Perfect Plans

by C. J. Wells

  “Yes, adorable. You’re rather sexy when you’re mad”. He smirks, brushing my hair behind my ear in a loving gesture.

  “So, you’re not mad about what she told you?” I question on a sigh of relief, needing reassurance that his indifference to my boatload of baggage is genuine.

  “Your past is not something that concerns me”. Brushing my wet strands away, he places his hands on my shoulders soothingly. “Julia is just doing her job; however unwanted it may be sometimes. I just want to make sure that you don’t get scared off by the damn publicity”, he searches my eyes; his own laced with concern.

  “And you’re not upset that you’ve been publicly associated with me... someone with a torrid past?”

  “Torrid past?” He laughs. “Not in the least. Everyone has a past”. His face lights up with that heart-stopping smile I’ve come to adore, before pulling me into his arms. “Don’t go”, he whispers, his breath fanning my cheek, running his hands up and down my back, playing with my wet hair. “Don’t let Julia, or publicized pictures of us, ruin this”.

  What more can I say?

  He’s not ending our lovely dream week - my inner dreamer jumps for joy.

  I’m mollified that he truly doesn’t care about my sordid past, and a little relieved that I’m not being bullied into spilling my guts. Plus, according to Julia, I’m still ‘unidentified’. Perhaps it can stay that way.

  “Those pictures… were they taken from my left side or my right?” I playfully mumble into his chest, feeling his lips pull into a smile.

  ~

  The moonlight beams on a breathtakingly beautiful Alex as we sit on his small second story deck enjoying the cool night breeze.

  I can’t help but smile at him as I cozy into his side; it’s been an amazing week, wrapped in the arms of this man. Only hours ago, I thought it was all coming to an end; the reminder making me shiver, he pulls me closer.

  “We can go inside, if you’re cold”. He caresses my cheek, pulling my gaze.

  “I was just thinking about what happened this morning”, I explain, biting my lip nervously. “I think we should talk about it”.

  His gaze is intense as he searches my eyes, and it scares me a little.

  Despite Julia’s unexpected interruption, and its subsequent drama on my part, the rest of our day had been wonderful. I’m eternally grateful that it didn’t spoil my dream week. But his amazingly understanding acceptance that I have a past makes me want to share it with him; though with each passing second, it terrifies me.

  Will I lose him anyway?

  He looks apprehensive and takes a deep breath; effectively stealing mine, as it suddenly feels as though I’m gasping for air.

  “I’m glad you want to talk about it, if it means you’re not running”. He brushes his thumb along my jaw. “I completely understand how you must be feeling. The pictures… the media… It’s an invasion of your privacy”.

  “No”, I push away from the warmth of his body to sit upright facing him. “It’s not about the publicity. I want to tell you exactly how… why I ended up here in London”.

  “I don’t want you to feel pressured into telling me until you’re ready”, he whispers, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear.

  “I know. But I’m ready. I want to tell you. Besides, it’s probably best to spill now in case you want to run for the hills”, I tease, attempting to lighten the air, poking his ribs.

  He smiles, though it doesn’t reach his intense gaze. “I’m not going anywhere. But neither is the media”. His stunning face is laced with torment. “Whatever you have to tell me won’t change that. The publicity is something I can’t make go away”.

  Tugging along his collar, my fingers sweep over his muscle-defined sweater, my eyes following in the movement. “I understand that. It will take some getting used to”, I look up to his gaze with a smile, “but I’m beginning to think you’re worth it”.

  His breath fans me through his sexy parted lips.

  Cupping my face, he pulls me into a gentle kiss; his mouth brushing mine with gentle teasing touches of his tongue. I lose all sense of the present; a garden of butterflies, my body aches for him.

  “If I could, I’d keep you all to myself. I wouldn’t let them near you”, he whispers against my lips before pulling back marginally.

  I hold his hands at my cheeks. “You can’t hide me away”, I smile, “I’ll adapt. It will be a work in progress… kinda like me”. I take his hands with mine into my lap. “Which brings us back to my past”.

