Page 9 of Cass

“Yes. I want to have a conversation with you about New York. I know you’re anxious for my decision. I came by early so we can sit down and talk about it.”

“I’m not anxious enough to have my quality time with my wife interrupted.” He smiles at me. “Let me throw on my bathing suit. I’ll be back out in a few minutes.”

“No problem. Don’t taketoolong, though, Dad.” I smile back.

He heads back into their bedroom. They both come out a few minutes later. He’s in swimsuit bottoms, and she’s in a bikini. I look her up and down.Damn, she has a killer body.

Darian giggles. Dad narrows his eyes at me. “Keep your eyes and thoughts to yourself, Trevor.” Did I make that comment about her body out loud? I didn’t mean to.

“Don’t be a caveman, Dad. I can simply appreciate a beautiful woman. Your wife is, in fact, a beautiful woman.”

Darian smiles at me as she kisses my cheek hello. “Thanks, Trevor. I’m happy you’re here.”

She kisses Dad on the lips and rubs her fingers through his hair, giving him one last long stare. “I’m going to set up the pool area. I’ll leave you boys to talk.”

She unsuccessfully attempts to whisper, “We’ll finish what we started later, Knight.” He nods and gives her thigh a squeeze before she heads out to the backyard.

I watch her leave until I notice his glare and roll my eyes. “Stop being all crazy possessive. You know she’s hot. Any red-blooded man would look at her, especially when she’s dressed like that.”

“I know exactly whatmywife is, Trevor. I don’t need you to tell me.”

“Moving on. I’ve been thinking long and hard about New York City. I’ve decided that I’d like to stay here in town. I want to work side-by-side with you and Payton. New York just doesn’t call to me anymore. I want to stay close to my home. Close to my family and friends.”

He rubs his chin. I can’t read the expression on his face. “I see. Well, you know we bought a bunch of properties up there in anticipation of you building a team and managing them?”

“I thought it was a ‘sound business decision’?” I use my best deep Dad imitation voice.

“It was a sound business decision. You may need to bounce back and forth for a bit as we figure out how the management of those properties will work. I want your input on assembling that team. We simply can’t do it all from here.”

“That’s no problem at all. I can definitely do that.”

“Okay, then I guess it’s settled. I’m not sure why you changed your mind about New York, but I’m not sad you’re staying close to home, and that I’ll get to see you every day. I know Payton will be thrilled too.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m excited too.”

He smiles. “Donna will be happy. I think she has a bit of a crush on you.”

“I’m not surprised. I’m a big hit with the older ladies.”

He laughs as he motions toward the kitchen. “There’s a ton of stuff in there. Why don’t we help Darian bring it all outside.”

I nod. “Sure. No problem at all. I’m happy to help.”

We spend the next thirty minutes doing everything that Darian asks. We bring out all the food and load the outdoor bar with drinks. I help her blow up a few toys for the little ones.

I enjoy spending time with Darian. She’s funny and she brings out the best in my father. I’ve never seen him happier than the past two years they’ve been together.

At some point, Dad gets a business call, and heads to his home office for the conversation. I want to take advantage of this rare alone time with Darian to get a bit more information on Cassandra. Cassandra eludes my questions. Darian is probably my best chance for any information.

I turn to her. “Is everyone still planning on coming today?”

“As far as I know. Harley’s in surgery, so Brody and Scott will be here a little earlier, but Harley should be here shortly thereafter. Cassandra said she may be a little late too.”

Cassandra hasn’t spoken to me since my graduation dinner. She won’t return my calls or texts. I’m determined to make this happen between us. I wish she would give into it. I know she feels the same. There’s just something holding her back. I wish I knew what it was. “Darian, can I ask you about Cassandra?”

She looks surprised by the question. “I suppose. What is it you’d like to know?”

“She’s kind of mysterious. What’s her story?”

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