Charming: A Modern Day Sexy Cinderella Story (12 page)

“You aren’t mad? How are you not mad?”

He shrugs, “I’m just not.”

“But, I can’t even imagine the kind of field day the press will have over this. It will screw up your career.”

He scoffs, “Says who?” He runs the tips of his fingers down my arms making me shudder. “Look it’s not a big deal. So we got drunk and decided to get married, oh well. You know what I remember about last night? I remember having fun – with you. The most fun I’ve had in…I don’t even know how long. Getting to know someone without pressure and expectations, acting spontaneously and genuinely enjoying myself? It’s been far too long.”

“Getting to know someone is one thing, but we’ve known one another all of five minutes and we’ve had sex and are married. Oh god, I’m like the world’s biggest whore.”

Humor fades from his face and his jaw tightens, “Stop that. No matter what happens, I won’t have you talking about yourself in that way. Not ever. Look,” his thumb traces my jaw and I get the feeling he likes touching me. “How much longer are you here again? Another week right?”

“Yes. Katie leaves tomorrow night. I’d like to spend some time with her before she goes, but I’m still here another week. Alone.”

He smiles, “Perfect. This week, let’s have fun together. I want to have more moments with you like we enjoyed last night. I want to know more about you, I want to do things with you like swim, snorkel, eat amazing food and get suntans, walk on the beach, and if I’m a lucky bastard make love to you again.” How I remain standing after that comment, I have no idea. “When this week is over, we’ll worry about the marriage thing, but for now, let’s just be Asher and Ella. Be mine for this week. Let’s just have fun together, please? Will you do that, Ella?”

He’s serious. The set of his jaw, the look in his eyes, and determination on his face tell me that much. But there’s more to it than that. From our talks last night and the earnestness with his question today, there’s something more. It’s the way he talks about last night, it’s almost wistful, and his words are full of longing and maybe a hint of desperation. I get the feeling if I say no, he’ll plead with me to change my mind. He says he wants to have fun, no pressure, but I think he’s also lonely. And I find myself amazed that someone with a life like his, a movie star, surrounded by people that cater to his every whim, money coming out his ears, could experience something such as loneliness. But isn’t that the thing? Sometimes it’s when you’re surrounded that you feel the most lost, the most alone. Especially when you’re surrounded with falseness and insincerity. I know what that’s like.

Last night, I had fun too. I never once thought about Jeremy until Asher asked about why I seem to be carrying stress. I never felt sad or ashamed or guilty like I shouldn’t be enjoying my time with him. And yes, I made one hell of a mistake in getting married, but that can be fixed. How many chances like this happen in a lifetime? None. Yeah, he may be Asher Charming, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the thought of being with him doesn’t make me halfway delirious, but it’s more than that. It’s the chance to have fun, to forget. It’s the chance to let myself simply live and enjoy life with a gorgeous man by my side for a week. A week where our experiences will make memories, and gain me a friend, that will hopefully last a lifetime. We can just have fun, no pressure, no strings.

He runs his fingertips up and down my arms as he’s waiting for my answer. My phone is continuing to chime and I give it a glance and throw it on the bed. With a nod, I look into his eyes, “Can I ask one question first?”

“Of course.”

“Why? Why spend a week together?”

“I can read you, and I know that you feel whatever this is between us, just like I do. I also know that you had fun last night, just like me. More than fun. We have a connection, a real connection, and as if that’s not enough, you’re different. You treat me, like me. I’m a guy, incredibly attracted and intrigued by a girl and I’m not ready to let go of this feeling. Yeah, so we skipped a few steps,” I roll my eyes at his flippancy and he laughs. “Like I said, we can handle that later, if necessary, until then, let’s make the most of it. You’re real, and genuine, and it’s been one hell of a long time since I’ve gotten to spend time in the company of a woman with those attributes. And I find that I like it. I like you.”

“I like you too,” I reply honestly.

He smiles and it lights up his face. “So you agree? Let’s not worry about our uh, event last night, and just enjoy each other, okay?”

Nodding, I return his smile, “You know what? That sounds perfect.” Though I can’t help but think, even momentarily, of the ‘if necessary’ phrase he included in his passionate plea for us to just resume where we left off.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I nod.

With a smile, he leans forward, puts his arms around me, and kisses me, and with that, all traces of worry fade away.

“Spill it. Spill it now.” The door flies open the second I insert my key in the lock. Katie’s clearly been lying in wait ready to pounce the moment I return.

With a small smile, I plead, “I promise I will tell you everything, but let’s get ready first and go to the pool. I want some sunshine.”

She agrees but evidences extreme effort as she keeps opening her mouth then shutting it again when she catches herself. We hastily get ready, change clothes, and gather our beach supplies. At times when I turn and catch Katie’s eye, I see she’s staring at me. I know she’s dying for information, an explanation. I, on the other hand, am thinking about Asher. When we parted ways, we agreed to meet up at the pool. I awkwardly gathered my clothes from around the room and went to the bathroom to dress and splashed water on my face. With a smile, wave and promise to see him soon, I ran off to my room. I’m already feeling eager to see him again.

On the walk to the pool, several workers on the property smile and greet us with an, “Hola,” as we pass. I swear a few of them wear knowing smirks, but no doubt I’m paranoid. This whole thing is crazy, so of course I feel like everyone and anyone knows about it. Well, actually, I guess anyone could thanks to my informative Facebook post. I’m such an idiot.

