* * *
Zac was pretty pissed off with Erin for not passing on the full message about why he was late. He knew why she hadn’t. She still wanted to get back with him and hadn’t accepted it was over between them.
Dammit, this was about Cassie, not him or Erin. He hated to think how anxious Cassie must have been, wondering why he wasn’t there in time for the show and then later unsure if he was hurt or not. And she must have already been upset about the letter of complaint to the hospital, so she hadn’t needed the extra stress caused by Erin withholding information. Bloody Erin. He was really disappointed in her for doing this to Cassie.
And speaking of disappointment… yeah, okay, he had to admit he’d been disappointed that Cassie hadn’t mentioned the letter of complaint to him just now. Not disappointed in her but disappointed because she hadn’t shared the problem with him. He’d waited but she hadn’t opened up about it. She could no doubt be too upset to talk, but he’d still been hurt she hadn’t even hinted at it, which was crazy. He wasn’t sure why he was even feeling this way.
And then something hit him right in the guts. He must be asking too much of her and was in danger of smothering Cassie like he’d smothered Erin. He had to back off. He didn’t want to smother any woman ever again.
Oh shit.
He managed to put aside his feelings as he and Cassie left the building after the show. And his mood had improved by the time they got to the supermarket, where he laughingly told her to stay in the car while he bought some groceries for their dinner. He didn’t want her seeing what he was going to make. It was a surprise.
The two of them were laughing over something silly as they stepped inside her apartment. Groceries in one hand, Zac was about to use his other hand to pull her close for a kiss when a man suddenly appeared in the living room doorway.
“Steve!” Cassie exclaimed, telling Zac what he already knew. This guy was the ex-of-a-husband.
“This is cozy,” Steve drawled as he noted the hand on Cassie’s arm, but a flicker of dismay in his eyes told Zac the guy was slightly shocked to see him here.
Cassie took a step forward. “Where’s Mitzy? What have you done with her?”
“Relax. I’ve just put her in her cage, that’s all.”
Just then there was a yap from the kitchen that seemingly satisfied Cassie. “Just because I let you in the other day, doesn’t mean you can waltz in here whenever you like.”
A muscle flicked in his jaw. “Until it’s sold, the apartment is still in both our names.”
Gutsy, she held out her hand. “I’ll have the key, thanks.”
His gaze darted to Zac and back to Cassie, then he moved back into the living room. “In a minute,” he said, sinking down on the couch that was visible from where they were standing.
Zac swore softly and went to move, but Cassie put her hand on his chest, stopping him. “Zac, why don’t you put the groceries in the kitchen,” she suggested quietly, her eyes saying not to cause a commotion.
Zac was tempted to do more than put the groceries away, but another look in her eyes and he relented. She didn’t need him playing the hero right now, he decided, as he strode down the hallway and into the kitchen, where he dropped the bag of groceries on the table and went to check on Mitzy. He was rather relieved to see the little dog in her cage, wagging her tail at him. “Good girl,” he murmured, automatically letting her sniff his fingers through the wire.
Then he counted to ten as he began putting everything away. He was surprised at how much protectiveness he felt toward this dog now – and toward Cassie. Her ex was obviously the stuff women’s dreams were made of, yet underneath the studied relaxation there was a restless energy about the guy, as if he wanted something but didn’t want to say it out loud. Could he want Cassie back? The thought hit Zac between the eyes.
“Time’s up, mate,” he muttered to himself, heading back to the living room. As he got closer he heard what the other man was saying.
“I told you before, Cassie. The thought of you with him drives me crazy.”
Zac froze, but then realized that though Steve sounded jealous, something was missing from his tone. He was saying the words but they lacked sincerity. Would Cassie notice? Or would she fall for the obvious ploy? Stranger things had happened when a man and woman had a history together.
“Give me a break, Steve,” she said, sending a burst of relief through Zac.
“I did. I thought you were going to dump the Aussie?”
Zac’s heart slammed against his ribs.
“No. You told me to dump Zac but I have no intention of doing anything of the kind.”
Another burst of relief. Good for you, babe.
There was a moment’s silence, then, “You’ve changed. And I don’t like it.” There was the sound of movement. “You never used to be so defiant.”
“Steve, let go.”
“Cassie, listen to me. I --”
“Steve, you’re hurting my arm.”
That was enough for Zac. He stepped inside the living room, saw the other man’s grip on Cassie’s arm and something inside him exploded like a firecracker. He flew across the room, grabbed Steve’s arm and twisted it up behind his back, receiving a ton of swear words from the other guy.
Then he pushed her ex toward the front door. “I suggest you leave Cassie alone,” he said in a deadly tone.
“Don’t threaten me… Ooow!” He winced when Zac tugged his arm back even more.
Zac stuck his hand in the other man’s pocket and grabbed Cassie’s spare key. Then he opened the door and pushed Steve out onto the landing. “Now get lost,” he said through gritted teeth.
The other man stumbled a little then turned around to face them, rubbing his arm. “I’ll sue you for assault.”
“Try it, mate.”
