What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9) Page 36

  She dabbed concealer on the dark smudges of exhaustion lay beneath her eyes. Expelling a long exhale, she tossed the stick of cover-up back into her makeup bag. “It’s no use.”

  She scoffed to the worn out reflection staring back in the mirror. “Nothing is going to cover these bags.”

  Shayla hadn’t slept but hardly a few hours a night for the past week, and lack of sleep started to take its toll. She hadn’t spoken to Mat in days. While he was being kind enough to give her the space she needed, their separation left Shayla no closer to an answer.

  Her cell phone resting on the granite countertop buzzed, vibrating its way across the counter. Seeing her uncle’s face scroll over the screen, she gave a tired smile, answering the phone. “You must be reading my mind. I’ve been thinking about you all morning and was going to call you.”

  Her voice sounded dismal even to her own ears. He knew her better than anyone else did. She desperately needed advice and Tommy would always give it to her straight. His warm laughter sparked a much needed smile of relief.

  “You were?” He paused briefly, curiosity building in his tone. “What’s going on, Shay? Everything okay?”

  Tears and the week’s events spilled out. At one point she paused, her gaze anchored to the floor wondering if she should mention Mrs. Huntston’s ulterior motives. Ultimately, she opted to keep Mat’s mother’s scheming intentions to herself. Her uncle was a force to be reckoned and very protective of her. He could bury Margaret and her campaign before it even got off the ground.

  She knew what his answer would be, but couldn’t resist asking through broken sniffles, “What do you think I should do?”

  “Obviously, I don’t believe in rushing into marriage. Only you can decide if Mat is the right guy for you. I’m proud of you for not caving under the pressure of his family.” His tone turned pleasant and teasing. “As a matter of fact, it just so happens I have the perfect solution for you.”

  “You do?” She kidded back through a shaky breath.

  “Yep. Pack your bags, Shayla. You’re coming to Greece.”

  “Greece? I’m not coming to Greece.” Water works threatened again as big tears blurred her vision. She was touched by his thoughtful offer. He would stop at nothing to cheer her up. “I’m not crashing your vacation with Tess.”

  “I’m not asking you.” Her uncle cleared his throat, holding back his own emotions. “I’m getting married in four days. You’re coming to Greece.”

  Speechless, she damn near dropped the phone.

  “What?” Her jaw dropped open as she waited for the punch line. Full of excitement, she leapt to her feet and threw her hands in the air. “Shut the front door!”

  “I’m doing it, Shay. I have finally found the right woman.”

  “Oh, my God!” Heat radiated from her smile beaming from ear to ear. “I knew you loved her. I’m so happy you!”

  “I’m not sure if a wedding is the perfect solution for your dilemma, but regardless—”

  “Stop right there. I could not be happier, Unc. I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything.”

  “That’s the good news. The bad news is that you are going to be very busy when I break the story. I want to handle this with kid gloves and control the announcement very sensitively. The blow back will be tremendous and Tess has no idea of what to expect.”

  “Got it. I’ll take care of it. What can I do?” Her enthusiasm began to build. “Do you need me to get a hold of anyone? Flowers? Church? What do you need?”

  “I’ve got most of it handled, but I need you to stop in Las Vegas on your way.”

  Taxiing into the Las Vegas terminal, Shayla unlatched her seatbelt and swallowed her pride. When Tommy asked her to make flight arrangements for Tess’s three children, she politely agreed to schedule them a private jet further explaining she would depart from Los Angeles and meet them in Greece. Her uncle scoffed at the idea, insisting they fly together. Not wanting to sound like an angry toddler, she settled without ushering a word of complaint.

  Shayla dressed casual in her favorite dark jeans and long-sleeved cotton sweater tee for the long flight. Her fingernails strummed against the fine leather armrest. She couldn’t evade meeting Tess’s kids forever. Unfortunately two of Tess’s kids, Tracy and John, hadn’t been welcoming to her uncle over the summer when he and Tess began dating. Her son’s actions, attacking her uncle, verged on deplorable in Shayla’s eyes. Even though Tommy assured her she’d love them, she remained skeptical.

