Cassie eyed the full wine glass in his hand. “I would kill for one of those, but sadly, I can’t indulge.”
“No, I guess not, but I have something that might be just as good.” Jared opened a cabinet and took out a small tin. “How about some hot chocolate? I keep this here for when Tara can’t sleep.”
She released a sigh of pleasure as she recognized the brand as a premium one. “Oh yes.”
He chuckled. “One order coming up.”
Jared got busy preparing her drink. He got out a small pot and poured in some milk to heat.
“Does Tara often have trouble sleeping?” Cassie asked.
He stilled, but then went back to stirring the milk. “Right after the divorce she started having nightmares,” he said, without looking up. “She would wake up screaming, thinking I’d left her.”
“Oh no…poor baby.”
And poor Daddy. She could see the distress on Jared’s features even now.
He continued stirring. “She’s better now, but it was rough for a while. Still is sometimes. It’s hard to explain to a child that her parents stopped loving each other.”
“Is that really what happened? You stopped loving each other?”
The milk had begun to boil a little, and Jared removed the pot, dumped two heaping spoonful’s of powdered chocolate into a mug, and then poured the milk over it.
“Do you like whipped cream?” Jared asked, cleverly avoiding the question.
Cassie decided to allow the evasion. “What’s hot chocolate without whipped cream?”
He took a can from the refrigerator and squirted a small mountain on top. Then he brought the mug over. Their fingers brushed as she took it. The jolt almost caused her to drop the mug, and she had to clutch it with both hands.
“My wife stopped loving me,” Jared said with almost no inflection.
“That’s crazy. How could any woman stop loving you?” Cassie asked, before she could stop the thought.
His mouth pulled up at the corners. “You’re good for my ego, Cassie Stevens. Actually, I think what Erika really stopped loving was the life I had foisted upon her when I moved back to Shellwater Key to help my parents run the inn.”
“When did you move back?”
“Two years ago. My dad had a heart attack, and mom couldn’t handle things on her own. Erika and I had been living in West Palm Beach on the east coast. I was a VP at a big marketing firm. Becoming an innkeeper in the middle of nowhere was a huge step down for her. Living in this suite couldn’t compare to the house we had, with the swimming pool and heated whirlpool, the surround sound stereo system, the country club membership, and the charity dinners where we had our picture taken for the paper.”
“She resented the change in status,” Cassie said.
“To be fair, I think she also regretted the fact that we’d married so young,” Jared said. “Our wedding took place two months after she graduated from college, and I’d just finished my MBA. Tara came less than a year later. Erika missed out on the post-college, party life many of her single friends experienced. It was all right as long as we had a lot of money and prestige, but once we moved to Shellwater Key everything changed for her.”
“What about you?” Cassie asked. “You’d given up a promising career because your parents needed you.”
“To tell you the truth, it wasn’t all that hard to give up the so-called high life,” Jared said. “I worked ungodly hours and hardly ever saw Tara. She was always in bed by the time I got home. When I wasn’t working I was thinking about it and everything I needed to do the next day or next week. I went three years without ever taking a proper vacation.”
“I can’t imagine life without summers off,” Cassie said. “One of the benefits of teaching.”
He smiled. “I can see you as a teacher. You’re so great with Tara. What do you teach?”
“Fourth grade. It’s a good age. They can do most everything on their own, but they still think I’m sort of cool. They haven’t yet reached the stage where all adults are terribly boring and clueless. I’ll miss seeing them when I take my maternity leave in January.”
“I bet they’ll miss you, too.”
“So what made you decide to come back?” Cassie asked. “Your parents could have hired a manager.”
“I remember when I finally did come home for a visit, I was shocked by how much older my parents looked,” he said. “When Mom called with the news about dad, I didn’t give it a second thought before saying I’d come back. Erika was not pleased, although she did try to make a go of it for a while. I don’t know, maybe we’d already started falling apart, and it took coming back to Shellwater Key to realize it.”
