Ariel's Song (In Bed with the Enemy) (9 page)

“
Why are you here?” His last minute picnic presented him with the opportunity he needed to dig deeper, and find the missing pieces of the puzzle surrounding Ariel.

She
sipped from her wine, in thought. “I came here on vacation. I-I was bored and wanted some me time away from the buzz.”

He frowned, taking a bite of his roast beef sandwich. “You said you were on vacation,
are you no longer on vacation?” Colin hoped she came through and filled in the holes, starting with why she needed Logan’s help. It also intrigued him Ariel hadn’t once mentioned her brother or her uncle. Where the hell were they? Why didn’t she ever talk about them?

Ariel
pursed her lips, her gaze absent. “It’s a long, sad story, Colin.”

“We got time,” he said, swirling the wine in his glass.

She looked at the blanket. “I’ve been a rich girl all my life, never known the need to work or do anything else other than party, shop and have fun until now.”

Colin
stopped chewing for a second as he took in the sadness in her voice. He swallowed his food and took a mouthful of his wine. “All right, so you’re broke? Is that it?” He already knew that.
Come on, gorgeous. Go on, tell me everything.

She laughed softly and
set her wine glass down on the cloth. She placed her hands behind her and threw her head back, letting the soft warm breeze play with her dark locks.

“I’m more than broke,”
Ariel said, gazing up the blue sky. “I needed the job to keep me afloat while I figured what to do next.”

All right, we’re
making progress.
“Figure out what? How to get home, or how to live within your new financial limitations?”

Ariel bit her lower lip and glanced at him. “If you’re trying to be funny, you’re failing miserably.”

Colin raised his hand. “Hey, I’m trying to picture what I’d do if I ever ended up in your position. I’d be the first to admit I’d have a hard time adjusting to my limited finances.” He drank from his wine. “Actually, I’d go to my family and ask them for a loan if I had to.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

“No. It’s exactly what I’d do. So, let me ask, why haven’t you? Don’t you have brothers or sisters?”
Okay, gorgeous, this is your chance.

Ariel closed her eyes. “I have one brother. He’s been missing since our accounts were frozen and our properties
got impounded.” Her voice broke.

He
placed his glass of wine down. “Is that what Logan’s been helping you with?”

“
Yes.”

His jaw tightened as a pang of jealousy rose to his throat.
“Do you have any leads?”

“
Not many. Every lead I had turned wrong. I’m hoping the investigator finds something new soon, though. I need to talk to Logan.”

No. You don’t.
He’d be the one talking to his friend. As of this moment, Logan was out of the picture. Colin made a mental note to call Logan when they got back to his house. In the meantime, he’d like to hear more of Ariel’s future plans.

“Have you figured out what you want to do next?”
he asked.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She
rested her chin on her right shoulder then looked at him. “Your concert is coming up. We’ll be leaving for New York in another three weeks, so you can practice with the entire orchestra for a couple of other weeks before the big performance, right?”

“Yes.”
He nodded, studying her.

She
lied back on the blanket and shut her eyes closed. “I think I’ll be staying in New York.”

Like hell she was.

“Since I can’t pawn my very expensive degree, I’ll have to put it to good use and make something out of myself while I find my missing brother.” Ariel sighed. “Life goes on, you know. It’s time I move on, too.”

What the fuck did she mean by moving on
? She’d be coming back with him after his show, he’d be damned if she didn’t. All of a sudden his sweet afternoon picnic turned sour.

“Have you given any more thought to
what you want to do after New York? Please tell me, you’re not serious in letting it be your last performance,” Ariel said.

He shook his head and put a perfect square of cheese in his mouth. “Yes, it is.”
He lied. Colin made his decision a while ago, but he’d started to have second thoughts. The idea of the upcoming concert being his last show didn’t sit well with him anymore. Colin preferred not to spend his energy dealing with it right then.

She
opened and closed her mouth, no words came out. Finally, she said, “What’s the song you’re composing?”

“Ariel’s
Song.” Colin exhaled, releasing the tension in his shoulders.

“
I’m serious. What’s the song’s title?” she asked.

“Ariel’s
Song.” Colin grinned.

She turned
her head and glanced up at him from where she lay. “Are you kidding me?”

“
I kid you not.”

“It’s lovely.” Her voice
broke with sentiment, filling an empty space in his chest he’d been ignoring.

****

Colin paced his music studio, his BlackBerry in hand, pressed to his ear.
Answer the fucking phone, Logan.

