I stood and went to shake Mr. Crawford’s hand when he pulled me into another warm and genuine embrace. “I really look forward to a wonderful future and partnership with you and your father, Kasey.”
I pulled back from his hug and nodded in agreement. “Me too, sir. Thank you so much for dinner, it was wonderful. The food, the company, and the wine were superb.”
“I look forward to many more.” He released me and looked at Jake. “Take good care of our girl.”
I instantly felt nervous again, despite the effects of the wine and turned to see Jake response.
“You can count on it,” he replied, and then reached out to shake his Dad’s hand.
Mr. Crawford reached around me to his son, grabbed his hand, and placed his other hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I know you will.”
It felt odd, like a hand off. One minute I was under the care of Mr. Crawford and the next I was under the care of Jake. It felt weird to belong to no one and everyone all at the same time. I was suddenly glad I’d drank quite a bit of wine and uncharacteristically remained quiet during this exchange. Men could be so stupid.
Jake placed his hand on the small of my back and I moved quickly through the restaurant and out the door. The night air was still warm, but the temperature was perfect and the sky was cloudless and full of stars. I was looking up when Jake grabbed my hand and walked me to his car, which was parked in the circular drive right outside the door. For good reason, all the super-hot cars were always parked directly in front of the door to show the other patrons that the who’s who ate here.
“Wow, Jake, nice car. What did this beauty set you back?” I asked, staring down at the dark black Lamborghini. It was sleek, shiny, and incredibly sexy. Just like its driver.
“Quite a pretty penny I assure you, but her beauty pales in comparison to you this evening, Ms. Blakely. Now hop in and let’s take her for a spin.”
The door swung skyward. I looked at Jake and watched as his ego grew, and imagined his cock grew too. I backed into the car as gracefully as possible because it sat so low to the ground. I was grateful that my dress wasn’t too short, nor my heels too high. The smooth leather felt supple under my weight. Jake smirked proudly and closed the door. I’d never been in a Lamborghini before, but when the car ignited beneath me, the rumble of the powerful engine went straight between my legs. The car charged forward and I settled in, feeling incredibly sexual and energized.
I didn’t want to look at Jake because I could sense he knew I was captured by the moment. The powerful car under me and the intoxicating smell of him beside me, combined with my man drought put Jake at an unfair advantage over me. I needed to get to the hotel and out of this car as soon as possible. The car was thick with silent desire…his and mine. Be strong. Be strong.
“So where to?” he asked.
“Hotel,” I replied, determined to dissuade his advances.
“Oh, come on, I won’t bite, Kasey. Indulge me. I promise to be a perfect gentleman.” His eyes fell over me and I looked back feeling indifferent about his offer to continue on with the evening. “You must have some preconceived notion of me and whatever it is, I intend to dispel it,” he continued with genuine sadness in his voice.
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, really? You have acted a little standoffish since you stepped into the bar this evening. I assure you, your virtue will stay intact…if you want it to.”
“That’s what I am talking about, Jake. You’re making me feel uncomfortable. All the flirting and innuendos are too much. Can we just be friends?” I looked directly at him for the first time in a while, hoping I wouldn’t buckle at the sight of him and lunge across the car, all limbs and lips.
“So it didn’t even take twenty-four hours…I can call you K.K. now?” he asked, jokingly.
I had to commend him at his attempt to ease the banter between us. “Sure, friends it is.”
By the time I entered the hotel, it was somewhere between midnight and one in the morning. My feet were aching and I was sweaty from nonstop dancing. Jake was a big flirt, but a hell of a lot of fun and I was grateful in the end that I decided to go out.
I stepped out of my shoes and walked gingerly to the elevator, when heard my phone beep. I pulled my phone from my bag, looked down, and saw that I had missed several texts from Joshua. I felt a ping of excitement as I opened the first text, sent at 10:00.
HOME YET? WANTED TO SEXT YOU? CALL ME WHEN YOU GET IN. X0-J
11:00 p.m.
