by Knight, Evie
“Colin, are you here?” Ariel poked her head in the room.
“Gorgeous, you’re just in time.” Colin went to the door, extending a hand, inviting her in.
“Gorgeous?” Logan quirked his brow.
Yes. Logan better get it straight in his head his endearment for her. It wasn’t news Ariel shared her bed with him. Colin grasped her hand, pulling her into the room. “Good timing. I’d like you to meet my sister, Julianne.”
A pink blush covered Ariel’s cheeks.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Ariel held out her hand.
“The pleasure is all mine. You’ve done the impossible.” Julianne stepped forward and closed her arms around Ariel. “Do you have any idea of the things I tried to do to get him out to play?”
Ariel’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “No. I can imagine, though.”
Everyone took a seat. The chatter between the two women quickly overflowed the room, inviting the men’s input here and there. The animated conversation between Julianne and Ariel gave the impression they’d known each other all their lives instead of mere moments ago.
Colin observed everyone in their small group, focusing at last on Logan. He wasn’t saying a word. He seemed too quiet studying something. Colin followed the path in the direction his friend stared. Bastard. Sweet Ariel wasn’t wearing a bra. Her taut nipples poked through the delicate fabric of her blouse. He’d make her pay later.
****
Julianne charmed Ariel from the moment they were introduced. She clicked with Julianne like she’d been her best friend forever. As Julianne switched from one subject to another drawing her in the conversation, it thrilled Ariel to find similarities in their likes and dislikes. She’d never been one to have many girl friends or friends in general. Her few so-called friends turned their back on her not too long ago. Julianne’s enthusiasm fueled Ariel’s, making her feel welcomed. Though, Ariel’s excitement faded when Penelope strode in the room.
“Colin?” Penelope stopped in her tracks, staring at their small group.
All heads turned in her direction and the chatter ceased. The friendly atmosphere changed in a matter of seconds. The air grew stiff with tension.
“Julianne, I didn’t know you’d be here,” Penelope said. Her smile never reached her eyes. She approached her and air kissed Julianne’s cheeks. She waved her hand at the men and glared at Ariel. “Oh, hello there.”
“I didn’t think you played anymore,” Julianne said through a tight lip smile, breaking Penelope’s edge-sharp gaze on Ariel.
Ariel watched the exchange between the two women, betting it killed Julianne to stand next to Penelope. Relief washed over her to know she wasn’t the only one to get a cold chill every time Penelope was around.
She caught a glimpse of Colin staring at Logan. He seemed upset. Ariel didn’t understand him. One minute Colin smiled and chatted, the next he went back to being serious, wanting people to leave him the hell alone.
Penelope touched her hair. “Not sure what you heard, darling. I’m surprised you believed the gossip. I’ve never stopped playing.” She turned to Colin. “Actually, I came for you,” she said. “Are you ready to go back to rehearsal? Some of the musicians are gone but we can practice. Or we can ask the others to leave. Maybe you and I can rehearse the mystery song you’re composing.” She clasped her hands.
Penelope was vicious. Her venom—everything coming out of her mouth—crawled up Ariel’s skin in the form of a shiver. Whether others realized it or not, Penelope hid her sharp claws well. She set her sights on Colin and wouldn’t let go. It didn’t seem to matter much to her if she made a fool of herself, as long as she’d have him. Penelope made a point of making sure Ariel knew.
Ariel shrugged off the ugly feeling as realization hit her. Was she jealous? No. She couldn’t allow herself to be. It’d be stupid to feel jealous about Colin. Colin wasn’t hers. He’d never be. It’d be ridiculous to think otherwise, if she did she’d end up brokenhearted.
“Dear, he isn’t going back to rehearsal. We’re all having dinner to make up for lost time. You know, like old times. Isn’t that right, Gérard?” Julianne said.
Penelope turned to Julianne. “What a great idea. Do you mind if I join you? You know, like old times? We have so much to catch up on.”
Julianne dragged her gaze around the group, before stopping at last on Ariel. Her lips curved into an apologetic smile.
