Page 67 of The Rented Bride

Chapter Twelve

Cassie startled awake as the helicopter landed in Vail. She blinked, trying to get her bearings, embarrassed that she’d actually fallen asleep snuggled in Trent’s arms.

“Almost home,” Trent said as he helped her from the helicopter.

The Range Rover sat where they’d left it. Two minutes later, they were exiting the airport and on their way to Brettonwood.

Trent shifted his gaze to her and smiled.

God help her, the flutter in her belly when he looked at her sent a shiver straight to her sex. He kissed as if he were making love to her mouth. Now she couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to have his hands on her body, his weight on top of her, his hips between her thighs and her legs wrapped around him.

Oh god. I want sex with my husband.

She rested her head against the headrest and closed her eyes.

“We’ll have you in bed in fifteen minutes.”

Cassie snapped her eyes open and swung her gaze onto Trent. Had she spoken aloud?

“I know you have an early flight in the morning,” he said.

She nodded. “It’s a long flight, I’ll get some sleep on the plane.”

“I’ll have Ace make an early breakfast.”

“Oh no, I already hate that I’m going to inconvenience Henry. I’ll grab a coffee at the airport.”

“Cassie, nothing you require is an inconvenience. Ace is always on site early and Henry lives at Brettonwood. Both are paid well for their services.” He signaled and made a left. “In fact, both are probably thrilled to have something to do. The last few months have been quiet around Brettonwood. My grandfather needs rest, not visitors underfoot.” He reached over and covered her hand with his. “You are neither visitor nor underfoot. We need you at Brettonwood.”

“Okay, coffee—and maybe a croissant—nothing more.” Maybe she would have an opportunity to see James before she left.

A few minutes later, Trent pulled the SUV into the courtyard. She unclasped the seatbelt and Trent was out the door as she reached for the door handle. He rounded the car and grasped her hand when she stepped from the car.

“I can walk on my own,” she said.

“We keep the walkway salted, but even a little bit of moisture can turn slick when the sun goes down,” he said.

Cassie recalled her near fall on the night of the party and couldn’t argue. He kept a firm hold on her arm until they entered the foyer.

The house was quiet as they made their way to the rear stairs and up to the second then third level to their bedroom. Suddenly shy, she couldn’t say the words on her mind. After last night, the sleeping arrangements weren’t going to work. But he was too damn sexy, too beautiful and charming. His smile practically melted her panties. Oh, yeah, too much wine and dine. It was time to get back to Miami.

He slipped off his coat and tossed it onto the corner chair. His fingers worked the buttons of his shirt. Muscles flexed and moved beneath the fabric. Was the room getting warmer? She slipped out of her jacket, crossed to the closet and hung it up.

Her clothes. Should she pack or leave everything? She assumed she’d be back Sunday, but what if…. No, she had to stay positive.

“Cassie?”

“What?” She turned from the closet to face Trent.

“I was asking if you wanted to use the bathroom first.” He held a pair of flannel pants in his hand.

“Oh no, go ahead. I was just thinking of what I should take with me tomorrow. Should I leave my clothes?”

“I hope you still plan to return.” He smiled. “We do have a contract.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll leave my clothes. That’s what your grandfather would expect.”

Trent went into the bathroom and she inventoried her options. She hadn’t packed with the intention of sharing a room with her husband. She’d only brought one pair of pajamas. Why did she care? So she would wear the same clothes two nights in a row. Trent wasn’t going to be sharing her bed.