Read Online The Tycoon's Perfect Match by Christine Wenger - Free Book Online

had gone by, and she wasn’t the same innocent girl anymore.
    Besides, if she decided to take the CEO job, she would probably never return to Hawk’s Lake. She’d be busier than ever.
    And if she didn’t take the job, she’d break her parents’ and Grandma Rose’s hearts.
    â€œThanks, Brian. I had a really wonderful time.” Since it was a little after midnight, she didn’t have to fake a yawn to get away.
    The clouds had finally passed. Now the moon was shining on the lake, and the water was sparkling in the glow. She could see her way to the side porch door.
    He got out of the car anyway, appeared at her side and opened the door. Brian was always a gentleman.
    â€œI wouldn’t want you to run into any skunks or bears.”
    She laughed. “I’d forgotten about those critters.”
    â€œAnother negative to add to the tally of Hawk’s Lake.”
    â€œBut they’re cute. And we’re the intruders. Not them,” Mari pointed out.
    His eyes twinkled in amusement. She just loved his eyes.
    â€œIf you don’t mind, I’d like to fix the shutter tomorrow. It won’t take long. Then I’ll be out of your hair.”
    â€œTomorrow is good. I’m going to go for a walk and work on my pottery. Maybe write a little in my journal.”
    He slid his hands into his pockets. “Sounds like a busy day.”
    â€œSounds like a relaxing day. You should try it sometime. Melanie told me that you’re always busy working. Jack and Ed, and even Sam, agreed with her.”
    He grimaced. “They should know. They’re the ones who always have something for me to do.”
    â€œI did notice tonight that Melanie and Jack seemed very dependent on you. But you were the one who jumped to volunteer to help them out—which they obviously expected you to do.”
    â€œI jumped to volunteer?”
    â€œYes, you did. So you can’t blame them entirely.” As she slid out of the seat, she thought that tonight probably wasn’t an isolated incident, and that Brian’s family was used to him taking charge when they didn’t want to deal with something. But that was the kind of guy he’d always been. He’d help anyone who asked—or didn’t quite come out andask—for his help. “Thanks again, Brian. It was so wonderful to see everyone again and get caught up. And it was a real treat holding Angie.”
    â€œI thought you were going to kidnap her.”
    She laughed. “I wanted to.”
    â€œYou looked really…beautiful…holding her.”
    How would she ever respond to a touching statement like that?
    Brian would make a remarkable father. She’d watched him on the treasure hunt, pretending to give them wrong clues, like he didn’t want the kids finding the treasure. He’d had just as good a time as they had.
    And whenever he talked to Angie, her bright blue eyes would grow wide, and happy gurgles would erupt from her tiny mouth.
    â€œSo, how come a handsome, eligible bachelor like you never married?”
    He shrugged. “Hawk’s Lake doesn’t exactly have a wild singles’ scene.”
    He walked her to the door, and she stood on the bottom step. She hated moments like these. To kiss or not to kiss?
    She was just about to lean over when he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, turned around and jogged to his car, waving as he drove off.
    That’s it?
    She rolled her eyes, disappointed in herself for wanting more. Yet she was relieved that nothing more had happened.
    Wasn’t she?

Chapter Six
    Mari woke up at ten o’clock, unable to remember the last time she’d slept so late.
    She hopped in the shower, dressed in sweats and walked over to the patio with her coffee. Sipping the warm brew, she spotted a heron standing on its long, thin legs at the edge of the lake, surrounded by mist. Its pointed beak stabbed at something in the water.
    She watched in