by JoAnn Durgin
“My kitchen? Why?”
“Yes. Do it, please. Now.”
“Actually, I was about to get Celeste some water. Wait. How did you know she’s here in the townhouse?” This was getting pretty weird.
“Go into the kitchen and you’ll know.”
“Tell me why you’re being a crazy woman.”
“Just go into the kitchen, Mitch. Now!”
“Okay, you win,” he said, laughing as he pushed open the door and headed straight to the cabinet to get a glass for Celeste’s water. Something caught the corner of his eye. Something bright and sitting on his kitchen table, all demure and sweet in a pretty dress and. . .looking absolutely incredible with his dog on the floor at her feet.
“Cassie?” His heart jumped. “Amy, I’ll talk to you in an hour. Or two. Whenever.”
“I heard,” Amy said, laughing. “I think you slobbered through the phone.”
“Be quiet. I’ll deal with you later.”
“Café Eduardo. An hour. And happy birthday, Mitch.”
“Best gift you’ve ever given me, sis. Thanks forever.” He tossed his cell phone on the table and planted his hands on the table, sandwiching Cassie between his propped arms. “You are a sight for these weary eyes.” His gaze roamed a leisurely path over her lovely features, drinking her in like a thirsty man at the well. “Welcome to New York, Moonbeam. Hands down, this is the best surprise of my life.”
“Spying on you from behind your kitchen door is very draining. I need to be revived.”
“Gladly.” He lowered his lips to hers, hoping his kiss conveyed how much he’d missed her. This kiss was the best ever, even better than the ones they’d shared in Houston. Delicious. Tantalizing. From all their phone conversations, Skype sessions and emails, this girl from Alabama was settled in his heart. He’d always teased Landon about falling so hard and fast for Amy. But ever since being with Cassie in Houston and spending such quality time with her, he’d lived the reality.
Mitch heard a throat clearing behind him a minute later. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
Cassie flushed deep red and struggled to get down from the table. After helping her down from her perch, Mitch put his arm around her and they faced Celeste together. He hoped she wouldn’t make this awkward. “Celeste, may I introduce Cassie Thorenson. Cassie, this is my youngest sister.”
“Nice to meet you.” Celeste was as cool and professional as ever. She didn’t hug Cassie, didn’t offer her hand, but neither did she look her up and down like she was appraising her worth. He’d seen her do that very thing with a number of women before, so he had to thank the Lord for small favors.
“Mitch has told me quite a bit about you.” Celeste gave him a wry grin.
“Oh?” Cassie’s voice sounded nervous and he reached for her hand.
“Totally good. No need to worry,” Celeste said. “I thought my brother had come in here to get me some ice water. I came to check on him.”
“Let me get it for you.” Amazed, Mitch watched as Cassie made herself at home in his kitchen. If he allowed his imagination to run away with him, he’d envision her wearing his shirt, getting ready to fix breakfast for them. Whoa, rein it in. Where had that thought come from? She’d only just arrived and already his imagination had run amuck. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he was delusional. Now who was the crazy one? Besides, that scenario would only happen if she ever agreed to marry him for real.
“Watch it, brother,” Celeste whispered, leaning close. “Your thoughts are showing.”
“Be quiet.” Openly admiring Cassie was one thing, but he needed to be careful not to cross the line into disrespect. Women had no clue what a fine line it was for a man sometimes. Cassie was the sexiest woman he’d ever known because she didn’t know it. That fact in and of itself was a huge turn on that women didn’t seem to understand. Yeah, he’d be asking the Lord’s forgiveness later tonight. Help me keep my thoughts pure, Lord.
Cassie opened a couple of cabinets. “Third one to the left of the refrigerator,” he said, walking toward her.
“I’ve got it.” Grabbing a glass, she asked Celeste if she wanted crushed or cubed ice.
