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

by Lauren Hawkeye

  Tess stood to follow him, but Tom said, “Do you mind if I talk to him?”

  All three of the girls hugged Tess with squeals of delight, along with a ton of questions, especially from JC. Could she buy a car? Could she quit school? Could she go to school in Europe?

  “Well, you can’t have a car at school. Hell no, you can’t quit school, JC, and yes, if you keep your grades up your first year, you could go to school in Europe. If that’s what you truly want, but you’d have to explore all of your options first.”

  “I can study my last year in Europe?” Tracy murmured softly.

  “Absolutely,” Tess said with a huge smile.

  Shayla searched out the window for Tom and John. “Do you think I should go check on them?”

  “No. They can’t stay out there too much longer. It’s freezing cold.”

  When they came back inside John held his envelope in his hand. He didn’t look thrilled when he shook Tom’s hand. He ambled over to Tess and hugged her. “Thanks, Mom. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Thanks will work just fine, John.” She kissed his cheek.

  Tracy and JC hugged Tom, nearly tackling him on the couch. Tom asked if they wanted to watch an old movie so they headed downstairs. John plopped down on the couch next to Tess.

  “John, are you okay? He, we, thought this would be a good start for all of you. I thought it was unbelievably kind of him to even offer.”

  “Mom, he explained why the two of you gave us the money. It doesn’t make it any easier for me accept.”

  “Why? It’s not like he’s trying to buy your respect or anything.”

  “He doesn’t need to buy my respect. I already respect him.” John looked her straight in the face, studying her eyes as he asked his next question. “Are you going to try and convince me that you don’t have issues with his money? The truth, Mom.”

  “Yes, I do, and I probably always will have issues regarding his money. Tom knows I don’t love him for his money. Money doesn’t matter to me. If anything, it makes me extremely uncomfortable.”

  “That’s why he knew I wasn’t going to want to take the gift. Tom thinks I’m a lot like you. Stubborn.”

  “John, you can save it for when you’re ready to have a family. You could buy a house, but truthfully, I’m not going to be home much.”

  “It’s hard for me to take this. Dad drilled into me, into all of us, you have to work hard for your money. Nothing comes free. That’s how he had to do it. That’s how you had to do it, too, Mom. Work hard, play hard. Dad’s favorite motto.”

  “If this opportunity was given to your dad and I when we were first married, do you think he would’ve turned it down? A gift, from his family the people who loved him? No. You’re a good man, John, your dad was very proud of you.”

  “Tom’s just so freaking nice. He even offered to help invest some of it.”

  She teased. “Are you complaining because he’s too nice?”

  John grinned, nudging her shoulder. “No, I’m not. I don’t think you could’ve picked a nicer man to be with. He’s fun to hang out with and I’ve had a great time skiing with him.” John paused for a moment, “You know, I really miss Dad, but when I’m around, Tom, he fills that void a little.”

  The fire crackled and popped, filling the silence that hovered heavily in the room.

  She knew that John accepted Tom, he even liked him, but his strong words of admiration meant the world to her. “I know you miss him. We all do.” She draped her arm around him and they headed downstairs.

  It was after midnight when they finally went to bed. “What did you tell him outside to change his mind?” she asked Tom.

  “I told him I wanted him to have the money and that I wasn’t doing it with an alternative motive behind it. I don’t need to buy their love. They either like me or they don’t.” Tom paused. “Plus, I told him I wasn’t able to have my own children and that he and his sisters kind of feel like my family now. I wanted to do this for them and it means an awful lot to me that he accepted it.”

  “You told him you couldn’t have children?” She asked in hushed surprise.

  “Yes, I did. He gave me his word it was between the two of us.” He grinned. “You guys come from a different mold than anyone I know. You’re all so honest.”

  “You didn’t have to tell him. I know that’s a difficult subject for you.” She couldn’t imagine the pain he carried, never being able to have children.

  “I know, but for some reason I needed him to know.”

  She observed him quietly, knowing he had more to say. He grinned again, but the sadness he’d gotten so good at hiding from everyone else didn’t work on Tess. She waited patiently for him to open up.

