Page 17 of Just Curious

Eventually, Casey announced, “Jax, I know you’ve been looking for some investment opportunities, so I want to introduce you to a guy before he leaves, yeah?” Turning to Willa, he asked, “Will you excuse us for just a moment?”

Willa decided to take that opportunity to find a bathroom, so she wandered off down a hall, admiring the house in all of its stunning glory. When she exited the powder room, she was surprised to find Casey standing in the hall, apparently waiting for her. “I told Jax to come find us in my study when he’s done with the guy who wants a chunk of his money,” he laughed. “Would you like to sit down awhile and talk?”

“Sure, that would be nice, but don’t you have other guests you need to visit with? I feel like Jackson and I have been monopolizing you all evening.”

Casey gave her a warm look and took her by the arm. “It’s fine. These people aren’t nearly as important as the two of you. And they’re getting what they wanted out of my party. They came to see the house and to be seen here by each other. I know the game they’re playing, and it bores me.”

Opening a heavily carved wooden door, Casey urged Willa inside. It was a stunning library with an enormous tiled fireplace at one end. It was all done in Southwest design like the rest of the house. Casey gestured to a plush sofa in front of the fireplace. “Please, have a seat. I’ll get us some champagne and something to eat.” He went to an intercom near the door and quickly made his wishes known. He sat down, and within less than two minutes, a server brought them a cart laden with food and drinks. The man quietly rolled it to a convenient distance and left the room.

Casey handed her a glass of champagne and said, “Please, help yourself to anything that looks good.” He then picked up his own drink.

Willa looked questioningly at Casey and asked, “Did Jackson say something to you?” She was a little miffed if this was the case, but why else would the host of a large party want to have a private conversation with her and leave his other guests behind?

Casey’s brow furrowed slightly, and he said, “I’m not really sure what you mean. Said something about what?” He saw Willa’s posture relax and the happiness return to her eyes.

“Nothing. Never mind.”

Peering at her closely with his sea-green eyes, Casey asked, “You’re not still angry with me about yesterday, are you? I’d hate for any animosity between us to rub off on Jackson and make him uncomfortable.”

“No, it’s fine, Casey. I understand, and I think it’s great he has someone looking out for him like that, actually. He’s a tender-hearted guy, and maybe he needs a ball-buster like you to scare off girls with nefarious intentions.”

Casey grinned. “Nefarious intentions, huh?”

Willa shrugged. “I’m a writer.”

“Are you?” Casey asked. “Jackson hadn’t mentioned that.” He handed her a plate and indicated the food spread out before them. “Please, help yourself. I noticed you weren’t eating anything when we were in the main part of the house with the other guests.”

After selecting a few things, she took a bite of a canapéand chewed. The delicious flavor burst in her mouth, and she let out a whimper of pleasure.

Casey smirked at her and was about to say something inappropriate about her moaning when the door to the study opened and Jackson sauntered in saying, “You asshole, Case. That guy is full of shit. His investment strategy is for the birds, and I couldn’t get away from him. Did you have any idea he was such a blowhard before you sicced him on me?”

“Sorry man,” Casey said without a trace of remorse. “I wanted a private word with your lady friend here. I’m pretty jealous that you had the chance to meet her before I did.”

Willa huffed quietly, and Casey chuckled at her, saying, “She’s quite the tigress.”

Jackson sat on the couch between them and answered, “You have no idea. Oh wow, you have my favorite shrimp kabobs.” Grinning, he grabbed a plate and snagged a couple of them off the food cart. “People are starting to wonder where you disappeared to, Case. Some of them are leaving because the fog is rolling in and the driving is going to be tough if it gets any worse out there.”

“Yeah, well it wouldn’t be Rancho Santa Fe without the occasional nighttime pea soup. I guess I ought to go say goodnight and send them on their way.” He looked at Willa then and noticed she was visibly distressed. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Ignoring Casey’s question, Willa turned to Jackson with a pleading look. “Can we also leaveright now? I’m rather terrified about the fog… you know…” She trailed off.

Jackson looked at her with understanding in his eyes. “I get it, Willa. I’m sure Casey won’t mind if we stayed here tonight and drove home in the morning.” Turning to Casey, he asked, “That okay with you? Willa’s not too crazy about driving through fog at night.”

“Absolutely,” Casey replied. “We’ll have more time to catch up this way. And the house has plenty of room in it, that’s for sure. Relax. Have some more shrimp or… whatever, and I’ll be back in a few.”

Chapter 11

“So, care to tell me what that was all about?” asked Jackson. “Why did he set me up with that jerk so he could spirit you away?”

In a flat tone, Willa answered, “He’s looking out for you. Yesterday he took me for a predatory woman who was only out for your money.”

Jackson raised an eyebrow. “Did he? And what did you say to that? I assume you mentioned that you didn’t need my money.”

Willa scoffed. “I may have pointed that out, though I’m not in the habit of discussing my finances with strangers who accost me at my boyfriend’s front door. But apparently, I passed his test anyway. I think he wanted a minute with me to make sure we’re cool.” She paused a moment and let that sink in. “He’s an attractive and… interesting guy, but he’s a little volatile, and he’s certainly protective of you. He reminds me of a mother grizzly bear.”

“He means well. But I hope he didn’t hurt your feelings.”

“I can see that you mean a great deal to him, and because of that, he didn’t hurt my feelings. Well, much anyway. I’d scratch anyone’s eyes out who tried to hurt you too.” She peered into her glass of bubbling champagne as if it held all the answers, and continued, “He was very worried that I didn’t really care about you. That I was just pretending, while you were falling in love.”

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