by Aubrey Rose
His father made no more mention of his mother, nor about anything they’d spoken about earlier. Conversation was focused on comments about the food, light topics such as the cooling weather and some current world affairs. Bretton Carter was quite composed and back to his normal self by all indications.
“What exactly do you intend to do during your stay?” Bretton finally asked over after-dinner coffee. “You left your job in London, I presume?”
Blake shrugged. “I used to work for a major IT consulting firm but now I’m mostly independent. But I’ve taken time off work, actually. However if I decided to, I’m sure I could easily find work here as well.”
“You would,” Bretton agreed. “In fact, you could come and work for me.”
Blake smiled faintly. “I barely know anything about your line of business. I’m no investment whiz nor do I know a hell of a lot about mergers and acquisitions.”
“You don’t have to. I’m into a lot of things now. I even recently acquired a software company that’s been doing fantastic. Your skills would come in handy there...”
“Thanks but no, Dad,” Blake said firmly, hiding a grimace. He had to lay it on the line then and there. “You don’t have to work things out for me. If I decided to stay here in New York, I’d like to make my own way.”
Bretton lifted a slightly taunting brow as he smiled. “Independent as always I see.”
“Always,” Blake replied very seriously. And saw, for the first time, a flicker of real humor in his father’s eyes.
“Well I hope that at least you’ll agree to be present at the welcome home party I’ve organized for you later this week,” Bretton said casually as he lifted his cup of coffee to his lips.
Meanwhile, Blake was almost choking over his. “Party? What party?”
“You didn’t really think I’d let your return go without a little fanfare, did you?” his father asked in surprise. “You’re my only son back home again – I think the whole world should celebrate that with me.”
Blake groaned inwardly. No way. He hated parties. Especially when he was the center of attention. He started to outright refuse. “Dad...”
“Please,” Bretton said stiffly. “I want you to meet my friends – and I want them to meet you.” Especially one, Bretton added silently to himself. “Surely you wouldn’t refuse me this one request?”
Blake sighed away his obvious annoyance as he looked across at his father. “No,” he said at last with resignation. “I guess I can’t.”
***
Kira knew about the forthcoming welcome party, of course. After all she’d given a hand seeing to organizing it; sending invites and making orders. The guest list consisted of her boss’s close friends and associates; a pretty close-knit affair. So when the Friday before the party came, Kira balked when Mr. Carter asked her to attend as well.
“But sir...I can’t,” she said haltingly, clutching the files she held to her chest as she straightened in the chair in front of his desk where she’d been taking notes.
“Why not?” Bretton Carter inquired. “Don’t you have anything suitable to wear? If that’s an issue then go out and get something nice and have it charged to me. I insist.”
“No. It’s not that.” Kira felt her face flush with embarrassment thinking of many reasons why she couldn’t attend. She could imagine how she’d stand out in her boss’s group of high class friends who collectively owned half the city in terms of possessions and social standing. She’d be like a fish out of water and very self-conscious.
“Then what?” He asked as if he couldn’t possibly think of anything else.
“Well, I just don’t think I...”
“Do you have a date scheduled for that evening?”
“No...”
“Any other important engagements?”
“Uh...no.”
“Then it’s settled,” Mr. Carter said briskly. “You can leave a few hours early today to handle whatever you need to get ready for the party tomorrow. And that’s that. Now take this down...”
Kira sighed in concealed frustration, knowing the matter was closed. She very well couldn’t defy her boss which meant she would be at that party whether she liked it or not. And yet she couldn’t deny it even to herself that at least, she was deeply curious to finally meet her boss’s son.
It made her breathless again just thinking about coming face to face with that gorgeously attractive man she’d seen in that photo. A man with scorching good looks that had singed her fantasies every night since she’d seen a glimpse of his image.
Strange how she was normally the last person to get fixated on sex but now each night it was all she dreamed about. Steamy, back-breaking sex; the type that made the neighbors hate you for with all the headboard banging and the moans and screams. Kira’s cheeks flushed thinking how she woke up each morning with damp inner thighs and her arms wrapped around her pillow. And her gorgeous lover always had the same face; the same name.
Blake.
It was crazy to keep dreaming about a man she didn’t know and hadn’t even met. Kira knew she was a fool for nursing any attraction for him but she couldn’t seem able to help herself.
Not only was he way out of her league, she couldn’t see herself with her boss’s son.
In many ways, it really was only a fantasy and maybe finally meeting him would break the strange spell. Yeah...that was probably it. He probably wasn’t so hot in person, Kira told herself. If she was lucky, he’d now be balding, overweight and a terrible dresser. Or something like that.
Either way, she’d soon be over her girlish infatuation for his handsome chiseled face with the smoky grey eyes and the hunky smile that seemed to promise a multitude of sexy sins.
Stamping down any underlying feelings of excitement, Kira made herself concentrate on the notes her boss dictated.
***
Later that evening, Kira had dinner with her boyfriend.
