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My breath catches.
My pulse beats hopefully...
Steadily and solid.
Sending blood rushing to every part of my body.
I hold Cass’s eyes, silently hoping that what she’s saying is true, but my heart beats to an agonizing stop as I realize just how drunk she is.
Shit...
As the song’s beats reverberates through my body, further heightening my awareness of Cass’s body, I know that the only right thing to do is to get her out of here. She’s very visibly drunk and doesn’t comprehend fully what she’s saying but I also know that I don’t have it in me to walk away from her.
Even though I know it will most definitely be the end of Sharon and me.
Sharon had warned me to stop staring at Cass, to get my act together, as I sat helplessly watching Cass get drunk from across the bar. Sharon had once again issued me a warning to stay away as I watched when some guy had asked her to dance.
But I was past the point of heeding any warnings from Sharon when I had watched him slip his arms around her and she had laid her head on his chest...
Because by then, my anger had been completely overwhelming me - my rationale - as I once again had to endure another man touching the woman that consumed every fiber of my body...
And had done so since the night I met her.
Sharon had touched my arm in a last desperate attempt to keep me next to her while stating firmly to consider it over if I left her to go to Cass.
But I’d quickly shook her hand away.
I never even paused to think about what I was doing, what I was throwing away as I made my way angrily across the dance floor. I only knew I couldn’t watch yet another man, hold Cass...my Cass.
I now look back across the dance floor to the bar and my eyes connect with Sharon’s. I feel nothing but a fleeting sadness that I had to hurt her, but now that I’m holding the one person I have always only ever wanted in my arms, her whispered words spinning crazily through my mind, making my soul feel so alive...
I do nothing but watch as Sharon rises slowly from her barstool, giving me that second chance to change my mind as she silently implores me with her eyes to leave Cass.
To go to her.
I’d had a choice before of whether to leave Cass or to stay.
That time, I’d chosen wrong.
And I’ll never make that mistake again.
I feel sorry for Sharon, for tangling her up in this mess because I never wanted to hurt her, but I don’t have the strength to walk away from Cass...
Especially with her whispered words swirling through my head again, giving me hope that she wants me every bit as much as I want her.
I knew without a doubt that once I’d heard those words that I’ve been longing to hear from Cass’s lips, it had been game over for Sharon and me. Even though Cass had been drunk when she said them, I knew from the intensity in her eyes, the way she pressed her body into mine that she meant every word and now the wheels were set in motion to make her mine in every way.
I break eye connection with Sharon and lower my eyes back to Cass, and I know deep down that I truly don’t care that this is the end of everything that I have with Sharon. The woman filling my arms is all that matters, all that ever would. This woman in front of me is the one who has had my heart, my soul, since the day I met her. Time and space hadn’t changed a thing for me.
Or for her.
Cass's free hand comes up, her finger tracing my lips as she whispers, “I feel like I’m going crazy.”
A few more beats of the song, a few more erratic beats of my heart like a thousand horses running through my veins, and then I feel her lips on mine, her tongue slipping between my lips and I forget to breathe.
My head is pounding, my body never feeling so alive since that night I first met her. I pull her into me...closer, wanting more, always wanting more as my cock pushes eagerly into her belly.
This isn’t right, - whispers through my brain, even as I feel the swell of her breasts against my chest. I know she’s drunk and that I’m taking advantage.
But I’d rather stop breathing than to stop myself from having this small taste of her, even as I know I have to get her out of here, to allow her time to sober up before we go any further.
Because when I have Cass again, I want her fully cognizant that I’ll never let her go.
Never ever again.
So, for now, I deepen her kiss, just allowing this small touching of our bodies as I release her hand, release her waist to cup her face in my hands. Swirling my tongue into her mouth, taking her taste to keep, always, in the back of my mouth, I savor her before slowly lifting my head to look into her eyes.
“God, you make it hard to be good,” I murmur.
Her arms, still around me, try to pull me back to her. It takes everything in me to shake my head. I release her face to pry both of her arms from my waist.
“I’ll take you back to your room,” I whisper softly.
