Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  Luke pulls away. ‘Jesus, baby, why do you have this effect on me? I want to be inside you. Fuck. I know we don’t have time.’

  ‘No room for broken rules today.’ With my sex god in such close proximity, maybe his plan might alter.

  ‘No. We will be late, so you will have to wait.’

  ‘Oh, so romantic this morning.’ How I love to tease Luke when frustration is his sidekick.

  ‘No, not so romantic – that’s my point.’ Luke takes my hand as we exit the bedroom. I grab my bag and Luke’s navy blazer resting at the end of the bed. His firm grasp shows me his feelings: frustration and desire. Happy birthday to me.

  We enter the kitchen, which is quiet – it is only seven o’clock. Luke continues to hold my hand, heading towards the back door. As we enter the garden, my friends and family appear in front of me.

  ‘Oh my God, did you arrange this?’

  He flashes me a proud smile. ‘Yes.’

  ‘When?’ I ask, shocked.

  ‘Sunday evening, I had time to kill. You weren’t speaking to me.’ He looks remorseful.

  I give Luke a kiss, my show of affection in front of everyone confirming how much he means to me. ‘I love you, Luke Sutton.’

  ‘Put him down, Harper,’ Barney bellows, causing laughter to break out.

  The ruckus begins as they give me a dreadful rendition of ‘Happy birthday’. One by one, my guests greet me. My favourite guest is Mr Jones. I have no choice but to cry.

  Luke has turned the garden into a scene from a French magazine. The patio table is laid with white tablecloths and crockery, and yet more flowers – white roses. It looks elegant and feminine, setting the scene perfectly. After my initial shock, and after I have greeted everyone, we all sit down at the table. Thankfully, this morning’s weather is considerate to our little shindig, and Luke has added various patio heaters. There’s a choice of menu, served by male waiters wearing white jackets. I sit back and take in every detail of my perfect birthday breakfast.

  ‘Thank you.’ I’m still in shock.

  ‘I know how much everyone means to you.’

  I kiss him gently on the lips.

  ‘You’re my constant, Luke.’

  He looks to me curiously. ‘Constant?’

  ‘Yep, you constantly drive me mad…’ I kiss the tip of his nose. ‘You’re the most important person in my life – my endless love. I hope somewhere in your plan for today we will be alone.’

  He stares at me, not speaking.

  ‘Say something.’

  ‘You blow me away…’ He touches my cheek, and he closes his eyes for a moment. ‘Promise me one thing, baby.’

  ‘Anything,’ I whisper.

  ‘Us.’

  ‘Forever.’ I swallow hard.

  I excuse myself from Mum and Luke; I need to speak to all my guests. As everyone presents me with gifts, I stop to open them. However, Barney hasn’t brought me anything. He believes his friendship is my gift – no sale and return on this priceless friendship!

  I make my way towards Max, who looks slightly awkward.

  ‘How overwhelming is this? I guess you knew about it?’

  ‘Late last night. Luke can be impulsive, but you know that.’ He smiles and passes me a gift bag. ‘Happy birthday, Kate.’

  ‘Thanks, Max, but you didn’t need to get me anything.’ I open the bag and retrieve a book. I laugh. ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus… Will it have a positive effect on Luke?’

  ‘It can only help,’ Max jokes.

  I make my way across the patio towards Mr Jones, the guest I most want to spend time with.

  ‘So, Mr Jones,’ I nudge his arm, ‘do you have something to tell me? Apparently you had a visit from Luke about five weeks ago?’ I give him my best glare, demanding the truth. I also give him a peck on the cheek.

  ‘Good morning, Miss Harper. As usual, you come straight to the point. I was sworn to secrecy, my dear. I had faith that you would find each other, which I believe you have. So tell me, are you happy?’

  I link my arm through his, feeling close to him. I miss him.

  ‘Yes, I am. Although, we’ve had quite a few moments of… Let’s just say disagreements. Actually, I think my lack of verbal filter hasn’t helped – you know what I’m like.’

  He laughs and places his hand over mine.

