Inked Chaos (22 page)

“Oh
hell!” I exclaim and again bury my face into AJs neck, overwhelmed with embarrassment.
 I hear AJ chuckle as he grabs my hand, and with my head bowed, he leads me off
the dance floor.  

We head
through to the other marquee, finding Jen and Razor talking to Razors parents.  Joining
them, Jen gives me a pointed look with a questioning raised eyebrow.  I just
smile in response.  She wants to know what’s happened, but it will have to
wait.  Razor on the other hand is a different matter.  He takes one look at
both of us and turning towards AJ asks, “Sorted?”

“Sorted.” AJ replies and that’s it, no more needs to be said.

Jen asks
Davy and I to help her change out of her dress, and we all head upstairs.  As I
knew they would, no sooner has the door closed behind us that they go into the
third degree.  After managing to get a word in; I supply as much information to
keep them happy, without giving away anything too personal.  Then I tell Jen
off for not telling me the truth about what was occurring.  After explaining
that the decision was taken out of her hands, I forgive her and we all have a
group hug, then start helping her to change.

“So are you going back to AJs?” Davy asks.

“Yes.  I’ll
go back and gather all my things tomorrow.  He says it will be safer for me at
the house, and I know he’s right.”

“When are you coming home? I miss you.”

“A
little over two weeks’ time, I have a meeting at the publishers that I have to
attend, and I need to check the house.  Why?”

“I can
go and check the house, and you could have your meeting over the internet.” She
states.

“Okay,
what’s going on? Anyone would think you don’t want me to come home.”

“Don’t
be silly.  Of course I want you to come home; didn’t I just say that I miss
you? I’m just thinking that maybe you would be safer here with AJ, and the
security team that’s all.”

“Davy,
you don’t need to worry.  Even if I come home, I will probably have someone
with me.  From now on, it appears that I won’t be able to breathe without
someone there.  For a while anyway.”

“Oh.  In
that case, when you come home, I might come and stay for a while, would that be
okay?”

“That would
be just perfect.” I say as I enfold her in my arms.

“Will
you two stop? You’re making me all weepy and I can’t be bothered to do my make-up
again.” Cries Jen.

Laughing
we all have a group hug and finish helping Jen out of her dress.

“This really is a stunning dress.” I say as I help
Davy place it into the cover, turning to find Jen with a strange expression on
her face. “What now?”

“Nothing.
 I just wish you and AJ to be as happy as Razor and I are.  With all that
entails.”

“Whoa! Hold
up there missy.  We’ve only just got back together, and with our track record,
that won’t be for long.  Besides, I’m not sure I want to be married again.  Once
bitten, twice shy.”

“But we’re talking AJ.  He loves you Boo.”

“So did James.  Or rather he made me believe he did.”

“You
can’t compare the two.  Hell Boo!  They’re so different it’s untrue.”

“I know,
I’m just saying that’s all.  Besides, I think you’re jumping the gun a bit
aren’t you.”

“I guess.  Oh well, it’s a nice dream.”

“You’re just
being selfish aren’t you? All you’re thinking, is that you’ll have someone to
go eat sushi with.  I know your ruse.” I laugh

“Damn,
you know me too well.” She giggles, then with a straight face tells me she is
going to miss me.  Feeling my eyes welling up, I give her a hug and hustle her
to get a move on, as she is keeping Razor waiting.

After we had all gone
back downstairs, the happy couple had taken their leave with much laughter,
tears, hugs and cheers.  Jen had no idea where they were going.  Only after
they had left, did AJ reveal to me that Razor had booked a private island in
the Maldives.  A place that I know Jen has always wanted to go.

We spend the rest of the night dancing and
talking, and above all laughing.  It’s good to feel happy and carefree again,
especially after AJ assures me, that the estate is locked down tight, so there
are no security worries.

We are supposed to stay at the estate
tonight before heading home tomorrow, but we decide we just want to leave
tonight.  Tiny and Wade aren’t too happy with the change of plans, but AJ can
be quite persuasive, as I know.  So they capitulate, and it isn’t too long
before we are on our way.

