Page 43 of The Rented Bride

“What’s this talk of blackmail?”

Cassie jumped at the sound Trent’s voice. He entered the room with a petite brunette, Evie’s mother, no doubt, and Cassie wanted to melt into the carpet.

“Come in here,” James said. “Bree, meet Cassie, Trent’s fiancée. She was telling us about how you two met.” Trent’s brows rose and Cassie’s heart beat even faster.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cassie,” Bree said, and took a seat beside her daughter.

Trent sat beside Cassie. “What’s this talk of blackmail?”

Cassie could have boxed his ears. “Don’t act like you didn’t know what you were doing,” she said.

He poured coffee. “I usually know what I’m doing.”

“That’s right.” She gave a succinct nod. “You knew what you were doing when you brought Chef Tony to Daley Enterprises. He gave the entire kitchen staff a personal cooking class. He shared his recipes, made that amazing chocolate mousse cheesecake.” Chef Tony? Where had she come up with that?

Mischief lit Trent’s eyes. “Did I now?”

Cassie gave a coy shrug. “I’m sure you’re not used to women turning you down.” She held her breath to see how he would take that quip.

“I do usually get my way. And if I’m not mistaken, you did agree to marry me.”

She narrowed her eyes.” Don’t get cocky, Mr. Weston. I can still flip you over my back—again—if you get out of line.”

“You flipped Trent over your back?” Evie glanced from Trent to her.

“Yes, she did,” Trent said, his gaze on Cassie. “And that was just recently.”

“I would kill to have a video clip of that. Youtube gold,” Evie said. “I would watch it over and over again. Make it go viral.”

James laughed.

“But what about the story?” Evie said

“The story?” Cassie repeated as she took another sip of coffee.

Evie nodded. “Yeah, the story of how Trent proposed.”

Cassie’s coffee charred a path down her throat. She wheezed then coughed.

Trent clapped her on the back between her shoulder blades. “Are you all right, Cassie?”

She drew in a harsh breath and shot him a narrow-eyed look.

“Let me get you some water.” He rose and hurried to the sideboard. He filled a glass and brought it to her. Cassie took a sip.

“Tell us the story, Cassie,” Evie said.

“Trent tells it better than I do,” she said with a rusty voice.

“I believe that involved you throwing me over your shoulder as well, if I recall,” he said.

“No way!” Evie cried. “You’ll have to teach me that move.” But before Cassie could reply she said, “Was the ring not big enough?”

“You tell me.” Trent nodded at Cassie’s finger.

All eyes shifted to her finger and Cassie realized the diamond had slipped downward, facing her palm. Her cheeks warmed as she turned the ring upright and Evie cried out.

“Oh, that is beautiful. Surely you weren’t angry about the ring, Cassie?”