“Brooke,” he said breathless. “You are so beautiful, what did I ever do to deserve someone as special as you? That dress…the color, it brings out your eyes, you’re glowing.” He pulled me into him, his soft lips feathering light, loving kisses over mine. I couldn’t get enough of his love; I moved closer wanting to feel every emotion that I knew he would make me feel. I opened my mouth allowing him to go deeper, making me forget every horrible thing that had happened in my past. He was my rock, master of my heart, keeper of my soul. I never wanted this moment to end. A few more strokes of our tongues and then a caress down my cheek and the kiss was broken. Dylan pulled away reaching into his pocket.
“Princess, I have something for you,” he said as he produced a rectangular box revealing diamond tear drop earrings and matching necklace. “You should always be dressed in diamonds Brooke; your beauty does them justice. Turn around baby, let me put it on you and don’t take it off until after I’ve thoroughly fucked you wearing nothing but this and the earrings,” he said brushing his lips against my ear. Chills ran down my body at the excitement of his touch. Oh why can’t we just stay here and start now, I thought.
“I know what you’re thinking Brooke,” Dylan said raising his brow at me. “Trust me baby, I would love nothing more than to unzip you right out of that dress and have you on the kitchen table but we can’t miss this party, save your appetite for later princess, you’re gonna need it.” I bit my bottom lip while looking at the promise of the kitchen table thinking of all the things I could do to Dylan on there. Oh…the game was so on.
“Princess,” he said in an uneasy tone. “I don’t know what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours right now, but that look says you’re up to no good.”
“You have no idea cowboy but you’re gonna like it,” I said giggling and grabbing his hand leading him down to the car.
“If it involves you Brooke, I will love it,” he said leaning down kissing my cheek. “Come, Andrew is waiting; he has the pleasure of driving us tonight.” I took Dylan’s hand as he led me to the shiny black limo where Andrew was indeed waiting for us with the door open and greeted us, “Mr. Prescott, Ms. Stone,” he said as he nodded. Placing his hand on the small of my back, Dylan helped me slide onto the black seat bench and then slid in next to me. There was suddenly a distance between us, one I couldn’t put my finger on, but Dylan seemed nervous. Really nervous. I had never seen him so quiet and lost in his own head as he was on our car ride to the Prescott Mansion. He reached for my hand bringing it to his lips for a kiss and then held on for dear life. I couldn’t put my finger on what was going on with him, but if I had to guess, I would have had to say he was having second thoughts about taking me to meet his parents. A lump was forming in my throat as we neared the street where Dylan’s parents would be waiting for our arrival.
CHAPTER 8
As the limo pulled around into the large curved driveway, we were greeted by paparazzi lining the streets and a red carpet that was laid out for guests attending the party. When the car came to a stop Dylan let out a deep breath, leaning over and whispering in my ear, “show time.” As if I wasn’t nervous enough to meet his parents the paparazzi added to my unsettled state. I was just a commoner, a virtual nobody who valued her privacy. Andrew came around and opened the door and as Dylan stepped out the reporters shouted his name, “Mr. Prescott, Mr. Prescott.” He reached in, helping me out of the car and as we walked along the red carpet up to the large colonial mansion, more calls from reporters rang out. “Mr. Prescott, Mr. Prescott, who is the lovely lady that accompanies you this evening?” Dylan stopped, gripping my hand tightly; “this lovely lady is Ms. Brooke Stone.”
“Mr. Prescott, is she your new love interest?” another reporter asked.
“No comment at this time,” Dylan responded. “You know I like to keep my personal life private. Ms. Stone is a close, personal friend of mine and we’ll leave it at that for now.”
“Ms. Stone, how do you feel about Mr. Arici being arrested and charged with murder?” a reporter from the Tribune asked. I looked at Dylan as he held my hand tighter and didn’t respond to the reporter.
