Unforeseen, page 7
He sniggered before answering, “Please don’t feel you need to be appropriate on my account.” With that he walked back into the bedroom, allowing me to get dressed. I could tell, I was really in for a long and torturous trip.
After taking a few minutes to regain my composure, I threw on a pair of leggings and my favorite oversized hoodie. I’d already given Blake the wrong impression, and I definitely didn’t want to add fuel to the fire by wearing something too sexy. Opening the door into the bedroom, I saw Kaity propped up on several pillows eating a piece of cheese pizza.
“I hope pepperoni is OK?” Blake asked as I walked into the room. “I wasn’t really sure what toppings you liked, but I figured everyone likes pepperoni, right?”
“Pepperoni is fine,” I said, scooping a few pieces onto a paper plate before joining Kaity on the king-sized bed. “Honestly, I’m so hungry, I probably would’ve eaten anchovies at this point.”
Scrunching up his nose, “So fish eggs are bad, but teeny fish are acceptable? You never fail to surprise me, Cassidy Carpenter.”
“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment, but I was totally kidding about the anchovies. Those are definitely not acceptable.”
Grabbing a few pieces of pizza for himself, Blake turned to look for a place to sit. The only other option besides the bed was an uncomfortable looking office chair in the corner of the room.
“I guess I’ll just take a seat over there,” he said, pointing toward the chair.
Before I had a chance to suggest otherwise, Kaity piped up. “Don’t be silly, Blake. You can’t even see the TV from over there. There’s plenty of room here between me and Mommy,” she said, patting the space between us in bed.
By the look on his face, he was conflicted on whether or not to take her up on the offer. “It’s OK, Blake. Come sit with us. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss an episode of Full House because you’re sitting over in the corner. Besides, that chair looks like it’d be a killer on the back,” I said, caringly.
“Well, if you insist. After all, Full House has always been one of my favorite shows,” he said, the bed dipping as he sat.
Kaity’s eyes grew in excitement. “Really? It’s my favorite show, too! Mommy and I watch it every night. I just love Uncle Jesse,” she beamed.
I laughed at her candor. She was just so at ease with Blake. “Like mother, like daughter, I suppose. I’ve always had a huge crush on John Stamos,” I said with a shrug.
“You do? You know I’ve always thought my hair looks just as good as his,” he joked, running his fingers through his thick mane.
“You’re so goofy,” I said, as soda squirted up my nose. “Now look what you’ve made me do,” I laughed, picking up a pillow and bopping him over the head.
The next thing I knew, pillows were flying and laughter filled the air as the three of us entered into a full-fledged pillow fight.
“That was fun,” Kaity giggled. “Can we do it again?”
“Not tonight, Baby. Mommy is too tired,” I said, trying to catch my breath. Looking over at Blake, I wasn’t surprised to see he hadn’t even broken a sweat. The guy was in top physical condition. I couldn’t help but peek at his sculpted abs when his shirt rode up during our little pillow fight. He must spend hours in the gym every week.
I wondered for a moment how he was able to raise two children, work a high-pressure job, and spend so much time staying in shape. Did he really have the time to add me, let alone my daughter, into his already busy life?
The three of us watched another episode of Full House before Kaity fell asleep sprawled across both of us.
“Well, I suppose I should get going,” Blake said, gently lifting Kaity’s feet from his legs. “I had a great time with you two tonight.”
“Me too,” I whispered. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
“What are your plans tomorrow,” he asked before opening the door.
“Actually, I was able to line up a meeting with one of the top bridal gown designers in the city–just as you suggested. I’m meeting him for brunch. After that, I figured Kaity and I would just explore the city until you got home from work.”
“I’m actually not working this week. That’s something I was hoping to discuss with you. Maybe we can talk about it over dinner tomorrow night?”
“Dinner sounds nice,” I said.
“I’d be happy to take Kaity while you’re at your appointment. The kids would love it, too,” he suggested.
