by Tara Randel
Her mother broke into her rambling thoughts. “Hurry along, then.”
Cassie waggled a finger at her mother. “Get that idea of me with Luke out of your head.”
“A mother can dream,” she declared with a theatric sigh.
So could Cassie, she silently admitted, struggling to imagine life without the hardheaded man in it. Independent woman or not.
CHAPTER TEN
OUT OF BREATH, Cassie raced into Luke’s office. “What’s the emergency?”
Luke looked up from his desk, tossing aside his pen as he advised, “Slow down.”
She gulped in fresh air.
“Your message sounded urgent.” She took a moment to glance around. “The building is still standing. No police cars with their lights flashing outside. So what’s going on?”
Luke’s face took on a sheepish look. “I’m sorry. It seemed like an emergency at the time, but since I called you, I’ve calmed down.”
Cassie jammed her hands on her hips. “Enough suspense. Tell me!”
“The mayor stopped by. She’s lined up a special interest TV news story featuring all the community projects in Cypress Pointe. She wants Kids’ Klub involved.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I rushed over in a panic all because of a TV piece?”
“She wants me to write original songs and have the music students here play for the cameras.”
Now she understood his initial panic. “I see. It’s one thing to help me ease back into writing, but this? Makes it all too real.”
“To me, it qualified as an emergency.”
“I get it.” She placed a palm over her racing heart. “Next time think before you scare the life out of me.”
“Sorry.”
She grinned. “Somehow I doubt you are.”
He returned the grin, which turned her legs to jelly. “Then you won’t be surprised if I ask you to join me in this writing endeavor.”
“You want my help?” Surprise and pleasure flooded her.
“I asked, didn’t I?”
Indeed he had. With that self-satisfied expression, she wondered if he wanted to work or maybe sneak more kisses. She wouldn’t mind the latter, but she’d meant what she’d told him. He had to figure out where his head was concerning his ex-wife.
“Suppose I say no?”
“You’d do that to the kids?”
“No, Mr. Guilt Trip.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll do it because I’m really connecting with them.”
“Any plans later on?”
“I don’t know. Suggestions?”
“How about coming by my place? I’ll cook and we can discuss themes.”
She ran the end of her braid through her fingers. “You just expect me to drop everything?” A lady had to play coy from time to time, didn’t she?
“Oh, you’re busy?” he played along.
“No, but you didn’t know that.”
“So you’ll come over?”
She aimed for nonchalance, even as the prospect of spending time alone with Luke thrilled her. “I suppose I could eat.”
“And share your brainpower. We’ve got three weeks.”
She blinked. “Three weeks? Are you kidding?”
“Nope. You haven’t met Zoe yet. If you had, you’d understand.”
“Sure, I’ll be by. Can I bring anything?”
“Your guitar.”
“Got it.”
“Oh, and one more thing. I invited some of the core group of kids over later on. Getting their input would be a good idea.”
So much for any inkling of romance on the horizon.
“See you at my house in an hour?”
“I’ll be there.”
She turned, her mind already thinking about songs and kids and time alone with Luke, to find Mandy Rose hovering in the doorway. Her trouble radar immediately went off the charts.
“Oh, wow. I came by to talk to Luke but Cassie, you’re here, too.” Mandy’s shark smile never quit. “Now I can interview you both.”
Cassie recognized the urgent ambition in Mandy, the need for a current story, which she expected from the reporter. What she didn’t like was the speculation as Mandy glanced between Cassie and Luke.
“Can I come in?”
Shouts echoed from the gym down the hall.
“I was just leaving,” Cassie said, trying to brush away the guilt from Luke’s imploring expression. If she left now, maybe they wouldn’t end up a rumor in the paper. Dear Readers, make up your own mind about Cassie and Luke. Are they a couple? Decide after I give you my theory on the tidbits they don’t want to share.
“Please, stay. I have questions about the television spot. Input from both of you would be amazing.”
Mandy might be laying it on a bit thick, but she had a point. As much as she wanted to leave, Luke could probably use her assistance.
Without waiting for an answer, Mandy took a seat, settling in comfortably. Luke scowled, a clear sign that Cassie needed to hang out so he didn’t say something he’d regret. He’d been out of the tabloid’s range for a few years now, which made him rusty and apt to say what was on his mind. She still dealt with the paparazzi on a regular basis and could deflect with the best of them.
Mandy pulled up her recorder app and set her phone on Luke’s desk.
“The mayor filled me in on the upcoming special interest story. She mentioned you’d be coming up with new songs, Luke.”
He sent her a bland smile. “The mayor has a way of recruiting the entire town in her special projects.”
“So you’ll be writing for the first time in years?”
“It looks that way.”
“Any trepidations? After all, it’s been a while since you had a hit.”
Ouch. Even Cassie felt the sting of her remark.
“I’m hoping this will be a group project.”
Mandy turned to Cassie. “You two are collaborating?”
