What a Woman Wants by Brenda Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

for her, he’d made a decision to act on his feelings. It was a party to celebrate the first year of Anna’s being a part of their lives.
    “The reason it’s important is that I’m in love with Anna. She doesn’t know it, and in fact I’m certain she doesn’t have a clue, but I intend to make my feelings known to her.”
    He watched his mother’s brow rise. “Just like that?”
    He shook his head, grinning. “No, Mom, not just like that. I have more charm and sophistication than that. After all, I am your son. But to answer your question, I plan to take things slow when I visit her in Hilton Head.”
    “You’re going to Hilton Head?” his father asked.
    “I intend to spend some time with her. I’m sure she assumes, like a few others, that I’m not over losing Shaun. I admit Shaun will always hold a special place in my heart, but I truly do love Anna. I didn’t realize how much until I noticed her grandmother introducing her to so many eligible bachelors at that party four months ago.”
    Leigh’s eyes lit up. “Oh, so you noticed that, did you?”
    “I couldn’t help but notice,” he said with an edge in his tone. “I decided then it was time for me to make my move, and what I do in the future and how she feels about it are important. She may not want to live a life that will constantly throw her in the limelight.”
    His parents understood completely. It was no big secret that the reason Anna had sought refuge on Hilton Head Island was to maintain her privacy. She’d also inherited a huge tract of land on the island from her great-grandmother, Mattie Murphy. Her family had once owned most of the property on the island before they had given in and sold it to developers. Mattie’s share had been split between her grandsons, Ross and Randolph. Upon Ross’s death, Anna had inherited her father’s portion as well as his share of a private island across the Intracostal Waterway called Glendale Shores.
    Upon her family urgings, Anna resigned from her job at the hospital in San Diego and moved to D.C. But there she was constantly hounded by the media, who’d found her story fascinating: HEIRESS FOUND AFTER 34-YEAR SEARCH.
    While living in the nation’s capital those three months, she hadn’t known a moment of peace and eventually transferred to the trauma center on Hilton Head. She had a beautiful beach house built on the property she had inherited there. For Zach to make his feelings known would also mean asking her to be a part of his life and his future. He had to be sure she would feel comfortable being a politician’s wife.
    “And if she wants no part of that type of life?” his mother asked softly.
    “Then I won’t have a part of it either. She is more important to me than anything.”
    His father said, “Then I wish you all the best, son. I think you know how we feel about Anna.”
    “Yes, Dad, I know, and I want to do the right thing. I will do the right thing, and I wanted you and Mom to know it. I also plan to visit Uncle Randolph as well.” Randolph Fuller had always been such a part of his life growing up that Zach considered him an adopted uncle.
    “When are you going to Virginia to see Randolph?”
    “First thing in the morning. And then later this month I’m going to Hilton Head, where I plan to spend the next month or so.”
    “Month?” his parents said simultaneously.
    “I’ll take even more time if I have to. I’m putting in a leave at work—a much-deserved one, I might add—and that’s where I’ll be for a while if anyone needs me for anything.”
    “Will you and Anna will be attending the Fourth of July celebration on Glendale Shores?”
    Zach smiled. She was asking about the huge gathering the Fuller and Wainwright families held every July Fourth. “We do plan to be there. And I prefer that you not mention what I’ve discussed today with Noelle. She has a tendency of trying to play matchmaker, and I prefer doing things my way.”
    “Okay, we won’t, but you