"Is this it, Mum?" Lottie asks.

I lower my head to look out of the car window, as she strains to look over my shoulder.

The flat is part of what once was a large Regency house. The perfect frontage in white stucco along with the tall, thin multi-sashed windows, give it the classic Georgian look. I love the plainly elegant shallow porch, and the beautifully arched doorway over a glossy navy blue door.

Inside does not disappoint either. The flat is simply stylish in an oatmeal colour throughout. It's perfectly small with contemporary furnishings. Devoid of any personal clutter, yet has everything that we need. In the lounge, there is only a comfy tanned leather suite, a glass table and chairs, a flat screen TV and a quaint focal fireplace made of oak. The two bedrooms are cosily furnished in teal and beige with bedside tables on either side of the double beds. An off-white fitted wardrobe sits on the left hand side of both rooms. The bathroom is again neutral with floor-to-ceiling biscuit coloured tiles with a stunning roll top bath and luxury power shower.

When I walk into the kitchen, although there is no window, it's deceptively bright and airy with white units and speckled grey granite worktops. Overall, it's a perfect part-time pad.

"What do you think, girls?"

"I love it, Mum." Lissy is busy familiarising herself, stroking the worktops and opening the kitchen cupboards to see them bare and empty yet beautifully clean.

I open the oven door and take a peep inside. "It's just what we need, isn't it?" I say cheerfully.

"We are so close to the town centre, too." She inquisitively opens a draw to peek inside.

"It's absolutely perfect for us, not far from your dad, my work or your school."

"Jonny has good taste, doesn't he Mum?" Lottie states matter-of-factly, she never fails to raise a smile.

"Yes, he does, darling."

"So, what are we going to do now then?" Her young, enthusiastic eyes search my face.

"Well, I think we had better get some food in for starters. Nothing which will perish though, as I won't be back here until Sunday."

"Can we come and see you on Sunday, Mum?" Lissy asks.

"Of course you can. That's the whole point of why Jonny got us this place, so we can see as much of each other as possible. Why don't you ask your dad whether you can stay here with me on Sunday night? When Lydia picks me up for work on Monday morning we can drop you back."

"I think that will be okay with Dad." Lissy replies. I stroke her silky hair, brushing it across her left shoulder.

"Good." I smile.

***

That afternoon, we shopped for food and toiletries needed in the flat. After a light lunch of pesto pasta salad, we all snuggle in front of the television and watch repeated yet uplifting Christmas films. I'm sat between the girls and they both have their youthful legs draped across my lap. I'm feeling on top of the world. I still find Jonny to be unfathomably amazing for sorting out the flat for my girls and me. He's enabled us to enjoy some quality time together just like we are now. Thinking of him, I decide to send a text.

"Lissy darling, could you pass me my bag please?" Once in my grasp, I search my bag and retrieve my mobile. I notice that I've already missed a text from Jonny.

Despite you not waking me up to say good-bye this morning, I still find myself missing you. Hoping you and the girls are happy with the flat ... love you.

J X

A warmness fills my insides from his sincere yet amusing text. I promptly tap in a reply.

Mr. Sleepy Head. I figured you could do with the beauty sleep as you were up so late last night! Big bags under the eyes don't look good on anyone, even you, Mr. Riley! The girls and I adore the flat. It is perfect ... as are you.

Jessica xxxxxxxxxxxx

I feel like I am glowing with the luminosity his love gives me. I'm not even aware I am smiling until Lottie comments on it. "What's so funny, Mum?" she asks.

"Nothing, darling. Jonny is just asking whether we like the flat, that's all."

She pops a handful of popcorn into her mouth. "Did you tell him we love it?"

I look at her, smiling. "Yes, I have."

"Say hi to him from me," she requests.

"I will." I am typing words to that effect when I receive another text from Jonny.

You've not forgotten about me then, Dimples?

J X

I smile. Like that could ever happen! I speedily reply.

I couldn't even if I tried!

Jessica xxxxxxxxx

Straight away another message is sent by him.

I miss you

J X

Oh, I'm missing you too. More than you'll ever know! I think to myself, quickly tapping in my reply.

I miss you too and the girls say hi!

Jessica xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The text messages keep on coming.

Say hi back ... what time do you think you'll be home?

J X

I respond quickly.

I should be back about seven.

Jessica x

A smile forms across my lips, once I have read his reply.

Finally, we will have some US time ... I have a little surprise in store for you Mrs. Neel!

J X

I wonder what he could mean? I am more than a little excited about what exactly Jonny has lined up for me later this evening. I reply with over enthusiastic tapping on my mobile.

How very intriguing?

Jessica x

I get a bubbly, giddy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Thoughts excitedly run through my mind with lightheaded wonder. What exactly does Mr. Fuckable have in store for me?

***

After dropping the girls off. The drive back down to Chelsea doesn't take as long as I thought it would. Simon was telling me all about his plans for the rest of the evening and for the few days he has off, which involve dividing his time between his family, friends and Mitzy.

