by Mia Ford
“I like that idea. I love your house.” Kendra told him as she scrunched her nose up. “I think we should live there. Can we get a puppy?”
Isabelle choked on her drink as I laughed and we looked at each other. “Let’s think that over. We have work to do before we can get a pet.”
“What work?” Kendra asked as I smiled.
“I want to make your room pretty for you. Want to go look at some stores and find paint and stuff you’d like to put up?’ Kendra’s eyes widened as Isabelle cleared her throat.
“Yes!!” Kendra shouted as Isabelle looked around.
“Calm down, sweetie. There’s other people here eating dinner.” She looked at me and smiled with shimmering eyes. “I have always wanted to have a place where that can make ours. I was working towards that.”
“I own it so go crazy. What’s your favorite color, Kendra?” I asked as she smiled knowingly. “Are you making me guess?” Kendra nodded. I thought back to some things that she’d worn and narrowed my eyes thoughtfully as the waitress delivered our food. “Pink?” Kendra shook her head, and I sighed dramatically as I thought some more. “Purple?”
“Yes. I want purple walls and pretty curtains.” Kendra told me as Isabelle handed us plates.
“We’ll do some looking around after dinner.” I told her as Isabelle reached for a fork and stabbed some salad. We started eating, and I saw Kendra smiling as she talked about the house and noticed Isabelle becoming more emotional. When we left, we got Kendra secured, and I closed the door before asking Isabelle if she was okay.
“I’m fine. You made her so happy. I never thought that she’d have someone like you in her life.” I pulled her close to me and held her as she breathed in.
“I love her, too.” I assured her as she hugged me. We made our way to the passenger door, and I got her inside before walking around to my door.
“Can we sleep there before my room is done?” Kendra asked as Isabelle smiled at me.
“Of course. We can bring some stuff over a little each day.” I promised her as Isabelle chuckled. “Do you have clothes for school tomorrow?”
“Yep can we take the fancy car again? My friends thought that was so cool,” Kendra bragged as I smiled at her.
“That car is for special days. We used it for the ride home from the airport that day. You’ll be in it again. Don’t worry,” I assured her as I pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards one of the big home stores.
CHAPTER 25
Isabelle
I knew it was a school night but it wouldn’t hurt to shop for a little while. I made sure that Kendra didn’t have homework and smiled as Mason parked close to the door. It was going to take some time to make it through this huge building but tonight was mostly for ideas… I hoped. We got out of the car and walked inside as Kendra’s eyes nearly jumped out of her head. I didn’t think that she would sleep at all tonight at this point.
We went to the paint section and looked at the selections, and Mason bought three cans of the pale lavender that Kendra liked to have ready to go. We also discussed the bed and if she liked the one that he had in the room already, which she did. The one at our apartment was old and needed replacing and his was a queen-sized mattress. Mason grabbed some bedding that matched the paint and tossed it into the cart, adding a few pillows that she liked as I shot him a look. This wasn’t going to be cheap, but he leaned in to assure me that he could afford this and much more. We looked at other stuff for ideas: dressers, storage, a closet organizer and chair. We took pictures of those and after an hour, I insisted that we get back to the condo so she could go to bed. Mason paid for the stuff we did select and loaded it into the back of the SUV before driving us home. He asked if I needed anything and I assured him that I was fine for a few days, having washed clothes in his house over the week.
Kendra led the way to the elevator as Mason grabbed the bedding. He’d bring the paint up one-by-one and we rode the car up to his floor, where Kendra ran to his door. He unlocked it and we walked inside where he set the large bag down by the couch. I glanced at the clock, seeing that it was seven and she should start getting ready. “Do you want a bath or shower?” I asked Kendra as she looked at me from the windows.
“I want a bath. Can I call Grandma and tell her that we’re moving here when I’m done?” Kendra talked to my parents at least every other day and I swallowed nervously. I knew that my parents liked him and would approve, but some part of me worried that it was too soon. I probably always would.
