“I won’t have time to take you shopping for a dress.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“No,” he admitted. “But it was worth a shot. What do you say?”
Say? She wanted to protect her heart and herself. She wanted to keep her feelings under control, ignoring any romantic notions. She wanted to sound annoyed and tell Troy McKnight good riddance. But it was so hard when she wanted to agree with him and melt in his mouth like one of the chocolates. Hadn’t she learned her lesson yet? She bit her lip.
Tell him no.
Cassandra liked being alone; she was comfortable being alone. So what if she also liked being with Troy? He wasn’t good for her; he wasn’t what she needed.
What if he is?
Troy handed her a chocolate-covered cherry. “Pretty please with a cherry on top.”
One look in his blue eyes and she was lost. Again. “Okay, but I’m going to regret this.”
“No, you won’t.” He walked behind the counter. “Thank you, Cassie.”
“Don’t thank me,” she said, angry at herself for being such a wimp. A store full of self-help and relationship books and she’d caved in because of a pair of baby blue eyes. Pathetic. Instead of asserting herself, she was agreeing to go to an engagement party when she wasn’t engaged. Crazy. Cassandra wondered if Dr. Laura would consider this one of the ten stupid things women do to mess up their lives. “Just promise to visit me when they cart me off. I must be insane for agreeing.”
“Why?”
“You’re getting everything your heart desires—a partnership, introductions to high-powered players, everything. I’m getting nothing, zip, zilch.”
Except a massive headache and a broken heart.
“I’ll make it up to you.”
You can’t. “I’m not going to wear black.”
“Okay.” He moved closer. “Wear purple.”
Staring at the width of his shoulders, she gripped the counter. “I’m not going to wear a strand of pearls, either.”
“Wear crystals.”
Did he have to stand right next to her? She ignored the urge to nuzzle her face against his neck and inhale his intoxicating scent. “And I’m not going to wear my hair in a French twist.”
“Do what you want with your hair.” Troy put his arms on her shoulders. “And I will make this up to you. I promise.”
The color of his eyes darkened to a midnight blue. He wanted to kiss her; she wanted him to kiss her. Again and again.
A warning sounded in her brain. Listening to it would be the smart thing to do, but she turned it off instead. She didn’t want to follow reason. She wanted to ignore common sense, forget all about the consequences of her actions. Might as well have F-O-O-L tattooed across her forehead.
Troy lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her gently as if testing her reaction. But Cassandra didn’t want gentle. She wanted all of him. Opening her mouth wider, she pressed harder against his lips.
Pulsating sensations of pleasure raced through her, erasing any lingering doubts about what she was doing. She wanted this, wanted this now.
Troy deepened his kiss, ravishing her lips with a hunger she understood. So good. Cassandra arched against him. She wanted only to taste Troy, to feel him.
This isn’t real. He isn’t real. She ignored the blurt of reality.
She no longer knew the definition of real. Troy’s kisses felt real; he felt real.
The bell on the front door rang. Troy pulled away from her so quickly, she nearly lost her balance. A woman pushing a baby stroller entered the bookstore.
“We both need to get back to work,” Troy said. “I’ll call you.”
Don’t bother, Cassandra wanted to scream, but didn’t. She couldn’t. Not with the liquid heat running through her veins. Not when the desire in Troy’s eyes matched her own. Not when she wanted him, wanted him badly. She touched her fingertip to her tingling lips.
Maybe his trip to Austin was a blessing. A separation would do them good. After the engagement party, the separation would be forever. And it was time for her to start facing the music. She might be able to put off reality for another week, but after the party Cassandra would have to face facts.
A relationship with Troy wasn’t going to work.
Sitting on her futon couch, Cassandra tried reading a bestselling legal thriller, but she couldn’t get past the third page. She glanced at the clock. Eleven o’clock. It was past midnight in Texas. And Troy hadn’t called her yet. Every night for the past week, he had called. Sometimes the calls were short, other times long. It didn’t matter to Cassandra. She liked hearing Troy’s voice and talking to him over the phone was safer than being together. And separated by the miles, they were becoming friends.
Only it was too late.
One more night until the engagement party. Only one more night until it was over.
Cassandra ignored the jagged pain that sliced her heart every time she thought about saying goodbye to Troy. Even though she knew it was for the best, her heart had different ideas.
The buzzer to her apartment rang. Who would be ringing her doorbell at this hour? Maybe her neighbor’s cat, Macy, had run away again.
Carrying her book, she padded her way to the door. “Who is it?”
“Who do you think?”
Troy. Her pulse picked up speed. She unlocked and opened the door. He held a bouquet of roses, lilies, daisies and heather. “Hi.”
“Hi.” She sounded breathless, but Cassandra didn’t care. Staring into Troy’s eyes, which were fringed with thick, lush lashes, made her breathless. She clutched her book so she wouldn’t drop it.
“Sorry to drop by so late, but my flight was delayed. I took a shuttle from the airport.” He handed her the flowers.
The floral scent filled the air. “They’re beautiful.” Just like you. Even though his suit was wrinkled, his tie loosened and his hair a mess, he looked gorgeous.
