“What made you decide to open a cupcake shop?” Jase asked.
Cassidy blinked, the question throwing her for a loop. She ran a hand through her hair, keeping the other loosely on the wheel. “Uh, I’ve just always loved baking, I guess. When I was six years old I begged my parents for an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas. I had no idea what an expensive gift it was at the time, but somehow my parents scraped together the money and got it for me. And that was it—I was hooked.”
“Just like that?”
Cassidy smiled as memories drifted over her. “Just like that. I spent all of Christmas Day baking cakes and brownies. Even talked Shawn and Tanner into having a tea party with me.”
Jase laughed. “It’s hard to imagine Shawn holding a tea cup.”
“Oh, he was a very good guest.” Cassidy did glance over at Jase then. One arm relaxed on the windowsill as he gazed at her. She quickly turned her attention back to the road, a quiver beginning low in her stomach. “Shawn and Tanner were excellent big brothers. I could always talk them into tea parties with the promise of sweets, as long as I promised not to tell any of their friends.”
“You miss them,” Jase said quietly.
“Yeah, I do.” She thought of her two big brothers, who had taken her riding and taught her how to fish and let her tag along to football games at the high school. “We’re all hoping that Shawn and Natalie decide to come back to Sunset Plains.”
“And Tanner?”
“Hopefully he’s done running away from the pain soon.”
Shadows filled the cab and she could hear the hum of the blacktop beneath the tires. She was acutely aware of every shift of Jase’s arm, every twitch of his leg. She mentally berated her own stupidity. Yeah, he was attractive. And maybe he was even nice. She certainly couldn’t fault his help at the bakery today, and she knew for a fact his presence was a big reason she’d been able to move so much product today. But he was an actor, and he’d be gone in four short weeks.
“What happened to make Tanner run? I mean, if it’s okay to ask. I don’t want to pry or anything.”
“His girlfriend broke his heart.” Cassidy had still been in high school at the time and had been heartbroken on Tanner’s behalf. “Lauren’s parents died a few weeks before graduation and she just, I don’t know, snapped or something. She left a note for Tanner and then kind of disappeared. Said she had to get away. I think Tanner really thought the two of them would get married in a few years. He left for college and hasn’t been back since.”
“Not at all?”
“Just once.” Cassidy clenched the steering wheel. Tanner had come home for her wedding.
Jase didn’t pry further, seeming to understand what she meant. “So you’ve always liked to bake, and now you own a cupcake shop. That’s very impressive, especially at such a young age.”
“Hey now.” She swatted at his shoulder with her hand. “I’m only a couple of years younger than you, probably, and look at the career you’ve had.”
“It’s all because of my mother.” There was an edge to Jase’s voice that Cassidy wasn’t sure how to interpret. “You’ve done it all on your own.”
“Not true. My family has supported me every step of the way.”
“I’m glad.” Jase cleared his throat. “So, give me the rundown of life as a rancher’s daughter. We didn’t get much of an opportunity to speak today.”
For the rest of the drive, Cassidy answered Jase’s questions about ranching. She was taken aback by his genuine enthusiasm, and found she loved sharing stories about Star Ranch.
It was nearly dark by the time they pulled up to the big furniture store in Tulsa. Cassidy locked the truck, then she and Jase made their way across the parking lot and into the store.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Jase asked as they strolled purposefully toward the appliance section.
“Something reliable,” Cassidy said. She thought of her pathetically small bank account. Hopefully the insurance company would accept the electrician’s report without complaint. She really needed that check to help bridge some of the financial gap. “But the most important thing is the price. I can’t afford anything too fancy.” But she also wasn’t willing to buy used a second time and risk another failure like this one.
“I only peeked in the back for a minute, but it looked like you have a full-sized fridge and freezer?”
“Right. I don’t need anything too fancy—it just needs to keep the food cold and be big enough to fit a week’s worth of ingredients at a time.”
“Should be simple enough, then.”
