by Dani Rene
“So, in actuality, this is a blackmail contract. Sign or else?” I’m sure she can see the shock on my face because I don’t hide it. This is ridiculous.
“They’re trying to wring as much cash from this as possible. With the hype around the new line, they wanted to make sure they cover every avenue. After doing a survey, women are chomping at the bit to get a look at the bachelor modeling the line. Think of it as a reality TV show that will star you.”
“And they’ll probably want to pair me up with someone.” My words are gritted through clenched teeth. My jaw ticks as frustration takes hold. “I can’t do this to Violet.”
“Why don’t you talk to her? Since you’re new to the relationship, perhaps you can still see her, keep it under wraps until you find you have real feelings for her.”
“I do have real feelings for her.”
“What I mean is, wait until you both decide it’s serious, and you can announce your relationship on the show. It will have people swooning,” Blythe appeals. She’s already had this speech ready for my reaction. She knew I wouldn’t want to drag Violet into the spotlight, and she had her arsenal at the ready.
“This is ridiculous,” I bite out while holding up the heavy contract that now feels like an anchor around my ankle before I’ve even signed it.
“Talk to her. I’m sure she’ll understand it’s your career.” As much as I want to deny it, I know Violet would understand because it’s just the type of person she is. The sweet nature of the girl who’s captured my attention will agree that I should sign. I know she will, but what would that mean for us?
“This is ridiculous,” I repeat. “Tell them I need twenty-four hours to think about it.” I stand, holding the contract in one hand and placing a palm on the smooth top of her desk. “And if I don’t agree to their terms, I will walk out. They can find another bachelor.”
“You mean if Violet doesn’t agree.” Her challenge flickers in her gaze. She’s testing my resolve to be with Violet. I didn’t think I’d come to America and find a girl I liked. Certainly not one I would walk away from a high-paying job for, but after years of working and saving, I don’t need this job. I think it’s more of the fact that they need me.
“Twenty-four hours.” I turn and walk out of Blythe’s office with the contract in hand. I need time to cool down. I can’t talk to Violet until I see her tonight, but deep in my gut, I know that one of the terms in this fucking contract will mean they would want to match me up with someone.
Someone who isn’t Violet.
18
Violet
The day seemed to speed by. Walking down the leafy street that leads to my apartment, I can’t stop trying to figure out just what Colton has planned tonight. Excitement has been bubbling in my chest since we spoke.
The lunch he sent me was delicious. Small, thoughtful things he’s done over the past couple of days have had me rethinking everything. It will still be a long while before I can say I’m comfortable with a relationship, but so far, he’s proving to be a nice guy.
My heels clip on the sidewalk and the song playing in my ears makes me smile. I love living in New York. The city is vibrant, but I have a feeling the color that seems to pop from every leaf, and each person’s face is because of a particular man.
And when I reach home at six-thirty, I unlock the door and step into the chilly living room. Inside, I make my way into the bedroom without stopping in the kitchen. I would kill for a hot cup of tea, but I don’t have time.
I rush through the apartment, trying to get ready before Colton is meant to pick me up. He said seven, and as the clock inches toward the hour, the more my stomach twists in excited knots. A flurry of hummingbirds takes flight, and I feel like it’s my first date with him.
As I pull out a dress from my closet, I see the outfit I bought not long ago. It’s similar to the one my sister had when she turned eighteen, and our folks allowed her to wear it to prom.
I’d never been more envious of her. When I was sixteen, I would never have fitted into something like that, but over the years, I’ve become used to my curves. I’ve come to realize that I am beautiful, even though, at times, my mind plays tricks on me to tell me I’m not.
Most girls look up to those glossy magazines, seeing the pretty, slender figures and wishing that were them. I was no exception. Only, I had one real-live model in my house.
I grab the outfit in question. A sleek bodysuit of the softest cashmere in a deep blue. The color will look incredible against my skin tone. And even though I’m not a size six, like Victoria is, I know my curves will fill this out.
Decision made.
I head into the bathroom and rinse my face, reapply a light color to my cheeks and then my eyelids along with a dark liner. Last, I swipe some gloss onto my lips.
My hair is still sleek from straightening it this morning. Thankfully. Back in the bedroom, I slip into the bodysuit, which, like I figured, hugs me like a second skin. The slight hourglass of my figure fills it out, and the material feels soft against my skin.
I slip on the silver, glittery sandals before I take in my reflection. I look like I could be on the arm of a famous model. At least, that’s what I tell myself repeatedly in the hopes I believe it.
By the time I’m back in the living room, the buzzer sounds, and when I peek through the peephole, I see Colton on the other side. Unlatching the door, I pull it open, and I’m met with those teal eyes that steal my breath.
He’s dressed in a black button-up, which is undone just enough to taunt with the smooth skin beneath. And his black slacks are tight, hugging his thick, muscled thighs, along with those slender, tapered hips.
“Wow,” he speaks first, causing heat to sneak over my cheeks. “You look incredible.”
“Thank you.” I smile up at him. “You don’t look so bad either,” I tease, stepping aside so he can come in.
