The things we do for love. (8 page)

He smiled a large smile at her and she frowned. She had seen that look before. She knew what that meant. He was formulating a plan.

“Nothing is up.” He looked back over her shoulder. “No I was wrong maybe there is something up after all.” Adam told her.

“What are you going on about.”

“Isn’t that... Isn’t that him over there?” Adam gestured with a nod in the direction just over her shoulder. Him who? She wondered as she frowned.

Cassie watched Adam as he looked back over her shoulder and then back at her before he grinned from ear to ear boyishly and nodded his head up and down wildly as his eyes sparkled with glee.

Chapter 10.

“Him Who?” Cassie asked with a frown and then, unable to stop herself, she whirled round in her seat. Her eyes searching the restaurant until they fell on the ‘him’ whom Adam was referring to.

For a few moments her heart stopped beating and the rest of the room fell away and all she could see was Luke. A delicious shiver ran down her spine and her mouth went dry.

Yes, that was Luke Pearson all right. He was hard to miss. All tall muscular frame of him. His dark neat hair and softly tanned complexion.

His features relaxed, more relaxed than she had ever seen him. Normally he just looked hopping mad, on account that he was hopping mad. All Faye’s fault.

Now though he looked calm and relaxed. His features soft, a small little smile curving his lips. Those same lips that had spouted out not very nice words to her earlier in the day but that she still fantasized kissing her.

She felt her cheeks grow incredibly warm. There was no point in having those type of thoughts. Faye had made that completely impossible. Which was a shame, because he was so… he was just so... in a delicious tempting way.

He was sitting in the raised galley area and she had an uninterrupted view of him as there were not many diners up in that area.

He was sitting at a small table for two facing her but he had not seen her yet. At least he wasn’t looking in her direction at that moment. Instead he was looking down at his menu.

She wondered how long he had been sitting there. He hadn’t passed her since she had been sitting here. She really would have noticed him coming in through the door.

Then she mentally shook herself. What did she care how long he had been sitting there? She wasn’t the man’s keeper any more than she was Faye’s.

It looked like he was dining alone, funny that someone that good looking didn’t have a woman on his arm. Cassie’s stomach gave a funny kind of lurch. She wished it would stop doing that.

Cassie did acknowledge, yet again, that he was very good looking with that brooding look he sported and dark hair. Every time she had seen him he had always been smartly dressed in expensive suits.

But what really made him stand out was that air of authority that he carried with natural aplomb. Next to him Cassie felt clumsy and awkward.

And next to him she was clumsy and awkward. She had already proved that today when she had ripped his jacket. She felt her cheeks grow even warmer at the memory and she turned back in her seat before he had the chance to look up and see her.

Cassie really couldn’t deal with another encounter with the man. Once in one day was more than enough for her. She was tired and weary.

“Maybe we should just skip dessert.” Cassie began as she tried to calm her heart that was beating wildly in her chest. 

Adam, however, obviously had other plans for he was already shaking his head at her with a firm stern look planted on his features.

“No, you are not going to let that man run you out of the restaurant.” He told her.

“Yes but.”

“You have done nothing wrong.” Adam reminded her.

“Adam it’s not a good idea. Earlier today he was really angry.

“You will stand your ground and eat dessert like the true trooper you are. It will be here soon anyway.” Adam reassured her with a little pat on the hand that was resting on the table.

“I ripped his jacket.” She said.

“It was an accident you said.” Adam’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “It was an accident, wasn’t it?”

“Yes of course it was. I told you.” Cassie defended herself quickly. “You don’t think I would do it deliberately?”

“Of course not, but…”

“But?”

“Well you did offer to sew it for him.”

“Yes?” She frowned confused.

“That would have meant that you would have to see him again to give his jacket back.” Adam continued.

“Are you saying I deliberately ripped his jacket so that I could see him again.”

“Not knowingly but maybe on some kind of subconscious level.” Cassie shook her head.

“You have it all wrong.”

“I do?”

“Yes.” She affirmed.

“Good, in that case there is no excuse. Nothing should ever come between you and desserts especially if it’s chocolate.” Adam told her.

Cassie almost laughed at him. Spoken like a true chocoholic.

“You have a terrible sweet tooth.” She admonished him.

“There is no harm in having a little of what you fancy now and then darling Cassie.” Adam told her and she looked up at him she noticed that he wasn’t looking at her but somewhere over her shoulder with a strange little smile on his lips and an arch in one eyebrow.

“I am not sure I can eat anymore.” Cassie remarked as she fought hard not to turn around and look in the direction that Adam was now looking in.

she knew that he was looking at Luke. She watched him raise his glass to his lips, holding it mid-air before slowly bringing it to his lips. His eyes remaining fixed on whatever was holding his interest.

