Third Time's A Charmer

by St. John, Jodi

  Dinner was amazing. Alice's husband had joined us and eventually he had whisked her away for the rest of the evening. Mia and Harris had decided it was a good idea to go clubbing, and Nic and I were along for the ride. Nic and I had a chance to talk and he told me what Harris was like when I left and that he was instrumental in finding me and encouraging Harris to just go for it. All with a big grin on his damn face. I liked him. It was hard not to.

  The club was jumping by the time we arrived. Mia led the way onto the dance floor with Nic, followed by Harris pulling me by the hand behind him. We all danced until we were soaked. It reminded me of the night of our dance party at Harris' house. We didn't care what anyone thought. It was just us having a good time...in the middle of a crowd of people who by now had to recognize him, for God's sake. I noticed some extra glances by some girls and some cell phone flashes going off but I really didn't care at this point. We were in our own little world dancing and singing at the top of our lungs. After the allotted amount of time for any club DJ to have a packed dance floor, he switched things up with a slow song to get people to hit the bar for more drinks. We swayed, wrapped up in each other to James Arthur's new song. I loved it when he sang in my ear. It made every song he did it to my new favorite! By the end of it, Mia and Nic were dragging us out of the place.

  Paul was waiting to take us to our next destination. We repeated the process 3 more times before we were all exhausted, drunk, and ready to head home. Things were a little quiet when we got home. Too quiet. Mia and I fixed that by cranking the tunes and singing badly while we cooked up some late night munchies. The boys hung in the living room chatting. It had been a very fun night. The most fun I've had out in a while. Things wound down and we all started to yawn, our guests each picked a couch even with the fully furnished guest rooms upstairs. They settled in and we headed up to bed. Stumbling a few times on the way.

  We snuggled up in bed and started talking about the night. I told him that Nic spilled how he missed me when I left. I teased him a little and he told me how it all came about.

  "I started going out of my mind almost immediately when I dropped you at the airport. I missed everything about you. About what you meant to me. What part you played in my life. And then when you didn't answer my text I got downright frantic." He explained as I lay on his arm curled up to his side.

  I sat up on my elbow smiling as I traced his birds and said, "It was one of the best moments of my life turning around and seeing you there. Just so you know."

  "I was so nervous. I thought you were going to be mad." he mumbled, pulling me down to his lips. "And then when I kissed you. I thought, this is it, she's never going to want to see me again"

  "Boy were you wrong!" I said as I kissed his chest lightly.

  "Come here, Love," he spoke as he brought my lips up to his. "Thank you for not being mad or never wanting to see me again. I don’t know what I would have done." he continued between kisses.

  "Thank you for giving our story such a sweet beginning." I whispered before tucking myself back into his side.

  He turned to wrap both arms around me, stroking my hair he whispered, "I love you, Livy," while kissing the top of my head.

  I whispered back, "I love you, too".

  The few weeks we were meant to spend in London turned into a few months. I wasn't complaining. We fell into our routine again. We ran around the property every morning and Harris usually headed to the studio for the rest of the day. I went along for awhile, but the tension between George and I got to be too much. I knew I would say something I would regret if I was forced to be around him any longer. He treated me like I was a leech. Honestly, he’s the one with a shady demeanor. I couldn't tell Harris that, though. I won't stick my nose where it didn't belong when it came to his career and his business. I'd like to, but I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't be appreciated.

  Mia and Alice came to stay with us upon Harris' suggestion to keep me company while he worked long days and sometimes nights. It was easy with his family just like it was with him. I welcomed Alice and Mia into my rather small circle. I felt safe with them, a feeling I hadn't had since losing my family. Alice and I had serious discussions about Harris and how I was afraid I would hurt his career. She assured me he wasn't in it for the fame any longer and for as young as he was in years, he was double that in wisdom. We talked about what the future could hold for us. She was firm when she spoke of how we were not to let anyone interfere. She said she had hoped for someone like me when he was spinning out of control. She said she knew from the first time he spoke with her upon my arrival that he was smitten. She could also see the effect I was having on him from that very first day and she was delighted. I even opened up to her about all the loss in my life and about Miles. You could see the heartbreak on her face when I told her what happened to him. Tears streamed down our faces together as we hugged. Mia joined in the hug sobbing as well. It was healing talking to someone who didn't know Miles, someone who wasn't going to judge me like his mother did. It was the story about my loss and my heartbreak, not theirs, with their words dripping with blame. I explained all that, too. They might as well know everything.

  Chapter 56

  Harris

  It has been incredible coming home to Livy, my mum and my sister every night. They were getting close and Livy seemed so happy. Her energy and smile can brighten the foggiest of London days. I'm starting to get anxious to get back to the sunshine of LA but with that comes an entirely new obstacle. I'll need to go on a pretty extensive press tour when the album drops, and I'm hoping Livy agrees to go along.

  It hasn't been easy here in London. Livy and George have had some disagreements over these past few months. Making Livy too uncomfortable to even come to the studio anymore. I can feel the tension between the two of them getting worse. She won't talk to me about it. She won't talk to me about anything that is really bothering her. I have to try and guess these days.

  It will destroy me to be away from her if she decides not to go with me. I know she is the type of person who needs purpose. She will fight me on not having a job, or to her, that purpose. I wish she would see everything she does for me. She keeps me on track with my scheduling, handles everything, really. But to her, she's the girlfriend and feels like she doesn't get any respect, especially from George. I wish they could get along or find a common ground.

  There's a red carpet event tomorrow night we are attending and it's all music industry people. She will know many of them. My fear is she will be lured away to work again, with someone else, and leave me.

  I got a message from my mum that she and my sister were leaving. They wanted Olivia and I to have some alone time, probably knowing what was coming down the pipe for us as the album release date neared.

  When I walked into the house it smelled amazing, a combination of some wonderful aroma wafting out of the kitchen, the candles that were lit throughout the living room, and a faint scent of her. I found her standing and staring out the dining room window. Her arms crossed around her body and a glass of wine in her hand. She looked relaxed and content, happy even. The table was set and candles were scattered over every surface, casting the most gorgeous glow on her. She looked up as I approached her and hugged her from behind. I wrapped my arms over hers and grabbed the glass out of her hand for a quick sip.

  "You look beautiful." I whispered in her ear. She turned around in my arms and looked up into my eyes. I couldn't help but kiss her. Lightly, tenderly, sweetly, afraid if I tasted her I wouldn't be able to stop.

  "I hope you're hungry," she said smiling at me.

  "Always." I replied, smirking.

  "I meant for dinner," she said half laughing.

  "As long as I get you for dessert." I mumbled into her neck.

  She led me to the table and I sat down. She looked amazing walking away from me into the kitchen. She knew how to dress. She had on a simple black top open to there with a tight fitted skirt. I was putty in her hands. The sky-high heels didn't help either.
She carries herself like no other woman I know. She's confident and graceful and alluring. I could sit and watch her for all eternity.

  She reappeared with two plates. I poured myself some wine and topped off her glass while she sat back down. I couldn't stop staring at her. She returned my stare and took a sip of wine, her eyes never leaving mine.

  "A toast" I announced as I raised my glass to her.

  I looked into her eyes. I spoke low, feeling my heart beating hard for her, for what I truly wanted to say. I wanted to tell her I needed her forever. Instead, I felt my mouth go dry. I was certain she wasn’t ready for my true feelings or intentions. I needed to take it slow.

  “Here’s to that awful movie that put us to sleep the first night I wrapped my arms around you so many months ago.” I said grinning.

