Twisted Fire

by Joanne Ellis

  “Is it that late already?”

  “Yes, sleepyhead, it is.” Chelsea grinned as Charlotte rubbed her eyes. She sipped at her coffee and attempted to fully wake up.

  “I’ve been so busy lately. I’ve obviously worn myself out.”

  “Any excuse.” Charlotte’s response was to poke out her tongue.

  At that moment the door went, and Sarah, Bradley – who was already dressed in his suit looking very dapper - Carrie and Mabel breezed in. Mabel’s animated continuous chatter brightened the room instantly. She was extremely excited about being in her first wedding. The pretty fuchsia dress she would be wearing went gorgeously with her long straight blond hair – which had been curled by her mother – and her bright blue eyes.

  As there was much to be done, Carrie decided they’d better begin, starting with Chelsea. First Carrie curled her hair before twisted it up so there were waves billowing down her neck and shoulders, while her long fringe was swept across to one side.

  Carrie splashed her eyes in silver before lining them in black causing her emerald eyes to shine greener than ever. She applied a faint pink colour to her lips and cheeks and the total effect was breathtaking.

  Charlotte was next and Carrie miraculously managed somehow to sweep her hair up into a twist with a few curls escaping here and there. She coloured her eyes in light bronze before lining her eyes in brown, accentuating them to appear darker and larger. She added a clear shiny gloss to her lips which emphasized the natural rosy colour. When Charlotte gazed in the mirror she was astounded by her reflection. Charlotte normally wore a little make-up however Carrie had worked wonders. She discovered a new-found confidence in herself.

  Carrie then moved onto Sarah who’d chosen a dress the colour of emeralds, harmonizing with her strawberry blonde curls and green eyes. Carrie tamed her curls coloured her eyes in greens and her lips in bronze.

  She finished up by sweeping her own hair into a French roll and highlighted her hazel eyes with bronze. She added a red bronze colour to her lips, flattering her auburn hair.

  When it came time to dress, Charlotte, Carrie, Sarah and Mabel put their dresses on first in order to help Chelsea with hers. Charlotte looked in the mirror at the completed picture and was stunned at her transformation.

  Carrie was equally as beautiful in a sapphire blue dress with a halter neck and full skirt and, in her fuchsia dress - a shorter version of her mother’s - Mabel looked absolutely adorable.

  After they’d helped Chelsea into her dress and fastened the copious buttons down the back, Sarah completed the ensemble by placing the veil above the twist in her hair. They all sighed in unison. Chelsea made an absolutely exquisite bride.

  “I think my brother is going to stop breathing when he sees you,” Carrie said in awe.

  “Thank you. I just can’t wait to marry him.” She let out an excited squeak.

  Everyone continued admiring each other until the photographer arrived and took what seemed like hundreds of photos. After drinking a champagne toast, they all glided into the awaiting limousine and headed to the luxurious Plaza Hotel where the wedding was to take place. The ceremony was being held in a gazebo in the picturesque gardens and the reception in the banquet room.

  The limo driver parked at the entrance and they strolled through the lavish reception towards the rear where a red carpet would guide them through the gardens and towards the waiting groom.

  * * *

  Jared and Mitch were sitting together about three rows back. Curiosity over the bride’s sister had them waiting with anticipation. Jared noted that Lucas looked nervous although there was no need for concern. Chelsea wouldn’t leave him standing at the altar.

  He wondered for the umpteenth time what Chelsea’s sister looked like as the music went up in preparation for the arrival of the bride. Jared turned slightly in his seat.

  Mabel was the first to walk in, looking pretty as a picture and an instantaneous feeling of pride welled up inside him. The next to appear was a stunning looking Carrie. Jared glanced over at Nathan who held a delighted and proud smile for his wife and daughter. When Charlotte emerged next, his heart stopped. Charlotte is Chelsea’s sister!

  She was unquestionably the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen and his imagination over the past weeks had done her little justice. He’d thought her stunning the day he met her however seeing her today made him lose his breath and all rational thoughts flew from his mind.

  “Wow, look at the sister. I’m definitely having a crack,” Mitch said quietly next to him.

  “I saw her first,” Jared replied possessively.

  “I thought you hadn’t met her before.”

  “She’s the vet from Dr Shaw’s clinic.” He couldn’t draw his eyes away from her as he addressed Mitch. He could barely speak for his mind became a jumbled mess of confusion and desire.

  “The flirtatious girl you’re not interested in?”

  “Yeah, well, maybe I didn’t give her a chance. She’s incredible”

  “You’re telling me.”

  * * *

  Charlotte sauntered to the gazebo to stand beside Carrie before gazing out to watch her sister walk in with their parents. When Chelsea materialized there was a collective sigh. Charlotte sent a quick glance toward Lucas and, as suspected, he was awestruck.

  She watched Chelsea sashay towards Lucas and heard him whisper how beautiful she looked when she stepped up to meet him. As the proceedings began, Charlotte scanned the crowd to see if there were any potential men. When her eyes locked with his, her heart raced. What was Jared doing here?

