Jonny tries to get me to look at him. I keep pulling away. The more I pull back, the tighter he holds me. Cradling my face still, within his masterful hands. He strokes his sensuous thumb across my now discontented lips, his eyes quietly plead for me to understand. “Listen to me. One day, you will be free to become my wife. When that day comes, Dimples. You will certainly know about it, okay?” I nod, soothed by his words.
We embrace with understanding. His sweet reassurance banishes all feelings I have of wistful woe and feeling stupid. I quietly feel euphoric, knowing that one day Jonny wants to marry me. If I wasn’t being held in his arms right now, and indeed in his company. I would be doing a manic celebratory dance all around the room to express just how happy I feel. For now though, I have to suppress my inner effervescent joy . . . I will just have to save that for his real proposal.
The first thing I hear as Jonny and I come down the stairs, is Lydia’s giggle and her exuberant voice.
“Thank you, Mary. Where are our divine hosts?” I hear her ask.
“They are still getting ready, Lydia.” Mary politely answers.
“It’s okay, Mary . . . we are here now.” Jonny interrupts, rushing to greet Jake by enthusiastically shaking his hand before kissing Lydia affectionately on both cheeks.
“There you both are! Oh my darlings, don’t you both look truly fabulous?” Lydia says, obviously pleased to see us.
Embracing her and giving Jake a welcome kiss, the feeling is very much mutual. “I am delighted that you both are here. The girls are getting ready upstairs, they cannot wait to see you.” I tell them, holding onto Lydia’s hand excitedly, who, as always, looks absolutely stunning. Tonight, she is wearing a floor-length black evening dress. The A-line sweetheart bodice in sumptuous satin, fits her svelte frame perfectly. The cascading ruffles of organza, simply give her dress that all important WOW factor! Jake has certainly made an effort tonight, too. He is clean shaven with his hair tied neatly back. He handsomely wears a black slim fit Tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a black satin bow tie. Individually they look gorgeous, together . . . they are simply perfection.
Lydia playfully pushes against me. “It is so good to be here, darling. I cannot wait to see Lissy and Lottie.” She smiles, squeezing my fingers.
“How was the journey down in that phenomenal dress?” I ask, eyeing up her gorgeous gown.
“Awkward, darling. I had organza going in places I didn’t even know existed.” Lydia’s naughty brow arches, followed by a devilish giggle. “However, we are here and that is all that matters,” she adds with a smile. Her dark eyes look at the decorated staircase, before looking back at me. “I have to say, Jessica. You really have made the place look amazing and the smells that are coming from the kitchen, have me salivating already.” Lydia’s animated hand gracefully glides through the air, wafting the tasty aromas around her face.
“Thank you, Lydia. We have loved making the apartment all festive.” I say, appreciating mine and Jonny’s handiwork. It is then, that I notice Lydia and Jake’s overnight bags by the lift. “Shall I help you take your things up to your room?” I ask my dearest friend.
Jonny interrupts. “Jake and I can do that, Jessica. If you ladies go into the reception room and grab a bottle of champagne, we will be down in a minute.” he says, brushing my back with his thoughtful hand. God, I love it when he does that! Come to think of it, I love every single way that Jonny wishes to touch me. Chastising myself for allowing my horny mind to wander, yet again to Jonny, I focus back on the lovely Lydia. “Are you hungry? I am sure Mary will have something you can eat for now.” I ask, about to lead her into the reception room.
Lydia shakes her head. “We had a bite to eat before we left, but I would love that glass of bubbly, darling.” She smirks over her shoulder at me.
“Okay, I will be back in a mo.” I reply, turning to the sound of the girls rushing down the stairs. They almost bounce towards us in their new and fancy dresses.
Lydia opens her arms to greet them. “Oh, Lissy and Lottie! Don’t you both look wonderful?” The girls, wrap their young arms tightly around her.
“You look gorgeous girls,” I add, delighted to see them both with ecstatic smiles on their sweet faces.
Letting go of Lydia, Lissy and Lottie then cuddle me. I sweep them in my arms, happy and wanting to burst with pride. After our quick embrace, they both confidently show off their dresses to us. “You have not met Lydia’s boyfriend, have you girls? He will be down in a minute, unless you passed him in the hallway?” I ask with a smile.
