"Frank, too." Amanda stood up. "Come on girls. We have dresses to find."
"Okay, but there is no way I'm doing a hoop skirt. I want something sexy. If I have to go to a wedding, I want to look hot." Jade was the last off the couch.
"Classic and conservative." Jewell threw out the words like they'd had this argument before.
"Classic and conservative is boring. Mom, you have to make them listen to me." Jade grabbed her coat and handed Jasmine hers. Jewell handed Amanda her coat and put her arm in hers as the front door opened and Paulo walked in.
"Mrs. Marshall. Good to see you again. Ladies." Paulo dipped his cap towards his sisters. "Are you in need of a ride?"
"Oh, we hired a car. We didn't want to bother you."
"It is no bother! Mr. Justin, will you need me anymore today?" Paulo looked at Justin for the first time.
"No, I'm not going anywhere but to bed." Justin took a sip of his brandy watching the gaggle at the door.
"Well then ladies, your chariot awaits! The limo is in front of the building. Please go down. I’ll be with you shortly." Paulo ushered all the women out the door and closed it behind them, while he remained in the apartment. "It could take a very long time, sir. I'm sure they will want dinner out, and I have a hook-up for tickets to Hamilton..."
"Tell the concierge to bill them to me and take them to The Sabre. I'll call ahead for dinner reservations. You'll have a meal waiting, too."
"Thank you, sir." Paulo opened the door.
"One last thing?" Justin called out to his driver.
"Sir?"
"Your Christmas bonus just tripled." Justin raised his brandy snifter in a salute.
"It is my pleasure sir." The smile he shot Justin could rival any lights on Broadway.
Chapter 13
Dani downed the small amount of brandy left in her snifter and stood up as Justin's driver shut the door. "Looks like we have a window of opportunity. Care to take a shower with me?"
Justin tossed back his brandy and put the glass down. "At this moment, there is nothing I want more. I'm sorry about my family." He took her hand and headed toward the back hall.
"Don't be. I've never experienced a large family, and I've always wanted brothers and sisters. I think you're extremely lucky."
"They are insane. Each and every one of them." He pulled her into his bedroom where he promptly shut and locked the door behind them.
Dani glanced behind her at the lock and then reached for her shirt, pulling it off and dropping it as she approached the bed. She unbuttoned her slacks, shimmied them to her ankles, and stepped out of them as she passed the bed. Her bra trailed off her fingertips onto the floor as she approached the bathroom, leaving her thong the last bit of clothing to be shed as she entered the massive en suite. The shower stall was a six-foot by six-foot square of clear glass, exposed patina brass piping, and countless showerheads. The effect was visually stunning. She glanced over her shoulder and watched as Justin walked into the bathroom, naked and hard. His dark chest hair swirled down to the thin, happy trail that ended at that magnificent cock.
He smirked at her and flicked several toggle switches on the wall to start the water. He slid a thermometer bar to a position just the other side of the blue and red combination and steam started pumping into the shower chamber. With practiced ease, he opened the shower door and flicked another switch that turned on soft jazz music. She glanced at the walls and ceiling unable to see where the speakers were located.
"They are installed around the showerheads. Justin answered her unasked question. He pulled her into his arms and walked her backward under a waterfall showerhead drenching them both in warm water. He grabbed a bottle of body wash and poured a line across her shoulders and chest. Closing the top and setting the bottle back, Justin traced the soap line with his hand. He watched the suds run as he spread the soft lather over her entire body, paying special attention to her breasts and lower to her sex. Danielle was a puddle of goo in his hands. He could ask anything of her, and she'd comply. Instead, she reached for the soap and, using her hands, washed his entire body. His cock and balls received an inordinate amount of attention.
"You need to stop, or I'm going to come."
"You know what they say, right?" She held his balls in one hand and gently squeezed them pulling a groan from him.
He swallowed hard and shook his head. "No, what do they say?"
"Cleanliness is next to godliness."
