The Perfect Plans Series [Box Set] (65 page)

Unsure what to do, I frantically bolt into the theatre, practically tripping up the steps.

Alex stands immediately seeing my agitation, marching to the aisle, before forcing my gaze. "Aby, what's wrong?" he whispers in alarm.

"Alex, they’re here!"

"Who? Who's here?" he questions.

"The paparazzi.”

"Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yes, I’m fine. It just took me off guard.”

Though concern laces his gaze, he’s so calm it’s beyond me. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Would you like to leave?” he asks softly.

“But, how do we get out?”
There’s no way I’m going through that lobby.

“We can leave through the emergency exit,” he smiles sweetly, disappointment mixed in his concerned gaze. "Let's go,” he takes my hand softly in his, leading us along the aisle towards the opposite side of the theatre. How he's so calm is beyond me. I'm still shaking, the surprise hounding still in my system.
Jesus. This is crazy.

Pushing through the door, we find ourselves in a back alley, crates and discarded boxes littering the sides. We glance from end to end, gauging our best route of escape, the exit door slamming closed behind us. What had started as a nice,
normal
date has twisted into Alex’s reality.
Poor Alex. Poor me
. This is something I simply need to accept. Get used to.

Alex leads me around the corner of one side of the building.
Oh, shit. Wrong way.
“There they are! Mr. Tate!” they yell, making their way towards us a rush.

We quickly turn, heading in the opposite direction.

My pulse is pounding, the uncontrollable urge to escape overwhelming me. I’ve become somewhat accustomed to the fan-frenzies, the paparazzi, however I realize in this moment that the majority of our interactions have been pre-empted. I’ve had the luxury of mentally preparing myself for the inevitable rush of crowds. But today? Not so much. Their presence was the last thing I expected in this small, practically deserted town.

Alex gently pulls me along, increasing in speed with each step. “This way, baby,” he directs me further up the road.

I follow him obediently, glancing over my shoulder, desperately hoping - no, praying - that we’ve successfully evaded the mass of photographers and paparazzi.

“You okay?” he asks, squeezing my hand as we reach the car after several unnecessary turns around the adjacent buildings.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I smile, sliding into the front seat, my heart rate finally slowing to a steady pace.

“I’m sorry about our date…the movie,” he leans against the door, his humbled smile breaking my heart.

“Hey, it’s okay. We tried, right? That’s all I wanted. I don’t care about the stupid movie. What happened in there was
so
much more entertaining.”

“That is was,” he leans down to kiss my lips, chuckling as he closes the door.

On that note, I need to ask him about his recent dirty mouth
…“You know, I’m curious,” I ask as he takes his seat beside me, “…your alter ego’s naughty libido is up a few pegs. Have you been watching porn in your trailer?”

“Porn?” his boisterous laugh thrills me. “No, Aby, it’s you. Just you.”

THE LATE AFTERNOON sun warms my face, soft sand tickling my bare toes. There’s something incredibly romantic about walking hand in hand with the one you love on a quiet beach. Looking to Alex, I smile brightly at his stunning form as we wet our feet along the waters edge.

“Something on your mind, baby?” he questions with a grin.

“Not really. Just enjoying the view.”
I could stare at him for hours
.

“Well, who am I to stop you,” he teases knowingly, and I playfully swat his arm with the back of my hand. His chuckle is divine, softening his features into boyish bashful charm.

“You know, it’s too bad the water is so cold. I would have loved to go for a swim.”

“You would have, hmmm? Who’s to say we still can’t?”

“Alex, are you crazy? The water is likely freezing,” I reply, noting that he’s halted our process with a tug of my hand, the wheels turning in his head, his gaze turning mischievous. “Uh-uh, no way,” I shake my head on a nervous smile of aroused intrigue. I know exactly what devilish thoughts are floating through his mind. “I am not getting in that water, Tate.”

His eyes squint with challenge, his lips curling into a taunting smile before he lunges.

On a squeal, I pull my hand from his grip, making a run for it along the gooey wet sand, laughing at our playful exuberance, the splashes of the cold water amid his chase a delicious thrill against my bare legs.

Catching me swiftly, he wraps me in his arms, lifting and spinning me in the air, my squeals of laughter echoed in his perfect smile.

“No, Alex! Don’t!” I plead as he trudges us through the light surf, my shrills swallowed by the onslaught of the icy water, instant spikes of needles coursing through my calves as he places me on my feet. A second desperate attempt to flee is halted as he secures me in his arms. “Oh my God, it’s freezing!” I yelp, wrapping my arms around his waist for warmth in my capture.

“My poor baby,” he chuckles, bending to lift me in his arms, walking us slowly towards the beach.

I’m almost sad to reach dry sand, not wanting to give up the warmth of his cradling hold as he sets me back on my feet. Taking a seat, he pats the sand between his legs, and I drop instantly, leaning back into his warm embrace, resting my head on his shoulder.

“You’re a devil,” I smile into his arm, losing myself in the scent of his shirt, his laughter, his warmth. “It really is too bad the water’s so cold. I do love the beach.”

“I love having
you
on the beach,” his sinful tone throws me back to our time on the island, our private fun in the sand.

“Oh, don’t be coy, Tate, what you really mean is you love
sex
on the beach.

“Oh, that goes without saying, sweetheart.” I turn to catch his slow crooked grin. “But I’ll take this,” he squeezes me in his arms, “…any day.”

