by Cara Addison
The conversation quickly shifted to the schedule ahead. Bradley smiled the entire time. The boys had a tee time set for eleven o’clock. The girls resumed their conversation about bridesmaids and venue options for the wedding. Friends would be stopping by in the evening for a formal celebration in wishing Chad and Lauren well, but in the meantime, the three girls spent the afternoon lying by the pool, enjoying the sunshine.
“You have a great tan, Kate,” Amanda observed.
“We were away for a few days with Richard and Isabelle,” Kate responded.
“The island?” Amanda asked. “It’s beautiful there.”
“What island?” Lauren inquired.
“Dad’s friend, Richard, has a villa on a private island in the Caribbean. Seth and I were there for a weekend the year we were married. It was a wedding gift from Richard.”
“Lucky girl,” Kate added. “It’s heaven on earth.”
Lauren and Amanda pored through bridal magazines making notes and cutting out articles, as Kate closed her eyes to rest.
After a few minutes, Kate overheard Lauren ask Amanda, “Does Seth still ask you to…you know, to go down there,” she said, rather distastefully.
“Sometimes, but not as often as he used to.”
Kate sat upright, jolted awake by the conversation. “Back the truck up,” she emphasized. Both girls turned to look at her, confused. “There are two things wrong with that question.”
“What?” the girls asked in unison.
“I’m saddened by your use of the words still and ask,” Kate continued, unfettered. “Why on earth does he have to ask you to go down on him, and why would you say still? Why would you want that to end?” Kate took a deep breath, unsure she should continue further.
Lauren grimaced. “Because it’s so…” She didn’t finish her sentence.
“Don’t cheat yourselves out of one of life’s great little pleasures, girls,” Kate added, leaning back against the lounger.
“Pleasures?” Amanda asked incredulously. “You like doing that?”
“That,” Kate exaggerated, “gives you the ultimate control over every bit of pleasure that he experiences. Controlling that, is very intoxicating.”
“But it tastes so horrible,” Lauren objected.
“And it makes me gag when hair gets in my mouth,” Amanda added.
Kate grimaced. “Okay, that’s a little disturbing, but can be managed with some grooming.” She made a mental note to talk to Brad about discussing manscaping with his sons. “Do you go down on him now, Lauren?”
She nodded, uncomfortable with the frankness of the question. “Only because he asks me to.”
“So it’s reasonable that he would expect it?” Kate queried, her question being rhetorical. She leaned forward and looked Lauren directly in the eyes and calmly asked, “Once you’re married, do you really want to climb into bed every night for the rest of your life, and disappoint him because you’re not willing to continue something that he had no idea you’ve been willing to do, just until there was a ring on your finger?”
Lauren’s lip began to quiver. “No.”
“You’re both adults, girls. It’s time to act like it. These are the men you’re going to spend the rest of your lives with. Be honest. Talk to them. Let them know how you feel. Communication, especially about sex is so important. He can’t read your mind. If there are things, like taste or smell, that you’re not comfortable with, let him know. If there are things you are comfortable with, let him know what that is, and what your limits are. But don’t stop pushing your own boundaries. This is the person who loves you unconditionally. You might be very surprised at something you thought was distasteful or outside your comfort zone, just might be the most incredible and pleasurable experience of your life.”
“You actually like sex, don’t you?” Amanda asked.
Kate took a deep breath. “Girls.” She exhaled. “You’ve spent your short lives surrounded by friends and family…people that love you. But life is going to change. When you get married, and start a job or family, you don’t have as much social contact with people that love you unconditionally. The crowds thin. And, the world gets cruel. I spent far too many years in a marriage where I was lonely and unloved. I promised myself that if I ever found love again, I’d never turn down the opportunity to show it, or feel it.” She felt the sting of hot tears in her eyes as she sat back against her chair. “You don’t want to look back in twenty years and wish things were different.”
Amanda’s phone rang, and she excused herself to take the call from her mother.
