“Jeez, Sasha. Give me a break.”
“Just say you’ll think about it.”
“No,” I reply with a chuckle.
“You know, it’s good for me to be out of the house. I could really use a night of fun.”
“Oh, Sasha, I’m sorry.” I sigh and my chest tightens as guilt hits me like a sledgehammer. “How is your mom?”
“Same. She and Dad argue all the time. She’s frustrated now that she depends on him so much, and he’s tired. So damn tired.” Her head falls forward and her hands clasp together. “She just pushes me away. Won’t let me help.” Her shoulders lift and fall slowly. “What can I do?”
“I guess you do what you can. Be there for them. Make them know you love them.”
“Mom hates the world. I’m not sure if she will ever come to terms with what has happened to her.”
With a sad smile, I reach over and cover her hands with one of mine. “Maybe she needs to speak to someone?”
“What, like therapy?”
“Maybe.”
“I agree, but they can’t afford it and therapy isn’t covered under her insurance.”
“Shit.” I exhale heavily, wishing there was something I could do. Maybe I’ll speak to Dad and see if there is any way he can help.
Within a few minutes I pull up outside her house.
Shit, it looks bad. The front lawn is overgrown and the paint on the outside of the house needs redoing.
“I’m going to do the yard work this weekend,” she mutters, as if reading my mind. Turning to look at her, I shake my head.
“Honey, I’m not judging.”
“Everyone else is.”
“Fuck ’em,” I say with a laugh.
Leaning into me, I turn my cheek and she places a fleeting kiss there.
“Laters, honey.”
“I’ll call when I’m heading your way,” I shout to her as she exits the car. She nods and waves before skipping toward her house.
Setting off, I recognize the sick feeling that has developed in my stomach. It’s the same every time I take her home. It’s like a deep-seeded guilt that there isn’t more I can do to help her. I feel bad that I’m going back to what some describe as a mansion, yet she lives in this small, dilapidated house, in one of the worst streets in the neighborhood. The contrast is almost startling.
Giving my head a little shake, I try and rid myself of this feeling. Driving, my mind whirls with thoughts of Sasha. There has to be a way I can help her and her family.
* * *
After a short drive, I pull into the driveway, the electric gates closing behind me. I glance at the clock on the dashboard, making a note of the time. It’s nearly 5 p.m. and I don’t have a great deal of time before I need to head out to dance practice. One thing I do notice is that Dad’s car is in the driveway too. It’s not often he’s home at this time.
Something must be going on.
Throwing open my car door, I grab my things and walk toward the front of the house. Dipping the handle and pushing the door open, a plethora of smells hits my senses.
Jesus, something smells good. I make my way through the huge foyer and across to the kitchen. As I step inside, I see Liza and some chef talking animatedly at the stove.
Without interrupting them or making them aware of my presence, I head into the adjoining dining room. My eyes focus on the extravagantly decorated dining table. It’s set out with the finest tableware and over-the-top centerpiece.
My nostrils flare as I spin on the spot and storm back into the kitchen.
“Would you mind telling me what the hell is going on here? This is my home too you know!”
“Cassie,” Liza gasps, holding her hand to her chest as her eyes glare at me.
“Well,” I ask again, my eyes wide and awaiting her response.
“We are having dinner. A special dinner, in fact.”
“Well, I’ll be out of your way so don’t worry about me.” My tone is laced with sarcasm and I step to make my way out of the kitchen.
“No,” she shouts after me. The heels of her shoes click against the tiled floor as she rushes to make her way over to me. “I need you here tonight. You know, to welcome Leo to the household.”
My throat feels like it’s tightening and I can’t stop the way I’m glaring at her. Pulling my arms across my chest tightly, I tilt my head to the side.
“Yeah, thanks for telling me. You know it sucked when I found out from that bitch Alison across the road.”
Lifting her chin and pressing her Botox-filled lips together, she shrugs. “I had every intention of telling you when you got home.”
