by JoAnn Durgin
Mitch’s assistant also wore a lot of makeup, enough so that Cassie had to wonder what she’d look like without it. Not that she looked cheap, but why did women feel the need to cover up their natural beauty? The way she saw it, God gave every woman unique features. They needed to accept and embrace them, not try to disguise them in some misguided attempt to look like everyone else.
Jen sat in a chair on the opposite side of the table, sipping her coffee. “Have you had a nice visit?”
“Yes, thanks. It’s been great. New York’s a fascinating city.”
“I meant more in terms of your time with Mitch.” Her eyes narrowed when she spied the ring on Cassie’s finger. “Are you two engaged now? Seriously?”
“Well—” How to explain?
Jen spoke again first, thankfully sparing Cassie from having to formulate a feasible answer. “I’m surprised Mitch wants to settle down so soon. I mean, he’s dated a lot, so maybe he finally worked the wanderlust out of his system and realized what a diamond in the rough he’d found in you.”
“Excuse me?” Cassie tried to keep her anger in check, but this woman was blatantly egging her on. Like Sally Reynolds all those years ago but in a much more grownup way when she’d emphasized the wrong syllable in the word wanderlust. Why would Jen harbor such a strong dislike for her?
“Oops, look at the time.” With a quick glance at her watch, Jen pushed back her chair and poured the rest of her coffee in the sink. “I need to get back now. Mitch asked me to sit in and take notes at the end of his important conference call. Congrats on your engagement or whatever, sweetie. Have a nice flight back home to Alabama or wherever you live.”
“Texas,” Cassie muttered. She sat and stewed for a few minutes, wondering how long Mitch’s conference call would last. Glancing at the clock on the wall, she bit her lower lip.
“My, my. Mitch Jacobsen sure is a lucky man.”
What now? Cassie blew out a breath, trying not to be obvious about it.
A dark-haired man came around to the side of the table and offered his hand. “Tony Marzetti. I heard there was a beautiful girl in the house, but the description didn’t do you adequate justice.”
“Cassie Thorenson. Nice to meet you.”
He eyed her in a manner Grandma Thor would have called impudent, lacking respect and honor for a lady. Thank you, Lord, that I’m sitting down. She felt his gaze raking over as it was and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Mind if I join you for a few minutes?” Not waiting for her answer, he pulled out a chair and dropped into it.
“Not at all.” Inside, her sense of unease mounted. What kind of place was this? Obviously, it was full of players. Maybe that was an unfair assessment, but the behavior of Jen and Tony would attest to that particular notion.
“Tell me, Cassie, what kinds of things do you like?”
What in the world? “I’m not sure what you mean. I like Mitch,” she stammered. “He’s kind and has a great sense of humor.” Maybe that would put him in his place.
“A woman like you must be used to getting what she wants from a man.” With a glint in his pale gray eyes, Tony leaned forward.
A woman like you? Inside, Cassie seethed and prayed Mitch would return soon. She couldn’t take much more of these people and their rude, snide insinuations from what she wore to her personal life. She scooted her chair back a few inches, cringing at the sound when it scraped the break room floor. “I’m not interested in getting anything in the way you’re implying, Mr. Marzetti.”
“Are you really as innocent as you act? Is that possible?” Rising to his feet beside her, Tony reached for her hair. He dropped his hand when she stepped back a few paces, putting distance between them. “My, my. I do believe you are. Look at those big, clear blue eyes. How old are you?”
“Old enough to recognize when I need to walk away.” Cassie prepared to leave, but she wasn’t quick enough.
Touching her arm, Tony pulled her around to face him. “Sweetheart, all Jacobsen can offer you is a good head of hair, a trust fund courtesy of his famous grandfather and big dreams.”
Cassie tried to slow her breathing. The unmitigated nerve of this guy! “Besides the fact we don’t even know one another, neither my affections nor anything else can be bought for any amount of money.” Pivoting to storm away, Cassie stopped short when she spied Mitch. A sense of relief flooded through her. Judging by the fire in his eyes, he’d returned during her speech.
