Chapter 13

His townhouse was lonelier than ever. Not even bothering to call for lights, he strode from the wide entryway, straight upstairs to his suite. Shrugging out of his jacket, he slung it carelessly on the comfortable sofa in front of the bed.

Taking off his clothes, he piled them on the same sofa and reached for the robe his housekeeper laid out for him. Standing in the middle of the vast room, he frowned in the direction of the empty fireplace before walking into his study.

He was restless and he knew why that was. He had stayed with her too long. But he had been reluctant to leave her.

She had fallen asleep in his arms, her face buried against his chest. The sudden drops of rain had forced him to carry her inside and into her bedroom. She stirred when he placed her against the pillows and pulled the colorful quilt over her.

Walking over to the cabinet, he poured a full glass of bourbon, a brooding expression on his face. He had stood there staring at her before lowering himself on the edge of the bed as he watched her sleeping.

Touching her had been a must. He had been unable to resist the urge. Her skin was soft and reminded him of satin. Her lashes long and dark, making crescents on her cheeks. Her lips- Biting off a groan, he went over to his desk and sat heavily. He had left right after that before the urge to slide in next to her became overwhelming.

He was fiercely protective of her, that much was obvious. He wanted to punish anyone who hurt her. She had cried in his arms and his first instinct was to make everything okay.

He was in love with her.

Laughing softly, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. This was a first for him. They had never been intimate and yet, he felt more for her than he had ever felt for another woman. He had just met her, yet it was as if he had known her for years. She permeated his heart, his mind, and his soul.

Each time he breathed, he inhaled her perfume, her essence. She was tiny but packed quite a wallop where he was concerned. He wanted to be with her so much that he could not stand it. Leaving her tonight was like leaving the heart of him behind.

He was torn and tormented. Her voice soothed him. When he held her in his arms, it was as if he was home.

He had told her that they would just talk and get to know each other. She was strong in her faith, and he was – what was he? In the past, he had been contemptuous about so-called pastors, ministers of religion. He still was, believing that they were intent on lining their pockets and taking advantage of gullible people.

But Cassandra was different. She was the real thing. There was no hidden agenda where she was concerned. She was not coy. Even though she was exquisitely beautiful, a work of art, she did not flaunt her beauty. She was genuine, she had heart, and she cares about people.

And he could offer nothing less than marriage. Would that change her? He wondered dismally. He belonged to a corrupt society where people bed hopped without a qualm. He had been with many women and in the past, it had not mattered to him because that was what had been expected of him.

He had followed his father and uncle's footsteps and others in his society. He had more than a few acquaintances who had changed their ways when they met and fell in love with women who later became their wives.

He had seen to his amazement, men who thought nothing of being with several different women had turned monogamous and had been amused at the sappy looks on their faces. He never understood it until now.

Ever since he met her, he had been unable to even look at another woman. The only person he had been out with was Sherry and he had done it as a favor, nothing more.

But their lives were different, so were their views. He would not be able to live up to her high standards. He was too jaded, too cynical, and too far gone to change. And he wanted to change for her, he realized to his surprise.

He wanted to be worthy of her. But could he change his ways after living this way all his life? What if she woke up one morning and realized she had made a mistake?

That she should have married someone of her faith? And why was he assuming that she would want him for a husband anyway? She had said she loved him and had mentioned a home and kids.

He thought it was not something he wanted, but now he knew he wanted her and everything that came with it.

He was going to have to court her. A grim smile touched his lips. He had never courted a woman before. He was probably going to ask for her hand in marriage to a man who had gone the other way. But he was the closest thing to a father she had, and he wanted to do it right.

He was going to have to warn her. As soon as they were seen together, the media attention was going to explode. Her life was going to change.

"Oh Christ." He whispered. That was something he wanted to avoid, but it would not be possible. Her privacy was going to be invaded, and he was not certain he wanted that to happen.

Then what? The alternative was whisking her off to Vegas to do a quickie wedding, which was not an option. She would want the whole white wedding deal and everything that comes with it and he would never deny her any of it.

Downing the rest of the drink, he put the glass away and went to take a shower.

*****

She woke up with a feeling of well-being stealing over her. Before she opened her eyes, she had a smile on her lips. He had put her to bed. Pushing the covers off, she eased the pillows up and leaned back, stretching languidly. It had felt great being in his arms.

She had called and he had come without hesitation. She was in love and wanted the world to know.

The smile faded as she recalled the events leading up to last night. A glance at her clock showed that it was very early, but she had to call. Picking up the phone, she dialed up the number and waited for him to pick up.

"Pastor?" A sense of relief flowed through her body when he answered.

"I am sorry for not returning your calls," he told her quietly.

"I just want to know that you are okay. Are you?"

"I went straight to bed after taking some sleep aids and woke up at dawn this morning and prayed." He paused. "I know I said some things yesterday…"

"It doesn't matter," she told him swiftly.

