CHAPTER ONE
"What's so important we need to have a city council meeting tonight?" My one free night this week. Beth Kingsley sat in the chair closest to the secretary and rubbed her forehead to ease the headache from hell. "Are we here to discuss which brand of toilet paper to buy—again?"
Abbey, manager at Beth's coffee shop and fill-in for the council's sick secretary, leaned down to study her computer, "Don't know. The mayor—" She disappeared under the desk.
Beth smiled. "What are you doing?"
From below came a mumble. She shrugged, kicked off her shoes, and stifled a yawn.
The owner of a successful business, she'd wanted to give back to the community. That was why she sat at the conference table waiting for the meeting to start instead of at home relaxing. She looked around. The other council members chatted with the audience.
Today had been plagued with one crisis after another. At her coffee shop and bakery, Delectable Delights, she'd had to fill in for two employees who'd been out sick. All day she'd looked forward to a night at home with a glass of wine and a long, hot soak in the tub. She took a deep breath and could almost smell the sweet scent of her lavender and vanilla bath salts.
"Aha." Abbey popped up wearing a silly grin. She held a cord and plugged it into the computer. When the machine started, she pumped her fist.
Just then, the chamber doors swung open. Mayor Bill Derr entered the room, a bounce in his short-legged stride. Behind him walked a man Beth never thought she'd see again.
Abbey looked around. "Who?"
"Look at him. He struts like Alexander the Great entering Babylon." Beth grimaced. This can't be happening. Her stomach twisted. Why is he here?
She studied him. Gone was the boy who'd rescued a young girl. In his place was a man with sleek sophistication and a sexy-as-sin body with the sensual appeal of a Greek god. But she wasn't fooled by his looks, because she knew the truth. Like the harsh, jagged scar on his right temple, he was pure danger.
"He looks familiar, but I don't remember meeting him. No woman would ever forget that face." Abbey licked her lips the way she did when she looked at the double chocolate cake with fudge frosting. "That man is six feet of sexy. Yummy."
He'd been a handsome boy, but now Jason Fischer's sultry French Canadian good looks took Beth's breath away. He wore a tailored suit that displayed the raw power of a man who had the world at his feet.
Beth squirmed in her chair.
Abbey said, "His picture should be on the cover of GQ."
"It was." Beth clamped her fingers around the edge of the table and held tight. If she let go, she'd run from the room. Can this day get any worse?
Jason followed Mayor Derr to the podium. The mayor, a brilliant smile on his face, waited until everyone sat. Then he called the meeting to order. "Today we have with us a man renowned for his keen mind, revolutionary ideas, and financial wizardry—Mr. J.D. Richards."
The only things missing from his introduction were the blaring trumpets and waving banners.
"J.D. Richards?" Abbey blew a soft whistle. "The man with the golden touch and more money than the Federal Reserve?"
Mayor Derr continued. "Mr. Richards is CEO of Ziron Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and the reason for this meeting."
Without shifting her gaze, Beth told Abbey, "When he lived in Serenity Bay, he was Jason Fischer. People called him that worthless Fischer boy."
"Are you sure? Maybe you're confusing him with someone else?"
"I'd never forget a lying bastard."
Abbey gaped at her. "You knew him well?"
"I thought so." Beth would never admit she still struggled to live with his betrayal. Her anger flared as she remembered the honey sweetness of his kisses, and how her body tingled when he brushed his fingers over her skin. Yeah, she'd known him but not as well as she'd thought she did.
She frowned. A project in Serenity Bay?
Mayor Derr spoke through his grin. "Please welcome J.D. Richards."
A few people in the audience and the council members applauded. She pressed her lips into a tight line. This is my nightmare come to life.
Jason stood and looked at each member of the council. Every muscle in Beth's body tensed when he looked at her longer than he did the others. The dark anger in his eyes made her stomach sour.
Abbey asked, "What do you think—?"
"Shh." Beth had built a life in this town. It wasn't the one she dreamed of, but it was more than she'd thought possible. If someone threatened the contentment she'd worked so hard to find, she wanted to know why.
"That's why I contacted Mayor Derr and presented my proposal to build a community center in Serenity Bay. He agreed the town needed a place where friends and families could gather. A center to offer recreational and educational activities. We discussed different options and possibilities before we agreed on a plan."
Beth's eyes narrowed at the triumphant smile on his lips.
