“Something tells me you’ll be back sooner than later.” She smirks up at him.
“Maybe,” he agrees, a smile tugging at his lips, which causes his dimples to pop.
“Let’s eat, shall we?” Betsy suggests.
“Absolutely,” Nathan’s mom, Tina, answers her mother.
“Anything I can help with?” I offer, not wanting to be rude.
“You go take a seat; we’ve got everything covered,” Rodger, Nathan’s dad, answers me as he grabs the pan his wife carried in earlier.
I follow Nathan to the table and wait as he pulls my seat out for me. I sit and he helps push me closer, then takes the seat next to me. We pass the dishes around, filling our plates with the chicken and rice dish his mom made. Like anything else I’ve had that she’s made, it is melt in your mouth good.
“Did you have a good time in California?” Tina asks once we’ve all finished our dinner.
“I did. I’m so glad I was able to make it work to go out for the week. Lacey did a great job handling the bakery.”
“She sure did. I was in a few times and it was business as usual,” Betsy tells me.
“That’s good to hear. My Aunt Rita came in to help her with the baking each morning, and the two new girls we hired fit right in and picked up working the register their first shifts. Lacey also said they did a great job with helping her keep up while I was gone, so hiring them was the right thing to do. I should have done so sooner. I realize just how thin I’d been running Lacey and me. I’ve realized how nice it is to have some extra help.”
“Have you thought of hiring another baker to really give you some added help?” Tina asks.
“The thought crossed my mind. Aunt Rita can’t help forever, but I also wasn’t sure if I could afford anyone else full-time, especially a baker, but I might have the opportunity to do so sooner than later,” I tell them, but don’t go into the details of Nathan’s offer.
“Oh, that will be nice,” Betsy adds.
“As long as I can find someone good. I’ve got a high expectation level, and not just anyone can pass my baking test. I’m super picky and only the best gets served to my customers.”
“Trust me, whatever you’re doing is working. I’ve never tasted something bad come out of your kitchen,” Rodger states.
“Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. It’s always been my goal to make sure that everyone is happy with our baked goods.”
We visit a little while longer, but Nathan has to get to the airport. “Thanks for dinner, but we’ve got to cut things short,” he says, cutting all conversation off.
“Maybe a little notice the next time you’re coming to town?” his mom suggests, standing to give us both a hug goodbye.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He chuckles, giving her a hug before accepting his dad’s outstretched hand. He pulls his dad in for a hug, slapping him on the back in that manly way guys do. Not to leave anyone out, he rounds the table, pulling Betsy into a bear hug, “Love you, G-Ma. Behave yourself. I don’t want any bad reports, now.”
“Well, where’s the fun in that?” she asks, that ornery streak of hers coming back out.
“Something tells me there’s a story behind that comment,” Tina states.
“Oh, there is,” Nathan answers. “One I’ll have to tell you about later.” He looks back at his grandmother, who flashes him a shit-eating grin if I’ve ever seen one.
“Thank you again for having me.”
“Of course, you are always welcome in my home, whether this one is here or not.”
We finally make it out to my car, and Nathan still takes the wheel, heading for my house so he can grab his bag and laptop before it is time for me to drop him off at the airport.
It’s been four days since Nathan returned to California and I last saw him in person. If I haven’t been home sleeping, I’ve been at the bakery just trying to keep my head above water. I gave Lacey yesterday and today off as a thank you for covering for me while I was gone and she had to be in charge.
“Do you need me to do anything else before I take off for the day?” Tracy asks.
“I don’t think so, thank you for your help today.”
“Of course, thank you for the job, I’ve really enjoyed working here.”
I follow Tracy to the door, locking it after she leaves so I can be back in my office and not have to worry about anyone wandering in now that we’re closed for the day.
My phone starts ringing as soon as I walk back into my office. Grabbing it off the desk, I see Nathan’s face filling my screen.
“Hey,” I state, answering the phone. “How’s your day?” I ask.
“Better, now that I’m talking to you.” His sexy voice fills my ear. “How was yours?”
“Long, but good. Tracy worked today and was a huge help. She’s back tomorrow, as well as Lacey.”
“Sounds good. I’ve got some news,” he states, and I perk up at the excitement I’m now noticing in his voice.
“Do share,” I state, sitting down in my office chair.
“Leo and I have a meeting out east with a client next week. I’ve convinced him that when the meeting ends on Friday, that he can head home, and I’ll fly to you for the weekend. Do you think you can get away from Friday night until Sunday?”
“I can try, what did you have in mind?” I ask.
“I was thinking we could go rent a cabin and escape for the short time we’ve got. That way, we’ve got no distractions and I can keep you naked the entire time, if I want to.” I can hear the smirk in his tone. His suggestion sends a jolt of awareness straight to my core and I want nothing more than him between my thighs right now.
“Mhmmm, that sounds like a good plan.”
“You’re rubbing your thighs together right now, aren’t you?” he asks, and dammit, he’s right, I am.
“How’d you know?” I ask, almost a little embarrassed that he knows me so well.
