Make Believe (10 page)

I bury my head into his neck. God, he smells good. It’s that manly smell mused with aftershave.  

The air stewardess appears again.

“The captain says it’s OK to remove seat belts now. Can I get you anything, Mr. Tate?” His name rolls off her tongue with a slight insinuation. 

“No, I’m good. Thank you, Britney, but my friend Jessica here would like some nibbles, please.”

I would?

“I’ll get that right away, Mr. Tate,” she smiles inaptly at him.

“I didn’t realize I was hungry,” I whisper.

He laughs, “I know, beautiful - I’m just making sure that Britney is fully aware that you’re here too, that’s all.”

I smile inwardly. How very gallant of him. He can be so lovely sometimes.

With that thought I close my eyes and try and drift off to sleep. I don’t seem to be scared of flying when I’m with Elliott, or maybe it’s the plane putting me at ease.

As we touch down at JFK airport, I’m jostled awake. I glance over and notice that Elliott’s busy working plans out with Simon. He must feel me gazing at him as he turns around immediately.

“Hey you, you’re awake. Did you sleep OK?” he asks as he kisses me on my head.

“Yes…lovely, thanks.”

“OK Jess, the plan is as soon as we can depart the plane we have to follow through security towards immigration. I will go ahead of you as I have to go a different way, but Simon will stay with you and I’ll meet you out by the car, OK? But please be aware that there are lots of photographers around fighting for a photo. They will do anything to get one, so be careful, baby, please…”He leans down again and plants a gentle kiss on my head.

Britney announces that we can leave the plane. As I undo my seat belt I look up and Elliott’s already disappeared. I wish just for a moment that he isn’t the most recognized face around and he could stay with me.

Simon escorts me off the plane and out towards the car. I follow him immediately, hoping not to get lost as I have never been to this airport before. We make our way through immigration and baggage and head towards the front of the airport. But there is a huge queue forming.

“What’s the holdup?” I ask Simon whilst looking around.

Simon, gently nudges my arm and I look ahead.  I recognize him immediately, that’s the reason for the huge people pile up.

“Shouldn’t you be with him?” I ask, worried as he is literally being mobbed by female fans.

“He’ll be fine. He has airport security with him and he knows what to do.”

We don’t stop to watch, we head straight for the Range Rover which is parked right out front. I keep checking my watch as he seems to be taking such a long time. When I glance up I see the automatic doors opening and Elliott heading directly towards us with lots of girls hysterically screaming for him.

Simon jumps out the front of the car and he is standing with the door open for him. As he climbs in, there are camera flashes everywhere.

I feel the anxiety rising, I remember the conversation we had about the paparazzi getting pictures of us together.

“Hey beautiful, you made it through OK?” he smiles grabbing my hand and kissing it.

“I did, how about you? We saw the buildup of women.”

He smiles, “It’s all part of the job, baby! It’s expected.”

“But it’s so constant. Does that not drive you crazy?  Not just the fans but the photos the whole time?”

“I like the fans. They are well worth taking the time out for, but as for the journalists – I hate them.  Did you notice if they got a picture of you in the car?  You’ll be on all the front covers tomorrow,” he laughs, squeezing my hand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think to duck or anything,”  I blush red.

“No baby, it’s fine. I told Hudson after the last time that I want people to know we’re together!”

I feel my mouth drop open.

“Jessica, close your mouth!” he laughs. “What did you think we were, just friends?” he asks, watching me intently so he can gage my reaction.

But I don’t know what to say, it’s all moving so fast. I’m finding it hard keeping up with each day’s events.

“Jess, you’ve gone very quiet all of a sudden. Is something wrong?” he asks, kissing my hand.

I choose my words wisely.

“It’s not that I don’t want to be in a relationship with you, it’s just I think we should take things slowly that’s all. I’ve only just realized you’re a decent guy, for heaven’s sake,” I wink trying to lighten the mood.

He turns towards me so that he is facing me. He picks up both my hands and holds them. He looks into my eyes.

“Jessica, I will do whatever I have to, to make you my girlfriend. Even if it means I have to wait for you to decide who you want.”  He doesn’t take his eyes off me and smirks in that I–know-you-have-a-boyfriend way!

I glare at him. How dare he? If he thought for a second that I was in a relationship, he shouldn’t have been trying it on with me in the first place.

I try and pull my hands from him, but he doesn’t let them go.

“Elliott, you’re hurting me.” He’s not, I’m just so angry with him. Or is it the guilt that’s reeling inside of me?

“Jessica, stop it and look at me,” he demands.

Like a petulant child I turn to look.

“I’m not angry with you – I’m trying to make it easier for you to tell me about it, that’s all,” he gently strokes my cheek.

“How do you know about him?”

“How do you think …? Hudson, of course. He told me yesterday after I told him what I was planning for us. He didn’t want me getting involved in some stupid, messy love triangle,” he smirks.

I bet he didn’t, that bloody man! Will he never stop interfering in my life?

“It’s not as it seems. He’s not my boyfriend now, but he was once. But when I told him I was coming out here he finished it. We left on really bad terms and we’re not speaking now. We are going to talk when I get back.” I try to hide the tears welling in my eyes. I’m so scared that this will change how Elliott feels about me. I need him more than anything at the moment.

“Hush baby, it’s OK, I believe you. I’m just glad we cleared that up that’s all. I’m not very good at sharing, especially not my girlfriends!” he smiles.

We arrive at his beach house. Yet again we are greeted with huge security gates which open on to a beautiful glass-fronted beach house. I can’t wait to get out of the car, and as I open the door I instantly hear the sound of sea. I love the beach so much; it’s the one thing I really miss living in London. Being brought up by the sea was the best thing a child could ask for. Even now when I go back to my mum’s, I always pay a visit. I find it so calming and tranquil, watching the waves lapping onto the sand.

