Cross My Heart

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “Thank you.” Natalia stepped onto a deck of pure opulence. She looked around slowly, taking in the beauty of her surroundings. “Wow, this is awesome.”

  “It’s comfortable,” he said.

  “More than comfortable, I’d say. You live here?”

  “It solves the whole privacy issue. The media and paparazzi would have to go through a lot to get to me here.”

  “Paranoid about your privacy?” she asked.

  “Believe me, there’s nothing paranoid about it. In my world, you’re hounded day and night for a brief glimpse into your life. Celebrity photos go for thousands of dollars. The incentive to cash in is tremendous. The simplest daily action can become fodder for a tabloid front-page story. Sometimes it’s impossible to have any semblance of an ordinary life.”

  “Is that what you want—an ordinary life? Somehow I don’t see you with a wife, two kids, a dog and a white picket fence.”

  “Maybe not the white picket fence part,” he said, smiling.

  She nodded, taking his word for it. “So for the time being you just sail around, going from place to place?”

  “Sometimes, but usually it’s docked in St. Croix. I have a house there. It’s quiet and peaceful. I spend most of my time there, studying, when I’m not filming. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

  He started the tour on the flybridge then walked across to the top sundeck. There was a large Jacuzzi with surrounding lounge chairs and a side bar. On the other side were two Jet Skis and beyond that a small dinghy. She paused a moment to lean against the side rail. “So, you mentioned that you study. Study what?”

  “Lines and scripts, mostly,” he said, leaning back beside her. “Sometimes I study character patterns and research motivations and development.”

  She turned to him. “That’s right. Sometimes I forget that you’re a famous mega movie star. I guess it’s because you just don’t seem like it. You’re just a regular guy.”

  “I am and I take that as a compliment.”

  “So are you getting ready to make another movie?” she asked as they continued walking, returning to the upper deck area. They went into his study, then a small game room with pool table.

  “Yes. Production was pushed back. Now it starts in a few months. That’s what I was doing when you stopped by the other day. I was going though the script again and also looking through others.”

  “You’re looking at more scripts?”

  He nodded. “Always. I get about ten scripts a week.”

  “Wow. So people just send them directly to you?”

  “No, most are given to my agent from studio development. My agent reads them, then sends the more promising ones to me. Pam goes through them and then I see them.”

  “And Pamela is your personal assistant.”

  “Yes, I’ve known Pam since forever. She was my sister’s best friend for years growing up. She was there when Brenda died. I’ve kind of taken care of her since then. I put her through college and she goes wherever I go.”

  He slid a door aside and they walked into the most exquisite lounge she had ever seen. “This is the salon.” Natalia stepped inside and removed her sunglasses. Italian black marble and red mahogany were a part of everything. Two oversize cream-colored sofas, a huge plasma TV, inset lighting, plush carpeting—it was all magnificent.

  In front of the main seating area was an intimate dining space with a double-pedestal table set for two. She walked over, speechless by the splendor. The centerpiece flowers and lit candle made the crystal glassware shimmer and sparkle. The delicate china, with David’s initials stamped on the rim, completed the fine table arrangement. “This is magnificent.”

  David removed his jacket, sunglasses and trilby, then stopped at the built-in bar. He opened a bottle of champagne and carried over two glasses. After filling both glasses and giving one to her, he held his glass up to toast. “To you, Natalia Coles, an amazing Wonder Woman.”

  “Thank you.” She nodded her acceptance.

  “So how about going for a ride along the coast?”

  “That would be nice.”

  He picked up the phone on the bar and told the captain to take them for a short ride. A few minutes later, she heard the soft hum of the engine and felt the gentle forward motion of the vessel. There was a knock on the door as it opened slightly. David turned and nodded. A steward rolled in a tray with several covered domes. “Perfect timing.” He turned to her. “Dinner is ready.”

  The meal was exceptional and the conversation was enjoyable. They had lobster and crab medallions in a rich creamy butter sauce with baked potato and spring green salad. Each mouthful was a delectable delicacy of pure delight. Over dinner they talked about his movie career and what it was like on the set of a major motion picture. She was surprised by the antics and playfulness he confessed participating in while on the set. When dessert arrived, they talked about his many travels. The French chocolate mousse imperial was luscious and mouthwatering. While they ate he told her all about Italy, Prague, Asia, Mongolia and New Zealand, to name just a few.

  After dessert they moved back to the salon area and sat sipping champagne and eating cheese and melon slices. They talked about their lives and careers, and for the next hour and a half simply enjoyed being together. “Come on. Let’s go outside and get some air.” They stepped on deck just as the sun was setting. The sky was a fiery red against the water’s blue horizon.

  “You know all this is wasted on me, right?” she said.

  “All what?” he asked.

  “The ambience, soft jazz music playing inside, gentle waves lapping the hull, smooth swaying motion, the candles, the champagne, the soft lighting and, of course, the sun setting on cue.”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” he confessed innocently.

  “Okay, mister. You may star in the movies, but I’ve seen a few in my day. This is Seduction 101.”

  He laughed. “I assure you this isn’t a seduction scene. Your virtue is relatively safe with me.”

