Climbing out of his car, Adam began to question himself. What was he going to say? Why was he even here? Maybe he was just concerned because of what had happened last night? Maybe he was just checking up on her to make sure she was okay? That was plausible, right? He knocked and he waited.
“Adam?” Cassie said as she pulled open the door, unable to hide her surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Can I come in?
Cassie stepped aside as he came through the door. He stood only a few feet away and watched as she closed the door and walked back into the kitchen. She stared at him, waiting for an answer. “Adam?”
“You never did come back to the table last night. Are you feeling okay?” If he didn’t know himself any better he’d swear he was actually concerned.
“Well, that’s awfully nice of you,” she smiled. “Come on in, I was just cooking.” Without waiting to see if he’d follow, Cassie walked back over to her work station and finished tossing ingredients in to a bowl.
“Do you have a client tonight?”
“What? Oh, you mean this?” When he nodded she continued. “Well, normally I make enough for two or three when I’m concocting; you know, so that I can get a second or third opinion. Katie is usually my guinea pig but she left early tonight. So she’ll have to taste it as a left over.”
“What are you making?”
“I’m not exactly sure yet,” she said with a grin. “I’ve got chicken and artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella…I think I’ll use some penne and maybe some Vodka sauce.” At this point she’d stopped talking directly to him and more to herself as she walked around the kitchen grabbing ingredients. She was putting a pot of water on the stove to boil when she remembered that he was there.
“Sorry, I get distracted easily when I’m cooking. Why exactly did you stop by?” She began heating olive oil in a large skillet as Adam walked a little closer.
“Like I said, I wanted to make sure that you were feeling all right after last night.”
“Oh, right, yes. I’m fine. No big deal. I took some Advil and lay down for a little while and drove myself home around eleven. I’m fine today.”
“That’s good,” he said, watching as she tossed all sorts of things in to the pan and tossed them around while seasonings abounded. “That smells amazing.” The words were out before he could stop himself.
She flashed him one of those smiles that he was really starting to like right over her shoulder, never stopping the pan flipping action she had going on. “Thanks. I just love it, the creating, and the experimenting. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but a girl’s gotta eat, right?”
Adam nodded. “You cook for yourself every night?”
“Absolutely!” She lowered the flame on the stove and went to grab the pasta to add to the boiling water. “Do you cook?”
“Does hitting ‘cook’ on the microwave count?” he asked, hating how pathetic he sounded. Truth be known, after standing here and watching her cook, smelling the wonderful aroma of whatever this was that Cassie was throwing together, his microwave dinner had lost more of its appeal than usual.
“Well, I’ll tell you what, grab me two plates from that cabinet over there and we’ll discuss our soon-to-be-merged family over dinner. How does that sound?”
Like a treat, he thought.
It amazed Adam but within minutes they were sitting up in Cassie’s apartment and eating a meal that was…well, it was even better than the one she’d cooked for her family the night before.
“I wish I could have seen everyone’s faces when dad made the announcement,” Cassie said as she lifted her glass of wine. “I mean, I’m sure I would have been equally shocked; none of us had any idea that he was even dating. Did you know?”
“Not a clue; but then again, I don’t spend a whole lot of time with Bev talking about her social life.” After the words were out he realized how cold and calloused they sounded. “I mean, with my schedule we don’t…”
Cassie shook her head and smiled. “No need to explain; I completely understand. Not many families spend as much time together as mine and honestly, we didn’t know.”
“Why would your dad not want you to know?” Adam tasted his own wine and mentally nodded with approval. Not only could the woman cook but she had good taste in wine.
“I really don’t know. I mean, we’re all adults with our own lives and we want him to be happy. My mom’s been gone for over ten years so he’s mourned enough. We often talked about wanting dad to find someone and start living again. I guess he wasn’t sure how we’d react.” Reaching for a napkin, she gently wiped her mouth. “We talk about everything in my house and he never thought to talk to us about this.”
“Are you upset?”
Cassie shook her head. “Not at all. It’s so obvious that they’re crazy about each other and I think it’s wonderful. All I want is for dad to be happy. He’s sacrificed so much for us and now we’re all grown up and doing things, creating lives for ourselves and I want him to be selfish now and focus on what makes him happy.”
“Maybe just being a dad made him happy.”
Cassie put her fork down and looked at Adam; tears glistening in her eyes. “That was quite possibly the nicest thing you’ve ever said.” She reached over and touched his hand. “Thank you.”
Before Cassie could remove her hand, Adam turned his over and linked his fingers through hers and gave a gentle squeeze. This wasn’t supposed to be happening, Cassie thought. She wasn’t supposed to be enjoying herself with Adam; she still didn’t fully trust him. The fact that they were going to be family soon didn’t help matters. But sitting here next to him, enjoying a meal, talking like two regular people, not business associates, had her seeing him as if for the first time.
That wasn’t to say that she’d never taken notice of Adam; hell, a woman would have to be blind to not notice him. Adam was the stuff that most fantasies were made of – until he opened his mouth. That was certainly a deal breaker, for sure.
