Call It Destiny

the Hacienda Strand property,“ Cecil confided cheerfully to Heather. „He and I have discussed the matter from time to time.“
    „I see.“ Heather pinned Jake with a glance. „What plans?“
    Jake hid his irritation at having the subject brought up. „I had some thoughts of using that land to put in a private golf course for the Hacienda,“ he told her brusquely.
    „You had some thoughts? What’s my father’s opinion?“
    „Heather, we’ll discuss this later.“ Taking her arm very firmly, Jake nodded at Cecil Winthrop. „Sorry to drag her away, Cecil, but Paul’s been trying to find her all evening. Please excuse us.“
    „Of course, of course. Mustn’t monopolize the guest of honor,“ Cecil agreed with a gracious wave. He smiled again at Heather.
    Heather managed an unconcerned smile in return but as soon as they were out of earshot she deliberately disengaged her arm. „What in the world was that all about?“ she demanded in a low voice, nodding pleasantly at the guests they were passing, „Just a little business matter. There will be plenty of time to talk about it later.“
    „You want to put in a private golf course for the Hacienda guests?“
    „I thought it would be a great drawing card for the hotel. Everyone comes to Tucson to play golf in the winter.“ Jake sighed, knowing there was no way around the discussion now that Heather was onto the subject.
    „But our guests have playing privileges at most of the major courses in the area. I don’t see that we need to provide our own. What did my father say when you came up with the idea?“
    „Heather, we’ll talk about this later. Tonight you’re supposed to be socializing, remember? Your family doesn’t want you being concerned with business until after the honeymoon.“
    „I know,“ she said wryly. „It’s been getting rather annoying. Dad won’t even talk about the details of turning over the reins to me. Every time I bring up the subject he just goes on and on about what a fine management team you and I will make. So far I’ve put up with everyone’s efforts to keep me away from business until after the wedding, but frankly I’m beginning to chomp at the bit. I can’t wait to step into my new role. Oh, Jake, I love this place so much and it’s been a dream of mine so long to come back and assume dad’s position. After all these years it feels good to return to the family business. There’s a sense of heritage and tradition about it. I’ve missed that feeling in California.“
    Jake’s face was stony. „There will be plenty of time to learn your new role after the wedding, Heather. Just be patient. You’re making your family very happy by going along with all this, you know.“ He nodded at the crowd around them.
    „And you’re wondering when the party’s finally going to end, aren’t you, Jake?“ she teased lightly.
    „Socializing isn’t my forte.“
    „I’ve noticed. Cheer up. Everyone will probably start leaving in another hour. Let’s go see if there are any more of Julian’s goodies left.“
    It was another hour and a half before the first guests started to leave; two hours before everyone had departed. But eventually Jake was able to pry Heather away from an in-depth postmortem of the successful event with her mother.
    As they stepped out on the path that led to Heather’s private cottage, he had a few thoughts about persuading her to come to his place instead. When he had arrived two years ago Paul had told him to take his pick of the graciously designed cottages. He’d chosen a one-bedroom style that had the charm of a modern adobe look. Heather, to date, had only stepped foot inside on two occasions: once to ask him to join her for a swim and once to bring him an invitation from her mother to join the Strands for cocktails before dinner. On neither occasion had she stayed more than a few minutes.
    „Would you like to go to my place for a nightcap?“ Jake tried carefully. The last thing he wanted to do at this stage was make her feel any sexual pressure. He’d gone far enough by crossing that six-month clause out of the contract. He’d been watching every move he made since then, allowing himself only casual kisses of greeting and a few rationed kisses of farewell at her door when he took her home at night. He knew he couldn’t risk alarming her in any way.
    Only a week to go.
    „All right.“
    Her ready agreement took him by surprise. Perhaps he should have tried the invitation before.