by B. B. Miller
“Why have they just asked for you?” Cam questions, and I shake my head.
“Gee. I wonder why that is, but not to fear, I’ve solved that problem. I suggested we do a Redfall show with couples and everything.”
“Oh! That sounds exciting,” Tess says, straightening up in her seat.
“See?” I wave my hand at Tess. “Thank you, Tess. At least someone here has a sense of adventure.”
Tess gives a half bow from her seat, and Matty pipes up, “God. Don’t encourage him, babe.”
“I’m adventurous,” Cassidy whispers against my neck and I smile, turning to drop a kiss to the top of her head.
“Of that, I am one hundred percent confident, love.”
“What would we have to do?” Kennedy asks, keeping his arm around Abby.
“Well, they’re starting to toss around a few ideas,” I begin before Cass interrupts.
“Oh! We could do like a Survivor type show. All of us on an island for a couple of days.”
Cam snorts, the arse. “Surviving on a deserted island with Sean? Good luck with that.” He twirls the little green umbrella in his drink. Very manly.
“We’ve survived almost two decades together without killing each other. I would think a couple of days would be a piece of cake,” I reply, seeing Sam’s eyes light up.
“It does sound like fun,” Sam says, glancing up at Cameron.
“Ah, I think I’m having the adventure of a lifetime right here,” Abby offers, resting her hand on her stomach. “I think I’ll have to pass on any remote island adventures for a while, unless they include air conditioning and twenty-four-hour room service.”
Kennedy laughs, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Momma can’t be on a deserted island, Sean. Maybe after junior is born, we can talk about it.” My excitement dims as I watch Kennedy settle his hand over Abby’s on her belly.
I feel Cass tighten her grip against my bicep as I try to tap down the bitter taste of regret. I can’t be angry at Kennedy or Abby, and I have no right to be jealous of their impending parenthood. I’m going to have to get used to just being Uncle Sean. Daddy is not in my future.
“Right. After the little one arrives then,” I manage, downing the rest of my syrupy drink.
“Paparazzi at twelve o’clock,” Tucker mutters, moving to take a protective stance in front of our group.
Cass leans back a bit in her seat and tilts her face away from where the leech is lurking. Sam reaches over to touch her arm, giving her a sympathetic smile. “It’s okay. You get used to them after a while.”
“I know. I just really don’t need more exposure at the moment.” Cass fiddles with the straw in her drink.
“More exposure?” Tess asks.
“Cass had the papps staked outside her shop a few times over the last couple of weeks.” I slide my arm around her. The burning ball of irritation that’s been living in my belly, due to the fact that we still have to hide, reignites.
“We can get security on that,” Tucker says, his eyes staying firmly on the tacky intruder. He’s keeping the required distance away, but the unmistakable flash of his camera lights up our cozy hideaway.
“That would probably just make it worse.” Cass tugs one of the cherries off the toothpick in her drink and pops it into her tempting mouth.
“Maybe it’s the pregnancy brain talking, but I’m so confused right now.” Abby glances between us.
“Cassidy’s father is a senator. He announced her blessed engagement six weeks ago,” I broadcast a little too loudly.
Matty chokes on his drink before sputtering out, “You’re engaged?”
“To another man, so the story goes. It was all a misunderstanding, but it’s out there uncorrected and feeding the gossip mill whenever there’s a photo of us that hits the trash mags.”
“I’m right here.” It’s almost a growl from Cassidy. “I can speak for myself.”
“Can you?” I fire back and everything stops. Total silence as the glass she’s holding stills in front of her lips midsip. Her brows rise to her hairline. “Because it seems to me like you let your father do the talking.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It is that simple. Issue your own statement. In case you didn’t know, we happen to have a damn fine PR guru who can help you do that.” I can feel my jaw clench, unfamiliar anger firing through me. I don’t like what the press is doing to her, and it burns she won’t just set the record straight.
“I can’t just issue a statement. How would that look for my father?”
