Make Believe

by Genevieve Smith

  I feel my body reacting to his touch again; it’s unbelievable the way he makes me want him.

  He looks at me with that wanton gaze.

  “Do you realise, Miss Ing, what you do to me? How you make me feel? I can’t get enough of you. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone.”

  I look up at him and smile. If only he knew that I felt the same way about him. But he’s not playing fair. He’s supposed to be giving me space so I can figure out my feelings. But all he’s doing is totally eradicating Henry from my memory and just leaving one choice! Him.

  “Why such the long face, Jessica? Are you not enjoying yourself?”

  “Yes, I really am. It’s been like no other date I’ve ever been on, but it’s not fair. You’re not giving Henry a fair chance?”

  “Now Jessica, that’s just silly, he’s had two years with you. How can I compete with that? This is our first official date. I don’t like to share, Jess, I told you that. Winning’s important to me whatever the challenge is. That’s how I got where I am today, by not giving up and I don’t plan on giving up on you anytime soon. He’s welcome to come here and join in,” he smiles, pulling me in and placing his lips on mine. His kisses are perfect, I feel my self-control melt away.

  When we finish he looks expectantly at me.

  “What?”

  “You have nothing else to say on the matter?” He looks confused.

  “No, like what? I get where you’re coming from,” I smile.

  “No long lectures about not being treated like a possession or a trophy?”

  “Nope, if you want to play it like that that’s fine by me. You’re right, Henry and I do have a history, so that is something he has over you.” Little does he know that he has already succeeded every date Henry and I ever had.

  “Good. With that all sorted, let’s go eat.”

  My phone vibrating wakes me. Who’s calling me at this unearthly hour? I grab it from the side, slowly open my eyes and peer at the screen. Why is it so bright? The screen reads 8:00 a.m. Jeez, who the hell is calling me?

  It’s a withheld number.

  “Hello.”

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  I recognise his voice straight away. I love that American twang he has.

  “Hey yourself, you’re up early.” Panic starts to rise. Shit, I’m not supposed to be working today, am I?

  “Yes, I am up early. It’s such a stunning morning and I didn’t want to miss it. And I don’t think you should either. Come down and let me in. I’m at the front door.”

  “Huh? What? My front door?”

  “Yep.”

  Oh bugger, I’m wearing my traditional t-shirt/ nightie combo. I have terrible bed hair and I didn’t take off my mascara from last night. He’s going to think I’m Morticia from the bloody Addams family.

  I try and brush my incredibly knotty hair quickly but the brush just won’t go through it. I decide a bun is the only option. I grab a pair of cotton shorts to go under my t-shirt and I find a baby wipe to take the rest of my mascara off. Oh my God, if my makeup teacher could see me now. She would fail me immediately. Baby wipes are a big no-no!

  I take one last look in the mirror. It will have to do. I fly down the stairs hoping not to have woken Mia.

  I fumble with the chain and lock on the door. Why is it playing up now? I finally manage to open it.

  “Jeez, Jess, you wake up well. You look amazing for this early hour.”

  “Thank you. So what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Tate?” I ask kissing him on the cheek.

  “I think you need feeding up, you’re looking too skinny. So, I’ve decided to bring you breakfast.” He beams, holding up freshly baked croissants and coffee.

  “Well, in that case, you had better come in. I would hate to fade away in front of you.”

  The coffee smells amazing, even though I’m not the biggest coffee fan. We head over to the breakfast bar, and Elliott pulls my seat out for me.

  “Why, thank you.” I smile placing a kiss on his cheek.

  “My pleasure, babe.” He winks. We both attack the croissants and coffee. I struggle to finish mine.

  “Eat up, Jess. I bought you two for a reason.”

  “Sorry, I can only manage one. They are huge. I’ll save the other for Mia. But thank you, it was a lovely idea.”

  Elliott leans in and clutches my hand.

  “Your hands are tiny, Jess, very delicate.”

  I watch him speak. I can’t take my eyes off him, he’s so sexy! I eye him up and down, he dresses so well. His clothes fit perfectly, accentuating his toned body. He does casual brilliantly. I love what he wears - he’s in his dark blue jeans and a v- neck black t-shirt, his hair’s in that messy style and he smells amazing. How is it possible to look so good so early?