“Like Luke said, it’s a group project. Some of the Klub kids will be involved, too.”
“Not really your style, Luke.”
“The mayor wants the Klub represented, so...” He held up his hands as if to say, ask all the questions you want, I’m sticking with minor details. Cassie hid a small smile of respect.
“Do you have any ideas percolating in that musical mind of yours?” Mandy pressed.
He quirked a brow. “I just learned about this an hour ago.”
Mandy cocked her head. “And?”
Cassie took the lead on this question. “Don’t you usually take time to go over your notes and research before you file a story, Mandy? You know, to get your information straight?” She knew she shouldn’t, but she enjoyed the slight frown the reporter couldn’t hide over her question.
“Certainly.”
“Songwriting is the same. We need time.”
“We?”
“We, as in songwriters in general.”
“So the two of you aren’t working together?”
Cassie bit back a frustrated sigh. Did this woman want a story about the Klub or the possibility of her and Luke becoming an item?
A loud crash sounded in the gym, followed by a yell. Cassie scrambled aside when Luke jumped up and sprinted out the door.
“Goodness, what was that?” Mandy said as she stopped the recorder.
Cassie followed Luke and found the gym swarming with chaos. A boy sat on the floor, cradling his arm, with a metal basketball rack upended beside him. Balls bounced unhindered across the vast room. Luke squatted beside the boy, speaking quietly as loud conversation ricocheted around him. After a few moments, he assisted the boy to a door on the far side of the gym.
Mandy joined Cassie. “So much excitement.”
/> “I suppose it’s normal, given kids like to play hard.”
Mandy arched a dark eyebrow. “I’m wondering if the same can be said of you and Luke.”
Her gaze shot to the reporter. “I beg your pardon?”
“I find it hard to believe you’re in Cypress Pointe, supposedly working on material for a new record, and you’re spending time at Kids’ Klub, which happens to be run by Luke. Are you sure there isn’t any...after-hours collaborating going on?”
Her sly tone grated on Cassie’s nerves.
“Mandy, I appreciate your need for a story, but I’m merely volunteering here. I talk to Luke to find out where he wants me plugged in. That’s it. Nothing more.”
“If you insist.” She dropped her cell phone into her oversized tote. “But whether you like it or not, Cassie Branford in our town is a story.”
“And despite your digging, there’s nothing to tell. I’m home, visiting family and helping a worthy cause. End of story.”
“We’ll see.”
At Mandy’s parting words, a shiver of unease slithered down Cassie’s spine.
* * *
AN HOUR LATER, Luke pulled into his driveway. He’d already driven Todd to the emergency room, where he met the boy’s parents. Looked like a broken arm, but X-rays would confirm his suspicion. He’d left before the doctor diagnosed the patient, having discussed the situation with Todd’s parents. Thankfully, the Klub had insurance for incidents just like this. Even so, he hated when any of the kids got hurt, especially since horsing around resulted in an accident or two.
Hadn’t he and his brother spent a few hours in the ER when they were younger? Usually after they were out causing trouble. It seemed like eons ago, attesting to how far apart he and Mark had drifted. Once, they’d stuck together like glue, a dynamic duo joined together when their parents couldn’t be bothered. Now the only time Luke saw his brother was when he paid a visit to the jail, and then the strained relationship left them at odds. At least Todd’s parents were there for him. Luke and Mark could never say the same for their folks in any situation.
He’d just slammed his car door shut when a red convertible pulled into the driveway. Cassie, right on time. As she waved, the stress of the last hours washed away.
“How’s Todd?” she asked as she exited the car, reaching into the backseat to remove her guitar case.
“Probably end up with a cast, but his folks were with him when I left.”
Her sparkly sandals clacked against the brick pavers as she crossed the driveway. “I don’t know how you do it. When I saw his pale face, my stomach turned over.”
“Thankfully most accidents at the Klub aren’t usually that severe. A cut or bruise on a good day.”
“Are you sure you still want to do this? You must be exhausted after everything.”
He’d been bone tired when he’d pulled up, but spending time with Cassie would definitely be the prescription the doctored ordered. He held up a to-go bag. “I’ve got dinner. Stay.”
“I can’t refuse after you went to the trouble to call in an order.”
“This is the best I could pull off today. Hope you don’t mind takeout.”
“Not under the circumstances.”
He nodded toward the house. “Let’s go inside.”
As they approached his custom-made home, he wondered what she thought. Just because he’d stepped away from the music industry didn’t mean he hadn’t been wise with his money. Growing up without much had made him watch every penny he’d ever earned. But did she think him pretentious? Showy? And why did it matter? He’d never considered another’s opinion when he’d purchased the newly constructed house. He’d bought it for the semi-secluded location and proximity to the Gulf, never to impress.
After unlocking the glass-etched front door, they stepped into a sweeping foyer. The chill of the enclosed house greeted them. From here you could see into a great room and through the long bank of sliding doors overlooking the ocean vista.
