An Unexpected Holiday Gift

by Martha Kennerson

  “What do you mean, a mistake? Business always comes before pleasure, KJ.” Roger’s nose crinkled.

  Keylan glared at Roger. “Mia is more than just pleasure. I thought you got that.” He sat and put on his sneakers.

  “I guess I didn’t realize how serious you are about your feelings for her.”

  Keylan stood. “Then let me be perfectly clear. Mia and Colby are my future. Got it?” Keylan snapped.

  “Got it!”

  “Good, now call for the car. I’m headed to the airport.” Keylan exited the trailer.

  Chapter 23

  Mia stood in the grand foyer of what had to be the biggest and most beautiful house she’d ever seen. Between the huge, wood double doors that opened to white-marble floors that looked like snow and the hundred feet you had to walk just to reach the middle of the entrance hall, Mia knew she wasn’t in Texas anymore. She was still reeling from the airplane and helicopter rides up the side of the mountain, so she wasn’t convinced that any of this was real.

  “Are you telling me this is someone’s house? I thought we were coming to a resort.”

  The corners of Kirby’s mouth flew up. “Did you not see the sign when we pulled up into the driveway?”

  “You mean that parking lot? No, I missed the sign.”

  “It read ‘The Resort.’ That’s what the Kingsleys named this house,” Kirby informed her.

  “Again...” Mia took a step forward and turned in a slow circle. She eyed two large living areas to her left, a grand dining room that easily seated thirty people to the right, and a double marble staircase with so much more house behind it. “This is actually someone’s house?”

  “It most certainly is, miss,” a voice answered from behind her.

  She turned toward the sound. “Mia Ramirez, this is Mr. and Mrs. Phillip. They look after the estate for the Kingsleys.”

  “Welcome to ‘The Resort,’” the older, dark-skinned, gray-haired gentleman, wearing black pants and a white shirt, greeted her. “This beautiful young woman is my wife.” He pointed to the lovely, fair-skinned, gray-haired lady, wearing a black dress with a white apron, standing by his side.

  “Hush up.” She swatted at his hand. “My name is Alice, and my husband is Emile.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you both,” Mia replied.

  “Come in and warm up. Emile, get the child’s bags,” she ordered.

  “I’ll help you with that, sir,” Neil offered.

  “I got it,” Emile insisted, reaching for Mia’s white Louis Vuitton luggage, another one of Keylan’s practical gifts.

  “Let me get you something warm to drink,” Alice offered, glancing at all her guests. “We have all types of coffee, tea and cocoa, or if you’d like something stronger, I can help you with that, too.”

  “Cocoa would be great,” Mia replied.

  Neil nudged Kirby. “Thank you, but we’re going to head down the mountain before the snow starts getting too bad.” Kirby turned her attention to Mia. “As promised, the security here is second to none and Keylan trusts them completely, but if you’d like us to stay we can.”

  Mia could see how anxious Neil was to get his wife alone and she could relate one hundred percent. “That won’t be necessary—you two should go. I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure?” Kirby asked.

  “She’s sure,” Neil insisted.

  “I’m good.” Mia chuckled as she pushed Kirby toward the door. “Now go enjoy yourselves.”

  “You, too.” Kirby winked at Mia.

  That’s the plan.

  “How about you go relax in the family room and I’ll bring you that cocoa?”

  “Thank you, Ms. Alice.” Mia stood in silence for several moments, as she wasn’t exactly sure where that was.

  “It’s the room directly across from the staircase,” Ms. Alice directed.

  “Thank you.” Mia walked into the family room and her breath caught at the magnificent sight before her. The fifty-foot, glass-and-wood vaulted ceiling with a view of snowcapped mountains was breathtaking and clearly the room’s focal point. It was only second to the beauty of the stone fireplace on the left wall, which was flanked by glass windows, offering a view of an iced-over lake. The expensive paintings, rugs, leather and glass furnishings were mere understudies to the room’s two superstars. The image reminded Mia of something she’d see in an architectural magazine.

  “Wow...”

  “It’s something else, isn’t it?” Alice asked as she entered the room.

  “Yes, ma’am, it most certainly is.”

  “These rooms have been the subject of many magazines over the years,” she informed her, smiling.

  “I bet.”

  “Here you go.” Alice handed Mia her cocoa. “I hope you like whipped cream. It’s fresh.”

  Mia accepted the large mug and napkin. “I sure do. Thank you.” She took a sip. “Delicious.”

  “KJ should be here before dinner but if you’d like to eat now, I can make you a little something.”

  “No, this is great. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “How big is this house?” Mia’s eyebrows stood at attention.

  “Let’s sit.” Alice directed Mia over to one of the two sofas in front of the fireplace. “This is the main house and it’s about ten thousand square feet. The east wing is about another five thousand and the west wing is close to eight thousand. They added the gym on that side of the house.”

  Mia knew her eyes were about as wide as her mug. “All this for one family.”

  Alice laughed. “Ms. Victoria and Ms. Elizabeth were raising five rambunctious boys. They needed the space. Then there was little Kristen, who was always trying to prove she was just as tough and could keep up with her brother and cousins, too.”

