Tony's Haven

Dominique Eastwick

TONY’S HAVEN Dominique Eastwick

Aspen Mountain Press

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Tony’s Haven Tony’s Haven Copyright @ 2011 Dominique Eastwick This e-book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the Names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Aspen Mountain Press 18121-C East Hampden Ave Ste 221 Aurora CO 80013 www.AspenMountainPress.com

First published by Aspen Mountain Press, February 2011 www. AspenMountainPress.com This book is licensed to the original purchase only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. The e-book cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this e-book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. ISBN: Released in the United States of America Editor: Kathy Weick

Warning This e-book contains language that some may find objectionable. Store your e-books carefully where they cannot be accessed by younger readers.

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Dominique Eastwick

Dedication This Book is dedicated to Nadine Hettel, who for fifteen years, has been kicking me in the ass and has never wavered in her belief of my artistic talent. She has never once let me quit. Never afraid to tell me the truth, or scream ‘snap out of it.’ She has stood strong pushing me to deliver my best. Without her this book would not have been finished. THANK YOU, NADINE. Special Thanks… There are so many I need to thank and so many more I want to thank. Ok so here it goes. Thanks to my many friends who have convinced me to continue writing and even those who have been brutally honest to make my writing better. Tamara, Patty, Teresa, Caryn, Tracy, and Lori, I love ya, gals. To all the ladies of Aspiring Romance Writers, you are the ones who saw Hunting JC from its beginning, and to the Ladies of Mothers and More Chapter 190 and the underground book club thanks for the support. Least I not forget Kathy, the editor, who has had to deal with this crazy Dyslexic Writer.  Of course, I have to thank my family. My Parents, who dealt with my crazy creative moments in stride and my husband, who will always be the Perfect Hero for me.

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Tony’s Haven

Chapter One “Super, if they sent you to me then it’s a lost cause,” Haven to Tony. Haven wondered, not for the first time, what the hell she was doing there. How she now found herself standing outside of a restaurant at this Vermont ski resort. She should be home with her nose in the books and her daughter playing in the other room. Instead, here she stood in clothes too expensive to think about, next to a man too handsome for his own good, about to enter a room full of people who were way too smart to believe anything she was about to try to convince them of. Two weeks before, all she wanted was a chance for a promotion. She knew the chances were slim, but when Anthony Sherman stepped into her cubicle, she knew then and there, there wasn’t a chance in hell of her getting any promotion in any form. Tony might bring in more business to the company than anyone else combined. Still, no one and she did mean no one, thought he could do the job without the Sherman name. She had been just as guilty of stereotyping him as everyone else. Now she knew different, how a little more than one week had changed her view on everything about him. One week, 3 days, 5 hours and 37 minutes ago “Ms. Pelletier?” Above the incessant boring cadence of her professor’s recorded voice, Haven heard what sounded like her name. “Ms. Pelletier?” Fumbling with the ear buds in her ears, Haven swiveled in her chair. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.” Haven felt her breath catch, no matter how little respect she had for the man standing before her, no one could look upon Anthony Sherman and not realize he was a modern day Adonis. “What can I help you with, Mr. Sherman?” 5

Dominique Eastwick Haven shifted in her seat, his undeterred gaze making her uncomfortable. “What can I do for you, Mr. Sherman?” she bit out a second time. She crossed her arms in an effort to cover herself, but when she caught his eyes shift below her face, she knew all she succeeded in doing was pushing up her more than ample breasts. Dropping her arms again, she pushed her chair back and decided to stand. Diverting his eyes from her breasts back to her face, he shifted his head toward the desk. “Is it company policy to listen to walkmans?” “Probably not, but I was trying to study for a test I have tonight,” she said, lifting her chin in the air. “I asked Rodney, my immediate supervisor, he approved it.” “Great then, honestly, I didn’t think anyone still owned one of those,” Tony shrugged and leaned against the cubicle. Haven held her breath and hoped the flimsy wall could support his muscular frame. He opened the folder in his hand. “You’ve applied for one of the managerial positions H.R. advertised and I’m the board member assigned to see what we can do about getting you promoted.” “Super, if they sent you to me then it’s a lost cause,” Haven mumbled under her breath, yet still loud enough that she was pretty sure he heard every word. “Would you care repeating that,” he dared. The good angel on her right shoulder told Haven to shut up and that Mr. Sherman had more connections than she could dream of having in her entire life. But the bad devil on the other shoulder said she didn’t give a damn about a man who rode in on his father’s name and hadn’t worked for anything a day in his life. That devil was also far louder… “I said, ‘Super, if they sent you to me then it’s a lost cause.’ Now, if there isn’t anything else, I need to get back to work and studying.” “You have spunk, I admire that,” she found to her surprise he seemed to mean it. “Regardless of whether or not this is a lost cause, I’d like to take you to lunch. Perhaps tomorrow and see if we can’t see what we can do about this promotion.” Haven sighed. “No offense, but you know as well as I do that I really don’t have a chance in hell at any promotion.” “I am well aware of that but it doesn’t mean we can’t think of something and lunch would be on me.” 6

Tony’s Haven Sudden images of Tony naked and lunch being served on his hard, flat stomach rushed into her head. Haven looked away before he could see her flushed cheeks. “What time tomorrow?” “Can you take a minute and walk with me to my office and my secretary will make all the arrangements?” “Certainly.” The last thing Haven wanted to do was follow the ‘golden boy’ to his office. Although, Tony Sherman brought in more money to the company than any three individuals put together. No one believed that he did anything but smile to get the job done. New clients came to talk with him because he was famous and anyone in the building could have gotten the same account, but they all asked for the Sherman boy. Moving toward his office, Haven did her best to keep her eyes off his well rounded ass that was fitted like a glove in his tailored pants. Instead, she focused on the name plates of the offices they were entering. The secretary he shared with two other board members smiled up at him as they entered. She was a kind older woman who must have been working with the company since its inception forty years earlier. She had seen pictures of Barbara with black long hair in a the same tight bun, her silver hair now set in, and aside from the color, not much change in the small woman’s appearance. Her brown eyes reminded her of warm hot chocolate. She was one of the few people who didn’t believe Tony was there because of his pretty face and she never made bones about saying so. “Tony,” Barbara said with a note of caution in her voice. “You have a visitor.” “Did I forget a meeting?” he asked, glancing at the expensive Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch on his slightly tanned wrist. Then his gaze shifted through the glass walled office at the back of a well sculpted head. Haven distinctly thought she heard a curse escape his lips. Barbara smiled as she shook her head. “Your brother-in-law, just happy as you please, marched into your office and made himself at home.” “Good, then he can sit there and stew for a few minutes more.” He leaned over the desk, opening the agenda on Barbara’s desk. Tony took a moment to look at it before looking up. “Let’s say eleven. That way we can have a quiet lunch and do some talking. 7

Dominique Eastwick I’ll let your immediate supervisors know you will be out of the office for a few hours tomorrow.” “Then I’ll see you at eleven.” Tony placed a hold finger up. “Actually, why don’t you come by my office at 10:30? I have a meeting with a prospective client and it wouldn’t hurt you to listen in on the meeting. Then we can leave after that. Might give you something to question me about.” “Great…” “Hello, Haven, I am Barbara D’mato. Have a seat and let’s see if we can’t find a place for you two to eat tomorrow.” Barbara pointed to a seat and Haven doubted anyone ever said no to this woman. She certainly wasn’t going to be the first. “Tony, you best go in now. The two of us will get all the details set for your meeting tomorrow.” Tony thanked Barbara, rolled his eyes over her head with a smile and departed. When the door closed, Haven focused her attention back on Barbara only to have her put her finger to her lips and push a little button on her very complex phone. And there it was, clear as day—Tony’s voice. “Hunter, what the hell brings you back to Boston?” Haven watched through the glass as he put out his hand and watched as the man who could only be Hunter clasped it before he pulled him into a masculine hug. Tony’s demeanor changed and in his relaxed state, he was even more likeable which made her want to hate him more. “You look happy.” “I wish I could say the same for you, Tony.” Hunter laughed. “Too many ladies keeping you up a night?” “You know me,” he replied non-committal. “How’s Jacinda?” “Jacinda is his sister,” Barbara whispered. “What are they doing?” Haven smiled at the secretary’s antics. “They just shared a man hug and now are sitting down.” She turned her attention back to the men.

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Tony’s Haven “Getting bigger everyday. Don’t you dare tell her I said that. Her pregnant hormones are going to be the death of me.” Hunter sat in the chair in front of Tony’s desk. “It’s why we’re back in Boston. She has decided that she has to deliver the baby here.” “What, she couldn’t find a hospital in Manhattan?” “By next week, I am sure we will be heading to Sweden because she heard of some amazing birthing place there. Who the hell knows?” “Would love to say that I’m sorry but a big part of me is thrilled you’re so miserable. However, you didn’t come here to talk about Jacinda. Let me guess, my parents sent you? You poor sop!” Tony stood, leaning his shoulder against the large window of his office. “Your absence in Aspen over the holiday was noted, discussed and debated.” With a cheeky grin, Tony asked, “Who thought it was a woman?” “Most everyone, but I stuck to my guns that it was business, because if there is one thing about you that I always liked, it’s that you aren’t a liar. You say what you mean.” Tony raised a half-cocked eyebrow. Hunter chuckled. “Okay, I’m not saying you might not stretch the truth but there is always an element of truth in there.” “You missed your calling as a public defender, Hunter.” “Anyway, I’m here to personally remind you that you have already RSVPed ‘yes’ to the family ski trip to Vermont. You do remember that little ski get-together your family does annually about this time of year?” Tony growled. “I remember.” “You also remember perhaps that you booked two rooms for you and your lady friend?” Hunter reminded him. “I checked with your secretary and she told me you were granted leave months ago, so I’ll see you there.” “Damn it, Hunter.” Tony groaned, running a frustrated hand through his perfectly coifed blond hair. “I don’t know what the hell is going on between you and the family, and quite frankly, I don’t give a damn. But you promised your folks you’d be there and you 9

Dominique Eastwick always keep your promise.” Hunter stood and grabbed his coat off the cherry wood coat rack in the corner. “But I do have some advice for you; don’t come with one of your typical groupies. Your mother’s patience with your bimbos has run to its end.“ “Then she should be just fine by my absence.” “She is still upset you weren’t available for Christmas, but add to that, you haven’t seen any of the family in six weeks and she is concerned.” “Five weeks, actually.” “Oh, stop splitting hairs. Tony, you haven’t seen a single Sherman relation since the day after Thanksgiving, where you and your date made a quick vanishing act without so much as a word to anyone. Your mother says her phone calls have lately become curt and brief, if you indeed actually answered the phone.” “Oh, for Pete’s Sake…” “You’ve suddenly become the new concern at the Sherman dinner table. Even Lucas’ un-mendable heart has finally taken second place to your sudden secession from the family fold. I’m just sick to death of hearing about it.” Tony laughed at Hunter’s dreadful tone. “Then tell them to shut up, nothing’s ever stopped you before.” “I would if it wasn’t for the simple fact that I haven’t heard from you in weeks. So even I agree something is definitely up.” “Something’s up alright. I’ve tons of work to do. Speaking of work…” Tony grumbled. Hunter shrugged as if he was letting water roll off his back. “Just giving you fair warning, the family is curious. They all still think it’s a woman.” Tony smiled and asked, “And you, Hunter, what do you think?” “I think it’s none of my damn business until you make it such.” With that, the dark haired man with an ugly scar on his cheek marched out of his office, much like Haven assumed he’d marched in—as if he owned the place. Barbara clicked the button again, looked at Haven as if nothing had just happened and said, “Why looky here, that new Italian place on the corner has an opening after all. See you tomorrow at 10:30.” 10

Tony’s Haven

Chapter Two “Because I can’t stand you!” Haven to Tony. Haven took a deep breath and checked her appearance in the mirror one last time. Though she knew she didn’t stand a chance in hell of getting the promotion she applied for, that didn’t mean she was planning to blow this off. Furthermore, just because they handed her off to Anthony Sherman, the company playboy and secretly Haven believed the company joke, it didn’t mean that she couldn’t learn something from him. Though she couldn’t for the life of her figure out what that might be. Haven ran her fingers once more though the wild mane of curly blonde hair, which seemed as usual, unruly in the unflattering bright lighting around the mirror. Checking her minimal makeup one last time, she turned away from her reflection and toward the bathroom door just as it opened. “Hello Haven,” Celeste Brinks said with her usual sugary sweet smile. Haven plastered a not-so-sugary smile on her own face. “Celeste.” Celeste was one of those women few seemed to like, most pretended friendship out of fear of what would be said about them when their backs were turned. Haven, having already been the object of Celeste’s ire a few years prior when she received employee of the year over Celeste, no longer felt the need to pretend friendship. It was lucky that Celeste didn’t believe Haven had anything she wanted, which meant keeping a far girth from the red-head was easy to do. Celeste walked directly to the mirror and made the appearance of fixing her perfect garish red lipstick. Haven wanted to mention the red highlights in her hair clashed with

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Dominique Eastwick that particular shade but bit her tongue with a smirk. “Rumor has it you’re having lunch with Tony Sherman.” “So it seems.” “Lucky you,” Celeste said, and shot a look at her through the mirror, “of course you wouldn’t think so, would you? I mean, if you are being evaluated by Tony, that can’t be promising.” “Mr. Sherman has brought more lucrative accounts to this company than anyone else in the last two years and I’m sure there is a great deal I can learn from the man.” Now what on earth possessed her to defend him? Celeste chuckled, raised a perfectly trimmed brow, and turned toward Haven. She leaned her damned skinny ass on the marble countertop before saying, “Somehow what you want to learn from him and what I would are totally different…” Whatever else Celeste had been about to say, Haven would never know as she had enough of the niceties. She pushed through the swinging door and left. Everyone with a set of eyes knew Celeste had honed in on Tony, okay so most of the women who had breath in their bodies wanted Tony, that wasn’t anything new. Celeste, though had inferred that when they were in college together the two had been an item. One more negative point in Tony’s favor. To think it was once women like Celeste who she’d considered friends. Hell, she had once been like Celeste, hadn’t she? Cold and uncaring, Haven once cared only about money and status and being the perfect housewife to the perfect frat boy husband. That felt like a lifetime ago now. She managed to gather her composure by the time she reached Mr. Sherman’s office, right on time too. Deep breath and a big smile on her face, Haven moved toward Barbara. “Ms. Pelletier, you may go right in.” Shock must have read over her face, but the secretary just smiled and returned to her computer. She walked into the spacious office, first noticing the natural light that the large windows provided, and had been absent so late in the afternoon yesterday. Having 12

Tony’s Haven worked for years in cubicles lit by fluorescence, she found the change refreshing. Her attention moved to Tony who was on the phone. He pointed her to the bar in the corner before looking back at the notes before him. Grabbing a bottle of spring water, Haven sat in the seat a bit out of the way, one where she could observe from but not be noticed. “… of course, you could go with another company for your advertising, Reyes. For instance, you could go with Anderson Advert. Didn’t Blake Tokee use them for his last campaign? I wouldn’t know anything about that…” He chuckled and made a few notes on his pad before tapping the pen on his desk several times. “I thought you might, how about I transfer you to my secretary and she can schedule something… No, I can’t make it today. I have an important luncheon.” Smiling at Haven, Tony tapped his pen on the table for a final time before throwing it on the black leather desk pad before him. For some ridiculous reason the comment warmed Haven. The smile and the twinkle in those boyish blue eyes did something funny to her insides. Something she hadn’t felt in years, if ever. Groaning, she chastised herself for allowing his notorious charm to work on her. However, she didn’t let it go unnoticed how easily he had convinced with that same charm the person on the phone to change their mind. One moment they were talking about taking their business elsewhere, the next Tony was talking contracts. “Prompt, Ms. Pelletier, I like that,” he said, and pulled out a file from the desk drawer at the same time, pulling her out of her musing. “Here, look over this. It’s the information for our meeting in a few moments.” Haven took the folder and was about to comment when as if on cue, a knock on the door sounded, and a beautiful woman walked in. Her long black hair pulled back to keep it out of her porcelain like face. Haven’s breath halted for a minute as she recognized the woman as being Kiloran O’Conner, the A-list actress from Hollywood. “Hi, Tony,” she said, almost nervously. And Haven wondered what a woman as beautiful and successful as Kiloran O’Conner could be nervous about. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the two knew each other, the question was, how well? “Kiloran,” though he managed a smile, Haven could see his shoulders stiffen and his jaw clench. “May I introduce you to my colleague, Haven Pelletier.” “How do you do?” 13

Dominique Eastwick “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. O’Connor.” Haven did her best to fill her smile with a warmth that Tony’s had lacked. She hoped to put the other woman at ease. “Thank you for seeing me,” she said, turning back to Tony with the slightest hint of an Irish accent. With elegance born out of years of acting, she sat in one of the chairs closer to the desk. Tony shrugged. “Business is business, but in all fairness, I didn’t expect you but your manager.” “I see.” “What can you possibly see, Kiloran?” Tony asked with near venom. “Forget I said that. What is it I can do for you?” Haven focused and observed as Tony listened and took notes as to what the actress wanted, he showed no noticeable evidence of the tension that had filled the room moments before. She found herself impressed as to his creativity and thought process as he worked them through a possible campaign for a new fragrance she had in production. In the short span of time, she was talking about contracts. Haven believed Tony had the contract in the bag to begin with. “If that will be all… I have a lunch appointment,” Tony’s honey voice now dripped with exasperation. “Of course.” Kiloran smiled a thin smile then before getting to the door, turned. “How is he?” “As if you care.” “I care,” she responded in a voice laced with sorrow. “I’ve always cared.” “You’ll forgive me when I say I find that hard to believe.” She seemed unwilling to budge. “Tony, I did what I did for Luc.” Between gritted teeth, Tony nearly growled. “Kiloran, this is neither the time nor the place.” The actress reached into her bag and pulled out a rumbled envelope. The very move seemed out of place from the immaculate women before her. With a shaking hand, she pushed the envelope into Tony’s hand. “Will you please see that he gets this?” 14

Tony’s Haven “Is this why you’re here? Why you chose me to talk to?” Tony nearly spit the words at her. His hands closed with fury around the envelope now crumbled in his fist. “No, you’re the best at what you do even if these idiots here at OMD don’t understand that. Why do you think every A-Lister comes to you? Because everything you touch turns to gold. Even if the idiots here steal your thunder, everyone is just waiting for you to branch off on your own.” Kiloran turned her attention to Haven, “Take note, sweetie, he may be beautiful on the outside but his brain is what’s amazing.“ “Goodbye, Kiloran…” Tony stood motionless for a moment after Kiloran left. His eyes seemed to burn into the envelope in his hand, which now had seen better days, before moving his focus back to the door. Without looking at the envelope again, he tossed it in the black industrial waste paper bin next to his desk. “Are you really going to throw that away?” “That’s the plan. Now, shall we head to lunch?” He grabbed his coat from the coat rack then surprised Haven by taking her coat and helping her on with it. “I apologize for you being witness to what should have remained a family issue.” “She’s family?” “She would have been if my brother hadn’t woken up to what she really is. But I don’t want to bore you with my family drama.” “It’s alright.” “I’m glad to hear you say that.” “Excuse me?” Tony’s eyes lit with mischief. “Let’s wait until we are comfortably seated and I will tell you all about my little plan.” “Plan?” ****

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Dominique Eastwick “You want me to what!?” Haven knew her voice was a high pitched squeal, hell, it hurt her ears to hear it. “I want you to pose as my girlfriend next weekend.” He had the gall to take a huge bite of his steak as if what he’d said was a common everyday suggestion. “You can‘t be serious?” “I’m very serious,” Tony replied as he cut into his steak. “I’ve never been more serious…at least, about something that involved me.” Haven knew she was gaping and her mouth was wide open, but for the life of her, she couldn’t seem to close it. It was rare for anyone to take her off guard anymore. Well at least, she hadn’t been taken off guard in years. But he confounded her. “With the abundance of women in Boston, why me?” “Why not you?” “Because I can’t stand you!” Please tell me I didn’t say it out loud? “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” He nodded. “Shit.” “That is exactly what makes you perfect for the job.” Tony put down his fork and lifted his water glass to his mouth. He seemed to be phrasing what he wanted to say in his head carefully before putting it before her. “Okay, let’s put everything on the table here. You know very well you don’t stand a chance at getting this promotion…” “Now, wait a second, I… “…at least, not this year,” he finished, and she had to concede that he was correct. “What I would like to do is help you get to a place where you could seriously compete when there is another opening. I’m not telling you I’ll get you promoted, that would be unethical and a lie. We both know that I don’t hold that kind of clout. Even if I did have that sort of power, it would be an insult to you for me to even try.” “I am not following exactly.” “Exactly… You help me this weekend and I will help you in preparing for next year’s promotions.” Tony took another bite before continuing, “All I am asking for is

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Tony’s Haven four days and three nights of your time. I’ll pay for everything; all you have to do is pretend you like me.” “I’m not sure there is enough money in the world for that,” she mumbled. “So, why me? I mean, there are a lot of women at the office who’d jump at the chance. Hell, I have a feeling you could ask our waitress and she would go, too.” “And each and every one of them would be selling their story to the highest paying gossip columnist by the time they got back. Your integrity with the company has been impeccable. I have no concern that it would extend to your off hours, too.” “I’m not exactly your type.” “Begging your pardon, but I don’t think you know me well enough to say what my type is. But… the truth is I do not date women I work with. If I took one of the women, Celeste for instance, she would expect or indeed offer herself up for the weekend as well. She would expect a lot more than help preparing for a promotion. You may not believe this, but I’ve never crossed that line at work. “With you, there isn’t any chance of either of us losing our heads so to speak. You’ve overcome great odds to get where you are at with OMD and everyone perceives you as a very hard and good worker. Not to mention, if you say you are going to do something, you do it.” “That was pretty amazing. You managed to insult me and compliment me all in the same breath.” She smiled because in truth his ability to talk around and through a subject was beginning to fascinate her. “I’m honored by the offer but I can’t go away for the weekend. There is just not enough notice.” “Is there a boyfriend?” “No.” “Another job?” “In a manner of speaking. I have a five year old daughter.” Tony almost choked on his steak. Haven was about to pound him on the back for good measure when his coughing subsided. “You’re married?” “Divorced.” “Her father couldn’t…” 17

Dominique Eastwick “No, and I wouldn’t ask him to.” “She could come with us.” “Absolutely not!” “There will be other children there, cousins, and what not.” She groaned. “I won’t involve her. I’ll not get her hopes up that she’ll suddenly have a chance at a true father. It would hurt her and I won’t lie to her that you are my boyfriend, when you are not.” “Is there no one who could watch her? Think of it as a vacation of sorts.” Gnawing her bottom lip, she let her inner demons battle it out. “I could ask a friend, she has offered in the past to take her for a weekend, but I’m not promising anything.” Tony smiled as if he achieved victory. “It’s better than the flat out no from a minute ago.” “What exactly are you planning to do to prepare me for next year’s promotion?” she asked, picking up her salad fork. “I mean, I need all the facts before I can weigh my options properly.” “So glad you asked,” Tony said, pulling out a folded set of papers from his suit coat’s inner pocket. “This is a full list of the qualifications and classes you are not up to snuff at to move up the ladder. And next to that list is a way to go about getting them … well, up to snuff.” “Are you kidding?” she asked, aghast that she had no idea she was so far removed from getting the position. No wonder she was assigned to Tony. “I do see how…” “You need to realize that even though you were given to me, that at least you weren’t given an outright ‘no’. And the positive, if there is a positive, no one else is applying for this promotion so in effect if should still be available next time around. Because jobs are only being filled from within, and no one is being hired from outside the company at the moment. “Many of these are easy to get done. I have here,” he pulled out another folded paper, “A list of seminars and trainings that would help. Many are on Saturday or at night.“

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Tony’s Haven She looked them over and her heart sank as she pushed the list back across the table. “Even if I could find a babysitter for these times, I couldn’t possibly afford these classes. I’m barely making ends meet as it is. And the company won’t pay for more than ten training hours a year. I checked.” “If you can find a sitter, I’ll pay.” “But?” “But what? I have the money.” “But nothing, that’s a lot of money. I couldn’t possibly accept it.” “Consider it a scholarship. I donate that kind of money to someone else’s education, why not yours? Besides, your coming this weekend would be worth it for me.” “Why is this weekend so important?” When he hesitated, she put her fork back down and stared into his eyes. “I’ll need to know if you want me to play your girlfriend.” “In a nutshell, my family has grown unimpressed with my lady friend choices of late. Truthfully, much like you, they are unimpressed by me as well.” “So go alone?” “As you heard yesterday, when you and Barbara were listening in… Yes, I know she always listens in. My family won’t buy that. I’ve managed to stay away from the family throng for two months which is an eon to my family.” “You blew off your family at Christmas to fix the issue in Miami.” “How did you know about that?” “Please, everyone knows about that. You saved the Miami office big time. No one could believe you volunteered to give up your Christmas holiday to go down and work.” Tony shrugged then his deep blue eyes met hers. “So, do we have a deal?” “If I can get my friend to take my daughter for the weekend, then yes, we have a deal.”

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Dominique Eastwick

Chapter Three “I might make a mistake but I pride myself in learning from them,” Tony to Haven. Tony sat in his toasty warm car with the heat blowing, he looked up again from his Blackberry, wishing that because he willed it to be so, Haven’s class would dismiss early tonight. Two more days and they would be in Vermont, five more days, and his life could get back to normal. Maybe then he could have a few more months of peace and quiet without his family harping. All he wanted was normal. Normal? He wasn’t sure what normal was anymore. Then there was the unsettled feeling in the gut of his stomach that came every time he thought about Monday. It wasn’t something he wanted to think about either. Absent was the feeling of dread when he thought about this weekend. The dread only revolved around Monday when other than the few times he might run into her at work, meant they would go their separate way. Tony refocused on the email in front him, neither the feeling nor the sense of dread at not seeing Haven everyday, was on his agenda. Tapping on his window grabbed his attention, looking up he saw Haven‘s covered head in her hideous winter coat, which if he was correct, dated back at least twenty years. His finger hit the unlock switch as his hand went to the handle. But before he could get his door open, she was climbing in the passenger side. “No need for you to be a gentleman tonight, it’s too darn cold.” White teeth pulled on the black stretch gloves before putting her hands against the warm heating vents in the car. 20

Tony’s Haven “There is some hot coffee here for you, just the way you like, very sweet and very creamy and decaffeinated. And if you shrug out of your coat, you will feel the butt warmers are on as well.” He handed over the Dunkin Donuts coffee cup before putting the car in gear. “Mmmm Dunky coffee…” her hands wrapped around the coffee and her heart shaped face lit up in shear bliss. Tony shook his head as he pulled the car into traffic. “How long can your babysitter stay tonight?” “Til midnight…though I can’t imagine what we can do until midnight.” “A store that my sister recommended has agreed to stay open late…and before you ask, yes, they carry your size. I might make a mistake but I pride myself in learning from them.” Mistake was a mild word for the blunder and near ruination of all his well-laid plans. Over lunch two days ago, Tony set up a private fitting to get Haven some up to date clothes. Being ill-aware of the sensitivities a larger woman went through to get clothes was somewhat forgivable. Taking her to a store where a size ten was considered fat was not. Her discomfort had been palpable; the hurt easy to read in her pale blue eyes, and the trust level fell to epic levels. Nothing prepared him for what Haven must have had to deal with on a daily basis. Snickers and sneers from women who had judged her because of the label size eighteen. His saving grace had been his honest statement when after less than five minutes of listening to their treatment of Haven, who was beyond pale, Tony stated that neither he, nor any of his rather large and vocal family, would be associating with this clothing store. He went on to say if the skinny bitches thought that sexy was being bone-thin and waif-like then they were as ill-informed as he had been to bring Haven to such a classless establishment. Haven’s teary eyes turned to mirth as their sneers turned to the red carpet apologies the owner merited out to the deaf ears of Tony. But although he had saved the day, it was hard to see it that way when he had been the one to throw her into the snake pit to begin with. He was still making up ground he’d lost that day. 21

Dominique Eastwick Tony listened to Haven as she rattled off the information she needed to memorize for her test the following week. Their relationship had moved into a pleasant friendship of sorts, her chatter, he found soothing and more often than not, interesting. She never talked about fashion or gossip. She never talked about office politics or bitched about anyone. She never talked about any of the inane dribble that his previous girlfriends clamored on about. This blonde woman, whose unassuming looks made her fade into the background just days before, seemed to grow more interesting and more appealing by the minute. A humor dry and intelligent forced him to look at this woman in a way he had never looked at females before. Other than the women in his family and Barbara, his assistant, no woman ever engaged any part of his body above his belt. She though might not have at first engaged anything about him, but she definitely engaged his brain now. She talked to him like he wasn’t just the “Playboy Sherman” or at least, not since the first day in his office with Kiloran. Startling as it was, he found he enjoyed her company and liked her as a person. Tony pulled his car up to a high scale building just off Beacon Street. “Stay in the car until they come to the door. No need to stand in the cold.” He added in his brain, especially in that hideous coat that can’t possibly do much more than hold back the wind. Barbara had come up gold tonight when she found a designer who specialized in larger women and maternity clothes. She managed to get the information from Tony’s sister Jacinda without her becoming suspicious. Before Tony could ask, Barbara had set up a meeting and line of credit. About to press the bell again, the door opened and a short round woman stood before him. “Mr. Sherman?” “Ms. Cannon…thank you so much for seeing us so late in the evening.” Tony shook her hand then took the steps down to open Haven’s door. “Come on, beautiful, it’s time to be pampered like a princess.” Pampered they did. When she came up the first thing they handed her was a mimosa, followed by a sampler of finger foods. Tony sat in a comfortable leather arm chair in a corner and enjoyed the show. He worked while she changed and couldn’t 22

Tony’s Haven take his eyes off of her when she came out to parade the outfits. Some had them both in fits of laughter, most had him agreeing when she said she liked it, and a few had him shifting, uncomfortable as the sexy curves she worked so hard to cover, came to sexy life. As Haven turned in the black gown with the flimsy skirt, Tony was given a full view of her large breasts, smaller waist and round hips. Curves that made his libido take a turn into overdrive which he hadn’t felt since long before college, in years where finding a dirty magazine in a friend’s father’s closet, was the most amazing and exciting thing a horny teenage boy could imagine. “…Mr. Sherman…Mr. Sherman.” “Sorry,” shaken from his adolescent dreams of Haven spread out on a fur rug in front of an equally cheesy fireplace, Tony looked up at the salesgirl with his charming smile in place. “We have the final items that you asked for you.” She handed him the large, long white box. Tony thanked the staff, while Haven changed back into her clothes. He was assured that all the clothes would be delivered to his apartment Thursday evening. Haven came out thanking the staff as well. She positively glowed and he wondered just how long it had been since she had been pampered. Years, he assumed and that angered him, because she obviously tried so hard to better her life for her and her daughter. “I don’t know how to thank you,” Haven said, as he handed her into the car. “I do, you can throw away that old coat tonight and wear this.” He smiled as he watched her open the white box and pull out a cashmere camel coat. Her squeal of glee told him he made the correct choice and they were back on the right track. Where that track was going, he no longer knew.

