Between Hearts: A Romance Anthology

by Alexander, Erica

  Thursday morning Ben witnessed just how grumpy Cassie was when she was forced to wake up. Fortunately, coffee arrived a mere five minutes later and by the second cup, she gave Ben a quick grin as she started to get ready for the day.

  Ben was disappointed she had to take breakfast to go again, but he did get to see the sexy pale green bra and brief set she put on and he zipped her into the cute pink dress. He also rather have most of the day with her on Friday over an hour for breakfast. He rode to work with her then went home to search for the drawing she admired and wanted.

  Four hours of searching netted Ben nothing and he took a break for lunch and to check in at work with Abbey. “Ben who is this mystery girl?”

  “She’s not a mystery to me.”

  “Stop being an arse and spill. All I know is that her name is Cassie or Cassandra.”

  “See, she’s no longer a mystery to you if you know her name.”

  “Ben! You have been virtually useless all week. When you aren’t completely distracted, you are blowing off work on a whim.”

  “I’m the boss Abbey, and that means I can set my own schedule.”

  “I might let that fly if Evan was here but he’s not. You’ve left me in charge of Thorton and Hines.”

  “You can handle it, Abs.”

  “Thank you for that vote of confidence, but I’m still not satisfied. Did you meet her in New York?”

  “Technically, yes.”

  “She has to be a brunette, pretty and intelligent or you never would have noticed her. Where did you meet?”

  Ben chuckled, “Abs, were you with MI6 before I hired you?”

  “I wish since I would have broken you by now. I’ll call your mum.”

  “Abigail, my mum has no idea I’ve even met someone. Call her and you won’t have a job on Monday.”

  “You are no fun Benedict Thorton!”

  “I’m your boss, I don’t need to be fun. Call it quits at noon tomorrow and goodbye.” Ben hung up before Abbey could ask him anything else.

  Cassandra was grateful when her day was done and quickly said goodbye to everyone. Ben was waiting for her with Albert, and they stopped off at a Thai restaurant to pick up the order Ben had placed. Ben and Cassie shared a feast on the table in her room then went downstairs for a drink at the American Bar.

  Cassie went to the ladies and returned to find an attractive blonde with lots of cleavage attempting to pick Ben up. She was jealous for a second until she noticed Ben’s body language. He was completely closed off to her and kept looking towards the loo. When their eyes met, he mouthed help to Cassie and then told the woman she was in his girlfriends seat.

  “Sorry but he is mine. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.” Cassie snapped.

  Cassie loved Friday. She got to sleep in until eleven and after pizza Ben took her to feed the squirrels in Green Park for a few hours. He had thought to bring a big bag of shelled peanuts with him. Cassie also loved that one of her favorite pastimes was quickly becoming his.

  “Ben this afternoon has been so lovely. Did you notice we are the only ones feeding them, though? Who is going to take care of them when I’m gone?”

  “I promise to come out here and keep them fed in your absence.”

  “Oh Ben, that is so sweet of you. Thank you.” Cassie plopped down in his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck then kissed him as if he had just saved her entire family from a fire. Ben continued the kiss until he felt pressure on his knee.

  “Cass, we still have a customer.”

  Cassie looked down to find the black squirrel they had named Sirus waiting for dessert. He was the only one who trusted them enough to jump right on the bench and eat out of their hands.

  While Cassie was talking to Sirus, Ben took a calming breath and knew he’d be there at least once a week. Ben enjoyed the silence and commune with nature. Instead of thinking about work or Cassie leaving he concentrated on finding furry customers.

  Ben showed Cassie his Chelsie flat then put her to work searching through his sketch books. When neither of them had found the Vanity sketch after two hours, Cassie suggested they have a drink and then she would help him in the kitchen. They pulled the tails off the shrimp feeding each other a few along the way then Cassie chopped up some fresh cilantro while he cooked linguine and heated up a pan with butter, garlic, white wine and a dash of olive oil. Ben tossed the remaining shrimp with the cilantro and some lemon juice before adding the cooked pasta. Cassie picked out a slightly sweet white wine while he plated their dinner and they dined in the cozy breakfast nook that overlooked the small garden in the back.

