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Loving a Tycoon Nine
He caressed her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “I’m sorry our date had to end this way. This was definitely not my intention.” He shrugged. “I rarely ever get drunk anymore, especially enough to knock me out.” She licked her lips and nodded. “I’m… sure it was the Colorado Bulldog you drank. The bartender probably mixed it wrong.” “Yes, that’s probably what happened.” His fingers dropped to her mouth. He stroked just below her bottom lip. The urge to kiss her was strong. He wanted to see if that enchanting moment was as good as what he’d experienced in the elevator. But he resisted his desires. She would have to make the first move now. “Mick, I…” Her throat jumped. “I’m sorry the evening turned out this way. You seemed like a very nice man while we were having drinks in the lounge.” He arched an eyebrow. “I only seemed like a nice man while we were inside the lounge? What about in the elevator when I stopped that reporter from taking a picture of your face?” Her face flamed
Loving a Tycoon Ten
“M.. Mr. Remington,” she stuttered. “What a surprise.” “I’m glad you think so.” He stepped in and closed the door behind him. Her heart jumped to her throat. They were alone. Again. “What… can I help you with?” She wished her voice wasn’t so shaky. He moved to the chair in front of her desk and sat. His bold stare moved over her black lace detailed jacket that covered a sleeveless black and brown dress that hugged her frame and ended at her knees. Thankfully, he couldn’t see all of that since she was still behind her desk. She didn’t plan on standing any time soon for fear her trembling legs would collapse underneath her. His gaze moved over the loosely styled bun that she’d fixed in her hair, leaving a section of her bangs to fall fashionably over her brow, and down her face to rest on her lips. Immediately, cotton took up residency in her mouth and she swallowed hard. “You look… different,” he said. She shrugged. “This is how I always dress for work.” Which was a lie, since sh
Loving a Tycoon Eleven
Mick hesitantly released Nicole. He really didn’t mind her sitting on his lap, but it really wasn’t a professional way to carry on a business meeting. However, he was relieved to know that his nearness still rattled her. For the first time that he could remember, he felt guilty for lying to a woman. His reputation with women tended to be a little rocky, which was one of the reasons he didn’t have a lasting relationship with the women he dated. At least he was good at one thing – getting his way when it came to business decisions. So, when he could see Nicole wasn’t going to back down, he tried to make her believe that he had feelings for her. He hadn’t lied when he’d told her she was beautiful the other night. And although he couldn’t get that elevator kiss out of his head, that didn’t mean he had feelings for her. So, okay… he thought about her every time he smelled the lilac scent or saw someone with silky chestnut hair, but that didn’t mean anything. In fact, the reason she’d bee
Loving a Tycoon Twelve
He stepped closer to her. “Will it make a difference why I wanted them?”“Maybe. Maybe not.”“Would you believe me if I told you I wanted them because you were in them?” He drew his knuckles along her arm.She laughed. “No, I wouldn’t believe you. Try again.”“Oh, I’m wounded.” He grinned. “Because I’m sure those pictures would have looked believable. Why don’t you show me so I can see?”Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m not falling into your trap, Mr. Seducer-of-women. Try again. This time, I want the real reason.”He really hated that he couldn’t charm her like he thought he’d done the other night. By the softness of her hooded gaze when she watched him, he knew she still found him attractive.“Well, you see…” he started with a chuckle. “I’m quite embarrassed to admit, but—”The fast knock at the door halted their conversation, for which he was relieved. He still hadn’t found a plausible excuse.“Excuse me for a moment.” She hurried to the door and opened it.“Nikki…” The woman at th
Loving a Tycoon Thirteen
Stop it! Nicole mentally shook out the disturbing thoughts. One way or another, she needed to get him out of here before she did something really stupid. She moved around her desk, heading for the door. “So maybe we should postpone that discussion—”“Hey,” he said, grasping her arm, stopping her.He gently pulled her closer. Her heartbeat hammered erratically. This was bad, so very bad.“Why don’t we go out for lunch? We can talk about things over some food. Aren’t you hungry?”She was, but not for food… Inwardly, she scolded her mind for wandering off again. “But you need to change.”“I have another shirt in the car.”He slid his hand down both of her arms, linking their fingers together. Now, more than ever, she was aware of how bare her shoulders were without her jacket, and she desperately needed covering.“Nicole, I was proud of the way you handled the situation with Kate. Any other woman would have stressed out or fainted from seeing everything you had.” He softly squeezed her h
Loving a Tycoon Fourteen
