Kitabı oku: «Swept Away By The Enigmatic Tycoon»

CHAPTER ONE

JUSTINE SURVEYED THE peaceful tableau lazily. The waters of Georgian Bay were calmer today, and she watched the gentle undulations with pleasure, letting her senses revel in the rugged beauty before her.

The clear blue water, shimmering with pinpoints of reflected sunlight, was dazzling—mesmerizing, really. The water lilies clustered along the water’s edge looked like they were straight out of a Monet painting, their crisp white petals and yellow centers resting among dozens of flat, round, overlapping green pads. Occasionally the seagulls announced their monopoly on the sky with their shrill, almost human-like cries as they swooped and glided, tail feathers outspread, but even that wasn’t enough to disrupt Justine from her contemplative mood.

She breathed in the fresh July air and congratulated herself again for exchanging the smog and humidity of the big city for this...this nature lover’s paradise on Georgian Bay. She had made the right decision in accepting her parents’ offer, Justine assured herself again as she rubbed sunscreen over her legs. Their proposal had come at the perfect time.

Working in the Toronto law office of attorney Robert Morrell had become too stressful—she’d had no choice but to resign. The memory of how she had trusted him in the first place still caused her pangs of remorse. Her mouth twisted cynically. How naive she had been, falling for a man who was going through a turbulent divorce.

After leaving her resignation notice on his desk she had immediately headed home to Winter’s Haven. As she’d pulled into the driveway, seeing her parents sitting together on the porch swing holding hands had made her burst into tears. Why couldn’t she have been so lucky? In all her years at home she had never doubted her parents’ trust, respect and devotion to each other. And to her. With such loving role models how could she settle for anything less?

Their love and support had cushioned her for the next four days, and then the morning she had thought herself ready to drive back to Toronto, eyes still puffy and shadowed, they’d made her an offer that took her breath away.

They had talked extensively, they’d said, and had decided that the time had come for them to retire from managing their cottage resort and to enjoy their golden years. They wanted to travel around the world while they still had their health and energy. If Justine were willing, they would sign Winter’s Haven over to her and move into the smallest of the twelve cottages there. Justine could enjoy her inheritance early, and they would be delighted that the business would stay in the family.

“Take your time to think it over, sweetheart,” her father had said, hugging her tightly. “But we have every confidence in your skills—business or otherwise.”

Her mother had nodded and joined in the embrace, her eyes misting, and after kissing them both Justine had left, her own eyes starting to well up.

A month later the lease on her apartment had been up and she’d headed home to Winter’s Haven for good.

The sting of Robert’s deceit had begun to subside, and although she still had down days, feeling alternately embarrassed and angry for letting herself be fooled, she had come to terms with the end of their relationship. Taking over from her parents would occupy her time and her energy, and Justine was looking forward to exploring new ideas for the business while enjoying the more relaxed pace of the area.

Now, two months after her return, Justine could flick away any thought involving Robert almost nonchalantly. Usually followed by any number of silent declarations.

I am so over it! I’m done being a bleeding heart! Done with men and their games!

Justine closed her eyes and listened to the gentle lapping of the waves. She allowed herself to be soothed by the rhythmic sounds, enjoying the touch of the sun over her body as she settled back on the chaise longue. Tilting her sunhat to protect her face, Justine felt the familiar magic of Winter’s Haven ease the stress out of her, and with a contented sigh she allowed herself to drift into a peaceful nap.

The sound of typewriter keys and a telephone ring jolted her awake. She fumbled for her cell phone, by her side on the chaise. Squinting, she read the text.

Good God, Justine! Where the heck are you? Did you forget the two o’clock appointment I arranged for you?

Justine sat up, her heart skipping a beat. It was one fifty-five. She’d never make it in time.

She leapt up and ran the short distance from the beach to her house, not stopping until she reached the washroom on the second floor. She usually enjoyed taking leisurely showers after a soak in the sun, but on this occasion she was in and out in less than five minutes. Her shoulder-length hair would have to dry on the way there. And there was no time for make-up.

She hastily put on a flowered wrap-around skirt and a white cotton eyelet top, and made a dash to her car. She usually walked to the main office, but she wanted to avoid any further delay.

