Longing for You (Touched by Magic Book 1) (13 page)

Had Ally not called an hour before she was supposed to leave, she would have made it in time to hear the last song. It would have been rude to hang up on her friend when she’d called to vent about Jonah. If Ally knew she was here tonight…

Ally was in defense mode. She was out to protect her heart from being crushed by Jonah once again. But Ally didn’t have all the information she needed to pass judgment. If she knew the things her mother did behind her back, she would see the situation differently. The guilt of not telling her the truth still weighed on Cassie, but she wasn’t the same girl back then. Paula’s threats terrified her as much as they had Jonah.

Arriving at the bar, Cassie found an empty stool and slid across the spongy cushion. It was the only open seat. Though multitudes of people were waiting for the next performance, many customers were still waiting on their drinks.

Three bartenders worked the crowd, moving swiftly about the floor. Glasses and bottles clinked. Voices buzzed from every direction. Laughter erupted to the left. She observed the room, searching for one particular face in the crowd.

Perhaps Theo hadn’t finished with band business. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be much longer. Halfway down the bar, a couple of men kept turning their heads in her direction. Their beady eyes raked over her body.

Asshats.

She knew those looks. They were vultures, ready and waiting for the kill, their southern charm the deadly assassin. She wasn’t some piece of ass they could swoop in and claim. Regardless of how much she enjoyed having sex, she wouldn’t spread her legs for just anyone. She chose who, when, and where. Neither of them had a shot in hell.

“Evening, darlin’.” A deep male voice drew her attention to one of the bartenders. “What can I get ya?”

“Manhattan, please.”

“Absolutely.”

The second he stepped away, she questioned her choice. She’d grown used to Mike’s Manhattans. The ones she drank elsewhere were never as good. If this one proved to be as bad, she’d order a margarita.

It wasn’t long before the bartender returned and set the drink in front of her. “Here you go, beautiful. Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Drinkwise, no, but I’m looking for someone named J.P.”

“You found him,” he chuckled as he spread his arms wide. “How may I help you?”

“I’m supposed to be meeting a friend here. Theo McCabe. He told me to ask for you and you’d let him know I was here.”

“You must be Cassie Clarke.” His reply caught her off guard. It wasn’t because he knew her name. It was the way the corner of his mouth lifted, the way he glanced at her hair, her face, and her breasts. When she nodded, his lips spread wider. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Thank you. What do I owe you for the drink?”

“Nothing, doll. It’s on the house, courtesy of Theo.”

She stammered for something else to say, but he disappeared toward the back of the building before anything would come out.

Examining the drink, she said a silent prayer, held her breath, and sipped. The cool liquid passed through her lips, over her tongue, and down her throat. Warmth quickly followed, increasing to a burning sensation.

Once it subsided, she released her breath and sucked her tongue. The cocktail was sweet, as sweet as Mike’s, yet a little tart. She took another drink, allowing more liquid to flow into her mouth. It was good, every bit as good as the ones Mike prepared. If she wasn’t careful, she’d have several before the night ended.

Maybe she and Theo shouldn’t stay here. He gave her the option of going somewhere else. Staying meant more drinking. More drinking meant getting a cab or finding a hotel. Driving wasn’t an option. But it was more than getting home safely that weighed on her decision. Liquor was like an aphrodisiac. Considering her company this evening, she didn’t want to end up in Theo’s bed or fantasizing about him again if she went to Mike’s.

No. She wouldn’t spend the night with either man. She was in control. This would be her only drink, especially since Theo paid for it. Whether it was a nice gesture on his end or an attempt at a one-night stand, she refused to be indebted to him. She’d pay him back tonight, before they parted ways. And they
would
part ways.

Downing the last of her drink, she set it on the counter and turned toward the stage as a man began speaking. The words rolling off his tongue had something to do with the band about to perform…at least that’s what she thought.
 

Nothing he said was comprehensible once she saw Theo walking her way.

* * *

Theo stood at the edge of the bar, scanning the swarm of bodies packed inside the club. Many were facing his direction less than twenty minutes ago. There were twice as many people at this club than the one they played last night. Big crowds didn’t bother him. The more people there were, the harder he performed.
 