Swishing her dress, Lottie replies. “We didn’t see anyone, Mum.”
Lydia steps forward, touching the girls on their arms. “Here he is . . . here is my lovely Jake.” Lydia’s outstretched hand is quickly held by Jake.
He greets the girls with a radiant smile. “It is lovely to meet you, Lissy and Lottie. I have heard a lot about you.” He warmly holds his hand out, shaking Lottie’s hand first, then Lissy’s.
“Nice to meet you, too,” both girls reply.
Jonny is standing beside me, smiling. “You girls really do look lovely.” His compliment to Lissy and Lottie is met with coy smiles and a choral. “Thank you.”
I hold my hands up, apologetically. “Oops! I forgot our drinks. I will quickly grab that bottle of bubbly.”
Lottie’s eyes widen. “Can we have some bubbly, Mum?”
Lowering my chin, with a frown. I hold my cheeky daughters face in my hand. “You can have some bubbly lemonade, yes.” I playfully reply. My teasing is met with a groan and a cute pouty lip.
“Jake, shall we go into the reception room? We can have our drinks in there.” Jonny gestures for Jake to join him.
Lydia clasps her hands in front of her chest, with dramatic effect. “Awww, isn’t it lovely to see them both reunited, Jessica?” she teases.
“I think they have really missed each other.” I answer, smiling sarcastically.
“Very funny ladies,” Jake jovially dismisses our comment.
Jonny looks at me, laughing with a shake of his head. “Are you getting that bubbly, Dimples?”
I pivot on my heels. “I am getting it now, Mr. Riley.” I walk away with my very bestest ass wiggle because I know he is watching.
As the evening starts to draw in, the room really does look enchanting with the glow of the Christmas tree and the log fire burning. Lydia and the girls stand there quietly, taking in the serene atmosphere.
“Oh, Jessica, it’s like stepping onto a film set . . . it’s just perfect.” Lydia says, her lustrous lashes blink in wonderment.
“I am glad you think so, Lydia. I was frightened we had maybe gone overboard.”
Looking all around, she approvingly smiles. “Not at all.”
“We did enjoy getting all the decorations. It took four men to bring the Christmas trees up,” I chuckle to myself.
Lydia sashays across the room, settling her svelte self into one of the leather chairs. “So, when is everyone else arriving?”
“Helena, Steph and Harry are coming together from Devon at about six and everyone else is coming at seven.” I tell her, looking into the glowing fire.
“I am so excited. I bet you girls are too, aren’t you?” Her brow curves high when she addresses Lissy and Lottie.
“I am,” Lottie answers with enthusiasm. I am relieved to see Lissy beside her nodding zealously. She is such a quiet soul. I am very aware that this is a big deal for her. I sporadically keep checking on her, ensuring that she feels okay.
I look at Lottie. “The band will be arriving soon, to set up.”
Her voice goes high with interest, “A band?”
“It’s not The Wanted, but apparently they are great,” I say.
Lottie now stands closer to me. “Who are they, Mum?”
“They are called The Covettes.”
Lottie flicks her long hair off her young shoulders. “I have never seen a live band before, so I really can’t wait.” Her twelve-year-old, soon to b
e thirteen, body is literally buzzing with what the evening ahead will bring.
A small frown forms across Lydia’s face. “I can’t say I have ever seen a live band either.”
I let out a combined sigh and giggle. “What are we like, Lydia? Getting closer to forty and never seen a bloody live band?” We eagerly clink glasses at our lack of life experience. Come to think of it, seeing a live band was never something, which appealed to me. In my younger days, I was far more comfortable on the dance floor rather than watching someone perform on stage. Being with Jonny is opening my eyes to lots of new things and people. I have no doubt, I will be experiencing a lot of new things now. Some I may welcome, some I may dread, but being with Jonny shall certainly never be dull.
