Page 62 of Jack

Her hands trembled and her heart broke asshe realized that she was going to have to say no. "We have agroup coming in from out of town this afternoon. It's going to becrazy until we close tonight. I'm sorry Jason, I won't be able tomake it. But I have every confidence that you're going to rock it."

"Okay." His voice sounded sodisconsolate that she almost changed her mind. But she had to take astep all the way back. Seeing the boy would remind her that she washopelessly in love with the father. And she needed space. "Bye."

Hanging up the phone, she almost gave intothe temptation of just burying her head in her arms and weeping.Firming her lips, she shoved away from the table and went about herduties.

*****

The swim had not cleared his head oremptied his mind of the things that were troubling him. The EliteClub was at its best for the spring. The lawns were manicured and thescent of freshly cut grass vied with the flowers blooming in thevarious gardens that were everywhere.

The stately building that had been aroundfor more than two hundred years stood proud and white, like a newbride, on the crest of a hill overlooking the several thousand acressurrounding it. The amenities included with the membership were manyand varied. Just like its members.

It was not too long ago that one could notbecome a member unless it was through blood and there were no blacksallowed. Things had gradually changed since then, allowing men withenough money to buy memberships. The only thing that had remainedconstant was the refusal to have women become members.

Which did not bother the wives of prominentmembers so much. The "wives," as they were referred to,were interactive and successful women who were making waves. Allthroughout the year, these women were busy planning and implementingcharity events.

He was taking a sip from the rum and cokethat had been placed next to him on the table when a shadow fell overhim. Tamping down the irritation at his privacy beinginvaded,he looked up into the sparkling blue eyes of action movie star, BryceWhitlock.

"This seat taken?" Withoutwaiting for an invitation, he lowered himself onto the chaise andsettled back. Turning his head, he appraised his friend with anamused look. "Flying solo today?"

"I wanted to be alone," hemurmured pointedly.

"Then you should have stayed insideyour room."

"I will certainly consider that forthe next time," Jack muttered as he reached for his drink."Aren't you supposed to be in that tiny town you've made yourhome?"

Bryce grinned at the scathing tone. "Zahraand I are in town for some business. I have a new movie coming out inDecember. And the invitation to come for a visit is still valid."

"I don't do small towns. They give methe willies. Too few people and they're always smiling as if theylack problems. It's not normal."

"I used to think that myself,"Bryce acknowledged easily. Stretching his long legs out, he shookwater from his thick dark hair. "I have since changed my mind.Flower Hillsis an enchanting placeand in need of a new shopping mall. Your kind of artistry would behighly appreciated."

"I thought you would be rallyingagainst outsiders stepping in."

"You're not an outsider. You're afriend and you happen to have a vision. Your shopping malls are topof the line. Think about it."

Jack shrugged. For the first time he wasnot interested in talking shop. He was not interested in anything.And he could not sleep. He was bone weary and after going to hissuite, he had the idea that he could take a nap, but as soon as hegot in bed and closed his eyes, her face came up. She was hauntinghim, and he hated her for it. He was aching for her. And could notstop thinking about her.

"Hey."

Shaking his head, he turned his attentionto his friend, who was staring at him with a frown. "You allright? You look pale and come to think of it, there are shadows underyour eyes. When was the last time you slept?"

Trying to appear unconcerned, Jack pickedup his glass and took a deep gulp. "You sound like my mother orGod forbid, a damn wife. I'm fine," he added gruffly.

"You don't look fine."

The tight hold he had on his temper snappedcleanly. Surging to his feet, he finished his drink and slammed theglass down, almost smashing the heavy crystal. "That's none ofyour damn concern, is it? Now if it's okay with you, I am going foranother swim and when I get back, I expect to be alone." Withthat, he turned on his heel and went to the edge of the pool where hedove in with a precise movement.

Unaffected by the man's harsh manner, Bryceleaned back and continued to sip his drink as he watched Jack cleavethe water as if demons from hell were snapping at his heels. And herealized that for the first time, the man was not his usual cool andcollected, icy self. Interesting. Very interesting.

Chapter16

Zach was in the middle of building a pintwhen he heard the commotion at the door. Handing the thick beer mugto a regular, he was about to go and see what the hell it was aboutwhen he saw the man striding through the arched doorway, a determinedlook on his arrogant face.

"Son of a bitch!" he muttered."Take over, will you?"

"Why, isn't that-"

"Yes." He nodded tersely to Garyand managed to field further questions by moving rapidly towards theswinging doors, with thoughts of intercepting.

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