The silence in the boardroom was deafening. Not that she minded being there, Rachel Kane told herself, her eyes taking in the dark surroundings. It had been a long time since she’d actually attended a presentation like this and she felt nervous just being there. Her insides had been on the fidget since they’d arrived and now renewed their churning. She had even bought herself a new suit for the occasion, charcoal black and just the right style to accentuate her small waist, with a white shirt and black platform heels to complete the look. Her hair had been cut and styled for the first time in years and now her thick black hair felt wonderful as they brushed against her neck and back whenever she moved her head.

“Are you ready for this?” Bella, her assistant, enquired.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Rachel answered. “You know I’d actually forgotten what it feels like to be in a boardroom. I seem to be accustomed to noise these days. All this silence and waiting makes me nervous. Anyway, we made the first two interviews. Let’s hope that the big boss is as impressed as the rest of his employees.”

“Well, good luck to us.” Bella had already set up the computers and laid out their landscaping plans. “We really need this deal. Then there will be no more skimping and saving and overworking. You will have more time for a social life. You need it.” She ended.

“From single parent to socialite of the season in one giant leap? Shall I scout around for good husband material while I am at it?” Rachel mocked.

“Oh gosh, no way!” Bella exclaimed. Bella was fresh out of a relationship with her boyfriend of five years who was just not ready for a commitment – classic excuse.

Rachel knew exactly what the dumping felt like. Only in her case she’d been left pregnant.

“Don’t worry Bella. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Forget about him. You will find someone better. Think great body, six pack abs, a model fresh out of the pages of a magazine.”

“I’ve moved on, haven’t I?” Bella said bobbing her head and swinging her hair around her face.

“Yes.” Haven’t we both? Rachel thought. She’d come a long way in the past three years. “That slimy snake that masqueraded as a man was not worthy of you.”

Bella smiled at the comparison between her past boyfriend and what her future boyfriend might be like.

The sound of the door opening caught the attention of both the ladies. They were greeted by the receptionist.

“Mr. Bannister is extremely sorry for the delay. He will be with you shortly.” She said.

“That won’t be a problem. Thank you.” Rachel said politely.

“Can I get you ladies something to drink?” she queried.

“No. We are fine. Thank you for the offer.” Rachel answered.

“Mr. Bannister must be a very busy man.” Bella remarked once the door closed.

“Being a multi-millionaire, he must be. He has acquired many other major business concerns over the years.” Rachel said standing up and going over her plans once more.

The door opened again and Rachel turned to look in the direction that Bella was looking at.

Nothing on earth could have prepared Rachel for what came next. For the next few horrible seconds, Rachel felt as though she were falling off the top of the highest mountain and about to drown in the deepest part of the ocean. Her knees buckled beneath her as her body filled with adrenaline as instant recognition screamed inside her head. She grabbed hold of the massive oak table to steady herself. She had not laid eyes on him in three long years, yet each solid inch of him pounded her brain with a familiarity that forced her entire body to shut down. Who could miss him? She thought frantically as she felt her heart start beating frantically within her ribcage. He was tall so he stood a good head above all the others in the boardroom, even with his dark head tilted down so he could hear what his PA was saying to him. It felt like it was only last night that she’d run her hands over his muscular chest and tangled her fingers in his thick, black silky hair.

“I think that’s the man we have to impress.” Bella whispered in her ear interrupting her thoughts.

It took several seconds for Rachel to realize what was actually happening and her brain was still trying to register what had just occurred.

“No.” she whispered, obviously not paying attention to Bella.

“Are you sure?” Bella questioned as she took another glance at the man that was taking his place at the head of the oak table while Rachel stood there in total awe. “That is most definitely him, Mr. Jason Bannister.”

As Rachel turned her gaze back to him, she got a sick, bitter feeling in her throat when she discovered that he had taken his seat and was looking at her. She was now getting a full view of his face, a face that had lost none of its raw masculinity and beauty in the last three years since the last time she had seen him - those long eyelashes that curtained dark grey eyes, high cheekbones and firm sensual lips. Rachel drank in the smooth stretch of skin that was exposed at the bottom of his neck, the thick trail of hair that was leading the way down to his muscular chest and then he turned a warm, sexy smile to the woman next to him.

If her legs could cooperate, she would be walking across to the other end of the table to slap that smile of his face. Jason Bannister? Who was he lying to? What was he trying to hide? Was he some sort of criminal that was committing fraud within large companies that he had to go by an assumed name these days? Maybe that was how he had acquired his wealth! Or maybe he’d used different names to seduce different woman. The lying bastard! Who gave him the right to play with her life? He had introduced himself as Justin Barrett. She had been taken in by his handsome looks and honesty. He was charming and had wined and dined her for an entire month before seducing her and then left her like an unwanted gift. The sting of betrayal was fresh as she carefully studied him sitting at the head of the table exuding charm and self confidence which came naturally to smooth-talking romeos. Rachel could not stop her eyes from feasting on him although she hated him with a passion.

