Chasing Rainbows - Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Five

 

“Seriously you’re ok?” Isobel reached for Emma’s hand and squeezed it. It wasn’t that Emma was upset, inconsolable or distraught that concerned Isobel, it was quite the opposite; he friend had been bright, happy and enthusiastic over the last ten days of wedding build up, the ten days since she’d thrown out her husband. Not that Isobel knew the details of what had happened, another thing that caused warning bells to sound in her head. Emma was open, honest, a book. The fact that Isobel had no idea why things had so dramatically ended between her friend and Jacob confused and worried her.

“Seriously Isobel Prior, you are literally about to walk down the aisle and you’re worrying about me? I’m happy, SO happy to be here with you today. Honestly.”

Isobel wasn’t convinced, but then she’d failed to wrestle the truth out of her friend in the days before this point. How upsetting must a wedding be when you’ve just seen your own marriage, albeit a rather unusual one break down?

Her father was coughing, the other bridesmaids were pacing, they couldn’t wait any longer, she’d hopefully get chance to talk to her friend later in the day, before she left for three weeks in Bali, because when Isobel returned as a married woman, her friend would be headlong into filming in Hollywood.

The day passed beautifully, everything was perfect. The church, the flowers, the food, the speeches, even the weather.  It was no lie that Emma had not had time to think about Jacob Coren and his devastating effect on her life, which was a good thing. Once she’d spoken, told everyone gathered about the intricacies of her friendship with the bride, the trouble they’d perpetually got themselves into, and the pleasure that she was passing the role of Chief Confidante on to someone as wonderful as Nathan. That had led to a round of ‘Ahs’ and the look that passed between her and her best friend was the most special moment, but as the bride and groom took to the dance floor, Emma slumped back in her chair, there was no hiding the fact that life was about to change, Isobel was becoming a wife, their relationship would continue, but she’d never drop everything at three am to come collect her from the date from hell, there’d be no more midnight ice cream feasts, morning long Sunday brunches dissecting the talent on display in the pubs the previous evenings.

Emma felt the pain start to return to her heart and needed to escape, especially before David the best man dragged her up to the dance floor. Reaching for her wine glass, she dashed out of the room, making for the sun basked terrace, and fresh air. It was deserted, and she’d never been more glad to be alone. Taking a minute, she looked out at the sculptured gardens, the sun reflecting on the catch pool of a large fountain. It was the perfect place.

Emma sighed, it was easier to circulate, to chat inanely than be alone, as stood outside all she could think about was the gaping hole that the annoying and frustrating Jacob Coren had left in her life. And she hated him for that, she hated him for everything.

By the time she reached the room, dancing was in full swing, the sounds of laughter, happiness echoed around the room. Emma was about to make for the bar, get another drink when her parents appeared in her path. Damn! She’d forgotten that they were invited to the evening part of the wedding.

                “Mum! Dad!” She gave them both a hug. “I forgot you were coming.”

Her mother smiled, “you look beautiful. That dress really suits you.”

Emma chuckled, “really? When I’m stood between two supermodels? I feel frumpy at best.”

Her father made for the bar leaving the two women alone.

                “So Jacob isn’t here?”

Emma groaned, she was in truth amazed they’d made small talk first. She’d not explained anything since he’d left; she had no idea how to deal with this. Did she lie? Did she tell the truth? Her mother had that same look of optimism on her face that had been a permanent fixture since Jacob’s arrival in their lives.

                “He got called back to California Mum, business. He tried to change it but couldn’t.”

Nodding knowingly, her mother leaned closer, “you were hardly nice to the boy at our house, I hope you haven’t scared him off. I mean you’ll not get anyone better than him!”

If the comment hurt Emma, she refused to acknowledge it, she’d spent the last ten years being this disappointment to her parents, and meeting Jacob for just two days had seem them change allegiance rather dramatically. It didn’t surprise her, “mother, you don’t know him, so please don’t presume to.”

Her mother sighed, “I didn’t mean to offend you...it’s just so nice to see you settled, happy.”

Emma rolled her eyes and her mother added, “It hurts that we didn’t have this...” She gestured around her at the glory that was the wedding, “but both me and your father are happy knowing that you’ve met that special someone, that you’re settled.”

The conversation was filled with such paradoxical comments that she had no idea how to respond, and she was never more happy to see David the best man approach for the dance she’d avoided earlier.

                “You going to be ok in Hollywood?”

Isobel had just changed into a beautiful blue mini dress and chunky heels, her and Nathan were heading to a Heathrow hotel from the reception, and flying to Bali for a three week honeymoon. The thought of Emma being in LA when she returned, of her struggling with all that had happened made Iz worried, but she also knew that this was the least likely time and place for her to be honest about how she felt.

                “I’m going to be fine! Hectic but fine. But not TOO hectic that I won’t have time to hear about all the clean bits of your three weeks in paradise. Ok?”

