Vote Then Read: Volume II

by Lauren Blakely

  “Troy McKnight.”

  “Troy McKnight.” She repeated his name twice. “I like it. Well, Troy, I hope you don’t mind me calling you that. After all, we are engaged.”

  The cab driver coughed, but Troy ignored him. “Would you mind telling me your name?”

  “I’m Cassandra.”

  Such a serious and formal name for such a lighthearted person. The name Cassie fit her breezy personality better. “Cassandra what?”

  “Oh, sorry. Daniels, Cassandra Daniels.” She took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I found you, and you said yes.”

  “Why do you need a fiancé?”

  Her honey-gold eyebrows pulled together.

  He couldn’t let this drop. “I need to know what’s going on. Otherwise…”

  “You’re right.” She dragged her teeth over her lower lip. “Okay, here’s what happened. We met a few weeks ago, fell madly in love, and got engaged. My parents decided they had to meet the man who swept me off my feet, so they called this morning and told me they were driving up from Carmel to have dinner with us.”

  “Are your parents retired?”

  “My mother thinks so, and my father should be, but he does some business on the side because he claims he’s not ready for retirement. They split their time between Carmel and Palo Alto.”

  She had to come from money. Both towns were expensive places to live. “What happened to the real fiancé?”

  “What real fiancé?”

  “I assume you told your family about a real engagement.”

  “No,” Cassandra—no, he liked Cassie better—said. “I made it up.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “There isn’t a real fiancé. If there were, I wouldn’t need your help tonight.”

  Who was this woman? She wasn’t a compulsive liar, was she? “You told your family you were engaged when you weren’t?”

  She nodded as if her actions were logical.

  Cassie didn’t look delusional, but this was insane.

  “Why?” he asked.

  “It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Sometimes, I’m, uh, impulsive.” She smiled mischievously, almost as if sharing a childhood secret.

  The woman had to be crazy, but what did it say about him since he agreed to participate in her lie?

  “I want to thank you.” Her eyes shone with gratitude. “I could tell you were a nice guy. You have a wonderful smile.”

  When had he been smiling tonight? He’d been drinking his beer in solitude to relax before heading home to his studio apartment to do more work. Maybe tomorrow, he could look back on tonight and laugh.

  A smile lit up her beautiful face. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t said yes.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  The way she turned toward him tightened the bodice of her dress and accentuated her full breasts.

  This fiancé gig was looking better and better. He’d been working hard, trying to close the Micro-Psi deal, and get offered a partnership with the venture capital firm where he worked. But life consisted of more than reading balance sheets and making deals. He was no different from any other red-blooded male. He needed rest, relaxation, and fun too.

  “No, it is a big deal.” She squeezed his hand. “You’re my McKnight in shining armor.”

  “At your service, milady. We McKnights aim to please.” He wasn’t sure if the full moon or her perfume were getting to him, but he found Cassie’s playful spirit contagious.

  When was the last time he’d had fun? Troy couldn’t remember. His shoulders tightened.

  “By the way, is there anything else I should know about tonight?” he asked.

  “You should know a little about me.” She bit her lower lip. “Let’s see. My favorite color is purple. I love flowers and hot fudge sundaes. I’m not a vegetarian. I love a good hamburger every now and then. Cooked medium. I think people who won’t eat veal but eat chicken are hypocrites. I love reading books. I like eight-hundred-thread-count sheets—any higher number than that isn’t better, just pretentious. Oh, and I sleep in the nude.”

  Stunned, Troy stared at her. She’d spoken so fast. Hot fudge sundaes and sleeping in the nude. His temperature rose at the images filling his mind. He crossed his legs.

  “What about you?” she asked.

  He couldn’t think straight. He needed to cool down. “Uh, I like ice cream.”

  “Chocolate’s my favorite. What else?”

  Troy stared into her eyes and found himself transfixed. It was as if he were being hypnotized.

  She smiled at him as if he were a lost puppy. “Any sports?”

  “I like football.”

  “What’s your favorite color?”

