Blurred Lines

Chapter 16

His mouth dropped open but almost immediately he pressed his lips firmly together.

"You promised"

"I know and I'm sorry but I can't do this. I don't like lying to your mom and I don't see how you can either,she's so sweet and really cares about you"

"I'm doing this for her!. If we’re not dating, she would have invited all the females in Santa Cruz,I'd have to reject them and I might also have to call her out on her match making attempts. That's going to make for an awkward time and ruin her birthday party"

"No" I held up my hands palm facing him. He clasped my hands in his large ones and I tried to ignore the heat that engulfed my whole body.

"Everything is going to be okay"

"How?" I felt my voice c***k a little and him being calm didn't help at all "your mom thinks we're about to have wild monkey sex."

"She's romantic, indulge her."

I glared at him "I'm not doing such a thing"

"I didn't ask you to have s*x with me, just pretend we're together like we agreed. Don't worry I'll try to come up with another accommodation option but till then I don't mind sleeping on the floor"

I imagined how it would be like to sleep on the floor. He'd probably have a stiff back and some aches by morning.

"What if someone walks in and sees you sleeping on the floor?"

"I could say you kicked me out of bed for snoring"

"I'd still hear you snoring if we're in the same room" I pointed out.

"We'll have to think of something else then"

I really shouldn't pity him. He got us into this mess,he deserves some aches.

He's going to get you into LSTPS a tiny voice whispered in my mind. Fine!!.

"Look,we're both adults. We could share the bed if we put a wall of pillows between us or something"

He looked a little put out "Are you sure?,I'm fine with the floor"

I waved his protest away "I'm sure"

"Thank you"

***

Thirty minutes after I’d unpacked and changed I finally got the courage to leave the room.

I peeked out the doorway and seeing the coast was clear,I came out.

I walked the hallway Mallory did earlier and finally got to the stairs.

As soon as my foot touched the landing Zoe shot out of nowhere and launched herself at me "Ava!!"

I saw you this morning girl,why so hyper?. I got my answer when she released me,her eyes looked glassy.

"My brother's beautiful girlfriend" she waved her hand about and did a little pirouette "my brother doesn't know how lucky he is"

I squinted at her "Zoe are you...drunk?"

She immediately turned to me with a little gasp "what??,how could you say that?. I’ve never been drunk in my life" then she smiled sweetly at me "have you met my brothers?"

Not waiting for an answer she grabbed my hand and was about to drag me off to God knows we're when a deep voice resounded behind us

"What's going on here?"

We both pivoted to see a tall man with a lock of chestnut hair and calculating hazel eyes staring at us.

Zoe dropped my hand and exclaimed "Grayson!"

She then proceeded to launch herself into his arms.

His expression changed to one of warmth an affection "pumpkin,who's been giving you alcohol?"

Zoe hiccuped and smiles innocently "Chloe"

I felt my inside freeze at her name,at the same time Grayson's expression changed comically.

Zoe saw his expression and pouted "Don't be mad at her"

Grayson's gaze met mine then and his eyes roamed my body appreciatively "hey there beautiful,I don't think we've met" he flashed a grin at me.

I was about to introduce myself when strong arms circled my waist. I knew who it was without looking back.

"Back off Gray. She’s mine" Christian glared at his brother not bothering to spare me a glance.

His body was tense so I knew he was mad. I instinctively turned my body into his and draped a hand on his chest.

He glanced at me then and his eyes softened "you look amazing babe"

He grinned when he saw my undoubtably red cheeks and kissed my forehead tucking my head into his chest.

"You don't have to hide her face,I got the message" Grayson said with a chuckle "Are you going to introduce us?”

Christian sighed and said "Baby,this is my annoying brother Grayson, Gray my baby."

I lifted my head from Christian's chest "nice to meet you Grayson” and offered him my hand.

He took it to his lips with gleaming eyes and said "pleasure is all mine baby"

Christian narrowed his eyes at his brother and snatched my hand away "haha. Her name is Ava"

"Yes!,and my name is Zoe" Zoe exclaimed from somewhere behind us. We all turned to see her smiling sweetly at us.

Christian narrowed his eyes again "is she...drunk?"

It was Gray's turn to sigh "Chloe"

He didn't say anything else just Chloe’s name but Christian's expression turned thunderous.

Damn he's so hot when he's angry.

Down girl!!

