Vote Then Read: Volume II

by Lauren Blakely

  Don’t bother, Cassandra wanted to scream, but she couldn’t. Not with the liquid heat running through her veins. Not when the desire in his eyes matched her own. Not when, after everything that had happened, she still wanted to be with him.

  Badly.

  She touched her fingertip to her tingling lips.

  Cassandra wished she didn’t feel this way about Troy.

  Maybe his trip to Austin was a blessing. A separation would do them good and prepare her for what came after the engagement party.

  Never seeing him again.

  13

  That week, Cassandra missed Troy more than she thought possible. He’d been in touch each day. He’d text during the day and call at night. Seeing his name flash on her screen made her stomach tingle. Hearing his voice gave her a warm feeling all over. They might be separated by miles, but they were getting to know each other better and, dare she say it, becoming friends.

  Only it was too late.

  One more night until the engagement party. Only one more night until their charade would be over.

  A jagged pain sliced through her chest. Even though ending the fake engagement and saying goodbye to Troy was for the best, her heart didn’t want to do that.

  Cassandra sank into her slipcovered couch and opened a bestselling legal thriller, but she couldn’t get past the third page. Not surprising. She’d had trouble concentrating this week.

  She glanced at the clock. Eleven o’clock. That meant it was after midnight in Texas. And Troy hadn’t called her yet.

  The buzzer to her apartment rang.

  Who would it be at this hour?

  Maybe her neighbor’s gray and white cat, Macy, had run away again.

  Carrying her book, Cassandra padded her way to the door. “Who is it?”

  “Who do you think?”

  Troy. Her pulse picked up speed. She unlocked and opened the door. He held a bouquet of roses, lilies, daisies, and heather. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” She sounded breathless, but Cassandra didn’t care. She clutched her book so she wouldn’t drop it.

  “Sorry to stop by so late, but my flight was delayed. I took a shuttle from the airport.” He handed her the flowers.

  The floral scent filled the air. “They’re beautiful.”

  Just like you.

  His suit was wrinkled, his tie loosened, and his hair a mess, but he still looked gorgeous.

  “Can I come in?”

  Cassandra caught her breath. “I’m sorry, yes, come in.”

  He rolled his suitcase inside. After he took off the strap to his laptop bag, he removed his jacket and tie.

  Troy looked around. “This place is great.”

  “Thanks.” Her flat was one of four that had been converted in the old building, but defined the word character with high ceilings, hardwood floors, picture rails, and a bay window. Thanks to inexpensive treasures found at garage sales and thrift stores, she’d made herself a comfy home. A bit cluttered and mismatched, but Cassandra loved this place.

  She remembered the flowers in her hand. “I need to put these in water.”

  “Your walls,” he said. “Is that the same paint color you used in the bookstore?”

  She nodded. “I decided to try it here first.”

  “Great choice.”

  Cassandra grabbed a blue vase from the top of the refrigerator. “I took a mango to the hardware store, cut it open, and had them match the color.”

  He grinned. “That is so…you. You need to help me liven up my apartment. It’s as homey as a morgue.”

  “Just tell me when.” Or maybe not. Sunday, everything would change. Not wanting to think about that, she filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers.

  “Did you work tonight?” he asked.

  “No.” She didn’t want to admit she’d left early in case he called. She didn’t want to be distracted at the store. “Moe closed up.”

  Troy drew his brows together. “He doesn’t mind working at night?”

  “No, his partner works at a restaurant, so he prefers working nights.” Cassandra carried the vase of flowers into the living room. She’d left her book in the kitchen. She was done reading for tonight. “I hope your week went better than mine.”

  “What happened?”

  She pushed aside a stack of advanced reader copies and set the vase on the coffee table. “You know how I wanted a fiancé so my parents would leave me alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, my family is bugging me more than ever. My mother calls daily with wedding suggestions. Emily calls to talk about the engagement party. Even Eric has texted his advice.” Cassandra sighed. “The past few days have been a nightmare.”

  Troy squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll get through this.”

  The warmth of his touch penetrated the fabric to her skin. She wished he wouldn’t let go of her. Ever. “Only one more night to go.”

  “I wanted to talk to you about that,” Troy said.

  No wonder he brought flowers. Another bribe? “You agreed we aren’t going to keep pretending after tomorrow night.”

  “I’m tired of pretending, too. But after the party, I still want to be around. For real.”

  Cassandra’s heart slammed against her rib cage. Those were the words she wanted to hear. Her palms sweated. Her pulse sprinted.

  “What if I don’t want you around?” she asked.

  “Try to get rid of me.”

  “Are you sure?” She hated sounding so uncertain, but she needed to know.

  He nodded. “I missed you, Cassie.”

  “I missed you, too.” She fought the urge to twirl around the room. “Would you like a drink?”

  Flashing her a flirtatious smile, he pulled her close. “You’re the only thing I want to taste. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you. But I only want that if you do.”

  Too late to turn back. Nothing less than a 7.0 earthquake would stop her now.

  She kissed him in reply, exploring his mouth, feeling the different textures, tasting his warmth. She ran her fingers through his soft, curly hair.

