White Lies

by Jenny Lynn

  “Where is the pilot going?” I asked.

  “I’m the pilot,” Nicholas told me. “I’ve had my license for years.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding,” I told him as he started the blades, the wind whipping up around us. I gripped my seat belt as we started to shake.

  “Hold on,” he told me with a smile, his voice filling my ears through the headset. I squealed and we picked up off the ground, moving steadily up into the air. I shut my eyes tight and tried to steady my breathing. I felt a hand on mine give me a light squeeze and looked over at Nicholas.

  “We’re airborne, you did it Breanne. Now, take a look.”

  I turned my head and the sight took my breath away. There were buildings and vineyards stretched out below me, bathed in sunlight. We moved through the air and I took in the view, my body relaxing slightly. I had never seen anything like it before.

  “It’s beautiful,” I managed to say. We turned and began to glide over the city, the world small beneath and the sky stretched out before us. We made it to the outer borders of the city then we dropped a bit lower and I gasped, then giggled. We toured the area and a new appreciation for how incredible it was that we were able to fly dawned on me. All my years of fear, or nervousness. I was missing the real magic of the fact that this was even possible.

  “We’re going to head back now,” Nicholas said, his voice filling my ears. I nodded and we turned, banking sharply to the left then heading back for the hangar. He worked the controls with calm confidence, guiding us down to a smooth landing. The blades spun loudly overhead, slowing to a stop. I looked over at him and removed my headset.

  “That was incredible, thank you,” I told him.

  “You’re a lot braver than you give yourself credit for, Breanne,” he said. “I’m impressed. Do you maybe want to head into town and get something to eat?”

  I remembered that I had skipped breakfast and nodded. “That would be great.”

  Nicholas shook hands with the man he had spoken with earlier then we headed back into the car. We drove into town and Nicholas turned to me. “What do you feel like?”

  I glanced out the window and noticed a pizzaria. I pointed at it. “How about pizza?”

  “Always a safe choice,” he said slowing to a stop and finding parking along the curb. We walked into the restaurant and were given menus after being shown to a booth. The space was small and rustic, with a framed map of Italy against the wall. It smelled amazing in there, and I couldn’t wait to eat.

  “Do you have a favorite?” Nicholas asked me, looking the options over.

  “Classic pepperoni is my go-to, but I’m open to anything,” I told him. Nicholas nodded to the waiter.

  “We’ll split a medium pepperoni pizza, and I’ll have a bottle of Perroni,” he said.

  “Sparkling water for me please,” I added. The waiter took our menus and walked away.

  “Look, about last night,” Nicholas began once we were alone. This was it, he was going to apologize for almost kissing me and tell me it was a mistake.

  “It’s okay,” I told him.

  “No, it isn’t,” he continued. “I don’t know who was acting worse, Lilly or my mother.”

  “Oh,” I said. “I wondered about that. Is Lilly an ex-girlfriend?”

  Nicholas laughed. “No, she’s not. My mother is friends with her parents, we grew up together. She’s expressed an interest in me, but I’ve always been honest with her that I don’t feel the same way. My mother keeps hoping we’ll end up together, and to be honest, she wanted me to take Lilly to the wedding this weekend. I just wanted you to have the background so you’d understand why they treated you the way they did.”

  “Your mother wants what’s best for you,” I told him with a shrug. “That’s what parents do.”

  “It’s not about that, for her it’s all about image and status. What I’m trying to say is, don’t let how she acts towards you upset you. I’m glad you’re here, and hope you’re having a nice time.”

  “It’s not what I expected to be doing this weekend, lounging by a pool and flying in a helicopter. But yes, I’m enjoying myself. When did you get your license to fly one of those things?” I asked him.

  “It was a birthday gift from my father. I was obsessed with aviation when I was younger, anything that could fly. We’d put together model aircrafts, and whenever we flew somewhere he’d get permission for me to tour the cockpit.”

  “He sounds like an amazing father,” I told him.

