Disclaimer- Charmed belongs to the WB network and Spelling television. This is used for entertainment only and not for profit of any kind.

Recap Chapter 9- Cole surprises Phoebe with a birthday on his yacht. They got to spend some quality time together after being apart from each other for such a long time. Phoebe ended up getting what she really wanted for her birthday when Cole made love to her. Plus, she got a Rolex for a more expensive gift. But, is there something Cole isn't telling her???

A/N- I love reading all your reviews and encouragements. You guys are great! :D Thank you so much.

Well, I promised two chapters before I leave for vacay. So, here's your second one. ENJOY! Btw- Prepare for a roller coaster ride when I get back, because this story is about to get way more complicated then you think. I'm planning on keeping you guys on the edge of your seat till the very end evil laugh.

On a lighter note, everyone have a great summer vacation! Enjoy and relax :)

Chapter 10: Preparations

The penthouse was unusually quiet due to Phoebe's lack of appearance. She was out shopping with her sisters, while Cole tried to catch up with some of his work in NYC. He's been putting it off for so long, and it was all piling up at once.

Cole was quiet at work on his laptop typing and reading documents. The elevator gave a slight 'ding' alerting Cole that he had company. Maybe it was Phoebe coming home from her shopping spree. Despite who it was, Cole made his way out into the living room to greet whoever it was.

"Hello, my name is Ethan Montgomery. We talked over the phone not too long ago..." He said. Ethan's nicely pressed suit presented him well, and he carried a heavy briefcase. He was tall, tanned, and wore glasses that made him look even more sophisticated than he already was.

"Yes, I remember. Nice to meet you, Mr. Montgomery," Cole said shaking his hand with a firm grip. "Please, call me Ethan. After all, I do work for your father," Ethan reminded. "I'm so sorry I forgot you were coming by today," Cole apologized. "Please, no. You are a busy man and I can understand that. Perhaps, I should come back tomorrow," Ethan said. "No, no...Please, sit down. Would you like something to drink?" Cole asked politely.

Ethan looked up at Cole from his over-piled briefcase. "No, thank you. I was hoping we could get straight to business if you don't mind. I have a lot to do before the trial," Ethan stated. "Of course you do. I'm sorry, but Miss. Halliwell isn't in right now. Could you give me a minute to call her?" Cole asked. "Certainly," Ethan replied pulling out paperwork from his briefcase. "Excuse me," Cole said walking to the entertainment center with the cordless phone in his hand.

After two rings, Phoebe picked up her cell phone. "Hey, baby. Could you come home right away? We have a situation," Cole explained. "I'm parking the car right now, honey. Is something wrong?" Phoebe asked. "Sort of. The lawyer is here," Cole announced. "What?" Phoebe asked surprised. "I know, baby. I should've told you sooner," Cole said. "It's okay. I'm coming up," Phoebe stated hanging up the phone. Cole sighed and placed the phone back on the charger.

"She'll be here in a couple for minutes," Cole announced to Ethan. He nodded in silence. Cole proceeded to shut down his laptop as the elevator let Phoebe through. She placed the shopping bags on the floor as Ethan stood up to greet her. "Ethan, this is my fiancée Phoebe Halliwell. Phoebe, this is Ethan Montgomery," Cole introduced.

They shook hands and Cole noticed Phoebe had a firm grip in her handshake, too. In the business world, it was hard to find a woman like that. That's how Cole knows Phoebe would be a good businesswoman if he ever decided to hand something major over to her. He knows she would take good care of it, whatever it may be.

"Nice to meet you, Miss. Halliwell," Ethan smiled. "Please, call me Phoebe," She said. "Are you related to Victor Bennett?" Ethan asked curiously. "Yes, he's my father," Phoebe replied. "Of course. Mr. Turner has mentioned a great daughter-in-law-to-be. He's very fond of you," Ethan said. Phoebe smiled. "I'm sorry, I tend to get distracted. Please, let's sit down," Ethan said.

There was a silence at the table for awhile until Ethan got situated. "After the phone call from Cole. I filed the case for a trial knowing that you were sure you wanted to go through with this. Do you still?" Ethan asked. "Yes, I'm sure," Phoebe answered with a certainty to her voice.

"Then, the first order of business would be getting a statement of what happened between you and Mr. Dean," Ethan stated. Phoebe sat uncomfortably in her seat. "Are you okay?" Cole asked concerned. "Yeah, I just need a minute," Phoebe said.

"Ethan, this is all confidential, right? I mean, none of this is shared with the defendant?" Phoebe asked. "No, of course not. Only the jury and judge will see this document. Now, there are some documents that the defendant may request. For example, the medical record that states what condition you were found in after the incident," Ethan explained. Phoebe nodded. "The medical record would not play in their favor, though," Ethan added.

The rest of the day was dedicated to signing papers, and doing more paperwork in preparations for the hearing. After Ethan got what he needed, which lasted through the evening, he prepared to leave. "Wait, Ethan...Do you think you will win this case?" Phoebe asked pretty bravely. "Believe in me and I will," Ethan replied confidently.

"Will this case have an effect on Cole and I?" Phoebe asked. "Truthfully?" Ethan asked. Phoebe nodded. "Two powerful people in society going head-to-head in a courtroom case will definitely stir up media attention. Question is, are you ready for it?" Ethan asked. "I understand. Thank you," Phoebe said. "Good night," Ethan stated. "Good night," Phoebe said showing him out.

"What do you want for dinner, baby?" Cole asked embracing her from behind. "I lost my appetite, Cole. I can't eat," Phoebe said exhausted. "Phoebe, you're too skinny already. You need strength if your going to fight this," Cole said concerned. "I'm fine," Phoebe said brushing him off. Cole held her back against her will. "Phoebe, I know we didn't discuss what happened after the hospital and all. But, you looked terrified today. What did he do to you, baby?" Cole asked gently.

"I already told you what he did, Cole. What? Do I have to say it all over again?" Phoebe asked. "Shhh...Baby, I'm sorry. Come here," Cole said. Phoebe embraced him tightly. "We're going to get through this. I'm going to be there for you the whole way through," Cole stated firmly. "I know you will," Phoebe said with a sigh. "Have a little faith, and trust in Ethan to do what he does best," Cole said. "What am I going to do without you?" Phoebe asked. Cole gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"I need a shower," Phoebe stated. "How about we take one together?" Cole asked pushing her gently towards the bathroom.

The hot water pounded down on their tired muscles as they relaxed into the one thing that was relaxing after a long day's work. Cole truly needed to relax the tension in Phoebe's neck and shoulders. She was truly divine under H2O. Phoebe rinsed her hair free of soap, and opened her eyes to see Cole gazing at her.

"Your hair is not going to clean itself," Phoebe said smiling. "I was mesmerized," Cole stated. Phoebe scoffed and proceeded to cleanse her body free from the adhesiveness of the humidity outside.

Suddenly, Cole moved precariously close to her. Gradually, Cole took the lathered sponge from her hands as he started to cleanse her himself. His hands ran the sponge over her breasts as he caught her wet lips through the water. Phoebe enticed him so much that his attention span on cleansing her was lost in the steams of the hot water.

Cole dropped the sponge to the floor, and drew Phoebe close to him. He paid attention to pleasing her and relaxing her. The rest was a history lesson that had been stressed too many times over.

3TBC3

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