The laughter left me almost in a fit of giggles. Is he really so blind that he thinks I’m dizzy because I’m hungry? Did he not realise just how bloody hot he made me?
“What’s so funny?” He was completely oblivious to his charm.
“Nothing.” I thought it best to shut up and be quiet. They both probably thought I’d completely lost it. I may just have.
Stephen rubbed the back of his neck. “I better be off. Nice to see you again, sir. I hope you and your family are all okay?”
“We’re fine, thank you, Stephen. It’s been an exhausting couple of hours, but I’m sure things will get better eventually.”
“I’m sure they will.” He paused, briefly looking my way before turning his attention back to Simon. “If there is anything you need help with, sir, please do not hesitate to find me. I’ll be more than happy to help.”
Simon beamed at him. “Thank you, Stephen. That really means a lot.”
“No problem at all. I shall see you both later.”
He turned to me, apologetically, and I wanted to rush to him and tell him that what he did was okay. It was more than okay. It was what I wanted—just as much as he did. Why could he not see that?
It made the guilt come flooding back again. Of course, he thinks I don’t want him. He thinks I have already chosen Michael. The worst part about it is he thinks I let him kiss me knowing that.
This situation just gets worse and worse. One minute, I was supposed to avoid them. The next, I was kissing them. I feel like a treacherous wench.
With nothing more that could be said, I watched as Stephen turned his back to me before walking out the door.
I wasn’t sure what came over me at that point, but I suddenly realised that I had to make a choice. The selfish little devil in me was daring me to keep one of them for myself. If I was going to do this, it would have to be soon, before it was too late. My heart couldn’t possibly take much more of this agony. I knew I couldn’t possibly live without either of them in my life. That would kill me.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Simon quickly interrupted my thoughts.
“Yes, of course. I’m fine.” I tried to smile, but it was a token effort.
“May I say something personal?”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
“If you were my sister, I think I would be more than happy that you had someone like Stephen in your life. He’s a good person, Cassie.” He rested his hand on my shoulder.
Looking down for a moment, I shuffled my feet. “I know he is.”
“You’re not together like that, are you?”
His question surprised me a little. He was obviously more observant than I thought.
“No, sir. We’re not.”
“And why not?”
“It’s complicated.”
He laughed. “Isn’t it always?”
I laughed with him, thinking he must know from experience.
“This complication,” he said, interrupting our laughter. “It hasn’t got anything to do with a certain Mr. Andrews, does it?”
I gasped a little. “How did you know?”
“I’ve seen you two together. It’s not hard to see.”
I sunk my bottom on the side of the desk. “Oh, god…”
I buried my head in my hands. If he had noticed, so had others. No wonder I seem to be getting a reputation around here.
“I didn’t mean to upset you with it. I would actually like to help you. You’ve helped me more than enough. It’s the least I could do.”
He paused for a moment, scanning my face. “Listen, maybe here is not the place. Did you book that lunch appointment?”
Taking a couple of deep breaths, I nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. We’ll speak then. Are there any messages?”
“Funnily enough, no.” I frowned a little, wondering how that was possible.
“That’s probably because they were all calling me on my mobile,” he said, laughing. “It hasn’t stopped.”
Just as he said this, his phone rang again. “See?” He threw his hands up in exasperation.
With the laughter coming, I watched as he disappeared into his office and shut the door.
The silence soon rained upon the room as I moved around the desk and sat down. Touching my lips, I could still feel the lasting effects of Stephen’s wonderful kiss. I was feeling so upset and was beside myself with horror before that kiss. Stephen had somehow completely erased it from my head. I felt grateful to him for that, but now that he had, it made my decision that much more paramount.
I had to think of what I was going to do, and it had to be soon. I was hurting everyone with my indecision, even though I felt like I didn’t really deserve to have a decision to make. I didn’t deserve to have a choice.
Choice…that seemed like an ugly word to me now. What choice did I have when I would selfishly be taking them away from where they belonged? I couldn’t seem to help myself, though. I needed them like I needed fresh air. It was as clear to me now as it ever was, but it was only now that I finally realised it.
It took another thirty minutes of waiting before Simon came out of his office. He smiled brightly and asked if I was ready to go.
Once at the restaurant, Simon recommended the lasagne so that’s what I ordered. With the orders taken, we settled in and waited on our food.
“So, how has it been since yesterday?” I was eager to hear the news.
He sighed heavily, but managed to brandish half a smile. “Not great. Molly won’t talk to me. It’s ironic, really. He took her when she was a child but, somehow, I’m the monster.”
“It won’t last forever.” I offered him a gentle smile. “This Justin guy has obviously managed to brainwash her. He’s had years to do it, remember. He’s practically all she’s ever known. I bet he has made it so that she couldn’t possibly live without him.”
Simon nodded and played with the glass in front of him. “She’s actually got people talking to her now. From what I know so far, he held her in the basement for quite some time. I spoke to an expert and they said she must have been scared to death. She probably thought she was going to die, but he must have showed her some acts of kindness. Molly would have been so appreciative towards him for keeping her alive that she actually started to form a bond with him. It was the same thing you had said. It all sounds so ridiculous but, apparently, it happens.”
