The Rented Bride (Highland Billionaires Book 1) (15 page)

“Yeah, I’d say transportation runs in the family.” She strolled to the next portrait. “And this picture?”

“That’s Iain Weston.”

“And this is your grandfather,” she said, stepping down to the next picture. “And your father.” She slanted Trent a look. “Where are the matriarchs?”

He lifted both hands, palms out. “The Weston men are not sexist.” He grinned. “Our women would never allow it.” Trent turned toward the opposite wall. “Their pictures are there.”

Cassie crossed the room and studied the four portraits.

“The first portrait is of Rebecca Elliot,” Trent said. “She married Iain Weston She was one of three triplets. Her, Armstrong and Iain were all Elliots. That’s our coat of arms.” He pointed to the coat of arms over the portraits.”

“That’s the Elliot crest,” Cassie said. “No Weston crest?”

He shook his head. “No. We Westons are just your average Joes.”

“Not all that average,” she murmured. “The ladies are beautiful.”

“The Weston men do have good taste,” he said. “I wasn’t lucky enough to know any of them. My parents died young and grandmother died a year after I was born. But Grandfather tells me they were formidable women, including his mother Rebecca. She and Iain married against her father’s wishes. There was some kind of rift between her father and her two brothers, but it wasn’t until Elias’ forbade her from marrying Iain that she left Elias and his wealth behind. According to Granddad, she never looked back.”

“That’s sad,” Cassie said.

Trent shrugged. “Maybe, but Grandfather said that his mother characterized Elias as a tyrant. So it sounds like they were better off without him.”

“Do you ever wish you lived in Scotland?” she asked.

“I spent a year at University of Strathclyde. It’s beautiful, and I feel a connection, but Brettonwood is home. And no, I wouldn’t haul the bricks back.”

She chuckled as he led her toward a door to the left. He opened the door and they entered a cool, darkened room. “This is my favorite room,” he said. “I used to sit in here and talk to the paintings.” He stopped in front of the first painting on the left. “An original Alexander Nasmyth.”

“It’s gorgeous,” she said. “Is it Scotland?”

‘Oh yes, Edinburgh, in fact.”

“I feel as if I could step right into the landscape.”

He placed his hand on her lower back. “It is beautiful, isn’t it?”

She smiled. “They all are.””

His gaze snagged on her mouth. The woman was beautiful.

Voices in the main room caused him to look in that direction.

“I doubt they are here, James.”

Annie.

“I know my grandson,” James replied.

Cassie drew a sharp breath and Trent gave a low laugh. “You act as if we’re two teenagers who got caught necking.”

Her wide-eyed expression said he was right.

Trent leaned closer.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

“Kissing my wife.”

Her brow furrowed.

“It is what Granddad expects to find, isn’t it?” he asked.

Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t back away when he pressed his lips to hers. She tensed, but he probed her lips with his tongue and she opened, leaning into him. Desire whipped through him, centering in his cock. But she was vulnerable and he was honorable. He inched back and tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.

“So how soon do you need to leave?” he whispered.

She blinked, her attention shifting from his mouth to his eyes. “What?”

He brushed her cheek with a thumb. “You’re needed in Miami.”

“Don’t you need me here?”

He nodded. “Granddad will understand you have to work—for a few days.”

“I thought I could delay a couple days, but Eterio is panicking. The wedding is Friday afternoon through a Saturday brunch. I can catch a flight back Saturday evening.”

“I can have my jet ready in a few hours,” Trent said.

Her mouth formed an o. She shook her head. “I can catch a commercial flight.”

He placed his hand on her lower back and escorted her from the room. “I think we’re about to have our first argument as a married couple.”

“There you are,” his grandfather said. He and Annie started toward them.

“Prepare to be mauled a second time, lass,” Trent said in a light Scottish brogue.

Her mouth fell open as Trent steered her toward his grandfather.

Cassie worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she scanned the airline search. She had two flight options--a flight out of Vail tomorrow afternoon with layovers, or leave from Denver. “I can get a flight out of Denver in the morning,” she told Trent. “Can you arrange a ride? Or if it’s too much trouble, I can get a shuttle.”

“Cassie, this is ridiculous. Let me fly you to Miami.”

“It’s not necessary.” She had already broken most of her personal rules for this marriage. She kissed him, touched him, and by all that was unholy, she’d discovered she genuinely liked him. Just what she needed. To actually fall for her husband. Maybe she should book a shuttle to Denver tonight. She glanced at Trent. Not likely he’d let her.

“Henry will take you wherever you want to go,” he said.

“Thank you.” She clicked through the flight options. With a few clicks, she booked a round trip ticket, returning on Saturday evening. The anxiety rioting through her belly eased. By tomorrow evening she’d be in Miami, home where she belonged, and doing what she should be doing. Sultry nights, bright lights, where iguanas were feral and remained in the wild.

She spent another hour, sending emails to Eterio and the venue. Ramona at Castillo del Paraíso assured her that everything was on schedule. Finally, she called Maryanne.

“I’m coming home,” she said as soon as Maryanne answered. “Can you pick me up?”