“Ms. Stone has no comment at this time regarding Mr. Arici’s involvement in Ms. Martinelli’s death,” Dylan responded. “It’s been a pleasure ladies and gentlemen, now please excuse us,” he said as we joined the party in the mansion. He handled the paparazzi with such style and ease, like it was second nature to him. Watching him command a crowd was sexy, intriguing and hot as hell. Dylan in a tux was like strawberries dipped in chocolate and he was the chocolate; delicious, mouth watering, pure sexual bliss. Pouring chocolate on Dylan’s cock and licking it off came to mind; oh the fun I could have, yes, blind folded Dylan on the kitchen table dipped in chocolate. A shiver ran through me and then I nearly killed myself as I tripped on my dress.
I was just about to do a face plant on the floor when a very handsome older gentleman caught me just as I began to fall. “Thank you,” I said straightening, still holding on to the stranger.
“I don’t know what came over me, sometimes I can be so clumsy,” I responded giving an embarrassed look. I was even more embarrassed when I realized who it was that caught me. Piercing blue eyes looked into mine, the same piercing blue eyes that I now knew so well. “Dylan,” he nodded. “I assume this is the beautiful Brooke that you have been hiding from all of us, isn’t it son?”
“Dad I haven’t been hiding her, the timing just wasn’t right. She’s been through a lot over the last couple of months, as you well know.” His father nodded, “yes, I am aware of the ordeals that this beautiful young woman has been through. Welcome to the party my dear, we are very glad that you could make it tonight; I’m Dylan’s father Wade Prescott. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, my wife Rebecca and I have heard so much about you. Speaking of Rebecca, Dylan, why don’t you go and find your mother. She has been anxious all day to meet the lucky woman who has finally won your heart.” Dylan raised his brow and shrugged, “princess, I’ll be right back. Dad, don’t talk her ear off and no telling stories of when I was little.” Wade laughed deep from his chest; “Dylan, I do believe that is your mother’s department, not mine, so I’ll leave that to her.”
I giggled to myself as Dylan went in search of his mother. He looked so much like his father it was unreal. Wade Prescott had the same panty dropping smile as his son, his mannerisms almost identical and his eyes, they were just as blue and sparkly as Dylan’s. I could now see what Dylan was going to look as he aged and it didn’t suck. I was playing nervously with the necklace that Dylan had given me earlier, enough so, his dad took notice.
“A gift from Dylan?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” I said. “He spoils me all the time, I wish there was something I could do for him. Now that I’m not working, I don’t have the means to give him much.”
“Oh, I don’t believe that’s true Brooke. I think you give him plenty. I’ve never seen my son so smitten with a woman and I can understand why. Not only are you beautiful, you’re a fighter, a survivor and you’re the perfect match for Dylan. Trust me, that boy has dated for years and he hasn’t brought any of the others to meet me or his mother. You’re special Brooke, take care of him.”
“I love him,” I said softly looking in Dylan’s direction.
Wade took my hand in his, “I can see that and he loves you too. Why don’t we go see what’s holding those two up. I’ll hold on to you so you don’t’ have another mishap,” he said laughing.
Same smartass sense of humor, yep, Dylan was a spitting image of his father. He wasn’t anything like I had expected. In my mind, I figured CEO, wealthy business man, arrogant, pompous ass. He was none of those things; in fact he was very laid back, the total opposite of what anyone might imagine.
We entered the beautifully decorated ballroom in search of Dylan and his mother. I grabbed a drink from one of the waiters that was carrying champagne on a tray as he passed by. As Wade and I approached, I saw what h
ad been keeping them. I tried to control the tears that welled up in my eyes, the burning in my throat, the incredible urge to cause a scene, but I couldn’t…I was paralyzed. Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe, move or form a word out of my mouth. Pain was what I felt, until she reached out and linked her arm in his and then my blood boiled. Misty stood there with a smug look on her face glaring at me as Dylan tried to distance himself from her, his mother clueless to Misty’s actions.
I threw back my drink and handed the glass to another waiter that walked by.
“I’m sorry Mr. Prescott, will you please excuse me? I need to use the ladies room,” I said wanting to put as much distance as I possibly could between all of us.
“Are you alright Brooke?” he asked.
“Yes, I just need a moment in the ladies room.”
“Don’t be too long, I know Rebecca is anxious to meet you.”
