by Erika Rose
“What do you think?” Sandra asked exuberantly.
“Hmmm…” Mia tried to think how to put it delicately.
Sandra burst out laughing, “Not for me, silly. It’s for you.”
Mia frowned, “For me?”
“Yes, I saw it and just knew it would look perfect on you with your tan and dark hair.”
Mia laughed, “Honestly I’ve never worn red before.”
“Well go on, try it on.” Sandra pressed the dress into Mia’s hands, “The dressing room is right around that corner.”
Mia hesitantly took the dress and headed to the dressing room.
Mia walked out of the dressing room tugging the dress down. It was a futile move, only showing more of her cleavage and when she tugged it up, her thighs were on display.
“Oh Mia, it’s wonderful!” Sandra exclaimed as she spotted her.
“I don’t know Sandra, it’s very….” Mia sounded very unsure. “Short.”
Sandra laughed and took Mia’s face in her hands, “Honey, you’re only young once, and you’ve got the legs for it, so why not show them?”
Mia grabbed the price tag from under arm, and nearly fainted at the amount. “It’s too expensive. I can’t afford this.”
“You’re not buying!” Sandra quickly pulled the price tag from the dress and walked over to cashier. “Can I pay for this please, before that young lady tries to?” The cashier looked quite intimidated and immediately rang it up. Mia headed back to the dressing room to change out of her new very short red dress when Sandra tapped her shoulder. “Here’s a bag for your clothes dear, please do keep on that dress. I’m planning on taking you to lunch at one of these fabulous restaurants on the beach.”
“Sandra, it’s really not necessary.” Mia tried to explain before Sandra held up her hand.
“No one said it’s necessary, I’m on holiday and I’d like you to join me for lunch.” Mia noticed the same determined expression she had seen on Jason’s face before, and knew it was futile to argue. She obligingly took the bag and placed her clothes in there before following Sandra out the door.
“Well that’s some swing you’ve got there, tiger,” Ted joked as he and Jason clinked their glasses. After a leisurely morning of playing golf they had decided to enjoy lunch at the club. Ted smiled to himself, wondering if Sandra’s plan was working on her end, it was time to bring his part. “So how’s business doing with you so far, away from it all?” He asked.
Jason raised his eyebrows, “Actually, surprisingly well. I’ve manage to run everything via conference calls and emails. All my managers are in top form and make their own decisions, they only run the big ones by me.”
“That’s good, I’m glad for you.” Ted kept quiet, hoping Jason would expand more on the topic.
“I’m actually sad to go back, I’ve enjoyed this time in Hawaii. It doesn’t feel like I’m running on a hamster wheel from morning to evening.” He took a long pull from his beer before continuing, “It’s just, I don’t know dad. I’m happy here.”
“I can see that,” Ted smiled into his glass, “So why not stay here?”
“Come one dad, let’s be serious. This was just a working holiday, it isn’t real life, besides Angelique would never live so far removed from her fame.”
“Well since we’re being serious, you need to do what makes you happy as well Jason, it’s not just about Angelique.”
Jason felt his temper rising, but he also knew what his father said was true. If he liked it in Hawaii why didn’t he stay? Why did he need to go back to San Francisco and buy more businesses? He already had enough money to last him for four lifetimes, it wasn’t like he needed the money. He actually enjoyed the supervisory role he was playing at the moment while keeping his hand in.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” He said looking at his father, hoping he understood not to bring Mia up after last night.
“You do that, now what do you think those women are up to?”
“I’ve had just about the best day.” Sandra said as she and Mia sat on the beach each holding a cocktail.
“I must say it’s been quite fun.” Mia agreed.
“I’ve always wanted a daughter, although I do love my boys. But they just don’t get things like shopping and color schemes.” Sandra sipped at her cocktail as she smiled at the thought.
“Well at least you’re getting a daughter-in-law in a couple of months.” Mia wanted to smack herself for mentioning Angelique. She’d enjoyed a lovely day with Sandra and she didn’t want to be reminded of Angelique.
