Gavin (Members From Money Book 24)

by Katie Dowe

  Joan and William both knew who she was and what she was doing there, but the others could only speculate for now - Brett liked it that way. The announcement later in the evening’s proceedings would clarify things, but for now the imaginations of all present ran wild with questions - who was this black woman sitting at their table? Was she his date? Did the queen mother know about this?

  They were polite enough not to verbalize their questions, but rude enough to sneak glances when they thought she was not looking. Natalie noticed. Brett whispered in her ear and she giggled quietly. Joan glared at the two in disgust. The old crow forgot her place often, but Brett had made up his mind long ago that if she spoke even one slightly offensive word, he would have her removed from the compound.

  There was commotion at the twin doors where a security man ushered the many artists and fashion wannabes not on the VIP list, to a room where they would watch the proceedings on a large screen. They would only be allowed back inside for the cocktail hour after the ceremony. Once he had succeeded in reestablishing the barrier, the large oak doors were swung shut and a short, distinguished looking man took center stage on the podium.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and friends of Haughton and Company, tonight we gather here to celebrate the strides made by Haughton to back and support budding entrepreneurs. We’ve all heard of Penelope, the young woman with a love of art, science and fashion who entered, and won our Scholarship earlier this year. We want to show you just how she came to be the winner. Her innovation and creativity had won her a seat in winner’s row.

  A gigantic flat screen descended from the tall ceiling as dramatic classical music started to play. The tune quickly turned to rock as Penelope’s image took the screen. The short video was packed with her in the science lab, creating her special dyes and progressed all the way to her painting the fabric and then finally, chugging away her life on the sewing machine. The crowd erupted into a chorus of applause as the final scenes of the fashion show filled the screen. The clothing was indeed something to clap about.

  The screen ascended, and as the crowd continued with their thunderous applause and the man began to speak again. “That was awesome, wasn’t it? What a wonderful way to contribute to being a greener planet huh? God bless the humble sweet potato.” The crowd laughed at his joke, but he was solemn again.

  “Everyone here knows that here at Haughton we like to keep things fresh and exciting, that’s why we kept the next announcement a total secret. Now, after years with my beautiful wife Sheila, I know that next to a stunning wardrobe a woman values jewelry the most, am I right ladies?”

  The females in the room agreed with loud applause before the MC was able to continue. “I assure you ladies that we have found the best, most creative jewelry designer to work with Penelope. She’s the gifted creative director of Emerge, Natalie Johnson. Ms Johnson’s designs focus on handmade quality, customization and sustainability. Please take a look at Emerge…”

  Again the large screen dropped to eye level and a new video started. Her designs flashed across the screen while a narrator told the story of her business. It had no personal details as Brett hadn’t consulted her with the video production, but still, they did a pretty good job in speaking about her business. She was impressed. Brett watched her face as she digested the short presentation on her work. Her expression let him know he had hit money.

  Turning to him with a gleam in her eyes, she silently thanked Brett before she and Penelope were invited to give a short speech. Once again, he pulled out her chair and she and Penelope became the center of attention as they strutted the walk of fame. Penelope was as gracious in person as she was in her Skype calls. It was difficult not to like her.

  Choosing not to speak of herself, Penelope turned her speech into a revolutionary cry for women everywhere to keep trying, never to stop chasing their dreams and for a stronger sisterhood to exist in the world. Natalie agreed and endorsed her statement for women’s empowerment. When speaking about her work, Natalie described it as a labor of love, work in which all senses came to life. She encouraged other women to find a passion and pursue it. The crowd sprang to its feet while thunderous applause came from their hands. This was a crowning moment.

  Finally, she thanked the good folk at Haughton and Company for their unwavering support and backing without which she wouldn’t be there. Glancing at the Haughton table, she saw Brett beaming with pride. In truth, they were staring at each other for much longer than appropriate and the familiar tingling between her legs took over right there in public. Breaking the eye lock, she tried to refocus on the crowd as she gave parting words of gratitude and walked back to her seat. Only then did Natalie become aware of the beads of sweat pouring down her face.

  Back at the table, Joan’s glaring intensified and William carried a conceited smug on his face. His companion picked at a salad during the main course, ignoring the beef tenderloin while everyone else at the table issued sincere congratulations. From the time Natalie took her position at the table, Brett looked at her with different eyes. As dinner went on he seemed to be peeling back her layers and searching her. Natalie shifted in her chair uncomfortably while resisting her own temptation to stare back just as intently.

  As the waiter cleared away the dessert plates, Brett decided he should share with Natalie just what was on his mind and maybe it was the glasses of wine that made her agree or the fact that she was turned on by his presence. All the same, when Brett whispered, “Can I take you home after this is done?” Natalie answered with a quick yes. She was slightly embarrassed that she answered so eagerly, but her body responded yes as well. No sense denying the obvious.

  The MC was speaking again, thanking the Haughton Company for providing such a lovely evening and before long the doors opened, allowing those watching from another room to mingle with the elite.

