Asking for Andre (2 page)

Casey stood stunned for a moment before jumping back so fast she bumped into the filing cabinet. “Anya! What are you doing? Are you feeling me up?”

“Don’t complain. This is probably more action than you’ve had in months.” Grinning triumphantly, Anya crossed her arms. “I knew you had a good figure under those shapeless clothes. If I had a perky rack like that I would just walk around in nothing but a bra all day.”

Casey laughed despite herself and plopped back down in her chair. “It’s official. You are truly insane, you know that?”

“I may be crazy but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” Anya reached around her and hit the red button on the multi-line phone that sent all calls to the recorded greeting.

“What are you doing?”

“I am going to help you. And you are
not
going to say no. Think of me as your fairy godmother.” Anya grabbed Casey’s hands and pulled her up, a wicked gleam in her blue eyes. “We don’t have time to really shop the way I want over lunch break but we can at least get you some new makeup or something. I’ll get one of the other assistants to cover the phones.”

“Oh no. I don’t like where this is going,” Casey groaned. She’d learned the hard way that when Anya got in one of her moods it was best not to fight it. She was like a tornado. You either took cover or let yourself get swept up in the chaos and hoped for a gentle landing.

Besides, it was probably better if she wasn’t here when Andre finished his meeting. He would come over to say hello and she’d inevitably do something ridiculous or embarrassing. So far, he seemed to think she was just clumsy. If he ever figured out the real reason Casey was so awkward around him he’d run the other direction.

Or worse, feel sorry for her.

“Let’s go shopping on Sunday. I assume you already have a dress for the Preview Gala?” Casey nodded reluctantly. Normally she avoided social events like the plague but the company’s annual meeting was mandatory, even for nobodies like her. She could only hope she didn’t trip over her own feet or worse be forced out on the dance floor. Parties were only fun for social butterflies like Anya.

For shy, awkward people like her, they were a special brand of torture.

“Well, after the Gala is over we’ll go shopping for your new wardrobe. No more bulky sweaters and dowdy skirts. We have to play up your assets.” Anya rubbed her hands together gleefully.

“Am I going to regret this?” Casey crossed her arms over her chest. Images of her dressed in revealing club clothes floated through her mind. The other woman had great taste but she was much more outgoing. Anya wouldn’t be uncomfortable in a skintight miniskirt or a blouse that showed a ton of cleavage but those things were Casey’s worst nightmare.

Anya pushed her lips out into an exaggerated pout. “Have a little faith. I know what I’m doing. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?”

* * * * *

“I’m not sure about this new slogan.” Andre Lavin rubbed his hands roughly over his face, trying to erase months of stress. He was so tired he almost felt intoxicated but seeing his dream come to life was worth a thousand sleepless nights. “
Living the Lavin Life.
It sounds like a rip-off of a cheesy pop song.”

James Lawson, owner of Mirage Advertising Agency, patted him reassuringly on the shoulder. “Wait until you see the presentation. The campaign we’ve generated is youthful and high energy. It’s exactly what you need for a launch into the American market.“

“I hope so.” He’d already seen presentations for two alternate slogans and they were no closer to capturing the essence of what he was about than the current one. As much as he liked the Mirage Agency, if they couldn’t deliver what he needed he would have to go elsewhere. Firing his agents wouldn’t be fun but he hadn’t reached this point in his career by being soft. He did what had to be done even when it wasn’t easy.

As the eldest son of Nicolas and Stefania Lavin, he really didn’t have to work. He and his younger brother Philippe were considered two of the most eligible bachelors in Europe. This was due in part to the considerable inherited wealth left to them by their late father, a French financier, as well as the impeccable bloodline bestowed on them by their mother, a direct descendent of the now deposed Italian royal family.

There were so many who’d thought the pampered son of an aristocratic family didn’t have the fortitude to run a successful business. Some were still waiting for him to fail. If Andre had his way, they were in for a long wait. He’d waited his entire career to launch his international campaign. He wouldn’t see it derailed for any reason.

Not even friendships.

“I have the production figures. We’re in good shape.” Jason Gautier, his business partner and best friend, appeared at his left side. His blond hair was cut into a short, spiky do, more for ease and comfort than style. His friend had been accused more than once of having a calculator for a brain and a cash register for a heart. Success was his life’s blood. It was one of the things they had in common.

“Fantastic. Do we still have that conference call with the bank this afternoon?”

“Actually, there was a mix-up. We’re supposed to be on that call in about ten minutes.” At his glower, Jason shrugged apologetically and crossed his arms. “Don’t shoot the messenger. How do you want to handle this?”

“Gentlemen, I think I have a solution.” Law waved over his assistant, a stunning Eastern European woman with short, dark hair. He whispered something in her ear and she turned and sashayed off.

Law glanced at his watch. “We don’t have anything major booked for next week so if you’re planning to stay in town through the weekend, we could reschedule.”

“We were planning to fly back to Milan tonight…” Andre trailed off as they left the conference room and Cassandra entered his line of vision. His cock filled as if happy to see her again. He cursed softly and turned away, giving himself time to calm down.

It was like this whenever she was around. His reaction made him feel like a lecher, especially since from a distance she resembled a fairy child more so than a grown woman. But she was one hell of a woman.

Ever since he’d first seen her three months ago, he’d battled this borderline obsession. He knew her every expression, the way she tilted her head when listening or pursed her lips when she didn’t agree with something. Her skin was very pale and coupled with her curly, dark hair, was incredibly striking. She was delicately built, petite with slim hips, but he knew from their conversations she was no pushover. She might look fragile but she had a backbone of steel.

