Caitlyn opened up the envelope. She held up the platinum credit card with her name written on the front of it. “What’s my limit?”
“There’s no limit.”
“Get out of here. Now you know better than telling a woman she has no limit on a credit card.” She winked.
“I trust you won’t go overboard.”
“But you don’t know that.”
“You’re always within budget on your projects.”
“That’s business. You’re talking about me having access to anything I want without having to worry about a limit.” She closed her eyes and opened them back up. “This is better than an orgasm.” She shivered.
“If I would have known I would get this type of reaction, I would have given you a card last week.”
Caitlyn placed the card back in the envelope before putting it in her purse. “I’m going to have fun with this. First thing I’m getting is a new outfit. I need to find me something to wear to our engagement party. We should coordinate our colors.”
“I had planned on wearing a gray suit. Nothing too fancy, but debonair.”
“I’ll find me a smoky gray dress that’ll knock your socks off.”
He sipped his drink. “You’ll look good in whatever you wear.”
She smiled but looked away. She looked back at him. “This seems real.”
He reached over the table and touched her hand. “It is real. We can have many more nights like this.”
She stared into his eyes. He sensed she was feeling the same thing he felt; a desire that went beyond the physical. They connected in more ways than one. He wanted to explore the feelings she stirred in him, but didn’t want to get hurt. Would his fantasizing become a reality? He hoped to find out soon.
Chapter 15
The next two weeks went by in a blur. She spent a lot of time trying to cover her tracks so the number fudging on a few projects couldn’t be traced back to her. Although the rumor mill had her seeing Blake, they were not aware that the party they were invited to was to announce her and Blake’s upcoming nuptials.
Her time was also limited because Blake insisted they get together a few times so they could learn more about each other. She wasn’t too thrilled about it, but knew if they were going to pull it off, the more she knew, the more convincing she would sound when talking to others.
A few days before the event, he surprised her with a candlelight dinner at his house. She didn’t want to admit it to him, but she loved his mini-mansion. The house seemed too big for two people, let alone one person. Moving in with him, would be one of the few perks she enjoyed. It was big enough for them each to have their own suites.
Caitlyn fantasized about her life in the Banks mansion. She felt guilty for getting caught up in the excitement. Blake snapped her out of her fantasy. “Do you think it would hurt you to show a little more enthusiasm?” he asked. “We are supposed to be getting married.”
“What would you like me to do? I promise to smile and pretend like I’m overjoyed,” she said, sarcastically, while rolling her eyes.
“Follow me.” He reached for her hand.
She took it and followed him into a room beautifully decorated with roses of various colors. “All of this for me.” She let go of his hand and walked over to get a closer view and smell of the flowers.
“Are these enough flowers for you?”
“Beautiful. Okay, you get a few brownie points for this move.”
“Wow. I finally did something right.” Blake clapped.
“You’re not too bad.” Caitlyn hated to admit that Blake would make a good boyfriend. A part of her wished the whole ordeal was real.
“How about a toast?” he walked to the bar and came back with a bottle of Moet and two flutes.
They sat down on the soft leather couch. She waited for him to pour his glass and they toasted. “To a new chapter of our lives,” she said, as they clicked glasses, each taking a sip of their drink.
Blake placed his glass down on the table. He picked up one of the roses and handed it to Caitlyn. “To my future wife.”
She sniffed the rose. Something sparkling caught her eye. She put her drink down and used her free hand to remove the ring lodged in between the rose petals. She held it up and inspected it. “This is big.”
“Caitlyn, would you do me the honor and accept this ring as a symbol of our commitment to one another?” Blake took the ring from Caitlyn’s hand and placed it on her finger. “It looks beautiful.” His eyes seemed to twinkle as he said, “Just like you.”
Caitlyn cleared her throat. “Sure. I mean we have to look the part don’t we.” She moved her hand away. Caitlyn wasn’t expecting Blake to act romantic. She sure didn’t expect the gorgeous ring. She knew he would get her something but this ring was huge.
She stood up and pretended to view the other flowers. It was only an excuse to get out of Blake’s close view. She didn’t want him to see her vulnerability. If he touched her, she would lose her reserves and they would end up in bed and it would mess up her whole world. She had to get away and now.
“Blake. The ring. I love it, but it’s time that you take me home.”
“It’s still early. What’s the big rush?”
‘It’s ten o’clock. Some of us have to work.”
“I thought you were taking Friday off.”
She did. Now she had to come up with another excuse. “I have a full day of pampering and I need my beauty rest.”
He stood up and reached for her. She jumped back almost knocking over a vase. He caught her just in time. Their eyes locked. Blake said, “I’ll take you home.”
The ride home seemed long. Neither one said much to the other. Blake refused to let her walk up to her apartment by herself. She didn’t want to argue so she walked first with him close behind.
Caitlyn unlocked her door. She held up her hand. “Thanks again for the beautiful ring.”
Blake took her hand and kissed it sending chills through her body. “This is only the beginning. Let’s ride with the feeling.”
She jerked her hand away. “I’ll see you on Saturday night.”
