by Elisa Leigh
“Here, you want to keep this elevated,” He says, grabbing an extra pillow from the closet and putting it under my swelling ankle. He pulls my heels off my feet and drops them on the floor beside the bed. “I’ll be right back beautiful, I need to grab some ice.” And just like that he grabs the ice bucket and is gone.
I’m tempted to just leave, but the pain radiating from my ankle is severe, and he’d probably make it back before I got to the elevator. I lay back against the pillows to wait, but I get bored as the minutes pass and he still isn’t back yet. I grab the remote on the bedside table deciding to find something to watch. One of my favorite crime dramas is on and it just so happens to be a favorite episode of mine.
When Ford finally comes back he’s carrying a bag of things, but no ice. I quirk my eyebrow at him, and he rubs one of his hands behind his neck, and he blushes. “The ice machine was down for repairs, so I ended up going to one of the shops and got you a couple of things.”
He starts pulling things out one by one and handing them to me. “I got some pain reliever to help with the pain. Also, I didn’t know what you liked to drink, so I got you a few different options. Personally, I like Gatorade, the orange kind. There’s also some chocolate and -”
“Ford, why did you get all of this?”
He blinks at me a few times like he’s processing what I just asked. “To make you feel better?”
“Thank you, but I think I should just go. You’ve been amazing, but I need to get home.”
“Why, is there someone waiting for you?”
I roll my eyes. “We were just at a matchmaking event, why would I come if there were someone for me at home?”
He shrugs, “You said you weren’t looking for love.”
I glare at him. “I would never cheat on someone I was with. When I marry, there won’t be anyone else, even if it’s not a love match.”
There’s a knock on the door, so Ford turns back to answer it.
Chapter 3
Ford
While I was down at the lobby, I stopped by the front desk and asked them to deliver some ice to my room. When I told them that I needed it for my fiancé’s twisted ankle, they offered to send up some ice packs as well.
“Here you go, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with tonight?”
“No, that should do it. Thank you.” I say and tip him before shutting the door. Grabbing a washcloth from the bathroom, I cover the ice pack and bring it back to Jasmine. I’m thankful I decided to get a room for the night. I hate driving in the city, and driving here at night is even worse. I figured it would be better to just grab a room and then drive home early in the morning.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I examine her ankle and see that the swelling has doubled in size since I propped it up half an hour ago. I played hockey from the time I was five and every year after that until I graduated high school. I’ve had sprains and even a few breaks in my time. Her ankle has got to be killing her. I place the ice pack against her ankle, and she hisses but eventually relaxes after a few moments. “How does that feel?”
“Better.” She sighs and pats the spot on the bed next to her. “Come watch this with me.”
I loosen my tie and throw it on the ground then kick my shoes off before getting into bed next to her. I try not to get too close not wanting to hurt her ankle any more than it already is or spooks her away before I can get her to let down those walls. We watch one of my favorite shows in silence. When the show is almost over, I hear a quiet snore coming from her and look over to see that she, in fact, fell asleep. Doing my best not to wake her, I grab the extra blanket from the closet and drape it over her.
I use the bathroom and undress down to my boxer briefs then crawl in bed beside her after first turning off the lights. I never thought the first time I spent the night with a woman we’d both be clothed, and she would be passed out and injured. I fire off an email to Delilah and let her know of my intentions. She returns my email rather quickly and explains in detail Jasmine’s situation. I respond requesting a few things from her to take care of what will need to be done.
If Jasmine needs a marriage to get her out of the bind she’s in, then that’s what she’ll get. But it won’t be to some asshole in a three-piece suit who won’t treat her like the beautiful angel she is. When I watched Delilah introduce her to Jackson O’Leary, I almost marched over there and pulled her away. Instead, I got out of there needing a minute to cool off before going back in there to keep watch on her.
I knew the minute she walked away from me that she was the woman I hadn’t been looking for. Neither of us were looking for love, but circumstance led us here. Now all that’s left is to convince her that she can have it all, love and marriage.
I toss and turn all night, never able to fall into a restful sleep knowing Jasmine is here beside me. I keep thinking about everything I need to get done and the short amount of time I have to do it. It will all be worth it in the end when I see a hopefully smiling Jasmine. When I wake, she is cuddled up beside me, resting her head against my shoulder. As much as I want to stay in bed and enjoy this time with her, there’s too much to do. I take a quick shower and then dress in the clothes I had on the night before. I leave a note for Jasmine telling her to call me when she wakes up and that I will be back soon. I hope she enjoys surprises because today is going to be full of them.
Amazingly enough, Delilah was able to accommodate my wishes and sent over the information I needed.
Chapter 4
Jasmine
My phone rings, waking me out of a very restful sleep. I grab it but end up missing the call. Seeing that I have several missed calls and texts from my sister Ellie I call her. The last time this happened was a year ago when my mother walked out putting us in this tight position. The very one that has me here in some guys hotel room.