  ‘Yes, I do. It would seem that Mr Sutton enjoys a challenge – and I’m more than positive you fulfil his requirements.’

  ‘I’ve moved in with Luke – not just for my birthday, I mean I’ve moved in, I don’t live with Harry any more.’ I wait patiently to see if he’s shocked.

  ‘Kate, there is no perfect timescale on relationships. I warned you not to make the same mistakes that I made. Better to have loved than to have never loved at all.’ He leans closer and kisses my forehead.

  ‘I’m so pleased you’re here. Luke did a good job today.’

  ‘Yes he did, and might I say you deserve it.’ He passes me a white box with a beautiful white silk bow neatly tied around it. ‘Happy birthday.’

  ‘You didn’t need to get me anything.’ I untie the bow and remove the lid to reveal a framed drawing. ‘It’s stunning – I loved this drawing the most. I don’t know what to say. Are you sure you want to part with it?’

  ‘Quite sure – it has been locked away in a cupboard. I remember how your eyes lit up when you saw it.’

  The charcoal drawing of a full-length dress was by far my favourite of all his pictures.

  ‘I have a condition.’

  He laughs.

  ‘Am I surprised?’

  ‘One day, will you make this for me, using the fabric you gave me?’

  ‘It would be an honour.’ I carefully place my picture in the box, keeping it safe until I can find somewhere to hang it.

  Luke enters the garden carrying a white chocolate birthday cake. Everyone joins in in wishing me a happy birthday. The cake is amazing, with three tiers.

  Luke asks the guests for quiet. ‘Please raise your glasses to wish Kate a very happy birthday.’

  Wow – my cheeks glow. ‘Thank you for coming and for my gifts – sorry it’s really early.’ Luke senses I am emotional.

  ‘Sadly, we must leave.’ Luke takes my hand and looks across to Max.

  Harry stands. ‘Before you leave, I have some news to share with you.’ She’s shuffling from foot to foot, looking nervous.

  Raymond immediately comes to her aid. ‘Harry is trying to tell you that on Saturday, with Malcolm’s blessing, I asked her to marry me.’

  Raymond holds Harry close, but she looks straight at me. I register the look in her eyes – happiness. I run towards her. ‘Oh my God, Harry, I’m so pleased! Let me look at you.’ I take her hand, needing to see the sparkle on her finger and in her eyes.

  ‘Do I look different?’ she giggles.

  ‘Yeah, I think you do – happier. I can’t believe you’re going to be a wife.’ I pull her closer, needing a sisterly hug. ‘Why didn’t you tell me yesterday?’

  ‘The time wasn’t right, with what had just happened with you and Luke. I needed you to be my priority.’

  ‘Harry, never keep things from me. I just want you to be happy – you mean the world to me.’ I lean towards Raymond and hug him too. ‘Make her happy, Raymond. Us Harper girls stick together – if you mess with her I’ll be after you.’

  I slide in the back of the Bentley; Luke takes his position next to me. With a firm hold of my hand, he brings it to his lips, gently kissing my fingers.

  ‘I’m speechless, Luke… honestly, I’ve never been so overwhelmed.’ I rest my head on his chest, inhaling his scent. ‘I love you.’

  He draws my face towards him and kisses me. His body shows me his true feelings – so when will he reciprocate with those three little words?

 
‘Baby, I told you, I want to give you the world, because I fucked up recently.’

  I sit up.

  He’s rubbing his jaw. This means he’s thinking.

  ‘Luke, it’s early days.’

  He looks at me.

  ‘I may have to remind you that you’re not perfect. This may come as a shock to you, looking like Adonis and having women fall at your feet. We really don’t know each other that well.’

  ‘Adonis?’ He tilts his head, admiring his new pet name.

  ‘Yes – the day I came to your office I referred to you as Adonis. Kiki changed your name to Prince Charming because of the underwear debacle.’

  ‘Any other names you wish to share?’ His frown lines smooth out. I’m now in the company of mischievous Mr Luke Sutton.

  ‘No, other than a pain in my arse, but I don’t think that’s a pet name you want to hear.’

  ‘Oh, I think being a pain in your arse is quite appealing.’