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Dominique Eastwick

Chapter Four “Please tell me you’re a Red Sox fan.” Tony to Haven. Deep breath, in and out—this was the mantra Haven kept telling herself. Keep breathing and in thirty-six hours, she would be home with her daughter and no one would ever know the difference. She could go back to her world and never think again about how damned sexy Tony looked in his well-fitted designer jeans and cream cable knit sweater. That wasn’t really where she wanted her brain right now. She looked into the crowded restaurant and reminded herself to breathe again. Haven stopped dead in the doorway, seeing the loving family tableau before her. She felt Tony pull her gently toward the room once before he turned to her with a questioning look in his eyes. “I can’t do this,” she answered, not even pretending to know what the thought process was in his head. “I didn’t think about the fact that I was lying to real people until I just saw them in there, sitting and laughing. Why can’t you just go in alone? I mean, if they didn’t like your past girlfriends perhaps they will be thrilled that you just came alone.” “There are two big flaws with your way of thinking. One, they would have just thought I was hiding my girlfriend from them. Two, they already know you’re here remember. And three…” “You said there were only two.” “I stand corrected. Three, my brother-in-law and my sister saw me the second I entered the dining room.” Tony smiled then squeezed her hand. “What exactly has you so worried?” 24

Tony’s Haven Haven gnawed her lower lip, her eye dotting to the door and then back to his face. “I hate lying, and I don’t think you like it either.” “Really, what are we actually lying about? I told you this evening that I found you attractive. I told them that I was bringing a special friend. I might not have felt it when I first asked you, but I know now that you are special, and I hope we have started laying the foundation for a friendship of sorts. You aren’t the normal type I go for, but then that wasn’t the real me either.” “But I’m supposed to make them believe we are an item, that I’m your girlfriend. That is a lie. We aren’t even dating.” “This is a date, is it not? Two nights ago when we had dinner and did some shopping was like a date. And meeting with Ms. Cannon felt definitely date like.” Haven looked at him god smacked, she didn’t know what to say and was even more disconcerted to find that she wanted to feel his lips against hers, wanted to know if they were soft or firm. She wanted the very thing from him that had her rolling her eyes at all the other ladies who had expressed such wants about him in the past. “And I know you hate to admit it but you even like me a little bit.” “Maybe a little.” “So, are we ready?” Tony’s deep voice rumbled somewhere in her gut. “Not so much.” Haven wasn’t likely to pull off the big lie that they were a couple any more than she could pull off this little lie that she wasn’t nervous. Besides truth was always the best medicine in the end. Two large hands grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to face him. “You know being nervous is okay. I’m pretty sure that most people get nervous when they are getting ready to meet their significant other’s parents.” “And you get nervous then?” “Who me? Of course not, but that’s because no one is idiot enough for one second to think about bringing me home to meet mama.” The smile she tried hard to prevent, curled itself around her lips. “That, I can believe.”

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Dominique Eastwick “Somehow I knew you would say that.” Bringing her hand up to his lips, he kissed it gently before intertwining his fingers with hers. “For courage.” Her feet moved with a force not of their own will behind Tony’s. He wasn’t dragging her, but pulling would be a good way to describe the action. Her fingers started to tingle and it was then she realized she was holding his hand for dear life. Her knuckles white, his fingers red. One finger at a time eased their hold. Looking at Tony, she saw him turn back to her, eyes full of humor. “Relax, I have you.” If only that were true. Haven shook her head, she didn’t want to be his, she reminded herself, but the tingle in her hands where their skin touched and the erectness of her nipples told the truth. She wanted him like she wanted no one since her husband. Her attention firmly on this new found attraction to Tony distracted her from the awareness that they had stopped and were now standing before a table of beautiful people. Each of them could have walked off the cover of a fashion magazine, and all eyes were fixated on her. She was out of her league. The discomfort crept up her spine. She disliked being the center of attention. Much like her husband and her parents before, all eyes were calculating and, she was convinced, tallying up her flaws. Hell, she could just give them her own list and save them the time. “Anthony…” an older woman who looked too much like Tony not to be his mother, stood and embraced him. She pulled away once then pulled him into another embrace. “Mom,” Tony said, he withdrew his hands from Haven and the cool air that passed her palm caused a brief shiver. His genuine love for his mother was open for all the see and she could feel it emanating from them both. So caught up in the exchange between mother and son, Haven missed noticing that an older gentlemen joined the group. He waited patiently until Mrs. Sherman released Tony a second time. “Son.” The loving exchange repeated itself. “It’s been too long.” “Dad, it hasn’t even been two months.” “Still too long. Are you going to introduce us to your lady friend?” All eyes came back with force to Haven and she managed a weak smile as she gulped down her discomfort. 26

Tony’s Haven Tony grabbed Haven’s hand again and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Mom, Dad,” his focus moved behind Haven to the table of people. “Everyone else, this is Haven Pelletier. Haven…my mother and father. Michelle and Joseph Sherman, and this is well…everyone.” “Hello and welcome, Haven, it’s a pleasure to have you with us.” “Thank you, Mrs. Sherman, I really hope I am not intruding.” “Nonsense, please come and have a seat. I promise we don’t bite.” “Tony might but you came with him so…just saying.” The youngest at the table said before Tony managed to reach around a second person and smack him in the head. “Shut up Trent…just saying.” Tony turned his attention back to Haven. “That is Trenton, my youngest brother. The man next to him is my oldest brother Spencer. Down at the end of the table my sister J.C. and her husband Hunter.” Haven recognized the man rising from his seat as the man from Tony’s office eight days ago. Wondering how it could only have been ten days since Tony turned her life upside down. Haven placed her hand in Hunter’s extended one. “Nice to meet you.” “Pleasure is all mine. I apologize for not being able to stay long enough to formally meet you last week.” Haven couldn’t hide her surprise no matter how hard she wanted to. “Hunter misses nothing. It’s a great pain in the…well, it’s a pain and it can come in damned handy at times, too.” Hunter just shrugged then turned to his wife as her hand gripped his arm. Love for her shined bright in his eyes, as he looked down at his gorgeous wife. She was attempting to rise from her seat to greet Haven. Haven looked her large belly and smiled. “Please, don’t get up on my account.” “It’s lovely to meet you and thank you. This little guy has decided to sit right on my bladder, making it difficult to get up and down the last few weeks.” She patted her protruding stomach gently and smiled when Hunter placed his large hand on top of hers. “You would think with how big I am that I was nearing the end of my third trimester instead of nearing middle of my second.”

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Dominique Eastwick Haven looked away unable to control the brief feeling of jealously she felt. Never once had her ex-husband touched her belly during pregnancy, let alone laid a protective hand over it. Tony must have sensed her feeling of discomfort for he moved on with the introductions. “And this grump is Lucas.” Lucas made no attempt to stand or make her feel welcome, he nodded briefly before returning to his drink which he must have thought far more interesting than Haven. She shivered when she felt Tony’s hand rest on her middle back and led her around the table to the two empty chairs between Lucas and Tony’s mother. “Kiloran, who you met last week, is Luc’s ex. I implore you not to mention the meeting. It will make him grumpier.” Tony’s breath, warm and soft, tickled her ear. It took all her willpower not to lean back into his warmth. Turning her head so she could speak softly into his ear, she stopped moving for a minute. “Grumpier than now?” “You have no idea.” With a wink and chuckle, Tony gave her a gentle nudge and guided her to the seat next to Lucas. “If you can win him over then everyone else will fall into place.” “If I can’t?” “Well then, you are not the marketing expert I think you are.” Haven read the challenge to show him what she was made of, and knew that she would and could do just that. The only question was why did Tony want her to? How could Lucas’ opinion of her make any difference in the long run? Tony pulled out her chair and pushed it forward as she sat. Haven couldn’t remember the last time someone had treated her like a lady. Well before she had become pregnant, she thought. Daryl treated her like gold up until she informed him that he was going to be a daddy. Even then he seemed to be taken aback and distant but not out of the picture. She now knew he had just been stocking away the money and hiding their assets in preparation of leaving her. “So, Hunter, where did you meet Haven?” Lucas asked, deliberately ignoring that he could have asked her as she was sitting right beside him. 28

Tony’s Haven Hunter put his drink down and looked over at Tony before saying, “At Tony’s office, as I said before I didn’t actually meet her. She was sitting outside his office with Barbara when I came out. J.C. had a doctor’s appointment and I didn’t want to miss it, so I couldn’t stop for introductions.” Not only did the man not miss a thing, he also knew how to step around a question. She suspected that they might fool everyone else this weekend, but the gig was already up where Hunter was concerned. His eyes had the ability to look right into her soul. “How did the appointment go, Jace?” Tony asked, a note of general concern came over him. Jacinda rolled her eyes. Haven could relate, remembering how many times she answered the same questions about her prenatal. No one ever asked anything about the doctor’s appointments you had before becoming pregnant or after the baby came. But they felt the need to know every detail about it when you were pregnant. “I’m fine. At least, in the end. I failed my one hour glucose test so they wanted to talk to me about it and set me up for the three hour. Not a pleasant experience.” “I had to take the three hour, too. I kept thinking there had to be something that tasted better than the stuff they forced me to drink.” She chuckled and then realized what she’d said and took a deep breath. “You have a child?” Mrs. Sherman broke the silence by asking. Her voice though gentle had an edge of disbelief to it. “She does.” Tony leaned back in his chair, relaxed and in control. His right arm rested on the back of her chair, allowing him the freedom to run his fingers through her hair. “A beautiful daughter named Jocelyn. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet. Haven wants to make sure our relationship is more stable before bringing me around to meet her daughter. I respect her wishes.” “How old is you daughter?” Jacinda asked. “She will be six in April.” “And do you leave her a lot to go on weekends with my brother?” Tony moved to stand but Haven grabbed his hand, it was Spencer who spoke up. “Lucas, let’s take a walk, now!” 29

Dominique Eastwick To her surprise, Lucas got up and walked away, Spencer hot on his heels. “You must excuse Lucas, my son hasn’t always been like this.” Mr. Sherman looked between her and the door two of his sons recently exited. “You mean a misogynist?” Jacinda asked. “Personally, I’m sick of it and if this is the way he acted around Kiloran then no wonder she left.” Michelle Sherman gasped… “Jacinda Nadine…” “Brooks,” Hunter finished for his mother-in-law. “What? I can’t be the only one sick to death of the hang-dog look he walks around with…my god, it’s been over three years.” A waitress came just then to take their orders both for food and drink. Haven couldn’t have been happier for the interruption. As a real girlfriend, she thought she would have felt awkward, being no more than a co-worker, she felt out of place and intruding on a family issue that had nothing to do with her. Tony leaned over once the waitress took their orders and moved on to his parents. “I’m sorry about my brother. There was no excuse for his behavior.” “I’m just glad I didn’t bring up the ‘K’ word.” “Was that a joke, Ms. Pelletier?” “If you have to ask, then it wasn’t a very good one.” “Not at all, it just took me by surprise. I didn’t realize you could joke, be sarcastic, yes. Witty, not so much.” “I do have a sense of humor, you know.” “Just not one you have shown me. You have hidden depths, ones that I look forward to…” “Would you two knock it off?” A white napkin flew with perfect aim between them thanks to Trenton. Beautiful laughter sang from Tony’s lips as he brought her hand up to his for another kiss. This time his eyes didn’t leave hers as he kissed the delicate skin above her knuckles. Haven worried that perhaps the act was too real, even she now was beginning to believe the charade. Disconcerting as she could very easily enjoy that fall.

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Tony’s Haven The waitress finished with the last of the orders. Haven felt Tony stiffen beside her, she heard the chair next to her move and she braced herself for round two. Ding, Ding, she thought. “Ms. Pelletier,” Lucas said in a soft voice. Haven turned chin up and faced him. “My sincere apologies, my comment was uncalled for and rude.” “It’s okay. Please call me Haven. I know your only concern is for your brother. Having no siblings of my own, I would find that kind of concern a blessing.” “That’s very gracious of you.” “To answer your earlier question… No, I don’t leave my daughter much, in fact, this is the first da…weekend away I’ve had since she was born.” Haven couldn’t believe she almost said date, and decided that taking Tony’s earlier suggesting in the car to not volunteer information might be for the best. “Her father is not in the scene?” Michelle Sherman asked. Haven read no hostility in the question, just genuine interest with an edge of concern. “No, he occasionally takes her for a day, usually when his parents come to town. But otherwise, he has no interest in any real relationship with Joce’.” “Then we must do everything we can to make sure you enjoy your weekend, after five years, you deserve it,” Trenton said as he elbowed Spencer. Conversation wasn’t something required of her in the thirty minutes that followed. Talk reverted back to the upcoming birth, as Tony had predicted. Then to Trenton and his adventures rescuing some lost hikers on Mount Washington. No one, she noticed, asked Tony questions about his work. No one asked him much of anything. He might be the golden Sherman to the press, the man who could do no wrong, handsome, charismatic, and ever lucky with the ladies. But here in this group, he seemed reserved, pulled back even. She watched him and realized he wasn’t acting like himself. The smile was larger but less real. Though he seemed relaxed, his body buzzed with tension and the whole time he listened, he seemed to take mental notes: was Trenton using the right rigging equipment, was Jacinda seeing the right specialist, and were his parents sure that they were going to be safe on their next cruise. He managed to get his questions asked and 31

Dominique Eastwick answered in a way that if you weren’t paying attention just seemed to be curiosity but as each person chatted and she observed both his body language and what was said, she concluded that he was the self-appointed family protector. She needed to touch him and make him know that she supported him. Raising her hand to his shoulder, she squeezed with assurance. As she suspected, the muscle was tight with tension. His hand moved up to hers, covering but at the same time appreciative. As the light bulb went off, she was aware that although most eyes were on everyone else, one set remained on her, Hunter’s. She looked back at him and he raised his glass in salute ever so slightly. As if he didn’t want anyone else to see it. He somehow knew she understood Tony and though it shouldn’t have mattered, his approval above all others did matter, because she was certain Hunter was the only person at this table who had the slightest understanding of who and what Tony was. With blinders now gone, she was seeing a man she hadn’t seen. And now she wasn’t sure that she could guard her heart as well as he guarded his family. What would it be like to feel that protected? Loud woots around the table brought her mind back to those around her. All were singing, except Hunter, who just sat back and watched as his wife managed to find the ability to shimmy in her seat to the song the band played. Even Lucas had something close to a passing smile on his face. And Tony, next to her, sang in perfect tune with the lead singer. Damn him, did he do everything perfectly? “Don’t be shy, Haven, join in,” Trenton urged. “Sorry, I don’t know the words.” The table, well all except Jacinda, stopped singing. Trenton was the first to say. “Yeah right, that’s a good one. So will Haven be joining us at Buffett this year?” “We haven’t discussed it yet?” “Oh she must, it’s a true Sherman right of passage.” “For the love of Saint Pete, leave the poor girl alone. Not everyone is a Buffett fan.” “Hunter, just what are you saying?” Jacinda asked, stopping her seat dance midshimmy. 32

Tony’s Haven “Um, I really hate to ask but what is a Buffett?” Silence again reined the table, all eyes assessing if she was serious, and Haven once again wished she had kept her mouth shut. Mrs. Sherman finally took pity on her and said, “Buffett is a who, my dear, not a what.” “More like a state of mind,” Spencer said with a smile, “Jimmy Buffett is a singer.” Haven bit her thumbnail before mumbling, “I’ve never heard of him.” “You can’t be serious.” Trenton looked like the world was about to end. He placed his hand on his chest like someone had shot him through the heart with an arrow. Melodramatic death scene soon followed. She couldn’t help but chuckle, and as each person, including Hunter, listed off song after song, to no avail she couldn’t help but giggle until she watched a fed up Trenton throw his hands up in defeat. “Do you at least know about the sport of Baseball? It’s where nine men go on to a diamond shaped field and…” “Yes, I know about baseball and I love it.” Tony leaned in, his breath warm and seductive against her cheek. “Please, please, please, tell me you’re a Red Sox fan.” Haven turned to look at Tony, gnawing her bottom lip. She whispered the one word she knew would send chills down his spine, “Yankees.” “Lies!” He growled but his eyes were light with mirth. “So what do you think are the Sox’s chance of a pennant this year, Haven?” Spencer asked, the gleam in his eye said he didn’t believe her claim to like, let alone, know a thing about baseball. Tony shook his head but Haven decided it was too much fun playing with the Sherman’s to play it safe. “I really couldn’t say because I am sure my team, the Yankees, will take it all the way this year.” Haven couldn’t control it anymore, the laugh started in her belly as she watched Trenton resemble a fish completely unable to breathe. Tony’s voice in her ear stopped her from noticing the other’s reaction. “You, my dear, are a witch with a large spoon.” “Spoon?” 33

Dominique Eastwick “For stirring that pot.” “I think it might be healthy for your pot to be stirred a bit.” Haven said with a twinkle in her eye. “You can’t be freaking serious.” Lucas threw his hands in the air. “You really think anyone here thinks this relationship is real? Right like, “Tony the great stud” here would go out with anything larger than a size two with an IQ to match.” Haven grabbed Tony’s hand and squeezed preventing him from standing and making a move toward his brother. Even the back-handed compliment had some merit. “She doesn’t like the Sox, hell, she’s even a Yankees fan. I could stomach that perhaps, but not to know who his favorite singer is or a single song by him. No offense but the last time I was in his car that’s all his CD holder had in it. You’ve been in his car a wicked long time to have heard at least one song.” “She was studying, you asshole… Sorry, Mom. Lucas before you speak another word, I want you to think long and hard about it.” “Tony, it’s alright. You warned me that I wasn’t your usual type.” Haven whipped her head around to look at Lucas, taking in a calming breath, she tried to control her shaking. “You’re right, we don’t know a lot about each other. We are still learning. I’m not his usual type and perhaps that’s why I haven’t tried to learn everything about Tony yet. I don’t want to get hurt again. And a big part of me is very afraid that Tony could hurt me. That he’ll wake up tomorrow and say ‘what I am I doing with her.’” “What are you doing with her?” Lucas asked, leaning forward to look at Tony. “No offence, Haven, but Tony, what are you doing?” Tony looked at Lucas then back at Haven, he smiled a kind sexy smile “I don’t know what I am doing. We are still figuring it out. But I do know I will do anything I can not to see her get hurt.” “You see, Lucas, it’s about taking chances.” Haven might have directed that statement at Lucas but her eyes were locked with Tony’s. Every word she had muttered was true and she had a sinking feeling that in the end she would be hurt by Tony. Not because of anything he did but no woman who had the full attention of Anthony

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Tony’s Haven Sherman could help but fall in love with him. He was that charming. While his attention was on you, a girl felt like she could do anything, even fly. “Yeah? Just be careful when the bubble bursts, Haven, it’s a long way down.” “Lucas!” Michelle gasped like any embarrassed mother would. “Lucas, I don’t know what happened to you with your ex-girlfriend. But I know she isn’t worth you wasting your life in your own little pity party over it.” “Who the hell do you think you are to judge me?” “Holy hell,” came from the direction of Trenton. “I don’t judge you but you have been judging me since I walked through that doorway.” She pointed to the entrance and with anger building within her, she slammed her napkin on to the table. “But I’ll tell you who the hell I am. I’m a woman who has a far bigger and better reason for a pity party than you.” “What are you doing? I said win him over not declare nuclear war,” Tony whispered against her neck. Turning back to Tony, Haven placed a comforting hand on his smooth cheek. In a soft voice, she whispered back, “Trust me, I understand him. I think, better than anyone here. I know what he is feeling.” Tony nodded once then leaned back into his chair, his palm open in a sign of handing it over to her. She let her eyes roam slowly around the table; all eyes watched the play between them. Tony’s parents looked on with hesitancy as if they weren’t sure they could bear to see his pain laid raw but neither stepped up. In truth, if either of them had looked angry, she would have stopped. Trenton and Spence looked on with eagerness, both leaning forward not wanting to miss a second. Then there were the Brooks’. Hunter seemed the least interested but already Haven knew that wasn’t the case, he caught everything. J.C. gave Haven a weak smile and nodded her encouragement to continue on. “I have an idea. Why don’t you tell your sob story and I will tell mine and we will let the table decide who has bragging rights for the ultimate pity party.” “And if I win?” “I pay your forfeit and vise versa.” 35

Dominique Eastwick “Even if that forfeit is you leave tonight and you never see my brother again?” “Lucas…” Tony growled through gritted teeth. “Even that. But in return, you have to pay mine if I win.” “Fine.” “Fine.” Haven let her shoulders relax, if she lost what did it matter? She would head back home, back to her life, back to studying, and she’d never have to know what it was like to have Tony’s lips touch hers. Oh shit, where did that come from? “I’ll go first then, shall I? I was dating Kiloran O’Connor. The most beautiful woman I’d ever met. And you know what, I met her with Tony standing right there next to me and surprise surprise, she never looked twice at him. No woman had ever looked at me that way when Tony was within a hundred yard radius. We dated for months before I moved out to L.A. to move in with her. For two years we lived together in absolute happiness. “I called my parents and told them I wanted to let them know I was going to ask Kiloran to marry me. I then called her Dad to get his permission. He couldn’t have been happier. I took her to our favorite restaurant.” Lucas’ eyes hazed over as if he was deep in his memories, memories she was certain he hadn’t shared with anyone. “I made reservations for us to sit out on the veranda overlooking the ocean, the night was perfect, hell, everything was perfect. She said yes. She cried when I put the ring on her finger then she threw herself at me over the table and screamed “Yes, yes, a hundred times yes.” “Lucas, you told us she turned you down,” Mrs. Sherman said in dismay. Her eyes tearing up for the pain her son was feeling. He was so into his memories, Haven knew he hadn’t heard his mother. “Go on.” Lucas looked at her now, disgust and loathing in his eyes. “I came home from work early the next day. I wanted to start making plans for our future, set a date and figure out where… But…but when I walked into the bedroom, I found her there in our bed. Not alone but with her co-star. Rehearsing, they called it. Getting to know each other better, she said. Then she giggled, to her this was all a joke. She was trashed; I could

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Tony’s Haven smell the booze even from across the room. Her last words to me before I stormed out, ‘You didn’t think I would be content with just you for the rest of my life, did you?’” “Lucas, you never told us…” Tony said very softly. Haven had never heard such worry in any one’s voice before, now the scene in his office with Kiloran made so much sense. “Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t you tell us?” “Why would I? What could any of you have done about it? Your brother the big chump.” His head shook with disgust, but his shoulders seemed to relax as if the weight of his secret had just lifted from him. His eyes met hers again and the hatred for Kiloran clear to see. “Your turn, beat that.” Haven took a deep breath and let it out slow and steady. He had laid his emotions raw and open for everyone to see, she could do no less. “I take your lousy girlfriend and raise you an abysmal husband and father.” “Bring it on,” Lucas said almost playfully. “Okay, I met my hubby in college. He was two years my senior. Right after his graduation as I was heading into my junior year, he proposed and I promptly dropped out of school. We were married for two years when I became pregnant. He wasn’t overly happy about the news but when we found out we were having a girl, he withdrew. Not completely but by little steps. He made it out to sound like he was concerned about the baby. He didn’t want to put any stress on me. “His business took off about this time. He had so much on his plate that he couldn’t even make it to birth classes with me. I should have known then something was up… but hind sight is after all twenty/twenty. Looking back now, there were so many signs as big and bold as neon lights, if I had just opened my eyes to see them.” “Haven, you don’t have to do this.” “Let her speak.” Instead of hatred dripping from Lucas’s voice as she had expected, now there was a small bit of understanding, like he knew this wasn’t easy for her and he knew now he might be able to relate to her. “I went into labor while shopping for meaningless things that no baby really needs, things I can’t even remember now. I called his office from the mall not sure if I should drive myself home or to the hospital. His secretary informed me that he was in a 37

Dominique Eastwick meeting but she would interrupt the meeting and let him know. She told me to just get to the hospital and he would meet me there. I remember there being a strange pitiful note to her voice. “He never showed up. I called repeatedly over the next ten hours until I finally just gave up. I was so worried he was hurt in an accident and that he wouldn’t make it to see his daughter born. I actually impeded my own labor. The nurses grew concerned I wasn’t progressing as I should. They assured me that no one with his name had been admitted into the ER or had been reported in an accident. So where the hell was he?” Haven took a deep breath; the hands folded in her lap were now clammy with sweat. In five and a half years she had never spoken out loud about that day, not even to her mother. “The next morning, while I learned to nurse my baby daughter and learned all the little things I needed to know to be a mom, a strange man walked in asked me if I was Haven Matthias. When I said yes, he handed me an envelope. ‘I’m really sorry,’ he said before he ran like a coward. Divorce papers! The asshole was divorcing me and he hadn’t had the guts to tell me in person. Hell, he hadn’t had the decency to tell me before or after, but while I was in the hospital alone and terrified. Apparently, he’d been sleeping with his secretary for months and wanted to marry her. How cliché is that? “A friend came and picked me up from the hospital. When we arrived at my house, I found my stuff in the driveway. Baby furniture included. There was a foreclosure sign in the front yard. He’d planned this down to almost the minute. He wanted nothing to do with me or his daughter. Only when the state said he had to pay child support, did he suddenly want his visitation rights and I think it was to irritate me more than out of fatherly devotion. Even those visits he forgets about or just plain cancels straight out. Now I just wait for him to tell me he wants a daddy visit before I tell Joce’.” “So how did you get through it?” Lucas asked, as if no one was paying attention to their conversation but the two of them. Perhaps he no longer realized anyone was paying attention. “I didn’t have a choice. I moved into my parent’s place in Connecticut and decided I was a mother now and I didn’t have the time to wallow in self-pity. When my 38

Tony’s Haven daughter was two my Dad got sick so we moved up to Boston for his treatments. When he died, I stayed. I’d found a job by then and my mother moved to Florida to live with her sister.” Haven waited as the silent table didn’t seem to so much as breathe, no one moved, no one spoke. Uncomfortable, Haven wrapped her arms around herself. Lucas finally broke the silence, “So what’s my forfeit?” “You don’t want your family to vote on it. You might win with this hometown crowd.” “No, I’m man enough to say when I lost a bet and I always pay my debts.” “Then your forfeit is…you have to get on that dance floor there…yes, the one that no one is on. And you have to dance with me or anyone I choose as your dance partner for the next ten dances. No questions asked. If I say we foxtrot we foxtrot.” “I can’t dance.” If Lucas had eaten a lemon his face couldn’t have looked sourer. “I mean, I really can’t dance.” Tony threw back his head and roared with laughter. A sound so pure and beautiful, Haven could feel it heat her insides. “He really is a lousy dancer.” “Good, then it’ll be even more enjoyable for me.” Haven stood, hand stretched out to Lucas’. For a few seconds, she thought he would refuse her, but in the end he placed his hand in hers and followed her much like her daughter did when she didn’t get her own way.

