Guardian to the Heiress (20 page)

He wasn’t surprised by the invitation. “Probably not a good
idea. I don’t think I made much of an impression on Ms. Hutchinson.”

The big Irishman grinned. “Have faith, son, and use a little
charm. Give Paige a chance to help resolve this.” They started toward the door,
as Tim continued, “I’m concerned about Lorelei. She wasn’t very old, maybe
seven, when her parents divorced. Lyle wrote them off, both his ex-wife and his
daughter. As far as I know, he never visited her. Now, she has to deal with her
estranged father’s mess.”

Jace felt his chest tighten because this woman’s scenario hit
too close to home. “That’s the trouble with divorce, it’s the kids who
lose.”

They stepped through a wide front door with an etched glass
oval that read Keenan Inn and into the lobby. The walls were an ecru color that
highlighted the heavy oak wainscoting. A staircase with a hand-carved banister
was open all the way to the second floor. All the wood, including the hardwood
floors, were polished to a high gloss. He suspected he wasn’t the only one who
was an expert at restoration.

“This house still amazes me,” he said.

“Thanks,” Tim acknowledged. “It’s been a lot of work over the
years, but so worth it. The bed-and-breakfast has allowed me to spend more time
with Claire and my girls.”

Jace shook his head. “I can’t imagine having three
daughters.”

Keenan’s smile brightened. “You have one who gives you joy. I’m
a lucky man, I tripled that joy.” Tim sobered. “Too bad Lyle didn’t feel the
same about his child. Maybe we wouldn’t be having this conversation
tonight.”

The sound of laughter drifted in from the back of the house.
“That sounds encouraging,” Tim said. “Come on, son. Let’s go enjoy the
evening.”

They walked through a large dining room with several small
tables covered in white tablecloths for the inn’s guests. They continued through
a pantry and into a huge kitchen.

Okay, Jace was impressed. There was a large working area with
an eight-burner cooktop and industrial-sized oven and refrigerator, and all
stainless steel counters, including the prep station. On one side a bank of
windows showed the vast lawn and wooded area out back and, of course, a view of
the San Juan Mountains. A group of women were gathered at the large round table.
He recognized all of them. Morgan because she was married to his good friend
Justin Hilliard, another business owner in town. Paige he’d met briefly before
today. The petite blonde was Leah Keenan Rawlins. She lived outside of town with
her rancher husband, Holt.

And Lorelei.

Tonight, she seemed different, more approachable. She was
dressed in nice-fitting jeans, a light blue sweater and a pair of sneakers on
her feet. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and it brushed her shoulders
when she turned her head. She looked about eighteen, which meant whatever he was
feeling about her was totally inappropriate.

Those rich, chocolate-brown eyes turned toward him and her
smile faded. “Mr. Yeager?”

He went to the group. “It’s Jace.”

“And I go by Lori,” she told him.

He didn’t want to like her. He couldn’t afford to, not with his
future in the balance. “Okay.”

“Oh, Jace.” Claire Keenan came up to them. “Good, you’re able
to stay for dinner. We don’t get to see enough of you.” She smiled. “I get to
see your daughter when I volunteer at school.”

He nodded. “And I’m happy Ellie and Cassie are friends. Thank
you for including her in the kids’ sleepovers.” He glanced out the window to see
his daughter running around with the other children. Happy. “Your granddaughter
Ellie helped Cassie adjust to the move here.”

Claire’s smile was warm. “We all want to make sure you both got
settled in and are happy.”

That all depended on so many things, he thought. “You’ve
certainly done that.”

The older woman turned to Lori. “I wish I could talk you into
staying longer. One day isn’t much time.” Claire looked back at Jace. “Lori is a
second grade teacher in Colorado Springs.”

Lori didn’t want to correct Claire Keenan. She
had
been a second grade teacher before she’d been laid
off last month. So she didn’t mind that her dear father had decided to leave her
a little something. It would be greatly appreciated.

But, no, she couldn’t stay. Only long enough to finish up
Lyle’s unfinished business. She hoped that would be concluded by tomorrow.

Claire excused herself. Tim arrived, handed them both glasses
of wine and wandered off, too, leaving them alone.

Lori took a sip of wine, trying not to be too obvious as she
glanced at the large-built man with the broad shoulders and narrow waist. No
flab there. He definitely did physical work for a living.

“How long have you lived in Destiny, Mr.... Jace?”

“About six months, and I’m hoping to make it permanent.”

She didn’t look away. “I’m sure things will be straightened out
tomorrow.”

“I’m glad someone is optimistic.”

She sighed. “Look, can’t we put this away for the evening? I’ve
had a long day.”

He studied her with those deep blue eyes. “If you’d rather I
leave, I will. I was only planning to drop my daughter off.”

In the past few hours Lori had learned more about Jace Yeager.
She knew that Lyle probably had the upper hand with the partnership. “As long as
you don’t try to pin me down on something I know nothing about. It isn’t going
to get us anywhere except frustrated.”

He raised his glass in salute. “And I’m way beyond that.”

ISBN: 9781460306789

GUARDIAN TO THE HEIRESS

First North American Publication 2013

Copyright © 2013 by Margaret Way, Pty., Ltd

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