Out of the Ashes

by S. M. Lynn

  “Celeste, I’m sure it will be fine. Let’s just print my calendar and take a look at what I’ll need first. My first meeting isn’t until 9:30 a.m. so we have some time to get things ready.” He kisses my temple gently and wraps his arms around me holding me close.

  We’re still in the same position when his office door opens to reveal a very angry and shocked Rebecca. She takes in the scene before her. “I thought you two were over,” she hisses, glaring at me. “I thought she left you, wouldn’t speak to you.” Then turning to me, “I thought I made it clear that you needed to stay away from him. But here you two are.” Her face twists up in a scowl before she turns her venom on me. “I knew when you walked into HR that day that you would try to dig your claws into him. I tried to warn him, to tell him there was no way anyone could love him like I do. But you, you kept him from seeing that and now I’ve lost not only him but also my job because of you. Does it feel good to steal my fiancé?”

  Ian steps in front of her. “Rebecca, you and I have been over for years. And the only one who ruined us is you. Well you and Patrick. If you need someone to blame, I have a mirror in the bathroom. As for getting rid of you, you should be thankful that I helped you find something else because after today, you will no longer be welcome in this building. Now the choice is yours; you can take the elevator and leave now or I can call security and have you escorted from the building.”

  “Ian, I love…”

  “Not another word Rebecca.”

  “But Ian, it should be us. Not her. Please, can’t you see that?” But Ian is done talking. He picks up his phone and calls for Connor to remove Rebecca from the building. Moments later, Connor appears. Jesus, was the man just hanging out in the elevator waiting for something to happen? He places his hand on Rebecca’s arm and moves her toward the elevator. She’s broken; I know what it’s like to love this man and lose him. But I also know that she only has herself to blame.

  A ghost floats through my mind. I will only have myself to blame as well. But I cannot go back now. I need him like I need air. I cannot survive without him.

  “Celeste, sweetheart? I’m sorry. I had no idea she would… that she could…” He can’t finish the sentence. The look in Rebecca’s eyes right before Connor showed up was one of complete madness. I knew that had it just been her and I in the room only one of us would have left. She wanted nothing more that to see me completely removed from the picture. She’s made that clear more than once.

  “Ian, it’s not your fault.” I’m quivering in fear but I wrap myself around him. I need him to hold me.

  “I will never let her hurt you again. Do you understand?” He tips my face up so I’m looking in his eyes. “She’s nothing to me and you are everything. I’ll never allow her to hurt you or us again.”

  I don’t know how long we stand like that but the sharp ringing of his phone pulls us from our embrace. I look at the clock and see it’s already 9:00 a.m. Ian goes to answer his phone and I prepare his meeting materials. I round up everything I think he will need and when he’s finished on the phone, I hand it to him to look through. “This is perfect. The only other thing I need is the project budget.” What the hell? Some accountant I am; can’t even remember to get him the budget, which is supposed to be my forte. I get the papers off of my desk and bring them over to him.

  “Celeste, there’s one other thing I need for this meeting.” He’s looking in my eyes; I’m hypnotized by him. I want to jump into those azure pools and never come out again.

  “What can I do for you, Mr. Jacobs?”

  “Oh sweetheart, don’t go there right now because there are many, many, many things that I can think of that you could do for me. But right now, I just need you to sit that sweet ass down here on my lap and kiss me.”

  Compared with the morning, the rest of the day goes fairly smooth. At lunch I try to explain things to Gavin. He’s naturally suspicious but once I explain everything, he’s inclined to believe Ian’s story. He didn’t even pout too much when I told him that Ian would join us for dinner so he would have to share the lasagna. He conceded once I agreed to make two pans and pick up some wine.

  After work I run to the store to get the ingredients for the lasagna and pick up the wine. I put everything together and the pans in the oven before Ian comes over. When he arrives I’m sipping on a glass of wine, waiting the last 20 minutes for our dinner to be done.

