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 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 naive 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 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 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 of 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?”
Avery ran a finger inside his stiff white collar. “She’s been on the island nearly a month now.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“I was wondering how much longer her family will be kept waiting before she’s returned.”
“Have they been pestering you again?” Grim resolve tightened his features. Judy enjoyed the island; he could see no reason to rush her departure.
Avery gave one barely perceptible shake of his head and dropped his gaze. “No…”
“Then who’s doing the asking?”
Avery squared his shoulders and slowly raised his eyes to his employer’s. “I am, sir.”
“You?”
“That’s right, Mr. McFarland.”
“How long Ms. Lovin stays or doesn’t stay is none of your concern.” His tone was cold.
“But, sir…”
“That’ll be all, Avery.”
He hesitated for a long moment before turning, white-lipped, and walking out of the room.
McFarland watched his assistant leave. Even his st
aff had been cast under her spell. Sam, who could be decidedly unpleasant, rushed to do her bidding. Princess had never been groomed more frequently or better. When asked about the extra attention he’d paid to the mare, Sam had actually blushed and claimed it was for Ms. Lovin.
The maids fought to serve her. The chef had somehow managed to learn her favorite dishes and cooked them to the exclusion of all else. Pleased by his efforts, Judy had personally gone to thank him and kissed the top of his shining bald head. The island children followed her the way they would a pied piper. Even Midnight had succumbed to her considerable charm. McFarland wiped a hand over his face. The entire island rushed to fulfill her every command. Why should he be exempt from yearning to please her?
“Avery!” he barked.
“Sir?” The other man hurried into the room.
“Cancel my afternoon commitments.”
“Excuse me?” Incredulous disbelief widened the other man’s eyes.
“I said wipe out any commitments I have for the remainder of the day.”
Avery checked his watch. “Are you feeling ill, Mr. McFarland? Should I contact a doctor?”
“No. I’m going swimming.”
Avery’s eyes narrowed. “Swimming?”
“In the ocean,” McFarland said, grinning.
“The one outside—the one here?”
“That’s right.” Purposefully, he closed the folder on his desktop lest he be tempted to stay. “Avery, when was the last afternoon you had free?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Take this one off. That’s an order.”
An instantaneous smile lit up the fastidious man’s face. “Right away, Mr. McFarland.”
McFarland felt as young as springtime and as excited as a lover on Valentine’s Day. He walked through the house to his quarters and changed clothes. With a beach towel slung around his neck, he strolled down the front lawn and searched the outskirts of the beach. He found Judy lying in the shade of a tall palm tree. She wore a demure swimsuit and had kicked off her sandals. A large blanket was spread out on the grass; the picnic basket was open. He glanced inside and saw enough food to hold off a siege.
Judy lay on her back with her eyes closed. She knew she appeared tranquil, but her thoughts were spinning. She shouldn’t be on St. Steven’s. She should be asking when John intended to release her so she could go home to her family. Instead she was lazing on the beach feeling sorry for herself because she’d misjudged John McFarland. Her pride was hurt that he’d refused such a simple request. She liked being with John; the highlight of her day was spending time with him. She savored those minutes, and was keenly disappointed whenever he left her. The kiss they’d shared had changed everything; nothing could be the same anymore. They’d come to trust each other enough to be friends, but now they feared each other. The kiss hadn’t satisfied their curiosity. Instead, it had left them yearning for more.
A soft protest sounded from her throat. She was falling in love with John. She didn’t want to love him, nor did he want her love. He would hurt her and send her away when he tired of her. It would embarrass him—and her—if he ever guessed how she felt.
“You knew I’d come, didn’t you?” McFarland said, standing over her.
Judy’s eyes shot open, blinked at the bright sunlight and closed again. Shielding her eyes with one hand, she leaned on one elbow and looked at him again. “John.” She sat upright.
He didn’t seem pleased to be there, but she was too happy to care.
“Sit down.” She patted the blanket beside her. “And no, I didn’t know you were coming, but I’m so glad you did.”
He joined her, looping an arm around his bent knee. He stared into the rolling blue surf as he spoke. “I left McDonnell Douglas on the line so I could fulfill this wager.”
“They’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You hope.”
“I know,” she said, hiding a smile. “Now don’t be angry with me. You’re the one who suggested we make things interesting.”
“Why can’t you be like every other woman and ask for diamonds?”
“Because some things are worth more than jewels.”
“What’s the problem? Do you have so many that more don’t interest you?” His face was hard and unyielding, but his anger was directed more at himself than at Judy.
“My mother left me three or four lovely pieces.” She slowly trailed her finger in the sand. “But I seldom wear jewelry.” He wouldn’t understand and she couldn’t explain that being with him was worth more to her than rubies and pearls.
