turned and drew in her breath. His face was mere inches from hers. She could see the lines of fatigue radiating from his eyes and her own image reflected there. His breath caressed her cheek. Swallowing, she nodded, fascinated to be so close to the man.
“Been to New York before?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.
She shook her head, conscious of the wild beat of her heart. Mesmerized by the sensations that raced through her, she couldn’t look away.
“Sorry we won’t have time to go sight-seeing.”
“I hope to go one day on vacation. I’d like to see the sights, maybe go to a Broadway show.”
“It’s okay to visit, but I prefer San Francisco any day.”
Cassandra nodded.
“Are you from the Bay Area?” he asked.
She shook her head. Feeling like an idiot and not the competent woman she tried to portray, she cleared her throat. “I grew up near L.A. Now I prefer San Francisco.”
“Live in the city?”
“In a small place on Telegraph Hill.”
“Lots of tourists.”
“Mostly in the summer. Coit Tower is a popular site. I like to walk up there myself and gaze out over the city. It offers a magnificent view.”
“How long have you lived there?” Jared asked, wondering why he didn’t know more about an employee who had worked for him for two years.
“I arrived a couple of weeks before I went to work for you,” she replied. Why didn’t he lean back in his chair? Why was he still so close, close enough for her to feel as if there were only the two of them on the entire plane? She longed for some distance. His eyes were dark, compelling, mesmerizing. She liked the lights that danced in their depth. Wondered what he thought as he gazed into her eyes.
The flight attendant began her preflight demonstration. Cassandra drew a deep breath and looked at the woman. She knew Jared continued to watch her through narrowed eyes, but she focused on the demonstration as if she’d never seen one before. Almost feeling the waves of fatigue wash through him, she knew he’d last only a few more minutes. Once he reclined his seat and slept, the trip would be easier.
Jared awoke as the plane began its descent. He felt the pressure in his ears and yawned to relieve it. Something heavy and warm rested against his shoulder. Turning his head, he realized Cassandra had decided to use him as a pillow during the night. Both of them were covered with airline blankets. Both seats had been reclined. Had he done this? Had she?
He shifted a bit, his arm asleep. How long had she rested against him? A faint hint of roses wafted on the air. Her special scent? He tipped his face toward her and took a breath. Sweet, definitely roses. Closing his eyes, he tried to envision her purchasing that particular scent and spraying it on each morning. Somehow it evoked images of a different woman, soft and feminine—not a straitlaced, ambitious businesswoman.
He had to get a grip. She was not there to be his personal fantasy, but to play nanny to his daughters on the return trip. That was all. Once they reached San Francisco, she’d resume her role as marketing analyst, and Helen would have located a nanny for the twins. He had other things to think about besides Cassandra Bowles.
Immediately thoughts of the twins had him awake and alert.
He shook his seat companion, then waited while she slowly came awake.
“Oh, sorry.” Instantly she pushed back and sat up. Her cheek was warm and rosy, with a slight crease mark from his jacket crossing it diagonally. She looked at him and blinked. The glasses were gone. Her eyes were dark and mysterious. Slowly Jared felt attraction build. Glasses off, she looked younger, shy almost, and definitely as feminine as he could ever wish. Her tight French braid had worked loose during the night. Wispy tendrils of glossy dark hair framed her face. When she licked dry lips, he felt a sharp tug of awareness—total male awareness of an attractive female. All thoughts of sleep fled. Suddenly he was more than curious about this woman.
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you,” she said, moving farther away, straightening her clothes beneath the blanket, retrieving her glasses. Jared experienced a repeat urge to unbutton the top of her blouse to enable more of her warmth and sweet scent to fill his senses. He looked at her moist lips and yearned to taste her.
Closing his eyes, he turned away. He’d been too long without a woman. Even in a business marriage, he’d believed in keeping his vows. Since MaryEllen had departed almost three years ago, he’d spent his nights alone. Sexual deprivation—that was all it was. And now that his wife was dead, he was free to consider other women. Nothing more than that. He was not attracted to Cassandra. Any woman would affect him the same way.
Opening his eyes, he didn’t bother to analyze why there was no pull of attraction between him and the buxom blond flight attendant. Instead, he tried to ignore the attraction to the woman beside him and concentrate on attempting to anticipate the information he’d receive from the attorney.
When they landed, Jared reached for Cassandra’s cases and carried them easily.
“I can manage my own cases,” she protested, following him up the jetway.
“I don’t mind. You’ll have your hands full later. No sense in not taking advantage of my generous nature now.”
“Generous, my foot,” she mumbled. “Dictatorial, more likely.”
“Why’s that?” Jared found himself amused at her grumbling. Was she always cranky in the morning? For the first time her perfect image shifted, blurred. He liked her better when she wasn’t the flawless employee.
“You ordered me here. I didn’t want to come.”
“Don’t you like children?”
“I don’t like watching them.”
“When was the last time you did?”
Kennedy Airport hummed with activity. A uniformed man stood in the crowd holding Jared’s name on a card. Jared handed the limousine driver the bags. Following him, Jared placed his hand on Cassandra’s back. She was not as tall as MaryEllen had been. Yet she held her head high and marched determinedly after the driver.
“Children?” Jared said again, a hint of steel in his voice.
“I’ve had to watch children almost all my life. I swore when I was on my own I wouldn’t do it again. I’m not real happy with this assignment. If you hadn’t made it an order, I wouldn’t be here,” she grumbled. Despite her annoyance with her high-handed boss, she was fascinated with the bustle of the international airport.
“Ah, but think of the brownie points you can rack up helping the boss out this way.”
“I’d rather get points for merit than for baby-sitting capability.”
“Maybe the merit is in the baby-sitting,” he replied calmly, noting her agitation. “Tell me about watching kids all your life.”
“I’d rather not. I’m
