Embezzled Love (6 page)

 Gloria, Cal, and Mom were talking on the back patio, but where was Evan? From behind, arms snaked around her in a tight embrace. "I wish we had more time to spend together." His warm breath tickled her neck.

She eased back into the pleasing aroma of his aftershave and sighed. "Oh, me too—it feels like we were really connecting. I hate to say goodbye."

"Well…" He paused for a moment and stroked his chin. "We don't have to…"

"Have to what?"

"Say goodbye. I could always change my flight and come home with you. I could get on standby if I have too." His blue eyes glistened with excitement. "I don't have to be back to work until mid-week. That would give us a few more days together."

Cassie's heart quickened at the thought. Was it a good idea? Sure, she'd slept with him, but she wasn't a hussy. How much did they really know about one another, and were either of them excited to see their relationship blossom? Her heart screamed yes, and before any doubt could pop into her mind, she stepped to the kitchen counter and handed him the phone.

"Yes, yes please. See if you can. I’d love for you to meet the rest of my family."

* * *

Cassie sat in the middle seat on the airplane, between her mother and Evan. Mom liked the window, so Evan got the aisle. His grip on Cassie's hand turned her fingers numb. She hated to break away, but straightened in her seat and flexed her digits. "You've got some grip there."

"Sorry, I guess I'm used to holdin' a shovel or rake. I'll try to be a little more gentle."

She smiled. "Actually, I like the secure feelings I get when you hold my hand. Don't worry, I won't break."

The stewardess announced their impending arrival. While Cassie nudged her dozing mother and helped her return her seat to the upright position, Evan re-buckled his seatbelt.

Cassie's chest tightened in anticipation of Evan meeting her siblings. How would she sell Frank on a relationship built on a computer meeting and one weekend? Her palms dampened, and for the moment she appreciated that Evan wasn't holding her hand.

Chapter Six

If the gleam in his eyes indicated the truth, Evan was genuinely impressed with Cassie's Toyota Camry. "Beautiful car, baby girl. I got me a beat up old pick-up. This is ridin' in style… yes, sireee!"

Funny, she thought. It was only a car—nothing special. Some of the things he said made her wonder about him and his lifestyle. She had a lot to learn about Evan, and in the next few days Cassie planned to do just that. She had some vacation hours earned and this was a good time to take a couple of days off. Surely, Takeda wouldn't mind not having her around.

The blast of heat greeting her when she opened the car door made Cass wince. From sitting in the airport parking lot all weekend without benefit of shade, the air inside was unbearable. Thankfully, the car came with great air conditioning, and before long the temperature became tolerable. Navigating through the crowded parking lot and out onto the surface streets, her mother chattered with Evan, pointing out each business and neighborhood they passed as if there were national landmarks. Evan appeared to enjoy the banter—but that infernal hat. The crown rested so tightly against the top of the car it was a wonder he could turn his head. He certainly seemed to love that Stetson. Perhaps she was the reason. Had she played up his "cowboy" image too much in her emails? Given time, he might adapt a new style.

Barely Sunday noon and traffic packed the freeway. Her foot hovered over the brake pedal in reaction to the famous stop and go traffic of the Los Angeles area. Evan, rapt in conversation with Mom, didn't acknowledge the backup. Cassie thrummed her fingers on the steering wheel and mentally role-played introductions between Evan and Frank. She wouldn't relax until the meeting was over.

"Hey, Mom," Cassie interrupted her mother's tour guide rhetoric. "When we get home, I'm going to call Alaine and Frank and have them over for a barbeque so they can meet Evan."

Her mom smiled while Evan beamed. Why then did Cassie feel her chest constricting again? Alaine was pleasant to everyone, but Frank never liked anyone she dated. Maybe Evan would be the one. Maybe if pigs started to fly!

* * *

All the way home and up to unlocking the front door, Cassie struggled to find the right words to introduce Evan to Frank. She decided to throw caution to the wind and go with something unscripted. He wasn't her keeper anyhow. Why did she give two cents about his opinion? She squared her shoulders, thinking positive thoughts, and beckoned Evan to enter.

 "Woo eee," he whooped as he surveyed her house. Dropping his suitcase in the foyer, he turned in a complete circle. "This is a palace. I never expected you lived so high on the hog."

She chuckled at his choice of words. "What exactly is high on the hog?"

"You know… like eatin' a pig. Us poor folks have to chew on the feet while those with money gnaw higher up on ham and pork chops."

Cassie reared back. "I wouldn't consider myself rich. I have a good paying job, but I worked long and hard to earn it."

Her house did look fairly posh, but she loved nice things. Buying the best was a bad habit acquired from her marriage to Greg. He wouldn't settle for anything less than top-of-the-line, and his free spending had rubbed off on her. She glanced into the living room at the large, ceramic white tiger by the fireplace and the crouching leopard on the ledge overlooking her Egyptian décor. Her style definitely smelled of money, but she feared Evan had the wrong idea about her level of wealth.

He interrupted her worries when he came from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. "This place is almost as purdy as you. I could settle in here right nice."

She leaned back onto his shoulder, imagining a cozy scene while her smile blossomed. It quickly turned to a frown as negative thoughts crept in and ruined the picture. What did they really know about one another? Hopefully, he was more educated than he sounded, and did they share anything in common? Would she feel comfortable taking him to an office party and introducing him to co-workers? Like she'd ever associate with them, but still… Was she making a horrible mistake by encouraging him?

