She pulled her hair back in a chignon and dressed in her best business attire, a skirt suit she wore when she had to sit in the courtroom and watch proceedings as part of her schooling.
After checking out, she walked out of the hotel, with her head held high, ready to meet her new business partner and stepbrother, Walter. She’d have to inform him about his guide Chad’s interactions with women.
How strange, she’d always wanted a sibling, but now she was taking half of a business he owned. Of course, they weren’t blood-related, so they weren’t really siblings, but their parents were married, so hopefully they’d get along okay.
She’d requested to leave her U-Haul in the motel parking lot and confirmed that there would be a room available if she needed one tonight. She wasn’t sure where her mother’s residence was located or if anyone would be living there.
Vowing not to allow intimidation by Mr. Brady, Walter, or anyone else ever again, Cassandra started her Mustang and headed for her appointment. If her new stepbrother wanted to keep the rafting company and house, he would simply have to find a way to buy her out at the end of the six months.
After pulling up in front of the attorney’s office in Ashville, Cassandra checked her appearance in the rearview mirror. No dark circles anyway, she thought wryly. She glanced around at the surrounding area. Ashville was more her style, not entirely large enough of a city, but she enjoyed the historic homes and buildings, and there certainly appeared to be more to do than Nantahala.
As she stepped out of her convertible, Cassandra noticed a Ford F-150 parked alongside the building. Attached to the door, a small magnetic sign advertised the ROCK. The truck reminded her of the one her mother had owned. It wasn’t the same truck, of course; this one was brand-new. But it had the same preposterous large wheels and rugged off-road appearance. Walter must be a real country boy … and tall. How could anyone get up into that monstrosity?
Once inside the small office, Cassandra started to introduce herself to the receptionist when Mr. Brady popped his bald head out from behind a doorway a few yards down the hall. “Cassie, I figured that would be you. Come on in, honey,” he said, waving her forward. “Walter’s already here, and we are ready to proceed.”
The attorney greeted her as if she’d been a lifelong friend of his, even taking it upon himself to abbreviate her name. Probably, her mother had only referred to her as Cassie. She wanted to correct him but knew it would be rude. She smiled but kept her face professional as she followed him down the short hallway into the first room on the left.
Mr. Brady held the door for her, then motioned to a man who was looking over some papers on the desk. “Cassie, this is Walter — Walter, this is Cassandra D’Silva.”
The man turned around, and Cassandra’s mouth fell open. Collecting herself, she pulled her jaw closed with an audible click.
He stood up, extended his hand, but didn’t offer her even a hint of a smile. “You can call me Chad … Cassie, is it?” he spewed the words, glowering at her while simultaneously shaking her hand.
Her heart raced. Walter Chadwick Wilkinson — Chad, short for Chadwick, of course. Who would want to go by Walter or Chadwick nowadays? How could she have been so ignorant?
“Cassandra,” she corrected him, disgusted by her body’s reaction, hoping he couldn’t feel her blood racing as he shook her hand. “Cassandra Marie D’Silva,” she clarified. “It seems more than one of us uses our middle name.” She returned his fierce look, attempting to pull her hand away, which he still gripped.
The attorney glanced back and forth between them. “Have you met?” he asked, a lilt in his voice and a hint of pink on his round cheeks.
Chad raised one brow and nodded. “Cassandra decided to visit the store and brave a little whitewater kayaking yesterday.”
She flinched, noticing he’d used her name like an oath. She recovered her bearings, though, and shot back, “And Chad was so very helpful. He goes above and beyond to make women feel welcome.”
“Well, that’s wonderful,” Mr. Brady said, evidently missing the tension or not caring to mention it. “Have a seat, you two, and we’ll begin.”
They both sat as distant as the table would allow, making a conscious effort not to look at each other.
Mr. Brady separated packets of papers clipped together. “You are already familiar with the terms of the will. The store, the rafting company, the house, and all monies are wrapped up for six months. Disbursements for normal operating expenses: utilities, taxes, and insurance will be paid out of an estate account I opened. At the end of six months, you will mutually decide how you want to proceed. If you cannot come to agreeable terms, everything will be sold and split fifty-fifty. Straightforward enough?”
