Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 7 Vacation

Chapter 7 Vacation

A month later my friends and I traveled to Dublin. We settled in our Penthouse suite at a hotel in the middle of everything. Katie had made arrangements for us to spend time at the spa, sightseeing, and of course, VIP passes for a hot club for three nights in a row. I guess there is no better way of spending the remainder of my single life than at the club with my best friends. I think I might even rebel a little. I have always followed my parents' rules. This week might change. I might even hook up with a guy. I want to be able to feel in control of my life, make my own choices, before I am shackled. This week I will be unrestrained and free to do what I want. I think my friends understand well what I need this week. 

“Ready to spread those wings one last time?” Katie asked as she linked arms with me exiting the airport terminal. I leaned my head against her shoulder with a solemn look. 

“Yes, I need to go and free my wild side one last time. I want to be unrestrained. I want to go with the flow regardless of the consequences. Within reason of course.” I said. I felt her nodd. We all went into the limo that was awaiting us. The atmosphere in the limo was one of sadness and hope. We were all going to have fun like the single girls we were proud to be. 

“No more sad faces, I want to have fun and possibly get laid, no restraints. Let’s go crazy!” I proclaimed and everyone cheered and roared with laughter. “Just one request. No one mentions my last name. Ok. I don’t want a scandal.” I said and they all nodded. 

We finally came to the hotel which was a skyscraper in the heart of Dublin. I bet the view from our suite is amazing. We checked in and had the bell boys help us with our bags as they led us to our penthouse suite. We tipped the boys and immediately went to crash for the night. Jet Lag is going to be a b***h. 

We spent the first day at the spa. It was a wonderful start since we were in dire need of relaxation. The jet lag was no joke. The next day we spent the morning sightseeing and eating out at the local cuisine.

Now we were back at the penthouse getting ready for our first night of clubbing. I was excited. I wanted to dance and drink my worries away. I dressed in a black skin tight dress that stopped at the middle of my thighs. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline. I wore my black louis vuitton heels and black clutch. Angie made a cat eyeliner on my eyes and a dark red lip. Trish wore a bright yellow strapless dress. Katie wore a blue thin sleeved mini dress. Angie wore a blue mini skirt with a Black sequins crop top showing a hint of her flat tummy. Lily wore a red bodycon dress. When we were done we headed downstairs to our limo. 

We came to a club that was just down the street and again we were treated with the VIP service. This club was amazing in its neon lighting and flashing strobe lights. It was futuristic and energetic. We found our VIP section and went to settle down. We took our seat and immediately our handsome male server took our order. As per tradition we all took two rounds of shots to start the epic night ahead of us. We finally all made it to the dance floor. After about three songs I had to use the ladies room. When I came out I headed for our VIP section to sit and drink some more. The girls all finally made their way back to sit at our section for another round of shots. 

“So has anyone spotted any good targets for us? I think it's time we had something to play with.” Trish asked with a sinister smile. 

“Give me five minutes and I’ll come back with exactly what we need.” I said bold and super confident in myself. The girls were all gleaming big smiles at me. When I was this confident and headstrong, only good things came of it. Angie squealed with delight. 

I got up and walked to the bar. When the bartender came he asked what I would like with a big smile. 

“Rum and coke please.” I asked. 

“Make that two.” A man with the deepest, thickest, sexiest Irish accent I have ever heard. “On me.” I turned to face him. 

“Thank you. But I can buy my own drink.” I said and I almost lost my breath from how gorgeous this man was. He was tall, lean but muscular judging by his skin tight button up shirt. It looked as if his shirt was seconds from being ripped open. His face was sharp and regal, almost aristocratic. He had burgundy hair and the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen. This by far was the sexiest man I had ever seen. I almost lost control of myself. 

“I insist since I was chosen to perform a bet.” He said so honestly. I raised my eyebrow at him and crossed my arms over my chest. I was challenging him, let's see how well he plays into my game. 

“O, and what would this bet be then?” I asked. He chuckled and tucked his hands into the pockets of his dark jeans. 

“Well my friends and I noticed you and your friends and sent me to ask if you all wanted to come hang with us?” He said with a smile that almost made my panties wet. I had to admit it was cute the way he asked. I was indeed flattered. 

