Embezzled Love (9 page)

She didn't even bother to take off her makeup or shower. After changing into her pajamas, she climbed beneath the blanket and heaved a heavy sigh. Was there a law against her being happy? It seemed that way. Something bad always happened to overshadow the good in her life. Not this time. She wasn't going to let anything ruin the new life she wanted.

Despite being physically and emotionally drained, sleep wouldn't come. After turning over for the fiftieth time since getting into bed, she rolled onto her back and stared into the darkness, barely able to see the ceiling fan's rotating blades. Evan hadn't called, or if he had, hadn't left a message. Maybe it was for the best. He'd certainly question the worry in her voice and ask her about her mood. Accusations were better made face-to-face, no matter how hard it was to look someone in the eye and question their integrity. Her hands tightened into fists.

Sleep! Only muting her brain would bring the rest she needed. She plumped her pillow, pulled the covers up to her chin, and with eyes squeezed shut, tried to summon peaceful slumber.

* * *

The alarm's annoying buzz yanked Cassie awake. She reached over and slapped the button atop the clock. "It can't be morning already," she grumbled. "I just went to sleep."

Groggy, she pulled herself into a sitting position and threw back the covers. The chill from the morning shivered through her as she dangled her feet over the bed's edge, curling her toes into the warmth of the carpet. She stifled a yawn with the back of her hand.

Needing a shower to clear the cobwebs from her brain, she ambled into the bathroom. Memories of the previous evening's unpleasantness crept into her mind. Maybe Evan would call today and tell her he was on his way home. She needed to hear something positive.

She stripped, turned on the faucet, and waited for the water to warm. Adjusting the stream to a pleasant and inviting temperature, she stepped into the shower and ducked her head beneath the pulsing spray. Invigorating rivulets ran down her cheeks, between her breasts and over her abdomen. Frank and Alaine had said some horrible things about Evan. With any luck, the lather circling the drain would pull away doubts about the man she adored.

Chapter Nine

Evan called from a service station in Flagstaff to let Cassie know he was on his way home. His news gave her an excuse to leave work early in order to be home to meet him. She hadn't yet given him a key, but that was part of the surprise celebration she had planned. Her make-up perfect, her hair loose like Evan liked it, and clad in jeans and t-shirt, she curled on the sofa and waited.

She stared at the television, but her mind drifted. Somewhere in the mental fog, she heard Dr. Phil's saying, "This is going to be a life-changing day."

God, she hoped not. She liked things the way they were, at least before Alaine and Frank butted in. She sat straight and buried her face in her palms. How in the world would she broach the subject of Evan's past? Did she even want to?

An engine rumbled in the driveway, and Cassie rushed to the window. Her eyes widened. Evan couldn't possibly be the driver of the beat up old truck she saw. A black hat emerged, proving her wrong. She suppressed her disappointment, feeling somewhat shallow. Why did what he drove matter? He was home; that was the important thing.

She raced to the door and met him. "Hi, sweetheart. Boy, am I glad to see you."

Evan dropped his suitcase in the doorway and embraced her. "Hey, baby." His warm breath tingled across her throat and sent a shiver down her spine. "I'm glad to be here. I missed you something fierce.

He trailed his lips up to her ear and nibbled her lobe.

"Mmm." Breathless, she melted against him. "Oh, that feels, go—."

His lips claimed her mouth. She welcomed his probing tongue, molding against him and enjoying the feel of his hardened member pressing thorough his jeans.

A motorcycle roared down the street, and Cassie opened one eye. The front door stood ajar, but she managed to kick it shut without interrupting their kiss. The neighbors didn't need to know her business. The intrusion of her siblings into her private matters was bad enough.

Evan waltzed her toward the stairs, their mouths still latched together. At the bottom step, he leaned away. "How about we go up to the bedroom so I can fulfill the promise I made when I left?" His eyelashes fluttered in a humorous attempt at sexiness.

"And just what promise would that be?" She colored her tone with coyness.

"You remember. I can tell by the gleam in your eyes you want me as much as I want you."

No use denying her feelings. She did want him…wanted more kisses, to feel him inside her…to be lost in his embrace. More than anything she wanted to revel in the moment and forget all the bad thoughts that lingered in the back of her mind.

She batted her eyes and smiled. "Oh, that promise."

* * *

Shielding her naked body, Cassie pulled the blanket up and waited for her heartbeat to slow from an all-encompassing orgasm. Nestled beneath soft fleece in the coolness of the bedroom, her pulse rate soon matched the drowsiness that shrouded her. The ecstasy she enjoyed with Evan grew more intense each time they made love, but modesty still haunted her. If only she could be as casual with her nudity.

He snaked his arm across and pulled her close. "Boy, howdy, that was some good lovin'."

She pulled one hand from beneath the blanket and caressed his arm. "Yes, it was. You wore me out, cowboy."

Definitely more energized than she, he sprang up and sat on the edge of the bed. "Let's do some planning."

"For what?"

He pulled down her covers. "C'mon, get up. Let's talk about our new business."

"Oh, not now," she whined, tugging the blanket beneath her chin and turning her back to him. "I'm exhausted." The last thing she wanted was conversation that would likely lead to her meeting with Frank and Alaine. If she slept, perhaps she'd wake up and discover the things her siblings found were just a nightmare.

Wearing only a broad smile, Evan stood and dragged her by her arm to the end of the bed. "Nope, can't wait. The sooner we get things organized, the quicker we can start rakin' in the bucks."

Goosebumps peppering her skin, she peered up at his naked form. "Can we at least get dressed?"

