LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4) (19 page)

Cocktails are served next. Derrick pulls Tristan and Eddie aside to talk sports. Donna gives some sort of signal to Mona who disappears into the kitchen. Then she pulls me aside. My stomach drops to the basement. At least Donna’s taking the initiative about getting to the reason behind her hostile attitude.

“I’m sorry if I’ve been a bit rude to you, Joanna. It’s just that I’ve seen and heard things about you that make me a bit cautious,” she begins and looks into my eyes as if searching for some clue to my character. “It’s obvious that Tristan’s fallen for you and he’s got such impeccable taste. I’ve probably misjudged you.”

“Who have you have talking with about me?” I ask, but know the answer already.

“She’s a family friend who’s known us for many years. Her name is Kristen Powers and she dated both Eddie and then Tristan in high school. She was so helpful to me during Tristan’s recent injury.”

“What did this Kristen tell you about me?” I ask with rage building steadily in my body. “I hardly know her, Mrs. Grant.”

“I’m not sure that I should be the bearer of bad news,” Donna states with restraint.

“Well, if it’s my reputation that’s being slandered, then I need know.”

“That’s true, you have a right to know what’s been said. Basically, that you’re manipulating and using Tristan because of his money. That you’ve got other boyfriends you’re seeing as well and that you’re responsible for his injuries in the first place.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “All of what Kristen’s told you is wrong. I care only for Tristan. Also, I had nothing to do with his injuries. I was already out of the elevator when he fell. I’d love to hear her story. Did Kristen show you pictures of me kissing two other men?”

“Yes,” she admits with a disgusted look on her face. “Joanna, you must see how vulnerable Tristan is right now. I don’t know if he’s told you about his background but he was abducted and tortured as a young child and carries deep psychological scars from his preschool  years. He’s been in therapy about it for years.”

“First, Tristan’s told me about his past already. Second, those pictures simply showed me kissing two old friends goodbye, after they worked their tails off helping me move. Is that so wrong?”

“No, of course not. It’s just the way they were presented to me, I guess. I’m very protective of Tristan. He can’t be hurt any more than he’s already been. It would ruin him, Joanna.”

“Rest assured. I’ve no intention of manipulating or hurting Tristan. If you want the truth, I think I’m already in love with him. We have a very close and strong bond. Further, my guy friends don’t hold a candle to Tristan and I’ve known them for years.”

“It’s such a relief to hear your side of the story, Joanna. I don’t know why Kristen would tell me such things about you. Maybe she’s just as protective of Tristan as I am,” Donna huffs with relief. “I’m so pleased that we talked. You look and seem like such a solid young woman. If Tristan loves you, Kristen must have it all wrong.”

“Donna, I’m really happy that you confronted me with your doubts. I want to assure you that I really care about Tristan. I think Kristen Powers has some ulterior motives behind what she’s said about me but I’m not the one who should discuss those issues with you. That’s up to him.”

Donna looks shocked at my description of Kristen’s motives. “Maybe she’s still hoping he’ll date her again. I need to speak with Tristan about that then. But first, let me apologize to you for my rude behavior, Joanna. I must seem like such an overbearing mother. I’m so sorry if I’ve misjudged you,” she says with sincerity and kindness. Then she hugs me. Donna’s suspicions drop away and what takes their place is the natural love and warmth she holds toward her family and their friends.

At that very moment, Tristan looks over at us. He’s so pleased to see our embrace and I give him a thumbs up while Donna holds me close. My feeling of relief is immense. Dinner may go well after all. My appetite’s returned. Tristan comes to me then and takes my hand as we all head toward the dining room for a delicious meal and good conversation.

The catered Italian dinner put everyone at ease and our conversation flowed. Mona showed off a bit with her east coast accent. Ashley shared more tidbits about her vacation and Eddie hung on her every word. I told stories about TTP’s latest therapy trends while Tristan added a bit about his charity work and business plans. Everything flowed, including the wine, until Kristen showed up unexpectedly.

We were just leaving the dining room and sipping our aperitifs when the unexpected guest from hell made an appearance. Apparently, one of the caterers let her into the Grant’s home. No one needed to tell me that Kristen was in the room because I knew it instinctively. Also, Tristan tightened up like a rod when she walked in.

Kristen Powers entered the family gathering with heels clicking and the scent of lavender perfume permeating the air. It nauseated me. Her short well-cut red hair, tanned skin and tight white shift gave the impression of a successful and well-polished young socialite. The look on her thin face gave her away though. It appeared hard, bitter and hostile.

“I’m so sorry, Donna and Derrick. I had no idea that your family was gathering tonight,” she sputtered as soon as she noticed us. Her eyes traveled quickly from Donna’s frown to Tristan’s angry squint. They settled on my enraged face. She began to back out of the room almost immediately.