  Tommy was known for his list of girlfriends as much as he was for award winning movies. Granted, even though his reputation as a playboy was well deserved, she still resented the harsh judgment laid out by others. The media had a way of trivializing the good charity work he did, always accentuating his personal flaws.

  Pressing the heel of her boot into the carpet, she obstinately scooted her bum deeper into the fine leather, allowing her head to fall against the headrest as the flight attendant opened the door.

  Keeping her eyes closed wouldn’t make them disappear.

  Shayla lifted a lid. Peering toward the front of the cabin, she recognized Tess’s oldest daughter by her long, dark, coppery hair. Tommy described her as a younger version of Tess with a reserved personality.

  “Hi.” Tracy’s mane fell over one shoulder as she extended her hand to the flight attendant. Catching Shayla out of the corner of her eye, she nodded with a small smile, taking in the surroundings of the private jet. “Wow.”

  Rising out of her seat, Shayla took a deep breath, attempting to shake off her preconceived grudge. After all, they were about to become family.

  “You must be Tracy.” Shayla held out her hand, only to be greeted with an exuberant smile and warm embrace.

  “I am.”

  Tracy’s casual sexy smile mimicked her mother’s. The cast of red in her hair accentuated her blue eyes and the term pin-up girl suited her perfectly. Her gracious figure filled out her skinny jeans and tan blazer to perfection, giving her a sensible chic vibe.

  Her younger sister trotted up the steps and burst through the door bringing in the radiant sunshine right along with her wide smile. She gave a quick wave to the attendant and tossed her designer bag on the closest seat. “Holy shit!”

  “Hello.” Shayla choked out a subtle laugh, surprised by their good-natured amiability.

  Flying on a private jet had the tendency of making a great impression. She typically flew first class, at her uncle’s insistence when she traveled for work. Shayla had flown on a private jet several times over the years, but it always felt like the first time. It gave the illusion of checking in to a posh resort, leaving her with the urge to inspect the luxurious bathroom amenities and expensive chocolate placed on a dish beside her bed.

  “This is my little sister, JC.”

  JC danced down the aisle with a lively swagger, casting her arms wide, circling around Shayla and Tracy. JC towered over each of them by a foot with heels on. “Damn!” she squealed gleefully. “This is off the hook!”

  Their radiant smiles and charismatic energy were instantly contagious, easing Shayla’s reservations.

  JC pranced down the aisle, taking in the luxurious amenities of the jet. Her caramel hair, pulled back tight in a stylish ponytail, bounced up and down with her enthusiasm. She nodded in approval plopping down into her seat. “Now this is the way to fly.”

  “Don’t let her fool you, she hates to fly.” Tess’s son’s full robust voice filled the cabin, sending chills down her arms. His eyes made a lazy descent down her body and returned to her face. He ambled carelessly into the cabin, wide shoulders nearly filling the passageway.

  Dropping her smile, Shayla took aim, shooting him an icy glare. He was unapologetically masculine at a solid six-foot-two, physically fit and ready to take on anyone who got in his way. A muscle jumped in her jaw as a wave of fury washed over her comparing the size difference between him and her uncle. Tommy would never stand a chance against those guns.

  His
powerful build and an over arrogant attitude could have been construed by some as confidence, but Shayla viewed him as a bar room bully. She vowed a long time ago never to be intimidated by a man like him again. A lifetime of her father was enough.

  He started toward her with measured strides. She blatantly turned her back, directing her full attention to the attendant. Heat skittered up her spine, spreading over her skin as she remained fully aware of a large male presence lingering directly behind her. After a brief conversation regarding scheduling and meal planning, Shayla turned to take her seat nearly bumping face first into his solid chest. Disregarding his faint smile tucked into the corner of his wide mouth, she attempted to go around him.

  He shifted directly in front of her, extending his hand, “Hi, I’m John.”

  Her gaze flickered at the coffee colored Henley stretching over his flexing bicep. Her lip curled as a warning for him to get out of her way. “Shayla,” she announced curtly, dodging his gesture of a friendly hello and settling into her seat with a humff.

