Let's pretend, chapter 15
Elise Collins P.O.V
I woke up to the smell of coffee filling the room. I stretched before rubbing my eyes and sitting up lightly I smiled when I noticed I was in the living room. We didn't make it to the bedroom last night and fell asleep on the couch. I looked around for my clothes and spotted them by the door but his t-shirt was right next to me. Getting up I pulled down his t shirt and went to the kitchen smiling as I saw him cooking bacon by the stove wearing only his boxers. I made my way to him and wrapped my arms around his waist breathing him in as I rested my face on his bare back feeling his muscles move under my cheek.
"Good morning handsome"
"Good morning beautiful" he chuckled turning off the stove before he turned around and wrapped his arms around me. He leaned down and pecked my lips. "You took forever to wake up so I made us both breakfast, I have about ten minutes before I need to leave."
"Why are you in a hurry?"
"Because I need to go home; take a shower and get ready for the office. Plus, I have a meeting with a very hot designer, so I need to look my best don't you think?"
I blushed burying my face in the crook of his neck "You would look hot in anything"
Zachary chuckled cupping my face making me look into his eyes "You've never been shy around me. What is this about?" he smirked
"I'm not shy" I murmured before making my way to the kitchen bar where he had already set the table "Come eat before it gets cold"
Our breakfast was filled with jokes, and old stories from our childhood, a little bit of flirtation. Time passed without us even noticing and instead of staying only for ten minutes, Zachary stayed an hour before he rushed out to his house. I took a hot shower a smile plastered on my face and not leaving it for a second. I had just gotten out of the bathroom when I heard my phone go off. I rushed to get it and saw an unknown number.
I picked up raising an eyebrow "Hello?"
"Good morning Elise, it's Ella, Ella Walton"
"Oh, hi Mrs. Walton"
"Don't be silly, just call me Ella. We went over this already"
I smiled imagining her grounding face. "How are you Ella?"
"I'm Ecstatic. I just saw the pictures of you and Zachary on E news, they are lovely. You both look adorable in matching outfits. I'm so happy you two are getting along so well"
I could hear the excitement in her voice as I looked for my tablet to see what the fuss was about. I saw pictures of Zachary and I walking hand in hand in the street, and another of us going into the coffee shop. The last one was us inside the coffee shop both smiling. That last picture would look like we were in love to anyone who didn't really know us. But it made me smile, we did look good together in matching colors.
"Elise?"
"Yes Ella, I'm sorry I was checking the pictures"
"Beautiful pictures aren't they?"
"Yes they are. Thank you Ella"
"Anyway, I called to check on you. Zackary said you were ill Friday, and couldn't make it to the gala"
"Oh yes I think I ate something that upset my stomach. But I'm feeling better thank you"
"That's great news. Do you think you could squeeze us in your schedule? Let's say tomorrow night?"
"I'll have to check with Zachary first Ella"
"Okay dear, I hope you can come over for dinner to make up for the gala"
I bit my lip keeping a sigh in "I'll let you know what he decides"
After hanging up, I sat on my bed staring at the pictures. The headlines said 'Zachary Walton wearing matching clothes? That must say something'. I laughed at how stupid that sounded. I put it away and started getting ready for my meeting with Zachary. Soon I found myself walking to his office area and heading to his new assistant table. Her eyes went wide when she saw me and it seemed as if she was studying me looking me up and down. I cleared my throat and put a smile on.
"Good morning, I'm here to see Mr. Walton, he said I could come anytime I want."
She nodded and picked up her phone dialing his office line "Miss Elise Collins is here to see you. Ok sir". She hung up and looked up at me "He's waiting for you".
"Thank you" I knocked on his door and walked in my tight grey pencil skirt and white button up shirt with my tablet in hand looking all business. "Hi" I smiled setting my purse on the chair before sitting down.
"Hi" he smiled back and took out a folder from his drawer handing it to me. "What would you like to drink?"
"Coffee please" he phoned his assistant asking her for coffee as I looked through the project details. We spent a couple hours discussing the project, and me studying the plans I had in hands already getting a few ideas on how to decorate his hotel. When we went through everything he wanted in his new hotel line, I took notes before standing up. I was surprised at myself for taking it so seriously and not getting distracted by his handsome face and sexy smile.
"Alright, I think that's all for today. We can meet up on Friday if you want for a first draft of the designs"
"I know it will take up most of your time but we're on a tight schedule. And I'd be grateful if you really come through on Friday."
"I will, don't worry" I smiled and extended my hand to shake his. He looked at it for a few seconds before shaking his head and pulling me to him leaning closer and closer until his nose touched mine and I could feel his breath fanning my lips.
"You didn't really think I was going to let you go with a handshake did you?"
I smiled and closed the remaining distance crushing my lips on his and kissing him gently and slowly loving the feeling of his warm lips against mine. I pulled away before he could turn it into a heated kiss. I smiled caressing his face running my fingers through his stubble.
"We're invited tomorrow night for dinner"
"Is that so? Where?"