“You sure can. They always love talking to you.” I went to the hallway bathroom to run hot water, adding some of her favorite cherry bubbles. This tub was large and more like a pool for my little girl, and I smiled at the toys that we’d discovered inside on our first night there. I got her set up and left the door open to listen and I went to get a glass of wine. Mason was working at the table on his laptop and I smiled as I asked him if he’d like some wine.
“That sounds great.” I brought him a glass and leaned in to kiss him, still listening for her giggles in the bathroom. “I was thinking that we could turn the office into a guest room and add a desk out here for work. Something small. We could just as easily work on the couch.”
“You’re rearranging your whole life for us,” I teased as I kissed him again.
“It would be great to have a room for family to stay. I don’t want anyone to have to get a hotel if they visit. We can get a kind-sized bed in there and make it cozy.” He said as I smiled.
“I am sure that Kendra would let my mom sleep in her room if need be. That and any kids that might come over.” He nodded, and I gazed into his gorgeous eyes. I could still hear her chattering but I pulled away with a soft smile. “I’m going to observe her. That tub is like a pool!”
Mason went back to work as I took my wine to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet as Kendra chatted with me about anything and everything. I made her get out after half an hour and made sure she was dressed in pajamas before giving her my phone. Kendra carried it to the couch and dialed as I sat near her, my heart beating nervously. I never even took this step with Jackson. I could hear the conversation and winced as Kendra made the big announcement, relaxing when I heard what was clearly Mom’s happy squeal. Kendra told her all about the shopping trip and what we bought and looked at as I looked at Mason across the room. Once she announced that we were sleeping here tonight, I urged her to brush her teeth and took the phone. “Hi, Mom.”
“I am so happy for you. He is a good man, Belle. He will take such good care of the both of you.” I remained quiet, and she chuckled. “He’s in the room. Tell him congratulations for me.”
“You’re okay with this?” I asked softly as she laughed at me.
“I am aware of the times that we live in. I think it’s a great idea for people that are serious about one another. You learn a lot about people.” We talked for a while before I hung up to tuck Kendra in, and we both kissed her good night before closing the door. Mason turned me to the wall and kissed me hungrily as he tugged my hips closer to him.
“Now I want to tuck you in,” he murmured as I wrapped my arms around his neck. We made our way to the master bedroom and closed the door, kissing all the way to bed. I was a little worried about Kendra getting up but she slept well here and had to be tired after the excitement of the evening.
Mason picked me up and tossed me on the bed, crawling over me to kiss my neck. “You both made me so happy tonight.” He sucked gently at my skin as I moaned and pulled him closer. We undressed, and I looked over to make sure the door was locked although I had no idea what I’d tell Kendra about why it was like that. Mason turned to his back, and I crawled over him, lowering my nipple into his mouth as he sucked blissfully hard. I moaned, reminding myself that we weren’t alone right now. I dropped my pussy over his stomach, feeling my dampness as he groaned. I moved slowly down, sliding up and down his cock that was pressed against him as my clit tingled. “I don’t care what happens but I need to be inside
of you bare. I have to feel you.”
“There’s already a little girl here that will drive us plenty crazy. You don’t even want to know what it’s like with a newborn,” I warned him, staring at him to see if her was serious.
“It would be worth it,” Mason told me as I laughed softly and reached for a condom.
“I’ll see to an appointment to fix that next week,” I promised as I pulled back and dropped the strip on the bed before lowering my face down to take him in my mouth. He clutched my head, holding me there as he moved with me. Once he was ready, I let him push me back and rolled the latex over him. Mason pushed me to my back and slid my legs to his shoulders before sliding inside of me. “I want to scream so bad,” I told him as he reached a different part of me.
“We are going to make a point of that on a regular basis,” Mason promised me as he pulled back and then slid right back in. He kept my feet firm against his skin and I closed my eyes, relaxing with the feeling of Mason sliding so deep. I held it in as I came but he could see me struggling as I trembled before him.
