Betrayed by Trust

by Hogan, Hailey

  Chapter 38

  Caitlyn put her hands on her hip. “Back to Kandie and Samantha. Let’s get this clear. No women. Period. If you get horny, you better jack off; because if I find out you’ve been messing with someone; our little deal is off.” She sat down at the table.

  “Calm down. I have no reason to look outside of our relationship. Contrary to what you might think, I am a man of my word.”

  “I’m just saying. I’m not going to let you disrespect me.”

  Blake dried off the last dish and went and sat at the table across from Caitlyn. “Cat. You’re the only woman I want.”

  Caitlyn confused him. One moment she was hot, the next cold. She was like a Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde. His emotions were invested in their relationship and he wanted nothing more than to swoop her up into his arms. Blake loved Caitlyn and there was no getting around it anymore. Many women had loved him and he left them; now he felt the pain they surely felt.

  The look on Caitlyn’s face wasn’t one of anger but desire. Blake tried his best to resist reaching over and kissing her. He wanted her. His body needed her to quench the thirst only she could fill.

  “I need to go take a shower.” He rushed from the room. He stayed in the shower longer than he anticipated. He blinked his eyes several times as he stared at the mirage of Caitlyn naked body strewn across his bed. He questioned his state of mind.

  “What are you waiting for?” Caitlyn asked.

  He didn’t want the dream to end, so he obliged the mirage. Blake knew he wasn’t dreaming, the minute his lips touched Caitlyn’s and she didn’t disappear like a mirage. Without waiting for him to make the next move, Caitlyn removed a condom from a package. He put it on while she watched.

  Caitlyn pulled him on top of her. Their bodies united as one once again reminding Blake of how he felt on their wedding night. The feelings he had been holding back were released. He told Caitlyn over and over how much he loved her. He didn’t care anymore. He wanted her to know how he felt. She could run away from her feelings, but he decided to face his head on—no matter what the consequences.

  They made love several times throughout the night. When Blake woke up the next morning, the spot where Caitlyn had lain was empty. He called out to her but didn’t get a response. Her fragrance lingered in the air. It took him some time to get enough energy to leave the bed. He showered and dressed in record time. Blake smiled as he heard her singing from her bedroom. He knocked on the door.

  “Good morning,” Caitlyn said. The sight of her standing in nothing but her underwear sent a jolt through his body.

  “Why don’t we ride into the office together?”

  “I would, but I’m meeting up with an old college buddy of mine later, so it’s probably best that I drive my own car,” Caitlyn responded.

  Blake didn’t want to argue. The memories from last night were enough to have them both in a good mood and he didn’t want to spoil it. He relented and left her to get dressed.

  “I’m surprised she let you out to play,” Trent said, while they were playing a video game over at Trent’s place.

  “You know we don’t have a typical marriage,” Blake responded.

  “I can’t tell. We haven’t hung out since you said I do.”

  “I’m a busy man. I’m just trying to keep it all together.”

  “The best of both worlds. A fine woman at home and a thriving business.”

  “Business is looking up but I don’t know about the woman.”

  “Blake, come on now. A man doesn’t have the kind of smile on their face like the one you have unless he’s getting satisfied at home.”

  “I need to talk to someone and you know more than anyone. It’s hard. One minute she acts like she cares about me and the next minute she’s giving me the cold shoulder. It’s wearing me out.”

  “Keep wearing her out in the bedroom. I bet you she comes around.”

  “Caitlyn is different from any other woman I met. She doesn’t cater to me because I’m Blake Banks. In fact, she seems to make me work harder because I’m Blake Banks.”

  “You got it bad. Never thought I’d see you go out like this man. Here’s to a happy marriage and another whooping, because Blake…this game is over—buahh—game over,” Trent said, as he made a touchdown winning the game.

  Blake threw the controller down. “I hate when you win.”

  “I won’t rub it in your face this time. You got a lot on your mind. What are you going to do about your son?” Trent offered him another drink.

