“And the son-of-a-bitch will probably make us wait another week to see her again.”
Ty’s mother had been visibly tired after their too-short visit with the little girl, but the joy on her face made him bite his tongue regarding Hank and his monopolization of Riley’s life.
Tracy’s relationship with the guy had been based on the fact that he partied with the kids in town and could always help them score. Tracy had partied hard, too. In fact, ever since she’d hit her teens she never said no to a drink or a hit. The only exception was when she’d been pregnant with Riley. She’d cleaned up her act and straightened out, with Ty and their mom giving her all the support she’d needed. But just weeks after Riley was born it was back to partying like she didn’t have a sweet little baby at home probably wondering where her mommy was.
Ty slammed the heel of his hand against the steering wheel. That was the hardest thing of all. They’d given Riley a stable home and it was only after Tracy died in a one-car drunk-driving accident that Hank decided he wanted his daughter to live with him. And Tracy hadn’t made any provisions for her baby girl. Ty’s mother was right about that. They’d had to hand her over. That was just two years ago.
As he drove toward the Institute, he thought about blowing off some steam after work today. He needed the workout. That was for sure. Hell, what he really needed was to plant his fist in Hank’s face but what good would that do?
Maybe he’d have a go at Jake Chapman’s adventure courses later. He could use the distraction of focusing on the obstacles and testing himself, followed by the exertion of pounding his feet over the sandy path as he made his way through the running course. He parked the truck into the lot next to the Sales Center and pulled the brake. Maybe he’d take a swim, too. He smiled to himself. Maybe after a close examination to make sure he didn’t run into any buddies of the gator he’d relocated Friday.
Friday. That made him think about Cassie Chapman again. She’d appeared so gorgeous and unapproachable when he’d picked her up at the airport. So hot he’d had trouble thinking about anything else but her legs on their drive back. And all the rest of her. And yet? He guessed there was more to her than her smoking body and ridiculous amount of luggage. Especially after seeing her awkward reunion with her brothers.
He shook his head. Focus, man. Between taking care of his mother and trying to get more than a couple of hours with his niece, he didn’t have time to entertain thoughts of getting under Cassie Chapman’s tiny little skirt.
He crossed the street and headed toward the Institute. As he turned up the path, he took in the building and its surroundings. Done in soft greens and browns, it reflected the colors of the natural landscape of the place. The edges of the building were softened with plantings exploding with colors. Blues, pinks, and yellows dotted tall fringes of tan and purple grasses. He opened one of the wide glass doors and stepped inside.
Decorated in the colors of true Florida—rich greens, soft tans, and clear blues—the reception area was filled with handmade rattan furniture and breathtaking photos of some of the native plants and animals hung on the textured walls.
He raised his head to say hello to Becky, the receptionist, and froze. The big blue eyes staring back at him made him catch his breath. Damn. So much for putting Cassie out of his mind.
“Good morning.” He stepped up and leaned his elbows on the counter. “Where’s Becky?”
Cassie gave him a wry smile. “Harmony said Becky had to go up to Tallahassee or Cucamunga or someplace in north Florida. Something about a visiting professor.”
“So you’re working here?”
She shrugged and ran her hands over her hair. It was pulled back in a ponytail and the style made her look fresh and hot at the same time. She wore some kind of silky-looking shirt that hugged her breasts just right and a skirt that rode up a little on her thighs.
“Did you need something, Ty?”
He dragged his eyes back up to her face, his face a little flushed. Jeez, it was like he was sixteen again.
“Uh, I’m just checking in with the director. He in?”
“Yes.” She turned to the computer, a look of confusion on her face. “Harmony showed me how to send him a message, but darn if I remember how.”
Ty smiled. “Never mind. I’ll just go down to his office and knock on his door.” He winked. “Old school.”
The smile of thanks she gave him made him think about what he’d like to do to earn more of them. Maybe take her out to the tent-cabin and have her smile, and scream, her appreciation to the trees.
His pants felt a little tight and he cleared his throat. “Okay, I guess I’ll see you later.”
She bit her lower lip and nodded, her brow still furrowed as she studied the computer. Damn, she was adorable. “Sure.”
He walked down toward Dr. Robbins’ office. The plaque beside the doorframe declared the room to be the director’s office, and Ty rapped on the opened door.
“Good morning, Dr. Robbins,” he said.
“Good morning.”
The director gazed down at his desk as he shuffled at the papers scattered on it. His glasses sat on his balding head as he nodded agreement at something he read. Ty waited a beat, and then cleared his throat. The other man’s head shot up.
“Oh!” Dr. Robbins smiled. “Good morning, Ty. Are you set for your tours today?”
Ty smiled back. The director had been welcoming from the very first interview, and Ty loved working for him. The guy seemed absent-minded but Ty knew his mind never stopped working. His skin was tan and Ty knew it was because he spent time outdoors hiking and biking in addition to spending his time behind a desk. He gave Ty the freedom to write his own schedule regarding the eco-tours of the property, and sought out his knowledge for everything from writing grants to handouts for the residents and visitors. As a result, Ty felt valued and very fortunate.
