Harper's Finale

by F. C. Clark

  ‘You know what. First, you and I both know Bradley likes you, so if he tries it on I will fucking knock him out. And second, you should be resting. Going to a bar is not resting. That’s my opinion. It has fuck all to do with Luke.’

  ‘I would never risk the safety of my children, and for your information we are friends. Do you think he’s really interested in his boss’s wife? Of course he’s not.’ Of course he is!

  ‘But you’re not resting.’

  ‘I’m pregnant, not ill. You need to trust me. When I’m tired, I’ll leave.’

  ‘One drink and then back to the hotel.’

  ‘Let me be the judge, OK.’

  Eventually we catch up with everyone and go into another bar. The night is young: Barney is being entertaining, which includes him singing, dancing, and telling endless jokes. Bradley seems a little shocked, but amused, which is the only way to take Barney. By now our rowdy group has attracted some extra male guests, which pleases Maria and Tanya. Meanwhile, Max is enjoying another beer and talking to Valerie.

  ‘Kate, Barney is crazy.’ Bradley downs his beer, looking baffled.

  ‘He is, but I’d be lost without him.’

  ‘I guess he keeps you entertained. What does Luke think of him?’

  ‘He doesn’t have a choice. I told him I came with baggage and Barney is one of the pieces.’

  I yawn again.

  Bradley brushes his hand against my face. ‘You look tired.’

  ‘I’m exhausted.’

  His hand wanders down my arm, finishing at my hand, loosely touching my fingers.

  ‘I’d better leave.’

  I know he doesn’t want to; maybe it’s self-preservation.

  I nod. ‘I need to go too. Actually, Max will be over in a few seconds dragging me back.’

  ‘Luke has quite a team.’ I know that’s a polite way of saying Luke is deranged!

  ‘Me and Max have been through quite a lot – he’s family to me.’

  ‘He thinks a lot of you. But I can see how easy that is.’

  ‘Thank you for coming to see me. It was a good surprise.’

  ‘Yeah, it was. I nearly didn’t come.’

  I squeeze his fingers. ‘You know I make a bloody good friend.’

  ‘In that case, friend, I will leave you to it.’

  He kisses me. I wonder if it’s a ‘goodbye forever’ kiss.

  ‘Night, Max.’

  I shut the door to the suite. At last I am alone. Feeling tired, I decide to take a quick shower and slide into bed. The day certainly changed course with the arrival of my surprise guest. I begin channel-hopping and eating the overpriced chocolate from the hotel fridge.

  Ironically, I stumble across The Bachelor. Perfect – now there’s a man who wants to be set up! Lost in a love life where I am allowed to air my opinion, the sound of my phone ringing causes me to jump. Caller ID – Boss. Shit – I know Max will have told him about Bradley joining us this evening. I’m surprised he didn’t call earlier.

  ‘Hi.’

  ‘How is my wife?’

  ‘Tired, and how is my husband?’

  ‘Missing you.’

  ‘Good – what time is it with you?’

  ‘It’s time that I spoke to you.’

  ‘Which is the best time of the day.’

  ‘What are you wearing?’

  I giggle. ‘What would you like me to wear?’

  ‘Hmm – nothing.’ He seems calm and not at all vexed. A visit from Bradley Taylor normally equals a pissed-off Sutton. Odd.

  ‘In that case I’m lying in bed, completely naked, thinking of you.’ My description could not be further from the truth: I’m in Luke’s T-shirt and the hotel robe, covered in blankets and eating chocolate M&Ms.

  ‘I thought we could have phone sex.’

  I sit up slightly, almost choking on the chocolate.

  ‘Phone sex!’

  ‘Yes, baby. I need some action, and you’re not here.’

  ‘That means you’ll have to do it.’ Why do I feel so shocked? I love watching him touch himself.

  ‘Yes, and I want you to make yourself come.’

  I clear my throat. ‘I’m not sure I can… On my own, it feels wrong.’

  ‘Baby, have you never masturbated in between lovers or at the very least used a vibrator?’

  ‘Luke!’

  ‘It’s a simple question – you shouldn’t feel embarrassed.’

  I am! My cheeks are burning.

  ‘I’ll tell you if you tell me if you had a threesome.’

  He laughs at my negotiating skills. ‘If you really want to know, I’ll tell you.’

  Holy fuck. I sit up, fully awake. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite. What a shame he didn’t call me a few minutes ago. It would have saved me five hundred unnecessary calories.

  ‘But then I want you to touch yourself and I’ll do the same.’

  I shake my head in disbelief. Do I really want to know?

  ‘I don’t know, part of me does and the other part doesn’t. You’re shit hot and sexy, of course you would have done it. Have I masturbated?’ Oh my God. I fall back on the pillow, my hand over my face. ‘Yes…’

  Luke takes a long breath. ‘That turns me on. I only wish I was there to watch you.’

