Castle's Fortress. Rhonda Lee Carver

like you’ve seen a ghost, Jake.”

      Her choice of words ripped through him like the fingers of Jack Frost. He turned away. Had to look away. He couldn’t do this…not today, of all days. He had no desire to mosey down memory lane.

      So what in the hell did she want?

      “What are you doing here?” His words cut through the air, a little harsher than intended, but he’d made his point. She hadn’t been invited. And in his defense, that she’d showed up was the ultimate shocker. He needed time to adjust.

      When she didn’t answer, he brought his gaze back to her.

      Guilt was a bitch. He’d made promises to her that he hadn’t kept, and he had left her alone in that godforsaken town. He hadn’t even said goodbye. He’d been cloaked in bitterness over losing his mom. He’d blamed everyone and pushed anyone away who tried to console him.

      His blood now surged through his veins and his hands turned clammy. He’d forgotten how strong the charge between them could be. The connection remained. He needed to get rid of her ASAP.

      “I’m here to speak with you.”

      “A phone call wouldn’t suffice?” He marched around his desk and dropped into the black executive chair. The smooth leather usually welcomed his form like a worn glove. Now, it was hard and stiff. Even the material of his soft Armani suit scratched his skin, and his black Oxfords were too tight.

      “I wouldn’t have driven all this way unless I thought it was important that I see you face to face.”

      “I don’t know how you got in here, but the receptionist should have warned you that I have a full schedule. Maybe we can plan something–”

      She had moved to the front of his desk, placed her palms flat on the top, and leaned across the stretch of glass. She came so close he got a whiff of her scent. Cinnamon? The spice reminded him of the pancakes his mother used to make before school. He forced the thought out of his mind. He didn’t need another reminder of the past.

      “Maybe you didn’t hear me before, Jake Castle. I drove all the way from home, if you can remember where home is, and it wasn’t a short trip.” She narrowed her gaze, piercing him with laser blue. “We need to talk, and it can’t wait until you have an available space in your busy schedule.”

      He saw the firmness in her expression. Her innocence had disappeared and she wouldn’t take no for an answer. And why wasn’t he quick to tell her to leave?

      He jabbed the intercom button on the phone. His secretary answered, “Yes, Mr. Castle?”

      He kept his gaze steady on Fall as he spoke. “Clear all of my appointments between twelve and one.”

      “Yes, sir,” she replied. He clicked off.

      “Surely, whatever it is that has provoked you to drive all the way here to speak to me can wait for–” He glanced at his gold Rolex. “–one hour and ten minutes.”

      She pulled back, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest, though her eyes lost some of their wild glint. “Would it matter if I told you it couldn’t?”

      He shrugged. His shirt seemed to have shrunk by a size or two. “I’m beginning to get the idea this isn’t a friendly visit.”

      “You’re a smart one, Jake.” Her pretty gaze shone like sapphire in the sunlight flowing through the window. “Did you hear I had a sister? My mother was pregnant when Charlie went to prison.”

      He nodded. He remembered hearing something about a baby.

      “Her name is Renee, and she’s all grown up now. She’s missing. I think the same person who killed Crystal is back and he’s done something with my sister.”

      Her words were salt to an open wound. He sucked in a deep breath and scrubbed his jaw. “The man who killed my sister is locked away for life.”

      “If you hear what I have to say, you may change your mind.”

      Jake doubted she could say anything that would change his thoughts on the past. Damn, he’d known there wasn’t even a slight chance the day would get better; it’d been doomed from the start. “There’s a coffee shop on the first floor. I’ll meet you there. Give me half an hour.”

       Chapter 4

      Later, in the cafe, Fall sipped her cafe-mocha while waiting for Jake and wondered what she’d expected. After all this time, Jake seemed cold, perhaps indifferent. Twenty years was a long time to show up unannounced. It wasn’t as though they’d kept in touch or taken the time to drop a line now and again. They’d severed ties as kids.

      She’d driven to New York mostly out of impulse. On the long, quiet trip, she’d almost convinced herself twice to turn around and forget the ludicrous thought of seeing Jake. Determination had kept her straight on her path and brought her to him with her mind set. She would never forgive herself if she went back home without talking to him first.

      She glanced at the polished metal clock above the door. Anticipation made her stomach roll and her palms moist. She slid her hands down her slacks, and looked up in time to see Jake step from the elevator. He crossed the lobby, tugging at his neckline with a bothered expression.

      So, this was Jake Castle all grown up.

      She watched him approach and several descriptions came to mind. Handsome. Sophisticated. Powerful. Dedicated.

      She’d seen his father once, when he’d come to pick Jake up to take him away with him to live in Chicago. Senior Castle had reminded her of a movie star. He’d climbed out of his red convertible and the mid-afternoon sun had glinted off his coal black hair. He’d looked elegant and debonair in his pinstriped suit and pricey shoes. The scent of money lingered in the air long after he and Jake had pulled out of the driveway.

      Jake resembled his father, at least what she could remember. Her distorted memories were those of a young girl who’d thought everything outside her own drab existence rated extraordinary.

      Jake stood well over six feet and had the broad shoulders of a linebacker. He moved with confidence and purpose, paying no interest to those around him. Several women turned to get a longer look at him as he passed. Fall saw the appreciation in their eyes and their flushed cheeks, and her heartbeat quickened. She wondered if that strange feeling in her chest was jealousy.

      A part of her was curious if the boy she’d had a crush on still existed somewhere underneath the expensive suit and alpha male bearing. Probably not. It saddened her to think her sweet, mischievous friend no longer remained–not even a little bit.

      As if he read her thoughts, his eyes came up and fixed on her. His attention heated her skin across the short distance. She could get lost if she stared too long.

      Reality pulled her back. Fall blinked and averted her gaze.

      “I got out of the office by the skin of my teeth.” He pulled out the metal chair across from her and sat. He dug inside his pocket for his cell and turned it off. “They can do without me for awhile.”

      At least he cared enough to give her some time beyond business. The thought brightened her mood...some. Fall slid the tip of her tongue along the curve of her bottom lip. She noticed his gaze lower to her mouth, watching her movement, and her core muscles quivered.

      No man had ever had the capability to turn her to goo with a mere look. Jake had always been different. As kids, he’d always accepted her when all the other kids made fun of her. He’d felt sorry for her and at the time, she hadn’t minded.

      “Care for another?” He nodded at her empty mug as he waved to the server, holding up two fingers until the waitress waved in acknowledgement.

      Fall took Jake’s hurried glance at his watch as her cue to get the ball rolling. Talking about why she came was harder than she’d thought. She placed her hands in her lap to hide the tremor. “It must