Casey's Gamble

by Eve Gaddy

  Casey frowned and pulled back to look at him. “Be careful? About what?”

  “Casey, hasn’t it occurred to you that someone might have it in for you? Or your family, anyway.”

  “Have it in for us?” She looked at him blankly. “You mean, because of the fire?”

  He nodded. “They think that fire was arson, remember? It was only luck that you got in the kitchen in time to drag your aunt out. Then, a couple of weeks later, your harvester disappears. Sounds too convenient to be coincidence.”

  She rubbed her temples. “I’ve been so focused on getting a new harvester, I haven’t had time to think about it. But it does seem odd, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, it does. Your father’s a powerful man, from what I hear. Powerful men tend to make powerful enemies.” He waited for her to answer, and when she only frowned, he continued. “Or it could be an enemy of yours.”

  She laughed. “I don’t have any enemies. At least, not that I know of.”

  “Everyone has enemies,” he said. “What about that man we saw the other day?”

  “What man?”

  “The employee you fired. He was anything but friendly.”

  She looked confused, then her brow cleared. “Harold Broderick, you mean? The one I let go for drinking on the job?” She shook her head. “He’s harmless. Most of the time he’s too drunk to do anything useful.”

  He hadn’t seemed harmless to Nick. He’d seemed like just the type of man to take his anger out on a woman. “Still, it’s something to think about. And you should tell the police about him. If only to be safe.”

  Casey continued to look skeptical. “You’re really reaching. I can see Duke as a possible target. He’s not the easiest person in the world to get along with. And I’m sure he’s made enemies in the business. But me?” She shook her head, still smiling. “That’s pretty far-fetched.”

  “Is it?” He waited a moment, until her eyes met his, and asked, “What about Murray?”

  Her mouth tightened as she looked at him. “Murray’s a friend of mine.”

  “A friend who wants to be more,” he reminded her. “From what you said, he wasn’t happy when you turned him down.”

  She got up and paced away a few steps, then turned to face him. “I can’t believe Murray would stoop so low. Besides, this all began with the fire, and Murray hadn’t told me about his feelings then. If you’re determined to give him jealousy as a motive, that doesn’t work.”

  Nick shrugged. “I’m not determined to give him anything. I’m simply saying you should consider it. Murray got to Bellefontaine pretty quickly after the fire started. Did you call him?”

  “No. Tanya was supposed to but she didn’t. He said…” She hesitated, then finished, “He said he and his father had seen the smoke, or the flames or something.”

  “Maybe they saw them because they were watching for them. Roland Dewalt made his feelings about you clear last night.”

  “Oh, come on, Nick. Because two men have said ugly things to me, you figure they’re out to get me?” Casey scrubbed her hands over her face. “I think you’re off-base. Granted, Roland is a jerk, but I don’t see him as the mastermind behind all this. And I sure can’t believe it of Murray. Whatever else, he’s always been a good friend to me.”

  “He doesn’t want to be your friend, remember? He wants to be your lover. Hell, he wants to marry you, doesn’t he?”

  She gave a jerky nod.

  “So he wants to marry you, and not only did you shoot him down, you took up with another man.”

  She frowned at him again. “That doesn’t mean he’s been sneaking around starting fires and stealing farm machinery.” She shook her head. “Sorry, I just don’t believe it.”

  Nick didn’t care for the pull of jealousy her defense of Murray caused him. He hadn’t forgotten that Murray would be around, waiting to try his luck with Casey the minute Nick left town. Unless he didn’t leave town.

  But what would he do in Baton Rouge? With the exception of his college years, he’d never stayed in one place longer than a few months. He didn’t think he was capable of sticking around. Even if Casey did make the idea very tempting.

  “Nick, is something wrong? Why are you looking at me so strangely?”

  Possibly because he’d just figured out he was falling in love with her. But it was such an alien concept to him that he wasn’t about to tell her. “I was wondering why we were talking about Murray when I can think of much more pleasant things to do.”

