‘I don’t want you buying me clothing.’
Which is what makes you so different from every other woman I’ve ever come across.
‘Do it anyway.’
She sighed. ‘You have your juggernaut expression on again.’
‘My what?’
She shook her head. ‘It’s a look you get when you’re not prepared to take no for an answer.’
Logan grinned at her slowly. ‘Finally we understand each other.’
Cassidy stared at the couture gown hanging on the outside of her wardrobe door. It was a strapless design in mint green covered in a swirl of tiny crystal beads that looked like it would hug every one of her curves before flaring out at her hips to fall gracefully to the floor.
And there was no way she could wear it.
Her phone rang, and she knew who it was without checking the screen. ‘I’m not wearing it.’
‘You absolutely are wearing it,’ her sister replied vehemently. ‘It’s stunning. And the twins and I want photos of you in it.’
Cassidy rolled her eyes. She’d been on the phone to her sister, talking about Logan’s coronation, when the beautiful gown had been delivered and her sister had demanded she send a photo. And not only the gown had arrived but also accessories, and various bags containing an array of casual clothes, nightwear and shoes. How Logan had guessed her size she didn’t know, but after having a quick look he’d got it exactly right.
Turning away from the shopping bags, she flopped back onto the bed. The coronation had been long and sombre, the full import of what Logan had now become slowly sinking in over the course of the day. ‘I’m not wearing it because I’m not going.’
And surely Logan wouldn’t come looking for her. Not with two hundred important guests all queuing to pay homage to the new King.
‘What do you mean?’ Her sister sounded like she was doing the dishes as she chatted to her. ‘Of course you’re going.’
‘I’m not. How did the exams go this week?’
‘I think I did okay. I might have written down the wrong chemical compound for a face peel but I’m sure I passed. And don’t change the subject. Why aren’t you going?’
Because she had a bad, sneaking, horrible suspicion that she was falling for her boss. Just as her sister had warned her not to do.
And really she’d like to blame Peta for putting the thought into her head, but she was too honest with herself for that. The fact was she’d held a faintly burning candle for Logan since the day she’d started working for him. Spending time with him in Arrantino and really getting to know him, she’d come to learn that he wasn’t the spoiled, arrogant, uncaring man she had convinced herself that he was.
He cared. Deeply. About his family. His country. It was love that he wasn’t interested in and for all her spouting on about not wanting to find someone special for herself, she realised that she did. She did want someone in her life who looked at her the way Dan looked at Peta. She wanted someone to curl up next to at night. Someone who found her interesting and sexy and desirable.
And even though Logan would never be that man, her senses still leapt with excitement whenever he was near, her body switching to high alert in case he touched her again. Hoping that he would touch her again.
The other evening when they had been sparring and he’d braced himself over her in a display of masculine strength she had been so aroused, so feverish with need, she hadn’t been able to move. All she had wanted was to reach up and pull his mouth down to hers.
Then he’d frowned, as if he’d read every one of her illicit desires and rejected them outright, and she’d managed to push him away. After that she’d gone into lockdown. Using her superpower to hide how she felt from him.
‘Cassidy?’ Her sister clanged a pot on the stove and cut into her uncomfortable ruminations. ‘Why aren’t you going?’
Not ready to admit to her sister how right she had been about everything, Cassidy sighed. ‘I’m tired. It’s been a long day.’
‘Oh, fiddle,’ Peta said. ‘It’s not as if invitations like this drop out of the sky every day. Of course you should go.’
‘I thought you advised me not to get too close to my boss.’
‘Oh, I might have been a bit cranky after you told me you wouldn’t be home this week. No, Amber, do not open those cookies, dinner will be ready in a minute.’ Peta let out a frustrated growl. ‘Sorry, what was I saying? Oh, yeah. I shouldn’t have taken my bad mood out on you. But I still hold to what I said. Do not fall for your boss. That would be a disaster. But you definitely have to go to the ball. Your boss has just been crowned King. This is a once-in-a-lifetime situation. You’ll be like Cinderella. Who knows, you might inspire lust in someone who turns out to be Prince Charming. You are in a palace after all.’
‘I’m not exactly lust-inducing material,’ Cassidy said glumly, wondering if the lust Logan had inspired in her on that mat the other night had been at all reciprocated.
‘That’s only because of what happened with that jerk in high school,’ Peta advised softly. ‘But that was years ago. You’re older now. And you’re gorgeous.’
‘You might think that but—’
‘You are gorgeous,’ Peta interrupted vehemently. ‘But you don’t see it. You need to stop hiding yourself away and let yourself shine. And don’t pull that face I know you’re pulling. You’re just afraid to put yourself out there in case you get your heart broken. Well, guess what, kiddo? It might happen. But it might not. And despite what Dad told us, not all men are bastards. I finally found a good one.’
‘So things are good with Dan?’ Cassidy asked, glad for the chance to redirect her sister’s energies toward her new fiancé.
‘Fantastic. Now do me a favour. Have a shower, straighten your hair and fully immerse yourself in this opportunity so that you have no regrets.’