She had to get out of there! But she couldn’t afford herself that luxury. The future of her small company and her son depended on her being able to secure this contract.

Time suddenly ground to a standstill as she caught his gaze on her. You could have heard a pin drop in the silence of the boardroom.

“Miss Rachel Kane. I feel like we’ve done business before. Have we met in the past?” Jason Bannister questioned showing no sign of recognition.

“No, Mr. Bannister.” Rachel answered shakily. “My company is relatively new and this is the first presentation that we are attending in this town.”

“Very well then. Shall we begin Miss Kane?”

“All right, Mr. Bannister.” Rachel said as she numbly followed his instruction.

She could not read any emotion in his dark grey eyes. Dressed in a black business suit, he seemed intimidating and not the warm, loving and passionate lover she once knew.

Rachel started her presentation trying to avoid Mr. Bannister’s roving eyes. He was continuously leaning to his left and whispering in his PA’s ear and she always smiled in return. There was obviously something going on between the two of them. She handed the presentation over to Bella and took her seat on his right. She could smell the familiar scent of his aftershave and it was wreaking havoc on her senses. Rachel couldn’t stop her body from responding to his closeness. She was appalled at the way her body was reacting to the man she’d grown to hate over the past three years. He was not paying attention to what Bella was saying, Rachel observed and searched his face again for any trace of recognition, but found none. The presentation was over and her future now lay in the hands of the man that had destroyed her life three years ago.

“Miss Kane, may I see you in my office please.” Jason Bannister requested rising from his chair making it abundantly clear that he had heard enough.

Rachel quietly gathered her folders and briefcase and followed him to the door and down the corridor to his office not knowing what lay in store for her.

Once the door had been closed, he took his place behind his table.

“Please be seated, Miss Kane.” He invited, in one sweeping glance taking in her slim five feet and nine inches of height, her immaculate black suit, her newly styled hair, black eyes and flawless complexion.

Rachel obediently followed his instruction in anticipation of what was to follow.

“Where have you been in the past three years Rachel?” Jason asked in a quiet voice.

“Oh, so you do remember me, Justin Barrett. You are a damn good actor, you know.” She paused. “Your charade in the boardroom was convincing, greeting me like a complete stranger, pretending that we’d done business before. What was the reason for lying to me?” Rachel retorted regretting now why she’d agreed to come to his office alone.

“That is beside the point.” He cut in angrily waking up and coming around to her side to stop in front of her. Rachel could feel power emanating from his lean body. He was clearly going to bully her to get answers to his questions. “I came back for you and waited the entire afternoon.

Where were you?”

“You waiting for me?” Rachel threw back at him standing up clearly ready to defend herself. “I don’t think so.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Jason Bannister was definitely angry.

“I was there all right, and on time too. Fortunately, for me, I was on time to find out what a lying, cheating bastard you really are!” she spat out. “By the way, the blonde and you made a good couple. But, I see you’ve moved on since then.”

“You have no right to make assumptions about me!”

“And you had no right to lie to me. If all you wanted was a one night stand, you could have found it elsewhere. You didn’t have to waste all that time and money! And if you’re concerned that I was after your money, let me clear your doubts. I didn’t know who you really were because you lied about your name and job. Oh yes, and the cherry on top, you lied that you loved me.” Rachel continued sarcastically. He had taught her first hand that men like him stopped at nothing to get the woman they desired until they’d caught her, and no conscience at all when it came to dumping them after their desire had been satisfied.

“That’s enough, Rachel. We need to discuss this rationally.” Jason said his eyes drifting over her body once again.

“There is nothing to talk about. If there was something you wanted to say, you should have said it three years ago.” Rachel said folding her arms across her chest in an action of self protection as he moved closer. “Don’t you dare come any closer, Jason Bannister.”

“Why not?” he said as she stepped backwards and found herself backed up against her chair.

He gripped her by her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Rachel brought her hands up flat against his chest in an action to push him away.

“Don’t fight me, Rachel.” He commanded quietly.

Rachel could feel his warm breath on her neck sending tingles of sensations running through her veins. Her traitorous body was responding to his touch! She could feel the ripple of solid muscle beneath his shirt and could feel the increase in his heartbeat.

He pulled her closer and Rachel felt herself on the brink of losing all her self control.

“I don’t have to fight you. I hate you.” Rachel said between gritted teeth.