She bites her lip, nodding eagerly as she mistakes my intentions, causing my cock to spring to attention and I let out a small groan of frustration. Grasping her hand tightly in mine, I don’t bother looking for Sharon as I lead Cass from the bar to the elevator.
For me, it's over for Sharon and me. My future, who is meant to be my partner in life, is now standing next to me.
“What’s your room number?” I ask Cass gently, as I press the button, waving away the bell hop.
“701,” she whispers, clutching my hand tightly. I’ve never felt so on top of the world as I do right now by just the simple feel of her hand in mine.
The elevator dings before it slides open.
Due to the lateness of the hour, there’s no one inside as we step on.
As the door slides shut, Cass’s head comes to rest on my shoulder.
And I sigh heavily, praying for the strength to get through this.
Her free hand comes up to rest over my heart, where I’d placed a permanent reminder of her, and it thuds painfully.
“Where’s your room key?” I ask softly.
Cass removes her hand from my chest to reach into the back of her jeans pocket, pulling it out just as the elevator’s doors slide open to her assigned floor. Taking the card, I follow the signs to room 701. Sliding the key through the slot, I inhale deeply, praying once again for strength as I open the door.
She has left the desk lamp on which softly illuminates the room.
Turning to Cass, I open my mouth, to tell her that I have to leave and that we will talk in the morning, but she is on me immediately before I have a chance.
Her hot, sweet mouth opens over mine, her arms pulling me roughly into her.
My mind blanks completely before my body starts to soar. Grasping her around the waist, I lift her, backing her up roughly against the wall. My hands come up, squeezing her beautiful, full breasts through her shirt, over her bra.
“Fuck...” I whisper against her lips as she breaks the kiss to move to my neck, tugging my t-shirt from the waist of my jeans. I feel her hand on my skin, the diamond from her engagement ring gently grazing my skin and the shock of it causes my eyes to fly wide open.
This is not how I want to take her.
Not after waiting so long.
“Cass...” I murmur softly, grasping her roving hands.
She gently bites my neck, causing my cock to jump, my hips to gyrate automatically into hers.
“I dream about you all the time,” I hear her whisper against my skin. “I remember how you felt inside of me. It’s all I think about at night and I dream of it. I want to feel that again. Feel you again.”
My heart jumps, trying to beat from my chest.
"Your face is all that I see, Borden. You haunt me all day..." she sighs softly into my neck, "all night."
I squeeze my eyes shut. Everything she’s saying is what I’ve been dreaming about.
But I know we can't take this any further than we have already tonight because she would have regrets in the morning.
And just like the night that I met her, I know I can't live with her having regrets.
Feeling like I’m prying my hands from her breasts, I move them down to grasp her bottom, supporting her as I move away from the wall to carry her to the bed.
As I lower her onto the bed with her legs and arms still wrapped tight around me, she gyrates her hips up and into me causing my natural reaction to push back into her with my groin, wishing that I could sink myself deep into her, to feel her surrounding me once again.
Lifting my head, I bring my hand up to gently touch her face, forcing her eyes to meet mine, I say gently, "When I touch you again, you are going to be mine, only mine."
Her eyes widen, staring deep into mine as I release her face to grasp the hand that Tyler's engagement ring is on and bring it up between us.
"But this," I say softly, but firmly, “Has to go first.”
Forcefully...painfully...I push myself up and off her, my body screaming at me to take what she’s offering.
It would be easier than walking away from her.
Her gaze watches me, her eyes fill with tears as I force myself to cross to the door. Looking at her one last time, sprawled on the bed, her breasts thrusting forward from her erratic and disjointed breathing, I turn the knob.
“Trust me, Cass. We’ll be together but only after that ring is gone,” then I turn and take the hardest step forward that I’ve ever had to make and exit. As the door swings shut behind me, I wonder if my heart will beat from my chest because the thudding is so loud, so painful.
Yet so joyful.
Running my hands over my face, I head to the elevator to go back to my room. As I open the door of my hotel room, I silently prepare myself to face Sharon who is sipping on a glass of wine, as she stands looking out the window of the penthouse suite.