“Yeah, well,” Steve stuttered, then his gaze shot past Zac to Cassie and he glared at her. “You think you’re so good because you spend time with the sick kids. Pity they can’t see you for what you are.”
Cassie gasped. “Did you send that letter, Steve?”
Steve stiffened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh my God,” she said in horror. “You did, didn’t you?”
Steve opened his mouth, then suddenly had the look of a man who was on a slide to defeat. “For God’s sake, Cassie,” he muttered, and turned to stumble toward the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
Zac watched the other man disappear into the stairwell before he shut the door to the apartment and turned to face Cassie. “Come here, sweetheart,” he said, pulling her into his arms to hug her tight. Bloody hell, he’d hated seeing the other man hurt her. But worse, he figured she was right about the letter too. The ex had sent it.
“I can’t believe he did that,” she murmured into his shoulder. “I just can’t believe he did that.”
“You’re talking about the letter?”She pulled back, her glistening eyes widened. “You know about it?”
He nodded. “I ran into Maggie at the hospital. She told me.”
Cassie sniffed. “I’m sorry, Zac. I should have told you myself.” She bit her lip. “But I didn’t want you to feel guilty about our talking sex on the show.”
His heart rocked sideways. This woman was so special. “Thank you, but you don’t need to protect me, sweetheart. You can tell me anything, Cassie. Anything. Next time don’t keep something like that to yourself.”
“I’ll try.”
“What are you going to do about the letter?”
“I’m not sure if anything can be done. It’s still a complaint.”
“Why don’t you call Maggie? She might be able to help.”
She nodded. “Yes, good idea. I’ll do that tomorrow. It’s getting late now and she’s probably in bed.” She looked up into his face, her eyes regretful. “I’m sorry you had to get involved in this tonight.”
“No problem. I’m only glad I was here to help you.”
“Thank you,” she said huskily. “I appre
ciate it.” As if she couldn’t quite let go of her thoughts, her forehead creased. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Steve. I’d say he was jealous of both you and of my job, but I can’t help feel that’s not the real problem. He seemed kind of desperate to me.”
“I agree. I think it’s something else too. Clearly he listens to your show. Equally as clear, he wants you to give it up and is forcing your hand. The question is why?” And that was a worry. There was something going on here that didn’t add up.
“I can’t believe the gall of him.” She winced. “No, I take that back. I can. He always was selfish.”
Despite himself, Zac was curious. “He must have had something going for him once?”
“I guess so. He was charming and he swept me off my feet. By the time I realized I was nothing special to him, and that he was the same with every woman he met, I was married to him.”
“Yet he married you. He must have loved you.”
She sighed. “He did in his own way. And I guess I loved him too, but it was hard to admit that my idea of love was different to his.” A shudder went through her. “He’s never tried to physically hurt me before though.”
She wished he hadn’t had to see that with Steve, but on the other hand she was glad Zac had been there with her. Steve had frightened her tonight with his grip on her arm. And now that she knew he’d written the letter to the hospital… Was he really trying to ruin her, or was there something more?
“Well, you don’t have to worry about him coming back and getting in,” Zac said, holding up the key. “Not unless he’s got a spare.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t have thought to get one.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Zac.”
“You not the only one who thinks on your feet,” he said with a smile.
Just then there was a yap from the kitchen.
“Mitzy!” Cassie said, pushing out of his arms. “I’d forgotten about her.” She raced to the kitchen, hearing Zac following behind. The little dog was sitting there in her crate, for all the world looking like she was smiling at them. Cassie hurried to pick her up and cuddle her. “Oh Sweet Cheeks, are you okay? I’m here for you now.” Cassie looked at Zac over the dog’s head. “I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to her.”
“Lucky for him he didn’t hurt her,” he said in a warning voice.
She appreciated the words, even as she noted Zac didn’t seem to be so wary of the little dog any more. And that was a huge step, one she wouldn’t point out just yet. Better to keep that thought to herself for now. “Next time I’ll follow your example right from the start and show him the door.”
“There won’t be a next time. Not if he knows what’s good for him.”
“You won’t always be around to protect me, Zac," she said, pain suddenly catching in her chest. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do when Zac left. He’d become - dare she think it - almost a part of her.
“Who knows what the future will bring?” His gaze rested on her, oddly alert.
She got a sudden rush of panic, so said the first thing that came to mind. “Well, I know one thing, Zac Ryan. There doesn’t appear to be any four-course meal on my horizon right now.”
His gaze remained on her a moment more, then a half-smile crossed his face. “I’d forgotten about our midnight snack.”
Her lips twisted wryly. “I don’t classify four courses as a midnight snack.”
He pulled one of the kitchen chairs out from under the table. “Take a seat and watch me, milady, and I’ll show you some culinary delights you’ve only ever dreamed about.”
“I hope this isn’t going to take all night.”
He grinned. “Oh ye have little faith.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh brother.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The next morning Cassie was in the kitchen waiting for the coffee to brew when Zac came into the room fully dressed. He kissed her thoroughly and she melted in his arms faster than an icicle in the desert.
He eventually drew his head back. “You’re not going out, are you?”
She snuggled her lower body against him, pleased by his hardening erection against her. “Why? What do you have in mind?”
