by Girard, Dara
* * *
Kevin Jackson was a rich playboy with a glutton's appetite for women. Cassie had become a friend of his when he had asked her out after one of her seminars. She had declined because she was seeing Timothy at the time, but Kevin had been persistent and soon they became friends.
The Jackson estate was an hour's drive out of the city and sat among one of the exclusive suburbs of Maryland. Situated on ten acres of magnificent grounds, it rose like a monument, exuding elegance, grace, and privilege. The drive past the private lake and row of trees always left Cassie in awe, but Drake looked bored as he parked the car and handed his keys to the valet. He sighed wistfully, watching him drive off. She tugged on his arm.
"Your beloved car will be okay," she assured him.
He looped her arm through his. "Are you sure that kid has a license?"
"It was revoked last year, but he was able to get it back. Joke," she said quickly, when he looked ready to run after his car.
He sent her a cool glance. "Hmm, I'll remember to get you back for that one. Come on. The doorman can only hold the door open for so long."
Cassie's excitement soared when they entered the grand foyer. Its fourteen-foot ceiling looked down into a lavish circular greeting area. Her hands trembled as they walked toward the ballroom. It wasn't the ambience that excited her, it was the ratio. Just as Cassie hoped, there were at least five beautiful women to every man present.
"Impressive," Drake said, as they walked down the main hall with its burgundy carpet and extravagant vases and paintings. She didn't think to ask if he was talking about the decor or the women. Gorgeous women lined the walls as if they were live mannequins, and their eyes lit up at the sight of another man.
They entered the sitting room, which greeted them with low lights, the careful hum of voices, and jazz. The bar was in the form of a large waterfall; couches looked like art pieces—beautiful to look at but uncomfortable to sit in.
Drake released her arm. "Let me get you a drink."
Cassie grabbed his hand. "No, let's mingle first. There are so many people to meet."
He sent her a suspicious glance, but nodded, silently cursing himself. He could already feel an icy trace of panic inch up his spine as he watched the group of strangers. He caught many of them staring at him, no doubt waiting for him to trip on the carpet or crash into a vase. He would be cool; he would be calm, despite the fact that he enjoyed crowds as much as malaria. He needed to be civil. He took a deep breath and smiled at a woman near the window. She smiled back and winked, licking her lower lip in an erotic invitation.
"Ow!" Cassie cried, pulling her hand from his. "Your grip is like a vise."
"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"
"If I develop gangrene and my hand falls off, I'm coming after you."
He cradled her hand in his. "Here, let me see."
She snatched her hand away. "I'm okay."
He shoved his hands in his pockets, feeling like an idiot. "Let me get you something to drink," he said, desperate for something to do.
"I'm not thirsty."
"Are you hungry?"
"No."
"Perhaps I could—"
"Drake, I'm fine. If I need anything, I'll be sure to tell you."
He nodded and glanced around the room like wary prey—a deer trapped in the forest with wolverines.
Cassie laughed, "Will you relax?"
"I am relaxed."
"You're so stiff that if I poked you, you would topple over. At least take your hands out of your pockets."
He did so and his elbow hit a woman's wrist; bright red wine fell down the front of her peach dress.
"You clumsy bastard!" she cried.
Drake turned. "I'm sorry. Look, I'll pay—" He reached into his back pocket and elbowed a woman in the stomach.
She hit him in the back of the head with her handbag. "Hey, watch it!" She readied herself for another swing when Cassie grabbed the bag.
"That's enough," she said. "It was an accident."
The woman glared at her. Cassie would have found the gaze intimidating if it hadn't been clouded by alcohol. "This isn't about you," the woman said, her words coming out in an angry slur.
"I believe it is since he belongs to me. Why don't you calm down and sober up?"
"Why don't you take your fat behind back to the zoo where Kevin found you?"
"Only if you'll return to your street corner," she said sweetly. She seized Drake's arm before he could do more damage and led him into the hallway.
"Did she hurt you?" she asked, turning his face so she could see the back of his head. "God only knows what she had in that bag."