The waitress came over to their table and put their order in front of them. Cassie’s shoulders sagged dismally as she admitted defeat. There was no getting out of it. She would have to stay and see it through to the bitter end.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” She asked politely.

“Um... n...n... No. T... Thank you.” Cassie stammered awkwardly.

“Thank you.” Adam said to the waitress.

Luckily, the waitress did not seem to notice her growing discomfort or she probably just didn’t care.

“Please enjoy.” The waitress replied as she left the table. But Cassie wasn’t listening. Her mind had already begun to wander away, at least as far as the table in the raised galley.

If it hadn’t been for Faye. There really was no point exploring that avenue. Faye had done what she had done and that was that. Faye existed, the situation existed and no matter what she did it wouldn’t change it.

But still, Cassie caught herself thinking about how things could have been different. How it would feel to be held in those strong looking arms of a certain doctor.

If only Faye hadn’t been Faye, would there have ever been a chance for her? It was silly to think such thoughts. Luke might not even like her after all. He had never shown any real interest these past couple of months. Well none that she could see.

But still her mind wandered back. Back to those muscled shoulders and impressive chest under his shirt. A chest that, on at least one occasion, she had managed to get very close to. What would it have been like to have been able to lean on him. What would it be like to be taken into his arms and kissed and…

“Hello. Earth calling Cassie. Come in Cassie.” Adam’s voice broke through her devastating thoughts and she gave herself a mental shake as she looked up at Adam.

Adam took in his friends red face and glazed over eyes, her slightly open mouth and he could have sworn she was panting. This looked promising, he decided. Already plans were formulating in his head.

In fact, this was more promising than he could have hoped for. After all he was watching Dr Luke Pearson, who was sporting the same look on his face as Cassie, as his eyes swept over Cassie’s back.

Most of the evening Luke had been watching Cassie and Adam had been enjoying every minute of it. He had not told Cassie of course, mainly because she would have been too self-conscious and she would not have believed him if he had told her that Luke was eyeing her up like a tiger about to pounce on his next meal. Yes, this was all very promising.

“What?” Cassie refocused her eyes and Adam’s warm smiling face swam back into view.

“You have gone quite pink dear.” Adam teased light heartedly.

“Sorry.” She mumbled as she picked up her spoon to eat, feeling the heat even more in her cheeks.

“It’s changed to quite red now though.” He commented and she blushed harder. “Wow, lobster red.”

And then he put out both hands, showing his palms and then rubbing them together before opening them. As though he were warming them in front of a fire. “If you get any redder you are gonna start a fire. Or maybe…” he paused as he looked back to the man with his eyes fixed on Cassie’s back. “You already have.”

“Enough.” She said.

“Sorry darling. I couldn’t help myself, what were you thinking anyway?”

“Nothing.” She told him as embarrassment set in.

“You looked to be miles away or...” There was a deliberate pause which filled the air. “...or maybe you were just a few tables away.” Adam commented as he winked mischievously at her and she blushed even more profusely, if that were at all possible.

Adam laughed a rich throaty laugh and she playfully slapped his arm to try and hide her embarrassment at being found out. “Ah, I do hope you find out whether the real thing lives up to the fantasy one day.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Cassie expressed trying to hide the truth.

But it was too late Adam had already seen. So much for trying to keep it quiet.

Now Cassie felt even more miserable. It was bad enough to have feelings for someone that would never reciprocate them but, even worse that other people might also know that.

“Oh come now. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of fantasizing once in a while.” Adam told her soothingly. “And he is worth a fantasy or two.”

“Adam please.”

“Real life would be terribly boring without it.” He assured his friend.

“Nothing will come of it.” She reminded him.

“We shall see. Now, eat your chocolate pudding before it goes cold and your ice-cream melts. It’s good for the soul.”

Adam popped a spoonful of chocolate brownie into his mouth and closed his eyes for a moment as he savoured the taste. “Of course, there is something else that is good for the soul, way better than chocolate. But it looks like it might be a while before you manage to get that.” Adam said softly.

“You are incorrigible.” Cassie said.

“That I may be. But, that doesn’t stop sex being better for the soul than chocolate.”

“Adam.” She exclaimed in a shocked voice and Adam laughed devilishly.

“When was the last time you heard anyone singing about chocolate healing instead of sexual healing?” he asked her.

“Never.” She said.

“Good, I am glad we cleared that up.”

“You have a one track mind.” She moaned at him.

“I’m not the one fantasizing about dishy doc over there.” Adam told her gleefully. “So, in your fantasy just then how far did you get?”

“Adam.” She gasped again and blushed again. She had to stop doing that.

“Ooh, that far.” And he laughed at her. “Sex is a normal biological function dear stop being so prudish.” He tutted.

“Sorry. I will try and work on that.”

“See that you do. Now eat your dessert like a good little girl.” And without another word Cassie tucked in to her dessert which, as it turned out was quite delicious.