His name was Terrence King and at thirty he was several years older than Kira. However the age difference was in no way obvious since Terrence was the epitome of ‘hip’ and cool not only in the way he looked but in the way he acted. He always had an infectious grin as well as a cheery outlook on life. Nothing seemed to ever faze him and he was always good at brightening even the worst situations. He was a reporter for one of the major New York newspapers and had his own celebrity column that was very popular.
They’d met less than six months ago at a friend’s house and clicked instantly. They liked the same kind of music, sports and had similar tastes in movies. They started dating seriously two months ago and hadn’t made any definite plans in their relationship which suited Kira just fine. They saw each other as regularly as both their jobs allowed and generally kept things simple. Kira’s idea, not his.
They ordered their favorite dishes and wine, and as usual Terrence started off talking about his day, and then she told him about hers. They laughed over the usual little gossip about co-workers or mutual friends. It was turning into an enjoyable evening as it felt great to have someone to share a nice meal with and talk about anything you both found interesting. Kira found herself mentioning the welcome party and saw Terrence’s handsome face register interest.
“There could be a story in this you know. Bretton Carter’s long-lost son finally returns,” Terrence murmured and Kira rolled her eyes expressively. Trust Terrence to find a story in everything.
“To stay, I wonder?” mused Terrence as he sipped from his wine glass.
Kira was shaking her head. “I have no way of knowing. He’ll probably want to return back home to his mother.”
“His mother,” Terrence repeated speculatively. “She was some British chick, wasn’t she? She and your boss still divorced?”
Kira’s eyes shifted as she nodded in response, beginning to feel uncomfortable discussing her boss’s personal affairs. Not that she was telling Terrence anything he didn’t know or couldn’t find out himself. It just felt that she owed her boss loyalty enough to ke
ep his private matters private.
“You know; I think it’ll be a good idea to accompany you to this party tomorrow,” Terrence surprised Kira by saying. “I mean I’ve always been curious to see how the other half lives, so to speak. Would your boss be cool with that?”
“Of course he would,” Kira said with a somewhat guilty start. She figured her boss wouldn’t expect her to show up alone especially since he knew Terrence; they’d met a few times. “I didn’t think you’d be interested in such an affair.”
Terrence grinned. “Yeah I know; it doesn’t seem like my kind of scene, huh? I mean a bunch of snotty folk with more money than they know what to do with – hiding their many secret foibles beneath their designer clothes and high class personas.”
Kira groaned deeply. “If you’re coming with me you’ve got to promise to be on your best behavior, Terrence. No snooping around for your next celebrity scoop. If some starlet or billionaire gets drunk and makes out with the family help I don’t want to read about it in your little gossip column tomorrow.”
Terrence’s expression looked pained and he lifted both hands in defeat. “Okay, okay. How could I possibly refuse when you plead so nicely with those big, brown eyes and soft, pouty lips? I got you, honey. I’ll be the soul of discretion and leave my inquisitive mind at home.”
Kira shook her head and smiled, unable to resist Terrence’s wicked charm. She was glad to have a man like him. He wasn’t dominant in any way; totally respected her and let her make all her own choices even though he was older and more experienced when it came to life issues. He acted like the big brother she’d always wanted and she was grateful she could count on him to be there when she needed him.
He’d make a great crutch tomorrow tonight, she decided, knowing she’d be nervous as hell and the handsome Terrence’s arm would be nice to lean on as she faced the world of the rich and mighty. Working as Bretton Carter’s secretary had exposed her to a lot of things that had broadened her horizons but she’d never been in a situation where she’d be in the company of his well-heeled friends and business associates. It would be an eye-opening experience, one she was looking more and more forward to as the hour drew near.
Chapter Three
Blake stood in front of the mirrors running one wall of his dressing room, adjusting his dark suit and conservative tie. He hoped he was appropriately dressed since it was meant to be a black tie optional dinner party. He still couldn’t believe he’d agreed to this.
He’d have expected that the last thing his father would do was make a big fuss about him. He was twenty-eight, not fifteen. But another part of him felt he should be glad his father was proud enough to want him to meet his special guests.
Blake looked back at his reflection and shook his head at the picture he depicted. Did he look as reluctant as he felt? He knew he had to get this over with. Especially since his father had already been at his door earlier to knock and ask if he was going to take forever because the guests were soon to arrive.
Blake had assured him he’d only be a few more minutes. Now he wondered if there was one last ditch chance he could get out of showing up for this ‘party.’ He really didn’t see himself getting along with any of his father’s friends and couldn’t imagine having to endure a whole evening trying to act out a farce like he was some beloved, prodigal son come home to roost. His father – the renowned takeover king and hedge fund billionaire, had valued his precious company and business life over his own family and it had cost him a wife and a son. Blake’s mother was dead and Blake could well have been dead to his father too for all the interest the old man had shown him since he’d left when he was ten years old.
But Blake wasn’t a kid anymore, acting out because his mother had taken him away from the home he’d known. Sophie Harrington had dedicated her life to her son, never remarrying but focusing on building a home of love and support that had raised Blake into the person he was now. He’d never needed his father and sure as hell didn’t now. He was doing this for Sophie. She’d wanted him to come back. Subtle hints and the things she’d said as she’d started to lose her fight against the disease ravaging her body. Her wonderful soul had shone through until the very end and Blake had been there when she passed, holding her frail hand and planting a kiss on her soft, withered cheek. Even in death, her face still held traces of the blonde beauty she’d been.
