The Summer Wedding: Groom Wanted / The Man You'll Marry

“Nothing. He invited me out to see his home. Apparently it’s something of a showplace.”

“He’s a bit old for you, don’t you think?”

Jill gave him an incredulous look. “Don’t be ridiculous. He assumed you and I knew each other. He just wanted me to feel welcome.” She didn’t mention that Jordan had spent the entire dinner talking with a business associate. He seemed to have all but forgotten she was with him.

“Howard invited you to his home?”

“Us, actually. You can make your excuses if you want, but I’d really like to take him up on his offer.”

“Andrew Howard and my father were good friends. My father passed away several years back, and Howard likes to keep track of the projects I’m involved with. He’s gone in on the occasional deal.”

“He’s a sweet man. Did you know he lost his only son to cancer? It’s the reason his company’s done so much in the field of cancer research. His son’s death changed his life.”

“I had no idea.” Jordan was obviously astounded that he’d known Andrew Howard for so many years and hadn’t realized he’d lost a child. “You learned this over dinner?”

“Good grief, dinner lasted nearly two hours.” She sighed deeply and pressed her hands to her stomach. “I’m stuffed. I’ll never sleep unless I walk off some of this food.”

“It would’ve helped if you hadn’t eaten half the hors d’oeuvres all by yourself.”

Jill decided to ignore that comment.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Jordan surprised her by asking.

“Not in the least, as long as you promise not to make any more remarks about hors d’oeuvres. Or lecture me about the dangers of swimming at night.”

Jordan grinned. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

They walked through the lobby and out of the hotel toward the beach. The surf thundered against the shore, slapping the sand, then retreating. Jill found the rhythmic sounds relaxing.

“What sort of project do you have planned for Hawaii?” she asked after a few minutes.

“A shopping complex.”

Although he’d answered her question, his expression was preoccupied. “Why the frown?” she asked.

He shot a quick glance her way. “The Lundquists seem to have some sort of hidden agenda,” he said.

“You said Daddy’s grooming Junior to take your place,” Jill prompted.

“It looks like I’m headed for a proxy fight, which is an expensive and costly proposition for everyone involved. For now, I have the controlling interest, but by no means do I have control.”

“This trip to Hawaii?”

“Is strictly business. I just wish I knew what’s going on behind my back.”

“Good luck with it.” This was a world far removed from Jill’s.

“Thanks.” He grinned and suddenly seemed to leave his worries behind.

They strolled for several minutes in companionable silence. The breeze was warm, the moon full and bright, and the rhythm of the ocean waves went on and on.

“I suppose I should go back,” Jill said reluctantly. She had a full day planned, beginning first thing in the morning, and although she didn’t feel the least bit tired, she knew she should get some sleep.

“Me, too.”

They altered their meandering course in the direction of the hotel, their shoes sinking into the moist sand.

“Thanks for your help with Suzi Lundquist.”

“Anytime. Just say the word and I’ll be there, especially if there’s caviar involved.” She felt guilty, however, about the young and vulnerable Suzi. Jordan had been gentle with her; nevertheless, Jill’s sympathy went out to the girl. “I feel kind of bad for Suzi.”

Jordan sighed. “The girl just won’t take no for an answer.”

“Do you?”

“What do you mean?”

Jill stopped a moment to collect her thoughts. “I don’t understand finance, but it seems to me that you’d never get anywhere if you quit at the first stumbling block. Suzi takes after her father and brother. She saw what she wanted and went after it. Rather an admirable trait, I guess. I suspect you haven’t seen the last of her.”

“Probably not, but I won’t be here for more than a few days. I should be able to avoid her during that time.”

“Good luck,” she said again. She hesitated when they reached the pathway, bordered by vivid flowering shrubs, that led to the huge lighted swimming pool.

Jordan grinned. “I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”

The night couldn’t have been more perfect. It seemed such a shame to waste these romantic moments, but Jill finally forced herself to murmur good-night.

“Here,” Jordan said just as she did.

Jill was startled when he presented her with a single lavender orchid. “What’s this for?”

“In appreciation for all your help.”

“Actually, I should be the one thanking you. I had a wonderful evening.” It sure beat sitting in front of her television and ordering dinner from room service, which was what she’d planned. She held the flower under her nose and breathed in its delicate scent.

“Enjoy your stay in Hawaii.”

“Thank you, I will.” Her itinerary was full nearly every day. “I might even see you … around the hotel.”

“Don’t count on it. I’m headed back to Seattle in two days.”

“Goodbye, then.”

“Goodbye.”

Neither moved. Jill didn’t understand why. They’d said their good-nights—there seemed nothing left to say. It was time to leave. Time for her to return to her room and sleep off the effects of an exceptionally long day.

She made a decisive movement, but before she could turn away, his hand at her shoulder stopped her. Jill’s troubled eyes met his. “Jordan?”