during the year.’
Jack’s gut tightened at the faint tremor in Cassie’s voice and the wistful expression in her eyes. Quickly blinked away.
‘Especially during our winter. Your family aren’t within easy contact?’
She stilled, broke eye contact and her shoulders pressed back. Away from him or the question?
‘No.’ Steady. Resolute. ‘Mum died four years ago. There are no other relatives.’
Her stark sentences left him dumbfounded, mouth open, back stiffening as he jerked forward.
‘No one?’
No way could he envisage a world without his parents, aunts and uncles, his siblings and numerous cousins. Noisy, sometimes boisterous get-togethers had always been an integral part of his life.
He’d rebelled at the pressure from his father and mother to conform, to gain entry to law school and follow the path they’d chosen for him. There’d been loud, occasionally acrimonious arguments about his partying and seeming lack of study even though his grades were always high. Even at those times, there’d always been someone there for him, often a choice of many. They might not have agreed with his decisions but they’d given him moral support.
Watching the obvious change in his expression, he saw chagrin flood her face as she gave a choking laugh.
‘That came out as if I’m alone and abandoned. I never felt deprived because there was only the two of us, and I have a very supportive group of friends.’
‘You live alone?’ Spoken instinctively. He hadn’t meant to ask; it went beyond the bounds he’d set himself.
‘I share a house with two school friends. And you?’
‘Just me in my place near the beach at Port Noarlunga South.’
‘Do you surf?’
‘Best way to get the adrenaline going in the morning, though work takes precedence these days.’ Actually, it was the second best, and the sudden thought of sharing the first with her sent his pulse racing.
‘I tried years ago. Couldn’t see the attraction of getting dumped every time I tried to stand up.’
The sudden sparkle in her eyes belied her words; she’d enjoyed the experience. He imagined her in a sleek wetsuit and his body responded, causing him to shift in his chair.
‘Maybe you need an expert to teach you.’ Had he meant that to sound like an offer? Yes, if she was still around when the weather warmed up.
‘Or better balance.’
A strident voice in increased decibels made both heads swing towards the television.
‘That certainly won’t entice me into their store.’ Jack reached for the remote, pressed off, and said with reluctance, ‘Time I went home.’
He ensured Sam was settled on his bed in the family room while Cassie took the mugs to the kitchen. She seemed reluctant to approach him as he waited, hand on the back doorknob, to say goodbye. Was she regretting the disclosure of personal aspects of her life?
‘Lock up behind me, Cassie. I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘Goodnight, Jack.’
He closed the door, waited in the cold air until he heard the key turn, then walked to his ute.
Cassie blew out a huff of air, ashamed for the awkwardness that had stopped her from going too near as he’d left. Little as it was, she’d revealed more to him than she ever had to anyone she didn’t know well.
She waited until he’d driven off then went to her room, turning off lights on the way. After mulling over their conversation, she drifted in and out of restless sleep, trying to make sense of her uncontrollable responses.
* * *
Early next morning Jack parked at the side of the house and sat contemplating the vegetable patch where he and his contemporaries had spent so many happy hours. Whatever happened, he’d always have those cherished memories.
Hearing Sam’s bark alongside, he hopped out and ruffled the dog’s fur. He was rewarded with a frantic wagging of the tail and avid attempts to jump up and lick any flesh Sam’s wet tongue could reach.
‘Easy, boy. I’ve already had my shower.’
Sam dropped and raced to the rear of the vehicle. Following, Jack found Cassie, fingers clenched, staring wide-eyed at his ute as if she’d never seen one before.
He walked to her side, checking her line of vision. Couldn’t see anything wrong.
‘Good morning, Cassie. Am I missing something?’
‘Mel said you had a ute.’ It sounded like an accusation. ‘That’s...’
‘A silver twin cab, multipurpose utility with accessories. I got a great deal in an end-of-year sale last June. Good for work, family and camping.’
‘It’s so big. And clean.’
His instant roar of laughter made her blink and her eyes became dreamy, as if recalling a treasured scene.
‘I’ll take that in the spirit I believe you meant. It handles the biggest and heaviest loads I carry, fits five people and goes off-road like a dune buggy.’ He put his hand on the polished tailgate and captured her gaze with his. ‘And I take good care of what’s mine.’
She didn’t stir, didn’t react. Thankfully, she didn’t break eye contact, allowing him to see the flickering of awareness, along with the soft blush on her cheeks. He’d noticed the faint colouring last night, but failed to detect the reason. Undeserved macho pride flared, triggering an impulse to puff out his chest, a desire to caress her silken skin.
Sam’s nudge to his leg broke the spell. For now. Sooner rather than later they’d touch again. He wouldn’t deliberately engineer it but if a chance arose he’d take it without hesitation.
‘Better get inside while the rolls are still hot.’
‘Mel was setting out the coffee mugs when I left. She’s looking forward to your arrival.’
‘And you?’
He’d bring breakfast every day to earn a sweet smile like the one she gave him now.
‘What do you think? Walking Sam’s given me an appetite, so I hope you brought enough.’ She shivered as a few raindrops fell on her head. ‘Come on, Sam.’
She moved towards the house. The dog hesitated, looked up at him then took off.
He grabbed the bags from the front seat, and caught up in time to open the door for Cassie. A hint of peaches hung in the air as she passed him, sweet as the ones from the tree at the bottom of the garden. Mentally telling himself to get a grip, he followed her, nearly tripping on the eager dog who’d stopped to shake off the rain.
CASSIE WASHED HER hands before following Jack into the lounge, where Mel was waiting with a pot of freshly brewed coffee. She heard him tease her for insisting they ate from the wrappers.
‘Fast food always tastes better this way. I have great memories of sitting on the beach, eating fish and chips from butcher’s paper and fighting off the seagulls.’
‘It was always fun, wasn’t it? We’ll do it again when the weather clears. Today it’s indoor chores.’
The tenderness in his voice, and the way his features softened with affection as he spoke to his great-aunt, caused a lump in her throat. Moments like the ones they referred to were a major part of her treasured memories.
She stared through the window, remembering the unconditional love she and Mum had shared, so much joy and few regrets. The past couldn’t be changed. Today was the time that mattered, and she had a task for Jack if he was willing.
‘I noticed some of the light fittings are dusty, Jack. Do you have the time to clean them?’
‘Checking lights comes under downsizing?’ A sceptical look accompanied his gentle dig.
‘Under due diligence and caring, a courtesy for clients. In your line of work, you should know most people don’t notice the grime until they have to replace the bulbs or tubes.’
‘True. Consider all the house fittings on my list.’
The three of them chatted about the house and garden as they ate, and Cassie learned how Bob had relished teaching the younger generation the tool and gardening crafts that Jack had turned into a profession. That his father had wanted him to study law and become his uncle’s partner didn’t surprise her; his telling her did.
Mel’s mobile rang, and she answered. ‘Well, you know I’d love to normally but at the moment...’
Cassie tapped her arm.