Sara Orwig
Revenge of the Second Son

With many thanks to Melissa Jeglinski,

to Jessica Alvarez and to Maureen Walters.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Coming Next Month

One

“Time for the kill,” Nick Ransome whispered to himself. Anticipation made him eager for his dinner meeting with a corporate rival he had worked years to smash.

Steering his sleek black sports car from busy Dallas traffic into the restaurant parking lot, Nick raced toward a space along a line of cars. It was still hot in the early July evening, and waves of heat shimmered up from the pavement. Suddenly, a brown shaggy dog emerged from the row of parked cars and trotted in front of Nick’s car.

A woman followed, rushing toward Nick and waving her arms.

Swearing, Nick slammed on his brakes. Tires screeched when his car skidded to a stop within a foot of the female while the aged dog ambled across the drive and disappeared behind a purple crepe myrtle bush.

Nick’s annoyance melted into appreciation. Dressed in knee-length, sleeveless black, the woman was a gorgeous blonde with wide blue eyes. When she walked around to the driver’s side of his car, Nick watched the sway of her hips while his pulse accelerated. With interest, he lowered his window.

“I’m sorry if I startled you, but I didn’t want the dog run over,” she said, leaning down to talk to him. Her voice was low, as appealing as the rest of her.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m happy to stop for a beautiful woman anytime.”

“Thank you.” She laughed, revealing even white teeth and a warm, enticing smile that jumped his pulse. Her full, rosy lips made him wonder what it would be like to kiss her. When she waved her hands, he saw there was no wedding ring. “The dog looks old, and I imagine he’s deaf,” she continued. “I don’t think he heard your car. As long as you avoided hitting him, I’m happy.”

“Anything to oblige, but you ought to take care. The next person might not stop in time.”

One eyebrow arched, and her eyes twinkled. “I doubt if the next person will be driving as fast. You’re a man in a hurry.”

“I’m meeting people. Just in case you hurt something when you stepped in front of my car, if you’ll give me your phone number, I’ll check on you later,” he offered with a smile.

“You’re coming on to me with the same speed you drive,” she remarked.

“Not really. If you want to see coming on to you fast, you give me your phone number. Or go to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

When she laughed again, he smiled, but he was curious about her answer. His pulse quickened at the thought of dinner with her. She was stunning with flawless skin and enormous, thickly lashed blue eyes.

She placed both hands on his open window and leaned closer until she was only inches away. “I’m not injured. I’m not giving you my phone number. Although I’m tempted, I’m not going to dinner with you,” she said in a deep-throated, sexy drawl that sent his temperature soaring. She was inches away, flirting with him, and her mouth looked enticing.

A car drove up behind him, and she stepped back.

“You’re blocking traffic,” she said in a breathless voice.

“You’re meeting a man for dinner, aren’t you?” he asked, not caring that he held up a car behind him.

“Yes,” she replied. “A man I love very much.” She turned and walked away as the waiting car honked. Nick watched the sway of her hips and then took his foot off the brake and drove to a parking space.

“You may love him, but you flirted with me,” Nick said quietly to no one. Nick arched an eyebrow and wondered about her.

By the time he had reached the entrance, she had disappeared inside. He wanted her name. She was dining with a man tonight, but if she wasn’t married or engaged, then that was no hurdle to getting to know her. She couldn’t be truly in love and act like she had. Unless the man she loved was her father. The last possibility made Nick smile.

Nick vowed he would get to know her. He laughed at himself. Why bother? Texas was filled with beautiful, sexy, interesting women. Still, when the maître d’greeted him and turned to lead him to his table, Nick scanned the room for sight of her.

“Your party is waiting, Mr. Ransome,” Darrell said, threading his way across the room. Nick glanced again at well-dressed people seated at tables, adorned with white linen cloths, candles and roses in crystal vases, in one of Dallas’s finest steak houses. A piano player’s soft, background music was a complement to the inviting ambience. It was Wednesday, the first week of July—Nick decided it had been a very good way to start the evening.

Darrell stepped out of the way, motioning Nick to a table with three people. Both men stood, but Nick’s gaze went to the blonde who remained seated and gazed back impassively.

His pulse jumped and for the second time in the past fifteen minutes, she gave him another jolt. If, in turn, his identity surprised her, she hid it well. And he knew any dinner involving just the two of them was off. His interest in her cooled to a glacial temperature.

Distaste and dull anger made Nick’s throat tight as he shook hands with Rufus Holcomb, CEO of Holcomb Drilling. The white-haired man gave Nick a firm handshake and Nick gazed into calculating blue eyes beneath shaggy white brows. The old man was shrewd, scheming and stubborn; Nick could feel the invisible tangle of wills as he greeted Rufus, their smiles belying what he knew each of them felt.

“Rufus, I’ve been looking forward to this,” Nick said, wondering why Rufus had wanted to meet for dinner.

“I can imagine,” Rufus answered dryly and turned to the blonde. “Julia, this is the infamous Nick Ransome,” he said. “Nick, meet my granddaughter, Julia Holcomb.”

She extended her hand and smiled coolly. “We’ve met,” she said, gazing steadfastly at Nick as she gave him a firm handshake. The moment he clasped her slender hand in his, his pulse jumped another notch and he couldn’t resist a glance at her full, pouty lips.

“So we have. Protector of dogs and grandfathers,” he said, releasing her hand and turning to a stocky blond man, shaking hands perfunctorily with Ransome Energy’s senior vice president of marketing and his lifelong friend, Tyler Wade.

When the three men sat, the waiter appeared to take drink orders. As soon as the waiter left, Rufus glanced at Nick and Julia. “So where and how did you two meet, since it had to have been after six this evening? And what’s this about protecting dogs?”

“Mr. Ransome is a fast driver and a stray wandered in front of his car tonight in the parking lot,” Julia said, watching Nick. The minute their gazes locked, he inhaled and his pulse jumped. “I imagine Mr. Ransome is fast in many things he does. Am I right?”

Nick could feel the friction that he had always experienced around Rufus extend to Julia, only it was different. Julia was a desirable woman and a challenge that he couldn’t ignore. “I would never tell a beautiful woman that she’s wrong,” Nick said smoothly, turning to Rufus. “You’re a scoundrel, Rufus, bringing your granddaughter, because you’re fully aware that all she has to do is bat her big blue eyes and she would tempt any man to give away the farm.”

Nick knew his sexist remark would make both Holcombs bristle, particularly since Rufus was always ready to fight. Nick wondered what it was about Julia that made him want to needle her.

“Julia is a vice president in our accounting department. As you’ll soon see, she’s an excellent employee to have at my side.”

“Thank you, Granddad. I doubt if Mr. Ransome will share your opinion or be in a position to know what kind of employee I am,” she said, smiling at Nick. But it was another chilly smile that conveyed no friendliness, and nothing like the irresistible, warm smiles she had flashed when they had been in the parking lot. Her blond hair was pulled behind her head and tied with a black scarf; he wondered how she would look if it were unfastened and loose over her shoulders.

“I’m sure your granddad is correct,” Nick replied. His emotions warred between competing with her and wanting to take her out and get to know her.

They paused when the sommelier appeared to uncork a bottle of wine, pour some for Nick’s approval and then fill the wineglasses. As soon as he left them, Rufus picked up his menu. “I’m starving and it’s been a long day. Actually, I usually eat almost two hours earlier, so let’s get some food on the table.”

“Fine,” Nick answered, knowing what he wanted because of his familiarity with the menu. He was eager to get on with the dinner that he expected would accomplish nothing except antagonize both the old man and his granddaughter further.

There was a brief discussion of various selections before the waiter appeared to tell them about the specials and then to take orders.

“I know you’ve got two splendid quarter horses you race out at that ranch of yours,” Rufus said. “How’re they doing this season?”

“Still winning,” Nick answered.

“Black Lightning won just last Saturday,” Julia said.

“You go to the races?” Nick asked her.

“No. I keep up with your horses. I think it’s wise to know your competitors,” she said.

