Fantasize

by Maggie Mundy

  He could see that look in her eyes as if she was waiting for him to say ‘I love you’. Mitch married her to help her, not because they were in love. He wasn’t good enough for her. Once she felt safe, he would leave. The sex was good, but she needed to be with someone who loved her from the minute he proposed to the day of the wedding. Mitch knew what real love looked like. He saw it when he looked at Cassi and Declan together.

  The plane taxied down the runway and started to take off. Mitch peered at the inflight magazine and read the same paragraph ten times. Gemma still held his hand, but he knew she would have a job straightening her fingers again. He eventually let go as the plane leveled out.

  The air stewardess came over with a drink and he chucked it straight back. He would have to start taking it a bit more easily on the booze. Gemma leaned across and whispered.

  “I know how to make you relax. I’m going to the restroom. In two minutes, come and knock three times.”

  Mitch watched her sashay away as she turned back and winked at him.

  He knocked on the door and she let him in. The room was small with a sink and a toilet. He’d lived in flats with smaller. Gemma locked the door and pulled him close. She opened his jacket and undid the belt on his pants. She pulled them down, along with his boxers. From the minute she had winked at him, he had a raging hard on.

  Gemma bent down and opened her mouth. She didn’t wait and took him in, sucking hard. His balls jerked in need at what she was doing. He guessed the two of them might not have much time and Gemma knew it. Her tongue made circles around the head of his cock and then dipped into the hole at the tip. It was like an electric shock going straight to his balls.

  Her hand went back and massaged his balls, and then rubbed the area between them and his ass. He gripped onto the sink behind him. She took him deeper and he could feel himself hitting the back of her throat. He could get lost in the warmth of her mouth that was almost as hot and smooth as her pussy.

  She groaned deep in her throat and the sound encouraged him to thrust his hips. He wouldn’t last long as her fingers pressed into his butt. He bit down on his lip to stop the loud grunt as his seed poured forth into her throat. Gemma slowed but didn’t stop as she let him move to release himself.

  Gemma moved back, smiled, and helped him pull his pants up. She pulled a small bottle of mouthwash from her pocket. His wife was resourceful. Someone knocked at the door.

  “Are you finished?”

  Mitch recognized Sasha’s voice and tried to keep the grin off his face. She would give him hell when they got on land. Gemma winked and unlocked the door. Sasha wagged her finger at them as they walked back to their seats.

  Gemma leaned across. “Well, that got your mind off flying. I think you will be fine now.”

  “Does this mean I get the same on the way back?” Mitch asked.

  “It depends. If you behave yourself in Australia then I just might.”

  The food came, which was better than he thought it would be. Probably back in coach the food wasn’t so great. Later, Mitch settled down to sleep. The flight took eighteen hours and they had to stop and change planes in Melbourne. One more hour in flight and they would be in Adelaide.

  There were only a few photographers and reporters at the airport. More celebrities would be arriving in the next few days for the wedding. It was being held at the winery Declan and Jack’s dad owned. There was a group of holiday apartments on the grounds, and they would all be staying there. A limousine was waiting outside to take them once they got through customs.

  As soon as he walked outside, the heat hit. It was like opening the oven door. Mitch was used to the weather being hot on occasion in L.A., but not like this. He was glad when they were in the car with the air conditioning going full blast.

  The drive took about an hour as they traveled through countryside. The grass was yellow from the heat and the only green was from the vineyards. Occasionally, he caught a glimpse of the ocean as the waves glittered in the sunlight. The limousines stopped at the main house where they would be staying, which had more of an appearance of a French Chateau than the other Aussie houses they had passed. Declan and Cassi were waiting inside. Tommy was in his element with two big sheepdogs.

  Mitch was thankful the house was air conditioned, and he could see the blue of a pool out the back. The introductions were done and even Declan and Jack’s mother was there, even though their parents were no longer together. Declan came up and patted him on the back.

  “Is it hot enough for you, mate?”

