by Pamela Ann
The screen before us was now filled with Carter’s Facebook page. It was like a timeline of them together from the first night they kissed, them dancing, more kissing, Emma being carried in his arms, Emma writing I love you on his chest with her lipstick, pictures of Emma’s sleeping face, another one of her smiling at Carter and the last one, was of her wearing his jersey from LA Galaxy while blowing him a kiss.
Shit, Carter didn’t play for the LA team until a few months back. What was going on here? Lindsey and I shared a look of horror as we both turned our attention back to Emma and Bass. They looked the same as earlier, but if you looked closely, there was tension between Bass and Emma.
“Wow, you’re boyfriend’s definitely gorgeous. I can tell you two are so in love. I like a guy who’s not afraid to tell the world that you’re his girl.” Jill meant the words as she grinned at Emma.
“Yeah, that’s Carter. He’s very persistent,” Emma murmured.
After Jill asked Emma more questions in regards to the movie, she shifted the questioning to Bass and Dimitris. It went on for another hour before it finally ended. Jill was going to visit them again tomorrow during filming, so she could get a glimpse of what it was like behind the scenes. Since there wasn’t much space on the island, Jill and her crew had to fly back to Athens instead of staying closer to the cast and crew.
Taylor and I were making out on the outdoor couch when he heard someone slide the door open. It was Bass heading towards us. They all were supposed to eat at the villa tonight, so I was surprised to find him here. “Would it be okay if I could speak to Trista alone?” He directed his gaze to Taylor. Who simply nodded, stood up and patted Bass’s shoulder.
“What’s up B?” I asked when Taylor disappeared inside the cottage.
“I have questions, and I think you’re the only person that can truly answer them for me.” Bass sat on the other end of the couch and stared at the sea, deep in thought. “What are the chances Emma will go back to him, Trista? Please be honest. I know you love her, but I don’t think I could stand it if she left again. I’d rather be prepared if there’s a chance she would, so I can separate myself away from her sooner.”
Oh, fuck. I was really getting punished. What the heck do I tell him? “Bass…maybe you should ask her that, not me. She’s the one you should be talking to.”
“I did. She brushed me off like it was not a big deal, but it is. To me it is. Those pictures brought everything back. Emma looked happy and it was plain to see how much love was shared between the two. So, please, just answer me truthfully. Where does Carter stand with her?”
The man really was hurting. “Back in February, something major happened, like a deal breaker, I guess. Around that time she caught him with five girls. Since then, he’s been begging for forgiveness. She’s crazy about you now, Bass. Don’t let old pictures from her past ruin what you two have.” Bass just shook his head and didn’t utter a damn word. “You do love her don’t you?”
Bass made a sad laugh, running both of his hands through his hair. “I don’t know if even should.” He then stood up and looked at me. “Thank you, I know there’s more to the story, but I know you won’t tell me, anyway. I also know that you’re protecting her, but you have to understand that I cannot go through this the second time with Emma. I’m going away for the night. I need to think away from her. Tell her I’ll be back tomorrow morning before the shoot, so she doesn’t worry.” He left by way of the beach, looking torn and sad all together.
“He doesn’t look good,” Taylor said behind me.
My heart ached for Bass. He really was crazy about Emma and my friend was crazy about him, too, but she still felt something for Carter. I think that’s what Bass realized today and deep down, I think he knew that. “Yeah, I hope they sort that out. They’re great together.”
“They are, but for him to come out here and talk to you means that he’s had his doubts for a while. One thing is for sure, he would have a hard time dealing with it if he did walk away.” Taylor took my feet and placed them on his thighs while he gently massaged them. His hands applied enough pressure to subdue my mind and body.
Man, this dude was awesome.
“Gosh, I wonder what other skills you have up your sleeve. You keep surprising me, Taylor.” I sagged against the couch, my body floating away from me as I lavished in the heavenly feeling.
“So foot massages get me praises? I should’ve known you’re a sucker to being serviced.” He pulled at my toe, teasing me.