"No, I'm fine." He paused. "Did she hurt you?"
Cassie shrugged. "Sharing witticisms with a drunk always makes for pleasant entertainment."
"Cassie, I'm serious."
She ignored the tone and shook her head. "Now I know why you keep your hands in your pockets. You're a dangerous man. Especially with those elbows."
Drake rested against the wall and stared down at her. "You're laughing at me, aren't you?"
She bit her lower lip and shook her head.
He stared up at the ceiling. "Go ahead. I like to hear you laugh even when it's at my expense."
She couldn't laugh at him. Not when he looked so dejected. She took his hand and pulled him from the wall. "I know what will relax you. Come on, let's dance." The look of horror that crossed his face broke her resolve. She burst into laughter.
When she'd sobered, she noticed he was smiling. "Finished?" he asked.
It was the smile that did it. He smiled so rarely it was always a gift to her. She impulsively hugged him. "Drake, I'm so sorry. The night will improve, I promise."
He wrapped his arms around her. "You can be as sorry as you like." He brushed his lips against her hair. "I liked what you said to that woman."
Cassie rubbed her cheek against his chest. This position felt better than it should, but it was their last night together so she might as well enjoy it "What did I say?"
"That I belonged to you."
It had been a slip of the tongue, but even as he repeated her words they sounded right to her. She pulled away, remembering why they had come. It was not so that they could become closer. "Yes, that's right. Well... let's meet people."
Drake sagged against the wall and lifted a dark brow. "Is that a requirement?"
"Yes."
They returned to the main room, where Cassie surveyed the crowd to see who she could leave Drake with. She saw a woman with rich auburn hair talking to a dark brunette; both were sitting on a bright red couch in the shape of lips.
"I know those two. Let's say hello." She dragged Drake along before he could reply and weaved her way through the crowd, stopping in front of the pair. She flashed a wide smile.
"Vicki, Mandy, hello there," she greeted.
They stood and the three women exchanged air kisses.
Vicki, the auburn-haired woman, was small with the energy of a hummingbird and her gold lamé outfit seemed to flitter with every movement. Mandy was cool as ice water and entertained a bored expression.
"I'd like to introduce you to Drake Henson," Cassie said, pushing him toward the pair. She watched their eyes turn predatory. "He's a—" She hesitated, realizing that she didn't even know what he did for a living. She glanced at him for assistance, but the smug smile he sent her made it clear that he wasn't going to help her through the awkward moment "A lover of wine and women," she improvised.
"That's good to know," Vicki murmured, looping her arm through his with the practice and conceit of many years.
"Yes," Mandy agreed, taking his other arm.
Cassie could almost sense him withdrawing into himself. The last thing she needed was for him to make a rude comment and ruin her plan. She had to give him a topic that was of general interest.
"Vicki makes a delicious cheesecake," she said. As she hoped, Drake's interest was piqued and they began talking about various desserts. Satis
fied that her strategy was working, Cassie thought of a means of escape.
"Oh, I see someone I must talk to," she said, waving vaguely in another direction. "Take care of him for me, I'll be right back."
Drake seized her arm before she could leave. "Is that a promise?" he asked in a low, insistent voice.
"You'll be fine."
"That wasn't my question."
"Yes, of course, I'll be right back," she said lightly, hoping he couldn't feel the blood rushing through her veins.
"Then let's seal it with a kiss." He kissed her quickly but effectively, leaving her lips wanting more as he drew away.
"What are you doing?"
He flashed a wicked grin. "Being bold." He turned to Vicki and dismissed Cassie with a wave of his hand. "You'd better go before you miss your friend," he said in an ironic tone.
