“Good grief,” Mom says, and I believe from my peripheral vision she’s rolling her eyes. I’m too consumed by Simon’s cuteness to be sure. I do hear Nicole’s and Katsu’s snickers.
“You’re incorrigible.”
His shoulders lift in default. “I know it was short-lived, but I did try to be on my best behavior.”
“So, when is this shotgun wedding?” Mom spews next.
Simon’s face is vacant of any humor now as his brow knits.
“That’s enough. Sadie is the most amazing woman I know. She’s been an outstanding daughter and sister, and she deserves her family’s support.”
Silence falls on us, and I’m suddenly sick. Like throw-up sick. Slapping my linen napkin over my mouth, I hurry from the table and straight to the ladies’ restroom.
Running into the first available stall, I barely make it to the commode before I’m barfing up what is left of my lunch. Thank goodness I hadn’t eaten dinner, too.
I’m wiping my mouth when I hear someone enter the restroom.
“Sadie, are you OK?” my sister asks.
“I will be.”
“Have you been getting sick a lot?”
“Some … mostly in the mornings. I guess my nerves got the best of me tonight.”
“Well, please come out soon. If I wasn’t prego, I honestly think your fiancé would have shoved me to the ground to get in here first. He’s waiting outside the door, worried about you. Simon’s intense, but I believe he’s a keeper, and Mom will realize that, too. The news caught her off guard is all.”
I exit the stall, and as I splash a little water on my neck and forehead, Nicole rubs my back. This pregnancy has changed her. She’s already stepped out of her own world, being there for others more often.
“Thank you for giving Simon a chance. You’re right, he is intense, but he puts that intensity toward loving me, and I believe he will protect me and our baby fiercely.”
“I think you’re right. Let’s go back to the table before he barges in here.”
I nod, feeling much better knowing I have her support.
Simon
Waiting for Sadie to exit the restroom, I pace and pull a piece of Nicorette gum from my pants pocket. I bring it to my mouth but pause.
I think about what I heard Sadie say about me through the door, and I can’t bring myself to put the gum in my mouth.
She said I would protect her and our baby fiercely. She’s absolutely right. To do that for a lifetime, I need to be as healthy as possible.
That means no sneaking cigarettes occasionally, no gum, and easing up on the drinking. I can’t bring myself to give that up completely, and thank god she hasn’t asked me to. I believe it’s because she enjoys her wine too much. At least she does when she’s not fertilizing my seed.
The door opens, and my girl grants me a bashful smile.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. Thank you for wanting to check on me.”
“Don’t you dare thank me, doll. It’s what I’m supposed to do, and I’ll always be there when you need me.”
“I know. You proved that at a certain club,” she whispers, giving me another bashful smile. Having a flashback to our night at the strip club has her face turning a girly shade of pink, and my dick thickening.
Shit, not here.
I discreetly readjust my package and lead her back to the table. Reba looks concerned for her daughter as we take a seat. She pats her hand as soon as it’s within reach.
“Sadie, are you OK?”
“Yes, Mom.” Sadie doesn’t make eye contact, and it’s obvious from the way she snatches her hand back that she’s determined to give her mother the cold shoulder.
“Sadie, Simon, I apologize for my reaction to your news. I wasn’t expecting it, and although I wish you were married before becoming pregnant, I am truly happy for you both. When and where are you getting married?”
I sigh with relief. I don’t need the woman’s approval, but I know what it means to Sadie. The last thing I want is to listen to her cry tonight. It cuts right through my heart whenever she does that shit.
“I was hoping Father Clark could do a ceremony soon in front of only family and close friends.”
That news has her mother perking right up.
“Oh, I’m sure he would. I think it’s wonderful you want to get married in the church.”
“I figured so.”
Finding my hand under the table, Sadie gives it a squeeze. It’s a thank you for agreeing to marry in a church. I haven’t been inside one since before my father died.
I guess you could say I had an issue with God for many years after Dad’s death, but if Sadie’s able to not hold a grudge for her father’s passing, then it’s time I make amends. I mean, the greatest blessing the man upstairs could give me is sitting right next to me.
Unable to resist, I lean over and plant a kiss to her cheek. Have I mentioned she makes my insides all gooey and shit? Damn, I love this woman, and I have a surprise for her.
Scooting my chair back, I get down on one knee and take my girl’s hand.
“Now that I have your mother’s blessing, I want to do this right.” Sadie covers her chest as I fish the ring box from my pocket and open it in front of her.
“Sadie, would you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?”
She squeals loudly, and I chuckle.
“Yes, Simon. Absolutely.” I slide the impressive cushion cut, halo engagement ring onto her dainty finger before I kiss her hand.
Sadie stands with me and throws her arms around my neck. The restaurant patrons clap, including her family, and yeah, I’m crazy mad about this woman and the life she’s giving me.
Chapter Seven
Aggie
It’s the afternoon when I end the call with the office manager of a condo community. It’s one Reggie and I found, and I’ve already had a look at one of their units.
