Read Online His Tempest by Candice Poarch - Free Book Online Page A

furniture was heavy and the wallpaper and curtains were elegant.
    â€œI keep trying to get you to retire, Uncle George,” William said. “It’s time for you to cut back and enjoy yourself.”
    Colin tensed.
    â€œYou don’t retire from the thoroughbred business,” George said.
    â€œIt’s too much for you. Mama was just saying she wished she saw more of you. This job is 24/7. It hardly gives you time to enjoy your family.”
    â€œYour mother is free to visit me whenever she pleases. We have plenty of room and we won’t trip over each other. Just as long as she stays out of Leila’s way.” George sighed, obviously thinking of his son. “My whole life is here. My wife and I lived our entire marriage here. My son lived here before he married, and he came back after the divorce. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
    How selfish of William to suggest George give up the only thing that gives him pleasure, Noelle thought.
    â€œStill, you could make a nice little profit off this place.”
    â€œYou’re right there,” Leander Mayes said.
    George shook his head. “Colin and I are doing very well for the first time in a long time. Diamond Spirit’s continuing to bring in money as a sire. And several of our other horses have been in the money on the track.”
    William was unconvinced. “Then this is the time to sell, when you can make top dollar.”
    â€œOnce again,” Leander agreed.
    â€œI’m not selling, William. So let’s enjoy our company without a business discussion.” George changed his focus to Noelle. “What shape is the camp in?” he asked.
    â€œI haven’t had the opportunity to look at it yet, but Dad says it needs some work. I’ve moved into the house and I’m trying to get it in shape while Greg’s here. Next week I’ll tackle the camp.”
    â€œIf you need help with selecting carpenters and contractors, I know the good ones. I’ll be happy to help you.”
    â€œThank you. I’m sure some repairs are in order.”
    Noelle was watching Colin. She knew what this business meant to him and what a strain it must be having people in his family against it. She stretched out her foot and caressed his leg. His piercing gaze met hers. His expression quickly changed from frustration to arousal.

    Colin followed Noelle home. “Finally I have you to myself,” he said.
    â€œWhy is William trying to convince Mr. Avery to sell his farm?”
    â€œThe greedy bastard wants George to leave everything to him.”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œYeah. He doesn’t care about George. Doesn’t spend time with him to help him get over his grief. Doesn’t make suggestions. Just wants him to sell the farm at a good profit and leave him a bundle when he dies. He knows the farm is valuable. We’re cash-poor, but the assets are worth a fortune.” Colin shook his head. “You wouldn’t believe the people coming out of the woodwork now that the farm is prospering. Right after Mackenzie died, some woman he dated claimed he had a child by her in college. Can you believe her? Said he owed her back child support.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œGeorge’s lawyer handled it. They could use George to test the DNA. When his lawyer told her they’d be willing to accept the girl, but first they had to DNA-test her, she backed off. Said maybe she was mistaken. You can’t believe what that did to him. People are so thoughtless.”
    Noelle’s stomach roiled with tension. Why would someone lie like that? she wondered as they entered the house and headed upstairs to the little foyer where she’d put the couch and bookshelves.
    Noelle took Colin’s coat and put it on her bed.
    â€œIt’s cozy up here,” he said.
    â€œI like it.”
    Greg had already disappeared into his room and closed the door. He was probably fast asleep by now.