Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée Read Free Page A

hearing conversations as she passed him, and knew he could turn on the charm. With an effort she tore her gaze from his dark eyes.
    As he glanced around, she became acutely conscious of her office with its cramped space and old furniture in the aging building. She operated on a shoestring, yet her business was growing, a plus, she reminded herself constantly.
    â€œGood morning,” she said, greeting Nick without offering her hand.
    â€œGood morning,” he replied, giving her a faint smile. “Red becomes you.”
    â€œThank you,” she replied. She was certain the compliment rolled off his tongue without thought, yet she couldn’t keep from being pleased. He extended the envelope that had contained her bill and she guessed it was her payment.
    â€œHere’s for the party. You did a bang-up job and there were a lot of compliments on the food. You should get more bookings from my friends.” His hand was well shaped, his fingers long, his white shirt cuffs hiding his wrists.
    â€œThank you. Some guests asked for my card. I appreciate the opportunity of your business,” she replied. Approval would have been satisfying from any other customer, but his solemn expression and the intensity of his dark eyes took away pleasure. His presence screamed a mission. “Please have a seat.”
    He sat in one of the small chairs and she pulled one around to face him, too aware of his proximity. Unsettling, he threatened her well-being. Adding to his overpowering presence, his thickly lashed dark brown eyes were piercing.
    â€œI’ve come to talk about Michael.”
    She drew a quick breath. “From the first I figured that was why you wanted to meet.”
    â€œThat’s right. My father is in poor health. In the past year he’s had two heart attacks. Illness has changed his outlook on life. He’d like to meet you and Michael.”
    Her heart lurched and she locked her fingers together as she fought a sense of panic. The Raffords’ power loomed. Sheimagined that the father was even more formidable than the son because of his years developing influential friends. Taking a quick breath, she attempted to maintain a calm demeanor.
    â€œAre you aware that your brother signed away his rights to Michael?”
    â€œThat’s what I’ve been told.”
    â€œHe did that in the last weeks of Alicia’s life. She tried to get everything lined up so Michael would be financially provided for and have a guardian until he’s grown. I can’t imagine your father simply wants to see the baby. I’d guess there’s more to it than that,” she added, hoping for a denial. When Nick didn’t give one immediately, her dread increased.
    â€œHe doesn’t intend to take Michael from you, but he wants to get acquainted with his grandson,” Nick said. “I’ll repeat—illness has changed my father’s values. His grandson has become important to him. I’d like to arrange a meeting and it would be easier on my dad if you could get together at his house,” Nick continued. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and slightly sensual lower lip. What would it be like to feel those lips against hers?
    Startled by her train of thoughts, she returned to the moment. She could not keep from having a faint glimmer of hope from Nick’s remarks. “If your father is that frail, he surely can’t want Michael in his life much of the time. It doesn’t sound as if he is in any shape to care for a baby.”
    â€œHe’s not, but he can afford to hire care. Frankly, while you have a growing, successful business,” Nick said, glancing around her office, which she could imagine he was contrasting with his own and his father’s, “my father can do much more financially for Michael than you can.”
    â€œMoney really isn’t everything,” she replied. Her chill intensified. Nick sat relaxed, looking as if he was the one in