What the Heart Wants ; Sealed with a Kiss

by Donna Hill

  “Mmm!”

  “What’d you say?” he asked.

  Kendall hadn’t thought Tyson would hear her moan. “This food smells great.” She blamed it on the aroma of their meal. “Ready to dig in?”

  Tyson clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Absolutely.”

  “Come on,” Kendall said, spooning greens onto two plates. “We’re going to eat outside. I love it out there.”

  Kendall surprised herself at how open she’d been with Tyson. After Storm, she hadn’t wanted to be bothered with any man—especially one from their industry. Tyson had gotten past all of her defenses, and although she enjoyed laying eyes on a sexy man like any woman would, it was his internal qualities that she’d come to admire most. Tyson was proving himself to be a man of character. He was considerate and smart. That was more attractive than any gorgeous face or athletic build. Kendall was enticed by his mind and heart. He’d proven himself a man of integrity by the way he had responded to the ordeal with Tiffany. Tyson had always spoken about her with care, no matter how many scandalous television appearances she’d made.

  Kendall’s flight to Paris was due to leave the next night, giving her about twenty-four hours of Tyson to herself. The film crew was preparing to shoot in Europe and were all scheduled to fly out throughout the day.

  Kendall and Tyson planned to spend the night and day together. Then he would drop her off at the airport in San Diego before heading back to LA. She knew this time would be as magical as their time together in Montana. Her home in Temecula wasn’t as big as Serenity Ranch, but they could surely have just as much fun.

  They sat under Kendall’s gazebo. Tyson ate like it was his last meal and went back for seconds. His obvious enjoyment of her cooking made her feel great. She loved cooking but didn’t get around to it much. It connected her to her family, even though she was miles away. She loved when people enjoyed her food.

  “More?” Kendall asked.

  “No!” Tyson wiped his mouth with the napkin. “That was delicious. Where’d you learn to cook like that?”

  “My mom, dad, grandma. All the kids and grandkids are pretty good cooks. It’s a Chandler thing. Wait until you taste my dessert. It’s one of my grandma’s best recipes.”

  Tyson held his stomach, closed his eyes and dropped his head back. “Dessert?”

  “Yep. You have to taste a little.” Kendall went inside and came back with a slice of pound cake on a saucer and two forks. “We’ll share.”

  Tyson’s eyes widened. “Okay.” He picked up a fork, cut into the cake and put a sizable piece into his mouth. Tyson closed his eyes and shook his head vigorously. “That’s ridiculously good. Is that one of the ones your family sells in supermarkets?”

  “Not that one. You have to know someone in the family to get this cake.”

  Tyson polished off the rest of the cake, and the two sat in silence, listening to the sounds of the Southern California night. Tyson seemed himself while they ate but went back to being a little distant once they were done. He’d been up and down since he’d arrived. Kendall figured the stress had a pretty decent grip on him.

  “Tell me about the interview,” Kendall said so he could get that off his chest.

  Tyson shared some details. “I don’t think it’s going to qualify as must-watch TV. She basically told me it wasn’t juicy enough.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kendall shook her head. “This industry, I swear.”

  Conversation lulled again and didn’t run as smoothly as it had the other times they were together.

  Tyson asked about the progress of the film. Kendall told him things were going well. She didn’t want to talk to him too much about Storm. Plus, she didn’t want him to think she was unprofessional if she mentioned how much she had to push herself to get through the love scenes with him. No one wanted to talk to their new beau about on-camera sex with their ex anyway, so she kept the details to a minimum.

  It was quiet again. Kendall stood from her lounger, removed her leggings, tank top and bra. “An hour has passed,” she said, reaching for him. He sat up and took her hand. She pulled at him, and Tyson stood. She removed his T-shirt, bit her bottom lip at the sight of his rippled chest and hard pecks. She didn’t have to loosen his belt. By the time she got his shirt off, he was already on that. Tyson’s pants fell to the pavement. He stepped out of them and let Kendall lead him to the pool. Even though he hadn’t said much, Tyson’s erection had grown to its fullness by the time they reached the water.

