LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4) (18 page)

“Oh, yeah, that’s right,” Tristan adds. “It’ll be interesting to hear Mona’s take on the east coast and her everyday life there. What time do you want us, mom?”

“How about 5:30pm for cocktails? Dinner will be catered at 6:15 or so.”

Tristan turns and looks into my eyes with affection. “Is that good for you, Joanna?”

“It should be fine,” I add with a bright smile for him.

“We won’t keep you up late, don’t worry,” Donna says more to Tristan than me.

Her eyes look cold and uninviting to me. I’m so not looking forward to this dinner. Perhaps there’s some way I can weasel out of the event, later. Maybe I’ll get violently ill this afternoon.

“I’ll be leaving for a conference in New York tomorrow morning and need to get my sleep,” I say hoping to impress her and as an excuse to cut out early from the dinner.

Tristan narrows his eyes at me and the tense look returns to his jaw with my trip announcement. Donna looks at us with consternation then decides it’s time to leave.

“Well, it was nice to meet you Joanna. We’ll see you both at the house, later,” Donna announces while getting up from her position on the couch. She looks through me.

Tristan also stands to kiss her cheek. She smiles indulgently at him. I paste a phony smile on my face and nod my farewell. Every muscle in my body feels tense.

When Donna leaves, I turn to Tristan. “Well, that was an ice-cold greeting from your mother.”

“Don’t worry, Joanna, she’s probably in shock that I’ve finally got a girlfriend. My family thought I was either gay or weird, for many years.”

‘Whatever it is, Tristan, your mother doesn’t like me. I’m not ready for the dinner this evening.”

“Just give her time angel. I think you’ll love meeting my cousin, Mona, and you already know that Eddie likes you.”

“Yeah, I sure hope so because as it looks now, your mother wants to send me back to school,” I admit.

“Why is your cousin’s return from college so important to your family?”

“We’ve always been pretty close but about a year ago her parents were killed in a car accident. Her mom and Donna were sisters. We all took it pretty hard but Donna decided to take Mona under her wing. When Mona’s home from school now she stays at our home and my parents take care of all of Mona’s expenses. It’s the least we can do for her,” Tristan explains with feeling.

“I’m so sorry and really feel for your cousin. She must be devastated to have lost her parents so young.”

“Yeah, she was a wreck for a few months but now that Donna and Carrick have taken her in, she’s bouncing back to her typical energetic self. It’s good to see her happy again…But enough about our family tragedy, now it’s time to start our day.”  Tristan pats my back and leads me toward the kitchen.

“Let’s eat some breakfast, baby.”

“I just lost my appetite, Tristan. What am I going to wear to your parents’ home tonight?” 

“Joanna, you’ll be fine. You are the sweetest, most innocent, lovely young woman I know and my mother will realize that soon enough, just give her time to adjust. As for your clothes, well, I just happen to know of a personal shopper that Donna uses, who might be able to help you today. Right now, we need to eat.”

I struggle to swallow the omelet that Mrs. Gomez prepared for each of us but I manage because Tristan gives me his high wattage smile and pats my thigh as we sit side by side at the kitchen island. If I concentrate on the shopping trip this afternoon, I’ll be able to cope.

Maybe Tristan can spend time this afternoon giving me an intimate massage. Perhaps the massage combined the right outfit, mixed with a large glass of wine before we leave, will help me survive the Grant family dinner this evening.

After breakfast, we head to Macy’s and Donna’s personal shopper. Sabrina Troy treats us like royalty. I select a lovely lavender sheath dress by Herrera that emphasizes my slender curves and then some. Tristan asks me to model the dress. He’s nearly panting when I twirl around in the item.

“I love the way this dress fits me.”

“Me too. I’d like to take you out of it,” he chuckles and orders two additional versions of it, in various shades of blue. I don’t even want to imagine how much it all costs but Ms. Troy looks more than pleased with Tristan’s order. 

“While we’re here, why don’t you choose several pairs of matching designer underwear?” Tristan suggests with sexual excitement building in his burning green eyes.

“I’ll do that and I’ll keep them at your place so that I don’t have to wear the same underpants two days in a row,” I agree with enthusiasm. I’m actually wearing my panties from yesterday as we speak. Yuck.

“Good, I’ll make room for them in my closet. In fact, you can use the guest room closet for more of your clothes.”

I give him a girlish giggle, “Whatever turns you on, Tristan.” He gives me a panty-dropping look.

