Embezzled love, p.14
Embezzled Love, page 14
"Yeah, but I wish I didn't have to see my work pile up on my desk. Your tasks are almost invisible in comparison."
He didn't have a chance to respond. Mom stuck her out head the door. "Evan, you have a phone call."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Evan hobbled back through the construction debris, careful of his almost bare feet, and went inside. Cassie remained on the bridge over the fishpond, snickering at the mass of hungry mouths gathered at the water's surface just below. Evidently it was dinnertime.
She'd barely had time to feed the Koi before Evan returned.
"Guess what, baby." His eyes sparkled with the same excitement his voice possessed.
"What?" Cassie held her breath, hoping for something good."
"That was my brother, Billy. You know the one I've not seen in a long time. He's coming west and wants to see me. I can't believe he called. Musta got the number from my sis."
Evan's glee was contagious." Cassie smiled. "That's great, babe. So, when's he coming?"
"Next week." His grin spread from ear-to-ear. "I can't believe I'm finally gonna see my baby brother. Been far too long 'cause we've both been too damn bullheaded." Evan clasped Cassie's hands and danced her in a circle until dizziness consumed her.
She pulled away. "Okay, okay, I'm happy you're getting together with your brother," she pushed back wisps of stray hair from her face, "but no more spinning unless you want me to throw up."
Despite her cheerful façade, her heart ached at the thought of her own siblings and fences she needed to mend.
Evan pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, then straightened and stared squarely into her eyes. "My life is so great. Billy is coming, the yard is done, I'm finishing the office, I'm waiting to hear from Bud about working on the homepage for Star Strung, and best of all, I have you. What more could any man want?"
Cassie kept her smile. Evan claimed he had everything he needed to make him happy, and if Billy coming to visit added to the delight, she welcomed him. Lost in thought, she envisioned meeting the first of Evan's family, and what kind of impression she might make. The only thing she needed to do to prepare was change the sheets in Carson's old room…and tell Mom.
"Let's go inside and check the Internet for computer prices." Evan switched gears so fast, she got dizzy again. He yanked on her arm. "We need to get things ordered. The room's gonna be done this week."
Weaving through the construction, Cassie shook her head. No more rubble? Everything back to normal? The concept was almost as hard to imagine as the completed projects Evan kept presenting to her. It seemed like the back of the house had been in shambles for ages.
Inside, she toted a kitchen chair into the office and perched at Evan's side in front of the computer monitor. He perused page after page of office equipment, furniture and computers. She had no idea what he searched for. When her eyes blurred, she leaned back. "Baby, what exactly do you want for the new office?"
His eyes remained focused on the screen. "I'm not sure, but I'll know when I see it. A combination of both our tastes…something up to your standards, but comfortable too. Then of course, I'll be doing lots of design work, so I'll need a program for computerized landscaping. And don't forget that means a second computer for me, and maybe even a third."
She bolted forward in her chair. Dollars signs cascaded through her mind like water over the fall in the pond. "A third? Whatever for? Then we'll have to have another desk to put it on."
He didn't take his gaze off his search. "That'll work. When Bud gets our Star Strung page designed, he'll probably be more active in the business. We'll need a place for him when he's here."
Cassie swallowed hard. She'd never even met the man, and now she was buying a computer for him. Was Evan being overly optimistic, running two businesses at once, especially when the first had barely left the ground? She rested her elbow on the corner of the desk and supported her throbbing head. Billy coming for a visit, Bud working in the office with them? How much more could she stand to hear?
"Exactly what will Bud be doing besides the web pages?" She massaged the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes to dull the pain.
Evan glanced at her. "You okay?"
"Yeah, fine. Just a little headache." She opened her eyes and her gaze met his baby blues. The excitement sparkling there was enough to calm a storm sea.
"Baby girl, I'll need Bud's help to run Star Strung. He knows all about guitars and their value. He'll be the brains behind the brawn." Evan smiled and flexed his bicep.
