Then & Now (35 page)

Then as her luck would have it Colin ended his call and turned to face her.

“Did you have fun on your vacation?” He asked as he brought his full attention on her.

“Oh, yes.” 
If you call plotting evil plans conspiring against unsuspecting husbands fun, then yeah we had loads of fun!
Running her fingers over the leather bindings, she kept her eyes on the novels in her lap.

“So,” He started. “I was—”

“I’m not in the mood.”  She interrupted with a wince. Realizing she jumped the gun she bit down on her bottom lip and turned back to the window.

“Not in the mood for what? Might I ask?”

She couldn’t miss the humor in his voice.  Turning to face him she watched the corner of his lips turn upwards. “For talking.” Her voice shook slightly causing her to clear her throat and try again. “I’m really tired. Can we talk later?”

He nodded once but didn’t take his eyes off of her.

Smiling softly, Ella brought her gaze back to the books. This was a reckless plan, though blaming Amy for it would’ve been a copout. She did this for her own selfish reasons and now she feared the whole thing was going to blow-up in her face.  

As the limo began to slow, her eyes focused on the large rod-iron gate
that stood wide and tall. She watched as the gate opened to a tree lined road.  Matt’s voice crept into her thoughts as the car made its way to Amy’s large home.

“Ridiculous.” He had scoffed the first time they had ever visited Amy and Colin’s house.
“Absolutely, ridiculous.  I mean look at it.  There is no reason to have such a massive home when it’s only the two of them.  He’s just showing off.”

Ella laughed at the memory. His hypercritical remark did nothing to cool her admiration towards the beautiful structure. Though she had only been to Amy’s house a handful of times since, she still had the same reaction every time; complete and utter ah. T
he three story mansion was a masterpiece.  A total work of art with its massive columns that seemed to reach right to the sky. She loved the amazingly wide windows that bowed at the corners.  To some, this house could easily be mistaken for a castle.

Getting out of the car she stood there for a moment just staring at the beautiful structure
.

“
E' qualcosa di sbagliato, il mio angelo
?” 
Is something wrong, my angel?
Colin’s warm voice washed over her, as she realized that she was indeed gaping at what was supposed to be
their
home.

Snapping to attention, Ella turned to face him.  “I’m sorry.  It’s just been a long flight.”

His eyes darkened, but he said nothing.  He stood still as the driver unloaded the luggage. Snow lightly began to fall down around them while they stood there saying nothing.

Just when she thought she had blown it and that he was going to call her out, he smiled. “
Avrò Abby vi porterà un po 'di cena. Ho alcuni dettagli dell'ultimo minuto per sbrigare, quindi dubito che sarete in grado di unirsi a te
.”
I will have Abby bring you some dinner.  I have some last minute details to attend to, so I doubt I’ll be able to join you
.

“Oh, that’s alright. I’ll probably call it an early night.”  She said trying to sound like her sister.

Without warning Colin covered her mouth with his.  Ella thought she was going to crumble to the ground. This moment had played over and over in her fantasies for so long she couldn’t believe it was actually happening.  Only his kiss so much better then she had ever imagined. Closing her eyes she tried not to think of his soft lips or his wonderful sent. She tried to remind herself that he was kissing his wife not her.

Keeping it together she schooled her features while he stepped back. She watched him carefully as he gave her a once over before leaving.  God
, help her! She was in so much trouble. If he could make her heart race just from one stupid little kiss...She couldn’t allow it to happen again.

Letting out a calming breath Ella stared straight ahead as she entered through the double, red-oak front doors. She let up a silent prayer that she could make it through the rest of the night without giving herself away.

Luckily she was able to find the master bedroom without getting too turned around. Ignoring the king sized bed that seemed to mock her from the center of the room Ella prayed Amy hadn’t lied to her about her and Colin not sleeping together in months. According to her sister Colin had been so preoccupied with the exhibit he had spent most of his nights in his study.