“Better than it’s making you look right now. Every time there’s a photo out of you and me, the press claims you’re some sort of cheating slag.”
“There’s only been a couple of blurry photos.” Cass sets her glass on the table and frowns at me. “And here I thought you didn’t care what people think.”
“About me, I don’t. About you? It’s unacceptable, especially when it’s a lie and the truth is easy to explain.”
“Everything is so easy to you.”
Abby pushes up from the couch, tugging down her shirt over her stomach. “You okay, baby?” Kennedy shifts forward to rub his palm over her back.
“I just need to use the ladies’ room.”
“I could use some fresh air,” Cassidy bites out, standing up with Abby.
“We’re on a rooftop full of fresh air!” I wave my arms to the open skies above.
“Yeah? Well, I could use different air, then.” Her glare would set a lesser man on fire.
I feel the force of Kennedy’s boot hit me in the shin across the table. “Ow! Christ, mate.”
“We’ll join you.” Both Sam and Tess stand up, hurrying to join Cass and Abby.
Kennedy lifts his head in the direction of the girls. “Tuck.”
“On it,” Tucker steps up beside Abby.
“We don’t need Tucker to shadow us every time we go somewhere, Kennedy,” Abby says.
“You’ve got precious cargo on board, Mrs. Lane. I’m not taking any chances.”
Abby rolls her eyes, but there’s a soft smile playing at her lips before she leads the rest of the girls away from the table with Tuck following along.
I settle back in the couch, spreading my arms across the back. “The allure of the ladies’ room; it’s a mystery.”
“It’s not, really. They’re going to talk about you and why you’re being an ass. More than usual,” Cameron says.
“Am I being an ass?”
Matt holds his thumb and index finger apart. “Just a bit. You obviously hit a nerve and whatever’s going on, she clearly has her own way she wants to handle it.”
“Yeah? Well, she’s not handling it at all. That’s the issue.”
“Calling her out in front of people she’s just met may not be the best way to have that conversation,” Cam supplies helpfully.
Fuck. He’s right. Slapping a hand on my forehead, I scrunch my eyes closed, blocking out his mocking grin. “Bloody hell. I’ve cocked it up.” I blow out a frustrated breath.
Kennedy snorts, setting his glass down on the table. “I don’t think your cock is going up any time soon, my friend.”
Cassidy
Cold water splashes against my cheeks, relieving some of the heat in my face. I frown down at my wet hands in the sink before turning the water off. Abby’s in a stall, while the other two, Samantha and Tessa, wash their hands at other sinks and exchange worried looks.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised he blurted it out like that, but I wish he hadn’t. It’s been a fascinating and enjoyable day. From meeting his adopted “family,” to the taping, and now here at one of New York’s exclusive eateries; it’s been an exciting peek behind the scenes at the lives of some of entertainment’s elites. The best thing about it is that none of these men seems to suffer from the usual afflictions of the elites I’m used to dealing with—snobbery and narcissism. And the women are as nice as can be.
Dabbing at my face with a paper towel, I turn to fa
ce Sam and Tess, who are leaning back against the countertop. “Are you all right?” Sam asks, her musical voice sounding loud in the enclosed space. Tucker is guarding the door, ensuring we have privacy for a few minutes, at least.
“I’m fine.” Tess lowers her chin and sets both hands on her hips, making me laugh. I’d better get this over with. “It’s kind of a long story. My father is Senator Robert Skinner.”
“From Kansas?” Abby asks as she opens the stall and walks to a sink to wash her hands.
“Wyoming.” She nods, and I continue as she dries her hands and takes a place beside Tess. “My parents got some bad information and announced that I was engaged to a family friend without confirming it. It hit the media before I could stop it.”
Three sets of eyes widen in shock. “They didn’t talk to you first?” Tess’s alto voice squeaks with outrage, and she throws her hands up.
“They thought I was just nervous about it and needed a push.” I glance heavenward, realizing how ridiculous that sounds, even though it’s true. “Anyway, I’m not engaged to anyone. I’d never do that to Sean.”
