Engaging (Alluring Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

I'm always on your side one-hundred percent."
    Cassie felt tears gather behind her eyes, and she leaned over and engulfed her aunt in a tight hug.  "I love you, Laurie.  I don't know what I would have done without you."
    "I love you, too, honey.  And you would have survived.  My girl is a survivor."

    Cassie closed the book she'd been reading and looked down at her sleeping son.  It really was uncanny how much he looked like his father.  His black hair was cut short so as not to fall in his face, and his dazzling, blue eyes were almost the same exact shade as Gage's.  He even had some of his father's mannerisms though he'd not spent one second in Gage's presence.  Like the way he slightly tilted his head when he was deep in thought, or the way he bit his upper lip when he concentrated.  He even had Gage's cocky little grin and being only four, he definitely had nothing to be cocky about.
    She extracted herself from her son's bed, being careful not to dislodge any of the many stuffed animals, pulled the covers up to his chin, brushed a lock of hair from his forehead, and gave him a gentle kiss.  She stood looking down at him a moment, feeling her love for him well in her chest.  She felt tears fill her eyes, knowing if it weren't for Gage, she wouldn't have her little man, and she was at least thankful to him for that.
    "I'm pouring myself a glass of wine.  Do you want one?"  She heard her aunt ask as she exited Logan's bedroom.  She pulled his door closed leaving it open a few inches.
    "No, I think I'm going to take a shower then read awhile.  Make it an early night.  I'm tired."
    Her aunt gave her an assessing look before giving her a slight nod.  "Okay, honey.  See you in the morning."
    Cassie plopped down on the edge of her bed and toed off her sneakers.  She stretched her arms over her head, feeling the pull in her back muscles.  Bathing three very strong, very skittish pit bulls would make anyone's back hurt.  They weren't aggressive like many would think, being fighting dogs.  Mostly they were just scared, craving any kind of human affection.  Show them a little love, and they'll love you a hundred times more in return.
    She stripped off her clothes and took a long, hot shower and by the time she was done, she was fully relaxed.  So relaxed, in fact, that when she lay down on her bed, she didn't pick up her book, she drifted off the sleep.
     
    Her ringing phone woke her.  She had fallen asleep with her bedroom light on, and she squinted as she picked up her phone from the nightstand.  She blearily looked at the screen.  Unknown caller.
    "Hello," Cassie mumbled, looking at the clock.  It was nine-thirty, she'd been asleep about an hour.
    "Did I wake you?"
    Cassie was instantly awake, recognizing Gage's gravelly voice.  "How did you get this number?"  She asked, not bothering to pretend she didn't know who was on the line.
    "I'm sorry I woke you.  I didn't think you'd be asleep so early."
    Yeah, and he didn't know she had a four-year-old son that got up at five every morning.  "It's okay, long day."  She didn't know why she was explaining herself.  Back on track.  "Why are you calling?  Wait!  First, how did you get my number?"
    She heard Gage sigh over the line.  "I had Mase get it from Sam for me."
    Cassie chewed over this piece of information.  Gage was close with Mase.  Mase was Sam's brother.  Sam knew about Logan.  If Sam discovered she and Gage had dated five years ago it wouldn't be hard for her to put two and two together.  Feeling her stomach clutch, she asked, "Did Sam know Mase asked for my number for you?"
    If Gage thought her question was odd, he didn't say anything.  "No, told him to tell her he had a question about Charlie."
    Cassie silently exhaled the breath she held.  Everything would be okay.  Sam would never guess the connection.  "Now, tell me why you're calling."
    "Told you yesterday, Sunshine.  Waited five years to get another shot at you.  I'm not