She finally turns to me as the door clicks softly shut behind me and I see the resignation on her face.
"I didn't think you would be back here tonight when you left with her," she says, her tone quietly angry. So...she had been there to see me leave the bar with Cass and I feel sorry that she had to watch that, but it was now best for Sharon that I end this quickly. She needed to move on and find the right person for her just like I have. It was the kindest thing I could do at the moment even though it will hurt her.
Holding her gaze, I respond quietly, "She had too much to drink and I brought her back to her room."
I see instant relief enter her gaze and my heart twinges lightly with pain for what I’m about to do.
I never, ever wanted to hurt her, but Cass is my future.
She always had been.
Shaking my head, not wanting her to think that everything is okay with us, I confess, "I'd still be there now if she was sober."
I see Sharon flinch and I feel like an ass for being so abrupt.
Stepping over to her, I soften my tone and murmur, "I never meant to hurt you, but you deserve the truth. When I met you, I instantly loved your ways, your kind heart...your beauty. You saw the worst of me when Cass was a memory that haunted me, and I never thought I would see her again. I can’t thank you enough for helping me through that. But for me, as soon as I saw her again, the first time and every time since, I wanted her unlike I have ever wanted anyone. That night has always been more than a one-night stand for me. I can't help myself, Sharon. Since she has come back into my life, I’ve gotten to know her more and I’ve only fallen more in love with her."
Sharon's eyes fill with tears and she begins to slowly release them.
"I'm so sorry, Sharon, " I whisper, as I pull her into me, trying to give her some small amount of solace.
She allows it for a moment but then she’s stiffening, solidly placing her hands on my chest to push me away. I easily let her go. I’m so deeply sorry that this has happened, that I did this to her, but these emotions that I have for Cass are intense, obliterating my integrity.
"You can stay here tonight. I'll leave," I offer quietly.
Sharon shakes her head quickly, replying firmly, "No, thanks."
I nod, not knowing what else to say.
"Consider this my resignation, effective immediately. I think in this circumstance, it’s best I leave right away. I won’t be finishing out my contract," she continues, her voice rough, and I can feel the start of her anger reaching out to me even as another tear slips down her face.
She's a great woman. She’s simply just not the right woman for me.
As Sharon opens the door, I say softly, "I hope you find what I’ve found some day, Sharon. Only then will you understand and perhaps not hate me so much. Only then will you see that this is best for you too."
She glances back at me, her eyes holding mine briefly, letting me see the hurt and pain I caused, before she’s walking out the door. It’s callous and cold of me, but I can’t stop the feeling of intense relief as it flows through me as the door swings shut behind her.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I take a moment to contain myself.
I know the road before me is still going to be hard but to have Sharon behind me, to not have to pretend any more, trying to hide that every time Cass walks into a room and I feel an immediate pull towards her, is a relief.
I no longer have to pretend.
To hide.
And it feels great. So freeing.
I lie back on the bed and stare up at the ceiling as I remember Cass’s words whispered to me on the dance floor.
Remember the feeling of her tongue flicking out to taste my skin...
I can’t stop the smile that flows easily across my face and I want to go back to her, be with her.
I shouldn't go back, - I silently try to convince myself. Every time I’m around Cass I don’t want to behave.
Thinking of her as I left her, sprawled on the bed with her hair in disarray on the pillow, her chest moving up and down pulling the t-shirt she had on tighter to her breasts with each of her erratic deep breaths causes my cock to spring back to attention, and has my heart overturning. After only a few more minutes with her hotel key card burning a hole in my pocket, mocking me...tempting me, I give in, telling myself convincingly that I won't touch her.
That I just need to be near her.
Pushing myself up from the bed, I make my way to the door and exit. My heart is thrumming, beating loudly in my ears as I think of seeing her again.
Being with her again.
There was no doubt in my mind we would sort through Tyler and be together.
I know this is the beginning of the end for her and Tyler.
