Tom’s eyes smiled. His lips found hers as his fingers tenderly cupped her face. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so flattered, but I don’t want our time together to take the place of your trips here with your husband. I only want to make you happy while we’re together.”
“That’s not exactly what I meant. Nothing can replace my memories here with Richard. I know you’d never intentionally do that, but this is supposed to happen to me. Right now. At this exact moment in my life.” One tear trickled down her cheek.
“Please don’t be sad, Tess. I don’t think I could take it.” He gently wiped away her tear.
“I’m not sad. You make me happy. I haven’t allowed myself to feel anything in such a long time. I just want to live in the moment, Tom.”
As the night lingered, he seemed unusually quiet. She couldn’t even begin to guess what he was thinking and hoped she hadn’t said anything to scare him off.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tess tossed and turned in the early morning darkness, too anxious to sleep. For a moment last night, she worried she’d wake up and he’d be gone. She was afraid he’d literally run to the airport and catch the first flight to anywhere so he wouldn’t have to use the word relationship.
Tom slept soundly on his stomach with the sheet covering him from the waist down. She nibbled on his back, moving her way to his ear. “I’m going for a run, do you want to come?”
He turned over, sitting up on his elbows.
Her heart raced just looking at him.
“No, go ahead without me, I’ve got a few things I still need to take care of for our trip. I’ll order breakfast when you get back.”
Running had turned into such a great outlet, and she needed to clear her head. Obviously, they were continuing their trip together, but one day soon she’d wake up and it would be over. Tom only got involved with a woman up to a certain point, and she assumed he had already gone way beyond his relationship limits.
I’m okay with it. She thought, rehashing the words that slipped so easily from her lips the night before. Am I really okay with a casual fling? Who am I kidding? It doesn’t matter if I’m okay with it or not. I can either accept Tom the way his is, commitment phobia and relationship hang-ups included, or I can go home. She pushed herself into a full on sprint. God, I like him so much. I’m so attracted to him it’s ridiculous. All I really want to do is climb back in bed and kiss every inch of his smoking hot body. She stopped to catch her breath before turning back to the resort.
Tess didn’t want to torment herself for enjoying her time with Tom, nor did she want to become too attached to him. She decided to perceive their relationship as a rendezvous. Nothing more, nothing less. An amazing, once in a lifetime rendezvous. A time in her life that she could look back on with no regrets, having lived in the moment, sharing time with a remarkable man.
When she returned to the bungalow, Tom was gone. She showered outside, letting the sun warm her face as the cool water washed away her uncertainties. No more wasted time. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Enjoy him while you have him. Life isn’t about tomorrow. Life is about today.
“Tess.” He peeked over the shower wall with the crooked grin she loved so much. “I have breakfast. How was your run?”
“Great.”
“I wondered if you’d like to visit a pearl farm today. They grow vanilla there, too. We have today and tomorrow, and check-out the following day at noon to make our flight,” he said.
“Sounds perfect.” She stepped from the shower and pressed her lips to his neck, trying to decipher his mood. He seemed slightly pensive and a bit quiet, but still obligingly stripped her of her towel and assisted drying her off. Leading her to believe everything was fine between them.
Tom rented a jeep and they drove to a lovely pearl farm that lay nestled in a beautiful bay on the other side of the island. It was a small shack perched on stilts over the lagoon with a pier. They toured the farm, learning the extensive process of cultivating pearls.
Making their way next door, they meandered through the vanilla fields, taking in the exotic aroma that permeated the air. Tess picked vanilla beans to take home with her. The thin black beans made the best homemade ice cream. Tom took pictures of the pearl shack, the bay, even an old woman working in the fields.
“That relaxes you, doesn’t it?” She nodded toward his camera.
“It does.” He smiled with surprise. “I love taking snapshots. It’s kind of a hobby.”
“What do you do with your photos?” She asked curiously.
“I only do it for fun.”
“Will you send copies to me? I haven’t been taking any pictures, and your camera is a lot nicer than mine.”
“Of course. I don’t mind if you use your camera, Tess.” He kissed her lips, but withdrew too quickly.
A small flutter trembled in her tummy sensing a slight wariness in him. “You okay?”
“Of course. Why do you ask?”
“You just seem a little preoccupied.” She thought for sure he was turning paler by the second and his body language stiffened immediately. Don’t push him. Standing in the middle of the field, Tess reached her hands over his shoulders and pulled his mouth down to hers. She kissed him and kissed him and kissed him. A long, sensual, indecent kiss, that she broke only when the tension released from his limbs and she needed air.
“What’s that all about?” He gasped, holding her willingly in his arms.
“I can tell you have a lot on your mind.” She smiled timidly. “I just wanted to give you something else to think about.”
A tinge of blush colored his cheeks as he let out a low chuckle and nodded his head, acknowledging her suspicions. He smiled, mumbling something about her being able to read him like a book. She said nothing in return, only bumping him playfully with her hip.
Heading back to the resort, they drove through several rural villages and stopped at an outdoor market where Tess picked up a few trinkets for her kids. Tom bought her a wooden bracelet with intricately carved flowers and earrings made of transparent beach glass. She would wear them to dinner that night with a white wrap dress.
