A Man You Can Trust

by Jo McNally

  “Early lunch? It’s not even eleven...” She glared at him and he stepped back, shaking his head. “Okay! Early lunch. Maybe we can talk this out later.”

  She nodded mutely, grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

  Chapter Ten

  Cassie headed for the lakeside path, hoping to avoid other humans for a while. It felt like something had just snapped inside her back in the office. Something that had been simmering since Saturday when she and Nick kissed up on the mountain that now rose above her, reflected in the water. When he slid his arm around her waist by the closet, everything she’d felt on Gallant Mountain had come rushing back. The heat, the liquid desire, the way his lips felt on hers, the sensation when he lifted her into the air and she’d looked down into his eyes, with the lake beyond him.

  How could Nick deny what happened up there? How could he just continue to tease and taunt and touch her as if nothing had changed, when she knew she’d be forever changed? If nothing else, she’d learned she was capable of feeling not just desire, but as if she was desirable. Not a trophy on a shelf like Don treated her. But a woman who could appeal to a man like Nick West. Could make him want her. And damn it, she knew she’d made him want her, even if only for that moment.

  To her, the sensation had been new and transformative. But Nick had kissed plenty of women in his life. She’d probably just been one more on a long list of fun little interludes he could easily forget. She slowed her pace, pausing to stare out over the water.

  If that was the case, then it wasn’t fair to be angry with him. He’d moved on because he’d had practice at moving on. And if he could do it, so could she. It would just take her a little longer. Like forever. She laughed softly to herself. Stop being melodramatic.

  She was getting stronger. Smarter. Tougher. And Nick was the guy who’d helped her get there. Even when he didn’t mean to. Sure, he taught her self-defense. But he also gave her noogies and hurt her feelings and kissed her senseless and hid her damn stapler. It seemed that everything Nick did made her stronger. And she couldn’t be mad about that. She turned to head back to the resort. All she needed to figure out now was how to explain her little meltdown to Nick so they could continue as...friends. Wise, experienced, worldly friends who kissed one afternoon and were strong enough to move on without causing a ripple in their relationship.

  Nick was gone when she walked into the office. Her stapler sat in the center of her desk, next to a vase filled with hydrangeas. They looked suspiciously similar to the blue hydrangeas near the back veranda of the resort. Stolen daffodils had gone out of season. She picked up the note he’d left, in his usual hurried scribble that made it seem the words were ready to dash right off the page.

  Your stapler looked sad, so I thought it might like some “borrowed” company. I forgot I have that meeting with the staffing firm in White Plains this afternoon. Let’s start fresh tomorrow, and I’ll give you a proper apology? —Nick

  She smiled. He was a hard man to stay mad at. She’d forgotten all about the meeting in White Plains. They used temporary staff for large events, and Nick was training the company on proper security procedures. He’d be there all afternoon. Maybe it was for the best that they were going to have a little time apart. It would give her a chance to get her mind straight and put Nick firmly in the friend zone again. If he could move on from that kiss, well, then, so could she.

  “Hey, Cassie! I’m so glad you’re here.” Julie came into the office. “Blake called a little while ago, but you and Nick were both gone.” Julie gave her a pointed look, and Cassie rushed to set her straight.

  “Nick’s on his way to a meeting. I took an early lunch.” She should have made sure the office was staffed. It wasn’t like her to forget such a basic thing as making sure calls were handled. “I’m sorry. I should have let you know I was stepping out. What did Blake need?”

  Julie looked flustered. “His flight is delayed, so he won’t be here until almost midnight, and the welcome reception for the investors is tonight. Amanda offered to play hostess for dinner, but he wanted us to help her out for a few hours. He figured the group would go party on their own at the bar after that. Can you join us?”

  Cassie frowned. A party with a bunch of powerful people she didn’t know was not her idea of a good time. But she owed it to her friends and her boss to do her best. Besides this was new, improved Cassie—she was strong enough to do this. She put her hand on Julie’s arm.

