Ian held her hand. “Sweetheart, I was wondering where you got the Goldthwaite?” That was the painting she bought for Garett’s father.
“I attended an art festival in Moscow, and while I was there, I viewed some paintings by a new artist. I went back to the gallery showing more of his work. I wanted to arrange a US show. Arkady was so personable. We shared some tea and made a deal.”
“Arkady was the artist?”
“No, Arkady Sabitov. He owned the gallery. While the show was in town, Bradford and Adrienne picked it out from his catalog. Arkady offered me a deal on the painting to thank me. Two weeks later, I picked it up at customs with a few other works.”
Ian smiled at her, trying to steady his pounding pulse. The plot was coming together. Rain and high winds pelted the windows. “How about we go watch a movie?” When Cassie giggled, he asked, “What’s so funny? Do I have stuff in my teeth?”
“No, you’re all clean and spiffy. It’s the Chase family ‘How about?’ It’s like your mom’s eyebrow—you can’t say no.”
“Well, then how about this?” Ian kissed her. “And how about this?” Ian kissed her again.
* * *
The masculine den smelled of leather and Ian. A small fire burned, even though it was July, because of the cold rain. Cassie examined the pictures of Ian and Kieran’s family on the walls. Monique’s family pictures occupied the mantel. A cabinet over the fireplace opened to reveal a TV.
“I think you’ll like this. It’s calledSisters. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Sounds like a lot of fun.”
Cassie couldn’t concentrate. She tucked herself into a corner of the soft, inviting couch, and Ian covered her legs with a hand-crafted throw and sat in the opposite corner. After starting the movie, he extended his arm across the back of the couch. A big bowl of buttery popcorn rested between them.
Cassie inched a little closer. Holding still, Ian waited for his skittish kitten to come to him. A broad streak of lightning lit up the sky, followed by an explosive clap of thunder. When Cassie screamed and jumped into his lap, popcorn flew everywhere. “Shh, I’ve got you.”
Cassie’s heart pounded. “Oh god, the thunder startled me. I’m sorry. The mess.”
Ian rubbed her back. “It’s okay; don’t worry. I’ll let Knight in here. He’ll clean it up. Talk to me, Cassie. It might help.”
Her arms stayed around him. “Thunder frightens me. It means lightning has struck. I hate lightning. When I was little, there was a bad storm, with lightning hitting everywhere. I remember my hair was floating in the air. One huge bolt struck the house next door and set it on fire. My friend Laurie couldn’t escape. Her parents and my dad tried hard, but my dad said it was too hot. Like people say on the news, they thought a tornado can pick and choose. I know it’s crazy now, but I thought the lightning was coming for me next. Every once in a while, and I….”
Ian pulled the throw over them. “Oh, sweetheart, you can stay here in my arms. Safe and sound.” He kissed the top of her head.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
They never saw the movie. Instead, Cassie shared with Ian more about herself, and Ian told her about his plans to expand primary health care to more places in the country. Both realized they shared desires to help less fortunate people. Cassie’s eyes grew heavier until she was fast asleep cuddled against him.
Ian felt a vibration in his pocket and smiled at the message filling the screen:Thought with the rain, Cassie should stay at the house. Tube feeding is on the counter, and the pump is in your bathroom. Everything else is in the red pouch. If you have a problem, you know where I am.
Ian texted back:Yes, Daddy. FYI, I got two pieces of veggie pizza and some peach cobbler into her.
Tucker texted back smiling emoticons.
It was just after eleven. Assured all was quiet, Ian carried Cassie up to his room and tucked her into his plush bed, then followed the instructions Tucker drilled into him.
One look at her—her braid over one shoulder and an expression of peace on her face—made him want her there forever. Her face was soft and angelic while she slept. Ian observed her from the large club chair with his feet propped on the ottoman, his desire for her unyielding.
As the storm continued to rage, Ian's neck started to tingle. It didn’t take long to understand why. His phone sounded a security alert, the new intrusion-detection system warning of multiple breaches from the water and the woods on the far side of the grounds. He disconnected the feeding and flushed the line. “Cassie, sweetheart, wake up.” He scooped her into his arms.
Disoriented, she cried out in fear.
“Cassie, it’s Ian. I’m sorry to wake you. I need to get you to the safe room.”
"What's wrong?"
"There’s a security breach. It could be the weather."
Luke, Rachel with a leashed Knight, Kieran, and Monique met them on the stairs, heading to the basement. One of the Neiman paintings hid the entrance to a state-of-the-art panic room. Ellen and her husband, Sam, joined them. Inside, Ian placed Cassie on the couch. “I’ll see you soon.”
"Be careful," Cassie said.
