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

by Carmen DeSousa

  “So what about them?” Cassandra discreetly pointed to a nice-looking couple sitting at the furthest table in the restaurant. “Newlyweds obviously, right?”

  Chad looked up at the couple she’d indicated. “Not even close. I saw them when we sat down.”

  She frowned at him. “Yes, they are … look at them. You can tell they are in love by the way they are completely enthralled with each other.”

  Chad harrumphed. “So because they are still enthralled, that makes them newlyweds?” He shook his head, as if the idea was utterly foreign to him. “I bet they’ve been married for years, have several children, and furthermore, the guy’s in the military, and the woman is artistic in some way.”

  Cassandra laughed. “How in the world do you get all that?”

  “Well, when they got their salads, the man pushed his tomatoes off onto his wife’s plate. And when they got their meals, the wife pushed a good portion of her food onto his plate. Newlyweds don’t do that; it takes time to learn your partner’s likes and dislikes.” He smiled, clearly proud of himself.

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’re a detective now?”

  “No, just perceptive.”

  “And how do you know he’s in the military and she’s … artistic?”

  “Because of his stance and the way he keeps looking around the room. And the way she’s dressed.” Chad stood up, walked over to her, and kissed her on the forehead.

  Had she upset him? “Where are you going?”

  “To find out. Care to wager on my findings?”

  She grabbed his hand and tried to stop him. “I don’t bet. You’re not going over there, are you?”

  He nodded. “Yep! And you do bet. You’re in Vegas with a man you met barely a week ago. I’d say you’re a high-roller.” And with that, he walked off.

  Having never taken her people watching to this extent, Cassandra practically crawled under the table. But then again, she’d known from the start that Chad was anything but shy. He’d approached her the very first time they met, after all, and not only insisted she go kayaking with him but even took her hand and pulled her with him.

  She watched as the man inspected Chad as he approached and then stood to shake his hand after Chad clearly must have introduced himself. The man threw back his head and laughed, then motioned to his wife. Cassandra felt as if she’d die from embarrassment. Chad turned around and smiled at her, spoke with the couple a few minutes, and then made his way back over to their table.

  He flopped down in his chair and looked at her without disclosing his findings. “So, what was our wager?”

  She closed her eyes and shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”

  Chad tapped her on the hand. “Cassandra, I’d like you to meet Jaynee and Jordan.”

  Cassandra looked up in shock. “Oh!” She glared at Chad, who’d stood up to greet the couple, and then she quickly climbed out of her chair. “I’m sorry, hello.”

  The woman, Jaynee, smiled and held out her hand. “Hello, Cassandra. Congratulations on your marriage. Jordan and I were married in Vegas years ago, and I happen to be an author, so I guess that is as your husband says — artistic.”

  Cassandra accepted the woman’s hand. “Thank you.” She wasn’t sure what else to say.

  The man, Jordan, nodded at her. “Likewise, Cassandra. And your husband was halfway correct with my profession. I was in the military, and then was a detective, but now I just run my construction business.” He smiled and winked at Chad. “Well, I hope you won your bet. We’ll see y’all around. We’ll definitely be looking you up in Nantahala. I love to whitewater kayak. Have a great honeymoon.”

  The man wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist, they both waved goodbye, and then he led her out of the restaurant while Cassandra gawked. “Chad, you are insane. I can’t believe you did that.” She sunk back down into her seat.

  He waved her off. “You’re too worried about what people think, Cassandra. I love meeting new people, and hey, I just got us new business.” He picked up her hand. “So, they told me about a great place to go dancing tonight. It sounds like a real western saloon, even has a motorized bull. And supposedly, the dance floor is enormous, perfect for line dancing; though, I prefer to hold you in my arms. But it’s a good way to learn and become accustomed to the rhythm of country music.”