  “Ben, does your little yard mean you don’t have access to a gated park?”

  “No, I have a key too, and they are called Garden Squares. Next time you come we can have a picnic there.”

  “You’ve got a date, Mr. Thorton.”

  Ben made sure to get Cassie back to the hotel by ten since he was picking her up at nine the next morning for their special date. After spending half an hour kissing at the hotel door, Ben agreed to bring her an extra large coffee when he picked her up. Cassie fell asleep wondering what on earth Ben had planned.

  Chapter Six

  Cassie looked at her watch and scowled at the time. Nine was a horrid time to be awake on a Saturday morning. Ben had promised her she would love their special date so she took her shower before bed so she could sleep in longer. She was counting on Ben showing up at her door in ten minutes with coffee and scones. She paired a simple white T-shirt with her pink sweater and jeans with her pink heels, put on sunscreen in case they would be outdoors and added some eyeshadow and a light Tickle Me Pink lipstick.

  A knock on the door made her smile. Truth be told, she was eager to get the coffee he would be bearing. Cassie opened the door and kissed Ben on the cheek as she removed the cup from his hand.

  “Cassandra, one would think you care more about that coffee than you do me.”

  “I adore you Benedict, but I can’t live without coffee.”

  “You wound me, Miss Devane.”

  “Oh please. Suck it up Buttercup!”

  Ben stuck his tongue out at Cassie, put down the box of treats and took a long sip of his own coffee. He sat down on the wingback chair and checked Cassie out. The ponytail that swished as she walked pleased him. Ben admired how her legs looked in the form fitting jeans and gave her ass a playful smack when she walked by him.

  Cassie blushed the moment his hand made contact with her jeans. There was something about the pressure he used that made her feel naughty. It wasn’t too hard or too light, it was just right and gave her a little thrill that made her blush.

  Ben took another sip of his coffee and spoke,” You look beautiful, but you need to wear trainers. Lots of walking, standing and wandering around today.”

  “I’ll bring a pair of folding black flats, but I feel more comfortable walking around in these. I wear them all the time, and I’m less likely to turn my ankle. Sounds strange I know but trust me.”

  “OK, just don’t start complaining about your feet killing you,” Ben teased.

  Cassie huffed, “If I complain you are going to enjoy it or else. Off with your head!”

  “Are you positive you weren’t a dominatrix in a former life?”

  “Ha, I’m a little bossy that’s all,” Cassie replied with a grin.

  “That I believe. Please finish your breakfast we have a train to catch.”

  “A train? Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.”

  “Let the record show that this is cruel.”

  “You will be singing a different tune when we arrive at our final destination. Now eat please.”

  When the cab pulled up to Euston Station, Cassie started racking her brain to figure out where they were going. Ben ignored her questions and kissed her instead. When they arrived at Watford Junction by some small miracle, she didn’t notice the departing express bus that took passengers to their final location.

 
; “Cassie, could you look for my last name? I have a driver waiting for us.”

  Her gaze landed on a shiny black Bentley, and she started walking in its direction just to check the car out. Her father had an appreciation for top of the line cars, his favorite being the Bentley. Ben noticed the driver was actually holding up his name and followed Cassie.”Wow, how are you with files? I should get you to find everything in my life.”

  “Huh?”

  “This is our car, Cassie.”

  “No way! I got to sit behind the wheel of one once as a child.”

  “Would you like to recreate that moment and I’ll take a picture?”

  “That would be lovely Ben. I’ll e-mail a copy of it to my dad; this is his all-time favorite car.”

  Ten minutes later they were on their way. Cassie sat back on the plush leather seat committing the interior of the car to memory so she could report back to her father. Once that was accomplished, she pretended to be Princess Kate, practicing her royal wave until she bopped Ben in the nose. He took her hand and held it in his. The ride continued on for a minute or two longer before making its final stop.

