I couldn’t hear any more. The tears welled up in my eyes as Catherine turned on her heel and pushed Edward out of the way. “I’m going, I’m going,” she declared. “And she’d better be out of this fucking house before my brother returns or there’ll be hell to pay.”
She left, and I couldn’t stop the tears from cascading down my face. Joanna had come to hear the ruckus, along with Helena, and now the nanny took Lizzie from Colin so he could come over to me. He held me by the shoulders.
“Don’t even think about believing a single word that foul-mouthed viper just spouted,” he said. “She’s lying to get to you. It’s one of her dirty little tactics. Liam’s not that guy. You know him. I know you know him. He loves you. The way he spoke about you in the car on the way over here? The way he spoke about you in the interview? Come on, Elle. You know him better than that.”
“But do I?” I asked, sobbing. “How can I really know him that well? Catherine’s right. It was the arrangement. It was all fake. Spin it like you want, but at the end of it all, Col, I did it for the money. I took the deal to pay off my father’s debt. I am a whore.”
Colin was angry. “My, God. Are you listening to yourself?” he asked. “Elle, the guy might have wanted you to do him a favor but that didn’t last for long. He could have asked you to leave weeks ago. He loves you, believe me.”
“So why is he calling Catherine and telling her things about me?” I cried. “How does she know about my father’s gambling? How does she know that I took the car to see him at work? Who else would know those things about me but Liam?”
At this, Colin was silent.
“Exactly,” I said. “It’s all been a lie. Even when he had me believe it was the truth!”
I ran away, down the hallway to the foyer and the large staircase. I don’t remember anything after that, but from what Colin told me, my feet were still wet and, as I ran up the stairs, my foot slipped on the polished marble, and the next thing everyone heard was the deafening thud as I tripped and hit my head against the banister.
The next time I’d opened my eyes, it would be from a hospital bed.
30
________
LIAM
Driving home that night, with the windows down and the wind in my face, I was on top of the world. By now, I was sure that Elle had seen the interview with Melody Galvan and that she knew exactly how I felt about her.
The strange thing is that I hadn’t planned to be quite so open. My aim for the interview was to go on record as defending Elle and myself against Mel’s accusations. To ensure that she knew she couldn’t intimidate us and that we were going nowhere, and neither was Lizzie. But, the more I spoke, the more determined I felt. I was no longer concerned about what anyone thought, about whether my relationship with Elle was valid. I knew the truth, and the truth had to come out.
I love her.
I kept saying it over and over as I drove. I couldn’t wait to get home to her now, to open the front door, take her in my arms and tell her that I’d been an idiot this whole time because I’d always known how I’d felt, only I hadn’t told her.
The music stopped as my phone rang, and I saw that it was Colin. “Answer,” I instructed the car’s system.
“Liam?”
“Hey there!” I called. “I hope you’re fond of scotch, my friend, because I’m sending a crate of the finest sixteen-year-old nectar over to you tomorrow. I owe you big ti—”
“Liam, stop. You need to listen,” Colin said, and I could hear an edge to his voice that immediately made me sit up.
“What’s wrong?” I had visions of Elle watching the broadcast and packing her bags, running away before I got home.
“Your sister came round and told us the truth about what’s really going on,” Colin said, and his anger filled the whole car. “You shouldn’t have led Elle on like that. I told you a long time ago I’d kick your ass, Liam Wilde, and I swear to God if you ever come near Elle again I’ll make sure that happens.”
“What?” I cried, utterly incredulous from what he was saying. “What the hell are you talking about? My sister? She’s in London! She doesn’t know anything about this!”
“Wrong again,” Colin said. “She was at the house, in all her glory. She upset Elle and now Elle’s in the hospital.”
I couldn’t believe how rapidly things seemed to be going from bad to worse. I needed to know exactly what was going on, and I instructed Colin to explain himself immediately. He told me about how Catherine had come over and verbally attacked Elle, spouting all manner of crazy shit and demanding that she leave the house. I was mortified and worried sick that Catherine’s presence had led to Elle tripping and hitting her head.
“You know something, I actually believed your shit,” Colin was saying, as I stared at the road, barely seeing anything, my mind whirling. “I was the one telling Elle to go for it, to love you, because I honestly believed that you loved her, too. And I’ve got to say, you’re a damn good actor. Maybe you’d like to come on tour with me next time I’ve got a gig.”
“Colin, you’ve got to believe me when I say that I had no idea Catherine would come over. And as for letting her know about the arrangement, you couldn’t be further from the truth. I haven’t spoken to my sister in months. I can’t stand her. She’s always treated Elle badly and there isn’t a chance I’d let her into the house.”
“Well, someone’s been talking to her,” Colin said. “And if it isn’t you, then who is it? She knew all about you paying off Simon’s debt and Elle quitting her job to focus on designing again. She knew everything.”
“I swear to God she didn’t know it from me,” I said. I was on the highway, about to take the turnoff that led to my house. “Tell me what hospital she’s in. I’m going there right away.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Colin said. “I think you need to stay away.”