  She let out my favorite laugh of hers. We ate, talked, laughed and simply enjoyed being alone with each other. We talked about the event tomorrow night. She seemed excited about it. She had no idea I was going to surprise her with a dress I had made for her. It was going to be delivered tomorrow, complete with an entire team to pamper her and help her get ready for our evening. I had to do it secretly, otherwise I knew she’d shoot down the whole idea. She won’t turn them away at the door and I knew she’d enjoy it. It will relax her and put her in a great mood. I’ll need her in a good mood. I have a photo shoot tomorrow and they are talking about cutting my hair. Short. She might freak. I might freak. But it’s for charity and once they mentioned that to me, I couldn’t say no. It’s also a bit part of the marketing strategy for me going out on my own. I wanted to surprise Livy with it. Well, let’s face it, I’m scared to death to tell her about it. It will be better to show up after she’s had an amazing day. I hope so anyway.

  She did let me savor her for dessert.

  3 times.

  I had to be at the studio early. I slid out of bed without waking her, left her a note by her coffee cup and headed out.

  Chapter 57

  Olivia

  Last night is going to rank right up there with one of the best nights of my life. Funny, come to think of it, I would say six out of the top ten now are ones I've spent with Harris. A few more evenings like that and he'll never get rid of me.

  I knew without even rolling over he wasn't there. If he was, there would have been some part of him touching me. I've never able to sleep with someone next to me or holding me. I'm not sure why. It just wasn't comfortable for me. It made me feel like I couldn't breathe, but lately, I'd wake up with Harris wrapped entirely around me. Instead of feeling cramped and claustrophobic, I felt safe and relaxed. I'm probably relaxed because of all the orgasms that man gives me. But honestly, something is different with him. I'm so at ease. So calm. So unguarded. So myself. I smiled thinking about last night. Then sighed as I got out of bed. I put on the robe he bought me. It was covered in huge colorful butterflies. It reminded me not only of his tattoo but of an upholstery fabric I had used in one of the favorite rooms I finished in his guest house. I probably subconsciously was drawn to it at the time because of him. Damn this is crazy. How we were right there in front of each other and didn't even see this coming?

  I started down the stairs hoping to find him in the kitchen, and if he was making me coffee, well, that would be even better. Unfortunately he wasn't making me coffee. He wasn't even there.

  There was, however, a note.

  Good morning my gorgeous girl. I couldn't bear to wake you. I'll be at the photo shoot most of the day. I'll be back in time to pick you up for what's bound to be a beautiful evening. I say that because it could not be any less with you on my arm. Oh, I forgot to mention I have a surprise for you. All you have to do is answer the door when it arrives.

  All my love...H

  I couldn't help but hold the note to my chest and close my eyes to lose myself in my thoughts of being with him tonight. Then I gasped as my eyes popped open. What the fuck was I going to wear? I started running out of the kitchen and up the stairs when the doorbell rang. Who the hell was here at 8:00 in the morning? Maybe it was the delivery man with my surprise, I thought.

  I ran back down the stairs and through the foyer to answer the door. As I opened it, a man burst through talking loudly in Italian followed by a crew of six or seven men and women all carrying bags, cases and God knows what else. I stood there in shock as everyone filed in and started to assemble in the living room. The first man who burst through the door circled back around to me and shook the door out of my hand so he could shut it. I stood there staring at him. He looked annoyed. He was a beautiful man. Tall, with dark hair, impeccably dressed and the most gorgeous skin I had ever seen. He spoke to me now in English but with a very heavy Italian accent.

  "Hello, Olivia, I am Alessandro. Why you look so surprised? Did not Harris tell you about me?"

  I was still stunned but managed to get out, "Well, he did say he had a surprise...I just...had no...idea." I started to get my wits about me again. I stood up, nose-to-nose with this man who basically ran me over. I spoke louder now, "What's all of this, anyway? And what's your name again?"

  He sighed and rolled his eyes before he replied, "I'm Alessandro and I'm here to get this (his arms went up and down as he spoke) ready for this evening." He clapped his hands and the entourage all stood at attention. He started barking orders in Italian and the masses assembled. He pushed me to the sofa, then motioned while he spoke, "sit sit".