“Crushed. You’re a doll. Thanks,” Celeste said a minute later as she took the glass from Cassie. When she raised her pinky finger, Mitch wanted to swat her. Both of his sisters did the same thing—Amy from unconscious habit, but with Celeste, it was downright affected. Pure snobbishness all the way down to her designer suit. Amy always shopped off-the-rack, but Celeste had to have the latest creation from the best designers. No wonder her fiancé had cut her loose. The guy probably figured out he couldn’t afford the stress, both monetarily and emotionally.
“Mitch, would you like some water, too?” Cassie smiled. “You look a little parched.”
“Can you give us a minute alone?” Mitch said to his sister.
Celeste’s hazel-eyed stare moved between him and Cassie before she mumbled, “Certainly. You know where to find me when you’re. . .done.”
He shot her his best that’s uncalled for look. She must have missed the course in tact at her Ivy League college. “We’ll be sure and do that. If you need to freshen up before we meet Amy and Landon at Café Eduardo, you might want to do it now.”
Celeste hightailed it out of the kitchen, making him chuckle. That’s all it took—one subtle suggestion that something about her appearance might be amiss. Heaven forbid.
“Where were we?” Mitch walked back to where Cassie crouched beside the table, stroking his dog. “You’ve made a lifelong friend, haven’t you, Sammie?”
“Sammie,” she said, kissing the dog’s head and ruffling his ears. “I like that nickname.”
He liked how Cassie had bonded so quickly with his dog. He hadn’t taken kindly to a few of the women he’d brought home, and Sammie liked most everyone. Perhaps he should have paid better attention to that obvious clue. “I only use his full name when he’s in trouble.”
“Oh, I doubt you ever get into trouble, Sammie.” Giving him another quick kiss, Cassie rose to her feet. “We’d better feed him. He was pretty insistent before you came into the kitchen.”
Mitch walked over to the pantry, opened the long door and pulled out a plastic container. “I keep his food in here. For reference in case it ever comes in handy.” The food dish wasn’t in its usual corner beside the water dish. “Sammie? What’d you do with your dish?”
“I think I know.” With a smile, Cassie ducked under the table and emerged a few seconds later, holding the dish in the air like a prize. “Got it! Come on, sweet boy.” She filled the food dish and returned the container to the pantry while Mitch grabbed the water dish.
As he carefully lowered the water dish to the floor, he caught Cassie’s frown. “I don’t think Celeste likes me.”
“Well, I don’t think she likes me very much, either, and I’m fairly certain Amy’s on-the-fence on that one, too.” He shrugged. “At least Celeste gets along fine with Mom.”
“She must like you and Amy or she wouldn’t come to visit.”
“The thing is, I don’t think Celeste likes herself very much right now. You were right about one thing, though. I’m absolutely parched, but for you.” Pulling her into his arms, Mitch gave her a gentle, light kiss. “How long can you stay?”
“Until Monday morning.”
“Plans can be changed,” he murmured, unable to stay away from her. “Let’s negotiate.”
“Your negotiating methods are underhanded. Come on. We’d better get out there or Celeste will definitely think the worst of me.” Cassie tugged on her shoes and then, taking him by the hand, led him back into the living room.
“No need to worry. She’s still primping.”
Cassie glanced down at her pretty dress and sweater. “Do I look okay? Maybe I should go over to Amy and Landon’s and change into something a little more fancy?”
“You’re perfect as you are and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“Fi
ne by me.” When her lovely smile emerged, it made everything right in his world.
Chapter 29
Cassie had never seen so many utensils on a dinner table. She knew the difference between the dinner fork and the salad fork, of course, and she recognized the soup spoon. The sideways fork at the top of her place setting was the one that stumped her. And why did Celeste stick out her pinky every time she took a drink? Was something wrong with her finger so she couldn’t bend it?
Mitch, Amy and Landon drew her into the conversation as much as possible. “Tell me about your fiancé, Celeste,” Cassie said after their salads had been delivered and Mitch asked the blessing. Why were they all looking at her like she’d asked if they’d forgotten their deodorant? She stopped chewing in the middle of her first bite. She’d thought the question would gain her some favor with Mitch’s youngest sister, but her apparent blunder managed the opposite.