A strained silence followed. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” he eventually said.
She turned to face him and was caught once again by his tortured gaze. Her breath stalled in her lungs. Not knowing what drove her, she brought her hand to his face, yearning to wipe away the pain. John’s eyes closed as her fingers lightly brushed his cheek. He took her hand, then raised his eyes to hers, kissing the inside of her hand.
The sensation of his lips against her palm made Judy gasp.
“I shouldn’t do this,” he said and groaned, directing her face to his. He kissed her cheek, her temple, her eyes.
They broke apart momentarily, and when he reached for her again, Judy met him halfway. This time the kiss was much deeper, and when he lifted his head they were both dazed and more than a little shocked. The kiss was better, far better, than either had anticipated.
McFarland rose to his knees, pulling Judy with him. Her look of innocent desire stabbed at his conscience. He hadn’t meant to kiss her; he feared hurting her more than he feared losing his wealth. But the soft, feminine feel of her was irresistible. And in the end, he kissed her again and again until his heart thundered and roared. He lost himself in her sweetness as years of loneliness melted away.
John’s kisses made Judy feel light-headed. The finest wine couldn’t produce a sensation as potent as this. She trembled in his arms and her gaze met his.
He dragged his eyes away from her.
“Let’s swim,” he said abruptly.
Judy nodded and he helped her to her feet.
The turquoise water wasn’t far, and they stepped into the rolling surf together. The cool spray against her heated flesh took Judy’s breath away.
John dove into an oncoming wave and Judy followed him. He broke the surface several feet from her, turned and waited for her to swim to him.
“Have you ever body surfed?” He shouted to be heard above the sound of the churning sea.
“No, but I’d like to.”
“Good.” He reached out and clasped her waist. “We’ll take this wave together.”
With no option, Judy closed her eyes and was thrust into the swelling wall of water. Her hold on John tightened as they were cast under the surface by a giant surge of unleashed power.
Judy threw back her head and laughed once the wave washed them onto the beach. “That was wonderful.” She wrapped her arms around John’s neck.
“You’re slippery,” McFarland said, using the excuse to draw her closer. He held her firmly against him, his fingers brushing the wet strands of hair from her face. Her pulse went wild at his touch.
His eyes darkened just before his mouth descended on hers. Judy gave herself to the kiss, responding with all the love in her heart. The water took them again, and when they emerged from the wave, Judy was breathless and weak.
McFarland’s chest heaved. He’d thought he could escape his need for her in the water, but it hadn’t worked out that way. “You feel even better like this….”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing,” he grumbled. How was he ever going to let her go? “Judy?”
She wound her arms around his neck and smiled shyly. Maybe he’d admit that he loved her. No, she told herself. It was a fanciful dream. Earning John’s love would take more than a few playful moments in the surf. He had to learn to trust.
“Listen,” he said in a low voice, “I have to tell you something.”
 
; She raised her head, afraid that he was going to send her away.
“I’m leaving.”
Her heart slammed against her ribs. “When?”
“In the morning.”
“How long?”
“A few days,” he said, and continued to brush the wet strands from her face, although they’d long since been smoothed into place. “Four, possibly five.”
Perhaps he’d decided to send her away. Her eyes must have revealed her distress.
“Will you wait here for me, Beauty?”
She nodded, overcome with relief.
“Good,” he whispered, and greedily sought her mouth once again.
Not until he kissed her did she realize he hadn’t called her Judy.
Six
John left just after dawn the next morning. Judy was awake and at the sound of muted voices, reached for her robe and rushed down the winding stairs. By the time she arrived, John was already gone, but she could see his Jeep in the distance. She stood on the huge porch, leaning dejectedly against the marble column. She would’ve liked to have wished him well.
“Morning, Ms. Lovin.”
Judy straightened and turned toward Avery Anderson.
“Good morning. I see John got off without a hitch.”
“Mr. McFarland should only be away a few days.”
“Four, possibly five.” She quoted what John had told her, staring after the disappearing vehicle. “It won’t be so bad.”
“He’s instructed me to see to your every wish.”
She smiled. If she were to have a craving for pastrami from her favorite New York deli, Judy didn’t doubt that speedy arrangements would be made.
“He doesn’t go away often,” Avery went on to explain as he straightened his bow tie. “He wouldn’t now if it wasn’t necessary.”
Judy nodded. John hadn’t wanted to leave her. She’d seen the regret in his eyes.
“Some say he’s a recluse,” Avery commented thoughtfully, studying Judy.
“No,” she countered. “Not in the true sense of the word, but he does care about his privacy.”
“He does,” the older man agreed.
They turned to go back inside, walking through the wide doors and parting at the foot of the stairs.