Bev beamed, and Adam could not deny that his mother believed herself to be in love. But why did it have to be with the patriarch of this particular family? How was he supposed to keep his promise to himself to fire Cassie as his event planner and coordinator after the fall retreat when they were practically family?
By the time dessert was finished and he and Bev were getting ready to leave, he still didn’t have the answer to what to do about Cassie, nor had she returned to the festivities. As much as he tried to tell himself that he wasn’t concerned or didn’t care about her, he couldn’t deny being curious.
Once he was in the car with Bev and heading to her house, Adam couldn’t wait any longer to find out what was going on. “Okay,” he began cautiously, “I know you said that Cassie has some mystery ‘condition,’ but seriously, what’s wrong with her? Does this secret ailment have a name?”
With a sigh of defeat, Bev said. “You know, Adam, sometimes I wish you’d learn to leave things alone. Some things don’t need to be discussed.”
“Mom…”
“Cassie has endometriosis. It’s a gynecological problem. It’s very painful when it flares up. Apparently, that’s what happened tonight. According to Stephen, it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, she has a rough time of it.” She tsked with pity. “Poor girl.”
“So why doesn’t she do something about it?”
“Gee, it’s no wonder you’re the CEO of a big corporation. I wonder why Cassie hasn’t thought of that. ‘Do something’! Why don’t I call her right now and tell her that you’ve solved yet another of the world’s problems!”
“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Mother,” he said wearily. “I’m not trying to make light of this. I’m saying maybe something can be done to help her, that’s all.”
Bev turned and looked at her son. “She takes medication and she’s done everything the doctors have said. The next option is surgery, and she doesn’t want that.”
“Why not?”
She looked at her son with disbelief. “Not everyone is excited about getting cut open, you know.”
“But if it would cure this problem…”
“There is no real ‘cure’ for this. It’s manageable but not curable. Even with the surgery, there is a possibility it will return. She’s learned to live with it and has these occasional setbacks. She’s lucky she wasn’t out at an event or anything and could be comforted by her family.”
Adam made a noncommittal sound and continued to drive. He didn’t want to talk about Cassie. He’d had enough of Cassandra Jacobs for one day. He was about to broach the subject of the engagement when his mother spoke again.
“You know I don’t like to pry into your business, dear, but I have to tell you I was a little embarrassed when I heard about your behavior today.”
So much for not talking about Cassie.
“It’s none of your business—”
“I know, I know,” she said, placating him. “It’s just that I can’t imagine you being so hard on anyone, especially a woman.”
Adam rolled his eyes at his mother’s naïveté. “Mother, please,” he began. “Cassie is a businesswoman; she doesn’t expect preferential treatment, and how I conduct myself at work is none of your concern.”
“It’s just that—”
“You don’t seem to mind reaping the benefits of how I do my business,” he snapped.
* * *
By seven the next evening, Adam was mentally exhausted. He’d spent a brutal day dealing with a difficult client, and all he wanted to do was go home and enjoy the silence. As he walked through his building, he noticed that everyone else was long gone, and to hear only the sound of his own footsteps was a godsend.
Out of the building, wishing the security team a good night, he almost felt his spirits lifting. It had been a long time since a client had frustrated him so. Adam was the security expert; why wasn’t that good enough? His conversation with Cassie from the night before came to mind. He could see her point now that he was deeply entrenched in a situation that frustrated him as much as she must have been frustrated.
It had almost been twenty-four hours since he’d given her a thought. As he pulled his car out of the parking garage, he tried to shake her image from his mind. It didn’t work. He could see the conservative businesswoman he’d always dealt with, and then more firmly in his mind was the woman in jeans from last night, with her loose, wavy hair framing her face and her big blue eyes twinkling with laughter when she was with her family.
He sighed with frustration and then with disgust when he realized he was driving not toward his house but toward her shop. Her business. Her home. What the hell was wrong with him? He’d known Cassie for two years! He’d been doing business with her all this time and never managed to give her a second thought, and now, for some ungodly reason, he was driving past her house like he was some teenager hoping to get a glimpse of her.
The light was on in the showroom, and he slowed to see if he could spot her. God, he was pathetic! As he neared a stop, he did, in fact, see her walking toward the kitchen. Not giving himself time to question his actions, Adam turned the car around and parked by the rear door.
Climbing out of his car, Adam began to question himself. What was he going to say? Why was he here? Maybe he was concerned because of what had happened last night? Maybe he was checking up on her to make sure she was okay? That was plausible, right? He knocked and waited.
“Adam?” Cassie said as she pulled open the door, unable to hide her surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?”
Cassie stepped aside as he came through the door. He stood only a few feet away and watched as she closed the door and led him into the kitchen. She stared, waiting for an answer. “Adam?”
“You never did come back to the table. Are you feeling okay?” If he didn’t know himself any better, he’d swear he was actually concerned.
“Well, that’s nice of you.” She smiled. “Come on in. I’m cooking.” Without waiting to see if he’d follow, Cassie walked over to her workstation and finished tossing ingredients into a bowl.
