The Tycoon And I

“My aunt is very outgoing. She’d help anyone in need. No matter what.”

Kate’s body tensed. Surely he wasn’t implying that she was taking advantage of the woman, was he?

“I didn’t ask your aunt for anything—”

“I’m sure you didn’t. She never had the opportunity to have a family of her own, and since I’m the only relative she has left, she likes to take in strays—”

“Strays! I’m not a stray.” Kate glared at him. “I didn’t need to be taken in. Molly and I have been doing fine on our own.”

He shifted in the driver’s seat. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded.”

“And how did you mean it?” She wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily.

“I just worry. My aunt has a history of taking in the wrong sort of people—people that take advantage of her naïveté. If you hadn’t noticed, my aunt goes through life with rose-colored glasses on. She can’t or won’t see the bad in people.”

Actually Kate had noticed that his aunt was surprisingly trusting and friendly. Lucas didn’t seem interested in offering more about his aunt, and she didn’t want to probe any further.

They pulled up in front of the hospital and Kate noticed Lucas’s shoulders tense as he scanned the area, most likely searching for more photographers. She followed his line of vision, but didn’t see anyone paying them the least bit of attention.

“I’d better hurry. After I confirm some details about the fund-raiser with the billing department, I’m going to stick my head in and say good-morning to Molly before heading back to the house.”

“Won’t your ex be with Molly?”

She nodded. “But it isn’t like we’re mortal enemies.”

“You aren’t?”

“We’ll never be buddies or anything, but we can tolerate each other...at least for a minute or two.”

“And you’re okay with him spending time with Molly after being gone so much of the time?”

With anyone else, she wouldn’t get into this type of conversation, but something told her this was important to Lucas. “Letting Chad back into our lives is the last thing I want. But this isn’t about me. This is about Molly. And she wants him, so who am I to stand between them? But it doesn’t mean I trust him to stick around. Old dogs don’t learn new tricks, no matter how much they might want to at the moment.”

Lucas gazed past her, as though lost in his thoughts.

She got the distinct impression that his relationship with his ex wasn’t so amicable. But if that was the case, why was he alone in a dusty house of memories, pining for her? There were a lot of missing pieces to Lucas’s puzzle. And though she knew better—knew to keep her distance—she was intrigued by him. What was the real story behind New York City’s most eligible bachelor?

CHAPTER NINE

LIFE HAD KATE in the fast lane with no signs of things slowing down.

A week had already passed since Lucas agreed to let her manage the repair work on the house. During that time, they’d fallen into a routine of morning coffee together followed by a late dinner when she got home from the hospital. Sometimes they ate in and sometimes he’d take her out. It was never anything fancy, a little off-the-beaten-path pizzeria or a mom-and-pop diner. She actually enjoyed the warm, inviting atmosphere more than if they’d gone to a high-class establishment where the point was more about being seen than having a relaxing dinner.

But when it came to lunch, she was on her own. Today she didn’t have much of an appetite as she arrived at the hospital for an upcoming meeting with Molly’s surgeon. They were awaiting test results to make sure the procedure was still an option. Kate had prayed long and hard that there wouldn’t be any further complications.

“Kate, did you hear me?” Connie Carrington, Lucas’s kindhearted aunt, smiled at her from the other side of the table in the Hospitality Shop. “I said Lucas is lucky you happened into his life.”

“I didn’t exactly stumble into his life. You had a big hand in that.”

“I did, didn’t I?” The woman smiled broadly. Her bouncy personality didn’t quite jive with her prim and proper appearance. Her short silver hair was swept off to one side. Her smooth, porcelain complexion had just a hint of makeup and a pair of dark-rimmed glasses perched upon her petite nose.

“You sound quite pleased with yourself.”

“My nephew needed his eyes opened before that house collapsed around him. Thank you for making him see sense.”

“I don’t think it was me as much as the dripping rainwater.”

Connie reached across the table and patted her hand. “You, my dear, are good for him.”

She highly doubted that. There was an undeniable vibe between them—more like a magnetic force. But he didn’t seem any more eager to explore their options than she was to get in any deeper. Experience had taught her that once they crossed that line, there would be no going back.

