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

by Carmen DeSousa

  “Yeah. She’s been upstairs ever since she returned.”

  “Returned?” He narrowed his eyes. “From where?”

  Brandy shrugged. “I don’t know. She ran out earlier this morning, right after you left. Told me she’d be back, and then she’s been busy ever since. I haven’t seen her all day. But Tom went up a little bit ago, so I guess she’s finished whatever it is she was doing.”

  Chad turned away from Brandy, quickly making his way upstairs. Why was Tom here? And why was he upstairs with Cassandra? He’d kill him if he laid a hand on her. He knew how Tom was; he was a player. Always setting his sights on an innocent girl and wouldn’t give up until he took advantage of her. Chad had lost several female employees to him. Why was he bothering Cassandra? Why would she even allow him alone with her in the office?

  He swung open the door and saw Cassandra leaning back in her chair laughing as Tom perched himself on the desk, undoubtedly sharing some anecdote of his past. “What the —” Chad restrained the expletive that had almost escaped. He lifted his head in Tom’s direction. “What are you doing here?”

  Tom raised his hands reflexively as a sign of submission. He knew what Chad was thinking … what any husband would think walking in on his wife with another man.

  Tom bounced off the desk. “Hey, man, I’ve been waiting for you … but then Brandy said Cass was up here, so I decided to come up and say ‘Hi’.” Tom rushed to get the words out. “I thought you might need help over the weekend. I know how busy it gets over the holiday weekend and have a few weeks before I move to Ashville.”

  Cassandra, looking completely innocent, smiled at him. “Isn’t that great, Chad? I know you said tomorrow will be even busier, so Tom could help out since I’ll be busy.”

  Chad looked down at his wife, who was still lounging back in the chair. “I’m tired. Can we go, Cassandra? I’ll call you, Tom,” Chad said as a dismissal.

  Tom walked toward the door. “See you later,” he called and then strolled out.

  Cassandra tilted her head in confusion as if she couldn’t comprehend why he was upset. “What’s wrong, Chad? Did something happen today?”

  He closed his eyes, attempting to control his temper. Cassandra was innocent. She had no idea what Tom was capable of, but still, she should know better than to be in a closed office with another man. “What are you doing in here, alone, with Tom?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “You heard me. Why would you be in here with him, behind a closed door? I told you how he looked at you. You think the fact that you’re married makes any difference to him? And how do you think it looks to the employees?”

  She threw up her hands, then started shuffling paperwork on the desk. “Don’t be ridiculous, Chad. We were talking about you.”

  “I’m sure that’s what he was thinking,” he mocked. “Did you know he was coming today … is that why —”

  “Don’t do this, Chad,” she cut off his words. “Not today. You need to settle down immediately,” she demanded.

  “Don’t do what? What am I doing?” he sneered. Then he remembered Brandy’s comment. “And where did you go today, Cassandra?” His voice had raised an octave, and he immediately wanted to retract his words when she looked at him in shock.

  She stood up and walked directly in front of him. “Since when is it your business where I go —” There was a knock on the door. “Yes?” Cassandra answered the anonymous knock, completely in control.

  Brandy peeked her head in. “Is it okay if I go, Cassie? Leslie is here.”

  “Sure,” Cassandra replied.

  Brandy pulled the door closed after glancing back and forth between the two of them. She’d obviously heard them yelling.

  “You are my business,” Chad continued, his voice a little lower, but still seething.

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Chad, I swear to you. You are going to be mighty upset with yourself if you don’t take a deep breath, count to ten, and greet your wife as she deserves to be greeted. Matter of fact, if you were smart, you would step outside that door and try again.”

  Chad glared at her, more confused than ever, but complied. It was what Jasmine used to say whenever he was getting ready to lose it over something stupid. His stepmother would always say, “Chad, I want you to take a deep breath, count to ten, and think before you speak again.” Cassandra had added in the “leave and come back”, and he remembered how she’d done the same thing at the restaurant that first day when they officially met, after she’d insulted him.

