I moved towards him hesitantly.“You know you can just play music on your phone right?” I said to lighten the mood. “Riya’s going to have a live band playing. This is as close as we get to imitating that atmosphere. plus...music sounds more romantic when coming from one of those. It’s my father’s favorite thing. Step closer” I held my breath as I stopped in front of him. “Closer Mae.” I did.He sighed, exasperated and pulled me closer to his body. “Now put your hands around my shoulder.” He ordered. “follow my lead”He showed me a basic waltz and then some, where we could move around the room. I giggled when I almost tripped. “Let's just stick to staying in one spot alright?”My laugh died in my throat when I noticed that Ethan had gone completely still beside me. His hands still rested on my hips where he tried to steady me. when I looked up at his face inquisitively, his eyes locked into mine, revealing a blaze of desire.He sighed, “You’ll be the death of me, Mae.“ I didn’t know wh
I moved towards him hesitantly.“You know you can just play music on your phone right?” I said to lighten the mood. “Riya is going to have a live band playing. This is as close as we get to imitating that atmosphere. plus…music sounds more romantic when coming from one of those. It’s my father’s favorite thing. Step closer” I held my breath as I stopped in front of him. “Closer Mae.” I did.He sighed, exasperated and pulled me closer to his body. “Now put your hands around my shoulder.” He ordered. “follow my lead”He showed me a basic waltz and then some, where we could move around the room. I giggled when I almost tripped. “Let's just stick to staying in one spot alright?”My laugh died in my throat when I noticed that Ethan had gone completely still beside me. His hands still rested on my hips where he tried to steady me. when I looked up at his face inquisitively, his eyes locked into mine, revealing a blaze of desire. He sighed, “You’ll be the death of me, Mae.“ I didn’t know wha
I moved away from Ethan slightly so I could see Ishaan’s face. He was smirking. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Ethan bellowed. I was relieved I was finally out of Ishaan’s grasp, but I could feel drama brewing.“Relax mama bear. I was just having an…Interesting conversation with your wife, one that I would like to get back to when you’re done with your tantrum.” He cocked his head to the side and looked at me. “he’s very uptight isn’t he. I see why you’re in need of me.”Horrified gasps left my mouth as Ethan ’ s fist connected with Ishaan ’ s jaw. I heard someone call his name and realized the small voice was from my mouth.“Ethan, stop!” I shouted further. I got pushed behind as a couple men hurried towards them and tried to separate them. Ishaan was bloodied and grinning while Ethan still looked furious.“What is going on?” Riya said, confused as she took in the scene before her. A crowd had already formed around us and they parted to let her through. I cringed when I t
I swallowed, “ well, the first time we … You got angry that I was still in bed … ” I fidgeted with the bottom of his shirt and looked at the door longingly. Why did he want to have this torturous conversation?“get back in here.” He commanded, rubbing his face.“oh it no problem-”“Mae, get back. In here.”I edged back to my corner of the bed and pulled the cover over my body and looked at him awkwardly. It was probably better to face the other side. A gasp of surprise escaped my mouth when he pulled me to him and wrapped his big arm around my shoulder. Then he kissed my head. “I want you here, no where else.“ butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I shifted uncomfortably. I was supposed to be in charge of my emotions here. This was sex. Nothing else.“ We should probably get up. ” I cleared my throat to remove the thickness. “ callAltieri and apologize…““Fuck that.”The cell rang on his bedside table, drowning my words of protest. Ethan only cursed and buried his head in
”When are we leaving?”“ I was hoping tonight, but when Altieri offered the cinema date, I thought our trip back could wait.” He answered casually. “Is there a problem?”“Oh nothing, I thought we were supposed to be here for a week.”“Work things came up. Plus, we’ve met and wowed Altieri, no need to stay longer.”“Right.”Throughout the date that evening I tried to be as charming as I could be. All it reminded me of was the fact that we would have to go back to reality quicker than I had thought. When Ethan led me to bed I went willingly, attacking him with equal fervency as he did me. * * *“ Are you okay? ” Ethan asked suddenly, his arm on my back. I had gotten lost in thought while he was speaking to the pilot of our plane.“Yeahh, just feeling a little tired. I didn’t get enough sleep last night.”“I presume I am to blame for that.” He brushed my hair off my forehead and kissed me on my lips. “Hopefully I can get you in bed soon enough.” He
Bron was playing golf in the backyard with Benjamin.“This game is for chumps.” He declared as we approached him on the field.Benjamin laughed, “you are such a sore loser.”He scoffed at Benjamin but a grin was peeking through his frown. “We’ll if it isn’t the couple of the century.“Hello Bron.”“You two are back early.” He picked up a glass filled with whiskey and took a sip. Ethan frowned at it, but answered nontheless.“Work emergency. You know how it is.” He reached for his grandfather’s drink and downed it and he nodded in understanding.“Even in the short time, I’ve heard good things. You both look …well Mae, you looklovely.”“Yes, we all know it’s above you to give your grandson a compliment.” Benjamin said, joining us at the table. “You look lovely, dear.”“He doesn’t need more, his ego is big enough as it is” Bron said, filling his glass up again. “Our annual family tradition is just around the corner.”“This celebration is extra special because of the new additions to
Wynona’s home was everything I thought it would be and more. With the size of houses they owned I wondered how there was still room for the rest of us in this state.When I stepped in the living room, an older gentleman was smoking tobacco from a pipe like an aged man. Wynona’s father, my mind screamed at me.“Good day sir.” I greeted with a comfortable smile.He looked me up from my jimmy chop flats and summer jumpsuit with a flattering ribbon that held my hair away from my neck. Considering she had been with me the night she had dressed like a biker’s fan girl. I assumed he was checking me for flaws.“Mrs. Crowe. It is lovely to have you in my home.” He said in a terrible attempt at being warm. It was a curse for a man like this to have a daughter as eccentric and worrisome as Wynona. It made me feel bad for him. “I hope you don’t have more plans on going on drinking sprees with my daughter. She’s not married and has a lot more to lose.”And my empathy towards him was chucked out of
Two weeks went by smoothly with me and Ethan sinking into our new found routine. I would stay at home; cook, watch movies, draw, maybe hang out with Cecilia or I would be over at Wynona’s and sometimes Cartwright made guest appearances.But the highlight of those two weeks were the times I spent wrapped up in Ethan’s arms, or sharing a meal once in a while. The public appearances had been kept to a minimum. We were married now and in the first weeks of it, so it was normal to not have constant public appearances. This would be the third night we were stepping out together for an event. And it was none other than the party that included Ethan’s family tradition. My family tradition too, since I was married to him.When I heard family tradition, I had thought it would be a small scale event, with just the family, maybe mine would be invited. But the hall was semi filled with people I was beginning to learn, were considered important to the Crowe family, not just in the business sector.
“That went very well if you ask me.” Jace said when I had stayed deathly silent in the car on our way home. “Except for the part where you disappeared into your mind and I had to do the whole compliment thing.”“Oh, I uhh, got distracted.” Maybe I could just not go. I could tell her we were down with the cold that day and decided to stay home.“I noticed. You were not much help when she wanted to pick shoes. I hope my option would not be considered a fashion faux de pas.” He added brightly, failing an attempt at a French accent.“I think both shoes looked great. Either was fine.” If I did the sick thing, and she sent condolences then Ethan would find out that I declined an invite without telling him.“Course you do. Do you mind telling me exactly what is wrong? You know what they say about problems shared.” He wriggled his brows in the mirror.A second opinion would be great. “I would love to attend; I mean my dress, worn by one of the rich people in this state. But…I don’t want Ethan
For the following weeks, Ethan knew to avoid me, and I made sure that I kept seeing Ethan to a minimum. I was up late and spent most of my day in my room making Lindsey’s dress.The door was always locked, in case he had the bright idea to stop by. A few times, I would hear his footsteps stopping at my door for a while, before he would continue down to his own. Each time I would hold my breath, like it kept me from going to it and opening it to see his face.The only highlight in those weeks, save for watching my dreams for Lindsey’s dress come to life, was spending time with Jace. His easygoing attitude was rubbing off on me and I found that I could relax more in situations I thought were normally stressful.He had helped me pack Lindsey’s heavily beaded dress into a carrier bag and loaded the car with the things I needed.“You know, if this driver thing doesn’t work for you, you can always be my personal assistant. You’re great at that.” I joked as I climbed in with my tools in the
“You’re back early.” I uttered like an idiot, my smile fading from my face. God, why did the man have to looks o stunning in a suit.“I had some documents I wanted to get, you look…busy.” He answered staring at Jace’s outfit.“Yeah, I’m just helping out with Mrs. Lindsey dress.“ Jace explained, Ethan’s eyes clouded into an unreadable expression.“I see that. Mae, can I talk to you?”“In private?” I squeaked. Jace already started waddling out of the room.“No you stay.” He told Jace. “You can meet me in my office?” I gave a curt nod. Satisfied, he left.“Can I take this off now? I can feel a pin poking the side of my ass.” Jace groaned, and his backside in search of said pin.“They stay on till I’m done.” I informed him as I made my way out of the room. “Give me a second okay? Don’t do anything, don’t even sit down. Remember there are pins everywhere.” “Mannequin mode, got it.I moved to Ethan’s office and pushed the door open. “Hey…” he murmured, His eyes softening.When he turned fro
“Hey, hey.” He whispered, pulling me to the side. “It’s alright. She’s gone. It’s okay...“ He wrapped his hands around me and gave me a comforting squeeze.After a while, I moved out of his grasp, and tried to steady my breathing.“I’m sorry I reacted that way. I am not used to confrontation like that.” “I completely understand.” He said supportively.“You do?”He began nodding but ended up shaking his head side to side.”I have no idea what you’re feeling right now. Confrontation is my jam, I was going to sucker punch her in the face before that guy showed up.” A laugh escaped my mouth and I sniffled. “Do you feel better?”“A little.”“Hi there.” Another woman spoke up next to us. I remembered her standing off to the side when the first woman was yelling. Was she also going to give me a piece of her mind? I steeled myself for trouble. Jace did too because he turned angry eyes on her.She raised her hand in submission. “I just came to find out if you were alright? I’ve met that woman a
I made sure that Ethan was completely out of the house before I showered and went downstairs, I had a busy day... I had sent Lindsey the styles that I had finally settled on and she had chosen from the two I sent. Now I just had to go fabric shopping. Gladice was in the living room dusting the mantel when I finally went down, showered and dressed.“Mrs Gladice, so good to see you back! How are you feeling.”“Very well thank you Mrs. Crowe.”“Oh take it easy with that greeting. “ I chided. “I’m going to be out for a while, I just need to get some supplies for a project.” She nodded.“Breakfast? Before you leave. I saw that the fridge is already stocked with food. Thank you”“Oh it’s nothing. I have chef blood running through my veins.” I winked at her and continued on my way. “And I’ll have breakfast while I’m out. Thank you.”“GideoN!” I called as I made my way to his side of the house and then I remembered what Ethan had said. Gideon was gone.“Mae…” I heard Jace’s voice behind me. H
I was determined to give Ethan the silent treatment till I could not anymore. I just did not want my family be a part of this act The less dad knew him the better for us .From outside I could hear dad and our neighbor, Wes chanting. They had been on opposing teams since I was a kid.I plastered a smile on my face before I opened the door. At least dad would be majorly distracted by the game and not have the chance to focus on Ethan. I wore a green jersey, The color of dad’s team. Ethan for some reason had gone with the opposing team. Way to pick sides. I rolled myeyes.“Mia figlia.” dad greeted earnestly and he smiled proudly when he saw my jersey, and then his eyes fell on Ethan’s.“I see you have chosen the losing side.”Billionaire or not, football was something dad took seriously. So did Mr. Wes because he clasped Ethan on the shoulder and pulled the whole six feet of a man under his sweaty arm .“Oh please, we’ve been resting all this time. No one was worth putting energy.“You
“He’s a very pretentious fellow.” I commented, recalling the way he looked me over. I knew his kind, They usually came in the form of tourists to the restaurant. With their elevated sense of importance and nasal way of speaking.“It’s not about what he is, but about what he can give to you.”“I went through his website, I don’t think I’m wanted at that company.”“He told you he wanted you, did he not? I had discussed the details with him, did he go back on his word?”“No Ethan, what I am trying to say is that my designs are very different from the designs that are associated with his brand, it’s easy to tell that he doesn’t actually want me in his company. He’s just offering because you got involved.”“A lot of people would be grateful, that I got involved.”“I’m sorry that I don’t fit that mold right now, I like to know that when I’m picked to work in a fashion house it’s because I’m actually good, not because my billionaire husband forced my work on an unsuspecting victim.” My words
Did Ethan invite someone over without giving me a heads-up. I sighed loudly. I could not even force an atom of energy into my steps, they would have to manage a measly smile.I flattened my dress to my body like it would make me look more presentable. The man took a swig of his drink and dropped the glass on the bar, then he got up slowly and walked up to me. why were they drinking in the dark with just the side light? That barely showed anything.“Beth, lights on.” I paused. I waited for a second before the room was flooded with bright fluorescent light. I now had a good look at Ethan’s guest. I gaped at him when I recognized theface.“You’ve already met Jace.” Ethan said, rounding meJace grinned down at me with a charming smile. For the second time that day, we held hands. He was one of those people that loved to maintain intense eye contact during conversation, seeing as they were one of his enthralling features. With a sigh I looked away. Why was he here?“Yes, I met him. At the
“You see, my birthday is coming up. I don’t usually do anything fancy about it but I was thinking this year could be different. That’s why I’m here even. I was thinking it would be a great choice to handle the breakfast themed table.”“Oh yeah, these people are great.” Wynona interjected. “Double win if you could get the hot waiters too.”“I-I’ll see what I can do?” she glanced at her. “Anyway, I had this brilliant idea, to have you style a dress for me. We can pick one together and you change it however you think will look gorgeous-I’ ll pay you of course. We would get a really popular piece, so people can identify the before…and then my dress would be an after,” Lindsey was very lost in her imaginings. As she spoke, she used her hands to draw the picture in her mind. I waited for her to finish.“…wouldn’t that be amazing?” She laughed in glee. “I’m so sorry Lindsey, but I can’t do that…” ”What?” She looked confused.“The thing with Saskia’s dress, it was a one time thing.”“But…it d