Bradford's lips twisted into an ironic smile. "I don't think anything makes that girl tick. She needs a lot of loosening up." Garett looked at his father and Sebastian with unbridled contempt.
Cheyenne patted her rotund belly. "Cassie doesn't know what she's missing. I think being married and having babies is the most wonderful thing in the world. Isn't it, pudding?" She rubbed up against her husband like a purring tigress.
"I think we need to respect the young lady's choices about dating, marriage, and motherhood," Monique said.
* * *
Ian's cell phone vibrated. "Please excuse me. I need to make a call." He was never happier to receive a text in his life.
Ian headed toward the lobby to return Kieran's call. The team had touched down from Louisiana. Leaving the room, his eyes followed Cassie. Just a bit of behavior he witnessed made him furious, so he could only imagine what the relationship was like. Potential rescue scenarios were running through his head when Greg Wilds caught his eye.
"Well, if it isn't, Mr. Wonderful."
"Greg, is there something I can do for you?"
"Having fun tonight? I guess you were one and done with Cassie."
"Have a good evening, Greg." Ian continued on his way.
* * *
At the table, Cassie was enjoying Monique's company. Questions about her experiences helped keep the conversation away from Cassie being the perfect date and potential wife. She decided to reach out to Monique after the assignment was put to bed.
White-tuxedoed waitstaff began serving a delicious multi-course gourmet meal, starting with grilled polenta with a pesto sauce. The band interspersed each course with beautiful music and, to Cassie's chagrin, urged more dancing.
In between courses, Garett asked his ex-fiancée to dance. She wanted to refuse, but there wasn't a viable excuse since the senator was on the dance floor with Betty. She tapped the audio in her ear to push to talk. This ensured a bit of privacy.
"It's good to see you, Cass." Garett rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand as they danced. "I didn't realize until tonight how much I miss you." He pulled her into a soft embrace. "You look beautiful. How are you?"
Cassie placed her palm against his chest to create distance. "I don't think you have the right to ask me anymore, Garett."
"I'm sorry. I guess I don't. Cass, I never wanted to hurt you."
Her steps faltered. "But you did."
* * *
When Garett kissed her cheek, Ian stiffened, watching and trying to read his lips. The way they were angled made it difficult. He missed some of the conversation.
"I did it to protect you. You have to believe me, baby. I care about you. God, Cass, I still love you. I'm sorry I wasn't brave enough. Did you keep it?"
"No."
Ian saw the tension building across Cassie's back. He saw Garett say, "I still love you."
Her trembling hands pushed Garett away. "I'm sorry. Have a good life, Garett. Enjoy your babies." Cassie looked down, and they headed back to the table. When Hector and Quinn moved toward her, she shrugged, mouthed a quick apology, and adjusted her com.
As soon as they sat, Cheyenne Whitman glared at her husband and patted her pregnant belly. In a sugar-sweet Texas accent, she said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I apologize, but Garett and I must head home. Our little girl has a temperature, and she wants her mommy and daddy."
Garett seemed startled by his wife's words. They said quick goodbyes, and she dragged her husband from the ballroom.
Chapter Nine
In between another dance with the senator and the judge, Bradford took Cassie for a spin. "You're looking mighty fine, Cassiopeia. Too bad you just weren't suitable wife material for Garett. That Cheyenne, she's perfect for him. Meets his every need—a real babymaker too. Poor thing lost the first one, but this one will be my third grandbaby—and it's a boy."
She gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Mr. Whitman, I'm glad things worked out for the best. I hope you all are happy."
Wilds said, "Modine, I want the whole story. Your dating habits are a big problem. I was told you were a society girl. I didn't realize you were the whore of the political elite."
