Back to December (Ward Sisters Book 1) (30 page)

“Oh, I don't know. Maybe around the time that Billy St. Pierre broke your heart.”

“UGH. He was such an idiot. What did I see in him?”

“Don't know, but you were pretty torn up for a couple weeks. Your mom turned into the psycho witch after that.”

“Anja said she thinks that my mom probably had a heartbreak at some point. That's why she doesn't believe in fairy tale love.”

“Anja? Who's Anja? Your new guru? I thought I was your guru?”

“You are my guru. Anja is Rob's mom.”

“Ah, met the fam, did you?”

“I spent Christmas with them. And then New Year's Eve we all went to the gala together. Anja and Pat came to our house for dinner last night.”

“Did you just say 'our house'?”

“I don't know. Did I?”

“You did! Are you
living
with him?”

“Sort of, I guess. I'm staying at his house this week instead of the hotel. And I'm staying with him at his house when I go to California next week.”

“Seriously? Wow. That's...wow. Em, that's way outside your usual MO. You dated Josh for two years before you lived with him. Hell, you wouldn't let him keep a drawer at your apartment before that.”

“I wasn't in love with Josh.”

“But you thought you were!”

“And there is a difference. Apparently, my heart knew even if my brain had no idea. My heart was never in it with Josh. You know that. Charlie told me you both wouldn't have let me marry him.”

“No way. We were both ready to throw down the gauntlet if you tried.”

“Then why did you let me stay with him for so long?”

“Because if we
told
you to leave him, you'd have wanted him more. Psych 101, baby.”

“Do you think that I want Rob more because my mother is against it?”

“Is that what
you
think?”

“No. I don't. I really don't. I wanted him before I knew she had an objection. I wanted him more than I've ever wanted anyone. It's so much more than physical. I didn't even notice him at that toy store, Meg. I was so focused on my own thing that I didn't even really see him. I don't have to tell you how bizarre that is. You know how hot he is on camera. He's a million times more beautiful than that in person. And he's so sweet and so kind and so, so generous. He's the biggest geek. It's adorable. And he's so loving. He loves with his whole self.”

“Did he tell you he loves you?”

“On Christmas Eve.”

“What, was it like, during climax?”

“No! He just...he told me he loved all these things about me and that he wanted all of me, he wanted everything. And then he said he loved me. He's told me lots of times since then.”

“Did you say it back?”

“Sort of. He knows I feel that way about him, but I haven't said the words. At least, not to his face when he was awake.”

“You told him when he was asleep?”

“Is that bad?”

“It says you're scared of your feelings, Em.”

“Terrified.”

“Have you thought about stepping back?”

“I don't even know how I can. My brain won't register that idea. I was so bummed, thinking that this was it, this week might be the end. And then when Marcus said I had to travel, that he was sending me to L.A., I was over the moon. I called Rob straight away. I didn't even think about anyone else. I got the promotion and he was the first one I wanted to tell.”

“You really love him.”

“So much, it's scary. But it's him I love, Meg. Not his career. I mean, he's great at it and I'd never not support him. But it's really overwhelming sometimes. The security, the glitz, the reduced privacy, the constant intrusions. And this isn't even L.A. I know it's going to be worse when we get there. Right now, Liam is like a sidekick. He's going to be doing his job and then some next week.”

“Liam? Is he your bodyguard?”

“Yeah. Is that not bizarre? But, seriously, if you didn't know that you could get the details no one else knows about us, would you click on photos and articles at gossip sites to find out? Be honest.”

“Hell, yeah. You know I would. I'm just glad I get to know without having to go that route. But I guess what you're saying is that it makes life really unpleasant when you've got every Tom, Dick and Harry out there trying to dig up dirt and take compromising photos.”

“Add to that events where they're
allowed
to take photos and ask questions. All the time. If I could just sit here in Minnesota and go to work every day and come home to him at night, I wouldn't be freaking out. That part feels right. Even if it seems like we're rushing things, it doesn't feel that way. I love him, he loves me, neither of us are green in relationships or way too young to think about the future. Why take it slow if it doesn't feel like we need to do that? But when I think about us out...there, it scares the hell out of me. Like, will it still feel real? Will it actually hold up? And what the hell am I going to do if it doesn't? Never mind crap like being on live television or walking a red carpet.”

