Tess rolled her tongue over his earlobe, whispering in her sexiest voice, “You want me to fuck you real slowly? I believe that was your other option.”
At that exact moment, he flipped her onto her back, staring into her eyes, teasing her once before diving deep inside. Oh shit. How the hell did he do that so fast? Turned on more than ever by the sheer lust in his eyes, she said words she’d never said before, sending both of them into overdrive. Tess moved aggressively, sinking her fingers deep into his shoulders, keeping up stroke-for-stroke.
Tom sat back on his knees, rolling her over onto her tummy, lying on top of her, giving her just the tip. “Is that what you want?” he toyed.
She raised onto her knees and elbows, probing for control, and he backed off. “Don’t stop. I want to feel you,” she whimpered.
Tom gave in to her desires. Leaning over her, grasping a handful of hair, he took command of her entire body. “Can you feel me now?”
Distantly, she was aware of her own voice crying out. “Oh, yes! Holy crap!”
The strength in his fingers loosened, giving her freedom to ride freely. Reversing the roll of her hips, Tess stretched her arms out flat on the bed, dropping her cheek to the sheet, allowing him to plunge deeper. As she felt his body contract, her zealous need intensified, vigorously thrusting against him to climax again.
Tom groaned deep in his throat. “Oh, shit.” He collapsed on top of her, shuddering with his own release.
Reaching around, Tess grabbed his hair in her fingers. “You’ve been holding out on me, Tom Clemmins.” Her ears were ringing as blood surged through her veins. She peeked over the edge of the mattress that had scooted two feet away from the box spring. “We need a sturdier bed,” she panted.
Tom chuckled while trying to suck in enough air to catch his breath.
“What’s so funny?” she questioned, her voice still shaky.
“I’m thinking maybe we could make love Monday through Friday and have incredibly great sex on Saturdays and Sundays.”
She laughed with him. “Weekend sex. I love that idea.”
“I thought you might. I’m so lucky. I get to take you home every night. No matter what we’re having.”
As they drove to the airport, Tess couldn’t wait to see her kids and Shayla. When their plane landed, she enveloped them in her arms. Joey the photographer was there, as well as Marco the stylist and his partner, Rick.
That night, they ate dinner at a restaurant by the beach. Tess hadn’t seen her kids much since the middle of summer. She enjoyed sitting back and relaxing with her kids and Tom, wanting to share him with them so they could be a family. It was important to her that they like him and it was important to Tom, too. All of the pieces of her life were coming together.
After dinner, Tom and Tess trailed behind her kids and Shayla, strolling hand-in-hand down the narrow cobbled streets.
“Are you happy, Tess?” Tom whispered in her ear.
She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I hoped it would be like this.”
“Me, too. They seem thrilled for you.”
“For us, Tom. They’re happy for us.”
When they returned home, Tess and Tom lay in bed and Tess said, “Thanks for bringing Marco here to do our hair and makeup.”
“Marco is fond of you. He was more than willing to make the trip.”
“I was surprised to see Joey. The two of you seem friendly, but not that friendly.”
He hesitated for a minute. “I need to talk to you about that. We’ll need to release a statement and pictures from our wedding.”
“What? Oh shit!” Tess suddenly realized, “It’s a big deal, isn’t it? You getting married. That didn’t even cross my mind.”
“Yes, it’s going to be a very big deal for the media. If we put the story out ourselves, it’ll be much easier. We can release photos we want the public to see and I think we’ll need to do some interviews with a few reputable magazines. I hate doing interviews, but if we don’t do anything, the media will be brutal.”
“So how does that work? I’d rather the press be positive. I don’t want to see lies about us on the cover of a magazine.”
“Well, if I pay Joey an obscene amount of money to take pictures for us, he’ll keep his mouth shut. Then, we can release them however we decide.”
“How much money is an obscene amount of money?”
“It doesn’t matter. When we release the photos, we’ll make it back, plus some.”