  Did I miss the course at school on how to fire sexual innuendoes that cause a victim to melt?

  ‘I think you should have planned the day a little better. Having missed out on hot morning sex, the day is now going to be very hard.’

  ‘Don’t push me.’ Frustration is creeping over Luke Sutton like a dark cloud… Oh, I think this day will be lots of fun.

  We arrive at London City Airport. I turn to Luke for a clue.

  ‘All will be revealed. Trust me.’ He kisses my hand before we exit the car.

  Max opens my door. I step out and the warm morning sunshine hits my face.

  ‘Thanks, Max, and thanks for coming to my breakfast. I’ll let you know if the book helps.’ I reach up and give him a hug and kiss on his cheek. To my amazement, he responds by placing his arm around me.

  ‘Kate, would you leave my staff alone?’ Luke shouts, laughing at Max’s discomfort.

  ‘He loves it, don’t you Max?’

  ‘Happy birthday, Kate, enjoy your day.’ Max tries to hide his amusement. What a treat to witness – I’m melting his cold exterior.

  Luke holds my hand as we enter the building. We have no luggage, so where are we going? He hands over our passports. I forgot he still had mine from Venice. We then head straight for a private jet. A smile creeps across my face at my memories of our first encounter. We board the plane and take the seats we previously sat in.

  I take a deep breath. ‘This feels surreal. Last time I sat here – well… not only were you pissing me off, we hadn’t even kissed.’

  ‘How far we have come in eleven days!’ He laughs.

  ‘This is crazy. The last couple of weeks have been…’ I shake my head. Words evade me.

  ‘I can’t deny it’s moved at warp speed. They say you only live once, and I intend it to be with you. I have no interest in wasting time.’

  ‘No, I can see that – Mr “I get my own way” Sutton.’ We both know I’m referring to me living with him.

  He looks shocked at the statement. ‘I get my own way.’ His face lights up with humour. ‘I’ll get back to you on that. I need to evaluate my girlfriend and her accommodation skills.’

  ‘Oh really, what would you like me to accommodate? Actually, don’t answer that. I’ll just go with the shock factor when it happens.’

  Luke leans across and hastily kisses me.

  ‘You always have an answer.’

  ‘Yes, you always deserve one.’

  The flight takes off with Luke holding my hand and a glass of champagne in the other. Once the plane reaches the required altitude, the stewardess arrives with a plate of strawberries dipped in white chocolate, and more champagne.

  ‘You’ve had some inside knowledge about my love of white chocolate.’

  ‘Yes, I researched your likes and dislikes.’

  ‘You should have been a spy. I’m impressed.’ I eat a strawberry, cracking the white chocolate first. ‘Oh my God, these are to die for – try one.’ I hold one to Luke’s mouth, but as he gets closer I pull it away and exchange the strawberry for a kiss, allowing him to taste the strawberry on my tongue. ‘Hmm, they taste good.’

  ‘Fuck, this is going to be a long day.’

  ‘And hard.’

  Age has not made me wiser; I appear to have just kicked the hornets’ nest.

  After some time, the seatbelt light illuminates, and the plane begins to descend. I look out of the window for a clue.

  When the plane lands, Luke stands and takes my hand. ‘Ready?’

  ‘Where are we?’

  ‘All will soon be revealed.’

  We exit the plane and walk through a security checkpoint. Once again Luke showcases one of his many hidden talents, speaking in fluent French. Of course he does – he can speak Italian, so why not add another sexy European language?

  ‘So, we’re in France.’

  ‘Yes.’

  The weather is beautiful: a perfect summer’s day in a romantic city. Luke guides us to a waiting black limo. A driver holding a card with the SGI logo is standing by the car. I slide in the back seat and Luke joins me.

  ‘I can’t believe you’ve brought me to France for the day.’

  ‘I thought it would be fun. I have been here on several occasions with my family or business, so why not take my beautiful girlfriend?’

  ‘I love it – thank you.’

  ‘I did want to stop overnight. I tried to alter my meeting in Dubai. But too much is riding on it.’

