Cassie (4 page)

I took off his jacket and mine.

He glanced at my body for a moment before he looked away. “You have a nice apartment.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you live alone?”

“Yeah.”

“I li
ve alone too.”

I turned toward him and stared at his face. His fair skin was bright and beautiful. He had a good complexion for a guy. He didn’t seem scarred and rugged like most other men. His chin was hairless but I could see the faint growth underneath. Through the cut of his jersey I could see that he didn’t
have any chest hair, which I preferred. Now I wondered what the rest of him looked like.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“Huh?”

“What are you thinking?” he repeated.

“About the game,” I lied.

“You seemed pretty lost in thought.”

“I’m pretty serious about sports.”

“My kind of woman.”

“So…”

“So…?
”

The tension hung in the air. I wanted to say something but I couldn’t think of anything. I suddenly became very nervous. I wasn’t sure why. He stared at me and I waited for something to happen, for him to kiss me, but it never came to pass.

“Where did you go to college?” he asked.

“NYU.”

He nodded. “Good school.”

“My parents were
n’t happy when I decided to major in art fashion.”

“Fuck them,” he said bluntly.

I smiled. “You don’t care what other people think, do you?”

“Never.”

“Well, they paid for my education so I understood their objection.”

“That still doesn’t matter,” he said. “Now you work for a fashion
magazine and you can afford this apartment on that salary. Obviously, you didn’t make a mistake. You are a successful young woman. They should be proud.”

“I wish they felt the same.”

“Well, I’m proud of you,” he said. “Tell them that.”

“I think I will.”

He rested his hand on his thigh.

I watched it for a moment, wondering how it would feel to squeeze it.

“Well, thank you for the wonderful evening,” he said. “I should probably go.”

“Oh,” I said sadly.

He caught the look. “Unless you want me to stay…”

“
I would love it if you stayed, but you can go if you want.”

“I
just didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“You didn’t,” I said quickly.

“Cool,” he said with a nod. He stayed on his side of the couch.

I never wanted to be kissed more in my life. Most of the time, I had the opposite problem. I wanted the freaks to get away from me. I wanted Tony to kiss me, slip his tongue inside my mouth. I could tell just by looking at him that he would be a good kisser. Then I imagined what he would be like in bed…I stopped the thought. I hadn’t gotten in
laid in over a year. I was going through the worst dry spell ever. I really liked Tony and thought he was a sweet guy. I wanted to take this slow but I also wanted to jump his bones.

He grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. “Let’s see if there’s anything good on.”

I sighed in frustration. I moved closer to him on the couch and sat right beside him.

He picked a channel with a college game on. We watched it together and shouted when his team scored. He didn’t grab my hand. Maybe he didn’t kiss me because he thought I didn’t want to be kissed. I turned toward him so my face was near his. If that wasn’t a clear signal, I didn’t know what was.

He still didn’t take the bait. He leaned back and drank from his coffee. When it got really late, he turned off the TV. “I should get going.”

“Yeah,” I said. “I have work.”

He stood up and grabbed his sweatshirt, pulling it over his head. It messed up his hair but it still looked sexy. I walked him to the door and leaned closer to him.

“I can’t wait to see you on Thursday.”

“Me too,” I whispered. I stared into his face, waiting for him to embrace me or kiss me.
Something
.

He opened the door and walked out. “Goodnight.”

I closed the door, sighing in frustration.

4

“He didn’t even kiss you?” Orlando said when we had lunch.

“Nope,” I said in annoyance.

“Okay, he has to be gay.”

“You think everyone is gay.”

“And I’m always right.”

“I know he isn’t gay,” I said. “But I don’t know why he didn’t do anything.”

“Did you make it clear you wanted to be kissed?”

“
Very
clear,” I said. “I’m so annoyed.”

“Did he at least hug you?”

“Nope.”

“Is he Mormon?”

I laughed. “I don’t think so.”

“Why didn’t you just kiss him?”

“I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to,” I said. “I mean, if I was making it clear I wanted to be kissed, why didn’t he take the shot? He obviously didn’t want to.”

“I’m
sure there’s a reason.” Orlando sprinkled the sugar into his coffee then sipped it.

“Maybe he isn’t attracted to me.”

“Shut up!” Orlando rolled his eyes. “I may be gay but I can guarantee that isn’t why.”

“Then what?”

“Maybe he’s old-fashioned.”

“He doesn’t seem like it. And I think he’s rich or famous.”

“Why?”

“People were treating him like he was VIP at the game. And they were talking about betting dimes or something.”

“Dimes?” Orland asked.

