The phone rang at 9. It was Rob.
“Hey, dude! How’s the trip?”Glenn asked, holding his finger up to his lips as he muted the TV.
“What happened last night?”Rob demanded, not wasting time with idle chatter.
“I, uh, what are you talking about?”Glenn asked innocently.
“Cut to the chase, Glenn. Cassandra called me crying about being arrested and having to go to court. She also told me she conned you. Is it true? Did you not know about her great escape?”
“I went to the library for some diagrams and...”
“And you didn’t think of bringing her with you? You know how she is. Why can’t you be responsible? I’m so pissed at you. You need to fuckin’grow up!”Rob shouted irately.
“Hey, chill. We took care of everything. The cops aren’t going to press charges if she testifies against…”
“Don’t you get it, Glenn? She was your responsibility and you fucked it up. What if she was raped? Or killed? Who would you be blaming then?”
“Gee, Rob, you don’t…”
“Not another word out of you!”Rob snapped. Glenn stared at the phone. He wasn’t used to his brother taking this uncharacteristic tone with him. It was unsettling.
“Sorry, Rob,”Glenn said quietly.
“Save your sorries for when Pop gets home. Believe me, he’s going to know about how damn irresponsible you are! Let me talk to my girl,”he ordered roughly.
His girl? Where did that come from?
Glenn handed the phone to Cassie, who frowned.
“It’s Rob. He’s pissed beyond reason. Good luck,”Glenn whispered, covering the receiver before handing it to her.
“Hello?”Cassie said nervously.
“How are you feeling today, baby?”Rob asked gently, immediately calming at the sound of her voice. Cassie frowned at Glenn; Rob didn’t sound‘pissed beyond reason’. Glenn made a face and shrugged.
Cassie tucked her feet under her. “I’m okay,”she answered softly.
“I’m just so grateful that you weren’t hurt. Did you get some sleep?”
“A little. I did a lot of thinking.”
“You’ll have plenty more of that to do when I get home and put you over my lap. In the meantime, I want you to write an essay for me regarding the importance of trust,”he informed her without any reservation.
“What? I already have tons of homework…”
“Yet you’re wasting time watching cartoons with that moron brother of mine. I know Glenn, he probably dragged your pretty little ass out of bed, bribing you with fruit loops.”
Pretty ass? Cassie felt a delighted, but unexpected, chill run through her. “Um, well...”
“I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. One thousand words, on my desk, for when I get home. I will read every word of it, too, and if I’m not satisfied, you will write it again until I am. You are to include what trust means to you, how to obtain it and how to keep it. Am I understood?”
“But…”
“Should I make it twothousand words? I could also have you write lines...”
“Yes, Rob. I’ll do it,”Cassie acquiesced, grinding her toes into the sofa under her.
“I also want you to clean your room before I return,”he added firmly.
“Okay.”Cassie knew better than to argue. She could hear the threatening undertone in his deep voice, daring her to challenge him. She was just too tired right now, she convinced herself.
“One more thing. If I even catch a dribbleof you sneaking out again, I promise you won’t be sitting for a month. I’m not bullshitting, either. I will spank you until you are raw, and you know damn well I can do it. You are to stay put in that house until I tell you otherwise. I’m warning you; do not test me on this. Not now. I’m already peeved enough with you.”
“I won’t go anywhere. I promise,”Cassie gulped fearfully.
“Now turn off the TV and get to work. You tell that fool boy that he and I are going to have a seriously long talk when I see his ugly face again.”His voice softened. “I’ll call you tonight to check in, okay?”
The grip Cassie had on the phone loosened. “Okay. I’ll be here.”
“You had better. I love you.”
“Love you, too,”Cassie whispered.
Glenn stared at her as she hung up the phone. “Did you actually just tell that asshole you loved him?”
“No!”Cassie barked. She paused, biting her lip. “Did I?”
“Yeah, nicely even. I can’t believe he’s getting under your skin. Who would have thought?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”Cassie demanded.