“Oh, I didn’t want to impose on you so I already arranged for a reputable sitter through the hotel.”
“Cancel it. I’ll pick her up around ten, and then I’ll drive you to your appointment. Afterwards, we can all explore the city together.”
“You drive a hard bargain. I have a feeling you always get your way, don’t you?” I asked.
“I do when I set my mind to something,” he said, staring right into my eyes.
“Well, I guess we’ll see you at ten then,” I said, dropping my gaze to the floor.
“I had a great time tonight, Cass,” he said, planting a quick kiss on my lips before stepping out of the room.
“Me too,” I said, waving as he walked down the hallway toward the bank of elevators.
Turning toward me once more, “I meant what I said, I really did have a great time tonight. Sweet dreams,” he said before stepping onto the elevator.
Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it and took a deep breath. The more time I spent with this man, the more I worried that he really would get his way.
Cassidy
SIPPING MY MORNING coffee, I stood by the window looking down at the bustling streets of Manhattan–pedestrians dressed in wool peacoats and wrapped in knitted scarves. If I looked hard enough, I could see their breath in the blustery January air.
Since it was already nearing nightfall when we’d arrived the night before, I hadn’t taken the time to enjoy the view outside my window. Savoring a few more minutes of silence, I finished the last sip of coffee before waking Kaity.
“Time to get up, Princess,” I said, gently shaking her shoulders. Most children were up before the break of dawn, but not my daughter. Nope, she was a night owl just like her mother. It was going to be a real treat when she’d begin school in the fall.
“Mommy, I don’t want to get up. Can’t I sleep for ten more minutes?” she argued, flipping onto her side.
“I said to get up. Our friends are going to be here soon, and you need to get dressed if you want to go out and do fun stuff with them today. I think Blake is going to take you to that big park across the street,” I said, pointing down toward Central Park.
“Do you think we’ll build a snowman like Kristoff and Anna?” she asked.
“Maybe, but in order to build a snowman, you need to get dressed. Now get up! Go, go, go!” I shouted.
Finally putting her feet on the carpeted floor, she stood and sauntered toward the bathroom.
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth,” I called after her.
“Mommy, I got this,” she sassed. That child was going to be the death of me. She was definitely five going on twenty-five.
As Kaity was finishing in the bathroom, I quickly changed into a pair of skinny jeans and a flowy blouse. Wrapping my hair into a loose bun, I glanced into the mirror before deciding to swipe some rosy gloss across my lips. Staring at my reflection, I was pleased with what I saw. I looked sophisticated, but not over-the-top by any stretch. I looked like someone who was to be taken seriously, even in the big city environment.
Just as I was sliding into my knee-high boots, there was a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” I yelled before opening the door.
“Housekeeping,” a male voice announced from the other side.
I’d recognize that deep vibrato anywhere. “Is that so?” I questioned, opening the door. “Do you fluff pillows too?”
“Pillow fluffer extraordinaire,” he chuckled.
“Good to know. And, you’re right on time,” I said, looking down at the silver watch around my wrist. “I must admit, I was a little worried about your punctuality after hearing some stories from Rich.”
“You should know better than to believe anything that comes from Rich’s mouth,” he joked.
“You got me there,” I agreed, rolling my eyes.
“Honestly, I’m probably only on time because the kids are still with my parents,” he admitted with a shrug.
“Oh, I thought you’d have them by now. I hope Kaity isn’t disappointed. I told her she’d probably get to play with them today.”
“Well, I actually have plans to meet them for breakfast after I drop you off for your meeting.”
“Oh, OK. Well, I’ll just call to see if the sitter is still available then. I just hope she can still get here on time,” I said, frustrated that Blake had made plans after he’d told me to cancel the sitter just the night before.
Pulling out my phone, Blake stopped me before I began dialing the childcare service.