"I'd rather be dirty and next to you." Justin pulled her into him and lowered, kissing any coherent thought from her brain. She had no idea how long they stayed in the shower, kissing and touching. Eventually, they washed their hair and got out. She used his toothbrush after he did because she wasn't leaving the room in search of her toiletry bag. It took only a couple minutes to comb out and braid her hair. She used a small leather tie to fasten the tail.
When she walked out into the bedroom, lights along the crown molding were illuminated and low, bathing the entire suite in a golden hue. Justin lay on his back on the bed; his hand circled his hard cock. He extended his other hand toward her.
Danielle walked to him. "I want to ride you. Like this." The words came before rational thought processed, but she wouldn't take it back. She did want him.
Justin let her straddle him but pulled her down for some more of those delicious, mind-blowing kisses. Her vision reeled when she sat up, whether from the lack of oxygen or the desire that ravaged her, she didn't know. She didn't care. Lifting up, she grasped his thick cock to center it under her, before she worked herself down his shaft. Her hips found a rhythm, and her desire danced to that beat, growing and swelling until the melody that spurred her forward took on a of life its own. Danielle grasped his shoulders and leaned forward. She opened eyes she hadn't realized she'd closed and found him staring at her. "Please."
The word was no more out of her mouth than she was on her back and he had one of her legs pressed toward her shoulder. His thrusts were strong, sensual and carried the power to annihilate her very being. What they had was so much more than the type of sex she'd experienced with others in the past. He leaned down and kissed her as he moved. His one free hand reached between them and fingered her clit with slow, languid swipes. Danielle broke free from his kiss, inhaled sharply, and climaxed so hard she saw a blanket of white blast behind her eyelids. Her body shuddered in rhythmic waves.
"Look at me." Justin's growled command forced her eyes open. "I want you to see what you do to me." He snapped his hip up and thrust two, three more times. His body clenched before he growled out an unintelligible shout as he lost himself inside her. He was spectacular. Straining muscle covered in a deep crimson flush held over her. His chest heaved with the exertion of his climax and sweat trailed down the side of his face. He was breathtaking–and hers.
Danielle closed her eyes and only opened them briefly when they changed positions. He pulled her onto his chest, and she settled there. The business trip to Perth had been successful. Completing the excursion to rappel down Gordon Dam, an event she'd been planning for months, gave her more than a sense of satisfaction. It had given her Justin. Sleeping in his arms, in his bed, gave her peace.
A dozen eggs, cream, a pinch of cayenne powder, some salt, a touch of cake flour and baking powder whisked up in a second. Justin added some chives, ham, and cheese into the bakeware and then poured individual portions of the egg mixture over it. The eggs went in the upper oven above biscuits that were baking in the lower oven. He was starving when he woke up, and he knew Danielle would be, too. Plus, he had to provide for his sisters and mother.
He poured some honey into a small saucepan and added a tablespoon of unsalted butter stirring it until blended. He added a couple drops of cream to the mixture as his mom came into the kitchen.
"Good morning." Justin stopped stirring long enough to hug his mom and receive a hug in return. He hadn't seen her in over a year. There were a few more strands of gray in her hair, and her laugh lines were deeper, but
she looked good.
"Good morning. You know you don't have to cook for us, right?"
"I know, but you know I love it." Justin winked at her. She'd taught him how to cook, but the passion for it was honed by watching world-class chefs create works of art.
"Are you sure we aren't in the way?" His mom held his gaze as she searched his expression.
"Not at all. Danielle would have met you eventually. This way she knows some of you before the horde descends." He kissed his mom on the forehead and pointed toward the refrigerator. "There is a tray of fruit in there, would you pull it out?"
"Coffee. Gotta have coffee." Jade padded into the kitchen as his mom headed toward the refrigerator. She stumbled toward the wrong wall wearing a pair of men's athletic shorts and a t-shirt that had to be five sizes too big. Jade was nothing if not original.
"Sit down before you burn yourself." Justin grabbed her hand just before she put it on the burner he'd just turned off. He pushed her toward the island and a barstool.
"Bossy." Jade pouted but plopped down on the stool on the other side of the counter.
