Her Two Tycoons

By Marie Kelly

After a whirlwind affair with playboy Mike Steele, Skyler Lane finds herself pregnant. To make matters worse, Mike is best friends with her ex-husband Tom Trent. Tom still loves Skyler and wants the two to remarry, offering her the security and loving environment he believes she needs. Mike however, wants to marry her also, because he feels that it is his duty to marry the mother of his child. With two men both determined to see their wedding rings on her finger, Skyler must choose which path to take, even if that path does not include either man.

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Tom’s eyes briefly closed before they flitted over Skyler, aware of her pain as she stood wringing her hands, her large eyes aghast at the scene unfolding before her, his head once more turning to Mike, lips curled back. “I love her. And just so you know... I was on my way here before my detective informed me that somebody else was here. To you she is just one more notch on your bedpost... but not to me... I came to do the right thing Mike. So why don’t you get the hell out and forget all about us? We are going to get remarried and I will bring up this baby... as my child”
Mike shook his head, his body rigid with the anger within him, his hands balled, ready for a fight. “Like hell Tom. This is my child and I will be the one marrying Skyler... so that we can bring OUR child up together”
With a growl of fury Tom grabbed Mike by the lapels of his jacket, Skyler finally finding the ability to move, her feet carrying her forward as she pushed at the two men, her head shaking violently as she screamed at them, “STOP IT! STOP IT! I AM PREGNANT... I DO NOT NEED THIS!”
Her words, like cold water, saw both men fall back, their eyes resting on her, two sets of eyes full of concern as she stared from one to the other, her small body shaking, eyes brimming with tears. Tom groaned and Mike exhaled a small sigh, both men instantly becoming apologetic. “Skyler...” “Babe” each stepping towards her as she threw her hands up to ward them off, her features full of fierce warning as she glared at them both.
“How dare you come in here expecting me to fall in with your plans like a good girl”, her head turning to Tom. “I am not marrying you Tom... We tried and it did not work. What happened was a sign that our marriage was not strong enough... I am not making the same mistake again... It is over” Ignoring the pain in his eyes, she turned to Mike, anger rising within her seeing the small smirk which touched his lips as he briefly looked over at Tom. “And as for you... I do not even know you... So do not expect me to marry you either”, the smile dropping instantly from his lips, her look switching from one to the other. “This is not the dark ages!”, her hands flying up in a ‘so what’ gesture. “So I’m pregnant... I know it will be rough... but I can bring this baby up by myself... I don’t need either of you”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: Nov 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311840448

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

Book preview

Her Two Tycoons

by

Marie Kelly

Special Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Her Two Tycoons

Special Smashwords Edition

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Copyright © 2013 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

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ePublished and Distributed by: Smashwords

Thanks to Debora for all of your hard work

Chapter One

Skyler Lane flicked her eyes to the wedding party, narrowing them playfully as she caught the look of the bride, unable to maintain her irritated glare as a smile curled her lush lips. At the top table, Amanda wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, her fun-filled eyes quickly moving to the man who sat on Skyler’s left. Holding back the laugh which bubbled up within, Skyler raised her look heavenward as her good friend gave a conspiratorial wink.

Shaking her head softly it was hard to be annoyed with the woman, so much in love, her hand slipped into the possessive one of her groom, Connor, Skyler knowing only too well how much he loved his new wife. With a sigh, she told herself it was only natural that those so in love would feel the need to pass on that feeling to others – even if those others were not open to it. With another deep sigh she plastered a smile onto her beautiful face as the man, who Amanda had obviously decided to try to match-make her with spoke again.

John was attractive she supposed, pleasant features and twinkling blue eyes, but for half an hour she had forced herself to show interest in his stories of holidaying in the Alps. Stifling a yawn, she once more looked around, this time catching the eye of the bridesmaid, Tara, Amanda’s younger sister. Tara grimaced spotting her obvious boredom, her look apologetic as she gave a slight nod of her head towards her sister. Sorry, she mouthed. Skyler gave her a reassuring return grin and the slightest shrug of her small shoulders.

And did you know that Hannibal’s army used vinegar to melt the boulders so they could get over the Alps? John’s excited voice once more dragged her back to reality, her head turning to him as she pulled what she hoped was an interested expression on her face. Reaching over once more to the crystal glass of champagne she shook her head, hoping that she could keep her complete lack of interest out of her tone. No, I did not know that. How long does it take to melt rocks with vinegar?

The man beside her paused thoughtfully, his head cocked as he smiled back. You know... I never even thought to ask Her question seemed to intrigue him as he pulled a smart phone from his pocket and began trawling the internet for an answer.

With a sigh, she took another sip of the delicious wine, thankful for the reprieve from the affable but dull John, whose eyes had widened with appreciative interest as she took her seat earlier beside him. This thought brought a frown to her features, her eyes once more returning to look at the happy couple both staring intently into the other’s eyes. Had she and Tom began like this she wondered, the question sending a jolt of pain flashing through her. She had believed they were so much in love, the day they married one of the happiest in her life. She never cared that Tom was a millionaire, money not a motivator for Skyler.

