Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0)

by Carmen DeSousa

  Thirteen Moons was the restaurant, as Michelle had suggested the previous evening. At first, she’d been upset, since obviously, it had been a regular hangout for them throughout the years. But then she’d remembered there weren’t many eateries in Nantahala, and after speaking with Brandy, she’d learned it was one of the nicest in the area.

  Brandy had been instantly jealous when Cassandra had asked her about the place. She’d seen the envious look in Brandy’s eyes, but then the young woman had laughed and said, “She couldn’t afford to go there but once in a blue moon,” and then chuckled again saying, “No pun intended.”

  The music changed … The current track was even more country sounding than the last song. The familiar twang that was characteristically country made her laugh. Of course, Chad would like country music. Oh well, she couldn’t expect him to be perfect.

  She started downstairs earlier than he’d suggested. She didn’t want any unannounced visits ruining their evening again. Even though she knew that with what she planned to say, their night wouldn’t be perfect. In fact, Chad might decide to renew his earlier decision of letting her leave now. But she hoped he wouldn’t.

  When she reached the bottom step, she spotted Chad on the sofa. Feet propped up, eyes closed, and yet he didn’t look as if he were sleeping, he looked as though he were simply enjoying the music. Yuck! Country ballads were always depressing.

  “Hey,” she said, startling him. He bolted upright and was on his feet in seconds. He was dressed casually again, but exceptional looking in his informal attire. Her heart fluttered. He wore artistically faded jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt that had an inconspicuous pattern with just enough sheen in the fabric — it looked expensive. And of course, cowboy boots.

  She was instantly surprised at how incredible he looked. Then again, he looked terrific in everything. She’d decided on a simple black dress with capped sleeves that came just above her knees.

  She rested her elbow on the railing and darted her eyes to the stereo. “What in the world are you listening to?”

  He strolled around the coffee table, making his way to the staircase. “Please don’t tell me you aren’t a fan of country music?” His eyebrows furrowed, feigning disappointment, as if it were utterly impossible that someone couldn’t possibly enjoy his preference in music.

  Cassandra grimaced as an answer.

  “What do you like?” he inquired, pretending interest in anything she could possibly suggest as an alternative.

  She shrugged. “Top 40, hits, pop music … however you describe it.”

  He grimaced back. “Some of it’s okay, I guess,” he conceded. “But how do you dance to it?”

  “Oh, I don’t dance … two left feet, I’m afraid.”

  Chad glided up to her. “Nonsense … it’s all in the leading.” As though he planned to demonstrate, he pulled her off the step. “Hang on,” he said, releasing her and crossing the room.

  Thank goodness, she thought internally. She wasn’t ready to make a fool out of herself.

  She watched as he pushed the coffee table and chair to the side, and then went to his iPhone, which was connected to the stereo via a black cord. He tapped a few selections and a new song started.

  He walked toward her again, his arms outstretched. “Shall we?” he said in his low, seductive drawl.

  She whipped her head back and forth. “Chad, really, I swear, I can’t dance.”

  “You said that about shooting pool, and yet, you beat me.” He put one hand on her waist, then took her hand in his other. “Just step back with your right as I start with my left, and I’ll do the rest. Trust me, Cassie.” He winked at her.

  She did as instructed, allowing him to move her around the room. He pulled her closer after their first loop, directing her in a tight circle, then twirled her out and back again. She didn’t know how he managed, but he seemed to be able to control her moves. Pulling her tightly to his chest, he started singing some of the lyrics, but all she heard was something about how he needed more than two days in heaven and that he’d just got started loving her.

  Cassandra’s heart raced. It was just a song … but the implication. She noticed the other words, but he only sang the appropriate lines. Was the man good at everything? she wondered. He was sweet, funny, way too good looking … danced, and could even hold a tune. What had Michelle been thinking to turn down his proposal? Did she think her hold so powerful that he’d never break up?

