by Karen King
‘J.M. will see you now, Ms Campbell,’ the receptionist announced. ‘Just along the corridor, second door on the right.’
‘Thank you.’ Sylvia set off down the corridor, leaving Cassie to follow her.
‘I do apologise for keeping you waiting,’ she heard Sylvia say as she walked into the room. ‘I’m afraid that Cassandra was unavoidably delayed.’
‘No worries, Mrs Campbell.’ The man looked up from the computer screen and as his chocolate brown eyes rested on Cassie they widened in recognition
Cassie’s heart flipped as she stared back in disbelief.
Jared.
Two
Jared must have seen the panic in her eyes because he quickly composed himself and shook Sylvia’s hand. ‘Delighted to meet you. And this must be the bride-to-be.’ He smiled at Cassie as if he’d never met her before. Never held her in his arms, kissed her, made love to her, promised that he’d love her forever and then walked out on her.
She’d often imagined seeing Jared again, wondered how she’d react. Now it all came flooding back and all she could do was remember how utterly devastated she’d felt when he’d walked out on her.
Get a grip, Cassie told herself. That was years ago. You’re over it now. You’re marrying Timothy. Jared is history.
She was suddenly aware that Jared was holding out his hand to her and Sylvia was watching her curiously. She forced a smile on her face and shook his hand, desperately hoping she showed no sign that his touch still made her tingle.
‘Miss Tyler,’ he said smoothly.
‘Call me Cassie,’ she told him. ‘Sorry I kept you waiting.’
‘Not a problem.’
How she wished she’d arrived on time. Jared used to tease her about being late. He probably thought she was still as ditzy as she was back then. If only she’d put on one of her power suits instead of a maxi dress, then she would have looked sophisticated and professional. Like she’d changed; which she had.
Oh God, she was still holding his hand. What must Sylvia think? She quickly removed her hand, tore her gaze from those big brown eyes, and tried to act as if her body wasn’t zinging at his touch. Just like it always had.
‘Take a seat, ladies, and tell me exactly what sort of photographs you’re looking for.’ He glanced down at his notes. ‘I see that the wedding is only two months away.’
‘Yes, we decided against a long engagement,’ Sylvia replied as if she was the bride. She sat down in one of the plush dark brown chairs and indicated for Cassie to take the other seat. ‘Timothy and Cassandra got engaged on Valentine’s Day and we thought a summer wedding would be lovely. Especially when we managed to secure Hollington Castle,’ she paused to make sure this announcement had the desired effect.
Jared nodded, looking suitably impressed, and Sylvia continued, ‘I know it’s short notice but Daniel assured me you’d be able to fit us in.’ She was letting him know that she was on first name terms with the director of the company.
Jared nodded again. ‘We’ve had a cancellation for that date, so yes, we can accommodate you both.’ His gaze flicked to Cassie then back to Sylvia. ‘Would you like a cup of coffee while we discuss the arrangements?’
‘Thank you. Black with no sugar, please.’
Jared raised an eyebrow questioningly at Cassie. ‘And for you, Cassie?’
‘Black with no sugar for me too, please,’ she replied. That would surprise him. She always used to have white coffee with two sugars. The Cassie he used to know had a sweet tooth. At least that was one thing that had changed. Except it hadn’t, really, she was only drinking black coffee to make sure she could get into her wedding dress. Well, to be honest she was drinking black coffee in front of Timothy and his mother because they would frown and remind her about needing to get into the wedding dress. When they weren’t around she still took her coffee with milk and sugar. She thought longingly of the iced mocha she’d be enjoying with Sam later.
Jared pressed the intercom and asked the receptionist to bring in the coffees, then he leant forward, linked his hands under his chin, and gave Cassie the benefit of his full attention. Devastating. She quickly averted her gaze. ‘Now, tell me about the wedding,’ he said. ‘It’s important that I get a feel of the atmosphere you’re trying to create so I know what tone to set with the photos. We aim to be professional but not intrusive. And please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We want our clients to be completely happy and relaxed on their special day. We won’t take offence at all if you decide that we aren’t the right photographers for you.’