Why are you looking at me? Ariel didn’t have a say in the matter, she hadn’t been invited and wouldn’t crash their party. She figured it was a family affair including Gérard and Logan because of their long standing friendship.
“Yes, of course,” Julianne said through clenched teeth.
“I’ll leave you all to your catching up.” Ariel stood, ready to leave. She’d follow up with Colin later to review the paperwork she’d received from Marissa regarding his concert in New York. The matter wasn’t urgent. She didn’t want to impose on their family time and their impromptu dinner.
“Where are you going?” Colin rose from his seat.
“Please.” Julianne touched Ariel’s hand. “I’d love to have you join us.”
Ariel became the center of attention in a matter of seconds. All eyes focused on her. She avoided scenarios such as this all the time. She’d love to spend time with them. It sounded great. Except she worried it’d open a door, making things more personal between her and Colin.
It was one thing sleeping with Colin. That was sex and nothing else. Everything stopped there. They never made any promises. This dinner would change the dynamic a bit. Ariel wasn’t ready for something beyond what she shared with him in bed, fearing she’d start seeing things in a different light, hoping for something more. It’d ensure a battle with her emotions.
It took one look at Penelope for Ariel to make her decision.
Chapter Eight
Gérard’s staff arranged dinner for six and set it in the family dining room. During their short walk from the sitting room, Ariel learned his manor had been in the family for over a century. Gérard remodeled it to some extent without losing its architectural details and history behind it. She looked around the large dining room, if it weren’t for the contemporary furnishings, she’d feel she’d gone back in time. Old money screamed at her from all angles. Ariel was born an heiress, but it didn’t compare to money older than her family.
“I know what you saw. If you cared to listen, I can explain why I did it,” Gérard said to Julianne in a low voice.
Julianne jutted her jaw. “None of it matters anymore.”
“If it doesn’t, why are you giving me hell, outbidding me, making me lose money every time you get a chance at auctions?” Gérard asked.
Julianne raised a brow, looking at him. “Because I can.”
“This has got to stop, Jules.”
“What are you going to do? Tell Colin?” Julianne looked at him. “Yeah, I thought not.” She spun on her heel and found her seat at the table.
Gérard cursed under his breath and took the seat next to Julianne’s.
The more time Ariel spent in their company, the more she found herself enjoying it. Ariel cleared her throat in an effort to swallow back a chuckle. Gérard and Julianne tried to keep their voices low, but their loud bickering made it impossible for her not to eavesdrop on their entire exchange. It fascinated Ariel. Julianne wasn’t as sweet as she seemed to be.
A beautiful chandelier suspended from the ceiling, showcased a large mahogany table commanding the room. Ariel rolled her eyes when Penelope sat next to Colin. Ariel reminded herself she didn’t have a right to be jealous. Logan touched her elbow and led her to the opposite seat. Unlike what Colin did for Penelope, Logan pulled the chair out and allowed Ariel to sit down before he took the seat next to hers.
Gérard’s chef outdid himself with a menu fit for gods. She sighed, biting down on the four cheese ravioli with sautéed baby spinach and a mystery sauce that made her toes curl.
“What do
you think?” Logan asked.
“Mm… I’m lost for words,” Ariel said between bites.
“Try the crab cakes too,” Logan said.
Ariel closed her eyes in delight. “Oh, my God.”
“Delicious, right?” Logan smiled.
“Super,” she said, taking another bite.
Ariel preferred to focus her attention in the delish food in front of her rather than Colin who couldn’t seem to get Penelope off his ear. She bit the inside of her cheek, marveling at the lengths a woman went for a man’s attention. She wouldn’t kid herself anymore. She’d admit it. Ariel was a tiny bit jealous—Penelope claimed his attention whether he gave it to her willingly or not. It didn’t take a genius to see Colin wasn’t interested. It made Ariel happy.
Their appetizer course wasn’t yet over when the doors to the room opened. The staff served thick lamb chops with extra mint sauce and fresh asparagus. Thanks to Julianne’s chattiness, the conversation flowed around the table throughout dinner. If Julianne hadn’t been the lively kind, dinner would’ve been most uncomfortable.