  She gave him a slow smile, walked over and held out a hand. “I didn’t mean to bore you with all my problems.”

  “You didn’t bore me.” He took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. “You could never bore me.”

  She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Of course I could. Let me start talking about sugarcane hybrids, and I guarantee your eyes will glaze over.”

  “I’m not worried.” He kissed her forehead. “But you are.” And it surprised him how badly he wanted to take that worry away for her.

  She smiled, a little ruefully. “The problem is the timing. Harvesters don’t simply appear by magic. They’re hard to come by. Even if everything goes well, we probably won’t have the machine for a week. That’s a lot of time to miss.”

  “Is there no other way to harvest? Didn’t they use to harvest by hand?”

  “Yes, with machetes. But we went mechanical years ago. All our laborers have gone to other jobs. Besides, it’s brutal. I’m not sure we’d find anyone willing, at least no one who’s not an illegal alien. None of the migrant workers would touch it.” She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Thanks.”

  “For what? I haven’t done anything.”

  “Yes, you did. You listened to me. And gave me a shoulder to lean on.”

  “Anytime.” He took her face in his hands and kissed her, felt her mouth soften, give in to his.

  She drew back and looked at him, her eyes big, green, luminous. And questioning.

  “Casey? What is it?”

  “Nothing. Make love to me, Nick.”

  BY THE TIME Jackson came home Thursday evening, things weren’t much better at Bellefontaine. Casey had gone to Duke’s office to wait for her brother for a number of reasons, the main one being to get away from Esme. Jackson had gone up to tuck Megan in, promising to join Casey after he read his daughter a story.

  Bill Harmon had agreed to give them the interim loan, though he wouldn’t tell her why he’d been skittish in the first place. Casey had thought about pressing him on it, but decided she’d leave that up to Jackson. She had more urgent concerns, such as wondering when the replacement harvester would come in.

  And worrying that she’d fallen head-over-heels in love with Nick Devlin. She’d lectured herself a dozen times, but it didn’t matter. She’d fallen in love and there was nothing she could do to change that fact.

  As for Nick, she couldn’t be sure what he thought. She knew he cared about her, but he’d said nothing about remaining in Baton Rouge once his commitment to the White Gold ended. She hadn’t asked him, either. Maybe she didn’t want to know his answer.

  Jackson came in, interrupting her thoughts. Her heart sank as she saw her aunt hard on his heels with Toodles bringing up the rear. Just what she didn’t need—another confrontation with Esme.

  Esme was in full swing, too, railing at Jackson. “If you don’t care that your sister is making a spectacle of herself, I do. I have more respect for the family name—”

  Jackson held up a hand. “Aunt Esme, I’m sorry, but I can’t see Casey doing anything to disgrace the family name. What’s she done that’s so terrible?”

  “Done?” Esme stared at him, her body quivering with outrage. “Mon Dieu, she’s been practically living in sin with that gambler. I’m sure tongues are wagging all over Baton Rouge. When I think of what your parents will say, I positively shudder.”

  Jackson looked at his sister, a frown gathering. “I didn’t realize you and Nick had—” he
glanced at Esme and continued “—grown that close.”

  Casey rose, holding onto her temper. She was used to her family butting in, and generally tolerated it. But today they were getting on her last nerve. “Well, we have. Not that it’s your, or Aunt Esme’s, or anybody else’s damn business. I’m a grown woman, for heaven’s sake. This is ridiculous.” She put a hand on Jackson’s arm. “Talk to her, Jackson. Aunt Esme has taken a totally unreasonable dislike to Nick, and I’m sick and tired of it.”

  He looked at her for a moment as if unsure what to say, then he smiled. He took Aunt Esme by the arm and began walking to the door with her. “Aunt Esme, Casey and I need to discuss business now. I’ll talk with you tomorrow, all right?”

  Esme jerked her arm away and marched out the office door, not quite slamming it behind her.