  The congratulations were many and the shaking of hands seemed to continue forever. A few young women shared with Natalie just how much of an inspiration she was to them and Natalie encouraged them to follow their dreams. Right now she was dreaming of being in another space and time with only one person. She was trying to be patient.

  Brett tore himself away from the young business men seeking advice with parting words of inspiration. There were more pleasurable matters to deal with at this time. Walking over to Natalie, he gently touched her elbow and whispered in her ear. Almost immediately she gave her parting regards and the pair slipped out a service entrance, seemingly unnoticed.

  *****

  As he gave the instructions to the driver to go straight to his house he looked at Natalie for one last signal of confirmation. She nodded and he finished his sentence to the chauffeur by rolling up the separator glass. Before they arrived, Natalie’s nervousness stemmed from addressing a large crowd and mingling with folks from the elite. Now, as the limo zipped along the streets of Old Money districts, her nerves stemmed from being alone with this man.

  She was beginning to question her decision. Would he think of her as a slut? Would their relationship be strained? Was this just a lay? All things that ran through her mind as they chatted about random topics along the ride. As the car finally pulled into the grand gates of the Haughton Estate her final question of worry was, would he hurt her? That alone was enough to make her think she had made the wrong choice. It was too late to turn back.

  The estate was a combination of Greco Roman sleekness and farmhouse rustic charm. The gates swung open in welcome as though they recognized their owner’s presence. The long driveway was lined with shrubbery so well pruned they looked artificial and the tall trees signaling the end of the drive must have been ancient. The twin trees stood at either side of the front entrance, reaching for each other desperately but not quite touching. Natalie couldn’t make out what the driveway was paved with but she definitely knew the Stone Henge looking structure decorating the center was made of marble.

  The house was huge and with the lights turned on, the reflection off th
e brick red stones made the walls of the two story home glow in an amber shade. A smiling woman opened the door and waited for the chauffeur to help his boss and guest out of the car.

  Natalie was nervous. Was she moving too fast with this man she had just met and who was also technically her boss? Maybe so, but she knew she wanted him. This was the first time in a long while she yearned for a man. There would be no turning back now.

  He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He held her hand and escorted her up the stairs where the smiling housekeeper welcomed them. Inside was just as impressive as the outside. The high ceilings spotted with tiny art lights reminded her of a roman cathedral. There was no art hangings on the walls, instead, there were floor to ceiling murals depicting nature in different stages - an evening sunset on one and a morning’s sunrise on the other. The furniture in contrast, resembled pieces from a farmhouse - natural and unpolished.

  “Your home is stunning Brett,” Natalie murmured as she looked around to find him gazing directly at her.

  “It’s nowhere near as stunning as you. Since the first time I met you I wanted to taste the sweetness of your skin.” And without invitation he came forward and nuzzled her neck before kissing her ever so gently.

  She suddenly felt conscious that he was taking her in the foyer of his house in front of the maid, but the thought quickly left her head as the sensations began to trickle over her skin. Brett murmured against her neck and the urgency of his kisses quickened. Natalie’s body yielded to the pleasure and she let her body fall against his. He inhaled her.

  He caught himself as his hands began to drift over her ample body. “If I don’t stop myself, I am going to take you here and now. Come with me.”

  Dragging his mouth away from her delicious throat, he tugged her hand. There would be no grand tour of the house tonight, but there definitely would be some exploration. Brett led her through the large living room to find an antique winding staircase to the second floor. His steps were hurried and Natalie tried to keep up with his pace. The carpet on the stairs muffled the sounds of their quick steps.

  No staff was about when they reached the landing outside the master suite. Swinging the giant wooden door open effortlessly, Brett escorted her inside. There was no time to take in the grandeur of the magnificent bedroom. The focus was strictly on each other. Hands moved quickly to remove clothes and soon they stood naked.

  A solitary vintage lamp glowed next to the king sized bed in the middle of the room. Three carpeted steps elevated the bed from the floor of the room and now subdued and confident that he had her to himself, Brett slowed down. With the care of handling a fragile object, he passed his hands over the curve of her shoulder and traced her collarbone all the way to her firm breasts. Her reaction of lost breath caused tiny sounds of pleasure to escape her parted lips while her chest heaved in anticipation.

  Gently, he laid her on the bed while he continued to familiarize himself with her body. “Brett,” she cried as his mouth replaced his hands on her full breasts. He kissed them in awe of the contrast between his pale hands and her dark peaked nipples. His thick fingers flicked the dark pearls back and forth while Natalie writhed, unsure if to flee from the painful pleasure or yield to it.

  “Your skin,” Brett whispered. “I’ve never felt anything like it.” Her tummy wasn’t perfectly flat and yet it didn’t bulge. The plump flesh flowed out onto her ample hips and Brett tried to resist the temptation to touch the puffy triangle between her thighs. Tiny faint stretch marks on her hips showed that she was a woman in every way. Sturdy legs supported a backside more impressive any he had seen naked and bare before him.