Then to see her today on her knees before him,
Dio.
It’d be weeks before he could look at her without imagining the scenario as it had played out in his mind. He’d imagined her leaning forward and tugging down his zipper. Her tiny hands cupping his length as her full lips stretched around his cock. It had taken all his willpower to beat back the surge of lust and help her to her feet when everything in him wanted to keep her on her knees.

Andre turned at the sharp nudge in his side. Jason lifted his eyebrows in inquiry before stretching to see over his shoulder. Andre stepped forward blocking his view. He wasn’t sure what drove the protective instinct, but in that moment he didn’t want his friend anywhere near her. Jason viewed women like candy. He wanted to sample every flavor available as often as possible and he was handsome enough that seduction came easily.

Jason frowned. “I was just saying our schedule is flexible enough that we can stay until Monday. Unless you’re intent on flying back tonight.”

Law rubbed his hands together. “I’m sure we’ve mentioned this before but our annual company Preview Gala is tomorrow night. We showcase our most high-profile campaigns from the prior year and do a few sneak peeks of current projects.”

Andre stilled. “A company meeting? Do all of the employees usually show up?”

Law nodded slowly. “Yes, it’s mandatory for employees. Even if it wasn’t, I’m sure they’d come anyway. We put on quite a party. If you’re going to be in town, it would be an honor for you to drop in. Then, I’ll have our designers rearrange their schedules to accommodate you on Monday afternoon.”

Andre wiped a hand over his face to stifle the silly smile he feared he was wearing. He was going to see Cassandra this weekend. He’d been trying to get closer to her, coaxing her to talk to him and had shared as much about himself as he could without pushing too hard.

He’d hoped that she’d warm up over time so he could propose meeting for coffee or perhaps even lunch. Despite his efforts, she was still hesitant when they talked, probably because they were always surrounded by other people.

Andre closed his eyes and imagined dancing with her. The soft weight of her hand on his shoulder, the press of her small frame against his as they moved. He could remember every time she’d ever touched him, a fleeting glide of her fingers when she handed him something or the brush of their shoulders when they passed in the hallway.

It had been all he could do some days not to scoop her up in his arms and cover her plump lips with his. But if he did that, he’d never have a chance with her. She was obviously sheltered and so reserved he feared using stronger tactics. He didn’t want to offend her.

Now Andre would get to see her in a different environment where she might be more comfortable. Something inside him felt absurdly excited to discover the secret thoughts Cassandra only hinted at. He wanted to know everything, especially the things she was too shy to say in front of others. He wanted to know what she wanted and what she desired. He was ready to deliver anything she needed.

“Well, if we’re staying through until Monday anyway, we’d love to attend your party. Thank you for being so accommodating.” He nodded briefly at Law.

Jason fell into step next to him as they walked back down the hall. “What’s going on with you lately? You’ve been distracted. Impatient.”

Andre stopped abruptly when they reached the front of the office. The reception area was empty. His fairy was gone. He’d missed his chance to say goodbye and see her cheeks redden as she smiled up from beneath her dark lashes. He rubbed the center of his chest absently and glanced at his watch. Even fairies had to eat lunch it seemed.

“Nothing is wrong with me. I don’t have time for anything to be wrong with me.” He squeezed his eyes shut when he realized he was glaring at the empty receptionist chair as if it held the answer to all his problems. “Are you as tired as I am?”

“Probably. I just make tired look good.” Jason chuckled softly. “You on the other hand, look like shit.”

“Thanks
amico
. This is what friends are for.” Laughing, they pushed open the agency’s glass double doors and stepped out into the crisp winter air. The cold slap in the face was exactly what Andre needed, clearing the cobwebs from his brain and sharpening his focus.

As tempting as it was, he couldn’t afford a mental vacation right now. Not when so much was on the line. He pulled out his cell phone. There were ten voicemails waiting since he’d last checked an hour ago. Most of them probably from his mother who was intent on marrying him off to one of the beautiful but empty-headed young women in her exclusive social circle. He doubted his email inbox fared any better. More messages from people who wanted something from him, no doubt.

He loved his life but there were times when being Andre Lavin was exhausting.

* * * * *

“I’m calling for Olivia Michaels, please. Yes, I’ll hold.” Casey tucked her cell phone into the curve of her shoulder so she could pull her pajama bottoms on.

Her mother worked the night shift at the Pleasant Hills retirement home because the later shift brought in more money. Since Casey didn’t feel comfortable making personal calls during her work hours, she’d gotten into the routine of calling her mom before she went to bed. By then most of the seniors had everything they needed for the night and her mom was able to take a break and chat.

“Hi, babycakes, how are you?” Olivia sounded upbeat but Casey could hear the exhaustion in her mother’s voice.

“I’m great, Mom. In fact, I got a promotion at work. It’s more money and more responsibility. I’ll actually be working with the marketing team now instead of just sitting behind the front desk.”

“Oh baby, I’m so proud of you. I knew that would happen. Didn’t I tell you? Anybody can see what a hard worker you are and how smart you are. I’ll just bet they promote you again once you finish your degree.” Her mom sighed, the sound filled with contentment.

Her mother never criticized her or made her feel guilty but Casey knew her mom’s life would have been completely different if she hadn’t gotten pregnant and had to drop out of college. She worked so hard all the time but never complained. The only time Casey’d ever heard her cry was when she called to tell her she’d flunked out of school. It felt good to give her mom a reason to smile again.

“I hope so, Mom. I’m just glad that I’ll finally be able to help you out with the bills some now,” Casey said.

“Cassandra Anne, I am just fine. I told you I make more working the late shift at this place. They gave me a nice increase to steal me away from the hospital. They have a hard time finding nurses with the patience to deal with some of the older folks here. They can get a little ornery sometimes. I just want you to concentrate on your studies. I don’t need anything,” Olivia stated.