Crossroads of the Heart

by Savannah Maris

  “And mine. Baby, I know you wouldn’t cheat. That’s not you.”

  “You know that, but the rest of the world doesn’t.”

  “True, but let’s be logical about this. Why would you come home from a shoot early to surprise me if you were going to cheat on me.” I know the look I give her holds questions in my eyes. Dammit, I’m only human.

  “Noah, I’ve never cheated. I’ve never even looked at a man that way.”

  “I’ll get Harold to email a copy of the article to me. Until we know exactly what the asshole said, it’s best that we don’t comment.” The tears in her eyes were like a punch to my gut. “Tams, don’t do that. We’ll get through this together.”

  “But you just questioned me. You’ve never doubted me before, and now I know how you felt. I’m so very sorry that my knee jerk reaction is putting us through this.”

  I kiss her soundly. “This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Don’t let him ruin it. We’ll deal with it when we get home. Tomorrow the plan is to make love before we leave, and then again when we get home, understand? I want to tell our son one day that we had sex in two continents on the same day.” My lips tilt in a playful grin as I pull her close. “We’ll combat this together.”

  “And when we have a girl?”

  My lips are no more than a flat line. “Yeah, I’m not telling her that.”

  Tamryn

  The following morning, our flight leaves de Gaulle on time, and it’s seven o’clock that evening when we walk through customs. I make sure I have a baseball cap in my purse to slip on as soon as we disembarked. Even though the paparazzi can’t get to me until I pass through security, anyone with a phone can see me and sell the grainy picture for a few hundred bucks because I’m the hot topic right now. I’m the good girl gone bad, except I haven’t been bad—just careless.

  Noah does his best to shield me when someone tries to take my picture. I keep my head down and let him guide me where I need to go. We finally make our way toward baggage claim when Noah whispers in my ear. I raise my head to see Harold and two men who could pass as extra-large trees standing against the wall. Noah and I continue walking straight as the men fall in around us. Harold shakes Noah’s hand then hugs me. “Paparazzi are everywhere. Tamryn, keep your head down.”

  “Donald should be outside waiting on us.” Noah speaks to the man on the other side of me. “You, take Tamryn straight to the car and plan on riding with us.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He turns to speak to the other man beside him. “You stay with me. Harold, we can have formal introductions at the house. I want these guys with Tamryn until this is over.”

  Noah places a finger under my chin and kisses me as we walk when a flash goes off. “Good, let them print that.”

  One of the security team steps between us and the camera so another picture can’t be snapped. Harold pulls a few pieces of paper out of his bag and hands them to Noah. “Since I decided to be here, I didn’t email the article, but here is it.”

  Noah takes the papers. “Did you have advance knowledge of the article?”

  “No, I was totally blindsided. I didn’t know anything until I received a phone call, and then I found it on the internet.”

  “I’ll look at it in the car and then call the firm. We’ll see what legal steps we can take.”

  When we arrive at baggage claim, a group of photographers catch us off guard. Airport police keep them contained, but they can still take pictures. Noah tilts his head toward the door. “There’s Donald. Keep Tamryn’s face covered and take her to the car now.”

  The guy who’s beside me steps up and put his arm around me. He positions himself between me and the cameras. “Keep your head down, Mrs. Carmichael. I’ve got you.”

  I tuck my face against the side of his chest and bow my head. From the movement of the man’s body, he puts a hand in front of us and one around my back keeping me close. We clear the doors, and I heard Donald’s voice, “Mrs. Carmichael.”

  I look up to see Donald standing there with the back door open. “Hey, Donald. Thank you.”

  “Get in. They can’t see you, and we’ll wait on Mr. Carmichael right here.”

  I slide into the car. Donald stays by the door he’ll open for Noah while the security guy stands beside my door blocking the window completely. I slouch down in the seat to make sure no one can see me. What a fucking disaster. I want to know what’s in that article.