They both nodded and said, “Yes” simultaneously. Cassandra peeked at Chad, then quickly averted her eyes when she noticed he did the same.
“Then let’s continue.” Mr. Brady fanned out the appropriate paperwork. After signing all the documents, he handed a key to Cassandra — the key to her new home. “Walter already has his and has agreed to show you the way.”
“What?” she petitioned, bursting from her chair. “He … he lives there … too?” she stammered.
“Of course, but if you would rather live somewhere else, that would be permissible. The instructions of the will stated you have to work at the store and live in Nantahala; it didn’t necessitate living in the family home.”
Cassandra looked at Chad and noticed he was smiling. It wasn’t the friendly smile as yesterday, though. It was a self-satisfied smile, a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile.
With nowhere else to go and unable to afford her own residence, even if she was receiving a nominal salary for working at the outdoor store, she was stuck living under the same roof as Chad. The meager wages would pay for groceries, gas, and some activities, but she would never locate an affordable apartment on her own.
Remembering her vow this morning, she held her head high, refusing to let him see her fragile. He’d already seen her trembling yesterday. She would never reveal weakness in front of him again.
“I’m sure we’ll manage,” she said, her eyes focused only on Mr. Brady. The less she looked at Chad, the better. She wasn’t sure what bothered her more, that cheeky smile he’d flashed or his devastatingly blue eyes.
“Okay then, contact me if you have any questions. Otherwise, I’ll see you both in six months.” Mr. Brady turned and exited the room, leaving Chad and Cassandra alone.
“So … Marie,” Chad said, almost in a snarl.
“Wait one second, mister,” she lashed out. “You use your middle name as well —”
“But you don’t,” he interrupted. “You intentionally withheld your name. I told you my name is Chad because it is. I’ve gone by Chad since I was in high school. But when I asked your name, you hesitated, and then told me your name was Marie. Why would you do that? Were you checking up on me? Did you know I was the owner? Were you simply toying with me? And I thought —”
“You thought what, Chad?” she jumped in. “That I was one of your bimbo college girls, looking for a weekend fling? Do you flirt with all the female patrons as you did with me?”
He shook his head as if trying to clear it. “No … I mean … No, I don’t usually flirt with customers. It’s against our policy. Besides, I wasn’t the only one doing the flirting,” he rejoined.
“I — no, I wasn’t,” she huffed. “Don’t delude yourself, Chad. As if I would be interested in a whitewater guide. I’m a law graduate, for Pete’s sake!” As soon as the words escaped her mouth, she was disgusted with herself.
His face dropped, and she immediately wanted to apologize for her ill-mannered remark. She wasn’t a snob; she didn’t care what people did for a living. She respected everyone’s choices in life and their careers.
He scooped his keys and files off the desk. “You don’t know anything about me, Cassandra,” he spewed, his tone reproachful. Abruptly, he turned and exited the office, leaving h
er standing in the doorway.
Unwillingly, she followed him out of the office. Why had she uttered such an atrocity? She was flustered, was the reason. She hadn’t wanted to admit she’d been flirting.
Chad exited the building, walking briskly toward his truck without paying her any mind. She almost decided it was enough of this nonsense; she didn’t need the money. She’d eventually land a decent job. She could move back to Florida, stay with Karen for a few months. She didn’t need this headache.
Without warning, the memory of Chad taking her hand yesterday assaulted her. She remembered the warmth that had rushed through her. She’d never felt even remotely attracted to any man the way she’d felt toward him. She really should leave this state immediately, but for some reason, she couldn’t.
She couldn’t find the courage to struggle for anything right now. The last few years had been so stressful. This could be an opportunity for her to stop and take a hard look at her life and, of course, there would be a handsome payday at the end. So that was it, then. This would just be a six-month job opportunity, like interning. Maybe she could log some time with Mr. Brady, gain some experience.
