Engaging (Alluring Book 2) Read online

  Engaging by Sarah Curtis Copyright © 2015 by Jeanine Grasso

  All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be replicated, redistributed, or given away in any form without the prior written consent of the author. The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarities to real persons, alive or dead, and events are coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover image Fotolia LLC/Youra Demshin

  A special thanks to my Beta readers. You know who you are, and you know how important you are to me. Your input and friendship is invaluable. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me.

  This book is dedicated to my Aunt Wendy a real life hero to the many dogs she has helped and saved over the years.

  And as always to my husband the one who cheers me on, pushes me, and tells me I can do anything. I love you.

  Other books by Sarah Curtis

  Alluring

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seveneen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Epilogue

  Note from the author

  Prologue

  June 13, 2010

  Cassie looked around at the crowd filling the quad of the Las Vegas University campus. Her best friend, Monica, had dragged her here at six o'clock this morning so they would have a good spot to watch Engage perform a free concert for their school. The fliers for the event had gone up about a month ago, and ever since, it was all Monica could talk about. She was in love with Gage Hunter and the rock group Engage, and according to her, she was their number-one fan.

  Personally, she preferred country music. That's not to say she didn't enjoy Engage's music, they just weren't one of her favorites, and she didn't love them as Monica did.

  "Only one more hour. I'm so excited," Monica said, looking around at the rapidly filling quad. "It's a good thing we got here so early to get our spot. This place is packed."

  Cassie nodded her head, but internally she didn't agree. She had worked the late shift last night at Sam's Pizzeria and didn't get home to their off-campus apartment, that she and Monica shared with two other girls, until one this morning, then she was up at five to come here. Monica owed her big time for this.

  Cassie had met Monica the year before at freshman orientation, and she was the complete opposite of Cassie in every way. She still marveled at how they became such good friends so fast. Monica was tall and slender, almost willowy looking, with the grace of a dancer. Cassie, on the other hand, was short, curvy, and had about as much grace as someone with two left feet. Monica's hair was dark brown, almost black and was short and spiky, which suited her pixie-like face. Cassie had thick golden-blond hair that fell in soft waves down to her waist and framed a face that still held traces of baby fat. Monica liked moving at a fast pace, was always energetic, and could (and usually did) talk a mile a minute. Cassie was more laid-back, went with the flow, and was usually on the quieter side unless she had something important to say.

  "What time does this thing start again?" Cassie asked.

  Monica rolled her eyes at Cassie's lack of enthusiasm. "Noon. Why?"

  "I have to be at work by five."

  "Oh, I'm sure the concert will be over by then."

  Cassie laughed. "Well, I should hope so, or it would be a five-hour concert. I'm hoping it's done in about an hour, so I have time to take a nap before I start my shift."

  "There's going to be an autograph session after the concert. You have to stay with me so I can get a signed copy of their new CD."

  Cassie sighed. All hopes of a nap flying out the window. The crowd started cheering, and Cassie looked around. Engage were taking the stage.

  Monica grabbed her arm, pulling her to her feet. "There they are."

  Cassie had to admit they had a good spot. They were front row center, only a few feet away from the raised platform the school had erected for use as a stage.

  "Oh my God, Cassie, there he is." Monica held her arm so tight, she was sure to leave a bruise. "Gage! I love you, Gage!" She screamed, while jumping up and down.

  Cassie tried to extract Monica's hand as she jostled her all over the place. She looked at the ground, trying to keep her footing and desperately trying to keep her toes out of the way of Monica's pounding feet.

  "Oh my God, Cassie, look. He's staring right at me and smiling."

  Cassie didn't pay any attention to what Monica blabbed on about. She was too busy trying to pry Monica's fingers off her arm to avoid getting whiplash.

  "Now, he's smiling and laughing. Oh my God! Oh my God!"

  With a forceful yank, she freed her arm, ending up on her butt, in the dirt. She glared up at her friend, but Monica's attention wasn't on her. Her eyes were riveted on something else. Monica's mouth hung open, and her expression was one of awe.

  A hand entered her field of vision, and Cassie looked up. Before her were a pair of the bluest eyes she had ever seen, surrounded by thick, black lashes. She stared into the eyes of Gage Hunter. His raven-black hair shone in the sunlight and fell past his shoulders, thick and straight with no bangs. He had a long straight nose, defined cheekbones and a strong jaw with a hint of dark scruff. He was tall and lean, but well muscled. She could see his muscles flex when she took his hand and as he helped her to her feet.

  "Are you okay?"

  He had a deep, rich voice. Cassie hated to admit it, but she was a bit starstruck and couldn't find her voice. She just stared up at him, transfixed.

