Chapter 15

"This is simply elaborate." She raved, turning in an arc as she took in the supple red velvet sofas and the cushions piled against the arms.

She had taken a tour of the entire interior, and it took her breath away. The stateroom was breathtaking, with a large bed in the middle complete with drawers and the portholes large enough to be considered windows.

The bathroom was another room of sheer luxury, the shell pink décor elegant in its design.

They had taken off several minutes ago, with the flight attendant bringing them fruit bowls and thinly sliced sandwiches.

"This is not the first jet you have been on." He murmured, a smile teasing his sensuous lips as he watched her roam the area. "If my memory serves, I recalled you were on some mega preacher's plane when he invited you to make a guest appearance at his church."

"His was shabby and in dire need of redecorating. It was also garish with flamboyantly red sofas and some ostentatious shit all over the place. The stateroom had a deerskin rug next to the bed."

His eyebrows rose. "You were in the stateroom. The guy was a pastor."

She grinned as she came and sat next to him. Plucking up a bunch of grapes, she fed him one and then popped one into her mouth.

"I had been on an all-night shoot before I left and was feeling dreadfully exhausted. He kindly offered me the use of the stateroom so that I could get some shut-eye. Perfectly innocent."

He eyed her for a second before taking the grape from her. "Wasn't he involved in some sort of scandal where it was discovered he had several mistresses among his congregation?"

"He was." Leaning back against the cushions, she kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet beneath her. "He was quite handsome and charming too."

"How charming?"

"Immensely. He wanted to bless me with his God-given talents by joining me in bed." Taj's eyes smoldered. "And?"

"I politely told him to go to hell."

"Yet you still went to his church."

"I did. He was a greasy asshole who did not have a reverent bone in that body of his, but the people loved him. He was also a very charismatic preacher. I was touched by his sermons."

"The man wanted to sleep with you, and I think he is also married, and you sat there listening to him preach the Word?"

"The Lord can use anyone to deliver his message. Even one as slimy as Daniel Duvall." She smiled at him. "You should see his wife. Lovely woman with a rather elegant way of dressing.

We were introduced and she smiled at him quite gently, thanking me graciously for accepting her husband's invitation. She also told me when we were alone that she admired my restraint and my morals for not accepting her husband's invitation to have sex with him."

Taj's eyes narrowed as he stared at her.

"She knew."

"She is a woman, we always know." Tilting her head, she gave him a thoughtful look. "I asked her why she stayed, and she told me she is in love with him and has hope that he will change and become the person God wants him to be." "What did you say to that?" he asked, intrigued.

"I told her she has the disposition of a saint. That no matter how much love there was, I would have either kicked him out or murdered him."

"Would you have? I mean, say for some unlikely reason, you discovered I was with someone else, would you have me killed?"

Taking the grapes back, she shook her head. "I love doing my work. I would simply chop you up in tiny pieces and get rid of the body. I would wait until you are asleep though before doing so."

"You are an actress," he told her dryly. "You have a vivid imagination."

"I am just being straight. But we both know that is not something you would ever contemplate." Putting away the grape, she climbed on his lap.

"I have eyes only for you."

"That's a very good answer." Looping her arms around his neck, she rubbed her nose against his. "There is still time for you to back out, you know."

"Why would I do that?"

"As soon as this plane lands, we are going to be bombarded by the press. I was supposed to have sent a press release to my agent, but I completely forgot." Her fingers tangled with his hair. "I just want you to know what you are getting yourself into."

"Am I going to have to contend with any of your exes?"

"No. Just my admirers." She kissed him softly on the lips, loving the feel of him and the fact that he was hers. She was getting used to the idea of being with him. "And I have to warn you, there are legions."

"Is that right?" His hands came around her waist and traveled up her back. She was wearing a simple white cotton dress that left her back and shoulders bare. Reaching up to untie the knot around her neck, he pulled the fabric down.

"Taj- "

"I just want to feel you."

"That plastic-looking flight attendant could walk in at any minute." She protested, feeling the heat starting when he cupped her breasts.

"And the minute she does- "his head reared up. "Plastic looking?"

"She does not look real, all that makeup and not a blonde hair out of place. She was looking at you as if you shared a history. Do you?"

"No!"

"Good, if that was the case, I was going to insist on her being replaced."

"You are becoming bossy, and we are not even married yet."

"Just testing the waters. Now where were we?"

"You were objecting to me doing this." He cupped her breasts, weighing them in his palms.

"And suddenly, I don't care if the plastic blonde walks in. It would show her once and for all that you belong solely to me. So, hands off."

"You are scary."

"Don't forget it."

*****

Even though she had warned him, and he was expecting it, he was quite taken aback to see the swarm of reporters waiting for them at the private airstrip. Word had gotten out that she had stayed behind after the shooting of the film to be with him, and the public's curiosity was intensely aroused.

"Changed your mind yet?" She asked as they pushed through the crowd and made their way to the car waiting for them.

"I will tell you in a minute."

Questions were being shouted at them from every direction, but she had called her publicist to let her know what to expect and the statement she should give.

