The Rented Bride (Highland Billionaires Book 1) (22 page)

Hollywood Homewrecker or Billionaire Bride?

A picture of her and Trent on the dance floor at Castillo del Paraíso dominated the page. She quickly read the article.

Only yesterday, Lindsey Fremont announced her engagement to Trent Weston. However, Ms. Fremont clearly wasn’t aware that the billionaire playboy had already tied the knot. Apparently, Ms. Freemont wasn’t invited to the private ceremony at Brettonwood, Trent Weston’s family estate in Colorado.

After Hours
confirmed with sources close to the couple that for Trent and Cassandra, it was love at first sight. Goodbye glitz and glam. Hello girl next door.

After the wedding, Cassandra returned to Miami where she is part owner in Daley Enterprises Event Planning. It is unknown if the happy couple will make their home in Miami, but the two were seen last night at Castillo del Paraíso.

We know how Lindsey Freemont loves publicity.
After Hours
tried getting a comment, but in typical Hollywood style, Lindsey shoved the cameraman and shouted obscenities at the reporter. No one likes getting dumped for another woman, but for the beautiful Lindsey Freemont, it’s got to hurt that Cassandra had the diamond ring on her finger even before Lindsey announced her engagement with Trent.

Congratulations to the new Mrs. Weston!

Cassie stared at the article. How had
After Hours
gotten the story? Trent had told only his inner circle the truth about their marriage, so it couldn’t be one of them. Then she remembered. Trent. A friend of his. What was his name? Tomas something or other.

“This isn’t possible,” she said under her breath.

“Then you are saying this article is a lie?” her mother said.

Cassie yanked her head up. She’d forgotten they were there. God in heaven, they knew. Her mother knew she was married. How could she lie, when she couldn’t possibly tell them the truth?

“Jesus Christ, Cassie,” Mia said.

“Watch your language,” her mother scolded. “How could you get married and not tell us?” her mother demanded. “Who is Trent Weston? How long have you known him? Why have you never told us about him?”

“God dammit, Cassie, are you pregnant?” Bobby demanded.

“Robert Franco Adams,” their mother said sharply. “I said, watch your mouth.”

“Ma—”

“No,” she cut him off. “We do not take the Lord’s name in vain.” She turned her stare onto Cassie. “Everyone leave us alone. I want to talk to my daughter.”

“Ma,” Bobby said in unison with Mia’s, “Mother.”

“Enough,” she said. “I want to talk to Cassie. Leave us alone.”

Cassie shot a beseeching look at Sophia who shrugged and mouthed
I’m sorry
. There was no deterring Mom once her mind was made up about something. Everyone filed out of the room, and Cassie racked her brain for something to say. She couldn’t—not in a million years—tell her mother the truth. It wasn’t as if she could claim she’d never slept with Trent. The way things were going, she wouldn’t be surprised to find that someone had photographed Trent leaving her hotel this morning.

The door clicked shut leaving her alone with her mother.

Mom sat on the edge of the bed. “What is going on, Cassandra? This article said you married this man in Colorado. Is it true?”

Cassie nodded and her heart broke a little at the hurt in her mother’s eyes. “It’s not what you think, Mom.”

“Is Bobby right, are you pregnant?”

“No,” Cassie blurted.

A shrewd light entered her mother’s eyes. “How long have you known him?”

As usual, she had gone straight to the heart of the matter. There was no help for it.

“A week.”

Stunned shock transformed her mother’s face. “How is this possible? I have never known you to be rash. This article says it was love at first sight. I suppose when you believe you are in love, it’s easy to do something spontaneous. But you lied, you didn’t tell me. This man, your husband, called you the other day while you were at home and you said he was a client. Why?”

“Mom, I—”

Her phone rang. Cassie jumped. She glanced at the phone on the nightstand. Trent’s name flashed on the screen. She couldn’t talk to him with her mother sitting there. God, how was she going to tell Trent that her family would never countenance an annulment or divorce? She couldn’t imagine what Father Victor would say.

The phone rang a second and third time.

“Pick it up,” her mother said. “A wife does not ignore her husband’s phone call.”

No, she couldn’t talk to him.

The call switched to voicemail.

“What’s wrong, Cassandra?” her mother asked. “Why are you here at Sophia’s instead of your home?”

“I was afraid the paparazzi would be waiting at my house. The story broke and I didn’t know where to go.”

“Why are you not with your husband?”

“He returned to Colorado. I’ll see him when I go back.” It wasn’t a lie.

“When are you leaving?”

That she didn’t know. It was becoming a habit of hers, but she’d already missed the flight she’d originally booked. “Tomorrow,” she lied. Guilt heaped higher on her shoulders.

Her mother shook her head. “I don’t understand any of this. You lie to me. You get married to a man you barely know. How can you be so careless with your life? I want to be happy for you, but you need to explain to me why you do these foolish things.”

