by Ann Lory
Right, Cassie thought sarcastically as she stood and grabbed her small suitcase from the overhead compartment. She hated checking in anything and having to wait at the baggage claim, so she always traveled lightly.
As she walked into the terminal, her family was waiting for her. Her fifteen-year-old sister, Alynn, ran toward her and threw her arms around her neck.
“Hey, sis! Welcome back!”
Cassie kissed her cheek and returned her hug. Everyone else rushed over as well. She reached for her dad and brother, then spun to find her mom standing with open arms. Cassie went into her embrace, trying not to cry. “Hi, Mom.”
“Come on, honey. When we get home, we’ll take one of our walks and you can tell me all about it.”
Her brother, Jay, still lanky at seventeen, carried her suitcase, and Alynn took her purse while Cassie walked ahead with their mother.
The ride home went fast as Cassie told her family all about Dimitri.
“It’s like he’s in my head, and I can’t get him out.”
Her mom patted her hand. “I understand, dear. Once they burrow their way into your heart, it’s hard to get rid of them.”
“No, you don’t understand. I can hear his voice, and sometimes it seems he’s a part of me and I’m of him!” At her mother’s puzzled and concerned look, Cassie shook her head. “Never mind, you’re right.”
Once they arrived home, she got settled and spent the next few hours discussing what was happening in each of her family’s lives and who was coming over for Christmas. It was late by the time Cassie went to bed.
She lay on the daybed that she had slept in when she was younger, Alynn across the room from her. She could hear the sounds of her sister’s quiet breathing ... and then she heard Dimitri.
Forget me.
She sucked in surprised breath, then tears fell. “I can’t,” she whispered. Then she rolled over to muffle the sound of her tears, letting sleep claim her. She hoped he would be there in her dreams, but at the same time she was afraid he would be.
* * * * *
The sun was shining the next day, but it was cold and crisp outside. There was a chance of snow that week and everyone was excited about the possibility of a white Christmas.
Cassie was at the kitchen table eating lunch with Alynn when the doorbell rang. Alynn jumped up from the table and disappeared. When she returned, she brought a guest with her. Cassie heard the visitor speaking as they entered the kitchen
“Alynn, you’re growing up.”
“Thanks, Brad. You’re finally growing up, too.” She laughed at her own little joke, then quickly faded away.
Grinning, he looked at Cassie. “Hi, Cass.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. She hadn’t seen Brad Donavan since high school. His skin was a healthy tan from the sun, his hair was still blond, his long thin nose was unchanged and his jaw square as ever.
“Brad!” She jumped into his arms the way she always had, and he caught her, holding her easily. She laughed aloud as he set her back on her feet, blue eyes twinkling. She grinned, touching the dimple in his chin. “What are you doing here?”
“Came by to see you. Your brother said you were in town. You don’t mind, do you?” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Of course not, this is great! Who else is in town? It’ll be fun to hang out with the old gang for a while.”
“I haven’t heard, but I thought maybe we could go catch a movie or a bite to eat.”
“That sounds like fun. We should hit some of our old spots at the mall, too.” She chuckled at the thought.
“Okay, but you’ll have to tell me all about sunny California.”
“It’s a deal!”
“You ready to go now?”
“Yeah, just let me grab my coat.”
She raced back to her room, snatched her jacket, then they were off for the day.
* * * * *
Cassie laughed, her soda almost spraying across the table, but she covered her mouth in time. Brad laughed, too, picking up a napkin and wiping her chin. “I’m sorry, but that was funny.”
Cassie and he had spent the past few days together. They’d talked about when they were younger and the pranks they used to pull on each other and their friends. The two of them had visited the mall and the shops where they used to hang out, as well as explored new ones. Tonight they’d had dinner and were about to see a comedy at the movie theater.
Though Cassie argued with him over it, Brad had bought the tickets, then their popcorn and sodas. She couldn’t help the ridiculous smile she knew was plastered across her face as she watched the main characters fight their mutual attraction with silly bickering. The movie ended in a satisfying way, of course.
It had begun snowing by the time they left the city and drove back to her parents’ house in the country. When they arrived, the snowfall was heavier and the ground was already covered. Brad walked her to the door, the sound of their footsteps crunching in the snow. Before they reached the door, Brad turned her to face him.
“I’ve missed you.”
Brad was very handsome and they had been friends since before Cassie could remember, but she couldn’t forget Dimitri. When she wasn’t with her family or Brad, Dimitri was always on her mind. She couldn’t help feeling guilty about spending time with her old friend, but then she reminded herself that it was Dimitri who had sent her away. There had been no warning, no reason, just that he didn’t want her anymore. So why was she torturing herself over him?
Guilt turned to anger, and she looked up at Brad. “Thank you; it’s good to be missed by one’s friends.” She cupped the back of his head and brought it down to hers. Brad’s mouth was warm and searching as she opened to him; his tongue touched hers and his arms held her tight as he deepened the kiss.
She returned his ardor as best she could, but his lips were warm instead of cool and did not make her burn for more.
A cry of rage blasted through her mind, and Cassie immediately broke away from Brad. She covered her mouth and looked up at Brad with wide eyes. Somehow she knew Dimitri realized she had kissed another man.