She nodded absently, then disappeared into the crowd. She went straight to the bar, smiling at the large waterfall structure. She was going to succeed. She was going to get rid of him and all the tempting feelings he brought with him. She ordered a martini, rested against the counter, and stared at the guests—beautiful, successful, and happy. She saw a woman slap another across the face and grab for her hair before two men broke up the pair. Okay, almost happy, she amended. Timothy had been happy here. These parties had given him plenty of opportunities to be with the women he dreamed of. It was any man's fantasy, women of all types eager and able to have affairs and not burden one with the need of marriage. She frowned at her drink. But Drake wanted marriage. She shrugged and took a sip. He would be cured of that soon enough. With so many people in the world, why tie yourself down? She took another sip of her drink, congratulating herself on her plan. Men were so predictable. She'd written a book on attracting them, hadn't she?
"You have a mean streak, don't you?" Adriana said behind her, in a knowing voice.
Cassie spun around, amazed to see her friend. She looked exotic in an orange mandarin top and loose dark green trousers, gold balls twirling from her ears. "What are you doing here?"
"Mike's band is going to play in the great room."
Cassie grimaced. "Ugh, but he can't sing."
Adriana lifted a glass to her lips. "That's okay, I didn't come to hear him sing."
Cassie rested her drink on the counter, shaking her head. "I don't see how you can be interested in a man who is as intellectual as a nail."
"Intellectual men bore me." Adriana shook her glass, causing her ice to spin. "Enough about me. Why did you invite poor Drake here?"
"Poor Drake seems to be enjoying himself. There's enough eye candy to make any man happy."
"Or give him a toothache," Adriana challenged.
"All good things in moderation."
Adriana took a swallow of her drink, then set it down. "You're not being fair to him."
"Not fair?" Cassie poked her friend in the arm. "Do you know that he said I have an obsession about my weight?"
Adriana smiled in admiration, looking around the room. "Where is he? I feel like giving him a hug."
"I am sure he is getting his share of hugs already," she said dryly.
"I love your dress, by the way. I bet it backfired."
"What are you talking about?"
"You thought he wouldn't like it because Timothy didn't."
"You are an annoying know-it-all," Cassie grumbled into her drink.
"I try." Adriana checked her new manicure—metallic gold. "He's not a chubby chaser if that's what you're afraid of."
Her eyebrows furrowed. "A chubby what?"
"A chubby chaser. It's a new term I heard on a cable channel." Adriana enjoyed picking up Americanisms. "You know, a man who sets out to date full-figured women."
"How comforting," she said in a sarcastic drawl. "Rolls turn them on, I suppose?"
A deep voice interrupted Adriana's response. "You two ladies should be mingling," Kevin said, planting a kiss on each woman's lips. "Eat, drink, and be merry." He was a good-looking man with the easy confidence that came with such knowledge. His crisp blue shirt and trousers were pressed to perfection.
"That's what I love about you, Kevin," Adriana said in a bored tone. "You're so original." She didn't like Kevin, but tolerated him for Cassie's sake and because he had the power to give Mike the needed exposure for his band.
"I leave originality to people who don't have lives." His eyes focused on Cassie. "You look gorgeous, my dear. Do I have the pleasure of keeping you all to myself tonight?" He took her hand. "Come and keep me company."
Cassie smiled, ready for a night of flirtation. "Feeling lonely in this crowd of gorgeous women?" She playfully patted his cheek. "Poor boy."
He sighed wearily. "One does get bored after a while."
"Cassie is already someone else's company," Adriana said.
Kevin's eyes sharpened, but the expression was unreadable. "Settling down again already?"
Cassie swung the end of her shawl. "I'm just breaking him in for the right woman."
"Babe, you can break me in anytime. Come on." He began to draw her away.
Adriana seized her other hand. "This isn't a good idea," she whispered.
"He's harmless."
"Like a barracuda."
Cassie winked. "I like an element of danger."
Adriana frowned. "What if Drake comes looking for you?"
She glanced at her watch. "It's early yet. He'll be too busy to know I'm gone."
"Cassie, please don't sabotage this."
"Don't worry. I've got everything under control." She kissed her friend on the cheek and let Kevin lead the way.