“I’m not sure I have one of those anymore.” Celeste sniffed and took another drink of her water with lime.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Cassie’s spirits plummeted lower when she noted the absence of a sparkling diamond on her ring finger. Mitch couldn’t have mentioned the broken engagement during one of their many phone conversations?
“It’s okay.” Celeste waved her hand. “Ashton and I are currently on a break. It could go either way, but right now, it’s not looking hopeful.”
Cassie prayed under her breath that Mitch’s sister wouldn’t burst into tears, but somehow she didn’t seem the type. “Guess you can’t take me anywhere,” she whispered to Mitch, grateful when Amy engaged Celeste in a conversation about something work-related.
“I should have told you,” Mitch whispered in her ear. “Sorry. The breakup happened a couple of weeks ago, so it’s still raw.” Beneath the table, Mitch reached for her hand, giving it a little squeeze.
After the salads were cleared and replaced by their entrées, Cassie focused on her chicken breast and fresh steamed vegetables. Speaking of raw, the carrots were so crunchy she thought she’d send one flying across the table when she bit into it. At least the rest of the meal was uneventful.
“Amy, would you mind if I camp out at your place tonight?” Celeste asked as they prepared to leave the restaurant together. “It’s late, and I’m too tired to drive. I still need to be up and out early tomorrow, though, since I have an event tomorrow night.”
“Our home is your home,” Landon said, helping Amy with her lightweight wrap he’d claimed at the coat check. “You’re welcome to stay for however long you need.” Cassie caught the grateful glance Amy gave him.
“Thank you.” Celeste’s gaze moved to her. “I assume you’re staying with Amy and Landon, too?”
Cassie couldn’t miss the implication that perhaps she might be staying with Mitch instead.
“Yes, she’s staying with the Warnick side of the family. Good night, Celeste,” Mitch said, moving forward to give his sister a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks for the birthday surprise. As always, it’s great to see you.”
“You, too. I’ll watch over your Alabama rose tonight.”
Mitch wisely refrained from making a comment and she tried not to be offended by the rather condescending manner in which the line was delivered. Celeste certainly knew how to push buttons, both in Mitch and Amy. Families. Did they realize how thankful they should be to even have each other? Although she knew they did, it made Cassie miss Tagg all over again. That sharp little pinch shot through her again. Would she ever get over that feeling of loss? More importantly, would she ever want to stop missing him?
I never want to forget him.
She missed Tagg more than Mama. Maybe that was wrong, and she’d prayed about it quite often, but Tagg had always been there for her in ways her mother had never been able to fulfill. Same with Daddy.
“Let me say good night to Cassie and then I’ll send her on the way with you,” Mitch told the others as he led her to a private alcove. “Tell me why it’s not even my birthday yet, and I feel as though it’s already been the best of my life.”
“Mr. Jacobsen, the things you say.” Cassie lowered her gaze, unexpectedly shy.
He lifted her chin with his fingertips, forcing her to look at him. Such a handsome man. She could hardly believe she was in one of the most exciting cities in the world with Mitch. She’d seen the way other women watched him. The way he moved, the way he looked, his obvious respect for women and his deep, masculine voice.
“Cassie, don’t stop me from saying it this time. Promise me.”
She eased into a gentle smile. “How can I stop you if I don’t know what you’re going to say?”
Mitch brushed his fingers over her cheek, his touch the softest caress that sent shivers through her. “I’m in love with you. I was pretty much there when I left Houston. When you’re with me, I’m more alive than I’ve been in years. The kind of alive that makes me wonder what I did all these years without you in my life. The kind of alive that makes me want to spend the rest of my years finding out more about you, discovering you and loving you.”
She blinked hard and tried to stop her jaw from gaping. Such beautiful words, but they confused her. “Is that. . .are you proposing to me, Mitch?” Sure sounded like a proposal.
“Not officially, but put it this way: if we stumbled upon a mass marriage ceremony in Central Park tomorrow, I’d be seriously tempted. We could get on with our lives and then have another ceremony later on for our family and friends. And assorted pets.” He smiled. “You’ve already won over Sammie. That’s a huge plus in your favor.”