You’re not! Cassie’s mind was screaming. You’re the very last person I want as my photographer. Ever. For a moment she feared she’d uttered the words aloud, but Sylvia was now talking to Jared, so clearly it was all in her head.
Luckily, Sylvia monopolised the conversation, or Cassie would never have been able to get through the next half an hour. She could hardly believe she was talking about her wedding to her ex, the man she thought she’d be with forever until he’d upped and left, breaking her heart in the process. It was surreal.
If Jared felt uncomfortable at all he certainly didn’t show it, the rat, which proved that he was completely over her. Well, that was fine. She was over him too, and had no idea why his light touch on her hand should send familiar tingles up her arm or why his big brown eyes should still send shivers down her spine. She was over him. She’d been over him for years. So why did her treacherous body act as if she still fancied him?
It’s just the shock of seeing him again, she told herself. It’s bringing back all the old memories.
‘We’d also like some pre-wedding photos,’ Sylvia said. ‘My son is anxious to have a few photos in the run-up to the wedding, and of the bride getting ready on the day. I presume you can accommodate that?’
‘Certainly. Perhaps we could arrange an appointment for a more detailed consultation, Cassie, so we can go through all the options? I’m sure your fiancé would like to have input on that one. I can also take photographs of you on your honeymoon, if you wish? I.D. Images often makes a photographic record of the whole event – engagement, wedding, and honeymoon. We find that many couples appreciate that; it’s a wonderful memory to look back on.’ He was looking intently at Cassie. ‘When did you get engaged? Did you use the services of a professional photographer then?’
‘Valentine’s Day,’ she replied, avoiding direct eye contact. ‘And no, we didn’t. It was all … very spontaneous. I don’t think Timothy had time to think about photographs.’
It had come as a total surprise. She had no idea that Timothy had been planning to ask her to marry him. They’d been going out together for two years, and living together for six months, but she hadn’t thought any further than that. She was quite happy how things were and thought Timothy was, too. Then, on Valentine’s Day he’d taken her to Alberto’s for a meal and had been very attentive. She hadn’t been that surprised when a bottle of champagne on ice was brought to the table, thinking that maybe Timothy was celebrating being appointed to a high-profile case as he often did. Then a violinist had walked over to their table, playing a romantic melody, and to her amazement Timothy went down on one knee, held out a heart-shaped box with a huge twinkling diamond ring placed on a red velvet cushion, and proposed. The whole restaurant had gone silent. She could feel everyone holding their breath, waiting for her reply. Timothy was gazing at her, willing her to say yes. So she had. How could she have done otherwise and humiliated him? Besides, she loved him; of course she wanted to marry him.
But not yet. There it was; that niggling little voice again. She refused to listen to it. Yes, the proposal had been unexpected, and it was all happening a bit faster – a lot faster, actually – than she’d expected, but she loved Timothy, so as he said, why wait?
‘That is so typical of Timothy,’ Sylvia cut in. ‘He’s such a romantic. I’m sure he probably would like some honeymoon shots too, Cassandra.’
Would he? Cassie had been hopin
g to spend some time together and relax on their honeymoon. Timothy was always so busy with his work that some days they barely had time to say two words to each other. She didn’t really relish the thought of a photographer tagging along with them. Especially Jared. That would be seriously weird. Then she realised that Jared was talking to her. She looked at him questioningly.
‘Where are you going on your honeymoon?’ he repeated.
‘We haven’t discussed it yet. We only decided on the date yesterday,’ she confessed.
‘Really? How brave of you to be planning a wedding in such a short time; exciting too, of course,’ he added. ‘And I.D. Images will ensure that your photographic record of the day will be really special.’ He handed her a glossy booklet. ‘You’ll find all the details of the services we offer in here. Perhaps you can talk to your fiancé about the available options. When you’ve decided what you both want, please book an appointment to discuss your requirements with me. The sooner the better as we’re working to such a close deadline.’