  “How long have you worked for the family?”

  “Nearly thirty years. They’re our extended family. The Kingsleys have helped us raised three sons, all of whom have gone to work for the Kingsleys in some capacity.”

  Mia took another drink from her mug. “This still seems like a lot of house for one family.”

  “The east and west wings were added much later, when they decided to lease the house out when they weren’t using it.”

  “Oh...”

  “I’ll save the grand tour for KJ, but let me show you to your room. You’ve had a long trip. I’m sure you could use some rest.”

  Mia followed Alice up what seemed like an endless amount of steps and down a quiet hall that showcased photos of the Kingsley family in all stages of development. Leading the way, Alice stopped in front of a set of double doors. “KJ insisted that you be put in this room.” She opened the door and stepped aside.

  Mia crossed the threshold and stopped. “Oh, my...”

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Mia nodded slowly. She had no words for the beauty of nature she was viewing through another wall of windows. “More mountains, a river and is that a...waterfall?”

  “You’re not just seeing this, sweetie.” Alice reassured her, walking into the room. “All the rooms have beautiful views but this one is my favorite. Would you like me to help you unpack your luggage?”

  “That won’t be necessary, but—” Mia looked around the sparsely decorated room “—where are they and where’s all the furniture?”

  Alice must’ve noticed Mia’s confused look because she started to explain. “Keylan never liked a lot of furniture, which is why there’s just the big bed, nightstands and that long chaise. His mother insisted on that wall TV.” She pointed to the space above the fireplace.

  Mia looked at the framed picture hanging in the spot Alice pointed to. “What TV?”

  “That photo is actually a TV. The remote is in the n
ightstand. This way to the dressing and bathrooms.”

  “Bathrooms?”

  “Yes.” They walked to the left side of the room to where there were two doors. The first led to a large, circular, walk-in closet. There was a wood island in the middle of the space with dark wood and glass cabinets, half of which were filled with men’s clothes.

  “Did Keylan have his things sent ahead?”

  “Heavens, no, he keeps some clothes here.”

  “Of course he does.” Mia spotted her luggage, which had been placed on a wide bench.

  “Let me show you the bathroom.”

  Mia followed her out of the dressing room and into the bathroom. She couldn’t believe how big the two-headed shower and the Jacuzzi bathtub were. “Those two doors are the water closets.”

  “He has two toilets?”

  “Ms. Victoria insisted that they all have two.”

  Mia laughed. “I’m sure she had her reasons.”

  “I’ll let you get settled. And just so you know, you’re the only woman Keylan has ever brought here.”

  Mia smiled. “Thank you.”

  Mia returned to the closet, opened her suitcase and found her phone charger. She removed the phone from her purse and connected it, then pulled out the satellite phone Kirby had given her and dialed her aunt.

  “It’s about time you called,” Mavis scolded, answering on the first ring.

  “How did you know it was me? I’m not calling from my phone.”

  “Keylan called and gave us the number, as well as the one to the house.”

  “He did?” Mia felt giddy at the idea that Keylan enjoyed looking out for her and Colby.

  “Yes, he did, and you had thirty more minutes before I was about to call you.”

  “I’m sorry. This place is just so amazing. I was distracted.”

  “Well, take pictures,” she ordered when Mia heard her son in the background. “Here’s Colby.”

  “Hi, Mommy.”

  “Hi, little man. How are you?”

  “I’m good. You good?”

  Mia looked around the room and smiled. “I’m good, too. I love you.”

  “Love you, Mommy. Bye.” Mia heard the phone drop.

  “Off he goes,” her aunt said, sniggering.

  “I’m surprised he didn’t ask for Keylan.”

  “He didn’t have to. Keylan talked to him a few minutes ago.”

  “Really?” Mia couldn’t hide her surprise or delight.

  “Yep, and if I didn’t know who his deadbeat dad was, I’d swear Colby was Keylan’s.”

  Mia decided to ignore her aunt’s comment; she wasn’t about to take the bait. “Sounds like everything’s under control.”

  “As always. Now you just relax and have a good time. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” Mia disconnected the call and placed the phone on the nightstand. “Okay, let’s go relax.” She grabbed her bag of toiletries and headed to the bathroom. She undressed and jumped into the shower. With the warm water and the different body sprays pounding her body, she couldn’t help but relax. After the longest shower she’d had in a while, she wrapped her body in the thickest and plushest towel she’d ever felt.

  Mia walked back into the bedroom to find that a tray had been placed next to the bed with a plate of four steak sliders, fruit and a canister of hot cocoa. Mia took a bite of one sandwich and, before she knew it, she had cleaned the plate. She poured herself a cup of cocoa and sat on the bed. Knowing that she had a few hours before Keylan would arrive, she decided to forgo dressing and just lay back on the bed to enjoy the view.

  Mia had no idea how much time had passed when she rolled onto her back, moaned and refused to open her eyes. She knew she was having the same dream she’d been having for the last week and didn’t want it to end. Mia could feel the warmth of Keylan’s breath on her face. She could smell his cologne and feel his lips and nose slide down and across her breasts. “Oh, baby, please don’t stop.”