Sam lets out a hum and nods. “I figured there had to be more to the story,” she says, Tess moving beside her. “He sounded so…territorial.”
“Yes! Protective. I’ve never seen Sean like that, except concerning one of us or the guys,” Tess adds, and the others murmur in agreement.
“He’s always been a ladies’ man—all of them were, of course, until they met us.” A tiny smile plays on Abby’s lips as she runs a hand over her baby bump. “But, this, seeing him today…” She looks up, beaming at me. “I’ve never seen him look at a woman like he looks at you. It’s adorable. He’s absolutely smitten.”
With a sigh, I join them, leaning against the edge of the counter on the other side of Abby. Their words warm me. “He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever known,” I admit. Then my lips twist as the irritation I felt when Sean let his gums flap earlier bubbles up. “Even when he blurts things out like a jackass.”
Their laughter rings in the room. “He’s a man.” Tess shrugs. “They’re all jackasses occasionally. Their brains get sucked down to their penises 500 times a day, and sometimes the brains don’t get back in their actual heads in time when they’re needed.”
Abby chokes on a laugh, and I rub her back. “I guess that explains it,” Sam says, her own laugh spilling over.
There’s a knock, and the door opens a crack to allow Tucker’s voice in. “Say, are you ladies about finished? We’re going to get a queue out here in a second.” He closes the door again, and we straighten up automatically, moving toward the door until I raise a hand.
“Look, I will get this mess sorted out. Please don’t think I’m stringing Sean along. I want…” I sigh and run a hand through my hair. “For a variety of reasons, I need to do this face-to-face with my father, and he’s been traveling.” His initial trade mission was extended and my mother flew to join him. They decided to make a vacation of it and won’t be back to DC until next week. I haven’t heard from them, and I decided it would be better to not badger Dad about the retraction because Dale would find out I’m serious about not playing ball. So far, I’ve been able to dodge his calls when one of those blurry photos of Sean and I get posted to a gossip site. I hope the photographer outside didn’t get a good shot. That talk with my father can’t come soon enough.
Abby pauses with a hand on the handle, looking back at me with an understanding smile. “Life can be messy sometimes. Do whatever you need to do—don’t worry about any of us, or the guys. We all love Sean, maniac that he is, and he obviously loves you. Let me know if you need anything—if I can help in anyway. And Sean was right; Nicole is fabulous, and I know she’d be able to help you word a statement if you’d like.”
Tess echoes her offer of help, and Sam gives me a quick hug before we exit the restroom. I let them go ahead of me, Tucker moving to walk beside Abby like a benevolent guardian angel. I’ve barely taken a step before a hand takes mine. Sean pulls me around a corner, past a few startled diners, and into a private dining room that looks recently vacated.
“What are you doing?” I hiss, yanking my hand out of his. He holds his hands up, his expression wary.
“I’m sorry for what I said,” he blurts, eyes wide and imploring. “Please tell me I haven’t buggered this up already.”
“Oh for the love of Pete…” I roll my eyes, wishing we could rewind the evening by about thirty minutes. Crossing my arms, I try to hide my exasperation. “Of course not. Do you really think I’m that fragile? But, damn if I don’t wish you’d think before letting your mouth run sometimes.”
He rocks back and forth on his heels, looking at his toes, before looking back at me with a grin. “It’s just part of me charm, darlin’,” he says, exaggerating his accent. Then he steps forward, taking my face between his palms, his cocky expression becoming serious. “I promise I’ll do better, Cass. It’s something Syd has been on about for years. But, for you, I’ll try.”
Pressing his lips to mine, he steals my breath, and my heart pounds. “I’m sorry I’ve put you in this position. I know it’s difficult.” I sigh softly and lean my forehead against his. “I don’t want you to become a different person, Sean. Just, please be a bit more circumspect about our private lives, okay?”
