Make Believe (14 page)

I need to pick my warm clothes for tonight. I grab a pair of skinny jeans and put them on with my black polo neck jumper, which has a sequined heart in the middle of it. Highly appropriate I feel. I team my jeans with my fly boots and a cream gilet. I look in the mirror…um, I don’t look too bad for someone who needs to be warm.

The next hurdle is my makeup. As it’s a proper date, I think I should make an effort with it. I decide that hot, smoky eyes are the only option. Once that’s done, it’s then my hair. I brush it into a ponytail just in case it’s windy or something. One final look in the mirror, but there’s one thing I’ve forgotten. I grab the green box and take out the Rolex and place it on my wrist. There, perfect. The reflection of the diamonds catches the light and reflects around the room. I glance at the time. Eight o’clock. The door bells chimes. Wow, he’s so punctual.

Mia’s already let him in and is standing at the bottom of the stairs talking to him as I approach.

“Hey gorgeous, you look amazing,” he says, making my stomach do somersaults.

He looks stunning - he does casual so well. He’s wearing black jeans with a striped shirt under a blue v-neck jumper, also with a black gilet.

As I get to the bottom of the stairs, he grabs my hand and pulls me in towards him. He says, “I’ve missed you, gorgeous,” and kisses me.

I kiss him back, but pull away as I’m fully aware that Mia is standing there watching.

“Thank you so much for this.” I point to my wrist.

“You’re very welcome. A beautiful gift for a beautiful woman,” he says whilst kissing my hand.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

I nod.

“Have fun, Jess,” Mia giggles.

“I will.”  I smile back, feeling like a teenage girl as I follow this gorgeous man out the door.

We walk across the drive to yet a different car.

“New car?”

He laughs.

“No, Jess, I have several. They are one of my weaknesses in life.” He smiles kissing my hand.

Elliott walks to my door and opens it for me.

I climb in. It has red leather seats, with his initials sewn into them.  They match the car perfectly. I glance over to the dashboard and written on the steering wheel is Aston Martin.

Elliott looks at me.

“Nice car.” I smile.

He smiles. “Thanks, it’s the latest model. It’s just come out. It’s a Vanquish, 6 litre with aV12 engine.”

I nod, pretending to know what the hell he’s talking about.

He smiles.

“You have no idea what I’m talking about do you, Jess?”

“Not in the slightest. The only thing I do know is that James Bond drives these cars,” I laugh.

“You’re absolutely right, he did. You see, I’m your very own James Bond,” he replies, kissing my hand again.  “It was a present from my last movie.”

“Wow, that’s generous. It must be amazing to have that kind of money to just splash out when you want.”  I reviewed what I just said through my mind. God, I sounded like a spoilt bitch. I wish, sometimes, I thought about what I was going to say instead of just spurting it out.

Elliott looks at me.

“I work hard for my money, Jess, and I have had to give up a lot for it.  I mean, I wouldn’t change my life for anything, but it’s certainly not all hearts and flowers. The money just makes it more bearable.”

“I know, I’m sorry; I didn’t mean anything by it. I really admire that you’re self-made. It’s amazing.”

“I know you didn’t, babe. I just want you to feel more comfortable around my things, that’s all.” He places his hand on my upper thigh.

“So you ready for your surprise, Miss Ing?”

“I think so. Where are you taking me, Mr. Tate, where I have to wrap up warm?”

“Time will tell, time will tell. I hope you’re good at balancing.”

A million things run through my mind. Balancing? What? God, I really hope it has nothing to do with the circus or high tree trails? Oh God, what have I let myself in for?

We drive for a further twenty minutes. You hardly notice that you’re moving the car is so comfortable. After our previous conversation I start to feel more relaxed.

“Can we put some music on?” I ask.

“Sure, my iPod’s in the glove compartment. Just stick it in the docking station there.” He points to the hidden lip part.