Isobel studied her face for a moment, feeling tears well in her eyes, “you’re the best friend a girl could ask for, you know that?”

Emma laughed, “you just get off on my drama, admit it!”

But despite her playing down the affection and emotion that was passing between them, when Isobel leaned in for a hug, they held onto each other for grim death. Both was about to embark on a journey that was set to signal a huge change in both their lives. An attention seeking cough caused them to pull apart, and there stood Nathan looking devastating in his jeans and t-shirt, the confidence as he looked at his new bride made him seem more attractive than ever.

                “Didn’t think I’d find my wife in a lesbian encounter on our wedding day!”

Both women punched his arm, and it was Isobel who managed to laugh, “in your dreams Mr Matheson!”

He chuckled, “as long as it’s not your dream Mrs Matheson, because right now I’m hoping your dreams involve, sun, sand...” he stalked seductively towards Isobel and she was putty in his hands as his mouth dropped to her ear and finished the sentence.

                “Don’t mind the lesbian lover either of you!” Leaving them alone, their amused laughter echoing after her. She loved her friends so much, and had never appreciated them as much as she had the last few weeks.

July plus Los Angeles definitely equalled HOT. Emma was glad that the apartment Clarence had arranged for her three month stay was overlooking the Santa Monica sand, and the sea breeze hit the balcony in the evening giving her a place to relax after a long day on the set. She was scheduled to film for the next eight weeks. The pilot had already been filmed when she was back in the UK, she didn’t figure in that episode, but now she was here ready for her six out of ten episodes. And so far it had gone well.

She checked her watch, forty minutes until Theo arrived. He was taking her out to dinner. He knew she didn’t know anyone in town, and as he told her, any publicity was great publicity for the show. So she’d better shower, and get ready. But it was too tempting to just close her eyes and let the breeze blow away the heat of the day.

She woke to an incessant banging which she soon realised was the front door to the apartment, dazed she pulled herself out of the sun lounger, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, a glance at the clock in the lounge as she made for the door told her it was seven thirty, she was late.

Opening the door she smiled, Theo looked devastating, leaning against the door frame, a dark shirt over his dark trousers didn’t look out of place on such a warm night, and as he gave her a knowing smile she groaned.

                “Do I look THAT bad?”

He laughed, “you look adorable with your bed hair and pillow face!”

Emma groaned again, “really? I am SO sorry; I am so not cut out for this Hollywood lifestyle.”

Theo followed her into the lounge laughing, “lifestyle? We’re hectic when we’re filming, then promoting, then it’s followed by barren months when we do NOTHING! You’ll see. Anyways, I imagine this is still a bit of jetlag?”

It was Emma’s turn to laugh, “I love your optimism Theo, but I’ve been here a week, there’s no excuse of jetlag, you know that.  This is purely me not used to working full time on set...and living in such heat! How do you cope?”

He pulled a hand from behind his back, she’d not noticed him concealing it, and waved a bottle of cold champagne, the condensation running off it. “With ice cold drinks and relaxation! Now get changed, I’ll pour this.”

Emma had to shower, that was imperative, but she also had to be quick, so she dived under the cool jets, scrubbed herself as quickly as she could, then found the denim hot pants and vest top she’d selected earlier to wear. It was a rather outrageous choice for her, but she was going out with Theo Samuel, last time they’d made it to the gutter trash, this time she at least wanted to look a little trendy, fashionable, groovy as Isobel persisted in saying, she ignored the voice that told her she was hoping the paparazzi found her and photographed her hanging on his arm, purely to hurt Jacob, she wasn’t that malicious, was she?

When she re-emerged, Theo was sat at her breakfast bar on the telephone, the champagne poured into the only two flutes that the apartment possessed. He gave a silent wolf whistle as he gave her a long look up and down, then turned back t o his call, an argument of some description. She took her drink onto the patio, using her shades to block the evening sun that was lowering in the sky.

Eventually Theo came out and leaned on the railings beside her, “sorry, some people just don't get basic instructions, you know?”

She nodded, but didn’t turn to face him, her mind had wandered to Jacob and she was finding it hard to focus on anyone else. Shaking her head she smiled, “so where are we going?”

Theo downed his drink, “got a driver coming in half an hour, then he’s taking us to a party up in the hills, you all set for a night of partying?”

Emma nodded, “I don’t have any filming until after lunch tomorrow, so I’m ok!”

Refilling her glass, Theo grinned, “then let’s drink this, and paint the town red!”

Chasing Rainbows - Part Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four

Emma looked out at the unusually dark evening and sighed, it was raining, a summer storm, people were rushing home from work in clothing hugely inappropriate for this current weather. But then it had been hot and sunny all day, this storm had caught out the weathermen as well as the unsuspecting London inhabitants.

She was making the most of time to herself, as since she’d returned from her parents the previous day; she’d not managed to shake off the persistent presence that was Jacob Coren.

