The Rented Bride (Highland Billionaires Book 1) (12 page)

He poured coffee. “I usually know what I’m doing.”

“That’s right.” She gave a succinct nod. “You knew what you were doing when you brought Chef Tony to Daley Enterprises. He gave the entire kitchen staff a personal cooking class. He shared his recipes, made that amazing chocolate mousse cheesecake.”
Chef Tony?
Where had she come up with that?

Mischief lit Trent’s eyes. “Did I now?”

Cassie gave a coy shrug. “I’m sure you’re not used to women turning you down.” She held her breath to see how he would take that quip.

“I do usually get my way. And if I’m not mistaken, you did agree to marry me.”

She narrowed her eyes.” Don’t get cocky, Mr. Weston. I can still flip you over my back—again—if you get out of line.”

“You flipped Trent over your back?” Evie glanced from Trent to her.

“Yes, she did,” Trent said, his gaze on Cassie. “And that was just recently.”

“I would kill to have a video clip of that. Youtube gold,” Evie said. “I would watch it over and over again. Make it go viral.”

James laughed.

“But what about
the story
?” Evie said

“The story?” Cassie repeated as she took another sip of coffee.

Evie nodded. “Yeah, the story of how Trent proposed.”

Cassie’s coffee charred a path down her throat. She wheezed then coughed.

Trent clapped her on the back between her shoulder blades. “Are you all right, Cassie?”

She drew in a harsh breath and shot him a narrow-eyed look.

“Let me get you some water.” He rose and hurried to the sideboard. He filled a glass and brought it to her. Cassie took a sip.

“Tell us the story, Cassie,” Evie said.

“Trent tells it better than I do,” she said with a rusty voice.

“I believe that involved you throwing me over your shoulder as well, if I recall,” he said.

“No way!” Evie cried. “You’ll have to teach me that move.” But before Cassie could reply she said, “Was the ring not big enough?”

“You tell me.” Trent nodded at Cassie’s finger.

All eyes shifted to her finger and Cassie realized the diamond had slipped downward, facing her palm. Her cheeks warmed as she turned the ring upright and Evie cried out.

“Oh, that is beautiful. Surely you weren’t angry about the ring, Cassie?”

“Cassie is a very old-fashioned girl. She expected a traditional marriage proposal,” Trent said.

Cassie barked a laugh. “So much for traditional. If I recall, the marriage proposal included a bit of blackmail, too.”

“I always knew it would take a special woman to catch Trent’s eye,” James said.

“You have no idea, Grandfather,” Trent said.

James looked at her. “I’m beginning to get the idea.”

“So you didn’t get down on one knee and propose?” Evie asked.

Trent looked at Cassie. A soft smile curved his full mouth and her heart melted when he said, “I begged her to marry me.”

“That’s so romantic,” Evie said.

Trent laughed. “You think so?”

She nodded. “If a man finds the right woman, he should do whatever it takes to get her to say yes.”

He nodded. “You’re right. And I did.” He grasped her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her fingers.

“Trent,” she whispered.

“You’ve given me more than I deserve, made me happier than I have a right to be.”

He had to be talking about the joy they’d brought to his grandfather’s life by getting married.

She smiled. “I’m glad.”

Gratitude shone in his eyes, then he released her and she looked up to see James studying them. 

“Now you have the whole story,” she said. “Do I really have to try the blood pudding?”

They finished breakfast on safer ground than talking about her and Trent, but Cassie was sure she would have indigestion all day. Since meeting Trent, she’d honed her lying skills. And so had Trent. The rat. He’d deserted her after having one cup of coffee, and excused himself on the ruse that he had work to do. She had work too, but she couldn’t come up with a lie that would get her out of the room.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Bree saved her from further perjury. “We really should get going.”

Evie rose. “I’m so glad I got to meet you.”

Cassie stood. “Same here.”

“I’m sure we’ll see you again soon.” Evie hugged Cassie.

“I hope so.”

Evie and Bree kissed James, then left.

Annie rose. “I think it’s time you rest a bit, James.”

