by ZN Willett
My last-minute detour had filled my calendar for the next couple of days. It looked as if the only sleep I would be getting for a while, was on the flight from which I had just deplaned until the morning. There were several bookstore appearances, and dinner with the team later that night. Tomorrow was my first network interview, and I was starting to feel anxious about it. It was my first television appearance, and all I could think about was Andrew.
The last few days were surprisingly a blur. I had met so many people and had shaken a lot of hands. I was starting to get confused with both my comings and goings. Yet, all of my meetings went well. I was very pleased with how the new book was turning out. It was a prequel to the first one. It provided a more in-depth dimension of my characters and why they were destined to meet. I was given almost a year to finish it, and was very happy with that deadline. It was hard to write while I was on the road, and my schedule was filling up fast.
The television appearances were a learning experience. I had to wake up by 3:00 a.m. to arrive at the studio for 4:00 a.m. for make-up, and to meet the interviewer. The good thing was that I was so tired; I wasn't awake enough to feel anxious. The coffee didn't kick in until shortly after the second interview. I knew the questions ahead of time, and Keira prepped me well. I was thrown a couple of off questions, but they weren’t anything I couldn't handle.
"Does A.P. Moore have a special man in her life?" I answered, "yes" and continued with, "it's in the beginning phase." They weren't really that interested; they needed filler for time. "What are your plans for New Years?" I hadn't thought about it, so I answered, "No plans. Maybe my assistant Keira and I will go out on the town,” I lied. I had no desire to do that, but I didn't want to sound boring. I most likely would be sitting in my hotel room, and watching the ball drop while talking to Andrew on the phone. Now that sounded fun.
Andrew and I tried to speak to each other before going to bed, but we found that hard to do with our schedules. Our conversations were short with a few 'have a nice days' and 'I miss yous' thrown in. All of my meetings were in the mornings, and Andrew was up late reading over script rewrites and such. We did make a point to find the time to connect even if it was at 3:00 a.m. One thing not affected was that I was falling deeply in love with Andrew, and I wasn't sure how to tell him.
Erin and I had wracked our brains. Actually, I had wracked my brain; Erin's only input was "Just tell him already." But, the thought scared me. Putting yourself out there to someone was horrifying. But, I kept thinking that this was Andrew, and he was worth taking that risk.
One good thing about returning to DC was that Erin and Andrew's sister were becoming friends. Taylor was a shopaholic, and that made her an honorary friend of Erin's. I was glad they were getting along, and it helped me to obtain some insight into Andrew's family. Who seemed perfect, by the way.
Rebeca had been working with labs to create new cancer treatments, and her practice focused on critical ill children. She also sits on several boards for various charities, and somehow finds time to be a super Mom and loving wife.
Nelson had inherited his company from his maternal grandfather, and it was named after him. Nelson would assist his grandfather, Duke while he worked on cars. It had created a special bond between the two men. Nelson tried to share that bond with Andrew, but he wasn't interested. Surprisingly Taylor was, and now she ran the business with her Dad. Erin was full of information. All I could get from Andrew was that his mother was a great doctor, respected by her peers, and his father liked cars.
Elena insisted we have the holiday off, so she asked Keira to rearrange some meetings until the New Year making my calendar free for two days. The first thing I thought about was seeing Andrew, but then I knew Keira would be alone. I asked her if she wanted me to stay and we could see the city together, but she had other plans. His name was Owen King, one of Elena's assistants, and he was coming to New York for the weekend. I didn't put two and two together—it's been crazy—and Keira's been busier than ever. I guess after the launch party in LA, interests were peaked and they had started dating. I was happy for her, and that meant I was going back to DC to celebrate with Andrew.
Andrew wasn’t answering his phone and I figured he was busy helping Rebeca with last-minute details for their annual New Year's Eve gala. I called Erin, who was busy with dress fittings, and said she would call me back, but never did. So, I sat in my hotel room watching old movies and eating potato chips. The only flight I could get was leaving late, and it was only 5:00 p.m. So, I napped on the couch in my suite while waiting for someone to call me back.
