Secrets (Codey #1) (4 page)

Her surprise wore off the moment his tongue slid over her bottom lip demanding entrance. What was she to do, but let him in and hang on for dear life? Through the fog Casey heard the girls and guys yelling. "It's about damn time."

Mike pulled away and looked down at Casey. Her body had literally turned to jelly and she was now unsteady on her feet. He chuckled as he pulled her closer. "Maybe I should have asked you to be my girlfriend before I kissed you. Seeing that guy with his hands on you made me see red." She looked up at him and he gave her a sheepish grin. "So, Mis
s
Cassandra Michaels. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Casey smiled up at Mike Codey as her heart raced. “There’s nothing in this world I would love more, Michael Codey." She yelped as he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her senseless again. This was something she could really get used to.

They danced the rest of the night in each other’s arms with an occasional elbowing from Luis or Leo. They made fun of them when the fast songs came on and Mike and Casey, still slow danced.

When he finally dropped her off at home, it was 1:30 in the morning. He walked her to the door and smiled. "So, my beautiful girlfriend. Are you still going to help me feed cattle in the morning or are you going to want special treatment now?"

Casey smacked his arm in a teasing way. “Are you kidding, I’ll meet you there at 5:30 or should I say in 4 hours. The same as usual."

He leaned in and started melting her bones with kisses once more. She was so lost in the moment that it took her by surprise when the door opened and she practically fell back. Luckily, Mike’s quick reflexes kept her from hitting the floor. "Well, well, well. What time is this to be coming home?" Her mother asked.

"We went out to celebrate my birthday." Casey explained as she frowned. It figured, her mother was almost never home. Leave it to her to be here today.

"Oh, was that today? Guess I forgot." Her mother turned to look at Mike. “Don’t you think you should be getting yourself home?" Then like always, she turned and walked away.

Mike leaned in and gave Casey one final kiss goodbye. "If she gives you trouble, come to our club house. I know you still sleep there every once in a while." Casey touched her lips and was busted when he turned before reaching for the door. "See you in four hours, I'll be here to pick you up." He smiled and got into the car.

Once in her house, Casey went straight to the kitchen to confront her mother. "What the hell is your problem?"

"Well now, my investment in you finished yesterday when you turned 18. I won’t be getting my money for you anymore." Casey’s stomach bottomed out. "Plus, he’s going to be very angry when he finds out who you‘re going out with." She turned and walked to her room slamming the door behind her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Casey woke up the next morning with the nastiest headache. Memories of her mother’s parting words still haunted her. How could she do this to her own daughter? As always, Casey pushed her questions to the back of her mind and then rushed to get ready. She made it out just in time to see Mike’s truck pull around the corner.

When he stepped out of the truck, it took her breath away. Mike wore his work Stetson and a white t-shirt that hugged all those rippling muscles. She could see them flex as he walked towards her. He had on some faded blue jeans and oh how she love watching him bend down and pick up the bales of hay. Mike had the best looking ass, she had ever seen.

"Hey beautiful, I brought breakfast. I thought we could eat in the field before we meet the guys to feed the animals. Just you and me." Mike winked before bending down to kiss her nose.

Feeding the animals was always fun for them. Yet today, it proved to be even more special. They stole kisses when no one else was looking. Mike always found an excuse to touch her. Leo and Luis would just yell, "Gross." Whenever they caught a peek. Casey just giggled and that’s when it hit. She had been reduced to a giggling mess. Guess that's what love did to you.

Like always, at 8:00am Mike went to find his father so they could continue with learning the ropes. One day he will take over the cattle ranch.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cassandra went back home and her mom was in the kitchen with that man. Her heart started racing. She tried to be as quiet as possible, in hopes they would not here that she was back. It was to no avail, half way up the stairs he called for her.

“Cassandra, can I speak with you?" The man had a sad look on his face. Not that she cared, he was a pervert and there was nothing that needed to be said between them.

“No, I don't want to talk to you. I hate you. I wish you never came into my life, now leave me alone." She ran to her room and slammed the door closed.

Ten minutes later, her mother came into the room enraged and tossed five twenty dollar bills on the bed. "Here, he left extra money for your Birth Day". She sneered. "He doesn’t love you, you’re nothing but his dirty little secret." After those parting words, she stormed out of the room.

Cassandra picked up the money. It was added to the growing pile that was hidden. She had saved all the dirty money her mom would give her. In the pile she had also added the money the boys paid her for helping work their ranch. In other circumstances her work would have been free. It was more fun than work. Yet she was determined to save as much as she could, in hopes of buying her freedom from the man. There was over six thousand dollars saved up. “What am I going to do?”

The sound of the alarm going off at 6:30 startled her awake. ”Mike said he would be here to pick me up at 7:30. I better hurry.” It surprised her that she had fallen asleep. Now she had to rush to get ready for her date. The shower was a fast in and out type of deal. After she was ready, there was time left for applying a little bit of make-up. Her reflection in the mirror proved she had made the right call.

"Where are we going?" She asked when he picked her up. As always, he looked sexy and smelled delicious.

“To my house for dinner." He stole a glance at her then went back to driving.