“I think I scrub up well,” he jests. Once again, we stand silently for a few moments, but it’s Colton who makes the first move. He leans in, his hand landing gently on my hip, and he pulls me in to whisper his lips along mine.
It’s the gentlest of kisses, but the passion emanating from his touch captures the breath in my lungs. I don’t deepen it, not yet. I allow him to step back.
“Are you ready?” He doesn’t seem put out that I didn’t push for more from the kiss, but I have a feeling he is slightly disappointed. And to be honest, I am too, because I do want more. But it’s fun to watch him squirm and work for it, just a tad.
“I am.”
I grab my purse and keys, and we head out. I leave my phone because if I get any more messages from Victoria, it will only sour my mood. And tonight, it’s only about the man who’s currently leading me to the town car at the sidewalk, and me.
Colton opens the door, waiting for me to slip into the bench seat before sliding in beside me. He nods at the driver, who seems to not need any address or direction as we pull away from the curb.
“This really is a surprise,” I whisper while glancing at my date. There’s a mischievous smile on his lips, which has my eyebrow arching in silent question.
“It is,” he affirms with a cocky wink. There are times I wonder just what he sees in me. Like right now, when he slides his hand against mine, his fingers tangling through my own. I still can’t believe this is real.
“So, how was your day?” I ask.
Colton doesn’t look at me immediately, and he doesn’t answer right then. My stomach bottoms out when he finally glances my way. Something is wrong.
“I spoke to Blythe,” he replies. “I have a few things I need to chat with you about, but that’s for later.”
“Tell me,” I beg, needing to know if my heart is about to be broken or not. I didn’t want to feel anything for him, but over the past couple of weeks, I found myself being swept away by a fairy tale. Even though it’s only our second date, I do have some feelings for Colton King.
“I promise it’s nothing serious. We’ll talk ov
er dinner.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Tell me about your day. How long is your boss away?”
I realize no matter how much I ask, he won’t tell me, so I sigh and sit back. “Clarissa is away for a few more days I’m guessing. She hasn’t actually let me know a definite day she’ll be back. And that’s what stresses me out. Without her there, the day was busy. After lunch, it seemed like I just didn’t stop.” I didn’t even stop to look if I got a response from Ida. And I wanted it before the date. Not that it would’ve made a massive difference in what I do tonight, but it’s the security blanket I’ve always held on to.
“That’s a good thing.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“But?” Colton prompts, and I know I’m going to have to tell him about the wedding. I’m not sure he’ll still be around by then, but I suppose a second date is as good as any to attempt at chasing the hot man you’re crushing on away. Isn’t it?
“My past isn’t filled with happy memories. Or at least, what I believe happy memories should be.” I’ve never once told anyone about my life as a child. Never wanted to talk about Victoria and what she did while we were growing up. Some kids are bullied at school, some on the playground, but my nightmares came from the girl I lived with.
“Tell me.” Colton eases along the seat, twisting to face me fully. His eyes seem like they’re illuminated in the dim space of the back of the car. He seems honestly interested in what I have to say, and right now, I know I have to make a choice as to what I’m going to do. Do I tell him who I really am, or do I hold a part of myself close to my chest?
I’m about to speak when the car comes to a stop outside a high rise. The glittering gold lights blink as the red carpet leads into the apartment block that’s most probably got a magical view of Central Park.
“We’re here, Mr. King,” the driver informs Colton in a deep voice. He doesn’t get out, though, and Colton exits the vehicle before reaching in his hand, offering it to me. I accept with a smile as I tangle my fingers with his.
Once I’m out of the car, I look up and see the glass structure that peaks into the clouds.
“What are we doing here?” My voice is a whisper of surprise. I’ve seen this place from our offices on the other side of the park, but I’ve never been anywhere close to stepping inside.
“It’s the venue for the surprise I have planned,” Colton replies as he leads me toward the entrance. The door swishes open, and the security officer offers a smile before allowing us into the pristine, polished interior. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, sparkling with golden light, bathing the whole area in a soft, warm glow.
“This place is exquisite.” My voice is awe-filled as my gaze sweeps from left to right, taking in every shiny surface. We reach the elevator, which slides open, and we step inside. Soft classical music plays from the corners of the box that lifts us into the clouds.
“I wanted to do something special,” Colton states. “We’ve both had a difficult day, and I hope this will make up for it.” There’s affection in his smile, in his expression, but I don’t allow myself to read too much into it.
I don’t have time to consider his words before the elevator comes to a stop and we’re deposited on the top floor. A set of double doors greets us, and soon enough, Colton unlocks them and pushes them open. The apartment beyond is lit in candles. Illumination comes from flickering flames, setting the mood of romance and warmth throughout the vast living room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer up unobstructed views of the park, which at the moment is bathed in darkness, but the buildings beyond are glittering spires against the inky sky.
I’ve never seen the city from this high up, and I’m breathless. Patio doors sit open, beckoning me to a table set for two. A large, red candle sits in the center of the pristine arrangement among plates, cutlery, and two wine glasses.
Colton’s at my back in an instant. His mouth touches my ear as he leans in close. “I hope you like it,” he whispers, sending heat and goosebumps trickling over my skin.