“Oh, hon, you'll be fine. I told you, it's really him they care about. He's been doing it for a long time, now. Take your cues from him. And if it's meant to be, it will work out.”

“Charlie said that, too.”

“Well, I'm the smart one, but she has her moments.”

Em laughed. “I missed you, Meggie. No more going to retreats and staying out of communication for two weeks. I need you when I'm in crisis.”

“I think you did just fine. Besides, I only stayed two weeks because there was this really hot guy there I was hoping would seek his enlightenment with me, but he was more into this guy. Oh well, I lost a few pounds this Christmas instead of gaining, so I won't complain. Plus, I met this sexy guy, Justin, on the flight from New York to Portland. We're going out tomorrow night.”

“I used to be jealous of your adventures, but I think I like sticking with one guy.”

“I'm just glad you finally found a guy who can turn you on. Sex should
not
be boring, Em. It should be balls to the wall out of the gate.”

Emily laughed. “I told Rob you would say that. The boring part, I mean. I also told him you'd be jealous.”

“Hell yeah. You get to have sex, regularly, with a guy I've wanted to see naked for nearly a decade. And he's good at it. Even if you never spoke to him again after this moment, I'd still be jealous. Who cares that he's famous? I'd do him because he's hot.”

“Hot doesn't begin to cover it. And neither does a regular condom.” Emily waited for her best friend to get her meaning.

“Holy hell, you're telling me that he's not only good at it, he's packing?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Did you tell Charlie this?”

“Well, I had to. I said that he had ruined me for other men...”

“Of course he has.”

“...and she thought I meant that he had hurt me. I had to explain what I meant.”

Meg laughed. “Oh, that Charlie Brown. Well, girly, I've got to get going, but I want you to promise you will tell me stories. Lots and lots of stories.”

“Don't I always?”

“Whether you want to or not.”

“Love you, Meggie. Talk to you soon.”

“Later, Emma Bean. Love you. Congrats on the promotion.”

The Fluxus retrospective opening wasn't nearly as stressful as the gala had been. Em's role was more subdued and she didn't need to be host the way she did at the gala. As a result, she enjoyed more of the event and socialized with the Deacons.

Now that she and Rob were officially 'out' as a couple, Em didn't downplay her affection with him in public, though she remembered that she was working. Nonetheless, they often held hands and worked the room together.

It was the kind of thing she had always hoped would happen with Josh, to attend a gallery opening and for them to both enjoy it. After how natural it felt to be doing that with Rob, Em realized that Josh would never have gotten there. It just wasn't his thing. She would always have spent this kind of event literally holding his hand through it and feeling weighed down. When she held Rob's hand, it was a sign of affection, not a clue that one or both of them needed the other to make them feel comfortable.

It was further proof that Rob and Em were a better match than she and Josh had ever been.

Malibu, California, one week after New Year's...

By the time the Fluxus stuff had ended, Emily was beat. After an exhausting three weeks, she was ready for some R&R. Fortunately, Em only had a few interviews to do during the week between the opening and the Globes. She hoped to have plenty of free time to spend with Rob in L.A.

Christopher had dressed her more than once and already knew what she'd be wearing to the Globes. By now, she trusted his instincts. Which meant that she only had one fitting time before the event. They made an appointment for later that week and worked around her two interviews. Em thought that Rob lived right in L.A., but he lived in Malibu. Christopher's studio was in downtown and since two of her three interviews were nearby, she set up everything so she could avoid too many trips into L.A. while she was on 'vacation'.

She had forgotten about her SUV until the last minute, and Rob had Amy switch the bill to his account, letting them drop off the truck without much fanfare. Because they arrived at the airport without the limo, they managed to thwart the paparazzi's efforts to find them before they got through security. Rob took her to an elite lounge for the airline, and when it was time to board, because they were in first class, they got on quickly and painlessly.

The flight was uneventful. The weather cooperated, so the flight itself was smooth. A few people had recognized Rob on the plane, but they were polite so it wasn't a big deal.

