AN: Noah/Tessa relationship is only mentioned. Same with Mariah's and Devon's.
Girl of My Dreams
After signing the music contract with Devon, Mariah and I went back to the cottage to celebrate with popcorn, movies, and wine. Normally, I hated cheesy chick flicks but sitting this close to Mariah and hearing her laugh made it worth the cliché storyline.
As the movie played, we ended up sitting closer together. Sharon kept the temperature in the cottage around sixty-five degrees, which was perfect for me, but gave Mariah a slight chill. When she offered some of the green blanket to me, I jumped at the chance to sit closer to the redhead even though I knew the blanket would cause me to burn.
"Can this movie get any cheesier?" Mariah laughed as the man literally rode into the church on a white horse to stop a wedding.
"Don't challenge it." Grabbing more popcorn, we both groaned as the movie in fact got worse. "Oooohhhh, come on!"
"Nooooo! Booooo!" Throwing popcorn at the TV, Mariah continued to laugh. "This is horrible."
Her laugh is music to my ears. This movie is making my thoughts sound corny. "You picked it." I teased.
"Yeah, why did you let me?" She glared playfully. "We should have gone with a horror movie or something."
"Next time we can do horror?" I offered hopefully.
"Definitely a horror movie next time." Mariah paused, looking me over quickly. "Maybe we could make this a weekly thing? Until you become too busy with the label for us small people."
I can't tell if she's being totally serious or not. Either way, I don't like the thought of Mariah thinking I'd ditch her. "Hey, being a co-host isn't a small thing. You really think I'd abandon you because of a record deal?" Before Mariah could speak, I continued. "I wouldn't abandon a friend. Especially the one who helped me get said music deal."
A warm smile graced the redhead's face. "You got that all on your own, Tessa. You're extremely talented and that's what landed you the deal. I just asked Devon if we could go to The Underground because he wanted to stay away from the paparazzi."
"Well, if you wouldn't have persuaded me to stay in town, I wouldn't have taken the deal." Heat crept up the redhead's cheeks. She's so cute when she blushes. Stay focused, Tessa! Remember the plan. Marry a Newman, grow apart, get half his money, and go back to Chicago to help Crystal. No matter how cute his sister is.
"Hey, Mariah…oh." Sharon stopped seeing me. "Hi, Tessa."
Standing, I cleared my throat. "Hey, Sharon. How are you?"
"I'm well." Glancing towards the table, her brow creased. "That's a very expensive bottle of champagne."
"We're celebrating." Mariah chuckled. "Someone very important to me made a huge commitment with this one."
"A…commitment?" The older woman started to panic. "What kind of commitment?"
"A contract. Here, show her." Passing me the paperwork, Mariah beamed. "I'm so proud."
"Devon signed me to his music label." Handing over the paperwork, I tried not to fidget under Sharon's gaze. She knows I'm up to something. Noah is moving too fast for anyone's comfort. Even mine.
"Th-that's great. Congratulations, Tessa!"
"Thank you, Sharon." Taking the paperwork, I put it back into my bag. Hoisting my guitar back onto my shoulder, I sighed. "Back to the main house. Nikki wants to talk about the benefit."
"Riiigghhhttt. More like, this sappy movie has inspired you to write a love song about Noah." Hugging me quickly, Mariah went to gather the empty glasses and bowl.
"Not my thing." Was that jealousy in her voice?
Tossing back the rest of the champagne, Mariah smiled. "Whatever you say. I'll see you later."
"Later."
Arriving at the main house, I was greeted by music. Reed was showing Nikki what he's been working on. "Sounds awesome. You've come a long way, Reed."
"Thanks!" The boy's goofy grin beamed with satisfaction.
"You're really growing as a musician." Nikki smiled with adoration.
"Thanks, Grandma. It means a lot." Checking his phone, the boy winced. "Oh, geez. I didn't realize how late it was. I need to get home." After a quick goodbye, Reed was out the door.
"He's a really bright kid." I set my guitar case down by the stairs.
"He is." Becoming serious, the elegant woman turned her attention towards me. "Why don't you take your things upstairs. Noah tells me you have good news."
"I do, yes." News really does travel fast in this city. Geez.
"We'll take tonight off as long as we work twice as hard tomorrow."
"Are you sure?" Damn it. You mean I could have spent more time snuggled up to Mariah? Ugh!
"Yes. Noah insists on a celebratory dinner tonight. Devon Hamilton is a brilliant businessman. With your talent and his skills, your music career will go far."
"Noah doesn't need to do that." I tried acting bashful. Everyone needs to believe I'm truly interested in Noah if this is going to work. "But Devon is very intelligent. I'm excited to work with him. Since we're having dinner, I'll go clean up and get ready."
"He says to wear jeans, shoes with good tread, and a shirt you don't mind getting dirty. Between us, I think he's going to show you more around the property. First being the stables. Have you ever ridden a horse before?"
"No, I haven't. This will be exciting." Picking up my case, I ascended the stairs and went towards my wing of the house.