  He walked out the door, closing it forcibly behind him. He was still upset at seeing Tom with his wife. He took a deep breath and did in fact count to ten, but still needed a few more seconds. He was overreacting. He knew Cassandra loved only him. And it really wasn’t his business where she went. Just everything had happened all at once, and it’d confused him. Their marriage was great, though, and they rarely argued. She’d literally spoiled him. Relax … relax, he breathed.

  He inched open the door, and Cassandra was sitting in the chair again. “Hello, Cassandra,” he said as softly as he could muster. He was still fuming inside, though, not at Cassandra, at Tom.

  She turned to him as if they hadn’t just seen each other only seconds earlier and smiled. “I’ve been waiting for you, Chad. Come on, let’s go home.” She jumped out of the chair.

  She took his hand, pulling him down the stairs and out the door to his truck. She waited for him to open the door and help her in. Even with the running boards, it was still high for her. She could manage, but she knew he liked helping her, so she always waited patiently. He closed the door behind his wife, walked around to his side of the truck, and jumped up into his seat. Patiently, he turned the key, rotated the air-conditioning vents, adjusted the volume on the radio, then turned to her for an explanation.

  Cassandra pulled up the center console, moved to her knees, then placed both hands on his face. “Walter Chadwick Wilkinson,” she spoke each word of his name individually, kissing him between each word.

  Okay, so he wasn’t mad anymore, but he still wanted an explanation of why she was acting so strange. He looked deeply into her eyes for an answer, but said nothing.

  She continued, “My best friend, my lover, my husband …” She kissed him again. “The father of my child, you need to relax.”

  Chills ran down his arms. Had she said what he thought she said? He noticed her eyes were full now as he searched her face for clarification. “Cassandra, are you saying?” He held his breath as she nodded.

  “I’ve felt horrible, out of breath, unable to eat, and this morning I could barely make it upstairs before I got sick … so I decided to sit out the rafting.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I went to the store and bought a test … it came up positive, and I’m late. I called around and found a doctor today...so we’ll know for sure next week. But I’m fairly certain, Chad. You’re going to be a daddy.”

  “Oh, Cassandra, baby, I’m so sorry I acted — Oh, God, this is amazing.” He pulled her into his arms, as he pushed her hair off her shoulders and buried his head in her neck. “I’m sorry I overreacted and almost ruined this for you.”

  “Shh, it’s okay, Chad, I understand. I guess it wasn’t a good idea letting Tom wait for you in the office, knowing how he feels.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t let me off easy, Cassandra. I overacted. You did nothing wrong. I trust you completely; I swear I do. It’s Tom I don’t trust. But let’s forget about him.” He exhaled deeply, then announced cheerfully, “Thank you, God! This is such wonderful news, baby.” He pulled her onto his lap and then pressed his lips to hers. After a few seconds, he pulled back as he looked around the parking lot. He had an uncomfortable feeling as if someone was watching them. He saw Tom standing by his BMW, and he was in fact watching them. “Maybe we should go,” he whispered.

  Cassandra didn’t seem to notice Tom as she slid off his lap, then buried her head into his sho
ulder. “Yes, let’s go home. I’ve been so excited I could barely concentrate all day.”

  Chad glowered at Tom as he pulled out of the parking lot. He pulled his eyes off Tom and brought his attention back to where it should be, on his wife. His beautiful, loving wife. It didn’t matter that men couldn’t keep their eyes to themselves. She was his, and she loved him. He knew she would never do anything to destroy their marriage; he was the one who needed to keep control of his emotions.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Saturday morning, it would be a busy day. Chad ran his hand up the sheet searching for his wife. He always knew when she got up before him because the bed was always cooler without her warm body.

  He heard her footsteps on the stairs and pulled the blanket up to welcome her back to bed. It was still early; his alarm hadn’t gone off yet, so there was no rush to get up.

  Cassandra crawled back under the sheet and blanket, then positioned her body against his, so they were spooned together the way he always liked in the morning.

  He nuzzled her neck. “You’re up awfully early … did you make coffee?”

