“Don’t you dare move, I want to hold you.” His hazel eyes demand for me to remain just where I am.
I twist against him. “I’m a little wet.”
His just fucked eyes look me up and down, accompanied with a slanted smile. “Yes, you are and I like it.”
My hands clasp tightly around the back of his neck. “I love you so much.” I tell him, saying it like it’s the last thing I will ever say.
Jonny caresses his mouth against mine. “I love you, too.” He is not only saying the words. It is the way in which his eyes fall on me that truly express how he feels. No words are needed to tell me just how much this wonderful man loves me . . . his loving spheres have already done so.
I am blessed to know and feel this, every single time he looks at and touches me. I honestly believe that there is not a single woman on this Earth who is happier than me. I have my girls and I have him . . . for now that is.
Jonny is not yet gone, but already I know how big a hole he is going to leave in my heart when he goes to New York. “I am going to miss you so much when you go to America.” The loneliness in my words, already have me needing to get closer to him. I wrap my arms tighter around his neck, sitting as close as I possibly can against his body.
“It’s not forever, Jessica. I will be back before you know it. I think that while I am away, it will give you the time you need with your girls and time to settle into work with Lydia.” Jonny says, stroking my back with a thoughtful finger.
I gasp as my wet hand covers my mouth. “Oh, shit! I must phone Lydia. I need to thank her for helping you with my surprise with the girls today!”
“There is no need. I have already spoken to her, she is over the moon for you, I am sure she won’t mind you calling her tomorrow?” Jonny amorously kisses my neck.
I pull away from his mouth, smiling. “You really have thought of everything today, haven’t you?”
Grazing my jawline with his teasing teeth, Jonny replies. “Every single day of my life, I will think of everything to do with you, Jessica.” I trace my fingers across his defined pecs, a lazy trail of appreciation across his dewy skin while his doting fingers lightly stroke my back.
Getting more comfortable in his watery lap, I rest my head on his shoulder. “I still cannot believe what the two of you have done for me.” I sigh, loving how he feels against me.
“We both knew how important it was for you to see the girls, particularly before Christmas.” Jonny says.
I bring my head up, looking into his relaxed eyes. “If Shawn doesn’t let them come up on the 22nd, I will want to see them on the Sunday or Monday before Christmas if that’s okay with you?”
Jonny happily nods, kissing my head. “Of course I don’t mind, my darling. Although, it would seem, I may have to consult with the fuck fairy in order to allocate some very important us time before I leave.” I smirk at his words. His heated hazel eyes narrow on me, before he cheekily winks. If my thong wasn’t already wet, it certainly would be after that!
Tilting my head with a salacious smile, I reply, “Don’t you worry handsome, I have the fuck fairy on speed dial!” He laughs, a warm and relaxed laugh. “So tell me about this place you have found in Cheltenham?” I ask.
Jonny grins. “It’s right in the centre of Cheltenham. It’s a rented serviced apartment with two double bedrooms, security system and a weekly maid service in a regency style building. I’ll show you the pictures tomorrow.”
Still holding onto his neck, I wriggle around in his lap; unable to contain my excitement. “God, I love you Mr. Riley. It sounds absolutely perfect.” I enthusiastically tell him.
“I think you and the girls will love it.” Jonny confidently replies.
Cupping his face with my dripping wet hands, I kiss him. “I know we will.”
As soon as I get up the next morning, I cannot wait to call Lydia. After tapping in her number, I impatiently wait for her to pick up. “Hey Lydia, it’s Jessica. I just want to thank you for sorting things out between me and the girls.”
“Oh, darling, it’s my absolute pleasure. Jonny tells me that things went really well yesterday?”
I plonk myself down onto the bed, lying back with an irrepressible smile. “Yes, they did. I don’t think it could have gone any better, all things considered. Lottie was even really keen to stay with us yesterday. She and Jonny got on really well, I was pleasantly surprised.” I enjoy telling Lydia about yesterday. Remembering it, helps me to let it sink in that little bit further. Allowing me the joy of knowing that it really did happen. I know we have a long way to go with Lissy but I still feel incredibly happy.