I simply giggled at his touch. It tickled the hell out of my foot. My soles were quite sensitive and he seemed to be enjoying it. “Tell me one person in this world who doesn’t love being serviced, pretty boy? I bet the pope even has his own personal fetch-me person.”
“You and your nicknames, does it ever end?”
I lounged back, comfortable and satisfied with my ongoing present relationship with Taylor. “Nah. It’s fun and quirky when you make your own catch-phrases. That’s just the way I am. Don’t count on it ever changing.”
“I never said I wanted you to change, Tris. You’re unique, quirks and all, and I like that about you,” Taylor said before planting a kiss on both of my big toes.
“That’s the sweetest compliment anyone has ever given me.” I was way more than touched. My heart soared for a bit.
“Anymore services you wish, Lady Princess?”
This guy was utterly killing me. I sat up and moved to straddle him. Intertwining my arms around his neck, my lips touched the tip of his nose. “I want to do the dirty underneath the stars.”
“I think I can easily make that happen,” Taylor murmured as his lips hovered around the side of mine.
Chapter 22
Trista
For two weeks, we explored the entire island. All the fruit orchards, the few small caves, creeks and we tried to learn the Greek language (I failed this miserably). The most enjoyable part was trying all the exotic food and kissing Taylor in between bites. Yeah, we tend to kiss quite a bit. And I shamelessly adore it.
I was out on the patio playing Bejeweled Blitz when Taylor sought me out with an overly-excited grin on his face. “Come here, I have a surprise for you.” He held out his hand to me.
Beaming, I placed mine in his before he dragged us out of the cottage. “What is it? It’s nothing weird, right?” I hoped it wasn’t.
He led us down to the beach and started walking towards the right, the opposite direction of civilization. “Taylor?” I asked nervously when it started to get darker around us. The lights from the cottages where almost gone, but he kept walking ahead.
“Calm down, I’m not going to murder you.”
I smacked his stomach as he laughed at me. “That’s not funny, idiot. It’s just dark and I can’t see where we’re going. I’m scared that’s all.”
“Aw, baby. You have nothing to be scared of when I’m with you. I promise I’ll protect you with my life, scouts honor.”
I snorted at him. “Yeah right, there were no boy scouts at your boarding school in Switzerland!”
He kept on laughing. “That’s right, there weren’t, but still, I mean it. We’re almost there now. Keep walking, lazy cat.”
I was stunned when I saw what he had done for me. Ahead was a big bonfire, a sleeping bag, a large blanket laid out with food, wine and pastries, all surrounded with red rose petals. The heady scent lingered in the air. “I didn’t know you were so romantic,” I whispered in awe of the man who did all this for me. I took my sandals off and felt the soft petals on my feet as they sunk in the sand.
“I hide that trait very well. It only comes out during the full moon.” He leaned over and kissed me passionately. “Do you like it? You said you wanted to do it under the stars and I wanted to be the one you got plenty of experience of that with.”
No man has ever done anything this romantic for me. Not a one. I was unequivocally touched. “I love it, pretty boy. Thank you. Thank you!”
“You’re very welcome. Let’s ea
t before I devour you instead of the food.” Taylor kissed my forehead before he led me towards the blanket that was covered in petals, too.
While we sat, enjoying our wine, Taylor took a piece of charred beef in his fingers and fed me. “Taylor, did you forget forks?”
“I didn’t, but I want to feed you with my hands. I want to feel your mouth suck and lick them while you enjoy the food.”
Dear, Lordy. I was a sucker for these romantic gestures. “You’re on a roll tonight, aren’t you Mr. Boss?”
“Boss will most definitely be rolling non-stop tonight. All night long, baby.”
Tonight, it was just us. Not even my mind or conscience could intrude on our night together.
He took his time undressing me, placing small kisses here and there until I was completely naked. My heart was beating erratically and I was mesmerized as he slowly undressed before me. His eyes never left mine.
We stood gazing at each other, naked. The fire crackled close by, but all I saw was this man, who was bulldozing his way into me, pounding cracks into the solid barriers I had erected. It was like a magnetic force, it was too powerful to resist as we closed the gap. When our lips touched, I opened up to him. I kissed with everything that I was, everything he meant to me, and everything he’d made me feel. Beautiful, that’s what Taylor made me feel—truly, positively, exactly and irresistibly beautiful.