The lady called to inform me that I can sign the lease and pick up the keys anytime, so I need to make arrangements with a moving company to get my furniture out of storage.
Things are beginning to fall into place, and I’m excited yet concerned knowing I’ll be living out on my own soon.
Between bites of red velvet cake, I go back to crunching numbers at my desk, ensuring the financial books for Caged are once and for all caught up to where they should be.
I’m on day shift now, and I have reports I’ve printed out strewn everywhere. Zev’s going to wonder how I get anything done with this mess, so I stand and begin to sort through the paperwork.
A hard knock at my door startles me, and I almost fall back into my chair. My eyes jerk upward, and Kruse is scowling.
“All the more reason you need a panic button you can hit. You didn’t even hear me coming down the hallway.”
I roll my eyes, although it’s only a cover. His presence and overprotectiveness have me wanting to grin like a damn tween. He glances over his shoulder as he steps inside my office.
“This is one of the desks,” he says to someone. Two men walk in behind him and smile at me. “The other desk is in there, and you can work on it first.”
He points to Zev’s door across the room. You can get to his office through mine or through a separate entrance off the hallway.
“Don’t touch or look at anything on that desk,” Kruse says to them sternly as he opens my brother’s office door. His assertiveness causes my hands to tremble while I attempt to neatly stack a handful of papers.
Thank goodness he’s not looking, or he would most definitely catch the visual of how nervous I am. Holding the stack firmly against the desk, I take a long yet taxing breath to steady my hands.
“How are you?” Kruse asks after he shuts Zev’s office door.
“I’m fine. How are you today?”
“Good now that I’ve seen you.”
Turning to him, I plant my hands on my hips. Partly to give him attitude but also to ensure they don’t shake.
In a second flat, I’m chest and cheek to the top of my desk, firmly planted against it. My arm is snug behind my back, and masculine fingers are wrapped around my wrist as I gasp for air.
I notice the powerful thigh wedged between mine, the pressure of it against my ass directing my boiling blood to flood there. I’m dizzy, stunned, and instantly turned on.
His body gradually blankets mine, his other hand pulling my long hair tighter.
Oh, god, what’s going to happen?
A searing breath of air in my ear makes my body quake with want. No, it’s a need.
A desperate need.
“If someone who appears threatening steps through that door, you’re going to push the damn button. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.” The harsh breath following my words is agonizing to exhale, but the growl he releases, which penetrates straight through my back and to my heart, reveals his agony, too.
He rises and lets go of my arm. Hands grip my shoulders, and he lifts me up carefully before turning me to face him.
“Are you OK?” he asks.
“I think so.” I look down and straighten my blouse and skirt. Lifting my chin, he gently holds it and gazes into my eyes.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I wanted to show you how easily someone could harm you if that was their intent. It’s my job to protect you, Agatha, so let me.”
“I’ve been taking care of myself and my mother for years. We were home alone, far away from my brothers, so this seems unnecessary.”
“You’re not in Jersey anymore. There are always dishonest people in this hotel. Some are pure scum. I’ve dealt with them.”
Kruse scans my desk for a pen and scribbles something on a piece of paper. “In case you lost my card, this is my number. Put it in your phone as 911. If you have a problem, you call me.”
“You’re not the police or ambulance service, Kruse.”
“No, I’m your savior. Your brothers have given me more than I could ever dream up. I will give my life for any Cassano, especially you. If you push that button on your phone, I will find a way to get to you before any damn cop or ambulance.”
“So this is how it’s going to be?”
“Yes, and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you will be less of a pain in my ass.”
Ugh, I’m smiling like a fool, feeling like a maiden with her prince waiting in the wings to protect her. It goes against everything I’ve experienced since my brothers moved away and stopped hovering.
“Are we done now?” My eyebrows lift as I plant my fists on my hips.
“Not even close. Go out with me.” He licks his lips before a boyish grin slides from them. “Then things can get truly interesting.”
His hands go to his hips, likely to mimic me. The move pulls his unbuttoned suit jacket open, exposing further his hardened chest under a copper-colored shirt.
It brings out the golden streaks in his blond hair that is extremely short all around, minus the front, which is a touch longer, styled unruly and sexy as hell.
I talk myself down from the urge to climb onto his tall body like it’s a jungle gym.
“Although I don’t care what they think, aren’t you worried my brothers will want to kick your ass?”
“I can handle them.” He shakes his head. “I’ve tried to stay away from you. I tried but here I am.”
He glances over his shoulder toward my brother’s office. How did Kruse get this much responsibility at his age? I mean, he’s over security for this entire operation. That’s a big deal. I guess he must possess some level of maturity when needed.
“You can’t be behind that desk while they’re working, so go to dinner with me. I only came in early to meet them … and to convince you to go out with me.”
There’s that grin again. It’s the one that will eventually make me do extremely naughty things.
“I ate lunch at one. I’m not hungry.”
“OK, then coffee.”
He’s not going to quit.
“Fine, coffee.” That’s harmless, right?