Jonny and Jake return to the room, chatting while they walk. As always, I am pleased to see him. It is completely ridiculous, but if I don’t see him for a while . . . my heart literally pines for him. I cannot explain how he affects me. It is like time slows down when he is not there. Each passing moment, kind of just drags and life is intolerable without him. As soon as I see him, all of my numbed senses are kicked back into action. My body reacts to him, whenever he is around. My pupils dilate, my heartbeat quickens and my skin craves for his touch.
I watch him confidently talking to Jake. He really is the sexiest man alive. Every glorious inch of him is drenched in sexy as fuck, sex appeal. He looks hot in a suit, even hotter . . . without a suit. For crying out loud, Jessica Neel . . . get a fucking grip!
Jonny stands behind the chair that Lydia sits in. He leans on it with his elbows, his expression is sexily cocky. “Jake has just been telling me how he thinks you are going to be very drunk by the time everyone else arrives.” Jonny grins stupidly behind Lydia. She swivels in her seat to look at his teasing face.
Jake cuts in. “She has brought four bloody dresses, but we will only get to see one as she will pass out before getting a chance to wear the rest.” He sniffs. Lydia throws him a ‘you-are-so-not-getting-any-tonight’ glare, but Jake just shrugs his shoulders, cheekily blowing a kiss at her.
Lydia sits tall, placing her clasped hands upon her crossed knees. “I can assure you darlings, my alcohol content shall be closely monitored. I intend to enjoy the night but remember it fully, come the morning.” She holds her head up regally high.
Handing her a fresh drink, I laugh. “Ignore them, Lydia. We have some serious celebrating to do this evening,” Without hesitation she grabs the bubbly from my hand while I continue. “Tonight we are celebrating Jonny getting his first American film role. You and Jake moving in together. Most of all, we are celebrating . . . us all being together.” I put my arms around Lissy and Lottie, looking lovingly at Jonny as I do so.
“Mum . . . can me and Lottie go and see what Mary is doing?” Lissy sweetly looks up at me.
“Of course you can, are you feeling hungry?”
She screws her angelic face up. “Not really, we just want to see how she is getting on.”
I smile, pleased that they both feel comfortable enough to leave my side. “Okay then.” I reply.
They hurry out of the reception room, excitedly chatting to one another as they do.
Lydia smiles at me. “They look happy, Jessica.”
“They do, don’t they? I still have to pinch myself that they are here,” I whimsically reply.
“How have they been with you, Jonny?” Lydia’s question is warm but direct.
Jonny runs his hand through his lightly ruffled hair. “Lottie and I have been getting on really well. I am sensing Lissy is wanting to get to know me a little more, but I don’t want to push things. I am just following her lead at the moment.” He says, glancing in my direction.
“That’s a good way to do it,” Lydia agrees.
Jonny is soon beside me, snaking his arm around my waist. He pulls me into him while he carries on, “I want them both to feel happy and comfortable here. They have been through a lot, but they are great girls. I am willing to give them all the time and space that they need.” I lean my head on his shoulder, by way of a thank you. He has shown only patience and kindness towards the girls. I know all he wants is to be given a chance to be someone who they grow to respect, admire and ultimately someone they enjoy being with. I put my hand on top of his which still holds my waist.
“I think she just feels guilty, Jonny. She actually does like you . . . she told me herself. It’s just she is very close to Shawn, so she feels like she is betraying him by liking you. However, we have had a little chat and I think she feels a lot better now.” I tell him, gently stroking his hands.
He smirks. “Actually, I have a little surprise for them both. A slightly early Christmas present but I don’t want you to think that I am trying to get them on side by spoiling them or anything.”
I turn to face him. “What is it?” I ask, curious to know what he has bought the girls.
Jonny smiles. “I have got tickets for them to see The Wanted, with backstage passes and a meet and greet with the guys.”
“You are kidding?” My open mouth and shocked face has Jonny panicked.
Looking guilty, he lowers his head. “It’s too much, isn’t it?”
I quickly kiss him on the cheek. “No . . . no, it’s not. They are going to be hysterical though. That is such a lovely thing to do, Jonny . . . thank you.” I kiss him again, this time on his mouth.