He grumbled, but Cassie could see he was tired.

“Don’t let that grandson of mine work all day,” James said. “He’s in his office.”

He rose, and Annie let him grasp her am, then they shuffled off.

Cassie sat for a long moment, undecided what to do next. She wanted to speak with Trent. Could she interrupt him? What the hell. Heart pounding, she headed down the hallway toward his office. She reached the door, tapped twice and waited.

“Come in,” his rich baritone sent a shiver across her flesh.

She pushed open the door and blurted, “We need to talk.”

A dozen faces turned in her direction.

The room was eerily silent with the exception of the pounding in her ears. Mrs. O’Brien, Meg, Henry… She wanted to slink backwards out of sight.

“Cassie, good morning.” Trent rose behind his desk.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You haven’t.” He strode to where she stood rooted to the carpet. Trent cupped her elbow and guided her past the dark leather couch and high back chairs sitting around a glass coffee table to his large mahogany desk on the far wall.

Henry rose from his chair beside Meg. “Please, sit here, Ms. Adams.”

“I don’t want to take your seat, Henry.”

His eyes twinkled. “I sit far too much as it is. I insist.”

Trent gently urged her forward and she sat and folded her hands on her lap.

Meg placed a hand on Cassie’s hands. “I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing.”

Cassie snapped her gaze onto Trent.

“I’ve explained our arrangement to everyone.”

That made sense since they would all have known that before she arrived on their doorstep, she’d never met Trent or his grandfather.

“I’m glad I could help.”

“Thanks, everyone. I think that’s all for now,” Trent announced. “I appreciate your support on this.”

“Of course, Mr. Weston,” Doris said. “We would do anything for your grandfather.” She winked at Cassie. “I liked you right away.” She turned to everyone. “We have another event to plan. Wedding is at five o’clock.” She herded the group from the room, leaving Cassie alone with Trent.

When the door clicked shut and they were alone, she said. “Are you sure about this?”

Trent leaned his backside against his desk. “Absolutely.” He twisted and picked up a document from his desk. “My attorney sent over the contract, along with the license.”

“You got a license so early—and without my having to be there?” He nodded and she snorted. “Money really does talk.”

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“You’re a man of your word,” she said.

“I take all business deals seriously. The terms are exactly as we discussed. The choice will be yours on whether you want to end with an annulment or divorce. Either way, you’ll be compensated the same.”

He extended the papers and she took them. “Annulment.” She quirked her mouth, thinking of her family. “Catholic. My family must never know I’ve been married.” She formed the sign of the cross. “Because, God forbid, my Grandma Rosa finds out, you’re stuck with me till death do us part. And believe me, I would really hate to have to kill you to end our marriage.”

Amusement appeared in his eyes. “Perhaps I should take out additional life insurance.”

“No, just—” She stopped short of suggesting that they make this quick. “Just keep us a secret.”

He handed her a pen. “Agreed.”

The black pen felt hot in her hand. Cassie leaned back in her chair and read the contract. Of course, he’d been thorough and professional. The details and financial compensation were as they’d discussed. At the time of their parting, she would relinquish all claim to his name and estate. She placed the paper on her knee and he surprised her by slipping a pad beneath the document. Cassie smiled thanks and lifted the pen to the spot where she was to sign, then paused. She would never tell her family of this ‘marriage’ but what about any future engagement? What about the man who one day would promise to love and care for her for the rest of his life? Would she keep this a secret from him? James’ face flashed in memory, eyes bright with happiness. God forgive her. She scrawled her name across the signatory line and dated the contract.

“Okay, Mr. Weston, you’ve rented a wife.”

“Thank you, Cassie.” He took the contract then straightened from the desk.  He crossed the room and removed a long white box from a shelf adjacent to his desk. He returned and set the box on her lap. “Your uniform for the job.”

“Uniform?” She didn’t have to wonder what the box held. The swish of fabric told her it was something she wasn’t prepared to wear. “I can’t wear a wedding dress.” She extended the box toward him.

“Open it.”