Cass straightened. That little boy grin won her over every time. She released a loud breath. "Okay, but he won't be staying here, will he? Doesn't he live in Texas?"
Evan shook his head. "Nah, he won't live here, but he'll be making frequent trips back and forth. Besides needing photos to verify who signs the guitars, someone has to research where the stars are performing and make arrangements to get us there."
"So there'll be lots of travel involved? Tell me again how things work."
"We buy a guitar, take the instrument to a concert where the star is performing, ask that person to autograph the instrument, have Bud take a picture," Evan bent back a finger as he named each step. "then, voila…the cost of the guitar just went up a few digits."
Cass leaned on her elbow again. His Texas diction usually charmed her, but the whole idea of selling guitars perplexed her more than his explanation about landscaping. "Okay, let me see if I understand. If we've succeeded in everything you've said, now we own a more expensive guitar. How do we sell it, and to whom?"
Evan screwed his mouth to the side and shook his head. "Bud will post the information on our website, and of course make sure we're listed with as many…hmm, what do you call those thingies that help people find shit on the computer? Oh, yeah, search engines…make sure we're listed with all of 'em. When a collector finds out we have an autograph they just have to have, we'll be raking in the bucks."
Cassie stood and arched. Her back ached from leaning forward with no support. She peered down at Evan. "It sounds too easy. I can't imagine anyone buying a guitar simply because someone famous signed it. Are you sure people even do that?"
"You just wait. Folks will buy anything. How do you suppose Graceland stays in business?" He stared vacantly into space. "Just imagine if ol' Elvis was around to sign a shiny new Fender for us."
Her mind spun. Fender…of a car? She was too tired to ask. Probably a brand name she'd never heard before. "Okay, I guess you know what you're doing. Elvis still has a ton of fans, for sure." She yawned. "I'm going up and get ready for bed. You coming?"
"I'll be up in a few. First, I'm going to order a couple of things."
Common sense screamed at her. You'd better ask him what and how much. Tiredness prevailed, and she slogged upstairs. He kept asking for trust, so… Besides, once the office was complete and all the equipment in, the spending would surely slow down. Evan's words resounded in her head. You have to spend money to make money.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The doorbell sounded. Cassie grumbled as she made her way to the front door. She'd just gotten home and wasn't expecting company. Beyond Mom's door, the TV blared so loud, she never would have heard the chimes.
Cassie's nylon-clad feet almost slid out from under on the sleek tile entry. She steadied herself and opened the door, expecting to find someone from UPS or another mail service.
Her widened gaze locked on a familiar massive chest, encased in a white dress shirt and navy blue sport coat, before drifting up to a chiseled jaw and chocolate brown eyes.
Definitely no deliveryman. She swallowed hard. Well, Detective Green, isn't it? How can I help you?"
"Hello again, Ms. Fremont." His deep voice reverberated on the porch.
"What brings you here?" She held her breath in anticipation, worried about why he came, but her caring lost in the pleasure of looking at him. The term 'eye candy' applied without doubt, but she chastised herself for even thinking such things.
His crooked grin made her heart flutter. "I'm following up on the case about the Rolex, remember."
Mention of the dreaded watch snapped her out of her infatuated fog. "Oh, not that again." She scowled. "Did you make any progress on finding out what happened?"
"Absolutely not. The department routinely works with pawn shops to find missing or stolen items, but no trace of your friend's Rolex has surfaced. Without evidence to implicate anyone, I'm officially closing the case. I've already notified the watch's owner and wanted to let you know in person since the alleged theft occurred at your place of residence. Do you have any questions?"
Although he sounded like someone playing a role on a TV police drama, his perfect lips and straight, white teeth captivated her. Egad, she acted like a star-struck teenager. What had come over her? She cleared her throat. "Ah, no, no questions, Detective Green. I'm happy to have this whole problem go away. That stupid watch caused nothing but trouble. I apologize for wasting your time."
"No problem, ma'am. It's all part of the job."
She heard only one word in his entire sentence. Ma'am? Was she old enough to warrant that title, especially from someone apparently close to her own age? "No, Sir," she countered, "it's not a problem at all, Sir."
