Buying Thyme (21 page)

“Just try and relax. You look absolutely stunning. By far the most beautiful woman here.” He whispers into my ear. 

The barrage of flashes increases as they all try and catch a shot of our intimate moment. I try my best pose, and pout slightly, hoping that I don’t look ridiculous. I look at Tench and smile.

“Give her a kiss.” I hear someone yell out.

Tench looks at me and smiles. He points his head towards the wall of flashes,

“You want to give them what they want?”

I smile back and close my eyes, imagining we’re alone. I give him a longing kiss. Our kiss stops and I giggle when I look back towards the cameras. Tench pulls at my waist so that we are in front of the next lot of flashing camera bulbs. We wait there a moment before he again grabs my hand and I follow him over to the partitions where people holding microphones and voice recorders are standing. A very petite, blonde haired woman, I recognize from the top of the gossip column of the Daily Telegraph, stands with note pad in hand and smiles sweetly at Tench and I.

Tench pulls me towards her and whispers in my ear as we approach, “It’s Hannah Myer from the Daily Tele…     Don’t be fooled by her innocent smile, she’s ruthless and can make or break someone’s career in this city with just a few words.” 

Great! Why do we have to talk to her? Hannah bats her lashes and Tench leans in and they both air kiss each other on either cheek.

“Hannah, you look lovely tonight as always.” Tench says with unconvincing friendliness towards her.

“As do you Mr Tench. And who do we have with you tonight?” She does not take her eyes off me, causing me to lose my breath.

“This is my Miranda.” He says and plants a kiss on my cheek. 

The remaining reporters nearby all bunch in and hold out their microphones and recorders over the top
of tiny Hannah. The sight makes me chuckle a little. Hannah looks annoyed, but continues on professionally.

“And who are you wearing tonight Miranda? It’s hard not to notice you’re wearing the infamous Shadow of Love Diamond… Do you have an announcement to make Mr Tench?” She poises with pen in hand ready to scribe. I stare at Tench and feel the blood start to drain from my face. This is all too much! Why did I wear this stupid rock! Tench’s eyes narrow to warn Hannah that she’s touched on a subject that he’s not willing to discuss. Hannah’s responsive eyes return back to me with a wicked smirk,

“Sorry who did you say you’re wearing Miranda?” 

Shit! Damn… I’ve forgotten this guy’s name! Come on… It’s Tony something.

“That’s my dress.” A velvety voice from behind calls out. 

Tench and I turn. A tall, pale man with dark silver hair and a thin pointy nose, strides gracefully towards us.
 The two men shake hands. I stare at this unmentionably tall man,

“Great to see you man.” He says to Tench.

“Thanks for this killer dress.” Tench replies. 

I am lost for words so I smile with a shit-eating grin instead.

“It’s always good to see someone rocking one of my sexy dresses.” His eyes wince with joy as he smiles at me.

“Oh I thought I can spot one o
f your dresses a mile away Tony.” Hannah adds, trying to get in on the conversation.

“Shall we all go inside together?” The tall designer says to Tench and I.
 

I’m praying Tench says yes. I can’t stand another moment out here with the hoards of eyes upon us.

“Hannah. We’ll have to chat later. I’ll see you in there hey?” Tench turns to a very disgruntled Hannah.

“You had better Mr Tench! I want my scoop!” She’s no longer smiling her sweet smile.
 

Great so she’s going to be in there too?

We enter through to the main area of the building, the crowd almost seems to part for us as if Tench is Moses. Or is it this Tony guy maybe?

“Everyone is staring at you if you hadn’t noticed Miranda?” Tench whispers into my ear again.
 

It’s me they’re all looking at? I need another drink… and probably something harder than champagne this time. A short man wearing a headset and thick black-framed glasses that bor
der the most piercing blue eyes approaches us. He looks at the clipboard in his hand then back up at us with a serious look on his face.