Landing in L.A. was another story. Rob spent some of the flight preparing her for what it would be like getting off the plane. There were always photographers at LAX – too many famous people flying in and out, so there would be someone to see.

When they arrived, there was no way to describe it that would do it justice. It was like meeting Christopher for the first time – when you've encountered a force of nature, you have to roll with it or get trampled. This was like Christopher times ten, on steroids, and with telephoto lenses.

A throng of photographers, constant flash bulbs, shouts of both Rob's name and her own. Rick and Liam paved the way on either side of them, withRick's huge frame marking the path and Liam protecting them in the rear. Rob had said to keep walking, ignore the paps and follow Rick. If they didn't have carry-on luggage, they could have run.

They arrived at the limo that was waiting by the curb and Em jumped into the car first. Liam stowed the bags with the driver, and Rick kept the horde at bay while Rob signed autographs. Once the men were in the limo, Rick tapped the divider and they sped off. Em was never so glad to be sitting in the limo in her life.

She must have looked shell-shocked, because Rob pulled her into his arms, kissed her hair and rubbed her back. Rick said, “The airport is one of the worst places, Em. They're crawling all over the place here, but the ones clustered at the airport are fighting for the best pictures. It's not nearly as bad as that most of the time.”

“Good. Because that was terrifying.”

Rob pulled back to look at her. “Are you okay?”

Em nodded. “I don't know if I'll ever get used to
that
.”

“No, you probably won't. It's never as bad as that anywhere else, really. You can't stumble into LAX just out of bed unless you want unattractive photos to end up in the rags. That's why I only fly middle of the day if I can, because then I never have to worry about it.”

“You don't care that much about unflattering photos, do you?” Em didn't think he was that shallow.

Rob laughed. “No, but Amy does. If I end up on
Star
looking disheveled, it makes her job that much harder. It can't be that I overslept and didn't have time to make myself pretty before I caught an early flight, it has to be that I was partying hard the night before. It's the same as everything else, Em. They make whatever assumptions they want and unless you plan to spend your life in court fighting them, you just have to live with the stupid stuff and only really worry about the truly detrimental bits. Only way to combat it is to be on the offensive.”

Em sighed. “I'll keep that in mind.” He kissed her softly. “Thanks. I needed that.”

Liam groaned. “I have to see this all the time now. Man, Rob, you couldn't date a girl you didn't want to constantly get naked?”

Rob laughed. “You're just jealous because you haven't gotten laid in a while.”

“Who says?”

“Me. Em has kept you busy the last three weeks and your local booty call in Minneapolis doesn't put up with late nights. Which means you're looking for a booty call as soon as you get here.”

“Shut up.”

Rob laughed harder. “I knew it. Who is it this time? Don't tell me Jenna. She's too busy right now.”

Liam blushed and looked down, frowning. “I know. She already told me.”

Em had to laugh. She had never seen him so flustered. “The house is on the beach, right? Maybe we can find you a hot chick when you sit on the beach with us.”

Rick laughed this time. “Liam knows better than that.”

“Why, because he's on the job?”

“No, because if a girl is approaching Rob on the beach she's not looking at his bodyguard.”

“Well, she better be if his girlfriend is sitting next to him.”

All three men laughed. “Didn't know you were a jealous one, Em,” Liam noted.

“Very. I don't share my man. With anyone.”

“Oh, boy. This is going to be fun.” Rick rolled his eyes.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Em asked, offended.

Rob caressed her face. “He just means that here, you're sharing me with everyone every time we step outside the house. It's unavoidable. But you don't ever have to
really
share me.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He kissed her again.

Liam made gagging sounds. “Seriously, guys, I don't know how I'm going to stand it. You two are disgustingly cute.”

“We need to get you laid before you have a meltdown,” Rob joked.

“I'm not that bad.”

Rick scoffed, “You're worse than Rob was after three years!”

“Sorry, Liam. I didn't mean to ruin your sex life,” Em said.

Liam looked contrite. “Aw, Em. It's okay.” He patted her knee. “I didn't mind. Long as you don't always work 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., I'll be fine.”

Em squeezed Liam's hand. “I don't. I swear.”