“I know it does. It sounds ridiculous to you and me, but it’s normal for Molly. I’m assuming Caroline is his?”
“Yes. That just adds more complications to it all. He’s her dad and she can’t understand why he has been taken away from her. It’s all one big mess.”
Placing my hand on his arm, I looked him in the eye. “I’m not going to tell you that what you have ahead of you is going to be easy. I think you know that more than I do, but you know she is alive, and you know that she is safe. One day, with some much needed therapy, she will come around. I’m sure of it. But at least you have found her now.”
“And I have you to thank for that.” His smile was heart-warming and it made me feel good.
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Our drinks came soon after that, causing us to move onto other subjects.
“So, if you don’t mind me asking, what is the deal with you, Stephen, and Michael?”
I sighed. “Well, as I said, it’s complicated.”
“Do you like them both?”
“Yes.” I thought it best to be honest.
“I can see how that would complicate matters. From what I know of each of them, they’re both good men. Do you know what you’re going to do?”
“Well, at the moment, I keep thinking I need time to think, but every time I try to put some distance between us, they both throw themselves back into my life and complicate matters even further.”
“You are a very attractive lady, Cassie. I can see why they would find it hard. I’m not saying that in a creepy way, just so you know. I’m married and my
wife is my life, but I’m not blind.”
“Thanks—I think.” I giggled into my drink, almost spilling some.
He laughed right back at me. “Why don’t you make a list?”
“Excuse me?”
“Make a list of the pros and cons of each of them and see who comes up on top.”
I pulled my head back in shock. “That sounds horrible.”
“I know it does, but they don’t have to know. At the end of the day, it might help you to decide on what you want. You must realise that you can’t go on like this, stringing them both on.”
“Yes.” I sighed, looking down at the table. “I know all too well.”
“Have you thought about breaking it off with them?”
I must have looked completely beside myself because he didn’t wait for my answer before he continued, “I take that as a no then. You obviously have some strong feelings for them. I must say, I don’t envy you in this situation. I just hope you make the right choice that will make you truly happy.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s kind.”
“We’re not at work now, Cassie. You don’t have to be so formal with me.”
“I know. It just feels strange calling you Simon.”
He smiled again. “I bought my wife a little present—well…two, actually.”
I grinned back, glad for the change in subject. “Oh, yes?”
He placed his hand is his pocket, placing a little wrapped box on the table. The way he looked at it would make you think it was a treasure bestowed upon him.
“I’ve jumped the gun a bit, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s a pregnancy test kit.”
“Oh.” I looked down at the present, raising my eyebrow.
“She’s still late, but she still doesn’t want to take it. I think she will be frightened of the disappointment. We’ve been trying so hard, but it’s never happened. We’ve had a couple of false alarms along the way, and I think my wife is too scared to go back there again.”
“Well, she can’t hide it for much longer. She will have to know one way or the other, just to put your minds at rest.” I paused for a moment. “What was the other gift you got her?”
He looked at me a moment, frowning. Suddenly, his features changed when he remembered. Digging in his other pocket, he pulled out five pieces of rock candy and laid them on the table.
My laughter erupted at the sight, which took up one-half of Simon’s side of the table. “She’s going to love you for that.”
“Well, let’s just hope she loves me for the other gift.”
“If you’re there to hold her hand, I’m sure she’ll be okay.”
With our smiles shining brightly, the waiter walked up with our meals, and the smell had me salivating. It looked equally gorgeous so I was keen to taste it.
“How’s the lasagne?”
“Mmm…lovely, thank you,” I said after the first bite. “A bit hot, though.” I took a swig of water as Simon sat there chuckling.
“I’m sorry I threw you into the lion’s den this morning. I was hoping Ruth would be there to help you but, as you already know, she’s sick. Hopefully, she will be back tomorrow. She knows how important this week is for you.”
“That’s fine,” I offered, trying to relieve the pressure. “It really hasn’t been hard at all. It looks like you took the brunt of it today.”
“Yes, well, that’s what happens when you give too many people your mobile instead of just keeping it to a landline. I suppose I’ve always been that way.” Pausing for a moment, he took a bite. “I’m going to have to apologise again to you. After this lunch, I’m going back home. Our family has taken quite a bit of a shock since yesterday, and it’s only fair that I should be there for them. I’m not sure I’ll be in tomorrow, either. That’s another reason why I want Ruth to be there with you.”
“It’s really okay if she’s not, Simon. I will answer all your calls and, unless it’s really urgent, I will take a message. It can be as simple as that if you want.”
“Sounds great. I just don’t want anyone putting you on the spot.”
“I’m sure I can handle a few phone calls.”
With a nod of his head and a quick bite of his lasagne, he smiled. “I’m sure you can.”
Chapter 19
Later in the day, Kali popped her head through the door of my new office and smiled. “Look who we have here.”
“Hi, Kali. How’s it been going today? Does everyone hate me?”
