Page Notes ~ Worth Every Risk

Today’s Page Notes is a little taste from Worth Every Risk, Rowan, Book #1. Enjoy.

“I’m glad you liked my surprise Cal,” a sexy alto voice said from the door.

Glancing towards it, he took in Cass standing in the doorway in her children clothing and pigtails. She looked so cute. Beckoning her to him, he saw the devilish grin curve her lips before she ran to him and jumped in his lap. He let out a grunt then a groan as she elbowed him in the stomach. He pulled her against his side and held her tightly. She laughed and calmed down resting her head on his shoulder. They gazed at the tree for a few minutes.

“When are you leaving?’ Cass asked breaking the silence.

“Wednesday morning. Jarrod is meeting me here so we can go to his place together. Oh, he told me to let you know he’s sorry he didn’t get to meet you but you’d meet in the New Year.”

She nodded. She would be in Chicago and he would be here in Rowan for the New Year.

He looked down at her auburn hair and said, “I have something for you.”

She looked up at him in question. Unconsciously his eyes dropped to her lips. She let out a sound making his eyes jerk up to meet hers. An unfathomable look was in her gaze.

Clearing his throat, he pulled away and stood. “Excuse me.”

Hurrying from the room, he went up-stairs to his bedroom. Calhoun took a shaky breath. He cursed himself for almost kissing Cass. She was his friend. His little sis. A big brother did not lust after his sis.

She’s not you real sister.

Ignoring the thought, he retrieved her gift and went back downstairs to the living room. Entering he saw she was still sitting on the couch with a slight smile curving her full lips. Debating for a second if he should sit in the chair Calhoun decided not to as she looked at him. He walked over to her and sat next to her.

Smiling he handed her the gift. “Merry Christmas, little sis.”

She frowned briefly then the smile returned. Gently she took the bulky box and shook it. No noise could be heard. He smiled in anticipation.

With eagerness, she started to rip open her gift. He grabbed it from her.

“Hey it’s not Christmas yet.”

She snatched it back. He went to take it back. She held it away.

“Unless you want me to hurt you, leave it. I want to open my gift with you. Since we will be
in separate states after tomorrow it has to be now. If you want to wait that’s up to you.”
He looked around. “I don’t see anything for me.”

She had placed her gift back on her lap and was busy opening it.

“It’s over there.” She waved her hand towards the alcove by the tree.

Eagerly he rose and went to the place she pointed to. He stopped as he saw the huge box. Testing it to pick it up he was surprised it wasn’t as heavy as he assumed. Taking it back towards her, he saw she was on the floor with a look of frustration on her face. He laughed as she glared at him. Around her the floor was littered with boxes in each smaller than the next.

Growling Cass said, “This had better be good.”

He sat and crossed his legs placing his hand under his chin as he watched her tackle the box.
She growled louder as another box was revealed.

She looked at him narrowly. “You think you’re funny.”

Laughing he nodded.

She waved the medium sized box she had in her hand threateningly before opening it. Her gasp of shock made him grin.

Her hands shook as she took out the crystal figurine. She turned it and sunlight shot through it. Her collection of figurines had inspired him.

Looking at it, he was again swept away with the detailing of the figurine he had his buddy Zarek make specially for her. It was the day they had went hiking and as she stood in the setting sun, he had taken a picture of her with her leg resting on a rock with a look of contentment on her face. Zarek had captured her perfectly from the picture. She looked up and the tears in her eyes made his grin widen.

“Look at the inscription.” He urged her.

She turned it over and read it out loud. “To Cass, the best little sis a guy could have. Cal.”

Slowly without looking at him she placed the figurine gently back in the box and closed it. Confused he watched her. She looked up at him and he was surprised at the anger he saw on her face. She stood stiffly. Without a word, she swept up her coat, the box and went to the door. He got up and rushed after her.

“Cass where are you going? Come on speak to me.” He grabbed her arm.

She jerked away from him and turned to face him.

“What do I mean to you Cal?”