Betrayed by Trust

by Hogan, Hailey

  “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  “Call the cops and I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m turning around now.”

  She hung up with him and did as he suggested. She went back to the door and peeped out the peephole. Charles eye stared right back at her. She jumped.

  He yelled, “You called your boyfriend didn’t you. Well you know what. You’re nothing but a paid whore. He paid for you and he’s getting his use out of you.”

  “So that makes you my john since you took the money now doesn’t it?”

  His sinister laugh caused her to back away from the door. “Baby girl, you won’t be happy with him. I’ll give back all of the money. Well the money I haven’t spent and we can go back to the way things were.”

  “Get away from the door,” an officer shouted.

  Charles spurt out obscenities and a shuffle occurred. Caitlyn felt a thump against her door. The next sound was that of an officer knocking on her door. “Ms. Crenshaw, open up, it’s the police.”

  She looked out her peephole and saw the badge he held up to the hole. She opened the door to see two police officers. One had Charles in handcuffs. Blake stood behind them. He brushed past them to reach her. “Officer, I’m her fiancé.”

  The officer looked for her to confirm. “Yes, he’s my fiancé.”

  Charles said, “Fiancé? You’ve been cheating on me all of this time.” He attempted to come at Caitlyn but was jerked back by the other officer.

  “I’ll need to get your statement,” the officer stated, while the other officer escorted Charles away.

  Charles continued to yell out obscenities. Some of her neighbors now stood in their doorways watching the entire scene. She couldn’t wait to move. She had never been so embarrassed. She welcomed the officer in. She didn’t want to file charges against Charles, she just wanted him to leave her alone. Blake’s arm around her shoulders during the questioning comforted her.

  “Since one of your neighbors also reported a disturbance, we can fine him for disturbing the peace. If he does anything else, here’s my card.” The officer handed her a card with all of his information.

  “Thank you Officer Mendel.”

  “You two enjoy the rest of your night. Well, what’s left of it anyway.”

  “Thanks officer,” Blake responded.

  Blake locked the door behind the officer. He held his arms out and Caitlyn closed her eyes and fell into his warm embrace. Blake no longer seemed like the enemy. Caitlyn was seeing him in a whole new light.

  Chapter 18

  Blake wanted to wring Charles neck for frightening Caitlyn. The fact she felt comfortable calling him about the situation said more than she could say with words. He held her in his arms and didn’t want to let go.

  “Do you need me to stay the night?” he asked.

  “No, but I want to thank you for coming. It really means a lot.” She seemed to retreat back into her shell.

  “Call me Superman,” he joked.

  She removed herself from his embrace. She looked at the clock. “It is late, so on second thought, why don’t you stay?”

  “This is my lucky night.”

  “Hold up. You’re sleeping on the couch.”

  “I don’t know. I did drive all the way over here. Can I at least get the bed?”

  “We’re two adults. You can sleep on one end and I the other. And before you get any ideas, you’re keeping your clothes on.”

  “Can I at least take my socks off?” he asked, as he followed her to her bedroom that looked just as feminine as she was. The soft bright colors seemed to reflect her jubilant personality.

  “If your feet stinks, you’ll have to keep them on.”

  “I don’t have stinky feet.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  Caitlyn changed into a pair of maroon floral satin pajamas. To him, she could have worn a flannel gown he still would have found her sexy. Tempted to release her ponytail, instead he used his hands to unbutton his shirt.

  “What are you doing?” she yelled.

  “I’m taking off this shirt. Don’t worry. I got a t-shirt under here.”

  “I guess it’s alright.”

  She sectioned off the bed with an extra blanket as he took off his shirt. He caught her watching him a few times. He smiled.

  He got under the covers with his head at the foot of the bed. “Good night, Caitlyn.”

  She mumbled, “Good night.”

  Although Caitlyn’s bed was spacious, he felt uncomfortable. He turned in different directions and could not get comfortable. “Caitlyn, I’m not used to sleeping at the end of the bed, can I come up there where you are?”