“I’ll be by to pick you up around six.”
“Until then.” Caitlyn surprised both of them when she kissed Blake on the lips.
Chapter 16
The Opal, a hot Dallas night spot, usual Friday night crowd seemed to be doubled. Blake said “excuse me” many times before making it to the table Trent reserved. He wasn’t surprised to see a couple of beautiful women hanging off Trent’s arms when he approached.
Trent stood up and gave him dap. “This here is my man Blake. Blake this is. Forgive me ladies.”
“Cassie,” the one with long brown tresses said, while extending her hand.
The blond haired one brushed Cassie’s hand away and said, “And I’m Mindy.”
“Nice meeting you both.” He removed his jacket and placed it around the chair before taking a seat.
Trent said, “Blake’s about to get married.”
“The good ones are always taken,” Mindy said, as she pushed her chair closer to Blake. “But maybe we could have a little fun before you take the plunge.”
Blake moved his chair back some. “I’ll have to pass.”
“Darn.” Mindy stood up. “Cassie. I’ll catch you later. I have some more mingling to do.”
Cassie said, “Don’t pay her any attention. She just broke up with her man and she’s looking to get laid.”
Blake looked at Trent. Trent shrugged his shoulders. He motioned for the waitress. She rushed over. “Give my man here anything he wants and put it on my tab.”
He ordered his usual Heineken and sat back and observed Trent and Cassie’s public display of affection. Cassie’s voluptuous assets were enough to make any man drool and he bet Trent hadn’t taken the time to find out what else she had to offer but a good time. He found himself thinking about Caitlyn. The way she licked her lips or the way she tilted her head right before letting out a hearty laugh.
And her dimples. He wanted to dive into them. The twinkle in her eyes which alerted him she was teasing him.
“Man, isn’t she a cutie?”
Blake wasn’t aware Cassie had left. His mind filled with thoughts of Caitlyn. His eyes followed Trent’s gaze. “She’s alright.”
“Man, you know she’s a dime piece.”
“I got it bad and I don’t know what to do.”
“You haven’t hit it yet?”
“I don’t kiss and tell. You know that.”
“I sure would like to kiss that and would tell the world.” Trent pointed in the direction of the door.
Blake turned around. “Man, that’s my girl. I mean Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn, accompanied by Tasha, wore a black mini dress that clung to each one of her curves accenting her ample breasts. The four inch black leather boots made her look even sexier.“No wonder she got you swearing off other women.” Trent held up his bottle of beer. “You the man.”
“She didn’t mention going out tonight.”
“Whose the woman with her?”
“She’s one of my employees.”
Before he could tell him more, Cassie had returned to the table. She plopped down in Trent’s lap. “Miss me?”
“Of course.”
“Three’s a crowd. I’m about to go mingle.”
Blake made his way through the crowd. Caitlyn and Tasha were no longer in sight. He stood by the door and scanned the room. He spotted them at one of the bars. “Hi baby,” he said, loud enough for the man trying to push up on her could hear. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek.
“This is?” the other man asked.
Before Caitlyn could respond, Blake said, “Her man.” He extended his hand out. The guy shook it. “I guess I’ll be moving along.”
“Yes, you do that,” Blake said, as he possessively put his arm around Caitlyn’s shoulder.
She laughed. “Jealous are we?”
“It’s not funny.”
She pulled him closer. “Lighten up. You’re taking this fiancé thing too seriously.”
“Where’s your ring by the way?”
“I didn’t feel like explaining anything to Tasha yet, so it’s at home.”
Tasha walked up to the bar. “Hi boss.”
“You can call me Blake.” He shook her hand. “What are you ladies drinking?”
“Virgin daiquiri for me,” Caitlyn said, taking a sip of the drink she held in her hand.
Tasha said, “Long Island iced tea. I’ve had a hell of week. I need a little something stronger.”
Blake pulled out a hundred dollar bill and handed it to Tasha. “Drink up. Now let me steal your friend away.”
“She’s yours.”
“Traitor,” Caitlyn yelled.
Tasha took Caitlyn’s drink and pulled her out of her chair. “Dance with the man.”
Caitlyn looked between the two of them. “You both leave me no choice.”
As if on cue, the music slowed down. One of his favorite Luther slow jams blasted through the room. He pulled Caitlyn closer to him. She relaxed and laid her head on his chest as they moved to the beat of the music. He inhaled the fresh floral scent of her hair. He whispered, “I’m so glad you’re mine.”
She responded as if on beat with the lyrics of the song, “If only for one year.”
He grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor after the deejay sped it up with one of the latest hot dance songs. Trent and Cassie were no longer at their reserved table. He pulled out a chair. Caitlyn sat down exposing more of her legs as her dress crept up when she sat down.
Blake hoped Caitlyn couldn’t see the imprint of his pants. He shifted in his chair until he got comfortable. Blake hated to admit it, but his attraction to Caitlyn went deeper than lust. An internal tug of war between lust and love made it hard for him to ignore what his heart felt.
