Page 65 of The Rented Bride

Trent stared. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’ve read him.”

“In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have and the decisions we waited….” Her smile vanished.

“The decisions we waited too long to make,” he finished.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” she blurted. “I didn’t—”

“I opened the door, Cassie. All you did was walk through. It’s all right.” She still looked as if she would cry. “Grandfather will die happy,” he said. “You’ve seen to that. See, I can learn. I took a chance with you.”

She laughed and the tension in his shoulders eased a fraction. “You were desperate, you mean,” she said. “I chased an iguana into your grandfather’s room and you snagged me because I was the only available woman.”

He shrugged. “Trust me when I say I wouldn’t have done that with just anyone. I have a good sense about people. I gambled on you, and won.”

Moisture glistened in her eyes. “I’m glad I could help. James is a good man—so are you, by the way.”

“So I’m not just the asshole who fired you then coerced you into marriage?”

A twinkle of mischief lit her eyes. “I’d say there’s a little more to you.”

He laughed and they lapsed into casual conversation. Their plates were removed and they finished the bottle of wine. Trent signaled the waiter for another.

“Dessert?” Trent asked.

“I shouldn’t.”

“Their specialty is New York cheesecake.”

“Sounds heavenly, but I couldn’t possibly eat a slice.” Her lip curled at the corner and her brow arched. “Can I just have a bite of yours?”

“When you look at me like that, you can have whatever you want.”

Cassie blushed and Trent ordered the cheesecake.

He couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed conversation more. As they shared the cheesecake, Trent laughed at the stories she told of growing up in a big family. He talked about his different businesses. The cities he most enjoyed, including Miami. He told her of his office and his home on the beach in the Keys.

“You have an office in Miami?” she asked.

Trent nodded. “That’s how I heard about Daley Enterprises.”

“Oh, I didn’t consider how you had heard of us. But you spend most of your time in Colorado?”

“Not always,” he replied. We have smaller offices in Las Angeles and New York. Recently I’ve been debating on opening offices across the pond.”

She nodded. “Scotland.”

“London,” he corrected. “I would love to return to Scotland, but London is a smarter move for an office in the UK.”

“James must be disappointed.”

“He understands the difference between a personal and a business decision,” Trent said. “Does Daley have other offices?”

She laughed. “No. We’re very small compared to your corporation.”

“It’s not about the size of the business, Cassie. It’s about how well it’s run.”

She grinned. “I happen to agree. I have a small bungalow. It’s a couple blocks off the beach, but it’s close to Daley’s offices and close to the hotels. The next time you’re in town, let me know. Just because we won’t stay married doesn’t mean we can’t remain friends.” She laughed. “I’ve heard many couples remain friends after divorce. Or in our case, annulment.”

The soft light reflected off her dark hair. Her smile was genuine. Everything about her was genuine. Women were always trying to impress, to land the billionaire husband. This time, he found himself wanting to impress.