  His gaze was filled with … something unfamiliar. She couldn’t recall anyone staring at her in quite that way before. Charlotte quickly discovered she wasn’t capable of looking away, and nor did she want to. She grinned at him and he scowled. What kind of reaction was that?

  She frowned in confusion.

  * * *

  Jared stared at her, totally bewildered again by the strong attraction. Yes, she was beautiful. He’d seen beautiful women before but these emotions were totally new. An overwhelming impulse to jump up from his seat and rush over to her overtook him. He needed to kiss her more than he’d ever needed anything in his life before. While hoping there was much more to her than he originally thought, he took all of her in again - her alabaster skin, the way her dress clung to every curve, how her curly hair threatened to escape. He had to have her and vowed to find out more about her. Then she smiled that flirtatious smile and he frowned.

  Why did she have to do that?

  * * *

  The ceremony was charming, Chelsea and Lucas had written their own vows and Charlotte found she was unable to restrain her tears of tenderness and joy. When she looked at Carrie and noticed she too shed tears of unrestrained happiness, Charlotte grabbed her hand and together they beamed at the happy couple.

  * * *

  Jared watched as uninhibited tears of delight flowed over her rose coloured cheeks. The jolt of electricity which ran through his body surprised him. It took all his self-control to remain seated. He was going to have to get this girl alone and soon.

  * * *

  Before setting off for photographs around the colourful gardens, the guests congratulated the couple as they made their way down the aisle.

  As Charlotte walked past Jared, she mouthed to him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Nathan’s my brother,” he mouthed back.

  “Oh,” was all she could manage before being whisked off for photographs.

  While the bridal party were busy there were pre-dinner drinks in the hotel banquet room. Jared stood impatiently at the bar waiting for a glimpse of Charlotte again. Eventually they were instructed to be seated as the party were about to enter and take their seats. Jared located his seat alongside Mitch and happily acquired a clear view of the bridal table.

  All through dinner and speeches Jared watched Charlotte and found he was incapable of dragging his eyes away from her. He began to grow anxious for a
n opportunity to talk to her and, when it came time for the bridal waltz, he was envious of his brother for being able to dance with her. He desperately craved to cut in and have his hand on her bare back. This girl was making him feel dizzy and he hardly knew her.

  Mabel wandered over to him looking pretty and hopeful. “Uncle Jared, will you dance with me?”

  “I would be honoured, sweetheart.” He swept her off her feet and carried her to the dance floor.

  While they were dancing he manoeuvred his way toward Nathan and Charlotte. He watched his brother charming her while she smiled and laughed.

  * * *

  Nathan spotted Jared over Charlotte’s shoulder and knew instantly that, as assumed, this was the girl his brother had been captivated by at the clinic. The look in his little brother’s eyes was pure desire. He smiled to himself. Jared appeared hooked and how could you not be, she was a beautiful delightful woman.

  * * *

  “Uncle Jared, Charlotte is pretty.”

  “Yes, honey, she is.”

  “I hope I’m as pretty as her when I grow up.”

  “You already are pretty, honey.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  “I like the colour of her hair and she is so tall and elegant.”

  “She is. Where did you get 'elegant' from?” He brought his eyes back to Mabel, though dragging them from Charlotte’s bare back proved difficult.

  “I heard Mummy say it once.”

  “Oh, yes, she is very elegant.”

  “You like her.” Is it that obvious?

  “I don’t really know her, princess.”

  “You need a girlfriend. Uncle Lucas was sad until he met Chelsea and then his sadness went away. You’re sad and I want yours to go away too.”

  “I would like that too.” He smiled at his insightful niece.

  When they’d finished their dance, Jared sat down again to watch and wait for a chance to talk to her. The opportunity finally arose when she headed out to the hall towards the ladies room. He waited apprehensively for her at the entrance to the banquet room, hoping she would take a walk with him. If he didn’t get a moment alone with her soon, he was going to explode.

  * * *

  As Charlotte walked towards the banquet room, she noticed Jared standing in the doorway. He appeared to be waiting for someone and she hoped it was her. He looked gorgeous in his black suit and blue striped tie matching his eyes.

  “Hello, Charlotte.”

  “Hi, Jared. Fancy seeing you here.”

  “Yes, it’s a little extraordinary that we met before today not knowing we are connected by family.”

  “Um, yes, it is.” She was tongue tied again.

  “Would you like to take a walk with me for a few moments?”

  “Sure,” she was able to answer, barely. Was he actually interested?

  They strolled out into the garden toward the gazebo where the ceremony had taken place only hours earlier. Their conversation was casual as they walked and was mostly about the wedding and their surroundings. The instant they entered the gazebo, Jared grasped Charlotte by the shoulders and brought his mouth to hers.

  At first she was shocked by the action and its intensity until her legs turned to jelly. Her dizzy head and muddled mind managed to urge her to respond and her arms flew involuntarily around his neck. The surge of electricity running through her body made her skin tingle. As she buried her in hands in his thick hair, he deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing hers.