  “I’ll run home later and change into something dressy, and I’ll be back in time for dinner.”

  Julie grinned. “You’re a champ, Cassie! And after dinner, maybe you and Amanda and I can have a few Friday night cocktails together.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” She had no intention of doing that, but Julie seemed so excited at the idea that Cassie didn’t want to burst her bubble. She was sure she’d be so exhausted from pretending to be an extrovert and entertaining important investors over dinner that she’d beg off later with an excuse and head home.

  But it ended up being a more relaxing evening than she’d anticipated. The four representatives from the investment firm were older, extremely professional and actually pretty interesting. The one woman in the group, Margaret Ackerman, was a book lover like Cassie, and they ended up discussing their favorite women’s fiction while Amanda and Julie talked sports and travel with the three gentlemen. It made for an enjoyable meal. When the dessert plates had been cleared and the investors had gone off to their rooms to rest up for the early round of golf Blake had arranged for them, Cassie found herself with no viable excuse not to join the other women at the bar. After all, that’s what girlfriends did, right?

  Besides, she was eager to shake off her emotional morning with Nick. As happy as she was with her new plan to follow his example and just be buddies, there was a restlessness humming inside her. Her senses were on high alert, sending images of Nick’s intense dark eyes through her mind. She could hear the breeze rustling through the trees up on Gallant Mountain, and the low growl in Nick’s chest as he kissed her. She could feel his hands on her waist, lifting her into the air without breaking their kiss. She could smell the pines...

  “Can I have another?” She blurted out the words as the bartender, Josie, passed by.

  “Easy, girl! You’re already on your second Gallant Lake Sunset.” Amanda laughed.

  Cassie shrugged. “Hey, it’s just orange juice, right? And a little honey liqueur?”

  Julie held her empty wineglass up to let Josie know she needed a refill. “And vodka. Don’t forget the vodka that’s in there. But don’t worry, I can drive you home later.”

  Amanda looked at Julie’s wineglass. “Isn’t it customary for the designated driver to abstain from alcohol? Cass, there’s always a room open at Halcyon, and it’s right next door.” Amanda and Blake lived in an actual castle, built on the lake over a hundred years ago. The place had at least ten bedrooms. But she didn’t feel drunk at all. She checked her phone.

  “It’s only nine thirty, ladies, and this drink isn’t that strong. I’ll stop at three drinks and be done. Now, Julie, finish telling us about this old farmhouse you bought.” Julie was more than happy to oblige, describing the adventures she’d already had with the old house outside town. Cassie sat back and sipped her drink. This was part of the girlfriend game that she could get used to. Listening to women laugh and share their joys and frustrations together. It was much nicer when she wasn’t the topic of conversation.

  She was halfway through her fourth Sunset by the time the conversation started to wind down. The drinks were sweet and tasty and proved very effective at helping her forget all that earlier confusion about...what’s-his-name. They helped her be better at girl talk, too. She giggled at Julie’s stories about the leaky roof and sagging floors at the old house she’d bought. She laughed at Amanda’s description of her young daughter, Maddie, throwing a tantrum at preschool because their nap time w
as on yoga mats, not “real” beds with lacy canopies like she had at home.

  “That’s one of the reasons we wanted her in preschool as early as possible,” Amanda explained. “We’re not intentionally spoiling her, but the kid lives in a castle, and Blake and Zachary dote on her every whim.”

  “And you don’t?” Cassie winked at Julie, who was holding back laughter.

  “No! I mean...not on purpose. But you guys, she’s so damn cute. And smart. Way too smart.” Amanda yawned. “And that busy brain likes to wake up early, so I’d better get home. It’ll be midnight by the time Blake gets here from LaGuardia, and he won’t want to get up with her. Cassie, you’re coming with me, right?”

  They all stood, but Cassie was the only one who had to reach out and grab the edge of the bar to steady herself. The room wasn’t exactly spinning, but it wasn’t staying still, either.

