Читать книгу A Mother For The Tycoon's Child - Patricia Thayer - Страница 6

THE next morning in the conference room at City Hall a familiar feeling crept into Morgan’s stomach, but she pushed away the nervousness. She could do this. She had worked for years to regain control of her life. She’d earned her position as mayor and the community trusted her to bring in new revenue. She wasn’t going to let them down now. She’d gone over her proposal so many times that she could sell the idea to anyone.

But Justin Hilliard wasn’t just anyone. Having that good-looking man sitting across the table, studying her closely, was a little intimidating. She’d better get used to it, since he’d announced his plans to live here permanently.

Even without his company behind him, he was powerful in his own right. He could do so much for their small community. Building the resort alone, would mean hiring hundreds of laborers. She felt her own excitement growing and took a calming breath.

“As you can see from the chart, this area is perfect for an extreme ski resort. In fact, the established resorts are booked solid all season and have to turn people away. We’re hoping to get the skiers who want a more challenging run.”

She pointed to the huge graphics chart that Paige had helped her put together, along with Leah’s slide show of the incredible photos she’d taken of the ski area.

“With a new area opening up,” she continued, “along with five-star accommodations, we could handle the overflow.”

“What about the environmentalists?” Justin asked.

Morgan allowed herself to smile. “We’ve been okayed for the Silver Sky Canyon area as long as we limit the number of skiers on the mountain. The canyon is perfect for what we have in mind.”

“Extreme skiing,” Justin said thoughtfully.

She nodded. “It’s the big craze right now.”

“Won’t that drive up the insurance costs?”

Morgan knew she was being tested. Justin Hilliard wouldn’t have wasted his time in Destiny if he hadn’t checked this all out. She glanced down the table to the town controller/treasurer, Beverly Whiting. The middle-aged woman had been Morgan’s biggest supporter since she’d been sworn into office.

“It’s all in Beverly’s report,” Morgan said. “And remember the caliber of skier we’ll be catering to. They won’t hesitate to pay for the excitement, the adrenaline rush.”

Morgan watched as he continued to study the report, then glanced at Paige who smiled encouragingly.

“If I do decide to invest in the resort,” Justin Hilliard began, “and build a hotel here, it could cut into some of the businesses in town.”

“But if you employ locals in construction it will help our economy immediately, and we’ll eventually get revenue from the ski run.” In the original deal the town continued to own the land, but they needed an investor to build the resort and run it.

Morgan flipped her chart to the last page to show the mock-up of a planned strip mall next to the hotel complex. “And if you agree, we’d like to add a row of stores available for leasing. No chain fast food places, only fine restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops.”

“Like your quilt shop?”

She shrugged. “We have a silversmith that could make jewelry for shops, and there are artists in the area who would love to sell locally.”

“What if I bring in my own people to run things?”

Would he do that? Morgan calmed herself once again. “They will still have to live and shop in Destiny. And I think you know that working with the community is more cost efficient.”

Justin Hilliard sat there with his elbows on the table and his fingers steepled together as if thinking of another question. Then he closed his booklet and stood.

“Thank you, Mayor.” He shook her hand, then went down to the end of the table and did the same with Beverly and Paige. He came back to Morgan. “Your presentation was impressive.”

“This project is close to all of us. Several people were involved in the planning.” She no sooner got the words out when the door opened and Lyle Hutchinson barged into the room.

“Did you think I wouldn’t hear about this?” the graying man in his mid-fifties said as he marched up to Morgan. “Just because you’re mayor doesn’t mean you get to make all the decisions for the town.”

This was the last thing Morgan needed today. Lyle Hutchinson, a descendant of one of Destiny’s founding families, hated the fact that he didn’t have a say-so in this, or a chance for any financial gain from the future ski resort.

“Lyle, you were there when we voted on the project at the last council meeting,” Morgan said. “Maybe if you met Mr. Hilliard…”

The usually impeccably groomed banker looked frazzled as he shook a finger in her face. “You aren’t going to get away with this. Mark my words I’ll stop you if it’s the last thing I do.”

Justin wasn’t going to stand back while this angry man threatened her. He moved around the table.

“I think you better step back from Ms. Keenan,” he warned.

The older man glared at Justin. “This isn’t your business.”

“I’m making it mine.” Justin straightened. “For the last time, move away from Ms. Keenan, or I’ll move you myself. Your choice.”

