by J. S. Luxor
The venue I have in mind reflects the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I’ve had my assistant at work research my idea and it looks promising. Now I need to convince Megan to take a weekend away with me. She’s been spending most of her free time visiting Abby on weekends. Thankfully, Abby feels well enough to return to her life in Florida by next week. That’s when I’ll make my move. I arrive at our condo just as Megan completes her on-line therapy session with Dr. Ginger.
When I open the door to my penthouse, Megan comes at once to greet me. Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and affection. Nothing makes me happier than holding Megan in my arms after a long day away. She’s all the reward I need after a day of hustling in the world of high tech and real estate deals. I look deeply into her fathomless blue eyes and see the spark of desire grow as I move in for a brief kiss. She’s always so ready for me. Her response pleases me more than anything else I’ve done today.
“Megan, baby, how would you like to take a long weekend away with me after Abby returns to Miami?” I ask in what I hope is an inviting manner.
“That sounds like a plan, baby. I hope we’ll be near a spa as I could use a good massage and soak,” she agrees readily.
The thought of Megan getting a massage from anyone but me makes my green eyed monster awaken. I envision us soaking together in a romantic Jacuzzi tub with candles and then giving her overheated body a massage followed by our usual workout. The weekend getaway starts taking on real momentum as we speak.
“Can I guess where we’re going for a weekend getaway? I need to know in order to dress correctly,” she teases.
“You’re always so curious, Megan,” I comment, “but I won’t reveal the location beforehand. I want to surprise you baby.”
She makes a face at me and sticks out her tongue. I love playful Megan.
The week flies by and I check the weather to insure that our trip will go off without a hitch. Abby gets her clearance to return to Miami. I arrange for her to return home with my corporate pilot and jet immediately. We even drive her to the airport.
“Thank you, Matt,” Abby says haltingly. “I’m so happy to be returning to my own private condo.”
“We’ll miss you mom. I know how much you enjoy your independence and your job, though,” Megan sobs. I stop my car outside the private landing strip and pull up to the company plane that is now fueled and ready.
Abby nods her head in agreement. “There’s nothing I want more than to get out of that rehab center and bed. I’m bored without my real estate work and my space.”
“Don’t forget about possibly selling your award winning condos in Portland next year,” I urge her. “Remember what we told you about the plan for building the same schema along the water front in this city?”
“Maybe Megan can do that,” Abby notes, “I miss the humid and sultry climate of Florida.”
“I’m done with real estate, mother,” Megan assures her, “maybe you can act as a consultant for the work here.”
“When that time comes, let me know!” she claims as we carry her bags to the portable stairway. We hug and kiss Abby farewell. Then she’s off to pursue the rest of her life. Megan turns to me with relief.
“I’m glad to see Abby become independent again, Matt. She’s been so crabby during rehab,” she shares with a giggle.
“Hey, it’s almost time for our romantic getaway!” I remind her.
Megan’s eyes light up with excitement. “Will we need to travel very far?”
“No, we won’t travel all that far,” I assure her.
The day of our weekend adventure arrives clear and bright. I encourage Megan to pack both casual and dress up attire as she would for our time in Portland. Then I put our luggage in the Porsche and head toward Seattle. I’ve had my yacht moved to the pier in downtown Seattle for this trip. Megan turns to me with a squeal of delight when we finally reach the Seattle Yacht Club and my boat appears on the horizon. Our last time on the yacht was memorable in more than one way. My assistant, Jeb, greets us as we climb aboard the sailboat. He’ll be providing security as well as help with the rigging.
“So, we’re going to spend the weekend on your boat?” Megan quizzes me with a naughty look on her face.
“Well, we’ll spend some of our time on the sailboat, Megan. We’ll be docking elsewhere, though.”
She hugs me close and then tilts her head up to mine with an almost childlike look on her face. “Can I guess where we’ll be docking, Matt?”
“Oh you can guess, Megan, but I won’t tell you,” I permit and kiss her head.
“Will we visit one of the San Juan islands?” she asks and giggles with delight.
To reward Megan for her patience during the week, I decide to drop a major hint. “No, we will not. Here’s one huge clue, however. We’ll visit another country.”
The penny drops. “Canada, of course! You’re taking me to Vancouver, British Columbia.”
“Close,” I say and give her another kiss. Then, it’s time for Jeb and me to prepare the rig for our trip. It’s a four hour sail from Seattle to our final destination. Megan helps with some of the ropes and ties. We head out into the Puget Sound and eventually to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Jeb will stay aboard the boat and take care of its supplies.
It’s almost two in the afternoon when we arrive at the pier in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Megan’s never been to the area. She’s pleased with the very prim and proper look of the Parliament building and the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel. I give her a brief rundown of our agenda.