Pressing the elevator button to take me to her floor, I lean my head against the wall, thinking of that one night I had with her, the night she had forever changed me, made me hers.
Only hers.
As the elevator doors slide open, my heart is racing. Stepping out, I walk the short distance down the hallway to her door and slide the key through the slot. My heart beat impossibly picks up even more as I hear the lock whirl and I grasp the handle to open the door.
What I see when I swing open the door almost makes me lose my composure. Cass is laying on top of the covers, sound asleep in the fetal position...
Completely and stunningly naked.
My greedy eyes drink her in, my cock pulsating...begging me to take her as my eyes focus on the two perfect globes of her ass. Her position shows off exactly where I want to be, her perfect pink slit glistening in the glow from the bedside lamp, bringing back memories of how right she felt when I’d been inside of her.
But I can't take advantage.
I never could.
Not ever with Cass.
Despite being the sexiest woman I’ve ever met, she looks too innocent for me to act on my feelings.
Instead, I sit by her on the bed, forcing my eyes to remain on her face as I softly stroke her silken cheek. My heart squeezes painfully.
I’m completely, irrevocably, in love with her.
My eyes go to the ring on her finger and I want to rip it off.
It would be so easy to do right now.
But I won't allow myself to do it. I want her to be the one to remove it, to make the decision on her own.
Sighing, I move my eyes back to her face and whisper, "You’re going to tear me apart before this is all said and done."
Leaning down, I kiss her cheek before I whisper, "But you'll be worth it." I nuzzle her cheek before reluctantly pulling away.
Glancing down once more at her naked body, I silently bemoan the fact that I have to cover up all that glorious nakedness. I reach for the duvet that she had kicked to the bottom of the bed and spread it carefully over her, not bothering to move her to place her between the bedsheets as I don’t want to wake her. Once satisfied that she’s covered completely, I decide to give myself this one thing. Slowly, I pull my t-shirt up and over my head, my heart thrumming deeply. My hands come to the buttons on my jeans and pause, wondering just for a moment if I should keep them on before I make a quick decision and quickly push the button through the hole before unzipping the zipper. Now anxious to join her in the bed, resolutely now knowing that I won’t touch her until she’s at least sober, I hastily push my jeans down my legs and then kick them off along with my shoes and socks. Stripped of all my clothes except for my underwear, I slip underneath the bed sheet, pulling her back into me, spooning her, firmly keeping the thin bedsheet between us as a barrier.
I try to keep my mind off the idea that in her fetal position, I could easily slip my hand between her thighs, slide my fingers into her warm depths before guiding my begging cock into her from behind, finally satisfying this burning need to feel her surrounding me again.
I really try to steer my mind away from taking her, but then I give up and allow myself to envision it for just a moment and my cock throbs painfully.
Silently shaking my head, exhaling deeply in frustration, I forcefully drag my mind away from my throbbing cock, firmly retell myself that I won't allow myself to take advantage of her even though my body is craving her...
Like a starving man.
I should just get out of her bed...
But I can't deny myself the feeling of sleeping next to her, having her scent fill my senses, so I endure the torture, just being grateful to be here with her now, like this. Holding her, listening to her even breathing.
When morning comes, and she starts to stir, I’m still fully awake and fully aroused. As her bottom comes into contact with my cock through the bedclothes, I grit my teeth, swearing softly as I grasp her hip tightly with my hand.
She stiffens as she immediately becomes aware of her surroundings...
Of me.
"Borden?" I hear her hesitantly whisper.
She knows, just from my touch, my scent, exactly who’s in bed with her and my heart rejoices.
Further tightening my hand on her hip, I lean forward placing my nose in her hair, inhaling deeply, savoring the feeling of having her wake up, saying my name. Somehow, I know that I would be doing this the rest of my life very soon.
Bringing my lips up to her ear, I respond softly, "Yes."
