by M. Clarke
We took loads of pictures and videotaped from the beginning to end, especially when Addy and Connor were singing or had a speaking part. Not only was I a proud father, but a proud uncle. These were the precious moments I wouldn’t give up for anything.
Chapter 8
Matthew
After the show was over, Max’s family and mine went out to dinner. Max and I took turns calling our parents, but there was no answer. After we went home, I told him I would stop by our parents’ house. When I got there all the lights were out, and I didn’t want to wake them, so I went back home. I texted Max to let him know what had happened. Tomorrow was Saturday. I was sure we would get ahold of them in the morning.
I wrapped my arms around Becca while her head rested on my chest. I loved to see her head move to the rhythm of my breath. Caressing her back, I said, “I missed you. I feel like I haven’t been home in weeks.”
“I know,” she sighed. “It’s okay. It’s the busiest time of the year. After tomorrow, I get you all to myself.” She craned her neck to meet my gaze. “Well, not completely to myself. Addy and Mason miss you too. You haven’t read to them in a week.”
I sighed. “I know. But I’ll make it up to them. After tomorrow night, I’m taking a week off between Christmas and New Year’s. Though I might have to have a phone conference with Thomas. I really hope he gives us good news soon.”
Becca idly moved her fingers along my chest. “It’s out of your hands, Matt. It’s up to fate. You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just have to let it go.”
I caressed her hair. “And sometimes, I have to listen to my wife’s wisdom. She reads a lot of books, you know.”
Becca’s smile widened. “Does she now?”
I changed the subject, “You know…Addy and Mason won’t really appreciate us until they get married and have kids of their own.”
Becca lightly dug her fingers into my chest. “Trying to get rid of our kids already, huh?” She laughed.
I chuckled. “Of course not. Addy isn’t getting married until I tell her she’s ready. I feel sorry for her first date. You know that I’ll be driving them, don’t you?”
Becca shook her head with a smile. “Oh, Matt. You say that now, but Addy owns your heart. You won’t be able to say no to her.”
It was so true. Addy was Daddy’s little girl. “I know. She had my heart tonight. I was so proud of her. I can’t believe she remembered all those lines with your help. She’s so smart.”
“She takes after her daddy,” Becca praised and then changed the subject, “Going back to her dating, I plan to be in the passenger seat beside you. I bet Mason will be sitting in the back, between them.”
My eyes lit up. “That’s not a bad idea.” I paused. “Listen to us. Not so fast, okay? One day at a time. I want to remember and treasure these moments that are going by too fast. She’s already in kindergarten. Next year she’ll be in first grade, and then next thing we’ll know she’ll be in high school, college—”
Becca covered my mouth. “Stop. We’re aging her. She’s six right now, today, and tomorrow. Let’s not talk about the future, but just the present, okay?”
When I nodded, she released her hand. “Okay.” I tenderly stroked her arm. “As I was saying, you really don’t appreciate your parents until you’ve been through what they’ve been through. I used to wonder why my dad wasn’t at our Christmas shows or why my mother couldn’t be at the PTA meetings. They did the best they could under their circumstances. They both worked hard so we could have a great life. I can’t complain. I’ve had the best of everything. And that is what I want for our family. But my parents didn’t have that option. They were just building Knight Fashion Magazine. Now Max and I are able to have the benefit of a good life from it. Max and I are in the process of hiring managers so we’ll be able to delegate some of our responsibilities. We’ll still be on top of everything, but it won’t be like how it’s been this past month.”
“Good. ‘Cause we miss you.” Becca leaned closer to plant a soft kiss on my lips. “Just a reminder: Christmas is going to be different this year. We’ll be at Max’s house for Christmas Eve, and we’ll be with my side of the family on Christmas Day at our house.”
“I remember.” I winked and then pulled her in for a kiss.
“I hope your mom is okay.” Becca looked concerned.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” I reassured her, but it was more for myself. “I’ll call them first thing in the morning.”