  “He was,” Nicholas said with a sigh. “I still can’t believe he’s gone. It makes you reflect on life and how fragile it is. At any moment it could be over, so I’m going to honor his memory by taking care of his company and also embracing life to the fullest.”

  “By skydiving and swimming with sharks?” I asked with a laugh. “Sounds more like tempting fate.”

  “You laugh now, Breanne, but I got you in a helicopter today. Who knows what’s next.”

  After he said the words an awkward silence came over both of us. Why was he talking about what came next when this was only a weekend?

  “Anything I should be aware of before the wedding?” I asked, changing topics.

  “Just that you can expect some of the same treatment from Lilly and my mother. Oh, and also things are a bit tense between Liam and I,” Nicholas told me.

  “What happened?”

  “It’s the same issue. He’s upset that I was left in charge, thinks I’m not ready yet. He also wants me to name him in charge should anything happen to me, he feels some of my lifestyle choices are a bit risky.”

  “Well you are a bit of a daredevil,” I told him. “Still, I can see that being a tense family situation. So I guess we’re just going to have to try and have a nice time despite all the drama.”

  He smiled. “I think it’s impossible not to have a nice time with you here, Breanne.”

  The waiter returned with our pizza. It steamed in the middle of the table and looked incredible. We gorged ourselves until we couldn’t eat anymore, then Nicholas paid the bill and we headed back out to the car. I needed to start getting ready for the evening.

  When I was finally back in my room, I saw the box containing my dress waiting for me on the bed. I headed for the bathroom to take a shower, letting the warm water rinse over my skin. The more time I spent with Nicholas, the more at ease in his company I felt. But the fact remained that he had paid me to be here, and I didn’t feel right about it anymore. I left the bathroom, a towel wrapped around my body, and pulled the thick envelope out of my purse then laid it on the dresser with a sigh. I dried my hair and let it fall soft and loose down over my shoulders. I applied makeup, lining my eyes and dotting pink lipstick on my lips. I stared at my reflection, feeling feminine and polished.

  As I removed the dress from the box, I admired it for a moment. It was beautiful, and I remembered the way Nicholas had looked at me when he saw me wearing it. Would he try to kiss me again tonight? More importantly, did I want him to? I pulled on the dress and did up the zipper, glancing at the clock. It was almost time to go. I stepped into my heels and heard a knock at the door.

  “Just a minute,” I said, stepping into my heels. I glanced around the room then shoved the envelope of cash into a drawer. Nicholas was early. I headed for the door and opened it, surprised to see who was standing there. “Lilly? What are you doing here?”

  “I came to talk to you,” she said, stepping past me into my room. “I was surprised to find out you weren’t staying in the same room.” Lilly was dressed in a gorgeous red gown, her hair immaculate. She looked like she stepped out of the pages of a magazine. She looked me over, her eyes like daggers. “Nice dress,” she said.

  “Thank you,” I told her. “What can I do for you?”

  “That’s easy,” she said. “You can stop interfering.”

  I looked at her, taken aback. “Excuse me?”

  “Nicholas isn’t going to end up with some waitress, so all you’re doing is wasting h
is time and mine. Why don’t you let me buy you a ticket back home and you disappear? Honestly it would be better for everyone if you did.”

  “Better for you, you mean,” I countered.

  “Listen, Breanne, you don’t belong in his world. I’m just trying to save you the heartbreak.”

  “That’s so considerate of you,” I said with a roll of my eyes. “But I need to finish getting ready if you’ll excuse me.” I walked past her and held the door open, she narrowed her eyes and glared at me.

  “I’m not going to let you win, Breanne. You can count on it. You’re just a temporary distraction.”

  “If I am, why are you so worried?” I asked her. She bumped into me as she walked past.

  “You better watch yourself, Breanne,” she told me as she headed out into the hallway. I closed the door behind her, fuming. How dare she come up to my room and talk to me like that? I headed out onto the balcony to cool off. I pulled in a deep breath and looked out over the courtyard, the sun was hanging low in the sky.