“Oh honey, I’m not so sure.” Sandra said resigned.
“Why? What do you mean? Did Jason say something?” When Sandra’s eyes flew to meet her own, Mia knew she had just given herself away completely. She wanted to explain herself when Sandra narrowed her eyes and watched her intently. For a moment it felt like she was under scrutiny, before Sandra smiled and said on a sigh, “Actually dear, Jason hadn’t said anything, but it wasn’t necessary. I don’t think I’ll be getting the daughter I’ve always wanted in Angelique. She’s refused to meet us on several occasions, and at this stage I’ll be surprised if I meet her before the wedding at all.”
“What?” Mia said before thinking, again. “I mean, how do you mean she’s refused to meet you?”
“Oh honey, Jason keeps making up excuses for her, but it’s become quite clear to us, she doesn’t plan to be involved with his family.” As Sandra spoke a tear slipped down her cheek.
Mia instinctively got up and put her arms around Sandra, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t upset me, honey, it’s just the first time I’ve said it out loud. Please don’t tell Jason about this.”
“Don’t worry, it’s our secret.” Mia said as she hugged Sandra again, finding comfort and acceptance in the older woman’s embrace.
Sandra pulled back after a while and smiled at Mia warmly. “Tell me more about your writing.”
Jason and Ted had just sat down on the terrace with another beer when they heard Mia’s Jeep pull up. The laughter of happy women drifted their way, and Jason and Ted looked at each other half skeptical if there would be anything left in the shops.
Jason saw his mother walking toward him holding a bunch of bags, but completely lost focus of her when he noticed Mia. He was certain his mother spoke to him, but he didn’t hear a word. Mia looked sexy as hell. Her hair was windblown from driving back, her eyes bright and happy and the dress… Words couldn’t describe it. It was red, and clingy and showing off her beautiful legs and dipped just low enough to hint at her breasts. He felt his breath catch, his blood pumping faster, the telltale movement between his legs. Mia smiled at him or at his father, he wasn’t sure which, but that smile packed a punch that made it uncomfortable for him to move.
“Jason, Jason,” His mother tapped him on the shoulder with a smug smile, “Be a dear and help Mia take these up to our room.”
Jason wanted to tell his mother he couldn’t stand or walk just then, but it was awkward enough getting a hard-on with his parents a few feet away. He stood up turning away from them and walked closer to Mia, his eyes on hers. Luckily her eyes didn’t wander or she would’ve seen the exact effect that dress had on him. They walked up to bedroom in silence, the air thick with desire. Mia briskly put the bags down and headed out when Jason grabbed her arm. He wanted to tell her she looked beautiful, to give him a chance, instead his temper took over. “That dress is inappropriate around my guests.” He said through clenched teeth.
Mia pulled her arm out of his hold and glared back at him, “Your mother bought it for me. What was I supposed to say? I can’t wear it or your son will get a hard on?” Mia felt his eyes travel down the dress again, a bolt of desire so strong shot through her that she had to catch her breath. “That’s why it’s inappropriate, isn’t it Jason?” She said as her eyes focused on the bulge in his pants. She knew she shouldn’t taunt him, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.
“When
they leave, I’m going to finish this.” Jason said walking towards her.
Mia retreated, “Finish what?”
“This,” Jason said as he slammed the door closed behind her, and pressed her into it. His whole body touching hers from hip to shoulder. Mia felt the slow burn of desire curl in her belly as Jason crushed his mouth against hers in hunger. She turned her head away from him, needing sanity, anything that would take away this burning ache of love she felt for him. Instead he feasted on her neck. Nipping, kissing and trailing down her throat. Mia didn’t want him to stop, but his parents were downstairs and he was still engaged. In a breathy voice she whispered, “Your parents.”
Jason pulled back and looked at her with determination in his eyes, “Like I said, when they leave I’m going to finish this.”
Mia opened the door before turning back and smiling sadly at him, “There’s nothing to finish, Jason. It’s already over.”