“Well Mister…” I began to say. 

“Collin. My name's Collin.” He said and brought his hand out to shake mine. I took his hand and shook it back. “What is your name, beautiful lady?” He continued to ask. 

“Aria. And I suppose I could ask my friends. There are five of us, I hope you have enough friends to entertain mine?” I asked. He still had my hand in his with no sign of letting go. The way our hands molded into each other made me feel things that I normally don’t feel with anyone else. I was not anxious to let go just yet either. 

“There are six of us too. I guess it was meant to be.” I bit my bottom lip smiling like an i***t. This feeling of flattery was amazing, he brought out this happy energy around me and I wanted more. 

“Ok, I should go ask my girls then. Expect us shortly.” I said and was the first to let go. I still wanted to play hard to get. I turn and walk away, not looking back. As I take a seat back with my friends. 

“O My GOD! That man was hot and sexy as hell. Why do you always get approached by the sexiest man in the room.” Angie grunted in astonishment. I shrugged my shoulders. 

“Not my fault. I was actually going to trap the guy beside me, but he came first.” 

“Well then, what did he say?” Lily was at the edge of her seat. 

“Well he was dared by his friends to ask me if you guys wanted to join him and his group at their VIP section. There is enough for each to have our own attention.” I said. 

“You truly have a superpower, Aria. You did say five minutes and you did deliver. I am sure a sexy man like that hangs out with just as sexy friends. Shall we ladies.” Trish said. They all nodded and got up. We were walking in a v-formation towards Collin and his friends. We were a force to be reckoned with. It was so amusing to watch the heads turn our way, even more so when we approached the boys section. They all had lustful stares. Some even had their mouths open, almost drooling themselves.

“Hello gentlemen.” I said with confidence and leadership. I had a hand on my hip and stood proud. Everyone knows that I am the ringleader of the group and establishing that now will only make things easier. Collin stood up and took my hand. 

“Guys this is Aria and her friends. Ladies, these are my friends Drew, Bruce, Willy, Liam, and Brenden.” They all waved and it was nice to see a mix of hair colors between them. I can instantly tell which guys were a good fit for my friends. 

“Nice to meet you all. This is Katie, Trish, Lily, and Angie.” I introduced and pointed to each one. 

“Aria do you wanna dance?” Collin asked and I nodded. He never released my hand this entire time. We came to the middle of the dance floor where he swung me around to face him and hold me close. Our bodies were flushed against each other. We swayed to the music grinding our bodies together. It was a phenomenal feeling. It was like my body was perfectly molded to his, as if I was made for him. His body was hot and tight. I felt like a delicate flower safe in his arms with the way he was embracing me. We were in our own little world dancing together with the music not once speaking. I could stay in his arms forever. Then it hit me. Here I was already hoping that he would ask me out, when I was spoken for. As much as I hate this arrangement, I wasn’t one to cheat on my betrothed. I sighed and knew that even if he did ask me for anything more than a dance I could not indulge. I had to be frank with this gorgeous stranger. 

“I am getting thirsty, can we go back?” I said leaning up to his ear. He nodded and took my hand again and escorted me back to our VIP section. I can tell he too was deep in thought over something. We sat alone in the sectional, our friends still dancing together. I took a big gulp of my drink and turned to face him. I was trying to gage his emotion, but all I got was him looking back at me and trying to read me. I sighed and finally spoke up. 

“Thanks for the dance, but I have to tell you right now that there can not be anything more between us. I can not offer you anything beyond friendship.” I said and saw the shock in his face. 

“Um, well I didn’t expect that. Well I was going to just say that this can only be a one night stand also. I am not the relationship type. It's a relief actually.” He said scratching the back of his neck while taking a drink. 

“Good, that was definitely a relief for me. At least our friends can have a good time.” I said looking out at the dance floor as my friends dance with their chosen guy. And as predicted they went to the guys that I knew would compliment their personalities. If I wasn’t already betrothed I would have found this an ideal situation. 

“Curious, do you have a boyfriend? Is that why you can’t be more than friends?” He asked. I was surprised he wanted to pry. 

“Um no, I don’t have a boyfriend. It’s more of a family obligation.” I said. He didn’t need to know the details of my life. After tonight he was just going to be another memory. 

