by Lisa Shelby
"Olivia, what's going on?"
"Dinner, silly. I told you we have reservations."
"Whose plane is this?"
"Shh...so many questions. Just roll with it, baby."
Baxter parks the car over near the hanger and opens Olivia's door. After she's out, he goes to the back of the SUV. Once he's closed the back, he rounds the car with several small pieces of luggage. Two are mine, and I know one to be his.
Just as I open my mouth to question him, I feel Oliva's small hand in mine, and she pulls me toward Evelyn. Evelyn who I now see is also dressed a little less for business and a little more for fun.
"Hello, you two. Ready for dinner?"
I lean in and give her a kiss on the cheek and whisper in her ear. "What in the world is going on?"
"It's great to see you too, Ronan." She releases me with a sparkle in her eyes, leaving me feeling like the odd man out.
It's rare I'm the only person in the room who isn't in on the joke. Well, unless you count every room I was ever in with my family.
Nope. I was never in on that joke.
I shake off the negative feelings starting to seep into my head and follow Olivia up the air stairs. She steps into the plane before me, and as soon as I enter the plane and turn to my left to enter the main cabin, the plane erupts in yells of "Happy Birthday!" and my adrenaline starts pumping through my veins, and my emotions almost get the best of me.
I forgot about my own damn birthday.
Wow, McKinley, no wonder Olivia is worried about you.
Looking around the full to capacity cabin, I see my best friends Ben and Richie and their wives, the new VP of Real Estate Development at EVC, Gloria and her husband, David, Gloria's right-hand man, Russell, and his wife and my former admins, Allison and Leslie. Olivia's new friend Callie and her boyfriend, Ryan are here, as well as Monica, Baxter's wife, and his daughter and my God-daughter, Carly.
"Happy birthday, Uncle Ro!" Carly says, wrapping her arms around my back and placing a big kiss on my cheek.
"Thank you, Carly Boo, but when did you get so tall?"
"Mom, let me wear heels tonight!" she says, taking a step back so I can see her bright pink heels.
I look at Monica with mock disapproval. "Are you purposely trying to make me gray before my time?"
"She's sixteen, Ronan. Buck up, it's only going to get worse from here." She, too, gives me a hug and birthday wishes.
I step deeper into the cabin and greet the rest of my guests. Still internally wondering how the hell I forgot my own birthday.
I'm taken aback when I reach the last row of seats and see Ava sitting in one of the seats in the back. Even though I've come to terms with her reasons for not telling me whom my real father is—and with Olivia's insistence we sat and talked during our time hiding out at Eclipse—things still felt a little awkward.
But seeing her here, looking uncomfortable and unsure if I am happy to see her here or not, is a feeling that doesn't fit the happy mood of the day, and I can't stand it any longer.
No more awkwardness.
No more wasting time being mad when so many people were put in impossible situations because of my family. Ava is my family, and I'm thrilled she's here.
"Come here," I say with my arms open wide.
Her eyes shine with tears, and she engulfs me in one of her perfect Ava hugs. She means more to me than my parents ever could.
"Happy birthday, Ronan." She pulls back and takes my cheeks in her hands. "You've found yourself a pretty amazing woman, you know that?"
"I do, Ava. I do."
I feel Olivia's hand slowly slide down my arm until it ends up in mine. "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time to go. We need to take our seats." I bring our hands up to my mouth and kiss the back of hers.
"Go sit. I'll see you when we land," Ava says, shooing me away as she sits and buckles her seat belt. Before I follow her orders, though, I don't miss the wink she sends in Olivia's direction.
Olivia, the woman who makes everyone feel as gorgeous as she is.
Pulling on her hand, I force her to stop in the middle of the plane where all of our friends can see us. I put her exquisite face in my hands and place a chaste kiss to her lips. Gently I rest my forehead against hers, and she brings her hands up to my wrists, and we take our private moment, not caring who can see.
"Thank you for this, gorgeous."
"It's my pleasure."
"You know, I had forgotten it was my birthday."
"I didn't." She kisses me lightly on the corner of my mouth and then takes my hand in hers again. I follow her to our seats across from Callie and Ryan, and once her seatbelt is on, her hand is right back in mine. She has no intention of losing contact with me tonight, and I can't say that I mind at all.
Sitting across from Callie sure does make the time fly.
Callie is great, but man is she energetic. Energetic and full of questions. She asks me about art, about Luna Enterprises, where I went to school. She asks me...everything. All the while, my sweet Olivia holds my hand palm face up while she leisurely and sensually traces designs all around it.
Her touch is the calm I need while the ever so loquacious Callie continues her barrage of questions. Ryan, a man of few words, is clearly an easy-going guy and the yin to her yang. The small smile on his face while she talks is evidence enough that he finds this personality trait of hers endearing, and I totally get it. When you find her, everything she does is adorable and perfect.
I totally get it.
An hour and a half later, Callie knows all there is to know about me and the wheels finally touch down at the Orange County Airport.
"Almost there." Oliva smiles, still impressed with herself that I haven't figure out where we're headed.
