Arranged To Be Married

First Date

After Luke left last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what we had said to each other. When my dad first told me about this marriage I was beyond furious, and now i can't believe how I get this tingly feeling when I see Luke. And to think I kissed him! Ugh. This is so wrong in so many levels.
I have got to get things straight and fast or else my whole future might be ruined.
I tossed and turned all night thinking about everything that has happened and also the impending date. Where would he take me? Wear something comfortable? Perhaps we were going hiking.
Finally, at three am i managed a fitful sleep. So naturally, when my cellphone rang at five am, i was not in the least bit happy. I'm not usually grumpy in the morning but after two hours of sleep, i'm sure i look like a zombie.

"Cass, are you awake? Get dressed. I'm waiting outside. "

"Cass?"
"Hm? " I mumbled sleepily.
"Get dressed. I'm waiting outside. Hurry." He ordered me.

"Sure BOSS."
"Cass?"
"What? " i said angrily
"I heard that. " he said and then chuckled to himself.

I go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, try and tame my hair, and hurriedly put on my shirt and leggings and my always reliable Chuck Taylors. Well he did say comfortable.

I quickly turn off my lights and lock the door to my apartment. You can never be too careful. I hurriedly got inside his car and once again, he took my breath away. How can a guy look so gorgeous in a sweater and pants? Oh boy. This is bad. Really bad. Remember you are not supposed to fall in love with this man Cassandra. He's the reason why you had to put your life on hold. I mentally chided myself.
I caught Luke staring at me making my stomach twist and turn.

"What?"
"Relax. I just wanted to tell you that you looked awesome but that wasn't exactly what i had in mind."
"Look, all you said was dress comfortably and i did. Okay?" I retorted angrily.
" okay." He said while throwing his arms in the air.

We had been driving for about an hour now and once again like the total idiot that i was, i fell asleep. First I was admiring the view from the window and in the next instant he was carrying me. Goodness he smelled so good. He smelled like man and forest at the same time.

"I see you're awake. " Luke said interrupting my thoughts.
"You can put me down now, thanks." My cheeks turning red.

"Where are we?"

"We are in my horse farm." He said grinning like an excited little schoolboy on his way to a field trip.

I looked at him with my mouth agape.

" You know Cass,i have a life outside of  the bank."

"Well yeah, but i just didn't expect  you to be the horse type of guy.."

And once again, he flashed his smile at me.

"Please. I was state champion during high school."

He laughed out loud. "Close your mouth Cass, flies might get in."
And with that he once again left me with my mouth hanging open in shock. I quickly ran after him and upon reaching the front door, i saw a woman who looked about in her 20's and very beautiful i might add.

"Hi. You must be Cassandra. I'm Dana. Luke's-"
"Friend." Luke suddenly interrupted.
I looked at him and upon looking closely i noticed that he looked tense. Their was a faint sheen of sweat covering his forehead.
Just as Dana was about to say something Luke immediately grabbed my hand and led me inside the house. To say that the house was grand is an understatement. His living room was filled with antiques, i mean i'm not the type of girl who was into furniture and stuff, but anyone can see that his things were expensive.

"Cass. You can freshen up in there. " he said pointing to room in the corner. I walked to the bathroom hurriedly aware of how messy i looked. I washed my face and just as i was about to head out i heard whispering. Well, it was not technically called whispering since their voices was loud enough to be heard even inside the powder room whose door was very thick.

Knowing it was rude, i listened.

"Dana, what are you doing here? I told you not to come here anymore. Did you forget that I am to be married soon?"

"Please Luke. I know you don't like her. I mean look at her. She's messy, and did you see what she was wearing? It looked as if she slept in her clothes. Who in their right mind would do that.? She'll only be an embarrassment your family." Dana hissed angrily.

What the hell? Who does she think she is? Just as i was about to open the door to tell Dana to screw herself, I heard Luke say something so low that i could barely hear it.

"Dana. I don't like you. Please,  you didn't know how hard it was when people expected me to marry you."

After a few minutes of silence, assuming that Dana had left, i went out of the powder room, pretending like i hadn't heard anything.

"So, Luke. " i said brightly.

"Should go and ride some horses now?"

"Yes. Yes. You're right. I was just about to show Dana out. She had something important to do."

Right then, anyone who would walk inside the room can notice the tension in the air.
"Yes. I'm sorry i can't join you today Cassandra. Maybe we could meet for lunch tomorrow? "

An awkward silence filled the room

"Sure. I'd love to. "I answered her unsure of whether i was doing the right thing.
Dana beamed at me and walked out if the room.

Luke suddenly started. "Cass- i can explain
Dana is not my-"

"Luke. You don't have to explain. I'm not expecting you not to be in love with someone else. After all, this is just a business agreement right?"

Luke looked at me sadly.

"Right."