“
Colin? Is something wrong?” Logan asked.

“
I should fire you.” Colin raked a hand through his hair. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me Ariel’s brother went missing?”

“
Ah, she told you.” Logan paused. “Her background checked out, I didn’t think you’d want to be bothered with this additional piece.”

Colin stopped pacing. “Well, you thought wrong.
What’s wrong with you, Logan? You better than anyone know to keep me informed of everything that goes on here.”

“Calm the fuck down, Colin.
I knew her brother was missing, but I didn’t know things were complicated,” Logan said.

Colin frowned. “What do you mean
complicated? You’re going through the same P.I. we always use, right?”

“Yes. I’m working with our usual
team of experts.” Logan sighed. “Her brother is wanted for fraud and embezzlement. He fled the country, no one knows where to. Ariel’s uncle is shocked by what his dear nephew did, and has been trying to maintain her dad’s company afloat while this is all sorted. All of Ariel’s and her brother’s accounts are frozen, and neither one has access to their properties.” He paused. “It doesn’t all stop there. Ariel may also be involved in this mess.”

Colin cursed under his breath. “
Did she have something to do with it?”

“
It doesn’t seem like it. The P.I. says something is not adding up. He and his partner have their team looking to confirm Ariel didn’t sign anything that connected her to the fraud,” Logan said. “Even if she didn’t have anything to do with it, this case is calling a lot of attention in the States. Her name will most likely be thrown in the mix sooner than later.”

“Why the fuck did it take so long to find this out?” Colin sat on
the stool next to his music stand.

“Shit, Colin, give me a break.
I don’t own a crystal ball. All’s unfolding as we speak,” Logan said.

“
Is Ariel safe?” Colin asked.

“Safe as in, are you safe? Or is she safe from harm?”

“Both,” Colin said.

“I think you’re okay.”

Colin breathed in. “When were you planning to tell me all this?”

“Believe it or not
, I’d planned to call you tonight. I just got this last bit of news this morning,” Logan said.

“
What a damn cluster-fuck.” Colin ran a hand over his face.

“What are you going to do with Ariel?
”

“Nothing.
I want a daily report, even if it’s a no new progress report. And don’t tell Ariel anything yet, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Colin said.

Chapter Twelve

Ariel strolled along the tree-lined driveway, basking in the warmth of the sunny afternoon. It’d been a different experience to spend time with Colin outside of his house, eating al fresco, without anyone else. He showed her more of the soft side of him he didn’t let people see often. Or maybe he did at one point before the incident with his fiancée, Ariel didn’t know and it didn’t matter. She’d had a fantastic time.

Later in the afternoon, w
hen they’d returned from their little outing, she’d gone to her room for a change of clothes, and found her belongings gone and moved into Colin’s. Ariel knew he was serious about them always spending their nights together, she hadn’t imagined he’d meant to change her room.

H
is action surprised her and she didn’t want to go back to her old room, though a twinge of sadness shaded her temporary happiness. As much as she wanted to spend all her time with him and stay a little longer, Ariel needed to straighten other things in her life—finding her brother, for starters.

Before their picnic, she’d weighed
the pros and cons of staying or leaving. Unfortunately, the cons weighed heavier than the pros. If she wanted to learn more regarding the cause of Tanner’s disappearance, she’d have a better chance at finding more leads to him in New York. She’d also be closer to learning the details behind the loss of her fortune. Her uncle had yet to answer any of her calls or reply to her messages. They weren’t close, but she’d at least expected he would’ve contacted her by now.

Her decision to stay in New York had
been a hard choice to make, though it made perfect sense to her. The one thing that would keep her from staying in New York would be Colin. If he asked her to come back to England with him, and give a real relationship between them a try, Ariel didn’t think she’d be able to say no. Even though she wasn’t ready for a relationship, she’d be willing to work, assuming he’d ask. She did question how long it’d take before Colin decided to move on

Stop day dreaming, Ariel
.

The end to h
er stay in England, with Colin neared. It’d be stupid for her to think otherwise. Why not enjoy it? Why did she torture herself with thoughts of how much she’d miss not being with him? It was stupid and exhausting to put herself through all the heartbreak before she had to. And damn it. He’d titled a song after her. A song! How could she not love him after something like that?

Ariel stopped in her tracks
, bringing her hand to her chest. “Oh, my God.” She touched her temple. “I’m head over heels. I did fall for him.” She swallowed as her heart raced in double time. This wasn’t her fan girl
I love his music so I think I love him
. The numbness in her chest told her so.