She had managed this place efficiently since her parents had turned over the business to her two months earlier. “I’ll run this place as smoothly as you did,” she’d promised them before they left for their retirement travels, and she had done just that—except for today.

Justine had never been late for anything in her life. She’d have to make sure it didn’t happen again. It didn’t make her look very responsible. She should have never given in to Mandy, who had uncharacteristically scheduled an appointment on her day off.

The sight of a sleek silver-green Mustang convertible in the parking lot dashed her hopes that her visitor might be late.

She took the steps to the office two at a time and entered the building, taking deep breaths. Mandy Holliday, her friend since high school and her assistant and office receptionist, smirked at her from behind the wooden desk, cocking an eyebrow toward the double doors leading to the diner.

“He’s been waiting there thirty minutes. The last time I checked he was talking to the Elliots in Cottage Number One.”

“Of all the times to doze off on the beach...” Justine grimaced. “I wonder why this Forrest man has insisted on seeing me. If he wants to rent a cottage, you could have dealt with him. I wish you had been able to squeeze some information out of him.”

She adjusted the tie belt on her wrap-around skirt.

“I hope he’s not one of those pompous business types. You know—the punctuality nuts, the arrogant ‘you must be as perfect as I am’ professionals who—” She stopped at the sudden furrowing of Mandy’s eyebrows.

“Perhaps you should reserve your judgment until after our meeting,” a cool voice suggested directly behind her.

“I’ll be in the diner if you need me,” Mandy murmured, before retreating hastily.

Justine turned around stiffly to face her visitor. He was not at all what she’d expected. But what had she expected after hearing that ice-tinged drawl?

She tried not to reveal her surprise as her gaze smacked into the chest of his impeccably tailored gray suit before moving slowly upward to his face. His height topped hers by at least a foot. Her pulse quickened as her eyes took him in. A five o’clock shadow she suspected he wore permanently. Dark brown hair with burnished bits, styled like someone out of GQ. Chestnut eyes with flecks of gold.

She felt sweat on her upper lip. To her horror, she ran her tongue over her lips without thinking. She felt like combusting.

How could he look so cool in that suit? She almost felt like suggesting he remove his jacket or tie... And then her mouth crinkled slightly, nervously, at the thought of how such a suggestion would sound to him.

He caught the crooked smile, but didn’t return it. He looked down at her imperiously, his jaw tense.

He’s angry, Justine thought, unable to tear her gaze from his face. It was so male and rugged, with a straight nose and firm, sensual lips clearly visible under the meticulously groomed shadow. At second glance she caught a slight curl in his hair, and his eyes, unwavering, were disturbingly hypnotizing.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I was irritated at myself for being late. It’s not like me.” She extended her hand, forcing herself to offer him an apologetic smile. “I’m Justine Winter.”

For a moment, he just stared at her, and Justine was about to withdraw her hand in embarrassment when he finally took it, his long fingers closing around hers completely in a firm clasp.

“Apology accepted,” he replied, motioning abruptly for Justine to sit down.

She did so and he pulled up a nearby chair.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Forrest?”

“Forrester. Casson Forrester.”

Her eyebrows shot up at his name. “Yes, of course. You made an appointment with Mandy to see me, but you didn’t state your reasons. Are you interested in renting a cottage? Did you want a tour of the grounds and facilities before making a reservation? We may have an opening, depending when it is you want to stay.” She paused, realizing she was babbling.

His lips curved slightly. “Yes, I’m very interested in the cottages. You see, I’ve just purchased the adjoining land on both sides of your property.”

Justine frowned. “I can’t believe the Russells have sold their properties—” She broke off, stunned. The Russells’ ancestors had been among the original homesteaders in the area.

“I made them a convincing offer.” He was unable to conceal the satisfaction in his voice. “Our transaction was mutually profitable.”

Justine looked at him warily. “I don’t suppose you arranged this appointment just for the sake of meeting your new neighbor...?”

He laughed curtly. “You’re perceptive, if nothing else.”

Justine flushed, her mouth narrowing. She didn’t like the negative implication of “if nothing else.” “Why don’t you come right to the point?” she suggested sweetly, trying not to clench her teeth.