The doors opened once more, the staff served them berries with sweet cream for dessert. Thank God she didn’t eat this way all the time, else she’d have to hit the gym every day of the week, which reminded her she hadn’t done much of any exercising during the past few weeks. Ariel stole a glance at Colin, and took another bite of her dessert, suppressing a smile. She’d make sure he helped her burn all the calories from this meal.
The group went through several topics of conversation throughout dinner, from latest Hollywood faux-passes to movie releases, to books, to favorite rock bands.
“All right, all right, I got one for you. Let’s test your real knowledge. I’ll sing the lyrics and you tell me the song.” Ariel smiled, calling everyone’s attention to her. The heat of Colin’s gaze warmed her insides.
Ariel turned to Logan, singing, “I’ve been hanging on the phone, I’ve been sleeping all alone, I want to kiss you.”
“Oh my God, I know the song,” Julianne said. “Let’s make this a couples’ game.” She faced Gérard. “We better win,” she said.
“Okay. Go on, sing the next set of lyrics,” Ariel said to Logan.
“Well, I’ve been haunted in my sleep, you’ve been starring in my dreams, Lord, I miss you,” he sang.
“I’ve been waiting in the hall, been waiting on your call, when the phone rings,” Ariel sang keeping up the nice momentum. Logan snaked his arm behind her back, resting it on her chair, a twinkle in his gaze.
“Miss you by The Rolling Stones,” Gérard said.
“Next one. Colin and Penelope, you’re up.” Julianne tapped her hand on the table top.
“I’m afraid I have to pass. Playing an instrument doesn’t mean I’m a good singer,” Penelope said.
Of course, what did Ariel expect of a party pooper?
“People talk about me, baby, say I’m doin’ you wrong, doin’ you wrong, well, don’t you worry baby, don’t worry, ‘cause I’m right here, right here, right here, right here at home,” Colin sang.
Julianne clapped. “That’s my brother.”
“’Cause I’m a picker, I’m a grinner, I’m a lover and I’m a sinner, I play my music in the sun,” Ariel sang.
Colin held her gaze with approval and continued, “I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight toker, I get my lovin’ on the run.”
“The Joker by Steve Miller Band.” Logan broke the spell of the intimate moment Ariel and Colin created.
Ariel reluctantly dragged her gaze to Julianne and Gérard. “Your turn now.”
“When I go out, well I know I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be the man who goes along with you,” Gérard sang.
“If I get drunk, well I know I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you,” Julianne continued.
“Five Hundred Miles by The Proclaimers,” Logan and Ariel said.
“I think we have a tie,” Julianne said.
Ariel shook her head. “No, we don’t. You got one song, Logan and I got two.”
“What’s the grand prize?” Gérard asked.
“The fun of singing along with good company,” Ariel said.
Logan looked at Ariel. “Well, then, thank you for your company this evening.” His thumb rubbed her shoulder.
“We make a good team.” Ariel smiled.
“I’m expecting to receive an update from the investigator this coming Saturday,” Logan whispered.
Her heart lit up with excitement at the news. She threw her arms around him in a hug. “Thank you,” she said.
The room grew silent and everyone stared at her and Logan. Ariel let go of him and straightened in her chair. A wave of heat rose from her throat, she bet her face turned beet red. The tingles in her cheeks told her so. She cocked her head. “Thank you, Logan.”
“Enough.” Colin leapt to his feet, calling everyone’s attention to him. “I’m afraid we have to leave. We got a busy day ahead of us and it’s getting late.” He made his way around the table to her side and helped her from the chair, leading her out of the room by the elbow.
“What are you doing?” Ariel asked.
“You know exactly what I’m doing.”
“You’re embarrassing me,” she whispered.
“No more than you embarrassed me flirting with Logan who’s supposed to be your boss.” He tightened his hold on her.
“Please. Look who’s talking. Penelope was all over you and you didn’t do anything to stop it.” Ariel yanked her arm, freeing herself from his grasp as they walked out the entrance hall.
Colin led her to his chili red Mini Cooper. “I wasn’t encouraging her, unlike you.” He helped her get in the car, then took the driver seat and drove them to his place.