  Blake took it and said, “I spoke with the attorney. He tried to set up a meeting with the adopted parents, but they refused so we’re taking it to court.”

  “When do you go to court?”

  “Overton says it can be a few months, so until then I’ll make sure I do everything I’m supposed to do so I can bring my son home.”

  “How does Caitlyn feel about all of this?”

  “We talked about it, but she hadn’t said much.”

  “What if she doesn’t want him around?”

  “That’s a bridge I’ll cross if I come to it. First, I have to make sure I get my son. I grew up without a dad, but my son won’t.”

  Chapter 39

  “Cat, I can’t believe you’re asking me to do this. Are you sure?” Lisa Green, Caitlyn’s old college friend, asked. Lisa hadn’t changed much since college, except her hair once shoulder length was now shorter and cropped her face accenting her long eyelashes. She stood at five feet two inches and that’s with heels and she seemed to be in top shape.

  “I’ll have the cashier’s check waiting for you the moment it’s a done deal.”

  Lisa drank her margarita. “I have to be honest with you. If Blake Banks was my husband, there is no way I would be handing him over to another woman on a silver platter.”

  “It’s only a test. I want to see how far he’ll go. I want to see how committed he is to me.”

  “Promise me you won’t get mad if he wants to go all the way.”

  “Lisa, we’ve been friends for too long for me to let a man come between us.”

  “Let me know when and where to show up and I’ll make the rest happen.”

  “Thank you Lisa. You’re the only one I can trust to do this for me.”

  Caitlyn hugged Lisa as they went their separate ways. She hoped Blake would be able to past the test. Blake filled her voice mail with several messages. You’re making this hard. But I have to do what I have to do. If we’re going to make this relationship work, our relationship has to be solid. I have to know I can trust you.

  Caitlyn stopped giving Blake attitude. She wanted his guard to be down as she executed the next phase of her plan. He confessed his love for her during their love making session; however Caitlyn knew never to believe what a man said during the heat of ecstasy. She waited and waited for Blake to make the confession again, but as their two month anniversary approached, he never did.

  The love she felt for Blake grew. The pain she felt tugging in her heart over the situation with his child also grew. She wondered how much longer she could go on pretending not to care. She gave Lisa Blake’s schedule and now she only had to wait for her to make her move. She moved fast. Lately, Blake had been coming in later and later. She missed their late night conversations that always ended with her sending Blake to his room. Every time she asked him about his son Christopher, Blake’s responses were vague.

  On this particular night, Caitlyn made it a point to stay up late. She waited downstairs. She pretended to be engrossed in the movie when Blake walked through the door.

  “I thought you would be sleep by now.”

  She uncrossed her legs. “I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to come downstairs to watch a movie.”

  “Is something wrong with the TV in your room? If so, I’ll get it replaced.”

  “No. I just wanted a change of scenery.” She looked between him and the movie.

  “I had another late night meeting.”

  “You’ve be
en having a lot of those lately,” she commented; hoping he couldn’t detect any form of jealousy.

  “This new client. Well, she’s not a client yet. Keeps putting us through hoops but I’m about to tell her to take her business elsewhere.”

  “Don’t do that. Remember what you told me. You never turn down business.”

  “That’s before I met Lisa Green. The woman is ruthless.” By now, Blake sat next to her on the sofa.

  “You’re a big man. I’m sure you can handle her.”

  “Can I get a back rub?” he asked.

  Caitlyn stretched her arms out wide and yawned. “I’m sleepy. You’ll have to get a rain check on that back rub.”

  She left him sitting on the couch wondering why she abruptly left. She rushed upstairs. She closed her door and dialed Lisa’s number. “You’re doing good. Just keep at him and he’ll be putty in your hands.”

  “Cat, I don’t feel good about this.”

  Caitlyn ignored her reservations. “Don’t worry about it. Just so you know I haven’t been performing my wifely duties, so your next meeting should be at your house. On second thought, I’ll rent a condo and email you the address. Have him come over and make your move.”