His wide smile indicated he got the message. He reached into his breast pocket and then extended his hand. "I don't believe you have one of these. Here's my business card. Please feel free to call me for any reason." His left lid dropped in a noticeable wink.
Cassie accepted his card. "Thank you." For any reason? Her heart fluttered. "Thank you, Detective—"
"Bryan, please." His eyes sparkled. "This ma'am and sir stuff seems a little unnecessary." He turned and strode down the sidewalk.
Cassie closed the door and leaned against it. She hadn't looked at another man since meeting Evan…at least with such attraction and lust. She ought to be ashamed. No way would she appreciate Evan ogling another woman. The attraction had to have been the suit, certainly not those broad shoulders or bedroom eyes. Time to get a grip. She took a breath. Wasn't fantasizing a natural part of life? Besides, she loved Evan with all her heart, but where in the hell had Bryan Green been all those years she was single?
Fanning herself, she went to her desk to tackle the day's mail. The indelible grin on her face blossomed into a smile. Detective Green had actually flirted with her…either that or something irritated his eye at just that moment. How sad that someone that good looking and nice was unattached. She sighed and turned back to the task at hand.
The first envelope held a bill from the attorney she'd secured to help Evan combat the existing warrants in Arizona. There was note inside. Cassie unfolded and read:
Upon further investigation, it appears the pending warrants have been pulled because of the time lapse involved. I would advise Mr. Dennis not to be concerned, unless of course he plans to drive through Maricopa County and get stopped for speeding or equipment malfunction. In that case, the warrants would most likely resurface. As long as his primary residence is outside the state of Arizona, it's highly doubtful he's in jeopardy.
Cassie's relief released in a whoosh, replaced by anxiousness for Evan to come so she could share the good news. A glimpse of the accompanying statement made her roll her eyes. "Sheesh, I should have been a lawyer." The invoice formed the foundation for more bills to come as she picked up enveloped number two.
The mail open, Cassie started entering data onto a spreadsheet and separating the bills into 'pay now' and 'pay later' piles. The back door slammed and two male voices, one of which she recognized as Evan's, sounded.
"Cassie, baby, where are you?" he called.
"I'm in the office."
Evan appeared in the doorway, a broad grin on his face and his arm around another man. "Lookee who I found."
Cassie's shoulders drew into a puzzled shrug.
"This is Billy, my brother." Evan removed his arm and moved closer to the desk. "Billy, I'd like you to meet my special lady, Cassie."
She stood and offered her hand. "I should have guessed. I definitely see a family resemblance, especially the blue eyes. Welcome, Billy, I'm happy to meet you."
"You, too." Billy dropped his bag on the floor, removed his baseball cap, and gave her a shy smile.
Impressed by his polite gesture, Cassie glanced at Evan. "Wow, we have a true gentleman in the house."
Billy nodded. "Military man…and southern born. A double whammy. In my opinion, more men should enlist." He smoothed his hair and replaced his cap. His gaze wandered the room. "You have a nice place here, Cassie."
His Texas drawl sounded less severe than Evan's, but still lent a distinct twang to his voice. They shared the same height and approximate weight, but the loose fit of Billy's shirt showed his upper body not nearly as developed as Evan's. Cassie look from one face to the other, focusing more on the lack of similarities. Billy paled in comparison to Evan's healthy outdoor tan, plus he had deep circles beneath his eyes. His pasty skin only magnified them and made him look tired. "Are you hungry," she asked, "or would you prefer to go to your room and rest. You must have had a long day."
"I really could use some sleep. I ate a short time ago, but I drove all the way from Fort Worth today"
"What were you doing in Fort Worth?" Evan cocked his head.
"Trying to find a job. Since my stint in the service ended, I haven't had much luck finding employment."
"What did you do in the service?" Cassie asked.
"I was a jack of all trades, I guess you'd say. I worked on military vehicles, painted, planted, cleaned…anything they ordered me to do, I did. I spent most of my time in an office, filing, typing and answering phones. Thankfully, I get a small pension, or I'd be up a creek."
