Authors: Samantha Lovern
“You’re right on the relatives. They start coming tomorrow.” Once again she turned to look his way. “I think Celia’s family will come first. You’re a brave soul, coming here . . . ” She paused and stepped back, looking him over.
He looked down, wondering if he’d left his fly open, or spilled something. “What is it?”
“Were you with her tonight? Is that why you’re here in the house?”
“No. I told you it’s over. I haven’t been with her since you came. To be honest it’s been a while since we . . . ” He felt he needed to hush, before he said something that caused her to slap him, or leave.
“I just assumed, since you’re here, at this time of night, that something was going on.”
Martin nodded, working out in his mind how to answer. “I wasn’t completely truthful with you the other day. Not concerning Celia, of course. Whatever we had is over. But, concerning other things, starting with that fact that I live here in this mansion. So, you might find me in or out at any time of day.”
“You, live here? I bet that didn’t go over well with the man of the house. A hot guy like you, living under his roof.”
The look she gave him made him laugh. “You think I’m hot. Thanks, but that goes both ways. Celia hired you girls to come into the house, and some of you are pretty hot.”
“I’m not hot. I’m pretty at best, but I get what you’re saying. I just know if this were my house, the maids would all be over forty, and not hot in any way. They wouldn’t be wearing cute little short skirts and tight shirts either.”
Martin uncrossed his arms and rubbed his chin. “So is that what you’ll be wearing? I can’t wait to see the new uniforms.”
“You’re terrible. And what about you?” Randi stepped closer and touched a single finger to his chest. “What will you be wearing? Tight pants, and a wife beater to show off that handsome upper body.”
“I doubt that, but I’ll try not to embarrass the establishment with my holey jeans and dirty T-shirts. Speaking of shirts, I like the little bears,” he pointed and she glanced down, then back up, “and might I say that most people fail to appreciate the fine art of snuggling.”
“I think so too. Not near enough people do it these days. I’m thinking about bringing it back, trying to get people to see the advantages of a good snuggle.”
Randi laughed and Martin could tell that she enjoyed flirting with him. He smiled and added, “If you need any help, I’m your man. It’s been awhile since I had a good snuggle.”
“Really? I’m sorry to hear that.” Randi glanced over her shoulder at Martin's favorite chair, and then looked back. “If it wasn’t for the fact that I need to be up early, I’d help you out, but I have to get some rest.”
She started to walk past him, but he put his hand out, catching her by the arm before she could escape. “Can I get a rain check on that?”
Randi reached out and took him by the hand and smiled. “I think that can be arranged. I’ll be busy the next few days, but I’ll try to squeeze you in.”
“You do that.” Martin turned, stepping closer. He wanted another kiss, a real kiss. That whisper of lips on lips he’d gotten earlier wasn’t enough.
Holding onto her, he tugged her closer, pulling her hand up, and as he hoped, she moved in, touching his neck before he felt her fingers moving into his hair.
He placed his hand on her waist and she didn’t try to stop him. His right hand moved, pulling her closer, and, as he hoped, both arms went around his neck. His eyes didn’t leave hers until they were so close that he could feel her breath on his lips.
“Are you sure . . .?" she began, but he noticed she closed her eyes and pulled him the last few inches closer until their lips met. It was exactly what he wanted and needed. The moan that escaped her lips let him know she felt the same.
The kiss was slow and easy, the kind of kiss you would get or give when you wanted the newness of the moment to last as long as possible. It was a goodnight kiss of sorts, so Martin kept it soft, and rated G . . . for now. It would be so easy to deepen the kiss and pull her so close she could feel his heart beat, but he didn’t.
He wanted this relationship to start out right, wanted her to set the limits and boundaries. When she found out the truth he didn’t want her to feel that he’d pushed her into anything that she didn’t want herself. So when she pulled back, breathless, he allowed it, and they stood there, inches away from another kiss.
She let out a deep sigh and a slight laugh. “Wow!” she all but whispered. “I could get used to that.” He could guess her eyes were still closed by the wispy sound in her voice.
“Me, too,” Martin said, and he willed himself to pull back farther. He felt her fingers untwine from his hair and sighed inwardly as she slid from his arms.
“I better go. I’m sure it’s getting late.” She pressed her hand against his chest for a second. He was pretty sure she was thinking of a second kiss, but instead she stepped back.
“Goodnight, Randi.” Martin stood watching as she turned to go. The smile was still playing on her lips and he bet his next Oscar, it would be there until she fell asleep.
He, too, felt like she looked. Like a giddy teenager who’d just had his first real taste of love. It was like puppy love all over again, and he was going to enjoy it as long as he could.
Chapter 24
Lillian Taylor
This made her third trip in an airplane and she didn’t like this one any better than the rest. Lillian Taylor held to her small Bible the whole trip and only placed it in her purse once they had landed. She went to the terminal bathroom, freshened up, and stepped out to find her daughter waiting.
“Are you ready to go?” Addison asked. She was drinking a coffee and looking as beautiful as always.
“How can you put anything in your stomach so quickly after getting off that dreadful thing? I may just stay with Martin this time or make someone drive me back to Canada.”
“Mom, next time just take one of the pills the doctor gave you and you’ll sleep through the trip.” Addison smiled and they walked toward the exit of the airport.
“I was afraid I would sleep through the flight and all through Tuesday. Besides, I don’t like taking drugs, and I’m not looking forward to the trip home. I’m serious. This is my last trip. Next time Martin will have to come to us, or we’ll have to rent a car.” Lillian felt a breeze on her face and smiled. “Fresh air. It’s a wonderful thing.”
“Dad will never want to drive that far, and the weather is lovely. Are we ready to go to Martin's or should we find something to eat first?” Addison looked up and down the street. Lillian knew she was looking for a taxi.
