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I wouldn’t live here just
part-time and rent it out. I bet the views are equally gorgeous in the summer.”
    “No doubt. This area is scenic year-round.”
    He followed her farther into the house. She said, “That’s
right, you’re from Flagstaff.”
    “Born and raised. Went to Northern Arizona University before
I moved to Scottsdale.”
    She handed him a glass of chardonnay. “It’s really very
pretty here. What made you decide to move to the valley?”
    “Limited professional opportunities, unless I wanted to be a
doctor, lawyer, realtor or professor.”
    “Of course. Small town.”
    “ Expensive town. A lot of my friends took off after
high school or college. The ones who stayed mostly ended up working for a
family business or Gore, one of the major employers up here.”
    She recalled his parents had owned a health food store but
had moved it to Boca Raton. “You didn’t want to relocate to Florida with your
family?”
    “No. I’m a ski bum, not a beach bum.” His beautiful blue
eyes sparkled in the firelight. “You ski?”
    Cassidy laughed. “Are you kidding? Talk about an unnecessary
risk. My father frowned upon any activity that might cause bodily harm.
Insurance man, don’t you know.”Just like McClellan.
    “Yes, I know. I’ve met your brother too, at industry
conventions. Still… Eliminates a lot of fun in life.”
    She sipped her wine, then said, “I didn’t mind. I liked the
library.”
    “Pretty and smart,” he mused. “Guess it doesn’t matter that
you don’t ski. You could be a lodge bunny and make all the men drool.”
    This time, Cassidy’s soft laugh held no humor. “You totally
see something no one else does. Why is that?”
    He eyed her over the rim of his glass. “You’re joking,
right?”
    “No, Chase. I’m not.” She moved around a large leather sofa
and stood in front of the fireplace.
    For once, he didn’t pursue her or crowd her. Instead, he
remained by the wall of windows and asked, “That thing you said to me earlier,
before you walked out on me. What was that all about?”
    Cassidy pulled in a long breath, let it out slowly. Sipped
her wine. Stalled.
    Her gaze stayed on the flames flickering in the hearth as
she admitted, “It’s something I should have told you a long time ago. Two
years, to be exact.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry I’ve wasted so much of your
time, Chase, when I could have put an end to your flirting the first day we
met.”
    He was quiet a moment, then said, “If you tell me you’ve
been involved with someone this whole time, then yeah, I’m gonna be a bit
pissed off.”
    She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Of course I’m not
involved with anyone. I would never let you keep up the suggestive repartee if
I were dating another man.”
    He nodded slowly. “I didn’t think so. But I have no idea why
you fight the obvious chemistry between us. And I sure as hell don’t get why
you’d think you’d disappoint me.”
    Cassidy’s gaze returned to the fire. “I told you, I’m not
your type. I don’t ski, or jet off for the weekend to some place exotic, or do
any of the things you do. I work.”
    “That’s not entirely true. You go to basketball, baseball
and football games with some of the VPs and your clients. You like hockey too.”
    “Yes, but I’m there for a work-related purpose. Not for
general socializing. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve turned down Meg
for happy hour? She’s stopped inviting me.”
    “Cass,” he said as he moved toward the fireplace. He gently
gripped her elbow and turned her to face him. “I understand you have to work
harder than just about anyone else to prove yourself. It’s not fair, but it’s a
fact. You’re the youngest executive and you’re a woman. Two huge strikes
against you in this field. But there’s a reason you have a seat at the
executive conference table. You are damn good at what you do.”
    “I have to work twice as hard, Chase. And not slip up. I
know I