Love With A Stranger (30 page)

Peter grasped the yearning in her for a child and a growing fondness and respect for him, so he presumed his clever ruse to win her over was working perfectly. “It isn’t too late; any unattached man would be lucky to get you. He…”

“Why did you stop and frown? I was enjoying the compliments.”

“I just realized I probably sound selfish and devious to you considering that ridiculous stipulation in Dad’s will. No matter what I told you two weeks ago about why I thought he added it, Cass, I don’t know why he did and it was wrong of him to do so.” He scowled again. “In fact, it makes me angry and disappointed. He had no reason to try to control your life after he was gone; I bet he did it out of jealousy and selfishness. He just couldn’t stand the thought of you falling in love and marrying again, so he wanted to make it hard for you to do so. Don’t worry, he won’t get away with his little ploy. There’s nothing in the will that says we can’t right his wrong, create our own little loophole to foil him.”

“What are you talking about, Peter?”

“Well, since the money reverts to me if you marry, there’s nothing to stop me from giving you a large wedding gift from it, is there?” He saw her chocolate gaze widen in astonishment, then narrow in curiosity and suspicion. “Of course, I couldn’t come up with fifteen million plus in cash, but I could get my
hands on three to five million; that’s better than losing it all if you decide to marry again within five to ten years, right?”

Be wary of him and this line of talk, Cass.
“You don’t have to do that, Peter, but it’s kind of you to make the offer. I didn’t marry Tom for his wealth, and I won’t allow the inheritance to control any future decisions I make. If I should marry again, the Grantham money rightfully belongs to you.”

“But you deserve something from his estate, Cass, and I would insist on making a generous settlement with you. Don’t say another word of protest; the matter is closed, but I will honor my word. Now, let me take a quick peek at your redecorating magic before I head home. It’s been a long day and I need a good night’s sleep.”

As Cass prepared herself for bed, she recalled Peter’s smile and praise about the decorating changes in the master bedroom. He had kissed her on the cheek before leaving the house, gazed into her eyes for a minute, smiled, and walked away with jaunty steps.

Peter Grantham, the instant I think I can’t trust you, you do something to prove I can. The instant I’m sure I can, you give me the impression I should watch you like a hawk. Why are you confusing me this way? What was the real motive behind your revelation about Jason? If you thought we were getting sweet on each other, why wouldn’t that please you since it would profit you greatly if I married again?

And you, Jason Burkman, why didn’t you tell me you know Peter and detest him? Are you up to spiteful mischief as Peter speculated? Is that why you’ve been trying to create doubts about him, to turn me against him? Is that why you were so interested in my inheritance? Do you hope to get revenge by snagging me and swiping a huge chunk of Grantham money from Peter? Is that your intent to punish him for stealing your wife?

You had to know Peter would tell me eventually, so why wouldn’t you want me to hear your side first? Were you hoping to so enchant me before I made that discovery so I would believe you and not reject you?

Until my head clears and I decide if you’re trustworthy, I can’t see you again. Oh, Jason, why did you have to make yourself a stranger to me after I fell in love with you?

Jason was phoning her tomorrow, possibly stopping by while en route to his Thursday afternoon golf game. Before either one occurred, Cass had to decide how she was going to respond.

While Mary was working upstairs and Cass was in the laundry room washing the bed linens on Thursday after lunch, Cass heard the rear doorbell ring. She hurried to the kitchen window, peered outside, and saw Jason’s blue BMW parked in the driveway behind her housekeeper’s old Ford. She walked through the mudroom, donning a pair of sunglasses which were laying on a shelf there. Opening the door, she told him, “Mary’s here cleaning today, so let’s walk by the pool to chat.”

As he stepped aside and she moved past him, Jason realized she hadn’t smiled or given him a warm or even polite greeting. He wondered what had happened now, aware that Peter had returned last night. He followed her until she halted near the cabana, wishing he could see her eyes, could read the clues revealed in those brown depths.