Her parents had not spared any expense in the family barbeque that they’d arranged the previous day, and Jacob had settled in to the environment like a duck to water. And everyone loved him. Even her parents’ grumpy neighbour, a woman Emma had never seen smile.

From a distance she could admit the man oozed charm, but that was the last thing she wanted. Emma sighed, suddenly she’d gone from being the errant child who never did the right thing, to the best daughter a parent could ask for, and she couldn’t help but resent him for that. It was all Jacob’s fault. Instead of feeling happy that she FINALLY had made her parents happy, that they finally appreciated her in a way she’d always craved, she felt bitter and twisted about it all.

The barbeque had made her cringe, everyone gushing over him, all fighting to talk to him. Her cousins, aunts, uncles all nodded in appreciation casting a different glance to the usual one of pity. She had hoped their opinions would change when she finished filming this new series, when she finally found success as an actress, she knew they’d probably dismiss it all as Jacob’s influence. She hated him so much!

They’d driven back in his hire car, Jacob had refused to let “his wife” drive back to London in the “hunk of junk” that had been her car for more than ten years. She’d started to protest, but her parents had landed heavily in favour of his argument, after all they’d begged her to buy a new car for years. Funnily she had no memory of those arguments, but they could have been tossed in as an addendum to any of their other dismissive arguments. So as he’d followed instructions back to her London home, she snapped out directions and fumed to herself all the way. Childish? Probably. But she couldn’t relax, couldn’t let it go.

His disgust at her car carried over into her home. She’d rented the small flat above a video game shop in a reasonable London neighbourhood, admittedly it wasn’t the biggest, but it was homely, comfortable, and she felt safe there, and she couldn’t say that about every part of London, and she was proud of the place. Of course she wished she owned somewhere, but she didn’t.

                “This is my home, I don’t want you in it, but you’ve made things rather awkward. You either step inside and shut up about the neighbourhood, the traffic and the decor, or you go find a hotel.” She opened the front door before turning back to him, “and make friends with the couch, because that is where you’re sleeping!”

She’d stormed inside and locked herself in her bedroom. Unlike him she’d arrived at her parents for what she thought would be a ‘hello’ and maybe dinner, thirty six hours later she still wore the same clothes, and she felt awful. She’d showered and changed into jeans and a shirt when she finally came out of the room. He was lounging on the sofa waiting patiently.

                “I need to go out, I have things to do.”

He stood, “I’ll drive you.”

She shook her head, “I need space Jacob, you are killing me.”

He stared at her for a moment, “I like this place, it’s warm.”

                “You’re wrong about lots of things. This place isn’t yours; we are married in name only. This is my home, my city, and I’m going to see MY friends. You can do what you want.”

He reached for her hand, stopped her storming out, “Emma, what the hell is it with you? This morning you were returning every inch of my attention, and now AGAIN you want me to burn in hell!”

                “I can’t cope with you here...invading EVERYTHING I know!”

He laughed, “should’ve thought of that before you said ‘I do’!”

Jacob knew that neither of them could remember the night they’d married, but it was apparent that he was going to use anything he could to keep himself ensconced in her life. And she still didn’t know why. All that she could really see between them was animosity and the occasional good screw. Clearly nothing more than that. She wished more than anything that she could go back, to before Isobel’s hen weekend, before that ill-fated trip to Las Vegas.

Tears threatened at her eyes and she sighed, “I can’t do this anymore Jacob.”

He sighed too, “we are what we are Emma, we can either fight this both be unhappy, or we can accept it and get on with life. I think your friends would love to meet me.”

                “He’s amazing!” Isobel hissed when Emma followed her into the kitchen. Jacob had used his persuasive effects on initially her, and now her best friends. Emma had followed Isobel out to the kitchen to get wine and snacks, leaving Jacob with his new best friend Nathan.

                “He’s a charmer, could schmooze even your Aunty Maud!”

Isobel laughed, her notoriously grumpy Aunt was the bane of her family’s’ lives. “I can assure you even he could not make her smile!”

                “And now we’ll find that out!”

Isobel looked up at her, “you don’t want him to come to the wedding?” Within moments of being in her friends’ home, Jacob had been offered, and accepted an invite to the wedding.

Emma leaned against the work surface and sighed, “he was a mistake. We shouldn’t be married, this is all false.”

Isobel reached out, grabbed her friend’s hand, “Em, he’s amazing, I couldn’t have picked a better man from a database for you. I admit he’s kind of overwhelmed you...”

                “Kind of?” Emma laughed out loud. “He has steamrollered me at every turn.”

Isobel opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine, “I think it’s kind of romantic, and to be honest, every other man you’ve dated has found himself dumped due to their lack of oomph. So I’m thinking this was meant to be.”

                “Pfffhhh!” Emma snarled as she opened the cupboard, pulling out bags of crisps and crackers. “This man is killing me!”