  Her eyes were the color of a cloudless summer sky. “Blue.”

  She patted his hand. “Don’t worry. We can make it up as we go along.”

  What was wrong with him? He felt out of sync. Almost dizzy. Maybe he needed something to eat.

  The cab slowed as it approached the restaurant. Cassie handed the driver a twenty-dollar bill and slid out of the cab. “Are you ready?”

  Not at all. Troy cleared his throat. “Sure.”

  Cassie brushed a lock of hair from his forehead and straightened his tie. She took his hand in hers. “Don’t forget—we’re madly in love.”

  Her small hand fit snugly in his. Madly in love? Maybe they were just mad.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Standing on the sidewalk, Cassandra worried Troy might change his mind. He seemed a little uptight given all the questions he’d asked. She was so sure he would say no that his yes had surprised her. Maybe that was why she held on to his hand like a lifeline.

  So far, so good. She couldn’t believe she’d found a fiancé—albeit a fake one—but the evening was only beginning. Her insides trembled. This night could easily turn into a complete disaster.

  “Nice place,” he said.

  “Yes.” That was the only word Cassandra could manage right now. She clenched her free hand and then flexed her fingers. Nerves were getting to her. Who was she kidding? She’d been frantic from the time she hung up from her mother’s call earlier today.

  Cassandra wasn’t a good actress, but if she pulled off tonight, she should get an Oscar for her performance.

  Her family wasn’t standing at the carved mahogany bar. They must be seated. That would mean making a grand entrance with her fiancé in tow. Something she hadn’t wanted to happen, but she’d been running late, as usual.

  She glimpsed Troy’s reflection in a mirror. An unexpected smile tugged at her lips.

  Luck was on her side tonight. He was exactly the well-dressed fiancé she’d hoped to find. His Italian navy suit was top-of-the-line silk cashmere if she guessed right. He wore a nice watch, which was a bonus. And he was easy on the eyes.

  Very easy.

  High cheekbones and sculpted features gave Troy a model-handsome look. To be totally corporate, he needed a haircut and different style, but she liked the way his longish, curly at the ends, and almost-out-of-control brown locks added character to his all-American good looks.

  Her picky parents would find few faults with Troy McKnight. They would give their seal of approval and stop interfering in Cassandra’s personal life. After tonight, their endless dating advice and matchmaking would stop. She’d be on her own.

  For good this time.

  All she wanted was to be left alone.

  Soon…

  She smiled, pleased with herself. She’d found the perfect fiancé for the night. Her sister, Emily, would be jealous, too. That was another bonus. Cassandra didn’t care what Eric Wainwright, her brother-in-law, thought, so long as he didn’t voice his opinion. She’d heard enough from Eric. She’d be happier if she never had to see him again.

  The hostess, an attractive woman with flaming red hair, smiled. “May I help you?”

  “We’re with the Daniels party,” Cassandra said.

  The woman glanced at something on
the tall table she was standing behind. “Your party is seated. Follow me.”

  She led Cassandra and Troy into the crowded dining area.

  Not one table was empty. Waiters hurried around with steaming plates of food and bottles of wine. The scent of basil and garlic drifted in the air. Cassandra had skipped lunch and was starving.

  Noise from spirited conversations rose from the tables, but the din wasn’t unpleasant. Not like at the brewpub earlier, which was just a place people went to drink and hook up. She shivered. The only good thing about that place was knowing she’d find someone suitable to pacify her parents there.

  “Here’s your party,” the hostess said. “Enjoy your dinner.”

  “Thank you.” Cassandra took in the image of her family sitting at the table like models from a magazine ad or a soap opera. None had noticed she’d arrived. Not surprising. She’d tried fitting into their world, but she’d realized that wasn’t who she was. Maybe someday her parents would understand and accept the choices she’d made. Then again…

  Vanessa Daniels, her mother, wore a black knit dress—simple lines and flattering, which no doubt carried a hefty price tag as did the rest of her wardrobe. Every strand of her platinum hair was in place, and her brilliant diamond earrings sparkled for all to admire. Thanks to daily workouts and highly paid dermatologists, she was a stunning woman who looked like she was in her early forties, not pushing sixty.

