Hold on to Love Page 24

  “You’d better go, now,” Sean said, breathless. His eyes were pools of passion, but she knew that this wasn’t the place or time to go any further, no matter how much they’d missed each other.

  Alyssa nodded and reluctantly took a step back. “I’ll see you tomorrow; is nine thirty okay?”

  Sean chuckled. “I usually get up at six, so I guess that’s more than okay. I’ll probably be bored by that time, but that would give Tammy enough time to get ready, what with you girls always needing ages to get dressed.”

  He placed one last kiss on her lips and tapped her nose before she turned and left.

  Chapter 37

  They spent the morning exploring the city. For the first time since she’d lived there, Alyssa was actually enjoying seeing things, almost as if she were seeing them for the first time. Strolling in Central Park holding hands with Sean while Tammy chatted non-stop was one of the most romantic things she’d done in years. She’d been to Central Park with one of her boyfriends when she was in high school, but being here with Sean had a whole new meaning.

  After the show in Broadway, she took them to one of her favorite cafés in downtown Manhattan and they had hot chocolate and cupcakes until they were so full they could hardly stand up from the chairs. Alyssa didn’t recall being so happy and laughing so much in all of her life; being with Sean and Tammy felt so natural, as if this were something they did every weekend. Whenever the thought of them leaving in two days popped up she would give Sean’s hand a squeeze or kiss him, and let her love for him take over everything.

  They hadn’t had the chance to hang out like a couple when she was in Wind Creek, and now that they were, she couldn’t help thinking how perfect it felt. She was exactly who she wanted to be when she was with Sean.

  After a whole day of sightseeing they went back to the hotel so that Tammy could put down all the bags of souvenirs and trinkets she’d bought, and while they were in the lobby waiting for the elevator, Alyssa thought it was time to reveal her surprise.

  “We’re going to a fashion show tonight.”

  Tammy’s eyes widened in surprise at the same time as Sean’s narrowed. Alyssa knew he wouldn’t be happy about this, but it was Tammy’s birthday after all, not his.

  Tammy jumped with joy and gave Alyssa a bear hug. Sean’s eyes met hers, shooting daggers at her.

  “Thank you so much. This is definitely the best birthday of my life.”

  “Then hurry up and go get changed. There’s something in your closet I thought you could wear tonight.”

  This time her eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and she let out a loud gasp.

  Alyssa smiled as her heart swelled. All of her life she’d hated her family’s money and now she could finally put it to good use and make someone happy, someone she cared dearly about. “Go on; we don’t want to be late.” Alyssa waved Tammy away and she nodded, sprinting into the elevator. When the doors closed, Alyssa braced herself for Sean’s reaction, which she knew was coming.

  “What are you doing?” His tone was as sour as it had been that first day they’d met when she’d let the price of her bag slip. Not a good sign.

  She looked at him. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were narrowed and ice-cold. Gone was the loving stare that was there only minutes before when he’d looked at her.

  “Why are you encouraging her, putting all these silly ideas in her head?” She opened her mouth to say something, but he was on a roll. “Stop trying to buy her with expensive gifts; stop playing Fairy Godmother, Alyssa. I’m starting to think I wasn’t so wrong about you; you are a posh daddy’s girl after all.”

  She recoiled as if he’d just slapped her, and took a step back.

  Was he serious? Was that what he thought she was doing? She’d never meant to buy Tammy’s friendship or affection. She’d only wanted to make her happy.

  “Are we back there?” she asked, purposely ignoring his last statement. She couldn’t believe those nasty words had come from the man who only minutes before had kissed her and told her how much he loved her. “Are all your stupid countryman’s prejudices back, even after what’s happened between us? I can’t believe this.”

  “Well, what do you think it looks like to a stupid countryman like me? Enlighten me, please, since you’re smarter than me.”

  Alyssa let out an annoyed groan. Now wasn’t the time for a pointless fight; not when he’d snapped his walls back up and they’d gone back to where they’d started. He was a smart, loving man but when he acted like this, she hated him.