Isobel chuckled but didn’t reply she was too busy appreciating that the perfect man had rolled into her friend’s life. As Isobel herself faced marriage, a change in her life, she’d been worried about her interminably unsettled friend, but this, Jacob, could be the answer to all that she’d wished for.

Emma stuck to her guns and Jacob spent the night on the sofa, but Jacob didn’t complain, he’d been relieved to survive the weekend; he now had to juggle the rest of his life to allow him to stay until the wedding three weeks away. He did after all have an ulterior motive for coming to London, to meet with a rival games company from Asia who wanted to bid for his game concept. Andy had rubbed his hands together enthusiastically as he’d informed Jacob of the news, once two of the bigger software companies were on board, then the world was his oyster. But for the first time his work, his life’s work was taking a back seat, this, here was more important.

                “So where’s your husband?” Isobel asked a few days later when they met for a snatched lunch. There were two weeks of school left, then it would be the summer holidays for her friend, and full on wedding planning could commence. Instead today they had to make do with a bench in a small park in a London suburb and prepacked sandwiches from a nearby supermarket.

After her initial chocking scoff, Emma shook her head, “he’s gone to see ‘Buck House’, in all the times he’s been to London he’s not seen it apparently.”

Isobel smiled, “and you didn’t want to go with him?” When Emma glared at her she laughed, “ok, I won’t mention him!”

Emma chewed her sandwich for a moment before finally responding, “he’s starting to seem like part of the furniture.”

                “That’s a good thing?” Isobel paused with her sandwich mid ways to her mouth and looked at her friend intently.

Chewing her food Emma tried to contemplate what that meant, even she was confused, here she was complaining that he was starting to grow on her, but she didn’t know what she wanted anymore.

                “I’ve got so much on, I mean recording this new project...going to LA, I don’t need him as a complication Iz, and that’s what he is.”

It was Isobel’s turn to think, and it was a while before she answered, “whether you like it or not, you two are married. You kind of promised him, after that day together you promised him that you’d give him a chance. So the way I see it, you can either go into this thing hating him, making things difficult, or you can take it as it is, and see how it goes. One way is hard, the other a little smoother.”

Emma had nodded in agreement, but she couldn’t help but worry what state she’d be in at the end of this, because the longer this went on, the bigger the chance that she’d get hurt, and she hated the thought of that. Thought that was something she would never discuss.

Jacob had spent the day in London, that much was true, but despite telling his wife he was sightseeing, he was actually in various hotels meeting various gaming executives discussing his concept. Andy had been right, once he’d started meeting an executive from an Asian company, offers and interest had been flying at him via contact with his friend and lawyer back in San Francisco.

Once he’d lied to Emma the first time, and it was a lie, he wasn’t visiting the home of the reigning Monarch, he’d started a web of lies that he regretted with every day. Why had he not been honest with her?

He sat back in his chair in the reception bar of the Presidente Hotel, he was due to meet the owner of a Japanese company in fifteen minutes, and the glass of whisky in front of him was purely to settle his nerves, nothing to do with the impending meeting, but at the thought of more arguments with Emma. Last night she’d invited him from the sofa into her bed, and he knew that meant he was finally winning her over...these lies were enough to blow it.

                “Mr Coren?”He was disturbed by the arrival of a small and wizened Oriental man, “Mr Uchida is awaiting you upstairs in conference suite, follow me please?”

Jacob was stunned, the offers for his work were beyond his wildest expectations, if he accepted one of the companies he’d met so far, sold the patent and the gaming rights, he’d not just never have to work again, he’d been more than comfortable, and with the right tagged on clauses that Andy was desperately trying to negotiate, he’d be richer than his father, he could turn to his parent and laugh. The man thought he was a loser, a waste of space, and he wasn’t, never had been. It was amazing. His life was about to take off and he couldn’t wait to tell Emma.

She’s given him a key a few days earlier. Another sign that she was accepting him, getting used to him. He beamed as he opened the door, he’d sit Emma down tonight, tell her how it was, try and explain why he’d not been honest...even when he wasn’t sure himself.

Inside the door he tripped over something, and looking down he realised it was his own bag. Packed and ready at the door. His heart lurched in his chest. When he looked back up into the lounge, things got worse. Emma was sat on the sofa staring at him, her face blotchy from tears.

                “Emma?”

She shook her head, “don’t say anything.” He hated how distraught she sounded, he had no idea what had happened, what had changed, but he had a bleak feeling.

                “What’s happened?”

She sighed, then swiped at a tear that fell from her eye, “you! Just as I start to trust you, you lie! You always lie!”

He gulped, he had no idea what she was referring to, but she was right, he had lied to her, for the last six days. “What do you mean?”

                “You said you were going to Tower Bridge, that you wanted to see the dungeons!” He nodded, swallowing the nausea rising. She scoffed, “even now you lie. I saw you today, at some swish hotel. Ironically it’s opposite the bridal store where we had our final dress fitting, we saw you go in, or rather I did. We were there for three hours in the end, and you hadn’t come out.”