  She sighed deeply. “No … I was sick again.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Why did you go downstairs? It wouldn’t have bothered me. I have a strong stomach, couldn’t do hospital work without one.” He leaned over her to look at her face.

  “I was hungry at first.” She bit her bottom lip. The way she always did when something embarrassed her. “But as soon as I stepped off the last step, my stomach lurched. I had to run to the spare bath. Luckily, I stocked it with toiletries, so I was able to brush my teeth.” She released a nervous chuckle.

  He pulled the hair off her neck so he could continue his line of kisses. “You know, they say you should eat crackers before you get out of bed in the morning. It helps settle your stomach.”

  Cassandra rolled over in his arms. “Is that what they say? And how do you know what they say, Chad? Have you ever been pregnant?”

  “Well, darlin’, I did go to four years of medical school. I did learn a thing or two, and you just hear people talk.”

  She tucked her head under his chin. “Did they say what to do about entire-day sickness? Because I got sick all day yesterday … there wasn’t anything I could keep down … this part of pregnancy sucks. I hate being sick. I’ve never been sick in my life.”

  “It’ll pass, baby.” He ran his hand over her stomach. “How do you feel now?”

  She glanced up at him with those sea-green eyes. “Okay, for now. But that status can change in a matter of moments.”

  “So, I can’t persuade you...” he trailed off seductively.

  “Maybe we should wait. I’d hate to have to jump up … you know … that would kind of ruin it. I’ll see the doctor Tuesday; maybe he’ll be able to tell me how long this part will last.”

  “It won’t last long, just a few weeks, and then you’ll feel great and, of course, look wonderful, as you do now. I don’t know if it’s because you turned me down or what … you’ve never told me no before; you’ve spoiled me, Cassandra. But I want you so much right now, I can hardly stand it.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t tell you no. I merely said that maybe it wouldn’t be a good idea. I don’t know how long before I feel —”

  He shushed her by placing his fingers over her lips. “I know, baby, relax. I’m fine. I was just letting you know how good you look and how much I want you, but I’m fine just holding you. You don’t have to give into me morning, noon, and night. The more you give me, the more I want. I’m essentially a selfish person, Cassandra.” He ran his hand down her arm, watching as goose bumps covered her skin. “I told you my parents overindulged me as a child. I like having my way.”

  His wife smiled sweetly at him. “And I like making you happy, Chad. I don’t think you are spoiled. You haven’t heard me complaining, have you?”

  “You’re not making this any easier.” He ran his hands over her hips, then back up her arms and down the front of her body. He pulled her closer, enjoying the feeling of her body pressed up against him. He brushed her hair off her shoulder and buried his head into her neck. “Maybe if I was really gentle,” he suggested in a whisper.

  “Mmm. Perhaps.” She moaned quietly.

  That was all the invitation he needed. He would be extra tender, giving her only what she needed. He turned her body around and gently pulled her back against him. His hands traveled a circuit over her waist, hips, and legs. He was careful not to jolt her as he caressed her, gauging her reactions, making sure this is what she really wanted. He smiled as he heard her groan softly. She wanted him too; she just didn’t want to be embarrassed if she had to take off mid-act.

  He continued to please her until she couldn’t take it any longer, pressing her body further against his. She let out a sound of relief when he finally obliged her.

  Oh, how he loved to hear her, to know that he could make his wife feel so much gratification. It made his enjoyment twice as pleasurable. He let her control the lovemaking, taking what she needed from him at the intensity she wanted. He was content with whatever made her happy. The more she enjoyed him, the better he felt, and right now, he was feeling pretty good. He wished they could stay here all day but knew they couldn’t; there would be a time in the winter months when they would be able to let others run the store.

  He heard the familiar sound he’d been waiting for, his cue. He wrapped his arms tightly around her as she always liked and took her to the precipice before he went over himself.

  When she stilled, he turned her over gently and pulled her close. “How do you feel now, Mrs. Wilkinson?”

  “Pretty good, Mr. Wilkinson … I’m sure glad you don’t like taking ‘no’ for an answer, but now I’m famished.”

