by JoAnn Durgin
Stopping, Mitch crossed his arms over his chest. “Listen to you. And you don’t think you’re sophisticated.”
“Who said I don’t think I’m sophisticated?”
“You did.” He shrugged, drawing attention to his broad shoulders. “More or less.”
“No, I said you live in a sophisticated world. There’s a difference.” Could he read her mind?
“Tell you one thing. Guaranteed, few—if any—of the women I’ve dated would understand your Hitchcock comment.”
Cassie leveled her gaze on him. How nice of him to bring up his love life. Based on looks alone, Mitch must have a ton of experience in the dating department, but did he have to throw it in her face? “Something tells me your qualifications for a woman don’t include a working knowledge of classic Hitchcock films.” Okay, maybe that was a bit presumptuous.
Although he barely blinked, a veil lowered over Mitch’s eyes. “I’m also very aware you’re not a doll on display, as you put it. In fact, you’re a fascinating woman who looks like she stepped through a door from the past.” His gaze found hers. “In some ways, I wish I could go back through that door with her. With you,” he added quickly.
“Why? So you can change the past?” Not sure where that question came from, Cassie shook her head. “Sorry. I’m apparently projecting my own wishful thinking on you.” He found her fascinating? That fact alone made him fascinating.
Mitch nodded slowly. “It seems we have a few things in common, you and me. We might understand one another better than you think. Maybe we shouldn’t write off a relationship without first exploring the possibilities. I’m game.”
She stared at him, unsure of how to respond. “Are you for real?”
Laughing, he held out his arm. “Pinch me. As far as I know, I’m alive and well.”
Yes, he certainly was that. No pinching required.
“Hey, you two.” Lexa approached them, carrying a tall glass of ice water in each hand. “Why don’t you go talk on the back patio where it’s quieter?”
“Commotion is underrated. A good thing.” Cassie’s protests were cut short when Mitch propped open the side door and cocked a brow, daring her to join him.
Thanking Lexa, Cassie took the glasses of water. She paused beside him. “Don’t you want to change your clothes first?”
“Why? Am I offensive?” He lowered his head and sniffed beneath one arm. “I did sweat bullets on the plane, and that was before the landing. I’ll definitely shower and change before dinner.”
If she wasn’t holding the glasses, she would have swatted him. “You’re not offensive, but you must be exhausted. Mentally, as well as physically.”
“You’d think so, but I’m really not. I’m going to ignore your insinuations that I stink and look terrible. I’m sure it’ll hit me later and I’ll cr—” He shook his head. “What happened gives the word crash a whole new meaning.” Following her outside, Mitch dropped onto the floral cushion on the black, wrought iron loveseat. He stretched out his long legs, lifted his face to the sky and closed his eyes.
Was he praying? Taking a seat in a nearby chair, Cassie quietly set their water glasses on a small table. Not sure what to do, she busied herself arranging the folds of her gown. The image of a prim and proper schoolmarm popped into her mind. One who was keeping company with a handsome suitor and didn’t know what to do with herself. Stilling her hands, she waited, his nearness making her a bit lightheaded. No, not his nearness. That couldn’t be why because. . .well, that would be ridiculous. Wearing such a heavy gown in the warm temperatures had to be the culprit. She should have changed her clothes when she had the chance. If Mitch kept his eyes closed much longer, she might as well leave and let him relax. Any minute, she fully expected to hear him snore.
“You can come sit by me, if you want. I don’t bite.”
Thankful he didn’t pat the cushion beside him, Cassie twisted her lips in an effort not to grin. “I think you just might. I also suspect I could get whiplash trying to keep up with you. By the way, did Kevin take you to the ER or a medical clinic?”
That made him laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m still in possession of my mental faculties. I stuck out my tongue like a good little boy for the doctor. Then he listened to make sure my heartbeat wasn’t erratic and poked around my dignity before pronouncing me fit. None the worse for wear. Although I did have a close encounter with hyperventilation on the plane.”
