Chapter 4
As fate would have it, the day of the wedding turned out to be lovely. It was as if the wintry weather had taken a day off. The sun was shining – a beautiful golden globe in a spotless cerulean, blue sky.
She had been nervous since the decision and had not managed a full night’s sleep since. Her things had been moved over to the elegant townhouse that was every bit as luxurious as Michael had mentioned. She had taken just her clothing, what there was of it.
She stood in the small closet and realized that her taste was woefully inadequate, and she was going to have to stock up on some clothing. It occurred to her that it could not be helped. It was going to come out that they were together.
Not the details of it, but they were going to have to attend functions together. It did not matter anyway, because her aunt had insisted on being involved. She wanted to make sure that the wedding was real. So, they could not very well lock themselves inside his townhouse and stay there.
Which meant she was going to have to shell out money and buy clothes she did not need. Michael had pointed it out to her and reminded her that as Leo’s wife, albeit his fake one, she would be required to attend functions with him.
“Why?” She had almost stamped her foot at that.
“Because, darling, you would not expect the man to have another woman on his arm, do you?” He had asked patiently, making her feel like an idiot.
The dress he had chosen was a delicate lime green with a simple but subtle style and suited her perfectly. It was the softest cashmere, and she grudgingly admitted that it felt great against her skin. She had been forced to invite Ingrid and her husband Ben and felt a frisson of guilt, when she lied to the woman.
The wonderful woman who has been there for her for years - Ingrid had given her a puzzled look, one bordering on suspicion.
“I know he was giving us his business and you told me you were friends, but I had no idea you two had gotten close to the point of getting married and this quickly too.”
“Aunt Gloria wants the ceremony over and done with before she goes on her cruise.”
“And she will be signing over her resources to you. My dear, the offer to accept payments in increments still stands. You do not have to enter into something you are not ready for. I know how broken you were over what that – that man did to you.”
“I just decided that it’s time I moved on, and Leo is a very nice guy.”
“You’re not in love with him.”
She had lifted her hands helplessly. “We respect each other, and we are friends. That has to be it for now.”
Now, standing in front of the mirror in the room she had occupied when she was living with her aunt, she studied herself critically. Michael had gone to the trouble of paying for the services of a professional and he had done an exceptionally decent job.
She had warned him that she would be watching for any indication that he was enjoying his craft too much and going overboard.
“I would rather not look like a fricking doll or a clown if it is all the same to you. I do not usually wear makeup, and this is not something I indulge in. So, make it look like me as much as possible.”
The man had tsked and told her that with her skin tone, she did not need much help. “A lot of models and actresses would kill for such a flawless complexion. What do you use?”
“Soap and water.”
The man had stared at her in amazement. And she was satisfied. Her face glowed and he added something to make her eyes appear larger. Her brows were tapered and arched, giving her a kind of seductive look.
Her lips were coated in shimmering bronze and her hair shimmered with even the slightest movement from her. He had added subtle highlights, and she grudgingly realized she liked it that way.
Stepping back from the mirror, she turned in time to see her aunt coming into the room.
Something old, something borrowed and something blue.” She declared briskly as she came further in and stopped to stare at her niece critically.
“Oh, my dear.” One hand flew to her throat and her dark eyes filled with surprising tears.
Sherrian had never seen the woman display very much emotion over the years that she had lived with her and the fact that she was doing so now, sent her guilt up several notches.
“Please forgive me.” She walked over to pin the lovely sapphire brooch above her left breast. “I stood in this very room with your mother when she was getting ready to marry my brother.” Her eyes were damp. “They got married at this quaint little chapel a few miles from here and she spent the night, along with her attendants.
She was so happy and so beautiful.” Gloria patted her cheeks and blinked the tears away. “She would have been so proud of you. You make an unbelievably beautiful bride and look so much like her.”
“I miss her. Miss both of them.” Sherrian murmured huskily, touching the brooch. “Thanks for this.”