Chapter 11.

Cassie sat back on a contented sigh. Even after deciding that she would not be able to eat all of her dessert. She had managed to surprise herself and scrape the plate clean.

“I can’t believe I ate so much.” Cassie exclaimed as she put down her spoon. “I am fit to burst.” She felt so full that she was uncomfortable but, she also felt quite satisfied so she guessed she could put up with a little discomfort.

“See, I knew it would make you feel better.” Adam told her as he took his credit card out of his wallet and motioned for the waitress. She dutifully walked over and with a smile took his card.

“As always, you are right o wise one.” She said. “I am sorry that I doubted you.”

“Just you remember that.” The waitress returned with Adam’s credit card and a receipt.

“I shall.” She agreed.

“Even when things get a little uncomfortable.” He continued.

“Why are things going to get uncomfortable?” She asked confused.

“I think I have a plan.” Adam grinned and looked back over her shoulder.

“Don’t you dare.” Cassie warned him.

“Calm down, I haven’t even told you the plan yet.”

“Okay, what is the plan.”

“There would be no point in telling you. You would only spoil my fun by thwarting my plans. So you are just going to have to come along for the ride.”

“Adam please. I mean it.” She tried begging her friend.

“Whatever happened to, you are always right, o wise one.”

“You had your moment.” She smiled. “Now it’s gone.”

“That’s how much you know. I plan to have a few more moments by the time the week is out.”

“Adam what are you planning?” She tried again. Adam looked at her then and leaned closer to her.

“Just one week Cassie. Trust me and this will all be over in just one week.”

“What will be over in one week.”

“Do you trust me?” Adam asked her.

“Not likely.”

“Well that’s just charming.” He complained.

“You have a lousy track record.”

“I am right this time. I know I am. Go with the flow Cassie dear, for just one week.”

“Fine.” She reluctantly agreed. She had no idea what he was up to but she did know that she could not stop him. Whatever he was planning he was going to do regardless.

“Are you ready to go or did you want to loiter for a while.” Cassie shook her head.

“I think I am just about ready.”

“Are you sure, delicious doc hasn’t finished yet. We could wait around. I could order you a… stiff… drink. You know Dutch courage and all that.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Please do not start.” She warned him.

“Me? Start? Start what?” he tried to look all innocent but he just could not pull it off.

“You know. No matchmaking. Please.” She said again, trying to stop her friend before he did something that would totally embarrass her.

“I wouldn’t dream of it. It’s just that he is so enjoying himself.”

“What?”

“Luke Pearson. He is enjoying watching you. A little smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye. It would be a shame to spoil his fun.” Adam smiled at her.

“He is not.” She denied and fought the urge to turn in her seat and see for herself. She almost turned but Adam grabbed her arm and she turned back to him.

“Okay. He is not.” Adam put up his hands in surrender. “So are you ready?”

“I’ll just visit the little girl’s room then I’ll be ready.” She told him as she got up from the table and turned towards the direction of the toilets at the back of the restaurant.

Cassie kept her head firmly down as she walked past the raised galley. She didn’t want Luke to spot her. Adam had been joking. Luke was probably none the wiser that she was here. And that suited her just fine.

She did not fancy another run in with the man, and as for Adam’s comment about Luke enjoying himself watching her well. Adam was just trying to get a reaction out of her. He was like that sometimes.

However, Cassie found herself unable to stop herself casting a quick discreet look over in his direction briefly. He was not looking in her direction, see Adam was just teasing her.

She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to be drawn into any more altercations tonight especially not at this restaurant. She would never be able to show her face in here again.

After doing what needed to be done in the little girl’s room. Cassie washed and dried her hands and ran a hand through her hair which she had worn down. Mainly because she had been too tired and too lazy to bother with styling it.

It had been a long day and she wasn’t wonder woman. She wasn’t even organised woman today. More like haphazard woman. She took in a breath to steady her nerves and turned to open the door.

Cassie made her way back towards the table where Adam and she had been sitting at for the past hour or so. Keeping her head bent so as not to warrant the attention of Luke Pearson.

Keeping her eyes fixed on the table Adam still sat at she picked up her pace. She wanted to go home and go to sleep. It had been a trying and tiring day.

She had just cleared the first entrance to the galley and was making her way round to the other side when Cassie felt her foot snag on something and she tripped.

She cried out in alarm and tried to correct her balance when suddenly warm hands curled around her upper arms and she found her face alarmingly close to a large hard chest. The woody spicy notes of aftershave hit her senses.

It was a familiar scent, not just the smell of the aftershave. It was the musky scent of the man himself that was familiar. Her body recognising it immediately and responding to it as if it had a life of its own.

Cassie did not need to look up to know whose broad hard chest her hands were resting on. She had been here before.

She could feel his breath on her forehead and could hear his heartbeat, if that were even possible.