She hesitated.

“Please,” he said.

Cassie tugged on the silver ribbon, freeing the knot on top. She lifted the lid and fitted it beneath the box, then parted the white tissue paper. Her breath caught. This was no wedding gown, but rather a sexy slip of exquisiteness. She slipped her fingers beneath the ivory spaghetti straps, then ran a finger down the sequined cocktail dress. Nestled beside the dress were three-inch, ivory-colored heels with sexy ankle straps.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’d hoped you would like it. Considering the circumstances, I didn’t think you’d want a traditional dress.” He lifted the dress from the box. “I’d be honored if you wore it.”

A niggle of guilt wormed through Trent’s guts. Grandfather had insisted Trent wear the kilt that he and his father before him had worn when they’d married. A hundred guests sat in folding chairs while Trent stood in front of Judge Reynolds wearing the Ross colors and feeling like he was sinking in quick sand. The wedding march began and all eyes turned to the back of the room as Cassie entered on the arm of his grandfather. Granddad wore his kilt and looked so happy, And Cassie, her dark hair cascading down her bare shoulders, and a bouquet of wildflowers in hand, looked more beautiful than any bride he’d ever seen.

She took slow steps to accommodate his grandfather and when they reached Trent, his grandfather pulled him into a hug that nearly broke Trent. Annie rose from the left corner chair and helped Grandfather to the chair beside hers. Trent took Cassie’s hand in his and gave it a squeeze when he felt the slight tremor in her fingers. She gave a small smile and nodded as he faced them toward the judge. The judge was an old family friend and when they’d requested a simple civil service, had readily agreed.

“We are gathered here today to join this man and woman…”

Trent kept his gaze straight and clasped Cassie’s hands. When Judge Reynolds asked if he took Cassie to be his wife he replied, “I do.”

The judge asked Cassie if she took Trent to be her husband and for a brief instant he feared she would say no. She murmured, I do,” and relief flooded through him.

“Who gives this woman to be married?” Judge Reynolds asked.

Trent and Cassie shifted and looked in his grandfather’s direction.

He rose and said, “I do.”

Cassie smiled and Trent glimpsed the moisture in his grandfather’s eyes before they faced the judge again.

Judge Reynolds called for the rings and Trent slid the wedding band onto Cassie’s finger. When it was her turn, she fitted onto Trent’s finger the gold band his grandfather had given her from his own hand.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the judge said. “You may kiss the bride.”

Trent pulled her close and whispered, “We’re in for it now,” then dipped her back and kissed her. She played her part well—too well—and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Trent lingered, drawing in her scent and tasting her tongue for a moment before setting he upright. He walked her down the aisle amid cheers and tears and hurried her to the reception room.

“Are you okay?” he asked once they reached the room ahead of the guests.

She nodded. “I have to admit, it’s strange to be married, even if it’s in name only.”

“I know,” he said. “But you’re doing great. Granddad is thrilled.”

She smiled gently. “He is, isn’t he?”

The murmur of voices and echo of footsteps filtered into the room.

“The guests are about to descent upon us,” he said.

“All forty of them,” she said in mock horror.

Trent laughed. “I know, I promised only a dozen guests. I couldn’t stop Granddad from inviting everyone he wanted to invite.”

The guests burst into the room, his grandfather in the lead. He reached Cassie and gave her a bear hug. “Come along, lass, I want to introduce you to some friends.”

She looked at Trent.

“Never mind him,” his grandfather said. “You have your entire lives to spend with each other. Tonight, you’re mine.”

Trent grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and watched as

his grandfather laughed, smiled, and paraded Cassie around to all his friends. Trent couldn’t remember a time when he’d seen him happier. Annie stood alongside his grandfather and laughed when he took Cassie’s hand and showed her the ring Trent had placed on her finger. The ring he’d intended for Lindsey. His grandfather was as proud of the ring as any bride would have been. Any bride except Cassie.