“I was going to call you tonight after you returned home,” she informed him “but it’s good that you dropped by so I wouldn’t have to do this over the phone.”

The serious note in her quavering voice and hints in her
words filled him with dread. “Do what, Cass? Is something wrong?”

“Yes and no. I can’t see you for a while, Jason, not until I get my head clear. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression of me or if I led you on. I don’t know what came over me and let me behave like that. It’s just too soon for me to get involved in a romantic relationship. I’m very fond of you and I enjoy your company, but it’s wrong for me at this time.”

“But I promised I wouldn’t put any pressure on you, Cass. We agreed to take it slow and easy, to work on strengthening our frienship first. I thought that was what we were doing.”

“I know, but things have a way of getting out of hand when we’re alone. You’re a very desirable man, Jason, and I am attracted to you. That’s the problem: I can’t handle those feelings and actions so soon after…”

Cass looked down and took a deep breath. “Either you have to give me time to deal with my emotions or we have to end whatever is between us here and now.” She did not want to question him about Peter because she could not bear it if he lied to her at this point.

“Is it anything I said or did to you? Have I overstepped your bounds?”

Cass was grateful for the way he worded his queries because it enabled her to look him in the eye and answer truthfully, “No, Jason, it isn’t. I just need time and distance to sort out some things. Don’t you remember how you felt after Joan died? And when you started seeing someone again?”

He nodded, but asked in a strained voice, “But you will see me again later, won’t you? Please.”

Cass smiled. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks; I promise.”

“I think you already know how I feel about you, so I won’t say anything to make this harder on you. I’m going to miss you. Can I call ever so often to see how you’re doing? I
am
your doctor and friend.”

“No, Jason, please don’t. That would only confuse me even
more. What happened between us came too fast. Right now, I should be getting myself and my life back together, but the situation between us is making me nervous and depressed again. By seeing you, I feel as if I’m doing something wrong. I know,” she said to halt his protest, “I didn’t say it
was
wrong, but I can’t help how I feel, how I was reared by my parents and the Church. I have to make certain I’m over Tom before I get involved with you. I don’t want to reach out to you because I’m lonely and vulnerable.”
Or to spite Tom for his betrayal and that stupid clause!

“I understand, Cass, and I’m sorry if I rushed you into anything that’s causing you anguish. I’ll do as you say, but it will be hard on me. I don’t want to risk losing you, woman. I’m sorry,” he said when she winced. “I’ll leave, but call me when you’re ready to talk or see me again. I’ll abide by any rules you set for us; I swear.”

“I will, Jason. Thank you, because I really need your cooperation, patience, and understanding.”

“You’ll have them, Cass, just don’t forget about me.”

“I won’t.”
As if I could!

There was so much Jason wanted to say to her, but it was risky to do so. “See you later,” he murmured, unable to say the unsettling
good-bye.

“See you later, Jason,” she responded for the same reason.

As he was walk-ing away, he halted and turned. “Will you be keeping your appointment with me next Monday?”

“I’ll be there, Doc, so don’t worry.”

His anxiety calmed a little with the smile she gave him. “You will take good care of yourself?”

“I promise. You, too.”

“If you need anything, anything, Cass, please call me.”

“I will.”

“See you soon,” he said and smiled.

“See you soon.” She watched him vanish from sight around the corner of her house.
I hope and pray I know what I’m
doing, because I might have just pushed away the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Bradley Stillman came to her door on Friday afternoon. She had expected to find “Mutt & Jeff” standing there, but her ex-husband was just as bad.

“Hello, Cassie. I had to—”

She glowered at him as she interrupted, “What are you doing here? How did you find me? What do you want?”

“I read about your husband’s accident in the Augusta newspaper. I’ve been wanting to call you or come see you to make sure you’re all right. I figured it was best to wait a while for you to calm down.”

She almost spat out her frigid reply between clenched teeth, “I’m doing fine, or I was until you arrived. You aren’t welcome here, and I don’t want or need your condolences. Leave and don’t return.”

