Asking for Andre (14 page)

“Even if that’s true, I just don’t know if I can do this. We’re so different. Can you really see me fitting in with your family, your friends, your entire lifestyle? I can’t live with people following me around and taking pictures of me.” She shook her head and he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes. “I can’t live wondering how long before you get bored with me and go back to your real life. I can’t live neglecting my education and my future because I’m so caught up in a fairytale. This is just a fairytale. It would never work.”

He clenched his fists to stop himself from reaching for her. “Do you think so little of me then? You really believe that I would do that? That I would lie to you?”

“I know you’d never hurt me on purpose. You’re a good man, one of the best I’ve ever known. But I need to do what’s best for me right now. And so do you.” She swiped at her eyes angrily as tears flowed down her cheeks. “Our one night is finally up.”

* * * * *

Later that evening, Andre pushed open the door to the penthouse and stood quietly in the entryway. He’d gone to a bar hoping he could drink until he forgot everything that had happened that day. He’d gotten as far as ordering a beer when he noticed a woman sitting at the bar reading a copy of the tabloid that had started this whole mess.

He walked in, dropped his keys on the counter. It was as quiet as a tomb. How could he have gotten used to her presence so quickly? Already, the apartment seemed lifeless and empty, like a stainless-steel prison. The stark décor had never bothered him before but suddenly he found himself missing the brightly colored handbag Casey liked to leave by the door and the pair of shoes she usually kicked off next to the couch. Those little touches had made the cold place feel like home.

He slammed the door behind him, needing to take out his aggression on something. Anything. Two quick knocks sounded on the door behind him before it swung open. Jason stood on the other side watching him with a pensive expression.

That’ll do nicely.

Before he could swing, Jason grabbed his arm and kicked the door closed with his foot. “I don’t think you need any more tabloid coverage, do you? Unless you feel taking another cheap shot at me is worth that?”

Andre clenched his fists. “It wasn’t a cheap shot. I didn’t hit you from behind. You had the opportunity to defend yourself.”

Jason nodded and looked around the room. “That’s true. I was actually the one who took the cheap shot. I shouldn’t have said those things.” He broke off and shoved his hands in his pockets. A long moment of silence passed as they stood staring at each other.

Finally Jason broke the standoff. “Damn, are you going to make me get on my knees and beg? I’m trying to say I’m sorry here. Groveling isn’t something I do well, you know. I’m used to being an unrepentant asshole. Or so everyone else tells me.”

Just that quickly the animosity between them was gone. Either that or Andre was just too tired to hold a grudge any longer.

“I should still hit you again. Did you see the look on her face? I just want to protect her from all the ugly bits of life. I don’t ever want her to feel the way your words made her feel. She’s not just another girl to me, Jason. She’s the one. The
only
one.”

“I know. I saw you falling deeper and deeper for this girl and we don’t really know anything about her. I didn’t want you to go through what I did. Loving someone who’s only using you is the worst sort of betrayal. One you never really get over. Divorce doesn’t cure that.” Jason’s face hardened before he looked away.

Andre walked over to the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows. The sky mirrored his mood with dark clouds that roiled in a mass over the city. Inside he was one big ball of destructive energy waiting to strike out at the closest victim. Because of that, he tried to keep his voice calm when he replied. Jason was one of his oldest friends and there had been enough angry words between them. Especially since he understood why his friend was so deeply suspicious of women in general.

“Every woman isn’t like Josephine. Casey doesn’t want my money. She basically dumped me because she thinks she doesn’t fit into my lifestyle. She also doesn’t trust me now.
Damn.
How did this all go to hell so fast?”

Jason’s eyebrows shot up so high they almost disappeared into his hairline. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he spoke again.

“Wait a minute. A woman actually left you because you have too
much
money?” He stared at Andre for another moment before breaking into laughter. The longer he looked at him, the harder he laughed until Andre felt a smile cross his face as well.

“What are you laughing at, you idiot? She left me.” At that, his smile fell. His Cassandra was out there in the world alone and he was here. Determined to stay away from her because it was the only thing she’d asked of him. He’d give her anything she asked for, anything she needed of him. Even if it killed him to stay away.

Jason clapped him on the back so hard he feared for his bones. “She didn’t really leave, you big sap. If she didn’t love you, she wouldn’t care about any of this. She’d just take what she could get for as long as she could get it. She’s just afraid.”

Andre felt his heart lift. “So, she loves me, she just doesn’t want me with her? What am I supposed to do with that?”

“What you’re supposed to do is make her come to you. And I know just how to make that happen. Call the art department.” Jason made an impatient gesture with his hands when Andre didn’t move fast enough.

“The art department?” Andre pulled out his cell phone and dialed his marketing director automatically. “What am I supposed to tell them?”

Jason smiled and rubbed his hands together. “Tell them you need a picture of the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen. As big as they can make it.”

A slow smile crossed Andre’s face as he realized what Jason was suggesting. “Make her come to me, huh? Well, it’s worth a try. If this works, I’ll consider us even.”

Chapter Seven

“You look tired.” Anya rounded the edge of the front desk and leaned on the counter next to her. Casey kept her head down and continued typing. Her emotions were raw after the weekend she’d had. She’d spent equal parts of it crying and assuring her mother that she was
just
fine
out here in the big city
and not selling her virtue to every businessman she met.

She sighed wearily.

Mondays were always busy but today was especially crazy. A press conference was scheduled for noon when The Lavin Group would reveal its newest product line and slogan.

