by Becca Steele
“My advice, for what it’s worth, is not to let yourself stress about it. Come on, let’s find some music you can sing along with.”
I bit my lip, willing myself to calm down.
“Okay, let’s try this again.” I narrowed my eyes in concentration. Stupid technology wasn’t going to get the better of me.
“Ah-ha!” I spotted the icon for the music player app and scrolled through until I found a playlist aptly named “Road Trip.” Perfect.
Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” began playing through the speakers, and I sat back in my seat with a smile. The crowded streets of London soon gave way to long, straight stretches of motorway, with green fields as far as the eye could see. I leaned my head against the window and closed my eyes, finally relaxed.
“Avery, wake up.” A deep, rumbling voice sounded close to my ear.
“Huh? What?” I blinked, yawning.
“We’re here,” Ethan said.
“Oh. Right.” Sitting up straight, I pushed my sunglasses on top of my head, glancing into the vanity mirror on my sun visor, then groaned. I had an attractive dent in the side of my face where my sunglasses must have been digging into me in my sleep, and my makeup had congregated under my eyes, leaving me resembling a raccoon. I wiped under my eyes and smoothed my hair down, trying to gather myself.
“You look fine, don’t worry,” Ethan assured me. Naturally, he looked just as good as always—not a hair out of place. I sighed and flicked the sun visor up so I wouldn’t have to see my reflection any longer.
My attention was drawn to the golden stone seventeenth-century building in front of us, and my jaw dropped.
“Absolutely beautiful,” I breathed, suddenly wide awake. I hopped out of the car, gravel crunching underfoot, and made my way around to the back of the car to grab my bag. Ethan had beaten me to it, and he waved away my protests, hoisting my bags over his shoulder and striding towards the manor house. I followed him into the impressive wood-panelled lobby.
“I’ll just check us in.” He inclined his head towards an ornate chaise longue to the left of the check-in desk, which I gingerly perched on. I idly scrolled through my phone while I waited for him to finish.
“Ready?” He smiled down at me and held out a hand to help me up. I placed my palm in his, and he gently pulled me to my feet. Those inconvenient shivers raced through me again, and I snatched my hand away, averting my eyes.
“Come on.” His voice was lower than usual. We ascended the large sweeping staircase and turned right, where two sets of polished wooden doors led off a small landing area.
“Here we are. The Mayberry Suite.” Ethan held out a large brass key. “Want to do the honours?”
“Ooh, yes please. It’s so exciting, having a real key instead of a plastic card,” I babbled, nerves overtaking me. Were we sharing a room? I was too afraid to ask.
It turned out our suite had two bedrooms, a fact that I was exceedingly grateful for. Dealing with a mild attraction to Ethan was one thing. If we’d had to share a bedroom? I would have slept in his Range Rover.
5
Ethan
“We’ll need to head down to the drinks reception in around twenty-five minutes.” I closed my laptop; emails having finally been dealt with. Everything else would have to wait until Monday.
“What?” Avery’s panicked gaze flew to mine. “I haven’t even started getting ready.” She rushed out of our shared lounge area, slamming the bathroom door shut behind her. I heard the shower turn on, and ten minutes later she threw open the door, her body covered in a huge towelling robe, and raced into her bedroom, leaving clouds of steam billowing in her wake. Shaking my head, I strolled into the bathroom to shower.
“Avery,” I groaned under my breath. Towels were strewn across various surfaces, and the complimentary shower gel was lying on its side, cap off, dripping into the bath. I gingerly picked my way across to the shower, avoiding the large puddles all over the floor. Once I’d showered, I cleaned up the bathroom, unable to bear the mess any longer.
Dressed and ready to go, I gave myself a final cursory glance in the mirror, adjusting my tie, and stepped into the lounge area.
I stopped dead, my mouth falling open and a gasp escaping from my lips.
Avery.
She looked.
Stunning.
Fucking.
Stunning.
