What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3)

by Lauren Hawkeye

  He reached down and took both of her hands in his.

  “What?” she asked in confusion.

  Tom held up the ring between his fingers. “Tess, I love you. Marriage was always just a piece of paper to me. I never understood why people bothered to get married. I get it now. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” He bent down, looking into her eyes, “Marry me, Tess. Be my wife. I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives together. Forever.”

  “I…I just…I never thought you’d want this,” she choked, tripping over her tongue.

  “Tess, that’s not an answer. You’re making me nervous.”

  “I’m sorry.” She was so stunned she had no words.

  “Tess?” he asked again trying to read the answer in her eyes.

  Tess nodded her head.

  “Are you nodding yes?”

  “Yes, I will marry you.”

  He slid the ring on her finger.

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face in his chest. The man had a true gift for surprising her. “You really want to marry me?” She lifted her gaze and the sunset silhouetted his face, almost hiding his broad smile.

  “Yes. I love you. I love the way you look at me. I love how funny and sarcastic you are, yet incredibly grounded and responsible. I love the fact you’ll go anywhere with your hair in a ponytail and lip-gloss on. I love how you think you’re taking advantage of me if I buy something for you. You’re so cute every time you say ‘Holy Crap’. You’re so confident and happy with yourself. I love everything about you.”

  They kissed for a moment.

  He inspected her finger with the ring on it as he spoke. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”

  “I love you, Tom. I didn’t think you would ever want to get married. Actually, I didn’t think I ever wanted to get married again. Are you-”

  “Please don’t ask me if I’m sure. I’m positive.”

  She bit her lip and smiled. Tess had no idea he paid so much attention. “I love the way you say my name. It literally makes my heart thump faster. I love the sarcasm between us,” She said quietly. “You make me a better woman. You make me feel incredible about myself.”

  “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?” They kissed and laughed. “This is what I love the most, we laugh. And that everyone calls me Tommy, but you don’t, you call me Tom.” He lifted her finger. “Do you like your ring, Tess?”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t even look at it.” She stared down at the gorgeous, brilliantly cut diamond with a wide, platinum band. “It’s beautiful, Tom. Holy crap!”

  He chuckled at her holy crap. “Do you really like it?”

  “I love it. It’s perfect.”

  Tess gripped the hair at the nape of his neck, kissing him enthusiastically. She slid closer nudging her body against his. Both were acutely aware she didn’t have anything on underneath her dress. Tom struggled to gain some restraint, but it wasn’t working.

  “What is it with this wall? I want to make love to you right here. Maybe we should put one of these in your backyard.”

  “Our backyard.” He pulled away from her so he wouldn’t embarrass himself in public. She wrapped one leg around his side and brought him back in front of her. “Speaking of not waiting-”

  “I agree. Let’s go.”

  “Actually, I’m referring to our wedding.”

  She could’ve sworn a bead of sweat dripped from his temple as he uttered the word wedding. “Was that hard for you to say?” She teased.

  “Not at all. You are going to be my wife. I’m going to be your husband. See? I’m more than fine. I’ve waited for so long to finally find you, and I really don’t want to wait to get married,” he said sincerely.

  “When do you want to get married?”

  “Let’s get married now, here, in Greece.” He nibbled on her neck.

  “Tom, I can’t get married without my kids. And what about Benny and Lisa? I’d love to, but I don’t know if they’d be able to just leave and come to Greece.” She contemplated. “Maybe?”

  “Tess, what if I told you that your kids already expect this? Would you be upset with me?”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Did you tell them?”

  “I asked John for his blessing over Thanksgiving, so I’m assuming he mentioned it to his sisters. I wanted to ask him in Vegas, but he was too busy knocking my lights out, and I didn’t know if you’d say yes.”

  “You’ve known for that long?”

  “Yes.” Tom nodded his head. “I’ve known that I’ve loved you since the shark tour…it just took me awhile to figure it out. When you got attacked in Malibu, it scared the hell out of me. The thought of losing you made me crazy. I don’t ever want to be without you.”