  ‘You were.’

  ‘I was? How?’

  ‘Well, not physically, but in my head.’

  ‘So you touched yourself while thinking of me… Fuck, Kate, I need you now.’

  ‘I can’t believe you’ve made me crumble. You’re such a shit.’

  ‘Tell me, were we together or was this when I was chasing you?’

  ‘You never chased me. You pissed me off – frequently. It was in the early days, before I knew any better. Actually, this conversation has ended and I don’t want to revisit it, understood?’

  ‘OK… Back to the matter in hand.’

  ‘Very bloody funny.’ I laugh.

  ‘I think we’re both in need of some self-gratification.’

  ‘You have no self-control.’

  ‘Bet your arse I don’t. But I haven’t seen you for a few days.’ His voice changes. I sense his frustration. This could be fun.

  ‘So, you want me to touch myself? Fine, I’ll do it if you will.’

  ‘You will?’ He sounds surprised.

  ‘Yes,’ I whisper. Hell, no, I’m going to lie through gritted teeth while sucking on the second packet of M&Ms with the TV on mute and my blankets firmly tucked under my chin.

  ‘Let’s start.’

  ‘Together, or are you going to start? I’ve never done this before.’

  ‘Together. Gently massage your clit, not too quick. I’m so hard.’

  Crap, this is going to be tougher than I thought. At the sound of his voice my body begins to respond, damn it.

  ‘Kate.’

  ‘Yes,’ I whisper – not because of my fingers, but because of the M&Ms.

  ‘Tell me how you feel.’

  What the hell? I never speak while we have sex because I can’t, and now I really can’t because my mouth is full.

  ‘Hmmm.’ This chocolate is fabulous.

  ‘Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself.’

  ‘Yes,’ I whisper again, holding back a hysterical chuckle.

  ‘Keep going, increase the speed and tell me when you want to come.’

  ‘OK.’ I hold the empty packet up. Shit. Two bags of M&Ms gone – that must be over a thousand calories.

  ‘Kate?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Are you hungry?’

  I frown. ‘Not especially.’

  ‘I guess two packets of M&Ms would fill you up.’

  ‘What?’ Frantically I turn my head – and see Luke emerge from the doorway, laughing.
>
  ‘Holy shit, you’ve been here the entire time.’

  ‘Most of it. I let myself in.’

  I throw a pillow in his direction.

  ‘Baby, you don’t seem to be masturbating.’ He raises his brows.

  I link my arms around his neck. ‘You’re in trouble, Sutton. No, I haven’t touched myself and neither have you.’

  ‘Looks like my beautiful wife has given me a job.’

  ‘God, I’ve missed you,’ I declare.

  His mouth covers mine passionately. I’m now turned on and need him quickly. His kiss deepens and our tongues wrestle together. I slip off his jacket and begin to unbutton his shirt, loving the sight of his exposed torso.

  Luke unties my robe then slips the T-shirt over my head. He pulls away and begins to remove the remainder of his clothes.

  ‘Fuck, I need you.’

  ‘Me too.’ This time I whisper due to lust, not chocolate.

  He moves me up the bed and begins to kiss my legs, spreading them apart. Finally his mouth brushes against my sensitive clit.

  ‘Shit, Luke.’ It hits me, his tantalising touch that causes my body to shudder with delight.

  This evening his touch is fast and determined.

  ‘Luke, I need to come.’

  He offers no words; the only communication is the relentless action of his aggressive tongue. My mind leaves my body as I come hard.

  He moves further up my body. I reach up and taste my orgasm on his lips. He’s between my legs. I try to flip him so I can also give him some attention.

  ‘I need you.’

  ‘Yes, I know, but I want to kiss you all over first.’

  He smiles and allows me to flip him onto his back.

  My lips start at his mouth and jaw, followed by a nip on his earlobe. I work slowly down his body, caressing every inch.

  At last I reach his erection, which stands to attention, almost begging for my touch. I gently lick his head before I lower my mouth over his hardness, slowly absorbing his length. My speed is slow but my grip is tight, and as soon as I hear his breathing alter I increase my pace. He groans and I taste pre-cum – a sure sign he will not be able to withstand me for much longer.

  ‘Kate, stop. I want you.’

  I stop and straddle him, feeling the crown of his erection slip inside me with ease. I need him. Normally I take this slowly, allowing my body to adjust, but not tonight.

  I start to ride him. Luke pushes me back slightly, allowing his thumb access to my sensitive clit. I have no control. My body reacts instantly to his touch.

  Christ, it arrives quickly. ‘I need to come.’