Cassidy stared at the ornate ceiling above her head. She knew her sister was trying to be helpful but it wasn’t just the jerk from high school that had made her reticent to put herself on the line where relationships were concerned. She just didn’t know whom to trust. After her mother had left, and then the guy in college who had only wanted her for her study notes, on top of Peta now moving on...it just seemed that she was destined to be alone. And the only reason she had so few regrets in life was because of caution—not immersion.
Sometimes she wished that she could be more like her sister. Sometimes she wished that she had more faith in herself and a more positive outlook on life, but the thought of being wrong, of being caught unawares was too scary for her to take that view of life.
‘When will you get to experience something like this again?’ Peta coaxed.
Probably never, if she was being honest. ‘I’ll think about it. Say hi to the girls for me. I miss you all.’
‘We miss you too. In the meantime, be like Alice and make lots of amazing memories tonight.’
‘I thought I was Cinderella?’
Peta laughed. ‘Be whoever you want. Be yourself. Create your own fairytale.’
‘You’ve read too many fairytales to the twins. Life rarely works out that way. You know that.’
‘Yes, but rarely is not never. You can make your dreams come true, Cass, you just have to want them badly enough. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And don’t forget, send photos.’
Her sister rang off and Cassidy pushed herself into a sitting position. She stared at the beautiful dress that was hanging so serenely on the hanger as if daring her to put it on.
She wondered if Logan had chosen it himself and then berated herself for the fanciful thought. As if he would have had the time, or inclination, to choose a dress for her. Likely he had called someone and delegated the task. That’s what a sensible person would have done. That’s what she would have done.
Because deep down she was a sensible person. Sensible and cautious. She thought of he
r father’s voice after her sister had fallen pregnant, wearily telling her that he was just glad he had one level-headed child.
And apart from her one faux pas she had been level-headed. Level-headed and sensible. And a sensible person did not dress up in a gown they couldn’t afford and attend a ball they had no right to attend.
But sensible people could also miss out on fun if they didn’t take a chance now and then, a rogue voice inside her head taunted.
And she was older now. Wiser. Perhaps it was time to be more proactive in her life rather than reactive.
And perhaps the place to start with that was her job. With Logan now the King, his life was in Arrantino. Hers was in the States. And even if that wasn’t the case, it wasn’t as if she could work for him for ever. Not with the way she felt about him. Because something had shifted between them this last week and she couldn’t seem to shift it back. Just being in the same room with him made her want to touch him and if he should ever guess how she felt she’d die of mortification.
But she didn’t have to think about that right now, did she? She had time up her sleeve. Unless Logan wanted it otherwise, she could give it a month. Help him transition into his new role and put some feelers out to recruitment agencies in New York. In the meantime, she’d keep her head down, do her best to get on top of this pesky attraction and think about what she wanted for herself for a change.
Feeling marginally better now that she had a way forward, she found her gaze returning to the designer gown on her cupboard. As if pulled by a magical thread, she pushed herself off the bed and ran her fingers lightly over the gorgeous fabric. The silky material slid through her fingertips like a shimmering waterfall, the crystal beads catching the overhead light and glowing like tiny diamonds.
Once in a lifetime...
She took the dress down and held it in front of her, gazing at herself in the full-length mirror. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t attend a royal ball as if she might actually belong there.
So don’t think that. Go as a chance to see how the other half live and create some amazing memories. If you’re already planning to resign, what’s the harm?
Frowning as the rogue voice tempted her once more, she shook her head. Could she really wear a dress like this? It was a dress that belonged to a princess and, no matter how hard she dreamed, Cassidy knew that she would never be princess material.
CHAPTER EIGHT
AFTER WHAT FELT like the longest day in his life Logan would have liked nothing more than to loosen his tie and sprawl on the nearby sofa, maybe stream a rugby game and open a chilled bottle of ale—but that moment was a long way off. First there was dinner for two hundred followed by the ball.
He searched the large drawing room, which was rapidly filling with elegantly attired guests, for Cassidy, wondering if she would show up. He knew the gown he’d chosen on the drive over to Government House for the official handover had arrived because the stylist had sent him confirmation and photos.
Cassidy had been adamant that she hadn’t wanted to wear it and she was probably the first woman to ever turn down a gift from him. In his experience his female companions adored receiving trinkets and the more expensive the better. Not that Cassidy was one of his companions, but she would look sensational in the green silk. As she would in the matching bra and panties—
You aren’t going there, he reminded himself. He had ordered the underwear on the advice of the stylist, not because he particularly wanted to see her in tiny scraps of lace and nothing else.
And if he believed that, he’d believe the moon was made of cheese...
Irritated with his one-track mind, he turned his attention back to his diplomatic advisor’s assessment of a recent European summit and what it meant for Arrantino.
He knew he should be concentrating as come Monday morning it would be his job to make decisions on the laws that would serve Arrantino in the future but he couldn’t focus.
What would he do if Cassidy decided that not only wasn’t she prepared to wear the dress he’d chosen but that she wouldn’t attend the ball at all? It wasn’t as if she had to attend. The only work he would be doing tonight would be to thank his supporters and well-wishers.
