Winning the Heiress' Heart Page 7

  Chapter Eight

  One kiss changed everything. And it changed nothing.

  Luc swung the axe and split the log with a satisfying thwack. So there were sparks between them. So Eva liked kissing him. So what? It didn’t mean she liked him. It just meant she liked kissing him. Thwack.

  Genevieve had enjoyed more than mere kisses. Not enough to consider marrying him but enough to risk her reputation. Thwack.

  Seesawing between anger, lust, and frustration all afternoon, Luc directed his energy into the pile of uncut wood. What did he want from Eva? For her to succumb to his charm enough to sell the plantation? Or to fall into an affair with him? For all her skittishness, she had been as involved in that kiss as he was. He buried the axe head in the base block. Grabbing his canteen, he took a long swig of water and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. Slinging the water bottle over his shoulder, he headed back to the house. His pretty neighbor stirred up a host of unwanted emotions and he was tired of taking cold showers.

  Damn it. What had possessed him to invite her to dinner? And dancing? That would be the end of him. Holding Eva Abbott in his arms simply wasn’t enough. So she’d softened toward him. It didn’t mean she wanted more, even if he did.

  Genevieve had only been slumming it with him. That betrayal rankled. Because he’d thought he was in love or because he’d been made to look like a callow fool? His eyes had been opened to the consequences of falling for an heiress and his heart wouldn’t be engaged again.

  But would an affair soften Eva? She cried poor. Until he saw that emerald necklace she’d worn in the photo, he’d believed her. He didn’t need another reminder that, like Genevieve, and his mother, material riches were important to her.

  He strode into his office and threw himself into a chair. Was an affair with Eva the answer? Concern for her nephew had led her to seek him out and her body had betrayed her attraction to him.

  His gaze fell on the map of their two estates. Pencil markings cut through the boundary line joining the two plantations where the boys had begun cutting trees to open up a machinery track. His assumption and eagerness had almost cost him the chance to purchase her land. He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  Coldblooded seduction of the heiress might win him her estate. This time, he wouldn’t be deluded into falling for the woman. This time, he would stay in control.

  The memory of Eva’s eyes looking into his as he curtailed their kiss flashed through his memory. Hunger and desire had darkened their green but something more peeked at him. Was it trust? Or was she using their attraction to distract him?

  He had to convince her to sell and their newly established truce provided the best opportunity so far. Ruthlessly, Luc suppressed the twinge of guilt that sliced through him.

  ***

  Secluded in a corner of the verandah, candlelight and moonlight cast the planes of Luc’s face into hard angles. If only she could see his eyes more clearly, know what he was thinking. Throughout the meal, they’d exchanged pleasantries. Soon there’d be no more small talk left and all that remained between them would be that kiss.

  As the waiter removed their plates, Luc poured the last of the wine. “You’re a real Annie Oakley with that pistol. The boys didn’t stop talking about your uncanny ability all day and Seb’s proud as punch.”

  “Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about anything at the time. Can we not talk about it more—please?”

  “Sure. There are other things we should talk about. That kiss for a start.”

  Her stomach clenched and she twirled her wine glass by the stem. Not here, not now. “No. Forget it happened.”

  He finished his wine and looked at her as he replaced his glass. “Ignoring it doesn’t make it disappear. It happened.”

  “It shouldn’t have. It won’t happen again.”

  He laughed, and the sound was short and derisive. “Of one thing I’m certain, the sun has more chance of not rising tomorrow than that kiss being our last.”

  The intimacy of Luc’s voice reminding her of that kiss warmed her traitorous body in places best not thought about in public. Josephine’s descriptions had taken on deeper meaning and invaded her dreams with Luc in the starring role. Eva’s cheeks heated and she glanced around the tables closest to them, hoping nobody had heard. “For heaven’s sake, can we please not talk about it here?”

  A breeze carrying the scent of the sea cooled her cheeks and she turned to look over the moonlit bay. A silver path led from the shore to the far horizon where an almost full moon rose from the water.

