A Bride for a Merger

Weeks passed and I had been caught up in work and stuff so I hadn't gotten much time off for myself. However, it was officially one month since I had agreed to the first date with Christopher. I had agreed to and gone on two more dates with Christopher and surprisingly, they were also fun just as the first one. I was even stupidly starting to like Christopher.

Tori and Bryan apparently thought that wasn't such a bad thing since we were trying to see if things could be more between us. I on the other hand, was a bit scared of maybe falling for Christopher somewhere down the line then getting hurt. Bryan was planning on flying out to Chicago on the weekend to surprise Tori. And I was helping him with that. I had called my Dad telling him about Bryan and accommodations were being made for someone to pick up Bryan at the airport then have him stay at my family's house. I had asked Dad to help Bryan out in order to surprise Tori. I had made sure to let Dad know that he was a really nice guy and my friend. He really liked Tori and I think he would be good for her. Bryan was nervous about the entire thing, he even thought of calling it off more than once but I was able to talk him out of it and let him know that my family aren't monsters and that they'd treat him right. Besides, the worst that could happen is things don't work out between them and they'd both move on.

I was tired when I walked into the house as I came from work. Fortunately for me, it was the weekend so I had the next two days to myself and to relax. Bryan had flew out earlier, and had phoned me a couple hours before when he was at the airport. I was happy that he had finally made up his mind to go see Tori. There was no doubt that she'd be extremely surprised since I didn't mentioned it to her.

I went upstairs to my room putting down my bag. The minute I entered the room, Pluto came running up to me barking and wagging his tail happily.

"Aww, someone is happy to see me." I chuckled picking him up and rubbing his head. "Hi boy, missed me?"

Pluto just barked before licking my hand again.

"I guess so," I laughed before putting him down. "I'm going to take a shower then come feed you okay."

I decided to go have a shower. I took a change of clothes with me to the bathroom then climbed into the shower. I showered and washed my hair then remained under the hot water for a couple minutes longer just enjoying the relaxing feeling of the water soothing my muscles. I decided I should probably get out when my skin started to look pruned. I dried my self and my hair then got dressed.

I decided to head downstairs to the kitchen to get something to eat. I fill Pluto's bowls with his food and water before I went to make myself something. I made a chicken sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and ketchup. I poured myself a glass of grape juice then sat at the table to eat. I was almost through eating and checking my emails using phone when I almost got scared to death.

"Happy birthday." I heard Christopher said behind me as he placed something over my shoulder on the table in front of me.

I let out a high pitched scream from the fright that he gave me by just sneaking up on me like that.

"Christopher! What the hell!? Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?" I yelled at him with my hand over my fast beating heart. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Christopher apologized.

"You can't just sneak up on people like that." I said to him still trying to calm down.

"I'm really sorry about that." Christopher said before pulling out the next chair beside me. "I just wanted to give you this."

"What's this?" I asked looking at the small rectangular wrapped box on the table.

"Open it." Christopher smile at me.

"Okay?" I said more like a question as I took the box and began pulling off the gift wrapping paper. "Uhm... It is not my birthday or anything you know? So what's the occasion?".

"I know, but I just thought it'd be a nice gift to you. Besides, it is something you'll definitely use." Christopher replied.

"Are you somehow trying to buy me over by giving me gifts?" I asked raising a brow as I finished tearing off the gift wrap paper.

"What!? No! No, that's not my intention at all Allison." Christopher replied quickly.

"Relax, I'm kidding." I smiled at him before taking off the top from the box.

"Oh." Christopher replied relief.

"A key?" I said as I opened the box and picked it up.

"Yeah." Christopher smile nodding.

"Uh... You got me a car?" I asked him surprised.

"Yep, I did. How about we go check it out?" Christopher said getting up and holding out his hand for me to take.

"Uh, okay." I smiled at him before taking his hand.

Christopher took my hand before helping me up from my chair, then leading me outside. There right in front of the house, parked a shiny new blue Range Rover.

"Oh, wow." I said looking at the car.

"So, I take it that you like it then?" Christopher asked.

"I love it, it is beautiful." I smiled at him. "Thanks Chris."

"You just called me Chris." Christopher said smiling like he was now the happiest person in the world.

"I did?" I asked surprised myself.

"Yeah," Christopher smiled. "And I like it."

We stood there for a while just smiling at each other. I didn't know what came over me or prompted me to do what I did next. I went closer to Christopher and placed a kiss on his lips. I was shocked at my own actions. Sure Christopher and I had kissed before, but this time I was the one who initiated it.

"I'm sorry, I just..." I started to apologized as I pulled back.

"Allison," Christopher said stopping me.

"What?" I asked curious. "I'm sorry I didn't..."

"Shut up." Christopher said pulling me back to him and planting his lips back on mine.

****

"I can't believe you didn't even give me a little warning that Bryan was going to come here." Tori said to me on the other end of the phone.

"I'm pretty sure, that would've ruined the whole point of the surprise T." I chuckled. "So? What happened, how surprised were you?"

"I could have had a heart attack when uncle Stan called me over saying I should join him for dinner. Imagine the shock when I saw Bryan there." Tori said to me.

"I could just imagine. At least you were looking you're best as usual right?" I chuckled.