“I know exactly how that mind and body of yours works.”
“Maybe you should call me later tonight on FaceTime and show me what yours is doing,” I toss out, knowing that it will drive him nuts for the next few hours.
“You’re evil, woman. But don’t think I won’t remember that,” he tsks. “I’ll be taking you up on that offer in a few hours, so be ready. I’m going to make you come so hard just from my words, and looking at me stroking my cock while you play with yourself. Fuck, I’m hard already thinking about this little idea of yours.”
“Next week can’t come soon enough,” I admit.
“When are you going to talk to Lacey about selling out to her? I know I told you I’d give you as much time as you need, but I’m also not too proud to beg you to work faster on making some changes so I can have you in my bed every night.”
“I can maybe bring it up this weekend. I think my aunt and uncle were going to take the kids for the weekend so she can have some time to herself.”
“That’s nice of them. Is she dating someone?” he asks.
“Not that I’m aware of. I don’t think she’s quite ready for that yet. The divorce is still kinda fresh.”
“Ah, that makes sense,” he states. “All right, I’ve got to head into another meeting, but I’ll be done in about two hours. Call you then?” he asks.
“I’ll be home and waiting. I’m headed out in just a few.”
“Talk to you later. Love you.”
“I love you, too,” I tell him before the call ends.
I gather my things, my tiredness suddenly gone after that call and the anticipation of what’s to come later tonight.
I make it home, pulling out some leftovers I had in the fridge to heat up for dinner. As it cooks, I pour a glass of wine to enjoy while I catch up on some shows on my DVR. I’ve just finished my second episode of one of my favorite medical shows, when my phone and iPad start ringing. I answer the FaceTime call on my iPad, as it is easier to prop up thanks to the case it is in.
“Hey,” I say, muting the TV so I can hea
r Nathan.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he greets back. “You look nice and cozy.”
“I am. It was a long day and after heating up some leftovers and drinking a glass of wine, I sat down to catch up with some of my shows I’ve been neglecting on the DVR.”
“Ah, well, I just got home and I’m about to pull out one of the meals that Shelly dropped off today when she was here.”
“How was your meeting?” I ask.
“It was good. It was with the commissioner for the hockey league. They granted us permission to move to the next step.”
“Oh, that’s good, so what now?” I ask, excited for him and Leo.
“At this point, we’ve got to hire a few people that will be much more knowledgeable than either of us are, that can help us move forward with the process. Once we have a general manager hired, I think things will move a little smoother. The commissioner gave us some potential contacts. Leo is going to take the lead on setting up interviews with them.”
“That’s amazing! When do you think those will happen?”
“Hopefully in the next few days, maybe even before we have to head out east next week.”
“That’s fast.”
“It is, but time is money. We’ll put these guys on the first available flight and bring them to us. Anyone in the position to take on a job like this one, will be willing to drop everything to come meet with us. We’re talking about a few million-dollar salary contract, they’ll come to us, babe,” he states like it’s nothing.
“I still can’t fathom that kind of dollar amount.”
“I know, but it’s my life, day in and day out. It took me a few months to get used to dealing with such big contracts after our first one,” he tells me.
“Your grandmother came in today,” I tell him, changing the subject.
“Oh God, please tell me she behaved herself?” he groans.
“She did.” I giggle at his worry. “She only asked me once if I was ready to marry you and give her a great-grandbaby.”
“Of course, she did,” he says, wiping a hand over his face.
“I told her soon,” I tell him, and he about drops the phone.
“Excuse me, can you repeat that?” he asks, a little shocked.
“I told her soon, somewhat as a joke to see how she’d respond. You know, give her a little taste of her own medicine, so to speak, but also it isn’t a secret that we love each other and that’s the end goal.”
“I love everything about what you just said. The sassy way you tried to get back at her, but most of all knowing that you’re going to be mine, and hopefully sooner than later. How soon after I wife you up am I allowed to knock you up? Fuck, I’m already getting hard at the vision of you all swollen with our baby.”
“I have no idea. Let’s table that discussion for another day, sound good?” I suggest. I can’t even wrap my mind around a baby today. I know I want kids, but one thing at a time.”
“If you insist.” He smirks at me through the camera.
“I do, now, go eat, then call me back. I’m going to go soak in the bath for a little bit before I crawl into bed. If you’re lucky, I’ll be naked when you call me back.”
“How long do I have to wait? I can forget about eating if that means you’ll get naked right now.”
“Tempting, but I need to soak, first.”
“I’m sure a couple orgasms will get you nice and relaxed.”
“Not as good as if you were here giving them to me personally.”
He groans and I don’t miss the way he adjusts himself. “Don’t remind me. I’m already warning you that you better be ready for me when I get there next week. We’ll be delaying our departure to the cabin by at least an hour after I arrive, as I don’t think I’ll be able to hold out that long before I’m inside of you.”
“Have I ever told you how much I love your dirty mouth?” I ask, getting all hot and bothered just thinking about next weekend.
“I don’t think so, but you can continue.” He smirks again.
