In the meantime, Blake had a company to save. With the signed contract, he would gain access to some of his uncle’s money. He needed to get the papers to his attorney pronto and he wouldn’t depend on a courier. He decided to deliver them himself.
Two hours later Blake found himself sitting across the dinner table with Heidi. She was five ten and an ex-model who now ran her own day spa. They were not only lovers they were friends or so he thought until he felt the slap on his left cheek and the glass of wine splashed on his face and ultimately in his lap.
“I’ve wasted two years of my life trying to get you to commit and you tell me you’re marrying some other woman. The hell with you,” she stormed out of the restaurant, leaving him to the embarrassing stares of the other patrons.
The waiter rushed over to his table. “Sir, let me get that for you.”
“No, I got it.” Blake wiped up as much of the wine as he could. He paid the waiter and rushed out of the restaurant. He was embarrassed as people passed by and glanced at the wet spot on his shirt and pants as he waited on the valet to pull his car around.
Blake called Trent as soon as he got in the car about Heidi’s actions. “Man, for someone so smart, you’re stupid,” Trent said, from the other end.
“I thought telling her in a public place would make it easier.”
“Well I hate to hear what happens when you tell Samantha. Now that one there; she might slash your tires.”
“Don’t remind me. I’ll be doing the rest through phone calls because frankly, I don’t believe in laying hands on a woman, but I’m not going to stand for another one to put their hands on me.”
“Pretty boy, get over it. You deserved the slap.”
“Whose side are you on?”
“Man, you know I always have your back.”
“I can’t tell.”
Samantha was waiting for him in his driveway when he pulled up. “It’s about time you showed up,” she said, as she exited her car, wearing nothing but a trench coat.
Blake’s mind wondered on whether or not she was fully exposed or if she was wearing some sexy lingerie. He would break it off with her, but not until afterwards. He needed to get this one last escapade out of the way and sexy Samantha was the perfect one to oblige him. Blake would deal with telling Samantha about his upcoming nuptials later. The window rolled down. “I admit. I forgot.”
“I should just go home and make you suffer,” Samantha teased.
“I would hate for you to have made a wasted trip.”
They were barely in the house before their lips locked. Blake’s lower body member wouldn’t respond. What was wrong with him? He decided it had to be stress.
“Why don’t you meet me in the living room,” Blake said.
“Don’t keep me waiting too long,” Samantha purred.
Blake watched her walk away. Samantha’s well toned thighs were revealed as the coat swung open as she twisted out of the room. All he could do was shake his head. He was thankful the lights were dim so she didn’t notice the stain on his clothes. He went upstairs and changed clothes.
Samantha’s back was turned to him when he entered the living room. She turned around and let the coat drop showcasing her nude body. They met each other mid-way and had a groping session. Blake wanted Samantha, but his body betrayed him. After a few more minutes of kissing, he pushed Samantha away and led her to the coach.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Blake reneged on what he told Trent earlier. He decided to face Samantha head on.
Samantha sat naked facing him with a strange expression on her face. “We can talk later.”
He got up and retrieved her coat. “Put this on first.”
“I know how to get your Johnson working,” she responded. She threw the coat to the side. She reached over to touch him, but he blocked her hand.
“Sam talk. We need to talk”
“Look Blake. I didn’t come over here for talking. If I wanted talking, I would have called up my boyfriend. I want you and I want you now.”
“That’s just it. My body isn’t cooperating and there’s a reason for it. I don’t know how else to say this.”
“Just say it,” she blurted.
Blake rubbed his two hands together preparing himself for the inevitable. He was prepared to block any hand movements.
“What we’re doing has to stop. I’m getting married.”
Samantha laughed. “Is that all? Is that why you can’t get it up? You’re feeling guilty. Dear, I never wanted a commitment from you. I just want you.”
Blake felt relieved. “Cool. Then there’s no problem. Put your coat on and I’ll walk you to the door.”
“No. It’s all good. I wish you luck.”
Samantha put her coat on and walked out of his house. She was calm. Too calm. But he wasn’t going to complain. That ended without any drama unlike earlier tonight. After making sure Samantha had left, he opted to just avoid the other women he had dated. He would let them know if they called; otherwise, he was going to avoid them as long as he could.
Chapter 8
It was Friday night and Caitlyn hadn’t talked to Blake since she handed him those papers on Wednesday. She tried calling him but his secretary claimed he was out of the office. That was fine. He knew how to reach her. In the meantime, she planned to meet her siblings for their monthly outing.
Telling her sister and brother about Blake wasn’t going to be easy but she didn’t want them to find out from someone else. With him being the CEO of a major company in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it wouldn’t be long before the news swept through the society pages.
Caitlyn paused outside of Bridget’s door before knocking. She took a few deep breaths and knocked on the door. Matt, Bridget’s husband, answered the door. She hugged her tall and handsome brother-in-law.