I hear hoots and hollers outside as I wait to take my turn to exit the plane. When I reach the plane door, I see why.
Waiting for our crew is a big black party bus. I can see the multi-colored lights flashing inside and the cheesy party music blaring out the open door has Ben and Richie shaking their asses, and they aren't even on board yet. God help us if there is a stripper pole inside. Ben will be all over it.
I look over my shoulder and am met with chocolate eyes that are sparkling with mischief. "What in the world have you done?"
She slaps my ass in reply and to get me moving.
Once we're on the tarmac, I snag her hand and pull her tight to me and wrap her up in my arms. Her arms are around my neck in an instant, and her effervescent smile is lighting the night’s sky.
Who needs a full moon when you've got those eyes and that smile?
She is the moon and the stars.
"A party bus, really?"
"Really. Now let's get on that bus and get to dinner. We've still got a little bit of a drive, and you know how I hate to be late."
"Yes, ma'am."
"That's what I like to hear, Mr. McKinley."
We all pile in, and of course, Ben is the first and only one on the stripper pole. His low-brow entertainment makes the thirty-five-mile drive to Laguna Beach pass in a flash, and soon we are pulling up in front of the Montage Hotel, and it's now clear we'll be dining at The Loft, one of my favorites for dinner here in town.
I expect for there to be a section of the restaurant reserved for our group but no, Olivia reserved the entire place and one side of the main room has been transformed. There is a dance floor with a DJ booth, and I can see lights set up for later to add to the club feel. And there is a big white screen, likely for some sort of presentation later. I can only imagine what my girl has up her sleeve tonight.
Appetizers are being carried around the room as are signature drinks and glasses of wine and champagne. We all make small talk, but Olivia never leaves my side or stops touching me. She is a woman on a mission.
While we’re mingling, the white screen comes to life, and my life plays out in front of me with pictures of my youth and all the way up to pictures of Olivia in Eclipse just a few weeks back.
&
nbsp; “This is why Ava was in San Francisco. She had all the pictures from when you were little, and she helped me put this together.”
I have no words. I don’t really know what to say. I’m not used to this kind of love and generosity. After the video has played through once, it starts over. I can’t bare to see myself through all of my awkward stages again, so we seek out Ava, and I pull her into another bear hug to show her my appreciation.
There are no words.
Once we're seated for dinner, toasts are made, and good conversation and food is had by all. Toward the end of the meal, I lean back in my chair and take a look at the scene in front of me. A scene where the parts are all being played by those I care about and who truly care about me. I have Ava on one side of me and Olivia on the other, and all is right in my world. In this moment, I am truly happy. I have the love of my life, my friends, and my hand-picked family.
What more could a man want?
The fact that Olivia hasn't quit her quiet seduction all night is another bonus.
Even now, her fingers are ever so lightly moving up and down my thigh while she talks to Allison. She's so nonchalant you would think she doesn't even realize she's doing it, but I know there isn't a single thing happening tonight that Olivia hasn't planned to a T, and these slow hands of hers are more than purposeful.
After our plates are cleared, Olivia excuses herself. I can only imagine what she's up to now. I make small talk, but all I want is her back by my side. Touching me. I'm feeling like a needy child tonight, but all I need is her touch, and all the madness in my mind fades to black. When she isn't right next to me I feel a little lost.
The lights go down, and the room goes dark except for the glow of sparkles coming from the other side of the room and illuminating Olivia's happy face. She's singing “Happy Birthday” along with the rest of the room, and the absolute joy on her face is better than any gift that comes wrapped in paper and ribbon. The sparklers on the cake simply add to the fact that she already lit up the room simply with her presence.
She sets the cake down as the song ends. "Make a wish, baby."
I blow out the candles and then lay a sloppy, wet kiss on her mouth, and the table explodes with applause and shouts of encouragement.
The lights come up, and while the two of us are standing in front of every one, standing as close as two people can and still be respectful of their audience, I take a moment to give my thanks to everyone for coming so far for my special day. Everyone claps, but I'm not quite finished.
"As grateful as I am that you're all here, there is nothing I am more grateful for than to have this beautiful, strong, brave, sassy woman in my life. Olivia, I know we share a moon, but it occurred to me earlier tonight that we don't share a thing because you are my moon. And you are my stars. I have never loved another person as much as I love you, and I never will. Thank you for this amazing night, but more importantly, thank you for your love. For your strength. And for finding your way back to me. You are the greatest gift I have ever been given."
She leans forward and tips her face up to find my lips, and I can taste the salt of her tears as she kisses me softly. It's a kiss that says she feels the same about me and that we are most definitely meant to be. After her last small kiss, she speaks with her lips still on mine. "So, mushy.” I feel her smile against my lips. “I think you need to show me how much you love me later. I know the perfect place you can show me too."
I feel my dick harden at her simply alluding to the two of us spending the night at Eclipse.
"Is that so?"
As if on cue, the house lights dim once again, and DJ lights start flashing and the music starts playing. We all head to the dance floor and by the time the first song is finished, the cake has been cut and laid out on a table to the side of the wooden floor, set up especially for tonight.