Her jaw dropped. "What!" They’ve known each other for seven years. Not once had he asked her to go to his house. Why now?

“I figured, if I gave you a heads up. You'd say no.” He turned his head to smirk at her and she in turn glared. She sure as hell would have said no. It infuriated her that he’d pulled this stunt.  

She refused to talk to him. When he pulled up to his house, Luis and Leo ran out to meet them. "Hey Casey, this is your first time in our house. Aren't you excited?" Luis asked as he hugged her.

“Pissed off is more like it." She was still fuming, after all these years. Why now?

“Leo said that mom said we couldn’t have any girls over to meet them. Unless, she was a serious relationship." Luis jabbered on then turned to smirk at Mike. “Or, unless she was. The One.”

Mike flicked Luis on the ear as he pulled her forward. Her palms were sweaty and she was hyperventilating. When they entered the house Cassandra saw a very beautiful woman standing in what she guessed was the living room.

That was where Mike’s blue eyes came from, she gasped. His mother also had those intense, look into your soul blue eyes. Leo and Luis must have inherited their fathers Hazel eyes and brown hair. Mike like his mom had a dirty blond color. The woman smiled. “So you’re the famous Cassandra I've heard about these last Seven years."

Chapter Four

She’s known about her for Seven years? Casey thought they didn’t like her. Unsure what to do, she just smiled back.

“I can see why my little Michael’s so in love with you.” The woman was scrutinizing her and she could feel her face turn all shades of red. What did you say to that? “You’re a shy little thing. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“I’m going to kill Mike for this.” Cassandra thought as she turned to glare at Mike.   The sound of laughter followed by the arms that wrapped around her waist snapped her out of her murderous thoughts.

The woman was hugging her. Mikes’ mom was hugging her. “Don’t be mad at him. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” She let go and held her hand as she led them to their dining room.

Casey didn’t know what to expect. They were a pretty wealthy family. They had so much money she half expected to see a museum of sorts. You know, a place that was overly done. A place where you had to be careful not to touch anything. Yet this house felt warm and inviting. There were still several nice things in it, but it didn’t make her feel out of place.

Mrs. Codey sat to her right and Mike sat to her left. Luis and Leo were seated across from her. “Hey mom, where’s dad,” Leo asked his mother.

She smiled at them. “He was called into the Chicago Office. There was a problem with one of the orders.”

“Why didn’t dad tell me? I’m the one handling the cattle portion now.” Mike demanded, Casey thought he looked annoyed.

“Are you kidding, he knew your girlfriend was coming to dinner. This is a special occasion. Even if he wasn’t able to be here. He still wanted us to make sure Cassandra felt welcomed into the family.”

“I guess its ok then. I’ll just touch base with him later.” Mike said as he reached out for her hand and laced their fingers together. Cassandra looked up and smiled at him.

“I hope you like what we’re having for dinner. Tonight we’re having breaded steak smothered in country gravy, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, rolls and a peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert.” Mrs. Codey said while squeezing her other hand.

Her stomach picked that moment to growl. It was so embarrassing. Everyone just laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Mrs. Codey let go of her hand and went to the kitchen. Then she came back out with another woman who was maybe in her late 60’s. “Dolores, I would love for you to meet Cassandra.” The woman’s eyes went wide, it was as if she recognized her or something. Then she turned to look at Mrs. Codey who in turn nodded her head as if she was saying yes to something.

Then Dolores turned back to her and engulfed her in a hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you and to have you in this house.” When she finally let go. All Cassandra could think, was that this family was really a touchy feely bunch. “I see I’m going to have to work hard to put some meat on those bones.” She said looking at Mrs. Codey. “The girl, is to skinny.” She was so not skinny.

They started eating and getting to know each other. Then Mrs. Codey asked. “So how is your mother dear?” Cassandra looked at Mike trying to judge just how much she might know about her home life.

“She’s doing well. Thank you for asking.” It was an awkward topic and she was still unsure how much Mike had told his parents. .

“Well, I see your still using the club house.” She had just taken a sip of water and started coughing. The question had sent the water down the wrong pipe.

“Are you ok?” Mrs. Codey asked as she lightly patted her back. All Cassandra wanted at the moment was to get some air into her lungs. Mike was such a dead man. He better enjoys his last meal.

“I’m sorry, but I worry about you. I remember the first time I saw the boys sneaking out at night. Mr. Codey and I followed them to see what they were up to. To our surprise, they went to your house. This went on for quite a while, until we finally asked them what was going on. Once they told us, we had the Club house fixed so you would always have a safe place to stay. This way, I could keep my boys still on our property. They’re so protective of you. I knew I could never ask them to stop sneaking out to see you.”

Well what the hell do you say to that? “Just know that this is your home too. If you like, we can fix you a room here so you don’t have to be in the club house anymore.”

Cassandra smiled at her. “Thank you Mrs. Codey.” She didn’t know what the hell else to say.

After dinner Mrs. Codey asked the guys to show her around the house. When they reached Mikes room, he told his brothers to scram. “Now I have you all to myself.” He said as he scooped her up and fell backwards onto his bed. She squealed as he landed on top of her. She tried to squirm away but he had her pinned to the mattress.