“It’s my life, Mom.”

Her mother gave an impatient shake of her head. “I know, but you will always be my little girl. A mother worries about her children, but I don’t tell you how to live your life.”

Cassie stared.

“Cassandra, just because I worry you work too hard, or tell you to think about having a family of your own doesn’t mean I interfere.” She smoothed a lock of hair from Cassie’s face. “One day, when you have children, you’ll understand.”

She was right. Her mother had always wanted the best for her children. Cassie was making plenty of mistakes. But she hadn’t had time to listen to good advice. And the situation now didn’t have an easy solution.

“Mom—”

A knock sounded on the door and Sophia stuck her head inside the room. “Leonard just called. Your
husband
is downstairs and wants to come up.”

“What?” Cassie blurted. “Trent, here? That’s impossible.” Then she knew it wasn’t.

Maryanne
.

She knew about Sophia’s apartment and must have told Trent.

Cassie shook her head. “I don’t want to see him. Tell Leonard to tell him I’m not here.”

Her mother rose. “Cassandra, a wife does not lie to her husband.” She headed for the door “Send him up. I have a few things to say to my new son-in-law.”

Cassie jumped from the bed and followed her mother into the living room. “Mom, you just said you respect my right to make my own decisions. I don’t want to see him.”

Her mother shrugged. “Fine. Go back to bed, but I want to meet my new son-in-law.”

“That’s interfering!”

Her mother faced her. “I have the right to meet the man my daughter married, Cassandra.”

Cassie looked at her cousin. “This is your apartment. Don’t let him in. I don’t want to talk to him.”

“What’s he done to you?” Bobby demanded. “If he’s hurt you, I’ll take care of him. I’m going to call Danny.”

“You will not call Danny,” Cassie snapped.

Their mother pointed to Bobby. “The whole family is going to meet him. Call all your brothers, and Leeza, too. She’s out of town, but she’s sure to hear the news that her sister is married.”

“Stop,” Cassie hollered. “Don’t call anyone, and don’t let Trent up.”

“You didn’t give me a chance to finish,” Sophia cut in. “I already told Leonard to send him up.”

The doorbell rang. Bobby and Mia headed for the door.

“Stop,” her mother ordered.

Bobby and Mia halted. She passed them, but they followed the last few steps to the door. Cassie stood next to Sophia a few paces inside the room. She said a silent prayer for the floor to open up and swallow her. Finally, her mother opened the door. Trent stood at the threshold dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers.

“Damn,” Sophia said under her breath.

Cassie snapped her gaze to her cousin.

“Excuse the unexpected visit,” he said, “but I need to speak with Cassie.”

His eyes shifted past her family to her, and the same uncertainty she’d experienced earlier churned her gut.

“You aren’t interrupting anything,” her mother said, and stepped out of the way. “I’m Maria, Cassie’s mother. Please, come in.”

Trent entered and strode toward Cassie. She noticed the tired look in his eyes. He couldn’t be any happier than she was about all the media attention.

He stopped in front of her. “I called, but you didn’t pick up,” he said.

“I saw the article in
After Hours
.” Cassie said.

His brow furrowed. “What article?”

“Sit down,” Cassie’s mother said. “So we can talk.”

He smiled at her. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t have time to socialize.” His gaze shifted back to Cassie. “It’s grandfather.”

Trent existed in a fog. Cassie stepped past her mother and pulled him into a hug. He allowed himself a moment in her arms before inching back. He didn’t know how much time they had.

“Will you come back to Brettonwood with me?” he asked.

“Who does this guy think he is?” burst out the man standing near Cassie’s mother. “You may have married my sister, but she isn’t going anywhere with you.”

Trent’s gaze snapped from Cassie to her brother. “They know about—” He broke off when she nodded.

“It was in your friend’s paper,
After Hours
.”

Trent started. What the hell had Tomas written?

“What did the article say?” he asked.

“Never mind,” she said. “Right now we need to get back to Brettonwood.”

He nodded.

“What’s wrong?” Cassie’s mother asked.

Cassie said, “Trent’s grandfather is dying.”

“Sweet Jesus,” Sophia said in unison with Mia’s, “Dear God.”

Maria crossed herself. “Cassandra, you two must go. Do you need anything?”

Cassie shook her head. “No. I’ll call you later.”

“Bobby, take them to the airport,” Maria ordered.

Trent shook his head. “Thank you, Maria, but I have a car waiting.”

“Of course.” She stepped close and startled him with a hug. “Welcome to our family.”

She pulled back and Cassie said, “Just let me grab my purse.”

Her mother grasped his arm. “I will pray for your grandfather. What is his name?”

“Thank you. James Weston.”