It was now 11:30 p.m. and I was on a flight back to Washington D.C. Andrew had called while I was going through security, but I was running late, and barely made it into my seat. I texted him; along with Erin, Rebeca, Taylor and Wade to inform them that I was returning to DC.
Erin, because I needed a dress for the party, ASAP. Taylor, because I couldn't find Erin and she had been with her earlier that day. Wade, because I never texted him, and since he usually knows where I am at all times anyway, I thought I would give him the heads up. Rebeca, to change my RSVP—I was glad that I did—she had invited me to stay at her home. Which I gladly accepted. Actually Erin, Miles and I would be staying over and attending the Hughes's New Year's brunch, as well. And Andrew; first, to remind him how awesome I was for flying back to see him. And secondly, to make sure he didn't have any other plans. I had learned my lesson last time.
My flight arrived at 12:30 a.m. and Andrew was personally picking me up—in baggage claim. He was easy to spot with his hair sticking out of his baseball cap and his eyes shaded by dark glasses. I needed to inform him that, that disguise only brought more attention to him at night. He did look hot, and the moment he spotted me, even hotter as he graced me with his signature smirk.
"Hey," was all I could get out before Andrew passionately claimed my lips. That was new. I thought, breathlessly saying after, "Maybe I need to leave more often if I get greetings like this.”
Andrew kissed me again before saying, "I missed your lips."
"Only my lips?"
"I missed a lot of other things but there are kids around." I playfully hit his arm as he grabbed my carry-on.
When we were comfortably seated in his car, I asked him what was up?
Andrew's brow rose as he kept his eyes on the road. "What do you mean?"
"You never pick me up in the airport, and you have never kissed me in public before."
He turned his head slightly to look at me. "I have kissed you in public before. I usually don't have to worry about the paparazzi here, Andria. Anyway, they think I'm in Canada. Erin read it online."
I wasn't sure where to start first; the change in public display, or the fact that Andrew and Erin were obviously buddying up. "Do you talk to Erin often?"
He looked at me and smiled. "Now I do. It seems that my family has taken her in."
"I see."
He laughed. "Erin dressed my entire family for tonight. My mom has her on the books for the rest of the New Year."
I shook my head. "I warned you."
He chuckled, "You did. How was your flight?"
"Crowded. How's the script?"
"Boring."
"No." I turned toward him.
"Yes. It's usually easy for me to learn lines, but for some reason I'm not into it. There has been changes trying to improve it, but nothing is working. I knew I should have never let Frank push this movie on me. It was my agent, Tom that eventually helped me weigh the pros and cons. But it's different from what I usually do—which is good—but my heart isn't in it. The director, Christopher Bryant, is the only good thing about it."
"I have heard a lot of good things about him. I believe he’s on the list for directing my film. I'm sorry, Andrew. Hopefully things will get better."
"Don't be sorry, and they already are. The contract that Brittney and I had with the studio is over at the end of this year. And, I think after I'm done with these last two projec
ts that Frank signed, I'm getting a new manager."
I didn't know what to be happier about. That Brittney and Andrew would no longer be working together, or that Frank was going to be out of the picture soon. Even though I didn't know Frank well, the man gave me the creeps, and I wouldn't have to see him anymore. Except, I was told that he and Amy would be attending the Hughes's party tonight.
Andrew and I held hands and talked the entire way to his parent's estate. That's what it was, a very large estate, and at night it looked even grander with the lights illuminating the house.
What I wasn't prepared for was the greeting that waited for me. The entire Hughes clan, except Taylor and Brittney, were up. I was told Taylor wasn't feeling well, and Brittney had had a sudden headache before I arrived. Yeah, Brittney had come back for the Hughes's party. I guess it's a huge deal.