She jumps immediately, as if someone has branded her with a hot poker, pushing away from me as she fumbles awkwardly from the bed. Taking the duvet with her, she tries to hide her nakedness from me as she wraps it around her. My hard cock is making a tent in my boxers, which is clearly displayed through the thin bedsheet and as her gaze quickly scans over it, I watch a flush stain her cheeks. But as her eyes meet mine, I see regret and disappointment with herself cross her face. It sears through me and it makes keeping my hands off her last night so worthwhile.
"Oh my God," she finally gasps out as her hand comes up to her mouth.
"Don't worry, nothing happened," I say softly, wanting to put her at ease quickly.
God, she’s beautiful standing there, looking as if she had just been fucked with her hair down, the duvet clasped tightly to her beautiful breasts.
"What?" she asks, not fully comprehending.
Kicking the bed sheet away from my legs, I stand, and I see her take a step back cautiously, even as her eyes are unable to stop herself from running over my body. It causes my cock to jump, swelling further against the fabric of my underwear. Ignoring it once again, I walk towards her and her eyes turn cautious, but I don’t halt. She isn't getting away from me, ever again, so I continue the short walk around the bed until I’m standing right in front her, tipping her chin up to meet my eyes.
"Nothing happened," I repeat softly and pause for a moment to let it sink in before I continue with, "Because I knew you would regret it this morning. That you would feel disloyal and be angry with yourself for cheating on Tyler."
Her eyes hold mine for a moment and I see that her memory slowly returns from last night as she replies uneasily, "I was pretty drunk."
As I continue to hold her eyes, the sexual tension between us increases. I know I can’t stay much longer, not after the long night I’ve had holding her without easing this ache that I have had for her since the day we met. So, I force myself to let go of her. To take a step back. As I reach for my jeans, pulling them on along with my socks and boots, I’m very aware that Cass's eyes are watching me the entire time, that she is biting her lip as I pull my t-shirt over my head.
My cock twitches yet again as I think of that beautiful mouth of hers wrapped around me. It’s a fantasy I’ve yet to experience...
But one day I would.
I knew this just as assuredly as I was going to take my next breath.
With the barrier of my clothes in place, I step back to her and softly place a kiss on the edge of her lips before stating firmly in a whisper against her cheek, "I stopped us last night, Cass, but the next time we’re alone, make no mistake, nothing will stop me. Until I speak with Tyler, I’m going to walk away now to save you from any regrets because when you finally make the decision, I want no mistakes. No regrets."
I hear her shocked gasp, feel it whisper over my own cheek and I grin. I lightly kiss her cheek once again before stepping away from her.
Turning from her, I head to the door while saying, “Meet me in the lobby in an hour.” Then opening her hotel room door, I exit quickly before I changed my mind and went back in to push her back onto the bed.
Once in my room, I shower and then pack quickly, thankful that our flights leave soon. I’m overly anxious now to get back to LA, to go see Tyler and let him know, face to face that I’m not over Cass.
That I want her back.
And the sooner it happened, the better.
Heading to the lobby, I ask the Bell Hop to collect our luggage from our rooms and to bring the hired limo around before I purchase two coffees to go and two muffins at the onsite Starbucks. As I pay, I can’t keep the stupid grin off my face, can’t prevent my heart from beating thickly at this simple privilege of being able to buy Cass breakfast for the first time. Still grinning like a besotted fool, I take my purchases and wait in an area across from the elevators, choosing to ignore the curious gazes of people as they pass me, trying to figure out where they’ve seen me. When Cass steps off the elevator a few minutes later, I completely forget about everyone and everything around me, my heart racing as I watch her walk across the lobby. My eyes appreciatively scan her outfit of blue jeans and a white t-shirt that perfectly molds her breasts, which causes my heart to skip a beat.
My heart skips crazy, beating thickly in my chest whenever I’m around you, - the lyrics of a new song forms in my mind.
I grin. I was going to write so many stupid love songs...
And I couldn’t wait for the world to see who my inspiration had been all this time.
When Cass reaches me, she avoids my eyes.
"How are you feeling?" I ask, sympathetic to her hangover and what she has to deal with when she returns to LA. I know she cares for Tyler and doesn’t want to hurt him the same way I hadn’t wanted to hurt Sharon, but she isn’t in love with him, just the same as I wasn’t in love with Sharon.
