Her automatic defense of him produced a curious hurt in his chest. There had been a good reason—someone had tried to cheat him. In the same circumstances, he’d react the same way. He wasn’t bad, but in all his life, only one man had ever believed in him. From grade school he’d been branded a renegade, a hellion. He’d been all that and more. But he wouldn’t be where he was today if he hadn’t been willing to gamble. He’d had to be tough.
When he didn’t respond, Judy sought his gaze. The look in his eyes made her ache inside. He wore the wounds of his past proudly, like medals of valor, but the scars went deep.
“What about you?” he taunted. “Haven’t you ever done anything wrong? Other than falling in love with a married man?”
The pain in her eyes was so clear that McFarland felt ashamed of asking.
“Actually, I have,” she said, recovering quickly. “But since you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you.”
She laughed, slapped the reins against Princess’s neck, and sped off, leaving a cloud of sand in her wake.
McFarland caught up with her easily. She smiled at him, her brown eyes sparkling. Dismounting, she brushed the wind-tossed hair from her face and stared into the sun. “I love this island. I love the seclusion and the peace. No wonder you had to have it.”
McFarland joined her on the beach. He knew he was going to kiss her, knew he’d regret it later, but he was beyond caring. He touched her shoulder and turned her so that she faced him, giving her ample opportunity to stop him if she wanted to.
She didn’t. Her pulse surged as his mouth moved to cover hers.
His arms went around her, bringing her close. He groaned and dragged his mouth away. She tasted like paradise, and he didn’t know how he could avoid wanting more. “I wish I hadn’t done that,” he said with a moan.
“I’m glad you did,” she whispered.
“Don’t tell me that.”
“Yes…”
She wasn’t allowed to finish as he held her face and kissed her again, unable to get enough of her. She leaned against him, letting him absorb her weight. Their bodies were pressed close. His fingers became tangled in her hair as he kissed her. He felt a tremor work its way through her and heard the soft sounds of passion that slid from her throat.
Instantly, he sobered, breaking off the kiss.
Judy sagged against him and released a long breath, resting her forehead on his chest. “You kiss the same way you ride.”
McFarland slowly rubbed his chin against her hair as a lazy smile touched his mouth. She made him tremble from the inside out. He’d been right the first time; he shouldn’t have let this happen. He should’ve found the strength to resist. Now that he’d held her, now that he’d kissed her, there was no turning back.
“John?”
He wanted to blame her for what she did to him, punish her for dominating his thoughts and making him hunger for her touch, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. His rage was directed solely at himself.
“I shouldn’t have said those things.”
“I know,” she whispered. She seemed to sense intuitively that he was talking about Midnight. “I understand.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“I couldn’t—you were too angry. I’d frightened you.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders. He should be begging forgiveness, but all she seemed to do was offer excuses for him. “I want to make it up to you,” he said.
“There’s no need. It’s forgotten.”
“No,” he said forcefully. “I won’t pass it off as lightly as that. Anything you want is yours. Just name it.”
She went still.
“Except leaving the island.” There must be a thousand things she longed to own, he thought. Jewels, land, maybe stocks and bonds. He’d give them to her. He’d give her anything she asked for.
“John, please, there’s no need. I—”
“Name it.” His eyes hardened.
She bit her lower lip, realizing it would do little good to argue. He was making amends the only way he knew how—with money. “Anything?”
He nodded sharply.
“Then I want the school on the island rebuilt. It’s run-down and badly in need of repairs and unsafe for the children.”
Chapter 5
Paulo, a gleeful year-old baby, rested on Judy’s hip. Other children followed her around the cluster of homes as though she were royalty. The small party walked to the outskirts of the schoolyard, where the workers were busily constructing the new schoolhouse.
“Mr. McFarland told me the school will be ready by the end of the month,” Judy told the children. The building had gone up so quickly that it had astonished both Judy and the islanders. The day after she’d made her request, a construction crew had arrived, followed by several shiploads of building supplies. Judy shuddered to think of the expense, but John hadn’t so much as blinked when she said she wanted a school. And when John McFarland ordered something, there were no delays.
Paulo’s mother joined Judy and the other children. The baby gurgled excitedly, stretched out his arms, and leaned toward his mother. Judy gave him a kiss and handed him over.
“Paulo likes you.”
“As long as his mother isn’t around,” Judy responded with a laugh.
“The children are very happy,” the shy young woman added, looking toward the school. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. Mr. McFarland’s having it built, not me.”
“But you’re his woman and you’re the one who told him…”
Judy had long since given up explaining that she wasn’t John’s “woman,” although the thought wasn’t as objectionable as it had been when she’d first come here. In the weeks since, her attitude toward John had altered dramatically. He was the Beast her father claimed; Judy had seen that side of him on more than one occasion. But he possessed a gentleness, too, a kindness that touched her heart.
