by Melody Anne
Max leaned back in his chair, appearing casual, not allowing the turbulent emotions passing through him to show through his face or body. He propped a foot on his desk and smiled at her.
“Sit down, it looks like you want to chat,” he said. She walked further in and took the chair across from him. “How was your long lunch?”
Cassie looked at him strangely for a moment. She wasn’t on his payroll. In fact, she was only there to interview him, and the people who worked for him, so she didn’t see why he could possibly be upset with her being gone for a few hours. Sometimes the man didn’t make any sense.
“Lunch was great. I spoke with your father and uncle. Don’t worry, I’m not writing a bunch of personal family history in my article, but to be fair to you, I need to have as much of a clear picture as possible,” she quickly added, cutting him off.
“Are you enjoying yourself, then?” he asked casually.
“Actually, yes. Thanks for asking,” she said just as nonchalantly.
“That’s good,” he replied. Their obnoxiously polite conversation was ridiculous and she was done with it.
“Have you made a decision about the Alaska trip, yet? I think it would be great for me to go, to really see you in action. You’ve been working on this deal for a long time, and to get a fully rounded picture of you, I need to go,” she pleaded. She hated to beg, but she wanted to go. He’d be gone for several days, cutting into her precious month.
Max stared at her for several moments, not giving away any hint of what he was thinking. She couldn’t tell if he was going to allow her to go with him or not, and she felt like screaming. Enough with the suspense, already.
“Alaska, at this time of year, can be dangerous. I’m going to a small town called, Cordova, as you know. Did you research the area, like I suggested?” he asked.
“Yes, I did an online search. I know its main industry is fishing, and that at least one member of each household is most likely involved in the fishing industry in one way or another. They took a hard hit when the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on the Blight Reef, causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters ever in North America. With that and the restrictions put on logging, the town has had some hard hits but their slowly coming back,” she said proudly.
“The town also gets hit by a lot of snowfall, dangerously low temperatures, and you have to be aware of wild animals. You can’t just go wandering around wherever you feel like. You could end up dead in a matter of minutes in those conditions,” he said firmly. She could feel he was beginning to cave. She sat eagerly, not wanting him to change his mind.
“I understand all that, and I promise, you’ll barely even be able to tell I’m around,” she said quietly.
“That’s highly unlikely,” he said with a smirk. If she knew the thoughts racing through his mind, he didn’t think she’d be so eager to join him in the secluded town. His body responded at just the thought of her alone with him in a remote cabin. He was grateful to be sitting so she couldn’t see the evidence of her effect on him. He squirmed in his seat for a moment, suddenly very uncomfortable.
“If you’re going to come with me, then you’ll have to make yourself more useful than just taking notes and following me around. Cynthia had a family emergency and won’t be able to accompany me like she normally does, so I’ll need you to fill in for her,” he said. She would be willing to do anything to go, and taking some notes as his secretary didn’t seem like it could be that difficult.
“I can do that,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.
“Cynthia’s job isn’t as easy it looks. She’s just so good at what she does, she makes it seem effortless. You have to know when to speak, and when not to. You have to take detailed notes, listen to what I’m asking, and not offend the locals,” he preached. She wanted to give him a sarcastic reply but managed to hold it in, barely.
“I know Cynthia is a true gem. I’ll be sure to pick her brain tomorrow and have her go over everything I’ll need to know,” she said, instead.
“As you well know by now, we’re very close in these offices. There are certain items of discussion that I can’t have you writing about. I’ve been lenient about this interview, but on this trip you’ll need to be careful with what you’re writing. I’m going to need to approve your final copy,” Max told her. Her hackles immediately rose. She didn’t like him questioning her integrity. She also didn’t like him getting the final say on her article. She didn’t know if she should argue, though, as she really wanted to go. She was trying to figure out how she could agree without locking herself into something.
“I have to say I’m a bit offended by that statement. I’ve gotten along very well with the workers. I also promised from the beginning to be honest. If you have nothing to hide, then I don’t see what the problem is with my article,” she answered, avoiding making any promises. He folded his hands and rested his chin on them. He stared her down, neither of them used to making any sort of compromise.
“Fine, I’ll let you look over the article but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to cut and slash my work so it’s a typical fluff piece. I’ve never agreed to that,” she said with a frustrated sigh. The man was insufferable.
“You can leave anytime you want if you don’t like the way I run things,” he said with a hopeful smile. She glared at him, not allowing him to get his way.
“I’m fine right where I am.”
“Then, we’ll leave in two days. Pack for incredibly cold weather,” he said. She knew she’d need to do some shopping. She was used to cold and rain but not freezing conditions. She mentally tallied her pitiful bank account. It would all work out, though, because once she’d written this article she’d be golden for getting a great reporting job.
“You get a reprieve from me for the rest of the afternoon. I have plans this evening,” she said. He immediately sat up and looked at her suspiciously. Since she’d started trailing him, she’d never once had to leave early. She was always the first one in the offices, sometimes beating him there, and never left until he walked out the doors. He was surprised by the jealousy that flared in him.