  He looks pensive and I take a deep breath.

  “Julia was right. I did leave my husband”, I state quickly, staring into his eyes, trying to gauge his opinion of that fact, his expression unmoving. “I met Liam very young. Too young, in hindsight. We eventually married. I realized a little too late that he wasn’t the man for me”.

  “Did he not treat you well?”

  “No, no. It was nothing like that”. I look down, feeling the sting of having to relay my stupid mistakes.

  “It’s ok that you’re divorced, Aby”.

  My gaze darts back to his. Reading my mind again, Mr. Tate. Perhaps this is the part where I explain that I’m more like separated. “Well, I’m not quite divorced”.

  “What do you mean?” he questions; his tone hardened slightly.

  “The petition for divorce has gone through. I just have to wait to sign on the dotted line”. I know that my voice sounds weak. The entire topic makes me uncomfortable, given it’s certainly not one of my most proud accomplishments.

  I’m beginning to sweat slightly; tiny beads looming above my stare locked on Alex’s face as I desperately try to ascertain what he’s thinking.

  “So, you’re telling me you’re still married”.

  Wow, how high can that eyebrow really go?

  When he puts it that way, he makes it sound almost dirty.

  My open mouth offers nothing, leaving me to nod my head in agreement.

  “And not only are you still married, but to some asshole”.

  “Well, yes, I’m technically still married, but not for long. And no, Liam isn’t an asshole. He was - is - wonderful. He’s everything a girl would want in a husband. He just… wasn’t what I wanted”.

  “Ah… Your ‘tall bill’”. Alex’s charming smile flashes his pearly whites in the semi-dusk light.

  “Yes”. Pulling my eyes from his, I stare down at my fumbling hands in embarrassment. Damn. Why did I have to go and divulge my secret desires to Alex the first night we met?

  “So, if Liam is so great, what happened?”

  “I just woke up one morning and realized that this world has so much more to offer me - well, I actually knew it for many years. I fought my nagging desire for a long time. Not simply with respect to the man of my dreams, but a better life”, I look up to his gaze. “So, here I am, in London, in search of it”.

  “And have you found it?” His tone is playfully suggestive; a contrast to his serious gaze.

  Oh God… Is he wondering if I think he’s the man of my dreams, or if my new life in London is the one I’ve been chasing?

  Unsure how to respond, and not wanting to give too much away, I tread carefully, “I’m not sure yet”.

  “Time will tell, hmmm?” he teases with a sweet smile, pulling me into his arms. “So, just out of curiosity, where do I measure on this ‘tall bill’ of yours?”

  “Time will tell, I guess”, I smirk.

  Releasing a growl, he pulls me atop him to straddle his lap. The change in position giving me front row seating to stare at his gorgeous lips - his stunning blue eyes, bright enough to sparkle, despite the darkness.

  I run my hand along the stubble-covered outline of his cheek taking in his stunning features, caressing his beautiful face, my fingertips brushing along his eyebrows.

  “Aby”, he whispers.

  The sweet, seductive sound of my name on his lips sends tingles down my spine. I could fall in love with this man so easily. So quickly. Have I
fallen already? After such a short time, it seems surreal. I’m afraid to trust what I’m feeling, and that scares me. Particularly after today’s drama. I need to know more about Julia.

  “Alex”, I plead against his labored breaths; our lips brushing sensually in the magnetic pull, “there’s something else I’d like to discuss about Julia’s visit”.

  He kisses me again and I have to pull away, as much as his sexy caressing hold will allow.

  “I heard more of the conversation between the two of you than I think you realize”.

  His firm embrace halted, his hands drop down my back. “How much more?” He leans back to look into my eyes.

  “Umm, all of it”, I admit shyly, breaking our gaze. “One particular point stood out… Julia offered you sex”.

  He tenses beneath me and I bravely return to his focus.

  “Why would she do that?”

  His expression is telling as he runs his hand over his mouth and jaw. He’s clearly taken aback by my admittance, if not by my sudden inquiry.

