Between Hearts: A Romance Anthology

by Alexander, Erica

  “That does sound like fun. I have read the Potter books and enjoyed them, I just didn’t fall madly in love with them. I thought they did an excellent job with the movies.”

  “The casting was brilliant, I can’t picture any other characters in the roles. I cried most of the day when I found out Alan Rickman had died.”

  “Always, Snape.”

  “Exactly, so you do get my fandom on some level.”

  “Yes, I can understand it; I’m just not that devoted to anything.”

  The pizza was delivered along with more drinks. Cassie cut the first few pieces off a slice and blew on them before scarfing them down. She was working on her second slice as Ben was finishing his first.

  “You weren’t kidding when you said you were starving.”

  “This is superb pizza, and I never kid about hunger.”

  The restaurant was overflowing with families, students and couples all in the pursuit of superior pizza. Cassie was starting to feel overdressed until another couple entered in formal attire and she chuckled. “That woman is very brave coming in here wearing cream chiffon. I really like this place, Ben. Great choice, can we come back here Friday for a late lunch? I leave at one for the airport but now my afternoon is free since I’m staying.”

  “Sure, if you want I could show you my flat afterwards and make you pasta and shrimp for dinner.”

  “That sounds lovely. So do you always have this much free time on your hands? If so I went into the wrong business.”

  “No, I’m letting your schedule dictate mine this week. One of the perks of being the boss. I’ve made pretty good progress on the town homes this week design-wise. I usually work nine to five. I’ve been distracted by a sassy American bird lately.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be distracted by a dashing Brit when you are in New York. My normal workday is nine to five too, and I usually eat lunch at my desk. I might be able to do one lunch but expect my availability to be between five and eleven.”

  “Duly noted. Would you like to go for a stroll after we finish dinner?”

  “I’d love to. Maybe we can find some squirrels still out looking for food.”

  After paying the cheque, Ben hailed a cab that dropped them off at Green Park. It only took them twenty minutes to find a couple of squirrels, and Cassie taught him how to call them and let him share her bag of peanuts. They only whispered to each other every so often, not wanting to scare their clients away. Cassie felt her fondness for Ben grow as she watched him enjoy himself. It thrilled her that she could share one of her quirky passions with him. Ben apologized to the pair when they ran out of nuts, which warmed Cassie’s heart. They walked until they found a cab and Ben returned Cassie to the Savoy.

  “Cassie, I had a splendid evening with you, and I had fun feeding those squirrels. Sweet dreams tonight and I’ll see you here tomorrow.”

  “I had a wonderful time. Can I have a goodnight kiss?”

  “Certainly,” Ben said before pulling her into his arms and giving her a series of long soft kisses.

  “Sweet dreams, Ben.”

  “I can’t wait until tomorrow. Bye, Cassie.”

  Chapter Four

  When Cassie’s wake-up call came in at a respectable eight-twenty, she was nice to Trevor but still grateful that coffee would be in her hands in fifteen minutes. She took a quick shower, ordered her scones and clotted cream to go and walked out to meet Albert. They had a pleasant chat while en route to Cerise and Albert agreed to pick her up at four to take her back to the hotel.

  After inhaling her breakfast and making herself a large cup of tea, Cassie started the paperwork required for Just One Look. Two hours later, everything was done. She sent the information out via e-mail and printed out copies, for London, New York, and herself. Professionally, Cassie couldn’t wait to get back to New York to start working on the product development, color tests and putting her final approval on Just One Look. It would be the first time she was in the lab supervising the manufacturing of the makeup. Cassie never dreamed when she became Stephan’s assistant that she would earn her way into having so much influence and discretion within a multi-million dollar cosmetics giant. Cassie glided into the meeting thrilled to hear it was going to include a catered lunch. Melanie disappeared when the food started to come in and came back a minute later to give Cassie the curling iron she’d asked to borrow.

  “Hot date tonight?” Nigel the VP teased.

  “Yes, otherwise I’d never bother to curl my hair. You got my memo that I was leaving at four, I hope.”

