Cassie hung back while the others filed out. She’d taken copious notes and had lots of questions, but didn’t want to pepper Kurt with them all at once.
“Did the class help or overwhelm you?” Kurt asked, walking up to her.
“You do give out a lot of information in a short time.” She brushed a strand of dark auburn hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “I do have a number of questions, which I could send you in an email.”
“I have a better idea. Let’s grab lunch and I’ll answer each one.”
He chose a quaint Italian restaurant in the middle of downtown Cold Creek, which she’d been to several times with Cam and Lainey. They ordered and ate at a slow pace as he answered each of her questions.
“Will most of the people today become volunteers?”
“From my experience, about a fourth of them will, at least for a period of time. Job changes, children, divorces, and other events all create a pretty high turnover of volunteers. If I get five from today’s class, one or two will still be with us by this time next year. A year later, maybe one will continue.” Kurt took a last bite of pasta and set down his fork. “Some are drawn to the challenge, some the excitement, and others because they just want to help the community. Most of the people today have good intentions, but once they experience the time commitment, they’ll decide it’s not for them.”
“And you? What drew you to SAR?” Cassie leaned forward, more interested in his background than she wanted to be.
“I went to school to become a firefighter. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. I tried for a few large city departments without success, finally getting on here in Cold Creek. Best job I’ve ever had. SAR came about a year later.”
“Isn’t it difficult juggling both?”
“Not as much as you’d think. My SAR team knows my job as a firefighter always takes precedence, so no one gives me grief about it. It would probably be more difficult for you to fit SAR into your travel schedule than for me to work around my job.”
Cassie asked a couple more questions, then sat in silence for a few minutes before Kurt leaned toward her.
“I’m off this weekend. If you don’t have plans, I’d like to take you to dinner.”
She’d dated little since Matt took off. Nothing serious and she never found anyone special. This last year, she’d turned down each offer, citing work. Being alone had its advantages. However, complete freedom could also become a noose when nothing distinguished one night from the next.
When she’d seen Matt in Houston, her anger had gotten the upper hand. No matter how good it felt to take her pain out on him, she knew it had been wrong. She felt silly admitting it, but the worst part was she’d hoped he might reach out to her, even after she broke his nose, invite her for drinks or dinner or something. But it had been months without a word. Other than a few minutes together at Mitch and Dana’s wedding reception, she’d neither seen nor heard from him since their meeting in Houston. All the dealings between Double Ace and MacLaren Rodeo went through Cam and Mitch MacLaren, who ran the two rodeo stock companies. She’d come to accept there’d be no getting over Matt, but the time had come to move on. Their time together ended a long time ago, and Cassie needed to find someone to help her sever all ties and reclaim her heart.
“I’d like to have dinner with you, Kurt. Be warned, though. I haven’t been on a date in a long time.” She could feel her nerves kick into action at the thought of putting herself out there with a man she found quite attractive.
“Not a problem, Cassie. I haven’t dated much myself the last couple years.” His mouth twisted into a wry grin. “I’ll pick you up at seven tonight.”
******
Houston, Texas
Matt’s hand hovered over the phone on his desk. He’d been given the go-ahead by Gage to meet with Cassie, then travel to Montana to meet with her cousin, Skye MacLaren, who worked in the bucking bull stock part of the company.
Ever since the altercation that left him with a slight bend to his nose, he’d wanted to try and mend fences with Cassie. Instead of calling her then, he’d let the impulse pass. They were like oil and water in so many ways, yet so alike in others. No one would call either weak-minded, meek, or shy. Stubborn, driven, and determined were strong characteristics of both. The same traits Matt believed led to their split. There’d be no going back. The best he could hope for was a good working relationship that didn’t escalate into a war of wills.
Taking a breath, he punched the speakerphone button and dialed her number.
“Cassie, it’s Matt.”
He could hear her breathing on the other end. For a moment, he thought she wouldn’t respond, but then he heard her clear her throat.
