Page 44 of The Rented Bride

“Cassie is a very old-fashioned girl. She expected a traditional marriage proposal,” Trent said.

Cassie barked a laugh. “So much for traditional. If I recall, the marriage proposal included a bit of blackmail, too.”

“I always knew it would take a special woman to catch Trent’s eye,” James said.

“You have no idea, Grandfather,” Trent said.

James looked at her. “I’m beginning to get the idea.”

“So you didn’t get down on one knee and propose?” Evie asked.

Trent looked at Cassie. A soft smile curved his full mouth and her heart melted when he said, “I begged her to marry me.”

“That’s so romantic,” Evie said.

Trent laughed. “You think so?”

She nodded. “If a man finds the right woman, he should do whatever it takes to get her to say yes.”

He nodded. “You’re right. And I did.” He grasped her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her fingers.

“Trent,” she whispered.

“You’ve given me more than I deserve, made me happier than I have a right to be.”

He had to be talking about the joy they’d brought to his grandfather’s life by getting married.

She smiled. “I’m glad.”

Gratitude shone in his eyes, then he released her and she looked up to see James studying them.

“Now you have the whole story,” she said. “Do I really have to try the blood pudding?”

They finished breakfast on safer ground than talking about her and Trent, but Cassie was sure she would have indigestion all day. Since meeting Trent, she’d honed her lying skills. And so had Trent. The rat. He’d deserted her after having one cup of coffee, and excused himself on the ruse that he had work to do. She had work too, but she couldn’t come up with a lie that would get her out of the room.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Bree saved her from further perjury. “We really should get going.”

Evie rose. “I’m so glad I got to meet you.”

Cassie stood. “Same here.”

“I’m sure we’ll see you again soon.” Evie hugged Cassie.

“I hope so.”

Evie and Bree kissed James, then left.

Annie rose. “I think it’s time you rest a bit, James.”

He grumbled, but Cassie could see he was tired.

“Don’t let that grandson of mine work all day,” James said. “He’s in his office.”

He rose, and Annie let him grasp her am, then they shuffled off.

Cassie sat for a long moment, undecided what to do next. She wanted to speak with Trent. Could she interrupt him? What the hell. Heart pounding, she headed down the hallway toward his office. She reached the door, tapped twice and waited.

“Come in,” his rich baritone sent a shiver across her flesh.