We dance, we drink, we eat cake, and all the while Olivia's hands never stop their leisure assault. All of her touches are just soft enough and inconspicuous enough that those around us don't notice her slowly torturing me. I'm about to come undone, and she knows it.
She always knows.
Finally, she puts me out of my misery. "Baby, would you mind terribly if we were to head back to your place?"
"My place?"
"Yep, I think you know the place I'm talking about. You know the one where all the magic happens."
"Oh, baby, I know the place, but it's our place and don't you forget it."
"I won't as long as you remember it's our moon."
She's referring to my earlier comment, and I just smile back. What else is there to say?
"Let's say our goodbyes and go then."
"Nah, let's just sneak out. I know you, and it will take you an hour to say goodbye. Everyone else is going to stay here at the hotel, they're all set for the night."
Her hand is in mine, so when she starts to walk toward the table, I follow in her sexy little footsteps. She grabs her clutch, and in one fell swoop, she continues walking and never breaks her stride. We take the elevator down from the fourth floor, and when we exit the hotel, there is a car and driver waiting for us.
"You really thought of everything, Olivia. How long has this poor man been out here waiting?"
Our driver, opens the door for us and once we slide in and he shuts the door behind us, she answers my questions.
"Ronan, I knew what time I was going to drag you out of there a week ago. John knew when to be here. Do you really think I would let him wait out here all night? What kind of woman do you think I am?"
"The kind of woman who can put together the perfect night for the man who loves her." I see the blush on her face when the headlights of oncoming cars pass, and it is a thing of beauty. "The kind of woman who still overwhelms me each and every day."
"I love you too, baby, but I sure do hope I can overwhelm you a little bit more when we get to our favorite home away from home." Her words are followed by her biting her bottom lip, and her seduction is just getting started. If she only knew what she was doing to me.
After what feels like the longest drive ever made through Laguna Beach our car finally turns down the little side street that leads us to the back driveway of Eclipse.
Our favorite place to be.
"Thank you, John. Have a nice night." Olivia is nothing but salt of the earth and sweet as pie when she bids our driver adieu.
Two steps later, I nearly knock her over when she stops after taking the first step to the stairs that lead us to our apartment. Just like earlier in the evening, we're nearly eye to eye with her standing on the step above us.
"Ronan, before we go upstairs, I need to say a couple of things." With the full moon bathing her in its warm glow, her beauty is almost a distraction. But as beautiful as her face is, it is also deadly serious at the moment.
"What is it, gorgeous?"
"Baby, I know we've been through a lot lately. I know we've both been through things that will leave their marks on us for the rest of our lives, but Ronan, I miss you."
I open my mouth to speak, but she stops me when she puts her soft finger tips to my lips.
"I know you're here, but you aren't really here. I know that you've had a hard time seeing my bumps and bruises that have been impossible to escape. They remind you of what we've been through and what we both could have done differently but, baby, I'm here. You're here. We made it through, and the only way we're ever going to fully heal is if we can get back to us. Get back to where we used to be. You with me?"
A single nod of my head is all I can give her. Like I told her earlier, she overwhelms me. She somehow knows exactly what I've been feeling without me saying a word. She's scaring the shit out of me, but my relief in her understanding exactly how I’m feeling knows no bounds.
"Ronan, I need to feel you. I need that connection, and I think you do too. I know you think you're going to hurt me, but you won't. I'm better. I'm here. I'm alive, and I want to live life to the fullest with you."
She gently t
akes my face in her small hands and kisses me, and I swear her lips feel like the softest silk.
"Tonight, I want to find us again. Tonight, we need to throw away our fears and our guilt. It's enough, Ronan. They don't get to win. We aren't going to give them any more of us. Deal?"
She holds her pinky finger up, and I link mine with hers. Our solemn vow to leave the past behind us has just been made.
"Good." She smiles a sexy smile and says one simple sentence that hits me like a heart attack. "I plan on worshiping you all night."
When she starts up the stairs and realizes I haven't moved, she looks worried and comes back down to me.
"Hey..."
"But I do the worshiping. I. Worship. You. Olivia."
"Yes, you do and you do it very well. But, tonight is about you. Tonight, is the night I let you feel how much I need and love you. Tonight, is all about you, baby." She tugs on my hand. "Come on, birthday boy."
This time I follow her up the stairs, and it's odd how good it feels to watch her take her own key from her purse and unlock the door. The door to the place I kept hidden for years and shared with no one. I never would have thought the simple act of opening a door would mean so much to me.
This woman has opened my heart and my soul up to a love deeper than I ever could have imagined.
"Did you want some wine?" she asks when we close the door behind us, and she sets her keys on the counter.
"No, gorgeous. I'm fine."
"Good, I was hoping you'd say that." She winks and walks straight to the bedroom. "Now, no more talking."
She doesn't turn the lights on, but she does turn on her phone, and I hear the first song in our favorite playlist start to play. The bedroom is dark with just a hint of our moon slipping in through the blinds. She drops her clutch on the chair in the corner and pulls her long brown waves over her shoulder and steps in front of me. She's leaving the lights off for me. She doesn't want me to see the marks left on her body.
