Sudden Seduction, A

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  The irony of the accident struck him. If they hadn’t met when he crashed into the tree their first encounter would have taken place when he sought to buy the house. Would the encounter have ended differently? He feared not.

  You’re next. Those words while true held seeds of a problem. He’d fallen in love but Cassie hadn’t. Once again he’d managed to drive her away.

  What now?

  Patience and a plan. Time for her to reconsider.

  * * * *

  Cassie scurried around the apartment removing all traces of Matt’s stay. Sheets and towels went in the washer. New linens were on the beds and hung on the towel racks. Dishes were loaded in the dishwasher. Remnants of breakfast and the past night’s dinner went in the garbage.

  Keeping busy diverted her tears but all too soon everything was in order. She turned on the TV while waiting for her mother and step-father to arrive.

  Stray thoughts of Matt intruded though she tried to reject them. Tears blurred her vision. Her chest tightened. How could she have allowed past fantasies and sexual attraction toward a man to turn her life on end? One day a broken engagement, the next a plunge into hot sex that had turned into love. Now a second betrayal.

  All Matt wanted was the house. She thought of the way his eyes had glowed and the excitement in his voice when he’d spoken of his plans to change the house. Her thoughts had filled with fantasies of living there with him. Then the call and the information her mother had provided had slashed the dreams to tatters.

  The buzzer sounded. Cassie pressed the call button. “Yes.”

  “You have a guest.”

  For a moment she hesitated. She had expected two. Had Matt returned but why? She released her held breath. “Who?”

  “It’s your mother.”

  “Send her up.” Where was Ben? Had something happened?

  The moment her mother stepped inside, Cassie burst into tears. Her emotions tumbled back to the first time her life had tangled with Matt. She pressed her fingers against her tear ducts to stop the flow. “Where’s Ben?”

  “Making dinner reservations and visiting the bookstore. Do you mind having guests until Tuesday morning? We see the lawyer Monday afternoon. You should be there.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Can’t. I’ve patients to see.”

  “We’re meeting at four PM. See if you can rearrange your schedule.”

  “I’ll try.”

  Mrs., Moore sat on the couch. “Let’s talk about Tim first. How could he do such a thing?”

  Cassie sat beside her mother. “I’m glad it happened before the wedding. If he was seeing her often enough for her to become pregnant he wouldn’t have allowed marriage to stop him. I doubt he loves me.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “He talked a good game but he was using me. I did most of his work since we started here.” She drew a deep breath. “I liked Tim but I’ve realized I didn’t love him. I think I liked the idea of being married and was willing to settle for him.”

  “Then why are you crying?” Mrs. Moore clasped Cassie’s hand. “You saw that Blakefield boy. Is this his fault?”

  Cassie stared at the floor. More than saw and Matt was no boy. An image of his muscular body and his erection filled her thoughts. She nodded. “We had several dates.”

  “How could you bear to look at him after what he did? Honey, I remember how ashamed and hurt you were about the things he said years ago.”

  “He explained and I believed him until—“

  “You learned what he really wanted. That blasted house.” Mrs. Moore released a long sigh. “History repeats.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She thought Bradley Smiton was her boyfriend.”

  “Who?”

  “Anne Torrey. He broke off with her. Brad and I fell in love or so we thought. When my pregnancy was discovered his parents sent him off to school in Europe. All because of her. She told lies and even had other boys say we’d had sex. He refused to acknowledge you.”

  Cassie frowned. “I still don’t understand.

  “Anne was Matthew Blakefield’s mother.”

  “He mentioned how much she loved the house. I wonder if he knew about you or me.”

  “Who knows?” Mrs. Moore wiped her eyes. “What are you going to do about the house?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Sell it. Not to him. Then consider coming back to Pittsburgh. Ben’s cardiologist would be delighted to have you join his practice.”

  Cassie bit her lower lip. “Pittsburgh isn’t home. I like my partners. I’m staying.”