Chapter 17
Caitlyn thought her night out on the town with Tasha would be interesting, but she didn’t expect to run into Blake. The more she was around him, the more she found herself being swept up in his make believe world. Their first slow dance was to one of her favorite Luther songs. Now here they sat next to each other in a crowded club but to her, it was as if they were the only two in the building.
A man and a woman sat down at their table. The man extended his hand.
“I’m Blake’s best friend. Trent.”
The woman didn’t act too friendly. She could barely hear her say, “Cassie.”
Blake said, “Trent and I were hanging out before the big party.”
Caitlyn listened as Blake and Trent went back and forth. Trent reminded her of Tasha, who she hadn’t been able to locate since being thrust onto the dance floor with Blake.
“So you’re the fiancé?” Cassie asked.
“Yes and you’re Trent’s wife? Girlfriend?”
“Neither right now, but I’m working on it.” Cassie smiled and turned her attention back towards Trent.
Blake cleared his throat. “Look at the time. Trent. I’ll see you tomorrow. Dear, you want to follow me.”
Caitlyn immediately saw through Cassie. Women like her had no problems using their assets to get what they wanted. She had met many women like Cassie. Some were the cause of her relationships ending prematurely. Cassie reminded her of the woman she caught Byron with. She hoped Trent was smart enough to see through her act.
Blake touched her on the arm. She responded. “You go right ahead. I’m waiting on Tasha.”
“I’ll help you look for her.”
Blake stood up and helped move her chair. She gave in to his demands. “Nice meeting you Trent.”
He waved at her.
“You know she’s only after his money,” she said, as soon as they walked away.
“You don’t have to worry about him. Trent’s only after the booty.”
“That figures,” she said, as she playfully hit him on the shoulder.
They walked through the crowd. Liquid splashed and hit her skirt. She moved back. “Darn it.” She attempted to wipe her skirt.
“If it isn’t the tramp and her boss,” Charles slurred, in his drunken state.
Blake jumped in front of Caitlyn blocking her from him. “Man, I think you better chill.”
“Or what? Pay me off.” He stumbled forward.
Caitlyn tried to pull Blake away, but he wouldn’t bulge. They stood at a standstill. Finally, Blake said, “Cat. Come on.”
She heard Charles yell obscenities as they walked away. She tried her best to ignore him. Tasha walked towards them as they made their way to one of the bars. “I saw what just happened,” she said, as she leaned close to Caitlyn.
“Girl, I don’t know what I ever saw in him with his drunk behind.”
“If you’re ready to go, I can leave and take you home.”
Blake intervened. “I can take her home.”
“You sure? Is that okay with you?” Tasha looked at Caitlyn.
“Stay. I’ll ride with Blake.”
“I was hoping you said that. See the tall cutie over there. He might be the one.”
Caitlyn laughed. “Girl, every man you meet might be the one.”
They hugged each other and said their good byes. Her night out on the town didn’t end the way she expected but she did get to take home her own tall cutie. She grabbed Blake’s hand and led him outside. They walked hand in hand to his SUV.
“So how long have you and Trent been friends?”
“Since as long as I can remember. He’s like the brother I never had.”
“Does he know about me? About us?”
By now Blake’s hit the highway towards her place. “He knows about us.”
“Everything?”
“Just about.”
For the most part, Caitlyn really didn’t care what people thought; but for some reason it bothered her Blake’s friend knew details about their arrangement. She reached over and turned up the volume of the stereo.
&nb
sp; Blake turned the volume down. “I thought we had a nice time tonight. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Yes, there is. Are you hurting because of Charles?”
Caitlyn laughed. “Please. Charles can kiss my behind.”
“Then what is it?”
“Just take me home,” she snapped. She turned her head away.
He turned the music back up. He didn’t try to talk to her again until they reached her apartment. He opened her car door and followed her to the stairway. “I’ll say my good night here. I don’t want to fight with you.”
“You’re welcome to come up.”
“I’ll pass.”
“Suit yourself.” She felt disappointed, but she didn’t blame him. She had snapped at him, but it wasn’t his fault she was hurting. She desired love—real love and knowing she was going into a loveless marriage hurt.
Caitlyn flipped the lights on in her apartment. It was late, but she wasn’t sleepy. The need for male companionship overrode her need for revenge. She regretted Blake didn’t accept her invitation. The knock on the door startled her. Maybe Blake changed his mind. She peeped through the hole and was disappointed to see it wasn’t Blake.
“Charles, what do you want?”
“Let me in so we can talk.”
“I’m all talked out.”
“I’m sorry about what happened at the club.”
“Whatever. Just go away.”
“Caitlyn, open this door now.” He started beating on the door.
“You better hope one of my neighbors don’t call the cops on you.”
“Either you open the door or I’m camping out.”
Charles behavior wasn’t normal. He was the one who took money to break up with her, but he acted as if she was the one who broke up with him. Not sure if he was serious or not, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep with him outside her door. She contemplated on whether to call the police. She made a phone call.
“Blake, I need you,” she blurted as soon as he answered his cell phone. She explained to him about Charles.
“I’m on my way. Don’t open the door.”
Betrayed by Trust Page 7