                “You think I was with another woman?” He could see the anger in her eyes.

She shook her head, “I have no idea and I don’t care! What I care about is you lying. I have no idea why you did that, but I have never trusted you, and this just proves I was right. Now please leave.”

He looked at her, she as determined, angry, frosty. “Please Emma, don’t be like this.”

                “Like what? I barely know you, you’ve lied to me...end of story.”

He was clutching at straws, “I had a work meeting...”

Emma held up a hand to silence him, “you didn’t care enough to tell me the truth this morning, so I don’t want to hear now. Now go.”

Jacob was stunned, he’d blown everything, and for what?

A/N - Sorry it's been SO long, have been really hectic and this story has been the sacrifice. Also a tad bit of writer's block - couldn't get the story to where it needed to be. There now! Hopefully another chapter in a couple of days.

Chasing Rainbows - Part Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Three

                “We are not sharing a room!” Emma announced once she heard her parents on the stairs.

Jacob laughed, “no, we’re sharing a bed.”

She shook her head vehemently, “this is not happening.” Her hand was still in his, and she snatched it free. “No way!”

With a sigh he leaned back in his chair, “what are you scared of? As two adults we can lie in the same bed, we can be grown up about this. I’m not going anywhere, you have to see that.”

Emma felt tears well behind her eyes, she didn’t want to cry in front of him, but she was so tired, so fed up with this pretence, with the subterfuge and the lies. She hated even thinking about Las Vegas, and she wished she’d never gone there that weekend.

                “Why are you trying to make this work? Flogging a more than dead horse. Can’t we just wait a year and get our divorce, then get on with our lives.”

He shook his head silently.

                “Jacob, we argue ALL the time, we can’t be in the same place without arguing.”

Shaking his head again he reached for his wine and took a drink, “that’s not true. At my home...Andy, that phone message. He’s my friend, he thinks we should end this as soon as possible, and I don’t know why, but I can’t go along with that. We’ve been dealt this hand through our own recklessness maybe, but I really want to go with it. Things happen for a reason.”

                “So we’ve got to tolerate a marriage because YOU believe in fate?”

He looked at her for a moment, all anger and passion and his body surged in pretty much the way it did every time he looked at her. Even that first time back in the shopping mall. Why did he want this? Did he believe in fate? He didn’t truly know the answer to either, the only thing he truly knew was that she excited him ALL the time, and that he wanted her in his life. A voice of question did try to break his thoughts, but he refused to listen, the fact that no one ever believed a beautiful woman would marry him was nothing to do with this, this wasn’t him proving a point. It wasn’t.

                “So why are you here?” She asked pulling him from his reverie. “I mean you turn up here in a suit, a flash car...””

                “So I want to impress my in-laws? Call me a fool if it helps. I’m here, now, because you are my wife, and I hate that we fell out. I wanted to apologise for throwing that magazine photo at you. I know nothing happened with Theo Samuel, and to retaliate like that when you were so obviously angry...well it was childish.”

She looked at him suspiciously, and he laughed, “Emma, I know you don’t trust me, and I can understand that, but I came here to tell you I was sorry, there’s no other agenda. I promise.”

She stood and turned away from him for a moment and it was only then that he realised she was crying.

Jumping up too, he tugged her, pulling her into his arms and she hid her face against his shoulder. He stroked her hair for a moment, wondering if he’d ever truly understand women, and more importantly THIS woman.

Wiping her eyes Emma pulled away, keeping her head bowed, not wanting him to see her upset. Her whole life had become traumatic and she hated showing him how much it all affected her. Taking a deep breath she swiped at the tears, then made for the house, but soon realised he was following her.

                “I’m here for two weeks Emma, and I want to stay with you.”

                “You offered me twenty four hours in San Francisco and I made my choice, I’m home here, without you.”

He laughed dryly, “you ran away, tail between your legs after an amazing twenty four hours...all because of a phone call. I’m here to show you there’s more to me than you imagine. And I’m willing to put in as much effort as is necessary.”

She had no answer to that, not one that didn’t involve kicking and screaming, so she just shrugged and walked into the house.

Upstairs she shut herself in the bathroom and took longer than was needed to clean her teeth, brush her hair and clean her face, she was hiding again, but it was her only form of defence. She had nothing to wear and was searching through drawers when Jacob joined her.

                “Have a t-shirt, realise you weren’t expecting to stay. Can’t run to underwear I’m afraid!”

With that he tossed a grey t-shirt towards her, then left the room ignoring her scowl. She had a few seconds to act, either sleep in the garment or sleep in her clothes, and to think of the bigger picture her parents would be suspicious if she looked like she’d slept in her jeans and shirt. So she divested of the clothes, then pulled on the t-shirt, which the dressing table mirror informed her was emblazoned with ‘Play that Funky Music White Boy’. Classy!