Lauren sat silently flipping through the magazines. Kate enjoyed a quick swim, then excused herself to run some errands before the boys returned home from golfing. At five o’clock Amanda and Lauren helped Kate put out a light dinner before the caterers arrived and commandeered the kitchen as they prepared for the party. Kate helped them get settled before she rushed upstairs to get changed for the party. As she was dressing, Kate found Brad in front of the mirror, fixing his tie. “I picked up something for you to give to the boys before they leave this weekend.”
“That was thoughtful. What did you get?”
“Oh, it won’t be from me. It will be from you.” She laughed as she placed two sets of hair trimmers on the bench. He turned the packages over, determined to find a deeper meaning to the gift. “I had a rather unusual conversation with the girls today.”
“Unusual? How so?”
“It seems they have a number of objections to performing oral sex, grooming being one of them. Could you pass on some tips to your sons?”
He was stunned. “You talked to the girls about blow jobs?”
“I’m pretty sure Lauren would have passed out if I’d used that term, but yes, that was the general discussion.”
“Oh, Kate. They are Southern belles.”
“What does that have to do with anything? They’re adults, and they’re married, or about to be married, and…”
He cut her off. “Girls in the South are taught to be gracious and sweet. They keep their lips sealed, and their eyes and ears open.” He continued reciting the code. “They deal with problems discreetly and gracefully. It’s a way of life, Kate.”
“What does that have to do with pleasing their husbands, and themselves?”
He continued with the list of rules, “A Southern belle does not spit…ever,” he added, raising an eyebrow.
Kate laughed. “Okay, I get the picture.”
He continued, taking Kate in his arms. “They’re taught from an early age to hunt down and capture the most eligible bachelor in their territory, using any means necessary…even if they don’t find it to their liking.”
She sighed. “I just want your sons and their wives to be happy. This is my small contribution to that idea.”
“I’ll talk with them,” he said, bending down to kiss her.
The doorbell sounded, and they realized guests were starting to arrive. Bradley made his way to the front door, while Kate quickly changed into a sleeveless jewel-neck pencil dress. She added a pair of simple teardrop earrings and hunted through his closet for an appropriate pair of sling-back heels. When Kate arrived downstairs, a number of guests were mingling in the main room, and she was pleased to see that Seth and Drew had helped the caterer to set up the bar.
Bradley was facilitating introductions. Kate welcomed guests as they arrived. They had invited all of their friends. Nigel and Elizabeth arrived, greeting Kate warmly. Laura arrived shortly after Kate’s father. She hugged them both, walking them into the main room, fetching each a drink from the bar.
Scott and Nigel were deep in discussion in the corner, when Scott waived Kate over. “Nigel and I have been talking. We have a favor to ask.”
“Of course. What do you need?”
Scott glanced at Nigel. “I’ve had a few businesses approach me. They’re interested in locating in Lowden. Collectively, they want over three hundred thousand square feet of office space.”
“But they don’t w
ant to buy…they want to lease,” Nigel added. “We’re putting together a deal where Scott will develop the land, and my company will build the structure. We’re putting together a team of investors to back the project.”
“What parcel are you considering?” she asked.
“Lot eight,” Scott answered.
She knew exactly which parcel he was referring to. It was a desirable property in the city’s business park. It was an area she was keen to see developed.
“I can’t invest,” she cautioned. “It would be a blatant conflict of interest.”
Scott shook his head. “We’re hosting executives from the three companies that would anchor the space. We’d like you to meet with them and share your vision for the future of Lowden.”
Nigel added, “You’re the only one who can articulate it.” He smiled. “Plus, it will be genuine and won’t seem like we’re pitching them.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “This is exciting.” She took a sip of wine. “Very exciting, indeed. Who do have lined up as investors?”
Scott and Nigel exchanged a look. “He didn’t tell you?” Scott asked, looking over at Brad across the room.
