Peter guided her through the house to the kitchen. He poured two glasses of white wine and moved on, towards the garden. Celine followed. Ignoring the chairs scattered round the pool and the patio, he sat down on the grass, patting the ground next to him. Celine suppressed a smile; he assumed she would do as he bid, although he already knew she would dig her heels in if necessary. She lowered herself to the ground. The grass was dry, in fact it was starting to yellow from the heat of the sun; even the sprinklers could not protect all of it. Peter passed her a glass of wine; his hand rested on her leg. “Look,” he said after a moment. “Look straight ahead.” He paused, to check she was looking and then pulled his shirt off; enjoying the heat of the afternoon sun. Replacing his hand on her leg he continued talking. “If you look ahead you will see nothing. That is our future. There is no grand plan, and even if I had nothing it would look the same. It is there for us to do with what we want.” He paused again, admiring her flawless skin as she gazed across the garden. The sun refracted against her blue eyes and he smiled. His hand inched a little further up her leg, sending shivers through her spine. Celine smiled; she hadn’t got used to the shivers yet. Peter squeezed her toned thigh, “It’s you and Edward that are important to me now, not all this.” He waved his free arm round the garden and turned to look at her.
Celine smiled and lowered her head into his lap. “I know,” she said. “But having all this is a nice bonus!” She mused as she looked across his defined chest. She could see why he spent so long in his personal gym every day! As she lay there gazing at the definition of his chest, she wondered if it was really that simple. Peter seemed like a different person. Everything he did now was about spending quality time with Edward. No longer was he concerned with what was the best, or what the neighbors had. He genuinely seemed to want what was best for Edward and not what he thought was best! “If it was that easy maybe all parents should have their children taken away.” She mused. “Pardon?” Peter sounded shocked, “Did I just hear you correctly?” Celine blushed, not something she did often. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to say that, I was merely thinking out loud!” Peter turned his head to one side, looking at her strangely. “Do you really think all children should be taken away from their parents? Where would you put them all?” Despite herself Celine laughed. “I’m sorry,” she spluttered. “I was thinking about the change in you and how everything you do now is focused on Edward. I was just contemplating whether this would work for all parents.” She paused, realizing she might be offending him with her comments about his parenting skills.
However, it wasn’t that easy to offend Peter! He smiled gently at her; “I doubt anything in life is that easy! Although,” he was now the one pondering. “It would be great if it was!” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I guess mine was a whole set of circumstances; the loss of Mary, you and the near loss of Edward combined to make me thankful for what I have. It could easily have gone a different way!” Celine didn’t answer for a moment. She ran her hand gently across his chest. “What was Mary like?” she asked, half expecting to be shut down. Peter seemed to disappear into a distant galaxy for a few moments. A smile crossed his face and his eyes crinkled. “She was a lot like you,” he finally said. “Strong willed, independent, and devoted. Once she gave me her love that was it; there was nothing I could have done to stop her loving me forever.” His eyes met hers; she could see the cloudiness in them. “I think she would like you.”
They lay in the sun for over an hour, the silence broken on occasion by the birds. Never had Celine felt so at peace with the world. She knew he was the one. Despite the fact it had been such a short relationship so far, she knew he had captured her heart and she would never be the same again.
Peter looked down at her, still shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. “Lets go out tonight, just you and me.” He said. “I can get Alice or Stacey to look after Edward for one night. We can have some fun before I have to leave in the morning.” Celine giggled. “If you leave in the morning, without saying a word, it will be like a one night stand!” Then she quickly added, “Without the sex, of course!” Peter’s eyes widened. “An excellent idea; it will be like it never happened!” For a long moment Celine stared at him, she wanted to tell him tonight could be the night; she didn’t want to be a virgin anymore. She was certain she had found the man to seal the deal with! But part of her knew she should stick to her morals, because if she took them away then it would take away her very essence.
Peter gazed at her; he seemed to be reading her mind as he patted her shoulder. “When the time is right, it will happen,” he murmured softly. “There is no rush, I’m not going anywhere.” Celine smiled softly, “Well that’s just not true, is it? Clearly you are going to the conference!” The smile across her face was teasing, hinting at the passion she felt for him.