“Running late for a hot date?” he asked casually.
Cassie could feel her cheeks heat up at his words. She couldn’t actually remember the last time she’d gone on a date. What irritated her further was how much she’d love to go out for a romantic evening. She’d love a man to take her on a real date, with flowers, opening her door, and making her feel special, without him expecting her to crawl into his bed at the end of the evening. She didn’t know if there were still men out there like that.
“It’s really none of your business what my plans are this evening,” she finally managed to say.
“You expect every inch of my life to be dissected for your pleasure, yet I’m not allowed to ask you a simple question?”
“I’m done with this conversation. There’s no need for you to know about my life,” she snapped.
“You aren’t denying a date. Is it someone from the offices?”
“I don’t need to defend myself. I’m here to interview you, not for you to analyze me or keep track of my love life. You’re acting completely unprofessional at the moment and I don’t appreciate it. As I said before this is none of your business,” she said in her haughtiest voice.
“You’re correct.” He suddenly got comfortable again and gave her a stunning smile, looking in control. “How rude of me to want to pry into your life and dig into the smallest details. It’s a good thing you’ve put me in my place.” His words came out sounding sincere but she knew he was really talking about the way she was in his face at all times. “I tend to have a problem with butting my nose into other people’s business, what was I thinking?”
“Well, I’m glad you realize that,” Cassie said, proud of her ability to sound just as serious as he had. She managed to keep a straight face, as well. If he felt like playing a game, she was ready for him. Batter up!
“Yes, me too.
” His smile only grew wider, his dimple clearly showing in his perfectly chiseled cheeks. He could make both young and old fall at his feet. When he didn’t get his way the first time, he simply changed direction and made sure to win another way. She was ready to spill her guts, though there wasn’t much to say. She knew she needed to be on higher guard or it wouldn’t take him any time to know every secret she’d ever wanted to keep hidden.
She was impressed she’d been able to hold her own as long as she had around him. He was a compelling man, and she was doing well at keeping him at bay. At least, she felt she was doing well. In reality, she was probably fooling herself.
Cassie glanced at the clock and realized she was running behind schedule. She needed to get out of there. She was surprised she wanted to stay with him. He had a hold on her that scared her, considering she’d only known him personally about a month. She’d researched him for months, though, and found that what she’d assumed about him was not who he was turning out to be.
“I don’t want to discuss this any further,” she finally said. She was uncomfortable with where their conversation had led and the myriad of emotions running through her.
“Fine, I’ll remember that when you’re asking me questions next time.” Cassie just stood up, gathered her things, and walked out the door. She wouldn’t argue with him further.
Max sat at his desk as she walked away, his temper barely in check. He wanted to follow her, drag her back, and make sure she had no other man on her mind other than him. He knew he was being irrational, but he’d set his sights on her and he wanted to stake his territory. He found it quite appealing to chase a woman. One of the things he liked about her most was the fact that she wasn’t falling all over him. Amazingly, it got old after a while to have women chasing you all the time.
He wasn’t necessarily arrogant, but he knew he was considered a good looking man, and with the name and money, he was the ultimate catch in greedy women’s eyes. He would prefer a woman to look a bit deeper inside him. He didn’t know how his brother had gotten so lucky with his bride, let alone his cousins. They’d all managed to find women who genuinely loved them for themselves, and not the power behind their name.
Of course, those matches hadn’t started out too well in the beginning. He chuckled when he thought about the trouble his brother had gone through with his bride. She’d blown him off like he was nothing. It had been a good thing for Trenton. Since his marriage, though, Trenton had turned disgustingly mushy.
Max got back to work, trying to put Cassie out of his mind. He had a lot to accomplish before the trip. After a few hours he finally gave up for the day and decided to head home. He had to fight every urge not to drive by her apartment to see if she was there, or even worse, if someone was with her. He gritted his teeth and headed home, prepared for a long night.
Chapter Five
Cassie made her way downstairs. She wanted to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. She loved eating in the cafeteria. The food was excellent and she met great people each time she was there. Max was meeting with his cousin and brother, and she’d wanted to sit in, but there were privacy issues so she hadn’t been allowed to. Someone bumped into her in the line as she waited her turn.
“Oh, excuse me, I’m sorry,” the woman said.
“Not a problem,” Cassie responded. “You’re Amy Anderson, right?” she continued. “Married to Lucas Anderson?”
“Yes, I am, you’re making me feel like a celebrity,” Amy responded with a big grin. “Have we met before?”
“No, I saw a picture of you in an article done on your husband several months ago. I’m doing an exclusive interview on Max, and have learned a lot the past couple of weeks,” Cassie said with a twinkle in her eye. Amy instantly laughed.
“Oh, you have to sit with me for lunch and tell me how you got Max to sit still for an interview. And don’t leave a single detail out,” Amy insisted. They grabbed their food and found a table.
An hour flew by and the two women didn’t stop laughing throughout the story. Amy willingly volunteered information about Max, his siblings, and his cousins. Cassie knew she wouldn’t need to go to the gym after having lunch with Amy. Her stomach hurt from laughing for so long.