  “I’ve known that long, too, but I never expected you to want to be married.”

  “There is nothing I want more.” Tom nuzzled her neck. “Back to my question. If I can get everyone here this weekend, in four days, will you marry me here in Greece?”

  “Of course, I will. Well, how many people are you talking about? Are you okay with a small wedding?”

  “I don’t need a big fancy Hollywood wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. I love it here in Greece and we’re here right now. Life is short, and I want to spend the rest of mine with you as your husband. What kind of wedding would you like?” he asked sweetly.

  “One where you’re standing by my side, Tom. That’s all that matters to me. If we can get everyone here, let’s get married. Please tell me they’re not already here.”

  “No, I’m not that good, Tess. Besides, what if your answer would’ve been no?”

  “Did you really think I might say no?”

  “I didn’t think so, but I wasn’t positive. Do you remember when I asked you in Vegas if you would ever marry again and you said-”

  “It’s just a piece of paper.” Tess peeked down at the paper wrappings in her lap. “I love the ring.”

  “I knew it was the right ring as soon as I saw it. Just like the first time I saw you.”

  “If we stay here much longer, this wall is going to have some stories to tell.” The night grew darker and the wall became a little too tempting. They headed toward the inn.

  Collapsing onto the bed, Tom held up her hand, inspecting the ring on her finger. “It looks nice on you.” His hand barely skimmed her dress, “What do you want to wear, Tess?”

  Her heart raced with eagerness. “I’ll find something tomorrow. I can’t wait anymore. I’ve wanted to be with you all day.”

  He slid his hand up her thigh. “You’ve been waiting all day? I’ve been waiting all my life for you, Tess.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Tess expected the next few days to be hectic and stressful, but they weren’t. She called her kids to tell them the good news and Tom called Shayla to help arrange flights and hotel rooms for family.

  They flew back to Tom’s house, which he kept reminding her was their house now. On the dock by his home, Tom found a little old man with a boat to take them to an island. Tom retold stories, claims of an ancient ruin left on an island, he was right. Rubble lay scattered on the ground, but three and a half majestic marble pillars remained mostly intact. Marble stairs leading up to the pavilion remained in good shape despite their age. There were no trees, but beautiful vibrant red, deep violet and pale yellow wild flowers surrounded the ruins. It overlooked the Aegean Sea as well as the surrounding islands.

  “Do you like it?” he asked, hoping she’d say yes.

  “I love it.”

  It was late by the time they returned home. Tess was so tired, she didn’t even feel Tom climb into bed with her.

  “Again?” A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest. Tess snuggled on top of his back while he lay sleeping face down in bed. She had already reached for him in the middle of the night to make love. “Tess, you’re unbelievable.”

  “Thanks, but that’s not why I woke you up.”

  “You’re still unbeliev
able. What’s up?”

  “You need a ring.”

  Tom chose a platinum band with five diamonds spaced evenly around the ring. When the jeweler asked Tom why he favored that particular ring, he replied, “This band represents my new family. One diamond for each of us.”

  Tess buried her face against his chest and started bawling right in front of the jeweler. “We’ll t…take this one.” She managed to sniffle before wrapping her arms around Tom’s neck and crying again.

  After leaving the jewelers, Tom pointed to the top of a cliff. “There’s a restaurant right over there on top of the hill, can you see it? A little old man and his wife own it. We’ll go there after the wedding. His wife is going to make the cake for us. I just need to tell her what kind you want. What’s your favorite?”

  “I love any kind of cake, but chocolate is my favorite. What about you?”

  “Believe it or not, I’m not big on cake, so chocolate is fine.”

  “You don’t like cake?” she asked in surprise. “Any kind of cake?”

  “Nope, I’m more of a cookie guy. Chocolate chip is my favorite.”

  “Let’s have dinner there tonight so you can check it out.”