“Ha, ha!” responded Peter. He swiftly rose to his feet, easing her back to the ground as he did so. “I’m calling Stacey. You had better try and make yourself look beautiful; I’m not sure you have enough time!” Celine grinned back at him. “Who’s the funny one now?” She queried. “You know you take twice as long to look good as I do. Mind you, that is fair considering how old you are!”
Peter stopped mid-stride. He spun on his heel and crossed the grass back to her. Without pausing, his hands reached for her thigh and her arm. Celine giggled as he instinctively hit the right spot. Within a moment, she was a giggling wreck on the ground. Peter laughed as he sat astride her. “Do you yield?” He asked, his voice playful. “Never!” she cried out between bursts of laughter. But soon she had no choice but to beg for mercy!
Peter finally eased up to make his phone call whilst Celine dashed to the school to pick Edward up. On the way home, she explained why she and Peter would be out that night. Edward nodded; he understood. For a moment he was silent, then he looked directly at Celine; “I will never find someone to replace my Mum,” he said, his voice serious. “But,” he continued, “If I had to pick someone, it would be you.” Celine couldn’t say anything for a moment as a tear welled in the back of her eye. Instead she squeezed his hand tight.
By the time Celine was ready Stacey had arrived. “Hey!” She said, giving Celine a big hug. “How is everything?” Celine smiled back at her, “Fantastic actually,” she said, the huge grin on her face confirmed this fact. Stacey barely contained her scowl at the response. “Where is he taking you tonight, some posh new place in town I suppose?” Celine shrugged as she replied; “I have no idea and I don’t care!”
A few moments later Peter appeared dressed and ready to go. Celine marveled at how well his jeans, pale blue t-shirt and leather jacket highlighted his impressive muscles. “Are you sure you need a coat?” She asked, concerned as she wasn’t planning on taking one. “No,” he replied. “But it looks good!” Stacey emitted a dirty chuckle at that, until Peter fixed her with one of his stares. “Look after Edward for me please,” he said firmly as he guided Celine to the door. He had a feeling this was going to be a good night!
Celine chuckled as the car pulled up outside a steak house. Peter had already learned her eating habits and had made sure it was not somewhere posh. In fact, the steak house had the ambience of a cozy French restaurant. Somehow it managed to integrate American food with a romantic, almost kitsch atmosphere. Celine glanced round; their table was tucked away, completely out of sight of all the other diners. They could have been the only two people in the place! She quickly discovered why they had the best table in the house; it wasn’t because Peter was a billionaire. They had barely gotten comfortable and an excitable looking guy came across. He wore a tailored suit which emphasized the latest style, his hair was starting to recede but his youthful complexion suggested he was in his mid-thirties. She noticed he had a strong jaw and the kindest pale blue eyes she had ever seen. Even the smile lines across his face suggested a man who gave to others first. Peter jumped up to greet the man; they embraced as only old friends could. He turned to introduce him to Ce
line; “This is Ralph!” he said grandly. Then he laughed at Celine’s blank expression. “He has been my best friend since we were five.” Celine rose and ignored Ralph’s outstretched hand as she embraced him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” she said, slightly amazed at how forward she was being. Ralph however was delighted and kissed her on both cheeks. “Oh, finally! Peter has found a woman worthy of his attention!” Ralph was clearly delighted as he enthusiastically conversed with them for several minutes. Just as suddenly as he arrived he turned, with a wink at Peter, and embraced Celine again. “It was a pleasure, I hope to see you many, many times!” He turned, and smoothly walked away.
***
It took Celine a moment to register that Peter had not shrunk. He was on one knee in front of her, his arm outstretched, a glittering diamond ring resting in a case. Celine’s hand flew to her head as her mouth dropped open. “Will you marry me?” Peter asked softly. Celine nodded slowly, as tears started to trickle down her face. “Are you sure?” She asked gently. Peter nodded. “I have never been surer of anything,” he said. “You turn me upside down in a good way and make me feel alive. I can’t remember the last time everything has felt and tasted so good!” He paused, looking at her, “It’s all because of you. I can honestly say you light up my world!”
