“Seven o’clock, but bring Granddad to my apartment at six. That way, you and Granddad can spend some time with Cassie before you leave.”
“Sounds good.” Jack looked uncertainly at Noah before picking up his briefcase. “Cassie is probably a good person, but be careful. If your relationship with her ends, you’ve got more to lose than most people.”
Noah didn’t need to be reminded about the contract Cassie had signed. She didn’t know it yet, but she was the new face of his company. If she left, the rebranding of his company would be a disaster and he would be lucky to keep his job.
“I know what I’m doing.”
Jack’s eyebrows rose. “You said the same thing before you asked Tasha to marry you.”
And they both knew how that had ended.
Cassie lifted her suitcase off the carousel at LaGuardia Airport. The presentation of the award from Wilson Enterprises was tonight and, for the last week, she’d worked hard, completing as many jewelry orders as she could.
Four hours into her flight, she’d realized how difficult it would be for anyone to divide their time between Manhattan and Sapphire Bay. It wasn’t only the physical distance that would be an issue. Traveling for seven hours in each direction would take a toll on anyone’s life.
A woman with two children clinging to her skirt reached for a large bag. Cassie pushed her own suitcase to one side. “I’ll get that for you.”
The woman sent her a relieved smile. “Thanks. It’s not easy traveling with my children.”
Cassie looked at the little boy and girl. She smiled when the little boy hid behind his mom’s legs. He was the same height as his sister and had the same curly red hair and bright blue eyes. They couldn’t have been more than five years old and they were definitely twins.
“Your children are adorable. Do you have any more luggage?”
“There should be another three bags coming through.” The woman lifted the suitcase onto an airport cart. “I can get them. I don’t want to hold you up.”
“It’s okay. My boyfriend won’t be here for another half hour.”
“You don’t know how much I appreciate your help. I’m Emma and this is Dylan and Molly.”
Cassie smiled at the two children and shook their mom’s hand. She was sure she’d seen Emma before, but she didn’t know where it would have been. “It’s nice to meet you. Are the other suitcases the same size and color as this one?”
“They are. Look for the red bows on the handles.”
Between the two of them, they wrestled the bags off the carousel and loaded them onto the cart. It turned out Emma lived in Sapphire Bay. She’d moved there last year. Like Cassie, she’d started her own business, creating websites for clients and managing their social media accounts. Emma had come to New York to spend time with her parents.
As they walked into the arrivals area, Cassie held Molly and Dylan’s hands. Their tiny fingers curled around hers, trusting that she wouldn’t lead them astray.
When Cassie saw Noah standing beside a metal rail, she smiled. Confidence, intelligence, and kindness surrounded him like an invisible cloak, and made her wish they didn’t live so far apart.
He met her halfway across the walkway and hugged her tight. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” She felt a gentle tug on the leg of her pants and smiled. “Noah, this is Molly and Dylan, and their mom, Emma. We met by the luggage carousel.”
Emma shook Noah’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I don’t know what I would have done without Cassie’s help.”
Noah looked at the suitcases. “You’ve got a few suitcases. Cassie and I are heading into Manhattan. Would you like a ride?”
Emma shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, but my dad will be here soon to collect us.”
Cassie knelt on the floor beside Molly and Dylan. “It was lovely meeting you both, but I have to go now.”
“Are you staying with your granddad, too?” Molly asked.
“No. I’m going to a party with Noah.”
Emma must have seen the way her daughter’s face lit up. “No, we can’t go to Cassie and Noah’s party. But we will visit Cassie when we’re home.”
“Okay. Bye, Cassie. See you soon.”
Cassie had no idea whether a five-year-old had any concept of time, but it didn’t matter. Molly’s sweet smile reminded her of all the good things there were in the world. “See you soon, Molly.”
While she said goodbye to Dylan and Emma, Noah took her suitcase off the cart. Before too long they were heading toward the parking lot, moving around people who had even more luggage than Emma.
“I thought I knew most of the people in Sapphire Bay,” Cassie murmured. “I can’t believe I haven’t met Emma and her children before now.”
“You’ve been busy in your store and she’s probably been busy looking after her children. That doesn’t leave either of you with a lot of free time.”
“That’s true. It sounds as though her business is doing really well.” A man rushed toward her with a bag clutched to his chest. Cassie stepped out of his way, hoping he hadn’t missed his final boarding call.
Pulling her gaze away from the stranger, she focused on Noah. “Is everything organized for tonight’s presentation?”
He held her hand. “It is. Are you ready to accept the award?”
Cassie grimaced. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Megan and Brooke listened to my speech last night and enjoyed it. I just hope everyone else does.”
“I’m sure they will.”
Noah’s reassuring smile calmed some of the butterflies in her stomach. Accepting the award was a big step. Bigger than anyone except her dad realized.
Over the last few years she’d gone from being homeless to owning her own jewelry store. At times, the journey to where she was today had been incredibly difficult. But through all the sleepless nights, the bank loan that still gave her nightmares, and the times she’d almost given up, she’d made it.
