A Mother For The Tycoon's Child

There was a long, lingering kiss between Leah and Holt that anyone who didn’t have a special someone in their life would envy. Justin glanced at Morgan. Was there someone special for her?

“You ready?” Holt asked breaking into Justin’s thoughts.

With a nod, he followed Morgan to the door and the three of them walked to the barn where an old Jeep was parked. With a wave, Holt hurried off to the barn.

“I guess we’re on our own,” Justin said.

“It’s not a problem,” Morgan said. “I’ve been up to this area a hundred times.”

Morgan wasn’t concerned about the drive as much as the weather. Snow was predicted. If Justin Hilliard didn’t see the site today, he might lose interest. At the very least, it would slow the project that she hoped would start in the early spring.

“We better hurry since snow is predicted for later tonight. This looks like our window of opportunity.”

Justin walked around to the passenger’s side of the Jeep. “Then let’s do it now. I like seeing what I’m buying.”

His words sent a fresh ripple of excitement through her. She was going to make this happen, even if it meant spending considerable time alone with a man. Something she’d avoided for a long time.

The ride was bumpy, but going up this side of the mountain was the best way to see the future ski run. Morgan hoped that Justin felt the same way she did when he saw Silver Sky Canyon.

She parked the Jeep along the crest of the canyon opposite the ranch. “Come on, I want to show you the ultimate selling point.” She opened the door, climbed out and Justin followed.

She carefully made her way to the ledge. Ignoring the wind whipping her hair, she took out her stocking cap and covered her head as she peered down at the canyon. There was little snow to hide the incredible rock formations along with the huge pines lining either side of the natural slope. At the base, the land flattened out.

“You were right this view is unbelievable,” Justin said. “One would almost hate to do anything to change it.”

“We actually aren’t going to have to change much,” she began. “Remember this isn’t going to have a bunny hill, the slope is too steep. This canyon is perfect for the extreme skier.”

He continued to study the area. “I did research on this new phenomenon, and it’s catching on, big time.”

“And just think of all the ski gear they wear. The pro shop in the hotel could do big business just on equipment alone. Also there would be a ski pro and tour guides…Anyone using this slope will have to complete a specific number of ski classes.”

Justin watched the beginning of snow flurries dance around Morgan’s face. It was hard to stay on task when he was being distracted by this woman. It was a good thing that he’d done most of his research before coming here.

“And you probably have locals to fill those jobs, too.”

She nodded. “Why not hire the best? The ones who know the area, who have skied these mountains since they were kids.”

She was good. “Is there access from the highway?” He moved closer to her as she pointed down to a road.

“This is the back side of Holt’s ranch. He’s willing to sell us the land needed to get to the ski area.”

“How far is it from the highway?”

“Ten miles.” She motioned to the area. “It’s scenic all the way in. And the only stipulation Holt asked for is no large billboards to mar the countryside.”

Morgan glanced at him and their gazes locked momentarily, but it was enough to send a surge of awareness through him. He swallowed the dryness in his throat. “I agree with Holt on that. I’m liking this idea more and more.”

She smiled and stepped back, suddenly losing her balance. He grabbed her hand and pulled her upright.

“Be careful,” he said, not releasing her. Instead he walked her away from the ledge. “Maybe we should talk back here.”

Morgan pulled her hand away. “I lie, I am this clumsy.” Suddenly there was a strong wind mixed with snow.

He glanced up at the sky. “Maybe we shouldn’t stay any longer. The storm is coming in sooner than expected.”

Morgan agreed, a little angry with her reaction to Justin. They walked back to the Jeep and got in. She started the engine, hoping that she could make it back to the ranch without any more mishaps. But when she peered out the windshield at the white haze, she knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

She turned on the wipers. “Well, here comes the snow that was forecast.”

Slowly she backed up on the crest, maneuvered the vehicle around and started down the steep grade.

“This has really picked up,” Justin said as he stared out. “Are you all right driving?”

“I’m okay.” She hit a rut and gripped the wheel tighter. She wasn’t sure if she was shivering from the cold, or from nervousness. “I’m just taking it slow, because visibility is so bad.”

“If you want I’ll drive,” he offered.

She didn’t dare take her eyes off the road. “Really, I’m doing fine,” she lied. Had she been crazy to bring him up here today? Would he think she was? At this point she didn’t care. The Jeep went over a big rock and bounced hard. She knew the trail pretty well, but she’d never had to tackle it during a snowstorm.

“This is like an amusement park ride,” he tried to joke.

“Can I get off?” she kidded back.

“I’m with you on that.”

Just then the Jeep hit another rut, and this time went sideways. She turned the wheel back, but not in time to stop the Jeep from heading toward a group of rocks. There was a horrible scraping sound from underneath the vehicle and suddenly they jerked to a stop. She gasped as she was thrown forward. The old Jeep’s seat belts were useless, and she bumped the windshield.

“Are you all right?” Justin asked, reaching for her.

She nodded. “What happened?” She glanced out to see the Jeep sitting at an angle.

“We went off the path. Sit tight, I’ll go check,” he said, grabbed the flashlight from the glove compartment and climbed out into the blinding snow.

It seemed to take forever but he finally returned to the cab. She could barely see what he was doing, and worried that he could fall and hurt himself. God. What a mess. What a mistake she’d made.

The door opened and a blast of cold air hit her as he climbed into the seat, snow covering his coat. “The boulder tore out the transfer case.”

Morgan had no idea what that was. “Is it important?” That sounded so dumb. “Of course it’s important.”

“It is, if you want the Jeep to move forward, or in reverse. Besides, we’ll need help to get off the rock.”

“So we’re stuck here.” This wasn’t good.

“We should call Holt. Is there any reception here?”

Lord, she hoped so. She took out her cell phone and saw the bars were nearly nonexistent. “Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.” She punched in the ranch house.

“Hello,” Leah answered. “Morgan, where are you?”