“Because they’re more concerned with my major in teaching. This class is for my minor.”
Cassie entered the interstate and accelerated the car. When Cori didn’t finish, she glanced toward the passenger seat. “What’s your minor?”
“Dancing. I want to be a dance instructor or maybe find a choreography job. I’ll still teach, just not with books.”
Cassie sighed. She couldn’t expect Cori not to follow her dreams when she had. In fact, majoring in marketing and minoring in music both served a purpose for her job. Cori would be no different.
“Fine. I’ll give you the money, but if Mom and Dad get pissed, leave me out of it. There’s two hundred dollars in my purse. Grab a hundred and keep the extra twenty for lunch.”
“Thank you, Cass. I won’t tell Mom or Dad about this, and I will pay you back.”
Shaking her head, Cassie concentrated on the cars weaving in and out of traffic. She would do anything for Cori as long as she did the right thing. “Finish the class. That’s all I ask. You’re an adult and can make your own decisions. I just want you to make the right ones. We only get one chance on certain things in life. Make good choices. Second chances are rare.”
Silence filled the car until Cassie reached her exit. As she merged onto the ramp, she caught Cori gawking her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was thinking about what you said. Do you have any regrets, anything you wish you could do differently if you had a second chance?”
The question repeated in Cassie’s mind as she pressed the brake and waited for the light to change. She didn’t have many regrets. Certain things left her curious. Theo was a prime example. Yeah, they’d flirted a little when they were younger, but how would he have reacted if she’d been as bold with him then as she was over the weekend?
God, she swore she could still feel the warmth of his lips…
“Come on, Cassie. Spill. You know I can keep a secret.”
The light changed before Cassie could answer. She pushed the gas and followed the row of cars ahead. Damn morning traffic. She was already late and she still needed to drop off Cori.
“Where exactly am I taking you? You never told me.”
“Remember the dance studio just a couple blocks from your office? I’m going there… Now will you answer me?”
“Did you ask me something?”
A gritty growl erupted from Cori’s direction, then she whined, “Cass…”
The sound pierced Cassie’s ears. It would only continue if she didn’t answer, yet she refused to reveal her thoughts about Theo. Guess she really didn’t need to. There were far more important things she would change if she could.
“All right. Yes. There is something I would do differently. I would tell Ally the truth about Jonah McCabe.”
“What do you mean?”
The traffic inched along slowly, leaving Cassie with no escape from the conversation. At least the spotlight was off her and on her best friend.
“Ally made a move on Jonah before she left for college. He rebuffed her. It broke her heart and she left thinking he didn’t want to be with her.”
“Was she blind?” Cori chuckled. “I was fifteen and saw it clearly.”
“Friendship boundaries between men and women are often gray. It didn’t help that both were shy and afraid to admit the truth. By the time Jonah manned up, Paula Jacobs interfered.”
Cassie switched lanes and bypassed the construction crew causing the traffic delay. It wasn’t easy reliving the past. She still blamed herself for not taking a stand against Paula. But like Jonah, she was naive and afraid that Ally’s mom would follow through on her threats.
“Paula warned Jonah not to tell Ally how he felt. If he did, she would lie and tell Ally that Jonah and I messed around. Even though they never dated, Paula knew they had feelings for each other.”
“What a bitch. I mean, I understand her not wanting Ally with Jonah, but she didn’t have to drag you into it.”
“Ally and Jonah were perfect together,” Cassie shouted. She pulled into an empty parking space near the studio and shifted the car into park. “How can you say you understand Paula not wanting them together?”
“Don’t be so defensive,” Cori snapped. “I understand why girls were attracted to the McCabes. They were hot as fuck, but they got a reputation for a reason. They were trouble. You and Ally are better off.”
“Me and Ally? What the hell are you talking about?”
“The four of you were close, but you got in trouble hanging out with them. I remember you being grounded. A lot.” The passenger door opened as Cori exited. She closed it behind her then rested her arms on the window once Cassie lowered it. “All I’m saying is Paula did her daughter a favor. It just sucks that she used you to do it.”
“You’re wrong about the McCabes. Jonah was a good guy and Paula realized that after it was too late. Luckily, the McCabe boys are in town on business.”
Cori’s brows knitted. “So?”
“Ally and I ran into them at Midnight Blues on Friday. Theo and I have spoken and we’re forming a plan to make sure Ally and Jonah get their second chance.”
“Ha,” Cori broke into fake laughter. “Good luck with that. By the way, thanks for the money and the ride. ” She smirked at Cassie before racing off to the studio.
There was no point in saying anything else. Cori was right. Cassie would need luck. Ally wouldn’t agree to meet up with Jonah and Theo without a lot of persuasion. It would take a few days to work out the details. Doing as much meant texting Theo, but the more Cassie talked to him, the more he overtook her thoughts.
If it were any other guy, she wouldn’t complain about the attraction. This time she had something to prove—that the hair comb she purchased at the antique store didn’t live up to its legend. If it did, she hoped her true half hadn’t come into her life, because the men she was currently drawn to weren’t suitable life partners, if such a thing existed. Mike was too jealous, and Theo…
He was trouble with a capital T.