  “Listening to you and your kids share family stories makes me feel like I’ve been missing something. I would’ve loved being a part of your life a long time ago.”

  “You’re a part of their lives now, Tom. My job as a parent is entirely different than it used to be. It’s easier now. I get to be myself again.” She paused, trying to put herself in his shoes. “In five, ten, twenty years from now, when we’re all here at the cabin having Christmas, they’re going to be telling family stories about you, too. I know you would’ve been a great father. But just think. In a few years, you’ll get to be a grandpa.” She chuckled.

  A smile touched his lips. He ran his hand over her tummy and kissed her stomach right above her jeans. “I would’ve liked to have had children with you.”

  She lay silent, stroking her fingers through his hair, contemplating. “Tom, if you really want a child, I’m sure there are ways we could have one. I’m not going to lie to you, I’ve never thought of having any more kids. It’s not something I truly want, but if it means that much to you, I would. We could find a way. People adopt babies all the time.”

  Tom swallowed hard, turning his typically tan cheeks ashen white.

  She uttered a soft laugh. “Or you can simply enjoy being a grandpa someday. I think it’ll be nice to be a grandma years from now. You get to give them back when they’re crying or being ornery.”

  Tom stared at her in astonishment. “So you are telling me, if I want to have a baby, you would do that for me?”

  “I really wish I could do that for you, but unfortunately my body won’t have any more babies. If you really want a child then, yes, we could find a way.” Her voice cracked and her eyes dropped away from his gaze. Regret rushed through her veins like fire. It broke Tess’ heart to know she couldn’t give him a baby.

  Tom spoke softly as he lifted her chin with his finger. “I can’t believe you’d do that for me.”

  “I love you, Tom. I’d do anything for you,” she whispered sincerely.

  He rolled over and stared at the ceiling in silence. She dozed off curled up next to him and fell asleep.

  In the middle of the night, he stirred pulling her into his embrace. “I love you so much, Tess. I don’t want to have a baby. To be honest, if you and I could make our very own baby together, I would, but I’ll be perfectly happy having grandkids someday. It means so much to me that you love me enough to offer.”

  She tucked her feet between his and snuggled closer. “I think you’re just going to have to settle for three young adults instead.”

  Christmas Eve had finally arrived. The kids snowboarded all day, Lisa and Benny ran into town to get a few last minute gifts, and Tom had helped Tess wrap presents in her room.

  Tess wanted to make Tom’s Christmas Eve memorable. Tom waited for her when she got out of the shower.

  “I have something for you,” he said with a gift in his hand.

  “Can we put presents under the tree first?”

  “We can if you’d like,” he flirted, taking her towel. “Or we could do presents later.”

  “Let’s do presents first.” Tess slipped into her silky robe and strolled toward the door.

  Tom tossed Tess’ present on the bed. They headed downstairs to put gifts under the tree and were back ups
tairs after midnight.

  Tom untied her robe, holding her close, placing her hand in his. Dancing with Tom had turned into one of her favorite things. Tom swayed her slowly around the room, and Tess couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. “I have something for you, too.” She went to the closet and retrieved a wrapped box.

  “Can you wear this present for me tonight?” he questioned suggestively.

  “No, that’s hanging in the closet. This is something you’ll like even more.”

  Full of intrigue, he grinned curiously. “How much more will I like it? Are we going to use this together tonight?”

  She playfully swatted at him. “No, that is not what’s in the box. You make me feel so incredible that I haven’t had an urge to get anything like that for us. But judging by your face, you have definitely thought about it.”

  He smirked sexily. “Maybe.”

  Tess suspiciously eyed his box lying on the bed, wondering if there was a toy inside. Tom burst out laughing. “No. That’s not what I have for you. I think you should open your gift first.”

  “Please, can you open mine first?” She practically wiggled in her seat with anticipation.

  He conceded and proceeded to open her gift. “Are we going somewhere warm, Tess?”

  “Maybe!” she squealed.

