Page 59 of The Rented Bride

Chapter Eleven

Cassie worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she scanned the airline search. She had two flight options--a flight out of Vail tomorrow afternoon with layovers, or leave from Denver. “I can get a flight out of Denver in the morning,” she told Trent. “Can you arrange a ride? Or if it’s too much trouble, I can get a shuttle.”

“Cassie, this is ridiculous. Let me fly you to Miami.”

“It’s not necessary.” She had already broken most of her personal rules for this marriage. She kissed him, touched him, and by all that was unholy, she’d discovered she genuinely liked him. Just what she needed. To actually fall for her husband. Maybe she should book a shuttle to Denver tonight. She glanced at Trent. Not likely he’d let her.

“Henry will take you wherever you want to go,” he said.

“Thank you.” She clicked through the flight options. With a few clicks, she booked a round trip ticket, returning on Saturday evening. The anxiety rioting through her belly eased. By tomorrow evening she’d be in Miami, home where she belonged, and doing what she should be doing. Sultry nights, bright lights, where iguanas were feral and remained in the wild.

She spent another hour, sending emails to Eterio and the venue. Ramona at Castillo del Paraíso assured her that everything was on schedule. Finally, she called Maryanne.

“I’m coming home,” she said as soon as Maryanne answered. “Can you pick me up?”

“Of course. About time. You had me in a panic.”

“I’ll explain when I get there, but I need you to keep my schedule clear after the Bello wedding.”

“What’s going on, Cass?”

“I’m fine. I’ll see you soon.” She disconnected before Maryann could apply the third inquisition.

“What time does your flight leave?” Trent asked.

She swiveled her chair around and looked at him. He leaned back in his office chair, his dark gaze settling heavily over her. “Ten fifteen. So I’ll need to leave pretty early. When should we tell your grandfather?”

“This evening.”

Guilt niggled. “He’ll be upset. And in his condition...” Her heart lurched. “I’m sorry.”

Trent leaned forward, muscles stretching the fabric of his shirt across biceps and chest. “Don’t be. Granddad will be disappointed, but we’ve accomplished the main goal: marriage.” Trent rose and strode toward her.

She glanced down, unwilling to meet his gaze. Why did he have to be so understanding? He’d be paying her while she was in Miami. He stopped beside her and leaned against the counter, the heels of his palms braced on the counter at his sides. Her gaze was level with his leather belt and his—

She swung her gaze up to his face. “My leaving wasn’t in the contract,”

He surprised her by grinning. “I overlooked that clause, didn’t I? A momentary lapse in my negotiating judgment. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll deny it.”

Cassie blinked, uncertain how to reply, then grinned. “And you said you didn’t get where you are by overlooking details.

His expression sobered. “I admit; personal negotiations are new territory for me.”

She covered his hand with hers. “I booked a return flight for Saturday night.”

“Have dinner with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Tonight.”

She suddenly became aware of the warmth of his hand beneath hers and yanked her hand away. “Of course. I mean,” she smiled, “I assumed you’d feed me since I’m living here.”

“I had something different in mind.” “Will you have dinner with me? As in a date?”

A date? “What about your grandfather?”

“Unlike the last two nights, he normally retires early. We will spend time with him before he goes to sleep, then go.”