Page 33 of Free to Dream
“No. The reason you came down here is because you wanted reassurance you did the right thing. You already know how to fix the scheduling issue. And right now, those two people would do just about anything to make things up to you.”
I sit back to get away from my sister, staring at her in wonder. “You mean…”
“I mean, you go to the extravaganza, have Caleb pick you up from the farm, and have Phil and Ali do all the end of event dirty work as part—not all—of making amends for the crap they dealt you.”
Damn, this girl. She should have been a strategist, not an artist.
“Those girls rely on us, Cass, and we won’t let them down. But I’m not going to let you let yourself down either.”
I don’t have words. I wrap my arms around her and hold on, not even realizing tears are sliding down my cheeks.
After a few moments, she pulls away, brushing at her own face. “Oh, I have something for you.” She reaches for her sketchbook. Flipping to the last page, she turns it toward me. Caleb’s face reflects back at me in artists chalks. It’s so lifelike, I can almost smell the cologne I’m sure lingers in my office.
“Just what I thought,” she murmurs with a smug smile. “You didn’t answer me before.”
I tilt my head to the side quizzically.
“What’s in your heart?”
Letting out a long breath, I answer her honestly. “I don’t have a clue.”
“Good answer.” Quickly spraying the paper so the chalk doesn’t smudge, she hands the sketch to me.
After another long hug, I leave her office. I hold the picture of Caleb for a few moments before tucking it safely away in my desk. Soon, my fingers are flying, composing the memo to Phil and Ali about their assignments for the extravaganza.
I also begin mentally preparing myself for the phone call I’ll likely receive from Caleb tonight.
Em’s right. I’m about to let myself take a few risks and open my heart to a good guy for the first time ever.
No more hiding.
11
Caleb
After hanging up with Cassidy Wednesday night, I received a phone call from my number two at Hudson, Keene Marshall, ordering me on a plane down to Washington, DC that same night to provide information to the FBI regarding a corporate espionage case we helped break a month earlier.
It’s now Thursday, and although we’re both satisfied with the progress being made, our tempers are short because of the quick but necessary trip. After our last meeting, Keene and I loll around the corporate jet terminal at Dulles International Airport, waiting for our jet to fuel up to take us back to Teterboro.
Leaning against the wall, I check the time. It’s only nine o’clock, not too late. Scrolling through my contacts, I find who I’m searching for. I connect the call and put the phone up to my ear.
“Cassidy Freeman.” That voice. I can feel the smile break through the weariness across my face.
“Hello, Cassidy.” Damn. Out of the corner of my eye, Keene glances up from his iPad in interest. Mentally wishing I was anywhere else but in the middle of a VIP lounge making this call, I turn my back on my best friend’s knowing face.
“Mr. Lockwood,” she replies in her typical cool voice, but this time, I detect a hint of humor in it. “Is there something I can help you with this evening?” I hear voices in the background, the sounds of glasses clinking, laughter, and male voices.
“Am I interrupting something?” My voice sharpens noticeably. Cassidy is sexy as fuck and I have no claim on her. Yet, I can’t be the only man who notices her.
Her voice warms slightly when she replies, “No, you’re not interrupting at all. The family was just sitting around reviewing our upcoming weekend. You’ve met everyone. I think you understand how rambunctious the group of us can be when we get together.”
Remembering my unique introduction to the Freeman family, I let out a bark of laughter. “Yes, I certainly can. Who’s taking on Phil?”
The laughter gets caught in my throat as I picture the slow curve of her lips and the spark in her blue-green eyes when she responds with a simple, “Me.”
I clear my throat. Loudly. “Sorry, it’s a bit dry where I am.”
“Can you hold on just a moment?”