They walked underneath the sign advertising appliances. Cassidy stared around at the collection of fridges and freezers, already feeling overwhelmed. Her dad had gone with her to buy everything for the shop when she started out. She hadn’t realized how heavily she’d relied on his judgment.
A middle-aged man with receding dark brown hair, fleshy jowls, and a bolo tie hurried over to them. “Good to have you in this evening,” he said, his Southern drawl pronounced even to Cassidy’s accustomed ears. “What can I help you folks with this evening?”
“I’m looking for a fridge and freezer for my cupcake shop,” Cassidy said.
“Well, we’ve got a mighty fine selection of those,” the man said. He held out a hand. “Name’s Bill. Want me to show you some of the models we’ve got on the floor?”
“That would be great,” Cassidy said, shaking his hand.
He extended his hand toward Jase’s, who took it in a firm grip. Bill’s eyes widened. “You’re Jase Larson!”
Jase flashed a brilliant grin. “Yes, I am.”
Cassidy stared at him, surprised at how upfront he was being with his identity. Weren’t actors supposed to try and maintain their privacy when out in public? Then again, Seth was always throwing his career around when the two of them were out together.
Bill pumped Jase’s hand up and down enthusiastically. “Such an honor to meet you, sir. Huge fan of your work. My daughter’s got a big movie poster in her bedroom of that singles cruise one coming out in a few months. She’s never going to believe I ran into you here of all places.”
“It’s always nice to meet fans.” Jase motioned toward the fridges and freezers. “Now, weren’t you going to show us some appliances?”
“Oh! Yes. Right this way, please.”
Cassidy rolled her eyes, but followed the two men over to the selection of industrial-grade fridges and freezers.
“This right here is a beautiful machine,” Bill said. “Forty-eight cubic feet. Glass doors so you can easily see what’s inside. It’s energy efficient, which your electric bill will thank you for.”
For the next hour, Cassidy debated the pros and cons of the various machines before settling on the fridge and freezer she wanted. But she had a feeling they were going to be a bit above her price range.
“I need something that can be delivered tomorrow morning,” Cassidy said. She motioned to the units in question. “Is that possible with these two?”
“Absolutely,” Bill said. “You’ll be back in business by noon tomorrow.”
Good, because Cassidy really couldn’t afford to lose a day of sales. “Let’s talk price,” she said. “What can you do for me?”
“Since you’re buying the pair and in such a bind, I’ll give you a rock-bottom price.” He pulled a notepad from his front breast pocket, wrote down a number, and showed it to Cassidy.
Her heart sank. That was definitely outside of her budget, even with the help from the insurance company.
“That’s a little outside of my budget,” she hedged. She motioned to the appliances that were a step down. “What about these ones?”
“Can I see that for a second?” Jase broke in. He reached out, plucking the notepad from Bill’s hand without waiting for a response. A deep frown marred his gorgeous face, and he slowly shook his head. “Bill, I thought we were friends. This number is highway robbery.”
Bill’s jowls flushed red, and he adjuste
d his bolo tie. “I can assure you—”
“I know you can do better for my friend here,” Jase said. He put an arm around Cassidy’s shoulders, making her heart skip a beat. “She’s had an absolutely awful day. Came into the store this morning to find the power off, then the electrician gave her the bad news about her fridge and freezer. She had to bake like a mad woman all day and sell everything at a discount just to keep the ingredients from going bad.”
“Just awful,” Bill broke in quickly. “Simply terrible thing to have happen.”
Jase dropped his arm, and Cassidy felt herself sway ever so slightly. She shook her head, trying to clear it. What was it about Jase that made her lose control? “I know. And I know that you know that the last thing she needs is someone trying to take advantage of her bad day.”
“Well.” Bill smoothed down the edges of his mustache. “Maybe I can do a little better…”
Jase patted the man on the back. “You’re a good man, Bill. I knew you could help us out.”
“Let’s just head on over to the computer, and let me see what I can do.”