Only yesterday, Trent had imagined Lindsey standing where Cassie now stood, laughing with his friends, glancing up at his grandfather while a mischievous smile curved his lips. Cassie’s eyes narrowed playfully, and his grandfather threw his head back and laughed heartily. Trent’s chest tightened. Would Lindsey have put on as good a performance as Cassie? No. Trent was paying Cassie to pretend to be his wife, but she wasn’t pretending to care about his grandfather. For that, he would be eternally grateful.

The six-piece orchestra began a slow melody that turned the chatter in the room to a whisper.

Across the dance floor, Tomas caught Trent’s eye and lifted the champagne glass he held as he announced in a loud voice, “Time for the couple’s first dance.” 

They cleared the center of the ballroom, creating a pocket of public intimacy. Trent took four steps forward and extended a hand to Cassie. She placed her hand in his and soft applause broke out among the guests. The lights dimmed, the chandelier reflecting off the dark sheen of her hair. The soft locks framed her lovely face. The style suited her. The sequined dress flared over her hips, lay flat across her stomach and cupped her breasts, teasing his eyes with creamy flesh and sparkle. Unlike Lindsey’s flamboyant sex appeal, Cassie’s sexuality simmered, heated and tempted a man to notice.

He pulled her into his arms. “You okay?” he murmured near her ear. Lavender fragranced her hair. He inhaled deeply.

“I feel like skin is the only thing holding me together,” she said.

Her skin. The silken softness beneath his fingertips. The warmth of her flesh. He shifted his hand to her hip, rocking her gently in time to the music.

“You look stunning.”

“More like stunned.”

With a slow tempo, he led her across the dance floor, his kilt brushing her dress.

“I still can’t believe we’re married,” she said. “It’s surreal.”

“Don’t worry. It’s only temporary. You won’t be stuck with me forever.”

She sighed and leaned her cheek against his lapel. “Nice kilt, by the way.”

He heard the amusement in her voice. “Granddad’s idea. He wore this kilt when he was married, as did his father.”

Cassie’s head snapped up and she met his gaze. “I’m so sorry. He’s a good man.” She stared for another moment, then lowered her head and again pressed her cheek against his chest.

Trent closed his eyes. He’d been right. She cared. That’s what his grandfather would feel, would remember when he left this world. They swayed. Words, along with everyone in the room, disappeared as he became aware of the soft crush of her breasts against his chest, the subtle shift of her hips against his. They danced well together. Her fingers absently tickled the pleat of his shirt. Heat surged along his spine and a slow stretch warmed his cock. Dammit, he hoped like hell she wasn’t aware of the affect she had on him. He didn’t need the complication of physical attraction. And what he’d seen of her personality, she was fire inside and out.

“Trent?”

Pulled from his thoughts, he noticed the music had changed and other couples had joined them on the dance. He kissed her forehead.

Grandfather appeared at their side. “My turn for a dance.”

“Don’t wear him out.” Trent smiled at Cassie as he handed her over to him.

Cassie cocked a brow. “I think you have it wrong. You should be worried he’ll wear me out.”

James gingerly spun. The mellifluous sound of her laughter floated over Trent as he walked away, confirmation that he’d made the right decision. She made his grandfather happy.

Tomas slapped him on the shoulder. “You work fast, my friend.”

Trent snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and downed a hefty swallow. “What can I say, I’ve always been a man who goes after what he wants.”

“And you wanted the caterer?” A note of surprise laced his words.

“I wanted a wife.”

Tomas glanced at Cassie. “She’s cute, but not what I’d call your usual type.”

And, that, he had to admit, was appealing. There was no misunderstanding about the duration of their association. But she held his interest. As an event planner she’d been competent, but as social hostess, playing the part of Mrs. Weston, she was unbelievable. Or maybe the better phrase was ‘totally believable.’

“I would’ve thought someone like Lindsey Fremont more your type,” Tomas said.

Trent clenched his jaw. “She’s too Hollywood for me.” She couldn’t tell the difference between playing a part and reality. He was just another leading man role.

Tomas grinned. “Time for the best man to make a toast.”

