TJ wanted to make it clear to Kelly he didn’t love her, and he wanted to show Tina he meant what he’d said, that he would straighten things out and make it right. Tina held first place on his priority list now. Leaning back in his seat, he sighed. TJ hoped he hadn’t just wasted his money on yet another ring.
After about twenty minutes, TJ checked his watch. Kelly was late. He was about to call her when he saw her at the front door, chatting it up with the doorman. She was always the social butterfly. Kelly looked up, saw him glaring at her, and walked toward his booth.
“Hi, darling.”
“Don’t ‘darling’ me. Have a seat.” She tried to sit next to him, but TJ pointed to the seat across from him.
“So what was the emergency? I was telling my girlfri—”
“I told you not to tell anyone anything. Especially a lie like what you’ve been spilling around town. We are not engaged. We never got engaged and we never will.”
“But I have the ring.” She waved her hand in front of him.
The biggest mistake he made in his life was staring at him. He wanted to puke.
“And might I add, it has your inscription. To Eternal Love, TJ and Kelly.” She smiled a sickening smile.
“Hand it over. I can always have it melted down for scrap. That’s all it’s worth anyway.”
“Why are you like this? It’s not like you’re the paragon of faithful relationships. Remember, you met me on a shoot, just like this other chick you’re with. Isn’t that the M.O. for our people in the industry?”
TJ shook his head. Had she always been this shallow? Yeah. “Not decent people. And I don’t know where you got your facts from that I’ve been cheating on you anyway. I wasn’t caught in bed with your best friend. By the way, how is Lawrence? I notice you’re not going around bragging that you’re marrying him.”
Kelly looked down at her hands.
“Well?”
“We broke up, okay!”
“Really? That was short lived.”
“He said he was sorry for what happened and he was too ashamed to come to you to apologize. He’s asked you to forgive him.”
TJ thought a moment. Lawrence actually did him a favor. He showed him Kelly’s true colors. Forgive? It would take a very long time, but the anger he once had toward his friend had subsided.
“Anyway, I told him I loved you, that I made a mistake and we were going to get married.”
“You got one out of three correct. You never loved me, and we’re not getting married.”
She waved her hand in dismissal. “It’s just a matter of time. But that’s okay. We’ve seen people in “committed” relationships before, and you know they have someone on the side.”
“That’s true. And I don’t think much of those people. Present company included.”
Kelly sighed in what seemed like exasperation, which irritated him to no end. What she said made no damn sense. True, other people fooled around, but they didn’t. At least he’d thought so. Once he made a commitment, that’s what it was, a commitment to one person. He’d thought she’d felt the same.
It dawned on him that he really didn’t know Kelly at all. The woman who he thought different from the rest in the industry had the same mind frame as everybody else. She just hid it better than most, and was seriously misinformed about him.
A far cry from Tina. Tina wanted the same kind of commitment TJ did. She’d give him her all as he would her. TJ could and would be everything to her, and he knew in his soul that’s what she’d be to him.
“Give me the ring, Kelly. It’s over between us. And to make sure you don’t cause any more mischief or spread rumors, I will tell every agent, photographer, author—hell, I’ll post it on the fucking internet—that we are not engaged and you’re a crazy assed liar. No one’s going to want to work with a nutcase.”
Her mouth opened in shock. “This can’t be because of that bimbo I saw you with the other night. All I have to do is show up at one of your—”
“Don’t...you...ever...refer to my future wife as a bimbo. If the threat of losing what little reputation you have in the industry isn’t enough for you, I’ll file a Restraining Order against you, too. And remember, I could call you a few choice words, and I have evidence.” TJ wanted to leap over the table and throttle her. He mentally counted to ten and took a deep breath. This must have been a test from above.
“You can’t be in love with her!” she screamed. “You said you loved me, that I was special, and that we understood each other!”
Kelly started getting louder and waving her arms frantically. People in the next booths looked over at them.
“Stop it!” TJ grabbed one of her hands. “I thought you were different, but you showed me that you’re like all the rest. You know the one’s you said put on an act for the public.” He released her hand. The ring fell on the table and he grabbed it before she had a chance.
“This is going to be melted down. I wouldn’t even think of pawning it, since our names are engraved in it. It might be a bad omen for the next couple.”
TJ got up and left her sitting there.
“You’ll be back. Watch and see. She’s just like all the rest. She’ll find someone else...”
TJ left the Conga Room, hearing Kelly’s voice fade in the background. The only time he wanted to see Kelly was on a cover of a book—one dimensional, and no emotions. How ironic. He’d refuse to pose on any covers with her again. TJ was a hot enough commodity he could choose and refuse his co-models. If anyone wanted them both on a cover, they’d have to superimpose his image with Kelly’s. Problem solved.
TJ meant what he’d said about melting the ring down. He went to the local jewelry mart and talked with the owner about having it melted down and receiving the proceeds.
A few hours later, it was done and he got the nice tidy sum of seventeen hundred dollars. He grinned and pocketed the money. When he checked his, watch TJ saw he had just enough time to do a little shopping.
