Dating A Cougar (6 page)

“Don’t you miss the sex?” Casey was shocked at the boldness of his own question, and relieved when Alexa only laughed. “Sorry. I meant to say—don’t you miss the
companionship
.”

“No, you didn’t. And yes, sometimes I miss the
companionship
,” Alexa admitted laughing, using his euphemism. “How about you?”

“Hell, yes,” Casey stated firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Susan died two years ago. I’m still trying to figure out what to do with myself. Walking is a challenge some days. My retirement is meager in this economy and I don’t have a new job yet. Up until just recently, it seemed like kind of a minor thing to worry about a lack of
companionship
.”

“I hear you,” Alexa told him, smiling in sympathy. “Sometimes it’s just all about timing, isn’t it? That becomes more obvious to me with every passing year.”

Casey believed Alexa Ranger really did hear him, and that she somehow understood the hurt of his life, accepted how he dealt with it, and thought well of him. His small conversation with her made him feel a hell of a lot better than the weeks of therapy he’d endured through the veteran’s center. Alexa Ranger looked at him with more approval than Casey had received from a woman in a very long time.

Alexa smiled warmly at Casey. “You seem to be a good man, Casey Carter. There are a lot of women out there looking for a good man. I have a feeling
companionship
is just right around the corner for you.”

“What about you? Are you still looking?” Casey asked, the question just coming out of his mouth on its own.

Instead of answering, Alexa laughed softly and got up to leave.

Casey started to stand as well, but was afraid he’d be too slow. In a panic to detain her, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, practically pulling her across the patio table. It was another reminder of when they first met. He could see in her expression it reminded her, too. This time he wasn’t letting her go without letting her know how it affected him.

Alexa tried to pull away, but Casey wouldn’t let her. She felt his firm grip on her wrist pretty much everywhere. She sighed and swore softly. She didn’t know whether to thank Casey for making her feel excitement again or run like hell from him because he was too young to be making a move on her.

She tugged her wrist trying to break free.

“No. Don’t run away this time,” Casey said, moving to stand in front of her. “Are you still looking? I would really like to know, Alexa.”

“Find a younger woman, Casey Carter. Have a happy life. I wish my daughter was interested in you instead of your cousin,” Alexa said.

He knew better. Casey smiled wickedly and tightened his hold on her wrist. “That’s bullshit. I was married to a sexy, strong-willed woman for a long time. I can tell you want me. Can’t you tell the feeling is mutual?”

“Look, check your ego, okay? I didn’t say you weren’t great, Casey. I’m just telling you in the nicest way I can—
I’m too old for you
,” Alexa said sternly.

He kept his grip on her as he stood, and then Casey tugged her toward him until his nose was only inches from hers.

“If you’re too old for me, then why do I want to kiss you so badly right now it hurts to leave these few inches between us?”

Alexa hissed, annoyed with herself for underestimating Casey, or at least for underestimating their attraction. It didn’t mean it was a smart thing to indulge it, but she had seriously messed up not acknowledging it.

“Fine. I am attracted to you, but I’m not interested in pursuing it, so I’ll answer your question. No, I’m not looking any longer. Okay? I gave up looking long before you came along. Frankly, I wasn’t ever looking for a man as young as you. I don’t date younger men.”

“Too bad. I’m not buying the age difference bullshit either,” Casey said easily, letting go of her wrist. “Whatever the real reason is you’re ignoring the attraction between us, you can tell me. I know I’m not exactly in a position at the moment to be super competitive with the type of men you usually date.”

“Oh, bloody hell,” Alexa said, exasperated with Casey’s mood shifts, which were worse than her own. One minute he was humble, the next he was bossy, the next he was the nicest man she’d ever met. It was simply driving her crazy trying to keep up.

Alexa rubbed her wrist, trying to minimize the feel of his grip.

“Do not use your physical limitation as an emotional weapon with me. There are two really good reasons I’m not climbing all over you. The first is you’re related to Seth, and
I do not need that kind of drama
. The second is I’m twelve years older than you, and I prefer men my own age. None of my reasons have anything to do with your injury or your cane.”

She closed the distance between them, brushed her hot, angry mouth across his just once, before quickly stepping an arm’s length away.

Big mistake, she conceded, as her lips vibrated in response. It was a bigger one than not acknowledging his feelings. Casey’s mouth was hot and hungry, and he hadn’t even kissed her back.

