‘Damn it,’ he sighed. ‘It’s going to be a nightmare to find time for sex with two of them. Is it too late to send number two back?’ he enquired, as he tried to keep a straight face. I gasped and slapped his bicep as he laughed, before tickling me until I screamed, kissing me until Oliver started, then leapt out of bed in all his manly glory making me groan.
‘Leave me some eggs, if your pancakes are like lumpy underdone concrete again, I’ll make a fresh batch.’
‘I never fail at anything more than three times,’ he replied. ‘I learn and grow.’
‘O, something’s definitely growing,’ I grinned, as I eyed up his rigid cock. He sighed as Oliver started crying and pulled on his boxers and ran downstairs. I was going to have to get him to wear a little more in the mornings, I didn’t want Jenny seeing him barely dressed with a morning erection.
I spent the morning with Mrs. McAdams, cleaning and tidying up the boathouse ready for Jenny’s arrival, putting a vase of fresh flowers and a gift hamper with champagne, truffles and some ready meals for her. I’d purchased fresh white bed linen, a thick red throw for the bed and the sofa when it was being used by our guests during the building work, as well as some nice red and cream striped material from which Mrs. McAdams had made matching blinds for the windows and fresh cushion covers, she was quite the seamstress. I was really happy with the result, I’d be happy living here if I was on my own. I’d also agreed that if she had it approved by us first, that I didn’t mind a boyfriend staying the odd weekend, if she didn’t want to go back to London. It was on the condition that Dan ran a full background check against him first, but with Jenny’s training, I suspected that she’d vet them carefully herself anyway. It was going to be so great having help with Oliver during the day, so I could get on with my work. No way was someone else getting him up or bathing him and putting him to bed though. Those were some of my favourite moments with him. I headed back up to the house and smiled as I opened the front door. He’d seen me coming through the playroom window and had run around to meet me.
‘O my darling, you’re so sweet,’ I laughed as I picked him up and kissed him. ‘Have you got bored of daddy already?’
‘Yumyum,’ he chortled.
‘You’re hungry? Ok, let’s get you something to eat.’
‘I just have a few quick calls to make, I’m pretty hungry too,’ Dan said, as he wandered through and kissed me.
‘Do you want something hot?’
‘No, just a small sandwich would be good,’ he winked. I laughed, his idea of a small sandwich was a foot long sub. I sat Oliver in his highchair in the kitchen, with a splash mat underneath. He loved waving his spoon in the air and covering everything and everyone. I gave him his beaker with some water, while I made a sandwich for Dan and I and heated up Oliver’s favourite meal of chicken, carrot and sweet potato, then sat at the island next to him to feed him, laughing at his enthusiastic noises and random bouts of babbled rubbish.
‘Dan, it’s ready,’ I called.
‘Ok, coming,’ he called back down.
‘Baby not in mummy’s hair please, I’m going out tonight,’ I warned, as Oliver flicked some at me and giggled.
‘Like that’ll stop him, the more you discourage him to do something, the more he does it,’ Dan laughed, as he zipped down the pole.
‘Sounds just like his father,’ I smiled. ‘What’s the dress code for tonight?’
‘You have a new outfit waiting for you in the dressing room,’ he advised, as he grabbed his sandwich and kissed my forehead.
‘Why a new outfit?’ I looked at him surprised.
‘Just because,’ he shrugged.
‘And I love just becauses, but you shouldn’t spoil me,’ I sighed.
‘Stop moaning and fit in some time for another shower. You have orange gloop in your hair,’ he grinned. I groaned and looked around at Oliver, who giggled.
‘Oliver Davenport you’re grounded for the whole weekend, when you’re old enough to appreciate the meaning of punishment,’ I tutted.