  Julie shook her head. “I tried to tell you mixed drinks will get you every time. Stick to wine or beer, girl. I’ll drive her home, Amanda. I switched to water a while ago.” Amanda looked skeptical, but Julie closed her eyes and touched her fingers to her nose while standing on one foot. She didn’t stop until Amanda gave in.

  “Fine! Text me once she’s inside, since I don’t think she’ll remember to do it.”

  Cassie frowned. Her face felt funny, almost like she couldn’t quite feel her own mouth moving. “She is standing right here between the two of you. I know I had too much to be able to drive, but I’m not exactly wasted.” She turned and gave Amanda her most serious look, which, for some reason, made Amanda giggle. “And I will remember to text you when I’m home. Mom.”

  “Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want at the responsible adult trying to keep everyone safe. That’s fine. I’m outta here.” Amanda gave them each a quick, fierce hug and headed out of the bar. Halcyon was a short walk up the hill, and Cassie saw Bill Chesnutt heading toward the boss’s wife to escort her up to their home. She’d be fine.

  “I have to get my stuff from the back office,” Julie said, “and hit the ladies’ room. Meet you by the staircase in five minutes?” Julie side-eyed Cassie as they headed out into the lobby. “Are you going to throw up or anything? Because my car has leather seats, and...”

  “I am not going to throw up! I’m not drunk. I’m...tipsy. And I’m very much enjoying this rare and precious little buzz, so you buzz on out of here and do whatever.” She looked across the lobby. “Maybe I’ll go get a cup of tea.”

  * * *

  Nick watched the two women from the top of the lobby stairs. He couldn’t believe it. Cassie Smith was drunk? No, not drunk. Tipsy. She called it a “precious little buzz.” Cassie was damn cute when she was buzzed.

  He’d spent the afternoon in meetings and training sessions, but she’d been on his mind the entire time. She’d been really upset with him that morning. Things had been so good all week, after they agreed to pretend that kiss on Saturday never happened. He might have been a little more of a pest than usual, but he was only trying to show her that nothing was going to be weird or awkward just because they’d slipped up and kissed a few times. By accident. When he’d given her that little noogie today, it was just to emphasize how totally cool they were. But something had set her off, and she’d hissed at him like she’d done that very first day, when she sent the stapler flying at his face. And then she’d...well, he was pretty sure she’d almost...cried. Over him. It had bugged him all afternoon.

  He tucked his planner under his arm and descended the staircase. The planner was more an excuse than anything else. It was a reason to paddle over to the resort tonight. Via the kayak he was thinking of buying.

  The short, sturdy kayak he’d brought from California was designed for white water. And while there was some of that around, especially farther north in the Adirondacks, it wasn’t the best for lake paddling. On lakes, the longer kayaks gave a faster, smoother ride. The only problem with this one, which the hardware store owner, Nate Thomas, was selling, was that it was a little too long. It was a two-person kayak, and Nick wasn’t sure he wanted that, even if the extra seat could come in handy for carrying a cooler or other supplies. But he wasn’t planning on paddling out on a three-day trip anywhere. And it wouldn’t sit on the Jeep very well if he ever wanted to travel with it. He’d pretty much talked himself out of buying it before he put it in the water.

  But the sleek vessel had cut through the water like a hot knife through butter tonight on the journey from his house to the resort, and was stable and easy to handle. He just never expected the trip to end with Cassie giggling and weaving across the lobby in front of him. At eleven o’clock at night. He frowned. How were these two women planning on getting home?

  Her hair was pulled back, as usual, but tonight it was held in place with sparkly clips behind her ears. She was wearing a dress instead of her usual slacks and sweater. The dark gold dress, swirling above her knees, was loose and fluttery. The fabric followed her curves when she moved. Her smile was a little crooked, and a lot adorable, as she watched Julie walk away. She headed for the coffee bar—definitely a good idea in her condition—and swayed only a little.

  She was so intent on opening her tea bag packet and actually getting the bag inside the cup that she jumped when he walked up behind her.

  “Pulling an all-nighter, Miss Smith?”

  “Nick! What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like...”