“I had no idea.” Jason said. Her body was now flush against his and she could feel her whole body tingling and becoming tender at the contact. She remembered all too quickly what it felt like to be in his arms and her eyes moved to settle on his lips. His hand moved to settle at the small of her back. A muffled breath escaped her throat and when she looked up, she was hit by the glow of raw desire in his dark eyes. He began to lower his head . . .

Her cell phone chose that moment to ring and Jason was forced to release her from his arms. Thankful for the distraction, Rachel put some distance between them. After a few hurried words

Rachel straightened her suit and regained her composure.

“I’m afraid something urgent has come up, Mr. Bannister. I have to leave immediately.” She said all business like.

“We will continue this discussion another time.” He replied.

“I have nothing to more say to you. Whatever we shared in the past was over the day you found someone else to take my place and if I get this deal, the only reason for a conversation with you would be business and nothing else.” Rachel said.

“You still want me.” Jason remarked with confidence.

“It was just a physical reaction.”

Jason reached for her again but she was already walking away.

“Good bye Mr. Bannister.” She said formally as she left his office.

Jason watched her leave in disbelief. What had he done to deserve her hatred?

CHAPTER TWO

Rachel left the office still trying to fathom what had just happened. As she walked down the long, narrow corridor, she thought of all the obstacles that would now present itself in her life – the largest one being Jason Bannister. She was not sure how he was going to handle him but she was absolutely certain that he was not going to find out about his son. Rachel had called him when she was six weeks pregnant. His cellular had been answered by a woman claiming to be his secretary.

“Mr. Barrett asked me to inform you not to call this number again. Miss Kane.” She had said.

“Why?” she had replied dumbfounded.

“Mr. Barrett will be getting married next week.” She had said before disconnecting the call.

Rachel had left the islands that afternoon not knowing what to do with her life. After a week of sobbing and sulking, she had called her mum. She moved back home until Sean was born and then made a new beginning with her company – Dreamscapes, specializing in landscaping and interior decoration. And now, here he was, back in her life. Somehow Rachel knew that this was one truth he was never going to find out about. If that ever happened, he was going to make certain that he was a part of her and her son’s life. He was going to despise her for keeping the truth from him.

Rachel had reached the boardroom where Bella was patiently waiting for her.

“Was there a problem?” Bella questioned worriedly.

“Nope. He just wanted to go over some details. He will get back to us.” Like never! She thought in her mind.

They left the estate and headed back to their small office in town. As if on queue, the telephone rang.

“Dreamscapes. How can we help you?” Bella answered in her usual chirpy tone. “Yes Mr. Bannister. I will transfer your call.”

Rachel was trying to tell her to say that she was not in but it was too late. The call had been transferred and the handset on her table began to ring.

“Good afternoon Mr. Bannister.” She greeted into the handset.

“Rachel, I need to see you.” Jason’s voice was husky on the other end.

“If you need to go over the plans again, I will be happy to send Bella over and she will assist you.” Rachel answered in a stony voice.

“That’s not it and you know it.” He was beginning to sound angry.

“Yes. Mr. Bannister.” She smiled sarcastically.

“Rachel, I am warning you. I will see you tonight. Come hell or high water.” He ended.

“Goodbye Mr. Bannister.” Rachel set down the handset and looked up at her assistant. “Mr. Bannister will be discussing all the changes to the plans with you Bella. This project will be overseen by yourself. Only ever call me if there is an absolute emergency that you cannot handle.”

“Sure thing, Rachel.” Bella smiled confidently.

“Let’s head on home. It’s getting late. Besides my mum called. I have to collect Sean early.” Rachel said picking up her stuff.

“You can carry on. I will lock up. See you tomorrow.”

Rachel waved goodbye and set off to her mum’s house to pick up her son. At two years and three months, he was a handful. And when she arrived, he was outside giving the family dog the run-a-round for a ball as usual.

“How was your day?” Caroline, her mum enquired noticing how stressed she was.

“Great. I just hope we land this contract. Then I will be able to spend more time with Sean.” Rachel replied wistfully.

“Why don’t you stay here tonight? You seem tired.”

“No mum. But thanks anyway.” Rachel said turning to the nearest open window. “Sean, we have to go.”

Sean came bouncing in with the golden retriever hot on his heels.

“Okay, lets go.” He said not putting the ball down.

Rachel sat down on her knees. “Sean, give him the ball. It’s not nice to make him beg. Would you like it if someone took away your toy?” She said hoping he would understand.”

The child realized what she was saying and obediently handed the ball over to the dog and got licked in return.

“I will see you tomorrow mum. Maybe I will take some time off and spend it here.”

“That will definitely do you some good.” Caroline smiled.

On the way home, Sean chatted non stop about the dog often asking his mum when he could get a dog of his own. And as usual, she would always say soon.

