Because of Lauren: A Love Story Read online

  The warm, unexpected hug and Lauren’s sincere declaration set a lighthearted tone for the luncheon. In no time at all, they talked and laughed like old friends. When Lauren commented on the view and the charm of the harbor, Jonas asked if this was her first time visiting his country.

  Lauren shook her head. “No, I’ve been here several times. This is where my mother grew up, so I have always felt a certain connection to it. I’m staying with old family friends, Jon and Bente Jansen. I believe you may know Jon. When I mentioned your name last night, he said you were acquainted through business.”

  Jonas was struck dumb for a moment, then shook his head in disbelief. Lauren belonged to a branch of the family he’d spent years searching for without success, a branch he had, until recently, considered mysteriously lost. But after listening to her talking about her family and being told she was staying with a business acquaintance of his, it was inconceivable that it had taken him so long to find them. “Yes, I know Jon Jansen,” he acknowledged. “He has never mentioned you, though.”

  “No reason he would. I am the daughter of his wife’s childhood friend.”

  Looking at her, Jonas knew his initial impression of her had not been quite accurate. Though her face was deceptively young-looking, she was obviously a mature woman, bright, educated, and a thoroughly entertaining companion.

  They enjoyed a meal of fresh seafood cooked to perfection, followed by dessert. Lauren chose one of the restaurant’s signature pastries, a piece of rich, creamy marzipan cake, while Jonas had a bowl of fresh strawberries with cream. As their meal came to an end, the two hours or so they’d spent together seemed to have flown by.

  Jonas was not ready to say goodbye.

  He had a summer home on an island not far from the city, his favorite place to spend a weekend this time of year and a good place for the two of them to spend some additional time getting to know each other. Very casually he issued the invitation. No pressure.

  “I have a summer home on an island off the coast,” he told her. “It’s a fairly rugged place, great for hiking, exploring, and boating. Is your week fully booked or would you like to spend Saturday there?”

  Lauren’s eyes lit up at the invitation. “I have nothing in particular scheduled this week, just downtime from work,” she admitted. “I would love to explore your island.”

  Jonas smiled at her enthusiasm. “Good. I think you’ll enjoy your time there. Or I hope you will.”

  Chapter Two

  Jonas turned out to be the ideal host and companion. After a morning cruising the fjords, a late afternoon ramble along the island’s rugged terrain made a perfect ending to what had, so far, been one of the most delightful days Lauren could remember.

  Taking a breather on the trail and looking across the beautiful calm water, she spotted half a dozen teenagers crammed into a small powerboat headed for one of the tiny, uninhabited islands dotting the bay. Their friends appeared to have staked a claim to it, some of them frolicking in the water while others sunbathed on the rocks. There was waving and friendly shouting back and forth as the newcomers eased their craft toward the rocky shore.

  Close to the water’s edge, a couple of small boats already bobbed in the shallows, their lines wrapped securely around large boulders. Watching the kids carefully squeeze their craft into the narrow sliver of space still available, Lauren breathed a sigh of relief when they, with seeming confidence, accomplished what to her looked like an impossible feat. Laughing and talking, they jumped ashore, loaded down with blankets and provisions.

  She turned to Jonas with a wistful smile. “Were your summer days like that when you were young?”

  “Almost identical,” he admitted. “There are several summer homes in the area, and the kids always manage to find each other. That little skerry has become a favorite gathering place over the years.”

  Lauren sighed. “When I’m back home and sweltering in Manhattan’s midsummer heat, I’ll think of you here on the island with envy.”

  They walked a little further until Jonas indicated an old stone bench where they could rest after their ramble and enjoy the view, the antics of the teenagers, and the still warm sunshine. All thoughts of Manhattan slipped from Lauren’s mind and, in pure bliss, she sighed, “I think I could happily spend the whole summer here.”

  Jonas glanced at her and smiled. She had been such a good sport today, game to tackle whatever he threw at her and never complaining. Thinking of their initial meeting, she had seemed hesitant at first, as though he was not quite what she had expected. But then she was hardly what he had expected either. He thought he would be meeting someone considerably older, not the delightful young person who’d stood before him. His lips twitched in amusement remembering the unrestrained hug he had received for the simplest of reasons: he was family. In that moment, he knew Lauren was someone very special. He had laughed more since meeting her than he had in a long time. There was such joy in her, such enthusiasm for life, he couldn’t help but be affected.

  “I have a business to run, so that is not an option for me these days,” he said. “But this is where I spent most of my childhood summers.”

  “Lucky you. How long has your family owned this place?”

  “Decades. It belonged to my great-grandparents originally, then to my grandparents. My father died when I was young, so when my grandfather passed away, it became mine. At the time, I had a lot on my plate and wasn’t sure I wanted the added responsibility of a summer home. I toyed with the idea of selling, but in the end, I found I couldn’t part with it.”

  “I can see why. The island is a treasure, Jonas. This has been one of the most amazing days of my life.”