She shook her head. “No, he didn’t.” She smiled. “But he may have thought that it would influence my work at city hall.”
“We have a dozen other investors. Some are smaller. Some are bigger,” Nigel added.
“Send me all of the dates and times for the meetings,” Kate added. “My calendar is ridiculously full, but I want to make this a priority.”
Nigel kissed her on the cheek. Scott smiled, leaning in to kiss her on the other cheek. Bradley was suddenly at her side. “Gentlemen.” He looked at Scott and then at Nigel. “What’s all this kissing about?”
“Kate’s agreed to meet with Compu International and JC Software when they come to town,” Nigel explained.
“JC Software?” she whispered, her eyes wide. “Compu…” She looked from one friend to the other. “That’s who is considering the space?”
“Confidentially, yes,” Scott responded, looking mildly perturbed that Nigel had disclosed the company names. “We should be able to confirm a third company in the next few days.”
“Sweet mother of…” she whispered to herself. She knew that if multinationals like JC Software were considering Lowden, others would soon follow. She looked around the room, “I’m so sorry, Brad, I’ve been ignoring the kids. Would you excuse me Scott…Nigel?”
“Of course.”
She spent the rest of the evening introducing the young Taylors to friends and family. Twice, she turned, hearing a familiar voice, only to find that Chad was the one who was speaking. She was amused by how much he resembled his father.
On Sunday morning, Kate excused herself from the breakfast table to prepare Sunday dinner for her father. “Kate, why not have dinner here, today? Do you think your father would mind if we changed up the venue while the kids are here?”
“Oh. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Let me call him.”
“If he likes the idea, let him know that I’ll pick him up at eleven o’clock. After dinner, I’ll take the kids back to the airport.”
Wallace was delighted with the idea, and looked forward to getting out of the house. Lauren and Amanda joined Kate for a quick trip to the grocery store for supplies to feed the extra mouths that Kate hadn’t counted on for dinner. They left the boys behind, requesting that they tidy up and get the kitchen ready for the feast preparations.
Just before eleven, Bradley pulled out of the driveway to pick up her father. Forty-five minutes later, she was growing concerned that they hadn’t returned, when she heard the Mercedes pull into the garage. She greeted them at the front door, hugging her father who had graciously brought along two bottles of his favorite wine to accompany dinner. “I was getting worried. What took you so long?”
“Oh, we got to talking,” Wallace explained, as she returned to the kitchen to finish the meal preparations. Bradley’s phone rang and he excused himself to take the call.
Her father joined her in the kitchen. “This is a beautiful house, Kate. I’m sure you’re quite comfortable here.”
She looked at him quizzically. “I’m sure Brad is very comfortable here, Dad, but I have my own house in the Westover suburb.”
“For now,” he said, walking toward the sitting room. “For now.”
Brad returned with an annoyed expression on his face. “I’ve got to go to New York this week, Kate. Something’s come up. Some investors have called a meeting.”
She had grown accustomed to his unpredictable schedule and last minute trips. “Ohhh. New York,” she gushed. “I hope everything’s okay?”
“It will be fine. Our legal team dropped the ball, missing a key detail in a recent contract.”
“Dinner’s almost ready. Can you open the wine?”
A smile crossed his face. “Why don’t you come with me?”
“To pour the wine?”
“No. New York. It’s just two or three days. It would be so nice to have you there,” he added, wrapping his arms around her as she plated the roast beef.
“That is very tempting,” she said, mulling over the idea in her mind. She could work at the hotel during the day. Do some shopping. “Very tempting!” She quickly scrolled through her calendar. “I have a Monday morning meeting. Other than that, I could be free until Thursday.”
“Perfect. Let’s eat. Then I’ve got to get the kids to the airport.”
“It’s been great having them here.”
