by Rye Hart
“And I talked to the doctor; the procedure is being arranged.” Carrie smiled proudly.
“But that’s so much money. We talked about that, Carrie.” She looked at me, putting her head down, her face bright with a stain of blush.
She gave him a pleading look. “I’ve got the money, Daddy. It’s already scheduled.”
He shook his head, and his face pinched with worry. “But how? You didn’t sell the house, did you?”
“No, Daddy.” I knew she couldn’t tell her father that she’d allowed herself to be bought.
I had to speak up. “I put up the money, sir.”
His eyes narrowed. “That’s awful generous for someone we barely know. That’s a lot of money.” He stared down at my shoes and back up as if he were trying to figure me out. I wondered if he thought that his daughter had gotten into something bad, mixed up with a drug lord or something, so I thought it best to let him know more about me.
“It’s nothing, really. I wanted to do it. You see, I’ve been rather fortunate in life and I’ve worked hard. I own a multi-million-dollar company, and I’m an investor in a few others. My net worth is just over five billion dollars, so it would mean the world to be able to help you and your daughter.”
Her father wiped his brow and then brought his hand to his mouth. “I don’t know what to say.”
It was a reaction that I’d gotten used to. Not many people knew how to react to the amount of money I was worth. It had always set their brains into overdrive as they thought of all the things they could do with my money.
“It’s very generous, but I couldn’t—”
“It’s already done. And I’d like to talk to you about that move. I think I could make your recovery much more comfortable, and well, quite honestly, I’d prefer to have Carrie closer to me and where I live.”
“I don’t want to impose on your lives.” He looked to his daughter. “If that’s what you want to do, you go ahead. I’ll be fine here.”
“No, Daddy. If I went, I’d want you to go too. I’d miss you, and I need to know that you’re being cared for. It killed me that you had to come and stay here.”
“I’ll be back at the house as soon as I’m on my feet.”
They went back and forth, and I could see that Carrie grew more and more upset by the minute.
“With all due respect, sir, is it that you don’t want to move?”
“I just don’t want to be a burden to my daughter.” He turned and looked at her as she took his hand. “You’ve found your Prince Charming, Ladybug. You should start a life with him.”
“You’re my life, Daddy. You always will be, and I want you to come along. You’re no burden, and things will be much easier for the both of us in New York.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I’ve got one of the prettiest housekeepers you’ve ever seen, and I’d guess she’s just about your age.” I gave him a wink, and he chuckled.
“Can we hire a pretty nurse, too?” He glanced at Carrie who rolled her eyes and stepped away from the bed.
“You two are going to be trouble together.” She crossed her arms and laughed.
“So, is it a deal?” I held out my hand, and the old man shook it for the third time.
“You drive a hard bargain.” He chuckled and gripped my hand.
I met Carrie’s eyes. “The best news is, I think we could get your doctor to do the procedure back in New York. That way we won’t have to wait to relocate.”
She came around the bed and hugged me right in front of the old man whose face lit up with a smile. “You’re amazing, Chance. Thank you.”
“Only the best for my girl and her daddy.” I planted a kiss on her forehead, and we took a seat on the small sofa in the corner of his room. We sat talking and making plans, and I really liked her father. He seemed like a cool guy who had always done his best for his daughter until his health had gotten in the way. With the procedure, the doctor had been sure he’d live a normal life, and that was Carrie’s hope, to see him well again and back to his old self.
I sat listening to them as they talked about what to do with their home and I told them to keep it. They might want to come back home for visits, and when I came for work, I’d have a place to stay.
Carrie’s father had also mentioned that she was going to have to give her notice at Angelo’s, and I realized she hadn’t told the man about her morning. She looked so ashamed as he mentioned it. I confronted her when we left.
“You know, you don’t ever have to tell what happened, and you don’t have to tell him you quit, but I don’t want it to bother you, either. I’m happy how things turned out, aren’t you? And if we hadn’t gone through all of it, if we’d changed one little thing, maybe it wouldn’t have worked out this way. So, the next time you’re feeling bad, just remember that. You were doing what you thought was best, and it turned out for the better.”
“Thanks. It’s just that I’ve never lied to him about anything so big before. I’m just ready for what’s to come. When do you think we’ll be ready to move?”
“As soon as possible, I’d hope. I don’t want to be another day without you. The past few have been hell.” It had taken those few days to realize that I was crazy in love with her.
“They were, but I was so mad at you.” She let out a long breath and narrowed her eyes at me and grinned.
I pulled her into my arms. “You’re not still mad at me, are you?”
“No, but you’re going to have to make it up to me.” She rested her forehead on mine and giggled.
“Mm. That’s going to be heaven.” I brought my mouth to her and knew I couldn’t wait much longer to have her. “Do you have some place we can go?”
She let loose a sigh of relief. “I thought you’d never ask.”
CHAPTER TWENTY - CARRIE
On the way to the car, I couldn’t believe how wonderful things had gone with my dad and Chance. For once in my life, I felt like fate was smiling on me. Maybe miracles did exist.
As we headed out, hoping to catch a moment alone, Lindy called to see how things were going and apologize.