I startle and try to pull away when a couple of busboys come in and start piling the dirty dishes in tubs, but Sean holds me fast. “You can count on me, love,” he whispers, kissing my forehead.
“For you, miss.”
Taking the glass offered by the obliging waiter, I nod in thanks and walk over to the tall windows overlooking the neighborhood to sip my champagne. People swirl about in small groups throughout the huge room, which will serve as a lounge and gathering space for the kids of the academy.
After the formal welcome by Nari, the academy’s director, people were let loose to tour the building. Sydney has done an incredible job reclaiming this old building and designing something that is stylish and comfortable as well as functional and sturdy enough to stand up to hard use.
The presence of Redfall has caused quite a stir among the crowd of artsy New Yorkers and media in attendance. And Sean… I take a sip, watching the emerald-haired god across the room, surrounded by people and completely in his element. I think there’s supposed to be a performance by some of the academy’s kids in the auditorium downstairs in a while, but I have a feeling Sean has something else up his sleeve.
I’ve spent most of the time today getting to know Abby, Tess, and Sam, with some of Tucker’s men dispatched to keep the media at bay. Nari and Nicole, Redfall’s PR goddess, made it abundantly clear during the media gaggle that today was for the academy and its students, not “the Redfall family.”
Needing some air, I take my glass and head up the stairs to the rooftop where Sean took me for our first lunch all those weeks ago. I push the door open and take a deep breath, savoring the early evening air. It’s quieter up here, with only a few people talking and drinking on the chaise lounges scattered about. I stand at the edge, looking out over the city. It’s not the tallest building around, but there’s still a fantastic view, especially now with all the lights winking on below.
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?”
I look over to see a tall, angular man standing a couple feet away. He has sandy blond hair and pale blue eyes behind rectangular frames, and he’s dressed impeccably in a suit. “It is,” I agree. He smiles and steps closer, extending his hand.
“Philip Beckwith.”
His hand is finely boned with no callouses, but his grip is firm. “Cassidy Skinner.” Then my eyes widen with recognition. “Oh! You’re Sydney’s fiancé, aren’t you?”
“Guilty.” His smile warms his eyes. “And you’re the miracle woman who’s tamed the famously untamable Sean Murphy.”
I laugh. “Not sure I’m all that miraculous.” I wave a hand toward the lounge area. “Sydney has done a marvelous job designing all this. I’d say
she’s the miracle.”
“I certainly think so.” He smiles down into his glass of amber liquor. “I still can’t believe sometimes that we found each other. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
The quiet belief in Philip’s voice touches me. It’s heartwarming to see how the love in his eyes matches the gleam in Sydney’s when she’s talking about him. We exchange a little small talk, and then the walls break down when I get him talking about his work as a human rights attorney. His passion when speaking about some of his cases seems at odds with his mild-mannered appearance, but it’s the same passion that rings in Sydney’s voice when she’s talking about her work. I can’t think of a more well-suited couple.
Except maybe one.
“There you are!” Sydney beams at Philip as she joins us. “You’ve met?” She gestures between us. “Good! I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce you earlier.”
“No worries, love.” Philip slips his arm around her waist, snugging her into his side. She reaches up and playfully smooths his bangs off his forehead before turning to me.
“How are you, Cass? Isn’t it going well? You look fabulous!” Her cheeks are flushed, either with excitement or champagne.
“It is. And, thank you.” I smooth a hand over my plum-colored cocktail dress and gesture with my glass toward her fiancé. “It’s wonderful you were able to come over for the opening, Philip.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be.” He presses a kiss to her temple, and Syd’s smile lights up the night. God, they’re cute.
“You two should come downstairs. I think they’re going to announce the contest winner soon,” Syd says. Philip pulls away enough so he can offer his arm to his fiancée, and then his other arm to me.
“Ladies, allow me to escort you,” he says, holding himself like a stuffy lord, and we laugh. Then, arm-in-arm, the three of us head for stairs and the festivities below.