“You looked stunning today.”
AJ whispers as he takes my hand.

“Thank you.  You don’t
brush up too bad yourself.” I laugh.

“No, seriously Birdie.  You blew me away
when you walked down the aisle.  All I could think about, was how I had to make
things right between us.”

“Well, you did, and we’re back as we were.  I
love you AJ, you know that.  I won’t lie and say I wasn’t hurt, because you
know it hurt, so badly.  Still, we will draw a line under this.  You’re right,
there was a good reason, and I should have listened to you.  There always seems
to be obstacles that get in the way of my fully trusting you.  I promise you,
that from now on, if anything happens again, I will give you a chance to
explain and won’t go off in a temper again.”

“And I promise you, that I will always be
honest with you.  I’ll never hold anything back, even if I think it’s in your
best interest.  No more secrets Birdie.”

“All these promises.  We
sound like scouts.”

“Yeah, but do scouts make out in the back
of Range Rovers?”

My heart starts to pound and my belly
flutters.  I cast an eye towards Tiny and Wade in the front.  I can’t see them
due to the darkened glass between us, but I still worry they might be able to
hear.

“Umm?” I’m not sure that’s a good idea.  They
might hear us.” I whisper.

“Babe they can’t hear a
thing.  Watch.  TINY.” He shouts.

I glance towards the darkened glass; nothing
happens, the glass doesn’t descend, so I turn to AJ with a smile on my face.

“That’s a dirty grin you
have there, Miss Morgan.” He leers.

“Is it now Mr Lewis? Pray tell me, what are
you going to do about it?”

“Oh, I believe I can
think of something.”

He leans towards me and before I know it,
my seatbelt is undone and I’m straddling his lap.

Placing my hands on either side of his face
I kiss his cheek before moving to the next, then slowly his lips; moving downwards
to his neck, undoing the buttons on his shirt as I go, I pull his shirt from
his trousers, pushing it along with his jacket off his shoulders, before
feasting my eyes on his chest.  Lowering my head, I kiss each nipple before nipping
them gently with my teeth.

Hearing him moan, I glance up and smile as
I see his eyes burning, showing just how aroused he is.

I return to my administrations, letting my
hands travel lower over his skin, before starting to work on his zip.

AJ grabs my hands stilling them, and I look
up, seeing he has his eyes closed.

“AJ?” I whisper

“Birdie, if you don’t want to follow
through, I suggest you stop now.” He sighs opening his eyes.

I don’t say a word, I just
raise an eyebrow and wait for his reaction.

“Then you get your wish Miss Morgan.” He
states and true to his word I did, and I have to say car sex is bloody
amazing. 

*****

I’m sitting out by the pool, letting the
heat from the sun warm my bones, waiting for our visitor to arrive.

The last week has been spent at the house,
due to security reasons.  Although even if those concerns hadn’t been there, I
think the status quo would have been maintained.  AJ and I have relished the
time together, finding our good place again.

The only interruption, had been the arrival
of Detective Mason.  Basically, by the time he left, I was in no doubt as to
the seriousness of the situation.  To the extent that in the beginning, I felt
I would never leave the house again.

I have been introduced to Spencer and
Martinez the two beefcake security guards, that unbeknown to me, had followed
my every move during those horrendous two weeks.  Two more opposites you
couldn’t have found if you tried.  Martinez, dark with brooding good looks of
Mexican descent, who I found had a wicked sense of humour under that bodyguard
armour he wore.  A guy who sometimes let slip he found something funny by a
tiny twitch of his mouth, or by the sparkling laughter in his eyes.  Although,
when it came down to it, stood no messing around where his orders were concerned.
 Yes, I liked Martinez.  Spencer? Well, he’s Spencer.  A blond haired, average
looking, younger guy.  Who I suspect thinks he’s God’s gift to women.  Absolutely
no sense of humour, not even an inch, with eyes that are, it has to be said, far
too close together.  No, I don’t like Spencer one little bit, and his attitude
even less. 

