Caasi hadn’t bothered to answer him but had turned and gone directly to her suite.

  Some of the staff had planned a small farewell party for Blake, but she hadn’t contributed anything. Not when seeing him go was so painful. There would be an obligatory statement of good wishes she would make. Somehow she’d manage that. Somehow.

  A hot bath relieved some of the tiredness in her bones, but it had little effect on her heart.

  Dressed in a prim business suit, Caasi walked briskly into the office and offered Laurie a short nod before entering her own.

  Her desk was stacked with mail, telephone messages, and a variety of items that needed her immediate attention.

  “Laurie,” she called to her secretary, “send in Brian Harris.”

  “Right away.”

  If the man was there to take Blake’s place, she had best start working with him now.

  By noon Caasi’s head was pounding. She wasn’t one to suffer from headaches, but the pain was quickly becoming unbearable.

  “Are you all right?” Laurie asked, as she came into Caasi’s office for dictation.

  “I’m fine,” Caasi murmured. She stood at the window, her fingertips massaging her temples as she shot off one letter after another, scarcely pausing between items of correspondence.

  Laurie sat on the edge of her chair, her glasses delicately balanced on the bridge of her nose as her pencil flew across the steno pad.

  “That’ll be all.” Caasi paused. “No; get me Dirk Evans of International on the phone.”

  Laurie returned to her office and buzzed Caasi a minute later. “Mr. Evans is on line two.”

  “Thanks, Laurie,” Caasi said. “Would it be possible for you to find me some aspirin?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” Five years since she took over for her father, and this was the second time she’d needed something to help her through the day. And both times it could be directly related to Blake.

  The aspirin had little effect on the pounding sensation that persisted at her temples well into the afternoon.

  Laurie came into her office around four to tell her that the farewell party for Blake was in progress.

  “I’ll be there in a minute,” Caasi said without looking up, her fingers tightening around her pen.

  Hands braced against the side of her desk, Caasi inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and forcing herself to absorb the silence for a couple moments before rising and going to join the party.

  Someone had opened a bottle of champagne. Caasi stood on the outskirts of the small crowd and watched as everyone toasted Blake and wished him success. One of the women had made a farewell cake and was serving thin slices. Caasi recognized her as Blake’s personal assistant but couldn’t recall her being so attractive.

  Caasi felt far removed from the joking banter that existed between Blake and his staff. There wasn’t one who didn’t regret his leaving. Yet he had chosen to do exactly that.

  Someone slapped him across the back and he laughed but stopped short as his eyes met hers.

  Quickly Caasi looked away. A hush fell over the room as she walked to the center, Blake at her side.

  “I think we can all agree that you’ll be missed,” she said in a voice that was surprisingly steady. “If my father were here, I’m sure he would say how much he appreciated the excellent job you have done for Crane Enterprises for the past six years. I’m sure he’d extend to you his personal best wishes.”

  “But not yours?” Blake whispered, for her ears alone.

  Stiffening, Caasi continued somewhat defiantly, “My own are extended to you in whatever you pursue. If there’s ever a time you feel you’d like to return, you know that there will always be a place for you here. Goodbye, Blake.”

  “What? No gold watch?” he mumbled under his breath, as he stepped forward and shook her hand. “Thank you, Miss Crane.” Those dark, unreadable eyes stared into hers, and Caasi could barely breathe.

  Grateful for the opportunity to escape, she nodded and stepped aside as Blake’s assistant approached with a small wrapped package. Hoping to give the impression she was needed elsewhere, Caasi glanced at her watch. “If you’ll excuse me, please.”

  “Of course,” Blake answered for the group.

  Without another word, she turned and walked away, not stopping until she reached her desk.

  Caasi forced herself to eat dinner. For two days she hadn’t been able to force down more than a few bites of any meal.

  The headache was now forty-eight hours old. Nothing seemed to relieve the throbbing pain. She hadn’t slept well, either. After several hours of tossing fitfully, she would fall into an uneasy slumber, only to wake an hour or two later more tired than when she’d gone to bed.

  The phone rang Saturday when she returned from a spot-check at the Sacramento Empress.

  “Hello,” she said, with little enthusiasm.

  “Is this Caasi?”

  Faintly, Caasi recognized the voice over the phone. Her home phone had a private listing and she seldom gave out the number.

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Caasi.” The young voice sounded relieved. “This is Gina. Gina Sherrill.”

  “Hello, Gina. What can I do for you?” Caasi’s hand tightened around the receiver. The woman had phoned three times in the last few days, and Caasi hadn’t returned the calls. She had completely severed herself from Blake and wanted every painful reminder of him removed from her life.

  “I’m sorry to bother you like this, but I haven’t been able to get hold of you at your office.”

  “I’ve been busy.” She hoped the tone of her voice would effectively convey the message. She didn’t want to be purposely rude.

  “I knew that, and I hope you’ll forgive me for being so forward, but I did want to tell you that everyone would like it if you could come to dinner on Sunday.”

  Everyone but Blake, Caasi added silently. “I’m sure I’d like that very much, but I’m sorry, it’s impossible this week. Perhaps another time.”

