“What about the children's schooling?”

  “I'll give a donation” he replied. My hands gripped hold of his face and I looked deep into his eyes. “The children will love it and I need to make it up to my wife.” His voice lowered. “I should have never missed your birthday, Georgina. Do you forgive?”

  I ran a hand down his cheek, with my lips close to his. “I will always forgive you, Maxwell” I breathed. “I can't live without you.” Our lips met in a wonderful stomach flipping kiss.

  He pulled away and raised my left hand. “Just never let me get on the wrong side of you” he chuckled. “As this thing,” he kissed my engagement ring. “Can cause serious damage.”

  I looked down at my ring and tilted my head....What was he talking about?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Blake Waterman

  “I was thinking about coming to LA and seeing you” I waited for Riley's reaction. It had been a while since we had last spoken. I was pretty sure he would hang up when he realized it was me, but he didn't, thank god.

  “I don't know, Blake” he sighed.

  “I'm a changed man” trying my best to convince. I guess a few people still thought of me as that kidnapping freak. At that time I was just in a bad place and wasn't thinking clearly. After all Georgina had left me, I had beat my Mum after finding out what she did, I lost my job and I was responsible for splitting my parents up. All this seemed to happen within weeks of each other.

  “Riley... Please” I begged. “My Mum has died and my marriage is over. I need to get away and I really need my best friend. I promise no dumb shit.”

  “Okay” he finally agreed. “You better be on your best behaviour” he warned.

  “Thank you” I was relieved. “I'll call you when I have sorted out all the details.” I put the phone down. Thank god, I was finally going to get out of Oxford. I could no longer bare this place.

  Hopefully, fingers crossed everything went to plan. I wanted to try and get some work out there and somewhere to live. I had nothing left in Oxford any more. My Mother had left me some money, so that would be a big help until I found work.

  Me and Amy were half way through our divorce. What was I thinking marrying that control freak? All she cared about was making money and her failing business.

  My Mother had passed away a few months ago and I had started thinking about my life. I had learned a lot about myself in the last few months and I no longer wanted to be here. I wanted to start living my life my way and no was going to hold me back any longer.

  LA was going to be my new start, new job, new house, a new life and maybe finally meet that special person.

  The 12 hour flight had been physically draining. I was stood outside the airport waiting for Riley. I'd managed to get a seat on a flight a few hours after calling him. I hoped he hadn't changed his mind. I had never been to LA before and didn't have a clue about hotels. A black convertible pulled up along side me. I looked over at the driver; his dark hair gelled back, black sunglasses and wearing a tight white T-shirt.

  “Well... Well... Well, what do we have here then?” He asked while giving a pure white Hollywood smile. This place had made its impact on him.

  “What have they done to you?” I joked, throwing my suitcase into the back-seat of his car and jumping into the passenger’s seat.

  He gave a little shrug. “Can I help it if I'm a lucky son of a bitch?” He hadn't lost his charm with words. He pulled off and we speeded down the road. “How long you staying for?”

  “Not sure yet” I lied, it was too early to reveal my plans. I began to take in the views. For the first time in a long while I felt free and happy. I had missed out on so much, well, not any more. Blake Waterman was moving on up.

  “I'm free to show you around today, but tomorrow I have filming.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Filming? I thought you did modelling.”

  “I'm in soap. I play Alex a troubled man who seems to sleep with everyone” a massive smile appeared on his face.

  “Impressive! Just like this car.”

  He looked very smug and I didn't blame him. Riley was living his dream. “All thanks to George.” His voice trailed off and he started shifting in his seat.

  What was all that about? Was it going to be like this every time her name was mentioned? I had got over it.... It had been five years.

  Riley quickly looked at me. “I kissed her” he confessed and his eyes went back on to the road. “That's why I have the mark on my face.”

  “Yeah” I laughed. “She has a good left hook.” I rested my head back on the seat. I wondered what she looked like now. Was she still that tiny woman who still needed to be taken care of? Had she finally learned to cook? A slight smile appeared on my lips.

