One Good Betrayal Deserves Another - Chapter 16：Options

Kace had to away on business for a few days and Cassie had picked a fight with him just before he left. Ultimately calling off the wedding. He promised he would get her back on time for the wedding. Well, he had to. His life savings kind of depended on it.

Meanwhile, Ethan and Cassie maximized in the opportunity and spent almost every waking moment together. They just couldn’t get enough of each other

“We will have the Bruschetta Montana and the Stacciatella as starters,” Ethan said to the waiter, “Sweetheart are you ready to order the main dish?” he put his hand over Cassie’s and looked at her with such tenderness.

“We will have the Costate al Pepperoncino for my handsome companion over here,” she winked at him.

“And the Pollo Funghi e Marsala for the most captivating woman in the room,” he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “We will wash it down with a bottle of Prosecco. That will be all my good man.”

“What about dessert?” Cassie pouted.

“Sweetheart, I’m right here, I’m all the dessert that you will ever need..and some,” he winked at her suggestively as he put his hand on her thigh.

“What happened to honoring my wishes and all that gibberish?” she raised an eyebrow.

“I still stick to my word my love,” he kissed her hand, “Good things come to those who wait. And patience is my middle name..” he trailed his long fingers lightly, on the back of her hand.

“Cassie!”

Ethan and Cassie turned, annoyed by the intrusion.

“Kace,” she said without much enthusiasm.

“Hunter! What are you doing with my fiance?” he demanded.

“Don’t be daft Miles.” Ethan responded, “We’re having lunch. Or can’t you see that?”

“I thought I told you to stay away from him?!” Kace sputtered as he pointed at Ethan.

“Sweetheart, do you really want to spend the rest of your life tied down to this obnoxious man?” Ethan said, his voice laced with irritation.

“Don’t call her that Hunter!” Ethan seethed, clenching his fists.

“Get a grip Miles, you’re embarrassing yourself,” Ethan stood and straightened his jacket. “I think I’ve lost my appetite- I’m going to leave. I’ll see you at home, my love. Please use your key this time,” he lowered his head and kissed Cassie on her forehead. The kiss lingered longer than necessary.

“I won’t be long babe. Keep the bed warm so long,” she nibbled on her bottom lip.

“Always,” he whispered but loud enough for Kace to hear. Kace stood there and watched, too shocked to do or say anything. Ethan made to leave but Kace blocked his way.

“Miles-can’t say it’s been a pleasure,” he scoffed as he brushed past Kace.

“What was that??!” Kace finally found his voice.

“Options,” Cassie said as she swirled her wine in the glass.

“You-don’t -can’t-” Kace stammered unable to form a constructive sentence.

“Please speak plain English or a language we can both understand,” Cassie twisted her mouth, “Sit, you did invite me to lunch after all. We took the liberty to order ahead. You’re welcome by the way.”

“Why did you entertain another man when you knew I was coming here to meet you?” He sat down, still in a daze. This is not how he imagined the reunion would play out. He thought he would woo her and convince her to go ahead with the wedding, as previously agreed.

“Same way you entertained my best-friend and her slutty sister I guess,” she replied calmly.

“I told you nothing happened. Vicky is just jealous-”

“I know you had an affair with her Kace.”

“Cassie..honey..you know that I love you and only you. Your friends have always been envious of what we shared. I never touched those women, I swear on my life. Have I ever lied to you, honey? Have I?” Kace said, earnestly.

“We can bring them both and you can ask them. I have nothing to hide. I’m an open book, Cass,” he continued the charade and she pretended to buy it. He took her hands in his and gave her his best puppy-dog eyes and she put on her best acting skills.

“I love you Cassandra Winters. I always have and always will. My heart only beats for you-it belongs to you…if you will still have it?” Kace thought that she wouldn’t be able to resist him if he seemed genuine. He turned on the charm and put on an award-winning performance and the back and forth continued until Cassie was fully persuaded; the reverse psychology kicked in, making her put all the blame on herself.

“I-I-don’t know..” She said, doubtful.

“What do you want me to prove my love to you?? I will do anything-just name it? I can even give up all my millions for you,” he boldly declared. “I mean it Cass-tell me what do you want me to do and I’ll do it.”

“Really? You’d do that for me?” Fake tears collected on her lashes.

“Yes, Cassie. I’ll do anything for you. You have to know that by now!” he grabbed a chair and pulled her close to him

“So why don’t we just pick up where we left off? What do you say, Cass? I still love you and you love me? Let’s get married? Please? Say you still want to marry me?” he knelt beside her in a romantic gesture, sealing the deal.

“Of course I will!” Cassie gushed.

“Oh honey, you’ve just made me the happiest man on the planet!” his handsome face lit up.

“Oh look, honey! Victoria and Scarlett,” Cassie said brightly. “Hey, over here,” she waved them over.

Kace’s face turned white and he wished the ground could swallow him. He looked around like a caged animal with no means of escape. His handsome face etched with panic. The waiter arrived with their food just in time and was a welcome distraction.

“Hey, guys! We’re here to discuss the wedding arrangements like you said on the phone,” Scarlet said, a huge smile on her face, “Can we order too?”

“Yeah go ahead,” Kace said with uncertainty. What were these two doing here, this not part of the plan? He had paid them off handsomely and warned them not to say anything to anyone, especially Cassie.

“Hie Kace, Cassie,” Victoria kissed Cassie on the cheek.

“So the venue is all set, we can go and double-check the decor and stuff tomorrow, seeing as the wedding is four days away,” Scarlet said, as she pulled out her iPad.

“Sorry, can I just borrow Cassie for a minute?” Kace said, “Honey can we talk? In private?” He needed to clarify a few things with her.

“Sure. I needed the bathroom anyway..let’s go,” Cassie stood up and walked with Kace.

“What’s going on between you and Hunter?” He grabbed her arm gently and pushed her against the wall close to the restrooms.

“What do you mean?” She put on a blank face.

“When I got here you were with Hunter, my arch-nemesis..I’m confused..are you seeing each other?” He caged her in his arms.

“What? No? He just wanted to find out if I’d thought about his job offer. So I don’t want him thinking I don’t have many options, so I told him I was still considering other job offers. ” Cassie deserved an Oscar for her performance.

“But you were flirting with him?” He didn’t seem convinced.

“Was I? It wasn’t intentional-besides I didn’t know if you and I still had a chance. I’m sorry if I offended you anyway,” she fluttered her lashes seductively; and Kace melted as he got lost in her blue eyes.

“It’s okay honey, we all make mistakes. I forgive you because that’s how much I love you,” he hugged her and she sighed with contentment. Kace smiled inwardly, he had won. He was finally going to get everything he wanted and his parents were going to be pleased that the wedding was back on.

“You were really confident that I would take you back? I see you reigned in my two favorite people?” Cassie asked.

“I just didn’t want any bad blood between you and -I know you and Scarlett have been friends for the longest time..so let’s let bygone be bygones shall we?” Kace hurriedly explained.

“Oh you’re too sweet,” Cassie kissed him on the cheek and walked into the bathroom. She took her phone out of her purse and made a quick call.

“He took the bait,” Cassie smiled.

It’s showtime…