  "Cassie let me open the door for you.” Ben jumped out of the car to assist her.

  Cassie stepped out into the bright sun, blinked then let out a shriek of pure joy and started jumping up and down. “Oh my God, this is the best day ever!! I love you, Ben!” She flung herself into his arms.

  Ben knew she would be happy with his selection, but her enthusiasm was a surprise. She was jumping so much that he decided to lift her off her feet and swing her for a few seconds to calm her down. Then his brain and heart got in a little tussle. His brain said that she only declared her love because he picked the perfect place. His heart argued that there was a slight possibility that the date sealed the deal, and she was actually in love with him. Brain was about to put forth another argument when Cassie gave him a long-passion filled kiss.

  “I can’t believe we’re going on The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour. I’ve tried to come before, but the timing never worked out. Can we go in now?”

  “Sure, our tour starts at eleven. You can check out the shop or grab another coffee at the studio café.”

  “How long is the tour?”

  “You have until they close at seven tonight. I thought you’d like to have tea for two instead of lunch.”

  “That sounds like a plan to me. I love you for thinking of this. I’ve been to Universal Orlando, but Levensdale is where it was actually all shot. Short of having tea with J.K. herself this is nirvana for a diehard fan like me.”

  I told you she loved the idea not you, Brain said while his Heart sank a little bit. Ben’s internal soap opera stopped when Cassie took his hand.

  “I want to share all my enthusiasm and the endless tidbits of trivia with you. Ben, I’m going to introduce you to my inner geek, and I hope you really like her.”

  “I’m sure I’ll adore your inner geek. Let’s get this magical day started.”

  With every step, she took, Cassie’s body felt like a live wire. She held onto Ben’s hand to keep her grounded as her exuberance made her feel like she could float away. She knew her mouth would be sore from smiling the entire time they were there. She started swinging her arm, and a little skip broke out which made Ben chuckle. “I’d swear you were six. All you’re missing is a balloon.”

  “A six-year-old wouldn’t reward you the way I will tonight.” Cassie pivoted and twirled around. “I wonder what we’ll get to see?”

  “I can tell you a few things I remember from my research, but I think you’ll have more fun if it’s a surprise.”

  As soon as they entered the main lobby, Cassie began to gawk at the giant portraits of the actors taken in character. Ben followed along and wrapped his arms around her as soon as he noticed Alan Rickman’s Snape was next. Cassie made the sign of the cross and whispered a short prayer before leaning back against Ben and taking a deep breath. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

  “He was quite the actor.”

  Cassie turned around in his arms and rested her forehead near his heart, “I’m going to celebrate his life not feel sad. I loved sarcastic Snape.”

  “Good. How about we check in and get this tour started?”

  The tour began with a movie on the making of all eight movies, the use of special effects and how the set designers created the permanent sets that were now on display. Ben had booked a digital guidebook for them both which enriched their entire experience. They took in everything in the Great Hall and then the tour became a personal one. Cassie took Ben’s hand and led him over to Dumbledore’s study where she was fascinated by the Pensieve bowl.

  Ben was soon reading every description too. He loved watching how Cassie studied and absorbed everything with a child’s eye. For almost an hour Ben was sure she was not going to take a break. Their stomachs rumbled at the same time as they were heading back to the Studio Café. He laughed when she finally said she needed that high tea.

  Cassie had taken advantage of every possible stop to get a picture: with the Knight Bus, in front of number 4 Privet Drive, outside Hagrid’s Hut and on his motorbike. She stood before Hogwarts Express and told Ben all about the journey she took on the one at Universal Orlando.

  On the way out, Ben went to buy Cassie the souvenir guidebook while she had her picture taken riding a broomstick. Cassie bought herself a few souvenirs and a few notebooks to thank Ben for making her dreams come true.”These are for you Ben, I’m sure you can do some type of drawing in them.”