Shit
.

Ariel stared up the driveway
, recalling the other night when he’d said he may be jealous. Did it mean Colin felt the same way? She didn’t want to know the answer. What if he didn’t? He’d said they weren’t fuck buddies. So what were they? Musician and assistant with benefits? Ugh. Why did she insist on torturing herself?
Forget it, Ariel. Let it go. Damn it.

She still questioned
what Colin planned to do after she left. Would he give in to Penelope’s charms? Goosebumps spread through her body at the ill thought. Ariel hoped he never did. Ever.

****

“Gorgeous, I’ve been looking for you.” Colin walked up to her as she crossed the threshold of the entrance hall. His arms snaked around her waist, flushing her body against his tall frame.

Ariel
beamed at him and slid her hands up his shoulders to the back of his neck. “Hi there.” She touched her lips to his.

“There’
s someone I want you to meet.” He pulled her, leading her into the drawing room.

She strode in behind Colin.
Julianne sat opposite an older elegant woman whose hair color was the same as Colin’s. Their intent gazes on her made her anxious.

“Ariel, it’s so good to see you.” Julianne rose from her chair
and greeted her with a hug and a kiss on each cheek as usual.

The older woman
fixed her gaze on Ariel. The smile on her face didn’t waver. “You are the little angel working her magic on my son.” The woman got to her feet.

“Mom
.” A faint blush covered Colin’s cheeks.

Ariel
smiled at the older woman.

“Where are your manners
? Aren’t you going to introduce us?” his mother said.

He placed his hand on the small of her back. “
Mom, this is Ariel, my girlfriend.”

Ariel
blinked, hoping she didn’t have a stupid look on her face. Did she hear him right? She glanced sideways at him, and Colin curled his fingers around her waist. What a way to render her speechless in front of his family. Ariel couldn’t utter a word so she smiled.

Julianne clapped. “This
is the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”

“I’m
Stefanie,” the older woman said, pulling her out of Colin’s grip and embraced her. “I’m glad to finally meet you. You’re doing for my son what no one else can.” Stefanie air kissed Ariel’s cheeks and hugged her once more.

“I-
I’m happy to meet you, too,” Ariel said. Her mind ran wild with the word girlfriend, trying to talk herself into not making more of the situation—title—than it deserved. She bit the inside of her cheek, willing the questions to leave her mind. Was this Colin’s attempt to make people think he’d moved on? A lie?

Julianne and
Stefanie sat in the chairs opposite her and Colin. He sat next to her, his arm sliding around her shoulder, resting on the couch. Ariel turned her head slightly. “Girlfriend?” she whispered, raising a brow.

Colin
beamed, tilting her chin with his fingers. “Yes. Girlfriend.” He looked into her eyes and leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “We can talk more later. All right?”

“
Ariel, I’m having a birthday party this weekend, and I’d be very happy if you’d join us,” Stefanie said.

Ariel
clasped her hands in her lap in an effort to control her nerves, despite her heart racing. She got it all wrong, did she? Was he serious?
His girlfriend?
His words knocked the wind out of her. He’d changed their course in a direction Ariel thought she’d never see him take. After all her pep talk this afternoon, it turned out she’d have to reconsider her list of pros and cons and find alternatives.

The question still remained.
How long would this last? She didn’t wish to delve into it now. Not when her thoughts made a one-eighty degree turn a minute ago. She had to give a true relationship with Colin a try or she’d never know how far it’d go. Colin hadn’t asked her to stay in England. But if this girlfriend-boyfriend thing was real, she’d check the one valid reason for changing her decision to return after New York off her list.

If she stayed
in England it didn’t mean she’d give up looking for her brother. She’d have to come up with other ways to find Tanner. Ariel expected Logan’s investigator to have news soon. His findings could lead her to her brother.

“We’d be happy to spend the weekend with you, mom,”
Colin said. His hand curled around hers bringing her back to the present and out of her thoughts.

The conversation
shifted on to other things. Ariel tried her best to control the current of nerves flooding her body. Stefanie was a loving mother and funny, too. The mischief dancing in her eyes let Ariel know, Stefanie, had been trouble, and probably still was.

After a while,
Stefanie and Julianne said their goodbyes. “Ariel, thank you for what you’ve done to help my son.” Stefanie hugged her then turned to Colin.