“Do you have a client tonight?”
“What? Oh, you mean this?” When he nodded, she continued. “Well, normally I make enough for two or three when I’m concocting, you know, so I can get a second or third opinion. Katie is usually my guinea pig, but she left early tonight. So she’ll have to taste it as leftovers.”
“What are you making?”
“I’m not exactly sure yet,” she said with a grin. “I’ve got chicken and artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella…I think I’ll use some penne and maybe some vodka sauce.” At this point, she’d stopped talking directly to him and was mumbling more to herself as she walked around the kitchen grabbing ingredients. She was putting a pot of water on the stove to boil when she remembered he was there.
“Sorry, I get distracted easily when I’m cooking. Why exactly did you stop by?” She began heating olive oil in a large skillet as Adam walked closer.
“As I said, I wanted to make sure you were feeling all right.”
“Oh, right, yes. I’m fine. No big deal. I took some Advil and rested for a little while and drove myself home around eleven. I’m fine today.”
“That’s good,” he said, watching as she threw all sorts of things into the pan and tossed them around with abundant seasonings. “That smells amazing.” The words were out before he could stop himself.
She flashed him one of those smiles that he was really starting to like, never stopping the pan-flipping action she had going on. “Thanks. I love it, the creating and the experimenting. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but a girl’s gotta eat, right?”
Adam nodded. “You cook for yourself every night?”
“Absolutely!” She lowered the flame on the stove and went to grab the pasta to add to the boiling water. “Do
you cook?”
“Does hitting ‘cook’ on the microwave count?” he asked, hating how pathetic he sounded. While standing here watching her cook, smelling the wonderful aroma of whatever this was that Cassie was throwing together, his microwave dinner had lost more of its appeal than usual.
“Well, I’ll tell you what, grab two plates from that cabinet over there, and we’ll discuss our soon-to-be-merged family over dinner. How does that sound?”
Like a treat, he thought.
It amazed Adam, but within minutes they were sitting up in Cassie’s apartment eating a meal that was…well, it was even better than the one she’d cooked for her family the night before.
“I wish I could have seen everyone’s faces when Dad made the announcement,” Cassie said as she lifted her glass of wine. “I’m sure I would have been equally shocked. None of us had any idea he was dating. Did you know about your mom?”
“Not a clue, but then again, I don’t spend a whole lot of time with Mom talking about her social life.” After the words were out, he realized how cold and callous they sounded. “I mean, with my schedule, we don’t…”
Cassie shook her head and smiled. “No need to explain. I completely understand. Not many families spend as much time together as mine, and honestly, even we didn’t know.”
“Why would your dad not want you to know?” Adam tasted his wine and nodded with approval. Not only could the woman cook, but she had good taste in wine.
“I don’t know. I mean, we’re all adults with our own lives, and we want him to be happy. My mom’s been gone for more than ten years, so he’s mourned enough. We’ve often talked about wanting him to find someone and start living again. I guess he wasn’t sure how we’d react.” Reaching for a napkin, she gently wiped her mouth. “We talk about everything in my house, and he never talked to us about this.”
“Are you upset?”
Cassie shook her head. “Not at all. It’s so obvious that they’re crazy about each other, and I think it’s wonderful. All I want is for Dad to be happy. He’s sacrificed so much for us, and now we’re all grown up and creating lives for ourselves, and I want him to be selfish now and focus on what makes him happy.”
“Maybe being a dad made him happy.”
Cassie put her fork down and looked at Adam, tears glistening in her eyes. “That was quite possibly the nicest thing you’ve ever said.” She reached over and touched his hand. “Thank you.”
Before Cassie could remove her hand, Adam turned his over, linked his fingers through hers, and gave a gentle squeeze. This wasn’t supposed to be happening, Cassie thought. She wasn’t supposed to be enjoying herself with Adam; she still didn’t fully trust him. The fact that they were going to be “family” soon didn’t help matters. But sitting here next to him, enjoying a meal, talking like two regular people—not adversarial business associates—had her seeing him as if for the first time.
That wasn’t to say that she’d never taken notice of Adam. A woman would have to be blind not to notice him. Dark brown hair trimmed in that sexy-executive style. A strong jaw, eyes such a deep brown they were almost black, and he had an athletic physique that looked amazing encased in Armani. Adam was the stuff most fantasies were made of—until he opened his mouth. That was a deal breaker, for sure.
Realizing that she was staring, Cassie casually pulled her hand free and returned to her meal. Clearing her throat, she said, “I guess he could have been satisfied with being a father to four kids, but now that we’re all grown, I want him to do something for himself. He’s raised us all, and as much as I know he wants to help with Ella, he needs your mom.”
“I think Bev needs him too. I guess I didn’t realize how much or how lonely she was until I saw them together last night. It was a bit eye-opening.”
“Um, Adam,” she said cautiously and blushed. He didn’t think women blushed anymore. “As long as we’re honest, you have to know I don’t normally…argue with clients. I mean, I can usually get what I want without having to be…bitchy.” If possible, her blush deepened at her description of herself.
