You Are My Everything (Your Every Day Hero Book 3)
Page 19
FIVE
“Why didn’t you ask her about the bar?”
Mark leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers over his stomach. His father strode with heavy steps back and forth across the floor in the office as he lectured on what Mark didn’t do last night on his date. His father’s brownish-silver eyebrows drew together, and his wrinkled lips pulled tight.
“There really wasn’t time, Dad.” Mark shrugged. “Besides, if I had said something, she would’ve caught on to why I was there. I don’t want that this early in our relationship.”
His father came to a sudden stop and stared at Mark, his eyes wide. “Your relationship? How exactly do you plan on getting involved with this Hilarion girl?”
Good question. Before Mark had actually gone out with Cassidy, he would have known how to answer it. But now…now things were different. Cassidy wasn’t just some hooker off the streets as he’d first assumed, and she wasn’t using her barmaids as prostitutes, either. Cassidy didn’t even sleep with guys on the first date, for goodness sake!
She was a genuine decent person. Not only that, but he didn’t think he’d ever laughed so hard in his life. He adored her personality. And she was a woman who kissed better than any woman he’d been out with, and he’d been out with many in his twenty-seven years.
He rubbed his forehead. “Dad, I need to get closer to her in order to find her weakness. We won’t get the bar back unless I do.”
“Of course she has a weakness. And I thought you said last night’s auction would prove what she’s doing with the bar will be their downfall. Do you have enough information to give to the tabloids? Bad publication like this will ruin The Hideaway for good.” The older man planted his hands on his hips.
“Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything done last night that would prove she’s a hooker. I don’t know about the other girls, but Cassidy acted very proper.” Except for that incredible dance—and the time in the jeep. Why he had to enjoy it so much was beyond his imagination. But incredibly enough, he liked that.
Mark lifted out of the chair and walked to the window. “I’ll have to dig deeper, Dad. If we are going to bring that bar down, there’s got to be another way.”
“I’ve thought of other ways. That girl is stubborn. Too bad her father, Sean Hilarion, isn’t still alive. I’d know how to blackmail him.”
Mark looked over his shoulder toward his father, arching an eyebrow as he scratched his chin. “Dad? Is there something more to this story that you’re not telling me? Seems to me like you know the Hilarion’s more than you’re leading on.”
The senior Carrington waved his hand through the air. “Of course not, son. I just want their land. Not only did the Hilarion’s steal it from our family a long time ago, the land is worth a lot and will bring me a great price.”
Mark leaned his shoulder against the glass and stared out into the afternoon traffic hustling up and down the roads. His mind should be on the conversation with his old man, but he couldn’t get Cassidy out of his head.
He remembered every little detail about her from last night—the way she danced on the stage with the drunk, the nervous shake of her hands as they shared a drink at the table a few minutes later. At the restaurant, she seemed more relaxed, and she made him forget his worries for just a little while. And he couldn’t forget about the dance they shared toward the end of their date, and the goodnight kiss was unforgettable.
“Well? What do you think?” his father was saying.
Mark blinked and glanced at his dad. “I’ll get right on it, I promise.”
“Just don’t let this girl get under your skin, son. If she didn’t play the part of the hooker last night, there’s got to be something else we can get on her that will be bad publicity for her bar. Don’t lose your focus, son. We need that land! I’d hate to think my only son couldn’t deliver this one, simple task just because of a woman.”
Mark shot his dad a glare. Oh, sure. No pressure. He’d always hated the inferior feeling he had while in his father’s presence. One of these days he’d take over the company, and he’d run it his way. Not his father’s. It was Mark’s plan to get more shares in the business and be able to buy out his father as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there were others in the company willing to support Mark.
He just waited for the best opportunity to take over.
After his dad left the office, Mark couldn’t help but grin. Although he really should be drilling Cassidy to find a weakness that he could use to put her bar out of business, the ideas running through his mind were totally opposite. He wanted to kiss her again, caress her, hear her throaty sigh. He wanted to pull her soft body against his and hear the little gasps.
Even being with her stimulated him—in an emotional sense, and he couldn’t believe he thought this way. In his life, women had only been good for one thing. Although Cassidy was probably skilled in that area, too, her sense of humor, her manners, and the way she treated him had interested him just as much as her kisses had done.
Where had she been all his life? Then again, he really hadn’t been looking.
Blowing out a gush of air between his teeth, he walked back to his desk and plopped in his chair. Work would not be productive today. Not when his mind was on a beautiful, sexy woman.
But no matter what, he must do as his father instructed. He must find something to use against her to close the bar.
He scrunched his forehead. Why? What was the real story between the Hilarion’s and the Carringtons? What made his father so eager on getting this? The old man had given up on much larger deals before. So what made this one so important?
Perhaps he’d find out the story first, and then decide if it was worth closing Hilarion’s bar.
* * * *
“I can’t believe you’re seeing him again.” Joan’s wide smile and sparking eyes made Cassidy’s face heat up. But shoot, how could it not? Every time she thought about what that accountant cowboy did to her insides… Ahhhh...