We kissed as he slowly lowered me down on the blanket. He was atop me as his hands and lips were busy with my face and neck, kissing me like I was the most precious thing he’d ever held. “I want you,” I whispered against his mouth as I opened my legs wider to accommodate him. His hard length nestled in between my wet parted lips, but he didn’t seem too eager to move.
“You will have me, I just want to savor you slowly, Trista. We have all night. I promise to make it worth your while if you let me take the lead, hmm?” I gave a frustrated groan as my hips started to move against his shaft, wetting it with my essence as he kissed me. “You’re not very good with instructions are you?”
“Nah-uh.” He should know that by now.
“Then let me show you how a man makes love to a woman, Trista. I’m challenged to change your mind.”
And by God did he just. We made love with such slowness and sweetness, I was sure I was coming pure sugar.
After coming apart four times in a row, I was sure my vocal cords were ready to join the opera house. My hazy mind diminished even more when Taylor’s eyes bored into mine. “I hope that someday you will find the happiness you desperately seek, Trista.”
I hoped so, too. He had no idea how much.
Chapter 23
Trista
After having a quick lunch at one of the island’s taverna, Taylor was adamant we learned how to fish with nets when one of the old folks invited us to join them.
“Hey! If the world ended tomorrow and we had to live like they did back in the Stone Age, I think it’s in our best interest to learn how to survive and catch fish. Since we both live close to the Pacific Ocean, it’s the most plausible solution. You’ll thank me for it. Get up off of your lazy bum now, Lady Princess.” Taylor grabbed both of my hips and lifted me to stand. “I love it when you’re almost obedient.” He bent over and kissed me.
So we learned to fish with nets, laughing and telling each other jokes as we stood there, the water almost to our chests as we waded about.
“Our summer’s almost over. The month flew by quickly, huh?” Taylor closed our gap and pulled me close to his chest.
There were things that needed to be addressed. “It did. School beckons. I’m actually excited to head back this time.” I was enveloped in his arms as I breathed him in. His scent mixed with the sea. I was going to miss this, but we hadn’t discussed what was to happen once we left Greece. I had told him that this was to be a one-time, summer fling, but I didn’t know if that was what I wanted anymore.
The last four weeks were blissful and spending them with him made them all the better.
“I know,” Taylor smiled down at me, melting everything around me as his lips came down on mine.
We were walking back to the cottage, right after sundown, when I noticed a familiar figure waiting outside for someone.
All blood left my face when I saw who it was.
“So this is the man you’re fucking to forget me, Trista?”
FUCK.
Taylor started to move, but I pushed on his hard chest to stop him from doing so. That didn’t stop him from dishing out a threatened remark. “Watch your fucking mouth! I will knock you the fuck out the next time you insult her.” He spat, infuriated, at the unperturbed Harry. Taylor was in full protective mode.
“Truth hurts, doesn’t it? Knowing how she is, I bet she screamed my name while you were doing her.” The evil smile vanished as his eyes leveled with Taylor. “She’s mine. You might’ve enjoyed her body for a few weeks, but that ends now.” Harry then turned to look at me. “You and I have a lot to talk about regarding our future. I came to ask you to marry me.”
I gasped. No fucking way! My head shook in disbelief. “I don’t believe you.” Marry him? He was divorcing Becka? Oh, no. Fuck!
From behind, Taylor grasped my hand, trying to pull me away. “Come with me. Let’s go.”
My flabbergasted face never left Harry’s. My eyes bore questions while his eyes told me everything I needed to know. Everything I feared to know. He left my cousin, and their baby, for me. “You can’t do that, Harry. No…” He couldn’t have. For months, I had longed to be with him, but the consequences were too high. I had finally realized that.
