What the Heart Wants ; Sealed with a Kiss

by Donna Hill

  “We love on each other.” Tyson kissed her again.

  Kendall couldn’t help her giggles. She felt light and bubbly.

  “Do you want kids?” he asked her.

  “One or two.”

  “Damn.” Tyson snapped his fingers. “I was thinking more like seven or eight!”

  “What?” Kendall shot straight up in bed. Her heart felt like it was palpitating rapidly. Tyson burst out laughing.

  “Kidding! Just kidding.” He laughed again, holding his hands up in surrender. “You should have seen your face.”

  Kendall hit him with a pillow. “I almost had a heart attack. This was about to be over before it started.”

  “Bailing already! Ha!”

  Kendall watched him laugh. She loved the way his lips curved. “Okay. Top three things that are most important to you?”

  Tyson shifted himself in the bed. “That’s easy—family, friends and my work. I love what I do. What about you?”

  “God, my family and my dreams. I’ve always been a dreamer.”

  “Nice. Speaking of family, I want you to meet mine—soon.”

  “You want me to come out of hiding?” Kendall winked.

  “I don’t care if we never come out of hiding. I love having you all to myself.” Tyson kissed her nose. “Eventually, and only when you’re ready, I want the world to know that I love you.”

  Kendall felt something swell in her chest. It was her heart.

  “What are your dreams?” he asked.

  “To bring joy to people through song, make it big as an actor and open up my own foundation to help fund arts for kids who don’t get it.”

  Tyson nodded. “I can respect that.” He moved close to her. “Can you do me a favor?” He kissed her lips.

  Kendall felt her core warm all over again. She couldn’t fall for his charm—she’d made plans for the day. If she didn’t get out of bed with Tyson soon, they could end up lying there all day.

  “What’s the favor?”

  “Sing to me.”

  A smile eased across her lips. She sat up in the bed again. “What would you like me to sing?”

  “A love song.”

  Chapter 30

  Once again, Tyson had caused Kendall to be running late. She couldn’t blame only him, though. Both of them had trouble keeping their hands off one another. Tyson stayed overnight at her condo in LA, and they took much longer to get dressed than they should have. Late but sated, they rushed to get ready for Kendall’s magazine interview with her fellow cast members. Entertainment and Style magazine wanted to shoot a series of pictures of the cast representing the several decades that spanned Jocelyn James’s career. This issue of the magazine was scheduled to come out around the same time the television movie was being aired.

  “Come on. You’re going to be late!”

  “Tyson.” She gave him a sideways glance. “You’re the one who made me late.”

  “Well, if you don’t hurry...” He slid his arms around her waist and planted a kiss on her lips, “then you’re going to be even later.”

  Kendall shook her head and waved him away. “Pass that jacket, please.” He grabbed the garment she pointed to. Fall temperatures in Los Angeles dipped just low enough for jackets and sweaters. “Okay. I’m ready.”

  “I’ll meet you downstairs.” Tyson went to get his car from the parking garage.

  Kendall watched him walk out of the condo and couldn’t help but smile. She was lucky—no, blessed—to have such a great guy in her life. Tyson was such a departure from her previous boyfriends. Speaking of which, she wasn’t looking forward to seeing Storm. She’d had very little verbal interaction with him since they had finished shooting, even though she kept bumping into him in the oddest places.

  Kendall grabbed her purse. As she made her way to the parking garage connected to her building, she reminisced over how much had changed these past several months. She’d started the year single and had become one of the media’s hot topics. It was almost Thanksgiving, and so much had happened. Kendall was able to cross off several items on her list of things to accomplish, and the movie was one of her biggest accomplishments to date. She’d performed at her first awards show, won her very first award, begun working on her third album and was preparing for another tour. Best of all, she had Tyson. His presence made everything she’d been able to achieve that much sweeter, and she wasn’t stopping anytime soon.

  By the time she got downstairs, Tyson was waiting right near the exit. Although they still hadn’t made any official announcements about their relationship, they no longer went out of their way to hide it. There was no more of that completely-avoiding-each-other-in-public stuff. They’d even dined at a few local restaurants, but kept the hand holding and snuggling for when they were safely behind the privacy of closed doors.

