“Um, I guess so.”
“What time is your luncheon over with?”
“We should finish up about two o’clock, including cleanup.”
“Would you like to see a movie with me Wednesday night?”
She smiled. That would be the perfect way to relax after doing the event Wednesday. “I’d love to.”
“Great. If you give me the location of the event you’re doing, I’ll have a limo pick you up there around two.”
“A limo?”
“Yeah. They’ll bring you to the airport.”
“Airport? To see a movie?” She felt like she’d missed a part of the conversation somewhere.
“We’re flying to L.A. to see the premiere of I Dream of You.”
She fell into the chair. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been dying to see that movie.”
“Yeah? Great.”
“Are you serious? A premiere?”
“Serious.”
“Oh my God, Mick.”
“Does that mean yes?”
“Um, yes. Of course yes. I’d love to.”
“Good. I’ll have the limo pick you up at two. We’ll fly down there, stay in a hotel there overnight, if that’s okay with you.”
“Yes. Perfect. Oh, God, I have to find something to wear to a premiere. Good Lord, I don’t have much time, do I?”
“I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”
“I don’t need you to take me shopping. And I don’t have time to shop. I’ll be busy all day tomorrow finishing up plans for this luncheon.”
“Fine. I’ll have Liz send something over.”
“No. I can shop for my own clothes. I’ll make time.”
“Tara, I didn’t invite you to the premiere so you’d panic. And I’ll make sure you have something premiere-worthy to wear. That’s my responsibility, so don’t sweat it, okay? Besides, my agent has people who work for her who don’t have nearly enough to do.”
She laughed. “Okay, if you insist. And Mick?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for inviting me. I’m very excited.”
“Me, too.”
THE NEXT TWO DAYS PASSED IN A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY. When she told the girls about the invite to the premiere, she wasn’t sure who was more thrilled about it—her or them. Even though she had a million last-minute things to do for the luncheon, Maggie insisted Tara get a manicure and pedicure, despite Tara’s vehement protests that she had zero time for it. But Ellen and Karie said everything was covered for the luncheon, and Tara was worrying needlessly.
But that was her job. If she didn’t worry about every small detail, who would?
At least the luncheon kept her mind off going to some fancy movie premiere with Mick. Otherwise she’d have been an utter basket case worrying about what she was going to wear and how she’d put her hair up and what jewelry she’d choose.
But those things, apparently, were out of her control, at least according to one Lisa Montgomery, who showed up bright and early Tuesday morning. Lisa worked for Elizabeth Darnell, Mick’s agent. She burst into the store right when they opened, took Tara’s measurements, asked about Tara’s preferences on dress colors, shoes, hairstyles, makeup, and even jewelry. Maggie, Ellen, and Karie giggled and got into the spirit of it while Tara mostly just sat there shocked through it all until Lisa thanked her, told her everything would be taken care of, all Tara had to do was show up in L.A. on Wednesday, and breezed out the door.
By the time the luncheon—which went off perfectly—was over, Tara was physically and mentally drained. Yet when the limo service showed up, she couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of excitement, more because she’d get to see Mick again than over the premiere. But Maggie shooed her out the door and told her they’d finish overseeing the last of the cleanup.
So she climbed into the black stretch limo, feeling way more important than she was, and tried to relax as they made their way to the San Francisco airport. She was surprised to find they were taking a small private jet rather than a commercial airline. She climbed on board the luxurious jet. Mick was seated at the back in one very comfortable looking chair. He stood when she walked in, came over to her, folded her in his arms, and kissed her soundly.
She melted in his arms, all the stress of the week floating away as his lips moved over hers, his tongue sliding inside to lick against hers. She sighed, leaning against him, loving the feel of his hard muscles as she held on to him.
It was hard not to want to continue kissing him, touching him, but they weren’t alone. She broke the kiss, and he touched his forehead to hers.
“I missed you.”
She smiled, loving that he said the words that she felt. “I missed you, too.”
“How did your luncheon go?” He motioned her to a white leather sofa.
This plane didn’t look like a plane. It looked like a hotel suite with lush carpet and oversized chairs that swiveled. And the sofa. She’d never seen anything like it.
She sat, and he sat next to her.
“It went really well.”
“Great. I hope you get more business from it.”