Chapter 15
Jason sat in his study reading through Mia’s manuscript. He didn’t know what he expected, but he didn’t expect it to be this. She had a real talent for writing. His mother had requested a copy of her manuscript and without arguing Mia had offered it to her as a going-away gift. Jason had talked his mother into giving it to him at the airport, promising to have a copy delivered to her within a day. He didn’t know why he needed to read it, but he was enjoying it. For the past few weeks he had taken every free moment and hid out in his study reading her manuscript. Her writing was vivid, quirky and the conflicts her characters dealt with were realistic everyday problems. Readers would love this, he thought. He scanned and mailed a copy to his assistant asking her to make sure a copy got delivered to his mother the same day they had left. After finishing the last page, on impulse he asked his assistant to send it to the head editor of his publishing house. He didn’t know much about publishing, but if this editor thought Mia was worth publishing, it would be worth calling in a favor just to get her a read. He could hear Miku finishing up the final touches in the kitchen, and if all went well the entire house would be finished in two days’ time. It hung over his head like a guillotine. He was no closer to a decision about Mia, although he didn’t feel right about making a decision after not seeing Angelique for so long. He hadn’t gone through with his promise to finish what he had started with Mia that afternoon in the guest bedroom yet he ached to every moment. He wanted to touch her, to hold her, to tell her again he loved her, even if she didn’t want to hear it. He needed to say it. The weekend with his parents there had been what he had always wished for Angelique when she met them. Yet it was Mia who laughed with his mother, who took her shopping, who made secret jokes when he and his father weren’t looking. Somehow he couldn’t even see his mother getting along with Angelique at all. He had so much on his mind and yet he had no idea what to do about any of it. His father’s words stayed with him. It wasn’t too late to change your mind, live the life you want to live. If only he didn’t have a damn conscience, he would’ve left Angelique a long time ago. But he couldn’t leave her for not trying if he hadn’t even really given her a chance yet, could he?
Mia helped Miku sweep up the last bit of dust from the kitchen, as one of his crew polished the new concertina folding windows. “So you’re finished?” Mia asked carefully. She knew this day was coming, but she had tried to imagine it wasn’t ever since Ted and Sandra had left. Somehow she found herself in love with his parents as well. She had made sure there weren’t any opportunities for Jason to finish what he had started, but now with his departure imminent, she couldn’t help but regret that she didn’t tell him how she felt. She should’ve spent every night with him, showed him how much he meant to her, instead she had hidden away like a scared cat, afraid of being caught in a tree too high.
“That’s right, I’m collecting my final paycheck in a couple of minutes, which means Alana and I are going out on the town tonight!” Miku did a little dance with the broom that had Mia smiling, “Care to join us? My treat!”
Mia laughed, “No you two go and enjoy it. I still have some things to finish up myself before Jason leaves tomorrow.”
“You sure that’s a good idea Mia?”
“No, but it’s my job.” Mia said shrugging her shoulders.
“All right, but you know the deal,” he put a hand on Mia’s shoulder and said in a somber tone, “our couch is your couch.”
Mia hugged him, grateful that she had such good friends, “I know, thank you.”
The guy finished up the windows and told Miku he’d be waiting for him in the truck. Miku turned to Mia. “Well my dear, let me go and collect the bacon.”
He waltzed off, and Mia couldn’t help but smile. This was one of the biggest jobs Miku had ever done and was sure to gain him enough credit as renovator to line up more big jobs.
After paying Miku, Jason walked into the kitchen in search of Mia. He found her in the pantry contemplating ingredients. “Don’t worry about dinner.”
“Why not?” Mia said without looking at him as she reached on her toes for a box of pasta.
