I look across at my sister and shrug. “We don’t.”
“No, but we do have this sort of telepathic understanding of each other. Like I always call when Avery needs a friend, and she always calls when I’m missing family. It’s like we know the other one is hurting even without knowing why.”
I nod. “That’s true. The day she invited me to London, I was getting drunk on my couch and feeling so bitter I didn’t know how to move forward.”
“Yeah, I woke up that morning, and Avery was on my mind all day. I waited for morning in L.A. and called straight away.”
“Thank god.” I smile, after taking a bite of salad. “It was exactly what I needed.”
“Apparently it was exactly what I needed too,” Ellis remarks, gazing into my eyes, before turning to my sister. “Thank you for bringing her into my life.”
Annabelle smiles and reaches out to squeeze his hand. “You’re welcome. I couldn’t be any happier that she’s here and that the two of you are working well together. All we want for both of you is happiness.”
Ellis returns his gaze to me. “You’ve succeeded in helping me find it. Both of you.”
I want to kiss him. Right here. Right now. I want to throw him down on the floor and kiss those beautiful lips until mine are chapped and sore.
“Avery?”
Annabelle’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I reluctantly tear my eyes from Ellis.
“Yes?”
“I asked if you were happy.”
Glancing back at Ellis briefly, I smile before looking back at my sister. “Absolutely.”
“Good. Then maybe you’ll stay here forever.”
“I don’t have any plans to leave.”
Under the table, Ellis gently squeezes my thigh. “I wouldn’t let you.” He smiles, only slightly tempering the sexual undertone of his delivery. “We still have work to do.”
“Yes, we do.”
As I return my attention to dinner, my eyes meet Annabelle’s who smiles knowingly. I wouldn’t leave Ellis for the scandal of the century.
◆◆◆
After dinner, the four of us gather in the kitchen to wash the dishes and clean up. David and Ellis take their place at the sink, washing and handing the wet plates to me and Annabelle, as we dry and put them in the cupboards. It’s comfortable between us with the men talking about work, and Annabelle telling me about the latest exhibit at the museum.
“So…” Annabelle whispers, stepping closer to me. “Ellis was giving you some pretty steamy looks at dinner.”
“Was he?”
She laughs. “Oh please. You noticed.”
“As previously discussed, chicken before eggs.”
“You’re one tough woman. I’m impressed with both of you, to be honest. It must be difficult ignoring the attraction.”
“It is.” I glance over to see Ellis smiling at me as he hands me a teacup. He winks as I take it and he returns his attention back to David. “Very difficult.”
“Just imagine how awesome it’s gonna be when you finally give in. It’ll be like the 4th of July. Hot monkey sex and fireworks.”
I laugh catching the attention of the men before quieting myself. “You crack me up.”
“Did he see your gown yet for the awards ceremony?”
“No.”
“Hmm, well, he’s gonna implode when he does. I’ll be very surprised if the two of you survive three days in one of the most romantic cities in the world without crossing the line.”
So will I. “We’re dedicated to our—”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ve heard it. We’ll just see how long that dedication holds up. How will you know when it’s over? The professional part?”
“I don’t know, but I know it’s not now.”
“Fair.” She puts the plate she’s holding in the cupboard then pats my shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. You both will know when the time is right.”
“I believe that.”
We finish the dishes then Ellis and I say our goodbyes.
“Don’t forget to get me something awesome,” Annabelle says.
“I won’t.”
“And pictures.” She hugs me. “Lots of pictures.”
“You got it.” I step back, wrapping my scarf around my neck.
She leans close so that only I can hear her. “And eggs.”
“Stop it.”
She giggles. “Have a blast.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her cheek then hug David. “See you soon.”
Ellis and I walk out together and I wait a moment while he opens the passenger door for me, then joins me on the driver’s side. He’s silent as he starts the car and puts it in gear, pulling out of the driveway.
“Dinner was nice,” he says, softly, a few minutes later.
“Definitely.”
“I do enjoy their company so. Your presence has only added to a positive experience.”
“Thank you.”
As he drives, he glances at me, but there’s no more talking until we arrive back at home and are standing at my door.
“Well, goodnight, Avery.”
“Night.”
He starts to walk away, but pauses. “Avery?”
“Yes?”
Approaching me again, he stops with only inches between us.
“Did you mean what you said at dinner? Are you happy? Will you stay here for a very long time?”
“Yes to all.”
He nods as a slow smile graces his face. “Good. Very good.” Moving closer, he bends forward as if to kiss me, but instead cups my cheek. “Have I crossed the line yet?”
I glance down at the barely perceptible space between us. “No.”
His eyes search mine for what seems like years before he speaks again. “There cannot possibly be a more beautiful woman in this world than you.”
“But I have an identical twin.”
“In features, perhaps, but her eyes don’t look at me the way yours do.” Leaning forward, he presses his chest against mine and bends down, kissing my forehead as he does. “Sleep well, love.”