“They’re in the back,” Matt said, after kissing her on the cheek.
“Thanks. So how are you?” she asked, as she followed him to the den.
“I’m thinking about switching jobs. There’s rumors of layoffs, so I’m not waiting around to find out.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Caitlyn, at thirty-four, was two years older than Bridget and a few shades lighter. Caitlyn greeted her sister with a hug. “You’re late,” Bridget said.
“Traffic,” she responded.
Bradford, their younger brother, sat in the corner on the phone. He kept his hair closely shaven. On this night, his head was bald and the light reflected off his perfectly round head. He threw his hand up and waved to acknowledge he saw her. She walked over to where he sat and bent down to hug and kiss on the cheek.
Bridget commented, “He’s going to die with that phone next to his ear.”
Before Caitlyn could add her comment, Bradford had disconnected his phone call and said, “I can’t help it I’m popular.”
“Your player ways will catch up with you one day,” Bridget said.
“All of us can’t be like you. Settle down and have the house and white picket fence with a dog named Spot.”
“My dog’s name is Doodles.”
Bradford looked at Caitlyn. “Spot. Doodles. Whatever.”
“Why do I always have to play referee?” Caitlyn plopped down on the sofa and crossed her legs.
“Because some folks refuse to grow up,” Bridget responded.
Bradford scooted up to the end of his chair. “You better be glad I don’t hit women.”
Caitlyn intervened. “Look. If this is all you’re going to do, I’m leaving. Now apologize to each other.”
They each mumbled something under their breath before saying, “I’m sorry.”
“All this refereeing has gotten me hungry. What’s for dinner?”
“Come on. The food’s ready.”
Caitlyn looped her arm through her brother’s and they followed Bridget into the kitchen. “My favorite,” Bradford stated, as they each took turns and washed their hands in the kitchen sink.
“I
was in the mood for Italian.” Bridget handed each one of them plates.
“Me too,” Caitlyn said, as she piled her plate full of lasagna and salad.
Matt got his dinner but didn’t join them at the dinner table. The conversation remained light as they ate. Caitlyn went back and forth in her head on her approach of revealing the upcoming nuptials to Blake.
“Matt and I are having a baby,” Bridget blurted.
It took a few seconds for it to register. Bradford offered his congratulations first. Caitlyn followed. “Congratulations sis. I know how much you want kids.”
“We’ve been trying for over a year now and I found out earlier today.”
Caitlyn reached for Bridget’s hand and squeezed it.
Bradford said, “I don’t have a big announcement like but I am dating this twenty-six year old. She might be the one to make me settle down.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “You said the same thing about the forty year older last month.”
“Yes. Well, she tried to control me and I’m not one to be tamed.”
Bridget and Caitlyn both laughed. Caitlyn listened as her thirty year old brother discussed his active dating life. One thing about Bradford, he didn’t discriminate when it came to age or race. She doubted the twenty-six year old would be around long, but it was entertaining to listen to him.
Bradford switched gears and said. “I read on the internet that Banks Telecom might be in some financial trouble.”
“Good,” Bridget responded. “Now they’ll see how Dad felt.”
Caitlyn knew this was the opening she needed. It was either now or never. “I have a major announcement to make myself.”
Bridget and Bradford ignored her and continued to talk about Banks Telecom. Bradford said, “I still think Caitlyn was crazy for taking a job there.”
“Me too,” Bridget said. “Blake Banks is probably just like his uncle.”
“Folks don’t get ahead in business being nice, so I’m sure he is,” Bradford commented.
Irritated, Caitlyn took her fork and clicked it on her glass which got their attention. “I said I have an announcement to make.”
“Don’t get your feathers ruffled,” Bridget said.
“Before I tell you, promise me you’ll hear me out first.”
Bradford said, “We’re listening.”
“Charles and I broke up.”
Bridget clapped her hands. “Glad you finally wised up.”
She looked at Bradford but he didn’t have any extra commentary. Her breathing got heavier. “I’ve accepted Blake Banks proposal. We’re getting married.”
Bradford spit out his drink. She handed him a napkin. Bridget sat speechless. Bradford yelled, “Are you crazy? How could you sleep with the enemy?”
“You’re going to dishonor our father’s memory by marrying him. I told you working at his company would be disastrous,” Bridget yelled.
Matt rushed into the room. “What’s going on in here?”
Bridget’s face turned beet red. “My sister has informed us she’s getting married.”
Matt wrapped his arm around Bridget’s shoulders. “Well congrats.”
Bridget pulled away and stormed out the room. “She’s a traitor.”
Matt followed behind her. Bradford said, “Always the drama queen.”
“If you two would have let me explain before over-reacting, I would tell you why I agreed to marry him.”
“I’m waiting.” Bradford leaned back in his chair.
Bridget now stood in the doorway with arms crossed. Caitlyn responded, “His business is crumbling and he needs me.”