While she wrapped herself in her terrycloth robe, Evan donned his Levi's. She grimaced at the thought of wearing denim without underwear, but he habitually did.

His fly buttoned, he plopped next to her on the bed. His bare toes curled into the carpet. His excited banter about advertising, business names and financial backing only harkened back the nasty accusations she'd heard from her siblings. No matter how many times she told herself not to believe them, she harbored growing doubts that needed resolution. But how?

"Are you listening to me?"

His voice yanked her thoughts back to the moment. "Uh, y-yes. Of course." She stood and secured her bathrobe sash. "I need some coffee. Would you like some?"

He stood and gathered her into a hug. "That'd be nice, but, first, I'm gonna take a shower."

Spent and despondent, Cassie slogged downstairs. She should be on Cloud Nine, but instead she was under a black one.

In the kitchen, she filled the brewing basket with coffee grounds, still unable to get the nasty allegations out of her mind, let alone think of a way to present them to Evan without alienating him. She washed the few dirty dishes in the sink, dried, and put them away. She stood, peering out the window, when Evan walked up behind her, put his arms around her and pulled her close. They didn't speak.

The aromatic smell of apple dishwashing detergent still hung in the air even though the soapy water had disappeared down the drain. His warmth permeated her robe and brought a secure feeling that dispelled his presumed past.

"Cat got your tongue, baby girl?" His toasty breath drifted across her neck. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

She stiffened. Her heart pounding like a bass drum, she tossed the dishtowel she clutched onto the counter, wishing she had the courage to turn and confront him with her siblings' findings. Surely, he'd convince her what they said was all a pack of lies. A little voice niggled in her mind, what if they're right?

She clenched her eyes shut against doubt. What was she thinking? Evan loved her and she had no right to doubt him.

Evan dropped her arms from around her waist, and spun her gently to face him. "Is something wrong? You seem awfully preoccupied." Now fully dressed, his brow furrowed.

Cassie smiled and shrugged. "I-I'm fine."

"Are you sure? If something's buggin' you, spit it out."

"No," she lied. "Nothing's wrong. I just need to pay some bills and get some housework done. That'll make me feel better, I promise." Her lips grazed his.

"What about that coffee?" He stepped back, ran his fingers through dampened hair, and scanned the counter.

She glanced at the empty pot. "Oh, I'm such an idiot. I got busy doing something else and forgot to turn on the switch." She pushed the brew button.

"That's okay, I'll have some orange juice." He tipped the plastic container from the fridge and filled his glass. "We still need to talk."

Didn't she know it? Tamping down her anxiety, she poked him in the ribs. "Tell you what. Why don't you go tend to your business and let me get a few things done? We can discuss your plans later." She actually needed time to formulate her own plan.

Evan drained his glass and broke into a big stretch. "Yeah, you're right. I'd better get busy getting some signs made if we want customers." After giving her a quick squeeze, he walked out the back door.

Why couldn't things be simple? Cassie sighed, poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. She weighed her choices. Was she doing the right thing by not discussing the accusations with Evan? Instead, should she tell him everything and see what played out? Maybe she should just forget what Frank and Alaine alleged and pray they kept their mouths shut. That probably wouldn't work.

She lowered her head into her palms, wishing her jumbled thoughts would form a safe and sane decision. In her mind, Evan had done absolutely nothing to warrant the nasty things her siblings had said about him. She garnered positive thoughts to counter the negative ones, strengthening her belief in Evan. No one as kind and loving as he would set out to harm her, emotionally or otherwise. If it was the last thing she did, she'd prove Frank and Alaine wrong.

Chapter Ten

Cassie sipped her coffee and recalled how empty her life had been without Evan. No one, not even her mother, suspected how many times Cassie had thought about ending her life. Sure, she was a successful businesswoman with a good salary and a beautiful home, but without someone to love and be loved in return, everything was routine and boring.

Everyone in her family considered her the dependable one…the one with a level head and strong constitution. If only they knew the truth. Maybe she acted the part once, but not anymore. Her life lacked real emotion until Evan. He made all the difference in the world. Now Frank and Alaine wanted to snatch away her new found feelings of hope.

The proverbial light bulb over her head came on. She bolted to her feet. Evan had a right to know everything. She couldn't build a firm foundation on shaky soil, nor could she put her mind at rest until she heard the truth, directly from him. Hearing him puttering outside, she steeled herself and opened the door. "Honey, can you come in here, please."

Evan stamped his feet on the doormat and came inside, one eyebrow arched.

"Come sit, I have some things I need to ask you."

He frowned. "This sounds serious. What's up?" He pulled out a chair and plopped down.

She took a deep breath. "Have you ever lived in Arizona?"

The look on his face answered her question but he didn't. "Well, have you?" She asked again.

"Yes, why?"

"Is there anything you want to tell me? Anything that happened while you lived there?"

Evan swiped his hand across his chin. "I was waiting for the right time, but I guess you found out on your own. I was wrongly accused of embezzling funds. It's a very long story, but I didn't do anything wrong. The man who filed the charges had a grudge against me and was determined to ruin my business." Evan looked at her with that same arched brow. "What'd you do, hire an investigator?"

She recoiled. "No, I wouldn't do that."

"Then how did you find out?" He gazed directly into her eyes. "And tell me you believe me. You can't think I'd be that dishonest."

Cassie combed nervous fingers through her hair. "Frank and Alaine told me. They found things on the Internet about someone with your name and asked me to come to Alaine's house last night."

Evan stood and began pacing. "What do they have against me?" He stopped and flung his hands up, his frustration apparent. "I've never done anything to them, and for some reason, they don't want me in the family. Do you believe them?"