  “Breanne? You look beautiful,” said a voice to my left. I turned and saw Nicholas on his balcony taking in the view. He was wearing the handsome tux he had picked out, and he looked incredible. He stepped closer, looking at me over the railing. I brushed the hair from my cheek and blushed.

  “I need to talk to you,” I told him.

  “Isn’t that what we’re doing?” he asked with a smile.

  “Can I come by your room?” I asked. Suddenly his expression grew serious.

  “Of course.”

  I walked through my room and knocked on his door, he pulled it open and I went inside. “Is everything okay Breanne?” he asked me. “You seem upset.”

  I held out the envelope I had taken from the dresser. “I need to give this back,” I told him. He looked at the envelope containing the money he had given me in my hands and shook his head.

  “Breanne, you took off work to be here, I told you I would cover your expenses.”

  I placed the envelope down on his dresser and turned to face him. “It doesn’t feel right. Last night, in the courtyard. Before your mother interrupted us. Were you going to kiss me?”

  He sighed. “Is that what this is about? Breanne, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

  “You didn’t. This does,” I told him, gesturing at the envelope.

  “What does this mean?” he asked me, taking a step closer. I glanced down at my hands, but he lifted my chin until I was looking into his pale blue eyes. I opened my mouth to speak but didn’t know what to say. I felt warm and dizzy in his presence. He ran his finger along my cheek then slowly leaned in closer. I closed my eyes, then felt my heart race as his lips made contact with mine. His kiss was soft and smooth, I tilted my head as I leaned against him, then he pulled me close. Nicholas turned me until I was pressed against the wall and his hands were in my hair as he eagerly explored my mouth with his tongue. I ran my hands along his jacket, relishing the closeness of our bodies, while his mouth moved over mine. When he finally, reluctantly, pulled away and looked down at me I was breathing hard.

  “We should head downstairs,” I told him, suddenly remembering we were alone in his room. If he kept looking at me the way he was, I didn’t know if we’d leave. He gently reached up and brushed a piece of hair from my cheek, then kissed my lips again softly. He took my hand in his, then we walked out together.

  8

  After a short drive to a nearby vineyard we were at the venue. The space was a converted barn with high wooden beam ceilings bathed in soft candlelight and dim chandeliers overhead. White gauzy fabric was draped throughout, giving the venue a fairy tale quality. We made it just in time and found seats facing the front, where a podium was set up and the groom was waiting beside a priest. In a few minutes a cellist began to play softly and we all stood up turning to face the entrance. The bride looked breathtaking in a fitted white lace gown, on her father’s arm as she made her way up the aisle. When they arrived at the front he lifted her veil, and passed her hand to her husband to be.

  It was a beautiful ceremony, the couple had written their own vows. They promised to love and cherish each other until the end of their days, and even though I didn’t know the couple personally I was moved. After they were pronounced husband and wife everyone erupted in applause while they made their way back down the aisle hand-in-hand. People began to drift out into the garden where tables were set up in white tents.

  Nicholas ordered us champagne from the bar and we found our table. He pulled my seat out for me and I sat down, smiling at the others around me. I was glad to be sitting with his sisters again, they were at least kind and welcoming. We had just made it in time, as waiters circulated and started placing our appetizers down. I looked down at three seared scallops on some type of green puree. As everyone around me dug in, I took a bite. It was delicious, buttery and smooth against my tongue.

  “So, why were you two late?” asked Evelyn with a grin. Nicholas shot her a glare.

  “That’s my fault,” I said. “I took a while to get ready.”

  “You look gorgeous,” Sasha told me. “I’m sure Nicholas doesn’t mind waiting for you.”

  “Alright, that’s enough both of you,” Nicholas told his sisters. They both started to laugh.

  “Where did you disappear to this afternoon?” Liam asked. “I was looking for you, I thought we might get a chance to talk.”

  “I took Breanne for an aerial tour of the city,” Nicholas told him.

