Читать книгу: «A Man You Can Trust»

Chapter One

The resort parking lot was quiet.

That was hardly surprising, since it was seven o’clock on a Monday morning.

But Cassandra Smith didn’t take chances.

Ever.

She backed into her reserved spot but didn’t turn the car off right away. She didn’t even put it in Park. First, she looked around—checking the mirrors, making sure she was going to stay. Pete Carter was walking from his car toward the Gallant Lake Resort. He waved as he passed her, and she waved back, then pretended to look at something on the passenger seat as she turned off the ignition. Pete worked at the front desk, and he was a nice enough guy. He’d offer to walk her inside if she got out now. And maybe that would be a good idea. Or maybe not. How well did she really know him?

Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. She was being ridiculous—Pete was thirty years her senior and happily married. But some habits were hard to shake, and really—why take the chance? By the time she finished arguing with herself, Pete was gone.

She checked the mirrors one last time before getting out of the car, threading the keys through her fingers in a move as natural to her as breathing. As she closed the door, a warm breeze brushed a tangle of auburn hair across her face. She tucked it back behind her ear and took a moment to appreciate the morning. Beyond the sprawling 200-room fieldstone-and-timber resort where Cassie worked, Gallant Lake shimmered like polished blue steel. It was encircled by the Catskill Mountains, which were just beginning to show a blush of green in the trees. The air was brisk but smelled like spring, earthy and fresh. It reminded her of new beginnings.

It had been six months since Aunt Cathy offered her sanctuary in this small resort town nestled in the Catskills. Gallant Lake was beginning to feel like home, and she was grateful for it. The sound of car tires crunching on the driveway behind her propelled her out of her thoughts and into the building. Other employees were starting to arrive.

Cassie crossed the lobby, doing her best to avoid making eye contact with the few guests wandering around at this hour. As usual, she opted for the stairs instead of dealing with the close confines of the elevator. The towering spiral staircase in the center of the lobby looked like a giant tree growing up toward the ceiling three stories above, complete with stylized copper leaves draping from the ceiling. The offices of Randall Resorts International were located on the second floor, overlooking the wide lawn that stretched to the lakeshore. Cassie’s desk was centered between four small offices. Or rather, three smaller offices and one huge one, which belonged to the boss. That boss was in earlier than usual today.

“G’morning, Cassie! Once you get settled, stop in, okay?”

Ugh. No employee wanted to be called into the boss’s office first thing on a Monday.

Blake Randall managed not only this resort from Gallant Lake, but half a dozen others around the world. It hadn’t taken long for Cassie to understand that Blake was one of those rare—at least in her world—men who wore their honor like a mantle. He took pride in protecting the people he cared for. Tall, with a swath of black hair that was constantly falling across his forehead, the man was ridiculously good-looking. His wife, Amanda, really hit the jackpot with this guy, and he adored her and their children.

Blake was all business in the office, though. Focused and driven, he’d intimidated the daylights out of Cassie at first. Amanda teasingly called him Tall, Dark and Broody, and the nickname fit. But Cassie had come to appreciate his steady leadership. He had high expectations, and he frowned on drama in the workplace.

He’d offered her a job at the resort’s front desk when she first arrived in Gallant Lake. It was a charity job—a favor to Cathy—and Cassie knew it. It took only one irate male guest venting at her during check-in for everyone to realize she wasn’t ready to be working with an unpredictable public. She’d frozen like a deer in headlights. Once she moved up here to the private offices, she’d found her footing and had impressed Blake with her problem-solving skills. Because Blake hated problems.

She tossed her purse into the bottom drawer of her desk and checked her computer quickly to make sure there weren’t any urgent issues to deal with. Then she made herself a cup of hot tea, loaded it with sugar and poured Blake a mug of black coffee before heading into his office.

He looked up from behind his massive desk and gave her a quick nod of thanks as she set his coffee down in front of him. Everyone knew to stay out of Blake’s way until they saw a cup of coffee in his hand. He was well-known for not being a morning person. He took a sip and sighed.

“I was ready to book a flight to Barbados after hearing about the wedding disaster down there this weekend, but then I heard that apparently I—” he emphasized the one-letter word with air quotes “—already resolved everything by flying some photographer in to take wedding photos yesterday, along with discounting some rooms. Not at our resort, but at a competitor. I hear I’m quite the hero to the bride’s mother, but I’ll be damned if I remember doing any of it.”

Blake’s dark brows furrowed as he studied her over the rim of his coffee cup, but she could see a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The tension in her shoulders eased. Despite his tone, he wasn’t really angry.