The man continued to glare at Morgan, but he finally did as Justin suggested. “This isn’t over, Morgan. I will remove you from office if it’s the last thing I do.”

“Please, Lyle,” she said. “This isn’t the time.”

The door opened and a tall man in uniform with a silver badge pinned to his chest came in. He walked right up to the intruder.

“Hutchinson, I don’t remember being told you were invited to this meeting.” It seemed like old Lyle wasn’t popular with anyone.

“If it concerns this town, Sheriff, it concerns me.”

“Not if you’re disrupting things. You should leave,” the sheriff said firmly.

The angry Hutchinson looked as if he was going to argue, but changed his mind. “This isn’t the last you hear from me.” He turned and stormed out, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake. The sheriff followed him outside.

“I’m so sorry for the disruption,” Morgan said.

Justin waved off her apology. “The hell with him. Are you okay?” He studied Morgan’s pale face. Although she tried to hide it under oversize clothes, she was delicately built.

“I’m fine, really,” she told him. “I can’t believe he barged in here like that.”

A pregnant Paige Keenan-Larkin came around the table to her sister’s side and looked at Justin.

“Mr. Hilliard, Lyle Hutchinson doesn’t represent the majority of the citizens who live here. But for many years the Hutchinson family controlled most of what went on in this town.” Paige nodded to her sister. “Morgan had the guts to run against him for mayor. Let’s just say she sees a new direction for the town. One that didn’t profit the Hutchinsons.”

The sheriff came back into the room. “I should have known Lyle would show up today. But I just had a little talk with him. I reminded him that he won’t get away with intimidation and threats.” He looked at Justin. “I’m Reed Larkin, Paige’s husband.” He stuck out his hand.

“Nice to meet you, Reed. Justin Hilliard.” He smiled. “And they say small towns are boring.”

Reed grinned. “You just caught us on a good day.”

Paige nudged her husband. “Stop it. It’s never like this. Mr. Hilliard, Destiny is a quiet town, and most everyone gets along,” she assured him. “They elected Morgan because of her ideas on new growth and bringing in revenue.”

Justin directed his next question to Morgan. “I take it that Hutchinson is opposed to the ski resort.”

She nodded. “He says it will take away from the quaintness of the town, that we’ll be overrun with tourists. It’s not true. The skiing will be limited, and the resort is five miles out of the town. Besides, the ski lifts will only be open in the winter months.”

A hint of a smile appeared on her lovely face. “That’s not to say that we’re not hoping people return in the summer for hiking, and camping. We have to think about the jobs and the money it will bring into the community.” There was passion in her green eyes that had Justin intrigued, not by Morgan as mayor…but as a woman.

Paige Keenan-Larkin spoke up. “As I said, the majority of the citizens like Morgan’s fresh new ideas.” Paige checked her watch and glanced at her sister. “Morgan, I’m sorry, I have a doctor’s appointment but…if you need me to stay.”

“No! You go and take care of that niece of mine. She’ll be here soon.” Morgan hugged her sister. “Reed, you drive her.”

“I planned on it.” He put his arm around his wife’s shoulders and guided her to the door.

Slowly the rest of the people in the room left. Only Justin and Morgan remained. “You have a nice, big family.”

“Not that big, but when Paige’s and Leah’s babies arrive the count will be nine.”

Justin envied their closeness. He’d grown up in a large house with servants, but no family to speak of. His father, Marshal Hilliard, had never been home, and his mother wasn’t maternal. One day she’d just left, but neglected to take her ten-year-old son with her.

“That’s big to those of us who only have two members, just myself and Lauren,” he said.

“What about your parents?”

“Let’s just say my father has never been much of a family man…and my mother is…has been on an extended vacation.”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I’d do without my family. It may sound corny but this whole town is like family to me, too. I’ve lived here most of my life, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“You never wanted to leave?”

“I did once. I went away to college for a few years, but…” A sad look spread across her face. “I missed everyone so much…I decided to come home.”

“Did you ever get the chance to finish?”

She nodded. “A few years ago I graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango.”

“That’s commendable.” He wanted to know more about this woman. “Most people who leave college never go back for their degree.”

“My mother wanted me to finish. She didn’t exactly nag, but let’s say she strongly encouraged me.”

Her smile broadened and he found it contagious.

“Always the politician,” he said.

“Dad said I was born for this job.”

“Well, you certainly have me captivated.”

Morgan hated the fact this man could get to her. Justin Hilliard was handsome, powerful and he was flirting with her. But strangely she didn’t feel threatened by him.