Evan pounded his brother on the back. "C'mon little brother, grab your bag and let's get you settled. We can talk more in the morning after you've gotten a good night's shuteye."
Billy picked up his duffle, then doffed his cap at Cassie. "Thank you for your hospitality. It'll be nice sleeping in a real bed for a change. I've been bedding down in the car for the past month."
Cassie's mouth gaped and a passel of questions popped into her mind. This wasn't the time to be nosy, the man needed his rest. "Have a good night, Billy. See you in the morning."
Evan escorted his brother upstairs, and Cassie returned to her tedious routine. Billy wasn't the only tired one. Coming home from work every night and having to play catch up with business obligations took a toll on her. How long could she continue before she buckled under the stress?
A delicious aroma wafted from Mom's quarters. Cassie's stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten dinner. Mom had long ago gotten into the habit of making her own meals, and Cassie missed having someone else do the cooking. Kitchen duty was only one more task to add to her list. She pushed away from the desk and glanced at the staircase. Evan was probably hungry, too.
In the kitchen, Cassie searched the refrigerator for something quick and tasty, leftovers perhaps. The pickings were slim—cold cuts, a wilted head of lettuce, a couple beers, some past-dated milk, and a covered container she feared opening, and when she did, the smell gagged her. The unidentifiable contents had become a science project and not suitable for human consumption. She dumped the moldy mass down the disposal and decided time had come to grocery shop.
She returned to the fridge and sniffed the milk. It still smelled okay, so she fetched a box of cereal from the pantry, two bowls from the cupboard and a couple of spoons. Not gourmet, but good enough to quell her hungry rumblings.
Evan came and sat at the table with her. He looked at the cereal box and bowl and smiled. "Oh, honey, you shouldn't have spent so much time, slaving over dinner."
Cassie's teeth clenched. Surely, he was kidding. For his sake, she'd suppose he was. "I'm glad you appreciate my culinary talents." Two could be sarcastic.
"I know this isn't considered a real meal," she said over the sound of cereal tinkling into Evan's empty bowl, "but, I've been busy ever since I walked in the door. Besides, when I was growing up, we had what Mom called 'eat nights' fairly often."
"Eat nights?" Evan's brow rose as he poured milk atop his rice puffs.
"Yeah, if you find it, eat it!" Her laughter sent milk dribbling down her chin. She wiped it away with the back of her hand. "I'll go grocery shopping on my way home tomorrow. I admit, this definitely isn't much of a dinner."
Evan paused with spoon mid-air. "Baby girl, I'd eat pretty much anything you put in front of me as long as I can look across the table at your beautiful face."
The compliment warmed her heart and made the crummy rice puffs seem like Chateaubriand. She reached across and clasped his hand. "That was lovely, but I'm still shopping tomorrow. Billy deserves something better than breakfast food for dinner."
They both chuckled, but then fell silent except for the sound of crunching. Cassie dropped her spoon into her empty bowl with a loud clank. She started to lean back, but sat bolt upright. "Oh, my gosh, I almost forgot to tell you. We received a response from the attorney about your warrants."
Evan's Adam apple bobbed with a hard swallow. "What'd he say?"
"He said not to worry about them. Unless you return to Maricopa County and do something that draws legal attention to you, time has virtually erased the warrants. Stay in California and things will be fine."
"Whew! That's a big relief." He sprawled in his chair, then leaned forward, his jaw tensed. "All this worry because of a crummy watch. If I ever get hold of your brother-in-law…."
"You don't have to worry about the police report either. Detective Green dropped by earlier and informed me the case had been dismissed for lack of evidence."
"Ah," Evan sighed. "This has been quite a day for good things. A case dropped, warrants inactive, and my little brother coming to live with us."
"What?" Her mouth dropped open.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Cassie's forehead actually hurt from the skin-stretching surprise. "Moving in? You're kidding, right? I thought this was just a visit."
