Chapter 17
Brody had talked Cassie into moving into his place for the few days they had left together before they went their separate ways for the holidays. Such perks as a sauna, gym, fireplaces, and Jacuzzi were pointed out as bonuses, along with more importantly emphasized details like a fully stocked kitchen and a larger bed to roll around in.
Cassie had fallen for it lock, stock, and barrel, and it was on her first day at his house that Cassie discovered boredom did not suit her.
She had made the initial mistake of saying she had nothing pressing to work on that day, and the man had challenged her to a whole day of being “off the grid.” Leaving her computer within Brody Miller’s reach was her second mistake. She’d brought her tablet along and it could do most anything she needed done in an emergency, but Brody had confiscated both devices that morning, along with her phone, after his challenge.
Cassie made it about three hours before she felt like climbing the walls and taking Brody’s place apart, nail by nail if need be, to hunt them down. However, she had given her word that she wouldn’t look at any device connecting her to work until the next morning, and it was that part and only that part holding her back, because if anything was sacred to Cassie, it was her word of honor.
Brody had disappeared into his upstairs office for what he’d referred to as a video audition and to take a few calls, leaving Cassie by herself. She’d had a light breakfast then taken advantage of the gym downstairs that rivaled any professional setup. In it, she ran four miles, did some weight training, and finished with thirty minutes of yoga movement to stretch herself out. That had taken care of the exercise portion of the day.
Exploring all the little nooks and crannies of Brody’s house took up more time. She took a walk outside to check out the landscaping and property, fiddled around with his extensive music collection — another thing they had in common — and eventually made a cup of tea to enjoy by the fireplace with a book.
And was bored senseless within twenty minutes.
When had she become so work-horse-oriented that she couldn’t even enjoy a simple day off? It was pathetic.
Staring at the book and not really seeing the words, Cassie realized she’d actually become one of those women with, as she always referred to it, rushing woman’s syndrome. The ones who lived, ate, and breathed stress along with going, going, going nonstop. Maybe she could try to take a mid-day nap? The problem was she wasn’t remotely tired.
“You look bored,” Brody said, leaning against the fireplace wall where he’d caught her staring at the ceiling from the couch.
“I am bored. I’ve run out of things to do. How was your call? Go all right?”
“It did. Talked to a producer about a play he wants to develop in New York. Sounds like a cool project I might do if the timing works out.”
“I didn’t know you did theatre.”
“Every now and then if it works out. I love the challenge of a live audience.” Coming over and sitting down next to her, Brody tipped down the book she held to catch the title. “Success and Leadership Principles. Fuck, no wonder you’re bored. When do you ever relax, woman?”
“This is relaxing.”
The fact that she was bored doing it was irrelevant. This was the next book on her reading list — a list that focused strictly on self-development and business growth. Always improving and finding ways to better lead their team was a point of pride for Cassie.
Walking over to the bookshelves, Brody pulled off a couple. “While I applaud your personal development time — don’t get me wrong, it’s an important area of life — but you might turn work off better with something fun to read. You said you were taking the day off. When’s the last time you took in a good adventure, thriller, or romance novel?”
“Romance?” Cassie cringed at the suggestion. The last time she’d read a romance might have been in college.
“Thought so. Try one of these instead.” Dropping the books into her lap, he tapped one of them. “Spy thriller. This one was really good.” His phone rang, and Brody pulled it out to check the display. “I need to take this, baby.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Might be a while.”
Cassie settled in with the new book. She could try something different. She used to read for fun all the time, instead of just learning. And damn him, Brody had a point. Within the first few pages, the plot sucked her in, and by chapter three, Cassie was buried in another world.
Brody found her in the early afternoon — after his call ran way longer than expected — feet kicked up on the back of the sofa and her head in the book. Pleased to see Cassie actually relaxing, he left her to it and went to go brainstorm a romantic evening for the two of them. Surprising her with a night out and music seemed perfect.