Chapter 9
“I know what you need!” Blair snapped his fingers as if a light had suddenly been turned on inside his brain and jarred her out of her reverie.
“You do?”
He nodded, an ardent look on his face. “You sit here having one hell of a pity party, but I’m not joining in.
You’re a terrific gal, an amazing woman, and an inspiring one.
You dragged yourself out of your misery when still a child and focused on becoming one hell of an actress.
People are talking about you, and, bitch, I must admit that for years, I was jealous of all your accolades and the way the fans love you.
I wanted to hate you, but you made it so damn hard! ” He shook his head when she laughed.
“You are the best person I know. You could have gone straight out diva on everyone, yet you made everyone, cast and crew alike, feel as if they were worth something. You never behaved as if you were better than anyone else. You weren’t afraid to get your pretty hands dirty.
I saw the way you handle those grubby kids at those depressing children’s homes.
You’re a prize, and that’s why you’re so loved. Now.”
He clapped his hands together. “I’m going to do something amazing for you.”
She tried to sit up and flopped back down when it became too much.
“I’ll just lay here.”
“I’m calling Justin and the crew.”
“Why? What…”
“Hush.” He waved her away. “Darling Justin, you picked up the phone,” he cooed.
“I miss you too.” He made kissy noises that had her rolling her eyes.
“I need a gigantic favor, and it has to be now. I know you’re busy, but it’s for our girl Eliza.
You know she’s all the way knocked up.” He listened for a few seconds and burst out laughing.
“Yes, four! Can you believe it? Isn’t she a peach? Well, this peach needs a pick-me-up. She’s down in the dumps and feeling sorry for herself. Of course, her skin is still marvelous. It’s even more so now that she’s carrying a litter.” He grinned at the dirty look Eliza threw him.
“She’s wearing braids.” He grimaced at the very thought. “Yes, she needs some serious help, one that only you can give her.” He listened again and nodded, smile flashing.
“Great. We’re sitting by her pool. Just come right over. In fifteen minutes? Wonderful. I owe you a big one.” He hung up and threw up his hands in the air.
“You’re about to get a makeover, darling, one that will get you out of the doldrums.”
“You never asked me.”
“I didn’t need to.” His eyes scanned her face. “You listed everything wrong, and I know I had to do something. When is that man of yours expected back?”
“While you were planning my life, he texted. He said he’s hung up on a meeting.”
“Great. That will give the team time to make you even more beautiful.”
Eliza had to admit, albeit to herself, that it was a very good idea.
They set up shop right there next to the pool, and Justin and his crew went to work.
He was a flamboyant-looking man with a multi-colored ponytail reaching to his waist and as skinny as a rail.
But he was talented and in high demand by celebrities.
His fees were astronomical, but worth every penny.
People were known to say that when Justin was through with you, even a plain Jane could look like a movie star.
He tutted at her braids and had several women getting rid of them.
Another person whipped the dress off her, and they all exclaimed over how huge her belly was, then went right to work, rubbing moisturizer all over her skin.
She was not in the least bit shy about her nudity.
She was an actress, used to stripping in front of a bunch of people, and the ones around her continued their conversations without blinking an eye.
The ladies made short work of getting rid of the braids, and by the time she was pummeled and massaged into near oblivion, her hair was ready to be shampooed.
Justin did the honors himself, exclaiming over how thick it was and how much it had grown. He applied his special treatment, wrapped it up with a warm towel, and went to work on her face.
“Your skin is glowing,” he remarked in admiration.
“This new cream I came up with will only enhance what’s already there.
You’re beautiful, Mon Cher. It’s in your bones, and that’s where real beauty lies.
Even if you look like a dinosaur, you still radiate beauty. That cannot be taken away from you.
“Your skin is so soft and silky. I’m going to make certain that gorgeous man of yours notices the difference.” He gave her a speculative look as he rubbed in the cream. “I take it, even though you’re this huge, there’s still some activity going on in the bedroom?”
“That’s none of your damned business,” she told him mildly.
Instead of being offended, he laughed, pressing a kiss on her lips. “I take that as a yes. Well, he’s going to want to maul you tonight. I think we should shave your snatch.”