“That’s just bizarre.”
“It’s the business, Tess. I was thinking we could take the money from the photos and give it to your kids and Shayla. It’ll be a nice amount for each of them. You can give it to them now or in increments, however you decide. It will be enough money that, if they wanted to buy a condo or put money down on a house, they would be able to.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you serious?”
“Trust me. They’ll pay a lot of money for these pictures. You don’t need the money and I don’t need the money, so why not?” He smiled nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
“That’s extremely generous of you. Are you sure? My kids aren’t going to think more of you if you give them monetary things, Tom. They’re not materialistic like that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they’d love it, but you don’t need to buy their love. My kids love you because you’re a good person. Not because of your money.”
“I already know that. They’re exactly like you. Trust me, we don’t need the money and it would give them a nice start. Shayla, too.”
“Speaking of money, Tom...”
“Yes,” he said very slowly, as if he knew what was coming.
“Don’t you have some papers for me to sign? Something that says that I promise not to take you to the cleaners or something to protect yourself and all of your millions from me? Like maybe a prenup?” she said, playing with his fingers.
“Nope.” he replied smugly.
“What do you mean ‘nope’? You’re supposed to, aren’t you? I was expecting one,” she muttered in confusion.
“I mean, no. I trust you. And better yet, I trust myself,” he proclaimed proudly. “I don’t plan on divorcing you. I don’t even like saying the word.”
“I don’t want anything from you.” Panic-stricken, she sat straight up in bed.
“That is not entirely true, Tess. You do want something from me. You want my word that I’ll never be with another woman. That I’ll never be unfaithful, right?”
“Well, yeah, of course. That’s not an option, Tom.” Her tone turned serious.
“I know. I’m one hundred percent positive you’ll be faithful to me, and I’ll always be faithful to you. I’m so sure of myself and how I feel about you, I don’t need a prenup, Tess,” he boasted, ridiculously satisfied with himself. “Divorce isn’t an alternative.”
“I’m flattered, Tom, really, but I’d feel better if you had one. I don’t want people to think that-”
“Tess, I’m not going to argue over a prenup. I love you more than you realize. I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. I trust you. I’m not doing it. So please don’t ask me about it. And if you sit here and get all stressed out the night before our wedding over a stupid prenup, I might just get pissed at you.”
“We can’t have that now, can we? I don’t think I’d like it if you were pissed at me, and just so you know, if I thought there was a chance in hell we’d get divorced some day or if I had one doubt about us, I would’ve said no to you.” She curled up next to him. “Can we have one rule Tom? No going to bed angry or upset with each other.”
“Did this rule help you over the last twenty-five years?” he asked inquisitively.
“Yes.”
“Then I agree. No going to bed angry. I’m not mad, Tess, I just believe in us. So much that I won’t go into this marriage thinking it might fail someday down the road.”
“You’re right.” Tess giggled with excitement. “Tomorrow, we’re getting married.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Tom was sound asleep, sprawled out naked, lying face down. A smile broadened across Tess’ face. I get to wake up next to his fine ass every day for the rest of my life. She lightly ran her fingers down his back.
“Morning, Tess. Today’s the day.” Tom rolled over and asked, “Are you ready to marry me and be my wife until death do us part?”
“Yes, I am. Would you mind if we say, as long as we both shall live?”
“Absolutely. That would be perfect.”
There was a knock on their bedroom door. Tess reached down to the end of the bed, pulling the sheet and down comforter over them.
“Are you decent? Can we come in?” JC called through the closed door.
Panic spilled over Tom’s face, appearing unsure of what to do, stay in bed or run for the bathroom. He tucked the covers up over his chest.
“You can come in.” Tess laughed at Tom and shook her head.
Tracy and JC stood at the door with two cups of freshly brewed coffee. “Hey, you two! Today’s the big day!”
Both girls danced into the room and sat on Tess' side of the bed. Neither paid attention to Tom, who was practically hiding under the covers.