  She nodded, smiling, as they both turned to witness the last of the sun dip over the horizon. The muted hum of the engine and the lapping of waves seemed to slow everything down. Natalia stared out, seeing more than just the vast water around them. She saw possibilities, the future. Everything she’d always wanted was within her reach. She had her family, her friends and her career. She had everything any woman could want except…

  “Where are you?” David asked, moving close, seeing her lost in her thoughts. Natalia turned to him, questioning. “You look like you’re miles away,” he added.

  “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

  “Your sons?” he asked. She nodded. “Where are they this evening?”

  “My cousin and his wife asked if they could babysit this weekend. Actually, I think the request was orchestrated by the rest of my family to give me a break. But I miss them. This is the first time in a long time that we’ve been apart. I know it’s only been a few hours, but still, it feels strange.”

  “I guess it’s not as easy as you thought, being a single mom.”

  “It’s challenging. I’m sure you remember what your mom went through, constant worry and endless concern when the children are out of your sight.”

  “Actually, my mother wasn’t exactly the mother-of-the-year type. My sister and I were in her way most of the time. All she cared about was men, money and pursuing her own pleasure. After a while, she dumped us off at her sister’s house and never looked back. Then we were shuttled from one relative to another—anyone who would take us.”

  “That’s not how it’s supposed to be,” she said sadly.

  “You’re right, it’s not. Question: any regrets?”

  “You mean about having Brice and Jayden?” she asked. He nodded. “No, never. They’re my heart. I look at them and I see love, joy and perfection. They’re innocent and free and curious, and I love them beyond measure. You’ll see one day when you have children. There’s nothing like that feeling. When you first loo
k into their eyes and see yourself, your heart instantly opens and love pours out. After that, you’re forever full of love, even when they’re driving you crazy.”

  “And you don’t know anything about the father?”

  “He was a number—that’s all.”

  “Is that what you’re going to tell your sons?”

  She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Truthfully, I don’t know what I’m going to tell them when the time comes. But they will know that they are loved and wanted—that much I can say for sure.” She turned away as troubling thoughts seeped into her mind. His question was valid—she’d asked herself the same thing dozens of times, even before she had the first procedure. But her love always won out.

  David saw her withdraw and sensed that she was disheartened. “So when do I get to meet the two budding stage stars?” he asked, turning to her.

  “Probably not a good idea,” she said cautiously. Then, seeing his disappointment, she continued. “It’s not you, David. It’s a rule I have about people in their lives. They’re too young to understand that you won’t always be around. They get attached quickly and easily. If they meet you, they’ll want to see you the next day and the day after that and so on.”

  “I understand, and agree,” he said. “So tell me about dating and relationships for you.”

  “I’m so busy I don’t have time to even think about dating.”

  “Now that is truly sad,” he said with a smile.

  “I’m serious. I have so much going on in my life right now that all I can do is concentrate on my sons and my work. What about you? How much dating do you do?” she asked.

  “That’s different,” he protested. “My life and my career are…”

  “Crazy, busy, distracting, demanding, hectic?” she offered.

  “Definitely,” he said.

  “Ah, but still you take the time to date, right?”

  “Okay, point taken. But it seems that neither of us has taken the time to explore a serious relationship,” he said.

  “Oh, come on. You expect me to buy that? There are literally thousands of women dying to meet you and another hundred thousand who wouldn’t mind dating you. And I’m not even counting the rich, the super-rich, actresses and models.”

  He laughed. “And you think they would interest me?”

  “Darling, they would interest about eighty-five percent of the male population on this planet, so why not you?”

  “No offense to the thousands of women clamoring for my attention, but my taste is a bit more discriminating. I’ve had too many outrageous experiences with pampered and privileged women.”

  “Still, you have models and starlets dropping at your feet.”

  “Come here.” He smiled, grabbed her and wrapped his arm around her waist, affectionately drawing her flush against his hard body. Taken by surprise, Natalia gasped and clutched on to his forearms as she leaned against his body. She looked up into his eyes and relaxed instantly. It felt so good to rest against him and to be in his arms.

  “Know this, Natalia Coles. You are the first woman I’ve wanted to be out with in a very, very long time. For me, dating is complicated at best. I’m not going to lie to you: it’s flattering to have women throwing themselves at me. There will always be starlets, groupies and models around me. But I know what’s important in my life and being here right now with you is important to me. This is where I want to be.”

  She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity, but that wasn’t enough. She shook her head. “What are we doing here, David? What am I doing here?” she asked. “I don’t belong here. Your life isn’t normal; mine is. I’m a mom and a social worker, hardly a glamorous…”

  “You’re a beautiful, desirable woman and so much more—more, in fact, than you even know.”

  She was speechless. It wasn’t the flattery. It was the genuineness that touched her. She’d had attractive men in her life before. Successful, wealthy and charming, but none of them even compared to David. He was everything any woman could ever want and right now he was here with her, wanted to be with her, and she knew that she wanted him. And that alone scared her. “You are a consummate actor. Still, I thank you for the compliment. But that doesn’t answer my question.”

