Tempting Fate (The Blake Boys Book 9) (3 page)

“How about I give you a call when things settle down with my schedule? I have a friend’s engagement party in DC next weekend, and I have to travel for work with Bo.”

“OK.” Emma blinked and got in the car. “What do you want to do about the car?”

“I’ll have someone from Regency retrieve it tomorrow.” Channing reached inside and squeezed her hand. “Thanks, Emma. For everything. It was really nice of you to stick around, even though there was no actual crisis.”

“It’s nice to see people your parents’ age still finding new ways to keep the magic alive. It gives me hope that I’ll be that frisky in my twilight years.” She smiled and pulled off.

* * *

Channing got Sam’s room number from the nurse’s station and went to check on the expecting couple. He opened the door to find J.J. stroking Sam’s hair and telling her how happy he was about their new family. Always in charge and gruff, J.J.’s hard shell melted away when they were together. He didn’t want to interrupt their moment so he returned to the third floor, expecting an inquisition in the waiting room but it was all but empty except for his brother Tyler.

“Where is everybody?”

“Tate and Isabelle took the kids back to the ranch. Seth is calling Sam’s family. Mama, Morgan, and Michelle are in the room with old swivel hips.” Tyler huffed.

“How’s Daddy?” Channing asked.

“He’s fine. He’s getting attention from every woman on the floor.”

“Can you believe he’s still a chick magnet at his age?” Channing chuckled.

“I can believe it. So you played doctor with Emma tonight, eh?”

Channing coughed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Before you lie, you have a trail of red lipstick leading down your neck. Look at you, getting lucky in the hospital the same night your poor father’s admitted for hazardous foreplay.” Tyler tugged at his collar to get a better look at the evidence.

“It wasn’t my idea. She called and asked me out to dinner.” He tried to rub the lipstick off his neck with his sleeve.

“Falling for her charms again?”

“To fall would imply that I picked myself up after the last time she steam rolled over me.”

“Look bro, I know we kid you about the epic sex drought you’ve been having, but don’t think you have to let Emma lead you around by the nose. No matter how much history the two of you have.”

“Nothing to worry about. I’m the boring, levelheaded brother, remember? I never do anything crazy.” Except have sex in an empty hospital room.

“That’s what worries me. Even my smart brother isn’t immune to this woman’s wiles. When Emma’s around, you’re sullen, confused and don’t look like you’re having all that much fun. It’s hard to watch. I just want you to be happy.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Channing shook his head. “You know you’re sappy these days. Michelle has softened you up.”

“She’s encouraging to share my feelings.” Tyler shrugged.

“So what’s new with you? Are you taking any time off after that crash?” The whole family held its breath last month when a car clipped Tyler in his last race and sent him tailspinning into a wall. They were relieved when Tyler climbed out his totaled race car unharmed.

“Just a week or two to make Michelle and Mama happy. You’d swear they’d never seen a car wreck before.”

“Hey, I know how they feel. So what are you going to with your time off?”

Tyler started pacing around like he did before a race, which meant he had something on his mind.

“What’s up?”

“I was thinking of asking Michele about moving in together,” Tyler blurted out.

“Wow,” Channing stammered.

“There’s an apartment for sale in Seth’s building. I know she likes the Ashcroft, and she’d be close to Morgan.” Tyler ran a hand through his hair. “Do you think it’s a bad idea?”

“No, I think it’s great.” Channing gave him a firm pat on the back. “That’s a pretty big step for you.”

“Yeah. I’m hoping she says yes. I don’t want her to think I want to live together because of the accident.” Tyler rubbed the back of his neck.

“She will.”

Michelle and Morgan walked into the waiting area. “What’s going on?” Michelle glared at the two of them.

“Nothing.”

Neither of the women looked convinced. Morgan was staring at his neck, which meant he didn’t get all that lipstick off. Channing excused himself and hightailed into his father’s room.

He found his parents kissing. “Ahem. Am I interrupting?”

“Since you were two years old.” John Jacob grumbled.