“It’s gorgeous outside!” Tracy said.
JC started singing. “Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married, going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married.”
The fear in Tom’s eyes softened as he laughed out loud.
“John’s making breakfast, so you’d better get up. Let’s go, sleepy heads. Today is your big day!”
“Thanks for the coffee,” Tom said.
“What’s he making?” Tess asked.
“Your favorite!” JC danced out the door with Tracy right behind her.
“Banana pancakes.” Tess glanced at Tom. “Are you all right? Don’t worry, they always knock first. You might want to try to relax. This won’t be the last time they come talk to us while we’re in bed.”
“Seriously? It seemed a little awkward.”
“Yes, seriously. They’re used to having their dad around, Tom. It’s not a big deal to them. They’re obviously comfortable around you.”
He nodded, mulling it over in his head. “You think they see me differently because I’m going to be your husband? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes. You’re part of their family now. My kids see you as a good man, not Hollywood hotshot, Tom Clemmins. The same way I see you. Don’t worry. They’re not going to call you Dad or anything, but they’re going to look up to you in a Dad-like way. Does that make sense? It’ll get easier, Tom.”
“I guess I never looked at it that way.” A huge smile crossed his face. “Family. I like that.”
“Good because in about seven hours, you’re going to be a big part of one.” She kissed his cheek. “Let’s eat before I decide to stay in here and lock the door.”
“Not until tonight when you’re Tess Clemmins.”
“I can’t wait!” She danced around the room.
After breakfast Benny, Lisa, Tommy and Kim arrived. Tom smiled in relief, ecstatic to see Benny. Tess introduced her kids to the Levis. John had already met Lisa, and when Tess introduced him to Benny, Benny put up his hands as if they were going to box.
“So you’re the guy who kicked Tommy’s ass? It’s nice to finally meet you.” Benny smirked, high-fiving John.
“I still feel horrible. Thanks for reminding me,” John laughed, rolling his eyes.
“You feel horrible? How do you think I feel?” Tom asked.
Everybody laughed.
While Tom and Benny were outside catching up, Tess filled Lisa in on wedding details. Tess also told her how much she appreciated Benny doing the film for Tom.
“Tommy was going out of his mind. He only wanted to be with you. He was so cute. I didn’t think that man would ever be able to utter the word love, but once he finally admitted he was in love with you, look out! He’s head over heels for you. Benny and I knew from the moment he showed up at our villa with you, that you were the one.”
“Seriously?”
“Of course! We went to bed that night saying, ‘Thank God! Finally!’ He’s such a great guy, but nobody ever seemed to fit with him. You two are perfect for each other. How are your kids getting along with him? You heard about my first introduction to your boy John.”
“They’re great. John likes him, and my girls do, too. It feels like we’re a family when we’re together.”
“Wow.” Lisa’s eyes widened with a look of surprise, maybe disbelief.
Tess clarified, “My kids are older. It would be entirely different if they were your kid’s ages. Mine aren’t looking for a father. All I’m saying is, it’s comfortable when we’re all together. Tom fits right in.”
Lisa understood, nodding her head.
Tess and Lisa went to find Benny and Tom. They were in the kitchen talking. As Tess entered the room, she heard Benny telling Tom, “I don’t think that’s a very smart decision, Tommy. You should protect yourself. You never know what may happen in the future.”
Tess fidgeted uncomfortably, realizing she’d walked in on a conversation about herself. As the men spotted her, a weighted silence filled the room. She chewed on her cheek, unable to mask the uneasy look on her face.
Benny touched Tess’ shoulder. “No disrespect, Tess. Lisa and I love you, but I was just asking Tommy why he’s not doing any kind of a prenup with you.”
