In the Eye of the Storm / Catering to the CEO

by Samantha Chase

  It took almost two hours, but finally, all the workmen were gone and Cassie strolled down to the game room where she found Adam. “It is done,” she said as she dramatically dropped into a chair, put her head back, and closed her eyes. “What kind of an electrician whose specialty is working with the party rental people doesn’t know how to string lights?”

  “Did he finally figure it out?”

  “No! I ended up doing it while I sent him to help with the torch lights.” She let out a little growl of frustration. “I believe that the party rental people and the electrical company will be getting a letter of complaint from me when this weekend is over.”

  Adam wanted to argue with her that she should have fired the man and refused to pay, but this was her deal, and he was remembering to treat her not as an employee but as his lover.

  With that thought in his mind, Adam took advantage of Cassie’s position to put his cue stick quietly on the rack and then walk to her. Kneeling in front of her, Adam gently placed his hands on her knees and then ran them up her thighs. Cassie smiled but didn’t lift her head or open her eyes.

  “I think you’ve worked enough for today,” he murmured, his hands on a quest to unbutton her blouse. “You deserve to take it easy the rest of the day.”

  Cassie moaned with delight as Adam released the last button and moved the fabric aside so he could cup her breasts. “Take it easy? I don’t know about that. There’s still a lot to do.” Her words were raspy as she struggled for breath under Adam’s masterful touch.

  “Well, maybe I can help you to take a relaxing break then,” he suggested.

  Now Cassie raised her head. “If there is one thing I learned about you last night, it’s that nothing we did was relaxing.” That being said, Cassie leaned forward and initiated the kiss that she had been craving for hours. Adam let her take control, and he rose up slightly on his knees to bring them level with one another. She wrapped her arms around him, and when Adam banded his arms around her waist, he pulled Cassie to the floor with him.

  Clothes were dispersed quickly, and as Cassie rose above him, poised to take him in, Adam knew without a doubt that he could never tire of this, of her. He made a promise to himself the moment she tightly wrapped her wet folds around him that he would no longer think or plan for tomorrow because he wanted to enjoy Cassie without the worry of when he would have to end it.

  Chapter 12

  At eleven sharp Friday morning, Cassie spotted the limo pulling into the drive and was well into event planner mode. She had risen before Adam so she could get her work done without him tempting her back into bed. Looking around the main floor of the house, she was surprised that she had gotten everything done while spending so much time tangled around Adam!

  Walking over to the intercom, she called to Adam in his office that his guests had arrived. While Adam went out to greet everyone, Cassie busied herself with placing platters of fruit and cheese and crackers on the breakfast bar. She wiped her hands with a cloth, straightened her apron, and ran to the bathroom mirror for a quick look at herself before anyone walked in.

  There was a running checklist going through her mind; each of the bedrooms being used had been stocked with gift baskets that included chocolates, fragrances, cosmetics, and every essential the guests might need for the weekend, along with brochures on all the places Adam had booked for them. In each bathroom were spa robes and slippers, as well as champagne and small platters of fruit with gourmet cookies. As Cassie had left each room earlier, she couldn’t help but be impressed by what Adam had done; his home now rivaled the most elite of spas.

  Greetings were made as Adam introduced Cassie with no title other than “Cassandra,” and she was relieved to find that all the guests spoke English, although each with a slightly different accent. Nigel and Camile Moreau were a lovely French couple; Martin and Elizabeth Chapin were in their thirties and very British. Finally, the slightly less British Max and Danielle Chamberlain. Cassie knew she’d like them the most. Both smiled brightly and focused on her during the introductions, and when they heard that Cassie would be preparing all the meals, Danielle almost pulled free of her husband to start talking recipes with her! The Chamberlains were the youngest of the three couples, and Cassie was relieved that she would have something in common with at least one of the women.

  Within an hour, everyone had settled into their rooms, and Cassie was busy setting their lunch on the table she’d set on the deck. The weather was unseasonably warm for late October on the Carolina coast, and she was grateful for it. Adam did switch on two of the four heat lamps for good measure, and when the last of the food was on the table, Cassie held the door as Adam led the guests to their seats.

  Seeing that everyone was settled, Cassie took one last glance outside and frowned. She knew she had set the table for seven but now spotted an empty chair—with a place setting—next to Adam. Turning to head into the kitchen, Cassie heard Adam excuse himself and walk toward her.

  “Cassandra?”

  She turned and saw him looking at her expectantly. “I know I set that table for seven, Adam. I didn’t think I needed to interfere with your meeting,” she whispered so the guests wouldn’t overhear.

  “And I told you that you were our hostess for the weekend, and that means dining with us. Now please, Cassandra, our guests are waiting.” He held out a hand and stared so intently at her that Cassie didn’t have it in her to argue. She let herself be led to the table and apologized for the delay.

  “I wanted to make sure I had remembered everything,” she said lightly as the conversation started to buzz around her.

  The meal started with an antipasto platter, followed by a cold tricolored tortellini salad with pesto, and finished with individual seafood quiches with a field greens salad on the side and freshly baked rolls. All in all, Cassie was pleased with the menu, and the praise that followed the meal reinforced that she had made all the right choices.