Mick relaxed against the wall of the booth as he watched Nicole eat her salad. He’d already filled himself eating a roast beef sandwich and French fries, and drinking most of his Coke. His focus had been on the adorable woman sitting across from him. Most women he dated picked at their food like a bird on a diet, but not Nicole. She wasn’t afraid to show him how hungry she was, and she devoured her apple pecan salad. He was grateful she didn’t make a spectacle of herself, but even if she had, he would have joined in the fun.After her last bite, she took a sip of her iced tea and rested against the booth wall just as he’d done. Satisfaction sparkled in her eyes. It was nice to see a woman enjoying her meal for once.“Thanks for lunch,” she said.“Thanks for agreeing to come with me.”She nodded. “I think we need to finish our conversation.”“So do I.” He sipped his Coke.Nicole sighed. “Have you thought up any crazy ideas yet about how to stop your father?”“Here’s the thing.” He sat
Loving a Tycoon Fifteen
She sighed. “No, Mick. We have more important things to worry about right now.”He sat back in his seat and folded his arms. “You’re right. Let’s contact your shareholders and pray that they haven’t been bought out by my father.”She frowned. “Oh, Mick. What if they have?”“We’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. There’s no use worrying about it now.”“You’re right, of course. We’ll call them. I’ll take the top half of the list, and you’ll take the bottom half. We’ll get this accomplished today.”His gaze narrowed. “But sweetheart, I don’t have a list.”A mischievous grin curved her luscious lips. “Yes, you do. I saw it the other night in your suitcase when I was snooping through your things while you were passed out on the bed.”“You were a very naughty girl.”“Yes, I know, and I’m sorry for going along with Mary’s plan. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything to blackmail you over… which is why I let Mary into the room to take pictures.”He nodded. “I figured as much. And just so y
Loving a Tycoon Sixteen
Nicole’s footsteps echoed through the main hallway of her grandfather’s house. He owned one of the largest homes in Maple Springs, and yet, he and his servants were the only ones occupying the space. He also had a live-in nurse, which was why he didn’t have to stay in the hospital during his last days on earth. When she reached his bedroom, she slowed her steps. It hurt her to see him so sickly, and she cursed the specialists who hadn’t found a cure for lung cancer yet. Nicole stopped in front of his door and raised her hand to knock, but hesitated. She had rehearsed everything she wanted to say to him, but she was still afraid. He didn’t need any more stress in his life, and telling him about the takeover – and that there wasn’t anything she could do – would certainly bring on the stress. And she definitely didn’t want to tell him about Mick Remington. She’d let her grandfather keep his pleasant memories of the Mick from years ago. Nicole rapped lightly on the door and waited. It
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Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Eight
Fear kept Brooke’s feet frozen to the floor. Her mind screamed at her to move – to run – to hide. But her body wouldn’t listen.He’s going to catch me. And kill me!Closing her eyes, she held back the tears. She was a failure. As much as she had tried to not let her cousin’s degrading comments get to her these past several months, Brooke heard Robin’s voice ringing in her memory, telling her that she was nothing but trash – that she was a disgrace to the family.All Brooke had to do was sneak into the room, take a few pictures, and leave. Well, she’d done most of the things on her list.She listened to her uncle’s hurried footsteps coming her way. There was no place to hide in this room where he wouldn’t eventually find her. She might as well stay. Perhaps she could pretend to be asleep on his couch and tell him she’d taken too many migraine pills… since that’s what happened with Justin and the Jeep. And, her uncle did know she suffered from migraines.She glanced around the room until
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Seven
Brooke’s whole body trembled as she walked alongside her sister toward Uncle Tony’s luxurious home. As a child she’d been in awe of him and his wealth. Now, she pitied the man who had to break the law just to provide for his spoiled daughter and stuffy, arrogant wife.During the drive here, Tiffany had chatted nonstop about Robin’s heartbreak, and the horrible man who’d broken Robin’s heart. Brooke tried to act sympathetic while listening to her sister, but she couldn’t stop the elation growing within her. Justin hadn’t been horrible when he dumped Robin. He’d been smart.Brooke and her sister stopped on the porch. Tiffany was a foot taller than Brooke, but just as slender. Flipping a lock of her chestnut colored hair over her shoulder, Tiffany gave Brooke a stern look.“Do not make Robin upset.” Brooke managed to hold back the laugh that threatened to escape from her mouth. She nodded. “I don’t plan on doing that, Tiff. I’m not the monster she has told people that I am.”