"Is she here?" Christian asked Grayson

"I don't know bro"

Seeing Zoe start to wander off again I announced "if somebody could tell me where Zoe's room is I would take her there"

Zoe jumped up and down in excitement "I'll show you"

"That's settled then" Christian said with a sigh "I'll see you later babe".

Then with a side glance at Gray,he kissed me.

I turned to Zoe flustered "let's go".

***

After tucking Zoe into her bed -which was surprisingly easy- I wandered down the stairs again and this time when I got to the landing I turned a sharp left to where I assumed the kitchen was.

When I got in I was amazed. The kitchen was so freakishly huge,it was slightly bigger than the one at Christian's house.

Christian's mom was stirring something in the pot and there were two other women I didn't recognize also busy doing something.

As the door closed behind me Mallory glanced at the doorway and smiled when she saw me.

She left the stove and gave me a warm hug "come and meet my daughters Ava"

She took my hand and dragged me to where the other women were busy "ladies" Mallory said to gain their attention "this is Christian’s girlfriend Avalyn. Ava this is Sam's wife Shelby" she pointed to the tiny brunette that was making a dough.

She looked up and gave me a quick smile.

"And that's Emma, Rogan's fiancé" she pointed to the other woman -a tall woman with brown hair and green eyes.

She also gave me a quick smile.

"Nice to meet you both" i told them with a smile.

Shelby gave me another smile and said "I would hug you but my hand is filled with dough"

"No worries" I told her and she nodded.

"My hands are not filled with anything" Emma said and gave me a tight hug "welcome to the family Ava"

I suddenly felt my throat clog up -that seems to happen whenever I met the Taylor women.

They were all just so warm and welcoming.

"Thanks Emma"

When she released me I looked around the kitchen "what can I do to help?"

Mallory glanced at me "you can cook?"

"Yes,my mom was a chef before she started writing and she decided her children must also know how to cook" I said with a slight smile at the memory of her telling me and Alex that and Alex's horrified expression at the thought of cooking.

"Your mom?" Emma prompted

"Yeah,Diane Blake"

"Wait, the one who wrote this cookbook?" Mallory said lifting a book of the counter.

"Yep" I said with a grin.

"Wow,I would love to meet her" Mallory said.

"Thank you" I told her and went to get a cup of water. I was suddenly so thirsty.

"I suppose Christian has met her?" Mallory asked.

I choked on the water I was drinking when I got the implication of what she meant.

I started coughing violently and my vision became blurry as my eyes watered.

There was a firm thump on my back accompanied by Emma's voice "take a deep breath honey. Yes,that's it. Nice and slow." She continued crooning while rubbing my back.

When I finally got my coughing under control and could see again all eyes were on me.

"I'm okay now guys,thank you" I said hoping to get their attention away from me.

***

After the coughing dilemma everyone went back to what they were doing and Mallory put me to the task of making the side dishes.

Sam and Rogan came to the kitchen while we were cooking and Mallory introduced us.

I really liked their family and I got so relaxed that for a moment I forgot Christian and I weren't really dating.

After we finished cooking, Mallory told us to go wash up. When she saw I was about to protest she assured me that our work was over, that the boys will take care of the rest.

So here I am taking a shower. Water sprayed me from all angles and it was so relaxing I never wanted to come out but I had to if I wanted to eat.

I wrapped myself in a towel and came out of the bathroom the same time Christian entered the room.

We both froze looking at each other. Christian's gaze slowly roamed my body as if in a trance and came back to meet my wide eyes.

Then he quickly turned around "I'm so sorry!"

I almost chuckled at his startled reaction but my heart was thumping too fast to get anything out of my mouth.

I quickly rubbed on my lotion and put my dress on. My hair was wet so I was drying it when I told Christian "you can turn around now,I'm decent"

He did so and this time his eyes widened as they roamed my body appreciatively "you're so beautiful"

My face grew warm at his compliment. I turned my back to him so he won't see my red cheeks.

I didn't hear him move but he must have because his hands came up my shoulder. His hot breath caressed the back of my neck making goosebumps appear on my arms.

He pressed his lips to the back of my neck and a thrill ran down my spine.

What is he doing now?.

"Ava..." He said as he ran his hand through my still damp hair as he pulled it to one side "this between us. Let’s make it real" and distracted me by nuzzling his head in my neck.