by Piper Stone
As I walked out of the door, I realized that a part of me believed what I’d spouted off.
God help me.
Chapter 8
Bristol
Lies.
I felt embroiled in them, the weight pushing me under the water. The fight to stay afloat was difficult, leaving me aching inside, my throat closing.
“I’m famished. Let’s grab a late lunch and a very tall glass of wine.” Ashley tugged my arm, dragging me across the street and into a bistro.
We’d shopped for over four hours, the whirlwind trip taking us to a half dozen stores. I had to give the lively girl credit. She knew her way around San Diego. At least I’d managed to select several rooms full of furniture, although I had to admit that at this point every fabric and detail was nothing but a blur in my mind. She’s also insisted I try on and purchase several pieces of clothing.
And lingerie.
I’d felt like such a hypocrite, but I’d gone along with the charade, trying to keep up the pretense as well as the banter. Now, exhausted, I had to admit I wasn’t that good of an actress after all. At least she hadn’t seemed to notice.
“This is perfect,” she said as she pulled me toward a table near the front window. “Now, we can search for hunky men.” Giggling, she flopped her shopping bags onto the floor then gasped. “I’m sorry. I guess you can’t ogle sexy men any longer. My brother would have a cow.”
Grinning, I eased the shopping bags next to hers and leaned over the table. “There is no harm in looking or fantasizing for that matter.”
Her laugh was genuine, her eyes sparkling in the bright sun streaming in through the window. I genuinely liked the girl. Her spunk reminded me of myself just a few years before. She immediately waved for a waiter and we ordered the wine that I had to admit I was looking forward to.
“Now, you need to tell me all the juicy details about how you two met. I mean the juicy parts. Not the watered down crap you were kind enough to tell at the godawful dinner last night.” When she rolled her eyes, it was all I could do to keep my laughter down to a minimum.
“Um, let’s just say that your brother refuses to take no for an answer.”
“That’s the way of the Powers men. They truly believe they’re all that and a bag of chips. I’m surprised you can tolerate him, although he does have a soft little underbelly that he refuses to allow anyone to see.” Her eyes opened wide. “And if you dare tell my brother I said that, I’m going to kill you.”
I pretended to zip my lips, already able to relax. “Not a single word.”
“Good. I like you a hell of a lot.”
“Well, I like you too.”
When the wine arrived, she took her time taking several sips then slid the glass away, folding her arms across the table. “Are you certain you want to get involved with this family?”
“Why do you say that?”
“Come on, Bristol. You’re one smart cookie. That’s easy to tell. My family is insufferable. Charity is a mess and Riley has always been treated like a second class citizen. I won’t tell you what I really think about Chase, other than he’s an insufferable asshole, more so now that he decided to end the only decent relationship he’s ever had.”
“The fiancée?”
She nodded. “Bridgett was so sweet and loving, the kindest person in the world. She put up with his sorry ass for months. Then he just texted her one day and poof, it was over.”
“Cold bastard.”
“That’s why he’s so angry you’re here. Believe it or not, our father really does want a grandchild. I know. It sounds nuts. It’s something about continuing the Powers family legacy. Old school stuff. Now, Houston is happy, getting married and he’s returned to the fold. Trust me. He’ll start pushing for grandchildren as soon as you’ve returned from your honeymoon. You are going on a honeymoon, right?”
I realized I’d been holding my breath. The ruse had far too many consequences. “I… I’m not certain. This really was so unexpected.” I must have seemed flustered by the look on her face.
She bit her lip, making a face. “I know. I talk too much. That’s always been my problem, but I do worry about you. I’m not certain love can conquer all evils.”
I thought about her statement, watching as she tried to portray such confidence. She could have been Houston’s twin, the same shade of sandy blonde hair, only hers was in curls spilling all the way down her back. Her large eyes seemed laced with innocence, but I could tell she was masking a good portion of her emotions. I would if I had a family like the Powers. “You know what? I do believe love and respect can conquer all in a relationship as long as there is communication and trust. Without all of those together, a couple doesn’t have the ability to form a bond of any kind, let alone a friendship. It’s so important to enjoy the little things in life, like holding hands or kissing in the moonlight.” I mused over what I was saying.
She took a deep breath.
“Even waking up on a Sunday morning when it’s raining outside and deciding that there’s no place to go. Watching old movies and listening to music while enjoying a glass of wine together or making dinner when there doesn’t seem to be anything in the house that’s edible. That’s what matters. Not money. Not power. Not large houses with beautiful views of the ocean. Just being together is all that matters.” Sighing, I reached for my wine, visions of Houston’s face crowding my thoughts. As if that kind of a man would ever enjoy the little things in life.
I had to be out of my mind.
“That’s wonderful, Bristol. I can see how much love is between the two of you. You’ve just given me something to dream about.”
Dream. I wanted to tell her that the reality was cold and bleak, but how could I burst her bubble?
Besides, I’d obviously sold her a bill of goods that would likely gather me points.