  “Stop thinking about her” Riley bellowed, immediately all my thoughts were deleted. “Otherwise I'll be dropping back off at the airport. I really don't need you causing me any more problems.”

  I turned to look at me. “Riley, I have changed. I am not obsessed with her any more.” Why did it feel like I was lying?

  I guess I was hoping to run in with her. Not because I wanted to be with her, I just wanted to see she was okay. My caring for her had never gone. There was no harm in that was there?

  Maybe that's why my marriage had broken down. Amy never allowed me to care for her. She controlled every aspect of our lives and I always felt like a spare part.

  “How is she?” I finally asked.

  “Good” Riley nodded. “I mean, I don't think she is happy and she seems a little lonely.” He quickly stopped and glared at me. “That's all I am telling you and I don't want you to mention her again!”

  “Deal” I agreed.

  “Good” he pulled the car into a car park. “Beer?” I nodded in response. He parked the car and we both got out. Riley led me into a bar. He strutted over to the bar and ordered. A few women had noticed him. Riley gave them a full on sexy smile, he hadn't changed one bit – he had to give me a lesson on how he did that. We both grabbed our beer bottles and headed over to a spare table. We sat down and I noticed his eyes were still on the women.

  “There are two” he smirked taking a sip of his beer. “Take your pick.”

  “Take my pick?” I felt my eyebrows shoot up. “They are people not prizes!”

  He slowly looked up with a screwed up face. Okay, I did sound like a woman. “I know... They are women and you are on holiday. How about we shake things up and get you a holiday romance?” I threw my head back and laughed. Holiday romance. Isn't that what women read about. “Blake, seriously just have some fun!”

  His words circled around my head. Fun? Wasn't that why I had come here in the first place? I really did need it. I looked over at the woman and they were both staring back smiling. They were both blonde and attractive. It was the petite one that caught my attention.

  I stood up. “Where you going?” Riley asked.

  “To have some fun!”

  It was time to get this holiday started!

  CHAPTER SIX

  Georgina

  I looked around the hotel suite it was amazing. My Mr Golden Rule had gone all out and got us the penthouse suite in the four Seasons hotel. I had never seen anything so beautiful. A wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower from our balcony. I was actually glad that Maddy and Jay had come with us. They were sharing with the kids. I wanted me and Maxwell to play lots of games and with children around it wouldn't have been easy.

  I felt Maxwell's arms cling around me and I rested my head back on his shoulder. I was in heaven, shame it had taken so long to get here.

  “Does my Mrs Thomas approve?” He whispered in my ear and placing a kiss on my cheek.

  “Very much so” I smiled.

  “Tonight I am going to make it up to you for leaving you alone on your birthday.”

  “How?”

  He raised a hand and pointed to the Eiffel Tower. “There... We are having dinner and going to go to the First Floor. I'm going to wine, dine and violate you up there!”

  My eyes opened wide. “I have nothing to wear.”

  “Oh, you do... You think I didn't wander about that. I have a new dress for you in the wardrobe.”

  I spun round to face him. I felt like a child at Christmas. “Let me see!”

  “No!” He said in his boss voice.

  “Maxwell... What colour is it?”

  He tilted his head to the side and gave me that look. “Mrs Thomas, why have you got to be inquisitive all the time?”

  “Maxwell!” I yelled in frustration.

  He slowly shook his head and that wicked smirk slowly appeared across his mesmerizing mouth. “All in good time, Mrs Thomas. All in good time.”

  I stood back and looked at my reflection. A wonderful cream and Navy chiffon boob-tube dress and of course it was Jenny Peckham. He had brought me cream high heeled Jimmy Choos. My husband certainly had taste.

  I had kept my make-up basic, little blush and lip gloss. My blonde hair rested gracefully on my shoulders. I narrowed my eyes. I hadn't really changed much from when I met Maxwell. Even though I had boob job last year, I was still the same. I heard Maxwell bang on the bathroom door.