“I’m so sorry, Carrie,” she said as I answered the phone.
“It’s okay; I forgive you.”
“Well, I had a feeling you would. Do you know that hot friend of his? The one who came into the diner that first day?” She was talking about Nate.
“Yeah, what about him?”
“He asked me out on a date!” Her voice was so loud in my ear that I held the phone away and Chance gave me a strange look. About that time, his own phone pinged and took it out to look at it.
“He did? Wow, that’s great, Lindy.” Lindy was a gorgeous girl, though a little rough around the edges when it came to being blunt and borderline offensive.
“I know, right? We’re going out this weekend. He’s staying in town.”
Chance’s elbow nudged me, and I turned to see his phone which had a message from Nate. You’re not the only one who can score a hot waitress, it read. He shook his head and put the phone away.
“Speaking of wonderful news, I’m moving to New York with Chance and my father’s coming with us, and he’s having his surgery there.”
“No way! I’m going to miss you like crazy!” Her voice turned whiney, but then she perked up. “Maybe my hot new date will bring me to see you.”
“Maybe. But then again, if he doesn’t I’m sure my hot new boyfriend will fly you out.” I met Chance’s eyes, and he nodded.
I said my farewells and hung up, and he took the opportunity to pull me over into his lap. I loved that he had money for drivers because it made travel so much fun.
“Nate and Lindy?” He met my eyes.
“Yes, can you believe it?” I ran my fingers through his hair.
He made a face. “I’m not sure how anyone could put up with Nate. He’s a good guy, don’t get me wrong, but he’s a bit crazy.”
“Then they’ll be a good match. She’s crazy too. Who knew we’d spark anot
her romance with those two?” I kissed his lips softly and then pulled his bottom one into my mouth.
“Mm. I love it when you suck things,” he whispered.
“I’m sure you do.” His hand was already in my shirt rolling my tight nipple between two fingers.
He leaned down and took my nipple into his mouth and sucked, letting his teeth drag across them.
“How long of a drive it is to your house?” he asked as he ground his erection up against me.
“Long enough for this.” I leaned down and positioned myself over his cock and undid his pants. He gave me a smoldering look as I glanced up and stroked him.
“It’s missed you too.”
“I bet it has.” I leaned down and took him into my mouth and tight-lipped his head, nursing at it hoping to gain a taste of his salt. Once a tiny, pearly taste of him hit my tongue I took him back deeper, slowly inching down his base as it filled my throat.
“Fuck. It’s so good, angel. I love your mouth on me.” I glanced up as he lay his head back and closed his eyes. Now and then his hips would twitch upward, and he’d moan, and each time I heard that sound I filled with pride. I loved making him moan and feel good. He’d done so much for me and knowing what our future held, I wanted to thank him.
I relaxed my throat and pushed my head down harder on him, and his cock filled my throat, closing it off as I held my breath and forced him down into the very depths. I gagged a bit but kept it under control, and he moaned rocked his hips.
I pulled away, and he shook his head. “You better be glad you pulled away. I was going to fill up that pretty mouth in another second, and I don’t want to come just yet.”
“It’s going to be so good when you do. I want it nice and deep inside me.”
He lifted me up and kissed me, pulling me back into his lap.
“Already putting in requests. And I love it, by the way. Coming deep inside you is my favorite. Whether it’s your hot little slit or your plump, pouty lips. Mm.” He leaned in, and we kissed as the driver turned down my street.
“We’re almost there.” I reached down and put his clothing right, and soon we were stopped out front and about to head inside to continue.
“I love this house. It’s very charming. Cottage style has always been a favorite.” He checked out the architecture. “I can see why the two of you hated to sell it.”
“Thanks, but I can’t wait to show you the bedroom.” We exited the car and went inside.
He didn’t waste a moment. “Now, where were we? You were going to show me that bedroom of yours, right?”
“More specifically, the bed.” I held his hand as I led him down the hall to my bedroom. I had a comfy king size of my own, and I stood next to it as he sat on the edge.
I slid my hand down my front to the hem of my shirt and lifted it over my head. Then I undid my pants, and he reached forward to assist as I tugged them down. His hand landed on my mound, where he rubbed firmly and touched me. I was wet for him, and I couldn’t wait to have him inside me.
He slipped his finger beneath the elastic of my panties and brushed it gently across the damp flesh, parting my folds and rubbing very lightly on my clit.
“It’s my turn for a taste.” He tugged the front of my panties to pull me closer and then he yanked them down, his mouth capturing me before I could lose the scrap of lace, which rested on my knees. I worked my hips forward and moaned. He moaned too, and the vibrations from his mouth tingled against my pussy.
Just when I thought the ache between my legs couldn’t get any more intense, he brushed his finger against my ass, pushing at the tight opening, and I came. I ground my hips and pressed against his face as he quickly lapped and moaned as if he greedily wanted every bit.
He pulled away and smiled up at me as he tugged me forward to the bed. “Lay down. I want to get inside that tight fucking hole while it’s ready for me.”