  When they arrived, the six other cast members were all there and were in different phases of hair, makeup and costume. The team at the magazine ushered Kendall inside the moment she arrived. Tyson intended to take a few calls and knock out some emails until she was done, but one of the editors insisted he join them inside the studio.

  Kendall spotted Mila and the two other actresses who played her backup singers in the movie perched in makeup artists’ chairs with their chins held high. Kendall headed over for air kisses before noticing the men on the other side of the room. Storm and the actors who played her first boyfriend and estranged father were getting cleaned up as well.

  Kendall felt Storm’s eyes on her before she ever turned around.

  “Hey, guys!” She clumped their greetings together so she wouldn’t have to address Storm individually.

  “How’s it going, Kendall? Any new music coming?” one of the men asked.

  “I’m back in the studio starting next week. Can’t wait.”

  Storm finally spoke. “Hello, Kendall. Looking lovely as usual.”

  “Thanks.” Kendall turned to her makeup artist. “Make me look just like Jocelyn,” she teased and laughed. Her remarks generated a few laughs from those within earshot.

  Kendall felt eyes on her and was surprised, but this time it wasn’t just Storm who kept glancing in her direction. For some reason Mila kept looking her way. Kendall wondered what that was about. Kendall tried her best to be inconspicuous and turned to look in her mirror to see if Mila was still staring. Mila looked at her then Storm and glanced away quickly. Something was up.

  One by one, as their faces were done, each of them headed into wardrobe. For the first shoot representing the sixties, Kendall was front and center wearing a white period-inspired gown with her cast members surrounding her. The backdrop was psychedelic and changed with each decade. The cast members were dressed in five different eclectic variations of popular styles from each decade, with the last being all-gold attire representing Jocelyn’s fifty-year career. For that last decade, Kendall donned a formfitting gown that shined and cascaded over her curves like liquid.

  Throughout the entire shoot, Kendall noticed Mila staring oddly. Maybe she had become jealous of the attention Kendall received as the lead. Kendall hated to think that Mila could have been envious of her. They’d gotten along well during filming, but Kendall did recall Mila becoming a bit distant after they’d returned from Europe.

  The actors changed back into their regular clothes and met the editorial staff in the conference room, where the actual interview would take place.

  Storm hung back a bit. “How’s it going?” he asked as she passed by.

  “Going well, thankfully.”

  “Good.” Kendall kept her eyes on the door to the studio instead of looking at Storm when they spoke.

  Tyson had walked into the hallway to take a call. Kendall checked on him, finding him walking in small circles as he spoke on the phone. Kendall waved. He lifted his chin, winked and kept talking.

  “Can I tal
k to you for a moment?” Mila’s voice startled Kendall.

  She gasped and swung around with her hand across her heart. “Of course. What’s up?”

  “Sorry to startle you.” Mila looked around. “Can we talk privately?”

  “Uh. Sure.” Kendall furrowed her brows.

  Mila led her down the hall, away from everyone else.

  “What’s going on?” Kendall asked.

  Mila sighed. “I’m not sure how to start.”

  “The beginning always works.” Kendall chuckled, but when she noticed Mila hadn’t joined her, the smile disappeared from her face. “Mila, is everything okay with you?”

  “No.” Mila put her head down and let her shoulders slump. She appeared even shorter than her already short frame.

  Kendall felt herself walking closer to Mila. Growing impatient, she placed her hand on Mila’s forearm. “What’s the matter, Mila?”

  Mila dropped her head. When she lifted it and faced Kendall seconds later, her eyes glistened with tears. Kendall felt her throat tighten. She was the type who cried when she saw others in pain. Right now, she fought back her own tears and rubbed Mila’s arm.

  “Kendall. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  Kendall stood erect. She stopped rubbing Mila’s arm. “Sorry for what?”

  “I did it. I helped Storm. I shouldn’t have.”

  Kendall narrowed her eyes and held them on Mila. “What are you talking about?”