Blake would go along with the evening’s plans but that would be it. He was done playing happy reunion. He’d only wanted to see his father this one time and let the man see how well Blake had done without him. Then they could keep going along just fine apart from each other like they’d been doing all these years. Case closed.
***
“Damn! What a slammin’ joint!” Terrence whistled as he pulled up in front of the Carter villa that evening.
Kira had to agree. The palatial, all-white three-story villa was a sight to behold. It was floodlit and stood in the backdrop of well-tended greenery plus enough real estate to make it look like a movie set.
They soon began to make their way up the lengthy driveway to the main house from where the sound of soft music reached them. They walked past the rows and rows of state-of-the-art cars parked there by the other guests who’d obviously arrived earlier. Kira couldn’t help thinking that Terrence’s respectable Kia coupe looked dwarfed in the presence of all those six-figure Benzes, Lamborghinis and Audis. The thought almost brought a smile to her lips.
Her sense of excitement increased ten-fold as they were let into the house and she viewed the palatial interior. Just before she started to get overawed, her boss Bretton Carter appeared, a warm smile on his face.
“Welcome to my home, Kira...Terrence.” Bretton’s smile cooled somewhat when it landed on the other man and Kira squirmed slightly, half-sure she imagined it. She always had a vague impression her boss didn’t like Terrence but couldn’t tell why for sure. Terrence was the type to act aloof in the face of what he considered ‘uppityness’ of any sort and he looked just as unimpressed even as he politely returned the older man’s greeting.
“Thank you, Mr. Carter,” Kira breathed; glancing into the brightly lit ballroom-type hall beyond, where she caught a glimpse of several expensively dressed guests. She turned back to her boss who looked even more distinguished and handsome than ever in his black tux. Her brow wrinkled slightly with worry. “I hope we aren’t too late?”
It was her first time in her boss’s home and she hadn’t expected such grandeur even knowing how rich he was. Mr. Carter had never remarried and had no family living with him that she knew of. The place looked big enough to comfortably house as many as fifty people without a stretch. Every piece of décor seemed chosen with ultimate class and style. She felt overwhelmed and impressed at the same time.
“Not at all, my dear; you’re right on time. In fact I was hoping to have a little word with you before we go in. I’m afraid there’s a small favor I’d like to ask you. Well, maybe not so small.” Mr. Carter smiled engagingly.
Kira raised her eyebrows, ready to help. “I’ll do what I can sir.”
Bretton Carter sighed. “The thing is, Gina was meant to play hostess tonight, but she just called to say she’s down with a sudden bug and wouldn’t be able to make it. And I was wondering...”
“I know,” Kira said with a smile, “You were wondering if I could step in and take her place.”
Her boss grinned; seemingly glad at her willing response. “Just this once, Kira. It can’t be too difficult especially for a young woman with your poise. Easy as pie in fact. You already know most of the people in there and I’m positive I can trust you to catch any important details I’d miss.”
Kira looked to him and then back at the imposing room with all those prominent guests surrounded by the music and the caterers serving cocktails and wine. It was a big task, taking on such a duty even if just for a few hours. She’d attended very few dinner parties and certainly had never been the hostess at one. But Kira was the type to rise to any
challenge in her path. It was the same way she tackled her job as secretary to one of the richest men in the city. Just this once she was sure she could handle the pressure of whatever lay in store.
“I think I can manage quite well, Mr. Carter,” Kira said finally, her smile fading slightly as she quickly turned to the hovering Terrence. “That is if you wouldn’t mind being left on your own for a while?” Her eyes beseeched him to understand even as she felt sure he certainly couldn’t expect her to disregard her boss’s predicament, so to speak.
Terrence’s smile was somewhat twisted as he shrugged. “Don’t worry about me. You do your thing and help your good old boss out.” He gave her a wink. “I’ll go in and...mingle.”
Kira turned to Mr. Carter while hiding her helpless feeling beneath a ready smile. Terrence excused himself and made his way into the adjoining room where the party was in full swing. She felt her boss’s hand rest on her shoulder and she looked up.
“Good thing we’ve gotten rid of him – for now anyway,” he teased. “He’d have totally cramped your style. Seriously though, I appreciate you doing this for me. And you look exceptionally pretty tonight. I’m glad you took my advice and bought something extra nice to wear. I definitely have to introduce you to my son – but later. I see some more guests have arrived. We’ll have to receive them.”
Kira took a steadying inner breath and then drew on an easy, welcoming smile as she turned to the newly arrived guests walking into the hallway.
***
Blake fought to keep his expression attentive as one of his father’s old friends, an eccentric and aged widow who lived next door, Mrs. Wilkins began to tell him about her eldest daughter. About how she was beautiful, an accomplished lawyer and so on. He had to smile though as the old woman who was dripping with enough costly diamonds to feed a third world village for a year, added confidentially, “And she’s a fantastic cook too. Knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and she’s not afraid to show off her many skills in and out of the kitchen.”