Tom scowled at Benny, narrowing his eyes, looking more pissed with every second of silence ticking by slowly. The tension so thick you could cut it with a knife
Tess finally responded nonchalantly, “Hey, I asked the same question. Actually, I’d feel better if he did, but do you see that face right there?” She pointed to Tom. “He got pissed at me. It’s not worth arguing over. I don’t want anything from him. Nothing monetary anyway.” She chuckled, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.
Tom still glared at Benny.
“Tom, he’s your best friend. He’s supposed to be watching out for your best interests. Come on. If someone you knew were getting married like we are, you’d ask the exact same thing. So don’t be angry with him.” Tess smiled and kissed him on the lips. “You should be happy right now. We get married in five hours.”
Benny squeezed her shoulder. “Truly, Tess, I didn’t mean anything by it.” He shook Tom’s hand. “I love you, Tommy. Come on, don’t be pissed at me. I only want you to be happy man.”
“Benny, I told you, I know what I’m doing.”
Shock covered Lisa's face, and she stepped outside to check on her kids. Benny followed behind her.
Tess reached for Tom’s hand, playing with his fingers. “He’s simply looking out for you. If he were marrying Lisa now, you’d be telling him the same thing.”
“You’re right. If Benny were getting married, I’d be dragging him to his attorney’s office.”
“I don’t want to come between the two of you. You should be thanking him for being such a good friend. If anyone should be offended, it should be me and I’m not. So put a smile on your face. This should be one of the happiest days of your life.”
“It is the happiest day of my life, Tess.”
Tom wasn’t over it, so she hopped up on the counter, wrapped her legs around him, and kissed him affectionately. She didn’t want him to think about anything else but her. It worked until her girls walked in on them.
JC giggled, rolling her eyes as she muttered under her breath, “Great, I feel like I’m back in high school.”
“We’re going to start getting ready, Mom. Marco and Rick should be here in about an hour.”
Tess needed to loosen up, so she went to her room and turned on her music, loudly. She danced and sang in the shower.
Tom stood watching her with a martini in his hand. “I thought this might help you loosen up, but I see the music beat me to it.”
“Thanks,” she said, taking a long sip of her drink.
Marco and Rick arrived to style the girls
’ hair and makeup. Marco styled Tess’ hair perfectly, sweeping her long bangs to the side and pinning the rest back loosely in pieces. He wanted free reign over her makeup, assuring her, “I promise, it will look even better than the premier. You’ll be beautiful. Come on, girlfriend, you can trust me. Tom will love it, too.”
Marco accentuated her blue eyes, giving them a smoldering, smoky look. “Marco! It’s exactly what I wanted.”
“Miss Tess, you’re a perfect canvas. I love working on you. I usually have to work with bitchy, rich women. Not you, girlfriend. You’re special. Any time you need something, you call me and I’ll take care of it for you.” He air-kissed her cheeks. “You look H.O.T. Hot. He is one lucky man. Take some pictures for me.”
“What do you mean? You and Rick are coming today, aren’t you? You have to come.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely!”
“Girl, you know we love weddings. We’d love to come.”
Marco rushed out the door to tell Rick when Tom entered the bedroom. “I invited them to the wedding, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Jesus, Tess,” He swallowed hard, looking her over. “You look…beautiful. I mean really, really gorgeous. Damn, I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
She blushed. “Thanks!”
Tom shut the door before untying the belt on her silky robe, exposing her naked body underneath. Tess shuddered under the touch of his hands fondling her breasts. He began kissing her, sucking on her bottom lip, traveling down her neck.
“Tom.” Tess’ heavy breathing turned into a loud sigh. “Wait. Tom, wait.”
Tom pressed himself against her. “I want you right now. No more waiting. I’ve waited way too long for you.” He kissed her again. Both were on the verge of giving in when someone knocked on the door. Tom let go of her and backed away. “Shit.”
“Just a second,” Tess answered. They smiled at each other, neither wanting to stop. Tom rolled his eyes, heading for the cold shower that awaited him. She tied her robe and answered the door.
Tracy stared at her in awe. “Mom! You look beautiful!”
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