“Don’t be like that!” Erin scolded. “It was you who told us that Carter’s a playboy, and that was why you didn’t bet on him to be the next guy to fall in love. You already knew there were no promises when you hooked up with him, so this is not about you. It’s about him not wanting a relationship with anyone.”
“I guess I’m just really stupid, then,” she said dryly. “I should have known better than to hope for anything more than what we’d agreed to.”
“Oh, Cassie, there’s nothing wrong with you. You know what I believe? I believe that finding true love is one of hardest things in the world. And when you do find it, keeping it is just as hard. We could say that Jade and Lexie are extremely lucky to have found Lucas and Rick—and they are. But they’d had great lows too before they settled down. And what about Marilyn? She’s so pretty and has a wide circle of friends. Her family is filthy rich and influential. Yet, she’s still on the lookout for love. And you said Tash has had her fair share of heartbreak, too. And then there’s me. My boyfriend of two years travelled to Europe with his buddies—and came back married to a Spanish girl. So you see, it’s not you who’s to blame. It’s love, for being so damned difficult.”
Cassie smiled, hugging her friend tightly. “Thank you, Erin. You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
“Anytime, honey.”
Cassie was grateful for her best friends. And she couldn’t help but hope that she had good friends at work who’d be able to give her a boost if her emotions ran away with her. The next few days—perhaps even weeks—would be hellish with Carter and Susan working in the same place as she did. She wasn’t a bad actress and she’d always been able to put on a decent face despite any turmoil she might be feeling inside. But she was different when Carter was around. She seemed to unconsciously wear her heart out on her sleeve where he was concerned. It would make the coming days all the more difficult.
*****
“Cassie?”
Cassie composed herself before looking up. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Carter said, walking towards her desk. He looked tired, like he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep.
“I don’t think we finished our conversation last night,” he said in a low voice.
“We did, Carter.”
“Well, for me we didn’t. There’s a lot I need to explain, Cass. But I can’t do it right now. Can I ask you to just...” Carter took a deep breath, looking as if he were trying to contain his emotions. “Can I ask you to give me that chance to explain? Not now, but later.”
“When?” she asked, trying to keep the hope out of her voice.
“I can’t tell you exactly when.”
She went for complete honesty. “I can’t keep going through with this unless there’s some commitment involved, Carter. That means you not going out with Susan.”
“Cassie, there’s nothing going on—”
“It’s not that I don’t want you to be friends with other women, Carter,” she interrupted. “But she likes you. Can’t you see why I’m asking for this?”
“Yes, but I...” Carter looked out the window, as if looking for an answer out there.
Argh! This man was killing her!
“When you’ve made up your mind, you know where to find me,” she said, her tone dismissing.
“It’s not what you think, Cass.”
“Then explain it to me, please.”
Carter just stared at her with that pleading look on his face.
She snapped. “If you can’t explain right now, then leave me alone. You have no right to mess with my head and keep me hanging, Carter. No right.”
Carter exhaled harshly. “Okay,” he said, then he walked out.
She glared at his retreating back before going back to what she was doing, but her eyes were blurry and her mind wouldn’t cooperate.
Damn him.
*****
Cassie walked back to her office from the kitchen. She was proud of herself. Even though her heart was still as broken as it had been five days ago when she’d ended things with Carter, she’d survived the week without losing her composure—apart from that time on Tuesday when Carter had pleaded with her in her office.
She’d thrown in all her time and attention to her work—her usual MO for burying unwanted emotions—and it was working. As long as Carter kept his distance, and as long as she only talked to Susan when she absolutely had to, she’d remain fine.
“Hi, Cassie.”
Cassie smiled at Bronwyn, who was standing by her door. “Hi.”
“Do you have time for an impromptu meeting? I want to discuss something with you.”
“Sure.”
“Let’s go to the French café and have an early lunch. I had very little dinner last night and no breakfast. I’m starving.”
“Okay,” she said. Come to think of it, she hadn’t eaten much in the last few days either. She grabbed her purse and joined her boss.
A couple of her co-workers, who were having a chat by the reception area, abruptly stopped their conversation when they saw them approaching. Cassie didn’t understand why some of her colleagues seemed to be afraid of Bronwyn. The boss had never been anything but friendly and relaxed with her.
“Ugh, it’s been quite cold this week, hasn’t it?” Bronwyn said as they stepped out of the building, buttoning up her coat.
Cassie murmured her agreement.
“I don’t know how much you’ve noticed it, though, Cassie, seeing that you’ve been cooped up in your office all week. Have you even been going out for lunch?”
“Yes,” she said with a laugh. “I just buy my food and eat it in my office.”
“I also noticed something else,” Bronwyn said.
“What’s that?”
“You seem to be avoiding Carter.”
Cassie faltered in her steps. She wasn’t expecting that.
“Lover’s tiff?” Bronwyn asked with a sympathetic smile.
Her mouth dropped open.
“I’m a very astute observer, Cassie. No use denying it.”
Wow. What was the point of denying it, indeed? “It’s over between us,” she answered.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. And I’m sorry for prying, but I’m just a nosy bitch. So what happened?”