  Kendall giggled, jumped in and paddled to the other side. Tyson jumped in after her, and together they swam several laps before meeting up in the center of the pool. Tyson took her into his arms and they kissed under the stars. The coolness of the water did nothing to douse the heat rising in Kendall’s core. Tyson held her as he made his way back to the edge of the pool. Her nipples were as hard as his rigid erection. Steam rose from his caramel skin.

  Gently, Tyson set her on the edge of the pool, laid her back and buried his face in the soft folds between her legs. Kendall hissed and spread her thighs wider, giving Tyson greater access. He feasted on her like he had on their earlier meal, sucking and nibbling ravenously until Kendall felt her bud swell so deliciously, she thought it would explode, shattering her entire body into a million tiny pieces. She thrashed about. Tyson wouldn’t let go. He lapped at Kendall’s center until the pinnacle of her pleasure poured out in one long, sensual scream. Breathless, she was unable to string together audible syllables. Kendall simply panted his name over and over again, trying each time to get the full word out.

  “Ty... Ty... Tys... Tyson.” His name lingered on her tongue.

  Tyson replaced his tongue with his thumb, stroking her until she could no longer stand his touch. Her legs tightened around his hand. She ushered him away. Rolled over and closed her legs snugly. Tyson caressed her trembling legs, which were too weak for her to stand on. Her entire body tingled as if someone had touched it with raw, exposed wiring. When she calmed, she was able to move again. She stood, watching him emerge from the pool. Water cascaded from his perfect body, washing over his well-sculpted torso and arms. He glistened like a god. Kendall touched him. She had to. Her hands fanned out over his chest and she grabbed his strong arms. Tyson pulled her into those arms, kissed her, let her taste her own nectar. Kendall moaned into his mouth. His erection pressed against her.

  He picked her up, carried her to the chaise on the patio and laid her down gently. He found his strewn pants, pulled out protection and sheathed himself. Tyson stretched himself over her, kissed her some more. Kendall wanted to feel him. She reached for him, held him in her hands. He filled her grasp and she guided him toward her canal. He didn’t oblige her right away. Instead, he held himself over her writhing body, gazed into her eyes. Kendall saw more than lust there. She touched his lip with her finger. Caressed his face. Was that worry?

  Tyson blinked but held her gaze as he lowered himself. With his eyes still locked on hers, he lifted one of her legs, held it in the crook of his arm and entered her slowly. Still a little sore from their insatiable appetite for one another since Montana, Kendall winced slightly from the sweet pain of him filling her up again. The pleasure quickly overtook the soreness and her head fell back. Moving in sync, they met each other stroke for stroke. They fit together perfectly. Their rhythm was natural. It was like their bodies were kindred spirits that knew one another through time and space. Initially, they started with a slow grind that gradually rose to a fevered pace. Tyson’s grunts became a measured chant. Kendall knew he was close to going over the edge. She tightened her walls around his perfect thickness, clutching, milking, coaxing his climax from him.

  He squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. Kendall cushioned him in her softness. She slammed against him. He thrust himself harder, deeper. She took all of him in and moaned. The pleasure was almost too much for her to bear. A rumble sta
rted in his core, tumbled through his torso and escaped his throat in a guttural groan.

  “Ken-dall!”

  She felt his release ripple through him, felt his erection pulsate and jerk. The motion touched something deep inside of her, causing a release to gush and drench him in her juices. Tyson collapsed on top of her, gentle enough not to cause discomfort. Kendall felt the wind of his short breaths on her neck, felt his erection begin to soften. She wrapped her legs around his back. Pulled him closer.

  Kendall was sated, and despite Tyson seeming a bit stressed, she was still hungry for more. She’d never been so greedy, but the delectable way Tyson loved her made her gluttonous. But she’d let him rest—for now.

