Captivated By The Enigmatic Tycoon. Bella Bucannon

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?’

      ‘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.

      ‘Hang on, Dot.’ Mel held the phone to her chest. ‘The Mortons have invited me to go with them and visit a friend in Murray Bridge for her birthday.’

      ‘Say yes.’

      ‘I can’t. It’s overnight and you’re here. We’ve got...’