“Can I come in?”
Cassandra caught her breath. “I’m sorry, come in.”
He carried in his garment bag and briefcase and set them inside the door next to a stack of new hardback books. He also removed his jacket and tie and tossed them onto the patchwork-quilt-covered futon.
“This place is great.” Troy looked around. “It fits you.”
“Thanks.” Her flat was old, but had so much character with its high ceilings, hardwood floors, picture rails and a bay window. Thanks to inexpensive treasures found at garage sales and thrift stores, she’d made herself a comfy home. A bit cluttered and mismatched, but Cassandra loved it. Troy seemed to like it, too. She remembered the flowers in her hand. “I need to put these in water.”
“Where did you find the color for the walls?”
Cassandra grabbed a blue vase from the top of the refrigerator. “I took a mango to the hardware store, cut it open and had them match the color.”
He grinned. “That is so…you. I need you to help me liven up my apartment. Compared to this place, it’s as homey as a morgue.”
“Just tell me when.” She filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers.
“Did you work until closing tonight?” Troy asked from the bar separating the kitchen from the living room.
“No,” she said, not wanting to admit she’d left early in case he called. “Moe closed up.”
Troy drew his brows together. “He doesn’t mind working at night?”
“No, his boyfriend works at a restaurant so he prefers working nights.”
“Moe’s boyfriend?”
“Yes.” She noticed the confused look in Troy’s eyes. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Not at all.”
Cassandra didn’t understand the joke. He couldn’t be jealous, could he? The thought made her pulse race. Moe would get a real kick out of that, too.
“I hope your week went better than mine.” Cassandra carried the vase of flowers into the living room. She’d left her book in the k
itchen. She was done reading for tonight.
“What happened?”
She pushed aside a stack of Publishers Weeklys and set the vase on the coffee table. “You know how I wanted a fiancé so they would leave me alone.”
“Yes.”
“Well, my family is bugging me more than ever. My mother calls daily with wedding suggestions. Emily calls to talk about the engagement party. Even Eric has to give his advice.” Cassandra sighed. “The past few days have been a nightmare.”
Troy squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll get through this.”
The warmth of his touch penetrated the fabric to her skin. She wished he wouldn’t let go of her. Ever. “Only one more night to go.”
“I wanted to talk to you about that,” Troy said.
No wonder he brought flowers. Another bribe? “We aren’t going to keep pretending after tomorrow night.”
“I’m tired of pretending, too. But come Sunday, I still want to be around. For real.”
Her palms felt sweaty; her heart pounded in her throat. “What if I don’t want you around?”
“Try to get rid of me.”
Those were the words she wanted to hear. She didn’t know what to say herself.
“I missed you, Cassie.”
“I missed you, too.” She fought the urge to twirl around the room. “Would you like a drink?”
Flashing her a flirtatious smile, he pulled her close. “The only thing I want to taste is you. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you. But I only want that if you do.”
Too late to turn back. Nothing less than a 7.0 earthquake would stop her now. It made little sense, but she was past the point of caring. She wanted him; she intended to have him.
She kissed him in reply, exploring his mouth, feeling the different textures, tasting his warmth. She ran her fingers through his soft, curly hair.
Greedy for more, Cassandra cupped his bottom. She pushed him closer to her. He wanted her. The evidence pressed against her belly. She wanted him, too. Right here, right now. She smiled.
“Is something funny?” Showering kisses along her neck and behind her ears, he rubbed his hands over her back, kneading and massaging her muscles.
“No.” His kisses turned her legs to mush. She supported herself against him. “I was wondering if my back was up to another night on a hard floor.”
With little effort, Troy picked her up. “Which way to your bedroom?”
She felt so safe, so secure with his strong arms holding her. Pointing to the doorway, she batted her eyelashes. “I love a man who takes control of a situation.”
“Sweetheart.” Troy captured her mouth in another earth-shattering, intoxicating kiss that made her want to give up all control, forever. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
“Is that a promise, my McKnight in shining Armani?”
“It’s a guarantee.”
Cassandra could hardly wait. Whatever happened would be fine by her. Tonight was all that mattered. She nibbled on his ear, inhaling the male scent that was uniquely his.
In the bedroom, he set her on the bed. Staring up at him, she read the desire in his eyes, desire for her. None of their differences would get in the way here.
With skilled hands, Troy unbuttoned the front of her dress. Focusing all his attention on her, he made Cassandra forget everything except here and now. She felt as if they were the only two people on earth, and this moment was their destiny.
Troy peeled the fabric off her shoulders, until the dress pooled around her waist, and kissed her bare skin. His lips blazed a trail of whisper-light kisses down her neck, past her collarbone, leaving her speechless. Cassandra shivered.
As his fingers followed the same path, goose bumps covered her arms. She’d never noticed before, but his fingertips were rough, callused perhaps from working on the farm. And she loved the way they made her feel.
Cassandra never knew gentle kisses and caresses could be so stimulating. Troy was making love to her with his warm, strong hands and his soft, moist lips. She didn’t need champagne, candlelight or music for an evening of romance. She only needed Troy. She leaned her head back.