“Nah, don’t worry about that. You did good to get here, girl. What did you do? Give the Chief a blow job or something?”
“Kali!” I scolded, but I was laughing along with her. I knew she didn’t mean anything by it. It was just her nature.
“Seriously, though, how has it been?”
“Good so far. Because the Chief has some personal stuff at home to attend to, I’m kind of left on my own. Hopefully, Ruth will be here tomorrow so she can show me the ropes.
“Anyway, enough about me, how are you and Hamish doing?” As I raised my eyebrow, she laughed.
“Okay.” A big, mischievous grin appeared on her face. “He’s a little pussycat at work, but a lion in bed.” She stuck her tongue out slightly and winked.
Just as Kali was about to elaborate, the one and only walked through the door. “Kali, I’ve been looking for you. I know you must be finished for the day and I wanted to ask you out for a drink.”
He stood there, scratching his head a little. He looked a little nervous, but it was quite adorable.
It was kind of funny to think that shy Hamish was an animal in bed. I had to chuckle a little.
“Sorry, Hamish. I was actually in here to ask Cassie the same thing. We haven’t caught up in a while and I would like to go out with her. What do you say, Cassie?” She turned her attention back to me.
“Sounds great.”
“Good. I’ll see you later, though, Hamish.” She purred the words seductively at him.
“Okay, Kitten.” He smiled from ear-to-ear. “Text me when you’re ready.”
“Sure, sure.” She waved her hands at him, and he turned and walked out the door.
“Wow, he seems smitten for the kitten.” I giggled, causing Kali to do the same.
“Yes, it looks that way, doesn’t it? I guess he likes my purring.” She stood up from my desk with a happy grin. “Come on then. What are you waiting for?”
Looking around my empty desk, I shrugged. “Nothing, I guess. Let’s go.”
**********
Pretty soon, we were in the bar and ordering our drinks. When they came, we sat down at our seats as I took my first sip of my brandy and coke. I couldn’t help but smile. I guess I will never look at this drink the same way again.
“I guess your cherry is still intact?”
I rolled my eyes at Kali. “You guessed right.”
“Why don’t you lose it already? You really don’t know what you’re missing.”
“Kali, it’s not as simple as that, is it? I have to find someone first before I give my cherry away.”
With a flick of her hair, she sipped her drink. “What about you and Michael? Or Stephen, for that matter?”
I sighed, not knowing what to think anymore. “It’s really hard.”
Kali winked at me. “Well, it could be if you rubbed them the right way.”
“Kali!” I shouted, giggling again. “When will you ever stop?”
“Just saying. Anyway, what’s happened with that girl you saved? What was her name?”
“Lisa-Marie. She’s fine.” I paused, smiling for a moment. “She’s met someone and is happier than ever. It’s definitely times like this that make me feel blessed for the good things I can do. If she had died, her girlfriend would have been robbed of her partner, and her family would have been devastated.”
“Hold up a sec. Did you say girlfriend?” She looked shocked.
I didn’t know how to take her reaction. “Yes, why? What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing.�
�� She shook her head. “I just didn’t know, that’s all.”
“Do you fancy another?” I wanted to change the subject. I didn’t know whether she was comfortable with Lisa-Marie’s lifestyle or not. I didn’t want to broach the subject, just in case it started an argument. Lisa-Marie was a good person and nothing should change that. I couldn’t stand it when people got their backs up about the way people lived. Not everyone was the same. People had to learn to live with that.
“Sure, why not.” She beamed a big grin. “Make them doubles.”
Giggling, I rose out of my chair. “Okay. I’ll be right back.” Grabbing our glasses, I went to fetch our drinks.
“So where were you yesterday?” she asked when I got back with the refills.
“I was with the Chief and Stephen. We went looking for a house.”
“Why? Is he thinking of buying?”
Oh, shit. Now what do I say?
“Do you promise not to say anything if I tell you?” I looked at her. She was my friend, after all.
She straightened her back, eager to hear the story. “Of course, Cassie. You know you can tell me anything.”
“He has a twin sister that was taken a number of years ago. I helped him find her. She’s still alive. The only problem is that she has developed a bond with her captor. She’s even had a kid with him.”
Kali gasped. “Oh, my fucking god!” Her mouth was wide with shock. “What happened?”
“We got the police to come and the abductor was arrested. The only problem is, the Chief’s sister’s not speaking with him. She blames him for taking her loved one away. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true.”
“So he knows about your gift?”
I could tell she looked genuinely fascinated. Her face was practically animated. “Yes. I felt I had to tell him. That business with me in the archives… I was looking into Mark Richards.”
Kali frowned a little. “Who’s that again?”
“The guy who ran over the little boy. He did it because of drugs.” She looked completely confused and I couldn’t blame her. It was a hell of a lot to take in.
“Hold up a sec. Start from the beginning. You’ve completely lost me.”
With a nod of my head, I told her everything that’s been going on. She listened without interrupting, and her face looked impassive once I was done.
Her Guardians: Her Guardians Trilogy Book 1 Page 26