Script Doctor (Off Screen Book 8) Read online

“Yep. Do you miff us?”

  “I do miss you,” Emma assured her daughter. “Like the moon misses the stars,” she promised.

  “Dere is a wot of stars.”

  “Yes, there are,” Emma agreed. “I will bet that Grampa will take you to the pond later if you ask him nicely,” Emma offered.

  “I love da pond.”

  Emma giggled. She thought it was adorable the way Vicki struggled to pronounce the letter ‘l’ one minute and in the next breath spoke it correctly. “I know you do, sweetheart.”

  “’Cause I’s a fishie.”

  “That you are,” Emma said. “Do you want to talk to Momma?” she asked.

  “Momma’s wif you?”

  “She is. How about I go get her?”

  “’Kay!”

  Emma hopped up from her seat and made her way deliberately across the expansive room to Addison. She tapped Addison gently on the shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt.”

  “It’s okay. What’s up?”

  “Important call,” Emma said. “I think you might want to step away and take it,” she suggested.

  Addison looked at Emma with concern. A million obstacles were possible at the beginning of a show. She sighed, expecting some bad news that would cause another delay.

  “Just take the call, love,” Emma said.

  Addison nodded and took a few steps away. “Hello?”

  “Momma!” Vicki’s excited voice called out.

  Addison smiled. “Hi, sweetheart. How’s my girl?”

  “Good. I had pancakes.”

  “I’m jealous. I love Grammy’s pancakes,” Addison said.

  “Yep, but Mommy’s da best,” Vicki declared.

  Oh, she misses Mommy. “Yes, they are,” Addison agreed. “What are you and Hannah up to?”

  “Pwayin’ bwocks.”

  “Are you building things?”

  “Yep. Hannah onwy wikes da bwu ones.”

  Addison chuckled. Hannah seemed to gravitate to anything blue. “Well, that’s good because you like green and orange.”

  “Yep. Where are you?” Vicki asked.

  “Mommy and I are at work,” Addison explained.

  “Oh. Hannah miffes you.”

  “She does?”

  “Yep, and Mommy.”

  “Mommy and I miss you both.”

  “You do?”

  “A whole bunch,” Addison said. “But, you are going to have lots of fun with Grammy and Grandpa.”

  “Yep. Okay,” Vicki said.

  “Okay?”

  “Yep. Here’s Gwammy,” she said.

  “Emmie?” Sherry asked.

  Addison laughed. “Nope.”

  “Hi, Addy.”

  “Hi, Mom.”

  Sherry ducked into the hallway. “She’s missing you two a bit.”

  “Is it terrible that I’m happy about that?”

  Sherry laughed. “Not at all.”

  “She’ll forget all about it when she gets down to that pond,” Addison commented knowingly.

  “Probably.”

  “How’s Hannah?” Addison asked.

  “She’s good, playing happily with her blocks.”

  “Is Vicki behaving?” Addison asked.

  “Behaving and directing.”

  Addison laughed. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It’s typical.”

  “Good to know,” Addison said. “Listen, I am going to pass you off to Em. Thanks for having her call.”

  “You’re welcome, but she asked,” Sherry said. “She was worried Hannah missed you.”

  Addison laughed as Emma approached. “Thanks,” she told Sherry. “Here’s Em.”

  “Feel better?” Emma asked Addison. Addison smiled. Emma gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Go back to work.”

  “I guess we know where she gets her bossy streak,” Addison teased.

  Emma gently smacked Addison’s behind. “Wise ass,” she muttered. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, Emmie.”

  “Homesick, huh?” Emma guessed.

  “Mommy sick,” Sherry answered honestly. “She misses you both.”

  “I miss them.”

  “I know you do,” Sherry said. “I know the feeling.”

  “I know you miss them,” Emma said.

  “I do. I miss you too,” Sherry said. “I hate to break it to you, but that never goes away.”

  “Oh, great. Thank God we have fourteen more years before college. It might take that long to prepare Addy.”

  Sherry laughed. “Never happen, sweetie.”

  Emma laughed. “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Anytime. Is this a good time to have her call?” she asked.