“What else do I do that you keep up with?” he asked, smiling at her.

“You’ve been very successful. Your company has tripled in size in the past five years. You recently signed a deal to drill in Russia.”

“You do know about us,” Nick said, surprised. Their green salads came and conversation went back to quarter horses and breeding stock. All the time they talked, whenever Nick and Julia’s gazes met, he could feel electricity crackle between them. To his consternation, he acknowledged to himself that it took his breath just to look at her. Her flawless skin looked silky and soft. He wanted to sink his fingers in her golden hair. Several times, he jerked his thoughts back to the conversation when they drifted to erotic images of her.

Over thick, juicy steaks, their conversation went from Nick’s horses to Rufus’s hobby of sailing.

“You could retire, Rufus, and spend all your time sailing since you enjoy it so much,” Nick remarked.

Rufus’s mouth curled in a wolfish grin and he shook his head. “And let you steal my company? I don’t think so. No, I’ll continue like I am. Julia’s as good a sailor as I am. With her help, I expect to win the upcoming race, just as we intend to block you in a buyout.”

“So sailing is in your blood, too,” Nick said to her, ignoring Rufus’s remarks about business.

“Granddad’s been taking me sailing since I was five years old.”

“She’s got her own sailboat and it’s a real beauty,” Rufus said.

“What’s the name of your boat?” Nick asked. “I may have to come watch you race.”

“Granddad is the one racing. I’ll be his crew,” she replied, ignoring Nick’s question.

Their conversation remained neutral until coffee was served.

“Do you really think that our lawyers can sit down together Friday and hash out anything?” Julia asked, toying with her Bavarian apple tart dessert. “We don’t see any point in having them meet,” she added, gazing at Nick. Grudgingly, he had to admire her poise, she looked and sounded as if she had the upper hand in this struggle.

“If they meet, we might find common ground. And all of you can listen to my offer,” Nick replied.

“You can keep your so-called offer,” Rufus snapped. “You’re trying to rob me of Holcomb Drilling.”

“I have no intention of stealing your company,” Nick said. “The offer we’re going to bring to the table will be generous, cover your debts and give you an opportunity to retire and enjoy life.”

“Granddad isn’t ready to retire,” Julia remarked.

“Indeed, I’m not! Whatever your offer is, I’m turning it down. You might as well know that right now, Nick. As a matter of fact, you back off, damn quick, or I’ll ruin you in every way. You’ll regret going after Holcomb.”

Hanging on to his temper, Nick sipped his water, setting down his glass. “Don’t threaten me, Rufus,” he remarked quietly. “I’m not a young, green rookie just starting in business anymore.”

“Doesn’t matter. You back off if you know what’s good for you.”

“Frankly, I want what you have and you’ve had some setbacks that have dealt Holcomb Drilling financial blows. If I don’t step in and take over, someone else will. It’s inevitable.”

“It’s no such thing,” Julia answered quietly, and Nick met her gaze. She could play poker and not give anything away, he realized. She looked as impassive as if she were discussing the weather. Her granddad was not dealing as well with the conversation, Rufus’s face had reddened and his fists were clenched. “Don’t come after our company,” she said quietly. “It won’t be in your best interests if you do.”

“So you, too, are threatening me,” Nick remarked, banking his anger but impressed by her confidence. He saw the flash of fire in the depths of her eyes. Would she play as dirty as her deceased father had and her granddad? “Is this why you wanted to get together—to threaten me?”

Nick leaned toward her. “You want a fight, you’ll get a fight,” he said quietly. When she drew a deep breath, her breasts pushed against the black fabric of her dress. Nick let his gaze roam down and then up.

“You’ll know you’ve been in a battle, too, Mr. Ransome,” she stated flatly. “Granddad,” Julia said, placing her hand over his, “let’s go. I don’t think Mr. Ransome has any intention of cooperating or listening. There’s no need in dragging out the evening.” She stood and all the men came to their feet.

She looked up at Nick. “You’ll never acquire anything from us,” she said firmly. “You should spend your time taking care of what you have. And watching where you’re going.”

He was caught and held by invisible bonds, gazing back down at her and feeling the air between them crackle. He struggled to hang on to his temper, yet at the same time attraction burned hot and intense. She was desirable, beautiful and defiant and the competitor in him wanted to best her, while the healthy male that he was wanted her naked in his arms.

“Admit it, Mr. Ransome,” Julia said. “Your motive is revenge for times in the past when Granddad has bested you. Revenge is what this is about.”

“This will be a lucrative deal for all concerned,” Nick replied, keeping calm. “You’ll get rid of a lot of debt.”

“We’ll manage our company,” Julia replied smoothly, turning to Tyler. “I’m glad to have met you.”

Looping her arm through her grandfather’s, she turned to Nick. “I guess if I hadn’t stepped in front of you, you would have run right over that poor old dog. Manners force me to thank you for dinner, but it’s been less than pleasant. You may want revenge for imagined wrongs, but you’re not going to get it,” she added. “Back off, or you’ll regret it.”

Taking her grandfather’s arm, Julia started to walk away. Nick inhaled and his gaze drifted down over her, watching the sexy sway of her hips, looking at her long, shapely legs. He wanted her in an explosive way, wishing he could yank her into his embrace and kiss her into submission. At the same time, he was annoyed with himself.

He watched her walk across the restaurant until she was out of sight. Beside him, Tyler gave a long, low whistle. “She’s a pistol! Wow! And a real chip off the old block. I knew the old man was grooming her to take over, but I didn’t expect it this much and this soon, or his heir to be red-hot sexy and drop-dead gorgeous.”

Nick turned to his vice president. “I think she brings out the Neanderthal in me,” he said, and Tyler gave a dry laugh.

“She’d bring it out in any man who’s not dead. Whew! She’s feisty and maybe as underhanded as the rest of her family. She openly threatened you.”

“That will make this all the more interesting. Too bad she’s a Holcomb. Otherwise…” he let his voice trail away as he thought about Julia. “Let’s have coffee,” Nick said, sitting and facing Tyler. “Tell me again—we’ve got this takeover nailed, don’t we?”

“Yes, we do,” Tyler said, his gray eyes flashing with satisfaction. He poured more wine for himself and offered some to Nick, who shook his head.

“Make sure there aren’t any hitches. Rufus has killer instincts and he doesn’t draw the line at doing something illegal.”

“As long as you live, you’ll think it was one of their minions who ran you off the road back in your early days.”

“I know damn well it was, but there was no way to prove it in court. None. My word against them, and they would have had an alibi.”

“If that’s the case, be careful now. We’re going for his throat.”

“I’m not a kid now. I’m not worried about Rufus or Julia and her threats. More than ever, I want to destroy Holcomb and get revenge for my family.”

“Plus acquiring some real jewels,” Tyler declared, taking a long drink of wine. “Rufus’s sister, Helena, lives in Paris. Her health is failing and she has a nurse and companion, as well as a staff to take care of her condo. I flew over there myself to see her. She never wants to come back here.”

“That surprises me,” Nick said.

“She’s older than Rufus and thinks it’s high time he retired while he still has his health. She has definite ideas and it sounds as if the two haven’t gotten along from the day Rufus was born.”

“Julia isn’t close to her aunt?”

“No. Helena doesn’t think Julia should be at Holcomb. Helena’s opinion is that Julia should be home making babies.”

The image that popped into Nick’s mind temporarily wiped out hearing anything else that Tyler was telling him. Julia in bed. Nick’s temperature soared, and he tried to pull his thoughts back to Tyler and concentrate on his vice president’s conversation. Nick wiped his damp brow and stared at Tyler.

“We own every dime’s worth of Holcomb stock Helena possessed. You are now the major stockholder.”

“Are there any other relatives holding stock besides Julia and Rufus?”

“No. In addition to Rufus’s sister, Julia and Rufus are the only ones left. They only have each other,” Tyler exclaimed with eagerness. “Julia’s parents were killed in a plane crash three years ago. Between the Holcomb stocks and the bank, you’ve got ’em.”