“Is there anything else?” she asked in an effort to cool down the situation. “I can show you around town before we head out to the resort site.”

He checked his watch. “Do we have time to stop by the Realtor’s office?”

Morgan’s heart rate picked up. “Does that mean you’re seriously considering the investment?”

He studied her closely. “If I wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t be here.”

Two hours later, they were headed out to the ranch. Morgan couldn’t stop thinking about Justin’s words. Was it really possible that this deal would come together?

She turned her car off the road toward the ranch, then glanced at the man beside her. “The Silver R Ranch has been owned by the Rawlins family for three generations. Holt just recently took over the cattle operation this past year.” She smiled. “He’s done very well for a New York financial adviser.”

“And he’s married to your younger sister, Leah.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “I take it my mother has been filling you in on the latest news.”

He was busy taking in the scenery. “Among other things. She was very kind to offer to watch Lauren today.” He drew a breath. “It’s beautiful out here. Not a bad backyard.”

“I don’t think watching your daughter is a hardship.” Morgan’s gaze went to the vast mountain range she’d taken for granted. The different brown hues of rock blended in with the tall green pines, today all trimmed with a dusting of snow.

“This is nice, but a small town has its downside, too,” Morgan said, wanting him to know everything up-front about small-town living. “We have a limited choice of restaurants, no movie theaters close by and everyone knows your business.”

“If I do decide to move here and take on this project,” he said, “the hotel will have great restaurants, and there’s always cable TV. And with a five-year-old, my social life isn’t exactly hopping.” His face grew serious. “And when you and yours have been splashed all over the media, going out has less appeal. I don’t care for myself, but my concern is Lauren. She deserves a chance at a normal life.”

Morgan’s chest tightened. He was a good dad. If she could ever consider allowing a man in her life, she could easily fall for this one…A sudden sadness swept over her. She would never be able to have a normal relationship.

No man would want someone with so many emotional scars.

“Morgan…” Justin’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

“Easy to do here. I feel like I’m playing hooky myself.”

“That’s how we want everyone to feel when they come to Destiny.”

Morgan parked at the back door of the two-story ranch house. It had been recently painted white with dark green trim. The once manicured lawn had the-coming-of-winter golden hue. From the shiny red barn, to the newly strung fencing, Holt had worked hard restoring the place.

“Impressive,” Justin said.

“Holt has spent the past year making improvements.”

Morgan opened the car door and stepped into the chilly air. She raised her eyes toward the gray sky, and saw threatening clouds overhead. Snow was forecast for later tonight. She hoped it would hold off until they finished the tour. She pulled her coat closer around her body as Justin came to her side. Together they walked up the steps as the back door swung open and Leah appeared.

Her baby sister was petite and cute as could be. Even pregnancy didn’t take away from her appeal.

“Welcome,” she said as she stepped aside and allowed them inside where it was warm. They passed through a mudroom into a big kitchen with natural wood cabinets and dark granite tops. The original hardwood floors had been refinished and polished to a honey color.

“Leah, this is Justin Hilliard. Justin, my sister Leah.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hilliard.”

Smiling, Justin took Leah’s small hand in his. The Keenan girls were all different and all beauties. The baby sister was blond and adorable. He just happened to prefer the willowy redheaded sister.

“Please call me Justin,” he said. “And thank you for letting me have a look around.”

“We’re excited to have you. I just wish you had a warmer day.” Leah turned back to her sister. “I tried to reach you before you left town. There’s a slight problem.”

“Is it the baby?” Morgan asked anxiously.

“No, the baby’s fine. But it’s about another baby ready to be delivered. A foal. Shady Lady’s in labor and having a rough time. Holt’s been with her since early this morning.”

Just then the door opened and a young boy rushed in. “Hey, Mom, Dad’s going to call the vet. Hi, Aunt Morgan.”

The thin blond-haired boy looked about eight or nine. He hugged Morgan.

“Hi, Corey,” she said. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

He grinned. “I’m fine. I got to help Dad with Lady.”

“That’s great. Corey, I’d like you to meet Mr. Hilliard. Justin this is my nephew, Corey Rawlins.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Corey nodded and stuck out his hand.

The boy had a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, too, Corey.”

A tall sandy-haired man, dressed in the usual rancher’s clothing, jeans, boots and cowboy hat, walked in.

“Man, it’s cold out there.” He stripped off his sheepskin-lined jacket, hung it on the peg along with his hat and came across the room. “Hi, I’m Holt Rawlins, you must be Justin Hilliard.”

