Reclaiming Her Heart (Serenity Bay Series Book 1) Page 3

  Snap out of it, girl. He’s just like all the others that have stopped by. Don’t be fooled by his good looks.

  “I …” The man cleared his throat and frowned. “I’ve got a booking. Should be under Rineholt.”

  Jasmine nodded, tapping her fingers on the keyboard as she pulled up his booking. She pretended to peruse his details, when in fact, she’d memorized them by heart. “Ah, yes. Mr Rineholt. You’re booked in for two weeks I see. Business or pleasure?” She glanced up, knowing full well the reason he was there.

  “Business.” He adjusted his shirt collar, and Jasmine’s eyes followed his long fingers as they eased the collar away from his neck.

  “What kind of business?” It was her routine question when guests booked in. Make small talk. Break the ice. Offer a friendly response. But this time, she already knew the answer, and despite the unexpected fluttering in her stomach, it was all she could do to keep the bitter tone out of her voice.

  Her guest ran a hand over his face and sighed. Faint lines etched his forehead. “Property development.”

  Jasmine nodded. “I figured that.”

  With eyebrows raised, he turned his gaze to Jasmine. “Did you? How?”

  The whir of the printer filled the reception area as Jasmine printed off an invoice. “There have been a few of you lately.” She stamped the paper and passed it over the counter. “And nothing against you, but it never works out.”

  The look of surprise didn’t leave his face. “What do you mean?”

  Good, she thought. Take that one, Mr Moneybags, and go back to your fancy city life. I don’t care how good looking you are, we’re not interested in your kind or what you have to offer.

  “We’re not that kind of town. We’re not interested in your money or …”

  “Mommy! Look what I got at school!” A young girl’s shrill voice cut through the conversation.

  Jasmine and Elijah both turned to where Eloise stood in the doorway, holding a glittery piece of paper in her hands. Jasmine glanced at her new guest, watching his face morph from surprise to a semblance of annoyance to a neutral expression.

  “That looks wonderful, darling. Let me just check this guest in, and then I’ll take a look.”

  Elijah tapped his fingers on the desktop. “Actually, I’m in no hurry. And that’s a very pretty picture.”

  “What’s your name? And where are you from?” Clutching the hem of Jasmine’s shirt with one hand, Eloise stepped forward and offered a shy smile.

  “Eloise …” Jasmine glanced down at her daughter, ever the one to speak what was on her mind.

  “Elijah. And I’m from Los Angeles.”

  “Wow.” Eloise placed her picture on the desk. “I’ve never been there. Is it far away?”

  Elijah’s green eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “It took me about four hours to drive here. It’s not too far.”

  “It’s further than I’ve been.”

  “Eloise, why don’t you head into the dining room and show Tara your picture before she goes home? I’ll be there soon.” Leaning against the desk, Jasmine folded her arms and watched Eloise skip towards the empty dining room. Once out of sight, she turned her attention back to her guest. With no Eloise to break the silence, heat filled her cheeks as her gaze collided with his.

  “She’s adorable. Yours?” A soft smile touched his lips.

  “Yes, she is. She’s a handful at times, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything.

  “Hey, you moved your car?” Jasmine startled at the booming voice of Jackson, her fire chief brother as he strode across the foyer. He usually snuck in at some time during the day to grab a coffee before heading back out on the road again. He claimed the coffee served at Vista on the Bay was much better than anything else he’d had. Even Rosa’s Café by the marina, which claimed to have the best brew along the west coast.

  Elijah stepped back, raising both hands as he distanced himself from Jackson’s imposing figure. “I did, yes. And I’m not blocking a single hydrant this time.”

  “Jackson.” Jasmine frowned, glancing from one man to the other. “Could you please be nicer to my guests?”

  Her brother’s tanned face broke into a wide grin. “You’ll thank me when your building is on fire and I have clear access for the hose.”

