“Were you scared of me?”
“No,” she hastened to reassure him.
“Will you tell me what scares you?”
Cassie licked her lips and wasn’t sure how much to share.
“Did it have something to do with when you were attacked before?”
Cold sweat formed on Cassie’s back. Jed had the ability to pull back all her layers and get to places she’d never showed anyone. She’d shown Kellen some of her fears, and look where that had gotten her.
“I’m pushing too hard,” he said gravely.
Cassie nodded, relieved that he knew that. “I feel like I’m a suspect being interrogated.” She tried to tease, but it came out too harsh.
“Forgive me,” he said.
“I should go inside.” But she didn’t move to free herself from his arms.
“Scared of me?” he asked quietly.
“No.”
“Can I kiss you again?” he asked in a deep, husky tone.
Cassie tugged his head down closer. “That is scary, but lucky for you, I’m brave.”
He chuckled, and their lips met. Fire raced through her and her head grew cloudy as his lips took command of her world. He was still tender with her, but his strong feelings came through in his kiss and lit her up from the inside out.
She never wanted to leave his arms, but the crunch of footsteps drew them apart. Darting her gaze around, she saw Trey walking past the house.
“Don’t mind me,” he said, grinning. “I know how hard it is to fit in enough kissing time with this family.”
Jed and Cassie both gave embarrassed laughs. Jed released her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll be here.” She was glad she was able to say that, even as she waved and almost tripped up the steps. She’d be here in the morning, but not for very many more mornings. Ah, Jed. She would long for him when she left.
At the front door, she turned and found that he was still standing there, watching her with blue eyes full of her and her alone. Why did he have to make it so hard to leave? She’d only been around him one day, and already she was in serious danger of not only giving her heart away but changing her life plan. She pushed through the door and hurried toward her old bedroom. She couldn’t change her life plan. And she couldn’t have Jed.
Chapter Eight
Christmas morning was picture perfect. Austin woke early—five-twenty-one, to be exact—and rushed through Gavin’s house waking everyone up and begging them to hurry so he could open his presents. Then he ran over to Mama’s.
Jed watched him out the window of the suite he was staying in. The exterior lights of the two houses illuminated the little boy in the predawn. He was in his Bruins pajamas with no socks or shoes as he ran across the snow, yelling and laughing to himself. Big, fat flakes of snow were falling, and it looked like a Christmas Jed used to dream about.
He’d never had anything close to a Christmas like Austin would experience today. His thoughts slid to Will, as they often did. Was his foster family trying their best and he was just a hard kid? Throughout his childhood, he’d overheard different foster parents and authorities saying that Jed was a hard kid too, so maybe that was why he felt so connected to Will. He didn’t remember trying to cause trouble, but he’d done about anything he could to get the attention he used to crave, including setting a shed on fire and stealing alcohol for his friends when he was only twelve. He grimaced at the memories and said a brief prayer for Will to have a good Christmas.
As he took a quick shower, his thoughts centered around Cassie. The kissing last night had been incredible. He’d wanted to pledge his undying devotion to her, but he could sense that the little he had shared about his feelings had terrified her. She wasn’t ready for a relationship, and maybe she never would be. That made his chest tighten and his breath shorten. He shouldn’t feel so invested in her, but he didn’t know how to turn his feelings off. He wasn’t really worthy of such an angelic beauty anyway, but he’d do anything to be close to her.
Give up your career and follow her around the world? The thought came unbidden, and he didn’t know if he liked it. He loved his career, loved the difference he made, and he loved the mountains and Park City. Yet if he wanted Cassie by his side … He pushed it all away and remembered how he’d told her he wouldn’t ask for anything beyond next week. Yet if yesterday was any indication of how quickly he could become invested in her, an entire week would prove to be his undoing.
He hurried to get dressed and pump down the stairs. It was a quarter to six. Trey was in the kitchen, groggily staring at the coffee maker.
“I think you have to actually push a button,” Jed said.
Trey glanced up at him with bleary eyes. “I love my future brother-in-law, but five a.m.? Really? I thought I wouldn’t have to do this on Christmas morning until I had my own kids.”