  Another song started and Chad continued to hold her, but changed his tempo to a slower rhythm. Resting her head against his chest, she let him gracefully move her around the area. His arms instinctively tightened around her, and she sighed in contentment.

  Chad didn’t sing the words this time, but she heard the chorus when it repeated. Again, the inference the song suggested … As if everything was directing them together, unlike the last few evenings when everything was battling against them. When the song got to something about her black dress hitting the floor and the man singing about loving his wife all night long, her cheeks filled with red-hot heat, imagining what it’d feel like to be in Chad’s arms all night.

  When the song ended, Chad leaned back, eyeing her thoughtfully. “Guess we should get going.”

  She nodded. She really didn’t want to leave, but they needed to talk. It would be hard to talk here, in his arms, his body pressed against hers. Once again, she felt as if she were spiraling. Six months … how were they going to handle six months? There was only one way to make this relationship work. Unfortunately, it didn’t include dancing and holding each other at such proximity.

  Chad unplugged his phone, turned off the stereo, and escorted her to his truck. She wondered briefly when he would find time to install running boards. Hopefully, not too soon, she thought, and then chastised herself. She couldn’t decide what she wanted.

  “Wilkinson, party of two,” Chad announced, approaching the hosts’ stand.

  Cassandra couldn’t help but smile … imagining she was Mrs. Wilkinson, and the thought surprised her. Never once had she thought of getting married. It wasn’t in her plan for at least five years.

  The gentleman looked thoughtful for a second. “Per the young lady’s instructions, I added you to the other group inside the restaurant, sir.”

  Chad retained his composure as he reached for the man’s hand, obviously slipping him a tip. “The lady was incorrect. I’ll say hello, Anthony, but then I would appreciate it immensely if you’d find us your best table outside, as I previously requested. We’ll return in a few minutes.”

  He took Cassandra’s hand, leading her into the main dining area, seeking out the family from yesterday, she presumed. Sure enough, the Turners were sitting adjacent a fireplace, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. An incredible view. No wonder Chad loved this restaurant.

  Cassandra wriggled her hand to free it from Chad’s, but he refused to release her, squeezing her hand lightly, letting her know he had her, and he didn’t care what anyone thought.

  In fact, he drew her closer as they approached the table. “Good evening, Mrs. Turner, Mr. Turner, Tom.” He simply nodded at Michelle. He didn’t give them time to respond, but Mrs. Turner made an Oh with her lips, clearly surprised to see Chad holding her hand. He finally released her hand, but only long enough to wrap his arm tightly around her waist. “I’m not sure what Michelle has told you,” he continued, “but I want to clarify that Michelle and I are not engaged. She rejected my proposal in December, and I decided to carry on with my life. Presently, I am with Cassandra.”

  The entire family appeared befuddled, except Michelle, who just remained quiet and sat stick-straight in her chair, overconfident.

  “Thank you for the invitation, but Cassandra and I will be dining alone this evening. We have much to discuss.”

  Mrs. Turner’s face paled as if the blood had drained to her feet.

  Chad leaned over Michelle’s chair, whispering in her ear loud enough for Cassandra to hear, but no one else, as s
he was sitting at the far end of the table with an empty chair between her and her father. “Don’t try this crap again. We’re finished, Michelle. I’ve been polite, but don’t push me,” he hissed.

  Michelle harrumphed.

  Tom was sitting next to an empty chair also. Evidently, Chad and she were to fill the empty seats next to the siblings.

  “Thank you again.” Chad nodded at the family. “Come along, love,” he drawled, pulling Cassandra toward the entrance.

  Blood coursed swiftly through Cassandra’s veins. Whether it was because of his declaration or his reference to her as love, she wasn’t certain. At first, she had been embarrassed. But as he clearly declared their relationship, she felt herself melt. He’d announced his intentions, so hopefully there would be no further interferences by Michelle or her family.