Hoping that he would do the same tonight she made her way into the enormous master bathroom.  Gray marble engulfed the entire room, from floor to ceiling.  Sliver fixtures and black linens gave for some contrast against the rooms appeal.  Walking over to the sink, she ran her fingers over a sliver tray.  Bath essentials, which appeared to be new, were displayed neatly on top of the shinny tray.  Ella picked up one of the violet colored bottles.  Easing off the cap she inhaled the lavender sent.  Amy wasn’t kidding, she was pampered.

Maybe if she took a quick shower, grabbed something to eat, and then climbed into bed she could avoid seeing Colin again that night.  She
quickly removed her closes. Hoping Colin didn’t decide to come in at any given moment, she kicked the heap of discarded clothes into the corner.

C
limbing under the warm spray of water Ella tried not to notice how large the shower was. The high school gym had smaller showers then her sister’s. There was plenty of room for more than one person. Thinking of Colin and her sister in the same shower together had her finishing her shower quicker then she had originally planned.

Ella grabbed a fluffy pink robe that had Amy’s name stitched elegantly along the collar and hurried into the bedroom. She stopped short when
noticed that the bed had been turned down, and tray full of food was waiting for her. Amy wasn’t pampered she downright spoiled.

After she found something suitable to wear she finished off the wonderful pot-roast and creamy potatoes.
She set the tray aside and then gently lowered her tired body onto welcoming mattress.  As she threw the covers over her, she found herself wondering if she should call her sister in the morning and call the whole thing off.  She shouldn’t be doing this to Colin or Matt.   

Allowing the soft blankets and the incredibly comfortable mattress to cradle around her perfectly she let out a soft sigh. The bed felt as if it had been made out of clouds; warm puffy clouds.  Hum, maybe she should just take the night to think it over.  After all she wasn’t in that big of a hurry to get back to an old mattress that she had to fight two dogs, and a bed-hog husband for.

No, she will at least take tonight. It won’t hurt anyone.

Amy rubbed her neck with both hands as she sat over her terrible cup of coffee.  Last night had to be the worst night’s sleep she had ever endured.  Two full grown labs, a large man who needed most of the bed, and her all on a worn-out queen? Ella must be insane. 

“Are you cooking breakfast or what?”  Matt asked as he came stomping down the stairs with both dogs at his heels.

Rolling her eyes, Amy tried to straighten her back.  “Give me a minute.  I think my back has knotted up.”

“Yeah, well I’m hungry.”  He grumbled as he yanked the refrigerator door open.

Turning towards him, she heard her back pop. “Oh, that’s better.”  She sighed as she twisted the other way.

“Good.  Now I want eggs.”  Matt demanded.
“With cheese, peppers and onions.”

As he put in his order, Amy sat back in the chair watching him.  When he realized she hadn’t moved from her spot he told her to hurry up, then picked up the pot of coffee and gave it a smell. 

Taking a deep breath, Amy folded her arms and leveled her eyes on him. “No. I will not make you eggs, with cheese, peppers and onions.”

He set his coffee mug down slowly. “Excuse me?”

“You’re excused.”  She permitted without taking her eyes off of him. “But next time you decide to talk to me like that, I’ll serve your eggs where the sun don’t shine.”

He said nothing, just stood there staring back at her.

“Now, ask me nicely.” Keeping her eyes trained right on his, she knew he was at a loss for words. “Do you want breakfast or not?”  When he nodded she repeated slowly. “Ask me nicely.”

“Will you please make me some eggs?”  He asked with an unsure expression on his face.

Jumping to her feet, Amy grabbed her mug and headed for the kitchen. “I’ll be happy to.”

“Thank…you.”  Matt expressed his gratitude slowly as he went to the dining area. He glanced back at her with a questioning lift of his eyebrow but said nothing.

Once he finished his omelet, Amy found herself smiling at the satisfaction on his face.  She had taken several cooking class over the last two years trying to keep herself busy.  Unfortunately, she never had anyone to cook for until now.  “Did you like it?”