Noah pointed to the next row of vehicles. “My SUV is over there.”
Cassie looked around them. Walking through the parking lot was like being in a different world. The distant sound of engines and honking horns reminded her of a giant intergalactic spaceship. All they needed was a platoon of little green men marching down the ramps and the scene would be set for a fantastic movie.
“Why do I get the impression you like parking buildings?”
“I used to be terrified of them. When I was little, I got lost in one in Los Angeles. Dad helped me get over my fear by telling me parking buildings are really landing pads for alien spaceships.”
Noah smiled. “That’s an unusual way to make you feel better.”
“I was fascinated by UFOs and anything to do with the solar system. For a while, I wanted to be an astronaut.”
“You would have made a great astronaut but, for my company’s sake, I’m glad you became a jeweler.” Noah pointed his keys at a black SUV. The red tail lights flashed and a high-pitched beep echoed against the concrete walls. “This isn’t a spacecraft, but it will take us to my apartment. We should be there in about half an hour.”
She stood back while Noah lifted her suitcase into the SUV. “Can you walk from your apartment to where you work?”
“If I want to, but it’s easier to take the elevator.”
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “It’s in the same building as your office?”
Noah nodded. “My brother thinks I’m mad, but my commute time is fantastic.” He closed the back door and hugged her tight. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She relaxed against his body, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her shoulders. “So am I.”
And after tonight’s presentation was over, she’d be even happier.
Chapter 14
Noah glanced at his watch, then strode into the master bedroom. His grandfather and brother would be here in twenty minutes. If he didn’t get a move on, he’d still be hunting for his cufflinks when they ar
rived.
Cassie was getting ready in the spare bedroom. It was a big night for everyone, but especially for her. Over the last fortnight, his secretary and PR team had spent a lot of time replying to emails and calls about the award. With some of the top names in the jewelry industry making the final round of judging, most people had taken C.J. Davis out of the running. No one in their right mind thought an unknown jeweler from Montana would win the award.
But they couldn’t have been more wrong. Cassie’s jewelry had scored higher than the other finalists on creativity, execution, and design. Her necklace and earring set had captivated the judges, and Cassie had captivated him.
He opened his bedside drawer. The silver cufflinks had been a college graduation gift from his grandparents. If they weren’t here, he didn’t know where they could have gone. When he saw their small black box underneath some papers, he breathed a sigh of relief.
As he pushed the first cufflink through a buttonhole, he looked at the sheet of paper his secretary had given him. A contingent of high-profile reporters, bloggers, and social media influencers would be at the Rockefeller Center, wanting to interview anyone directly involved in the award. It was his job to know who they were and where they would be seated.
Once the second cufflink was in place, he pulled on his dinner jacket and stepped into the living room. Cassie stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the Manhattan skyline. Her floor-length, red velvet dress clung to every curve of her body. His heart pounded and everything inside of him stilled.
He didn’t believe in fairy tales or happily ever after, but he did believe in Cassie. She was the most important person in his life. He loved her and would do everything he could to protect her.
He cleared his throat, letting her know he was in the room. “You look beautiful.”
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “You’re very handsome, too.”
He caught his breath. Cassie didn’t wear a lot of makeup but, tonight, she’d highlighted her eyes, making them appear so blue that they almost glowed. “How are you feeling?”
Her smile dimmed. “I don’t know whether I’m more nervous about meeting your family or about the presentation.”
Noah walked across the room and held her hands. “It will be okay. I guarantee Granddad and Jack will like you. And the award ceremony will be a breeze. If you can organize a charity auction, you can accept a trophy from me.”
Genuine fear darkened Cassie’s eyes. “What if I forget my speech or trip over my feet?”
He squeezed her hands. “Just be yourself. That’s all anyone expects from you.”
“It’s not that simple.”
Noah knew what she meant. From the moment the judging panel had chosen her as the winner, nothing had been simple. And if he were completely honest, it never would be again.
The doorbell rang. “That will be Granddad and Jack. Are you ready to meet them?”
Despite her nerves, Cassie nodded. “Is your brother like you?”
Wrapping his hand around her elbow, Noah led her across to the front door. “Not really. He’s more handsome and less grumpy.”
She bit her bottom lip. “You’re saying that to make me feel better.”
Noah grinned. “Is it working?”
She sent him a grateful smile. “Yes. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He gently kissed her. “I’m sorry I can’t spend more time with you before the presentation, but we don’t want anyone to know who won the award until it’s presented. When you arrive at the Rockefeller Center, Granddad will look after you. Afterward, I’ll be right beside you.”
Cassie’s hand tightened on his arm. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “You’re special, Cassie. Even if I hadn’t fallen in love with you, my company would still be presenting you with the award. None of this would be possible without your creativity and determination. You design incredible pieces of jewelry and Wilson Enterprises is proud to be associated with you.”
Cassie took a deep, shaky breath. “We’re a great team.”