"I am not granting any interviews, at least not now. You may tell them that yes, Taj and I are in a relationship and no, we are not releasing anything else. We want this to be as private as possible and that's not something I am negotiable on."

Kicking off her shoes, she leaned her head on his broad shoulder and closed her eyes. She was back in town, the frenetic pace, the whiz of traffic she had adored seemed strange to her. After the quiet solitude of the ranch, it was starting to feel surreal. And there was her mother to contend with.

Dani had called her from the plane to alert her to what was going on and the questions were numerous.

"I will tell you everything as soon as I get there. And mother? I am asking you to try and behave within the boundaries of a normal parent. So, that means no asking how much Taj's net worth is and inquiring about his resources.

I don't give a damn about his money; I am marrying the man and not what he has to offer. Oh, and another thing – if you say anything to the press, we are done. Is that clear?"

She had protested about knowing how to act and how she was a changed person, but Dani was not buying any of it and she was certainly not looking forward to seeing her. She had also called Jason to let him know she was back in town and would call him later. He was the only one she felt obligated to reveal the full story.

"Stop worrying." The deep quiet voice had her lifting her head.

"That's beginning to be annoying. Stop reading me."

"I am tied to you, irrevocably, and know when you are in distress." He kissed her lips gently. "And I am telling you that you never have to face anything alone. I am here."

"I don't want her spoiling what we have."

"The only two people who have the power to do so, are sitting here in this back seat. No one else."

She snuggled against him. "How did I get so lucky?"

"You agreed to do a movie, involving my ranch, and the rest as they say is the history."

"Right." Placing a hand on his chest, she closed her eyes as the warmth of his skin seeped through the cotton of his shirt. "Lucky me."

"Absolutely. Now let's have a glass of champagne before we face your mother."

"Good plan."

*****

The place was the very height of luxury and he had expected nothing less. The entire area was rigidly clean with fancy townhouses surrounded by high fences and security at the gate.

"I chose it because of the safety." She told him as they were allowed entry with the guard tipping his hat at her.

"From crazed fans, no doubt?"

"And not-so-crazed fans," she said wryly. "When I started getting recognized, I had to move from my apartment and find something that was going to keep out the uninvited." The vehicle came to a stop in front of a charcoal and glass apartment with a sweeping patio and lively plants hanging from hooks.

"It's not your amazing gardens at the ranch, but I like flowers." Taking his hand, she led the way through a pair of swinging glass doors that led to a reception area.

"Ms. Dani," The weathered-looking black man beamed at her. "Welcome back."

"Thanks, Trevor. How is Marcia doing?"

The man's smile widened. "She is doing very well. Very well indeed. She says I should tell her as soon as you return so that she can thank you properly for getting Joselyn into that fancy school. She wants to send you her famous sweet potato pie."

"And we know she bakes the best." She turned towards Taj. "This is my guy, Taj Bryne."

"A pleasure to meet you, sir. You have a fine woman here. One of the best. Don't believe a word they write about her in that society trash."

"Now Trevor, you know I have my reputation to think about."

Shaking his head at her, he led the way to the elevator. "Sweet as can be."

"Should I be jealous?" Taj murmured as they whizzed to her floor.

"Of course you should be. Trevor is a wonderful man."

"And so is his wife, I take it." Drawing her hand to his lips, he kissed it. "And you are a fraud." He tsked. "Diva my ass."

"Want me to send you back to the ranch?"

"As long as you are going with me." He felt her hand tense in his as the car came to a stop.

"I am here."

"I know."

The door was swept open by a woman bearing a striking resemblance to the woman he was in love with. Deidre Matthews was as petite and exquisite as her daughter, except the years of discontent had carved dissatisfied lines between her nose and her forehead.

"I expected you some time ago." She said in a way of greeting, her eyes latching onto Taj.

"We were somewhat delayed. Good day to you too, Mother, this is Taj."

"I don't see a ring." She stepped back to let them in and Taj got a quick impression of aesthetic beauty and cold formality. It was not a home, and he could see that his beloved only existed here.

"It's good to meet you, Mrs. Matthews." Using his free hand, he took hers and lifted it to his lips, much to her surprised delight.

"You are a gentleman."

"I try to be. This is a lovely home."

"Shall we retire to the living area? I had the maid set out some refreshments."

"You have Gwendolyn working here in her advanced state of pregnancy?" Dani thought nothing the woman did could surprise her, but she was wrong.

"What would I do without her?" Deidre demanded as she marched into the cool pale blue living room with the uncomfortable-looking furniture. At odds, there was a tan leather easy chair near the electric fireplace, and he suspected that was where Dani relaxed whenever she was home.

"I asked for a temp to be here in her absence." Dani was visibly upset and tried to compose herself.

"Let's not start an argument in front of our guest."

"He is not a guest; Taj is the man I am going to marry." She turned as Gwendolyn came in bearing a tray. Before she could rush over to take it from the very pregnant woman, Taj first her.

"Ms. Dani!"

"Gwen, it's lovely to see you of course, but you are leaving this instant." Walking over, she hugged the woman. "And if you return any time soon, I will fire you. Now go." Sensing the tension in the room, Taj stepped in and lifted the covers off the plates. "This looks delicious."