  “What are we doing here together?” he guessed. She nodded. “I don’t know. I do know that I find myself liking you more than I imagined. I’m enjoying myself and I have been since meeting you. You draw people in and make them feel special, at ease. I can’t think of any other place I want to be except right here, right now talking with you, being with you. You’re not the person I expected to find.”

  She waited to respond because it seemed that he wanted to say more, but for some reason didn’t or couldn’t. “Thank you,” she said as she stepped out of his embrace to lean on the rail again. “You know, to tell you the truth, I’m a little starstruck being here with you.”

  “I’m not that guy. They’re just roles I play onscreen.”

  “I know. Still, being here just talking is so…strange.”

  “Strange good or strange bad?” he asked.

  She looked at him and smiled. “Strange very good,” she clarified.

  “I’m delighted to hear that.” He took a step closer, guiding her back into his arms. She went willingly as he cupped her face in his hands. The space between their bodies vanished and the air around them went still. Their eyes held a moment as he took the opportunity to trail his finger over her lips. Her heart thundered and her stomach fluttered. She knew he was going to kiss her again and she knew that she would willingly accept. He nodded slowly. She nodded, as well, then tipped her head upward as he leaned in.

  Soft and tender at first, his mouth touched hers. Then over and over again, he kissed her. Eyes closed, heads turning slowly with each kiss, mouths parted, the kisses continued until finally he wrapped her in his arms and captured her mouth with fierce purpose.

  Her lips parted and he delved deep into her mouth. She swam in the deliciousness of him, wanting even more. Their tongues danced, savoring the last remnants of champagne and the sweet nectar of desire. The sensation was mind-blowing. Her thoughts delighted in endless pleasure. Her passion and hunger surged as her unrestrained arousal soared. Like lava burning down the side of a mountain, her body was ablaze, molten both inside and out. She’d never felt this intense stirring before. It was all-consuming, penetrating every part of her body. One kiss, one perfect kiss, and he’d set her on fire.

  Her body was hot, his body was hard. A delectable myriad of sensations swirled all around her. His taste was intoxicating, his scent was exhilarating and the feel of his body so hard and arousing was staggering. Even the sounds around her were intense—music, soft at first, then louder and clearer as her thoughts slowly eased through the haze of longing that surrounded her. The kiss ended and the music continued. Then it hit her: it wasn’t music; it was her cell phone.

  “I need to get that,” she said breathlessly, stepping away. Hearing the cell phone chime, he instantly released her. He nodded and watched as she hurried back into the salon to get her purse. When she was out of view, he turned back to the rail and looked out at the gulf. Thankfully, the deepening darkness hid the distressed expression on his face. He knew that Natalia’s question was valid. What were they doing here? This—all this—was getting way out of control. The simple plan he had formulated to find out the kind of woman she was had turned into something else entirely.

  He was getting too involved, but he couldn’t help himself. When they were apart she was all he could think about. At first he thought it was merely because she was the mother of his two sons, but now he knew different. It wasn’t the fear of what she could do to him and his career. It was the fear of not being with her again. In an instant he knew that she had gotten to that tiny part of his heart that he’d always kept sealed off.

  Wanting her was natural. He was a man and she was an attractive woman. Being with her was also easy. She was a caring and compassionate person wit
h a tender heart and an open spirit. Kissing her was the problem. He enjoyed it too much. He glanced back briefly, hearing her sweet laughter, then turned to look out into the gathering darkness again.

  The question wasn’t what they doing here. The question was what was he doing here? He knew there were a hundred reasons why he should just drop her off on the dock, turn and keep going, but the pull inside wouldn’t let him do it. All he had to do was walk away. No one would ever know about his feelings or the children—not Natalia, not anyone. But he knew that what started as a solely selfish, protective, personal instinct had turned into something even more personal.

  Inside, Natalia grabbed her purse and found her cell phone. She held it tight but didn’t return the call just yet. She needed to compose herself. She took a deep breath and tried to get her wayward emotions in check. It was impossible. Her heart still pounded, and her nerve endings tingled. David was too good at unnerving her, and no matter how hard she tried to convince herself otherwise, she wanted to be with him. Not because he was who he was, but because there was something about him that drew her to him. She felt off balance, as if she were constantly falling. The thing was this: If she fell, would he be there to catch her?

  Her cell rang again. She answered instantly. The conversation with the boys was short and enjoyable. It was exactly what she needed to get back to the reality of her life. Sailing beneath a starry, moonlit sky with a movie star by her side was for someone else—certainly not her. A few moments later, Natalia stepped back out onto the deck. She saw David standing where she’d left him. He stared out at the darkening sky. “I’m back,” she said.

  He turned, seeing her standing just beyond the doorway. The softness of her dress blew teasingly against the warm breeze as the moment sparkled in the moonlight. “Everything okay?” he asked.

  She nodded and moved back to the rail beside him. “Yes, everything’s great. The boys just called to say good night.”

  “You said they were staying with relatives, right?”

  “Yes, Mia and Stephen are my cousins. They’re newlyweds. I think they’re considering starting a family, and having Brice and Jayden for the weekend will give them a taste of parenthood.”