  How would her mother act if she became a grandmother?

  Cassandra couldn’t imagine her mom letting anyone call her “Grandma.” But that was Emily’s problem when she had babies. Cassandra didn’t even want to date. Forget about marriage and having a family. She liked being single.

  Her mother’s gaze met Cassandra’s. “I told you she would come, Emily. And look, Dixon, her fiancé does exist.”

  “You’re correct, Vanessa,” her father said. “I must admit I had my doubts given how fast things have happened, but he’s real.”

  Cassandra winced. She would show her parents she could find her own man. She didn’t need their help or their interference.

  “Sorry we’re late.” Cassandra clutched Troy’s warm, strong hand. She not only needed a fiancé tonight, but she also needed someone to give her emotional support. “Troy and I were making out, so I had the driver make an extra circle around the Civic Center.”

  Her mother blushed. “Cassandra, really.”

  “Don’t worry, Vanessa.” Her father, the venerable Dixon Daniels, downed his drink. His once-blond hair had turned gray, and he could stand to lose about thirty pounds, but he was still handsome with sparkling cornflower-blue eyes and a cheerful smile. “At least this one looks normal. Unless there are hidden tattoos or pierced body parts under that suit?”

  Cassandra leaned over and kissed her father’s tan cheek. The familiar scent of his aftershave filled her nostrils and brought back fond memories of her childhood. She might be the black sheep of the family, but she would always be her daddy’s little girl. “Don’t be a prude, Dad. Everyone has a tattoo.”

  “I don’t.” Emily, her uptight sister, sounded offended. “Not everyone is as classless as you.”

  Her? Classless?

  As if asking Cassandra to be her maid of honor was an example of classy behavior.

  Unbelievable. “Well, I suppose you got all the class when they divided the DNA.”

  Emily was her fraternal twin. She was two minutes older, an inch taller, and fifteen pounds lighter. Her light brown hair was pulled off her face. Her little black dress shouted designer collection. Two twins couldn’t be more opposite. They’d shared nothing except the same birth date…until Eric Wainwright.

  Eric.

  So pathetic.

  Sweat beaded on his high, creased forehead. A short, boring hairstyle had replaced his formerly luscious mane of blond hair. The hair. That was what had attracted Cassandra to him in the first place. The length had given him a wildness and an edge that was missing now.

  For the best.

  He’d created a bad-boy character that made him irresistible to her, but it had been an act. He wasn’t wild or a rebel or any of the things he claimed to be. The nights she’d spent with her arms around him, riding on his motorcycle and watching sunsets, had been as fake as his words of love. She’d been Eric’s key to ensuring a successful career—until he met Emily, who was born to be a corporate trophy wife.

  Unlike Cassandra.

  She only wondered if Eric was as miserable to her sister as he’d been to Cassandra. Her wedding gift to the couple had been a lovely keepsake box containing the business cards of marriage counselors. Tacky, yes, but what the two of them had done to her was worse.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce us to your betrothed, sweetheart?” her father asked.

  Her betrothed.

  Troy.

  “Sorry,” Cassandra said. “I got so caught up in the goodwill at the table, I forgot.”

  Emily rolled her eyes. “Are you trying to be sarcastic or ironic? Or perhaps you don’t know the difference…”

  Ignoring the words, Cassandra cuddled against Troy’s firm, wide chest. His muscles tensed, but she didn’t back away. She couldn’t, or her family would figure out this was a ruse. She lightly rubbed her fingers against him. Maybe that would calm him.

  “Troy, this is my family.” Cassandra looked at her mom and then her dad. Emily and Eric didn’t warrant acknowledgment. “Family, this is Troy McKnight, the man of my dreams.”

  2

  After formal introductions and handshakes, Cassandra and Troy sat. No one said anything. The tension in Troy’s body had increased. He looked ready to feign an excuse and take off.

  This wasn’t good.