  Caasi heard a sigh of disappointment come over the line. “I understand.”

  Maybe she did, Caasi mused.

  “I’d like to talk to you someday when you’ve got the time.”

  “I’d enjoy that, Gina, but I really am busy. Thank you for calling. Give my love to your family.”

  “I will. Goodbye, Caasi.”

  Caasi heard the drone of the disconnected line sound in her ear. Replacing the receiver, she walked to the window and studied the view of miniature people and miniature cars far below.

  Someone knocked on her door, and she wanted to cry out in irritation. Why couldn’t people just leave her alone? Everything would be fine if she could have some peace and quiet in her life.

  “Just a minute,” she answered shortly, as she strode across the floor. She opened the door to discover…Blake. Her heart leapt into her throat, and she was too stunned to move.

  “I hope you haven’t eaten yet. By the way, where were you all afternoon?” he asked, as he walked past her into the living room.

  Chapter Nine

  “Where was I?” Caasi repeated, nonplussed. What was Blake doing here? Hadn’t he left her, decided to sever his relationship with her and Crane Enterprises?

  “Yes—I’ve been trying to get you all day.”

  Her hand on the doorknob, Caasi watched his relaxed movements as he sauntered to the sofa, sat back, and positioned his ankle on his knee.

  “I do have a business to run.” She hated the telltale way her voice shook, revealing her shock.

  “Yes, but it wasn’t business that kept you out. I know, because I checked.”

  “You checked?” Caasi demanded. “Then I suggest you question your sources, because it most certainly was business.”

  “Instead of standing all the way over there and arguing, why don’t you come and sit with me?” He held out his hand invitingly. “I certainly hope you’re hungry, because I’m starved.”

  Caasi closed the door but didn’t sit with him as he requested. Instead she walked to the window, her arms cradling her waist.

  “What you’re wearing is fine,” he assured her. “Don’t bother to change.”

  Her gaze shot to him. The friendly, almost gentle light in his eyes was enough to steal her breath. His ready smile was warm and encouraging.

  “I thought you wanted out of Crane Enterprises.”

  “I did.”

  “Then why are you here? Why come back? Don’t you know how hard it was for me to let you walk away? Are you really that insensitive, Blake? I don’t want you flitting in and out of my life when the mood strikes you. I haven’t seen you in—”

  “Three days,” he supplied. “I know. I wanted you to have time to think things through, but I can see you haven’t figured anything out yet.”

  Caasi’s hands became knotted fists and fell to her sides. “I hate it when people play these kinds of games with me. If you have something to say, just say it.”

  Blake groaned in frustration. “Are you really so dense you can’t see?”

  “I don’t need to stand in my own home and be insulted by you, Blake Sherrill.” She stalked across the room and opened the door. “Perhaps it would be best if you left.”

  “Caasi, I didn’t come here to argue.”

  “Well, you seem to be doing a bang-up job of it.”

  He stood and rammed his hands into his pockets. He strode to the window, his back to her as he gazed at the panorama.

  Caasi could see and feel the frustration in the rigid set of his shoulders. She didn’t want to fight. The desire to walk to him and slip her arms around his waist and press her face to his back was almost overwhelming. The headache that had persisted since Blake left was her body’s method of telling her how miserable she had been without him.

  A hundred times since Wednesday she’d had to stop herself from consulting him, remembering that Blake was no longer available to ask. Softly she exhaled and closed the door.

  At the sound of the click, Blake turned around. “Can we start again, Cupcake? Pretend I’m an old friend who’s come to town for the weekend.”

  Caasi lowered her gaze. “Don’t call me Cupcake,” she murmured stiffly. “I’m not a little girl. That’s the last way I want you to think of me.”

  The sound of his robust laugh filled the room. “There’s no worry of that.”

  Indecision gripped Caasi. All her life she’d been in control of every situation. She had always known what to expect and how to react. But not with Blake and this new ground he seemed to want to travel with her. Of one thing Caasi was sure: She couldn’t tolerate much more of the pain she’d felt when he walked away.

  “Dinner, Caasi?” His arched brow contained a challenging lift.

  Her compliant nod was as weak as her resolve. She would accept what little Blake was willing to offer and be grateful.

  His smile crinkled the lines at his eyes. “Come on. I’ve got fat steaks ready for the grill.”

  Caasi took a light jacket out of the closet. “Where are we going?”

  “To my place.”

  “Your place?”

  “Then after dinner I thought we’d try our luck at the horse races.”

  “Horse races?” she repeated.

  Blake looked around, stared at the ceiling, and shook his head. “This room seems to have developed an echo all of a sudden.”

  Caasi smiled. It was the first time she could remember smiling since Monday, when Blake had announced he would be leaving her and Crane Enterprises.

  They rode in his T-Bird convertible with the top down. The wind ruffled her sleekly styled curls, and Caasi closed her eyes to savor the delicious sensations that flowed through her. She was with Blake, and it felt right.