“Hi, Matt. I understand an agreement for preparing joint proposals has been reached. I’m going to guess that’s why you’re calling.” Her voice sounded calm, level, and devoid of emotion, which irritated him in a way he couldn’t quite define.
“You’d be right. I’ll be traveling up your way in a week, then going north to meet with Skye. I’d like to schedule time with you and anyone else who will be involved in preparing the proposals.”
“Do you have any dates you can give me?”
He gave her the days he’d be in Cold Creek. “Let me know what works. I’ll be in town three days, which will give me a chance to see your operation. Can you arrange for someone to show me around?”
“Um…sure. I’ll arrange it. I’ll check with Cam to see if he wants to get together with you, which I’m certain he will. Can I call you back by the end of the day?”
“Sure. If I’m not in, just leave the information on voicemail.” Matt hung up, not wanting to prolong the discussion and risk setting her off in some way. Leaning back in his chair, his hands gripped the armrests, digging into the leather upholstery. Instead of feeling content with the brief discussion, the pain of regret squeezed his chest. No matter how his mind knew they’d never be together, he still had trouble convincing his heart.
******
Cassie stared at the phone, hearing the dial tone at the other end. She wanted to scream, remembering the calm tone of his voice. He didn’t seem to feel any of the inner turbulence she’d fought a losing battle with since seeing him for the first time after he’d left.
Well, maybe not the first time.
A few months after he graduated, she had learned of a rodeo he’d entered in Santa Fe. Sitting in the stands, never letting her gaze waver, Cassie had been so proud of him. He’d won the bareback event and scored well in the saddle bronc event. Enthusiasm replaced common sense as she dashed from the stands to the competitor area, searching for him in the crowd. Instead of one familiar face, she saw two. Becky, his old girlfriend from high school, the one he’d dumped for Cassie, had her arms wrapped around his neck, the kiss she gave him seeming to never end. After a moment, eyes glistening with tears, Cassie hurried to the parking lot and didn’t look back.
“Hey, Cassie. How about grabbing lunch?” Janie, her college roommate, stood at the door, cocking her head to one side. She’d accepted a finance job from Cam right after Cassie moved to Cold Creek. “Are you okay? You don’t look so good.”
Taking a breath to clear her head, she wiped damp palms down her pants. “I just heard from Matt. He wants to meet with us now that the partnership is formalized.”
“Ah. Well, you knew this would happen. When will he be here?” Janie had never disguised her irritation at Cassie for not returning Matt’s messages before he left school. But, like sisters, she supported Cassie through the rough months that followed, knowing she’d never really gotten over him.
“Next week.” Glancing up at Janie, she slung her purse over a shoulder. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
Stepping forward, Janie crossed her arms, taking one of her familiar, defiant poses. “Of course you can. You two loved each other, but it didn’t work out. It’s been years and no matter how much you’d like a do-over, I doubt either of you will let it happen. S
o you have no other choice except to move on.”
Her brows crinkling together, Cassie stopped on her way to the door. “What do you mean you doubt either of us will let it happen?”
“Face it, girlfriend. You two are the most stubborn people I know. No matter how much you may still love him or he you, neither of you will be the first to let the pride go and reach out to the other. I’m not judging you, Cass. I’m just saying neither of you want to be the one to appear weak. It’s just the way it is.” Touching Cassie’s arm, she squeezed. “Come on. I’m starving. You can beat me up after I’ve filled my stomach.”
******
Taking a seat in the restaurant, Cassie pondered Janie’s words. As much as her heart raced when she saw Matt or even heard his voice, there’d be no future—neither could ever go back. She hadn’t understood it at the time, but Cassie now accepted each needed someone different. You couldn’t put a spark to C4 and expect it not to explode.
