Christmas Paradise

by Gale Storm

  She tilted her head at him, wondering at his tone. He didn't seem at all pleased that she had enjoyed her stay. The comfort of the guest lodge that was her temporary home and the warmth of his family had made it easy. The individuals at the studio were all creative, exciting people who were awed by her and the work she did with animals. They had made her feel at home. It wasn't hard to adapt. But this didn't mean she didn't miss the mountains, or her former life.

  “I suppose I learned how to adapt from my animals, Tyrone. They aren't in their natural habitat, either, but they're making the most of it."

  He frowned as he opened a desk drawer and handed her a slip of paper. Tarry gasped as she realized it was a check for ten thousand dollars. She almost dropped it as she sat back in shock, gaping at him.

  “I don't understand.” Her lips were dry.

  “Your salary for the past weeks of hard work, Tarralee. I debated paying you more. If you want to negotiate, I'm willing."

  “More...?” She shook her head as she dropped the check onto the wooden top of the desk. “It's too much. I've hardly done anything, other than make myself a nuisance. I ... made everyone do more by doing it over."

  “Tarralee, you haven't been a nuisance at all. You've been a technical advisor to my crew and me. As such, your job is to be a nuisance, to point out everything that doesn't fit. You've done that exceptionally well.” She could hardly believe her ears as he continued. “The money is yours. I want you to do with it as you please, and to realize there will be a check every two weeks until we've premiered. Then, of course, there will be royalties. I want you to talk with the studio lawyer to make sure all taxes, etcetera, are taken care of."

  Tarry could only shake her head in wonder. He was serious. She had no idea if the amount of money was fair or not, but she did know she had never earned so much in her life, much less in such a short time. What had her father said about easy money? “There is always a string attached.” She touched her lips with her tongue and wondered aloud.

  “I guess I could go home now, after repaying your family, of course. I really have—"

  “Go home?” he interrupted instantly, making her look at him. “Why would you?” He paused as he sat forward, “Of course.” His face seemed to grow narrow as he answered his question. “You only agreed to stay for a few weeks. I had hoped..."

  “Everything and everyone have been wonderful, Tyrone. But don't you think three weeks is a long time for your family to entertain a houseguest? Besides, when I talked to Danny, I could tell the arrangements are putting a strain on my brothers, and I do miss ... the dogs."

  “Hell, don't you think it's time your brothers had to share some strain, Tarralee? After all, for fifteen years you've done nothing but shelter them. They will survive.” His annoyed words cut her deeply, even if they were fair. “Who delayed her own future to make sure her brothers always had a safe home, food on the table?"

  He was really annoyed, and she felt confused. Why should he be upset? “If you think I should stay, I can call Danny,” she offered.

  He surged out of his chair, and she shrank into the hard wood of her chair.

  “Damn it, Tarry, have you ever done anything for yourself? Your concern about others is trying, constantly helping the crew who don't need your help, babying Gary, reading him stories, entertaining Dad, feeding the animals, doing the damn dishes when Mom has a maid. Always keeping yourself busy, so that...” He paused then continued without finishing his sentence. “Tarry you don't owe anyone anything, except yourself. Take the money and blow it on yourself. Get some new clothes, go to dinner, see a play, go to the opera, rent a boat, but don't let me hear of you giving the damn money to the animal league or I'll—"

  He stopped as he read the shock on her face. Her mouth was wide open.

  “Hell!” He walked around the desk and dropped to his knee in front of her. “I've done it again. Tarry, Tarralee.” He shook his head, his eyes asking her forgiveness. “What am I to do with you? You're so innocent and trusting—a child in so many ways, and yet I've found myself angry with you half the time since I brought you here. I forget how easily you can be hurt, and how undeserved my jaded opinion is. You're so easygoing, curious about everything...” He caught her hand and rubbed her fingers gently between his. “I didn't mean to sound like a father or a bore just now."

