“Not me. Blame Tommy. Good thing you didn’t give that room to your kids.”
“Shit.” Tess slumped back on the couch, humiliated.
“Thank god I have a guesthouse for you two to stay in when you come to visit.”
“All right, I got it. I’m sorry I kept you up last night.”
Lisa laughed. “Hey, don’t apologize. It worked out great for me, too.”
When Tom was upstairs in the shower, Tess left a ten-dollar bill on the counter for him. He ambled into the kitchen before dinner, leaned into her ear, and breathed in deeply, imitating her moan. Her body covered itself in goose bumps and she elbowing him in the ribs.
“I’ve had the best Christmas, Tess.”
“Me, too.” she whispered.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Good morning, Tess.”
She opened one eye, peeking at the clock. “It’s dark outside. I don’t want to get up yet. Christmas was yesterday.”
He pulled the covers down, kissing her tummy. “Tess, I need you to get up. Come on.”
“How come we have to get up so early?”
“It’s snowing outside and I want to take you for a ride.”
“Right now? It’s not even light outside.”
“Come on. Just throw your jeans and a shirt on. We need to hurry.”
She rolled out of bed, brushed her teeth and hair, and threw on some clothes. Overly enthused for five o’clock in the morning, Tom kissed her sensually as she sat on the edge of the bed, putting on her shoes.
“If you’re going to kiss me like that, why don’t we just stay in bed?”
“Let’s go, sleepy head.”
Snow had fallen all night long, turning the forest into a winter wonderland. They barely made it out of the driveway without getting stuck.
“Where are we going?”
“Someplace I want to take you. If we don’t leave now, we won’t make it because of the snow,” he said coyly with his crooked grin.
Tom passed through town, heading for the highway. She glanced around, confused and half-asleep. “I thought you were going to show me something pretty in the forest or something. Where are we going?”
He only smiled and ignored her question.
Tess laid her head back, dozing off, waking up when the car stopped. “Why are we at the airport?”
He grinned mischievously and opened her car door.
“Where are we going?” she asked again.
“Come on we need to hurry. It’s a surprise.” Tom chuckled, grabbing the luggage out of the back of the car.
“Did you pack for me? When did you do that? What about the kids? Did you tell them we’re leaving?”
“Of course. They knew days ago. They’re staying at the cabin. John’s going to take the girls back to school before he heads back to Vegas. I think the girls might have a couple of their girlfriends come up from Vegas to go skiing. I hope you don’t mind, but I told them it would be okay.”
“My kids are getting way too good at keeping secrets from me.” Her excitement started to build as they boarded the plane. “Where are you taking me?”
“You know me better than that, Tess. Let’s go back to sleep first. I’ve been up all night packing, trying not to wake you up. You sleep through just about anything.”
“Seriously, you’re not going to tell me?’
“Nope.” he said, snuggling up to her.
Tess only crashed for a little bit, but Tom slept for hours. She had coffee, breakfast and watched two movies. She couldn’t take it anymore. He could sleep later. Tess peeked into the dark bedroom. Tom lay on the bed sound asleep, looking gorgeous, lying on his side. She lay next to him, but he didn’t move. She pulled the sheet back to his waist, wanting to reach out to touch and kiss his body, but he was tired.
“What are you looking at, Tess?” His voice filtered through the darkness.
Her breath hitched. “My husband.”
Tom stretched his hands behind his head.
Tess noticed a dark spot on his side above his hip and she touched it.
“Oooh, hey, that’s sore.” He winced, examining his side.
Tess inspected the dark spot closer. “Is that a bruise?”
He placed her four fingers over the bruise, and they matched perfectly.
“Is that from me?” she asked, covering her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that!”
“I’m not complaining. You can cover me with bruises.” He pulled her next to him.
“I feel horrible.”
“Don’t feel bad, Tess, Christmas Eve was the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
She kissed his bruises and her lips traveled to the muscles at the bottom of his abs. He wiggled out from under her, stepping out of bed.