Now that she knew him better, she hoped to understand his idiosyncrasies. He’d told her so little of his life, but from what she’d gleaned, he’d been abandoned at a young age and raised in a series of foster homes. A high school teacher had befriended him, encouraged his talents, and helped him start his first business. Although the teacher had died before John had achieved his financial empire, the island had been named after him—Steven Fischer.
Since the kiss they’d shared that early morning, Judy’s relationship with John had changed subtly. As before, he didn’t seek out her company, and the only time she could count on being with him was at dinner. She was allowed to take Princess whenever she wished, but the invitation to ride with John had come only twice. He treated her with the politeness due to a houseguest but avoided any physical contact, which told her that he regretted having kissed her.
Judy didn’t regret it. She thought about that morning often, relived it again and again, fantasizing, wishing it hadn’t ended so quickly.
She exchanged letters with her family regularly now. Her father and her brother worried about her, but Judy frequently assured them she was happy, and, to her surprise, she realized it was the truth. She missed her old life, her family, and her home, but she kept them close in her heart and didn’t dwell on the separation.
John had given no indication when she could return, and she hadn’t asked. For now she was content.
After spending the morning with the children, Judy went back to the house, wearing a wreath of flowers on her head. The children and Paulo’s mother had woven it for her, and she’d been touched by their generosity.
Since it was an hour until lunch, Judy decided to find a new book to read. The library doors were open and beckoned her inside. Judy walked into the room.
McFarland sat at the desk, writing.
“John,” she said, surprised. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”
He glanced up and the frown that creased his forehead relaxed at the sight of her. She wore a simple yellow sundress with a halo of flowers on her thick, d
ark hair. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from her.
“You didn’t disturb me,” he told her.
“It’s a fantastic morning,” she said eagerly, seeking a topic of conversation.
In the weeks since her arrival, Judy had acquired a rich, golden tan. Her healthy glow mesmerized him. “Beauty” did little to describe this woman, whose charm and winsome elegance appealed to him so strongly. McFarland had never known anyone like her. Her goodness wasn’t a sweet coating that disguised a greedy heart. Judy Lovin was pure and good; her simple presence humbled him.
The memory of their kiss played havoc with his senses. He hadn’t touched her since, doing his utmost to be the congenial host. The sweetest torment he’d ever endured was having her so close and not making love to her. He feared what would happen if he kissed her again, and yet the dream of doing so constantly interrupted his sleep.
He’d planned to return Judy to her family before now but couldn’t bring himself to do so. He was at odds with himself, knowing it was foolish to keep her on the island with him. If she’d revealed some sign of being unhappy and asked to go home to New York, he would’ve allowed it, but Judy showed no desire to leave and he selfishly wanted to keep her with him, despite her family’s constant pleading.
“I spent the morning with the children,” Judy said, still only a few steps inside the room. “They’re excited about the school.”
John nodded, unconcerned. “Did they give you the flowers?”
She raised one hand to her head, having forgotten about the orchid wreath. “Yes, they’re talented, aren’t they?” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw an elaborate chess set. When he didn’t respond to her first question, she asked another. “Do you play?”
McFarland’s gaze followed her own. “On occasion.”
“Are you busy now?”
He glanced at his watch, more for show than anything. He was always busy but not too busy to torture himself with her. “Not terribly.”
“Shall we play a game, then?” She longed for his company. “That is, if it wouldn’t be an intrusion.”
His eyes held hers; he couldn’t refuse her. “All right,” he agreed.
“Good,” she said, smiling, and brought the chess set to the desk, then pulled up a chair to sit opposite him.
“Shall we make it interesting?” McFarland asked, leaning forward.
“Money?”
He grinned. “No.”
“What then?”
“Let the winner decide.”
“But…”
“How good are you?”
Judy dropped her gaze to the board. “Fair. If I lose, what would you want from me?”
What a question. The possibilities sent his blood pressure soaring. He wanted her heart and her soul. And he wanted to feel her body beneath his own. The image clawed at his mind and his senses. He forced himself to rein in his desire.
“John?”
“What would I want?” he repeated hurriedly. “I don’t know. Something simple. What about you? What would you want?”
Her laughter echoed off the book-lined walls. “Something simple,” she echoed.
His eyes softened as he studied her. Afraid that he’d be caught staring, McFarland tried to look away and discovered that he couldn’t—her eyes held his.
“It’s your move.”
McFarland brought his attention to the board, unaware that she’d placed her pawn in play. “Right.” He responded automatically, sliding his own man forward.
By sheer force of will, he was able to concentrate on the game. Her technique was straightforward and uncomplicated, and a few moves later, he determined that her strategy was weak. He should be able to put her in checkmate within ten or fifteen minutes, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to. If he lost, albeit deliberately, he’d be obligated to give her “something simple.” He thought about how she’d look in a diamond necklace and doubted that the jewels could compete with her smile. Emeralds would draw out the rich color of her deep brown eyes, but no necklace could do her eyes justice. A sapphire brooch, perhaps. Or…
“John? It’s your turn.”
Slightly embarrassed to be caught dreaming, he slipped his bishop forward with the intent of capturing her knight, which was in a vulnerable position.
Judy hesitated. “That wasn’t a good move, John. Would you like to do it over?”
He agreed with her; it wasn’t a brilliant play, but it was adequate. “No, I released my hand from the bishop.”
“You’re sure?”
He studied the pieces again. He didn’t think he was in imminent danger of losing his king or the match. If he did forfeit the game, it would be on his terms. “Even if this was a bad move, which it isn’t,” he added hastily, “I wouldn’t change it.”
Her eyes fairly danced with excitement. “So be it then.” She lifted her rook, raised her eyes to his before setting it beside his undefended king, and announced, “Checkmate.”
Tight-lipped, John analyzed her play and was astonished to discover she was right. So much for her being straightforward and uncomplicated! The woman had duped him with as much skill as a double agent. The first couple of plays had been executed to give him a sense of false security while she set him up for the kill.
“I won,” she reminded him. “And according to our agreement, I’m entitled to something simple.”
McFarland still hadn’t taken his eyes off the chessboard. The little schemer. Now that he could see how she’d done it, he was impressed with her cunning and skill. All right. He’d lost in a fair game; he was ready for her to name her price.
“Okay,” he said a bit stiffly. “What would you like? A diamond necklace?”
She looked horrified. “Oh no! Nothing like that.”
“What then? A car?”
For an instant she was too stunned to reply. “Good heavens, no. Your idea of something simple and mine seem to be entirely different.”
“What do you want then?”
“Your time.”
His expression grew puzzled. “My what?”
“Time,” she repeated. “You work much too hard. I don’t recall even one afternoon when you weren’t cooped up in that stuffy office. You own a small piece of paradise. You should enjoy it more often.”
“So what’s that got to do with anything?”
“For my prize I want us to pack a lunch and take it to the beach. It’ll be a relaxing afternoon for both of us.”
He grinned at the idea that she would assume he had a few hours to do nothing but laze on the beach. Surely she wasn’t so naïve that she didn’t know he ruled a financial empire. Offices around the globe were awaiting his decisions. “I don’t have time for that nonsense,” he finally said.
“That’s a shame.” Judy looped a dark strand of hair around her ear. “Unfortunately, you’re the one who decided to place a wager on our chess match. You should never have made the suggestion if you weren’t willing to follow through.”
“I’ll buy you something instead. I know just the thing.”
Judy shook her head adamantly. “I would’ve sworn you were a man who kept his promises. The only thing I want is this afternoon.”
He frowned. “I can’t afford to waste time lollygagging around on the beach.”
“Yes, John.”
“There are cost sheets, reports, financial statements—all of which need to be reviewed.”
“Yes, John.”
“There are decisions to be made.” His voice rose in volume. “Offers to be considered.”
Judy let neither his tone nor his words intimidate her. “I’ll be at the door in half an hour and I’ll leave with or without you. But I honestly believe that you’re a man of honor.”
She left the room and McFarland continued to sit at his desk, seething with frustration. She’d tricked him; she’d set him up, waited patiently, and then waltzed in for the kill. His laugh was filled with bitterness. An innocent woman? He didn’t think so.
—
Half an hour later, Judy stood in the foyer, waiting for John. When he didn’t come, she lingered for an additional five minutes. Deeply disappointed, she picked up the large wicker picnic basket and walked out of the house alone.
In his suite of offices, McFarland stood at the balcony door, staring into space. It wasn’t just that he didn’t have time to spend lazing on the beach. If he truly wanted to, he could have joined her. The problem was Judy. Whenever he was with her, the need for her burned within him. A curious ache tore at his heart. Perhaps his upbringing—or lack of one—was the problem. At no other time in his life had he wanted to know a woman the way he did Judy. He yearned to hold her in his arms and hear tales from her childhood, and tell her about his. From the little she’d described, he recognized how close she’d been to her mother. She rarely spoke of her brother or her father, and McFarland didn’t encourage it, afraid she missed them and would ask to be released.
For his own part, McFarland had told her more about his life than he’d ever revealed to anyone. Being with her made him weak in ways he couldn’t explain. That kiss was a good example. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t do it, and then…A low groan of frustration welled up in his throat and he momentarily closed his eyes.
Pivoting, he walked over to the liquor cabinet, poured himself a stiff drink, and downed it in two swallows. He wanted her. This soul-searching led to one thing and one thing only. He hungered to take Judy in his arms and kiss her until she felt a fraction of his desire. And when the moment came, she’d smile up at him with those incredible eyes and give him her very soul and ask nothing in return.
“Mr. McFarland?” Avery Anderson stepped into the office.
“Yes?” he snapped.
“I’m sorry to disturb you.”
McFarland shook his head, dismissing the apology. “What is it?”
Avery shifted his feet. “It’s Ms. Lovin.”
“Yes. Is there a problem? Is she hurt?” He strove to keep his voice unemotional, although his heart was hammering anxiously against his ribs.
“No…no. Nothing like that.”
“Then what?”