I was telling him all about my afternoon. How great the flat is and reminiscing about some of the places I used to go to in Cheltenham. Then we chatted for ages about the Christmas party. Laughing about how Helena tried to get Beef to dance with her, but he flatly refused despite her constant badgering. We were also in hysterics about the amount of times that Jake had to catch Lydia from falling over in her divine killer heels. All that we talked about, certainly made it a much more enjoyable journey.

"Have a lovely Christmas, Simon. I am very grateful to you for giving up your Christmas Eve to take me to Cheltenham and back," I say as he holds the car door open for me.

"That's what I'm paid for, Jessica." he warmly replies.

I smile. "That may be so, but I'm still very grateful." I reply as he takes my hand, helping me out of the car.

"My pleasure. Make sure you and Mr. Riley have a great Christmas." Simon says, closing the car door behind me.

"Thank you, we will." Yes we will . . . no fear about that! I think with a naughty little smirk.

Simon looks around to see if there are any paps hanging about. There aren't. Our story is now old and tired news. The press has had their pound of flesh from us. They have now moved on to more important and newsworthy celebs to adorn their front pages. "I'll walk you in." he says, walking protectively behind me. I know he's nowhere near as big as Beef, but I still feel safe with Simon.

"Thank you." I gratefully reply.

He escorts me inside, waving good-bye with a big boyish grin. No doubt he's relieved to be finally having some well deserved time off. I step into the lift. My girlish giddiness seems to have returned with a vengeance, as it goes up to the apartment. When the lift doors open, I am met by the darkened hallway. There is only a flickering candle on the hallway table, softly lighting the way for me. I walk towards it. Only then do I see that the dining room has candlelight coming from inside it, flicking shadowy patterns all over its large walls.

"Jonny?" I enquire in a quiet voice.

"In here," a soft voice can be heard from the far end of the room. I slowly walk into the glowing space. Right at the top end of the huge table is a silver candelabra with five impressive branches each holding a lit candle. The table has been set for two with beautifully ornate lead crystal wine glasses and red linen napkins. Jonny is standing there, patiently waiting for me to join him.

I am so flattered that Jonny has done this for me. It feels so utterly romantic, that I do what any woman would do . . . grin from ear to ear. "What's all this?" I ask, with a parted mouth.

Jonny welcomes me with his loving smile. "I wanted to do something special for you," he answers, standing in front of me. The candles' dancing glow reveals the golden flecks hidden within his creamy hazel eyes.

My arms clasp around his neck, my body needing to be close to his. "Thank you, it's gorgeous."

Jonny kisses my nose and asks, "Are you hungry?" I nod in response.

The boyish grin he wears so well looks down at me. "Don't get too excited, I've only put the leftovers on some fancy plates." I giggle as he pulls out the chair for me, gesturing with his suave hand to take my seat at the table. He carefully pours some wine into two glasses. As he hands me mine, he whispers. "I love your laugh, that dimple of yours is irresistible." His eyes are seductive and captivating this evening. I am magnetised by them. Time seems to stop when we are alone. I always lose myself to him completely. My free will leaves me at the mercy of him every single time. I watch him move confidently around the table, not once breaking our heated gaze. Oh, this is too damn hot!

"Thank you." I say, taking a provocative sip of my white wine.

Holding his glass in his hand, he gives me a sexy half-smile. "So you liked the flat then?"

"It's fabulous. It really is going to make life so much easier," I gush.

"I'm glad." he replies, licking his full lips with his devilish tongue after a sip of his drink. His piercing stare is one I have never seen before. It's still Jonny but it's a darker Jonny. A hot as hell, Jonny. There is something more hiding behind those wolfish spheres of his . . . I just don't know what it is yet.

I try to keep the conversation going, which is hard to do when Jonny Riley is looking at you like he wants to devour you any second now. "So did your Mum, Steph and Harry get off okay?" Keep talking, Jessica!

"They did," Jonny's reply is short and curt with a low huskiness to his voice. He continues to stare beneath his darker lashes. I suppress my need to gulp hard by taking a much needed sip of my wine. He leans back in his chair, one arm draped over the back of it. He looks absolutely divine this evening in a black shirt, loosely buttoned with a complementary pair of black jeans. I swear, this beautiful man would look fucking divine wearing only a black bag. Everything about him is naturally sensual; from every pore, he oozes sexiness and tonight he's in a playful mood. Oh yes!

I try to turn the tables. "You have a wicked glint in your eye tonight." I say with a confident grin.

His eyebrow quirks up. "Do I?"

"Yes, you do. You're behaving very badly tonight, Mr. Riley." I seductively tilt my head to meet his incessant gaze.

"Talking of bad, you have been too," he says with a dark edge to his low voice.

I try to swallow slowly, playing down my surprise. Shit . . . what have I done? "Have I?" I ask in a shaky voice. I honestly don't understand why the hell I am acting like I have done something wrong? Shit!

Jonny sits forward, putting his hands on the table. He continues to stare, holding the stem of the wine glass between his calm fingers. "Yes, you have. I thought you knew you could talk to me about anything?"

I lift my chin, meeting his hard stare. "I know I can." Is that the right answer? Shit, I'm drowning here! Not only does his heavy gaze persecute me, so do my own thoughts.