“Family Obligation huh? So your parents arranged your marriage too?” He said and I gave him a puzzled look. How did he figure it out?

“Smart you are. Yes. So you too?” I said only speculating if he caught on so quickly.

“Yes, my parents also arranged my marriage. It’s set in stone now.” He said with a sad expression. 

“I’m sorry, I know how it feels. I hate being forced into something that can dictate my future happiness.” 

“Yea, why can’t you get out of your arrangement. Can’t live without daddy's money?” He smeared like I was the spoiled brat arranged to him. I scoffed at him. 

“No, I made my own fortune all on my own, thank you very much. I stopped using daddies money after graduating college. He threatened to take the family business from me. I worked hard in his company earning my birthright, while maintaining my other ventures. I don’t need the money, I just don’t want the company going into anyone else's hands. It’s a family business and the family should be in charge of it.” I said like I was venting to my best friend. He nodded in appreciation. 

“Well I am sorry to hear that, I didn’t mean any disrespect. My title was threatened as well. I completely understand what you are going through now.” He sighed and rubbed his hands on his face relieving the tension he had on this topic. 

“Yeah well I am glad to have met you. I guess no one truly understands how horrible these arrangements tend to be. Good for the parent and company but bad for those forced. I am just hoping my betrothed isn’t a nightmare. I would never speak to my parents again if that were the case.” I said and he laughed. 

“That’s what I am scared of as well. Marrying an entitled heiress that cares more about her looks and clothes. I would rather find someone that would cherish adventures instead of the spotlight. I wish I still had a choice.” I nodded at his declaration. 

“Well it is what it is now.” I said and looked back at my friends having the time of their lives with men that they chose to have fun with. 

“Can I ask you a serious question though?” He said and I looked back to face him. He looked really pensive. Like he was battling something in his head. 

“Sure?” I said looking at him quizzically. 

“Say in a hypothetical world where we were not in any obligations. Would you be interested in going to dinner with me?” He asked. I suddenly held my breath in shock looking at him. After our conversation about not getting serious here he was talking nonsense. This was what I was trying to avoid. My heart wanted to scream “YES” but my mind told me that I had to remain reserved and not give any hope. But this was a hypothetical question and I would give my hypothetical answer. I can not deny the attraction I have towards him. 

“I don’t know, I hardly know you. And even though I will admit that you are hot. I still don’t know a thing about you.” I said. I can tell he was taken back by my response. I bet he is used to women falling at his feet. But that wasn’t me. I needed an emotional connection beyond just the physical. 

“You are different Miss Aria. Other women would have jumped in head first.” He said and I glared at him. Was he expecting me to swoon for him at first sight? 

“Well I am sorry to disappoint you. I am not easily charmed by any man. Money and rank do not tempt me. I want an emotional connection, not just something physical.” I said and then stood up. “Excuse me.” I said and started to walk away. The nerve of him to think that he could get into my head and accuse me of being easy. I am a woman of class. I hate playboys and will always resist their stupid charms. I will not be another name on their lists. 

Suddenly he grabs my wrist and stops me from leaving. “I am sorry, I guess I am not used to women that aren’t easy. Please sit.” He said and I just looked at him. Should I cave and sit or walk away? I owe him nothing. I am going to go for a less deadly approach. 

“I accept your apology, but I do have to go and use the ladies room.” I said, gentle enough for his ego, yet easy for me to escape. This conversation was turning uncomfortable fast. I didn’t want to give myself hope. If I did have to choose, I would choose to give him a chance. Either way it is a question I refuse to answer. Even in a hypothetical world I would not give him the chance because I would still be too invested in my job. It is only now that I do not have the choice that I wished to say yes to him. I can’t take my mind down that rabbit hole. 

I went into the ladies room and did my business. When I was done I sat in the sitting area of the restroom. I wasn’t ready to go out and face him. I needed my friends again, I needed a shield to prevent the inevitable. Even if I went to dinner with him, carved into that delicious man, I still would have to break it off. I wanted to cry again feeling the shackles of my obligations choking me. I wish I had a choice. I must have lost track of time because all my friends found me and sat next to me. 

“What’s wrong?” Katie asked, grabbing my hand. 