“Cass, I think you’ve misunderstood me. I was planning on taking Kaity to breakfast with us. I told you last night that I would watch her, and I meant that. We’ll go have breakfast with my folks, and then we’ll go spend some time at Central Park until you’re ready for us to come pick you up.”
“Oh OK,” I said, suddenly overcome with emotion. No man had ever shown my daughter as much attention as Blake had in the last few weeks. Even her own father left us without a fleeting thought. Maybe Blake Mitchell really was what we both needed.
“I’m sorry. I just realized how presumptuous that was of me,” he confessed, shaking his head. “I realize now that I should’ve discussed my plans with you first.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I think she’ll have a great time.”
“OK, I really am sorry for not asking you first, though,” he said, rocking on his heels as he looked at me.
Suddenly realizing that we were still standing in the doorway, I invited Blake to come inside. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why we’re still standing out here,” I laughed. “Would you like to come in? Kaity seems to be taking forever in the bathroom. I can only imagine what outfit she’s chosen for herself today.”
“That sounds great,” he said, not moving.
“OK, then why are you still standing out there?” I laughed.
“Because I’m staring at those juicy, pink lips. I’ve wanted to kiss them since I got here, but I’m afraid I’ll mess up your makeup,” he confessed.
“You can kiss me. I packed plenty of lip gloss,” I said, glancing at my purse. “But, why don’t you come in first.”
“Well in that case,” he said, as he stepped into the room and slammed the door behind him.
My pulse quickened as he looked down at me as if he planned to devour me whole.
“Hi,” I said, suddenly nervous.
“Hi,” he whispered, wrapping his hands behind my neck and pulling me toward him. His lips gently brushed up against mine, a brief tease of what was yet to come. Momentarily pulling away, our mouths just inches apart, he stared at me with dilated eyes.
“You’re so beautiful,” he groaned, before cupping my cheeks and claiming my mouth. As he skillfully explored my mouth, I breathed in the fresh scent of aftershave mixed with woodsy cologne. My heart rate increasing with each breath I took, I wanted to forget about my work obligations and crawl into bed with Blake. A tiny, little voice brought me back to the present.
“Mommy,” I’m ready to go,” Kaity said as she skipped out of the bathroom.
Quickly releasing myself from Blake’s grip, I turned to face my daughter.
“You look great, Baby. Go put your coat on,” I said, trying to recover from Blake’s assault on my lips. If he continued to kiss me like this, I was in big trouble.
“Uh, Cass,” Blake spoke up beside me. “She’s wearing a swimsuit.”
“Wait, what?” I questioned, paying closer attention to my daughter’s wardrobe. Sure enough, instead of her winter clothes she was prancing around the bedroom wearing a bright pink bathing suit with a frilly, lime-green skirt.
“Baby, why are you wearing your swimsuit? You know it’s freezing outside.”
“Because you said we were going to do fun things today and swimming is fun. Duh,” she quipped.
Placing my hand in front of my face to hide my giggling, I responded. “Go change into a pair of jeans and a sweater, please. You’re going out to breakfast with Blake and his parents. I want you to act somewhat civilized.”
“What does civil-a-eyes mean?” she asked.
“Child, you’re going to send me to an early grave,” I laughed. “Now scoot! You’re going to make us all late!”
It’s a good thing Blake drove because there’s no way I would’ve ever made it to my appointment on time. I would’ve likely given up after the first block, stopped the car, and walked to my destination. I looked at him like he’d grown two heads when he told me that traffic wasn’t that bad. According to Blake, it wasn’t even rush hour and the traffic was ten times worse than anything I’d ever encountered in my entire life.
With just five minutes to spare, Blake pulled up to the curb to drop me off.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to park so we can walk in with you?” he asked for the fifth time.
“No, I think I can handle it. The receptionist told me their office was on the seventh floor. How hard can it be?” I asked, staring up at the immense skyscraper.
“You’re positive?” he questioned again.