“I say we eat first. I hate going in on people hungry, even if it’s my own son. It’s just rude behavior. I don’t care what we eat. Lead the way and I’ll follow.”
An hour later Lillian and her daughter had just finished eating. Addison was paying for the meal and they were waiting for the waiter to bring their change. “I’m so ready to lie down and take a rest. I hope Martin doesn’t mind.”
“Mother, he won’t mind, and don’t talk yourself out of it when you get there. He’ll understand if you’re not up for a visit until you’ve had a rest.”
Lillian nodded and glanced out the window as a blonde went walking by. She looked at her daughter. “It’s not just the trip, it’s meeting Celia. I’ll be honest. I just know I’m not going to like that woman.”
Addison laughed and also looked at the woman that walked past. “Mom, it’s his choice. Try not to make a big deal out of this. Also, please don’t start on a sermon with Martin, and don’t be surprised if they sleep in the same room. My brother is a grown man, and can do as he wishes in his own home.”
Lillian’s brow furrowed, “I think I know my son better than that. There is no way he will sleep with that woman, or any woman, unless he’s married to her, while I’m under his roof. Celia is the one that is going to get the surprise. And sermon? I think I’ve given him enough of those through his life for him to know better than to parade any sinning nature around his mother.”
“Mom—” Addison began, but Lillian cut her off.
“Don’t mom me. I raised both of you to know better, and even if he chooses to disobey his mother and God, I don’t expect him to throw it in my face.” Lillian could see her daughter wasn’t going to agree, but she also knew better than to bicker.
A few minutes later the waiter brought the change. They went out, hailed a cab, and were soon on their way to Martin's home. Addison was enjoying the view, and Lillian was just praying and hoping that this trip wasn’t a mistake. She loved her son, and knew he wasn’t living the life of a Christian, but she’d hoped some day he would.
She’d raised him the best she could, and now would have to keep the faith that some day he’d come back to that foundation she’d laid so long ago.
When it came to Celia it wasn’t just the living together that bothered Lillian. Martin had talked about his new love in several letters, and Lillian had a feeling that this woman was not right for her son. She guessed all mothers felt this way about their children, so she was trying to have an open mind.
Martin had never come out and said Celia was living there, but Lillian guessed that one on her own. Addison was right, it was his house, and when it came down to it, she might be able to keep her opinions to herself. She didn’t come to nitpick and complain. She loved her son, and truly wanted to enjoy his company.
The ride from the airport to the house took them about forty-five minutes. As they approached, Lillian sat in awe of the home her son now lived in. She’d been to see him before, but he’d been staying in an apartment.
This place was huge and amazing. Maybe she would just stay for a while. A smile played across her lips. What would Celia think about that? She might just mention it, even if she changed her mind later. The lawn looked perfect and the house looked like she might get lost if she ventured from one end to the other.
“I’ve seen pictures on the computer, but they didn’t do this place justice.” Addison said, looking out the window. “Wait until dad sees this place.”
“I know. I wish he’d been able to take the same flight as us. I think I would have been more at ease.” Lillian added, “And you’re right. He will be so full of himself that his son has accomplished so much. He might not fit inside the airplane on the way back home.”
Addison laughed, and they both grew quiet as the cabby drove them down the long, winding driveway. The cabby too seemed amazed that he was coming to such a fine home, and spoke to Addison a bit about it as she paid the fare.
Lillian ignored the two as they took the cases from the trunk, though she could hear them chatting in the background. She walked a few feet away as the cabby turned and left the property. She was still in awe of the fine home her son had purchased. It would be a wonderful place for grandchildren.
“Are you ready to go in?” Addison asked, and when Lillian felt her daughter's hand on her arm she turned.
“Not really,” Lillian laughed, “but I guess we should."
“If you’ll carry those, I can get these two.” Addison said pointing to the smaller two cases.
“I can do that.” Lillian bent down, picking up the cases, and they began the walk to the front door. The long porch was amazing and it was all decorated with garland and lights. Once at the door, Lillian set one bag down and rang the bell.
“Martin might not be home yet. I don’t know what kind of schedule he’s keeping. I know he’s not working on any films. We should have called first,” Addison remarked.
“I wanted to surprise him, but you could be right, he may not be home.” Lillian turned around, looking at the huge yard and the long porch. “It seems odd that there are no pets coming to meet us. Martin loves dogs.”
“I think Celia doesn’t like dogs or cats. I’m pretty sure he mentioned that in one of his letters,” Addison replied.
“You know a lot more about her than I do,” Lillian sighed. “I’m sure he’s told you more than he’s told me. Be honest, now. Do you feel like she’s the one for him?”
“Mom, I don’t think we should be talking about this here. She could come to the door at any minute.”
“She’s not here yet. A slight nod of the head will suffice.” Lillian waited, and second later two things happened. One, her daughter shook her head no, and two, the front door to the palatial estate slowly came open.
Chapter 25
Wednesday
Emma sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a freshly-made cappuccino. Celia was having lunch with Sue. Martin was attending an actors’ workshop. The maids were working on the last two trees, and the sisters and their children had changed their plans again.
The east coast was being hit with a snowstorm and Celia’s family had to wait for the weather to clear. The girls would have time to get the house spotless, and the decorations ready, and Emma could sit back and relax for a few moments.
The call that the planes had been grounded came at eight a.m. and Celia informed Emma that the company would arrive on Thursday or Friday depending on the weather. She didn’t seem to disappointed and made plans to spend the day with her friend.
Tonight’s catered meal had been cancelled, and the next scheduled dinner would be Friday, when Martin’s family was due in. That could change if the weather cleared up and Celia’s sisters were able to catch a flight.