“Where do you think you’re going?” She tugged on his finger, pulling him back so he stood naked, directly in front of her as she sat on the edge of the bed. Obviously, he didn’t want her to stop. She bit her bottom lip, gazing up at him.
“Don’t do that, Tess. Not yet. Come on be nice. Please.”
He might have been saying Not yet, but his body was saying Hell yes. “I’m going to be very nice.” She slid her tongue across the length of him.
Tom pulled her up on her feet.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“Are we negotiating now?” He laughed.
“Maybe.”
“Do you really want me to tell you?”
She let out a big sigh and sauntered into the other room. “No, you don’t have to tell me.”
Tom got dressed and joined her on the couch with a box in his hand.
“Isn’t that the same box my watch was in on Christmas Eve?”
“It is. It’s funny how much we think alike sometimes. I had something else in the box to give you. But after you gave me my present, I decided to wait and give the rest of your gift now. It’s not much. Open it.”
She peeked inside the box to find a dark, brown bikini bottom. “No top?” She burst out laughing. “Did you give me the same thing I gave you? Are we going to Bora Bora right now?”
He nodded. “I couldn’t believe it when I opened your gift. I hope you’re not disappointed.”
“Disappointed? Don’t be ridiculous! I knew you were up to something, I could tell by your devious smile. I asked if they had any reservations under your name and they said no.”
“We’re staying someplace different. I made arrangements a long time ago.” He flashed a grin.
“How long ago?”
He ignored her question. “You might want to get ready. We’ll be there in less than two hours.”
“I’m so excited!”
Standing under the hot shower, Tess reminisced about previous trips. Her memories started with meeting Tom on her last trip, but quickly turned to unforgettable moments she and Richard shared. Bora Bora filled Tess and Richards’s lives with romance, making their marriage stronger. Unexpected emotions overwhelmed her as tears streamed down her face, crying uncontrollably. Tess hadn’t broken down like this since she let Richard go in the lagoon.
Richard and Tess shared a great life together, yet the connection between she and Tom was undeniably more powerful than anything she’d ever experienced. She loved Tom, but still missed Richard immensely and would never stop loving him.
Tess had set Richard free into the ocean so he could see the manta rays put on their show every day, but it felt awkward heading back there now with Tom. Even though Tom was her husband now, at that moment, she couldn’t escape the feelings of unfaithfulness. If Richard sees me in the lagoon with Tom, it’ll crush him like a bug. It’ll kill him to see me with another man. That’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said, Tess. Richard’s already gone.
Tess felt different with Tom. She was the same woman, just at a different stage in her life. She loved Tom passionately, and felt free to give all of her love to him. She didn’t need to worry about the daily responsibilities
of raising a family. Her children were adults now. She could be Tess again. A woman, not a mother.
It saddened Tess knowing Richard didn’t get to experience her this way. In a way, Richard was cheated out of the best years they would’ve spent together as a couple, and he would’ve loved this stage of their life together.
At the same time, Tess was sad that Tom had to miss out on the stages of raising a family. He had never experienced any of the things she shared with Richard; babies, broken bones, wrecked cars, dates, curfew, and all of the stress and worry that comes with having kids. Tom missed out on all of the love and happiness of a family. Babies, birthdays, holidays, vacations, graduations, and all of the firsts; first words, first bike rides, first dances.
Tess’ heart ached, torn between what was then, and what is now. Richard and Tom were both wonderful, and she was lucky to share her life with both men. She’d been a great wife to Richard and the best mom she knew how to be. Now, with Tom, she’d become the best woman she could be. She wasn’t Mom. She was Tess. Tess Clemmins. She already figured out who she was in life as a person, Tom just made her better. A better woman, a better lover and a better friend. She felt alive and passionate and empowered by the love they shared.
Tess didn’t want Tom to find her sitting on the shower floor, sobbing. She looked down at her wrist, taking off her watch, running her fingertip over the words etched into the back. “No more wasted time,” she uttered between snivels. I will not waste one minute with this man. Life is too damn short! No more tears. Pull it together, Tess!