“What’s wrong, Cassie?” Brad sounded concerned as he released her.
“I’m sorry. It’s not you.”
Another cry filled her head. She crossed her arms quickly, so that Brad could not see her hands shaking. “You’d better go.”
“I didn’t mean to offend, I know we’ve never --”
She cut him off. “No, Brad. Really, it’s okay. I-I just ...” She smiled, knowing it probably looked fake. “Good night, Brad. I hope you and your family have a great holiday.”
Dimitri stood at his fireplace, seething with fury. He wanted to tear into the man for even touching her. She was his! He raked his hands across the mantle, knocking everything onto the floor.
This is what I wanted, isn’t it? For her to move on with her life, to find someone else to love and grow old with. Well, here’s her chance. He knew that it was the right thing for Cassie, but he didn’t know how he was supposed to withstand the thought of her with someone else.
He had been lonely before, but after spending time in her company, then not allowing himself to be with her ... It was as if he’d been exiled. She had made him feel alive and loved. He wanted her with him, to share her happy times and her sad times He wanted to be there for all of her smiles and kisses.
Despite the fact that Cassandra thought he had abandoned her, Dimitri was always with her. He would touch her mind now and then to see how she was doing -- only to find her thoughts were almost always sad, matching his dark moods. He was frequently the subject of her ponderings, but today she had actually been happy. That her joy came from time spent with another man, however, was enough to make him mad with jealousy.
He needed her. God forgive him and his damned soul, but he did. He wanted the light that only she could bring into his dark existence.
* * * * *
Christmas day arrived. Cassie dug through her bag, and pulled out t
he velvet box that contained Dimitri’s bracelet, which she had not been able to bring herself to return. She opened the lid and looked at the gold links.
Agapi mou.
She flinched and quickly shut the box, tossing it back into the bag, then joined everyone in the front room to open presents.
Laughter filled the air, and Christmas wrapping paper and tinsel were tossed everywhere. Her parents smiled proudly as they watched Alynn and Jay open their gifts. Her dad kissed her mom, his arm pulling her close to his side as they snuggled cozily on the love seat.
The sight of their obvious love and affection even after more than twenty years of marriage made her happy and depressed at the same time. It made her miss Dimitri even more. Holidays sucked! Or they did this year. She knew she was being childish, but she couldn’t help it.
Nonetheless, she grinned at Alynn when her sister handed over her gift. “Thank you.” She opened it and held up the T-shirt that said, ‘Hot Stuff’ across the front. “Green; my favorite color. Alynn, you know me so well.”
“Well, I do try. Plus, you have no shirts that scream ‘I’m hot!’ so I had to help you out.”
Cassie leaned down and kissed her sister’s cheek. “You are a dear.” Both giggled when Jay snorted and rolled his eyes at them.
There was a knock on the door and her mom rushed to answer it. She conversed for a moment, then looked over at Cassie with concern. After a brief hesitation, she stepped back for the guest to enter.
Dimitri stood in her parents’ living room, looking terribly uncomfortable, but his gaze met hers steadily. Cassie covered her mouth as tears filled her eyes. She had almost forgotten how handsome he was, and those dark eyes that held hers from across the room revealed the same pain that she saw in her mirror every day. The room fell silent, everyone watching the two of them.
Cassie leapt from the couch and ran across the room into his arms. He grabbed her to him and held her close for a long time, the two of them oblivious to everyone else. Dimitri wrapped one arm around Cassie’s waist, and his free hand went into her hair.
“I have missed you, agapi mou.” His whisper was for her ears alone, and he gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks.
Cassie finally remembered there were others present. She took his hand in hers and smiled brightly despite feeling his apprehension.
“Everybody, this is Dimitri.”
She went through the introductions; Dimitri was gracious, ever the gentleman. Her sister was gawking at him and Cassie had to keep from shoving her like an immature teenager.
“Well, Mr. Alexios, can I take your coat?” her mom asked, winking at her elder daughter.
“Yes, thank you.” He slipped off his long black coat, then turned his attention back to Cassie. She gripped his hand and sat down with him on the couch.
“We were watching Alynn and Jay open their gifts.”
Dimitri stayed silent beside Cassie, debating whether he should put his arm around her, hold her hand or just keep his damn hands to himself. He’d never been in this situation before and felt like a youth getting ready to approach a father and ask permission to court his daughter.
Trying to take his mind off his indecision for a moment, he studied Cassie’s family. Her mother, Beverly, was a small and slender woman with dark blond hair and the violet eyes her elder daughter had inherited. Her father, Edward, was a tall man, big boned and broad chested, with curly brown hair streaked with gray and dark blue eyes, both traits that his younger children had as well. Jay was as tall as his father, but skinny as boys his age usually were. Alynn was built like her sister, small and petite.
They were obviously a happy family. The love in the room was abundant and Dimitri wished he were an integral part of it, loved and accepted. Maybe for one night he could be. His hand tightened on Cassie’s, and she looked at him in confusion.
“Something the matter?” she asked in a low voice.