Their whirlwind relationship had knocked the usually sensible Skyler off her feet, and within two months they were married, she deliriously happy, believing her new husband to be just as much in love with her.

So fast had been their marriage that Tom did not even try to ensure a pre-nup, romantically seeing it as just another sign of how much he loved her, how much faith he had in their future. For a moment bitterness twisted within her – so much for rosy futures. It had only been two months later, returning home early one evening to the luxurious estate where they lived, one of the most sought-after addresses in the city, that her world had been torn apart. With pain gnawing at her stomach she once more felt the jolt of devastation as the memory of finding him in bed with his latest secretary pushed into her.

Taking another sip of the wine, the noise from the room did not register as the past flashed through her mind. Her mouth thinned as she remembered the shocked look on Tom’s face as she turned and speechlessly, with tears streaming down her lovely face, walked back to the door. Tom had chased after her, begging to be allowed to explain. Skyler had stopped as she placed her hand on the handle, turning, her eyes full of hurt and pain managing with lips which trembled to whisper, Explain what Tom? That it isn’t what it seems? She remembered how her voice had broken as her husband stood naked, his expression pleading and bleak. Skyler... I’m sorry... She means nothing to me, his hands reaching out to her. I love you!

Skyler had felt the words once more hit her stomach, that gut-wrenching hurt as she moved out of his reach and opened the door. Then that just makes it worse Tom... And no you don’t love me... If you did then I would have been enough for you Her last memory of that terrible day had been hearing him cry her name as she fled the home they had shared for so short a time, her fairytale world torn apart.

Many of her friends had told her to take him to the cleaners – to demand fifty percent of everything he owned, but Skyler had shaken her head, shocking the lawyer she hired, when she asked only for a quick divorce, wanting nothing from Tom. When Tom learnt that she had no interest in his money he tried to give her some, while begging for another chance, the realisation finally hitting him at just what he had lost.

That had been two months ago and in that time she had moved back to the small downtown home she owned. Their marriage was so brief, there had not even been enough time to sell her own property before her dream had so bitterly ended. Initially she was angry to discover that the mortgage on it had been paid by Tom, however, she had finally accepted his generosity as he begged that she at least remain his friend. His pleas and true show of regret finally made the soft-hearted Skyler relent and allow him his gesture of remorse.

In the time since their divorce the two had indeed become close, Skyler surprised to realise that she actually preferred their current relationship, his friendship important to her. Even though she knew that he still hoped to one day win her back, she had never given him any cause to hope that this would ever happen.

With a grimace, she became aware as John beside her replaced his phone in his jacket pocket. With a deeper sigh she once more thought that there were some occasions that she missed having Tom around to fend off the male hopefuls. Can’t see anything on there... but the wi-fi in here is amazingly bad John’s voice took on a more seductive tone, Perhaps you could come around to my place later and we could use my internet to find the answer With the groan held down at his obvious ploy she gave an apologetic smile. Thanks... but I will have to pass... I have other plans, thank you, holding down a sigh she prayed that he would give up. Yes there were times having a human male shield was handy.

From across the room Mike Steele was unable to tear his eyes from the stunning blonde. While there were others every bit as attractive as her, many already eyeing him keenly, there was just something about this woman that held his attention. Her long glossy hair, the colour of spun gold, was pulled back on either side of her face, held by ornate clips. What he could see of her slim gently sun-kissed figure promised much. It was her eyes though that really held him. Large and innocent, with the most amazing blue/green hue he had ever seen, the colour of the Aegean Sea, they portrayed every emotion in those wonderful windows to this woman’s soul. At one point he witnessed such sadness before she once more was forced to address the man who was attempting to hold her attention. Mike knew the man was failing miserably as she tried to be polite. Her coolness was clear even to him as he observed her.

Skyler lifted her glass once more. Most men would normally have taken the hint, but John was obviously made of sterner stuff she realised as he accepted her other ‘plans’ before embarking on an exploration of when she would be free. She groaned with the realisation that nothing but a complete refusal was going to stop him. Skyler did not enjoy the thought of upsetting anybody. Biting her bottom lip softly, her eyes scanned the other tables, her look stopped as her eyes locked with another set of eyes, eyes fixed unblinkingly on her.

Skyler had heard of and often scoffed at those who talked of the perfect moment, but as she stared back her breath stalled and all sound seemed to melt into silence. All she was aware of were those eyes. The man was perfect; his thick dirty blond hair standing high on his handsome head, intelligent golden amber eyes full of warmth, the man reminding her of a young Clint Eastwood.

