Free Lone Star Courtship by Mae Nunn Page B

further damaging details. Then he could have a quiet dinner as he wrote a report that would justly condemn moving forward with this deal.
    Imagining the disappointment in Casey’s eyes brought tightness to his chest. He brushed the dust from his trousers and the image from his mind.
    As interesting as he found the lady and the Lone Star State, England and duty beckoned him home.
    Business was business.
    And this business was his last chance.

    The construction office was silent when Barrett let himself inside. Carpet cushioned his leather soles as he returned to the conference area to retrieve his attaché case. He glanced toward Casey’s open door as he stepped past and saw the beauty seated behind the desk with her slender hands clasped tightly atop her blotter. She’d freed her thick hair from the cap and rested her head against the back of the tall leather chair. With eyes closed, she whispered the Savior’s name over and over, more a plea than a prayer.
    What a stark contrast to the picture of control and efficiency she’d projected when they’d first met.
    Could that have been only yesterday? He’d spent months with Caroline yet he’d never seen as many sides of her as he had in one day with Casey.
    Was it because Caroline lacked such depth? Possibly. A twinge of guilt shot through him at the judgment. In fairness, he’d done little to encourage her to reveal herself beyond social facets where she most definitely glittered.
    Was it because the woman before him, undoubtedly in distress, was willing to expose her weaknesses? Unlikely. He was probably the last person on earth she wanted or expected to observe her at this moment. He backed away, prepared to turn from her door, when her eyes fluttered open.
    â€œBarrett.”
    She said his name in a disturbing manner, as if it were associated with finality. That’s how he made her feel, as if all were lost? So, this is what the latest effort with Westbrook Partners would reveal; that he was the Grim Reaper. And if he went to the hotel and continued with the plan, was that what he’d be?
    The killer of dreams?
    Casey’s dreams?
    â€œSorry, I didn’t think anyone was here,” he apologized. “I’ll get my files and be on my way so you can deal with this unexpected turn of events.”
    â€œThere’s no rush.” She sounded tired, defeated.
    â€œDad says this isn’t the first time we’ve had to interrupt construction because of environmental issues, so it’s not quite as bad as it seems.”
    Was she making light of this grave concern for his benefit or her own? With a woman determined to call the shots and with so much at stake it was difficult to discern the difference.
    â€œWhat will you do now?” As he said it he realized he truly cared about her answer.
    He cared about this complicated young lady.
    â€œWe’ll let the crew take some time off with pay while we investigate. Those guys have been working hard, sometimes seven days a week, so they deserve it.”
    â€œAnd I’d lay odds you’ve also been on the job nonstop so this is an opportunity for you to get some rest as well.”
    â€œMy work is my rest.”
    â€œWith all due respect, it seems as though work is your distraction from rest…Warden.” He added the last with a smile, hoping she’d understand he meant it kindly.
    Her hands relaxed. She lifted one and pressed it to her heart.
    â€œPoint well made,” she agreed. “Aimless downtime scares me but I seem to thrive on orderly chaos.”
    â€œThen come with me. I have just the pandemonium you need to take your mind off this new development. I promise that afterward you will rest like a newborn babe.”
    Unconcerned for the work that needed to be done or for the soreness and wounds from his tumble on the rocks of Tintagel, he stepped around the desk and held out his hand. She made no effort to take it and pressed