The next morning, as he walked to Beth's front door, Jason congratulated himself for the success of his plan to gain her trust. Soon Beth would answer his questions and share her secrets. Then he'd walk away and wipe this town from his life—and his heart.
His friends and family joked that he had the determination of a bulldog with a fresh piece of meat. They were right. His blood raced when he went into a battle, whether the fight took place in the boardroom or in a coffee shop with a difficult opponent like Beth.
He wore a cocky smile as he rang the bell.
The door opened, but instead of Beth, an older woman welcomed him. "Hello."
"Hello. I'm here to see Elizabeth Kingsley."
"Miss Beth already went to work."
"Oh." He clenched his hands. "I must have misunderstood where we planned to meet. I'll go to the shop."
He stalked to his car, dropped onto his seat, and slammed the door. Damn her! He slammed his hands on the steering wheel then gripped it so tight his hands ached. The tires screeched when he pulled out of the driveway. Beth could scratch and hiss if she wanted, but he wouldn't leave Serenity Bay until she answered every question and paid for her sins.
Jason broke the speed limit as he drove to Delectable Delights' and pulled into the parking lot. He stomped to the door and knocked. No one answered. He pounded on the door. A man in a white baker's uniform came from the kitchen and shouted, "We open at seven."
"I'm here to meet with Beth," he yelled through the door.
"Come back later."
"We planned to meet at six-thirty."
"You're late." The baker opened the door. "Weren't you here yesterday?"
"Yeah. Beth and I are old friends." Well, we were friends—nine years ago.
"She's in her office." He locked the door and turned back. "This way."
Jason followed the man but waited outside Beth's office. The heat of anger flowed through his veins.
"Hey, Erik. Did you need something?"
"Someone is here to see you. He said his appointment was for six-thirty."
Before she could answer Erik, Jason strolled into her office.
Beth smiled at him, but her eyes were shards of ice. "Thanks, Erik."
"I misunderstood where we were meeting." Jason sat in a chair. "I went to your home before I came here."
"Sorry. I'd planned to get together with the staff today and forgot about breakfast." Beth shrugged. "Not that we have anything to discuss."
"Yeah, I figured it was something like that." He leaned forward. "Tell me why you said I was a fling. Did you mean it? Was that why you changed your mind about leaving town? If you didn't want me to come back, why did you write to me?"
"At the council meeting, you mentioned a letter. Why do you believe I wrote to you?"
"Who else would contact Jason Fischer?" Frustrated, he huffed. "If you answer my questions, I'll leave." After I teach you it's not wise to tease a shark. "But first I want to know what happened nine years ago."
"I told you, I've let go of the past and don't wish to discuss it." Beth stood. "Besides, I have no secrets I want to share with you. So go away and leave me alone."
Jason pounded a fist on the desk. "You are the one person who can answer my questions. I won't walk away until you tell me what I want to know."
Beth tightened her hands around the arms of her chair. "There's nothing to tell. I would never have sent you a letter because I never wanted you to come back. We have nothing to discuss, so go away and leave me alone."
She looked cool and calm until he looked into her eyes. Fear. What is she hiding?
Erik came to the door with a butcher knife in his hands. "Is there a problem?"
She pointed a finger at Jason. "Would you show Mr. Richards out?"
"This isn't finished, Beth. You can get angry and make a scene, but I won't leave town until you tell me what happened nine years ago." He shoved past Erik and stalked out.
Later that afternoon, Abbey walked into the office. "How are you?"
"Miserable." No matter how busy Beth got, her thoughts returned to Jason, his anger, his threats. "Why can't he leave me alone? I told him I don't want to discuss the past, but he won't let it go."
"Are you sure he hasn't changed—"
She rubbed her hands over her arms. "If he'd cared, he'd have come back when I begged him. Now he thinks he has a right to make demands. Well, he's nine years too late."
"Why did he decide to ask questions now?"
"He received a letter and claims I sent it." Beth put her hands on her hips. "I would never have written him."
"Have you seen the letter?" Abbey frowned.
Beth shook her head. "He hasn't shown it to me."
"Why would someone want him to come back to Serenity Bay?"