For what seemed forever, which in actuality could only have been seconds, their looks connected, not in that uncomfortable awkward way, with neither wanting to be the first to break it, but in a way which stole the very breath from her lungs. It felt exhilarating, dangerous and completely wonderful, as though the two connected on a deeper level. Only a guest walking through their line of sight managed to break the spell. Her eyes blinked and head dropped as she exhaled; the sounds of the room swooshed back. With the reality of where she was, her cheeks burned, and Skyler determined not to look back again. However, moments later, unable to stop herself, she stole a furtive look under her lashes, a strange disappointment filling her as she found him deep in conversation with the stunning brunette at his side.

Tables away, Mike felt as though he had been hit by a truck as she turned to meet his look. The flash of something so strong that he did not even know what it was took his breath away. Complete exhilaration and awareness filled him, Mike shocked at his reaction. Never before had he experienced such a reaction from a woman, and certainly not from just locking eyes. As the guest moved between them, so too had the pretty brunette at his side chosen her moment to make a play for him. A natural flirt and charmer he had turned his attention to her, hoping that his wide sexy smile would be enough to hide the way his stomach flip-flopped so alarmingly, stunned to realise that he needed to compose himself.

Skyler exhaled a breath of relief as the wedding ceremony emcee rang a small bell, heralding the beginning of speeches. John seemed crestfallen to have his attempts to secure a date with Skyler thwarted, she however, feeling relief at the timely break.

The speeches were heartwarming and funny, Skyler once more finding her mind returning to her own wedding, a small turn of her large lips a tell-tale sign to anybody watching that her thoughts were both fond and sad. She was unaware that Mike wondered about her from his chair and that his look was constantly drawn to her.

With the speeches made, the guests rose to move to the reception area where a band was already limbering up, the sound of music swirling around the many people noisily moving to find tables for the evening. Skyler scowled, her heart dropping as John grabbed her glass moving towards a table with other younger guests. Quick, better get some seats before we end up on the old aunties’ table Holding down the groan, she wondered if the night could get any worse.

As the bridal couple finished their first dance, John grabbed her hand, dragging her up to the dance floor, Skyler uncomfortable as he pulled her hard in against himself, his hand splayed a little too personally over her back for her liking. Looking back slightly he smiled down into her impassively polite features, a smile on his.

Skyler, I’m going to go out on a limb here She felt her heart once more drop, her look pleading for him to stop as he rushed on. I think that there is something between us... chemistry... and I think that we should... well explore it The groan was swallowed as she looked back at him, her large apologetic eyes full of discomfort as she struggled to find the right words to let him down. I... err... that is sweet of you John... but I really don’t think that is a good idea

With a more determined grin he shook his head, a note of arrogance creeping into his voice. Nonsense... it is like we were made for each other... Have dinner with me tomorrow, a wicked gleam coming to his eyes as he added suggestively, Or I could make you breakfast if you prefer?

Gasping loudly, shock on her features she stiffened, pushing him at arm’s length, her persona becoming frosty as the song thankfully came to an end, Skyler taking the chance to get away from the man and his obvious innuendo. No! Her voice was cold and brittle. I am sorry John but I have no interest in either chemistry or eating with you... especially breakfast... So no... Have a good evening, she bit out before spinning around and stiffly walking away from the shell-shocked man, his mouth flapping open and closed as finally words escaped him.

Returning from the washroom, Skyler moved to the opposite end of the hall, stopping to talk to old friends before finally finding a quiet out-of-the-way spot where she stood watching the bridal party, a fond smile on her lips. With a sigh she wondered how long she would need to stay before being able to flee to the safety of the hotel room that had been booked for her for the night. As her mind played with times, irritation flared deep within her as a glass of champagne appeared before her eyes, the glass held from behind.

I really have no interest in drinking with you either, she snarled, the anger evident on her tone as she ignored the proffered glass. Now that really is a shame because you definitely look like you need one The unknown deep drawl made her spin around, her eyes wide with shock as she came face to face with the man who, with just one look, had brought such disruption to her body earlier.

I... I’m sorry, she breathed, her fingers gratefully accepting the long stemmed crystal glass as his eyes held hers, eyes full of humour, the sexiest she had ever seen. I... I thought you were someone else, she apologised. A groan left her as the stranger grinned, his handsome features breaking into a wide smile as Skyler’s stomach did a 360 degree full flip before thudding heavily to land, her mouth suddenly so dry. God this man was gorgeous. Gorgeous and tall she added, looking up into his gold-flecked eyes.

Yes... I saw that your date seemed to do something to irk you... and I have to admit to being curious as to what he did... Just so I know what subject to avoid His voice, like the man himself was sensual, sending a small shiver skating down her spine as she gave a small grimace back. Well firstly, he is not nor was he ever my date. We were just sitting together The stranger mouthed a soft oh as she continued, And secondly, I don’t think that offering to make a woman breakfast is necessarily the best basis for a first date

His laugh was genuine as he looked deeply into her eyes, Skyler seeing the fun followed by a wicked glint enter them. Oh... that is not even a realistic offer... What man expects to have to make the breakfast himself? Skyler felt her lips twitch as she unsuccessfully tried to hold back the return laugh nodding her head as she giggled softly. "Exactly... I knew