  Time seems to have slowed until Noah gets in the car. I quickly move to him and snuggle in close as he kisses the top of my head. “You’re safe, now. We won’t stop before we get home.”

  “Do you remember what the entrance to the neighborhood was like last time? It’s going to be worse now.”

  “Donald can handle it.”

  “I want to know what Colt said.”

  The car takes off as Noah unfolds the papers in his hand for both of us to see. As we read, Noah’s eyes narrow while my hand covers her mouth. I can’t dispute what’s in the article.

  “What the hell, Tams? Did you tell him that he was your future?”

  “I don’t know. I remember going to the bar and grill. I remember having two tequila shots then Colt arriving. He got me two more shots and a baked sweet potato.” I put my hands on the sides of my head trying to remember. “I drank part of one of the shots he gave me and ate some of the potato. I started talking about us, and I remember telling him he gave me the courage to file the papers. Then things get a little fuzzy.”

  “According to this article, you were talking about me when you said, ‘So he is my past, but you’re my future.’ Did you say that?”

  Tears streak down my face. “I don’t know. I was drunk.”

  “God, Tamryn, anything could’ve happened.”

  “I know I didn’t sleep with him.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I just know.”

  “Well, it’s too late to do any kind of DNA testing. Plus, there was a witness to how intoxicated you were. It’d be rape if anything happened between you because you were inebriated.”

  “What? A witness?”

  Noah massages his forehead. “We’ll find out how good of friends Becky and Dale are, but my PI was in the bar. The bad part is he also knows that Colt stayed at the house all night.”

  “Oh no, Noah.”

  “Look, that morning when Colt stopped by, he said that nothing happened because you didn’t want it to. I don’t think he’d rape you. I just think he’s pissed off that you didn’t choose him in the end, that’s all.”

  “Noah, I promise he didn’t even go into my bedroom. I stumbled down the hall and hit the bedpost. Remember the bruise? So no, he didn’t rape me because he was on the couch, and I didn’t even know he stayed until the next morning.”

  “Harold told me yesterday that he thinks we should hold a press conference. After reading this article, I’m starting to agree with him because I don’t think a press release is going to stop this. I’ll look at slapping him with a slander suit or defamation of character, but that’s all we can do.”

  I finally turn my phone on and my notifications sound like Morse Code as my phone vibrates in my hand. I look at Noah and roll my eyes. “I do not want to listen to all of these. How many do you think are from my mother?”

  “A few more than from mine.” Noah tries to smile.

  I listen to the messages. Three are from my mother, two from my father, two from Noah’s mother, and one from Becky. When I hear Becky’s voice I put the phone on speaker.

  “Tamryn, oh my gosh. We feel so awful. We’ve never known Colt to be hateful. I can’t believe he said all those things. He made is sound like y’all slept together. Oh, honey, Dale went to see him. I don’t know what happened, but he came back with bloody knuckles, a busted lip, a black eye, and a bruised jaw. He said that Colt looked worse. Dale won’t let him come back in here anymore. Please call me and let me know you’re all right. We’re so sorry.”

  Tears roll
down my face as Noah squeezes me. “Tams, it’s going to be okay. They know the truth.”

  “I don’t want to talk to her right now.”

  “I know, baby. Just send her a text. You can talk to her in a few days.”

  I send a quick text to Becky as Donald slows at the gate to the neighborhood. “There’s an idiot in front of the gate. Duck your heads while I punch in the code.”

  We can see flashes going off around the car as Donald eases through the gate. Five minutes later we’re leaving the car. Donald opens the door for me as the big man comes around the rear of the car. “Y’all get inside, and I’ll bring the bags.”

  I lay a hand on the man’s arm. “Thank you, Donald.”

  Noah opens the front door as we all walk in. Harold and the other man arrive before we make it inside the door.

  Harold is the first to speak. “Tamryn, the man beside you is Butch.” I smile and Butch lifts his hand in a slight wave. “Noah, that’s Manny.” Noah sticks out his hand to shake Manny’s then Butch’s.