  “Chad, couldn’t you tell the other night? I’m a terrible dancer. And there’s no way you’re getting me on a bull, real or mechanical.” By the look in his eyes, there was no way she would avoid dancing, but she decided to try anyway. “Can’t we keep the lessons private for a while … until I learn?”

  “What are you afraid of, Cassie? You don’t know anyone here, how could you possibly be embarrassed?”

  “I know you,” she tried. “I’d hate to embarrass you in front of a bunch of people, and now we know them.”

  “Cassandra, there’s no way I would ever be embarrassed with you on my arm. In fact, the only thing that even remotely concerns me is that I will have to fight off the other men.”

  She released a short snort. “Yeah, right, that’ll be the day!”

  He shook his head, lifting his brow. “You don’t have any idea how appealing you are? Weren’t you asked out constantly in school?”

  “No.” She huffed lightly. “A few times, but I rarely accepted.”

  “Do you know what the problem was?”

  She shook her head slowly. “They thought I was spoiled like you did?”

  “Maybe.” He grinned. “But more than likely they were just intimidated. Many beautiful women don’t get asked out, and if they do, it’s usually by the geeks who are accustomed to being turned down.”

  “Hmm? Well, the guys who asked me certainly were usually geeks; I’ll admit that. But I never thought that was the reason. I just assumed —”

  Chad narrowed his eyes. “You do own a mirror, don’t you? You can’t honestly tell me you don’t see how beautiful you are. Your skin is olive somehow, your hair a dark chestnut, and your eyes … well they are some color similar to Mediterranean water I do believe.”

  Warmth rushed to her cheeks.

  “So what exactly is your heritage anyway? It’s been driving me crazy trying to guess. I can guess a total stranger, but with you, I’m baffled. Italian, Greek … I can’t seem to figure it out?”

  She smiled. “Close … my mother was mostly German and Indian as you know, but I mostly take after my father. His parents were from Madeira, an island off the coast of Africa that was settled by the Portuguese.”

  “Madeirense, I was close,” he said proudly. “I’m a mutt. My family has been in the South probably since it was first settled, but from what I can gather, there was mostly Dutch and not too far back, I had a grandmother who married a Cherokee Indian Chief, but mostly just a southern gent.”

  “And a very handsome one at that,” she added. She thought maybe she’d made him blush finally, but he didn’t argue with her. Chad obviously knew he was nice looking. Women weren’t nearly as uncomfortable approaching men; women probably propositioned him all the time, especially at his job. Suddenly, she wondered if she was right. Would he tell her the truth? “So, how often do you get hit on Chad … on the job that is? Should I be worried?”

  He released a nervous laugh, then rubbed his head. “Honestly?”

  She scrunched up her eyebrows. “Of course, honestly. Do I really want to know?”

  “No … you probably don’t,” he admitted. “But you have nothing to fear. I know they aren’t really interested in me. Women just like to flirt. I think it’s a challenge for them, and you know what?”

  She shook her head.

  “You know how some men go through a midlife crisis and wonder if they’re still attractive? And then feel as if they have to go out and prove themselves? Well … I certainly would never have to do that. I knew I could get whatever girl I wanted; they practically threw themselves at me. But you know what, Cassandra? I never wanted them … I never wanted a diffe
rent woman every night. I only wanted someone who loved me for me, and I finally found her.”

  “Thank you, Chad.” Then she thought of something. “But what about when I get pregnant or old?”

  “You’ll always be the most beautiful woman to me, I assure you. Now … end of this silly conversation. Are you going dancing with me tonight, or what?”

  She shrugged. “I suppose so … I don’t want you to go by yourself, and you certainly sound as if you want to go.”

  “Great … and you’ll wear that black dress you had on the other night? I’m burning up just thinking about it. Let’s go back to the room,” he suggested, looking around to make sure no one heard his comment. He signed the bill the waiter had left, pulled her to her feet, then escorted her out of the restaurant to the elevator.