“I thought we’d take a brief tour of the nearby attractions. Victoria’s quite British in its layout and orientation. We’ll spend an overnight at the Empress Hotel. If you want, we can tour the Parliament Building. Then I thought you might want to walk through the fifty-five acres of floral and other natural splendors at Butchart Gardens.”
“Oh, Matt. I’ve always dreamed of spending a leisurely afternoon walking the stone paths and streams of Butchart Gardens,” she oozes. “You’re the best boyfriend, ever!”
Hopefully, I’ll be more than her boyfriend when this weekend is over.
FOUR SHADES OF RECOVERY
Healing Heartbreak Series – Book 4
by J.S. Luxor
Copyright © 2013 J.S. Luxor
All rights reserved.
Luxor Press. Kindle Edition.
Legal Notices: This eBook is offered for your personal use. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. No portion of these materials may be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author.
Cover Design by M.S. Luxor.
Cover photo: Copyright © fotolia.com
Except for the original material written by the author, all songs, song titles and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One – The Proposal
Chapter Two – Marissa Unhinged
Chapter Three – The Sex Room
Chapter Four – BDSM Issues
Chapter Five – The Eagle
Chapter Six – Frazier Clan
Chapter Seven – Death and Taxes
Chapter Eight – Roseanne
Chapter Nine – Death Wish
Chapter Ten – Resolutions
Chapter One – The Proposal
MEGAN’S POV
Matt’s arranged for a limo service to drive us to the Fairmont Empress Hotel which is within walking distance of the pier. The Empress sits near the water. Its Victorian design emanates grace and dignity. Our room overlooks the harbor. I’m delighted to learn that it has a full-service health spa with body treatments, massage rooms and an indoor pool. There’s a workout club for Matt as well as a 24/7 business center.
Once our bags are deposited in the room, we rest and freshen up before heading to Butchart Gardens. Once again, the limousine takes us to our destination. We spend two hours taking in a variety of unique gardens.
We learn that it all began in the early 20th century as an effort to restore a worked-out stone quarry. The color contrasts, with verdant trees, shrubs and grass ringed by a wide array of flowers puts me in a peaceful mood. I’m finally letting go of the tension over Abby’s coma and recovery.
We stop for afternoon tea and scones with fruit in the Dining Room Restaurant. Matt holds my hand as his hazel eyes fill with an unnamed emotion. He stares into my baby blues with an earnest expression on his face. He’s got a plan in mind today.
“Feeling relieved now that Abby’s returned to Miami and Kingsfield’s got a new love interest?” he queries and laughs, probably about his matchmaker skills.
I squeeze his hand firmly. “Well, that’s an understatement but, yes. I’m more than relieved. I’m ecstatic. Also, you’re a hopeless romantic, Matt. Imagine pairing your nemesis with the woman who thought she was competing with me for your affection. Michael and Marissa are a match made in Matt Frazier’s version of heaven.”
“For the moment, it seems, they’re focused on one another and out of our lives,” he pronounces while blowing out a long breath. He winks at me with an adorable dimpled smile.
I lean forward to kiss his cheek and then his long graceful fingers. “You get full points for masterminding that merger.”
His mega-watt smile appears as he basks in my approval. “What sort of reward points are those?”
“The Pine Reward Points which include a key. The sort that I only award to my best performers,” I gush with a modest smile and blush.
“Tell me, Ms. Pine, about my impressive performance and the key,” he teases with a lascivious grin while kissing my hands in return.
“Where should I begin?” I muse with drama. “First, your complex and brilliant plan to divert the enemy.”
He rests his index finger against his lips and regards me with admiration. He’s gloating.
“Second, your insatiable desire for my body.” His crooked smile appears and desire fills his face. His eyes never leave my face as he nods enthusiastically in support of my claim. I pet his utterly handsome features and continue with my list.
“Third, your stamina in providing me with mind-numbing amounts of carnal satisfaction,” I conclude with an eye-lock that only we share. He returns my gaze with fierce looking orbs that are so intense they have now turned black.
Then I make my proclamation. “The Pine Key is given to only one person. That person holds the key to my heart and his name is Matt Frazier.”
He pulls me to my feet with gusto. “Now that I’ve been given the Pine Key, it’s time that we returned to our suite at the Empress,” Matt whispers in my ear. “We need to determine if the key fits.” His look conveys nothing but carnal desire. I giggle with delight. I can’t wait for our amazing connection. There’s nothing more satisfying than a ride on my man’s tool. He’s got a nice, thick bad boy and I want it buried deep inside my lock.