Glenn grinned. “Oh, come on. I’m goofy but I’m not blind. You’re falling for the cranky old fart.”
“You are utterly ridiculous! He’s my…my friend, for God’s sake! This is ludicrous! He’s mean and bossy and demanding, and he treats me like I’m a petulant child.”
“Well, you are one,”Glenn teased.“Although I think the word cantankerous suits you better.”
“Screw you,”Cassie said moodily.
Glenn giggled loudly when she proved his point. “As weird as it is, I also think he’s good for you. You have seemed to be more in control of your nasty temper since he’s raised the ante. Maybe it will get you both out of my hair.”
“I wouldn’t make any wagers on that. Why don’t you just shut up, Glenn? Seriously, even if I were interested in him, which I am NOT, you know well and good that he’s incapable of ever seeing me as anything other than a bratty little next door neighbor. I’m 14 years younger than he is!”
“Don’t be too sure of that, Cassie-girl. Toss me the fruit loops...”
“Get your own fruit loops. I have work to do before His Highness comes home. Unlike you, I don’t think it’s a good time to invite more trouble for myself,”Cassie huffed, getting up.
Glenn turned the volume back up. “Have it your way, kid. I don’t know why you’re so scared of him. Seriously what’s the worst he can do besides spank that bottom black and blue?”Glenn teased.
“Fuck you. I hope you choke on your fruit loops and when you do, don’t call me for help!”Cassie roared, stomping out of the room. Glenn simply laughed and went back to watching his programs.
Chapter Four
Rob paced the aisle at the terminal. He wanted to get home. He was livid with Cassie, but also relieved that she had turned to him for help. He knew that meant she finally trusted him on some level, which pleased him greatly. He had to find a way to get that foolish chit to understand that she was loved and cared for by the entire family. Especially him.
Rob planted himself in a chair, tapping his foot. He remembered the day Cassie and her mom were introduced to the Johnson clan. The tiny snippet of a girl glared up into his face and informed him, in no uncertain terms, that he was not to touch her teddy bear. He had laughed at her, snatching it from her clutches and holding it out of her reach demanding that she ask for it back nicely. The stubborn child refused, kicked his shin, and then went crying to Bill and her mom to help. Bill cuffed his son sharply on the back of the head and ordered him to stop teasing the kid. They had been at odds from that day forward.
Rob shamefully admitted to himself that he was the one who had provoked many of the fights. It was just so easy to get a rise out of her, and that hadn’t changed even after all these years. He loved how she looked when she was angry—her green eyes flashing and a slight blush rising over her pale features. She was a little firecracker and a most interesting challenge, and there was nothing that Rob enjoyed more than a good game and the rewards that came with winning. Only, when it concerned Cassie, he found himself having to constantly redo his game plan. She was a very difficult opponent and one he planned on never losing to.
In a house filled with men, all the boys made teasing and pestering a daily thing and rarely did anyone get really upset over it. It never occurred to him that little Cassie was different than his brothers in that way, or that she was capable of having hurt
feelings, especially since she was also so emotionally guarded. Rob felt guilty for a moment, thinking about the amount of crying she had been doing recently. He could not recall her ever crying before, even when her mom died. He suddenly wondered if he was the one who made her grow into such a stubborn brat. Maybe it was time to apologize and start over.
Finally, his section was called to board the plane. He took a deep breath, knowing that the next four hours would be the longest flight he had ever sat through. He started to develop a new game plan. He was determined to not only earn her trust and forgiveness, but to gain her submission.
* * *
Cassie glanced around her room, hoping Rob would be satisfied. She had finished her essay, done her homework and even cleaned up the kitchen. Glancing at the clock, she swallowed. Glenn had gone to the airport to pick up his brother and Cassie insisted on staying home to finish her chores. Glenn hesitantly complied.
