Temptation

Old Habits

"Bye, guys! Have a great summer!" Cassie waved to her kids as they all excitedly exited the classroom. Some waved to her, some hugged her, gave her 'Thank You' cards, and even some gifts. This was always the tough part about teaching, seeing these kids go year after year. 

Once the last kid left, she let out a huff and sat on her desk. Of course, Anna came running in, squealing with excitement. "Summer!" She excitedly shouted. "Finally!" She hugged Cassie and jumped up and down. 

Cassie patted her back and giggled, "Okay, okay!" Anna pulled away, then send, "Let's go out! Lunch is on me!" Cassie gave her a small smile and said, "I'm sorry, I can't. I already made plans with Ben, but you're more than welcome to come!" 

Anna rolled her eyes with a smile. "No," she said, "it's fine. Go have fun with your man and I'll call you tonight. We'll plan a sleep over when Roger goes out of town." After that, Cassie packed up her stuff, said goodbye to Anna, then left to where she was to meet Ben for lunch. 

When she walked into the quaint café, she looked around a bit until she saw Ben sitting at the table reading a menu. She walked over to the table with a smile on her face and said, "Hey!" 

He whipped his head up and smiled when he saw his girl. "Hey, you," he said, as he stood up. He hugged her, then gave her a sounding kiss. "I've missed you," he murmured against her lips, before kissing her again. 

Unfortunately, he's been away on business for all week. He came back yesterday, but fell asleep the moment he got home, so he didn't see her. "I missed you, too. Like a lot." 

He chuckled, then pulled her chair out for her. "Well, I missed you a lot, a lot, my dear," he told her, as he sat down. "How was your last day?" She let out a sad sigh and said, "Bittersweet. It's always hard to see those kids go when you've spent a year with them, but knowing they're going to the next level is so...inspiring." 

She had a dreamy look on her face as she thought about and Ben couldn't help but smile. "So no more late night grading papers," he stated. She shook her head and said, "Nope. Thank God, I can sleep now."

He chuckled, "Shame, I liked helping you. But yes, that means you get more time with me in bed." She reached over the table and smacked his chest as he laughed. "Love you, too, baby," he said. 

They ate and talked about his business trip, how he pitched a new computer, but they didn't want it. "Oh, babe, I'm sorry," she said, as she took his hand. He sighed and gave her hand a squeeze. "No, it's alright," he said. "Not the first time it happened. Anyways, they're giving me another shot to come up with something new in a few months. But enough about me, how was your week?"

She didn't exactly want to discuss how her mother almost caused her to go to the liquor store because of how unbearable she is...so, she opted to say, "Fine. Um, I've been looking at apartments mostly, which is so exciting! I've got two more weeks until I can finally move!"

He smiled at her excitement and said, "That's amazing! Erm...where have you been looking?" She told him about some places she found by the beach, in the mountains, the suburbs, even city apartments. Ben took a sip of his water, then told her, "I might have a place in mind for you."

Her eyebrows shot up and she asked, "Really? Where? I'm taking anything I can get." He smirked and said, "Well, it's a very nice place, an apartment. Spacious, three bedrooms and for an incredibly reasonable price."

This was really peaking her interest. "Well, what's the rent?" She anxiously asked. He thought for a minute, then said, "Free." She gave him a double take, then started laughing. "Okay, you're messing with me, I get it."

He shook his head and told her, "No, I'm serious." She sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Okay, Cumberbatch," she said, "where is this miraculous apartment?" Again, he had to think for a minute. "Well," he said, "it's actually my place."

Now she was confused. Very confused. "Um...Ben...what exactly are you saying?" He cleared his throat and moved himself to where he was practically leaning over the table. 

"Cassie," he said, "I love you and I love it when you're at my apartment, wearing my clothes, sleeping in my bed, cooking us breakfast or dinner. I want to see that everyday knowing that you're sleeping in our bed, in our apartment. And I know, I know it's only been five months, but I think we can do this. I know we can."

This was getting to be way too much. She was completely comfortable around him now, no more second thoughts, no more stressing. She totally trusts him. But this...this was something else. She really had to think about this and it was making her uncomfortable. 

"Um...look, I--...dammit." Her thoughts were running through her head like they never have before! She was feeling light headed and dazed! So, she did the thing she hasn't done in a long time...she got up and started to leave. 

Ben watched her with wide eyes. "Cass?" He called, as she walked quicker and quicker to the door. "Cass!" He got up and ran after her. "Cassie, wait," he said, as he gently grabbed her arm. She was almost to her car and whined when he turned her to face him. 

"Hey, don't run from me," he said in a soft, yet stern voice. "Look, if you don't want to move in with me, then just say so. Don't run off." She huffed and took her arm out of his hand. "That's the problem," she said, almost on the verge of crying, "I would love to move in with you, I would, but...shit."

She put her hand to her forehead and felt tears running down her face. "Okay, okay forget I said anything," he quickly told her. "Look, it was too soon and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel this way, you know I hate it when you're like this. I'm sorry, baby."

He pulled her in for a hug and rocked her a bit. "How about we go back to mine and I'll help you look for a place," he suggested. "I have a few realtor friends who can probably get you a great deal somewhere." She took a deep breath, then nodded into his chest. 

"Alright, come on, beautiful," he softly said. He walked her the rest of the way to her car, then gave her a few sweet kisses. "I'm flattered that you want to move in with me, but if it's going to make you feel like this, then it's worth waiting," he assured. "I love you and I never want you to feel this way around me. Okay?"

She cracked a little smile and said, "Okay. Thank you. And I'm sorry I ran off. Old habit, I guess." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then opened her car door. "I'll see you in a few minutes," he said, before blowing her a kiss, then walking to his car. Cassie had to calm herself before driving. 

This was something she was not prepared for.