"How was the trip to Australia?" His mom was the only one in the family who knew his travel schedule. He called her at least once a week. Not that there was much to talk about on his end, but she was his touchstone as far as the family went. She filled him in on all the events and happenings of his siblings and their children.
"Great. We found out while we were down there that we received our third Michelin Star at Nido dell’Aquila and The Sabre."
His mom stopped pouring Jade's coffee. "Oh, Justin that is wonderful news. I know your teams work so hard to make each of the restaurants perfect. I'm so happy for you!" He got another hug.
"That's really cool. So, what's for breakfast?" Jade reached for the pot and finished pouring her coffee.
"Jade, this is big news for Justin. You have to know that." His mom took the pot back from his sister and poured him a cup. Danielle walked into the kitchen looking beautiful in a pair of jeans and a dark green sweater. Justin pulled her into his arms and gave her a respectable kiss. Not at all the type he wanted to give her, but it would have to do until he got his mom and sisters out of the house again.
"Good morning, Danielle." His mom spoke when they broke the kiss.
"Morning Mrs. King." Danielle headed for the coffee mugs.
"Oh, sweetheart, I haven't been Mrs. King for several years now. I remarried. But just you never mind about titles and last names. The only thing you need to remember is my name is Amanda. I answer to just about anything."
"Yeah. So, what's for breakfast?" Jade asked again.
"Did you get your coffee, Justin?" Danielle grabbed the honey, cream, and sugar from the counter and looked around for his cup.
"Mom just poured me a cup, I haven't fixed it yet." Justin opened the lower oven and pulled the biscuits out. He slid one off onto a plate and poured a small vessel of his honey concoction, setting both in front of Jade. "That's hot."
She picked it up and dropped it immediately, fanning the air with her fingers.
"Stubborn girl."
Danielle handed him his coffee and went to sit beside his sister. God help them all if Jade opened her mouth again.
"Mom, go ahead and sit down. I'll get the eggs out, and we can eat."
"Jasmine and Jewell can fend for themselves," Jade said as she dipped a piece of the biscuit into the honey. "I'm not sharing."
"Not even with Nic?" His mom teased as she took a sip of her coffee.
Jade lifted her eyes and narrowed them in a squint. "He's still sleeping. I'd say I'd let him fend for himself, but then he'd pout. I hate it when he pouts."
"Nic's here?"
"Where Jade is, Nic is." His mom laughed the response.
"What about Chad and Zane?"
"Nic, Chad, Zane?" Danielle's head ping-ponged between Justin and where his mother and sister sat.
"Nic DeMarco is my man. Jasmine is married to Chad Nelson, and Jewell is marrying Zane. That's why we are here." She pointed at Justin. "He's catering Jewell's wedding. Didn't he tell you?"
"God, no I didn't tell her. I was trying not to scare her off. Eat your food. I'll make some more biscuits and eggs after we eat. There will be enough for everyone." Justin pulled the egg cups out of the oven and set two on each plate along with a biscuit and a honeypot. He moved the fruit to the countertop and sat down facing three of the most important women in his life.
"They won't be up for hours." Amanda laughed as she took several strawberries and grapes from the fruit platter. "Jewell is a night owl. She and Zane work strange hours, but it works for them. Zane had to stay in D.C. to work, something big going on that involves Jacob and Jason, too. Chad took Chloe, his and Jasmine’s daughter, to his mom's house to visit. He's heading back to the ranch today. He uses the airfield at the ranch, so he doesn't have to fly into Rapid City. The last time they were there he got mobbed at the mall and had to hide out in a ladies’ restroom until security came."
"Ha! That was funny." Jade snorted into her coffee.
"Be nice." Amanda sent the quiet reprimand causing Jade to roll her eyes. "Anyway, Jasmine doesn't have to wake up to take care of the baby, so she's taking advantage of the vacation to recharge her batteries."
"Mobbed?" Danielle asked.
"Chad Nelson is a country singer. Rather famous from what Jasmine says." Jade shrugged. "I don't listen to that kind of music, but he has a slew of platinum records and awards in his man cave." Jade mopped up the honey out of her small pot and looked at her mom's plate. Amanda smiled and shook her head while handing Jade the honey.
