A Child's Heart (Trent & Cassie's Story) A River City Novel

by E. Ayers

  “Geez. I don’t like taking charity from anyone. So now I’m supposed to take more from someone?”

  “I shouldn’t have told you that. But this isn’t charity. Tate and Ari run down there all the time with their little girl. The Makowllens love having a houseful of people.”

  “No. I’m not doing it.”

  Cassie smiled and ran her fingertips lightly over his forearm. His soft golden-blond hair made her want to stroke her fingers through it forever. “Yes, you will, because it’s a chance for us to be together, and for Shawn to go to the beach and play in the sand. I want to build sand castles with you and Shawn.”

  “We’ve shared a few kisses, and you’ve been very generous to Shawn. But there are a few things you should know, and right now is not the time or the place.”

  She raised her eyebrows and stared at him. “Are you still married?”

  They both spotted Shawn as he ran out of the gift shop towards the restrooms.

  “No, I’m not married." His brow furrowed and he watched his son disappear behind a men's room door. "Can we talk about this later? I’ll call you this evening.”

  “I won’t get out of here until at least nine thirty. That’s a little late for you.”

  “I’ll call you at ten.”

  She nodded. “We do need to talk, and not a five-minute argument over accommodations, or sleeping arrangements at the beach.”

  ~~5~~

  Damn. Why did Cas have to say sleeping arrangements? Standing, Trent stuffed his hands into his front pockets, hoping to camouflage the effect she had on him. He quickly excused himself, went to the men’s room, and hid in a stall. Taking a few deep breaths, he attempted to clear his mind and focus on Shawn who had returned to the gift shop. He washed his hands and practically ignored Cassie, as he went to check on his son.

  “Daddy, they have this and this. And look at these. We could do them together.” He picked up a three-dimensional puzzle that was meant to be glued together.

  “That’s very expensive. Put it back and don’t touch.” Trent knitted his eyebrows and pressed his lips into a thin line.

  Cassie’s hand rested on Trent’s back, spreading intense warmth over him. “The question that remains is, does Daddy have time to put a puzzle like that together?”

  “I make the time to be with my son.”

  “Show me which one you like.” She picked Shawn up so he could see the others on the shelf. He finally settled on the dinosaur, which didn’t surprise her. She put him down and then asked. “Did you choose a book?”

  Shawn scrunched up his face. “Kinda, but Daddy said only one item.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “He did say one book. Which book did you pick out?”

  She was surprised to see him return with a book on geology. “Oh, you do have problem. But I think I know how to handle it.”

  Trent stepped into the conversation. “I said one book, and the puzzle is too expensive.”

  She held her hand up to Trent. “Shawn, you need to make a decision. You may have the book. It’s something you can read over and over again. Or you may choose the puzzle. You’ll need your father’s help to assemble it. When it’s done, you can keep it as a reminder of the fun you and your dad had putting it together.”

  “Geez,” Trent muttered half under his breath.

  She turned around and beamed at him, except he didn’t smile back.

  Shawn took the puzzle and the book she was holding, and disappeared around the corner with Trent behind him.

  When Shawn returned, he was only holding the puzzle. “Daddy said I had to pay half of the cost.” He reached in his pocket and withdrew a small wad of folded money held by a large paperclip.

  “You have a lot of cash there. Let’s see. Do you know what is half of thirty four dollars?” She flipped through the money he was holding.

  “No. I know four quarters make a dollar, and that two fives make ten.”

  “Well, this costs more than ten, so let’s make it six dollars and we’ll call it even, okay?”

  “That’s a five and a dollar.”

  She held the box and grinned while he carefully chose the two bills. She’d never met such a gifted child. Her heart went out to him, as if she could in someway protect him just with her love. Tears began to fill her eyes, and when she turned, she found Trent’s biceps next to her face. She leaned into his arm and whispered, “How do you cope?”

  ***

  At nine that night, as the parents and children were leaving, Cassie discovered Trent waiting for her. “I’ll be a few more minutes.”

  He nodded and sat on a bench while she finished her job. It was twenty minutes to ten when she appeared with her briefcase.

  She looked at her watch. “I’d suggest that you follow me home, but I’m starved. I skipped dinner tonight. I need to eat, and I don’t do fast foods. There’s a little waterfront restaurant that still sells food at this hour. The menu is limited because the restaurant is closed, but the bar is open. Would you like to follow me there?”

  “That’s fine. Is it a place where we can talk?”

  She nodded. “If it’s too noisy, we can walk in the park.”

  A few minutes later, they were sitting at a small table on the café’s patio. She’d ordered the club sandwich and raspberry lemonade, and he’d ordered a beer.

  “You’d better help me with this sandwich, because I’ll never eat all of it.”

  He grinned at her. “I’m sure I’ll find room for whatever you don’t want.”

  She fiddled with her glass and then gazed up at him. “I know you wanted to talk to me, but I also want to talk to you. I want you to be straight with me. You’re the father, where’s the mother?”

  Trent looked up and swallowed. “My wife died in childbirth. My life shattered, and it’s never been the same.”