  “I don’t think I’ll be thanking you if my building is on fire.” Jasmine shook her head. “Aren’t you on shift? Go on, go back to work.” She waved her hands, shooing him away.

  “See you later.” Jackson nodded curtly at Elijah before heading out the front door.

  “I’m so sorry.” Jasmine glanced at Elijah, before shuffling a pile of papers on the desk. “My brother thinks his whole purpose in life is to annoy me.”

  A deep rumble of laughter filled the foyer. “I have a brother just like that. I left him back home, thank goodness.”

  “You seem quite happy about that.” Jasmine grabbed a set of room keys from the safe underneath the desk.

  “We work together, so I see him every day. As much as I love my brother dearly, it’s nice to get away.”

  “But you’re still working, aren’t you?” Jasmine quirked an eyebrow as she handed Elijah the keys to room number three. As much as his laugh sent her stomach into a spin, and as much as his smile made her knees weak, she couldn’t ignore the fact he was here on business, trying to buy her property. She rested one hand on the desk and sighed. “Look, we’ve just had so many offers over the past year. I don’t know if anyone in this town is willing to sell out to investors who have no idea about the bonds we share. Serenity Bay is a unique place, and I for one, don’t want to see it ruined by greedy businessmen from the city.” Her cheeks flamed at her own audacity. Had she really just said all that? If only the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She was the proprietor, for goodness sake. That was no way to speak to guests. Particularly one who had paid for a substantial booking in advance.

  “Oh.” Confusion marred Elijah’s features as he ran a hand through his thick hair. “That wasn’t my intention.”

  “It wasn’t?”

  “Well, no,” he stammered. “I imagine the other developers were here looking to buy individual properties to turn them into something else. Condos or other eyesores. My brother and I specialize in something a bit different.”

  It was Jasmine’s turn to look surprised. “Which is?”

  Elijah leaned his elbows on the counter, clasping both hands together. “We tend to purchase a few properties and land in a prime position. We know that the local businesses make a town what it is. Yes, we do what the others do – building condos and such, but in a place like this, we would … build up, rather than tear down. We try to enhance the town’s natural attractions.”

  “Oh. That’s interesting,” Jasmine replied flatly, unaffected by his spiel. Although she couldn’t say the same for his alluring presence and the flicker of awareness coursing through her veins.

  “I’m happy to talk more about it, if you want?”

  A shriek of laughter sounded from the dining room.

  “Maybe later.” Jasmine closed the diary of bookings. “I’m actually working at the moment, so I probably should show you to your room.”

  “Of course,” Elijah replied, bending down to pick up his bag as he followed Jasmine up three steps into a bright and airy corridor. “Forgive me if I wrongly assumed, but you own this property, don’t you?”

  “I do. And I’m not interested in selling, if that’s what you’re asking. I love this town. Everyone looks out for one another, and I don’t want to see that change.”

  “That’s what I’d like to talk to you about.” Elijah raised his hand to cover a yawn. “Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s not that you’re boring.”

  Tucking her hair behind her ears, Jasmine chuckled. She was boring. Running a B&B and being a single mom gave her little time to pursue any hobbies or interests outside of her responsibilities. “I’m used to weary travelers.”

  Sliding the key into the lock,
she opened the door and ushered Elijah inside. After pointing out the air-conditioning controls and the compendium on the coffee table, she stepped back to the doorway. “You must be hungry. Dinner is served at six every night in the dining room, and is included in the rate.”

  “Wow, really?”

  “Yes.” Jasmine eyed him cautiously.

  “That’s a great deal for your guests. How are your profit margins?”

  She flinched. How dare he ask about her financials. Sure, she wasn’t raking in the profits, but she was bringing in enough business to get by. For now. She just didn’t know how long that would last.

  “I’m going to see that my daughter is not causing too much mischief. If you have any questions, you know where to find me. Shall I reserve you a spot for dinner?”