I lay back, and he stripped off his shirt and pants and stroked his huge cock, taking it from base to tip a few times for good measure. Then he nudged his way between my knees and reached down to pull me closer to the edge where he hitched up my legs and encouraged me to put them around his waist.
“Hurry,” I said with a giggle.
“Mhm. My greedy little girl can’t wait.” He centered his cock, and with a deep breath, he pushed it inside me, inching slowly into my tight channel. He filled me to my limits, stretching me wide as usual and since a week had passed, I was tight again and needed time to settle.
He stilled for a moment and then rocked his hips, fucking me nice and slowly. Then his pace quickened, and soon he was fucking me nice and hard just like I loved it. My breasts bounced with each thrust, and he reached up to pinch a nipple with his thumb and forefinger. The pain sent a euphoric wave of pleasure through me, and my pussy began to quake and trembled, splashing around his cock. He slapped himself against me, settling into a fast rhythm as I came, again and again, one multiplying over the next until I thought I’d come apart around him and collapse.
“I love it when you come,” he said, his voice practically a growl.
“I want you to. Please.” I didn’t know how much more I could take and as I begged, he grinned wickedly and gripped my ass pulling me hard against him. His cock twitched, his head buried so deep that I could feel the hot jets of his release soaking me.
“Yes.” My legs fell down to the bed, but he didn’t pull free. He lay across my breast instead, and I nestled into his chest.
“I love you, Carrie.” He leaned down and kissed me. “I’m so happy we’ll have a lifetime of these moments.”
“A lifetime, huh? That sounds serious.” I trailed a finger along his jawline and ran it across his bottom lip.
“Forever.”
We lay like that a while, and in my head, the word echoed. Forever. And happy ever after.
EPILOGUE - CHANCE
My heart was in my throat as I waited for Mr. Chase’s answer. I hadn’t been this nervous in business meetings with hard asses like Peter Proctor, but then again, since his surgery, Brent Chase was far more intimidating when he wanted to be.
He cleared his throat, and as soon as his smile dawned, I relaxed. “It’s about damn time you ask me. I always knew you would too.”
“I take it I have your blessing?”
“Of course. You saved our lives, you know. Both of us. And I’ll be proud to call you son.” He extended his hand, and I took it, his death grip tighter than ever and much stronger than the first handshake he’d given me at the assisted living facility.
“I’m the proud one. I hope to make your daughter even happier.”
“I don’t think that’s possible. You’ve already spoiled her rotten. You know, I think you’ve undone a good portion of the work I did raising her to be meek and modest, but I’ll let it pass. She’s a good girl, and I know she loves you.”
“I love her, sir.” I couldn’t help but love him too. Over the past year, going through all the stress and hope during his surgery and after, through his physical therapy and healing, I’d been affected right alongside his daughter.
I took the ring out of my pocket and showed him. “I’m going to give her this. Do you think she’ll like it?” I was worried that the eighteen-karat diamond was too showy.
“Wow, now that’s a rock.” He made a face, and I sank back knowing I’d overdone it.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?”
“I’d say. Let me give you a bit of advice, son. That’s going to spend more time in a safe than on her finger. Get her something smaller that she can wear every day. She’s not going to paint wearing that.”
He had a point, and I hadn’t even though about her painting in it. “I’ll just get her two.” I’d grab a smaller one for her to exchange when she wanted so she could still wear the huge one to formal occasions, besides, it was valued at five million, so I wanted to be sure she always had security if the worst ever happened. In our crazy world, one couldn’t be too careful. Even a billionaire�
�s wife.
I left his house after a few more minutes and went home to pick her up for our date. I had a lovely evening of dinner and wine planned and a walk around the gallery.
When I arrived, I found her on all fours in her dressing room off the huge wardrobe room, which was just a large walk-in closet.
“That’s a nice position, did you know I was here?”
She looked up at me and winked but then continued looking. “I lost the back to my earring.”
I stopped in my tracks and looked down to the plush, white carpet to see if I could help. I spotted it against her jewelry counter. “Here it is.” I reached down to get it and then helped her to her feet. Once she righted, I pulled her up to her feet and kissed her deeply.
“Mm. I’ve wanted to do that all day.” And I had. I’d spent the day out getting things in order to make the day perfect.
I’d wanted to make sure my proposal would be epic and memorable and had even asked Nate for advice which was a bad idea. After turning down his flash mob idea, which I thought was completely lame and much too flashy for my Carrie, I decided to keep it low key and went with a classier approach.
“We have reservations in an hour.” I trailed my gaze down her body, seeing through the sheer robe she wore.
“I’m hurrying. I won’t be late, I promise. What’s so special, anyway? Where are you taking me?” She had tried to get answers from me all day, and I’d been biting my tongue to keep from giving it all away.
“I just want to take you to a nice dinner to celebrate it being a year since you moved here.”
“But we just celebrated our anniversary of when we met.” She walked to the rack which held her formal dresses and took one of my favorites from its hanger.
“We won’t ever have too many anniversaries. Besides, every day with you is worth celebrating.” She stopped and lay the dress over a chair and then walked up, taking my hand as she stepped into my embrace.