Mitch’s piercing stare skewered the other man. “Tony, you have five seconds to get out of here.” His voice was commanding, a low growl.
“Come on, Mitch. I’m only complimenting your lovely lady. I was telling her what a lucky man you are.”
Mitch didn’t answer and Tony’s gaze moved back to her again. “Call me when he tires of you, sweetheart. He always does. Eventually.” With that final parting shot, Tony stalked out of the room.
“What’s up with that guy?” Mitch sounded outraged. “Are you okay? I’m sorry. I had no idea he’d come in here and act like that.”
“I think I’m okay, considering the fact that in the span of ten minutes, I’ve been treated like a cute little nothing and a. . .well, a paid escort. . .or something.” She shook her head. “I’m not even sure which was worse, to be honest.”
“Shh,” Mitch said, pulling her to him. “You’re shaking. Who else came in here?”
“Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” She needed to leave. Get on a plane and return to her normal life in Houston. Shake off the effects of this strange morning and focus on the great time she’d had with Mitch. Figure out the next step.
A distinguished, gray-haired man appeared in the hallway. “Mitch, a word, please?”
“Sure, Gordon. I’ll be right there.”
The man gave her a curt nod and departed.
“That’s one of our senior partners. I need to talk with him, Cassie. Forgive me for not introducing you. Some things transpired in the conference call a few minutes ago, and I know that’s why he’s sought me out.” Mitch’s sigh was deep and his countenance spoke of his weariness. “I advised the clients not to invest in a stock the firm’s been pushing down our throats lately, so I’m pretty sure Gordon’s not pleased with me. You don’t balk the system. It’s the first time I’ve ever done it, but I can’t push something I consider a bad risk. I think they’re wrong on this one, and I let it be known.”
Cassie took his hand. “I’ll say a prayer while you’re in there. No matter what happens, God will take care of you. And so will I. Remember that.”
“Thanks. I’ll probably need your prayers. Your faith in me means everything, Cassie.” For the first time since she’d known him, Mitch appeared genuinely worried. “I need to go. It can’t be helped. Sorry. Wait for me, please.” After brushing a quick kiss on her forehead, he walked down the hallway and didn’t look back.
She glanced at the clock, disheartened. Unease settled inside her and she doubted she’d be able to shake it until she left the building. This office was starting to give her the creeps. “I’ll wait,” she said into the quiet of the hallway. Rounding the corner to go sit in the reception area—an area she hoped would be safe—Cassie overheard raised voices. Without a doubt, one of them was Mitch. The door to the corner office stood open. Against her better judgment, she hesitated.
“Mitch, what are you saying? You want out?”
Cassie covered her mouth to muffle her gasp, unable to believe what she’d heard. Had she stepped into a realm of nightmarish proportions? Had the world suddenly gone completely crazy?
She closed her eyes. Lord, what’s happening?
“I never wanted this, Gordon, but I have no choice. For the past couple of years, especially, I’ve been going through the motions. I’ve done a good job for you, made a lot of money for this firm and our clients, but I can’t do it anymore. I used to be excited to come into the office every morning. Used to get pumped up when I made a good trade. But some things recently have highlighted the
deficiencies in my life. The thrill of the hunt is gone. I miss the pure joy in loving what I do. You need someone young and hungry. Someone who will give you the 24/7 you want. I’m no longer that man and you deserve more than I can give. My heart’s not in it.”
A long pause ensued. Cassie opened her eyes and slumped against the wall, thankful no one else was around.
“What do you plan on doing? Where will you go?” The older man’s tone had transitioned from anger to resigned acceptance.
“I’m not sure yet, but with God’s help, I’ll figure it out.”
“You’ve managed to do it again, Mitch. Even in making what I consider a huge mistake professionally, you have my respect. You’re an honorable man. If you need a reference, let me know.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll give you another couple of weeks—a month, if you want—to get things wrapped up here.”