  “Jess? Did you hear what I said?” His voice brings me back to reality.

  “No, sorry I was miles away.” Undressing you in my mind!

  “So do you have any plans for today?”

  “No, not really. Mia’s meeting some people from the studios and I was possibly going to tag along, but nothing’s set in stone.”

  “Oh good! Well, in that case, I want to take you shopping. I know a couple of amazing boutiques we can go to, and if you don’t like it there, then there’s always Rodeo drive. I’ve already made provisions for the boutiques so when we arrive it’s not chaos.”

  I love shopping, what girl doesn’t, but I think his idea of shopping and mine are totally different. I’m more of a Primark budget girl rather than a Prada one. Oh, how embarrassing. How do I tell him I don’t have his budget? I rack my brains before making my excuse.

  “Shopping…wow, that sounds great. The only thing is I’m not paid ‘til the end of the month. So maybe we could go then,” I smile, feeling my cheeks instantly turning red.

  Oh God how awkward do I feel now, and I know he’s going to offer to pay for me too and I really don’t want that.

  “Look, I know when pay day is, Jess, it’s the same as mine…it’s my treat.” He smiles, waiting for my reply.

  “Thank you, Elliott, it’s very kind of you but I don’t want it to be your treat. I can pay for myself. It’s just that now’s not a good time.”

  He rolls his eyes to heaven.

  “Jess, please let me treat you.” He looks into my eyes.

  I smile. “No, Mr. Tate, I’m not that kind of girl.” He laughs.

  “God, I wish you were…but, I respect how you feel about it, so instead I have a compromise. I really want to do this today. Especially as we have that charity polo match tomorrow afternoon and in the evening we have the premiere of my last film. I know that you probably don’t have anything horsey to wear with you, so let this be my treat today and when you get paid you can pay me back, deal?” He looks at me and tightens his grip on my hand. He really wants me to do this.

  “OK, deal, but on the condition I pay it all back next week, OK?”

  “God, you’re a ball-breaker…deal.” He laughs, bringing my hand up to his lips and kissing it.

  Elliott opens the front door for me and I’m greeted by Simon as he climbs out of the Range Rover to open the door for us.

  “Is Simon coming shopping with us?”

  “Yes, of course, is that a problem? We’ll need him today. As soon as word gets around that we are out the pap’s will be everywhere. You know what it’s like, Jess. They will try and get photos of what we’re buying, where we’re shopping, any little sordid detail they can lay their hands on and he’s the best person to deal with it.

  “Oh right… I’m OK with it, just asking really.”

  Simon drives us down Rodeo Drive. I automatically recognise it from the film Pretty Women. He pulls up outside the back of a shop I’ve never heard of. It’s called Diana Vreeland.

  “They are waiting for your arrival, Elliott.”

  “Thanks, Simon. I reckon we will be at least a couple of hours, and then we’ll get some lunch. Can you organise that as well
?”

  “Of course, have fun,” Simon replies, smiling at me.

  Two hours in one shop? I’m normally a quick in and out girl.

  Elliott climbs out the car and holds the door for me. He holds my hand to help me out.

  “As quickly as you can, Jess. We don’t want to be seen.” He ushers me in.

  A very well-groomed lady is holding the fire exit door open for us.

  “Good morning, Mr. Tate and Miss Ing. Please follow Erica down the stairs.”

  Simon has briefed her very well.

  “Thank you, Angelina. It’s great to see you. You look so good. Have you lost weight?” Elliott’s working his full charm.

  A huge grin appears across her face.

  “Thank you for your kind words, Mr Tate. I have.”

  How does he do it? He constantly has them eating out of his hands.

  We follow Erica down the stairs and into a private back room. It’s huge, like a really big sitting room. It has mirrors all down one side and chaise lounges down the other, it’s all drapes chandeliers.

  Angelina appears at the door again.

  “Mr Tate, we have some of the items you have asked for. Shall we bring them in for Miss Ing to see?”

