by F. C. Clark
Dear Techno Boy,
You know I love pushing your buttons; I feel pushing them later is a must.
Maybe I am at the moment! You know how fond I am of your black shirt.
Yours always, the techno-phobic woman in your life.
PS: thank you for more roses x
I return to the table. I wish he were here so I could thank him in person.
Our first decision as Harper Jones is to take it one step at a time, allowing Maria and Valerie to continue working – for the time being. This gives us time to source fabrics and decide on our target market, and research the styles we want to sell – although we all prefer classic styles. Our secret weapon is Mr Jones and his fabulous design books.
After we have discussed various issues, lunch arrives. Stella is happy to join us. There’s a knock at the door.
‘Come in,’ I call. God, not again! I smile as my new friend Toby tries to hide his amusement, ‘Toby, really? Again?’
‘Yep, another has just arrived.’
‘Trust Luke. Kate, you know he probably planned this weeks in advance.’ Stella knows Luke far too well.
‘You’re probably right.’ I make my way to Toby and the abundance of red roses. ‘Thank you again.’ Toby smiles and walks away.
Quickly I read the words on the card.
Dear Voyeur,
I see you watching me all the time… are your eyes commanding me? Wanting me to take you as only I can?
My plan is to watch you – let me see what you can do to yourself.
Yours always, Adonis x
Holy fuck, is it hot in here? I’m seriously overheating. Bastard, he’s fully aware of the effect that note would have on me. Thankfully, everyone is engrossed in food and conversation. I take a deep breath and text Luke.
Dear Adonis,
You want to watch me touch myself the same way you touch me? What a shame I’m alone. I feel my wandering hand may need to start a little sooner than tonight.
I have to go, as my needs have not been dealt with today.
Love from your sexually deprived lover
PS: thank you for all the roses x
I take my seat. I can feel my body aching for him, the result of his sexual word association game.
Finally, Mr Jones and I are alone. I stand on the boardroom table, allowing him to pin the lining of my wedding dress. The pattern is taking shape, even though it is a rough outline. It’s a full-length sleeveless dress with a small sweetheart neckline, which is incredibly fitted.
Another knock at the door stops the pinning process. ‘Come in,’ I call.
‘Hi.’ Toby appears – again.
‘Hi. Can you put the flowers on my desk and pass me the note and my mobile, please?’
Toby passes me both and quickly leaves. I’m sure I will be the subject of office gossip, not only due to the number of bouquets, but also because I’m standing on a table covered in calico!
Dear fiancée,
Where do I begin to tell you how much you have altered my life? You have changed the course I was on, taking me to a better place and making me a complete person. To think of you not being in my life hurts like no other pain. I will love you for eternity.
The best day of my life was when you said yes.
Your fiancé x
Tears roll down my cheeks.
‘Kate, what on earth’s wrong?’ Mr Jones asks. I pass him the card.
‘He is certainly open about his feelings for you.’
‘I know.’
‘Let me help you to the chair.’ Mr Jones helps me off the table. ‘Tears of joy, Kate? It looks as though Prince Charming is in love with you.’
I place my arms around Mr Jones and laugh through my tears.
‘Do you remember the first time I met him, and the tie we made? So much has happened since them.’
‘Good things, Kate.’
‘I’m useless – look what a simple note can do to me. Bloody hell.’ Mr Jones passes me a handkerchief. ‘Thank you.’
‘Never underestimate simple; it will keep you grounded.’
I take a deep breath. ‘I guess. But Luke is anything but simple, that’s why… this note has…’
‘Listen to me – you make Luke happy. You give him what has been missing in his world – not the other way round.’
I frown.
‘Money makes the world go round – but not your heart.’
‘I know.’ I sniff.
‘And so does he… Even if he had no money, you would still love him.’
‘Yes.’
‘I rest my case.’ He takes his hanky and wipes my cheeks. ‘Now then, young lady, we have had a day full of great surprises, and I suggest you go home. I’m sure Luke has something planned for this evening.’
I nod.
‘Of course he has. So, the wedding dress pattern fits, and I will cut the fabric.’ He also collects another drawing from the table, a dress I drew for Mrs Gold’s upcoming charity gala. ‘Now, this may be a little difficult – it’s achievable, but tricky. Kate, I think you have talent – not so much for drawing, but an eye for design.’
‘Really? That means a lot coming from you.’
Alone, I need to text Luke.
I love you
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Worlds apart – souls together – always x
I hit send. There is nothing else to say. My phone vibrates in my hand. Caller ID – boss.
Back at you, baby x
At home, I try to find the best possible outfit. I scan my wardrobe, but nothing jumps out at me, other than my fur coat! I open a drawer and pull out a black lingerie set with garter belt and stockings. Why not? I decide to go for daring, not safe. Luke did say we would be outside, so I guess the coat is practical!
I blow-dry my hair poker-straight and apply smoky eye makeup. I stand in front of the French mirror examining my underwear. Last, I slip my coat on and grab my black Hunter wellington boots – and Luke’s gift bag.
