Catering to the CEO by Samantha Chase Read Free Book Online

hand free from his and went back to her meal.  Clearing her throat she began, “I guess he could have been satisfied with just being a father to four kids, but now that we’re all grown, I want him to do something for himself.  He’s raised us all and as much as I know he wants to help with Ella, he needs your mom.”
    “I think Bev needs him to.  I guess I didn’t realize how much or how lonely she was until I saw them together last night.  It was a bit eye opening.”
    “Um, Adam,” she said cautiously and blushed. He didn’t think that women actually blushed anymore.  “As long as we’re being honest, you have to know that I don’t normally...argue with clients.   I mean, I can usually get what I want without having to be…bitchy.”  If possible, her blush deepened at her description of herself. 
    “If it means anything,” he began, “I seriously provoked you.”  An inner voice told Adam that he was going to have to kick his own ass soon if he didn’t stop apologizing and getting sappy with this woman.  In one day’s time he had fired her and then pretty much begged, groveled and put himself down in order to make her feel better. 
    As wonderful as dinner was, he had to get out of here.  There was no way for him to hang on to who he was and what he was planning while he was getting all “in touch with his emotions” here in Cassie’s home.  He had to get out of Dodge quick.
    Tossing down his napkin, he stood.  “Let me help you clear this up and then I have to get going.  I’ve got a midnight conference call.”  He didn’t but it sounded plausible.  “I’m hoping to catch an hour’s sleep before it starts.”
    Cassie shooed his hands away from the dishes.  “Not to worry, I’ve got this.  You go and do what you do.”  To prove it, she began clearing the table and placing dishes in the sink.  When everything was cleared, she noticed him standing next to the table watching her, his brows creased.  It was both exciting and unnerving.  Leaning against the counter, she folded her arms across her chest and observed him right back – only with a smile.  “This was an unexpected surprise, Adam.”
    He nodded, almost mesmerized by the sight of her.  He had to get out.  Now.  “Thank you for dinner.  That, too, was an unexpected surprise.  A delicious one.  Thanks for sharing.”  He turned to go down the stairs and Cassie followed him.
    “Oh, wait one minute,” she said and walked over to the walk in refrigerator.  When she came out she had a round foil take out container.  “Here,” she said.  “Take the rest of the leftovers for yourself for dinner for another night.  I know you’ll still have to nuke it but at least it’s homemade.”  She handed it to him with a smile and Adam felt like he’d been kicked in the solar plexus. 
    With a gruff ‘good night’ he was out the door, in his car and pulling away.  He had no idea what had happened tonight but it made him uncomfortable and if there was one thing he knew for sure about himself it was that he hated to be uncomfortable. 
    Speeding off into the night he looked down at the take out container as if it were Plutonium.  It was a simple gesture; one that just showed her kindness.  Switching his focus between the container and the road Adam had a feeling that he’d left Cassie’s tonight with more than just another meal. 
    He might have actually left there with the ice around his heart starting to melt.
     
     

Chapter Four
     
    The room was done in massive amounts of greens and gold’s and when Cassie was done with it, the guests would feel as if they’d wandered through the mountains of North Carolina amidst the fall foliage.  It was magical to look at.  Though Cassie had not seen Adam since their impromptu dinner the week before, she knew he was going to be pleased with the results. 
    With one last look around, she noticed Katie coming towards her.  “Any problems?”
    “None,”