OKAY, NOW I’M STARTING TO FEEL JEALOUS. NO CALL, NO TEXT. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THAT FLIGHT TO LA. XO-J
1:00 a.m.
I’M GOING CRAZY THINKING ABOUT YOU. CALL BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND WORRYING ABOUT YOU. XO-J
Damn, he sounded like a possessive boyfriend, but I liked it. I slid the key into the lock of my suite and on the foyer table was the most exquisite bouquet of flowers. I was suddenly giddy with excitement. I walked my tired feet over and plucked the card. It revealed four simple words.
CAN’T WAIT TILL SATURDAY – J.
I contemplated whether to text back, but after toying with the idea and looking at the clock on the nightstand, thought better of it. No need to expose myself to still be awake or worse yet, just getting into bed at one fifteen in the morning.
Chapter 8
Joshua
Not knowing what she was doing with my Dad and brother and me being in New York was hell for me. It gave me too much time to dwell on my situation with her. I needed to come clean about whom I was, but I was feeling selfish and didn’t want to miss the chance at something more. It was a risky game, but one I was hoping to win.
I knew Jake like the back of my hand and there was no way he wouldn’t make a play for Kasey. The thought had me tied in knots. I sent the flowers after our conversation earlier in the evening. I wanted to make sure that the last thing she thought about before she went to sleep was me. I sent my final text at one in the morning, but there was no response back. I managed to finally fall asleep after jerking off to the thought of my beautiful partner.
My phone rang at seven and I sprang from my bed to answer it. I tried to sound alert, instead of groggy from just waking.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Good morning, son.”
“Oh…hey, Dad.” I replied letting the grogginess and excitement fizzle from my voice.
“Wow. Sorry to be such a disappointment. I assume you were expecting someone else?” He chuckled.
“No, not really. What’s up?”
“Everything is a go with Blakely. It’s a perfect fit for both companies.”
“That’s great, Dad. I agree it’s a great fit. When do you meet with Mr. Blakely?”
“He’ll be here sometime this afternoon. I anticipate we’ll close this deal today. The contracts will be signed within the week. Maybe even by next Monday, either here or in New York. Any thoughts on that? You’re already in New York and we could just come there with Mr. Blakely.”
“Honestly Dad, that’s totally up to you. Here or there, just let me know.”
“I’ll talk it over with Mr. Blakely and we’ll come to some sort of agreement today.”
“Great. How was dinner last night?”
“If you’re asking about Kasey, it was great. She’s very smart and very charming. She’ll be a great partner to you.”
Partner…ugh! The word hung over me like a wool blanket, itchy and stiff. I wanted her partnership all right, in my mouth, on my cock, in my bed…not in the boardroom. I knew it already…I was fucked. How was I going to pull this off? I wanted her beneath me, not beside me. The silence grew on the phone and my father broke it swiftly.
“Josh, I know you met her under different circumstances, but you cannot pursue her. You do understand what a colossal screw up that could be for all parties concerned?”
“I understand,” I replied. “You have worked hard to make Crawford what it is and I won’t let you down.”
“I never thought you would,” h
e said. “Take your time in New York, but don’t get in over your head with her. I know you said you had a date tomorrow evening. I suggest you spend that time bridging the gap of how you two intend to combine forces to take these corporations to the next level. Mr. Blakely and I won’t be around forever.”
“I get it. Say no more,” I said, before interjecting a final comment. “I’m glad to hear that dinner went well.”
“Yes. Your brother was on his best behavior and even offered to take her to her hotel.”
I could feel the tension increase in my shoulders and my grip on the phone tighten. “Awesome.”
“Oh, good God, Josh, your brother isn’t always the ogre you think he is. Cut him some slack.”
“Oh, he’s not an ogre, Dad, but he is the biggest womanizing asshole ever.”
I knew now how she could have missed every one of my texts. Unbelievable, what a dick! I could only hope she had more wits about her than to fall for the charms of my younger brother. But many women before her had succumbed.
I suddenly felt sick to my stomach and jealous. What the hell was happening to me? I couldn’t remember a woman ever having this effect on me. I needed to get a grip and fast.