  “Thank you, guys. We’ll be moving soon, so I’d like it if you would stay on board with us until we do.”

  Both men agree.

  “I’m going to call my office, but Tamryn can fill you in on our schedules until we leave. Both of you will be with her anytime she leaves this house.”

  “Noah…”

  He walks to me and cups my face with both hands and rests his forehead on mine. “Tamryn, do not push me.” His gaze drops to my tummy. “If we created a life while we were gone, they,” he points toward the door, “are not going to bother you. And these guys,” he points toward Butch and Manny, “are going to guarantee it. Sorry, sweetheart, that’s how it’s going to be until we move.”

  I close my eyes. “I know you’re right. I just hate living like that.”

  Noah kisses the tip of my nose. “I know.”

  38

  Tamryn

  “Tamryn?”

  “Momma.” Relief washes over me at the sound of my mother’s voice.

  “Baby girl, what is going on? They’re saying things that just can’t be true.”

  “Is Daddy around? I’d really like to tell both of you together.”

  I hear my mother call my father to the phone. “Pick up the other phone, Earl. Tamryn’s on the line and wants to talk to us.”

  “Baby girl? What’s all this stuff about?”

  I take a steadying breath. “I met a man while I was in Saluda. Nothing happened, at least on my side of the equation. He wanted more, but I told him I was married and we could only be friends. The night after I filed the divorce papers, I got drunk. He was nice, made sure I got home safely, but I didn’t know until the next morning he’d stayed the night.” I hear my mom gasp.

  “He slept on the couch. Some of the things he said that I said that night, I may have, I don’t know, but I did not sleep with him. I’ve been faithful to Noah.” My chin quivers because I never thought I’d be defending myself to my parents.

  My father is the first to break the silence. “Tamryn, we always worried about something like this happening, and tried to warn you to stay away from these situations, but what’s done is done. I know my daughter, and I know you wouldn’t do that. Sweetheart, we’ve got your back.”

  With my father’s words, the flood gates open and the tears fall. “Thank you, Daddy,” I say between sobs.

  “Tamryn, baby, what can we do?”

  “I’ve always tried to keep you out of the craziness of my career, but can you come to Atlanta? We’re holding a press conference tomorrow and I’d love to have my family around me.”

  “Baby, we can’t leave tonight, but we can leave out first thing in the morning. Can it be in the afternoon?”

  “I’ll tell Noah because I want his parents here, too.”

  “Let us know what you work out. We’ll call them and the four of us can ride down together.”

  “Thank you.”

  My parents reassure me of their love before the call ends. My next call is harder because my in-laws are going to think I’m a Jezebel. My fingers shake as I press my mother-in-law’s speed dial.

  “Tamryn. Are you okay, honey?”

  “Ma, we’re okay, but I wanted you and Dad to hear the truth from me. Can he get on the phone too?”

  “Adam, can you come here? Tamryn wants to speak with us. Tamryn, I’m putting the phone on speaker.” I wait until I hear my father-in-law.

  “Tamryn, is this boy telling the truth?”

  “Hey, Dad. Not exactly.”

  I repeat the story to my in-laws. “Tamryn, do you remember this man from that rodeo?”

  “No, ma’am. If it wasn’t for the picture in the restaurant, I wouldn’t have ever known he was there.”

  Adam clears his throat. “Sounds like he’s been carrying a torch for a long time. That kind of thing can be hard for a man to swallow.”

  “Dad, I didn’t know. I tried not to lead him on, and I repeatedly told him we could only be friends. He even admitted to Noah that my filing for divorce was a green light for him even though it wasn’t for me. He knows he’s lying.”

  Sadie’s soft voice comes through the phone. “Okay, sweetheart. What are y’all going to do?”

  “We’re holding a press conference tomorrow. I’m asking Noah to arrange it for the afternoon because I want our parents with us.”