  “Sean, seriously. I don’t want to fight with you here in the lobby of a hotel. I don’t have to justify my actions but if you want to know, I was only trying to make Tammy happy. It’s her birthday and her first time in New York. Don’t you want to see your sister smile?”

  “She won’t be happy once we go home and back to reality. You keep showing her what she’s always wanted and will never be able to have; this won’t make her happy in the long run. Stop shoving your money in our face, Alyssa.”

  His words were insulting to say the least. If she hadn’t known the wonderful, caring man he really was, she would’ve thought he truly thought so little of her, and she would’ve made a scene.

  Instead, she tried to remain calm and remember how much they loved each other.

  “I’m not shoving anything in your face,” she said, taking a step closer to him. “And I’m sorry if that’s what you’re thinking, Sean.” She took his hands and he stiffened. She’d have to do better than that if she wanted her Sean back. “She’s like a little sister to me and I love seeing her happy. Knowing the money that’s always made me so unhappy is now making someone I care about happy makes me feel good.”

  His fingers relaxed a little at this affirmation, and slowly curled around her hands. She was getting there.

  “I don’t want her to get upset once she realizes she’ll never be able to live like this.”

  “You underestimate your sister, Sean. She’s a smart girl, and I’m pretty sure she stopped believing in fairy tales a while ago.” Alyssa smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “But if for one night she wants to be Cinderella and I can be her Fairy Godmother, please don’t stand in the way. Besides, Grumpy belongs to another fairy tale.”

  Sean let out a chuckle and hung his head in defeat.

  “I love you, and I love Tammy. Trust me when I say I’d never do anything that could hurt either of you. And now, there’s a surprise for you, too, up in your room.” Sean arched an eyebrow but before he could say a word, she put a finger on his lips. “I couldn’t help myself when I saw it in the shop. I couldn’t stop fantasizing about you in it—and what it would be like to take it off you, afterward…”

  She gave him a naughty grin, and when a genuine smile brightened his handsome face, Alyssa knew her Sean was back. She took a timid step, and when he pulled her toward him, she grabbed the opportunity and kissed him.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered against her lips. “I can’t help being a dumb countryman when it comes to the people I love.”

  Alyssa smiled. “I’d say more like a caveman, but I love you anyway.”

  When twenty minutes later Sean came out of the bathroom in a dark-gray suit and white button-down shirt, a whole swarm of butterflies attacked Alyssa’s lower belly. If Tammy hadn’t been there, the suit would’ve ended up on the floor in two minutes flat.

  His hair was still a little wet from the shower and slightly mussed, giving him a just-out-of-bed kind of look; the shirt clung to his broad chest and shoulders, showing off his sculpted torso, and the pants fit like a glove.

  Tammy let out a wolf whistle, and Alyssa laughed, shaking herself from the naughty thoughts that had been crossing her mind over the last couple of minutes.

  “I’ve always known you’d look great in Hugo Boss,” Tammy said, making Sean frown.

  Alyssa couldn’t help but agree; he was handsome enough in a pair of worn jeans and a plaid shirt, but in a suit? She was sure if any of th
e stylists saw him tonight, they’d want to hire him as a model. She imagined him on a catwalk, taking confident strides and showing off his perfect physique while hordes of women drooled at the sight. He definitely cleaned up well.

  “Well, I can’t say it’s something I’d wear every day, but it’s definitely very comfortable and I think I kinda like this Hugo Boss-” Sean shrugged, then he turned and looked at Tammy with a proud smile. “And you look wonderful in that dress, Tammy. Absolutely stunning. I’m afraid I’ll have to spend the night fending off guys.”

  Tammy blushed, but she looked flattered by the compliment. Alyssa nodded. When she’d seen the emerald-green gown in the shop window, she’d known it would look great with Tammy’s blond curls and brown eyes. The sparkly beads on the corset gave it a sophisticated yet fresh look, making it perfect for a formal night out, but at the same time it would look great for a night at the disco, too. The skirt fell in soft velvety frills just below the knee, which made it the perfect length to avoid any reproachful looks from Sean. A pair of black low-heeled boots completed the look.