While I’m changing back into my grubby clothing, Tristan continues shopping for me and has it all set for delivery at his place in a few hours.

“Tristan, you don’t have to buy all these clothes for me,” I protest as we leave the store.

“I want to do this for you, Joanna. I like seeing you in the kind of clothes that emphasize your beautiful body. The clothes you own are all student casual. Besides, you’re an adult now, with a real job.”

“Oh, that’s right. I also need to start packing for New York City today,” I blurt out before I see the scowl on Tristan’s face.

His eyes narrow and he stares at me, “Have you sent a text to Ashley yet about being your roommate there?”

“No, since I was hoping we’d see her tonight. Then, I can talk with her in person,” I confess. I’m hoping if I delay asking Ashley for long enough, she’ll have to turn me down on the grounds that it’s too short of a notice.

“Sure,” he says but his mood has shifted into a more neutral state.

“The idea of taking Ashley along makes me feel like a child, Tristan. Considering what happened with Donna this morning, I don’t want to argue about it just now, though.”

“OK, we won’t argue. I have another idea.” My reply seems to mollify Tristan, at the moment. He texts someone on his IPhone. I shake my head in confusion.

“I’m going to take you to Bertrand’s for lunch. Typically, they don’t  open until 5pm but this weekend is a special anniversary for them.” Tristan announces as we head toward his Porsche.

“Good. At last, I get my reward for the Power Bars,” I pronounce with sarcasm. He gives me an endearing smile in return.

We drive toward the restaurant and I hum quietly as we listen to
Animal by Neon Trees
on the car stereo. Tristan pulls the Porsche into the valet parking area.

“
Here we go again,
I kinda wanna be more than friends
,” I sing along as Tristan squeezes my thigh and nods his head in agreement.

The solid looking building that Bertrand’s occupies is a mid-20th century design. We arrive a bit early for lunch and head to the lounge for cocktails. I order a drink that I’ve heard is good called The Marie Antoinette while Tristan opts for a glass of their best Rothschild, a 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon.

I try to impress Tristan with what I’ve read about this place on Yelp.“ My cocktail has a Granny Smith apple tang to it,” I comment and scrunch my nose.

“The Marie Antoinette is one of their best drinks. Supposedly, the bourbon’s quite toasty but I never drink bourbon myself,” Tristan adds with relish.

“Sure you don’t want a taste?” I tempt but he shakes his head.

I let the atmosphere and alcohol set the mood for our date. My mind starts to wander to last evening. I think of something fleshy that I enjoy tasting. I suppose the word smooth and pliable would be more appropriate. I smile at Tristan with a naughty look on my face. He quirks his eyebrows at me with understanding.

Soon, we’re seated at a quiet corner table that has an outstanding view of San Diego’s cityscape and the distant ocean. We order the crab cakes for starters, with sea bass and salmon for entrees. The servers are friendly and professional. We toast when our drinks are topped up.

“To a very long relationship,” Tristan suggests. I blush as I think of the BJ I gave him last night.

“Very long, Tristan. You’ so romantic. This restaurant is amazing.”

“Just like you, Joanna, amazing.”

“I’m feeling optimistic about our relationship,” I add and clink my glass to his. “Thanks for the shopping trip.”

“Thanks for the unexpected treats last night and this morning in the shower. I can’t wait to complete your training,” Tristan oozes with eyes filled with desire.

We’re interrupted when the fish arrives, it’s cooked to perfection. The crab cakes taste fresh and delicate. They’re better than anything I’ve had elsewhere. We eat in silence.  We’re both feeling the buzz from our drinks.

“So, you need to pack for your conference today,” Tristan observes with good humor. “It’s a good thing we just bought you some clothes.”

“Now I’m allowed to go to NYC, even though Ashley hasn’t agreed to accompany me?”

Tristan nods his head in agreement. My sexual favors must have won him over. “I’ve decided to hire a security man for you, Joanna. His name is Tom Hawk and he’s going to shadow you throughout the conference.” 

“That’s so unnecessary but, if it makes you feel better, fine.” I shake my head with wonder at my boyfriend. Do millionaires really have to live with this much paranoia?

The servers clear away our platters and leave us in peace to enjoy our privacy. We’ll work off the calories later this evening at Tristan’s place.

Tristan takes my hand in his across the table. “Happy one month anniversary, Joanna!” he wishes me with gusto. My name slips through his lips like a prayer.

I squeeze his hand gently. “This is the best meal of my life, Tristan!”