“Impressive.” Cassie closed the door behind them.
His exact thought the first time he’d walked through the doors. “It’s home.”
“You don’t sound very happy about it.”
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice, but it’s also just a place I rest my head. I’m hardly ever here.”
They crossed the casual great room decorated in warm colors to complement the chocolate brown leather sofa and arm chair. Natural fiber baskets, light woven throw rugs and a sixty-inch television screen along one wall were the only added touches. He suddenly realized the great room could use a female touch.
Cassie beelined straight to the windows. “That’s a shame. With that view, I’d be out on the deck all the time if I lived here.”
Visions of her sunbathing during the day, camping out around the tabletop fire pit in the evening or whipping up a romantic dinner for just the two of them in his kitchen flitted through his mind, like her presence here would be a normal occurrence.
“Wow.” Her voice shook him from his thoughts. “This has got to be the most spectacular view in Cypress Pointe. Beats my one-bedroom condo back in LA.”
As he watched the rapt expression on her face, he silently agreed. When she turned to join him, he led her to the kitchen and set the takeout bag, with the escaping aroma of Italian herbs and spices, on the granite counter.
“Oh. My. Gosh.” Cassie stopped at the entry arch, eyes scrutinizing the room. “This kitchen is amazing.”
When he’d moved in, he hadn’t really considered the perks of a spacious and inviting kitchen. Stainless steel appliances contrasted with the dark wood floors. A roomy eating nook beside the windows complemented the cozy space. When he was home alone, the place only seemed to resonate emptiness. Not tonight.
Satisfaction welled as he watched Cassie carefully set her case on the floor before roaming the large, state-of-the art kitchen. “Please tell me you moonlight as a professional chef.”
“Unfortunately I eat at the Klub more than I do here.”
“Now, that’s a downright shame.”
“You cook?” he asked as he removed two large containers from the bag, still warm after the trip home.
“Occasionally.” She gravitated toward the floor-to-ceiling windows in the eating area. “I’m usually busy, but if I had a place like this, I’d learn real quick.”
He pointed to a drawer at the end of the counter. “Mind getting us some silverware?”
“Sure.”
“The plates are in the cabinet above.”
While she went to work, he backtracked into the great room, unlocked the doors and slid the entire bank to one side, leaving the view unhindered. The early evening air swept through the closed-up house, bringing with it an earthy scent, a testament of life outside the four walls. Two palms flanked the deck, long fronds rustling in the breeze. Tall oat plants hugged the structure, along with a splash of yellow beach buttercups scattered along the crushed shell and pebble path leading to the private beach. The Gulf waves lapped against the sugary-white sand not too far from the expansive wooden deck.
“How about we eat outside?” he suggested.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.”
After filling two goblets with ice and water, Luke carried the containers to a table easily able to seat eight located directly in the center of the deck. Cassie followed and before long they’d dished out a savory dinner of lasagna and chicken parmesan, with a side of crusty bread.
“I hope you like Italian. Fortuna’s has the best in town.”
“Smells awesome.” She took a bite and sighed. “Tastes even better.”
He paused as he lifted his fork, caught by her enamored expression. As he’d come to know her, he realized she lived every experience to the fullest. Unlike the rut he’d dug himself into.
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“You’re not eating,” she observed.
He shook off his thoughts as the zesty pasta and tomato sauce slid over his tongue. He took a moment to enjoy the spicy sensation instead of eating just to get it done, like he normally would. Tonight was about taking things slow and appreciating every second.
“So, how long have you lived here?” Cassie asked between bites.
“A year now. I bought this place from a local builder.”
She glanced around the tropical setting. “Teaching school must pay better than I imagined.”
“No. Smart savings, despite signing over my biggest hit.”
“Still kicking yourself?” she asked with a rueful expression.
“No, actually. I needed a clean break, so in the long run it worked out.”
“I’ve only collaborated a time or two, so thankfully I never found myself needing to cash out of a song.”
“It’s kind of like cutting off your arm and willingly handing it to someone else.”
“An arm? Really?” She chuckled. “It’s crazy how protective we authors can be.”
“Not the best analogy while we’re eating.”
“Not the best analogy anytime, but I get it.”
They resumed their meal in silence. As the sun descended, the blue sky slowly transformed into a deeper purple, with streaks of orange and yellow dancing across the horizon. The muted hues cast a glimmering glow over Cassie as she looked out over the water, the subdued light highlighting her tanned skin, calling attention to the delicate bone structure of her cheeks, reflecting the sheer joy etched on her lovely face. Even the orange streak in her hair stood out. Unique, just like the woman taking his breath away.
A mighty kick of attraction seized him.
A hunger for the kind of life he’d always wished for growing up seemed possible as he stared at her. She had no idea the life she brought to an occasion, the contagious energy radiating from her, whether she commanded a crowd of fans or encouraged a group of teens to find their inner voice. Cassie was the real deal.