“Tell me, goddammit!” I yelled. “I know she’s your best friend and that you want the best for her, but so do I! I meant every word I said in that interview, and I swear I’ll get to the bottom of this. But you need to trust me now, Colin, and tell me where she is! Please!”
Colin sighed. “Okay. Okay. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, but if I find out that you’re lying, you better head for the hills, buddy!” He paused and sighed again. “She’s at the Meyer-Ash Clinic. Your butler told the paramedics to take her there. Something about you having donated half the funds to build the thing.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” I said. I hung up, gripped the steering wheel and swung the car around on the highway. Horns honked and people yelled out of their windows but I didn’t give a shit. I needed to see Elle and put everything right. I was seething at Catherine and, as I drove, I called out for the car’s system to dial her number.
“Hey there, brother!” Catherine’s voice was sickeningly sweet.
“What the fuck have you done?” I asked her, through gritted teeth.
“I was protecting you,” Catherine replied, her voice cold and hard. “What the fuck have you been doing? Fathering bastard children and setting up fake engagements with the first sad little bitch who’ll have you?”
“If you’ve flown all this way just to try to ruin my life, then you’ve wasted your time,” I said.
“I’m trying to save your life, Liam!” Catherine yelled. “I’m doing what Daddy would have done if he’d been alive. I’m protecting the Wilde name from scandal and exploitation. Jesus, you’ve fucked up big time and someone has to rein you in.”
“Thanks for reminding me why we don’t see each other and don’t have a relationship, Catherine. Now, who have you been talking to? How do you know the things you do?” I asked, trying my best to keep calm. “How did you know about the debt? I didn’t tell you. I’ve no interest in talking to you. You’re selfish and spoiled and you need to stay the hell away from me and my life.”
“I have a vested interest in the family business, don’t forget,” Catherine said. �
�I won’t have you tear down what Daddy built.”
“Dad tried to do what you did today,” I said. “When he found out about my feelings for Elle ten years ago, he tried to keep us apart. Granted, for a little while he succeeded, and he did so because I was young and wasn’t strong enough. But I’m telling you now that I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, and nobody’s keeping me from Elle again. Not you, or Mom, or anyone else. Do you understand?”
“What are you saying, Liam? That you choose Elle over your own twin sister?”
“You can be damn sure I am,” I said. “Do yourself a favor and don’t unpack. Crawl back into whatever hole you slithered out from and stay the fuck away from me and my family. If you have any hope of us ever having a relationship again, then you best leave now or, I promise you, you’ll never lay eyes on me again.”
She tried to speak, but I hung up on her. Then I leaned back, put my foot on the gas and raced to the hospital.
With relief, I saw that there were no paparazzi outside. Eddie had done exactly the right thing by sending Elle to the private clinic. Not only did that mean more secrecy, but I knew that she’d also receive only the very best care. It was a small clinic, specializing in complex injuries, and I hoped to God that it wasn’t a sign. I stopped the car at the very front of the main entrance and ran inside.
I’d phoned ahead, so they knew I was on my way. The doctor that waited for me had the bearing of a soldier. Every action he took was precise and purposeful, from the firm handshake he gave me, to the way he marched down the corridor.
“Don’t worry, we’re taking good care of her,” he said. “She was lucky. It’s only a mild concussion and she’s already awake. She might feel a bit dizzy for a few days and she’ll have a headache, I’m sure, but there’s no lasting damage.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” I said. “I’m very grateful to you.”
“It’s the least we could do, Mister Wilde. We’re only here because of your loyal support and charity.”
“Well, you’re very welcome. Now, can I see her?”
The doctor opened the door to Elle’s room. She looked so tiny where she lay on the bed, her auburn hair fanned out on the pillow. She had a gauze bandage on her head, and I could see a purple bruise spreading out from underneath it. The doctor explained that they’d put her on a drip simply to keep her hydrated as sitting up was making her dizzy, so she didn’t want to drink anything.
When she saw me, her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to see you,” she said, but I smiled gently and stroked her hand.
“There are a few things I’ve got to say,” I said. “And right now, you’re going to listen to what I have to say because I know you can’t run away.”
Colin was there, beside her bed, and I nodded at him. “Give us a few minutes?”
“Sure,” he said, and I got the impression that he was starting to trust me again. I was glad. He had no reason to doubt me and neither did Elle. Only, she needed to hear it now.
Sitting beside her, I kissed her hand and held it to my face. “You’ve scared the hell out of me today,” I said, once we were alone. “The doctor says you’ll be fine in a couple of days, though.”
“Right,” Elle said, flatly but she didn’t pull her hand away as I gently stroked it.
I sighed. “I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you from Catherine,” I said. “I called her and gave her a piece of my mind. It wasn’t pretty, I can assure you.”
She looked surprised. “Really?”
“Of course. What did you think, that I was going to let her speak to you like that? I can’t believe that you even believed a single word she told you, though. And right after I’ve just declared my love for you to the whole world!”
“But it’s not true, is it?” Elle asked. “It’s part of the charade, the agreement. You tell people you’re in love with me, and I play along. In return, I have no more of my family’s debt to service and I get to live in a pretty house.”
