Chapter 32
Blake couldn’t understand Caitlyn’s change of attitude. He thought they were actually going to try making their marriage work. She did willingly give her body to him. He knew he didn’t imagine the love he felt as they made love over and over throughout the night. Caitlyn had touched a part of his soul and he could not go back to the way things were before—before having her in his life.
Caitlyn barely touched her breakfast and didn’t seem excited when instead of taking a commercial airline, Blake surprised her with their own private jet. He watched her as she walked through the cabin. “If there’s anything you want, just ask. I made sure we are fully stocked with some of your favorites.”
Caitlyn looked at him, but not without rolling her eyes. “Thanks.” Instead of sitting by him, she took a seat in the area opposite him. She picked up a magazine and he knew she wasn’t reading it because it was upside down.
He chuckled. “What’s so funny?” she asked.
“You.” He leaned back in his leather seat and watched her with amusement.
She threw the magazine at him. He ducked just in time. “You’re a jerk you know that.”
“What did I do?” he asked innocently.
“Just when I thought you were human. How could you talk business on what is supposed to be our honeymoon?”
So she does care, Blake thought. He responded, “It was something that needed to be done. I needed to make sure things were in place for when we returned. I still have a business to run.”
“This could have been postponed,” Caitlyn said. “It’s a waste of money anyway. It’s not like we have a real marriage.”
“Our relationship can be what we want it to be. What we’ve shared is special and I could care less about the money right now.”
“I can’t tell,” she snapped.
He changed seats and sat next to her. She squirmed in her seat and turned her face towards the window. The stewardess walked into their cabin to advise them of departure. A few minutes later, the captain announced over the intercom they were ready to depart to Puerto Vallarta.
Caitlyn seemed to ignore him or give him snapped remarks during the entire flight to Puerto Vallarta. This was destined to be a honeymoon he would never forget. He hoped the sight of the beaches would calm her enough to at least enjoy the scenery.
A few hours later, they checked into the Vallarta Palace Resort Hotel. Caitlyn lectured him as soon as they entered their plush suite. “Don’t expect a repeat from last night. This here.”
She ran her hands up and down her body. “Is off limits. Since we’re here, we might as well enjoy the scenery. Don’t expect nothing more but a good time—minus the sex of course.” She placed her hand on her hip. “Understood?”
He saluted her. “Whatever you wish.”
“Oh and another thing, we’re going to do the activities I want to do.”
“I’m here to please.”
“First order of business is shopping. I packed light, so I need some clothes.”
“After you.” Blake held open the hotel door.
Blake felt like Caitlyn’s boy toy as they went from one shop to another. His hands were full. He couldn’t hold another bag. The more they shopped, the happier it seemed to make Caitlyn. They were only going to be there a week, but she bought enough stuff to last for a few weeks.
“I’ll let you pick out the luggage,” she said, as they entered a luggage specialty store.
“Wow, thanks.” Blake responded.
She pointed to a table. “Sit them there. I’ll wait while you look.”
“You’re so kind,” he said, hoping she noticed the sarcasm in his voice.
If she did, she ignored him. He looked at the bags and determined how much luggage he would need to accommodate her purchases. He wasn’t as annoyed as he pretended to be. Blake could tell Caitlyn felt something for him. He knew her dragging him from store to store was her form of punishing him.
Caitlyn’s plan backfired because he enjoyed watching her try on the different outfits and model for him. It turned him on. He regretted she felt adamant about not repeating the previous night’s sexual escapade. It would be hard to sleep in the same bed as Caitlyn and not want to touch her. It would be a long week of cold showers.
The rest of the week flew by as they enjoyed each other’s company. It was hard honoring Caitlyn’s wishes, but Blake did. He felt closer to her now than he did before taking the trip. Going back to Dallas would be a taste of reality they both would have to face—a reality he wasn’t looking forward to. He didn’t want Caitlyn to be just his invisible wife; he wanted the real thing. He wanted her mind, body, and soul. He wanted her to give birth to his heirs. He wanted her respect. He wanted her love.
Chapter 33
The following week, Blake introduced Caitlyn to his world. Being in Blake’s mansion would take some getting used to. She wasn’t accustomed to having someone cook and clean for her. She insisted on separate rooms. Her bedroom was almost as big as the master bedroom. It too had its own bathroom. There were perks to being Mrs. Banks. Perks she would take advantage of and hopefully when the sham of a marriage ended, with her five million dollars, she would be able to keep up the lifestyle.
Caitlyn woke up on this particular Monday morning refreshed. Blake left a note advising Caitlyn he had several important meetings and would meet her for lunch. She wasn’t scheduled to go back to work until Tuesday, so she had one day left to enjoy her vacation. After dressing in a new ivory pants suit and putting on the new string of pearls Blake bought her while on their honeymoon, Caitlyn jumped in Blake’s Jaguar and decided to pay Bridget a surprise visit.
One of Bridget’s nosy neighbors ran on her porch. Caitlyn waved at the neighbor, who jerked her head around so fast, Caitlyn couldn’t help but laugh. Bridget, looking flush, opened the door. “Look at you, Mrs. Banks.”