Even though she’d told him it was over, part of her had hoped he’d still call or show up. The last time they were apart two days, he’d come to the agency and taken her against the sink in the bathroom. It hit her then that perhaps he’d done what she asked. He’d thought things through with a clear head and decided their affair truly had run its course.

“I am tired. I’m also really busy.”
And heartbroken.

Anya straightened and peered at Casey closely. “I saw you leave with Mr. Lavin last week, so I thought you’d be in a better mood. I figured you two would have worked it all out by now.” She tapped the heel of her black stiletto against the carpet. It made a soft scratching sound every time it hit the floor. “I guess that means the sex isn’t that great, huh?”

Casey whirled in her chair, sure her disbelief was etched all over her face. “Anya!” She shook her head, momentarily speechless. “Is everything about sex with you? And for the record, the sex is amazing.”

“Well then, I don’t see the problem.” Anya straightened and crossed her arms. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No, he didn’t hurt me.” She heaved a great sigh and closed her eyes. “He would never hurt me on purpose. He told me he loves me.”

Anya reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“It would be if I was sure I could trust him. I have so much going on in my life with school and work. I got a ‘D’ on my last quiz, Anya. Clearly this is a distraction I can’t afford right now. Besides, we’re just too different. He’ll see that once he’s thinking with a clear head. With the head on his
shoulders
, as his friend pointed out.”

“That guy was a jerk.” Anya made a face.

“Yeah, but he’s saying what a lot of people are thinking. My
mom
even saw that article. Now she thinks I’m prostituting myself to pay the bills.” Casey blinked rapidly, determined not to cry. “Besides, he didn’t make any other attempts to call me, so I guess he’s not too heartbroken. It’s over. Some love that turned out to be.”

Law rounded the corner just then at a fast clip. “What are you two still doing here? It’s already started.” He faltered when he saw Casey wiping away tears. “Um, you all take your time.”

Anya turned to her and winked. “Tears get them every time.” She leaned over and gave Casey a quick hug.

“Come on. The press conference is being televised so everyone’s in the boardroom watching. This is the first project you’ve assisted on so you should at least be there for the formal announcement. Then we can sneak out for a little retail therapy. I’m sure someone is having a sale.”

Anya led the way down the hall to the biggest conference room. Most of the other employees were already there. Milo stood near the front, his attention on the large flat screen mounted on the wall.

The soft murmur of voices in the room quieted as the camera zoomed in on Andre Lavin climbing the stairs to a small podium. The space behind him was swathed in large white curtains. He was no doubt planning to unveil the new advertisement in dramatic fashion.

Casey squinted at the image. It was hard to tell where he was until the camera panned back and she saw the unmistakable image of the National Monument behind him. Her heart danced in her chest.
He’s still in town.
He’d told them he was staying until things were resolved but after all the drama of last week she’d wondered if he would return to Italy.

Not that she should care at all or feel such overwhelming relief just to see his face. She swallowed hard and looked at her feet hoping no one else noticed her mooning over him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. It is with great pleasure that I make two announcements today.” Andre leaned on the podium, giving the impression of being completely at ease before the large crowd. It was only upon closer inspection that Casey saw the shadows beneath his eyes. A hint of guilt nagged at her conscience.

“I am pleased to unveil the new face of Lavin Couture.” There was a dramatic flourish as the large, white sheet behind him was yanked down to reveal a stunning ten-foot photo of Andre. There was a moment of shocked silence before the audience broke out into cheers. Andre chuckled and bowed in response.

“After much debate, someone very dear to my heart pointed out an obvious truth.” He paused and stared directly into the camera. Casey gulped.

“This beloved woman told me that I was the essential ingredient that makes Lavin Couture what it is. It is an extension of my personal style and up until this point, it was my whole life. Not anymore.”

He gestured to someone off camera. “I am also happy to announce The Lavin Group has taken on its first silent partner. Due to this unexpected source of funding, I give you the first Lavin perfume, in honor of the woman I hope will be my future.” A second later, the other sheet was pulled away to reveal the profile of a brunette with wild curls. A perfume bottle in the shape of a lotus flower was poised in her outstretched hands like an offering.

“Casey’s Dream.”

Everyone in the room turned around and Casey covered her mouth with her hands. She stared at the massive image, which was clearly supposed to look like her.
Is that really how he sees me?

“I guess this is your answer. When men are cheating they hide the relationship. They don’t go on television and tell the world you’re the love of their life. The man just named his first perfume after you. Are you really going to let him get away?” Anya hugged her from behind as everyone else looked back at the television in amazement.

“No way.” Casey pulled out her cell phone and quickly typed out a text. Her thumb hovered over “Send” for a moment before she worked up the nerve to press the button. Then she turned and walked out.

* * * * *

Andre stood awkwardly in the middle of Casey’s cramped living room. Her message had just said
Meet me at my place. I’m ready to talk.
He wasn’t sure whether her call was a good sign or a bad sign since she hadn’t seemed too sure how to greet him when he showed up.

“I saw the press conference.” She fidgeted with the edge of her blouse. “I can’t believe you named your perfume after me. It’s overwhelming. I really don’t know what to say.”

Madre di Dio.
He hoped she hadn’t called him here just to say thank you. He didn’t want her gratitude. He wanted her to look at him the way she used to, with those shining eyes that made him feel like he could conquer the world.

“I’m so sorry for the things I said to you. The things I accused you of. You deserve so much better than that. So much better than me.” She whispered the last bit so softly he almost didn’t hear it. It almost broke his heart that she could even think it.