  “You didn't.” She licked her lips, unaware of how enticing the movement was. “You're right. I do get in people's way and make them uncomfortable."

  “That isn't true, and you know it.” Tyrone rose and sat back on the desk as he seriously stared into her eyes. “Quit belittling yourself. Everyone likes you, even Marion, though she hates to admit it. And as far as getting in the way, I'd rather have you in my way any day than the rest of the women on the planet."

  Of course, he preferred her, Tarry thought with bitter sweetness. She made no demands on him. She never interrupted when he was in the throes of his genius or made ripples in his daily schedule. She doubted seriously if he realized she was a woman most of the time. That thought brought color to her cheeks.

  She was a woman, she suddenly realized, with a woman's wants and desires. And he was responsible for awakening this new awareness within her. She had never had an opportunity to express this side of her nature. But since coming here, she had found herself fantasizing about how it would feel to have a man desire her. To wear nice clothes, to experiment with makeup like Marion wore, have her hair and nails fixed at a beauty parlor she had seen on the streets of the city. Since arriving, she had fantasized about how it would feel to have a man make love to her. And the man she thought about doing so was now staring into her eyes with a calm intentness that made her pulse race, her knees weak. She wanted to hear him say once more that he was truly attracted to her, like he had in the cabin. Like her dreams proclaimed each night when she curled up alone.

  “I'll stay until the script is completed,” she murmured. “I'd also like to coach the actors in their behavior before they meet the dogs. I feel it's necessary so they aren't harmed. Then it will take time to introduce the actors to the team."

  Tyrone leaned back on the desk, bracing himself with his hands. Her tone was firm, and she hoped he had no idea what she had been thinking. It wouldn't do for him to realize she was developing more than a fondness for him.

  He seemed to accept her decision as he came to his feet.

  “If you like, I'll have Marion take you shopping, or to the bank, or whatever you need this afternoon. We're almost wrapped up for the day, and everyone is taking off early.” He was turning back to his desk, and she realized he was dismissing her—politely, of course. She stood as he turned to face her. Tarry gave him a thin smile that was meant to be natural, but held a tremulous line.

  “I think I'll ask Linda to go shopping with me. She gave me her number; we were already planning to meet for lunch later. I admire her taste in clothes, and she offered to take me a few days back, and now I have money. It could be a real lark."

  Tyrone didn't smile as she quickly let herself out the door into the silence of the empty studio.

  * * * * *

  Tarry met Linda on Wiltshire Boulevard. The other woman was dressed in an elegant pantsuit, and Tarry felt awkward as they exchanged a hug and Linda led her first to her bank, then to a chic beauty shop on Rodeo Drive.

  “First things first. I'm going to take you to a good hair stylist and manicurist."

  After her hair was trimmed and styled, they went to a sophisticated dress shop and set about outfitting Tarry from head to toe. Linda's intense appraisal of her body as Tarry stripped was disturbing.

  “Amazing what you've been hiding under those men's shirts and jeans, Tarry. You have a lovely figure. Gosh, you really are slim."

  Tarry blushed. Clothes had never interested her before. Her brother's adolescent hand-me-downs had been more than adequate for her former lifestyle. Her natural desire was to be comfortable, and Linda instinctively realized this as she began picking out the es
sentials. She ushered her into the dress section and started a systematic search for everyday wear, dinner dresses and, at last, evening clothes. Five stores later they found them—classic dresses tailored to hug her curves and accent her petiteness. Tarry liked them, touching the polished cotton and silk in amazement as she studied her reflection as she tried them on, one by one.

  “They're you, Tarry. We'll definitely take these, and those other three, also. A girl can't just have one party dress.” Linda proclaimed.

  They piled the packages into her car and were heading back to Malibu Canyon when Tarry suddenly remembered her date with Jason. She couldn't stand him up, but she didn't want to ask Linda to take her back to the studio.

  “Can we stop and use a phone, Linda? I forgot something at the studio.” The other woman smiled and pulled into a gas station. Tarry, knowing that Jason always left exactly at five, hurried to the phone. When she got through, it was Marion who answered the line.

