Chapter 73
Secrets
“Where are you off to?” Addison asked, helping Randi out of her wedding dress. “Mom says it’s a secret and that Martin doesn’t even know.”
Randi used the mirror to look at Addison and smiled. “I did it with the help of Martin’s manager. I made a bargain with him that if he would help me keep our honeymoon off the grid, I’d do any photo shoot he wanted. I had no idea where to go or what hotel would keep everything under wraps.”
“Smart girl. He’s been Martin’s manager forever, you can trust him.”
“Good, but now I’m a little rushed. The pictures took longer than I thought - the cake, the family pictures - but we’re done now and I’m on my way up to the hotel suite. I want to be there when Martin walks in. If you see him, slow him down.”
“I can do that. I’ll keep him busy for a bit.”
“Thanks. Our bags are already there. I just need to make sure everything is in place.” Randi slipped into jeans and a T-shirt being careful not to mess up her hair. “I’ve got a fancy evening dress and a night of dancing planned so I’ve got to go change. I hope he’s doesn’t mind we’re not flying to Paris.”
“He won’t mind as long as he’s with you. Go. I’ll detain him. Enjoy yourself. Don’t answer the phone. I’ll text you in a few days.”
It was just after five when Randi was ushered to her suite. Martin would be receiving the envelope with directions any minute. The hotel was everything the leaflet had said it was and the penthouse suite was stunning. The clientele were screened and Bill had assured her they wouldn’t be disturbed. She hoped he was right because she wasn’t sharing Martin with anyone for the next few days.
The first thing she did was to retrieve her cosmetic case and personal toiletries, makeup and perfume, everything she would need to look and feel her best. After a quick freshening up, she checked the mirror. Her hair, which was up in a stylish do, was still perfectly in place. All she needed now was to add a touch of lip-gloss and she would be ready to slip into the evening gown she’d picked out.
She had planned for weeks so she took out her checklist. The satellite radio was tuned to easy-listening music and the AC was set on 78. She’d laid Martin’s script on an end table and his robe, slippers and toiletry bag on the bed in the master bedroom.
Everything was ready, now all she had to do was wait. She took one more look over the suite. It was perfect and the view was amazing. There was an oversized lounge chair and a small dining table with two chairs on the terrace.
The kitchen was stocked with everything they might need. There was a meat, cheese and fruit tray along with assorted nuts, chocolates, naturally flavored sparkling water and fruit drinks. She had also called in their dinner menu, which was to be served at 6:30.
Randi was nervous. She wanted everything to be perfect. She had bought lingerie – a white satin gown with a matching robe that was embroidered on the back with the word, “Bride”, a ruffled lace romper, a lace topped chemise with matching underwear, teddies and satin babydoll pj’s. But, most importantly of all, she was on birth control. She and Martin wanted children, but not just yet.
As she slipped into her shoes, there was a knock at the door. Would Martin knock? She took one last look in the mirror and checked the peephole. She let out a deep sigh and opened the door to her new husband.
Martin stood before her a smile on his handsome face. His tie was off and hanging out of his pocket. As he walked in the door, he began unbuttoning his vest while kissing her. He discarded his jacket and vest on a nearby chair while Randi closed and locked the door.
“I hope you’re hungry.” The look he flashed her made her feel a bit nervous, so she spoke again, “I meant for food.”
“Yeah. That, too,” he said, as his gaze traveled down the form fitting dress then back to her eyes. “This is nice,” he held out his hand and continued speaking, “secluded. Why, Mrs. Taylor, I like your style, and I like that dress but I’ll like it even better when it’s in a puddle at your feet.”
He teased her with a growl and a kiss on her neck. She wanted to scold him, say that dinner was on the way, but she didn’t. Her arms went around his neck, and where she had thought she might feel shy, she too couldn’t wait to see that white shirt sliding off his tanned shoulders.
His hands made their way from her waist up her side to the strap of her dress. He leaned back toying with the idea of pushing it off her shoulder. He raised his gaze to her eyes when she spoke.
“Should I cancel dinner? It’s on the way up? This is your night. Do as you will.”
*****
“I’ll have a little of both,” Martin said, pushing the strap off her shoulder and letting his lips roam upward to her neck. He knew this was a weak spot and when a sigh escaped Randi’s lips, it let him know he was on the right track. “How long till dinner?” he asked, but then covered her lips with a kiss.
“Fifteen minutes. Not long enough for much.”
“Speak for yourself,” he teased. She laughed and he loved to hear her laugh.
She pushed him back playfully. “If you think I spent all your money on this fancy room and this fancy dress for fifteen minutes, you better think again.”
He loved her teasing as she pushed him away. It was best she get out of his arms until after dinner. “Did you enjoy your wedding day, Mrs. Taylor? ” he asked, as sat on the couch where he could enjoy Randi enjoying the view.
“I did. It was a wonderful day. I think it was perfect.”
“It was. My best wedding yet.” He knew this would make her look at him, and even better, she came to stand in front of him.
“Yet? Young man, I’ll have you know this is your first and only wedding.” She put her hands on her hips and looked at him.
Martin had what he wanted. Randi close enough to touch. He smiled and reached up taking her wrist and pulled her to him. She started to sit on the edge of the couch but he reached out taking her off balance until she was in his lap. She laughed and put her hand in his and looked at their rings.
“Are you ready for tonight?” he asked. “I won’t rush you. I joke, but I can be patient. We can move at any pace.” Martin had no idea what she would say. She moved his hand to her waist, put her fingers into his hair and brought her lips to his.
“I don’t want to disappoint you,” she said, between kisses.
“Oh, you won’t,” he said, parting his lips for an electric kiss. Martin moved in the chair tilting her to bring her closer. When her hand went to his chest, he laughed. “I won’t let you fall.”
“I know. I just wasn’t expecting that. I trust you.”
“Do you really?” he teased, sliding his hand to her thigh. He thought she might push him away but she didn’t. Instead her right hand moved to the top button of his shirt.
“I trust you and I love you,” her words were a whisper against his lips. When he felt the top button of his shirt come open, and then the next, and her hand on his chest, he laughed.
“Is it possible you’re a bit hungry, too?” He liked the smile that came to her lips, but the only answer she gave was to open one more button on his shirt. When he reached his hand to touch her face, she unbuttoned the cuff on his sleeve.
“When I take this off later, I might be in a hurry.”
“Is that my answer?” he asked, huskily.
“It could be,” she teased, eyeing another button on his shirt, but sadly, there was a knock on the door. She gave him an ‘oh well’ look and untangled herself from his arms. She held out her hand, he rose and started to the door, but she bumped in front of him and smiled. “Better eat up, it might be a long night.”