Cassidy glanced at Jase as Bill hurried toward a computer standing in one corner. Jase gave her a wink, then pressed a finger to his lips. Her mouth popped open. Was he using his celebrity status to get her a better deal?
At the computer, Bill clicked away on the keyboard. “Give me just a minute…”
Jase gave an easy shrug. “We’re more than happy to wait.”
Bill nodded, typing away.
“Hey, didn’t you say your daughter’s a fan of Love on the Seas?” Jase said.
Bill’s head snapped up. “That new movie? Oh yeah, she can’t wait.”
“I’d love to send her a signed poster in the mail,” Jase said. “I could send it here to the store if you aren’t comfortable giving out your personal address. It’s always nice to hear that someone appreciates my work.”
Bill’s mouth dropped open. “Th-that would be fantastic,” he stuttered.
“I’ll do that as soon as I get home,” Jase said. He motioned to Bill’s breast pocket, where the edge of a phone stuck up. “Why don’t we take a picture together? She’ll never believe you otherwise.”
Bill fumbled for the phone. “Thank you so much.”
Cassidy took the phone, holding it up as Jase put his arm around Bill and gave the camera a big smile. “Say cheese,” she said.
“Cheese,” Jase said, his eyes sparkling.
Cassidy snapped a few pictures, then handed the phone back to Bill.
“Thank you so much,” Bill said.
“No problem. You should get the poster by the end of the week at the latest. Now, about the fridge and freezer?”
“Oh! Right, of course.” Bill tapped away, then turned the computer screen toward Cassidy. “That’s the best I can do. Any lower and we’re losing money on the sale. My manager’s already going to have a fit when he sees this price.”
Cassidy struggled to maintain her composure while inwardly she did a happy dance. With the money from the insurance company, the brand new units would only cost her a few hundred dollars. Incredible.
“Sounds great,” she said, making sure to keep her tone nonchalant. “And they’ll be delivered tomorrow?”
“Absolutely,” Bill said.
Thirty minutes later, Jase and Cassidy climbed back into the cab of her truck. But she didn’t turn on the car, instead turning to face Jase.
“That was incredible,” she said.
Jase lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “I don’t like using my celebrity to get perks, but today felt like extenuating circumstances.”
“I can’t thank you enough.” She blinked quickly, telling herself sternly to not blubber all over him like an idiotic female. “Seriously, Jase. Thank you so much for today. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
A slow grin turned up the corners of Jase’s mouth as he sank back against the chair. “Wow. It nearly killed you to say that, didn’t it?”
She scowled and jabbed her key into the ignition. “Don’t press your luck.”
Jase’s loud laugh was drowned out by the roar of the engine. Cassidy fought back her own smile as she pointed the truck toward home.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Cassidy dreamed of Jase all night long. Not the Jase Larson from the promotional posters, with the Hollywood smile and perfectly styled hair, but the Jase Larson who’d rolled up his sleeves and spent eight long hours on his feet boxing up cupcakes and running credit cards. The Jase who hadn’t complained about the two-hour round trip drive to Tulsa and back after an already long day. The Jase who’d offered an easy smile and knocked down the price of her fridge and freezer with the promise of a signed poster.
Something had changed between them yesterday. She’d felt it in the way his barbs had turned teasing instead of taunting. In the easy conversations they’d had on the road, and the electricity that sparked between them.
Maybe Shawn was right. Jase certainly seemed like a good guy. But he was also an actor—one who’d been nominated for an Oscar—and knew how to put on a good show. Could she trust that she was seeing the real Jase, or was it all an act?
Not that it really mattered to her either way. At the end of the day, Jase was just a guest at Star Ranch. She’d be cordial to him while he stayed at the ranch, then forget all about him when he hopped in a fancy car and headed back to California.
Morning came way too early after such a late night. The new fridge and freezer were delivered even earlier than she’d hoped. Cassidy almost cried with joy when they hummed to life. After a trip to the grocery store to replenish her stock, she spent the entire day furiously baking. But all the mixing in the world couldn’t keep her thoughts from wandering to Jase.