  I've never seen anyone swing their arms as much as this guy. He was something, alright. Jesus, what the fuck was I in for today? As if reading my mind, he again sighed, rolled his eyes and looked downright exasperated as he spoke to me.

  "You will be tanned, bleached, waxed, tweezed, cut, colored, mani'd, pedi'd, massaged and styled. I also want you to know that I have made for you a one-of-a-kind gown." He paused and finally smiled before continuing, "And after seeing how truly lovely you are, I am looking forward to our day together, Miss Olivia."

  He took my hand in his and laid a very sweet kiss on it before he did that horrible clap thing that made everyone in the room jump, including me.

  During the next eight hours I was pampered, plucked, primped, and polished. Finally, Alessandro had everyone pack up and leave. He stayed behind with his assistant Sophia to help with the finishing touches.

  Again, he had me sit on the sofa while he brought out a long, dark brown garment bag. I couldn't miss the gold letters spelling out the designer on the front.

  "Oh my God. You're THE Alessandro! Why didn't you tell me?" I blurted out.

  "I did tell you, Miss Olivia. I said, I am Alessandro. Silly girl." He spoke with a wink.

  I liked him immensely and never for a second would have thought he was the head designer of the largest fashion house in Europe. He sat here while I got waxed, for fuck’s sake.

  "Now," he spoke as he pulled the zipper down to reveal something green. "You are a beautiful lady, Miss Olivia. You make my friend very happy. This is for you."

  He pulled out a floor length stunner that made my jaw drop. It was the most beautiful green, just like the eyes I had grown accustomed to staring into.

  "Oh Alessandro, it's beautiful," I said with tears in my eyes.

  "No, no, no, no, no! No cry, you'll smudge!" He said shaking his head. "Now, up, up. I did not make so I could sit around and hold it all night. We put it on now."

  I stood in the master bedroom staring at my reflection in the huge mirror. I couldn't believe it was me. They had styled my hair in old Hollywood waves pulled back on one side. The dress Alessandro made for me fit like a glove. It was a simple silhouette in the most delicious green fabric with delicate straps. The front was cut very low. The straps crossed in the back before dipping all the way down. As revealing as the gown was, I felt secure and I had never felt more beautiful.

  I spun around to take one last look, disbelieving it was me in the mirror staring back. I shook my head. The direction my life had taken over the last six months was one I never could have dreamt.


  I started down the stairs holding onto the beautiful dark wood railing. I stopped when I heard the door open. He was here, and I couldn’t wait for him to see me.

  I stood where I had stopped halfway down the stairs when I heard his footsteps on the marble of the foyer floor. As he came into view we both met each other's eyes. His smile stretched larger than I had ever seen. His hand went to his heart as I stood there shocked. The man standing at the bottom of the stairs staring at me looked like the leading man out of an old Hollywood movie. His hair! It was SHORT and all combed back. It was sexy and distinguished with a hint of wildness. I loved it. I had totally forgotten about myself as I ran down the stairs to him. When I was finally able to speak, I ran my fingers around his ear following his new hairline and softly said, “I love it.”

  He grabbed my hand and kissed it. He held it to his heart and with that killer smile proceeded to tell me how beautiful I looked.

  “Olivia, you look quite lovely this evening. What’s the occasion?” He tried being funny.

  I rolled my eyes as I pulled my hand out of his. He grabbed it back.

  He held out a long slim velvet box. “As amazing as you look right now, you might be missing something.”

  I opened the box to find more diamonds than I had seen in my lifetime all beautifully placed in a stunning bracelet.

  "Oh Harris, it's beautiful." I gushed. "I don't know what to say."

  He smiled and he pulled it from the box. He gently placed it around my wrist and did the clasp. It glistened and twinkled as I moved it around. I was mesmerized by it. He stood there grinning at me as I stood there admiring the most beautiful thing I had seen since laying eyes on him.