Pretend You Love Me

by Stacia Wolf

  Leaping up with more energy than the situation really merited, he said, “They need my help at the bar, Cass. Next dance maybe, okay?"

  Then he did what no grown man with a lick of pride would ever admit to doing when confronted with a beautiful, sexy woman.

  He fled.

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  Chapter Four

  "Mike!"

  The pounding music swallowed Cassie's shout, or maybe he'd heard her but decided not to react. Either way, he made it all the way to the safety of the bar. Darn him!

  She plopped down in her chair, a string of wild thoughts assaulting her. Did he find her so repulsive that he couldn't dance with her? Was he perhaps embarrassed at being seen with her? Did she have something hanging off her nose?

  Or maybe he ran away because he found her too irresistible.

  Naw. No real man would retreat from a woman he found attractive, especially one who obviously found him exciting, sexy and sizzling hot.

  Maybe he had performance issues?

  Mike? She snorted. The man oozed testosterone. No way could he have a problem like that.

  Either way, she wouldn't hunt him down. Not yet. Not when she felt Kendra's eyes on her, speculating. No, she'd paste on a happy smile, as if Mike's desertion had been agreed upon.

  Sipping her drink, her gaze skimmed over her mother and Kyle on the dance floor. Great, her mom could get someone to boogie with, but Cassie got to watch life passing her by.

  The song changed to a bouncing rock beat that had Cassie moving in her seat. If only Mike hadn't run away...

  Someone touched her shoulder. “Care to dance?” Glancing up, she found herself gazing at a tall, handsome man the color of dark coffee. His smile flashed as he held out a hand.

  Why not? Placing her hand in his, Cassie was whirled onto the dance floor with a guy who could definitely move. She caught envious looks from women around her, but it took all her willpower not to stare after Mike, who never looked her way even once that she was aware of.

  Fine. She got the message. She'd enjoy her stint out here until Mike got up the nerve to wander back her way. After all, this bizarre scheme had been his idea. He wouldn't abandon it so easily, would he?

  Although she'd initially been against the plan, she found the idea of no longer being Mike's ‘girl’ a bit depressing.

  As her partner twirled her, she sent Mike a withering glance.

  Don't you bail on me, pal!

  * * * *

  "That's a pretty hot guy your girlfriend's dancing with,” Kendra said, her smug smile grating on Mike's last nerve.

  He didn't look Cassie's way. He didn't need to; all his senses were attuned to her. He could feel her now, swaying to the music, her hips sashaying in that sexy manner of hers. He sensed rather than heard her laughter. His jaw twitched in response. Didn't take long for her to replace him.

  Just like Sharon. He'd lost count of the many times she'd gone out ‘dancing’ while he'd pulled extra shifts to cover all the bills. And one day, she'd decided dancing wasn't enough.

  Stop it! Cassie's not Sharon. He needed to remember that.

  In all fairness, he'd abandoned Cassie. And that guy had asked her to dance, not the other way around. But that didn't mean she'd had to accept.

  So she should just sit there and wait for you? Mike sneered at the annoying inner voice that sounded just like his sister.

  Yes, damn it, she should. Any good girlfriend would. Apparently loyalty didn't rate high with Cassie. She'd dated constantly in high school and college until she'd met Ken. She'd run through men like most people ran through toilet paper. Why should he expect her to be any different now?

  Not fair, that rotten little voice said. She's only your pretend girlfriend, and she has the right to go dancing, since you refused.

  Self-preservation! he shot back. He didn't like Kendra's mocking little grin as he set drinks on her tray. Her self-satisfied attitude irked him.

  Okay, right now everything irked him, including the full garbage can that threatened to spill out onto the floor.

  The man whirled Cassie about him in a blatantly sensual move that jarred Mike to the core. He couldn't take it any more. Grabbing the garbage sack out of the can, Mike stalked toward the back door. Maybe the night air would chill him out.

  * * * *

  The last strains of the song faded away as Cassie watched Mike skulk away, carrying a load of garbage.

  Fitting. Considering this date had gone from bad to ridiculous, garbage described it well. Here she'd been thinking seduction, and Mike would rather spend time emptying the trash.