Jonny pulls back, looking deep into my eyes. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course I don’t . . . they will love it!” I give him a broad, assuring smile. “Anyway, how did you manage it?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Jay knows their manager, so I thought I would pull a few strings.” Jonny smirks.
“Thank you.” I whisper, looking up at him with complete adoration. Lifting my hand, he kisses my fingers with his full mouth. A longing shiver runs all the way down my spine. My body’s way of telling me that it wants Jonny now.
“I think you are going to have two very excitable young ladies,” Lydia laughs.
Jake gulps back his champagne, then walks over to Lydia by the fire. He places his caring hand on her shoulder. “Do you need to freshen up babe? We don’t really have long until the party starts.” He smiles lovingly at her.
Lydia stands up out of the chair, wrapping her arms around Jake’s neck. “Is that your way of getting me alone, gorgeous man of mine?” she says, stroking his tied back hair with her long fingers.
“See . . . that wine has already gone to her head!” he jokes.
“Darling, I am merely dizzy in love,” Lydia purrs suggestively.
“Of course you are,” Jake says. They kiss infatuatedly. Ordinarily, public displays of affection can leave many feeling awkward, uncomfortable or downright sick. However, Lydia is classy and Jake is laid back cool. Seeing them openly worship one other. For me, is endearing and charming. If I am being completely honest . . . a tad hot. That is exactly what I wish myself and Jonny were doing, right now!
After peeling her lips away from Jake’s, Lydia grins at me. “We will see you later then, darlings.”
“See you both shortly,” I chuckle.
Arm in arm, they blissfully wander out of the room. Jonny is still laughing and shaking his head. As soon as they are out of sight, he turns me around to face him. His seducing hands lower to my ass. “Alone . . . at least for a short while.” He smiles, his voice quietly seductive.
“Every time I think I can’t possibly love you anymore than I already do. You, Mr. Riley. Go and do something so wonderful . . . that I find I can.” He brings his lips down to mine and doesn’t just kiss me, he seizes them . . . he takes control of them.
After kissing me senseless, he caresses my jawline with his finger, our foreheads still touching. “I am glad you do,” he whispers.
“Is there no end to your perfectness?” I ask, pushing myself against him.
“I am not perfect, Jessica. I am just me,” he answers resolutely.
“A perfe
ct me.” I reply softly.
Taking his hand, I place it on my chest. Feeling his hand over my heart, is like it’s preciously being held in his grasp. I am giving it to him wholeheartedly and unreservedly. My heart is his. Forever and always.
Jonny leans down, giving my mouth a sweet and lingering kiss. “How the hell did we get to be so happy, Dimples?”
“We must be doing something right.” I suggest.
“We are right, Jessica,” his voice is so gentle and sexy. I hang off his every alluring word. His mouth widens into a gorgeously tilted smile. “I know I keep telling you this, but I really am glad that you bumped into me that day in The Broadway, nearly knocking me on my ass.” I giggle as the moment, once again, flashes in my mind. We often reminisce about our first meeting. It is one we both never tire of remembering. That was a moment that forever changed both of our lives. If it had been one second before, or one second after . . . our meeting may never have happened.
“I know I have said this to you before, too. I am just grateful that I didn’t end up on my ass. Your first impression of me could have been very different,” I suggest.
He pulls on my hips. “Seeing you on your ass would certainly have made an impression, beautiful.” Jonny’s wicked grin and facetious eyes tell me exactly what his thoughts are.
“I bet it would.” I bite my lip, looking up at him with sultry eyelids. An open invitation for him to kiss me.
His pulls me against his bulging erection. “I want to take you upstairs.” He breathes hard against my mouth. “Don’t think for one second that I failed to notice your teasing ass wiggle from earlier today.” He says, digging his fingers into my aroused flesh.
“We can’t,” I breathlessly remind him.
Jonny stands impossibly close, kissing my neck. I want to wrap myself around him and let him take me right here and now. As much as I want that. It can’t happen. I have to fight the urgency between my legs. Jonny doesn’t just have a personality to die for, he has a fuck-onality like no other man. He can weaken any woman with his sexual charm. He is like an addiction; one hit and you are hooked. Or in my case, one fuck and I am fucked.
A Famous Affair Page 41