“Mr Tench and Miranda. This way, I’ll take you to the bar for a drink. Then I’ll be coming to collect you to take you to your seats just before the show starts. Enjoy yourselves and make sure you watch out for the photogs and journos. The place is teeming with them tonight and they all want a piece of you two.” He raises his eyebrows twice as if he’s in on some joke with us.
 

I had no idea Tench was this well treated when he was out in public.

“Champagne gorgeous?” Tench asks.

“Vodka would be nice?” I anticipate an unwelcomed response from Tench but I am pleasantly surprised when he leans over the bar and repeats my request to the barman.

We’re seated front
row for the preview show. I now see why celebrities often wear sunglasses at night, these lights are super bright and I feel like I have nowhere to hide. When I move the slightest amount, the diamond necklace catches the bright lights above. Each time it does, I see another person in front row on the opposite side of the runway, turn and look straight over at me because it’s shone in their eyes. Why did I have to wear this excessive piece of jewellery? I repeat the thoughts again. The lights dim and the music starts with a modern remix of nineties classics. The lights go back up and a line of thin models levitate down the runway. All of them look as if the life has been sucked out of them. I see a couple of pieces of clothing that I like. Occasionally Tench glances over at me and we nod at each other, both liking the same dress as it floats in front of us. Before I know it, every one is clapping and the show is over.

“What now?” I lean over and ask.

“More drinks.” Tench rolls his eyes. 

My god! I think I’m going to be
loaded by the end of this night.

A constant stream
of people walk by and stop
to talk to Tench as they pass. Others make a very obvious beeline for us as we stand in the centre of the enormous hall. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the next tosser approaching us. No doubt they’re eager to blow smoke up Tench’s ass about how wonderful he is. I dare not look in their direction as they approach, I don’t actually want to show any interest in this charade.

“Well fuck me! As she lives and breathes!” A very short and irate Italian man stands in front of me with his hands on his hips.

“Charlie!” I squeal and squeeze him tight. Then confusion begins to set in. Isn’t he away on holiday?

CHAPTER
20

Tench is in
the middle of a conversation with
some female designer wearing what looks like a multi-coloured moo-moo, like the ones that fat ladies wear. She keeps referring to this seasons ‘palette’ and how ‘divine’ everything is. He looks over at me and Charlie and frowns. The woman leans in to talk to me,

“And what did you think of the sneak peek into this weeks collections?”
 

I really can’t be bothered being involved in this bullshit meaningless talk anymore.

“Well all the models looked like stunned mullets out on the catwalk so it was hard to look at the clothes and not stare at them. They all need a bloody steak as well!” 

I hear Charlie trying not to sp
it out his champagne next to me. Tench also has a smirk on his face from behind the woman. The woman’s eyes widen with astonishment and narrow again.

“I see.
I’ll keep that in mind for
my
show then.” She says slowly with a forced pronunciation of her vowels. 

Tench politely excuses himself from the conversation with her, and turns to Charlie and I.

“So who is your friend Miranda?” Tench does not take his eyes off Charlie.

“Oh Joe this is one of my very best friends in the entire world. This is Charlie Manetti. Charlie meet… Joe Tench.” I smile at Tench and notice he is staring at Charlie’s hand holding my hand. Surely he can tell Charlie is gay?

“I heard Joe Tench was here tonight with some glamazon. Everyone is talking about you. I thought that couldn’t be her. Then I heard someone mentioning your necklace and knew it had to be you my darling! You look fucking amaze doll.” Charlie flamboyantly waves his hands around as he speaks, in true gay Italian style. Tench puts his arm around me and laughs as he squeezes me around the waist.

“Oh so you’ve been talking to Charlie about me then?” He kisses me on the temple and smiles at Charlie, “It’s nice to meet you Charlie.” He gestures Charlie to shake his hand.
 

Tench looks past Charlie and waves at a man in a well-cut suit,

“Now that you know someone here Miranda, you don’t mind if I leave you for a moment? There is some business here that I have to deal with unfortunately.” Tench looks at both Charlie and me as he speaks.

