by Cara Addison
He strolled across the stage, “It has come to my attention, that an exceptional lady is celebrating her birthday, today.” The crowd cheered as he walked over and looked right at Kate. He pointed at her and motioned his finger in to come here. She looked at each of her friends, who looked as surprised as she did at the turn of events. He joked with the crowd as she approached the stage.
He took her hand as she ascended the stairs. “Kate Callahan, I presume?” he smiled widely at her. “I had a call today from a guy named Brad, who insisted that the most amazing woman in the world would be in this audience tonight.” He paused as the crowd applauded. “And that I’d be crazy to let the night pass without wishing you the very happiest of birthdays.”
The musicians began playing, and before she knew it, he was singing “Save the Last Dance For Me.” During the chorus, he pulled her into his arms and danced her across the stage and back.
When the song ended, Kate smiled widely, thanking him with a soft blink of her eyes. As she left the stage, he said to the crowd. “That Brad is one lucky guy. Happy birthday, Kate.”
Kate was in a state of euphoria for the rest of the evening. After the concert, the three girls laughed and talked, making another trip to the casino before crawling into bed in the wee hours of the morning.
They slept late again on their final morning. They enjoyed one last massage before the relaxed and invigorated trio loaded into a limo for the short ride back to the airport. All three slept on the way home, waking as the jet touched down in Lowden. Kate and Laura disembarked, leaving Isabelle to make the rest of her trip to New York to meet Richard.
Kate dropped Laura off before arriving home and pulling into the three-car garage, parking beside his Mercedes. She pressed the button to open the lift gate, and stepped out to gather her purchases. She melted as she saw him walk into the garage to meet her. “I missed you.” She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. She realized how much she missed his scent, drinking it in slowly. “I really missed you,” she added, delivering a series of sultry kisses.
“Hmmm,” he murmured. “Upstairs. Now.”
“I’m not sure I can wait that long.” She pressed her hands under his shirt. The touch of his skin elevated her temperature. She pulled off his shirt, tossing it onto the pile of bags in her car. He slipped off his shorts and briefs before pulling her dress over her head.
“Nice,” he whispered, running his finger up the black strap of her bra, reaching back to unclasp it. She kissed his finger before pulling it into her mouth. He groaned. She stepped out of her panties before he pulled her over to his car, seating her down on the hood. He pushed her back, his skin on hers as he kissed her. He stood, placing her feet on the hood and pushed her knees apart.
“I stared at that picture all morning.” He leaned over to kiss her pussy. “But there is nothing like the real thing.”
“You didn’t delete it?” she gasped as he slid a finger into her wet slit.
“Not a chance,” he murmured, leaning down to taste her. “Christ, I missed you.” He slid a second finger into her, pressing deep into her pussy, his thumb brushing against her clit. His fingers pushed deep, rhythmically fucking her.
“I want you,” she gasped, raising her hips against him.
“I’ll make love to you, but not until you come,” he teased, kissing her thigh.
He leaned forward, sliding his cock against her thigh. “Get ready,” she moaned, “I’m co-o-oming.” He felt her shudder against his fingers. Without losing tempo, he slipped his hard shaft into her.
She gasped, reaching up to him to pull him closer. He leaned onto her, his skin on hers, kissing her lips urgently as he thrust. “Please don’t go away, ever again.”
He brought her to an orgasm again before he could no longer hold back his own pleasure. At peace, he kissed her neck before helping her from the car.
He pulled on his shorts as she slipped her dress back on. He kissed her before grabbing some bags from the back of her car.
“Please tell me you won enough to pay for all this.” He laughed, grabbing the garment bag.
“In fact, I did.” She laughed, thankful she had won enough to cover the couture gown.
“Seriously?” he asked as they entered the house. “Sounds like you had a lucky streak.”
“It was a two-deck table,” she responded.
He looked at her. “You counted cards?”
“You don’t?” She smiled, having followed him to the bedroom. She started pulling out her purchases, offering the granite Keepall to him as a gift.
“We have matching luggage?” he said.
“His and hers.”
He pointed to the garment bag. “What did you get at Dior?”
“A dress.” she smiled coyly. “A white dress.”
A grin spread across his face. “Can I see it?” he asked, starting to unzip the bag.
“Absolutely not!” she said, snatching the bag from his hands and walking to hang it in the closet. “And don’t let me catch you peeking.”
She put the remainder of her purchases away before sinking onto the bed beside him. “Isabelle told me she signed a prenuptial agreement for Richard.”
He sighed. “I’m sure she did. Richard’s lawyers insisted on it after a very expensive divorce from his first wife.”
“Do you want me to sign a prenup?”
He looked at her, running his finger over her cheek. “Nope.”
“Surely your lawyers have suggested it.”
“Kate, Richard is worth more than three billion dollars.”
Kate looked at him suspiciously. “I have a rough idea of your net worth, Brad. If I were your lawyer, I’d insist on it too.”
“First of all, you’re not my lawyer, you’re my fiancée. I listened to them. I disagreed with them.” He sighed. “I love you.” He kissed her cheek. “I trust you.” He kissed her lips. “I don’t want you to have half of everything…I want you to have…everything. What’s mine is yours.” He ran his hand up her side, kissing her softly. “Did you really buy a wedding dress?”