Realizing that she was staring, Cassie casually pulled her hand free from his and went back to her meal. Clearing her throat she began, “I guess he could have been satisfied with just being a father to four kids, but now that we’re all grown, I want him to do something for himself. He’s raised us all and as much as I know he wants to help with Ella, he needs your mom.”
“I think Bev needs him to. I guess I didn’t realize how much or how lonely she was until I saw them together last night. It was a bit eye opening.”
“Um, Adam,” she said cautiously and blushed. He didn’t think that women actually blushed anymore. “As long as we’re being honest, you have to know that I don’t normally...argue with clients. I mean, I can usually get what I want without having to be…bitchy.” If possible, her blush deepened at her description of herself.
“If it means anything,” he began, “I seriously provoked you.” An inner voice told Adam that he was going to have to kick his own ass soon if he didn’t stop apologizing and getting sappy with this woman. In one day’s time he had fired her and then pretty much begged, groveled and put himself down in order to make her feel better.
As wonderful as dinner was, he had to get out of here. There was no way for him to hang on to who he was and what he was planning while he was getting all “in touch with his emotions” here in Cassie’s home. He had to get out of Dodge quick.
Tossing down his napkin, he stood. “Let me help you clear this up and then I have to get going. I’ve got a midnight conference call.” He didn’t but it sounded plausible. “I’m hoping to catch an hour’s sleep before it starts.”
Cassie shooed his hands away from the dishes. “Not to worry, I’ve got this. You go and do what you do.” To prove it, she began clearing the table and placing dishes in the sink. When everything was cleared, she noticed him standing next to the table watching her, his brows creased. It was both exciting and unnerving. Leaning against the counter, she folded her arms across her chest and observe
d him right back – only with a smile. “This was an unexpected surprise, Adam.”
He nodded, almost mesmerized by the sight of her. He had to get out. Now. “Thank you for dinner. That, too, was an unexpected surprise. A delicious one. Thanks for sharing.” He turned to go down the stairs and Cassie followed him.
“Oh, wait one minute,” she said and walked over to the walk in refrigerator. When she came out she had a round foil take out container. “Here,” she said. “Take the rest of the leftovers for yourself for dinner for another night. I know you’ll still have to nuke it but at least it’s homemade.” She handed it to him with a smile and Adam felt like he’d been kicked in the solar plexus.
With a gruff ‘good night’ he was out the door, in his car and pulling away. He had no idea what had happened tonight but it made him uncomfortable and if there was one thing he knew for sure about himself it was that he hated to be uncomfortable.
Speeding off into the night he looked down at the take out container as if it were Plutonium. It was a simple gesture; one that just showed her kindness. Switching his focus between the container and the road Adam had a feeling that he’d left Cassie’s tonight with more than just another meal.
He might have actually left there with the ice around his heart starting to melt.
Chapter Four
The room was done in massive amounts of greens and gold’s and when Cassie was done with it, the guests would feel as if they’d wandered through the mountains of North Carolina amidst the fall foliage. It was magical to look at. Though Cassie had not seen Adam since their impromptu dinner the week before, she knew he was going to be pleased with the results.
With one last look around, she noticed Katie coming towards her. “Any problems?”
“None,” Katie said with a smile.
“That’s what I like to hear.” Feeling confident, she walked the room one last time and felt satisfied that she had done all that she could for the day. Taking the elevator up to the tenth floor, she found Grace sitting at her desk and smiled and waved as she approached.
“Are we ready?” she asked giddily.
“As we’ll ever be,” Cassie confirmed. “I just did a final walk through and the room looks amazing.”
“You are impressive. I bow to the master.” With great fanfare, Grace did an over the top bow and both women started to laugh.
And immediately stopped when Adam stepped out of his office.
Grace immediately sat back down in her seat and pretended to get back to work, straightening stacks of paper for effect and said in a clipped professional tone, “Thank you for the update, Miss Jacobs.” Cassie thanked her for her time and went to turn and leave.
“Cassandra?” Adam called after her. “May I speak with you for a moment?” He was careful to stay respectful and courteous just as he told her he would.
Cassie followed him into his office and immediately gave him an update on the event status. He smiled with pleasure. Adam never had a doubt that she would pull it all together and make it look beautiful and professional. That’s what he paid her for. No, what he wanted right now wasn’t so much an update on the retreat as much as to just talk with her.
But in the end he had to remember his initial plan. Cassie had crossed a line with him and while he couldn’t outright fire her like he’d wanted to – not with their parents new-found engagement – but he had to find a way to end their business arrangement that didn’t have him looking like the bad guy. It was just taking a bit longer to figure out how exactly he was going to accomplish that.
“If you’d like to come down to the ball room, I’d be more than happy to give you the tour.”
“I trust you,” he replied smoothly. “I’m sure it will look exactly as you promised and my staff will be thoroughly impressed. I have every confidence in you.”
His words shouldn’t have made her feel all gushy inside but they did. The man never praised anyone and lately, he’d been doing that a lot to her.