“Really? That can be scary. My grandpa hyperventilated sometimes. Said anxiety caused it. The first time it happened, I was scared to death since it was only the two of us in the house. I took his hand and he asked me to tell him stories. So I made up something silly, anything to keep talking. He said it helped calm him down so he could breathe easier again.”
You’re rambling now. Stop talking.
“Exactly. I’m sure your grandpa appreciated those stories.” After taking a long drink of his water, Mitch swirled the ice in the glass, staring at it. “Sorry I zoned out on you. I needed a moment to regroup. For one thing, the plane ate our suitcases, but at least they were the only casualties. However, if I don’t want to look like a little boy playing in his daddy’s clothes, I’d better not borrow anything from my giant of a host.”
“Not many men are as tall as Sam,” Cassie said with a small smile. “I’m sorry about your suitcase. You’re about the same height as Marc. He’s staying here at the house, too, and I’m sure he can lend you some clothes until you can get to a store.”
“I’ll check with him. Thanks. To think I came all the way to Houston to go shopping. Definitely not what I had in mind.” Turning to face her, Mitch propped one elbow on the back of the loveseat. “Answer something for me, Cassie. Do you love your family?”
What a random question. “Without question.” He didn’t need to know her father was all she had left, and even then she rarely saw him. Reaching for her glass, Cassie took a long drink of water, avoiding the intensity of those eyes.
“And do you want to be the best person you can be—the woman God wants you to be—while helping others and putting their needs before your own?” He raised a hand. “Sorry, that question is pointless. Of course, you do. I mean, you’re a member of TeamWork. That’s what they’re all about, right?”
She was thankful he didn’t sound flippant about TeamWork. “Yes, that’s a big part of it. I understand you’ve worked on some TeamWork projects, too. In New York.”
A slow grin creased his features. “Asked about me, did you?”
She blew out a breath. “No, of course not. More like some well-intentioned but misguided people—in the kitchen at this very moment—volunteered the information. Freely. Without my asking.”
“Fair enough. Another question for you: do you sometimes get sentimental at emotional stories involving kids, animals and selflessness? Get all sappy, maybe even weepy, by TV ads, books or romantic movies?”
“Sometimes, yes. Do you?” She wasn’t sure how she hoped he’d answer.
“I’ve been known—on rare occasions—to get a little misty eyed.”
Cassie snapped her gaze to his. “Is this a quiz of some sort?”
“The getting to know you quiz, and it worked. We know each other better now than we did a minute ago.”
“You were a troublemaker in school, weren’t you?”
“How can you tell?” His grin broadened. “I’ve been causing trouble pretty much my entire life. But not in a mean-spirited way. Speaking of which, I have a plan.”
Cassie crossed her arms. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but go ahead.”
“I understand we’re going out to eat tonight.” Leaning forward, Mitch rested his arms on his thighs, his brow furrowed. “Afterwards, let’s take a walk outside, just the two of us. Then I’ll tell you.” He glanced over at her. “Are you game?”
“Is this some kind of legitimate plan or a joke?”
In the light of the late afternoon sun, the green hue of his eyes deepened. “I might joke on the surface, but I
never play around with anyone’s emotions, no matter what you might have heard.”
“I haven’t heard anything.”
“Good. Your answers to my questions also proved we’re compatible. That’s actually an important part of the plan.”
“Compatible. . .for what, exactly? I haven’t said yes.”
Mitch took another long drink of water, draining the contents of his glass. With a satisfied sigh, he stood up and stretched. “We can talk about it tonight. I’m going to take your hint and head upstairs for a shower. I do some of my best thinking in the shower. Sorry if that’s too much information.”
She finished her water. “At least warn me if this plan of yours is likely to get me in trouble.”
Mitch walked beside her, carrying both of their glasses. “You shouldn’t be in trouble, but I think our well-intentioned but misguided family members and friends are in for an eye-opening surprise this weekend.”
“When you put it like that, I’m not sure whether to be frightened or full of anticipation.” Although she found Mitch’s unpredictability intriguing, Cassie wasn’t sure she liked it, especially in a man she barely knew.
