Blurred Lines

Chapter 15

A few minutes after we left the spot on the side of the road,Christian turned the car into a long private driveway fenced on either side.

The driveway curved and revealed a sweeping turnaround in front of a huge White House with thick pillars standing proudly along the facade.

Wide steps led up between two central pillars to a long veranda. There were gardens in the side yards and I caught a glimpse of a pool in the back.

"Wow" I said.

Christian gave me a look "The house is modeled after the governor's mansion,my grandpa Keith believed in living large" he stopped the car near the front steps.

Immediately a guy in jeans and a NYU cap came jogging towards us from another driveway that led around to the side.

Christian lowered his window "hey Bryan"

"long time no see Christian."

Christian got out of the car leaving the engine running,he jogged round and pulled my door open offering me his hand.

I took it ignoring the thrill that quivered through me just from laying my hand in his.

As I got out,Bryan slid in behind the wheel and Christian said "Bryan,this is my girlfriend Ava"

I smiled at him "Nice to meet you Bryan."

Bryan leaned across the seat "The pleasure is all mine" then turned his head to Christian "I'll have your suitcases brought in."

"Thanks" Christian shut the door and Bryan drove the car away.

We turned together to the front steps that led up to the veranda. Just then,the big carved front door swung open.

A slim beautiful woman who looked to be in her 50s came out. She wore faded jeans and a pink sweater, her auburn hair was sleeked back in a bun.

Beside her was a very tall intimidating man with thick brown hair with streaks of silver.

Even if I hadn't seen pictures of them I would have known who they were,Christian's mom and dad. Malory and Bradley Taylor.

Zoe looked so much like their mom and Christian had their dad's broad shoulders and bearing.

"Christian!,you're here!" Malory said with a brilliant smile. She rushed down the stairs her husband beside her.

When she reached us she grabbed Christian in a hug "I'm so glad you've come. It's been too long"

She finally let him go and turned to me "You must be Avalyn."

I forced myself not to wince at her use of my full name "Mrs Taylor,it's great to meet you at last"

She grabbed both of my hands and gazed at me with misty eyes "please call me Mallory,Mrs Taylor was my mother-in-law and lord knows there was nothing I could do to please that woman" and she pulled me into a hug "I'm so happy to meet you".

The hug was a bit awkward but not too bad. When Mallory stepped back Mr Taylor offered his hand to me and when I took it put his other hand on top of mine enclosing it.

"Wonderful to meet you Ava,I hope you call me Brad"

He had cool blue eyes,eyes that saw everything but his greeting was sincere.

I nodded and gave him a smile.

Mallory grabbed my hand,dragging me up the wide steps and through the big doors "come on in,it's warmer inside."

I liked her on the spot. She might be rich and from a big time family but she was not a snob. There was something so welcoming and honestly warm about her.

Once inside Mallory said with an eye roll to Christian "I don't know where your brothers are,but Zoe went to see a friend and their spouses went shopping"

Christian and I followed Mallory up the stately wide staircase,her hand running along the carved mahogany banister.

She glanced over her shoulder at me "How did you meet my son?"

"Through Zoe" the muscles around my mouth hurt from forcing a smile "we had a project at school that lasted a month,so we did it at Christian's place."

At least that was true,I really liked her and lying to her made me feel guilty. I touched my tummy trying to calm the nausea.

"I was going to put you in bedrooms down the hall from each other because Christian wasn't forthcoming about your sleeping arrangements" Mallory said when we got to the landing with a pointed look at Christian who was behind me "but Zoe assured me one room was ok and I agree,I mean there's no reason you can't share a room"

"You don't have to do that" the words rushed out of my mouth marching the panic I was feeling. My gaze bounced between Christian and his mom "I mean,this is your house. Separate bedrooms are fine"

Preferred. Sharing a bedroom was not an option,I hadn't even thought of it until now.

I clenched my teeth and glared at Christian trying to signal that we were fighting and not getting along. Surely she won't force us to stay in the same room if she thinks we're fighting?.

I wasn't about to find out though as Christian being the perverse creature he was gave me a smouldering look,as though he was so hot for me his clothes were singed.

Damn him. He was actually having fun with this. I felt my temper start rising. How dare he get me into this situation and now make it worse?. I pursed my lips and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Now,now" Mallory said her green eyes twinkling,a mischievous grin on her face "I may be a little old now but i remember being young once. You guys only have five days together. Enjoy your vacation and each other"

Oh boy. This is not good. So not good.

"That's generous and sweet of you mom" Christian said to his mother "but Ava and I don't want to make you uncomfortable"

Finally!.

I nodded hoping I didn't look like a battery operated robot cause that's how I felt like trying to get my agreement across to Mallory.

"You don't have to worry dears,did you think I lay chaste in my bed until my wedding night?" She patted Christian's arm "this is better than you sneaking around at night. Trust me,you won't be fooling anyone"

She stepped through a doorway "This is your room" and motioning to the glass windows on the wall said "I love the view of the pool. I used to stand up here and watch the kids when they're swimming in case a fight starts so I could quickly interfere"

"That's sweet" or would be if I could see past the queen sized four-poster bed covered with a white comforter and fluffy laced pillows. A romantic bed. A bed for lovers.

There was a sudden lump in my throat that threatened to choke me.

"The room had its own bathroom" Mallory continued pointing to a closed door. She pointed to a closet with built-in dresser and a fireplace "you guys should be comfortable here."

Maybe if we were on a honeymoon. I felt goose bumps cover my skin and I rubbed my hands over my arms. The bedroom was so romantic,the kind you might find in a cozy little motel.

This is not the kind of place I want to sleep,especially not with Christian Taylor.

I forced myself to thank Mallory. I didn't say anything else out of fear of sounding rude. The woman had been gracious,kind and...um progressive.

"We'll be very comfortable,thank you mom" Christian escorted Mallory toward the door "Bryan will bring up our luggage soon,and we'll get settled then see you downstairs"

Mischief danced in his mom's eyes as she sashayed out the doorway "Don't rush on my account"

The innuendo was clear. Christian's mom just gave us the permission to have s*x before lunch. I barely bit back the groan bubbling behind my throat as I felt my face heat up.

Christian closed the door "I..."

"I quit."