Caitlyn followed Bridget into the house. “I bought this outfit from some boutique in Addison.”
“Must be nice to be rich.”
“Let’s not go there. What’s going on with you? You’re not looking too good right now sis?” Caitlyn sat next to Bridget on the couch.
“It’s just morning sickness. Matt’s mom says I’m probably having a girl. When she was pregnant with Matt’s sister, she went through the same thing.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
“I’ll be alright. Matt and I have been wanting a baby for a long time, so I’m not going to let a little morning sickness keep me down.” Bridget smiled.
“I don’t know if I want any kids after seeing what you’re going through.”
“What? You don’t want a little Blake junior running around?” Bridget joked.
Caitlyn held up her hand. “Don’t curse me like that. I’m counting down until this marriage is dissolved.”
Bridget eyed her suspiciously. “Brad and I were discussing your situation and we still don’t know how you marrying Banks is going to be beneficial to our family.”
“I’m getting five million dollars. I’m splitting it with you two. That’s the inheritance that Dad would have been able to leave us if his business wouldn’t have folded due to Banks.”
“You’re playing with fire. I didn’t want to admit this, but I watched Blake at the wedding and the reception. He seems like he really does love you.”
“Please. The night after we slept together, he was on the phone with his lawyers talking about business. The only thing Blake loves is his business and what I am is a business transaction.” Caitlyn’s forehead tensed.
“Calm down girl. But let’s back track here. So you’ve slept with him?”
Caitlyn interrupted her. “I let him have some of this so he would know what he was missing the other three hundred and sixty four days of this farce we call a marriage.”
“I’m worried about you sis. I think you’ve gotten yourself into something that’s going to be hard to get out of. If you’re honest with Blake no
w; maybe, just maybe you can make this marriage real.”
“Be honest with Blake about what? He knows the deal. We’re doing this to save his precious business.”
“You know what I’m talking about. You’ve been determined to get revenge on the Banks every since dad died. I admit I too held a grudge. Blake’s still not one of my most favorite people, but now with the baby on the way, I think we should be putting our energy into more positive things. What happened with Dad was unfortunate, but.”
“But…nothing. I’ve gotten side-tracked by this thing called love, but I still haven’t forgotten what Jack Banks did to our dad.” Caitlyn paused. Her heartbeat increased.
“Let it go.”
“I’ve tried. I really have.” Caitlyn said, looking defeated.
Bridget held her stomach and ran out of the room. Caitlyn felt bad for upsetting her and followed behind her. She watched as her sister leaned over the toilet disposing of the food left in her stomach. She leaned in the doorway and watched as Bridget brushed her teeth. “I’m sorry if I upset you,” Caitlyn said.
Bridget’s mouth curved into a half-smile. “It doesn’t take much these days.”
Chapter 34
Caitlyn woke up an hour before Blake the following morning. She eased her bedroom door opened, hoping not to disturb him. She could smell the aroma of food coming from the kitchen as she rushed to the front door.
“You’re not going to eat?” Betty, the cook, asked.
“No, Betty. Thanks though. I need to get to the office early.”
“But Mr. Banks insisted that I make your favorites.”
“Maybe tomorrow morning,” she said, hating to disappoint her and hoping her growling stomach didn’t betray her.
“Mr. Banks isn’t going to be happy.”
“He’ll get over it,” she said, as she left Betty standing in the doorway.
She threw her laptop case on the seat beside her and headed to work. Only a few people were in the office early. Caitlyn was glad. She wanted to ease back into work. She went through her email and responded accordingly. She reviewed a word document and was going line by line when she felt someone watching her.
Blake stood in the doorway holding a plastic container. “Since you were in a hurry this morning, I thought I would bring breakfast to you.”
“Thanks. But you didn’t have to do that,” she responded.
Blake closed the door. “Caitlyn, we need to talk. Not now. Not here, but later on tonight.”
Someone knocked on her door. “Come in,” Caitlyn yelled.
Tasha walked through the door. “Welcome back.” She looked at Blake. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t interrupt anything did I?”
“No. Have a seat. I need to catch up on a project,” Caitlyn said.
Blake walked around the desk and before Caitlyn could react, kissed her. She forgot all about Tasha being in the room. “See you tonight dear,” Blake said, as he winked at her. “Tasha, have a good day.”
“You too Mr. Banks,” Tasha responded.
Tasha and Caitlyn watched him walk out the room. He closed the door without Caitlyn having to tell him. As soon as the door latched, Tasha burst out with several questions. “Oooh. Seems like you brought the honeymoon into the office? Where did y’all go? Can I see the pictures?”
Caitlyn held up her hand. “I don’t have time to play fifty questions with you. We got work to do.”
Tasha leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. “My, my, my. For someone who has married one of the finest men in Dallas, you seem a little…what’s the word? Testy.”
“I’d appreciate if you refrain from talking about my personal life until after hours.”
“Let me call Blake to come back so he can give you some, because your attitude is funky.”
“Whatever.”
“Look. Call me when you calm down. I’m out.” Tasha stood and headed out the room.