  Old-world ambiance filled the restaurant. Crisp white table cloths with blue napkins dressed the tables and pictures of Greece hung on white textured walls. The older couple sat with Tess and Tom, drinking a glass of wine while they discussed the menu. The small, dark-haired man had weathered skin and his eyes smiled when he talked. He spoke to Tess in his heavy accent, suggesting several special dishes for the wedding. The woman’s long, gray hair was pulled back into a bun and her eyes twinkled as they discussed the cake.

  They enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the patio.

  “This is perfect, Tom,” she said softly. “It’s incredibly romantic.”

  By now, they were the only couple left sitting outside. White lights were strung from one side of the patio to the other, creating a starry canopy. Tom rose from his chair. Tugging gently on her hand, he pulled her into his arms. Laying her cheek to his chest, he danced her across the floor.

  “Just think, Tess, in forty eight hours, we’ll be standing here doing this exact same thing, only you’ll be Mrs. Mathews-Clemmins.”

  She tilted her head, gazing into his dark eyes. “I was thinking Mrs. Clemmins.”

  “Really? Are you sure? I assumed you’d want to keep Mathews.”

  “I’m positive. I have wonderful memories as Mrs. Mathews, but I want to make new memories as Mrs. Clemmins. I’m one hundred percent yours, Tom.”

  He stopped dancing, touched by her decision. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You’re supposed to say, ‘Thanks!’, ‘Great!’ and ‘That’s perfect!’”

  “Good morning. How long have you been up?” Tom kissed Tess’ cheek.

  She sat by the pool going over her checklist. “Not very long. It seems impossible, but I think everything is taken care of.”

  “It’s going to be perfect. Let’s just take it easy today. Your kids don’t fly in until this evening and Benny and Lisa will be here tomorrow morning. What would you like to do today?”

  “It’s our last day single. What do you want to do?”

  Tom picked her up and tossed her in the water. She automatically wrapped her legs around his waist, which is exactly what he wanted.

  “Let’s wait,” Tess suggested.

  “Let’s not.”

  “Seriously. Let’s wait. It’s only one day,” she laughed.

  He walked up the pool steps with her legs still wrapped around his waist, carrying her to their room. Tom kissed her with so much desire she didn’t even pretend to stop him.

  “Tess, this is going to be the last time we make love while we’re single. Forever.”

  “It’s not going to be different tomorrow, Tom.”

  “Actually, I have a feeling it’ll be better tomorrow, but I’d like to think I tried my best today, Tess.”

  “Umm hmm.” Tess understood his last day of being single marked a significant moment in his life. Tom was on a mission to make this the best last time he’d ever have before getting married. “You mean you want to have incredibly great sex before you get married? Is that what you’re trying to say?” She wiggled her eyebrows, settling deeper around his hips.

  “Yes, I do.” He gripped her ass as she unfastened her legs from his waist, lowering her toes to the floor.

  Her hand fell to the center of his chest and she shoved him onto the bed. “Do you want me to make this day memorable for you, Tom?” She moaned with exaggeration, teasing him as she climbed on top of him. Tess caressed her breast, extending fingers downward to touch herself. Her head dropped back, brushing her hair against her back. She squeezed her legs against his sides, only rubbing against him, not letting him have what he desired.

  Tom stared intently. “I want you to feel me,” he said, gripping her hips, attempting to shift her body.

  Tess kept control, needing him to be hungrier for her. She’d never really cared for talking dirty, but knew he’d like it. Her long hair fell around his face as she brushed her nipple over his wet lips. She moaned in his ear, “You want me to feel you? What else do you want?”

  Releasing her nipple from his mouth, Tom’s lips pulled to the side in a grin. “What was my second option the night of the premier?”

  Tess rolled her tongue over his earlobe, whispering in her sexiest voice, “You want me to fuck you real slowly? I believe that was your other option.”

  At that exact moment, he flipped her onto her back, staring into her eyes, teasing her once before diving deep inside. Oh shit. How the hell did he do that so fast? Turned on more than ever by the sheer lust in his eyes, she said words she’d never said before, sending both of them into overdrive. Tess moved aggressively, sinking her fingers deep into his shoulders, keeping up stroke-for-stroke.

