“That was rude. You could have offered me something to drink,” she snapped.
“The last time I did, you handed it back to me letting me know it was ‘nasty.’”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “I’m sure the bar is stocked with other stuff besides overrated champagne.”
She reached over him and the strawberry scent in her hair filled his nostrils. Her breast grazed his leg and his body reacted. Blake hoped Caitlyn didn’t look down or she would be in for a surprise. Caitlyn pulled open the door to the mini bar and picked up a cold soda.
“Cat?”
“Caitlyn.”
“Excuse me. Caitlyn. Why the attitude?”
“I don’t have an attitude.”
“Yes, you do.”
She opened up her drink and took a sip. “No, I don’t.”
“I don’t want to argue with you.”
“You’re the only one arguing.”
Before Blake realized it, he had leaned over towards Caitlyn and kissed her. Their lips locked and instead of her pushing him away, her mouth invited his tongue inside. He darted his tongue inside of her mouth and he could hear her gasp or was he gasping? Both were entangled with the other; oblivious to the car stopping. The sunlight beaming through the door the driver opened ended their tongue entanglement.
Caitlyn brushed her fingers across her lips. He attempted to straighten out his pants before exiting. He thought of something disgusting to get his body to deactivate the desire that had poured through his body. To think it was only a kiss. He had to get a grip over this physical attraction.
Neither spoke to the other during the first part of lunch. Caitlyn was the first to break the ice. “Why did you do that?”
“You wouldn’t shut up,” he responded.
“Let’s not make this more complicated than it has to be.”
“Why don’t we go with the flow and see where it goes?”
“No. We have an agreement. We’re only to show displays of affection when in the open but otherwise, its hands off.”
“That’s not something I agreed to.”
“Check out your list. It’s number twenty-eight.”
“We might need to re-negotiate, because that list of yours is going to keep me in trouble.”
Caitlyn chuckled. Blake found himself smiling too.
Chapter 10
Caitlyn didn’t want to admit it, but she found Blake charming. The kiss. As soon as his lips touched hers, she melted. Girl, you need to get a grip on yourself. You can’t fall for his charm. He’s slick. Remember that. Stay in control. She told herself as she sipped on her iced-tea. She lost control when she saw the twinkle in his eyes. She needed something stronger than iced-tea but it was only lunch time.
Blake’s mouth moved, but she didn’t hear a word coming out of it. She was thinking about the kiss once again. She had been with Charles for an entire year and not once did he make her feel the way Blake did from a simple kiss.
“So is that fine?” Blake asked.
“Sorry. Can you repeat what you just said.”
“Are you okay?” he asked, sounding concerned.
“Yes. Of course.” She took her iced-tea and drank it until the only thing left was ice.
“I think we should have an engagement party. I don’t know if I should make the announcement on the invitations or wait until everyone shows up for the party.”
“When are you talking about having this party?”
“Soon. Because the wedding is going to be in the next six weeks.”
“Six weeks. I don’t have time to plan a wedding in six weeks.”
“You don’t have to plan anything. Joan will find a wedding planner to take care of everything for you.”
“Fine. But back to this engagement party, have you told Joan about our arrangement?”
Blake looked away. “Yes. I had to.”
“But, I thought we were supposed to keep this between the two of us. How am I going to face her knowing she knows?” Caitlyn clinched her teeth.
“Calm down. Joan can be trusted. She’s not going to tell anybody else.”
“You know what. Maybe we should avoid it all together. It’s nobody’s business what we do and having this party could lead to a lot of questions. Questions that neither one of us would want to answer.”
“I would say to hell with the party. But the party is needed. It’s the proper protocol for a man in my position.”
“I’ll agree only if you don’t put the fact that it’s an engagement party on the invitations. Let it be a surprise.”
“I can do that. I’ll get Joan on it right away.” He sent Joan a quick text message.
He looked up and said, “I just thought about it. Things might change for you at work.”
“I’m prepared. Folks are already speculating I’m about to get fired since I’ve been summoned to your office several times.”
“Why haven’t you said anything?”
“I’m a big girl. I can handle my own problems.”
“Cat, you have me now. We’re a team.”
“If we’re a team, why don’t I have all of your contact information. I have your cell number and your office number, but what’s your home number?” Caitlyn asked.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card and pen and wrote on the back. He handed it to her. “This is all of my contact information; including my home address.”
She looked the card over before placing it in her purse. “I would give you my information, but you already have it all.”
“I do, but you don’t have to be so cold about it.”
“Let’s get one thing straight before we go any further.” She pointed at herself. “This is me. What you see is what you get. You can either deal with it or void the contract.”
“I like what I see. You’re a little difficult at times, but I can handle you.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Caitlyn had to admit, Blake turned her on. Since they would be spending more time together, she might as well enjoy it. She wanted to see him squirm. Caitlyn turned on her charm. She flirted with him during the rest of lunch.
