When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 100

Merrick moved fast. He grabbed Corren by the shoulders and shoved him back against the hallway wall before the argument could turn into a full scene.

“Think,” Merrick said, voice low and firm. “It’s not worth it.”

Corren’s chest rose and fell hard. He closed his eyes for a second, jaw tight, then let out a long, shaky breath. Slowly, he raised both hands in surrender.

“Fine,” he muttered. “It’s fine. You can let go before someone thinks we’re dating.‘

Merrick let out a short chuckle. Corren followed with a tired laugh of his own.

Merrick eased his grip and stepped back. They both turned and leaned against the wall side by side, heads tilted back, staring up at the plain white ceiling.

“I don’t know, man,” Corren said quietly. “It’s crazy how fast you can start liking someone like this. I knew she just got out of a divorce. I knew it. And still… there was something about her.” He paused, voice dropping.” Something I couldn’t shake.”

Merrick nodded slowly. “I get it. I really do. I’ve been there. But right now” He turned his head to look at Corren. “Just for now, until this expo wraps. Please. Let her be. For the company. I need your head in the game.

Corren stared straight ahead. “Fine. But I can’t promise to stay away. I just.. I like that woman. A lot.”

Merrick’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. Cassienne was his friend. Corren was his partner and friend too. He didn’t want either of them hurt. But how could he explain the truth? That Dreston–her ex–husband—was back in the picture. That Dreston wanted her again. And that he would do anything to win her

back.

How could he tell Corren that no matter how perfect Cassienne seemed, her heart had never fully left Dreston?

He stayed silent. For now, that was all he could do.

Inside Cassienne’s hotel suite, the room felt quiet. Dreston sat on the sofa beside her. She was still clinging to him, arms wrapped around his waist, face pressed against his chest. Neither of them spoke.

He did not rush her. He gave her time. Time to breathe. Time to stop shaking. This side of her, this vulnerable, broken open, was something he had never seen during their five years of marriage. It hit him hard.

How had he missed it? How had he not noticed the pain she carried? The threats? The fear? He had been so focused on his work, his pride, his distance, that he never knew, never looked close enough.

For the first time since their divorce, guilt burned deep in his chest. He hated the man he had been.

Eventually, her breathing slowed. It became steady. Her body relaxed against him. Dreston glanced down. She had fallen asleep–clutching his shirt like a child, face buried in the fabric of his shirt. A small, unexpected smile tugged at his lips. She looked so young like this. So peaceful.

When her fingers loosened their grip, he knew she was deep in sleep.

Carefully, he slid out from under her. Then he bent, scooped her up in his arms, and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her gently on the bed and reached for the covers.

Her eyes fluttered open immediately.

“Dreston,” she whispered.

He froze. “Yes, Cass. Tell me.”

She blinked slowly. “Thanks for staying with me.”

The words hit him like a punch. Pain twisted in his chest–regret, longing, everything hit him and he felt too bad about it. And now, he could not stop himself.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

At first, the kiss was soft. Hesitant. Like he was testing if she would pull away. But then her mouth opened under his. It was all the permission he needed.

He deepened the kiss. His tongue slid against hers. He poured everything into it—days of regret, unspoken love, the ache he had carried since the day he let her go. His hands cupped the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair, holding her like she might vanish if he let go.

Cassienne kissed him back. Her hands fisted in his shirt. For a few seconds, she gave in completely, it was warm, urgent, matching every move of his.

Then suddenly, reality crashed in.

Her eyes snapped wide. She pulled back fast, breathing hard.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “You can go now.”

She turned away from him, rolled onto her side, and yanked the covers up to her chin.

“Good night, Dreston.”

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