Skyscrapers & Camelot (Renovate Book 1)

by Mindy Carter

  Lifting the picture up, I tell her, “I love this one. You were a beautiful bride.”

  Liz smiles, and I think she’s going to say something, but she stops herself.

  I continue looking through the pictures and eye a picture of Keegan and his father around the time we met. Was it really that long ago that he walked into my life, turning it upside down?

  “That’s one of my favorites,” Liz comments.

  I think it’s one of mine, too. It’s a sweet picture of both of them playing catch. I put the picture back and place the envelope down.

  “These are so great. I can’t wait to get started,” I tell her.

  “I look forward to seeing how it turns out. It’s such a thoughtful idea, Aimee.”

  Liz stands up from the table and pulls me into a warm hug. “I wish I didn’t have to go, but Mr. James and I are having dinner with Kaleb and Reese later.”

  I’m sure Reese is freaking out about dinner, especially after her asking me if they would still like her if they knew she was pregnant. I know they will love her, though. She makes Kaleb happy, and that’s all that matters to Liz.

  “You’ll love Reese,” I tell her, thinking when she finds out she’s becoming a grandmother, she will love her even more.

  Liz smiles at me skeptically.

  “Really, she makes him happy. They are both good for each other; you’ll see.”

  “The boys haven’t introduced us to anyone new in years. Now they are both in committed relationships. I just want them to be happy.”

  She sounds just as nervous as Reese. I think they are going to find out they have a lot in common.

  I put my hand over hers, giving her a sweet smile.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow night for the party,” she tells me.

  We hug each other good-bye, and then she grabs a taxi back to her hotel. On my way home, I stop at the craft store to purchase all the supplies I need. Once I have everything, I head over to Park in the Sky to start work on the picture collage. I figured it would be much easier putting it together at Keegan’s than lugging it across town and risking damaging it.

  I arrive at Keegan’s to find it eerily quiet. This is the first time I have been here without him. He’s at work, so this is perfect—no distractions from my boyfriend. That kind of distraction will end up lasting all night and into the morning.

  I hit shuffle on the music in my phone then spread the pictures on the living room floor, sorting through them as I take in this man’s life. There is not one picture where he isn’t smiling. I can see the love he has for his family. The things he’s accomplished in his life are what many dreams are made of. It’s what I have dreamed of for as long as I can remember.

  I go to work, cutting and pasting, covered in glitter. I know what you’re thinking, but you can never be too old for glitter. I’m bopping away to Uptown Funk, proud of how things are really coming along. I have all the pictures labeled and pasted on the poster board. I’m in no way an artist, but I think it’s looking pretty good.

  The pictures range from Mr. James’s birth to college graduation to the wedding, and then there are some great family photos. I left a space in the very middle for the dreaded fiftieth birthday picture. I’m planning on snapping it quickly after his surprise.

  Taking in my work, I lightly blow all the scattered glitter away.

  “Do you know how happy I am to come home to you?” Keegan’s deep voice startles me, making me jump.

  Turning off the music, I turn around to see him staring at me, and I wonder how long he’s been standing behind me.

  “No, tell me.”

  He bends down next to me and touches my nose. “You have glitter all over you.”

  “I know. It’s inevitable. I’m sure you’ll find it everywhere. I’m sorry.” I look around to see it’s all over everything.

  I stand up and walk to the kitchen to at least find something to sweep it up with. As I’m reaching for the broom in a closet, I’m grabbed from behind by strong, warm arms, and I let out a playful shriek.

  “Keegan, what are you doing? I need to clean up,” I tell him. I’m placed back on my feet and turn around to face him. “Seriously, there is going to be a party here tomorrow. I need to clean it up.”

  “I have people for that, Aimee. You don’t have to worry about anything except looking pretty and being cute.”

  “Thanks, Keegan. I’ll be sure to spend extra time beautifying myself so I don’t embarrass you,” I tell him.

