by Meg Ripley
Eric arched one of his sandy blonde brows. “How do you know I have an island? How deep into the identities did you get?”
“Deep enough, Eric Sue Riverston.” Cassie struggled to keep her face still as color rushed to Eric’s cheekbones.
“How did you—I had that changed!”
The store clerk was wandering over to them, and instead of answering, Cassie just laughed and shook her head.
“Come on. We should go somewhere else, Sue. The locals are starting to get restless.”
****
Cassie’s step was light as they walked to the coffee shop two blocks away, and she told herself it was because the case had turned out to be more interesting than she expected—not because Eric’s aquamarine eyes kept connecting with hers and refusing to pull away, or darting to her lips and back as she spoke. He’s just intense. These Silicon Valley types always are, and you’re probably just a tad cuter than he expected.
The coffee shop was mostly deserted, since there were two chain coffee bars a few blocks away, and most of the college kids who frequented places like it were in class or sleeping away hangovers. Cassie settled into a seat next to the window, indicating to the waitress that they’d like to see menus.
“So, you found out more than anyone else did about me, but still didn’t connect the photo to my identity?”
Cassie shrugged as she accepted the greasy menu from the wide-hipped waitress. “My results were inconclusive, and my gut told me I’d found out more by just doing something instead of making endless guesses.”
Eric pushed his hair away from his forehead and sat back in his seat; Cassie felt that odd tingling sensation sweep over her skin again, and she couldn’t fight the shiver that rolled through her this time. “I’m so glad you turned out to be the best; I know you’re going to be just perfect for this job. Two coffees, please?” Eric smiled at the waitress as she nodded and strode away to retrieve two mugs.
Cassie watched the woman until she was out of sight, then made herself meet Eric’s gaze. “Eric…Mr. Riverston, you still haven’t told me what this job is, so there isn’t any guarantee that I’m going to take it.” She kept her voice level, but it disappointed her to even say it aloud; hormone-based reasons or not, she did have a feeling that whatever he had for her was big—possibly even career changing.
He nodded thoughtfully, adding sugar the coffee the waitress had just poured. “Eric, please,” he said. “You probably know about my security project?”
Cassie nodded. “Not the specifics, but I know it’s something that the big search engines are after, and even a few mobile phone developers.”
“It’s going to change mobile and internet security completely,” he confirmed. “It’s been in the works for nearly three years, and last month I got close to finishing it. Then something weird happened.” Eric shook his head bitterly. “I should have caught on immediately. Bits of code kept changing slightly—not enough to detect immediately, but enough to change functionality in a major way. Then when I fixed it, things started to rewrite themselves—which, at first, was just annoying. But it led to a major shutdown of my systems, and I lost a chunk of the program completely. It took us months to get back up and running.” He sighed. “Then everything started all over again. I finally started to look closely and saw the instances of where the source of corruption was introduced to the software and had started to wipe it, but not completely erase it. I found enough data to tell me that someone is sabotaging my project. And it’s coming from inside my own company.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “Wow. Really? Are you completely sure? Don’t get me wrong,” she said hurriedly at the look of irritation on his face, “when things are sabotaged, a likely suspect is someone involved in the situation directly. But it’s also natural to get a little defensive or jumpy after working on something so hard for so long.”
“I understand,” Eric said mildly. “But I’m sure. It’s one of the few things I’m sure of.”
Cassie bristled, but forced herself not to react to his attitude. He’s just stressed out, she reminded herself. “I just want to be sure before I start investigating and feelings are inevitably hurt. When the truth comes out in cases like this, it’s usually ugly, and bonds that are broken are nearly impossible to repair. And I’d generally recommend against trying.”
Eric dropped his eyes from hers and sighed, his shoulders slumping forward as he seemed to visibly deflate. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I’m just very nervous. This could all turn out so badly.”
She felt a rush of empathy for him. “It’s going to be ok. I’ll make sure of it.”
Cassie reached across the table and squeezed his shoulder lightly, smiling in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. But when Eric’s green eyes met hers, she grew less sure of her ability to stay completely controlled during this case: there was heat there in his gaze, whether he meant for her to see it or not—and she pulled her hand back quickly, her blood running hot from the scorching energy coursing between them. Eric smiled slowly, and he caught her fingers in his hand before she could finish retracting her arm; Cassie gasped softly, and she felt herself blush.
“Thank you,” Eric said in a low voice. “You’re too kind.”
Her skin grew warmer, and she realized the odd tingling sensation was back, like the sun was shining to warm her and her alone.
You can’t take this case, she told herself desperately—then, almost simultaneously: you have to take this case.
Eric pulled his hand back, and it was like she had been pushed from cloud nine and left to fall to the Earth. “I know your rates, and I’m prepared to offer you double.”
That startled her. “Double?”
Eric nodded. “Something tells me that this might get…” he trailed off, looking for the right words. “I’ve seen people get dangerous when they’re cornered,” he finished. “And I’m sure you have, too. They may be different kinds of danger, but I want to make sure this is worth your while.”
Cassie laughed. “Are you afraid someone’s going to hack my social media pages? Ruin my reputation?”