"Oh." Danielle seemed to take in the information and consider it. Justin wished he could have prepared her to meet his family, especially Jade, but she seemed to be taking it in stride. The woman adapted well to any business setting. He should have known she'd be able to roll with the punches of meeting his family.
"Did you find a dress you liked?" Danielle asked Jade as she took some fruit. Justin smiled when she put fruit on Jade's plate without asking his sister if she wanted any. Jade swung a glare her way before she forked the fruit and devoured it.
"We narrowed it down to two dresses for Jewell. She wants to go back today and make a final decision. As far as the bridesmaid dresses..." Amanda lifted a shoulder.
"No," Jade spoke between mouthfuls of food.
Justin set his coffee cup down. He had to ask. "Why are you eating like a starving lunatic?"
"Because we went out to dinner at The Sabre last night." Jade said the words as if to say 'duh.'
"And?" Justin lead her for an answer.
"And it was one of your froo-froo restaurants with little dishes of food. Not enough to feed a real person."
"You could have ordered more." Justin laughed his response.
"No, I couldn't! They were done. I was still hungry, and Paulo wouldn't find a drive through."
"Dresses?" Danielle asked again putting the conversation back on track.
His mom smiled and winked at Justin, mouthing, I like her. He was glad because he was falling a little bit harder every minute.
"Jewell made her selection. I don't like it." Jade pulled her coffee cup toward her and wrapped her hands around the mug. "The skirt and the color are okay, but the freaking neckline. Do I look twelve to you?"
Danielle glanced over at her. "Nope. I know a great seamstress here in the city. She could work the neckline of each dress, so they are all different, reflecting each of the bridesmaids’ personalities but staying similar enough to make the bridal party flow."
Jade set her coffee cup down and swiveled in her chair. She cocked her head at Dani and blinked. "You are my new best friend."
"Awww...shucks." Danielle's response got a round of laughter, the hardest of which came from Jade.
Jade got off the bar stool and grabbed another biscuit and her coffee cup. She raised it in the air. "To Danielle, you two have my blessing." Jade winked at Justin and headed back to the opposit
e hall from where his master suite was located.
"Well dear, you've passed muster." Amanda chuckled. "But, I'll tell you a secret. You're the only woman Justin has ever introduced to us, so you were immediately a winner in my books. He's very private, so I know you are special." She lifted off the stool. "Now, you two go do whatever it is you have planned for the day. I'm going to do the dishes, get my daughters into a group and go finish this bridal expedition. I need to get back to South Dakota before the blizzard that’s forecast makes it in from the West Coast."
"Do you have a flight booked?" Justin drank the last of his coffee after he asked.
"No, Dixon and Drake flew Jasmine and me in. Jade came up with Nic and Jewell. Dixon called this morning and said they wanted to leave by six tonight to make sure we didn't run into any weather that would cause us to divert."
"You have your own pilots?" Danielle blinked. Her gaze bounced from Justin to his mother.
"Oh, sweetheart, no. My other sons work for a company who maintains a plane on my husband's ranch. Believe me, I'm nothing special."
"I beg to disagree." Justin smiled when his mom swatted his arm.
"You can disagree, but that doesn't make it so." His mom laughed.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Amanda." Danielle extended her hand.
His mom grabbed her up in a hug. "You'll learn. We're huggers. Just don't let his brothers hug you. They might break you."
"The hell they will," Justin growled.
"Yep... just like Frank." His mom laughed and headed into the kitchen.
He and Danielle walked hand in hand back to his office. "You needed to do some research for your father, right?"
"I do. I was going to head downtown to his office. He didn't give me the name of the individual involved, and I can use his computer systems to access the DoD databases he’s allowed to use. It could trim some of the research time, which gets me back here sooner."
"Give me a second, and I'll call Paulo to take you."
"No, don't worry about it. I can take a cab; besides he was out late with your family. Let him rest." Dani moved into him and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'll work as fast as I can. You realize tomorrow is going to be difficult?"
Justin Page 10