Lydia listens attentively, surprising me with her intuitive question. “Why do I sense a teensy tiny but coming?” How the hell does she do that?
I smile at Lydia’s spooky sixth sense. Sitting up and crossing my legs on the bed, I sigh loudly down the phone. “But I think Lissy found it much harder, meeting Jonny. I knew it would be for her. She is a deep thinking and very sensitive girl.” I admit, with an edge of worry.
“It’s a lot for her to take on board, darling. She agreed to come to London and she has met Jonny, that was a brave step for one so young. I am certain that with a little more time and patience, she will be fine.” Lydia cheerily says.
I laugh. “That is exactly what Jonny said. I am probably worrying over nothing, Lydia. After meeting him and going shopping, Lissy even said that Jonny wasn’t that bad. That is a positive thing, right?” I ask.
“It certainly is, Jessica. She is just worried about Shawn. She told me that she feels terrible about her Dad. She feels like she is upsetting him by seeing you, betraying him further by having anything to do with Jonny. I managed to convince her that if she really wants to see you, then it would be inevitable that she will have to see Jonny too. I explained that her Dad would know this as well. That it doesn’t mean she will love her Dad any less, by choosing to see you.”
I smile. I only wish my beautiful friend could see it. “You really are wonderful, Lydia. I honestly cannot thank you enough.” I gush down the phone at her. Time and time again, Lydia has been a true friend to me. She is yet another reason to be wearing a big smile on my face today.
Lydia groans with embarrassment. “Honestly, Jessica. It was Lissy and Lottie who made the first move; they just needed a gentle bit of guidance from myself. Jonny was the real mastermind behind most of it, darling.”
Again that big smile returns to my face. “I am very lucky to have him, I know that.” I say, absently stroking the bed covers while thinking of Jonny.
“So Jonny was saying he has rented a place for you in Cheltenham. That will make things a lot easier for you, won’t it?” Lydia asks.
A mixture of happiness and sadness soon blankets me. “It would seem I will be spending quite a lot of time up there, once Jonny has left for New York.” I lie back, my mind races while my heart thumps with dread in my chest.
“It will take your mind off him being away, I suppose?”
“Definitely,” I quickly reply.
That almost choking panic, grips me again; its randomness often completely throws me off guard. Sometimes I feel I can cope about New York, then there are the times that I feel too fragile to dwell on it. I swing between complete happiness and insufferable fear. I know that being with Lissy and Lottie will certainly help. However, with each passing day. I still cannot stand the thought of Jonny leaving. The closer we get to it, the more it knots me up inside. I try to push the anxiety away because I have so many things to be thankful for, right now. “So how are things your end, Lydia?” I ask, trying to steer my thoughts as far away as possible from New York.
“Wonderful, my darling. Work is busy as always at this time of year. Oh! I nearly forgot to tell you. Jake and I, have decided to move in together.” What did she just say? Moving? Her and Jake? To-fucking-gether! I cannot believe she has just slipped that so very casually into our conversation. My excited squeal soon fills the room.
I am now
deliriously happy, bouncing around on the bed. “Oh, my God, Lydia! That is bloody fantastic news. Is Jake moving in with you? When, where, why and how? Shit, Lydia. I need details . . . pronto!” I am babbling like a crazy fool, I know that but this is a big deal. Lydia Mason is settling the fuck down! Shit!
Lydia is laughing. “Jake is moving in with me this week, darling. We wanted to be together for Christmas.”
“Congratulations!” I almost yell down the phone. I am just so bloody excited for Lydia. My once completely commitment phobic friend, who has only ever had one real long term relationship, and that was with her hairdresser called Guy, is actually moving in with her man. How very wonderful!
Holding my hand against my happy heart, I reply. “Shit, Lydia! This is huge. I am so excited for you. We certainly have something else to celebrate when you come down on the 22nd now, don’t we? I will have the champagne chilling on ice for you!” I tell her excitedly.
