Dream Wedding(139)
“I hadn’t heard.” Cassie disappeared into the kitchen, then returned carrying a bowl of mashed potatoes and a tray with French bread.
Belatedly, Ryan rose to his feet and took the serving pieces from her. “Sorry,” he said, placing them on the table. “I should have offered to help sooner.”
“You took care of Sasha. That was a big help.”
He nodded, then held out her chair for her. What was wrong with him? He wasn’t usually so socially inept. It was all the distractions, he decided. His concerns from the previous night, dealing with both his niece and Cassie’s aunt, not to mention the fact that he rarely entertained at home. He’d been too busy lately, and when he did get together with friends it was usually at a restaurant.
Cassie had placed him at the head of the table with her aunt on his right. As the serving plates and bowls were passed around, Charity picked up the conversation.
“He worked part-time while he was at school, as well. Impressive determination in one so young.”
Cassie took a spoonful of potatoes and flashed him a smile. “Ryan has many good qualities.”
“He’s doing very well with Sasha,” Charity said. “He’s had no training, virtually no warning, yet they’ve bonded.”
Ryan glanced from one to the other. “I am in the room. You can direct some of these comments to me directly, if you’d like.”
“Are you feeling left out?” Cassie asked with a grin. She lowered her voice conspiratorially and leaned toward her aunt. “Men are so sensitive.”
Charity sighed. “It’s a problem with the whole gender. Such delicate creatures. But what choice is there? They’re all we have.” She patted the back of Ryan’s hand. “What would you like to talk about, dear?”
“I’m not a domineering male,” he said, enjoying the banter and the feeling of being part of a family. “You can’t lay that at my door.”
“Of course we can,” Cassie said and took a sip of wine. “There are two of us and only one of you. We can say or do anything we like.”
“I see. And if I remind you that you work for me and therefore are expected to treat me with, if not reverence, then at least respect?”
“I’ll point out that’s an extremely domineering remark. Then I would probably take you to task for saying reverence, even in a kidding way. Reverence, Ryan? Do you secretly want to be worshiped?”
“Don’t all men?”
Her brown eyes sparkled with laughter. “We’ll have to set up a little shrine in one of the spare bedrooms. Maybe put up your picture. I can come in every morning and light candles.”
“Works for me, but I would prefer a large shrine, not a little one.” He glanced at Charity and gave her a wink.
“You’re a tricky one,” the older woman said. “Be careful with him, Cassie. He’s charming and they’re the most dangerous kind.”
“I’m not worried about Ryan,” her niece said. “He’s a great boss. I like working for him.” Then she asked her aunt about a recent play she’d been to, and the conversation became more general.
Still, the feeling of well-being lingered for Ryan. He didn’t join Cassie and Sasha for dinner as often as he should. He enjoyed the company. He kept to himself too much, he realized. Maybe it was time to change that.
When Sasha spilled her milk, he motioned for Cassie to keep eating while he took care of the mess. As he returned to his seat, Cassie put her hand on his arm.
“Thanks,” she said.
“My pleasure.”
His gaze dropped down to her mouth, which instantly made him think of kissing her again. Down boy, he ordered himself, then looked away. At the same time Cassie withdrew her hand. He caught the movement out of the corner of his eye.
A small alarm went off in his head. Something was wrong.
He looked at her face, trying to read her thoughts. Again she looked completely normal. Her clothes were fine, she had on her watch and her— A cold knife cut through his midsection. He blinked slowly, but the reality didn’t change. Dear God, why had it taken him so long to notice? Her promise ring—Joel’s promise ring—was gone and in its place was a band of pale skin.
* * *
CHARITY DIDN’T LEAVE until nearly ten that night. It had been the longest evening in Ryan’s life. At first he’d tried to think of a way to get Cassie alone and ask her what had happened. Unfortunately he had a bad feeling he knew what had happened. He didn’t want to know, but he had to know.
She’d told Joel about the kiss. They’d had an ugly fight. They’d broken up. It was the only explanation. Ryan paced back and forth in the hallway, waiting for Cassie to finish her goodbyes. She’d seemed so calm all evening, yet she had to be dying inside. This was all his fault.