His eyebrows arched slightly at her directness. “I have development plans for both lakefront properties,” he explained brusquely. “However, your property, being in the center, poses a number of problems for me. It would seem that the ideal solution would be for me to purchase this property in order to maximize the success of my venture.” His eyes narrowed. “Just name your price. You’ll have it in your bank account first thing tomorrow morning.”

Justine couldn’t prevent the gasp from her lips. “You can’t be serious!”

“I’m not the joking type,” he countered sharply. “Nor do I intend to play any money games with you, Miss Winter. Negotiations aren’t necessary here. I’m willing to pay whatever you feel is an optimum price for this place.”

Justine felt her eyes fluttering in disbelief. “I’m not interested in selling—no matter what you offer, Mr. Forrester,” she stated as firmly as she could muster. “It’s not a matter of money; it’s a question of principle.”

She stood up, both palms on the table, willing him to leave.

A muscle flicked at his jaw. He made no move to stand, let alone leave. “Kindly explain yourself, Miss Winter,” he said evenly.

Justine took a deep breath. “I would not want to see the natural beauty and seclusion of this area spoiled by a commercial venture. That’s what you have in mind, don’t you?” She put her hands on her hips, her blue-gray eyes piercing his accusingly.

“Let me clarify my intentions.”

He leaned forward, resting both elbows on Justine’s desk. His face was disturbingly close to her chest. She was mortified as she noticed her black bra peeking from under the white eyelet blouse. She hadn’t even thought about the selection of her bra in her after-shower haste. She sat down and crossed her arms in front of her.

“I think the rugged beauty of this stretch of Georgian Bay shoreline should be fully enjoyed—not kept a secret. I am contemplating the construction of a luxury waterfront resort and a restaurant that will enhance the experience of visitors. Nothing like high-rise condominiums; that would be unnatural in these surroundings.”

He rubbed his jaw with long, manicured fingers.

“I like the thought of luxury cottages nestled privately among the pines and spruces, each overlooking the bay.” He paused briefly, but as she opened her mouth to reply, added coolly, “Let me make one thing clear, Miss Winter. Even if you refuse to accept my offer, I intend to go ahead with my plans for the Russell properties.”

Justine had listened with growing trepidation as she thought of the repercussions his commercial venture would have—not only on her property, but on the surrounding area. She had no intention of giving in to him. His plans would not enhance the existing atmosphere of this stretch of the bay—she was certain of it. The seclusion and quiet ambiance her customers depended on would definitely be compromised with all the construction and traffic his venture would generate.

She felt her jaw clenching. No, she did not intend to let him bully her into selling.

“I cannot accept your offer,” she told him coldly. “Someone has to cater to common folk with regular incomes who want a holiday away from it all. I cannot, in all good conscience, agree to a proposal that would not only deprive my regular customers of a quiet, restful vacation retreat, but also exploit the natural wilderness of the area.”

She was unable to control a slight grimace.

“Have you even thought of looking into the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve? Or the Provincial Endangered Species Act? Obviously, Mr. Forrester, personal financial gain is higher on your list of priorities than the preservation of nature.”

Justine stood up again, hoping he would take the hint and leave.

Instead he leaned back in his chair and continued to gaze directly at her, an unfathomable gleam in his chestnut eyes. She cleared her throat uncomfortably, wondering what she could say to get him out of the office without resorting to being rude.

Stroking his jaw thoughtfully, he murmured, “Why don’t I just make you an offer anyway? How does this sound to you...?”

Justine only just stopped herself from swaying. Even half the amount he was offering would be exorbitant. No wonder the Russells had sold out to him if this was the way he conducted his business transactions. For a moment her mind swarmed with thoughts of what she could do with that kind of money, and she couldn’t deny that she felt the stirrings of temptation to consider his offer.

She looked at him, sitting back comfortably with his arms crossed, and the hint of smugness on his face gave her the impression that he knew exactly what she was feeling. He was counting on it that she would abandon her principles if the price were right.