“The manager called Saturday looking for you,” she explained. “Monique was in a panic, so I made a few calls. The bride’s mother used the son of a ‘dear family friend’ to organize the wedding, instead of using our concierge service. The idiot didn’t book the rooms until the last minute, and we didn’t have enough available, which he neglected to mention to the bride’s mom. Then he booked the photographer for the wrong date.” She smiled at the look of horror on Blake’s face. “We’re talking wrong by a full month. It was quite a melodrama—none of which was our fault—but the bride is some internet fashion icon with half a million followers on Instagram. So we found rooms at the neighboring resort for the guests we couldn’t handle, and convinced the wedding party to get back into their gowns and tuxes for a full photo shoot the day after the wedding, which was the fastest we could get the photographer there. Mom’s happy. Bride’s happy. Social media is flooded with great photos and stories with the resort as a backdrop. I assumed you’d approve.”

Blake chuckled. “Approve? It was freaking brilliant, Cassie. That kind of problem-solving is more along the lines of a VP than an executive assistant. You should have an office of your own.”

She still wasn’t used to receiving compliments, and her cheeks warmed. When she’d first arrived, she’d barely been able to handle answering calls and emails, always afraid of doing something wrong, of disappointing someone. But as the months went by, she’d started to polish her rusty professional skills and found she was pretty good at getting things done, especially over the phone. Face-to-face confrontation was a different story.

This wasn’t the first time Blake had mentioned a promotion, but she wasn’t ready. Oh, she was plenty qualified, with a bachelor’s degree in business admin. But if things went bad back in Milwaukee, she’d have to change her name again and vanish, so it didn’t make sense to put down roots anywhere. She let Blake’s comment hang in the air without responding. He finally shook his head.

“Fine. Keep whatever job title you want, but I need your help with something.”

Cassie frowned when Blake hesitated. “What is it?”

“You know I hired a new director of security.” Cassie nodded. She was going to miss Ken Taylor, who was retiring to the Carolinas with his wife, Dianne. Ken had taken the job on a temporary basis after Blake’s last security guy left for a job in Boston. Ken was soft-spoken and kind, and he looked like Mr. Rogers, right down to the cardigan sweaters. He was aware of Cassie’s situation, and he’d made every effort to make sure she felt safe here, including arranging her reserved parking space.

“Nick West starts today. I’d like you to work with him.”

“Me? Why?” Cassie blurted the words without thinking. She laughed nervously. “I don’t know anything about security!”

But she knew all about needing security.

Blake held up his hand. “Relax. I’m not putting you on the security team. He’ll need help with putting data together and learning our processes. I need someone I can trust to make sure he has a smooth transition.”

“So...I’m going to be his executive assistant instead of yours?” Her palms went clammy at the thought of working for a stranger.

“First, we’ve already established you’re a hell of a lot more than my EA. And this is just temporary, to help him get settled in the office.” Blake drained his coffee mug and set it down with a thunk, not noticing the way Cassie flinched at the sound. “He’s a good guy. Talented. Educated. He’s got a master’s in criminal justice, and he was literally a hero cop in LA—recognized by the mayor, the whole deal.”

A shiver traced its way down Cassie’s spine. Her ex had been a “hero cop,” too. Blake’s next words barely registered.

“I’m a little worried about him making the shift from the hustle of LA to quiet Gallant Lake, but he says he’s looking for a change of pace. His thesis was on predictive policing—using data to spot trouble before it reaches a critical point.” That explained why Blake hired the guy. Blake was all about preventing problems before they happened. He did not like surprises. “It’ll be interesting to see how he applies that to facility security. His approach requires a ton of data to build predictive models, and that’s where you come in. You create reports faster than anyone else here.”

Cassie loved crunching numbers and analyzing results. She started to relax. If Blake wanted her to do some research for the new guy, she could handle that.

“I also want you to mentor him a bit, help him get acclimated.”

“Meaning...?”

“Amanda and I are headed to Vegas this week for that conference and a little vacation time. Nick’s going to need someone to show him around, make introductions and answer any questions that come up. He just got to town this weekend, and he doesn’t know anyone or anything in Gallant Lake.”

“So what, I’m supposed to be his babysitter?”

Blake’s brow rose at the uncharacteristically bold question.

“Uh, no. Just walk him around the resort so he’s familiar with it, and be a friendly face for the guy.” He leaned forward. “Look, I get why you might be anxious, but he’s the director of security. That’s about as safe as it gets.”

