“Haley said you called it in, or rather texted it in.” I knew the reference was in reply to the meeting I had booked with her. “You Skyped the conference call from home; is this the new Richard?
The guy who doesn’t feel the need to micromanage every detail, dot every i and cross every t?” The snide remark should have annoyed me, it would have, had it come from anyone other than Aleksander.
“I guess it is.” I kept my answer short and to the point.
“And your writer’s block?” The words were drawn out almost as if Aleksander was afraid to ask.
“What writer’s block?” I smiled back at my friend. “Now let’s get some work done so we make it home for dinner.” As Aleksander turned to close my door, he took one more stab. “Welcome back, Rick.”
With my writers block out of the way, I took my days task head on. It felt good to be back in the designing studio. This was where I felt the most comfortable. This was what I had been missing since I moved into my fathers office.
The day flew by and I was no longer as stressed about the new spring line.
Perhaps spending a day in the studio was all I needed to get my creative juices flowing. I would have to make a point to spend at least a couple days a month in there going forward.
Dinner was fantastic. Mackenzie had made a Beef Wellington that would put any New York restaurant to shame.
She sorted the papers like Aleksander asked and spent some time at the copy shop making triplicates of everything. Aleksander commended her on her organizational skills.
When our company had left I took Mackenzie’s hand and laced my fingers with hers. “You had them eating out of the palm of your hand,” I kissed her forehead. “Now repeat that performance for my parents and they will love you almost as much as I do.”
“If your parents are as welcoming as those two, I won't have to perform, it will come naturally and I will love them too.” She was piercing my soul with her beautiful blue eyes staring directly through me.
How was it possible those eyes looked brighter, more beautiful, each time she stared at me with her come-hither gaze?
“Haley wants to have a shopping day in the city next week. She wants to go dress shopping for the launch. I offered to drive her, but she’s insisting we take a driver. She said that way we can talk and get to know each other better. I really like her, I think we are going to be good friends.”
I wasn't sure where Mackenzie was going with the conversation. It was not my place to tell her who she should or should not choose to become friends with. If she wanted to spend the day in the city shopping for something she deemed appropriate for the launch, I was not going to tell her she couldn't go.
I knew the limits of my obsession with her. It wasn't like she was asking to go out on a date with another man. My expression must have triggered her to explain.
“Since you and Aleksander have known each other forever, I thought you might be happy that I thought of Haley as a friend as well.” She lowered her eyes. “I wasn’t the type of girl to hang out at the malls with my girlfriends. I was quite the tomboy,” she blushed.
“After Michael passed, I stopped socializing altogether. I feel like I’m starting over, and I figure Haley is as good place as any.”
“Haley is a great place to start.” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her palm. “All I want is for you to be happy, baby.”
As we headed up the stairs to our bedroom I asked, “Can I make one request?”
The quizzical look on Mackenzie’s face told me she was slightly concerned about what it was exactly I was going to ask.
“When you're out looking for the perfect dress,” I paused, “be you, be original, and don't cop out for the expected little black dress.”
We reached the bedroom. I nuzzled against her ear, “And please, god, make it something that peels off as easily as that virgin white nightgown you’re so fond of.”
Mackenzie blushed.
“I love that I can still make you blush, baby.” I led her to the bed and showed her exactly how I planned on peeling off any piece of clothing she choose to buy.
She was independent. I had to find a way to convince her to let me take care of her shopping trip without offending her. She was always at her most agreeable after we made love.
I took my time to enjoy every whimper, every moan, every scream. When I knew we were both sated and exhausted, I pulled her into my chest.
“Baby,” I kept my voice soft, seductive, “I wish you would let me buy you that dress.”
She didn’t respond. That was a good sign, she hadn’t said no, she was thinking about it. “The only reason I must insist is that, it only seems fair, since I will be one ruining it when I rip off your body.”
She turned to face me. “Of all the lines Rick has used so far, I think that one, Richard, is the most original.” Then she began to laugh.
Mackenzie huffed, “Haley already warned me that you gave her a prepaid credit card and under no circumstances was I to pay for anything. You already knew she was going to ask me. I should have known you wouldn't play fair.” She pouted her naturally pink lips. “I will let you win this one,” she informed me as I smiled and cradled her.
I would take the win. They rarely came my way where Mackenzie was concerned. She had a way of twisting me into knots in a way I would never have thought I would enjoy.
My next hurdle — make it past dinner on Saturday without my parents scaring her away with talk of marriage and babies.
Chapter 32
Mackenzie
I was amazed that I was not as nervous as I previously believed upon arriving at Richard’s parents. They lived in a very nice condo on the outskirts of town.
Richard explained once Evonne married and it did not look like Richard had any inclination of filling the homestead with a brood of his own, they sold the monstrous house and opted for the convenience of a condo.