  “Yes. Everyone, please make yourself a plate and grab a drink and we’ll get back to the meeting in twenty.”

  Cassie took over after lunch and ran a tight meeting. She realized at ten to four that they had accomplished a great deal more than she’d imagined and she was not needed on Friday. Cassie decided on her way back to the hotel that she’d have Ben meet her at one at the hotel and sleep in until eleven. Once she made it back, she stopped off at Melba for a treat and brought one to Trevor.

  “Thank you, Cassie, may I do anything for you?” Trevor asked.

  “Only took three sweets and a peek at lingerie to get you to use my first name. I need to remember this,” Cassie teased. “Do you recognize my friend Ben on sight?”

  “Yes.”

  “He knows my room number, so if he asks if he can pick me up at my door, please allow him to go up.”

  “You’ve got it. If I see him waiting around do you want me to send him up?”

  “Yes, thanks, Trevor.”

  “Anytime Cassie.”

  As soon as she got to her room, Cassie peeled off her clothes and put on a robe. She took her little black dress out of the closet and inspected it. When she was happy there were no loose hairs or threads on it she put it back and went into the bathroom to curl her hair. Forty minutes later, her hair was shiny and voluminous. Cassie gently ran her fingers through it instead of using a comb and was very pleased with the results. She gave it a few spritzes of hairspray and checked the time. Cassie suspected Ben would be early, but it was barely five. She applied a lightly- scented lotion and let it dry before putting on the lingerie she had bought from Agent Provocateur. She put the robe back on to protect her bra from any makeup and started working on her eyes. When she was satisfied with the smoky green eyes in the mirror, she applied a hint of blush, lined her lips and put the rich red Seduction lipstick on again.

  Cassie took off the robe and took a critical look at herself in the floor length mirror. The plunge bra had padded cups in soft nude stretch silk chiffon, overlaid with scalloped, floral eyelash lace which has been arranged to give the illusion of an even deeper plunge. The wings were made from pretty point d’esprit dotted mesh while the straps were thin and in a very loopy design. A super-frilly textured bow in crepe and lace added the perfect final touch between the cups.

  The hipster brief was made in floral eyelash lace placed over a front panel of soft nude stretch silk chiffon, with a point d’esprit dotted mesh rear for an exquisite finish. The swooping scallops of black lace edging embraced her curves and drew the eye at both the front and rear, while the creamy nude liner blended with her skin. The back of the brief featured a playful peekaboo black lace flap, while a super-frilly textured bow in crepe and lace added the perfect final touch on the front waistband. The set was deceptive, on a first look the nude silk chiffon made it look like her breasts were not covered, the eye was drawn to the black lace. When she was looking at it, online she thought the model was nearly nude until she looked again. She loved the peekaboo accent on the rear of the brief. It was sassy and sexy not trashy. Cassie assumed the exquisite details of her lingerie would be lost on Ben, but the nude and black would make a definite impact.

  Cassie gave the mirror a come hither look and knew she had never looked sexier in her entire life. She debated adding black thigh high stay ups and decided to go with the nude ones. She slipped her feet into her highest black heels and then gingerly put on the black dress. T
he dress featured a low but not indecent cowl in both the front and back but her lingerie remained hidden. She pulled up the side zipper and smiled as the dress tightened and moulded to her body. She checked the time and transferred the essentials into her black clutch.

  Ben walked into the lobby of the Savoy fifteen minutes early. Trevor happened to be looking up and signaled him over to his desk. Ben rested a box of paul a. young chocolates on the desk and Trevor’s mouth watered. “Cassie wants you to go pick her up at her door.”

  “Thank you, Trevor.” Ben picked up the box and made his way over to the bank of elevators. He rapped on Cassie’s door three times and heard her tell him she was coming. When she opened the door, Ben was speechless. She was poured into a sexy black dress, her eyes were smoldering, and she had on that red lipstick he loved. His heart skipped a few beats as he allowed himself a bit of time to take in the vision before him. “From your hair to your heels you look spectacular. Here is your box of chocolate. When do I get my striptease?”