Katie and I grab chairs and push them close together. After applying sunblock we lay on our stomachs, heads turned toward one another, enjoying the sunshine on our skin while I divulge everything. Once finished, Katie stares at me with her mouth wide open. What a unique expression for her. It’s been her nearly permanent expression since I returned to the room this morning. I’m starting to worry that she’s going to wear a shocked look on her face forever.

Finally she speaks. “Holy shit.”

“Wow, that’s it? I think I was expecting something… I don’t know… more profound.”

“Holy
fucking
shit?”

“Mhm, a little better.”

“Ha. Ha. I just can’t believe you got married. It’s awesome and insane at the same time. I mean, not only did you get married, but you posted a picture that’s already had over a million shares and been picked up by who knows how many gossip websites and trashy magazines.”

“Oh god. I think I’m going to be sick,” I roll over to my back and place a hand on my stomach suddenly feeling queasy. “Obviously, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

“Or, maybe you were. Maybe you do your best thinking when you’re drinking because hell girlfriend, good job. You married Asher Charming. Or should I call him Jack Danger? Do you think he’ll want you to call him Jack Danger in bed?”

“Oh my god, will you shut up? Jack Danger is just the character he plays in all those movies, not his name. You know that. Besides, we’re going to hang out for the week and then we’ll no doubt win some record for the shortest marriage ever.”

“No, I think you’re wrong,” she replies as she unscrews the lid on her bottle of water, “I’m pretty sure that reality star with the fake tits and ass that looks like her face is melting when she cries, was married for like forty-eight hours one time. So don’t worry, she’s got you beat.”

“Oh great, thanks,” I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Because that’s who I want to emulate.”

“Hey, if the shoe fits.”

“Bitch,” I call her, but she only laughs out loud and it makes me smile even though I pretend to be angry. “It sucks that I have to leave tomorrow. You are going to spend the week with Jack Danger, right? Man, I would love to stay here so I can watch.”

“Will you stop calling him that? It’s not funny and he’s just a guy who happens to have a job that a lot of people get to see. It’s not a big deal.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself. “And yes, like I told you, he asked me to spend time with him this week and I agreed. Afterwards, he’ll take care of everything regarding our…um… our…”

“Marriage?”

“Yeah,” I clear my throat uncomfortably, “that.”

She lifts her brows and laughs at me, “You can’t even say it.”

“No, I sure as hell can’t, and can you blame me? None of this even seems real.”

“Ella Charming. Mrs. Ella Charming. It has a nice ring to it. I wonder if it’s his real last name of if he changed it for his celeb name?”

“Shut up.” She laughs, but I’m totally not smiling this time. The sound of that name is ringing in my ears and I’m starting to panic. “Oh my god, this is nuts. I can’t believe I did something so… so….”

“Awesome?”

“Not the word I’m looking for. More like stupid, spontaneous, thoughtless, dumb…”

“Oh, please. Get over yourself.” Katie starts to giggle.

“What’s so funny?”

She smiles wide, “Remember last night when you told me not to worry about you and to go have my own fun because, and I quote, ‘what’s the worst that can happen’?”

Groaning, I rub my head feeling like my hangover headache is returning, “Oh, God, I’m such a mess, but that reminds me, how was your night anyway?”

“Oh no, we aren’t changing the subject. Besides, trust me when I say your night was much more interesting. The guy I was with passed out on me before we got to the good stuff. I spent the evening worried about you and wondering where you were until I saw the picture you posted. And for the record, you aren’t a mess. I’m only teasing you. I honestly think this is a really good thing.”

“How in the hell is this a good thing? I’m fighting the urge to vomit because the butterflies in my stomach are making me sick, and you’re over there smiling like you just won a year supply of shoes from your favorite store.”

“I’m smiling because this is just what you need.”

Sitting up, I give her my best stink eye, “How can you say that?” I begin twisting my hands in my lap, “What the hell was I thinking agreeing to be with him this week? Why did I not insist that we take care of things immediately? I’m completely out of my mind. You know, I should call the airline, see if I can get a flight out tomorrow too.”

“You sure as hell are not!”

Ignoring her, I continue, “And then when we get back, you can drive me to the nearest mental institution and check me the hell in because I’ve lost my fucking mind, Katie.”

“Over my dead body.”

“I’m serious.”

“Calm down,” Katie says sitting up too and leaning toward me so she can rub my back soothingly. Speaking in a low, calm voice she directs, “Take a deep breath.” I do as she says. “Come on, Ella, don’t you think you deserve some fun? Just like Asher said?”

“God yes, I do. But-”

“No. No ‘but’ – I don’t want to hear it. Your life has been full of shit that happens to you. One big massive avalanche of shit that smacks you with one thing after another. The death of your mother, your father getting remarried to a demon from hell, her daughter being a hell spawn too, then the sudden and unexpected death of your father. Don’t even get me started on the choices you had to make for his company, how hard you have worked and the sacrifices you have made, how angry Angelica was over the whole thing, and on top of that agreeing to marry Jeremy even though you knew better. Then you have a relationship with him that goes nowhere, you try to force it anyway then have that blow up in your face. My god Ella, for once, something is happening in your life that’s exciting and full of possibility. You have a chance to let go and fucking take a gigantic leap into fun. And hell, you deserve that. And lots more. You have more than earned the right to it all and to let go and not worry about consequences for once in your life.”

“You make me sound pathetic.”