No Second Chances
Page 13
When Cole asked her to try on the dress, asking her once again if she trusted him, she took if from him gave him a nervous smile and agreed.
When he left her alone in the changing room, she slipped the dressed on and immediately she loved it. She stood staring at herself for a moment, before Jenna called from outside the curtain.
“How’s it going, Ally?” Jenna asked apprehensively, half expecting her to say she hated this one too. “Can I come in?”
“Sure,” Ally replied, instantly blushing as she wondered if the girl had heard her and Cole a few minutes earlier.
When Jenna pulled back the curtain, her mouth almost hit the floor.
“Wow!” she exclaimed. “You look stunning.”
“Really?” Ally asked her still feeling a little unsure.
“Really!” Jenna answered her honestly and smiled a genuine smile.
“Can you tell Cole I will be with him in a few minutes?”Ally said and grinned at Jenna. “Thank you, oh and Jenna, I’m going to need a few other things before I go, too.”
Twenty minutes later, she went to find Cole he was pacing up and down outside and looked a little distracted, he phone in his hand but as soon as he saw Ally, his face lit up and Ally couldn’t help but smile back at him.
“Well?” he asked walking up to her and slipping his arms around her waist.
“I love it,” Ally grinned.
“You didn’t show me,” he said leaning back, looking down into her eyes.
“It’s a surprise,” Ally giggled and kissed him softly on the lips.
As they were leaving the store Ally stopped by the MAC Make up counter to get new makeup which Cole insisted on paying for, despite Ally’s protests.
Before they headed back to Cole’s house, they stopped by one Dublin’s top hair salons. Ally insisted they wouldn’t get an appointment at such short but she should have known better. Once Cole walked in the staff in the Salon were all over them and before Ally knew it, she was in a chair having her hair washed.
Now, as she stood there in his wardrobe, in front of the full length, she barely recognised herself. The dress was a perfect fit. The 5” Louboutin, black leather pumps, with red souls look amazing and actually made her legs look perfect.
She turned from side to side as she examined herself closely. She looked feminine, pretty and sexy and Ally couldn’t help but smile at her reflection.
Her smile faded a bit as she caught sight of the bruises Jason had left on her arms. When she was happy enough with the concealer she used to cover them up, she collected her matching wrap and clutch and walked into the bedroom.
Ally picked up her big black handbag that was sitting on Cole’s bedside table and pulled out her wallet and her phone to transfer them into her new Louis Vuitton clutch. She noticed a missed text from Caitlin.
“Hey Ally, me and Hannah are heading to McGowan’s tomorrow night, you up for it? You can bring the sex god!”
Ally smiled at her friend’s text and quickly replied.
“Sound’s great x.” Ally typed in and pressed send.
She shoved her wallet and her phone into her clutch and grabbed her wrap off the bed. She headed for the bedroom door as her phone pinged again.
Ally stopped and pulled her phone from her bag, assuming it was Caitlin once again, and pressed the key to open the message.
“Hey Ally, I called around last night to talk but you weren’t there. I called Gus’s today, they said you were sick but you still aren’t home, please call me to let me know you’re okay, love Jason x”
Ally could feel the blood drain from her face. Her palms started to up clam up.
IS THIS ASSHOLE FOR REAL? She screamed in her head. Why can he just leave me fucking alone?
Anger and frustration bubbled up inside her and in a moment of sheer temper and lobbed her phone at the wall and watched as it exploded into a million pieces
She slumped down on to the edge of the bed and sighed as she looked at the pieces of her phone lying on the floor.
No! She thought. I am not letting this jackass ruin my night with Cole!
Then she thought of Cole. She wondered should she tell him. She had promised him she would but she also knew he would probably freak out and that too would ruin their night also.
No, she decided that she would tell him, just not tonight. She took a deep breath and stood up. She quickly picked up the broken pieces of phone off the floor. And threw them into her big handbag before she grabbed her clutch and wrap and headed down to find Cole.
Cole had decided to get ready in one of the spare rooms, giving her some space as she got dressed. He had said he didn’t want to spoil the surprise
She slowly walked down the stairs, feeling a little nervous in her 5” heels. She wished she could walk in shoes like this as easily as Caitlin and Hannah, but Ally was a flat heels girl. Heels don’t exactly belong on the shop floor of a garage.
When she reached the bottom, she headed towards the living room, where she found Cole standing staring into a blazing fire. Before she could say a word he turned around, suddenly aware of her presence He was dress as he was the first time she met him, in a black suit complete with a black shirt and tie. He looked amazing and hot as hell.
When he turned as saw her, his eye instantly widen and his mouth dropped open.
“You like?” she asked nervously, giving him a little twirl.
Is she kidding? He thought to himself. I don’t like, I fucking love. Jesus Christ is girl is stunning, how can she not see this?
He walked towards her without saying a word and slipped his arms around her, his eyes never leaving hers.
“You are a vision,” he whispered as he softly pressed his lips to hers. “Have you any idea just how beautiful you are?”
“Thank you,” Ally blushed and smiled shyly.