It was a lovely drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and Em hoped to see more of the area with Rob. It took a while to get there – at least as long as it took for her to drive down to New Hampshire from Portland – but soon enough, they were in Malibu. Rob's house was on the beach and before they even got there, Em heard the surf pounding the shore. She had always loved the ocean and looked forward to being in Rob's arms while the waves lulled her to sleep.

Em wasn't prepared for the house. It was Modern, with lots of windows and clean lines. She didn't know what she expected, but since so many houses in Maine on the beach were constructed in New England architectural styles, she must have been picturing something like that without realizing it. Within a few minutes, the driver pulled away from the house and it was just the four of them.

Like in Minnesota, Rob took out his phone and talked to the house so that he could unlock it and open everything. Em had seen him fiddling with his phone when they first sat in the limo, but she thought he had been checking his schedule. Apparently, he had remotely opened windows so that the house could air before they arrived, because it wasn't stuffy inside.

Walking into the foyer, she saw straight out to a huge window in the back and it took her breath away. She slowly wandered toward the view, like a moth to a flame. When she got to the living room in the back, she gasped. An enormous expanse of windows revealed blue water, coastline and sand about 50 yards from the back of the house. When she stood at the window, she could see an outdoor room below at ground level – a combination living room and kitchen/dining space. She blinked. She'd stepped into a TV show.

Rob came up behind her and wound his arms around her waist. “You like?” he asked.

She turned to look at him, the astonishment surely on her face. “I don't think like is the appropriate word. Who wouldn't like? This is gorgeous, Rob.”

He smiled. “I'm glad you like it. It was a hole when I bought it because some third-rate rock star had lived here and trashed the place regularly. Between getting it smart ready and fixing all the problems, it was a long process to get it to where it is now. But it was worth it. The view alone was worth the price tag.”

“Which was?” Em grimaced, unsure she wanted to know, but she was curious.

“I think I paid 8.5 and put around 3.5 into it?”

“That's million. This house cost you $12 Million.”

“Something like that. Believe it or not, that's a decent price. I could probably sell it for at least$16 Million. Maybe more, since it's a smart house.”

“And how big is this house, exactly?”

“Making sure I really got my money's worth?” he teased.

“Just wondering what $12 Million actually gets you. You know, since I'm completely ignorant about this sort of thing.”

“The house has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a laundry and an office. There are three master suites and two of the bedrooms have a shared bath. The half bath is downstairs, near the deck. There are two kitchens, two living rooms and two dining rooms. One set is up here, the other is down at the deck level. You can walk straight out that path to the beach. There's no pool, though.”

“Oh, because not having a pool is a big deal when you live on the ocean.”

“You'd be surprised. People in L.A. love their pools. Mitch lives next door, remember? His house has a pool. If I want to swim in chlorine instead of salt water, I just go to his house.”

“He doesn't care?”

“Nope. He isn't there half the time anyway, but I programmed his house for him, so he lets me go over there whenever I want. Provided he isn't entertaining a lady friend. Most of the time, my house is more than enough for me. And I've hardly been here myself the past three years.”

Emily's eyes glazed over and she had to shake her head. That was insane.

“A little overwhelmed?” Rob asked.

“Just having a hard time imagining owning a $12 Million house and hardly being in it. Let alone also owning a housing development for only your family. Little bizarre, really.”

Rob hugged her. “If I were in your shoes, I'd feel the same way. This has all been gradual for me, every bit of it. I had a lot of time to get used to the escalation of everything from the publicity to the real estate prices. I'm sure it's a lot when it's thrust upon you in such a short time.”

Emily sighed. “I'm sorry. This brings the whole thing into focus and it feels surreal again. I had gotten used to our life in Minnesota. You know, aside from the press stuff, for the most part, your life there is semi-normal. Or at least typical for a rich person. I had a few friends from summer camp whose parents had money, so it wasn't that different from their lives growing up. And we always had the house on the lake, so that felt familiar to me. But this...”

“Yeah, even my family had a hard time with it at first. Most of them still sit in awe when they come to visit. Rick is probably most used to it because he's traveled with me so much.”

“What about Liam? You said Liam had a thing with Jenna. I thought he stayed in Minnesota most of the time?”