Tomorrow, but he meant in his bed.
‘We can’t while I’m here with Mel. I... I couldn’t.’
‘I’ll wait, but not willingly. I want you, Cassie, more than anything else in my life.’
He kissed her again, showing her how much, before forcing himself away with a throaty growl. His farewell at the back door was gentle, reverent. Its effect just as shattering. Every day she cared a little more; every moment with him was going to make the parting more painful.
* * *
She had coffee and scones ready when Jack brought Mel home from the airport the next morning. She hoped she’d be forgiven for using a packet mix by serving them warm from the oven with fresh cream and raspberry jam.
Sam was panting with excitement, his tail whipping up a wind storm behind him when he saw Mel. After greeting him with enthusiasm, she hugged Cassie, kissed her cheek and handed her a small gift bag.
‘Just a little something from Melbourne as a thank you.’
The little something was a sheer white scarf exquisitely decorated with blue roses and pale green petals.
‘It’s beautiful, Mel.’ She blinked back the tears threatening to form and hugged her employer back. ‘Thank you. I love it.’
‘I’m the one who owes you gratitude. Because you were here, I got to hold my first great-grandchild when he was less than an hour old. He’s gorgeous, so tiny and so perfect. Let’s sit in the lounge. I’ve got lots of photos on my phone to show you.’
Cassie carried the tray with the drinks, and Jack took Mel’s suitcases to her room before joining them. Mel sat in the middle, eagerly scrolling from photo to photo and giving a commentary of each one.
Cassie made appropriate noises and kept her gaze on the screen to hide the envy she knew would show in her eyes. She’d been shocked by the leaden grip that had formed in her stomach at the first sight of the baby. Had never been jealous of motherhood before.
‘He’s adorable. I’m happy for them. My best friend’s second baby is due in early December and they can’t wait. I’m excited too.’
She spoke the truth, and she hadn’t felt the slightest bit jealous of them having her godson or his soon-to-be sibling. Until now.
‘Do you want some of those snaps printed out for Val’s cocktail party tonight, Mel?’ Jack asked, and Cassie’s answer exploded in her head.
He was the difference. She’d never pictured any of the men she’d previously met as daddy figures, hadn’t thought of Jack that way either. Until now. Her heart obviously wasn’t in sync with her head.
‘Yes, please, Jack. I’m looking forward to it. You’re coming with us, aren’t you, Cassie?’
A frantic refocus, and she was able to answer calmly. ‘Yes, Val kindly invited me.’
‘I’d be taking you anyway. I’ll rest this afternoon, don’t want to fall asleep during the fun.’ She turned off her phone, put it on the table and lifted her cup.
‘I’ll get the scones.’ Cassie stood and left the room, waiting until she reached the kitchen before huffing the breath from her lungs.
* * *
Jack watched her walk out, attuned to her mood, noting her quick pace and the set of her shoulders. Why had the photos upset her? One of the secrets in her past? Someday soon he’d take her somewhere quiet where they wouldn’t be disturbed and find out. It was time he came clean with his own secret, time he changed his vision of the future.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MEL WAS RESTED and waiting in the lounge when Jack arrived to pick them up, intending to find time tonight to speak to Cassie alone. The phone call he’d received this afternoon meant he’d be catching an early flight in the morning.
The final meeting. Minor details sorted and the documents would be signed. Time away to sort out why and how his future plans had changed, and how much he wanted Cassie to be a part of them. Time away where her touch, her smile, her very essence couldn’t addle his mind and confound his logic.
‘You look fabulous, Mel.’ He hugged her and kissed her cheek. ‘We might even get to have that dance tonight.’
‘Flatterer. You don’t look too bad yourself. I haven’t seen you in a suit for a while.’
‘It’s likely to become my day-to-day wear all too soon. I...’
Words failed him. His throat was dry as a sandstorm, and he’d swear his heart stopped before slamming into his rib cage then racing as if turbocharged.
Cassie as he’d never seen her, stealing his breath and fuelling his libido, stood in the doorway. He’d seen a ‘little black dress’ on so many women but it had never had such an effect, had never looked so incredible. It enhanced every sweet curve he knew intimately, and the deceptively simple set of matching silver jewellery suited her to perfection.
From her shining black hair, all the way down her enticing body and shapely legs, to black high-heeled shoes, she was deliciously, delightfully exquisite. A burning desire to whisk her away to his home and rekindle the heat that sparked with every kiss or touch flared in every cell in his body.
Moving towards her, he became aware of hesitation in her usually bright eyes, and in her stance. Others might not notice her slight body quiver, or the tight grip on her small black clutch bag. For him, every nuance was part of the make-up of a special woman who’d slipped through his defences, causing him to re-evaluate his life expectations.
He inhaled her fragrance of peach and sensual woman, took her hands in his and kissed each one, surprised by how cold they were. His pulse hitched as her eyes softened, and her lips parted.
‘You are absolutely stunning, Cassie. Forget your nerves. Everyone’s looking forward to seeing you.’
Mel backed him up. ‘He’s right, dear. You look beautiful and it’s a small, adults-only family night. Relax and you’ll have a good time. I’ll get my wrap.’
