Jen felt nauseous as she tried to calculate whether the number Vince was demanding was reasonable. “I guess that number is okay, Renata,” Jen said. “But, it all has to be conditioned on whether one or the other of us is traveling for business, or if one or the other of us is sick or has some other medical condition. I don’t want to be accused of breach of contract because I have a stomach virus, or if I’m away on a photo shoot, or if I’ve just given birth.” I can’t let him have his way on everything, Jen thought. It’s not unreasonable to want to insert conditions into this part of the agreement.
“I’m not sure he’ll go along with those conditions,” Renata warned.
“Then make sure he knows that I won’t sign the agreement without them. It’s my line in the sand,” Jen replied. I have to stand up to him on at least one issue, or I’ll look like a doormat and he will just walk all over me.
When Renata returned to the conference room an hour later, Jen was relieved to learn that they had reached an agreement on all issues. That was so awkward, she thought, as she signed the agreement on the line adjacent to Vince’s signature. Thank God it’s all over.
Vince was already at the apartment when Jen arrived home. She was surprised to see that he seemed relaxed, and was grinning at her as she hung up her suede jacket and tossed her tote bag onto the floor. “Come here,” he said, beckoning her towards his open arms. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Jen shook her head no, and she allowed herself to be enveloped in Vince’s welcoming embrace. He held her tightly, before taking her by the hand and leading her into the library. Jen sat on one of the large leather sofas, while Vince opened a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, and poured them each a glass. “You look like you could use this,” he said, as he handed her the wine.
She took a deep sip of wine, before nodding her head. When she didn’t say anything, Vince said, “I was surprised that you accepted my initial financial offer. You’re usually an excellent negotiator, and I expected you would make a counter offer.”
Jen took another sip of wine, before replying, “You made an extremely generous offer, Vince, and I wanted to make it clear to you, in case it wasn’t already, that I’m not marrying you for your money.”
I know that now, Vince thought. You proved your loyalty to me today. He slid closer to Jen on the sofa, and pulled her close. “I know that, Jennifer. I know.”
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
“I still don’t get why you want to tag along with me,” Jen said, as she shifted in her seat on Vince’s Gulfstream G650. “You’re going to be bored out of your mind.”
“Really? I don’t think so,” Vince replied. “I’ve always wanted to see you work.”
“But you’ve watched me walk in fashion shows, and you’ve seen the photos in magazines.”
“This is different,” Vince replied. “This time I get to see everything that goes on behind the scenes. I’ve never understood why it takes a week to do a photo shoot.” I want to keep my eye on you. And I can’t be away from you that long, either. “Besides, I’ve wanted you to come with me to Hong Kong for a while now. This way, we can combine the trips.”
“I guess so,” Jen said, looking out the window as Hawaii came into view. I think you’re more concerned about my being alone with Sergio Fernandez than you are about experiencing what goes on behind the scenes at the photo shoot. When are you going to start to trust me?
Vince ran his fingers through his fiancée’s long hair. I never liked that lecherous playboy, Sergio Fernandez. There is no way I’d let you do this shoot alone, with him as the photographer.
That evening, Vince watched as an airbrush tan was applied all over Jennifer’s naked body by a female technician. As she stood in the bathroom, waiting for the tanning solution to dry on her body after the technician left, Vince said, “You look like a golden goddess, Jennifer. As soon as that dries, I want to have my way with you.”
The next day, Jen watched as Vince carefully observed her pose in various locations on the beach and in the water. I wish he wasn’t so jealous, she repeatedly thought. It’s so awkward having him hover over me all the time.
“Okay, Jen, sweetie,” Sergio Fernandez said at the end of the day. “Take off your top, slowly. Let the bikini straps fall down one at a time.”
Jen followed his instructions, feeling more self-conscious than ever as the photographer’s lens focused on her, knowing Vince was a mere twenty feet away, watching her every move.
“Oh, that’s nice, baby. That’s good, keep looking down. Now look up and give me that shy smile you’re so good at.”
She let the straps fall, clutching her bikini top in one hand, while covering her bare breasts with the other hand. “Gorgeous, baby, just beautiful,” Sergio said, as he moved closer to her, the shutter on his camera clicking away. “Now part your lips, and touch your fingers to them, very lightly, like you might be thinking a slightly naughty thought.”
Jen did whatever Sergio told her to do, until the sun sank down into the Pacific Ocean. “That’s a wrap for today. See you tomorrow at 10 a.m.”
Relieved that the first day of shooting was over, Jen turned to one of the nearby stylists, who handed her a cotton robe. She cinched the tie tightly across her waist, collected her beach bag, and jogged over to where Vince was standing. She greeted him with a peck on the cheek, and asked, “So, what did you think?”
Vince crossed his arms tightly across his chest. “It was interesting,” he said through gritted teeth, barely able to look at her as he made his way back inside the hotel.