He led her to the lavish sunroom. The moonlight seeped through the large windows and touched the plush couch and love seat, polished the Mexican tiles, and made the leaves on the bushes gleam like opal. Other couples embraced each other in the shadow of the room; Kevin and Cassie's presence didn't seem to interrupt their ardor.
"Perhaps we should go somewhere else," Cassie suggested, feeling uncomfortable.
"Ignore them," he said, pulling her down on a love seat close by.
"I can't."
"All right." He clapped his hands. "Everybody out." The room was immediately emptied and Kevin rang for dinner.
A waiter soon arrived with plates of food and then disappeared, leaving them alone in a companionable silence. Cassie offered Kevin something to eat, but he said all the food was for her and poured himself a drink. He casually chatted while she ate and she found her mind wandering as she enjoyed an asparagus and shrimp potage. Drake would love it she thought, thinking about his love of food. She imagined the conversation they would have guessing what ingredients were used. What did he do for a living anyway? She took another potage and frowned. What did it matter when this would be their last night together?
Kevin watched her from under half-closed lids, holding his bourbon close to his chest. "You don't look happy, Cassie," he said suddenly.
"But I am."
Kevin put his drink down. "I don't believe you." He took her hand and held it between his. "Your eyes look sad."
Cassie smiled gently. "How could I be sad with you trying so hard to make me happy?"
"I'm sorry you didn't come alone, but I'm not surprised. Timothy was a fool to let you go."
"Timothy was a fool, period."
His hand inched up her arm. "I'll always be here for you."
She laughed nervously, pulling her arm away. "What are friends for?"
"There's a chance to be more."
His mouth was on hers before she could refuse. His lips, while not forceful, were definitely demanding and eager to elicit a response. One she could not give him. She pushed away from him and covered her mouth. Kevin offered her an indulgent smile, resting his hand on her knee. "Don't tell me you weren't expecting that."
Cassie moved her knee. "I wasn't."
"I was a bit rushed that time. Let's try again."
"No." She drew back, stunned. "Why are you acting this way?"
"Bec
ause I want you."
"You can't be serious." First Drake, now Kevin? Some celestial spirit was having a lot of fun messing with her life.
"You've known I've wanted you since the first day."
She glanced at her watch. "I'd better go."
"You can't actually be rejecting me," he said in disbelief.
"How could any woman reject you?" she teased. "I'm merely halting an uncomfortable situation."
He kissed the curve of her neck. "I'm not uncomfortable."
She grabbed his chin. "You will be if I'm forced to hurt you. I don't like hurting my friends."
"What would my punishment be?" He grinned. "Chains, whips, handcuffs?"
"An attack at your ego."
He winced. "Ooh, you are cruel." He sighed and drew away. "All right, a man can take a hint."
"Good, now don't pout. You're just drunk."
Kevin bit his lower lip and glanced away. "I'm not as drunk as you think," he said quietly.
"There are plenty of women to take my place."
He sent her a gaze so intense she swallowed. "No one can take your place, Cassie."
His serious tone worried her, and she tried to make light of the moment. "Yes, it's a big place to fill." She patted him on the head its if he were a little boy and slipped out of the room. "Try to find a woman you can handle."
* * *
Adriana couldn't wait to hear Mike's band play. He was such a lively, vivacious performer and always transferred that energy to her at night. He was not an intellectual, but his love of life and his passion for music made her feel alive. She liked people like that. Cassie was the same, so full of humor and compassion. She hoped Cassie had left Kevin's clutches and would join her soon.
"So we meet again," a familiar voice said.
Adriana turned and stared up into Drake's serious amber gaze. He didn't smile, but his face looked relieved to see her. "Adriana, isn't it?"
"Yes. How are you?"
"You wouldn't like the answer." He stared over her head. "Have you seen Cassie?"
Damn. She knew he would go looking for her. "Briefly. She comes alive at these parties. It's hard to keep track of her."
His mouth kicked up in a quick grin. "I know. She's in her element, but I'd really like to find her. Do you know where she might be? I've checked under every table."