“I’m so sorry.” Cassie touched his shoulder. “I’m sorry for Tara, too. I know it must be difficult for her.”
“We’re getting through it,” Jared said. “Charles is a new wrinkle.”
“Do you think it’s really serious?”
“I’m not sure.” Jared lifted his shoulders. “Erika’s dated a few different men since we split up. People are always happy to tell me they’ve spotted her out with someone new. I can’t figure out if she’s enjoying the attention of a rich guy or if she really loves him. Or if maybe she’s hoping to snag the super-wealthy husband she’s wanted all along.”
“Which do you want it to be?”
“The one that will make her happy,” Jared said. “That’s all I care about at this point, along with ensuring she maintains a good relationship with Tara.”
“You’re a good daddy.”
“Thanks, I try.” He grinned. “You don’t know if I’m a master hot chocolate maker, however. You haven’t even touched your drink yet.”
Cassie looked down in surprise. She’d been so absorbed in his story that she’d forgotten. She took a cautious sip. The rich taste invaded her senses, and she moaned. “Mm, that’s heavenly.”
“Never say I didn’t give you a night of pleasure.”
“I think I’ve forgotten what that feels like,” Cassie muttered, her gaze meeting his above the rim of the mug.
His grin became full blown. “My own memory is a little dim on the matter, too, but I’m pretty sure it’s better than hot chocolate.”
With Jared Latham it would be a full night of ecstasy. Shoot, all he had to do was quirk a brow and her pulse kicked up like a thoroughbred in a race. Even now, her skin heated, and her nerve endings sizzled. All she had to do was lean closer.
No. No. No.
Back away from the delectable man. Right now.
Cassie made a figurative and literal retreat by going to sit on the couch. She rested her feet on the stool with a sigh. Jared’s attention strayed, taking in her billowing cotton nightgown.
“It’s the only thing I can wear that doesn’t feel like a straight jacket,” Cassie said, noticing the direction his gaze had gone.
His eyes came back to her face, and something sparked in the blue depths. The same spark she’d seen on the boardwalk. The same one that made Cassie want to jump into his arms.
“I wasn’t about to complain.” His gaze went back toward her feet. “Your toenails are very red.”
She wriggled said toes. “It’s Holly Berry Red, in honor of Christmas. I had a friend do it since I can’t paint my own toes anymore. I needed something to make me feel pretty and womanly. Maybe a little sexy, since I’ve been feeling like a pregnant elephant lately.”
“You’re carrying a baby. There is nothing more womanly than that,” Jared rumbled. “And I think you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”
The words hung in the quiet suite, seeming to fling in all directions and wrap around them both. Jared’s eyes widened. “I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, it’s fine,” Cassie said, her pulse doing the horse-gallop thing and making her head spin. “You’re good for my ego. I haven’t felt attractive in so long. Not since Matt walked out.”
“Well, you are attractive, and your ex is an idiot for letting you go.”
“Thank you.”
“Did he really walk out when you told him about the baby?” he asked. “I can’t imagine doing that.”
Cassie focused on her belly, where her child grew by the day. The precious baby who’d upended everything. Despite the loss of Matt, she couldn’t wish her daughter away. “He practically left skid marks.”
“What happened? Had you been with him very long? Maybe he thought it was a casual thing?”
Jared had spilled his sob story, and now Cassie felt obliged to share hers. “We’d been together for about a year and a half, and living together for most of that time. I thought it was leading to marriage. We’d even talked about it a couple times. But the minute I told him I was pregnant, it was like a switch went off. He wasn’t ready to settle down. He didn’t want the responsibility of a baby. There were so many other things he needed to do first. Besides, he just didn’t love me like that. He’d been trying, pretending everything was all right, but it was no good anymore. I deserved to find someone who really loved me and wanted to be a father. He packed up his things while I was at work the next day.”
Jared swore. “He’s much worse than an idiot.”