I took a bite of my sandwich then wiped my mouth with a napkin. “He said he bet fifty dimes. Like fifty cents?”

Orlando’s eyed widened. “In betting, a dime is a grand.”

I dropped my sandwich. “So he meant fifty grand?”

Orlando nodded. “You got yourself a sugar daddy.”

My mind was racing. “So he is rich?”

“He must be. That’s the only explanation.”

“I guess that makes sense. If he is rich, he’s very humble about it.”

“This guy sounds like a catch,” Orlando said. “Are you sure he isn’t gay?”

I glared at him. “What about Stewart?”

He rolled his eyes. “He’d understand. He would leave me for Anderson Cooper any day.”

“But that guy is old,” I said.

“He doesn’t care. Cooper is on his list.”

I laughed. “You guys are funny.”

“We have an odd relationship.”

I finished my sandwich while I thought about Tony. I still couldn’t figure out why he was so distant with me. I guess I could just ask him next time
I see him. And I wondered why Janet had never introduced me to him. He and I hit it off immediately. Tony was sweet, successful, funny, and gorgeous. Why would she hide him? Then it hit me.

“Janet didn’t tell me about him because of his money,” I said.

“What?”

“My best friend kept her brother a secret because she probably assumed I’d only date him for his cash.”

Orlando shook his head. “That doesn’t sound like something you’d do.”

“I know it isn’t.” I sighed sadly. “I’m hurt she would ever think that.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Orlando said. “You have no idea. Maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe she didn’t think Tony was good enough or you.”

“I highly doubt that,” I said. “He’s the perfect guy. I haven’t had a date go that well in my entire life. Orlando, he’s so sexy. You have no idea.”

“I wish I had an idea.”

I laughed. “I’ll try to snap a picture.”

“If you guys get serious, we should double date.”

“That’s an idea,” I said. “But I don’t want you and Stewart fighting over him.”

Orlando rolled his eyes. “He’s straight. We get it. Don’t get all jealous on me.”

I smiled. “Sorry.”

We left the café and went back to work. When we walked into the office, Charli, the receptionist approached me. She was carrying a large vase with dark red roses. It was huge, almost too heavy for her to carry.

“These are for you,” she said.

I took them from her, almost dropping them on the floor. “Are you sure?”

“It says Cassie on the card.”

“Thank you.”

Orlando smiled at me. “Let’s go in your office.”

We went into the studio and I put them on the table. Orlando clapped his hands while he watched me open the card.

“What does it say?” he said excitedly.

I read it aloud.

Cassie,

I had a wonderful time with you the other night. I’ve never met such a cool chick that loves sports, beer, and food as much as I do. You’re my dream girl. And I’m sorry I didn’t kiss you. I won’t make the same mistake on Thursday.

P. S. I hope this will hold you over.

A chocolate kiss was sitting inside.

Orlando practically screamed. “That is so cute!”

I stared at the letter again, my heart racing. “The flowers are beautiful.”

“I told you he wanted to kiss you.”

“I guess you were right.”

Orland hopped on his toes. “He sounds so dreamy.”

“He is pretty amazing.”

“I’m so jealous,” he said. “Stewart and I used to be that way. Now we fart and burb in front of each other.”

I laughed. “That’s pretty romantic.”

He sighed. “I know.”

“But I’m jealous of you.”

“How do you mean?”

“You’re with someone that still loves to be around you all the time. Even if that heat isn’t as strong, that love is even stronger.”

He smiled. “You do have a point.”

I smelled a rose and sighed. Now I couldn’t wait until Thursday.

5

Since Janet had become serious with Scott, they started running together every morning. Therefore, our gym sessions were over. But I didn’t mind. I knew she was happy with Scott so I was happy for her. And she said they had morning sex in the shower after every run, so I definitely couldn’t hold that against her. I missed having sex. I couldn’t even remember what it felt like anymore. Had it changed since I was last in the game?

When I thought about Tony, the idea of sex wasn’t far behind. Having sex with him seemed like it would be easy and enjoyable. I couldn’t explain why, but I was innately comfortable around him. I liked him as a person, and I liked him as someone in the bedroom. That was a first for me. I never liked someone’s personality and was insanely attracted to them at the
same time. It was usually one or the other. Perhaps that was why my last boyfriend left me. I didn’t like thinking about it. I pushed the thought away.

When Tony knocked on my door, my heart exploded. I was nervous. I checked my hair in the mirror one more time before I answered the door. Since we were going to dinner, I put on a nice dress that complemented my skin tone. It highlighted the right curves in the right places. I really wanted him to kiss me so I was putting all my cards on the table.

I opened the door and smiled.