  I hate just sitting around and watching other people take care of things that I can easily do. I have never had a maid, chauffeur, or cook. I guess, when you have as much wealth as he does, you can make things convenient, but I refuse to be this trophy girlfriend. I’m sure he’s not being sexist, but this bugs me.

  I turn around and walk back to the living room, picking up my finished work and moving it out of the way. Then I make my way to the window to stare out at the city, attempting to relax. Some things can just roll off my shoulders, but these last few days have been beyond insane.

  Reese has been very ill every morning. If I’m not holding her hair back for her, I’m making sure she’s got something to settle her stomach. This party makes me nervous—there are going to be a lot of people there, not to mention this being the first time we will technically be together as a couple. Will they think I’m good enough for him, or will they expect me to be more like Gretchen? I hate feeling this way, and now he’s just hit a nerve.

  Crossing my arms, I choose to simply concentrate on the things I can change since worrying about the things I can’t will drive me crazy. Although I can see Keegan standing behind me in the window’s reflection, I refuse to make eye contact with even his reflection, knowing when I do, I will cave and be whatever he wants.

  He steps closer, his body heat radiating into me. Smelling his scent, I can feel myself starting to relax. He places his hands on my shoulders and starts massaging them, causing the tension to leave my body. Then he places a kiss on my neck, and of course, I melt into him. I’m so weak when it comes to him. Have I always been like this with him? Has he always had me in the palm of his hands?

  “The pictures look wonderful, Aimee. My dad is going to love it if that’s what’s bothering you.”

  Now I feel bad for snapping at him. I have to remember who he is and not where he came from. This is how things are done for him.

  I lean back into him. “I’m sorry for biting your head off. I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Aimee, don’t be sorry for telling me how you feel. Your honesty is one of the things I love about you. Please, don’t ever change.”

  There it is, my undoing—him being wonderful.

  I turn around and grab him by the sides of his face then pull our lips together, kissing him long and hard. He snakes his arms around me and pulls me even closer to him. Then he slips his tongue in my mouth, and I’m a goner. Every time we kiss, it’s like the first time all over again. It’s electric and mind altering. I want to climb on him right now, merely to be closer.

  His hand massages my breast before he pulls the top of my black dress down. A hot mouth replaces his hand as he sucks my nipple, making me moan.

  When I take my own hand, squeezing his hard erection through his trousers, he bites my nipple, which you would think I would hate, but no, it only lights me up even more. Then he pushes us away from the windows toward the couch where we both tumble on soft cushions.

  Hovering over me with his knee placed carefully between my legs, he looks at me. “Promise me you will always be you and never change.”

  “I promise,” I answer.

  That’s all he needs to hear before he continues his assault. He kisses up my neck and makes his way slowly to my lips while pushing his knee against my pussy, and I arch my back then let out a moan, certain he can feel my wetness on his knee.

  He sits up and removes my dress, leaving me in my black satin bra and underwear. I grab his blue tie and start undoing it, but when I have t
rouble loosening it, Keegan takes over, easily pulling it off. I unbutton his shirt then pull it down his arms. Keegan finishes by tossing it on the floor with my dress. I undo my bra and pull it down my shoulders, and he grabs it and throws it behind us, causing me to giggle at his playfulness.

  He stands up for a moment, looking at me, before kneeling down and peeling off my final scrap of clothing. He places soft kisses up my stomach, stopping at my breasts where he licks both of my nipples with the tip of his tongue. Then he loses his black boxer briefs and climbs back on top of me, his hard length already at my entrance.

  Suddenly, Keegan sits up, grabbing me and pulling me over him. I’m sitting on him with our eyes locked. I know what he wants, and I’m more than ready to give it to him. I’m so excited to be able to take control. I place both of my hands on his shoulders and slowly sink onto his long, hard cock. He fills me perfectly as I adjust so I can move with ease.

