Stolen (The Madame X School of Sex) (10 page)

He’d hoped that she’d warm up over time so he could propose meeting for coffee or perhaps even lunch. Despite his efforts, she was still hesitant when they talked, probably because they were always surrounded by other people.

Andre closed his eyes and imagined dancing with her. The soft weight of her hand on his shoulder, the press of her small frame against his as they moved. He could remember every time she’d ever touched him, a fleeting glide of her fingers when she handed him something or the brush of their shoulders when they passed in the hallway.

It had been all he could do some days not to scoop her up in his arms and cover her plump lips with his. But if he did that, he’d never have a chance with her. She was obviously sheltered and so reserved he feared using stronger tactics. He didn’t want to offend her.

Now Andre would get to see her in a different environment where she might be more comfortable. Something inside him felt absurdly excited to discover the secret thoughts Cassandra only hinted at. He wanted to know everything, especially the things she was too shy to say in front of others. He wanted to know what she wanted and what she desired. He was ready to deliver anything she needed.

“Well, if we’re staying through until Monday anyway, we’d love to attend your party. Thank you for being so accommodating.” He nodded briefly at Law.

Jason fell into step next to him as they walked back down the hall. “What’s going on with you lately? You’ve been distracted. Impatient.”

Andre stopped abruptly when they reached the front of the office. The reception area was empty. His fairy was gone. He’d missed his chance to say goodbye and see her cheeks redden as she smiled up from beneath her dark lashes. He rubbed the center of his chest absently and glanced at his watch. Even fairies had to eat lunch it seemed.

“Nothing is wrong with me. I don’t have time for anything to be wrong with me.” He squeezed his eyes shut when he realized he was glaring at the empty receptionist chair as if it held the answer to all his problems. “Are you as tired as I am?”

“Probably. I just make tired look good.” Jason chuckled softly. “You on the other hand, look like shit.”

“Thanks
amico
. This is what friends are for.” Laughing, they pushed open the agency’s glass double doors and stepped out into the crisp winter air. The cold slap in the face was exactly what Andre needed, clearing the cobwebs from his brain and sharpening his focus.

As tempting as it was, he couldn’t afford a mental vacation right now. Not when so much was on the line. He pulled out his cell phone. There were ten voicemails waiting since he’d last checked an hour ago. Most of them probably from his mother who was intent on marrying him off to one of the beautiful but empty-headed young women in her exclusive social circle. He doubted his email inbox fared any better. More messages from people who wanted something from him, no doubt.

He loved his life but there were times when being Andre Lavin was exhausting.

* * * * *

“I’m calling for Olivia Michaels, please. Yes, I’ll hold.” Casey tucked her cell phone into the curve of her shoulder so she could pull her pajama bottoms on.

Her mother worked the night shift at the Pleasant Hills retirement home because the later shift brought in more money. Since Casey didn’t feel comfortable making personal calls during her work hours, she’d gotten into the routine of calling her mom before she went to bed. By then most of the seniors had everything they needed for the night and her mom was able to take a break and chat.

“Hi, babycakes, how are you?” Olivia sounded upbeat but Casey could hear the exhaustion in her mother’s voice.

“I’m great, Mom. In fact, I got a promotion at work. It’s more money and more responsibility. I’ll actually be working with the marketing team now instead of just sitting behind the front desk.”

“Oh baby, I’m so proud of you. I knew that would happen. Didn’t I tell you? Anybody can see what a hard worker you are and how smart you are. I’ll just bet they promote you again once you finish your degree.” Her mom sighed, the sound filled with contentment.

Her mother never criticized her or made her feel guilty but Casey knew her mom’s life would have been completely different if she hadn’t gotten pregnant and had to drop out of college. She worked so hard all the time but never complained. The only time Casey’d ever heard her cry was when she called to tell her she’d flunked out of school. It felt good to give her mom a reason to smile again.

“I hope so, Mom. I’m just glad that I’ll finally be able to help you out with the bills some now,” Casey said.

“Cassandra Anne, I am just fine. I told you I make more working the late shift at this place. They gave me a nice increase to steal me away from the hospital. They have a hard time finding nurses with the patience to deal with some of the older folks here. They can get a little ornery sometimes. I just want you to concentrate on your studies. I don’t need anything,” Olivia stated.

“Mom, you can at least go back to the normal shift again. The extra money I’m making means you won’t have to work so hard all the time. You deserve to take a break.”

“But I don’t want to change shifts, baby girl. I’ve gotten used to this schedule and well, I have friends here.”

Casey grinned. Her mom almost sounded
embarrassed
. “Mom, do you have a boyfriend at work? Is it one of the other night nurses?”

“Now, I didn’t say anything of the sort, Cassandra. I just enjoy my work, that’s all. They need me here at night. Another nurse might not understand why Mr. Jansen likes his dinner plate arranged in the same order as the color wheel or why Mrs. Hodges wears pink bunny slippers to bed.” Olivia huffed.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Mom. I just want to make sure you’re not running yourself into the ground.”

“Casey, stop worrying about me so much. Worrying is supposed to be my job. Well, I should probably get back to work now. Keep up the good work, baby girl. Love you.”

“Love you too.” Casey tossed her cell phone in the middle of her bed. Growing up it had always worried her that her mom had to work such odd hours and sometimes multiple jobs to make ends meet. She was going to send her mom money whether she wanted it or not but it was nice to know her latest job was making her happy at least.

Casey flopped down on her bed and grabbed her backpack. She needed to get in at least another half hour of studying to keep from falling behind. She propped the textbook open in her lap and started reading.

Her eyes drifted closed before she finished the first page.