* * *
The muggy morning air disappeared behind the glass door as it closed behind Cassie. Her heels clicked against the floor, each swift step bringing her closer to the receptionist’s desk. The large, oval clock above forced her to accept the facts. She was late. Twenty minutes late. She’d spend the rest of the day playing catch-up.
“You’re late.”
Cassie peered at Nora, who leaned her elbow against the desk and rested her chin in her hand. Her brows rose higher, then she winked.
“God, I know I am. This is not the best way to start off the week.”
Nora nodded. “Bet you haven’t had coffee yet either.” When Cassie shook her head, Nora clenched her teeth and sucked in a breath. “Well, we can’t have your day go straight to hell. Guess it’s a good thing Monroe’s knows our orders well.
A smile grew on Cassie’s lips when Nora lifted a to-go cup from the corner of the desk. The logo for Monroe’s Coffee, Cakes, & Croissants was plastered on the side in its usual spot. Her mouth watered at the thought of what was inside the cup—a Bavarian white mocha latte.
“Is that what I think it is?”
When Nora nodded, Cassie clapped her hands together then reached for the cup. The minute her fingers wrapped around it, she brought it to her lips and sipped.
“Your first appointment is already in your office,” Nora replied. She wiggled her brows and grinned. “You lucked out. Even the manager is hot.”
“God, Nora. Thanks a lot.” Cassie covered her eyes and squeezed her temples with her fingertips. “Now when I meet him, I’m going to think about your goofy response and laugh in his face.”
“You’re welcome.”
Cassie lowered her hand and continued past the front desk. She could still hear Nora giggling as she made her way down the corridor toward her office. She wasn’t looking forward to this meeting, not without a sufficient supply of caffeine flowing through her body. The mere thought made her
take another drink of her latte.
Although she and the manager had a pleasant conversation last week, the twenty-minute wait he’d encountered would irritate a patient person. She knew little about him or the band he represented, which meant she could open the door to an ass chewing.
This wasn’t the way she wanted to begin a new working relationship.
Once she grabbed the door handle and opened it, she put on a smile and prepared for the worst. A man stood at the corner of her desk, facing one of the leather chairs. He was partially sitting with his arms crossed, but lowered them and stood when he saw her.
“Good morning.” She kept her voice chipper. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting so long. I would have left earlier had I known I’d run into road construction.”
“No need to apologize, Miss Clarke. A couple of my guys are running late too.” I hope it’s okay if we start without them. They won’t be much longer.”
“Of course.”
He approached her and stuck out his hand. “Josh Decker at your service. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Likewise.” She didn’t say anything else as they shook hands. Nora’s comment came to mind and she fought not to burst into laughter, but only because Nora was right. Josh was hot.
“I should probably introduce you to a couple of the guys from Southern Scandal,” he said as he turned toward the chair.
Cassie repeated the band’s name in her mind. It sounded familiar, but not because he’d already told her. She’d heard it over the weekend. Was it one of the—?
The thought had little time to form once all the pieces came together. Realization jolted her as one of the band members stood. She stared in disbelief at the bright blue eyes aimed in her direction.
“No need for an introduction, Josh. I know Miss Clarke,” Theo said as he gazed down her body. “I know her well.”
Her mouth gaped. She stammered for an answer, but another familiar face came into view. Jesse Woods.
“Damn woman, you get more gorgeous every time I see you.” He caught glares from both Josh and Theo then raised his hands defensively. “It’s cool, Josh. We went to school with Cassie. In fact, she and Theo used to get into trouble together. You better watch these two.”
Josh shook his head when Jesse roared with laughter. It wasn’t until Theo punched his friend in the arm that their manager refaced her and grimaced. “So, I guess there’s no need to warn you about their bad behavior.”
Both Theo and Jess frowned at him, but Cassie snickered. “No need at all. I’m well versed on these two.”
She exchanged glances with her old classmates, but Theo gained her undivided attention, at least until Josh handed her a file. “These are the papers you faxed to my office. If you point us in the right direction, we’ll grab what we need and begin our first session.”
“Sure thing. I have you scheduled for Studio C. Just take a right and follow the corridor to the end. It’s the last door on the left. I’ll be in to check on you soon.”
“Thank you.” Josh smiled then motioned to Theo and Jesse. “Theo, call Allen and Jeff and get their ETA. Jesse, you come with me.”
Cassie walked to her desk and laid the file across it. She took another sip from her cup then set it down and turned around. She didn’t make it far before she collided with Theo.
“Oops,” he chuckled and grabbed her arms before she lost her balance. “Sorry. I thought you were going to sit in your chair.”
“It’s okay.” She gazed at his chest and swallowed hard. “I uh…”
His head dipped towards hers. For a moment, she thought he might kiss her, but he didn’t. What a disappointment.
“Surprised to see me?”
She nodded. “How come you didn’t mention you’d be here today when I told you I work here?”
“I wanted to surprise you.” His eyes lowered to her lips then back. “I think I succeeded.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“Then I guess we’re even. God knows you shocked the hell out of me before you left the club the other night.”