She needed someone easy-going, who wouldn’t challenge her at every step, who understood her drive to succeed. The thoughts conjured up an image of Kurt with his broad smile, unassuming ways, and steady character. They’d had a good time on their date, planning to go out again. Although committed to his work, she’d seen none of the overwhelming intensity she’d come to expect from Matt. None of the extreme self-confidence and power Matt projected. And none of the passion she felt when an image of Matt would pop into her head.
Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a small gold ring with a marquise cut ruby in the center. Matt had given it to her on her eighteenth birthday. She’d worn it until the day he’d walked away. Although she’d tried more than once, Cassie had never been able to put the ring where it belonged—buried in a box at the bottom of some random drawer.
“You still have that?” Janie’s face lit up at the sight of the ruby, sparkling in the sun radiating through the window. “I thought you said you lost it.”
Cassie’s mouth twisted into a grim smile as she gazed down at the ring. “Yeah. Well, I lied about that.”
“Good.”
Cassie’s head snapped up. “Why is that?”
“Because Matt was an important part of your life. Being with him made you what you are today. No matter what you keep telling yourself, sometimes the best person is one who pushes you, forces you to be better in all you do and not settle for average. Hate me if you want, but I think Matt was that person for you.”
“And was I that person for him?”
Janie bit her bottom lip, deciding how best to answer. She’d wondered the same when she’d seen them together. A good question without a good answer. “Honestly, Cass, I don’t know.”
******
León, Mexico
“It is good to see you, Tía Reyna. It has been too long.” Ivan wrapped his arms around his father’s younger sister. Still attractive with smooth skin and dark ebony hair devoid of the gray or silver streaks common in women her age, Reyna was one of his favorites, and he knew she felt the same about him.
“It has been too long. And whose fault is that?” She stepped back, looking up into his amused eyes.
Placing a hand over his heart, he let out a sigh. “Mine, of course. But your brother places many burdens on me, making trips home a rare event.”
“Your father works too hard, as do his brothers. Don’t they have enough land and money? They should pass the businesses onto you and the other cousins. It’s time the younger generation took over.” Placing hands on her hips, she turned toward the kitchen. As the youngest of five, one of two sisters, she’d learned to speak her mind at an early age, to the great embarrassment of her parents.
Shaking his head, Ivan followed her into the massive kitchen. Reyna lived with Ivan’s father and mother in a beautiful home on the outskirts of León. Her only sister lived next door with her husband, in an equally beautiful estate. Each had massive yards, gated entries, fountains, and guards roaming the properties twenty-four hours a day.
“Does father know you are doing the cooking tonight?” Ivan leaned over her shoulder, stealing a still warm handmade corn tortilla, tearing off a piece, and popping it into his mouth before she could shove him away. They’d been doing this ritual ever since she came from the United States to live with them many years before.
“No, mi sobrino, and you will not tell him. You know how much I enjoy cooking your favorite foods, but Javier will say it’s not my place.” Flashing him a smile, she turned back to her work. “You will slice the meat for me while we wait for your parents. They are returning from a meeting in town.”
“Father told me he had to meet with his attorney. I’m surprised Mother went with him.” Pulling a carving knife from a drawer, he speared the meat, placing it on a nearby cutting board.
Reyna laughed at the notion of Maria attending a business meeting. “She did not go to the meeting. Javier dropped her and a friend at the mall.”
“Without a bodyguard?”
“No, no. He’d never let Maria go without one of his men to watch. I don’t understand why a family dealing in exports and cattle needs bodyguards.” Reyna’s face scrunched in disgust. Even she had to have someone with her when she went out.
“It is not unusual for families with money to hire bodyguards, Tía Reyna.” Ivan’s muttered response held little conviction. His father did handle several businesses for the family, staying out of most of the rest of the ventures his two uncles had established over the last few years, including the bucking stock and cattle export business. Ivan wished he’d be more involved, hoping to speak with him about it during his visit.
“Yes, you are correct. His concerns for us make planning a trip difficult.” Reyna thought of her desire to visit her son in the United States. Even though he wrote her often, she hadn’t seen him in over two years. Much too long without seeing her only child.