  “Thank you, Cassie, but my reward was watching your eyes light up the entire time we were on the tour. I’ve never seen anyone enjoy themselves as much as you did today. Now I’ll have to go buy all the movies so I can pop one in when I miss you.”

  “I am going to miss you terribly, but I know where I’m going to take you when you visit me.”

  “I’ve never been to the top of the Empire State Building.”

  “We’ll have to rectify that, but that is not our date.”

  “Now who is a big tease? You know I’m going to try to figure it out.”

  “Bring it Benedict but you will be as surprised as I was. Will you stay with me tonight? I want to fall asleep in your arms and wake up in them.”

  “Mmm, waking up with you Thursday morning was quite enjoyable. I’d love to spend every moment with you until you have to go. I asked Albert to pick you up on Sunday, and I planned on going with you for the ride.”

  “I was hoping you would take the liberty. What was your favorite part of today?”

  “Watching you act like a kid on Christmas morning. It made me feel a deeper connection to you. What was your favourite part?”

  “Every second of it, though it was cool when the girl that was giving us the extra sneak peek part of the tour let me hold the Philosopher's Stone. I’ll never forget today Ben, thank you.”

  “You are welcome my Sweet Cass.” Ben left a soft kiss on her lips. “Now I’m going to take you for the best Butter Chicken and Naan in London.”

  “Yum!”

  Ben made sure that not only was dinner delicious but that it was full of gentle caresses, hand holding, and meaningful eye contact. His goal was to make Cassie feel like a princess, and he succeeded. Cassie seemed to glide into the hotel giving Ben one more idea of how they could cap off their best day ever. Fiddling with the radio in her room he found a station playing classical hits and asked her to dance to George Gershwin’s ‘Someone To Watch Over Me.’ Cassie melted into his arms, and they continued to dance until a commercial interrupted the flow.

  “Would you care for a chocolate? I have two left.”

  “Save them for tomorrow, Cassie then you can wake up with something sweet on your tongue.”

  “Speaking of my tongue, I’d like to get my mouth wrapped around you. A little forget-me-not and thank you for today.”

  “Cassie, you don’t have to…”

  “I know, but I want to,” Cassie re
plied as she undid the button on his jeans and slid them down with his boxer briefs.She kissed his tip then brought her tongue to his base and swept her way up, down and around.

  She sucked him into her mouth, and he grasped her by the base of the ponytail. Ben was too busy moaning her name to warn her he was about to come.

  Cassie noticed the difference in his breathing and knew he was close to orgasm. Swallowing was something she usually avoided, but Cassie wanted to do it for Ben.

  Once Ben recovered he kissed Cassie. “You didn’t have to do that, but it was the best blow job ever. Thank you. May I repay the favour?”

  “You have yourself a date when you come to New York. Right now, I just want to set a wake-up call and curl up with you. Give me five minutes in the bathroom then it is yours. I kept the toothbrush Trevor sent up Wednesday night for you.”

  “What time do you want the call for and what time is your flight?”

  “Ten and five thirty so I have to be at Heathrow at three.”

  “I can order pizza in. Oh, wait what time is checkout?”

  “They extended it for me until two. Pizza sounds perfect for noon.” Cassie called from the bathroom. A few minutes later, she came out naked with freshly brushed teeth and a clean face. Cassie passed Ben on the way to the bathroom and gave him a nice firm swat on the butt.

  “Hey!”

  “You’re not the only one that can be a cheeky little monkey,” Cassie giggled.

  Ben came out of the bathroom naked too, and although it would be incredibly difficult to spend the night beside her and just cuddle it was an intimate gesture. The adrenaline that had been coursing through Cassie’s body since she arrived at the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour had finally disappeared and not long after Ben started playing with her hair, she was asleep.

  It was with heavy hearts that Cassie and Ben left The Savoy. Albert did his best to cheer the couple up, but Cassie was doing the best stiff upper lip he’d ever seen on an American, and the heavy silence was killing him. “This is bollacks, you aren’t going to see each other for at least a month. Stop brooding and snog the hell out of each other!”