“You’ll make this day even more memorable if you agree to let me give you an orgasm, tonight,” Tristan proclaims with his most seductive smirk ever. “I need to return your favors.”

I pause and stare at Tristan with a shocked look on my face. “What? But, you’re not ready for that yet, are you?”

“I’m not ready to have full-blown sex with you but I can give you pleasure with this,” he indicates while beaming and holding his right hand up and wiggling it, for my inspection. “Do you object?”

My gut clenches with need. I can’t help the sigh of desire that escapes from my mouth. “Not at all.”

He’s delighted with my eager response. “In the meantime, let’s get you packed and ready for your trip. I also want to have you meet Mr. Hawk,” Tristan directs.

“I was hoping you could give me a massage this afternoon,” I push. I’m feeling just a bit bold by now. It must be the drink.

Tristan looks at me with shock and awe then he actually chortles. “All in good time, Joanna.”

He drives me to my condo to get my luggage, shoes and other items for the trip. Then we head to his condo. The packages from our earlier shopping trip have already arrived. I select some additional clothes for the trip from our shopping trip and finish preparing before the late afternoon arrives.

At 4pm, Tom Hawk arrives. He’s attractive, in a controlled sort of way. I’d guess he’s mid-twenties with a burly yet very toned physique, light brown eyes, and a buzz cut. He’s all business with his “Yes, sir. No ma’am” replies. He certainly looks like he could take care of me and three other Joanna clones. I give him the details about my hotel and other information about the conference. I’d guess Mr. Hawk will be flying with me and Janelle but have no idea if he’ll also stay at our hotel. Perhaps it’s best if I don’t know the details.

Then, it’s time to face dinner this evening. I pop a tranquilizer before getting dressed.

“What do you think of my dress when I combine them with these heels?” I model the Jimmy Choo stilettos that I’m intending to wear. Tristan whistles his approval.

“They’ll be impressed with the entire look, baby. You’re adorable with your innocent little face and lovely coloring.”

Tristan drives us to his parents’ home himself. It sits on a bluff above the ocean and has a large widow’s walk on the roof as well as an abundance of windows and light. The arched roof and clerestory windows just beneath are designed to take full advantage of the waterfront views. The interior space contains six bedrooms and is well over 7,000 square feet. Their home must be worth millions. I take his hand and hold tight as we approach the front door. He kisses me with affection then knocks.

Donna Grant answers the door herself. “Tristan, Joanna, welcome,” she states in a cool but formal manner. I shake her hand and practically bow as our eyes meet again. Hers are cautious and controlled. She seems restrained, at best.

“That’s a lovely dress, Joanna,” she utters after a pause. Tristan beams since it’s one he just chose for me. At least my appearance doesn’t jar her. She calls her husband to the reception room as we enter. “Derrick, come over here and meet Tristan’s girlfriend, Joanna Prime.”

He greets me with a kind nod and friendly smile that makes his eyes shine. That’s a relief. Donna and Derrick carry middle-age quite well. Their clothing is casual but well-tailored and made of expensive fabric. Both look fit and healthy. Derrick asks about my job and I launch into a brief description of my new role at work as well as a few tidbits about my upcoming conference in NYC. He seems interested. I smile in relief. At least one of Tristan’s parents isn’t threatened by me.

As soon as we walk into the family room, Tristan’s young cousin Mona comes running into the foyer to meet me. She’s petite with short dark hair and very spritely. I like her immediately.

“Hi, Joanna. I’ve heard so much about you from Tristan,” she admits with a friendly smile. “Since you’re about my age and size, we can go shopping together. Maybe even exchange dresses,” she adds once she sizes up my outfit.

“Sounds fine to me, as long I can take some time from work and from Tristan.” I agree with an enthusiastic look. “Can’t wait to hear all about your time at Bryn Mawr.”

That’s all Mona needs to hear before she goes into detail about her school and a few of the highlights from her year on the east coast. I’m going to enjoy her company. She’s a ball of energy and very open. Ashley and Eddie arrive a few minutes after we do. Eddie introduces Ashley as my roommate and his date for the evening. She fits in with the family, immediately. Donna warms to her easily. Then Ashley turns to me.

“Hey, Joanna,” Ashley blurts out and runs to me for a hug. “New dress?” I tell her about our shopping trip today. Donna and Mona listen carefully. Donna looks crestfallen but Mona looks thrilled when I explain how Macy’s personal shopper helped me.