“A boss who’s living hundreds of miles away,” Brooke said. “I don’t know what you’re worried about. It’s not as if you’re an employee of Noah’s business. You’re a contractor.”
“That doesn’t mean I can fall in love with him.”
Megan sat forward. “William was my bodyguard when I fell in love with him. Brooke fell in love with Levi years ago but never told him. Love doesn’t always have a clear and easy path to our heart. There’ll be obstacles to overcome and compromises you have to make. But in the end, if he’s the right man, it will be worth it.”
Cassie looked at her friends and sighed. “What if we work through everything and then decide we don’t like each other?”
Brooke sent her a sympathetic smile. “At least you’ll know you tried. I fell in love with Levi, then ran away. For three years I regretted what I’d done. If he hadn’t come to Sapphire Bay, we wouldn’t have met each other again.”
“Tell Noah how you feel about him,” Megan urged. “You’ve got nothing to lose.”
Megan was wrong. Everything Cassie and her dad had worked toward could go up in flames. Especially if Noah discovered what her life had been like after they’d moved to San Francisco.
Chapter 13
Nearly two hours later, Cassie stared through the windshield of the SUV Noah had rented. With sweaty palms and a heart that was beating out of control, she knew she had to tell Noah how she felt about him. But how did you start a conversation that could change your life forever?
Noah looked in the rearview mirror. “I’m surprised I recognized so many people at Sam and Caleb’s wedding.”
Her friends would have called her a scaredy cat, but it was a relief to talk about something that didn’t involve their hearts. “Between Pastor John’s church, the general store, and Sweet Treats, you’ll see most people who live here. Did you enjoy Brooke’s fudge?”
Noah smiled. “I did. It was a great idea putting it inside the table favors.”
“We did something similar for Megan’s wedding. Brooke wants to use raspberry marshmallow inside her table favors, but we’re not sure if it will be too sticky.”
“When is she getting married?”
“In March of next year. Thank you for coming back to Sapphire Bay. You probably had a million other things to do.”
“Nothing that couldn’t wait. Besides, I was looking forward to seeing you and catching up with Pastor John.” Noah turned into her driveway. “I’m beginning to feel more at home here, than in Manhattan.”
Cassie bit her bottom lip. If she was going to tell Noah how she felt about him, she wouldn’t get a better time. “Is that a good thing?”
“I hope so.”
She took a deep breath. “I hope so, too. I think I’m falling in love with you and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Noah’s foot slammed against the brake.
Cassie’s seatbelt dug into her chest and left her breathless.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine.” She unclipped the tight seatbelt and turned toward Noah. “I’m sorry I blurted out how I feel, but I didn’t know what else to do. You’re going home soon and—”
Noah released his seatbelt and lifted his hands to either side of her face. “I’m falling in love with you, too, Cassie Harper.”
As Noah’s lips met hers, all thoughts of what would happen next disappeared. She wanted to be part of his life, to find a way to make what was happening between them stronger and more real.
His lips teased and cajoled, taking her as high as the stars shining in the sky. In one crazy, heartfelt moment, she knew she’d remember this kiss for the rest of her life.
With trembling hands, she pulled Noah close, desperate to feel the heat of his body pressed against hers. His deep groan made her bolder, more willing to put her heart on the line and be part of his life.
Noah pulled away. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Before she could work out what he was doing, Noah jumped out of the SUV and rushed around the vehicle. Opening the door, he pulled her into his arms and pressed her between his body and the SUV.
With a contented sigh, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him until she was breathless.
She had no idea how long they stayed locked in each other’s arms, but there would never be enough time to show Noah how much he meant to her.
The sound of an engine cut through the still night air.
Cassie buried her head in Noah’s shoulder as the headlights of another vehicle found them. She had no idea what her guests in Acorn Cottage would think but, for the first time in her life, she didn’t care.
After they’d gone, she rubbed her nose along Noah’s jaw, grinning at his sharp, in-drawn breath. “I feel like I’m in high school,” she whispered.
Noah wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled. “It’s just as well we aren’t. Granddad would have grounded me for life if I’d kissed a girl like that.”
Cassie looked up. “Did you have a girlfriend in high school?”
“I didn’t date anyone until I was in my last year of college. I was too focused on passing my exams.”
For some reason, that made Cassie feel a whole lot better. She ran her hands along the front of Noah’s jacket. “I didn’t date anyone until I was nineteen. His name was Robert and he’d just graduated from the Otis College of Art and Design. I thought he was amazing.”
Noah’s eyebrows rose. “What happened to him?”
“He decided he liked accounting graduates better than art students.” Cassie returned Noah’s smile. “Breaking up with him was the best thing that ever happened to me. I created a new jewelry collection based around my broken heart.”
“Do you always look for the silver linings?”
She thought about Noah’s question, about the choices she’d made in her life. “I guess I do. Life is too short to focus on negative things.” She rested her head against Noah’s. “What do we do next?”