Exhaling softly, I nod, as he moves away. “You too, Ellis.” I watch him walk away, wishing I could just invite him in, peel off all those designer clothes, and crawl in that gorgeous bed with him. I want him so badly, but I have to complete my mission first. I have to clear his name. I have to figure out how to make sure it’s done. Just as he disappears inside his apartment, he smiles.
I have to.
Chapter 25 Ellis
When Friday morning finally arrives, I can barely fight back the anticipation coursing through me. I should be looking forward to the award ceremony, but all I can think about is being alone with Avery. I’ve been half awake all night waiting for morning. Glancing at my watch, I smile. I can go get her now.
I exit my flat and walk the few steps to hers, setting down my luggage before rapping softly on her door. A moment later, the door swings open and I’m greeted with a fresh faced Avery. Her hair is piled high on her head and she’s wearing a baggy cream sweater, skin tight jeans, and brown knee high boots. She flashes her glorious smile at me.
“Morning, Ellis.”
“Same to you. Are you ready?”
“Yep.” She turns, pulling her rolling suitcase towards her, picking up a tote bag, and then grabbing her coat from the couch. “I’ll put makeup on when we get closer to Paris.”
“Or don’t. Your face is quite exquisite without adornment.”
Her shoulders drop as she tilts her head. “I’m pretty sure I asked you to stop being a sexy beast.”
I chuckle. “How is complimenting you being a sexy beast?”
“It’s the way you do it. Trust me.”
I take her suitcase from her. “I cannot help myself.”
“I know.” We step into the foyer as she shuts and locks the door. “You aren’t even trying.”
“Just like you think you’re undone, but I think your beauty shines through regardless of how you dress it up or down.
You aren’t trying to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but yet you are.”
She shakes her head softly. “Don’t we have a plane to catch?”
“Indeed we do.”
I lead her down to the lobby and out to where the car is waiting for us, handing off our luggage to the driver as we both climb into the backseat.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something?”
Avery looks over at me. “Sure.”
“What’s your favorite part of London so far?”
“There are so many things. I like how the cars are backwards from how they are in America. I love the accents and the quirky slang. I like how diverse and historical the city is. I like the architecture, and I’ve even come to like the weather. I love that I can see my sister any time I want. There are so many things,” she repeats.
“But what’s your favorite?”
She glances out the window for a moment before looking back at me. “You.”
“Me?”
She nods. “Yeah. You gave me purpose again, taking a chance on me. You helped me see that I’m still good at what I do. Working with you has been great.”
I smile as my heart sinks slightly. I had hoped she meant that differently than she did. She takes my hand in hers as the driver joins us and starts the drive to the airport.
“Also,” she continues, but there’s an extended pause as she looks down at our entwined hands. “Also, you’ve shown me that men can be honorable and want to spend time with me beyond the sexual. You’ve been a friend to me, and… well, I’ve come to care about you a great deal.”
“Likewise.”
I’m certain that caring about her doesn’t quite capture everything I feel for her, but that’s a good enough place for now. We arrive at the airport and drive to the terminal where the company jet is kept. I stretch my neck back and forth knowing we’ll be in Paris in time for a late breakfast, a bit of sightseeing perhaps, then a rest before the cocktail hour this evening.
Avery watches our journey outside the window, then looks back at me when she sees the private jet with Equis painted on the side.
“You have your own plane?”
“The company owns a jet, yes. It isn’t mine personally.”
“How is that different?”
“I don’t own Equis, Avery. I simply run it. The jet is owned by the board, but it is mine to use as I see fit.”
“Wow. I’m impressed.”
“With all your celebrity clients, you’ve never been on a private jet before?”
“I have, several times. That’s not why I’m impressed.”
“Then tell me why.”
“I expect luxury like this from pop stars and actors and professional athletes. It’s just an accessory of the life they lead, but I don’t expect it from regular people.”
“You think I’m regular?” I grin, running my finger under her chin. “I always thought I was a bit above average.”
Avery laughs. “I don’t mean regular as in ordinary. There’s definitely nothing ordinary about you. I just mean a person who had to work his way up. It didn’t fall in your lap, you had to go and get it, and I imagine you appreciate it.”
“Celebrities don’t work for it?”
She nods. “No, they do, but the life they lead, sometimes they forget what it was like before. They lose their humility and sense of gratitude for things. They think it will last forever, but it doesn’t always.”
“No, it doesn’t always. I’ll be honest. A few years ago, I considered buying some very expensive, but fleeting purchases. Things like helicopters and islands.” She nods, smiling. “But then I thought about it and decided I’d rather spend more wisely and ensure that until I die, I will never have to worry about money nor will anyone I love. So I invested in real estate instead, and even then I was judicious about it. Certainly I enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, but I live far beneath my means.”
“Smart. I only just started making decent money a couple of years ago. It’s still new to me to have it so I spent it as fast as it came in.”
“Will you have your things shipped here now that you plan to stay?”
“I don’t have things. My former roommate caused a fire and I lost all my stuff. I was running out of money fast just before I got here.” She shrugs as a frown settles over her pretty face. “Just goes to show you, jobs, things, money, nothing lasts forever.”