“I don’t know how you did it, but I think you’ve grounded him.”
“I’m not sure about that.”
“However…” she purred. “What about his dominating side?”
I bit my lip, purposely rolling my eyes in an exaggerated manner. “Well, there is that.”
We laughed together again, the conversation moving away from Houston.
Sadly, I couldn’t seem to get the man out of my mind.
Brutal.
Dangerous.
Nasty.
Sexy…
Houston.
The late lunch was amazing, allowing me to forget for a little while that I was nothing but a boosted Girl Friday, planning an arranged marriage with a man I knew little about. While Ashley had provided a few details about their past, I didn’t feel it was prudent to riddle her with questions.
As we walked out into the late afternoon sun, I realized a tiny part of me had missed him. I was also apprehensive about spending an entire evening with him alone.
“By the way, since I knew you guys didn’t have anything in the new house, I took the liberty of sending you a few things. They should be there by the time we return.” She squeezed my hand, once again pulling me in the direction of wherever she wanted to go.
“Do I want to ask where you’re taking me next? Shoe shopping?”
“Nothing like that. Just a last stop before I take you home.”
As she stopped in front of a store a full block long, I grimaced. A bridal shop. I’d tried to convince myself that I was prepared to go through with the ruse of marriage, but my entire body was trembling. The lie would mean we were married in name only, but the actual act would make it legal. While I didn’t know all the rules with regard to California, I certainly understood divorce took time.
“What’s wrong? You don’t have to purchase anything today, but you do need to narrow down some choices. My brother has absolutely zero patience. Come on. This is the finest location in town.”
“You set me up.”
Laughing, she winked before pulling on the brass handle. “Maybe a little. Just take a look. If you see something you like, try it on. Pr
ice is no object, remember.”
The thought of sliding into a white gown, one meant for lovers who couldn’t handle spending the rest of their lives without each other was debilitating.
“Can I help you, ladies?”
The store clerk was pleasant, making me cringe even more.
“My beautiful friend is marrying my brother, Houston Powers, of the Powers family? She’d love to look at a few dresses.” There was no doubt Ashley was throwing the influence card, which surprised me, the clerk’s response shocking me even more.
“Oh, my goodness. We have a guest of honor in our midst. Please allow me to show you some of our most gorgeous dresses. You’re a size eight. Correct?”
I nodded, unable to find my voice.
“I have a vision of you as a bride. Come with me.”
While I trailed behind dutifully, I was shaking to my core. How in God’s name was I going to be able to get through this? I didn’t love him. Surely someone would notice at the wedding if not before. There was no way I was that good of an actress.
The clerk was fastidious, pulling out five dresses within seconds. Every one of them was gorgeous, ornate with rhinestones and several feet of train. I felt sick to my stomach, the two glasses of wine threatening to force me to run into the bathroom. When the older woman held one of them in front of me, pushing me gently toward the three-way mirror, I couldn’t hide my feelings of disgust.
She frowned, darting a glance in Ashley’s direction. “You’re not a traditional bride. Are you?”
“Not even close. I can’t see myself in something so… frilly.” I chose my words carefully, realizing they’d likely get back to Houston.
“Then I think I have something that’s simply perfect for you.”
Perfect.
There was nothing perfect in this life, although I was shocked at the dress the clerk had presented. Sleek and beautiful, the simple design was exactly like the dress I would choose.
If I was getting married to the man of my dreams.
I did as a good girl would do. I tried it on.
As I stood in front of the mirror, all the thoughts about a perfect relationship I’d shared with Ashley swept into my mind. That wasn’t going to happen.
“That’s the one, Bristol.” Ashley squeezed my arms, her words of encouragement creating a wave of sadness.
“I think you’re right,” I managed.
“Excellent.” The store clerk clapped her hands. “I’ll set it aside for you, unless you’d like to finish the fitting today.”
“No, a later time. I just got into town.”
“Very well.”
As I headed for the dressing room, I realized I’d just sealed the deal, allowing the lie to continue.
For some reason, I envisioned my signature written in blood.
A cold chill trickled down my spine the second I got out of the passenger seat. The sun was slowly fading, yet still bright enough I continued to wear my sunglasses. Ashley continued to jabber as she started to remove packages from her car.
I couldn’t get the odd feeling out of my system. After removing my shades, I scanned the area surrounding the house. The tree-lined driveway was filled with tropical foliage, various flowering shrubs that had been well maintained. The house was far removed from any others, the privacy something I was certain Houston paid a pretty penny for.
Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. I’d noticed a car in the side mirror, swearing that it had been following us after we left the bridal shop. I wasn’t prone to succumbing to this kind of fear, but my instinct was never wrong.
There was someone hiding in the trees.
“I think we should get inside,” I half whispered.
Ashley followed my gaze, tugging the hair out of her face. “Do you see something?”
“I… Maybe just a deer.” I had no idea whether San Diego even had roaming deer in the city or anywhere else for that matter, but she took my statement at face value, chatting away as she grabbed packages out of the back of the car.