No matter if he made her feel like a giddy schoolgirl, something was not right about him. He was too bold in his pursuit last night. True, he did bid a high price and probably wanted something in return, but it was almost as if he was after something besides taking her to his place. Did he want her acceptance? Approval? Friendship?
Shaking off the confusing thoughts, she looked back at her cousin and smiled. “Of course I’m seeing him again. He paid a lot of money for me last night, and just as I told you before, he didn’t get his money’s worth.”
Joan cocked her head and arched a brow. “And how exactly is he going to get his money’s worth?”
Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Not like that. We had a lot of fun on our date. He was the first guy in a long time that made me relax and be myself. I made him laugh, and he made me laugh. We fit together in more ways than one. I think he felt it too, which was why he asked me out for a second date.”
Joan scratched her head, loosening a tight brown curl that had been tucked behind her ear. “He didn’t look right, if you ask me.”
Cassidy snorted. “Honey, he was the only man who did look right last night. He wasn’t drunk or lewd, and he was dressed to kill. No other guy looked that incredible.”
Joan nodded. “Exactly. He was dressed like a cowboy, but he didn’t look like he should be one.”
“What is he supposed to look like?” Cassidy planted her hands on her hips. “Did you want to see chaps and spurs on him with a rope tied at his belt and brown leather gloves on his hands?” She flipped her hand through the air. “Oh, please, Joan. Quit stereotyping him. Mark was the perfect gentleman, and such wonderful company. He was just what I needed last night.”
“Glad he came through for you. I just hope he doesn’t break your heart like Lyle what’s-his-name did.”
Cassidy shrugged. “I will protect my emotions.” I hope. “I don’t want to go through another heartbreak, either.”
Her cousin left her side to help a customer at the end of the bar. Cassi
dy moved to the glasses and proceeded to wipe them and set them on the shelf behind her. She scanned the crowd tonight. Definitely not as many as last night, but still more people than usual. That was good. Maybe business would pick up after all.
The front door opened and her gaze swung in that direction, hoping the handsome devil she went out with last night would step through the doorway. One of their regulars walked in instead. She let out a disappointed sigh and picked up another glass.
Would she guard her emotions as she’d promised her cousin? She had to. The painful divorce she’d experienced with Lyle Brown had left a permanent mark on her heart. He’d used her and walked all over her, then the final blow was he cheated on her with someone she’d considered a friend.
Yet Mark was so different than most men she’d dated, which really wasn’t a lot. He seemed like a down-home kind of guy. Just the type she wouldn’t mind keeping forever. And boy was he a hottie.
Joan came back and leaned on the counter beside her. The wide brown eyes of her cousin narrowed as she looked at Cassidy.
“What?” Cassidy asked.
“I don’t think I told you the bad news.”
Cassidy arched a brow. “We have bad news?”
“Yes.”
“About the bar?”
“Yes.”
Cassidy set the glass down on the shelf and stepped closer. “What’s wrong now?”
“Well, the auction last night was wonderful. We brought in a lot of money. But…”
Cassidy held her breath, fearing the worst.
“We didn’t make what we needed,” Joan continued. “In order to keep this bar running for the next few months, we’ll need money like what we brought in last night every month.” She shook her head. “I don’t see us having an auction every month. People might start to think our bar is more than a place to drink. Ya know what I mean?”
Cassidy’s mouth tightened into a frown. “Yes, I know.” She breathed a heavy sigh. “What do you suggest?”
Joan shrugged as she twirled a brown lock of hair around her finger. “I don’t know. We don’t want to let our fathers down by selling the bar, but if we don’t pick up business here shortly, we just might have to do that.”
A knot formed in Cassidy’s throat and her eyes burned with unshed tears. Her father’s last wish on his deathbed was for Cassidy and her cousin to run the bar and do the best they could. Hard to believe her father hadn’t been gone very long and she’d already messed things up.
She rubbed her forehead and squeezed her eyes closed. There had to be something else they could do. Having her sister and her sister’s randy friends dance half naked on the bar just wouldn’t cut it. They were not going to turn into that kind of establishment.
If only her father and uncle hadn’t left them with so many unpaid loans when they died, maybe she and her cousin would be able to run the bar without fear of closing the place down. And going to get another loan wasn’t an option, either. That would only put them further into debt.
“Cassidy, I know you don’t want to talk about this, but I think it’s our only hope.” Joan touched her arm and Cass met her gaze.
“What?”
Joan gave her a wistful smile. “Well, what about that statue piece you have of the Colossus of Rhodes? If you sold that to Carrington Enterprises like they’ve offered, just think about how much money you’ll have. Not only will you be able to pay off the bar, but the loans attached to it as well.”
Cassidy took a deep breath, calming the anger rising up in her chest. The statue was not an option, and her family knew it.
She shook her head. “Have you forgotten what our family went through to get the piece, and to keep it? Our father’s father, grandfather, and beyond them have all been able to guard this stone with their lives. I’m sure many have been tempted to sell the piece for money, but its value is priceless, Joan.”