  * * *

  Keylan couldn’t believe the depth of his joy when he walked into his bedroom and found Mia lying across his bed wrapped in a towel. The light from the moon, reflecting off the icy river and pouring in the room, was like a small spotlight showing him what was now his.

  Traveling the short distance from the door to his bed was more like walking a ten-mile stretch with weights on his feet. He stood next to the bed and just gazed down at Mia’s sleeping form. As he stood there and undressed, his heart and body grew in anticipation. The day certainly hadn’t gone as planned. From agreeing to do an impromptu photo shoot after his required NBA promotional responsibilities—a mistake he wouldn’t make again—to the weather delays at the airport, he had just known their night was ruined. Oh, how wrong he was.

  He removed a condom from his nightstand and rolled it on before joining Mia on the bed. He lay next to Mia and kissed her gently on the lips.

  Keylan thought the satisfied smile that appeared meant she’d woken up. When she remained still, he ran his nose and tongue across her partially exposed chest. He kissed his way down the valley of her breasts and when Mia urged him not to stop, he could no longer hold back.

  “I won’t, baby,” he whispered.

  Mia’s eyes popped open. “You’re really here. I’m not dreaming.”

  “No, my love, and both our dreams are about to come true.”

  Chapter 24

  Keylan pulled the towel from Mia’s body and rolled on top of her. “I missed you like crazy, baby.”

  Mia cupped his face with her palm. “Show me,” she demanded, reaching for him with her other hand, placing it at her entrance. “I know it’s been a while, but I’m not made of glass and I won’t break.”

  It was like a pair of invisible handcuffs had been removed with the words she spoke. Keylan thrust his hips forward and Mia’s legs flew around his waist. As the walls of her body began to engulf him with each inch she took, Keylan began making sounds that even he didn’t recognize until he was buried deep inside her.

  He managed to calm himself long enough to gaze into her lust-filled eyes and whisper, “I’m in love with you, Mia.”

  “And I love you.”

  With those words piercing his heart, Keylan lost himself in her, confessing his love and promising her a future together as he left his mark all over her body.

  After nearly an hour of treating Mia’s body like his favorite meal he couldn’t get enough of, and only after she’d reached satisfaction multiple times, did Keylan allow himself to enjoy his own release...loudly.

  They both lay flat on their backs, sweating and breathing hard. “Wow, that was way better than my dreams.”

  “I know,” Keylan agreed.

  Mia rolled to her side and faced Keylan. She propped up her head with her right hand. “So, about the things you said.”

  Keylan turned his head toward her. “You can’t help it, can you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re overthinking this. I meant every word I said.” He rolled onto his side and faced her. “I’m in love with you. The three of us have a bright future ahead of us.”

  Mia pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him. “Okay, smarty-pants. Since you seem to know what I’m thinking—” she swerved her hips against his, groaning “—what do I want now?”

  Keylan raised his head and watched as Mia kissed her way down his smooth, sweaty chest past his stomach to his crotch. “Baby...” was all he could get out before Mia gripped the base of his shaft with her right hand and guided him into her mouth with her left. She paid special attention to its head and slit.

  Keylan’s head fell back. “Oh, damn...” The way Mia’s mouth sucked and pulled had him gripping the sheets. The warmth and wet sensation she offered clouded his mind an
d curled his toes. Before he could bring himself under control, Mia whispered, “Let go, baby.”

  Keylan buried his hands in Mia’s hair, the thrust of his hips matching her pace, and before long he did just that.

  “Damn...” He saw the look of satisfaction on Mia’s face as she crawled up his body and laid her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her.

  * * *

  Mia couldn’t believe how easy and yet necessary it was for her to please Keylan in such a way. How she found her own pleasure pleasing him. She could feel the sting of tears burn the backs of her eyes and she didn’t want him to see her crying again, so she tried to move away.

  Keylan tightened his grip on her. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked before rolling over on top of her.

  “Ummm...”

  “That’s what I thought. You don’t get to run away from me...ever.”

  “I wasn’t running away,” she murmured, dropping her eyes like she’d just been caught in a lie.

  “Are you upset about anything that we’ve done?” He wiped away her tears.

  Mia captured his gaze. She wanted to make sure he saw how much she meant what she was about to say. “Not at all. I’m happier than I’ve been in years. So happy, it’s scaring me a bit.”

  Keylan tilted his head slightly. “A bit?”

  The corners of her mouth turned up. “Just a bit.”

  He kissed her passionately on the lips. “I’m a little scared, too, but probably not for the reasons you think.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Keylan rolled off the bed, taking Mia with him. He carried her into the bathroom. “Shower and food first, then we talk.” Mia nodded.

  “That’s some shower you got there.”

  “You haven’t seen the best part,” he stated.

  “Really, what’s that?”

  He gifted her with a sexy smile. “Me.”

  Mia and Keylan shared a sensual shower that left them both spent and hungry.

  He dressed Mia in the top of his black silk pajamas while he wore the matching pants. Barefoot, they made their way down to a small galley kitchen that sat off a hall leading to the east wing of the house.