“Good morning, Tess.”
“Morning. I had a fantastic time.”
“I did, too. How’d you learn to dance like that? Every woman in that club wanted to be you last night.”
“Every woman wanted to be me because I was going home with you.”
“No, that’s not why. Jesus, Tess, I can’t believe you can move like that.”
“The martinis helped. I always dance at home with my kids. Well, not quite like that, but probably close.”
Tess attempted to get out of bed, but her body felt stiff and sore. “Oh, shit.”
“What’s the matter? Do you have a headache?” he taunted.
“No, I didn’t drink too much. My body hurts.”
“I’ll take care of that for you a little later.”
“Promise?”
“Yep. I’m impressed by how well you handled yourself last night. You were a natural on the carpet.”
“I couldn’t hear much of anything when we got out of the limo. It seemed garbled or in slow motion.”
“That’s somewhat normal.” He nodded. “I have a question for you.”
“Shoot.” She lay in bed, stretching.
“Do you ever get jealous? Because I thought you were going to be pissed at me when you came back from the bathroom with Lisa. I asked Mariah to leave as soon as she sat down.”
“I can be jealous, but possessive might be a better word. Mariah’s lucky she got up, I think I might have hurt her. Actually, Lisa warned me what it would be like. It helped a lot.”
“Speaking of Lisa, she left something for you.” He helped her out of bed and gave her a card. It contained twelve single dollar bills and a huge happy face drawn on the card.
Positively a twelve, Tess!!!
Thanks for coming last night.
I know we’ll see you soon.
If you’re missing Tommy and get bored, come visit us. I mean it!
Most of all, thanks for making Tommy smile.
See you soon sista,
Love, Lisa
P.S. Tommy put my number in your phone, so call me!
Tess smiled to herself, plopping down on Tom’s bed. They talked about the premier, the after party and all of the different people he introduced to her. Tess was curious about something, but uncertain if she wanted to know the answer. “Who is Susan? That woman who wanted to sit with you said Susan sent her over to see you.”
Tom narrowed his eyes, shaking his head in anger.
“If I’m not going to like the answer, don’t tell me. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Susan is my fucking publicist,” he seethed. “I’m not happy with her right now. We’ve worked together for years, and this time she went too far. I don’t want to talk about her.”
“I forgot, what were we talking about?” she asked innocently.
“I feel like running. Are you up for it? Or are you too sore?”
She could tell he was beyond furious. “I’ll go, but can we run outside?”
“As long as you don’t mind getting your picture taken.”
They drove to the beach and ran on a trail that wound its way up the tops of the cliffs and back. A mile from the car, they took off their shoes to stroll along the ocean, letting the cool water relieve Tess’ aching feet from dancing in heels the night before. When they reach the end of the trail, they noticed three photographers. Ignoring the onlookers, they wrapped their arms around each other, staring out over the ocean.
“Better?” she asked quietly.
“Yes, I am.”
They went back to his place. Tess helped him get rid of his frustrations and Tom massaged her sore body. They crashed for a couple of hours and it was almost dark when they woke up.
“We have reservations for dinner.”
“Great. I’m starving,” Tess said with astonishment. “I can’t believe how hungry I’ve been.”
Tess actually recognized the restaurant. A famous actor opened it the year before last, and it was supposed to be the big thing in Hollywood. As soon as they pulled up, paparazzi started snapping pictures. The hip, trendy restaurant had an intimate nightclub vibe to it. Tess had already met several of Tom’s friends, and they stopped by their table to say hello to him. A producer talked to Tom about an upcoming film he thought Tom would be perfect for.
“Thanks, but I’m taking Tess on an extended vacation when I’m done shooting this next film,” Tom replied.
“If you change your mind, Tommy, let me know. I didn’t know you ever took a vacation.”
“Things have changed.”
Driving back to his place, Tess realized it would be their last night together at his house. They wouldn’t be able to be as open at her house because of her kids. No more walking around naked. They’d have to be much quieter.
They lay across his bed for a long time talking. Tom gently touched Tess’ shoulder and played with her fingers. He stood up and pulled her off the bed to dance with her, but it was unlike previous times they’d danced. He wasn’t seducing her. Tom held her close, placing his cheek next to her neck, inhaling the scent of her perfume. Tess got the distinct feeling he wanted to say something, but never did. That night felt entirely different. They made love with a new desire, full of passion, but unhurried or hungry, just slow and deliberate and wonderful.
Tess woke up at four in the morning. Unable to quiet her thoughts, she slipped out of bed, put on her shirt and shorts, grabbed her shoes and quietly headed downstairs for his treadmill. She started off slowly, because her body still ached, but before long she was running from the feelings of anguish that would come when Tom left.
Tess thought about the way they confided in each other. She loved his grin, his confidence, his humor and sarcasm, his generosity, and most of all, the way he made her feel about herself. She felt phenomenal with him, confident, smart, funny and sexy. Tom made her a better woman. I love everything about him. Holy crap! I’m in love with him.