Nick thought about the bank he had just purchased and the Holcomb mortgages he had acquired. “We can call those mortgages in whenever we want,” he said. “His family and ours have battled over horses and oil. It’s time to take Miss Julia Holcomb and her grandfather out of the picture. She’ll make a lot of money and so will Rufus. We’re not robbing them.”

A cell phone rang and Nick retrieved it from his pocket, talking softly and listening to his friend, Meredith Cates, while Tyler poured another glass of wine for himself.

“Sorry, Meredith. I’m tied up this weekend.” Nick listened while she fussed.

“I can’t change my plans. I’ll get back with you,” he said and switched off his phone.

“Another woman bites the dust,” Tyler said. “You go through them like lightning. Has there ever been one you couldn’t seduce?”

Nick smiled. “I’m sure there has,” he answered easily. “Although I can’t remember her,” he added, and they both laughed.

Tyler sipped his drink and gazed at his friend. “All right,” Nick said. “What’s up?”

“It’s after hours now, Nick. Business over.”

Nick nodded. “Right. I think I should do Gina a favor and drive you home.”

“Nope. I’m sober enough. I’ll tell you what—I want that year-old sorrel of yours—”

“Standing Tall? He’s still not for sale,” Nick replied firmly. “But you have an eye for horseflesh. He’s going to win me a bunch of races.”

“You like my new Ferrari, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to swap my horse for your car. I can buy a car. The horse takes breeding and luck.”

“You might not have to have to swap your horse. You might get both if you’re willing to take a risk.”

Nick drank the last of his coffee and set down his cup, his curiosity growing. “So what’s on your not-too-sober mind, Tyler?”

“Let me name a woman. If you can seduce her within the next two weeks, the car is yours. If you can’t, the horse is mine.”

Nick laughed. “You’ve lost it!”

“Listen to me. I’ll pick someone likely—she has to be under thirty, healthy, single, a knockout, unattached and a woman of my choice.”

“You’re nuts. You’ve had enough wine. Let’s go,” Nick said and stood. “We’ve done a lot of crazy things, Ty. This is one you’re not talking me into.”

“Since when do you balk at seduction of a beautiful woman?” Tyler said, standing and walking out beside Nick. “Scared to risk your horse? You might get my Ferrari.”

Thinking about the prize car, Nick glanced at his friend. “You’d really bet your car?”

“Yes, I will. I want that horse. I think I can name a woman you can’t seduce.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“C’mon, Nick. It’ll make life interesting. Matter of fact,” Tyler said, getting a brisk, businesslike tone back in his voice, “here’s your chance to make your revenge really sweet. Miss Julia Holcomb.”

“To hell with that one,” Nick said.

“Scared of her? That would be the ultimate revenge, Nick. Absolute. I know your negative answer is not because she isn’t attractive enough. Sparks were flying between the two of you tonight.”

“Forget it, Ty. I’m not eighteen anymore, and you’re not talking me into something crazy like you used to do.”

Tyler kicked a small rock as they crossed the parking lot. “There goes my horse.”

Nick laughed. “C’mon. I’ll take you home and Gina can bring you back tomorrow to pick up your car.”

As they crossed the parking lot Nick remembered Julia and their encounter. How long was it going to take him to forget her? Or his pulse to stop jumping at the mere thought of her? Seduce Julia? Just the suggestion made his breath catch. But he wasn’t getting into a crazy bet with Tyler, even though it would be both a challenge and sweet revenge to seduce her.

After depositing Tyler at his house, Nick headed to his condo. While he drove, he thought about dinner and his fiery exchanges with Julia Holcomb, the sparks he could feel every time he locked gazes with her.

Beautiful, sexy, pure poison because of her family. He knew she viewed him as a monster.

I guess if I hadn’t stepped in front of you, you would have run right over that poor old dog. As her words rang in his ears, Nick clamped his jaw shut. He might be ruthless at work, but he didn’t run down helpless animals. He knew she’d said it to aggravate him, and his annoyance increased that she’d succeeded.

Nick drove to his condo that was the entire top floor of a twenty-story building. He moved around in the dark, enjoying the lights of the city, still unable to keep memories of Julia from tormenting him. He stood by the window and looked down on the sparkling city lights that sprawled in all directions. She was somewhere out there, probably in bed asleep. That thought made him groan, and he turned away, switching on lights as he shed clothes. He wished he were out on his ranch where he could go for night ride. Restless, he crossed to his desk and pulled out a ledger to think about work and get his mind off big blue eyes, long legs and the fiery tension between him and Julia Holcomb.

It was after three in the morning before he fell asleep, but within thirty minutes, the ringing of his phone awakened him. Immediately alert, Nick stretched out a long arm and picked up the receiver. His first thought was that something might have happened to his dad, whose health wasn’t the greatest.

“Nick.”

He heard Tyler’s voice. “Is Dad okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Sorry. I’m not calling about your family.”

Relief swamped Nick and he flopped down in bed again. “That’s good. What are you calling about?”

“There was an explosion on one of our rigs in the Gulf. Now there’s a fire.”

“Dammit!” Nick swung out of bed. A tight knot of anger curled in his stomach. “Was anyone hurt?”

“Two men have been evacuated to a burn center.”

“Get the helicopter to meet me in Galveston. I can be there within the hour,” Nick said, grabbing jeans.

“Just hold tight and I’ll keep you posted. You don’t have to be out there fighting the fire. That’ll just worry your dad more. You’re going to have to break the news to him because he’s going to hear it in the morning anyway.”

“Tyler, you find out exactly what happened, down to the tiniest detail,” Nick said, anger burning him. “If there is anything that points to the Holcombs, I’m going to sell off that company of his bit by bit and wreck what I can’t sell.”

“I’ll get back with you.”

“I’ll call Dad in the morning. He doesn’t get up as early as he used to. The more casual I can be about it, the less concerned he’ll be. Maybe by that time, you’ll know more.”

“I’ll keep you posted.”

Nick replaced the receiver, staring at the phone speculatively. He stepped out of bed, because sleeping again was impossible. Remembering clearly Julia’s and Rufus’s threats, Nick doubled his fists. Had she been behind the destruction? Or had her grandfather?

At eight o’clock the next morning, Nick’s intercom buzzed and he listened to his secretary’s voice. “Julia Holcomb is on the phone and would like to see you today, if possible. Your calendar is clear in an hour and at two this afternoon.”

Surprised, he stared across his office and seethed with anger.

“I’ll see her in an hour,” he said flatly, his mind racing over what he wanted to do while he was curious about what she intended. He picked up a remote, switched on the news on the flat-panel television mounted on a wall across the room, and looked at images of what had been a productive Ransome oil rig only twenty-four hours earlier.

He stared while his anger climbed. Switching off the television, he tossed down the remote, picked up his phone and dialed Tyler’s cell number. In seconds, Tyler answered, static crackling.

“Any more news?” Nick asked.

“The fire expert is looking into the cause.”

“Remember that offer of a bet? Is it still on?”

“Bet?” Tyler sounded perplexed momentarily. “Ah, the horse and the car.”

“You’re on,” Nick snapped. “If the Holcombs want a fight, they’ll get a fight. If I seduce Julia within two weeks, I win your prize car.”

“And if you don’t, I want your horse,” Tyler replied, his voice fading.

“Keep me posted.”

“What? I’m losing you, Nick.”

Nick replaced the receiver and stared at the door, not seeing his office, but remembering Julia Holcomb’s blue eyes, her long legs. Revenge would be sweet. Seduction would be just the beginning.

As his appointment with Julia Holcomb approached, Nick glanced around, hoping that his office was bigger, finer and more intimidating than her own. Immediately, he had to laugh at himself. Never in his life had he felt that way with anyone, much less someone he was going to destroy.