Bobby glared, but the taller brunette said, “I’m Sophia, Cassie’s cousin. Would you like something to drink? Perrier, Coke?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

The more petite brunette stepped up and extended a hand. “I’m Mia, Cassie’s sister.” They shook. “The one glaring is our brother, Bobby.” Trent extended a hand and the man grudgingly shook.

Cassie emerged from the bedroom, purse in hand. “I’m ready.” She stopped and hugged her mother. “I’ll call you.”

Her mother nodded and Cassie hurried past him. Trent followed her out of the apartment and down the hallway to the elevator.

They got into the elevator, and he said. “I tried calling to warn you I was here, but you didn’t pick up. I’m sorry I—dammit, what the hell did Tomas write in the paper?”

The elevator stopped two floors down and an elderly woman got on. Trent stood silent with Cassie and when they reached the lobby, he led her out to the limo. He opened the door and she slid into the seat, then he followed. The car started forward and Trent pushed the button to close the partition between them and the driver.

When the partition was up, he said, “Cassie, this is all my fault. I gave Tomas permission to write about us in the paper, but I had no idea what he planned to publish.” Just what had he thought Tomas would do? “He was going to do damage control.”

She opened her purse, pulled out a single folded sheet of paper and held it out. He took the paper and unfolded it. The headline punched him in the gut.
Hollywood Homewrecker or Billionaire Bride?
A photograph of him and Cassie dancing at the hotel separated the title from the article. He scanned the page and groaned at the line
Goodbye glitz and glam. Hello girl next door.
He finished reading and wasn’t surprised at Lindsey’s response to the news he’d married Cassie the day after he’d broken up with her. She had to be livid.

Trent refolded the paper. “I’m really sorry, Cassie. I can’t begin to imagine how this complicates things for you.”

She snorted. “My mother is a devout Catholic—never mind Grandma Rosa who’s from the old country.”

Trent hadn’t forgotten the suspicion in her brother’s eyes. He released a breath. “I’ll take the blame for this right down the line. You can tell your family I cheated on you with Lindsey.”

Her head whipped in his direction and he started at the shock written on her face.

“It’s not true. I wouldn’t do that to you. But adultery would give you grounds for divorce.”

She turned her head and stared out the window.

“Cassie?”

She nodded. “Yes, adultery will do the trick.”

She acted as if he
had
cheated on her. Maybe, in a way, she felt he had. After all, he’d asked her to marry him the very day he’d broken up with Lindsey, placed the ring he’d purchased for Lindsey on Cassie’s finger. Their relationship was supposed to be business. The ring, the proposal, the timing shouldn’t have mattered, but it did. And he couldn’t stand the hurt in Cassie’s eyes.

“Cassie, I never meant for this to happen.”

She didn’t look at him.

“I don’t want you to—”

“We don’t have to talk about this.” She shifted and met his gaze. “How is James?”

Pain sawed through his heart like a dull knife. “Not good. Annie called an hour ago.”

Her expression softened. “I’m so sorry. Had I known.…” She sighed.

“You would have accepted my call.” He gave her a wistful smile. “I know. I’d already been to your house and your mother’s house. This was my last stop before I headed for the airport.”

“How long will it take us to get there?”

“We’ll be at Brettonwood before dinner.”

Her brow furrowed and he knew she was thinking the same thing he was: Will it be soon enough?

***

Cassie did everything she could think of to keep from crying on the flight to Vail, including praying. She begged God to allow them to get to Brettonwood before James died. Every minute the phone didn’t ring only increased her anxiety. Until they walked into his room and saw him smile, she wouldn’t be able to relax. And things would only get worse after that. Maybe James’ health wasn’t as bad as she and Trent thought. Maybe they would arrive to find him sitting up in bed, revived after a bad episode, as had happened the night of his party. Annie would be furious, for James would surely have brought on the episode by overexertion. Maybe he would be around for another week, another month….

Trent said little during the four-hour flight. She could see the pain in his eyes, but had little comfort to offer. She couldn’t imagine being on the way home to watch her mother or father die or, worse, worrying that she wouldn’t make it in time to say goodbye. Dammit, if Trent had stayed in Colorado, he would be at his grandfather’s side now. If he hadn’t come to Miami, he wouldn’t have been at the hotel, wouldn’t have come to her room, wouldn’t have been in her bed. But he had, and they would have to get past the fact they’d slept together. But she wouldn’t so easily get over the fact that she’d fallen in love with him. And she knew him well enough to know he would never forgive himself if he didn’t reach his grandfather’s side in time.

At last, they landed and rushed to the limo with Henry at the wheel.

“James was holding steady when I left, sir,” Henry said.

Trent nodded, but Cassie could see that the worry lines around his mouth had deepened. The closer they got to Brettonwood, the tighter Cassie’s stomach knotted. She would be able to do nothing to help as Trent stood by and watched his grandfather die.

