by Jill Downey
Kyle shook it off, chalking it up to his imagination. He didn’t entertain strangers at his home and was unused to coming upon someone standing in his foyer. The last nanny had never invited anyone on the premises and that suited Kyle just fine. He might make that a new rule. He’d have a talk with Lindsey on Monday and clarify a few things.
As Rich was passing by his office, he called him in. “Hey Rich, did Lindsey happen to get security clearance for her visitor?”
“No sir, not that I am aware of. She didn’t request it from me.”
“Me either. I’m sure I mentioned that to her. I’ll discuss that with her on Monday.”
“Yes sir.”
“Ella will be spending the weekend here. She’ll be here any minute.”
Richard Drake practically beamed, “Very glad to hear it! I’ll watch for her.”
Kyle smiled; apparently no one was immune to Ella’s charm.
A few minutes later the bell chimed signaling that Ella had arrived. Kyle stuffed his files back into his briefcase and went to meet her. Richard was there exchanging words with her when Kyle approached. She had on short cut-off jeans that hugged her hips, a red tank crop top which exposed her toned arms and flat stomach, and her customary flip-flops.
Ella felt stripped bare as his eyes burned with intensity that left no question about his level of desire. Richard discreetly slipped away as Kyle pulled her into his arms kissing her hungrily. Talking against her lips he said, “What took you so long?”
Breathlessly she said, “I’m not sure.”
“Where’s Daisy?”
“My friend Deb is going to check in on her.”
“Next time bring her along. I have grown quite attached.”
“Deal.”
He grabbed her hand and tugged her along, “Come on I have something to show you.”
“What?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Beyond curious, she let him pull her along. He was in his normal stay-at-home garb, barefoot, old faded jeans and a white tee shirt. Sexy as hell. His biceps bulged, and she could see the cut in his triceps; even the injured arm was building back up. His ass filled out the jeans to perfection. She skipped a couple of steps to keep up. Kyle was as excited as a little kid.
They went outside and he made her cover her eyes. “Let me lead you from here. Can I trust you to keep your eyes shut?”
“Yes.”
She heard garage doors automatically opening. “The suspense is killing me!”
“One more second.” He pulled her a few more steps. “You can open them now.”
She did and found herself staring at a beautiful black and chrome Harley Street Sportster with a wide pink ribbon wrapped around the entire bike and a big pink bow on the handlebars. Her eyes lit up with glee and she squealed, “For me?”
“Yes, do you like it?”
“Like it? I love it! But I don’t know how to ride.”
“I’ll teach you this weekend!”
Ella had never looked more radiant. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Kyle was mesmerized and momentarily tongue tied.
She straddled the bike and looked up at him laughing joyfully. “Motorcycle mama! Can we go now?”
“Let me show you a few things first, but yeah we can take them up and down the road a few times before dinner.”
She wiggled her index finger at him seductively, “Come over here.”
He walked over and stared down at her, utterly enchanted with her unspoiled delight. He felt sad that he had never really experienced that. He’d always had things…but it gave him great joy to see her so happy. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. He held nothing back and neither did she. The fire between them had only increased with intimacy; he would never get enough of her. It dawned on him that this must be what it felt like to be in love, which hit him like a ton of bricks. I’m in love! Well I’ll be damned.
Ella felt him freeze for a moment and wondered if his pain was back. “Are you okay?’
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You look a little bewildered. Are you sure you’re not in pain?”
“No nothing like that. Let’s go over the basics. I’ll give you a tutorial on the bike then we can go for a short ride.”
“Sounds good to me.”
He had her get off so he could sit on the bike and explain all the gadgets, bells and whistles. The bike was loaded. He guessed his early assessment had been incorrect; he was just as excited as she was. Her joy was rubbing off.
Ella looked at him and suddenly choked up. With a jolt she realized she had fallen in love with this man. Hook, line and sinker. He was so earnest as he patiently explained the rules of the road and stressed putting safety first. It was so new and tender that she knew she would keep her discovery to herself for the time being. She felt hopeful, scared, shaken, but she couldn’t help the warmth that flooded her heart. Oh well, nothing to be done about it now.
Much later, lying in bed after making love, Ella snuggled against her man, enjoying everything about him—his smell, his laugh, his intelligence, his quick wit, even his alpha maleness. Thinking about his accident and how critical his condition had been when she first saw him in the ICU, she slid down under the covers to kiss his inner thigh where his angry scar remained. It was the only physical reminder of his close encounter with death. She nuzzled his spent maleness, loving the soft skin surrounded by coarse hair, the intoxicatingly musky… male…sexy…scent of him.
“I couldn’t even if I wanted to. You’re wearing me out,” Kyle said lazily already half asleep.
She kissed her way back up and planted a wet one on his lips. “Nothing like that, I just wanted to smell you.”
“You’re weird,” he grinned, keeping his eyes closed.
“Maybe so but I love the smell of sex.”
“Go to sleep.”
“I will. Good night, my love,” she said quietly, but Kyle was already snoring, fast asleep.