  “Anytime, Mom.”

  “I know you two are busy there.”

  “Never too busy for that,” Emma said honestly.

  “Okay. Don’t worry about the girls.”

  “I’m not,” Emma promised.

  “Enjoy the break,” Sherry advised. “As much as you can.”

  Emma smirked. “We’ll try.”

  ***

  Emma had left for home while Addison was wrapping up her day. She hoped that Addison would not be too far behind her. It had been a while since she had prepared a romantic meal for the two of them to share. It was a perfect night to sit outside by the pool. The sky was clear, the temperature had dropped to the low eighties, and a slight breeze was blowing every now and again. Emma had decided to make something simple, just a basic pasta dish that Addison loved. A nice bottle of wine, a couple of candles, an easy but savory meal, and Addison—perfect. She took a sip from the glass of wine she had been nursing over that last half hour and let it linger on her lips. Two arms encircled her waist, and Emma leaned backward gratefully.

  “I didn’t hear you come in,” Emma said.

  Addison breathed in the scent of Emma’s hair. “Guess I was sneaky.”

  “Mmm,” Emma sighed in contentment. Addison’s lips began to playfully caress Emma’s neck, and Emma closed her eyes. “What are you doing?”

  “I missed you.”

  “I was with you all day.”

  Addison’s hands traveled slowly over Emma’s stomach and drifted upward. “I know. I forgot how much I love watching you.”

  “Watching me?” Emma giggled. “Honey, I think you have that backward.”

  “No, I don’t,” Addison disagreed.

  Emma was sure that Addison was supporting her full weight. Addison’s hands were mapping out Emma’s body methodically. Emma was quickly slipping away under Addison’s gentle touch. “Addy…”

  “Yes?”

  “I need to finish dinner.”

  Addison surprised Emma by reaching over her and turning off the oven.

  “What are you doing?” Emma asked.

  “I thought that would be obvious,” Addison whispered in Emma’s ear.

  “Addy…”

  “I seem to remember some ground rules,” Addison said.

  Emma felt a pulse of energy travel swiftly through her body. Addison was incredibly passionate, but assertiveness tended to be Emma’s role in their intimate life. It was clear that something had inspired Addison to boldness. Emma found it intoxicating.

  “I love to watch you,” Addison repeated. “Working, talking to people, with the girls, standing here cooking,” Addison told her wife as her hands continued to explore Emma’s form, never lingering in one spot too long. “You,” Addison nipped lightly at Emma’s neck. “Are the most,” she sucked gently on an earlobe. “Incredible woman I have ever known.”

  Emma’s hands covered Addison’s and stilled their movement. Something in the tenor of Addison’s voice overwhelmed her emotionally. She turned to face her wife. “Addy…”

  Addison smiled. She brushed a lock of blonde hair out of Emma’s eyes. Breathless—that is how Emma left her. Addison shook her head lightly as she gazed at the woman in her arms. Emma always left her breathless. Addison’s lips met Emma’s tentatively at first as if she had never dared to taste them
before.

  Emma’s hands moved to Addison’s face and held her in place as the kiss gradually deepened. She was surprised when Addison backed her slowly against the island that sat in the middle of the kitchen. Emma’s hands dropped to Addison’s back when Addison’s lips began to meander down her neck to her throat.

  Addison had no intention of stopping what she had started, not even to move to a more suitable venue. She wanted Emma. She had found herself thinking about making love to Emma on and off all day. The moment she had walked into the kitchen, her decision had been made. Addison wanted Emma now. She recalled a similar feeling when the two had first met. The attraction that Addison felt to Emma was overpowering. Emma was like a drug, and Addison had no desire to recover from her addiction. She would happily overdose.

  Addison’s hands had drifted up Emma’s shirt and were beginning a tender exploration, making new discoveries along their way. It amazed Addison that no amount of time seemed to quell her desire for Emma. They had made love countless times in countless ways, and yet each time they came together, Addison discovered something new about the woman she loved. Their marriage had always remained a love affair, and for that Addison was grateful.