I looked at myself in the mirror. Dan had purchased me a stunning white and silver Grecian dress, that really complimented my light summer tan. It was nice to have time to get ready properly, with Dan looking after Oliver while he showed Jenny around. I did my hair with a French plait down one side, leaving my new fringe down. I’d had it cut in on Saturday to try and cover my scar. I put on some emerald green eye shadow and a dash of silver on the inner corners of my eyes, amazed at how it made them pop. My favourite emerald and diamond bracelet and earrings from Dan, my gorgeous silver strappy sandals from Jimmy Choo finished off the look and I was good to go. I packed my small silver clutch with some tissues, knowing me I’d probably cry if Brooke or Molly did some “We’re so happy to have all our loved ones with us for our special weekend” speech. Damn it, just the thought of it had set me off. I quickly dabbed my eyes and headed downstairs to find Jenny in the playroom with Oliver.
‘Wow, you look amazing, Ellie.’
‘Thanks, Jenny. So, what do you think of your new home?’
‘It’s gorgeous,’ she grinned. ‘I love it. I should have come up yesterday really. I like to do a full tour and sweep of a new area, to get my bearings and pick out any weak points, security wise, but Mr. Davenport wants me to come tonight to meet everyone and look after Oliver, so you can have some fun. Tomorrow’s the wedding, so it will have to be Sunday.’
‘Please call him Dan, you’re one of the family now. Do you need time to get changed and ready?’ I asked, seeing she was dressed in one of her trouser suits again.
‘Only if that’s no trouble?’
‘None at all, Oliver’s overdue a nap before all the excitement starts. I don’t know what Dan’s suggested, but I don’t think you wearing suits each day is required. Plus if you’re out with us it just draws unnecessary attention. Do you have any casual clothes?’
‘I didn’t really bring any with me, other than an outfit for tonight and the wedding, then lounging around when I’m off duty in the boathouse, but Dan’s told me that once I’ve had a chance to settle in and get everything set up, I can go back to London for a while, so I can pack more then.’
‘O right,’ I nodded, wondering why he was sending her home so early into her first stint. ‘Go on then, I hope you can get ready quickly, we’re leaving in under an hour.’
‘Forces girl, Ellie,’ she reminded me with a grin. ‘Speed is a given.’
‘We’ll call for you on our way down.’
‘Great.’
I picked Oliver up and got him freshened up and changed into a pair of black corduroy trousers and a cute white shirt with black paisley turn back cuffs, then put him in his cot and sang him to sleep. It was going to be cuddle central for him and the excitement would probably make him sleep like a log later, so a power nap now should do him fine. I jumped, when I realised Dan was leaning against the doorframe watching me. I nearly drooled down my chin at the sight of him. He had on a pair of his indigo jeans, with a white shirt and black waist coat and blazer and smelled of his irresistible smell of Dan, combined with fresh laundry and spice. I was totally under his spell.
‘Well I don’t need to ask for approval on my outfit,’ he smirked.
‘You know you look good in anything, but a waistcoat just does me in.’
‘You look stunning, as ever.’
‘Thank you,’ I smiled as I walked over, put my arms around his neck and kissed him.
‘How’s our little man?’
‘Having a quick sleep. Why are you sending Jenny home so soon?’
‘It’s a big job settling in somewhere new, especially when she’s getting the lay of the land and drawing up plans. She’ll be ordering a load of kit as well, I thought she might need a break before starting in earnest on the nanny and protection side. It’s not like we’ll be going anywhere risky without her.’
‘I’d have thought you’d have wanted her here for a good long stint, before she had a trip home.’
‘As a boss I’m a fair and reasonable man. A happy employee is a productive employee.’
‘You’re a fair and reasonable man anytime,’ I reminded him, as we kissed properly before he broke away.
‘Don’t wind me up, I’ll want to fuck you and it will mess up your hair, as well as other parts.’
Oliver slept the whole boat ride to the hotel and I moaned when Dan refused to allow me to go down and check on the preparations in the cabin for tomorrow. He insisted that Tina, his manageress, would have it all in hand. How Oliver slept through the screams and noisy greetings, as we entered the private dining suite in the tower to find everyone waiting for us, was beyond me. I set him down on a sofa in the corner furthest from the bar and went to mingle. Jenny was having a good chat with Mr. and Mrs. McAdams, Brooke and Molly’s parents looked deep in discussion, Dan was talking to his parents and John, Edward, Logan and the happy couple were laughing hysterically in the corner. I stood watching them all for a moment, it was so lovely to have everyone together, especially up here, at home. I never imagined I’d think of anywhere other than London as home, but Dan was right, the tranquillity and fresh air up here just got to you and made you not want to leave. I counted heads, fourteen of us, that wasn’t a bad number for an intimate wedding service, it would give them a chance to talk to everyone, unlike those weddings I’d been to where there were hundreds of guests, relatives of relatives that you’d never met.