  “Is Jason there?"

  “Afraid not, he left five minutes ago, Tarry."

  Tarry bit her lip. “Do you have a home number for him, Marion? I really must talk with him."

  The other girl hesitated, then Tyrone came on the line.

  “What is it, Tarry? Why do you need to speak with Jason?"

  Tarry's mouth went dry.

  “I...” She closed her eyes as she tried to think of a lie, but she had always been a lousy liar. “I agreed to go out with Jason this evening. But we didn't arrange where to meet. I thought..."

  Tyrone's voice sounded bleak as it came back to her. “I'll find out for you. I'll give you a call at home."

  She swallowed a lump in her throat as the phone disconnected. Tyrone was rarely rude, but he had definitely cut her off. She hung the phone up and walked to the car. Her excitement at shopping receded as she wondered at Tyrone's reaction. He was normally so pleasant and professional with everyone. His reaction disturbed her.

  Once they arrived at the ranch house, she went to her room, hanging each purchase away in her closet. She knew her old jeans and shirts weren't proper for the company she was keeping now, but she was comfortable in them and knew she would never throw them out. They were perfect for her normal mountain lifestyle, like an old pair of shoes one has finally broken in.

  She took a lazy bath, soaking in the bubble bath she had purchased on a whim, then carefully combed her hair and put on silk underwear and makeup before pulling the pastel silky-cotton, knee-length evening dress over her head. She stared at the results in the mirror. She doubted that any of her brothers would recognize her with her new hairdo and in the spaghetti-strap cocktail dress. Gone was the tomboy, and in her place was a woman with gentle features and lovely dark eyes. The excitement that brightened her face wasn't entirely due to the new dress. She had been on several dates through the years, with men from the Forest Service or the local community; and she knew that it wasn't the thought of Jason as much as it was getting out to have a night of fun. That thought lifted her spirits.

  An overpowering shyness gripped her when a knock sounded at her door.

  “Uh ... come in.” Her voice was weak as she turned and faced Tyrone. His eyes darkened as they ran over her. She couldn't tell if he approved of the change.

  “I wanted to talk with you.” His voice was husky and impatient, and she tilted her head as he walked into the room, closing the door behind him.

  She hated that impatience and wondered how to recreate the companionship they had found over the past few weeks.

  “Right now?"

  He stared at her, and she felt horribly self-conscious in the new dress. She turned to inspect her hair again. He remained by the door.

  Finally, she asked, “What did you need to see me about? Did you get in touch with Jason? I hope there wasn't a problem with my cashing the check today. I decided to buy myself some new things. What do you think?” Her sentences ran together as she felt her nerves tighten when she faced him.

  “I think you've done a marvelous job hiding for thirty years."

  “Hiding?” She didn't want to understand what he was getting at.

  “Isn't that what you've been doing, wearing your brothers’ clothes, playing down your feminine qualities?"

  If she had been doing that, it had been totally unconscious and news to her. Her appearance had just never seemed important before coming here and experiencing the emotions of a woman.

  “I don't think so.” Her tongue came out to touch her lips; his eyes followed the movement.

  “And that teasing trick ... is it something you've learned since you've been here, or...” He stepped across the room and stopped in front of her. “Tarralee?"

  She didn't like the cool appraisal in his eyes or the aggressive way he had moved or now stood inches away from her.

  “I don't know what you're talking about. Do you or don't you like the new dress?” she asked him, as if he were one of her brothers.

  “Of course, I like the dress. I like the physical changes too much. You know exactly how much I would like them. Why are you asking me?"

  She couldn't help the smile that lit her features at his husky response. Her lashes fluttered as her skin took on a flushed glow.

  “God,” he mumbled beneath his breath. “Why do you have to be such an innocent?"

  She frowned. “I'm thirty years old. I'm hardly an infant,” she protested.

  “Maybe not an infant physically, but emotionally."

