by Noelle Adams
“Well, in staying with a more casual mode, I think a variety of desserts would be preferable. Something light and fun…finger foods, that sort of thing.”
He frowned. “Such as?”
“Oh, there would be an assortment of cookies, some gourmet chocolates, and fresh fruit again, maybe some chocolate covered strawberries and some cupcakes.”
“Cupcakes? Seriously?”
“Cupcakes are all the rage right now.”
That disbelieving look was back and Cassie was beginning to find it endearing. “It’s true. Cupcakes are a big thing. They are taking the place of wedding cakes. You can decorate them any way you’d like and they are easier to serve.”
“But you still have to eat it with your hands,” he said with disgust.
“So? You’ll be eating the fruit and cookies with your hands…”
“It’s a…looking professional thing. You cannot possibly look like an intelligent or articulate person while eating a cupcake.”
Cassie refused to argue further. She knew when to drop a cause. “Okay, fine, no cupcakes. How about the rest of it? Does it sound okay?”
Adam merely nodded and when Cassie turned forward in her seat she saw that they were pulling into a long and winding driveway. She sat up a little straighter, not wanting to miss a thing. Adam had forgotten how long it had been since he’d been here. Now, pulling into the drive, knowing that he had Cassie to himself all weekend had Adam feeling none of the tension from moments before but pure anticipation.
Cassie gasped when the house came into view. It was massive; more than massive and seemed to be overlooking a cliff. “Is that the ocean, like, right there?” She actually cringed at her own words. What else would it be?
“Yes, that’s the Atlantic and the sunrise on it is spectacular.” Adam pulled the car around to the front of the house and pulled down his visor and hit a remote button that opened one of the garage doors. There were multiple levels to the house. With Cassie being in recovery mode and their luggage, it would be easier to use the elevator.
When Adam told Cassie as much, she merely gaped at him. “An elevator? You have an elevator?”
“Of course.” He found her naïveté to be adorable and watched her as they waited for the elevator to open and their weekend to begin.
Cassie was practically bouncing on her toes in excitement to get up and into the house. From the outside it was magnificent, she was sure her opinion would not change once she saw the inside.
As the doors slid open on the main floor, her jaw dropped. They walked out into the living area and Cassie stopped and turned in a full circle to take it all in. Whoever Adam had hired to decorate was a genius. There were light oak hardwood floors that were polished to a high gloss finish that almost had Cassie afraid to walk on. In the different seating areas, plush looking area rugs were used to clearly define the spaces. The walls were painted in tones of gold and yellows and everything was just so open.
Forcing herself to move, Cassie was immediately drawn to the large kitchen area. She lovingly ran her hands along the granite countertops and marveled at the stainless steel appliances and had to hold in a near-orgasmic groan. This kitchen was her dream. With two refrigerators and an eight-burner stove she knew that cooking here for Adam’s clients would not be a hardship of any kind.
She was pulling open cabinets and inspecting the restaurant quality cookware when she finally took notice of the ceramic tile under her feet. Cleanup would be a breeze, too, she though. All the while Cassie was lost in her own world, Adam observed her. The grin that was slowly creeping across his face couldn’t be contained.
It took a moment for Adam to realize that Cassie was talking to herself. “I can fit appetizer platters in here and use this one over there for the steaks to marinate in before grilling…I’ll keep all of the fresh vegetables and salad ingredients in this one…” she cut herself off and went back to a cabinet that contained several pots and pans. “I won’t have to bring my skillet…I wonder what’s in the pantry…”
With a soft chuckle, Adam left her to her explorations and grabbed their luggage and climbed the stairs that were in the back of the kitchen up to the second floor where he considered which bedroom to let Cassie use. Most of the bedrooms had incredible views of the ocean as well as their own bathrooms and French doors that led out to the deck, but, if he were honest with himself, Adam wanted to have Cassie up on the top floor with him in the master suite.
He was a bastard to consider that for this weekend, being that Cassie was still technically recovering from surgery. Still, a man could hope. Choosing a corner bedroom which was one of the largest, Adam placed Cassie’s suitcase on the bed then opened the doors to the deck to air the room out. Glancing around, he noted that the room would suit her with its cream walls and ivory bedding. The furniture in this house was masterfully crafted and the mahogany four poster king bed fit here perfectly.
There was only a brief moment that Adam allowed himself to think of Cassie alone in the giant bed before turning on his heel and walking out of the room and up the last flight of stairs to his suite. Taking up the entire top floor, the room could easily sleep twenty. The deck was private, there were windows spanning the entire back wall and the bathroom was a spa dream. Another vision of Cassie in the massive marble tub came to mind but Adam quickly swept it away.
This weekend was about seduction, no doubt, but not one that he was going to act on just quite yet. Anticipation was only part of whole scenario. By the time they were back in Raleigh Sunday night, he would know for sure if Cassie were willing to be with him, on his terms, and then maybe, just maybe, he’d be on his way to having her out of his system.