  “Will you move into the house?”

  Several tears trickled over Cassie’s cheeks. She wisped her eyes. “I doubt I’ll leave the apartment. If the house is mine why do you have to see the lawyer?”

  “I told you he left me money. Twenty-one years of child support.”

  Cassie choked. “What did Ben say?”

  “We could give the money to you or put it away for grandchildren. Melissa’s expecting.”

  Cassie frowned. Her oldest half-sibling had just turned twenty-two. “Is she happy?”

  “Both she and Joe are excited.” Mrs. Moore looked at the clock. “Go change your clothes and fix your face. Ben will be here soon. We’re going to Five Cuisines. Read about the restaurant in Good Eatin’. Since we’re here we wanted to try the place.”

  Cassie sucked in a breath. Would she run into one of the Blakefields? Surely neither Allie or Megan worked there. Hadn’t Allie said Greg worked mostly during the day changing menus and trying new dishes?

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Not really. It’s just…I’ve met the owner.”

  “Is he handsome?”

  “He is but he’s happily engaged.”

  “Shame.”

  “Mother.” Cassie hurried away. She showered and changed into charcoal wool slacks and an aqua sweater. As she lightly applied make-up to hide the signs she’d been crying she frowned. Her eyes screamed with grief. She drew a shuddering breath and wished for luck.

  When they entered the restaurant Greg stood at the reservation desk. “Cassie, good to see you. Where’s Matt?”

  She shrugged. “On his way to the city I imagine.”

  “What did he do?”

  She would not spread the trouble to anyone. “I had company arrive. This is my mother and step-father.”

  “I see.” He waved to the hostess. “Talk to you another time. Give Allie a call.”

  “I will.”

  After a wonderful meal in the Italian room Cassie walked with her mother and Ben back to the apartment. They passed the Peek-a-boo Boutique. Cassie’s mother paused. “Shame they’re closed.”

  “The assortment is wonderful.”

  Mrs. Moore grinned. “I’ll give you sizes and you can bring them when you come at Thanksgiving.”

  Cassie winked. “She has some interesting men’s briefs.”

  Ben shook his head. “Not for me.”

  The village has changed so much since the last time I was here."

  Cassie grabbed her mother’s hand. “Come and see what I’m giving myself for Christmas.” She led them to the jewelry store. “The owner designs everything.” When she saw the emerald ring was gone, she sighed. “I wonder who bought it.”

  Her mother patted her arm. “Next time you see something you like put down a deposit.”

  “I will.”

  The rest of the weekend was quiet. On Monday Cassie managed to rearrange her schedule. At four she went with her mother to the lawyer’s office and signed papers.

  “If you’re interested in selling we have had an offer,” the attorney said.

  Cassie shook her head. “I need to consider what I should do. I’ll make a decision in several weeks.”

  As they left the office her mother frowned. “Don’t do anything foolish.”

  “I won’t.”

  Chapter Nine

  Matt finished handing the writing assignments for t
he summer issues of Good Livin’. He leaned back and studied the plans for the remaining issues of the year. He might have to scrap his plans for the December issue—the one he’d planned for unveiling the Smiton house’s energy- efficiency make-over.

  The door of his office banged against the wall. Allie burst into the room. “What have you done? Greg saw Cassie Saturday evening at the restaurant with her parents. She’d been crying. Did you hurt her again?”

  ”Afraid so."

  Her eyes narrowed. Her mouth formed a thin line. Matt nearly laughed at the ferocity of her expression.

  “What are you going to do?”

  He shrugged. “Nothing for a bit but I do have a plan.”

  "You should go after her instead of sitting here.”

  “She needs time and space.”

  “That’s not the way the curse works.” Her hands fisted on her hips. “Were you afraid to face her parents?”

  “Why would I be?”

  “Because of what you did years ago.” Allie stalked toward him.