Once home, Rachel took him straight to the bathroom and then began to prepare supper while he watched television. She was just about to serve him supper when the doorbell buzzed. Rachel glanced at the clock, seven. Who could that be? She wondered. She shifted the curtain aside to peek outside and found a sleek black sedan parked in her driveway. Rachel didn’t know anyone that owned a car as expensive as that. The poor soul must be lost. She thought.

Rachel opened the door and nearly collapsed from shock. Framed in her doorway was none other than Jason Bannister himself.

“I told you I would see you tonight.” He said leaning casually against the doorframe.

“I’m sorry, I cannot let you in.” Rachel said trying to close the door but he held it open with no effort at all.

“Why not? Is the boyfriend home?” he asked sarcastically.

“My personal life is none of your business Mr. Bannister. Now will you please leave.” Rachel said turning to look over her shoulder.

So she wasn’t alone! Jason thought. He pushed past her and stood in the narrow entrance hall.

Rachel began to panic. If he saw Sean, he was going to ask questions. Questions she wouldn’t be able to answer.

“Something smells good.” Jason said inviting himself in.

Rachel was unable to stop him from entering the living room. She could feel the tension in the air. He had stopped dead in his tracks and was watching Sean. Jason turned to Rachel and she was unable to tell what he was thinking.

“Rachel, we have to talk.” He said calmly.

“Jason, can this wait” Rachel said trying to buy herself some time.

“Okay. Can I stay for supper?” He said taking off his coat and implying that he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

Sean turned from the television. “Who’s that mum?” he asked curiously.

“Sean, mum’s going to be doing some work for this nice man. He is going to stay for supper today. Be polite and say hello.” Rachel answered.

“Okay.” Sean replied turning his attention to Jason. “Hello.” He said and then promptly turned his attention back to the television.

“You can hang your coat on the rail in the hallway.” Rachel said over her shoulder. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“No.” Jason said following her into her small kitchen. “I didn’t know you were married.” He said quietly.

Rachel heaved a sigh of relief. He didn’t suspect her. “I am not married.”

“Oh.” Jason said not knowing how to pursue the topic further.

“His father and I had a brief relationship. I had no idea he was engaged to be married and he dumped me like a hot potatoe.” Rachel said sensing his discomfort.

“I am so sorry.” Jason sounded as if he sincerely meant every word.

“It’s okay. We all make mistakes. I learnt to live with mine and it was the best decision I ever made.” Rachel said as she set the table. “Sean, supper’s ready.” She called from the kitchen. The little boy came galloping into the kitchen, washed his hands and took his place across Jason.

Jason studied the boy. He was just over two years. Did Rachel have a relationship after him? His eyes were dark grey and his hair jet black.

Rachel looked up in time to realize what was happening. “Sean, how was your day?” she said striking a conversation to avert the situation at hand. She was successful as Sean started a constant stream of chatter distracting Jason altogether.

All too soon, supper was over and Jason waited patiently while Rachel read Sean his bedtime story. He had dozens of questions in his mind and he wasn’t sure where to begin.

Finally Rachel was walking into the living room.

“Coffee?” she asked.

“No. I think it’s time we had our talk.” Jason said quietly.

Rachel took a seat on the far end of the living because she felt intimidated by this man’s presence alone.

“You had another relationship soon after you left me Rachel. Why didn’t you tell me that when you left?” he questioned with a calm that frightened Rachel.

“I called you. About two weeks later. Your PA said you were busy.” Rachel said hoping he couldn’t hear the tremor in her voice.

“How old is Sean?” he persisted.

“Just over two years.” Rachel was beginning to get chills running up and down her spine.

“He seems older.” Jason commented.

“He just matures faster. You know, being around adults all the time.” She said lamely.

“Is there someone in your life right now Rachel?” Jason returned to the topic.

“No Jason. And I am not interested in any sort of relationship with you or any other man for that matter. Sean is my first and only priority. I will not let my time with him be taken away by a man.”

“Rachel, hear me out.” Jason pleaded.

Rachel stood up. “It’s pretty late and I don’t want Sean to be disturbed.” She said indicating that it was time for him to leave.

“Rachel .” he started.

“There is nothing more to say.” Rachel cut him off as she opened the door. “We shared a short relationship, Jason. But, it’s over.”

“Are you sure?” he said stepping closer and the narrow hallway now seemed much smaller.

He was so much closer to Rachel and she could feel the intensity of his body heat. She looked up at him and could see the fire in his grey eyes.

“Jason, you have to leave.” Rachel said before things got out of control.

Jason took another step closer to her. Rachel stepped back and stumbled. Jason reached out and caught her in his arms.  

“I am so sorry.” Rachel attempted to get out of his grasp but he held her there. Old memories came flooding back and Rachel was trying very hard to stop her body from responding to him.