  She hadn’t missed Mrs. Turner’s astonishment. Heck, the entire restaurant had noticed her reaction, but she also saw the distressed look in Tom’s eyes. Chad had been correct when he’d teased her earlier about Tom’s interest. He had been flirting yesterday.

  But now they still had to have the conversation she’d been dreading. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be with Chad, she did. But she knew if they were going to continue living together, they were going to have to set boundaries.

  Chad squeezed his arm around her waist. “I’m sorry about that, Cassandra. Really … I never imagined this type of reaction in Michelle. She has always been rather cool about our relationship. It was more of an understanding than anything. For her to all of a sudden cause us such grief —”

  Cassandra placed her fingers over his lips. “Shh … it’s not your fault. Michelle just realized what a mistake she made.”

  He smiled, grateful, she assumed, that she wasn’t running off again, as she tended to do whenever things got intense. She didn’t do well with conflict. She’d rather bury her head under a pillow or drive somewhere and be alone whenever an argument loomed. Hearing her parents scream every night when she was six had done something to her … she couldn’t stand it when people raised their voice. It literally made her insides hurt.

  When they returned to the entrance, the host directed them to a table outside, per Chad’s request. They had a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains, and it was incredibly quiet. The sun was just beginning to dissolve behind the peaks. He had planned a perfect evening … even the time. The trees were ablaze with the orange glow of the sunset.

  As much as she tried to concentrate on the view, though, she couldn’t stop herself from glancing over her shoulder, certain Michelle was going to make another appearance. Chad sat with his back to the view and his eyes facing the restaurant, probably anticipating the identical thing.

  Taking her hand, his blue eyes held hers. “You look amazing.”

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks warmed. “You look pretty remarkable yourself.”

  He chuckled, then looked over his shoulder at the sprawling scenery behind them. “Incredible, isn’t it?”

  Again, she was grateful. He didn’t come here because of Michelle. He came here because he loved it and wanted to share it with her. “It is. Wouldn’t you rather sit beside me so you can see it as well?”

  His face twitched up on one side. “Nah, I’ve seen it. Besides, I have a perfect view. I enjoy looking at you.”

  She smiled, but otherwise ignored his comment. Those perfectly rehearsed lines threatened her chartered course. Her plan had deviated from the twenty-eight plan. She had a new goal set before her, a six-month diagram to decipher where her life was going and what she really wanted.

  She looked down at her hand in his. “So, Chad, aren’t you worried about your reputation? Now that you clearly stated your intention to date the woman you’re also living with?”

  He released a short breath and shook his head. “I only have to answer to God for my actions, Cassandra. And He knows my heart.”

  His response had taken her aback; she wasn’t sure how to continue. She hadn’t expected his answer. She had hoped her question would segue into the required conversation. She’d gone to college to learn how to cross-examine people; this should have been easy.

  The waiter approached, suspending their exchange. He prattled off the dinner specials, suggesting wine choices after each selection. Chad looked at her solemnly, as though he’d just thought of something important. “Do you drink … would you like a bottle of wine?”

  “No, except maybe a toast at parties, but no, I don’t typically drink. Do you?”

  “Not a drop. Two waters and I’ll have a sweet tea,” Chad announced.

  The waiter turned to her. “Diet Coke please.”

  Still holding her hand, Chad rubbed tiny circles on the back of it, visibly content to sit and enjoy their surroundings while they waited for the waiter to return with their drinks.

  The waiter returned, set their drinks in front of them, then took their dinner orders.

  After the man left, it was time to talk obviously. Chad looked up at her, and his eyes were grave, lowered in concentration. “Cassandra,” he started, inhaling a deep breath, “as much as I don’t want to suggest this, I’m going to repeat my earlier offer. I meant every word this morning. If you want to leave, I won’t withhold your half of the inheritance. But I want you to know, I don’t want you to go. Then again, if you plan to leave me after six months … maybe it would be better if you left now.” He rubbed his chin as he stared at her. His eyes were intense, piercing. She felt as if he could see right through her.