  “I took the photos—the ones in the studio and the ones of you and him at the café in Paris. Storm is the one who leaked them. He said they would help create more buzz about the movie. I believed him. It didn’t feel right, but I wanted him to like me, so I did it anyway. He was nice to me then, but afterward, he wouldn’t speak to me. Once we were done filming, he never answered my calls. This is the first time I’ve seen him since we wrapped. Now I realize he was using me the entire time, and I probably hurt you in the process.”

  Kendall felt like she had been sucked into a vacuum. Pressure encircled her temples. She felt her cheeks grow warm. Mila continued to apologize and explain why she had aided in this betrayal. Inexperience and naivety were to blame. Kendall’s anger at Storm drowned out Mila’s words. She saw her lips moving, was sure that sound accompanied what she was saying, but she heard none of the words that came out of her mouth.

  Kendall thought back to Paris. She remembered Storm taking her hand across the table, coming close enough for her to feel his breath on her cheek when they stood. That was all staged. Storm had known the toll media frenzy had taken on her when they were going through their problems before breaking up. He knew she didn’t like the negative exposure. The only reason this latest viral scandal didn’t bother her was because Tyson had helped her develop thicker skin. The speculation, being at the center of hot topics and paparazzi invading their lives didn’t affect her the same way it might have once, but the fact that Storm had set her up infuriated her.

  “Kendall, Mila! They’re wait—” Storm was approaching them.

  Kendall’s glare stopped him in his tracks. Mila wiped her eyes.

  Kendall marched up to him. “You conniving, selfish...” Kendall couldn’t decide what to call him next. She stuttered over the heat of her words.

  Kendall’s voice rose and traveled a bit too far. Mila looked at her. Tyson looked up and started walking her way. Storm seemed stunned. It took a moment but realization set in—Kendall could tell by the way his expression transformed from confusion to understanding. He couldn’t hide. Storm glared at Mila, then looked back at Kendall with pleading eyes.

  “Can we talk about this later?” Storm held his hands up in surrender.

  Tyson arrived, towering over Storm. “Is everything okay?” His eyes were on Kendall. “Babe, are you okay?”

  Tyson had just called her “babe.” He was staking his claim, leaving nothing for speculation. Storm’s brows creased. He looked at Tyson and then back at Kendall.

  “I’m fine, babe.” Kendall smirked. “Mila.” Kendall said her name with the authority one would use with a direct report. “Thank you for your honesty. I forgive you, but we could never be friends.” She turned to Storm and felt Tyson at her back. “And you—if you see me walking down the street, do yourself a favor and cross over to the other side.”

  Kendall was determined to let her anger subside. She had become what she’d always wanted to be. Kendall was a star. People were interested in stars, in the very details of their lives. She was relevant. They could have their hype. It came with the territory, but when she was ready to move out of the spotlight, she had her Shangri-la. She had her family. She even had Montana, because now she had Tyson.

  Kendall looked into Tyson’s eyes, felt his support. She rose to her toes, and Tyson leaned down. Their kiss was quick and defining. Lacing her fingers between his, without looking back, Kendall sauntered away with Tyson at her side. She straightened her back, lifted her chin and entered the conference room where the interview was being held with a smile.

  Chapter 31

  Tyson was so wrapped up in work and Kendall that he hadn’t realized how close they were to Thanksgiving. He scrambled to finish up at the office before picking up Kendall and flying to Serenity Ranch. He’d arranged for both of their families to fly in, meeting them there on the morning of the holiday.

  Tyson lay in bed, soft sheets covering his naked body. Kendall slept in his arms, her wiry hair strewn across the sheets and his shoulder. Tyson shook his head. It was almost hard to believe what had become of them. He felt blessed. She was beautiful, smart, ambitious, grounded and sincere. And she was an actress. Tyson chuckled. He’d ended up with an actress after all.

  Tyson saw a flash of orange through the window. His bed faced a wall made of glass. The undisturbed view of the lake and mountains in the distance was breathtaking.

  “Kendall.” Tyson nudged her. “Wake up!” Kendall shifted but didn’t wake. “Ken. Babe,” he whispered. “Babe,” he repeated. He slipped his arm from under her.

  Kendall groaned and scrunched up her face. Her eyes opened and closed slowly several times before landing on Tyson. She stretched and smiled. “Hmm?”