“Regardless, I have a feeling the house is going to be a huge success. I just hope Lucas likes what I’ve done.”

“I’m sure he will. It’s about time that boy lets go of the past and starts living again.”

This was a prime opportunity to ask about Lucas’s history and the story behind that locked room at the end of the hall, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She and Lucas were forging a friendship of sorts. If she was going to learn about his past, she wanted it to come from him. She didn’t want to sneak around behind his back.

Connie sipped at her coffee and returned the cup to its saucer. “I meant to tell you that splashy headline in the paper was just the publicity we needed.”

“It was?”

Connie nodded. “Tickets are going fast. A little more of that free exposure and we should be able to sell out.”

Kate lowered her voice. “So you think I should go along with Lucas’s idea to play the happy couple in hopes of gaining more publicity?”

Connie reached out and gave her arm a squeeze. “I do. I really do.”

“I...I don’t know.”

“You’ve already started quite a buzz. People want to meet the mystery woman caught kissing the Bachelor of the Year. Many women have tried to capture my nephew’s attention, but few have ever turned his head. And after the divorce, he’s closed himself off. But you—you’re making a big difference—”

“What difference would that be?” questioned a familiar male voice.

Kate turned. Her face warmed, wondering how much he’d overheard.

When neither of them replied, his searching gaze moved between the two of them. “Is it some big secret you’re sharing?”

Kate’s heart pounded in her chest. She was a miserable liar. Her best defense was silence.

Unable to look Lucas in the eye, she lowered her gaze. She noticed his sharp navy suit was tailored to show off his broad shoulders and tapered for his trim waist. Talk about fine packages. Even fully clothed he was definitely Mr. Oh-So-Sexy.

Realizing that she was publicly ogling him, she reined in her thoughts. What was she doing lusting over him? He was here to be a supportive friend. If it weren’t for him and his aunt, she didn’t know where she’d be or how she’d take care of her daughter.

Lucas and Connie made her feel as though she were no longer alone in this world.

“Heavens, no. We don’t have any secrets.” Connie’s voice wobbled just a bit. “I was telling Kate that even though she isn’t doing the guest list and ticket sales that she’s making the biggest contribution by pulling together the venue.”

“I agree. She’s doing a fantastic job.” Lucas gave her an approving nod. “The downstairs is all cleaned up and the painting has begun.” He smiled, causing the ever-present sadness in his blue eyes to disappear. She wished he looked like that all the time.

“Now, if only the upstairs would go just as fast.” Kate finished off the last of her coffee.

“I’m sure it’ll all come together.”

Lucas’s belief in her abilities meant a great deal to her. And the fact he’d shown up today to show his support totally caught her off guard.

She flashed him her best smile. “I’m so glad you decided to take me up on my offer to meet Molly. It’ll be a nice surprise for her. Wait until she finds out she has a special visitor. And I see the milkshake I ordered for her is waiting at the checkout.”

“But I don’t have time—”

“I’ll hurry.”

Embarrassed by the way she’d nervously chattered nonstop, Kate rushed away. Just because he’d shown up didn’t mean she should read anything into his presence. Should she?

* * *

Before Lucas could explain that he was there to meet his aunt for their regular lunch, Kate was already across the room.

With a resigned sigh, he sat down across from his aunt. “What’s going on here?”

“Kate and I were just discussing the fund-raiser. I’m so glad you agreed to do it at the house. I know that must have been a difficult decision for you, but I’m really proud of you for making the right one. Kate hasn’t had many breaks. And at this moment in her life, she can use all of the help she can get.”

His aunt might be far too trusting of people she barely knew and might always be looking for the good in everyone, but in this instance he thought she might actually be right. He’d observed Kate this past week, and though he’d given her plenty of chances to take advantage of him, whether by sloughing her work off on someone else or by sponging off him or by leaving him with the bulk of the housework, she’d been a stellar employee.

He shifted positions on the hard plastic chair to get a better view of Kate’s slim figure as she stood at the checkout. She was a fine-looking woman. The man who’d walked away from her couldn’t be very smart. And best of all, she was as sweet on the inside as she was on the outside.