  Matt held up a hand. “Not the problem. Cassie learned something that rattled her.”

  “What?”

  “That she owns the Smiton house and I knew but didn’t tell her.”

  Allie’s brow wrinkled. “Why is she angry about that?”

  “She thinks the house is the only reason I wanted to see her.”

  “Is it?”

  He glared. “Not your business.”

  “She’s a friend. Are you sure avoiding her is the right thing to do?”

  Matt leaned his elbows on the desk. “She said for me to leave and I did.”

  “I’ll talk to her.”

  “Butt out.”

  “Your loss. Just what happens when you’re waiting game ends?”

  He felt anger rising. “Let me handle this.” He had no need of interfering relatives. Until he asked Cassie to marry him he had to play this close. Her answer would solve his question. Did she love him?

  Allie laughed. “You’ve been caught. No more love ‘em and leave ‘em. Wait until I spread the news.”

  Mat pushed his chair back. “Be warned. Do not meddle and don’t go spreading what you think you know.”

  She reached for the door. “You don’t scare me.”

  “This time I mean what I said. Butt out. Jumping in with one of your match-making schemes will make Cassie run. She might decide to move.”

  “Can I tell Greg?”

  “No.”

  “Go after her soon. I’m not sure how long I can keep quiet.”

  He captured her gaze. “I’ll go when the time is right.”

  After Allie left Matt returned to his desk. He picked up the phone. The talk with his sister had made him decide to take the big plunge. He would ask Cassie to marry him. If she refused his life would continue the way it had before their second meeting.

  The jeweler answered. “Antoine’s.”

  “Matt Blakefield here. About the emerald ring.”

  “Hope you haven’t changed your mind. I’ve located four perfect sapphires.”

  “I want to add to the order. This time a pair of wedding bands. Your design but for hers an emerald and two sapphires and for mine the reverse.”

  “Congratulations.”

  Matt swallowed. Not yet, he thought. “Here’s my ring size. Call me when the three are done.”

  “Will be several weeks.”

  “I can wait.”

  And he did. The time dragged and tested his patience. Both Allie and Megan reported on Cassie. From all they said she seemed busy and content. They had dinner with her several times and she had refused to talk about Matt.

  He scowled, then laughed at himself. Had he expected her to go into a decline like a heroine in some old book?

  Two weeks and two days passed before Antoine called to report the rings were ready. So was Matt. His plans called for meeting her on Thursday. He hoped Fridays were still her day off. He called her office and made an appointment for Thursday afternoon.

  What if she said no? He pushed that thought away. He could persuade her.

  On Wednesday evening he packed his saddlebag. He put the red bikini set in a gold gift bag and added it to his things.

  In the morning he rode the bike to the office, cleared his desk and left instructions with his assistant about expected articles. At noon he left and rode across the bridge. Upon reaching the jewelers he paid and picked up the rings. From there he went to the Peek-a-boo Boutique and bought silk ropes. This done he rode to Cassie’s office.

  The receptionist handed him a stack of papers to fill out. Matt leaned on the counter. “I’m not here because I’m ill though you might say I have a heartache. I’m here to surprise Dr. Moore.”

  She looked at the gold bag in his hand and smiled. “Wonderful. She’s been down ever since the—incident. I’ll have the nurse take you to her office.” She scurried away.

  Moments later a middle-aged woman in a white uniform beckoned. “Come with me.” She led him to an office with Cassie’s nameplate on the door. “Wait here. I’ll send her in.” She eyed him. “Have you known her for long?”

  “Since high school.” Matt leaned against the wall.

  “Are you playing some kind of game?”

  Matt shook his head. “We had a misunderstanding. There’s something I need to tell her.” He placed the ring boxes on the desk.

  Her eyes lit with laughter. “I see. Can’t wait to see Dr. Greece’s reaction.”

  “Who?”

  “The man who broke their engagement to marry another woman.”