  She gestured to his attire, which he’d forgotten about. Battered cargo shorts and a well-worn T-shirt from Yosemite. A ball cap sat backward on his head, and he quickly grabbed it off and ran his fingers through his hair, tucking the cap in his back pocket.

  “I’m more interested in why you’re so dressed up. What was the occasion?”

  Her brows furrowed, then she looked down at her dress.

  “Oh! This? Uh...Blake’s flight was delayed and Amanda needed Julie and me to help entertain some investors who arrived today.”

  “And how exactly did you entertain them?” Had she been hanging out at the bar with sleazebag bankers all night?

  She rolled her eyes. “We had dinner with them, Nick. No self-defense moves required. Then we decided we deserved a girls’ night out and went to the bar. And I had my first Gallant Lake Sunset. Well...” She smiled and shrugged. “I had my first four Gallant Lake Sunsets.”

  “You had four drinks? And you think you’re driving home?”

  She turned away from him, finally managing to get the tea bag inside the cup. She filled it with hot water and added her usual three packets of sugar. Her voice turned prim. “That’s not really your concern, is it? After all, we’re just coworkers. Just friends. So go on and do whatever it is you’re doing, and don’t worry about me.”

  She said “just friends” as if it was an accusation. It was what they’d both agreed to Monday morning. Unless maybe she wanted more? That possibility had Nick once again reciting all the reasons they shouldn’t. Coworkers. Baggage. And... What was the last one? The memory of how she felt in his arms was short-circuiting his ability to focus. He forced himself to be the responsible one.

  “I heard somewhere that friends don’t let friends drive drunk, so I have every right to ask how you’re getting home.”

  She heaved a dramatic sigh. “Fine. If you must know, Julie’s driving me.”

  Nick couldn’t help laughing. “The same Julie who was drinking with you and Amanda? Where is Amanda, anyway?” The last thing he needed was for the boss’s wife to get in trouble under his watch.

  “She went home. And before you ask, no, she didn’t drive, and yes, Bill walked her to Halcyon. There he is right now.” She gestured toward the main entrance and took a sip of her tea.

  Bill saw them and headed their way at the same time Julie did.

  “What’s up, boss? I just walked Mrs...”

  “Yeah, I know. Thanks.” Nick fixed his gaze on Julie. “Are you in any sh
ape to drive?”

  “Sure. I had water for the last round, so I should be good.” She pushed her short brown hair behind her ear and gave him a confident smile.

  “But the multiple rounds before that were not water, right?”

  “Yeah, but it was only wine. I wasn’t pounding the cocktails like Little Miss Cassie here. That’s why I’m driving her home.”

  Nick looked at Bill, who sighed and nodded in agreement with the unspoken request. He turned back to Julie. “No, you’re not. Even if you feel sober, there’s no way you’d pass a Breathalyzer, and Dan doesn’t seem like the type of cop to let that slide.” Nick had met the local sheriff’s deputy, Dan Adams, for lunch last week to discuss security measures at the resort. The guy seemed like a stand-up cop who cared about his community, and the community returned the sentiment. Everyone called him Sheriff Dan. “Julie, Bill’s gonna drive you home.”

  She opened her mouth to object, but thought better of it.

  Cassie spoke up. “What about me?”

  “I’ll get you home.” He didn’t mention it would be via kayak, but once they got back to his place, he’d put her in the Jeep and drive her to her apartment. Just like any good friend would do.

  It was a sign of how much alcohol she’d had that she followed him out the back door of the resort without question. It wasn’t until they were halfway down the lawn that she realized where they were headed.

  “Wait. This isn’t the parking lot. Where are we going?”

  “I came here by boat. It’ll only take a few minutes to get to my place and the Jeep.”

  “Oh. Okay. A boat ride sounds fun.”

  It wasn’t until they got to shore and he pointed her in the direction of the long kayak that she balked.

  “That’s not a boat, it’s a canoe!”

  “It’s not a canoe, it’s a kayak.”

  “It has no motor!”