Eric didn’t laugh. “You never know.”
After that, they ordered, chatting idly as they waited for their food to arrive. Cassie was surprised to find that everything she’d discovered was true—he owned low income housing in several cities that he rented out for free or reduced prices, he was a digital artist whose work was sometimes showcased at museums in cities around the globe, and he’d graduated college at the age of sixteen. Cassie was astounded that he’d managed to keep nearly everything about himself under the radar, even the fact that the biggest software breakthrough in years was his; she was even more shocked to find that his aversion to attention was genuine. It made her want to know more about him, and Eric was genuinely impressed with her, so they ended up talking for more than two hours after they’d finished eating. Finally, Eric reluctantly paid the check and mentioned that he had to get back to work.
“I’ll start right away,” Cassie promised as he walked her to her car. She looked around as he stopped next to her passenger side door. “Where’s your car?”
“A few blocks back,” he answered. “I thought you might be staking the place out.”
She smiled at him. “All that trouble, and I found you on my first try.”
Eric returned her smile, and she saw the smoldering heat occupy his gaze again for a moment before it faded away. “You’re very impressive. I look forward to being further impressed by you, Miss Vine.”
Cassie’s heart skipped a beat, and her mouth felt suddenly dry. “Cassie. Call me Cassie.”
Eric paused for a moment, as though he was savoring her name on his tongue. “Cassie. I’ll see you later.”
For a second, it looked like he was leaning down toward her, and her stomach seized with terror and exhilaration; then the moment was over, and he was turning and walking down the street, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. Cassie’s eyes fell on his backside as he walke
d, and she felt a burst of desire awaken inside her.
Godammit. I’m in trouble.
But Cassie had never been one to flee from trouble. Instead, she did exactly as she promised, working on the case as soon as she received a huge zip file filled with information. Cassie had some tracking and security software of her own, and started to cross reference information with what she knew about the company. Unfortunately, her mind kept coming back around to Eric, and she repeatedly lost the thread of her investigation until she finally gave up and took a break, collapsing on her bed and giving herself over to a vivid fantasy in which Eric massaged her sore muscles with his powerful hands underneath the lip of a waterfall.
Cassie was dumbfounded. It’s not like she wanted action—sure, she didn’t always have the most memorable one-night stands, but they got the job done. And she knew she was attractive—all shapely legs and long curves, generous breasts atop a slim waist, striking features and long, sweeping soft brown hair. She knew how to dress herself down and blend her body into any situation, and because of that, Cassie could basically become invisible at will. It was a skill she took pride and not a small amount of pleasure in—but it was a skill she found was rendered useless in front of Eric. The entire time she spoke to him, it was like his gaze was a searchlight, illuminating her world with dazzling white energy after being so used to slipping noiselessly through space. He saw her, and she wasn’t sure what that meant for her—only that it filled her with terror and a warm, dizzy joy.
****
By the end of the night, she’d managed to create some leads, and Cassie woke up at the crack of dawn to find her cellphone tinkling shrilly in the darkness of her bedroom. She reached for it blindly, upending an empty water jug as her finger unlocked the screen. The time read 5:42, and she realized her blurry eyes were staring at a text message from Eric.
Barbara’s Café? 1 hr?? E.R.
She didn’t remember giving him her number— but she didn’t remember giving him her address either, and after she showered, dressed, and printed all of her work so far, she opened the door to find a package wrapped in an overnight envelope.
What the hell? Cassie looked around the hall, but no one else was moving down the too-bright corridor. She ripped open the envelope slowly, shaking it upside down until a heavy black rectangle fell out into her palm. It was a brand new cell phone, already charged and loaded with her contacts. Anxiety crowded in her chest; the return label showed that it was from Riverston Enterprises. Eric had sent her a phone that was already connected to her personal account—but how had he gotten her login information?
He’s a tech genius, she reminded herself. Assume he knows everything. Assume he’s seen those lingerie pics you posted once and then deleted out of shame.
She didn’t feel any less put off by the time she’d driven to Barbara’s Café, but she wasn’t anxious, either. Eric was clearly trying to be nice, and she would just need to lay down some ground rules.
Cassie pushed into the little café and saw that Eric was already seated at the table they occupied the day before. He turned when she entered, and when he smiled, the leap her heart made in her chest did nothing to comfort her nerves. He was wearing a light blue sweater and khakis, an outfit oddly similar to her blue polo and khaki skirt.
“Cassie, thanks for meeting me on such short notice.”
“No problem,” she said graciously, plunking the phone onto the table. “Thanks for the…what is this? A bonus? A bribe?”
Eric look startled. “What? It’s a phone.”
Cassie let her skepticism show on her face. “Come on, Mr. Riverston. You didn’t give me a cutting-edge phone I just happened to tweet about a few weeks ago as a way to try to speed things up maybe? Can’t wait in line like everyone else?”
Eric’s green eyes were angry at first, but he struggled to reign himself in. “I thought you said you didn’t have bad habits like everyone else. I think you’re a little paranoid, Miss Vine.”
Cassie frowned. “I told you to call me Cassie.”