Chapter 11
On Monday at noon, Kate again found herself at the Lowden Airport. Brad escorted her through the lounge where their documentation was checked and bags were quickly screened. Within moments, they were walking toward a small white corporate jet that had been leased. Brad ushered her aboard. It wasn’t as luxurious or spacious as Richard’s jet, but still provided ample comfort for the short flight to New York. They landed at a private strip in Teterboro, New Jersey, and quickly made their way into Manhattan, arriving just ahead of the rush hour traffic. The car came to a stop on Fifth and Fifty-Fourth Street, Kate gazed out of the limo at the historic St. Regis hotel. “We’re staying at the St. Regis?”
“We are.”
The car door was swiftly opened, and a hand appeared, assisting Kate from the car. As they entered the lobby, she asked, “Do you always stay at the St. Regis when you’re in New York?”
“Only when the most beautiful girl in the world joins me.” He smiled, wrapping one arm around her. With key in hand, they proceeded to the Astor Suite. Kate gasped as they entered the room. The rich maroon brocade wallpaper was boldly set against the crisp white trim. Elegant sliding pocket doors separated the living room and bedroom. The main bathroom was made completely of marble, with an additional powder room available off the living space. A workspace was complete with a fifty-inch monitor, wireless Internet, and drawers stocked with essential office supplies. “Hmmmm,” he whispered in her ear, surveying the luxurious bed through the pocket doors. “Hotel sex.”
“Well, Bradley Taylor,” she began in a thick Southern accent, “I am shocked that you would think that I am that type of girl.”
“The hell you’re not.” He laughed playfully as he pulled her into the bedroom.
“I love you,” she whispered, staring into his eyes. She ran her fingers down the buttons of his shirt, releasing each one as she travelled up his body. When she reached the top, she slid the shirt over one shoulder and then the other. He winced as he slid his shoulder back to let the shirt slide off. “What’s the matter?” she asked, concerned she had hurt him.
“I think I’ve pinched a muscle.”
“I think this trip is causing you an unnecessary amount of stress,” she added as she circled him, running her hands down his back. “Where does it hurt?”
“My left shoulder blade.”
She deftly pressed her hands from his shoulder down to the middle of his spine, discovering a knot in the trapezius mu
scle, located over his shoulder blade. “Go run a hot shower over this area,” she suggested, tapping the knot in his back, “I’ll see if I can work out the worst part of that knot with a massage.”
He didn’t argue, shedding the rest of his clothes as he made his way to the shower. She pulled back the sheets, and found a skin conditioning oil in her toiletry bag that would be suitable to use. As she entered the bathroom, she pulled a towel from the warming rack in the steam-filled bathroom. “How does it feel?”
“A little better.”
“I’ve got a warm towel here for you. Let’s see what we can do.”
He stepped out of the shower, a billow of steam escaping with him. She inhaled sharply, fascinated and aroused, never tiring of his toned physique. She handed him the towel, giving him a moment to towel off. She led him back to the bed, watching him lie face down on the sheets.
She silently slipped off her panties. Leaving on her dress, she straddled his hips, warming the lotion before she applied it to his skin. She started at the base of his spine and worked up, gradually moisturizing his skin. As he relaxed, she began working the trapezius muscle, slowly massaging the muscle, following its lines from origin to insertion. His body melted as she ran her hands repeatedly from his shoulder to his spine. As she pinpointed the knot, she began circling her thumb around it, causing cross fiber friction. She brushed more lotion onto her hands, his back beginning to glisten. His muscles twitched as she slowly massaged the knot away. “This is going to be tender tomorrow,” she warned.
“It can’t be worse than it felt earlier,” he muttered into the pillow.
“How is it now?”
“Much better.”
She silently pulled her dress over her head and slipped off her bra, lying down against his skin, kissing his neck. She ran her hands down his long arms, interlocking her fingers with his. He lifted his head and turned to the side. “Much, much better,” he whispered.
She brushed her body against his, transferring excess lotion to her skin.
“You probably want to sleep now?” she whispered in his ear, softly kissing him.
