Captivated By The Enigmatic Tycoon. Bella Bucannon

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.