Free Lightbringer by Frankie Robertson

cloud, blocking out everything else.
    Cassie went to her backpack and dug out the teal turtleneck she’d packed.
    “What about Jared?” Linda asked from the bathroom. The subject of her infertility was apparently closed.
    Cassie popped her head out of the long tube of the neck. “What about him?” Lust curled in her belly.
    “You obviously made quite an impression on him. He came running to the rescue last night. You probably could have gone home with him if you’d played your cards right.”
    “He offered his spare bedroom.”
    “And you didn’t take him up on it?” Linda rolled her eyes. “I thought The Cass was back?”
    “Even The Cass wouldn’t go home with a man she just met, right after finding out her house had been bugged.” That’s something you would have done . But she kept the snarky comment to herself, feeling guilty for the hurtful thought, even if it was true.
    Linda shook her head. “At least tell me you’re going to see him again. You’ve been on maybe three dates in the last four years. It’s time to move on.”
    Cassie shrugged, pretending nonchalance. “He said he’d call.” She could tell from Linda’s expression that her friend wasn’t fooled.
    The hotel room phone rang and Cassie jumped.
    Linda lifted her brows, then picked up. After a second, she held out the receiver to Cassie. “Speak of the devil.”

    It was almost eleven when Jared saw Cassie exit the elevator, Linda a step behind her. He rose from the overstuffed chair in the hotel lobby and knew the moment she noticed him. He dismissed the way his heart did a little two-step as her quick smile erased the fatigue around her eyes. I’m just glad she’s recovered from last night’s ordeal , he assured himself. That’s all.
    Beside him, Gideon said, “You two look lovely this morning.”
    Jared nodded in agreement, noticing how Cassie’s sweater made her green eyes more vivid.
    “You are such a liar.” Linda speared Gideon with a stern look, then smiled. “But it’s nice to hear anyway.”
    “It isn’t necessary for you to escort us,” Cassie said, her eyes on Jared. “I can call the police on my own.”
    “Of course you can, but this gives us the chance to impress you with our manly protectiveness,” Gideon answered.
    Cassie rolled her eyes but the corners of her mouth lifted. “If it makes you feel better, Linda’s going to ride with me. You can follow.”
    So Cassie still didn’t trust them. What will it take? A signed affidavit from Michael himself? Jared nodded, resigned. “Fine.” Trust wasn’t something that could be forced.
    “Won’t it be easier for you to protect us if we split up?” Linda asked. “I can ride with Gideon.”
    Cassie glared at her friend, but didn’t object.
    “That’s an excellent idea.” Gideon grinned.
    They trooped outside, through the automatic doors, into the cool October sunshine. Jared walked beside Cassie as she marched across the parking lot, Gideon and Linda trailing some distance behind. He opened his senses and scanned the area. All he detected was the sound of traffic and Gideon bantering with Linda. Across the lot a couple got into their car and left, another pulled in.
    “I went to the hotel business center and Googled you this morning,” Cassie said to him. “You’re quite the philanthropist.”
    Jared suppressed a smile. He liked that she’d gone after another source of information about him. “I do what I can.”
    “I like your choice of charities. Especially the counseling and tuition grants to battered women’s shelters.”
    Her approval pleased him and made him uncomfortable at the same time. He shrugged. “They need help, and I can give it.”
    Cassie stopped near the trunk of her car, rummaging in her purse for her keys.
    Jared leaned casually on the fender, opening himself to the car’s recent history. It flooded his mind like an overwhelming smell. The man who’d been in Cassie’s house had been touching her car. Careful attention