  Cassie felt the overwhelming urge to grab him by his black tie and kiss the life out of him. “You look handsome as hell in that tailored black suit and white shirt. Tell me, is it a label?”

  “Yes, Burberry from two years ago.”

  “Well, you look damn fine in it. I’ve bought myself paul a. young chocolates before and they are exquisite. An excellent choice.” Cassie wished she could have Ben as dessert. She could feel herself blushing as she pictured what was under that tailored suit.

  Ben was regretting telling Cassie no sex and knew she would be able to change his mind quickly. He had never wanted a woman more in his life. Cassie was his version of the perfect catch: highly intelligent, funny, quirky, sassy, the definition of sexy and a girl he could bring home to his mother. Ben realized they were staring at each other so he spoke. “I made dinner reservations downstairs at Kaspar’s. Their seafood is great, and they have the right ambiance for a casual yet romantic dinner. Our reservations are not for half an hour, though.”

  “Why don’t we have a cocktail at the American Bar? My treat since you are getting dinner.”

  “That’s a great idea, but you don’t have to treat me.”

  “I want to treat you, Ben, you’ve spent a small fortune feeding me, and it’s only Wednesday.”

  “Thank you, shall we go?”

  “Lead the way Mr. Thorton.”

  Ben’s left hand went to the small of her back, and he gently guided her towards the elevator. When the doors closed, he planted a kiss on her neck and took a whiff of the faint fragrance he detected. “You smell lovely, what are you wearing?”

  “A light grapefruit lotion.”

  “Do you prefer fruit and floral or spicy?”

  “Fruits and florals but light ones. Men rarely ask me about my fragrance preferences.”

  “My mum told me that I should pay attention to a woman’s fragrance, shoes and sense of style. Of course, her personality, how she treats others and sense of humour determine if I bother to pay attention to the smaller details.”

  “You always smell good. What cologne do you use?”

  “None, I use Irish Spring soap.”

  “It seemed familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Your mom gave you good advice. When I’m sober, I look for kindness, a good listener, intelligence and a good manners.”

  “And when you’re drunk?”

  “When I’m drunk, stunning eyes, good looks, and boldness. A drunk Cassie is usually on the prowl.”

  Ben laughed as they were on their way to the American Bar. “How often do you get drunk?”

  Cassie lowered her voice “Promise you won’t judge me.”

  “I solemnly swear I will not pull a Cassie.”

  Cassie slugged him in the arm.“You’re lucky I get your sense of humor. If it’s work stress, I go home and polish off a bottle of wine all by myself. If I’m tired of using my toys to satisfy me, I hit a nice bar and let my love of vodka cloud my judgment.”

  “How often do those situations occur?”

  “Stress wine a few times a month. Horny Cassie is less predictable. The average is about once every five weeks. What about you?”

  Ben waited until they placed their order before answering her. “I’m uncomfortable in clubs. I prefer pubs, but even then you would almost have to hit me over the head to clue me in that I’m being picked up. Evan’s sister and I hook up when she’s desperate.”

  “And Evan still talks to you? ”

  “Evan doesn’t want to hear about it, but I think deep down he’s happy he can trust the guy she’s with. I would end it with Clara if you and I decide to pursue a relationship. She doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

  “Ben, I knew you were that kind of a gentleman. Shall we finish our drinks and head to dinner? I’m getting hungry again.”

  Ben tucked Cassie under his arm as they walked over to Kaspar’s. He tried to remember the last time a girl physically could mould into his body. When she leaned into his body and slung her arm along his lower back, he smiled wondering what she was up to. He didn’t have to wait long before her hand made a seemingly innocent slip down to caress his arse. Ben chuckled and moved her hand up to his lower back. “I seem to be taking a cheeky monkey to dinner tonight.”

  “Can’t blame a girl for trying. That’s a nice firm ass you have Mr. Thorton.”