Cassidy’s official duties had ended when the coronation had come to a close. Since she’d worked above and beyond what was expected of her since arriving in Arrantino, he couldn’t blame her for wanting to kick back and put her feet up. But he didn’t want her to do that. He wanted her here, with him, and as much as that didn’t make sense, denying it would only be lying to himself.
Never before had he had so much trouble keeping a woman to the role he’d predetermined that she would play in his life and it was starting to seriously bother him. Would he be able to work with her as his private secretary in the future? He hadn’t mentioned the future role since their sparring session but it made sense for her to continue to work for him. They made an exceptional team. She knew what he needed sometimes before he knew it himself, and she had never been afraid to give her opinion, even if it didn’t align with his. He’d come to appreciate that as much as her efficiency in running his office.
But would she want that? Would she want to move to Arrantino? He hoped so. She would be an asset to any company, and if there was one thing he prided himself on, it was that he was an astute businessman.
‘Wouldn’t you agree, Your Majesty?’
Having only half listened so far, he forced his mind to the current conversation regarding the latest round of trade talks Arrantino had entered into with India, one of their biggest export markets, breathing a sigh of relief when Leo appeared and politely dragged him out onto the terrace.
Swapping his champagne flute for a beer, Leo leaned against the balustrade and raised his own bottle in a toast. ‘I thought I’d save you from having to listen to Joaquín pontificating about his exemplary knowledge of world affairs. You’ll hear it over and over anyway.’
‘Great,’ Logan said sardonically, taking a grateful swig of the ice-cold beer. ‘There’s only so much sucking up a man can take in one day. I don’t know how you did it.’
‘Patience,’ Leo said.
Logan raised a brow. ‘Great. Then I’m stuffed.’
Leo chuckled, and slapped him on the shoulder. ‘You’ll be fine and you know it.’
‘Maybe.’ Logan knew he would still hate the goldfish-bowl aspect of the role, but the opportunity to address many of the challenging issues facing the world was something he was looking forward to sinking his teeth into.
‘How are you holding up?’ He gave Leo an astute look, knowing that with everything that had gone on, he couldn’t be having an easy time of it.
‘Mixed emotions.’ Leo grimaced. ‘I’m taking Elly and Skylar to Greece on Sunday. There’s a dig taking place on one of the islands she’s interested in and I thought it would be good to get away. The press haven’t let up and she’s worried about the impact it might have on Skylar.’
‘I’m sure she is.’ Logan’s cynical heart thumped. He hated the thought that his brother was being taken advantage of yet again. It wasn’t anything tangible. But it had happened before with Anastasia, and Leo’s more trusting nature meant that it was possible for that to happen again. ‘I just hope she’s on the up and up.’
‘Don’t go there,’ Leo warned, his chest expanding. ‘I know you’re just being protective, which is why I haven’t bloodied your nose already.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
‘I am,’ Leo said. ‘Elly isn’t like Anastasia but, regardless, you really need to stop judging women from the jaded view that they’re only out for all they can get.’
‘I don’t.’ Logan gave a mocking grin at his brother’s arched brow. ‘Okay, perhaps I do. It’s a habit that’s stood me well so far.’
‘Perhaps. But it also means that you look for the worst in people.’
He shrugged.
‘It works for me. But, okay, I’ll reserve my jaded view for when I meet her.’
He glanced over Leo’s shoulder for any sign of Cassidy inside.
‘Good. Because Elly asked me to extend an invitation to lunch tomorrow. I know from experience that it will be a low-key day so it shouldn’t be a prob—’ Leo frowned. ‘That’s the third time you’ve checked out the room inside. Who are you looking for?’
‘Cassidy.’
Leo raised a brow. ‘You invited her to the ball?’
‘Yes, and I need you to take care of her tonight. Escort her in and make sure she’s okay. And don’t look at me like that. She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had.’
Rather than lose the raised eyebrow, it went even higher. ‘Are you sure that’s all she is?’
Logan scowled. ‘Now it’s my turn to tell you not to go there. I’m not like the old man. I would never use my position to sleep with an employee.’
‘Fine, fine.’ Leo raised his hands in surrender. ‘I know you wouldn’t do that. I just couldn’t help but notice you looked at her a lot today. And she seems nice. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for you to deviate from your usual type and choose someone real.’
‘Other than the fact that she works for me.’
‘Lots of successful relationships start out as working ones. That doesn’t make them wrong. And it doesn’t make you like our father, who used his position as a power play.’
‘Regardless, the only thing Cassidy and I have between us is a close professional relationship.’
So why was his heart beating hard at the thought that she wouldn’t turn up tonight?
‘Your Majesty, my lords and ladies.’ Gerome appeared just inside the open terraced doors. ‘Dinner is about to be served.’
As soon as Logan stepped inside his eyes found Cassidy in the crowded room and two things became immediately apparent.
First, that she was wearing the gown and she looked every bit as incredible as he had known she would and, second, he would need to be on his guard if he intended to keep to his word and ensure that things remained completely professional between them tonight.
Crowning His Unlikely Princess (Mills & Boon Modern) Page 10