I know there’s no way she feels the same incredible pull with Tyler that she feels with me because if she did, she wouldn’t have even looked at me twice last night or said those words to me.
It was always you, – in her voice, slips silently through my mind, boosting my confidence.
"Fine," she replies hastily to my inquiry while pretending interest in her purse.
I chuckle and respond, "Liar."
She sighs heavily and finally looks up at me.
She looks so beautiful, soft and fragile. Unable to stop myself, I lean down and place a quick kiss to her mouth. Ignoring her shocked inhale, I hand her the coffee and muffin before taking her arm and guiding her out the door to the limo. As she bends to enter the limo, my eyes zero in on her ass, and anxiousness fills me.
I can't wait for the day I can have her again.
Because have her again, I will.
But first Tyler has to be told. It will hurt him, but it will be the most respectful thing I can do at this point to right this situation.
It’s quiet in the limo on the way to the airport and I know Cass is thinking about what she has to face when she returns to LA as she sips on her coffee and nibbles on her muffin. I allow her to have the peace, knowing she needs it. As we pull up to the airport, I ask Cass for her passport and then tuck it into my back pocket when she hands it over. Exiting the limo, I turn back to extend my hand to Cass to assist her from the limo. She flushes as her skin comes into contact with mine, but I don’t let go because I’m past ever letting her go again. Instead, I hold her hand as we enter the airport and I continue to hold it until we reach check in, uncaring that a few people have halted mid-walk to watch us. By the time we have stepped up to the counter, I’ve been recognized, and a few people are snapping pictures of me and Cass with my hand clenched firmly around hers. Feeling a lightness in my chest, a deep pride that I’m simply standing here at a check in counter with Cass’s hand in mine, I grin wider and pull Cass just a little closer to me.
“Mr. Torres,” the agent smiles widely in welcome as he instantly recognizes me.
Glancing at his name tag as I hand over our passports, I reply easily, “Hi Kevin. I need a favor. This lady here checking in with me would like to take the seat next to mine.”
I hear Cass gasp, feel her tug on my hand warningly but this is the one time that I ignore her.
Kevin grins in reply as he says, “I’ll see what I can do. If the person hasn’t checked in yet, I can easily switch seats.”
Nodding, I reply, “There was a Sharon Stephenson sitting next to me but I’m pretty sure she won’t be taking this flight and wouldn’t have checked in.”
A few moments later, Kevin grins even wider as he says, “You’re right Mr. Torres.” With a few more click of the mouse, he proudly says, “I’ve easily switched out the seats.”
“Thanks Kevin,” I say in appreciation.
Cass murmurs next to me in protest, but I look at her, warning her with my eyes, that I won't be swayed.
“There’s no getting away from this now, Cass” I reply and then quickly kiss the top of her head.
She flushes, and I like the feeling that I can make her blush so easily.
After Kevin hands me our passports and boarding passes, I turn to the limo driver, Bertrand, and thank him for his assistance as he loads our luggage onto the conveyor belt. I watch as his eyes widen, a grin appearing on his face as he accepts my thank you.
Turning my attention back to Cass, she is quietly contemplative for a moment before she says, “You always do that.”
Not knowing what she’s referring to, I lift an eyebrow in question.
“You always thank everyone.”
Smiling widely, I reply easily, “Cass, we are all humans at the end of the day. Just because I’ve been lucky to be successful in my career doesn’t mean I take others for granted. Taking a moment to say thanks is a small thing to do.”
Her eyes hold mine for a moment and I watch as they change and soften.
And I know I’m the reason for it.
It’s a heady feeling.
Leaning closer to her, I murmur, “And if it causes you to keep looking at me that way...” I inhale deeply, loving her scent, before I exhale softly to say, “Well...I’d do anything.”
I hear Cass’s inhale, the shudder of her breath and then I lean back slightly to look into her eyes.
A few flashes go off around us, causing Cass to break our connection to look around us.