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Dominique Eastwick

Chapter Five “No one’s perfect, Haven.” Tony to Haven. “Not what we expected at all, son,” Joseph Sherman said, over his glass of brandy. Tony looked over to Haven when she moved onto the dance floor, his eyes taking in her shapely calves and her full hips as they shimmied to the song. “Not what I expected either, Dad. Not in the least.” “Not that my opinion has ever mattered to you, Tony, but I for one think she’s great,” Jacinda said with a sisterly smile. So do I, that was the problem. He did think she was great, had thought so for the last week. Every ounce of him thought she was amazing, which was becoming obvious if anyone looked at his lap. When did this frumpy co-worker turn into this sassy, sexy, and appealing woman? Didn’t it just suck that he found this amazing woman and she wanted nothing to do with him? Sure she acted the part he asked her to. Acted it to perfection and beyond, but when they were alone again, would she return to the cold woman he met at work? At every opportunity he found a reason to see or talk with her during the last week. Finally coming up with the idea that she needed to go clothes shopping with him. Yes, she needed to get some new clothes for this weekend. No, he hadn’t needed to be there. The store would have been happy to open a line of credit for her on his behalf. “Where did you meet her?” “How long have you been dating?” “Where’s it going?” 40

Tony’s Haven All questions were barraged at him all at once and he wanted to answer, “Work, not too long and to my bed,” instead he settled for, “It’s too soon to tell where we’re heading. We haven’t been dating long enough to tell.” Tony’s glance moved to Hunter, who just sat there with his eyebrow raised. Tony knew his friend was challenging him to say more. With a shrug, Tony ordered another drink. After all, what else could be said? Trenton must have decided he was over talking about love in general and decided to change the subject. “The powder is perfect. I was able to get a few runs in this afternoon when I arrived.” “Last year was such a mess…” Tony eased back into his chair, grateful and willing to let his father move the conversation to the mountains and ski conditions and away from him. Now he was able to catch up on the family news he had missed over the last month. He discovered that Trenton had been involved in an avalanche rescue in Utah. It was such a small part of Trenton’s job but not one that sat well with Tony. No matter how amazing a mountain climber Trenton was, Tony always worried. Spencer apparently was single again as well but unlike their other brother he didn’t seem fazed by the break up. Though their mother had thought the couple more committed than they were, had been planning the wedding. Spencer stayed quiet as any smart man would. Other than that, he kept busy with his work at the family company as the lead engineer. Even though his father had chosen to leave the family business to become a doctor, it hadn’t stopped Spencer from being interested. Tony and Haven just missed the aunts and the uncles who had all decided after spending the day on the slopes to turn in early. Besides, the nannies had been promised time to hit the dance floor tonight. So he was filled in on all the cousins and children and hoopla associated with any Sherman weekend. And then they were back to Hunter and Jacinda. He shouldn’t have been surprised but he did wonder how much excitement there was in a pregnant woman’s life that an hourly update was needed. Hunter, it seemed, shared his perspective and shot him a rather pleading look to try and get his mother to change topics. 41

Dominique Eastwick Shaking his head with the slightest of movements, Tony shrugged and picked up his beer again. Shooting back the last traces of beer in his glass, Tony froze when he heard his mother gasp. His eyes followed the direction of hers to see Haven moving her arms in the strangest of movements. “What the hell is she doing?” Stranger than Haven’s moves were the ones that Lucas did in response. “I believe it’s called the water sprinkler.” “I didn’t know she had humiliation involved,” Tony said under his breath. “Hunter, how the hell would you know that move was called the water sprinkler?” Trenton asked. “Hidden talents. I spent way too many wasted nights in night clubs talking up clients,” Hunter responded. “Honey, go out there and show us your water sprinkler.” “J.C. do you want to know what the best thing about being married to a pregnant wife is? I don’t have to dance, at all. EVER.” During the time Tony’s attention had been focused on catching up with his family, the empty dance floor had come to life. Now a good thirty people were moving to the rhythm, some better than others, all better than Lucas’. “If you will excuse me, I think I’ll join them.” Spencer chugged his beer and grooved out to the place where Haven and Lucas were holding dance court. Spencer’s surprising turn on the floor raised more than one set of eyebrows. Choking on his beer, Tony couldn’t believe he was seeing his brother now add to the insane moves Haven had done just a moment before. He looked toward Hunter and raised a brow. “The shopping cart.” “That’s actually a dance?” Tony’s dad asked “Oh wait, I bet we see the lawnmower soon, too,” Trenton added. “Your insightfulness into the world of lunatic dances astounds.” Tony shook his head with a laugh, the joy of being around the people he loved and just being himself, or as much of himself as they could take, was refreshing. It had been so long since he

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Tony’s Haven had enjoyed time with his family. Long before things blew up for him at Thanksgiving, he hadn’t felt he fit in. Part of the discontent began when Hunter and Jacinda popped the surprise wedding on everyone a few years back. Knowing his sister and parents believed it was better he be in the dark that his best friend was dating his sister had come as a blow. That his best friend went along with it, even to protect his sister’s feelings, was earthshattering. But in fact, his walls went up long before that. Brick by brick boxing him into the person his parents didn’t understand and though they loved him, he wasn’t sure they liked him much. He wasn’t sure he liked himself much either. Looking over at his mother, he watched in silence as she fixed Trenton’s hair and he slapped her hand away. She loved being a mother and she loved her children. He knew that, he just wished they knew him. “Oh, my god.” Mrs. Sherman gasped, and her taking the lord’s name in vain was tantamount to most people using the word ‘Fuck.’ Nothing was worse. His eyes flew to her face; she had a tear sliding down it. Tony stood up about to protect his mother from whatever upset her, but a second later, she was laughing. Tears of joy streaked her cheeks. “Look at him, look at what Haven has done.” It seemed like the world slowed down to super slow motion as Tony’s eyes searched through the now half-filled dance floor. Off to the side nearest the bar, Haven was bent over laughing so hard she held onto Spencer for support and Lucas was laughing. Not just laughing; he was laughing so hard his face was red from it. As life sped up again the buzzing in his head receded and over the music and the noise of conversation, he heard a sound he hadn’t heard in almost three years. The sound of his brother’s happiness. She’d done it, not the way anyone he knew would have done it. No, she didn’t tiptoe around the issue as his family had done for too long. She took the bull and looked him straight in the eyes and turned him on his ear. She’d pulled him out of his melancholy and Tony knew then and there this woman was amazing. Spencer reached down and brushed her blonde hair from her face, his gesture soft and caring. As if sensing Tony’s eyes upon him, he looked up. Their eyes met and clashed. Spence had 43

Dominique Eastwick the exact same look in his eyes that Tony knew he had in his, the longing for this woman who had brought back to them their brother. Yet when Haven finally managed to stand up, it wasn’t Spencer nor Lucas, who her pale eyes searched for, it was his. They met his with a twinkle of joy and triumph, searching his for approval. He hadn’t been aware his feet were carrying him toward her but then he was there standing in front of her. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said, putting his hand out for hers. “I’m gonna claim her for this dance.” Haven looked up at him with a look of awe in her face, just a quick spark and then it was gone. Tony wanted that look back for more than a second; he wanted it for hours or days. He wanted her to look at him like that when she lay below him, legs spread, hair falling on her pillow like a halo, her head thrown back in sheer pleasure. That’s what he wanted and now he knew nothing else about this weekend mattered. All the other women who had come before were just training. They had taught him the moves, the words and the ways to pleasure a lady. They had taught him well. Now he needed to put those lessons to work. Because if he didn’t, he had a knowing suspicion Spencer would. The upbeat tempo took a nose dive to a slow crooner pace and Tony wanted to hit the sky with excitement. He pulled her to the middle of the floor, turned to her and placed one hand on her waist, keeping the other in hers. He could see her uncertainty. So he leaned in and whispered, “Around my neck, on my shoulder, or on my waist, where ever you want to touch me is fine with me.” She opted for his shoulder and he felt her body tense for a minute before relaxing as he pulled her into his body’s warmth. She was soft, as his hips moved against hers. He didn’t hit hard bone but soft flesh. What he wouldn’t give to remove the layers of clothing between them to feel that soft flesh against him? He shifted to avoid his aroused cock from hitting her stomach, that would be all it took for her to know he was turned on. “I didn’t embarrass you, did I?” Tony shook his head, “When?” 44

Tony’s Haven She took another of her calming deep breaths, the kind that filled her lungs to capacity and pushed her breasts out, this time right into his chest. Torture thy name is Haven, he thought. “On the dance floor, I don’t usually dance like that but I thought… that is, I figured that if I could get Lucas to get silly that I could get him to…” “Loosen up? You did it wonderfully.” Tony tore his eyes from Haven’s to see Lucas dancing with another woman. “He hasn’t been like this for years. I can never thank you enough.” “He’s heartbroken. I understand that.” “And you, are you still heartbroken?” “Not on your life. The man I married doesn’t exist anymore. I’m not certain he ever did. Perhaps I had my head in the sand and wanted to believe that we were going to be the Cleavers. In reality we were more like the families on Desperate Housewives.” “You don’t strike me as the type to be desperate about anything.” “You’d be surprised.” Another deep, lung filling, breast pushing breath, and Tony was ready to expire on the dance floor. She had an affect on him like no other. Every move she made, her hips shimmied, shoulders moved, legs…he couldn’t think about her legs right now. The fast paced beat of the drums picked up and he felt her pull out of his arms, only with an inch to spare, did he managed to grab her hand and pull her back. “So show me what you can do, how you dance when you aren’t being silly.” “Is that a challenge?” “You bet your sexy ass it is.” Words poured from his lips before his brain even comprehended he had thought them. A slight blush rose up her cheeks giving her a beautiful soft glow. “I assume like everything else you probably dance perfectly, too.” “No one’s perfect, Haven.” “Not even the Sherman golden boy?” Tony tensed; he hated that nickname. Hated being the one everyone looked at as a pretty face and nothing more. God knew he had hoped that Haven, of all women, would have seen past that title. 45

Dominique Eastwick “Especially me.” Tony stepped back from Haven in an attempt to leave. “Don’t go, I’m sorry, I didn’t think.” Tony turned back to her, his eyes searching. What he expected to see he wasn’t sure, what he hoped to see was compassion. “I didn’t ask to be born handsome. Hell, there are days when I would trade Hunter for that ugly scar in an instant. No one ever sees me as more than a face. The face of the Sherman Clan, the face of OMD Advertising, the damned face on every scandal rag from here to California.” “I see past that.” “I hope to hell you do.” He growled, pulling her back into his arms and spinning with her to the music. “Because I need you to see past that, Haven, I want you to see me.”

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Tony’s Haven

Chapter Six “I may act like an idiot but I’m not that gullible,” Haven to Tony. Something had changed. Haven wasn’t sure what exactly but something monumental had changed between them. She thought some of it could be chalked up to just knowing each other. From the moment Tony had pulled up this afternoon, dressed in designer jeans and a long sleeve Henley that clung to his well-formed biceps, she’d known the wall had come down. To be honest that wall had been weakened over the last few days, brick by brick. In the car he had been thoughtful, keeping the radio off so she could study. When they stopped for lunch, he helped quiz her. And for the rest of the trip he asked her questions about her studies. Not because he didn’t know the answers, she knew he did. It was as if he could recite the text book. He was asking questions to allow her to talk through the answers. He must have been a tutor to someone in the past because he did it so well. When they arrived, he led her into the larger of the two bedrooms in the suite the only one with a lock on the bedroom door. To help her sleep better, he had said. To put her at ease, she read into it. When she came out in a sassy dress, knee high boots and sweater, he, in all sincerity, told her she looked beautiful. “I should, you paid a fortune for my clothes and hair.” “Worth every penny,” he had said with a cheeky grin, taking her chilled hand into his warm one, leading her out the door. “Ready to enter the Lion’s Den?” She hadn’t answered and she doubted he had meant for her to. With the exception of the few minutes at the entrance of the restaurant where she had a case of cold feet in 47

Dominique Eastwick epic proportion, the night had been surprising, in fact, it had been enjoyable. Verbal sparring with Tony was energizing and she knew now why he was so good at what he did, he put everyone at ease around him. He knew what to say and when. And heaven help her, he knew how to make her feel like no one in the room existed but the two of them. She had nearly forgotten about the dozens of other people on the dance floor. He moved with grace as she knew he would. Every move reminded her of how very long it had been since she had been sexually involved with anything that didn’t have batteries. He was sex on legs. He was out of her league. It didn’t matter though; she just wanted to feel his arms around her, his hips grinding against her bottom, and his breath against her skin. Even if she only felt this for a few minutes here on the floor in front of the world, she would relish it forever. She knew no matter what happened, this feeling she felt with him, she would remember. She wondered when dislike turned to distaste, distaste to curiosity. Curiosity to respect, and yes, she respected him. No one who watched him work could walk away without some sort of respect for the talent he had. And somewhere in all that, she had begun to like him and now she desired him. He spun her around, her head reeled. She found herself looking up into the ocean pools of his eyes and his hips moving to the beat against her soft stomach. Embarrassed, she moved to give them space, but his arm wrapped around her waist pulling her closer to him, forcing her breasts to compress against his hard chest. “Walk with me? I want to show you something?” “What?” Unable to comprehend what he meant, she shook her head. Taking her hand in his, he led her off the dance floor and through the back entrance of the restaurant. “My purse…” “We’ll be right back, promise, and my parents are trustworthy. Now if J.C. has a craving and she thinks you have what she wants, then she might take your purse but as a pregnant crazy woman, I think you can give her an inch.” “Are you calling a pregnant woman crazy?” “No, just my sister, who just happens, if you hadn’t noticed to be pregnant.” 48

Tony’s Haven Tony pulled her up a set of steps in the now deserted lodge part of the hotel. Empty tables sat clean and cleared, waiting for the hungry cold skiers to come and fill the room. But at the moment there were no sounds, no lights, and no skiers. Just Tony and her. Her breath caught as Tony pushed her forward toward the glass window. A full moon lit the snow white landscape giving it an angelic feel. The white mountains shimmered dreamlike as if waiting for the sun to crest over them to awaken the skiers and bring it once more the joyful life. But at the moment nothing moved. No wind, animal, or person disturbed the quiet slumber of the mountain. “It’s beautiful.” “I know. I come here to this spot every time I come up here. My favorite time is now, like tonight, under a full moon. When a thousand crystals are sparkling at us. It’s almost magical, isn’t it?” “Magical,” she agreed, and realized she had leaned back into him. Pulling herself away, she apologized. “May I ask you something?” “I guess so.” “Would it be okay if… That is, may I…can I kiss you?” Haven took a step back. “Why are you asking?” “What do you mean, why am I asking?” “Why ask? Would you have asked any other girl you were with?” **** Tony looked at her stunned, here he was trying to be a gentlemen and she wanted to know why. “I don’t know, because maybe I didn’t want to get slapped or worse have you accuse me of sexual harassment when we got back to the office on Tuesday. Or perhaps, I was just trying to treat you like a lady. How the hell do I know? I just thought…”

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Dominique Eastwick Whatever he thought to say was thrown to the wind. Her lips met his and he couldn’t have formed a complete sentence even if he tried. Snaking his arms around her waist, he pulled her into him, forcing her to rise up on tip toes. She was soft where a woman should be soft. She made him feel strong and masculine. His lips wanted to devour every full inch of her mouth. She tasted like the strawberries from her Daiquiri and smelled just as sweet. His mouth demanded hers open, not that he was receiving any resistance. She opened for him and met his tongue eagerly welcoming and stroked him in return. Her left hand moved over his shoulder, up his neck, and now her long fingers intertwined into his locks. He didn’t know, didn’t care who was driving the kiss deeper. He just knew that he wanted it, needed it, like no other kiss in his life. He wanted this moment to last. This moment of beauty, its purity and its fire. He curled his hand into a fist, pressing it deep into her lower back, fighting the demand his body craved, to move up and around, to feel the weight and softness of her ample breasts. His cock jumped, hardened and demanded to be paid attention to as he fought to keep it from breaking through the buttons on his fly. “You’re killing me, Haven,” he muttered against her lips. He watched her heavy lids flutter open and her hazy eyes looked into his. He wasn’t giving her a chance to regret, not yet, and his mouth descended again for a second assault. He unclenched his hand, letting it graze up her side, across the underside of the breast before coming over her shoulder. His fingertips followed the delicate line of her collarbone up her neck to rest palm open against her cheek. He took control of the kiss, felt her retreat but not pull away. She became submissive to his demands, his tongue dominating as it stroked her to a higher fever, and she was clinging now, holding him tighter as if afraid he might step away and leave her. He wasn’t sure he could walk at all at this point, let alone walk away from her. “Ah hmmm.” Tony vaguely heard coming from behind him. He waved the offending person away, focusing back on the woman in his arms. A second later, a louder “ahh hmmm” and a cough, made it impossible to ignore the person. 50

Tony’s Haven With a great deal of reluctance, Tony released Haven’s lips, placing his fevered forehead against hers. Breathing deep, he looked over his shoulder to see who the intruder was. “What the hell do you want, Spencer?” “Mom and Dad are heading back to their room, as are Hunter and J.C. I assumed you would want to say goodnight.” Spencer raised a questioning eyebrow. In the glow from the winter snow, he looked pale and something strange seemed to cross over his face before it disappeared. “We’ll be right there.” “If you wait any longer they’ll be gone,” Spencer said in a voice full of righteousness. “It’s a damn good thing you’re a creature of habit, otherwise I might have spent hours trying to find you two.” “I said we would be right there, Spence,” Tony nearly growled at his eldest brother. Spencer only shrugged and left as if he hadn’t been a complete prick moments before. Tony felt the wall go up, felt Haven try to push him away and pull out of his embrace. Spencer looked almost smug about it before turning on his heel and heading back down the stairs. “I am a damned idiot,” Haven nearly screeched. Panic underlying her voice. “Wait, listen to me. Haven, please. I’ve never and I will say it again, NEVER once brought a woman here. Yes, I‘ve brought them to the resort but I always left them on the dance floor when I came up here. This has always been my private escape. I never realized anyone paid attention to me when I left.” “I may act like an idiot but I’m not that gullible.” “I don’t know what pole is up Spencer’s ass, but it seems to me that you have a choice. You can either believe me, who I thought you were beginning to get to know a bit over the last week, or my jerk-off brother, who you just met a few hours ago.” Tony let her go, careful that she didn’t throw herself backward in her haste to get away from him. She shivered; the cold chill in the room must have started to sink into her heated flesh as it was into his. Tony turned to leave, she wouldn’t believe him. Why should she? He had a playboy reputation; he did a good job earning it over the years. Now knowing what he did 51

Dominique Eastwick about her ex-husband and his philandering ways, why would she ever want to get mixed up with a man who on the outskirts, would appear to be ten times worse than what she had before. “You have a key to the room. I’ll go grab your bag and say good night to my folks. I’ll meet you up there.” “I can get my own purse and I wouldn’t dream of not saying good night to your parents, no matter how much of an ass their son was.” “I’m not going to apologize for that kiss.” “I didn’t ask you to and you aren’t the ass I was referring to. You’re right Spencer’s comment was rude.” She smiled and put her hand into his. “Don’t look so shocked, you are after all the top salesman at OMD.”

52

Tony’s Haven

Chapter Seven “I’m usually not very chivalrous. You should take it while you can,” Tony to Haven. The second pillow jammed against Haven’s ear did nothing to omit the sounds vibrating through the wall. Three in the morning and the party next door showed no signs of winding down. She called the front desk twice already to complain and both times the party eased for a few minutes before revving up louder than before. She needed to study tomorrow and without sleep, she wouldn’t be able to retain anything. Giving up, she grabbed the pillows and as many blankets as she could carry off the bed, and walked into the living area of the suite. The moonlight spilled through the large windows, but in her sleep-deprived state, the beauty of the dark mountain held no appeal. It only reminded her that she was still awake and exhausted. Throwing the pillows on the far end of the larger of the two love seats, she lay down, pulling the blankets over her. The loveseat was just as uncomfortable as it looked. No matter how much she tossed or turned, no position seemed to be any more comfortable than the last. Tears of frustration and exhaustion formed in her eyes. A sob escaped her lips before she could prevent it. “What in the hell are you doing out here?” Turning her head toward the deep voice, her eyes well adjusted to the dark after three hours of trying unsuccessfully to sleep, honed in on Tony’s naked upper body leaning again the white molding of the door frame. Shadows cast over his tight abs, each muscle outlined to distinction in the minimal moonlight caused her breath to catch. The dark flannel pajama pants low on his hips 53

Dominique Eastwick dared her to look lower. Blinking twice and a letting a soft moan escape her lips, Haven managed to look up at Tony to find him grinning back at her. “Well?” “Huh?” Chuckling, Tony pushed himself off the doorframe and with the grace of Gene Kelly, glided toward her. He walked like a tiger on the hunt, every step graceful and dangerous, to Haven’s state of mind. It had been too long since she’d been with a man. Tonight’s kiss was like sprinkling water drops on drought stricken land. And Haven had been in a drought. Now tonight after a sip, she wasn’t sure she could hold her needs at bay. Tony sat on the coffee table before her, his hand grabbing one of hers. “What are you doing out here in the living room when you have a very comfortable king size bed in that room?” “There’s a party in the room next door,” her voice sounded meek to her own ears, “It’s too loud.” Tony got up, stalked over to her room and opened the door. It amazed her how that door to the room seemed to be a better sound buffer than the walls. Because once the door opened the sounds of muffled laughter and music wafted toward her. “Have you called the front desk?” he asked, heading to the phone in the kitchen area. “Twice…they send someone up and all is quiet for a few minutes then it starts again.” Tony whirled around and glared at the offensive noise. He let out a growl, or at least, it sounded like a growl. He looked at her then at the noisy room before slamming the door with a bang. He grabbed the keycard from the kitchen bar. “I’ll be right back.” “Tony, don’t. They’re drunk.” “Yeah, and it’s after three. I made a promise to you that you could study this weekend. How is that going to happen if you can’t get any sleep?” He turned again, opening the door.

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Tony’s Haven “Please, don’t. I don’t want there to be a fight and that’s what’ll happen and then it’ll only get them worked up and they’ll get louder, and I just want to sleep.” She knew she was whining, knew she sounded ridiculous, but she knew what college frat boys were like. She married one. The only thing Tony would accomplish by going over there would be getting them angry and at this point in the evening, they would be belligerent. “I’m just going to ask them kindly to…” Putting her hand on her hips, she looked at him daring him to answer. “To what? Keep it down?” “I was thinking more along the lines of ‘shut the fuck up.’” “Perfect.” “What better plan do you have? Sleeping over there on that, oh so comfortable, sofa, getting no sleep and be a complete zombie who will retain nothing of what you study?” “I’ll be fine.” “If you don’t want me to go over there then take my bed.” “You won’t be able to sleep on that sofa any better than I could.” “I don’t need to study tomorrow.” “But you’re skiing in the morning and if you are up all night trying to sleep on that thing, you could hurt yourself.” “And that would worry you, me getting hurt?” “Well, yes, because I would feel guilty if you did,” she tried to reason. “That’s ridiculous.” “I won’t take your bed, end of story.” “I’m usually not very chivalrous. You should take it while you can.” “That’s baloney. You’re always chivalrous to the point of being sickening. That’s part of your damned charm. But I’m still not taking your bed.” Tony ran his hand through his hair, making the perfect locks mussed up and even more attractive. “Fine, then you’ll sleep with me in it.” “Excuse me?” 55

Dominique Eastwick “We can share the damned bed. The thing is big enough. You won’t even know I’m there.” “No.” Did he really think she could sleep next to him in a bed, no matter how big the damned thing was and not know he was there? She was so in tuned to him at this point, she would know if he were miles away. “Really, it’s not a good idea.” “I promise, I… We’ll just sleep.” “I can’t? “Why not? I know you don’t have a lot of respect for me, but I promise I’ll be a good boy and control my baser instincts. I’ll keep to my side of the bed. Hell, I’ll even sleep with one damned foot on the floor.” “I can’t make that same promise,” she said, unable to take her eyes off him. Tony paused, he looked at her, blinked once, took a deep breath then in a shaky voice asked, “Could you explain that last statement?” “I can’t promise I’ll just sleep, I can’t promise I won’t touch you. I can’t promise that I’ll control my baser instincts. I know I can’t promise to stay on my side of the bed. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want to be like all the throngs of women who fawn all over you. I didn’t…” The distance between them disappeared; he was before her, hand cupping her face. “Shut up…just shut up. You’re nothing like any other woman I‘ve ever met. You are nothing like I thought I wanted and suddenly everything I need.” His lips took hers again, hungry, intense and ravenous. No gentleness. “Are you sure?” “Yes,” she whispered against his lips. “Thank god for that.” **** Every muscle in his body tensed as his cock came to life, hard and hot. She wasn’t what he went for. She wasn’t his type. Yet every muscle in his body ached for her. He needed her on a level he wasn’t ready to admit but as he took her hand and led her with 56

Tony’s Haven determination toward his gigantic bed, he was prepared to just let his body take what it needed. Nowhere in his memory could he remember being this hard and this turned on. Yet here with this woman, a woman he never dreamed of wanting, a woman he never dreamed could possibly want him, everything changed. His way of thinking, his way of feeling, what he wanted…no, he wasn’t going there, not just yet. The rules were changing too quickly and he felt that it was possible the rule book had been thrown out the window. His hand reached for the light switch. He wanted to glory in removing the sexless pajamas she had placed as a barrier to their intimacy. It didn’t matter if the barrier had been placed on purpose or by subconscious. This was a challenge he was more than up to. This was a challenge he lived for. Her hand closed over his. “Please leave the lights off,” her voice was husky with lust but tinged with desperation of self protection. “I think you’re beautiful,” he said, and he meant it. To the tips of his toes, to the edge of his being, he meant it. He wanted to…no needed to indulge in her with all of his senses. “Please.” How could Tony refuse her anything? His hand lowered from the switch and cupped hers, bringing it to his lips. He placed the slightest of kisses in her palm. She smelled of oranges mixed with a hint of mint. Both scents made him all the hungrier for her. Her breathing hitched when his lips left a trail of feather light kisses over her palm and her delicate wrist. Her pulse, when he found it, beat far faster than he had expected. The effect his presence had on her only excited him more. A hungry tongue darted out from between his lips to taste the point of her pulse to feel for itself the power of her lust. Tony looked at her in the shadowy darkness, what little light coming from the other room, cast dark shadows over them both. He longed to see her in the light but knew deep down that she would run like a frightened mouse. He needed to take his time to lead her and let her lead him as well. She needed to feel in control. He would have to 57

Dominique Eastwick wait a little longer to indulge in that one sense, but the others were on full alert, they would be assuaged tonight. Getting her out of her offensive armor of pink kitties romping around on her flannel pajamas became his first priority. Even knowing she put them on to appear sexless in his eyes, he was able to see past the camouflage to the women underneath. His imagination was running wild. What would her full breast feel like and what about that ass? A groan deep in his throat vibrated up and over his tongue. His mouth left her hand, pulling her closer to him. Full breast now pressed to his bare skin. He wanted to feel her hot silky skin, not her hideous excuse for night clothes. Being a man who only owned pajamas for the purpose of walking around his house in something comfortable or for weekends like this where he needed something modest and comfortable to wear in the presence of others, he didn’t understand her need to wear such a hideously prim and proper item. And it was well-worn, so she must wear the garments to bed often and not just in the effort to thwart him. Note to self: buy her new pajamas. Second note to self: burn pink kitty flannel pajamas when she wasn’t paying attention. He knew her discomfort about her body, so his lips kept her mind busy by devouring hers in a mind-numbing kiss. His nimble fingers worked the large buttons through their holes with determination. Once he released the last of the offensive buttons from their equally offensive holders, he allowed his fingers to take the first steps to touching the soft skin hidden beneath. Every movement he made was deliberate, he stroked her passion with his tongue, his body moved in closer, allowing her to feel his need and the effect she held over him. All the while his hands worked toward their goal. They moved to her bare neck, caressing and kneading, building her into a frenzy state so when those same hands pushed the flannel over her shoulders from her heated body, it was a relief and a need. She moaned as his hands moved over her shoulders around her back pulling her closer. His left hand caressed her neck keeping the kiss deep while his other snaked around her waist bringing her lower body into full contact with his. Hard full nipples

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Tony’s Haven brushed against the hair on his chest. Tantalizing him and driving his need even harder and further. Gasping for air, she ripped her mouth from his. Tony wasn’t going to let up as her head fell back exposing her long silky neck, his lips lowered to enjoy the sensual delights that were now fully exposed, lips and tongue caressed and moved until he found the sensitive spot below her ear. Gasps mixed with moans stoked his fire higher, until he felt as if the two of them were now engulfed in a bonfire that might never burn out, the thought scared him as much as excited him. Her fingers gripped, nails pierced his skin, as a mixture of pleasure and pain washed over him. “You are going to kill me…” he moaned, his fingers intertwined in her hair demanding she submit and expose herself more to his onslaught. Her, “me?” came out as a choked croak. His body moved hers with fierce determination to the large bed just feet from them. A distance, he felt, seemed longer than ever before. He couldn’t get her there fast enough. Flat on her back, breasts exposed and legs spread wide. The image alone nearly undid him. “Move,” he ordered, unable to wait any longer. Cool air whipped over his heated body as he took a step, she retreated back once more until he felt her body hit the bed. She must have turned to catch herself from falling because as he came upon her, he came in full contact with her flannel covered full ass. With a growl he couldn’t hide, and a passion he couldn’t ignore, his hands slipped under the pajama bottoms and in one swift move, he had the pajamas around her ankles. A gasp escaped her but his hand kept her in place, leaning over the bed. He knelt beside her, while his other hand worked at removing the articles of clothing from her body. Lifting each foot, he caressed the insole of her foot before placing them back down on the carpeted floor. Her feet now further apart than they had been. He took a deep breath, in the position she was in, he could smell her arousal—the sweet musky smell drove him further into a frenzied state. With the tip of his tongue, 59

