Read Online His Tempest by Candice Poarch - Free Book Online

doing. Got to keep an eye on him.”
    More like on his money, Colin thought. William couldn’t care two cents about George, but now that Mackenzie was gone, he hoped to become his uncle’s main beneficiary.
    Colin shook his head. As much as Colin wanted to see Noelle, the evening seemed to be doomed by the very people he didn’t want to see.

    Noelle didn’t know what she had expected from George Avery, but not the impressive stone-and-wooden house. When she knocked, an older woman answered the door.
    â€œYou must be little Noelle,” she said. “How you’ve grown. You don’t remember me, do you?”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    â€œI’m Leila. Mackenzie used to bring you here when he gave you riding lessons. I used to make you clam chowder. He insisted on it because it was your favorite.”
    â€œIt still is.” Noelle tried to contain the dip in her stomach. “Have you met my brother?”
    â€œYes, I have. Mackenzie used to ride you both on his horse. You were too young to train.”
    Greg extended a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
    â€œManners, too. What a nice young man you are,” she said. “They’re all gathered in the sitting room.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Unexpected guests. I had to stretch out dinner. But don’t worry, Gregory, I made plenty for you. You’re a growing boy.”
    Greg chuckled. “I appreciate that.”
    Noelle tried to contain her apprehension as she was led to the back of the house. There were three older men, but the oldest must be George Avery. She could only stare speechless. He had gray hair and from his baggy clothes she figured he’d recently lost weight. He was a handsome man. The few pictures she’d seen didn’t do him justice. But there was a dullness to his eyes. The laugh lines around his mouth suggested he was prone to laughter, although there was a sternness to him now.
    Greg had to nudge her side before she extended a hand to Colin’s father and then George’s nephew before she shook the older man’s hand.
    â€œWelcome to River Oaks,” George said. “I knew your grandparents well. They were wonderful people.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œThe children’s camp had changed hands over the years. I think it was a cheerleader camp for a while until four years ago. My son went to the camp when your grandparents owned it. He looked forward to it each summer.”
    Noelle saw a photo on the table and nodded toward it. “Is that your son?”
    â€œYes.” There was a catch in his voice.
    Her legs felt like lead as she walked across the floor to see a photo of Mackenzie for the first time. There had been plenty of grainy pictures of her grandfather in old newspapers, but Mackenzie had kept a low profile. She picked up the framed photo. Clearly he favored his father.
    Colin came up beside her and handed her a champagne flute. She carefully placed the photo back on the table and took the glass from him.
    â€œCongratulations on your first day home,” he said, clinking his glass to hers. After a sip he slid an arm around her waist. “I’m glad you’re here.”
    â€œMe, too.” She was thinking she had feelings for this man that she’d never envisioned. Maybe this could grow into a meaningful relationship, after all. She’d expected him to be ready to move on, especially now that he was home, where she was sure he had his pick of women.
    Finally she was in her grandfather’s home. She’d wanted this so long she had difficulty wrapping her mind around the fact that she was here. She was so nervous that she was sure she was going to make a huge social blunder, like spilling the champagne on his beautiful wood floors.

    Leila called them to dinner half an hour later. Colin and George sat at each end of a table that could comfortably seat fourteen. The antique