  Luc turned her hand over and stroked his thumb across her wrist. “You can’t tell me you feel nothing for me. Your pulse is racing.”

  She pulled her hand out of his and clenched it in her lap. “It doesn’t matter what I feel. I have to think of Sebastian and what is best for him.”

  “You can’t go through life ignoring your own needs.”

  “I have so far.”

  “It’s not healthy. For instance, right now your body is swaying in time to the music.” He skirted the table, pulled out her chair and offered his hand. “Dance with me?”

  She flicked a quick look at the table beside them. The middle-aged woman caught her eye and smiled while her fingers tapped to the music. Refusing Luc wasn’t an option because making a scene was out of the question. Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his, hoping one Foxtrot would satisfy him. Her luck was out.

  Music segued into a waltz and he tightened his hold when she took a step toward their table. “Running away?”

  Alive and sparkling with awareness of him, her body betrayed her with every move. Before she gave in to the simmering attraction, she needed distance. “I’d like to go home now. Please.”

  “As you wish.”

  Expecting a show of disappointment, she was perturbed by the quirk of his lips as he paid the bill, took her arm and led her to the car. Once he’d settled her into her seat he climbed in to his. Silence stretched for a mile or so before he broke it. “How’s your new manager working out?”

  Mundane conversation was much safer than dancing. She relaxed into the security of everyday detail. “He’s competent. Since he arrived, the harvest has progressed efficiently and I’ve had no more visits from the pickers. I must thank Jack.”

  “Jack sent him?”

  “Didn’t you know? I assumed—never mind. Anyway, Stefan is a godsend.”

  “Stefan? What do you know about him? I haven’t come across him before and Jack’s not mentioned anyone of that name.”

  Innocuous as it was, Luc’s inquiry made her question herself again. Her stomach churned about her rush to hire Stefan. Every decision had been so hard since Phillip’s death, even her choice of manager. As if there had been any choice. She certainly couldn’t have hired Luc—his terms were too high. She wished there was even one thing she could be certain about right now. Just one.

  “What are you saying? Are you annoyed that I didn’t accept your business proposition? If you’re trying to make me feel guilty, it won’t work.”

  He frowned and a muscle jumped in his cheek. “You had your reasons for refusing and I respect them. My offer still holds though. If you decide to sell, I would like first option to buy.”

  “Mister Martineau, if ever I should decide to sell, I’ll be sure to let you know. But I fully intend to make Hawaii our home for the foreseeable future.”

  They coasted to a stop on the bluff and he switched off the engine.

  “Why are we here?” And why hadn’t her snippy remarks made him hightail for home? Starlight and moonlight played over the waves in a scene perfect for making out. Did he think to seduce her into agreeing to sell to him?

  “Continuing our interrupted conversation. We called a truce, remember?”

  The truce had led to that kiss she couldn’t stop thinking about. She had to stop him before he kissed her again, before she gave in to the caress of his voice. Then Luc’s fingers gently brushed her cheek and she leaned into his palm, awar
e her action was at odds with her attempts to maintain distance. Moonlight revealed the intensity of his gaze on her face, his focus on her mouth.

  Slowly he leaned forward, warm breath fanning her skin and slipped his hand around to cradle her neck.

  “We said all that needed saying.”

  “Then we’re in agreement.”

  Her breath hitched. He was going to kiss her again. Butterflies flittered in her stomach. “If you think dinner and dancing and—and kissing will make me change my mind, you don’t know me.”

  “Forget business for a few minutes, Eva. The only thing on my mind is kissing you. I’ve wanted to do this again all night.”

  His thumb stroked her cheek as he tipped her head back. Her body stilled as he lowered his mouth, his tongue tracing her top lip. She nibbled on his full bottom lip and he dipped into her mouth. Smoothing her hands up over his shoulders, she groaned with pent-up need and boldly met his tongue.

  Tomorrow, she would berate her weakness but tonight, here and now, she needed to kiss him. Luc. Who wanted her land and would do whatever it took to get it.