Tess threw on cut off shorts and a black tank top. Clearly she’d been crying, so she put on makeup and did her hair, eventually joining Tom on the couch.
“Are you all right, Tess?” He stroked her shoulder.
“Umm hmm.” She tried to sound joyous.
“Are you sure?” he questioned in a concerned tone. “I came to see you when you were in the shower.”
Shit. She leaned her head on his shoulder, forcing herself not to cry, peeking down at her watch again. “I’m fine.”
Tom sighed. “I don’t expect you to forget about your trips here with Richard. I don’t mind sharing your old memories while we create new ones. You were married for a long time, and I won’t make you feel guilty for missing him, Tess. You haven’t given me shit one time for the life I led before we met, and let me tell you, it’s a relief. You don’t judge me. Ever. You only love me for who I am. I’m sure as hell not going to be upset because you loved your first husband.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “But, we need to be able to come here.”
“I know. You’re right. I just had a little bit of a meltdown, but I’m fine now.”
“Talk to me, Tess. I want to understand what you’re feeling. I know you miss him and I’m okay with that. I’m not okay with sitting here feeling helpless, watching you suffer by yourself.” He spoke tenderly while stroking her hair.
“Do we really have to talk about it? I’m fine now.”
“Yeah, I think we do.” He nodded somberly.
She exhaled deeply. “I feel guilty because he didn’t get to experience me the way I am now…with you. And you didn’t get to experience me the way I was before…with him, as a mother and a wife.”
“What do you mean before? You’re the same person now as you were then.” He said it sweetly, concerned that she sounded a little crazy.
“Oh, no, I’m not the same! I feel powerful and more confident with you. I’m free to love you as myself, as a woman. There’s a huge difference. I get to be Tess now, not John’s mom or Tracy’s mom or JC’s mom. I get to be me! Your wife, and lover, and best friend.”
“It’s odd you describe it like that because I do get a bit envious of him knowing he got to share that life with you. The life I could’ve never given you.”
“I know, Tom. But you have a part of me he would’ve really, really loved.” She grinned through her tears.
“I’m sure,” he agreed, smiling back.
“I promise I haven’t been feeling guilty at all. It’s just…he’s here in the ocean, watching us now. And I put him here on purpose.” Tess silently wondered if she might’ve made a mistake releasing Richards’s ashes in the lagoon.
“Maybe you’re looking at it backwards, Tess. Everything happens for a reason. Richard’s only watching over you, not spying on you. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”
“I feel better being able to talk to you about it.”
“Me, too. You have no idea. I was worried when I heard you crying in the shower.”
He held her hand walking into the bathroom. Tess fixed the mascara smeared down her face. Tom’s right. Richard is just watching over me.
It was almost time to land and they lay across the bed. Tom embraced her, gently running his fingers through her hair. Tess stood, pulling him to his feet. She placed her hand in his so he would dance with her. Tom chuckled, swaying her around the room.
“Thanks, Tom, I feel much better now.”
“You’re welcome.”
Mr. Rene waited at the dock with a joyous smile. “Ia Orana, Mrs. Blue Eyes and Mr. Tom. I’m happy to see you again.” He wrapped his brawny arms around them. “I knew you would be back here together.”
“Ia Orana!” they both replied.
“Mr. Rene, I am Mrs. Tom now,” she said, squeezing Tom’s waist.
“I knew you would be his Vahine, I told my misses. Mr. Tom I told you too, do you remember? Mr. Rene is always right about these things. I am happy for you, and I am glad you are back here to see me so soon.”
Tom smirked with flush cheeks. “Yes, I remember.”
Tess’ eyes narrowed curiously, knowing Vahine stands for wife in Tahitian.
“The day we saw the manta rays, when you asked me to meet you for dinner, he informed me that I was in love with you,” Tom explained in her ear.
Her mouth dropped open. “How could he possibly know that?”
“Apparently, he’s always right about these things.” He grinned, mimicking Mr. Rene.