  The comment pleased him more than she could know. This island had become his refuge the last ten years, the place where he came to lick his wounds when life dealt its inevitable blows, and the crushing demands of the business his grandfather left him threatened to overwhelm him. He had wanted to share this place with her, and for reasons he didn’t quite understand, hoped she would love it as much as he did. But his voice revealed none of that as he said, “I spend as much time here as I can get away with. My work can be demanding, and this is a good place to unwind.”

  Lauren didn’t doubt him for a minute. She thought of the crazy hours her work often demanded of her. How refreshing to be able to escape to a place like this. She didn’t usually waste time coveting what others had, but she envied Jonas his island retreat. She hoped she could return someday.

  She had learned several things about him today. The most important? He was one of the good guys. Obviously intelligent, he was kind, didn’t use vulgar language, was patient and easygoing, and had a great sense of humor. All day he had looked out for her, making sure her time on the island was as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. Jonas was no novice as host.

  She wondered why a man as remarkable as he was still single and, without thinking, blurted out, “Why aren’t you married with a couple of kids, Jonas? This place cries out for a family.”

  Too late, she realized it might not be the most tactful thing to say. It really wasn’t any of her business why he wasn’t married. But whatever reaction she expected, it wasn’t the contemplative, almost wistful expression her words brought to his face.

  “I agree. But life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect it to, does it?”

  His words silenced her. In just a sentence, he had summed up what she had been feeling of late. She had always pictured herself married with at least a couple of kids by the time she was thirty. Instead, she was a career woman living in one of the world’s great cities.

  “No, it doesn’t,” she agreed. “I always assumed by this age I would be married and living happily among my family in Utah.” She gave a slight, self-deprecating smile. “But here I am, practically an old maid, living and working in Manhattan.”

  Old maid? Jonas smiled as his eyes skimmed her fac
e. He wondered if she knew how lovely she was. Her eyes were beautiful, a soft brown fringed with long, dark lashes, her nose dainty, her lips full, her chin firm, and her neck slim and elegant. The very idea was laughable.

  Her face did have an innocent look to it, but he’d found her to be a bright, articulate, and mature young woman. Manners kept him from asking her age, but she had to be years older than the eighteen or so he had first taken her for. In a gently teasing voice he said, “Well, you look almost old enough for marriage.”

  Lauren grimaced delicately. “Almost,” she agreed, not at all offended by his observation. She had no illusions about her looks. It was a curse she’d learned to live with. “But I’ll be thirty on my next birthday.”

  Jonas couldn’t hide his surprise. He’d never have guessed, but it explained her air of confidence and maturity.

  Seeing the shock of surprise on his face, she said, “I know. I’ve been told more than once that I look about nineteen.” She laughed softly. “On my first day at work in New York, someone in the office asked when the firm had adopted a policy of hiring children. At the time, I was almost twenty-five.

  Jonas chuckled. So, he wasn’t the only one who’d misjudged her age.

  “I guess I was a little slow on the uptake because I missed the fact that he was flirting with me until three days later when he asked me out.” She grinned. “I told him no, I didn’t date older men.”

  “And how old was he?”

  Still grinning she replied, “Two years younger than me.”

  Jonas shook his head. “Have they figured out what to do with you in that office yet?”

  “Oh, the CEO has a pretty good handle on things. He has a habit of promoting me, and the man who teased me is now my subordinate.”

  Laughing heartily, Jonas decided he loved her company. How could he not when she turned ordinary conversations into lighthearted moments just by being herself? She was such a charming companion, he found it remarkable she was still single. Surely, she must have had opportunities to marry. Before he could stop himself, he said, “Just out of curiosity, Lauren, how many proposals have you turned down over the years?”

  Lauren’s mouth opened in surprise. “Proposals? As in marriage?”

  At his nod, she laughed softly. “Isn’t it possible no one has wanted to marry me yet?”

  “No!” Jonas was very firm about that.

  “Are you normally this nosy?”

  “I’m making an exception for you.”

  “I don’t think so. I have a sneaky suspicion you’re just plain nosy.”

  “Curious,” he conceded. “There is a difference.”

  “Hmm!” Lauren considered a moment then decided, “Nosy. And for your information, some marriage proposals cannot be taken seriously.”

  He gave her a speculative look. “Intriguing statement. I’ll make you a deal. You provide the evening’s entertainment by expounding on it, and I’ll fix dinner.” Giving her no chance to reply, he stood up and held out his hand. “Let’s head home.”

  “Sneaky,” she said as she took the offered hand and let him pull her to her feet.

  K

  In the shelter of the garden wall stood a large, comfortable swing, complete with plump, colorful cushions. Jonas guided Lauren toward the tempting comfort of the wide seat. “Let’s stay out here while you regale me with stories of your past,” he suggested lightly. “The day is still pleasant. It’s a shame not to take advantage of it.”

  Lauren had long ago discovered that in this country people took their sunshine and long summer days seriously. The summer season was short, and they preferred to spend it outdoors whenever possible. So, in the spirit of cooperation, she kicked off her shoes and curled up in one end of the swing while Jonas took the other.

  Setting the swing in gentle motion, Jonas leaned back in his corner and closed his eyes. It was good to relax with a companion as compatible as Lauren.