  “I’m melting. I can see why you came to live in L.A.”

  “There’s a cool change coming in tomorrow and so the wedding on the weekend should be fine,” Jack said.

  Tommy rushed over and grabbed Gemma’s hand.

  “I’ve seen a kangaroo and a koala and a really big spider. It was this big.” Tommy held his arms wide and Declan shook his head.

  “It was a huntsman and about the size of my hand. They don’t kill you but looks a bit scary. Let me show you to your rooms and then you can come back for a drink or a dip in the pool.”

  ****

  The day of the wedding arrived. Mitch was thankful he didn’t still have the floaty feeling as if he was on the deck of a ship going up and down. The weather was exactly as Declan said it would be as the guests all made their way to the back of the chateau where a large tent was in place. Famous people from around Australia and stars from the States were there. A helicopter buzzed overhead, trying to get shots for the local television station.

  Gemma looked beautiful in a red dress that dipped at the front and teased him with a little glimpse of cleavage.

  “You look stunning.”

  Gemma smiled and it made his heart jump. The two of them sat in the second row on Cassi’s side of the marquee. There were less people, and he knew Cassi was annoyed her parents still didn’t want to be part of her life. She had invited them, but they said she no longer existed the day she walked out of their house. It would be the last time she would make an effort to contact them. She had Audrey now.

  He looked across to Declan and Jack waiting for Cassi to walk up the aisle. Music started and Mitch and Gemma glanced back. Tommy walked down with a cushion that held the rings. He went to stand next to Declan. One of Declan’s cousin’s little girls had a little basket with rose petals. She threw them at people and then started to place them on the red carpet. Then he saw Sasha and noticed the grin on Jack’s face. Declan’s brother kept trying to get something going with Sasha, but she wasn’t having any of it. His reputation preceded him, but then again, she liked to play the field as well. Declan’s smile indicated Cassi was coming.

  Audrey and Lionel stood on either side of her to walk her down the aisle. It was so nice she still had people who would stand by her. Lionel had never had a daughter to walk down the aisle and was beaming from ear to ear.

  The ceremony was beautiful and when it came to the vows, Gemma grabbed his hand. Declan spoke first as Tommy held his mom’s hand.

  “I bless the day I went for a walk in the hills outside of L.A. and sprained my ankle. I met a beautiful lady who has made my life worth living. You are courageous, kind, and a little bit wild. I promise to stay by yours and Tommy’s side and to love, protect, and honor you.”

  Cassi took his hand and Tommy put his over the top.

  “I never thought I would meet someone like you. Tommy and I are so glad you came into our lives. You have made me not only feel loved but safe. I know the future with you will be a journey I look forward to. I promise to love and be there with you for whatever it may bring.”

  The marriage celebrant said they were man and wife, and they exchanged rings.

  “You may kiss the bride.”

  Declan kissed Cassi as Tommy ran to the front of the dais and shouted, “Mommy is having a baby.”

  There was silence, and then Declan and Cassi burst out laughing. Everyone joined in and Mitch was sure it would be in the papers within minutes as
there were official reporters there. Declan kissed Cassi and then turned to everyone. “It’s true.”

  Outside, photographs were taken and everyone kept coming over and congratulating them. Mitch looked to Gemma and wondered if she ever wanted kids. It was not a discussion the two of them would ever have. He wouldn’t have a temporary marriage and leave her with a child. As he watched Cassi and Declan, he could feel his mind and his heart making a choice.

  He wanted to stay married to Gemma. He wasn’t sure if he loved her, but he didn’t want to let her go. He would not go back to being a paparazzo. There was no way back. He would start his own business and prove he could be successful and make her proud of him. One day, he would renew their vows and it would be special, and all her family and their friends would be there. He would make up for the Vegas wedding and give her what she deserved.

  ****

  Back in L.A., the whole wedding experience felt like another world away. He still hadn’t changed his mind and intended to make a go of his photography business, and he had a plan. Gemma was seeing Julia and he was going to pay a visit to Audrey at the center she had set up. The building was huge and only half of it was in use. He had an idea and hoped she would be willing to run with it.