Whatever she’d ordered had been delivered, the oversized boxes piled on the expansive porch.
“What did you do?” I asked, trying to shove aside the prickles still trickling down my back.
“Just a little housewarming gift. Besides, I thought the both of you might need a romantic night after the shitshow last night.” She rolled her eyes and laughed as I unlocked the door. It took several trips before we got everything inside.
“It’s time I got out of your hair. I’m certain Houston will be home soon,” she half purred then pointed toward two of the boxes. “Make certain and open those first. They’ll need some special care.”
“You don’t want to stay? I did purchase some wine. I’m not certain we have any glasses but chugging out of the bottle I’ve done before.”
She grinned, shaking her head. “Nope. It’s your first night in a beautiful new home with the man of your dreams. I’m not going to spoil it, even though I’d love to be a fly on the wall.”
Home.
How many times had she used the word over the course of the day? As far as man of my dreams, Houston was more like the boogeyman in my worst nightmare. “Thank you for everything.”
Ashley squeezed my arm then backed away. “Just don’t allow either my father or Chase to get under your skin. That’s what drove Houston away.”
“How do you do it?”
“I have certain methods. You’ll find yours. Try and remember love conquers all. At least that’s what I’ve heard.” Giggling, she almost raced to the door as if Houston wouldn’t want her to be in his house upon his return.
After she closed the door, I rubbed my arms, moving toward the glorious set of French doors and throwing them open. The warm breeze did little to calm my nerves or the chill that continued to shift down the length of my body. I indulged for a few minutes, watching the ocean waves before remembering I needed to open the boxes.
What I found warmed my heart. Ashley was entirely different than everyone else in her family, a caring individual. I had no idea how she’d managed to remain so level-headed.
She’d provided an entire picnic of meats, cheeses, fruits and bread, seafood salad, and olives of three different types. There was a case of wine, bottles of liquor, and fresh squeezed orange juice. There was even a box of dishes and utensils along with the most gorgeous set of fine crystal I’d ever seen. She’d even purchased a coffeemaker and six different gourmet coffees along with cookies and the most expensive chocolates in the world. In the other boxes were items for the house from the softest pillows I’d ever squeezed to other decorative pillows, sheets, and an exquisite comforter in the richest shade of ruby red. And the number of candles she’d purchased had the capacity of burning down the house.
What made me laugh was the small stereo system she’d purchased so we’d be able to have music. The compact design had everything.
Ashley had spent a fortune on a hope and dream that didn’t really exist. I hated myself even more for partaking in the ruse.
After placing the grocery items in the kitchen and unpacking a portion of the wineglasses, I pulled out one of the bottles I’d purchased, a favorite that I’d rarely been allowed to buy. The fifty-dollar price tag was a big no-no. Now it seemed like little more than allowance money. How ridiculous.
I poured a hefty amount and found a soothing jazz station before returning to the deck, determined to relax.
As if that was going to happen.
What had already nagged at my respectable self was that I could see myself actually living in such a gorgeous house, making every room special. I was even able to envision a few of the rooms; splashes of vivid colors on accent walls, gorgeous pieces of art purchased at galleries, and beachy yet elegant furniture. And that’s exactly what I’d purchased with Houston’s money.
The visions were so dazzling and real that I had to remind myself I was only a guest for a short period of time.
Strings of col
ors dotted the sky as the afternoon gave way, the breeze remaining as well as the chill. The glass of wine had done little to calm my nerves, the innate feeling that tonight would be even more difficult. I’d suddenly never felt so alone in the world, drifting into a sea of unknown. I leaned over the railing, taking a deep breath of the salty sea.
There was nothing but pristine beach as far as the eye could see. There were no other houses or commercial buildings breaking up the spectacular view. The setting was as close to paradise as I’d ever seen. Sighing, I’d had just about as much serenity as I could tolerate. For whatever time alone I had left, I’d put away the rest of the things, pretending the next few days wouldn’t be difficult.
As I started to turn away, a slight scent wafted in my direction, the odor not made by nature. A cigar. I’d know the rich aroma anywhere. I’d always been drawn to a man smoking a cigar for some insane reason. However, it was out of place in the secluded area. Unable to see anything, I carefully walked down the flight of stairs, moving around the pool in order to see more of the shoreline. Houston didn’t seem like the type of man to smoke cigars. Besides, I hadn’t heard a car or been given any indication of his arrival.
I scanned both sides of the beach, including shifting my gaze to the few trees dotting one side of the property. The uncanny sensations had returned, the hair standing up on the back of my neck. There was nothing that I could see, but as before, I knew I was being watched. There was no doubt in my mind. Swallowing hard, I took a deep whiff, but there was no way of determining from which direction the trail of smoke was coming.
However, it was obvious that Houston had left out some crucial details about the contract. After another two minutes of searching, I slowly turned around. Another series of sensations coursed through me, only this time they were entirely electric in nature. I didn’t need to glance at the upper deck to know he was there. Houston. My soon to be husband.