  She wrenched her mouth from his and sucked in a lungful of air.

  Acrid smoke carried on the wind, stinging her eyes and making her cough. She grabbed his forearm. Wide-eyed, she scanned the trees on both sides. “I smell smoke.”

  He pointed behind them and started the engine. “It’s coming from your side of the ridge.”

  “Oh, my God. Seb!”

  Luc put the car into gear and drove quickly down the road with skill and fierce concentration. Minutes trickled by like sand in an hourglass until finally, they turned into her driveway. Crackling flames leapt into view as they tore around the last bend. He slowed the car and Eva jumped out before he came to a stop. Heat rolled out in fierce waves and she shielded her eyes against the glare. “Seb, where are you?”

  “Stay back.” He sprinted past her to the burning building and a figure beating at the flames. Luc pulled him away as the walls collapsed inwards in a shower of sparks. Together, the two men staggered away from the shed, Luc half-dragging Seb.

  She raced across to grab her nephew by the shoulders. “Seb. Oh, dear God. Are you okay?”

  Luc lowered him to the ground and pushed his head to his knees. Seb coughed hard and dragged in lungfuls of smoky air while Eva hung on to his arm and patted his back. When he finally looked up, his face and clothes were covered in soot and sweat. “Sorry, Evie. Couldn’t stop it.”

  She flung her arms around him. “You shouldn’t have put yourself in danger like that.”

  “Here, lad, drink.” Luc pushed a flask into Seb’s hand and tipped it to his mouth. “How did the fire start?”

  Seb took a long swig and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, streaking soot into a bizarre slash of black around his white teeth. “I’m not sure. I was inside listening to the BBC broadcast of the cricket on the radio. Guess I dozed off during the break because the next thing I woke and smelled smoke. The shed was well and truly alight by the time I got out here.”

  Luc looked over at the dying blaze then fixed his gaze on Seb. “Did you see anyone or smell anything unusual?”

  Unusual? He thought it might be arson? Seb flicked her a glance and gave Luc a sharp look. “Like petrol? No.”

  Fear shimmied down her spine. A petrol fire would have burned more fiercely, like the refinery fire during the London Blitz, which had spewed black smoke for days. “Where’s Stefan? Have you seen him?”

  “Not since I put the bike away when I got home. He asked if he could borrow it to go into town.”

  As if on cue, they heard the roar of Seb’s motorbike climbing the driveway. Stefan pulled up beside Luc’s car, dismounted and staggered slightly. As Stefan joined the little group huddled on the ground, he dropped to one knee beside Seb. “What happened? You okay, young boss?”

  Slurred words confirmed her suspicion of alcohol but she held her peace for the time being.

  Seb nodded and Luc helped him to his feet. “C’mon, Seb. You need a shower and bed. Eva, perhaps you could make him a hot drink while he cleans up.”

  She moved in and wrapped an arm around Seb’s waist. He leaned heavily on her shoulder and she staggered under his weight. When had he beefed up?

  He cleared his throat and stood straight. “I’m okay, Evie. I can walk.”

  “I know. I’m not sure I can right now though.” She called back over her shoulder. “I’ll make coffee for you two as well. Come up to the house when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks. We’ll be there.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him put out a hand to stop her manager and heard his request, even though he lowered his voice.

  “Stefan, a word with you before you go.”

  Preoccupied with escorting Seb into the house, she heard no more. Once he was in the bathroom, she headed to the kitchen and put the coffee pot on.

  Two bad events in three days was no coincidence.

  She sank onto the nearest chair, clasped her hands together and concentrated on drawing in long breaths and slowly releasing them. Someone wanted to hurt her and Seb or at the very least, frighten them. But who was behind it and why?

  Luc walked into the kitchen, a bottle of brandy in his hand. He held it out to her. “Thought you might need some in your coffee. Seb okay?”

  She nodded. “He’s having a shower. What did you say to Stefan?”