  “You still have time to change your mind. He’s been resistant to my passes so far and if we aren’t discussing business he talks about you.”

  Caitlyn felt relieved but she had come this far to test Blake, so she might as well see it through. “The plan is still ago. Look for an email later this week with the details.”

  Caitlyn heard a knock on her door. She hoped Blake didn’t overhear her conversation. She slid under the covers just in case he happened to peek in her room before going to bed. Sleep didn’t come easy for her. The nightmares of Lisa seducing Blake haunted her.

  “Cat, wake up. You’re dreaming,” Blake said, as she held her in his arms. “I heard you sobbing all the way in the hallway. What were you dreaming?”

  It took Caitlyn a few seconds to pull herself together. She couldn’t dare repeat her nightmare to Blake. “I don’t remember,” she lied.

  Caitlyn wanted to feel Blake’s arms around her every morning, but she wouldn’t allow herself the joy. Their relationship resulted from a business deal; nothing more; nothing less. As much as she wanted to fully trust Blake, Byron’s betrayal seemed to creep up in her mind. Caitlyn had to do whatever she could to protect her heart. Pushing Blake into the arms of another woman would be the test and possibly the cure to her aching heart.

  Chapter 40

  Blake loved Caitlyn but her refusing to sleep with him was making it hard on him physically. He had never gone over a month without sex and now that he was a married man, he felt like he shouldn’t have to go a week without it if he didn’t want to. Caitlyn’s actions confused him. One minute she acted like she loved him, but the next, she acted as if she wanted to bury him six feet under. If Dr. Phil were to diagnose their relationship, it would be considered unhealthy to the highest degree.

  Overton placed some papers in front of him. “If you’ll sign here, that’s all I need. It’s been a few months, but finally we’re close to getting your case in front of a judge.”

  Blake signed the bottom of the paper. He picked up the picture of Christopher, Overton had given him. Christopher mirrored him at the same age. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “It’s not fair for them to keep you from your child, but the judge I’m trying to get is said to be fair.”

  “I hope this doesn’t get ugly.”

  “What will help if you and Caitlyn show a united front.”

  “I’ll have a talk with her, because I want my son.”

  Joan said over the intercom, “Your five o’clock appointment is here.”

  Overton stood up, “I’m about to leave, so if you need anything else let me know.”

  “Oh, one more thing; do you two plan on staying married after the one year?” Overton asked.

  “I do. It all depends on Caitlyn.”

  “Let’s hope this custody battle is over with before the year. Because we don’t need any surprises.”

  Blake stood up and shook his hand. “I appreciate all you’re doing.”

  Joan met Overton at the door. “Blake, I’m about to head out.”

  “Send Ms. Green in.”

  Lisa walked in looking like she stepped off the covers of a fashion magazine. Blake cleared his throat a few times as she sashayed and took a seat across from his desk. “Sorry, I’m late, but traffic in this town is so unpredictable,” she said, as she crossed her long shapely legs.

  Caitlyn’s face flashed in his head several times; however Lisa’s voice reigned in his ears. “It’s late. Why don’t we take this meeting to my place? I’m hungry. Aren’t you?” Lisa asked.

  “I can always order something and have the security guard bring it up.”

  Lisa moved closer to the desk revealing her cleavage. “I’m this close,” she used her hands to measure, “from closing the deal. Just one dinner. I have some rental property not far from here.”

  She wrote down her address. “I’ll meet you there.” Lisa didn’t wait for him to respond. She grabbed her purse and twisted out of the room. As soon as she was out the door, Blake released his breath.

  He dialed Caitlyn’s cell phone number. “What’s for dinner?”

  “I’ve already eaten. I can whip you up something if you like.”

  “Where’s Betty?” he asked.

  “I gave her the night off. I wanted some alone time.”

  “Well, that’s okay. I’ll get something while I’m out.”