  Elijah’s face softened. “Yes, thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

  Jasmine hurried back down the corridor, her thoughts a mix of fury and curiosity. It wasn’t that she minded talking to the tall, handsome businessman who still managed to look gorgeous even though it was obvious he was exhausted. He was certainly very easy on the eyes, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in such close proximity to someone so good-looking. That in itself made her feel all sorts of things she hadn’t felt in a very long time. He wasn’t as abrupt as the other developers that had passed through, but he was still there with dubious intentions.

  As Jasmine settled in behind the front desk, her thoughts drifted to Elijah’s comment about Rineholt Enterprises being different to other companies. Would she consider a proposal for someone to buy her out? Running her own business was exhausting, and some months were a lot leaner than others. Part of the reason she was determined to be in control of her own fate was for Eloise. She wanted a bright future for her daughter. But if she couldn’t put money aside, were the long hours with no vacation time worth it?

  “Mommy!” Eloise ran into the office. “I was looking all over for you.”

  Jasmine reached out her hands and drew her daughter close. “I was showing our new guest to his room. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Eloise’s blonde curls tickled Jasmine’s cheek. “I just wanted to let you know the school play is on Tuesday at lunch time. You can come, right?”

  “Tuesday?” A knot of apprehension coiled in Jasmine’s stomach. She could have sworn it was meant to be on Monday. Had she been so busy she’d confused the days?

  “Yes. I have a note in my backpack. It’s definitely Tuesday.”

  “Okay. Maybe.” Jasmine ran through the staff roster in her head, trying to work out who could cover her shift. Tara had Tuesdays off to look after her grandchildren. That only left Maria, who was visiting family on the east coast, Shelby, the teenager who filled in after school or on weekends, or Janice, her cleaner. Unless she could let the guests know she would be unavailable for a few hours. That would at least save paying someone extra hours.

  “Maybe?” Eloise’s bottom lip trembled and Jasmine rubbed her back in a soothing motion, trying to keep the tears at bay.

  “I’ll try my best,” she murmured into her daughter’s thick curls. Moments like these made Jasmine second guess everything she was doing. If she couldn’t be there for Eloise, who cared if she had a college fund or not? She didn’t want to be too busy to miss out on the important moments.

  “You said you would come!”

  “Why don’t you come with me?” Tara appeared in the doorway and reached for Eloise’s hand. “I’ve made some fresh cookies in the kitchen, and you would make a wonderful taste tester.”

  Sniffing, Eloise pulled out of Jasmine’s arms and placed her hand in Tara’s. Jasmine ran a hand through her hair and sighed. Some days were just too hard.

  Chapter 5

  Sunlight broke through the white shutters in the window and streamed across the blue and white quilt. Elijah yawned and stretched out in the queen-sized bed, gazing around the spacious room. An armchair with a cream cotton throw draped across the back, was nestled in one corner. His clothes from the previous day lay in a crumpled pile on the cushioned seat.

  Birdsong sounded on the early morning, and the rhythmical ebb and flow of the ocean was a welcome change from the constant drone of traffic and relentless noise from his city apartment.

  The previous night’s dinner of roast lamb and vegetables had gone down well with two glasses of red wine. For the first time in as long as he could remember, Elijah didn’t feel the urgency to leap out of bed and rush through a shower before heading into the office. His shoulders were relaxed, and the knot in his neck had eased. The sense of dread that had weighed him down for months disappeared somewhere between stepping foot inside Vista on the Bay and waking up to his own body clock, rather than an ear-piercing alarm.

  Hauling himself out of bed, Elijah showered and changed into a pair of tan shorts, a cobalt blue polo shirt and brown loafers. Once seated in the armchair, he quickly checked his emails. John had emailed through more details about Serenity Bay, confirming the properties they were interested in – including the farm next to the B&B and the vacant waterfront property further towards town.

  He recalled Jasmine mentioning a deal, or some sort of bartering system she had in place with the farmer. Perhaps if she could take him over to the farm and make introductions, then he might be able to gauge his chances for any prospective business deals. Of course asking Jasmine to accompany him had absolutely nothing to do with wanting to see her again.