Noah gently stroked the side of her face. “I know what I’d like to do, but it isn’t a good idea.”
“Why?” She looked into Noah’s eyes. In their depths she saw the calm, focused, strength of a man who knew what he wanted. And right now, he wanted her.
“Not that long ago I signed a contract for my company to work with you. I need to keep my personal and professional life separate, at least for now.”
“I’m confused. How will we do that if we’re in a relationship?”
“With great difficulty.” Noah held her hands. “I can’t be your contact person at Wilson Enterprises, Cassie. I have a manager called Jacqueline. She has a lot of experience in the jewelry industry and will be able to help you more than I can.”
A heavy weight settled in her stomach. “Does that mean you won’t call me as often as you were?”
“It means when we call each other, I won’t be reminding you about deadlines and all the other things that go into producing a collection. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make what’s happening between us work. I love you.”
Cassie hugged him close. She didn’t know what the future held for them but, as long as they loved each other, it didn’t matter.
The following day, Noah stood on the edge of what would be the tiny home village. He was proud of the decision his company’s trust had made, but it was only the beginning of what needed to happen if the village were to be built.
When he’d met with Pastor John, they’d gone over the events the fundraising committee was planning. But even the country music festival wouldn’t give them the capital they’d need to complete the project.
The only thing that would provide a fully functioning village was corporate sponsorship. His company’s trust couldn’t invest more money in the project, but they could help Willow with the proposal she was putting together.
This morning, Willow was taking photos of the site. Wilson Enterprises’ marketing team would take those images and digitally add the architects’ vision
of the tiny homes. Prospective funders would see exactly what the village would look like and how their money would be spent.
“What do you think of this angle?” Willow asked.
He smiled as Cassie studied the images on the laptop. With her dark hair falling around her shoulders and a bright purple sweater wrapped around her waist, she could have been anyone enjoying a Sunday morning walk. But she wasn’t anyone. She was Cassie Harper—a talented jeweler and the woman he loved.
“It makes the property look huge. Using a drone was a great idea.” Cassie looked at Willow. “Are the images usually so clear?”
“I use a high definition lens in my camera. As long as the weather cooperates, the images are as good as anything you’ll find.” Willow moved the lever on the remote control panel a little to the right. “If Noah’s staff use the photos and video in the village’s marketing package, it will attract a lot of new sponsors.”
That’s what Noah was hoping, too. “Where did you find the drone?”
Willow’s quick smile made him think there was a whole lot more to her than what she’d told him. “I used it for a client who wanted photos of the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. I still use it, but usually when I’m away from people and their property.” She brought the drone closer and landed it at their feet. “That should be enough video for now. I’ll take a few more photos and then email everything to Wilson Enterprises. If there’s anything else you need, let me know.”
“I’ll do that.” Noah picked up the drone and slipped it into its case. “Do you want me to take this back to your truck?”
“That would be great.”
Cassie closed the laptop. “I’ll take this. We’ll wait for you by the picnic tables.”
Willow smiled and handed Cassie her keys. “I won’t be too long.”
Noah watched Willow stride toward one of the properties. She was a good example of the type of person he would least expect to be living here. Willow could have lived anywhere in the world but, for some reason, she’d chosen to live in a small town on the edge of Flathead Lake.
“What is it about Sapphire Bay that draws people to it?”
Cassie shrugged. “For some people it’s the scenery. For others, it’s the quiet, peaceful lifestyle. Then you’ve got people like me who are starting over and don’t want to live in a big city.”
He looked into her eyes. “Would you ever live in a big city again?” He held his breath while she considered his question.
“Maybe, but I’d have to find a way of balancing city life with what I have here.”
“There aren’t many places that could give you even half the things you’ve found in Sapphire Bay.”
“That’s why I’d have to think about it carefully.” Cassie slid the laptop into its case. “One day, I want to have children. But I can’t imagine raising them in a city like New York. It’s too noisy and polluted.”
“Living in a city gives you opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.”
“Probably, but life is what you make of it. Those opportunities will always be there, no matter where you live. What about you?” she asked. “Would you ever consider living anywhere apart from Manhattan?”
He knew Cassie would be disappointed with his answer, but it was the truth. “I need to be close to work.”
“What about when you have a family? Would you still stay in New York City?”
“If I had a choice, I wouldn’t want my children growing up in a big city. But sometimes, you don’t get a choice.”
“You always have a choice.” Cassie placed the strap of the laptop bag over her shoulder. “We’d better put Willow’s laptop and drone in her truck.”
He touched Cassie’s arm. “Once I’ve achieved what I need to do with Wilson Enterprises, we could live somewhere else.”
“You’re assuming I’ll move.”
Noah frowned. “I have to be there, Cassie.”
She looked into his eyes and sighed. “I know. It’s just…”
“What?” he asked softly.
