Welcome to the Cassadines: Book II of Kismet

Chapter Thirteen

***The Hunter and the Hunted***

Her secretary buzzed the intercom and Dara nearly jumped out of her skin. She jabbed the button to speak. "Yes, Marion?"

Please, God, no more flowers, Dara prayed. She tapped her pen nervously on her legal pad. Please, God.

"Your mother is here," the efficient secretary replied. "I wasn't sure if I should show her in or not."

"Please do," Dara said. A feeling of relief washed over her. She supposed she wasn't handling the present situation well, but it wasn't like she'd ever experienced anything like it. Here she was, a married woman being wooed and pursued by her best friend. How did that happen? Why was it happening?

Seconds later, her mother, looking stylish in one of her tailored creations, entered Dara's office. Dara rose and met her mother in the center of the room. They hugged and joined hands. Carrie's smile was so wide and happy that Dara wondered if her mother's cheeks hurt.

"I am so proud of you!" Carrie gushed. "This office is beautiful, baby. Your secretary seems nice and those flowers... Those flowers just fill the space with color and a fresh fragrance."

Dara was happy with her mother's approval until she commented on the flowers. Releasing her mother's hand, she moved to lean against her desk. "Thanks, Mama."

"What's wrong with you?" the older woman asked. "What did I say? Of course, I was proud of you as the ADA, but going off on your own... That takes a lot of encourage, sweetie. It makes me happy that you're strong enough to do it."

"That's not it," Dara said. "It's... I don't know how to start."

"Maybe you need a different environment," Carrie suggested. "I came to treat you to lunch. How about Doll Baby's on Eighth. If we leave now, we can beat the lunch crowd. You know how I hate to stand in line."

Dara smiled. "Yes, Mama, I know."

They took Carrie's car to the restaurant. Bea, one of the owners, greeted them with a smile. She asked Carrie if she wanted her usual table in the back and Dara's mother nodded. Bea informed them that a waitress would be with them shortly and asked if they wanted anything to drink. Carrie ordered a glass of passion fruit iced tea while Dara asked for a cup of a steaming herbal blend. Bea promptly returned with both.

"Herbal tea?" Carrie questioned as her daughter added lemon and sugar to the beverage. "Something must be wrong. Tell Mama all about it."

"I will, but you must promise to be objection."

Carrie's eyebrows shot up. "Aren't I always?"

The waitress came and took their order. With no more interruptions expected until their orders arrived, Dara confided, "Those flowers at the office are daily gifts from Mac."

"Excuse me? As in Mac Scorpio? Why is he sending you flowers every day?"

Dara refrained from rolling her eyes. "Why do you think?"

"I know what I'm thinking," Carrie replied, "but I hope I'm wrong. Are you and he...?"

"Of course not!" Dara sputtered. "I happen to love my husband."

"You love your husband, but another man is sending you flowers every day." Carrie reached across the table and patted Dara's hand. "Sweetie, something isn't adding up. What is really going? And please don't insult both of us by beating around the bush."

"Mac is interested in me, and no, I have not encouraged him," Dara defended herself. "It seems the more I tell him no, the more he persists."

"Have you told Zarek?"