Becca sat up, straddled me, and gave me one hell of a delicious smirk. “Okay. I’ll remind you. So, how about a naughty bedtime story?” Biting her bottom lip, she started to unbutton her PJ top.
“Becca,” I growled. “Don’t tease me like that. We haven’t in a while. Does this mean you’re done your period?” Usually I kept tabs on her cycle, but this month had been crazy. I couldn’t even keep track of my own stuff.
She ignored me, pulled up my shirt exposing my chest, and started to kiss and lick her way down. Holy fuck! I closed my eyes and savored her touch. When she got to my PJ bottoms, she peered up. “Tonight isn’t about pleasuring me. It’s all about you, Mr. Knight.” Her eyes darkened as she pulled them down just enough to put her mouth over my cock.
“Becca.” I pulled her up. I needed to touch her. Before she could protest, I kissed her softly while my hands traveled the length of her body and stopped on her breast. Taking my time with each nipple, I licked, nipped, and sucked until she begged me to stop.
“Matt,” she moaned. “You can’t do this to me. Now I’m going crazy. It’s my turn.”
I wasn’t going to fight with my firecracker. She showed me who was boss that night.
Max
The next day we all lazily stayed in bed. Connor, Christopher, and Cassie were sandwiched between Jenna and me, and we were kissing and hugging them until they had had enough. We went shopping but came home shortly after lunch. It was crazy out there. Then we cuddled in the family room and even took a short nap. Now it was time to get ready. Jenna went upstairs to get dressed first, while I waited for Carry to prepare the kids’ dinner. Shortly after, I went upstairs, leaving the kids in Carry’s hands.
With hair and makeup all done, Jenna was slipping into her ball gown I had picked out for her. She had no idea I was staring at her as she tried to zip the back of her dress. Her red silk mesh and chiffon spaghetti-strap dress was long and flowing. It was perfect for Jenna.
“How about I help zip you up?” I whispered in her ear. Jenna twitched. I had startled her. Gripping the dress lightly, my other hand slowly moved the zipper, but just before I reached the top, I kissed her bare back. She moaned and slightly quivered under my touch.
“You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that, Mr. Knight. I might do some kind of Star Wars move on you and bring you down.”
I whipped her around and took in her beauty. It had been a while since we’d had any private time together, and my mind was whirling with dirty thoughts. But Jenna talking about Star Wars movies made me chuckle. She had no idea she was raising my lust level right now.
“Really?” I entertained her playfulness, my stare piercing at her heatedly. Taking a step closer, I pinned her against the closet door. Licking my lips, I was ready to dive into her neck. Her smile was intoxicating, making my hunger for her grow tenfold. I was the hunter and she was my prey.
“Yup,” she whimpered, closing and opening her eyes as if she had been drugged. “I might even have something Star Wars related for you.” Her chest rose and fell just as fast as mine. It got worse when she blurted, “I’m so wet, Max. You look so hot in that tuxedo all I can do is think about you inside me.”
That was all I could handle. I reached for her, but she ducked and left me with a cold breeze.
“Jenna. What kind of game are you playing?” I growled softly and turned to find her there.
“Well, look at that.” Jenna was smiling at Connor, but her cheeks were flushed. Right behind Connor was Christopher. “See. Some
times Mommy and Daddy think about what kind of games we should play with you, Christopher, and Cassie.”
Connor’s eyes grew wider. “You do?”
“Yes, we do,” I added. How had Connor and Christopher snuck in without a sound? They were each holding a lightsaber, dressed like…. It was a good thing Jenna had spotted them. The boys would have seen my hands all over their mommy. Jenna had a keen sense of them. I guessed all good mothers were like that.
“Mommy, you look pretty. And Daddy looks handsome,” Connor complimented. “Where is Daddy’s work party? Can we go too?”
I bent lower and touched both my boys on their cheeks. “When you get a little older.”
“But I’m a big boy.” Connor swung his saber and Christopher followed suit. “I go to a big-boy school now.”