He stared at my face then his gaze moved to my body. Tony blatantly checked me out, taking in my every curve. I felt the heat from his eyes as they drilled into me. I tried to think of something to say but I was at a loss for words. He wore a t-shirt and jeans, and he looked sexy like he always did. I couldn’t believe he was Janet’s brother. He was too hot to be related to her.

Tony stepped inside and shut the door behind me. Without speaking, he came to me then placed his hands on my waist, feeling the fabric of my dress. My heart was racing so fast, I thought it would give out. When he pressed his face close to mine, I breathed heavily. I waited for it, knowing it was coming.

He cupped my face and pressed his lips against mine. I took a deep breath when I felt his soft lips. He parted mine then kissed me softly, his mouth
breathing into me. I knew he was a good kisser but I wasn’t expecting this. I actually felt my knees go weak. Tony rubbed his nose against mine for a moment, looking at me. Then he returned to kissing me. No tongue was involved but it was still sensual, loving. I felt a quiet sigh escape my lips. I missed being touched like this. I had been dormant for so long, and now my hibernation had ended. The heat surged back into me. I placed my hands on his chest and felt the solid wall underneath this shirt. I moaned again as I kissed him. I was insanely attracted to him. The area between my legs burned.

Tony broke the kiss then stared at me. “You’re a good kisser,” he whispered.

“You’re even better.”

“I liked hearing you moan.”

My cheeks blushed.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have done that before dinner.”

“Why?” My hands were still on his chest.

“Now I don’t want dinner.” His hands touched my waist, his fingers rubbing into my muscles. “You’re so small.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re perfect.”

“I’m far from perfect. I have too many flaws to count.”

“Maybe all the flaws make you perfect. I like real women, humble women.”

I stared at his lips, wanting him to kiss me again.

“One more,” he whispered. He leaned in and pressed
his mouth against mine. I immediately dug my fingers into his hair, wanting to savor the moment before it ended. The heat flushed through my body and the frostbite melted. Now I was only hungry for dessert.

Tony pulled away. “Are you ready?”

I nodded.

“Then let’s go.”

I sighed, wishing we would stay here.

We left the apartment and went to a small Italian restaurant. Tony grabbed my hand and held it while we walked. It was a nice change from our first date. I liked the affection he was giving me. It felt right.

When we arrived at our table, he pulled out the chair for me before he sat across from me. He picked up his menu and browsed the selections.

I took advantage of the opportunity to stare at him.

When he looked up, I looked down.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said. “I forgot to say that earlier when I was thinking it.”

“I think you said it non-verbally.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you picked up on that. So what are you getting?”

“Tortellini,” I said.

“Good choice,” he said. “I think I’ll be having a pizza.”

When I looked at the prices next to the menu, my eyes widened. This place was ridiculously expensive. I couldn’t believe we were eating there. The progression of our dates was a little odd. First, we went to a hockey game, and now we were having a romantic dinner. I didn’t question it.

“How was work today?”
he asked.

“Thank you for the flowers. They were beautiful.”

He smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“My friend Orlando was jealous.”

“Why?”

“He wishes his boyfriend would send him flowers like that.”

“They were lovely,” he said.

“So, why didn’t you kiss me the other night?”

He stared at the menu again. “It just wasn’t the right time.”

I didn’t know what that meant.
“Because it was our first date?”

“Yeah,” he said vaguely.

I decided to drop it. “So, did you bet fifty grand on that Rangers game?”

He met my gaze. “Why do ask that?”

“You told Mike you bet fifty dimes.”

“Oh,” he said. “I didn’t know you heard that.”

I waited for him to answer my question but he never did. I was starting to realize how secretive he was. I decided to discuss something else. “Where do you live?”

He drank from his water then returned it to the table. The candle in the center flickered for a moment. “A few blocks from Janet.”

“Isn’t that too close?” I teased.

“I keep the dead bolt on.”

“Are you good friends with Scott?”

“Yeah, Janet says the two of us are joined at the hip.”

“That’s cute.”

“He’s a cool guy. We have a good time together.”

I nodded. “I’m sure that makes Janet happy.”

“And I can keep him an eye on him.”

“I thought you didn’t like your sister?” I said with a smile.

“Damn…you caught me.”

“I knew you loved her.”

“So, where does your brother live?”

“In the city,” I said. “He’s a sports agent.”

“Really?” he asked with interest.

“He says he loves it.”

“Wow. That’s awesome. He and I would have a lot to talk about.”

I nodded. “You would.”

“Are you close with your parents?”

“My dad, not really my mom.”

“Why is that?’ he asked.