Jonny's lips pinch together as he tilts his head. "Not about everything it would seem?" He throws me a displeased look. Fuck! What is he on about?

I try to remain calm, coolly responding. "Like what, exactly?" I ask, smiling sweetly.

"Come on, Jessica. Talk to me. I sensed something was bothering you, but chose to ignore it. Then Stephanie let something slip last night. I was too drunk to make any sense of it then, but I've thought of nothing else since." He tells me, blinking slowly.

I look at him from across the table. Although we are quite close to one another, his cross expression makes me feel like we are miles away from one another. "Is it about America?" I ask in a whisper.

"Yes it is . . . why didn't you speak to me sooner?" he demands in a calm voice.

I shrug my shoulders like a child. "There never seemed to be a good time."

"So tell me now." He asks, abruptly.

I hold my glass tightly in both my hands like it's my security blanket, twisting it between my fingers. Right . . . here goes nothing! "Okay. The thing is, I've been worrying, stupidly so may I add, about your career taking off in America. I worry that eventually you may want to live out there." I look at the table. I can't bring myself to look at him. I suddenly feel ridiculously silly after my reluctant confession.

Jonny leans across the table, taking my hand into his. "Jessica, I can't say how things are going to pan out in America. Even if it did take off, I would choose my roles wisely. I would never do anything which would risk me and you not being together." Relief washes over me. I can't help but smile with relief, too.

I look him in the eye. "I'm sorry I didn't talk to you. It was only when Stephanie mentioned something yesterday did it trigger all of these stupid fears to run away with me. We've been so busy, there just never seemed to be a good time to talk to you about it."

Jonny shakes his head, looking back at me. "You always let your gorgeous yet crazy mind run away with you, Jessica."

"I know I do . . . what can I say? It's a bloody curse!" I joke feebly with a shrug of my embarrassed shoulder.

Jonny lifts my chin with his finger. "Anything I do, I will run by you first because I love you."

I close my eyes with a smile. "I love you, too."

We sit there, in relieved silence. Another hurdle has been jumped over and will be gladly put behind us now.

Jonny then throws me one of his to-die-for smiles. "Now we've got that out of the way, you had better get your sexy ass over here now, Dimples!" He pushes out his chair, patting his lap. I gracefully move around the table and ease myself slowly down onto him. His arms wrap around my body. "That feels better now, doesn't it?"

I smile contentedly. "It does."

"You know that I love travelling, but I would never leave England. I am well aware that your life is here with the girls." Jonny kisses my nose.

With one arm around his neck, I tilt my head forward to see his face. "Why are you so damn understanding?" I ask him.

"It's not about understanding. It's about telling the truth, Jessica. I know my lifestyle is going to affect yours, even though I really am trying hard to keep things as normal as I possibly can for you. However, there will be things in my life that will happen and will involve choices needing to be made. However, any choices I do have to make, will always be passed by you first, okay?" His reassuring hold tightens around me.

"Okay, but what if things did take off in America, what then?"

Jonny placates me with a kiss to my neck. "Let's just see how I do out there first, shall we?"

I frown, holding his face in my hands. "Just humour me here, Jonny! What if you do get offered more film roles out there and things are going well. Would it mean you'll be away more?" I ask with a deadly serious expression.

Jonny shakes his head. "Not necessarily, no. It depends on a lot of things. Where the film is being shot. Who the other actors are and of course whether I want the role in the first place," he confidently answers.

I rest my head on his shoulder and sigh. "I'm sorry I keep going on about it. I'm scared, that's all."

Jonny takes my face into his understanding hands. "Listen to me, Jessica. You are my life. If you are here, then that can only mean one thing . . . our life is here. I may get more overseas offers, but there are ways and means to work around them so it doesn't affect us. I love you so fucking much, Dimples. I will do everything . . . I mean everything, to protect that. Have you now got that inside your crazy-assed brain?" He laughs.

I smirk. "I think I've got it, Mr. Riley." Jonny seals our conversation with a loving kiss. His eyes close and he kisses me with such tender assurance, that my heavy mind now feels weightless.

Jonny pulls back, tracing my lips with the pad of his thoughtful thumb. "I don't want our last days together being thwarted with worry. I want us to enjoy our time left. I want to kiss and make love to you. I want us to laugh and have fun. I want us to be just that . . . us."

I hold him, really tight. Once upon a time Jonny Riley used to be in my dreams, but now he's in my arms and in my life. "I love you." I say, kissing his eyes, his nose and finally his beautiful mouth. When we separate from our loving kiss, Jonny's eyes brighten with his huge smile. He quickly stands up with me still in his arms. I squeal, fearful he may drop me.

"What about dinner?" I ask.

"Dinner can wait; we need to build up an appetite first." He starts carrying me out of the dining room.

"And how do you suggest we build up our appetites, Mr. Riley?" I suggestively pout, batting my lashes at him.

"Well . . . I am going to take you upstairs and fuck you senseless, Jessica Neel," he relays with his dominant reply, cocky as hell grin and deep desire in his eyes. I wrap my legs tightly around his waist as his strong arms carry me up the stairs to do just that!