“Well, looks like someone beat you to it. You know, maybe I don’t want a strange guy creeping around the house. We know nothing about him, but clearly he’s trouble. I mean, you don’t get a broken leg and ribs by being a nice guy, right?”
There’s no way I’m letting her know how I actually feel or think about Leo being here. No one needs to know about my crush on him, or how much he has dominated my thoughts.
“Try not to be a judgmental bitch, Cassie. You don’t even know Leo…”
“And neither do you,” I snap. “You know absolutely nothing about him.”
“I know he needs our help. And our help he will get. God brought him here for a reason.”
My nostrils flare with annoyance. But before I can answer, I hear my father’s voice.
“Cassie,” my father calls. With a turn of my head, I watch him walk into the kitchen, his hands in the pockets of his suit trousers. Dad is always dressed to impress. I don’t ever recall seeing him in casual clothes or sportswear.
“Father,” I say, turning to him with open arms. He walks into my embrace, kissing me lightly on the top of my head.
“What is going on here?” he asks in a calm but authoritative manner.
Pulling back, I look him in his deep blue eyes. “Our new houseguest,” I blurt out. “I’m shocked that no one asked me about it, that’s all.”
“He is an employee, Cassie. Do we ever consult with you about our staff?”
“No…but this is different, come on, Dad.”
“I don’t see how.”
I glance at Liza who has a smug smile plastered on her face. “He’s living here, none of the others live here.” My words fall out with exasperation.
“He’s in the old office. Not the house,” he replies with a roll of his eyes.
Frustrated that no one is listening, I pull back from my father’s embrace and take a step, ready to walk away.
“Cassie,” he shouts, his hand on my arm.
“Don’t walk away from us. I’m sorry you feel that we excluded you from this decision, but please don’t make this difficult. After all, it’s a wonderfully kind thing that your mom has done for this young boy.”
“She isn’t my mom,” I grate out, snapping my arm from his hold. Taking a step, I make my way out of the room.
“Six o’clock, Cassie, don’t be late,” Liza shouts after me. I can’t hold back the growl of frustration that escapes me. Torn on how I feel about him being here, I storm up the stairs and make my way to my room. There’s no denying that having him here causes my stomach to stir. Excitement grows in my tummy and I bite my lip as I think about how this dinner will play out. How will Liza be with Leo in front of my father? The truth is, there have been many rumors of infidelity on Liza’s part, but my father always believed they weren’t true. Me, I’m not so sure. And what truly scares me is that Leo will be another pawn in Liza’s games. She hides behind her image of this churchgoing pillar of the community. But nothing is ever as it seems, is it?
Making my way inside my room I walk over to the bed and flop down. Reaching into my purse, I retrieve my phone as I lie flat against the bed. Holding the phone above me, I unlock the screen and scroll to Sasha’s name.
“Hey,” Sasha answers within a few rings.
“Ugh.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Liza is having a welco
ming meal for the stranger we now have living with us.”
“So I was right.”
“Yup. Which means I have to miss practice tonight. I’m sorry.”
“Girl, don’t apologize. Go get to know your hot new roomie.”
I let out a muffled laugh. “See, that’s where this all gets a little interesting for me.”
“Oh, how so?”
“Well, for some crazy, completely illogical reason, I haven’t been able to stop myself from thinking about him since that day I found him outside.”
“Because he’s hot?”
“I don’t know,” I reply meekly. Talking about boys and my feelings is something I don’t do. Not even with Sasha. My mind has been so cut off when it comes to guys that all my energy and focus has been on dance. So driven by my love of dance that I’ve never had time or interest in boys.
Until Leo.
“Well I never. Could the one and only Cassie Conway have a crush on a guy? Like, for real?”
“I guess we’ll find out since I have to sit down for dinner with him. Hey, you should come over.”
“Uh-huh. No way. Liza would have a fit. But you should call me after. Tell me all of the gory details.”