Dominique Eastwick he traced a line from the back of her legs up to her buttocks where he nipped and nibbled. His free hand on her inner thigh climbed higher toward her wet heat. Experienced fingers moved through the well-trimmed patch of hair until he found her full pussy lips now wet and hot, able fingers moved over and between the lips. Two fingers entered her tight pussy while his thumb continued until it found her wanting and swollen clit. “Please, Tony.” “Please what, Haven?” “Oh… Please, I can’t take this. I can’t stand anymore. I need you now.” Frantic, his hand on her lower back shifted, he knew she wasn’t moving. She wanted him to take her like this now, hard and fast. He was never one to deny a woman what she wanted. “Stay there, don’t move.” Condom, damn it, condom, Tony thought, knowing from experience, his overprotective mother always asked the hotel to stock the bathroom with a few. But getting to the bathroom and back again would give her time to think. He didn’t want her thinking, but more than anything, time to move. “Promise me you won’t move. I have to get the condom.” “I promise…” her voice a bare whisper as she spoke into the bed. “And you won’t think?” “What?” “Just promise me.” “Fine, I promise, now about that condom?” His feet began to move as his hand held on to her. He was torn in a moment, everything could change. Everything he didn’t know he wanted, everything he didn’t know he needed, could change. She could change her mind and he would be stuck with a very cold shower. “Tony, hurry,” her voice husky and deep, got his feet moving. How could five steps seem so very far away, his feet moved as fast as his legs would allow them and his hand humbled like an unschooled high school freshmen. He pulled one drawer so fast his clattered to the floor. “I’m alright.” 60

Tony’s Haven Her chuckle from the bedroom made him look at himself in the mirror; the cool calm playboy with no emotions was nowhere to be seen. The person gazing back at him through soft nightlight light was flushed and his erection was poking out of the top of his pajama pants. Not the most flattering look. “Tony, are you coming or not?” “Not yet, but soon,” he muttered back and opened the last drawer. “Found them.” He grabbed one golden wrapped condom then decided better and grabbed a handful. To his delight, she was still in the same position and the minx had the gall to wiggle her ass at him. Wiggle and then he was behind her, not certain how he got there. Thinking he might have pounced across the room, and as soon as his hand made contact with her rounded ass he forgot about anything but getting his cock sheathed in the condom then deep, so very deep, inside her. His fingers worked on their own—years of practice putting on condoms paid off. His mind couldn’t think and his body ached, demanding release. Within seconds of the condom sliding on, he grabbed her hips, positioned himself behind her, and impaled himself inside her. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait,” he said, trying to catch his breath. Holding himself still, she was so damned tight. So damned hot. “Stop apologizing and freakin’ move…” she begged, moving forward then pummeling herself back on his cock again. Over and over she moved, as he held on tight to her hips, he could feel her walls closing in on him, making it almost impossible to hold his orgasm at bay. Gritting his teeth together, he matched her movements coming forward to meet her with hard sure strokes. She whimpered, fighting to get to the end. He moved over her back, one hand wrapping around her soft belly, every soft inch of her feminine and smooth, his hands slid down, finding the apex between he legs. She spread her legs, giving both his hand and cock better access. Fingering her swollen clit, she groaned. No dainty sound came from her, her groans were primal, needing and they turned him on. She was completely out of control in his arms, she wasn’t worried about her hair or what angle she looked best…she only wanted what angle would make her come faster, harder and quicker. 61

Dominique Eastwick Then it happened, she threw back her head in a quiet scream, her back arching and her arms collapsing on the bed. Her inner walls clinched him so tight, it was painful. But the pain led to more pleasure than he had ever felt in his life. With the slightest of relaxing of her wall, he went over the edge with her. “Wow!” the only word Tony could form was the only word that seemed to fit how it felt. “Sorry about that.” “What in the hell are you sorry about?” “I know that wasn’t the most graceful performance.” “Graceful?” “I know the women you are usually with are probably more elegant.” “Elegant?” “Perfect in bed.” “Your right, it wasn’t as graceful, but…” he pulled her around so they were face to face. Even in the dark he was pretty sure she would get his meaning. “And I will say this only once so listen carefully. That was the most amazing mind-blowing sex I have ever had. The raw sexuality you threw at me was… Wow!” “It’s been awhile. I might have been a little out of control.” “So it’s been a little while since you had sex?” “More than a little while,” she admitted, sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling the sheets around her naked form, much to Tony’s regret. “So you’ve had a dry spell?” He sat next to her; he didn’t want to tower over her but he had to admit that he also wasn’t really sure his legs could sustain his weight. His whole body still hummed and his muscles were like jell-o. “More like a drought, a seven year drought.” “You haven’t had sex since before your daughter was born?” How, in seven years, had no man managed to tap into the raw sexuality of this woman? “Well, I haven’t had sex with a penis that was attached to a man, my vibrator though good…”

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Tony’s Haven “Believe me, I have the complete visual in my mind.” His cock twitched back to life, as his imagination played out the scene of her laying on her back, knees up, legs spread wide, and a large pink vibrator rubbing her clit. Yep, his cock was hard and ready to go again. “Just thought you should know.” “So you’re telling me that what we just shared was all because you are suffering from a drought… I think if it’s okay with you, I’m going to put that to the test and see if this time, it can be just as mind-blowing.” “You are?” “Oh, I am.” “Again, so soon?” “Now.” Grabbing the offensive white sheet from her, he maneuvered so that she was forced to move further onto the large bed. Moving up and over her body like a tiger on the prowl, Tony positioned himself between her soft thighs. “Definitely now.” Tony couldn’t believe the rightness of being between her thighs and as her legs spread wider to accommodate his hips, her legs wrapped around his legs, urging him on. He knew in that moment that his life would never be the same and for the first time in a woman’s arms, Tony Sherman, the Sherman Playboy, who slept with more women than he could count, but far less than people thought, had found something he never felt before. He felt home.

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Chapter Eight “Ravish, does anyone use that word outside of romance novels?” Haven to Tony. Haven awoke with the first rays of light peaking through the heavy curtains. She ached in places that she didn’t remember existed, and as the memories of the night before washed over her, she came awake with full speed. Looking to the side, she saw him—Tony lying asleep next to her. There was an air of boyishness about him in sleep that she never had seen before. He seemed relaxed and peaceful. Haven didn’t want to get up. She wanted to lie in the bed all morning just staring at the Adonis next to her. But his perfection made her more self conscious about her own size. She hadn’t always been a larger woman. During her first marriage to Bruce Matthias, she had been a size eight. She had worked incredibly hard to be that size eight too, she didn’t eat enough to keep a bird alive and she worked out three times a day. None of it seemed to matter; her ex-husband had made it clear that she was still too large. Her hips too plump, her ass to big. And when the weight started going on as she got further along in her pregnancy, he made his disapproval known by cutting off the sex. After Jocelyn’s birth and the subsequent abandonment by Bruce, Haven had little time and even less money to invest in gyms and personal trainers that were needed to keep her at the size eight, let alone get her back to that size again. And through the long nights where she sat up with a colicky baby, food became her only comfort. And now at a very healthy size eighteen, she couldn’t understand how Tony had been so attracted to her last night. He made that attraction known over and over until she had beg him for mercy. His stamina was impressive, his agility breathtaking, and 64

Tony’s Haven his moves the stuff that she was sure would keep her warm at night for many years to come. Moving as stealth-like as she could, Haven managed to maneuver to the edge of the bed, even to get her feet on the floor without waking Tony. Perhaps his stamina wasn’t as impressive she thought; her face warming with the memories that flooded her from the night before. With the white sheet wrapped around her body, she scanned the room for her clothing. Surprise ran through her as she saw them neatly folded on the chair across the room. Standing with great care, not to rock the bed, or wake the sleeping man on it, she noted that the room was also clear of any evidence of the night before. No condom wrappers, and there had been many, on the floor. Even the water bottles he had grabbed for them at some point during the night were gone. After she had slept, he had taken great care to clean. Surprising her and piquing her curiosity all at the same time. “Come back to bed,” Tony mumbled from the bed. Gasping in shock, Haven gripped the sheet tighter about her body. “You cleaned?” Dumb thing to say, Haven thought, as she grabbed for her clothes. “It was either that or I was going to ravish you again.” “Ravish, does anyone use that word outside of romance novels?” “It’s the only word I can think of to describe what I want to do to you.” Unembarrassed by his nudity, and why would he be, Tony moved to sit on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, as he ran his hand through his hair. “How about joining me for a shower?” “Tempting, but no.” “You still won’t let me see your body, will you?” his voice was gentle, almost coaxing, “I’ve seen your body with every sense except my eyes.” “Those are the ones I worry about the most.” “Have I given you any reason to think I will find anything about you unappealing?” “No.” “Then why can’t you trust me to see what I already have blazed into my fantasy.” 65

Dominique Eastwick Haven bit her lip, gnawing the lower one for a moment. “It’s not you, it’s just Bruce was so brutal about my size.” “Bruce has proven repeatedly to be a spectacular asshole of epic proportion.” Haven decided she needed to take a leap of faith, she couldn’t keep him blindfolded and lord knew she wanted to have more of the mind-blowing sex they had shared last night. Filling her lungs to capacity and letting the air out slowly, Haven closed her eyes and let the sheet fall away from her naked body. She stood frozen, feeling his eyes blaze into her. His gasp had her about to reach for the sheet again. “I have died and gone to heaven. You are more beautiful than I imagined.” Haven’s eyes flew open and his eyes were devouring her breasts as his hands caressed them, held their weight. She waited as his eyes moved lower to her hips and soft belly. He shocked her again by going down on his knees and kissing her hips while his hands moved over her buttocks and down her thighs to rest on his calves. He sat back on his ankles, looking at her with a devouring hunger. “I have stretch marks,” she whispered, covering her belly with her hand. He nudged her hand away with his nose and kissed the largest stretch mark, following it down toward the apex of her legs. “It’s my own personal road map and all roads seem to lead south.” “Tony, don’t…” “God, Haven, you’re so damned sexy.” Tony got to his feet, picked up the discarded sheet and handing it over to her. “I wish you’d leave it off but I don’t expect you to change years of body issues after one night.” “You said something about a shower?” Haven used all her gall and dropped the sheet and grabbed his hand allowing him to pull her into the bathroom and into an erotic adventure in the shower, one like she had never had in her life.

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Chapter Nine “…a girl has to get her fix somewhere,” Jacinda to Haven. The morning’s study session was not getting off to a great start. Between the forays in the shower lasting far longer than expected, which led to the foray in the kitchen while they had made breakfast. Finally back in the bedroom where the sparks flew. But lucky for her and her G.P.A they were interrupted by Hunter, who stated he had waited in the lobby long enough for Tony and Tony could stay here all day but Hunter was hitting the slopes with or without him. Then with a knowing smile, he added, “Tony, didn’t you say something about Haven needing to study?” It wasn’t long after that Tony dressed in the sexiest of ski wear, kissed her goodbye, making her promise she would take a break and hit the slopes with him after lunch, and left her alone in a quiet room to study. Not an easy feat when all she could think about was Tony’s mouth and hands all over her tender body. If that wasn’t bad enough, her lap top wasn’t working so she couldn’t logon to do the online sample test. Tony didn’t bring one, not that she felt she had the right to go on his computer, even if he had. So now she was trudging downstairs with her book bag, hoping they had some computers she could use to do her homework. Frustration nearly ran through her as she realized the public computers were slow and if this kept on, she was going to be there all afternoon. Annoyance bubbled up within her and tears pooled in her eyes. If Haven thought it would help, she would be pounding her head on the keyboard. About to do just that, she heard in a soft voice behind her, “Haven?” 67

Dominique Eastwick Turning around, Haven saw Jacinda coming toward her. She wore a designer pink maternity jumpsuit. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her face completely bare of any cosmetics. Haven wanted to hate her for being so perfectly beautiful even like this but she had been so nice the evening before. She couldn’t find it in her heart to even be annoyed by her perfection. “Hello, Jacinda.” “Please, call me J.C., everyone else does, except Hunter when he is annoyed with me.” Jacinda shrugged as though the thought of her intimidating husband being annoyed with her was nothing. “I‘m just headed to the spa for a little pampering. Hunter won’t let me anywhere near the snow this year, not that I would have been tempted to go but it irks me when he gives me orders so I thought I go spend some of his money. Would you like to join me?” “I can’t. I am trying to do some homework.” Besides she couldn’t afford the spa here, not on her shoestring budget. “My treat, well, Hunter’s.” “It’s tempting.“ And it was with all her muscles aching. A nice long massage sounded like hitting the lottery. “I wish I could, it’s just that I have a practice exam I need to do today but this damn computer is slow as molasses.” “Why aren’t you using Tony’s laptop in the room?” “He didn’t bring it and mine won’t connect.” “Come on,” Jacinda grabbed Haven’s arm and pulled her toward the elevator. “You’ll have to use mine.” “But…” “No buts…you can’t spend the whole weekend trying to connect on those ancient relics in the lobby.“ Jacinda chattered away as they rode up the elevator to the top floor. “If you need to find any of us, we’re all up here. Except Tony, Tony has always preferred to be a floor below everyone else.” “Why?

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Tony’s Haven Jacinda shrugged. “Probably trying to protect us in some silly way of his, he has his reasons. He thinks we are all fooled by his wanting privacy, but I know him better than that.” Using the keycard to open the door, she walked to the coffee table, the exact replica of the one in their room downstairs. The only difference was the mound of pillows that surrounded the loveseat. “You can laugh if you want to. I know there are a lot of pillows. I said I needed some pillows from the house when Hunter packed the car. This is what I discovered he brought. I’m going to have to be very specific when it comes to labor I think.” Haven found herself smiling. It was hard to believe the stern man she saw this morning was such an indulgent husband. Jacinda handed the closed laptop to Haven. “The password, should it timeout on you, is ‘Hunter.’ Not the most original I know, but the only thing on my laptop these days are Christmas card lists, birth plans, and games. Oh, and a lot of really hot, smutty romances.“ “Really?” “I know I don’t seem the type to read romances, let alone erotic romances, but when these pregnancy hormones are raging and my husband is worried about hurting the baby, a girl has to do something.” “Yes…yes, she does.” Haven followed Jacinda back out into the hall and onto the elevator. Exiting the elevator on the lower floor, Jacinda stopped the doors for a second. “I’m reading a really good book now…it’s called Poppy’s Passions by Stephanie Beck. The book is hot, hot, hot. Makes me wish Hunter had brothers. On second thought, one of him is all I or the world could handle. If you decided to take a break, you might want to check it out. It’s in the file marked ‘girly stuff’.“ Once again, Haven felt adrift. Every time she thought she knew the Sherman family, they changed directions. Looking down at the top of the line laptop in her hand, she could only be thankful that Jacinda was far more giving than any other rich bitches she had ever met. Thinking again, the term bitch didn’t fit in the least. 69

Dominique Eastwick Three hours later, ham and cheese sandwich in one hand, the other firmly on the mouse, Haven was so engrossed in the book, she didn’t hear Tony enter the room and was only aware of his presence when his lips touched her bare neck. “Hey you,” Haven’s voice was husky even to her own ears. Poppy’s Passions was proving to be more exciting than she imagined. “That doesn’t look like homework to me.” Tony looked at the screen before putting his hand over hers on the mouse and scrolling up. “Unless business class has changed in the time that I took it, that is.” “Oh, I finished my work an hour ago. Your sister lent me her laptop and it’s so much faster than mine. I was able to get all my work done in half the time. So she suggested I read…” “Jace reads this stuff?” “Oh, there are lots of books like this on her computer. She has books about…” “I don’t want to know.” “Apparently, Hunter’s cut down on the amount of sex they are…” “Really, I don’t want to know.” “But a girl’s gotta…” Tony’s mouth came down on hers, drinking the words she meant to say. “Tony.” “Why don’t we go back in there and you can show me what you learned in that book of yours?” Tony grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him. “That would require you to bring in two more brothers.” “Excuse me?” The look of shocked disbelief was enough to send Haven into a fit of giggles. “The book is about a girl who falls in love with three brothers…” “No more…please, no more.” Tony silenced her the best way he knew how, with his lips and his hands. “Keep that up and I’ll forget how to speak.” “That is a chance I’m willing to take.” Moving his hand up under her t-shirt, he groaned as his hands cupped the full globes of her breasts. Heavy and hot in his hands, he fumbled to get underneath the barrier of the underwire bra. His lips devoured hers, while her fingers worked on the buttons of his shirt. Yanking the shirt down over his 70

Tony’s Haven shoulders, urgent need running through them both, she forgot about everything but the muscular man before her.

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Chapter Ten “Are you blushing?” Haven to Tony. The cool crisp air revived his spirit. It had always been like this, this need of his to be out on the mountains. Much like his baby brother who bucked all family tradition to get a job in the forestry department, they both felt an affinity to nature. Trenton lived for the outdoors. He hated the city and hated being cooped up. Tony understood that but his need to be close to his family to protect them was stronger. It guided everything he did, from the school he chose—to the company he worked for. Even with his parent’s traveling all over the world, staying around their home base, had been essential to his sanity. Now sitting up on the chairlift with Haven, he felt more at peace than he had in years. This morning with Hunter had been good, almost like old times. The time before Hunter had gone behind his back and fucked his baby sister. Time before he felt betrayed by the fact his best friend hadn’t confided in him that he had found his soul mate. But things were different now as they had to be. Hunter was about to be a father, Tony an uncle and that meant Hunter had responsibilities he never understood before. Responsibility, Tony always took as his own but never been officially given. Hunter wasn’t a man to open up about much but he did talk about his fear of being a good dad and what the hell was he supposed to do at childbirth classes. Just the image of Hunter wearing a pregnancy sympathy belly was enough to send Tony into a fit of laughter, he hadn’t had since Hunter and Jacinda married. Hunter looked ready to push Tony out of the chairlift which only made him laugh harder. When Hunter laughed as well, Tony felt the final barrier walls between them fall once and for all. 72

Tony’s Haven Tranquility was the word that came to mind, he would use it also for how he felt around Haven. She didn’t expect anything from him and made it clear she thought little of him in the beginning, but over the last few weeks she seemed to have found an insight to him that no one else had ever tapped into. She understood him. She sat there next to him on the cold seat. She didn’t feel the need to talk for the sake of filling the silence. She didn’t hang on his every word or his arm like a limpet. She scooted next to him when on the first trip up he had put an arm around her. She didn’t shy away from his affection but hadn’t shown any initiative of her own toward him. Gun shy was the term he would use. Gun shy and horny, years of no sex and a weekend without the responsibilities of being a mom, made for a combustible combination. Tony didn’t care how it had happened or why it was him she chose to unleash her passion on. He was just thankful it was him. The way he felt about her right now made him think he might not ever want to let her go. “Thank you.” Haven’s face lifted to the sun with a smile. “For what?” “For this weekend, for last night, for this afternoon, for right now.” Palming her face between thermal gloves, Tony brushed his warm lips against hers. “You are very welcome but it’s been my pleasure.” “I hadn’t expected it.” “I never thought you had.” “Not the sex.” When she blushed, she really was quite charming. “I didn’t expect to enjoy myself, to enjoy your family.” “They are very down-to-earth people, nutty at times, but nice.” “They’re very welcoming, too. Your sister is great and her husband, though he intimidates the hell out of me, seems to soften around her.” “He’s a besotted idiot. She has him dancing to her every tune. Never would have thought to see Hunter brought so low.” Shock showed clearly on her face. “I would have thought a man who worshipped the ground Jacinda walked on would be what you’d have wanted for her. Do you really see it as being brought low?” 73

Dominique Eastwick With a sigh, Tony looked forward. This had always been the crux of the issue. He did want Hunter for her sister. A man like Hunter was perfect. It was the thought of Hunter doing the things he knew Hunter would do to her in bed that made his skin crawl. “It’s hard to explain, you being an only child. But here it is…Hunter was…” “Was?” “Is my best friend. He has been the only person outside of my family that I would trust my life to. I’d lay my life down for him if he needed me to. My sister is an amazing woman but I failed her once. Her first husband abused her and I handed her right over, wrapped in a pretty white bow. Hell, I stood up for him at their wedding.” “Did you ever suspect he was abusive?” “No, if I had she wouldn’t have stayed as long as she did.” “Then you didn’t fail her, Tony, and you have to stop blaming yourself. She chose to marry him; you didn’t choose him for her.” “I know but when she was born and I held her in my arms, I promised her that day, even as young as I was, that no one would ever hurt her. And David,” his lips curled just saying the name, “hurt her badly. Where was I? Screwing some nameless bimbo at some long forgotten party somewhere?” “That’s a lot of responsibility for a six-year-old to take on. And we all make our own decisions. You couldn’t be there for her all the time, she’s an adult.” “I know that here,” he said, tapping his forehead before moving his hand to his heart open palmed. “But here, I can’t forgive myself.” “She seems very happy.” “She is.” “And you are happy she is happy.” “Of course I am.” “With Hunter?” “Yes, even with Hunter.” “Then what is there to forgive? What she went through wasn’t pleasant, in fact, I suspect it was a living hell. Yet it led her to Hunter in a round about way. Don’t try and 74

Tony’s Haven take away who she is and how she got there, it’s made her into the strong woman she is today. A woman not intimidated by Hunter…like I am.” She ended her lecture in a way only Haven could, with humor and understanding. Tony didn’t know how to respond to her words, and fate stepped in and didn’t make him respond when they reached the end of the lift. How could he explain that early that day, he let the whole mess with Hunter finally go? Somehow her words helped seal that door forever. But it didn’t mean he liked thinking about them getting naked together. **** He was like a freakin’ onion, every time she peeled back a layer, she found another more complicated one, hidden from view. It was both intriguing and frustrating. How he managed to keep his true self from everyone for so long was perplexing. She wondered if she would ever learn who the complete Tony was. Straightening her skies, she stood up off the chairlift and pushed forward away from the lift and down the mini-mound of hard packed snow. He always managed to get ahead of her getting off the lift and that was no hardship. Tony skied well, better than well, he was skilled. Even in ski pants his ass looked good and that was so not fair. But she was enjoying the view. This was their fourth run down the intermediate slope and she knew he’d been running the double diamonds this morning with Hunter. She figured he was only on the double because Hunter was not the skier Tony was. So he must be getting bored, yet he didn’t seem to mind. When she brought it up, he just pushed her back into the ski line for this slope. “Are you coming?” Tony asked over his shoulder. “Not sure, the view is pretty nice from here.” True joyful laughter filled her until she near burst with it. “Are you blushing?” “No.” But he was and that made it all the sweeter.

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Dominique Eastwick He was attentive as they made it down the mountain. Waiting for her at the landings below, he never seemed to get tired of waiting and didn’t make it seem like he was bored, even when it took close to five minutes for her to get down a steep section. She was never a great skier and now she was a rusty adequate skier. “Are you sure you want to run this one again? It’s okay if you want to run a few more interesting ones,” Haven said, when she at last made it to the bottom. “You underestimate yourself, Haven, nothing is more interesting to me than you.” Her body warmed and she felt her legs weaken. He really needed to stop saying things like that or she might just begin to think he meant them. “Right.” “I meant it when I said I am enjoying myself.” He paused looking around them for a second before focusing back into her eyes, his blue eyes showed uncertainty. He took a deep breath before continuing. “Haven, I don’t think I can go back to the way things were before.” Haven was about to say something in return when she was bumped from behind. Had Tony’s quick reflexes not caught her, she would have landed head-first in the snow bank. “Watch where you’re going!” Tony’s arms tightened around Haven, trying to help right her again. The drunken shorter man who bumped into her shrugged and laughed as he moved on to the line. His friends looked at her with apologetic looks before moving on. But one stopped to see if she was okay. “I’m sorry about that, he’s wicked wasted.” “I suggest you get him off the mountain before he hurts someone.” Tony pulled her along into the line, his eyes burning a hole in the back of the asshole before them. “Really, I don’t need to ski anymore.” “You said you wanted to do one more run while we were up on the mountain.” “I know but…you’re right, I won’t let him ruin our skiing.” “That’s my girl.” He laid a kiss on her lips and pulled out his chap stick, applying some before handing it over to her. He frowned past her at the drunken kids before

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Tony’s Haven them. “I really must be getting old, I’m sure that used to be Hunter and me on the slopes when I was their age.” “Yes, I am sure now that you are elderly and the young en’s are of great concern.” “You have a sassy mouth, do you know that?” “I might just have to show you what this sassy mouth of mine can do.” “We don’t need to do another run…” “Oh no, you promised me one more run down the mountain and I intend to get it.” Tony shifted in his skies. “You are a tease.” With a laugh, Haven removed the ski pole strap from her arm and placed it in her left hand so she could take the offered Chap Stick when she felt her face explode in pain and her eyes start to water. She could have sworn she heard Tony cursing loudly but she couldn’t make anything out and she felt sick to her stomach. “Haven, look at me,” Tony’s anxious voice seemed distant. “Haven, what hurts?” “I think I am going to pass out.” It was true, she felt nauseous and the world was spinning. She knew it was Tony’s arms around her, leading her, pulling really. She was still on her skies, she knew that much, because she felt like she was moving on one of those moving sidewalks at the airport. She let her head rest on his strong shoulder and just let him push her along. “What happened?” it wasn’t Tony asking, familiar but not the same, maybe a brother. She opened her eyes slowly, testing the light against the pain now in her head and face. Bad idea, very bad idea. Light bad, dark good. “Some asshole hit her with his damned ski pole when he lost his balance.” Question number one answered: what happened? He must have hit her hard because she couldn’t remember getting hit. “Bring her over here. Hunter and J.C. are at one of the fire pits. I’ll go get the ski patrol and first aid.” “Thanks, Spencer.” Question number two answered: who the voice was?

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Dominique Eastwick “Oh, my god…” the voice clearly Jacinda’s said as she felt herself falling, she clung to Tony with all her strength. At the same time, she felt the ski bindings give way and her world tilted on its axis. “Honey, it’s okay, I just want to get you horizontal on this bench, “Tony’s voice soothed her and she managed to look up into his face. She closed her eyes again when he started contorting. “Haven, we need to get you lying down incase you pass out. Jace, do you have some tissues? She’s got a bit of a cut on her cheek.” Was that a growl, she could have sworn she heard a growl. But why would there be a bear here? Confused and sick, she let them ease her down onto the bench. She was only sure that the pillow behind her head was Tony because it smelled so much like him. She nestled into the warmth and security when her world started to move again. “J.C., can you watch over her? I don’t want that asshole getting on the lift.” Tony lifted her head and she felt Jacinda move into his spot, her lap lacked the room that Tony’s had, but the warmth of her pregnant belly was equally accepted. “Hunter, go after him and try to prevent him from doing something stupid.” “That requires powers I’ve never possessed.” “Will you just go?” Haven was worried too, having witnessed Tony’s anger at the drunken partiers the night before. She knew he was just itching for a fight and she didn’t want that. She hated violence and she didn’t want to see it from Tony. “Lay back down…” Jacinda’s cool bare hand rested on her forehead. “If anyone can talk sense into Tony, it’s Hunter, trust me. This is gonna feel real cold on your face but I don’t want to wait until the ski patrol arrives.” Haven felt the snow on her cheek and wanted to pull away from it but Jacinda was adamant that she keep it on. At least she didn’t feel like she was going to lose her lunch. That was a good sign and the world did seem to be spinning a lot slower. But her face still ached and it still hurt to open her eyes. “How you feeling, Haven?” Spencer’s soft voice broke through the pain. “Hey, Spencer, “her voice cracked. “Tony?” 78

Tony’s Haven “He’s talking to the ski patrol over by the ski lift. Someone is on their way here now.” He placed his warm hand on the opposite cheek Jacinda had put the ice on. The difference was shocking and soothing at the same time. Turning into his hand, she moaned. “Just take it easy. I won’t leave you, promise.” Haven wondered for a minute what he meant by that. But then the ice was gone and a new voice was breaking through, asking her to sit up and actually look at him. That was not on her agenda. She was doing just fine laying there and not moving. The fire from the fire pit was keeping half her body warm and if the other half froze, she didn’t care. “Ms. Pelletier? I need you the sit up so I can assess your condition. I promise, I won’t take long and you can lay right back down again.” Haven managed to open her eyes and found that the sky no longer looked like a forth of July firework display and the world only spun every now and then. But that didn’t mean she was ready to sit up just yet. Jacinda smiled and nodded. Spencer looked far more concerned than a man who just met her the night before should look. And kneeling next to her was a boy who couldn’t have been old enough to drive, let alone take her vitals. Just about to say as much, she saw Tony walk around the fire and sit on the bench next to her, where Jacinda had just vacated. “Come on, honey, let’s make sure he didn’t rattle that intelligent brain of yours.” Gentle arms lifted Haven up and leaned her against Tony’s muscular chest. Although his voice was steady, his heart was beating at lightning speed. “What happened?” “He hit you with the ski pole.” “No after.” “I didn’t beat the crap out of him if that’s what you’re asking?” “He didn’t even swing,” Hunter’s voice cut through across the fire pit. “He might have a hell of a bruise on his arm from where Tony yanked him out of line and led him to the Ski patrol, but apparently Tony has a new found maturity.” 79

Dominique Eastwick “Shut up.” Tony brushed his lips over her forehead. “Now, let this guy do his job and look you over… Excuse me, are you even old enough to do this?”

