Page 45 of The Rented Bride

She pushed open the door and blurted, “We need to talk.”

A dozen faces turned in her direction.

The room was eerily silent with the exception of the pounding in her ears. Mrs. O’Brien, Meg, Henry… She wanted to slink backwards out of sight.

“Cassie, good morning.” Trent rose behind his desk.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You haven’t.” He strode to where she stood rooted to the carpet. Trent cupped her elbow and guided her past the dark leather couch and high back chairs sitting around a glass coffee table to his large mahogany desk on the far wall.

Henry rose from his chair beside Meg. “Please, sit here, Ms. Adams.”

“I don’t want to take your seat, Henry.”

His eyes twinkled. “I sit far too much as it is. I insist.”

Trent gently urged her forward and she sat and folded her hands on her lap.

Meg placed a hand on Cassie’s hands. “I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing.”

Cassie snapped her gaze onto Trent.

“I’ve explained our arrangement to everyone.”

That made sense since they would all have known that before she arrived on their doorstep, she’d never met Trent or his grandfather.

“I’m glad I could help.”

“Thanks, everyone. I think that’s all for now,” Trent announced. “I appreciate your support on this.”

“Of course, Mr. Weston,” Doris said. “We would do anything for your grandfather.” She winked at Cassie. “I liked you right away.” She turned to everyone. “We have another event to plan. Wedding is at five o’clock.” She herded the group from the room, leaving Cassie alone with Trent.

When the door clicked shut and they were alone, she said. “Are you sure about this?”

Trent leaned his backside against his desk. “Absolutely.” He twisted and picked up a document from his desk. “My attorney sent over the contract, along with the license.”

“You got a license so early—and without my having to be there?” He nodded and she snorted. “Money really does talk.”

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“You’re a man of your word,” she said.

“I take all business deals seriously. The terms are exactly as we discussed. The choice will be yours on whether you want to end with an annulment or divorce. Either way, you’ll be compensated the same.”

He extended the papers and she took them. “Annulment.” She quirked her mouth, thinking of her family. “Catholic. My family must never know I’ve been married.” She formed the sign of the cross. “Because, God forbid, my Grandma Rosa finds out, you’re stuck with me till death do us part. And believe me, I would really hate to have to kill you to end our marriage.”

Amusement appeared in his eyes. “Perhaps I should take out additional life insurance.”

“No, just—” She stopped short of suggesting that they make this quick. “Just keep us a secret.”

He handed her a pen. “Agreed.”

The black pen felt hot in her hand. Cassie leaned back in her chair and read the contract. Of course, he’d been thorough and professional. The details and financial compensation were as they’d discussed. At the time of their parting, she would relinquish all claim to his name and estate. She placed the paper on her knee and he surprised her by slipping a pad beneath the document. Cassie smiled thanks and lifted the pen to the spot where she was to sign, then paused. She would never tell her family of this ‘marriage’ but what about any future engagement? What about the man who one day would promise to love and care for her for the rest of his life? Would she keep this a secret from him? James’ face flashed in memory, eyes bright with happiness. God forgive her. She scrawled her name across the signatory line and dated the contract.

“Okay, Mr. Weston, you’ve rented a wife.”

“Thank you, Cassie.” He took the contract then straightened from the desk. He crossed the room and removed a long white box from a shelf adjacent to his desk. He returned and set the box on her lap. “Your uniform for the job.”

“Uniform?” She didn’t have to wonder what the box held. The swish of fabric told her it was something she wasn’t prepared to wear. “I can’t wear a wedding dress.” She extended the box toward him.

“Open it.”

She hesitated.

“Please,” he said.

Cassie tugged on the silver ribbon, freeing the knot on top. She lifted the lid and fitted it beneath the box, then parted the white tissue paper. Her breath caught. This was no wedding gown, but rather a sexy slip of exquisiteness. She slipped her fingers beneath the ivory spaghetti straps, then ran a finger down the sequined cocktail dress. Nestled beside the dress were three-inch, ivory-colored heels with sexy ankle straps.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’d hoped you would like it. Considering the circumstances, I didn’t think you’d want a traditional dress.” He lifted the dress from the box. “I’d be honored if you wore it.”