Both were full from a three course meal. If it was a real date, she would have appreciated the ambiance of The Four Seasons. The duck pond caught her eye from where they were sitting. She saw a few couples holding hands and walking, enjoying one another’s company. She felt a twinge of jealousy. Looking across at Blake, she wondered if under different circumstances, if it would have been possible between the two of them.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Blake said.
“More like a quarter. Inflation man,” she responded, flashing a smile. Her dimples deepened.
“What else would you like to do today?”
“I’m yours for the rest of the day. I told my supervisor I would be with you in a meeting.”
“I foresee a meeting at Six Flags.”
“I’m not dressed for an amusement park.”
“There’s a remedy for that. There’s a boutique here.” He pulled out an American Express card and handed it to her. “Go find you something nice. I have a few business calls to make. I’ll meet you in the lobby when you’re through.”
“I guess there are perks dating the boss.” She placed the card in her wallet.
Less than an hour later, Caitlyn was dressed in a pair of designer jeans with various colors of rhinestones on the pockets and a pink shirt with matching rhinestones. She had exchanged her heels for a pair of white designer tennis shoes. The sales clerk placed her other clothes in a bag. After paying with Blake’s American Express, she left the boutique in search of Blake.
Blake shook a man’s hand before turning to meet her near the door. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “You look good.”
Caitlyn tried her best not to be taken aback by his public display of affection.
“Don’t act like you don’t know me,” someone one yelled.
“Who is that?” she asked.
“Blake.” The woman said his name loud enough for several people to hear.
Caitlyn stopped and turned around. Blake had no choice at this point and followed suit. Before he responded, the tall woman stood right in front of them.
“Samantha,” Blake said.
“Nice seeing you here.” She looked at Caitlyn. “Is this the fiancé you told me about?”
Blake cleared his throat. “Yes. Caitlyn. Samantha.”
Samantha reached her hand out to shake Caitlyn. Caitlyn had a firm handshake. She wanted Samantha to know she wasn’t a pushover. She looked her straight in the eyes until Samantha looked away. “Congratulations and good luck.”
“We don’t need luck. We have each other.” Caitlyn reached for Blake’s hand and squeezed it. Blake leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Samantha rolled her eyes. “Well I see you two are in a hurry, so I don’t want to keep you.”
“Nice meeting you Sam,” Caitlyn responded. “Dear, we don’t want to be late.”
She grabbed Blake’s hand and walked to the waiting limousine. Once they were seated, Caitlyn said, “Your little girlfriend didn’t seem too happy running into us.”
“Sam’s never been a girlfriend.”
“Oh really now. That’s not the vibe I got. Fess up.”
Caitlyn enjoyed watching him squirm. Women knew the difference between a friend and lover, and Samantha’s actions proved her role in Blake’s life. Caitlyn leaned back in the seat and crossed her arms.
“She and I used to kick it.”
Caitlyn burst into laughter. “Why do you men do that? Why can’t you just come out and say you had a sexual relationship without commitment?”
“Because.”
“It is what it is.”
“What kind of relationship did you and Charles have?”
Caitlyn’s smile faded. “Charles is off limits.”
“Did you love him?”
“No and for the second time Charles is off limits.”
“Any man who would take money to dump a woman is a punk in my book. You’re better off without him.”
“Are you any better? You offered the money.”
“I’m a man willing to pay whatever amount for what I want and Ms. Crenshaw, I want you.”
Chapter 11
Blake meant exactly what he said. He wanted Caitlyn and before the year ended, he planned on making Caitlyn his in every since of the word. Her little gesture in front of Samantha made him realize one thing; she took their little arrangement serious.
“I’ll call you when we’re ready,” Blake told the driver. “So are you ready to have some fun?”
They spent the next few hours at Six Flags Amusement Park riding rides and eating. They both were exhausted by the time the driver pulled up outside of the gate. He placed the items Caitlyn bought and stuffed animals he spent countless amount of money on games to win, in the car.
“See I’m not too bad to hang around with,” Blake commented.
“The verdict is still out.”
“Come on. Admit it,” he teased.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Surprisingly, hanging out with you wasn’t too bad.”
“You’re not being fair.”
“The male ego is so fragile. Blake, I had fun. Is that fair enough?” Caitlyn asked, as she moved her head around.
“Let me.” He massaged her shoulders. “See it didn’t hurt you to admit that.”
She let out a few “ahs.” “That feels good.”
Her moans tempted him so much so that he wanted to kiss the back of her neck. He refrained. She stopped him and turned back in her seat.
“Why don’t you let me drop these things off at your place and then we can go back to get your car?” he asked.
“Sounds like a plan to me. I really don’t want folks all in my business.”
“If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know.”
“You should know by now I can take care of myself.”
Blake grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and before she could react, he brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. “I’m here if you need me.”
“If I thought you were really sincere, I would let you kiss me.”
“But I am.”
“In that case, what are you waiting for?”