He grasped the edge of the door to prevent her from closing it. “Wait, Cassie love! Please, let me come in and talk. I’ll behave myself, honest.”

The use of that past endearment sent fury racing through her. How had she ever loved and slept with this despicable creature? “We said everything we ever need to say to each other years ago.”

“Give me a chance to make it up to you, Cassie. I’m sorry I hurt you. I made a terrible mistake. I—”

She glared at the dark-haired man with light-blue eyes. “You made
plenty
of terrible mistakes. I don’t want to see you, Brad, not now or ever.”

“I still love you, Cassie; I’ve never stopped loving you. I’ve tried to get over you, but I can’t. I need you, Cassie. I—”

“You loved me so much you screwed other women in our bed? You risked bringing home horrible diseases to me so you
could have some fun? You’re a sorry excuse for a man and an ever sorrier excuse for a husband.”

“Please, Cassie, give me a second chance. I swear I’ll cha—”

She felt anger spread throughout her entire body. “Second chance, Brad? I gave you a second chance and all you did with it was betray me again. I’ve tried to make it crystal clear to you numerous times: I detest you; I have no respect for you; it’s over!”

“At least give me a loan, Cassie; I need it badly and you’re rich now.”

Though it shouldn’t have, that plea took her by surprise. “Money? Is that why you really came here? To beg from me? From
me,
you louse?”

“I’ll get down on my knees if I have to, Cassie; I’m really strapped. My life has turned upside down since we separated.”

“Divorced,
Brad, divorced because of adultery, remember?”

“How could I forget? It cost me the only woman I love.”

“Love? You don’t know the meaning of that word! You’re selfish and no good, Bradley Stillman, no good!”

“I don’t know what I’ll do, Cassie, if you don’t bail me out. I’m in deep water and barely holding my head above the surface. I’ll—”

“Then, you’d better look for another bucket because I won’t furnish you with one.”

“Damn it, Cassie, you owe me! You were my wife! You—”

“
I owe you?
Pray tell for what? For all of the anguish and humiliation you put me through? For imperiling my health and life? Get real, Brad! You’re lucky I walked away from you without suing your pants off! I didn’t ask for or take anything from you, remember? All I walked away with were my personal possessions, and I worked and supported myself afterward.”

“But you snagged yourself a filthy rich man; I read all about him. He’s dead now, so you’ve got plenty of money. What
harm could it do to give me a small loan? I’ll pay you back when I get on my feet.”

“I said no, Brad.”

“Why not? Damn it, Cassie, stop being so vindictive! I told you I was sorry about what I did to you.”

“What’s going on here, Cass? Is this man giving you a problem?”

Cass jumped, startled by the voice from behind her. She looked at him and said, “I didn’t hear you come in, Peter.”

“I’m sorry I scared you. What’s the problem?”

“There isn’t one. Brad was just leaving.”

“Cassie, please help me. I promise I won’t ever come back if—”

Peter warned, “If you don’t leave now, I’ll report you to the police and file charges against you for harrassment.”

“Who the hell are you? This ain’t none of your business!”

“I’m Peter Grantham, Cass’s stepson, and I’m making it my business.”

“Stepson?” Brad muttered, looking from one to the other. “I see; you’ve already replaced the old man with his son, right?”

“You filthy-minded bastard! Get off of my property!”

“Go inside, Cass, and I’ll handle this offensive matter.”

Cass looked at Peter, smiled sweetly to vex Brad, and said, “Thanks.” Without even glancing at her ex-husband, she vanished from his sight.

As Peter stepped before him, Brad realized from the expression on the man’s face that he wasn’t one to be challenged. “I only wanted to talk to her.”

“You did; and now you’re finished. Don’t bother her again, Stillman, or I can give you more trouble in a week’s time than you would want to face in a hundred years. You’re out of her life for keeps, so stay out. If you don’t, I have ways of painfully and permanently dealing with scum like you. Understand?”

