Handsome Hotshot (Handsome Devils Book 5) Page 13

  “Dammit, Casey, don’t do this. I can’t tell you why I won’t be at the fundraiser. This trip is confidential. But you need to believe that I don’t want to go. It’s important.”

  “Big Band Night is important, too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t think we have anything else to say to each other.” She wasn’t trying to be a witch, but she was adamant that this type of life wasn’t for her.

  “Casey.” He sighed. “Sometimes it is difficult to fulfill all promises. You know that. You missed Elmira’s birthday.”

  She wiped a couple of stray tears off her cheeks. Where had those come from? She never cried. Ever. And she wasn’t going to start now, even if the anguish in his voice made her heart constrict. “I know. I did. And I regret it.”

  “Don’t do this,” Michael said again. “I know now I love you.”

  Casey smiled wryly. “I love you, too. Except love isn’t enough. I’m not trying to hurt you, but I really think we need to stop things now, before we fall even more in love.”

  Not daring to risk the possibility that Michael might say something to weaken her resolve, she moved to shut the door. “I have to go.”

  He slapped his palm against the door, keeping it open. “I can’t send someone else. This is my responsibility.”

  Her tone was soft as she said, “I know. I understand. And being responsible is one of the great things about you. But I know what kind of life I want to live, Michael. It’s a simple life that doesn’t involve emergency meetings and endless promotions. I want to enjoy my life, and I want a man who will enjoy it with me. You need to go do what you have to do.”

  They stood, for timeless moments, facing each other across the threshold. Casey knew how much it had cost Michael to admit that he loved her, and his admission made her heart break even more. He was a good man who wouldn’t mean to hurt her. But he would always choose business.

  Silently, she pushed on the door. This time, Michael didn’t stop her. He let go, and the door swung shut. And once it was closed, Casey realized it was over. It had only been a matter of time before this happened. She should have known better than to fall for a man like Michael. Whenever you needed them most, they were always somewhere else.

  More tears threatened to fall, but she held them back. She would not cry. Not about this. But the dampness on her cheeks was making a liar out of her. Finally, a couple of tears broke free and ran down her cheeks. Drat. She was tough. She was strong. She didn’t want to cry over a man. But when more tears escaped, she decided to give up the fight.

  This was going to hurt.

  Dragging in a deep breath, she headed to the living room, snagging a handful of tissues before she curled up on the sofa. She’d done the right thing. Someday, she’d find someone else. She’d fall in love again.

  Maybe he wouldn’t be quite as handsome as Michael. And maybe his hair wouldn’t droop across his forehead in that cute way Michael’s did. And maybe he wouldn’t make her laugh like Michael could. But he’d still be a great guy. And he’d be there for her. And for their children.

  He just wouldn’t be Michael.

  That thought twisted her heart, but she reined in her grief. She could be strong about this. She would be strong about this.

  After all, no one had ever died of a broken heart.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  Michael looked up at the flight attendant and shook his head. “No, thanks.” After she wheeled her cart away, he turned his attention back to the window next to him. Normally, he loved to fly. He enjoyed the thought of being so far above the ground. But today, he couldn’t relax. All he could think about was Casey and what had happened between them.

  He’d finally told a woman he loved her, and she’d literally shut the door in his face. Not that he could blame her. She’d made it clear to him several times how important it was that he be there for her. And he’d wanted, more than anything, to be there tomorrow.

  But the merger was just too important. Wasn’t this just like life? Here he’d finally found a woman to love, and he’d had to toss her love away for work. This was what he’d tried to avoid all along with Casey—this feeling of guilt, of remorse. He’d never resented his job until today. He loved working for Barrett Software, seeing the profits grow and the company expand. But right now, he’d give anything to be back home. With her.

  Except countless new jobs depended on him, not to mention the jobs of the current employees. He couldn’t throw them away. Those jobs represented the hopes and dreams of other people. And those people trusted him. So he had to do what he could to save their jobs.