  Luc sat and poured a shot of brandy into each cup before passing one to her. “I asked about the workers who’ve been here and we talked about security. He’s checking the rest of the sheds now. You didn’t tell me that Amoka threatened you. ”

  “I didn’t want to read too much into it. I thought he was pushing because he didn’t like taking orders from a woman. Anyway, Stefan turned up and dealt with him. Do you think Amoka was responsible or was this just an accident?”

  Luc ran a hand through his hair. “It’s possible but we won’t know more until we can examine the remains of the shed. As for Amoka, I can’t say I’ve heard anything bad about him or his crew before now, but they’re fairly new to the area so we can’t be sure.” He paused and rubbed the back of his neck. “I want you and Seb to come home with me.”

  Eva looked up at him, shaking her head. “Surely you don’t think anyone is going to return tonight?”

  “No. But I’ll feel a whole lot better knowing you’re with me.”

  So would she but there was no way she’d reveal that titbit to Luc. Where was her backbone? “What was the point of teaching me to shoot if you’re not prepared to let us defend ourselves?”

  “Eva—”

  “I have a gun, I know which end to point and I will use it if I have to. And I will not let whoever is doing these things win by forcing us out of our home.”

  “Spending a night or two with me isn’t letting them win. It’s being sensible and safe.”

  How long had it been since she’d last felt like that?

  Less than an hour ago in Luc’s arms. Reliance on the handsome plantation owner was a weakness she couldn’t afford, no matter how appealing the prospect. Not when she was still unsure of his motives. Not when she knew how he coveted her plantation. She shook her head. “What do you think people would say if we stayed overnight with you? Even if Seb is there, people will talk.”

  Luc’s eyes narrowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “People talk all the time. Stefan agrees with me; it’s safer if you and Seb aren’t here. He’ll stay and keep an eye on the place. Look, I don’t want to alarm you but we suspect you’re being targeted. The big question is why.”

  “I can’t. Causing a scandal by moving into your home isn’t the way to become a part of this community. Nor is running away when the going gets tough.”

  She looked up at his face reflected in the window, over her shoulder, and lit from behind like a dark angel. Their bodies assumed a single shape in the darkened glass. Behind her, the heat from him enveloped her and he rested his hands on her shoulders. �
�Then I’ll stay here.”

  “How is that different from me staying at your home? No. Thanks for your concern but Stefan will keep us safe.”

  Chapter Nine

  It had taken some convincing to get Eva to leave the repairs and clean up operation and accompany him to the Pineapple Festival and now they were here, she had disappeared with her picnic basket and a cheery ‘back soon’. Luc leaned against the concession stand and glanced at the latest pageant of island beauties waiting for the winner to be announced.

  “And Miss Pineapple Queen 1960 is—”

  Jack strolled up and offered him a cold glass of juice. “Prettiest crop of Pineapple Princesses I’ve seen, don’t you think?” They raised their drinks in silent salute and drank.

  “I’m sure you’ll find a willing partner from their ranks for the race.” Luc turned and scanned the crowd for Eva’s distinctive auburn hair. She’d hugged her picnic basket to her chest when he tried to carry it into the fair and refused to let him even peek at the contents.

  “How can you blind bid if you know what’s in the basket beforehand?” she’d said.

  Could Eva cook? It seemed an odd achievement for an heiress. “How will I know if I want to eat what’s inside if you don’t show me?”

  “Believe me, you’ll want what’s inside this package.”

  “Give me a clue then.”

  “Close your eyes.”

  He’d had to make do with guessing the contents from the delicious aromas wafting from her contribution to the annual fair. Not that it mattered. He intended to win her basket and her company for the picnic lunch.

  “What is it with you?” Jack swept his glass in a broad gesture that encompassed the young women on stage eagerly crowding around to congratulate the winner. “Found yourself something more exotic, have you?”

  “Huh?”

  “Never thought I’d see the day you weren’t interested in–”

  “Piss off, Jack. Go console one of the princesses. I’ve got an auction to bid in.” He ambled over to join the crowd gathering below the stage.