  Elliott nods at her.

  What, now he’s picking my clothes for me? I’m not sure I like this.

  In walk five other assistants all holding different outfits ranging from evening gowns to jeans.

  Elliott turns to look at me.

  I’m not sure if I feel pissed off or pleased that he’s gone to so much trouble.

  “I thought we had come to find something horsey?” I glare at him.

  “We have, but while we are here it seems stupid not to pick up some other things too. Did you know, Jessica, that this designer designed some of Jackie Kennedy’s outfits?” He smiles.

  “Nice distraction tactic, Elliott, but remember whatever we buy I owe you for it.” I smirk.

  “You’re one stubborn woman, Jessica Ing,” he tuts.

  I can’t believe how quickly the two hours pass. I have never shopped like this before. It’s amazing; money really can buy you everything.

  In the end I decide to get a couple of party dresses, a cocktail dress, an outfit for the polo match tomorrow and a couple of pairs of Victoria Beckham’s jeans. It cost a small fortune. I am going to be paying Elliott back for years.

  Elliott says his goodbyes, signs a couple of autographs and then we head back out of the fire exit where Simon’s waiting.

  “I booked Hatfield’s for you, Elliott.”

  “Great, I’m in the mood for their lamb. Hey, Jess, do you have any plans for tonight?” Elliott asks totally out the blue.

  I shake my head.

  “Good, I was wondering if you’d like to come to my parent’s anniversary drinks with me. We wouldn’t have to stay long. I just promised I would show my face. Then maybe you could stay the night at mine?” he asks with intent.

  My heart leaps from my chest. Stay the night. Oh yes, please! God, I couldn’t think of a more perfect way of finishing off the day. I smile.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Oh, it’s a definite yes.”

  I place my hand on his thigh and caress it up and down. I feel him growing from my touch.

  He places his hand on top of mine and smiles. He whispers, “You want to play, Jess? God, I hope so.” He closes his eyes and purses his lips.

  I lean forward and whisper ,“Yes, definitely.”

  His eyes flash open, with darkening in them.

  “I can’t wait.” He pulls me in and places his lips on mine, his tongue invading my mouth. The kiss is so passionate.

  It takes all my inner strength not to stop me climbing on top of him.

  “Tonight, Jess, tonight,” he breathes.

  ***

  Elliott holds my hand and helps me on to the yacht.

  “How many people are here?” I ask nervously.

  “Fifty or so. Don’t worry, we literally have to pop in for a quick drink. It’s their 30 wedding anniversary and Carly’s organised it all. The least I could do was make an appearance.” He smiles.

  “Carly?”

  “Carly, my younger sister,” he replies, expecting me knew who he’s talking about.

  “I knew you had a sister, I just didn’t know her name. Is she here tonight?”

  “Of course, the whole extended family’s here.” Panic appears in my voice, does he not realise that meeting his family is a big deal?

  “Um, Elliott, just before we head in, shouldn’t we discuss how you’re going to introduce me?”

  He leans down, looking right into my eyes. “Jess, I will introduce you as my assistant, is that OK?” he teases, smiling.

  Bastard!

  “That’s fine with me.” My feelings a little hurt.

  We walk in through the main entrance and the party is in full flow. There are people dancing, beautiful lights twinkling and a band playing Frank Sinatra music. I take a deep breath as Elliott places his arm around my waist and guides me over to a very well-dressed couple.

  “Mom, Dad,” Elliott says and kisses them both on the cheek.

  “We’re so glad you could make it son,” his dad replies.

  “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” He looks so proud of his dad.

  Elliott’s mum leans across us and shakes my hand, “Elliott, who’s this gorgeous creature?”

  “This is Jessica, my girlfriend!” He has the biggest grin on his face.

  I flush red and stare at him. The arse - that was not the plan! I don’t know what to say.

  “In that case, it’s very nice to meet you, Jessica. We feel very honoured, it’s very rare we meet Elliott’s girlfriends. We normally just end up reading about them.” She smiles touching his arm.

  “Well, you can’t complain this, Mom.” He smiles, kissing her on the cheek.