  Monica didn't share her immobility problem. She grabbed Cassie's arm again (the arm with the hand still clutched in Gage's) and shouted in her ear. "It's an honor to meet you, Gage. I'm your biggest fan. I have all your CD's, and I have posters of you all over my bedroom walls."

  Her friend had gone off the deep end. She had to reel her in. "Monica, would you calm down, and let go of my arm. You're hurting me."

  Monica slowly came back to her senses and let go of Cassie's arm muttering, "Sorry."

  Gage seemed to take pity on her. "It's nice to meet you, Monica. Thank you for being a fan." He turned his eyes back to Cassie. "And are you a fan, too?"

  Before she could answer, Monica butted back in again. "She likes country music. If I have your music playing too loud, she's constantly telling me to turn it down."

  Gage's eyes were still on hers, and she felt her cheeks burn at Monica's declaration.
r />   Gage chuckled. "Is that so? What can I do to make you a fan?"

  Cassie gave him a sly smile. "Sing country?"

  Gage tipped his head back and laughed.

  After the concert, Monica dragged her to where the band signed autographs. Cassie hated to admit it, but she thoroughly enjoyed the concert, and that was mostly due to Gage. He exuded pure, raw, masculine power, and she couldn't keep her eyes off him. And several times during the concert, she found his eyes on her. Every time he glanced at her she would feel her cheeks heat, and she couldn't keep the idiotic smile off her face.

  The line was long and slow moving. Cassie looked at her phone to check the time. She turned to Monica. "I've got to head out. I need to be at work in an hour."

  "Okay. This line shouldn't take too much longer. I'll see you when you get home."

  Cassie nodded, gave her friend a hug, then started her trek across the quad. After several steps, she felt a hand on her shoulder, halting her.

  "You never told me your name."

  Cassie turned. Standing before her, breathing a little heavy as if he'd run to catch up with her, was Gage.

  "What are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be signing autographs?"

  He shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. "You were leaving."

  "I have to get to work."

  He seemed to think a second then gave a slight nod.

  Cassie turned to walk away.

  "Hey, you never told me your name," Gage shouted.

  Cassie turned and spoke while walking backward. "Cassandra Wagner." She turned back around to finish the trek to her car.

  "I need a large pepperoni with extra cheese," Cassie said, while hanging up her ticket on the metal turning spindle. Cassie looked up at the clock hanging above the cash register. Nine o'clock, only one more hour to go. She was exhausted. Getting up at five in the morning sucked.

  She picked up table six's pizza and navigated the small restaurant to deliver it. Four college guys sat at a horseshoe-shaped booth. One, she knew from her History class. His name was Stan. He was a little nerdy but cute and very nice.

  "Thanks, Cassie," he said, reaching for a slice after she set the pizza on the table.

  "No problem. Let me know if you guys need anything else."

  "Your number would be nice." The guy sitting next to Stan said.

  Cassie gave him a polite smile. "Sorry, I don't give that out."

  "That's a shame. I was really hoping to obtain it."

  Cassie recognized the voice coming from behind her. Gage. And from the looks she saw decorating the faces of the guys sitting at the table, they recognized him too.

  "Holy shit, that's Gage Hunter from Engage." A blond, beefy guy in a university team jersey said.

  Cassie slowly turned around. "What are you doing here? How did you know where I worked?"

  "Monica," was all he said.

  Cassie repeated her question. "What are you doing here?"

  "I wanted to see you. Can you take a break, so we can talk?"

  Cassie shook her head. "I get off in an hour. I don't have any more breaks tonight."

  Gage looked around the crowded restaurant. "Where's your section? I'll sit and wait."

  Cassie looked around but couldn't spot a free table in her section. "I'm all full."

  Gage gave her a devastating smile that made butterflies take flight in her stomach. "I'm not surprised."

  "You can sit over here. We've got room."

  Gage looked over her head at the table of guys and answered the one who spoke. "Appreciate it, man." He gave the guy a chin lift and Cassie one last smile before walking to the table, shaking hands with everyone, and sitting down.

  Cassie stood there, immobile, watching until she shook herself out of her funk and got back to work.

  A light warm June breeze blew against Cassie's face as she and Gage walked through the parking lot of the pizzeria.

  "Where are you parked?." Gage steered her to the right with a light hand at the small of her back when she pointed a finger at her black Honda Civic.

  "You still haven't told me why you're here," Cassie said, as she stopped by her car.

  "You're not impressed by me at all, are you?" Gage asked, taking her keys from her hand and opening the driver's side door.

  "You've yet to do something impressive."

  "Ouch. I guess I deserved that. It's been a long time since I've had to work this hard for a date."