The tears continued down her face as she sunk to her knees and wrapped her arms round Peter. “Yes, yes and a thousand times yes.” Her voice was squeaky with emotion as she struggled to contain all the emotions raging through her body.
Peter smiled; he had been right—it was going to be a good night!
Chapter 7
Celine woke slowly, the effects of the champagne still in her system. Through half open eyes she gazed at Peter; he was already dressed. It took her a minute to realize that she was in her own bed; he had remained a gentleman despite the marriage proposal. She had to admit part of her felt disappointed. The urge to rip his clothes off had been so strong the night before. But, a bigger part of her was grateful that he had not taken advantage of the situation. They would be married soon enough!
“Are you okay?” He asked, his voice gentle with a trace of concern. Celine nodded; her mouth was as dry as a bone and her head was pounding. “Just feeling the effects of last night,” she explained in her croaky voice. She looked him in the eye as he drew closer. “You haven’t changed your mind yet then?” she asked softly, her regular voice returning. Peter swept her into his arms and held her close for a long moment. “I’ll never change my mind. I want you by my side in everything that I do.” His lips found hers and gently pressed against them. Within moments their tongues entwined as she reached her arms up to return his embrace.
All too soon he pulled back; “I have to go,” he murmured softly. “I will be back the day after tomorrow.” Celine sighed. “Don’t go,” she whispered softly in his ear, but she knew that he had to. Sighing, she sank back into her bed as he slipped out of the room. Slowly she twiddled her diamond ring, it was big enough to be a diamond but small enough to be discreet; her perfect ring from her perfect man!
She slumbered in bed for another hour before the sound of the door creaking open made her jump back to reality. Edward came running into the room and jumped on her bed. “Morning sleepy,” he shouted. Her head instantly vibrated, although she was glad it wasn’t an hour earlier when it would have felt like it was ready to come off! “Hey Edward,” she managed to say in a reasonably normal voice, “Are you ready for a day of fun?” Edward nodded, his face suddenly very serious. “Actually, I have it all planned out.” he said in his best grown up voice. Celine laughed, although she wasn’t that surprised. “Good!” she said firmly. “Whatever you want to do, that is what we are doing!”
Edward beamed from ear to ear. “We are building dens first, then racing cars and going on the trampoline...” The list continued, although Celine did have to inject a brief lunch break. She was going to need a serious energy boost today! Once Edward had finally finished his list she smiled at him. “You had better let me get up and freshen up then, I need to get my battle gear on!” Edward bounced out of her room singing to himself. Celine wasted no time in getting out of bed and starting to freshen up. She smiled as she realized that she was singing the same song that Edward had been.
Thirty-five minutes later she entered the kitchen. She was surprised to see Stacey there. “Oh!” she said, “I didn’t realize you had stayed over.” Stacey smiled. “I hear congratulations are in order.” Celine looked at her with a puzzled look. “How did you know? Did you see Peter this morning?” Stacey smile; it was a secretive smile. “If you like,” she said, shrugging. “Let’s see the ring then,” Stacey said, changing the subject. Celine automatically offered her hand, still processing Stacey’s comment. She didn’t notice Stacey’s grimace as she studied the ring.
“It’s nice. A little simple for my taste, but nice,” Stacey finally said. Celine looked at her. “Well, I think it’s just right for me,” she said, smiling softly. “I guess that’s what counts, after all. It is me that he is going to marry.” Stacey grinned at her. “Did you know this is not the first time he has proposed?” Celine looked puzzled for a second, “Well of course he has proposed before, he was married,” she snapped. Celine was starting to lose her patience now. Stacey laughed, clearly enjoying herself. It was made worse by the fact that Celine’s head wasn’t clear yet.