“Of course. About time. You had me in a panic.”

“I’ll explain when I get there, but I need you to keep my schedule clear after the Bello wedding.”

“What’s going on, Cass?”

“I’m fine. I’ll see you soon.” She disconnected before Maryann could apply the third inquisition.

“What time does your flight leave?” Trent asked.

She swiveled her chair around and looked at him. He leaned back in his office chair, his dark gaze settling heavily over her. “Ten fifteen. So I’ll need to leave pretty early. When should we tell your grandfather?”

“This evening.”

Guilt niggled. “He’ll be upset. And in his condition...” Her heart lurched. “I’m sorry.”

Trent leaned forward, muscles stretching the fabric of his shirt across biceps and chest. “Don’t be. Granddad will be disappointed, but we’ve accomplished the main goal: marriage.” Trent rose and strode toward her.

She glanced down, unwilling to meet his gaze. Why did he have to be so understanding? He’d be paying her while she was in Miami. He stopped beside her and leaned against the counter, the heels of his palms braced on the counter at his sides. Her gaze was level with his leather belt and his—

She swung her gaze up to his face. “My leaving wasn’t in the contract,”

He surprised her by grinning. “I overlooked that clause, didn’t I? A momentary lapse in my negotiating judgment. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll deny it.”

Cassie blinked, uncertain how to reply, then grinned. “And you said you didn’t get where you are by overlooking details.

His expression sobered. “I admit; personal negotiations are new territory for me.”

She covered his hand with hers. “I booked a return flight for Saturday night.”

“Have dinner with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Tonight.”

She suddenly became aware of the warmth of his hand beneath hers and yanked her hand away. “Of course. I mean,” she smiled, “I assumed you’d feed me since I’m living here.”

“I had something different in mind.” “Will you have dinner with me? As in a date?”

A date?
“What about your grandfather?”

“Unlike the last two nights, he normally retires early. We will spend time with him before he goes to sleep, then go.”

“You don’t have dinner with him?”

“Rarely. It makes him feel old for his grandson to dine so early with him. He prefers relaxed conversation.” Trent stood. “Come on.”

“Okay.” Cassie rose.

He led her upstairs, to the third floor, to his grandfather’s bedroom. “Thirty minutes, then dinner?” he said.

She nodded and Trent knocked.

“Come in,” James called.

Trent opened the door, then stepped aside for her to precede him. He followed her into the room.

James sat in the chair near the window. He set a mug he was drinking from on a table between him and another chair. His eyes brightened when they entered.

“It’s about time you brought my granddaughter to see me,” he said to Trent.

Tent slowed and Cassie realized he was purposely hanging back. She reached James and knelt beside his chair. Surprise flickered on his face and he glanced at Trent, before saying to her, “You’re a good lass.” He patted the hand she rested on the chair arm. “You look beautiful, sweets.” He turned toward Trent. “Your wife takes my breath away.”

“Mine as well.”

Trent stopped beside her and before she realized his intent, went down on one knee and kissed her. He lingered but two heartbeats, enough to send her heart into a wild rhythm. When they parted, she reached up and wiped away the smidge of gloss her lips left on his mouth. From the corner of her eye she saw James’ satisfied smile.

“Has my grandson been treating you well?” he asked as Trent rose.

She nodded. “He allowed me to work in his office.”

James’ brows rose. “That
is
an honor. Even I’m not allowed in there when he’s deep in work.”

“That’s because you need to rest.” Trent sat in the chair on the other side of the small table to James’ left.

James hmphed, but Cassie could see he was pleased.

“Get up, lass,” he said. “Trent, get her a chair.”

Trent jumped to his feet. “Sit here, Cassie. I’ll get another chair.” He stepped forward and extended a hand. She was forced to accept and he pulled her to her feet. She sat in the chair he’d vacated and he carried a chair from the corner and placed it beside hers.

They fell into easy conversation, but after forty minutes she discerned the furrow in James’ brow. He was growing tired. Cassie wondered if she should suggest they leave when Annie entered.

“Sorry, everyone, but it’s time James got some rest.”

James shot her a narrow-eyed look. 

Trent rose. “Any arguments from you, Granddad, and I won’t let Cassie visit with you again in the evenings.”

James’ head snapped in his direction. For an instant, Cassie feared the old man would argue, but he sighed and nodded. “Aye, no arguments. Truth is, I’m a bit tired. What do you two have planned for the evening?”

“I’m taking my wife on a date.”

“Date?”

Trent nodded. “We’ve spent far too little time together.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You have pushed yourself harder than usual this last month,” James said. “Cassie will put a stop to that.”

Trent grinned. “That she will.”

“Visiting hours are over, everyone,” Annie said.

Cassie stood. “Sleep well.”

He grasped her hand. “You can call me Grandfather, lass.”

She smiled. “Grandfather.”

“You two have a lovely evening,” he said.

“Will you be okay without us for a few hours?” Cassie asked.

“Trent has spent too many nights home on my account. You’re newlyweds. It’ll do me good knowing you’re spending time together. And I won’t be alone.” He sent a dark look Annie’s way. “That woman won’t let me be for a moment.”