Blake didn’t know if Caitlyn was serious or setting him up to let him down. He opted to not take the chance. His libido couldn’t stand too much more teasing. “What about the rule on your list?”
“Chicken.” Caitlyn made some clucking sounds.
“I got your chicken.” This time when he kissed her, he didn’t hold anything back. She reached her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. It took all the restraints he could muster not to rip off her clothes. He pulled back and she gently wiped the lipstick from his lips.
Blake thought he felt her tremble. “You’re a great kisser,” she stuttered.
“It takes two.” He winked at her.
The driver pulled up in Caitlyn’s apartment parking lot. “I got it,” he informed the driver. He held the bags and some of the stuffed animals and followed Caitlyn and her huge white fluffy dog to the front door.
“Where do you want these?”
She switched on the lights. “You can put everything over there.” She placed her white dog on the sofa. “You’re so cute.”
“Now that I won the dog, can we forget about a real dog?” he asked, as he stood by the table.
“You’re not getting off that easy.”
“That’s what I thought.”
They went back to the office so Caitlyn could pick up her car. “Call me when you get home,” he told her.
“I’ll think about it.”
He watched Caitlyn pull away before rolling up the window. Once on the highway, he dialed Trent’s number. “Can you talk?”
“What’s up man?”
“I just spent the day with Caitlyn and I don’t know how I’m going to survive a whole year with her.”
“That bad. Well I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
“Actually, we had a good time. After lunch, we went to Six Flags, hung out, kissed and now she’s going her way and I’m going mine.”
“Back up. Did you say kiss?”
“Normally, I don’t kiss and tell, but man there is something about this woman that is driving me crazy. One minute she’s giving me plenty of attitude and the next thing I know she’s flirting with me.”
“You could be imagining it.”
“I’m telling you she’s playing with me on purpose.”
“Then stop playing her game. Keep her at arm length. Go back to your original game plan.”
“We ran into Samantha too so you know I was sweating.”
“Man, you act like this is a real engagement.”
“You’re right. I’m tripping. Look, I’ll talk to you later.”
By the time Blake ended the call with Trent, the driver had dropped him off at home. He went to his car to retrieve a book, when his cell phone rang. “Glad you called.”
“I started not to,” Caitlyn said, from the other end.
“Do you miss me?”
“Like a wart.”
Blake laughed. “I take it you had a pimples problem when you were a teenager.”
“Some folks should mind their business.”
He could hear her laughter in her voice. He leaned on his car and rushed off the phone when he saw Samantha rush into the driveway narrowly missing hitting his car. “I’m just getting home, so I’ll call you back.”
He hung up with Caitlyn at the same time Samantha rushed out her car and walked his way.
“Sam, what is your problem?”
“You. You think you can flaunt that woman in my face and I wouldn’t say anything.”
“I thought we were cool. You said, you understood.”
“Coward.” She stumbled
and fell into his chest.
Blake didn’t want to make a scene. Although the distance between houses wasn’t close, if she got any louder, his neighbors would be able to hear her and he didn’t want a scene. He exited his car. He smelled the alcohol reaping from her pours. “You’ve been drinking. Why don’t you come in until you sober up?”
“I’m not going anywhere. I just came over here to give you a piece of my mind,” she slurred.
“I don’t think it’s safe for you to drive, so why don’t I call you a cab.”
She leaned closer on him. “Why don’t you take me home? Come on big boy.” She reached for his crouch. He jumped back.
“Come inside. I’m calling you a cab.”
This time, she didn’t resist and followed him inside. He called a cab while trying to fight her off him. “You know most men would be glad to have me, but you. You put me down for that fat heifer.”
“I’d appreciate if you didn’t talk about Caitlyn like that.”
“Why not me? Am I not good enough to marry?”
“Samantha, you and I would never work out and you know it.”
She stumbled over to him. “We could. You just never gave us a chance.”
“You have a man remember.”
“Forget him. It’s you I’ve always wanted.”
“This is not you. Pull yourself together.”
Samantha went from begging to being outraged and then crying all in the span of five minutes. Blake did what he could to appease her until the cab showed up twenty minutes later. He gave the cab driver a hundred dollar bill to make sure she got home and in her place secure.
“You’re going to wish you chose me. She’ll never love you,” she yelled, as she got into the back seat of the cab.
As soon as they were gone, he called a tow truck and had her car towed to her place. He didn’t want anything else to do with Samantha. He hoped her latest outburst would be the last of her, but his guts told him she would return. When or where, he didn’t know.
Chapter 12
Caitlyn was too excited to go to sleep. She needed to talk to someone about Blake or else she would be up all night. She normally would have called Bridget, but didn’t feel like hearing a lecture. Some of her friends were probably upset with her because every since her dad died and she set out to get revenge, she neglected to keep in contact with them. Besides an occasional email, she barely talked to the friends she grew up with.
Betrayed by Trust Page 5