He smiled and brought the back of her hand to his lips. “No,” he whispered back. “I am just enjoying the atmosphere.”
“Didn’t you have anywhere to spend the holidays?” She studied him for a moment. “How did you know where to find me?”
“I have spent my holidays alone, as in any other day.” He could see the sadness in her eyes, feel it in her heart. “Do not grieve for me, Cassandra. I am here with you now, and I am happy. As to how I came to be here, I spoke with Kelly and, after quite a bit of well-deserved tongue-lashing, I convinced her of my sincerity and she told me where to find you.”
They stared into each other’s eyes, lost in one another until Alynn broke the spell between them.
“Gosh, guys, get a room, why don’t ya!” Alynn giggled, and her brother snickered. Edward and Beverly tried to appear stern while scolding their younger daughter. Cassie looked mortified, but Dimitri laughed.
“Alynn.” Cassie’s voice was full of doom for her sibling.
“So, Mr. Alexios --”
“Dimitri. Please call me Dimitri.”
Edward smiled. “Dimitri, you and Cassie have been dating for a bit now. What is it you do for a living?”
It was happening, he was being grilled for information. He’d heard of this sort of thing about parental behavior, but never thought he’d ever have to endure it. His parents certainly had never had cause to exert any questioning on his behalf before they --
“I’m an art collector. I also paint.”
Edward made an approving noise.
“Ooh, an artist!” Beverly was clearly impressed, judging by the pleased expression on her face. “That’s very exciting. Cassie has always been interested in art. She looks at it and sees so much, the time period, mood and what else, honey?”
“Symbolism.”
“Yes. I look at it and see the picture, but not much past it. We’re very proud of her accomplishments.”
Dimitri brought Cassie’s hand to his lips once more, pleased to hear the praise her mother gave her. Fortunately for Dimitri, the phone rang, interrupting the gentle interrogation. Her brother Jay answered it.
“I hope to see your work some time, Dimitri.”
“It would be a pleasure, Beverly.”
Jay came back into the room, carrying a piece of paper with him. “It was Brad. He says merry Christmas and wants to see if you’re available to go out tomorrow.” He handed the message to Cassie, then sat back on the floor. Alynn gave him a dirty look and smacked him in the back of the head.
“What?!” he snapped, then looked at Dimitri when his younger sister’s eyes rolled toward the older man meaningfully. “Oh, sorry,” he said sheepishly. There was an awkward silence for a moment, everyone glaring at the teenaged boy.
Cassandra faced Dimitri. They stared each other for a moment, the sudden tension between them building.
“Who wants pie?”
“No, thank you, Beverly. I think I will be taking my leave now.”
Alynn ran off and returned with his jacket. “Here you go.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you, Alynn.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Cassie said woodenly.
They strolled to his car. As he reached for the door handle, she placed her hand over his and touched his face.
“What are you doing here? Why did you come?”
Dimitri sighed, but Cassie refused to give in. “Answer me. You owe me that at least.”
“Cassandra, I -- I was frightened. There are things you don’t know about me. I was afraid you’d refuse to stay with me once you knew who I really am.”
She crossed her arms. “Why don’t you let me decide? You sent me away without even giving me a chance. I feel like an idiot for welcoming you back the way I did just now, but I was so happy to see you, Dimitri.”
He brushed his fingers over her cheek. She closed her eyes and pressed her face into his palm, relishing the feel of his skin against hers.
“I’m sorry, Cassandra.”
She opened her eyes and looked at him, twining her fingers with his. “Won’t y
ou tell me now?”
He shook his head. “Not now, but soon.”
Cassie nodded. “I’ll accept that for the moment, but --” She grabbed him by the lapels of his coat and shoved him back against the car. Her body pressed against his, breasts plastered against his chest, and she heard his groan. “Don’t ever dismiss me like that again.” She kissed his lips, her tongue thrusting insistently against his.
When she pulled back, he gripped her wrists but didn’t push her away. “I won’t, I promise.”
Cassie rested her head on his chest. “When are you going home?”
“Tomorrow night. I have a private jet.”
“Oh.” She was disappointed. She didn’t want to spend another week away from him. “I’ll see you when I get back, then?” He cupped her shoulders in his hands and stared deep into her eyes.
“Come with me tomorrow night. Fly back with me.”
She gasped, then smiled slowly. “Okay.” He kissed her gently, his mouth barely brushing hers, but the sensation was pure heat.
“I will be here tomorrow at six to pick you up.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Chapter Ten
He arrived right on time. Cassie hugged her family fondly and Dimitri shook their hands, exchanging pleasantries. When they were finally on the road, both of them seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
It wasn’t long before they reached the airport. It was so tiny that usually only small commuter planes used it. Dimitri parked the car, then went inside the main building. He was gone for only a few minutes, then came back to assist her from the vehicle. Opening the back passenger door, he grabbed their suitcases, then they went through the other side of the building and walked out to the loading area. A small, sleek jet awaited them, the engines running.
They climbed aboard. The inside was plush and elegant with nice couch-type seats made of dark gray material; there was even a mini-bar. Dimitri smiled at her obvious approval and she blushed. One of the pilots came back, took their luggage and stowed it away.