  Addison’s thumbs brushed over Emma’s nipples, and Emma’s head fell forward as she tried to catch her breath. “Addy…”

  Addison’s lips met Emma’s, instantly silencing her with a searing kiss. She was inclined to tear off Emma’s blouse, but she steadied her movements wanting to draw out Emma’s arousal. Addison pulled the offending shirt out of Emma’s jeans and began unbuttoning it as their kiss continued to deepen.

  Emma’s fingernails raked over Addison’s back. Addison had barely touched her and Emma was on fire. She sighed when Addison unclasped her bra and swiftly moved her kiss to Emma’s left breast. Emma held Addison’s head in place, urging her to continue. She started to speak and felt Addison place two fingers to her lips.

  Addison stood straight and looked in Emma’s eyes. “My rules today,” Addison said. She kissed Emma lovingly before returning her lips to Emma’s nipples.

  Emma wasn’t sure she would last through whatever Addison had in store for her. She was so turned on that she was tempted to relieve her suffering right then and there. Addison’s touch was tender and demanding at the same time. It had been Addison’s gentle nature that had drawn Emma to her instantly. Emma loved the tenderness that Addison always displayed. Even amid heated passion, Addison’s touch always communicated devotion and reverence. Emma submitted to Addison willingly with a rush of anticipation. She closed her eyes again against the rapture of Addison’s body against hers. Addison’s fingers deftly addressed the button on Emma’s jeans. She slowly dropped her kisses over Emma’s stomach as she lowered the jeans. Emma opened her eyes to find Addison on her knees looking up at her. Addison’s gaze was colored by lust and Emma bit her lip gently to stay silent. Addison’s hand slipped into Emma’s panties, and Emma gasped.

  “God…”

  Addison lifted a brow at her wife. Emma looked back at her pleadingly. Addison smiled and let her finger run slowly over Emma’s center. “Jesus, Em,” Addison groaned in pleasure. Emma’s hips began to arch toward Addison’s touch. Addison pulled back slightly, deliberately teasing Emma. She listened as Emma’s breath quickened and then rasped in frustration. Addison teased Emma some more, circling and rubbing faintly across Emma’s softness.

  Emma thought she might die soon if Addison didn’t touch her—taste her—something. She was moving her hips as a silent plea for Addison to relieve the agony she was in. Part of her wanted Addison to continue her gentle torture, but she feared that the strength in her legs would fail her. She bit her lip harder, willing herself to remain quiet.

  Addison sensed Emma’s growing frustration. She kissed Emma’s belly and took a deep breath. “You are so wet, Em.”

  Emma’s eyes flew open. Addison rarely spoke so freely or pointedly. Addison noted the twinkle of desire in Emma’s eyes. She had surprised Emma with her words. She had also felt the evidence of the arousal that shot through Emma’s body. Addison licked her lips and slipped two fingers inside Emma. “Feel me,” she told Emma.

  Emma felt a strange chill run up and down her spine at the same instant a rush of heat spread through her core. She let her hips match the pace of Addison’s fingers. She could hear her moans mingling in the air with Addison’s sighs of pleasure. She closed her eyes for a moment and pictured Addison naked above her. She would have loved to turn the tables and take Addison. Addison had other ideas. Emma gripped the counter when Addison’s tongue began to bathe her in heated strokes.

  “Oh my God!” Emma could no longer hold back.

  Addison pressed her body against Emma to keep her in place. She quickened the pace and force of her fingers as they moved in and out of Emma, and let her tongue finally brush over Emma’s clit. Immediately, Emma’s body began to tremble. Addison had no intention of releasing Emma quickly. She tasted Emma with abandon and tenderly moved inside her, forcing Emma into a suspended state of ecstasy.

  Emma’s heart was skipping every other beat. Her knees were shaking. He palms were sweaty, making it difficult to keep hold of the counter. Addison pressed her full weight into Emma and finally stilled her fingers while her tongue flicked across Emma’s greatest need repeatedly. Emma cried out something unintelligible followed by Addison’s name.

