by R. R. Banks
“What do you mean?”
I look at Miss Delia and decide to lay it all out. I don't know why, but I feel compelled to be honest with her. So, I tell her everything about my business deal with Amanda and how that – changed. When I'm done talking, she laughs heartily.
“Glad you find some humor in it.”
“I do,” she says. “I find it hilarious, actually.”
I take a drink of my beer, watching her until her laughter finally fades. “And what do you find hilarious?”
“Because this was never about some sham marriage with you, Brady,” she says. “The way you talked about her, from the very first time I heard her name come out of your mouth, I knew that there was something different about her. Something special. And maybe you didn't realize it at the time, but you were falling for her long before you ever said those words to her.”
“I don't know about that –”
“I do,” she says. “I've know you your entire life. I've seen you go through women like men go through clean underwear. And never once, did I ever hear you talk about any of them the way you talked about her. And that first night I met her? I could see that she was as in love with you as you were with her. The problem was, you two were just too scared to acknowledge it.”
I sigh and take another drink. I think back over the months and try to recall the exact point I knew I was in love with Amanda and couldn't do it. I don't know when it was. Everything just felt so natural with her from day one. Maybe Miss Delia was right.
But then, I guess it doesn't matter now – now that Tiffany had blown everything up.
The doorbell rings and Miss Delia looks at me, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I'm waiting for a package, so I'll get that, but call her, Brady,” she says. “The odds are, she's sitting there waiting for you to reach out. Don't let your pride prevent you from marrying that girl – she's the best thing that's ever happened to you and Nicholas.”
The doorbell rings again and she gives me a smile. She turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I hear murmured voices inside, but don't pay attention to them. Instead, I take a long pull from my beer and stare out at the backyard, trying to organize my thoughts and feelings. Trying to work up the nerve to call Amanda.
“Doing a little day-drinking today, huh?”
My heart falls into my boots at the sound of Amanda's voice. I turn to her, my mind and body awash in a mix of emotions. She gives me a small smile and then takes the seat across from me at the table. I want to reach out and take her hand, want to feel the reassuring warmth of her skin on mine. But, I don't do any of that. Instead, I wrap both of my hands around my bottle to keep them occupied.
I notice that she's not wearing the engagement ring and my heart sinks even further than before. That can't be a good sign.
“How are you?” I ask hesitantly.
She shrugs. “I'm doing – okay,” she says. “Good, actually.”
I nod. “I'm glad to hear that, darl – Amanda.”
“We're still going to have to work on that,” she says, giving me the first genuine smile I've seen from her in what feels like a million years.
“We?” I ask. “There's still a we?”
Amanda's smile falters slightly, but she recovers it quickly and nods. “There is,” she says. “There's still a we if you'll have me.”
I reach across the table and take her hand, pulling it to my lips and kissing her knuckles softly. “Of course, I will,” I say. “I've been going crazy without you.”
“And I've been going crazy without you, Brady.”
I hold on to her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What changed?”
She grabs my beer bottle and drains the last of it. “Well, after brooding for a week, I got sick and tired of feeling sorry for myself, so I decided to do something about it.”
“And that was?”
“I tracked down one Angie Willows,” she said. “I had a very long, interesting conversation with her over coffee one day.”
The knot in my stomach tightens a bit at the mention of Angie's name. “And?”
“And, it turns out that Tiffany was blackmailing her,” she says. “Angie refused to tell me what Tiffany had on her, but she forced her to run into you that day and told her that she had to kiss you because she was taking pictures. Seems like she was relying on fear to keep Angie in line. She's got a husband and a new kid to think about.”
“Fear of what?”
She shakes her head. “I don't know.”
“Then why did she talk to you and admit everything?”
Amanda shrugs. “She honestly felt bad about doing that to you,” she says. “And she told me that she talked things out with her husband – discussed whatever leverage Tiffany has on her – and they're working to resolve that on her end so nobody can ever use it against her again.”
I nod and feel better than I have in a week.
“So – are we okay?” I ask tentatively.
She smiles. “Yeah,” she says. “We're good. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Brady. Please forgive me.”
I stand up and pull her into a tight embrace. It feels wonderful to have Amanda in my arms again – it feels right and perfect.
And for the first time in my life, I feel complete.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I clink my champagne glass against hers and smile. “Cheers, Mrs. Keating.”
Amanda smiles and holds her glass against mine. “And cheers to you, my dear husband.”
We're standing on the patio of our private villa in Bali. I look out at the ocean, admiring the crystal-clear blue and green of it. The waves crash against the shoreline with a sound like thunder and the birds overhead wail plaintively. It's – amazing.
When we first started to plan our wedding, we had planned on an extravagant affair. We wanted to make it big – or at least, I did. Amanda had scaled it back some, but it was still going to be a spectacle. After everything that happened though, we decided a small affair, attended only by our closest friends would be a much better idea.
So, our ceremony was held in a stunningly beautiful park filled with flowers and gorgeous greenery. Only our nearest and dearest were invited to come – and Nicholas charmed all in attendance in his role as our ring bearer.
