“You’re probably right.”
They all laughed.
Caitlyn commented. “Where’s your date? What was her name? Cassie.”
“She didn’t work out. Too clingy.”
“Or too dingy if you ask me.”
Trent hit Blake on the back. “I like her. She’s definitely a keeper.”
Tasha made her way up to the front of the line. “Congratulations.” She hugged Caitlyn and whispered in her ear, “I got a bone to pick with you.”
“I called to tell you, but you never answered your phone.”
“No excuse. You had plenty of time to tell me.”
They turned in Trent’s direction after he cleared his throat a few times. Caitlyn introduced them. “Tasha, this is Blake’s best friend Trent.”
Trent picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. Bridget actually saw Tasha blush. Tasha never blushed. “You two must be the most beautiful women in the place tonight.”
“You’re probably right,” Tasha responded.
Blake looked at Caitlyn and they laughed. Blake said, “I hate to break up this love fest, but there are folks behind you.”
Trent said, “Oh my bad. Tasha, let’s move over here. I would really like to talk to you more.”
Tasha said to Caitlyn before moving, “You’re forgiven.”
Joan walked up and hugged Caitlyn. “Take care of Blake. He might not admit it, but he needs you.”
“But…” Caitlyn started to say something else, but stopped herself.
“You did a great job,” Blake said as he hugged Joan.
They spent the next thirty minutes shaking hands with business associates and friends and accepting congratulatory comments. Caitlyn’s emotions were on a rollercoaster ride. She was happy that most folks seemed to be sincere but she couldn’t help being concerned about Bridget. Would her decision to move forward with marrying Blake, cause a wedge between them?
When the crowd thinned out Caitlyn made her escape. She looked for Bridget. Matt informed her, “She’s in the bathroom. Since she’s gotten pregnant, morning sickness seems to hit at the oddest times.”
Caitlyn made a beeline for the bathroom. She paused before going around a corner when she overhead someone say, “No wonder she got the promotion. Sleeping with the boss is a guarantee.”
The other woman said, “The position was supposed to be mine. I ought to sue.”
“If I were you, I would,” the other said, trying to encourage her.
Caitlyn stood and waited until they were out of hearing distance. She rushed into the bathroom. She forgot about the two ladies when she saw Bridget standing at the sink wiping her face.
“You okay?”
“I am now. This morning sickness should be called all day sickness because the slightest thing can set my stomach into a frenzy.”
“Maybe the doctor can give you something for it.”
“Ha. And maybe I’ll win the lottery. No. I have to ride this out.”
“You’re making me change my mind about having kids,” Caitlyn said.
“I wish I could change your mind about marrying that man,” Bridget snapped.
“Sis, we’ve been through this.”
“It’s not fair to you. You deserve better. You deserve what Matt and I have.”
“I will. Just not right now.”
“You need to let this quest for revenge go and move on with your life.”
“I can’t. Not now. I’ve come too far to stop now.”
“It’s never too late,” Bridget assured her.
“But…” Caitlyn cut herself off as Diane pushed through the bathroom door.
“Caitlyn,” Diane acknowledged her, before entering a stall.
“Who is that?” Bridget whispered.
“My ex-supervisor.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I just need to get something straight.”
“You need me to stick around?” Bridget asked.
“No. I got this.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
Bridget looked away from the stall and looked in the mirror and reapplied her
lipstick. “Let me get back to Matt before he starts worrying.”
“I’ll be out in a minute.”
Caitlyn waited for Diane to exit the stall.
Diane exited and bumped into her. She jumped. “Ooh, you scared me.”
Caitlyn didn’t waste any time. “I don’t appreciate the comments you made earlier. I got my promotion fair and square.”
“I’m not saying you didn’t work hard, but it’s interesting your promotion happened so fast.”
“You’re the one who recommended me. Did I come to you asking for it? No.”
“I know that and you know that; but you know others will be talking.”
“They’ll only be talking because you’re adding fuel to the flames.”
“Caitlyn, I’ve always liked you, but lately your demeanor has changed. Hearing you’re engaged to the CEO makes me understand why.”
She moved closer to Diane. Diane moved back bumping into the sink. “Let’s get one thing clear. I’ve worked hard for my promotion and if I hear you’ve said otherwise, you will have to answer to me.”
Diane stuttered, “I haven’t been saying anything.”
Caitlyn’s main focus had been on Diane. She hadn’t realized other women had piled into the bathroom. A hush fell over the room. No one dared to say anything to her after watching the scene. Caitlyn stormed past them in search of Blake.
Chapter 21
Blake saw Caitlyn and could tell something was wrong from how quick she walked. He stood up and moved her chair out. She plopped down and didn’t say a word. He had hoped him re-arranging their seating and having family sit at their table would make her happy. He watched her down the drink in her flute.
“Slow down. You need to eat something.”
“I can take care of myself,” she responded, just a little too loud.
He tried to remain calm. He rubbed her back with the palm of his hand. “I know that, but you’ve been downing those and haven’t eaten much.”