  Ian and Gavin sit and talk as if they’ve known each other forever, things clearly smoothed over between them. Though I didn’t miss Gavin’s not so subtle “If you ever hurt her again” speech. It appears to make Ian only respect him more. We settle in talking and drinking the wine. By the time dinner is ready one bottle of wine is already gone and the other’s finished off by the time the meal’s over.

  Silence settles over us. Ian breaks it by inviting Gavin and I to spend the weekend at his mother’s. “My mother was happy to see you and Gavin at her birthday though I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to really talk to you or get a dance.” He winks but the look in eyes is sad. I wished we could go back, but going forward we would be so much stronger for all that we had endured. “You looked breathtaking.” For a moment, as I looked at him I forgot that we weren’t alone. My hunger for him evident in my gaze. Then Gavin clears his throat bringing me back to reality. “Needless to say mother wasn’t very happy about the way things were when you left; she just knew I had been an ass. ‘Ian Paul Jacobs,’ she yelled at me using my middle name, no less, right there in the middle of the party. ‘You will fix this and make things right with her. I don’t care what it takes. I’m already designing her wedding gown and I won’t have you ruining my plans’.” I choke on the wine I’d just tipped into my mouth and Gavin burst out laughing at my reaction. “Well, that’s not a very encouraging reaction.”

  “Ian, I’m sorry; it’s just a bit of a shock to hear your mother talk like that. Though now that I think about it, I’m not sure why it’s so shocking coming from her; she is never one to mince words. But you’re mother is absolutely wonderful. And despite the other events of the night, I am glad I went. It was really great to get to meet your sister. I think we should plan a girls night out soon.”

  “Hmm, you and Claire that could be a dangerous combination. I’ll have to think about this. Maybe I’ll have to personally escort you both that evening.” Ian smiles seductively at me and while I should be putting him in place for trying to interfere on my night with his sister, I find myself pooling at his feet.

  Gavin excuses himself; saying he is off to meet Brett for some dessert. I giggle at him and wave him out the door. “Hmm… I think he has the right idea about dessert.” Ian’s eyes cloud with desire. “I would also like my dessert now.”

  “Ian, I have to get this cleaned up and then we can talk about dessert.”

  “Oh no, love. Dessert is far more important than taking care of this. I’ll help with this once we are both satisfied.” I take his hand and lead him down the hall to my room where he spreads me out and thoroughly enjoys his dessert.

  Chapter 19

  Ian stops by the apartment Friday evening after work to pick up Gavin and I and take us all to Marlene’s. “Claire is going to join us. She’s been anxious to talk with you again since mother’s birthday. She’s excited to get to spend a whole weekend with you.” When Ian smiles over at me, it’s a smile of pure contentment. During the drive, we discuss the weekend and Gavin and Ian talk about some upcoming fashion event. I must admit I’m somewhat nervous at seeing his mother after what had happened between Ian and I and in the middle of her birthday party no less. Plus I’m worried what Claire thought; I haven’t talked with her since that night. I’m pulled from my thoughts as the Audi turns toward the gated drive. “Everyone ready for a weekend of relaxation and sun?”

  Ian’s truly in his element here, completely at ease and relaxed. It’s good to get to see this side of him.

  Marlene greets us at the door and Ian asks Connor to bring i
n the bags. “Dear, it’s so good to see you. I told this boy that he needed to stop his moping and go after you. You two are just too perfect together. And if I can’t get him married soon, I’ll never get to see any of my grandbabies.” My eyes widen in shock as Ian and Gavin struggle to cover their laughter.

  Recovering after a moment, I smile at Marlene. “Well, Marlene, that I’m afraid rests in your son’s hands. He has not popped any sort of question yet nor has he made any indication that he is willing to ask such a question.” Marlene’s glare turns on Ian. That’ll show him, laughing at me and putting me in such an awkward situation.

  I can hear Ian trying to diffuse the situation with his mother saying something about not knowing that I would want to get married but I am too preoccupied with the beautiful woman descending the stairs toward us to pay much attention to their conversation. Claire’s beauty stuns me much like her brother’s. Imagine the gorgeous babies Ian would make. Babies? I need to quit listening to Marlene. Though they would be gorgeous, just look at who their daddy would be.