Fire flooded Cassie’s body. Did he really just bring up the kiss? She didn’t understand why she’d kissed him, even spent the rest of the weekend trying to make sense of it. If this was his attempt to get a logical explanation, he was shit out of luck.
The only thing that could explain her behavior was anything but logical. The comb. The legend. There was no way she would tell him about either. How could she when she didn’t believe it herself?
Theo McCabe could not be her true half. It wasn’t like that between them, nor was it ever. She had to get her shit together and focus on the objective…Jonah and Ally. The thoughts of Theo had to stop. There was only one sure way to do that. Fire back with her own taunts.
“I’m sorry I shocked you so much. It was just a friendly kiss. What’s the matter, Theo? Have you forgotten what it’s like to have a girl as a friend?”
He pursed his lips like he would call her out on the truth, but he didn’t. “We’re more than friends, sugar. We’re partners in crime, or at least we will be if this plan for Jonah and Ally backfires.” He surveyed her office with a smug look on his face. “Since we’ll be working together, we’ll have plenty of time to hash out the details and make sure that doesn’t happen.”
God, he was so full of himself. It was time for a reality check. “I’m sure a couple of opportunities might pop up, but you’re here to make an album, and you’re not my only client, Mr. McCabe.”
“I know.” His attention shifted back to her. “But I want to be.”
He leaned in closer. She raised her hand toward his chest to prevent him from overtaking her space. Instead, it landed at the peak of his abs. She felt the well-defined muscles beneath his shirt as images played through her mind.
Those same images gave her one hell of an orgasm a few days prior when she and Mike were together. Thinking of Theo made her come hard, but what would reality be like? Would he live up to the fantasy?
None of it mattered anyway. Theo eased away and placed enough space between them that the heat of his body disappeared from her hand. “Guess I should let you get to work. I need to text Allen, then find Josh and Jesse.”
“Okay.” A wave of relief filled her, yet something inside was screaming for her to keep him there—the part of her consumed by curiosity.
Yeah right. Like curiosity was the only thing consuming her. Regardless of whether he lived up to her fantasy, Theo was in her head. He’d used his crooked smile, witty responses, and southern charm to get under her skin. All that was left was for him to finish the job and devour her body.
Instead, he left her hanging as he strode toward the door. He was a step away from exiting her office when he gripped the doorframe and peered back. “If you’re not too busy with your other clients, maybe we can get together tomorrow and grab a coffee. I’d like to work out some details for this weekend.”
“I’ll be in the office until noon. I may have an hour free after I leave. My boss returns tomorrow and I have to pick him up from the airport. Think you’ll be free around twelve-thirty?”
“I’ll make sure of it.” He said nothing else. His lips spread wider then he made his way into the hall and disappeared.
Cassie released her breath. She stood beside her desk, gripping the edge as she stared in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening. She could not spend the next few weeks working with Theo and his band. Work was supposed to provide a distraction from him, not get her more involved.
She was more than involved. She was knee deep in a conspiracy to bring Jonah and Ally together.
After all these years, Theo was still able to talk her into doing things she knew she shouldn’t. Yet if they had any more conversations like the one that just ended, she worried he’d do more than talk her into something. He’d talk her out of something.
Her common sense. Her resolve. Her panties.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The low hum of voices f
iltered from all directions as Theo stood near the coffee shop counter waiting for his order. He peeked at the clock again but only a minute had passed since the last time he checked. Cassie was running behind, thanks to him.
The music wasn’t flowing today or maybe he wasn’t feeling it. It didn’t really matter which. What mattered was the fact that he wasted the session struggling to sing. It was bad enough that Josh had to schedule a few other sessions with Cassie.
In the end, it would give him more time with her, but it did nothing to help his career. As much as he wanted her, he would leave Savannah at some point. He couldn’t allow his pursuit of her to get in the way of his music. His shot at fame lingered within his reach. Now wasn’t the time to let it slip away.
Damn, she made things hard.
So what if they slept together. It’s not like they’d make a real relationship out of it. They’d be submitting to their primal instinct, nothing more. She’d go back to her life in Savannah and he’d leave to fulfill his dreams.
“Are you going to take it or stare at it?” Jonah’s gruff voice jarred him from his thoughts. He opened his mouth to shout a few obscenities until he noticed the barista holding his to-go cup.
As awkward as he felt, he wouldn’t let his brother embarrass him. Theo could dish twice as much sarcasm without blinking. Whatever had Jonah’s tighty whities in a wad wasn’t going to ruin his day.
“Who said I was looking at the cup?” He winked at the young woman behind the counter and retrieved his drink. Her cheeks turned a rosy shade before she focused on her next customer. Theo couldn’t help but chuckle, especially when Jonah rolled his eyes.
They made their way to a nearby table and sat opposite of each other. Getting Jonah to sit anywhere for more than five minutes would be a challenge, but one Theo was willing to face. He had to talk to Jonah before the weekend began. If the rest of the week were anything like today, this may be his only chance.
“So, have you heard from Ally since Friday?”
“No,” Jonah kept busy with his phone, not bothering to spare him one glance. “I gave her my card, but she hasn’t used it.”