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Chapter Eleven “Why don’t you tell me where it hurts?” Tony to Haven. No concussion and no stitches, just a lovely butterfly bandage and some beautiful purple discoloration, that just happened to match her brand new ski coat. A ski coat, she now realized, was covered in blood. Really, she just couldn’t have anything nice could she? After an hour in first-aid, where she watched Tony pace, Spencer huff, and Dr. Sherman come to oversee the whole situation to his satisfaction. Haven was more than happy to see the inside of their quiet suite of rooms. Especially after a Jimmy Buffett song came on the radio in the first-aid station and she had asked them to turn it down. Her attitude toward Mr. Buffett hadn’t gone over well, and their affronted looks were enough to make her laugh. If it weren’t for the headache, she would have laughed and she would have enjoyed the song. The Sherman’s hadn’t considered that angle at first but when tears filled her eyes, they seemed to forgive her lapse due to her situation. Tony took her coat and led her to the bedroom to lie down. “I am not tired,” she repeated for the twentieth time. “I’m sure you aren’t but it’s the safest place for you at the moment.” She couldn’t argue with him, horizontal was preferable to vertical at the moment. She hated to admit that a simple hit to head still made her world spin. “Are you hungry?” “Not particularly.” “Thirsty?” “Nope.” 81

Dominique Eastwick “In any pain?” “Not really.” “Let me do something for you. Standing here unable to help you is making me crazy. Let me make this better.” Haven climbed onto the bed and lay on her side to look at Tony, who resembled a lost puppy. “This isn’t you fault, Tony.” “I know.” “Do you?” Tony looked at her and shook his head. “How can it not be my fault? If I had just let you leave the ski lift line when you first wanted to…none of this would have happened.” “And if I had let you beat the crap out of him last night like you wanted to, this wouldn’t have happened either. Stop, Tony, you aren’t any good to me when you are in the middle of a guilt complex.” “I just need to make you feel better.” “I bet you could find a way to make me feel better.” Tony looked at her with a blank stare as if he couldn’t comprehend what she meant. After a minute staring at each other, Haven shook her head, got to her knees, and put her hands on his face. “You could make love to me.” She was nervous about using the love word; she knew it would be too easy to fall head over heels in love with this man. But somehow sex was what they had the night before. Yes, the sex had been the most mind blowing she had ever had or imagined having. But somehow things had changed. She didn’t know how or when, she just knew they had. After all the events of the day, she needed gentle now. She needed to feel protected and cherished. “I could do that,” he said in a voice that was full of shock and disbelief. “Oh, I know you can do that…and do that well.” “But your cheek and your head…”

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Tony’s Haven “Are quite a far distance from others parts of my body, which I would like to add, are hurting and no one has kissed them better yet.” A shy boyish smile came to his lips. “Oh, I think I can take care of those.” “Now we are just repeating ourselves.” “Can’t have that.” Tony moved over her on the bed, pushing her with gentle hands onto the bed. “Why don’t you tell me where it hurts?” “Here,” Haven pointed to her cheek then pointing to her shoulder, she said, “Here.” “And?” “Right around here,” she said, rolling over and pointing to her hip. “I think I have the picture, how about here?” He kissed her ribs, pushing her shirt up as he went then moved up to her under breast. When she hissed, he smiled. “Definitely there.” “Definitely there.” Haven released a deep contented sigh as his mouth and hands moved gently over her hyper sensitive skin. Every touch burned deep within. She knew that no matter what would come on Monday or past that, that she would continue to look upon this weekend as one of the most exciting and sensual of her life. If Tony treated all his women, a thought that sat ill in her gut, like he treated her, precious and sensual, it was no wonder he had the reputation he had. Playboy or not—this man knew his way around the female body. He also enjoyed pleasing her. He never asked or demanded, not that she was opposed to taking care of his needs, but he never pushed. Her husband would have demanded a blowjob for the orgasm she had, saying it was her duty. But Tony demanded nothing. He took what she offered, he gave generously. “Do you have any idea what your breasts do to me?” He half demanded, half implored. His hands cupped to over filling and his thumbs circling the erect tips. His eyes fixated on their fullness as he pushed them together then let them fall away before repeating the process again. He made her feel beautiful and sexy. That was a gift she hadn’t felt in years, long before she was married or engaged. He made her feel like a woman. She knew what she wanted and needed to do, she wanted to let him know just how important he was to her, how much she was beginning to care for Tony. But she 83

Dominique Eastwick admitted she wasn’t ready to vocalize her feelings, she didn’t believe they were in love yet. But she wasn’t ready to rule out that love wasn’t where this was heading. Someone once said hate and love were just different sides of the same coin and perhaps that was the truth because in a few short weeks she certainly wasn’t on the hate side of that penny. “Tony,” her voice was husky and rough as she got up on her knees. Tony stood to remove his shirt. Watching his muscles ripple with the easy task of removing his shirt fascinated her. Moving closer to him, she halted his hands in the process of reaching for his belt. “Let me.” Able fingers worked the belt out of the finding and with agonizing slowness through each belt loop. She loved a man with the good taste to wear button fly jeans. One button at a time was pushed through the button holes, each one showing a little more of what was underneath. Running her index finger between his skin and the clothes around his waist, she worked her fingers around to his back. Then moved them back to his hips with slow precision, she moved the briefs and the jeans over his hips down his thighs and over his calves. She allowed him the grace of movement to kick the clothing out of the way. Her eyes worked down his now naked perfection. His tight skin and toned muscles rippled in the low light. Shadows fell, creating a sharp contrast on his body. Moving to the very edge of the bed, she spread her legs and pulled him close so her eyes were now level with his rock hard abs. She ignored the large erection now obvious and arching toward her. Licking her lips, she debated taking the tip into her mouth or ignoring the need and want before her. Placing her hands on his hips, she allowed her eyes to move up to his face, a look of wanting and need shown in his eyes. Without moving her eyes from his, she opened her mouth and moved closer to his erection. Eyes locked, she slid her lips over the red angry tip. Tony groaned and his eyes closed, she doubted that he could have controlled the reaction. When his eyes opened again, she didn’t think he was seeing with clear eyes.

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Tony’s Haven Their eyes locked for another moment as she took the rest of his cock deep into her mouth and as deep into her throat as she could. Out of practice, Haven let her instinct guild her. She listened to his sound of pleasure, watched his face, and enjoyed his smell and taste. When his head finally fell back and she could no longer keep her eyes locked with his, she let hers close and enjoyed the pleasure she was giving him. His fingers bit into her shoulders as if he was trying to keep some control or hold on with dear life to what little he had left. Every lick, taste, and suck brought him closer toward her. His hips moved with a gentle thrust against her throat. Every time she came to the tip, she allowed her tongue to circle it. Every moan from him made her bolder and reminded her of techniques that had worked in the past. It was much like riding a bike once you got back onto it, the body remembered. She didn’t know how long she sucked and worked her mouth over his cock but before long her nose was against his skin, his cock so deep down her throat that she could taste the precum forming on the glistening tip. One final loud groan and the next thing Haven knew, she was flat on her back with Tony’s cock firmly impaled deep in her pussy. He had lost all control; he was pounding into her like a wild animal. Once the initial shock wore off, a mere few seconds after having her body covered by his, she met his thrust with her own. Her legs wrapped around his waist and he paused only long enough to move their bodies upward on the bed. His left hand grabbed her thigh, pulling it higher up his body. Opening her wider to him and allowing him deeper penetration. His hand squeezed her thigh as if looking for something to stabilize him. She didn’t want him stable, she liked that he was out of control for her, and liked that she had this affect on him. And she knew somehow, that this wasn’t the way he was. She knew he was always in control of his lovemaking, that he was always slow and deliberate. He took his women to completion first before taking his pleasure. She didn’t know how she knew this, but she did. And the thrill that she, Haven, the not so perfect woman, in her early thirties, had brought the famous Sherman playboy to his knees literally, spurred her on. Sudden confidence made her grind against him, rake nails 85

Dominique Eastwick down his sweat laced back. She would drive him on and make him lose complete control. And his control did slip, the beast came to the fore front, arching his back pushing himself so deep into her body, she thought he could reach her womb. He threw his head back and grunted then growled. Haven couldn’t help it, she laughed, she laughed in a hot-blooded ‘I got you now’ sound that rumbled deep within her and might have been the final straw because in seconds, Tony collapsed on top of her shaking uncontrollably. He kissed her then, kissed her in a way that took her breath away. Still deep within her, he moved his hand from her thigh, in between them, to the aching swollen clit. His fingers pressed and circled her sensitive nub until she had no choice but to pull her mouth from his and pant her organism through. Every muscle in her body wanted to curl into a fetal position, but his body wouldn’t let her. He pushed her on again and again until she begged. Begged for more, begged to stop, begged for mercy. He seemed determined to take back the control she had taken from him. Over and over, he pressed her harder until finally her body arched off the bed, head thrown back, mouth open, yet no sound would come out. Her body shuttered and somehow, he knew she couldn’t take anymore, knew even the slightest touch would be too much. He rolled over onto his back pulling her with him. His eyes closed, his chest rising and falling as if he had just run a marathon. “So much for nursing your injures.” “Oh, I am feeling no pain.” Haven nuzzled closer into his side. His lips brushed her hair briefly before a soft snore filled the room. Exhausted, Haven let her body curl into his and relax. Safe, content and completely satisfied, she slept.

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Chapter Twelve “You make me feel like a boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar,” Tony to Haven. Tony looked at Haven’s sleeping form one more time. He screwed up. In his entire sexual career, and he had to admit that was a larger and longer career than he liked to acknowledge, he had never once forgotten to wear a condom. Never once had the thought of being inside a woman so overtaken him that he let his cock rule his head. Which he figured Haven would never believe. He was clean of any diseases that much he knew. He had a check-up eight months ago and then again two months ago. With his Dad being a doctor, they had all been drilled on the fact that if they were sexually active then they needed to be tested. He hadn’t had sex in the two months since his last check-up. But that didn’t mean that he hadn’t planted something else in her. She might be at this very minute forming a baby in her womb, and though the thought should fill him with doom and gloom, it filled him with a sense of awe and wonderment. This wasn’t helping. She was going to be furious, saying he ruined her life. But he knew that if she were carrying his baby, he would marry her and if she didn’t want to be married, he would support her and the child in every way. He would be the opposite of her ex-husband. “What has you looking so perplexed?” Haven asked. Looking up from the sheet that covered her abdomen, he hadn’t realized he was looking so intently at her belly, as if looking at it long enough would allow him to see what was happening inside. She was lying on her side with her elbow and hand 87

Dominique Eastwick supporting her head. Her hair was a sexy mess and she looked like a women well pleased. “We need to talk.” “That sounds serious,” Haven said, getting to a seated position and wrapping the sheet around her body tighter. “Oh no, it’s not the ‘we have to talk’ talk. It’s more of the ‘I fucked up talk.’” “I don’t understand.” “I really am fucking up…here let’s start with good morning beautiful.” He took her face within his palms and laid gentle kisses on her lips. She looked into his eyes with wounded worried eyes. “Haven…” ‘Yes.” “Haven…” “We have established my name, Tony.” “Haven…sorry…I forgot to wear a condom last night.” “And?” “And…I promise I have a clean bill of health.“ “Yes, you told me that yesterday.” “I have never been so careless with a woman’s body before or my own.” “Well, I don’t’ have any diseases!” she said incensed. “I know, I know…god, I’m bad at this.” Haven grabbed his hand and with her free hand, lifted his face to look at hers. “Why don’t you just tell me what on your mind?” “I feel like a boy who got his hand caught in the cookie jar.” “I can assure you, you’re no boy and I’m not sure I like being referred to as a cookie jar.” “Haven.” “Tony, for the love of god, calm down, it was a joke.” “You can joke at a time like this?” “Yes, very easily. Seeing you squirm is amusing.” “Thanks, but what about…that is, what if you’re pregnant?” “Is that what has you looking perplexed?” 88

Tony’s Haven “Yes, and I assume since you haven’t had sex in seven years and you’re watching your money, you haven’t been taking the pill.” “I‘m not on the pill…” “I just want you to know that if you’re pregnant, I promise to stand by you. I’ll marry you if that’s what you want or I’ll support you in any and everyway I can.” “My ex-husband left me because I was pregnant and you’re willing to marry me if I am.” “It’s what a real man does.” Getting up on her knees, she let the sheet drop around her waist, pressing her breasts against his chest. “You’re definitely a real man.” “Haven, I’m trying to be serious and we both know I can’t control myself around you. I proved that last night.” “Tony, I may not be on the pill but I have an IUD. It helps with my cycle.” “IUD?” “Really, you are beginning to sound like a parrot.” Smiling for the first time all morning, Tony felt the tension leave his shoulders. “Just a Parrot Head?” “What?” “Sorry, Buffett term again… I really need to bring you up to speed.” He turned in her arms moving her back onto bed. “I can’t take you tailgating this summer unprepared.” “He’s a singer. What more do I need to know?” Jerking up abruptly, he stared at her. “So very much, like how to tailgate properly, what and who is Tonga Tam, what a parrot head is, and what to do during the…” “Fascinating as the thought of what a parrot head is, why don’t we get back to the part where you were showing me just what a real man can do for me?” Tony didn’t need a second offer. He had her flat on her back within seconds. “This Tonga Tam, she isn’t an ex-girlfriend is she?” “No, but I have been bowling with her on more than one occasion.” “Bowling?” 89

Dominique Eastwick “Scorpion Bowling, it’s a drink…I’ll just have to show you. But first I want to show you something else.”

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Chapter Thirteen “Oh, I like the sound of that. I will like it more in the bedroom,” Tony to Haven. Tuesday morning and Haven felt the anticipation of returning to work in the pit of her stomach. The rest of the weekend flew by in a whirl of trysts all over the suite, mixed with the occasional time when she actually studied. Tony went out skiing only after Haven told him she could not study with him in the vicinity. Which was true, honestly, she couldn’t think, let along put together words to make a complete sentence. So after much convincing, Tony rejoined his family on the slopes, while Haven tried in vain to get her homework accomplished. Twice she found Tony waiting outside the room not wanting to go in and disturb her. He surprised her at every turn. Never more so than when he said he would like them to continue their relationship past the weekend. He mentioned it before, but this time really made sure she understood his intent. All the same, he understood when she asked him to not come up and meet her daughter yet. She expected a complaint, murmur of protest. All he said was, “You know better than anyone when she will be ready to meet me. Just let me know.” The only eventful thing to happen after her collision with the ski pole had been Spencer’s surprise visit Monday morning as they were getting ready to leave. Tony went down to bring the car around when the door knocked and Spence stood before her looking serious. “May I come in?” “Of course, Tony went to get the car and should be back in a few minutes.” “I came to see you.” 91

Dominique Eastwick Haven followed him into the living area where Tony and she had just finished making love twenty minutes before. She could only hope that Spencer could not smell it in the air. “Why’d you need to see me?” “First let me say, I love my brother and would kill for him if I needed to.” “I don’t think I want to hear the rest of what you have to say.” Haven moved toward the door. “Please wait, I know you don’t want to hear what I have to say but I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t say this.” Haven didn’t say anything, crossing her arms, she stood, hips apart, daring him to continue and like any typical Sherman, she was learning they always took the dare. “Tony, as you probably know, has a bit of a reputation. Okay you knew. But what you don’t know is that it’s a well-earned reputation. He didn’t fall into the reputation because it’s what we Sherman do, or because he had an older sibling who was a playboy as well. He built the reputation and fed it. He loves women and until now no woman ever seemed to have the brains to notice or seemed to really care about anything past his bank accounts and six-pack. But you’re different. “He doesn’t deserve you and I hate knowing he’ll hurt you. I just don’t want you going into this blind to his charm. He won’t mean to hurt you. After all, he has a protective streak a mile wide. But he will hurt you all the same.” “Why does everyone in your family have such a poor mind-set about Tony? I mean the only one who seems to see Tony as Tony is Hunter, and I can tell you he’s a completely different man around Hunter than he is around any of you. I don’t understand why from your parents down the line you all think the worst of him?” “Because he usually holds true to standard. My parents caught him having sex with his last girlfriend in the hot tub at two in the morning over Thanksgiving. I’m sorry to be blunt but you seem to be looking at him with rose-colored glasses. And that rosy tinge only seems to have deepened this weekend.” “I think you had better leave.” Holding the door open, Haven looked expectantly at Spencer. “Now!”

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Tony’s Haven “Just one last thing, if you should ever need me, please call. Hell, if you should ever need anything. When Tony breaks your heart, call me, I’ll be there to help pick up the pieces.” Spencer placed his card into her hand as he walked out the door. “If I’m proven wrong, and I hope I will be, I’ll be the first to say it and apologize.” “Wrong about what?” Tony asked, coming down the hall in his usual devil-maycare way. His face seemed to light up when he saw Haven. “Hey, babe, almost ready?” “I am and your brother was just saying that he thinks he has a better way to get back to Boston.” “Really, huh?” Tony kissed Haven on the forehead before heading past her to the bedroom to get their bags. “Why did you lie to him?” “Because you might not realize this, but he loves this family of his, even when you all think he’s no better than a dung heap.” Haven turned and shut the door on Spencer’s stunned face. After that the drive to Boston was peaceful and uneventful. Tony let her off on the curb outside her apartment building and only told her that he wanted to put her bags inside the door to the building. Once inside, safe and secure, he kissed her long and deep, murmuring how much he would miss her that night. If it was half as much as she missed him then he had a miserable night ahead of him. Seeing her daughter had gone a long way to disbursing the lonely feeling she had as she watched his car drive away. Jocelyn’s happy ramblings and tons of tales about the adventures of her sleepover kept her mind occupied, but once in bed alone, nothing could appease the hunger and ache she felt. Only willpower learned from years of not picking up the phone to scream at her exhusband kept her from calling like a desperate puppy just to hear Tony’s voice. Now she sat at her computer, staring at the numbers before her, unable to think of anything other than how she was going to see Tony. How in heaven’s name would he find a way for her to see him? Otherwise, she wasn’t likely to be any use to anyone.

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Dominique Eastwick Disgusted with herself for allowing him to put her in a tizzy and even angrier that she let it happen, Haven ran her fingers through her hair. Good lord, she was the woman she made fun of weeks ago. What a bloody mess. Shaking her head, she went back to focusing on the page on her computer screen. She worked hard building a reputation as a good, hard, no-nonsense worker to let one weekend of amazing sex change all that. No matter how amazing the sex might have been. Groaning, she put her head in her hands. Thinking about Tony and sex was very counterproductive. Okay, she could do this. She could focus on the boring numbers. Numbers were good, numbers were boring and cold. Nothing exciting there. Just need to check the numbers to see that they make sense with the proposal. She could do that. As Murphy’s law would have it the phone beside her rang. It was going to be a long day. “This is Haven…” “Hi, beautiful.” Haven closed her eyes as she let Tony’s deep voice fill and warm her. “Hi, you.” “I hope you slept better than I did. How is it that after only three nights I can’t sleep without you next to me? Don’t answer that. I’m trying to figure out how I can get over to see you without raising eyebrows and then I realized I wasn’t likely to be able to keep my hands off you if I saw you, so eyebrows would raise anyway.“ Haven smiled, after all, how was she supposed to respond to that? And being in a cubicle, what could she say that wouldn’t be overheard by all those around her? “Meet me for lunch.” “I can’t.” “Dinner?” “I have classes this evening.” “Let me pick you up. Don’t say no, even if all I can do is see you for the time it takes to get you home. It will be worth it.”

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Tony’s Haven “Haven?” her boss’ voice from behind her had her jumping out of her seat. He looked at her with bemused eyes. “Mr. Sherman, thank you for the generous offer and help. I’ll look into that opportunity.“ “Your boss is there?” “Yes, sir.” “Oh, I like that sound of that. I‘ll like it even more in the bedroom.” “Ah ha.” “Will you kneel before me?” “That could be interesting but I doubt I‘ll have time for it.” Tony laughed and murmured a few other things that made Haven turn quick to prevent her boss from seeing the blush forming. Saying goodbye, she hung up the phone. “Sorry about that.” “You seem to be getting pretty friendly with Tony Sherman.” “No more than I am with you, Rodney.” “Yes, but I’m middle aged, happily married with almost grown children, not a young handsome playboy who has never met a woman he didn’t want to love.” “What’s your point?” “You have changed since Tony took you under his wing. People are starting to talk.” “About what?” “I don’t want you getting hurt, Haven. Please know that I am only concerned. Little things like your make up, hair, and clothes have all changed in the last two weeks.” “Mr. Sherman reminded me that image is everything in this business. If I want to advance I need to show that I am the right image for the company. He suggested that even though I wasn’t going to get promoted this year that I could show the improvement now and then it wouldn’t even come into play next year.“ All true, Haven thought. He had said that. “You also are… How do I say this? You also seem more feminine somehow.” 95

Dominique Eastwick This really was becoming more awkward by the moment, and Rodney seemed less comfortable than she was. “And your point?” “I just don’t want you getting your hopes set on Tony Sherman.” Haven sent him a look that she hoped was convincing. “Am I not up to his vaulted status?” “Haven, you know that’s not what I meant. He’s a playboy, he’ll only hurt you if you let him.” Again with the hurting her, Tony’s brother, mother, even to a lesser extent his father, had all shown their concern for her wellbeing. Now her boss, too? “He is mentoring me, Rodney. So it’s natural I would get to know him. If it were any other senior executive mentoring me would you be here saying any of this? Something else, I don’t think anyone here takes into account is that Mr. Sherman actually knows what he is doing. Brilliant might be too strong of a word, but a lot of people, if they would look past his pretty face, would and could learn a lot from him. Now, is there a reason you came over here that doesn’t have to do with Golden boy Sherman?” Talking about him the way she used to seemed to have the wanted effect, Rodney relaxed and smiled before handing her a folder to review. “I just need another set of eyes on this before I send this over to accounting.” “When do you need it by?” “Closing today, and, Haven, I didn’t mean to offend…” Haven placed a hand in the air stopping him mid-rant. “Let’s forget this conversation ever happened, shall we?” Rodney nodded and waved as he walked away. Haven only had a second to recover when Celeste popped up over the cubical divider. Rodney, she could deal with, Celeste was a pest she didn’t want to give the time of day to. “He’s right, people are talking. They think you’re wasting your time trying to get Tony to notice you. When this mentorship is done, he won’t give you a second thought.” Haven opened the folder on her desk and began to scan it. “I am sure you’re right, Celeste.” 96

Tony’s Haven Ready for a fight, Celeste continued, “You’re not anywhere near his ’vaulted status’. He doesn’t fraternize with co-workers and it’s not like someone like you would be the one to make him break that rule.” Looking at her with pin-point precision, Haven couldn’t help retorting, “Especially since you have tried and failed more times that even I can count?” “Well, if I can’t bring him to heel, how the hell does anyone think you would? I mean look at you. I am not saying you don’t look better than before, but honestly, you are still a wicked frump.” “Fat one, too?” “I wouldn’t say that.” “You would just whisper it to the likes of Janis in H.R. Now, if it’s all the same to you, I have some work to do and I bet you have some, too.” “You really are an ice queen, aren’t you? I’m so glad we had this little talk, now I know where to put my money.” “What are you talking about now?” One perfectly groomed eye raised as Celeste threw her hair over her right shoulder. “Wouldn’t you just like to know?” “If it requires carrying on this conversation with you, NO, not really.”

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Chapter Fourteen “I am not mooning,” Tony to Barbara. Tony was never so happy to see Friday as he was today. Even with the four day week, this week had dragged. Extreme willpower kept him from going to Haven’s cubicle to check in every hour on the hour. The fact that he managed to stay away at all was a miracle. With the exception of the forty five minutes he spent driving her home Tuesday and Thursday nights, and of course the thirty minutes they spent making out in front of her building when he dropped her off, he hadn’t seen her. But they talked. Every night after she put her daughter to bed, she would ring him as he had asked and they would talk. They would talk until she fell asleep, and even then, he was loathe to hang up, to break the small connection they still had. So he would stay on the line and listen to her breathe. Every night he had the most erotic dreams of her wrapping her legs around his hips as he pounded into her or her lips around his cock. He would awaken hard, hot and sweat covered. Even the release he was able to give himself didn’t satisfy the urge his body had for the woman. Usually his eye wandered with other women. Always looking for something better something more interesting, he hadn’t looked at other woman in three weeks. Not life changing for most, but for him, it was a major step in a new direction. Not that anyone would notice. He was sure that everyone in his family, with the exception of Jacinda, had given Haven a big warning about his inability to commit. His insensitivities, okay maybe 98

Tony’s Haven Jacinda would have mentioned that one. After all, he hadn’t handled her relationship with tact. Even he admitted to himself what he had been loathe admitting for years, Jacinda and Hunter were perfect for each other. Although the thought of them in bed together, still made his stomach churn. But now feeling as he did about Haven, he understood for the first time what it was like to want someone and know that no other would fill the gap. He knew that right now no other woman would be enough for him. He didn’t know how long this would last but he knew it was new and different and it wasn’t going to end any time soon. The clock was counting down, four-thirty and soon he would be able to take Haven in his arms and kiss her senseless. She was making him crazy. Twice in the last twenty minutes she walked past his office to the main conference room wearing a flirty skirt and tight little sweater. So what if he had paid for them? Men who never noticed her before were ogling her ample breasts. Breasts that he longed to suckle, hold, knead… this wasn’t working. He would end up at the psych ward at Mass General before this was all over. “You need to be less obvious,” Barbara’s voice cracked as she entered his office, blowing her nose. “I thought I told you to go home and nurse that cold?” “If a cold is going to kill me at my age, then so be it. Besides it’s far more amusing to sit here and watch you moon over Ms. Pelletier.” “I am not mooning.” “No? Here are the notes from your meeting with the sports network. And this is the reservation for you and Haven at a quiet out-of-the-way restaurant on the North Shore. No one from the office will see you there and you can then take your time and drive up to Rockport. It’s a bit cold but there is a lovely romantic walk up there. Close your mouth, dear, you look like a fish out of water.” “Thank you,” Tony said, for lack of anything better to say. “Just treat her well. I think you two might just be exactly what the other one needs.”

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Dominique Eastwick “What, no, I’m not good enough for her?” the question was out before he could stop it. “That is exactly why she needs you.” “Go home, you’re delusional.” Tony smiled as he watched Barbara pack up her stuff and leave the office. Again Tony found himself staring at the clock. Late last night, Haven had called to ask if he wanted to meet for dinner, her daughter had been invited to a sleepover and would be going straight there after school. This left Haven available until ten a.m. Saturday, when she had to pick up her daughter. Tony didn’t take a second to answer in the positive. His ‘yes’ was on his lips before she finished talking. So in their new, very secret agent, fashion they had come up with a game plan that he would leave after she did, and they would meet at the Boston Museum of Science where he would pick her up. It was enough off the beaten path that no one from work would be there. What he hadn’t taken into account was how dark it was at early evening in the New England winter time, and how much he hated the idea of her talking the green line on the T to get there. Even though it wasn’t much of a walk to the museum, it was still enough to have him climbing the walls by the time he was ready to leave. The museum would have been closed by the time she arrived and he didn’t want her out in the cold, in the dark, by herself. So instead of waiting for her to leave first, Tony grabbed his coat and headed out of the office fifteen minutes early, determined to meet Haven at the Science Park Station before she started walking. As fate would have it, the only place he could wait for her was at the museum, so car running, heat on, he parked the car and paced back and forth outside waiting and worrying. This was not something Tony did well, he worried too much about his family and he hated knowing that just a few weeks ago, Haven did everything by the T. It didn’t matter that half of Boston got around on the T—it was that Haven did it at night, alone with no one to make sure she was safe. No one waiting home for her, except the elderly lady on the first floor who more times than not fell asleep long before Haven was due home.

