Page 82 of The Rented Bride

Mischief twinkled in his eyes. “I’m tough.”

The seductive lights pulsed with the slow tempo of the sultry song that began to play over the speakers. Trent led her onto the dance floor and folded her into his arms. Warmth seeped from his body into hers. Winding her arms around his neck, she pressed close against his chest. His fingers splayed across the bare skin of her back. The scent of his musky cologne surrounded her. With every breath and every sway of his body, need warred with emotion. Damn him. Heat pooled in her belly and flowed through her sex. A little kiss wouldn’t kill her. Lifting her head, she kissed his neck, grazing her lips over the slight stubble of his jaw. Trent bent his head and kissed her. His mouth opened, demanding entrance to hers. She returned his kiss with equal enthusiasm

When they parted, Trent rested his forehead against hers. “You know I would have you back here early.”

“I know.”

“You don’t even have to tell Maryanne.”

“I know,” she said again. “But under that list of virtues is being a practical woman. Sex complicates a relationship, and it violates our contract, if you recall.”

“So that’s two points in the contract I should have negotiated better.”

Cassie couldn’t help a laugh.

He sighed, resting his hands on her shoulders, then caressed his fingertips along her arm until he held her hands. “Walk me out?”

She nodded. Her heart felt heavy as they strolled toward the front of the hotel.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said. “Whenever you’re ready, we’ll fly home.”

“You really don’t have to—”

“Yes I do,” he cut in. “Granddad would never forgive me if I came home without you.”

She nodded, not trusting her voice. Words she shouldn’t say, emotions she shouldn’t feel, desires she shouldn’t want all simmered too close to the surface.

They paused in the hotel foyer. He leaned in and kissed her, lingering a moment. She relished the pressure of his lips, the taste of his tongue.

He broke the kiss and said, “Do you want to call me when you’re ready? I’ll have the jet standing by.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. Then he left.

Cassie made her way back to the ballroom. Maryanne and Derrick chatted at the bar. The DJ was wrapping up his final set and the crowd had thinned. The crew would clean up. She might as well go to her room. To what? Emptiness. Cassie began stacking glasses and plates on one table and removed the linens from each cleaned table. If she was at Brettonwood, she would check in on James and probably find him awake and reading with Annie. Cassie and Trent would talk, maybe snuggle in front of the fire, and then they would go to bed.

Regret washed over her. Why had she let him leave? Because spending the night with him was going to mess her up emotionally—more than she was already messed up. God, who was she kidding? The guy was amazing. Regardless of whether or not she slept with him, it was going to hurt when they parted. She’d already fallen for him.

Maryanne approached with Derrick. They reached her side and Maryanne said, “We’re taking off.” She glanced around. “Where’s Trent?”

“On his way home.” Her stomach did a little tumble. Would she be any worse off if she did spend the night with him?

“Tomorrow we talk,” Maryanne said.

“My schedule is clear for the next week. I’m going to take a little time for myself,” Cassie said.

“With Trent I hope.”

“Trent is strictly business.” And he was. Even if she allowed him into her bed, it wasn’t like he was going to fall in love with her.

“Whatever.” Maryanne kissed Cassie on the cheek and gave her a quick hug. “Get some rest.”

That’s what she needed. Cassie left the dirty tables and did a final kitchen check. She grabbed her little handbag and cell phone from a cubby in the kitchen office then made her way into the hotel gift shop. Once she’d picked up her supplies, she walked to the elevators.

Her thoughts swirled around Trent. The way his voice sent a shiver along her spine, the way his touch caused a quiver in her belly and how his kiss made her ache for more.

She arrived at her floor. Her cell phone felt warm in her hand. Fear flashed through her and her fingers trembled as she touched the faceplate, pulled up her contacts, and touched Trent’s name. The phone rang as she opened her hotel room door. His voice filled her ears. Her throat tightened.

“Are you okay?” He sounded concerned.

Tears burned behind Cassie’s eyes. “Yes, I’m okay. I-I…Are you home yet?” Her voice trembled. What was she doing? Acting on impulse, following her heart or just being reckless?

“Cassie, what’s wrong?”

She closed her eyes and images of Trent filled her vision. Her words echoed through her mind. Sex complicates a relationship.

“I’m turning around. I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” he said. “What room are you in?”

She hesitated a moment, then said, “Room 2025.”