  Greedy for more, Cassandra pulled him closer to her.

  He showered kisses along her neck and behind her ears as he rubbed his hands over her shoulders, kneading and massaging her muscles.

  His kisses turned her legs to mush. She supported herself against him. “I’m not sure my back is up to another night on a hard floor or the couch.”

  Troy picked her up. “Which way to your bedroom?”

  She felt so safe, so secure with his strong arms holding her. Pointing to the doorway, she batted her eyelashes. “I love a man who takes control of a situation.”

  “Sweetheart.” Troy captured her mouth in another earth-shattering, intoxicating kiss that made her want to give up all control, forever. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

  “Is that a promise, my McKnight in shining Armani?”

  “It’s a guarantee.”

  Cassandra couldn’t hardly wait. Nibbling on his ear, she inhaled the male scent that was uniquely his.

  In the bedroom, he set her on the bed. Staring up at him, she read the desire in his eyes, desire for her. None of their differences would get in the way here.

  Focusing all his attention on her, he made Cassandra forget everything except the here and now. She felt as if they were the only two people on earth, and this moment was their destiny.

  His lips blazed a trail of whisper-light kisses down her neck, past her collarbone, leaving her speechless. Cassandra shivered.

  As his fingers followed the same path, goose bumps covered her arms. She’d never noticed before, but his fingertips were rough, callused perhaps from working on the farm. And she loved the way they made her feel.

  The gentle kisses and caresses sent pleasurable sensations through her body. Troy made sure his warm, strong hands and his soft, moist lips didn’t miss a spot.

  Cassandra felt spoiled. She didn’t need champagne, candlelight, or music for a
n evening of romance. She only needed Troy. She tilted her head.

  Troy accepted her. The way he stared at her with such desire made her feel beautiful, sexy, alive.

  I love you, Troy McKnight.

  The thought was so clear and strong she wondered if she’d said the words aloud.

  Each touch of his lips and hands sent electric shockwaves through her body until she ached with need.

  She kissed him long and hard, running her hands along his back and feeling the muscular ridges. It was his turn to experience the torture of those overwhelming sensations.

  “You’re driving me crazy,” he said.

  She couldn’t get enough of him. “Same.”

  He moved back. “Cassie, stop.”

  She pulled away. “What’s going on?”

  “We can’t do this. Not while we’re still pretending. We should go slowly. Get through the party and figure out what comes next.”

  Nodding, she blew out a breath. That was the best plan she’d heard. Otherwise, her heart might not survive if he walked away.

  “But I’d still like to stay the night,” he said.

  She tensed. “Do you think that’s a smart idea?”

  “No, but we’ve done it before.”

  “And neither of us slept much.”

  “I’m too tired to stay awake,” he admitted. “I can sleep on the couch.”

  Cassandra didn’t want that. “Here’s fine.”

  “I promise to be on my best behavior.” Mischief filled his eyes. “But do you think I could get a peek at your tattoo before we call it a night?”

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The next morning, Troy opened his eyes to rays of sunlight glinting off Cassie’s golden hair. The long strands covered his chest like a satin sheet. She snuggled closer, her body warm and soft. Beautiful.

  His.

  Feeling more content than he ever had, he cupped her well-rounded bottom with his hand. Lightly, he stroked the spot where she’d shown him a delicate rose tattoo last night.

  How had he gotten so lucky?

  Cassie was a gorgeous, passionate woman. So what if they were different? The differences in their personalities complemented each other. His stability kept her from floating away like a helium balloon let loose in the sky—her vivacity lifted him enough to keep his feet from being cemented too firmly on the ground.

  Stirring, Cassie blinked open her eyes. She looked up at him with a soft, sleepy smile that made his heart clench. “Good morning.”

  Troy could get used to waking up next to her. He brushed his lips against her hair. How had he gotten so lucky to be the one she asked to be her fiancé?

  She traced hearts on his chest with her fingertips.

  “Did you sleep well?” she asked almost shyly.

  He felt unbelievably rested. “Yes, I did.”

  And the day was only going to get better. They could hang out until it was time to get ready for the party. After the party…

  Her cell phone rang.

  Cassie glanced at the nightstand.

  “Don’t answer it.” Trying to distract her, Troy kissed her neck.

  The phone rang again.

  “It could be an emergency at the bookstore. I have to answer.” Cassie reached over him to pick up the phone. “Hello… No, I was awake, Emily. It’s almost nine-thirty.”

  Troy looked at the ceiling. Why did Cassie have to pick a time like now to act responsibly? She could be so unpredictable, but that was what he loved about her.

  Loved?

  Where had that come from?

  Troy stared at her with new awareness.

  He was falling in love with her. Tumbling downhill was a more apt description. The thought made him smile. Things might work out after all.

  “Really.” She moved off him. “I didn’t know they went too… He did?” She drew her brows together until two small lines formed above her nose. The color of her eyes deepened. “I can dress myself for tonight. No, Troy won’t be here.”

  Where was he going?

  He touched her arm.

  Cassie shrugged off his hand.