My eyes flutter shut. “Okay, I’ll call.”
“Okay.”
“Bye,” I quickly say before ending the call. I push myself up from the bed, let my feet connect with the floor, and walk over to the walk-in closet that spans the length of the room. I step inside, running my hand over the garments that hang from the rails, wondering what would get his attention. I may or may not be interested, but I sure as hell want to impress him on our first official meeting.
I shake my head, realizing how stupid that sounds. I don’t know anything about this guy. I practically objected to him staying to my father, now I’m trying to impress him? What the hell is happening to me right now? Stopping, I allow myself to drop back against the wall. I know it all sounds crazy, but something deep inside me wants to know more about Leo. Like my heart needs to know him.
Swallowing the lump in my throat and pushing all doubt aside, I look for the perfect outfit. Something cute but casual. I search until I find the perfect floaty dress. Pulling it from the rail, I hold it up to me and check out my reflection in the mirror opposite.
Perfect.
Stepping over to the wall lined with shoes, I pick out a cute pair of flats that go perfectly with my cute off-the-shoulder dress.
Happy with my choice, I head out of the closet, placing the dress on the bed, and then head into the bathroom.
Working quickly, I shower and make sure my legs are smoothly shaven. Wrapping a towel around my body and one around my hair, I head back into the bedroom and over to the vanity table.
Staring at my reflection, I wonder where to start. I think I’ll go for the light and natural look. I set to work, making the best of my features. My strong cheekbones are now highlighted with a little blush. My blue eyes now accentuated with a little liner and some mascara.
I don’t stop until I’m happy with the version of me that stares back.
I dry and straighten my hair. I’m pretty sure by the time I’m finished my arm will drop off. After all, the natural curl in my hair is a pain in the ass.
My phone buzzes, distracting me from my mission to get ready. I head over to the bed and grab my phone. I unlock the screen and look at the message.
Sasha: Good luck with the hunk!
Me: What if he’s not as hot as I remember?
Sasha: What if he’s hotter?
Me: LOL
Locking the screen, I quickly check the time.
Shit!
6:08 p.m.
Dropping the towel to the floor, I grab my dress, lifting my leg, and start to pull it on. The sound of footsteps catches my attention and I whip my head toward the door. Fighting to pull on my dress, I see a figure standing just outside the door.
Jesus Christ, it’s him.
“Don’t...don’t...don’t come in,” I blurt out before racing over to the door and slamming it shut.
“I wasn’t looking,” he bellows. “No need to slam the door in my face. You were the one who left the door open, I didn't know you were like, semi-naked.”
Great, now he thinks I’m a bitch. And did he just say he saw me semi-naked?
“You’re late and Liza is about to have a heart attack.” His voice is nothing more than a mumble and I fight back the need to laugh as I struggle to straighten my dress. Adjusting the arms of the dress, I make sure I’m decent before reaching for the handle of the door. My hand lingers for a few seconds as I let out a controlled breath. Finally, I open the door slowly. Tilting my head, I peer around the door, looking at him through the gap.
Holy cow, he looks amazing. And he smells amazing.
Instantly, I pull open the door a little more wanting and needing to inhale more of his fresh scent.
“Hey,” I say meekly, looking up at him through my thick lashes. “You look better than the first time we met.” The words burst out of my mouth like I have no control.
Goddamnit. Did I really just say that?
My hand swipes across my forehead, clearing the few strands that have fallen. I’d be stupid to deny the effect he’s having on me. My hands are clammy and I’m suddenly all too aware of my own heartbeat. The feeling of being flustered and out of breath is overwhelming. Pressing my lips together, my eyes rake over his handsome face. His strong jaw teamed with his deep brown eyes that have a warmth that reminds me of hot chocolate on a cold day. Hell, everything about him is heavenly.
Crossing my arms, I caress my upper arm with the palm of my hand. Back and forth, I feel the goose bumps that have appeared.