  The grill could be seen in the backyard, a bag of briquettes leaning against its base, when Blake pulled into the driveway. He came around and opened her car door for her. Leaning over the rolled-down window, he lightly brushed his mouth across hers. He straightened and his eyes looked deeply into hers. With a groan, his arms surrounded her, half lifting her from the car as she arched against his chest. Caasi slipped her arms around his neck and surrendered to his kiss. Gradually his grip relaxed and he tenderly brushed the tangled hair from her temple. “I’ve missed you.”

  Still caught in the rush of emotion he could evoke, Caasi didn’t speak. A happy smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I’ve missed you, too.”

  “I’ll cook the steaks if you fix the salad. Agreed?”

  Eagerly, Caasi nodded. He helped her out of the car, his arm cupping her shoulder as he led her up the back stairs and into the kitchen.

  “I’ll get the grill going and leave you to your task,” he instructed.

  Almost immediately he was out the back door. Taking off her jacket, Caasi draped it over a chair and looked around. She really loved this house. A gentle feeling warmed her. Any woman would be proud to be a part of this.

  The ingredients for the salad were in the refrigerator, and she laid them on the counter. Next she searched through the cupboards for a large bowl. A salad shouldn’t be difficult, she mused happily. Her culinary skills were limited, but a salad would be easy enough.

  She was at the cutting board chopping lettuce when Blake came back for the steaks and a variety of spices.

  He paused, watching her as she slid the knife across the fresh lettuce.

  “Is something the matter?” She tensed and looped a strand of hair behind her ear. What could she possibly be doing wrong in making a salad? It was the simplest job he could have given her.

  “No. It’s just that it’s better to tear apart the lettuce leaves instead of cutting them.”

  “Okay.” Feeling incredibly naïve in the kitchen, Caasi set the knife aside.

  “Did you wash it?” Blake asked her next.

  Caasi swallowed at the painful lump that filled her throat. With tight-lipped grimness she answered him with a negative shake of her head. Dumping the cut lettuce into the bowl, she carried it to the sink and filled the bowl with water. Pure pique caused her to pour dishwashing liquid over the green leaves. “Like this?” She batted her long lashes at him innocently.

  Not waiting for his reaction, she moved into the living room and stared sightlessly out the front window. A hand over her mouth, she took in several deep breaths. What was she doing here with Blake? This wonderful homey scene wasn’t meant for someone like her. She was about as undomesticated as they came.

  The sound of footsteps told her Blake had moved behind her. His hand on her shoulder sent a silky warmth sliding down her arm.

  “I apologize,” she whispered. “That was a stupid thing to do.”

  “No—I should be the one to apologize.” The pressure of his hands turned her around. Gently he pulled her into his arms, his chin resting against the top of her head.

  “It’s just that I’m so incredibly dumb.” Her voice was thick with self-derision.

  “You, stupid?” Soft laughter tumbled from his throat, stirring the hair at the crown of her head. “Maybe you won’t be competing in the same class as Chef, but not because you lack intelligence. You’ve just never learned, that’s all.”

  “But will I ever?”

  “That’s up to you, Cupcake.”

  Caasi winced. “You’re using that name again when I’ve asked you repeatedly not to.”

  He didn’t comment for several tense moments. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the first time I saw you. I’d been working with your father for several months. Isaac didn’t talk much about his private life. I think I was at the Empress six months before I even knew he had a daughter. We were in his office one day and you came floating in as fresh as spring and so breathtakingly beautiful I nearly fell out of my chair.” He stopped and gently eased her away so that he could look at her as he spoke. “I watched this hard-nosed businessman light up like a sparkler on the Fourth of July. His eyes softened as he held out his arms to you and called you Cupcake. I’ve never thought of you as anything else since.”

  “I was barely twenty-two.”

  A finger under her chin lifted her face to his. “The amazing part is that you’re even more beautiful now.” Ever so gently, he placed his mouth over hers.

  No kiss had ever been so incredibly sweet. Caasi swayed toward him when he released her. “I hope you’ve got another head of lettuce. I’m afraid I’ve ruined the first one.”

  “I’ll start cooking the steaks now.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose and released her. “How do you want your steak cooked? Rare?”

  “No, medium.”

  Blake looked dissatisfied. “You honestly should try it cooked a little less sometime.”

  “Blake.” She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. “We seem doomed for one confrontation after another. I happen to prefer my meat medium. If you’d rather, I can cook my own.”

  “I’d like to see that.”

  “Steak,” she asserted, “I can do. There’s nothing to it but flopping it over the grill a couple of times.”

  “It’s an art.”

  “You overrate yourself,” Caasi insisted. “How about I cook the steaks and you make the salad?”

  Blake chuckled, shaking his head. “I hate to see good meat wasted, but it’ll be worth it just to prove my point.”

  Caasi was in the backyard, readjusting the grill so that it was closer to the fire, when Blake walked out.

  “I thought you were making the salad.”

  “I did,” he said teasingly, his eyes twinkling. “I slapped a hunk of lettuce on a plate, added a slice of tomato, and poured dressing over the top. What’s happening to my steak is of much more interest to me.”

  “On second thought…” Caasi moistened her dry lips. “I’d hate to ruin your meal. Why don’t we each cook our own?”