She smiled. “I did.”
“So where are we going for our honeymoon?”
She exhaled heavily, closing her eyes. “Where would you like to go?”
“Hmmmm, let me think. Where would I like to spend a week, with my sexy, naked wife? How about Sandy Sheets? Or Richard’s yacht?”
“Either would be incredible. You decide.” She kissed him. “I’m going to take a shower.”
As she walked toward the bathroom, her phone signaled a new e-mail. She glanced at the screen. “It’s Scott.” His e-mail reminded her that the executives from JC Software would be in town the next day. He was requesting that Kate give them a tour of Lowden, much like the tour that she had given to Richard.
Chapter 15
She spent Friday afternoon touring Lowden with two executives from JC Software. After two hours highlighting projects throughout the city, one executive asked about residential opportunities. “If we sign this lease, I’ll be here on the ground to oversee progress over the next six months. I anticipate that I’ll be relocated here permanently.” Kate assured him that there were numerous executive homes for sale in the city. They drove through one gated community before touring the Westover Enclave. Scott suggested they look through Kate’s house as they drove through her former neighborhood. They toured the house. His interest peaked when she suggested that it would be available, complete with all furnishings.
As they walked out the door, the JC Software executive said, “Scott, I’m ready to sign the lease for the industrial space.” He turned to Kate. “And Miss Callahan, you’ll have an offer in the next twenty-four hours.”
Scott dropped her back off at city hall and continued on to his office to finalize the paperwork.
As promised, an offer to purchase arrived by e-mail on Saturday afternoon. Kate reviewed the generous offer, and after signing the documents, returned them by e-mail. The deal was set to
close in three weeks.
After Sunday dinner, Kate sat out by the pool, listening to Brad and her father talk about business as she hand-wrote wedding invitations for their intimate list of guests. Richard and Laura were thrilled with the task of witnessing the nuptials. The wedding was just two months away. She had a feeling that the summer was going to pass by faster than any other she had remembered.
* * * *
A week later, Kate was sitting at her desk in city hall when the mail was delivered. She flipped through the envelopes, stopping when a familiar face looked up at her from a magazine cover.
She send Brad a text message.
Did you know that Richard is on the cover of Fortune this month?
I just read the article. It starts on page 74. You’re going to love page 78.
She quickly flipped to the cover story. There was a stunning photo of Richard and Isabelle looking down at the camera from the steps of the jet.
Great photo, she typed.
Keep reading.
She scanned the story of the growth of Bannerman Technology, and Richard’s vision for the future of the company and its impact on the tech industry. She turned the page and continued reading. Half way through, the name Lowden jumped off the page at her. She scanned the paragraph and then read it word for word, not believing her eyes.
Holy shit, she messaged Brad. Did he really say this?
He did. It’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?
She called for her PA. “I would like you to call in all the senior staff and the PR manager.”
Within five minutes her office was full. “Find a seat.”
She showed them the cover of the magazine before reading the paragraph out loud to the staff, which had gathered, curious to hear what was so important.
Perhaps the most interesting development on the horizon for Bannerman Technology, was a change of address. “On a recent trip to the City of Lowden, I was most impressed with the progress they are making as an intelligent community. I spent an afternoon with Mayor Kate Callahan who gave me a tour of the city, highlighting the priority they are putting on infrastructure, technology, transportation, renewable energy, and a future workforce that can only be described as smart. The city of Lowden clearly understands what businesses in the technology sector are looking for.” Bannerman indicated that Lowden’s efforts were enough to convince him that over the next eighteen months, Bannerman Technology would be shifting much of their operations to the city with a population of 350,000, making Lowden the tech giant’s new headquarters.
She looked up at the team. “We can’t buy publicity like this.” She looked at each staff member, many who seemed to be in shock. The PR Manager was almost drooling. “I’d like to promote the hell out of this,” she added. “Social media, newsletters, add it to the website and online brochures. I want to see this everywhere.” She looked at the planning and development staff. “Get ready. I suspect the phone will start ringing as word gets out.” They had their marching orders, and quickly disbanded from her office.
Within a week, national news agencies and business magazines were calling, each wanting to cover the story of Lowden’s transformation under Kate’s leadership. She was swamped with back-to-back interviews and city tours with journalists who opted to make the trip to Lowden for a firsthand glimpse at the intelligent community.
Inside of two weeks, the city had more than a dozen calls from developers, site selectors, and multinational corporations all keen on making Lowden a regional center or national headquarters.
Kate’s summer was quickly filled with business meetings with C-level executives and lawyers all wanting to hammer out land deals, finalizing site plan reviews, servicing agreements, and building permits.
Before she knew it, the summer was ending.
On Labor Day weekend, family and friends descended on the Taylor home. Seth and Amanda arrived on Friday night along with Chad and Lauren. Drew and his new girlfriend, Emma, followed them. Brad assigned them each a bedroom. Richard and Isabelle arrived a short time later, settling into the guest suite.