“By the way, son, if the circumstances were different, she’d be the greatest catch ever.”
“Thanks, that is exactly what I wanted to hear, Dad. Great pep talk.”
“Funny.” He laughed into the phone at my expense. “I love you, son.”
“Love you too. I’ll call you later,” I replied before ending the call.
I sat down on the edge of the bed and put my hands on my head. What the hell was I going to do now? I’d already sent her flowers, set up a date, and now I was being told to back down. Hell, I’d been warned before the first text and well before the flowers, but I didn’t give a shit. I wanted her…all of her.
I felt the vibration of my phone before I heard the beep that alerted me that I had a text. I grabbed my phone with a little less enthusiasm than previously but was pleasantly surprised at the words before me.
FLOWERS BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU. – K
Thank-fucking-god was all I could think as I held the phone in my hand. I instantly texted back.
GLAD YOU’RE ENJOYING THEM. BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS FOR A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. COME HOME NOW! DON’T WANT TO WAIT TILL TOMORROW. XO – J
It probably came across a little desperate, but I really didn’t want to wait. Hell, the next two days may be the last I had with her before the reality of our situation hit and we fell into the friend zone. Piss on that.
BUSINESS NOT QUITE FINISHED. OUR DATE IS TOMORROW IF I REMEMBER RIGHT. SHOULD HAVE COME TO L.A. –K
Yes, I should have.
I WANTED TO LEAVE YOU LONGING. DID IT WORK?
I sure hope so.
LONGING FOR WHAT?
Funny, I’d play along with her.
THE FEEL OF MY MOUTH ON YOURS, THE WAY I’D TAKE ALL OF YOU AND THE WAY YOU WOULD SUCCUMB TO THAT DESIRE. I’M DYING TO SEE YOU. BUSINESS IS OVER - I AM HERE WAITING. XO- J
It was a cocky move on my part, but I was all in!
YOU MAKE ME NERVOUS. DO YOU ALWAYS SAY STUFF LIKE THAT?
Oh, if she only knew.
ONLY WHEN I WANT SOMETHING AND I TOLD YOU BEFORE YOU LEFT THAT I WANT YOU. I WILL MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS AT 8. I WILL BE HEARTBROKEN IF YOU STAND ME UP. I DON’T WANT TO WAIT ANY LONGER TO SEE YOU. DON’T RESPOND AGAIN IF YOU INTEND TO STAND ME UP. I DON’T THINK MY HEART COULD TAKE THE REJECTION. XO-J
She replied.
COMPANY PLANE COMING IN AT 10 WITH MY DAD ON BOARD. I WON’T MAKE ANY PROMISES, BUT I WILL TRY TO COME HOME TODAY. –K
I knew she would have to jump through a few hoops with my father and hers, but I didn’t want to wait till Saturday. I had a lot to plan and very little time to make it happen. I didn’t just want to impress her; I wanted her to beg for me in the end. I wanted her to not care about who I was or who she was. I wanted to make her mine.
Chapter 9
Kasey
What in the hell was I thinking? All rationale had just left the room and my head for that matter. I was considering leaving early for a man I barely knew. I had to think and fast. I wasn’t supposed to leave for another day. What on earth was I going to tell my Dad? There’s this guy I just met yesterday morning and in the last twenty-four hours he’s sent me the most incredible bouquet of flowers, some very salacious texts and being in his presence for a short period of time almost brought me to orgasm. Lucky for me I didn’t have long to contemplate. My father would be here soon.
The bellman retrieved my luggage and I sat in the lobby drinking my coffee when my phone rang. I looked down nervously at the screen—Dad.
“Good morning,” I answered.
“Hey, honey.”
“Are you here?” I questioned.
“Just touched down. Where are you?”
“I’m at the hotel. Listen, I was hoping that I could talk to you about leaving today instead of tomorrow?” I spoke confidently, but was quite unsure of myself.
“Really. Is everything okay?” His voice was filled with concern.