  Once the elevator doors closed, he pressed his body up against her, pinning her to the wall, his breath hot against her throat. Heat rushed through her veins at the suddenness of his attack. He stepped away as soon as the bell chimed, though, and she was thankful; she wasn’t comfortable showing this amount of affection in public. But obviously, Chad didn’t have a shy bone in his body.

  When the doors opened to their floor, he rushed her down the hall to their room, key already in hand, opening the door. The door barely swung shut before he literally swept her off her feet, carrying her to the bed.

  His lovemaking was the most intense yet; it felt as if he wanted to prove something. She gasped for air several times, as he brought her to the brink and then pulled back over and over. He barely gave her a chance to catch her breath before he’d start all over again. Finally, refusing to let him go when he started to pull back again, she took control of the situation; she couldn’t let him have so much power over her. It worked. He lost complete control and his voice sounded as if he were unable to form her name.

  They collapsed at the same time, completely winded.

  “Woooow,” he drawled, breathless, turning to her. “I’m lightheaded. Told you it would get better. Baby … wow.”

  She couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “So you enjoyed yourself, then?”

  “That’s an understatement.” He sat up on his side, pulling her into his arms. “As you said, there are not enough superlatives to describe how I feel right now, so I won’t even try. I love you, Cassandra. And you have nothing to fear. You keep making love to me like that, and there’s no way I could ever even look at another woman, let alone want to do anything else with one.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The car was waiting for them when they arrived in the lobby. Chad looked sharp in dark, but faded in all the right places, blue jeans, a white textured shirt and of course, the ever-present cowboy boots, which made him even taller than he already was.

  She felt like a little girl, even though, she knew she didn’t look like one. She wore the black dress he’d requested and was pleased to notice he couldn’t keep his eyes, let alone his hands to himself.

  They pulled up in front of a club called Stoney’s; it was exactly how the couple had described it and more. Not only was there a full-scale dance club, there was also the ubiquitous casino, several quieter clubs if they chose to just sit, and even an arcade.

  Chad seemed completely uninterested in anything other than dancing, however, and wasn’t even troubled when they were the first couple to approach the dance floor. Luckily, he’d chosen a slow song for their first dance, which didn’t intimidate her as much as the two-stepping and twirling he’d taught her the other evening.

  They sat out a few songs as he waited for a familiar piece of music. The first few chords of a song started, and he pulled her up without asking. “Okay … here’s your first lesson in line dancing, the all-time favorite; Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” He led her out to the floor.

  As the music started and the people seemed to simply begin dancing, Chad took her aside and started their own line … again, unconcerned with what anyone else thought, it appeared.

  “Chad … can’t we practice privately?” she pleaded again pointlessly. Obviously, Chad always got his way. It shouldn’t have taken her by surprise; he’d admitted his parents gave him everything he wanted as a child. No wonder he’d called her a brat.

  He pulled her to the spot he wanted. “Just listen and watch … you’ll make mistakes, but it’s easy, a few times are all it takes. It’s pretty much the same thing; it’s just fun. Trust me.” He grinned at her, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

  Step to the side cross behind, side heel and clap, now again to the left.

  Step heel and clap, step heel and clap

  Twist both your heels four times, now with your right stomp, stomp, kick, kick

  Right, left, stomp, kick, kick,

  Step forward with your right, hold, and step back with your left hold

  Quarter turn and start over

  “Easy.” He beamed after he walked her through the steps.

  “Easy for you,” she countered, but watched as he did it a couple more times, then pulled her to the line.

  It took her several times until she finally got it, but then the song ended. Perfect, she could go sit.

  Chad was having nothing with that. He pulled her back into his arms as she tried to walk away and proceeded to move her around the dance floor.

  “You promised,” he murmured. “You said at least once a week.”

  She looked up at him and grimaced. “I thought you meant in the privacy of our home, and I didn’t think you literally meant every week.”

  “Oh, you like it, admit it —” He stopped talking, looking over his shoulder as someone tapped him. He sighed heavily as he took in the gentleman behind him.