Cassie held her breath while Gordon apparently considered Mitch’s offer. “That’s a good plan. I’d like to pick your brain on a few things and see if I can get you to spill your secrets. The way you can get millions out of old lady Donovan for one. I know it’s more than sweet talk, but I can’t figure it out. She’s tighter than a drum with her money. And don’t even get me started on Roger Parker. Whatever you choose to do, I know it’ll be a worthy endeavor and you’ll give it your all. I’m sorry to see you go, but thanks for everything you’ve done for us all these years, Mitch. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“It’s been my honor. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to say good-bye to Cassie.”
“Let’s meet tomorrow morning to discuss your exit strategy.”
“Thanks, Gordon.”
When he strolled back into the hallway, hands in his pockets, Mitch spied her and frowned. “I guess you heard all that?” His voice held an edge she’d never heard before. She didn’t like it, but she understood he was under stress. In that moment, she wished she could, in fact, wind back the clock and go through the door to the past.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Mitch, but the door was open. It’s my turn to ask—are you okay?”
He raked his fingers through his hair. “Yes. I don’t know. Maybe. I didn’t expect to go in there and give my notice. In some ways, maybe it was hasty, but in another way, I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. Most of all, I hate that you’re leaving.” He moved his hands to his hips. “I’m kind of a mess right now. Thanks for putting up with me.”
“Anytime. Louie’s waiting downstairs and I really need to get to the airport now.”
“Sure. Please give Louie my best.” Moving one hand around her waist, Mitch walked her to the elevator. “I’ll pray for a safe flight and call you tonight.”
“Okay,” she said, trying not to be hurt by the fact that he didn’t intend to ride in the elevator with her to the main lobby and then put her in the taxi.
“Moonbeam, I had a great time this weekend. I’m so happy you were here and my birthday surprise was the best ever. When I call you tonight, let’s make plans for the next visit.”
For some reason, she got the feeling he meant her coming to New York again. Did he ever plan on coming to Houston? Would he ever be able to step foot on a plane again? Cassie didn’t want to feel like she was chasing a man, but if she was the one coming to him every time, that’s exactly how she’d feel. Relationships were a two-way street. Two people meeting one another in the middle.
“Sure,” she said.
When he kissed her, she broke it off with a small cry. “I have to go now.”
“Cassie—”
“Good-bye, Mitch. We’ll talk soon.”
“Right.”
The last thing she saw as the elevator doors closed was his handsome face, but he didn’t look happy. Neither was she. Not the ending of the weekend she’d expected. Not at all.
Chapter 39
A knock sounded on his door. Mitch’s heart skipped a few beats as he bounded to the door, hoping Cassie had come back for a last kiss. He hated the way they’d parted. Maybe he’d acted like a jerk, but his entire world had suddenly turned on its axis.
Jen stood in the doorway. Crossing her arms, emphasizing the low cut of her dress, she gave him a seductive smile. “I thought you might want some company.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Let me count the ways. You more or less walked away from your high-profile, well-paying job. Not to mention your sweet and oh-so-innocent girlfriend got hit on by the lowest of the lowlifes around this place—”
“I’ll call Becky in Human Resources right now if you so much as say one word against Cassie.” Mitch bit his tongue not to lash out and tell Jen she’d never be half the woman Cassie was. Why was she hitting on him if she couldn’t respect his decision to leave the firm? Nothing in his world made sense.
“Sorry.” Walking further into the room, Jen kicked the door closed with her red, high-heeled shoe. What kind of shoe was that to wear to the office? Her outfit was more suited for a nightclub after-hours, not a professional work environment.
“Leave the door open, please.” He moved to open the door when Jen stepped to her right, blocking his way. It didn’t take much to read what was on her mind when she pressed up against him and raised her painted red lips. She must think it would entice him, but all it did was make him want to make a mad dash for the airport, haul Cassie out of that queue for her flight and take her home with him. Back to the townhouse. Permanently.