Cassie took a deep breath as she removed the chocolate lava cake from the oven. It was her surprise to Rob; she planned to take advantage of a weakness she had accidentally discovered. He was a chocolate fiend and, if given the chance, he would consume the entire thing by himself, without frosting or decoration. She had also made lasagna for the boys, determined to try to redeem herself. She had never cooked for them before, even as a culinary student. She hoped it would surprise them.
“Holy cow, what smells so good?”she heard Rob’s deep voice as he came in through the front door.
“I made you dinner. I figured you’d be hungry after your trip,”Cassie said shyly as Rob pulled her tightly into his arms to hug her. He so badly wanted to kiss those soft, pouty lips…
“I didn’t know you could cook. When did this this happen?”Glenn asked, sticking his finger into the cake.
Cassie slapped his hand. “Leave it alone to cool. Are you hungry?”she asked Rob, who nodded eagerly as he sat at the table. He watched Cassie serve up the meal and pour him a glass of merlot.
“Who are you and what have you done with my obstinate roommate?”he asked, eyes twinkling.
“I just thought it would be nice to show you that I’m more than just a pain in your ass. It’s no big deal.”
“No big deal? If I knew you could cook like this, I wouldn’t have been eating at Mickey Ds!”Glenn commented, diving into his meal. Cassie blushed, dishing out seconds to both of them. She was pleased; men that size needed a lot of food and they wouldn’t be scarfing down the entire lasagna if they didn’t really like it.
“This was wonderful, Cass. Thank you. I didn’t know you liked cooking,”Rob said, patting his stomach.
“You are aware that I’m a culinary arts major, right? French cuisine?”
He didn’t respond, but instead held his arms out for her. She timidly approached him.
“You know that this magnificent meal doesn’t get you out of trouble, right?”
“I didn’t even consider that. I just wanted to do something nice for a change. I wanted you to see that I dohave a good side.”Her eyes watered.
Rob kissed her cheek, rubbing his thumb on her lower lip. “I truly appreciate it. Do you have class tomorrow?”
“No. Glenn does.”She tilted her head towards the youngest Johnson boy who was polishing off his third helping.
“Good. I’m off work, so we’ll talk then. Now, how about some dessert?”he asked, trying to pick up the whole cake for himself.
Glenn took off to see some friends after dinner, leaving Rob and Cassie home alone. Rob watched the girl as she cleaned up the kitchen and then approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her small shoulders.
“I have a problem, Cassandra,”he whispered, holding her back to his chest, his hot breath tickling her ear. She leaned against him, not fighting the embrace.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know how to say this. I’m so sorry.”
“For what? Eating too much?”Cassie turned to look up at him, her mouth uncomfortably dry as she studied his handsome face and enticing lips.
“I was thinking about the day we met. I stole your Teddy Bear and teased you. It got us off on the wrong foot and I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
“That stupid bear was the only thing I had from my father,”Cassie whispered, looking down.
Rob felt even worse. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I really am. It’s my fault you grew into being so dead set against us.”
“No, it wasn’t you. It was that useless piece of shit that left me and mom. I never wanted to trust again.”
“Forgive me?”he asked, touching her chin to lift her eyes to meet his.
“Yeah, it was just a stupid bear—”
He interrupted her comment by placing his lips against hers and drawing her into his powerful arms. Cassie gasped, pulling back for a moment before letting herself relax in his hold. Her knees wobbled and her head swam.
“Oh my…”she whispered, pulling away.
Rob blushed. “I’m sorry. I know you see me as a friend, but...”
Cassie reached for him this time, hungrily drawing his mouth against hers and crushing his lips. He picked her up and carried her to the couch, not breaking the passionate embrace as they probed each other with their tongues.
“Rob? Is this…wrong?”
“We are not related by blood, baby. Besides, who else would put up with me?”
“But...”
“The only butt you need to be concerned about it yours, honey, and it will be very sore for quite a while,”Rob sighed, pulling away from her.
Cassie pouted. “I thought that…”
“If you kissed me back it would get you out of trouble? That is deplorable!”Rob asked angrily, his eyes sparking as he quickly stood up.