Then, he wraps me carefully in his arms and hugs me gently. We practically sprint toward our waiting limo. Once we’re carefully ensconced in the privacy of the backseat, we spend the entire one hour return trip making out. I’m seated in his lap as I cover his face and neck with slow, sensuous kisses. His hands wander over my chest with abandon. He’s massaging my breasts with enthusiasm and leaving heated kisses on my exposed flesh.
Matt’s lips worship my face, neck and head. “Oh, Megan, what you do to me. I never want you out of sight,” he declares in a low and hoarse voice. By the time we reach the hotel, we’re nearly ready to combust. The chauffeur gives us a lusty look when he opens our door. Matt hands him a generous tip as we quickly make our way to the suite.
“I thought we’d have room service tonight, Megan,” he asserts as he walks me toward the windows of our suite for a view. There’s a chilled silver ice bucket nearby with a bottle of champagne resting in it. The exterior of the bucket sweats.
“Let me guess,” I smirk while looking down at the bottle. “Is it a Bollinger Grande Dame, 2000?”
“You get an A+, Megan. It’s an excellent vintage,” he chants with relish.
“How well I remember our first shared sip of champagne, Matt.” I bat my baby blues at him while he pours us both a generous amount in two lovely champagne glasses.
“The last time we drank this treat, it was out of Waterford flutes,” he reminisces. “That was the day you moved into my condo. This tastes so light and fresh and it feels just like that day again.”
“How far we’ve come since that day, though,” I add. Has it really been a year and a half since I first lived with Matt?
“I propose a toast to a wonderful weekend,” he suggests and gives me a devilish wink.
“A weekend filled with love and lust,” I add with gusto.
We toast and drink for a moment while gazing at one another and the growing dusk outside our window. He takes our glasses and puts them on a nearby table. Then, leans down and kisses me long and deep. It’s the sort of kiss that should never end. He pulls back eventually and I find that we’re both breathless. Desire blossoms fully throughout my body. However, as I gaze into his hazel eyes, I note anxiety.
I reach up to soothe him by caressing his gorgeous face with my hand. I run my fingers through his thick head of hair and along his chiseled jawbone to his chin. He relaxes as I complete the cycle. “There is something I want to ask you, Megan,” he murmurs while his long fingers caress my face simultaneously.
He leads us towards the sitting area of our suite. There’s a large bouquet of flowers from the Butchart Gardens on the coffee table. My mouth drops as I anticipate where he’s going with this move. Matt is gazing at me with the most ardent expression on his face.
“Remember how you were the one who wanted romance at the start of our relationship?” he quizzes me with a teasing look.
“Of course, I remember, Matt,” I say dreamily. “You weren’t interested in intimacy at the time.”
“I must have been the world’s biggest fool. However, I converted to your side of the equation quickly. You turned my world upside down within weeks,” he admits with relish.
“Then I freaked out for a while. But you showed me what a heart could feel, Matt,” I add and pat his well-developed chest.
“You already know that you have my heart and absolute control over my emotions. These are the flowers that complete the picture, Megan,” he waves toward an enormous bouquet of exotic blooms from the growths at Butchart in the center of the room.
Tears sting my eyes. I can hardly speak as I look into the face of the man I love so desperately. “You think of everything, Matt. Thank you!” My heart fills with so much emotion that I simply fall into his arms and hold him close. He’s trembling and I’m on another planet.
Then, Matt lowers himself onto one knee. I hold my breath as I look down into his lovely eyes. They are wide and intense, full of raw emotion.
“I love you with every beat of my heart, Megan,” he declares while pulling a ring box from the inside pocket of his jacket. “Let me spend the rest of my life showing you how much I want you, and can protect you, and cherish you baby. Please say you’ll marry me, Megan. Share my life.”
Tears run from my eyes and down my cheeks. I blink them away and pull Matt into a standing position. I kiss him thoroughly as our tongues entwine.
“Be mine, always, baby,” he murmurs with a rush of emotion. Then he hands me the ring box.
My poor Matt. He loves me so, after all I’ve put him through with Michael and my time in Europe. At this instant, I feel such an outpouring of love for Matt that I can barely speak. I think of all my discussions with Dr. Ginger and realize that my journey has finally come to an end. I truly want to spend the rest of my life making Matt happy. He deserves all that I can give him, including my uncomplicated sense of love.
“Oh, Matt, of course I’ll marry you. You’re the most wonderful man. I couldn’t ask for more.” My tears continue to flow freely as I look him directly in the eyes. “I want to love you and
make you happy. I want to bear your children. I’ll create a happy home for you, baby,” I declare with passion and conviction.
Then, I open the box and look at the large diamond ring that he’s chosen for our engagement. It’s at least five carats and oval shaped. The platinum band is encrusted with sapphires. I smile with unmitigated joy. The ring looks stunning and the sapphire happens to be my birthstone. His thoughtfulness amazes me.