Now that my wish was to be granted, I was more than conflicted. Could I do it? Be with him knowing I’d made him leave Becka and their baby? It was abhorrent, but, back in the day, this wouldn’t even have been a question. I would’ve gone to hell and back just to be in his arms, to be with him and make him mine, forever. Married to Harry as my husband…
Harry’s face didn’t falter as he responded. “It’s already done. I love you and I’m risking it all to be with you, Trista.”
Taylor tugged my arms and spun me around. “This man has done enough damage to last you a lifetime, Tris. Don’t give him another chance to hurt you.” Those green eyes looked desperate as he tried to reason with my heart and my mind. “Be with me, Trista.”
No, don’t ruin this. Not right in front of Harry, I pleaded with my eyes. “Taylor, don’t do this—”
From behind, Harry interrupted. “You heard her, lady. She’s basically telling you to go away.”
No…wait. “Please…” Don’t go.
Taylor’s nose flared while his eyes darkened. His hand was slowly letting go of mine.
“Hey! What the hell is going on? Is this man Harry?” Lindsey sprinted from the tiny street along with Bass, Emma and Dimitris. “Leave her alone, you pig! You can’t just come here and expect her to come running back into your arms after you dumped her like she was a piece of paper. You need to leave!” Lindsey was ready to pummel Harry’s ass to the ground, but Emma held her back.
Harry broke lose as he spat back at Lindsey, at us. “I hadn’t planned on leaving her. I swear! It just came out that way. Things got too complicated with the baby involved. It wasn’t supposed to end like that. We weren’t supposed to end at all.”
Oh no!!! Not like this. I never intended for them to find out like this, most especially Taylor—who went completely still after I heard him take a sharp breath.
“What baby is he talking about Trista?” Lindsey was looking at Harry and back to me. She looked alarmed and sad at the same time as she tried to comprehend everything at once.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I thought they knew. The way she verbally attacked me, I thought she knew.” Harry strode to my side and cupped my tear-stained face. “I’m sorry.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? You should’ve told me…” Lindsey trailed off as her eyes immediately sought Emma’s. “Why aren’t you saying anything? You knew didn’t you?”
<
br /> Emma nodded, biting her lip as she looked at me. “I did, but it wasn’t my secret to tell, Linds.”
Lindsey’s teary eyes darted to my bare stomach before she looked at my face. “Your stomach is still flat, and for the last few weeks, you have been with Taylor… so, I’m guessing, there’s no baby anymore, is there?”
I shook my head in response, crying in earnest as my body started to shiver.
“I’m sorry, Tris…” Lindsey started to cry, but Dimitris was there to gather her in his arms.
After a full minute of silence, Harry started to move. “I’m going to take her inside. We have things to talk about. I hope you all understand that.” He addressed Emma and Lindsey, who both nodded at his statement.
As Harry was guiding me towards the cottage, I chanced to look at Taylor. He was rooted to the spot, his head down and staring at the cemented road.
Chapter 24
Trista
We were inside the living room as Harry waited for me to finish crying. As much as I tried to stop the tears, my tear ducts had their own agenda.
“I’m sorry for outing you like that with your friends. I really thought they knew or I wouldn’t have said it like that. I’m so sorry.” Harry sat on his heels as he covered my hands with his. “I’m sorry for everything. I’ll make it up to you for the rest of my life if I have to.”
He was here to ask me for marriage. How was that even possible after what I had been through? Now he was back and I didn’t know what to say or do. I was back to that old self. The overwhelming feeling of being around him again was decapitating me, making me mindless. Harry then did the craziest thing. He got on one knee and took out a mauve, velvet ring box. Oh. Hell!!!
“Our love hasn’t been easy for us, but I believe in it. There’s more hardship ahead of us, but I know we can get through it as long as we have each other. I’ve been selfishly stupid and I will never forgive myself for walking out on you that night. I’ve regretted it every day. I didn’t know how I much love I had for you until I had lost you, Trista. I can’t stand not to have you in my life. You have me, my heart, forever. Marry me and I vow to be your loyal, loving husband, who will love and cherish you, for the rest of your life.” Harry, for the very first time, had tears in his eyes. His hands pried the box open to reveal a large, princess-cut, five-carat diamond ring on an eternity band. The ring was absolutely perfect.