“I’ve missed you, honey.”
Then it was Jo’s turn to be angry. “You scared the bejesus out me, Cass,” she scolded. “Rhett was freakin’ uncontrollable. I thought he’d throttle me within an inch of my life.”
She eyed her friend suspiciously.
“Okay, I’m exaggerating,” she amended. “He was going insane wanting to find you. Where were you? And you look fab, by the way.” Jolene grinned. “In more ways than one.”
“Quit monopolizing my girl,” Breck said, nosing in to wrap Cassie in a bear hug.
Jolene pinched his butt hard.
“Okay, my number two girl.” Breck looked Cassie up and down. “I see you and Rhett have patched things up. I won’t ask about what, when, where, or why. I’ll merely say welcome back, General.”
Darin kissed her cheek. “I’ve been gone on a shoot in Milan and landed an hour ago. Seems like I missed not only our last poker game but Ken’s opening and whatever these two are talking about.”
He flashed the million-dollar smile that had sold everything from cologne to boxer-briefs. “You do really look good in that dress, Cassie. Very sexy.” Darin growled low.
Rhett’s arm snaked possessively around her waist. He handed Cassie a glass of champagne. “She does look sexy.” He gave her a lingering kiss. “Tastes sexy, too.”
Darin laughed. “I’ll take your word, Rhett.” He looked toward the doorway. “If it isn’t the man of the hour.”
Cassie turned and saw Ken and Melanie walk in, followed by a group of people. She recognized a few famous faces in the crowd but she didn’t know everyone present.
Melanie made a beeline to her, beaming all the way. “I see you found another ride.”
“I guess you knew Rhett would be there tonight. That he’d sit with us.”
Her friend shrugged. “I knew Ken invited him. I wasn’t sure where Rhett was sitting but I’m glad you’ve worked out your little problem.” She turned to Rhett. “At least you seemed to have worked things out, based upon the wicked grin you’re wearing.”
Rhett pulled her a little closer. “Let’s just say that Cassie’ll need to pick up her things in the morning.”
“I’ll have them packed and sent over,” Melanie promised. “I’ll also be sure TJ gets fed beforehand.”
Cassie looked up at Rhett. “I suppose Jo is still out in the guesthouse.”
“I wouldn’t let her leave. She kept saying you’d scalp her alive if she didn’t but I persuaded her to stay.”
She shuddered. “Jo? With no supervision in a place by herself? It could be scary. She’s probably taken over every spare inch with junk—empty pizza boxes, half-filled water bottles, dirty clothes scattered on the floor—you name it.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Then maybe you’d be more comfortable in the main house.”
Melanie piped up, “I think that’s my exit line.” She left, tossing Cassie a knowing grin over her shoulder.
“Rhett—”
“Come home with me tonight, Cassie. Let tomorrow take care of itself.”
A spoon tinkled against glass and the patio quieted. Cassie saw Ken’s agent raise his champagne flute.
“To Ken Cameron, Hollywood’s next big star.”
The guests toasted Ken, who managed to look sheepish and sexy at the same time.
“Thanks to everyone for coming. I didn’t know if we’d be celebrating tonight or not but I felt pretty good about what I saw during the screening.”
“We felt even better seeing you shirtless up on the big screen,” a female voice chimed in.
A blush rose on Ken’s cheeks. “I think dinner is ready.” He indicated for everyone to return inside.
Cassie whispered to Rhett, “I think it’s terrific he’s so humble.”
“Ken’s from similar roots to mine. He’s not the kind to forget where he came from. I think that’s why we both have kept our egos in check.”
Cassie smiled at Rhett. “I’m sure that’s one of the reasons Melanie loves him.”
Rhett pressed his mouth to hers in a lingering kiss. She could feel the smile on his lips.
“You score points, too, Corrigan.”
“For remembering where I came from?”
“For that. And for kissing so damned well.”
He laughed and kissed her again. “Come on, Cassie Carroll. Let’s eat. I haven’t had more than a couple of bites the past few days. I just realized I’m starving.”
“You, too?”
His eyes misted over. “With you gone, I felt like I’d been shredded into little pieces. Nothing appealed to me. Food. Sleep. Nothing.” He reached up and caressed her cheek. “Now, my world is right again—and I’m on top of it.”
He laced his fingers through hers. “We’ll stay for the entrée but dessert’s waiting at home.”
◆◆◆
Cassie washed her hands and watched in the mirror as Jolene fiddled with her hair.
“I’m