“No,” he replied, as he softly nuzzled her neck, breathing in her beautiful scent. “Thank you.”
Without another word, he took her hand and led her towards the front door. As he did his eyes never left hers and she couldn’t help but smile.
Stepping out in to the cold December night, she shivered. Cole quickly pulled her to him as she pulled her wrap tighter around her.
Liam was once again standing at the car and opened the door as Ally and Cole approached him.
“Good evening, Miss Brody,” he said and smile warmly at Ally.
“Good evening, Liam,” Ally replied and gave him a huge grin as she felt Cole’s hand on her lower back as he guided her into the car.
“Good evening, Mr Thomas,” Liam said to Cole.
“Good evening, Liam,” Cole replied before adding. “Has everything been arranged?”
“Yes, Sir,“ Liam replied and smiled as he handed Cole some kind of card. Cole quickly slipped it into his pocket.
“Has what has been arranged?” Ally asked as Cole slid in next to her on the back seat.
“All in good time,” He grinned and kissed her. He took her hand in his as the car reversed out of the drive way and the headed out into the night.
They made the journey in silence as Ally’s mind played through the last couple of days. She thought about how Cole said he loved her. In fact she thought about how easily he told her and how often. His words seemed genuine but she felt that maybe it was a little too easy for him to say it. But then everything seemed so easy to him. She thought of how and ease he was in the store and in the hair dressers. Ally couldn’t help but wonder how this had come to be. Was this all part of the seduction? How many woman had there been before her. She tried to push these thoughts from her mind. Right now he was here with her. He made her feel special. And for tonight that was enough for her.
They were driving about fifteen minutes when the sound of Cole’s phone broke the silence in the car.
“Please, excuse me,” he said as he released her hand and took his phone from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He looked at his phone and immediately frowned and released a deep sigh.
“Is everything okay?” Ally asked with concern, wondering just what was upsetting him.
“It’s fine,” he replied a little bit more abruptly than he had meant and instantly regretted his tone. He winced when he saw Ally’s body tense. He closed his eyes and took a deep calming breath. When he opened his eyes and looked at her and he wanted to die when he saw the expression on her face.
“I’m sorry,” he said, as he nervously leaned over caressed her face with the back of his fingers.
Ally sat frozen to her seat and stared at Cole as she bit her lip nervously. She wasn’t sure how she should feel. A couple of times now, she has seen a glimpse to a side of him she really didn’t like. A side that was a little too familiar to her. A little too like her father. And it made part of her wanted to run for the hills.
But looking in his eyes she could see regret, something she never seen in her father’s eyes and she realised that it was this that made them different.
“I love you, Ally,” Cole whispered, as he leaned across the seat till his face was barely inches from hers.
And there it is again. Ally thought as she looked deeply into his eyes... searching... hoping to find something to calm her nerves. He sat there, calmly looking back at her, waiting for her reply
She smiled and softly let her lips meet his and she could feel his whole body relax and she felt relieved. And for some reason she couldn’t explain, she knew he was genuine.
“I know you do,” she breathed against his mouth. And she thought that she could really love him too. She knew it was madness. She barely knew him and everything inside her screamed this wasn’t going to end well. But even though he had trouble written all over him, it was his tiny moments of uncertainty that had captured her heart.
About five minutes later they pulled up the semi-circular driveway of The Four Season Hotel, in Ballsbridge. One of Dublin’s leading 5 start hotels.
As they pulled closer to the main entrance Ally couldn’t help but notice all the parked cars; a very impressive sight indeed, so many top of the range cars all parked up in one place. It was her idea of heaven.
Before she had time to register her surroundings fully, a door man, dressed in a cap and full length coat hurried towards the car and opened the door. He took Ally’s hand as she climbed from the car and smiled at her warmly.
“Welcome to the Four Season, ma’am,” the doorman said as she step clear of the car, followed closely by Cole. Then he turned his attention to Cole. “Good evening, Mr Thomas.”
“Good evening, Aidan,” Cole replied in a friendly, yet professional tone as he took Ally by the hand and lead her into the hotel.
Ally looked around the beautiful hotel in awe. She had heard about it from some of her friends and had suggestion to Jason that they came for dinner here a few times, but they never did.
Now she was finally here she was completely overwhelmed by the luxurious surroundings. This place was amazing. The beautiful décor, wood-panelled walls and elegant furnishings blend effortlessly creating a serene atmosphere.
The marble floor was gleaming and highly polished and Ally instantly became aware that she was wearing extremely high heels and she instinctively held Cole’s hand tighter, afraid she was going to fall.
Still holding her hand, Cole led her towards Season’s restaurant where they were greeted by a pretty red head, whose face lit up when she spotted Cole.
“Good evening, Mr Thomas,” the young woman cooed, as she dragged her eyes up and down his body. Ally coughed as she tried desperately to stop a laugh that was fighting hard to get out. Both Cole and the red head turned and looked at her. Cole grinned wickedly at her and she couldn’t help but return his smile.