Trent snapped from his thoughts. “No.” He tried to invent a good reason but any legitimate objection should have been made before the I do’s were exchanged.

Tomas crossed to the buffet table, picked up a knife, then gently tapped the side of his crystal tumbler until the room quieted.

Trent moved through the small crowd and sidled up to Cassie. “Time for the toast.”

“What?” She glanced toward Tomas. “But he doesn’t know anything about us.”

Trent smiled. “Which will make this interesting.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close.

Wait staff circulated trays filled with champagne flutes. They brought two glasses to Trent and Cassie.

Tomas faced Cassie and Trent. “We all love Trent. His generosity, his dedication to family and his enthusiasm for life are boundless. When a friend is in need, he’s the first one to help. So it’s no surprise that when he had something as wonderful to share as the woman he loves, we would want to be here for him, for you both. Trent, she’s beautiful, intelligent and, to be married to you, we know she’s patient.” Soft laughter rippled through the room. “Cassie, I speak for everyone when I say you haven’t just gained a husband, but a family of friends.” He lifted his glass.

Trent lifted his glass. Cassie followed his example and lifted hers. Then he stared down at her as they both took a sip. Trent’s heart pounded. Why did she have to be so beautiful? Her eyes sparkled and her full lips parted as she looked up at him.

“Kiss her!” his grandfather called.

Trent snapped his gaze onto him.

Granddad lifted his brows. “We’re all waiting.” He lifted his champagne glass. “And if you don’t, I will.”

“You aren’t supposed to be drinking.”

“It’s a wedding—and I’m sipping. Besides, I won’t miss the toast to my new granddaughter. Now give your new bride a real kiss—no’ like the chaste kiss you gave her when you said your wedding vows.”

Trent turned his attention to Cassie. He wanted to tell her he was sorry, but if anyone read his lips…. He took her champagne glass and handed both of theirs to the nearest guest.

“Here we go, Mrs. Weston,” he whispered, then banded his arm around her waist.

Her breasts pressed against his chest. Cassie wound her arms around his neck as he covered her mouth with his. The taste of champagne mingled with her sweet taste as Trent applied gentle pressure with his tongue to part her lips. She opened to him and the warm caress of her tongue sent a direct message to the erection that pressed into with the V of her sex. She speared fingers into his hair. Trent took the cue and gently rocked his hips—then remembered their agreement.

He broke the kiss, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

She gave an almost imperceptible nod. He turned her toward his clapping friends.

“Thank you all for celebrating with us, but I believe my wife is tired.” Trent faced his grandfather.

“Not to worry, sir,” Doris said quickly. “Annie and I will see your grandfather off to bed soon.”

Trent nodded, pressed Cassie’s lower back and they managed two steps before Doris called, “I took the liberty of having Mrs. Weston’s belongings moved to your room.”

Cassie stumbled, but Trent tightened his hold on her, and said, “Thank you, Doris,” and kept Cassie walking.

When they entered the hall, Cassie increased her pace. “Your room?” she demanded.

“Of course.”

“Why?” she snapped. “The staff knows the truth.”

“We’ll discuss this privately.”

She hurried up the stairs. “We aren’t sharing a room.”

He quickened his pace to match hers. When they reached the second floor, he guided her toward the staircase to the third floor.

“You can’t force me.”

“Would you prefer I carry you?”

She twisted and looked at him over her shoulder. Her mouth thinned, but she turned back and continued up the stairs. When they reached his room, he swung open the door.

She halted. “Have you forgotten the terms of our contract? A few glasses of champagne and a hot kiss doesn’t mean I’m going to tumble into bed with you.”

He shook his head. “We will discuss this in my room, Cassie.”

Her eyes narrowed an instant before she entered his room. He followed and closed the door behind her.

She whirled to face him. “Mr. Weston—”

“Trent,” he cut in.

“What?”

“You must call me Trent, even in private. A slip like that could be disastrous.”

Cassie angled her head in acknowledgment. “Trent. What the hell is going on?”

“Don’t you think my grandfather will notice if we’re not sleeping in the same room?”