Jed chuckled, but he also thought Trey was very lucky that someday, in the not-so-distant future, he could have his own kids. Trey and Ella were crazy about each other and planned to split their time between his condo in Kauai and her family’s resort here in this beautiful valley, at least when they weren’t traveling the world while Trey taught skiing and mountain biking stunts. Ella could work for Gavin doing marketing here or remotely. Jed thought it sounded pretty ideal. Would he ever find an ideal with Cassie? He stopped himself. He was pushing too hard and fast again.
He put a hand on Trey’s shoulder. “Let’s go over to Mama’s. I bet she’ll have some coffee for you.”
“Oh. Yeah. Good plan.” Trey’s eyes looked a little more alert. “Plus Ella’s there.” He grinned and looked almost like himself.
“That’s where we need to be then.”
Trey headed for Gavin’s laundry room and slid into some shoes. Gavin had offered clothes from his closet or his lost and found for Jed since he’d come without a suitcase or anything, but luckily for him, Heath had left his suitcase behind. He and Jed were close to the same size, and Heath had texted that Jed was welcome to anything he had. Jed hoped Heath was catching up to Hazel. He’d gotten a few texts about Heath being stuck in one airport or another, and his friend sounded frustrated and impatient. What would it be like to watch the woman you loved almost be kidnapped and then have to chase her across the world? Jed could see himself chasing Cassie, but he wasn’t sure she wanted to be caught.
Jed slid into his shoes and followed Trey through the garage and then out a side door. “Where are Gavin and Stetson?”
“They went after Austin pretty quick. Gavin didn’t want to miss seeing Austin’s face.”
Jed nodded. He knew Gavin was Austin’s brother, but it seemed like Gavin was really devoted to Austin, almost like he was trying to be a surrogate father because of Papa’s poor health.
The large flakes of snow kissed Jed’s forehead and cheeks so softly he wouldn’t have known they were there except for the moisture. He put his face to the heavens and said a prayer of gratitude that he could be here, that his last case was solved and some very evil men were behind bars. He thanked God for this gift of time with Cassie and her family, even if it was much less time than he wanted. He also prayed for Will to be happy, safe, and well-fed.
He and Trey eased in the front door, sliding their shoes off. The living room wasn’t nearly as large as Gavin’s, and it was filled to bursting with the family. Piles of presents were stacked around the pretty tree, which was decorated in silver and red balls of varying shapes and sizes, ribbon, and silver-framed picture ornaments of different family members. Jed would’ve liked to check out those pictures, but the beautiful lady sitting on the corner of the couch stole all his attention.
He hurried her direction as Trey made a beeline for Ella and Austin yelled, “Yes! Everybody’s here. Let’s open presents!”
“Okay, calm down, little love; then we’ll start handing them out,” Mama said.
Jed approached Cassie, and she stood and hugged him. He held her close, burying his nose in the delicious, clean scen
t and the silkiness of her hair. This was the best Christmas gift he could imagine.
Stetson made room for them on the couch, but smart kid that he was, he didn’t make enough room for two. Jed sat down and tugged Cassie next to him. They were squished and he loved it. She let out the cutest giggle as Jed wrapped her in his arms and pulled her half on top of him. Jed saw Papa watching them, but he didn’t seem upset. He winked discreetly at Jed, then focused back on Austin, who had ripped open his first present. It was a remote-controlled helicopter.
Austin jumped around excitedly, then plowed into Mama. “Thank you, thank you, I love it! It’s just what I wanted!” Then he was giving Papa and Gavin hugs as well.
Jed whispered against Cassie’s ear. “They hit the jackpot with that present.”
Cassie turned to him and winked. “It could’ve been a pair of socks and he would’ve reacted the same way. Watch.”
Jed saw quickly that she was right. Austin’s pile of presents was huge from Santa, his parents, and all of his siblings, and he gushed over everything from a T-shirt to his new logoed Bruins hockey stick, signed by “the Jag Parros.” Jed loved the kid’s enthusiasm and gratitude.