Teri-Lyn fluffed John Jacob’s pillow. “I’m going to check on J.J. and Sam. I’ll bring you back a sandwich from the cafeteria.” She kissed his cheek before leaving the room.

“So, Tate tells me had a date with Emma tonight,” John Jacob said.

“I’d rather talk about how you got injured.” Channing raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe when you’re forty.” John Jacob gave him a goofy smile.

“Something tells me I’ll never be old enough to hear this story.”

“Is your brother holding up all right?”

“About the same as Tate when Isabelle went into labor.”

“Can you believe another grandbaby this year? I am a lucky man.”

“If this family gets any bigger we’re going to need a bigger ranch.” Channing sat on his father’s bed. “I went into Sam’s room. J.J. looked so happy.”

“That’s because he realizes that after today his life will never be the same again.”

“It’s clear what’s important to him is Sam and the baby.” Channing smiled.

“So are you coming any closer to what’s important to you?”

“I have a job that I love, making a contribution to the family company. That’s what’s important to me.”

“A man can’t work all his life. You have to make time for work
and
love.”

Channing shrugged. “I think it will be a while before I’ll be joining the rest of the Blake men in marital bliss.”

“Just because Emma isn’t the one doesn’t mean the right one isn’t out there.” John Jacob winked at him.

“Why do you think Emma isn’t the one?”

“You don’t have that look in your eyes when you talk about her. I think you wanted it because you liked her so long, but the chemistry’s not there.”

They were plenty hot for each other, as evidenced to the hospital sex not a half hour ago, but his father was right. Something was missing.

“How am I supposed to know if a woman is the one?”

“You ever look a woman in the eyes and lose all track of time? Like a part of yourself you didn’t know existed, just opened up?”

Channing broke into a grin. He’d had a feeling like that once, the day he met a fellow law school student, the beautiful Cassidy Shaw. When they were together, the world faded away, and he’d fixate on those sultry brown eyes and perfect lips. She was smart, funny, and determined not to let him win a verbal sparring match. Even when she looked peeved, there was a flicker of heat that flashed in her eyes that told him she felt the connection.

After many attempts to get close to her, she’d finally agreed to go out with him. They spent a wonderful day together museum hopping, and when they weren’t fussing with each, they had a great time. That night when he took her home he went in for the kiss, but she pulled away. A woman like Cassidy did things of her own volition. But he was convinced she wanted that kiss too. He tried to find her before he left DC, but she didn’t seem to want to be found. What would he have said had he found her? He had no idea, but she owed him a kiss and an explanation.

John Jacob nodded in reaction to his smile. “It’s a rare connection, son, that many take for granted because they don’t understand what it is. You either run for the hills or surrender to it. If I were you, I’d go get her.”

* * *

Ten fifteen the next morning, John Jacob Blake III came into the world, much to the delight of his parents. J.J. was so beside himself with glee, he gave the entire staff at Blake Enterprises the rest of the day off. Sam was a beautiful new mom. She was a tough lady, but seeing her holding her newborn son in her arms brought out a new side of her that gave Channing a warm feeling inside.

A nurse wheeled John Jacob into Sam’s room to see his newest grandson. Bo surprised everyone by dropping by with Bo Sr., which made the family gathering complete. After debating nicknames for an hour, the consensus was that Jack was the best choice. The baby moved his arms a lot, to the joy of J.J. and Seth, who were certain the baby had football in his future.

After a few minutes of trying to get it out, Tyler announced to the family that he and Michelle were moving in together and had made an appointment to see the apartment in the Ashcroft when they returned to Philadelphia. There was a sense of contentment he’d never seen in his brother’s eyes before. Michelle and Morgan were thrilled and had already started planning a color scheme for their new place. The boys were happy when Morgan explained that Uncle Tyler would still be living in the same building, just one floor down. Channing shook his head, thinking of the new trouble his nephews could find while roaming around the Ashcroft.

By the time Channing crawled into bed that night, his thoughts weren’t of his tryst with Emma but of his father’s inspirational talk. His father’s words about Emma not being the one hit him in the gut, partly because he knew it was true. There was a moment they had as a couple, and when she opted to break contact with him, that moment passed.