“There are others that would agree with you. Most of my friends didn’t like him,” Cassie said, wondering why she hadn’t seen what everyone else had. “My dad and stepmother never liked him either. I think they were relieved that they wouldn’t have to put up with him anymore.”
“Maybe they didn’t want you with someone who didn’t love you.”
If only Cassie could convince herself that might be true. Oh, she doubted her father and Miranda wished her ill, but their interest in her life was minimal and distant.
“I’m not sure about that,” she said. “When I told them about Matt and the baby, all Miranda said was that she hoped I didn’t imagine they would be expected to act as unpaid babysitters.”
Jared reared back as if he’d been slapped. “What?”
“My ex isn’t the only reason I found my way to your doorstep this Christmas,” Cassie said, staring at her brightly painted toes.
“They really aren’t interested in being grandparents?” Jared asked. “My parents see Tara practically every day.”
“Miranda isn’t my mother,” Cassie said, unable to hide the bitterness. “My mom died from breast cancer five years ago. Dad married Miranda three years ago, and she’s been systematically disengaging him from me ever since. Replacing me with her children from her first marriage.”
“That sounds pretty dramatic.”
“I wish I was exaggerating or that it was all in my mind,” Cassie said. “I tried telling myself it was for a long time. But my friends noticed, too. My dad’s changed a lot since he remarried. We live about twenty minutes from each other, but I hardly ever see him anymore. We used to have dinner every Sunday, but now they go to my stepbrother’s.”
“Are you not welcome there?”
“It’s not like I’m forbidden to go, but no one except my stepbrother’s kids really talk to me. If Miranda sees me with my dad, she always interrupts or pulls him away for some chore or other. She’s never given me a birthday or Christmas present. She didn’t even show up at my baby shower because she had a hair appointment that she just couldn’t miss.”
“Are you kidding? How can anyone be so cold?”
“To be fair, she and my dad were leaving on a trip a few days later.”
“A trip?” Jared said in bemusement. “Where would they be going when you’re about to have a baby? Something they’d booked a long time ago?”
“They went to my stepsister’s house in Ohio,” Cassie said. “Miranda’s daughter just found out she’s pregnant, so they flew up there to celebrate with her. Of course, I’m not able to fly right now with the baby so close, but no one thought about that. My stepbrother was driving up with his family, but his car was going to be too full with the kids and all the presents.”
“So they left you alone on Christmas, a few weeks before you’re supposed to give birth?” Jared said, outrage stamped across his features. “What if the baby comes early? Who’d drive you to the hospital?”
“A car service?” Cassie said, trying to lighten the sudden intensity in the room. “Although they might object to me making a mess of the car.”
Jared jumped to his feet and started pacing. “How can you joke about something like that?”
“Well, it’s make jokes or cry, and I’ve already shed enough tears to form my own personal watering hole, Lake Woe Is Me,” Cassie said, his show of caring almost as enticing as his gorgeous eyes and perfect butt. “Don’t feel bad for me. I’m not completely alone. A friend of mine has agreed to be my coach in delivery, and soon I’ll have this baby.”
Jared stopped pacing and eyed her. “Will that be enough?”
Cassie stroked her belly. “I hope so. I’m afraid Baby Girl Stevens is all I’m going to have in the family department. I don’t know what man would want to take on another man’s kid…or me.”
Jared was beside her on the couch before she could take a proper breath. “The right man will cherish you and your daughter,” he said. “We’re not all complete jerks. Some actually like being a father.”
“I wish you were her father.” The moment the words left her mouth, Cassie realized the truth of them. She did want Jared Latham, even though it was crazy. She’d known him less than a day.
Rather than run screaming from the room at her crazy talk, Jared smiled. He laid a hand on her belly. The baby obligingly kicked.
Jared laughed. “Pretty strong. Maybe she’ll be a soccer player.”
“Maybe.” Cassie put her hand next to Jared’s. “Or a ballet dancer or a scientist. Maybe she’ll cure cancer one day, so she’s meant to be here.”
