Wicked Game Read Free Page A

didn’t know, I guess I am so used to flying that I never considered … okay, if it’s any comfort we’ll be on a private jet. We’ll drive right up to the plane and sit in leather seats with television and anything else you might need. No going through security lines, no screaming babies. It’s usually a three-hour flight, depending on takeoff clearance, of course, and weather. We should be in Miami by noon eastern time and from there a limo to my house, where lunch will be waiting.”
    “Okay, good, I think. But what about turbulence, and what if…”
    “Relax, Cass, I’ve flown a couple hundred times, nothing is going to happen.”
    “You promise.”
    “I promise, and there will be liquor if you need it. And a bed if that will help.” Was it his fault that she heard that wrong? At least she began to relax. Note to self. Taunting Cass Pendleton distracts her. Check and double check.
    “Miss Pendleton.” She fixed him with that evil gleam of hers that he remembered as Cass throwing down the gauntlet.
    “What?”
    “I’m Miss Pendleton, not Cass or Cassandra, or any of the secret little names you call me.”
    “I have never had any secret names for you. Just because you had some not-so-nice names for me doesn’t mean I stooped to that level.”
    “No, that’s right, I remember now, you preferred calling me names to my face.”
    “I never…”
    “Fatty, fatty, two by four, among others.”
    “Oh, I did that?” He didn’t remember.
    “A couple of times, usually when you were with other jocks.”
    “Oh. Well, for what it’s worth. I didn’t think you were fat then. And you certainly aren’t fat now.”
    “Look, Jaime, can we just put that all in the past? Most of my memories of you are painful. If we are going to work together, then we need to bury the hatchet, so to speak.”
    “You brought it up.” Her memories of him were painful? Really? She’d been the aggressor more often than not. She’d been the one who’d tormented him with her need to outdo him at all costs.
    “And for that I’m incredibly sorry.”
    “Well, Miss Pendleton, I guess a fresh start is a good idea. I’m sorry for the things I did in the past, and if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, maybe we can begin our professional relationship on even footing.”
    “I think I can manage that, Mr. Dalton.” And with that, she went back to looking out the window. She didn’t offer an apology for the things she’d done in return, but at least she stopped fidgeting.

Chapter Three
    Miami wasn’t what Cass thought it would be. She’d always imagined a hot and humid tropical paradise with glimmering buildings and fancy cars, but that wasn’t the case at all. The weather in late May was very close to the weather at home. With highs reaching into the low eighties, but with a sea breeze, she hardly felt it. The humidity was low, but Jaime assured her that in the middle of summer the days could become almost unbearable, again not much different from home.
    The city was beautiful from the air, lots of blue and white framed by turquoise water. On the ground, though, Miami was like any other city, with fast-food restaurants and discount stores. Again, Jaime informed her that the Miami she saw on television did exist, just not in this particular area.
    The drive to his home was stop and go, as city streets turned to suburbia, then to grand estates. The driver proceeded through the estates until the sky and the horizon became one before pulling into a sweeping circular drive, the security gates standing open in welcome.
    The house wasn’t huge by the neighborhood’s standards—white stucco walls with teal Spanish tiles, and a fountain in the courtyard. Sort of low key and highbrow at the same time, with palm trees and an almost ocean view, Cass thought.
    “Welcome to my home.” Without waiting for the driver, Jaime stepped out of the car and held his hand out to her. In awe of not only the house but also his manner, she