“I understand all that, and I promise, you’ll barely even be able to tell I’m around,” she said quietly.

“That’s highly unlikely,” he said with a smirk. If she knew the thoughts racing through his mind, he didn’t think she’d be so eager to join him in the secluded town. His body responded at just the thought of her alone with him in a remote cabin. He was grateful to be sitting so she couldn’t see the evidence of her effect on him. He squirmed in his seat for a moment, suddenly very uncomfortable.

“If you’re going to come with me, then you’ll have to make yourself more useful than just taking notes and following me around. Cynthia had a family emergency and won’t be able to accompany me like she normally does, so I’ll need you to fill in for her,” he said. She would be willing to do anything to go, and taking some notes as his secretary didn’t seem like it could be that difficult.

“I can do that,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound too eager.

“Cynthia’s job isn’t as easy it looks. She’s just so good at what she does, she makes it seem effortless. You have to know when to speak, and when not to. You have to take detailed notes, listen to what I’m asking, and not offend the locals,” he preached. She wanted to give him a sarcastic reply but managed to hold it in, barely.

“I know Cynthia is a true gem. I’ll be sure to pick her brain tomorrow and have her go over everything I’ll need to know,” she said, instead.

“As you well know by now, we’re very close in these offices. There are certain items of discussion that I can’t have you writing about. I’ve been lenient about this interview, but on this trip you’ll need to be careful with what you’re writing. I’m going to need to approve your final copy,” Max told her. Her hackles immediately rose. She didn’t like him questioning her integrity. She also didn’t like him getting the final say on her article. She didn’t know if she should argue, though, as she really wanted to go. She was trying to figure out how she could agree without locking herself into something.

“I have to say I’m a bit offended by that statement. I’ve gotten along very well with the workers. I also promised from the beginning to be honest. If you have nothing to hide, then I don’t see what the problem is with my article,” she answered, avoiding making any promises. He folded his hands and rested his chin on them. He stared her down, neither of them used to making any sort of compromise.

“Fine, I’ll let you look over the article but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to cut and slash my work so it’s a typical fluff piece. I’ve never agreed to that,” she said with a frustrated sigh. The man was insufferable.

“You can leave anytime you want if you don’t like the way I run things,” he said with a hopeful smile. She glared at him, not allowing him to get his way.

“I’m fine right where I am.”

“Then, we’ll leave in two days. Pack for incredibly cold weather,” he said. She knew she’d need to do some shopping. She was used to cold and rain but not freezing conditions. She mentally tallied her pitiful bank account. It would all work out, though, because once she’d written this article she’d be golden for getting a great reporting job.

“You get a reprieve from me for the rest of the afternoon. I have plans this evening,” she said. He immediately sat up and looked at her suspiciously. Since she’d started trailing him, she’d never once had to leave early. She was always the first one in the offices, sometimes beating him there, and never left until he walked out the doors. He was surprised by the jealousy that flared in him.

“Running late for a hot date?” he asked casually.

Cassie could feel her cheeks heat up at his words. She couldn’t actually remember the last time she’d gone on a date. What irritated her further was how much she’d love to go out for a romantic evening. She’d love a man to take her on a real date, with flowers, opening her door, and making her feel special, without him expecting her to crawl into his bed at the end of the evening. She didn’t know if there were still men out there like that.

“It’s really none of your business what my plans are this evening,” she finally managed to say.

“You expect every inch of my life to be dissected for your pleasure, yet I’m not allowed to ask you a simple question?”

“I’m done with this conversation. There’s no need for you to know about my life,” she snapped.

“You aren’t denying a date. Is it someone from the offices?”

“I don’t need to defend myself. I’m here to interview you, not for you to analyze me or keep track of my love life. You’re acting completely unprofessional at the moment and I don’t appreciate it. As I said before this is none of your business,” she said in her haughtiest voice.

“You’re correct.” He suddenly got comfortable again and gave her a stunning smile, looking in control. “How rude of me to want to pry into your life and dig into the smallest details. It’s a good thing you’ve put me in my place.” His words came out sounding sincere but she knew he was really talking about the way she was in his face at all times. “I tend to have a problem with butting my nose into other people’s business, what was I thinking?”

“Well, I’m glad you realize that,” Cassie said, proud of her ability to sound just as serious as he had. She managed to keep a straight face, as well. If he felt like playing a game, she was ready for him. Batter up!