  He was burnt out, that’s all it was. He was tired and couldn’t control the way his thoughts had been consumed by the B&B’s beautiful owner since he stepped through the front door.

  Elijah had dated more than his share of beautiful women over the years. He was used to arm candy accompanying him to corporate events and the grand openings of new estates owned by Rineholt Enterprises. But there was something about Jasmine that shot through his shallowness and sparked a flame of desire to get to know her on a level that went beyond his usual superficial interactions. She had a fire in her spirit that piqued his interest. She was strong and independent. Fiercely protective of her family, her business and her town. That much he’d picked up on in only the short amount of time they’d spent together the previous evening. She hadn’t swooned when he’d checked in. She didn’t seem daunted by his wealth. In fact, she’d told him upfront that she wasn’t interested in his type.

  Rubbing both hands over his face, Elijah chided himself at his wondering thoughts. Jasmine was a mother for crying out loud, which no doubt meant there would be a husband or partner somewhere. Focusing on the task at hand, he quickly tapped out a reply to John’s email. Enough daydreaming about the gorgeous innkeeper. He was here to do a job.

  Once in the dining room, Elijah selected a plate of fruit, a pot of yogurt and a glass of orange juice from the buffet and settled into a table overlooking the front garden. An older couple were seated at another window table, and they smiled and nodded as he placed the cloth napkin on his lap. The view from the window was breathtaking. The azure waters of the Pacific glistened in the sunlight invoking a calmness in his spirit. Aside from flying over the ocean to secure yet another business deal, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been to the sea.

  “Good morning, Mr Rineholt. Coffee?” Jasmine appeared at his table holding a silver carafe. Her fresh citrus scent combined with the smell of the fresh brew assailed his senses, causing his stomach to flip. He nodded. His mouth too dry to formulate a response. “Did you sleep well?”

  Running his fingers over the condensation sliding down the glass of orange juice, he swallowed. “I did. Thank you. It was nice to wake up looking at the ocean and to not hear the sound of traffic.”

  Jasmine rested one hand on her hip. Elijah glanced at the way her fingers curved lightly over the apron covering her jeans. Her fingernails were short and glossy. Practical. He wondered what they’d feel like running through his hair, or stroking his face … “It is a nice view. And one I never tire of. It would be a shame
for anything to destroy it.”

  “Right.” Her subtle words drew him back to the reality of his business in Serenity Bay.

  “Any plans for today? Besides trying to promise the world to the town?” Her eyes glinted with a hint of mischief. Was she teasing, or was there an element of warning behind that gorgeous smile?

  “Well, I’d like to meet some of the local folk. At least pretend to do my job rather than just have an awesome vacation on company time.”

  Her laughter was like the gentle lapping of the waves on the sand. A soft ocean breeze caressing his skin. He rubbed his forearm, easing away the unexpected goosebumps that had erupted at the melodious sound.

  “You’ve got a sense of humor. I like that. We don’t see that often with the likes of yourself. All stoic and businesslike. That’s just not how we do things around here.”

  Elijah lifted the cup of coffee as he met her gaze. “And how are things done around here?”

  “Well.” She pulled out the chair opposite his and sat down, placing the carafe on the table. “Take Frank, my neighbor. When I go to visit him, I just don’t talk business and go home. We have a chat about his day, we talk about his latest harvest. We talk about life in general. That doesn’t happen in the city. Serenity Bay is the type of town where everyone knows everyone, and we all look out for each other.”

  Elijah shrugged. “Small talk. I can do that.”

  “Not small talk,” Jasmine replied, resting her arms on the white tablecloth. “People genuinely care when they ask how you are. It’s not like the city where everyone’s too busy to notice you.”

  “So, I shouldn’t feel special after yesterday’s greeting?” His mouth curved into a grin as he awaited her reaction. He was baiting her. He needed a little fun in his life, and she looked like she could handle his teasing.