Escape With Me (Love With Me 1)

Applause filled the room. Lorna sauntered from the table and up to the stage to get her certificate. She posed for the camera, flaunting her curves and wealth as they praised her for her generous donation to charity.

Only it wasn't generous. It was selfish and cruel. Cassie could have dealt with just about anyone else winning a date with Wyatt. But Lorna?

Cassie wanted to punch her in the face.

Wyatt hopped down from the stage and came back to the table. Lorna tried to follow him, but she was diverted to follow Olive to write the check for the date. At least Cassie got a bit of satisfaction from the annoyed look on Lorna's face as she was forced to hang back.

“We'll think of something,” Brianna promised. “Let me talk with Janessa. We'll come up with a plan. It'll be okay.”

The sentiment was sweet, but Cassie knew there wasn't much her friends could do for her. Brianna gave her a quick hug and then got up and went to sit next to Janessa to hopefully plot something out.

“I'm so sorry,” Wyatt said as soon as he was close. He took Cassie's hands in his and kissed them. “I swear I didn't know she was going to do that.”

Cassie believed him. The look of shock was too real to be faked. “It's okay,” she replied. “Maybe you can just put it off forever.”

Wyatt chuckled, but there wasn't much mirth to it. “Why didn't you bid on me?” Hurt filled his green eyes.

“I don't have that kind of money.” Cassie shook her head. “I don't even think I have a credit card with a limit that high.”

“You could have used mine. I would have paid you back,” he told her.

Cassie closed her eyes and felt the fool. “I didn't think of that.”

“It's okay.” Wyatt squeezed her hands. “Maybe I can convince her to bring you along.”

Cassie laughed at the idea. Lorna would do that the day pigs flew and the sun set in the east. She had a feeling that even if Wyatt offered to buy her out, she wouldn't take it. Lorna wanted this date. She wanted Wyatt and was willing to do just about anything to get him.

Cassie kissed Wyatt's cheek, and they both sat down. Dinner would be served soon.

“Well, hello my date,” Lorna purred, coming back to the table. She wrapped her arm around Wyatt's shoulders.

Wyatt shrugged her off, but Lorna didn't seem deterred. She sat down in the seat next to him.

“We're going to have so much fun.” Lorna purposefully thrust out her chest and looked up at him through her eyelashes.

Cassie had to wonder if Lorna had back issues from arching her back that much. It certainly didn't look comfortable.

“I'm actually rather busy for the next few weeks,” Wyatt replied. “There's lots of business for me attend to. And then I have some traveling. You'll have to talk to my assistant about scheduling.”

“Well, if you're going to be busy, I understand.” Lorna nodded thoughtfully. She looked a little crestfallen, but understanding. Cassie thought Wyatt was doing an excellent job of putting her off. Cassie nearly believed him.

“I'm glad you understand.” Wyatt gave Lorna a flat smile. Cassie squeezed his hand under the table, telling him he was doing a good job.

“I just had the best idea,” Lorna announced. “If you're going to be busy, then we should have our date right away. I'm sure Cassie will be alright with giving you up tomorrow night. She said you had a romantic dinner planned. Just switch the two of us out.”

Lorna giggled. Her eyes met Cassie's, and Lorna's grin was sinister.

“I really don't think that's a good idea...” Wyatt began.

“Of course it is. You can pick me up at six. There, see? It's settled. And this way, you can get this date off your schedule. I am very accommodating.” Lorna ran her tongue across her upper lip. “I can do whatever you want.”

With Lorna's focus on Wyatt, across the table Brianna was miming over the top sexual faces at Wyatt, underscoring the ridiculousness of what Lorna was saying and how she was saying it. Brianna licked her lips the way Lorna did. She made kissy faces and outrageous winks. She fluttered her eyelashes and opened her mouth as if she might orgasm at any moment.

Wyatt was having a hard time keeping a straight face. His mouth kept thinning as he held back a smile. Cassie had to pick up a napkin to hide her smirk. At least her friends could make her feel better, even if they couldn't stop the date. She had a feeling that tomorrow night, Brianna, Janessa, and Julia would be showing up at her front door with ice cream and movies to keep her distracted.

Lorna glanced across the table, and immediately Brianna schooled her face into a polite smile. The motion had Cassie in silent stitches. Janessa had to pretend a cough to contain her laughter.

“Well, since it's settled, I'll see you tomorrow,” Lorna said, turning back to Wyatt. She ran her finger seductively across his lapel, biting her lip and giving him huge bedroom eyes.