Cassidy crept into his daily thoughts, but when she’d disappeared on him, he took it as a sign that maybe it wasn’t meant to be. She was friends with Geoff and Hannah; maybe she would be at the engagement party. If she was, he’d take it as another sign from the universe that he should pursue her. New life was blooming all around him. Maybe it was time to plant some seeds of his own.

CHAPTER TWO

Cassidy Shaw stood in the line at the coffee shop hoping the barista would gulp down an espresso and pick up the pace. The woman being waited on must have placed an order for all of Congress, because each time Cassidy blinked six more cups appeared on the counter.
Ah, coffee.
Just being in the vicinity of the delicious aroma was punishment enough. She was craving a strong cup of premium java and seriously thought about shirking the herbal tea order she would be placing.

She glanced at her cell phone display. It was two o’clock. She had five hours to get ready for the engagement party and needed every minute she could spare. There was still time to come up with a good lie and bow out, but she wanted to offer her congratulations to Hannah and Geoff just in case she couldn’t make it to their wedding. Besides, it had been a while since she’d been able to get out of the house and catch up with friends. She wanted to feel like she was part of the world again. But she didn’t want to answer questions about why she’d dropped out of sight.

She really wanted to look her best tonight, and that could only be accomplished if she could get a good nap in before party time. She’d listened to Hannah drone on about the guest list for weeks, and one name had made her ears perk up: Channing Blake. There wasn’t a day that went by when she didn’t think about that six-foot-two hunk of man with the easy smile and beautiful jade eyes that spoke volumes to her. She’d heard he’d gone back home to Texas and was working for his family’s company. That wasn’t a surprise. He was passionate about two things: the law and his family. He talked about his family with so much love that it was hard not to be envious of the closeness he had with his brothers.

Hannah said she hadn’t received a response from him, but part of her was hoping she’d see him again. So much so that she thought she saw him walking through the door of the coffee shop. Did every gorgeous man with an incredible smile that oozed sex appeal remind her of Channing Blake? No, because she didn’t know anyone else who fit the description. She tightened her gaze on the man coming closer. Holy crap. It was him.

She tugged on the baseball cap she was wearing, then swore under her breath because she was wearing a pair of ratty old sweats. She moved to her left, hoping the tall guy in front of her would shield her.

“Cassidy?”

Too late.

“Channing Blake, I didn’t see you come in.” She gave him her best smile as she squeaked out her fib. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I’m in town for Hannah and Geoff’s engagement party.” He grinned and came in for a hug.

Cassidy steeled herself for the embrace. Of all the days to run out for tea in her sweats. She could feel every muscle in his strong body as he pulled her close. He was earthy and sexy, just like she remembered him. Being wrapped in his arms felt like safety and seduction all wrapped up into one complex package. What was it about that fabulous smile that got her all flustered? Or the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at her? As he stepped back he planted a kiss on her cheek that narrowly grazed her lips.

“I forgot you and Geoff were roommates first year.” At the rate she was telling lies, she feared her nose would start growing.

“I had to come back for their engagement party. I think they fell in love two minutes after they met. I always knew they’d get married.” He chuckled.

“Me too. Those two were made for each other.” She sighed and took a step forward. The line was finally moving.

“Some people have it easy. They find their soul mate and never let go.”

“If only life were that simple.” Cassidy’s cell phone pinged with a text alert. She glanced at the screen. It was her friend Mark informing her Channing was in town.

“Are you going to the party?” he asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“Cool. Why don’t we go together? We have a lot of catching up to do. For starters, I want to know where you disappeared to last year.”

Oh no. That was the last thing she wanted to talk about. “Well, I’m actually going with Mark Davidson. I don’t know if you remember him.”

“Yes, he lived across the hall from me and Geoff. How is he?”

“Still an environmental caped crusader.”

“I remember. Geoff threw a soda can in the trash one time, and Mark came over to our apartment and read us the riot act about recycling. We found it odd he knew it was our trash.” Channing laughed.

“That’s Mark.”