He looked at the walnut paneling, the thick oriental carpet in muted colors, the oversized, polished mahogany table that served as his desk and brown leather furniture. The walls of his office held original oils by famous painters, art acquired on his trips to Europe. He was located on the eighteenth floor of the Ransome Building in downtown Dallas. He knew Holcomb Drilling was in a ten-story, suburban brick building that had been built about twenty years earlier to replace the old offices in downtown Dallas.

The intercom buzzed, and his secretary announced Julia’s arrival.

As the door closed behind Julia, he rose to his feet. She was as beautiful as he remembered. He hoped his features were as impassive as hers, but he couldn’t resist an appreciative head-to-toe glance. Taking in her tailored black suit and blouse, her blond hair coiled and pinned on her head, he wanted to tangle his fingers in that neat hairdo and watch those silky locks fall.

“Good morning,” he said, smiling at her. “Welcome to the wolf’s den.”

Two

“Good morning. I’m surprised you admit it,” Julia said, smiling as she crossed the room and extended her hand to shake Nick’s.

“Why wouldn’t I think this is a good morning?” he asked, something flashing in the depths of his dark eyes.

“Since I’m paying a call,” she answered.

In a long-legged easy stride, Nick came around from behind his desk. His charcoal suit added to his dark, handsome looks which she tried to avoid thinking about as much as she tried to ignore her excitement at the sight of him. She loathed dealing with Nick and beneath what she hoped was a cool, collected facade, she fought a rising panic over what Nick was about to do to her grandfather and what she could not stop.

When she shook hands with him, his fingers closed around hers, warm and firm, in a contact that sizzled to her toes. How could she be so physically drawn to him when emotionally she viewed him as a ruthless competitor? She withdrew her hand swiftly.

“Won’t you be seated,” he said, motioning her to a leather chair. He pulled another chair around to face her and sat only a few feet away. His brown eyes bore into her and she tried to remain cool.

She crossed her legs and noticed his gaze drifting down to her ankles. Just a look from him made her tingle. She was accustomed to having control of most aspects of her life and she was chagrined to discover her reaction to Nick Ransome today was as volatile as her response during the first few minutes in the restaurant parking lot.

“I know you won’t make this easy for me,” she said.

“I’m damned astounded you’re here,” he admitted with a frankness that took her by surprise.

Unable to avoid noticing how thickly lashed his dark eyes were, she stared back at him. “I thought we ought to get on better footing than we were last night.”

“I find that also amazing,” he added. He looked relaxed, sitting in the chair, one ankle on his knee, but she had a feeling that he was holding back fury. His dark brown eyes sparked with fire. His curly, dark brown hair softened his features slightly.

“I know we parted on a bad note last night—”

“That’s rather an understatement.”

“I thought perhaps I should try again to persuade you to let go your intentions to acquire Holcomb Drilling.”

“My objectives have been reinforced since dinner.”

“Your hostility has grown,” she said, wondering about his barely banked fury. “Maybe there’s no point in this visit.”

“Are you aware that one of our rigs burned in the night?”

“No, I didn’t know that.” She didn’t try to hide her surprise and then guessed the reason for his smoldering anger. “That’s what you’ve been referring to—”

“An explosion of an unknown origin caused the fire.” His words were clipped and his eyes blazed with anger.

“You’re blaming us?”

“Did Rufus hire someone to do it?” Nick cut in with a voice as cold as ice.

“No!” she exclaimed, furious that he would jump to conclusions without proof. “Granddad would never stoop to something like that. Or risk the lives of people who have nothing to do with the fight between the two of you. Never!”

“I’m afraid it’ll take more than your denial to convince me,” Nick said in what she thought was an annoying stubbornness to lay blame on her family.

“If there was an explosion or fire since we were together last night, aren’t you being premature in jumping to conclusions about the cause?” she asked. “I think it often takes time to discover what starts a fire.”

Something flickered in the depths of his dark eyes. “You’re right, of course,” he said pleasantly, his anger vanishing as if she had waved a magic wand. “Until I hear from the arson experts, I’ll hold my judgment about the cause.”

“That’s the only sensible thing to do,” she replied.

“In the meantime, what brings you to my office?” he asked in a pleasant tone, ignoring her sarcasm.

He smiled and waited. She gazed back steadfastly, her anger with him rising and becoming a tight, knot inside. She didn’t trust his friendliness for a second. He had turned it on like switching on a light, and the warmth in his voice couldn’t conceal the fiery anger in his eyes. Determined to not let him know how disturbed she felt, she concentrated on being civil and hiding her fury.

“I want to meet with you again, informally as we did last night, and see what we can work out,” she replied, hoping she sounded as relaxed and friendly as he had. “We both have old companies that were family-owned for many years. There aren’t many of those around any longer. I want to keep our company intact as long as Granddad is living. This company has been his whole life.”

“Perhaps your granddad shouldn’t have spread himself so thin,” Nick remarked dryly.

Banking her annoyance, she nodded. “Maybe, if you’re willing to try, we can work something out that will be to your satisfaction and ours. You surely will be reasonable enough to discuss the matter informally before the lawyers take charge tomorrow.”

She hoped she looked and sounded amiable, far from how she felt. She loved her granddad and if the company were taken from him, she was afraid it would be the end of him. He had devoted his life to it and now to see it in precarious straits kept her sleepless at night. The problem was compounded by the fact that it was Nick who was after Holcomb Drilling. The Ransomes and Holcombs were old enemies, forever business competitors. She stared into Nick’s brown eyes; his bland gaze belied the chemistry between them. Her breath caught. She couldn’t move or speak or think, and he was doing nothing except look at her. She was caught and held, her heart pounding loudly enough that she wondered if he could hear it. She hated her reaction, to him, yet she couldn’t prevent it.

“All right,” he agreed. “We’ll keep it informal. You and your granddad like boats and the water. I have a twenty-footer, give or take a few feet, that sleeps six. It’s docked in Galveston Bay. We can fly down there and spend the weekend on the water.”

Startled, she stared at him while she mulled his offer. “A weekend together? I had dinner in mind.”

He shrugged. “You wanted a casual, friendly meeting. A weekend on the water—we can stay out of each other’s way or talk, whatever we want to do. The weekend would be casual—and we’ll get to know each other and what each one of us wants,” he said pleasantly.

Her mind raced. She had never expected several days with Nick Ransome. Yet this might give her the chance to win him over and talk him into leaving Holcomb Drilling untouched. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. “What if I come without Granddad?” she asked, “I’d like to be able to speak freely without worrying him.”

“Fine,” Nick said, something again flickering in the depths of his eyes. “I think the weather is supposed to be good, so we should have a calm time.”

“The two of us together—a ‘calm’ time? I don’t think it’s possible.”

He gave her a taunting, crooked smile. “Then if not calm, interesting.”

“If we’re not at each other’s throats, it’ll be a smashing success,” she said. He touched the corner of her mouth, she tingled from the contact.

“There would be only one reason for me to be ‘at your throat,’” he drawled in a husky voice.

“Now you’re flirting,” she accused.

“Don’t sound so surprised. You’re a beautiful woman.”

“I rather distrust your motives for turning on your charm.”

“I meant what I said,” he insisted.

“Very well. A weekend on the water,” she said, not feeling the relief and satisfaction she had expected to feel if he agreed to getting together. “Since we’re going to talk more about the company, can we postpone tomorrow’s meeting and let our lawyers get together next week?”

“It’s fine with me to move the meeting. Make it a week from Friday,” Nick replied, flashing her a smile that curled her toes. His white teeth were a contrast with his dark skin; creases bracketed his mouth and heightened his appeal. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow about four and we can fly to Galveston,” he said, getting up to go around his desk for pen and paper. “Give me your address.”

“Write out where to meet you at the dock. I don’t mind the drive to Galveston and I have an errand to run on the way,” she said, not wanting to fly with him. She watched his well-shaped hands as he wrote an address. She stood and he moved beside her to show her what he had written.

He stood close enough that his shoulder and arm brushed against her. She could detect his enticing aftershave, feel the warmth from his body. Her drumming pulse was impossible to control.

