Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 12 Second vista point

Chapter 12 Second vista point

I woke up with the sun's rays shining down on me. I felt euphoric. My body was heavy and sore in a good way. I tried to get up only to be pulled back with a strong arm wrapped around my waist. I smiled knowing that I had the most amazing night of my life. I turn to face a still sleeping Collin. I kissed his nose and his nose twitched, I awed. I kissed his lips and his arms wrapped tighter on me and he began to kiss me back. 

“MMMM” He began to humm and finally broke from our kiss. “I can get used to waking up like this.” He grinned and started running his hands all up and down my body. “I love you.” He whispered along my neck. I smiled even bigger and my heart was fluttering. 

“I love you Collin. My Irish Stud.” I giggled. 

“MMMM...O Aria, I like being your stud, because you are my dove, my love. And a complete fox at the same time.” 

“Ok sweet talker. So what would you like to do today? Do you need to go back to your hotel to pick up some clothes?” I asked. 

“I got that covered, love. I brought in a small bag of clothes that I kicked in when I entered. If I am correct it should be by the front door.” He said and I nodded. I then got out of his embrace and headed to my bathroom. I turned midway and looked over my shoulder catching Collin looking at my nake body. 

“Are you going to join me or am I showering all by myself?” I teased and lifted an eyebrow. I turned and continued my way with an extra sway of my hips. I heard him groan and shuffle behind me. I chuckled and shook my head. I definitely had Collin wrapped around my little finger and I was loving it.

After our long shower we dressed in casual jeans and t-shirts. He had a black zip up hoody on and I grabbed my brown leather biker jacket. I grabbed his hand as we headed out for breakfast. We drove in my black heavily tinted Jeep Wrangler. I wanted to take him to this spot that I loved coming to when I was alone and needed space. We ate at a small cozy diner and ordered food to go. I told him that I have a place in mind for a picnic, a place I knew he would appreciate. 

I drove for an hour and zig zagged my way up into the forest high into the mountains. I knew this type of scenery was different from Dublin. There was so much pine and mist smelling throughout the air. I came into a dirt parking lot and parked the car. Collins' face was priceless. He looked out in awe of everything. I knew in my heart he was the man for me. He likes being in nature as much as I do. Collin grabs the bag of food and I take his hand and follow the beaten trail to a bench area along a steep cliff. It overlooked the dense forest before ending along the glistening ocean front. I sat at a bench and Collin joined me. 

“So what do you think of my escape?” I asked. He was still looking out at the view and smiled. 

“This is amazing, Aria. I never thought something like this existed in the states. Thank you for bringing me here.” Then he turned to look at me with his beautiful smile. “How can you be so perfect? I am even more in love with you Aria, my dove.” He leans in and kisses me so tenderly. We broke away and started taking all the food out of the bag and eating our lunch. 

“Aria, I have to leave tomorrow.” Collin said after we finished eating. 

“Ok.” I said feeling sad that his visit wasn’t longer. We clean up and throw everything away at the nearest trash bin. We go back to sit on the bench and I lean into Collin with his arms wrapped around me. We both are watching the landscape while talking about nonsense. I love how we can easily talk about anything and everything. I was deeply enjoying our time together even if this was our last. We still haven’t gotten out of our obligations, anything could still happen. 

We finally decided to go back to my place and enjoy the remaining time we have together in the comfort of my bed. We worshiped each other, devouring every inch of our bodies. We made love all evening and night long. In the morning we were both reluctant to leave. I could tell this was just as hard for him as it was for me. I hugged him one more time, not ready to let go. 

“Don’t let go, not yet.” I said inhaling his scent. I want to commit all of him to memory. 

“I don’t want to let go either, love, but I have to go. This is just as hard for me, my dove.” He said and we kissed one more time before I let go and he made his way out of my hall and into the elevator of my building. I saw him mouth ‘I love you’ before the elevator doors closed. I was immediately overwhelmed with sadness. I am going to miss him even more now. Going back into my empty condo and the silence is disturbing. I go back to my room and tidy up. I take my phone that was on the nightstand and get a text from Kent.

Kent: Hey Aria! Justin told me about your arranged marriage. I am so sorry to hear that. I guess that's what you meant by time. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Knowing you I am sure you are trying everything in your power to get out of it. Stay strong!

It warmed my heart knowing that Kent wanted to help and now knows to back off. I know he still thinks he has a chance and helping me out would definitely gain him favor. But I know I don’t want to give him any leverage over me for this. 

Aria: Thanks for understanding and if I can see a way for you to help me I will let you know.

I text back and then go into my closet and change into some casual clothes. I am going to my study to make arrangements with some movers. I am keeping this Condo just in case. Katie emailed me a listing of condos in Dublin. I look through them and instantly fall in love with one. I ask Katie to finalize it for me and have it ready for me by November. I got a text notification. 

Mom: We are spending Christmas with the O’Donnell’s. They are your future in-laws. Hope you made your arrangements to move by then. 

I groan in annoyance. My time was coming to an end sooner than I expected. My father did inform me that there was a courting period before the official date of the wedding was set. Funny how my wedding is already all planned out before even meeting my betrothed. I text my friends asking for progress reports from their businesses and helping with the financial backing to expand. At the same time hearing all their romantic interludes with their guys. I was happy to hear that they all took a huge liking to Collins' friends. Out of all the group of guys we catch I am happy we are all settling with this one. Our sisterhood is important to us. This just makes hanging out with friends in the future better. 

My phone buzzed next to me. I looked at it and smiled when I saw Collin’s name. I did not know how late it was already.

Collin: I just landed and miss you terribly. I heard I am to meet my betrothed soon. I hate this Aria. I wish if anything it was you who I was arranged to. I might try to gross her out and force her parents to call off the arrangement on her end.

Aria: I feel the same. Apparently my parents are already mentioning holiday’s with my future in-laws and it's making me cringe. I think maybe if they found out we have a new relationship they might let the issue go. I might even play runaway bride on his entitled ass. 

Collin: I am sure if my betrothed stood me up I would have cause to end the agreement. That might not be a bad idea on your end. Make that stupid prick’s life a living hell. 

I could not help but laugh, he was on to something. Maybe if we were revolting the other party would back out. 

Aria: I am getting tired. I love you and sweet dreams.

Collin: I love you more and I am sure I will be dreaming of you so you know they will be sweet. 

I turn off my computer and devices. I am done for the night. I can’t believe I zombied out all day. I do remember eating something along the way. I guess it is better than being sad all day. I miss Collin badly. I am glad I have achieved everything necessary for my personal move. Now I have to get to work on my professional move. I am even trying to convince my secretary, Paul Cummings, He was my age and gay. I loved him to bits and kept everything organized and to my liking. I am definitely going to have my work cut out for me there. I love my staff.