  As much as he liked to think he could convince Casey to reconsider when he got back home, he knew he had a better chance of sprouting wings and flying to Michigan himself. Her parents had laid the groundwork for her prejudice against corporate execs, and he’d finished the job. Part of what he loved about Casey was her determination. But now that determination would cost him everything. She wouldn’t change her mind, wouldn’t give him an inch. Nope, Casey Richards was one tough lady.

  But what had he expected? He’d known all along he wasn’t cut out for love. He couldn’t finally discover love at thirty-two and be any good at it. Besides, Casey was right. This trip wouldn’t be the last emergency he’d face during his career. There would be plenty more. Another crisis or emergency or opportunity. He’d have to be there. He’d have to be free to hop on a plane and go where he was needed without worrying about hurting someone. He couldn’t spend his life constantly making those kinds of choices.

  He also knew it wasn’t fair to expect someone to always let him leave. No woman deserved to be left alone all the time. That wasn’t love, and it wasn’t a life. Casey deserved so much more than he could offer her.

  No, she was right. They’d both be better off if things ended here. Sure, he’d hurt for a while. She’d hurt, too, and that thought made him almost frantic. But in the end, in a while, they’d both be better off. He’d have the promotion and everything he’d ever worked for, and Casey would have the new center and probably find another man who would be there for her.

  That thought made Michael’s stomach drop. Another man with Casey. Holding her. Loving her. Having children with her.

  Man, he hated his job right now. Almost as much as he hated himself.

  “Wow, this place looks like a fairyland,” Dottie said, tugging Casey farther into the cafeteria. “Barrett Software sure knows how to throw a party.”

  Casey glanced around and had to agree. With silver and white decorations everywhere and small twinkling lights cascading down the walls, the room did resemble something out of a story. Every table was draped in a cream linen tablecloth and had an impressive pink, purple, and white flower centerpiece with a large flickering candle in the center.

  The decorations were so much more than she had hoped for. When she’d showed up this morning, she’d found a professional crew already at work.

  The foreman of the group explained that Barrett Software often held large functions in this room and had the necessary supplies. When she saw Nathan tonight, she would thank him for his generosity.

  “It does look pretty terrific,” Casey agreed. “Plus, it’s a good thing we’ve got a room this big. Michael and Nathan have invited everyone they know.”

  “Hey, what about me?” Dottie put her hands on her hips. “I rustled up more than a few people for you by using some heavy guilt on all my relatives. After this, I’ll be getting fruitcake from everyone at Christmas.”

  Casey chuckled. “I appreciate your sacrifice.”

  “No problem.” Dottie squeezed her arm. “I’m really sorry about Michael. Are you okay?”

  Casey nodded. “Sure. I’m going to have a great time. Why don’t you go mingle?”

  Dottie studied her face. “Are you sure? Because I can stay with you if—”

  Shaking her head, Casey nudged her friend toward the crowd. “No. Go. I’m fine.”

  After Dottie walked away, Casey rubb
ed a nervous hand against the side of her calf-length black dress. Getting ready for the party had been a nightmare. She’d run two pairs of tights, smeared her eyeliner, and been unable to get her hair into a bun. Finally, she’d decided to forgo the tights, taken off the eyeliner, and decided to leave her hair loose. She was in no mood to fight with anything tonight.

  Glancing around the room, she realized couples were starting to drift in, so she went over to greet them. Everyone looked so terrific, all dressed up for the party. The seniors, especially, had dressed to the hilt. She spotted both Tommy and Al wearing tuxedos, while several of the women had on glittering long dresses.

  Casey was too jumpy to sit while dinner was served. She circled the room, making certain everything was perfect. Finally, after the plates were removed, the band arrived and launched into a loud, upbeat song.

  Smiles covered each face, and Casey knew she had to smile back, so she did, but she found it difficult pretending to be happy. As much as she hated to admit it, she was downright miserable. She missed Michael and desperately wanted him next to her tonight.