I scroll through it having a look at his playlist. You can tell so much about a person by their music.  He mainly has modern stuff on it - Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Will.I.am, Jay-Z, Beyoncé.  He also has some indie stuff too - Muse, Elbow, Snow Patrol. Quite cool stuff really. I don’t know what else I expected from such a prolific person.  Just as I’m deciding, I come across the Spice Girls. I giggle and hit play.

“I’ll tell you what you want what you really, really, want, so tell me what you want, what you really, really want, I wanna, wanna, wanna Zig Zig ah!”

He looks at me with a slightly embarrassed smirk on his face.

“I didn’t take you for a Spice Girls fan,” I tease.

“Oh yeah, I loved them, especially Posh! She was so hot. How could you not like them? Especially this song, it’s a classic.”

I roll my eyes. “You and the Spice Girls, hey? Well, you certainly have good taste, especially when it comes to English women.” I smile.

“Especially English women. I have a soft spot for the accent!” He gently caresses my thigh running his fingers up and down.

Oh my God, his touch sends shivers throughout my body.

“We’re here,” he puts into the car park. It’s dark and I have no idea where we are.  He points to the area just in front, which is lit with flood lights.

A big sign says welcome to Woodland Hills.

“What is it?” I ask nervously.

“Patience, beautiful, patience.”

I climb out of the car and Simon greets us.

“It’s all ready for you, Elliott.  Just go through the gate,” and he points to a white painted wooden gate.

Elliott grabs my hand and leads me. He nods at Simon as we head towards it. The light is so bright as it reflects off the ice.

“What size skates are you, Jessica?”

“I’m an English size 6 shoe, so the same, I guess.”

Elliott asks the girl behind the counter for our sizes. She doesn't hear him the first time as I think the shock of having Elliott Tate standing in front of her is too much for her to handle. I hear Elliott asking her again but this time more curt.

“There you go, gorgeous.” He hands me my skates.

“How come it’s open so late?”

“It’s amazing what people will do for me, Jess,” he winks as he says it.

I tut in reply.

“In all seriousness, I promised them that next time it’s relevant in an interview I will mention their rink.” He smiles.

“Oh, I see you’re just their pretty face, then.” I smirk.

He laughs and leans towards me, “I’ll give you ‘pretty face’, young lady. You wait ‘til later, I’ll show you what this face can do.” With that his playful face has disappeared and is replaced with his sexy one.

I quickly change the subject. “So it’s just us, then?”

“Yes, is that OK... Or did you want someone else to join us?” He sounds concerned.

He brushes my cheek.

The thought of that evil man coming to ruin our evening haunts me always.

The flood lights dim and the LED lights look so pretty. Katy Perry starts blasting “Last
Friday Night” out of the speakers.

“That’s our cue, Jess, let’s skate.”

Oh my God, I can’t remember the last time I went ice skating. I think I must have been thirteen.

I try and stand up but wobble. It’s so hard balancing on two blades.  Elliott holds my hand to steady me. We walk slowly to the side. He heads on to the ice first and I slowly glide on one foot at a time. The ice feels so slippery beneath me. I wobble again and try to steady myself, but it’s no good and I hit the ice with my bottom.

I burst out laughing and so does Elliott.

He skates perfectly to my aid and helps me up. He places both his hands around my waist and pushes me from behind. I feel more solid with him there. I manage to regain my balance as he takes one hand off.  He then releases his other hand but holds on to my hand. We are skating perfectly now. I’m not sure if he lets go whether I would fall, but at this very moment in time, I feel invincible.

It is the perfect date. I couldn’t think of anything better, Elliott Tate all to myself. I wouldn’t swap this moment for anything in the world.   He takes my hand and guides me around the rink.

“I think it’s time we finish. I’m famished. How about you, Jess?”

“Yes, I think I could eat a horse,” I giggle.

Elliott beckons Simon over.

“I think we’re ready to eat. Is Firebirds ready for us?”