  Evelyn’s eyes widened. “You took her in a helicopter? You always said you like to fly alone.”

  Nicholas shrugged, taking a bite of his food. I looked at him, wondering if it was true. I had assumed it was something he did to impress women, but if it wasn’t that meant he did it just to show me the view. I was touched. When he glanced over at me I was smiling. The meal was delicious, course after course of gourmet food. When dessert arrived I couldn’t finish the crème brûlée.

  The band started to play softly and the newlywed couple moved out onto the dance floor. They looked beautiful, swaying together in the warm glow of the lights, and utterly in love. The canopied tent, the music, everything was utterly romantic and I was sitting beside one of the most charming and handsome men I had ever met. I turned my head to look at Nicholas and he smiled at me, placing his hand at my back.

  When the song stopped, the room erupted in applause. The band continued to play and Nicholas looked quickly at his phone, his expression growing serious.

  "Will you excuse me a moment, Breanne?" he said.

  "Of course," I told him. He rose smoothly from his seat and stepped out of the tent, leaving me at the table. Liam stood up and walked towards me, extending his hand.

  "Care to dance Breanne?"

  I looked back towards the doorway where Nicholas had disappeared. "I really should wait."

  "Nonsense, you're here to have a nice time. One dance."

  I looked over at Evelyn and Sasha, they smiled warmly. They were all trying to be so welcoming, how could I refuse? I placed my hand in Liam's and stood up.

  "Sure, why not."

  We walked together over to the dance floor and he placed his hands on my hips, holding me at a respectable arms length. We started to move to the music and he looked at me, as if he was studying my face.

  "This must be surreal for you Breanne," he said. I tilted my head in confusion, not sure what he meant. "Being here, this weekend, private flights. You're having quite an adventure."

  "I suppose," I told him. He was making me feel like an outsider, which was making me uncomfortable.

  "Nicholas seems very taken by you. I think that's wonderful, really. But you must have realized how busy he is."

  "I noticed," I said. I looked over Liam's shoulder, hoping I would see Nicholas but he was nowhere in sight.

  "It must be hard, wanting to spend time together with all of those pesky demands on his time. But don't worry, Breanne, I plan on helping him with that. You see, I'm
perfectly capable of taking on more of his responsibilities. That would free up his time, which he could spend getting to know you better." He smiled at me, but I still felt uneasy in his presence.

  "He seems to be managing both just fine," I said. Liam chuckled.

  "For now, maybe. But we'll see."

  There was a hand on my shoulder and I turned to see Nicholas standing beside me.

  "Mind if I cut in?" he asked. Liam shook his head and took a step back.

  "Of course not." He turned on his heel and walked away.

  "I'm sorry about that," said Nicholas as he pulled me close. "It couldn't wait. But everything is settled now, I'm yours all evening."

  I looked up at him through my lashes, feeling the closeness of his body and smelling the clean scent of his cologne. "All evening?" I asked.

  His expression hardened and he stared into me, his pale blue eyes focused on my face. I bit my lip, feeling a rush course through me at the way he was looking at me.

  "Breanne," he whispered in my ear. "You need to stop biting your lip and looking at me like that. Or else I'm going to have to drag you out of here."

  I pressed against him, leaning forward so I could whisper back. "That's not exactly an incentive for me to stop," I told him playfully.

  Nicolas raised an eyebrow at me, then he smiled and leaned forward pressing his lips against mine. I felt a warm rush course through my veins as he held me in his arms, my lips parting and allowing his tongue to sweep inside. The effect he had on my body was electric, and as his arms kept me close to him I felt a desire stir in me I had never felt before. I wanted Nicholas Blackstone, badly.

  When he broke the connection between us I sagged against him slightly, a bit dizzy and already missing the taste of his mouth. He reached up and brushed my cheek with his hand, a mischievous glint in his icy blue eyes.

  "Do you want to get out of here?" he whispered in my ear, holding me against his body while the band continued to play. All of my hesitation, every part of me that had intended for things not to get complicated between us evaporated.