Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

Tyler Ralston babbled on, Raina wondered if Warrick had put the man up to making his sales pitch for him.
    â€œUnfortunately,” she interrupted Ralston’s gushing recitation of the planned facility, “I didn’t get a chance to view the architectural renderings, but I’m sure the new office complex is every bit as lovely and ultramodern as you say it is, Mr. Ralston.”
    â€œOh, it is. Most assuredly.” He sounded a little piqued. “But I don’t understand why you didn’t get to see it for yourself. Mr. Mayne and his people came out to my office just last week. Did an entire presentation for me and my brother. Took us out for dinner and drinks afterward. Really gave us the royal treatment.”
    â€œYes, well, Mr. Mayne and I didn’t get quite that far,” Raina said sardonically. She didn’t want—or expect—Warrick to wine and dine her. There was nothing he could say or do to convince her to sell her property to him. And he must have known that when he showed up at the spa yesterday minus “his people” and the bells-and-whistles presentation.
    â€œPerhaps you and Mr. Mayne can reschedule a time to—”
    â€œI’m afraid not, Mr. Ralston.” Raina refused to call the man Ty.
    â€œWhy not?” he demanded. “Why don’t you want to set up another meeting with him?”
    â€œBecause it’s not necessary,” Raina said in a calm, carefully measured voice. “As I explained to Mr. Mayne, I’m not interested in selling my property. To him or anyone else.”
    â€œWell, that’s just crazy talk,” Ralston scoffed. “Do you have any idea who Warrick Mayne is? Do you have any idea how much he can pay you for that piece of land you’re sitting on?”
    â€œI’m well aware of who Warrick Mayne is and how much his company is worth. It’s not about the money for me, Mr. Ralston. Ihappen to enjoy running my spa. It’s in a great location, and business is very good.”
    â€œThat may be so, Miss St. James, but with all due respect, a company the size of Mayne Industries can do a helluva lot more good for this community than your little spa ever could.”
    Raina bristled. “That’s your opinion.”
    Ralston snorted rudely. “Think again. Mayne Industries already employs over two thousand people. The new headquarters will accommodate close to five thousand. That means the creation of new jobs, which stimulates economic development and growth in the community. Furthermore, Miss St. James, having a high-profile company like Mayne Industries headquartered in Houston can only attract more corporations, and like it or not, that, too, is good for the local economy. I can assure you that Warrick Mayne will have no trouble convincing the planning commission, or the general public, that the presence of his company in Houston is best for everyone.”
    By the time Tyler Ralston had finished speaking—or, rather, lecturing—Raina could feel the onset of a headache. She pinched the bridge of her nose and drew a deep breath, striving for patience.
    â€œAre you finished, Mr. Ralston?” she said levelly.
    â€œNot by a long shot!” he blustered. “Now you listen here, young lady. I knew the couple who owned that property before you. Knew ’em for twenty years. And I can tell you right now that they would’ve had the good sense to recognize what a golden opportunity this is!”
    â€œWith all due respect,” Raina said mockingly, “the last time I checked, Mr. and Mrs. Schuler’s names no longer appear on the deed to this land. Mine does.”
    â€œNot for long if I have anything to say about it!” Ralston flung back.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œYou heard me, Miss St. James. My brother and I may have agreed to sign a confidentiality agreement about this deal until it’s finalized, but you’d better believe I’m going