The first person to speak was Tristan. “You’ve been warned, Kristen,” he nearly shouted.  His arm quickly encircled my shoulder in a protective way.

“We need to talk, Kristen, privately,” Donna said while putting her wine glass down on the end table. Tristan’s mom certainly isn’t subtle.

The others looked around in surprise at the hostility that at least three of us were directing at our uninvited guest.

“Stay here,” Tristan barked at us in command mode and moved toward Kristen as well.

Donna glanced at Derrick for backup. He cleared his throat and began to show Ashley, Eddie and Mona something in the corner of the room, from a recent legal case that he just wrapped up. I quickly whispered an update in Tristan’s ear.

“She sent Donna those pictures of me with Juan and Erik.”

Tristan’s eyes turn black with rage. “Don’t move, Joanna. I’ll take care of this.”

Donna and Tristan ushered Kristen out of the room and toward the vestibule of their home. Though I appear to show interest in Derrick’s material, it’s a sham. My hearing zones in on whatever tidbits I can glean from the heated exchange that’s occurring in the next room. I’d like to throw my wine in Kristen’s prune-like face and slap her. That wouldn’t be the best solution since the family might think I’m incredibly crude. Instead, I listen carefully.

Donna actually begins the confrontation with Kristen in a rational manner. “Why did you send me those provocative photos of Joanna with her friends?”

“Donna, I only wanted to protect your family, and Tristan, from that little flirt,” she states with confidence and disdain.

“Why are you my protector, now, Kristen?” Tristan asks with venom dripping from his tone. “Don’t you think I’ve got a good handle on my ability to judge people?”

“You know how important you are to me, Donna, and Tristan,” she offers as a defense. I’m astounded at her brazen manner. She’s got the Grant’s wrapped around her little finger.

“And, only you know what’s best for me?” Tristan asks with sarcasm.

“Kristen you’ve been much too judgmental about Tristan’s girlfriend,” Donna pronounces with some sympathy. Does she actually think that Kristen’s concerned about his welfare?

“Mother, Kristen’s been trying to poison you, me and Joanna with various photos for a couple of weeks now. She’s got her own agenda, and it has nothing to do with protecting me.”

I can hear Donna’s sharp intake of breath as Tristan speaks.

“When did you send those pictures of Joanna to my mother, Kristen?”

“Same time that I sent them to you, Tristan,” she claims. “Before you forwarded that ridiculous Cease and Desist letter.”

“What?” Donna asks in a rising tone of voice.

“She’s been harassing Joanna with pictures of me in compromising situations as well,” he explains. “I suppose that you’re also protecting Joanna from me, then?”

“Donna, Tristan, please. I know I’ve been out of line with my behavior. Forgive me. Tristan’s accident had me so worried. When I heard him moaning her name in the hospital, I suspected the worst.”

“Kristen, you led me to believe that Joanna had something to do with Tristan’s accident,” Donna adds as an accusation.

“When I arrived at the scene, one of the workers told me that Joanna pushed the cable and made it swing dangerously. That’s what led to Tristan’s fall,” Kristen responds.

When I hear her absurd explanation, I know that it’s time for me to join their conversation. I excuse myself from the group in the family room and dash into the entryway. When I join them at the door, I see that Kristen’s looking flushed and uncomfortable. Donna and Tristan appear stunned and horrified as they listen to her accusations against me.

“She’s lying,” I announce when I jump to my own defense. “There were at least five people at the top of the elevator shaft who can testify to the fact that Tristan fell because of the powerful aftershocks from the earthquake. At no time did I pull, push or kick the cable, after I was rescued from the shaft. Why would I even want to do something like that to Tristan?”

“I don’t know, Miss Prime. That’s what I hear. Why else would Tristan be moaning your name? I thought he wanted to point the finger at you,” she lashes out with venom. The tears begin to flow from my eyes when she insults me. I can hardly imagine how her twisted mind thinks.

“First of all,” Tristan begins, “I remember that I slipped because the cable swung violently just as I was ascending. The aftershocks definitely caused the problem. Joanna’s too small and delicate to cause that sort of reaction. Second, Bailey watched the entire scene and confirmed the aftershock story about my fall. Third, I moaned Joanna’s name because I wanted her to comfort me. She calmed me during our evening in the elevator, when I had nightmares, if you must know.”

“Well, I couldn’t have known that. Believe me, I only want what’s best for the Grant family and for you, Tristan,” she asserts with desperation. I really hope both Donna and Tristan see Kristen for what she is at heart. In my view, she’s a controlling witch.