Shaking her head she turned off the light, then dived under the duvet on the far side of the bed, resting as close to the edge as possible facing away from the side he’d occupy, just as the door opened. She could hear Jacob pad across the room, his feet quiet on the deep pile carpet, then felt the mattress dent as he sat down. If she could move further away from him she would have, especially as despite facing away from him, she felt him recline on to the pillows beside him, and hated it when he chuckled under his breath. Her attempts at feigning sleep had been as transparent as every other defence she had to him.

Then he started to snore!

Emma shook her head, typical! She was lying awake, a million problems and scenarios whistling around her head, and he was asleep. Already. With a huff, she punched the pillow and tried to focus on anything other than the man next to her, whose body heat she could already feel emanating through the gap between there.

She must have fallen asleep, as she woke in a warm and comfortable place, she felt secure, safe, and lips rested against her forehead. She wasn’t fully awake, that was her excuse as she leaned back, craning her neck so that her lips met his. Explosions erupted behind her closed eyes, as those lips familiarised themselves with her, the odd scratch of stubble to her sensitive skin was causing involuntary shudders down her spine. As she seemed to wake up a little more, she was aware of his body, pressed against the length if hers, when had their legs become entwined? When had she rolled to lie on his shoulder, his arm wrapping around her? And now that they were together, how the hell could she pull her lips from his now?

Every resistance that rose in her brain was beaten down by the physical effects his touch, his kiss; his body was having over her. Her breasts pushed up into his hands, her legs pulled him closer, all the time her lips meeting every challenge, her tongue every invasion.

When his mouth dropped to nibble her ear, to gently bite at her throat, she thought she’d explode all over again. He knew exactly what she liked, what she needed, and he aroused her beyond belief, and she was as pliable as putty when he finally thrust into her with a hunger that matched hers. She bit down on his shoulders, not wanting to scream in her parents’ house, and despite him describing how she moaned, now, this moment, it was a wail that threatened to pass her lips.

He was slumped over her, breathless and beyond control. He’d lied early when he’d talked cockily about how well he knew her, he was wrong, and the last few moments had proved that he’d not predicted his own reaction to her. Nor hers to him. She’d bitten him...hard! And that told him Emma was as wild as he was. He couldn’t describe what spread between them, he’d never needed anyone like he needed her, and he’d never had the interest to fight for anyone like this before. Her defence, her distance was a shield, and instead of walking away - the Jacob Coren way, he was determined to defeat her, make her realise that she couldn’t hide behind anything.

Rolling to his side, he took her with him, kissing her forehead, lifting the stray tendrils of hair that wafted over her face clear so that he could see her, eyes just visible in the darkness of the room.

                “Amazing!” He breathed, “and you wonder why I won’t let you go?”

She shook her head, not wanting his words to spoil the moment, she wanted to rest, head on his chest, hearing his racing heart, not listen to words that made her feel like a cheap sex toy.

So instead she placed a finger over his lips and sighed when he kissed it, pulling it into his mouth, running his tongue over the tip. Pleasure, and no thinking. That was the way to deal with this.

Emma opened her eyes, a chink of light coming through the window resting on her face the culprit for disturbing her. She was pressed up against Jacob, his arms holding her tight, hands possessively spread over her.

Her mouth was dry and her head hurt, not that she’d had that much to drink the previous evening, this was definitely a lack of sleep headache. She blushed as she tried to recount the amount of times Jacob had teased her, touched her, tasted her, and gave up. All she knew was that it had been an amazing night, and now lying beside him, she wished things were different, that she didn’t have to plaster a smile on her face and pretend that she was a happy newlywed.

Sliding out of his arms, she located her knickers - tossed into the middle of the room, and the t-shirt he’d loaned her, then made for the door. She needed a drink and a couple of pills, then she’d feel fine.

The clock in the kitchen told her it was only seven am, her parents’ were early risers but were nowhere to be seen. She filled a large glass with orange juice and was rummaging around looking for paracetamol when her mother burst in to the kitchen.

                “We’re going to the supermarket...your father wants to impress Jacob with a South coast BBQ, I’ve TOLD him that he’ll be an expert, but you know how he is when he gets something in his head! Is Jacob still asleep?”

Emma nodded uncomfortable in where this conversation had taken them, “he is.”

Her mother winked, “we’ll be a while...give you time to yourselves!” Then with a very girly wave, she disappeared.

Popping two of the pills into her mouth, she washed them down with the OJ, but was still unable to fight the groan that spewed from her lips, this was getting more complicated by the minute. She thought of the man upstairs, and how tired he must be. She’d planned to disappear back to London asap, with or without him, now her parents wanted to show off to him. She had no option but to stay. Taking another glass, she filled it with ice cold water, then returned to the bedroom.