“Where have you been? It’s almost eleven in the morning, and you still aren’t home. You said you were working the overnight shift, but you would have been home by seven if that were the case. I called the diner Jasmine, but they said they hadn’t seen you since your last shift which was yesterday morning. So, tell me oh wise and older sister, is everything okay?” When she finally stops talking she’s breathing heavily. I start laughing, picturing her red face and glaring eyes.
“Stop laughing! I thought you were dead!” She shouts through the phone.
“I’m sorry El, I can’t help it.”
“It’s rude to laugh at people when they have been worried out of their minds about you.”
Shit, she’s right. Ever since Mom left, she’s been more protective of me. Sobering up I clear my throat and begin again. “I shouldn’t have laughed. Look El, I’ll be home in about an hour then I’ll tell you all about my night, by the end you’ll be the one laughing at me. Just know that I’m fine and safe. Love you, Bug.”
“Love you too, sis.” She says before hanging up.
I set my phone back down on the nightstand and then get a good look around the suite that is dark and silent. It finally dawns on me that Ford isn’t here. What the hell happened last night? I can’t believe I just went up to some guys room with him and then fell asleep.
Looking down at my ankle I see that it is now wrapped with an Ace bandage. I wonder when Ford did that? Trying my ankle, I can tell that it’s still sore, but I’ll be able to make it to the lobby if I go slow. One thing is for sure, there’s no way in hell I’ll be walking in those heels. Doing the best I can to put most of my weight on my other foot, I walk around the suite grabbing everything that is mine. I stop when I see a note addressed to me.
Jasmine,
I had a few errands to run. I’ll be back soon. Please order breakfast and give me a call. 678-555-3980
Yours,
Ford
Yeah right, that’s not happening. A man like Ford Stone should be with the kind of women I saw at the ball last night, not someone like me who works at a diner selling pie and dinner specials. I stuff the note into my purse before w
alking to the door. Last night did not turn out the way I thought it would, and now I’m in the same boat I was in before. I was so silly to think I could find a husband to take away all my troubles. I’m going to need to figure something out fast because if I don’t, the caseworker that’s been keeping an eye on Ellie is going to place her in a home. She told me two weeks ago she would be back after Christmas to reevaluate our situation. I have no idea how to make it out of this mess and Mom hasn’t been answering her phone.
It takes me a few painful minutes, but I’m able to make it to the elevator. Once I’m down in the lobby, I order an Uber and wait, not so patiently, for it to arrive.
“Hello, my name is Lulu, and I’m the manager at Serendipity Spa here at the Dream Sky Hotel. Are you Ms. Richards?” A woman about my age walks over and asks.
“How did you know that?”
“Mrs. Rothschild explained that we would be seeing you this morning and for us to take you back as soon as you came down.”
“Take me back where? No, I have to get back to my sister.”
A huge smile brightens her face. “Your sister is on her way now.”
“Lulu wait, what do you mean? I’m not trying to be a pain in the ass, but why would my sister be on her way?”
“Mrs. Rothschild is sending a driver to your home to pick her up. You’re both set up for the Serenity package today. Pedicures, manicures, a massage, facial, then finally hair and makeup. A full day of beauty right before Christmas. What could be better than that?”
I have no way of paying for something so extravagant. She must read my expression because she’s quick to assure me that the bill has already been taken care of.
I try and stand but my ankle gives out, and I stumble a little. “Sorry about that I’m a little bit broken this morning.”
“No worries, we have some crutches in the back that someone left, do you want me to grab them for you?”
“Could you? That would be amazing!”
My phone buzzes in my purse and I pull it out to see a text from Ellie.
Ellie: Some guy just showed up at the apartment and said he’s here to pick me up and take me to you. He’s driving a fancy black car.
Ellie: Should I go with him? He gave me his card. He looks legit.
Me: Yes, I’ll see you soon and explain what I can.
Ellie: Got it. See you soon.
Lulu comes back with two crutches and helps me to adjust the height. Once I’m all set, she grabs my purse and shoes, and I follow her back to the spa I didn’t notice when I walked in last night for the Christmas Ball. I had such high hopes for last night, and it all went to shit. Speaking of which, I need to get a hold of Delilah and figure out what is going on. I probably shouldn’t accept such an extravagant gift, but I can’t help it. I don’t know the next time I’ll ever be able to do something like this.
“Go on back to the second door on your right. We’re going to start you out with a massage. Selene is back there and will take excellent care of you.”
I smile and make my way back to the room. Once the massage is over, I’m feeling more relaxed than I ever have. Selene leaves me clothes to change into. I pull on the softest pair of heather grey knee-length leggings and a white camisole. There’s also a white long sleeve shirt with the spa’s name on the front. When I come out, Lulu is waiting for me.
“Your sister is here. She’s just about finished with her facial and then she’ll be out to join you for manis and pedis. There’s a mimosa waiting for you just over here.”
“I probably shouldn’t, I’m not old enough to drink that, and I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
“How old are you?”
“I’ll be twenty-one in a few months.”
“I won’t tell if you don’t. Plus, it’s your special day, a little champagne won’t hurt.” She says winking and walking away.