She walked out and Jack took the opportunity to tip Cassie’s chin up and press a quick kiss on her delectable mouth. Found himself fighting the urge to wrap his arms around her and deepen the kiss, have her melt into him. Felt empty as she held up her hand and stepped away.
‘Do any of them know about us?’ She spoke quietly, her head held high, and he flicked a glance towards the door.
‘No.’ He bent his head, not wanting Mel to hear, cupped Cassie’s cheek and brushed his thumb over her lips. ‘I’d like to keep it that way a little longer. Trust me, Cassie.’
Trust him? Cassie was drowning in a sea of contradictions. Starting with the man in front of her, so different to the everyday guy who’d charmed her with breakfast, walks on the beach and laughter.
She’d formed pictures in her mind of how he’d look in formal wear. They’d come nowhere near this debonair macho male, muscles defined in a dark tailored suit, white shirt with silver sheen and green tie matching his hypnotic eyes. Even his unruly brown hair fitted the image.
It seemed as if he couldn’t keep his hands off her if they were alone, but hardly touched her in the presence of people he knew. He showered her with compliments every day and passionate erotic phrases as they made love but never spoke of the future, didn’t want their relationship known to anyone. She’d heard his comment about the suit. It could only mean he was planning a corporate career.
Being with him made her feel so alive, as if the world was hers for the taking. When they were apart, the reality of the chasm between them slammed home. This cocktail party was a new scene altogether, a chance to show his family he was attracted to her. He’d decided not to take it.
* * *
Cassie’s trepidation shot skyward as they entered the picture-perfect gardens of a designer-built, exclusive family home overlooking the city. Ultra-modern with the central area two storeys high, everything inside and out had been selected with taste, and no expense spared. It appeared that Val’s favourite colours were muted greens and blues
with bold splashes of red.
Entering the long reception room, complete with built-in bar and grand piano, overlooking a paved patio and swimming pool, was like walking onto the set of a movie. She’d been introduced to and hugged by so many people she’d lost count. Small family night, huh.
The trays of food set out on scattered tables were replenished frequently during the evening. Seats and armchairs had been placed in groups, allowing guests to sit and chat in private.
Confident as far as her appearance went, she was acutely conscious of the gulf between her standing in life and his family’s natural acceptance of their wealth and position. Yet they gave no indication at all that she was in any way not their social equal.
Four of Jack’s female first and second cousins invited her to sit with them, their initial conversation about the upcoming finale of a top-rating reality series. Then somehow they moved on to opinions of other guests’ apparel, never nasty, mostly complimentary. She listened without comment.
‘Jack’s looking particularly elegant tonight,’ Silvia—or was it Silvana?—observed. ‘Is that a new suit? He’ll need it if he ends up being the CEO of a chain of shopping centres.’
‘Shh, we’re not supposed to know.’ The girl next to her tapped her hand. ‘It’s very hush-hush until the initial deal’s signed off.’
‘I can’t picture him behind a desk every day. I thought he’d dropped the idea.’
Cassie’s stomach sank lower with every word. He’d talked with such enthusiasm about gardening and his repair and maintenance work—how he enjoyed being outside. Had it all been a sham?
She took a mouthful of her ice-cold drink, and glanced across the room to where he stood with Val, her husband and another couple. One second was all it needed to raise her pulse and stir an aching need in her core.
Tall, handsome and self-assured, seemingly without a care in the world, his personality dominated the group. Dominated the room. Dominated her life.
He turned his head towards her and she dropped hers, raising her glass to her lips. She concentrated on the woman beside her as she talked of her son’s escapades.
A waitress offered them a choice from a tray of hors d’oeuvres and she selected blindly. For her it was tasteless. Another brought wine. She emptied her glass and asked for water.
‘How’s Mel’s sorting going, Cassie? Becoming a great-grandmother and offloading unwanted stuff has really boosted her spirits. We’re all grateful for your help.’
It was easy to return the compliment with a genuine smile. They were nice people; she just wasn’t in their league.
She mixed with other groups, ensuring she was not in eyeline with Jack if he was included. Later Val turned up the music and her husband claimed Cassie for a dance as Jack whirled Mel around the floor as promised. After a second one with a cousin, she sat watching, claiming truthfully she had a slight headache whenever asked. Jack never offered.
* * *
They were the first to leave due to Mel feeling tired, and more hugs and kisses made for a drawn-out goodbye. Cassie climbed into the back of the cabin and slumped against the seat.
‘Tired, Cassie? It’s been a long day for both of you.’
She was weary, apprehensive and her nerves were frayed. Her head throbbed and her heart hurt, the pain deepening at the apparent genuine concern in his eyes as they met hers in the rear-vision mirror. He’d shown none while they’d been with his family.
‘Yes, I think I’ll go straight to bed.’
He frowned, glanced towards Mel and firmed his lips.
‘Sleep’s a good idea for you both. Did you enjoy the evening?’ Why the hard edge to his voice?
‘It was very memorable. You are lucky to have such a close family.’
‘Something I don’t take for granted, never will.’
‘Me neither,’ Mel chipped in. ‘Every single one of them is precious to me.’