Bridget said, “Matt, get me the phone. I’m calling Charter Forest right now. She needs to be admitted to the psych ward.”
“I’m not crazy.”
“Three against one says you are,” Bradford said.
Matt said, “Hey, I’m not in this.”
“Matt! Well it’s two against one. Majority rules.” Bridget added.
Caitlyn stood up. “I knew telling you’ll about this was a bad idea.”
Bradford poured himself a drink. “I don’t trust him or anyone with the last name Banks. Why do you have to marry him?” Bradford asked.
“I can’t say right now. I just need you two to trust me.”
Bridget and Bradford mumbled between themselves. Caitlyn couldn’t understand what they were saying. Bradford was the first to speak. “If you feel this is something you need to do, I’ll support you.”
“Can you convince Bridget to do the same?”
Bradford took big gulps of his drink. “You’re on your own.”
Chapter 9
Blake attempted to keep a low profile over the weekend. He spent the weekend by himself going over his personal and professional life. He wasn’t satisfied with either. He hoped the decision to live out the last will and testament of his uncle would be fruitful in all areas.
Monday mornings were usually filled with meetings, but Joan informed him several people had cancelled. He read an article online about the rumors about his company. He had hoped it wouldn’t get out, but soon he would have to address the rumors. For now, he had a woman to romance or pretend to romance at least.
“Joan, can you get Caitlyn on the line?” he asked, over the intercom.
“I sure will,” she responded. Less than a minute later, she returned. “She’s on line one.”
“Cat. It is okay if I call you that isn’t it?” he asked in a cheerful voice.
“I would prefer if you called me Caitlyn,” she responded.
“Did you miss me?”
“Like a wart,” Caitlyn responded.
“Ouch. You’re bad for the ego.”
“I aim to please.”
“I called you to ask you for lunch and also inform your supervisor you’ll be in a meeting with me the second half of your day.”
“What project are we supposedly working on?”
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something. You seem to be very creative. Look, I have a meeting to go to. I’ll have a car waiting for you at one. Same place as before.”
Blake refused to wait for her to respond and disconnected the call. Caitlyn wasn’t one to be bossed around and he actually found the trait attractive. He needed to watch himself around her. The thought of her caused him not to be able to perform last week with Samantha.
In between meetings, Joan pulled him to the side. “There’s more going on between you and Caitlyn isn’t there?” she asked.
Blake closed the door to the conference room before responding. “I trust that what I tell you won’t leave this room.”
“Of course not.”
“You’re one of the few people that know about the financial state of our company. Caitlyn is the key to helping us save it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I really shouldn’t be telling you this, but I trust you. Uncle Jack left me some money however it came with conditions—one being that I marry Caitlyn Crenshaw.”
“She’s smart; she’s beautiful and she’s feisty. I think you’ve met your match in Ms. Crenshaw.”
“For some reason you don’t seem as surprised as I thought you would be,” Blake observed.
“As you know I was good friends with both your aunt and uncle. I’m sure your uncle wouldn’t have added the clause without a good reason.”
“Caitlyn has been one of my best employees but as my woman, I don’t know how that’s going to work out.”
“I’ve seen you two together. There’s some chemistry there.”
“Sparks of conflict.”
Joan laughed. “Two competitive spirits coming together makes for an interesting relationship.”
“No comment. I am concerned about what the employees are going to say when I announce our engagement.”
“I’ll handle any backlash. Don’t worry yourself with it.”
“Thanks Joan.”
Blake felt relieved that Joan would be supportive of this new phase of
his life. The rest of the morning went by fast. He called his driver and waited in the car for Caitlyn to arrive. He wrapped up his call while Caitlyn took a seat next to him.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Busy, but manageable,” she responded, as she flipped open her cell phone. “I’ll call you back.” She looked back at him. “Now what were you saying?”
“Nothing, but how beautiful your dimples are when you smile.”
“I guess. I’ll have to stop smiling when I’m around you then.”
“You won’t be able to resist. I’ve been told I have a great sense of humor.”
“Those are from women who were trying to impress you. Me, you can count on me telling you the truth.”
Blake moved closer to her. “That’s good to hear. We’ll be spending a lot of time together over the next year, so I look forward to hearing the truth for the next three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.”
“You can count on it.”
His cell phone vibrated. He glanced at the caller ID display. It was Trent. He needed a diversion, so he answered. “Blake speaking.”
“Oh, you’re trying to act like its business. You’re with a client or your new love?”
“No, I’m not with a client right now. I’m going to lunch. How may I help you?”
“I’ll let you get back to your lunch. I was checking to see what happened to you this weekend.”
“I’ll call you back.” Blake hung up the phone. Blake turned his attention towards Caitlyn only to notice her staring at him. It made him uncomfortable. He couldn’t think of anything to say to her. He turned up the volume on the stereo and poured himself a drink.
Betrayed by Trust Page 4