"Today I am here to ask for your approval to build a recreation and activities complex in Serenity Bay."
What? The muscles in Beth's shoulders tightened. This can't be happening.
"The complex will have an indoor swimming pool and gym. It will have rooms for classes, meetings, and parties. There will be tennis and bocce ball courts along with a large picnic area. The complex will be built on land converted into a city park and overlooking the bay."
There were dropped jaws, raised eyebrows, and gasps of surprise throughout the room.
"The center will be named in honor of my parents, Matt and Helen Richards, and I will donate the complex to the town." He placed an architect's blueprints on the display easel. "I present the Richards Recreation & Family Complex."
Beth rolled her shoulders to ease the tension. Who were Matt and Helen Richards? Jason had changed his name, had he reinvented his family too?
Her stomach roiled. No one who knew Jason would believe he wanted to share his good fortune with Serenity Bay. He'd hated this town. She hid behind a stiff smile but worried it might melt from the heat of her anger.
"I want the center to be a welcome addition to the community. To make sure the complex gets built with few problems or complications, I plan to stay in town during the construction to oversee each stage of development."
Applause filled the room as the council members and audience got to their feet—except Beth. Her legs, limp as day-old cooked spaghetti, could never support her.
Her anger exploded. Seeing him reminded her of all she'd lost. She still struggled to cope with her nightmares. How was she supposed to deal with Jason's return?
"I don't understand. How did you know him?" Abbey gaped at her. "Wait. Is he—?"
"Yes." Beth hissed as she cut off Abbey's question. She looked around the table. No one heard their conversation, they were too busy beaming at Jason.
She wanted him to hurt and watch as his soul bled the way hers did—every day. Then, with strength earned one tear at a time, she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.
The council would support the project. For years, they'd wanted to build a recreation center, but hadn't been able to put the funding together. The complex Jason offered was more than they hoped to have and at a price they couldn't afford to turn down. If she voted against the proposal, she'd have to explain her reason. But a vote in favor of the project would keep Jason in town.
The board discussed the proposal and invited the audience to participate. After the last question, the mayor asked, "Do I have a motion to approve Mr. Richards' generous proposal?"
One of the board members lifted his hand.
"Do I have a second?"
Another hand went up.
"All those in favor of approving this proposal, please raise your hands."
Beth stopped breathing as each council member voted for the proposal. With grim determination, she released her death grip on the table and raised her hand.
The thunder of clapping hands filled the council chambers and proud smiles lit the faces of the members of the council. The motion had passed with a unanimous vote.
She shuddered and glared at Jason. He'd abandoned this town, its people, and her. Why come back now? Did he know?
Abbey's eyebrows dipped. "What will you do?"
"I'll avoid the louse and count the days until he leaves." She gazed out the windows at the lush beauty of northern Minnesota. She'd loved watching the full moon's reflection rippling over the water. During the day she'd watch the sun's rays gleam and bounce off the water in the bay, or she'd walk on a path through the lush, green forest. Her walks reminded her there was more to life than work, and the cool calm of the nights soothed her soul. But tonight she found no peace.
Her shoulders slumped. J.D. Richards, or Jason Fischer, or whatever he called himself, had returned to Serenity Bay.
When the meeting adjourned, Beth grabbed Abbey's arm and pulled her to the refreshments table. "I need caffeine."
Before they reached the coffee, an employee rushed to Abbey and, with arms waving, whispered in her ear. This evening, Abbey supervised the employees who were in charge of the refreshments provided by Beth's shop.
"There's a crisis in the kitchen." Abbey whispered.
"I can handle it." Beth cringed at the desperation in her voice.
"No. You stay and play councilwoman. Remember, keep smiling. It will confuse the enemy." Abbey rushed away.
Smile. Right. Beth rolled her eyes. I survived his betrayal; I'll live through this.
Desperate to fortify her fractured nerves, Beth poured a cup of coffee. Then behind her, she heard the rumble of a deep voice. She turned to find Stephen Howard, her friend and attorney, standing next to Harmony Owen, owner of the New Age shop. She fought to hide her smile and wondered when Stephen would give in to the sparks flying between them.
Harmony wore her long, tie-dyed skirt and peasant blouse along with several silver bracelets. When she talked, she waved her hands and her bracelets made a soft, tinkling sound. As usual, she wore a bright smile and happily greeted everyone nearby.