  “What time should I expect you home?” Caitlyn asked.

  The thoughts of lusting for Lisa made him feel guilty.

  “Blake are you there?” Caitlyn asked.

  “I’m not sure. I’m meeting up with a client and it depends.”

  “You just asked me about dinner.” She paused. “Never mind. See you when I see you.” She disconnected the call.

  Did I sense some frustrations on her part? He shook his head several times. No, he was not falling for it. He hoped he didn’t slip up and do something stupid. If he did and Caitlyn found out, he would not only lose her, but he would forfeit the rest of his inheritance. He would rather lose the money than lose Caitlyn at this point though. He picked up the piece of paper with Lisa’s address and headed out the door.

  It didn’t take Blake long to get to her condo. Lisa led him into her spacious yet beautiful decorated condo. “These are nice,” he commented.

  “Glad you like it,” Lisa said, as she led him into the dining room. Two candles were lit and several entrees and side items adorned the table.

  “I didn’t know what you wanted so I decided to give you choices,” she purred.

  He wondered how she had time to cook this. Blake was sure she had this little scenario planned long before coming to his office. It was good to know he hadn’t lost his touch with the women. If Caitlyn wasn’t in the picture, he would have bed Lisa the first time she flirted with him. He had no issue with a woman going after what she wanted. From the looks of things, Lisa wanted him and wanted him bad.

  After dinner, Lisa turned on the radio to his favorite jazz station. “Would you like anything else to drink?” she asked.

  Blake placed his hand over the top of his glass. “I’ve had enough. I can’t be drunk and driving.”

  “We can settle that. You can just stay here,” Lisa said, as she let the wrap dress she wore open up exposing her body draped in see through black lace underwear. Lisa didn’t wait for Blake to confirm or deny his attraction. She pounced on him and had him in a lip-locking session.

  Blake’s body yearned for the touch of a woman’s touch. He loved Caitlyn, and the thought of her, caused his erection to deflate. Lisa’s phone rang. She stopped and answered it. Blake felt relief. He would have been embarrassed if she saw he couldn’t get it up.

  “Too late. It’s a done deal,” Lisa said, to whoever she was speaking with. She c
ontinued going back and forth for a few minutes. She finally hung up the phone. “Where were we?”

  Blake wiped the red lipstick from his lips. “Sounds like that’s something you really need to take care.”

  “That was a client who wanted to renege on a deal.”

  “The phone call saved me. Saved us from doing something we both would regret later.” Blake grabbed his jacket and rushed out before his body did cooperate and he did something he regretted—like cheating on Caitlyn.

  Chapter 41

  “No, No, No,” Caitlyn screamed out loud. How could she have handed Blake over to another woman? Blake was hers. In spite of their issues, he was hers and now he was sleeping with her friend. Correction, ex-friend, because when she called Lisa to tell her she changed her mind, Lisa acted like she didn’t care. She called Lisa’s number several times afterwards and the heifer refused to answer her phone.

  She grabbed her purse and bumped into Blake as she exited the front door. “What are you doing here?”

  “I live here. Where are you going in such a hurry?”

  Caitlyn didn’t know if she should hug him for being there or slap him for sleeping with Lisa. She did neither. “I got to go.”

  She rushed out, leaving Blake standing in the doorway. She needed to see for herself. The hidden cameras were planted in various places in the condo. She needed the tapes for proof. She also wanted to catch Lisa so she could kick her behind for sleeping with her man even after she told her she changed her mind.

  When she got to the condo Lisa was long gone. She left a disk and a note. “Watch at your convenience.”

  Caitlyn’s nerves couldn’t take the wait, so she placed the disk in the DVD player and waited. Lisa popped up on the screen. “You’re a lucky woman. Blake is really one of the good guys. Sorry I couldn’t have been of more help. P.S. – The next time you get a hair brained scheme like this. Don’t call me. I’m out.” The screen faded to a hazy gray.