The Tycoon Prince by Barbara McMahon

Author:Barbara McMahon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

COLOR stained her cheeks. If he didn’t know better, he’d suspect she was shy and embarrassed by his outspoken words. But Clarissa had been in the public light the entire time she’d been engaged. His cynicism wouldn’t let him believe she was embarrassed. Yet he questioned the flush of color.

“Well?”

“No. It doesn’t go that far.” Her tone was stiff.

“Too bad.”

But strangely, it wasn’t. For some reason, Jake was pleased to know Clarissa had limits. Much as he wanted more kisses, it was good to know she was discerning and had a voice of her own.

When they finished eating, he suggested they walk to the market. Just around the corner, the street was alive with people. Colorful tarps covered individual stalls. Wandering through the wide aisles formed by the rows of stalls, Jake saw everything imaginable for sale—fresh fruits and vegetables, lamb dressed for roasting, clothing of every size, wooden artifacts, colorful scarves and tacky souvenirs to lure tourists.

Midway through the market, which stretched over four streets, he noticed a change in his reception. Vendors still smiled, but now they bowed. No longer did anyone try to pressure him to buy their products.

“Did your friend Jeannette send word?” he asked.

“Someone knew,” Clarissa confirmed. She looked up. “Is it such a bad thing?”

He looked around. At least he’d gotten a feel for the place before people began treating him differently. The market would be an experience many American tourists would love.

Jake had already decided to suggest to his friend Hugh Cartier to look into building a luxury resort in Marique. This was something else to suggest to Hugh when proposing the resort. Day trip excursions to La Rouchere to provide a flavor of the country for visitors.

Mentally making a note, he turned to the nearest vendor. Time to begin to implement that plan.

By the end of the afternoon, Clarissa was exhausted. She could swear Jake spoke to every person at the market in La Rouchere. He had asked questions, complimented some of the vendors, even made suggestions for structurally improving a stall. She’d been worried for a moment he’d whip out a hammer and actually do the work.

She still wasn’t sure exactly what happened, or why, but he’d charmed everyone there.

Too bad he couldn’t turn some of that charm on Gustine and the king.

When they returned to her car, he’d paused near an intersection and studied the buildings, the view of the mountains through the corridor of the side street.

“It’s a pretty town, don’t you think?” she asked, wishing to know more, but not wishing to be rebuffed if he didn’t want to respond.

“Classic European architecture. Very appealing.”

He helped her into the car and then climbed into the driver’s seat. “Too late to go to the soap place?”

“Yes. It would take another twenty minutes to get there. I told you it’s a cottage industry, the women make it at home. By now they are preparing dinner.”

“Another day, then.”

“Your wish—”

“All talk and no follow-through.”

“I beg your pardon?”

He brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek.

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