  “I think it’s time we went and got a drink.” He excuses us and we head to the bar.

  I dig my fingernails into his hand, but before I have time to say anything we are greeted by a pretty, young blonde lady who looks the spitting image of Elliott.

  “Hey, Carls, great party,” he gushes, picking her up and swinging her around.

  “Thanks, not that I had any help from you.” She smiles, gently punching his arm.

  “This, Carly, is my beautiful girlfriend, Jessica.” He gestures to me.

  I flush red again.

  “Nice to meet you, Jessica. Please excuse my surprise. Elliott rarely introduces his sexual conquests as his girlfriends”

  Elliott rolls his eyes.

  “Carly, stop it.”

  I feel the anger race through my bones.

  “That’s because I’m not one of his sexual conquests …yet,” I smile and look away.

  She burst out laughing.

  “You were right, Elliott, she isn’t like the others. She has her own mind.” She smiles, shaking my hand gladly.

  “Carly hates the fact that, for some reason, when a girl dates me she loses her intelligence.”

  “But I can see it’s different with you, Jessica. I hope you’ll both be happy.” She smiles, kissing Elliott on both cheeks and walks away.

  We dance the night away, which is helped by the drinks that are flowing freely. Elliott runs his fingers up and down my back, resting his hands on my bottom.

  “I think it’s time for us to leave, Jess,” he says so salaciously.

  Igniting the excitement which is gushing through me, I bury my head in his neck. He smells so good, along with looking incredibly hot in his blazer and jeans.

  “Oh yes, definitely,” I smile, taking a deep breath and thinking about what the night ahead holds for me.

  Chapter 10

  Elliott holds my hand and leads me up the stairs.

  “So, Jessica, where would you like to sleep tonight?” he purrs.

  The thought of the first time I stayed around his place and he gave me the choice, of his room or the
spare room, appears in my head.

  “Where would you like me to sleep, Elliott?” The best defence is a rhetorical question.

  He laughs.

  “No, no this is your decision, not mine.” He brushes his hand down my face.

  “Ok, fair point. How big is your bed, big enough for two to sleep in?” I laugh.

  “I’ve had more than two in there, Jess!” he laughs.

  I join in, not really grasping what he’s just said.

  “I don’t plan on sleeping when you’re in there anyway, Jess. I couldn’t resist you if you were next to me.” His eyes turning wild, lustful.

  “Thank God, I don’t want to sleep,” I breathe.

  He grasps my hand and leads me to his bedroom. He pushes open the door and there, in the middle of the room, is a huge leather sleigh bed. The room is immaculate - it’s all brown and creams with a very distinctive print on one wall and a massive TV on the other. It’s very alpha male.

  “Nice room.”

  “It’s even better with you in it,” he whispers. He starts trailing kisses down my neck. I lift my head slightly giving him more access. He kisses me across the top of my strapless dress, managing to undo it whilst he does. It drops to the floor.

  I’m standing there in my black lace underwear. Thank God it’s matching.

  He stands back to take a better look.

  “My God, Jess, you’re beautiful. Really beautiful, you have such a perfect body.” I feel my face flush red. Feeling quite self-conscious, I fold my arms.

  “No, don’t do that, Jess. You’re perfect, you shouldn’t keep this hidden,” he smiles and waves his hand up and down my body.

  He reaches over and kisses me. The heat between us is incredible; I want to hurry, as I want him inside me so much. But he won’t let me. My hand falls down to his zip, I pull it down and fumble with his button. His trousers fall to the floor. He casually steps out of them and manages to pull his blazer off at the same time. His hands trace down my back to the top of my bum. Our lips still touching, he bends his legs and picks me up and carries me over to the bed, our bodies touching. He lays me down on my back and gently falls on top, kissing me the whole time. His lips start trailing down my body towards my breasts, where he somehow manages to release them from my bra. He gently kisses them at first, but then starts to nibble as well; I feel the excitement brewing between my legs. He then concentrates on just my nipples, twisting and pulling with his tongue, the sensation is driving me crazy. I can’t control my hips, they start moving in time with his tongue.