“Maybe we should stay away from Central Park then.”
“Are you turning me down?” A flicker of hurt passed over his features.
“No, I’m not.” She kept her voice quiet, her tone soft. “I’m saying we should take things as they come and not rush things. But I miss you every day, Mitch. When I think of you, it makes me smile. You don’t know how many times I’ve looked at those postcards you sent to me. You’ve kind of worked your way into my affections, you know. Is this what you meant when you told Celeste you wanted to tell me something face-to-face?”
He feigned shock and chuckled. “Eavesdropping on me in my own abode, were you?”
“Never,” she murmured, lost in his touch when he cupped her face and lifted her lips to his. His skin was warm, his lips firm but gentle, and she loved the aftershave he wore. She met him willingly, without fear, without hesitation and hoped her kiss might convey what she might not be able to express with words.
“I’d better escort you out now or they’re going to send a search party.” A couple of minutes later, Mitch helped Cassie into Landon’s white Range Rover, tucking her in the back beside Celeste.
“Sleep well tonight, Moonbeam, and have fun with Amy in the morning. Keep your phone on because I’ll be calling.”
“I will. Good night, Mitch.” She leaned close and kissed his cheek, rough with the beginnings of a new growth of beard. “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
Cassie missed him as soon as Landon pulled away from the curb.
Chapter 30
“Well, now, wasn’t that sweet?” Celeste crossed one long leg over the other and gave her a smile. “I’d say my big brother is smitten.”
“As well he should be,” Amy said from the front, her voice a hair above chastisement.
“Amy tells me you’ve known Mitch since they flew down to Houston for Valentine’s Day. I, for one, couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s found someone real. Someone. . .down to earth. Simple and uncomplicated. Heaven knows,” Celeste said, glancing out the window, “he’s dated a string of women who could barely tell time or tie their shoelaces.”
“Celeste!” Amy gasped, twisting in her seat to give her a pointed stare. “Please show a little sensitivity. What’s wrong with you tonight?”
Landon glanced at her in the mirror. “Celeste, we’re sorry about your parting ways with Ashton, but there’s no need to badmouth anyone.”<
br />
She released a sigh. “Okay, perhaps that was an exaggeration. But you know as well as I do that our brother hasn’t always let his head rule his heart. Seriously, Cassie,” Celeste said, shifting slightly towards her, “he’s picked women that were completely wrong for him. No wonder he likes you so much. You’re a breath of fresh air that’s blown into his life at exactly the right time.”
Cassie couldn’t let that one go. “What do you mean, the right time?” Her stomach had suddenly turned sour. How thankful she was that Amy was the sister who lived in New York. She already suspected she wouldn’t be sorry when Celeste left early tomorrow morning.
“I think he’s finally reached the point where he’s come to some kind of resolution about Brad’s death. Tragic as it was, he allowed it to color his actions. He made some bad choices, including women who weren’t what he needed. Too bad he hadn’t met you before he did all those dumb things.”
“No one can say how they’d react given the same circumstances,” Amy said. Her voice was low but she spoke clearly and succinctly. Her tones were almost clipped and so unlike her. Cassie sensed Amy’s barely contained anger, and that, too, was unlike her even-tempered friend. She prayed Celeste didn’t push her to the limit. She saw Landon move his hand across the seat. If anyone could keep Amy calm, it would be her husband. These two shared a great relationship—passionate, mutually respectful, and loving.
“Right. Just like no one could imagine people would hate us so much they’d use our planes as weapons, fly them into our towers and destroy the innocence of an entire nation.”
Cassie glanced over at Celeste. Her words, bitter as they were, also conveyed a great sadness.
“Celeste, did you lose someone you cared about in the Twin Towers?”
Celeste snapped her gaze back to her so fast it was a wonder she didn’t seriously hurt her neck. “How could you even know that?”
What could she say that Celeste would accept and believe?
“Cassie’s very intuitive,” Amy said, lowering the visor and giving her a barely perceptible nod, reflected in the mirror. If it was meant to be an encouragement, it worked.