I recognized Richard’s father immediately. His hair had gotten grey, but he was still very much the sophisticated handsome man I remembered.
Richard’s mother was the epitome of the matriarch I had heard her described as.
She proudly wore her greying hair in a sleek short bob. I knew many women her age who refused to let their hair go grey. Richard’s mother’s was a beautiful natural silver grey, not the yellowish or bluish from over dyeing.
There were no signs of wrinkles, but it didn't look like she had plastic surgery to remove them. How old were Richard’s parents? I had assumed them to be the same age as mine, making them in their early sixties.
Richard confided their difficulties in conceiving, leaving me to think they would have been in their thirties when Richard was conceived. It occurred to me that I had never asked about their ages.
I also concluded since Richard Senior retired, he would have to have been at least sixty. They did not look any bit over the age of fifty. Perhaps it was good genes or a healthy lifestyle that kept them looking so young. It was a questions I would ask later, on the way home.
The dinner conversation was as normal as any family dinner I had with my own parents. I was feeling very comfortable with Richard’s family. Dickie offered to go over the papers I brought with me after dinner.
I was beginning to question why Richard had seem more nervous about this dinner.
I could truly love this family. I could let my guard down.
“So, my dear,” Mrs. Van de Graaf’s calm non committal voice began, “are you aware my son is not interested in having children?”
Richard immediately stood up in his chair. “Mom,” he glared directly at her.
I placed my hand on his arm. “Sit down, Richard, please.” He obliged, his eyes burning a hole through his mother while she sat, prim and proper.
“Yes, I am very aware of Richard’s view on children.” I took a sip of my wine, then faced Richard. “You cannot blame your mother for being concerned about the woman taking up residence in your home.”
I took another
sip of wine, keeping my demure calm the entire time. "I have no issues with any questions you would like me address, Mrs. Van de Graaf.”
“I’m not concerned about your motives, dear,” Mrs. Van de Graaf answered honestly. “I can see the way you look at my son that you love him. The same way I can see it every time he looks at you.
My concern is,” Mrs. Van de Graaf glanced at her husband before refocusing on me, “if at some point you decide you want children and Richard does not, all that love will not keep your world from falling apart.”
I was well aware of how easily that world could fall apart. Richard obviously had not made his parents aware of his change of heart. Or the fact that I was well informed of their family secret. I had to tread delicately if I didn’t want to offend the family matriarch.
“I appreciate your concern. I know it comes from the love you have for your children.” I took a deep breath. “I have known Richard my entire life, yet I have only know him a few weeks as well.
It’s too early to tell where our love is going to take us in the future.
You are right that I do love your son, and for now, that enough for us.” I reached across the table and squeezed Richard’s hand, then added, “But if I happen to get pregnant by accident, you’ll be the first to know.” I shrugged and took another sip of my wine.
Everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
All Richard’s mother did was laugh and tell me I needed to start calling her Esther.
After dinner, Dickie and I moved to the living room to go over the papers I had brought. I saw Richard out the corner of my eye talking to his mother. I hoped I had handled things correctly and that there would be no tension between mother and son.
I understood all too well that Esther’s only concern was whether I was going to break her son’s heart or not. After a brief moment I saw Richard hug his mother and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Everyone joined us in the living room. Dickie had been dealing with some of the charters and explained how they were only interested in purchasing and setting up shop. They were not looking for partners.
Dickie was impressed with the research Michael had done. He told me I would be better off getting my own investors and creating a bed and breakfast on the island and run fishing excursions from there.
He was confused that with everything the island had to offer that it was not first on the list for purchase. According to the land deeds, all the other islands were granted land. Property owned by the government and unavailable for sale.
Not only did I have the only personally owned island on that side of the water, it housed a lighthouse and land access to the mainland.
“I don't understand why you haven't been approached to sell,” Dickie was genuinely confused. “Mackenzie, you have a gold mine here. Any one of us would love to have this property and give those bastards a run for their money.”
Dickie explained how they were undercutting the fishermen who had no recourse but to sell because of the depleted fishing. It was common knowledge that the fishing industry on this side of the Sound was in trouble and a lot of the men were losing their property. The next best thing was to take what the charters were offering or declare bankruptcy.
I scanned the papers. “Michael dealt with them personally. I never intervened, nor did my father. I don't think they know they can purchase on this side.
Not without these,” I motioned to the boxes of papers sitting beside me. “I kept my maiden name Lewis, these papers all have Michael's name on them, Michael Clark.”
Richard sat beside me and took my hand. “I never tried to contact anyone regarding any of this. I figured if they wanted bad enough, they would come looking for me.”
“I’m sure once they finished on our side, they would have come looking your way. It’s only a matter of time. Time for you to decide what you want to do with your property,” Dickie informed me.
“It’s a lot to process.” I was dreading the telltale signs of a migraine coming on.