“Some things do.”
“Like?”
“What I learned from watching my parents is that, when it’s right, when it’s pure, love is ever constant. It will never fail you. Although I have not experienced it myself, I do believe in that.”
She nods. “Yeah, I think Annabelle and David have that.”
“Yes, he loves your sister so deeply that I have at times been jealous of them. I have, at times, hoped for it, but…” The car comes to a stop in front of the jet. “Another time.”
“No.” She puts her hand on my arm. “Tell me.”
“I am different than my parents. Different than David. I don’t know if I can open myself up enough for love.” I smile. “I have hope though that when it’s right, when it’s pure, love will come to me, and I will know what to do.”
“You will. You have a big heart. You’ll know what to do.”
My door opens breaking me from this moment. She believes in me, not just in our professional dealings, but in me as a man. I’m positive I could be the man she needs when the time is right. Love? I’m not sure, but I’m willing to find out.
A few minutes later, we settle into our seats on the jet, preparing for the one-hour flight to Paris. After we’re in the air, we’re served our tea, and I grin at her as she sips it.
“What?” she asks.
“You like tea now?”
“I’m getting used to it.”
“It barely took a fortnight to bring you round to my way.”
She tilts her head. “What the hell is a fortnight?”
I laugh, throwing my head back. “Oh, Avery, you are delightful.”
“No, seriously, what is it?”
Still laughing, I shake my head. “A fortnight is two weeks.”
“Why don’t you just say two weeks then?”
“Because, darling, we are English.”
She laughs softly. “Yeah, you are. Besides, fortnight is sexy.”
“Sexy? How so?”
“All your quirky words are. Whilst, fortnight, quid. I love how expressive your terms can be. Gutted, dodgy, brilliant. As much I hate to admit it, I like your version better than mine. British English is ace.”
I lift my teacup to her as she clinks hers against mine. “Cheers to your conversion.”
She laughs. “Arrogant.”
“Humbled only by you.”
She smiles, sipping her tea. These next three days are either going to be the shortest or the longest of my life.
◆◆◆
Barely an hour later, we land in Paris and debark from the jet. Our driver handles our luggage as we settle into the limo. I cannot wait for her to see the hotel. I hope she likes it as much as I do.
“I’m excited for you to see the hotel we’ll be staying at. It is quintessentially Parisian.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it. I think I would like anything here.”
“I wanted you to have a magical experience here since you were so excited.”
“That’s thoughtful.”
“I can be.”
She smiles. “Always.”
“For you and my friends.”
“And Eleanor.”
“Ah yes, the queen. Remind me to pick up some madeleines from Le Grenier à Pain or I won’t be able to show my face.”
“Got it.” She smiles. “Your pronunciation is amazing.”
“Thank you or should I say merci beaucoup.”
“You can say anything you want in either language you speak.”
There are many things I would like to say to her right now, but I refrain and instead ch
oose to watch a childlike awe overcome her as she takes in the sights of Paris. She grips the edge of the door, craning her head to see to the tops of the buildings we pass.
“God, it’s beautiful,” she murmurs. “So beautiful. It’s just as I imagined it, except better.” She looks back at me. “It’s surreal, like London was at first.”
Even though a cold, misty rain falls and thick clouds cover the sky, I smile in full agreement. “It is beautiful.” She smiles at me, nodding her head, and I find it compelling how the clouds suit her. They make the blue of her eyes as deep in color as any ocean, the tone of her skin as silky as any cream, the color of her hair as rich as any chocolate. Paris should be jealous of Avery’s beauty.
“When can we go see the Eiffel Tower?” she asks, still staring out of the window.
“As soon as you’d like. We can drop our things at the hotel, and pop out for a late breakfast. We’ll see anything you wish.”
“Tomorrow can we go to the Louvre?”
“Of course.”
Her smile fills her face. “I can’t believe I’m here. I’m in freaking Paris.”
I chuckle softly. “Yes, you are.”
A short time later, we pull into the hotel lot and Avery’s mouth drops open. “Seriously, Ellis?”
“What?”
“I get to stay here?”
“You do.”
“It’s perfect. It’s so Paris, just like you said.”
“Wait until you see the inside.”
“I can’t wait.”
We exit the car and enter the lobby of the hotel where Avery stops just taking it all in. It’s like watching a small child see Christmas lights for the first time. I check us in whilst Avery just walks around, joining her once I have the keys.
“Ready to go up?”
“Yeah.”
We ride up the lift to the sixth floor. “We’ll have a lovely view of the city. I believe from your room you’ll be able to see the Eiffel.”
“Ooh, really?” Her face lights up. “I’m sorry I’m being so, American tourist in Paris, but I’ve always wanted to come here. This is a dream.”
“You have no idea how much it thrills me that I could be part of it.”
She nods as the lift doors open. We walk down the hall to her room, and I see mine is not close to her at all. Perhaps, an unforeseen blessing. Avery opens her door and steps into the space, turns back to me, and then looks around again.
Mind the Line Page 22