Jason softly placed his hands on her hips and turned her around to face him, “Because I’m going to take you to dinner in that sexy red dress, then I’m going to spend the whole time telling you how much you mean to me, and when we come home I’m going to fuck you, hard. Then I’m going to make love to you slowly and fall asleep with you in my arms.” His eyes blue eyes were serious. There wasn’t a hint of laughter in them. Mia swallowed hard, she could already feel the telltale tingle of desire between her legs at his crude words, and the tears gathering in her throat at the softer ones. She shook her head, no, she can’t. She doesn’t want to hurt even more than she already is.
Jason took her face in his hands and asked softly, “Please Mia, give me one night to say goodbye to the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. One night to cherish for the rest of my life.”
Mia couldn’t. She couldn’t refuse when he was looking at her like his whole life depended on her, like he needed her more than air. She smiled and slowly turned her head to kiss his palm.
Jason slowly pulled back and whispered, “I’ll pick you up at seven.” Then the mischievous grin was back, promising to drive her crazy. Mia laughed as she walked back to her cottage, excited and petrified of her last night with Jason Pike.
At seven o’clock sharp, there was a knock at her door. Mia felt the zing of nerves tangle and untangle in the pit of her belly. Jason was here. She gave her reflection in the mirror a last glance and approving her make-up and hair. She grabbed a small black purse and opened the door. She wasn’t prepared for what was waiting behind it. Jason’s hair was still wet from the shower, dark blonde wisps escaping behind his ears. He was wearing a chino with a button down shirt the color of his eyes. In his hands he was holding a small bouquet of flowers. The white lilies were offset against soft pink roses. The sight of them stilled her heart for a moment.
“Jason, you didn’t have to bring me flowers.” She said earnestly looking into those ice blue eyes.
“Well, I’ve tried before…” His words trailed off, both of them remembering the morning he had set flowers on the breakfast tray when Angelique had phoned. “That doesn’t matter, I’m doing it now.”
He handed her the flowers, and softly brushed his lips across her cheek. The sweetness of the gesture made her melt. She pushed back the emotion tightening her chest. She had promised herself tonight she wouldn’t hold back. She wouldn’t let the doubts and guilt allow her to ruin it for herself. It was one night she had to cherish for the rest of her life. She was going to make it worth it.
Jason offered Mia his arm and led her towards the main house. “Did you forget something?” Mia asked as she walked beside him.
Jason could barely remember which day of the week it was, never mind if he forgot something. He had one thing on his mind, and that one thing was causing him to walk faster. “Jason?”
He pulled Mia along until they were inside the house and led her to his
study. Mia looked at him confused when he closed the door behind them. He walked towards Mia with a determined stride, “If I don’t do this now,” he picked her up and put her on his desk, “I’ll be thinking about it all during dinner, and I won’t be listening to a word you said.” Mia’s eyes widened when he unfastened his trousers.
“Two Mai Thais please,” Jason answered the waiter before he turned to Mia with a smug grin, “I bet you he has no idea I just had you on my desk.” The naughty glint in his eye had Mia throbbing again. Could she want one man this bad?
“Jason, there are people around us.” Mia said shyly.
“I don’t care, I’m the luckiest man in the room at this moment, and I have a feeling I might even get luckier later tonight.” He cocked his brows twice and Mia couldn’t help but laugh.
“I must say I’ve never thought of doing that, but it was quite fun in a naughty way.” Mia blushed as she thought back to possessive way had held her hips as he thrusted into her. His eyes had glazed over with passion, and she had to agree, he had only warmed her up for the repeat performance later.
The conversation flowed easily as the wine that followed the Mai Thais. They both refused to admit that it was their last night together. Tomorrow he would be leaving Hawaii, and when he returned he would be bringing his wife with him. They leaned close when they spoke, and every now and then Jason would take her hand and kiss the inside of her wrist. A move Mia had never known could weaken her knees.
When the waiter came by with the dessert trolley, Mia smiled sultrily at Jason as she said, “No thank you.”
“I thought you loved crème Brule?” Jason asked as the trolley was pushed away.
“I’ve got something else in mind for dessert.” Mia ran her foot up the inside of Jason’s leg, luckily concealed by the long tablecloths.