This is exactly how it started for Tess and Tom: Mr. Rene singing his beautiful Tahitian songs, sharing a boat ride, staring out over the serene turquoise water. She sat between his legs with her back against his chest. Tom’s hand lay across her heart. His fingertips moved up and down with the hammering in her chest. He glanced at her with concern, skimming his fingertips across her shoulders.
“I’m fine. This place is magical,” she whispered.
He nuzzled her neck with his unshaven face. “Yes, it is. I couldn’t wait to come back here.”
Mr. Rene was still singing when they approached a small exotic motu Tess had never seen before. Pink and yellow hibiscus bloomed everywhere and tall palm trees swayed in the light breeze. Black lava rock jutted out into the lagoon at both ends of a lovely U-shaped beach.
Mr. Rene pulled up to the dock. A sailboat and a speedboat were already tied to the dock. “I will see you soon. My misses will be very happy for you. You are a blessed man, Mr. Tom. Look at how beautiful Mrs. Blue Eyes is. See? I told you.” Mr. Rene began singing again as he pulled away from the dock.
Tom draped his arm around Tess and waved goodbye. Looking down, he said, “This is our honeymoon.” He stared hungrily at her, as she ran her hands over his back and butt. “Oh, yeah. It feels like Sunday to me.”
The path at the end of the dock led them through the palm trees to a gorgeous bungalow all but hidden by lush tropical flowers.
“Holy crap! This is absolutely breathtaking.”
“Let’s check it out.”
Overlooking the perfect beach lay a gorgeous plunge pool on the deck in front of the magnificent bungalow. Tom slid the disappearing glass doors all the way open, exposing the amazing view of the lagoon. They could lie in bed gazing out over islands in the distance. The luxurious white bedding popped with large orange, yellow and pink pillows. This bungalow was larger than others she had stayed in, with a beautiful full-size kitchen and a living room furnished
with teakwood tables and an off-white modern sofa and chaise. It was by far the most exquisite bungalow she’d seen.
At this point, Tess was done inspecting the bungalow. She focused on Tom. He wants Sunday? I’ll give him Sunday. He headed into the bathroom to look around. She slipped her clothes off and pulled the comforter off the bed. Tom turned back to see where she was and he grinned the crooked grin she loved so much.
“Come here, Tess.”
She ambled into the bathroom, staring only at him. Tom lifted her up onto the counter as her legs fastened around him. He pulled off his T-shirt as she unbuttoned his shorts and slid them to the floor. Tom tugged on her hair and tilted her head back. He kissed her neck, trailing hot, wet kisses down to her breast. His arms wrapped around her waist, attempting to take her to the bedroom.
Tess shook her head. “Wait, kiss me.” Tess wanted to give herself to him again just by kissing. She was filled with desire and already on the edge, it would happen this time.
Tom stopped abruptly. His warm mouth found hers, kissing her eagerly, sucking on her bottom lip. He tugged gently with his teeth and tongue. The longer, harder and deeper he kissed her, the more it turned her on. Tess squirmed to the edge of the counter, sliding against the length of him, breathing in long sighs. Tom plunged his tongue deep between her lips, bringing sweet spasms, making her cry out beneath his lips as she melted over him.
“I want to feel you, Tom.”
He carried her to bed and gave her what she craved. Tom took her from the back, the front and the side. Tess rolled him onto his back, grasping his hands over his head and pinning him to the bed.
She whispered in his ear as her hair fell around his face. “Do I feel like Sunday?”
His strong and powerful hands shifted her hips, thrusting himself deeper. “Do I feel like Sunday to you, Tess?” At that exact moment, it turned into Sunday for both of them. Tess laid her head on his chest, gasping for air.
“How did I ever get so lucky to find you?” he said earnestly.
Thirty minutes later Tess dragged Tom to the beach. They grabbed their masks, drifting in the warm turquoise lagoon. Black lava rocks swarmed with vibrant fish as well as one turtle. Several reefs beckoned in the distance, but they would have to wait until tomorrow.
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3) Page 55