“Of course. I just want to see you happy. Now.” She clapped her hands briskly. “Let us get this started. People are starting to arrive, and I do believe your fiancé’s mother is already here.”
“Is she?”
The nerves were threatening again. She had spoken to Celeste Coleman several times over the phone and the woman had sounded pleasant enough, if a little concerned that her son was rushing into marriage.
“My dear, it’s no reflection on you of course, but he’s my only child and my fervent hope is for him to be happy.”
Leo had taken the phone from her and reassured his mother that this was what he wanted.
Taking a deep breath, she left the room with her aunt.
*****
He appreciated the fact that Gloria had gone to a lot of trouble. The setting was romantic. The woman’s house might be drafty and slightly decrepit, but the garden was lovely and well maintained. A variety of flowers were bursting with color along the cobbled path.
The ceremony was being held outdoors with the graceful, latticed arbor a black and white backdrop with a thin trickle of water just a few feet away. Chairs had been placed on the grass for the few guests and the strain of classical music was coming from a live band set up a few feet to the left side
His mother, looking lovely in her chic lilac wool, sent him a slight smile, a look of uncertainty on her brow. Celeste Coleman had lost her husband ten years ago and never got over it. Leo admired the devotion between the two and vowed that he would not settle for anything less than that.
“Are you sure about this?” She had arrived just yesterday and insisted on staying at one of the company’s apartment.
“I am. You do not have to worry about me.”
“It is my job and you’re not too old for me to be concerned. She is not your usual type.”
“That should be of some comfort to you,” he teased.
“She is…, unusual.”
“Isn’t she?”
Celeste had chosen to migrate to the UK to live close to her sister who was not doing very well. As soon as he started making money, he had ensured that she was comfortably off and set her up in a lovely home in Birmingham.
Thoughts of his mother flew out of his head the minute he saw her coming towards him.
His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the vision coming towards him.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” He had been so intent on looking at her that he had forgotten all about Michael.
“Yes, she is.”
“Your secret is safe with me, but for the life of me, I cannot fathom why Sherrian has not figured it out.”
Tearing his gaze from the woman approaching them, he pinned Michael with a look.
“And what is that?”
“You’re in love with her.” He murmured low enough, so that just the two of them could hear. “That’s why you agreed to do this.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Michael harrumphed. “I happen to be in your corner.”
Before Leo could respond, Sherrian was in front of them. Flashing her a charming smile, he took her hand and turned both of them to face Michael.
The entire thing felt eerily like the real thing, and she found herself reflecting back on the plans she had made with Greg and how excited she had been. He had wanted something lavish, and she had reluctantly agreed.
This was more her style, and she felt fleetingly that she was being cheated out of a wedding day again, because this was not real. Mentally shrugging the depressing thought away, she repeated the vows and within minutes, the ceremony was concluded.
She made the rounds and acknowledged the congratulations from the various guests, some of whom she was only just meeting for the first time.
Leo told her he had to invite several members of his management team who were also friends and as she had suspected, she had been asked to sign a prenup, an incredibly detailed one drawn up by the lawyers.
She did not want anything from him. He had bought her an exquisite square cut diamond, which she planned on wearing on a necklace around her neck whenever she was at the pastry shop. She had also bought him a ring, a simple gold band with several diamonds etched into the design. And had balked at the price.
But it was too late now. They had to make it look as real as possible to satisfy her aunt. The more it continued, the deeper she felt like she was being dragged in. Leo did not seem to mind, and she wondered why that was.
Something she was not willing to think about just now. They cut the cake, a delicious combination of caramel and chocolate delight that had been made by Ingrid as a gift to her and danced their first dance together as a couple.
“You’re not hungry?” Leo was playing the attentive groom to the hilt.
“Not really. My stomach is tied up in knots,” she admitted, “and these shoes are killing me.”
His glance swept down to the stilettoes that were a match to the dress.
“Why don’t you take them off?” He suggested.
“Good idea, but I only have the tennis shoes I wore to my aunt’s house last night.”