“How can you wear something so basic and look so incredibly gorgeous?” she asked. The way she eyed Tom in his faded jeans and button down white shirt, they might not even make it to dinner.
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you. Are you ready?”
“I am, unless…” She slid her hand across the bed, inviting him to stay a little longer.
He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her enthusiastically. “After dinner.”
They enjoyed a wonderful dinner on the water, watching the sunset. Tess sensed other couples studying them, wondering if Tom was actually Tom Clemmins.
“Is that hard for you? Having people know who you are everywhere you go?”
“Sometimes. My career is more than I ever dreamed it would be, but there are some definite downsides. No privacy is unquestionably one of them.”
They chatted about his career. Tom told funny stories about actors he enjoyed working with, and a few who weren’t so fun to work with. He supported several charities, and going green was on the top of his list.
Tess talked about her life at home. She’d been heavily involved in their contracting company until Richard took on a partner ten years ago. Since then she’d stayed home, raising her kids. Tess didn’t need to go back to work if she was careful with her money. She considered going back to work, but had no desire to work fulltime. She’d traveled to Bora Bora searching for inspiration and direction in her life.
“Clearly, I’ve been inspired, but in a completely different way." She bit her lip and coasted her fingers across his thigh.
He laughed when she ogled over him. “Let’s go. I hope you don’t mind, but we aren’t going back to our bungalow. I want to stay on our deserted motu until we leave.”
“I’d love that.”
A boat waited at the pier and dropped them off on the private moto.
&nbs
p; The stars lit up the bungalow as they laid on the bed in the dark.
“Close your eyes,” he said.
“Why? What are you going to do to me?” she flirted.
“Close your eyes, Tess.”
She did as he asked and received what she hoped for, Tom’s soft kisses on her lips. His fingers tickled the nape of her neck.
She opened her eyes, staring at the gorgeous Black Tahitian Pearl necklace. “It’s beautiful. Thank you. When did you get this?”
“At the pearl farm today. I noticed you don’t have one, or at least you’re not wearing one. The colors in it reminded me of you,” he said affectionately.
“I didn’t see you pick it out.” Heat spread through her body, surprised by his gift.
“I know. You were listening to the pearl farmer talk about cultivation or something.”
“I love the color. It’s so dark, but almost looks like it has swirls in it.”
Tom stared at her adoringly, touching his fingers to the necklace. “The pearl is dark, but the dark brown overtone matches your hair, and tomorrow in the daylight you’ll be able to see an iridescent blue sheen that reminded me of your eyes.”
Her heart clenched, dreading their eventual goodbye. Don’t get attached, Tess. He said it himself, he only dates. He’s just a vacation. She whispered softly, “Thank you.”
Tess allowed herself to surrender in the moment, letting go of her guilt, fears and doubts. The way Tom touched her that night seemed slower and more natural. They were getting to know each other better and she had to admit, she was crazy about him.
“What should we do with our last day in paradise?” Tess asked gazing out over the sunrise.
“I have plans, would you like to know what they are?”
“Hmm, surprise me. I lied, you can tell me.”
“Nope, you said surprise first, so surprise it is. Let’s eat so we can get out of here. It’s a casual day, nothing extreme.”
“Tom, every day is casual day here. I’ve hardly even worn any clothes or swim suits, and you can’t get much more casual than this.” She bit her lip and slid her hands down her naked body.
“You’ve got a point, but don’t start trying to entice me back to bed. Not yet Tess,” he said with a playful smile.
The boat picked them up and dropped them off at the dock in front of the resort. Tom led her to the very end of the property where a single bungalow jutted out over the lagoon. Special touches were placed perfectly around the resort spa, stimulating her senses. Freshly cut tropical flowers set on a table next to a bowl of fruit, scented oils sat on a shelf waiting to be chosen, and plush robes hung in the closet.
“Wow, just when you think it couldn’t possibly get any more beautiful,” she whispered in awe.
“I know.” Tom agreed embracing her tightly.
“When you stopped me from seducing you this morning, is this what you had in mind for later?” Tess pointed to the Jacuzzi on the deck that baited her to undress and climb in.
“Maybe...”
One massage table sat in the center of the room with three rain-head showers hovering above it. “Are we getting massages?”
“We are.”
“Do you want to go first?”
“No, I’d like you to go first.” He fondled her breasts, raising her shirt over her head and slid her shorts to the ground before lifting her up onto the table. Tom pulled his shirt off. “Face down, please.”
Tess couldn’t quit giggling. “Mr. Tom, are you my masseuse?”
“Yes, yes I am. Do you think I’m up for the daunting task?”
“I’m not sure,” she teased.
He picked an oil and started at her neck, kneading the muscles in her shoulders with the perfect amount of pressure. Using his forearm, Tom worked over her back and butt. Tess’ body began to pulse as his strong hands rubbed down her thighs to her feet. Tom’s long tapered fingers eased up her legs, caressing the inside of her thighs, making her sigh loudly. She wanted to wait for the Jacuzzi, but wasn’t sure if she could hold out. Her body squirmed under the strokes of his strong hands.