‘Thank you.’ She took the leaflet, then remembered the list of questions she’d drawn up to ask him for her column. ‘Actually I do have a few questions, if you don’t mind.’
She heard Sylvia’s sharp intake of breath, obviously annoyed that Cassie was daring to question such an illustrious company. Well, sod her! Cassie whipped the notebook out of her handbag.
‘How many weddings have you photographed?’ she asked. It was the first question she’d thought of and she actually really wanted to know the answer. She’d never thought of Jared as a wedding photographer.
‘As I’m sure Mrs Campbell has told you, I.D. Images has been working in wedding photography for many years covering numerous society and celebrity weddings.’ He picked up a cream leather album from the desk and handed it to her. ‘Have a look through this, you’ll see some of the weddings we’ve photographed.’
She took the book off him. ‘Thank you, but I actually meant you personally.’
She saw the look of hesitation on his face before Sylvia cut in. ‘It goes without saying, Cassandra, that Imogen and Daniel would not have taken J.M. on to their books if he wasn’t superbly qualified. Their reputation is unrivalled.’ Her voice was iced with reproach.
She fought down the anger at being chastised in front of Jared and Cassie went on to her next question. ‘What’s your working style? Do you like to blend into the background and take natural shots or to take charge and choreograph them?’
‘I have to say my instinct is to take natural shots.’ He smiled. ‘However, it’s your wedding, your decision. You tell me what style you both prefer.’
‘Nat –’ Cassie started to say but Sylvia cut in again.
‘Choreographed, of course. It’s important for the album to be perfect.’
Cassie counted to ten … slowly. Jared gave her a knowing smile. The kind of smile they used to share when they were together. They’d never needed words – they’d just look at each other and know what the other one was thinking.
‘Perhaps you could discuss it with Timothy, Cassie, then let me know? I’ll need to familiarise myself with the wedding venue, too. Could you both arrange to meet me there one day when you’re free? You can show me around and we can discuss lighting, scenery, etc.’
‘I think Timothy will be much too busy. As a partner of Campbell and Mason it is difficult for him to take time off, but I can always accompany Cassandra, she can always get time off from her … job,’ Sylvia replied, before Cassie could open her mouth. ‘I know my son’s tastes very well.’
‘I’m sure you do.’ Jared turned his attention back to Cassie. ‘What do you do, Cassie?’
‘I’m a journalist. Well, more of a features writer at the moment.’ That shouldn’t surprise him. She’d studied journalism at the same university he’d studied photography.
‘Really? How fascinating. What paper do you work for?’
She told him the name of the paper, wishing that it was one of the big names instead of the local evening one so she could show him how well she’d done in the years since he’d left, so that he could see he wasn’t the only one who’d done good, moved on, and that she hadn’t sat around moping for him. Only she had, hadn’t she? She’d been heartbroken for the best part of two years, then she’d given herself a shake and forced herself to start living again. She needed to get away, so she’d replied to Owen’s advertisement for a features writer, got the job, found herself a flat share, and moved to London. Somehow she’d put herself back together and got on with her life.
The fact that she was marrying someone else proved that.
She was getting married. Jared stared out of the window, hands thrust in his pockets, watching Cassie and the stuck-up woman who was soon to be her mother-in-law walk over to the car park. They stood talking together for a few moments, then the snobby woman got into a sleek white Porsche while Cassie made her way over to a red MG sports car. Nice, and still in immaculate condition. Very Cassie.
He’d often wondered how he’d feel if he met Cassie again but hadn’t expected to be so attracted to her, to feel the same desire he’d felt all those years ago.