“I’m hungry.” She picked up one of the strawberries on the tray in front of them.
As if on cue, the food was brought out and everyone was served. The conversation over dinner was light.
The rest of the night was filled with conversation and congratulatory comments. Blake was tired. He felt like he was running for a political office the way he smiled and laughed throughout the whole night. Blake felt as if the engagement was more than a business deal. He hoped Caitlyn would soon feel the same way.
Caitlyn seemed like a walking time bomb. Earlier, she appeared happy, but after returning to their hotel suite, she seemed aloof. He tried to get her to open up to him but she snapped at him a few times so he thought it was best to drop the subject.
They retreated to separate rooms. Blake changed into a pair of pajamas and waited to see if Caitlyn would return to his part of the suite so they could talk about the night’s events. He wanted; no, needed, to know how she felt. This thing between them was beyond sexual. Yes, his body desired to fill her body, but his soul desired to fill her heart. He waited but she never returned from her room. He turned out the light and went to bed with thoughts of Caitlyn invading his dreams.
The next morning Blake found himself taking a cold shower. The thought of Caitlyn in his hotel suite had him stiff as a board. His body needed some sexual release and soon. After taking a long shower, he dressed and went in search of Caitlyn.
Blake was surprised to see Caitlyn sitting with her legs crossed on the sofa. He was even more surprised when she greeted him with a hug. “I take it you’re feeling better this morning,” he stated.
“About last night. I just needed some alone time.”
He cleared his voice. “I understand. Are you hungry? They have a nice brunch. I’ll have them bring it up.”
“It’s already on the way. I he
ard you in the shower, so I decided to order. Hope that’s alright.”
“Of course. You’re the future Mrs. Banks, so you might as well act like it.”
She placed the magazine she was reading down. “I did perform in a few school plays.”
“You know what I mean.”
Caitlyn had a serious look on her face. “Blake, how do you feel about me?”
Blake wasn’t prepared to answer. “I like you well enough.”
She curled her legs up under her. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“What I’m feeling is all new to me?”
“We seem to have this tug of war going on. One moment we’re having a nice talk and then the next, it’s like we’re trying to one up the other,” Caitlyn confessed.
“I think it’s more you than me.”
Caitlyn picked up the pillow on the sofa and threw it at him. “Why did I think I could have a serious conversation with you is beyond me.”
Someone knocked on the door saving him from answering. The conversation resumed as soon as the waiter left.
“This looks good,” Caitlyn said, as she piled food onto her plate.
“It sure does,” Blake responded, not once taking his eyes off her.
“If you’re going to stare, you can at least answer my question.”
“Which was?”
“Blake. I don’t have time to play this little game of yours. I was trying to see where your head was but it’s obvious to me, you’re not ready to talk about it.”
“Let’s just enjoy breakfast and we can talk later.”
“As far as I’m concerned the topic is closed.” She bit into her pancakes. “Pass me the salt please.”
Blake had originally planned to spend the whole day with Caitlyn but she insisted on going home after they ate breakfast. The limousine dropped her off first before driving him home. His voice mail on his home phone was filled with several messages from women he had dated. Word had gotten out about his engagement due to an article and pictures in the Dallas paper. Some of the women congratulated him, while a few cursed him out. Trent left him a message about Tasha.
“Please don’t tell me you did what I think you did,” he said, as soon as Trent answered his phone.
“We were two consenting adults. So why you tripping?”
“Number one, because she’s my fiancé's friend and number two, because she’s one of my employees and I know how you like to love them and leave them.”
“Tasha's a big girl. It’s me you should be worried about.” Trent laughed from the other end of the phone.
“I have enough going on and don’t need to be involved in your mess.”
“I should be offended but I’m not.”
“I’ll talk to you later. I have a busy week ahead and I’m about to get me some rest.”
“Tell that fine fiancée of yours I said hello.”
“I will whenever I talk to her.”
“You two seemed to be really in love man. You had me fooled.”
“I have a confession to make.”
“You’re not still kicking it with Samantha are you?”
“No, bucket head. Shut up before I lose my nerves.”
“What is it man?”
“I think I’m really falling in love with Caitlyn and I don’t know what to do.”
There was silence on the phone. Blake called out Trent’s name several time.
Trent said, “I know this isn’t the man who said there’s not a woman alive who can capture his heart.”
“I’m eating my words now because Caitlyn got my nose wide open. Maybe Uncle Jack knew something I didn’t know and that’s why he set this all up.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing. She gave me the chance to tell her how I felt, but I clammed up.”
“Talk to her. You two are getting married, so tell her.”
“I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I’m afraid to.”
“You are Blake Banks. CEO of his own company who has made multi-million dollar deals. So man up, and tell the woman how you feel. You might be surprised. From what I observed, I bet she feels the same way.”
“Trent, you’re right. I’m telling Caitlyn how I feel and she will just have to deal with it.”
Chapter 22
“Congratulations,” different people told Caitlyn as she made her way to her new
office.