  “George!” He yelled. “We need to go now!” I rolled my eyes. Everything was always down to time. He was such a control freak.

  I took in one more look and smiled contently. “Coming” I sang as I opened the bathroom door. Maxwell was sat on the bed, going through his phone. He slowly looked up and his jaw dropped. I loved in that even after five years being together I could still impress him.

  It was breathtaking staring down at Paris at night. A glass of champagne and the man I loved by my side. Our meal had been fantastic and everything Maxwell promised it would be. He could behind as I gazed from our hotel balcony. The heat and his hard body pressed against me.

  His hand gripped hold of my waist, the other hand moved up to zipper on my dress. My breathing started to get rapid and that desire filled my body.

  “I think this would look better off” he growled in my ear as the dress dropped to the floor. His hand moved down my bare back, and I felt his erection pressed against my behind. I wanted him deep inside me. I wanted to get lost in the orgasmic world we shared together.

  His thumbs dripped into the waistband of my panties and slowly he pulled them down my legs; placing hot kisses on my skin as he followed their path.

  I closed my eyes and embraced the moment. This man was everything I ever needed. There was no other who made me feel this way. Walking into that interview had been the best decision of my life and I would never give him up.

  He stood back up, his hand slipping between my legs and massaging my sweet spot making me sleek and ready for him. I let out a groan as I heard the zip of his trousers. The champagne glass slipped from my fingers and smashed on the ground. I gripped hold of the balcony, pushing my arse out. I needed him. I needed him now.

  “Impatient, Mrs Thomas” he laughed in my ear. I groaned in response, as his magic fingers played and almost brought me to the edge. His index finger dipped inside of me and I let out a louder moan of pleasure.

  “Just how I like you, Georgina. Wet and ready for me.” His finger disappeared and he plunged deep inside of me. The scream that left my mouth was unavoidable.

  He began to thrust and move his hips, hitting that deep spot inside of me. One hand gripped hard on my waist as he pounded into me. The other hand grabbed hold of my hair, pulling my head back.

  “Harder” I panted. He growled and picked up speed, quickly sending me to orgasmic heaven. My hot body with the cold Paris air only added to the sensation. The tingles started at my toes and worked there through my body. My heard thumped against my chest. My whole body shook and went crazy.

  “Fuck” he hissed, as I felt him explode inside me. He rested his head against my back. “I love you.”

  Our week in Paris was over. Everything about it had been amazing. I was on top of the world. Maxwell was relaxed and hadn’t mentioned anything about work. Olivia was getting on with me, even though it did cost me a Chanel handbag. As for Bailey he was just happy that he had met Mickey Mouse.

  I looked over at Bailey playing on the bedroom floor. Maxwell and Jay were loading up the car to take us to the airport. I didn’t want to go home. Why was it always like this? I know why, the second Maxwell stepped into that office he forgot about everything else.

  I know he enjoys working and I know that maybe I do sound whining. LA doesn’t feel like home to me. I don’t know anyone. I suddenly missed Amy badly and needed to talk to my friend. Amy had been my rock for so many years. In spite of everything that happened, I knew I cold confide in her.

  Since moving to LA I had barely spoke to her and that made me feel guilty. I looked round the room trying to locate my phone. That’s when I saw Maxwell’s on the bedside cabinet. He wouldn’t mind if I borrowed his.

  The red light was flashing indicating he had a message. Without even thinking I opened the message and began to read.

  'It was nice seeing you again. I really enjoyed it. Not so long next time xxx'

  My jaw dropped open and I didn’t know what to do. What did that text even mean? I looked at the name, but it was just some number I didn’t recognize. It might have not meant anything. I just had that nagging voice in my head.

  The tears began to well up in my eyes. There was no doubt about it. The text was from a woman. You didn’t need to be a detective to work that out. Why would a woman send my husband a message?

  My legs felt weak and fell down on the bed. I had to stay calm. I didn’t want to make a scene in front of Bailey. Could Maxwell really cheat on me?