Stacey grinned, and her eyes glowed evilly as she said quietly, “He proposed to me once, but I turned him down.” She paused before adding, “Glad I did now, I would have expected a bigger rock than that.” Stacey moved to the coffee machine to get another latte. Celine couldn’t see the wicked grin spreading across her face.
Celine paused, caught completely off guard. “You mean, you and Peter were an item?” she asked, slowly. “He has never mentioned that.” Stacey turned and smiled. “Oh, we were never really an item; more just an as and when needed.” She paused, licking her lips as though remembering the past. “He has such a high sex drive he found it very hard when Mary was ill. I was happy to help him relieve the tension.” Celine froze. Peter had cheated on his wife with this woman and she was still in his life? “I don’t believe you; Peter is not that kind of guy!” She exclaimed. Stacey looked concerned. “Sorry Celine, I didn’t realize you didn’t know!” After a short pause she added, “I guess you know how high his sex drive is; even I have trouble keeping up. That’s why we tried the ménage á trois.” She waited another minute as Celine reeled in stunned silence, “Fortunately I should imagine that’s not an issue for you!”
Celine looked at Stacey, her face a frozen picture of disbelief. “I don’t believe you” she said flatly. “Peter is simply not like that.” Stacey nodded; “Absolutely; if that helps you to sleep at night.” She turned to head out of the room, leaving Celine alone with her thoughts. “Wait!” Celine said, “Are you telling the truth, did Peter really cheat on his wife with you, did he propose?” She gasped, almost choking as she asked “Has he had a threesome with you?” Stacey turned; her face displayed sympathy although inside she was gleeful. “It is all true,” she paused and moved across the room. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew. We had our latest encounter just a few weeks ago.” Again, she paused, giving the effect that the next bit was hard to say. “I have a film of the last encounter if you want to see it.” Her eyes met Celine’s and she grimaced, “I figured you guys would have an open relationship. Especially after the things he said last night when I helped him carry you in.” Celine opened her mouth to ask what Stacey and Peter had done during the night, but stopped herself. She knew she didn’t want to know.
“Thanks Stacey,” she said, turning and leaving the room so that she wouldn’t see her tears. Peter was clearly not the man she thought he was. Quickly she moved back to her bedroom and slid the ring off. Celine placed it on the side table, ready to write a note to leave him. At that moment Edward burst in; “Are you ready yet? He asked softly. Celine gasped, she had forgotten about him, and now
really didn’t feel like playing with him. But, she couldn’t bring herself to say no the hopeful little face in front of her. Five minutes later she was ready to build dens.
It was nearly eight thirty when she finally tucked Edward into bed. He sighed contentedly and wrapped his arms round her as she gave him a good night kiss. “You can marry my Daddy, I love you.” He said softly as his eyes started to close, worn out from the activities of the day. Celine barely managed to keep the tears from her eyes as she held him close. “If only I could,” she whispered softly. “I love him, but he is not the man I thought he was.” Sighing she left his room and walked through the house, thousands of thoughts poured through her mind. She wanted Peter to be there now, to tell her it was all lies. He would hold her and caress her and soothe all the pain away. But he wasn’t there. She sighed deeply and headed to her room. Suddenly life seemed empty and pointless. The aching chasm of her heart made her wish she had never met Peter; blissful ignorance was better than destroyed love. She sat at the edge of her bed and wrote the most difficult letter of her life. “Dear Peter. I thought I knew you but it turns out I was wrong. I know you have needs but we could have spoken and worked something out. I cannot and will not be another option in your search for a mother figure for Edward. As amazing as he is, he deserves better than you are offering.”
She sighed; it was too difficult to write anything else. A simple, “It’s over,” didn’t seem enough, but it was all she had, all that she could manage. She left the note with her ring, and found a number for Stacey. There was no way she could bring herself to speak to anyone at that moment in time. Instead she simply sent a message; “I can’t do this; please come and look after Edward for me tomorrow until Peter returns. Thank you.” She hesitated for a moment before pushing send. In her heart she knew it was the right thing to do; she just couldn’t offer Peter what he clearly needed.
Pathological Therapy Billionaire Bad Boy Box Set Page 5
