The Mysterious Stranger (Triple Trouble) by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page A

sister had pressured him to visit, but more often than not, he’d refused. Being on his own was always easier than being with other people. He supposed that if something had happened to him, his sister would have missed him. But not overly much. Compared to how she’d mourned the loss of her beloved husband, he doubted missing a brother would have set her back much. While he often thought of his sister, her loss hardly affected his day-to-day life. Except for the arrival of his niece. Perhaps it wasn’t the way the rest of the world chose to live, but he was very content.
    Ariel shrugged. “I suppose there’s nothing I can do tonight. In the morning, well, I’ll figure out something.”
    At that moment she looked as lost and alone as Anna Jane had when she’d first arrived. Despite his cynicism, Jarrett found himself wanting to offer words of comfort. He had to hold back an invitation that she stay in the house until she recovered her memory.
    She hadn’t lost her memory in the first place, he reminded himself. Perhaps it was time for both of them to admit that truth.
    He leaned back in his chair and met her gaze. “It’s not going to work,” he began conversationally.
    “What are you talking about?”
    “This act of yours. It’s very good. I’ve nearly been taken in, which is impressive, because I don’t impress easily.”
    She blinked twice. “What are you talking about?”
    “Women have shown up in my boardroom, my bedroom and even my shower. I’ve received proposals and propositions by letter, E-mail and fax. While the amnesia routine is unique, and you get points for risking your life in the cove, it’s still not going to work. You’re not going to get your hands on me or my fortune. Don’t bother even thinking about using my niece to get to me, either.”
    The rest of the color drained from Ariel’s face. Her lips parted, but she couldn’t seem to speak. Jarrett, who considered himself a quick study and a great judge of character, allowed himself a moment of doubt.
    “Is that what you think this is about?” she asked, her voice shaking with emotion. “You think I’m faking this so I can be with you?” She emphasized the last word using a tone usually reserved to describe cockroaches and roadkill.
    “To be honest,” he said, “yes.”
    “I see. What an interesting world you live in, Jarrett Wilkenson. Until this moment I had envied you your beautiful house and your beautiful island, but you’ve cured me of that. If fear and distrust are the price you pay, I’m not the least bit interested. As for wanting you—” she rosé to her feet and placed her hands flat on the desk as she bent toward him “—you’re good-looking, but not that good-looking. I might not remember who I am or where I’m from, but I’m willing to bet I’m not nearly desperate enough to risk anything to be with a man like you.” She turned and started for the door.
    He respected backbone. “If you mean what you say, then you won’t object to being driven back to the hotel in the morning.”
    She spun toward him. “I’d prefer to be driven back tonight.”
    “Dr. Reed insisted that you stay put for tonight. He’s concerned about your head injury.”
    Wounded pride radiated from her like heat from a fire. He could practically see it. “I suppose you want to blame me for that, too.”
    “No. John made the recommendation without any help from anyone. But it is convenient…for you.”
    “Are you always this much of a bastard?”
    “When I have to be. My driver will be ready at nine tomorrow morning. See that you are, too. I’m sure by then whomever you’re traveling with will have claimed you. If not, a single room will be found. You will, of course, be a guest of the hotel until your identity can be restored.”
    “I don’t want your free room. Someone will be waiting for me.”
    She said the words with conviction, but they both knew she might be wrong. Jarrett had expected a traveling companion of