Temptation

Silly Thoughts

This was going to be a little nerve-wracking for Cassie. She hasn't seen Ben in two weeks. He came back yesterday and asked her out on a date tonight. He said he wanted to take her to a nice restaurant, but somewhere they could have some privacy.

She wasn't sure how to interpret that. Why would he need privacy? To break it off with her? Was there even anything to break off? She knows how it goes; the man wants a private restaurant in case the girl causes a scene when he tells her, "it's not you, it's me".

Maybe he met a beautiful woman in Japan and decided to choose her instead. Maybe he met any other woman that wasn't her and decided that they were the better option. It's happened before, as much as she hates to admit it, but she knows the signs.

The problem is, she really likes Ben. He's the most decent guy that's ever come into her life. She's feeling things for him she never thought she could experience towards a man. But now, she can't help if she didn't live up to his expectations.

Whatever, she sighed to herself. If I'm going out, I'm going out with dignity. She put on one of her best dresses and applied a little bit of make-up, but not too much. She slipped on her shoes, and then stood in her room, waiting for the doorbell to ring downstairs.

After a few moments, she got a text message from Ben; I'm afraid I'm going to be a little late. Would you mind meeting me there? -B

Cassie sighed. Separate cars. Smart on his part, I guess. And there was no "please" or "darling" or "xx". Face it, Cassie, you're going to get dumped tonight. She texted him back saying that was fine and went downstairs to grab her keys.

She didn't bother to tell her mother she was leaving, as she was passed out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn in her arms, with the Biggest Loser playing in the background. She needs to get out of here.

She got to the restaurant in about fifteen minutes and went up to the hostess. Ben still hadn't arrived, but she led Cassie to their table anyways. It was a quiet little table for two with a small candle lit in the middle. Ben was serious when he said he wanted privacy. He must think she's one of those sensitive, overly emotional girls.

She tapped her foot as she continued to wait and wait. The waitress brought her an order of tea and asked if she would like to order yet. Cassie politely told her that she would rather wait. But that was before she didn't realize how long she would be waiting.

It's been almost an hour.

Cassie was about ready to leave. It was already bad enough that he was going to break it off with her, but to make her wait like this? It was ridiculous. After one final sigh and roll of the eyes, she stood up and started to gather her things.

"Cassie!" That deep, rich voice called. Cassie looked up and saw Ben jogging towards her in a very neat suit and tie. It was such a relief to see him after so long, but what he's been putting her through couldn't even make that as a valuable excuse.

He got up to her and gave her a wide smile. "Hey," he said, "sorry I'm late. Were you just heading to the restroom?" Cassie huffed and crossed her arms. "I was leaving," she told him. "I've been waiting for over an hour! Now, if you'll excuse me."

She started walking past him, but he quickly put himself in front of her and said, "Wait! I'm so sorry, I didn't realize how late it had gotten. You don't know how many times I've had to change my watch because of the bloody time change. Please, I'm sorry. It won't happen again, I promise."

Cassie noticed that he said the word "again" and couldn't help but smile. Ben let out a breath of relief and said, "There's that smile. Come here, you, it's been too long." He pulled her close to him and leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss.