“First, enjoy what I’ve planned all day for you.” Christian tried to act unaffected, but her words echoed in his head all the time. He wished he could throw caution to the wind and make wild love to her!
“I can’t wait to see what you’ve done all day. Was that why you sent me away?” Skylar excitedly followed him to the bedroom, eager to change for their date.
He smiled and walked away towards the closet. Skylar freshened up and came out of the en-suite. Strangely, Christian wasn’t there in the bedroom. Wasn’t he getting ready too? She put on the beautiful, off-shoulder chiffon dress. The embroidered bodice clung to her curves while the skirt fell in layers all around her. She swirled in front of the mirror, loving the dreamy, romantic look. Brushing her hair she clipped on a pair of dainty diamond danglers.
After a few minutes, she stepped out of the bedroom, looking around for Christian. Where could he be? Maybe in the dining room. She went to the dining room but strangely; he wasn’t there. She peered into the kitchen, but he wasn’t there either.
Confused, she searched the entire ground floor but didn’t find Christian. It was then she remembered her favorite place on the property. The pergola outside near the swimming pool! Skylar didn’t waste a minute more. She dashed out to the backyard and rushed to the ultra-sleek pergola beside the enormous swimming pool. The place was lighted up brilliantly as she approached it from the back. However, to her immense surprise, she could hear laughter and voices echoing all around the place. What was going on? Who was Christian with? Wasn’t this supposed to be their date?
She crossed the distance in a minute and stood a few feet away from the well-decorated sit-out. Her mouth hung open at the sight of Christian with a beautiful, dark-haired woman. What was going on? She was showing him something on her phone. Skylar could see the radiant smile pasted on Christian’s face. So, did they have a history together? No wonder he was so drowned in the woman, that he didn’t even acknowledge her presence. So much for a date with her!
Skylar went in and sat opposite them, her eyes fixed on Christian. He looked up, sensing her presence, and held her jealous gaze. “Oh, there she is,” he said with a smile, getting up to sit beside her. “Andrea, please meet Skylar, my better half, my wife, my life.”
The woman looked a little taken aback by her presence but soon she composed herself and flashed Skylar a brilliant smile. “Hi, I’m Andrea Cromwell. I’m sure you heard a lot about me.”
“Hi! Umm, actually, no.”
“No, she hasn’t, actually. You and Knox disappeared from my life after graduating high school, remember? I told her once about my best friends, but we didn’t get down to discuss your names.” Skylar’s eyes widened at the realization. So was this Christian’s best friend? She remembered him talking about his friend at this very place the last time she was here.
“Knox moved here a month ago. I came three days back. So I thought of dropping by,” said Andrea.
“I didn’t know Knox was here in LA. How did he not call me?”
“Well, he was busy with grandpa.”
“Knox Cromwell was my childhood best friend at school. He left for Denmark after graduating. Remember I told you about him?” Christian explained to Skylar. She nodded, wanting to ask who the woman was, but waiting for his explanation instead. She trusted him and wouldn’t jump to conclusions this time.
“I’m Knox’s twin. The three of us used to study in the same school, same class,” explained Andrea, as if sensing her curiosity.
“Chris, do you remember how we three always stuck together through our school years? I made no girlfriends while in school. I loved hanging around with you two,” said Andrea proudly.
“Right. So, how did you find out my address? Knox and I never kept in touch after he left.”
“He didn’t, but I always followed you on social media. I found Sebastian’s number from your New York Headquarters and called him. He gave me your address. I was shocked to hear about your wedding. Why didn’t you post any wedding pictures on your social media? I would have come prepared.”
“I didn’t get to post anything. I faced a car accident and immediately afterward, Grandpa Ben died in another shocking accident. We were too traumatized by it all.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I knew about your accident from Sebastian, but not about Grandpa.”
“So, what are you doing lately?” asked Christian, serving them drinks and appetizers.
“I’m here for my Grandpa.”
Just like always, Christian fed Skylar a bacon-wrapped beef smoky. Skylar fed him a chorizo sausage bite that Katherine had made to perfection.