He jerked his gaze back to his aunt. “And from what I understand, you’re helping Kate organize this fund-raiser.”

Connie glanced at her wristwatch. “Of course. The girl needs someone to steer her in the right direction. Unless you’re offering to take over.”

Lucas held up both hands. “Count me out. I’m no party planner. Besides, I have urgent matters to deal with at Carrington. The San Francisco project has hit a snag. More like a brick wall.”

His aunt’s gaze narrowed in on him. “You aren’t thinking of skipping town, are you?”

“Would that be so bad? Or don’t you trust Kate after all?”

“I trust Kate. It’s you that worries me.”

“Me. Why me?”

“How long are you going to keep hiding and putting your life on hold? Why aren’t you fighting for custody of your little girl—”

His voice lowered. “You know why. And I don’t want to discuss it any further.”

He thought if anyone would understand his need to do this, his aunt would. She’d saved him from being a pawn between his arguing parents more than once. He wouldn’t do that to his daughter.

“But you are missing so much of Carrie’s life—”

“Leave it.” He fought back his rising temper. “I thought by agreeing to this fund-raiser, it’d make you happy.”

His aunt’s gaze needled him. “You only get one go-around in this life and it goes by in the blink of an eye. Please don’t waste it.”

His palm smacked the tabletop. “I’m not.”

No matter how much he missed his little girl, he had to put Carrie’s happiness above his own, something his parents had never done with him. And right now his ex-wife was hostile on the phone and argumentative in person. If only he could make her see reason.

Connie got to her feet. “Kate’s finished checking out. You better hurry and catch up with her since you two have plans—”

“But we don’t have plans. The only reason I’m here is because you insist we meet here for lunch once a week—even though I’ve offered repeatedly to take you anyplace you’d like.”

“And you were late today. Now it’s time I got back to work.” Connie glanced in Kate’s direction. “She’s waiting for you. You don’t want to disappoint her, do you?”

Before he could argue, his aunt walked away. His gaze immediately sought out the door, but Kate stood between him and the exit. He mentally ran through a list of excuses of why he had to leave. Each excuse sounded more pathetic than the last.

He straightened his shoulders. Time to make a confession. He approached Kate, who was holding a tall cup with a lid and a straw. She’d understand everything once he explained about the mix-up. After all, misunderstandings happened all the time.

She glanced up and a smile bloomed on her face. The color in her cheeks and the light in her eyes touched something deep inside him—a place that had felt dead up until now. He didn’t want her to stop smiling, not now...not ever.

“Are you ready to go?” Kate motioned toward the door.

He should speak up...explain that he’d only come here to visit with his aunt. That he had no intention of venturing into the pediatrics unit full of tiny humans—little ones like his Carrie. His mouth opened, but when Kate grabbed his hand, giving him a gentle tug, the words balled up in his throat. He glanced over his shoulder at Connie, but she wasn’t paying any attention as she took food orders from customers.

His gut churned. He was backed into a corner with no easy way out. Maybe he could just say a fast “Hi” and then be on his way. In and out. Fast as can be.

“I...I can’t stay long.”

Kate’s eyes lit up. Her lips pursed as though a question teetered on the tip of her pink tongue. His breath hitched in his throat. Please don’t ask any probing questions. Not here. Not now.

Kate’s face smoothed. “We can take the steps if you think it’ll be faster.”

He exhaled a long-held breath. He understood the strain Kate was under...more so than he’d ever want to admit. He shook his head, resigned to wait for one of the four elevators. As though summoned by his thoughts, a chime sounded and the door in front of him slid open.

Like the gentleman his mother raised him to be, he waited for Kate to step inside. His gut churned with anxiety. On stiltlike legs, he followed her.

“Are you okay?” Kate asked, drawing him out of his thoughts.

They were standing alone in the elevator as it slowly climbed to the fifth floor. He kept his eyes on the row of numbers above the door, watching as they lit up one after the other.

“I’m fine.”

