Page 86 of The Rented Bride

“Actually sweetie, it’s a huge deal when the man you’re kissing happens to be engaged to someone else.”

“What?” She froze.

“Ever heard of Lindsey Freemont?”

“Of course.” Who hadn’t. The woman loved the press. Cassie wasn’t a big movie goer, but she had seen Lindsey’s last film with Zac Everest.

“Well, your boyfriend knows her very well.”

Cassie dropped the toilet cover and sat. “What do you mean?”

“If Trent is still in your hotel room, he knows her as well as he knows you.”

Nausea rolled through her belly. “Why do you assume he’s here?”

“Cassie! He was all over you.”

And then she had invited him to her room and into her bed.

“But he’s not engaged to Lindsey.” He was married—to her.

“Yeah, sweetie, he is. There are pictures of them together in Miami last month. Apparently they’ve been keeping their relationship private. But it’s not private any more. And you, my sweet Cassie, are now part of a bona fide love triangle.”

Nothing Maryanne said made sense. If Trent was engaged, he wouldn’t have needed her. “There must be some mistake. I know he’s not involved with anyone.” As she said the words, she acknowledged she didn’t know much about Trent.

“He’s involved with you…and he’s engaged to Lindsey Freemont. Look for yourself. It’s all over the internet. HollyRumor.com broke the story. Last night, the photographer wasn’t taking pictures of you and Trent because you were guests at the wedding. He must have recognized Trent. Apparently, last week at the party you arranged, he and Lindsey announced their engagement.”

Cassie’s brows furrowed. “That’s impossible.” She was there, getting married to Trent!

“Ah, no, it’s true. Lindsey made the announcement on Weekend Watch.” All the stars made appearances on the program, mostly to plug their upcoming and new release movies.

Cassie’s head spun. “This isn’t possible.” Lindsey Fremont hadn’t been at James’ birthday party.

“Cassie, there’s more. You’re the headline this morning. Trent isn’t coming off well either. Listen to this. A week after getting engaged, Lindsey Freemont has competition. Even for Hollywood, Trent Weston moves fast.” Maryanne took a deep breath. “There are pictures of you and Trent at last night’s party.”

None of this made sense. “What else do they say?”

“It’s mean and unflattering. Billionaire playboy loves to play with the help. They know your name and they’ve linked you to me. My phone has rung off the hook this morning.”

“This isn’t happening.” Cassie leaned over and braced her forehead against her palm. “This wasn’t part of the plan.” The Weston party was supposed to land them on the event planner map from LA to New York. This was not what she and Maryanne had meant.

“What plan?”

“Nothing. I better go. The brunch.”

“Okay, but call me if you need me. What are you going to say to Trent? Will you see him again?”

She had to see him. He paced in the other room. Her insides twisted. How was James going to take all of this?

“I’ll figure it out later,” she said. “I better go.”

Cassie slipped on her blouse then quickly fingered her hair into a French braid.

When she quietly opened the door, Trent was still on the phone. He’d pulled on pants but was still shirtless.

Cassie took four steps to the counter near the TV and scooped up her small over-the-shoulder handbag. She tossed her phone inside. She’d worry about packing up and checking out later. Right now she just wanted out.

“I have to go,” Trent said into the phone. “Just do whatever you have to. I don’t care about me. Protect Cassie.”