Her emotions roiled around in her chest. She hated that her employer felt he had to constantly reassure her about her safety. Yes, the guy in charge of security should be safe. All men should be.

“Cassie? Is this going to be a problem?” The worry in Blake’s eyes made her sit straighter in her chair. What was it Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War? The latest in a long line of self-help books she’d picked up was based on quotes from the ancient Chinese tome.

Appear strong when you are weak...

“No, I’m sure it will be fine. And the data analysis sounds interesting. Does he know...?”

“About your situation? No. I wouldn’t do that without your permission. I only told Ken because you’d just arrived and...”

She was hardly strong now, but she’d been a complete basket case back then.

“I understand. I don’t think the new guy needs to know. I don’t want to be treated differently.”

Blake frowned. “I don’t want that, either. But I do want you to feel safe here.”

“I know, Blake. And thank you. If I change my mind, I’ll tell him myself.” She was getting tired of people having conversations about her as if she was a problem to be solved, no matter how well-meaning they were. “When will I meet him?”

“He’s getting his rental house situated this morning, then he’ll be in. I’m planning on having lunch with him, then giving him a quick tour. He dropped some boxes off yesterday. Can you make sure he has a functioning office? You know, computer, phone, internet access and all that? I told Brad to set it up, but you know how scattered that kid can be.”

Two hours later, Cassie was finishing the last touches in West’s office. The computer and voice mail were set up with temporary passwords. The security team had delivered his passes and key cards—his master key would open any door in the resort. Brad, their IT whiz, had been busy over the weekend, and a huge flat-screen hung on one wall. On it, twelve different feeds from the security surveillance room downstairs were scrolling in black and white. It looked like a scene straight out of some crime-fighter TV show.

A familiar voice rang out in the office. “Hel-lo? Damn, no one’s here.”

Cassie stepped to the doorway and waved to Blake’s wife. “I’m here!”

Amanda Randall rushed to give Cassie a tight hug. Cassie hated hugs, but Amanda got a free pass. The woman simply couldn’t help herself—she was a serial hugger. She was also Cassie’s best friend in Gallant Lake. They’d bonded one night over a bottle of wine and the discovery they shared similar ghosts from their pasts. Other than that, the two women couldn’t be any more different. Amanda was petite, with curves everywhere a woman wanted curves. Cassie was average height and definitely not curvy—her nervous energy left her with a lean build. Amanda had long golden curls, while Cassie’s straight auburn hair was usually pulled back and under control. Amanda was a bouncing bundle of laughing, loving, hugging energy. Cassie was much more reserved, and sometimes found her friend’s enthusiasm overwhelming.

“I brought chocolate chip cookies for everyone, but I guess you and I will have to eat them all.” Amanda held up a basket that smelled like heaven.

“You won’t have to twist my arm. Come on in and keep me company.”

Amanda followed her into the new guy’s office.

“Wow—this is some pretty high-tech stuff, huh?” Amanda walked over to the flat-screen and watched the video feeds change from camera to camera. One feed was from a camera in front of Blake and Amanda’s stone mansion next door to the resort. The private drive was visible in the view from above their front door. “I really need to talk to Blake about those cameras. I don’t like the feeds popping up in some stranger’s office.”

“Hasn’t resort security always been responsible for the house, too?”

“I was never crazy about that, but Blake insisted. And it was different when it was Paul, whom I’d known from the first week I was here. And then Ken. I mean, he’s like having a favorite uncle watching over the house. But some hotshot ex-cop from LA watching me and the kids coming and going?” Amanda shuddered. “I don’t think so. Have you met him yet?”

“Who?”

“The new guy? Superhero cop coming to save us all? The one who has my husband drooling?”

“No, I haven’t met him yet.” Cassie set a stack of legal pads on the corner of the desk, opposite the corner Amanda now occupied as she devoured a cookie. “What do you know about him?”

“What don’t I know? He’s all Blake talked about this weekend. ‘Nick is so brave!’ ‘Nick is so brilliant!’ ‘Oh, no! What if Nick doesn’t like it here?’ ‘What if Nick leaves?’” Amanda acted out each comment dramatically, and Cassie couldn’t help laughing. “But seriously, he really wants this guy to work out. You know Blake—he believes in preventing problems before they happen, and that wasn’t Ken’s strong suit. He’s so anxious for this guy to be happy here that he actually suggested we skip our trip to Vegas so he could be here all week for Nick! That was a ‘hell no’ from me. We haven’t been away together without the kids in ages.” Amanda finished off the last of her cookie, licking her fingers. “And this girl is ready to par-tay in Vegas, baby! Whatcha doin’?”

