“It’s not your fault.” Cassie tried to smile, but it looked pretty halfhearted.
“Dean positively identified him. So did Brett. He’ll most likely be charged with assault and battery and grand theft.”
“Wait,” she breathed out, interrupting my download from Dean. “Is there going to be a trial? Am I going to have to testify?”
“I was getting to that.” I leaned over, planting a kiss on her cheek. “He pleaded ‘no contest,’ so there won’t be a trial.”
She shook her head. “What does ‘no contest’ mean?”
“He’s basically saying he did it, without saying he did it. He waives his right to a trial because he doesn’t think he’ll get off if it goes to a jury. But the other thing about pleading no contest is he can’t be sued for any damages he caused and his sentence will most likely be less.”
“Less? How is that fair?”
“He’s a pussy. He took the easiest and best way out for him.”
I watched as the confusion cleared from her eyes before she leaned her head against my shoulder. “So, no trial. You’re sure?”
“I’m sure,” I answered.
“Good.”
“Aren’t you pissed off? Or angry?”
Her head lifted and she turned to eye me. “I can’t change what’s already done. I just want my camera back.”
“And I just want to kill him,” I said seriously and she chuckled.
“Let’s be happy they caught him. I didn’t think they ever would.” Cassie’s voice sounded more relaxed, and I sighed in relief.
“You’re right. I am happy they caught him. Now I know where to go to kill him.”
“Jack, stop it.” She playfully swatted at my hand.
I winked at her and she rolled her eyes. “I won’t ever let anyone touch you like that again, Kitten. It won’t happen.”
“I know. But we have to move forward, okay? Put it behind us.”
“Fine,” I begrudgingly agreed as she nuzzled into me and I realized that he didn’t matter anymore. I had everything that truly mattered right here in my arms.
THIRTEEN
CASSIE
My eyes opened slowly and I rubbed at them, resisting the urge to close them and go right back to sleep. Today was the big day for Jack. I heard my cell phone beep its soft reminder tone and I reached for it. A text message.
Morning, Kitten. Are you up? Can’t wait to see you.
I noted the time. Six forty-three a.m. That was over an hour ago. I typed out a response letting him know I was awake and pressed Send. My phone immediately rang. “Hi,” I answered wearily.
“When can I come get you?” Jack’s voice sounded chipper.
“Good morning to you too,” I teased.
“I’m coming over in half an hour. Be ready.”
“What? No! I’m still in bed and I need to eat and shower and get ready.” It was still early and I couldn’t help the little whine that crept out in my voice.
“I didn’t say we had to leave in half an hour, just that I was coming over. Plus,” he paused, “I have something for you.”
My pulse skittered. “What is it?”
“A present. I’ll see you soon.” He laughed before hanging up.
I jumped out of bed and threw open my door in search of Melissa. “Thank God you’re already awake!” I shrieked at the sight of her eating cereal on the couch.
“I can’t sleep in. You know this.” She looked up from her cereal bowl and smiled.
“Um, Jack will be here in half an hour. And he said he’s bringing me a present.” I cocked my head to one side and raised my eyebrows as I plopped down across from her. Melissa’s lips parted as her smile spread all the way across her face.
“Oh my God, you know what it is! Tell me!” I shouted at my best friend.
“No way. I’m not ruining that surprise.” She shoveled another spoonful of cereal into her still grinning mouth.
“It’s not…” I paused. “He’s not…”
Her face crinkled as she read my mind. “Not what? Proposing?”
“He’s not, right? I mean, we’re not there yet.”
“Oh, this is fun.” Melissa was enjoying teasing me way too much, and I resisted the urge to reach across the table and strangle the truth out of her.
“You suck,” I grumbled. “I mean, it’s not like I think he’s going to, but it did pop into my head. Probably because he’s leaving soon, and I’m a girl and…”
“It’s not a ring,” she confessed begrudgingly. “But what if it was? Oooh, what would you say if Jack asked you to marry him?”