“Yeah, I’ll be going now,” I say, getting up to head into my bedroom.
“I have an even better idea. Prop your iPad up in the bathroom and let me come with you.”
“I suppose I can do that,” I tell him, turning around and going back into the kitchen so I can refill my wine glass. If we’re really going to do this over FaceTime, I’m going to need a little more liquid encouragement.
I set my iPad down on the closed toilet seat and make sure it is angled towards the end I’ll be resting against. I turn the temperature up, almost a little too hot, it cools down fairly quickly since I don’t have jets in my tub to keep the water circulating and warm. I strip out of my clothes, only a tiny bit shy about being on camera.
“Fuck, I want to be there with you.” He groans as I slip into the water. He can’t see much more than from the shoulders up, thanks to the lip of the tub and where my iPad is.
“You’ll just have to use your imagination until then,” I tell him, getting comfortable against my bath pillow. I take a sip of my wine, before turning to look at the screen.
Nathan has moved to his bed, his iPad propped up on the mattress next to him. I about swallow my tongue as I take in his naked body. His fist around his hard cock as he slowly strokes it from root to tip.
“Tell me what we’d be doing if I was there, or you were here.”
“I’d slip in that tub behind you, pulling you to rest against my chest. I’d roam my hands over every inch of your creamy skin. At first, I’d avoid all the tender spots where I know my touch turns you on, building up that anticipation even more. I might start out by kissing that tender spot behind your ear, or maybe brush my thumbs over your nipples. I definitely would wait to lower down and play with your clit and pussy, but eventually, I’d sink two fingers inside, making you come on my hand.”
“Tell me more,” I pant, already teasing myself as I imagine everything he’s just said.
“Are you fucking that sweet pussy with your fingers?” he asks.
“Yes.” I can’t hold back the moan that falls from my lips as I press against my clit.
“Fuck,” he groans, and I notice his fist is moving faster over his shaft. “Tell me what you’re feeling?”
“I’m so close,” I tell him, sliding my fingers in and out while I play with my clit. I watch in amazement as he pumps his cock, the amount of focus he has as he does is mesmerizing. The way the muscles in his arm flex reminds me of what it looks like when he’s working my body over. “I-I can’t,” I stammer, “I’m coming,” I tell him as I shudder around my fingers. My head falls back, smacking against the tub.
“Shit, that was sexy,” he says, and I open my eyes just in time to see him crest over his own orgasm as his cum hits his abs. “See what you do to me?” he asks, pointing to his spent cock and cum-covered abs.
“You do the same to me, I’d say,” I remind him. He might not be able to see the evidence of my orgasm like I can see his, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t any less powerful.
“Now, I might actually get some sleep tonight.” He chuckles.
“I agree,” I say, a yawn hitting me hard.
“You’re tired, why don’t you get cleaned up and go to bed. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I agree, not having the energy to argue with him tonight.
“I love you,” he says.
“Love you, too,” I tell him before we disconnect the call.
I relax a few minutes longer, enjoying my wine until the water starts to turn cold. I can’t believe we just had sexy times over FaceTime, but when distance isn’t on our side, I guess we make do with what we’ve got, for now.
19
Nathan
“We need profit and loss statements, along with copies of your tax returns for the last three years. Once we have those and our accountants can look them over, we’ll get back to you if we’re open to investing in your company. Just know, they’re some of the best in the business, so if you
’re trying to hide something, they will find it, so come clean before that happens. If we can’t trust our business partners from the beginning, then what makes you think we can once we’re actually in business together?” I tell Garrett and Grant, the two brothers who we’re meeting with today while in New York for some meetings. They’re seeking a two-million-dollar investment into their start up. While their pitch sounds promising, I want to make sure they have the documentation to back up their claim.
I love playing hard ball with business owners that come to Leo and me, asking for a capital investment into their business. If we don’t see the potential to make money, what’s the point of investing? It is amazing how many shady businesspeople there are out there, just trying to pull a fast one on a rich person that they think they can scam out of some money and get away with it. Do businesses fail? Absolutely. We’ve had some bad investments over the years, but we try and minimize them as much as possible.
“Of course, we can send that information today, now, if you’d like,” Garrett states, and I like the confidence behind his quick answer. One way I can sniff out someone trying to hide something is when they want to delay sending requested documentation. It always makes me think they’re going to go in and doctor it up to reflect what they think we want to see. But when someone is willing to send us the documents right then and there, that shows me they’re solid.
“Anytime today is fine,” I tell him. I pull out a business card with our accounting office contact information, and slide it across the table. “This is who you need to send everything to. If they have questions, they’ll reach out directly to you. Once they’ve had the chance to look over everything, they’ll send a report to Leo and me with their input. Once that happens, if we’re interested in moving forward, one of us will reach back out to you. Expect that process to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I’m sorry I can’t give a more specific timeframe, but we do try and move as quickly as possible.”
“We understand, and thank you again for your time. We understand just how busy the two of you are and are just thankful to have had the opportunity to pitch our company to you,” Grant adds.
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