Ariel welcomed the silent ride on the way back to his house. It didn’t matter if Colin meant it as some kind of punishment for her supposed flirting with Logan. News of her brother excited her even if it hadn’t been more than an update. Come Saturday she’d hear more on the investigator’s progress and she looked forward to the end of the week. Regardless of the news being good or bad, she needed information on her brother’s whereabouts. Ariel expected the investigator to have a good lead or leads.
In the meantime, she’d deal with Colin and the mixed feelings spending time with him provoked within her. Tonight they’d shared such a great time in the company of his friends and family. If Ariel let her imagination run wild she’d soon be building castles in the air. A thought so wrong since everything with them stopped at sex. Nothing more.
It didn’t mean she wasn’t starting to feel anything toward Colin, she just preferred to ignore it for now. The bargain she’d made when she accepted the job didn’t include getting her feelings involved. Well, her deal with Logan didn’t include sleeping with Colin or falling in love with him.
Wait, no. That she was a tiny bit jealous didn’t mean anything. Jealousy wasn’t love. No. It wasn’t. With everything that’d happened to her in such a short amount of time, Ariel thanked her lucky stars she hadn’t gone insane yet.
Colin abruptly halted the car right in front of the entrance, drifting a little on the rounded gravel path of his driveway. He stepped out of the car and walked up the steps without saying a word. Ariel sighed, following him in.
She’d barely made it through the door when he flattened her against the wall, pinning her arms above her head, catching her mouth in an urgent kiss. Colin pressed his groin between her thighs, sending a thrill down her spine. Heat sat low in her belly, proving this wasn’t anything more than crazed lust, sex. Not love.
Colin deepened the kiss, pulling her tongue into his mouth. His one-day-old stubble grazed her skin. His touch, gentle yet rough, drove her mad with desire. Sex with Colin, her Aerosmith turned Mozart, was never the same.
He dragged his hands down and slipped them under her blouse, cupping her breasts in a hard grip. “I told you to wear a bra,” he said against her mouth, squeezing her nipples. P
leasure shot in a straight line down to her core. Ariel liked this, his possessiveness of her. Her clit pulsed and her folds contracted, making her aware of her drenched thong.
Ariel broke the kiss and undressed herself, not caring where they stood. Colin undid his jeans and she gripped his hot cock.
“No, love. You can play later, right now I need you.” He pulled a condom out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“You know, I wonder if you always keep these handy.”
“I hadn’t until you.” Colin cupped her pussy. “You better put it on or I’ll take you without it.”
Her heart beat faster for a second. He couldn’t be serious, but she wouldn’t tempt him either. Ariel stroked his length one more time and sheathed his shaft. Unlike her, he didn’t undress. Colin lifted her, securing her legs on his waist, pressing her against the wall as he entered her with an urgent thrust. Without restraint, he drove into her hard, the heat of his cock burning her inside out. Pleasure rushed through her with every shove, making her yearn for more. This was her Colin at his rawest. Hers.
The dimmed lights in the reception hall turned his hazel eyes a darker shade. He cupped her ass, holding her tight as he plunged into her. Ariel held his lust filled gaze with the same intensity he kept hers. She slid her hands up his shoulders to the back of his neck, setting his hair free from the tie, tangling her fingers in it for support as she took him in.
Her breath mingled with his. Every movement, every pant, every moan was their own version of an erotic dance only they knew the steps to. Ariel gazed into his eyes as she let go with a cry, her muscles tightening around his cock.
Colin rode her orgasm thrusting his shaft deeper in her. He groaned and held her tighter to him, touching his forehead to hers. Not removing his gaze from hers, he emptied himself, shuddering against her. After a moment, he brushed his lips over hers whispering, “We needed that.”
Chapter Nine
Last night, somewhere along the way Ariel broke down the steel barrier around his heart. The possibility of being with someone who cared about him played in Colin’s mind, so did the sour thought of betrayal by someone he once loved. Valerie’s disloyalty hurt and nearly sent him to jail for life. He’d have to be careful with Ariel.