Despite the smaller turnout, last night’s gig wasn’t a waste. The club had been packed. The crowd’s reaction to their music was more than he’d hoped for. Even the lust-filled women engrossed with him were enough to stroke his ego. Yet nothing compared to seeing Cassie. It was the last thing he expected but the highlight of the night.

It was the after-party that sucked. Maybe tonight would turn out differently. Anything would be better than getting blown inside a storage closet. Unless Cassie was the one inside, lips parted and waiting for him.

He’d pretended as much…

Damn. He’d become an expert at this game. Pretending. Fantasizing about the only woman that got under his skin. He’d invested many years in those fantasies, had taken her in every position possible, every place fathomable. There were no limits, other than his mind.
 

And that was the kick in the teeth. None of it was real, except the women… but they weren’t Cassie. The fantasies wouldn’t subside until they became a reality. If he had his way, they would before he left town.

As he continued surveying the crowd, he merged through the sea of blondes and brunettes. Many smiled in his direction. Some winked. One licked her lips. If Cassie stood him up, he wouldn’t spend the evening alone, but it wouldn’t fix the problem. It’s not what he wanted. Or who…

The voice of the club owner filtered through the building as he pumped up the crowd for the next band. People began dispersing from the bar, but Theo continued scanning all the faces. Surely Cassie wouldn’t stand him up.

Before the thought dampened his mood, he spotted a crimson streak in the distance. Big, beautiful eyes fell on his face then lowered down his body. Cassie was here. She was really here, sitting at the end of the bar. He loved the way she stared at him as he approached.

He couldn’t let her affect him like this. He was on a mission—to make his fantasies a reality. One night with her would be the cure he needed. Then he could get his head back in the music and pursue his dreams.

The moment her sweet scent hit his nose, reality came crashing down. This wasn’t some random one-night stand. This was Cassie Clarke—the one he always wanted, the one he compared other women to. If he was lucky enough to get a night with her, would one be enough?

 
“So you really are here.” Cassie fought back a smile as she taunted him. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d made other plans.”

“What?” he drew out the question. “And miss the chance to hang with you? No way.”

She laughed at his joke then lowered her gaze, just like old times.

Nothing between them had changed. He still flirted. She still thought it was a joke. He still pretended they were only friends… It would remain that way until he manned up and told her the truth.

“I believe I owe you a drink.” She ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “I’m sure you’re ready for one after performing, and I’m one ahead of you. By the way, thanks for the drink.”

The music kicked in before Theo could reply. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. J.P. set a beer in front of him and grinned. He shot a smile in Cassie’s direction before walking away.

There was no need for an explanation. Cassie was sexy. She could have any guy in here with one bat of her lashes. That much about her was the same. Still, something was different. It was the way she held his gaze, the way her sexy lips lifted as she pressed her breasts against the bar. He held more than her attention. He held her interest.

Pushing the thoughts from his mind, Theo examined the beer then placed it to his lips. The more he thought about Cassie, the more she consumed him. If he didn’t do something, he’d lose his willpower and kiss her.

Half of the bottle disappeared, but he didn’t stop chugging. The icy liquid soothed the scratchiness in his throat. Women loved the gritty sound of his voice, but it was hard on his vocal chords. As smooth as this beer was, he could drink all night. Then again, he didn’t want to be inebriated and waste his time with Cassie. He needed a clear head if he planned to charm her out of the skirt she was wearing.

Fuck, she looked good enough to eat…

As he placed the bottle back on the bar, she leaned in closer. “So tell me, Theo. Why did you ask me here?”

He’d been waiting on this question. Had decided hours ago how he would answer. If he wanted to see her while he was in Savannah, he needed a valid excuse. The one he concocted was more than perfect, and it would benefit more than him. It would give his brother a chance to right a wrong.

“I need your help.”

Cassie’s brows knitted. She parted her mouth as though she would speak, but her focus shifted past him. Before he could do the same, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

“You selfish little shit. Where’s my drink?” Jesse came into view as he stopped beside Theo. He broke into a hearty laugh then pretended to punch his arm.