“Sure. Go ahead. I’m fine.” I reply, feeling more than thankful for having a moment to myself than he realises.

“What the fuck
are you doing here Charlie?” I ask the second Tench is out of earshot.

“I could ask you the same thing… Miranda!” Charlie laughs, “I have to admit, I always chuckle when I hear you being called that.” Charlie takes another sip of his champagne.

“Well get used to it… because that’s what I’m going to be known as from now on.”

“And on that subject… What are you doing out with Joe Tench now? Are you his girlfriend? That’s what the
talk around the room is saying. I thought…”

“Well something has come up Charlie
. Sally from the Agency is dead. Murdered.” Charlie tries not to spit out his champagne for a second time.

“What?” He says louder than necessary.
 

I look over a Tench who stares back at me and winks. I smile back at him and look back at Charlie.

“I can’t talk about it here but it’s serious… and I think Tench is involved. I’ll try and get him to let you come over to the mansion so I can try and explain everything to you. I tried to send Tom Smythe down to the Opera House to find you. He said you were on holiday somewhere?”

“Ha… I wish.
No we’re catering most of the events this week so I have a full week… no holidays for me! What did you want me for anyway?”

“I need your help to know what to do. I’ll explain it all to you when I get you to come to the mansion.”

“I’m going to be at Joe Tench’s mansion… I think I’m going to pee myself! Oh he is so dreamy isn’t he? You are a fucking lucky bitch!” Charlie crosses one arm over his body and leans his other arm on it and slowly sips his champagne.

During the car
ride home I can’t help but
wonder why Tom said Charlie was away on holiday. Tench is talking on the phone about some deal over in Russia and something about a shipment arriving but I pay little attention to the details of the conversation. My mind is trying to come up with valid reasons why Tom would have got it wrong. Did he go to the wrong place? Did he ask for the wrong person? Or did he just flat out lie to me? Why though? What reason would he care to lie? Does he want me to go to Tench so that he can be with that Liz woman? Is that what he wanted to say to me? Tench places his hand on top of my hand and looks over at me. I didn’t hear him end his phone call.

“You seemed to enjoy yourself tonight gorgeous.” He says and lifts my hand to kiss it.

Tench has been overtly affectionate to me all night. I wish I could see past all the badness I see inside him and just enjoy the nice side of being with Joe Tench, but the morning he didn’t stop when I asked him to, will never escape my mind.

“Yes it was good. It was a little overwhelming, but I’m glad I had you there.” I reply.

“You did so well Miranda. Your friend Charlie seems like a real character.”

“He has been my close friend for a long time. He means a lot to me.”

“So he knows about what you do?” The passing streetlights flash across Tench’s face, giving me little glimpses of his handsome coffee eyes.

“He would never tell anyone, if that’s what you mean?” I frown slightly at the suggestion.

“Of course not. Why don’t you invite him over to my place while you’re here?” Tench smiles.

“Really? Because I would love that.” I say with a genuine excitement in my voice.

“Then so would I gorgeous.” Tench pulls me over to his lap and I snuggle into him. 

My dress is now uncomfortable and sweaty, and my hair is pulling. All I need right now is a bath to soak my tired body in,

“About that gorgeous…” Tench says into my neck.

“About what?” I turn to face him.

“About you being at my place.” Tench’s eyes stare at me with great equanimity, “I really want you to be around more than just a month… More like on a permanent basis? Miranda… I can’t stand the thought of you being with anyone else. I’ve never felt like this for anyone before. I’ve fallen for you Miranda.” 

Tench’s stare does not waiver and I see vulnerability in him as he confesses his feelings for me. I stroke his face, feeling the roughness of his stubble beneath my touch. He closes his eyes and smiles. Tough Joe Tench, now vulnerable all of a sudden. This is my opportunity to move in. I smile sweetly and kiss him softly on the lips.

“I think I can handle that Joe.” I whisper back to him. 

Anyway, who else could I be with now that it’s become so public? The car pulls into the drive and Tench steps out first. I take a deep breath and convince myself that I am ready for this.

