The Tycoon's Perfect Match by Christine Wenger Read Free Book Online Page B

“Sometimes it can be tough, working in a family business.”
    Her eyes met his, and he could see the anguish in them.
    â€œAbsolutely,” Mari agreed. “Especially if you’re an only child like me.”
    He nodded. “Or if your siblings have problems of their own to deal with, and you have to pick up the slack.”
    â€œOr if you’re the last of the line,” she said.
    â€œOr if you have dreams of your own that have been pushed to the back burner,” Brian replied.
    â€œYes!” she agreed. “Or if you’ve just broken up with a man.”
    â€œOr… What? ” Brian raised an eyebrow. “Sorry. That never happened to me.”
    She laughed, then lowered her eyes. “He’s not worth talking about.”
    â€œTo be honest, I suspected something like that.”
    She raised an eyebrow.
    â€œYou tend to look down at your left hand, or touch a ring that isn’t there.” He met her gaze. “Was it serious?”
    â€œI thought so. Matter of fact, I thought so three times.”
    He couldn’t help himself from reaching for her hand and holding it, and for once, she didn’t pull away.
    â€œForget them. None of them deserved a woman like you.” He thought he saw the hint of tears in the corners of her eyes. He wanted to ask her more, to find out how the bastard had hurt her, but it was too private a pain.
    â€œThank you for that,” she said.
    â€œNow, cheer up. We’re going to have a great time at Mel’s.” He’d show her a good time, and she’d forget about him.
    He pointed to the plastic bin of gifts. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
    â€œIt was fun,” she said. “They’re all little things. I have an idea for a little surprise—a game.”
    â€œThat’s very thoughtful of you. Kyle and his friends will love it.” He picked up the bin, and they walked to his car.
    On the way to Melanie’s house, they kept up a steady chatter. “Do you remember Sunshine Cottage?” he asked.
    â€œIt was your house. Right?”
    â€œYes, and my grandparents’ house before us. Melanie always loved that house, and she lives therenow. Her husband, Sam, loves it, too. He said it reminds him of his childhood home in Canada.”
    When they pulled in, Melanie ran out with an excited scream and scooped Mari into a big hug.
    â€œMel, you’re taller, of course, but I would know you anywhere.” Mari grinned. “It’s good to see you.”
    â€œThis is my husband, Sam,” Melanie said proudly. She smoothed the baby’s blanket. “And this little doll is Angeline. Angie for short. And this adorable guy is Kyle, who is seven today.”
    â€œOh, Mom!” said Kyle, blushing to the roots of his sandy-brown hair.
    Mari cooed over Angeline, and took the time to ask Kyle a few questions and wish him a happy birthday.
    Brian caught the expression of longing on Mari’s face when she looked at the kids.
    â€œAre you Uncle Brian’s girlfriend?” Kyle asked.
    Brian held his breath. It figured that Kyle would ask such a thing.
    Mari smiled. “I’m an old friend. I used to play with your mother and uncles when we were kids. My parents used to own Sherwood Lodge, and I came here every summer.”
    â€œYou don’t look that old,” Kyle said, then ran off to greet his grandfather and Uncle Jack, who’d just pulled in.
    â€œDo you want to hold Angeline?” Sam asked Mari. “I have a couple of things I have to do before Melanie yells at me.”
    â€œThat’s right.” Melanie laughed. “Get to work.”
    â€œI’d love to, Sam,” Mari said. “But I really don’t know how. I mean, I haven’t been around many babies.”
    â€œI didn’t have any experience until now, either,” Sam said, handing Angeline over to Mari. “Just support her head.”
    Sam showed