The moment I walked through the door, Rebecca gave me a hug and told me how much she had missed me. I hadn’t been gone for a week, but I appreciated the sentiment. She showed me to the guest room, and made it clear that she didn't want to assume I would be sleeping with her son. She hadn’t wanted to ask Andrew. He always thought she was prying, but my room was across the hall from his. I thanked Rebecca for her hospitality, and wanted to tell her I didn't plan on sleeping with Andrew in her house; I didn’t think it was appropriate. Then I thought maybe I should let Andrew know there was no way I was having sex in his parent's home.
Fifteen minutes later, I found Andrew at my door as he yanked at my clothes, and pushed me toward the bed. I felt badly breaking the news, and it was very hard to say no to him. He tried many things to get me to change my mind. But, I stood my ground. I had just met his parent's last week, and I wanted to make a good impression.
Andrew relented, and we found ourselves downstairs drinking hot cider the cook had brewed. Yes, they have a cook, and several housekeepers, and a slew of other employees but who's counting. Rebeca told me that she enjoyed cooking now and then, but with her schedule, it was hard to find the time. I found out Nelson actually did a lot of the cooking on his days off. He had a thing for his grill.
Everyone was dressed in their pajamas, and we sat around the kitchen table talking to around three in the morning. Rebeca and Nelson called it a night, and Wade wanted Andrew to play some video game with him. I said my good nights as I kissed Andrew, and told him to have at it. I was beat, and tomorrow/today was going to be a busy day.
I sank into the plush soft bed enjoying the feel of the silky cotton sheets. The mattress was so soft it felt like I was floating on a cloud. I fell asleep quickly and dreamed of Andrew. Although knowing he was across the hall did little to help my girly bits from protesting.
It was nice sleeping in, but it was even more so, being cradled up in Andrew's arms. Around five in the morning, Andrew had startled me as he climbed into my bed and wanted to cuddle. I wasn't going to argue as long as there wasn't any funny business. When Andrew pressed himself into my backside and began to say, "I want to feel you," it became a full on groping session.
When the burn became too much to bear, I halted all activities—it wasn't easy, trust me—but, I reminded Andrew that his parents were in the house. He conceded defeat, but told me we would check into a hotel later if we had to, because he was not going one more day without being inside of me.
I choked.
Actually, I coughed violently as I tried to get my breath back. The bastard had the nerve to chuckle before he settled in, and fell immediately asleep. I was now wide-awake and aching. All coherent thought was gone as I started to visualize exactly what Andrew would do in that hotel room.
There was a knock on my door. Rebeca told Andrew to hurry up or they'd be late for the golf clinic. The Hughes men and a few invited guests were going to a golf clinic where they practiced their swing with some virtual thingy at the country club. That's how much I knew about golf, and they would do this while we women folk go to the spa. That's Andrew's way of being funny.
I sat up staring at a smug Andrew as he pushed back the sheets. "So, now your mother assumes we slept together in her house."
Andrew smiled and pecked me on the cheek. "My mom assumed that we would when she asked you to stay."
"I'm trying to be respectful."
"And you are. Trust me. They love you already." He shifted out of bed and put on his pajama bottoms.
I ogled him and watched every curve of his firm dimpled ass as it flexed. Oh, didn't I mention the man climbed into bed naked? Now you understand? It took everything to not climb on top of him while he was sleeping.
I crawled out of bed as he opened the door, and kissed him goodbye. "How long are you going to be gone?"
He gave me another kiss before answering, "We'll be finished around 2:00 p.m."
"Then, are you all mine?"
Andrew leaned in and bit my lower lip as he growled. "I'll be all yours, Baby."
Suddenly, we were interrupted by an, "Ah hum."
We both looked at Brittney who had stopped in front of us in the hallway. She had a calm expression, but there was something about her eyes that seemed to be telling another story. I thought maybe it was an expression of grief, and she was trying to hide it by smiling, but there was something dark behind them.
I turned back to Andrew who was giving her a hopeful looking grin. "Good morning, Brittney. Did you have a good night?"