“Good Evening, Aoife,” Cole said turning his attention back to the pretty girl as he slipped his arm tighter around Ally and giving her a reassuring squeeze. “I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Ally.”
The girl turned to Ally and gave her a bright smile and offered Ally her hand.
“Lovely to meet you, Ally,” She said cheerfully as Ally took her hand and shook it firmly.
“You, too,” Ally simply replied.
The woman led them to their table that was tucked away in a little cosy corner offering them near complete privacy.
The lighting in the room was soft, romantic and just perfect. Each table was covered in a crisp, white linen table cloths. In the centre of every table there were large candelabras, each giving off a beautiful, soft glow, finishing off the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two.
When they reached the table, the maître d’ pulled out Ally’s chair for her. Ally smiled at him gratefully as she took her seat. Cole bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips before he took his seat.
When they were both seated, Aoife handed them both a menu while another waiter appeared with a jug of water for the table. Water boy smiled warmly at Ally and instantly Cole coughed and gave him a ‘don’t even go there’ look.
Ally sighed and rolled her eyes as she opened the menu and stared at it blankly, not knowing where to begin. Everything looked so posh and expensive and so not what she was used to. She was as far out of her comfort zone as she could be.
She glanced up at Cole who was watching her and he smiled at her once again.
“Would you like me to order for us both?” he asked as he closed the menu and sat it down on the table.
“Yes, please.” Ally sighed deeply, feeling a little embarrassed.
When a waiter came over to take their order Cole ordered Crab and Corn fritters for starters and Grilled Fillet of Irish Beef - White Onion Purée, Girolle Mushrooms & Fondant Potato for mains. He ordered a bottle of red wine, too.
Crap! Ally thought. I hate red wine. And no doubt he has ordered some expensive crap too and I will look like an ungrateful bitch if I don’t drink it.
“I know you prefer white wine,” He said as he if was reading her thoughts. “But red wine is much nicer with the beef. And this really is a lovely vintage. However, if you don’t like it we can order some white wine for you. Okay?”
“I'll try the red, we'll see,” Ally smiled warmly at Cole.
A short while later, the waiter arrived with their starters and placed them down in front of them.
Ally picked up her knife and fork as she eyed her food apprehensively. Taking a small piece in her mouth she was relieved when in fact, she actually loved it. She glanced up to find Cole watching her expectantly. When she met his gaze, she smile brightly and was rewarded with one of he usually amazing smiles.
“Oh I almost forgot,” Ally said after she swallowed another bite of her food. “Caitlin texted me and asked if I would meet her and Hannah for a drink tomorrow evening.”
“Oh?” Cole replied trying to sound causal but the expression on his face gave away his true feelings.
“I told her I would love to go,” she continued as she watched Cole closely. She tried her hardest not to smile as he sulked like spoiled little boy.
“I see,” He sighed, this time he couldn’t hide the disappointment in his voice and he quickly took a sip of his wine.
“She said I should bring the Sex God with me,” Ally added casually before she grinned.
Cole almost choked on his wine and Ally burst out laughing really loudly garnering some disapproving looks from surrounding tables. Ally blushed. If they'd only known what caused the laughter.
“My God!” Cole spluttered as he grabbed his napkin and wiped his mouth, laughing. “Did she really call me that?”
“She did!” Ally laughed harder then finally adding a little more seriously. “But I would really love you to come with me.”
“You want me to go out with your friends?” Cole asked, staring at Ally. She nodded yes. Cole grinned at her in return. “I would love to go.”
> Ally couldn’t help but smiled back at Cole. He really was very sweet.
The waiter returned to take their empty plates, once they had finished their starters.
“So there was something I was meaning to ask you,” Cole said once the waiter left them alone again. “Christmas is in two weeks.”
“It is...” Ally said looking at Cole curiously.
“I would really love it if you would come to London and spend Christmas with me and my parents,” he said nervously.
“Wow!” Ally gasped, completely taken back by his request. He wanted her to meet his parents. This was a huge thing.
She took a deep breath before she replied because she knew he wasn’t going to like her answer very much.
“Cole that is very sweet of you, and believe me there is nothing I would love more than to spend Christmas with you. But I promised my grandparents I would spend Christmas with them this year. It’s been a couple of years since I got to spend it with them. I really am sorry.”
For a moment Cole didn’t reply. Instead he sat and stared at Ally as he seemed almost lost in thought as he rubbed his index finger back and forth along his bottom lip.
Finally he spoke.
“You would really love to spend Christmas with me?” he asked. Ally wasn’t expecting this response.
“Yes,” she said, honestly. She was actually surprised just how much she would. “I really would.”
“Okay!” Cole said but stopped when the waiter arrived back with their main course. He didn’t speak again until the waiter had left them alone once more. “Do you think your grandparents would mind one more for Christmas dinner?”
“You want to come to my grandparent’s house for Christmas dinner?” Ally exclaimed, shocked he would even consider this.
“No, Ally,” he grinned. “I want to spend Christmas with you. And if that’s where you’re spending.” Christmas I want to spend it there too.