28
The weekend seemed to fly by. She and Kyle were enjoying Sunday brunch by the pool, when Finn appeared, running out to greet them excitedly. “Ella! Dad! I’m home!”
“We can see that,” Kyle said, smiling indulgently.
Finn threw himself onto Ella’s lap and she held on tight. “How’s my favorite kid?”
“I’m so glad you’re back. My dad was really grumpy after you left. But I knew it was accounta that he likes you and he was missing you.”
Ruffling his hair, she said, “How did you get to be so smart?”
He grinned and shrugged, “Lucky I guess.”
“I missed you guys too,” Ella said.
“How’s Daisy?”
“Good, no doubt wondering where you are. How are Miley and Cyrus doing?”
“Great but I still need a dog. You promised you’d work on Dad,” he said.
“I kept my promise and I think we’re making some headway.”
His eyes went round. “Is that true Dad?”
“I’m considering it. Ella and I thought we could all go to the animal shelter and see if there are any puppies that would be a good fit. There are a few rescue places to check out as well.”
“Really?”
“Yes really.”
“When?”
“This week.”
Finn spun around and around until he got dizzy and plopped down on the ground at their feet. “My dream is finally coming true.”
Faye joined them carrying a plate of fruit she had helped herself to.
“Aunt Faye, guess what?”
“Tell me.”
“Dad said I can get a puppy!”
“It’s about time.”
“I know, right?”
They all laughed.
“I’ve got an appointment with a realtor to look at a property,” Faye said tentatively.
“What kind of property?” Kyle asked.
“A bar, right on the marina.”
“You wouldn’t happen to be talking about Skully’s old
place, would you?” Ella asked.
“Yes! Do you know it?”
“I spent most of my early twenties sidled up to the bar there…when I wasn’t cramming for an exam.”
“I love it!”
“Wait a minute Sis, are you trying to tell me you want to own and operate a bar?”
“Yes and serve bar food and have live entertainment on the weekends.”
“But you don’t know anything about running a business.”
“Don’t be a killjoy. I can learn.”
“Just the liability of owning a bar in your position makes me nervous,” Kyle said.
Waving her hand dismissively, Faye said, “Says the attorney.”
“Your point?”
“Why are you being so negative? Dad is harassing me about being a freeloading trust fund baby and now I come up with a plan and everyone is slamming it. I can’t win!”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea Faye,” Ella offered.
“You do?”
“Yes, I do. It sounds like loads of fun too. I’m sure the initial investment is exorbitant but it’s sure to pay off. As they say, location, location, location.”
“That’s what I think.”
“Me too, Aunt Faye. I can help,” Finn said. “Can I bring Lucy or Charlie?”
“Who?”
Ella laughed at Faye’s puzzled expression, “He already has the names picked out for his puppy.”
“Sure.”
“I guess I’m overruled here. What can I do to help?” Kyle said.
Faye threw her arms around her big brother and said, “Thank you! I knew you’d be there for me. If I decide to go for it, I need you to go over the sales contract for me…make sure everything looks legit. Then I’d like you to handle the deed prep, closing, all that legalese stuff.”
“I can do that.”
Faye finished the last ripe strawberry on her plate and got up to leave. Giving Ella a hug she said, “A little advice for my big brother before I go…you’d better hold on tight to this one!”
Ella’s cheeks turned pink as she met Kyle’s eyes, smoldering with desire. “That’s the plan. Now, do you have any suggestions on how to go about it?” he asked.
“Treat her the way you want to be treated…be romantic, surprise her regularly, don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong, don’t be a butthead.”
“Got it!” he winked at Ella.
“You left out the part about waiting on me hand and foot and daily massages,” Ella said.
“That just goes without saying… I’ll let you know how this showing goes, my realtor’s probably already there. Gotta fly.”
“See you soon, I hope,” Ella called out.
“Bye, Sis,” Kyle said.
“Bye, Aunt Faye. Can we go to the pet store now?”
Kyle and Ella exchanged glances, “Sure,” Kyle said.
“Ella can we take your jeep?”
“Does your puppy already have a name?” Ella quipped.
Finn looking puzzled said, “You know them already.”
“Sorry, it’s a tricky way of saying yes. You know, answer a question with a question, and both answers are yes.”
Seeing Finn’s expression made them laugh out loud, “I told you that you’re weird,” Kyle said.
A moment later Finn exclaimed, “I get it!”
Smugly Ella smirked at Kyle, “You were saying?”
“Weirdo.”
She punched him on the arm. “I’ll go get my keys and purse.”
As she walked away, she heard Finn chattering about what essentials he’d need for Lucy/Charlie. This was going to be so much fun. The family was growing. She stopped dead in her tracks. Family. It had been so long since she had felt like a part of a family. It terrified her. She had lost everyone she had ever loved, she sent up a silent prayer for their protection.
29
Kyle was frustrated at how long it was taking to regain the hand strength and dexterity required to play the piano like he could before the accident. He kept messing up and missing keys, discordant sounds that grated on his last nerve. These exercises brought out the worst of his perfectionism. Impatiently he started again. To anyone but him, the music would sound melodious and pleasing, but he was his own worst critic.