“Blake said Nick dropped off these boxes. I’ll unpack them, and he can organize later.” Cassie pulled the top off one of the boxes on the credenza. It was filled with books on criminal science and forensics. She put them on the bookshelves in the order they were packed. Police work was usually a life’s calling. What made this guy walk away from it?

She stopped after pulling the cover off the second box. It contained more books and binders, but sitting on top was a framed photo. She lifted it out and Amanda came around the desk to study it with her.

It was a wedding portrait. The tall man in the image looked damned fine in a tuxedo, like a real-life James Bond. His hair was dark and cropped short, military style. His features were angular and sharp, softened only by the affectionate smile he was giving the bride. Her skin was dark and her wedding gown was the color of champagne. Her close-cropped Afro highlighted her high cheekbones and long, graceful neck. She was looking up at the man proudly, exuding confidence and joy. Cassie felt a sting of regret. When was the last time anyone thought that about her?

“Wow—are those two gorgeous or what?” Amanda took the silver frame from Cassie and whistled softly. “I wonder who it is.” She turned the frame over as if there might be an answer on the back.

“I’m assuming it’s Nick West and his wife.”

“No. Blake told me he’s single.”

“Maybe she’s an ex?”

Amanda rolled her eyes. “Who keeps photos like this of their ex? Maybe it’s not him at all—could be a brother or a friend. But if it is Nick, he’s hot as hell, isn’t he?”

Cassie took the picture back and set it on a shelf. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Yeah, I call BS on that. There isn’t a woman under the age of eighty who wouldn’t notice how hot that guy is. You’d better be careful, especially now that you’re living in the love shack.”

“The what?”

“Nora’s apartment—we call it the love shack. First it was her and Asher. Then Mel moved in there and met Shane. And now you’re there, so...”

Cassie’s aunt had sold her coffee shop in the village to Amanda’s cousin Nora a few years ago but still worked there part-time. The apartment above the Gallant Brew had been a godsend when it came vacant shortly after Cassie’s arrival. But a love shack?

“I don’t believe in fairy tales. And even if Nora’s place did have magic powers, they’d be wasted on me.” She started to pull more books out of the box, but Amanda stopped her.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push you. Sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain. But someday you’re going to find someone...”

Cassie shook her head abruptly. “That ship has sailed, Amanda. I have zero interest in any kind of...whatever.” She glanced back to the photo and studied the man’s dark eyes, sparkling with love for the bride. Her heart squeezed just a little, but she ignored it. “I can’t take the chance. Not again.”

“Not every guy is Don. In fact, there are millions of guys who aren’t Don.”

Amanda meant well, but they were straying onto thin and dangerous ice here. Cassie had wedding photos, too. They were packed away somewhere, and they showed a smiling couple just like this one. She’d been so innocent back then. And stupid. She was never going to be either again.

“Look, I have a ton of work to do, and this guy—my coworker—is going to be here any time now. No more talk about love shacks and hotness, okay?”

Amanda stared at her long and hard, her blue eyes darkening in concern. But thankfully, she decided to let it go. She picked up the basket of cookies. “Fine. I have to finish packing for the trip anyway. I’ll leave these out on the coffee counter.” She started to walk away, then spun suddenly and threw her arms around Cassie in an attack hug. “We leave in the morning, but we’ll be back next week. If you need anything at all—anything—you call Nora or Mel and they’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

Cassie bit back the surprising rebuke that sat on the tip of her tongue. She was fed up with everyone hovering and fretting, but she knew it was her own damn fault. How many times had she called Amanda those first few months, crying and terror-stricken because of a bad dream or some random noise she heard? Sure, she’d changed her name and moved about as far away from Milwaukee as she could get, but Don was an ex-cop with all the right connections. That’s why she kept a “go-bag” packed and ready at her door. She took a deep breath, nodded and wished Amanda a safe and fun trip. But after she left, Cassie was too agitated to sit at her desk. She ended up back in Nick West’s office, unpacking the last box.

A little flicker of anger flared deep inside. It had been nudging at her more and more lately, first as an occasional spark of frustration, but now it was turning into a steady flame. She wanted her life back. She wanted a life where she could rely on herself and stand up for herself. She looked at the wedding photo again. She wanted a life where she smiled more. Where she didn’t jump every time someone...

A shadow filled the doorway.

“Hey! Whatcha doin’ in here?”