Connor and Christopher reminded me so much of the times when Matthew and I were their age. I had wanted to attend my parents’ work parties too. “I meant when you are old enough to work.” I smiled, ruffling his hair.
“Ohhh. Okay.” Connor nodded in understanding. “Are you coming home late?”
“Probably while you’re sleeping. Make sure to be a good boy for Carry. Remember, Santa is watching,” I said, making sure both of them were listening, looking from Connor to Christopher.
“We will.” Connor lifted his saber. “‘May the force be with you,’ Dad.” Then he took off.
“We will.” Christopher copied Connor. “‘May the force be with you,’ Dad.” He ran after Connor.
“Well.” I turned to Jenna. “That was close. We should put a bell on them or something so we know when they’re around.” I chuckled, making Jenna laugh.
“Silly Max.”
I pinned her to the wall again. She had no idea that was coming. Her gasp was sharp and unexpected. “It’s Hot Max to you.”
“Arrogant,” she said, smiling, but looking boldly into my eyes.
“Confident,” I retorted.
“It’s time to go, Mr. Knight. I got the text our limo is waiting out front. We will continue this tonight. I might even use my lightsaber in a duel with you.”
I arched my brows. “You have one I don’t know about?”
“Princess Leia does. I’m going to leave that for your imagination, Mr. Knight.”
Jenna slipped past me so fast she left me staring at the wall. I couldn’t wait for tonight to be over. My imagination was already running wild and crazy. We would be coming home early, that was for sure.
Chapter 9
Jenna
The limo had picked up Matthew and Becky first, before coming to get us. We were headed to the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland. Becky wore a long black strapless ball gown—not the one she’d bought when we went shopping—and glamorized her look with a diamond pendant necklace and matching earrings, just like me. Max and Matthew looked mouth-droppingly stunning in their tuxedos. All the women’s eyes would be on them for sure, but Becky and I were used to that. And both our husbands never gave us any doubts that their eyes ever wandered.
When we entered, grand Christmas trees and decorations covered every direction I looked. It was so beautiful and festive that I couldn’t peel my eyes away. Everyone was dressed elegantly, and the models—which I called beautiful people—looked gorgeous. Everyone greeted us as we made our way through the crowds of people enjoying their small plates filled with appetizers—beef wrapped in bacon, shrimp cocktails, spring rolls, cheese cubes, and bread with dips.
After we checked our coats, Becky and I situated ourselves at our private table while Max and Matthew moved about to mingle with the employees and Knight Fashion models.
“I see Rachel and Jax.” Becky waved.
Jax looked just like one of the beautiful people; he was striking in his black tux. And Rachel looked exquisite with a sleeveless long green ball gown. I wasn’t particularly fond of the green, but that deep shade looked amazing on her.
“Jenna, Becky,” Rachel and Jax greeted us. Jax’s green eyes glistened and his dimples deepened when he smiled.
Becky and I stood up to greet them with a hug.
“How have you been?” I asked them both.
“Good,” Rachel answered with a smile.
Jax pulled out a seat for her. After she sat, he said, “I’m going to find my friends. I’ll be back. I’ll bring some drinks.” With that, he left.
“It’s beautiful. The staff have outdone themselves this year,” Rachel said, glancing around at the decorations. “You both ready for Christmas?”
“I’m done shopping,” I exclaimed, taking a sip of water. “I’m not done wrapping the presents yet though. That’s my least favorite part.”
“I hear ya,” Becky said, checking her messages. “Look. Carol, our nanny, is sending me a video of them saying goodnight. How sweet is that?”
“That’s sweet,” Rachel and I agreed.
As we listened to the band play Christmas music, we showed off our children’s pictures and talked about our plans for Mount Mammoth.
“Who’s that next to Jax?” Becky asked.
“The one on his right is Nathan Cross and the one on his left is Josh Bennett. They’re both models.”
“Wow,” Becky said under her breath. “Matthew has mentioned their names before. He also told me he handpicked them from a pile of photographs he was sent from agents. My husband knows how to pick them.” She laughed. “I think they’re coming to our table.”