  Casey rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Jackson. I don’t think I could have stood another minute of Aunt Esme’s histrionics.”

  “She loves you. She’s worried about you.” He paused, then added, “So am I.”

  “Thanks, but you don’t need to be. I’m perfectly capable of running my own affairs.”

  “Agreed. But you can’t expect me not to worry.”

  “You’re not going to start saying ugly things about Nick, are you? Because I’ll warn you right now—”

  “How serious are you about this relationship?”

  Casey moved away to stare out the window at one of the lighted fountains. Maybe she should talk to her brother. She needed someone to talk to, and Viv had been scarce lately—not that Casey blamed her. Viv hadn’t been married long, so it was only natural she’d be caught up in her new husband and life. But Casey still missed her.

  “I don’t know. If you’re asking if I’m in love with him…”

  “Are you?”

  Casey turned to look at him. “Yes. And no, he doesn’t know. So I’d prefer that little fact stayed between us.”

  Jackson sighed and tugged on his hair. “You never do anything the easy way, do you? Nick’s not…he’s not an easy man to know. We met several years ago, but he’s never been very talkative about his past. And he’s never stayed in one place for long.”

  “He’s an orphan,” Casey said. “I get the feeling that has something to do with him not putting down roots.”

  “Interesting,” Jackson said. “You already know more about him than I did. Maybe there is hope for you two.”

  “I guess we’ll find out, won’t we? In the meantime,” she said, walking over to one of the chairs and sitting, “we need to talk business. How much do you know about our family’s financial situation?”

  Jackson sat in one of the other chairs. “Less than I’d like to. Prying information out of Duke is always a challenge.”

  Casey frowned and linked her hands around her knee. “I think you should talk to Bill Harmon. He won’t discuss anything with me. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”

  “I can try. When do you expect the new harvester to come in?”

  “I’m praying it’s in by early next week. If we have to go on much longer without one, our losses are going to be heavy.” In terms of both the harvest and their relationship with LSU. But she didn’t need to elaborate on that with her brother. He understood the sugar business.

  Jackson sighed and squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Guess there’s nothing to do other than hope we get lucky for a change. Do you want me to call the insurance company again? See if I can get them to move more quickly?”

  “Sure. Remy doesn’t have any leads. At least, he didn’t last time I talked to him, which was this afternoon.”

  “I’ll call him and the insurance company tomorrow, and then drop by the bank.” He gave Casey a searching look. “You’ve got enough on your plate,” he said, and went out.

  Casey wished she could believe he’d been referring to the harvest, but she had a sinking feeling he was talking about Nick. It had been a long time since she’d trusted a man with her heart—and look what had happened then. Could she be making just as big a mistake this time?

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  NICK KNEW JACKSON had been out of town for a few weeks, so when he answered a page to come to the main level entrance, his old friend was the last person he’d expected to see.

  “When did you get back?” Nick asked him, shaking hands and wondering what the other man wanted. He couldn’t tell much from Jackson’s expression, but then, Jackson Fontaine had always had an exceptional poker face. Nick had discovered that early on, when Jackson had sat in on a card game with him and cleaned everyone out, including Nick.

  Jackson looked around at the game room. “A few hours ago. Looks good, Nick. Heard the opening was a success. Sorry I missed it.”

  “It went well, but I’m sure you didn’t come down here your first night home just to shoot the breeze.”

  Jackson dragged his attention away from a very pretty brunette who had waved at him, and smiled at Nick. “No, you’re right about that. Can we go someplace and talk?”

  “Sure.” Nick led the way to his office, then closed the door behind them. “You’ve talked to Casey, haven’t you?”

  “I’ve talked to Casey daily since the harvester was stolen. But, yes, I’ve seen her tonight.” He paused, stroked a hand over his jaw. “I talked to Aunt Esme, too. Tell me, Nick, how did you manage to get so high on Esme’s shit list so quickly?”