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Six
“Justin?”The sweet voice behind Justin pulled him from his conversation. He turned on the bed and faced Brooke, standing in the doorway, looking so beautiful. She clutched her hands to her stomach.“Hold on a moment, Brad,” Justin told his friend on the phone before smiling at Brooke. “What is it, angel?”Slowly she walked to him and stopped in front of him, touching his arm. “I think I can help you with Uncle Tony.”He arched an eyebrow. “You can?”“I know something that can put my uncle in prison.”“Really?”Nodding, she took a deep breath and slowly released it. “He smuggles illegal immigrants over the border, which is how Snakes came to work for him. He hires them, so he can get away with not paying them a full wage.”“Are you kidding me?” Justin’s heart hammered. He grasped her hands as excitement shot through him. There might be hope in getting Tony arrested after all.“And, there’s more.” Her smile widened. “He gives them fake ID’s and social security numbers.”“How do you kno
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Five
Brooke didn’t know what to believe anymore. Obviously, she couldn’t trust her own heart. Justin had made her trust him. He’d made her fall in love with him, too. True, he didn’t force her, but because of his actions and words, how could she not have become transfixed by his charm? How could she have gone unaffected?Now she didn’t know whether to trust him or not. But hearing Justin say he wouldn’t marry Robin made Brooke’s heart sway toward forgiving him. She wanted to believe Justin. He’d shown her a wonderful, kind and loving man these past twenty-four hours. He might have apologized to her, but it was difficult to know what to believe anymore.Sitting by the fire didn’t accomplish anything, especially when she could hear him on the phone. He’d made several calls. One of them was to his mother as he explained in a sharp voice why he would never marry Robin. He’d even told his mother not to interfere in his life ever again.Quietly, she snuck back down the hall and stopped in front
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Four
Justin sighed one long exasperated breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Yes.”“You’re, Justin… Monroe? The same man engaged to my cousin?”“Correct again. I was engaged to Robin.”Tears swam in Brooke’s eyes, her lips quivering. “You – you – lied to me?”He squeezed his eyes closed and swore softly. Looking at her, he shook his head. “I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you my last name.”“Why?” her voice rose.“Because at first it didn’t matter, then once we got to talking, I didn’t want to tell you because then I knew you wouldn’t open up to me.”“That’s a stupid excuse, Justin.”Inwardly he growled and grasped her wrist, but she pulled it free again. “Brooke, will you just listen?”“Listen to a liar? No, I’m done listening to you. I’m done being fooled by all men!”“Brooke, please understand, I didn’t tell you the truth because I wanted you to get to know me. The real me – not the fiancé of a Robin Pierpont. Believe me, they are two different people.”“Believe you?” Sh
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Three
Justin hoped he’d proven his theory about good guys. Not once did Brooke seem uncomfortable around him, and he was willing to bet her feelings for him were also getting stronger. Although he hadn’t known her for a full day, he’d never forget Brooke or this weekend.She tempted him on many occasions, and he could tell she wanted to kiss him, but he held himself strong and tried to make their time together productive. They played every board game Brad had in the cabin, and when they ran out of games, they made up some of their own.They laughed so much, his sides hurt. But he enjoyed sharing this time with her. She made him feel alive, once again, and he’d missed that over the years.She didn’t ask him about his life, for which he was relieved. Brooke wouldn’t take the news about his engagement to Robin very well, so he avoided the subject. Thankfully, she didn’t ask what his last name was, either. He was certain Tiffany had mentioned it.For dinner, he scrounged through the cupboards a
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-Two
Justin’s chest ached, and he actually felt her pain. As he continued to stroke her silky hair, he prayed that he’d be able to stay strong for her. She needed comfort and support since nobody had given that to her, and he wanted to be the man who understood. The one man she could trust.His heart broke into pieces as he imagined all she’d gone through. What could be worse than being physically abused and then having friends and family turn their backs and distrust you?“After a few weeks had passed,” she continued in a strained voice. “I discovered I was pregnant.”The statement took him totally unaware, and when she lifted her head to look into his face, he knew she saw shock.“Yes, you heard me correctly.” She blinked away the liquid filling her eyes again. “I had the hardest time deciding whether or not I should keep the child or put it up for adoption.” She pulled herself straight, but he still kept his arms tight around her. “Anyway, my pregnancy started showing and I was beginnin
Loving a Tycoon Seventy-One
Justin arose from his sleepless night, turned and slung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed his eyes then peered through half-closed lids at the alarm clock on the nightstand. Eight a.m. It’d been quite a while since he’d awakened this late. The change was nice.He stretched before sliding his feet into Brad’s slippers sitting on the floor. The morning chill caused goose bumps to ripple over his skin, so he hurried to the closet to find Brad’s robe. Justin pulled on the heavy terrycloth, tying the sash around his waist.Turning toward the window, he opened the shade and squinted against the sun’s brilliant glare as it touched the snow-covered ground. The impact of last night’s blizzard had left the mountains covered in white powder, but this morning only a few flakes drifted from the sky.He yawned, shaking the sleep out of his mind before heading into the living room to start a fire. As he set the wood in place, his mind drifted back to last night. Brooke had left him in a f
Loving a Tycoon Seventy
A moment of silence stretched through the air as Justin listened to Vince Gill’s song. The singer’s soothing voice echoed through the room, creating a cozy feeling. Justin closed the glass doors to the fireplace, and Brooke’s angelic hum rose above the crackle of the burning logs.Relaxing against the wall, he let himself enjoy the music as her voice blended with the singer’s. It had been so long since he enjoyed anything. Justin’s hectic life kept him going in one direction or another, not allowing a moment for himself. It was a miracle he’d even had time to date Robin, let alone get engaged. Thanks to his meddling mother, he’d somehow found the time to pop the question. Or maybe she’d popped the question. He couldn’t remember.In fact, his mother was the one who purchased the ring because his schedule was so time-consuming and he kept forgetting. His interfering parent reserved the perfect restaurant and she made sure the limousine picked him up from the office to deliver him there