Well, he was wrong. She might have been tempted in a moment of weakness, but she would never sell Winter’s Haven. It represented a lot of things for a lot of people, but for her it was home. Her special healing place. Even her hurt over Robert had lessened since she had come back. There was an atmosphere here that she had never felt in the city—or anywhere else for that matter. She had an affinity for this kind of natural lifestyle, and after leaving it once she had no intentions of ever leaving it again.

Her blue-gray eyes were defiant as she looked across at him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Forrest...”

“Forrester.”

“Mr. Forrester. I can imagine that your offer might be tempting to some, but nothing would make me sell my home and property. I belong here.”

Surprise flickered briefly in the depths of his eyes. “Bad timing.”

“What do you mean?” she demanded defensively.

“Your parents were almost ready to accept an offer I made on this place three months ago, then changed their minds when you showed up. It’s too bad for me that you didn’t time your arrival for a week later. The deal would have gone through by then,” he continued bluntly, “and I wouldn’t have had to waste my valuable time talking to you.”

He rose fluidly from the chair.

Justine could feel her cheeks flaming. She remembered her parents mentioning an offer somebody had made—it hadn’t been the first time—but that they had turned it down.

“What’s really too bad, Mr. Forrester,” she shot back indignantly, “is the fact that you’ve become my neighbor.”

He smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Not for long, perhaps,” he replied coolly. “I will come up with another offer soon—one you may not be able to resist, despite your lofty principles.”

“Don’t count on it,” she snapped.

“We’ll see,” he replied softly. “Any woman can eventually be bought. I don’t imagine you’re any different.” He turned to leave with a cynical smile. “Except maybe a little higher-priced,” he said, his tone cold as he opened the door and clicked it shut.

Justine stared at the door speechlessly. She slammed one palm down on the desk, furious that he had had the last word—and the last insult.

“Ouch,” she moaned, slumping into her chair.

She felt emotionally drained. The last thing she had expected from her visitor today was an offer to buy Winter’s Haven. And what an offer, she mused.

Casson Forrester obviously meant business, and money was no object. She didn’t imagine he would stop at anything until ultimately he got what he wanted. And he wanted Winter’s Haven. He hardly seemed the type to back away from any venture once he had made up his mind.

Justine recalled the set of his jaw and the steely determination in his eyes. Those dangerous tawny eyes. Tiger eyes, she thought suddenly, eyes that made her feel like the hunted in a quest for territorial supremacy.

How long would he stalk her? she wondered nervously, rubbing at her sore palm. What means would he use to try to break down her resolve and get her to give in to him?

It doesn’t matter what he tries, an inner voice reasoned. There’s nothing he can do to make you change your mind.

“Nothing!” She rose to leave.

At that moment Mandy returned to the office, unconcealed curiosity on her face. “What do you mean, ‘Nothing’? Tell me what that hunk of a man wanted... Please say he’s booked a cottage for a month. I’ll be more than happy to forego my vacation and tend to his every need—”

“He’s not worth getting excited about,” Justine sniffed. “He’s an assuming, boorish snob who thinks money can buy anything or anyone.” She felt her cheeks ignite with renewed anger. “He’s got a lot of nerve.”

“I take it you didn’t quite hit it off?” Mandy said, sitting on the edge of the desk. “What on earth did he say—or do—to get you so riled up? I’ve never seen this side of you.”

“That’s because no one has ever infuriated me so much,” Justine huffed.

She told Mandy the purpose of Casson Forrester’s visit.

“I’ll never sell, though,” she concluded adamantly. “To him or to anyone else.”

“Hmm...it doesn’t sound like we’ve heard the last of him, though, since he is our new neighbor.” A dreamy look came into her eyes. “I wonder if he’s married...”

“I pity his wife if he is,” Justine retorted. “Having to live with such an overbearing, narrow-minded brute!”

“I’d like to see what your idea of a hunk is if you consider this man a brute!” Mandy laughed.

Justine gave an indelicate snort. “All that glitters isn’t gold, you know. He may look...attractive—”

“Gorgeous,” Mandy corrected.

“But it’s the inside that counts. Trust me, Mandy, he has a terrible personality. No, it’s not even terrible. It’s non-existent.”

Mandy eyed her speculatively. “Not your kind of man?”

