It wasn’t as if Chad wasn’t well built, he was. He worked hard to keep his body in the shape it was. But Tom was simply a bigger guy, and no amount of eating or lifting weights would ever allow him to get as large as Tom was; some things were just genetic. And Chad wasn’t pleased that Tom was revealing this fact to his wife.
After he’d helped Cassandra down from the truck, she looped her hand around his arm.
“Hey, Tom,” he called out, raising his eyebrows in question. “Forget your shirt?”
“Yeah.” Tom grinned, but Chad wasn’t buying it. “I already packed my ROCK shirts, so I’ll need another one.”
“Bye, babe.” Cassandra stood on her tiptoes to kiss him goodbye. “Love you, see you later.”
As usual, she started to peck him on the lips. They were always careful at work not to be obnoxious, but Chad pulled her up into his arms and gave her a deep, passionate kiss, marking his territory. He laughed at the ridiculousness of his actions. It was clear Cassandra had absolutely no interest in Tom; she’d hardly allowed him a passing glimpse.
He lowered her feet back to the pavement. “I’ll see you at lunch, Cassie.” He beamed with pride at the flush on her cheeks, then turned and strolled by Tom, chin lifted.
“You got one heck of a girl there.” Tom jogged to catch up with him. “I hope you realize what a catch she is and don’t wander off.”
Chad sucked in a breath. Stay calm, he recited internally. He’s just referring to his sister. He was certain Michelle had spun innumerable lies in her defense to the family, as she’d cited with Cassandra. Chad knew the family hadn’t been happy about their separation. That had been obvious by their reaction.
“Wife,” he corrected Tom. “And believe me … I’m well aware of that fact. She’s wonderful, and I do recognize it; that’s why I married her. And contrary to what your sister may have insinuated, I didn’t screw around, she did.” Chad wasn’t sure why he was even having this conversation with Tom. He just needed to get to work and be done with the day already.
“Oh, I know.” Tom shook his head and huffed. “Michelle has always been wild, but I also know you dated other girls while you were together.”
Chad stopped in his tracks and glared at him. “Because she wanted me to, Tom. It’s not as if I did anything but dance. If I remember correctly, most of the girls I took out, you ended up taking home.” He felt his blood start to boil. “Why am I even having this discussion? Cassandra is not Michelle. I didn’t marry Michelle. And no, I won’t be doing anything to screw this up. You can count on that,” he added for good measure.
“Michelle is pretty sure it won’t last,” Tom continued his drivel, with no comment about his habit of taking home strangers. “She thinks Cassandra will take off, or you’ll do something stupid. But don’t worry … I’ll be here for you,” Tom said.
Chad knew instinctively Tom didn’t mean he’d really be there for him. He would gladly step in and comfort Cassandra, though. But where could he go with this? He had to let the guy play his ignorant word games. If he lost his temper again, Cassandra would find out, and she would leave. He couldn’t let Tom goad him, not that he really thought Tom was challenging him. Tom knew better. He wasn’t a fighter. He may be a big guy, but Chad could take him out in a second.
Tom could only fight with his words, and somehow, that fact made him feel better. Tom couldn’t defend or protect Cassandra the way he could. He could only slap a lawsuit on someone, and Cassandra was quite capable of taking care of herself in that manner. What Cassandra appreciated was the fact that he could take care of her, protect her, and yet treat her gently as he’d done this morning. Tom couldn’t even do that. He’d bragged about all the girls he’d hunted then took advantage of; he didn’t care if he lasted five minutes, as long as he got what he wanted.
Shrugging, Chad turned and walked away, smiling. There was nothing else to say. He heard Tom’s footsteps behind him, but he was evidently out of words.
Chad walked behind the counter and pulled out a shirt that would fit Tom. “Here.” He tossed him the shirt. “Put something on before you intimidate our customers. You know the rules.”
Tom laughed heartily. Just like old times.