  For a moment he thought she had fallen asleep. She growled. “If that means you’ll stop moving around, come on.”

  He grabbed his pillow and moved to the head of the bed. “Now that’s better.”

  She tugged on the bed spread. “Be quiet and go to sleep please.”

  “You sound tense. I know how to release some of the pressure.”

  Caitlyn reached from behind her and pulled her pillow and hit Blake upside the head with it.

  “Oh, you want a fight. You got one.”

  He couldn’t believe it. Here he was a thirty six year old man having a pillow fight and it felt good.

  “I give,” he said, as they both doubled over with laughter.

  “I needed that stress release. The only thing that would have made it better if I could have gone upside Charles’ head,” Caitlyn said.

  “Anything else I can do to help?” he asked, as he leaned on his elbow and looked into her eyes.

  “Just hold me and go to sleep.”

  “Your wish granted.”

  Caitlyn turned her back to him and snuggled her body close to him. He shifted his body so she wouldn’t feel the erection developing due to her slight body movement. Before long, they both were sleep.

  The sun beaming through the curtains and Caitlyn removing his arm from around her woke Blake up. It took him a few minutes to realize where he was. “Caitlyn, where are you going?”

  “I have a day of pampering ahead of me. I can’t stay in bed all day.”

  “What time is it?” he looked around for a clock but didn’t see one.

  “It’s almost noon.”

  “Man, I can’t recall the last time I slept this late.”

  “Me either. But hey, you’re welcome to wait around; but I’m about to go get in the shower.”

  “Maybe I can join you.”

  She stood up and threw the pillow at him. This time he ducked. “No such luck.”

  “You go bathe and I’ll be here.”

  He went to her second bathroom and washed up. He roamed through her refrigerator and found some breakfast items and cooked while waiting for her to get dressed. Since he had a few things to take care of himself, he would utilize her microwave to do a quick meal.

  He had just removed two slices of toast when she came in dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a New Orleans Saints t-shirt.

  “I didn’t know you were handy in the kitchen?”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he responded, as he placed the bacon and eggs on two separate plates.

  “Good job,” she said, as she poured two glasses of orange juice.

  They chatted over what could now be considered brunch because of the time.

  “What’s with the Saints shirt? You know you’re in Cowboy country?”

  “My brother played for the Saints until he hurt his knee,” she said, nonchalantly.

  “Which position?”

  “I think it was linebacker or was it running back. Shoot I don’t know. I’m not a football fan.”

  “You won’t have to worry about me taking you to any games.”

  “Good, but if you get some tickets to a Mavericks game, you better hook me up.”

  “I can do better than that. I have a skybox.”

  “Cool. Then it’s on.”

  Caitl
yn enjoyed their back and forth banters. Being in his arms overnight stirred up emotions she thought were long gone. The more time she spent around Blake, the more the desire to get revenge on him disappeared.

  Maybe Bridget and Bradford were right. Maybe she should give up her quest for revenge. If she did that, could she really move on? She could renege on the contract she signed with Blake but where would she hide. She grew up in Dallas and had no plans of relocating. She knew Blake would hunt her down to make her live up to her end of the agreement. She would see this situation through. It might cost her—but how much was the million dollar question.

  Chapter 19

  Caitlyn’s rapid heartbeat seemed to overshadow all other sounds in the room. She paced back and forth questioning her sanity for agreeing to go along with Blake’s proposition. She checked her reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth time. Satisfied with what she saw staring back at her, she smiled. The smoky gray evening dress would match Blake’s eyes perfectly. The hours spent at the beauty salon were well spent. Her hair was pinned up with a few cascading curls flowing down on the sides. The style accented her oval-shaped face and dimples that were a family trait. Only thing left for Caitlyn to do was to remove her glasses and replace them with contacts.