“Please do, darling. I cannot wait to see you. Jake, on the other hand, is looking forward to rekindling his bromance with Jonny.” Together we sweetly giggle, proud of the gorgeous men in our lives.
“If my girls come too, that will be my Christmas, well and truly complete.” I say, happily twisting my hair around my finger.
Lydia’s jovial tone turns serious. “Are you going to ask Shawn?”
“The girls want to ask him first, but I will if he refuses.” I bluntly reply.
“Hopefully he won’t.” Lydia says, trying to sound positive.
“I don’t want to hurt him, I really don’t, Lydia. But I want to see the girls over Christmas. Lissy has already told me that she wants to be home with him on Christmas Day, I truly understand that. I am just hoping, he will allow them to join me on the 22nd instead.” I wish I could explain to my dear friend just how important it is that I see my girls over Christmas. As a mother, it would be excruciating to be without them. I cannot allow my first Christmas with Jonny, to be my first Christmas without my daughters.
“I am sure he will. He let them come yesterday, didn’t he?” Lydia says.
I sigh down the phone. “Yes, he did.”
“Well then, what are you worried about? He knows the girls have missed you, he won’t want to spoil their Christmas.”
I feel my spirits lift. “That is true, I hadn’t thought of it that way.” I reply, feeling a little better.
“So don’t worry, darling. All will be fine.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, Lydia. Listen, I am going to have some breakfast now. I congratulate you on your big news and I will see you soon . . . love you!” I tell her.
“You certainly will, Jessica. Take care of yourself and that lovely man of yours. Make sure you have that champagne flute ready for me, when I see you at Christmas.” Lydia says, laughing down the phone.
“I already have, bye now.” I still have a smile on my face. Regardless of New York, today I have realised just how blessed I am. I am surrounded by truly wonderful, thoughtful and supportive people. Not forgetting, Lydia’s fabulous news. Miss I Will Never Settle Down, is doing just that . . . settling down!
I can barely contain my excitement as it’s the morning of our Christmas party. We have all been busily preparing for this day with an almost childlike joyfulness. I knew the Christmas spirit was well and truly present, when I heard Beef happily humming the tune of Fairytale of New York to himself while he helped the delivery men carry up the boxes of alcohol earlier on.
Mary is surrounded by her much needed ingredients. The ones that she will soon turn into a dining extravaganza of festive merriment for us all to savour. The kitchen is filled with her favourite CD of choir songs as she calmly begins to work her magic. The Christmas cake she has made, sits majestically upon the worktop. It is simply stunning; three tiered with crisp white icing and decorated in ruby red ribbons and delicate pearlised sugar balls in antique gold. It looks far too sublime to eat, but of course this evening it will be devoured and rejoiced by our appreciative taste buds.
The apartment has also been decorated to perfection with tinsel, lights, mistletoe and garlands. It is like walking into a festive fairytale full of enchanting magic. All the trees have been dressed modestly with hundreds of tiny fairy lights. Once switched on, they will become glowing things of beauty.
For all of the Christmassy wonderfulness that surrounds me, I am actually more excited by the fact that my darling daughters will soon be here to enjoy it too. Lissy and Lottie are just going to adore what they see when they arrive. Shawn has gracefully agreed that the girls can be with me for the Christmas party, on the condition that they are returned home on the Sunday. I am so exhilarated, knowing that they are going to be here soon. I have bought them two party dresses each, so they can choose which one they would like to wear when they get ready.
Jonny and I, decided to keep our party outfits a surprise for one another. After searching and searching, I finally fell in love with a short, sequined, plunge back dress in emerald green. As soon as I slipped it on, I knew it was the one. That dress is most certainly going to get me a festive fuck! With a wicked smile adorning my face, I find myself missing Jonny. All morning I have been up to my eyes in Christmas preparations, so I decide to go and seek out my gorgeous man.
I find him in the dining room, showing around a young lady. His loving smile and attentive eyes still make my heart miss a beat whenever I see them.
Jonny holds out his hand to me. “Jessica, this is Frankie. She has come to help Mary today.”
I smile warmly. “Hello Frankie, we appreciate you being here.”
