PROLOGUE
“Home sweet…home.”Cassie Montgomery released a very unladylike grunt as she jerked the wheeled suitcase over the threshold. One blind kick of her high-heeled foot later, and the door slammed shut behind her.
Shivering from the cold, rumbling storm that had fallen over the city of Seattle, she used one shoulder to try to wipe away the damp strands of her long, blonde hair that had gotten stuck against her cheeks. Rain was a regularly scheduled part of life in this section of the country, but damn. It waspouringout there.
And cold.
Even my goosebumps had goosebumps.
Letting the purse and bag that were slung over her right shoulder fall, they landed with a soft thud against the decorative floor runner beneath her heels. After entering her security system’s code and assuring the locks snicked into place, Cassie unbuttoned the front of her long wool coat as she toed off the uncomfortable as hell shoes.
She flung them to the side, uncaring of where they landed while also silently promising to pick them up later. Flipping on the lights, she looked around with a heavy sigh.
The space truly was beautiful. Large. Elegant. Timeless in its European design and mixture of granite, walnut, marble, and slate.
Coveted by many, the five-thousand square foot house was the nicest in the neighborhood. Every aspect from roof to foundation had been carefully chosen. Each piece specific in its placement and purpose.
Even she had to admit it was impressive. And the views from the structure’s massive western windows were captivating. But it wasn’t ahome.
Not to Cassie.
For her, the structure was little more than a glorified prison. One disguised as something most people could only dream of owning. The problem with coveting thy neighbor, however, was never truly knowing what went on behind closed doors.
And in her experience, the fancier the doors…the uglier the secrets.
So many secrets.
Taking in a deep, cleansing breath, she shook the melancholy mood away and grabbed the purse, carry-on, and suitcase. Heading barefoot up the gorgeous walnut staircase a few feet to her left, Cassie reached the top and entered through the first set of double doors she came to.
The master suite had once been a space she’d oohed and awed over. Now she ignored the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Elliot Bay, dropping the purse and carry-on onto her king-sized bed while rolling the suitcase to a stop where she stood.
With a quick press to a button on the wall closest to her, she activated the room’s electronic shades. Cassie waited a few seconds longer before flipping on the lights.
Thanks to the night sky and rumbling storm, it was unlikely anyone was out on the water or walking the shoreline below.But that still didn’t keep her from feeling creeped out at the merethoughtof someone being able to see her from the outside looking in.
Walking past the generous seating area next to the windows on her right, she headed through yet another opened doorway. The bare soles of Cassie’s feet hit the en suite bathroom’s cool marble tile just as her phone dinged with an incoming text.
Her steps faltered before stopping altogether. Spinning around, she went back into the bedroom where her purse still lay. Giving it a quick unzip, she reached in and pulled out her phone.
Cassie smiled when she saw her best friend Lori’s name attached to the message…
Hey, you sexy bitch! You make it home yet, or did your plane float away with all the rain?
With a soft chuckle, she immediately responded…
Just got into the house. Landing was a bit rough due to the storm, but okay flight otherwise. Glad to be home.
Lori’s reply came through seconds later…
I bet! You crashing for the night, or are you staying up for a bit?
Her heart warmed knowing her friend was probably going to offer to come over to keep her company. Lori had done that a lot since Cassie’s split from her soon-to-be ex-husband. She was a sweet friend like that.
But it had been a long trip with two delays before take-off, and all she wanted was to take a hot shower, have a glass of wine, and to fall asleep in her very own bed. Which is exactly what Cassie texted back to the woman who knew her better than anyone else in the whole wide world…
Cassie:I’m beat. Gonna shower and head to bed. Early office day tomorrow.
She didn’t have to explain that last part. Lori would understand.