“Tess, can you roll over please?”
Aroused and excited, she turned over and closed her eyes. Tom massaged her face, neck and breasts, stopping to feel her heart pounding beneath his hands. As his fingers traveled toward her thighs, she could feel the warmth of his breath on her tummy. Tess held her breath in anticipation.
“Breathe, Tess, just breathe.” She rolled her hips toward his hands, but he whispered in her ear, “Not yet, lay still.”
She exhaled loudly, nodding her head. He touched her affectionately, kissing and licking her nipple, teasing her with his tongue until she began to simmer. Tess wouldn’t be able to wait. She was too close. Overcome by temptation, she couldn’t lie still, writhing beneath his hands. Dipping lower between her thighs, his tongue and fingers moved as if he knew her body better than she did.
Tess had never been touched like this. Pleasure surged through her. He worked over her spot, her favorite spot, throbbing with the need for release. Her quiet moans climbed higher. Reaching down, she held him there, clutching her wrists to his temples. He was remarkable. His fingers glided in a tireless rhythm as her muscles frantically tightened and clenched them inside her.
The sounds coming from her throat sounded foreign and distant over the loud buzz ringing in her ears. “Yes. Oh yes. Oh God.” She cried out as she peaked over and over again, cresting and crashing in violent spasms. Tom began to withdrawal his touch and her upper body thrashed back and forth, pleading, “Don’t stop...please…not done.” When she felt the heat of his mouth return, she released his head from her grip and arched higher, raising her hands above her head. Consumed by raw pleasure-filled emotions, tears stung the corners of her eyes as she shuddered uncontrollably. She whimpered and tugged him upward. He sat on the edge of the table and wrapped her in his arms, stroking and caressing until her breathing slowed. Tess couldn’t move or get up.
“Holy crap,” she panted.
He kissed her shoulder and nuzzled his smooth face against her neck. “Did you enjoy your massage?”
“Yes, I did. You make me so loud.”
“Umm hum, just a little loud.” Satisfaction hung on the curve of his smile.
“I know it’s your turn, but I need a minute. Shit, my hands are shaking.”
While she recovered, Tess noticed stones warming in a miniature oven. This was one of her favorite massages. Although, after the massage he just gave her, she definitely had a new favorite.
Tom settled facedown onto the table. She slowly drizzled oil over his back, causing his muscles to flex as he squirmed. Using the smooth stones with oil, Tess massaged his back and worked out the knots in his shoulders. She spaced the warm stones evenly down his spine before moving on to the rest of his body. Her eyes explored every inch of physic while her hands took in the feel of his fit body beneath her fingertips. She knead the chords in his forearms, moving on to manipulate the center of his palms, gently tugging on each finger.
Tess found herself moving instinctually over his body. Touching without thinking. She felt a connection to Tom, a bond. Her heart raced yearning to give him pleasure.
After removing the stones, she whispered in his ear, “Roll over.”
Driven by the burning desire to please him, she was overcome with the urgency to be better than ever before. Tess loved going down on him, but longed to take him to new heights. Touching her hot, wet tongue to the length of him, she breathed a veil of moist heat on his engorged head. She waited, knowing he would open his eyes to watch her. Lying on his back, Tom sat up onto his elbows, staring down at her. Her lips tugged into a smile before she wrapped her mouth around him, taking in every inch.
A low groan escaped his throat as she began massaging him with her tongue. “Oh…my…God.” he groaned loudly as his head dropped back. “Tess.”
Without releasing him from the suction of her mouth, she climbed onto the table and kneeled between
his legs. She set the rhythm, manipulating the length of him with strokes and flicks of her tongue. He clasped his hands to the sides of her face, twisted his fingers in her hair and tugged gently. He strained and his muscles went rigid. Tom moaned from deep within, calling out her name, shuddering fiercely as he came. She took him in, tasting his sweet release. Tess lay her head in his lap, smiling with contentment.
They rinsed off in the rain-head showers and lay on the chaises, munching on fruit. “Your hands should be registered or insured with the authorities. All of that womanizing you do paid off rather nicely for me today.” Tess wiggled her eyebrows and plunked a grape into her mouth.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Tom choked on a piece of pineapple, acting as if she’d insulted him.
“You know what I mean,” she said playfully.
“Actually, I think you bring out the best in me,” he said seriously. “I just want to please you, and believe me, that’s not something I usually worry about. I find you irresistible.”
“Oh, I’m beyond pleased.”
“Good. Me, too.”
They grabbed lunch before heading back to their bungalow. They lay in bed, wrapped their arms around each other, and fell asleep. When Tess woke, she could see Tom floating in the turquoise water with his snorkel sticking above the surface. He’s hooked.
They snorkeled and relaxed on their last day in paradise. She hated to think about leaving, but her excitement grew, wondering where he was taking her. She couldn’t believe she was there with him. Not because of Tom’s fame, simply because he was wonderful. Most of all, she felt happy. Tess thought she’d never be happy again. She figured she got so lucky being with Richard all those years. How could she ever deserve more?
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