  Inside the box, Tom found new swim trunks, a bikini, a bottle of Monoi oil, flip-flops and a bottle of Vodka for martinis, as well as reservations to stay at her new favorite place in Bora Bora, the private island he took her to their first night together.

  “Are we going back to Bora Bora for our honeymoon?” Tom grinned.

  His smile made her deliriously happy. She threw her arms around his neck, tackling him on the bed, rolling him over to sit on top of him. “Yes, we are! I checked with the woman on the phone and they didn’t have any reservations under your name. I figured you hadn’t made plans to go back yet. These were the only dates they had available.”

  “No, you’re right. I haven’t made any plans to go back there, yet.” Tom wore the most immense cocky smile.

  The grin on his face made her nervous. “Did you make other plans for us? I can change the dates, or we could go someplace else if you’d rather.”

  Tom couldn’t quit laughing. “No, it’s perfect. We leave in three weeks. Trust me. I can’t wait to go back.”

  “I didn’t book a flight, because I don’t know how you do that so…”

  “I’ll take care of the flight.”

  “Merry Christmas, Tom.”

  He held her gift. “Sit up for a second. Close your eyes, Tess. No peeking.” He kissed her fingers as he fastened something around her wrist.

  She squirmed and giggled with her eyes closed. He held her face kissing her softly. “You can open them now.”

  Tom clasped a beautiful silver watch with a royal blue face around her wrist. “I love it, I don’t have a watch.”

  “I know. You always check the time on your phone. There’s an inscription on the back.”

  No more wasted time.

  Tears stung her eyes as she smiled. “I really love it, Tom! No more wasted time. It’s perfect.”

  “It’s a dive watch. I know you wouldn’t care for a showy watch. I think you’ll get a lot of use out of it.” Tom paused for a moment. “I won’t waste one more day of my life without you, Tess.”

  Completely enamored by his words, tears pricked her eyes. What he didn’t know was that Tess also had a dive watch for him downstairs under the Christmas tree.

  “Merry Christmas, Tess. Did you say you have something hanging in the closet for me?”

  “Yes, I do, but I think I’ll just wear this tonight.” She held up her new watch. “I’ll save that for tomorrow night. It’s not very much, really.”

  “Oh, good, those are my favorite kind, the ones with not very much to them.” He tickled her side with his teeth and unshaven face. “Turn over.” He reached for the monoi oil. “Do you remember the first time I did this for you?”

  She became aroused instantly from the memories running through her mind. Tess squeaked, “Oh, yeah. I remember.” Goose bumps covered her back as oil drizzled down it.

  “You were wearing your blue bikini. My favorite.” His tongue traveled up the small of her back. “You had goose bumps all over your body, just like you do now. I wanted to touch you and taste you so badly that day, Tess.” Tom massaged her back, working his way up her inner thighs, getting so close, trying to tease her. Her passion accelerated thinking about their spa day in Bora Bora. “Do you want me to touch you?” He murmured.

  “Jesus, Tom. I’m not even sure if you need to touch me.” The words came out as a whisper.

  “Oh, I think I do.” He slid his fingers too close and she guided her hips to find them. Overly excited, Tess peaked instantaneously, moaning loudly. “Shhhh, Tess,” he whispered sweetly in her ear.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Tess saw the satisfied grin on Tom’s face. This just made it worse or better for her, knowing he enjoyed driving her to the edge only by touching her. Her eyes rolled back as she slowed down for just a moment, squeezing her legs around him, flipping him on his back. Staring down at him, she could see the lustfulness in his eyes as she teased him at first, taking in only his ridge.

  A low groan escaped his throat. “Tess.”

  “Wait for me.” She sat motionless on top of him, giving him a moment to regroup, needing him to last.

  “I always wait for you, Tess,” he said, watching her face intently.

  Tess entwined her fingers in his hair and kissed him fervently. She lowered herself down fully, taking him in. Tom rolled her over, drawing her leg over his thigh. Straining to get closer, her fingers dug deep into his side, pulling him forcefully into her body.