  “Ohmigod, I’m so sorry.” She took his hand and held it.

  “So am I. Later I found out that Shawn had the same heart problem. The difference was, she never knew she had one. They don’t routinely check children for such things, but Shawn’s pediatrician knew the situation and ordered a few tests. The first time the tests were inconclusive, but when they did it again, they knew he had a problem.”

  “How old was he when you found out?”

  “Nine months.”

  “And he’s just now getting the surgery?”

  He nodded. “My insurance didn’t want to pay because it was congenital. I got a lawyer who fought with them, but they refused to pay for this surgery because it’s cutting-edge technology. It’s robotic and the least invasive. Tate’s dad found out about Shawn and went back to the company where he works and explained the situation. They had just started using the robot on adults, but Shawn needed smaller equipment. They developed it.”

  “I only knew bits and pieces, and that Tate’s dad was involved. It’s very exciting.”

  “No, it’s downright scary. There’s a big possibility that he won’t make it through the surgery, and a bigger possibility that they won’t be able to fix the problem.” Squeezing her hand, he continued, “You asked me how I cope. I don’t. It’s one day at a time.” He stood and went to the railing overlooking the water.

  Cassie knew he needed a few minutes to collect his emotions.

  When the waitress brought the food, she brought another lemonade and asked Cassie if he wanted another beer. Cassie reached over and sipped it. “Yes, please. This one is warm.”

  “Trent, come eat.”

  He turned and smiled. She gave him half of her sandwich, and they didn’t talk much until she was finished.

  “Try to explain to me why you don’t want your son to visit the beach, because I want us to do this.”

  “I don’t like imposing on anyone. I can’t afford to do it. And I’m not ready to share my life with another woman.”

  His words stung right to her core. “I already said we’d be there as friends. We need to discuss this, and I need to use the ladies room”

&
nbsp; She ducked by the cashier and paid the bill while she was inside. Then she stood and watched him for a moment before she stepped outside. Handsome was the only word to describe him, and she knew she was chasing him. She watched him stand, take out his wallet, and tuck some cash under his glass.

  She shoved the door open. “That had better not be anything other than the tip, because I just paid for the meal.”

  “Then you take the money. I told you, I don’t have time for a relationship.”

  She picked up the cash he had left and exchanged it for a five. His long strides made it difficult for her to catch up, being she was wearing heels. “You’re not walking away from me, so don’t even try it.”

  He stopped and waited for her.

  She took his arm. “I’ll admit, it’s not a deep meaningful relationship, but there’s something going on between us, because no man as ever kissed me the way you have.”

  “It’s simple. I’m a horny bastard, and you’re easy prey.”

  “I’m not that easy, and it’s not my fault you’re so damned good-looking that I’d be willing to do almost anything to get you into my bed.”

  He laughed, then grew very serious. “I’m not a gigolo, and my son is not a pawn.”

  “Are you saying that your kisses have meant nothing? Because they sure as hell did something to me.”

  “Yeah, I got a kick out of watching you swoon. Nice to know I’ve still got it.”

  “Then kiss me.”

  He did. It sent fire through her system. She ground her pelvis against the budge that formed almost instantly. Every sane thought vanished, leaving her only with the heat of the moment. When his lips broke from hers, he pushed her away and held her at arms length. “Yeah, I still got it.”

  Desire pulsed through her entire body. She licked her lips and gazed into his face. “Yeah, you’ve still got it and I want it.”

  “Now, right here?”

  “No. My place.”

  It took them only a few minutes to reach Sweet Grandview, but in that length of time, some semblance of order came to her. She closed her apartment door and dropped the lock.

  With hands on her hips, she started talking, “A few rules. If you leave, and I’m not awake, make sure the door is locked on your way out. We’re not doing a damned thing without a condom. I’m not into anything kinky, and you’d better know the meaning of the word no.”

  He plopped down on her sofa. “Well, you’re out of luck for tonight, because I don’t carry condoms in my wallet.”

  She reached into a drawer and fished around until she found the small box that she had purchased. “Here.” She tossed the box to him.

  He caught it and stood, ready to drop his pants.

  “Don’t be so crude. I want to talk to you first.”

  She grabbed two bottles from the refrigerator and brought them into where he was sitting. She passed one to him. “You and Shawn are coming to the beach with me. I want to give him that opportunity. I don’t want to go alone. I want the two of you with me.” She took a deep breath. “I’m not easy, and I don’t go jumping in bed with a guy because he’s cute.”

  “Could have fooled me.”

  She made a face and continued. “There are a few things you should know about me. I’ve been married, and I'm now divorced. I had just started graduate school when I made that big mistake. We flew out to Las Vegas and got married. Two weeks later, I walked into his office, and he was banging one of his freshmen students on his desk. I filed for a divorce the next day, dropped my classes, and transferred to Riverside University. That was seven years ago. Since then, I’ve had two relationships. The last one fell apart over a year ago. Oh, and I’ve always used a condom, even when I was married.”