"I don't know, and I don't care." Beth briefly closed her eyes. "Now he's building the complex and won't leave town until it's done. That will give him time to harass me. When he left this morning, he was furious. Maybe he's so angry he'll leave me alone."
"That's not going to happen."
Beth glared at Abbey. "What? How do you know?"
Abbey held up a finger and scurried away. She returned with Jason. He carried a large florist's box. He walked to her and held the box out to her.
As though he carried a snake, Beth took a step back and wrapped her arms around her waist. "What's that?"
With a cocky grin, he said, "Flowers."
Beth waved her hand. "Yes, but why?"
"To apologize. I don't lose my temper often, but talking about the past is difficult for me." He glanced at the box. "Anyway, I'm sorry."
He'll stand there holding that darn box until doomsday if I don't take it. She took the box and mumbled, "Thank you."
"I'll see you tomorrow." With a wide smile on his face, he walked out.
Abbey bounced on her feet. "Is there a card?"
Beth shrugged.
"It won't open itself."
"I don't want them."
Abbey pointed at the box. "If you don't open it, I will."
Beth sighed but untied the ribbon. She was careful not to tear it. The ribbon was her favorite color—peach. That was why she wanted to save it, not because he gave it to her.
In the box were long-stemmed, peach-colored roses mixed with baby's breath. They were her favorite flower. Nestled on top of the bouquet was an envelope with her name on it. She recognized Jason's handwriting. She reached for the envelope, but stopped and curled her fingers.
It had taken years to gain her self-confidence, and she refused to act like a coward. She grabbed the envelope and took out the card.
Please accept these flowers, along with my apology, for my outburst this morning. I hope you'll give me a chance to make it up to you. Jason
"What a sweet apology. I'll get you a vase." Abbey rushed from the office with a huge smile on her face.
"Yeah, isn't it sweet?" Why won't he leave me alone?
The next day Beth reorganized the shop's storage room. If she kept busy, there wouldn't be time to obsess over Jason's accusations or her traitor heart. It didn't work. She thought about why it was so important for him to return to town and ask questions now. By the time she finished in the storeroom, all she had were more questions and another headache.
Not only had she obsessed about Jason's return, this evening she'd see him at the press conference. The mayor and city council were to announce the construction of the recreation complex followed by a reception at the mayor's home. Jason was the guest of honor.
When it was time to get ready for the conference, Beth went to her office to change into the dress she'd brought to work. This morning she'd tried on every cocktail dress in her closet until she chose her favorite. She changed into a curve-hugging black dress and a pair of killer high-heels that made her feel sexy and confident. Tonight she would need all the self-confidence she could muster.
By the time she finished dressing, her hands shook so badly she had to put on her lipstick twice before she got it right. She looked in the mirror. "You survived the worst days of your life and can live through this evening."
She walked out of her office and found herself surrounded by employees. With a laugh, she turned in a circle. "Well, will I do?"
Erik wagged his eyebrows, "Every man at this shindig will lust for your body."
Beth laughed so hard her side ached. If she could have a brother, Erik was the man she'd choose. She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. A bright red blush ran up his neck and covered his face.
He clapped his hands. "Customers wait and pastries burn. Jamie, you relieve Abbey. If she doesn't get back here soon, she'll burst."
Their laughter rang out before everyone returned to their stations. Seconds later, Abbey charged into the kitchen. She walked around Beth and let out a wolf whistle. "Wow."
"Should I have worn the blue dress?"
Abbey grinned and wagged her eyebrows "You are gorgeous. Jason will kick himself for letting you get away."
"I didn't dress to impress him."
"No, of course not. But he'll still kick himself." Abbey snickered. "Now go show him the woman you've become."
"I didn't dress for Jason."
Abbey handed Beth her purse, "Absolutely not."
Beth walked the two blocks to the council's offices hoping the fresh air would calm her nerves. She entered the chambers but stopped when she saw a crowd gathered around Jason. He hadn't seen her, so she went to the side of the chamber hall to study him.
His good looks and self-confidence had drawn others to him even when he'd worn jeans and a leather jacket. Today in his tailored silk suit he radiated power no one could ignore. Regardless of what he wore, he had a body made for hot, sweaty sex. Abbey's right. He's a hunk.