I sit down in the chair meant for me and drop my feet into the steaming water. My ankle begins to throb immediately, so I lift it out.
“No, no. Put your foot back in. I’m going to add some oils to make the swelling and pain go down.” An older woman says coming to sit in front of me. “I’m Sandy by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Sandy, I’m Jasmine.”
“Oh, I know, Hon. You’ve got everyone talking.”
I’m about to ask what she means when she puts some drops into the hot water making my feet tingle. After a few minutes, my ankle is feeling much better. “Wow, what is that stuff?”
She winks at me. “Just a little Christmas magic, dear. You should be right as rain after it’s done soaking. I’ll give you the bottle before you leave. Just a few drops in the bath and soak it for twenty minutes a night. After a week, you won’t notice a thing.”
“Are you some Christmas Fairy Godmother?” I laugh and then realize what I just said. “I mean-”
She laughs. “I know I’m old, there was no offense taken.”
I watch as she works on my feet until Ellie walks out with a glass similar to mine and sits beside me. I raise my brow at her, and she shakes her head. “Relax, it’s only orange juice.”
Happy that my sister isn’t joining me in underage drinking “How was your facial?”
“It was heavenly, like the best feeling ever.” Leaning over she whispers, “How are we going to pay for all of this?”
I shrug my shoulders. “It’s all been taken care of?”
Chapter 5
Ford
I’m just leaving the jewelry store when Delilah gives me a call. “How is my mystery groom doing? Are you getting nervous about this afternoon?”
I open the box to look at the ring set I just picked up for Jasmine, thank god Delilah gets that information from the women when she interviews them, and then I snap it closed. “No. I haven’t felt more confident about anything in my life. I can’t explain it, but I just know. I’ve had my lawyer draw up the contract you suggested, not that I think it’s needed. He will have it there for you to go over with my bride before the wedding.”
She’s silent for a moment. “Are you sure this is what you want Ford? She isn’t looking for love, and you are.”
“You’re the matchmaker Delilah, are we compatible?”
“I would have matched her with you immediately if you were both looking for the same things.”
“She feels this too, she’s just too scared to admit it to herself yet. Not to mention it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since we’ve met. I’m confident that given more time she will come to feel the same way about me as I do for her. The problem is we don’t have that kind of time, do we? I’m not letting her marry some asshole when I can gladly do this for her.”
“This is why I love what I do. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Thank you, Delilah.”
“I didn’t do this.”
“You did, and you know it.”
I hang up and get into the backseat of my town car.
“George, how did it go with her sister? Did you have any problems?”
“She’s was a bit leery at first, but she went along with it, sir.”
“Good. Thank you for doing that.”
“Of course, sir.”
Dialing my mother, I’m surprised she hasn’t called before now to see how last night went.
“Good morning dear.”
“Hey, Mom. How are you?”
“Oh, I’m good. Just playing Triominoes with your father.”
“Are you cheating again?” I ask laughing.
“Hanford Andrew Stone the second, I do not cheat!”
The woman is known for cheating. When I hear my father in the background mimicking her, I laugh even harder. “Are you two be busy this afternoon, say around four?”
“We don’t have anything planned, why?”
“I need you and Dad to meet me at the Dream Sky Hotel.”
“Okay, are we having a late lunch?”
“No, I’m getting married.”
“Hanford! You can’t spri
ng this on me! Who are you marrying? Is it someone from school?”
“I met her last night at the ball. She has no idea about the wedding, it’s kind of a surprise.”
“This isn’t a good idea Hanford. Did you get her pregnant last night?”
“Mom,” I warn. “That isn’t any of your business. Look, she’s in trouble, and she needs to get married.”
“There are other ways of helping the girl without throwing your life away.”
“I know you mean well Mom and just want to see me happy, but this is what will make me happy. She is the one I’m meant to be with. I know it doesn’t make sense and that it’s crazy fast, but she’s the one.”
“You are just like your father.” She sighs. “Okay, we’ll be there. And Hanford?”
“Yeah, mom?”
“She must be pretty special if she’s got you like this.”
“She’s more than special, she’s amazing. Just go easy on her and her sister, we don’t want to scare them off.”
“Of course not. Is there anything that you need from me?”
“I’ve got everything covered as far as the wedding. Will you have Gina go over to my house and get it cleaned up. I also need the refrigerator stocked and a guest bedroom set up for a teenage girl.”
“Just one guest bedroom?”
“Stop being nosy Mom. I know what I’m doing?”
“Mmm hmm. See you soon dear.”
I hang up with my mother excited about the rest of my day. The only thing that would make it better would be if Theo were here for this.
* * *
Jasmine
My sister and I have been at the spa for hours getting completely pampered. We just had our hair cut and styled for the first time in years, and I’m feeling amazing. Throughout the day I’ve told Ellie about what happened last night. She wasn’t happy that I lied to her or would resort to a marriage of convenience, but I know she sees the practicality of it all. For being almost eighteen, she’s been through a hell of a lot more and seen things that most people haven’t that are twice her age.