While he and Tina were at the shoots, TJ managed to sneak in her dressing room and check out her clothing. He got her clothing, shoe, and underwear sizes. Knowing her bra and panty size should score him brownie points. He wanted to surprise her and went into one of the most exclusive clothing boutiques on Fifth Avenue. At first, he felt a bit awkward, never having really shopped for women’s clothes before. Maybe an occasional hat and purse, but the woman usually accompanied him. She picked the item and he bought it. This time TJ flew solo, but the knowledge he had gave him confidence.
Now, TJ had to make sure whatever he bought Tina fit her taste. Finding clothing for women resembled a science project. You had to take your time and gather the pieces together. He took his time and made all the right choices.
Once he left the register with his purchases, TJ made a beeline back to his hotel. It was very late and he had to be at the shoot bright and early. The rain finally stopped and the weather channel was reporting sun for tomorrow.
After reaching his hotel room, he took a shower and settled down for the rest of the night. TJ called Tina to just tell her goodnight, and that he’d spoken to Kelly in person. After they got off the phone, excitement kept him awake.
Tina would soon be Mrs. Jaxon.
Chapter Eleven
After the monsoon rains from the days before, the skies were clear and the air was fresh. Fresh for New York that is, Tina mused. A beautiful day.
With her favorite latte in hand, she walked over to the crew already set up in Central Park. Today’s shoot seemed tame compared to what they’d been doing. In other words, they’d be mostly clothed. She smiled about that.
Still, Tina couldn’t be at ease about TJ. After all their talks, things were moving fast, maybe too fast. This Kelly incident didn’t help matters. But maybe that could be a good thing and would slow things down between them. TJ seemed convinced he would and could straighten things out and they would be a couple. Actually, if she understood his last statement, more than a couple.
&n
bsp; Was she even ready for more? Marriage? She’d dated a few good men, but never considered marriage to any of them. So why make allowances for TJ? Why could she see herself with him for the next forty years? What made him so special?
In this industry, good-looking men like TJ came a dime a dozen, even though those darkly handsome looks of his made you stop dead in your tracks. A true Bad Boy, with those brooding eyes. A natural look for him, whether on camera or in person.
A no nonsense guy, pretty straightforward. In spite of what she thought his true intentions were, instinct told her he didn’t play games. TJ didn’t beat around the bush when he told her he wanted her. Every night for the last couple of days before she went to sleep he let her know that. Not only did he verbalize his intentions, he showed it—no apologies. Boy, did he show it. If Tina were honest with herself, she wanted him to show her again, which explained why she thought it best to stay away from him for a while to allow things to cool. But it didn’t, she just missed him more.
And Lord have mercy, he mentioned engagement ring, the last time she’d seen him. He had to have been teasing, and yet, the thought wouldn’t leave her.
Tina thought someone called her name and she turned, but no one had, at least not verbally. TJ stood a few feet from her near a tree. She felt the caress of his gaze. Her skin immediately flushed, every cell prepared for him. How could she have forgotten the impact he had on her? Even without touching her.
Someone took her cup just as TJ approached and took her hand. She didn’t even hear Steve’s directions. TJ took all her attention. Naked he took her breath away, but clothed in a lightweight buttoned down shirt which was completely opened, giving hints to that well-defined chest and rippled abs, the man exuded sex. He wore white linen slacks to match the white halter-top dress she wore. They matched perfectly, in more ways than one.
TJ raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “You look beautiful,” he whispered.
Tina heard the click of a camera, which seemed odd to her because she knew they weren’t in position. They were supposed to take pictures near the big tree a few feet behind him. She could see the picnic blanket with the props laid out for them. Ms. Bare had explained earlier that this was a picnic scene in the park and it was a beautiful day for it.
She let him lead her over to the tree and lean her against it. All the while some part of her registered the camera crew following their every step and the camera documenting their every move. But she really didn’t care anymore. TJ spun her so his back rested against the tree. He placed one foot against the bark and pulled her to him, so she rode his knee. Did she really fool herself into thinking because they were clothed it would make a difference? Her panties were soaked and he knew it.
When his head leaned down toward her she knew this was not going to be a mock kiss. His lips covered hers and Tina opened to him, circling her arms around his neck, oblivious to everything and everyone. Steve’s voice eventually penetrated the haze TJ’s kiss had put her in. TJ responded to the instruction by stopping the kiss. He took her hand and guided her over to the picnic blanket. Good thing one of them remembered what to do.
She took a deep breath intending to focus, but Steve yelled out, “Hang on a second guys, take five.” He walked away from them with Ms. Bare to take a look at the monitors with the photographer. TJ took her hand and captured her attention. She looked down at their entwined fingers and smiled before looking up into his face.
“I need you to know something,” he said. “I spoke to Kelly last night and set her straight. It’s over. It’s just you and me now.” He kissed her palm.
“Are you sure?” she asked wanting, hoping to believe him.