She couldn’t help but chuckle at Bronwyn’s intrigued look. “I want commitment and he doesn’t,” she said candidly.
“Oh,” Bronwyn said with a tsk. “Is Susan getting in the way?”
This time, Cassie’s jaw hit the ground.
“I know more than you think, Cassie,” Bronwyn said dryly.
She took a deep breath. “Well, you can see what I’m up against. I’m hardly competition against Susan.”
Bronwyn shook her head at her in censure. “You really think that?”
She shrugged, smiling mirthlessly.
“I want to tell you something,” Bronwyn said conspiratorially. “I don’t think I’m supposed to tell you this, but under the circumstances...”
Cassie waited, intrigued.
“Carter’s in deep financial trouble.”
“What?”
“Not many people know. In fact, not even his family knows.”
“Why? And how did you know?” Cassie asked in disbelief.
“I can’t tell you my source because I’ve promised to keep this to myself. I was told he’s drowning in debt. The reason? I don’t know.”
“I can’t quite believe that, Bronwyn,” she said, dazed.
“I wouldn’t even have breathed a word of this to you if I didn’t trust the person who told me.”
Cassie stared blankly at the path ahead of them. Carter had never indicated that he was in some sort of financial trouble. And if he was, how come he didn’t ask his parents for help? They were rich.
She could guess why he didn’t, though. Carter, like Natasha, had always lived only within the means afforded by their respective salaries. Apparently, they could only share in the profits of the family’s electrical servi
ces company when they became directors, which neither of them wanted at this point in time. Besides, Carter was a proud man. She could see why he’d keep this from his family.
Her heart went out to him. If he truly were in dire straits, she hoped he wasn’t carrying his problems all by himself.
“There’s something else,” Bronwyn said. “I was also told that Susan is key to him paying off his debts. She apparently has contacts who can help him. I think that’s why they’ve been spending a lot of time together lately. But I’ve been watching Carter too, Cassie. From where I stand, it’s you he has feelings for. I’m guessing he just wants to solve this problem before committing to you.”
Cassie stared at Bronwyn as Carter’s insistent words filled her head. He’d said that there was nothing going on between him and Susan, and that things were not as they seemed. He’d also begged for her to give him the chance to explain—when he could.
Could everything Bronwyn had said be true, then?
“If I were you,” Bronwyn said, “I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Carter’s a charming man and many women do drool over him. But I’ve never noticed him look at anyone else with that emotion that seemed to be reserved just for you.”
“Really?” she asked shyly, joy slowly seeping back into her heart.
“Yes. Really. And if you need my help in bringing the two of you back together, I’m more than happy to do whatever I can. By the way, have I told you I’m such a sucker for romance?”
Cassie chuckled.
“You’ll have to do me a favour, though, Cassie. Please don’t tell Carter or anyone else that I’ve told you this. It wasn’t my secret to tell and I don’t want the person who told me to stop trusting me. I just strongly feel you should know because, as I’ve said, I’m a sucker for romance.”
“Okay. But I wonder how I can I help him without telling him I know of his problems.”
“He’s sorting it out himself, Cassie. Let the man keep his pride. I’m sure he doesn’t want you to know. Besides, there are other things you can do to make him feel better,” Bronwyn said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
She blushed even as she laughed out loud. “Thank you, Bronwyn,” she said sincerely to the woman who was fast becoming a good friend.
“Anytime. And like I said, if I can help in any way, just let me know.”
“I will.”
They arrived at the café and bonded further over delicious food while chatting about love, romance and art. Funnily enough, Bronwyn didn’t want to talk about work at all. That suited Cassie just fine. Her head was too muddled to think straight, anyway.
All she could think of was seeing Carter again.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Carter surveyed the new electrical wiring he’d installed. The extension being built at Tellman Galleries was almost complete, and he’d run out of time. Everything that was required of an electrician was finished.
He’d worked as slowly as he could, but he wouldn’t have gotten away with doing a poor job just to have a reason to keep coming back.
Fortunately, he’d already established a good connection with Susan. It should be easy to keep on seeing her even if he didn’t work at the gallery anymore.
But Susan had been busy lately—or so she’d said—and hadn’t had the time to have lunches with him. He’d even asked her out to dinner last night, but she’d said she had other plans. She seemed to be waiting for something—or someone.
Vera hadn’t had much luck getting anything regarding Bronwyn, either. By all accounts, there was nothing suspicious about Bronwyn, except for the fact that she was a very generous boss. Little by little, he was starting to relax about Bronwyn. Maybe she truly was just a brilliant businesswoman who knew how to take care of great people like Cassie.
Cassie.
He missed her so damned much. But more than anything, he wanted her safe. And that meant catching the culprits who were working here at Tellman Galleries.
He pulled out his phone and called up one of his favourite pictures of her. If he weren’t worried that someone might see him, he’d kiss his screen.
He snickered, shaking his head. He had it bad. Real bad.
So you better solve this case already, Carter.