  “Okay, if you insist. I’ll see you then.” She covered herself with the comforter. “Bye.”

  She disconnected from the call and took a deep breath. “That was Emily. She told me you’ve been in Austin with my father and Eric.”

  Nodding, Troy tried to pull Cassie closer, but she wouldn’t budge. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I was going to tell you.”

  Her nostrils flared. “When? After you went to work for my father?”

  Troy brushed his hand through his hair. “We are only working on a deal together. One deal, honey.”

  “Don’t call me that.”

  “Cassie—”

  “Emily said my father offered you a job.”

  “I didn’t accept the position.”

  “Did you say no?”

  Troy hadn’t. It was a dream offer. One he didn’t want to turn down. “Not yet.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I wanted to discuss the offer with you.” He held her hand. “Cassie, I should have told you last night, but I had something else on my mind.”

  She jerked her hand away. “Like making Dixon Daniels’s daughter continue the fake engagement by saying you wanted to date me for real?”

  “I had you on my mind, nothing else.” Her reaction angered him. He hadn’t forced her to kiss him back. She’d been a willing participant. “You’re not being fair.”

  “What you did wasn’t fair.” She gritted her teeth. “Using our engagement. Using me.”

  Troy rolled his eyes. “The deal in Austin had nothing to do with you and me.”

  “But the job offer does.”

  “I didn’t solicit your father for a job. He offered.”

  “You used me.” Her voice cracked. “You used me to get close to my father.”

  “Yes, it started out that way. You were using me, too. We both admitted that. But something changed. You know that.”

  “Yes, but I’m not the kind of person you want. Someone you could love.”

  Troy hadn’t thought so at first, but he cared about her. If he told her now, would she believe him? “Cassie—”

  “You should go.”

  He needed to make her understand. “Not until I’ve had my say.”

  “There’s nothing you can say. I trusted you, Troy. I really did.” Her bottom lip quivered. “I should’ve known you were no different than Eric.”

  Cassie had no right to compare him to her worthless ex-fiancé and brother-in-law.

  “Wait a minute. I’m nothing like that guy.” Troy was offended. “If you trusted me, you wouldn’t be saying that. Why does everything have to be so black and white with you?”

  “It’s easier that way.”

  He sighed. This wasn’t how he wanted today to go.

  “You must be pleased with yourself.” Her voice had a hard edge. “Eric had to propose to both Emily and me to get what he wanted. You only had to pretend to be engaged to me.”

  “Please don’t take this to the extreme, Cassie. I’m not Eric.”

  She stuck her nose in the air. “If you say so.”

  Troy didn’t need this. “You’re the one who approached me and asked me to pose as your fiancé. I wasn’t hiding anything from you. I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t want any of this.”

  She gripped the comforter. “You aren’t complaining about what it’s gotten you.”

  “Cassie, don’t.” She didn’t understand. She didn’t know he loved her. “I—”

  “Don’t apologize and don’t worry about the engagement party.”

  “I don’t care about the party.”

  Her lips tightened. “Yes, you do.”

  Okay, she had him there.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t jeopardize your hard work and your precious career,” she continued. “I’ll be the perfect fiancée. But as soon as the party
is over, I never want to see you again.”

  No. She was emotional. She couldn’t mean that. He would give her time to calm down. Him, too.

  Troy got out of bed while she stared at the wall. “Are we going to let a little misunderstanding come between us?”

  “This isn’t little, Troy. This is about you and me using each other. That’s what we’ve both been doing. Oh, yes, I admit my part in this whole charade, but it has to stop.”

  “Believe me, Cassie, I’m not using you.” He was running out of time. He couldn’t walk out without letting her know how he felt. “I couldn’t use you. I—I love you.”

  He couldn’t believe he’d said the words.

  Her eyes widened. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “How can love not matter?”

  “Because we want different things from life.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “We’re too different.”

  “We may be different, but not where it matters.” Troy was so close to getting everything he wanted. He couldn’t give it up now. “Cassie—”

  “My name is Cassandra.”

  “Only because you choose to hide behind a name that isn’t you. You tell me I’m rigid, but you’re just as bad. You won’t let yourself see it.”

  “Go.”

  “You need time to cool off. I’ll leave now, but you’re not getting rid of me that easy.”

  “Is that a warning?” she asked.

  He didn’t dare respond to that. “I’ll see you at the party,” was all he could manage before he left.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Clutching the comforter on her bed, Cassandra poked a hole through the cotton fabric with her fingernails, but she held her tears at bay. She’d shed too many tears over men. She wouldn’t cry. Not over Troy. Even though she’d been a fool. Again.

  Love only caused pain.

  Why had she thought falling for Troy would be different? Because she wanted to believe he was different. Oh, she knew they were opposites, but she’d still wanted to believe she’d found her Prince Charming, her Mr. Right.

  But she’d been wrong.

  Again. She knew better than to think a man like Troy would want her and could love her for who she was. She’d made the same mistake twice, falling for two men who had used her to get close to her father. No one with career aspirations could resist the lure Dixon Daniels offered. Why would Troy resist?