He gave a short smile, then, “Someone’s coming to change your lock.”
It took a moment for her to realize what he said. “What do you mean?” she asked in surprise. “Why?”
His mouth tightened. “I don’t trust your ex.”
For a moment she hadn’t liked him taking charge like this, but it really was sweet of him and so like him to be thinking of her. “Zac, he wouldn’t do anything to…” she trailed off, remembering last evening. She swallowed away her fear. “We agreed he probably wouldn’t come back.”
“I know, but now I don’t think you should take that chance.”
She frowned. “But I’ll be moving as soon as this place is sold.”
“It may not be soon enough.” He kissed her again briefly. “Humor me this one time, Cassie.”
She looked at the concern in his blue eyes and her heart tilted. She hadn’t like Zac seeing all that with Steve last night, but on the other hand she was glad he had been there for her. Steve had frightened her with his grip on her arm.
She let out a slow breath. “Okay, Zac. Just this once.”
“Good.” He kissed her again. “Now, did you call Maggie yet and tell her it was your ex who wrote the letter?”
“Yes. She’s going to see what she can do about it all and will get back to me. She said they know how much the radio station has done for them, so if there really is no official complaint then there shouldn’t be a problem.” Cassie bit her lip. “I’m not sure what I’ll do if I can’t visit the children. I love my show and I’ve worked hard at it, but I love seeing the children too.”
He kissed her on the nose. “I’m sure they’ll see sense.”
“I hope so but I’d still support the hospital no matter what.”
“I know.” He kissed her again, then reluctantly stepped away. “I have to go now. Adam’s sister Kirsten is in town, and Adam and Erin are driving her home to their folks’ place today. I want to say hello to her before she leaves.” His mouth tightened. “And I have a few words to say to Erin about last night too.” He turned to leave. “See you at the station tonight, sweetheart.”
She nodded and watched him go, hearing the apartment door close softly behind him. Soon he would be leaving for good. It was a reminder of what was to come. She didn’t want to think about it, so she focused on what he’d said about Erin and she had to feel a little sorry for the other woman. For all his laidback attitude, Zac wasn’t a man to cross.
Then something occurred to her. Had Zac only come back here with her last night because he’d known this Kirsten was at the apartment? Had he realized Adam’s sister would inadvertently play chaperone between Adam and Erin? With Kirsten there, Adam wouldn’t have had the chance to seduce Erin. All at once, it made her feel second best and took some of the joy out of last night.
Hell, it took all the joy out of last night.
* * *
“Okay, Erin. What’s the deal?”
Erin groaned inwardly and looked up from where she was reading the paper at the breakfast bar. She hadn’t heard Zac come in. “Deal? What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, lady. You deliberately didn’t tell Cassie why I was delayed at the hospital yesterday. You let her think the worst.”
Caught!
“I… er…”
“Didn’t I ask you to tell her why I might not make the show?”
“Yes but --”
“You didn’t though, did you?”
She winced, then let out a sigh. “No.”
His jaw clenched. “Why, Erin?”
She moistened her lips. “Um… I…”
“Well?”
“What’s going on?” Adam said from behind them, and Erin groaned to herself. Just what she didn’t need right now.
Zac turned to
his friend, then gave a jerk of his head. “Ask Erin.”
Adam frowned. “Ask Erin what?”
She could feel a deep red riding up her neck and into her face, even as she glanced back at Zac. “I’m sorry, Zac. I just thought…” She pulled a face at herself. “Actually I didn’t think.”
“No, you didn’t,” Zac said, his tone totally disapproving.
“Would one of you tell me what the hell is going on?” Adam demanded, looking from one to the other.
Zac glanced at the other man. “Erin’s been trying to cause problems for me and Cassie.” He turned back to her. “I really thought better of you.”
“Me too,” she muttered, feeling so disappointed in herself. She still wasn’t sure what had come over her. She usually wasn’t such a bitch about things, and certainly not against another woman.
“At least you can admit it,” Adam added to the crucifixion, and she shot him a dark look, not needing his words of wisdom at the moment. The only thing she needed was forgiveness.
From Zac.
“Zac, I mean it. I’m really sorry. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? Anything at all? I feel so bad about it. I know I was in the wrong.”
He held her gaze for a few moments before the look in his eyes started to soften. “Dammit Erin, I forgive you.” Then he came toward her, pulled her off the stool and into his arms to give her a hug.
She hugged him back. It felt wonderful to be in his arms again. “Thanks.”
He drew away a little, his face serious again as he cupped her chin. “Just don’t do it again, okay? Cassie was pretty upset. She thought something had happened to me.”
Erin’s stomach knotted at the thought of them being a couple, not to mention the thought of what she’d done to Cassie, but she managed a nod. “I bet she was pleased that you went to the hospital,” she said, trying to sound positive.
“Yes.”
She plastered on a bright smile. “I rang the hospital this morning to see how Jamie was doing. He’s fine.”
He blinked, then, “I’m pleased you did that. I called too.” All at once he let her go and moved away. “I’ll stop by myself later and see how he’s doing.”
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