Jed probably should’ve felt awkward, intruding on the family’s Christmas like this. He was the ultimate in needy houseguest—he hadn’t brought a gift or even his own clothes, Gavin had to give him a toothbrush from his storage room—but none of the Strongs made him feel like that. They all shared conspiratorial glances and laughs with him at one time or another through the early morning.
Mama even had a few presents for him. When she placed the first one in his hands, he quickly shook his head. “Oh, no. I don’t need anything.”
“I know you don’t. That’s why it’s called a gift.” She leaned over and gave him a hug. “Merry Christmas, Jed. Thanks for being here with us.”
Jed’s heart threatened to burst, as if he were the Grinch and it was growing three sizes. He wanted Mama to adopt him like he’d heard she’d adopted Austin. He shook his head to clear it. He was a grown man, not a child.
“Open it,” Cassie prompted.
Jed didn’t care if it was an ugly sweater. He absolutely loved Mama for making him feel so welcome. Cassie’s family seemed to approve of them being together. Did she? He carefully started undoing the wrapping paper.
Austin came over and tsked. “Do you need some help, bro? Rip it!”
Jed chuckled and shredded the paper. The box was decent-sized, and his excited mounted as he ripped the tape that held it together and lifted the lid off. He looked inside, and the familiar blue and orange made his heart leap. “How did you know?” He gazed up at Mama, who was watching him with a knowing smile on her face.
“I called Heath yesterday morning. A friend of mine was going to Denver, so she picked them up.”
“Thank you.” Jed found himself a little choked up. He pulled out a soft Broncos sweatshirt, a long-sleeved Broncos T-shirt, and a couple of Broncos coffee mugs. That Mama would take the time to find out his favorite team and then buy paraphernalia for him meant the world to him. He met her gaze again. “Thank you.” But that didn’t seem like enough. He set everything back in the box, stood quickly, crossed the distance, and hugged her.
She smiled up at him. “You’re welcome, sweet boy.”
Jed felt like a little kid, and his eyes were watering. He blinked quickly, nodded to her, and headed back to his spot by Cassie. As he squished back into the spot, Cassie took his hand and squeezed it. “Mama’s the best,” she said.
“You’re very lucky,” Jed said quietly.
Cassie nodded as they watched the controlled chaos and a living room that was quickly filling with wrapping paper, shouts of joy, and thanks.
She was very lucky. Jed knew she knew it, yet she still chose to leave these people most days of the year. He loved how she gave of herself, but he didn’t understand her life, and he knew that if he had family like this, he’d never leave them.
Cassie enjoyed each minute of Christmas morning, especially watching how touched Jed had been by Mama’s gifts. She’d given him the Broncos stuff, a barbecue grilling set because Heath had told her he loved to grill, and some men’s handcuff-printed pajamas with a few bottles of pepper spray. They all laughed hard about that. Cassie appreciated her own gifts but didn’t even know that she could take them with her. Her mama had kept her and Ella’s rooms at her house, and Cassie had most of her stuff here, as she usually had to travel light.
After presents, they started making French toast and a crumbled sausage, bacon, and egg skillet for breakfast. Cassie had to run use the restroom, so she excused herself for a second. She’d really like to get a shower and make herself more presentable to Jed, but he didn’t seem to notice or care that her hair was ratty and she wasn’t wearing makeup. He was amazing. If only she could stay here with him, and her family. She knew she was very lucky to have an amazing family, and she could hear that Jed sincerely meant it when he’d said that. There wasn’t even a trace of jealousy in his voice. She wished he could’ve grown up with a family like hers. Yet as always, it gave her pause. If she adored her family so much, how did she up and leave them all the time? It wasn’t easy, and it was getting harder and harder to do. When she’d been young and idyllic, she’d thought she was saving the world. Now she focused on bringing a smile to children’s faces and trying to ease their pain or hunger or loneliness.
Cassie heard her phone ringing from her bedroom near the bathroom. She rushed into her room, but she’d missed the call by the time she got there. When she picked up the phone, her eyebrows also rose. She’d missed eleven calls from the same number. It wasn’t a number she had programmed in, but she hoped no telemarketer would be that diligent on Christmas morning.