“I would love to continue chatting with you. It’s truly been a pleasure but I have to go shopping or I’ll be freezing in Alaska, and there’s no way I want Max to say I told you so,” Cassie said.
“Ooh, I love shopping. If you don’t mind, I’ll tag along with you,” Amy said.
“I’d love for you to join me. I’m going to Alaska, and was thinking I’d go to the mall for warm clothes. You can help me find what I need,” Cassie said. She hadn’t had a day out with a friend in a long time, and needed an afternoon of girl chat.
“We may as well make it a full day and get pedicures, too. I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t made it to the salon in a while,” Amy said, quickly grabbing Cassie’s arm and leading her from the room.
Amy was nothing like Cassie would’ve expected. She was funny, kind, and full of energy. Even though she was married to one of the wealthiest families in the world she felt no need to wear over-priced clothing or jewelry. Her wedding ring could blind a person, but that was the only piece of jewelry on her that had a huge stone. After rushing from store to store, they made it to the salon, where they sat, grateful for the massaging chairs.
“This water is just what the doctor ordered. I haven’t shopped so long in forever. I think I have everything I could possibly need for the trip. Max hopes for us to be out of there within a few days, but he said in Cordova’s harsh conditions it’s better to be prepared for the worst,” Cassie spoke before a sigh escaped as the woman rubbed her foot and leg.
“I know, this is pure heaven,” Amy said in response to the sigh. “Max is absolutely correct. I remember one trip I took with Lucas to Canada. We ended up getting snowed in for two weeks straight when an unexpected blizzard hit. Luckily, we were at a remote resort that was fully stocked and prepared for emergencies. There was only one other couple staying there, and they were just as happy to hibernate in their room as we were. We met in the kitchen a few times to refuel, but it ended up turning out quite romantic,” Amy sighed.
The thought of getting snowed in with Max in a remote location should terrify her, but it only caused excitement. She could think of many things she’d like to do with him in a remote cabin in the wilds of Alaska. A shiver racked through her at the thought, so she shook her head to clear it. She’d never been the kind of girl to fantasize day and night about a man, before meeting Max. She tuned back into her conversation with Amy and realized she must have asked her something, because she was staring at her expectantly.
“I’m sorry, Amy. What did you say?”
“I just wanted to know if you’d like to come over for dinner when you get back. I’ve enjoyed our day together. I’d love for you to meet my family. When us girls get together the men head for the hills. We feel like teenagers again. We have at least one day a month where our husbands babysit the children and we get an entire night of girl time,” Amy invited. Cassie was touched, more than the woman could possibly know. To be invited into such a close knit group felt unlike anything she could imagine. Maybe, just maybe, she’d develop some friendships out of all this, and finally start to feel like she belonged.
“That sounds perfect,” Cassie said, hearing that her voice was choked. Amy couldn’t possibly know how lonely she got sometimes. She really missed her family, and more than anything she missed her best friend. They’d been together through thick and thin and she couldn’t wait for her to come back to the states.
“I can hardly wait. I know you’re exhausted, but we have a bit more shopping to do,” Amy said with a Cheshire cat smile. Cassie was on instant alert.
“I already have everything I need,” Cassie said with trepidation. She’d never seen anyone who could shop the way Amy did.
“You got everything for your Alaska trip, but if you want to be a bi
g city reporter, then you have to get some sleek business attire. I know the perfect place that doesn’t charge hideous prices, plus I get the ultimate discount there,” Amy said, practically bouncing in her chair.
“I don’t know…” Cassie hesitated. She was already picturing her rapidly falling checking account and didn’t think she could afford much more. She’d been out of work for a month and didn’t know when she’d get a job next.
“Let’s at least look. I promise you’ll have fun,” Amy pled.
“Okay,” Cassie caved. Looking couldn’t hurt, she reasoned with herself. Besides, she wasn’t ready to call it a day. She was enjoying herself too much.
They finished with their pedicures and Amy quickly hailed a cab, taking them to the huge Anderson Storefront. Cassie had been in the corporate offices, but never to their department store. The two women walked in and Amy was quickly greeted with many smiles. They got stopped several times on their way to Lady’s apparel.
“You’re very popular here,” Cassie told her.
“That’s because I’m their number one customer,” Amy said with a smile. Amy was certainly on a mission and soon Cassie found her arms loaded with outfits she would’ve never even thought about picking out for herself. She found that she liked the colorful materials.
“Okay, I can’t hold anymore items. Lead me to the dressing room,” Cassie told her with a chuckle.
“Give me one minute. I just discovered a rack of new items, and I have to try on these dresses,” Amy said, grabbing an armful for herself. “Now we can have a fashion show,” she added with delight.
The two women went to the changing rooms and modeled every outfit for each other, both of them oohing and aahing at the other’s clothes.
“You absolutely have to get the green, blue, and silver outfits. Those were my favorites,” Amy said as they came back out.
