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Torbellino Enterprises has a division called Whirlwind Energy. We are seeking to
expand alternative energy markets, Rigo explained.
That s a good thing, Stig agreed. We need to preserve our environment and get
more green.
They want to use Larson land to do it. Harald growled, his eyes narrowing.
Sell the land, Dad? Gitta asked.
No, we would lease the land for the wind turbines. We want to develop a large
wind farm here in west central Minnesota. It would not interfere greatly with the crops
being grown here. We can peacefully coexist with the farm operation.
Erika smiled at him. He was so calm in the face of her father s need for drama.
But you want to buy land for a factory, Harald growled.
We would prefer to buy the land, yes. But leasing is an option.
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Whirlwind Affair
What kind of factory, Grandpa? Kerry asked.
When Harald remained silent, Andy spoke up. Two manufacturing plants. One for
the towers, the other to build the turbines.
Erika watched the reactions of her siblings and her daughters. Most looked curious
and interested. All of them believed in alternative energies and green technology. Stig
and Ivar used green building materials with their construction company and were well
versed in building passive and active solar aspects into both residential and commercial
spaces.
That would mean a lot of jobs, Axel mused.
Yes, it would. First in building the facilities then in manning them, Rigo agreed.
It would be good for the town. We d have an influx of jobs cutting-edge jobs
and it would increase the town s tax base, Erika argued.
Which would help the library& Gitta commented.
And the fire department. Axel agreed. As a firefighter, anything that would
benefit the department was a positive in his eyes.
All of the city and county departments would benefit. And it would be good for
the businesses in town too. It might even keep our young people here rather than
leaving for the cities so they can find work, Erika pointed out.
Erika looked up to find her father studying her curiously and she blushed. Damn
him anyway. Now she was almost afraid to say anything because he might believe her
capable of sleeping with Rigo to gain this business deal. It made her feel& tainted.
I like this idea, Dad, and I trust Andy to protect the family interests, Stig stated to
murmurs of agreement from everyone else. Harald looked down at Annika.
You know how I feel about this, Harald.
Yah, I do. So it s still up to me then. He looked from Erika to Rigo and back, his
brows furrowed in thought. Finally, he turned his gaze to Rigo. I ll agree to this on one
condition, Torbellino.
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Francesca Hawley
Which is?
If you move forward, you don t pursue a relationship with my daughter. I won t
have our neighbors gossiping about her.
Gossiping, Dad?
Yes, Erika. People saw you go out with Rodrigo on Saturday night. I heard about it
from any number of people at church this morning. I don t want people lying about
how our business was conducted.
Lying? How, sir? Rigo asked, looking confused.
By suggesting I slept with you to seal the deal, Erika told him dryly. He colored a
deep red and she knew it was because he d briefly entertained the idea himself.
She did not do this thing, Rigo said earnestly, leaning toward Harald.
I know that, Harald said with a decisive nod.
Well, I m so glad, Dad. Since you accused me of it the minute I walked up here.
He what? Annika asked, standing abruptly and glaring at her husband, her
hands on her hips. Harald raised his hands as her brothers and sister spoke in her favor,
but all at once so no one could understand anything.
Children, Annika. Please. I was only repeating what was being told to me.
Mr. Larson, I will happily tell anyone who asks that your daughter is a good
woman, Rigo vowed.
Thank you, but people in small towns gossip. And it doesn t really matter if the
gossip is true or not. So& I will agree to this business deal if you and Erika refrain from
pursuing a relationship.
This is the only way you will approve? If I stay away from Erika? Rigo leaned
back in his chair, his eyes narrowed as he steepled his hands on the table in front of
him.
Yes.
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Whirlwind Affair
Very well. Now where is some of that excellent apple pie Erika suggested I try.
He took a bite of pie and smiled. Yes, this is really excellent.
Tears sprung to Erika s eyes and she bit her lips. She meant nothing to him. It really
had been just a couple of great nights of sex. How could she have been such a fool? She
stood up but was wedged in to the picnic table by Rigo on her left and Axel on her
right. God, it felt like her marriage to Hans but worse, because at least Hans was gay
and he had a reason to be repelled by her. Rigo had spent time making love to her but
even so, he was ready to dump her for a business deal. This was horrible and she d
never been angrier at her father in her life.
You ll really drop my sister, Rigo? Andy asked in disbelief.
Rigo lifted his gaze from the pie. No, I will not, so there will be no business deal.
Erika sank to her seat and looked to her left, meeting Rigo s calm gaze. W-what?
We will put the wind farm and turbine factories elsewhere and do business with
someone else. I ll get Cisco looking on Monday.
But Sofia said the division would close without the deal.
Rigo smiled and shook his head, reaching up to gently brush away the tears, which
had spilled down her cheeks. I m sure that s what Cisco told her, but it isn t true. I
have alternatives.
But the business&
Is not more important to me than you are. I fully intend to marry you, Erika
Larson-Bergstrom. He chuckled and she smiled a watery smile. Business is business
but family is forever, querida.
Family?
And love. I love you. From the first moment I looked at you, I knew I would be
your husband one day. I ve only had to convince you of that. He gently cupped her
face in his hands and leaned forward, kissing her gently.
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Francesca Hawley
When he drew away, Erika asked, Are you saying you fell in love with me at first
sight?
He cocked his head. Yes, I suppose I am. It is a Torbellino thing. Love comes to us
like our name.
In a whirlwind?
Sí. A whirlwind of love and desire.
Oh, that s so sweet, Kat sighed. Talk to her in Spanish. That always worked for
me.
Erika closed her eyes. Katarina, leave me my illusions please.
Kerry grumbled, Mom, we re twenty-two, not twelve.
Just let me imagine you re both completely innocent.
Whatever& the girls agreed in unison, and exchanged glances with a sigh.
Rigo leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Erika s. Do you think you d want
any more like those two?
Erika blinked then considered while she slid her arms around his waist and
grinned. Maybe.
Ah-hem.
Erika and Rigo froze. She turned to look at her father. He won, there would be no
deal and yet he couldn t leave well enough alone. She frowned at him, but rather than
stern, he looked happy.
So, you ll run off and take your business elsewhere then, Mr. Torbellino?
I will do as you requested. I would prefer to run the business here in Larson. It will
benefit my family, he waved at all of them, to do so. But I would rather lose business
than lose your daughter.
Harald smiled. If you really feel that way then I see no reason not to permit both.
Permit, Dad? Erika growled. I decide who I have a relationship with.
He cleared his throat. Perhaps permit is the wrong word.
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Whirlwind Affair
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