  Thanking her dance partner, Cassie retrieved her purse, then went in search of Mike. A helpful waitress pointed her toward the back door. Reaching it, she shoved it open, ready to lash out at his thoughtless, bordering-on-rude behavior.

  She found him easily, picking up some loose napkins from the ground. He didn't turn toward her, and she decided she'd take advantage of that and get in closer before attacking.

  She walked as silently as her heels would let her. Not that quiet, but he didn't react. Apparently his hearing suffered the same problem his brain did: it wasn't functioning properly.

  When she stood directly behind him, she planted her fists on her hips and started with the big guns. “You do remember that this farce was your idea. How is your spending time emptying the trash going to convince anyone?"

  Mike jumped and whirled toward her. “Damn it, Cass, do you have a clue what you're doing to me?"

  "I'd hoped that I was enticing you onto the dance floor, not for you to go dumpster diving."

  Mike snorted. “You can drive a man to many things, Cass, but I doubt dumpster diving is one of them.” His eyes raked her up and down. “And that's the problem. You're driving me to—"

  "Michael James Ashford, what do you think you're doing?” A tiny, silver-haired sprite burst out of the club, followed by a tall, elegant blond. Cassie easily recognized them: Mike's mom, Jessie, and his sister, Julia. Jessie didn't give her a glance as she rushed past her to Mike.

  With a screech, Cassie hugged Julia tightly. “You're finally home! I haven't seen you forever!” A slight exaggeration. She'd seen her two months ago, and they talked on the phone frequently. She looked Julia over. “You look wonderful. Are you in town for a while?"

  A couple of years older than Mike, Julia worked hard at her career as a reporter. She'd done well, going to work for a television magazine called Crimes, which reported on and investigated crimes of all sort, from terrorism and sins of passion to welfare fraud. The reporters weren't simply fluff in front of the camera. They researched and developed their own stories, sometimes putting themselves in danger. As a result the show had a huge fan base. Crimes hired only the very best.

  "Thanks,” Julia said. “But I want to hear about you. I called your mom's cell since yours seems to be off and she said that you're here on a date with my brother. Unfortunately Mom overheard, and despite Dad trying to sit on her, she insisted we come. So what gives?"

  Cassie'd turned her phone off to avoid any interruptions on her date with Mike. She glanced over at him as he fended off his mother like she was a terrier intent on attacking. Actually, she kind of resembled that as her sharp voice rang out.

  "Michael James, how do you think I feel, hearing that you're dating Cassie from her mother, and not from you? Were you going to wait until you'd moved in together to tell me?"

  He rolled his eyes. “That would've been preferable."

  "Michael!” Jessie's glare could melt most mortals, and Cass could see Mike wilting, but not giving up. Yet. Mike's mother could be very sweet; Cassie still remembered her tears and kind words when their great-grandmother, who'd lived next to the Ashfords, had passed away. But once riled, she could dive for the jugular.

  Mike gave his mom a quick hug. “Hi, Mom. How are you?"

  Her mouth tightened. “Don't be funny.” She glanced over at Cassie, and her lips thinned even more. “Cassandra, yo
u're dressed almost normally. Must be my son's influence."

  Cassie smiled, used to Jessie's little barbs. They'd been rare when she'd been growing up, but as an adult, Jessie didn't tolerate her well. “Hi, Mrs. Ashford, how are you?"

  Jessie didn't return Cassie's smile. “Fine.” She glared at her son, nodding her head down the alley. “You and I need to talk alone.” With a sigh, Mike followed her.

  Julia watched her mother with amusement. “That's why I'm never home.” Both women laughed, and Julia tossed a friendly arm around Cassie's shoulders. “Mom's right, though. Last time I saw you, you were dressed a lot differently. Is this Mike's influence?"

  Cassie glanced down at her ruby red tank top and Capri jeans. “A little bit of Mike. But it's still me."

  Julia shook her head, her long blond locks blowing gently about her face. “How a redhead can pull off wearing red, I don't know. But you do it so well."

  Cassie laughed. “It's all attitude."

  "So tell me about you and Mike. When did this happen?"