Stephen wore a pinstripe suit and a frown. "Jason's gift is generous, although surprising."
Harmony glared at Stephen. "I think it's wonderful that someone who's accomplished so much remembers the town where he lived."
Stephen said, "I can't imagine why Jason Fischer would want to give a gift to this town."
"You think everyone has a sinister motive." Harmony rolled her eyes. "Not everyone lies."
"Maybe not, but everyone has secrets." Stephen raised an eyebrow. "Even you."
Harmony shook her head and turned to join another group.
More of Jason's fans joined Beth and Stephen. One person after another applauded Jason's generosity. With each word of praise, her hands tightened around the coffee cup.
While Beth chatted, she tracked Jason's movements as the mayor introduced him to the council members. The mayor's smile was open and sincere, while Jason's looked like a shark in search of prey. Am I his next meal?
A woman clutched Jason's arm and leaned close. Whether he wore a custom-made silk suit or jeans, he was the most virile man in any room. Beth's smile tightened into a grimace. Nothing had changed. He still drew women the way a bright flower attracted bees.
She took a deep breath when Jason and the mayor walked towards Stephen and her. With a clink, she set her cup on the table and clamped her hands together behind her back. She pasted a smile on her face and wondered if it fooled anyone. Her stomach knotted as she prepared to greet the man who taught her love existed only in fairy tales.
"J.D. Richards, this is Stephen Howard."
"Richards?" Stephen questioned as they shared a brief handshake. "It used to be Fischer."
"The Richardses took me in when I moved to Chicago, made me part of their family."
"Oh. Well, welcome back." Stephen nodded before he walked away.
"Beth, meet J.D. Richards."
"J.D. say hello to Elizabeth Kingsley, Beth to her friends. She owns Delectable Delights, the best coffee shop, bakery, and caterer in the state."
She tried to thank Mayor Derr for the compliment, but her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.
"In fact, Delectable Delights provided this evening's refreshments." The mayor's voice rang with good cheer. Why shouldn't it? His world was bright and sunny, while a nightmare of epic proportions threatened to destroy hers.
No longer able to put it off, she looked into eyes the color of dark chocolate and seething with emotion. Breathe in—breathe out. She flinched when Jason extended his hand. If she didn't accept his welcome, the news of her snub would be the main topic of gossip in every home at breakfast tomorrow.
Beth fought the urge to rub her damp palms on her skirt. She shook his hand but jerked at the touch of his skin. She'd locked away the memory of how she loved having his arms wrapped around her, but it returned in a rush. Need heated her blood and
He smiled, but his eyes held no joy. She shuddered. When they were young, his eyes had been bright with happiness and love. Now they were cold and swirled with deadly intent.
She dug her nails into the palms of her hands. "We've wanted to build a recreation center for a long time. Your gift is very generous."
He crossed his arms. "I want to thank everyone for all they did for me when I lived here."
Mayor Derr looked across the room. "Excuse me. I need to speak with someone." He rushed off.
Beth crossed her arms. "Why did you come back?"
"I owe a debt to the people of Serenity Bay."
"You despised this town and everyone who made your life miserable." She frowned. "Why give a gift to people you hate?"
"Hate is a strong word." He shrugged his left shoulder. "I want to repay a debt."
"You want to thank people who treated you like dirt?" Beth stared at him.
"When I got your letter, how could I turn down such a gracious invitation to return?"
"What—?"
"J.D.?" Mayor Derr scurried to Jason's side.
"Please, call me Jason."
A bright smile lit the mayor's face. "There's someone I want you to meet. Will you excuse us, Beth?"
A frown flashed across Jason's face before a polite smile replaced it.
She nodded and watched as he walked away. Her emotions raced like an out-of-control rollercoaster. He still made her ache for his touch. She frowned. Why did he think she wrote to him?
Someone grabbed her arm, and Beth yelped.
"Sorry." Abbey's eyebrows drew together. "Are you okay?"
"I need to get out of here."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm exhausted." She looked over Abbey's shoulder and met Jason's glare. "You have everything under control. I'm going home."
Abbey's lips parted, but Beth turned away and waved over her shoulder. "I'll see you at the shop tomorrow."
Beth pressed her head against the steering wheel. She dealt with the challenges of owning a business and being a council member, but when Jason walked into the council room, she'd once again been that fifteen-year-old girl in need of rescue.