“Hey Mr. Bennett, Mr. Drake said you wanted to see me,” Lindsey said.
Impatient at being interrupted, he replied curtly, “Not now. In my office, twenty minutes.”
She turned bright red and mumbled, “I’m sorry to interrupt, excuse me. Twenty minutes.” She hurried out of the room.
Kyle raked his hands through his hair and cursed under his breath for lashing out at Lindsey. That was a signal it was time to quit practice for the day. Glancing at his Rolex, he paged Rich and requested a pot of coffee, a plate of cold-cuts, cheese and crackers to be brought to his office promptly.
As he waited for Lindsey to show up, he quickly glanced over the contract Faye had forwarded to him. Everything appeared to be aboveboard. He didn’t spot any red flags. He had advised Faye to offer full asking price since it was currently a sellers’ market. Her realtor had suggested the same.
Lindsey poked her head in the door, “Are you ready for me?”
“Yes, come in.”
“I’m sorry for interrupting you earlier.”
“It’s fine. You caught me at the height of my frustration.”
“Sorry. It sounded beautiful.”
“Hardly, but thanks.”
“Is everything okay? I hope you’re happy with my job performance so far.”
“Yes, Finn really likes you. I called this meeting because I clearly instructed you to get security clearance for any guests you invited onto the premises. I checked with Richard and my security company and there have been none issued from you.”
“No, sir.”
“And yet, you had someone here on Friday picking you up. I saw him in the foyer.”
Lindsey fidgeted in her chair, “Yes, but that was just my boyfriend.”
Kyle scowled, “And?”
Her eyes widened in surprise, “And what? You wanted me to get clearance for my boyfriend?”
“Wouldn’t you consider him a guest?”
She shrugged, “Not really, he’s my boyfriend.”
“I accept that you made a mistake, but from now on anyone, and I mean anyone, even your mother, is required to be cleared through my security team, are we clear on that?”
She looked down at the ground, her cheeks bright red, “Yes, Mr. Bennett.”
“Now if you’d submit your boyfriend’s name and address to Mr. Drake, he will get the information to security for clearance. Problem solved.”
Mr. Drake appeared with the food tray and pot of coffee and set them down on a side table. “Thanks Rich.”
“You’re most welcome. Would you like me to pour your coffee, sir?”
“No thanks.”
Richard nodded to Lindsey and backed out of the room.
“Are you hungry? Help yourself,” Kyle offered.
“Okay.”
“Coffee?”
“No thanks.”
Kyle poured himself a mug full, added cream, then loaded up a small plate for himself and sat back down. Lindsey filled a plate too.
Stirring his coffee, he said, “Since we’re already here how are things going for you? Do you have any questions or concerns? Any observations about my son you’d care to share?”
Her face lit up with a smile, “He’s adorable. He’s kind and loving, I am very happy here.”
“Good. Finn seems to be adjusting well. I like the way you engage with him. Other than the security issue I have no complaints. Keep up the good work. I think the nightmares are under control…to my knowledge I’m not aware that he’s had any recently.”
“No. You didn’t miss anything. He hasn’t had any.”
Kyle smiled, “You’re free to go unless you have any questions.”
“No, thank you. I’m so happy to be working here
Mr. Bennett. I already love Finn. It’s a privilege. Thank you for entrusting me with your son.”
“I am glad we found you. It’s just about time for you to pick him up from school so I won’t keep you any longer. Oh, I almost forgot, I’ve promised Finn a puppy. Do you have any objections? I know it will be extra work for you, but you mentioned your last family had a dog.”
“I love dogs! That would be terrific. I’ll help housebreak him.”
“Great. I was hoping you’d be agreeable.”
“I’ll see you later Mr. Bennett. I’m sorry about my boyfriend.”
“No harm done it was a misunderstanding. I guess I didn’t make myself clear.”
“Well you have now, that’s for sure.”
“Good. I’ll be heading back to my office. Tell Finn I’ll be home in time for dinner.”
“Will do. Bye.”
Kyle shook his head, feeling old for thinking that young people just didn’t seem to have common sense these days. That’s something you didn’t pick up from a book. He didn’t understand how Lindsey had arrived at the conclusion that somehow her boyfriend was exempt, but what the hell, she knew now. Geesh I am getting old.
30
Ella, Kyle and Finn sat in a circle on the floor of a small visiting room at the local animal shelter with a half dozen lab mix puppies in the center.
“I want them all!” Finn said.
“Since you can’t have them all let’s just observe for a few minutes and see what personality traits show up,” Kyle said.
Ella chimed in, “Yeah, Finn look for things like which one is the most playful or laid back, the one who is curious, shy, aggressive, friendly, then we’ll decide which of those personality types fit the household the best. But it’s not a decision to be made just from thinking, you have to listen to your heart.”
Finn giggled as a black puppy kept jumping up trying to lick his face. “I think this one likes me!”