“Which I believe are comfortable. Sit and I will go and get them.”
“Leo, you don’t have to,” she protested. He was behaving like a husband, and she did not know what to do about that.
“I know I don’t have to.” He glanced at his watch and noted the time. “The plane leaves in the next hour.”
“Oh.” She sat then and felt her heart plummeting. “I thought we were leaving tomorrow.” He sat next to her, eyes searching her face. All around them, the guests were eddying and enjoying the meal that had been provided.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” She bit her lip. “It seems too real.”
“I thought that was the plan.”
“Your mother is going to hate me.”
“Why?”
“When she finds out that…,” she clasped her hands on her lap and heaved out a breath. “When she finds out that this is not real.”
“Will you be telling her?”
“No! Of course not. It is just…,” she looked around the setting and saw Michael chatting with one of the managers at Coleman’s Enterprise and fleetingly wondered if the man was gay. She had been introduced to all of them, including Leo’s assistant, a sharp looking woman with a thin face and piercing blue eyes.
“You’re right of course.” He had pecked her lightly on the lips when Michael declared he should kiss the bride. The shimmer of awareness had frightened her for a minute, but he had ended the kiss before she could make anything of it.
“I am being silly. I think I will have something to eat after all.”
With a nod and another glance at her, he went to get her a plate.
Michael came over to sit with her right after Leo had brought her the shoes and left.
“He is a keeper.”
“Cut it out.” Sherrian dug into the delicious serving of finger foods and forced herself to eat. Her stomach was still tied in knots, but she did not want to give any of the guests anything to talk about.
“I am just saying!” Michael eyed her curiously. “You look like you are at a wake. Smile darling.”
“How is this?” She stretched her lips and had him grimacing.
“On second thoughts, don’t smile at all.” Plucking a fat grape from her plate, he munched.
“I see you’ve made a friend.”
He looked over to where Leo was conversing with the man he just finished talking to. “Mark Bainbridge. It so happens we have a mutual friend. I had no idea he was senior manager of operations at your husband’s company.”
“He’s not my husband,” she muttered.
“This entire thing looks real, and I have to say, your aunt outdid herself. It was a good call to have the ceremony outdoors and the weather cooperated. It is a dream wedding.”
“Will you stop saying that?” She hissed, feeling her appetite diminishing. “I am sorry Michael. I thought I had more time before the ‘honeymoon’, but Leo wants to leave today.”
“I see. Why wait though?”
“I need more time. I am panicking. We have not spent any time alone together since we decided to go ahead with this thing. But we are going away for a week and will be staying in the same place.”
“A hotel?”
She shook her head and handed him the plate. “He has a pied a terre in Paris which is our first stop.”
“Of course he does,” Michael nibbled on a delicate pastry that simply melted in his mouth, “he is going through an awful lot of trouble for you.”
“And it’s making me very uncomfortable.” She glanced over at where he was standing. He had the casual kind of grace that made him stand out among the other men.
His dark blue suit was impeccable, and his sable brown hair was well cut and catching the light of the afternoon sun. As if he sensed her stare, he looked up and sent her an easy smile before turning back to the group.
Michael saw the look and wondered not for the first time why she could not see what was so damn obvious.
“You’ll be fine!” He patted her hand reassuringly.
*****
Noticing the fact that she was uncomfortable and trying valiantly to hide it, Leo put her at her ease by making sure he sat at one end of the limousine that had arrived at her aunt’s place to take them to the private airfield.
The driver retrieved their bags, which had been packed by his housekeeper and boarded the plane, handing them to the chic looking flight attendant in her spiffy navy and white uniform.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Coleman, Mrs. Coleman.” She beamed, causing Sherrian to wonder if her blonde perfection was real.
“Thanks. Will you tell Jonathan we will be taking off as soon as we are buckled in?”
“Of course, sir.”