She didn’t want to rejoin him in bed, but Emma was suddenly tired, so she moved around the bed to place the water beside him, then returned before almost falling on to the mattress.

                “Miss me?” Two arms grabbed her and pulled her close, and for a moment it felt perfect...then she felt as though she was drowning, suffocating. Pushing against Jacob’s chest, she freed herself from his arms.

                “I got you a drink,” she muttered, then turned away from him.

But no shoulder was cold enough to reduce Jacob’s ardour and his warm, hard body curled up behind her, “so I see, but I’m only thirsty for you!”

Her sarcastic groan sounded suspiciously like a moan even to her own ears, “my folks are planning a celebratory barbeque lunch, let me assure you we BOTH need all the sleep we can get.”

He chuckled against her neck, his hands sliding around her to cup her breasts, “perfect,” he breathed referencing his comments of the previous evening, then he nibbled her ear lobe, “I know the perfect way to encourage sleep!”

Why can’t I resist him? Was her final coherent thought until they both woke well after ten to the sound of a growing party downstairs.

Chasing Rainbows - Part Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Two

                “What do you mean Jacob is there? At your parents?” Isobel hissed down the phone. “Really?”

Emma groaned, “I only wish this was a dream Iz, I came here, and he was having tea with them! There’s no way I can meet you later. I’ll call you in the morning, tell you what’s happening. Have a good evening!”

Isobel sighed, worried more than ever about her friend, “I will. Make sure you do call though, ok?”

Hanging up, Emma slumped back into the dining chair and closed her eyes, wishing someone would lift her out of her living hell. Her mother’s ridiculous smelling salts still lingered in her nostrils, and she couldn’t get the image of Jacob’s smiling face as she came around from what she could only make out was a faint. He had that smarmy, overconfident look on his face, she’d wanted to retaliate, scream abuse at him, but either side of his head her focus was starting to make out the concerned faces of her parents.

God her parents! What the hell was Jacob doing?

                “Are you okay darling?” He asked running his fingers across her forehead, “you are always making everyone worry.” He then turned and raised his eyebrows at her parents in a gesture of conspiracy, and it made Emma’s blood boil. Pushing him away she brought herself up to standing, staggered slightly, then realised she’d literally fallen out of the frying pan and into the fire. Her parents’ expression had moved from concern to disappointment, and she hated that.

                “Mum.”

Her mother nodded, “why didn’t you tell us?”

Emma gulped; she had no idea what Jacob had told them so she had no idea how to respond to that. As she floundered, Jacob’s hand slid around hers and he pulled her beside him, “Mrs...” he paused then half chuckled, “Mavis, Derek, please...I told you she never wanted to keep it from you, but it all happened so quickly, didn’t it?”

Emma felt as though she was disappearing underwater, drowning, slowly and painfully. She looked up at him wanting to scratch at his face, but he’d created a pretence to her parents that she has to go along with.

Jacob smiled, “I told them you were nervous, you felt foolish rushing things, but really it’s what we both want. Marriage, isn’t it?”

Her smile was plastered on, but she scowled at him with her eyes. At that moment she hated him more than anything.

Jacob continued, “I told them how we met, that you repeatedly swept me off my feet, that I couldn’t imagine life without you!” He beamed at her parents, then down at her, “It may seem sudden, but...” He squeezed her hand and Emma fought the desire to pull her hand away.

Her mother was gushing over Jacob, she’d not seen her mother so pliable in years, but then the objective part of her had to admit that Jacob all suited and booted was a formidable sight, and a million miles from the man who collected breakfast on a pushbike. She yelped internally at her materialistic response, but she couldn’t help it.  

                “So he’s still there?” Isobel was speaking in hushed tones.

                “Oh yes!” Emma groaned, “they love him, he loves them...they want us to stay the night! Us!”

A peal of laughter came down the phone and it only compounded Emma’s sadness at the situation, “thanks friend!”

                “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh, but he’s winning me over with his persistence. You bringing him to the wedding?”

                “NO!” she snapped.

Isobel sighed, “but if he’s still around, and your parents are coming...”

Emma couldn’t hide in the bathroom any longer, she could hear the constant chatter and occasional laughter coming from downstairs, and cringed, what was he doing? And why was he making her life hell all over again?

When she came back downstairs, she realised everyone was in the lounge, so she made for the kitchen. As she took some orange juice from the fridge, she felt a presence behind her, and turning she came face to face with Jacob.

                “You’re father and I are off to the pub, apparently he wants to buy me a few of your yeasty beers! Who am I to complain?”

                “That’s all you’ve got to say?” She hissed at him, “he who evades the topic of his own family thrusts himself into the middle of mine! You bastard!” She raised her hand to punch hi, hit him, thump him, but instead she squeezed her hand into a fist and sighed, violence helped no one. Exasperated she spun away from him, but he reached for her and pulled her close.