  Addison felt a small set of tremors begin in her body. She let her tongue slip inside Emma and was met by Emma’s deep moan as another powerful orgasm rocked Emma’s body. Gradually, Addison slowed her pace and allowed her hands to find Emma’s hips. She kissed a trail up the center of Emma’s body to her lips and then to Emma’s forehead. “You drive me crazy, Em.”

  “Mmm. In a good way, I hope.”

  “You have no idea,” Addison said.

  “I think I might have some idea.”

  “Been a long time since we made love in this kitchen,” Addison commented.

  Emma’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, it has.”

  “Been a while since we played Trivial Pursuit too.”

  “Is that what you want to pursue, Addy? Trivia?”

  “Maybe—if there is popcorn and junior mints involved.”

  Emma laughed. She kissed Addison lovingly. “How about dinner and then we can talk about dessert?”

  Addison smiled. “You know,” she said.

  “What?”

  “The girls come back in five days.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Um-hum,” Addison kissed Emma’s neck. “There are about five more rooms we haven’t spent much time alone in for four years.”

  Emma grinned and pulled Addison close for a heated kiss. “Addison Blake, are you suggesting we play trivia in all those rooms?”

  “I’m just suggesting a three-hour tour, or maybe a three-day tour, or maybe…”

  Emma’s kiss silenced any remaining thoughts that Addison had. “Well, I guess I get to be the tour director after all.” If this house is her inspiration, I think we might need to upsize.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “Okay, out with it,” Emma directed Tamara.

  “What are you talking about?” Tamara asked.

  “Nice try, Tam,” Emma replied. “You have been spinning that mug in your hand for the last twenty minutes. What gives?”

  Tamara offered Emma a sheepish grin. “Christie and I are getting married.”

  “Yes, I know. What century is the question.”

  Tamara rolled her eyes. “Very funny, Em.”

  “I wasn’t being funny.”

  “Well, here’s the thing….”

  Emma raised an eyebrow at her friend. Tamara amused her. To Emma, Tamara was the sister she never had. Although they were less than a year apart in age, Emma had long felt that Tamara was the little sister she had always wanted. She suspected that Tamara felt similarly.

  “Go on,” Emma encouraged her friend.

  “I was kind of hoping that when the kids get back, m
aybe we could do it here,” Tamara said in one full breath.

  “My kids?”

  “No, my kids. Hello? Of course, your kids,” Tamara rolled her eyes.

  “I’m trying to follow this. Are you asking me if you and Christie can get married here at our house?”

  “That was the idea—yes. You have a bigger space. And, neither of us want a big thing.”

  Emma nodded. “You know that you can,” she smiled. “So? What century should we plan for or do you think you might need my yard before Hannah heads to college?”

  Tamara groaned. Emma had been gently nudging her for the last two years to follow through with her engagement to Christie and tie the knot. Emma had never pressed. She had encouraged Tamara to lift her feet and walk forward. Tamara always had a million reasons for waiting: Christie was traveling, Tamara had started a new project, they needed a new home—a million reasons that gave little reason at all. It made sense that Emma was skeptical.

  Tamara sighed. “I was hoping that we could do it the Saturday after next.”

  Emma stared at Tamara in disbelief. “That’s less than two weeks,” she said. Tamara nodded. “Huh,” Emma mused aloud.

  “If it’s a problem…”

  Emma snapped back to attention. “What? It’s not a problem,” Emma dismissed the notion. “It’s just sudden.”

  Tamara blushed. “Not really.”

  “You know what I mean, Tam.”

  “Yeah, I know. I just don’t want to wait anymore. That doesn’t mean I’m not still scared shitless.”

  “It is a little scary.”

  “You weren’t scared,” Tamara observed.

  “No? You don’t think so?”

  “Come on, Em, you and Addy were on pins and needles waiting for that day, and you hardly waited at all once she popped the question.”

  “That’s true,” Emma admitted. “Doesn’t mean that we weren’t both scared.”

  “Didn’t seem scared to me. Nervous about the wedding maybe, scared to be married? Didn’t look like that to me.”

  “I was. Addy was too,” Emma said. “I guess I just wanted her a lot more than I was afraid of what that meant.”

  “Em, can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “I mean can I ask without you laughing at me?”