She pushed call back. It rang once, and then she heard a voice with a sweet Southern accent: “Oh, praise the good Lord above, Cassie?”
Cassie was trying to place the voice. “Merry Christmas,” she said hesitantly.
“Oh, you beautiful child, you. This is Sydnee Lee Hoffman. Do you remember me? You helped out in our orphanage on Cozumel last year.”
“Oh yes, of course. It’s wonderful to hear from you, Sydnee. How are the boys?”
“Multiplying.” She gave a throaty laugh. “Five and counting. Well, six if you count Brooks, which you kind of have to, since he’s a big old child himself.”
Brooks was Sydnee’s husband. He was a big, tough guy, larger than life, wealthier than anyone Cassie had met, and head over heels for his gorgeous Southern wife. He and Sydnee had met when she’d volunteered for several weeks at the orphanage he self-funded on Cozumel. Cassie had loved her time spent there, as the staff was well-paid, happy, and loving, and the children were thriving and adorable in the beautiful, spacious facility. Brooks, Sydnee, and their four boys, three of whom had been adopted from the orphanage, were regular visitors. It sounded like they’d had another boy since last year.
“Are you ever going to get a girl?” Cassie found herself asking.
“I don’t know, sweetheart. It’s not for lack of trying, I tell you what.” She laughed again, and Cassie couldn’t help but laugh with her, though she found herself blushing at the implication. “I’m so sorry to bother you on Christmas Day, but we’re in a pickle, love. We’ve been praying ourselves hoarse, and your name came to us. Brooks said to me, ‘You know, love, you know that girl is a straight-up angel. If anybody can help us, it’s her.’”
Cassie had spent her life helping, but she was suddenly terrified. Jed’s handsome face and warm blue eyes danced before her. She’d have to leave him much sooner than she’d planned. She could feel it. “What can I do to help?”
“It’s a mess. Brooks and I have the boys here in California. His adoptive mother isn’t long for this world, and he wanted to spend one more Christmas with her. Rosmerta, Camila, and Katie promised they could handle everything at the orphanage, but—you won’t believe it, Cassie love—Katie is down with the flu and three of our four gua
rds have disappeared. Unless Brooks or José are there, two guards are supposed to be on the property at all times to protect the children from traffickers. Only one showed up for his shift last night, and nobody has come to relieve him. The rest are probably drunk and passed out somewhere. They came highly recommended but sometimes …” Her voice was heavy with disgust.
The trafficking in every country in South America had become an ever-pressing problem, and Cassie had heard the stories of Brooks and Sydnee’s orphanage being targeted. Sydnee herself had been taken at one point before Brooks rescued her. They were vigilant about protecting the children.
“José has promised to get there for added protection, but he’s taken his wife home to Mexico City and they can’t get back until late tonight. And the real kicker, but oh so exciting, is Rosmerta had her baby early. Isn’t that beautiful? I just love new life.”
Cassie was trying to keep up with it all, but as the story spilled out, all she was getting was that they needed her help … now.
“Could you come for a couple of days, love? We’re bursting at the seams right now—four teeny ones still needing bottles, and twenty-eight others under the age of twelve. It’s too much for Camila to handle on her own, no matter how amazing she is. The guard who’s there is exhausted from being up all night, and not much help with the kiddos. We’d fly our jet to you. Aren’t you in Colorado? It could be there within two hours. As soon as the pilot gets you to the orphanage, he’ll head for Mexico City to bring José and his family back. Just a couple more days until Brooks and I will be there and relieve you. I know it’s a lot to ask. I hate to ask it of you on Christmas.”
“It’s fine. Sydnee, it’s fine.” It was not fine. Jed and her family were here, and she was going to ditch them all on Christmas Day. “Send the jet to Vail’s private airport, and I’ll meet your pilot there at …” She glanced at the alarm clock. “Nine-thirty my time.”
“Oh, Cassie.” She could hear Sydnee sniffle. “Thank you. You’re heaven sent. Truly, thank you. We’ll make it up to you. I’m going to bring you lots of gifts, and heck, we’ll fund your next ten years of missions if you want.”
The Strong Family Romance Collection Page 55