“Blake! Go! You don’t want to keep your parents waiting. They’re probably very eager to give you your children back,” I said with a smile.
“Fine, but if you need me to come back early, you better call me!”
“You know I will. Thank you,” I said, leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek.
Stepping out of the car, I turned to tell Kaitlyn goodbye.
“Bye, Baby,” I said, blowing her a kiss. “Be good for Blake, OK.”
“Bye, Mommy. I will,” she said, returning my kiss.
I stepped onto the curb and waved as Blake pulled back into traffic.
“Cassidy Carpenter is that you?” a female voice called from behind.
“Yes,” I said, turning to greet the attractive blond stranger. “And you are?”
“Cass, it’s Brynne Riley. We met once back in Michigan at my parent’s house,” I stared at her for a minute longer, familiarity setting in as she spoke the name I’d tried to forget for the last five years. “I’m Steve’s sister.”
Suddenly forgetting how to breathe, I continued staring at the woman with my mouth agape, blinking uncontrollably.
“Are you OK,” I heard her ask through the ringing in my ears. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Nope, no ghost. Just my past showing up to bring me back to reality just when I was starting to think I could move on, I thought to myself.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just didn’t expect to see you here, that’s all,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Oh, I’ve lived here in the city for a few years now. I work in this building at one of the accounting firms. Do you have business here?”
“Yes, I do. With the bridal design studio on the seventh floor,” I said, realizing I’d probably revealed too much information.
“Oh, that’s great!” she said, seemingly interested. “Was that your husband and daughter I saw dropping you off?”
Not wanting to reveal that her niece was in the car, I decided it was safest to lie about Kaitlyn’s genetics. “Oh, no. He’s just a friend of mine and that was his daughter.”
“Oh, OK, well it was good to see you again, Cass. You know, for what it’s worth, I was so mad at my brother when you two broke up. He never did tell us what happened, but we all really loved you. It really is a shame because I doubt he’d be where he is today.”
“Nice to see you, too,” I lied, hoping she would end this conversation. I didn’t have time, and I most certainly didn’t want her to start telling me about Steve. Truthfully, I didn’t care.
“Well I need to get to work. Maybe, I’ll see you around again sometime,” she said, waving as she turned and walked toward the building.
Collapsing into the bench beside me, I took several deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. Looking at my watch, I noticed that I was already several minutes late for my appointment. Pulling out my phone, I considered calling Blake to just come and pick me up.
After my little encounter, I wasn’t even sure if I could pull off a work meeting. After all, my being late had probably already ruined any chance of a deal anyways. But, after a few more minutes, I decided that having this business connection could really make some money for my studio. Determined to put my chance meeting with Steve’s sister behind me, I got up and resolved to turn this day around.
Blake
CATCHING ME BY surprise, Kaity reached for my hand as we prepared to cross the street to the restaurant. Even though I’d only known this little girl for a few months, it seemed natural. Like she and her mother were meant to be a part of my life.
I’d hoped Cassidy would’ve opened up about her relationship with Kaity’s father, but so far she hadn’t even mentioned his name. I’d casually asked Brooke about him after we’d run into the girls at the diner, but she told me that it wasn’t her story to tell. Not wanting to arouse her already growing suspicions about us, I didn’t want to press any further.
All I’d determined, from Cassidy’s fear of commitment along with passing comments, was that he was no longer a part of their lives. I understood that sometimes a relationship between two people doesn’t last for whatever reason, but what I could never comprehend was how a father could abandon his child. I’d only been a father for two years, but in that space of time those two children had become my reason for being.
Walking into the diner, Kaity let go of my hand and ran to the booth the minute she spotted Maddy and Ben.
“Hi Maddy! Hi Ben!” she said, excitedly. “Oh, and hi people I don’t know!” she added, turning to look at my parents.
“Well, hello there, Darling. Do you have a name?” Mom asked before taking a sip of coffee.