‘Babe, what’s going on? Are you having a seizure?’ called Brooke. ‘You have stroke face.’
‘How lovely, on form as ever,’ I smiled as I went to join her.
‘You were just standing there with a dreamy look on your face. Danland again?’
‘Danland?’ laughed Logan.
‘I wasn’t in Danland, for once,’ I added as I blushed. ‘I was actually thinking about your big day tomorrow and how lovely it is that it’s so intimate and cosy. Anyway Logan, what’s with the outfit? Have you and Dan been texting and agreeing to come dressed the same?’ I asked, as I looked him up and down. They could almost be twins.
‘He stole my look and don’t let him tell you otherwise,’ he objected.
‘Logan, why don’t you have a girlfriend? Are you gay too?’ asked Molly as she sipped on some champagne. John and Edward laughed harder than I did.
‘Darling, along with Dan, Logan’s the least un-gay man I’ve ever met,’ Edward replied shaking his head. I looked up at Logan feeling sorry for him. I hadn’t even told Brooke or Molly about his main money spinning career, he liked his anonymity.
‘Well I’m glad to know I don’t give off the gay vibe to men, though women thinking it is probably the reason I’m single,’ he smiled.
‘She’s no ordinary woman,’ replied Brooke with a flick of her head to Molly.
‘No, she’s a Marks and Spencer woman,’ I laughed. ‘I think she’s trying to say that Molly’s opinion, as a lover of the same sex, doesn’t count.’
‘So, why are you single?’ demanded Brooke. ‘I mean you’re hot and sexy, hot and sexy shouldn’t be single.’
‘And neither are you, sweetie,’ Molly warned.
‘I know, but I mean come on, even as an all-out rug muncher you can appreciate he’s a seriously good looking guy. Women should be falling over themselves for him.’
‘Maybe I’m just not the settling down kind of guy,’ shrugged Logan as he sipped from a glass of water with a slice of lime.
‘Or maybe you’re too scared to make a move on a girl that you really fancy,’ I added, knowing he’d know I was talking about his crush, Summer.
‘Work’s busy, I don’t have much time for anything else.’
‘What do you do, Logan?’ asked John.
‘Personal Trainer, I’m into keeping fit, in all sorts of ways,’ he grinned, with a discrete wink at me.
‘Keep fit doesn’t keep you warm on the long cold lonely nights, Logan,’ I replied with a shake of my head, wishing he’d just ditch his escorting business and ask this girl out. Dan said he was infatuated with her, since he’d spent the night making her virgin fantasy come true.
‘Whatever,’ he replied, with a roll of his steel grey eyes and a warm smile. ‘Talking of devilishly handsome men, where’s the nipper?’
‘Fast asleep in the corner. Appreciate it while it lasts,’ I nodded, as I excused myself to go and see Mr. and Mrs Davenport.
We all headed up to the roof terrace to watch the sunset over the loch, after a delicious five course meal. Oliver had worn himself out again and was fast asleep in Logan’s arms.
‘Dan, it’s so beautiful up here,’ I gasped, as he opened the staircase door. It was a large terrace, half of which was covered with a white sail peppered with thousands of sparkling LED lights. Bay leaf trees in large slate pots, with white ribbons around their trunks, were dotted around the edges and the view was to die for. You could see all the way up to, and beyond, our island. There was a small bar at the back of the terrace, where a waiter started offering everyone more champagne.
‘Have one at least,’ Dan coaxed, as he handed it over. ‘It’s a special night.’
‘I guess a few sips wouldn’t kill me,’ I smiled. Most people said to stop breast feeding at twelve months, but I’d decided to just carry on until the new baby arrived. One day without wouldn’t be the end of the world for Oliver, not now he was eating solids. Dan handed me the glass and I heard a chorus of Oooo’s and Ahhhh’s as everyone watched the sky changing colour. Dan tugged my hand and led me to the unsheltered part of the terrace, right next to the turrets, before toasting my glass with his own and we took a sip.
