didn’t elaborate. “I’ve got to go, my boy. There are people waiting.” The line went dead without another word.
Jordan stared at his cell phone for a moment and pondered his grandfather’s game. He had said both women were equally beautiful. Did Grandfather believe Jordan might fall for Amber over Princess Tory?
Dropping his phone on top of his notepad, Jordan stood slowly and stretched. Grandfather would be grossly disturbed to discover he didn’t know his grandson as well as he thought he did. Jordan had no intention of falling for any woman. Not here on the island or on the ranch. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t take the time to get to know both women better. It was Grandfather’s idea to put him on this island with two women. The terms of the agreement didn’t state he had to marry at the end of the month.
Jordan wasn’t going to marry anyone. All he needed to figure out was a way to get out of the alternative if he didn’t. There was no way he could work for Anton Enterprises. His grandfather’s corporation specialized in buying out businesses and then closing their doors, dismantling them and creating new, more organized companies that answered exclusively to Anton Enterprises. No way would Jordan spend the rest of his life putting hardworking people out of jobs.
Cook was obviously put out when Jordan informed her he wouldn’t be down for dinner. After entering his room again, loitering way too long, and leaving him with a formal five-course meal on a round table that a gentleman named Jesse set up for her, Jordan was alone again. And restless.
There was no cable TV on the island, but Jordan found an extensive DVD collection under a large, flat-screen TV attached to the wall in an adjoining room to his. There was a billiards table, too. He wasted a few hours in the room before wandering outside his quarters, taking a different path through the castle and exploring a bit. The architecture was amazing, every room incredibly decorated and full of personality. It was impossible to believe there were only five people on the island right now including a staff of only three. A large staff had to have maintained this castle at one time and Jordan wondered where they were now.
A back staircase took him to a wing he hadn’t explored before. It appeared to be part of the castle used strictly to entertain. He found very large stained-glass doors that were heavy as hell, but after pulling one of them open, Jordan stared into a ballroom that made him swear he’d just been swept back to a previous century. Incredible chandeliers, each as large as a small car, hung well over his head. If he were more of a romantic, he could probably induce his imagination into seeing many couples swinging around the dance floor, moving to the music of some accomplished quartet.
There were other rooms outside the ballroom, a coatroom about the size of his bedroom upstairs, and a kitchen that would make Aunt Penelope turn green with envy. There was also a foyer, its marble floors so shiny and dust free he started wondering at the accuracy of Cook’s statement when she informed him there were only three servants on staff here.
The courtyard outside had so many flowers growing in large pots the air was filled with their perfumed scent. It was make-out central out here; with so many secluded locations, bordered with small trees and flower gardens, a couple could disappear and never be spotted by mingling guests. Something to keep in mind, he pointed out to himself. Especially if his social organizer decided to take advantage of all the castle had to offer.
It was a decent hike past the courtyard and around to the backside of the castle. The old stone barn was an ominous shadow in the darkness. But the scented air, mixed with the smell of salt from the ocean and various fragrances from tropical plants surrounding him, created a surreal atmosphere. Throw in some fog and it would be the ultimate setting for seduction and lovemaking.
Jordan always thought it would be hot as hell to fuck a willing lady in the barn back at the ranch. Unfortunately, he didn’t know many willing ladies. Mary and he had had sex a couple times over the two years he’d lived there, but both times at her apartment. Mary dreamed of big cities, yet was born and raised in a small town. She had no desire to see the wonders of his ranch, or any other ranch in the area.
Pulling his cell phone off the clasp on his belt, he checked the time. It was barely eleven; he had a good hour before Amber would show up. And he bet she’d be there. Amber was as willing to seek out an adventure as he was. He guessed she came here for more reasons than a great-paying job. Realizing he’d forgotten to Google her, he made a mental note to do that as soon as he returned to his room.
“How are you doing, girl?” Jordan asked the mare in the first stall as he entered the barn.
Not bothering with lights, he moved through the large structure, stroking the brown filly’s neck as he made soothing sounds and breathed in the familiar smells that reminded him of home. His grandfather would have a stroke if he learned Jordan was more comfortable in the barn than he was in the exquisite castle.
“Who’s there?” a woman demanded behind him as he moved past the empty stalls to the large back horse in the corner.
Jordan squinted in the darkness, glancing in the direction of the unfamiliar voice. “I’m here. Who are you?” he asked the darkness enveloped around him.
Light flooded the barn, blinding him momentarily while the large horse behind him whinnied his complaint.
“It’s okay, boy,” Jordan assured him, moving to the stall and speaking quietly to the horse while searching the barn. “Apparently our company would rather watch than be seen,” he added, loud enough that whoever was in the barn with him would hear.
“What is there to watch?” the woman asked, her strong Kiwi accent strict and confident.
Jordan spotted the woman standing at the end of the stalls. “There you are,” he said, smiling at her. “Do you tend to the horses?”
“Among other things.” She tilted her head, brushed a wisp of gray hair behind her ear and hooked her thumb in the belt loop of her jeans.
Something about the woman immediately made him think of Aunt Penelope. He didn’t like the thought that she was on her own on the ranch right now, and possibly could be put in a similar situation to this woman at the moment.
“I’m Jordan Anton,” he offered, walking to her with his hand extended. “And you are?”
“Sara, Sara Bird. This is my island.”
3
Amber fisted her hands at her hips, fighting the urge to march right back to the castle. Outrage steamed inside her, making her shake, but she held her ground. Standing outside the barn and listening to the servant talk to Jordan Anton pissed her off more the longer she listened. How dare the rogue lead her to believe he was one of the hired help. And then proposition her.
She wasn’t sure if she was angrier with his deception, or the fact that she possibly would have fucked him. Or possibly it was both that pissed her off. Shifting her weight, she listened to Sara talk, finding herself drawn into the friendly accent, as well as to the history lesson she offered Jordan on the castle and the island. Another time, once she’d calmed down, Amber would seek Sara out and learn even more about the history of this place. Never in her life had she dreamed such an incredible castle, which was apparently as old as it appeared, actually existed anywhere other than in fairy tales and movies.
“What’s the matter, Bess?” Sara asked, her tone softening as she made clucking sounds. “You’re edgy, girl.”
“Maybe she’s telling us we have company.” Jordan stepped outside the barn, apparently
