Read Online How Cassie Got Her Grind Back by Heather Rainier - Free Book Online Page A

earlier, and his hands had gone sweaty, and he’d had to surreptitiously wipe his brow. Maybe he should’ve taken the shot of whiskey when Samson had offered it.
    He recalled seeing her, years ago, walking up and down the halls and breezeways at Divine High School. He’d smile and wave, exchange a few friendly words with his twin’s sweet girlfriend and pray no one could tell he was head over heels in love with Cassie. And not puppy love, either. Since the day they’d all met in freshman orientation, he’d loved her, but Samson in his usual take-no-prisoners style had spoken up first. But he’d also never said a word of reproach to Ivan if he’d had the idea back then that his brother had loved her, too. That would’ve hurt too much.
    Ivan had contented himself with being the third wheel at events and as a lab partner, driver’s education co-driver, and her friend. And she cheered from the stands for both of them at the football games, basketball games, and track meets. Knowing how steeped in tradition her family was, they’d always been careful to keep it chaste and above board, and he’d gotten used to hiding his feelings for her.
    “I’ve missed you,” she whispered against his neck, and his heart skipped a beat when she pressed her warm lips to his throat. Her soft body pressed to his was a lush dream he couldn’t bear to wake from but knew he’d have to. Otherwise, he’d just be standing there holding her off the floor, with everyone watching them, and it would get awkward.
    “I missed you, too, Cassie. You have no idea how much…” I have loved you. He didn’t know why he added the last part in his head, only that he was so tired of hiding how he felt. When he looked up, his brother’s eyes urged caution. So he didn’t hint at what they hoped for yet. Just as well. They should tell her together.
    “Well, isn’t this a cozy reunion.” The voice made Ivan clench his teeth. It was too much to hope the jackass would leave her alone this evening.
    “Bill,” Cassie said, blotting at her lipstick and adjusting her clothing after Ivan set her back on her feet. “You’re here.”
    Ivan noted Cassie’s frown when she looked beyond Bill Resendez, her ex-husband, to the young Hispanic woman standing with him.
    He flicked a glance between Samson and Ivan before focusing his eyes on her. “Yes. And you wouldn’t look so surprised if you’d returned my call.”
    She frowned at him. “You don’t need to clear anything with me. It’s none of my business what you do…or who you do it with.”
    Bill smirked and said, “That’s some fine thanks since I was being considerate of you. I called to let you know I was coming with a date. This is Brittany.”
    Cassie nodded politely at the young woman. “Pleased to meet you, Brittany. Bill, does she know you have children near her age?”
    Ivan lifted a hand to brush his lips and hid a smile. Brittany blinked several times in quick succession but otherwise didn’t react.
    Bill ignored her comment, but a muscle in his jaw began to tic. “It’s a shame you still let bitterness control you, Cass. I tried to let you know so you could stay home if you didn’t want to come all alone.”
    “Coming alone? Not hardly, Resendez,” Samson murmured, drawing close to Cassie on her other side so she was bracketed by the pair of them, a slow smile crossing his features. Ivan squeezed Cassie’s fingers gently, wondering if she’d caught the double entendre in Samson’s words.
    Bill scoffed, an ugly sound with a bitter note. “I knew it was just a matter of time before the pack of dogs showed up to scavenge my leftovers. You deserve each other.”
    “I haven’t proved that to her yet, but she definitely deserves better than she had with you,” Samson replied in a rough voice, hinting at the depth of his dislike for Bill.
    Bill scoffed and then grinned when he spotted Andrew standing in their group. “Wow, Cass, it’s a loser’s reunion over here, isn’t