The Tycoon's Seductive Revenge(51)

Ellie froze. Horror crawled over her scalp and down her spine. As she stood there in shock, she assessed him. His body looked cockeyed, shoulders slumped over, face bruised and battered. He hugged his ribs with his arm in a cast.

Gradually her terror faded. He was no more than a pathetic broken mess. He couldn’t hurt her now. Or ever again.

From this point forward no man would tell her what to do. She was in control of her life, the hotel and her future.

Carter threatened, “That man better get off this property, or I’ll throw him out again, and have him arrested for battery.”

Marquell replied in his deep surly tone, “Wouldn’t do that, if I were you. Mr. Applestone, here, told me his side of the story. It’s his word against yours. Considering his physical condition I think he should file charges against you, boy.”

Ellie cleared her throat. “Is there a problem?”

The verbal lashing paused. Carter whipped around to face her. “I won’t let Arnoff near you,” he vowed, chest heaving.

“It doesn’t matter now.” Calmly Ellie turned to Russert. “Has the auction started yet?”

Releasing a woeful sigh, he said, “I tried, my dear, but these folks aren’t exactly cooperating.”

“Good. Everyone can leave now—because there won’t be an auction.”

Marquell glared at her. “It’s a sheriff’s auction, and being that I’m the sheriff, I say it’s on.”

“Not if I rescind the offer. As of right now, the hotel is no longer up for sale.”

“What?” Arnoff wheezed. “I’m here to buy this hotel and nothing’s gonna stop me.”

“There’s nothing to buy,” she shot back. “It’s off the market.” She narrowed her eyes at him, tone dripping with sarcasm. “Sorry for your trouble.”

Uncle Russert came to her side, adjusting his glasses. “Eleanor, you can’t afford to do this—”

“I can now.” She whipped the faxed copy of the signed, dated agreement and proof of funds transferred. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming to the auction, but at this time the deal is closed.”

Uncle Russert breathed a tremendous sigh of relief.

Ellie slid her glance to Carter. He’d reined in his aggression. A ghost of a smile played on his lips, and his gray eyes sparkled.

Then the shouting ensued again, this time the mayor and councilman adding their grievances. This time Carter remained surprisingly silent.

Despite the wrath spewing, Ellie turned around and walked out. There was nothing more to say. A huge grin spread across her face. For the first time she felt powerful, confident, and totally in control of her own life.

“Ellie.”

She turned to find Carter strolling down the hall toward her. She tilted her head, gazing at him, trying not to let the love she felt rise to the surface. “Hey.”

He jogged the remaining distance that separated them. When he reached her side, he shoved his hands in his pockets and they walked together to the common area. “Congratulations,” he said, sounding genuinely pleased for her.

“Thanks. The timing working out perfectly. Neville sold my entire liquor collection to a single bidder. Now the hotel can stay in the Montgomery family legacy.”

“That’s great.” No trace of resentment or wounded pride lingered in his tone.

She was surprised by his relaxed attitude. “I think so.”

“Feeling better after last night?”

“Much.”

Their stilted conversation bothered her. This wasn’t the reaction she’d expected from Carter. Actually, she didn’t know what she’d expected but she wanted to know why he was acting like a guy walking down the school hallway with his crush.

“I’m glad,” he replied. He seemed to be waiting for her to say something further. “Look, Ellie—”

“Carter, I—”

They stopped in the archway where the hall opened up into the front desk and reception area. They exchanged awkward grins in silence, like they had back when they were teenagers and madly in love. It seemed the difficulties and distance separating them since his return had lessened. Emotion sizzled around them like an electric fence blocking out all distractions from the present and the past.

Carter ran a hand through his hair. “The hotel is yours now. I think we should celebrate.”

“Good idea, because I was about to ask you if you wanted to join me at the bar.”

“Invitation accepted.”

Neither of them moved. Ellie sensed something had changed within Carter. She read the difference in his posture, the way he leaned toward her, how he gazed at her. He hung on her every word as if everything she said was intensely fascinating. The signs were there.