“Yes, they’re ready when you are. I’ll go get the car for you.” Simon smiles and walks off.

Firebirds?  It sounds like a circus to me.

“What’s Firebirds?”

“It’s the best steak house in town. You said you could eat a horse? Anything for my beautiful girl,” he raises his eyebrow.

Horror crosses my face. Oh my God, I was joking!

Elliott bursts out laughing. “I’m just playing with you.” He pulls me towards him and wraps his hands round my waist.

I feel my body reacting to his touch again; it’s unbelievable the way he makes me want him.

He looks at me with that wanton gaze.

“Do you realise, Miss Ing, what you do to me? How you make me feel? I can’t get enough of you. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone.”

I look up at him and smile. If only he knew that I felt the same way about him. But he’s not playing fair. He’s supposed to be giving me space so I can figure out my feelings. But all he’s doing is totally eradicating Henry from my memory and just leaving one choice! Him.

“Why such the long face, Jessica? Are you not enjoying yourself?”

“Yes, I really am. It’s been like no other date I’ve ever been on, but it’s not fair. You’re not giving Henry a fair chance?”

“Now Jessica, that’s just silly, he’s had two years with you.  How can I compete with that? This is our first official date. I don’t like to share, Jess, I told you that. Winning’s important to me whatever the challenge is. That’s how I got where I am today, by not giving up and I don’t plan on giving up on you anytime soon. He’s welcome to come here and join in,” he smiles, pulling me in and placing his lips on mine. H
is kisses are perfect, I feel my self-control melt away.

When we finish he looks expectantly at me.

“What?”

“You have nothing else to say on the matter?” He looks confused.

“No, like what? I get where you’re coming from,” I smile.

“No long lectures about not being treated like a possession or a trophy?”

“Nope, if you want to play it like that that’s fine by me. You’re right, Henry and I do have a history, so that is something he has over you.” Little does he know that he has already succeeded every date Henry and I ever had.

“Good. With that all sorted, let’s go eat.”

My phone vibrating wakes me. Who’s calling me at this unearthly hour? I grab it from the side, slowly open my eyes and peer at the screen. Why is it so bright? The screen reads 8:00 a.m. Jeez, who the hell is calling me?

It’s a withheld number.

“Hello.”

“Good morning, beautiful.”

I recognise his voice straight away. I love that American twang he has.

“Hey yourself, you’re up early.”  Panic starts to rise. Shit, I’m not supposed to be working today, am I?

“Yes, I am up early. It’s such a stunning morning and I didn’t want to miss it. And I don’t think you should either. Come down and let me in. I’m at the front door.”

“Huh? What? My front door?”

“Yep.”

Oh bugger, I’m wearing my traditional t-shirt/ nightie combo. I have terrible bed hair and I didn’t take off my mascara from last night. He’s going to think I’m Morticia from the bloody Addams family.

I try and brush my incredibly knotty hair quickly but the brush just won’t go through it. I decide a bun is the only option. I grab a pair of cotton shorts to go under my t-shirt and I find a baby wipe to take the rest of my mascara off. Oh my God, if my makeup teacher could see me now. She would fail me immediately. Baby wipes are a big no-no!

I take one last look in the mirror. It will have to do. I fly down the stairs hoping not to have woken Mia.

I fumble with the chain and lock on the door. Why is it playing up now? I finally manage to open it.

“Jeez, Jess, you wake up well. You look amazing for this early hour.”

“Thank you. So what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Tate?” I ask kissing him on the cheek.

“I think you need feeding up, you’re looking too skinny. So, I’ve decided to bring you breakfast.” He beams, holding up freshly baked croissants and coffee.

“Well, in that case, you had better come in. I would hate to fade away in front of you.”

The coffee smells amazing, even though I’m not the biggest coffee fan. We head over to the breakfast bar, and Elliott pulls my seat out for me.

“Why, thank you.” I smile placing a kiss on his cheek.