“Aleksander is looking over the contracts, maybe he can give me some insight as to what to expect when they come calling.” I let out a sigh. "For now, I want to concentrate on helping Richard with his birthday party.”
Evonne piped in, “I should mention, Haley invited me to join you both shopping for the party. I told her she should have asked first, but—”
I interrupted, “I think it’s a great idea. The fanciest party I ever attended was, well never.” I laughed, “I can use all the help I can get.”
“Thank you,” Evonne responded, “it might be the last chance I have to wear anything sexy for a while.”
All eyes focused on Evonne. “What, Haley’s not the only one who has exclusivity to an heir and a spare.”
“Twins,” Richard smirked, ”following tradition I see” Then he gave Evonne a hug and shook Dickie’s hand.
“Congratulations.”
He kissed me on the cheek. “I think this is our cue to leave,” he teased.
We said our goodnights and headed home.
“I’m impressed with how you handled my mom.”
“I understood where she was coming from; she only wants what's best for you.”
“Wow, Evonne’s expecting twins.” Richard whistled.
“What did you mean, keeping with tradition.?”
“Because we’re twins. What did you think I meant?”
“You’re twins? You never told me you were twins.” I practically shouted it. “You only ever commented on your little sister, your younger sister, the pampered princess. You never mentioned you were twins.”
“She is my little sister, I was born first,” he smirked.
“Seriously, Richard,” I huffed.
“I told you my parents had trouble conceiving. It caused the break in their marriage. I guess when I told you my mom got pregnant after fertilization treatments I assumed you understood it was a one time deal.” He took my hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m sorry, baby, do you have any other questions?”
“How old are your parents?”
“Fifty-nine. My mom was our age when she got pregnant. It was a different time thirty years ago, twenty-nine was considered old to have children. Today, we’re practically kids ourselves.”
“How old is your half brother?” I wasn't sure how far to push the questions. I was sensing there was a lot I still did not know about the man I had been living with.
“Aaron is twenty-nine. He’s only one month younger than Evonne and I.” I saw a small throbbing in his temple. The questions were causing him discomfort. Better to get it all on the table while he was still in a talking mood.
“How often do you see him or talk to him?” I tried to keep my voice steady.
He turned to me and smiled, “Quite a bit, actually.” His face softened. "I invited him to my party. There was talk a while back about him coming in to work with us. Things fell through, but we keep trying. Who knows, maybe one day, we will all be one big happy family,” he laughed. “Anything else, baby?”
“No, I think I have enough answers for now. Thank you.”
“I never want to hold anything back from you, Mac, never.” He was facing the road, paying attention to his driving. He was sincere and I knew I could ask him anything. He was an open book to me.
I did not want to push too far.
It frightened me that he might have questions I did not have the answers to. Like what was I going to do with the so called gold mine we spent a better part of the evening discussing? And how would my decision affect this budding relationship.
I promised him a month and that month was quickly approaching.
What were my future plans after his birthday party?
Chapter 33
Richard
The morning of my birthday, I awoke staring at the beautiful leggy blonde that was sharing my bed. My angel, my Florence Nightingale.
A month ago if someone had told me I would be proposing to the love of my life on my thirtieth
birthday, I would have told them they needed professional medical attention.
I told her all I wanted for my birthday was to spend the morning in bed making love to her.
I wanted her to be able to enjoy the Champagne at the party. I never strayed from my rules. If the woman in my bed was not with me, body, soul and mind, I would not take her.
I promised her that night I would never hurt her again, and tonight I was going to promise her forever.
I wanted to wake her. I was impatient, my cock was impatient. She lay naked beside me, covered only with the light cotton sheet.
I glided my hand down her back and stopped at the base of her spine, in the small divot just above the curves of her ass. It was her sensitive erogenous spot. I heard her moan as I gently applied pressure and circled it with the pad of my thumb.
Her skin was soft beyond description and was the sweetest thing my tongue had ever feast upon.
Today was going to be last time I ever had to wonder whether I would wake up one morning to find her gone.
She promised me a month. The most glorious month of my life. Tonight I was going to seal the deal and promise her the rest of my life.
She turned and faced me. “Richard, baby, again?” She blushed and slapped my roaming hands. “Didn’t we just finish?”
“Come here, baby,” I reached for her and pulled her on top of me. “You told me I don't play fair, or was it I play dirty?
It’s my birthday, how dirty can I get?” My hands were moving quickly down her body and grabbed the soft globes of her ass.
“If we get any dirtier, we could make our own porn.” She rolled off me and slid to the other side of the bed.
I reached for her but she was too quick.
She opened the drawer of her nightstand. She slid back to my side of the bed and handed me her book.
“For your birthday, you can pick any page you want. So the questions is, how dirty do you want to get?”
I stared down at the Kama Sutra and smiled my most wickedest grin. “Any page?”
Manwhore Heir (The Heirs Book 2) Page 16