They reached Brettonwood. Trent shoved open his door and jumped from the limo. Cassie didn’t wait, but opened her door and fell in alongside him as he hurried up the walkway. They reached the door and he opened it, allowing her to precede him.

“Go,” she whispered, stepping aside once they were inside the foyer. Trent rushed ahead, taking the stairs two at a time. He paused half way and glanced back to her.

“I’m right behind,” she said.

Gratitude flashed in his eyes, then he turned and raced up the stairs. Cassie reached James’ room a moment later and found Trent sitting on the mattress beside his grandfather. She halted. God, they were too late! James lay motionless and Trent grasped his hand, his head bowed. Annie stood at the foot of the bed with another woman, who had a stethoscope hanging around her neck.

James stirred and turned his head on the pillow. Their gazes met. Cassie’s heart broke. Physical, crushing pain ripped through her and weakened her knees. Tears streamed down her cheeks. He smiled gently and his lips moved, but she couldn’t hear him.

“He wants you to come closer.”

Cassie looked at Annie, and stared, paralyzed with fear. Words wouldn’t form. She couldn’t think. Couldn’t move. Compassion softened Annie’s face and she hurried to Cassie.

Annie laid a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, it’s all right. He wants to talk to you.”

Cassie shook her head. No. No. No. If she stopped time right now, James wouldn’t….

Annie smiled gently and whispered, “You can do this...for both of them.”

Cassie swallowed and nodded, but was still grateful when Annie wrapped an arm around her shoulder and started walking toward the bed. She willed her tears into submission but when they reached the bed Cassie was sure her knees would give out.

“Trent,” James said in a voice so quiet Cassie recognized nothing of the man that, only a few days ago, had seemed so strong, “let Cassie sit beside me.”

Trent hesitated, then rose and Annie gently urged her down onto the bed. James lifted a hand that trembled so badly it made her want to cry harder. With a mighty effort, she forced calm and clasped his hand between her palms.

“I’m so sorry we were away,” she blurted.

He smiled gently. “Never apologize for living life, sweets.”

Tears trickled onto her cheeks. “But—”

He squeezed her hand with surprising strength. “No buts. I’ve lived an amazing life. I’m ready.” His gaze softened. “I’m tired.”

“I wish we had more time.”

“Aye, so do I. Can you promise an old man one thing?”

She nodded. “Anything.”

“Take care of Trent. He’s stubborn, so you might have to flip him over your shoulder every now and again.”

She couldn’t help a laugh. “I wish I’d stayed, instead of going to Miami,” Cassie said. “I know,” she quickly added when he opened his mouth to reply, “no apologies for living life. But I wanted to be here, with you.” She wanted to know him better.

He smiled, clearly pleased. “You were. Just like I’ll always be here for you. Our loved ones never truly leave us. So you won’t be getting rid of me so easily. I’ll watch over you.”

She laughed again, this time through tears. “So are you telling me you’re going to turn Brettonwood into a haunted castle?”

“No, lass. You’re going to turn it into a home.” His eyes shifted to Trent then back to her. “Hold tight to him, Cassie. He’s a good man. And he loves you.” She blinked, and James laughed a rusty laugh. “Do ye think I don’t know my grandson well enough to know when he’s in love?”

Cassie could feel Trent’s stare. She couldn’t turn around, couldn’t bear to see the truth for herself. James was wrong. Very wrong. Just the wishes and hopes of an old man on his deathbed.

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll take care of him.” How could she not give him the words he needed?

“It takes only a moment to know when you’re in love,” he said.

His body was failing, but she detected the same sharp intellect behind the fading light in his eyes. 

He squeezed her fingers. “I thought the story of how you and Trent met was very creative.”

Her heart thudded.
He knows.

James motioned with his free hand for Trent to come closer.

Trent knelt on one knee beside the bed.

“I know what you did for me,” James said.

“Grandfather—”

James shook his head. “You don’t need to lie to me now. I know you married Cassie for my sake.” He looked at Cassie. “You gave me a great gift. You’re a good lad, and you’ve made me happier than I deserve.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Trent asked.

Mischief twinkled in his eyes. “That was my gift to you.”

Tears streamed down Trent’s cheeks. “I’m sorry I waited too long.”

He smiled. “Not too long when it brings you the person you need most.” His gaze shifted to Cassie then back to Trent. “One final thing,” he said. “I want you to take me home. Scatter my ashes over Loch Ness. You know where.”

Trent shook his head. “Grandfather, I can’t talk like this, talk about you not being here.”

“Aye, this is the only time. Ye wouldn’t let me speak of this before. But now you must promise me.”

Trent bowed his head and nodded. “I promise.”

Tears streaked Cassie’s cheeks. Her heart ached for James and for Trent.

James’ eyes closed. His breathing gentled and a soft smile found his mouth. Cassie held his hand as his grip loosened.

“Grandfather,” Trent whispered.