  Chapter 24

  Tyson was still angry with himself for letting his jealousy get the best of him. As he made love to Kendall the other night, he tried over and over again to flush from his mind the scene of her and Storm lying next to each other. This wasn’t the first actress he’d ever dated and, as a producer, it definitely wasn’t the first time he’d watched someone he was interested in do a love scene. This was different.

  Tyson had to make up for his lack of focus that night at her beautiful home. He was a little better the next day, but it annoyed him to know that she was about to spend a week in Paris, the world’s most romantic city, with Storm, shooting more love scenes. If it were possible, he would have kept her from making her flight to Paris and stayed with Kendall in her Shangri-la for at least a few more days.

  He’d missed her ridiculously since she’d been gone, and with her filming schedule and the time difference, they only had a small window each day for video chatting. It bothered him daily that Storm was there with her instead of him. He hadn’t been seeing Kendall long, but felt it was necessary to solidify what they had together. It would have to be their secret. He didn’t mind, but Kendall had to know where he stood. Tyson wanted to be with her for the long haul, plain and simple.

  Tyson’s phone rang and he was surprised to see that it was Tiffany. They hadn’t spoken since she’d called with the news about her outrageous interview. She must have seen his air the evening before.

  “Hello, Tiffany. What can I do for you?”

  “Tyson!” She sounded angry. “Why on earth did you do that horrible interview? You’ve ruined everything.”

  “What?” Tyson scrunched up his face.

  “My press has dried up because of your boring interview. What’s wrong with you? Have you lost your gall? I had the media eating out of the palm of my hand, and I was getting calls from every network. The movie was in all the headlines, and ticket sales were through the roof. The blogs were clamoring for my story, and you went and doused my fire.”

  “Your fire? Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that all this press you’re getting was affecting someone other than you?”

  “Tyson, please. You’re as much of a media whore as I am.”

  Tiffany’s words struck a chord. That wasn’t a lie. At least before Kendall, it wasn’t. Being so far in the spotlight made him more popular with the ladies. They wanted to be seen right along with him. He didn’t want all that attention anymore. He was a CEO, but more importantly, he had Kendall. He no longer needed the spotlight.

  “You know what, Tiffany. I’m in a different place now. Enjoy your media spotlight but keep me out of it.”

  The loud sound of Tiffany sucking her teeth came across the line crisp and clear. “You’ve gone soft now that you’re CEO.”

  “Tiffany.” His voice was surprisingly even. It seemed that she recognized the seriousness in his tone and quieted down. “I’m done with this whole ‘play the media’ game. Finished. Have all the fun you want, but I’m warning you. Keep my name out of your mouth or else.”

  “Or else?” she questioned. “You’re serious?” Then, in the silence that followed, it sounded as if the realization of how serious Tyson was finally hit Tiffany. She sighed. “Whatever, Tyson!” she said before hanging up.

  Tyson called his lawyer and had him draw up some paperwork ordering Tiffany to stop mentioning him in the media or he’d sue her for defamation. Her thirst for media attention had become a dangerous obsession. He couldn’t allow her to drag him down with her. Not now.

  He was serious about his feelings for Kendall. Someday their relationship would be out in the open. But Kendall valued her privacy. If he didn’t stop Tiffany now, her antics would reach all the way to Kendall. He couldn’t risk having her walk away.

  When Kendall got back to the States, he was going to plan a special evening for them and tell her how he felt. It hadn’t been long, but he’d never felt so sure about a woman in his life. He didn’t mind keeping their relationship under wraps for as long as she desired. Kendall would be his sweet little secret. In the meantime, they’d continue to enjoy each other’s company off the grid.

  Tyson looked at his desk calendar. It would be at least five more days before she returned to the States. He didn’t want to wait that long before seeing her again.

  Tyson spoke with his parents, told them he was taking two days off and then let his staff know he would be out. Next, Tyson called the family’s pilot and had him prepare for his flight.