“Do you eat here every day? It’s so cheesy! I never took you as the romantic type. I remember you used to love a girl to the moon and back. What happened to her?” asked Andrea with a chuckle.
“Skylar is the girl, actually. I pursued her and married her.”
“Wow, Chris! I’m impressed.”
“Thanks! Well, we don’t eat here every day. I had planned a date with her here tonight. So,” Christian paused, giving Skylar a rueful look.
Andrea almost choked on her spit, realizing what she had done. “Omg! Am I the third-wheeler?”
Christian chuckled, and so did Skylar. All her jealousy ebbed away, seeing the two of them together. “Yes, you are actually, but don’t worry. I’ll plan another one next weekend.”
“When did you get so romantic, Chris?” She chuckled more.
“I always was unlike you and Knox. So what happened to Grandpa Vincent?” asked Christian, helping himself to the food. He served Skylar too, who listened to their conversation quietly. Andrea too tucked in freely. She seemed quite comfortable in their presence despite the separation.
“Grandpa is so fed up with the two of us, that he has hired a matchmaking firm.” Christian chuckled and gaped at her.
“To fix Knox a girl, or what?”
“No. To get a bride for himself. He wants to produce an heir to carry forward the Cromwell dynasty. You know how Knox and I are against marriage.” Skylar gasped while Christian gazed at Andrea.
“What?”
“Yes, you heard it right. We’re here to stop his wedding plans. Knox has shifted base while I’m still in a dilemma. Why don’t you and Skylar drop home sometime? It’ll be fun reconnecting and reliving the old memories.”
“Sure, we’ll come over. I can’t wait to meet your grandpa,” said Skylar, and Andrea rolled her eyes.
“I’m sure he’ll love you and Chris. He wants us to settle down the way you guys did.”
“So are planning to settle down?” asked Christian with a chuckle.
“Not yet. Grandpa is after Knox’s life. That’s the reason he didn’t find the time to catch up with you.”
They discussed their old group of friends and their childhood antics. It made Skylar know a lot about his time at his boarding school. Andrea left late, and they cleared up everything and headed straight to bed.
“Go to sleep, Skylar. We have to wake up early to go to the office. I have a mountain load of pending work.”
“Good night, Christian!” Skylar felt a pang of disappointment. She had been looking forward to this date. She had expected them to make love tonight!
Christian turned his back towards her and closed his eyes. He couldn’t afford to demand a kiss even! What if he couldn’t restrain himself? His secret would be out. She would be so disappointed in him, in their marriage!
She looked so stunning in the white dress that he had been wanting to get rid of Andrea and kiss her all evening. He hadn’t expected Andrea to stay for so long. She spoiled the date he had planned the whole day! He knew Skylar was disappointed, but he was helpless. Maybe he would plan a similar date next weekend!
The next morning was very hectic indeed for them. By 8 o’clock in the morning, they reached the headquarters. Christian called a meeting to introduce Skylar formally to everyone. Mr. Fairbanks was the happiest person to see Skylar.
“At last I can train you and retire.”
“Not so soon, Mr. Fairbanks. You have to stay at least six months more,” said Christian.
“I’ll see you in a while, Skylar. You can go over to Mr. Fairbanks’ office to get hands-on experience with him.”
Skylar didn’t get time to catch up with her husband the whole morning. During lunch time he came over to take an update on her.
“So, how’s the training going?”
“Very enriching! I’ve learned so much in just a day!” said Skylar excitedly.
“I’m glad you did. Let’s grab some lunch.”
He led her to his office, where a delightful lunch was waiting for them. “You must be so hungry. I just ordered your favorites.”
“Thanks. I didn’t realize I was so hungry.” They tucked into the food when Skylar noticed the hesitation on his face.
“You can tell me whatever is on your mind,” she said to relieve him.
“How did you know I wanted to say something to you?” Skylar shrugged with a smile.
“I just know.”
“Yes, Knox called me earlier. He wants to discuss something important with me. Would you mind if I went over to his place tonight? I’ll take you along the next time, please.”