When Cassie had followed Mrs Campbell into his office, he’d been stunned. She was the last person he’d expected to see. The first woman he’d ever loved. The only woman he’d ever really loved. The woman he’d walked away from seven years ago because he thought travelling all over the world taking photographs was more important. The woman he’d never quite got out of his mind; despite the long list of beautiful women he’d dated since. And now she’d walked back into his life and wanted him to be the photographer for her wedding. Or rather, her future mother-in-law wanted him to be the photographer. He was sure that it was the last thing Cassie wanted.
Cassie had been surprised to see him; that was obvious from the expression on her face. He’d quickly picked up that she didn’t want him to give any indication that they knew each other, which had confused him. He wouldn’t expect her to be delighted at bumping into him again but a brief acknowledgement was in order, surely? Didn’t her fiancé know about their relationship? If not, why hadn’t she told him? Was it because he was such an insignificant part of her past that she wanted to forget? Or because, like him, she’d never quite got over their break-up?
His decision to come back to London and work as a photographer for I.D. Images had been entirely financial. His time spent photographing in remote parts of the world had earned him many accolades as a photographer, but had also eaten into his bank balance. He needed some money behind him if he wanted to fulfil his dream of going to the Arctic to film polar bears in their natural habitat. It was something he’d wanted to do for years, the last on his ‘must do’ list. So when Daniel, a good friend and someone he’d worked with a few years ago, had offered him a substantial salary to join his elite band of photographers for the ‘wedding season’ – in Daniel’s words, ‘We’ve got bookings coming out of our ears and it’s about time you got back to civilisation, mate’ – he’d decided to take it. A few months as a society photographer seemed the quickest way to get the funds he needed. So he’d booked a flight back, rented a flat, and started clicking celebrities and socialites instead of remote tribes and endangered species. His bank balance was now looking healthier, but, boy the wanderlust was biting pretty hard. It had been a long time since he’d lived in a bustling city and he couldn’t say it grabbed him. He was counting the days until he could get away again.
Cassie was driving now, the black leather hood down, her long hair blowing behind her like a golden streamer. It was lighter than he remembered. She’d evidently decided to do something about the strawberry blonde colour she had always hated but he had adored. She was even more beautiful than he remembered too. Those huge, cornflower blue eyes were the same but her bone structure was more defined, and that maxi dress clung to her figure in all the right places. It certainly stirred feelings that had been long buried in him.
He tore himself away from the windo
w and walked over to the desk. But what could he do now? It would look totally unprofessional to back out, and Imogen would be furious. She hated being let down and there was no one else free to take over. He’d just have to deal with it. A few months at this job, and he would have enough for his Arctic trip, then he’d be out of here again. Cassie was in the past. Maybe photographing her wedding was just what he needed to stop thinking about her.
Three
‘Jared!’ Sam repeated, her loud squeal causing a few heads to turn and look at them. ‘Jared’s back and he’s your wedding photographer?’ She sat back in her chair and stared at Cassie in disbelief. ‘Wow! And you really had no idea?’
‘Of course I didn’t! He calls himself J.M., so why would I think it was my Jared?’ Then she realised that she’d said ‘her Jared’. He’d stopped being her Jared aeons ago when he’d decided that his career as a photographer was far more important than marrying her. What was she doing, thinking of him that way?
‘I thought he was busy roaming the world taking photos of endangered species and far-flung places?’ Sam said. ‘Since when did he become a society photographer?’
‘I’ve no idea.’ The last she heard he was in South America. The breath-taking spread of the Amazon he’d done for National Geographic had won him a prestigious award. ‘He’s working at I.D. Images now and Sylvia’s booked him to be our wedding photographer. He even offered to come along and take photos of our honeymoon. Apparently it’s all part of the service.’
‘I can’t believe it.’ Sam shook her head. ‘What are you going to do?’
‘What can I do? There isn’t time to get another photographer, not one with such a fantastic reputation, anyway. It’s no big deal,’ Cassie shrugged her shoulders and concentrated on sipping her iced mocha.
She tried to ignore the fact that Sam was staring at her, all agog. ‘How did you feel when you saw him again? Has he changed? Is he still a hunk?’ she asked, curiously.