Brad was intimidated by Peter’s firm stance, wealth and
power, and rapidly surfacing fury. “I understand, Grantham. I’m going.” He turned and left, the tastes of defeat and cowardice bitter in his mouth and mind.

When Peter joined her in the kitchen where she was preparing margaritas, Cass smiled and, thanked him. “I thought we could use a drink after that nasty scene. I’m sorry you had to be dragged into my past problems.”

“I should be the one to apologize for just letting myself in like that, but I was coming around the side of the house when I heard the commotion. I won’t enter your home again without your permission. I only kept my set of keys in case of an emergency,” he said, but didn’t offer to return them. “He’s gone now and I doubt he’ll return. Men like him think they can run over vulnerable women and get away with it. I won’t let him bother you, I promise.”

She was impressed by how Peter had sent Brad scurrying off with his tail between his legs. She could not help but get wicked pleasure out of seeing Brad put down by the strong and virile man nearby. “I appreciate your most timely arrival, Peter, and I guess I owe you an explanation.”

Be careful of how you look at me, woman,
his elated mind warned her,
or I’ll be carrying you up those stairs in a flash.
“Not unless you want to give one.”

She passed him his glass as she began the painful story of her marriage to Brad Stillman. “I don’t know what I ever saw in him” she ended with a sigh. “I guess I was just young, and naive.”

“Don’t beat up on yourself for being a nice person. We all make mistakes. Lordy, you already know about my whopper with Brenda Burkman. Why don’t we make a toast to putting the dark past behind us and to having bright futures?”

“Sounds wonderful to me.”

Peter lifted his glass and said, “Dark and bitter pasts be gone forever; sunny and sweet futures come to us quickly and eternally.”

Cass tapped her glass to his, smiling as she did so, and took a drink.

“I was coming over to bring you this,” he said as he picked up a black velvet box from the counter where he had placed it earlier. He opened it and held it out for her to view. “It’s a Brazilian amethyst. I’m told these gems bring good health, good luck, and happiness; things you deserve.”

“It’s beautiful, Peter, exquisite and feminine,” she remarked as she eyed the purple stone in the size and shape of a dime, encircled by cut diamonds and suspended on an eighteen-inch gold chain. “Surely that cost much more than the bracelet did.”

“Not much, and I covered the difference as a friendship gift; that way, it won’t seem as if it’s from Dad. Let’s see how it fits and if you like it. If not, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

“Of course I like it; it’s one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen.”

She turned around and lifted her long hair as Peter fastened the catch, all too aware of his fingers brushing against her flesh. When she faced him, he used his forefinger to tug her scoopnecked T-shirt down a smidgen into a V to make the setting visible to his inspection. He held her shirt in place using the soft and warm pad of his fingertip to keep from sticking her with his well-manicured nail. She looked down, but couldn’t get a good view of it, and his contact felt strange. “I need to use the bathroom mirror; I’ll be back in a minute.”

She went into the half-bath nearby, flipped on the light switch, held down her shirt as he had done, and stared at the necklace.

Peter came to laze against the doorjamb. “Looks perfect on you. That vivid shade of purple suits your coloring. What do you think? I’ll take it off your hands and pay you for it if you don’t like it.”

“I don’t like it, Peter, I absolutely love it. Thanks,” she said, and gave him a quick and impulsive hug of gratitude. Suddenly, the bathroom felt awfully small with him blocking—almost
filling—its doorway. She was all too aware of his presence, scent, and allure.

Peter sensed her uneasiness, and delighted in his effect on her. Yet, he felt it was unwise to take advantage of her weakness for him. Perhaps later, he told himself, savoring the cat-andmouse game too much to terminate it too soon. He straightened and turned to head back into the kitchen as he said, “I was also coming over to bring you good news; actually, fantastic news: the accident investigation has been closed, permanently, and Dad’s life-insurance claim is being processed as we speak.” At the counter, he retrieved his drink. “Why don’t we go out and celebrate? We could throw on some casual clothes and ride over to the Crab Trap to grab a bite eat.”