"Hello, Andria." She turned to Andrew and said, "I had problems sleeping Andy, but apparently you slept well."
"Yes, I did," he said while kissing my forehead.
I smiled inside. More like jumped for joy. Andrew was different. I don't know why, but he was.
"Sorry ladies, but I need to go before my dad starts yelling. He hates to be late."
Andrew said goodbye to Brittney before placing a passionate kiss on my lips. It took a moment to catch my breath as Andrew walked to his room, humming. Brittney and I watched as his door closed.
"You and Andy seem to be getting closer."
"We are," I said turning into my room.
"Andy trusts you." I stopped, looking back at her cautiously. "It would be a shame if your intentions weren't honorable," she grinned bleakly before walking downstairs.
What kind of cryptic crap was that, I thought as I closed the door behind me.
Brittney did not join us at the spa, and I would be lying if I said I was disappointed. Rebeca said she had her moments of grief, but she seemed to be doing better.
She also explained that it was a tradition of sort for the women in the family to pamper themselves at the spa while the men hit little balls. Erin and I were honorary guests, and Rebeca welcomed us both. It was nice getting to know Andrew’s mother and sister better, and she made sure to tell all of Andrew's embarrassing childhood moments.
While Erin and Taylor were finishing up their manicures, Rebeca and I had a chance to speak alone while we relaxed by the sauna. As embarrassing as the topic was, I had to apologize for this morning. "Rebeca, I hope you don't think that I would...umm...do anything inappropriate with Andrew in your home."
She looked at me strangely before saying, "Are you saying you wouldn't sleep with my son?"
"What? No!" What was I saying? "I meant. I wouldn't want you to think that I would do that with you and Nelson—or…ummm…"
She snickered. "Andria, darling, take a breath. It's all right and I think I get the gist. It's admirable that you want to keep a level of discretion, but honey, my children are grown adults, and they have been for a while," she winked.
I stared at her nodding my head before snapping out of it. "Well, umm, thank you again for letting me stay in your home."
"Of course, dear. Andrew was missing you terribly."
"He was?"
She gave me a knowing smile. "He may not have mentioned it, but I know my son. Andrew is a complex man—always has been—but I can read him like a book. Don't let him know though. It's nice having a leg up on him."
We both laughed and took a couple of coconut a
nd cucumber waters from the attendant who passed by.
"For example Andria, take our first meeting. I knew Andrew did something wrong."
I shook my head. "Oh no, it wasn't all Andrew—"
"Did I not say I know my son? And from everything I have heard from him and Erin, I do believe he was at fault. I told him so."
That got my attention.
"I may not be around Andrew as often as I would like, but I know the games people play and Andrew…as smart as he is…well, he needs to realize when he's being railroaded."
I gawked at her.
"Not by you dear, close your mouth." I obeyed. "All I'm saying is that when I asked him why you would be that upset with him, he told me the gist of the story. And by the way, he behaved horribly at your book signing. I did not raise him to act that way."
"He told you that?" I said a little too loudly. The attendant glared at me.
"No. Wade did. He's a talker, and when I make him my mother's chocolate chip cookies—the boy has a sweet tooth—He will dish over a plate of cookies and milk," she chuckled.
"That is good to know."
"Well, I'm glad Andrew made up for it in Dallas."
I know I turned red at the thought of Andrew and me, and everything we did in Dallas.
"By the look on your face, I see he did." Rebeca said with a grin.
I guzzled down my water embarrassed that Rebeca could read me like that.
"You and Andrew have more in common than you realize. But, I wanted to let you know that I did speak to Andrew, and I understand his concerns for wanting to keep your relationship private. But one thing my son doesn't realize is as long as he stays in his career, his life will always be on display. He tries—very well I may add—to make sure there is some kind of normalcy for the people he loves; not realizing that he sometimes puts them at an arms distance." My breath hitched at the word love, and I think Rebeca noticed but continued on. "But, Andrew will eventually realize that as hard as he tries to keep things private, he may push the most important people away."