The next problem I have to face is our
visitor.  This is because Melody Forrester is paying a visit.  Apparently, she
wishes to see me face to face, to apologise for misleading me in New York.  After
several attempts at putting her off, I realised she wasn’t going to let it
drop.  So I allowed AJ to set up the meet.  To say I’m apprehensive is putting
it mildly, I did smack the woman after all; but AJ is going to be here the
whole time, and has assured me, that he won’t hesitate to evict her from the
premises, if he thinks she is playing her games.  

So as I said I’m sitting by the pool, a
large glass of orange juice with lemonade in front of me, wishing there was
also a large vodka in the glass; just for a little courage.  I turn and glance
towards the house as I hear footsteps, to see AJ approaching.  He’s been in a
meeting with Tiny in the office; he’d promised me he would be finished before
she arrived, and thankfully, he has kept his word.

“Okay?” he asked.

“Nope.  Any chance of a vodka?” I retort
holding my glass up towards him, giving it a little shake.

“Babe, its nine o’clock
in the morning.”

“Dutch courage.”

“Honey.” He says, kneeling down in
front of me, his hands resting on my knees. “She’s going to apologise and then
leave.  I’m here; do you think I’m going to let anything or anyone get outta
line with you? No, it’s not going to happen, so just chill.  We’ll get this
over and done with, then the day is ours.  Okay?”

Staring into his eyes, I smile, lean
towards him and give his lips a soft kiss.

“Okay.” I whisper.  I see his eyes change, but
just as he leans towards me going in for a follow up kiss, he instantly pulls
back at the sound of footsteps, and looks towards the house.

Following his gaze, I watch Melody
Forrester and a younger girl being shown the way by Millie.

“Shit.” AJ mutters under
his breath as he stands to greet them.

“Morning Melody, Brooke.”
He says as they reach us.

I stand as they reach us and take them in.  I
should have suspected that Melody would pull out all the stops, and she has.  She
stands before me in a figure hugging white dress, which shows off her slender
body and tan perfectly.  This matched with high heels and handbag in black and
white, make the whole outfit stunning; and here I am in shorts and T-shirt, but
then so is AJ.

My eyes take in the girl with her.  A
younger version of herself, with long brunette hair and the same slender
figure.  Although obviously quite young, you can see the promise of beauty to
come.  Or rather you would, if she didn’t have a miserable, petulant, look on
her face.  I have the impression that this is the last place she wants to be,
and she’s going to make sure everyone’s aware of it.  

“Good Morning AJ.” Melody replies and leans
in to kiss his cheek; much to my annoyance. “Forgive me, I have to care for
Brooke today, so I had to bring her along.” She says as she moves towards me
and leans in, to air kiss my cheek. “Hi Jorgi.”

“Good Morning Melody.” I reply, totally
taken aback by her show of affection.

“Jorgi this is Brooke,
Melody’s younger sister.” AJ explains.

“Oh Hi.  Nice to meet you
Brooke.” I say with a smile.

“Yeah, you too.” She
sullenly replies.

Well, that went well, I think sarcastically.
 Why Melody would bring her along, when she is supposed to be apologising, and
clearing the air is beyond me.

“Oliver rang last minute last night,
begging me to have Brooke today, as he has a last minute audition.  I couldn’t
refuse could I?” she asks, looking between AJ and myself as she takes a seat, turning
to me to explain, “Oliver is my brother, we have joint custody of Brooke since
our mother died a few years ago.  It works out quite well usually, but these
little glitches crop up now and then.” She says offhandedly.

“Melody!” AJ all but
groans.

“What? Brooke knows the situation.  Don’t
you Brooke? She’s quite happy really.  Aren’t you Brooke?” She says turning
towards Brooke, who doesn’t reply, but just stares at her for a few seconds, then
shrugging her shoulders, turns to gaze towards the pool.