  “Now you’re both ready we’ll have to stop by my apartment, so I can get changed, too,” Alyssa said, when Tammy picked up her coat and looked expectantly at her. She couldn’t wait to go—it was written all over her face. “And I have just the perfect bag to go with your dress. I can lend it to you.”

  Tammy’s smile broadened, and she nodded. Although he didn’t say a word, Alyssa noticed Sean roll his eyes and she smiled: men would never understand the need for a matching bag to make an outfit perfect.

  She kissed his cheek and handed him his coat. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his chest, gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head and led her out of the room.

  When they reached Alyssa’s apartment, Tammy was as excited as if she were going to visit a tourist attraction. Sean couldn’t help smiling at the way his sister was jumping with joy over every little thing; this was better than Disney World to her.

  In spite of his earlier thoughts, when he’d seen her in that dress he’d realized she had turned into a young woman, even though she was still a little girl deep down. He wished she could be like this forever; he dreaded the time when she’d start dating and guys would get their hands on her. Maybe if he scared them away they’d leave her alone for a while, at least until she went to college.

  Alyssa disappeared into her bedroom to have a shower and get changed, and left Sean and Tammy to make themselves at home in the spacious living room. It was a classy apartment, but in a way that didn’t feel showy—just like Alyssa. You could tell the furniture in there was expensive, but all the accessories and little touches Alyssa had added gave it a homey feeling.

  He could picture her coming home at night, getting out of her heels and slumping down on the cream-colored couch to watch TV. He could see her padding barefoot around the small kitchen, opening the glossy, white cabinet doors, looking for pots and plates while she made dinner. He smiled as he imagined her in her pajamas having breakfast at the kitchen isle, her eyes half-closed and her soft hair mussed from sleep.

  “I’m ready.”

  Sean turned around when Alyssa’s voice came from behind him. His jaw all but hit his lap when he took in the sight. She was wearing a tight, knee-length black dress that looked as if it had been painted on her by the way it hugged her body and every single curve.

  He’d never really cared about fashion, nor had he ever understood anything about it, but he could tell the dress had come out of an expensive boutique and had probably cost more than he was willing to guess. Right then, though, he didn’t care; Alyssa looked amazing and he was proud he’d be the one by her side tonight. He was sure all the men at that fashion show would be green with envy when they saw her arm in arm with him.

  When he was finally able to tear his eyes away from her body and had moved his gaze up to her face, he noticed her cheeks were slightly colored, and she was nervously fidgeting with a lock of her hair, the rest of which cascaded loosely over her shoulders in long, soft waves.

  “Wow. I so love your dress,” Tammy said, looking at Alyssa in awe. Sean couldn’t help smiling; Tammy loved Alyssa’s dress, while he’d love to get her out of it instead and forget about the fashion show altogether.

  Alyssa smiled self-consciously, and smoothed imaginary creases on the fabric, making Sean wish it were his hands caressing her body like that. He closed the distance between them and looked her straight in the eye.

  “You’re breathtaking.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. Her soft skin was so delicate under his rough farmer’s hand he was afraid she’d pull away. When she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, he opened his palm and cupped her cheek, then bent and brushed her lips in a soft kiss. It wasn’t exactly the kind of kiss he’d had in mind when he’d first set eyes on her in that dress, but he was hoping they’d manage to get a little time alone before the night was through so he could show her just how breathtaking she really was.

  “I think we’d better get going,” Tammy said in an amused tone, breaking the spell Sean had found himself caught in after his eyes had locked with Alyssa’s. “Although, I guess going to a fashion show it the last thing on your mind now, Sean.”

  His head whipped back toward her, and he glared at her when he caught the smirk on her face.

  Tammy giggled and clung to his arm, the way she used to do when she was little and she wanted to be forgiven for something naughty she’d done. He laughed and held his other arm out for Alyssa to take.