  ‘Oh.’ I look at him, disappointed. The prospect of twenty-four hours Sutton-free leaves me despondent.

  ‘You should be by my side, rather than at home alone.’

  ‘In case I get into any trouble? This is perfect timing. I can stay with Harry tomorrow and pack my clothes.’

  ‘I would rather have you with me. We both know that trouble follows you.’

  ‘Thanks… I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble. Did I mention my middle name is simple – as in trouble-free.’ I laugh.

  ‘You’ve been duped,’ he says.

  ‘Maybe… I’ll miss you – even though it’s only one night. Luke Sutton, what have you done to me? I’m a lost cause.’

  ‘I think it’s quite endearing.’

  ‘Endearing? I think it’s official – you’ve turned me into a possessive mad woman. This isn’t normal behaviour – but I guess you’re not an average man.’

  He brings my hand to his lips. ‘This is it, Kate – us forever.’

  The journey takes about fifty minutes. When I catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower out of the window, it knocks me sideways.

  ‘Wow. Are we going up?’ I raise my eyes to see the top.

  Luke smiles and takes my hand. ‘All the way, baby.’

  He briefly converses with the driver: all I hear is his French baritone, commanding my heart rate to increase and my clit to throb.

  Luke holds his hand out. ‘I thought we could visit before lunch. Unfortunately, we’ll have to be quick.’

  I pull him towards me and kiss him. ‘I love it.’

  He takes a firm hold of my hand and guides me to the entrance of the Eiffel Tower. We climb some steps before we reach the lift for the viewing gallery. It is fairly busy, but Luke, as usual, has tickets that mean we don’t have to queue. We exit the lift and walk towards the railings to take in the sights. The weather is stunning, giving us a perfect view over Paris. Luke stands directly behind me, his hands either side of mine, nuzzling into my hair.

  ‘Stunning, Luke. Absolutely stunning.’

  ‘Yes, it is.’

  I turn and place my hands around his neck. ‘Are you getting bored of me thanking you today?’ I give him a cheeky kiss.

  ‘As long as you show your appreciation tonight.’

  We continue to walk round the viewing gallery. I look as far as my eyes can see. The trees lining th
e Champs-Élysées are impressive, ending with the famous stone of the Arc de Triomphe. Wow, it’s spectacular.

  Luke checks his watch. ‘It’s one thirty – we need to leave for our lunch reservation.’

  ‘Let’s make a promise to come back.’

  Back on terra firma, we start walking. Valerie must have known Luke’s plans for the day, as I’m not wearing my usual killer heels, thank God.

  The warm sunshine pours down on us. Luke, with his built-in sat-nav, guides us to the next part of my birthday. We walk arm in arm along the River Seine before crossing a bridge and strolling towards the Champs-Élysées. Even the tall white buildings feel romantic, with their intricate mouldings – another city that I’ve fallen in love with. We weave between the tourists and eventually arrive at an attractive garden. Directly behind the garden stands an impressive building, Hotel Le Meurice, which is smart and extremely sophisticated. Very Mr ‘I only buy the best’ Sutton.

  Luke keeps hold of my hand as we enter the hotel and walk through the lobby, which is magnificent: it reminds me of the opulent style of the hotel in Venice, with marble flooring throughout the foyer and large urns of flowers situated at various points. There is an amazing centrepiece consisting of an impressive crystal chandelier; once again I’m lost in the world of elegant interiors.

  We are greeted by a man standing behind a small podium. Beyond him is a set of large mirrored doors. The large doors open and we are ushered into a dining room, which is breath-taking. Various mirrors reflect light round the room. The view of the garden is enchanting. We are escorted to our table and given menus.

  ‘Have you been here before? It’s beautiful.’

  ‘Yes, with my parents. As I said, it’s a shame we can’t stay.’ Luke reads the menu.

  I reach over for his hands. ‘Luke, this is perfect – we have our home to be together.’ I read him far too well, and know he’s feeling guilty. ‘Sunday has gone. It’s dead and buried – OK?’

  He inhales. ‘Please let me indulge you today.’ He looks at me, full of sincerity.