“I have three tours scheduled today,” Ty said. “Two on the west side of the property through the tame trails and one out to the east.”
“And who are you touring?”
“The first two are from the high school. One is a group of special-ed kids and the other is the Four-H club.” Ty slid the director a smile. “I’m taking some investors out on the tour to the east.”
Dr. Robbins grinned. “Ah, that should wrinkle their starch a little bit.”
“Yeah. Just think how civilized the village will look when they get back.”
The director gave a soft laugh. “Have at them, Ty.”
Ty nodded. “I’ll be back to check in after each tour.”
The director’s brows raised. “Oh? You’re not going to just text me?”
“Hmm?”
“Could your diligence have anything to do with our new receptionist?”
“What?”
Dr. Robbins didn’t buy Ty’s innocence, apparently. He just arched a salt-and-pepper brow.
“Um, Cassie is my good friends’ sister,” Ty said. “How long is she going to be working here?”
Dr. Robbins just gave him an even look. “Until Becky gets back. A couple of days.”
Ty was happy to hear that, but he wasn’t going to explore the reason why. It was no mystery, really. Hell, who wouldn’t want to see such a pretty picture every time he walked into the Institute’s lobby?
The girl looked up to her neck in trouble as he neared the receptionist’s desk again. The phone was lit up and she was scrambling as she searched high and low for something. Ty soon guessed what. He could see the up-ended penholder on the floor in front of the desk.
“No, Harmony is out in the property,” Cassie said, her voice going high. “I can take a message, though. I think.”
Ty grabbed a pen from the floor and handed it to her. She shot him a glance full of appreciation as she cradled the phone against her shoulder and wrote out the message.
“Th-thank you.” She hung up the phone and sank back in Becky’s chair. “Oh my God, I suck at this.”
Ty leaned on
the desk as he had earlier. “It’ll get easier.”
She blew her hair out of her face and smirked. “Yeah? I’ve never done this before. Heck, I’ve never had a job before.”
Ty laughed. “Right.”
“I’m serious.”
Ty studied her for a second. She was adorably disheveled and completely in the weeds. She’d never had a job before? He’d been working since he’d turned sixteen. Then again, her father was Bill Chapman. He’d seen the guy when he would visit Cypress with his own potential investors in tow. The guy had “money bags” written all over him.
Cassie was on her knees now, scrambling to pick up the papers she’d dropped. He started to gather up the pens and holder when she came around the desk to do the same. Their hands touched and he felt a spark shoot up his arm. Lifting his head, he found himself face to face with her. Up close and personal. Her lips parted, she had delicious-looking lips, and her eyes were opened wide. He wouldn’t let his eyes wander down the front of her shirt again. He wouldn’t. Okay, maybe just a peek. Damn, he could see she was wearing a pink bra. With lace. And little bows.
He scrambled to his feet, his pulse racing. “Okay, I better get going.”
She licked her lips as she stared up at him, and then nodded. “Thanks for your help.”
He muttered something, he wasn’t sure what, and helped her to her feet. At this second touch, he felt a punch to his gut.
He managed to say something, something lame probably, and got the hell out of there. He could feel her watching him and suddenly all his clothes felt too tight. Thank God his mother’s friend Lettie hadn’t seen that little exchange. Lord knew what she’d make of his fumbling and ogling. More sparks talk, he was sure.
The girl never had a job before. They were so different, from their upbringing to their responsibilities. It was a shame, really.
It made him feel so far apart from her right at the moment when he wanted to get much closer.
Chapter 4
By the end of the day, Cassie was ready to scream. Or cry. Or run screaming back to Boston to fall at her father’s feet.
“No stinkin’ way am I about to do that,” she murmured.
“What’s that, dear?”
She glanced over to see Dr. Robbins standing at the desk. She knew she had to look like a complete mess. Her hair was falling in her face and her clothes were wrinkled. She’d chewed off her lip-gloss at some point before lunch and never bothered to put it back on. The director didn’t seem to notice that, though. Nope, he wore that absent-minded professor thing he’d had going on all day. He didn’t glance down the front of her shirt as Ty had, either.
She thought about her little exchange with the hot animal-tamer and her breath came fast. He’d stopped back in a few times during the day, too. She had no idea what he did out in the field but he sure filled out his khakis and Henley quite nicely. Filled the wide doorway when he’d arrived that morning, too.
His hazel eyes fastened to the front of her made her want his big, capable hands to follow. Shaking her head, she focused on the director.
“N-nothing, Dr. Robbins.” She stacked the mess of papers on the desk and smiled. “Did you need something?”
“I was dinging your computer but you didn’t answer.”
“I, um.” She shrugged. “I don’t have the knack of that, I’m afraid.”
He smiled in a show of indulgence that somehow didn’t feel condescending. “You’ll come along.”
She blew the hair off her forehead for the hundredth time that day. “That’s what Harmony says.”
The director’s brow furrowed. “Becky should be back the day after tomorrow. Can you hold on until then?”
She blinked, and then jumped to her feet. “Of course! I don’t want to leave you high and dry.”
He reached out and patted her shoulder. “I appreciate that. And it’s only one more day, Cassie. How much damage can you do in that time?”