She laughed and squirmed until she looked up and saw his heated gaze. “Oh,” was all that came out of her mouth before his mouth crashed down on hers. Things got heated pretty fast. She was panting and feeling drunk from his kisses. It shocked her to feel his hand on her bare ribcage. When had he pulled her blouse up?

His hands caressed her skin and sent tingles everywhere. So many sparks were going off wherever Mike touched. He trailed kisses down her jaw and neck, all while nipping at the overly sensitive skin. All was then soothed by his moist tongue.

With everything going on, she moaned. “I love when you make that sound.” His lips returned to her mouth as his hands moved to span her back. Cassandra moaned once more as he deepened the kiss.

Her fumbling fingers fought with the buttons of his shirt. She was dying to feel the warmth of his skin under her finger tips. When the offensive shirt was finally off, her heart pounded as her brain screamed. “Good lord, this man has a body to die for.” She took the opportunity to flip him on to his back. He was far too preoccupied to pay attention to anything else at the moment.

Mike looked up at her with a startled gaze. Cassandra smiled down at him, “my turn.” She leaned in to smell his skin. “Heavenly, you smell heavenly.” She peppered light kisses all over his chest.

It was now his turn to moan as she followed the same path of kisses and biting on him that he had done to her. “You’re killing me Casey, but what a way to go." The next thing she knew. He had flipped her onto her back and was now straddling her waist. “This is a give and take relationship. Now, it’s my turn to take.” Mike shot her a sexy as sin smile that had her melting into a puddle. Cassandra could do nothing but look at his chest and all those rippling muscles. He had a killer six pack and not from exercising, but from an honest day of hard work. Her heart swelled with love.

“God Casey. When you look at me like that. It makes my blood boil. Especially when you lick your bottom lip. It’s like your tasting me with your mind.” With those words, he bent down and proceeded to ravish her mouth with his yet again. Then his hands wandered down her body.

He finally allowed her to take a breath. “Casey, you’re so beautiful and I love you so much. Your skin is as soft as silk. I just want to touch you everywhere and taste you everywhere.”

His hands kept inching up to her chest. It was pure agony to feel the hands caress her skin as he whispered in her ear. At this point, Cassandra was panting hard and her mind was swimming. When she felt his hands finally reach her lace covered breasts, he covered her moan with another scorching kiss. Her body arched so she could fill his palms with her mounds.

Chapter Five

Things were moving too fast, but they couldn’t control themselves. That was when they heard a knock at the door. “FYI, mom’s on her way up. Judging from all the noise. I was trying very hard not to hear. You better straighten up and fix yourselves.”

“Oh my God, oh my God.” She said pushing Mike off of her. She jumped off the bed and put her blouse back on then tried to fix her hair. All this while glaring at him.

“What?” Mike questioned as he too put his shirt back on. He sat on the edge of his bed and smirked at her. “You look so hot when you’re mad.” She stuck her tongue out at him, but that only caused laughter.

When they heard the knock at the door. Cassandra ran to open it and Mrs. Codey smiled. “Mike, your father said he’ll be home tonight. So you should get the files he needs ready.”

“No problem mom, I’ll drive Casey home and then I’ll get things ready for dad.” He grabbed her and pulled her towards the door. As she passed Mrs. Codey, the woman reached out and tucked a hair behind her ear.

“It’s been a real pleasure meeting you Cassandra. I know you’re really good for my boys. Especially my Michael. We know you work with them in the mornings and we noticed the difference. It was like pulling teeth getting them up to do their work every morning. Then one day, they were up before the alarm even rang.”

“That was only because the first day we invited her to help. We overslept and she had already started without us. We felt so bad, we made a promise never to let her beat us to work again.” Mikes face was red as he confessed. Hmm, she had wondered why they never came late anymore.

“Mr. Codey and I both agree that you should get a pay increase for your work.” Then she hugged her as they said their goodbyes.

On the ride home Cassandra told Mike that she really loved his house. She also told him that his mom and Deloris where nice. It was a shame that she was not able to meet his dad. Yet she knew he was a very busy man.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Nine months later, Cassandra and Mike were still going strong. He had been working none stop. They still went out weekends and were able to see each other in the morning during the cattle feeds. He always found a way for them to sneak away from his brothers. Mike never went past a certain point, saying it was important she kept her mind on school and not his body.

Cassandra always frowned, school was great and this was their senior year. A smile crossed her features as the guys popped into her mind. Leo was still with Mindy but Luis had only lasted one more month with Monica. Yet Monica still remained one of Cassandras good friends. Surprisingly she was also still friends with Luis. He said girls love him so much they even settle for his friendship. That had provoked Cassandra to punch him in the arm.

Leo and Luis loved to tease her. She felt like they were her brothers, well, all except for Mike. What she felt for him was far from brotherly. A sigh left her lips as she remembered they were celebrating their nine month anniversary today. Cassandra thought it strange, but mike insisted on celebrating.

That night she dressed in her new peach dress. Mrs. Codey had given it to her. Yes indeed, Mrs. Codey had given her a dress. Well, it had been a lot more than a dress.  She seemed to always take her shopping.