  Ian rushes over and grabs her up in a hug, swinging her around the room. Setting her down, he takes her hand and leads her back over to the group. Then Ian turns toward me, “My god, you are beautiful,” he says brushing a stray lock of hair from my cheek. I look around at the group of people smiling back at us, feeling the blush rise in my cheeks at Ian’s gracious compliment.

  “Claire, so good to see you again. Now you definitely have to dish on all the best and most embarrassing stories about your brother.” I give her a conspiring wink as Ian groans and rolls his eyes.

  “Okay, there will be no telling of Ian’s deepest, darkest secrets this weekend. We are here to relax and spend some time together.”

  “Ian, you must know that after a statement like that, I’ll be forced to drag your sister off somewhere secluded and make her tell me everything she knows.”

  “Maybe this weekend wasn’t such a good idea.” He grumps but then the smile is back. I love him; truly and deeply love this man and honestly wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my life with him. However, my comments to Marlene may have been in jest but I’m not sure Ian wants that kind of forever. In moments of passion, he says things that make me think he wants me forever but outside of that he’s never said anything about it.

  “Claire, how about you show me to my room and we start our talk about your brother.” Claire takes my hand and leads me up the stairs to my room; well, the room Ian and I are sharing. I feel a little weird sharing a room in his mother’s house but not only did Ian insist it was fine; Marlene made a point of telling me that she wanted us to spend as much time together as possible. After that comment, my face was redder than her perfectly painted toe nails. Ian walks into the room a few minutes later as Claire was finishing a story about his first crush. “…and there he was, with the most beat up bunch of flowers in his hand, heart broken because when he got to the beach Stacy was sitting with another group of boys. I’ve never seen a boy so sensitive or caring about women before. But that’s always been Ian’s way even from a young age.” I smile and go to him to wrap my arms around him.

  “Okay that’s enough of the trips down memory lane for now. We need to get changed for dinner. Mother has prepared a New England clambake for us down on the beach and I don’t want to miss the sunset. So you,” he looks over at Claire, “shoo; so that Celeste and I can have a few minutes and change.”

  Claire shoots me a wink and gives her brother a pat on the arm. I hear her whisper in his ear as she passes, “This is a good one. I agree with mother. Keep her.”

  “Well, sweetheart, you appear to have turned my family against me and have them wrapped around your finger.”

  “What can I say? Someone once told me I was stunning and so I’m just using my natural talents on all of them. It’s not my fault if you’re a brute.” I giggle.

  “I love that sound. Now, let’s get changed. But Celeste, I want you to strip down to nothing first because I have some plans of my own before you actually get dressed.” With just his words, he leaves my panties soaked and me panting in desperation.

  After Ian and I have, um, finished getting ready, we make our way downstairs. “I trust you found everything to your liking in Ian’s room. I can’t say that he’s ever had a girl in there. Well, at least not that I knew about.” Marlene’s says with a glint in her eye as she winks at me.

  “Mother, please let’s not discuss this. But I can honestly say that Celeste is the first girl I have ever had in my room.” I hear the innuendo in his voice and know that I’m blushing. Ian leans down into my ear, “I love that I can make you turn that color as well.” He gives me a light kiss on the top of my head and we make our way to the beach.

  Ian’s mother is wonderful. She had her chef prepare us a real New England clambake right on the beach. I’m glad I brought a sweater to go over my tank, as the weather turns a bit chilly in the evening. I wish I had worn pants instead of these shorts though. Ian scoops me up and carries me closer to the bonfire then produces a blanket to wrap around both of us. His hand working over places that he definitely shouldn’t be right in front of his mother. “Ian, thank you.” I place a light kiss on his cheek and smile up at him.

  “Sweetheart, what are you thanking me for? What I’m doing to you? What I will be doing to you in a few minutes?” He grins. I elbow him lightly in the ribs.