“Maybe it was like that at first,” I conceded, “but I was a fool to think I could have you so close to me and not fall in love with you, again.”
I leaned closer to her. “It’s just you and me, love,” I said. “Right here, right now. No cameras. No publicist. No Melody Galvan. Just us. And maybe it’s quick, but for me, I’ve quietly loved you for the past ten years, and these last few weeks have only served to prove what I already knew. I love you, Elle Evans. I’ve always loved you.”
“I want so much to believe you,” she said, and her lip quivered. “But how do I know what to believe?”
“Remember the day I first took you out for dinner? When I told everyone you were my fiancée?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really think that I just happened to do that in the spur of the moment, not ever having that thought cross my mind since I’ve known you?”
At this, her eyes widened. “I don’t understand. I’m confused. Don’t confuse a woman with a concussion, Liam.”
I laughed and gently stroked her head. “When Lizzie arrived at my door, I had to go straight into practical mode. But once the news sank in over the next couple of days, I felt sad. And I didn’t know why. And then I realized that I never wanted to be a father this way. I didn’t want a baby to just arrive and have her live a life with just having one parent around. It’s not how I imagined things. And I knew that I wanted to be a real family and that there was only one woman I ever thought of to raise a child with. Fate brought us together again, Elle. And, I just gave it a little push after seeing you again.”
“So what if I was with someone already?”
“Well, that was a chance I was willing to take. And I’m so glad I took that chance because it brought us back together. We’re a family, Elle. You, me and Lizzie.”
She smiled, and I knew in my heart that everything was going to work out now that I’d told her how I felt. I reached for her other hand and slid the ring from her finger.
“This has never looked right on you,” I said. I reached into my pocket and brought out the ring I’d bought that afternoon once I left the office. It was a round, solitaire diamond; set in platinum, a vintage beauty that I knew would suit Elle much better.
Elle put her hands over her mouth in shock and began to cry again, but I took her hand again. “I’d love to put this on your finger instead,” I told her. “I want you to be Mrs. Elle Wilde more than anything. That night, when you walked into the pool room all those years ago, my world shifted. You ruined me for every other woman as no one came close to being you. You’re my best friend, my first love and my forever love, Elle Evans. I’m not perfect, but I’d follow you to hell and back if that’s what it takes for you to be mine. Will you please say yes and marry me?”
She nodded through her tears and laughed. “Yes,” she said. “Of course I will. I love you too, Liam. I always have and I always will.”
I kissed her softly, her lips, her cheeks, and her forehead, then moved back to her lips again, not stopping until the doctor came in and told us to take it easy, that Miss Evans was still a little dizzy.
We just laughed and kissed each other again.
31
________
ELLE
Reading the email, I couldn’t help the huge smile that crept over my face. I’d sent my designs to several different fashion houses, and now one of them had come back with glowing praise for my work, and they wanted to schedule a meeting with me for the following week. I felt that, for the first time in my life, things were coming together and that my dreams were finally materializing.
It had been ten days since my fall, ten days since Liam had placed the beautiful ring on my finger and asked me to marry him. I still had to pinch myself at times when I thought about how everything had worked out.
I thought back to the previous night, and how, when everyone had gone to sleep, Liam and I had gone skinny-dipping in the pool outside. We swam together in the cool water, the only sound around us the chirps of crickets in the gras
s around the lawn and the occasional croaking of a bullfrog.
He held me against the side of the pool, and I wrapped my thighs around his legs. “Always wanted to do this when we were in high school,” Liam said. “Have you come over for the afternoon, hang out in the pool, maybe fool around a little?”
“I’m beginning to think that I’m here so you can live out all your eighteen-year-old fantasies,” I teased, kissing him.
“Well, didn’t you have any?” he asked me, nibbling my earlobe. I could feel that under the water, he was already hard, the tip of his cock brushing against me.
“A lady never reveals all her secrets, you know,” I said, and he laughed and kissed my neck, pressing me even closer to him, his cock now pressed between my legs.
“You and I don’t keep secrets from one another,” he said. “Tell me your deepest fantasies, Elle.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. Tell me.”
“This,” I said. “Right here, right now. You and me, thinking about a future where we don’t have to hide anymore. Talking about all the things we’re going to do. Planning a wedding. Me, having no doubt in my mind that you love me…”
He entered me before I could finish the sentence, making me gasp and cling to him. He walked me over the steps and then out of the pool, carrying me, still inside me, before sitting down on one of the lounge chairs beside the pool as I straddled him. We made love under a canopy of stars, losing ourselves in one another as the moon cast a soft light over our entwined bodies.
Afterward, he pulled me close, as close as I could possibly be, and yet it still didn’t seem enough. We were back to being eighteen-year-olds, our lives ahead of us, the future as bright as the silver moon above us and full of promise. Nothing could ever come between us again, because we’d beaten all the odds, and were stronger as a couple than ever.
FIRST LOVE_A Single Dad Second Chance Romance Page 19