  She pulled her gaze away and looked at her lap. Leave him? She guessed that would be the decision she would be making if he offered her half the inheritance and she left. The money meant nothing. It’d been the original draw, because of her situation, but she could survive; she wasn’t completely without means.

  When she looked up, his eyes were on her, waiting for a reply. “Thank you, Chad. That is very … considerate. Really, you have no reason to share your inheritance with me. I’ve done nothing, and this is your home. I couldn’t possibly accept. But … this is my situation.” She took a deep breath as she tried to organize her thoughts. His hand still caressed hers, and it made it difficult to concentrate. “Although the money is an awful lot … it really means nothing to me. I’ve lived with what seemed like an unlimited amount of money … and I’ve lived on ramen noodles. You are the only thing keeping me here right now, and I can’t allow my decision to stay to be completely about you.”

  He tilted his head. “Why?”

  His one-word question made her heart feel as if it would break. He sounded so sincere as if all that mattered was love. “Because I truly believe my mother loved my father, and I know he loved her, but it wasn’t enough. She originally didn’t tell him about her pregnancy, because she didn’t want him to marry her for the wrong reason. I don’t know that she was correct in that respect; I believe a man has the right to know. But I still understand her perspective. She wanted him to want and love her as she was. He could never honor that; he tried to change her. Not that it was entirely his fault; my mother certainly was the one who crossed the line. But my point is … they didn’t belong together. They married for the wrong reason, and they could never surpass that hurdle.” She took another deep breath before continuing. “I love you, Chad, with all my heart. I know that beyond a shadow of doubt, but I wonder if it is enough. I’m not sure if I could live here.”

  He looked at her with compassion-filled eyes. “I understand, and that was sort of my point. If you remained for six months and then turned around and left me, I don’t know how I could handle it. I know I could physically, but I don’t know that my heart could take it. That’s why I think it would be better to know now.”

  She shook her head. “But it’s too soon. I think that’s why my mother said six months. I believe she wanted to show me a different life than I’d experienced, and I think she knew I would fall in love with you. But based on her life, she realized I would need time to make a decision. And I think I need t
ime too. So as much as it is going to kill me … especially after that stunt this evening —”

  “What stunt?” His words were soft, but she could see the hint of irritation at her comment.

  She chuckled. He was so sensitive sometimes. “The dancing and singing … the lyrics. You have to know how playing that game would affect me.”

  “That’s who I am, Cassandra. I wasn’t playing any games.” He shook his head and huffed again. “I’ve been nothing but honest with you from minute one.”

  She caught his implication, but refused to let it trouble her. She had deceived him, though, not willingly. How was she supposed to know she would meet him or who he even was that first day? “I know, and believe me, there’s no question, that’s why I’ve fallen for you.”

  He scooped up her other hand in his and held them both. “What is it you want, Cassandra?”

  “I know I want you. The question is … do I want your life here in Nantahala? It’s a major change from the living I’m used to.” She let him absorb that for a minute. She really wasn’t expecting a comment...there wasn’t really any way to respond.

  She eyed him carefully, not sure how to broach the rest of the conversation. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

  “Of course, anything,” he said without hesitation. He released one of her hands and picked up his drink, taking a long pull.

  She gnawed on her bottom lip, then took a sip of her drink as well. She lowered her head, letting him know this was a question she wanted to ask quietly. “When is the last time … you know … that you were with a woman?”

  He choked on his drink. “Well, I definitely wasn’t expecting that question.” Chad looked around, obviously taken aback by her bluntness, but the other tables were pretty far away and the music was loud enough to drown out their words. “Michelle … in December, so five months ago.”

  “Good.”

  He eyed her for a second as if to say, how could that be good?

  Cassandra smiled. “What I mean is … it’s good that you can obviously live without sex, as I’m not planning to change my status anytime soon. So we could live together, and you wouldn’t try to persuade me —”