  “Thank you, but we are in the common area of one of the cities finest hotels. We must behave.”

  “Okay.”

  Ben had requested the same table at which they’d had breakfast Tuesday morning. Cassie ordered them a bottle of Italian pino grigio and perused the menu for five minutes before choosing her usual.

  “I’ll start with the lobster bisque then go with the pan seared scallops on beetroot risotto.”

  “May I have some of your bisque? I’ll share my Isle of Skye lobster cocktail with you.”

  “Sure, what else are you getting?”

  “The Cornish crab and wild salmon cakes.”

  “Those are good I’ve tried them before. I need the loo, could you order for me?”

  “Certainly.”

  Cassie took her time washing her hands and resisted the temptation to play with her hair. She didn’t bother putting on more lipstick because it would only come off on her wine glass.

  Ben was looking in the direction of the ladies’ and followed Cassie all the way back with his gaze. “You truly are a vision of perfection tonight. Dinner should be here shortly.”

  She noticed that he had loosened his tie and thought it suited him. “Benedict, it should be a sin to look as good as you do tonight. Shall we make a toast while we wait? To Clara, may she find someone else to rock her world because I couldn’t stand knowing you were with her.”

  “To Clara, may she find the happiness I have found so quickly with you.”

  Cassie smiled warmly as they clinked glasses. She knew at that moment that she wanted Ben, and she’d have to turn up her flirtation to seduce him into her bed. They talked about favorite meals in London and discovered they shared half a dozen pubs and restaurants. Cassie asked if he could pick her up at noon on Friday. She had bumped the time up to spend extra time with him.

  “So what city is our date in?” Cassie asked trying to get information about her surprise.

  “I’m really not sure. I know how to get there, though.”

  “How long will it take?”

  “A reasonable amount of time.”

  “How will we get there?”

  “Using transportation services.” Ben gave her a sly smile.

  “Will there be any squirrels?”

  “No.”

  “You know how hungry I get. Have you made arrangements to feed me?”

  “We will be gone all day so yes I’ve taken your appetite into consideration.”

  “Is Albert involved?”

  “No.”

  “Will I like it? Can I shop and get chocolate?”

  “Yes, yes and I believe so.”

  �
�Benedict, are you aware that you are thwarting me at every turn?”

  “Maybe I should get in contact with MI6 and ask if they need a tight-lipped architect.”

  “I have ways of making you talk,” Cassie replied using her best Russian accent.

  “That sounds interesting, but I am not going to spoil your surprise. Ah, here is our first course.”

  Cassie knew Ben enjoyed watching her eat so she decided to give him a little show. She gave him a sly smile then brought a spoonful of lobster bisque to her lips blowing on the hot liquid a few times before sliding it between her lips and moaning. Cassie licked her lips and did it a second time before she blew on the soup and brought the spoon over the bowl and up toward Ben, who had to lower his head considerably to meet her hand.

  “Thank you, that was most pleasing.”

  “The bisque or my delivery?”

  “Both.” Ben picked up a piece of succulent lobster, dipped it in the warm butter and garlic then brought it to Cassie’s lips. They continued to share their first course by feeding each other. When their mains arrived, Cassie gave him one of her scallops and took a forkful of the crab and salmon cake. After they were finished and declined dessert they walked over to Melba for a coffee to take upstairs.

  “I made you a wee treat,” Cassie said.

  A large grin broke across Ben’s face. ”Drunken Gummy Bears!”

  “How did you know?”

  “It’s about the only thing you could make in your room.”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “I forgot about that.”

  “Do you want to sit down somewhere and drink our coffees or go up to your room?”

  “Let’s take our coffee up.”

  Once they got on the elevator, Ben stepped behind Cassie, carefully wrapped his free arm around her waist and whispered, “You have no idea how much thought I’ve given to tonight. I’ve imagined you in everything from a slip to a sheer set.”

  Cassie giggled and put her free hand on top of his. “You will be very pleased. I think I look sexy as hell, and I don’t usually feel like that.”