Part of her wanted to step back into him. Part of her wanted to run because she truly did not need the drama he represented. All of her was melting for the first time in years.

“Damn it, Casey. I don’t see anything about us working, and I’d rather not start something that will cause problems. Jenna would have a cow. And Seth—well, never mind. You know what I’m trying to say.”

Casey nodded to let her know he was hearing her, and then licked his lips while she watched. He tasted the wine and her. The fact she didn’t look away from the action made him wonder just how brave Alexa would be with a lot of other things. It moved him instantly from just interested to being determined to find out.

“I hear you what you’re saying, Alexa. The family thing is complicated, but I want you. I wanted you the first time I met you. I haven’t been sexually attracted to anyone in a long time. In fact, I never met a woman before you who could make me hard as a stone by just breathing.”

Alexa burst out laughing and brought her hands to her hips.

“Then you haven’t been looking. There are many good women—beautiful, younger, sexually desirable women—just waiting for a great guy like you to show up and pay attention. Oh hell, this is none of my business. Look, thanks for dinner, Casey. Time for me to say good-night.”

Casey watched Alexa walk away, admiring the sway of her hips in the jeans. It was just as dynamic as Jenna’s in the blue dress, but even better because he knew that tonight Alexa’s swing and sway was a private show just for him.

He knew it because he wasn’t stupid—Alexa wanted him back. It wasn’t ego either. It was in her kiss. It was in her gaze on him. It was in her laugh and her smile.

Casey readily admitted both Alexa’s stated reasons were solid, though the age thing bothered him less and less as he got to know her. Sure, he supposed it could become a problem long term, but then so could many other things. What relationship was free of challenges? And who knew if they would get that far anyway.

For now, he thought it was just good to genuinely want a woman again, and even better to know the woman wanted him in return. The rest was just a matter of logistics.

Fortunately, he was just as good as Seth was at figuring out how to get what he wanted.

Chapter 5

“So before we get to the business part of our agenda, how was dinner last night? Did you do anything
bold
you want to share?” Sydney asked, watching as Alexa moved restlessly in her chair. “I see you squirming, so don’t try to lie to me.”

“I am so looking forward to replacing you with someone who doesn’t know me so well,” Alexa said, avoiding the question but not the knowing look in Sydney’s eyes, the one that said he knew she was hiding something good.

“You’ll miss me, Alexa. And I will miss you. You know I could stay part-time at both places almost indefinitely,” Sydney said, laughing at her pained expression.

“Absolutely not,” Alexa said firmly, putting on her dreaded reading glasses and peering over the top of them at him. “You are a men’s clothing designer masquerading as my assistant. It’s time to spread your wings, little bird, and fly. Oh, and make me richer while you’re at it or buy me out. I don’t care. I’m sure Paul has a list of investments that are must-haves before I get too old to work.”

“I want to stay another year, Alexa—no, seriously. I’ve talked to Paul about it. The clothing shop is humming along without me. I would just be in their way if I were there more. So there’s no reason for me not to be
here
a bit longer. Besides, it might take a while for us to find the perfect replacement.”

“You know, I’m not half as picky about your replacement as you are,” Alexa informed him. “But okay, I want to see some paperwork showing a one-year phase-out plan for you soon. I’m going to gift you some stock when you leave to make sure you remain tied to my apron strings.”

“I am tied to you by love, Alexa,” Sydney said quietly. “You gave me Paul. He’s the best gift I ever received.”

“That was a win-win because I got to keep both of you,” Alexa reminded him. “Our family connection is not going to change when the SydneyB label goes international. We’ll just be a richer family.”

Sydney nodded. No matter what his bank account said, or how many times he went home to the best looking partner in the world, Sydney still ended up shaking his head in disbelief at his good fortune in knowing the woman across the desk from him.

Alexa Ranger was mentor, second mother, friend, and a dozen other role models of how to move through the world. And he didn’t want to leave her daily care to anyone else just yet. She was just going to have to live with him sticking around a bit longer.

Alexa nodded with her chin to the PDA Sydney carried. “What’s the first item on the list?”

“Karen says it’s time to plan the Milan trip because it takes months to reserve everything. Who are we sending?” Sydney asked.

“Not me,” Alexa said, not willing to spend another trip alone in the beautiful Italian city. “Why don’t you go and take Paul? Busman’s holiday for a month.”

“Seriously?” Sydney’s face lit with joy. “Wonderful. I accept.”

“Can Ellen sit the front desk while you’re out?” Alexa asked about the person who usually filled in when Sydney had to be away during the day.

