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“Yeah, it’s weird, but Steph, before you go, thanks so much for being such a great friend and letting me stay in your pool house.”
“Hey, it goes both ways. I’ll see you when I see you.”
* * *
FROM HER VANTAGE POINTat the bar, Stella could see into the smaller living room. When Tia, Jerry and Stephanie moved towards the foyer, she looked back at Matt, and caught his eye. As she tilted her head sideways, he nodded. It was the signal that he’d understood.
Sliding off the bar stool, she walked from the room, turned down the hall, and climbed the stairs. Finally reaching Matt’s bedroom and closing the doors, she let out a happy sigh, then ambled across to the large picture window.
The storm raged, and in the dim light from the homes, she could see the waves crashing onto the shore. She was aching to be in bed cuddled next to Matt, knowing her own storm clouds had passed.
Moving away from the window, she stripped off her clothes, laid them on a chair, and padded into the marble bathroom for a hot shower. As she soaped herself and rinsed away the foam, she hoped Matt would appear, but he didn’t. Tired of waiting, she stepped out and dried off.
Returning to the bedroom, she turned off all but one small lamp in the corner of the room, then climbed between the sheets. She was dog tired, but elated. When Matt finally walked in the door, she was almost asleep.
“I’m so done,” he groaned, kicking off his shoes and flopping on the bed, “but it went well, don’t you think?”
“Absolutely. The show was fantastic, and Heather, or should I say Lark, was amazing. I’m sure she’ll have a hit record in no time, but I wonder what will happen with her and Tony. He seems absolutely nuts about her. Did you see his face when she was singing?”
“I know she’s nuts about him, and she’s a very determined young woman. If anyone can nail that guy down, it’s her,” Matt remarked. “And what about you, my gorgeous Goddess? Will I ever nail you down?”
“Are you doing anything right now?”
Matt laughed.
“Why do you ask?”
“I know a pair of feet that need some serious attention. If they’re treated well, you never know what miracles might happen.”
“You’re merciless,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I’ll take a quick shower and be right back.”
“Five minutes and not a minute longer.”
“My sweet Stella,” he crooned, leaning over her and kissing her cheek. “I’ll be back in four.”
* * *
BUT WHEN MATT RETURNEDfrom the shower, he found his Goddess in a deep sleep. Exhausted himself, he didn’t try to wake her, but moved next to her curvaceous body and closed his eyes. He’d waited years to feel the things he was feeling, and to have a woman who shared his kink. They belonged together, and he even had her father’s blessing.
The meeting had come from out of the blue.
He’d just finished a quick lunch when he was told a black Cadillac Escalade had rolled into the motor-court, and a man named Wesley Tucker wanted to see him. Curious, Matt had stepped outside, and saw a wide-shouldered man wearing a cowboy hat.
“Howdy. My name’s Wesley Tucker. I’m Stella’s father. I know you’re havin’ a big party later, but I just need a quick word.”
Though not sure how to respond, Matt had taken an instant liking to the brawny Texan and invited him in.
“Matt, you don’t know me, but I love my little girl, and she’s got herself in a whole heap of trouble. Simple truth is, she married the wrong guy. But she’s met you, and don’t ask me how I know this, but you’ve been a Godsend for her. Now—I know it’s early days—but I’m gonna ask you point blank, are you serious about her?”
Initially the question had shocked him, but as the seconds passed, he realized he and Stella were made for each other.
“You’re right,” he’d said solemnly. “it is early days, but I am, Mr. Tucker. Very serious.”
“I blame myself for the misery she’s suffered,” the Texan had said, shaking his head. “I could’ve stopped it, and I didn’t, and for that I’ll never forgive myself, but I’ve got a good feelin’ about you, Matt. You may be an actor, but you’re a decent fella, and you’ve got my blessin’. You do right by my girl, and I’ll do right by you. One thing though, she can’t know about this meetin’, not yet. One day you can tell her, but not yet.”
“I’m not crazy about keeping secrets from the people I love, Mr. Tucker.”
The Texan had broken into a broad grin and slapped him on the back.