  * * *

  By the time Kendall got off from work the next evening, Tyson was in France. Needing to sleep off the jet lag, he decided to call her before catching a few hours of sleep. He couldn’t wait to surprise her later.

  “Hey! How was work today?”

  “Great. I love Paris. It’s such a beautiful city. Jocelyn James was a troubled soul but a lucky woman. I didn’t realize how much she impacted music here.”

  “That’s cool. What do you have planned for tonight?”

  “Not much. Probably dinner with some cast members. I might get out to see more sites. I went up to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset. The view was amazing.”

  “That sounds like fun. Have you seen any other parts of France?”

  “An old friend of the family had a château in the countryside. I went there once.”

  “Ever been to Nice?”

  “Actually no. It would be...nice to visit there. Ha!” Kendall laughed at her pun.

  Tyson shook his head and laughed with her. “Cute. Wanna go?”

  “I might try to make it before we leave here.”

  “How about tonight, for dinner?”

  “What? Tyson, what are you talking about?”

  “I want to take you to dinner. Tonight. In Nice.”

  “How are you gon—Tyson! Are you here? In France?”

  “Maybe!”

  Kendall squealed. “I can’t believe you. Does anyone know?” she whispered.

  Tyson laughed again. “Just my pilot. My dad will find out eventually.”

  “Oh! My goodness. I kind of missed you, dude. You’re unbelievable. I have to work in the morning.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll have you back in time. Send me the information for your hotel. I’ll send a car for you and let me know what time you’ll be ready.”

  “I can’t believe this. Okay. I’m going to be exhausted on set tomorrow.” Kendall giggled. “But it will be worth it!”

  Tyson picked her up at seven o’clock. By ten, they’d arrived in Nice and were sharing an exquisite meal at one of the most renowned restaurants along the Mediterranean Coast.

  After several glasses of wine, both had loosened all the way up. Kendall was giddy and laughed at everything Tyson said. They walked along the beach, then headed back to the room and made love well into the early morning, falling asleep in each other’s arms.

  Despite such an adventurous night, Tyson rose well before the sun. He propped himself up on one arm and watched Kendall sleep. She was curled into his frame. Tyson ran his fingers through her wild sex-strewn hair, outlined the curvature of her perfect naked body and relished her beauty before kissing her awake.


  Kendall moaned and stretched.

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  “Mmm.” Her eyes fluttered. “Good morning,” she groaned. “What time is it?”

  “Just after four thirty.”

  “You’re so bad, Tyson. I’m not going to be any good on set today. They’re going to have to put extra makeup on me.”

  Tyson kissed her forehead. “You don’t need makeup.”

  A lazy smile spread across Kendall’s lips. “You’re so sweet.”

  “It’s true.” Tyson winked.

  “They’re still going to have to slap on some extra foundation under these eyes.”

  “Listen. I need to talk to you.”

  Kendall’s expression turned serious. “About what, Ty? Everything okay?”

  “Hopefully everything is perfect.”

  Kendall looked perplexed. She shifted to face him, also propping herself on one elbow.

  “We haven’t defined this yet.” Tyson pointed back and forth between the two of them. “It hasn’t been that long but I’m ready to. Kendall, you’re not just good, you’re good for me. You make me want to be better. I want to be with you and only you. This can be our dirty little secret for as long as you’d like.” Tyson stopped speaking and looked into her eyes. She opened her mouth and he placed his finger on her lips. “I don’t want an answer now. Think about it. I’ll wait.”

  Kendall blinked several times. “Wow,” was all she said.

  “As for right now, we need to get out of here.” Tyson planted a quick peck on her forehead. “Move, lady!”

  Leaving Kendall to absorb what he’d just dropped on her, Tyson headed for the shower.

  “Are you coming in?” he yelled after turning on the water. “Or do I have to come and get you?”

  “Maybe you should come and get me,” she purred.

  With that, Tyson quickly exited the bathroom, scooped Kendall off the bed and carried her to the shower, laughing all the way.