“My pleasure, babe.” He winks. We both attack the croissants and coffee. I struggle to finish mine.

“Eat up, Jess. I bought you two for a reason.”

“Sorry, I can only manage one. They are huge. I’ll save the other for Mia. But thank you, it was a lovely idea.”

Elliott leans in and clutches my hand.

“Your hands are tiny, Jess, very delicate.”

I watch him speak. I can’t take my eyes off him, he’s so sexy!  I eye him up and down, he dresses so well. His clothes fit perfectly, accentuating his toned body. He does casual brilliantly. I love what he wears - he’s in his dark blue jeans and a v- neck black t-shirt, his hair’s in that messy style and he smells amazing. How is it possible to look so good so early?

“Jess? Did you hear what I said?” His voice brings me back to reality.

“No, sorry I was miles away.” Undressing you in my mind!

“So do you have any plans for today?”

“No, not really. Mia’s meeting some people from the studios and I was possibly going to tag along, but nothing’s set in stone.”

“Oh good! Well, in that case, I want to take you shopping. I know a couple of amazing boutiques we can go to, and if you don’t like it there, then there’s always Rodeo drive. I’ve already made provisions for the boutiques so when we arrive it’s not chaos.”

I love shopping, what girl doesn’t, but I think his idea of shopping and mine are totally different.  I’m more of a Primark budget girl rather than a Prada one. Oh, how embarrassing. How do I tell him I don’t have his budget?  I rack my brains before making my excuse.

“Shopping…wow, that sounds great. The only thing is I’m not paid ‘til the end of the month. So maybe we could go then,” I smile, feeling my cheeks instantly turning red.

Oh God how awkward do I feel now, and I know he’s going to offer to pay for me too and I really don’t want that.

“Look, I know when pay day is, Jess, it’s the same as mine…it’s my treat.” He smiles, waiting for my reply.

“Thank you, Elliott, it’s very kind of you but I don’t want it to be your treat. I can pay for myself. It’s just that now’s not a good time.”

He rolls his eyes to heaven.

“Jess, please let me treat you.” He looks into my eyes.

I smile. “No, Mr. Tate, I’m not that kind of girl.” He laughs.

“God, I wish you were…but, I respect how you feel about it, so instead I have a compromise. I really want to do this today. Especially as we have that charity polo match tomorrow afternoon and in the evening we have the premiere of my last film. I know that you probably don’t have anything horsey to wear with you, so let this be my treat today and when you get paid you can pay me back, deal?” He looks at me and tightens his grip on my hand. He really wants me to do this.

“OK, deal, but on the condition I pay it all back next week, OK?”

“God, you’re a ball-breaker…deal.” He laughs, bringing my hand up to his lips and kissing it.

Elliott opens the front door for me and I’m greeted by Simon as he climbs out of the Range Rover to open the door for us.

“Is Simon coming shopping with us?”

“Yes, of course, is that a problem?  We’ll need him today. As soon as word gets around that we are out the pap’s will be everywhere. You know what it’s like, Jess. They will try and get photos of what we’re buying, where we’re shopping, any little sordid detail they can lay their hands on and he’s the best person to deal with it.

“Oh right… I’m OK with it, just asking really.”

Simon drives us down Rodeo Drive. I automatically recognise it from the film
Pretty Women
. He pulls up outside the back of a shop I’ve never heard of. It’s called Diana Vreeland.

“They are waiting for your arrival, Elliott.”

“Thanks, Simon. I reckon we will be at least a couple of hours, and then we’ll get some lunch. Can you organise that as well?”

“Of course, have fun,” Simon replies, smiling at me.

Two hours in one shop? I’m normally a quick in and out girl.

Elliott climbs out the car and holds the door for me. He holds my hand to help me out.

“As quickly as you can, Jess. We don’t want to be seen.” He ushers me in.

A very well-groomed lady is holding the fire exit door open for us.

“Good morning, Mr. Tate and Miss Ing. Please follow Erica down the stairs.”