  “I think I’ll be the most envied man tonight when I walk into the venue with two beautiful girls in my arms.”

  When Alyssa’s fingers wrapped around his bicep, his blood pressure unexpectedly shot up at the contact. The elevator’s doors opening with a ping provided a welcome distraction, and as they all stepped inside, he took a deep breath and tried to push back images of what Alyssa might be wearing underneath that amazing dress. It was definitely going to be a long night.

  Chapter 38

  After the show was over Tammy was so excited that Alyssa wondered whether she should follow her initial plan or should drag her away before Cindi came out from the backstage. Her friend had not only provided the tickets for the show, but she’d assured Alyssa she’d let Tammy go backstage and get an audition with the big bosses of the Prada team.

  Although Alyssa had prepared herself for Sean’s reaction, she knew this would be her only chance to show Tammy what it was all about. The young girl was smart enough and Alyssa was sure this would finally open her eyes—or at least, she hoped this would work out fine. If not, Sean would probably kill her with his bare hands and she wouldn’t mind—Tammy working in the fashion business was the last thing she wanted.

  Cindi reached them a couple of minutes after the curtains had closed, looking very professional in her tailored suit. She gave Alyssa a quick hug, the usual greeting they’d shared since high school, and turned to give Sean a once-over. Alyssa cleared her throat and Cindi gave her a smirk.

  “So, who’s this handsome stranger?” Cindi asked with a wink. Alyssa rolled her eyes.

  “This is Sean, and this is his sister, Tammy. Guys, this is Cindi, my friend who works for Prada.”

  Tammy’s jaw dropped, as if she’d just been introduced to the First Lady. Cindi smiled and reached out for Tammy’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Tammy. I love your dress,” she said and Tammy blushed a little. “Want to come backstage, so I can introduce you to some people?”

  Tammy’s eyes grew wide and she turned to look at Alyssa. “Really?”

  “Of course.”

  “No,” Sean said at the same time. Tammy looked from her brother to Alyssa.

  “Go ahead; I’ve known Cindi since high school, so I promise she’s safe. We’ll wait right here for you,” Alyssa said, inconspicuously taking Sean’s hand. She didn’t really want Cindi to know that she was dating him; it wasn’t that she was ashamed or anything, but she knew Cindi wo
uldn’t keep it a secret, and Alyssa wasn’t ready to explain to her mother who this mysterious guy was.

  She gave his hand a squeeze and felt his body stiffen when Tammy followed Cindi behind the black curtains. As soon as they were out of sight, Alyssa turned toward Sean and took his face in her hands.

  “It’s okay; I already spoke with Cindi about this when she gave me the tickets. She’s going to introduce her to the big bosses, probably get her an audition while she’s here and—”

  “She’s what?” His voice boomed and, even though the crowded room was loud and nobody really paid attention to them, she felt as if all eyes were on them. She gave a quick glance around, but only a couple of people closer to them had stopped their conversation to take a look at them.

  “What kind of sick game are you playing, Alyssa? Are you trying to sneak her into your own glittery world behind my family’s back?”

  Alyssa took his other hand and brought them both to her lips, placing a soft kiss to his knuckles. She was ready for his reaction, so she didn’t even budge.

  “Trust me, Sean. If you really love me, you must trust that I know what I’m doing.”

  “This has nothing to do with how I feel about you; this is about what you’re doing to my sister.”

  He tried to pull back his hands but she squeezed them tighter so he let go.

  “I’m trying to open her eyes, Sean. Believe me, I don’t want her to get into this world any more than you and your family do. I know what goes on behind closed doors; Cindi and I got an audition once, when we were fresh out of high school. Her aunt worked for Armani, so she pulled a few strings and got us to meet the big boss.”

  She looked away, remembering that day and how stupid she’d felt afterward. She’d only meant to do it to upset her mother, but in the end she’d been the one who’d been upset by the whole thing.