Sherrian forgot her nerves and tried not to goggle as they made their way into the main cabin. “Is this a plane or a five-star hotel?” She breathed, making a wide circle to take in everything.
“I like to be comfortable, whenever I am traveling.” He gestured to the wide comfortable seats, and she sat. Stretching her feet out, she leaned back and closed her eyes in delight.
“It’s as soft as butter.”
“The cabin is to the rear; in case you want to take a nap or feel the need to freshen up.”
“Or I could curl up on the sofa and nod off.”
“If you wish.” He watched in amusement as she turned her head around to stare.
“We have plenty of time for a tour as soon as we take off.”
“I’ll think about it.”
The takeoff was smooth and very soon the seatbelt light went off. As soon as it did, the flight attendant glided in with a tray.
“Just place it on the table, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sherrian noticed the hopeful look she gave him and waited until the woman had left before asking the question.
“Is she more than an attendant?”
He looked up from the papers he was taking out of his briefcase and frowned incomprehensively for a moment before his brows cleared. “I don’t make it a habit of sleeping with my employees.”
She lifted her brows at his cool tones and wondered if he was offended.
“I only asked because of the way she was looking at you. Like she was hoping I would suddenly take a header off the plane.”
“I am sure you are mistaken. You did not eat very much at the reception, you should try and do so now.” He rose, with the briefcase and papers in hand. “I will take this into the office, so I won’t disturb you.” Without waiting for her to respond, he walked to the rear of the plane and disappeared into a room.
“Well.” Huffing out a breath, she pulled the tray towards her and lifted the cover. The enticing scent of roast beef hit her nostrils and reminded her that she was starving.
She had been eating for a few minutes when she realized he was not coming back. Not sure what she should do, she sipped the excellent champagne and put the glass away.
Pushing off the sofa, she made her towards the rear and stood there just outside the door where she had seen him enter. Taking a deep breath, she knocked twice and pushed it open when he told her to come in.
He was seated behind a large desk and leaning back in the chair and wearing glasses. He noticed her staring at the glasses and offered an explanation.
“Eye strain.”
“Oh.” She shoved her hands into the pockets of her dark blue dress pants and rocked back on her heels. “This is very nice. I take it that the blue and gold décor are the company’s colors?”
“They are, yes. Have you finished the meal?”
She nodded. “You were not hungry?”
“I ate my fill at your aunt’s.”
“I offended you with that question earlier.”
“The one where you wanted to know if I was sleeping with my flight attendant?”
“That one, yes,” She leaned against the doorjamb and looked so endearing, he was having a challenging time hiding his yearning. It was one of the reasons he had left her to come into the office. But his mind was not on work.
“I should not have taken it so personally.” He shrugged. “I don’t sleep with my employees.” He repeated. “It is a recipe for disaster and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Not to mention that if the love affair comes to an end, the strain and discomfort is not worth it.”
“You are right. I once had a college kid working the summer with us and he propositioned me.”
His thick brows lifted. “How old was this kid?”
“Nineteen.” She grinned at him and made him smile. “It happened just last year and as you know I am all of thirty.”
“What did you say to him?”
“I told him that I was flattered as hell, but he’s too young and Ingrid frowns on relationships between employees.”
“Aren’t you an employer?”
She nodded, her smile widening. “He mentioned that to me, and I told him that it was even worse if the employer got involved with an employee.”
“And? Did he back off?”
“Nope.” She strolled further into the office and wandered around, touching the small bookcase, before going over to the refreshment table. “He followed me around like a lost puppy and we had to let him go.” She touched the coffee pot, realizing that it was hot. “Want some?”
“Thanks.” He swiveled the chair so that he could delight himself by watching her. She was a bundle of energy and life. She had changed into the blue dress pants and paired them with a cream-colored sweater. He had reminded her that they were going to Europe where the weather was decidedly colder than the States.
She brought the coffee over and placed it in front of him. her hair was still loose and flowed around her face and shoulders with her movements. Taking her cup with her, she went to sit on the wide chair in front of the desk.