Yeah, it looks like it, I thought. I was grateful there was no one in the restroom when I entered. Tears began to run down my cheeks and my eyes began to resemble that of a raccoon. Shit! This is not the time or place to have a fucking melt down. Get it together Brooke. UGH. For fuck sake, pull your shit together. The tears kept coming, I took a cold, wet towel to my eyes and cleaned up the massacre that was taking place on my face and hoped like hell that no one would notice that I had been crying. Of course I knew they would since my nose looked like Rudolph, so I took care of what I could and called it good.
As I exited the ladies room, I took in the scenery of the ballroom. The décor was exquisite. White linens lined the tables with fine china and polished silverware; while chandeliers hung with hints of gold. Heavy golden embroidered draperies covered the windows, accentuating the large wooden dance floor that would later be occupied after the evening’s dinner events. Not wanting to face Dylan, his family and the evil hag muffin, I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air. The grounds were equally as stunning as the interior of the mansion. The air was still a bit chilly as evening set but the flowers had bloomed and the gardens were littered with beautiful reds, oranges and yellows that offset the greenery of the trees framing the magnificent palace.
I walked further into the garden area hoping to escape from anyone finding me. I knew it was childish but my temper needed time to cool down or the next time I entered the room, I would no doubt cause a terrible scene. As I continued to walk down the path, the lights getting dimmer, I stumbled across a large, three tiered fountain; its water changing colors every few seconds. It wasn’t the first time I had seen a fountain like this but this one in particular caught my eye. It was breathtaking within its surroundings that brought a calming easiness to my soul. I watched in awe as the water cascaded, illuminating each twinkling light in the night. I could have stood there forever, taking in the simplicity of it all.
A warm breeze scattered across the back of my neck as I took in the scene, then I was hit with the familiar scent that I had come to love and need every day since I’d met him.
“Baby,” he whispered in my ear letting his lips slide across my neck.
I turned staring into piercing, blue eyes that longed to say something. I started to say something when he placed a finger over my lips. “Shh,” he said. “I don’t want to argue, just let me hold you, feel you in my arms.”
“Dylan,” I said breathlessly. “I don’t want her ever touching you again. It kills me when I see you two together.”
“Brooke, what will it take for me to prove that she means nothing to me? You are all that I want and more. Misty was a date for one of my father’s VP’s. I had no idea she would be here, and I’m sorry you saw what you did. There was nothing I could do. I tried to break away without being rude in front of my mother.”
“I know,” I whispered, wiping a tear from my eye. “I watched you and I had to get out of there before I turned violent and caused an awful scene in front of your parents and their guests. That wouldn’t have left a very good first impression, now would it?”
“Princess, I think you’d be surprised at how my parents would react to something like that, especially if they knew the history between me and Misty, which they don’t and I’d kind of like to keep it that way.”
“Dylan, how are we ever going to make it with everything and everyone trying to come between us? Have you thought about that? I have so much extra baggage and you…well, you keep hiding things from me. What am I supposed to think when Misty keeps popping up in the picture and you leave and don’t come home for days? How would you feel if I did that to you and then asked you to trust me?”
“I’d be angry Brooke and you’re right, I haven’t been completely honest with you with where I went when I didn’t come home. Do you really want to know where I was? Do you think you can handle it if I tell you?”
“I have to know, I said as I began to cry. You were with her, weren’t you?”
“No Brooke,” he said wiping my tears away, looking into my eyes. “I wasn’t with her. I told you, she means nothing to me, you’re who I want; why can’t you see that?”
“I do, I’m just so afraid of losing you Dylan. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you.”
“Princess, I feel the same way,” he said as leaned in, his lips slowly and gently sliding against mine. I opened my mouth, allowing him to go deeper our tongues twisting with one another, becoming one. “Mmm,” I moaned as he pulled away breaking the kiss.
“Brooke…, I,” he ran nervous fingers through his hair.
“Dylan, what is it? What has gotten you so frazzled? Is it your parents? Your dad is cool, I don’t know much about your mom because I haven’t met her yet, but I’m sure she’s nice.”
“Brooke! Stop talking, for just a minute…please stop!”