“Wait. I’m sorry. Let’s start over,” Caitlyn said.
Tasha sat back down. “I’m listening.”
Caitlyn got animated as she recanted their trip to Puerto Vallarta. She removed a large gift bag from under her desk and handed it to Tasha. “When I saw this, I thought about you.”
Tasha acted like a kid on Christmas as she discarded the tissue paper to get to her gift. “Girl this is beautiful and my birthstone too.” Tasha removed the amethyst necklace and bracelet from the black velvet boxes.
Caitlyn knew her attitude from earlier had been forgiven when Tasha ran around her desk and hugged her. “Girl, you’re the best friend a woman could ever have.” She held up her gift. “There’s perks to being Banks’ wife’s best friend.”
“I'm not saying she's a gold—“Caitlyn started singing one of Kanye West’s hit rap songs.
“Now all you have to do is introduce me to one of his rich friends.”
“You know Trent.”
“I thought I was high maintenance. Trent is a piece of work. I’m sure Blake has other friends.”
“Trent’s the only one that I know. You got all those business cards, use them.”
“Please Cat. Blake could give me the inside scoop,” Tasha begged.
“No. I’m not getting involved.”
“Spoils sport.”
“Gold digger.”
Tasha relented. “Speaking of gold digging, let me warn you. Folks have been really talking.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.”
Tasha checked the door and turned back to face Caitlyn. “I hate to be the bearer of gossip, but you need to know what some of these folks are saying behind your back.”
“You know what. Folks are going to talk, so let them.”
“Just watch your back. The main ones who smile in your face are the main ones talking about you behind your back.” Tasha picked up the gift bag from Caitlyn’s desk and left.
Tasha was no longer in ear shot when Caitlyn said, “Tasha, I hope it doesn’t include you.”
Chapter 35
Blake found it hard to concentrate. Overton, his attorney, confirmed the second installment of funds from his uncle’s estate was in place and legally he could now move forward with research and development. The financial burden had been lifted however his heart ached because he wanted Caitlyn’s love.
“Did you get a chance to read the papers I sent over?” Overton asked.
“Not yet,” he responded, while opening up the brown envelope. His eyes had to be playing tricks on him. “How could this be?”
“Blake, you’re old enough to know about the birds and the bees. I mean you did just get married.” Overton joked, trying to lighten up the situation.
“Man, I’m sorry. I’m talking out loud. Tara told me the kid wasn’t mine. Now I’m finding out years later that he is.”
“Your uncle had everything verified before he died. My associate was working on it but had an accident. The file got misplaced and he just returned to the office, so it’s our fault you’re just now discovering this,” Overton attempted to explain.
“Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that I have a son. Christopher Matthews Spain.” He read further down on the document. “Wait a minute. He was adopted. Don’t you need both parents permission for an adoption to go through?”
“There was no father listed on his birth certificate. From what we gathered, Tara had previously tried to claim the adopted father, Bryon Matthews, as the birth father. A DNA test taken before she died proved he wasn’t.”
“I don’t know what to say. This here hits me harder than losing Uncle Jack. Me. A father.”
“Let it digest a little and then we can discuss it further.”
“Let me ask you this and then I’ll let you go. If I wanted to see him, can you set it up?”
“I’ll do my best. You might get some opposition from his adopted parents, but because of the unique circumstances, we might be able to work something out.”
“Check on it for me. In the meantime, I got a lot of thinking to do.”
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I have a son. If Tara wasn’t already dead, I would kill her. I can’t believe she tried to pass him off as someone else’s. I asked her if the baby was mine. We took tests and she showed me the results. I should have insisted the results be sent directly to me and I wouldn’t be facing this situation now.
Joan interrupted his thoughts when she entered his office. “The three o’clock meeting is about to start Blake.”
He glanced at his watch. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He temporarily pushed thoughts of Christopher to the back of his mind. He picked up his briefcase and headed to the conference room on the next floor.
The room got quiet when he entered. Caitlyn sat at the end of the table as if she ruled the world. Her whole persona oozed sex appeal. He wiped the sweat from his forehead as he placed his briefcase on the table and took out some forms and passed them around.
“I want to thank you all for being here. We have a lot to discuss. I have some good news,” he said, trying his best to ignore Caitlyn.
He disclosed his plans for research and development as he saw the excitement of his staff increase. Seeing Caitlyn smile and her dimples made him feel better. He hoped she would carry the positive attitude home with her. The meeting lasted for two hours. Caitlyn lagged behind everyone else.
“Congratulations. Things are working out,” she said, as she slipped out before he could respond.
He walked behind her until he felt Joan’s hand on his arm. “Let her go. She’ll come around in due time.”
“Joan, it’s sort of complicated.”
“Love can be that way.” Joan left him alone in the conference room.
It was after seven before Blake arrived home. Betty fussed at him about being late for dinner. Caitlyn sat at the end of the dinner table eating. She failed to acknowledge him when he entered the dining room. Blake pretended as if it didn’t hurt his feelings, but it did.
Betrayed by Trust Page 13