The wedding was scheduled for four o’clock on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday was spent on last minute preparations, transforming the poolside into a venue for the ceremony, a day full of food, and an evening of celebration that went long into the night. On Sunday morning, the boys would go golfing, while the girls indulged at the spa. Massage, manicure, hair, and makeup were all enjoyed over a light brunch. Kate indulged in an entirely new experience, having an elaborate henna tattoo applied to her lower back.
The wedding décor was a warm white, highlighted by white wedding orchids. An enormous bouquet of cascading orchids greeted guests as they entered the foyer, a theme that continued throughout the house. Forty white wooden chairs had been setup on the pool deck, with an aisle delineated by vases of orchids. A white wedding arbor had been set up at the end of the aisle, with clusters of orchids draping from each corner.
At two thirty, Kate and the girls returned from the spa. Laura cleared a path through the house to ensure that Kate could ascend to the master bedroom without being seen by the groom. Laura and Isabelle joined her, assisting in the final bridal preparations. Brad had already moved his grey Armani suit and accessories to another bedroom, choosing to prepare for the nuptials with his sons. Kate had selected a tiny birdcage veil, embellished with three white orchids to accompany the Dior dress and shoes from Vegas. As she slipped on the dress, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of guests. They made a few final preparations before her father knocked lightly on the door, just minutes before four o’clock.
“Everyone is here, Kate. Are you ready?” he asked, as he peeked around the door. Kate stood with Laura by her side. Isabelle excused herself to make her way to ceremony. “Oh, Kate,” he whispered, taking a look at her, “you look absolutely beautiful…and”—his eyes welled up with tears—“so very happy.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” She hugged him before wiping away his tears. “I am so…so glad that you’re here with me today.”
“Seeing you find happiness has meant the world to me, Katherine. It’s the best medicine ever.”
Laura led the way, with Kate and her father following behind. The photographer snapped photos of them as they descended the stairs and made their way to the awaiting crowd. As she stepped through the French doors onto the terrace, the string quartet began to play Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1, a Prelude in G Major.” Before the guests rose to their feet, she saw him at the end of the aisle. He was standing tall and strong and it took her breath away. “He…is…beautiful,” she whispered, just loud enough for her father to hear.
“Are you ready?” he smiled at her.
“I am,” she answered, without taking her eyes of the groom.
Consumed in Brad’s eyes, she hardly heard the wedding officiate deliver his words of greeting, or his message of love and hope. She delivered her vows, and smiled broadly as Brad slid a wedding band on her finger. She completed the exchange, slipping a titanium band on his finger. Moments later, they were introduced to the crowd as Mr. and Mrs. Bradley and Katherine Taylor. Brad leaned in and stole one perfect kiss before the music played and they receded down the aisle.
They posed for a number of photos and greeted friends before Kate excused herself. “I’m going to remove this veil,” she whispered. “I’ll be right back.”
Laura joined her in the master bedroom, helping to remove the delicate veil without damaging the orchids or Kate’s hair. She turned, finding Brad standing at the door. “Would you excuse us for a moment, Laura? I’d like to have a moment with my wife.”
She smiled widely at the use of her newest title. “I like the sound of that,” she gushed as he closed the door behind Laura.
“Kate,” he sighed. “You look brilliant.” He kissed her. “That dress is absolutely perfect.” He ran his hands over her bodice.
“What are you doing?” she asked curiously, feeling his hand brush against the zipper of her dress.<
br />
“I’d like to”—he kissed her—“but I’ll find a way to wait a few hours.”
Richard knocked at the door. “Brad. Kate.” He paused. “The photographer is waiting for you downstairs.”
“The bar is open,” he called out as he kissed her lips again. “No one will miss us for one more minute.” He looked into her eyes, his own beginning to mist. “I love you, Kate.”
“I love you too.” She kissed him slowly and softly before he stepped back and walked her too the door. “Let’s go celebrate.”
It was after midnight before the guests began to depart. “Let’s get out of here,” Brad whispered in her ear.
“Where are we going?” she asked, his wedding night plans still a surprise to her.
“Well, I’m not staying here with a house full of friends and family.” He smiled naughtily as he led her up the stairs. He closed the door and took her in his arms. “Ready to start the honeymoon, Mrs. Taylor?” The sparkle in her eye gave away her agreement. He sat her down on the edge of the bed and dropped to his knees.
He slid his hands up her legs, searching beneath the layers of crinoline. He pushed back the delicate layers, finding her knees and then her thighs. He kissed her legs, inching higher. He found her panties, and kissed her through the delicate lace. She lay back against the bed as he gently spread her legs and kissed his way down her panties to where they were wet.
“Oh my god,” she moaned. He kissed her pussy through the thin lace until she began to writhe. She called out his name as she came and then collapsed on the bed.
“That’s just a beginning,” he teased as he walked to the closet to gather their bags. “I hope you didn’t plan on getting much sleep tonight.”
She was eager to get to their destination.
Twenty minutes later, they checked into the President’s suite at a downtown hotel. A bottle of champagne awaited them. Kate unpacked her bag as he uncorked the bottle of Veuve Clicquot. He handed her a glass.
“To my beautiful wife.” He clinked her glass and they took a sip.