  He walked into the building to see what changes had been made. The downstairs now was split into a kitchen at the back where Cassi and Sasha were making their picnic baskets. Audrey had an artist galley where she was working and teaching. There was another area which he was going to approach her to use.

  Audrey came over and kissed him on the cheek.

  “I see you caught the sun a bit. You’ve that lovely Latino color to your skin. These days I hide myself under a wide-brimmed hat. I have enough wrinkles.”

  “I can’t see any wrinkles, just a beautiful lady.”

  “Such flattery. If I was thirty years younger, I might be interested, but you’re already taken and so am I. What are you after, Mitch?”

  There was no point in beating around the bush with Audrey. She had radar for picking up dishonesty. “I wanted to approach you about using this space to set up a shop or studio.” Audrey didn’t answer to start with and stared at him. He was over a foot taller than this women and yet he had a sense he was being assessed. Audrey raised an eyebrow as she tapped her lip with her finger.

  “I sense I’m not getting the full story here. There’s a little coffee shop down the street. I think it would be nice to chat there. They do some lovely French pastries I’m susceptible to. You can buy one as a bribe.”

  Mitch ordered the coffee as Audrey sat by the window. The place wasn’t too busy, so hopefully people wouldn’t be listening in. He wasn’t so well known as Gemma so no one would be spying on him. In truth, it would be good to talk to someone about the arrangement with Gemma. He didn’t want to bring it up with Gemma unless she told him to go and it was all over. He sat down.

  “So, I think you need to talk and I promise to be silent as the night.” Audrey grinned.

  Mitch took a deep breath. This could blow up in his face, but he would take the risk. Gemma respected Audrey and would take her advice. If Audrey said she should leave him, Gemma would consider it. Audrey was the mother to these women when their own let them down.

  “Gemma and I have an agreement. The marriage is temporary and is to keep Brandon away from her. Once she feels completely safe, it’s over. It’s a scam.” There, he said it out loud and let out a deep breath as his shoulders relaxed. He always shared everything with his sister, but this time he hadn’t. He didn’t want her to feel guilty for taking the money.

  “Now, that is interesting. I’ve seen the two of you together. There is an attachment to each other. If you don’t mind, can I ask why you agreed to such an arrangement?” The waitress brought the coffee and cakes over.

  “My sister, Lili. She’s all I’ve got and means everything. She’s studying to be a doctor, and Gemma gave me enough money to pay Lili’s study debt. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

  “I’m sure there were other incentives for you to agree. So what’s changed? Is Brandon back?”

  “No. He’s still working in Florida. The bottom line is I don’t want the marriage to end. I don’t know if it’s love. I’m not the sort to believe in such things. My parents hated each other and Nan brought us up.” He wasn’t used to telling people this shit. His hands were clammy as he rubbed them on his jeans.

  “But then you saw Cassi and Declan. Those two make us all feel anything is possible. So where do I come in in all of this?”

  “She respects you. I need to prove I can make a go of my work. I want to give her the money back. I want to teach people who can afford it and still teach others at the refuge who can’t. I’ve an idea for a book of Hollywood stars in poses from stars of the past.”

  Audrey sipped her coffee and then put the cup down. “When I first met Gemma, I didn’t like her. She was fake. I’ve lived too long to put up with it. I was going to put her aside as an annoying friend of Cassi. Then I saw it was a defense. Everyone had expectations of her. I sensed she considered she was letting them all down. By the way, I love the idea of the book.”

  “Good, because I’d like you to be Bette Davis. I think Gemma might be willing to do Marilyn Monroe in the nude shoot.”

  Audrey laughed. “I agree and I assume we keep up the subterfuge. Thank goodness you didn’t ask me to do a nude shoot. I know my limitations.”

  “You don’t know my skill as a photographer, though. I think Lionel would love it.”