There was no denying the reaction she had to Nick. Was she making a wise move to spend the weekend on Nick’s boat—just the two of them, plus his crew in the background? Yet it was the only way she could see to try to win Nick’s friendship so that he would at least listen to reason when they were ready to negotiate.

As it stood now, she and Nick were at loggerheads, and that would do nothing to win Nick Ransome over to doing what she wanted.

On the other hand, to be shut away with Nick for the weekend on a boat sent her heart racing into overdrive. She reassured herself that she and Nick wouldn’t really be alone, and they would be together only for the weekend.

As Nick gave her directions, she struggled to listen. He turned to face her, and they stood only inches apart.

“If you prefer, I’ll send a car to pick you up tomorrow—about four and you can still do your errands.”

“Thanks, but I’ll drive myself,” she replied, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a wicked grin.

“Scared to leave transportation behind?” he asked.

“Of course not, or I wouldn’t have suggested coming by myself,” she replied, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Taking the directions from his hand, she picked up her purse and headed for the door. Suddenly he was there in front of her, reaching around her. Instead of opening the door, he stepped closer and blocked her with his hand on the knob, his arm a barrier. She turned to look up at him.

“So is it going to be all business this weekend?” he asked in a husky, seductive voice that created a honeyed warmth in her.

“Probably not,” she replied breathlessly, wishing she could wrap him around her little finger and get what she wanted from him. Nick leaned closer and his gaze lowered to her mouth.

Her lips parted, tingling, but she moved around him and placed her hand over his on the knob. The instant she touched him, another fiery current simmered from her fingers to her toes.

She looked up at him. “I need to open the door.”

With a smile, he swung the door wide and then he followed her into the reception area. “Tomorrow afternoon about five or six.”

“Fine,” she said, glancing over her shoulder at him. At the outer door, she looked back to find him still watching her. The minute she was in the hallway, her smile vanished. “What have I done?” she asked herself as she stepped into the empty elevator. “The only thing you could do,” she answered herself, butterflies still fluttering in her stomach, her palms sweaty from spending the past few minutes with Nick.

No man had ever disturbed her the way Nick had and that worried her most of all because she was usually in control of her responses.

All the rest of the day and far into the night, she weighed the pros and cons of spending a weekend with him. Yet she had to do something to try to get a satisfactory settlement, or even better, get Nick to back off and leave Holcomb Drilling unscathed.

The next afternoon, as she drove over the arching causeway to Galveston and looked below at sparkling blue water, she asked herself the same question worrying her constantly since leaving his office. Would this weekend help save Holcomb Drilling?

Could she resist Nick’s sex appeal? She reminded herself that all she had to do was remember what he intended to do to her heritage and future.

She shook her shoulders as if she banished a problem. How easy it was to think his appeal diminished when she was miles away from him!

“Be polite, professional,” she reminded herself, glancing at the rearview mirror. She wanted something from him and there was no hope of getting it if she exposed her fury.

In minutes she parked at the Galveston Yacht Club. She slipped her backpack and her purse over her shoulder and picked up her briefcase. Taking a deep breath as if going into a battle, she circled the yacht club and strolled down to the wharf to look for the slip with his boat. She spotted him in cutoffs, a T-shirt and wraparound sunglasses. He and another man were in a motorboat. When Nick saw her, he sprang to the dock and came striding forward to meet her.

It was warm and she’d worn cutoffs, a cotton shirt, deck shoes and sunglasses and she suspected that behind his dark glasses, he was giving her a quick, thorough assessment. An appraisal that she gave him in return while her pulse thudded. His T-shirt molded sculpted muscles, the short sleeves stretched by thick biceps. His chest tapered to a narrow waist, flat stomach and well-muscled legs. The cutoffs were brief and tight. She should have guessed that beneath those elegant suits he wore, he had muscles.

The same mixture of attraction and dislike gripped her. She hated his intentions to destroy her family’s business but, as a woman, she responded eagerly to Nick.

“You really intend to work,” he said, taking her briefcase from her.

“Certainly. That’s the whole point of getting together this weekend.”

“I thought my personality enticed you.”

She had to laugh at him. “With the lifelong differences between us? I don’t think so.”

“When you weren’t here half an hour ago, I thought you’d changed your mind about sailing with me,” he said.

“No. Just a slight delay,” she said, startled that he guessed that she’d almost canceled the weekend. Duty urged her to do what she could and spend time with him, so she was going to follow her conscience.

“Great,” he said, taking her arm. He waved her briefcase slightly. “I’ll make a bargain with you. In the interest of getting acquainted and laying some groundwork for keeping things civil between us, no business discussions until twenty-four hours from now. That way, we’ll have a pleasant weekend, get acquainted and get down to the nuts and bolts maybe tomorrow this time. How’s that for a deal?”

“Fine with me,” she said, looking into his unfathomable brown eyes and wondering what was behind his suggestion. Was he laying the groundwork for seduction? The mere speculation thrilled her in a way she hated.

“Good,” Nick replied cheerfully. “Come meet my captain, Luis.”

Nick jumped into the motorboat, causing it to rock slightly. He set down her briefcase, took her backpack and purse. Then his hands closed around her waist and he swung her into the boat. He lifted her easily and they gazed into each other’s eyes while he held her. Her hands rested on his forearms, where she detected the flex of solid muscles. Each contact heightened her reaction to him. He held her a fraction longer than necessary and she stood with her hands on his forearms when she could have stepped away. As she looked into his brown eyes, she knew he wanted her. He released her and turned to a man standing in the boat.

“Julia, this is Luis Reyna. Luis, this is Miss Holcomb.”

She greeted the tall black-haired man and then she sat in the front of the boat. She watched Nick’s muscles ripple and flex as he unfastened the line and pushed away, and in seconds, they chugged slowly from the dock.

“So where are we headed? I know we’re not spending the weekend in this,” she said, looking at a number of yachts and sailboats at anchor.

“There’s my boat, For Ransome,” he said, pointing to the southwest.

She followed his gaze to see a large, sleek yacht. “Give or take a few feet,” she said, repeating what he had told her about his boat. “It has to be over forty feet long,” she said, eyeing the white yacht that had teak accents and a thin gold stripe on the hull. Nick smiled and shrugged.

When they were alongside, a man dropped a ladder over the side. Nick took her backpack and purse and scrambled up, turning to help her, leaning down to circle her waist with his arm and swing her to the deck.

This time, he released her immediately. “Julia, this is Dorian Landry. Dorian, meet my guest, Miss Holcomb.”

She greeted the man and then walked away while the two men talked. Nick’s luxurious yacht exceeded her family’s large, comfortable sailboat, reinforcing her awareness of Nick as a powerful, formidable opponent no matter how sexy and appealing he appeared.

“Let me show you your cabin,” he said, catching up with her. She followed him down a companionway to a spacious starboard cabin with a cream berth in beige and white decor.

“Want to come above while we head out? We’ll travel along the coast. I’ll give you the official tour of my boat later.”

“Sure,” she said, setting down her things, aware that in spite of the roominess, Nick dominated the cabin with his height and presence. When they went above, to her surprise, Nick took the wheel and she glanced around. “Where’s Luis? And Dorian?”

“They’re headed back,” Nick said with a jerk of his head.

Startled, she frowned at Nick. “We’re alone?”

“Yes. I thought that’s what we agreed,” he replied, looking at her and his eyes narrowing. “Changed your mind? I can take you back.”

“No,” she answered, questions tumbling in her mind. Could they be civil to each other through the entire weekend? Would she be able to resist his charm? Could she cope with him alone for hours on end?

“Of course not,” she replied, hoping her voice sounded cool and composed and far from giving away mild panic. “I was just surprised that you didn’t keep a crew on board.”

“No need,” he answered easily, gazing ahead as if his thoughts were more on navigating than on her. “I like handling the boat and I’m sure you don’t want every minute of my time,” he remarked dryly, turning to meet her gaze. Electricity sparked between them and she couldn’t look away. Silence stretched, crackling with tension.

