The Baker

Chapter 19

I need a break from my research paper that's due tomorrow that I just started today...so here's a new chapter!!

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After a few hours of snuggling into Ben's bed and sleeping soundly, Cassie managed to get up. If it weren't for her alarm on her phone, then she would have stayed in the very comfortable bed all day, but unfortunately, she had a buisness to run and a crime to solve within that business. SIghing, she got out of bed and went a head and took a shower. After that, she went down into the kitchen to get something to eat. Forgetting that Ben had left something for her, she was surprised to see a folded note on the counter that had her name written neatly across the front. Next to the note, was a key. A house key. Curious, she opened the note. It read:

        My Dearest Cassie,

        Again, I do apologize for leaving only three weeks into our relationship. I promise you that I will make up for the lost time. In the meantime, I do hope you have lovely days at work and if you ever need to talk, do not be afraid to call me. If it's an emergency, I have left my publisists number on the bottom. Her name is Karon and she will gladly come get me if needed. Text me tonight and let me know when you're free because I'd like to Skype, as well. Now, I can only assume you know what the key is for. It is for my house and I want you to keep it for now. Feel free to pop by anytime you want, I don't care what for. I trust you and I love you. I'll see you soon, darling. -Ben

Cassie's heart leapt in her throat. "He left his house key for me," she chuckled. "Goddamn this man!" She laughed like a little girl and jumped around. She couldn't believe all of this was happening to her and so quickly! She really didn't mind how fast they were going. After all, life is short, you gotta make it sweet! And this man was doing just that.

Getting her phone from her purse, she shot Ben a quick text. She didn't know when his flight was leaving, but she didn't care.

***

Ben sat back in the furthest part of the terminal to avoid being noticed by fans. Don't get him wrong, he loves them, but having some peace and quite is scarce. To make it look like he was occupied, Ben popped in his headphones and looked at his phone. He started listening to the Stones and smiling like a loon when he remembered this song playing in the car when he and Cassie were on their way to their first date. And as if someone were reading his mind about her, a text alert popped up on his screen with her name on it. 

My Dearest Ben,

Thank you for the lovely note! It has already made my day and I barely woke up an hour ago! I'm free tonight at seven if you want to Skype then. I love you and have a safe flight xoxo

Ben's heart fluttred right through his chest. He sighed contently and read the text one more time. I need to introduce her to mum and dad, he thought suddenly. I don't think it's too early for that...right?

***

"Hi, mom," Cassie answered. She just got into work when she realized her mom had called...4 times...in five minutes. She was a bit of a control freak. "How are you, sweetie? We never talk to you, anymore!" "I know, I know," Cassie sighed as she walked into the office to see Jess slumped over a bunch of paperwork. "I'm sorry, I've just been really busy lately. You know, running a buisness and all." Her mother never approved of her moving London, espscially to open a bakery. It was too complicated for her to understand that there was nothing left for Cassie in California. "Oh, right. Well, speaking of which how's that going?" Cassie really didn't want to give her mother the satisfaction of knowing how it was really going, so she just gave her a simple, "good". "Good, I'm glad to hear. Have you met someone yet?" Oh, mother, Cassie thought. Always so suttle. Clearing her throat, Cassie responded, "Um...yes, I have actually. His name is Ben." It's not too early to tell her this...right?

 After many playing 20 questions with her mother, Cassie had gotten back to work. She and Jess left Alice in charge of the floor, while they looked through some more files. "Cass, look, I know you don't want to, but we have to consider Wendy. She's the only one here with a criminal record. I've triple checked everyone else like you asked and everyone's come up clean, except her. I'm sorry." Cassie sighed and leaned back in her chair. Jess was right. She's been pressing this on to her since they've found out, but hse didn't want to believe it. She's given Wedny so many chances and so many reasons to change, but clearly nothing has been working. "You're right,"  she mumbled. "Let's call her in."

***

Ben threw his things on his hotel room floor and plopped down on the hardened bed. The seven hour flight has got him and it's got him good. All he wants to do is sleep, until his alarm tells him it's seven o'clock back home. He smiled at the thought of seeing Cassie's face light up on that screen. Her smile brightening up his long day, those blue eyes soothing his spinning head, her voice calming his nerves. He sighed contently and let his mind wander off into a deep sleep...

"I'm home!" Ben called, after he walked through the door. As he was hanging up his coat, he could smell the mouth-watering food that was coming from somewhere in the house. Following the smell, he ended up in the ktichen to see Cassie slaving over dinner. He smiled and leaned up against the doorframe, staring at her and the way she moved throughout the kitchen so comfotably. After a few more moments, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She jumped a little, but then settled easily in his arms. Taking a whif of her lavender scented hair, he said, "Hello." Smiling, she responded, "Hey, you. How was work?" "Fine," he responded bluntly. He was more focused on her exposed skin. He fluttered kisses on her neck, up to her jawline, and to her cheek. When she turned her head, he pressed a firm kiss to her lips. "You are amazing, you know that?" He asked her. "And I love you so much." She was silent for a moment, until she fully turned around and said, "I have something to tell you." Furrowing his eyebrows, Ben took her hands in his. He ran his thumb over the silver band on her left hand and asked, "What is it?" After taking a few deep breaths, she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "Ben...I'm *RING RING*" After clearing his throat, he said, "S-Sorry?" "I said, I'm *RING RING*" He opened his mouth to talk, but was inturrupted by the same sound. He looked around to try and figure it out. He looked back at Cassie and asked, "What's that noise?" Now speaking louder, she told him, "Ben, I'm--."

*RING RING* Ben jolted awake and looked around the room. His eyes settled on his phone that was ringing and vibrating furiously. Lazily reaching over, he grabbed his phone and looked at the I.D.: 

Mum