She finished the chores and lay on the couch for a short nap. She woke at six, packed the car, ate a sandwich and filled a thermos with sweetened coffee.
As she drove through the darkening evening she considered her options. Although Dr. Evans was on her side the meeting could be unpleasant. Her thoughts raced with what ifs. She liked the senior members of the group. She enjoyed her apartment on the west bank of the Hudson River where she could see the Tappan Zee Bridge, the old and the new construction. Being close enough to the city to take advantage of the museums and entertainment venues was great. Until her teens she had lived in the area. Then her step-father had been transferred. Though she didn’t want to leave her home of a year she could.
She reached her apartment, set the clock and went to bed. On waking she showered and chose her outfit with care. Gray suit with a teal silk blouse created elegance. Carefully she applied makeup and checked to make sure Matt’s mark on her neck didn’t show. After a light meal she left for the office.
She opened the door to the waiting room and stopped short. Tim stood at the receptionist’s desk. The woman hadn’t arrived. Was he waiting for her? Maybe he’d planned to leave a message and duck out.
Cassie sucked in a breath. Matt’s assessment of Tim leaped into her thoughts.
“You’re a fool.” Her voice held slivers of ice.
He whirled. “Cassie, it just happened. She’s pregnant.”
“And you were so deep in lust you forgot how to plan for the big event.”
“She said she was on the pill.”
Cassie laughed. “How many times did you tell me double or nothing was the rule.”
“What are we going to do?”
“We’re doing nothing. I cancelled the church. I let people know the wedding is off. You’ll learn how to be a husband and father.” She slipped past him. The night with Matt had infused her with the courage to face Tim down.
“Don’t you care?”
His gall astonished her. “I was hurt and angry. Why didn’t you tell me you’d been involved with her?”
“I…I…”
“Don’t bother to find an excuse and don’t worry about me. I’ll survive and prosper.”
“Cassie.” He reached for her.
She stepped away. “I’ll pack the things you left at my apartment and bring them here.” She smiled. “The doorman knows you’re no longer welcome.”
His gaping mouth surprised her. Had he thought…of course he believed she would continue to see him.
He grasped her arm. “Rhonda was right. You don’t love me.”
“Just a minute.” She shook off his hand. “Don’t talk about love or even caring. I wasn’t sleeping with another man the way you slept with Rhonda. Right now I’m angry with myself for wasting five years waiting for the right time…one that would never arrive.”
“How soon will you be leaving the practice?”
“I’m not. I like working and living here. This is home. I can work with you but I’ll no longer pick up your slack. No more making your morning hospital rounds, taking your night calls or seeing patients when you’re overbooked courtesy of our office nurse. By the way she’s out of half a job.”
“You can’t fire her.”
“She was hired by you and me on your recommendation because we were only associates. I no longer wish to use her services. If you choose you can pay her in full. I want her to have nothing to do with my patients.”
“She said you would seek revenge.”
“Call it that if those words make you feel better.” His sputtered protests dwindled to silence. She strode down the hall, entered her office and closed the door. She laughed. Seeing his expression and hearing his protests had felt good.
The intercom buzzed. “Dr. Moore here.”
Dr. Evans chuckled. “Heard about your recent meeting. I’m proud of you. See you in the conference room in five.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Be ready to answer questions about your plan.”
“You heard what I said last evening. I’m staying unless the partners vote me out.”
“No chance of that. You may have to work with Tim.”
“I can but I’m not cleaning up after his messes.” Cassie pulled on a white lab coat and draped her stethoscope around her neck.”
“Stay calm when the shouting starts. Your former fiancé won’t be happy.”
Cassie drew a deep breath. No matter what was said during the meeting she would hold her ground and act with dignity.
* * *
Matt arrived at his office twenty minutes before Jules was due. He opened the box of doughnuts he’d purchased at the bakery at the end of the block. He took one and sipped a cup of freshly brewed coffee. A tap on the door interrupted his enjoyment of his morning routine. “Enter.”
Jules strode in and placed a folder on the desk. He popped a single serve container in the machine, waited and inhaled the scent of the coffee. After selecting two of the pastries he sat across from Matt. “Thanks.”
“What’s new?” Matt asked.
Jules waved a cinnamon iced doughnut. “Let me enjoy this first.” He finished one of his selected treats before setting the mug on the desk. “Heaven.”
“Tell.”
“First the wedding. I had to miss traipsing all the tri-state and beyond.”
“Wedding was fine.” You’re next. Matt scowled when those words leaped into his head.
“How’s this inn?”
“Seemed nice. I didn’t stay after the reception. Back to your search. Tell me where I can find this woman.”
Jules polished off the second doughnut. “She’s not the owner.”
“Then who is?”
“Her daughter. The woman is out of the country until Saturday morning. We’re lucky though.”
Matt leaned forward. “How so?”
“Until the Smiton attorneys received a will from a London firm they had no idea the owner died and that he’d had a child.”
Matt gritted his teeth. “Are these lawyers sure this isn’t a scam?”
“The London firm is reliable. That’s where Smiton lived for god knows how long.”