I wasn’t sure what was going on with Dylan but he was on edge and it was starting to worry me. I’d never seen him so frazzled, nervous, so freaked out and then he knelt down on one knee before me holding a ring in his other hand, the lights from the fountain illuminating his gorgeous face. I put my hands over my mouth and gasped in total shock.
Dylan reached for my hand, cocking his head as a smile reached his lips, his eyes full of love and happiness.
“Brooke Elizabeth Stone, there is no one in this world that I’d rather spend the rest of my life with. You have brought so much joy and happiness into my life; you make me want to be a better man. I promise to love you always, through good times and bad; I will cherish you forever. Brooke, will you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my wife?”
“Yes, oh my god Dylan, yes! I will marry you,” I squealed as he slid the gorgeous, 4 carat, squared, princess cut diamond on my finger. The ring was exquisite, set in a platinum gold band with smaller diamonds wrapping around the larger diamond in the center. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from my finger, I was engaged to a man I truly loved and that loved me just as much. All of my hopes and dreams were finally coming true, I was so happy knowing that this feeling would never end as long as I was with Dylan.
“Brooke, there’s just one more thing. The night I left to go meet the governor and didn’t come home, I wasn’t with Misty like you thought. I had gone to my parent’s house to ask my mom if I could have the ring that my grandfather had given my grandmother when he asked her to marry him. The ring that is on your finger, it’s special, it means a great deal to my family but nothing in comparison to what you mean to me. I stayed up all night talking to my mom and then decided to crash at my parent’s house because it was so late. You were never alone princess, I was always coming home to you.”
“Dylan I…I’m sorry I ever doubted you,” I said as tears streamed down my face. “I’m so happy and I can’t wait to start our lives together. I love you, so much it hurts.”
“Brooke,” he whispered taking me into his arms and placing a soft gentle kiss on my lips.
“I have a surprise for you, but first we need to get back in there before they send security out to come looking for us. You have yet to meet my mother and she’s really loo
king forward to meeting you.”
Grabbing my hand he placed a kiss on the finger that now displayed I was his and his alone. As we entered the ballroom, the guests had begun the evening’s festivities with a dance of the waltz. Taking me in his arms, Dylan proceeded to lead me in the dance. He was a wonderful dancer, graceful, commanding; which made him an excellent lover in bed. Sweeping me off my feet, Dylan leaned in, smiling and whispering in my ear, “I know what you’re thinking princess. I can see it written all over your face. We can’t do it here, although, having you up on that stage would be fun. I say after you meet my mother, we skip dinner and go straight for dessert.”
I nodded in agreement, knowing that whatever he had planned it would be the best night of my life. We exited the floor when I bumped into an older, petite brunette. She was stunning in her royal blue gown, short bob hair style and eyes as blue as the sea. “Oh my,” she squealed. “You must be Brooke. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said beaming from ear to ear.
“Mother, this is Brooke; Brooke this is my mother Rebecca.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said sticking my hand out to shake hers.
“Oh no dear, the pleasure is all mine. I finally get to meet the girl that has finally won my sons heart,” she said hugging me. “Take care of him Brooke, he’s a special man.”
“I promise,” I said. “Always.”
Rebecca smiled hugging me once more before Wade Prescott got on stage and invited Dylan and I to come and stand next to him.
Speaking into the microphone, he proceeded to give his speech, “ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please. Not only is tonight a special night for my wife and I as we celebrate thirty wonderful years of marriage but my son has just asked this lovely woman for her hand in marriage and she has accepted.” The crowd raised their glasses and erupted in a loud “congratulations.” We hugged Dylan’s parents and wished them a happy anniversary before we exited the ballroom to leave. As we were walking out the governor came up to congratulate us. He was a handsome man in his early fifties with a firm handshake. The man oozed confidence but his eyes were dark and shifty, like Thomas’. I didn’t trust him and I had absolutely no reason not to, since I didn’t really know the man. I didn’t relish the thought of Dylan working with him, especially knowing that my fiancé was covering up crimes for the dirt bags he was associated with. I turned, looking Dylan in the eyes and excused myself; he followed me out the door.
Promiscuous (Book 2 in the Fixer Series) Page 7