  Audrey blushed. “Until you get going, you can pay a peppercorn rent. Just make me look fabulous or I will make you regret the day you were born.”

  ****

  Three weeks later, the place was coming together and he would start advertising classes. Gemma was busy on the show and didn’t ask any questions, though he thought they might come soon. Today he was going to do the shoot with Audrey.

  Bec, one of the makeup artists from the show, was doing the styling. He was paying her to do the makeup and hunt down the clothes needed. Gemma had arranged to meet an old friend and he thought it would be good if he stayed out of the way.

  Bec did an amazing job. The makeup and hair made him think Audrey was channeling the long-dead star with the high arched brows and the big red lips. The dress was a classic, off-the-shoulder, navy-blue satin look. Audrey even managed that stern condescending expression Bette Davis had been known for. Somehow he didn’t think that was so hard for her. Three hours later and another costume change, and the shoot was nearly finished. Mitch checked some shots as the door behind him opened. He turned to see Gemma. Fuck, this was not how he wanted her to find out about this.

  “I knew it. You’ve another woman. I thought I could trust you, Audrey, but how can I compete with Bette Davis?” Gemma laughed and came and hugged him. “So this is what you’ve been up to. Sneaky.”

  Mitch kissed her nose and Gemma grinned, but his throat went dry as everything was about to change. “How did you know I was here?”

  She wagged her finger at him. “I didn’t, but I was chatting to Sasha on the phone and she said you were here.”

  Audrey came over and hugged Gemma.” I’ll go and get changed while you two catch up on things. I need to see Sasha about some baskets to order for Lionel. We have a delightful little soiree coming up. I’ll send you the invite. By the way, I think Mitch wants to ask you something.”

  Gemma smiled and looked up at him expectantly. He couldn’t speak, or maybe he was afraid to know what her answer might be.

  “So you and Audrey have been setting this place up behind my back. I’m not intimidated by many women, but she is one of them. That aside, I like this place.”

  So far so good. At least she wasn’t crazy angry or running a mile. “It’s only been finished this week and I start classes next week. I’ve a few jobs coming in, but I wanted to do a book of Hollywood stars. Audrey agreed to be my first sitter as Bette Davis. I was wondering if you would be willing to be Mari
lyn Monroe if we redid the Playboy shoot.” He didn’t realize how much he wanted this until he noticed he was holding his breath.

  She grabbed his hands and hopped from one foot to the other. “Oh, my God, yes. I love it.” She jumped into his arms. He put his arms under her butt and held her against him. He was getting hard already, thinking about her naked in the shoot. He kissed her passionately, pressing against her lips and thrusting his tongue into her mouth. She opened to him willingly, as always. A cough broke through his thoughts of getting Gemma naked. He ended the kiss and looked around to find Audrey and Bec grinning at them.

  “I assume she agreed to be Marilyn?” Audrey asked.

  Mitch nodded and smiled as Gemma and Bec hugged each other.

  Bec tipped up Gemma’s chin and then twisted a strand of Gemma’s hair through her fingers.

  “I’ll need to get a wig, but I think it will be perfect. I’ll get a white dress as well if you want to do the subway air shot,” Bec said.

  Mitch wanted to be happy. The studio looked good and he believed the concept for the book would work. The problem was him. He would laugh and smile and hope things would all turn out right.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Two weeks later, Gemma couldn’t believe the miracles Bec performed with a wig and makeup. Gemma pulled her toweling wrap tighter. It was all she had on. It was only going to be Bec and Mitch at the shoot, but she still couldn’t stop the shakes. She always had a no-nudity clause in her contracts and this was definitely pushing the envelope for her. She needed to trust Mitch in this like she trusted him elsewhere.

  The studio had the heaters cranked up and she was glad of the warmth. At least her nipples would not be sticking out like beacons, though Mitch might like that. He came over and smiled.

  “You okay about this? I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”

  She could see from the concern in his eyes he meant it. This was important to him and she wanted to share in it.