Maybe they could be friends again. If he stopped coveting his wife, that is.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The day passed amazingly fast for Chad. Normally when he wanted to get back to Cassandra, the day dragged. But he’d been so busy that he hadn’t had time to think.
When he made his way inside the store, Tom was there. Only this time, he wasn’t bothering Cassie. He was harassing Brandy.
Chad thought about warning Tom off; he certainly didn’t want to lose Brandy, as he had all the other female employees whom Tom had alienated over the years, but decided this was a positive turn of events. Tom would be gone in a few weeks, and Brandy was capable of taking care of herself. She wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer when it came to book smarts, but she was streetwise. She would never let a man take advantage of her; she was a good girl.
“Hey, Chad,” Brandy called as he strolled by. “Cassie is upstairs, but we were just wondering if you guys would like to go to dinner. Tom just invited me to Thirteen Moons and thought you might like to come along.”
He kept walking … he had no desire to socialize, but trying to be friendly, added, “I’ll ask Cassandra. She hasn’t felt well lately.”
Brandy followed behind him. When they made it halfway, she put her hand on his arm, stopping his ascent. “Please, I really need this,” she whispered. “And I’d rather not go with Tom by myself. He sort of has a reputation.”
Chad shot her a disapproving glare. “You know he does. You’ve known him almost as long as I have. Why would you want to go out with him at all?”
Brandy turned and looked around the store. “There aren’t a lot of eligible bachelors around here. I thought —”
“He’s not gonna change,” he interrupted her in a whisper, not wanting Cassandra to hear. He didn’t really want to ask Cassandra. She, of course, would be more than willing to go if it made Brandy happy.
“Please, Chad, you two will be a good buffer. Tom is different; he has a career now. He may be ready to change.”
“And you think you’re the one who’ll change him? You know better than that.” He shook his head and started walking up the steps again.
“Maybe … Please,” she pleaded again.
“I’ll ask Cassie,” he offered. “If she feels up to it, we’ll go.”
Brandy smiled like a little kid, then pranced down the steps. “Thank you. I’ll owe you.”
He opened the door with his head hung low. The last thing he wanted to do was to go out to dinner with Tom. He just wanted to go home.
Dinner went well … the conversation was pleasant. Chad was impressed with Brandy; she’d held her own with them. He was a little concerned at first. After all, the three of them were college graduates. But she’d remained quiet, listening intently unless one of them directed a question to her. She seemed to have a good handle on politics and sports, which were always conversation fillers.
“Do you like to dance, Cassie?” Brandy asked suddenly, as if nudged.
Cassandra blushed immediately. “I’m afraid I’m not very good. I kept stepping on Chad’s feet.”
Chad winked at his shy wife. “She was great for a first-timer, Brandy.”
Brandy bounced in her seat. “Well, they have lessons from seven till eight in Cherokee and then a live band till midnight. Wanna go? It’ll be fun.”
Cassandra glanced at him as if to gauge what he wanted. Certainly, she knew he liked to dance but remembered the last time he’d acted like a fool. “I don’t know …” Cassandra looked apprehensive, but also as if she might want to get out of the house.
“We can if you want to, but only if you feel well enough,” he offered.
She smiled up at him. “Actually, I feel okay.”
So did she want to go, he wondered.
“You already used that one on me, Bran.” Chad laughed. “It’s up to Cassie.”
“Please, Cassie … I’ll teach you how to line dance. It’ll be so much fun. I haven’t been dancing in forever. Chad used to go with me all the time.”
Tom chewed on a piece of ice, irritating him. “You won’t be alone, Cass, I’m a terrible dancer.” He nodded his head toward Chad. “Unlike our friend here, who could enter Dancing with the Stars.” He laughed. “I didn’t stand a chance with women when we were out together. He could literally sweep them off their feet while I stepped on them.”
Chad had a comeback … but decided to hold his tongue.
Cassandra turned to him. “Do you want to go, babe?”
“It’s up to you … we can always dance at home if you want to.” He squeezed her knee, smiling, and then in a low voice said, “I’ll be fine either way … I promise.” Letting her know he wouldn’t be an idiot again.