He remained silent until they arrived at their suite and, once inside, he slammed the door behind them, startling Jen.
“Why won’t you talk to me? What is wrong?”
“What is wrong? Are you kidding me?” He paced back and forth, before opening the mini bar and grabbing a beer. “I’ll tell you what is wrong,” he bellowed. “I don’t like you being photographed topless. That’s what’s wrong.” He removed the cap from the beer bottle and flung it across the room, before chugging the beer in two gulps.
“But Vince,” she said, reaching out to touch his arm in an attempt to soothe him, “I was still covered up. You know that’s part of what I do. You’ve seen the pictures in the magazine, and the videos on the Sports Weekly website. Why are you all of a sudden questioning my work?”
“Why? Because I don’t want other men fantasizing about you, that’s why. You’re mine, and only mine.” Vince pounded his fist against the wall as if to punctuate his feelings.
A ripple of fear ran down Jen’s spine at Vince’s violent outburst. She grabbed her room key, and backed away from Vince towards the door. He lunged towards her, but she was quicker than he was, and she ran out the door of their suite into the hallway. He’ll never make a public scene, especially not with the security cameras here in the hallway.
Once in the hallway, Jen said through the open doorway, “Of course I’m yours. We’re getting married in two months.” She took a deep breath before continuing, softly, “I love you, Vince, only you. You’re the only one who gets to touch me, to love me, to make love to me, and sleep with me. But you have to get over this obsessive jealousy.”
When Vince didn’t answer her, Jen cautiously entered the suite. There’s only one thing I can think of that will reassure him and calm him down. “I have to take a shower and get ready, otherwise we’re going to be late for our dinner reservation,” she said, as she slipped off her robe and bikini bottom, revealing her naked body. As she entered the bathroom, she looked at Vince over her shoulder and said, “Do you want to join me in the shower? Or are you going to just sit there and sulk?”
Once back home, Jen had two weeks to get ready for the Desiree’s Desire fashion show and taping for the television special that was to air in December. She had been anxiety-ridden about the show ever since learning that she had been selected to wear the two million dollar d
iamond and ruby “passionate gems” bra and matching garter belt on the runway.
As she was being fitted for the jeweled lingerie, Jen worried about walking on the runway while wearing it because of its weight. It’s such an honor to be selected to model this, she thought, as the seamstress and jeweler made some final adjustments. I wish I could tell Vince and my family that they picked me to wear this in the show, but my contract forbids it.
The night of the Desiree’s Desire fashion show, as the finale approached, Jen smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror, admiring the way the jewels sparkled as she moved. “Passionate” sure is the right word for this bra and garter belt set, she thought. Vince is going to go crazy when he sees me in it. He won’t like that I didn’t tell him, but hopefully he’ll understand. He’s going to love how it looks on me, she thought, knowing he had a front-row seat. She took a deep breath and stole a final look in the mirror, before entering the runway to an explosion of flashbulbs and wild cheers.
Vince met Jen backstage after the show and, in an uncharacteristic public display of affection, he surprised her by sweeping her up in his arms. “You were so great, my love! I’m so proud of you,” he gushed. “Let me get a good look at you,” he said, as he stepped back to appraise Jen in the diamond and ruby underwear. Grinning, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You have no idea what you are doing to me right now.”
Jen smiled as Vince complimented her, enormously relieved that he wasn’t upset she had kept a secret, or jealous that other men were looking at her. “I wish we didn’t have to go to the after-party, because there’s nothing I’d rather do than go home and be alone with you right now,” she whispered back.
Running his fingertips over the strap of the jewel-encrusted bra, Vince asked, “Can I help you take this off?”
“Mmm…I’d love that,” she cooed, “but I don’t think the security guards will let you back there.”
Vince pouted. “You’re right, my love. The security guards would never let me into the dressing room.” He watched intently as Jennifer dashed off to change. More than anything, I wish I could take that bra and garter off you, and make love to you right now, Vince thought, before accepting a glass of champagne and mingling with the rest of the well-wishers backstage.
The night before her 25th birthday, Vince surprised Jen by inviting some of her friends and family to a small dinner party at their home. It was the first time Catherine and Luke had been to the massive Fifth Avenue apartment, and when they had a moment alone, Catherine pulled Jen aside and said, “Wow, this place is amazing. I can’t imagine what it is like living here.”
“It’s okay, I guess,” Jen replied. “It’s so dark and masculine, and not really my style, but I’m hoping Vince will let me redecorate a little after the wedding.”
After chatting a few moments, they turned around to find Vince and Luke deep in conversation. “I wonder what that’s about,” Jen said, as she watched the two men talk.
“Maybe they’re talking shop,” replied Catherine. “Luke was really excited about having the opportunity to get to know Vince better tonight. He’s completely consumed by his job on Wall Street, and when he tries to talk to me about it, I don’t have the slightest clue what he is talking about.”