“How old is this child? Where was it born? Why is the woman the guardian?”
Jules laughed. “The woman isn’t the guardian. The child is a year or two younger than you. There was no marriage. The mother and daughter have the same name. The child was adopted by her step-father so the last name isn’t Smiton or Thomas.”
Matt’s forehead creased. “What’s her name?”
“Cassandra Moore. I haven’t learned where she lives. I’ve started a countrywide search. Once the mother returns I’ll have an address.”
Matt’s hands clenched. For a second his mind failed to grasp Jules’ words. Cassandra Moore. Why hadn’t he questioned Jules on Saturday for details? He’d been so intent on escaping his family he’d thought of nothing else.
“Are you sure the heiress is Cassandra Moore?” Matt grinned. He knew where she was. Forgetting to ask her phone number didn’t matter. “I think I know her.”
Jules arched a brow. “As in…”
“Do not go there. If she’s the right one my problems are solved.” Not just for the house but for the way his cock leaped to attention every time he thought about her. He shifted in the chair.
“Tell me and I’ll settle things.”
Matt shook his head. “I’ve got this covered.”
“Do you want me to speak to the mother?”
“Put that on hold for now.” Matt opened the bottom drawer of his desk and palmed some essential supplies. If he was going to see Cassie he had to be prepared. “Talk to you later.” He shoved his hand in his pocket and strode to the door.
“Where are you going?” Jules asked.
“To see a woman about a house.” Matt paused at his secretary’s desk. “I’ll be away a day or two. Refer any problems to my assistant. If he can’t solve something leave a voice message.”
“But…”
“Matt.”
“Are you sure you want me to stop the search?”
His secretary’s his sister’s and Jules’ voices followed Matt as he bounded down the stairs to the parking garage. He stopped at his apartment for a few changes of clothes. As he steered the car through city traffic he whistled random notes. He wished for his bike but he knew as soon as he crossed the bridge he would be in Cassie’s bed by mid-afternoon.
After wending his way across the bridge he hit the road north. Four and a half hours later he reached the cabin. The door was locked. He peered in the windows and saw no signs anyone was there. With a groan he slumped against the porch rail and considered his next move.
Maybe she’d gone to town for lunch and shopping. He dashed to the car and headed to the diner. The waitress remembered him and Cassie from Sunday morning. Cassie hadn’t been in since then.
Matt ordered a burger, fries and coffee. While he ate he planned the next move in his quest. Outside he tried to call Jules. No service. Nothing to do but return to the city. He would call Cassie from there.
By the time he reached the apartment exhaustion threatened to send him to sleep. He ordered pizza and settled on the couch to call her. He searched his directory and groaned. They hadn’t exchanged numbers. How could he have forgotten?
“I’ll call. Save Saturday for me.”
“I would like that.”
Other urges had risen. What now? How was she listed? Many women used initials or a man’s name in the phone directory. He punched information. “Cassandra Moore or C. Moore.” The next question he couldn’t answer since he didn’t know where she lived.
A computer search would help but in his haste to head north he’d left his laptop and tablet at the office. He could run to the office and let himself in but he was too tired. Tomorrow would be soon enough to continue the search.
Food arrived. He grabbed a beer and turned on the TV. Two slices and a beer later he closed his eyes for a moment. He woke to the strident tones of an informational, staggered to the bedroom and slept until morning. After showering and shaving he dressed and drove to the Good Magazine offices. Armed with coffee and doughnuts he logged on and began the search.
First her name. A long list appeared on the screen along with a box showing alternate spellings. There were too many to search each one. His brow wrinkled. I treat hearts not bones. Cardiologist. He figured she would have her office near a large hospital. He refined his search. Nothing appeared in the box.
“Damn!” His frustrated shout brought one of his sisters from her office next door.
“What’s up? Where did you bolt off yesterday?”
“On a fool’s errand. Go away. I need to find a phone number and the net’s not cooperating.”
Allie moved to his side. “Cassandra Moore, as in the girl who went to school with us. The nerd a year ahead of me?”
“She’s not a nerd.” The look on his sister’s face would have been priceless except he was the object of her speculation.
“Have you seen her lately? Where? Is that why you rushed away from Mark’s reception?”
“It’s not what you think. She’s the owner of the Smiton house. I need to find her so I can purchase the property.” He wasn’t about to mention his other desires.
“What’s she like? All I can remember is a tall gawky girl with orange hair and thick glasses.”
“She’s tall with auburn hair, green eyes and a fab body.” The words sped across his tongue before he could stop. He halted before he added other words hovering in his thoughts. Greatest sex I’ve ever had.
Allie laughed long and loud. “So what’s the problem?”
“She doesn’t live in the city or any of the cities near here. She’s a cardiologist so I thought she should live near teaching hospitals.”
Allie leaned on the desk. “There are other places to practice medicine.”
“But the place I met her was upstate.”
“Maybe she was visiting. She could live in Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or anywhere in the state.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
He groaned. The parameters of the search had expanded. He logged off and grabbed the phone. By Sunday Jules would know. But…he had told Cassie to save Saturday for him.