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Tony’s Haven The time hadn’t changed much in the last thirty seconds since he checked his watch. Neither had the view looking down the street toward the ‘T’ station. A greater urge wanted to walk in the direction of the station, but he was uncertain if she would get off at that one or the one on the other side. Damn it, she was going to drive him crazy one way or another or both. “What has you all in a tither?” Haven’s voice came on the bitter cold air behind him. “Like you have to ask?” he demanded, pulling her toward him, letting his lips devour hers. This was a problem—this need he had for her. The more he had, the more he wanted. The need would devour him if he didn’t go insane first. Haven’s giggles hummed against his lips as her arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer into her. Her breath sweet and hot against his lips; flamed his need higher. His tongue danced with hers, igniting her need further. Leather gloved hands palmed her cheeks, urging her to submit to his every desire. “Damn it, unless you want me to take you right here, I suggest you get in the car now.” He made no attempt to move. Frankly, if she didn’t move, he would take her right there in front of the Museum of Science without a qualm. “Is that a promise?” “Minx!” Haven’s hand moved down from his waist to his hard cock. Even through the many layers of clothes and the heavy camel hair coat, his hard-on was evident. “Oh, it is a promise.” “Get in the car,” were the only words that could make it through his clenched teeth. “We’ll miss our reservation.” Words weren’t able to be formed once he was in the car, he could talk or he could drive. There wasn’t enough blood left in his brain for both functions to take place. At every corner, he had to convince himself not to turn the car in the direction of his Beacon Hill townhouse and away from the North Shore. Barbara’s words echoed in his head to take care of Haven. Somehow taking her back to his place, throwing her against the nearest wall, sofa, or hell, the floor, didn’t constitute taking care of Haven. So he 101

Dominique Eastwick pulled his car past the Garden, and onto Route 93 in the direction of Route 128 and Beverly. “Where are we going?” “Out.” “Out?” “Out.” “Hmm out, out north or out south?” “North.” “Oh, so we are heading north and going out. That’s good” Tony knew she was doing this to make him nuts. She had to know how close to the edge he was. He wondered as they passed by the Beacon Hill monument, if perhaps anyone would notice them rutting against it. He groaned when his cock twitched. Dinner, Barbara had said, a romantic walk in Rockport, she said…treat her well. He could do this. “How is Jocelyn?” Tony asked, praying talk of her daughter would cool his loins. “You want to know about Joce’?” “Why not? We have a half-hour drive ahead of us.” Good, he was forming sentences with actual words which must be a good sign. “I have spent the week dreaming of fucking you, and you want to talk about my daughter?” Damn, damn, damn. “Damn, damn, damn, are you trying to kill me?” Haven threw her head back and laughed. Her voice so light and joyful, it brought the edges of his lips up. “Sorry, if you want to talk about Joce’ then by all means. She is fine.” “Fine?” “Fine.” “So she is fine?” “Yeppers, she is just…” “Fine. Don’t say fine or I will…” “You’ll what?” 102

Tony’s Haven “Honestly, I have no idea.” Tony gave up; he was no match for her wit tonight. And he wasn’t sure he could form many more complete sentences anyway. Once Tony merged onto Route 128, he took her hand in his and let the rest of the drive pass in quiet companionship. He watched as the urban city turned into small town New England. He couldn’t remember the last time he drove up the North Shore. Too long for certain, he just wished the days were longer so they could enjoy the drive. Mid-winter was not the busiest of months for Beverly so parking wasn’t a problem as he pulled in front of the small Italian restaurant Barbara so highly recommended. She said she and her family would take in a meal before hitting the North Shore Music Theatre for a musical performance. “This is nice, how did you find it?” Haven asked as they approached the restaurant door. “Barbara.” “Of course, did she recommend anything?” “Pumpkin Tortelloni.” They were seated immediately at a secluded table in the far right side of the intimate restaurant. Small tables draped in white scattered the room, each brightened by a single yellow rose and flickering votives candle. Haven put down her menu and smiled, eyes sparkling from the glow of the candlelight. “Then no need to look at the menu is there?” “No, there isn’t.” The waiter took their order and returned with a wine that probably cost as much as Haven’s electric bill. Once he had a glass, he relaxed back in the chair to watch her. “Can I ask you a personal question?” Eyebrows raised, Tony nodded. “Tell me what happened when you were younger. What made you so protective of those you care about and so afraid to show it? You aren’t the playboy you show the world, not really.” “Don’t be fooled, Haven, I worked hard to obtain that reputation. I promise you, it wasn’t just handed to me on a silver platter.”

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Dominique Eastwick “I know that but…” she gnawed her lower lip. He hated to talk about himself but he hated more the look of uncertainty in her eyes, the nervousness she now displayed. “Why does everyone warn me off you?” “You mean my family?” “Yes, well, not J.C. and certainly not Hunter, but everyone else has.” “They didn’t say you weren’t good enough for me?” “No, not that…” “Let me guess…You were too good for me?” “Something like that.” Tony picked up the wine glass and twirled the glass just enough that the red liquid started to swish in a circular movement. The candlelight played against the shadows in the deep crimson liquid. This was the moment, he realized, that it all changed. He either opened up about his deepest darkest secrets and took a chance she would stay, or he kept quiet and took the chance she would still stay. But she wanted to know all of him and if he wanted to take this to another level he had to take the leap. “When I was younger,” he began, his voice distant even to his ears, “I guess I was five or six maybe, I don’t really remember. We were out to dinner one night. We came home and everything seemed normal, the outside lights were on. The front door was closed, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Even when we walked inside, everything seemed normal. We thought Maxine, the housekeeper, just went to bed early.“ “But she hadn’t?” “No, Mom said it was bedtime for all us kids. I remember Spence arguing, but J.C., who was just a baby, was fussing. So Mom dealt with her and Trenton while Dad dealt with Spencer. Lucas just went up to his room as he was told. But I had to take some medicine or something, who knows now what. Mom told me to go into the kitchen and wait for her there. The rooms were dark, and it was when I stepped on a broken piece of glass in the kitchen that I knew something was wrong. I turned on the lights. It was just then that Mom screamed Dad’s name. I remember the panic, the absolute fear, in her voice. I thought at first she was screaming because I had stepped on the glass. At that

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Tony’s Haven age, I still believed my mom could see through walls and had eyes in the back of her head.” “You don’t believe that anymore?” “Nah, I think they are psychic but no, I am quiet certain they only have eyes on their face.” “Don’t let Joce’ know.” Haven reached for Tony’s hand, her hand was soft and warm in his. The support she was offering flowed through her. “I won’t, are you sure you want to hear this?” “Yes, if you want to tell me.” Taking in a deep breath, Tony continued, “So Mom screamed, and I could hear so much commotion upstairs, but I was mesmerized by the room before me. Whatever had happened upstairs was nothing compared to what they had done to the downstairs living area. The back door was nearly broken off its hinges, glass lay throughout the room sparkling like gems on the floor. I remember the cool air caused me to shiver. But it was the sight of Maxine lying lifeless in the doorway to the dining room that had the most affect on me. I should have screamed but I couldn’t make a sound. That was when one of the burglars came through into the house from the garage. He lifted a single finger to his lips and I knew that if I screamed, if I made a sound, he would kill them with the shotgun he was carrying.” “Oh, Tony.” “So I stood there shivering as I watched him step over the broken door with a pillow case full of our stuff, not caring that he had destroyed our peace of mind and sense of safety. I remember hearing my mother demanding to know where I was and I kept praying they wouldn’t come down, that they would stay upstairs.” Tony took another sip of the wine before him. Years had passed since he had lived that night, those few simple moments, but they were like an old movie in his mind. Not quite all there, and the movie would skip occasionally, but the images were crisp and true in his brain. “Dad came running down. He saw the burglar running out the back but I must have looked like I had seen a ghost because my father decided in a split second that he needed to stay with me. He lifted me up into his arms, I know he didn’t focus in on the 105

Dominique Eastwick room or he would have seen Maxine. But I was like a board in his arms, not moving, stiff against him. I couldn’t talk, couldn’t make out the words. “Did he hurt you? Dad asked over and over. I couldn’t move, couldn’t make out the words. I thought Mama Max was dead. She hadn’t gotten up and I loved her like a grandmother. But all I could think was that Mom had wanted to stay home with J.C. that night because J.C. seemed to be getting sick. Mom only decided to go because I begged her to go. So I felt like I had saved them but somehow I had failed Mama Max.” “But Tony you couldn’t have known.” “She didn’t die, she had a hell of a bump on the head and concussion but she was well enough. She stayed with the family for another five years until my protectiveness of her made my parents concerned. So they offered her early retirement, and an official place in the family.” “You’ve been protective of your family ever since. But you hide it…why?” “Because finding out that your ten-year-old son walks the house at night patrolling the halls to make sure everyone is fine, doesn’t make parents too happy. Later finding out that the same son now recruited the other brothers to work shifts when he promised not to walk the halls all night, got me sent to a shrink.” “You arranged shifts?” “Yep, Spence took the first shift because he was oldest and had the latest bedtime, when he went to bed. Lucas would take over, until he couldn’t stay awake anymore. Then it was my shift until about four because if I was up before mama, she worried, so Trenton took the last shift and it took years for them to figure it out.” “Why so long?” “They thought Trenton was sleep walking because they kept finding him in strange places around the house.“ “Not much of a watchman.” “No, you’d think we’d learn but he still takes that shift and still falls asleep.” “So why did you take shifts?” “Lucas was worried; he realized early on that nothing was going to stop me from playing the watchman. I would fall asleep on the playground and on the bus. He finally 106

Tony’s Haven decided to find out why, and when he discovered my secret, he could have told my parents but he instead enlisted the help of the others. Not that it did much good, Dad eventually found out, apparently Trent talks in his sleep. And away I went to the child shrink to find out why I had this need to watch over the family. I would still be there if I hadn’t learned to hide my protective streak. So I pretend to not care about anything. I pretend to not give a damn.” “But you love your family very much.” “I do love my family.” “So why go almost two months without seeing them?” “That’s a story for another time.” Having just bared the heart of his issues, he wasn’t quite ready to tell Haven about the conversation he overheard from his parents over Thanksgiving. The one where his parents had walked in and nearly caught him having sex with one woman while they were complaining about him being caught with another in their hot tub two weeks before. “Fair enough…but why would your family warn me off?” “Because they believe I am incapable of caring. In their eyes, I am a smooth talking playboy who has a new woman every day of the week. I come into a room and charm everyone with a smile and witty remark but it’s all superficial. I can remember anyone I meet at a party, remember their name, remember them for years by their face, but the second they are out of sight, I don’t think about them again. I make no excuses, because I have worked for years to polish my image to a fine shine. And they see what I’ve become.” “You aren’t that superficial playboy.” “Am I not? You’re the only one who doesn’t think so. What’s to say I haven’t conned you to make you believe I was something else to just get you into my bed?” “For some reason, you can’t hide who you are from me. And Hunter doesn’t believe you to be a self-centered jerk, neither does J.C.” “You’re right about Hunter. He has an uncanny way of reading people. I’m not certain how J.C. feels, because I might have taken one too many swings at Hunter since they got together.” 107

Dominique Eastwick “I think J.C. sees you for who you are, no more, no less.” “Thank god, our food’s here.” Tony felt relief engulf him. The food added a much needed respite from questions too close to home. He needed time to gather his wits again. She was right, he couldn’t hide from her and it scared the hell out of him. He didn’t want her knowing Hunter and Jacinda chose to keep their relationship a secret because of him. She believed he was good and it had been so long since anyone saw that side of him, he didn’t want that to change.

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Chapter Fifteen “Your ego doesn’t need me to answer that,” Haven to Tony. Wrapped warm in Tony’s arms, Haven sighed, she knew nothing was perfect but this was as close to perfect as she had ever gotten. She felt comfortable with him. Not something that most people would find flattering but she thought Tony would be thrilled by the comment. He was a bigger onion than she originally thought, she would have thought by now she’d have gotten to layers that didn’t surprise her. She knew deep down inside something significant had to have happened when he was younger to make him so protective. But she couldn’t understand how or why he felt the need the hide it from everyone. Now she knew, and although, as a mother, she understood what the Sherman’s had tried to do. She couldn’t help but think they should have known better than to believe he suddenly stopped caring. Something else happened too that he wasn’t ready to tell her. She wondered if he ever would, and was it as awful as he must think? Once their food arrived, which was just as amazing as Barbara promised, Tony switched back to his attentive, charming self. The one she now knew hid the ugly demons he carried. Unlike three weeks ago, when the façade didn’t bother or irritate her. After dinner he planned to take her on a walk, her choice: Rockport or Salem. But she surprised him once again and said she was too horny to do anything and would he mind just finding a place for them to go to bed. Easy enough, just over the bridge, Tony took her to the Hawthorne Hotel, and although she felt certain the room was gorgeous, she had yet to see it. 109

Dominique Eastwick Neither had been able to wait, clothes lay strewn around the room in piles where they had been haphazardly discarded. And the sex had been better than the weekend they’d spent together. She hadn’t expected it to be better; she thought perhaps she built it up in her mind. She hadn’t. She wanted him in her life though in more ways than just in bed and that meant she had to open her life to him. She had to let him know her as more than just a lover, but as a woman and a mother. Concerns about his playboy ways, hurting, or being too shallow to care about her daughter, were put to rest last night. Anyone who went to such lengths to protect his family both physically and emotionally wasn’t a man who would take a little girl’s emotions like a grain of salt. Snuggling close to his body, Haven felt a peace come over she so needed. “What are you thinking about?” “I didn’t realize you were awake.” “Hard to sleep when your delicious bottom is rubbing against certain parts of my anatomy.” He pushed his hips forward so she could feel his erection against her round ass. Turning in his arms, she faced him, “Again?” His fingers traced the edge of her cheek with gentle caresses. “This has become a constant state for me since out first shopping trip.” “That’s not true. All we did was argue that night and I remember calling you an insensitive ass on more than one occasion.” “Yes, and having a woman not fall at my feet is what did it, too.” He didn’t let her answer that as his lips came down on hers. She felt that kiss deep in the pit of her stomach. “You didn’t tell me what has you up at…three in the morning.” “Actually I was thinking about you.” “I would have thought you’d be worn out enough that you wouldn’t be awake thinking about anything.” “Your ego doesn’t need me to answer that.” “Oh, please.” Tony rolled onto his back pulling her with him. “My ego hasn’t been inflated since I walked into your cubical.” 110

Tony’s Haven “Oh, poor baby.” She kissed his flat nipple and reveled in the shiver it sent through his body. “Actually I decided something.” “What’s that?” Even in the darkened room she could see that his eyes were closed and he was on the edge of falling back to sleep. “I thought…” Through sleep laced lips, he mumbled, “You…thought?” “I thought that if you weren’t doing anything tomorrow, you might like to meet Joce’.” “Mmmm…that’s a nice idea.” “Did you hear me?” “Uh-huh…me meet…Jocelyn. I think that would be…” Smiling to herself, Haven listened to the cadence of Tony’s heart and the tempo of his breathing, as he fell into a deeper sleep. She wore him out, and he might not feel like his ego was getting much of a boast but hers sure was. Who would have thought a plus sized mother could wear out the golden Sherman playboy? Just as Haven finally felt the edges of sleep creeping up on her, she was blinded by the lamp on the side table being turned on and Tony sitting up straight. He was looking at her perplexed and the questioning look resembled that of someone who had just drank an iced-tea when they were expecting a soda. “What?” “Did you say you wanted me to meet your daughter?” “Yes.” “Are you sure? I mean really sure? Yes, of course I want to meet her. I just didn’t think you were ready for me to?” “I think it’s time.” “I think I might be falling in love with you.” “Don’t say that if you don’t mean it.” “I wouldn’t do that to you. I have never felt like this before, Haven. I can’t think, can’t eat. I’m miserable when you aren’t with me, and if I am this miserable without you and so freaking fulfilled with you, it’s got to be love.” 111

Dominique Eastwick “I’m not ready…that is, I mean…” “Shhh, you don’t have to say anything.“ His finger moved a few locks of hair behind her ear. “When you’re ready. I just needed to tell you.” “So tomorrow…” Lips brushed hers. “I can’t wait.”

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Chapter Sixteen “No, I triple dog dare you,” Haven to Tony. “…so with the projections for next quarter looking good, if not strong, I think we can get through the next few months with no layoffs and just not replacing the positions that have been vacated.” Tap…Tap…Tap. One end then the other, Tony tapped his pen against the paper in front of him. He and Haven had worked their asses off the last two weeks securing five new accounts to ensure that no one would be laid off. Haven had shown her merit more than once, her boss had let her work in direct contact with Tony with the understanding that Haven would still get the work done needed on his end. He didn’t want the kudos for himself, he learned long ago that wouldn’t be happening but he had hoped that Haven and her boss would have gotten some sort of recognition. But how could he give credit where credit was due without raising eye brows? The only reason eyebrows hadn’t been raised yet was that no one believed he could have a serious relationship with someone as smart as Haven or with someone who wasn’t a size two. But people were beginning to talk and Haven didn’t want anyone at the office to know about their relationship. Boy, how the mighty have fallen. Just two years before, he had been all over Hunter’s case for keeping his relationship a secret and now he was doing the same damn thing because a woman he discovered he loved asked him to. Nothing more, nothing less, just asked him to not tell anyone, and he agreed without a second thought. 113

Dominique Eastwick The CEO stood and thanked the person next to him. Tony glanced at the clock, noticing that was two hours he would never get back. He still had thirty minutes until his next meeting and wondered how he could get around to Haven’s cubical and what excuse he would use. “Tony, you got a second?” a thick Boston accent said from behind him. Tony looked up to see one of the few people he had genuine respect for in the company, Don Walker head of I.T. The balding man sat next to Tony, placing the plethora of communications devices on the table before him. “What can I help you with, Don?” Looking around the now empty room, Don seemed uncomfortable. “I debated saying anything to you but the wife said I needed to.” “Say what?” Tony couldn’t image with Tabitha Walker could think was so important for her husband to talk to him about. “Well, ya see, we were at the Commons the other day. And we saw ya.” “And?” a cold chill ran up Tony’s back. He had been at the Commons with Haven and Jocelyn. There had been an ice sculpting contest and Tony thought Jocelyn would enjoy it. Tony listened in growing horror as Don filled him in on exactly what he saw at the commons that day, from the holding of hands to the loving caresses. Said if he didn’t know Tony, he would have thought it was just a caring couple out to enjoy the weekend. Unfortunately if Don had seen them then there was a good chance others had seen them, too. Up until today he hadn’t cared or really seen the need Haven had to keep it quiet, now he only wished they had stayed home. To add insult to injury, Don went on to add that others in the building were starting to gossip. Some uglier than others but he needed to watch his back and make sure Haven didn’t get caught in the crossfire. “Who’s talking about us?” Don waved at one of the other managers as he walked by the glass walled meeting room. “I can’t tell ya that most of it came through on alert messages. But I can say that I 114

Tony’s Haven don’t trust anyone in this building. Save you, Haven, Rodney, Barbara and my crew. Everyone else is out for something, and many think the only way to get it is through you. Putting some space between Haven and you at work too, might help.” Tony having had about all he could take of helpful co-workers glared at Don. As fate would have it, Don did not heed Tony’s warning, he continued to spill the beans of what rumbled below the surface. Tony hated to admit that he wore blinders for too long where his attraction to Haven was concerned. A man who prided himself on hiding his true feelings wasn’t doing shit to contain them now. Tony thanked Don and made a bee line for his office for the next meeting. It was unfortunate that everyone but Celeste seemed to realize he wasn’t in the mood for chit chat. “Tony,” Celeste said in a voice he was certain she thought was sexy, but to him sounded like nails on a chalkboard. “Celeste, I’m on my way to a meeting,” he said, trying to push past her, only to have her place a well manicured hand with bright red nail polish on his sleeve. His eyes looked down at the offending appendage wishing it would burst into flames. “I know and I wouldn’t stop you if this wasn’t important. You see there are these rumors, ugly, ugly rumors, really.” “I don’t have time for this…” “Make time, people are saying you are sleeping with that heifer Haven. And I know that you have better taste than that. I mean really, you and her? It’s absurd to even think it when you could have me.” “What’s absurd is that you ever thought I would be interested in someone who is such a bitch. I didn’t date you before, what makes you think after all these years I would change my mind?” “You had better tell your little girlfriend to watch her back…” “Careful, your ugly insides are starting to show through with the wrinkles to the outside. And I will say for the last time that Haven is not a girlfriend. I could never dream to be that lucky. And if you ever threaten Ms. Pelletier again, I will make sure you are fired and blackballed in this town. Do I make myself clear, Miss Brinks?” 115

Dominique Eastwick “You can’t do that.” “I can and believe me, I will. Do not look at Haven wrong, do I make myself clear?” “You will be sorry you passed me up, Tony.” “No, I don’t think I will.” Tony’s day was getting bleaker by the minute, and his inability to protect Haven from the ugly rumors he was certain Celeste would be creating now, angered him more. So when he arrived at his office and Barbara asked if he wanted Haven present for the meeting, he shook his head. There was no reason for Haven to be there, no matter how much he wanted her there. Thankful for the diversion, Tony threw himself full-force into the meeting, giving everything he had in his arsenal to the client. “Sherman…” Tony said into the phone as it rang. “Hey, you.” Tony closed his eyes as Haven’s voice vibrated through his body. Holding the phone to his ear, he stood up and walked to the edge of his desk. Leaning his hip against the desk edge but looking in the opposite direction of where he knew Haven was sitting. As if not looking her direction would protect her, protect him. “Hey.” “What’s wrong?” She was so in tuned to him already. “Nothing, it’s just been a busy day. I know we planned dinner tonight but if it’s okay, I think I’ll take a rain check. I have work that I need to catch up on here.” There was a brief pause before a quiet voice came back, “Of course not. I understand.” “Shit, Haven, don’t take it like that. I promise we will do dinner tomorrow night.” Tony turned at the sound of his office door opening. His direct superior stood looking at him through the doorway. Holding one finger up to Marcus Heathering, Tony stood and circled back around his desk. “Ms. Pelletier, I would be more than willing to write that reference for your class. Just let me know when.” “Someone’s there?” “Yes.” 116

Tony’s Haven “Ah…” “Can you get the form by five tonight?” “You want me to come by your office at five?” “That would work. See you then.” “Tony, wait…” Tony hung up the phone and indicated for Marcus to have a seat. “Tony, you know what they’re saying.” “Which one? That I am a modern-day Casanova that no one woman can resist me. No, wait, how about the fact that Ms. Pelletier and I are secret lovers and she swept me off my feet. Or perhaps it’s the one where Barbara my receptionist and I are about to elope.” “Oh, I hadn’t heard the last one.” “You aren’t hanging with the receptionist then.” Tony kept his voice passive and void of any emotion. “No, I suppose not. But this gossip is not good for business.” “You aren’t going to ask if the rumors are true?” “Please, not likely. I just wanted to ask you to stop working as closely with Ms. Pelletier, her supervisor has been advised not to have her help your department out. Obviously we want her to get as much experience as possible but let’s not get her hopes up. She is never going to be promoted here. She just doesn’t fit the image.” “She’s a very talented woman.” Waving off Tony’s support, he continued as though Tony hadn’t spoken at all, “Yes, yes, and we knew you would improve on the appearance but she’ll never be the kind of women who will sell this name to people. She’s just too plain. Between you and me, she could stand to lose a few pounds. And I am sure when all this gossip fodder dies down, she will go back to being the plain Jane cubical worker, who no one remembers.” Tony delved deep into his shell to prevent him from jumping over the table grabbing the self-centered pompous prick by the necktie and shoving his fist down his throat. “You’ll understand that I did tell her I’d help her with her reference needs.”

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Dominique Eastwick “Of course, of course. Let’s just keep it on the down low and squash these ridiculous rumors. Oh, and this should help you a bit, there is a conference in Orlando we want you at next week. Should help with her here and you there. No one will have anything to chat about.” “Next week?” “Yes, we already cleared your appointments, so you are all set. You leave Sunday morning for the opening key note on Sunday night. This could be big for this company, Tony, I don’t need to tell you we are looking to you to bring about great things.” “Looks like I don’t have much of a choice.” “No, you don’t.” Marcus walked out of the office and Tony stopped himself from throwing the heavy paperweight his sister gave him a few Christmases back at the closed door. Damn it, how was he going to explain this to Haven? Looking at the clock, he realized he had about twenty-five minutes to figure it out. Picking up the phone, Tony punched in a few numbers from memory and waited for Spencer to pick up on the other end. “Hey, Tony, everything okay?” “Why wouldn’t everything be okay?” “Hmm, you haven’t called me in at least a year.” “I need a favor.” No hesitation, “Name it.” “I need someone to pick up Haven from school next week. I have to go out of town and I hate the thought of her taking a bus that late at night.” “You really want me to pick her up?” “I would ask Hunter but with J.C. not feeling well, and I just didn’t want to impose on them.” That was true; Jacinda and Hunter had backed out of Sunday dinner the weekend before when she, as Hunter put it, wasn’t feeling just right. “It’s no imposition, Tony, I would be happy to pick up Haven next week. It was good seeing her and her daughter at dinner Sunday night.” “They enjoyed it, too. Joce’ still can’t get over how loud our family is.” “Things seem serious.” 118

Tony’s Haven “I think they are heading that way.” Tony promised to send Spencer a text with all the information he needed to pick up Haven: which building, what time, and what door to look at. The relief he felt knowing she would be in good hands when he was gone made this trip a bit easier. “Thanks, Spencer, I owe you one.” “It’s my pleasure,” Spencer added before hanging up the phone. Tony sat back in his chair, feet on his desk, as he stared out the window. In the past, he would have just dumped the girl and moved on. Of course, in the past the girl wouldn’t have cared. Caring for someone more than you cared about yourself was at the center of his problem here. He knew deep inside that he needed to tell Haven about the pool and the rumors, but how could he hurt her with that information. She’d feel degraded and humiliated. On the other hand, could she trust him if he withheld such information? Tony was no closer to an answer when a nervous looking Haven arrived at his office a few minutes after five. Tony cursed the glass walls and wished he could take her into his arms. But he smiled at her, his joy in just seeing her must have shown, because she seemed to relax a little. “Close the door.” Haven did so but didn’t come any closer. “What’s going on? Something is wrong, I can sense it.” “Just silly rumors, Haven. I don’t know how to protect you from the vile things people say.” “I don’t need you to protect me, Tony. I need you to support me and be there to let me lean on you when I need to. But I don’t need you to protect me.” “I don’t know how to not protect those I care about. Please sit down, I feel silly chatting with you from across the room.” Haven looked at him and blushed. “I am afraid if I get any closer I’ll jump you.” “Have I mentioned how much I hate glass walls?” “Only every time I’m in here.” Haven walked across the room and sat in the seat closest to Tony. “Is that all that’s bothering you?”

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Dominique Eastwick “No, I have to go out of town Sunday morning for some convention in Orlando that should completely suck the life from me.” Haven giggled. “Poor baby, life is really rough. I mean, here we are in Boston in February, when the snow is grey and it’s so cold your breath freezes, and you want sympathy from me about heading to the sunshine state?” “You know if I could, I would pull you across this desk and shut that sassy mouth of yours.” “If only you would.” “Is that a dare, Ms. Pelletier?” Tony looked out at the now dark office building, it appeared only they were still in the building. Not too surprising on a Friday evening. “Yes, Mr. Sherman, it is.” Haven undid the top two buttons of her blouse, allowing Tony just a peak of the pink lacy bra underneath. Tony closed his eyes as all the blood in his body rushed to his cock. “Something wrong, you look a little pale.” “Haven, this is not a good idea. Actually, this is bad all the way around. Someone could walk into the building and see us. Worse, someone could still be here.” “I double dog dare you.” Haven kicked off her heals and stood. She came around the desk and knelt between his knees. “No, I triple dog dare you.” Able fingers reached for his belt, no question, no delay, in a smooth motion she had the belt released from its hook and went in direct for the pants button and the zipper. His hands grasped at her shoulders, pulling closer and pushing apart in equal measure. His erect cock sprang out of his pants determined to be acknowledged, his cock wasn’t going to listen to his conscience which was screaming not to do this, at least not here. Without hesitation, she took the full length of him deep into her mouth until she felt him twitching against the back of her throat. Tony’s hips curved demanding she take more, she pulled back just long enough to catch her breath. With her tongue leading him down the path of no return, she slowly took him inch by inch into her mouth until her tongue was close enough to lick his balls. His whole body shook with need and desire she just kept flaming. His hand grabbed the bun at the back of her head, furiously working the pins out until the silky curls fell to her shoulders. He grasped what he could, holding her head 120

Tony’s Haven on his cock, trying to gain control, a control she was fighting him every inch for. Working her mouth up and back over and around, treating the swollen red head like an ice cream, she lapped the pre cum. She looked him straight in the eyes and took her finger over the tip before bringing it to her lips to savor. “You want to throw caution to the wind?” He growled and pulled her to her feet. “Fine!” He turned her around so she was facing the Boston skyline through the window. He moved her to the window placing both her hands on the cool glass before kneeing her legs apart. He could smell her arousal; he wanted her now, hard, no limits, no barriers. He felt the cool air from his office breeze over her bare thighs just above her stockings, as he lifted her skirt and grazed his hand over the smooth skin. In one swift move, her panties were ripped from her body. She had enough time to gasp in astonishment when his cock entered her with no delay. He buried himself to the hilt, until he felt like they were one. Slowly at first, he pulled out then rammed back into her with a force that pushed her against the glass. The image in his mind of her breasts pressing against the glass drove him further. With every thrust he stoked her inner fire, higher and higher until she exploded, gripping him so tight with her inner walls that he cursed behind her. Still, he pumped, wrapping his hand around her until his fingers found her sensitive clit, rubbing in smooth circles as he thrust behind her. He brought her to a second more powerful orgasm. Sensing that her legs were about to give out on her, he turned her toward him and guided her to the edge of his pristine desk, lifted her onto the edge and told her to hold on. Hold on she did. She held on with her thighs, as his buttocks flexed she spurred him on. She held on with her hands gripping his biceps as the muscles tensed, she held on with her mouth sucking and biting the skin exposed at the top of his collar and she held on with her inner most muscles milking him, and squeezing until he threw back his head, gritting his teeth and spilled his seed deep into her. “You are going to be the end of me.” 121

Dominique Eastwick “Not before you feed me.” Tony pulled away but not before kissing her long and deep. “Food you want, food you shall get. What time do you have to pick of Joce’?” “Her grandparents are in town and wanted to see her so they went to dinner, which means they will have her back at 8:30.” “Fine, we will get Chinese takeout on our way back to your place so we’re there in plenty of time for her return.” “Mmm, Crab Rangoon?” “As if I could tell you no for anything right now.” Tony grabbed her ripped panties from the floor and put them in his pocket. “It’s not like you can wear them again. Now, go, get your coat.”