She suddenly wanted to cry. “Hopefully not too much?”
“Go on home, dear.” His eyes went the mess on the desk. “You can clean that up tomorrow.”
Cassie nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Robbins.”
She gathered up her bag from the bottom desk drawer and got the heck out of there. As she walked out of the Institute, blinking up at the bright late afternoon sun, she thought about her confession to Ty that morning.
Admitting she’d never had a job in her life had surprised her. It had apparently shocked him. That was for sure. What did he think about that? That she was lazy? That she was a pampered princess? That she was clueless about the way to actually make your way in the world? Deep in her gut, she suspected at least a couple of those might be true.
“You must be Cassie Chapman,” a silky voice drawled.
Cassie turned to see an older woman waving madly at her from the courtyard of the coffee shop. She was seated under the shade of a sprawling flowering tree, a tall glass of sweet tea held in her other hand.
Cassie made her way over the walk to stop at the wrought iron fence bracketing the courtyard. “Hello.”
The older woman smiled. “Well, well. Aren’t you just the picture of a Chapman.”
“What?”
“Forgive me, sweetheart. My name is Charlotte Fairfax, but everyone calls me Lettie. Have since I was a little girl.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Lettie.”
Cassie found herself smiling at the woman. She wore a large straw hat that Cassie had only seen on women in the movies, her bangs a silvery fringe beneath. A flower-print smock, denim overalls, and a pair of bright green Crocs completed her outfit.
“I was just saying that you’re as pretty as your brothers, Cassie. Of a decidedly more feminine bend, of course. And look at that figure!”
Cassie flushed but she couldn’t find a drop of irritation in the face of such an outrageous yet apparently sweet person.
“You know my brothers, then?”
Lettie winked. “Not as well as their wives, I’d bet.”
Cassie laughed. “No?”
“Oh, if only I was thirty years younger!”
Cassie guessed she was in her seventies but she certainly looked closer to fifty.
“Thirty? Surely not that many.”
Lettie chuckled. “Yes indeed, but aren’t you sweet. I claim my youthful glow to healthy living, big hats and the liberal application of sunscreen.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I hear that gorgeous Ty Walsh picked you up?”
Cassie’s cheeks heated. “Um, yes. From the airport, yes.”
Lettie’s blue eyes narrowed. “Do I see sparks?”
Cassie waved a hand. “No, no. Ty is friends with my brothers. That’s all.”
“Mmm, mighty fine is that Ty. Reminds me of my dear, late Mr. Fairfax. Mr. Fairfax had dimples, too. Very Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, if you get me.” Lettie winked again. “Ty’s mother is a good friend of mine. If you were wondering how I knew about his little act of chivalry.”
Cassie guessed this particular southern belle didn’t miss a thing that happened in Cypress Corners. She would just have to make sure that she kept out of the gossip mill while she was down here. One scandal, okay a few scandals, in her past were more than enough for one lifetime.
“I wasn’t. Not really.”
“So what brings you down here, Cassie? I couldn’t get it out of your brothers. Or their wives. Close as a northern clam, every one of them.”
Cassie was grateful for her family’s discretion. More than she could ever say.
“I just needed a change of scenery. That’s all.”
Lettie studied her, and then shrugged. “I’m here most days. Feel free to join me under my favorite tree if you ever want to talk.”
Cassie nodded. “I will, Lettie. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Lettie lifted her glass of tea in salute. “Have a nice night, dear.”
As she walked toward the Sales Center to see her brother Rick, Cass
ie thought about sweet, intrusive Lettie Fairfax. While the woman was nothing like their sad and quiet mother had been, Cassie had felt a wave of affection from Lettie that she hadn’t encountered since her mother passed away when Cassie was nine years old. More than sixteen years had passed since their mother died. She’d been without a woman’s influence for so long she’d forgotten how warm and close that relationship could be.
As for the friends she’d partied with, she’d always kept them at arms’ length. It was what they all did, really. Keep emotion out of it and then no drama would follow. Drama. Those darn pictures were drama enough and, if she was being honest, she’d brought that drama on herself.
Maybe while she was down here in Cypress she could have that closeness she’d missed with her sisters-in-law. They were both friendly and welcoming, and Cassie couldn’t wish for better women for her brothers.
She was at a loss at where to go now that her workday, such as it was, was done. She was a little hungry, but she had no idea about where to eat here except for the pricey Clubhouse. She was pretty sure it wasn’t her scene, given that it was one of her father’s pet projects and favorite spots. It was probably stuffy and filled with men in golf pants.
“Hey, sis.” Jake loped toward her from the direction of the Sales Center. “Here to see Rick?”
“I was just going to check in. See if I could bum a ride to his house. I’m all finished with work.”
Jake tilted his head to the side. “You don’t sound like it was a very good day.”
“Oh, the director is very nice and the work isn’t hard. I just don’t have a clue.”
Jake grinned. “How much damage could you do in a couple of days, right?”
“That’s just what Dr. Robbins said.”
“Smart man. What are you doing for dinner?”
Her stomach rumbled and she shrugged. “I have no idea. What’s good?”
Cypress Corners Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Page 37