Allie walked to the door. “Let me know if I can help.” At the door she turned. “You’re next.”
Problem was he wasn’t sure he could deny the prediction.
Chapter Four
On Tuesday Cassie left the office at five thirty. This afternoon she’d been officially made a partner. Tim hadn’t achieved the coveted status. He had picked up the things she’d packed including the gaudy engagement ring. Once again he’d tried to explain his actions in such a manner to place the blame on her. She had ignored his baiting.
Rhonda hadn’t bothered reporting for work. Cassie had been glad to have a pass on that meeting.
Tim’s parting remark had hurt. He and Rhonda were using the plane tickets for Hawaii. Since he had paid for them she couldn’t protest. She had cancelled the hotel reservations she’d made and hadn’t told him. She didn’t care. If he failed to confirm the reservations the problem was his.
Instead of driving to the apartment building she parked in the town lot and paid for several hours. Her first stop was the Peek-A-Boo Boutique for a celebratory purchase. A smug thought warmed her. She was a partner. Tim had just six months to prove himself worthy of one.
Cassie paused outside the shop. She wished she had a friend living close enough to share her victory. Unfortunately all her friends had scattered across the country after graduation from med school and residencies. Her workaholic ways and Tim’s needs had hindered making new friends. She would have to wait for this weekend when her mother and Ben returned from Europe to share her news.
She opened the shop door. Soft music played. A floral scent filled the air. Displays of underwear were artfully arranged throughout the room. Cassie wasn’t sure where to begin.
A blonde woman stood at the counter. She held a sheer white bra and bikini set decorated with sapphire butterflies almost the color of Matt’s eyes.
Cassie paused beside a rack of thongs and bras. She’d never worn one but after the time with Matt she decided a set or two would surprise him. Not that he needed encouragement. A soft smile formed. Would he call today? Would there be a message on her answering machine when she reached the apartment?
The blonde turned. “Oh, my god, you’re Cassandra Moore.”
“I am.” Cassie knew the blonde was one of Matt’s sisters. Not just the hair but the eyes told of their relationship. The woman was a softer female version of him.
“You’re one of the Blakefields. Sorry, I don’t remember your name.”
“Allie. What are you doing in town?” A smile speaking of a secret curved her lips.
“I live in the apartment complex on the river.”
“So do I. With my fiancé, Greg. Meg and hers split the time between his apartment here and hers in the city. Did Matt tell you about the wedding?”
“Yours or the one he escaped?”
“Mine.”
“A double ceremony, right?”
“Yes.”
How much did Allie know about the weekend? Cassie was afraid to ask. “He said he hated weddings.”
“He would say that.” Allie joined Cassie at the thong display. “He mentioned meeting you but he was vague about where.”
“Guess he didn’t tell you about the accident.”
“What accident? Where? When?”
“On Saturday during that awful storm. He ran his bike into a deer that turned out to be a pine tree near the cabin where I was staying.”
Allie shook her head. “We warned him about the storm. He said he wouldn’t melt.”
“That part was true.” Cassie found a deep green set. “He was fortunate not to break a bone or two.”
Allie lifted a pale green set with dark green leaves embroidered on the bra. “Try
this.” She returned to the search. “Have dinner with me so we can become reacquainted.”
“Wouldn’t I be intruding? I’m sure your fiancé will want you to join him.”
“Not tonight. You’ll save me from eating along. Greg owns Five Cuisines and he works the evening shift.”
“I’ve heard about the restaurant but I’ve never eaten there.” Tony had sneered. If they ever went out to dinner they drove to the city.
Allie lifted a teddy from the hanger. “Join me. I’ll call and see where there’s a table. I have a dozen questions.”
“I may not answer.” Cassie wasn’t sure this was a wise idea but she had questions of her own.
Allie handed her the teddy. “This will look great. With your coloring you’re easy to shop for.”
“Lead on.” Cassie carried her selections to the counter.
By the time they left the shop she had spent several hundred dollars. The owner leaned on the counter. “Great choices. If you want any special effects I have some in the back.”
Cassie nearly asked about edible bikinis but refrained. She didn’t think Matt’s sister needed any ammunition for speculation. She added several scented and flavored oils and lotions to the purchases. She turned to Allie. “You’re a bad influence.”
“You have no idea.”
Cassie walked with Allie to her car and unloaded the packages and added time to the meter. At the restaurant a hostess escorted them to the French Room. Since Allie knew the menu Cassie let her order. During the meal they talked about the past and the present.
A handsome dark haired man brought their dessert. Allie rose and kissed him. “Greg, Cassie Moore’s the woman Matt ran into on Saturday. He also never mentioned running into a tree.”
“He wouldn’t,” Greg said. “Don’t rag him too much.”
“I won’t,” Allie said. “I have other plans.”
“I bet you do.” Greg tapped her nose. “Cassie, good to meet you. Don’t let her lead you into mischief.”
“I won’t.”
Allie grinned. “Not where my plan leads.”
Greg turned away. “Cassie, hope to see you again.”
Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) Page 4
