“I want to be with you, Cassie,” he told her. “As in beyond the movie, beyond next month or even next year. I want to see where this can go, but if the idea of my work will hold you back, maybe we both need to reevaluate what we’re doing.”
Tears pricked her eyes as she turned to face him fully. “You want to be with me?”
Reaching out to swipe the pad of his thumb across her cheek to clear the rogue tear, Ian smiled. “Yes. I know it’s crazy and we’ve only known each other a short time, but I do want to be with you.”
“Is this because my ex is back? Are you feeling threatened?”
Shaking his head, Ian took her shoulders and squeezed. “This has nothing to do with Derek. His appearance is just bad timing, that’s all. I can’t deny myself the fact that being with you has made me a better person. Finding myself wrapped around yours and Emily’s lives makes me want more for myself. I never thought about a family before, but I want to see where this will lead and how we can make it work.”
Hope filled Cassie as she threw her arms around Ian’s neck and sniffed. “I know I’m a hot mess right now,” she told him. “I have no idea how I was lucky enough to get you, but I want to see where we go, too. I’m just sorry you’ll have to deal with Derek.” Cassie eased back and wiped her cheeks. “He’s Emily’s father, and even though he abandoned us, I can’t deny him if he wants to see her.”
“What if he wants custody? Did he mention that again?”
“No. I hope he was just trying to scare me, like you said.”
Smoothing her hair behind her ear, Ian smiled and settled his palm against her cheek. “No matter what, I’m here for you. Okay?”
For the first time in a long time, Cassie knew there was something to be hopeful about, something more than her career and Emily to fight for. And that was the love of a good man.
* * *
Ian was right. Damn if Derek’s visit hadn’t come at the worst possible time. Not only was the estate covered in film crew and actors, but Ian had settled so perfectly into her life and now the Belmont Stakes was upon them.
The final of the three most prestigious races in the horse world. There was no way Cassie could possibly think of Derek and his threats right now...and yet he had left her with a doozy last night.
He’d called her and issued an ultimatum—either she take him back and give their marriage another go or he would go to his lawyer with a plea to get full custody. Of course, she doubted he could, but the threat was there, and even if he didn’t get full, there was always a chance he could get shared. And then where would she be?
Cassie sank down onto the bed in her hotel room and rested her head in her hands. Crying would be of no use, but she so wished she could cut loose and absolutely throw a fit. Being an adult flat-out sucked sometimes.
The adjoining door to the bedroom next to hers creaked open and Cassie glanced up to see Tessa standing in the doorway wearing a gray tank top and black yoga pants.
“I know you’re not in a good spot, and as much as I think you could use a drink, that won’t help us any in tomorrow’s race.” Tessa held up a shiny gold bag. “But I do have chocolates and I’m willing to share.”
Cassie attempted a smile. “Are they at least rum balls?”
Laughing, Tessa crossed the room and sank onto the bed, bumping Cassie’s hip. “Sorry. Just decadent white-chocolate truffles. You ready to talk about Derek being back and wreaking havoc? Because it’s been all I could do not to say something to you, but I figured you’d tell me on your own.”
Cassie took the bag and dug out a chocolate. No, the sweetness wouldn’t cure all, but it would certainly take the edge off her rage.
“I was hoping if I ignored the fact he was in town he’d just go away,” Cassie said as she bit into the chocolate.
“How’s that working?”
“Not well. How did you find out anyway? He’s only been in town two days.”
Tessa reached into the bag and pulled out a piece for herself. “Ian and Max were discussing the problem, and I may have eavesdropped on their conversation.”
Swallowing the bite and reaching for another truffle, Cassie shifted on the bed to face her sister, settling the bag between them. “I planned on telling you. I was just trying to focus on Ian, make sure Emily was all settled with Linda before we left and praying Derek didn’t try to get back onto Stony Ridge while we were gone. I’ve got security keeping an eye out for him.”
“Can you legally do that?” Tessa asked.
Shrugging, Cassie smoothed her hair back and tugged the rubber band from her wrist to secure the knotty mess. “I have no clue. But if he’s trespassing on the property, that’s all the guards need to know to have him escorted off. If he wants to play the poor-father card, I doubt he’ll have a leg to stand on.”