  Cassie hated lying to Julia. They'd been best friends growing up, despite the three year age difference. So she tried a bit of subterfuge. “A while ago. But you know I've always liked him."

  "I knew you had a crush on him in high school.” Rocking back on her heels, Julia studied Cassie. “I didn't know you were still interested. Every time I mentioned him in the last few years, especially this last year, you'd change the subject."

  Because I thought that out-of-mind would equate to out of my system. But it hadn't worked. “Well, I guess I still nursed a bit of a crush.” Nursed, heck! She'd tried to kill it, but it wouldn't die. And this last-ditch attempt didn't seem to be working, either. But she didn't want to dwell on that.

  "Does our dating bother you?” She clearly recalled the look on her brother's face last night, one of disapproval.

  Julia shook her head. “Of course not. Mom, of course, is apoplectic, but you had to expect that. My only concern is...” Julia's brow puckered. “Well, you only met Sharon, Mike's ex, at your wedding, but she treated him badly. He now has a tendency to see all women through Sharon-tinted glasses. You're the first woman he's dated since the break up, and that's been two years."

  Stunned, Cassie stared at her friend. “I didn't know that. And here I thought...” Her thoughts weren't too flattering, being along the lines of Mike sleeping regularly with someone. She couldn't see any guy, let alone one as sexy as Mike, going two years alone. But that did explain why he hadn't asked some other woman to cool Kendra's jets.

  "Well, never mind what I thought,” Cassie said. “But I'm glad you told me. I feel flattered that he chose me to break his dating dry spell.” Not quite true, since they weren't really dating, but Julia didn't know that.

  Julia nodded. “I hope it works out. Mike might act hard-as-nails, but he's a real softie inside.” She eyed Cassie knowingly. “So are you, despite your tough-girl act after your break-up. Although I never felt like you and Ken connected. The few times I saw you two together, well... You two just didn't fit. You and Mike, though. Looks like we walked into a lovers’ quarrel, and the way he was eating you up with his eyes, that can't be faked. There's always been a spark between you two.” Julia laughed. “Of course, I've never seen a guy around you that didn't burst into flames."

  With a smile, Cassie shook her head. “When you're in the room, nobody looks at me.” Julia looked so elegant and beautiful, what with her loose blonde curls, the pale blue sundress hugging every curve and her long, slender legs sporting a golden glow. “I look like a frump next to you."

  Julia curled her lip, shaking her head. “Honey, men don't even notice I'm—” Her words stuttered to a halt as she looked over Cassie's shoulder. Turning around, Cassie saw Cal standing in the open doorway.

  The look her brother and friend exchanged was full of meaning that Cassie couldn't begin to comprehend. But she could read enough to understand she should make herself scarce.

  She glanced over at Mike and realized that he wore the same look Cassie'd probably had on her face when she'd been under attack from her own mother. Then his face turned dark. Uh oh.

  "Time for a rescue,” she said, and left Julia to face Cal alone. She forced herself not to look back. None of her business. The curiosity bubbling up inside her needed to stay contained. At least until she could get her brother alone.

  * * * *

  "How can you date her?” Jessie demanded of Mike. “She's just like Sharon, looking for the thrill of the moment. She's another party girl, wanting to be entertained. You want to be another notch on her bedpost?"

  If I thought I could survive it, I'd love that, Mike thought. But he knew Cassie presented more than a threat to his peace of mind. She threatened his heart as well. “I'm a grown man, Mom. I can handle my own life without your meddling."

  Jessie's gold-brown eyes flashed her anger. “And you're doing a slap-bang job of it, getting mixed up with her. You think someone like that can be serious about someone like you?"

  "Someone like that?” Mike frowned. “You mean a Delistraty, who are judges, lawyers, politicians as compared to a plain old Ashfords, who are cops and firefighters?"

  His mom's siblings were police officers, like his dad, Pete. His dad was an inspiration with his devotion to his family and his dedication to helping people. Mike had followed him into public service until his injury had sidelined him, then his divorce had shaken his world up. He'd left his desk job and gone into partnership with his dad's former partner, Ernie.