  Judging by the astonished look on his face, John seemed stunned by her snub. He raked his fingers through the short layers of his dark hair and glanced around the lavish interior, blinking repeatedly as if replaying what just happened. His glower molded into a grin, forming a wrinkle on his sun-chapped complexion.

  Arrogant smiles were a dime a dozen in LA, but his egotistical grin sent blood surging through her veins, turning her cheeks crimson. His condescending smirk only deepened her urge to yell at him. He was such an unredeemable jerk. She wanted to stomp on his toe or, with a bit of encouragement, kick him in the chin.

  The attendant methodically inspected the cabin, advising everyone to take their seats and prepare for takeoff.

  John motioned for Shayla to scoot over so he could sit beside her.

  “No,” she snarled, appalled at the request, pointing at several other vacant seats.

  Tracy and JC settled into individual recliners a row ahead of her. Tracy recited words of encouragement in a monotone voice, coaching her sister through take off.

  Rays of sunlight cast through the window, igniting interest in his eyes. She froze, momentarily arrested by his intense gaze.

  John placed a palm on the headrest, easing his ripped chest closer to her face, giving her no other choice but to move over and allow him to sit beside her. Sliding across the leather, Shayla allowed her gaze to drift down his jean denim clad hips lowering to take his seat.

  Shayla grimaced, silently huddling next to the window, huffily crossing one leg over the other and both arms across her chest.

  “How long is the flight, Shayla?” He pronounced her name mockingly, provoking Shayla’s anger.

  She lowered the armrest between them and narrowed her eyes in a glare of resentment. “Fourteen hours, John.” Unable to stop herself, she continued with her own jab. “Or should I call you, Rocky?”

  Offhanded amusement wandered across his lips. “Is that what this is about?”

  “How about Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray?”

  Their gazes battled for a long moment.

  John’s haughty grin widened at her irritancy. “Tom got off pretty lucky…considering.” His voice was thick with insinuation.

  “Considering!” She gasped, unable to hold back an unnerving glare. “My uncle didn’t do anything to you and you…you attacked him!”

  John twisted, leaning on the armrest to get closer. “I had plenty of reasons to kick his ass.” His lips pulled back full, exposing a sexy white smile that would’ve made most women eagerly line up at the sperm bank. “I thought he cheated on my mother.”

  “You beat him up for no reason.” Her heartbeat slammed against her chest and dampness gathered at the nape of her neck.

  He scoffed with a long, graceful shrug of his muscular shoulder. “I didn’t beat him up. I just punched him a few times.”

  “You gave him two huge black eyes!” She fumed. Shayla, who’d never in her life laid a hand on anyone, reached out and poked him in the chest. “You’re lucky you didn’t break his nose. Do you have any idea how horrible that would’ve been? Do you? He makes his living off his face!”

  John glanced comically at the crinkle in his shirt left by the imprint of her finger. He moved closer, inches from her face. “Lucky for him it was a misunderstanding. If he really had cheated on my mother,”—he backed away with an arrogant grin—“well…”

  “Well, what?” Shayla swallowed hard, peering into the most gorgeous emerald eyes looming near the shade of vibrant moss.

  “Well let’s just say he’d probably require plastic surgery.” A smirk curled at the edge of his mouth as he took in every nuance of her angered face. Each muscle on her face strung tight with revulsion. His smile broadened. John rested his large palm on her forearm, “Calm down, I’m only messing with you a bit.”

  Annoyed, she squirmed free of his touch, the tenderness of it tingling all the way to her toes. Staring at his chiseled face, Shayla felt her rigid composure chipping away.

  Untailored charm caressed every inch of his long athletic physique. His grin softened at her silence, causing her chest to feel tight and warm. A small horizontal scar above his left cheek captured her attention. She wondered who in their right mind would be tough enough to go toe-to-toe with this man.

  “Tom and I are fine.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I like him, and better yet, my mother is crazy about him. That’s what’s important.” He paused. “As long as he doesn’t hurt her.”

