The Henson Brothers: Two Complete Novels by Dara Girard Page A

with Timothy, and one night I came very close with Drake. It was like a magical dream and in away continues to be. But in the light of day, the illusion will be shattered."
    "Forget about illusions." Adriana threw up her hands in frustration. "You need male companionship."
    "I have Glen." Cassie glanced up. "We have a date actually."
    "Glen!" Adriana fell back in disgust. "Brokenhearted Glen!"
    "I wish you wouldn't call him that."
    Adriana stared up at the ceiling and groaned. "Anyone can see that he is still in love with his ex-wife."
    "No, he's just devastated by the divorce. He's a real nice guy and knows all about dating, weight loss, and dieting."
    Adriana sent her a cool glance. "He sounds like the perfect girlfriend."
    Cassie poked her friend in the ribs. "Hey, not every man has to have the inclination to have something pierced."
    Adriana ignored the reference to her taste in bad boys. "You're going from one extreme to another."
    "Not true."
    "From arrogant to self-effacing."
    "There's nothing wrong with wanting a man with humility, kindness, and vulnerability." She pointed to the carnation. "Look what he gave me."
    "Not a good sign." Adriana sighed. "When's your date with Glen?"
    "Next Friday."
    "Fine. Then today is free." She pointed at Cassie, her eyes narrowing in determination. "You're going to go to lunch with Drake and that's final. I don't care if I have to drag you. Now let's get you ready."
    * * *
    Cassie dressed in a blue knit top and floral chiffon skirt. Adriana pulled her hair back and applied makeup. She begged Cassie to wear her contacts, but Cassie opted to wear her glasses so that Drake would realize the real her. After helping her get ready, Adriana left for an appointment, leaving Cassie to battle with her emotions. One date wouldn't be so bad, she thought. They would be cordial and then never see each other again. Besides, he was looking for a wife and she definitely was not on the market. She could update him on what he had missed from the last class, and then there would be closure.
    She ran down the stairs too excited to wait for the elevator and stopped when a familiar figure moved from the entrance wall to greet her. He was tall, classically handsome with skin the color of rum and a smile just as intoxicating, dressed in khaki trousers and a red shirt.
    She gripped the railing and stared at him. Her excitement crashed at her feet.

 
     
     
    Chapter 5

     
    A mixture of fear, awe, and resentment consumed her. Fear that he wouldn't leave her alone, awe that he had ever felt the need to marry her, and resentment that she cared.
    "Timothy, what are you doing here?" She had meant to sound disapproving, but her question came out in a breathless rush.
    He flashed a two-thousand-dollar smile. "You look pretty. Where are you going?"
    Cassie let go of the railing and folded her arms. "You haven't answered my question."
    He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close. The motion was tender, but she remained stiff in his arms. "You smell good." He toyed with an earring. "Going on a date?"
    She drew away from him, her resentment overcoming her fear. "That's none of your business."
    He rested a foot on the step and straightened his cap. "Of course it's my business, you're my woman."
    "Been sniffing glue again, I see."
    "You always did have a wicked tongue." He touched her cheek; she stepped away. Nonplussed, he shrugged. "I know you're trying to make me jealous. That's all right. I know that women need to do that sometimes to feel special. I completely understand."
    "I don't need to make you jealous to feel special. As a matter of fact, I don't even think about you."
    He sniffed, unconvinced. "Yeah, right." He tugged on her shirt. "You know, this top is a little tight. Have you been gaining weight again? I bet you have." He pinched her cheek. "Just can't stay away from the sweets, can you?"
    She glared at him, not wanting to say anything that would show how his words really bothered her. She steeled