* * *

Cassie paused at the edge of the patio and observed the group outside for a moment. Alaine, her husband Jay, Frank's wife, Kara, and Mom relaxed in the shade, sipping on the margaritas Evan had prepared, while Frank and Evan oversaw the cooking. Two men, one barbeque—probably a mistake with both competing for kudos. The aroma of charbroiled meat wafted in the air and made Cassie's stomach rumble. So far things looked peaceful.

She stepped out of the shadows. "So, how much longer till the steaks are done? I'm starving."

"Not much longer, purdy lady."

Cassie set the condiments she carried on the patio table and went to join the two. As she locked her arm through Evan's, his cell phone rang.

"I need to get this." He shrugged free. "I'm expectin' a call about my business."

Evan stepped to the rear of the garage.

"So, what do you think about Evan?" Cass took the opportunity to interrogate her brother, then held her breath.

"He seems okay." Frank's tone was non-committal. "But there's something about him… I just can't put my finger on it."

What had she expected? Her shoulders tensed. "Just keep your fingers in your pockets. You always find something negative about everyone I introduce you to."

He scowled. "I do not."

"Do too. Just name one person you've met through me that you liked."

Frank pondered a moment. "This is ridiculous. I need another drink," he grumbled as he walked toward the patio.

"See, I told you…" She followed. "You couldn't name one."

"Just tell those idiots to get the job done and do it right. I'll be back in two days and I'd better not hear any complaints about the work." Evan's voice sounded unnaturally loud.

 Frank glanced in Evan's direction, and then rolled his eyes at Cassie.

 She bit her lip. Maybe Evan was just nervous, although it did seem he wanted everyone to hear him. Why was she making more of the moment than she should? Who could fault the man for wanting to protect his reputation? Drink in hand, Cassie meandered back to the steaks to assure they weren't burning. Mountains to molehills…that was definitely her forte.

* * *

Used plates and eating utensils littered the picnic table. Very little food was left over, and the last blender of margaritas stood empty. A slight buzz clouded Cassie's head from having gone over her usual two drink limit. While Evan excused himself to go inside and use the bathroom, Cassie took the opportunity of his absence. "Do you like him?" She spread her glance around the group. "I think he's great."

Alaine shrugged. "From what I've seen, he seems okay. How about you, Mom, what do you think?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, if Cassie likes him, then I like him."

"Mom likes everyone," Sarcasm edged Frank's voice.

 "I think he's a jerk." Jay jumped into the conversation. "All he did during dinner was brag about this and brag about that."

 "Who asked you?" Cassie snapped. "At least he had a job until he left Texas. You might try finding one someday. Oh, I forgot, you can find them, you just can't keep them."

Jay always raised her hackles. He wasn't taking very good care of her sister. Alaine was in pain most of the time, but still had to work in order to keep food on the table. Cassie helped out as much as possible, but every dollar she gave Alaine, made her dislike Jay even more. He and Cassie constantly bickered with one another.

Alaine's cheeks flushed bright red, and Cassie was just about to apologize when Evan returned.

* * *

There wasn't any question where Evan was going to sleep. He and Cassie had already discussed the arrangement, and he insisted on sharing her bed. For some strange reason, sleeping with him seemed natural to her, and she had agreed. Now, she fidgeted, waiting for him to finish his shower. Hopefully, Mom wouldn't ask any embarrassing questions tomorrow.

Evan exited the bathroom wearing only blue terrycloth wrapped around his waist. He stopped in front of the vanity, ran a comb through his wet hair, then turned and dropped his towel. "Get ready, baby girl, I'm gonna show you lovin' Texas style."

Already his manhood stood at attention.

This was the first time she'd seen him nude. Cassie took a deep breath, unsure she was ready to behold quite so much of him. His penis appeared very long, perhaps because of his small stature, but the sight left her speechless.

Evan crawled up on the end of her king-size bed and stretched out alongside her. He nuzzled her neck and slithered his hand beneath the blanket to fondle her breast. "How come you still got your clothes on?"

"I… I wasn't sure how tired you were going to be. It's been a long day." Her heart beat like a bass drum beneath her nightgown. Why was she so nervous? They'd already made love, and the experience had been wonderful.

She didn't want to appear brazen, but maybe it was too late to worry about that. If someone had asked her a week ago if she'd consider sleeping with someone she met on the Internet she would have told them they were crazy. Was she the crazy one? Maybe things were moving too fast. Evan, his warm breath caressing the hollow of her throat, dipped his fingers beneath her bra and pebbled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her total resolve diminished.

* * *

Evan packed his suitcase for his trip back to Texas. After only a few days, Cassie had gotten so attached to him, his leaving tugged heavy on her heart. "I'm going to miss you like crazy," she admitted.

"I won't be gone long. Like we discussed last night, I just have to tie up some loose ends and then I'll drive back. With your place here and my know-how, we can make tons of money. Did you see all them houses goin' up 'round here? All those new homeowners are gonna be needin' lawns and plants. I can just see the contracts rollin' in." He snapped the latches on his luggage and faced her. "That is if you haven't changed your mind about us."

How had this all happened so fast? A little over a week ago, she'd just met the man and now he was going back to Texas to pack up his earthly belongings and return to live with her and start a business. She took a deep breath.

There was no question. She wanted him to come back. She hadn't lost her mind, just her heart. She took his hand in hers. "Of course, I haven't changed my mind. I'll be here waiting, so don't be gone long."

Hand and hand they walked down the stairs for the drive to the airport. How in the world was Cassie going to explain all this to her mother? She accepted a week's visit just fine, but a permanent arrangement?