In one quick move, Mitch stepped around Jen and jerked open the door. “I’m asking you nicely to leave my office. For the next two weeks, I don’t want to see you—or hear from you—except for business. Otherwise, stay clear. If I didn’t already have one foot out the door, you’d be packing up your desk right now. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
~~**~~
“Louie, can you please wait for me a few more minutes? Sorry, but I need to see Mitch one more time. I forgot to. . .tell him something.” Cassie had never felt so unsettled. More than anything, she hated to leave with things so weird between them. If she hurried, she could talk with him for a few more minutes and still make it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Louie chuckled. “Go kiss the guy one more time. I’ll be waiting when you get back. Go on. Give him my regards.”
“Will do. Thanks. Be back in five minutes. Don’t leave without me.”
“I’ll be waiting, Miss Cassie.”
Shifting from foot to foot, she fought her frustration as she waited at the bank of elevators. Finally, she heard the ding of the elevator on the far left and hurried down to it. She returned the polite nods of several others entering the elevator and tried to quell her apprehensions. As soon as the doors slid open on the 33rd floor, she hurried out and opened the heavy glass door to the brokerage office. The receptionist wasn’t behind her desk. What to do? After only a moment’s hesitation, Cassie headed down the hallway toward Mitch’s office. She stopped outside his door when she heard voices, one of them female.
Oh no, here we go again.
“Mitch, I understand why you’re attracted to her. She’s pretty and she’s safe. You can take her home to Mom and not be embarrassed. She’s the type of girl who’ll cook your meals, do your laundry, keep your bed warm at night and give you adorable children. But she’s not exciting. She’s comfortable, but she’s not what you really want long term.”
Cassie moved her hand over her mouth. As much as she wanted to barge in his office, she needed to wait and hear Mitch’s response first. Lord, forgive me for eavesdropping. Her life had apparently morphed into a soap opera. In the span of an hour, her life had gone from great, to good, to bad, then worse. Now, it seemed it had sunk to the lowest depths. Not much lower it could go.
“Jen, I’ve done nothing to encourage you or lead you to believe there’s anything between us other than as professional colleagues.”
Thank you, Mitch.
“Don’t worry,” Jen said. “I’ll tell Becky myself that I need t
o be reassigned, but you wouldn’t want me to imply there are personal—as in intimate—reasons for my request, would you?”
To his credit, Mitch snorted. Good man. Throw her out on her ear. She’d ask forgiveness for that one later, but Jen deserved what she had coming.
“You don’t know when to quit, do you?” Mitch said. “Unbelievable. I’d suggest—if you don’t want to find yourself unemployed as of today—you march back to your desk and let’s both forget this ever happened.”
“We don’t have any witnesses. Mitch, you’re an incredible man and I’m very attracted to you. I can’t believe you’re actually thinking of marrying that southern girl. Come on. All I’m asking is the opportunity to show you how great it could be—”
That’s it. She’d heard enough. Pushing open the door, Cassie didn’t say anything but she enjoyed the expression on Jen’s face when she spied her.
Although the woman attempted to compose her features into a look of neutrality, it didn’t work. “Cathy!” Jen had the decency to lower her gaze. “I thought you’d left.”
“Obviously. As Mitch can attest, I like surprising people. I believe I heard him tell you to leave. I suggest you take your hands off his chest and heed that suggestion.”
Smoothing a hand over her dress, Jen walked past her, elbowing her on the way to the door.
“Jen?”
The other woman turned, her eyes narrowed.
“It’s Cassie, for the record, and yes, you did have a witness. Oh, and one more thing? Alabama girls ain’t stupid.” Cassie gave the door a firm push with one hand. Turning back to Mitch, she raised a brow and gave him a sheepish grin. “Did I actually use the word heed? And—Heaven forbid—ain’t?”