“That’s me,” he said. “I hear from your wife that you’re having a little trouble.”

Holt went to his wife’s side. “Yeah, my prize mare is having a rough time giving birth. I just came up to call the vet and tell Morgan I can’t leave right now.”

Morgan looked disappointed but hurried to reassure him. “Not a problem, Holt. If you’ll loan us the Jeep, we can go on our own.”

“Sure.” Holt frowned. “Just don’t wait too long. There’s a storm moving in later this afternoon. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to call the vet,” he said and walked off down the hall.

Justin looked at Morgan. “I guess if we’re going, we better leave soon.”

“Sure,” Morgan said, and turned to her sister. “Sorry to run off.”

“I’d go with you,” Leah began as she rubbed her slightly rounded stomach, “but I don’t think baby would appreciate a lot of jostling around.” She picked a nylon basket up off the counter. “At least I can send something with you. It’s just coffee and some snacks.”

Justin took the basket. “Thank you, Leah, that was thoughtful.” He raised an eyebrow. “We better get going, Morgan.”

“Thanks, Leah.”

“I just want to help with the project.” She smiled at Justin. “You’re going to fall in love with the site.”

Holt returned and slipped on his coat. “Vet’s on his way. I’ll walk you down to the barn.”

There was a long, lingering kiss between Leah and Holt that anyone who didn’t have a special someone in their life would envy. Justin glanced at Morgan. Was there someone special for her?

“You ready?” Holt asked breaking into Justin’s thoughts.

With a nod, he followed Morgan to the door and the three of them walked to the barn where an old Jeep was parked. With a wave, Holt hurried off to the barn.

“I guess we’re on our own,” Justin said.

“It’s not a problem,” Morgan said. “I’ve been up to this area a hundred times.”

Morgan wasn’t concerned about the drive as much as the weather. Snow was predicted. If Justin Hilliard didn’t see the site today, he might lose interest. At the very least, it would slow the project that she hoped would start in the early spring.

“We better hurry since snow is predicted for later tonight. This looks like our window of opportunity.”

Justin walked around to the passenger’s side of the Jeep. “Then let’s do it now. I like seeing what I’m buying.”

His words sent a fresh ripple of excitement through her. She was going to make this happen, even if it meant spending considerable time alone with a man. Something she’d avoided for a long time.

The ride was bumpy, but going up this side of the mountain was the best way to see the future ski run. Morgan hoped that Justin felt the same way she did when he saw Silver Sky Canyon.

She parked the Jeep along the crest of the canyon opposite the ranch. “Come on, I want to show you the ultimate selling point.” She opened the door, climbed out and Justin followed.

She carefully made her way to the ledge. Ignoring the wind whipping her hair, she took out her stocking cap and covered her head as she peered down at the canyon. There was little snow to hide the incredible rock formations along with the huge pines lining either side of the natural slope. At the base, the land flattened out.

“You were right this view is unbelievable,” Justin said. “One would almost hate to do anything to change it.”

“We actually aren’t going to have to change much,” she began. “Remember this isn’t going to have a bunny hill, the slope is too steep. This canyon is perfect for the extreme skier.”

He continued to study the area. “I did research on this new phenomenon, and it’s catching on, big time.”

“And just think of all the ski gear they wear. The pro shop in the hotel could do big business just on equipment alone. Also there would be a ski pro and tour guides…Anyone using this slope will have to complete a specific number of ski classes.”

Justin watched the beginning of snow flurries dance around Morgan’s face. It was hard to stay on task when he was being distracted by this woman. It was a good thing that he’d done most of his research before coming here.

“And you probably have locals to fill those jobs, too.”

She nodded. “Why not hire the best? The ones who know the area, who have skied these mountains since they were kids.”

She was good. “Is there access from the highway?” He moved closer to her as she pointed down to a road.

“This is the back side of Holt’s ranch. He’s willing to sell us the land needed to get to the ski area.”

“How far is it from the highway?”

“Ten miles.” She motioned to the area. “It’s scenic all the way in. And the only stipulation Holt asked for is no large billboards to mar the countryside.”

Morgan glanced at him and their gazes locked momentarily, but it was enough to send a surge of awareness through him. He swallowed the dryness in his throat. “I agree with Holt on that. I’m liking this idea more and more.”

She smiled and stepped back, suddenly losing her balance. He grabbed her hand and pulled her upright.