  “I’ll call Earl and we’ll drive down together first thing in the morning. We’ll see you before lunch.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  Adam says in a soothing voice, “Hang in there. Noah will handle this.”

  “I know, but he shouldn’t have to.”

  Sadie’s sweet voice is like a long-distance hug. “We love you, both. Give him a kiss for us.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I hang up the phone and go in search of Noah. I walk in while he’s mid-sentence, so I leave a note requesting for the press conference to be in the afternoon and that our parents will arrive by lunch. Noah looks at the note and nods as he continues speaking, “I want it held in the main lobby where the firm’s name is boldly in view behind us.” I stand in the doorway listening in awe of my husband handling this situation. His firm is used to this with all the A-list stars they represent, but this is a first, and last, for me. “We’ll read our statement and answer five questions. You know who to pick for questions. Make this happen and run smoothly. Yes, tomorrow afternoon. Thank you.”

  Noah disconnects the call. I’m staring at him when he turns. “Tams, you okay?”

  I blink and shake my head. “No, no, I don’t think I am.”

  “Do you want to lie down while Harold and I work through this?”

  “No. I made this mess; I should be a part of cleaning it up.”

  Noah

  It’s Sunday morning and the effects of our travels are setting in. With one arm tucked behind my head and the other wrapped around Tamryn, I couldn’t be more content as I contemplate the events of the day. I’m glad we’re having the press conference today instead of a work day. I only wish I could control the questions that’ll be asked.

  Tamryn’s breath and gentle graze of her lips on my nipple brings me out of my reverie. I bow my head to see her looking up at me.

  “Good morning, sire.”

  “It is a good morning, my lady.”

  Tamryn’s hand slides below the covers and leaves a trail of heat on its way to my cock. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her hand wrapping around me. It doesn’t take long before I’m hard in her hand and want to be inside her.

  “Roll over, let me taste you.”

  “Oh, Tams, I think I’m saving that for the long spell after you give me a baby.”

  “You sound mighty confident, sire.”

  “That’s because I am.” I wink. “Now turn over. I don’t need a wench this morning, I need my lady. I need us to be on the same page and connected to each other. As long as we have that bond, nothing or no one will come between us.”
/>   She rolls to her back, and I follow her. Her legs spread and I rest between them. I kiss from her neck to her shoulder, and down her chest before scooting down her body enough to worship her breast with my mouth. With my hands beside her breast and my weight on my elbows, I cup each one so they sit up perfectly for me to suck her nipples. They pucker from the cool air circulating in the room, so I flatten my tongue and swipe each one then watch them pebble more. I love how responsive her body is.

  I bring a nipple into my mouth, and I massage the other with my hand. As my tongue wraps around the hardened nipple and I suck, she arches her back and moans. I move to the other side, and her hips roll up to rub her pubic bone against my body. Through the years, I’ve learned her reactions, and her body is telling me she’s ready. I work my way back to where I want to be as her legs move up and down mine. “Please, Noah.”

  “Please what, baby.”

  “I really want you inside me.”

  “I know, but I want to take my time.”

  “Hmm, please.” Her breathing accelerates.

  “Slow deep breaths, Tams. I’m going to make it good for you.”

  She wraps her arms around me and tangles her fingers in my hair while I grind my cock against her. I slide into her core, her inner most muscles tightening around me, and I think I’ll lose it too soon.

  “Tams, look at me. I need to see your eyes.”

  She opens them as I request and I see the love she has for me shining through.

  “This is us, baby. No one comes between us.” I slowly move in then out to the very edge. “When everything is going crazy around us, we come here where there’s just the two of us. To our most basic act of love.” I move back in as tears leave the corners of her eyes. “I love you, Tamryn Fields Carmichael, with everything that’s in me. I will protect you from all harm. I will worship your body for the rest of our lives. You are mine and I am yours, forever.” My movements quicken as I drive us to the highest climax and over the edge.

  “Noah…” She smiles as she cries with the look of pure ecstasy on her face.