Julianne threw her arms around Ariel. “Sweet pea, stay away from
Penelope,” she said at Ariel’s ear. “She’s never meant well and never will.” Julianne spun away and left with her mom, not giving Ariel a chance to respond.

****

A few days ago, Colin caught Ariel by surprise introducing her to his mom as his girlfriend. For a moment he thought she’d run out of the room. He hadn’t known what to make of the expression on her face. What did Ariel expect him to introduce her as?
Mom, this is Ariel. She’s my assistant of sorts.
It sounded wrong in so many levels. Plus, Colin wanted everyone to know they were together. The time had come for him to give life a chance again.

After his family left,
Ariel didn’t say anything else. He’d expected an interrogation. Hell, he’d imagined she’d push to have a conversation to explain what being his girlfriend meant. Women always did, not his Ariel. He’d feel better if she’d at least said something. Anything.

To add to his already perturbed state, s
ince his conversation with Logan, there hadn’t been any new leads to her brother’s whereabouts. The bad news was the investigator and his team confirmed Ariel turned out to be a victim of an ugly scam and could very well pay for something she didn’t do. Colin knew the feeling well, and planned to do anything in his power to prevent her from going through such an ordeal. He hoped the investigator had news of Tanner for them soon.

Colin
watched a sleeping Ariel from the corner of his eye. She’d been too tired to stay awake the full two hour drive to Nottingham. He was to blame for her tired state. He’d kept her up late last night then gotten her out of bed at the crack of dawn this morning.

He
welcomed the distraction being away from his home for the next couple of days brought. It pleased him she didn’t seem to mind the prospect of spending the weekend with his family at Hoskins House.

This weekend would define the
next turn in their relationship. He cared for Ariel, but moving on, giving life, and love a chance, required one thing. Trust. If Ariel couldn’t give it to him, then they had nothing.

Colin turned
right onto a long and narrow gravel path. He looked at his watch. It was exactly nine o’clock. Enough time to settle in, and show her the grounds of his childhood home before his mom’s birthday party tonight.

“Are we here?” a sleepy Ariel asked.

“Yes.” His upper lip twitched into a lopsided smile. He drove for another mile along the azaleas lined path.

She
rolled down the car window, the breeze brushing her long tresses. “Wow. I feel I’m in a fairy tale,” she said in awe.

A dazzling regency style manor sat amid a
cres of beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding the front and the back with far-reaching lawns on either side.

Colin
was anxious to give Ariel a tour of the place. He steered the car onto a carriage style driveway, stopping in front of the steps to the double entrance door.

“
Sir,” Smythe, his mom’s butler, greeted him.

“Smythe, it’s good to see you.”
He patted his arm and walked to the other side of the car, finding another of his mom’s staff members helping Ariel out.

“Your room is ready. I’ll have the staff carry your luggage,” Smythe said.

“Great.”

“Miss Parks, Mary will show you to your room,” Smythe said.

Ariel nodded, smiling back.

“That won’t be necessary
.” Colin waved a hand.

“I’m glad
to see you back here.” Smythe looked at him, a gleam in his eyes, then nodded to the two staff members waiting for his instructions on the steps.

The staff memb
ers murmured their greetings as they walked by them to get their luggage out of the trunk.

Colin laced his fingers wi
th Ariel’s. “Are you ready?”

She
rose to her toes and brushed her lips over his. “I think so.”

Colin guided her up the steps through the double entrance door giving way to a light and spacious reception hall leading off to other areas of the house.

“Ariel!” his mom said, coming down the elegant staircase. She greeted Ariel with a hug and a kiss then did the same with Colin.

Why was
everything so quiet? He’d anticipated people running from one side to another in a frenzy to get things ready for the guests tonight. “Where’s everyone?” he asked.

His mom
waved her hands. “Ah, I decided to keep it small this time, just family and a few close friends. Honestly, I think I ought to stop having this party altogether. It’s no longer a celebration of my youth.”

Ariel placed her hand on
his mom’s arm. “You’re a lovely woman, Stefanie.”

His mom
looked at her, a warm smile on her face. “You’re such a sweet girl.”

“
Is Julianne here yet?” Colin asked.

His mom
stared out the distance for a moment. “Yes. She got here yesterday, so did Gérard. They went horse riding earlier this morning. You know how it is with those two. Julianne’s probably racing him to prove she can beat him.”

Colin
didn’t like the vibe he got from his mom’s tone. He’d know more if he’d been around all this time. Now, he felt an outcast fighting to be let back in when he kicked himself out to begin with.