“I haven’t even ordered one for myself.”

“You lying bastard. What’s this?” Jesse picked up the bottle and shook it. “Appears empty to me, bro.”

“Don’t blame Theo.” Cassie chimed in. “I ordered it for him.”

Jesse glanced in her direction. A huge smile covered his face. “Well, feather my ass and call me a duck. Cassie fucking Clarke.”

“Jesse Woods. Wow… I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“It’s been a minute. Damn girl, you still live around here?”

Cassie peeked in Theo’s direction then back to Jesse. “Sure do.”

“You look amazing. Did you come here with some friends?” As Jesse scanned the bar and dance floor, Theo cleared his throat.

“She came to see me.”

Jesse refaced him and grunted. “Bullshit.” He peered at Cassie, studying every inch of her once more. “There is no way this gorgeous woman is here to see you.”

“It’s true,” she added.

Jesse gaped.

It was hard not to laugh at him. Theo forced his lips together in order to keep from doing so. He didn’t want to piss off Jesse. His friend knew too much, like how long Theo had obsessed over Cassie. She didn’t need those details.
 

“I think hell just froze over,” Jesse mumbled. He shook his head and motioned for J.P. to bring him a drink. “I’m going to find Allen and grab a smoke. I’ll catch up with you two in a bit.”

Great. That’s just what Theo wanted—Jesse hanging with them. He’d screw everything up with his big mouth. The drunker he got, the more his lips loosened. The last thing Theo needed was for Jesse to razz him more about Cassie, or even tell her a few of Theo’s secrets. Allen would be with him, just as eager to embarrass Theo anyway possible.

Like hell. This was his night with her. The rest of them could fuck off.

As the guitarist broke into a solo, the club grew twice as noisy. He waited until Jesse collected his drink and disappeared in the crowd before he leaned closer and motioned for Cassie to do the same.
 

“If you want to talk someplace quieter, I know the perfect spot.”

“You don’t want to hang out with Jesse?”

“We can, but I see him all the time. Besides, I still haven’t told you why I asked you here.”

She pursed her lips, as though she were weighing her choices. He hoped she would choose to go with him, but she seemed unsure. “Is it someplace close?”

“Yeah, it’s just above the club.” He pointed toward the ceiling. “Performers are permitted to use the area before or after a show, but it’s for the staff. J.P. said they use it for breaks or to hang out after a shift.”

“We’re going to staff quarters?” She feigned surprise. “I feel like Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing. The only thing missing is the watermelon. Need me to carry one?”

He couldn’t prevent the cheesy grin from overtaking his lips. “No watermelons tonight, doll, but if you want me to teach you to dance, I’m up for the challenge.”

She bit her bottom lip and lowered her eyes over his body. Seduction came easy to Cassie, whether she realized it or not. Hell, maybe it was just the effect she had on him. It made no difference. His addiction for her grew by the second.

“I think you’re full of yourself,” she chuckled, “but I’ll bite. Just show me the way.”

Theo motioned for J.P. to bring them another round. He received a thumbs-up before he refocused on Cassie. “Let’s grab a drink before we go.”

“Fine, but I’m paying for them.”

“No way. It’s customary for a gentleman to pay for a lady’s drink.”

Cassie burst into laughter. “I know all about southern hospitality, but the last time I checked, you were no gentleman, and I am certainly no lady.”

If that were the case, they could skip the impending discussion and get to what he wanted. Her. But then all she would remember is the trouble-making bad boy he wanted her to forget. Deep down, this was about more than getting a chance to fuck her. This was about showing her what she’d missed—the one person who would treat her like a goddess. There was one sure way for him to accomplish just that.
 

It was his turn to be the seducer.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Theo held the door open for Cassie as she climbed the last stair and walked across the terrace. The humid air clung to his skin, making it warm and clammy, but at least it was quiet atop the roof. None of the staff were on break and the noise filtering from the bar disappeared when he closed the door and proceeded toward her.