                “Whatever you might wish, whatever you might think, we ARE married, and there’s no quick way out of it. So get over your spoilt child attitude, and accept that this is real! Ok?” As he heard her father approaching he pulled his lips from her ear, and smiled. “If you don’t mind darling, then I’d love to join your father.”

                “She won’t mind, will you Em?” With a clap on the back, her father led the man who called himself her husband and left for the local pub.

Slumping forward, Emma rested her forearms on the work surface, her head hung, hidden by the curtain of her hair. She wanted to cry, this was all spiralling out of control, she hated him, and as if he wasn’t happy ruining her life, he’d now dragged her parents into the whole mess, they’d waited years for her to get married, and their excitement this evening only proved that this was going to break their heart when the truth came out, when it all ended. She’d hoped to keep this away from her parents, protect them from her indiscretions, but instead her dirty laundry had been dragged directly into their lounge.

                “I wish you’d told us.” Her mother’s voice distracted her, and Emma looked up slowly. “You’re not one to be rash, never jumped into things, that’s why it’s so out of character!” Just as Emma opened her mouth to justify her actions, her mother spoke and stunned her, beyond belief, “that’s why we both knew instantly this was special! He’s perfect! I can’t wait to tell your Aunt Sheila, she’ll be so...jealous!” Her mother giggled before pulling her daughter into her arms for a hug.

How could she tell them it was false?

                “It was all so quick...”

Mavis White smiled, “that’s often the best way, I mean you’re not some sixteen year old rushing into things are you?”

And there it was again, the ‘on the scrap heap’ comments, bloody hell she wasn’t thirty yet!

As they prepared dinner, Emma answered her mother’s question about her husband in a very vague fashion, as truth be known she knew so little about him. But her mother was satisfied and had a veritable feast of lasagne, salad, roasted baby potatoes and garlic bread all piping hot when the two men came in through the door smiling.

                “Beat Bob Holland at pool!” Derek beamed as he clapped his new son-on-law on the back, “that man was unbeaten in years! He’ll not know how to face me next week!” He laughed, “great!” Then reaching over he gave his daughter a kiss, almost a thank you for bringing this wonder into their life. All fake, all false, and she was unable to do anything about it.

Jacob’s tie was loose, and his suit jacket removed a while ago, and all too soon, the two men were studying her father’s collection of vinyl albums.

Her mother deliberately sat the two next to each other, and Emma was stilted with the proximity to the man, and when her mother started discussing wedding celebrations, family parties, their chance to celebrate this event, Jacob was the first to respond.

                “Mrs Wh...” he saw her mother’s look of chastisement, “sorry Mavis, you have to realise that the next few months are very hectic for us. Em has he first big part, we have to try and work out how we’re going to spend time in both places. We can speak to you about this later in the year; maybe do something once she’s stopped filming?”

Mavis clapped her hands excitedly, “that gives me PLENTY of time to plan this! Since Emma was born I’ve planned this moment!”

Emma took a slug of her wine; this night was just getting worse!

It was a warm evening, and after dinner Jacob disappeared to change, he’d looked a little uncomfortable in his suit. She was sat alone in the patio in the still hot evening, when he emerged from the house with a bottle of wine and two glasses; he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, the Jacob Coren she was more familiar with. He sat beside her and poured two glasses of wine, then handed her one.

                “Still hate me?”

She drank a sip of the red wine, grateful that it wasn’t too heavy, then turned to him, “you make it seem as though I’m being petty, and I’m not. It’ll break their hearts when this ends, and you could have saved them that.”

It was his turn to drink, and he stared off into the distance for a few moments, when he turned back she was unable to read his expression, “you are the only one saying this is temporary!”

                “We are strangers Jacob, this has not got Happily Ever After written all over it!”

He broke into a smile, but not a happy, friendly smile, “I know a lot about you! I know where you live, I’ve met your parents, and I know that you love seafood, and take your steaks rare, I know you look amazing in the colour blue and that your breasts fit perfectly into my hands...” She felt her body betray her at the low husky words he was uttering, there was no contact between, physically anyway, but her whole body throbbed at the thoughts his words were conjuring. “And I know that you bite you thumb when you’re nervous, and that moan when you come, and it’s a beautiful sound!”

She slapped at his arm, but he captured her fingers, “and you? You know that I ride a very rare, vintage BMX bike around town; I live in my deceased grandmother’s house. I like a Mojito, but not more than beer, and I have a tattoo on my chest of an eagle, that makes me hard when you lick it! What else do we need to know?”

                “We’re turning in youngsters!” Mavis giggled from the back door. “Emma I’ve sorted out your bedroom for you both, see you in the morning.”

Emma gasped, her parents wanted her to share a room with Jacob. As she made to protest that they’d be happy in separate rooms, Jacob laughed, “thanks Mavis! That’s perfect. See you in the morning.”

As her mother disappeared, she looked up at the smiling Jacob and wondered how the hell she’d survive the night.