  He peeled her fingers from his side, placing her hands above her head, moving slower and more aggressively. Her heavy breathing turned into a very loud moan mixed with a lot of, Oh, shit! Holy crap! Oh my God!

  “Shhhhhh, Tess,” he murmured.

  He asked her to Shhh, but Tess couldn’t Shhh at all because the louder she moaned, the more stimulated he became. His movements came in strong deliberate strokes, fueling her hunger. He covered her mouth with his, quieting her cries as she peaked. Tom waited as long as he could before allowing his own release.

  Tom spoke to her, but she couldn’t hear him. She stared directly at him, watching his lips move, but could only hear buzzing in her ears. Tess laughed softly, holding her pointer finger up to say just a minute.

  Tom nuzzled his face in the hair by her neck panting, “Merry Christmas.”

  “Holy cccrap,” were the only words she could utter. “M…Merry Christmas.”

  “This is by far my best holiday ever.” He held up the monoi oil. “This is our new Christmas Eve tradition. Every year, Tess, from now on.”

  “Every year,” she agreed, still trying to catch her breath.

  As they lay sprawled out across the bed, Tom snickered. “Don’t be surprised if you catch crap about this from somebody tomorrow.”

  “I was not that loud. Besides, we’re upstairs.” She smirked, positive no one heard her.

  “Yes, you were loud enough. Aren’t Benny and Lisa below us, Tess?”

  “Oh, great!”

  “Ten bucks says you catch shit from one of them tomorrow,” he chuckled.

  “Even if I was too loud, I don’t care.” She curled up next to him. “It was definitely worth it. That may have been a first for me.”

  He still wore a haughty smile. “Really?”

  “Fine, ten bucks says they didn’t.”

  Christmas morning came four hours later. Kim woke up Tracy and JC with giddy squeals of delight that Santa had been there. Tess’ girls knocked on their door at six thirty. Tess glanced at Tom, making sure he was covered up. “Come in.”

  “Merry Christmas,” both girls mumbled, half-asleep, dragging themselves into the room, plopping down on the bed next to Tess.

  Tess and Tom both
said, “Merry Christmas.”

  “What, no coffee this time?” Tom asked.

  “It’s not finished brewing,” JC groaned.

  “I’m kidding, but thanks,” he said.

  “Come on girls, Kim’s waiting. We can take naps later,” Tess said as Tracy and JC stumbled out the door.

  Kim had begun opening presents before they’d even made it downstairs. Tom hadn’t experienced a morning like this since he was a kid, and Tess was happy simply watching him snap pictures.

  Tom appeared completely baffled when he opened his gift. “We think too much alike,” he said, shaking his head at the handsome dive watch with a black face.

  “I’d like to put the same inscription on the back.”

  “I’d love that.”

  Tom gave her a sound system for their bedroom and her favorite perfume. She gave him a couple of things for the cabin. What he loved most, however, were his pictures Tess had framed for the bedroom.

  That afternoon, Tess and Lisa hung out in the living room. “Thanks for having us, Tess. We’ve had a great Christmas. I wish we could stay longer,” Lisa said.

  “I love having you here. It’s been wonderful.”

  “Benny’s a little upset with you, though,” Lisa sighed with disappointment.

  “Me? What did I do?” Tess asked curiously.

  “Benny was exhausted last night, plus he had one glass of wine too many.” Lisa struggled not to laugh. “I had to wake him up in the middle of the night to drown out the noise coming from upstairs.”

  Tess flinched and her mouth dropped open. “You’re lying. Tom told you to say that.”

  “Benny wasn’t happy at first because he was so worn out, but he got over it in a hurry.” Lisa teased, laughing her ass off.

  “Great!” Tess scoffed, absolutely mortified.

  Lisa mocked. “I’m sure it was!”

  “Very funny. Don’t say anything to Tom or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  “Oh, I won’t, but Benny already gave Tommy shit first thing this morning. And you’re right, you probably will never hear the end of it.”

  Tess tried to read Lisa’s face. “You’re screwing with me, aren’t you?”