Captivated By The Enigmatic Tycoon

She tried to picture him in a tailored suit and tie and failed. Yet that niggling thought that he projected only what he wanted people to see persisted. His upbringing almost guaranteed black tie in the wardrobe.

‘Cassie, are you with us?’ Mel’s question startled her.

‘Sorry, I was daydreaming, trying to remember when I’ve had a tastier meal.’ She avoided looking across the table, hoping the blush spreading up her neck and cheeks wouldn’t be noticeable under the soft lights of the overhead chandelier.

‘Thank you. We were discussing my granddaughter Janette in Melbourne, whose baby is due in five weeks. I’m going to be a great-grandmother.’

Cassie was acutely aware of Jack’s keen interest, but didn’t understand how that concerned her.

‘That’s so exciting.’ An ideal event to strengthen Mel’s mental recovery.

‘Another sign that life moves on. Deciding to cull my clothes has been freeing for me. I think I’m ready to let go of some items I keep simply because of the past. Would you consider working out a plan to help me downsize in short stages between other commitments?’

Wow, that came out of the blue. She liked Mel and her positive attitude to life, and would happily take on the assignment under normal conditions. Yet Jack’s presence added an emotive element; one she’d have to conquer if she accepted.

He’d be occupied elsewhere during the day and hopefully there wouldn’t be too many evening visits when she stayed over on weeknights. She’d have to be polite and aloof in his company, professional to a T, and avoid any physical contact.

‘I’m sure I can.’ As she finished speaking, she turned as if pulled by an invisible thread to Jack’s enigmatic green eyes.

* * *

Jack hoped his features didn’t reveal his conflicting thoughts. Mel living alone in this big house had worried the family since Bob’s death. Any attempt to discuss sharing or buying a smaller residence had been firmly rejected so the subject had been dropped. If Cassie’s references were as good as Mel claimed, he’d normally have no reservations about her employment.

The problem was him and his instant attraction to her. Hell, he was a mature man and the solution was obvious. Avoid visiting when she was here, and act like the mature man he was supposed to be whenever they met.

‘Won’t that be inconvenient for you?’ He kept his tone as impassive as possible, not easy when her eyes glinted as if she’d read his indecisive mind.

‘Many of my clients are retired, often with health problems. Every contract allows for unforeseen contingencies, and I’ve become extremely adept at rescheduling. There have been times when I’ve juggled multiple jobs successfully.’

She faced Mel. ‘Tomorrow we’ll sit down with diaries and discuss what and when.’

‘Good, that’s settled.’ Mel lifted her wineglass in salute and Cassie clinked it with hers as a signal of agreement. Jack followed suit with his near-empty glass of beer, trying to fathom why he felt as if he’d somehow scored a win.

They debated their favourite television shows over a dessert of fresh fruit and whipped cream. Jack teased Mel about her favourite soap operas, claiming she’d converted many of his generation into avid fans. And wondered why Cassie’s smile at the interaction wasn’t mirrored in her eyes.

He professed not to watch much at all. ‘Sport, documentaries or investigative programmes—whatever’s on at the time. I’d pick you for a movie girl, Cassie, romance or high adventure.’

‘Wrong. Comedies or space sagas, as long as they’re well written and acted. If not, I switch channels. I also enjoy home improvement shows.’

‘How long do you give them before you click?’ He intensified his gaze as he spoke and waited for her answer. Her viewing habits were irrelevant; her character intrigued him.

‘That depends on how bad it is, what else is on and how tired I am.’

Clever, evasive answer.

* * *

The heat coursing through Cassie’s veins had nothing to do with the fake wood fire warming the room, and everything to do with the fact that Jack had turned his attention towards her. His smile and slight raise of one eyebrow hinted he read her true thoughts. He was wrong, couldn’t possibly know Mum’s favourite programme, always set to tape so never missed, was an enduring Aussie soapy.

Stretching her back, she rose and reached for his bowl. ‘I’ll stack the dishwasher if you make the hot drinks?’

‘None for me,’ Mel said. ‘I’ll watch the news with you then I’m off to bed. I feel tired in the nicest possible way. Tomorrow I might have a baking session.’

Which would leave Cassie alone with Jack unless he called it a night too. She’d had a long day, exacerbated by her body’s inexplicable reaction to him, new and unnerving. Could she feign plausible fatigue? How did she somehow know her excuse would be met with scepticism and that eyebrow quirk?

The moment his aunt pushed back her seat to stand, he was there to ease it away and hold her arm. She spoke quietly to him with her back turned to Cassie, and his answering grin stirred a feather-light fluttering in her stomach.

‘Always, Mel.’ He picked up the empty glasses and large bowl. ‘You get settled in the lounge and rest. And I’ll expect cherry and ginger cake next visit.’

He headed for the door, his husky chuckle flooding Cassie with a longing for the easy banter that came with deep affection.

‘Confident boy, isn’t he? Do you think he’d accept something fresh from the bakery?’ Mel’s tongue-in-cheek remark was accompanied with a gentle laugh.

Cassie took a moment to answer, her mind still processing ‘boy’. She doubted there was a single immature cell in Jack Randell’s body.

‘From what I’ve seen, he’d settle for home brand plain biscuits to spend time with you, Mel.’

‘I admit to resorting to packaged cakes and biscuits since the accident, and he’s never even hinted the standard was lower.’

CHAPTER FOUR

JACK WAS FILLING the dishwasher when Cassie brought the remaining china into the kitchen. She kept a good space between them, admiring the way his muscles flexed as he reached up to the bench then bent forward to place each item.

No, you don’t. You mustn’t.

He pivoted round, as if sensing her appraisal. She wasn’t aware of having made a sound, and the gurgle of the coffee machine should have covered any if she had.

‘Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?’ His sombre eyes and polite tone put her on alert.

‘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.’

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.

CHAPTER FIVE

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?’