Placing his own suitcase in the closet, Adam strode from the room and headed back down to the kitchen. At the bottom of the stairs he noticed that Cassie was no longer in the kitchen but found her out on the multi-level deck. She was still talking to herself and Adam actually wondered if she was aware of the habit.
“If we use these two tables together with the right linens, no one will notice that it’s not one table…add some torches and twinkly lights…floating candles in the pool…” she turned and noticed Adam standing in the doorway to the kitchen with a smile on his face.
She liked to see him smile. He didn’t do it often enough.
“This is far more spectacular than I envisioned, Adam.” She briefly outlined what she was thinking and hoped that he would be pleased. “What do you think?” Cassie looked at him anxiously. He’d been silent the whole while and while Adam was known for many things, keeping quiet wasn’t one of them. She nervously chewed her bottom lip and waited.
He knew that she was waiting for high praise. He knew that she wanted him to be just as excited about the plans as she was and dammit, he couldn’t help but feel that way, too. “I think it sounds wonderful, Cassandra. You’ve truly outdone yourself.” She positively beamed. “I do have one suggestion…”
Of course he did, she begrudgingly thought to herself.
“I want to hire a server. This is all too much for one person. I think you are more than competent to handle the prep work and presentation but for the larger meals, I’d like you to have help.” He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Besides, you will be acting as hostess for the weekend, so…”
“Hostess?”
He nodded. “For something like what you’re describing, I think it’s only fitting that you act as our hostess. I’m sure you’ll make the wives feel more comfortable if you interacted with them and not just served them.”
Cassie considered what he was saying though she was conflicted. She knew how to be the caterer, the server, the event planner. She was used to dealing with gatherings of any size but going unseen. What Adam was suggesting would put her smack-dab in the middle of the action in a more personal role and Cassie wasn’t sure if she could do that comfortably.
“Do you have a problem with that?” Adam finally asked after watching the play of emotions on Ca
ssie’s face.
“I’m just not used to being seen at events,” she said slowly. “I mean, I’m used to having a staff that interacts with the guests while I supervise behind the scenes…I’d feel a little self-conscious sitting down to dinner with your clients…”
“You’ll be fine. You’ll have a server to help you.”
“I guess I can bring one of my girls…”
“No. We’ll hire someone from here since it will only be for two meals, tops. There’s no need to pay one of your staff for a full weekend when they’ll only be needed for two hours.”
While she agreed, Cassie was not comfortable with working with someone that she’d never met before. As if reading her mind Adam said, “Tomorrow we’ll contact a local agency and maybe we can interview someone before we leave.”
He hadn’t actually said the words that she was hired and considering their past history, she needed to hear him say that. “So basically you are agreeing with my plan and therefore agreeing to hire me to cater this event. Do I have that right?” Her grin was cocky and while he wanted to be annoyed with…well, he wasn’t sure what; he just knew that he should be annoyed.
“Yes, Cassandra. I approve of your plans and I wouldn’t dare imagine someone else carrying them out. You are hired.”
She did a little happy dance in place and was tempted to hug Adam and thank him but she refrained. This was business and even though they had kissed and clearly there was an attraction between them, she had to remain professional when dealing with the business end of their relationship.
“You won’t be sorry, Adam.”
“I never thought I would be.”
But actually, Adam had a feeling that he was going to end up being sorry for pursuing this relationship. While he was okay with having a brief affair and moving on, it was going to be awkward for that to happen with their combined families. He’d never had to be involved in any capacity with former lovers once the relationship ended and this was going to be new territory.
And he was sure that there were going to be a lot of people with a lot to say when things ended.
Looking over at as Cassie walked back into the house to explore further, Adam was pretty sure that he didn’t give a damn what anyone had to say. He had to have her and he wouldn’t be satisfied until he did.
Eight
Saturday morning’s sunrise was spectacular, just as Adam had said. Cassie thought she’d sleep in but the amount of windows in her room and the thought of seeing the sunrise had her up with it.
The previous night had been so pleasant and relaxing that Cassie felt as if she’d stepped into another dimension. Not wanting her to exert herself, Adam had herded Cassie back into the car and they’d driven into town for a scrumptious seafood dinner right on the water. The restaurant was nothing spectacular to look at, but the food had been amazing.
They’d spoken with their waitress and the owner of the restaurant about where the best places were to get fresh food and rent party supplies. When the manager had left, their waitress Debbie had slipped them her information and told them that she was always looking for extra work and would love to help them out if they needed a server. Considering that she took excellent care of them throughout their meal, they agreed to call her.
After dinner, Adam drove them through town, pointing out spots of interest and then went back to the house where he led Cassie down to the sand to walk in the moonlight along the beach. It was hard to believe that they’d known each other for more than two years and that they knew so little about one another.
By the time they’d arrived back at the house, Cassie was exhausted. She knew she’d overdone it with all of the walking and her body was protesting a little bit. Wishing Adam a good night and thanking him for dinner, she went up the stairs to her luxurious bedroom and indulged in a little bathroom spa time to relax her sore and tired body.
Adam had sat out on the deck listening to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore for a long time while he drank a snifter of brandy. The night has been most pleasant and no one was more surprised than him.