“Yeah, it was really good.”  He nodded as he wiped his mouth on a napkin.  “Why don’t you cook like this more often?”

So he was back to being a dick. Letting out a noisy breath she took his plate.  “Why aren’t you more grateful for what you have?”  She knew Ella was naturally a wonderful cook. It came from years of cooking with their grandmother. So she didn’t understand what Matt’s problem was.      

“You never give me reason to be.”  He stated bluntly.

“Oh, really?”  Anger began to creep up her spine.  She needed to be careful though.  Ella wasn’t very good with confrontations, and Amy knew with her own temper she could slip up on this.

“Before you left for
Hawaii
,” He sneered out the word as if it had left a nasty taste in his mouth.  “you said that I complain too much. The reason is because you don’t do anything right.” Matt groundout each word expecting Ella to cave.

But, she wasn’t Ella.  Dropping her gaze to the plate in front of her, Amy began slowly. “Did you know that I wanted to be an art dealer?”

“What?” He asked tipping his head slightly.

She looked right at him while she put the plate back down on the table.
“An art dealer. Maybe even a curator in Greece.  I have a way of seeing art in the way the artist truly expressed it.  Not to mention how much I love the history behind each piece of art I studied.”  She laughed at his confused reaction.  Yeah, she didn’t think he knew about any of that.

Leaning forward she eyed him carefully. “I wanted to travel the world, Matt.”  She watched him sit back without saying a word. Keeping her eyes on him she continued. “Then you came into the picture and everything changed.”

Literally. Ella had given up everything when Amy had enounced her engagement to Colin.  Amy had always wondered if Ella had just went after the next best thing, or if she did have some feelings for Matt and decided it was all she would ever get.  Either way Amy doubted it was real love.

“Well, I’m sorry you gave up
everything
for me.”  Matt’s condescending remark nearly put Amy over the edge.

Standing from the table, Amy glared down at him. “So am I.  To think I gave up my dream for a man who doesn’t even appreciate me.”  She gave a short laugh. “I know you were in love with me when we met. To think you messed all that up.  It’s sad really.”

She turned away from him heading for the front door.  “Clean up your plate. Because I won’t do it.”  With that she was out the door and in Ella’s crappy car.

Ella was so comfortable she didn’t want to get up. She hadn’t slept that hard or that late in a long time. For the first time in years, there was no one to wait on, no dogs begging to be fed.
She could stay in bed all day if she wanted to.  There was a huge T.V. at the foot of the bed, and apparently meals were brought to her. If she wasn’t careful this was a life she could get used to.

Taking a deep breath Ella went to roll onto her back, when she immediately realized the very strong male arm holding her to a very bare chest.  Her eyes flipped open when she felt his warm breath on her neck. A chiming noise coming from the nightstand next to her caused Colin to moan and pull her tighter against him.

Oh, God!
Now what? For starters she needed to get out of bed, because lying there and loving every minute of it was not an option.  Although, the feel of his tone arm holding her to him was everything she thought it would be.  

Another chiming noise had him sitting up and reaching over her to grab his cell.  With a sharp hello, Colin became all business as he climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom.  Ella couldn’t help but peek at the way his pajama pants hugged his nicely shaped bottom
as he made his way past her.

As soon as Colin closed the bathroom door
Ella slipped out of bed, than quickly padded over to the cherry-wood dresser.  She needed to get dressed and figure out what to do next. It was just her luck that the one night he would decide to sleep in bed and not in his den was the same night she was pretending to be his wife.

Finding nothing but e
xtremely dainty, expensive looking panties and bras in the deep dresser drawer, she grabbed a light blue bra with matching panties then made her way over to the large walk-in closet. Once she flipped on the light, amazement filled her at the sight of all the cloths.  There had to be enough outfits in there to assemble a small clothing store.