Mason fucked me harder, sliding into my slick pussy easily as he moved towards his own release. I breathed in and out as mine just kept going, feeling him jerk and then still. Mason stared down at me before dropping to the messy bed and breathing in deeply. “We’re going to do that every damn night now.”
“I hope so,” I agreed as he stretched and grinned. I got ready for bed in the bathroom as he checked to make sure everything was secured for the night and returned to the bedroom. He closed the door and joined me under the covered once he pulled some shorts on. Kendra did wake us up one night when she was feeling sick and he had to hide the fact that he was naked under the blankets until I took her to her own room. Lesson learned. I already had a large shirt on and snuggled against him as I closed my eyes. “I’m so happy. I love you so much.” I knew that it would be a lot to give up the apartment and decide what we wanted to keep as opposed to selling. There was a lot of old stuff that could stand to be tossed away as well and I wondered what the plan with paying the bills was.
“How are we going to do bills? Split them?” I asked as he kissed my hair.
“That’s not necessary but I know you’re not going to let me be your sugar daddy,” Mason joked as I hot his shoulder. “We’ll discuss it. I didn’t ask you to live here to pay bills.”
“I know but I work, too. This needs to be fair.” I pulled him closer. “I brought living, breathing baggage with me that you are spoiling rotten.”
“It’s fun to see her so happy,” Mason told me which I couldn’t argue. We fell quiet as the quiet of the room lulled me to sleep as well as his warm embrace.
I woke up to the alarm and blinked, feeling rested. I knew that I had a few minutes to make coffee and shower before waking Kendra up and looked over at Mason as he stirred. “Rise and shine,” I murmured as he opened one eye before rolling me to my back. I gasped as he slipped between my legs, finding me wet. Mason leaned down to kiss me and we made love slowly, more of a morning style. I jumped out of bed after that, but from being a little behind schedule as well as feeling a thousand more times awake.
I made coffee while Mason showered and dressed for the office. After he was done, I roused Kendra and took my shower. I knew that she would spend some time at the window as she always did and had a few minutes. I dried my hair partly and pulled on a wrap dress before applying a little of the makeup that I brought over before going out for a second cup of coffee. Kendra was already in leggings and a sweater and eating toast at the counter as she talked to Mason.
I stopped and took in the morning, knowing that this was my life now. I like that idea and I kept walking in, pouring some coffee and asking Kendra how she slept. We finished up everything we needed to do before school and headed out together to drop her off. Kendra leaned forward to kiss us both before running to the doors and I smiled as he pulled away from the curb. “Now work.”
“It’s just another day at the office. Nothing different. Maybe we’ll stay out of my office as much now that we’re at the house together.” I looked at him as he laughed. “Maybe not.” We continued to the garage and parked, getting out together as a few people glanced at us. We’d talked about this and agreed to take one car if we were working the same hours. Someone needed to pick up Kendra and if he worked late for any reason, I agreed to take my own care. I loved his Range Rover though.
We took the elevator up, stopping for coffee on the way. Mason headed into his office while I sat down to warm up the computer, looking around as I thought back to yesterday with a smile. It was great taking the day off with Mason but I still felt a bit guilty. I knew we’d catch up just fine. I sipped my coffee and opened the programs that I’d need, skimming emails to see if there was anything that needed immediate attention.
“Look who decided to show up today.” I looked up at the sound of Hannah’s voice and knew that she was teasing by the smile on her face as I relaxed.
“Ken told me to take it since they arrived yesterday. I was dressed to come in.” I winked at her as she giggled.
“I am sure you were undressed soon after that,” Hannah said under her breath as the office door opened. I blushed and Mason walked over to greet her. “Good morning. How was London?”
“It went well. We networked a lot and probably got some more clients.” He replied as he looked at me.
“I work in the wrong department. I need to get in on one of these trips,” Hannah halfheartedly grumbled with a smile on her face. “Of course, you probably want to go much more than I do.” She gave me a sympathetic smile, and I grinned back.