“We are.” When he opened the door, Noah stared into his grandfather’s deep brown eyes. All he could do now was pray that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
Even before she walked into the Rainbow Room, Cassie was overwhelmed with all the glitz and glamour of the Rockefeller Center. Talk about the country bumpkin coming to the city. Everything about New York was beyond anything she’d expected. And the Rainbow Room was no exception.
A huge chandelier, dripping with crystals, hung above the dance floor. The design on the parquet floor reminded her of a compass or an enormous star. Vases of red orchids decorated every table, and linen, as fine as anything she’d ever seen, covered each of the round tables.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Manhattan spread around them like a sprawling sea of buildings. She’d never felt intimidated by anything, but the opulent setting was almost too much.
Patrick, Noah’s grandfather, touched her arm. “Are you okay?”
“I feel like I’ve stepped into a royal palace.” Even when she’d lived in Los Angeles, her parents deliberately chose to lead a simple life. Extravagant parties in exotic locations weren’t part of their lives, even for special occasions.
She looked across the room. Noah, on the other hand, didn’t look out of place in the shimmering ballroom. He smiled and chatted with the guests, clearly comfortable in the role of chief executive.
“Don’t worry about all this,” Patrick said as he waved his hand around the ballroom. “It’s all window dressing. Take away the fancy lights and flowers, and you’re left with a big room on the top of a tall building.”
Cassie smiled. “You’ve got to admit that it’s an impressive building.”
“Bricks and mortar,” Patrick whispered. “But don’t tell the owners of the Rockefeller Center I said that. Let’s find the finalists’ table, then chat with a few people I know.”
Cassie was glad Patrick and Jack were with her. In a lot of ways, Noah’s granddad reminded her of her grandfather. They shared the same brisk, no nonsense bravado that hid a heart of gold, and the same sense of humor that disarmed the prickliest situation.
“I’ve seen the seating plan,” Jack said. “Our table is to the right of the dance floor. Follow me.”
As they walked across the room, Cassie admired the other women’s gowns. Everyone was dressed from head to toe in silk, satin, tulle, or lace. She was so glad she’d spoken to Willow.
Thanks to her career in Nashville, Willow had a closet full of beautiful gowns. They’d gone through each option, discarding anything that was too blingy or revealing. At the end of their marathon effort, they’d both decided the red velvet gown, with its off-the-shoulder neckline, was perfect.
“Here we are.” Jack pulled her chair away from the table.
She smiled at the other guests who were already seated. When Patrick introduced her to Diana Fraser, Cassie’s eyes widened. Diana was a celebrity jewelry designer, creating exclusive collections for her Rodeo Drive showroom and private commissions for clients. She’d built her brand as a powerful symbol of celebrity and Cassie could only be in awe of such an accomplishment.
It was just as well Noah’s brother and grandfather were with her. It would be embarrassing to have a fan girl moment, especially when Diana was telling everyone about her inspiration for the stunning diamond pendant she was wearing.
While Jack and Patrick chatted with the people either side of them, Cassie looked across the dance floor. Noah walked between the tables, greeting each of the guests.
This was a side of him she’d never seen. She could see why Noah didn’t want to leave Manhattan. His apartment was luxurious, he had a successful business, his staff was exceptional, and his brother and grandfather lived in the same city.
Noah thrived on everything she had turned away from. Being part of the hustle and bustle of the ci
ty gave him energy and focus. For Cassie, it drained the joy from her life.
“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Jack asked.
She shook her head and smiled. “No, thanks. I’d prefer water.”
“Wise choice.”
As Jack filled her glass with mineral water, Cassie looked back at Noah. He was talking to a famous actor she’d seen on TV last week. “Is that Paul Jonas?”
Jack followed the direction of her gaze. “It is. The woman beside him is—”
“His wife, Gabriella Manderas,” Cassie whispered. “Last year, she won an Oscar for one of my all-time favorite movies.”
“You should ask Noah to introduce you.”
“I couldn’t. They’re here to enjoy themselves, not talk to a stranger.”
Jack raised his eyebrows. “After tonight, you won’t be a stranger to anyone. If Noah has his way, you’ll be as much of a celebrity as anyone in this room.”
That was the last thing Cassie wanted, and Noah knew it. “No one will recognize me from the photo beside my jewelry.” She studied Jack’s face, not liking what she saw. “Do you know something I don’t?”
“I must have misunderstood what Noah said,” he muttered.
“What did he say?”
Jack looked across at his brother and frowned. “It doesn’t matter. Have you been to the Rockefeller Center before?”
Cassie shook her head. Whatever Jack heard must be important. She hadn’t spoken to a lawyer before she signed the contract with Wilson Enterprises because she didn’t think it was necessary. She’d read most of the clauses, and they seemed okay. Noah knew what she was prepared to do and what she wasn’t.
But from the look on Jack’s face, she might have trusted his brother a little too much. “What’s in the contract that I might not like?”
“Probably nothing.”
“But you said—”
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Noah’s voice filled the room. He stood on a platform, holding a microphone. “Would you please be seated as we celebrate the work of the Wilson Award finalists.”
The Sweetest Thing: Sapphire Bay, Book 5 Page 16