“Okay,” Cassie agreed. “For a while, I suppose. We still have to get up early in the morning.”
The waiter brought the bill and Tom and Chad reached for it at the same time.
“Allow me, Chad. My family sort of ruined your evening last time you were here.”
Chad raised his eyebrows at Tom’s remark. “Thanks, Tom. Though, it turned out to be an incredible evening. That was the night Cassandra agreed to marry me.” He smiled, pleased to reiterate that Cassandra was his. “But I’ll let you pay. After all, you’re gonna be a hotshot attorney soon.”
Tom grinned. He thought this fact made him superior, Chad was certain.
As always, the nightclub in Cherokee was crowded on a Saturday night. Chad felt more comfortable than he did in Vegas because most of the people knew him here. Tom had been correct; he did like to dance, and Brandy and he would often come out simply to dance. Other than Brandy, the women had always been surprised that dancing was all that he’d wanted. They couldn’t understand that a guy would only want to dance, but he did.
Of course, Michelle spent most of her time flirting. She wasn’t a good dancer either; it must run in the family. Cassandra thought she couldn’t dance, but already she had better rhythm than Michelle ever had. On most of their evenings here, Chad would end up dancing with almost every woman, but Michelle. He couldn’t even fathom that now. He had no desire to dance with anyone but Cassandra.
Brandy wasted no time pulling Cassandra out for instruction.
Cassandra looked to him for help, but he just smiled. “I already know this dance, Cassie. You go ahead. Tom and I’ll watch.” He hoped he’d made himself clear, but if Tom decided to join them, then so would he. If any other man approached Cassandra … well then, he’d just have to hope she’d send them packing; he certainly wouldn’t make the same mistake.
Chad watched the ladies, as did Tom, from the table. He couldn’t tell which woman Tom was watching, though. He could only hope it was Brandy. “Brandy’s fantastic, isn’t she, Tom?”
“A little too simple,” Tom mumbled.
“That isn’t always a bad thing,” Chad tried. “Brandy’s a country girl. She’s got a great heart and she’s extremely nice looking, don’t you think?”
“She’s okay,” he countered not taking his eyes off the floor.
Chad shoved his shoulder to get his attention. “Well, you can’t seem to take your eyes off her.”
Tom turned and looked at him with guilt-ridden eyes as if he hadn’t realized his gaze had been glued to the floor. “Yeah, you’re right; she’s pretty, just not exactly what I’m looking for in a woman.”
“Since when did you become picky? You’ve never cared about a girl’s social status.” Chad shook his head. “Why did you ask her out, then?” Chad knew all along why; he’d just hoped he’d been wrong.
Tom had no answer. He just turned his head as if to take in the rest of the club, but within seconds, his eyes were back on Chad’s wife.
Chad allowed them to finish the lessons and then met Cassandra out on the floor when the next song started. “Hey, babe,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms. “That was rather exciting … watching you. Of course, as the song says, now all I can think about is Gettin’ You Home.”
Cassandra smiled and let him pull her around the floor. “It was fun. I think I’m getting the hang of it.”
“You definitely are,” he agreed. “I’ll need to keep you close.”
Cassandra pulled back to glower at him.
“I’m fine.” He pulled her back. “I won’t lose it again, I promise. I know you love only me.”
She rested her head on his chest. “I do, and don’t you forget it.”
Chad breathed in her perfume. She was so sexy. That was the problem. She didn’t realize most guys weren’t like him. They wouldn’t be able to keep their thoughts pure, holding her close like this. He could simply dance. Other men, like Tom, danced only to see how far they could get with a woman. God, he prayed Tom wouldn’t ask her to dance. He could handle anyone but him. He didn’t know if he could remain calm if he saw Cassandra in Tom’s arms.