“So how about we catch up at the party tonight?”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

It was finally her turn at the counter, and she gave the barista her herbal tea order as well as an order for the coffee concoction she remembered Channing drank in school. She reached into her purse for her wallet to pay, but Channing had already beaten her to the punch and gotten his change. His cell phone pinged a few times, but he ignored it, and she felt like an idiot for checking that text message earlier. She remembered how polite and charming he was, even when they were at each other’s throats. He’d say something infuriating one minute, but would rush to open the door for her the next. It was the simple things he did that she missed. It could have been a southern thing, but he was always attentive, respectful, and could anticipate her moods like no one else. A few minutes later, Channing held the door for her as the exited the coffee shop.

“So, you’re really coming to the party?” Channing gave her a skeptical look. “You’re not going disappear on me again, are you?”

“I said I was, didn’t I?” She laughed.

“Good. We have a lot to talk about.” He kissed her on the cheek again and walked away.

She watched him as he made his way down the street. That man knew how to wear a pair of jeans. Cassidy shook her head, coming to her senses. Ogling Channing Blake’s ass wasn’t going to help her get ready for the party any faster.

* * *

Channing thought he was hallucinating when he saw her in line at the coffee shop. None of their mutual friends had seen her in a while and didn’t know if she was going to the engagement party. The moment he saw her he got as hard as a teenager seeing his first pin-up poster. Dressed in sweats and a baseball cap, she was just as beautiful the day he met her. There was something about her that sent him into an involuntary trance every time he was near her. She was as pretty as he remembered.

He was never very fussy about getting ready for an evening out but wanted to look his best for the party tonight. Seeing Cassidy at the coffee shop was like a fantasy come true. If he’d known that all he had to do was come back to DC and grab a coffee, he would have come back months ago. He walked back to his apartment delighted that he was going to see her again.

Sure she was going with Mark Davidson, he remembered them being good friends in school. But Mark didn’t seem like her type. They had more of a brother-sister vibe when they were together, so he was confident Mark wouldn’t be a problem. And if he was, then for every problem there was always a solution. He was almost home when he stopped in front of an art gallery. Cassidy loved the art world. The day they spent gallery hopping was one of the most fun days he’d had in DC.

A woman standing near the desk waved to him, and he waved back. She came out and handed him a fancy embossed invitation to an opening next month for an up-and-coming artist.

There wasn’t much to do when he arrived at his brownstone. He’d called Regency, and they had someone ready the place for him. There was food in the fridge if he wanted to cook. He didn’t worry about it going to waste; he knew Tyler would be in the Maryland area next week for a race and would be staying there with Michelle.

He jumped in the shower, and the soothing pulse of the water felt great on his skin. He lathered up his body and scrubbed himself clean, fighting back the temptation to relieve himself of the tension coursing through his body since seeing Cassidy at the coffee shop.

He styled his hair and dabbed on some aftershave, remembering what his brothers told him when he got ready for his first date. Cologne was meant to entice, not repel. He wanted a woman’s opinion on his clothes, so he dialed up his sisters-in-law. It was no surprise Morgan and Michelle were together when he called Morgan’s cell phone.

“Ladies, what do you think?” He hit the video chat feature on the phone and propped it up on the dresser in his walk in closet. “Does this tie go with this suit?”

“Very nice. You look like a model.” Morgan gushed.

“You look devilishly handsome.” Michelle smiled.

“Not gorgeous?” He smirked.

She rolled her eyes. “Your brother made me sign something stating I cannot say another man is gorgeous.”

“Where are my brothers?”

“Tyler’s on the phone having a strategy session with his pit crew, and Seth is playing a video game with the boys.” Morgan sipped a glass of wine.

“So, why are you so dressed up?” Michelle quipped.

“Some law school friends are having an engagement party.” He played with his cuff links.

“Will Ms. Cassidy Shaw be at this party?” Morgan got closer to the screen.

He was nervous enough as it was, he didn’t want to talk about it. “Thanks for the input ladies but I gotta go.”

“But we have questions!” Michelle yelled.

“Love you. Bye!” Channing disconnected the call.