“Are you coming?” Chad’s voice rang out, startling her. “Follow me if you want to.”
Follow me … if you want to. They were the identical words he’d used yesterday — right before she found herself dumped in the frigid waters of the Nantahala. Walking toward her car, she caught Chad roll his eyes when he saw it was a Mustang GT convertible.
He jumped into his truck, then peeled out of the parking lot entirely too fast. She noticed his exhaust was ridiculously loud. That was probably purposeful, though. She followed behind just as quickly. She hardly ever used them, but there were 420 horses under this baby’s hood. He was probably just jealous.
***
Chad pulled into the circular driveway in front of his home. He loved his house. He’d helped to design and decorate it when his father and Jasmine decided to move out of the city ten years ago, right after he graduated high school. His father had wanted to get away from Atlanta — from his ghosts. And Jasmine had said she wanted to show them a different life. He’d only been eighteen, but his father had respected his decisions, as did Jasmine.
What a difference in the two women. He’d been excited when he’d discovered Cassandra was coming. He’d hoped they would be great friends. He hadn’t considered he’d be attracted to her. He’d been hoping she would be like a sister, family he no longer had. After all, their parents were married. He wouldn’t have been attracted to her if she had looked like Jasmine, not in the least; it would have been creepy. But other than her smile, Cassandra looked nothing like her mother.
Jasmine had truly been a stepmother to him in the last thirteen years. Initially, he’d been angry with his father for bringing her into their life; it was too sudden after his mother’s death. But he grew to love Jasmine and understood his father’s decision. Jasmine was like the sun. Everywhere she went, she brought sunshine and happiness. He’d been an emotional wreck after his mother’s incident. Jasmine hadn’t forced her way into their household; she’d simply been there for him and his father. She’d always had a smile for Chad and would listen when he vented, even if he was directing his anger at her, which was most of the time. The only instances he’d seen her upset was when she’d talked about Cassandra.
Chad jumped down from his truck, walking hurriedly toward the front door. Cassandra parked her car beside his and gracefully stepped out, looking around in awe. At least she appreciated how nice their home was. Maybe she would fall in love with their house and not want to sell it, but then what would they do? They couldn’t continue living together. He hadn’t been concerned about the situation when Mr. Brady had brought it up several days ago, but now he felt a little apprehensive. The house was certainly large enough, but how could he keep his mind from wandering with her at such close proximity?
Although, he didn’t feel attracted to her right now; her words had offended him. But he knew how he’d felt yesterday. Would those feelings return? Not if she kept acting how she did in Mr. Brady’s office. It took more than a pretty face and a hot body to turn his head. Yesterday she’d been wonderful. She’d been so shy and sweet, and he could tell, intelligent. He’d known immediately that she was someone he could relate to. And her looks … when they came with the entire package, that made it even better.
“Amazing,” Cassandra murmured behind him as he unlocked the door. “This is … wow … I never imagined.”
He smiled at her reaction, but then quickly hid his expression before turning around to address her. “I’m on the lower level, Cassandra. You have your choice. There are two rooms off the hall you can select from or you can take the loft.” He pointed out the upstairs to her as if she couldn’t figure out what a loft was. “My father and Jasmine slept there. It’s larger than the others … but not as private if you intend to have company.”
Cassandra frowned. “I don’t intend to have company, Chad.”
It shouldn’t have, but her emphatic statement relieved him. “Do you have any belongings? You couldn’t have packed much luggage in that trunk.”
“I left my U-Haul at the hotel. If you could draw me a map, I’ll retrieve it later this afternoon.”
“Where’s your hotel?”
“Bryson City. Are you going to work today? It’s just twenty minutes past the store.”