Grinning, loving every moment of this simple experience, I turn and face the crowd that is now surrounding us. Still holding Cass’s hand tightly, I wait patiently for a few fans to snap a few pictures but as they surge closer and I see a few paparazzi racing towards us, I politely announce that Cass and I have to move along to our gate. Uncaring that some of the pictures were aimed at my protective and possessive grasp on her hand, I pull Cass along with me to enter the private security screening area.
Yeah world. She’s soon to be mine, - I silently smirk.
Going through security, I reluctantly have to give up Cass’s hand but once boarded, I reach out and take it again. She tries to pull away, but I entwine our fingers tightly together, choosing to ignore the ring on her finger as it digs into my flesh.
She gives in and eventually, her free hand comes up to rest on my upper arm. A few minutes later, I feel her head rest against my shoulder.
It’s enough for now and eventually she relaxes, the effects of her hangover causing her to slip into a deep sleep.
A wide satisfied smile spreads across my face.
Other than that one night, this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.
Landing in LAX a few much too short hours later, I gently nudge Cass awake, loving the soft look in her eyes before awareness has fully sunk in.
Someday soon, - I mentally promise myself, - I will see that look every morning when she lays next to me in our bed. I won't back down until that happens.
I feel the stiffness settle over her body as she becomes fully aware of her surroundings. She tries to tug her hand from mine again, but I hold fast.
"Borden," she whispers pleadingly.
"No, Cass," I murmur back firmly. "After what you said to me last night, I can't forget. Whatever is ahead of us, we will get through. It’s going to be tough, but we are meant to be."
She sighs, her breath shaky, neither confirming or denying what I just said.
After meeting the hired chauffeur, we collect our luggage before heading to drop Cass off at her home that she still shares with Tyler. It tears me apart having to walk up their front step, but I console myself with the fact that at least Tyler is still at work.
And after this next meeting on my mental agenda, their living circumstances would hopefully change.
I watch temporarily powerless because of my respect for her, and for Tyler, as she slides her key into the lock and I can't help but pull her into me for one last embrace.
She stiffens as she says, "Borden..."
Tucking my face into her neck, I reply apologetically, "Sorry, Cass. He's not home and I can't keep myself from touching you one more time."
I hear her sigh and then her arms come up to go around my waist. I want to turn the doorknob, push her inside and show her all the ways that I can love her.
But it wouldn't be fair to Tyler but most importantly to her. She’d never forgive herself if she cheated on Tyler.
It's why I’m able to release her, to step back and watch her go inside, softly closing the door behind her.
Soon.
Letting out a deep sigh, I turn and head back to the waiting limo. Climbing in, I tell the driver to head to Your 15 Minutes.
Ten minutes later, as the limo pulls up in front of Tyler's offices, I take a deep breath. What I’m about to do will be hard on Tyler. I wish it could be different and avoidable but now that I know how Cass truly feels, I’m not letting her get away again.
I tell the driver that I won't be long as I step out of the limo. Glancing up at the building, I mentally resolve myself to face Tyler, to shatter his world.
I, of all people, know what it’s like to lose Cass.
But she’s mine.
Always has been.
The receptionist at the front desk is new and she pats her hair when she sees me, and I plaster a polite smile across my face as I ask to see Tyler.
"Is he expecting to see you?" she asks, her voice flirtatious.
"No, but it's an emergency," I reply, refusing to flirt back. I’m a one-woman man.
No... - I silently correct myself - I’m a Cass only man.
She flushes at my obvious dismissal of her flirtation and hastily picks up her phone. I hear her speak with Tyler before listening for his reply.
As she hangs up the phone, she says, "Tyler's office is the second on the right. He says you can go right in."
Nodding, smiling gently at her to soften my refusal to flirt, I turn and head down the hall.
Tyler swings the door open before I have a chance to knock, his smile wide and welcoming as he says, "Hey Borden! This is a surprise. Great to see you. How was the trip?"
He won't think it's so great to see me once I am done with him.
Inwardly, I sigh heavily.
Stepping past him as he holds the door wider for me to enter his office, I wait until he has shut the door.
