She pulled him down and kissed his cheek. ‘You are all so terribly sweet and that was just selfish of me to want more. Then again, if you’re offering, maybe a couple of nice girlie dresses to wear to your parties would be more than enough and really appreciated. But I would like to work the cost of them off somehow. You know, maybe teach you how to play cards or something,’ she stirred.
He laughed and gave her a hug. ‘Whatever makes you happy, Cass. But it’s not necessary.’
‘Yes, I know but I want to and I promise I’ve learned my lesson about the alcohol and won’t be so stupid next time.’ They walked back to the house, arm-in-arm. She looked up to Woody like the brother she never had and felt closer to him at this moment than she had ever thought possible. It was as if they had formed an unspoken bond. It was nice to have such a good mate who saw her at her worst yet still cared.
He took her to Kayden and pulled back the covers while she got in. He kissed her head as he covered her up.
Kayden felt her and holding her gently, cuddling in. ‘I missed you, sweetheart,’ he whispered.
Cassie looked back up at Woody. ‘Sweet dreams, Cassie.’ He grinned caringly as he went out and closed the door. She felt so much better and happier now and went to sleep dreaming about pretty clothes.
Next day while having breakfast, Cassie looked outside at the weather. It was a lovely sunny day and not one to sit around, Cassie took Kayden’s hand and dragged him outside. Grinning, she pointed to the trail bikes in the shed. ‘Never been on one. Feel like some fun?’
Kayden shook his head as his men joined them, inquisitive to see what she had spotted that was so urgent.
‘Unless you sooky la-la’s want to stay home and play nursemaid to your hangovers,’ she stirred them
They were all bright-eyed and itching to be out there. She could see it on their faces.
‘Well, I’m in. What about you lot?’ Kayden asked hearing no answer. They had already started pulling them out, arguing about who was going to take which one. As the dirt bikes roared into life, Cassie started to shake with nerves and excitement.
‘You okay, sweetheart?’ Kayden asked as he cuddled her.
‘Just nervous-excited.’
They went for miles. The bush kept changing from thick trees and scrub to just a few sparse bushes. The only thing that didn’t change was the red dirt that flew up around them. They found some sand dunes and that was the best fun of all. The fine red dust puffed around them in a cloud, making visibility difficult but not once did it deter the riders. They slipped and slid their bikes up and down the mounds, barely missing each other. Cassie squealed and laughed, enjoying every bit with the skylarking daredevils.
Arriving home, the majority of the dirt was hosed off. The rest of it washed off as they threw each other into the pool. Afterwards, they sipped wine and chatted while the bubbles in the spa did their job. There was a real bond of friendship forming. Cassie was becoming a part of them all, feeling them as they did her.
Later, lounging on the deck, Cassie asked Woody what he was still doing here. ‘Aren’t you meant to be on your way to Cable Beach Resort with Ella?’ The minute she said it she wished she could have retracted it. The mood of the group changed as soon as the words left her mouth. Everyone stopped eating and looked at Woody.
Kayden frowned. ‘Actually I hadn’t given it any further thought as I would have laid a bet this was just another one of Ella’s ploys to pull us apart, man. Are you really going to see this nonsense through?’ Kayden asked with a serious, boss-like tone.
Jason could not help himself. ‘What, you’re not serious? You’re really going to take off? What happens if we get a call out? Jeez, Woody mate, Ella hates us. Get involved with her kind and you can kiss what you do with us goodbye.’
‘Shut up, Jason,’ Woody growled. ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’
Kayden intervened. ‘Woody, it is your life and we can’t stop you if you choose another path except Jason is right! I saw the look she gave Cassie last night: utter contempt. I won’t have her around upsetting our balance.’
‘So you’re the only one who can have a girl fulltime. That’s so much bullshit, Kayden.’
‘There are girlfriends and then there other types of girlfriends who just want you as a possession. She has so much power over you already, what do you think will happen when she has you reeled in, hook, line and sinker?’
Woody’s knuckles where white with anger.
Cassie started this argument and was determined to try and turn it around to give Woody a chance to see the real Ella. ‘Woodsta, her world is far different from your sweet self. You are tall and handsome. The stereotype, women like her go for; however not as an equal but as a pet by her side. She’ll make you so excited to be with her that you won’t see the clouds for the stars until it is too late. Once she has you, the sex will turn off. Next thing you’ll just mope around her waiting to do anything she asks to get back what you once had. After she has taken away your confidence and spirit, she will then take on a lover and it will destroy every bit of manhood you had left. I’ve seen this happen firsthand with my own sweet mother. I know you don’t want to hear this but you, my handsome friend, are far too good for a woman like her. You’re too close and wrapped up to tame Ella, to make her fall fully in love with you and accept you for all you are.’ Cassie sighed, feeling his sadness but also his need. ‘The only way it would be different is if she saw what you really did. A woman like her needs to feel you are above her, yet your laws prevent her ever being told what you do. On the other hand, let’s say you did choose another path to be with her. I don’t know how you can make her proud of you while working say, in her daddy’s business when he’s still the boss and you’re just the employee.’