Cassidy clasped her cousin’s hands and continued. “This piece of bronzed stone is a symbol, and has been for centuries. You know the story—the reason it was built.”
Joan nodded.
“Well, our family has believed by keeping the statue with us, it will also help us get along better. Can you remember the dedicatory inscription on the statue?”
Joan shook her head.
“It says; To you, O Sun, the people of Dorian Rhodes set up this bronze statue reaching to Olympus when they had pacified the waves of war and crowned their city with the spoils taken from the enemy. Not only over the seas but also on land did they kindle the lovely torch of freedom.”
Cassidy licked her dry lips. “Our ancestors cherished the artifact, and so should we. It gave our ancestors freedom—a freedom they deserved.” She shook her head. “No way can I sell the statue and put it in the hands of some greedy money-hungry jerk like Carrington.”
Joan frowned. “You’re right, Cass. I’m sorry for even bringing it up. I guess I’m just desperate right now.”
Cassidy hugged her cousin. “I know. I’m feeling desperate, too. But we’ll think of something else. Perhaps we should find someone to do our marketing for us. They’ll know how to publicize the bar to drive in more customers.”
Joan chuckled. “That’s a good idea, but we need money to hire that person.” Joan turned and walked away, her shoulders drooping lower than Cassidy had ever seen them.
With a heavy heart, she turned toward the bar. Sitting right in front of her, with his gorgeous green eyes on her, was none other than her sexy cowboy.
SIX
It didn’t take long for her heart to flip to a different emotion as it knocked crazily in her chest.
“Hi, Mark. I didn’t hear you come in.”
He grinned. “That’s because you were busy talking with your cousin.”
“Yes.” She moved closer and leaned her hip on the bar. “So what are you doing here? Our date isn’t for another hour.”
He shrugged. “Couldn’t wait that long. Hope you don’t mind.”
She smiled wide. “Of course not. Let me just tell Joan I’m leaving, okay?”
He nodded, but didn’t say anything, but his gaze spoke volumes as it roamed all over her body. He must approve of her jeans and a short-sleeve, button shirt. She even wore fashionable black boots. Shivers of delight and a sense of giddiness danced through her. He had a way of looking at her as if he’d never seen anything so lovely. She could only hope that’s how he felt.
It didn’t take her long to tell Joan she was leaving and within minutes, she walked side by side with Mark out the door. His sexy scent of musk would drive her insane tonight. How would she keep herself from throwing her arms around him and burying her nose in his neck was beyond her. Maybe he wouldn’t mind if she didn’t control herself tonight.
He’d chosen a different restaurant, but still as private and pricey as the one they’d been to last night. The atmosphere didn’t matter. All she wanted to do was stare into his amazing green eyes and get lost in them.
Not a lot was said until after they’d been seated and decided upon a menu item. From across the table, Mark grasped her hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles in a soft caress.
“Cassidy, you are a very fascinating woman.”
She crinkled her forehead. “Is that good or bad?”
“It’s good.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because of the interesting conversation I overheard you and your cousin talking about earlier.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Will you tell me about it?”
Gads, if he’s as sweet for the remainder of the evening, her heart might become involved, since it was halfway there, anyway. “What do you want to know?”
“Tell me about the statue your family has.”
She kept her hand in his, mainly because it felt nice, and relaxed in her chair. “Have you even heard of the statue that was built in ancient Greece?”
“Bits and pieces.”
“What do you know about the statue?”
She nodded. “Well, it just so happens some of my ancestors helped build that statue. When an earthquake brought it down about two-hundred twenty-six BC, one of my ancestors kept a piece of that statue for sentimental reasons.”
“That makes sense.”
“It’s a priceless artifact today, and I’ve never wanted to know what the real value is. It’s been handed down in my family from father to first born since the statue crumbled all those years ago.”
“And your cousin wants you to sell it?”
“Yes.” She frowned. “The bar isn’t doing so hot and we need the money, but I can’t sell that piece of stone. It means too much to me and my family.”
His smile softened, as did his dreamy eyes. “I would think less of you if you sold it.”
Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn’t look away.
“Thanks.”
His tongue slid out from his mouth and stroked his lips in a leisure fashion. Was it meant to be a hint? Her heartbeat picked up rhythm and her stomach flip-flopped.
“Like I said before, you’re a fascinating woman, and I’ve never met anyone like you.”
She’d better watch out or she’d be giving him not only her heart, but her soul as well.
* * * *
Mark had meant every word. The woman sitting across from him amazed him, and he didn’t want to stop gazing into her eyes, nor did he want to let go of her hand. If he had his way, he’d be holding her all night long. He was sure she’d turn him down, but even if they cuddled on the couch, that was good enough for him.
It wasn’t just that she knew how to make his heart pitter-patter like it had never done before, but her belief and dedication in this one little artifact caused a different emotion to circle his heart. He didn’t know why, but he knew his father was keeping something from him. Perhaps the old man wanted the statue piece. Mark didn’t know, but he knew he had to help Cassidy. This woman was too kind and loving to go through the heartache of losing her bar to his father’s company.