  When Cassie stood to begin clearing, Adam excused himself and the executives—Nigel, Elizabeth, and Max—to talk business. The spouses all waved and said goodbye and yet stayed in their seats, content to listen to the waves and enjoy the scenery.

  “Lunch was amazing, Cassandra,” Danielle said when Cassie finally finished the cleanup and came out to the deck.

  “Please, call me Cassie. Adam is the only one who insists on being so formal.” All three nodded in understanding. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  Danielle sighed and looked out at the water. “You must never tire of this view.”

  Cassie couldn’t help but agree. “I’ve only been here twice, but honestly, if you are early risers, I highly recommend watching the sunrise. It is breathtaking.”

  “Is the house new, then, or you?” Martin Chapin asked.

  The other two had the manners to look appalled at the statement, and Cassie could only hope that she could answer in a way that wouldn’t raise anyone’s ire. “I believe that Adam’s had the house for a while. We’ve worked together for more than two years, and there’s never been a need for me to come here before.” That sounded good, didn’t it?

  Martin made a noncommittal sound, and before he could say anything else, both Camile and Danielle began questioning Cassie on the shops and spas that they would be visiting the next day. While Cassie answered everything with a smile she hoped reached her eyes, she couldn’t help but wonder if playing hostess was such a good idea. Although two of the three were very pleasant and sociable, it was going to be harder to win over Martin Chapin, and doing so was completely out of her comfort zone.

  It was only two in the afternoon, and Cassie cursed her own efficiency because there was nothing for her to do for at least the next three hours except to socialize. Deciding to forge ahead and deal with it, she stood and faced the group. “Our spa appointments aren’t until tomorrow, but if anyone’s up for a tour of the town and some light shopping, I would be happy to le
ad the way!”

  Her tone was cheery and full of enthusiasm, and soon the four of them were walking out the door and piling into the Lexus SUV Adam had brought with him for such an outing. As part of their plans, Adam and Cassie had agreed that while he was in meetings, she should do whatever she needed to with the spouses and not disturb him. But part of her really needed to disturb him to ask how she was to handle the questions of their relationship, but she decided that Adam must trust her to do the right thing, so off she went.

  Three hours later, Cassie felt as if she had run a marathon both mentally and physically. Luckily, by the time they arrived at the house, Debbie was already in the kitchen busily doing what needed to be done. Cassie could have kissed her.

  The two female guests, each loaded with purchases, headed up to their rooms to relax for a couple of hours before dinner. Martin, who’d taken off on his own rambles in town, walked to the beach. Cassie pulled on her apron, clipped her hair back, and wished that she could do the same. She’d kill for a soak in the tub and maybe a nap before facing this group again but knew there was work to be done.

  Adam found her sautéing fresh vegetables while Debbie set the table outside. “How was your afternoon?” he asked, leaning forward to smell what she was so easily tossing.

  Cassie wanted desperately to say that all was wonderful, but something in her expression stopped Adam before she could speak. He leaned forward and turned off the burner. Taking the pan from her hand, he moved it to a cooler spot before calling out to Debbie to take over.

  “Adam…I need to be…” He took her hand and pulled her from the kitchen, ignoring her protests. They took the elevator up to the master suite and didn’t say a word until they were there.

  Walking her over to the bed, he sat Cassie down and then stood and asked her the question again. “Truthfully, if you please…”

  With a sigh of frustration, she glared at him. “Really, Adam, I have a meal to prepare. I don’t have time for this!”

  “I say we do.” He folded his arms across his chest, and in that moment Cassie knew there would be no swaying him. She’d do well to answer him and finish preparing dinner.

  “It was fine. After you all went to the den to start your meeting, we sat and talked for a bit and then went shopping. Now we’re back, they’re all resting, and I’m cooking.”

  If there was one thing Adam had learned about Cassie, it was that she was always happy, except when she wasn’t. And right now he knew she wasn’t.

  Saying nothing, he merely arched a brow at her and waited.

  She hated when he did that! “Okay, fine. There was a moment after lunch when I was asked if the house was new or if I was, and it…well, it was awkward. I guess I didn’t expect anyone to be so forward with their questions, that’s all. And that’s why I didn’t want to play hostess. I don’t want the questions, Adam!”

  Adam sat beside her, gently laid her on the bed, and kissed her. “There, was that so hard?” he whispered, tracing one long finger along her jaw as he kissed her gently along the opposite cheek, down the slender column of her throat.

  Humming a response, Cassie knew he didn’t fully understand why she was upset but at the moment couldn’t care less.

  “Let me tell you a little something about our guests,” he began in between kisses. “The Moreaus are old money, very respected. They have four kids and about a dozen grandkids already. The Chamberlains are the newlyweds of the group, and Max took over the company from Danielle’s ailing father. He’s eager to keep up her family’s tradition in the company and yet make a name for himself. Danielle would rather they left the family business and lived on his family’s farm. They’re naive and young and desperate to start a family.”