“If it means anything,” he replied, “I seriously provoked you.” An inner voice told Adam he was going to have to kick his own ass soon if he didn’t stop apologizing and getting sappy with this woman. In one day’s time, he had fired her and then pretty much begged, groveled, and put himself down to make her feel better.
As wonderful as dinner was, he had to get out of here. There was no way for him to hang onto who he was and what he was planning while he was getting all “in touch with his emotions” here in Cassie’s home. He had to get out quick.
Tossing aside his napkin, he stood. “Let me help you clear these dishes, and then I have to get going. I’ve got a midnight conference call.” He didn’t, but it sounded plausible. “I’m hoping to catch an hour’s sleep before it starts.”
Cassie shooed his hands away from the plates. “Not to worry, I’ve got this. You go and do what you do.” To prove it, she began clearing the table and placing dishes in the sink. When everything was cleared, she noticed him standing next to the table watching her, his brows creased. It was both exciting and unnerving. Leaning against the counter, she folded her arms across her chest and observed him right back—only with a smile. “This was a surprise, Adam.”
He nodded, almost mesmerized by the sight of her. He had to get out. Now. “Thank you for dinner. That too was unexpected. And delicious. Thanks for sharing.” He turned to go down the stairs, and Cassie followed him.
“Oh, wait one minute,” she said and walked over to the walk-in refrigerator. When she came out, she had a round foil takeout container. “Here,” she said. “Take the leftovers for yourself for dinner another night. I know you’ll still have to nuke them, but at least they’re homemade.” She handed the container to him with a smile, and Adam felt like he’d been kicked in the solar plexus.
With a gruff “good night,” he was out the door, in his car, and pulling away. He had no idea what had happened tonight, but it made him uncomfortable, and if there was one thing he knew for sure about himself, it was that he hated to be uncomfortable.
Speeding off into the night, he looked at the takeout container as if it were plutonium. It was a simple gesture, one that showed her kindness. Switching his focus between the container and the road, Adam had a feeling that he’d left Cassie’s tonight with more than another meal.
He might have left there with the ice around his heart starting to melt.
Chapter 4
The room was done in greens and golds, and when Cassie was finished with it, the guests would feel as if they’d wandered through the mountains of North Carolina amid the fall foliage. It was magical to look at. Though Cassie had not seen Adam since their impromptu dinner the week before, she knew he was going to be pleased with the results.
With one last look around, she noticed Katie coming toward her. “Any problems?”
“None,” Katie said with a smile.
“That’s what I like to hear.” Feeling confident, she walked the room one final time and felt satisfied that she had done all she could for the day. Taking the elevator up to the tenth floor, she found Grace sitting at her desk and smiled and waved as she approached.
“Are we ready?” Grace asked giddily.
“As we’ll ever be,” Cassie confirmed. “I did a final survey, and the room looks amazing.”
“You are impressive. I bow to the master.” With great fanfare, Grace did an over-the-top bow, and both women started to laugh.
And instantly stopped when Adam stepped out of his office.
Grace immediately sat in her seat and got to work, straightening stacks of paper for effect and saying in a clipped, professional tone, “Thank you for the update, Miss Jacobs.” Cassie thanked her for her time and turned to leave.
“Cassandra?” Adam called after her. “May I speak with you for a mome
nt?” He was careful to stay respectful and courteous as he’d told her he would.
Cassie followed him into his office and immediately gave him an update on the event status. He smiled with pleasure. Adam never doubted she would pull it all together and make it look beautiful and professional. That’s what he paid her for. No, what he wanted right now wasn’t so much an update on the retreat as much as to talk with her.
But in the end, he had to remember his initial plan. Cassie had crossed a line with him, and while he couldn’t outright fire her like he’d wanted to—not with their parents’ newly announced engagement—he had to find a way to end their business arrangement that didn’t have him looking like the bad guy. He wasn’t sure yet how exactly he was going to accomplish that.
“If you’d like to come to the ballroom, I’d be happy to give you the tour.”
“I trust you,” he replied smoothly. “I’m sure it will look exactly as you promised and my staff will be thoroughly impressed. I have every confidence in you.”
His words shouldn’t have made her feel all gushy inside, and yet they did. The man never praised anyone, and lately, he’d been doing that a lot to her.
“I…um…I tweaked the menu a bit,” she began nervously, almost afraid to broach the subject that had nearly ended their working relationship. “I added—”
Adam cut her off. Holding up his hand to stop her words, he said, “I’m sure whatever it is, it’ll be wonderful.”
She stood there in front of his desk, taking in the sight of the man in the perfectly fitted Italian suit, not a hair out of place, his deep-brown eyes serious, and longed for the more carefree, relaxed man she’d dined with.
Oh, well; another time, another place. He was the CEO of a major international security corporation; this was the image most fitting for him. With the upcoming wedding of their parents, Cassie was sure she’d get to see him looking a lot more relaxed and at ease, but right now all she wanted to do was to lean over the desk, rip off his tie, run her fingers through his hair, and mess it up.
In the Eye of the Storm / Catering to the CEO Page 19