  Cassandra ate a slice of bread before her stomach growled. She drank her entire glass of water, trying to wash away the dryness in her throat. The waiter took each of their orders and left. Still, no one spoke. She had to think of something to say and fast.

  “I want to thank you for inviting us to dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels.” The genuine tone of Troy’s voice surprised Cassandra, as did his speaking up given how tense he appeared. Maybe he wasn’t going to take off. He raised his wineglass in acknowledgment.

  “The pleasure is ours, Troy.” Her mother smiled. “And please call us Vanessa and Dixon. My husband’s parents were Mr. and Mrs. Daniels.”

  Troy’s grin reached the corners of his eyes. The effect was dazzling.

  Cassandra had been interested in his image, the whole package he presented, when she had picked him out earlier. She’d recognized his attractiveness, but now she could see how gorgeous he was.

  “My mother says the same thing, Vanessa.” Troy emphasized her first name. “Cassie and I have been so wrapped up in each other that we’ve shut everyone out. I’m happy to finally meet each of you.”

  Cassie?

  Every muscle bunched. She hadn’t been called Cassie since she’d graduated from high school and demanded to be called Cassandra. No way did she want to return to her childhood nickname. Maybe no one noticed.

  “We’re happy, too.” Her dad’s assessing gaze never left Troy’s eyes. “I must admit we were surprised, shocked really, when Cassandra told us about your engagement. After all, Emily and Eric had just returned from their honeymoon.”

  “How was your honeymoon?” Cassandra wanted to change the subject. Troy didn’t need to know the icky details about her past with Eric.

  “Wonderful,” Eric answered. “The honeymoon was everything we hoped it would be. A month away was the perfect length, too.”

  She bit the inside of her cheek. Eric had told Cassandra that he wouldn’t be able to take more than a week off from work when they’d been planning their honeymoon.

  Had that only been a year ago? It felt like another lifetime.

  “Where did you go?” Troy asked, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents at the table.

  “The Mediterranean. We spent a week in Greece and then took a three-week cruise,” Emil
y said before her husband could answer. “We made so many stops I lost count. Fun but tiring.”

  Eric cocked one eyebrow. “Have you two made honeymoon plans yet?”

  Cassandra suppressed the urge to toss a piece of bread at his oversized head. Instead, she pasted on her most charming smile. “Troy’s in charge of the honeymoon.”

  “That’s right,” Troy said without any hesitation. “Two weeks of total relaxation on a tropical island with fine white sand, crystal blue water, a gentle sea breeze, and no interruptions sounds about right.”

  Picturing Troy at the beach, bodysurfing in the waves, rubbing sunscreen over her body, had her nodding along.

  Eric snickered. “I can’t imagine Cassandra sitting on a beach for two hours, let alone two weeks.”

  “We aren’t planning to spend our time sitting,” Troy answered with a wink before biting into a slice of bread.

  Cassandra’s cheeks warmed. Thank goodness he wasn’t her type, or she could imagine falling for Mr. Troy McKnight.

  “Enough honeymoon talk.” Her father straightened in his chair.

  “Why don’t we discuss the wedding?” her mother suggested. “Have you set a date?”

  “No,” Cassandra said. “We aren’t sure if we want a traditional wedding or not.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me,” Emily muttered. “I see you don’t have a ring yet.”

  “We’re using my grandmother’s engagement ring,” Troy said. The man kept saying the unexpected, and she appreciated his fast thinking. “I haven’t had time to fly home and get it from my parents’ house.”

  “Your grandmother’s ring.” Her mother clapped her hands together. “A family heirloom. How wonderful.”

  Troy smiled at Cassandra. Her mother’s reaction seemed to please him.

  Eric glanced at the rock on Emily’s ring finger. “That works out well financially. Troy has a ring to use, and Cassandra has a dress to wear.”

  Jerk. Cassandra balled her hands into fists.

  Emily’s parted lips matched her wide eyes. She exchanged a glance with Eric.

  “She can’t wear that dress,” Emily said with uncharacteristic understanding. “She bought it for…another wedding.”