“This is magical,” I admit honestly. And it is. “Whose apartment is this?”
“It’s a place I’m looking at possibly purchasing. If I’m going to be working in New York for a while, I need a base. It’s something I’ve been thinking about since Blythe and I were chatting today, and when I asked the realtor if I could rent with the option to purchase, he confirmed.”
I turn around, finding Colton inches from me. Those teal eyes simmering with restrained desire, and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. And I find myself wanting him to kiss me.
“It’s gorgeous.”
A small smile tilts his lips. “You’re gorgeous.” His accent is thick with lust, his voice low, gravelly, and I can’t stop myself from trembling at his nearness. He certainly has an effect on me, and I know it’s something that’s not going to fizzle out overnight.
“So, this is the surprise?” I ask, trying to change the subject, but Colton’s hand on my hip has my knees buckling. His other hand reaches for my chin, and he tilts my head just so I can’t look away.
“The surprise was you and me, sitting above the city having dinner while I stare at you.”
“Are you always this cheesy?” I tease him. After our pizza date last night, I think this will be a standing joke between us. A deep chuckle vibrates in his chest.
“I am. I hope you’ll get used to it because I can’t see any other way,” he professes. And my heart — the stupid bitch does flip-flops in my chest. She should know how sweet-tongued devils sound. But right now, she’s happily thrumming to the beat of Colton’s words.
“And what if I can’t?”
“Let’s sit down, and you can tell me about your day. Then we’ll have some wine, and I’ll tell you about mine.” His accent is low, a whisper of want and need, which has me wanting to nod.
But I don’t, not yet. “Why do you skirt around things?”
“Because I want us to enjoy dinner before we get to the heavy topics. I’ve been taught that a debate is always better on a full stomach.” With a cheeky wink, he leads me to the table, which is most definitely above the city. It’s almost as if we’re sitting in the clouds.
Once we’re settled, Colton opens the wine and pours some in each of our glasses. He picks his up, and I follow suit. His eyes look like endless pools with the flicker of the flame dancing in them.
“To us,” he proposes, clicking the rim of the goblet against mine.
“To us.” My words are a whisper, but the uncertainty in my tone is clear. I’m still nervous, and I have every right to be.
Suddenly, a man walks out onto the patio, startling me, and I almost drop my wine, but when I turn, I notice he’s dressed in chef's whites.
“Good evening, folks,” he greets with a grin. “Tonight, I’ll be serving seared salmon with new potatoes and broccoli for mains. Along with French bread and butter. For dessert, I’ve been told a thick chocolate mousse cake with fresh cream is on the menu.”
Two plates are placed in front of Colton and me, and then we’re left alone. “New potatoes?”
“They’re the same recipe my mom would make when I was growing up, with melted butter and rock salt.” He looks like a mischievous boy right now, and all I want is to know who he was back in London. I want to learn who this man is under the façade.
Calming my erratic heartbeat, I sit back and inquire, “So tell me who the Colton from London really is.”
A small, almost shy smile curls on his lips. “I’m a boy who grew up with a mother who had to be both parents.” He offers me a look that’s pure innocence, but I know Colton is anything but. “She was my life and world. My mother taught me how to treat a woman, but I have to be honest. The young Colton King didn’t always adhere to his mother’s teachings,” he admits with a sad smile.
“And your mom? Is she …?” I don’t know how to ask if his mother is still alive, if she’s still well. He speaks as if she’s no longer with us, and the thought tightens
my chest. The agony of losing someone you love is paralyzing.
“She… she was a strong woman. She died six years ago.” There’s a sadness to his voice that sends awareness racing through me. The pain in his eyes breaks my heart, shattering it with the sympathy of losing someone who raised you.
“I’m so sorry, Colton,” I whisper, reaching for his hand. “What about friends?”
“Oh, my mates are like brothers to me,” he brags proudly as we have our dinner, and I’m enjoying with every bite. The flavors burst on my tongue as Colton talks about football, which is the American equivalent of soccer, and his favorite team—Manchester United. “And those are the Red Devils,” he informs me animatedly, which makes me smile. His eyes shimmer with happiness when he talks about his friends, his football team, and his time back home. It’s only when his mother comes into the conversation that he seems to shy away from the topic.
As much as I want to, I don’t push it, and we talk about everything else. Colton’s travels, how many shoots he’s done, and even which were his favorite—GQ, Calvin Klein, and a few in strange places like the top of a mountain in New Zealand, and on an island just off the coast of Australia.
“Will you ever tell me about you?” He poses the question with a shy smile. As if he knows I don’t normally talk about myself, even on a date. Last night while we had pizza, I revealed as much of myself as I usually do, and now, I realize I’m going to have to give him a bit more, just to taunt the taste buds.
“I grew up under a shadow.” Even as the words leave my mouth, the bitter taste stings my tongue. “It was difficult. Nothing I ever imagined would compare to living in the darkness of perfection.” I shouldn’t dive into the dark, but if Colton wants me, he’s going to have to know who I am. And this is me. I don’t hide behind pretty dresses or fancy makeup. There aren’t any stylists to cover up all the pain that’s been eating away at my soul for so long.