After gathering my clothes, I went for a quick shower. Closing the door, I started the water. Waiting for it to reach a warmer temperature, I removed my shirt. Pulling it over my head, my nose was filled with Mariah's perfume. We were sitting arm to arm. Of course, some of her perfume got on me. It smells so nice. Holding the garment to my nose, I inhaled the scent feeling a calmness wash over me. What's keeping me from changing the plan? I could hit it big with the music career and be with Mariah instead. Coming to my senses, I tossed the shirt to the floor. No! I can't change it. I've come too far to give up now. I can't get distracted.
Seeing the room fill with steam, I finished undressing and checked the water. Stepping into the shower, I let the steamy water massage my neck and back. I need to keep on course with my plan. I can't get distracted by Mariah. No matter how attracted to her I am. I can't deviate. She's so inviting and real. I can be myself around her. From what she's told me, she's had a rough childhood too. She knows how to survive and has made those tough choices to do so.
If I…when I marry Noah, I can at least have Mariah as a sister-in-law for a while. Having her close might be the only way I can stand to pull this off. Guilt churned my stomach at the thought. I want to marry one Newman while I'm lusting after his sister. If she ever found out, she'd never want to see my face again. Let alone be with me. Why am I even thinking about this? It'll never happen.
It didn't take long to finish getting ready. Noah didn't care too much if my hair or makeup wasn't perfect. That was all me. Pulling on a pair of jeans and a nicer shirt, I looked myself over in the mirror. Mariah was right. Red is my color. Shaking my head, I tried pushing any thoughts of the redhead away. Noah needs to be my soul focus.
Walking downstairs, I gained Nikki's and Noah's attention. "Hey, you!" Wrapping his arms around me, Noah squeezed gently. "Congratulations! I knew he'd sign you."
He's hugged Mariah lately. I'd know that smell anywhere. "Thanks. I can't wait to start recording. There's a concert going on in my head."
"Well, before you become a big rock star, I'd like to spend some time with you. Why don't I show you around the property before dinner? Faith has told you all about the stables."
"Yes, and her pony." I can feel Nikki's eyes burning into me. "I'd love to go." Taking Noah's arm, I allowed him to usher me out the door and towards the four-wheeler. I've not driven one of those in years! Ugh. I need to let Noah feel like the big, strong guy and let him drive.
Once Noah was situated, he smiled. "Hop on." Grasping his shoulder, I stepped on the foot peg and slung my leg over. Getting comfortable, I held his waist. "Ready?"
"When you are." I smiled.
"Hand on tight." Pulling away from the main house, we drove all over the property. As we zipped by the cottage, I was disappointed not to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous redhead who lived inside.
The smell of horses and hay filled the air as we approached the stables. Climbing off, I looked around the gorgeous property. "Have you ever ridden a horse before?"
"No. I never have." I counted four Clydesdales but knew they owned six horses total. Every Budweiser commercial came to mind as I saw their flowing manes.
"I'm not a pro but I can teach you the basics." Taking my hand, Noah led me towards the horses. "All but one is tame. Grandpa is working with the newest one. She's very skittish because she was abused before we got her."
"Victor rescues horses?" I didn't mean for my tone to sound so sarcastic but the idea of Victor caring about another living being surprised me.
An amused grin tugged at the man's lips. "Grandpa can be harsh towards people but when it comes to animals, he's a big softie." Looking around, Noah stepped closer. "Don't tell anyone I said that. I'll deny it if you do."
"Secret's safe with me." I never saw the great Victor Newman having a soft spot for anything. I guess everyone can surprise you.
"Alright, one of the biggest mistakes people make is being stiff around horses. Especially after you're sitting on one." Noah gave a detailed rundown of everything I needed to know and do to be safe. It was clear that he loved horses and that he grew up around them doing every job around the stables.
Getting on a horse was a little like a motorcycle. Just a bit higher up. I could feel Noah's eyes burning into me as I swung my leg over. Well at least he enjoys my ass. Gaining stability, I looked down at the man. "How do I look?"
"Fantastic." He smiled. Mounting his own, Noah took hold of the reins. "Let's start slow. Sound good?"
"Sure." I followed Noah's lead as we began a slow trot around the fields. After a few minutes, we graduated to a quicker speed. It was nice breathing in the fresh air and feeling the breeze in my hair. Eventually, we were at a decent gallop. Both having an excellent time until Noah's horse was spooked and reared up. "Woah!"
"What's-" I tried gaining control of my horse but was thrown off in process. I hit the ground hard and felt my shoulder pop and something else crack.
"Tessa!" Rushing to my side, Noah checked me over. "Hey, are you hurt badly?" All I did was nod. "It's going to be okay."
"Ow…" Pain radiated from my shoulder as I laid on the ground.
Pulling out his phone, Noah dialed 9-1-1. "Yes, this is Noah Newman. I need an ambulance at the stables. I don't see blood but she hit the ground hard. Please, hurry!"