With a flick of his fingers, her lacy underwire bra sprang open, releasing her swollen breasts. He pushed her straps off her shoulders. “You are so beautiful.”
Troy made her feel beautiful. He cupped one of her breasts in his hand, then lowered his mouth to her nipple. Torturing her with his tongue, he created a longing for fulfillment that couldn’t wait. She shuddered, feeling the heat, the pleasure radiating through her entire body. “Troy.”
She lifted her hips so he could pull her dress over them. He took the liberty of helping her out of her black tights and shoes. She wore only a wisp of lace panties.
The way he stared at her with such desire made her feel sexy, alive.
I love you, Troy McKnight.
The thought was so clear, so loud, she wondered if she’d said the words aloud. He reached for her panties, but she stopped him. He was still fully dressed. She wanted to make him feel the way she did. “Your turn.”
As she kissed him long and hard, Cassandra undid half the buttons on his shirt, pulling the ends out of his pants. No sense wasting time. She yanked the shirt over his head.
Unable to resist the impulse, she sprinkled kisses down his chest to his belly button. She ran her hands along his back, feeling the muscular ridges. It was his turn to experience the torture of those overwhelming sensations. She drew circles with her tongue on his nipples until they hardened in response.
“Cassandra, stop.”
She didn’t stop, but increased her speed until he moved back. “You’re driving me crazy.”
She couldn’t get enough of him. “Now you know how I feel.”
With amazingly steady hands, she unclasped his belt, then unzipped his pants. Troy kicked off his shoes. Cassandra helped him out of his pants and peeled off his socks. He stood in front of her wearing a pair of flannel plaid boxers, his arousal evident.
Slipping her hands under the elastic band, she pushed his boxers off and stared at him. Sheer perfection. She wanted to touch and kiss every inch of his glorious body. So she did, feeling no hesitation or shyness.
Troy moaned. He kissed her, slipping his hand under the lace. Again his fingers worked their magic. Each touch sent electric shock waves through her body. He kissed her again, stroking her until she couldn’t think any longer, until her body ached with a need so great she thought she would cry. “I want you now.”
“Not yet.”
What? She was hot and wet and ready. She didn’t want to wait. “Please.”
“First.” Troy pushed her panties over her hips. He smiled mischievously. “I want to find your tattoo.”
10
The next morning, Troy opened his eyes. Rays of sunlight glinted off Cassie’s golden hair, which covered his chest like a satin sheet. She snuggled closer, her body warm and soft. Beautiful.
Feeling more content than he ever had, he cupped her well-rounded bottom with his hand. Lightly, he stroked the spot where he’d found her delicate rose tattoo last night.
How did he get so lucky?
Cassie was a gorgeous, passionate woman. So what if they were different? The differences in their personalities complemented each other. His stability kept her from floating away like a helium balloon let loose in the sky; her vivacity lifted him enough to keep his feet from being cemented too firmly on the ground. And physically—Troy sighed—she fit him perfectly, as if she’d been made only for him. After last night’s lovemaking marathon, Troy could almost believe she had been.
Stirring, Cassie blinked her eyes open. “Good morning.”
She traced hearts on his chest with her fingertips. Her gentle touch started building a heat in his groin. Troy massaged one of her shoulders. Her moan sounded more like a kitten’s purr. He could get used to this, easily.
“Did you sleep well?” she asked with a satisfied smile.
Considering he’
d hardly slept, he felt unbelievably rested. “Yes, I did.”
“Good.” She crawled on top, straddling him. “Because you’re going to need all your energy.”
The small heat erupted into a fire. His blood surged. She lowered her mouth to his.
The phone rang. Not now.
Cassie stared at the phone.
“Don’t answer it.” Trying to distract her, he kissed her neck.
The phone rang again.
“Troy, please.” She tried to move off him, but he held her so she couldn’t. “It could be an emergency at the bookstore.”
“Let the machine get it.”
The phone rang again.
“I have to answer it.” Cassie reached over to pick up the receiver. “Hello…No, I was awake, Emily. It’s almost nine-thirty.”
More than a little frustrated, Troy looked at the ceiling. Why did Cassie always have to pick times like now to be responsible? She could be so unpredictable, but that’s what he loved about her.
Loved?
Where had that come from? Troy stared at her with new awareness. He was falling in love with her. Hell, tumbling downhill was a more apt description. The thought made him smile. Things just might work out.
“Really.” She moved off him. “I didn’t know they went, too…He did?” She drew her brows together until two small lines formed above her nose. “No.”
The color of her eyes deepened. “You can come over if you want, but I can dress myself. No, Troy won’t be here.”
Where was he going? He touched her arm. Cassie shook his hand off. What the hell?
“Okay, if you insist. I’ll see you then.” She covered herself with the comforter. “Bye.”
Cassie hung up the telephone and took a deep breath. “That was Emily. She told me you were in Austin with Daddy and Eric.”
Nodding, Troy reached over to uncover her breasts.
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, stopping him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to tell you.”
Her nostrils flared. “When? After you went to work for my father?”
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