Simon has briefed her very well.

“Thank you, Angelina. It’s great to see you. You look so good. Have you lost weight?” Elliott’s working his full charm.

A huge grin appears across her face.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mr Tate. I have.”

How does he do it? He constantly has them eating out of his hands.

We follow Erica down the stairs and into a private back room. It’s huge, like a really big sitting room. It has mirrors all down one side and chaise lounges down the other, it’s all drapes chandeliers.

Angelina appears at the door again.

“Mr Tate, we have some of the items you have asked for. Shall we bring them in for Miss Ing to see?”

Elliott nods at her.

What, now he’s picking my clothes for me? I’m not sure I like this.

In walk five other assistants all holding different outfits ranging from evening gowns to jeans.

Elliott turns to look at me.

I’m not sure if I feel pissed off or pleased that he’s gone to so much trouble.

“I thought we had come to find something horsey?” I glare at him.

“We have, but while we are here it seems stupid not to pick up some other things too. Did you know, Jessica, that this designer designed some of Jackie Kennedy’s outfits?” He smiles.

“Nice distraction tactic, Elliott, but remember whatever we buy I owe you for it.” I smirk.

“You’re one stubborn woman, Jessica Ing,” he tuts.

I can’t believe how quickly the two hours pass. I have never shopped like this before. It’s amazing; money really can buy you everything.

In the end I decide to get a couple of party dresses, a cocktail dress, an outfit for the polo match tomorrow and a couple of pairs of Victoria Beckham’s jeans. It cost a small fortune. I am going to be paying Elliott back for years.

Elliott says his goodbyes, signs a couple of autographs and then we head back out of the fire exit where Simon’s waiting.

“I booked Hatfield’s for you, Elliott.”

“Great, I’m in the mood for their lamb. Hey, Jess, do you have any plans for tonight?” Elliott asks totally out the blue.

I shake my head.

“Good, I was wondering if you’d like to come to my parent’s anniversary drinks with me. We wouldn’t have to stay long. I just promised I would show my face. Then maybe you could stay the night at mine?” he asks with intent.

My heart leaps from my chest. Stay the night. Oh yes, please! God, I couldn’t think of a more perfect way of finishing off the day. I smile.

“Is that a yes?”

“Oh, it’s a definite yes.”

I place my hand on his thigh and caress it up and down. I feel him growing from my touch.

He places his hand on top of mine and smiles. He whispers, “You want to play, Jess? God, I hope so.” He closes his eyes and purses his lips.

I lean forward and whisper ,“Yes, definitely.”

His eyes flash open, with darkening in them.

“I can’t wait.” He pulls me in and places his lips on mine, his tongue invading my mouth. The kiss is so passionate.

It takes all my inner strength not to stop me climbing on top of him.

“Tonight, Jess, tonight,” he breathes.

***

Elliott holds my hand and helps me on to the yacht.

“How many people are here?” I ask nervously.

“Fifty or so. Don’t worry, we literally have to pop in for a quick drink. It’s their 30
th
wedding anniversary and Carly’s organised it all. The least I could do was make an appearance.” He smiles.

“Carly?”

“Carly, my younger sister,” he replies, expecting me knew who he’s talking about.

“I knew you had a sister, I just didn’t know her name. Is she here tonight?”

“Of course, the whole extended family’s here.” Panic appears in my voice, does he not realise that meeting his family is a big deal?

“Um, Elliott, just before we head in, shouldn’t we discuss how you’re going to introduce me?”

He leans down, looking right into my eyes. “Jess, I will introduce you as my assistant, is that OK?” he teases, smiling.

Bastard!

“That’s fine with me.” My feelings a little hurt.

We walk in through the main entrance and the party is in full flow.  There are people dancing, beautiful lights twinkling and a band playing Frank Sinatra music. I take a deep breath as Elliott places his arm around my waist and guides me over to a very well-dressed couple.