Her gaze swept over his body and up to his face. She stopped breathing. Jason watched her. A smug smile on his face, he walked to her. He held out a single peach-colored rose with a lace ribbon tied around the stem. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
"I want to apologize again for losing my temper." He gave her a sweet smile. "Will you forgive me, and let me prove you can trust me?"
Several of the guests watched them, no doubt in search of a juicy bit of gossip. Whether she took his peace offering or not, there was plenty to discuss over the back fence.
When Beth took the rose, a thorn bit into her finger. "Ouch."
"Be careful." He grinned. "Beautiful flowers often have thorns."
"So do people."
"I will meet many people tonight and hoped you'd help me with introductions."
"The mayor will be glued to your side and introduce you to everyone."
"True, but I prefer you at my side."
"I won't hang on your arm like an ornament."
"I don't think so little of you." Jason's gaze never wavered. "You are an intelligent, successful woman, and it would be an honor to have you next to me."
What game is he playing? "As a council member, I'll help in any way I can."
Jason gave Beth his I-closed-a-multi-million-dollar-deal smile. With a touch, he led her to the stage.
Mayor Derr rushed to them. "Before we start, would you like a drink, water or soda?"
Jason asked her, "Do you want a drink?"
A pink blush covered her face. "No. Thank you."
"We're fine. Perhaps later."
The mayor slapped his hands together. "If you'll come with me, we can start the press conference."
She stepped away. "I want to wash my hands. I'll return in a minute and join the other council members at the podium."
"We'll start when Beth returns." Jason gave her a bright smile and wondered if that sound he heard was her teeth grinding.
To his credit, the mayor didn't ask questions, but his eyes were wide with curiosity. While they waited, the mayor filled the time with polite chatter. Jason did his best to listen to the mayor, but he watched and wondered whether Beth would return. When she walked back, the tightness in his chest eased. He took her hand and followed Mayor Derr to the stage.
"The reporters agreed not to ask questions until after the announcement." The mayor said, "The photographers will take pictures while you talk, but I'm sure you're accustomed to that."
Beth's back stiffened.
Jason wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered, "The mayor will direct this circus. He'll do most of the talking and handle the press. We're here for the show."
Mayor Derr clapped his hands. "Let's begin, shall we?"
Beth lined up with the council members behind the mayor and smiled, and Jason stepped to the side. She smiled, but there was no happiness in it. Was she worried that he'd learn her secrets?
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm glad you could join us this evening. Tonight we are here to announce the construction of an addition we've wanted in this community for years." The mayor spoke through the wide grin on his face. "I'm certain you've heard of business magnate and philanthropist, J.D. Richards, CEO of Ziron Corporation. What you may not know is he got his start in Serenity Bay."
Adrenaline pumped through Jason's veins. He'd looked forward to this day. He wanted to show these people how wrong they'd been about him. The worthless Fischer boy had become a man others admired and respected. With Beth here to witness his triumphant return, his victory was complete.
"Several months ago, Mr. Richards contacted me about a project he wanted to undertake. After we worked out the details of his proposal, we took the plan to the town council. The vote was unanimous in approval of Mr. Richards' venture."
Jason watched, entertained, while the mayor played the room with the skill of a veteran politician. Reporters recorded his words while the photographers took picture after picture.
"Please welcome J.D. Richards who will tell you about the project he wishes to undertake in Serenity Bay." The mayor beamed and applauded louder than anyone in the room.
Jason walked to the podium, and the fire of victory raced through his veins. "Thank you for your warm welcome. As Mayor Derr said, Serenity Bay was my home for many years. Since leaving town, I have been fortunate in my business and financial endeavors. I want to share my good fortune with those who contributed so much to my life."
He'd dreamed of vindication, and now he had it. He intended to savor every moment and let it wash away the years of humiliation he'd endured. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Beth frown before she replaced it with a smile. He'd love to know what she was thinking.
"After several discussions with the mayor, we agreed Serenity Bay could use a recreation center. A place where parents can spend time with their children or friends, and they can take part in a variety of activities."