  “Well, while I am very appreciative of your attention; I was thanking you for making me listen to you. I can’t imagine not having this with you. I love every minute of this.” I give him a deep kiss. Marlene and Claire are clearly interested in our exchange but neither says anything. Gavin just makes a sickening noise and turns back to the other ladies, and they go back to discussing some upcoming fashion shows.

  “All right up you go. I can’t stay down here with my mother, sister and Gavin and have you the way I want you.” We excuse ourselves and return to our room for some time together, just the two of us.

  The next morning, I’m up a bit later than usual and see that Ian’s already gone. I take a quick shower and slip into my new white and gold bikini. We’re spending the day by the pool so after throwing on my cover up dress and sandals, I make my way down. Claire and Ian stand by a table set with a delicious brunch on the patio next to the pool. Ian is already wet as if he just finished a swim and I can see Claire is in her bikini as well. I make my way over and give Ian a lingering kiss before grabbing a bagel and some fruit. “You should really take some more. I meant it when I said you lost too much weight. Here let me fix you a plate of eggs.” I take the plate from him with a kiss and he continues his conversation with Claire.

  I notice Gavin and Marlene sitting in some lounge chairs on the other side of the pool and make my way over to them not wanting to interrupt Ian’s time with Claire. The two of them are close and it’s difficult for Ian with her being so busy at Columbia. Since it’s her last year, she’s been very busy and can’t really get away except on break so this weekend is a special treat for both of them.

  “Darling, you look well rested. I’m surprised Mr. Hot Boss,” Marlene raises her eyebrows at the nickname and shoots Gavin a wink, “let you get any sleep. Sorry, Marlene, but since Celeste took this job that has been Ian’s nickname. It fits him perfectly if I do say so myself.” I throw daggers at him with my eyes and then look between him and Marlene. Both of them are grinning like the cat that got the cream.

  “Yeah, thanks Gavin,” I say once I can make my mouth work again. “I slept just fine. Marlene, I’m so sorry that my friend is so crude. I’ll think twice before I bring him along on future visits.”

  “Oh, pish, dear. I’m glad to hear that you and Ian get along so well in so many ways.”

  This woman, she never fails to shock me. “On that note, I think it’s time for a swim.”

  “But, Celeste, you haven’t even finished your breakfast.” I turn to find Ian right behind me. Oh, I hope he didn’t hear that whole exchange; he’ll be furious with G
avin if he did.

  “Um, I’ll finish it in a minute. I’m just a little warm and thought I would cool off a bit first.” I say the last part through gritted teeth at Gavin. He just waves at me and smiles. Asshat!

  “What the hell is that?” Ian screeches as I pull off my cover up.

  “I told you I got a new bikini to bring this weekend. You don’t like it?” I’m pouting; I thought he would really enjoy looking at me in this. The salesman barely had words when I stepped out of the dressing room to model it for Gavin. Ian’s eyes look like they’re about to fall out of his head.

  “That’s the most indecent, stunning thing I’ve ever seen. I want to make you cover up because there’s so little there but at the same time I don’t want to deprive myself of the view. You are killing me, Celeste. I’m so glad it’s just family here this weekend. I don’t think I could handle you wearing that in public ever.” I gave him a little shake of my ass and walked down the steps into the pool.

  “Yeah, Gav said you probably wouldn’t let me wear it out after the reaction I got from the salesman.”

  Ian’s eyes harden for a moment and I realize I’ve pressed a button that’s much better left alone. “You let some other man see you in that. What did he do?”

  I pull myself out of the pool by the edge and walk over to my brooding god. “Ian,” I press my body against him soaking his shirt, “it was nothing; he just happened to come by to see if we needed anything else when I stepped out of the dressing room. I’m sorry but you must know that I’m yours, only yours.” He presses his lips to mine and then his tongue is plunging into my mouth, his arms tightening around my waist. His hands begin a downward course when we hear several people clear their throats uncomfortably. I don’t know how but I completely forgot there was anyone else around. “Oh, I’m sorry everyone.” The redness creeping into my cheeks and flushing my whole body. “I kind of forget where I am when he does stuff like that.”