  I heard the hotel door open and I quickly put the phone back. With the back of my hand, I wiped the tears away. Maxwell strolled in, wearing jeans, a shirt and his red hair all ruffed up. He was beautiful and he was mine. He would never cheat on me, he loved me. After everything, he wouldn’t throw our marriage away... would he?

  “You okay?” he asked, his blue eyes sparkling at me. I felt a lump in my throat. I wanted to yell and scream at him. Not yet, I was going to find out the truth before I confronted him.

  “Yes” I smiled, which was difficult. If he had cheated on me, I would find out. Some would say this was karma and I deserve this after all I did to Blake. So maybe I couldn’t take the moral high ground. On the other hand, this was a different situation and I needed to know. God help him if he has.

  ***

  I looked at my reflection. I looked a mess from the lack of sleep and the worry that had taken over me. Maxwell was fast asleep still while I was stuck in the world of uncertainly and I couldn't bring myself to talk to him about it.

  I couldn't sit here all day I had to get ready for work and gain some normality. Also, it would help keep my mind from drifting off to worse scenarios possible. Would he actually do that to me?

  I picked up my hair brush and began to brush my hair. The message wouldn't go away. I kept reading it out loud in my head. 'It was nice seeing you again. I really enjoyed it. Not so long next time xxx'

  I kept telling myself it was innocent, it was just a friend he had run into. Yet, this nagging doubt that he could have betrayed me was haunting me constantly. Could he? Would he? Was I no longer what he wanted?

  I shook my head. I didn't even what to think of the thought of him not wanting me. My Mr Golden rule... What would I be without him? I couldn't bare it and then on the other hand I couldn't bear to be near him at the moment. I applied a little lip gloss and left my dressing room.

  The whole car journey to work I couldn't say one word to Jay. I was still lost in my own thoughts. Paranoia was beginning to take over me. Maybe I should go and check his office?

  There could be something like a recite, email or anything just to give me peace of mind. Yes, I had to go and check his office, fingers crossed it was all in my head and I wouldn't find anything.

  As soon as I got a quiet moment I made my way to my husband's office. I knew he was out in a meeting and his assistant had gone with him. At least that way no one was going to tell on me. I stepped inside and straight over to his desk.

  I began to search the big pile of papers stacked on his desk, then his computer and then I began to ruffle through his draw.

  NOTHING!!

  I wasn't sure if that was good or bad... Maybe he was just good at hiding his trail of deceit. I looked over at the picture frame sat on his desk and my heart sank. It was a picture of all four of us together just after Bailey was born.

  The tears began to pour out and I couldn't control them. Was my husband having an affair?

  There was a knock on the door. Shit! I wasn't expecting anyone to come here. I quickly closed the draws and cleaned up the paperwork I had scattered over the desk.

  “Come in” I yelled, my voice breaking in places. I quickly wiped away the tears and tried to gain my composure.

  The door opened and to my surprise Riley walked in. He seemed shocked to see me. He couldn't bring himself to make eye contact to with me which made me feel uncomfortable. He placed his hands in his pockets and wouldn't come any further into the room. He just remained staring down at the floor.

  “Hey” he mumbled.

  “Hey, what are you doing here?” I blurted out, sadness hit me hard. He was the only friend I had in this god forsaken place and now it felt like we were strangers.

  “I had a meeting with Maxwell and he never showed up. So, I thought I would come here and see what had happened.

  “You had a meeting with Maxwell? How come?”

  He looked up, stunned at my question. “He's my agent.”

  Great, now not only was he cheating on me but now stealing my clients without telling me. “And he didn't show?” I asked, I think my mind was beginning to get the better of me.

  “No,” finally his eyes met mine. “Something wrong, George?” He asked with concern. I shook my head, I could no longer remain strong and the tears began to fall again. “George.” He ran over to me and hugged me. This was really what I was just trying to avoid but I had the need to confide in someone.