Yes, he had to. Not only to keep more people from being deceived, blackmailed and killed, but to finally be able to chase after Cassie openly.
He packed his tools and went via the back entrance to the gallery’s parking area.
“Carter!”
“Susan,” he said in surprise.
“I was waiting for you.”
He was instantly on alert, and quickly slipped into his role. “Were you?” he said with a lopsided grin. “I’m glad. I was starting to think you were avoiding me.”
“No. I’ve just been busy. Anyway, I was wondering if you’d want to go out to dinner tomorrow?”
“Why not tonight?”
Susan chuckled. “Impatient, are you? But I can’t tonight.”
He pretended to sigh in resignation. “Okay. Tomorrow, then. What’s your address?”
“How about I pick you up? And dinner’s my treat.”
“But that’s not very gentlemanly.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet,” Susan said, tapping his arm. “But don’t worry about it. I know how cash is tight for you.”
“I meant if you’re paying for dinner, I should at least knock on your door and escort you to the car.”
“No need for that,” Susan said with a laugh. “Now what’s your address?”
He hid his smirk. There was no way he’d give a suspected criminal his address. “I’m too ashamed of my place. So why don’t I meet you somewhere instead?”
“Okay.” Susan mentioned a fancy restaurant she wanted to take him to.
He whistled. “Can’t wait,” he said, making sure he gave her a seductive look.
“Me neither,” she said, getting into her car and starting the engine. “See you tomorrow!”
“Bye!” he called out as Susan drove off, excitement running through his body in anticipation of a breakthrough.
*****
The pepperoni pizza Carter ordered came a minute after he came out of the shower. He settled in front of the TV, which was showing another episode of Cassie’s favourite home renovation show, and opened the box. It smelled delicious and his stomach did some grumbling. He doubted he’d eat as much as he usually did, though. Between aching for Cassie and raring to finally solve the Tellman case, his appetite had been almost non-existent.
He lifted a piece and stared at it. Cassie liked pepperoni pizza too. What was she having for dinner tonight?
For fuck’s sake, Carter. Stop acting like a lovesick puppy!
He shook his head at himself and brought the piece to his mouth, only to freeze when his doorbell rang.
He replaced the pizza in the box and quietly went to grab his gun. He wasn’t expecting anyone tonight. With the stooges in the Tellman case being murdered, he wasn’t taking any chances.
Quiet as a mouse, he went to the door and looked into the peephole. His heart banged hard around the walls of his chest. Hurriedly, he hid his gun, holster and badge in their special drawer in his bedroom before jogging back to the door and opening it.
“Cassie,” he said, breathless.
“Hi,” she said tentatively, looking past him. “I was starting to think you weren’t home. Did I interrupt something?”
“No, I was just about to eat.” He moved to the side to let her in.
“Pizza?” she asked, sniffing the air.
“Pepperoni. And I’m also watching your favourite show. I was just wishing you were here with me and then you were at the door.”
The genuine smile Cassie gave him lifted the gloom he’d been suffering from for days. And just because he couldn’t help himself, he went to her and cupped her face. “I missed you,” he whispered, hoping that the naked emotion in his face told her all he wanted to say but couldn’t.
Cassie’s eyes shone with
the answer he craved. And just like that, he was a happy man again.
He leaned down to kiss her, but Cassie halted him.
“I’m here because I’m worried about you, Carter. The way you’re acting, you seem to be in some kind of trouble.”
He curved his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. He felt her resist for a few seconds before she sighed her resignation.
“It’s not anything I can’t handle, babe,” he said, trying for a kiss again.
Cassie dodged his lips. But thankfully, she didn’t try to escape his embrace.
“If it’s as simple as you make it out to be, why are you being so secretive about it?” she queried.
“I didn’t say it was simple, I said it’s not anything I can’t handle.”
Cassie’s eyes narrowed. “So it’s dangerous?”
“Well, it’s not a walk in the park...”
“Carter!” Cassie said in frustration.
He held her tighter, in case she was thinking of leaving. “I promise I’ll explain later, sweetheart. And when I do, you’ll understand why I can’t tell you right now.”
“I just don’t know what to think. And what does Susan have to do with this? Why do you have to keep dating her?”
“They’re not exactly dates. And I swear to you I have not and will never sleep with her,” he added insistently.
Cassie shut her eyes.
“Trust me, Cassie. Please. I can’t tell you anything more right now. But believe me when I say it’s you I want. Only you.”
She opened her eyes, hope and plea reflected in them. “Truly?”
“Truly, sweetheart,” he said with all the sincerity he could muster.
Cassie stared at him for a long breathless moment. Then she smiled. And that was all he needed to see.
“You asked me to trust you,” she said, her arms creeping around his neck. “I just want you to know you can trust me too. You might not be ready to tell me right now, but can you consider it, please?”
“Okay,” he whispered, his heart dancing with joy. She was back with him!
Cassie rested her head in the crook of his neck and he revelled in holding her for a blissful moment.
“You should eat the pizza,” she murmured. “It’s getting cold.”
The Undercover Playboy (Captured by Love Book 3) Page 9