Standing in front of the large sash window, she stared at me from beneath her long lashes. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her body was encased in a scarlet dress that should, frankly, be illegal. An off-the-shoulder design, it clung to every single curve of her beautiful body, stopping at her knee. A pair of nude stiletto heels finished the look. My gaze returned to her face, and she licked her lips nervously. Her lips, that were showcased by a red lipstick that perfectly matched her dress.
Fuck.
My cock decided to wake up and pay attention, and I groaned under my breath, turning away from her and crossing the room in a few short strides. I wrenched open the door and crossed onto the landing.
“Let’s go.” My voice came out gruff and abrupt, and I inwardly cursed myself.
“Ethan? What’s the matter?” Her hesitant voice came from close behind me. I could feel her body heat, and her perfume wrapped itself around me seductively. The Avery I thought I knew had disappeared, and in her place was a woman who was so much more, a woman I had no idea how to deal with. I scrubbed a hand over my face, trying to compose myself.
“Ethan!” A high-pitched screech sounded from the direction of the stairs, and my head shot around. Mother.
She hurried towards us. She looked the same as ever—shoulder-length buttery-blonde hair, impeccably dressed, so much Botox that her face was almost expressionless. Reaching me, she air-kissed somewhere near the vicinity of my face and hugged me briefly, her arms barely touching me.
“Mother. It’s good to see you.” I smiled down at her.
“Ethan. Who is this delightful creature hiding behind you?” She peered around my shoulder.
“Hi, Mrs. Barrett. I’m Avery, Avery Jenkins.”
“Call me Georgina,” she instructed, shaking Avery’s hand limply before turning back to me. “She’s a bit different to your usual women.”
“What are you saying, Mother?” On instinct, I slid my arm around Avery’s shoulder, pulling her into my side. She stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable.
“All I’m saying is that she doesn’t seem like your type. Have you seen Clarissa? I know she’s dying to catch up with you again. Not only that, she’s also very single.” She gave me a pointed glance.
I loved my mother, but she was so infuriating sometimes.
Clenching my jaw, I gave her my most stern expression. “Mother. Avery is my girlfriend. I would appreciate it if you would treat her with the same respect you offer everyone else. No more mentions of ‘my type’ and ex-girlfriends, thank you very much.” I ran my hand up and down Avery’s arm reassuringly as I spoke, and she moved closer to me, as if I could shield her from the cold, disdainful look my mother was currently directing at her.
“Fine,” my mother huffed, relenting, her eyes flicking back up to mine. “Shall we?” She indicated the stairs.
“After you. I need to have a quick word with my girlfriend. We’ll see you down there.” I watched as my mother glided off down the staircase, and turned to Avery.
“Hey, are you okay? Avery? Look at me.” Worried, I leaned down so I could look into her eyes.
“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. “I wasn’t expecting someone to try to make me feel inferior, that’s all.”
“Listen to me right now. You are not inferior, and you have nothing to worry about. Remember, as far as anyone is concerned, you’re my girlfriend. This weekend, we’re a team. I’ll protect you from the backstabbers; you protect me from the vultures. Deal?”
A small smile played across her ruby lips. Her glossy, perfect lips.
The
urge to kiss her was back. No. I shook my head to dislodge the thought, focusing on the task ahead.
“Thanks. I know I’m not inferior. And it’s a deal.” Her determined blue eyes met mine. “Okay; let’s do this. I’ll pretend I’m an actress in one of my favourite plays.”
I chuckled and rolled my eyes. “If you’re thinking of one of those musicals you seem to favour, promise me you won’t break out into song.”
“I promise. Unless there’s karaoke?” She looked at me hopefully, and I laughed.
“Avery, I can say, with almost one hundred percent certainty that there will not be any karaoke happening this weekend.”
“Shame,” she murmured, and I could hear the humour in her voice. “I’m ready when you are.” Cocking her head, she studied me, a contemplative expression on her face. “Actually, do you have a red tie?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because it will make us look more like a team. Your tie matching my dress?”