“Not at all,” Justine replied decisively, turning to leave. “If he calls again, think up any excuse you can; just tell him I’m not available. Whatever you do, do not set up another appointment. I’ve had enough personal contact with Casson Forrest... Forrester—whatever his name is—to last me a lifetime. All I want to do is forget him.”

Easier said than done, she thought, driving the short distance back to her house. How could she forget those tiger eyes? His entire face, for that matter... It was not a face one could easily forget. Not that she was interested, but she had to admit grudgingly to herself that Casson Forrester probably never lacked for female companionship.

Or lovers, she mused, stepping out of her car. She felt a warm rush as she imagined him in an intimate embrace, then immediately berated herself for even allowing herself to conjure such thoughts.

Justine sprinted up the stairs to her bedroom, changed into her turquoise swimsuit, grabbed a towel, and headed to her private beach.

The first invigorating splash into the bay immediately took some of her tension away. And as Justine floated on the bay’s mirrored surface, absorbed in interpreting the images in the clouds, the threat that Casson Forrester posed to Winter’s Haven already seemed less imposing.

What vacationers liked most about the place was the seclusion of each of the twelve rustic cottages tucked amidst the canopy of trees, only a short walk to their own stretch of private beach. They also appreciated the extra conveniences that Justine’s parents had added to enhance their stay. Along with the popular diner—which featured freshly caught pickerel, bass or whitefish—over seventeen years her parents had added a convenience store, a small-scale laundromat, and boat and motor facilities with optional guiding services.

Many of their guests came back year after year during their favorite season. Justine hoped that Casson Forrester’s plans wouldn’t change that.

She swam back to shore, towel-dried her hair, patted down her body quickly and decided she would change and eat at the diner instead of cooking. She liked to mingle with the guests, many of whom had become friends of the family.

Justine put on her flip-flop sandals, hung up her towel on the outside clothesline, and walked up the wide flagstone path. On either side myriad flowers bloomed among Dusty Millers and variegated hostas.

Ordinarily Justine entered through the back entrance after going for a swim, but the sound of tires crunching slowly up toward the front of her house made her change her mind. A new guest, she thought, mistaking her driveway for the office entrance.

She rounded the corner with a welcoming smile. The car sitting in her driveway had tinted windows, so she couldn’t make out the driver. But she didn’t have to. Her smile faded and she stopped walking. She knew who the silver-green Mustang convertible belonged to.

With the windows up he had full advantage, seeing her with her swimsuit plastered to her body, hair tousled and tangled. She wished she had wrapped her towel around her.

She felt her insides churn with annoyance. Frustration.

Was he going to come out of his car, or did he actually expect her to walk up to his window?

She stood there awkwardly, her arms at her sides, feeling ridiculous. Just when she thought she couldn’t stand it anymore, the convertible top started to glide down. Spanish guitar music was playing.

He had shades on, which annoyed her even further. He had taken off his jacket and tossed it on the seat beside him. His shirt was short-sleeved, and even from where she stood Justine could tell it was of high quality, the color of cantaloupe with vertical lime stripes. His arms were tanned, and she watched him reach over to grab a large brown envelope, turn down the music slightly and step out of his car. Without taking his gaze off her.

“I wanted you to have a glance at this, Miss Winter.” He held out the envelope.

Justine crossed her arms and frowned.

“It’s a development proposal drafted by an architect friend of mine. I would be happy to go over it with you.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “I would appreciate it if you at least gave the plan and the drawings a glance. They might help dispel some of your doubts about my venture.”

Justine stared at him coldly. “I’m not interested, Mr. Forrest. You’re wasting your time.” Her entire face felt flushed, the refreshed feeling after her swim completely dissipated.

He stood there for a moment, his mouth curving into a half-smile. He held the envelope in front of her for a few moments, then turned and tossed it into the Mustang. “Very well, Miss Wintry. Perhaps you need some time to think about it.”

“Not at all,” she returned curtly. “And my last name is Winter.”

“So sorry, Miss Winter.” He took off his sunglasses. “And mine’s Forrester.”

Justine’s knees felt weak. His dark eyes blazed at her in the sunlight. She knew she should apologize as well, but when she opened her mouth no words came out. She watched him get behind the wheel and put on his sunglasses.