  Her cell phone beeped to indicate she had messages. Putting the phone on speaker, Caitlyn listened as her siblings pled with her to think about what she was doing one last time. She decided not to return their calls and hoped they would show up and be on their best behavior if they did. Blake left a message to confirm he was on the way.

  At the last minute, Caitlyn decided to call Tasha and warn her of the real purpose of the party. Tasha didn’t answer her phone. “Oh well, she’ll find out like everybody else.”

  She retrieved the ring from her jewelry box. The two carat princess cut ring glistened as she placed it on her fingers. Her mother and father gave her a pair of diamond earrings and a matching necklace when she graduated from college. She put those on as tears formed in her eyes.

  “I’m not going to cry,” she told herself, as she used the tissue to wipe her eyes. Caitlyn missed her parents. It saddened her because she felt like her dad would be disappointed in her decision to marry Blake, because he was a Banks. Her mother on the other hand would tell her to follow her heart. Her heart and mind were in constant turmoil over these new feelings for Blake.

  A knock at the door made Caitlyn push the thoughts to the side. “Coming,” she yelled.

  Caitlyn peeped through the peephole out of habit. A man standing in a black uniform and hat was outside the door. “Who is it?” she asked.

  “I’m your limousine driver. Mr. Banks asked me to get you,” he responded.

  “Give me a minute and I’ll be ready,” she said, as she opened the door.

  Blake stood outside the white stretched limousine as she walked down the walk way. Caitlyn felt like she was on the red carpet as people in her apartment complex stared. “You look stunning,” he said, as he bent down to plant a kiss on her lips.

  The driver opened the door. She gathered up her dress and entered, with Blake right behind her. The ride over to the Hilton Anatole ballroom was pleasant. “I booked an executive suite to give us time to unwind while the guests arrive. At seven we’ll make our grand entrance.”

  Caitlyn rubbed the palms of her hands together. “Everything’s moving so fast.”

  Blake reached out and placed his hand over top of hers. “Relax. We can do this.”

  “From this day forward, everything is going to change.”

  “Change is good, right?”

  She sighed. “That’s what I hear.”

  Caitlyn had been to the hotel before for several events and a couple of dates but the executive suite Blake booked left her speechless. Everything she could have imagined wanting, he made sure was there. He even had several extra pair of hosiery just in case she needed to change. She hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast. Her stomach reminded her of the fact; especially after seeing several delectable trays of seafood. She made a straight beeline for the trays.

  “These are delicious,” she said, in between bites.

  “I recall in one of our conversations you mentioned your love for shrimp and crab cakes.”

  “I’ll have to add some more brownie points to your score.”

  “When can I cash those in?”

  “I’ll let you know, but in the meantime, can you pass me another one of those stuffed shrimp?”

  “Anything for you, dear.” Blake placed a few of the stuffed shrimps on her plate. He held one in his hand and fed it to her.

  “Mmm. Delicious.” She licked her lips.

  Blake focused on her mouth. She took one of her stuffed shrimps and fed him. He kissed her fingers.

  “Are you nervous?” Caitlyn asked.

  “Who me? Of course not.” His eyes sparkled.

  “You’re lying,” Caitlyn responded.

  Blake placed his hand over his heart. “You see right through me.”

  Caitlyn laughed. “You’re so full of it.”

  Caitlyn enjoyed their little cat and mouse game. The phone rang interrupting them. Blake answered and after hanging up, he said, “It’s time. Most of our guests have arrived.”

  Caitlyn’s nerves had her sweating so she stopped in front of the mirror to make sure her make-up wasn’t ruined. “You look fine,” he assured her.

  She patted her forehead with a napkin and threw it in the trash. Caitlyn retrieved her purse. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  They took an exclusive elevator reserved for executives up to the ballroom where their party was in full swing. She could hear the music when they arrived. They were directed through a side entrance. She glanced around the curtain and was relieved to see Bridget, Matt, and Bradford standing near the front. She would focus on them when she made her entrance. Blake whispered, “Ready?”