Sure enough, Becky was right.
“Jenna. You’ve met Nathan and Josh,” Jax said.
“Yes, I have. Hello, Nathan, Josh,” I nodded.
They each shook my hand. They were both good-looking and seemed to be genuinely good people. Though I’d only interacted with them a few times, I could tell they had strong heads on their shoulders. Nathan was a bit taller, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Josh’s eyes were between green and blue, and though I couldn’t see under his tux, I recalled he had tattoos down the length of one arm.
Jax cleared his throat. “This is Becky, my sister-in-law. And you know my wife, Rachel. They’re sisters.”
“Lucky guy,” Josh said, taking Becky’s hand, followed by Nathan. Then they both hugged Rachel.
“Oh, we got drinks for everyone.” Jax placed a glass in front of Rachel. Nathan and Josh placed glasses down in front of Becky and me.
“Thanks,” Becky and I said at the same time with a smile, taking our seats.
When I felt hands on my shoulders, I knew it was Max, especially when I heard his voice that beckoned my attention. “Jax, Nathan, Josh. It’s good to see you here.”
“My boys,” Matthew said proudly, chuckling and giving them a pat on the back. Raising his glass he said, “Enjoy.”
After everyone was seated and dinner was being served, Max and Matthew got up on stage. The band stopped playing and the whole room went silent.
“Good evening, everyone,” Max started to say. “Welcome to our Christmas party and end-of-year gathering. We’ve had a successful year and it’s because all of you. We’ve expanded Knight Fashion to other endeavors and it has been exploding. M. Knights men’s and women’s clothing lines have reached international consumers.”
Clapping and wolf whistles echoed. Max raised his hand and the room went quiet again.
“Thank you,” he said, and continued, “The success doesn’t belong to just Matthew and I. It belongs to all of you, the Knight family. So”—Max turned to his left to gaze at Matthew— “Matthew will share some good news with you.”
Matthew stood beside Max and leaned closer to the mic. “Sorry, Max. I don’t have any good news to share.” He paused. The room went dead silent. “I have something awesome to share! Everyone is important at Knight Fashion. We all have a role to play and no one role is better than the other. On behalf of Knight Fashion, Max and I have increased your bonuses this year. We want to share the benefits with you for working long hours, meeting deadlines, and even having to spend time away from your families. We appreciate each a
nd every one of you. So let’s raise our glasses and toast. Let’s celebrate. Congratulations on the success of this year and we look forward to an outstanding and prosperous future. We are proud of the Knight family. Let the party begin.”
The clapping and cheers became louder and then died down as Matthew and Max left the stage. The band began to play again and the party noises were back on.
“That was a great speech,” I said to Max and Matthew.
Everyone at our table chimed in with compliments. The two brothers played it off like it was no big deal, but I could see the proud looks on their faces. They were confident and they sure knew how to run a business, a place where you felt like you were at home. That was the feeling they tried to project for their employees. It was that feeling that had made me want to work for their company.
After the delicious dinner was over, we moved to another room where there was a dance floor, a sitting area with sofas and tables, and many bars to cater to all the guests.
“May I have this dance, my beautiful lady in red?” Max asked, extending his hand.
I lit up a huge smile and gave him my hand as my answer. Max guided me to the dance floor and held me close to him as we swayed to the soft music.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” Max whispered, giving me a soft kiss on my cheek.
Quivering and taking in his intoxicating scent, I murmured, “I think so.”
Max spun me around, making me giggle softly. When he brought me into his arms, I spotted Becky and Matthew and Rachel and Jax on the dance floor.
Max’s eyes grew heated and darkened, and then he leaned in closer. “Why don’t we go home early? The kids are in bed. All is quiet at home. Let me show you how much I’ve missed my wife.” His hot breath brushed against my ear. Oh God! How he could just make me weak all over by just his words, I had no idea.
My arms tightened around his. “You can’t just leave. This is your party.”