“You’re going to leave my snatch alone. If it needs shaving, my husband will see to it.”
He patted her cheek in approval. “That’s my girl. Well, it’s time to put on the finishing touch,” he announced in his grand way.
She had texted him to let him know that she was on the balcony attached to their bedroom.
A glass of his favorite brandy was waiting for him and some refreshments.
She had decided on grapes and cheese, an Italian brand she had picked up from the kitchen.
Blair had invited himself to stay for dinner, and they had eaten the delicious meal by the pool.
She heard the ping on her phone indicating that he had disconnected the alarm.
For some unknown reason, she was filled with nerves.
Over the last two months, with everything going on, he had been so patient with her.
She could appreciate the fact that for a man as busy as her husband, rushing from the studio or various locations to be with her whenever she was facing a crisis had to be terribly hard on him, and he hadn’t asked for this.
She was the one who had insisted on going the IVF way, and now, with four babies nestled inside her uterus, there were the usual complications.
He never complained. She had half-jokingly told Blair that he put up with her passing gas and suffered through the unbelievable stench stoically. Because the babies were pressing down on her bladder, she peed frequently, and sometimes there was an after scent because she did it so often.
Tonight, she felt beautiful. The whisper-soft, almost transparent black robe was new.
It hugged her breasts lovingly and was high around the waist to accommodate her swollen abdomen.
But most of all, her hair was shining with health, the thick strands swinging whenever she turned her head.
And her skin was glowing. Justin might be a pain, but he knew his stuff.
The massage had loosened the tension in her back and her legs, and she felt better.
She had thanked Blair for his consideration and generosity.
Straightening as soon as the door opened, she turned toward the open glass doors and watched as he walked into the room.
“It’s supposed to rain. I don’t think…” His voice petered off abruptly when he caught sight of her, and all he could do was stop and stare.
“What do you think?” Lifting a hand, she slid it through her hair and shook the mass back vigorously. “Blair suggested I get a makeover, so Justin and the crew came to my rescue. A full-body massage and the works.”
He walked forward, silver eyes taking in the curve of her lips and the healthy glow of her beautiful skin. He had come home with the intention of just crashing because he was so tired. All of that simply disappeared. He was no longer exhausted.
“You never said anything.” He lifted a hand to brush against her cheek, feeling the satiny texture of her skin.
“I wanted to surprise you. Well?”
“Consider me surprised. You smell like… what’s that scent?”
“Something Justin experimented with. I think he called it crushed blueberries and pomegranates.”
“Hmm.” His hand wandered to the graceful curve of her neck. “You got rid of the braids. Good.”
She sent him an arched look. “You could have said you hated it.”
“And run the risk of offending my very pregnant wife? I don’t think so. Are you all right?”
“I am.”
“Sure?”
“Positive.”
“Enough to…”
“Yes.” She reached for the sash of her robe and tugged it open. “I poured you a glass of brandy.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“I just thought I would give my beleaguered husband a break. Something he sorely deserves.” His hungry gaze latched onto the wide nipples, which were already rigid.
“Still sensitive?”
“Even more so. They rubbed some sort of oil on them, and I…” She bit her lip and shoved the robe off to reveal her bare flesh. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to keep up.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m incredibly horny.”
His eyes flew to hers. “Is it as a result of those people playing with your breasts?”
“I was thinking of you.” Taking his hands, she used them to cover her flesh. “I need your mouth and your tongue. Please. And don’t be gentle.”
Desire, sharp and piercing, slammed through his body like quicksilver. Nudging her to the comfortable sofa, he waited until she was seated before dropping down between her open thighs.
“At the rate of how I’m feeling, gentleness is not something I’m going to be exercising.” His breath was harsh and rapid, his skin tight and uncomfortable.
“Good.” Arching her back, she slid her fingers through his dense dark hair as he lowered his head. Cupping the flesh, he weighed them in his palms before tugging the nipple into his mouth. Heat, quick and painful in its intensity, swept through her body and had her crying out.
“Don’t stop!” she whispered raggedly when he lifted his head, thinking he was hurting her. “Please don’t stop.”