“I am dying for a bath.” I smile at Tench as I step out of the car.

“I’m going to have a night cap and then I’ll be up to join you gorgeous.” Tench stops to kiss me once more when we’re at the bottom of the staircase.
 

His kiss is soft and powerful all at the same time. I feel a sudden shift in Tench’s demeanour this evening. I feel like I’m finally working out how to play Tench, to get what I want from him. I make my way to the bathroom with a feeling of self-assurance.

I feel two
hands slide down past my shoulders
and rub my breasts as I lay
soaking in the bath. The room is dim with a warm flicker of light from some tea-light candles that I’ve lit around the room. I look up above me and see Tench smiling down. He rubs my nipples between his thumb and index finger. I close my eyes again and inhale as a pulse throbs down below. Tench reaches right down into the water and wraps his arms around me. He pulls me out of the bath in his arms, the water spills out over my body like a waterfall as I’m pulled out. I feel Tench’s naked body against me as he carries me back out of the bathroom and to his bed. Dripping wet, he lays me down on the bed. Tench’s tongue licks off the droplets of water beading all over my body. He slurps in the water that’s pooled in my belly button and smiles. I never thought someone licking the water off of me like this would feel so sexy. Tench makes his way down and pushes open my legs. He buries his face between them and his tongue laps at my clitoris. His warm mouth against the coolness of my body sends a shiver up my spine. He slides two fingers inside me as his tongue continues it’s flicking. He takes his fingers out for a moment and sucks on them.

“Mmmmmmm… You taste so sweet.” He whispers and then slides them slowly back in.
 

I feel myself contract and tighten around them like a vice. He continues to stroke the inside of me, taking moments to use his tongue to do the same also. The feeling is amazing. Tench pushes my legs back and licks all around me, even paying my ass some attention. He rolls his tongue around my little rear with soft gentle licks. It tickles and feels unbelievable all at the same time. I want to squeeze me legs together but I can’t. The moonlight outside casts a beautiful silhouette of Tench over me. I close my eyes and imagine it to be Tom again. Tench pulls back for a moment. I open my eyes and see him attending to his erection before he climbs on top of me and drives himself up inside me. The weight of his body on top of me feels comforting. The feeling of a strong man makes me feel vulnerable in a way that is sexy. Then I think back to Tench in the ballet room and the evil look in his eye. I can’t get that image out of my head. The realisation of me being his prisoner forever is now setting in and I want to cry. I need to get myself out of this train of thought. Tench is still rocking himself backwards and forwards over me. I wrap my legs around him and meet his strokes with more force. Tench seems to be more soft and loving towards me. I grab around his waist and drive him into me harder and harder. I don’
t want this lovemaking bullshit. Not right now. I pump him harder and harder until I feel him begin to swell. I tighten around him too. Tench lifts back and throws his head back as his climax builds. Driving and driving, I close my eyes and feel his body all over. I feel around his chest and reach up and suck on his nipple between my fingers. This throws Tench over the edge and he jolts wildly against me. I throw my head back down onto the bed and arch upwards as I feel my climax about to reach it’s peak.

“Oh Joe…” I add for effect.
 

Tench flops down on top of me and buries his head in my hair.

I roll over
to touch Tench’s hard chest next to
me. His breathing is still heavy. I watch my hand rise and fall as I trace my finger around his dragon tattoo. He looks over at me.

“Tomorrow’s a big day for you.” He smiles.

“Oh really?” I’m intrigued.

“Yes… Tomorrow’s your last day at the Agency…  I’ve been on the phone to Miss Stephanie this evening. We are going to finalise the details of your exit contract in the morning. She’s very pleased for us. ‘A real life Pretty Woman story’ she said.” Tench places his hand upon mine and slowly closes his eyes.
 

Somehow I have the feeling Miss Stephanie isn’t as pleased as she’s made out to be. This is really going to cost him! Tomorrow is a big day indeed. Tomo
rrow I will officially be owned.