Page 51 of Reckless Chance
“My to-do list is waiting. This has been fun. Are you stuck working for the rest of the day?” Cassie asks.
“Sean and I are interviewing Ron. He’s the stage manager for thePyrobatics Treasure Hunt. We’re following up on several unexplained accidents in the days leading up to Mr. Brentwood’s fall.”
“I’m off too. Dad expects me on a video meeting in twenty minutes. Lowri, I’ll walk you out,” Evan says standing up.
Cassie leaps up and gives him a quick kiss. “I’ll be finished here by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Can we grab dinner then?”
“I’ll make reservations,” he says.
I give Cassie a hug. With a quick wave, Evan and I hurry out.
As we’re about to part ways, Evan says, “Thank you for all the hard work on the party for Cassie. I’m incredibly grateful for your help. Forgive me for not sharing that it was an engagement party. It was important to me that Cassandra was the first to know. That is other than my parents. Catalinius law required that I ask their permission.”
“There’s nothing to forgive. It would have been difficult to keep the secret. It’s better you didn’t tell me. I’m thrilled the party turned out the way you wanted.”
“It was perfect. Good luck with your inquiries this afternoon,” he says and, with long, quick strides, disappears into the crowded casino.
He truly is smitten with Cassie, and she with him. Watching those two together, I can’t help being a tad envious of the love they share.
I’ve never been loved that deeply by a man. Hell, my father didn’t love me. Why do I think another man would? Dad only cared about my brother, Jerry. He had no use for a daughter who didn’t play sports.
When Dad cheated on Mom and eventually left her for his young assistant at work, I vowed never to give my heart to a man. No way would I allow someone to treat me the way he treated her.
I sent Dad an invitation to my law school graduation, hoping it would make him proud. He didn’t even acknowledge the accomplishment. By then, he had a new family with his second wife. He’d moved on from my family and didn’t look back. I’ve never contacted him again and never will.
Based on my experience, men suck when it comes to relationships.
Then I see Cassie and Evan together. He was there for her when she needed consoling and support during the guest chef competition, and he’s quick to hug her and cheer her successes. They’re perfect for each other.
But that’s not my life. After college, I learned the only way to deal with men was to join them in their game. At work I’m serious and play hardball; outside of work, I play. All I’ve wanted was to have fun and enjoy sex—just like men—with no strings attached.
So why am I standing here, wishing for a chance at what Cassie and Evan have? I’m torn between preserving the protective shell I’ve created and hanging onto a smidgen of hope that maybe there’s a special man for me too.
My dream guy is someone like Sean. He respects my legal advice, cuddles me after I’ve been mugged, replaces my stolen items, and rocks my universe in bed. Sean even agreed to monogamy when we got married, which would be a requirement for being Mr. Perfect.
Of course, Sean’s not my forever guy. We’re on the same page. No relationships.
30
SEAN
Right on time, Emily shows Ron into my office.
“Ron, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss today,” I say.
Turning to Emily as she grabs the doorknob on her way out, I add, “Emily, please bring Ms. Upton in as soon as she arrives.”
“She’s getting off the elevator now, sir.”
The rapid click-clacking of Lowri’s signature high heels confirms her arrival.
“Hello, everyone. I hope I’m not late. I’m still learning how much time to allow for moving around the Athena,” Lowri says.
“You’re right on time, please come in,” I say.
“Ron, you remember Ms. Upton. I’ve asked her to join us this afternoon. I believe you’ve already met.”
“It’s good to see you again. We met briefly when she interviewed me after the accident,” Ron says, turning toward Lowri.