His dark chocolate, thickly lashed bedroom eyes could nail her and she wondered how much he saw. He was fit, handsome and she had to admire his drive and energy, which she wished he had directed somewhere besides at her family.

Did he know how she truly felt toward him, that the weekend was a sham? She wanted something from him and she intended to get it.

She inhaled, but she still couldn’t look away. Then his cell phone rang, breaking the spell. To give him privacy, she started to leave, but Nick motioned her to remain while he listened to his call.

“No, we’re not losing that property, Tyler. Go as high as you need to, but you see that we’re the buyers,” Nick said and then was quiet again. “I don’t care. Just acquire the leases, whatever you have to pay.” Another moment of silence. Wind had tangled his curly hair, and unruly locks just added to his handsome looks.

“We’re losing the connection, Tyler. You’ve got your authority and instructions.” Nick turned off the phone and set it down.

As she listened to him, descriptions materialized in her thoughts—sexy, ruthless, driven, handsome, good, bad and irresistible. His hands moved lightly over the wheel and he glanced at her. “I don’t exactly see approval in your expression.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know enough to approve or not approve.”

“Oh, yes, you do. You know my company will outbid the others no matter what price. You don’t approve.”

“I don’t know the circumstances. I just know you like to win.”

“I’d guess we’re cut out of the same cloth there. I don’t think you like to lose, either,” he said dryly.

“I doubt if winning or losing is as all-important to me as much as it is you. There are other things that I give my efforts to.”

“Is that right? So how do you like to spend your time?” he asked. His voice transformed into a lower, huskier tone that gave his question a hint of sexual innuendo.

“Get your mind off sex,” she said lightly. “You know that wasn’t my reference.”

“I can always hope,” he replied, and she smiled.

“There, that would melt the hardest heart,” he said, touching the corner of her mouth. “What temptation!”

“Perhaps now you should concentrate on getting your yacht into open water.”

He nodded, but his gaze remained on her. With an effort, she pulled her attention from him. Breathless, she left to get distance between them, stepping out into sunshine and fresh air, wanting to fan herself and knowing that her warmth wasn’t caused by the weather. Also knowing that his brief phone conversation revealed how important winning was to him.

She moved to the railing and let the wind tangle her hair as a fine spray blew back over her. She watched gulls circling, swooping down to scoop something from the water. A jellyfish, a pale transparent blob, occasionally floated near the surface and then vanished from her sight. She thought about yesterday afternoon when she had gone to see her granddad, asking him directly if he knew anything about the fire on the Ransome oil rig.

His blue eyes had widened. “No, I don’t know anything about a fire.” He scowled. “Why would you think I’d know? Did Ransome or some of his people accuse us of that?”

“Nick Ransome thought we might have been the reason for the fire. As of now, the cause is unknown.”

“That bastard. He’ll say or do anything, just like his father.”

“Forget it, Granddad. I just wanted to hear you say that we had no part in it.” She had wanted to be sure, but now wished she hadn’t brought up the matter.

Reassured, she looked down at the blue-green water sweeping against the yacht and hoped the fire experts learned exactly what had caused the blaze. Would Nick admit to her that he had been wrong to accuse her granddad? She doubted if he would.

She glanced over her shoulder and could see Nick inside at the wheel. They were alone on this boat for the weekend. She hoped she could hide her stormy emotions from him.

The Gulf was smooth and the breeze was cool, a perfect day that appeared peaceful and gave no hint of the turmoil churning inside her. She enjoyed the ride, but knew if she wanted to win Nick over, she wouldn’t succeed by avoiding him. She wondered how many women he had brought on board that had wanted all his time and attention.

She returned to the pilothouse and when she reached his side, he stepped away slightly. “Want to take the wheel?”

“Sure,” she said, taking it, aware of their hands brushing before he stepped aside. Spreading his feet, he placed his hands on his hips as he watched her.

“So you’ve been sailing since you were five,” he commented. “Is this one of your favorite pastimes or are you doing it to be nice to your granddad?”

“I enjoy sailing. I’ve grown up doing it. Look out there,” she said, waving her hand toward the stretch of blue-green water and the lush green. “This is another world and I can forget the office.”

“There are all sorts of ways to forget the office,” he said in a husky voice, moving closer.

“Careful, you’re coming on again,” she said, smiling at him.

“Nothing wrong with that,” he said, smiling in return, a devastating, knee-melting smile that made her draw her breath. Creases bracketed his mouth and, with an effort, she tried to concentrate on the boat cutting smoothly through the water. “What else have you been doing, besides sailing? I don’t know much about you,” he said, leaning his hip against the bulkhead and giving her his undivided attention. It made her heart race.

“I went to Rice, returned home to go to work for Granddad. I bought my own home and I sail on weekends. A simple life. That’s about it.”

“No special man in your life?”

“No, there isn’t,” she said, turning to look into his dark eyes, wondering about the women in his life. His mouth was wide, his lower lip full, sensual. What would it be like to kiss him? She struggled to get her thoughts elsewhere.

“Was there an important man?” Nick repeated.

She shook her head again. “Not really. No, there never has been anyone.”

“Ah, you’re particular.”

She smiled. “Or busy.”

“The ice princess,” he said softly, his dark gaze filled with speculation. “With your heart sealed away. Who will melt your heart of ice and turn you into a warm, passionate woman?”

She laughed. “Are you trying to offer yourself for that role? If so, save your breath.”

“I know better than to do that,” he replied lightly. “Besides, whoever melts the ice princess then has a responsibility.”

“So, Nick Ransome, you have some old-fashioned ideas lurking.”

“I keep them locked away rather well,” he replied.

“I imagine you do. What about you? I don’t know much about you, either.”

“My life is an open book. I like closing a deal that I’ve worked hard to get, making money, flying, sailing, swimming, passionate women, fast horses and faster cars, long, wet kisses, making love in the moonlight and touching. Pretty predictable, I’d say.”

“Right, just the guy next door,” she remarked facetiously, but her pulse quickened at his answers and the thoughts his remarks conjured up. If only business didn’t stand between them, she thought and then realized the dangerous direction of following what-if thoughts.

“What big goals do you have?” he asked. “To be CEO of Holcomb Drilling? To destroy Ransome Energy? To fight with me and win?”

She laughed. “I think you’re answering your own questions. Except I don’t have ambitions to be a CEO. As for ruining Ransome Energy,” she said, looking at him, “that’s a tempting one. Especially when you’re out to smash us. Now if we can settle our differences peacefully, I’ll be quite happy. Otherwise—” She broke off and gazed out at the water, watching waves come up to meet them.

“But if we don’t, you’re threatening me, aren’t you?”

Meeting Nick’s gaze squarely, she felt the contest of wills. “We’re like two sharks circling each other, part of the time swimming together, part of the time eyeing each other as dinner.”

He leaned closer. “You would be the tastiest morsel I ever sunk my teeth into,” he drawled in a low, husky voice.

“Careful, Nick, I might bite back,” she said seductively, unable to resist dallying with him in return.

“This weekend gets to be a better idea by the second,” he said, leaning closer.

She placed her hand against his chest. “You stay right where you are.”

He grinned with a disarming flash of white teeth. “I’ll check over the place and be back shortly,” he said, leaving her at the wheel. She was surprised he trusted her because he didn’t know whether she could handle his yacht. Yet in the calm sea, there would be few problems and he was probably counting on that.

Soon he returned, making her heart race as he walked up to her. “I’ll take the wheel now,” he said, his hands brushing hers lightly. She tingled, aware of the warmth of him as he stood close beside her. “I have a favorite cove,” he continued. “It’s sheltered, has a beach and we can swim.”

“Sounds marvelous,” she said, barely knowing how she responded as she watched him.

“See,” he said waving his hand and she watched as they followed the shoreline in a sweeping curve.