  “Emotionally, I'm as tough as nails. I couldn't have survived otherwise. What are we talking about?” She looked at him, her brow wrinkled in confusion, her nerves completely forgotten as she went on the defensive.

  “We are talking about this."

  One moment he was standing completely still in front of her, and the next he caught her to his chest and brought his head down, his lips covering hers. Tarry wasn't surprised that he kissed her. As a matter of fact, she had been hoping that sometime he would kiss her again. She wanted to kiss him back and feel his reaction, wanted to taste his mouth on hers and feel the strength of his arms. The other times were like dreams. His total preoccupation with his work since their arrival had made her wonder if she had actually imagined his advances before. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, she heard a deep groan break from him. Suddenly he pushed her away, his hands holding her upper arms.

  “You learn fast. I would have sworn you hadn't much experience before we left the mountain. That you weren't interested in experimenting. How many men have you been kissing behind the sets at the studio? If I had realized you wanted practice, luv, I would've been first in line."

  She tried to jerk away. “What are you talking about? You're confusing me on purpose, aren't you, Tyrone?"

  “Are you confused? Strange, you look very cool, Tarralee. I'm the one who's sweating and breathing hard."

  Belatedly, she smelled the liquor on his breath and was shocked. “You've been drinking!” Her eyes clouded. “You're upset with me, but I don't know why? You've been upset with me all day. If you want me to leave..."

  “What I want has nothing to do with your leaving.” His voice was thick, and she felt his hands tighten on her arms.

  “You're angry and hurting me, Tyrone. I want you to leave."

  He laughed softly, his eyes pinpoints as they stared down on the low-cut gown. His grip changed as he pulled her steadily toward him.

  “You're right, sweet thing. I've been drinking, and I'm furious with you. I've been a gentleman too long where you're concerned. I told you when we first met that I found you desirable. Now that you've gotten some experience under your skirt, maybe you won't be so shy."

  His lips touched the thin spaghetti strap of the dress, moving across to the side of her neck.

  “Tyrone, please, don't. You know this isn't right. Tyrone..."

  Her gasp shook her whole body. His fingers had found her breast and were tantalizing her nipple. Then his head dropped, his mouth surrounded the aching tip. The silk
y cotton grew damp from the pressure of his mouth, and her knees weakened. What would have happened after that she could only imagine, because a knock at her door broke them apart. Tyrone immediately turned, smothering a grumbling oath as he positioned himself in front of her, opened the door and confronted the knocker, whoever it was.

  “He is? Okay. She'll be there in a moment.” He shut the door very softly before turning and surveying her with a fierce eye. “Your boyfriend has arrived."

  Her hand was poised over her breast, and she couldn't help the waves of color that washed over her as he waited for her response.

  “He isn't my boyfriend, Tyrone. I don't have a boyfriend."

  He shrugged, and a thin smile touched his lips. “Maybe you should get one. At least then you wouldn't have to worry about drunken advances from other men."

  He left then. She leaned back against the dresser in shock. What was eating him? If she didn't know better, she would have thought he might be jealous. But that was ridiculous, wasn't it? What had she ever done to make him jealous?

  She studied her reflection for a moment and, with a groan, changed the lovely dress. She put on the soft jade knee-length Linda had insisted she get to fill out her wardrobe. She knew the dress changed the color of her eyes, taking the blue metallic glow and making them a dark mysterious emerald. When she met Jason in the living room, she was a vision in green.

  Jason appeared speechless as she came up to him. The family was absent, and only Tyrone was in the room. His eyes were hooded as he judged the other man's reaction to the change in her.

  “I bet you didn't expect her in a dress?” His voice wasn't polite.

  Jason nodded, not looking at anyone but Tarry. Her color rose to match the resentful heat in her blood. She sent a hurt glance at Tyrone

  What in the world was wrong with him? She had never seen him act this way. She decided to ignore the brooding sweep of his eye and smiled radiantly at Jason.