"Your mom called. Someone took pictures of us yesterday and they were published on E news, your mother saw them and was so happy she called me to invite us tomorrow night. I said I'll see if you're free and let her know"
"You don't have to do this. I know you said you didn't want to pretend anymore, I wouldn't make you go"
"I don't mind going" I surprised us both by saying that and cleared my throat "I mean, I don't mind going with you. It would please your mom anyway"
He smiled and nodded "Alright, than you can call her and let her know we're coming. And thank you Elise, really. She hasn't brought up Ashley or anyone else since the day I told her we were together"
"I'm glad I could help" I felt my phone vibrate in my purse and took it out and gasped when I saw Asher's name. I frowned "Excuse me, I'll see you tomorrow" I smiled and ran out of his office before answering.
"Hello?"
"Hey sis! How are you? It's been so long. Hasn't it?"
"What do you want Asher?"
"I heard you were looking for a job. Dad's empire could always use you if you're interested"
"Ha! Right! So you could sell me to your clients. Thanks but no thanks Asher, plus I already have a job thank you very much" I hang up breathing hard. The nerves he had asking me to come work for him after everything he put me through. The elevator was about to close when Zachary walked in.
"Are you ok? You just ran?"
I shrugged trying to hide the fact I was fuming and hoping he didn't hear a thing. "I'm okay just a weird phone call"
"Asher? You said you two didn't get along much"
"Yeah, we don't. He's an ass I ignore as much as possible" I sighed and gave him a reassuring smile "Why are you going down with me?"
"I'm not. I was worried when you left like that and followed you to make sure you're okay. And then I heard you..."
As if on cue, the doors opened and I walked out "What did you hear?"
"Something about..." he ran a hand through his hair and I knew he heard it.
"Selling me to his clients". I whispered and shook my head "Look, I got to go, I'll see you tomorrow night. Come pick me up by 7" I smiled and left before he could say anything else.
I walked to my car and drove out of the parking lot while dialing Arias phone.
"Hey girl! What's up?"
"Asher called" as I thought she went on a silent mode "He wants me to work for him"
"That fucking bastard! I could castrate him right now!"
I laughed heartedly "Calm down. I'm fine don't worry. When are you coming back?"
"I'll be home in two days"
"Okay I'll see you then."
I went to the mall to forget about my brother and nothing could help me but shopping. And Zachary's face maybe, his lips... I groaned shaking my head. I had fallen hard for him and it was disturbing knowing it was probably just sex for him. But it wasn't for me, it was more. I had developed feelings for him and all I thought about was him which was very disturbing. I went to a lingerie shop just out of curiosity and looked through the fine lacy gowns. They were very sexy and tempting. I finally decided to buy a black short lace dress with matching underwear. I bought more make up and more clothes just to feel better. Spending money like that always helped me forget. I was heading to the food court to grab something to eat when I spotted veronica and Serena eating and laughing at something.
I went over and smiled feeling bad for hating her for so long. "Hi girls, how are you?"
"Elise!" Serena jumped up and hugged me tightly which made me giggle "Hii Veronica"
"Hi Elise" she got up and pecked my cheek "Want to join us for lunch?"
"Sure, that would be great" I set my bags on the floor and ordered my plate "It's odd but it's good to see you Veronica"
She laughed shaking her head "You must have hated me for years thinking I was dating a man while being married"
"Don't put the blame on me" I smiled apologetically and she nodded with a smile.
We spent the rest of the afternoon together and planned another lunch date before she leaves. I headed home afterward and started working on Zachary's hotel right away. I was still a bit bothered by Asher's call and had left my phone in my bag all day just in case he called again. It was past midnight when I decided to go to bed. After setting everything in place in my study I decided to head upstairs and get some sleep but was stopped by the door bell and heavy pounding on the door. I frowned walking slowly to the door. It must be someone I knew or security wouldn't let them through. I turned the front door camera on to see a very worried Zachary. I sighed and opened the door.
"You're safe!"
"What? Zachary Walton what's going on exactly? It's nearly one in the morning what are you doing here?" I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy to see him but it still felt weird to have him come here in the middle of the night all startled for some reason. He didn't answer my question; instead he just closed the door and took me in his arms hugging me tightly.
"I've been calling you since you left, it rings but you're not picking up, and I know you always keep your phone on you. I thought something happened"
"Oh... I was at the mall all day and left my phone in my purse. I'm sorry must have been on silent mode"
"I'm glad you're okay. I'll go and let you get some sleep" he pulled away and kissed my lips softly.
I nodded and thought about it for a second "It's late, maybe you should spend the night here tonight?"
"Do you want me to or are you just being kind?"
Damn him. I blushed "I don't mind having you over. You don't have to drive this late"
It only took him a couple minutes to carry me bridal style to my bedroom upstairs and lay me on my bed. He took his suit off and kept only his boxers on before slipping in bed next to me.
I turned my back to him and slept in a fetal position and soon felt him spooning me.
"Elise, how would your brother sell you to his clients? I still can't figure it out"
I sighed "He offered me around without my knowledge. Meaning he would tell a potential client that I'm part of the deal"