"I am entitled to make decisions in this house. I live here too." Deidre did not take the hint as she sat down on one of the chairs gracefully, her expression mutinous.

"And the reason I don't allow you to do that is because you are selfish. Gwen is almost nine months pregnant and has been having complications!"

"Women have babies all the time and some of them manage to work up to the full term."

"I am not a monster."

"Meaning that I am?"

"You know what Mother, I am not here to argue with you." She sent Taj an apologetic look. "We are only here to tell you the good news that we are getting married." "I suppose he wants you to give up your career? Your father would never have asked that of me."

"No mother. What father did was give up his career and follow you all over the globe, leaving me to fend for myself. Taj is in full support of what I do and if I give up acting, it will be something we both want." Pouring the tea into cups, she handed one to him, the sight of the sandwiches and scones suddenly unappealing to her.

"He has no objection to you coming to the ranch to live with us, but I would prefer it if you stayed here in this apartment. All your expenses will be paid, and you may come for short visits. I have no intention of starting my married life with your constant interference."

Deidre stared at her for a few minutes and lifted her chin. "I prefer to stay here anyway."

*****

He took her to the club to spend the night and to try and calm her down. He had seen firsthand what her mother's presence did to her and even though he had just met the woman, he was not prepared to have her upsetting Dani.

It had been hard for him to stay out of the argument as he told himself that this was between a mother and her daughter. But he was furious that she continued to needle her like this.

"Better?" he asked her quietly as he escorted her to a table in one of the dining rooms.

"Thanks for bringing me here."

Taking her hands in his, he forced her to look at him. "I have never slapped a woman in my life and wanting to do that to your mother so appalled me, I had to get out of there. I did this as much for myself as for you."

Her eyes glimmered with laughter, and she felt the tension draining from her body. On the way here, she had been quiet, and he had allowed her the silence, knowing that she was struggling to get her emotions under control.

"Planning to be my knight in shining armor, Mr. Bryne?"

"I guess I am going to have to purchase me an armor from somewhere. Okay now?" She nodded, giving him a grateful smile. "Still want to marry me?"

"Now more than ever. We could zip off to Vegas and tie the knot. Avoid all the excitement."

"I would love to say yes, but I must think about your dad and granddad."

"In that case, let's eat. I see we are about to be invaded." He murmured with a sigh as Liam Moses, Jackson Colby, and Adam Whitmore came bearing down on them.

*****

She charmed all three men. She knew them of course, and had met them at award ceremonies and parties on Liam's yacht. Leaning back in his chair, he sipped his wine and watched as they were drawn to her effervescent personality and her exquisite beauty.

He had to remind himself that she was his, but at times, he felt like telling all three of his friends to hands off his women.

And all three men were happily married. But his love was so new and fresh that it made him more than a little insecure. And he had a surprise for her. Before they boarded the plane, he had placed a phone call to Monique Romano and gave her instructions.

The ring had been handed to him discreetly by the driver as soon as they disembarked and was boring a hole in the pocket of her sports jacket.

He wanted to make it official, and he wanted to be alone with her when that happened.

With that in mind, he put an abrupt end to the evening and escorted her to the suite of rooms he had secured for the night.

"I like them."

"They seem to like you a lot too," he murmured as he took her jacket.

Turning to look at him, she arched a brow in question. "Is that jealousy I heard?"

"Your hearing is not impaired by any means." He unzipped her dress and when she stepped out of it, tossed it carelessly on an overstuffed chair.

"They happen to be happily married."

"The only reason, is one or all three of them are not experiencing my wrath." His fingers slid beneath the thin strap of her teddy." This should be illegal."

"I have a feeling it is." A frown touched her brow as he went down on one knee. "What are you doing?"

Sliding the box out of his pocket, he flicked the delicate clasp open. "I had to ask for help in choosing this because you are a very sophisticated woman and an excellent actress, I did not want to disappoint you. Now, if I am wrong and this is not to your liking- "

"Shut up." She whispered, staring at the exquisitely shaped diamond, her eyes wide,

"Now is that any way to talk to your fiancé?" he asked her huskily as he drew the ring from its velvet cushion. "Dani, my heart and soul, will you do me the extreme honor of becoming my wife?"

"I thought you already proposed."

"I am just being thorough." Taking her hand, he slid the ring onto her elegant finger, and it was a perfect match. "Well?"

"Just give me a minute to appreciate your extremely good taste, or do I have Monique to thank?"

"Are you implying that a cowboy does not have a good stone if it hits him in the face?"

"Something like that." Pulling him up, she wrapped her hands around his neck, her head lifting as she gazed at him. "I love you, Taj Byrne."

"It so happens that I love you more Dani Matthews, very soon to be Byrne."

"You think I am going to take your name?"

"I do." He murmured hoarsely. Swinging her into his arms, he carried her to bed and hurriedly took off his clothes. "I want to make love to you while wearing this." He fingered the transparent lace.

"It's tight down there." She gestured to her lower body.

"I will find a way." He promised thickly. And he did.