  For the millionth time, she berated herself for being silly enough to fall in love with a workaholic. She, of all people, should have known better. Of course, he’d chosen his job over her. Even if he’d wanted to choose her, his job required him to choose it. High-powered jobs always did.

  “Looks like the party should bring in some serious cash,” Nathan said next to her.

  Casey turned and shook his hand. She met his wife, Emma. Then she smiled at Benjamin and Elmira, who also stood by Nathan’s side. Elmira’s hand was resting on Benjamin’s arm. Apparently, their romance was progressing far better than her own had with Michael.

  “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. You and Michael sure convinced a lot of people to come. The advance ticket sales alone had almost brought in enough money. And thankfully, we’re getting quite a few last-minute attendees, so we should be all right.” She smiled at Elmira. “You’re looking beautiful tonight.”

  Beautiful was an understatement. The older woman practically beamed with happiness. Dressed in a floor-length blue velvet gown, Elmira looked elegant.

  “Thank you, Casey. I’m having a wonderful time.” Elmira looked around. “Where’s Michael?”

  Apparently, she hadn’t heard the news yet. Before Casey could answer, Nathan said, “He had to go away on business.”

  Mouth open, Elmira looked up at Nathan. “You sent him away the night of the party?”

  To give him credit, Nathan seemed unruffled by her question. “I didn’t send him. He made his own choice. But it was vital he go.”

  His wife, father-in-law, and Elmira were all frowning at Nathan, so Casey decided to cut him some slack.

  “It was important that Michael went,” she echoed. “He is very responsible.”

  Casey resisted the impulse to follow Nathan and ask him to explain just what was so vital it couldn’t wait twenty-four hours. Surely Michael could have caught a plane after the party if he’d wanted to. It was the weekend. Who worked on the weekend? Well, other than a workaholic.

  Glancing over at the dance floor, she watched the couples dance. Benjamin and Elmira seemed so happy. The couple danced together as if they’d been doing it for years. Standing alone, Casey couldn’t help feeling happy for them and sad for herself.

  She looked over. Nathan and his wife were also dancing and looking very happy. Nathan had managed to be here tonight. He hadn’t been called away on some last-minute business.

  She would have loved to have Michael hold her like that and spin her around the dance floor. She felt her eyes misting and struggled to remain in control. But she wouldn’t cry anymore. Her pity party was officially over.

  Deciding to dry her eyes before any tears fell, she hurried toward the bathroom, hoping no one saw her. She wouldn’t ruin tonight, no matter what had happened with Michael.

  Tonight was too important to spoil.

  14

  He was going to be late, Michael decided with a curse. He increased his speed, running through the airport for all he was worth. Until now, he’d thought he was in pretty good shape, but sprinting for a plane was the way to find out if he was.

  Reaching the gate just as they were shutting the door, he hollered for them to wait and handed his boarding pass to the startled gate agent.

  “You’re cutting it close, aren’t you?” she asked.

  “You have no idea,” Michael said. He grabbed the stub from her and hurried down the jetway toward the plane.

  “Glad we didn’t leave without you,” the flight attendant said when he stepped inside the plane. “Let’s get you in your seat.”

  Glancing at Michael’s boarding pass, the attendant directed him to the remaining empty seat in first class. Michael shoved his small suitcase in the overhead compartment and dropped into his seat. He’d actually made it. He hadn’t thought he had a chance when he’d grabbed a cab to the airport a half an hour ago.

  But luck had been with him. There’d been a seat left in first class, so Michael had taken it, regardless of the cost.

  Unable to stop himself, he smiled. If the winds were with him, he should make it back in time to catch some of the party. Maybe he even could convince Casey to share a dance with him.

  That was, if she didn’t mind dancing with a man who’d just thrown away his chance of a promotion. Oh, he’d done his job, all right.