“Really? Because ever since we got in the elevator, you look stiff and uncomfortable. And the frown on your face will scare the kids in pediatrics.”

He hadn’t realized his thoughts had transferred to his face. Willing himself to relax, he tried changing his stance and forced his lips into what he hoped was a smile.

Kate turned to him. “You know you don’t have to do this. If you’ve changed your mind about meeting my daughter, just say so.”

Apparently he hadn’t done a good enough job of putting on a more pleasant expression because right now, Kate’s eyes were filled with doubt. He didn’t want to add to her list of concerns. After all, this was a quick visit. Soon it’d all be nothing more than a memory.

“How’s your daughter doing?” He was truly eager to hear an update on the little girl, hoping things were improving.

“Today we get the results of her latest scan to see if the treatments are shrinking the tumor.”

“Will that make the surgery easier?”

Kate straightened her shoulders. “That’s what I’m told.”

He wondered if Molly was the spitting image of her mother. Did her eyes light up like her mother’s when she was excited? Did her cheeks fill with color when paid a compliment? And when she was concentrating while working with her hands, did the tip of her tongue press against her bottom lip?

Lucas drew his thoughts up short. He couldn’t believe in the limited time he’d spent with Kate that he’d gotten to know so much about her.

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Kate exited the elevator and turned back to him, still leaning against the handrail. “Are you coming?”

He swallowed hard and stepped out onto the pediatrics floor. There was no doubt about which unit they were in as a painted yellow giraffe with brown spots covered the wall, stretching from floor to ceiling, followed by a hippo, tiger and zebra. Large, leafy trees and tufts of grass were painted in the background. Someone had spared no expense in giving the tiny patients the feeling they were anywhere but at a hospital.

His thoughts took a sudden turn back to his own daughter. Would she like the painting? Did she like giraffes? What was painted on the walls of her bedroom?

The fact he knew none of these answers angered him. He should know. Any father worth the name Dad should know this about their child. Yet, Elaina had stolen those moments from him. And worse yet, he’d let her.

He used to think it was the sacrifice he had to make, but being around Kate and listening to her talk about her daughter, he had to wonder if there was another choice he could make.

“Molly’s room is at the end of this wing.” Kate pushed open one of the double doors.

He followed her past the nurses’ station in the center of the floor. A collective buzz of children’s voices filled his ears. He’d made sure to avoid kids since he’d come back from California—since he’d confronted his ex-wife.

His steps slowed. The distance between him and Kate widened. The giggle of a little girl filled his head. He paused and glanced as the child sat on the edge of her bed. She had curly blond locks like Carrie’s and was smiling at someone. His daughter had never smiled at him like that. The knowledge stabbed him in the chest, robbing him of his breath.

“Lucas,” called out Kate.

He meant to keep moving, but he was drawn by this little girl. Her sweet smile threw daggers into his heart. Instead of smiles, Carrie had looked at him with tears in her eyes as Elaina raised her voice, shook a finger in his face and insisted he leave.

Pain churned inside him as though someone had reached down his throat and ripped out his heart. A cold, aching spot remained. He closed his eyes and turned away from the little girl. He shouldn’t have come here. This was a mistake. He needed to leave. Now.

Kate reached out and touched his arm. “Molly’s room is just a few more doors down this hallway.”

The heat of her touch seeped through his suit coat. He glanced at Kate. Her eyes pleaded with him. He wanted to do this for her more than he could say, but the trickle of the little girl’s laughter was his undoing. He needed to get out of there. He needed to breathe.

“I’m sorry. I can’t.”

With that he turned, jerking his arm from her touch. He could feel her lethal gaze shooting daggers into his back. He deserved her anger and so much more.

He’d failed Kate and he hadn’t even had the nerve to explain it to her. Although it wasn’t as if she’d understand. Her daughter loved her. Looked up to her. Trusted her.

He inwardly groaned as the thought drove home the pain and guilt. If he was doing the right thing for Carrie, why did it feel so wrong?

Unwilling to wait for the elevator, he took to the stairs. He raced down them as though the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels.

Kate would think he was a total jerk. And maybe she was right. Perhaps there was something inherently wrong with him that drove away his ex-wife. And now his child.