There were gasps when Jason set a drawing for the proposed complex on the easel. "The Council approved my proposal for a recreation complex that will serve this community for years to come. There will be a large community room for social gatherings and classrooms for educational use. The complex will have an indoor swimming pool and gym for athletic events. Outside we've planned courts for bocce ball and tennis. We plan to build the complex on a ten-acre park that will overlook the bay at the north end of town."
He looked at the people who knew him when he lived in Serenity Bay. The shock and surprise on their faces soothed the wounded ego of the boy who'd been told again and again he wasn't good enough.
"To make sure the planning and construction move along smoothly, I will stay in town to oversee the project." He paused. "After the construction is completed, I will sign the papers giving the Richards Recreation & Family Complex to Serenity Bay."
Satisfaction coursed through his veins when the council members and the audience joined in applause that echoed through the chamber. He took a deep breath and inhaled the sweet scent of vindication.
The mayor asked, "Are there questions?"
Several hands were raised. It took Jason and the mayor twenty minutes to answer the questions plus another twenty for pictures. During a lull, Jason left the mayor to wrap up the press conference.
He wore a smile when he went to Beth and held out his hand. Those closest watched with interest when she laced her fingers with his.
The flashes of cameras lit their way from the stage. A few reporters followed and shouted questions. Jason stopped to talk with them, but his patience was wearing thin. He wanted to get Beth alone.
One journalist commented, "The two of you seem close."
Jason smiled at Beth. "We're old friends."
The reporter smirked, "You seem like more than friends."
Jason fisted his hands. Would it be worth a few hours in jail to punch the jerk? Instead, he turned to answer another question.
Behind them, Mayor Derr thanked everyone for attending the press conference. When he reached Jason, he said, "That couldn't have gone better." The mayor wore a proud new-father smile. "I understand the guests have begun to arrive at the reception. We should be on our way. Do you need a ride?"
Jason shook his head. "Thank you, but my car and driver are here. We'll meet you at your house." He slid his arm around Beth's waist. Her muscles tensed, but she didn't pull away. Careful to hide the smug smile he knew was on his lips, he steered her to the door.
Marco stood at the curb with the car door open.
She tried to step away, but Jason held tight and led her to his car.
"I need to get my car. It's at the shop."
"A beautiful woman shouldn't wander through town alone at night."
"This is Serenity Bay, one of the safest towns in Minnesota."
"I'd like you to go with me to the reception. Then you can tell me the gossip about the other guests."
She looked at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you trying to do?"
He shrugged. "I want to prove I can be your friend and am worthy of your trust."
"Why?" Beth glared at him.
"Once we were best friends. We knew everything about each other. It's good to have friends who know your past."
She stared at him. Would she insist on getting her car? If she left on her own, he doubted she'd go to the reception. She turned to the limousine. He held her arm as she got in.
Marco drove to the mayor's home which was a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Jason looked over the three-story house with a builder's eye. Whoever restored it had preserved the original structure, and the workmanship was first-rate. Wherever Jason traveled, he looked for local contractors to work on his projects. He'd ask the mayor for the builder's name.
The mayor and guests clapped when Jason and Beth entered the house. Long past being flustered at such attention, he squeezed her hand. "Keep smiling, and we'll get through this."
Mayor Derr rushed to them. "If you'll come with me, I'll introduce you to everyone."
Jason knew the people who attended the reception had been invited based on their importance to the mayor's reelection, but he liked him so he smiled and shook hands. The whole time, he kept Beth at his side. She didn't complain, but the look she gave him promised retribution. He looked forward to the challenge.
Like the mayor, several guests had moved to Serenity Bay after Jason left town and didn't know his history. However, there were people who had known him, and he thoroughly enjoyed the surprise and shock on their faces. When Mayor Derr made his introductions, most said they were glad to meet him and acted as though they hadn't known him. A few welcomed him back, and everyone thanked him for his generosity.
One woman, bolder than the others, asked, "Did you return to show everyone what you've made of yourself?"
Jason stared at the woman with his iciest smile. Her face flushed a deep red when he said, "Our focus should be the recreation complex, and how it will benefit the community."
The woman mumbled a few words and hurried away.
After that, the mayor deflected personal questions. Jason decided Mayor Derr didn't want anyone to insult the man who was building their sports complex and getting him reelected.