“My dad and I just get along better. I was a tomboy growing up.”

He smiled. “That makes sense.”

“My mom always tried to get me to do cheerleading or ballet, but I wanted to play basketball with my dad and brother, getting dirty and smelly.”

“If I had a daughter, I would love it if she was that way.”

“I can’t see you having a daughter,” I said. “You seem like you’d prefer a son.”

He shrugged. “I’d be happy with either.”

“Do you want to have kids?”

“I don’t know. I think I’d be happy either way.”

I nodded. “I don’t mean to ask something personal, but how old are you?”

“Twenty six.”

“Oh. You’re only a year older than me.”

“Yep.
My sister and I too close in age. I think that’s why she and I get along so well. When we were younger, I’d prefer to hang out with my sister over my friends any day. As much as I hate to admit it, she’s pretty cool.”

I smiled. “That’s sweet.”

“Don’t tell her I said that.”

“I’m sure she already knows.”

“Yeah, she’s a little conceited brat.”

I laughed. “She’s the most humble person I know.”

“I disagree,” he said. “You’re the hottest chick I’ve ever seen but you don’t act like it.”

I blushed at
his comment. I wasn’t expecting that. “I don’t know about that…”

“When I saw you in that bar, I was immediately smitten. And when I saw Scott talking to you, I knew I was in. I just swooped.”

I looked at my menu because I didn’t know what else to do.

“I’m sorry if my bluntness offended you.”

“It didn’t,” I said quietly.

The waiter took our orders then walked away. Tony ordered a bottle of wine for us and we drank it together. It was red wine with an equal amount of sweetness and tartness.

“So, are you equally fond of Beatriz?” I asked. “Because I want to punch her in the face most of the time.”

Tony laughed loudly. “That deserves another high-five.” He clapped my hand loudly. “I was never close with her like I was with Janet, but I still love her unconditionally. I’m glad she worked things out with Hank, especially for my nephew.”

“Do you like being an uncle?”

“I love it,” he said. “I want more so I can have my own baseball team.”

I laughed. “Janet and Scott need to get started then.”

He grimaced.

“Sorry, I guess that was a bad mental picture.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “Can I ask you something personal?”

My heart raced. “I guess.”

“You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”

“Okay.”

“You said you were in a relationship that ended like two years ago. Do you still talk to him?”

“No.”

He nodded. “Was he cheating on you the entire time?”

“I never asked. At that point, it didn’t matter.”

Tony stared at me. “Have you been in a relationship since then?”

“No.”

“Have you dated?”

“Yeah,” I said. “But they were all losers and never went anywhere.”

He gripped his knife and held it in his hand.

“Those weren’t that personal.”

“Well, the last one is the most personal. I feel bad for even asking.”

“What is it?” I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Have you…had sex since then?”

My cheeks blushed. “No…”

Tony nodded.

“Why do you ask?”

“You just seem…”

“Charged?” I asked with a laugh.

He smiled.
“Yeah. When I kissed you, I never felt that much passion from someone else.”

“Well, you are a really good kisser. And I do like you.”

Tony’s eyes shined brighter. He leaned closer to me, clearly pleased with that response. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“I’m assuming you have sex on a regular basis?”

“Uh, not necessarily.”

“Have you been in a serious relationship recently?”

“No. It’s been a long time.”

“So you just date people?”

“On and off,” he said.

I wanted to ask him if it was because he was rich but I decided not to. He clearly didn’t like discussing that. I could understand why. When it came to money, people were weird. And I’m sure he had girls date him just to get a chance at his money. It was difficult to tell if people really liked him for who he was. I didn’t care about his money. I was falling for him because he was a great guy, the first great guy I met in years.

The waiter brought our food and we ate quietly. Tony had perfect table manners. That didn’t surprise me at all. He ate his pizza with a knife and a fork rather than holding it by the slice. When we were done, the waiter brought the tab.

“Let me get it this time,” I said. “You paid for all that junk food the other night.”

He stared at me like I just burped out a frog. “What?”

“Let’s trade off.”

“That’s the first time I’ve been out with a girl who’s ever offered to pay.”

“Oh,” I said. “Well, I think that’s fair. I guess I’m a feminist.”

He stared at me for a long time before he threw the cash in. “My dates don’t pay for their meals.”

“Can I get the tip?”

“No,” he snapped.

I backed down.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to go overboard.”

I said nothing.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yes.”

We left the restaurant then walked back to my apartment. When we reached the door, I didn’t want him to leave. I already really liked him. I knew I had to tell Janet the truth soon. I was falling for her brother and I couldn’t do that behind her back. She was my best friend.