Sowas Cassandra mad about us?

No. She and I werent together at the time. She has no right to be upset. But I do feel like shit because of it.

We all make mistakes, she said simply.

I eyed her. Youre really cool. Im surprised you dont have men swooping in after you. Youre smart, pretty, logical, and easy to get along with.

She shrugged. I guess no one catches my interest.

You got burned, huh?

I may have I could tell she didnt want to discuss it. That was fine.

The door opened and Cassandra walked inside, holding a Starbucks cup. She stilled when she saw Laura by my desk. Why did she have to walk in right this second? Laura was just about to leave.

Cassandra gave her a hateful glare before she marched to my desk, her heels echoing against the hardwood floor. She put the cup down. I figured you were grumpy without your morning coffee. She snuck another spiteful glare at Laura.

Thank you. I stood up and kissed her. That was very thoughtful of you. But I should be the one taking care of you. I waited for her to leave but she didnt make a move.

This was awkward.

Laura averted her gaze then headed for the door. Thank you, Mr. Preston.

Youre welcome, Ms. Campbell. I hoped being professional would make Cassandra less intimidated.

When we were finally alone, Cassandra calmed down. How was your meeting?

Boring.

You always say that.

Well, they are always boring. I pulled her into my lap. You shouldnt wear heels anymore. Your back is already carrying a lot of stress.

Its not a big deal. I pretty much sit on my ass all day.

And its a beautiful ass. My hand rubbed her behind.

What did she want?

She changed the subject quick. She and I hadnt had a chance to talk since shecame to my apartment a few nights ago.

Did you tell her to take a hike?

Will you calm the hell down? I snapped. What do you think I said? Lets have a thing together on the side?

That seemed to bring her down to earth. I just dont want to fight for you all the time.

Fight for me? I asked incredulously. Cassandra, Im yours. What about trusting me?

I do trust you.

Then start proving it. I didnt mean to be aggressive but her words got under my skin.

I just dont want her to keep throwing herself at you.

Who cares if she does? You think Id want that when I have you?

She averted her gaze in embarrassment.

You know what she said to me? She said she was happy for me. She knew how depressed I was over you. Honestly, you shouldnt be jealous because being with her was depressing and carnal. There was nothing else going on. She was a friend more than anything. And then she asked if she should quit to make things easier for you and I.

What did you say?

I said no. Theres no problem between she and I. Were both mature about it. And I really dont want her to go back to stripping. Thats not an option.

She studied me. It sounds like you care about her.

Well, I do. Shes my friends sister-in-law. I wouldnt want my sister being a stripper. I got to get her out of there before anyone finds out. And I can tell shes been struggling. Im just trying to help.

Her eyes softened. Im sorry for being psycho about this. Its justits hard for me.

I understand.

But I do trust you, Mike.

Good. My hand moved to her stomach. And if youre really worried about me betraying you, just remember my dad will annihilate me if I do anything. I mean, anything.

She smiled. I guess that makes me feel a little better.

I kissed her cheek. Youre the only one for me, baby. The only pussy I want is yours. And its a damn good pussy.

She blushed at my words. Okay. Im sorry.

Its okay. She left my lap then headed to the door. Ill see you after work.

I look forward to it. I winked at her.

When she walked out, I stared at her ass, like usual.

Do you think you should be working out? I asked when we walked into the gym.

Im not paralyzed, she snapped.

But you shouldnt be running marathons either, I yelled back. I was already concerned about Cassandra, but when it came to my baby, I was borderline insane.

The doctor said its good to exercise.

But gently, right?

Im just going to do some walking and a few free weights.

That made me feel a little better. Okay.

We went into separate changing rooms then headed into the gym. She was wearing a tight top that showered her distended stomach.

Why the hell did you have to wear that?

Whats wrong with it? She looked down at herself then back at me.

Its hot. Now Im going to be distracted the whole time.

She rolled her eyes. Youre always distracted. She walked off and headed to the treadmill, her earphones in. I watched her for a moment before I headed to the weight machines. I never did cardio, just weights. My goal was to be big, not lean and toned like my brother. That was why I was the hotter sibling.

I kept looking at Cassandra the entire time, looking at her stomach. I had no idea why I was so obsessed with it. Id seen pregnant women before I never thought they were hot. With Cassandra, it was the hottest thing in the world. Id wake up in the middle of the night with the sudden urge to be inside her. She swatted me away but I did it anyway while she moaned quietly beneath me, her eyes drooping in sleepiness.

When we finished our workout, I placed my hand on her stomach. You okay?

I feel fine. She wiped her forehead with a towel. Now Im hungry.

Lets get home and Ill make you something to eat.

We took my Jaguar to the apartment then showered together. I took her from behind under the soapy water, my hand on her stomach, and then I went into my office with my phone in hand.

What are you doing? she asked. I thought we were going to watch the game?

I need to make a phone call.

Okay. She closed the door.

I was glad she didnt ask who I was calling. I understood her trust issues, but they were unnecessary with me. Even if she didnt trust me, she should at least know I wouldnt lie to her about anything.

Rogers Real Estate, he said over the phone.

Hi, its Mike Preston. Im checking on a bid I put in for a house.

Hello, Mike. Nice to hear from you.

So, have the owners decided?

Yes. Unfortunately, they went with someone else.

My heart fell. Cassandra loved that house. I had to get it. What if I raise my bid?

I dont think it would matter. I suspect the owner knows the buyer.

My mind launched into full capacity. I had to get this house if it was the last thing I did. The look on Cassandras face was one Id never forget. I knew she wanted to settle down there. Whos the owner?

A wealthy family here in Connecticut.

Can I have his name?

Its a woman.

Oh. Can I have her name?

Why? he asked.

Im going to speak to her directly.

Im not at liberty to divulge that information.

How does a thousand bucks sound?

He was quiet for a while. Youre determined.

My girl loves that house. Im getting it.

Forget the money. Heres the name, address, and phone number. He read it off to me and I wrote it down.

Thank you. I hung up then stared at the information. Athena Lucas. I brainstormed how to approach her and get what I wanted. Obviously, money didnt mean anything to her. She probably had more than shed ever need, just like me. I called the person I trusted most.

Hey, son.

Dad, I need your help.

He sighed. What did you do?

No, nothing like that.

Then tell me.

Im trying to buy a house in Connecticut. My bid was substantially higher than the asking price and I was still rejected.

And what do you want me to do about that?

Do you know the name Athena Lucas?

My dad mumbled quietly then cleared his throat. Yes, I knew her husband. He passed away a few years ago.

So, this woman is old?

No, about my age.

So, shes old?

Not a good way to get me to help you, son.

Whatever. Do you know this woman personally?