Cloud Riders(31)

Alex smiled sweetly and patted her hand. ‘At least let me take you home so I know you got there safely.’

Cassie nodded, not really wanting to face walking outside alone and maybe running into any more of her past tonight. They walked out to the car park together and Alex kindly opened the car door for her and even did up the seat belt. Cassie lay back, letting him buckle her in. She was so exhausted she didn’t even protest when he insisted on walking her to the door and laid a goodnight kiss on her cheek before he headed back to work.

He was very sweet, she thought as she walked inside and flopped on her bed. He even offered to sit with her for a while. She frowned. Yes, sweet, but does he have ulterior motives? Unable to deal with thoughts of a future with any man Cassie had politely rejected his offer, preferring him to leave her alone to think.

Her cover was blown and the memories were now tearing her heart apart. All these months later she had to face up to the fact that she had not run away from him at all. She still kept her love for him deep inside and it was now killing her to even think his name. Kayden, the love of my life! How am I going to do it again?

She groaned, knowing how hard it was to forget the first time. Now, just seeing a friend of his had set her world upside down. What would she be like if it had been Kayden himself? She groaned again, punching her pillow. Damn him! Tossing herself over onto her stomach, she started to sob. She cried all night until there were no more tears left to cry, not getting out of bed until around midday when she felt a bit better.

Cassie rationalised the whole situation and decided that just because she had seen his mate, Woody, didn’t mean that Kayden would look for her. She kicked herself again as these memories alone showed her how innocent she had been, unable to see until now just how one-sided the relationship had been. She had practically thrown herself at him and today could almost feel sorry for the guy for having such a wimpy puppy begging for his love.

Cassie stood in front of the full-length mirror. If he never came to you before, girl, he won’t now. Get it together and forget him. She scowled at herself. Now, stop being stupid. He never loved you and it’s time you faced up to it and started a new life. Cassie smiled at her grumpy face and knew this time she had no intentions of squashing the memories she held. She was older, more self-assured and deserved respect. It is time you opened up your heart, woman, and found a new love. Cassie kissed her fingers and pressed them to her reflection in the mirror. ‘You deserve better than to allow yourself to be treated so poorly,’ she whispered, feeling energised with the talk she had given to herself. Yes, today I may give Alex a chance to fill the emptiness I carry.

Cassie picked up her jacket and handbag and headed for the door with a new spring in her step. She had been just an immature girl when Kayden found her and she had let him be mean to her, just as she had allowed her parents to be mean to her. But not anymore! She had friends now, a good job and a nice place to live with a loving couple who genuinely cared for her. Thinking this, she felt strong as she set off for work. If she was ever to see them again she would be polite but that was all they deserved from her. My time living with hurt is over.

Alex was happy to see Cassie although he frowned at the dark rings under her eyes. ‘Maybe you should take a couple of days off, Cassie. We can manage around here.’

Cassie opened her purse and dotted powder around her eyes. ‘There, good as new. I’ll be fine.’

He shook his head and laughed. ‘You’re worse than me. Just remember the job’s not worth your health. If you change your mind, just come see me.’

Over the next few weeks Cassie worked hard and for many hours a day. It took her mind off the reality that had finally sunk in: she realised she had been right in her thinking that if Kayden had any feelings for her he would have come for her long before this. She viewed her options: one being to go and face him, kick him in the shins, maybe yell at him for being so damned hard to forget. The more level-headed option was to settle contently back into her job and the new world she had created for herself. She chose the second as the more sensible.

Cassie relaxed a little more around Alex, allowing him to be more attentive than usual. One night after work as Alex walked her to the car she let her guard down and threw caution to the wind. They had become very good friends over the months and walking arm-in-arm with him felt very natural to Cassie. She started to think that maybe giving Alex a go wasn’t such a bad idea. She certainly felt comfortable around him. Cassie chattered and laughed with him and knew that tonight, if he asked her on a date, she had every intention of accepting. They stood by the car against which Alex would usually lean, talking to her. Only tonight without warning, he took her in his arms and kissed her.