“Collin asked me stupid questions and I just needed to breath.” I said. 

“You know he did ask about you when we all came back to sit.” Trish said which made me tilt my head confused.

“Yea he wanted to know more about you. If I didn’t know any better, I think he might have a thing for you.” Angie said. 

“And it looks like the feeling is mutual huh?” Katie said and I sighed. 

“I told him about my family obligation, it seems he is in the same predicament as me. It’s funny how easy it was to talk about how horrible this is. Then after our little rant he hypothetically asked me to dinner. I didn’t give him a direct answer because I just don’t want to give either of us hope. I still don’t know what to think. He is confusing me and I am just ready to go back and sleep now. Being reminded that I don't have a choice is draining.” I said. But I saw how the girls looked at me like they didn’t want to go home just yet. I felt for them now. I was being so selfish that I was putting a downer on their night. “If you guys are having fun getting to know the guys I am sure I can just befriend Collin. I want you guys to have fun too.” I said, faking a smile. They beamed. 

“Only a little longer. I am so ready to pounce on Drew, I might spend the night at his place. Just in case we disappear.” Trish said and now I was feeling better that my friends were happy. My smile became genuine. 

“Yes, that Bruce is rough and sexy, I almost want to turn bad for him.” Katie said with a naughty look. I giggle more. 

“Dam, I thought I was the only one. That Willy is something else. It's that smile that gets to me.” Angie said. We all turn to Lily and see her blush so hard I thought she might turn purple. We teased her and she just covered her face in embarrassment. 

“OMG! Lily and Liam. You two would be my two favorite L’s.” I teased her. She huffed and caved finally.  

“Ok, Liam is the hottest sexiest man I have ever laid my eyes on and I can’t take it. Is it hot in here? They need to have better air conditioning than this. I have never felt this way before.” She said, fanning herself looking around. It was so cute to see her flustered like that. Usually she is as cool as a cucumber when it comes to boys. Seeing her like this is rare and worth watching.  

“You all are so adorable and so happy. I can’t say no to any of you. Have all the fun you want. I am so thrilled you are happy. Let's keep having fun and enjoy this night!” I cheered with a new found excitement for the night. My head was clear from the fog of lust I had for Collin. If he can’t accept being friends then so be it. His friend Breden seemed lonely and needed someone to talk to as well. He should know by now through the grapevine that I am off limits. 

We all powdered our nose and touched up before leaving the ladies room back to being the confident women we were. We went to sit back with the guys and I sat in between Collin and Breden smiling at both of them. Collin stretched his arm behind me and rested along the edge of the sectional, basically claiming me. He leaned over and started to talk to me. 

“What took you so long? You never answered my questions.” I looked at him trying to keep a straight face. 

“That is because I chose not to answer it. And am I not allowed to take my time in the ladies room?” I said. We just looked at each other having a staring contest. 

“You are something else.” He finally said. “Come dance with me again. The least you could do with a new friend.” He winked and before I could respond he already pulled me up and wrapped his arm around my waist guiding me to the dance floor. I did not resist. This is going to be the most that will come of what “this” is. 

“Please, can you at least answer my question?” He insisted again talking into my ear. I sighed. 

“Why are you so adamant in knowing something that can not happen?” I asked. 

“Because… because there is something about you. I feel very attracted to you. There is this connection that I want to understand. I feel things with you in this short time… I am just curious, I guess.” He said and I can’t help but feel the same way. 

“Yes,” I said. I just let it slip and suddenly my heart fluttered. I felt him tighten his grasp and bring me even closer to his body. 

“Then let us pretend that we are in this hypothetical world and let me take you to dinner tomorrow. Let me spend as much time with you as I can until your vacation ends, and then we part ways and fulfill our obligations never to hear from each other again.” He said and now I was resting my head on his chest. I so wished that this was real. That we could really play and indulge in this idea. I had not felt like this in a long time. Maybe I should indulge. Even if it is a one night stand.

“As long as you promise to cut all ties when we leave on Monday. I don’t want us to give into the hope of this being anything more than a fling.” I said caving into this illusion. Four days of pretending to have a choice. I looked up at him and he cupped my cheek with one hand staring into my eyes. I can see the longing, the lust, the need. He was looking at me the same way I felt for him on the inside.