  Tom sat back on his knees, rolling her over onto her tummy, lying on top of her, giving her just the tip. “Is that what you want?” he toyed.

  She raised onto her knees and elbows, probing for control, and he backed off. “Don’t stop. I want to feel you,” she whimpered.

  Tom gave in to her desires. Leaning over her, grasping a handful of hair, he took command of her entire body. “Can you feel me now?”

  Distantly, she was aware of her own voice crying out. “Oh, yes! Holy crap!”

  The strength in his fingers loosened, giving her freedom to ride freely. Reversing the roll of her hips, Tess stretched her arms out flat on the bed, dropping her cheek to the sheet, allowing him to plunge deeper. As she felt his body contract, her zealous need intensified, vigorously thrusting against him to climax again.

  Tom groaned deep in his throat. “Oh, shit.” He collapsed on top of her, shuddering with his own release.

  Reaching around, Tess grabbed his hair in her fingers. “You’ve been holding out on me, Tom Clemmins.” Her ears were ringing as blood surged through her veins. She peeked over the edge of the mattress that had scooted two feet away from the box spring. “We need a sturdier bed,” she panted.

  Tom chuckled while trying to suck in enough air to catch his breath.

  “What’s so funny?” she questioned, her voice still shaky.

  “I’m thinking maybe we could make love Monday through Friday and have incredibly great sex on Saturdays and Sundays.”

  She laughed with him. “Weekend sex. I love that idea.”

  “I thought you might. I’m so lucky. I get to take you home every night. No matter what we’re having.”

  As they drove to the airport, Tess couldn’t wait to see her kids and Shayla. When their plane landed, she enveloped them in her arms. Joey the photographer was there, as well as Marco the stylist and his partner, Rick.

  That night, they ate dinner at a restaurant by the beach. Tess hadn’t seen her kids much since the middle of summer. She enjoyed sitting back and relaxing with her kids and Tom, wanting to share him with them so they could be a family. It was
important to her that they like him and it was important to Tom, too. All of the pieces of her life were coming together.

  After dinner, Tom and Tess trailed behind her kids and Shayla, strolling hand-in-hand down the narrow cobbled streets.

  “Are you happy, Tess?” Tom whispered in her ear.

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I hoped it would be like this.”

  “Me, too. They seem thrilled for you.”

  “For us, Tom. They’re happy for us.”

  When they returned home, Tess and Tom lay in bed and Tess said, “Thanks for bringing Marco here to do our hair and makeup.”

  “Marco is fond of you. He was more than willing to make the trip.”

  “I was surprised to see Joey. The two of you seem friendly, but not that friendly.”

  He hesitated for a minute. “I need to talk to you about that. We’ll need to release a statement and pictures from our wedding.”

  “What? Oh shit!” Tess suddenly realized, “It’s a big deal, isn’t it? You getting married. That didn’t even cross my mind.”

  “Yes, it’s going to be a very big deal for the media. If we put the story out ourselves, it’ll be much easier. We can release photos we want the public to see and I think we’ll need to do some interviews with a few reputable magazines. I hate doing interviews, but if we don’t do anything, the media will be brutal.”

  “So how does that work? I’d rather the press be positive. I don’t want to see lies about us on the cover of a magazine.”

  “Well, if I pay Joey an obscene amount of money to take pictures for us, he’ll keep his mouth shut. Then, we can release them however we decide.”

  “How much money is an obscene amount of money?”

  “It doesn’t matter. When we release the photos, we’ll make it back, plus some.”

  “That’s just bizarre.”

  “It’s the business, Tess. I was thinking we could take the money from the photos and give it to your kids and Shayla. It’ll be a nice amount for each of them. You can give it to them now or in increments, however you decide. It will be enough money that, if they wanted to buy a condo or put money down on a house, they would be able to.”