“I think for now, she’s just meant to be your daughter,” Jared said. “Maybe God knew you needed someone who would love you always.”
Such a sweet and profound statement could only produce tears. She might have even hiccuped as she held back a sob.
“I’ve made you cry again.” Jared took her hot chocolate and set it on the coffee table. “It’s going to be okay, Cassie. I promise, it’ll all work out.”
“That’s what you said to Tara.”
“If I didn’t believe it, I don’t know how I’d manage,” Jared said. “I have to believe your situation will work out the way it’s supposed to, as well.”
“I hope so, but right now I’m so scared I can hardly think straight. What if I screw everything up?” Cassie asked, voicing her worst fear. “This baby is already at a disadvantage, with no father in sight. I messed up the most important thing I can give my daughter.”
“Hey…hey,” Jared took her cold hands and rubbed them. “You didn’t screw up. He did when he let you go. The most important thing you can do for your daughter is love her, no matter what.”
“I do,” Cassie said on a shuddering breath. Sometimes the love she felt overwhelmed her, and the baby wasn’t even here yet.
“You’ll be fine because you’re an amazing woman, and that’s how I know you’ll be an amazing mother.”
His words made her breath catch in another way. A dangerous-to-her-heart way. “You’re only saying that because I’m blubbering on your couch.”
“No.” Jared slid one hand to cradle her neck. “I’m saying it because it’s true. You’re beautiful, smart, and funny.”
She could drown in the warmth and strength in his blue eyes. Here was a man who would never abandon the woman he loved. If only she’d met Jared Latham before she fell for Matt of the meaningless promises.
The thought shocked her to the core, as did the feel of his hand against her skin. She suddenly knew what Amelia and Juliet meant about the rewards of staying with Jared. All she had to do was lift her mouth and shift closer.
Cassie moved before the thought could be fully formed. Jared’s eyes flared, and she saw the way his chest lifted. He lowered his head, until his lips were inches from her. Cassie held her breath, but
at the last second he jerked away.
With a soft curse, he stood and paced to the center of the room. “Cassie, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. You’re a guest here, staying in my suite.”
“I don’t think I was trying to get away,” Cassie said, as disappointment crashed in.
“Still, it was completely unprofessional,” he said. “You’re very vulnerable right now, and I’ve obviously been alone too long. I’d be the worst sort of person if I tried to take advantage of your situation.”
Translation…I haven’t been with anyone in so long that any woman would do. He’d done what any normal, healthy man would do when presented with a willing female, even one as big as a house. “Hey, it’s no big deal. Any port in a storm as they say,” she said, shoving down the hurt as she tried to maneuver up from the couch. “We’re both vulnerable. Maybe you were a good opportunity for me to stop feeling like a bloated whale.”
He winced. “Cassie, that’s not what I meant. Under any other circumstances, I would…”
“Please don’t try to stroke my ego now. I understand.” Cassie waddled toward her room. “Good night.”
Cassie made it to the bedroom and shut the door, refraining from slamming it since Tara was sleeping not far away.
Tara…
With a soft curse of her own, Cassie slapped her forehead. She’d almost made out with a man when his daughter was about ten feet away. What if Tara had come into the living room? Talk about embarrassing.
Even worse, Cassie had somehow started to believe that Jared might care for her, which had to be the most ridiculous thing ever. What man would fall for a woman about to give birth? Of course, it wasn’t like she’d started to fall for him, either. She’d only met him today.
Clearly, her overactive hormones didn’t care how long they’d known each other, however. Her body was ready to take a ride on the wild side with an innkeeper in Middle of Nowhere, Florida.
“Stupid, stupid hormones,” Cassie muttered. “You’re going to get me into trouble.”
Staying in this suite had obviously been a bad idea. She couldn’t be trusted to keep her hands to herself. Maybe she should find another place to stay tomorrow. Jared had mentioned there were a couple B&B’s on The Strip, not to mention that other inn on The Strip.
Falling For You At Christmas: Shellwater Key Tale Page 4