Annie braced her hands on her hips. “Be nice or there will be no reading tonight.”

“See how mean she is?” he said to Cassie.

Cassie laughed. “She loves you the same as we do. You listen to her and I’ll share your blood pudding next Sunday.”

He laughed. “Done.”

Trent rested his hand on her shoulder. “Ready?”

She nodded and kissed James on the cheek.

“See you in the morning,” he said, and she realized he wouldn’t see her in the morning. Should she tell him? Trent hadn’t mentioned the fact she was leaving. Her heart dropped into her stomach and ricocheted back into her throat. What if James didn’t make it till Sunday? She fought unexpected tears. This could be the last time she saw him. Cassie started when Trent’s arm slipped around her waist.

“You get a good night’s rest, Granddad.”

Before she could say anything, Trent urged her out the door. After a few paces, she said, “Shouldn’t we have told him about my trip?”

“He is liable to badger you into staying. If you want to feel guilty, then go back in there and tell him.”

Guilt.  She didn’t need more of it. God, she hadn’t thought this through when she agreed to marry Trent.

“I don’t know what to do,” she said. They reached Trent’s bedroom. He opened the door and allowed her to enter first. “I have to go,” she said more to herself than him. “But if anything happens to him while I’m gone, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“He’s right, you know,” Trent said.

“Right about what?”

“It does do him good to know we’re a happy couple, living our lives as we should. If he left this world tonight, he would go believing we were happy.”

Was Trent happy? Cassie shook off the thought.

“Is half an hour enough time for you to get ready?” he asked.

Ready for their date. She nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

He stepped out of the room and Cassie went to the closet. She flipped through the few items hanging in the closet, her mind on James. How old had Trent said he was, seventy-four? Still fairly young by today’s standards, and his mind was sharp. Cassie pulled the Lycra skirt and sweater she’d planned for their wedding from their hangers, then went to the bed and sat down.

She began stripping off her slacks. James’ illness was all so unfair. Both men were more concerned about how the situation affected the other than they were about themselves. Trent would be hurting once James was gone. He loved his grandfather so much that he’d risked marriage to a woman he didn’t know just to make him happy. Cassie paused while folding her slacks. How many men would do that? He loved deeply, more deeply than she’d realized. Perhaps more deeply than she understood. Would he love a woman as deeply? How could he not? Tears pricked again, this time falling before she could stop them. It was wrong that James wouldn’t be around to see Trent marry a woman he truly loved, and to see the birth of their child. A real family, that’s what Trent and James deserved.

Cassie released a stuttered sigh and swiped at her eyes. She had to pull herself together. The last thing Trent needed was to find his rented wife crying. He had enough weighing him down. She put on the skirt and blouse, then pulled her hair back into a bun at the nape of her neck and freshened her makeup. Her reflection stared back. Not terrible. A spritz of perfume and a smear of lip gloss completed her preparations.

A knock sounded at the door. The man had impeccable timing.

“Come in,” she called from the bathroom. The door clicked open and Cassie gave her lip gloss another smoothing around the edges, then went into the bedroom. She stopped short at sight of Trent standing near the bed.

Sporting the current fashion of a fit suit, he wore black slacks, a dark gray shirt and a black silk tie. He could have walked off the cover of a fashion magazine. Her heart raced. Sure, he was her husband and he was attractive and charming as hell, but he also was temporary. The knowledge didn’t stop a tingle of anticipation.

“You look great,” he said.

She shrugged. “It was the best I could do, considering….”

“It’s perfect.”

They stared at one another for two heartbeats before Cassie said, “Let me get my purse.” She grabbed the small clutch sitting on the bureau and hurried to his side.

They went downstairs to the entrance that opened into the courtyard.

Henry waited in the foyer with their coats. “The car is ready.”

Trent nodded at him. “Thank you, Henry.”

Trent took Cassie’s jacket from Henry. “Is this the only coat you brought?” She nodded and he frowned, but held it out for her. “We’ll get you a warmer one when you return.”

“Okay,” she said, and slipped her arms into the sleeves.

Stepping outside, a bite of cold wind stung her cheek. The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky in a wash of grays, blues and ambers. She was a bit surprised when Trent opened the front passenger door of a black Range Rover. She’d assumed they’d be driven by Henry. She slipped inside and when her bottom hit the soft leather seat she was in heaven. Heated seats—of course—and warm air blew from the vents.

Trent strode around the front of the SUV, opened the driver’s door and got in behind the wheel.

“I could live in this car,” she said.

He laughed and shifted into drive. “It’s the heated seats, isn’t it? They’re a deal breaker in this cold country.” He navigated along the winding drive, down the hill and out onto the main road.

Cassie folded her hands in her lap and watched out the window. In the distance, the lights of Vail twinkled in the dusky night. “I hadn’t thought I’d have the chance to see some of Vail. My schedule wasn’t going to afford me the time.” She smiled in his direction. The lights of the dash shadowed the angular cut of his jaw and cheekbones.