He was pretty sure that wasn’t the end of their third degree, but he’d worry about it later. Certain there wasn’t another thing he could possibly do to groom himself, he grabbed the keys to the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid he kept in DC and the engagement gift and headed out.

* * *

As Channing knocked on the door and adjusted his tie, his cell phone went off. He glanced at the display; it was an incoming call from Emma. He sent the call to voice mail and jammed the phone back in his pocket. He decided to wait until she was back in Texas next month to have a talk with her.

“Channing! So nice to see you!” Hannah greeted him with a hug.

“I wasn’t sure you were going to make it.” Geoff gave him a hug as well.

“And miss my favorite couple getting hitched? Congratulations.” He handed her the present. “You look great Hannah.”

“Come on in here and get a drink.” Hannah waved him inside.

Hannah thrust a glass of champagne into Channing’s hand then pushed him forward to a pretty brunette. He could smell the setup a mile away, especially when Hannah made introductions and gushed about how smart he was and that he was a real live cowboy from Texas. A few more presumably eligible women came over, and he felt like clutching the lapels of his suit jacket to prevent prying eyes from mentally undressing him. Finally he saw one of his buddies, Stewart, and made the gracious excuse that he needed to catch up, getting him out of the crowd of women.

It was no surprise that Stewart wanted to know who in the group of women was single. Stewart always fashioned himself as a ladies’ man, and Channing had been his wingman plenty of nights at O’Dell’s, the trendy bar they hung out at after a long day. Soon a few more friends joined in the conversation, all happy to see each other. It was no surprise that Stewart, Keith, Tim and Esmeralda were working grueling hours at prestigious law firms, waiting for their chance to shine. They teased him that he was ordered to work a cushy job at his father’s company. It was common knowledge that once he finished school, he would be taking his place in Blake Enterprises. He took the ribbing in stride, knowing that couldn’t be further from the truth. J.J. didn’t pull any punches because he was family, and he was grateful for that. For the first three months he’d put in ten hour days, acclimating himself to the inner workings of the company.

John Jacob’s vision to have his sons take over the family business was always an option, but never an ultimatum. He remembered his father’s words when he started law school. He’d told Channing his future was his own, and when he graduated and felt there was something else he wanted to do, he would understand. But now that grandchildren were in the picture, John Jacob Blake was determined to leave one hell of a legacy behind, and Channing wanted to get in the trenches and help.

He kept an eye out for Cassidy. He’d been there a half hour, and he still hadn’t seen her. One of Hanna’s friends seemed to be moving closer to him every few minutes, so he broke from the group and moved to the other side of the room. There wasn’t a long line of women in his past. Unlike his brothers, he wasn’t very good at juggling them. He liked to get to know a woman and see if they had anything in common before hitting the sheets. Sometimes he felt out of place, looking to make a genuine connection with someone while his friends were having casual relationships. He’d tried a few times but it left him feeling empty inside. Besides, he had his dating laser beam trained on Cassidy Shaw since the first day he saw her. And it looked like she wasn’t going to show again.

He glanced at his watch. It was almost eight.

He needed some air so he ducked out onto the terrace. Maybe he could get her number from Hannah before he left. He turned to speak to yet another old friend when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

It was Cassidy, looking absolutely radiant in a strapless plum dress. His mouth went dry, so he took a big gulp champagne.

“I told you I would make it.” She smiled at him.

“Cassidy.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad you weren’t a caffeine-fueled figment of my imagination today.”

“Here I am, in the flesh. You can pinch me if you want.” She laughed.

Channing reached out and did just that. “I just wanted to be sure.”

Cassidy blinked. “So how’s life in Texas? Enjoying your new position with your family’s company?”

“I am. But I don’t get to rest on my laurels just because I’m a Blake. I know people don’t believe it, but I pull my own weight.” He felt like he had to say that. She was the last person he wanted to think that he was some pampered rich boy who did nothing all day.

“Anyone who knows you wouldn’t believe that for a minute. You worked harder than any of us, even when you didn’t have to. I always admired that about you. It shows great character.”