“Be careful,” he said, not releasing her. Instead he walked her away from the ledge. “Maybe we should talk back here.”

Morgan pulled her hand away. “I lie, I am this clumsy.” Suddenly there was a strong wind mixed with snow.

He glanced up at the sky. “Maybe we shouldn’t stay any longer. The storm is coming in sooner than expected.”

Morgan agreed, a little angry with her reaction to Justin. They walked back to the Jeep and got in. She started the engine, hoping that she could make it back to the ranch without any more mishaps. But when she peered out the windshield at the white haze, she knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

She turned on the wipers. “Well, here comes the snow that was forecast.”

Slowly she backed up on the crest, maneuvered the vehicle around and started down the steep grade.

“This has really picked up,” Justin said as he stared out. “Are you all right driving?”

“I’m okay.” She hit a rut and gripped the wheel tighter. She wasn’t sure if she was shivering from the cold, or from nervousness. “I’m just taking it slow, because visibility is so bad.”

“If you want I’ll drive,” he offered.

She didn’t dare take her eyes off the road. “Really, I’m doing fine,” she lied. Had she been crazy to bring him up here today? Would he think she was? At this point she didn’t care. The Jeep went over a big rock and bounced hard. She knew the trail pretty well, but she’d never had to tackle it during a snowstorm.

“This is like an amusement park ride,” he tried to joke.

“Can I get off?” she kidded back.

“I’m with you on that.”

Just then the Jeep hit another rut, and this time went sideways. She turned the wheel back, but not in time to stop the Jeep from heading toward a group of rocks. There was a horrible scraping sound from underneath the vehicle and suddenly they jerked to a stop. She gasped as she was thrown forward. The old Jeep’s seat belts were useless, and she bumped the windshield.

“Are you all right?” Justin asked, reaching for her.

She nodded. “What happened?” She glanced out to see the Jeep sitting at an angle.

“We went off the path. Sit tight, I’ll go check,” he said, grabbed the flashlight from the glove compartment and climbed out into the blinding snow.

It seemed to take forever but he finally returned to the cab. She could barely see what he was doing, and worried that he could fall and hurt himself. God. What a mess. What a mistake she’d made.

The door opened and a blast of cold air hit her as he climbed into the seat, snow covering his coat. “The boulder tore out the transfer case.”

Morgan had no idea what that was. “Is it important?” That sounded so dumb. “Of course it’s important.”

“It is, if you want the Jeep to move forward, or in reverse. Besides, we’ll need help to get off the rock.”

“So we’re stuck here.” This wasn’t good.

“We should call Holt. Is there any reception here?”

Lord, she hoped so. She took out her cell phone and saw the bars were nearly nonexistent. “Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.” She punched in the ranch house.

“Hello,” Leah answered. “Morgan, where are you?”

“It’s a long story. We’re stuck about halfway down the mountain. The Jeep is…disabled. Do you think Holt could come get us?”

Her brother-in-law came on the phone. “Morgan, I’ll try but in this weather, it may take a while. Just in case, you need to take cover.”

Morgan looked around. The snow blanketed everything, but she’d been on outings with her dad. He’d taught all his daughters how to survive in the mountains. Did she remember anything? “Can’t we stay in the Jeep?”

“Not if the snow keeps up. Look, I’ll call Reed and we’ll try to get through the pass before it’s blocked. You need to give me some landmarks.”

She looked at Justin. “Holt needs landmarks.”

Without hesitation, Justin stepped out of the cab and looked into the dim late-afternoon light. When he returned, he took the phone from her.

“Holt, we’re about two miles down from the summit and there’s a huge rock formation that looks like a church steeple.” He paused and listened, then reached in his pocket and wrote something down. “Yes. Yes, I’ll try to call you when we reach it. Thanks.” He pocketed her phone. “Bundle up. We have a short hike to a cave. Holt said it’s the one Corey stayed in.”

“I know that place.” It still didn’t ease her fears.

His eyes met hers. “Then we need to get going.” He grabbed the basket from the back and a blanket and flashlight off the rear seat. “Holt said the cave was about a quarter of a mile from here.” He rummaged through the glove compartment, took out a lighter and stuffed it in his pocket. “We can wait out the storm there.”

Morgan buttoned her coat and tugged on her gloves. She released a breath, oddly feeling a calm take over. With a nod, she took the blanket, opened her door and followed Justin down the mountain trail.

For the first time in a long time she was about to trust a man she barely knew.