  Cassandra was instantly confused. Did men really cut in on a dance?

  “Sorry, bub, she’s all mine,” Chad said with a smile, but she could hear the edginess in his tone.

  The man moved to the side of Chad, rested his hand on her shoulder, and nearly stepped between them. “Just one dance. I’m sure the lady wouldn’t mind learning a few new steps.”

  In a flash of movement, Chad pulled Cassandra behind him, bowing up against the larger man, which was saying a lot, as Chad had a well-built body. He put his hand against the man’s chest, shoving him backward about three feet.

  The man staggered forward again. “Don’t be so defensive, man.”

  “Last warning,” Chad growled, and his voice took on such a tone, Cassandra cowered backward. “Step back or I’ll put you on your back!”

  The man finally took the threat seriously and backed away a few steps before turning around.

  Chad turned around to locate her; she hadn’t moved. She was immobile, in shock. Had he almost gotten into a fight because someone wanted to dance with her?

  “Cassandra …” She saw the look of regret in his eyes, but it didn’t matter. “Cassandra?” he called as she darted away.

  Without thinking, she rushed to the women’s restroom. She needed to arrange her thoughts. Was he jealous? Or was he dangerous? Should she have listened to more of what Michelle tried to explain?

  She heard him call from outside the door but ignored him. A few minutes passed, and she dried her tears. What was she afraid of? It wasn’t as if he had punched the man. He’d kept his cool and had only pushed him away.

  Cassandra felt a tap on her shoulder. Would Chad have come inside the ladies’ room? Fearful, she turned around.

  An older woman outstretched her hand, as if to comfort her. “Miss, you okay? Are you Cassandra?”

  She gulped. “Yes.”

  The woman tilted her head as she searched her eyes. “There’s a young man out there, completely distraught. He asked me to come get you. Are you sure you’re okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  “No. I’m just confused,” she admitted.

  “He says he’s very sorry. He asked me to beg you to come out and talk to him.”

  Cassandra forced a smile. “Thank you … I will. I just need to catch my breath.”

&n
bsp; “Okay, honey. He does seem sorry about whatever happened. I’m sure he didn’t mean to upset you. Young men can be rather impulsive, I know.”

  “Thanks … that was very kind of you to come in here and tell me.” Cassandra stood up and walked past the woman, making her way out of the bathroom.

  Chad ran up to her as soon as he saw her. “Oh, God … I’m so sorry, Cassandra. I didn’t think … I swear I’m not a hothead. It’s just … when he put his hands on you … I swear to you, I’m fine. I’ll never do it again.”

  She closed her eyes to blink back the tears. “Can we go?”

  “Yes.” He sighed. “I’m so sorry, baby. Please forgive me … I swear, I’ll never overreact again. I don’t know what came over me, Cassandra.”

  He put his arm around her waist to lead her outside, but she turned out of his embrace. She didn’t want him to touch her right now. She was still shaking and she thought he’d notice. She didn’t want him to think she was terrified, better for him to think she was angry.

  Chad pulled her to a stop. “Cassandra, please don’t pull away.”

  “Leave me alone for a minute, Chad.”

  He shook his head. “I’ll never leave you alone, Cassandra.”

  She looked up at him, and his expression was utterly remorseful. He really hadn’t meant for that to happen. They’d been having such a good time. Well, he’d been having a good time. She’d simply been trying not to step on people’s feet, but she’d been having a good time with him holding her. Admittedly, it was a little flattering … still … She started to walk toward the door again. This wasn’t the place for a discussion.

  He followed her out the door without talking or trying to stop her. After handing the valet their ticket, he nudged her, by only her elbow this time, off to the side of the entryway. “Please, Cassandra,” he pleaded, his voice low and a little shaky.

  She swallowed hard, glancing around the crowded portico. “Chad, just give me a minute. I’m not going anywhere. Can we talk about this in the car?”