  So, Jackson didn’t intend to circle around any issues. Good. “Could be the fact that I’m dating your sister. Your aunt has a major problem with that. Are you here to tell me you do, too?”

  “From what I hear it’s a little more than dating.” He held up a hand before Nick could speak. “But that’s not my business, or Esme’s.” He paused before saying, “Casey’s a grown woman and she’s certainly capable of picking her…friends without my interference. I have to tell you, though—” he leaned forward and caught Nick’s gaze “—if you hurt her, you’re toast. Comprends?”

  “I understand, don’t worry. I don’t have any plans to hurt Casey.”

  Jackson sat back in his chair, making himself comfortable. “Sometimes things happen that we don’t plan.”

  They sure as hell did. Like falling in love for the first time. And knowing it was futile. “What do you want me to say? I care about Casey. She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met.” Not like anyone he ever would meet, he suspected. “If you’re asking my intentions, I can tell you right now, they don’t include marriage.”

  Jackson frowned. “I had a feeling that’s where you stood. Does Casey know this?”

  He shrugged. “She knows.” They’d never planned on anything more than a short-term romance. But he knew it had become more than that. For both of them.

  “Are you sure about that?” Jackson’s gaze met Nick’s, his eyes dark blue and eminently readable. If Nick didn’t do the right thing, Jackson was ready to take him apart.

  “I’m sure. Why, did she say something to you?”

  Jackson hesitated, then shook his head.

  “Then, why are you so sure that Casey wants something serious?”

  He looked troubled. “Because I know her. She might not say anything to you, but she damn sure feels it.”

  Nick got up and paced the room, wishing he knew how to explain his feelings. Wishing he even understood his feelings. But why would he? Until he’d met Casey, he’d never had these feelings for a woman.

  He stopped at the window, looked out at the lights playing over the water. “Damn it, Jackson, this isn’t just some casual fling to me. I care about Casey.” He loved her, not that it mattered. Loving Casey didn’t mean the past thirty-six years of his life would disappear and not leave their mark on him.

  “You care about her, but not enough to marry her.”

  “No.” He turned to face Jackson. “I care about her too much to marry her. It wouldn’t work. Better she find that out now than later.”

  Unsmiling, Jackson got up. “I can almost believe you mean that. Almost,” he added, and walke
d out the door.

  Nick cursed softly as the door closed behind his friend. He didn’t blame Jackson for being angry at him. Or for wanting to protect his sister. Hell, that’s what families were supposed to do, wasn’t it? Just because Nick had never had a family didn’t mean he didn’t know that.

  He knew he should talk to Casey. Knew he needed to make sure she understood that even though their feelings had changed, nothing else had. He still couldn’t stay with her, no matter how much he might want to. Because in the end, he would only hurt her.

  But once he talked to her, once they brought everything into the open, he would lose her. And he couldn’t face that. Not yet.

  IT WAS LATE, but Casey couldn’t think about sleep, or relaxing, either. Her life was spiraling out of control. The cane was in jeopardy because someone had stolen their harvester. Someone who might or might not be their enemy. Her love life, which up until recently had been nonexistent, was now a hotbed of activity. That was unsettling in itself, but the situation was made worse by the fact that she’d fallen for a man who’d said from the first that he’d be leaving.

  She was at odds with her family, too. Or at least with Esme. In the week since Jackson had come back, Esme still hadn’t forgiven Casey. And though she and Esme had always had their differences, Casey had never doubted her aunt’s love. Until recently.

  Earlier, Casey had been in her office, trying to catch up with paperwork, until she’d finally gotten so sick of it she’d come home. But every time she closed her eyes she worried again. Thanks to Jackson sweet-talking Harmon, they got the loan. The replacement harvester had finally arrived; but had it come in time to save them from disaster? She couldn’t say, and neither could Len. They wouldn’t have to write off the entire harvest, but they’d lost a good portion of the crop.

  She’d even begun composing a letter to the LSU agricultural department in case the hybrid crop didn’t produce as expected.