  “Look!” He pointed toward the window. They sat up in bed. Tyson put his arm around her again. She nestled against him. Together they watched the sun dawning over the mountains—a spectacular ombré light show with reds, yellows and oranges splitting the sky in half. The deeper blue above the gradually blending colors gave way to fresh baby blues below. The sun was showing off, and they enjoyed every second of its boast.

  “We should get dressed. Our family will be here soon. My mom was going on and on about getting the turkey in the oven early.” Tyson had offered to have their holiday dinner catered, but the parents insisted on making it themselves. Tyson imagined the chaos that was sure to fill the kitchen.

  “You’re right. And remember what I told you. Don’t take the things my dad says personally. Okay?” Tyson sucked in a long, deep breath. Kendall laughed. “Really, he’s harmless.”

  The bell rang just as they finished dressing.

  “Baby girl!” Kendall’s father, Booker T., held his arms open wide. Kendall ran into them.

  “Daddy!” She squeezed him tight. He kissed the top of her head. “I sure do miss you, baby girl.”

  “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

  Booker T. pouted. “I have to wait that long?”

  “I’ll try to get up there before then.”

  “It’s my turn,” Shane said, nudging his father out of the way. “Hey, lil’ sis.” Kendall squeezed her brother and then went to the waiting arms of her oldest brother, Lincoln.

  “Guys. This is Tyson Blackwell.” Kendall presented him.

  Kendall’s brothers shook Tyson’s hand and ended the greeting with a friendly embrace.

  “Great meeting you,” Lincoln said.

/>   “I’ve heard good things,” Shane added, nodding approvingly.

  “Mmm-hmm.” Booker T. lifted his chin, raised a brow and examined Tyson from head to toe. “Mmm-hmm.” He walked around Tyson and scanned what he could see of the first floor from the foyer. “Mmm-hmm.” Kendall held her breath during her dad’s assessment. “Mr. Tyson Blackwell, huh?”

  “Yes, sir.” Tyson gave a respectful nod.

  “Let’s go have a talk.” Booker T. placed his large hand on Tyson’s shoulder.

  “Let’s do that.” Tyson turned and shook Mr. Chandler’s hand.

  Leading them into the sunroom, Tyson offered them seats. It was the next best thing to being outside with flawless views of the water and mountain terrain. He’d grabbed a few flutes, a bottle of champagne he’d been chilling and a container of orange juice. When each of the men held a mimosa, they toasted, sipped and settled into the plush chairs. The newly risen sun warmed the space perfectly.

  Booker T. held up his glass. “You’re off to a good start,” he said, referencing the drink. “That’s how you welcome a man into your home!” The men laughed. Booker T. turned to Tyson, his expression growing serious. “How did you meet my daughter?”

  Tyson didn’t miss the way Booker T. laid protection over Kendall. He was reminding Tyson that he cared deeply for his daughter’s happiness and well-being. “I’d known of her, but we officially met when she came in to audition for the role of Jocelyn James. She told me James was one of your favorites.”

  “She is indeed. My wife and I listened to her often, even saw her in concert a few times.” Booker T. sipped his mimosa. “Hollywood is rough on the love life.” Booker T. tilted his head and raised a brow at Tyson. “My baby girl has been through a lot.”

  “I know...and I understand.” Tyson decided to put it all out there. “Mr. Chandler.” Booker T. nodded, giving him license to continue. “Hollywood isn’t easy on life, period. I’ll admit I’ve made my mistakes. I’d even given up on dating celebrities because of how rough relationships were to maintain. I too have been dragged through some of the harshness that being in the spotlight served up. My last girlfriend was an actress, and that relationship ended badly and quite publicly. When I first met Kendall, it was all business, but as I got to know her, not the entertainer but the woman, I’d fallen for her before I realized I was no longer on my feet. She’s smart, feisty and beautiful. She restored my faith in the fact that there were still good women in my line of business. I understand how much of a gem she is, and I can only imagine how much she means to you all.” Tyson made eye contact with each of them. “You have my word that I will take great care of Kendall. I have her back, and I plan to be around for a long, long time.”