My heart goes out to her.  Obviously
missing her mother, and being passed between Melody and Oliver as convenience
suits them.  Melody obviously having no idea how she feels, and I’d bet a thousand
pounds she’s never asked her.  No wonder the child was sullen and miserable,
having no loving parenting or stable home life.  

“So” Melody interrupts my thoughts and
turns towards me. “I’ll quickly say what I have to say, and leave you in peace.
 Jorgi, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression in New York.  It wasn’t my
intention at all.  I guess it was all the stress and strain of the weeks
leading up to it.  As AJ probably told you, I’d been trying to contact him and
even Steve to give you the heads up, but…” and turning to frown at AJ, “neither
would take my calls.” She turns back to me, “So I took drastic action, but in
the end it solved the problem.  Nothing and I mean
nothing
happened
between AJ and I while I stayed in his suite, I swear.  Oh, and don’t worry
about the slap you gave me, it was just reaction.  I understand that.  So, are
we okay?”

“Umm, yeah sure.” I reply dumbstruck, and
watch as she stands, with Brooke following suit.

“Good.  Then I’ll head off.  Thanks for
agreeing to see me.  It needed to be said, and I hope you believe me when I say
no hard feelings.  I truly hope you are both happy.  Despite everything, I will
always want AJ to be happy.” She says, as she once again leans in to kiss the
air at our cheeks. “Come along Brooke, time to hit the shops.”

Before I know it, they are both heading
towards the door.  AJ gives me a quick glance, and follows them to see them
out.

I plonk myself back down on the seat,
feeling like I’ve been run over by a train.  What the fuck was that? We didn’t even
get to offer them a drink.  Seeing AJ heading back towards me, I feel relief
that he hasn’t idled over the farewells.

He flops down in the chair next to me,
turns to face me with a wry expression on his face and announces.

“And that is Melody
Forrester.”

“We didn’t offer them a
drink.” I said.

“Honey, you’re lucky you
managed to say hello.  She’s always been the same.”

“I didn’t have my say.”

“I know.  Why do you think I tried so hard
for today not to happen?”

"Sorry, I know you had feelings for
her, but she’s hard as ice and empty.”

“Empty?”

“Empty.  No heart, no soul, and no clue
that her sister is hurting and feeling unloved.”

“You got all that, from a ten minute speech
where she didn’t take a breath?”

“AJ, the fact that it was a speech and not
a conversation just about sums it up.  Poor Brooke, shoved from pillar to post,
or rather Melody and Oliver, with no thought for her or her feelings.  Even
stating the fact in such a blasé fashion, while she was sitting right next to
her.  Honey, that’s so wrong.  No wonder she seemed so miserable.”

“I agree with everything that you’re
saying.  When their mother died, Brooke was fifteen and went off the rails.  Everyone
knew it was due to bereavement.  Melody and Oliver did everything they could.  They
arranged counselling, and took time off from work to try and sort her out.  It
kind of worked, but she still has problems.  She’s now eighteen, and Melody and
Oliver have had enough.  She’s older now, and they expect her to clean up her
act.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like she’s going to.”

“Eighteen! God, she
appears fifteen tops.”

“I know.  It doesn’t stop her getting into
scraps though, and Melody never used to be so hard.  Over the last few years
she’s become like that.  It’s what started the beginning of the end.  I
couldn’t be with someone who didn’t seem to care about anything or anyone,
including me.”

“AJ?”

“Now, I’m not discussing her anymore.” He
states standing to his feet. “She’s gone.  We move on.  Now, what do you fancy
doing today?”

I look up at him, it’s obvious that he
isn’t going to continue this conversation any further.  He has closed the door
to that part of his life, and I guess I should be pleased.  So I smile at him,
and tell him the choice is his.  He tells me he has a hankering to go back to
San Diego, where we went on our first date.

“On the bike?”

“Yeah babe.  On the
bike.”

“Won’t that give Tiny and
the crew palpitations?”

“It’s all sorted Birdie,
that’s if you want to go.”