  When she remained quiet, he said lazily, “Well?”

  “Be patient. I’m thinking.”

  Jonas laughed.

  “Hey, I’m sorting through a dozen years of my life here.”

  Jonas’ eyes popped open. “You received your first proposal at seventeen?”

  She nodded. “Senior year of high school.”

  “Incredible. You know, Lauren, there are plenty of women who receive only one proposal of marriage in their life.”

  “Hopefully one they can take seriously. The craziest things happen to me.”

  “Well, let’s hear it!”

  Lauren sighed. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re more relentless than a Hollywood gossip columnist?”

  “Yeah, I believe you already hinted at that.” He chuckled and spread his hands, palms up. “What can I say? It’s my only flaw.”

  Lauren burst out laughing. The man was impossible! Loaded with charm, but impossible.

  “You are such a pain in the . . .” she began, then stopped.

  “Tsk, tsk, such language.”

  “I didn’t say it!”

  “No, you are too much of a lady. I noticed that about you already.”

  “Why is your English so good?” Lauren demanded, managing to make it sound like an accusation. From the moment they met, Jonas had spoken fluent, American-accented English.

  “Penn State, then Harvard Business,” he replied succinctly.

  “Hmm. That explains it. Do you like America?”

  “I find it a fascinating country,” he admitted. “After I finished my education I worked in corporate America for a year. I admire the American work ethic, but at that age, I found the eleven-hour workdays I was often expected to put in absurd.”

  Lauren was intimately acquainted with eleven-hour work days. Too often they were part of her own work week. “You’ll get no argument from me. What business are you in? When Jon mentioned he knew you through business, he didn’t give any details, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume your work-days are shorter now.”

  “I run a corporation founded by my great-grandfather.”

  Lauren sat up with a start. “And you thought eleven-hour work days were behind you when you left New York?”

  Jonas chuckled. “A small miscalculation on my part,” he admitted. “But my grandfather was alive then, and you’re changing the subject.”

  “We could skip it.”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Goodness, aren’t you tenacious!”

  He gave her a lazy smile. “Count on it.”

  “Oh, brother!” Lauren wiggled down in the swing, plumped up the pillow behind her head and stretched out her legs. When her toes accidentally tickled his thigh, Jonas raised his eyebrows pointedly, but Lauren seemed oblivious. And with a silent chuckle, he recalled an incident earlier that day, when her action had been just as innocently provocative.

  They had taken the boat out that morning and spent a few hours cruising the neighboring fjords, stopping at times to explore the occasional village. At noon, they anchored in a sheltered cove where they prepared a simple meal and did some sunbathing. As the heat of the day increased, Lauren suggested a swim. He warned her the water in that area was snow-fed and very cold, but she seemed undeterred. She executed an elegant dive off the upper deck, then surfaced with a howl. But she bravely stayed in the water, apparently determined to have her swim.

  Jonas decided to join her for a quick dip but almost immediately climbed back on board. Shivering, he determined the water temperature to be on par with crushed ice.

  Watching Lauren take off with long, elegant strokes, he reached for a towel and wondered how she found enjoyment swimming in water that cold. He had not expected such determination.

  Much later, a shivering Lauren hauled herself up the ladder. “Brr!” was all she said. Her teeth chattered, and her lips were blue as she reached for a t
owel and went below to change. She was back on deck shortly, fully dressed, her short, wet hair slicked back and her eyelashes still spiked with moisture. She looked adorable but cold, so Jonas took a warm blanket from a storage compartment and wrapped it tightly around her.

  She was still shivering a few minutes later when she walked up to him. “Would you mind pretending I am your little sister and hold me for a minute? I can’t seem to get warm.”

  Jonas raised an eyebrow at the request but placed his arms gingerly around her. She burrowed against him for warmth, then relaxed and rested her cheek against his chest.

  “Better?” he asked after a while.

  “Mm-hmm.”

  They stood like that a few moments longer with Jonas rubbing his hands up and down her back and arms to get the circulation going.

  Eventually, she stepped back and removed the blanket. “I think I’m finally thawed.”

  And now she was wiggling her toes against his thigh. Not that he objected. In fact, he found it quite endearing, he decided, as he prepared to listen to Lauren’s pleasantly modulated voice.

  “The summer I was twenty-one,” she began, “my cousin Maddie and I toured Europe for a month. Now, Maddie is very pretty, with gorgeous blue eyes, long blonde hair and a very shapely figure. Men could hardly take their eyes off her.”

  Jonas’ eyes gleamed with amusement. He was fully aware of the reputation of young Latin-European males. “And?”

  “While Maddie confidently flirted her way through Europe, I received a marriage proposal from a man I met while standing in line to see the Doges’ Palace in Venice. The line was long and his English excellent, so Maddie and I chatted with him to pass the time. We became friends, and he offered to show us around Venice. Three days later he proposed! He confessed he’d gotten in line because he’d noticed me at Piazza San Marco and getting in line behind me was a more respectable way of approaching me than trying to pick me up on the square.”