Temptation

Birthday Surprises

"I don't understand why we couldn't just stay at my apartment and do something there," Cassie said, as she was being unwillingly dragged into a restaurant. "Because you've been trapping yourself in that bloody place since you got it," Ben told her. "It's time you go out, especially for your birthday."

She sighed and walked inside the restaurant with him. They were led to their tables and Ben immediately ordered them a couple of drinks. "Please pretend like you you're enjoying yourself," he chuckled. Cassie gave him a small smile and said, "Sorry. I just...I hate my birthday."

He shrugged, then told her, "I never would have guessed. Any reasons as to why?" She grimaced as she said, "Mom made it...not that great. Dad used to throw me these big parties and it was so much fun, but after he died..."

Ben took her hand across the table and gave it a squeeze. "Well, now I'm here to make it special again. Besides, your mum is pretty much out of your life and I am completely in yours. No coming in last for you, young lady."

She smiled, then told him, "Thank you. And I am enjoying myself. I love you, Ben." He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "And I love you, my darling girl." When their waters came, Ben ordered something for them to share since the portions here were quite large. 

"So, I have a question for you," Ben said, as they picked at their ten-peice lobster legs. "What would you like to do for our six month anniversary? We'll be in Paris when it comes around, but would you like to go out to dinner? Stay in? Or be surprised?"

Cassie laughed, then said, "Oh, that we can stay in for." Ben reached under the table and playfully pinched her leg, making her giggle. "I don't know," she continued, "it would be nice to go out and celebrate it, I suppose. Then, we can stay in and do something...in bed." 

He hummed in approval and said, "I like that idea. Alright, I'll call later tomorrow and make reservations. You never take a chance walking into a restaurant in Paris. Chances are, you'll never get in." 

After ordering dessert and looking like the soppy couple who feed each other, Ben paid the bill and walked them out. "Thank you for this, Ben," Cassie said. "I really appreciate it." He leaned down and gave her a kiss, before saying, "Our night is far from over. Let's go back to your place and...do something in bed. Well, do each other." 

Just as he opened the car door for her, they both heard her name being called. Cassie looked back towards the restaurant...and her heart nearly stopped. No. No, no, no! Not you! "J-Justin," she shakily said. "What...what are you doing here?"

Her ex-boyfriend waltzed up to her and gave her that damned charming smile. "Out with the parents," he told her. "I saw you walk out and thought I'd say hi. You're looking good." She looked down at herself and said, "Yeah, well, sober six years now. I guess that'll do that to you."

He looked surprised and said, "You haven't had a drink for six years? Yeah, right and I haven't had a cigarette in that long, either." As he said that, he pulled out his pack and put a cigarette in his mouth. 

"Well believe it, prick," Ben said defensively. Justin looked like he had just noticed Ben there, then asked, "Who the hell are you?" Ben stood up a little straighter and puffed his chest out as he told him, "Her boyfriend."

Justin's eyebrows shot up as he said, "Oh. Well, then I guess you got sloppy seconds there. Or third or fourths...did she tell you about all the men she's slept with?" Cassie looked down and away, as Ben looked at her. "I'm aware," he said. "Her past is her past. Let it be."

"Okay," Justin said, "but did she tell you how she had to go to group therapy for it? Kind of like her A.A. meeting, but you know, for sex." Ben looked at Cassie in shock, but she angrily said, "That's enough, Justin! Just go!"