“I…um…I tweaked the menu a bit,” she began nervously, almost afraid to broach the subject that had nearly ended their working relationship. “I added…”
Adam cut her off. Holding up his hand to stop her words, he said, “I’m sure that whatever it is, it’ll be wonderful.”
She stood there in front of his desk, taking in the sight of the man in the perfectly fitted Italian suit, not a hair out of place, his deep brown eyes serious and longed for the more carefree, relaxed man she’d dined with.
Oh, well; another time, another place. He was the CEO of a major international security corporation; this was the image that was most fitting for him. With the upcoming wedding of their parents, Cassie was sure that she’d get to see him looking a lot more relaxed and at ease but right now all she wanted to do was to lean over the desk, rip off his tie and run her fingers through his hair and mess it up.
What the…?
As if reading her mind, Adam gave her an equally thorough look and smiled a truly sexy smile that had Cassie stammering and wishing him a good night as she walked out the door, telling him that she was needed downstairs. Maybe he believed her, maybe he didn’t but right now all she knew was that this new footing they were on was way more confusing and arousing than it ever was.
With a quick wave to Grace, Cassie raced for the elevator and didn’t breathe with any ease until the doors closed and she was safely on her way to the main floor and headed for the doors that would take her outside. She needed fresh air; she needed to be out of this building and to focus on the job, not the man.
Easier said than done.
By the time five o’clock rolled around on Friday evening, Cassie was in full-blown work mode. The room looked stunning and guests were beginning to arrive. She spotted Adam and Grace by the door greeting everyone as they came in.
Within fifteen minutes, hors d’oeuvres were being passed butler style by tuxedoed servers along with champagne. The bar was serving mixed drinks and by five-thirty bread and field greens salad were being placed at all one hundred seats. Cassie stood back in the kitchen and watched every tray that left for the ballroom to make sure they met her standards. Her staff worked quietly and efficiently and by the time Adam took the stage at 7:30, tables were cleared and the kitchen was being cleaned and packed up from dessert and fresh coffee was making the rounds.
It was only then that Cassie allowed herself to actually sit down for five minutes to catch her own breath. Katie put a plate of food in front of her but she merely picked at it. She felt the twinge that she hoped wouldn’t hit tonight and quietly made her way to the storage closet where she’d placed her purse earlier. Knowing her sister well, Katie followed.
“Are you okay?”
Cassie took a deep breath. “Hopefully I will be in a few minutes.” She swallowed the pill with some water and went back out to the kitchen to try and eat a bit more. The pain killer seemed to work better on a full stomach.
“Look, we’ve got this under control. I know the breakdown and set-up routine as well as you. Go home and rest, please, Cass.”
Shaking her head, she refused to leave. This was an important event and one that she had fought with Adam over and she was determined to see it through to the end. An hour later Cassie heard the round of applause and knew that the presentation was over and that music would resume playing and the guests would mingle and socialize for the next ninety minutes before she could begin to clear them out and start the set up for the breakfast portion of the retreat.
There was a lot of movement and talking, the kitchen was a hot spot for activity and Cassie didn’t think that anyone would notice when she slumped against the wall and fought against the wave of pain that hit.
Strong arms came around her before she could even comprehend that she was going down. “Cassandra? Are you alright?”
“Adam? What are you doing in the kitchen?” Even in her weakened state she felt panicked at the thought that something was wrong out in the ballroom that he felt the need to come back to
the kitchen. “Is everything all right? The food…?”
“Don’t worry about the damn party. What’s going on with you?” By this point Katie had noticed what was going on and rushed over.
“Damn it, Cass!”
“How long has she been feeling like this?” he snapped at Katie.
“About an hour,” Katie sighed. “I told her to leave but she refused.”
“Don’t talk about me as if I’m not even here,” Cassie hissed. She looked up at Adam, her eyes ablaze. “You hired me to do a job and I am here to make sure that it gets done to both our satisfaction.”
“At the risk of your own health?” he snapped. The sight of her nearly fainting had sent him racing across the room. In all truth, he had come back to the kitchen, something he never did, to congratulate her on a job well done and to thank her for managing to add some of the requests he had asked for to the menu. The food had been superb and the service was top notch. Over all he was very pleased. Now all he felt was concern for Cassie’s health and disgust for himself because he knew it was his fault that she was working herself so hard.
“You know nothing about my health so please spare me the dramatics, Adam.”
“Cassie, please,” Katie interrupted, “go home. I’ve got this covered. Take my car…I’ll pick it up when we bring the van back to the shop later.”
“She can’t possibly drive like this!” Adam turned to look at Katie as if she’d lost her mind. “I’ll drive her home.”
“Just a minute,” Cassie said, suddenly snapping out of her wave of pain long enough to be annoyed with Adam’s tone. “I don’t need you making arrangements for me and you can’t leave! This is your event!”
“And as such I can leave whenever I want. My presentation is done and basically if I stay, all I’ll have to deal with is people kissing up to me about my presentation. Believe me, I can live without the accolades.” With that he had her bundled into her coat, tucked against his side as they exited the kitchen. He’d left Katie in charge of getting a message to Grace about where he was going. Within minutes he had Cassie in his car and they were heading back to her apartment.
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