“No, I have someone else I want to try. His name is Allen Stedman. He’s young, strong, well-rounded, and extremely heterosexual. I think you’ll like him.”

“For pity’s sake, Sydney. I’m not planning to date the man,” Alexa said around a laugh. “I just want a good guard dog.”

“Trust me, Allen will do fine at guarding you,” Sydney told her. “Take a look at him though before you decide about the dating part. He’s in the same league as your Marine, in case your tingle chasing there meets a dead end.”

“Gee. Thanks for looking out for me,” Alexa said, laughing again. She didn’t see herself losing interest in Casey Carter quickly even though the tingle chasing, as Sydney called it, had already hit a brick wall. He was too young and too related to Seth—end of story.

She was sure his attraction to her would fade once he started dating again.

They worked their way through the rest of the Sydney’s list before he mentioned a meeting that afternoon with her marketing group. Her friend Lauren’s new organic scents were in demo mode and they were planning a full launch of three scents by Valentine’s Day next year.

Alexa was already personally addicted to
Revelation
, the ginger and peaches scent Casey also really liked—a lot apparently. Her mind drifted off as she remembered his confession in the kitchen and the single step he took toward her that had her heart pounding in anticipation of a kiss for the first time in years.

She came back to reality and saw Sydney waving his hands in the air and laughing.

“Alexa? Where did you go, honey? Have you stopped taking your memory supplements again? You know you need those at your age,” he teased.

Alexa held up a middle finger, which made Sydney laugh harder.

“Can’t a woman have a fantasy in peace?”

“Only if said woman shares the fantasy with her assistant,” Sydney replied with a grin.

Relenting, Alexa told him about the exchange she had with Casey over
Revelation
, including the kiss she had held off with the wine bottle.

“That’s not a fantasy,” Sydney said laughing, delighted for Alexa. “That’s just you avoiding the inevitable.”

Alexa laughed. “Sex with Casey Carter is not inevitable,” she protested. “My instincts go on full alert around him. Part of me wants to drag him off somewhere, but the other part is warning me to be careful about him.”

“Well, where did careful ever get anyone?” Sydney asked. “I can’t think of a single amazing thing that’s ever happened to anyone I know because they chose to be careful.”

“Good point,” Alexa said, her mind drifting off again. The only careful she would have to be with Casey was because of his injury. She’d been giving that some thought lately as well—just in case she ever crossed the line from fantasy to reality.

Her attention came back once again to the sound of Sydney’s laughter as he stood to leave.

“I think we’re done today, Alexa. I’ll leave you to your fantasies. I’ll buzz you to make sure you make the marketing meeting.”

“Thanks, Sydney.”

After Sydney left, Alexa pulled the reading glasses off her face and dropped them on her desk.

It had been a while since she let a man become a distraction for her. Since Casey was pretty much all she could think about, she was afraid it was already too late.

*** *** ***

Sydney walked to his desk and almost laughed at the man sitting in the waiting area. After what Alexa had shared, he wasn’t surprised to find Casey Carter stretched out in a chair, flipping through a fashion magazine.

“Hi, Sydney. Is Alexa in?” Casey asked, putting down the magazine.

“Yes. Why? Are you just
dropping by
again?” Sydney asked in return, shrewdly taking in Casey’s low laugh and grin.

“Something like that,” Casey said. “Hell. Truth is I’m interested in her, Sydney.”

“Please,” Sydney said, tilting his head and laughing. “That was obvious yesterday.”

“Not to her. Alexa thinks she’s too old for me. I think I’m not in the best shape physically to take a woman like her on, but I want to anyway. So what do you think?” Casey said.

“Why would my opinion count?” Sydney asked in return, sitting down in his desk chair, surprised enough by the question to not answer flippantly.

“I’m not sure your opinion will count,” Casey said around a grin. “But Jenna mentioned you were more family than assistant. Since I can’t ask Jenna about her mother, for reasons I’m sure you can understand, you’re next in the line of people whose opinion I need to care about.”

Sydney looked at Casey Carter, trying to see the real person. Between the military and the hard knocks, Casey was self-contained and gave little away. It was the hungry eyes he used on Alexa yesterday that betrayed his interest.

Sydney understood that kind of longing. And since Sydney really didn’t have a choice other than to take Casey’s words at face value, he decided to put the man’s integrity on the table as a discussion point.