“Well, the shower helped,” he replies, his smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Cute.
“So, Leo. On a scale of one to ten, how much shit am I in?” My eyes fall to the dimple in his chin. Hell, who knew a chin dimple could actually look kind of cute?
He chuckles, his head falling forward and shaking from side to side a little. “Like maybe a seven.”
“Better get my things then.”
“Things?” His face contorts softly, as if he’s confused.
“Phone,” I say, grabbing it from the bed and holding it up, waving it a little. “You never know who might want to get in touch, right?”
“Sure.”
“Right, got it. Let’s go have dinner.”
He gives me a subtle nod.
I don’t know what it is about him, but his body language and conversation is almost awkward.
“So, I got to say, having you here, well it came as a bit of a surprise.”
“Really? How so?”
“I had no idea what Liza was planning. And, with all due respect, we don’t know you.”
“Not yet,” he replies, lifting his head and giving me a sideways glance. “I guess that’s the idea behind tonight's dinner. To get to know me a little better. But don’t worry, I’ll keep out of your way. I’m not trying to intrude.”
“That’s, uh, not what I meant.”
“It’s fine, I get it.”
I can’t help but narrow my eyes at him a little, wondering what the hell just happened. Like, how is a guy this hot, so odd?
“Listen,” I say, placing my hand on his arm and pulling him to a stop at the top of the staircase. “It will be nice to have a new face around the place. I never once wanted you to feel like you’re in the way.”
He swallows heavily and I watch as his Adam’s apple bobs. “I shouldn’t be here. I get it. And believe me, I intend to stay off the radar. Just here to work.” A sadness washes over his face.
What the hell happened? And how the hell do I respond to that?
“Okay,” I say with a lazy lift of my shoulders. I can’t argue with something I don’t understand. I connect with his eyes, smiling widely to let him know it’s okay. Just because I don’t understand doesn’t mean I’m going to press him further.
&nbs
p; Smiling back, he takes a step forward, breaking the hold I had on his arm. I follow his lead, keeping one step behind.
The click of heels against the floor has me looking for Liza.
“About time,” she bellows as she comes to stand at the bottom of the huge staircase. “What the hell took you so long?”
“I’m sorry. I lost all track of time. You know how long it takes to get my hair straightened.”
“No one cares about your hair, Cassie,” she snaps. Her stern face lightens as she glances and fixes her eyes on Leo. “The main thing is you’re both here now.” Suddenly breaking her stare on Leo, she glances me a look, almost snarling at me. I laugh internally, knowing she’s pissed off with me. Nothing new there then!
With a shake of my head, I walk behind Leo and Liza now in front of me. My eyes fix on Leo’s muscular back. The gray t-shirt is fitted and shows off every contour of every muscle adorning his back. Looking at my phone I quickly type out a message to Sasha.
Me: Ugh! I can’t stop staring at Leo. PS, I hate Liza!
Hitting the send button, I lock the screen and conceal the phone in my hand. Walking over to the table, I stop at the end closest and watch as my father steps up from his seat, offering his hand to Leo. They talk and laugh, my father patting the top of his arm gently. Great. My father doesn’t even know that I’m here.
“Please, son, take a seat here. I want you to know you are most welcome here.”
“Thank you, Mr. Conway. This is all very kind of you.” He holds his arms out and gestures to the over-the-top welcome dinner that Liza has put together. The huge table is decorated with cream and gold ornaments and set out with a regal-looking dinner set.
My phone chimes and the room suddenly falls silent, all eyes now on me. Liza glares at me and I’m sure her damn eyeballs are about to pop out of her head.
“No phones at the table,” she snaps, making her way toward me and snatching the phone out of my hand.
“Hey,” I reply, and my heart sinks as I watch her reading the message preview on my screen. Jesus, what did Sasha put in her text? I grimace, my heart in my mouth the whole time her eyes are fixed on the screen of my phone.
Bound to Break: Books one in the Bound to series Page 3