A slow smile spread across my face. “I like your thinking. I’ll be right back.” I hurried into my room and swapped my tie, then returned to her side. “Shall we?”
Nodding, she closed our suite door and took my arm.
Downstairs, we entered the large panelled library where the drinks reception was being held. The room was full already, and I scanned the crowds to try and spot my sister. I caught a glimpse of glossy chestnut hair over by the grand piano that stood in the far corner of the room and made a beeline for her, Avery clinging to my arm. I kept my head down, hoping to avoid being dragged into conversation by anyone. At least until I’d spoken to Victoria.
“Ethan!” Victoria raced over, flinging her arms around me, and I staggered backwards at the sudden assault.
“Watch it, V.” I laughed, releasing her. She immediately noticed Avery, and a beaming smile spread over her face.
“Well, are you going to introduce me?” She stared at me expectantly.
“Victoria, this is Avery. Avery, meet my sister, Victoria.”
“Avery. I am so pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Avery smiled warmly at my sister’s enthusiasm.
“You know, you’re nothing like the girls he usually dates.” She stepped closer to Avery. “And trust me, that is a very good thing,” she added in a stage whisper. She turned back to me.
“Ethan, you two make a gorgeous couple. Now, do you mind if I steal Avery for a moment? I’d like a chance to chat with my brother’s new girlfriend. Why don’t you go and get a drink?”
Avery stared up at me, a question in her eyes, and I bent down to whisper in her ear, my hand clasping her waist.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
She turned her head, her lips so close to mine that I could feel our breath intermingling. Her proximity made it difficult for me to concentrate on anything.
“I’m fine,” she whispered back. “I’ll go, but I think we should leave everyone with a reminder that you’re off limits for the weekend.”
Before I could react, she’d grasped my chin and reached up to plant a kiss on my cheek, so close to my mouth that if I’d turned my head slightly, our lips would have met.
Dazed, I stumbled backwards, my hand reaching up to touch my cheek, burning from her kiss.
“Don’t touch,” she cautioned me. Smirking, she added, “Every woman you speak to will see my lipstick on your cheek.” Tossing her dark hair over her shoulder, she sauntered away, arm in arm with my sister, turning back once to blow a kiss over her shoulder.
Grinning, I shook my head and flagged down a passing waiter. I was going to need a drink if I was to cope with the evening ahead.
“Ethan.” A nasally voice came from my left, and I steeled myself.
“Ralph.” I studied my sister’s fiancé, wondering for the hundredth time what she saw in him. Tall, blond, reedy, with an aristocratic air that I knew for a fact he exaggerated, he was ten years older than Victoria, and I trusted him about as far as I could throw him. He’d somehow managed to worm his way into my sister’s life, and I knew, deep down, that she was making a mistake by marrying him.
“We’re so glad you could make it. Victoria thought you would be too busy working to get here until tomorrow.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I said through gritted teeth. Where is that waiter with my drink? “Excuse me, Ralph. I spy my mother waving at me.” Unable to bear a moment longer in his presence, I strode away.
“Sir?” The waiter returned with my drink. Lager. I would have much rather had a decent Scotch, but at this point I’d take what I could get.
I thanked him and moved to stand in front of the large windows, covered by heavy brocade curtains. An arm slipped into mine.
“Ethan, come with me.” My mother led me around the room, and the next half an hour was a whirlwind of catching up with relatives and being shown off to my mother’s friends. I kept an eye on Avery, who was drinking champagne and laughing with my sister and her friends. Every now and then she’d look over at me, and we’d share a private smile. I felt a jolt every time she smiled at me. She was so different to most of the crowd here, but she’d slipped into her role with ease and had completely charmed Victoria by the looks of it.
The urge to go over to her was growing stronger, and finally I couldn’t resist any longer.
“Mother, I’m going to rescue Avery before Victoria talks her ear off.” Before she had a chance to answer me, I started walking across the room, my gaze fixed on Avery.
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Suddenly blocking Avery from my view, my ex-girlfriend stood in front of me, hands on her hips.