Jack swung out of the parking space, his main focus on the driving, his peripheral thoughts on Cassie, and his gut churning. He knew she was upset, and wasn’t sure if it was because she’d heard something or because of his behaviour. He’d fought with himself all night about keeping distance from her.
There was no way he could have been close or danced with her without the attraction being obvious to everyone there. He cared—more than cared—but still had lingering doubts about his past, and his ability to sustain such an intense relationship without reverting to temper outbursts.
Cassie had hidden issues too. He’d sensed her reluctance to become involved from the day they’d met. Now she’d skittled his plan to talk to her alone after Mel went to bed. Not that he’d have told her much, couldn’t until everything was signed and sealed.
‘I received a call this afternoon. I’ll be flying to Sydney first thing tomorrow, not sure for how long.’
His gaze flicked to Cassie in the mirror. She swung towards the window—not fast enough for him to miss the pain sweeping across her face and the quick intake of air.
Hell, he wished he had more time. This was the culmination of a plan dreamt of in his teens, and worked towards since. He knew exactly what he was doing, just wasn’t certain about explaining the life changes to others.
‘l have no idea when or if I’ll have time to call.’
‘We understand,’ Mel said then closed her eyes and let her head fall back.
The smooth purr of the engine evoked the memory of driving home the first night he and Cassie made love. She’d been sweet and loving, shy, and yet sexier than any woman he’d ever known. His own beautiful enigma.
He glanced at the mirror again. His. His Cassie. The phrase echoed in his head for the rest of the drive.
At the house, he told Mel to wait, stepped out by Cassie’s already opening door and strode round it to catch her arm as she slid out. She didn’t look up until he growled in frustration, and bent his head to her ear.
‘Trust me, Cassie. Please.’
She trembled and he pulled her tight against him, brushed his lips on her forehead then released her.
‘Please.’ Her wide sad eyes tore at his heart.
She nodded and slipped past him to go to Mel. He followed and helped his aunt down, hugging and kissing her. Once they were safe inside, he headed home for a restless night.
* * *
Mel persuaded Cassie to go home on Tuesday afternoon, claiming she hadn’t seemed well the last two days. Hugging her before she left, Mel urged her to see a doctor if she didn’t feel better in a day or so.
Cassie doubted she ever would. Jack hadn’t phoned her, and his calls to Mel had been rushed, with excuses of long meetings and no mention of when he’d be home.
Keeping their involvement a secret from his aunt and family was proof it was purely physical on his part. That had been her initial desire too, only now she found she wanted more than he was able to give.
She drove slowly, her thoughts intruding into her concentration on the road, and she almost missed the amber light turning red.
She realised she’d been mentally preparing herself for an I’m sorry but speech since their very first kiss. His upbringing and innate honour ensured he’d do it in person, and she’d accept his excuses with as much grace as she could muster and let him walk away. The affair had been of her choosing and she’d never regret a moment in his arms.
Her mindset had subtly changed as her initial attraction deepened and blossomed into love. Now she...
She started as a horn sounded behind her. Giving a wave of apology, she drove off and determinedly blocked Jack out until she reached home. Leaving her luggage unpacked in her room, she went for a walk to think.
‘Trust me,’ he’d said. Trust him to let her down gently so he could devote his time to his new corporate venture? She loved him. Hearing him mouth platitudes and wish he
r the best was going to shatter her. Losing control and crying would be embarrassing for him and mortifying for her.
What if she ended it first? Let him walk away with no guilt? His pride might be dented a little but he’d bounce back. For him there was no emotional tie, only, as he’d said, an incredible physical experience.
She meandered aimlessly, her mind searching for and rehearsing the words that would tear her heart in two. Not wanting the stomach-churning anticipation to last any longer than necessary, and definitely not being brave enough for a personal confrontation, she texted him.
Please phone me as soon as possible.
It was not how Mum had taught her to behave, but if he was there his sandalwood aroma would stir her senses, his intoxicating green eyes would cloud her judgement. She’d stumble over her words, stop and start, and completely mess up. If he asked why in his deep smooth voice that tingled her spine, she’d have no answer that she was willing to give.
* * *
He rang sooner than she expected but then she’d never have been ready. She picked up her mobile, sat on her bed, stood up and sat again. Her finger trembled as she swiped to receive.
‘Cassie, is there something wrong? I’ve got ten minutes. Can it wait until I get home?’
He sounded hassled, making her feel guilty. Then she hardened her heart. Being hassled was par for the course for an executive of an expanding business; he’d better get used to it.
‘No. I can’t see you then.’
‘What? Are you going somewhere?’
‘I don’t want to see you again.’
The line went silent. She pictured his face, brow furrowed over darkening eyes, lips parted and hand rubbing his neck as he stretched from sitting too long. There was the sound of a long exhalation of breath.
‘You picked a hell of a time to tell me. Do you want to explain?’ Harsh and barely contained.
‘I can’t. It’s the right course...the right thing for everyone.’
Please, please hang up before I break down.
‘And I don’t get a say in the decision?’
Captivated by the Enigmatic Tycoon Page 15