“Yes, me too.” His smile only grew wider, his dimple clearly showing in his perfectly chiseled cheeks. He could make both young and old fall at his feet. When he didn’t get his way the first time, he simply changed direction and made sure to win another way. She was ready to spill her guts, though there wasn’t much to say. She knew she needed to be on higher guard or it wouldn’t take him any time to know every secret she’d ever wanted to keep hidden.

She was impressed she’d been able to hold her own as long as she had around him. He was a compelling man, and she was doing well at keeping him at bay. At least, she felt she was doing well. In reality, she was probably fooling herself.

Cassie glanced at the clock and realized she was running behind schedule. She needed to get out of there. She was surprised she wanted to stay with him. He had a hold on her that scared her, considering she’d only known him personally about a month. She’d researched him for months, though, and found that what she’d assumed about him was not who he was turning out to be.

“I don’t want to discuss this any further,” she finally said. She was uncomfortable with where their conversation had led and the myriad of emotions running through her.

“Fine, I’ll remember that when you’re asking me questions next time.” Cassie just stood up, gathered her things, and walked out the door. She wouldn’t argue with him further.

Max sat at his desk as she walked away, his temper barely in check. He wanted to follow her, drag her back, and make sure she had no other man on her mind other than him. He knew he was being irrational, but he’d set his sights on her and he wanted to stake his territory. He found it quite appealing to chase a woman. One of the things he liked about her most was the fact that she wasn’t falling all over him. Amazingly, it got old after a while to have women chasing you all the time.

He wasn’t necessarily arrogant, but he knew he was considered a good looking man, and with the name and money, he was the ultimate catch in greedy women’s eyes. He would prefer a woman to look a bit deeper inside him. He didn’t know how his brother had gotten so lucky with his bride, let alone his cousins. They’d all managed to find women who genuinely loved them for themselves, and not the power behind their name.

Of course, those matches hadn’t started out too well in the beginning. He chuckled when he thought about the trouble his brother had gone through with his bride. She’d blown him off like he was nothing. It had been a good thing for Trenton. Since his marriage, though, Trenton had turned disgustingly mushy.

Max got back to work, trying to put Cassie out of his mind. He had a lot to accomplish before the trip. After a few hours he finally gave up for the day and decided to head home. He had to fight every urge not to drive by her apartment to see if she was there, or even worse, if someone was with her. He gritted his teeth and headed home, prepared for a long night.

Chapter Five

Cassie made her way downstairs. She wanted to grab a bite to eat before going shopping. She loved eating in the cafeteria. The food was excellent and she met great people each time she was there. Max was meeting with his cousin and brother, and she’d wanted to sit in, but there were privacy issues so she hadn’t been allowed to. Someone bumped into her in the line as she waited her turn.

“Oh, excuse me, I’m sorry,” the woman said.

“Not a problem,” Cassie responded. “You’re Amy Anderson, right?” she continued. “Married to Lucas Anderson?”

“Yes, I am, you’re making me feel like a celebrity,” Amy responded with a big grin. “Have we met before?”

“No, I saw a picture of you in an article done on your husband several months ago. I’m doing an exclusive interview on Max, and have learned a lot the past couple of weeks,” Cassie said with a twinkle in her eye. Amy instantly laughed.

“Oh, you have to sit with me for lunch and tell me how you got Max to sit still for an interview. And don’t leave a single detail out,” Amy insisted. They grabbed their food and found a table.

An hour flew by and the two women didn’t stop laughing throughout the story. Amy willingly volunteered information about Max, his siblings, and his cousins. Cassie knew she wouldn’t need to go to the gym after having lunch with Amy. Her stomach hurt from laughing for so long.

“I would love to continue chatting with you. It’s truly been a pleasure but I have to go shopping or I’ll be freezing in Alaska, and there’s no way I want Max to say I told you so,” Cassie said.

“Ooh, I love shopping. If you don’t mind, I’ll tag along with you,” Amy said.

“I’d love for you to join me. I’m going to Alaska, and was thinking I’d go to the mall for warm clothes. You can help me find what I need,” Cassie said. She hadn’t had a day out with a friend in a long time, and needed an afternoon of girl chat.

“We may as well make it a full day and get pedicures, too. I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t made it to the salon in a while,” Amy said, quickly grabbing Cassie’s arm and leading her from the room.

Amy was nothing like Cassie would’ve expected. She was funny, kind, and full of energy. Even though she was married to one of the wealthiest families in the world she felt no need to wear over-priced clothing or jewelry. Her wedding ring could blind a person, but that was the only piece of jewelry on her that had a huge stone. After rushing from store to store, they made it to the salon, where they sat, grateful for the massaging chairs.