"I am afraid it does. I have let you and everyone else down and I have to fix things. I called Ingrid and spoken to her. Darcy has agreed to go to rehab to try and get clean. They are coming back home, and I want to be there for my daughter. I don't know what's going to happen with Ingrid.

We have grown too far apart, and I have done some awful things. I am in love with two women, and I am asking the Lord for directions." He paused. "I am confused my dear, torn in two directions and don't know which way to go. I will be asking Pastor Tom to take over for a little bit until I get my head on straight."

"How long?" She asked faintly.

"I don't know." He told her honestly. "I love the Lord, there is no question about that, but I have strayed from the path he chose for me, and I am going to have to find my way back. Thank you for always looking out for me."

"How can I not? You are my dad and that's all there is to it."

He was silent for a few seconds before he spoke. "And you are my daughter." He told her hoarsely. "I will not be coming in today, so please hold down the fort. I have a few visits to make. If you need me for anything, just call."

Cassandra hung up the phone, feeling a little bereft and confused with herself. The couple had been happy. She had seen it for herself when she lived with them. There had been laughter in that house and lots of fun.

Now there was silence and animosity. It should scare her into not thinking about marriage, but she was determined not to allow another person's unhappiness to dampen her optimism and her newfound joy.

*****

"Thanks for meeting me on such short notice. What would you like to eat? They serve the best shrimp salad I have ever tasted. Unless you are allergic to seafood."

Pastor William Weeks tried not to gawk at the simple and understated luxury of the restaurant. They had been given seats out on the balcony and were well away from the other diners to afford them the utmost privacy.

A valet had rushed to park his car, and the ma?tre D' had personally escorted him to the table. He had glimpsed several celebrities on his journey into the room as well as several well-known politicians.

"The shrimp salad sounds fine." He responded automatically. The man seated across from him, nodded to the hovering waiter and that was enough to have him hurrying off. Within minutes another waiter came forward with a breadbasket and glasses of water.

"I am having the Cabernet, but I am guessing you would prefer something else?" "A glass of fruit punch," William told the waiter.

"I come here often to have lunch with out-of-town business associates." Evan commented as he took a sip of his water, silver eyes gauging the man's expression. Last night he had spent a lot of time thinking.

This morning, he had come to a decision and right after that he had made the call. He supposed curiosity had the pastor agreeing to lunch.

"It's a lovely place."

"It is that. I suppose you are wondering why I asked you to lunch."

"Is it to offer another check?"

"No." Evan answered the question, even though it was clear that it was spoken in jest. "We could talk about why I requested the meeting or wait until we have eaten."

"I think we should talk."

"Okay." Putting his glass down, Evan leaned back in his chair and fixed the man with his incisive stare. "I am in love with Cassandra." He began without preamble.

"Oh."

A smile touched his lips at the response. "I have known her for only a few weeks, but she has made quite an impression on me."

William fiddled with his glass for a second. "She has that effect on people."

"And she is in love with me too."

He lifted his head to stare at the man across from him. Evan Davenport belonged in this luxurious setting. He had that confident aura about him that was stamped automatically on men of his ilk.

His clothes were expensive and even though he was only wearing a watch on his left wrist, it was an expensive timepiece. Pastor William had noticed women staring at him, but to his credit, he did not seem to notice any of it.

"What is this meeting about?"

"I want to marry her."

Their meals arrived at that moment, preventing any further conversation. Following his lead, William picked up his utensils and started eating, eyes widening at the first taste of the salad. It was delicate, that it was as if the shrimp was melting on his tongue.

"I come here often, and it still has that effect on me." Evan told him with a smile.

"You and Cassie are from two different worlds."

"I am aware." Laying his utensils to the side, Evan reached for his wineglass and took a sip.

"She will never fit into your lifestyle."

Evan cocked a thick eyebrow at him. "Is that your opinion?"

"It should be yours too. I am certain you thought about it. What if this is just a novelty? She is different from anyone you have ever met. What is going to happen when the novelty wears off?"

He took his time before responding and had to remind himself that he was seeking this man's approval and should try not to alienate him. "I am old enough to know what I want. I have never been in love before. I want her to be my wife."

"Are you willing to adapt to her lifestyle, or will you bend her to yours?"

Evan's eyes flared in irritation, managing to tamp it down before it became an issue.

"She is religious, and I respect that."

Pastor William stopped eating to stare at the younger man. "It is more than just religion Mr. Davenport. Cassandra has a personal relationship with the Lord."

"I am not going to argue semantics… "

"Semantics? We are talking about a very important aspect of her life. It is not just something that she does because it has been forced on her. You have known her for only a few short weeks. What do you really know about her? You have never been out on a date, unless you count the picnic you went on."

Evan had to squelch the retorts that sprung to his lips. "I will be taking her out on dates, courting her."

"And have the press following everywhere you go and documenting everything."

"What do you suggest?" He asked the man tightly, at the end of his rope.

"I would suggest you look elsewhere."

"That is not going to happen. What is your problem?"