  I was hoping he would merely tell me that Julia is crazy; that her comment meant nothing; but I fear his demeanor has already solidified my worst fear. He’s been with her.

  “She’s not just your publicist is she?”

  My question seems to jar him into present time with sudden vehemence, “Yes, she’s just my publicist. Don’t for one-second think that she’s anything more than that. Perhaps once, but not anymore”.

  His adamant designation of her role in his life merely fuels my concern, though I tread lightly, “Once?”

  Taking a deep calming breath, he exhales on a sigh, “Yes, once. We dated a few years ago. It was the first relationship I’d experienced with someone who understood…” he looks at me cautiously. “She understood the demands of dating someone in the public eye. I thought we were serious…” he closes his eyes, taking another deep breath. “Cheating is a deal breaker for me”.

  Oh! “You caught her with someone else?”

  “No, she confessed”.

  That’s crazy. Why would you tell Alex Tate that you cheated on him?

  Scratch that. Why in the world would you cheat on Alex Tate? Is she stupid? Who would be worth cheating on him with?

  “Do you know who it was?”

  “Does it fucking matter?”

  I startle at his venomous tone. “I’m sorry”.

  “No, I’m sorry”, he brushes my cheek, “It’s a sore subject. Monogamy is very important to me”.

  Wow. Who knew that not all Hollywood actors aren’t whores?

  “I’m sorry Julia made that comment, and I’m sorry you heard it. But you have nothing to worry about when it comes to her. She’s nothing more than my publicist. What happened between us is long over. Something I wish to stay locked in the past”.

  “I’m sorry”, I whisper again, angry with myself for reminding Alex of a not so great time in his life.

  “Don’t be, you had a right to ask. And I should be thanking you… for telling me about Liam”, he offers a warm smile. “His loss is my gain”.

  “I could say the same about Julia”, I confess, hoping my newfound love for him isn’t clearly reflected in my tone.

  Leaning forward to gently rest my head against his chest, his arms instantly circling me, I snuggle into the warmth of his embrace.

  I will have to watch out for Julia, I think to myself. I can read women. She still has a flame burning for Alex. It was evident in the way she greeted him at the door, let alone her tasteless offer of sex.

  I realize suddenly that I despise this woman. Not simply because she’s competition, but because she clearly hurt Alex. Someone I’ve come to care deeply about. Plus, she called me a puppy dog. That bitch.

  “So, your friend doesn’t like dogs?” I tease, lifting my head to bat my eyelashes charmingly. “Puppies are cute”.

  “Yeah. She’s more of a cat person”, he winks, laughing.

  CHAPTER

  TWELVE

  I awaken to the sun beaming in a vertical line between the curtains of Alex's bedroom. Alex's bedroom. The thought of him creates a rush of chills as a replay of the night before assails me - the memory of him all over me. His hands. His lips. His tongue.

  My relishing thoughts are pleasantly interrupted by the sound of his breathing beside me.

  Quietly turning, I find him sleeping peacefully. I could never tire of this morning ritual, I think to myself as I take in his perfect, perfect face. I’m once again in awe of his strong handsome features enchantingly mixed with his gentle boyish charm.

  Slipping out of the sheets, I glance for something to wrap over my naked body. My well cherished naked body. The man has the most amazing stamina; it puts Liam to shame.

  I carefully pull a blanket from the bottom of the bed, wrapping it around me like a towel and take a quick glimpse around the room. Not relishing the idea of disturbing him from his peaceful slumber, I search for a distraction from my already aroused desire to jump him. Spying a book on the dresser, I tiptoe to retrieve it and head for the plush chair in the corner by the window.

  Curled up in the seat, I have a perfect visual of Alex, partially covered under the cream-colored bed sheets from his hips to his feet. Never could I have imagined the sheer magnitude of this specimen. The man is, simply, perfection.

  From this vantage point, I have a magnificent view. Even better than the wonderful close-ups I’ve been treated to these past two mornings waking beside him. From here in the chair, I can take him all in. Appreciate him from a short distance.