Great. I dredged up a smile which I’m sure came out as more of a grimace. “Clarissa.”
6
Avery
I watched as Ethan’s progress towards me was abruptly halted by a tall, elegant blonde, dressed in a floor-length pale grey silk dress. “Who’s that?” I turned to Victoria, my curiosity piqued.
Victoria followed my line of sight, and her mouth twisted. “Ugh. Clarissa. His ex-girlfriend.” She turned to look at me, her dark eyes, identical to Ethan’s, wide and guileless. “Listen, you don’t have anything to worry about. They were boyfriend and girlfriend in school. When our dad died, Ethan had to grow up fast, and I don’t think Clarissa liked it very much. She split up with him, and that was that. She’s an old friend of the family, so my mother insisted on inviting her. I didn’t even get a say. Even worse? Mother is forcing me to include her as a bridesmaid.” She huffed. “He really likes you; I can tell. Even if Clarissa is trying to get her claws into him again, there’s no way he’d go there.”
“I’m not worried,” I assured her. Since we weren’t even a real couple. Still, I couldn’t help the little spark of jealousy at the thought of them being together in the past.
My gaze narrowed in on Clarissa’s hand. Specifically, on her long, mauve-painted talons, which were currently snaking up his arm as she leaned into him possessively. From here I could see the stiffness in Ethan’s posture, the way he was angling his body away from her.
Time to play the part of the jealous girlfriend.
“I’ll be right back,” I murmured to Victoria, thrusting my champagne glass into her hand. Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I stalked towards them, channelling my inner actress. I threw an exaggerated swing into my hips as I walked, and I could see the amusement dancing in Ethan’s dark eyes as I neared him and the bitch—oops, I meant Clarissa. As I reached them, I noticed Clarissa gesturing to the lipstick mark on Ethan’s cheek, and I smirked.
“Eth, babe.” My voice was syrupy sweet. I slipped my arm around his waist, and he immediately tugged me into his embrace. I leaned back against his chest, a smug smile on my face, one brow raised at Melissa. Clarissa. Sorry.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” I murmured. This was fun.
Ethan’s arms tightened around my waist.
I suddenly became aware.
&nbs
p; His hard body pressed against mine.
The way he held me—possessively yet oh-so carefully.
His breath in my ear as he bent his head down to mine, sending shivers down my spine.
“Baby. This is Clarissa, an old school friend.” His cheek was touching mine, the light dusting of stubble scraping deliciously against my skin.
“Hi, Clarissa.” I barely gave her a second glance, my focus on the man who was currently nuzzling my cheek. It looked like we were upping our game. I guessed he really, really wanted to get rid of his ex.
I turned in his arms so I was fully facing him and lifted my gaze to meet his.
Everything else ceased to exist.
An inscrutable expression flitted across his face, before he dropped a kiss on my lips. The barest, featherlight brush, it was almost like I’d imagined it, but it sent my heart rate rocketing, and my eyes fluttered shut.
“Avery.” His voice was softer than I’d ever heard it before.
Our private moment was interrupted by Clarissa. “Are the two of you an item?”
I blinked a few times, reality seeping in. I’d just kissed my boss. Okay, it hardly constituted as a kiss, but the fact was, our lips had touched.
And I wanted it to happen again.
“Yes, this is Avery—my girlfriend.” I continued to stare up at Ethan as he spoke to Clarissa over my head. He took a swig of his lager, and I watched his throat working as he swallowed, mesmerised.
“Slumming it, Ethan? First you drink lager, which you always told me was a drink for heathens, and now you’re with her?” Clarissa’s haughty voice, dripping with disdain, penetrated my ears, and I whirled around to face her.
“Excuse me?”
She peered down her nose at me, a sneer on her face.
“You heard me, darling.”
Any retort I was going to make was halted by Ethan. He stiffened behind me, and rage poured off him in waves. He was always so cool and collected that it shocked me, and I froze in his arms.