Only You by Francis Ray

wanted to visit you, you have two guest bedrooms. If you wanted to have another tea or a light lunch for prospective buyers, Martin would be at your disposal. You and he could also work on the late-night menu you suggested once Navarone Place is opened.”
    “Would it have hurt you to say all this at the first?”
    If he had thought of it, it probably wouldn’t have. “As I said, I’m not used to explaining myself.”
    She set the glass on the table without looking away. “I admire your business savvy and your accomplishments, but I won’t follow you blindly.”
    “I’ll remember that.” He wanted to reach out his hand, to hold her, touch her, but clearly she was in a business mode this morning. “If you have time, I’d like to show you the estate.”
    “I have time.”
     
     
    S ierra was speechless. She had been joking last night when she had said she’d be living in a million-dollar estate.
    “Since you had your tea here, I thought you’d like this one best and would be more comfortable here.”
    Sierra dragged her gaze from the beautifully furnished room with classic lines of furnishings. “Because it was the largest, the most elegant and costly.”
    “Living here will give you an even greater perspective.” Blade glanced around the room. “If you don’t like anything, you only have to call the designer.”
    Sierra’s eyes twinkled. “Jacques would have a fit if I even moved a chair,” she said. She’d met the Dallas designer when she’d invited him to have tea with the group of ladies from the Belo Mansion meeting.
    “He’d probably move it himself,” Blade said. “He sent word by John that if there was any justice in the world, you would emerge victorious.”
    “He’s a wonderful interior designer. You have the ability to surround yourself with the top people in their field. The mark of good leaders is knowing they can’t do it all by themselves.”
    The unexpected compliment went straight to his heart. From his pocket he pulled a key ring with the silver initial N. “This is the only key to the front door. It works the old-fashioned way for now. No one will be able to get inside unless you let them.”
    She took the key without looking at him. “Thank you.”
    “There’s already twenty-four-hour security on the grounds, but I’ve extended it to inside the building. This floor will be monitored by TV, so don’t worry. I want to show you something.” He took her to the intercom in the sleek kitchen. “Fire, police, or if you just feel off, someone can be here in less than a minute.”
    “I’m not the helpless, nervous type.” She smiled up at him, expecting him to at least humor her.
    If anything, his expression hardened. “Security is here for a reason. Let the men do their jobs.”
    Sierra started to point out that the days of a woman waiting for a man to take care of her were gone, but she let it go. She had a feeling she wouldn’t win this argument with Blade any more than she had with her brothers. “I’d better get to work or you’ll regret hiring me.”
    “Never.” His hand circled her forearm before he thought. He tensed for a second, half-expecting her to tear into him. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?”
    “Where?”
    “My place.” His eyes studied hers. “Martin would get huffy if we went anyplace else.”
    It was as good an excuse as any. “Can’t have that.” Life had taught her the best way to overcome her fear was to face it.
    “What do you want?”
    The husky words sank into her. She wanted for him to really smile, to somehow ease the pain she often glimpsed in his dark eyes, for her not to be hurt. “Surprise me.”
    “Works for me.” His hot, inventive mouth settled on hers.
     
     
    S ierra planned a full day. In the morning, she scheduled appointments. In the afternoon, she wanted to meet with the head of the marketing department for Navarone Resorts and Spas. She shook her head at the small article buried in the Home Center section