  “Aimee, don’t close your eyes; keep them open and on me.”

  While I lock my eyes on his, getting lost in a sea of blue, he grabs my hips and lifts them. Then I slowly move up and down on him, letting out an “Oh, Keegan” as I throw my head back.

  He grips my hips tighter, and I realize I have disobeyed him by removing me eyes from his. I focus my eyes on his again. It is so erotic staring at him.

  With my slow movements filling me with pleasure, I feel those familiar tingles begin to take over. Keegan grabs my breasts and squeezes them firmly, showing me so much desire through his eyes, and another jolt of pleasure courses through me.

  When my slow movements increase with my need, he grabs my hips again and controls my rocking, his hands adding to the fire that’s building. I bite my lip as I fuck him harder, and he lets out a pleasurable moan that pushes me over the edge. I explode all over him, moaning his name over and over. He continues to guide my movements hurriedly, and a few moments later, he joins me as I feel him still and fill me with his hot come.

  I’m still staring at him as a tear escapes my eye that I had no idea was hidden. I can feel the emotional connection we share become stronger every time we make love. This man is capable of shredding my heart that now belongs to him. It’s like nothing I have ever experienced before.

  As our breathing returns to normal, he brushes the hair out of my face while I rest my forehead on his, inhaling his spicy sent now mixed with sweat and sex. He moves us so we are no longer sitting up, slipping out of me and leaving me with a sudden emptiness.

  Staring at his face, I notice specks of sparkle.

  “You have glitter on your face,” I point out.

  “Good, now we match.” He kisses me softly on the lips and pulls me to him so our bodies are flush against each other.

  “I hope your people will be cleaning this couch, because I think we may have gotten it messy,” I joke.

  He lets out a deep laugh. “Aimee, Aimee, Aimee … What am I going to do with you?”

  He can do whatever he wants to me, whenever he wants.

  The question goes unanswered as I settle into the comfort of his arms. I feel my eyes getting heavy and am startled awake when he speaks.

  “I meant what I said, that I like coming home to you.”

  “I like being here for you to come home to.” I do. I like being here, and not because of the fancy penthouse or incredible views of the city, but because it’s his home, his space. I believe that I belong here with him.

  “You know, when Kaleb and Reese have the baby, you are going to be left without a roommate…”

  I didn’t even think about it. I haven’t spoken to Reese about her plans, but he’s absolutely right.

  “I haven’t even thought of it, and I don’t think Reese and Kaleb have, either,” I say.

  “Move in with me?” It’s a question that thrills and shocks me at the same time.

  I answer without hesitation. “Yes.”

  “Yes?” he questions.

  “Yes. When the time comes, I will move in with you here.”

  His smile spreads across his entire face, like I have made his day.

  “Really?” he asks again. I don’t know why he expected a different answer.

  “Yes, yes, yes,” I drill into his head.

  He moves on top of me, grabbing me and kissing me. “I can’t wait to come home to you every day, to wake up to you every day.”

  Although I don’t want to rush things, I can’t wait, either.

  He begins to leave more hot kisses on my body, and I feel him getting hard again. Then he stands, picking me up and taking us to his bed, soon to be ours.

  “I need to make love to you again, Aimee. Tell me you’re ready for me.”

  “I’m ready for you, whenever you need me,” I reply.

  Making love to this man has changed my life and showed me what true love can be. I have never loved anyone like I love him. It is boundless and ever growing.

  If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  I open my eyes to find myself surrounded by the warmth of Keegan’s arms. Bright light shines through the windows, casting a glow throughout the room. As Keegan is sleeping soundly, I decide to wake him up with soft kisses along his jaw, and he lets out a scratchy moan that makes my toes curl.

  Opening his sleepy eyes, he whispers, “Good morning, beautiful.” He lifts up his head, looking at me.

  “How did you sleep?” I ask.

  “Like a baby,” he replies.