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Chapter Seventeen “All hell is about to go down and you are at the center,” Barbara to Haven. Haven put down the phone and felt her body shaking. Everyday Tony was gone things at the office seemed to be getting worse. Today the whispers were louder, something was going on and she was getting a lot of strange looks. She really wanted to just pack it up and go home, or call Tony and see if he knew anything. He was in the middle of what he described was the biggest waste of time. She knew he would have his phone off, and no matter how boring, he would pay attention to the details of what was being taught. She finished the page of stats she had been working on just as her phone rang. Lifting the phone, before she could get her name out, Barbara voice was whispering in her ear. “Haven, listen to me, all hell is about to go down in the office and you are at the center. I don’t know what is going on but I know Tony doesn’t know yet and I know it’s not good.“ “What is going down?” “Something to do with photos, hun, that’s all I know, but I didn’t want you blindsided. Cripes, I have to go…” The phone went dead. Haven stood, intent on heading over to Barbara’s desk when she noticed three big wigs heading her way. One of them was head of H.R., another was Don from I.T. which didn’t bode well for her. If Don was coming over, she was about to be locked out. Cold sweat beaded on her neck. Haven sat before she fell down and 123

Dominique Eastwick grabbed her water. For some reason, she was about to be fired, she knew that as sure as she knew her daughter’s name was Jocelyn. “Ms. Pelletier, would you be so kind as to follow us please?” Haven closed her eyes and wished Tony was here. She felt very alone at the moment. Unable to speak, she nodded. Her mouth and throat seemed unbelievably dry. She trained her eyes on the back of the man in front of her, not wanting to look at the curious stares that followed her down the hall. Three men had come to get her, one had remained. Everyone knew what that meant, she was getting canned. If only she knew why. She entered the conference room they escorted her to. Her boss sat looking ill at ease, along with two other men she’d never met before. “Please, be seated. This won’t take long.” Haven sat down in the chair closest to her. Her dry mouth became wet and she was scared she might lose her breakfast. Rodney, her immediate boss, would not look her in the eyes and that made things even worse. “Ms. Pelletier, I won’t beat around the bush. It has come to our attention that you are in violation of your contract with OMD advertising. Photos have surfaced of you and a fellow co-worker engaging in inappropriate behavior. As you must be aware, the contract you signed with us when you started here stated in no uncertain terms that the fraternization between co-workers was strictly prohibited.” “Oh, my god.” Haven’s worst nightmare had come true. She wondered if Tony, somewhere in Florida, was getting the can as well. “But to try and sleep your way into a promotion is something I just can stomach…” “What?” “I find it interesting that the very day I tell Mr. Sherman to cease and desist with any and all contact with you, a photo surfaces of you coming on to him.” “I don’t understand.” “These photos were sent to several members of the board today. Although we have always found your work to be productive and satisfactory, you will understand that we are terminating your employment effective immediately.” 124

Tony’s Haven Stunned disbelief swept over her. She never so much had been scolded on the job before and now she was being fired. Why hadn’t Tony told her that he had been told to stay away? Confusion warred with a growing sense of terror. How the hell would she support herself and Jocelyn if she lost her job? “Nothing to say, Ms. Pelletier?” “I don’t know what to say? You can’t fire me; I have a daughter to support.” “You might have thought about your daughter when you were seducing Mr. Sherman, using your womanly wares is not the way to climb the professional ladder here.” “You’re disgusting…good lord, do you really think I would believe I was some siren who could lure anyone into promoting me?” “Tony Sherman isn’t everyone and his taste for women is well known. Perhaps you thought even you had a chance. We don’t blame Mr. Sherman, after all, what he brings to this company far out numbers the articles about his indiscretions on the society pages.” “So only I am being fired?” Rodney spoke up for the first time, looking uncomfortable, and verging on the point of anger, directed at who, she wasn’t sure. “Only you have the clause in your contract.” “What a sexist amount of bullshit.” “I think you’ll understand if security walks you to your desk now and helps you gather your supplies. They will see you out. Rodney, would you please assist security? Make sure to get her badge and cell phone.” “Come on, Haven, let’s get this over with.” His hand was gentle on her elbow, the small squeeze told her of his support. It was little consolation today. “I wasn’t the only one doing the seducing.” Rodney stopped dead in his tracks. “I know, but you need to just stay quiet for your sake. Trust me.” Haven didn’t know who to trust anymore. She just really wanted to see Tony, she needed his arms around her and she just wanted to cry her eyes out. As they walked 125

Dominique Eastwick toward a group of men standing beside her cubicle, Haven took a deep breath and braced herself. Rodney’s grip tightened on her elbow. “Gentlemen, I suggest you get back to work.” “We just wanted to thank Haven in person. Without her advances, I wouldn’t be rolling in dough today. I won over two hundred bucks in the office pool. I’d given up on Tony’s ability to get you into to bed, Haven. But the old chap seems to have come through for us again.” “Without those photos, we never would’ve been able to cash in,” said another man. “Gentlemen, now move along.” Haven felt like she had been sucker punched. “What are they talking about?” “Haven, it’s nothing.” “You call an office pool about whether Tony’s screws me, nothing?” Her voice hitched and she knew she was close to losing her cool any second. “Tony couldn’t have known about this…tell me Tony knew nothing about this.” “Haven.” “Oh, my god…I think I’m going to vomit.” The walls around stomach her were moving, and she felt certain the floors were moving. “Haven, we need to get you out of the building, for your own sake.” Rodney filled a box she knew hadn’t been in her cubicle when she left, full of everything on her desk and in the first drawer. “I’ll ask Barbara to come over and look through the rest. Let’s get you out of here before things get worse.” “I don’t think anything could be worse.”

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Chapter Eighteen “After being fired I was thanked for fucking you, Tony…thanked,” Haven to Tony. His door opened before the cab came to a complete stop at the curb. Tony jumped to the sidewalk, uncaring of the grey slush-like snow, which sloshed over his Italian leather shoes. Only the need to see Haven burned through him. Barbara’s adamant declaration that she didn’t care how he did it, but the sooner Tony landed in Boston, the better it would be, had Tony chartering a private jet to get him back as soon as possible. Throwing more money than the cab driver needed at him, Tony headed for the Haven’s building. He let himself in the front door but thought better of it when he came to the second floor landing that included her door and one other apartment. Knocking, he announced himself and waited with little patience. Haven, red eyed and puffy nosed, answered, leaving the chain on the door. “Baby, what happened?” Tony asked, and reached for her. He paused when she flinched away from his reach. “What is it?” “I can’t see you anymore, Tony.” “What? Haven, let me in so we can talk.” “No.” “Then come out here so we can chat, please.” “Answer me one thing.” Tony nodded, wanting to rip down the door and pull her into his arms. “Did you know about the office pool? Did you know that people were betting if you could get me into bed?” “Haven, listen, honey…” “Answer me… DID YOU KNOW!?!?” 127

Dominique Eastwick “Yes, but…” Tony found the door slammed in his face. Dumbfounded, he stared at the number four on the door. A second later the door opened wide. Haven stood in her old pink ugly kitty flannel pajamas and old battered robe of her father’s. “How could you not tell me about the pool? Did this whole thing start as a joke… could Tony lay the fat chic?” “No!! No…you have to believe me. I knew nothing of this until last week. I learned about it shortly before you came into my office.” “You mean the same night I threw myself at you? You mean the same night I blew you at your desk and then you fucked me against the window so all of Boston could see?” “Haven, calm down. Tell me what happened.” “I was fired that’s what happened! Tony, they fired me for seducing you. They said I was sleeping my way into a promotion, they said I didn’t represent the kind of morals OMD was looking for in their employees then they informed me that only I had that clause in my contract and that only I would be reprimanded.” “Listen, I’ll talk to them. It was my fault, I seduced you. I’ll tell them that…” “You think I can work there anymore? Do you think I could walk back in that building again? After being fired, I was thanked for fucking you, Tony…thanked.” Tony reached out to touch her, to calm her, but she turned on him like a cornered cat, slapping his hand away. Putting his hands up in a sign of compliance, he backed away. “Do you think if I’d known there was a pool out on us I would have been so bold at work? Good god, Tony, do you ever think? Of course someone was going to wait in the building that night to get photos, anything to help them win a couple hundred. It was information I should have been aware of.” “Haven, I’m sorry, I thought I was protecting you…” “Think again, you weren’t. Photos were thrown at me today that made it look like I was some sex-crazed lunatic, begging you to sleep with me. I was humiliated, Tony… completely degraded today. Worse, tomorrow you’ll go in and they’ll pat you on the back and give you high fives.” 128

Tony’s Haven “Believe me, no is going to congratulate me because I’ll be putting things right for you there. Haven, this isn’t how I wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day with you.” “You think I give a shit about Valentine’s Day?” Haven went back inside but came out again with an envelope in hand. “I have something for you. Hopefully it will keep you warm at night because I certainly won’t be sharing your bed again.” With a hard punch to the chest, Haven fisted the envelope at him and slammed her door shut. He heard the lock move home with a loud click. He opened the envelope and pulled out seven eight by ten photos printed on a home computer printer. Though grainy, the pictures were clear enough to make out Haven looking like a sexy siren coming across his desk at him. The next one, of them kissing. The final five were all of various states of them being intimate. From Haven’s head in his lap to Tony fucking Haven again the window and then on his desk. “Oh, Hell!” He pounded on the door again. “Haven, please, Haven. I’m so sorry but I really thought you would be hurt if you had known. God, I never meant for you to be hurt.” “You’re toxic, Tony.” “Haven, please we need to talk.” Door opened just a crack. “Why, what could you possibly have to say?” “I love you, Haven.” Haven’s eyes welled with tears and her bottom lip trembled. In a soft voice she said, shaking her head, “Your love is a love I can do without.” “Damn it, I have never said those words to another woman in my life.” Haven took a deep breath, the devastation written all over her face was killing him. “What, you didn’t say those words to the woman in the hot tub at your parents house, or how about the woman in your father’s library? Or the numerous other disgusting disrespectful places you have fucked your whores?” “How did you know about those?” “How do you think, people have done nothing but tell me about your exploits for weeks, Tony. They reveled in it.” “Haven, you have to believe me, I’ve changed. Yes, I slept with someone in my father’s library. I didn’t think anyone knew I was there, my parents sure didn’t… 129

Dominique Eastwick Please, Haven, look at me, hear me out. I never lied to you. I never pretended to be a saint—you knew I had a past. But that night in the library my life changed, I heard what my parents really thought about me and it wasn’t flattering. I realized that they weren’t the only ones who didn’t like who I had become, I didn’t like me either. So I changed, I focused on work, stayed out of the gossip columns and then I found you.” “You haven’t changed, Tony. Maybe you’re just really the playboy after all.” “Haven, please…” “Please, don’t come by here again. I can’t do this anymore.” She walked away from the door, the chain still in place, one shoulder to the door, he would have it opened. As soon as he thought it, he realized that idea was one he wouldn’t do. Haven would never understand his need to hold her and she would never trust him again. “Haven, just let me in to talk.” He could hear her fumbling through stuff then saying something in a soft voice. Spencer’s form coming into the door crack was not what he expected. “Take these, she doesn’t want them. You need to leave, Tony.” “Spence, thank god, please, talk to her for me. Tell her I would never hurt her. I certainly would never have let her do anything if I had thought someone was there to photograph it.” Tony looked down at the items in his hand Unopened were the packages he had sent to her and Jocelyn for Valentine’s Day. He looked back at Spencer, hoping for a miracle. “I told her in Vermont that you were wrong for her. I told her that if you ever broke her heart, I would be there to pick up the pieces. Here I am and you’re out there. I really hate it when I am right because Haven is heart broken and you are to blame.” “I fucked up, Spencer, but it’s not like it was before with the other women. I really love her. Please, talk to her for me?” “I won’t plead your case because I want a chance with Haven. Unlike you, I don’t waste my chances. Now get out before I throw you out.” Tony stood staring at the brown door again, this time a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Nothing he said was going to get her to understand that he didn’t mean for her to be hurt. He left the presents by the door, and wondered if the flowers he sent 130

Tony’s Haven were in some dumpster on the street. He was numb, the only thing he held onto were the photos. The chill of the night air hit his face and hands with a brutality that Tony welcomed. The pain allowed him to think aloud, for him to get through what he knew was a haze he was walking through. He needed to think, needed to strategize, if he ever thought for one second he could win her back. But first, he needed to talk to the only person who might have a game plan.

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Chapter Nineteen “I need my best friend at the moment, not my brother-in-law,” Tony to J.C. A look of obvious confusion crossed Hunter’s face for a brief moment before he stepped to the side of the open door to let his friend inside. Granted it was Valentine’s Day and most couples would be enjoying a romantic evening alone. In Hunter’s mind he would believe that Tony would be at Haven’s, not interrupting his evening. With a grimace, Tony acknowledged that he might have interrupted Hunter’s Valentine’s evening. No matter how pregnant she might appear, Jacinda’s obvious lust for Hunter never dimmed. Not a thought he wanted at the moment…not on top of everything else. Okay, he never wanted to think of his best friend and his sister in that way. Even after years of marital bliss, he wasn’t ready for that. “I hope I haven’t interrupted anything?” Hunter didn’t answer; he just raised a skeptical brow. “NO, I really hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” “You didn’t. The box of chocolates I gave your sister was thrown at my face, as she declared that she was too fat to eat chocolate and how dare I tempt her in that way. The flowers, I was told would die and she burst into tears. Murmuring something about what an idiot I was. I was just watching the Bruins game. She is now, I believe, bitching to your mother about what an insensitive ass she married.” “Normally your suffering would make me feel better.” “But not today?” Tony shrugged out of his camel hair overcoat, dropping it on the arm of the darkbrown leather sofa. “Not today.” “So what happened with Haven?” 132

Tony’s Haven “That obvious?” “It’s Valentine’s Day, you’ve been away on business for a week and you’re here. Obvious is an understatement.” Tony sat on the plush sofa and leaned over his knees, thought about what to say then pushed his shoulders back and let his head fall back against the head rest. “Where to begin…? You know my relationship didn’t start out as a real one with Haven. I just wanted my parents off my back. But something about Haven moved me… I know it’s cheesy but, well, there it is. One minute she was just this woman I worked with, the next, she was this woman I couldn’t go an hour without seeing.” “She got under your skin, I know something about that.” Tony nodded in agreement. “I guess you do.” “So what happened?” “The short of it is, she lost her job. Won’t speak to me. And I don’t know what the hell to do.” “Did you go over to her place?” “Of course I did. She reamed me up one side then down the other, finally slamming the door in my face.” Telling Hunter she had slammed the door on him after he had declared himself was more self-deprecating than he was willing to admit. “So how do you know she won’t see you when she calms down?” Tony sat straight up. “Spence told me.” Brow raised again, Hunter replied, “Spence was there?” “Yeah, I called him to look after her while I was out of town. She called him when the shit hit the fan at work today.” “Spence will talk her around, he’s good at that,” Jacinda said walking into the room. Tony growled, he knew it was out loud because his sister braced her hands on her now ample hips. He really didn’t need Jacinda defending Spencer right now. And he didn’t want to have to go through this conversation, getting a female’s opinion on his screwed up relationship.

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Dominique Eastwick “Jace, please don’t take offense, though I know you will, when I say I really need to talk to Hunter alone. I need my best friend at the moment not my sister and brother-inlaw.” Jacinda looked like a fish out of water, her jaw dropped and her mouthing kept making the shape of an O. “Can you do that?” She finally managed to say. “Can you really separate him into two compartments? Friend or in-law?” “Of course I can.” Jacinda turned with a slow precision toward Hunter. Hunter shot his friend a killing look and Tony knew he screwed up. “And you, Hunter, are you able to separate yourself with Tony, as best friend or in-law as the wind blows?” “Of course not, honey, they are one and the same. I am only one man after all.” “Auugg men. You are all just a bunch of jack-asses.” She grabbed the box of chocolates from the coffee table. The same box Tony could only assume had been thrown at Hunter earlier. Shoveling two pieces in her mouth, she mumbled something that sounded like a curse before storming out of the room, slamming the door twice for good measure. “Not content to destroy your relationship, you have to wreak havoc on mine as well?” Hunter asked, throwing his arm up at the door now slammed shut. “First rule with women is never ever let them think you can separate any one part of your life from them.” ‘Sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have come.” “Probably not, but as you are here and have destroyed any chance of me getting laid tonight, you had better sit your ass down and talk. I‘m going to have a beer, do you want one?” “Are you going to put cyanide in it?” “Tempting, but no…”Hunter walked out and returned a second later with two long necks of Sam Adams’ Winter Lager. He handed Tony one before sitting and throwing his back. “Why is Spence still at Haven’s?” “Always good at getting to the crux of the matter.” “Call it my gift…talk.” 134

Tony’s Haven “When Haven was fired, I was out of town, as you know. Barbara called me, said all hell was about to break loose, and I needed to get my ass on the first flight home. When I landed at Logan, I received a text that she’d been fired. I tried to call but her cell phone was a company issued. She doesn’t have a house phone so I hurried over. When I arrived, Spencer was there, informing me that not only did Haven not want to see me, but he, my big brother, couldn’t be happier because now he could move in and show her that not all Shermans were jerks.” “You’re telling me your brother just moved in on your girl?” “Are you asking as a friend or in-law?” “Friend.” “Then yes.” “What a wicked Bastid!” In his anger for his friend, Hunter’s well-trained voice regressed to its true beginnings. For a few minutes more, Hunter said things he hadn’t heard come out of his friend’s mouth since their time on the rugby field. Yet hearing the thick Southie accent come through was the first sense of relief Tony felt all night. Hunter had his back. He wasn’t sure anyone else would. His mother and father didn’t believe he was good enough for Haven. They told him that in not so many words. Jacinda being the baby sister and required to annoy her brothers could go either way. But Hunter’s loyalty, he needed right now. He needed to know someone still believed in him. “Thanks, Hunter, I needed that.” “What are you going to do? What can I do?” “Not sure there is anything I can do. She thinks I am to blame for her getting fired and truthfully, I am. I just don’t know. If there weren’t photos maybe I could stand a chance but… “What photos?” “Photos of us in compromising positions in my office have surfaced…” Hunter raised his left eyebrow and the damned arrogant jerk actually smirked.

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Dominique Eastwick “No, the irony is not lost on me,” Tony said, referring the photos of Hunter and Jacinda that had made it into Tony’s hands years ago. The same photos had been a major kink in their relationship for the last two years. “Just making sure.” “What did you do when you thought you had lost J.C.?” Hunter looked uncomfortable for the first time all night. “I filed for divorce. And had my best friend not shown up uninvited and knocked some sense into me, literally, I wouldn’t be anticipating the birth of my baby with the one woman who makes my life worth everything I fought for.” A cry came from the other room and Jacinda came through the door and threw herself into Hunter’s arms, crying. “Do you mean that?” “You know I do.” Hunter kissed her on the forehead. “Now, can you give me a few more seconds with your brother and I’ll give you that foot rub you wanted.” Wiping a tear from her eye Jacinda waddled off down the hallway into the bedroom. “I’m sorry about what I said earlier.” “She’s crazy,” Tony said after the door to the bedroom closed with a soft click. “She’s pregnant; it seems to go with the territory.” “You knew she was listening.” “Of course I did, much like I knew it was your idea to come to my office that day to get us back together. You might have brought all the brothers but I knew you were the one who got them there and wanted to see J.C. and I back together, or at least, happy again.” “No, I just wanted to punch you in the eye. Which I have to admit was highly satisfying…just saying.” “That too, but you’re the only one who worries about everyone else. As much as you can’t stomach seeing me with your sister, you couldn’t stomach how miserable we were apart more.” “This is not the same predicament.” “Doesn’t mean I want to see you miserable. Haven cares about you, that much I can say for certain. Whatever game Spence is playing, I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out. I 136

Tony’s Haven doubt he’ll be anxious to tell the family of his intentions and he is counting on you to keep your mouth shut, out of embarrassment.” Tony downed his beer, what a freaking mess this was. He rose to his feet on legs that felt stiff and tired. He felt a hundred, when just two days prior he had felt like an eighteen year old stud. Like everything involving Haven, he was learning that things could change on a dime and in a few hours nothing would be the same. “Find the source of those photos, that’s the first thing I would do.” Tony nodded, he already was on that and would talk to the I.T. guys in the morning to see if they knew anything he didn’t. “I’d better let you get back to your evening.” Hunter looked at him for a moment. Tony knew he was observing and trying to assess. After a few seconds, Hunter nodded, handed Tony his coat and opened the door. “Tell Jace, I said good night.” “I will, call me if there is anything we can do.” “I would prefer to keep the family out of this at the moment. Jace doesn’t need the added stress and my family they…they don’t need to know just yet.” “Whatever you say. Though I doubt I will be able to keep it from J.C. at least not if I want to keep my sanity, besides she likely heard it all anyway.” Tony said without looking back, “Tell her whatever you want, I trust you.” Punching the elevator down arrow, Tony acknowledged that the only two people he trusted were Hunter and Barbara at the office. Putting the collar up on his coat, Tony pushed through the revolving door. He didn’t think even the chill of the Boston winter air could penetrate his hide tonight but it was habit. Like so many other things in his life. He did things out of habit and never thought about the why’s or how’s. He just coasted through life. But that was going to change first thing in the morning. The people at OMD Advertising had no idea of the bomb about to detonate at their business tomorrow.

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Chapter Twenty “When a Sherman messes up, we come and pick up the pieces,” Spencer to Haven. Haven blew her nose again and the tissue hurt against the tenderness. She knew she looked like Rudolph but she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Spencer’s presence being a blessing and a downfall, no woman wanted to be seen with red eyes and a nose to match. Yet, here she sat with a gorgeous Sherman, but the wrong Sherman. She knew he was interested and she wanted to feel something for him other than brotherly caring but she, the immortal idiot woman, only seemed to go for men completely wrong for her. Somewhere in the night, Spencer helped to convince her that Tony couldn’t have known about the photos and he would never do anything to jeopardize her job or her daughter’s welfare. Knowing how he felt, Haven had been hard pressed to see why he wouldn’t throw Tony under the bus when he could. That alone helped ease her mind about the photos. Yet in the same breath, Spencer also managed to remind her that Tony was only capable of hurting her. He wouldn’t mean to but he would. Tony was the proverbial bull in a china shop. He didn’t mean to break the fine china, he just couldn’t help it. Tony Sherman, no matter how much she wanted it to be different, was completely wrong for her. The hardest thing she had ever done, and having been through what she had been through, that said a whole lot, had been closing the door on him last night. The last few weeks were like a fantasy, a lovely fantasy but a dream it was, long past time to wake up from. Tony would never be what she needed, could never be what was best for her and her daughter. And her daughter was what she had to think about, 138

Tony’s Haven Jocelyn had grown close to Tony in a short time, and she hoped would understand his absence now. No matter how good the sex, or how good he made her feel, nothing could replace the fact that heartbreak was inevitable either now or later. She would do anything she could to prevent her daughter’s infatuation to turning to love and affection. Besides, Tony would wake up in a week or two and realize that this was for the best. He would move on to a woman who was appropriate for him. Some tall, skinny woman, who knew how to dress, socialize, and had contacts that would only be an asset to him not a hindrance. Images of Tony wrapped in Celeste’s arms almost brought Haven to her knees and the tears started flowing again. Hadn’t she dehydrated herself yet? “Haven, you’re going to make yourself sick.” “I feel sick,” Haven confided, looking up into his worried eyes. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. How could he so wind himself around my heart?” “Call it a gift, he can charm anyone. You aren’t the first and you won’t be the last to fall for his charms. It’s just unfortunate that you were the only one not able to guard yourself against him.” “I had no idea what I was up against.” “How could you?” “What am I going to do? My rent is due. How am I even going to get a job? I don’t even have a phone. I have almost nothing in my savings account. Oh god, and my tuition for next term is due next week. I have to find a job and look at me, who’s going to hire someone who looks like a walking advertisement for Kleenex?” “I’m looking at you and I only see a beautiful heartbroken woman.” Spencer’s gentle touch down her cheek nearly undid her all over again. She hadn’t cried this much when her husband left her. “First, you don’t have to worry about your rent. I’ll take care of it. And if I don’t, someone else in this family will, so no argument there. Second, we can see about getting you some financial aid. Third, I tried to give this to you before but you weren’t listening, and then we got interrupted. Here.”

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Dominique Eastwick Spencer reached into his pocket and handed her the latest in touch screen phones, along with a card with a phone number. “I can’t take this. You have done too much already.” “It didn’t cost me anything, Haven. I just added it to the family plan we have, believe me, it’s fine. Take it. Either you take it or it’ll go to waste. Besides, you can’t go phoneless when you have Jocelyn to think about.” What could she say? Although she had her pride, pride would not keep a roof over her head or food on her table. If it were just her, she would tell him no thank you, but he was correct and as a mother, she had to think of Jocelyn first. “Thank you.” Spencer must have seen she was close to the edge again because he pulled her into his strong arms and held her. He didn’t say anything, just held her tight. Spencer was a rock and he knew exactly what to say and when to stay quiet. He was everything any other woman could need yet nothing she wanted. Then she looked into his eyes and saw Tony’s. He said things that reminded her of the cadence in which Tony would say things. Most of all, it wasn’t fair to Spencer to let him think there was a chance. Not when she knew deep in her heart, deep where it mattered, he would never be able to fill the hole Tony left in her heart. “I‘d better leave.” Spencer lifted her out of his arms and stood with reluctant movements. “It’s almost six in the morning and I don’t want to confuse your daughter by being here when she awakens.” What in the hell was she going to tell Jocelyn about Tony? How would she explain his absence and how would she soothe the broken heart of a child when she couldn’t soothe her own? “If you need anything today, anything at all, please, just call me.” Spencer shrugged on his leather jacket, pulled out his leather gloves as he leaned over her and kissed her forehead. “Don’t get up, try and get some sleep before Jocelyn wakes up. And you can explain away your red eyes by saying you’re sick. Send her off to school and climb into bed. I’ll have my secretary start looking for some temp work for you.” “Spence…”

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Tony’s Haven “Nothing to Spence me about, when a Sherman messes up, we Shermans all come and pick up the pieces.” “Please, don’t say anything to your family. I don’t want them to know.” Spence walked back across the room and grabbed her worried hands in between the soft leather of his gloved ones, pulling them to his lips he shushed, “Stop worrying, no one in our family could possibly believe this was brought on by you. We all know Tony and…we know Tony.” “I don’t want a wedge between Tony and the rest of you either, not on my account.” “This has nothing to do with you. Tony has been…” “Please, I just can’t…” “I won’t say anything to anyone. I promise. Now, get some sleep.” Before she could say anything Spencer stood up and walked across the small living room, opened the door and left, closing the door with the slightest of clicks. He left her alone with her thoughts. Thoughts so jumbled and messed up, it would take a team of people to wade through them all. Time didn’t seem to move as it usually had, Jocelyn got up and Haven made her breakfast, got her out the door to the bus with little fuss. Thankfully no questions about Tony had been broached, no inquires about where they would go this weekend. Maybe his absence this past week had been a blessing after all. Perhaps a few more weeks would go by before anyone would question the absence of Tony from her life. Or perhaps they would just keep quiet that he was too good for her to begin with. But most of all, she just wanted some peace, peace to mend, peace to sleep, and peace to get on with her life. If only she could be that lucky.