  She gave him the thumbs up signal.

  The music stopped but the noise level took longer to die down. Soon afterwards, it quieted down enough for Blake to be heard. He spoke into the microphone. “Thank you all for coming tonight. I know for some of you it was very short notice.”

  Blake went on to say. “I know everyone is curious about my big announcement.”

  She heard a few people yell “yes.”

  “I won’t keep you in further suspense. Have you ever met someone and you knew the person would have a lasting effect on your life? Well, that happened to me, when I met this special woman. My life hasn’t been the same since she walked into it. She’s put a smile on my face and as some folks would say, some pep in my step.”

  A few people laughed.

  “For all you single ladies, I’m no longer on the market. I want you all to meet the future Mrs. Banks. That’s right. I want you to meet my lovely fiancée.”

  Caitlyn stood amazed at Blake’s speech. She almost believed the words he said herself. That was her queue to come out on stage. He extended his hand. She walked to where he stood and took a hold of his hand. Mumbling could be heard throughout the room.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Caitlyn Crenshaw, the future Mrs. Banks.”

  Before she could react, her eyes were blinded by the flashing cameras. When her eyes adjusted, Caitlyn scanned the room. She could tell some of the people in attendance, mainly her co-workers, stood in shock. Her eyes locked with Tasha's and she waved. Her eyes locked with her ex-supervisor and if looks could kill, she would be dead on the spot. She looked at her brother and sister. She couldn’t tell what they were thinking. She would soon find out because they were headed in their direction.

  Chapter 20

  “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be here.” Bridget whispered in Caitlyn’s ear, while giving her a hug.

  Caitlyn responded, “Thank you. We’ll talk later.”

  “Yes, we need to.” Bridget removed herself from Caitlyn’s embrace and faced Blake.

  Caitlyn said, “Blake, this is my sister Bridget.”


  “Call me Blake.” Blake extended his hand. Bridget shook his hand, but reluctantly.

  Matt shook Blake’s hand. “I’m Matt, Bridget’s husband.”

  Caitlyn continued to make the introductions. “This is my brother Bradford and...”

  “Sierra,” the petite woman, hanging on Bradford’s arm interrupted and said.

  “Nice to meet you all.” Bradford didn’t refuse to shake Blake’s hand, but he didn’t have much to say either until Blake said, “The Saints need you right now man.”

  Bradford responded, “Don’t count them out yet. Reggie Bush is a force to be reckoned with.”

  After talking about football for a few minutes, Blake got a server’s attention and each person took a flute off the tray, except for Bridget. Blake looked in Caitlyn’s eyes and said, “Here’s to a wonderful life with my future wife.”

  Bridget rolled her eyes. Matt squeezed her hand. Matt drank his champagne faster than he normally would have. Caitlyn gulped hers down fast. Other folks vied for Blake’s attention.

  “Blake, I’ll be right back,” Caitlyn said, as her family moved to the background to allow others to get closer.

  “Don’t leave me to face all these people by myself.”

  She stayed by his side but kept an eye on Bridget.

  “Caitlyn, you don’t know how surprised I am,” Diane said, as she made her way through the receiving line.

  “It all happened so fast,” Caitlyn responded. She barely looked at Diane. She tried to keep Bridget in her view. She could tell Bridget still wasn’t too happy about her plans.

  “No wonder I didn’t get any opposition for your promotion,” Diane snapped and walked away.

  That got Caitlyn’s attention. “No, that heifer didn’t,” Caitlyn said, unaware she had spoken out loud.

  “My boy. Congratulations,” Trent said, giving Blake a hug. “And my new sister-in-law.”

  Caitlyn hugged him; although her mind was on Diane. She would have to set her straight.

  “If you change your mind, I’m still available,” Trent joked.

  Caitlyn plastered on a smile. “I don’t know. You might be too much for me to handle.”