Cassie quickly shook her head. “No! That’s not what I was going to say! Rob!!”Cassie cried out as he stomped away. She heard the front door slam and winced. What did she do? Here was yet another man who walked out on her without her knowing why. They were all alike! Was it because she wasn't good enough? Misery filled her heart.
She was on the couch, tears covering her face, when Glenn came back home. He immediately came to her.
“Hey, why are you crying? Did Rob punish you?”he asked gently, holding her against him. Cassie shook her head and sobbed out her story. Glenn looked confused.
“Rob never jumps to conclusions; I mean, not like that. Odds 10 to 1 he’s just tired. Wait…he kissed you?”Glenn suddenly remarked.
“Yes. It was perfect. It felt so good. Glenn, what did I do wrong? Why can’t I ever be good enough? I always chase people away!”the tiny girl sobbed pitifully.
“Shhh, I don’t know what his deal is. It sounds like he’s having his own struggle with this. Damn, I wish Bry was here. He always knows what to do,”Glenn sighed, glancing at the clock.
Rob did not return to the house that night. He called Glenn on the cell phone to inform him that he was at his own place and would be back in the morning to‘deal’with Cassie. He refused to talk about what had happened, hanging the phone up abruptly on his brother.
Glenn looked at the sleeping girl on the couch. Poor thing. He started to get angry. Rob probably brought back all those feelings of her being unwanted and abandoned. His anger grew and, by the time Bryon walked in, the young man was steaming.
“Hey, what are you doing up? It’s 2 a.m.,”Bryon whispered, putting his gear bag down.
Glenn’s eyes flashed. “Our big brother is an asshole and I’ve had it with him!”Glenn hissed.
Bryon frowned. “Did he hurt her?”
“Yes. But not like that…”he stopped Bryon from rushing over to the girl. Slowly, he explained the situation.
Bryon took a breath. “So, the old man finally came to terms with how he feels about the squirt, huh?”
“You knew?”Glenn’s eyes widened.
Bryon chuckled. “I keep telling you people. I’m a jock, but I’m not stupid. He’s always been over-protective of her and I’ve been watching how he started lo
oking at her these last few years. Haven’t you noticed how much he’s here now? Or that he really hasn’t tried to date anyone?”
“How do you think Pop’s gonna take this?”Glenn asked quietly.
Bryon shrugged. “Pop loves them both and he knows Cass needs someone like Rob to keep her in line. I think he’s been secretly hoping something like this would happen. Now, let’s get this little thing to bed and we’ll pound some sense into our big bro tomorrow, okay?”
“‘Kay. I’ll get her,”Glenn agreed, easily lifting Cass into his arms. Murmuring, she wrapped her hands around his neck and rested her head on his chest as he carried her upstairs. The brothers tucked her in and then headed towards their own rooms.
* * *
Rob paced the floors of his newly renovated farm house, located just outside Miami in the center of a small avocado grove on the edge of a spring-fed lake. He glared at everything that met his eye, knowing he had messed things up with Cassie and had likely destroyed what little trust she had in him. What an idiot, he berated himself. It frustrated him, this sense of powerlessness. It wasn’t at all like him. What was she doing to him?
He plopped on a stool in the kitchen, elbows on the marble island. He had no idea the girl liked to cook. If he had showed genuine interest in her life, he would have at least known what she was majoring in! She would love this kitchen…no, he blew it. She needed him to be consistent. Her big, mean, asshole brother. Ok, then that’s what she’ll get. No way would he let himself, or her, be hurt again by rejection. Maybe he should ask Bry to handle things…
“Are you kidding?”Bryon questioned, yawning as he spoke with his brother the next morning on the phone. “Dude, I’ve never known you to run from a fight. What’s with you?”
“I just think things would be better right now if I made myself scarce. I fucked up bad last night,”Rob said, absently stirring his coffee as he sat on his large couch.
“You’re a grown adult, so start acting like one. I know what happened.”
Cassie's New Plan Page 5