Some were sincere, while others were only saying it because they thought it was the customary thing to say.
Blake sat behind her desk holding a bouquet of flowers. “Good morning.”
She quickly closed her door. “What are you doing here?”
“The word is out now, so we don’t have to tip-toe around each other.”
Caitlyn placed her laptop on her desk and retrieved the flowers from Blake’s hand as he remained in her chair. “You act like we’re really a couple.”
“We are. At least to everyone else,” he said, before pulling her onto his lap.
She hit him on the chest. “What are you doing?”
“Something I’ve been wanting to do since last week.”
Blake reached his hand behind her neck and their lips locked making Caitlyn melt as his tongue darted inside of her mouth. She wanted to give in to her emotions, but she didn’t want to get hurt. Falling in love with Blake was not part of the program. Not at all. She gathered her composure and pushed him away. She stood up and ran her hand over her skirt to get rid of the wrinkles.
“Let’s not do this,” she said.
Blake stood up and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll call you later.”
Caitlyn stood watching him walk out. He left her door open. She slid behind her desk. She inhaled Blake’s masculine scent mixed in with the scents of the flowers. Caitlyn refused to get caught up with emotions. She had work to do.
Caitlyn spent the morning reading over policies and procedures for her new position. Tasha walked in holding two bags from a local deli. “Since you’re not answering your phone, I thought I would take a chance and find you here.”
“I’m waiting on the IT guys to hook my phone up.”
“No telling how long that’ll be.” Tasha closed her door before handing Caitlyn a bag.
“Thanks for the food. I let time get away from me.”
“I figured you wouldn’t want to go to the cafeteria.”
Caitlyn removed the sandwich from the bag and a drink. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“Yep.” Tasha didn’t retrieve her sandwich. She sat back and crossed her legs.
Caitlyn looked up after taking a few bites. “So what’s up? You guys miss me?”
Tasha leaned forward. “Girl, you and Blake are the talk of the town. Did you see the right up in Sunday’s paper?”
“I saw it. Don’t know why it’s such a big deal, but it was nice.”
“Girl, you’re taking one of Dallas most eligible bachelor is off the market. That’s a big deal. And these heifers up here are hating on you big time. I almost popped one in the mouth earlier for saying you got your new position because of your relationship with Mr. Banks.”
“I appreciate you taking up for me but girl, let them talk. I got this promotion because of my hard work in the boardroom, not the bedroom.”
“I am upset with you though,” Tasha stated.
“How many times do I have to tell you; I tried to call you.”
“This is what I don’t get. Just a few weeks ago, you were contemplating on whether or not to date him and now you’re getting married. This has to be the shortest courtship I’ve ever seen.”
Caitlyn shrugged her shoulders. “What can I say? I told him if he wanted the goodies, the only way was for him to marry me.” She held out her hand. “And, the rest is history.”
“I wouldn’t have said no to it. I mean him either.” Tasha held up Caitlyn’s hand admiring her ring close up. “This baby is pretty.”
Caitlyn pulled h
er hand. Tasha wouldn’t let go. “My hand,” Caitlyn said.
Tasha let her hand go. “Let me tell you about Trent. Girl, talk about working it. I think I’m in lust. He knew how to hit every last one of my spots.”
“I can’t believe you slept with him and you just met.”
Tasha faked innocent. “I couldn’t resist. I’m on the rebound.”
Caitlyn sighed. “Don’t get caught up. Just from the few times I’ve seen Trent. He seems to be a handful. More so than Blake.”
“You handle Blake and let me worry about Trent. Trent’s met his match. He might be a player, and I know how to handle players.”
Caitlyn laughed. “I'm sure you do.”
They spent the remainder of the time talking about the party and men. “Some of us don’t have this luxury, so I better get back to work before Diane pitches a fit.”
“She hasn’t said anything has she?” Caitlyn asked, as she cleared off her desk.
“If she has, not to me.”
“If she does, make sure you tell me. I don’t like how she stepped to me the other night.”
“She’s just jealous because her sorry husband is cheating on her and got them in a ton of debt.”
“I’m not going to even ask you how you know all of that.”
Tasha looked away. “I can’t help it if folks like to tell me things.”
“Umm. Huh. Well you better go. I don’t want to be accused of being a bad influence.”
Caitlyn’s first day in her new role didn’t go as bad as she thought it would be. She hummed as she walked to her car. She stopped in mid-step when she saw Charles standing next to the driver’s side.
“I could get you for stalking.”
“I made a mistake,” Charles stated.
“Yes, you did. One being coming here.”
“I told you I would give back the money. I love you Caitlyn and I’m sorry.”
She looked him directly in the eyes. “I admit what you did pissed me off but I’m over it. Move on. I sure did.”
“It’s not going to work between you two. He doesn’t love you like I do.”
“I’m glad, because your love is for sell. Hopefully, his isn’t.”
He continued to block her way. “Move,” she said. He didn’t bulge.
Betrayed by Trust Page 9