CHAPTER 2

The next night arrived faster than Casey could believe. She stood in the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and gazed around nervously. It was a stunning room with enormous crystal chandeliers and intricate moldings. Waiters in black tie scurried back and forth hefting trays of champagne, and a small ensemble band played soft jazz in one corner. A woman glided by wearing a necklace with emeralds as large as quarters.

She stood up straighter, suddenly appreciative of all the times her mother had corrected her posture and insisted she wear heels to church. They hadn’t had much money but her mother was determined to raise her the “proper” way, as a true Southern lady. She’d hated her mother’s old-fashioned ideas growing up but was extremely thankful for them now. The other women in the room looked like the type to wear lace and pearls even when they were sleeping.

“I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore,” she whispered.

A passing waiter offered her a flute of champagne and she took it, grateful to have something to do with her hands. She raised the glass and took a healthy gulp. The cool liquid tingled over her tongue, a refreshing surprise. She finished the glass and then snagged another from the next waiter she saw. Since the company was paying for the event she might as well have a good time.

Everyone else seemed engrossed in their conversations and no one seemed to notice her, which was probably a good thing. Someone passing on her left bumped into her elbow. Champagne sloshed over her hand.

“Oh hi, Casey. I didn’t see you.” Milo Hamilton held her arm in a steady grip and flashed a toothy grin. “I’m usually not so clumsy.”

Casey found herself smiling back easily. “No problem. Where’s Mya?” A waiter appeared like magic, taking her glass and handing her several napkins to mop up the spill.

“Mya hasn’t arrived yet. She’s coming straight from an offsite meeting with a client. Until then, I’m forced to socialize on my own.” Right then the music changed to something up-tempo.

Milo held out a hand and she took it automatically. “Let’s dance.”

When he moved toward the center of the floor where several couples were already dancing, Casey began to have second thoughts.

“I’ll try not to step on your feet,” she joked.

He led her through the moves of the dance, leading with gentle nudges left and right. He spun her and her mouth dropped open in surprise when she didn’t stumble but executed a perfect turn.

“Wow. I actually did it! You make this seem so easy.” Casey grinned as he spun her again.

Milo winked down at her. “I figured I should go easy on you. I appreciate you taking pity on me so I didn’t have to stand by myself.”

Casey laughed when he made a pleading face. She had no doubt he would have no shortage of companions when he chose to mingle. It was more likely that he was taking pity on her.

“I’m more than happy to hang out with you. I was almost on the verge of leaving and going home.”

Milo regarded her thoughtfully. “I don’t think you want to do that. Not until you put your admirer out of his misery.”

Casey’s head shot up. “Admirer? What are you talking about?”

Milo smiled and looked behind her pointedly. “You’ll see.” He released her and nodded at something behind her.

She turned slowly and scanned the room. She could see people moving out of the way as someone walked through. Her ears started buzzing and the hair on the back of her neck stood up.

Somehow she just
knew
.

Andre finally came to stand next to them. His eyes never left hers but his words were for Milo.

“This doesn’t seem fair, Mr. Hamilton. You can’t keep all the beautiful women to yourself.”

Milo threw his head back and laughed. He was such a handsome man with his wavy brown hair and blue eyes. But his laugh didn’t cause her heart to race. His touch didn’t make her lose her breath. Only one man had that effect on her and he was standing to her side, observing them with a mixture of suspicion and hostility.

“All I’m going to say, Mr. Lavin is now we’re even.” Milo seemed to enjoy Andre’s discomfort.

Casey glanced between the two men. “Even? What does that mean?”

Andre growled something in Italian which caused Milo to grin even harder. Casey crossed her arms as the two continued to stare at each other.

“Hello? Will someone please tell me what’s going on here?”

Milo shook his head. “I’ll leave that for Mr. Lavin to explain. I’m getting out of the line of fire.”

Casey watched as he turned and joined a group nearby. She turned back to see Andre watching her with a thin-lipped smile.

“Mr. Hamilton is just paying me back for a little misunderstanding that occurred while he was wooing Ms. Taylor. I’m starting to understand his position.”

“Oh, you were dating Mya?” Casey hoped the tremor in her voice wasn’t as obvious to him as it was to her.

“No. He just thought I was. That was bad enough, believe me.” His eyes fixed on her face. “So it’ll just be the two of us. Disappointed?”

Casey placed a hand self-consciously over her exposed cleavage. The movement drew his attention there and she watched as his pupils widened before he ripped his gaze back to her face.

“Of course not. I’m always happy to talk to you, Mr. Lavin.”

He grimaced and clenched his fists at his sides. “Don’t call me that. Please.” The last word was less of a command and more of a plea. “Call me Andre. We’re not in the office. There’s no need to be formal.”

Casey stared at him for a long moment. He was behaving so strangely. She had a hard time believing it really mattered to him one way or the other what she called him.

“Okay. Andre.” Just saying his name brought a rush of heat to her cheeks. Her heartbeat stuttered and began to beat double time.

“Let me get you a drink.” He motioned one of the circulating waiters over.

“Oh no, you don’t need to,” Casey sputtered. She’d already had too much as it was. But before she could protest, he plucked another crystal goblet of the sparkling gold liquid from the tray of a passing waiter.

“Well, I suppose one more can’t hurt.” She would just sip it slowly. Savor it. It would give her something to concentrate on besides how good Andre looked in black tie.

Casey’d only tasted champagne once before at an impromptu farewell party for a friend back home. She held her glass up to the light, admiring the color. The bubbles seemed to pulse in the soft light of the ballroom chandeliers, rising to the top of the glass in intricate patterns.