“So, are you with me?”
She heaved a sigh. “I’ll agree to listen to the plan. Then I’ll decide whether I’ll go along with it or not.”
“Stick with me, Cassie. I won’t steer you wrong.”
“I hope you’re right.”
It sure won’t be boring.
Chapter 9
Friday Evening
Mitch struggled to keep his mind on the subject at hand on the way to the restaurant. Cassie wasn’t in the same vehicle, but he’d caught a glimpse of her climbing into Rebekah’s car. As elegant and regal as she’d looked in her green medieval costume, she looked even prettier in her jeans and a light blue cotton top. With only minimal makeup and simple clothing, she attracted him more than any woman had in a long time.
Her skin was clear and healthy, and everything about her screamed of natural beauty. Her hair was still in the fancy braid minus the flowers, and he tried to picture in his mind what it might look like hanging loose around her shoulders. Ten to one that gorgeous color didn’t come from a bottle. Slender with gentle, appealing curves, she was one of the most unaffected, feminine women he’d ever met while being funny and sexy with a rich laugh that completely enchanted him.
He wasn’t the only guy who appreciated Cassie as the hostess led them through the restaurant and seated them at the table. Hard to miss the male attention directed her way. Why should that make him uncomfortable? For whatever reason, it did. Plenty.
One old geezer at the bar directed lecherous glances her way. Ditto the guy about his own age. In his expensive clothes and hair slicked back with enough hair gel for the entire Corleone family, the man was a player waiting to make his move. Mitch stared down the sleazy younger one, hoping he’d get the message. If either one of these wise guys so much as tried to talk with Cassie, he’d intervene.
Apart from the women in his family, he’d never felt so protective of a woman. Not that he believed for one second that Cassie couldn’t take care of herself. Still, holding her own in a flirtatious exchange with him was a whole different ballgame than fending off unwanted attention from men.
After what he had planned for the weekend, Cassie would either love him or hate him. That thought wasn’t welcome and unsettled him. It was true what he’d told her. He’d never been the type of person to toy with anyone’s feelings or emotions although he could tease with the best of them. She’d need to agree with his plan one hundred percent or he wouldn’t carry it out.
Maybe he should scrap the idea altogether instead of hatching some cockeyed plan borne from some ill-founded sense of. . .he didn’t know what to call it. Revenge wasn’t his motivation. The TeamWork crew meant well. He knew that. Still, a little lesson to show Amy, in particular, how her meddling could backfire might be a good thing. Put all the Cassie and Mitch innuendo and less-than-subtle suggestions to rest once and for all. Ignoring the misgivings in his mind, he pushed them aside.
With Cassie seated on his right, Mitch listened as she discussed a children’s book with Chloe Grant. When they’d arrived at the restaurant, Joe Lewis practically fought Chloe for the right to sit next to her. They clamored for her attention whenever she wasn’t talking with one of the other adults. Chloe told him she learned at least ten new words every day. What a cute kid with blonde curls and big green eyes. She certainly was as bright and articulate as any little girl he’d ever met and she couldn’t be any more than six? Seven?
Trying not to be obvious, Mitch kept one eye on Cassie as they ate their meal. Gentle and patient, she was terrific with the kids. What a great teacher she’d make. A wonderful mother. He could almost hear his own mother whispering in his ear, encouraging him to get to know this woman better.
Marc Thompson sat across the table and engaged him in a rousing discussion of the fluctuating stock market. He was an impressive guy—intelligent, savvy and he knew his way around investments and the stock market. Advertising could be a risky business, but after listening to Marc, Mitch could understand why his Boston sports advertising agency thrived and held its own against the New York giants. He’d whistled under his breath when Natalie named a few of Marc’s high-profile clients. Beautiful wife and child, home in the suburbs. . .the man definitely had it all.