“Everything is great. I have a few things I wanted to get done and I think it would be nice for you and Mr. Crawford to hammer out the final details alone. Besides I already charmed them into submission and won everyone over.” I beamed proudly at my cavalier response and was happy to regain a little confidence.
“Sure, honey. You are sure you don’t want to hang here one more day with your old Dad? I could spoil you rotten on Rodeo Drive.”
“Daddy, you spoil me rotten all the time. When you return, let’s go to dinner. We have a lot to celebrate.”
“Sounds good. I’ll make sure the pilot stays on the tarmac and I guess I’ll see you Sunday. I love you, honey.”
“I love you too.” Whew! I felt like I’d just dodged a bullet and was glad to hit the end button on the conversation with my Dad.
Forty-five minutes later, I boarded the plane, headed back to my ‘Big Apple.’
*******
It was a little after 3:00 when we touched down and Benny was waiting with the car for me as I deplaned. I was thrilled to see his familiar face and was glad to be in the presence of a calming figure.
“Hey kiddo, your Dad called ahead to make sure I was here to pick you up. You’re looking well.” He gave my shoulder a loving squeeze and reached for my bags.
“Thanks, I’m feeling well.” I replied.
“Let’s get you home.” He opened the door and deposited my luggage in the trunk. I peered out the window in deep thought as we cruised from the airport into the city.
Benny looked back at me in the rearview mirror. He knew me well and I could tell he wanted to know what was on my mind, but I didn’t know what to say even if he asked. I was nervous about my date with Joshua. I was grateful when he looked back at me, but didn’t speak. I reciprocated the gesture and hoped it would curtail his curiosity. Suddenly, the sound of Super Freak screamed loudly from my purse. I quickly muffled it by hitting answer. I really needed to change that ring tone if I found it that embarrassing—and I did.
“Hey,” I answered.
“Good afternoon. How’s L.A.?” Beth asked.
“I’m actually in New York on the way home, but my trip was very successful.”
“I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow?”
“I wasn’t, but I had a change of plans and I’m nervous as hell about it,” I confessed.
“You…nervous? Do tell?” I could hear the anticipation in her voice. “Tell me involves the hot guy from your building?”
“Yes, it does. He pushed me to come home early for our date, and I did. I can hardly believe it, but here I am. Can you come over? I think I might need a little pep talk and a glass of wine before he picks me up.”
“Honestly? You, my friend, are the most self-assured, confident and self-absorbed person I might add…in a good way, of course, that I know.” She added quickly trying not to offend me
. “He must be something to get K.K. Blakely’s panties in a wad.”
“Yah, well, if you think I’m confident, you haven’t seen anything yet. This guy makes me look tame.”
“You know I love you K.K., but you have never taken prisoners and I don’t imagine you’ll be taking one soon. Maybe he’s the one that should be nervous,” she countered. “Yes to the invite. I’d love to come over. Besides, I need to get in that beautiful penthouse of yours, so I can put some ideas together for turning into the masterpiece it should be and not the sparsely decorated place you call home. I’ll let you supply the wine and conversation, and I will supply the ideas for making your place the hottest penthouse in the city.”
“Great. Come soon, my date is at eight.”
“Where’s he taking you?”
“I’m not sure, which makes me even more nervous because you know how anal I am about my clothes. Do I go ‘causal’ or ‘dressy’?”
“That’s easy…go sexy. You’re the hottest chick in this city. Throw that hair up. Slip on something slightly revealing with your best ‘come fuck me pumps’ and be done with it.”
I could hear the smile in her voice as she spoke, and I remembered just why she and I were best friends. She had an uncanny way of putting me at ease.
“I love you, Beth,” I said. “See you in forty-five minutes or so, okay?”
“Make it an hour? I have one more client sketch I have to complete and then I’m on the way.”
“Great,” I agreed, ending the call.
Benny pulled up to the building and I gathered my purse. He followed me into the building with my luggage in tow. I was relieved that I didn’t run into Joshua when I entered the building. I’d never run into him in the past, but I was hyperaware that he occupied a unit somewhere on the eleventh floor. I knew that if I saw him right then, I would combust from sheer nerves.
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