  “You mean the fool,” Matt said.

  Her laughter filled the room. “An apt description. Dr. Moore is an excellent doctor and a wonderful woman.”

  “I agree.”

  She opened the door. “I’ll send her in.”

  Matt felt the need to pace but there was no room. He read the diplomas on the wall and looked out the window into the parking lot. He returned to the door and fought the temptation to bolt into the hall and search for Cassie.

  Finally the door opened. Cassie stepped inside. Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”

  For a moment all he could do was stare. His cock stirred. He lifted the gold bag. “I had to return these. You must have packed them by mistake. They don’t fit me.”

  She covered her mouth with a hand. “You didn’t have to.”

  He reached for the first of the ring boxes. “I wanted to see you again. I love you.”

  Her mouth gaped. “But I thought—“

  “Let me finish. I’ve used these weeks to think about what I need in my life. That’s you.”

  Cassie sucked in a breath. “How can I believe you?”

  He opened the ring box. “You blindsided me again the way you did years ago.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “All these years I’ve been looking for you. Just like Mark looked for Christa and couldn’t settle. It’s the Blakefield curse. Remember the ring you loved. I bought it. Made a small change. The emerald is for you and the sapphires for me. Will you wear it?”

  Tears glistened in her eyes. “Matt.”

  “Don’t cry. Will you have me?”

  “Yes, oh, yes.”

  He slid the ring on her finger and opened the second one. “Hope you don’t mind I ordered the wedding bands.”

  “You’re going to wear one?”

  “Yes.”

  She stepped into his arms. Their mouths met in a kiss that felt like a homecoming. He pressed her against his throbbing sex. “How soon can we take care of this?”

  The office door opened and crashed against the wall.

  * * * *

  “Cassie, we need to talk. Rhonda lied to me. There is no pregnancy. I’m filing for a divorce and we can be together.”

  Tim’s loud voice startled her more than his words. “You have a nerve bursting into my office.”

  Tim arched an eyebrow. “Are you with a patient? Interesting way to conduct
an exam.”

  Matt’s hand tightened on her shoulder. “Not a patient,” she said. “An old friend.”

  “And her fiancé,” Matt said.

  “That was quick work.” Tim’s lip curled into a sneer.

  “Get out,” Cassie said.

  Matt stepped toward Tim. “For your information I’ve loved Cassie since high school but she moved and we lost touch.”

  Tim stepped back. “So what you felt for me was a lie?”

  Cassie sucked in a breath. “I agreed to marry you. I said I cared for you but I never spoke of love.”

  “Neither did I.” Tim glared. “You’re welcome to her. She’s bossy and frigid.” He turned away. “Have fun with your biker boy.”

  Cassie caught Matt’s clenched fist. “Don’t,” she whispered/

  Matt nodded. “The name is Matt Blakefield. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Good Magazine Group. I edit Good Livin’.”

  “Great story.” Tim left and slammed the door.

  Cassie turned to Matt. “Where were we?”

  He stepped behind her. She felt his erection against her rear. “Talking about how soon we can take care of my urgent need.”

  “I have several patients to see. Will take about an hour.” She unlocked a drawer and removed a key. “I’ll call the doorman to let you in.”

  “I’ll be ready and waiting.” He kissed her lightly.

  As he walked away Cassie made the call. She forced herself to focus on the patients. After completing her notes she grabbed her bag. As she scooted down the hall Tim grabbed her arm.

  “How much did he charge for playing your lover?” His usual smile changed into a sneer. “No way any rich man would pose as a biker.”

  “Believe what you want.” She jerked free. “I accepted his ring today. You made your choice. The broken engagement hurt less than your lies.”

  She strode away. Behind her she heard his sputtered comments and ignored them. She drove home and with a great deal of restraint only went a few miles over the speed limit.

  As she entered the building the guard grinned. “Your guest has arrived.”

  “Good. You’ll be seeing him frequently.”