  "Of course that's what I meant, Mike. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of what you've accomplished with your club, and all the charities you and Ernie help. But that's nothing compared to the Delistratys. You think that you can seriously have a relationship with her—"

  "Our relationship is our business, not yours,” he interjected. “And Cassie has a serious side, or she wouldn't be a successful attorney."

  Jessie guffawed. “Yeah, very successful, coming back home with her tail between her legs after a failed marriage. You know very well that her last name did a lot to earn her that degree. Besides, I don't see her practicing law right now. She's probably living on the money she squeezed out of that poor bastard. Even if she is serious about you, do you think she'll stick around for long? A woman like that—"

  "All right, that's the second time you've said that. What exactly are you trying to say?"

  Jessie's mouth twisted. “Mike, you know how she is. She's like her mother, a butterfly flitting from one flower to the next. Don't you remember all the boyfriends in high school?” Her frown deepened. “You're not sleeping with her, are you?"

  Mike barked his shock. “Mom!"

  "Don't act outraged like that. I'm sure, once she's chosen a guy, she doesn't wait long to hop into bed with him. I hope you're using protection. Heaven knows what a woman like her—"

  Mike saw red. He could never remember being so angry. Nobody, not even his mother, could talk like that about Cassie. “Shut up, Mom. Now.” He heaved in a sharp breath, trying to calm down. Ignoring the look of shock on her face, he said, “She's an incredible woman and doesn't deserve you talking about her like that. You look at the surface and don't see the depth of her, her spirit or her loving nature. I do. And I thank you not to ever talk badly about her again."

  It felt right, defending Cassie. It would be something a devoted boyfriend would do, he thought. Hell, it was something he couldn't help doing.

  "What do you have against her anyway?” he asked. “She's never done anything to you."

  Jessie's eyes glittered. “She's just like her mother.” Her face tightened. “Never mind. It doesn't matter."

  Cassie chose that moment to walk up. Wrapping her arms about Mike, she smiled at Jessie. How much had she heard?

  "I'm sorry to tear Mike away from you, Mrs. Ashford, but he promised me a dance.” Her dazzling smile would charm anyone, but on his mother, it just bounced off.

  "Fine. I'm done anyway.” Jessie went back into the
club. Mike didn't see his sister anywhere. He'd hunt her down later. He hadn't even known she was home.

  He eyed Cassie. “I don't really feel like dancing,” he said.

  Letting go of him, she stepped back. “I figured that out already. But you looked like you were ready to chew on your mom, so I decided to rescue you for a change.” She smiled cheekily, causing his heart to catch in his throat. She looked so sexy right now, with the shadows from the dark alley giving her an air of mystery. “So are you ready to take me home, big guy?"

  Home. The thought of ending their ‘date’ gave him conflicting feelings. On one hand, he'd breathe a sigh of relief when he dropped her off. He'd be free of the worst temptation he'd faced in his life. Must be the forbidden fruit syndrome, he reasoned.

  On the other hand, he liked being with her. Her smile, her laugh, even the way she popped those little orange mints in her mouth turned him on like no woman had before. He didn't know why, but he felt intoxicated around her, and something deep inside him glowed at the mere sight of her.

  Playing with fire, pal. Yeah, yeah, he knew that. But for the time being, he'd indulge himself a bit and simply enjoy her company. Taking her hand, he tugged her toward the street, where he'd parked.

  "Let's get you home, and on the way, we'll discuss our next excursion. Some place where my mom can't find us."

  Cassie laughed, and Mike's insides churned. How a mere sound could be so sexy he didn't know, but he wondered if she knew how beautiful she was. He longed to tell her. Maybe he would.

  For the first time since she'd returned, he actually bought that sweet, innocent smile.

  "Yes, I should go home,” she said. “It's getting late, and I forgot to give Suzy her medication. She caught a little cold and the vet gave her some antibiotics."

  "Suzy, the rabid psycho dog?"

  Her mouth twitched at his description of her pet. “I prefer to think of her as identity challenged.” With a giggle, she walked around the front of the Bronco.

  He watched her for a moment, admiring the gentle sway of her hips, the way her hair tumbled down her back, and how her jeans hugged her legs, then showed him enough skin to make him fantasize about the rest.