“It’s beautiful,” she said when she saw his destination, animosity momentarily forgotten as she turned her attention to the breathtaking view of blue water, white sand and tall, swaying palms. “Your cove is paradise,” she said quietly, wishing she were with a companion to share the beauty of the place and make it a weekend of warm memories instead of a chess match with high stakes.

“This is a special escape. I’ve been sailing here for several years.”

“I’m surprised there isn’t anyone else here.”

“That’s part of the charm. Most of the time, this inlet is secluded. And in a few minutes, we can drop anchor,” he said, taking the wheel from her and brushing his hands over hers. “I’ll give you a tour of my boat and then we can swim,” he said.

A few minutes later, he took her arm to go down the companionway to show her the cherrywood and stainless steel galley that opened into the saloon. The galley held a refrigerator, a freezer, a four-burner stove, a built-in table and bench.

“Hopefully, everything we need or want.”

“That’s your life, isn’t it, Nick,” she declared. “Everything you need or want at your fingertips. You have to get your way.”

He turned his attention to her and arched an eyebrow. He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I suspect in a few areas, we’re too much alike. So far, you seem accustomed to getting your way and determined to continue to do so.”

“So I guess we’re locked in a contest of wills.”

“This should be the most delicious, hottest challenge I’ve ever faced.”

“Don’t make me a challenge,” she cautioned. Aware of his smoldering gaze on her, she moved around the galley, lightly touching the gleaming cherrywood cabinets. “This is a beautiful yacht.”

“I like beautiful things, particularly beautiful women,” he said in a low voice.

“Well, now that doesn’t surprise me one degree.” She turned to study him, sensing the sparks flying between them. “I hope this weekend thing was a good idea,” she said quietly, her pulse quickening as he stepped closer. When he brushed a tendril of hair away from her face, his fingers skimmed her cheek lightly.

“This weekend is going to be sweet. The wise choice is always to get to know each other and to garner a clear understanding of what your opponent wants.”

“We don’t have to be opponents, Nick.”

“No, we don’t,” he replied, his voice thick and husky.

“That was not a come-on. Don’t mistake it for one,” she stated and wished her voice held more force. “If we can just work it out where you don’t hurt Granddad,” she said, trying to get back to the purpose of her being on Nick’s yacht, “I’ll try to see that you get business concessions in return that satisfy you completely.”

“You want to satisfy me completely?” he said huskily, sending her temperature soaring. Fire danced in the depths of his eyes, and her pulse pounded. He looked at her as if he were about to kiss her.

“Did you even hear the word business? I still feel as if I’m swimming with a shark that is eyeing me for dinner,” she stated breathlessly.

“There is nothing like a shark about what I want. ‘Satisfy me completely’…that opens visions of possibilities.”

“You know what I meant! I’m not talking about in bed,” she said bluntly. “I meant absolutely no reference to anything personal.”

“Too bad. If you had, I might be more easily persuaded.” His hand rested on her shoulder and his thumb lightly rubbed her throat, then paused. “It isn’t problems with work that has your pulse racing,” he drawled, and her heart thumped. Nick saw too much, understood too clearly, guessed too accurately about her. She was held immobile by his hungry, steadfast gaze. That first searing attraction when they met was escalating at an alarming rate.

“We both know that we have some chemistry between us—it doesn’t mean a thing,” she said.

“I beg to differ,” he said softly. “From the moment you ran in front of my car and stopped me, the attraction has been undeniable. My curiosity’s stirred. I want to discover the depth of this fire that’s between us.”

“There is nothing between us except a disagreement we’re trying to solve,” she argued breathlessly.

“You know better than that,” he responded with a wicked arch of one dark eyebrow. “Right now, your pulse races and so does mine.”

“I think I’ll go on instinct here. Beware the circling shark.”

“You’re the one who wanted to get close,” he reminded her.

“Not quite as close as you have in mind. You’re going way too fast. Slow down, Nick. This time two nights ago, we were barely speaking.”

She was hot—her heart thudding, her breathing ragged—but she knew she had to get control of herself as well as cool him down. She couldn’t stop her body from responding to him, but she should maintain distance between them. A degree of aloofness was becoming increasingly more vital to her well-being. She didn’t want to end up two days from now with her heart lost to Nick Ransome. He was everything she didn’t want in her life. Business rival. Ambitious, ruthless and into risks. She knew he had been in Special Forces, knew he had a reputation for doing as many wild things as his mountain-climbing brother, who had recently died in an accident.

With effort, she turned away. “Let’s finish this tour or the sun will set before we can swim. I like to see what I’m swimming in.” When he didn’t answer and silence stretched, she was compelled to glance back at him.

As soon as she turned, she found him watching her intently, that smoldering anger back in his expression. Comparing him to a shark was apt—he looked like a predator, a danger to her heart. She had to put distance between them. She didn’t trust his motives and his smooth talk. Seduction? The thought shook her, but she reminded herself that if she let him seduce her, she would probably regret it forever because her emotions would be entangled in the act while she was certain his would not.

“Are we going to continue the tour?”

“Sure,” he said and led the way below to his forward stateroom. In his stateroom, she stepped away from him while she gazed at the king-size berth, navy and white decor and mirrors on the bulkhead. Too clearly, she could imagine him sprawled out in that bed. The image of his broad, bare chest, lean length, hard muscles, flashed hotly, making her grit her teeth.

Drawing a deep breath, she turned to see two large hanging lockers, plush chairs and a desk.

“As you already know, your stateroom is luxurious and beautiful,” she said, glancing at him.

He stood with one shoulder braced against a bulkhead while he watched her. He shrugged lightly. “I don’t spend a lot of time in here. C’mon. I’ll show you the rest.”

She drew a quick breath. The yacht that had appeared so large and accommodating was shrinking with each passing hour. She suspected she and Nick would be together nearly every waking minute and the thought of spending the entire weekend near each other fueled her burning desire.

More aware of Nick than her surroundings, she followed him while he showed her the salon where sunlight streamed in through portholes. He had a game room with a pool table and a plasma television.

When they finished the tour, she returned to her cabin to change to her swimsuit, a black two-piece cut inches below her waist, high over each thigh. It was no more revealing than what many other women wore, but now she longed for a one piece that covered as much of her as possible. The expanses of bare flesh she was presenting would be a come on to Nick.

Why had this weekend seemed such a good idea when she had been alone at home? At that time, she hadn’t factored in the scalding response she had to Nick, a reaction that heightened steadily.

“He’s just another man and one you don’t like very much anyway,” she whispered to herself, yet she knew that wasn’t true. But he wasn’t just another man, and while he angered her, he also appealed to her.

Plaiting her hair into one thick braid, she studied herself in a mirror, turning first one way and then another, knowing she was locked in a contest of wills with him. The outcome of their battle would probably be determined this weekend, no matter what transpired between their lawyers. This was one struggle she intended to win, and the unwanted steamy attraction between her and Nick wasn’t going to get in her way or defeat her.

He was a sexy male with a strong liking for women, so he was approachable. She intended to win him over without selling her soul—or her body—to do it.

“You’re playing with dynamite,” she whispered to herself.

She could resist him because their families had feuded for generations. Her granddad despised Nick, his brother, his father and his grandfather when he had been alive. With that history, she could withstand Nick Ransome’s charm. She just hoped he couldn’t resist cooperating with her.

She wondered what the evening would bring as she went to join him, feeling as if she were diving into water that held a shark.

Her conscience told her that Nick would never resort to a shark’s tactics. He would never attack and devour. There was never need to. Nick’s appeal was the most dangerous kind of all to resist—pure seduction.

Three

As Julia emerged onto the deck, Nick’s dark gaze drifted over her like a caress, a slow perusal that sent tingles dancing in its wake. His approval was obvious.

At the same time, she was mesmerized, unable to keep from returning his study, letting her gaze lower across his bare, muscled chest with a mat of brown curly hair. Sunlight splashed over his tanned body, with golden highlights on the swell of hard muscles. His broad chest tapered to a tiny waist and slim hips and a black strip of swimsuit that bulged with his masculinity. His long, muscular legs were covered lightly in short brown hairs. She imagined what it would feel like to be in his arms, pressed against his strong, warm length.