She nods sweetly. “It’s my pleasure.” Her dark coffee eyes look at me, big and bright. Her chocolate brown hair is tied low and neat on the nape of her neck.
“So most of the food will be brought out here but I’m sure Mary will explain everything to you,” Jonny continues to explain, looking at the large table in front of him.
“Have you met our wonderful Mary yet?” I ask, politely interrupting,
Frankie smiles. “Yes I have, she certainly is going to be busy today.”
I laugh. “Indeed she will. Did Jonny tell you how hard it was trying to convince her to actually accept any help at all?” I look across at my loving man, who agrees with a nod and a smile.
“No, Mr. Riley didn’t.” Frankie glances in his direction, her dark eyes are wide with surprise.
“We managed to persuade her in the end though, didn’t we Jessica?” Jonny smiles.
I lovingly nod. He looks so relaxed and happy today. I do love to see a relaxed and happy Jonny. “Well rather, you did Jonny. You could literally charm the birds from the trees,” I reply with a playful squeeze around his waist. “It is lovely to meet you, Frankie.” I hold out my hand, her small hand shakes mine in warm return.
“You, too.”
I stand in front of Jonny, both hands affectionately on his chest. “Darling, the girls will be here shortly. Lydia will be arriving with Jake at roughly 3p.m. What time is your mum coming?” I ask.
Jonny places his hands on my lower back, gently pulling me against him. “Mum is coming with Harry and Stephanie but not until 6 p.m as she has a pre-Christmas art workshop lunch to attend. Everyone else will be here at 7 p.m.”
“Okay . . . well everything is sorted, what time will the band be arriving?” I ask.
“5:30pm.”
I smile, pleased that everything appears to be running smoothly. “Right, I will leave you to it then . . . see you in a bit.” I place a rushed kiss upon his waiting full lips.
“See you soon.” Jonny says, delaying his look away from me. I hold his adoring gaze for as long as I can. Slowly, I sashay out of the room. Using my very best ass wiggle because I know it drives him crazy. I couldn’t resist. I am feeling on top of the world today. I feel like we are a normal couple doing normal things. We are just two people, preparing for a Christmas party with friends and family. Yes! Today is most definitely . . . a good day!
I am in the large reception ro
om, making sure it is ready for when the band arrives. Beef walks in with a broad smile. “Hi, Beef.” I greet him, while putting framed photographs safely into a box.
With the sun coming in through the large window, his equally large shadow stretches out across the room in front of me. “Morning Jessica. I just wanted to let you know that your girls have arrived. They are in the lift now.”
My excited body reacts with a nauseous swirl within my stomach. “Oh, thanks for telling me. Come and meet them.” Without thinking, I grab his massive yet smooth hand. We briskly walk out of the room and wait by the lift doors. When they open, the girls momentarily just stand there; trying to take in the grandeur of the apartment. Simon is grinning at me, looking sideways at the girls’ astonished expressions.
“Don’t just stand there girls, come and give your Mum a cuddle.” I beam at them both, with welcoming outstretched arms.
Lissy is the first to rush up to me, quickly followed by Lottie.
“This place is amazing!” Lissy blurts out.
“I will show you around in a minute, was your journey down okay?” I ask, stroking their hair. They nod together, still in a trance-like state as they scan the rooms nearby.
“How are you, Simon?” I ask.
“Great thanks, Jessica.”
“You go and get some rest after your drive . . . we’ll see you later.” I tell him, giving him a grateful smile.
He lightheartedly huffs. “Thanks, though I don’t know whether I will get much rest today, Jessica. My girlfriend is so excited about coming tonight, she wants me to take her to the hairdressers and the nail salon today.”
“Good for her. You should never stand in the way of a woman trying to create perfection, Simon.” I giggle.
Simon rolls his eyes, smirking. “The thought would never cross my mind.”
Laughing at his sarcasm, I wave. “Take care, I will see you soon.”
As Simon turns to step back in the lift, Lottie looks over her shoulder at him. “Thank you for picking us up,” she says so sweetly.
A Famous Affair Page 39