Their conversations ran from light and carefree to debates on current events. She made him laugh, she made him think, and she made him hard. He took a drink and looked up to the windows of her room. If he were less of a gentleman, he’d be up there right now and to hell with recoveries and consequences. He didn’t want to be alone; he wanted to be with her.
Staring intently, Adam saw her shadow go from the bathroom to the bedroom and he held his breath for a moment until the lights went out. She would be stretching out across the king size bed. Alone. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to see if she needed anything.
Mainly, him.
Adam continued to stare until his eyes hurt and then he returned his attention to the shore. He couldn’t will her to come back out and he shouldn’t want her to. He’d promised her a weekend away to recuperate and she’d done everything but relax since they’d arrived. Tomorrow he’d make sure that she didn’t tax herself as much. They’d explore around town some more and shop for a dinner to make at home so that Cassie could familiarize herself with the kitchen space.
Finishing his brandy, Adam rose and stretched and headed back into the house. Closing the door firmly behind him, he headed up to his own room and not for the first time in several weeks, found that being alone wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
****
They met in the kitchen at eight; it wasn’t a planned thing, but it worked out that way. Cassie rummaged through the pantry and found the makings for pancakes and went to work without being asked. Within thirty minutes they were seated at the breakfast bar, sipping coffee and enjoying pancakes with warm maple syrup. Cassie looked longingly outside and would have preferred to eat out on the deck but it was a little too chilly out for her taste. She had scoped out the formal dining room which seated twelve, and while she knew they’d get great use out of it during Adam’s retreat weekend, it was ridiculously big for just the two of them. In her mind, Cassie figured that they could easily do breakfast and lunch here at the breakfast bar and then eat dinner, weather permitting, on the deck.
Once breakfast was finished, Adam helped Cassie with the cleanup and they agreed to leave the house at ten to go on their exploration of the town in search of all that they would need for their upcoming event.
Cassie felt deliciously relaxed as they drove; enjoying the scenery and the pleasure of not having to keep the conversation going. They were both content to just drive and simply enjoy the view. Going on what the restaurant owner had told them the night before, Adam found the party supply building and escorted Cassie inside. He merely sat back and observed because this was Cassie’s terrain.
Within minutes, she had a staff of employees setting up displays and running around to get what she inquired about. He saw tables being set, linens being chosen, and an assortment of chairs to choose from. Cassie walked around and inspected it all and when she finally had the perfect arrangement of what she wanted she asked for Adam’s opinion.
Going with classic elegance, the white on white was tasteful. Picturing it set up on the deck with the proper lighting and centerpieces he knew that she’d made the right choice. With a simple nod of his head, Cassie told the manager to write up the order.
Once the rentals were taken care of they drove on to the local farmer’s market and began talking to vendor’s about what was in season and for recommendations. Cassie had a way about her that Adam admired. She was at ease with talking to everyone and in turn, they were at ease with her. She had a rather crotchety produce vendor eating out of the palm of her hand within minutes when he had merely welcomed them with a scowl earlier.
They sampled fruits and vegetables and when Cassie was satisfied with what she’d seen and tasted, she walked the entire market again in search of ingredients for their meal for the evening. It felt odd but Adam realized he was completely content to follow her around and simply pay for whatever it was that she wanted. Cassie’d
argued that point at first but after he made it abundantly clear that he was not going to be swayed, she agreed to step back and let him cover the cost of their purchases.
When she’d exhausted the farmer’s market, they climbed back into Adam’s car and drove on to the local butcher for steaks. Adam knew good food when he tasted it but had no idea how to go about choosing things on his own. For this he was thankful that Cassie was with him. In minutes she had two truly fabulous looking porterhouse steaks in her hand and was talking to the butcher about their order for the retreat.
And in a move Adam never saw coming, the butcher walked around the counter and shook both his and Cassie’s hands and gave them the steaks on the house to “sample” before placing their extensive order with him. Adam was dumbfounded for a moment. How had she done it? He looked over at Cassie and she was just smiling and being herself but Adam realized that she, in just being herself, was dazzling.
They thanked the butcher and waved on their way out. “Does that sort of thing happen often?”
“What? The complimentary steaks?” Adam nodded. “Not really. I have a couple of vendors that have given me a couple of freebies in hopes of enticing me to buy more and really, it doesn’t sway me one way or the other. I don’t stock an inventory because I like to buy everything fresh. So while I appreciate the occasional complimentary item, it doesn’t always pan out for the supplier.”
They were standing out on the sidewalk and Cassie was looking around as if trying to find something. Her brows furrowed and she turned to Adam. “Do you think we could run this stuff back to the house and then grab some lunch?”
“Why don’t we grab something now?”
“I want to keep this all refrigerated and even though it is far from hot out, I don’t want to take any chances with these steaks.”
Agreeing, they headed back to the car and took the twenty minute drive back to the house and unloaded the groceries quickly. Cassie ran up to her bedroom to freshen up and rejoined Adam in the kitchen.