He was such a good conversationalist. She hadn’t expected that from him when they first met. He was funny, but thoughtful, too. The actors she’d known in the past had spent way too much time talking about themselves. But Jase had asked her questions about her own life and only talked about himself briefly.
The afternoon was busier than usual. Cassidy had a feeling that most of the customers were hoping for a glimpse of Jase, but as she bundled up their packages of baked goods, she knew they’d be back once they tasted her treats. Every time the front door jingled, her heart jumped in anticipation of seeing Jase stride into the room with those long legs and his ever-ready smile. But she didn’t see or hear from Jase all day.
Not that she’d expected him to show up. He was here to learn about the ranch, not flirt with the rancher’s daughter. Besides, Cassidy didn’t need to lose her heart to another actor.
When Cassidy finally pulled up to the ranch, it was after eight o’clock. Every muscle in her body ached from exhaustion, but the brilliant oranges and pinks of a sunset made her long to stay awake just a while longer. Instead of heading inside the house, she headed toward the pasture, longing for the quiet and calm only Cupcake could provide.
The horse heard her coming and lumbered over to the fence. Cassidy patted her nose, relishing the feel of the soft hair beneath her hands. Cupcake nickered, the sound growing louder when Cassidy pulled a few sugar cubes from the pocket. The horse eagerly lapped them up, her lips tickling Cassidy’s palm.
“Hey, girl,” Cassidy said. She patted the horse on the nose again. “I’ve missed you. We don’t get to spend nearly as much time together these days, do we?” Cupcake had kept her going in the months after Seth left. She’d been the one being in Cassidy’s life who gave her unconditional love and didn’t ask questions.
Cupcake whinnied, nudging Cassidy’s shoulder with her nose. Cassidy laughed, patting the horse’s neck. Cupcake nudged her shoulder again.
“How did the baking go today?” a deep voice asked.
Cassidy whirled, chest heaving from the sudden noise. Cupcake let out a snort of concern.
Jase emerged from the shadows of the barn, his long legs easily covering the distance between them.
Cassidy put her hands on her
hips. “You scared me.”
“Sorry. I saw you pull up to the house and wanted to make sure the appliances were delivered.”
Cassidy patted Cupcake’s nose, calming the horse. “They were hooked up and running by eleven this morning. I spent the rest of the day refilling the display cases. Thanks again for your help yesterday.”
Jase leaned on the fence next to her. “No problem.”
“Did you get the signed poster sent to Bill’s daughter?”
“I called my agent and he’s taking care of it. He keeps a stack of them in his office for things like this.”
Cassidy snorted, and Cupcake pranced back a few steps. “You often need to bribe appliance salesmen into giving you discounts?”
He nudged her shoulder with his own, sending fire through her entire body. “You know what I mean.”
Cassidy rubbed her arm where he’d touched her, her thoughts scattering at his touch. What was wrong with her? She needed to pull herself together. “Uh, so what did you do today?”
Jase held out a hand, waiting for Cupcake to come to him, and gently patted her nose. He looked completely at home with the horse, his stance unworried and hand relaxed. Cupcake nickered, leaning into the touch. “More fence repairs. Mason said tomorrow we’ll ride the range.”
“My dad used to take us with him when we were little. He’d only take one of us at a time, at least when we were young, and Mama was always a nervous wreck until we returned. But we loved it. There’s nothing like the wide open skies and hollers of the cowboys.”
Jase adjusted his hat, tipping it back on his forehead. “I’m a little nervous. I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
Cassidy’s hands slid on the railing, and she caught herself before slamming into it. “You’re kidding, right?”
Jase shoved his hands in his pockets, and though the increasing darkness shadowed his face, she saw a hint of a blush creep up it. “I never had a reason to ride. It’s not like there are a lot of horses in L.A., and I haven’t needed to for a role until now.”
Never Say Match (No Match for Love Book 9) Page 6