She ran harder and faster. How long have I been in love with him? Why didn’t I just admit it days ago, weeks ago? She’d guarded her heart, protecting herself from heartache. Tess told Tom she trusted him, but did she truly trust him? She wanted to. Tess needed Tom to be faithful and it scared her. Deep in her heart, it seemed as if she knew him so well in such a short amount of time, but would he really stay committed to her? Tess would have no problem being faithful to Tom, but being monogamous might be difficult for him. Can I really trust him not to hurt me? I have to trust him.
Tess wouldn’t tell him she loved him. Later, not yet. Love was a whole new ball game for Tom and she didn’t want to lose him now. Love would be hard enough for Tess to deal with, and she had loved her entire life. I won’t tell him. Not yet.
She ran for a long time, but suddenly the treadmill quit working. Tess poked and pressed buttons, trying to turn the instrument panel back on. Tom casually stood in the doorway with his arms folded, holding the plug in his hand. She started laughing, but his eyes filled with worry.
“You climbed out of bed over an hour ago, Tess. Do you have something you want to talk to me about or are you going to run until the sun comes up?”
She put on her best lie face. “No, I’m good. I couldn’t sleep.”
“Um hmm. Really? I think you’re full of shit. What’s going on?”
“I couldn’t sleep. That’s all.” She knew he wasn’t buying it.
“Did you want me to plug you back in or are you done?”
“I’m done.” She tried to be convincing, but Tess sucked at lying.
They went back to bed and he wrapped himself around her. Finally, she slept.
When Tess woke up late in the morning, Tom was in his closet, so she peeked in to see what he was doing.
He was packing.
He’d be leaving straight from Vegas for his film. She smiled immensely at him. Yep, I’m in love with him.
“What?” he smiled back.
“Good morning.”
“Sleep well this morning?”
“Umm hmm. Are you almost done packing?”
“Almost.”
A sense of relief came over Tess and all her anxiousness disappeared, leaving her calm inside. Tom, however, was not calm. She’d never seen him this edgy, squishing his brows together and rubbing his index finger on his chin.
“You seem a little high strung,” she teased.
“I am not,” he smirked. “Look who’s talking. What was the deal this morning? I watched you run for a long time. You were flat out sprinting on the treadmill.”
She only laughed and didn’t answer. It seemed easier than lying.
A few hours later, they stood against the railing on the balcony, gazing out over the ocean. “Tess, I’ve liked having you here with me.”
“I love it here. I’ve had an incredible time.”
“There are so many places I want to take you. Places I’ve been and places I’ve always wanted to travel.”
“There are places I’d like to take you, too, but right now, I just want to take you home with me. I’m excited and a little nervous,” she admitted.
“I thought it was just me.”
“Why are you nervous? Is that why you’re so tense?”
“It’s not like I go home to meet someone’s family every day, Tess. I don’t. Ever. I’m anxious to meet John. I know his opinion is important to you, and I don’t want it to be an issue for us. It’s a big deal to me.”
“It might be awkward for all of us at first. I’ve never done this either. For that matter, neither have my kids. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” She had no idea how John would react to Tom or how she’d handle having him in the bed she had shared with her husband, but none of that mattered because she was in love with Tom.
“I hate to say it, but it’s time to go.”
There were no paparazzi to be seen when they boarded the plane for their short flight to Las Vegas. “What’s the deal with you and Joey? How does he know where you are all the time?” she asked inquisitively.
“Well, I like him better than most of the others. He’s not out to be a jerk and get me pissed off or sell bad pictures of me. I’ve known him for years and we have a decent working relationship.”
“But how does he find you? Does he follow you all the time?”
Tom wore a shitty ass grin on his face. “I know if I give Joey the opportunity to get pictures before anyone else, he’ll be decent, like today, and not follow me to the airport. Plus, he’ll take flattering shots.”
“That’s flat out weird. I actually liked most of the pictures he took.”
“Good because I put the magazines in my suitcase for your girls. So, is there anything you want to tell me before we get there? Fill me in. Is there anything I should know or do?”
“My, my, my, how the tables have turned. This is a whole new side of you I haven’t seen.”
“Me either. I’m way out of my comfort zone.”
“Just be yourself. Please don’t be uncomfortable. Easy, remember, it’s supposed to be easy. The girls like you and I’m sure John will, too.” She straddled his lap. “I’m crazy about you and I’m positive my kids will like you. If they have a problem with us being together, then it’s their problem. Not mine. I’ll be happy to explain our relationship, but this is my life, not theirs. They’re my children. You’re my partner.” She wanted to tell him that she loved him. Not yet!
“Partner? I like the sound of that.”
“I need you to be self assured and confident like you always are. Not for my kids, but for me. It will help me through this.” She chewed on her cheek, knowing it would be difficult, to say the least, having him in her bed.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
As Tess and Tom exited the airport, John welcomed them with a huge smile. He threw his arms around Tess, picking her up to squeeze her and kiss her cheek.
“Hey, Mom! How was your trip?”
“It was outstanding. John, this is Tom.”
They shook hands. “Nice to meet you,” Tom said.
“Great to meet you, too. So how was the premier? We can’t wait to hear about it.”
“We had an amazing time.”