Shortly after taking our vows, we boarded the company's private jet and took off for our honeymoon in Bali. It's one place I've never been and I have to say, it exceeds my every expectation.
We spent the first couple of days exploring this tropical paradise, hiking for hours on end, soaking it in, and savoring every moment of the culture – and each other. Our honeymoon – like Bali itself – has definitely exceeded my every expectation as well.
The sun is slipping toward the horizon, setting the sky on fire in brilliant shades of red and orange. As pretty as I think it is in Texas, a sunset in Bali is out of this world amazing. We sip our champagne, enjoying the sound of the ocean.
“What do you want to do tonight, darlin'?”
She gives me a flirty smile. “How about tonight, we order some room service?”
I pull her to me and smile back. “I think that sounds like a fantastic idea.”
I lean down and kiss her gently, running my hands through her hair. I feel her body responding as our tongues swirl around one another in her mouth. Being so near to her, kissing her so intensely – it still makes my pulse race. She grinds her body against me, running her hands down my back.
Reaching behind her, I untie her bikini top and let it fall to the deck. I take her breasts in my hands, gently kneading them. As our kiss grows more passionate, I give her stiff nipples a pinch, making her shudder beneath my touch.
I feel her hand rubbing my cock through my shorts. She reaches into my swim trunks and grips my thick shaft and I feel it growing even harder in her hand. Amanda moves her hand up and down, stroking my cock, drawing a gasp from me. With her other hand, she unties my trunks and lets them fall to the deck, pooling around my feet. I step o
ut of them as I reach down and slide her bikini bottom down her legs.
She kicks them to the side and then we're both standing naked on the deck, our bodies pressed together in an intimate embrace.
“I need you inside of me, Brady.”
“Soon, darlin',” I say.
I slide my hand down her stomach and slip it between her thighs, feeling how wet she was for me already. Her breath catches in her throat when I slip a finger deep inside of her. I smile as I take it out of her pussy and lick her juices off of it. The look of raw hunger in her eyes deepens.
Pushing her back against the railing of the deck, I slip my hand back down between her legs and slide two fingers into her. I start moving them in and out, fingering her hard and fast as we kiss. Amanda is moaning and grinding her pussy down on my hand as I bang her. She claws at my back and then bites my neck as I keep driving my fingers in and out of her.
She leans forward and bites my shoulder as I feel her body tensing up. Thrusting my fingers as deep inside of her as they'll go, she explodes. Her body shuddering, crying out, Amanda comes all over my hand.
“Oh Jesus, baby,” she whispers. “That was so good.”
“Just wait,” I say and give her a wink. “It gets better.”
I pick her up and set her on the deck railing. I step forward and she wraps her legs around my waist. I kiss her deeply as I slide the head of my cock into her tight, wet opening. Amanda grabs my ass and pulls me forward, desperate to have me inside of her. I oblige her and thrust my cock into her.
She gasps as I bury myself deep in her pussy.
“Fuck me, Brady,” she cries. “Fuck me, baby. Don't be gentle with me tonight.”
I give her a grin. “Yes, ma'am.”
I grab her ass and pulled her toward me as I start to thrust my hips, driving myself into her hard and fast. The sound of our skin slapping together blends with the sound of the waves crashing, creating a beautiful music I'll never tire of.
She pushes me back and climbs down from the railing. Turning around, she bends over the rail and looks back at me, a devilish little grin upon her lips.
“I want it from behind, baby,” she purrs. “Give it to me.”
I step forward and slam my cock back into her. She groans as I sheath myself inside of her again and start to fuck her. Grabbing a handful of her hair, I pull it nice and hard. She gasps and I tug it again as I slam my cock into her tight, wet little pussy. Amanda pushes herself back, grinding herself against me. Waves of pleasure ripple through me as I move inside of her.
I give her nice firm ass a good, hard slap and she squeals in delight – which makes me do it again. She tightens her muscles, squeezing my cock nice and hard and draws a groan from me. She keeps doing that, I'm not going to last all that long.
Amanda stands up and turns around, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She pushes me back toward the lounge chair on the deck.
“Lay down,” she says.
I comply and lay down on my back, stretching out on the chair. “I have to say, I kinda like it when you take the bull by the horns, darlin'.”
She smiles and straddles me, grabbing my stiff prick in her hand and strokes it. “I kinda like being in charge,” she says. “I may have to do this more often.”
“I wish you would.”
She guides my cock to her opening and then slides herself down on it. I throw my head back and moan as she takes me deep inside of her and then starts to rock her hips. Amanda plants her hands on my chest to give herself a little leverage and starts bouncing up and down on my dick.
I grab her hips and hold on tight to her as she fucks me. She's riding me hard and fast, her eyes rolling back in her head as waves of pleasure come crashing down on her. I thrust my hips up to meet her, sliding myself even deeper into her pussy, and make her cry out.
Feeling me so deep inside of her, thrusting myself up inside of her as she rides me has Amanda moaning and calling my name. And she fucks me harder, riding my cock like a rodeo champion. Reaching behind her, she gives my balls a firm squeeze and tightens up her muscles at the same time. The combined sensation pulls a stuttering gasp from my throat and I nearly come on the spot.
