Page 80 of Her Rugged Guardian

“Dessert?”

“Something chocolate.”

As she backed away, she kept her eyes on me until forced to spin around. As she faded into the crowd heading inside, I took a deep breath. I didn’t just have it bad for this girl. I was falling hard for her.

Fuck me.

CHAPTER 22

Cassandra

By the time I made it into the bathroom, goosebumps had popped down both arms. I stood in front of the long counter in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. Dinner and wine then dancing with the hottest man in the restaurant. What more could a girl ask for?

As I stared into my reflection, I was forced to face the fact I liked Jake a little too much. In fact, it was entirely possible that I was falling in love with him. Nope. That wasn’t going to happen. Going from enemies to insta-lust then love in the blink of an eye? This wasn’t some ridiculous romance novel like I read every so often. While Jake was all alpha male, I wasn’t even entirely certain that’s what I wanted.

“Girl. You need to get a grip.”

I also wasn’t certain talking to myself at this point was in my best interest either. I certainly didn’t want to be labeled a crazy person. For about a million reasons, my legs felt like noodles,which wasn’t like me. The dance had been the reason.You go, girl. Blame the dance and not the man you were with.

Everything about Jake surprised me and that wasn’t an easy feat. I’d seen far too many idiots, selfish and difficult people in DC while carrying out my work as vice president of the company. I’d had my share of dates before hooking up with my ex and in comparison to the selfish jerks I’d come into contact with, Jake’s grumpiness was child’s play. He had layers like everyone else. It was all about peeling them back carefully, allowing him to believe that he was the one doing it.

He was also kind even if he didn’t want anyone to know. I eased my fingers to my lips, inhaling at the same time. He was wearing cologne tonight, returning to his house to change while I’d freshened up. His scent had permeated my skin, creating the most incredible feeling of being wanted. Laughing, I glanced at my reflection again, eager to curl up in front of another fire and just be for the night.

Maybe coming here was a good decision after all.

I used the bathroom, taking my time to wash my hands. I had a feeling his patience was running out by now. As I tossed the paper towel into the trash, the quiet flutter of my heart could be felt in the pulse in my neck. I opened the door, not paying much attention to where I was going.

When I felt a presence standing right in front of me, I expected it to be Jake showcasing his lack of patience. The moment I lifted my head, I held my breath.

“Ms. Dayne. How amazing to run into you at my favorite restaurant.”

“Malcolm Robinson. I’ve heard a lot about you and none of it is good.”

He laughed, but the sound drove a series of shivers down my spine. “Now, why would you say that? I’m a simple businessman.”

“How interesting, Mr. Robinson, since you threatened my mother.” He seemed surprised I knew. “You see, I get her mail. You sent her a very nasty letter.”

“Ah. Margaret. Such a lovely person. What I sent her was a reminder of the contract she entered into.”

“I found the unsigned contract in her things. She wouldn’t go into business with a troll like you.”

“Tsk, tsk. And here I thought we were having a polite conversation. It was such a shame how she died.”

“Yes, cancer is a bitch.” I didn’t need bright lights to know he was using her death to continue trying his extortion tactics.

“She was a remarkable lady as well as a shrewd businesswoman.”

“Why? Because she refused to sell to the likes of you?” There went my caustic mouth again, but my hackles were already raised. What the hell was he really doing here? Had he followed me?

“Quite the contrary. I offered her a decent deal, which she accepted. She drove a hard bargain. For that, she got top dollar. Now, I guess the proceeds will go to you.”

The man had a screw loose or was hoping I was that gullible.

“No, she didn’t, Malcolm. As I said, I found the original contract you sent to her. It was unsigned. It will remain that way. Period. That’s why you threatened her because she realized you were nothing but a smarmy businessman.”

“I don’t make threats, Ms. Dayne. And I didn’t take you for the type of woman to indulge in insults.”

“Well, you don’t know anything about me, Malcolm.”

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