“Me too,” I smile, looking back out towards the water.

“We can always find another secluded beach to escape to for a mini vacation, closer to home.”

“That sounds incredibly inviting. Definitely something to look forward to when filming wraps,” I snuggle into his hold.

“Why wait until then?” he adds, his smile evident in his tone.

“What?” my interest perks dramatically and I turn in his hold to look into his sparkling baby-blues, catching the grin I heard.

“Filming is shutting down next weekend, so you’re all mine for three days straight,” he searches my shocked and excited gaze.

Given his hectic filming schedule this past month, the allure of three full days having him all to myself is intoxicating - almost too good to be true. “Why are they shutting down for the weekend?” I don’t want to get my hopes up. The one thing I’ve learned about this industry is the fickle scheduling.

“Thanksgiving weekend,” he beams, taking in my shake of confusion.

“But, it’s October…”

“The director is Canadian. He was quite adamant. Not that I’m complaining, I can’t think of a better excuse to spend time with my girl.”

“Won’t you want to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family?” I ask, slightly surprised - though secretly elated - that he’d want to spend it with me alone.

“We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in England.”

“Oh…”
But I do. My first Thanksgiving away from home…

“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” he brushes a strand of hair off my forehead.

Lost in thought, I peer out towards the gleaming ocean water, feeling slightly homesick at the hands of family memories…special occasions.
Is there really a toss up here? Time alone with Alex, or a visit with family…

“Aby? What is it?”

“Oh, nothing,” I laugh lightly. “I just realized this will be my first Thanksgiving away from home. It’s just strange that’s all. So much has changed…”

“Are you happy?”

His question makes me pause. Looking back to him, I find a glimmer of concern.
Really? How could this man have any doubt?
“Oh, my goodness, Alex…of course I’m happy!” I smile, running my fingers along his chest. “This is my new life.
You
are my new life,” I add, snuggling closer, leaning my head against his warmth. “I was just thinking about all of the wonderful family traditions that come with holidays like this. We may be a crazy bunch, but we do love the holidays,” I laugh.

“I know what you mean,” he replies, running his hands along my bare arms, his head leaning on mine at his chest. “Family tradition is something I miss terribly on the road.”

I can’t help but feel a pang in my heart for him. This may be my very first holiday away from home, but for Alex it’s a sad reality. “We can always stay home and create new memories and tradition of our own,” I nip at the corner of my mouth, waiting for his reaction.

“I do like the sound of that.”

“Me too,” I pull back to look into his eyes, cupping his face in my hand to lean in for a kiss.

“You’re sure?” he questions, securing his hand over mine. “Turkey and trimmings over mini vacation?”

“Absolutely,” I beam. “Three whole days alone in Sin City with Alexander Tate…Oh the possibilities are endless.”

“That’s Vegas, sweetheart,” he laughs.

“Oh. Really?” I scrunch my nose, in thought. “The City of Angels!” I add with sudden brilliance.

“Well, it certainly holds
one
angel,” he smiles, and I flirt my shoulder towards him playfully.

“You had me at turkey, Mr. Tate, save that charm for the bedroom,” I bite my lip, flashing a teasing grin before jumping up to bolt down the beach, giggling in anticipation for my capture.

THANKSGIVING IN L.A…From the great start to this weekend, I would have to say it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Thanks to a morning full of Champagne, my thoughts of family, friends and tradition have long since ‘left the building’, so to speak. What’s been building instead - thanks to my dear friend, Mimosa - is a very strong desire to get this gorgeous specimen of a man back home.
And now that we’re here, it’s time to show him how
thankful
I am today
, I nip at my lip, quickly donning a flirtatious smile as Alex opens my door, offering his hand to assist me out of the car.

“That, Mr. Tate, was a wonderful brunch,” I purr, succumbing to the aphorismatic effects of my morning cocktails.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he smiles, kissing my forehead. “I think you enjoyed the Champagne as well.”

“I did. Along with the breakfast. And the
company
,” I turn us around, pinning his large frame against the closed door. “Are you ready for dessert?”

“Perhaps we should have picked you up a little coffee to go with dessert,” he laughs, rubbing my back.

“Coffee doesn’t really go with what I have in mind,” I pull him down by the nape. “I’m
very
thankful this year, sexy man of mine. And I plan on showing you in very many ways,” I add, pulling his lips to mine.

“Aby,” he moans into my kiss, releasing a small gasp as I reach to caress him through his dress pants. “Sweetheart,” he breaks away, taking my elbows gently to pull my gaze.

Giggling, I jump from his hold, leaving him leaning against the car to back away along the path to the house.

“Please come back here.”

He seems a little too serious for the game I’m playing.
Humph.

“Uh-uh,” I shake my head, stopping to reach beneath my skirt. I lock my gaze on his - his sexy brow arched in curiosity as I slowly and seductively remove my panties, flinging them in the air around my finger with a flirty open-mouthed curl of my lips.

Trying not to laugh, he folds his arm across his chest, the other jutting to his jaw, rubbing it as he shakes his head. “Aby, listen to me, I need you to come back here for a min…”

“Shhh,” I whisper, my finger at my mouth. “Time for dessert,” I throw the panties towards him.

His eyes dart to the pink lace on the stone path, then back to mine before I turn to run for the door.

“Aby, wait,” he’s suddenly firm, chasing after me.

“Come and get it,” I flash him a peek of my bare ass with a quick lift of the back of my skirt.