  I freeze. Thinking of babies is not on my agenda; however, I’m not going to be able to think of anything else until I get my period, if I get my period.

  “Are you going to make me breakfast this morning, fine sir? I think you worked up my appetite pretty good last night, and I’m starved.”

  He flips me over onto my back and grinds his cock into me. “I haven’t nearly satisfied my appetite for you yet.”

  I eye him seductively and spread my legs. This is the perfect start to my morning, but if I knew what was to come, I would have never left his bed.

  After Keegan and I have satisfied our appetite, he makes me a hearty breakfast. We don’t get much time together after that, because Keegan and his dad have plans to play golf, all part of his birthday surprise.

  I want to check on Reese and make sure she is doing all right. I haven’t spoken to her all day and am a little worried. I also don’t have any clothes with me. I purchased a cute, black satin cocktail dress with capped sleeves that flares at the bottom. Therefore, Keegan drives me home, which is convenient since he needs to pick up Kaleb who is at our apartment, anyways.

  Kissing me good-bye, Keegan whispers in my ear, “I’ll miss you.” Then we part ways for the day.

  I can’t remember the last day I spent the day on my own, and that makes me sad, so I promise myself to make plans to do that soon.

  Walking into my apartment, I find Reese sleeping soundly on our couch. I cover her with a blanket then make my way to my bedroom to change out of last night’s clothes.

  Keegan made a good point when he said I should keep some of my things at his place instead of going back and forth so much. He even said he would build me my own special closet. I was sure to tell him I didn’t need an entire closet and that his would work fine for the little I had. Besides, I don’t need much when I’m there, just a fresh set of clothes and some toiletries.

  I gather some things to bring over with me later as well as Mr. James’s birthday present, which is a gift certificate for Captain Happy’s Fishing Charter in Tampa. It’s good for a full day of fishing for three that expires within the next year. Remembering, how much the boys enjoyed fishing with their dad when we were kids, my plan is that the three of them can use it. It was always a competition on who could catch the most fish. Mr. James always won, but the boys never stopped trying to beat him.

  When I asked Keegan about the gift, he gave me names of a few places his dad liked. I went online, and the website’s picture featured Captain Happy holding a gigantic
red tail fish. I was instantly sold and purchased the certificate. .

  I place the gift certificate in the small gift bag with a few fishing lures I bought. I mean, this is the big fifty, and he is deserving of this special gift.

  I made plans to meet Liz over at Keegan’s and get ready over there. Reese will be heading over later, so it will only be the two of us helping with the set up, which won’t be much, just letting the caterers inside. There will even be people decorating for the party and moving furniture around to make more room for the guests. I’m scared to ask how many people are actually coming, though.

  As I’m getting ready to leave, I catch Reese reading on her iPad. When I get closer, I see she’s on a baby site, looking at week eight of fetus development.

  She sees me and looks up. “It looks like an alien. Does my baby seriously have a tail?” she asks.

  “I think, as it grows, he or she will look more like a baby. You just need to make sure you take care of yourself and that little alien, and everything will turn out perfect,” I tell her. I’m no expert on babies, but I have never heard of a baby being born with a tail.

  I wish I had better answers for her, but I have never had anyone ask me about fetal development. Sure, I babysat in high school, but that was more about feeding, changing, and entertaining. That also was a long time ago. I don’t even know if I even remember how to change a diaper. I would have never thought a week ago we would even be talking about this subject, but here we are.

  “I have a doctor’s appointment on Monday. I was able to get in fairly quickly because there was a cancellation. I’ll find out my due date and how far along I am. I’m actually excited,” she tells me.

  I can tell by her voice that she is happy. She may be sick most mornings now, but she has no doubts about having this baby.

  Why can’t I be surer of things like her?

  ***

  When I arrive at Keegan’s, I find his mother sitting on the couch, looking at the picture collage I made. She hears me approach and looks up, wiping a tear from her eye.