“I’ve seen what big cities can do to people. It’s too easy to get lost in the crowds and lose sight of what’s important. I want my life to be more than that. I want to make a difference.”
“You could make a difference in New York City.”
Cassie’s eyes filled with regret. “I want to help people in Sapphire Bay.”
Noah let go of her arm. “Can’t you do both?”
“Maybe, but it won’t be easy.” Cassie looked across the yard. “We’d better take this equipment back to Willow’s truck. She’ll be finished soon.”
Noah hesitated. If he didn’t make some kind of compromise, Cassie would never move to Manhattan. “What if we could divide our time between New York and Montana for twelve months? After that, we can talk about moving back here or to another town.”
Cassie seemed shocked. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I love you.”
With a smile that melted his heart, she said, “I’ll have to find an apartment with a studio.”
Noah wrapped his arm around Cassie’s waist, hoping with all his heart that she’d want to stay with him. “I know somewhere that’s perfect. The only downside is that you’ll have to share with a roommate, and he isn’t the world’s greatest cook.”
Cassie grinned. “As long as he has a good sense of humor and likes spicy food, he’ll be perfect.”
“Did I tell you my favorite takeout is beef curry?”
“I never would have guessed.”
Cassie leaned forward and kissed him so tenderly that he didn’t want to let her go. He deepened the kiss, needing to show her how much she meant to him. How much he was looking forward to sharing his life with her. How much he didn’t want to leave.
Four days later, Noah was in his office, overseeing the marketing campaign for the tiny house village as well as running his company.
Jack sat opposite him, reading the proposal his team had put together. “It’s a big project. Do you think four homes will be built by April of next year?”
Noah knew Pastor John was working to a tight time frame. The total project included twenty-five new homes as well as remodeling the four existing houses. “As soon as the church has permission to build the village, the drains and other groundwork will start. Each house only takes six weeks to build, so it should be achievable.”
“What about the weather? When it starts snowing it won’t give them much time to complete the houses.”
That was one of the issues Noah had raised with Pastor John. “There’s an abandoned building on the edge of town. It used to be a steamboat museum, but no one has used it for at least fifteen years. Pastor John spoke with the owner and they’re happy for him to use it for the project. The tiny homes will be built inside the old museum and transported to the village.”
Noah pointed to the document Jack was holding. “Do you think other companies will be interested in sponsoring the project?”
“I can’t see why not. The photos alone will sell the village.”
That’s what Noah hoped Jack would say. He was impressed with the images Willow had supplied and what his company had been able to do. But the proposal contained more information than what the project would look like and cost. Cassie, Brooke, and Megan had interviewed some of the people who regularly stayed at The Welcome Center. Anyone with half a heart would see what a difference the tiny village would make in their lives.
Jack placed the proposal on the edge of Noah’s desk. “Granddad said you were working until after midnight last night. You’ll burn yourself out.”
“You’ve told me that before and I’m still here.”
“One day, you’ll listen to me. I know this project is a worthy cause, but why are you helping? You’ve got enough work to keep you busy without adding the village to your schedule.”
“I want to help.” Noah didn’t need to see the expression on his brother’s face to know Jack didn’t believe him.
“Is
it the project that’s keeping you interested or Cassie?”
Noah frowned. For the first time in his life he felt torn between two very different worlds. He missed spending time with Cassie. She had a way of filling the darkest spaces in his life and making the impossible seem as though it were only one step away.
Since he’d returned from Sapphire Bay, the days had been long and the evenings longer. Even though he’d spoken to Cassie, it wasn’t the same as seeing her. “I enjoy working on the tiny home project. Cassie is different.”
“How different?”
“I love her.”
Jack’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
“Surer than I’ve been about anything. She’s different from anyone I’ve ever met.”
“I hope so. Have you told Granddad?”
Noah shook his head. “I’ll tell him soon. I appreciate you looking after Cassie before we present her with the award.”
“That’s okay. I’m shocked no one has leaked her name to the media.”
“Keeping anything confidential is difficult. I just hope no one discovers that C.J. Davis and Cassie Harper are the same person. At least until after the presentation.”
Jack leaned forward. “What are you doing about her father?”
“The only thing I can do is make sure any negative publicity is squashed as soon as it appears.”
“Have you told Cassie about the board of directors?”
“I don’t need to. They’ve approved the rebrand of the company and no one seems eager to get rid of me.”
Jack snorted. “That’s because the last quarter’s financial results have been released. The shareholders received their biggest dividend payment yet. If the board removes you from the chief executive role, they’ll be fired.”
“I’m not taking anyone’s loyalty for granted.” Noah could have said a lot more, but it wasn’t worth it. Jack had his own problems and didn’t need to hear about Noah’s.
“That sounds like something Granddad would say.” Jack rose from the chair. “What time do we need to be at the Rockefeller Center?”
The Sweetest Thing: Sapphire Bay, Book 5 Page 15