While Jason and Beth talked to him, her parents walked into the house. Jason wanted to rub his hands together. He knew Archer's reputation for cutting corners and fleecing investors to line his pockets. He had to consider J.D. Richards a prime target, but it was Archer's reaction to his introduction to the worthless Fischer boy that held Jason's interest.
When Beth saw her parents, her muscles stiffened. Jason wondered about her negative reaction. It was true Archer had never treated her like a beloved daughter but could their relationship be more strained than he knew? He looked into her eyes and was surprised to see them filled with anguish. Without understanding why, Jason gave into the need to protect her and pulled her close.
Archer looked around the mayor's home. It was nice, but his home was more impressive. He'd brought in a designer from New York to stage his home and make it a showcase for his wealth and power. Archer grinned. He was the biggest shark in this pond, and he made sure everyone in town knew it.
It had taken years to sharpen his teeth, but after he finished college, Archer shed his past the way a snake sheds his skin. He'd buried the poverty-stricken details that had been his life until he escaped to college. Then he clawed his way into the world of business and married the boss's daughter. The day he took control of the company and changed the name to A.K. Industries was his reward for the bowing and scraping he'd done. It had taken time to arrange, but soon he'd have full ownership of the company.
Archer looked around the room. Was anyone here worthy of his attention? Mayor Derr chatted with a man and woman. That must be Richards. Archer steered his wife to them. He didn't care if he talked to the mayor, but he intended to meet the great J.D. Richards. Archer's sole reason for attending this reception was to talk him into an investment in his latest deal. His name would draw other investors and put more money in his pockets.
The woman at Richards' side triggered a faint recollection, but he couldn't see her face. Archer huffed. He wasn't interested in any decoration on Richards' arm.
Mayor Derr said, "Beth, I believe you know these people."
Archer clamped his lips together. Elizabeth?
The mayor said, "Jason, have you met Archer and Deidre Kingsley, Beth’s parents?"
"Never formally."
With a grin on his face, the mayor said, "Archer is the owner and president of A.K. Industries. Deidre sits on the board of several of our charities. Archer and Deidre this is J.D. Richards."
Archer stared at the worthless Fischer boy. Was this a joke? He narrowed his eyes and glared at his daughter. Fischer was a hoodlum and calling himself J.D. Richards didn't change that. Why was she with him? "Elizabeth—"
"Hello, dear." Deidre smiled and kissed Beth's cheek. She shook Jason's hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Richards. I’ve read about you and your company."
Archer stared at Deidre. She'd read something other than the society page?
Richards smiled. "I’ve looked forward to meeting you. Please, call me Jason."
Jason? They should call him what he was—trash.
Archer had tried to have him sent to prison ten years ago. Someone had broken into his car. He'd insisted Fischer was the thief and had convinced the sheriff to question him. The police couldn't find any evidence to tie the boy to the crime, so they released him.
When she'd been young, no matter how often he'd told Elizabeth to stay away from the boy, she'd found a way to spend time with him. Until Archer had come up with a plan to keep the worthless punk away from his daughter.
He sneered at Richards. "You've come up in the world, and now you plan to share your good fortune with the people of Serenity Bay."
"I want to repay everyone for all they did for me when I lived in town."
Mayor Derr jumped into the conversation. "We're thrilled you've returned and can't thank you enough for your gift."
Archer pressed his lips together. What was Richards planning? The mayor didn't know predators the way he did. Archer knew a shark's only interest was their next meal not giving gifts to towns that knew he was nothing but trash.
Archer smirked. "Serenity Bay must look different from this side of the tracks." The glares he got from the mayor and Deidre didn't bother him. Only one opinion mattered—his own.
"It's true, there have been a lot of changes. I've heard it said you can't go home again, but it can be interesting to visit. Don't you agree? Besides, staying in town while the recreation complex is constructed will give me an opportunity to reacquaint myself with—" Jason smiled at Beth, "Serenity Bay."
Archer's eyebrows lifted. Was Richards still interested in Elizabeth? Maybe he could use her to get Richards to fund his Chicago project. When it went bankrupt, he would make millions. If J.D. Richards invested in the project, it would make his success that much sweeter.
Archer handed Richards his business card. "Let's have lunch. I have an investment opportunity that could make you a great deal of money."