"My problem as you so eloquently state it, is I see a man of the world who has seen and done everything. I see hurt and pain in Cassie's life if you insist on taking this further."

"That's not your call, is it?" Pushing away his plate, he picked up his wine, his expression ominous. I am merely doing you the courtesy of letting you know what my intentions are. I am aware that you are a father figure to her, and I want to respect that and put you on notice."

"You will hurt her."

Evan's eyes flared. "Not intentionally."

"Your reputation…"

"Should not be an issue. I am not the same person I was before I met her." Taking a sip of his wine, he forced himself to calm down. "Look, I know this is going to be difficult for her…"

"Try impossible."

Evan gritted his teeth in frustration. "Are you going to stand in the way of us being together?"

"I love Cassie."

"So do I," he shot back.

"I have her best interest at heart." Pastor William had no idea why he was being so ornery or reluctant to give his blessings. Or maybe he did. Cassie deserved the best and she had waited too long to have her heart broken into pieces.

"Look, this is going to happen whether you like it or not. And I really don't see why you are so against us being together. I love her…"

"You have a reputation of being with many women."

Evan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Those reports have been exaggerated. Yes, I have had my share of women, but I am not going to sit here, and have you pass judgement on me when your life is not so stellar. I know about your affair, Pastor William."

The moment the words were out of his mouth, Evan felt regret tearing through him. The man had gone still, the color leeching from his face until he was almost gray. His hands trembled so much that he had to put the utensils down and his eyes were stricken.

"Cassie told you…"

Evan shook his head hastily. "She is much too loyal and is not the type to gossip." Leaning forward, he clasped his hands on top of the table. "I did my research as soon as your ministry was recommended and I found a few things and decided to dig deeper. I am sorry."

"No." Pastor William shook his head wearily, his mouth tight. "You are right. I am in no position to be talking about the sins of the flesh when I am such a mess." His eyes were bleak. "It is just that I never want Cassie to go through what I am going through.

She is good and sweet and loving and I…" Picking up the glass of water with a trembling hand, he took deep gulp, before putting it away. "I love my wife." He continued sadly.

"Ours was a love match. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that the Lord had sent her to me. We were happy and when we had our son, our happiness knew no bounds." He swallowed the lump inside his throat.

"We thought we had it all and then we lost him. Just like that, the Lord took him from us. "He shook his head. "We were left reeling from the blow and then our daughter left us to dabble in drugs. I turned to someone else for comfort when it was not offered at home."

"You are afraid I am going to be unfaithful to Cassandra." Evan felt his heart constricting as he stared at the man. "I love her completely and never want to be with anyone else but her."

Pastor William met his direct gaze before looking down at his plate. His appetite had deserted him, and he felt as if he was slowly fragmenting.

Who was he to stand in the way of true love? He and Ingrid were children of the highest God and yet still they were so far apart, it was not likely they would ever be back together. Even if that was possible, he knew that things would never be the same again.

Evan Davenport might be a multi-billionaire, but he was sincere. It was not on him to dictate what should happen between two people.

"You have my blessing." He whispered. "All I am asking is that you love her completely and don't try and change her."

"I won't." Evan promised. "You said you loved your wife."

"I do."

"Then I truly believe the relationship can be salvaged. Sometimes it takes a good long talk or even therapy. You probably don't believe in…"

"I do." Pastor William said with a smile. "I believe that the Lord gives people special gifts and abilities to help others. And you might be right. Does she know yet?"

"That I want to marry her?" A faint smile touched his lips. "No. I wanted to clear it with you first."

"I believe in courtship."

"So, do I. At least with her I do."

"I wish you all the best."

"Thank you."

*****

"Hi."

"Hi you. I was beginning to think that I did something wrong."

"I was busy. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. You?"

"Talking to you always make my day. I think we should go out on our first date." He grinned as she remained silent and waited for her to comment.

"Where?"

The little catch in her voice had his body tightening. Christ, how he loved her!

"Let's have dinner."

"When?"

"Friday night. Something formal."

"Or we could go to Wendy's or Burger King," she teased.

"Not on your life. I want to show you off."

"Like a trophy?"

"Precisely." He was in between meetings and was heading out to lunch shortly, but he wanted to hear her voice. And he was already ring shopping. Emerald cut diamond would suit her. "What do you say?"

"Will I have to buy a dress?"

"Don't you already have formal wear?"

"It sounds like you have every intention of taking me somewhere horribly expensive and people are going to be staring at us. I would like to look my best and not embarrass you."

His smile faded. "That could never happen. Will you mind the publicity?" He asked anxiously.

"It's going to take some getting used to."

"How about I have Monique send some sample dresses to you? Monique Romano. I have an account…"

"No!" She told him firmly. "I can buy my own dress."

"Cassandra, there is nothing wrong with me buying you gifts."

"Not yet. What time on Friday?"

"I will make the reservations for seven if that's okay with you."

"I will be ready."

"I cannot wait." He told her and meant every word.