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Chapter Twenty-One “Ah hell,” Tony to Hunter. Four weeks later Tony stood, paced, sat, stood, paced, sat, stood… “So help me, if you take one more step, I will cut your legs off below the knees.” Hunter growled picking his head up from the slouched position he had assumed over half an hour ago. “Below the knees?” “Oh shut up and sit down, will you.” Tony straightened up and slumped defeated again into the chair next to Hunter. They had been at the hospital for eighteen hours now. The last thirty minutes of it out in the waiting room. Jacinda’s high blood pressure spiked at her weekly check-up yesterday, giving enough cause for concern that her OB sent her immediately to Mass General. Hunter never good, in the best of situations, when it came to losing his wife, called Tony at once, needing someone to lean on. Tony was waiting when they arrived. Then about an hour ago her vision started to fade and get blurry and with that her blood pressure started going up again. Until now, Tony had agreed with Jacinda in keeping this to themselves, but Tony made the decision then that it was time to call his parents and the rest of the clan. Hunter nodded in defeat. Now with all the calls made and the feeling of hopelessness resting on them like a blanket, Tony needed to do something. “Maybe I should go ask the nurse…” “What in the hell is she going to tell you that she didn’t tell me five minutes ago when she came out?” 142

Tony’s Haven “How long can it take to assess the situation?” “If I knew that I would be a flippin doctor, Tony, and I wouldn’t be out here with you. I would be in there with my wife, figuring out how to save her and my kid. You would think you were the fucking dad the way you are acting.” “Whoa, slow down there.” “One day you will be here and I will be making you crazy.” Tony stood up. “You want some coffee?” “So help me god, if you bring me another cup of coffee, I am going to shove it so far up your…” “Mr. Brooks?” Both Tony and Hunter turned to see the older doctor standing there in her hospital green scrubs. Hunter cleared his throat and in a voice not so steady, spoke, “How is she…they? How are they?” “Jacinda is fine and baby looks great. Obviously the blurry vision was of some concern, but we calmed her down, got her BP to a number that is better if not great. We really want to get her to thirty-five weeks, so we’re going to keep her here to watch her and baby for the time being. I would say you are here for the long haul.” “But she’s okay?” “She is resting now, finally sleeping. Which I might suggest would be a good idea for both of you as well.” Tony watched as the relief washed over Hunter like a waterfall. How he ever thought the two of them weren’t right for one another, he would never know. “And the baby?” “Baby is doing well also, if we need to take her we can. We gave Jacinda some steroids to help mature the baby’s lungs, so she will be small but fine.” “She?” Hunter collapsed into the closest chair. “Yes, a little girl, Mr. Brooks. You’re welcome to go back and sit with your wife but I really want her to sleep for a bit so may I suggest you get something to eat, wash up, get some of her personal items to make her room more homey.” “I’m not leaving.” 143

Dominique Eastwick The walkie-talkie like phone on the doctor’s hip beeped twice, she looked at it before patting Hunter on the shoulder. “Okay then, I’m going to go check on my other patients. Have me paged if you need anything.” “Wow, a girl,” Tony said to the air before looking at Hunter’s pale face. Hunter looked up at his friend bewildered. “What the hell do I know about raising a girl…? Holy crap!” “Now that is irony. I think I’ll give Mom and Dad a call and ask them to pick up the items from the house…” “Jacinda has her bag ready it’s by the door.” “Of course it is and your bag?” “I haven’t packed it yet.” “Of course you haven’t. I’ll have Dad grab a few items for you then.” “Thanks, Tony, for everything. But I meant it, if you bring me back a cup of coffee, I will have to…” Already walking away, Tony laughed, waving off his friend. “You can certainly try.” Tony would have stayed but it was obvious to anyone who knew Hunter, anyone being Tony, that Hunter needed a few moments to compose himself. Between his relief of Jacinda being all right and the news that his ‘kid’ was a daughter, Hunter was teetering on the edge. Not a place he did well on. Tony walked out of the lounge where the reception was better on his phone and into the office of a Sherman cousin. He collapsed on the sofa dialing the number to his mother as he did. He just wanted to close his eyes and sleep, but he knew if he did that his dreams would be haunted by a blonde rubenesque woman who wouldn’t even talk to him. In the month since Valentine’s Day, he had tried on more than one occasion to see her, talk to her, try and make her understand what happened. But to no avail. She wanted no contact and the last time he came by, she told him through Spencer that she would seek to get a retraining order if he didn’t stop coming around. That had been three weeks ago. Two weeks ago, he left OMD advertising in a tornado of fuse and hoopla. Not only had he left, but forty-five percent of his clients pulled their business from OMD. After 144

Tony’s Haven hearing he had left but also hearing rumors about the ill treatment of Haven, his client’s applauded his desertion. Tony couldn’t imagine who had let that information slip but Barbara was first to come to mind. The constant phone calls from the firm begging him to come back had left him feeling oddly satisfied. They now saw him for what he was: a virtual powerhouse of sales but without Haven by his side to congratulate him on the success, it was a bittersweet victory. Sanity only came in the shape of his new firm he was setting up. Two people who walked with him after Haven’s departure joined him at the new firm. And his beloved Barbara announced her retirement with full pension after thirty-five years with the company, only to walk into Tony’s new office space demanding to know how he thought he could make it without her. He couldn’t. He told her as much and hired her on the spot. So far, a few of his old clients had come on board and Hunter had said that when the baby was born and he could think straight again, they could talk about Tony’s firm taking on his new resorts. So although they didn’t have many clients his trust fund was providing for them until they did. His mother’s voice broke through his thoughts. He told her about Jacinda’s situation then he gave her their assignment and like any Sherman, she was relieved to have something to do. Waiting in the waiting room was not a Sherman strong suit. Tony walked back into the lounge, eyes gritty from lack of sleep and knowing Jacinda was fine, added to the exhaustion. Weary legs carried him to where his best friend sat, head in hands, supported on his knees. “Mom and Dad are picking up the items.” Tony thumped down in the chair across from Hunter. Hunter didn’t answer, he looked at Tony, and then looked past Tony, then back to Tony again. “While you were making your call we had visitors.” Tony turned to see Spencer. He turned back around to Hunter. “Great.”

145

Dominique Eastwick “No scenes, no fighting, and absolutely no punching the lights out of your brother. I need you here with me, Tony. But I’ll kick your ass so hard you will land in Southie if you make any scene that upsets Jacinda.” “I’m too tired to fight anyone right now anyway.” Tony leaned back against the chair and put his head back. Seeing Spencer after three weeks here in the waiting room was not his idea of good timing. “Haven’s here, too.” Tony’s head shot up, all exhaustion fading in a rush of desire to just look at her. He turned in time to see Haven coming through the door from the ladies restroom. “Ah, hell.” “Tony…” “Hunter, I got this, I won’t make a scene, I promise.” But just then a screech broke the silence of the room. Tony turned to see the horror displayed on any parent’s face when their child was too loud in a public place. But it was only a moment before Tony was caught in a bear hug of five-year-old arms and legs. “You’re home.” “Hey, pipsqueak. What are you doing here?” “We were on our way to dinner when your mommy called Uncle Spencer and told him about your sister. She said she was sick in the hospital so we came here right away.” “I guess you did.” “Joce’, hop down, sweetie. Tony is very tired” “Ah, mom…” “Do as you mother says, pipsqueak.” He managed one more hug with the girl before placing her on her feet. “Hello, Tony.” “Haven… Spencer…” Tony nodded before getting to his feet. “I think I’ll get us something to eat. Hunter?”

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Tony’s Haven “Anything would be great.” A sense of relief was palpable on Hunter’s face. One that said he hadn’t expected Tony’s volatile temper to remain calm. “Just no coffee.” “Easy enough. I’ll be back in about twenty minutes.” He hoped to hell Spencer got the hint. That Haven would leave and he wouldn’t have to be tortured with the image of her with his brother. It took every fiber of his being not to turn around and soak in every inch of her face. All he wanted to do was just look at her and maybe punch the lights out of Spencer. Tony watched the sandwich concession machine circle around and around. Nothing in the machine looked appetizing but he supposed something was better than nothing. He knew he should have just gone to the Italian place across the street, but he was loath to exit the hospital, and the damned cafeteria was packed with the dinner crowd. So he came back in hoping to find something filling, if not edible. He also knew he was just biding time. “Oh…I didn’t think you would be in here.” Tony swung around to see Haven turning to leave. “Too busy downstairs but in all honesty, I was just holding up in here giving you and Spencer time to chat with Hunter.” “I begged Spencer not to bring us with him. But as soon as he heard Jacinda was sick his only thought was getting here. I just knew you would be here with Hunter.” “Why would that be?” “Because no matter what, when someone you care about is hurt, you’re right there.” “I suppose it’s good to know you don’t think me a complete monster.” Tony leaned against the concession machine and gave into his need to look at her. Crossing his arms over his chest prevented him from the overwhelming need he had to move the stray lock of hair behind her ear. One touch and he would have to kiss her…one kiss and they would end up in his cousin’s office. “Please stop.” “What?” Haven’s cheeks flushed a charming bright red color. She couldn’t stop the smile from forming on her lips. She knew what he wanted and she wanted it, too. Maybe he 147

Dominique Eastwick shouldn’t have been so pleased, like a beggar waiting for a scrap, but he needed her. “Stop looking at me as if you are going to devour me.” “I can’t help how I feel.” He pushed off the machine and moved toward her, careful not to scare her off. She looked like a gazelle about to jolt. “You may hate it but you still want me. Is my big brother not able to fill my shoes?” “No… I mean it’s not like that.” She turned and took a step backward, to Tony’s great delight it ended up boxing her into the room with him. “Tony…” Fingers inching to touch her moved on their own volition up to her cheek and cupping her heated skin. She moved into his touch, giving him the opening he needed, she might not have meant it as a permission granting more but he took it that way. Before she could stop the shiver running through her, his lips covered hers. Soft lips gaped slightly allowing his tongue the small opening he needed to command her lips and the kiss. Her tongue met his, demanding as much as he took, her hands kneaded his shoulder, touching and using him for support. His head swam with sensory overload, for too many weeks he had been unable to feel, taste, or smell her, and now every sense was on heightened alert, drinking in the very essence of her. He knew any moment she would remember she hated him, remember she didn’t think he was what her daughter needed. Remember they weren’t together anymore. In a split second decision, Tony knew he had to break the kiss, had to be the first to step away. Kissing her deep and inhaling her scent one last time, he lifted his lips from hers, brushed them once more for good measure. He stepped back and watched her, watched the emotions play across her face. He knew he should apologize. It was the right thing to do but he would be damned if he would say he was sorry for something he wasn’t sorry about at all. “I found out who was behind the photos…” Haven looked up, her face bewildered for a second, and then compression lit in her eyes. “Who was it?” “Celeste Brinks, needless to say, she won’t be giving anyone else copies of the sleazy pictures.“ 148

Tony’s Haven “How can you be so sure?” “Only you received the full email with all the pictures attached.” He had wanted to tell her all this weeks ago, but she refused to answer even his emails. “Everyone else got just the one of us kissing and what looked like you coming on to me. Apparently, she just wanted you fired but didn’t want me to be seen in a bad light. Don found all the emails in the company computers and deleted them. When Don received the email himself he put a block on it, so it couldn’t go out to anyone else. No one could forward it even if they wanted to. And he told me about Celeste and I deleted the pictures from her phone myself. Don cleared her computer before I could even get there.” “Well then…” “Wanted you to know. I need to go check on my sister.” Tony selected two sandwiches and grabbed two Polar Colas before heading out the room. He had to get out before he threw her over his shoulder and made a run for it. “Wait,” he couldn’t turn and look at her but he stopped and waited for her to continue. “Thank you for paying my rent. Spence told me it was you.” Without turning to look at her, he said, “It was the only thing I could do to help you. I love you, Haven, and I always will.” He couldn’t let himself look back, couldn’t let himself know what sneer or disgust she had on her face. He couldn’t look his damned brother in the face because he wasn’t sure if he would punch him or pity him. She couldn’t want Spencer not the way she wanted him and still kiss another man the way she kissed him. She was starved and hot. If Spencer was taking care of her needs, she wouldn’t have seemed ravenous tonight. Walking into the waiting room, Hunter sat alone where Tony had left him. He was texting someone but slowly as if he couldn’t wrap his mind around creating the words. Tony threw one of the sandwiches in his lap and handed him a soda. “What the hell is this?” Hunter asked, holding up the cellophane wrapped food. “Number three-C.” Tony had no idea which ones he had picked; he just punched numbers and went. “And yours?” 149

Dominique Eastwick “Number six-D. Why, you want this one?” “Does it make a difference?” “I doubt it.” Tony shrugged, he didn’t have much of an appetite anyway and he certainly didn’t care about sandwiches when the woman he loved was standing thirty feet away and he couldn’t even touch her. **** Haven thought she might puke. Oh kissing him had been the wrong thing to do. She should have run when she had the chance, when she saw him she should have tip toed out of the room. He’d been so intent on the machine with the sandwiches, he never would have known she was there. But no, she wasn’t that smart. She stood there admiring his ass again. He must have come straight from work to the hospital last night when Jacinda started have problems. Hunter hadn’t been too chatty with them, to be honest, he had been down right cold. The only reason she had come into the concessions room was to escape Hunter, he intimidated the hell out of her. What had she expected though? Hunter and Tony were best friends and from what Hunter did relay to them, Tony had beat them to the hospital. So instead of being smart, she watched him and drank in his appearance. He looked like he had lost some weight not a lot just enough that his pants didn’t hug his hips like they usually did. Not that it mattered; she still had licked her lips in appreciation. Traitorous lips had let him kiss her, had opened for him like they had a mind of their own. As soon as he looked at her, she was lost. It was humiliating to know if he hadn’t backed away from the kiss, backed away from her, she would have let him make love to her right there in the concessions room where anyone from Jocelyn to Hunter could have walked in. Now she only had one choice, she had to walk back in there and face Tony then face Spencer. She could no longer let Spencer believe there was any chance for them. He kept saying he wanted her to give it time, and she just wasn’t up for fighting with him 150

Tony’s Haven about it. She didn’t want to hurt anyone but she knew now, especially after that kiss, that there was no chance at all for Spencer. She felt comfortable around him, where as, with Tony she felt so many things, comfort not among them. Not to say Tony didn’t comfort her; he did, but there were so many layers to what she felt around him and most she just didn’t trust. She had made her break from Tony, and despite tonight’s faltering, she could get back up and move on. She would think of it as a goodbye kiss. It was their final parting. She would tell Spencer she couldn’t see him any more and then she could go back to her life, her normal, boring life. She had a temporary job thanks to Spencer and Lucas, one that could become more permanent. Jocelyn’s father had put Jocelyn on his health insurance policy, with some strong arming from Lucas and Trenton. Trenton had come by twice to fix things in her apartment which she had been trying to get the Super to fix for years and hadn’t managed. The Shermans surrounded her with family when she thought she was at her lowest. None of them mentioned Tony or Spencer so she wasn’t certain who had sent the help. She just knew that it was welcome. But they were also her crutch and she needed to break from them. It wasn’t fair to anyone for her to keep holding on to something that wasn’t healthy for anyone. Stepping into the waiting room with a soda, she walked to Jocelyn and Spencer. She handed her daughter a drink. “Spencer, we need to leave. This wasn’t a good idea.” “I’ll take you home.” “No, you should stay here with your family. I can ‘T’ it home.” “Staying here isn’t a good idea, either. It’s better for everyone involved if I come back later when Tony isn’t here.” “Can I go say goodbye to Tony?” Jocelyn asked in an anxious voice. “Of course you can.” Jocelyn looked up at her mother and her little mouth wobbled. “I won’t see him again, will I? Not even sometimes like I do Daddy?” “No, Joce’, I’m sorry.” Haven sat down in the chair so she was eyelevel with her daughter. “Tony won’t be coming around any more.” 151

Dominique Eastwick “But he loves us. I know he does, he doesn’t just pretend like Daddy does. He loves me.” “Of course he does, but sometimes loves isn’t enough.”

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Tony’s Haven

Chapter Twenty-Two “Do you trust me?” Tony to Haven. Tony clicked send on his computer and sat back for the first time in months with a sense that he had accomplished something. His company, his new advertising company, had turned a profit this month. Not much but enough for him to upgrade the phone system so Barbara would stop griping. Things were starting to look up. OMD advertising had dropped their lawsuit when they discovered they hadn’t had Tony sign any loyalty clauses. They were also now looking into settling the wrongful termination suit he had asked his cousin, Thomas, a top-notch legal eagle in New York file on Haven’s behalf. Jacinda had, two weeks ago, delivered a small but healthy baby girl. Tony and Spencer managed to be in the same waiting room for ten hours without killing each other, of course, they hadn’t said a word either. He hadn’t heard if Haven and Spencer were still together and he wasn’t about to ask. When Trenton asked if he thought he could ever forgive Spencer, Tony just grunted. It was too soon to tell. And not all the variables were in yet. For instance, if Spencer managed to beat him to the altar with her, probably not. Tony stared at the ring box on his desk before flicking it open. The round cut 1.5 carat diamond engagement ring twinkled back at him. He picked the ring up out of the box and placed it on the tip of his finger, twirling it like he did everyday, looking at the three diamond setting and imagining putting it on Haven’s finger. He wasn’t going to give up, he just needed to give her time. He sent her a letter a couple of weeks ago with the information about Jacinda’s baby girl. She hadn’t sent it back. 153

Dominique Eastwick A positive sign. So he pushed the envelope and sent a gift to Jocelyn for her birthday a week later. Not only had that not been returned, but he received a thank you note complete with a drawing yesterday. The same drawing which now was framed and on his office wall. He just had to be patient, had to stay out of the scandal rags, and show that he was worthy of her again. Not an easy feat but then he had the rest of his life to try. Barbara came to the door, she looked concerned. “Hunter just called, Haven is in trouble.” Tony jumped to his feet, palming the ring tight until he felt the tongs bite into his skin. “Where is she?” “Hunter said she called them from the courthouse. Her ex-husband is suing for custody of Joce’.” “Over my dead body,” Tony shouted, grabbing his coat and heading out of the office. By the time Tony’s cab pulled up to the steps of the courthouse, he had a brief idea of what had happened. Haven’s ex-husband had called the meeting to lower his child support but at the last minute said he had evidence that the child was not in a stable home and demanded full custody. Tony suspected the move came from his parents not the ex himself. A recess had been called to allow Haven to get her information together. For some reason, she had called Hunter. Smart move really, because he was the one Tony would have called himself. Hunter informed Tony that he and Jacinda were at the courthouse, and Haven was aware that Tony was on his way. When he walked into the courthouse his shoes echoed as they hit the floor like the drums on a battlefield. He saw them at the end of hall, he paused for a second. Haven looked up at him and ran toward him, throwing her arms around him and sobbed. “Shhh. That bastard will not get anything. Do you hear me?” Tony pulled away from her, and placed his palms on either side of her face forcing her to look at him. “Haven, look at me. I will not let him get her. Do you understand?” She nodded but tears filled her eyes. “Do you trust me?” 154

Tony’s Haven “Yes.” Tony pulled her back into his arms, taking a moment to look at the others. Jacinda was sitting on the bench, Hunter was standing, actually he was bouncing his daughter safely within his arms. Spencer was leaning against the window a few feet away. “Mom and Dad are on their way, as is Thomas,” Jacinda said, rubbing her face. Tony walked Haven back to bench and sat her next to Jacinda again. “Where is your lawyer?” “He is on the phone.” She pointed to the short balding man, two doors down. “I’ll be right back.” **** Haven watched as he walked down the hall, she couldn’t believe the second she saw him, she ran to him like a puppy running to his master. She certainly hadn’t done that with Spencer, and Jacinda had found her crying her eyes out on the bench here by herself. No matter though what their relationship, she knew Tony would help and take care of this. She knew it beyond anything else in her life. Jacinda’s gentle hands rubbed her back, trying to comfort. She had called them because Jacinda had dealt with divorce and ex-husbands, and to be honest, she didn’t know who else to call. “He’ll figure something out. He always does,” Jacinda’s voice was a mere whisper in her ear. She nodded, not sure which he, Jacinda referred to, but it didn’t matter. Any “he” figuring it out, would do. He had to, because the options weren’t something she could think of. “I just can’t lose my baby.” “And you won’t,” Hunter’s voice broached no question. Tony returned, his mouth grim and set. “God Damned Celeste! …Those are the photos she sent to you, aren’t they?” Haven nodded, the sob thickening in her throat. 155

Dominique Eastwick Haven’s lawyer approached. “I think, Mr. Sherman, that is, Tony Sherman, might have the answer. But I think you might need to speak in private. The mediation room is available, if you would like to go there.” Tony didn’t look at Haven, a move that made her nervous. Spencer came behind her to offer support and truth be known, she would take all the support she could get today. But she felt bereft when Tony hadn’t offered his arm to her, and just walked away talking in a quiet voice to the lawyer. She shook her head, feeling stupid. She made the decision to keep her distance from Tony. A decision becoming harder and harder every day, but her pride hadn’t let her make the first move in calling him back. She had hoped that when she sent the thank you note from Jocelyn, he would have called or made more contact but he hadn’t. As they walked into the sparse room filled with a table and a few utilitarian chairs, the lawyer excused himself and said he would be in the other room. Hunter and Jacinda followed, nearly pulling Spencer with them. Tony closed the door to the connecting room, took a deep breath and turned back to Haven. “Haven, sit, please. I don’t want you falling and you look dead on your feet.” Haven wasn’t about to argue with him. She felt dead on her feet. Tony seemed nervous and that wasn’t helping her at all. “Just spit it out… What do I need to do? I will do almost anything to keep her with me.” “Your ex-husband’s lawyer is making a case that you are morally ill equipped to raise your daughter, that she is being exposed to a string of men.” “I know all this, I was in there.” “What if it was only one man?” “What do you mean?” “What if the only man she was seeing you with was me? What if…?” The door to the other room slammed open, Tony turned just in time to see Spencer storm through the door, followed by Hunter, still holding his sleeping daughter in his arms. “Don’t do it, Haven. It’s not your only option.” “What are you talking about? Tony, what’s going on?” “Damn it.” Tony looked at his brother then at Hunter with eyes seething. 156

Tony’s Haven Hunter shrugged, kissing the downy hair on his daughter’s head. “What did you expect me to do?” “Keep him out long enough for me to propose.” “Propose?” Tony kneeled in front of her. “Not the way I had imagined it but…” Digging into his pocket, Tony removed the ring box and popped it open. “Haven, marry me? If you’re married to the man in those pictures, they don’t have a leg to stand on.” Haven sat speechless. Did she marry a man simply because she had no other choice or was he just proposing out of guilt? Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew he hadn’t picked up this ring on the way to the courthouse. “Haven, you don’t have to marry him. I’ll marry you.” Spencer moved into the room. “I know you don’t love me, but I do love you and I know I can make you happy if you will just give me a chance.” “You god damned son of a bitch.” Tony got to his feet and Haven was certain that at any moment, Tony was going to lay Spencer flat. But Hunter stood between the two of them and with one hand still on the baby and the other firmly on Tony’s shoulder, he guided Tony out of the room. Tony stopped long enough to place the ring in Haven’s hand. “I don’t want it back, either wear it or don’t, but it’s yours, as am I.” Hunter gave Tony a meaningful look. The tension in the air nearly took her breath away. Yet Hunter stood there calmly rocking the baby in his arms as if the Sherman brothers weren’t two seconds away from killing each other. Tony took one aggressive step at Spencer before storming out of the room kicking a chair as he went. “Damn it, Hunter.” “She had to be allowed to make the choice of her own free will. Haven, you won’t be disturbed again.” The door closed and she could see Hunter’s large form blocking the textured glass window. She stared down at the ring in her hand and so much seemed clear. “Please, hear me out.” Spencer grabbed the chair next to her and turned it so when he sat his long legs were on either side of her. “I do love you, Haven. I know you have 157

Dominique Eastwick feelings for Tony, but he’ll only hurt you again and again. He has proven that already. I know he won’t mean to but it’s who he is.” “No, he won’t. Spencer, I appreciate what you’re saying and I think you believe you love me, but you’re seeing some angel who came down and saved Lucas. But I didn’t save him. I just helped pull him out of the self pity cycle he was stuck in. He was ready to move on, he just didn’t know how.” “Haven…” Haven placed a halting hand up. “Tony needs me. No listen, it isn’t just a physical need, he needs me emotionally as well… I didn’t see it until now, but he needs me.“ “I need you, too.” “No, you want me. There is a difference. Yes, he may hurt me again, but it’s a chance I have to take. Because I love him.” “I know you do.” His eyes followed her as she stood. “I‘ll be here if ever you should need me.” Haven bent down and kissed his cheek. “You’ll find someone who loves you. Spence, you deserve better than me.” As she approached the door, she could hear Tony’s mumbling about Hunter stopping him from hitting Spencer, to ranting that he needed to get back in there, to finally, Tony pleading for Hunter to move. Hunter said nothing; just stood like a statue on the other side of the door. He only moved when Haven opened the door. Hunter tried to assess the situation, staring her down until she felt she might crack into a thousand pieces, but she couldn’t be bothered with Hunter right now. It was the man sitting in the chair looking hand dogged and defeated who she needed to deal with. “Hunter, would you mind…?” “No need to ask,” he said, walking through the door Haven had just opened. She looked around the room, the exact duplicate of the room she had come from, only its mirror image. The door connecting to the hall was closed, obviously that was where the group had escaped to when Tony had come back in. 158

Tony’s Haven Tony looked up at her, no, he stared at her. His elbows on his knees, hands gripped tight between. He waited, something not in Tony’s nature to do, he waited, and she realized something else, he would always wait for her. He was changing his nature because she was that important to him. Tears formed in her eyes. “No… No, don’t you cry,” he said, coming to a standing position and putting his arms around her. “Please, Tony.” She pushed against his chest, needing his comfort, but he didn’t know what she had decided. She needed to take his pain away so that they could move on. Opening his hand, she placed the ring in his palm. “I don’t want it back.” ‘”Please,” she said, bringing her lips up to his and brushing them over his. She whispered, “Please, take it back.” “I can’t.” “Take it, Tony, so that you can give it to me the way you wanted to. Not the way Spencer’s interruption forced you to.” His eyes looked at hers questioning. She nodded and his head rolled back as his smile lit up the room. Getting down on one knee, he grabbed her left hand in his. “Haven, will you do me the honor of marrying me and being my partner and my better half? I need you in my life. I could live without you but I wouldn’t want to. I can make you happy, because when I am with you, I feel like I can make anything happen.” “Yes, I will marry you, and not because it’s the only way to keep my daughter but because you are what both of us need. I was a fool to push you away. I was just so afraid of getting hurt and if it hurt that bad just weeks after we had started dating, I was terrified about how I would feel as more time went by.” “You’ll never lose me ever!” To emphasis his point, Tony sealed their engagement with a kiss so sweet and soft, Haven nearly melted into him. “How soon can we get married?” “Today is Monday, how does Thursday sound? We can go downstairs now get the license and get married in three days. Not that I checked into that or anything.” “Thursday is a perfect day to get married.” 159

Dominique Eastwick “You don’t need a big wedding?” “I did the big wedding and look where it landed me. All I need is you and Jocelyn, and maybe my mother there would make it wonderful. But in the end I don’t need anything but you.” “These last months have been hell, I will never give you reason to regret this decision.” “Don’t lay that on your shoulders, Tony, I want a partner, not a knight-in-shiningarmor or a man who protects me at great cost to himself. I know you have the need to protect, I understand that. But I don’t need to be protected from all the bad in the world.” “You didn’t seem to mind my knight-in-shining-armor bit just now.” “No because I needed my knight and you came. Now I need just you.” “I’m not sure it’s something I can just turn off.” “Then we will work on it together. You promise not to hide things from me just because they might hurt me and I promise to pretend to let you believe you are protecting me from all the evil in the world.” “Pretend huh?” Curling into his body, she smiled, “Yeah.” “How about we pretend to be really tired and I find us a place to lie down?” he said, encircling her in his arms. “I don’t think we are going to get much rest that way.” “Neither do I and that’s just the way I want it.” On Thursday, Haven became Mrs. Haven Sherman, before a surprisingly packed courtroom, which included Barbara and a large contingent of Sherman relatives. Hunter stood up for Tony as his Best Man and even handed off his daughter long enough for the ceremony to end. He immediately took her back once the judge said that Tony could kiss his bride though. Haven’s mother stood up for her as her Matron of Honor, having been flown first class by Tony on Tuesday, and Jocelyn was the sweetest of flower girls. Jocelyn could barely contain her excitement before or during the ceremony and asked loud enough 160

Tony’s Haven for all to hear, when they finished kisses, if Tony would be staying all night now or would he still leave before the sun came up. To which, Tony roared with laughter, and Haven wished the floor would open and swallow her up. Having glimpsed sight of Spencer at the beginning of the service, Haven was somewhat surprised that he was there at the end to congratulate them. But true to his word, he was the first to wish the couple well. Even though the groom didn’t do much more than grunt in return. The family moved the party over to the North End for a large, loud, Sherman Dinner, all except Spencer, who had disappeared. Probably for the best as Tony still seethed over what he saw as his brother’s defection. After a family reception that included pastries in lieu of cake at Mikes Bakery, Haven’s mother and Jocelyn went to stay the night with Mr. and Mrs. Sherman. And Tony took Haven for the first time to his apartment. The apartment was nothing like she had expected. It was warm and cozy and he informed her that his mother was the only woman who had ever stepped inside. After making love to her in his large king-size bed, Tony handed her three very different packages: the first two were small and square. One contained a key to a new car, the second an I.D. badge for her new job at his company, and the last was a flat envelope. “Only if it’s what you want,” he said, before stepping back to give her space to look at the papers. “These are legal documents to adopt Jocelyn. But what about…?” “Keep reading.” At the back of the pile was a paper from her ex-husband, legally terminating his rights as a parent, if Haven would drop all child support claims. He also signed over his rights to Tony. “Just like that?” “All he ever wanted was for you to drop the child support. He hoped that if you were backed into a corner with those photos, you wouldn’t fight him.” Tony walked up

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Dominique Eastwick to her again placing his hands on her cheeks. “I don’t want Joce’ hurt by this if knowing her father gave her up will hurt her then we won’t file these papers but…” “There are no buts. She asked me this morning when she could start calling you Daddy.” “Now, sounds good to me.” “She also asked when we could give her a sister like her cousin Zoë.” “Soon, but I really want to get to know my family better first. We have plenty of time for a baby later. But that doesn’t mean we can’t start practicing.” “When should we start that?” “Now sounds good.” Tony collected the papers, threw them on the chair in the corner, and jumped back into bed, pulling his wife under the covers with him. Tomorrow they would pick up Joce’ from his parents and go look at some houses, tomorrow he would learn about being a daddy. But tonight, tonight was his, tonight he would relearn every inch of his wife’s body. Tonight he would love her so thoroughly that she wouldn’t even remember her own name. Tonight he learned about being a Husband. Maybe, he thought, his parents could look after Joce’ one more day. After all, learning to be a husband could take a lot of practice.

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