“No, I take Mondays and Tuesdays off. Unless Monday is a federal holiday, then I have to work. Holidays, like Memorial and Independence Day, are some of our busiest days.” He wasn’t sure how he felt about the word our. It was hard to imagine that he’d worked so hard over the last ten years and now Cassandra just waltzes in and takes half. Of course, he hadn’t planned on the business belonging to him for a long time. He hadn’t anticipated losing his father so young and then both Jasmine and him dying together. It had been over a month, and he still had a difficult time comprehending the accident. “I suppose I could take you, show you around the store, and then drop you off at the hotel.”
Cassandra veiled her eyes, looking bashful and embarrassed — beautiful. God, he remembered that look from yesterday. So different … so much sweeter than any other woman he’d met … until her comment. Did she just look sweet?
“You don’t have to,” she said, her tone matching her innocent look. “I have a car carrier. I’m sure I can find my way.”
“I have nothing planned anyway,” he said. He shook off the image of her yesterday. “Come on, let me show you your room options, and then we’ll go together.”
“Thanks, Chad,” she said, but then paused as if pondering what to say, still looking greatly embarrassed. “Incidentally, I’m sorry for what I said back at the attorney’s office. I didn’t mean it.”
He waved her off, but then smiled, realizing what she’d said, knowing he could turn the tables on her. He wasn’t as dumb as she thought he was. Actually, he was quick on his feet.
“What part didn’t you mean, Cassandra? Denying that you were flirting or the fact you wouldn’t be interested in a whitewater guide?” He raised a brow at her in anticipation. She wouldn’t be able to answer his query; she would lose either way.
She blushed and then glanced at her feet. Why had he asked that? Why hadn’t he just accepted her apology and moved on? Why did he decide to be the antagonist?
“Um …”
Deciding to play peacemaker, he smiled and said, “No problem, Cassandra, as I said, you don’t know anything about me. I’ll show you around the house.” He turned away before she could respond.
***
Cassandra followed Chad, not certain how to answer his question, thankful that he’d pardoned her.
If she’d replied, because of the comment about a whitewater guide, then that would have meant that she’d been flirting. If she’d said, because of the flirting, she still would have been behaving rudely. It was a no-win situation. Had he known that? Is that why he’d flashed that smile? The smi
le hadn’t been as cocky as the one in the attorney’s office, but it’d still reeked of self-importance, as though he’d known he was clever … and good-looking. Of course, how could he not know? He hadn’t disagreed with her comment about college girls either … he’d just said that it was against the rules. But … he was his own boss now.
Cassandra decided to let it go. What difference did it make? She couldn’t win, and she had a sneaking suspicion he knew exactly what he was doing. Instead, she took in her surroundings. The house was incredible.
The doorway they’d entered opened into a great room. The room was light and airy with sun-bleached hardwood floors and walls. A large country table sat to her right, separated by a curved breakfast bar that surrounded the kitchen to the left. The living area was across the room.
Both the kitchen and living area opened to a deck that stretched the length of the house and overlooked Lake Nantahala. Above the French doors, soaring windows rose to a vaulted ceiling with exposed, lightly stained rafters.
A staircase off the rear of the area led to the loft, separated only by a wrought-iron railing from the scene below. She imagined she would be able to view the lake from the balcony, probably the reason for the high windows.
On the right side of the house, beneath the loft, a hallway led to several more rooms, one of which was probably a guest bathroom, and at the end of the corridor, another set of steps descended downstairs. Chad’s quarters as he’d elucidated.
Chad started upstairs, so Cassandra followed, her heartbeat increasing. She was alone in a huge house with a complete stranger. It wasn’t as though no one knew she was here, but all she could think of was how many times she’d chastised Karen for going to a strange man’s apartment. At least she assumed that’s why her heart rate had increased the moment he’d suggested he show her the loft.
The loft was larger than she’d expected. A king-sized bed — set in a rugged and sturdy log frame, matching the rest of the house’s rustic look — sat center stage. Stepping across the room, she walked into an enormous master bath complete with Jacuzzi tub and shower, water closet, and double vanities. The adjacent room was a cavernous walk-in closet that obviously doubled as a dressing room. The room conveniently contained two entrances, one from the bathroom and the other from the bedroom. This would do splendidly.
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