His all-business expression reappears before he walks over to Zev’s closed door. He pokes his head in at the maintenance men working.
“Don’t touch anything on her desk, either, or you’re going to need your own panic button.”
I hear the “yes, sir” in unison and feel the tightening of my pelvic muscles from Kruse’s authoritativeness.
“Get it together, Agatha,” I say under my breath.
“Excuse me?” he asks, strolling back to me with an air of confidence.
“You know, I’m not going to do whatever you say like everyone else around here.”
“I like a good workout, Aggie.”
“What does that mean?”
“You run … I chase. I’m beginning to think you like it.”
“You’re arrogant.”
“You’re hot as fuck.”
Lord, his forwardness. I have to look away.
“I don’t like people telling me what to do.”
“I’m not buying it, Princess. Not when it comes to me. Now, shall we go for coffee, or would you prefer we continue this verbal exchange until Zev arrives for work? I have a feeling you would find what I have to say to him embarrassing.”
With round eyes, I grab my purse out of a drawer.
“A point for you. Let’s go.”
“If we’re keeping score, I’m way ahead, Ms. Cassano.”
“Call me Aggie.”
“Mmm, I think I just scored another point.”
“I’m thoroughly screwed with you, aren’t I?”
This grin and wink of his could light up freakin’ Canada.
“Oh, you won’t need to ask when you’re thoroughly screwed.” His sensuous mouth, which rests between two well-defined jaws, descends to my ear. “And you will feel it everywhere, Aggie. I promise you that.”
Stepping around him, I start a brisk walk down the hallway, my pumps clacking against the floor. It’s clear from his footsteps he’s right behind me, and knowing he’s watching–wanting me has the moisture slick between my thighs.
I thought Kruse had awakened my libido, but I’m beginning to think he ignited a part of me I wasn’t aware existed.
This leaves my fearful mind and yearning body in a tug-of-war. I’m not running from Kruse, so to speak. I’m attempting to outrun change.
The comfort of a committed relationship is all I’ve known my whole adult life. I have no idea if he’s chasing anything other than sex, so the unknown is terrifying.
***
While drinking our coffee in one of the hotel restaurants, Kruse eases up on the sexual innuendoes. He gives me the details of how he began working for my brothers many years ago after befriending Simon.
He’s serious as we discuss his responsibilities, and it’s evident how mature he can be. He’s also loyal to my family, and it only makes me like him more.
It becomes quiet between us, so I decide to ask a more personal question.
“Tell me what your past girlfriends were like.”
His eyes dart away, and he shifts in his chair.
“You go right for the jugular.”
“And you don’t?” I ask. “I believe your sexual innuendos could be my character witnesses.”
He smirks and gives me his gaze once again.
“All right. I’ve only ever dated on occasion. I haven’t had a serious girlfriend.”
I’m now squirming in my chair, and if I didn’t know better, I could swear alarms are going off around us. Abruptly, I grab my purse.
“Thank you for the coffee, but I have to go.”
He’s shoving his chair back. “Aggie, wait.” The door looks like the finish line, and I hate to break it to Kruse, but I’m winning the race. The chase is over.
He follows me out, calling my name once again and pleading for me to stop, so I spin around.
“Kruse, I’m not looking to jump back into a committed relationship, but I’m not looking for a fuck buddy, either.”
His glare surprises me. “We were having what I thought was a pleasant talk over coffee. I can promise you that’s new for me.” He stalks closer and further furrows his brow. “We’ve obviously not had enough talks, or you would know I wouldn’t treat the Cassano brothers’ sister with that kind of disrespect.”
Without another word, he walks away from me, shaking his head. Shit, how did I become the dick in all of this?
Tara
I’ve completed some letters for Theo, and I’m about to head out for the day when there’s a knock on my office door. I glance up and find Kruse standing there.
My heart flutters a bit quicker, and I wonder why until I recall when he tried to kiss me in my condo.
“Kruse, how are you?”
A hand combs through his hair as he stares down at his feet.
“This was a bad idea. Sorry to bother you.”
“No, wait.”
“Really, it’s OK.”
“Kruse, I’d like to think we’re friends. What do you need?”
“Zev would be pissed that I came here. Have a good night.”
Just like that, he’s out of sight. I debate on running to the hall to call after him, but he’s right; Xavier would flip if he knew we were alone together.
But I want to run after Kruse. In the short amount of time he was paid to care for me, I began to care for him. We have a right to be friends.
Zev
“Hey, baby,” I say to Tara as she walks inside my office. “Are you heading home?”
“Yes, and I wanted to tell you goodbye first.” She hasn’t smiled at me, which isn’t like her whatsoever. She’s biting that bottom lip, too.
I stand from my chair and go to her. My hands glide down her arms as I duck my head to force her to look at me.
“Tara, what’s wrong?”
“I’m just tired.” I finally get a smile, but it’s faint. “I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.”
“Shit, I guess not. I wake you up often when I get home in the early morning hours.”
Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Page 5