  He’d started the meeting at six this morning and kept things moving until they’d pounded out an agreement a little over an hour ago. Once he knew the deal would go through and the jobs were secure, he’d turned it over to Glenda. Now Glenda would put the final shine on the package and get all the glory.

  She deserved that chance to show off her skills. She deserved a promotion.

  But Michael no longer cared if he got promoted. He’d sat in the meeting and realized he didn’t want to be a hotshot executive if he couldn’t have Casey. He’d find another job before he gave her up.

  The sentiment had seized him with such urgency that he knew better than to ignore it. For years, he’d worked his butt off. He was successful, but he had nothing to show for all those years except a big bank account and an empty life.

  Until he’d met Casey. Now he knew he had a new focus in life. A life that he hoped would include Casey, and someday, children. She’d told him the night they’d first made love that she was proud of him.

  Today, when he’d decided to come home to Casey and left the meeting early, he’d been proud of himself, too. All he had to do was convince Casey to give him another chance. But this time, he wasn’t going halfway. He wasn’t just going to ask her to live with him.

  He was going to ask her to marry him.

  “Nathan would like to dance with you,” Elmira said, coming into the ladies’ room.

  Casey dabbed at her cheeks with a tissue, wiping away the rest of her tears. Checking her reflection, she realized her eyes were still slightly red, but there was nothing she could do about it. With luck, it was dark enough at the party that no one would see. Elmira noticed, though, and she frowned at Casey’s reflection in the mirror.

  “Don’t cry. Things will work out.”

  “I’m not—”

  “Yes, you are,” Elmira said, moving forward and taking Casey’s hand. “You’re crying about Michael, aren’t you? Casey, men are like flypaper. Once you’re stuck on them, it’s hard to break free.”

  Casey smiled ruefully. “Guess I’m a fool, aren’t I?”

  With a shake of her head, Elmira nudged Casey toward the door. “No. Just a woman in love. Now get out of here and go dance with Nathan. He told me he wants to talk to you.”

  Casey followed the older woman from the bathroom. They walked over to where Nathan stood with his wife at the edge of the dance floor.

  “Come on, let’s dance,” Nathan said to Casey.

  Uncertain, Casey looked at his wife, Emma. “I don’t want to interrupt.”

  Emma waved them off.
“Don’t worry about me. I’d like to sit for a while and visit with the ladies.”

  Glancing at Elmira, Casey said, “Be certain and get me before they auction the car.”

  Elmira nodded, her hand resting on Benjamin’s arm. “I won’t forget.”

  A look passed between Elmira and Benjamin that made Casey wonder if these two might end up together. They had already developed a shorthand that only those in love seemed to have.

  When Nathan took her hand, Casey followed him out to the crowded dance floor. A lot more people had arrived in the past few minutes.

  “The party is going to make more than enough money for the modifications,” Nathan said, smiling. “Businessman that I am, I went and checked on the total while you ladies were talking. Your fundraiser is a hit.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Casey smiled, genuinely pleased. Now the new center could have all the facilities she’d always dreamed of. Of course, it would take a lot of work to make the changes to the house, but she didn’t mind. They’d find a good contractor and some talented workers, and she would work with them to make certain everything was perfect.

  “And you haven’t even auctioned off the car yet,” Nathan pointed out. “That should bring in even more money.”

  “I hope so,” Casey said. Michael had already had the car appraised, and all the seniors had agreed to pay Elmira top dollar for her late husband’s pride and joy.

  “So, your party’s a huge success, but you look really sad, as if your best friend ran away with your dog. What’s the problem?” Nathan asked.

  “I’m not sad,” she protested.

  Nathan snorted. “Try that one again. My wife noticed it right away, but even a fairly clueless guy like me can see it a mile off. You can smile to beat the band, but those smiles aren’t real. I should know—as a boss, I get lots of fake smiles flashed at me all day long. So what’s wrong? Emma thinks you’re upset about Michael. Is that true?”