“I knew you were lying in order to see Alexa yesterday, but I thought it was too cute at the time to stop you. I’ve been deflecting unwanted attention from Alexa Ranger for a decade now,” he said, looking directly into Casey’s eyes and receiving a nod of understanding.

“Do you think my attention to Alexa is unwanted?” Casey asked, more nervous about the answer than he realized he would be.

“I haven’t decided yet. Maybe I could pass Alexa a note in one of our meetings to see if she likes you,” Sydney said, drumming his fingers on his desk, pretending to contemplate the problem.

Sydney already knew Alexa was interested in Carter, but the jury was still out about whether or not Carter would be good for her.

Casey laughed and ran a hand through his hair. “Please don’t ask her about me. I couldn’t take the rejection right now. Alexa’s answer would be that she’s too old for me. She’s not, but it’s not going to be easy to convince her otherwise.”

Sydney laughed, delighted Casey was every bit as insecure as Alexa was about the attraction between them. Still Casey had come to the office and was doing the pursuing. It meant the man was at least worth a shot in Sydney’s book. But open support of Carter would only bring out Alexa’s stubborn side.

No, Sydney decided, they needed to fight this initial stuff out themselves.

“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do today, Carter. I’m going to head to the restroom and pretend I didn’t see you. If asked later, I’m going to swear you just got by me. Go to her office and ask her if she’s been thinking of you. I’ve never known Alexa to be less than honest to anyone but her mother, who still disapproves of her,” Sydney told him.

Grinning, Casey stood. “How long before she has a meeting or other commitment?”

“A couple of hours. Think it’s going to take that long?” Sydney asked, biting his tongue to keep from laughing again.

“Depends on how it goes,” Casey said, heading down the hall, leaning heavily on his cane as he walked.

*** *** ***

Alexa was staring out her office window again when she heard the knock. The sound was wood on wood instead of knuckles. She was half way across the room when it occurred to her the knock was from a wooden object—possibly a cane.

Pulling open the door, she noticed Casey had the cane up getting ready to knock again.

“Hi,” Casey said, walking past her, not waiting for an invitation to come in, afraid he might not get one. “We need to talk.”

He noticed Alexa was dressed in jeans again today with a shirt the color of a summer sky. It fit her curves well, he thought.

Alexa closed the door behind him, and then put her hands on her hips.

“How did you get past Sydney?” she demanded.

“I’m a lethal weapon with this cane. Sydney’s tied to the desk chair out front. Don’t worry, I gagged him so he wouldn’t be able to call for help, but I left a few magazines on the floor. He can turn the pages with his toes, once he gets his shoes and socks off,” he told her. “He should be adequately entertained for a couple of hours.”

Alexa walked to her desk and buzzed the front desk. When there was no answer, she narrowed her eyes at Casey. “He’s not there.”

“I like my story better,” Casey said, grinning at how quickly she had checked.

“Why do we need to talk?” Alexa asked.

Casey stared at her for long moments, and then walked to the chair. He opted for direct honesty.

“I’ve spent every moment since last evening wanting to kiss you. Since you don’t want to let me, we have to talk until you get around to agreeing to some sort of compromise about it. I’m not leaving until we come to an agreement,” Casey said with a shrug.

Alexa sat and stared at Casey wondering where the nervous man was who came to see her yesterday.

“Talk? You came here in the middle of a business day to talk to me about—what exactly? Casey, we hardly know each other,” she protested.

“Wow. That’s really good, I almost feel guilty for coming. Your tone is frosty as hell,” Casey acknowledged. He hooked his cane on the chair arm because it did look like it was going to take awhile. “My wife used to tell me I was a rare man because I understood women needed to talk until they were comfortable with a situation. I never minded talking to her about what bothered her, even when I didn’t understand completely. In the end, it was always better for both of us to talk it out.”

Alexa pushed her hair behind her shoulders, linked her fingers together on the desk, and gave him a sparkly blue stare. “Casey, I really don’t have time for word games or a lengthy discussion that will lead nowhere. I have a meeting in—“

“—two hours,” he finished for her. “I checked Sydney’s PDA. He left it on the desk.” He felt no guilt whatsoever in lying to protect Sydney.

“That’s—“

“—underhanded and probably illegal, I know. I’m a determined man, Alexa. You’re all I’ve thought about since you touched your lips to mine. Haven’t you been thinking about it, too?”

The last thing Alexa intended to do was confess about how much thinking she’d done about it. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re pushy and rude.”