  More blood rushed to his already hard and throbbing cock as he flipped her over and grabbed the plump mass between his fingers closing his eyes and imagining himself sinking deep into her. His cock fit snugly in the groove of her ass as he straddled her. He forced the two halves of her impressive ass together and watched the head of his cock appear out the other side. Brett began to move the traction of her tightly squeezed ass cheeks coaxing his dick to concrete hardness.

  The burning heat in his throbbing groin took over and he knew he had to take her there and then. Parting the flesh folds of Natalie’s ass revealed the fleshy folds of her pussy - pink, wet and ready. The head of his dick found her moist entrance as though pulled by a magnet. The head sank into the wet opening and because he couldn’t help himself, the entire length of his hard shaft followed.

  Natalie cried out as the injection of Brett’s hard warmth filled her, his weight forced her hips down and her clit, now out from its hiding place connected with the smooth bed sheets, stimulating her even more. Brett groaned as Natalie’s warm wetness engulfed his cock, slicking it with oil and gripping it with pressure. The tight passage held him captive as her pussy muscles clenched, drawing him deeper into her.

  It took everything in him to move, but eventually he mustered the fortitude to pull out and slam into her again. He didn’t stop after that. Propelled by a carnal force outside, and inside of him at the same time, Brett drilled into Natalie, coaxing moans of animalistic ecstasy from her now constantly open mouth.

  The friction from the bunched sheet between her legs running on her stimulated clit and Brett’s persistent pounding in the bottom of her pussy created a brain rush unlike any she had ever felt. She couldn’t open her eyes because the colors of their combined energies flashed erratically before her closed eyelids.

  His pace increased, neither of the two of them knew the speed of his thrusts could get any faster or any more aggressive. But they did. Perspiration ran from his face and dripped between the deep crevices his fingers made as they gripped Natalie’s ass. When his cock disappeared inside Natalie that final time he knew he had spilled his liquid of lust in her chasm. It was too late to pull out now and he groaned as it erupted from his shaft with a vengeance. In the same instant, her walls locked his dick into place, imprisoning her in the depths of her own mind shattering climax.

  When the shaking of his hips subsided and the appropriate amount of oxygen entered his lungs first and then his brain, Brett fell over on the bed bringing her with him. He pulled her full body next to his, marveling at the contrast of their skin’s glow in the lamplight. She felt right in his arms and that night, Brett slept better than he slept in many years.

  Chapter 7

  Brett found it difficult to be apart from Natalie and soon the buzz about the unlikely couple spread and the ever pleasant Joan caught wind. Well, she probably was the one to notice it in the first place and a few choice people were informed about the goings on.

  William had been by the office the week before the grand opening of Carbon. Natalie came in and out of the building freely to speak with Brett and also to do business regarding the store opening. Today, the two visitors would meet on the elevator ride up to Brett’s office. He pretended not to remember who she was until she said hello first.

  “Mr. Haughton, it’s nice to see you again, we never met the Monday for the appointment and we didn’t really speak at the dinner a few weeks ago. How are you?”

  Will scrunched up his face in feigned confusion before sputtering, “Oh yes… Natalie was it? How are you? I heard you were making headway with the store! It’s so nice to see you again.”

  Anyone observing would surely swear he was a sincere individual. Fortunately, he had no one in presence to sell him out. Natalie, having met none of the Haughtons naturally assumed they were all as nice as Brett. She was sadly mistaken. The elevator opened and he chivalrously allowed her to exit before he did, watching her ass as it swayed in the red dress she wore today. She said hi to Joan, who forced her facial muscles to feign a smile as she flitted past her desk and opened Brett’s door without knocking.

  William raised an eyebrow before sitting on Joan’s, his new cohorts, desk. “Is that the way it usually works now Joan? She just walks in?”

  “Yes” the old viper responded. “Nearly every day she comes over and if she doesn’t he take
s long lunches away from the office. No doubt to be with her.”

  “Think it’s just a little of the fever?” Will asked maliciously.

  “I don’t know what it is William, but it needs to be snuffed out before Marilyn finds out. You know she doesn’t go in for this kind of thing. The rumors of her own father-in-law sleeping with the Mexican maid nearly killed her. We can’t allow this to upset her… especially since she holds the purse strings. The damn caveats in the will give her too much power. What can we do but keep her happy?”

  “You are indeed right Joan. What kind of image would we portray as a strong, traditional, American family business if we allowed this to blossom into something more serious? No worries though Joan my dear, I will work on a solution.”

  With that, he sprang from Joan’s desk and left the office abruptly. He would meet with Brett another day.

  *****

  It happened on the day before the store opened. The flight to the new location had been turbulent and no matter what she did she just couldn’t make her stomach settle. She flew alone in first class. Brett had an important meeting and would join her later in the evening. The limo ride to the hotel was arranged by Brett and she was thankful for the bubbly club soda in the mini bar. Sipping slowly, she tried to be as calm as possible.

  The penthouse suite of Hotel Coral Lane had been reserved for her and Brett. She needed to get there as soon as possible. Her head had begun to spin and she needed a bed post haste. The bellman carrying her bags noticed the beads of sweat around her temple and her disoriented responses. “Ms. Johnson, are you alright…?”