She climbed out of the car. Then she grabbed the tote bag with her computer and the month's receipts. The last bag she pulled out had the ingredients she needed to try a recipe for a banana cake with cream cheese frosting.
While she struggled to open the door, her cell phone rang. She'd forgotten it when she left for work this morning. She rushed into the kitchen to answer the call but stumbled and dropped the bags. Her things skated across the floor.
With a frown on her face, she grabbed the phone. "Hello."
A harsh voice killed her hope for a peaceful evening. "Elizabeth, this is Archer Kingsley."
Damn. She should have checked the caller identification. "You don't need to introduce yourself."
"I wasn't certain you remembered me."
"What do you want, Father?" She grinned. He hated when she called him father. It reminded him he was old enough to have a grown daughter, one he no longer controlled.
"There is no need for sarcasm." He scolded. "Your mother told me you called to say you aren't able to attend her birthday celebration. That is not acceptable."
"In case you've forgotten, I decide what's acceptable in my life." Although she no longer lived in his home or under his thumb, her father expected her to rush to follow his orders. "The party is an excuse to show off for your business associates. Or have you arranged another marriage for me? Whatever your scheme, I won't be part of it."
Archer ignored her words the way he ignored anything he didn't want to hear. "If you don't come, you will embarrass your mother. Regardless of how you feel about me, I know you're fond of Deidre."
There it was. The emotional blackmail he used with surgical precision to force her obedience. Beth's hand curled until her nails cut into her palms.
"Will you disappoint your mother?"
When Beth had been young, her father scolded her for being too soft. If you let others know what you're feeling, it gives them the power to control you. Archer should know, he was an expert at controlling others.
A frustrated sigh slipped through her lips. "If I attend, will you promise not to lecture about my duty to the family name or you?"
"This is a celebration of your mother's life. It would not be a proper time to discuss how you've failed your family."
"I'll reconsider my decision, but I'm not making any promises."
"It will be good to see you perform your family duty on this occasion at least." The line went dead.
On his personal plane, Jason worked during the flight to Chicago. He called Andrew, one of his senior vice presidents. "I want the loose ends on the Hawkins deal tied up before I leave Chicago next week."
"That deal is at a critical point. You should be here. How long will you be away?"
"I'll fly in from time to time, but otherwise I'll work from home until the construction is complete. In the meantime, Matt will manage the daily operations."
"You don't oversee small projects. Why is this one different?"
"I want it done right." He trusted Andrew but didn't share personal information with anyone except those closest to him—his family.
"If you want the Hawkins contracts signed before you leave town, we need to close the deal at tomorrow's meeting," Andrew said.
"I want that company and don't want more delays. Let's meet in the morning to discuss the negotiations and the best way to handle their board of directors." He loved a battle of wits, and the challenge to close this deal made his blood race. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
He scrubbed a hand over his face. The pain of his past had returned, but it wouldn't stop him. He wanted revenge and planned to get it no matter the cost, but only after he had his answers.
Jason made another call, and one ring later he was bombarded with questions. "How was the meeting? Were they surprised? What was their reaction to the complex? Was it all you wanted? Did they ask about the change in your name?" A frustrated huff sounded across the connection. "Well, say something."
"I'm waiting for you to take a breath."
Callie's laughter made him smile. His best friend, she was the best adopted sister a man could have.
"Oh, all right. Did you recognize anyone?"
"Several people who knew Jason Fischer attended." He chuckled. "And before you ask, surprise doesn't begin to describe the stunned looks on their faces."
"Did anyone ask about your name?"
"One person did. Stephen Howard a guy I knew in school, asked."
"Did anyone comment on your past or make any snide comments?"
"None that I heard."
"I wish I could have been there. With all you've accomplished, none of those people would dare talk down to you now. If they try, you let me know, and I will take great pleasure in kicking their butts."
"Calm down, slugger. I appreciate the support, but I can handle this battle. If I need help, you'll be the first person I call."
"Growing up in Serenity Bay wasn't easy. Are you sure about this?"
He'd told Callie more about his life in Serenity Bay than anyone. When she heard the story of how Beth dumped him, her outrage soothed his pride. The memory of her rant brought a smile to his face. But Callie didn't know the whole truth. His pride kept him from telling her the depth of Beth's betrayal and his need for retribution. "It's time to put my ghosts to rest."
"Then you make them eat every insult they ever uttered."