  Lying partially on his side, my eyes make their way across his flawless body, devouring the sculpted lines of his chest, his glorious firm pecs splashed with a scattering of dark sexy hair. I take in his strong shoulder and full muscled arm, his thick forearm bent slightly, his hand dangling at his hip; his tightly formed abdominal muscles, the happy trail just calling out to be touched…

  My devouring gaze startles momentarily as he stirs, rolling onto his side before returning to the same position on his back, his arm grazing the sheets that were formally shielding his manhood from view.

  Oh my, is that his…?

  I strain forward in my chair like a crane, desperate to get a closer look - raising and shifting my head in a movement akin to the sharpening of a telescopic lens. Like some crazy pervert - notes my inner actress in conflict with my inner dreamer’s cheer - You go girl! Get a good look at what made you soar all night!

  Angling for a better view, the book slides off my lap with a thud to the floor. I’m frozen in place, glancing down at the hardcover nuisance, then swiftly up to Alex; his eyes now open.

  "Good morning", he grins.

  Unmoving, I summon a smile, trying to act as though I didn’t get busted ogling him. "Good morning", I manage, bending to retrieve the book from the floor.

  Sitting up in bed, he leans his strong arms around his raised knees. "Enjoyable read?" he asks with flirtatious curiosity.

  "Umm... yes", I reply unconvincingly as I stand to replace the book on the dresser.

  Maintaining my awkward hold on the blanket shielding my naked vulnerability, I make my way to my side of the bed and begin redressing the sheets and coverlet amid his amused gaze. Losing my grip in my graceless one-handed efforts, a quick yelp escapes me as it sashays to the floor.

  Fully exposed, my startled eyes flash to Alex, a less than subtle combination of amusement and desire gleaming back at me.

  He consumes every inch of my exposed flesh in the moments it takes to bend and retrieve my shield of wool.

  Flushing crimson, I make a fumbling attempt to regain some sense of dignity through distraction, trying to make the damn book the center of attention once more, “It was… very enjoyable”.

  "As is the view", he flashes me his 1000-watt smile. "Such a shame to cover it up".

  I pretend to ignore his sexy switch of interest, lingering in my clumsy cloud of humiliation, and join him on the bed, leaning up against the pillows.

 
; “I’m glad you enjoyed the book”, he continues, “It’s a passionate interest of mine”.

  A passionate interest? I didn’t even glance at the cover. I have absolutely no idea what this interest is - and a passionate one no less!

  I’m such an idiot, I castigate myself; struggling to find an exit to this inevitably embarrassing book club chat.

  His smirk tells me he’s on to me, though I can’t be sure.

  "You’ll have to excuse me for a moment. Mother Nature calls", he murmurs, saving me.

  I stare unabashedly as he steps out of bed and heads for the bedroom door.

  Now there's a view - pipes my inner actress, forgetting her place.

  And boy is that an understatement! The view of Alex from the front is magnificent… the view from behind is equally jaw dropping.

  My eyes fill with desire at his incredible form as I thoroughly relish in the view of his broad shoulders, strong and equally wide upper back, thin masculine waist, and finally, that ass. Holy shit, that ass.

  He has the most supple, full, sexy ass I’ve ever seen. Not that I’ve seen a whole lot of naked male ass, I realize in my assessment. Liam had a nice ass - sexy, though a tad small. And although I’ve never seen it bare - thank the lord - my dad doesn’t seem to have a bottom at all; his pants always a little empty under his back pockets.

  Comparatively speaking, women tend to have full, supple bottoms. At least I thought they did, until I saw this incredible creation on display. God must have broken the mold on this one. Alex’s covered ass pulled my attention the first time I met him; the way he fills out a pair of pants being absolutely sinful. Getting to take in the view in its raw form is incredible. The image is drool inducing; an intoxicating combination of his amazingly perfect ass set atop his full, strong legs - thick, masculine legs that are walking out of view - triggering my pout at the conclusion of the momentary show.

  Sighing, I lean back into the pillow, losing myself to the memory of the incredible visual.