“I can’t believe how tan you guys are. How was Bora Bora? My sisters said you were pretty terrified of the sharks,” he said to Tom.
Tess appreciated John’s attempt to make conversation with Tom.
“I was petrified because your mom scared the shit out of me. She told me the sharks only attack occasionally. It was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced, but I loved it.”
“That’s what I hear. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground more than the water. I don’t know if I could do it.”
John unlocked the car to put their luggage in the trunk.
“Nice car. I haven’t ridden in one of these yet,” Tom said to John.
“This isn’t my car.” John’s laugh filtered through the parking garage as he pointed at his mom. “This is her ride. My truck’s dirty and covered with mud.”
“Nice, Tess. I would’ve never guessed.” Tom smiled, scoping out her new black Camaro.
John threw his mom a questioning glance, waiting for her response.
“I just went down and bought it one day.”
John drove while they caught up. He’d been working hard and playing hard. He rattled on about biking in Utah and all the great trails there. Tom asked him about snowboarding in Utah. That was all it took. They talked non-stop. Tess eased back into the leather seat smiling, hoping it would be this easy for the rest of the night.
Tess' home sat nestled at the base of the mountains surrounding the Las Vegas valley. Pulling into the drive, Tess sighed heavily as anxiety began to set in.
“Your home is beautiful,” Tom murmured, taking in details of her home. He stepped out of the car, heading toward the trunk to retrieve their luggage.
John opened Tess’ car door and whispered in her ear, “Did he expect you to live at home with your parents like some of his other girlfriends?”
Tess’ eyes widened in shock. Glaring back at John, she rumbled through gritted teeth, “John Richard Mathews, you’re not funny. Knock it off.” She wrinkled her nose at her son who just made her feel all of forty-four years old. Jerk. It’s not like Tom dates women in their twenties. Maybe thirties.
He mouthed, “Sorry” while helping bring in their luggage.
As they entered her home, Tom’s eyes casually glanced around, taking in the rich, brown woodwork and walls painted the color of beach sand. Light travertine floors ran through the entire house. Ocean blue pots filled with tropical plants soaked up the desert sun that streamed through the windows.
Tess and Tom strolled out back to find Tracy and JC hanging out by the pool. John followed behind them.
“Hey, Momacita,” JC chimed.
“Hi, Tom,” both girls chorused as they stood up to give Tess and Tom hugs hello.
Block walls encompassing the property disappeared behind the lush palm trees and flowerbeds surrounding the pool. The entire house and yard was drenched in an island ambiance.
“Holy crap, it’s hot. Let’s go inside and look at your pictures,” Tess suggested. Tom agreed with a nod, noticing a thermometer on the wall reading a sizzling one hundred and eight degrees.
They gathered on the dark, brown, leather sofas topped with colorful pillows and throws, surfing through pictures while her girls recounted their trip. Tracy thanked Tom for his advice about the camera, and he showed her how to use all of her settings. They talked about their vacations, and Tess gave a full detailed report of the premier. All three of the kids asked Tom dozens of questions about Hollywood.
After an hour, her kids went back out to the pool. She took Tom’s hand and moseyed to her bedroom to unpack some of her things. She didn’t want to even bother unpacking until tomorrow, but needed to hang up her dresses.
Tess’ bedroom and bathroom still held slight traces of Richard. She glanced at a picture of her and Richard on the nightstand. She dreaded the idea that Richa
rd was watching her with Tom. Her eyes quickly fell to the floor, evading the photo. She drew in a deep breath of air, B-lining through the bedroom, past the bathroom and into the walk-in closet.
Tom leaned against the dark granite counter in the bathroom while she hung her dresses in her closet. He rattled on about her house, holding a conversation with himself.
Feelings of betrayal began to overwhelm Tess, turning her deep sighs into hyperventilation. She inhaled deeply again, trying to collect enough air to fill her lungs, afraid she might pass out from the lack of oxygen.
“Tess?” he called out tenderly.
She emerged from the closet in tears.
“Come here, Tess.” She threw her arms around his waist, holding back sniffles. He wrapped his arms around her, running his fingers through her hair. “Do you want to go for a ride?”
She laid her head on his chest, trying to calm down.
“Tess, if it’s easier for you, we can stay someplace else. Or if you’d rather that I go, so you can be alone, I will. I would understand,” he offered sweetly.
She pulled her head back in surprise. “Go? No, I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to be away from you for one night.” She bit her lip, asking, “I just said that out loud didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. Tess, I feel the same way. You don’t have to hide how you feel. I promise I’m not going to take off. You act like I’m going to bolt out the door running and screaming.”
She chuckled through sniffles. “Well, I do worry.” The desire to tell him she loved him seemed unbearable. Not yet. She lifted her chin, hoping he’d kiss her so the words wouldn’t accidentally slip out.
“Do you have a different room you’d like to stay in tonight? You don’t have to stress out. We’ll do whatever is easiest for you. Okay?”
“Let’s go for a drive.”
Tom followed behind Tess, rubbing her shoulder as they walked back into her room. He stopped to admire the headboard made from an ornate hand-carved door from Mexico turned on its side. “Did you do all this yourself or do you have a decorator?”
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