Mitch noticed that Marc interrupted their discussion and paid close attention whenever Natalie or Gracie needed anything. From what he’d heard from Amy, Marc almost lost his family not long after he’d married Natalie. She’d fallen on the basement stairs in their home and lost all memory of him. Mitch couldn’t imagine how tough that situation must have been, especially being a newlywed. From what he’d heard, Marc’s dogged determination to keep his family together—with help from Sam, Lexa and their faithful TeamWork crew and a personal mini-mission to Montana—saved the day.
Early on during their fateful trip to Houston, Amy had given him a quick refresher course—starting with Lexa, the feisty volunteer who’d clashed with Sam at her first TeamWork camp in San Antonio in 1997. Their relationship endured a one-year separation when Sam went off on a year-long mission to the jungles of deepest Africa. They married the same day Sam returned to Texas and reunited in front of the Alamo, of all places. Fitting, but it made him chuckle.
Sam had kicked Josh Grant out of that same work camp, but not before Josh and Winnie had. . .coupled. That night resulted in Chloe’s birth, unbeknownst to Josh until his daughter was a few years old. Quite a story that one, but their union seemed solid and now they’d added Luke to the family, and he’d been named after Josh and Rebekah’s late father. The Grant family gene for green eyes must be incredibly strong since both Winnie and Josh’s children had them.
Josh’s twin sister, Rebekah, had slipped and fallen into a freezing creek on the Montana mission and Marc saved her from drowning. Amy told him Kevin had been in love with Rebekah for years but didn’t make his feelings known for a long time. The way Mitch saw it, Kevin was unbelievably patient in waiting for Rebekah to kick the British guy she’d been dating back across the pond. They’d married in mid-December of 2002, and Amy and Landon embarked on their nutty road trip to love the next morning.
Cassie had been with the group since shortly before the Montana mission and Marta and Gayle joined not long after. He didn’t know as much about them, as if their stories were waiting to be written, in a way. Mitch smiled as he glanced around the table. What a diverse and admirable group. If one of them had a need, they were there for each other. How many people could say the same?
Kevin interrupted his reverie and they talked for a few minutes. A humble and rather shy, quiet man, he owned and operated the Houston location of his family’s Louisiana-based lumber store. Both he and Rebekah worked with the youth at their church. Another man who had it all. No kids yet, but they’d probably be making an announcement soon.
Sitting at the dinner table, surrounded
by these godly people with all their blessings, Mitch felt oddly out of place. Sure, he’d grown up with great, Christian parents, but the pieces of his life hadn’t fallen into place yet. More like there were pieces still missing. He was definitely a work in progress. The Almighty must consider him a challenge.
Sensing Sam’s gaze on him, Mitch saluted their host. None of them were perfect, a fact he appreciated. They’d all stumbled at one time or another—even the mighty Sam. Just as he’d done, more often than he’d like to remember. The key was picking yourself back up, dusting off and getting on with it. And where was he in this personal journey of life? Well, he’d picked himself up and was in the process of dusting off. Then he’d get on with it. Whatever it was. That’s what he was hoping to figure out, but it’d taken him almost thirty-two years to get this far.
That tired old cliché about everything being big in Texas? An understatement. Handing his plate to the server, Mitch released a small groan. He’d never consumed such a huge slab of beef in one sitting. The events of the day apparently hadn’t dampened his appetite. Good thing he didn’t indulge like this very often. A hard, fast run around Sam and Lexa’s neighborhood tonight—a few times around—would be a good idea. Make that in the morning. The effects of the day were slowly starting to take their toll. Marc had loaned him a red polo and a pair of jeans, but the waist felt a little tight after his gluttonous feast.
Rolling his shoulders, Mitch felt Cassie’s blue-eyed gaze on him. “You any good at massages?” He gave her a wink and rubbed the back of his neck. Even in the dim lighting, he caught the slow flush creeping into her cheeks.
As he departed the restaurant a short time later, Amy took him by the arm and steered him aside. “Cassie’s not used to men like you,” she whispered, leaning close. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”
“I beg your pardon. Men like me? What does that mean? I barely got two words in with her during dinner. Cassie’s a kid magnet.”