“Where would you like to go? Perhaps we can arrange a time I may accompany you instead of father’s men.”
“You would do that for me?” Reyna glanced up, surprised.
“Of course. As long as there is time for me to make arrangements in El Paso—”
“Here you are!”
Ivan turned at the sound of his mother’s voice, held out his arms, and wrapped her in a warm embrace. “You look well. Shopping agrees with you.”
Slapping his arm, she laughed at his humor. “You know me too well. Your father has gone straight to his study. He asked that you join him there.” The edge to her voice caused Ivan’s brows to knit together as his eyes narrowed. “I will see you at supper.”
Turning toward Maria, Reyna tossed a towel on the counter, resting her hands on her hips. “Is everything all right, Maria?” she whispered as Ivan disappeared down the hall.
Tearing her gaze from her son’s retreating form, she straightened before casting a worried look at Reyna and shaking her head. “There is trouble coming our way. Of that I am certain.”
Chapter Four
Cold Creek, Colorado
“Cassie, Matt Garner is here to see you. I’ll show him to the conference room. Cam will join you in a few minutes.”
“I’ll be right there.” She wiped damp hands down her slacks as her stomach tightened. Fighting her emotions ever since Matt called about a meeting, Cassie had used every trick in her arsenal to fortify herself. It wasn’t right that he could still imprison her heart after all this time. Love, hate, anger, disbelief—they’d all come roaring back at the first sight of him. She’d do everything in her power not to let it show.
Taking her time, Cassie picked up the rodeo events folder, straightened her shoulders, and put on her best professional face possible as she walked down the hall. The way her stomach tumbled like a bingo basket, anyone would’ve thought she was meeting someone famous instead of the man who’d broken her heart. Peering into the room, she spotted Matt on one side of the oval table, pulling a pen from his pocket, then glancing at his watch. Letting her gaze wander over him, Cassie felt a sense of loss so strong
, it threatened to buckle her knees. The mature creases in his face added to the masculine look he’d always worn with little effort. Her throat tightened, remembering the way he’d stare down at her when they made love, how he’d lift a finger to caress her cheek. If a door down the hall hadn’t opened, she would’ve continued her concealed scrutiny of him a while longer. Cam’s appearance signaled the time for reminiscing had ended.
“You certain you’re ready for this?” he whispered as he joined her.
“Absolutely. He’s just another one of our partners. No problem at all.”
Cam nodded, although the skeptical look on his face told her what he believed.
“Good morning, Matt. Thanks for coming all this way.” Cassie extended her hand, feeling an unanticipated jolt as skin touched skin. Resisting the urge to jump back, she allowed him to give her hand a slight squeeze before releasing her hold.
“Cassie, it’s good to see you again.” Turning toward Cam, Matt shook his hand, then sat down and waited. He’d learned a long time ago to let the host start the conversation, giving him time to gauge the tone of the meeting, and anticipate what to expect.
“Matt, we have a lot to cover. I figure we’ll meet for an hour, break for lunch, then finish up, if that works for you.” When Matt nodded, Cam took a seat next to Cassie, glancing at her. “Why don’t you start?”
Matt took the folder she handed him, glancing over her notes, then listened as she recapped the rodeo committees who’d already agreed to meetings and those they still pursued. Leaning back in his chair, he forced himself to try and focus on the content of the meeting instead of letting her voice carry him back to the last time they were together in college. As her comments continued, however, he lost the battle, recalling how they’d spent their last evening together.
They’d been at his place. She’d cooked dinner, making her famous marinara sauce and ladling large spoonfuls onto angel hair pasta. He remembered preparing the garlic bread while she dished out salad. Afterwards, they’d watched a movie, one of the action-comedy ones they both liked. He’d intended to tell her about finishing his degree early and his decision to start the pro circuit while she completed her studies, but desire had intervened. One touch led to a heated kiss, and before he knew it, they’d woken in each other’s arms hours later.
No Getting Over You Page 3