Thomas drives me to the surprise destination. After a while I realise he is taking me to a familiar spot, Luke’s private view of London – Primrose Hill.
The car stops and a waiter opens the car door. The pathway is lit with lanterns, leading me to a candlelit table – and, most importantly, to the love of my life.
As I begin to walk, a string quartet wearing long black coats begins to play. I can’t help but laugh.
‘We found love.’ I walk towards Luke’s open arms, linking my hands around his neck. ‘Rhianna! A string quartet playing Rhianna – I’m impressed.’
‘The first time I saw you, you were in my kitchen, dancing to this song.’ Luke lowers his lips and kisses me gently. ‘Happy Valentine’s Day, baby. God, I’ve missed you.’
‘Not as much as I’ve missed you.’ I return his kiss with passion, and maybe a hint of frustration from the various notes he’s sent. The music makes me laugh. ‘How did you get them to play classical Rhianna?’
‘They were up for the challenge. Allow me.’ Luke pulls out my chair, as a waiter pours champagne.
‘Thank you.’
I look around to see we are alone except for the usual burger van, waiters, string quartet and the security team!
‘Are you warm enough?’
I nod, grateful Luke has provided patio heaters. He thinks of everything!
‘So, are you wondering why we’re here?’ His captivating smile hits me.
‘Yeah. I am surprised.’ I take a sip of champagne.
He takes my hand across the table.
‘Today is a first for us. We’ve had lots of ups and downs.’
‘You could say that.’
‘It reminded me of all the firsts we have had together. Do you remember the first time I brought you here?’
I
nod. ‘After the jazz club – Toulouse? You brought me here for coffee.’
‘The night you were spying on me.’ He gives his one-sided Sutton smile. My body has been on fire since this afternoon.
‘I wasn’t spying; we just happened to be in the same place.’ I can’t help but laugh. Honestly, we’re both telling the truth. ‘I was shocked it was you, I needed to make sure.’
‘OK, so you were looking at me?’
‘I was.’ My poker face is broken!
‘Seeing you backed into the corner trying to avoid punches – I saw red.’ His eyes lock with mine. There is no humour in his, just unadulterated passion. ‘I knew then you had to be mine; the thought of anyone touching you made my blood boil. When we danced that night I could see in your eyes you felt the same way; it was just a matter of time.’ He sits back in his chair. ‘Kate, I’ve never brought anyone here. I used to come up here with Paul – we’d play football, do teenage stuff – so when I brought you here I guess I was letting you in my life.’
My eyes fill with tears.
Two waiters arrive, breaking the emotional moment, placing a silver cloche in front of us and removing the dome lids to reveal lasagne.
‘The first meal I cooked for you!’
‘You got it, baby. I didn’t cook this one, but I did show your recipe to the chef.’
‘Did you show them the cookbook? Our notes?’
He laughs. ‘No, I would never share that with anyone. I gave him a copy of your recipe.’
‘Good.’ I begin to eat, and another song begins to play. I can’t help but laugh. ‘“Beautiful People” – I love Chris Brown.’
‘At SGI – you were dancing with Barney.’
I laugh. ‘I can’t believe you remembered, and you never told me it was your club. You gave me tickets like you were being a thoughtful boss.’
‘I was. I wanted you at a place I could keep you safe.’
‘You actually believe yourself? Oh my God, it seems like a lifetime ago. Do you remember Barney kissed you that night?’
‘You set me up.’ He raises his brows.
‘As I recall, you asked me to be a prostitute that night.’
Luke’s throws his head back, laughing. ‘That’s not what I said.’ He takes hold of his champagne glass.
‘No, you said that you couldn’t fuck me, not that you wouldn’t!’ I squirm in my seat. ‘Are you pleased we got disturbed that night? Do you think we would have had sex?’
‘Yes.’ Wow, he looks so hot. ‘You knew how hard I was for you. Do I think waiting was the better option? I think it probably was, at least until we got to know each other.’
‘I agree. But, I was shocked, and secretly happy you wanted me.’ I feel my face flush; thankfully the darkness is helping.
‘Not as surprised as I was when you revealed your lack of underwear.’
I place my hands over my face and laugh.
‘I can’t believe I said that.’ I remove my hands to look at Luke. ‘Why does that always happen to me?’
‘Speaking before you think? You have no filter.’ He eats another mouthful of lasagne.
‘You wanted to enter my world; I told you we were different.’ I shake my head, as Usher’s ‘Scream’ begins to play. The classical version makes me want to cry. ‘This is our song.’
‘I do like to make you scream.’
I’ve lost my appetite. I want to go home.
‘Yes, you do – mainly with frustration, and not just sexual frustration.’ The waiters take our plates, and I pass Luke his gift bag. ‘I wanted to get you something, but as usual you’re the hardest person to buy for.’
‘You didn’t need to buy me anything, but thank you.’ He removes two cards.
He opens the first one, and some tickets fall out.
‘The game is this Saturday. Now, you know I love rugby – well, the hot men, but I have Barney’s party and I’m giving him the keys for the studio so I can’t come with you.’
‘I wouldn’t take you anyway.’