"We need to talk," I say abruptly, turning to face him as I want this over quickly. It was going to hurt no matter how long it took to tell him.
His welcoming smile is quickly erased from his face as his eyes search my face.
"Is this about Cass?" he asks quietly, cautiously.
"Yes," I reply, relieved that he had suspicions. At least it wouldn't be such a shock for him.
"Rest easy, Borden. She told me about you guys. While I can't deny I wish you guys hadn’t hooked up, I understand that it was a meaningless, one-night stand," he says uneasily, glancing around his office as his hand comes up to rub the back of his neck.
Fuck, - I silently swear. He has no idea that he lost Cass the moment I walked back into her life.
"It wasn't meaningless." I let my statement sink in, watching as his eyes shoot back to me and all color drains from his face.
"What?" is his hoarse reply.
"It wasn't meaningless," I calmly state again. “Not for me. Not for her.”
I let my statements hang in the air. To sink into his brain. I know it isn’t fair to do this to him but nothing about this situation is fair and it’s best to be dealt with quickly and swiftly.
Anger fills his eyes, his face, his body stiffening for a fight, as he replies, "Maybe not for you but it was for Cass."
Shaking my head, I reply, "Did she ever tell you it was meaningless?"
I see him pause, his face flushing and I have my answer.
"I'm sorry, Tyler, to do this to you but I can't stay away from her," I admit honestly. Despite what I’m doing, I am sorry for Tyler, but I think of Cass and know this is what has to happen. The two of us couldn’t be miserable by staying apart for Tyler’s sake. Eventually he would become miserable too because the woman he loved was in love with me. “I’ve never forgotten about her since that night,” I add on, unswervingly driving the point home.
I see his hands clench by his sides just before he takes a step towards me.
Getting in my face he states angrily, "Stay away from her. She doesn't feel the same."
Now that he’s in my face, and I can deal better with his anger than his pain, I don't hesitate in my reply, "That's not what she told me last night."
I see him blanche and then he takes a swing at me. I allow it to land on my chin before stepping back.
I watch him breathing heavily as he contemplates his next move.
"I had that one coming but understand that if you hit me again, I will retaliate. We’re not teenagers, we’re adults with a contract to finish out," I firmly remind him. I watch him closely as he tries to compose himself. His chest heaves, anger almost making him snap again but then I see him slowly process what I just said.
When I feel he’s somewhat under control, I say truthfully, "I never meant for any of this to happen. You're a good guy and I promise you I haven’t touched her yet because I respected you enough to tell you up front before I let anything go too far. I also think you know deep down that Cass would never forgive herself if she cheated, and because I care for her so much, I couldn’t live with that and would never put her through that. But now that everything is out in the open, I also want you to understand that I won't stop at anything to have her."
"You're a son of a bitch," he spits out angrily.
Shrugging, I reply, "Maybe I am but it won't change anything." I hold his eyes, letting him see the determination in mine before I break the connection and head to his office door.
As I swing it open, I hear him say, "I’m not giving up without a fight. It’s my ring that’s on her finger."
Turning to look back at him, I feel a twinge of regret. I really didn’t want to hurt him. I didn't want to hurt Sharon either but the way I feel for Cass, the way I know she feels for me, it was inevitable...
Inescapable.
We would be together again, finish what we started before Tyler or Sharon were in our lives. Our connection was too strong for it to be otherwise.
I nod, accepting that he’s not giving up because I don't blame him. I wouldn't give up a girl like Cass easily either. But I also know it is game over for him and Cass.
"I'll be looking for another agency once the video is filmed this weekend, I assume?" I ask, my tone nothing but politeness.
"Damn right," he replies angrily. "I'd void the contract now if the arrangements weren't already made and the money spent."
Giving him a quick, understanding nod, I turn from him and head down the hall, past the wide-eyed secretary who must have overheard some of our angry conversation. I don't bother waiting for the elevator. Instead, I take the stairs, my heart light - feeling so absolutely free - that I can now pursue Cass.
Chapter 3