Jen giggled. “I know what you mean! I try to take an interest in Vince’s work, but I don’t always understand what he is talking about either.”
“Catherine, Jennifer,” Vince called out to them. “Come join us.” After the two friends crossed the room together and joined the men in their lives, Vince announced, “We have some news that we want to share with you.”
Jen and Catherine looked from Vince to Luke, who was grinning from ear to ear, and back to Vince. Jen asked, “What’s your news?”
Vince put his arm around Luke’s shoulders. “I’m always on the lookout for talent, and I think Luke has a bright future ahead of him. I’ve offered him a job with Penn Worldwide.”
“Oh wow, that’s fantastic,” Catherine gushed, as she reached for her husband and planted a kiss on his lips.
“Congratulations! That’s great news,” Jen added. “I’m so happy for you, Luke!”
Jen grabbed a bottle of champagne from the nearby ice bucket, and refilled their glasses while Vince made a toast to Luke. “But this is Jen’s birthday party,” Luke said, his embarrassment evident. “We should be toasting her.”
“You’re right, Luke. I like how you think. Everyone,” Vince called out to get the attention of the rest of the guests, “gather around. Before we sit down to dinner, I want to make a toast to my beautiful fiancée. Jennifer, you have made my life so happy, and so complete. I can’t wait until the day you become my wife. Happy birthday, my love.”
The next morning, Jen woke up to find that Vince had quietly filled the master suite with large bouquets of white, yellow and peach roses. She sat up in bed, and called out for Vince, who emerged from his bathroom. “What a great surprise! Thank you for the beautiful flowers. How did you get them in here without waking me up?”
“I have my ways,” Vince replied as he walked towards the bed and climbed back under the covers. “Happy birthday,” he said as he leaned in and kissed Jen.
“Thanks, Vince. You’ve really given me a great birthday.”
“And it’s only just begun.” When Jen looked at him quizzically, Vince continued, “How about some breakfast? Or do you want your present first?”
“Oooh…I guess it depends on the present,” Jen cooed, as she reached out to caress him.
Vince backed away from her, something he had never done before. “Is something wrong?”
He grinned. “Nothing is wrong, my love. Everything is fine, and I want to make love to you, but that will have to wait until after you open one of your birthday gifts. Maybe we should eat breakfast first.”
“Oh…um, okay,” Jen agreed, puzzled. He’s never refused sex before. I wonder what he has planned, she thought, as she quickly showered before pulling on a cream satin and lace chemise and matching robe.
When Jen entered the kitchen, she found him seated at the table, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the New York Times. “What can I get you for breakfast?”
Vince jumped up, and said, “It’s your birthday, so you shouldn’t have to cook. Since Mary is off today, I’m going to make you breakfast.”
“Really? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, my love. Let me pamper you a little,” he said, as he poured her a cup of coffee. “Just sit and relax.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Jen sipped her coffee while watching, fascinated, as Vince set about preparing their breakfast of scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, and sliced strawberries.
“Wow,” Jen said as she tasted her first forkful of eggs. “This is delicious. I never knew you could cook!”
Vince laughed, “I have many talents. Cooking is just one of them.” They ate quietly, and after a few minutes, Vince said, “I’m glad Mary is off today, so we can be alone.”
“Me too. We’re not alone that often, and it’s nice, for a change.”
Vince nodded in agreement. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you, where would you like to go for dinner tonight? I’m sure you want to go someplace nice for your birthday.”
Jen bit her lip, trying to hide her disappointment that Vince had not yet made dinner plans or reservations. “Umm…I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter.”
Vince was surprised by her reaction. “Jennifer, I want you to have a great birthday. We can go anywhere you want to go.”
“It’s hard to get a reservation at the last minute, though.”
“No, really, it isn’t. Not for me.” I’m Vince Moscolo, not one of those college boys you dated, he thought. “Name the restaurant, and that’s where we’ll go.”
Jen thought about her options before replying. “I’d really like to go to Almond. Can we fly out east later on
?”
“Al is off for the weekend, so we’d have to drive out,” Vince responded. “And I have some other plans for us for the day.”
“Then how about Almond in Tribeca? I’ve been dying to go there since the guys opened the new location.”
Vince smiled, approving of Jen’s decision. “Excellent choice, Jennifer. I’ll make the reservation as soon as we’re finished with breakfast.”
When they finished eating, Vince insisted on cleaning up the dishes. “Why don’t you just relax, my love,” he said.
Jen was curled up in a chair in the library, and smiled as Vince entered the room a little while later. “I hope you like this,” she said, holding up the navy blue cashmere yarn. “I’m knitting a sweater for you.”
Vince reached out and touched the yarn. “It’s so soft. I know I’m going to love it,” he said. When Jen reached the end of the row she was working on, Vince gently took the knitting needles and yarn from her, and placed them on the side table next to her chair. Taking her by the hands, he asked, “How would you like your present now?”
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