  "Is that what you're trying to do, ask me out? Because, let me tell you, your technique sucks."

  Gage ran his fingers through his hair, looked to the ground, and sighed. He looked back up and locked his eyes on hers. "You're right. I'm screwing this up. Listen, when I saw you today, I thought you were the prettiest thing I had ever seen."

  Cassie straightened her spine and looked at Gage closely, sure he was pulling her leg. She knew she was pretty, many people had told her so, but for a famous rock star to think she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen. Someone surrounded by beautiful people every day. No, she didn't buy it.

  He brought his hand up to her face and lightly caressed her cheek with his thumb. "With your long, golden hair that my fingers are itching to touch in order to discover if it's as soft as it looks. Your exotic, green eyes that held me captive the first time I looked into them. And your red, full lips that I can't wait to taste with my own." He whispered now as he said, "You're absolutely perfect."

  Cassie, at a loss for words, just stared into his beautiful blue eyes. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest, and her stomach clenched with the knowledge that she could fall hard for Gage Hunter.

  Chapter One

  May 16, 2015

  Cassie lay back on the lounger, enjoying the sun's rays seeping into her skin. She managed to find the one secluded spot away from the party. The noise level was bearable here on the outskirts. She honestly didn't know why she had come. Yes, she did. Sam had asked her to come and after the friendship that Sam had extended to her and the help Sam had given her nonprofit organization, Tail Wagners, she couldn't say no.

  Her aunt, Laurie Wagner, founded Tail Wagners ten years ago, and Cassie had worked for her aunt for the past four and a half years. They rescued abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs throughout Las Vegas and its surrounding areas and found permanent, loving homes for them.

  Cassie had met Samantha Douglas a few months prior when Cassie's son Logan and Sam's son Kyle became friends at preschool. Cassie and Sam struck up a conversation one day while they waited for the boys to get out of school and since had many after school play dates with the boys. Cassie enjoyed having a friend close to her own age and that shared her same interests.

  Sam's husband, Derek, owned his own construction company and while he worked long hours, he still doted on his wife and son. Sam's brother, Mason Connor, was the star quarterback for the Nevada Pursuers and was his birthday party she was at now. Also, the main reason she had come to the party was because Sam's birthday present to her brother was one of Cassie's rescue dogs, Charlie.

  Charlie, a two-year-old Shepard-mix that had come to their facility about a year ago, was basically still a puppy and tended to be a bit hyper, so Cassie had been more than thrilled that Mase had seemed genuinely excited and happy at receiving him. She was delighted that Charlie had found a loving forever home.

  Cassie took a sip of her fruit juice and watched the party-goers. With the exception of Sam and her husband, the rest of the guests seemed to be football players, starlets, or groupies. She looked down at her plain, cotton sundress that she had bought at a discount store, knowing she covered more sk
in than the skimpy bikinis the other girls wore. She watched all the flirting, the touching, the kissing and knew they sought someone to hook-up with at the end of the evening, something Cassie was not interested in and knew this wasn't her scene. She didn't fit in. And thus, the reason she sat away from the crowd, observing but not participating.

  She closed her eyes and sighed. With so much to do back at the ranch, she felt guilty enjoying the sun and the peace. Her aunt always told her she needed to get out more, especially on dates, but having a four-year-old didn't leave much personal time, and she liked it that way. Logan was all she needed.

  A shadow fell over her face, and she heard her name whispered, brokenly. Cassie opened her eyes. Standing above her was someone she'd never thought to see again. Gage Hunter. She slowly sat up. She blinked twice, not believing her eyes, but he still stood before her in all his masculine perfection. He looked good. No, he looked magnificent. His raven-black hair was still long, skimming his shoulders. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and she could tell he was more muscular than he was five years ago, but he was still lean, his abs well defined. He had added another tattoo. Some kind of squiggly design that started at his right shoulder and traveled down over his right pec. She remembered the flaming guitar tattoo on the inside of his right forearm and knew he had a replica of Engage's first album cover on his left shoulder blade.

  She brought her eyes to his face. His eyes, still the most startling blue she had ever seen, held her captive, and she had to force herself to look away. His face was a tad thinner, his cheekbones more pronounced, but God, he was still so ruggedly handsome. She had almost forgotten how absolutely gorgeous he was. Almost.

  They stared at each other, not saying a word, cataloging years worth of changes in each other. She knew she looked different, and she was sure she looked older. Her body was fuller from having Logan, and her long blond hair that had once fallen to her waist, now only fell to mid-back. She had a scar over her right eye that she acquired two years ago while chasing a Labrador that had escaped the property, and she had hit her head on a low hanging branch. But many of her scars and changes were internal and couldn't be seen, put there by the man standing before her now.