  * * *

  Jared hands moved from her shoulders to her hair mirroring her movements. His hands worked at the pins until her hair came loose. He then buried his hands in the luscious curls, as he’d yearned to do from the moment he met her.

  Her full lips were intoxicating as was her tongue pressed against his. It wasn’t enough, he wanted more. He ran his hands down her bare smooth back and pulled her closer.

  * * *

  Charlotte felt his hard body against hers and she struggled to tame the desire taking command of her body. The impact he was having on her was stupefying.

  Then almost as abruptly as he started, he stopped.

  * * *

  Jared gazed at her face and was taken aback by her expression. Mesmerised was the word which sprung to mind. She looked absolutely delectable. Her milky skin was flushed pink and there was the unmistakable look of desire in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry,” he said abruptly struggling to restrain the wave of emotions taking over his senses. “I barely know you and my behaviour was inappropriate.”

  “Why is it inappropriate?” she asked him, her brow puckering. Even puzzled she was desirable.

  “Like I said, I barely know you and I don’t really think you’re what I’m looking for.”

  “And what would that be exactly?” she asked caustically. She stepped back, her brow still furrowed. Fire went into her eyes which sent heat exploding through his veins. Was there any emotion which didn’t ignite a fire in his blood?

  “I hear you can be a bit impertinent and you seemed a little flirtatious when we met. I usually prefer women who are a little less … frivolous.”

  “Like you said we barely know each other which means you don’t know anything about me. How can you make assumptions?” Her face flushed in anger now and her graceful hands balled into fists.

  “Look, I just don’t like to waste my time with women who are shallow. From experience I have found girls like yourself are usually quite superficial, therefore don’t gain my respect.”

  “Respect! You are arrogant and judgemental and I don’t respect those qualities,” she declared.

  She turned with swift poise and stormed back towards the hotel. Even in anger she appeared graceful. What was she doing to him?

  Jared watched her enter the hotel and cursed himself for being unable to suppress his desire for her. Instead of trying to find out more about her, he let his attraction for her take a hold of him.

  Now he’d insulted her without giving her a chance or even trying to ascertain if his accusations were warranted. He would have to find her to apologise. He should have talked to her, shown some restraint. Instead, he let annoyance at himself get in the way, raised his guard, then insulted her. Regardless, he was still totally fascinated by her and his desire had only increased.

  * * *

  Charlotte went straight into the ladies room and locked herself in a cubicle. The nerve of that man making judgements about her! After all, he was the one who kissed her and so brashly. Granted, she had responded. Her attraction for him hadn’t faded in the least and she’d been powerless to contain the feelings which overcame her. Why did he kiss her if she was clearly not what he wanted?

  The hurt she was now experiencing crushed her already dwindling confidence. She didn’t understand why he was affecting her so significantly. Yes, he was incredibly handsome and sexy but she’d met sexy men before and never experienced these irrepressible feelings. As she attempted to regain her dignity, Charlotte heard the door open and Chelsea call out her name.

  “I’m in here.”

  “Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you. I came in before and you weren’t here.”

  “I was outside.”

  “Oh, are you ok?”

  “Yes,” she answered weakly.

  “I don’t believe you. You sound like you’ve been crying. Come out here so I can see you.”

  “I do not want to talk about this with you today, Chelsea. I’m not going to ruin your day.”

  “You won’t and I’m not leaving until you tell me what happened.”

  Charlotte sighed. “Fine,” she said coming out of the cubicle “I just had a run in with one of Nathan’s brothers.”

  “Oh.” She smiled. “Jared?”

  “So you knew?”

  “I had a sneaky suspicion that it was the same Jared.”

  “Well you could have warned me, told me what he was like and saved me from the sexy abrasive egotistical jerk.”

  “I didn’t know for
sure it was him. What did he do?” Amusement was evident in Chelsea’s expression which simply irritated Charlotte further.

  “He kissed me then insulted me.”

  “Carrie did tell me he can be quite serious and stoic at times but I didn’t realise he could be unkind.”

  “Well, he was more judgmental then anything. He said he had no respect for the qualities he seems to think I possess.”

  “Hmm, I’ve heard that about him. Apparently he thinks someone whose fun loving and flirtatious is shallow and lacks substance.”

  “Well, I told him that he doesn’t know me and it was very arrogant of him to judge me. Why kiss me if I’m ‘not his type’?”

  “Have you seen yourself today?” Charlotte glanced towards the mirror and noticed her hair was now an uncontrollable mess. She tried to smooth it down to no avail.

  “Well I did look respectable, besides that is no excuse. If he is so attracted to me, why not give me the benefit of the doubt?” She continued to run her fingers through her curls. Not only had the infuriating man insulted her, he’d made a shambles of her hair as well.

  “It’s quite possible you caught him off guard and he said things he didn’t actually mean. Lucas did it to me the first time he kissed me too, remember. It’s like their mind becomes blank and they put up some kind of man shield to push you away.”

  “I have met him twice now, with the same response. I don’t know if I want to be around someone like that.” She paused. “Anyway, I haven’t had a chance to meet Mitch yet, who is just as hot by the way, and I believe now is the perfect time to make my acquaintance.”