  He took a long pull on his beer, then set it on the table next to the sofa. “Colleen was everything to me. We married straight out of high school. We didn’t tell anyone, other than my mom. She was five months into her pregnancy when we graduated and married. Every ultrasound she had showed a healthy, thriving baby boy. I was with her when she had the contraction and her heart gave out. In a matter of minutes…I was holding Shawn…and my wife was gone.” Tears spilled over his cheeks. "Two weeks later, every trace of her was gone from my life. Our wedding picture was gone along with all of her little possessions.”

  His sadness spilled over onto her. She found a tissue box and returned to his side. He wiped his cheeks with his hands and snuffled.

  “What happened to everything?”

  “I never asked, but I’m sure my mom did it. She told me I had to move on with my life and forget the past. Shawn is the only little piece of Colleen that I still have.”

  She turned around and stretched out on the sofa, laying her head into his lap. “I don’t know if the pain of losing someone ever goes away. I lost my mom when I was sixteen, and I still cry sometimes. I’m envious of friends who still have their mother. I can’t imagine the grief of losing a partner.”

  “I don’t want to lose Shawn.” One of his hands toyed with a lock of her hair, while the other rested on her abdomen.

  “Don’t lose hope. Do you go to church?”

  He nodded.

  “I’ll go with you. We’ll pray together.”

  Silence filled the room for several minutes as he closed his eyes and rested his head against the back of the sofa. She took his hand and moved it to her breast. “Open your heart. There’s always room to love another person.”

  “Why are you pursuing me? You could have any guy you wanted.”

  He cupped her breast and ran his thumb over her nipple, making it bead. Heat shot through her. “I don’t have an answer that makes any sense. That day I saw you with Shawn in my office, I… it was as if… Cupid took dead aim and shot an arrow into my heart. My body instantly pulsed with desire. I’m running around thinking I’m lusting after a married man, as if I’d lost every brain cell. Taking those books to Shawn… I wasn’t expecting your kiss.”

  He chuckled.

  She smiled at him. “After that, I was hooked. I can’t explain it. Love at first sight? Okay, I settle for lust at first sight being we really don’t know each other that well.”

  “You’re a PhD and I have a high school diploma. I have nothing to offer someone like you.”

  “I don’t think the levels of education or salaries have anything to do with it. I like being with you. Even here, like this, it feels natural, comfortable. But when you kiss me, my entire body is set aflame.”

  “I like kissing you. It’s nice to have that kind of power over someone.” He gently toyed with her nipple.

  That’s all it took. Suddenly clothes seemed to be flying everywhere, as she shed hers and tried to pry him out of his. He was over her on the floor, nipping at a breast, while one hand was between her legs. The downy soft hair on his legs tickled and excited her. Her body burned with an excitement that she’d never experienced. His tongue left a trail of heat on her neck and sent shivers through her body. He suddenly pulled off of her, and she wanted to scream, but when she saw he was reaching for the box of condoms, she relaxed and watched. He had a long, jagged scar over one shoulder and another on his abdomen.

  “How’d you get the scars?”

  “My appendix broke when I was twelve, and the other is the result of a great intergalactic fight between mutant warriors from Death Star Three Sixteen and me.”

  She raised her eyebrows at his seriousness.

  “I lost the battle when my foot slipped on the side of my spaceship, and I landed on the patio table. The mutants then injected me with their serum, using their laser swords and made me into one of them.” He grinned as he descended over her. “That’s why I must wear a shield over my probe, to protect the innocent earthling from my powerful force.”

  His mouth covered hers as he plunged inside of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as she stifled a groan. On the third plunge, she managed to squeak out, “Stop.”

  He instantly withdrew and stared at her. “Thought you
wanted this?”

  She held one finger up as she took a breath. “I do, but you’re a whole lot more man than I was expecting.”

  He sat back on his knees and looked down at his covered erection. “No blood. From what you said, I assumed you weren’t a virgin.”

  “I’m not, but I sure do feel like one. Guess I’m not used to being probed by a mutant from Death Star Three Sixteen.” She shot him a wide grin. “I want what you have.”

  “Then I will claim you and make you beg for mercy.”

  ~~6~~

  Light was filtering between the blinds when Cassie’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled at Trent as he got off the floor.

  “Leaving?” she asked.

  “Got to go to work.”

  She pulled herself up and stared at his magnificent body. “Take a shower first. I’ll get you a clean towel.”

  He reached over and offered her his hand. He started to clean up the mess he’d made when she gave him a little push. “I’ll take care of this. You can’t be late. What about Shawn?”

  “I’ll be home before he gets up.”

  She put the cushions back on the sofa and picked up the remnants of their lovemaking before following him into the bathroom. She put a white fluffy towel next to the sink and then opened a cabinet. “I’ve got a cheap disposable razor. I keep them for when I have to travel.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  “I’ll make some coffee.”

  It didn’t take long for Trent to join her in the kitchen. His fresh from the shower scent contained the floral notes of her soaps.

  “Are you okay this morning?” he asked, as he poured a cup of coffee.

  “I’m fine. I’ve never been probed by a mutant before, and I must say, it was exciting.”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He tenderly brushed her lips with his before nibbling on her neck.