‘Thanks! OK, so I wasn’t sure what countries you wanted to see England play against, so I went for France.’
‘Good choice, baby.’ He opens the other card. ‘I haven’t seen this picture.’
‘I called your mum; she emailed me some photos from skiing. I know it’s a bit childish to make a card, but I loved it so…’
‘It’s beautiful.’ He reaches for my hand.
The waiter returns with two plates, which he places in front of us.
I laugh. ‘Really? These are significant to you?’
‘I’ve got a thing for flapjacks since my cook started making them for me… That day, it hit me: you’re just a homely girl.’ He holds up his handmade card. ‘This is exactly what I mean.’
‘I don’t know what to say. Luke, you’re a hopeless romantic. You’ve knocked me on my arse all day.’
‘I’ve had various awkward moments myself. Do you know how difficult it is to talk money with a hard dick?’
‘You should have… handled yourself.’
‘I came close. But then I know how much you like to watch me make myself come.’
I swallow hard. ‘Luke!’ I look around us.
‘I love it when your eyes are on fire, baby.’
Luke’s phone rings. He takes it out and looks at caller ID.
‘It’s Dad. I’d better get this.’
‘Hello?’ His expression alters. ‘When will the doctor arrive?’ His eyes flit from mine to the table. ‘OK. I’ll call Dr Jacob and ask her to check her out.’ Silence again. ‘She’s the best. I want her to see Mum. OK… Bye.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘Mum’s collapsed.’
‘Shit… Is she OK?’
‘They’re waiting for the doctor.’
I immediately stand. ‘Let’s go.’ I hold my hand for Luke.
He joins me. ‘Sorry – this was not part of my plan.’
Within twenty minutes Luke is driving his Bentley down the sweeping driveway of his parents’ home. Luke opens the door. We head through the hallway and come face to face with Edward.
‘You didn’t have to come.’ He hugs Luke. ‘Your doctor friend called; she’s on her way. Honestly, two doctors? Your mother will go mad.’
‘She’s the best… and I trust her.’
‘Hi Edward, how is she?’
‘Not too bad, just a bit shocked. Come through – she’s lying on the sofa.’
Luke moves ahead of us, removing his coat as he goes.
‘Kate, let me take your coat.’ Edward holds his hand out. But it’s my only item of clothing. Fuck!
‘No, that’s fine… I feel a bit cold.’ Oh, shit – another plan that’s gone tits up. I do remove my Hunters, and join Luke and his dad in the lounge.
Luke crouches by his mum and takes her pulse. ‘It feels slow; have you had any dizzy spells?’ He looks in her eyes. ‘Your pupils appear to be normal.’
‘No, darling, I just felt woozy earlier and then I was out cold. Your poor father… Anyhow, I am cross you’re here – it’s Valentine’s Day.’ She reaches for Luke’s hand.
I join him. ‘We wanted to make sure that you were OK.’
‘Edward, take Kate’s coat; it’s awfully warm in here.’
Not again! What is it with his family and their need to remove people’s coats?
‘I’m fine, actually I’m a bit chilly.’ But I’m actually getting a bit warm. At this rate, I’ll bloody pass out. ‘Let me make some tea.’
I relieve myself from the potential coat-removing offers and lay a tray out with cups and saucers. I shortly return to the lounge to see two doctors tending to Livy: her own doctor and Luke’s private physician.
Feeling helpless, I move towards the closed back doors, hoping to feel a draught from somewhere to co
ol my body. Trust the Sutton family home to have the best double-glazing possible; there’s not a bloody draught in sight.
‘Kate, do you want more tea?’ Edwards asks.
I walk back towards Luke. ‘No, thank you, I’m fine.’ Except, I am going to pass out very soon.
Luke looks at me.
‘Are you OK?’
I nod and turn away. He pulls at my chin. ‘You look flushed; take your coat off.’
‘I’m fine.’
Luke frowns. ‘Kate!’
I lean closer to his ear. ‘I need to speak to you – alone.’
I follow Luke into the kitchen.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I’m going to pass out!.’
He looks confused.
I undo my coat, but at the same time Declan walks in. Crap! I wrap up my overheated body once more.
‘Wow… sexy, Kate.’
Luke glares at his brother. ‘Go!’
We’re alone once more.
‘This was not part of my plan; you told me we’d be outside.’
He pulls me to his arms. ‘You do amuse me.’
‘Good. But in the meantime, this coat is like a bloody furnace.’
He takes my hand and guides me to the downstairs bathroom. He removes his jacket, then his shirt, which he passes to me.
‘Put this on.’
I remove my coat and lean my hot back against the cold tiles.
‘Oh God, that feels good.’ I chuckle. I pull him towards me and his lips meet mine. My need to kiss him has been building all day.
‘Let me look at you.’ His eyes scan my lingerie-clad body. ‘I can see what your plan was; sorry for the slight diversion. You look hot, and now I’m hard.’
I button up Luke’s shirt and he slips on his black suit jacket, causing me to laugh.
‘This looks bloody obvious – you’ve lost a shirt and I’ve gained one.’