“You’re beautiful, Julia,” he said quietly. “Definitely an unfair advantage in this battle between us.” Moving closer, he reached out to tug lightly on her braid and his knuckles brushed her bare shoulder.

“We’re not in a battle today,” she said.

“Liar,” he accused lightly. “You’re taking unfair advantage here.”

She stepped closer, looking up at him, only inches of space between them. “No more unfair advantage than you do when you flirt,” she said in a sultry voice.

Desire smoldered in his dark eyes. He dropped his towel before placing his hands on her waist. “I have that effect on you?” he asked.

“You know you do. Don’t act surprised,” she chided, more aware of his hands on her than of what she was saying.

“You’re keeping a barrier between us. I want to scale that wall you’ve surrounded yourself with. I want to get to know you.”

“Nick,” she cautioned. “We have to step back and get a lid on the sex and emotion.”

“Let go a little and let’s see where they take us,” he coaxed. He reached out to let his fingers slowly trace her jawline. “Let’s start with a swim.”

She was tempted to tell him to turn the yacht around and head back. She didn’t want a weekend with him coming on to her and turning her into breathless mush, a melting, responsive female who boosted his ego and gave him the upper hand in their dealings. She knew enough about him to know there was a steady stream of women in his life. She didn’t want to fall into his arms and his bed, and then be tossed aside like an old shoe. Only an old shoe didn’t feel anything. She had always avoided heartbreak, and she could imagine the casualties in Nick’s background.

He lowered the ladder over the side and stepped back. “You can go into the water this way,” he said, motioning with a wave of his hand.

“Do you climb down that?”

“I dive.”

“Then I will, too,” she said. He laughed, touching her cheek lightly with his forefinger.

“Ever competitive. Let’s go.” He stepped to the side, going over in a smooth dive, his muscles flexing. Her mouth went dry as she looked at his long, powerful body in prime physical condition.

Trying to stop her flood of thoughts about him, she followed him, feeling refreshingly cool water closing over her. She came up to find him swimming away from her, parallel to the beach, and she followed, catching up with him and swimming beside him. What compelled her to compete with him on every level? She wanted to best him in every way, wring what she wanted out of him, make him as breathless when they flirted as he made her. She suspected on the last, she did. Only she knew his flirting might have a deeper effect on her. She was certain that she couldn’t be as casual about sex as he could be.

He turned to swim back to her. “Want to snorkel or just swim?”

“Snorkel,” she replied.

Nick splashed out of the water, clambering back on board to return in minutes with breathing equipment for both of them.

As she swam under the surface, she looked with wonder at the world of water she had entered. Brightly colored fish, in deep blues and bright yellows swam gracefully near. She clutched Nick’s arm to look at one with brilliant orange-and-black stripes. Then she forgot the water and the dazzling array of fish as her hand closed on his arm. He was sleek and warm and muscular. She released him immediately, but he caught her arm and pulled her close again.

While her heart raced, she looked into his eyes. They couldn’t talk and even submerged in cool water, she was hot, burning with desire that was a constant torment.

She pushed away from him and went to the surface. Nick splashed up beside her. Breathless, she stared at him. “It’s beautiful down there,” she gasped.

“It’s beautiful up here,” he said solemnly.

She placed her finger over his lips, conscious of a current that tingled through her hand. She went under again, gliding away from him. They swam close together, looking at tropical, salt-water fish that were a myriad of bright colors.

When they put away their snorkeling equipment, Nick swam away from her, heading out toward the open water where waves were choppier. She wondered how well he knew the water they were in. Even though he hadn’t said anything, she felt as if he were daring her to follow him.

Wisdom told her to stay in the cove where they had been swimming and where the water was more calm, but her competiveness made her want to keep up with him.

She swam out beside him and treaded water, thankful there wasn’t a stronger chop and wondering how deep the water was. The yacht and shoreline appeared to be a long way back.

“You’re a damn good swimmer,” he said, moving beside her. “And either not scared of this or determined to keep up with me.”

“I figured you hoped to drown me,” she said, and he laughed while they bobbed in the water.

“Not at all. You’re far too interesting alive. Let’s race back.”

“You know you’ll win. You want to win every time, don’t you?”

“No more than you do. I’ll give you a head start.”

She was getting tired of treading water and the open water was choppier than it had looked when they were on the boat. She turned to swim back slowly, watching him slice through the water spreading the distance between them. She wondered why he swam out so far, but then decided he liked challenges. Did he view her as a challenge? she wondered. Probably not.

She swam to him as he waited.

“Have you worked up an appetite for dinner yet?” he asked.

She was standing flat-footed in water that came to her shoulders, and he stood only a few feet away. Water droplets sparkled on his bare shoulders and his curly brown hair was plastered to his head, making him appear sleek and dangerous. Drops of water sparkled on his thick eyelashes and were sprinkled over his skin.

“Now that you mention it, yes. By the time we dress and cook dinner, definitely,” she answered, wondering if she was going to have this heart-pounding reaction to him the entire weekend—or longer.

“Let’s head for my boat,” he said, turning to swim away. When they climbed back on board, he said he would get dinner.

In minutes, their suits were dry, and she pulled on her low-cut, hip-hugging cutoffs and a T-shirt, turning to find him watching her.

“I was hoping you’d eat like you were,” he said.

“No way. You can.”

“That’s definitely not the same.” He vanished inside and returned shortly in a T-shirt and cutoffs and his deck shoes. As the orange sun slanted low in the west sending a golden streak of fire across the surface of the blue water, Nick put steaks on to grill and served her a glass of red wine.

Tempting smells made her mouth water and the quiet was relaxing, wrapping around them. On the deck overlooking the water, four chairs with tables between two of them were in a small circle. She sat on a chair and he sat facing her and raised his glass. “Here’s to mutual satisfaction in our endeavor.”

“I’ll drink to that,” she said, raising her drink in a toast and taking only a small sip.

“Tell me about your life, Julia,” he said, studying her with that dark-eyed intensity that gave her goose bumps. He set his glass on a table. “What do you want in the future?”

“That’s an easy question. I want to marry and have a family, although I’m only twenty-eight, so I’m not in a rush.”

“I’m thirty-two, and not only in no rush, my freedom is essential,” he replied firmly. “No marriage for me.”

“That sounds final and bitter,” she said, wondering why he was so sour on marriage. “I know you like women.”

“I just want my freedom. I come from a family of nonmarrying people except for my brother, who has had one disastrous union and is married again. My parent’s marriage was even more of a calamity than my brother’s. I say no thanks to the ball and chain.”

“You view someone you love as a ‘ball and chain,’” she repeated with amusement. “You may have a lonely life,” she predicted, yet she knew the handsome man she faced would never be lonely. “I want a family because I have almost none. My only living relatives are my granddad and my granddad’s sister. I want a big family. You have a brother and sister—aren’t you close to them?”

He shrugged one muscled shoulder. “I suppose, but we go for periods of time without seeing each other. We keep in touch.”

“I’m sorry about the brother you lost—the one that died in the mountain climbing accident.”

“Yeah. We all miss Jeff. Well, good luck with getting married and having kids. With your looks, there’ll be no problem about marrying.”

“Thank you, I think.”

“You’re beautiful, but your brain may scare off some guys.”

“Not the right one,” she answered with amusement. “He’ll be smarter than I am, I imagine.”

“I’d take bets on that,” he said, and she smiled. He touched her cheek, and she felt a frisson of excitement from the slight contact. “That smile should get you everything in life you want.”

She flashed him another broad smile. “Do you think so? Will it get what I want from you?”

“I walked right into that one,” he remarked, leaning closer. He was only inches from her. “It probably will,” he said in a husky voice as he looked at her mouth. She wanted to kiss him, even though she knew she should keep her distance.

“So what do you want, Nick? No family. Freedom to do what?” she asked too breathlessly, but hoping to get back to more impersonal topics.

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