The grip Cassie had on the phone loosened. “Okay. I’ll be here.”
“You had better. I love you.”
“Love you, too,”Cassie whispered.
Glenn stared at her as she hung up the phone. “Did you actually just tell that asshole you loved him?”
“No!”Cassie barked. She paused, biting her lip. “Did I?”
“Yeah, nicely even. I can’t believe he’s getting under your skin. Who would have thought?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”Cassie demanded.
Glenn grinned. “Oh, come on. I’m goofy but I’m not blind. You’re falling for the cranky old fart.”
“You are utterly ridiculous! He’s my…my friend, for God’s sake! This is ludicrous! He’s mean and bossy and demanding, and he treats me like I’m a petulant child.”
“Well, you are one,”Glenn teased.“Although I think the word cantankerous suits you better.”
“Screw you,”Cassie said moodily.
Glenn giggled loudly when she proved his point. “As weird as it is, I also think he’s good for you. You have seemed to be more in control of your nasty temper since he’s raised the ante. Maybe it will get you both out of my hair.”
“I wouldn’t make any wagers on that. Why don’t you just shut up, Glenn? Seriously, even if I were interested in him, which I am NOT, you know well and good that he’s incapable of ever seeing me as anything other than a bratty little next door neighbor. I’m 14 years younger than he is!”
“Don’t be too sure of that, Cassie-girl. Toss me the fruit loops...”
“Get your own fruit loops. I have work to do before His Highness comes home. Unlike you, I don’t think it’s a good time to invite more trouble for myself,”Cassie huffed, getting up.
Glenn turned the volume back up. “Have it your way, kid. I don’t know why you’re so scared of him. Seriously what’s the worst he can do besides spank that bottom black and blue?”Glenn teased.
“Fuck you. I hope you choke on your fruit loops and when you do, don’t call me for help!”Cassie roared, stomping out of the room. Glenn simply laughed and went back to watching his programs.
Chapter Four
Rob paced the aisle at the terminal. He wanted to get home. He was livid with Cassie, but also relieved that she had turned to him for help. He knew that meant she finally trusted him on some level, which pleased him greatly. He had to find a way to get that foolish chit to understand that she was loved and cared for by the entire family. Especially him.
Rob planted himself in a chair, tapping his foot. He remembered the day Cassie and her mom were introduced to the Johnson clan. The tiny snippet of a girl glared up into his face and informed him, in no uncertain terms, that he was not to touch her teddy bear. He had laughed at her, snatching it from her clutches and holding it out of her reach demanding that she ask for it back nicely. The stubborn child refused, kicked his shin, and then went crying to Bill and her mom to help. Bill cuffed his son sharply on the back of the head and ordered him to stop teasing the kid. They had been at odds from that day forward.
Rob shamefully admitted to himself that he was the one who had provoked many of the fights. It was just so easy to get a rise out of her, and that hadn’t changed even after all these years. He loved how she looked when she was angry—her green eyes flashing and a slight blush rising over her pale features. She was a little firecracker and a most interesting challenge, and there was nothing that Rob enjoyed more than a good game and the rewards that came with winning. Only, when it concerned Cassie, he found himself having to constantly redo his game plan. She was a very difficult opponent and one he planned on never losing to.
In a house filled with men, all the boys made teasing and pestering a daily thing and rarely did anyone get really upset over it. It never occurred to him that little Cassie was different than his brothers in that way, or that she was capable of having hurt feelings, especially since she was also so emotionally guarded. Rob felt guilty for a moment, thinking about the amount of crying she had been doing recently. He could not recall her ever crying before, even when her mom died. He suddenly wondered if he was the one who made her grow into such a stubborn brat. Maybe it was time to apologize and start over.
Finally, his section was called to board the plane. He took a deep breath, knowing that the next four hours would be the longest flight he had ever sat through. He started to develop a new game plan. He was determined to not only earn her trust and forgiveness, but to gain her submission.
* * *
Cassie glanced around her room, hoping Rob would be satisfied. She had finished her essay, done her homework and even cleaned up the kitchen. Glancing at the clock, she swallowed. Glenn had gone to the airport to pick up his brother and Cassie insisted on staying home to finish her chores. Glenn hesitantly complied.