  Her lip snarled at his warning, but her concern quickly shifted hearing the words doggie bag coming from the seats in front of them. Tracy asked the attendant for a short list of items, cool rag, clear soda and a few crackers.

  “Is she gonna be all right?”

  “JC has a severe fear of flying. Take off is the worst part. She’ll be okay after we get in the air.” Worry pinched his forehead. Powerful muscles shaped his long legs as he inched forward, straddling JC’s seat from behind. Tucking his arms around the chair from both sides, he massaged her shoulders.

  JC released a long shaky sigh.

  “It’s okay, sis, just relax. Close your eyes and take a deep breath,” he said softly.

  She watched silently as JC grasped his hand, holding on to it for dear life. Shayla unbuckled and wriggled forward to get a better view. JC’s head tilted back and the pink blush dusting her cheeks moments ago turned ashen white under the overhead lights. Her eyes remained closed while she concentrated on deep breathing through pursed lips.

  “She seemed fine when she got on the plane,” Shayla stated in a hushed voice.

  He continued rubbing, keeping physical contact with JC. “She tries to psych herself out before she flies. Especially today. It’s such a long flight and she wanted to enjoy her first private jet experience. She’s been willing a happy flight for two days.”

  “Manifesting, John. I’ve been manifesting a great flight.” JC grumbled with heavy breath, peeking through the seats. “I’m subconsciously making it happen.”

  John mouthed quietly. “She reads one book and now she can control the outcome of her life.”

  JC scowled, turning to point a finger at her brother. “I heard that. Manifesting is the art of creating what you want at the time you want it. Don’t make fun of me.”

  Shayla smiled, happy to see JC’s color returning with her feistiness. “It’s kind of like mind over matter.”

  “Not you too?” John frowned.

  Every preconceived notion of John as a tough guy or an intimidating bully began to fade like the ground beneath the plane as they took off higher into the sky. John treated his sister with the compassion of a loving brother or a small child taking care of an injured animal.

  John’s elbow came to rest on Shayla’s knee as they gathered at the crack between the seats. The dusting of dark hair on his brawny arm stood at attention. She startled at the sight of his goose bumps. He ran a slow burning gaze over her legs. The flight attendant broke his stare as she handed
out fluffy pillows and down blankets.

  After days with a lack of sleep, Shayla let out a big yawn. Merely catching sight of a pillow made her drowsy. Preparing for the long flight, she kicked off her boots and tucked her legs up under her bum, snuggling into her chair. The combined stress of Thanksgiving, Mat’s proposal and her angst about meeting the man sitting beside her had taken its toll. Shayla tucked the white throw under her chin, adjusting the soft pillow beneath her head.

  JC had calmed down considerably, and the girls all settled in for the long flight ahead. Tracy turned on a movie and they burrowed into their recliners.

  “Are all of you going to sleep?” His disappointment echoed through the plane.

  His sisters each raised a hand in the air. “Yep. Night, Romeo. See you in Greece.”

  “Greece? That’s at least twelve hours away!” His gaze wandered over Shayla. “Are you going to sleep too?”

  She yawned again. “I’ve had a really long, rough week. They have a great selection of movies.”

  Thankful for the opportunity to give in to her collapse, her lids closed and she took a deep, cleansing breath. The scent of John’s cologne sparked her senses. Glinting through tired slits, she noticed he examined the ring on her finger with a puzzled frown. Shayla tucked her hands tighter into the folds of down.

  “No hard feelings?” He held out his hand again.

  A flirt of a smile tugged at her mouth. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

  Chapter Five

  The smell of coffee and women’s laughter sifted through her sleep with a soft hum. Shayla stretched, extending her arms straight with a shiver and a groan. The heavy arm draped over her side lifted and coasted down her arm.

  Her eyes sprung wide and she lurched forward in shock, but John settled her frantic response with another soothing stroke. In a sleep drunken daze, she wiped the drool from the corner of her lips with the palm of her hand.

  “Well, good morning.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I thought you were going to sleep through the landing.”