The music changed tempo, and Brandy pulled Tom onto the floor. Tom seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself with Brandy. Maybe he’d taken to heart what Chad had said and decided Brandy was worth pursuing. Brandy was only twenty-two. She’d been slightly more than a child when she started working for the ROCK six years ago and had always been much too young for Chad mentally. He’d never been even slightly interested, despite her flirting.
Their bond had eventually taken on more of a brother-sister type of relationship, and since he’d married Cassandra, he’d even extinguished the playful banter. He was a little apprehensive about this evening. The last thing he wanted was for Tom to hurt Brandy, and he couldn’t help but feel guilty that he’d allowed this to happen, hoping to get Tom’s mind elsewhere.
He escorted Cassandra back to the table, allowing her to sit out a few dances. She was exhausted. She always seemed to be trying to get above her breath, as if the baby was already draining her. He hoped she would feel better soon; he hated seeing her uncomfortable.
Brandy and Tom returned to the table, their arms wrapped around each other, giggling.
Tom sunk in his chair as he released a rush of air. “You have way too much energy for me, Brandy. I need to sit out a few, I think.”
A new song started that Chad liked, so he looked at Cassandra and nodded toward the floor.
She shook her head. “I don’t think I can, Chad. I’m still out of breath.”
“Do you mind if Chad dances with me, Cassie?” Brandy asked.
“No … go ahead … it’ll save me,” she said, smiling. “Come back and get me when a slow song comes on. I can handle those.”
Chad looked at her … unsure if she really wanted him to dance with Brandy. He really had no desire to dance with anyone but her, but he didn’t want to be rude to Brandy either.
“Come on, Chad,” Brandy insisted, pulling on his hand.
“Seriously, Chad, go. I’m fine,” Cassandra repeated.
Chad followed Brandy to the dance floor. It was easy dancing with Brandy. They’d danced together many times, so they knew each other’s moves. She’d never made him feel uncomfortable; it felt as if he were dancing with his sister. He glanced at the table a few times. Cassandra and Tom were talking, but Tom kept his distance. Good, maybe he’d gotten the hint. Chad took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on enjoying his dance and not worry about his wife and former best friend.
The song ended and changed to a slow song, so he thanked Brandy and made his way back to Cassandra.
As he approached, Tom leaned toward Cassandra. “Chad won’t mind. He’s used to dancing with everyone. He never minded when Michelle danced with other men. Besides, I’m his best friend.”
Chad slowed his pace, waiting patiently for her answer. Do
not get upset, he reminded himself. She loves me and only me … it doesn’t matter if she dances with someone else. Still, he was thankful she shook her head. He strolled up behind them and laughed inwardly when Tom recoiled.
He stretched his hand out to his wife, and she took it willingly. He squeezed her hand in his as he wove them through the tables.
As soon as he stepped onto the polished wooden floor, he spun her into his arms. “Thank you, Cassandra. I wouldn’t have minded, but thank you for refusing him.”
“I don’t want to dance with Tom. I don’t have that many dances in me so I will save them all for you.”
He smiled. “It doesn’t seem fair. I danced with Brandy.”
She shrugged. “You have a lot of dances in you, and Brandy isn’t looking for anything but a dance. Don’t think I would let Michelle dance with you, though,” she said. And if he wasn’t mistaken, there was a hint of jealousy in her eyes.
“I see your point and not to worry, I have no desire to dance with Michelle … she’s a terrible dancer.”
She looked up at him and her eyes sparkled in the nightclub’s lights. “Really?”
“Really,” he assured her. “You are a much better dancer. With practice, maybe you can make it to Dancing with the Stars too.” He grinned. “Now shh, I don’t want to talk about Michelle or Tom. I only want to imagine what I’m going to do when I get you home.”
“Tell me,” she whispered.
“Cassandra,” he chastised playfully. “I never imagined … you naughty girl.” He whispered a couple of suggestions in her ear, then leaned back to watch her reaction. He’d made her blush again. Good.
She rested her head against his chest. “How long do we have to stay?”
“Let’s go now,” he drawled. “We may not make it home.” He pulled her off the dance floor.
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