  “The Chapins are part of an arranged marriage, a business merger. They have no children, nor do they want them. She’ll eventually agree to have at least one because his father’s will stipulates it. She’s great at the business but does hold the reins tightly. I imagine she tells poor old Martin what to do most of the time, and he probably resents being relegated to the wives for the weekend.”

  Adam lifted his head and stared into Cassie’s now-serene face. “He was the one who made the comment, wasn’t he?”

  Cassie nodded, and Adam rose and held out a hand to help her up from the bed. “Don’t let him bother you, Cassandra. He’s bitter.” He pulled her along to the elevator door and pushed the button. Once inside, he backed her into the corner and kissed her thoroughly. “Don’t let anyone take that sparkle out of your eyes ever again.”

  Before Cassie could respond, they were on the main floor. Adam strode away to start fixing drinks, and Cassie ran to the kitchen to put the finishing touches on what promised to be a spectacular meal.

  Afterward, she mingled with the guests and had the opportunity to talk to the executives as well as the spouses.

  * * *

  After breakfast the next morning, Cassie gathered the spouses together, and they headed into town for their spa appointments. She felt a little sheepish because Adam had handed her his gold card to use during their outing.

  While in bed, he had asked her what she had purchased during the shopping spree earlier in the day since both wives had bragged about their findings. When she had confessed that she hadn’t bought herself anything, Adam had frowned and asked why.

  “Adam, I don’t live in their league,” she’d said simply. “I don’t find joy in shopping for the sake of spending money. My business is too new for me to make frivolous purchases.”

  As Cassie was walking out the door on her way to chauffeur everyone to their spa appointments, Adam had pulled her aside, kissed her deeply, and placed the card in her hand with a demand that she be frivolous. His smile was wicked, and Cassie’s mind raced with the possibilities in which they could both benefit from her frivolity. She smiled all the way to the spa.

  Cassie and Danielle were in the same room for their hot-stone massages. When Adam had booked the packages, Cassie had thought he had merely taken care of the executive spouses, but she had been pleasantly surprised to find that he had booked all the treatments for her too. His generosity would most definitely be rewarded, she told herself.

  Cassie was dreamily fantasizing about the night to come when Danielle cleared her throat. “Um…Cassie? Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure…”

  “Well, Max and I…well, we’re doing what needs to be done for the company, but I’m not…I don’t know…I don’t think I’m going to like being a corporate wife.” She looked over at Cassie and asked, “Am I being selfish?”

  “Being a corporate wife is not easy,” Cassie began. “I mean, you’ll be spending time apart, and even when you get to travel with Max, he’ll be in meetings a lot.”

  Danielle leaned up slightly and smiled. With a sigh of relief, she said, “Exactly! I mean, we’re newlyweds, we want to start a family, and it’s not happening!”

  Cassie chuckled. “Well, things don’t always happen as we plan them. Getting pregnant is a funny thing.” She shared the story of Katie’s unplanned pregnancy. “Believe me, as much as we all love Ella and can’t imagine our lives without her, I’m sure Katie wishes she had come along a little later when she was married.”

  “Do you want kids?”

  A sad smile crept across Cassie’s face. “Yes, I do. As a matter of fact, I had a procedure done to treat my endometriosis. If I didn’t do something, I might not have been able to have kids. I’m hoping that it worked, but I won’t know until I’m actively trying to have a baby.”

  “Does Adam want kids?”

  Cassie’s first response was a “hell no!” but she decided to keep that to herself. “I don’t know, honestly, and our relationship is pretty new, so I don’t think either of us is planning or thinking ahead along those lines.”

  Danielle laid her head down and sighed. “I want to be supportive of Max,
I really do. I never thought he’d be that corporate guy, you know?”

  “Maybe it’s also that you never thought your dad would need someone to take over for him.” She said the words gently, and when she looked at Danielle, she saw tears in her eyes.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  Their attendants came in before they could say any more, and the next few hours passed in a flurry of manicures, pedicures, and facials. Lunch was served to them compliments of the on-site restaurant, and while Cassie wasn’t thrilled with the menu, no one else seemed to complain.

  By the time they were done, Cassie honestly felt like a wet noodle. Her body was so relaxed and she felt so good that she wasn’t ready to think about heading to the house and getting into work mode to prepare for dinner. They all climbed into the car, and Cassie decided she wanted to play a little bit more; with a check of her watch, she saw that she had a solid two hours before she had to be at the house.

  “Anyone up for a little more shopping?”

  With a car full of agreement, they headed to the mall, and Cassie found numerous frivolous items that would guarantee a proper thank-you to Adam for a perfect day.

  Much, much later, sprawled across the king-size bed, Adam breathlessly whispered, “You’re welcome.”

  Chapter 13

  Their guests were scheduled to leave after lunch, and as far as Cassie was concerned, the weekend was a huge success. She had served breakfast in the formal dining room, where she presented platters of homemade Belgian waffles with fresh fruit and also offered eggs Benedict to those requiring more protein.

  Adam took the executives to his office on the lower level to finish negotiations while Cassie cleaned up and the spouses packed. She was taking a moment out on the deck to enjoy the peace when Danielle joined her.