Elliott opens the front door - the house is beautiful. It’s so light and airy. I follow him into the lounge, like a lost dog, and we are greeted immediately by floor to ceiling glass which overlooks the beach. The view is spectacular. It must have cost him an absolute fortune. The interior is all very modern. It’s all very white; it’s massive for a beach house. No wonder the asshole likes to use it. At the thought of him I remember why we are here. I try not to let it play on my mind. I won’t let him ruin this for me. Elliott distracts me.

“Hey Jess, what do you feel like doing? I was thinking we could go and have a swim and then order take out. Keep it all very easy,” he smiles at me, that award winning smile.

“Sounds perfect,” I answer, sending my negative thoughts miles away.

As I walk into the bedroom I realize that he’s going to see me in my bikini!  Oh my God. Even though he saw me naked that night in the shower, he didn’t seem to notice, but now this was different. He was purposely going to be looking. Oh God help me, I’m so self-conscious about my body. I’m so pale and have far too many freckles; my boobs are far too big for my skinny frame. He’s accustomed to these body perfect models/actress. What the hell is he going to think about mine? Oh God, he’s going to think I’m some hideous monster.  My heart sinks. I put on my black and white dotted bikini and I look like your typical English holiday maker, the only positive thing is at least I’d shaved.

I take a final look in the mirror as I tie my hair up into my customary bun. Oh Jess, you so should have had a spray tan before you came. At least then you wouldn’t be so bloody pale.

The knock on the bedroom door makes me jump.

“Jess, are you ready? You’ve been ages? I’m getting a little concerned you’ve fallen asleep or something?” he laughs.

“No, I’m good, just coming,” I reply, wrapping my sarong round my waist and opening the door. It’s too late now to back out, here goes.

Elliott’s standing there leaning on the door frame.

“Wow, Jessica, you’re one hot babe! My God! You’ve kept that body well hidden,” he smiles with that lustful glint in his eye.

I didn’t expect that reaction but it’s warmly welcome
, boosting my confidence no ends, and I try to strut out as sexily as I can. I don’t do sexy well.

“Thank you, Elliott. You don’t look too bad yourself,” I reply, drinking him in. As I look him up and down I notice he is wearing tight swimming trunks that fit in all the right places. His body is perfect, he is toned in that masculine way, but not too muscly, his six pack is very defined.  His olive skin is flawless, his chest unspoilt without an inch of hair invading it. I take a deep breath trying not to show how in awe of him I am.

“Jessica, are you OK?” Elliott asks. He knows what effect he’s having on me and loves it.

“Aha…I mean yes. Shall we go?” I reply taking my eyes off him and blushing red.

“Good, after you then, madam.”

I walk out past him, smelling him as I go. Oh God he smells good. Is there nothing I can’t resist  about him?

He smiles as I walk past him and taps my bottom.

“There’s a good girl.”

Once we have finished on the beach we head back to the house. It looks picture perfect with the lights reflecting on the sea. We head up the stairs dripping wet, Simon opens the door to greet us, instantly freeing us from our stuff. I head directly for the warm glowing fire, whilst Simon and Elliott stand, discussing the night’s events. Whilst I’m stood staring at the fire, I can feel the sand sticking between my toes. It’s no good, time for a shower.

“Excuse me, Elliott Sorry, could I take a quick shower, please?”

He turns to look at me and eyes me up and down.

“Sure, I’ll just finish this and then order the food. But if you’re feeling lonely in there just shout,” he smirks.

That shocks me a little. I look at Simon, but he is just staring at the floor. He is so well trained.

“Thanks, I think…I’ll be OK for now, but if not I’ll call you,” I tease back, unsure what I’m doing.

After my shower I stroll back into the lounge in my jogging bottoms and t-shirt, our food is waiting for us. Elliott has lit some candles and is opening a bottle of wine. It looks very romantic.

“Can I get you some wine, Miss Ing?”

“Oh, yes please.”

“Sit.” He ushers me over to the table.

I feel my stomach rumbling, I’m hungry. It must be all that swimming.

I take a sip of my wine and watch Elliott darting around the kitchen. I take a deep breath and finally start to relax. He pops the pizza in front of us and sits down. Before I start, I ask,

“Is Simon not joining us?”   Elliott laughs.

“No, Jessica. He eats by himself, that’s what I pay him for. But tonight he’s out.  He has family here so I’ve let him have the night off.”

“That’s very kind of you,” I smile. “Does he go everywhere with you?”

“Pretty much, he’s like my safety net.”

“Is that not strange, to have someone with you the whole time?”

“You get used to it. It’s for my own safety anyway or anyone else’s who connected to me. It’s the one thing Hudson insisted on. He’s ex FBI.”

“Oh…Does he work for you then or Hudson?”

“Me, Jessica, I employ him. Hudson just suggested a bodyguard,” he snaps.

“Well in that case if it was me, I would have gone for SAS. They are the best,” I tease changing the subject.

Elliott looks up. “You never know, Jess, when we get married I’ll get your own SAS bodyguard,” he smiles, “but for the here and now it’s just the two of us, alone,” he says.

I feel my cheeks flushing red, at the insinuation of it, secretly pleased and scared all at the same time. Is he serious? I take another bite of my pizza.

“I’m done, thank you. I couldn’t eat another bite,” I smile, subtly changing the subject.

“How about another drink then, Jess?” Elliot asks, as he walks over to collect the bottle of wine.

I nod.

“Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr Tate?” I giggle.

“I wasn’t, Miss Ing, but I might start,” he laughs.

“Come let’s head over to the sofa, it’s more comfy there,” he smiles, holding out his hand.

As I stand I feel my head spin a little, why does wine always have this effect on me?