CHAPTER TEN

KATE SWUNG THE hammer with more force than was necessary, missing the nail and putting a small half-moon indentation in the plaster. Just what she needed, something else to fix. It’d been two days since the incident at the hospital and she was still fuming. It was Lucas’s fault. He’d made a point of avoiding her, rushing off to the office early and receiving an urgent phone call and hurrying out the door just as she returned home for dinner. He assured her it was important business, but she didn’t know if she believed him.

Her mind warned her that Lucas was a typical man—unreliable. Why in the world had she let herself believe that he’d be any different than the other men who passed through her life? They said what they thought she wanted to hear and yet when it came to following through with their promises, they never did.

Lucas might clean up nice with his tailored suits and polished dress shoes, but beneath all of that varnish, he was just another lying man. She grabbed a nail, positioned it along the new chair rail and swung the hammer. Hard. Once again, she’d let her guard down and thought she could trust him. She swung the hammer again, hitting the nail dead center. When would she ever learn not to trust men?

She took another whack at the nail, shoving it further into the wall. Not about to ruin the chair rail with a ding from the hammerhead, she looked around for a nail set. Not finding one handy, she grabbed a scrap piece of wood from the floor, positioned it over the nail and swung again.

“What did that piece of wood do to you?”

Lucas. She’d know his deep, rich voice anywhere. Any other time it’d have washed over her like warm maple syrup—sweetening her up. But not today.

She didn’t bother to stop and face him. Another couple of taps and the nail was flush with the wood. “It got damaged from the leaky roof and had to be replaced.”

“That isn’t what I meant. Seems like you’re taking your anger out on that nail. Did something go wrong with the renovations?”

“No.” The fact that he was acting all Mr. Innocent drove her nuts. “I have everything under control.”

“Listen, I know I’ve been busy, but it couldn’t be helped. With the party coming up, we’ve had to kick up the media blitz for the new jewelry line.”

So that was how it was going to be. Act as if nothing happened. She should have predicted this. Her ex swept any trouble under the carpet and pretended as if it never happened. Well, not today. Something had happened and she wasn’t about to forget it.

She set aside the hammer and stood. “Don’t do this.”

“Do what? Ask about the progress on the house?”

“No. Avoid me and then act like there isn’t a problem between us.”

A muscle twitched in his cheek. “I wasn’t avoiding you. Honest. My marketing director went on an early maternity leave and everyone is pitching in to pick up the slack with the upcoming campaign—”

“Stop. This isn’t about your business. This is about you skipping out on me at the hospital without so much as an explanation.”

“I...I’m sorry.” He looked as though he was searching for the right words. “I wanted to meet your daughter but...”

“But what?” He seemed sincere and she really did want to understand. “Talk to me.”

“I can’t. Not now. Just please believe it had nothing to do with you or Molly. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

The little voice in her head said not to believe him, but her gut said something else entirely. Not sure which to trust, she decided she needed time to think without him clouding her thoughts with the pleading look in his blue-gray eyes.

“Thank you for your apology, but I don’t have time to talk now. I need to finish replacing this chair rail.”

“It looks like you’ll have this place in tip-top shape in no time.”

“I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions yet. There’s a lot to do and if we’re going to showcase the tunnel, we’ll need every single minute before the party.”

“The tunnel?”

Kate made a point of inspecting her handiwork. Finding a nail that wasn’t quite flush, she grabbed the hammer and the scrap piece of wood and gave it a whack. “Surely you know about the prohibition tunnel beneath the house.”

“Of course I do. But my family liked to pretend it didn’t exist. I’m surprised you know about its existence.”

Kate cocked a smile. “You really need to read more often. You’d be surprised what you learn.”

“I read the Wall Street Journal every day.”

“Something tells me that prohibition tunnels wouldn’t be of interest to that paper.”

“Wait. Are you trying to tell me that you read about my house and my family in the paper?”

“Not exactly. Your aunt mentioned that the place had quite a history. And then I did some research online. You’d be amazed at what is put online these days. This house is just teeming with history.”