‘I love you, Ellie Baxter. You know that, right?’
‘Of course I do,’ I smiled, wondering why he felt the need to ask and why everyone wasn’t joining us for a better view. Dan put his glass down on the stone ledge and took mine off me, then grabbed my hands in his.
‘I never knew I could be happy,’ he stated, as he looked at me seriously.
‘Neither did I. Me that is, not you. I’m happy, really happy. Though I knew you could be happier that first time I met you, you were seriously moody, you could have won a split personality or multiple personality award, for the way your temperament changed that winter.’
‘Ellie,’ he sighed.
‘Don’t even think of denying it, or I may have to revert to calling you Stan as a reminder,’ I smiled and picked up my champagne and took another sip. It was delicious, I did miss having the odd drink. He took the glass off me and set it back down, reclaiming my hand in his.
‘Stan has well and truly gone, this is the real me that you’re talking to and I have something to say.’
‘O no, what’s not turned up? Please don’t tell me that the cake hasn’t arrived?’
‘The cake’s fine.’
‘There’s a problem with the flowers?’ I looked at him, searching his face for a clue, tomorrow needed to be perfect, Brooke and Molly deserved perfect.
‘The flowers are fine, everything’s fine. Will you calm down for a minute and listen to me, I’m trying to tell you something,’ he sighed.
‘O God, what’s wrong? Are you sick? Is this to do with you not telling me where you were going on Saturday morning? Were you seeing a doctor or specialist?’ I asked, looking at him concerned. We’d had a bit of an argument when he said he had some shopping to do and refused to take Oliver and I with him, then wouldn’t explain why. I’d caught him on the phone a few times since, when he looked irritated and asked me to leave the room and was evasive when I tried to push him for answers. Suddenly my mind was racing, he’d been hiding something from me, something that would upset me.
‘Yes,’ he sighed again.
‘You’re sick?’ I yanked my hands out of his and covered my mouth, as my heart started cantering. ‘No, this can’t be happening, not now, not after everything.’
‘No, the yes response was to why I wouldn’t tell you where I was going, not yes to the “are you sick” question. I’m not sick, I’
m perfectly healthy. God damn it woman, this isn’t how I practiced this.’
‘Practiced what?’ I uttered, as I smacked him. ‘I thought you had cancer or something. Don’t do that to me. I was having a whole visual of being a single mother of two and I don’t know how I’d do that without you. Do you have …’
‘Jesus Christ, do you ever know when to shut up?’ he groaned, as he grabbed my face and kissed me, levering my lips apart as he flickered at my tongue with his own, until I stumbled and collapsed against his hard chest as I clutched his shirt, oblivious to both the sunset and everyone behind us. His kisses were spectacular, they sent my mind orbiting the earth leaving me giddy. He pulled away and smiled, as I just gazed up at him adoringly and slightly stunned. ‘That’s better, now maybe I can get a word in edgeways without you interrupting me, or going off on a Brooke like tangent.’
‘I resent that,’ I heard Brooke yell and looked around to see everyone just standing staring at us. What the hell was going on?
‘God damn it, if it’s not you it’s her ruining my perfect bloody plan,’ he muttered, as he grabbed my chin and forced me to look back at him.
‘What’s,’ I managed to say before he put his hand over my mouth.
‘Not another word, not one, from you or anyone else, thank you very much. Understood?’
‘Yes, Sir,’ I mumbled.
‘That was another two words,’ he smiled.
‘Sorry,’ I whispered against his palm.
‘Ok, from now, no more words, you’ve completely thrown me off, so I’m scrapping my plan and I’m just going to cut to the chase before I lose my nerve.’
‘Ok,’ I nodded, his hand still muffling the words.
‘Ellie!’
‘Sorry.’
‘I give up,’ he groaned, as he moved his hand. ‘I’d practiced a whole bloody speech all week, a romantic and sincere speech, which you’ve just ruined as my mind’s now gone blank.’
31 Days of Summer (31 Days #2) Page 46