“Yes, I’m sure. You are for me and I am for you. Believe it! Believe me.”
Tina raised her free hand and caressed the side of his face. He’d shaved, because his skin was smooth. In the other pictures, he had that five o’clock shadow. The I-just-rolled-out-of-bed sexy look going. This scene projected a more clean cut picture but just as sexy. He leaned into her palm and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked right at her and mouthed the words, “I love you,” just as the photographer came back and got off a shot.
Her heart beat against her chest in joy. Elation infused every facet of her being. He loved her. He loved her. And she loved him. Had from the first time she set eyes on him. Sometimes you just know. All of a sudden she began to laugh. TJ leaned forward and kissed her, and the photographer caught it all on film.
“Let’s see what’s in the basket,” TJ said, lifting the lid on the basket sitting between them. He took out two glasses and a bottle of wine. TJ opened the cork and poured them each a glass before handing her one. “To us,” he said, raising his glass to lightly click against hers.
Tina noticed there was something dangling from the stem of her wine glass.
“What...?” She raised it to eye level, her brain unable to process the information her eyes were sending. A ring hung from a white ribbon attached around the stem of the glass. TJ put his glass down and pulled the ribbon loose, freeing the ring.
He took her glass and set it to the side, and took her hand. “I meant what I said. Believe in me. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I told you I’d prove to you I could be trusted. Be my cover model forever. Marry me.”
Tears pooled in her eyes, but when she raised her gaze to his they were clear, full of assurance convention, and love. Yeah, there was love there. She didn’t trust her voice. Instead shook her head, hoping he’d understand as he placed the ring on her finger. “There, that belongs there,” he said in a husky voice.
“Yes. Oh, yes.” She threw her arms around him and began to cry while he kissed away her tears. Then she heard the cheers. She pulled away from him and looked around. The camera crew and passersby who’d stopped to watch the photo shoot surrounded them. Everyone cheered and clapped.
“That’s a wrap,” Steve said with a big grin on his face.
“I think this is going to be my most beautiful cover,” Ms. Bare said, smiling.
TJ pulled her to her feet. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ve got some celebrating to do.”
“Where are we going?” she asked still unable to believe what had just happened. “Don’t you want to see the shots?”
“We’ll see them. Right now, we have more important things to take care of.”
He waved down a taxi, and as soon as it pulled to the curb they jumped in.
“I have a surprise for you. I hope you like it.” He kissed the inside of her neck then her cheek. Then he held her face by the hand and covered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately, almost forgetting they were in a cab.
“Hey, buddy, get a room.”
“I plan to.” He laughed.
They arrived in front of a building with an ivy-covered façade. Expensive cars were pulling up and out of the entrance.
“What’s this?”
“Our Private Oasis.”
“Oh, TJ, how wonderful.”
“Thanks, but that’s the name of the place.” He pointed to the door.
On it fancy lettering in gold calligraphy proclaimed it, Our Private Oasis.
They laughed.
Once they checked in, they went to their room. Neither had any luggage. TJ opened the door with his cardkey and allowed her to enter first.
The room was spectacular and very romantic. It was done in a Valentine’s theme, pink and white all over with fluffy carpet, plush furniture and a huge bed, all done in pink and cream satin.
“TJ...I’m speechless.”
“We have to take care of that.” TJ said. “Here, go put these on.” He picked up several decorative boxes already placed on the bed and handed them to her. He’d ordered the things from the hotel store and made arrangements to have them placed in the room he’d reserved.
“You bought these?”
“Yes, I hope you like everything and it all fits.” He smiled even harder.
Tina could
n’t ask for a more attentive man.
“Hurry now. I’m having room service sent up. I have more surprises in store.”
“Okay.” She ran into the bathroom, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. If this was just a spur of the moment plan, she could only imagine what their honeymoon would be like.
Chapter Twelve
Tina opened the first box and took out a gown as soft as a butterfly’s wing and so sheer it left little to the imagination. She opened the second box and pulled out matching lace underwear even more translucent than the gown. Each piece represented an exquisite work of art, and as a model, she’d seen many beautiful articles of clothing. She held up the cream colored pieces and looked in the mirror. The lace was so delicate she hesitated to put it on for fear of tearing it.
A knock at the door of their room had her pausing. She heard TJ letting room service in. Quickly, she put on the bra and panties then slipped on the gown. Facing the mirror, she gazed admiringly at herself. The cream colored fabric of the gown clung to every curve. Tina could hear TJ telling the bellboy where to put the food, then sending him on his way. That was her cue to re-enter the room.
As she walked through the door, a bare-chested TJ stood up and smiled approvingly at her. She did a little pose for him, twisting and turning, before beginning her classic catwalk a few feet toward the bed where he stood beside the cart.
“It’s a wonder all the men don’t jump on the catwalk and try to get to you,” TJ said, bending to grab the hem of her gown. He cocked his head a bit to glance at her as he straightened.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“This gown was a good idea at first, but now... I dunno.”
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