"Thankfully, I was. If I had showed up looking like a disaster because I had no idea he was going to be there, I would take a plane right back to New York and kill you Alli." Tori said to me.

"No, you wouldn't." I laughed. "You'd just called me freaking out and asking me why I didn't warned you. Just like this."

"Probably, but I'd still have my revenge on you." Tori chuckled.

"Alright then," I laughed, "So what's the plan now that he's there with you?"

"Well, first I'm giving him a tour today and then were going out later." Tori said excitedly.

"Well that's so great Tori. I'm happy for you." I chuckled.

"Yeah, thanks Alli. I know you had a lot to do with this. When did you even turned into a watchmaker too?"

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"Just recently. "I laughed.

"You surprise me... Anyway, how are things between you and Christopher?" Tori asked drawing out Christopher's name.

"Why do you say it like that?" I chuckled.

"Because I know there is something going on between you two and I need an update." Tori replied.

"Well for starters, Christopher got me a car yesterday. Then we kind of made out for a while and tonight were going to a party but that is pretty much it. So don't read more into it okay?" I said to her.

"An entire make out session, and I'm not supposed to read more into it? But that's so romantic. He got you a gift, I think that is sweet. And you guys are definitely nearing being a real couple now." Tori said to me. "Romantic? Uh... No, I don't think so. We're just trying to get along and got caught up in a few moments but we aren't an item." I replied.

"Yet... maybe you aren't an item yet but give it time. And Ali, you're doing that thing that they call denial. But don't worry, I have you all figured out Alli." Tori said with a chuckle.

"Oh really?" I asked amused.

"Yes, you like Christopher and you want you guys to be real. However, you're being in denial because you're scared that Christopher hasn't really changed all that much like he claimed. And you're afraid of getting hurt." Tori replied. "How close am I?"

"Uh... You know what Tori, I think you should go start giving Bryan that tour right now." I said to her.

"I knew it. I just hit the nail on the head didn't I?" Tori said sounding proud.

"Tori, I think Chicago and Bryan is waiting to be toured and taken on a tour. You're the one with a romantic life. So instead of spending time with me on the phone, you go ahead and spend time with that guy okay. He came all the way to Chicago to surprise you, so it's rude to keep him waiting." I replied.

"Yeah, hmm. Keep running away and avoiding the truth Alli." Tori said.

"Goodbye Tori, I'll talk to you whenever you're done having a great time with that awesome guy okay?" I said to him.

"Yeah Alli, run away. I'll talk to you later then I guess?" Tori replied. "And by the way, you have fun tonight with Christopher okay?"

"Same to you and Bryan." I said to her. "Bye."

"Okay, bye Mrs. Lee." Tori said to me before hanging up.

I gasped in shock looking at the phone in my hand. She did not just used the marriage name card with me. I shook my head putting down the phone.

"Hey boy, come here." I said to Pluto while holding out my hands to him.

He ran over to me wagging his tail as I picked him up. Pluto tried to lick my face happily as o held him close.

"Don't get too excited." I chuckled walking out of the room with him. "It is actually your bath time."

***********

"So you said that tonight is your friend Jake's party?" I asked when Christopher parked outside the house.

"Yeah, it is kind of an annual thing for him." Christopher nodded.

"What's the occasion? Is it his birthday or something?" I asked as we got out the car.

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"No, it is just a little celebration he has from time to time, with friends." Christopher responded as he came around my side taking my hand as we walk towards the door.

"I'm not a friend, I barely met the guy about two times. So maybe I shouldn't be here then." I said to him.

"Nonsense, I'm his friend and you're my wife, so that automatically makes you a friend." Christopher said.

"Did you just say that?" I stopped walking and looking at him surprised.

"What?" Christopher asked sounding confused.

"Call me your wife." I replied.

"Yeah I did." Christopher nodded. "You are, aren't you?"

"I'm just surprise to hear you say it." I replied. "I mean when since are you comfortable with saying that out loud? I thought I was stupid and annoying."

"Allison no, please not that again." Christopher groaned. "I told you I was sorry about that a million times. I was the stupid one and you're definitely not annoying. You're great. Now could we just please get passed this for once?" "Alright, I guess so." I sighed.

"Good, now are you ready to go in?" Christopher asked me.

"I guess so." I replied.

"Come on." Christopher said slipping his hand around my waist and opening the door.

"Woah." I said as we entered the house and I looked around.

There were a lot of people about the place and loud music blasting. It was like his club was here in his house.

"Are you sure this isn't his club and not his home?" I asked Christopher.

"Yep, this is Jake for you." Christopher replied with a chuckle.

"He sure does know how to throw a party. Is everyone here considered friends?" I asked looking around.

"Yeah, come on. I'll introduce you to a few people." Christopher said to me as he took my hand.

"Oh no, I have this feeling that when you say few it really doesn't mean a few." I said worried. "Do I have to?" "Yes. I want to officially introduce you to a couple of friends." Christopher said to me.

"Oh no." I said. "Wait, look there is Tasha and Clint, how about you reintroduce me to those friends."

"I think you already know those two quite well." Christopher chuckled.

"Wouldn't hurt to get to know them more before getting to know new people does it?" I smirked at him. "You Allison, are something else you know?" Christopher said shaking his head. "Alright, let's go say hi." "Yes!" I smiled triumphantly.