“And I told you to call me Eric. I also told you that I was impressed by you and was looking forward to seeing your work. I wouldn’t ever try to rush your job. Just like I’m sure you’d never try to dictate mine.”
Cassie fumed silently, but she realized he was right; she’d come in defensive and expecting the worst. She sighed and tightened her caramel ponytail, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “I’m sorry. You’re a big client, and I’m letting that get in the way of how I think.”
Eric’s expression softened. “It’s okay. I only got it for you because I’m afraid someone at my company could be watching me. I can’t chance them finding out about the investigation before I’m ready.” He paused, and his cheeks flamed scarlet. “Wow, now I sound paranoid.”
Cassie shot him a smile. “You’re being smart. This is a good idea. I assume this is a secure line?”
“Yes. Everything you send and receive on that phone will be completely secure.”
Cassie turned the phone over in her hands. “Does this run on a version of your security software?”
“Yes. A simplified version that only I have access to.” His eyes flickered to the folder she’d brought along. “Do you have something for me?”
Cassie opened the folder and explained what she’d found. “Just as you thought, it’s coming from inside your company. It looks like they went through some trouble creating a sort of data signature that shifts, so that it varies between its real source and a host of others, making it harder for them to get caught. I’ve narrowed it down to twelve possibilities…and one is your brother.”
Cassie was ready for the rage Eric responded with. “Excuse me? My brother? My brother would never do something like this to me. Ever. You’re mistaken.”
Cassie kept her face as neutral as possible. “Eric, I understand that you and your brother are close. But if we want to get your software secure, we need to take this seriously. James is a real possibility. I’m sorry, but it’s true. He has a motive.”
Eric was silent, and Cassie could see the anger in his eyes being replaced by the realization that she was right. “I think I knew that,” he admitted. “He’s never stopped making weird jokes about Dad leaving me the stocks that got me where I am today. Even though he’s doing well on his own,” Eric finished defensively.
“But he’s not a tech savior,” Cassie said softy. “He’s not a billionaire. He’s not you.”
He dropped his eyes and stared at his mugful of coffee. “I wish being himself was enough.”
Her heart hurt for him; she could see that their relationship had been more affected than he’d wanted to admit. “I’ll give you daily updates,” she promised. “As soon as I can say for sure who it is—or who it’s not—I’ll let you know. I’m sure I’ll figure out something useful enough to justify billing you for breakfast each morning.”
Eric laughed, and the clouds that had darkened his gaze rolled away. He reached across the table and grabbed her hand again, and Cassie felt her smile widen automatically.
“I can’t thank you enough, Cassie. Are you going to be okay meeting me early like this? Will this work out okay?”
She shrugged, still grinning broadly. “Guess we won’t know until we try. Let’s call it a test.”
And she kept her promise. Every morning they met at Barbara’s and discussed her findings over bacon, eggs, and the strongest coffee Cassie had ever ingested. He’d always text on her new phone, and she’d always zip over to find him already there.
One morning, she surprised him by being there before they opened, and she sat with him in his Mercedes with warm air pouring from its vents. The woman who normally served them didn’t show up for so long that she worried she’d been in an accident.
“Don’t say that,” Eric said, his voice thick with worry. “Oh, great. Now I can’t concentrate.”
Cassie laughed at him. “We can just go someplace else to drown our sorrows in caffeine.”
Eric p
aused and turned toward her, his green eyes sparkling. “Or how about mimosas?”
Cassie gaped at him. “Champagne at 5:30? Where are we going to find that?”
And that was how Cassie ended up Eric’s apartment for the first time.
****
This is so wrong, she kept telling herself as she sipped from her champagne flute at Eric’s kitchen nook. He was sitting right next to her, and their thighs were touching all throughout breakfast. This is wrong. Go home. Go home.
But she was feeling too daring to go home. Eric’s eyes were darting to the window of cleavage afforded by her blood red scoop-neck t-shirt, and she’d brushed her hair out so it fell in shining waves past her shoulders. Her eyes were drawn to the muscles of his biceps, and the way his tongue kept darting out to moisten his lips. He was saying something about a board meeting when a question that had been on her mind for three weeks straight slipped past her lips.
“Hey, Eric?”
He turned to her, his green eyes hazy from the alcohol. “Yes, Cas?”
Her heart did a happy tumble at the sound of her nickname. “You’re so intense. But I’ve seen you interact with other people, and though you’re intense, you’re not…the same way with me.”
She could swear that his breathing stopped. “What do you mean?”
She set down her glass and turned her gaze on him. “Why do you look at me the way you do? No one else looks at me that way. Like…like you’re analyzing me. Like you’re figuring me out.”
Eric smiled lazily. “And you’re not used to that.”
Cassie shook her head, feeling tipsier than she’d anticipated. “So you are? Trying to figure me out, I mean?”
Eric put a hand on her lower back, and her heartbeat accelerated. “Is that okay to you?”
Cassie’s mouth was dry, and she had to try twice before she could successfully speak. “I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to be figured out.” She placed both of her hands on his shoulders and let him see the desire burning in her eyes. “But I don’t want to stop you from trying.”