“Get out,” Tristan yells. “You just want to manipulate me, Kristen. Don’t attempt to interfere in my relationship, ever again. Do you understand? The Cease and Desist Order remains In place. One peep out of you, Kristen, and I’ll ruin your business.”  Kristen nods and looks at Tristan with shock on her face. Is this the first time that she’s ever taken Tristan seriously?

Donna looks a bit uneasy about Tristan’s harsh response. She doesn’t know the depths of Kristen’s depravity though. She might not be able to imagine what’s happened in the past. Tristan isn’t ready to share that information, at this point. I’m just relieved that he’s clear about their boundaries and will enforce the C&D letter. Kristen opens the door and leaves with a defeated slump to her shoulders.

I pull Tristan into my arms and kiss his cheek with enthusiasm. “You did the right thing, Tristan. Thank you for defending me from her ridiculous charges.”

Donna looks befuddled. “Why would she think those things about Joanna?”

I shake my head and more tears spring from my eyes. I’ll never understand such twisted thinking. One thing’s for sure, she wants my man.

“Like I said,” Tristan begins when he sees my tearful face, “she wants to manipulate and control me. It’s a long story, mother, and I’ll tell you more about it one day. For now, let’s just chalk it up to doing business.” I sigh with relief as we hear Kristen drive her car away.

“Well, let’s have a drink,” Donna suggests with a sad smile and heads back to the family room. Tristan looks me in the eyes and kisses me with relief. He’s shaking all over. He’s finally pulling away from Kristen’s powerful grip and I’m the reason for it. 

“Are you alright, Joanna?” Tristan asks as he wipes the tears from my cheeks. I nod my head yes. “Don’t worry, baby, we’ll be going soon.”

“You deserve a huge reward for all that you did and said tonight,” I tell him. His eyes light up with excitement. He really wants me and that’s such a satisfying feeling.

“I’ve got plans for you, Miss Prime, later,” he assures me. My tears stop immediately and my gut clenches.

Donna tactfully tells the group still gathered in the family room that Kristen was a family friend who was meddling in affairs that shouldn’t concern her. Mona and Eddie look mystified but know from the look on Donna’s face that the topic is now off limits. Ashley stares at my tear stained face and asks if I’m alright. I assure her that I’m fine.

“It’s getting late,” Tristan announces a few moments later and takes my hand to leave.  We tell the family goodnight and I promise to shop with Mona in the near future. Ashley won’t see me again before I leave for the conference so we say our goodbyes now. Then, I nearly run to the car in anticipation of Tristan’s next lesson.

“Glad to see that you’re an eager pupil, Miss Prime.”

“I’ve been waiting a long time, Mr. Grant.”

“Me, too, baby, me too,” he chants. I pet Tristan’s leg as he speeds us toward his condo. The expression on Tristan’s face grows more intense by the moment.

“By the way, I’ve been on the pill for a month now. Visiting the health clinic was one of the last things I did at school before commencement.”

“I like a woman who’s prepared,” he gushes with kisses to my upraised fingers and hand repeatedly.

During our elevator ride to the penthouse, Tristan pulls me to his lips like a man who’s been starved. The passion in that kiss promises me that tonight will be different. Just the touch of his fingers on my skin seems to burn. I want him like never before.

Bailey nods at us as we leave the elevator. It’s obvious that we’ve been making out since my hair’s a mess and we’re flushed with pleasure. The hint of a smile tugs at Bailey’s lips but he suppresses it as Tristan heads us straight to the master suite. I toss my purse and jacket on a chair and slip my stilettos off. Tristan empties his pockets and slips his shoes off too.

“Are you ready to play, baby?”

I nod my head vigorously and give him my best smile. He’s more than hard when he takes me into his arms by the bed. I wrap my hands around Tristan’s neck and go in for a gentle kiss. He’s not in the mood for gentle this evening though. His sculpted mouth greedily kisses and then sucks my tongue. I’m already beginning to swoon. Within moments, his hands are wandering freely over my chest and making me whimper with need.  He pushes me swiftly onto the mattress while tossing the duvet to the bottom of the bed. I’m lying in a prone position with my arms on his biceps while we deepen our embrace. He’s hovering over me now. Tristan’s actually letting his chest take some pressure.

“I want to try something, Joanna,” he announces and looks to me for approval. I’m game for anything tonight so I merely grunt my assent.

“Let’s take your clothes off, first,” Tristan suggests as his hands find the hem of my new dress and tug it over my head. He tosses the dress onto the nearby chair with ease. He takes a moment to stare at my body in the new and expensive underwear. He sighs in appreciation. Then his long deft fingers squeeze my breasts through the revealing bra. We both moan simultaneously.