As it is, the pressure is building up within me and as Amanda keeps fucking me as hard and fast as she is, I'm not going to last much longer anyway.
Reaching up, I give both of her hard nipples a tweak, making her cry out again as she keeps fucking me. Like a wave approaching the shoreline, I feel it coming.
“Oh God, Amanda –”
I don't even get the words out before my cock starts pulsing. I throw my head back and grunt as I blow my load deep inside of her. She digs her fingernails into my chest as she cries out, her body trembling as she's overtaken by another orgasm, relishing the sensation of my warm, wet seed shooting deep inside of her.
Eventually, our orgasms fade and she collapses on top of me. I kiss her softly on the forehead and we lay there, on the lounge chair, our naked bodies intertwined.
“I love you, Amanda.”
“And I love you too, Brady.”
As the sun disappears below the horizon, ending another day in this beautiful paradise, we fall asleep together to the sound of the waves.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
“Thank you all for coming today,” I say into the microphone.
I nervously stand at a lectern in the large, crowded room. Behind me is a screen that bears the logo of Keating Technologies as well as the San Antonio Copperheads. Now that I was back from my honeymoon and all of the appropriate paperwork had been filed, I was ready to take my rightful place as the head of the Keating Technologies empire.
In the room is a herd of reporters, but also a big crowd of KT employees. This is the day I introduce myself to my new employees and to the world. It is also the day I am going to unveil the newest project I'm tasking the engineers at KT with – a design concept that I'm passionate about and want to make a reality.
The room quiets down and all eyes turn to me. There's a slight flutter in my stomach and as I look to my beautiful wife seated at the table to my right, next to Kendrick and Thomas, I feel some of my courage returning.
She's my rock. My strength. My everything.
“For those of you who don't know me, my name is Brady Keating,” I say. “Today is the day I assume control of the empire my father built. And today is the day I begin to forge my own legacy.”
There is a mild round of applause and I take a drink of water.
“Although I will be the incoming CEO of Keating Technologies,” I say, “I've asked Thomas Newhouse to stay on as the President of R&D and Operations. I think he's done an outstanding job in his capacity as the acting CEO and I want to make sure his brilliance is put to good use. Plus, having somebody as smart as him standing by my side can only make me look better.”
There is laughter and applause from the crowd as I look over at Thomas. A humble man, he seems to blush as he's recognized by KT's employees. Amanda is close enough that she reaches out and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. I give her a smile and adjust the hat on my head as the crowd settles down again.
“There are also some changes coming to the Copperheads organization,” I say. “Earlier today, I relieved Rick Dempsey of his duties. I appreciate his service to the franchise these last few seasons and wish him the best moving forward.
I will be stepping into the role of team president, and until a suitable replacement is found, I will also be the acting General Manager. I promise you, we will bring that winning tradition back to Copperhead football.”
This is met with wild applause and cheers. What can I say? Texans love their football.
“Change is coming to Keating Technologies as well as to Copperheads football, but I can promise you that it will be change for the better,” I say. “If there's one thing my parents taught me, it's the value of family. And you folks sitting out there – you're family. Keating Tech would be absolutely nothing without e
ach and every one of you.
I know it's become something of an empty platitude among many companies today, but I can assure you that it's absolutely true. It's a point that Thomas helped underscore for me some months back when he had me tour the main offices with him. I got a chance to meet and talk with many of you – though, I will make the effort to meet everybody. But hearing your stories, hearing how you feel about working for KT and being part of our family – it inspired me. Made me want to be a better leader and a better person for all of you.”
More cheers and applause and as I looked out at the crowd, I saw many of them giving me wide smiles and thumbs up signs. I'd never felt like more of a rock star than I did in that moment.
“And lastly, while I have a minute – and a captive audience – I'd also like to acknowledge somebody special and important to me,” I say, looking at Amanda. I see the color flare in her cheeks and she quickly looks away. “Without her – I don't even know what I would do. She challenges me daily. Pushes me to excel and makes me want to be a better man. A better father. My life is better in a million different ways thanks to her. And I'm so grateful to call her my own.”
The room absolutely erupts in cheers and applause. I lean down and give her a quick, chaste kiss. Her face is nearly scarlet and she refuses to meet my eyes. Her embarrassment is absolutely adorable. A moment later though, I hold my hand up to quiet the crowd.
“My wife encourages me to pursue my passion and do those things that bring me joy,” I say. “And so, it's with that in mind that I am very happy to unveil the latest project I am tasking the brilliant minds at KT with – a project I am confident will become a reality.”
“In combining my love for Keating Tech with my passion for football, it gives me incredible pleasure to announce that Keating Technologies will be partnering with the NFL to design a new helmet and equipment – things that will cut down, and hopefully eliminate – the dangerous effects of CTE and other traumatic brain injuries.”
The applause is nearly deafening and I can't help but smile. As I look to Kendrick and Thomas – two of the greatest men I've ever known – and then to my wife, before I look out the crowd once more, I reflect on how funny and strange life can be at times – and how quickly everything can change.