  “Go take your shower,” he offered. “I’ll make coffee and how ’bout some toast and a scrambled egg for breakfast?”

  She scrunched up her nose and narrowed her eyes. “You’re going to make breakfast?”

  “Cassandra, you spoil me. I assure you I’m quite capable of making breakfast, and I think you deserve someone waiting on you for once. You work as hard as I do and yet insist on doing everything at home.” He rolled out of bed, kissing her on the forehead. “I’ll see you in a few minutes … unless you would like me to bring you breakfast in bed?”

  She slowly slid her legs over the side of the bed, but didn’t stand up. “No, we have to get going. We have a ton of reservations, and you know we’ll have plenty more who’ll just show up.”

  Chad nodded. He did know but was pleased that she’d taken on concern of their business so fully. It was clear she now cared as much as he did. He hoped that meant she’d want to stay here after they fulfilled their six months.

  Cassandra came downstairs twenty minutes later, looking radiant. Her face flushed pink and glowing, absolutely breathtaking. How had he gotten so lucky, he wondered suddenly.

  He pulled her breakfast off the stove and set it on the table. “You think you can hold down coffee?”

  She picked up her fork and dove in. “Maybe I should try to eat first, then I can take the coffee with me. This smells great, Chad, I am absolutely ravenous.”

  “As am I,” he whispered under his breath. And he was. He could take her back upstairs right now, he was fairly certain. He wondered how he could ever get his full of his wife. They’d only been married a little over a month, but he thought for sure that the flame would start to waver somewhat, but it seemed as if every day the fire inside him was merely fanned and he wanted her further. And not just sex, he wanted every part of her. Already it was as if nothing meant anything without her knowing about it.

  Cassandra smiled up at him. She must have heard his mumbled declaration or just recognized the look on his face he was sure he couldn’t contain. He walked back to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, and fixed a plate for himself, taking a seat across from his lovely bride. They had forever, he could make it through today and tomorrow … crap … and Monday to
o as it was a holiday. Well, he could make it through three more days and then Tuesday they’d —

  “Did you call Tom?” Cassandra interrupted his thoughts.

  “Why in the world would I call Tom?” he asked calmly, though he’d hated she’d brought up his name, interrupting his fantasizing.

  “Chad, you need help this weekend. I can’t take out a raft in my condition; at least, I wouldn’t think it was a good idea. I guess we can ask the doctor on Tuesday.”

  She took another bite of food. She’d almost eaten every morsel on the plate, and normally she just picked at her food.

  He couldn’t keep from smiling as he watched her. “No, no … I wouldn’t want to take a chance. You’re right. Regardless of what the doctor says. Though, I will certainly miss having you near me where I can see you … and, of course, your little tank top, I’ll miss that.” He grinned and then thought of Tom. He didn’t want Tom to work with him, but if he didn’t, then he would be free to hang out at the store. Maybe he could use some help after all.

  Chad pushed back from the table, crossing the room to the phone. Keep your enemies closer, he thought ruefully. He hated thinking that way, but it hadn’t been his imagination when he’d seen Tom watching them yesterday. Tom wanted his wife; there was no doubt in his mind. And though he trusted Cassandra entirely, there was no reason to allow him to hang around and eyeball her while he wasn’t around. The way Tom had perched himself on the desk yesterday … he seethed internally at the memory … he could have thrown him through the window and not have cared; though, it would have probably bothered him later. They used to be good friends. Heck, they’d been friends before Michelle and he’d gotten together. He just never liked the way Tom was around women; the man was completely primal.

  Tom was happy to be of help he announced over the phone when Chad called. And Cassandra seemed pleased with his effort to make peace, so maybe all would be okay. Chad could smother his jealousy in front of his wife. He could act polite.

  Chad pulled their truck into the last spot at the end of the property. Hopping down, he made his way to Cassandra’s side, unable to take his eyes off Tom lounging by the front door. Granted, a lot of their patrons walked around without a shirt, but his employees weren’t allowed, and Tom knew it.