“Someday. I need to take care of Kendra right now.” I looked up at Mason as he smiled lovingly at me.
“I’ll watch her. She sounds like a great kid.” Hannah had not been to either of our places yet but I knew she’d be a hit with my daughter.
“You do have to meet sometime,” I agreed as I considered telling her our good news.
“You should stop by our place for dinner,” Mason suggested in a low voice as she furrowed her brows and looked at him.
“Your place? As in you live together?” She confirmed as he nodded with a smile.
“How does that affect the job?” I asked her as she shook her head and laughed.
“It’s nothing to worry about. You guys are both important to the company and it sounds like the owner is on board. Kiss ass.” Hannah turned her head as some people walked by. “I’d love to.”
“It’s very new and a work in progress but soon.” We talked for a few more moments before she headed to her office for an orientation as Mason asked me to lunch with him later. I agreed but once he was gone, I wondered if Mason would tire of me. Working together was already a lot, particularly as his assistant. Living together and everything else was going to be a lot of time spent with one another, but I hoped that it worked out.
We went to lunch at the deli and finished our day before picking Kendra up. We wanted to cook at home tonight and just have a relaxing evening in. There was enough food to make fried chicken, vegetables and salad so I told Kendra to start on her homework while I cooked. Mason took the time to sit and help her as I glanced over, feeling love fill my heart. I knew that the house wouldn’t be ready right away the way we wanted, and that I had a lot of work at the apartment, but we could do it together,
We got Kendra in a bath early and she was eager to go to bed in her new room. I washed the sheets during dinner and made the bed with her new bed-in-a-bag and she loved it. I loved going to bed with Mason in our room, making love gratefully. I would never get enough of this man and I pulled him closer as he pressed into me, whispering my name.
I was concerned when I found out that I was pregnant with Kendra and it was a long road. I was appreciative of everything that my family did for me and proud that I got a place for us. Mason offered us so much more and I’d always love him for that and I pulled him closer to me as we rested after he dropped beside me.
CHAP
TER 26
Mason
It took about a month to get the house the way we wanted. We painted Kendra’s room first and bought some new furniture to freshen it up and make it look like a little girl’s room. She loved it and we then focused on making the office a guest room with some old furniture from Kendra’s new room. It would be great for visiting family and friends and when we were done with that, we gave the living room a makeover.
I hired someone to clean Isabelle’s old apartment once she’d gone through everything. She kept very little since most of the furniture was hand-me-downs and some of it came with the lease.
I loved having them at the condo with me, but I was already thinking ahead to buying us a house near the water. It would be great to have a backyard for Kendra and some more room for the other kids that we would be having. I knew that I wanted one or two of my own once we got married and settled in somewhere else.
Isabelle stayed as my assistant and we still worked well together. We kept it professional there and saved all of our affection for home and when we were out together. I kept it light in front of Kendra in the beginning, but she urged us to kiss and hug all the time. She liked it and told us that she wanted to be the same way with her boyfriend someday, which made Isabelle urge her to take her time with that. I only thought ahead to being the overprotective father since Kendra was gorgeous. She looked a lot like her mom. I didn’t want anyone hurting her the way her birth father did to Isabelle. It still showed in her eyes sometimes and I’d tell her that everything was okay when she froze around me.
We decided to go to my family’s house for Thanksgiving the first year and have hers join us for Christmas. Since mine was already close, we did the main celebration there and combined everybody. It was chaotic but also perfect and Kendra was bouncing all over the place, talking to everybody. She got far too many gifts, but I knew that we had the room. Kendra deserved it.
I fell more in love with Isabelle by the day and asked her about selling the condo and buying a house around our second anniversary. She agreed, and we started to shop, including Kendra in the decision. She was mature beyond her years and I loved watching her grow up. We ended up finding a nice six-bedroom place with a great view of the water that wasn’t too far from work. I used some of my inheritance money to put towards it in the beginning and we would both pay the mortgage from there. Isabelle was making great money now and headed towards taking my job when Ken decided to step back.