  His thumb does not relent, his tantalising touch tipping me over the edge. Not giving me a chance to recover, Luke flips me onto my back. He kisses me and enters me at the same time. He holds my arms high above my head and drives himself harder and deeper into me, taking what he needs. The tale-tale signs begin to map across his face: as his breathing grows shallow and his jaw clenches, he spills warm fluid deep inside me.

  ‘Sorry, baby, did you want to come again? I couldn’t hold back any longer.’

  ‘No.’

  He lets go of my arms and kisses me before freeing himself.

  It’s official – I am now exhausted.

  ‘Well, that was a surprise, my phone sex becoming a 3D experience,’ I say.

  ‘I think we should discuss your wandering hands.’

  ‘Oh no we don’t. That discussion is closed for good, so don’t even think about asking me.’ I roll onto my side, propping my head on my hand. ‘Besides, I thought you were in Dubai. I’m thrilled you’ve made it in time for the show tomorrow. You never said you were leaving.’

  ‘I said if I could make it then I would.’

  ‘Well, I’m glad you’re here. How is the hotel coming along?’

  ‘We’re making excellent progress. Actually, the entire operation is running perfectly. Bradley Taylor was a good find.’

  Shit, there’s that name again. I wonder if Luke knows he’s here in New York.

  ‘That’s good. Talking of Bradley, he’s here, in New York.’

  Luke nods.

  ‘You knew?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Oh.’

  His eyes bore into mine. What’s he not telling me?

  ‘When did you find out?’

  ‘Yesterday.’

  ‘He came to see me at Mrs Gold’s venue today – but I guess you already know that.’

  ‘Yes.’

  I smell a rat!

  ‘Right then, Mr Control Freak Sutton, tell me the truth.’

  ‘About my threesome?’

  Is he trying to distract me?

  ‘No, not your threesome, I’m talking about you, flying halfway round the world to follow Bradley Taylor. Why did you do that? Because you thought he might come to see me? That’s why you’re here.’

  ‘No, it’s not.’

  ‘You didn’t come to surprise me, you came to keep an eye on me! Admit it. Did you leave as soon as you found out he was heading here? You must have.’

  His hand caresses my breast before fingering my bare nipples, which instantly stand to attention. It doesn’t seem to matter that I am cross with him.

  ‘I told you that I wanted to try and make the show.’

  ‘Bullshit! Luke, tell me the truth.’

  He begins to laugh. I grab a pillow and throw it at him.

  ‘Oh my God, Luke bloody Sutton, you’re a nightmare.’

  ‘Kate, stop.’

  ‘No! The only reason you’re here is because of Bradley Taylor.’

  ‘OK.’ He grabs the pillow, then my wrists. ‘But I was ready to leave.’

  ‘You’re unbelievable – and not in a good way.’

  He yanks my arms, pulling me to him, resting one of his legs across mine, ensuring I have no room to escape.

  ‘What can I say, other than I want to protect you at all costs. Not just you but also my babies.’ He gently touches my bump. ‘You know I hate being away from you. I don’t see this as an issue.’

  ‘No, you wouldn’t, because you’re a lunatic.’

  ‘Jesus, Kate, I’m hard again. Get on all fours. I need to take you again.’

  ‘No way – you can kiss my arse.’ I don’t mean it; I am wet and ready too, and no doubt I will be on my knees in seconds.

  ‘Is that so? Do I need to change your mind?’

  ‘You can try.’

  ‘Fuck, baby, you know I love a Harper–Sutton challenge.’

  The madness started as soon as the sun rose and continued until the afternoon – and the start of our runway show. Thank God, as a team we are organised. Our theme is black and white with tan accents – stunning black and white silk suits, bias-cut and asymmetric-hemmed skirts, lace shirts and flowing silk tops. The entire collection is cohesive with a hint of Parisian flair.

  The music begins. Barney ensures the girls are ready while Mr Jones and I cast our eyes over the clothes, one last time. Suddenly the models begin to walk the length of the runway, then pose and turn at the end. The next models are waiting to go. Backstage is complete madness, perhaps organised chaos, which doesn’t ease up until our last piece is ready to go – an evening dress.

  ‘Barney, you look handsome,’ I say, checking his tie is straight.

  ‘I know, babe, but look what I’m wearing.’ He winks. ‘Ready, Saskia?’ he asks the model wearing our full-length black evening dress.

  The music echoes around the stage and he sets off. I could cry. I can’t believe we have pulled it off.

  I look across at Luke leaning against the wall. He’s been silently watching me all day.

  ‘We need to walk,’ I shout at him over the music. ‘Me and Mr Jones.’

  He weaves through the models until he re
aches me.

  ‘I have to walk now. Shit, I’m nervous.’

  ‘Don’t be. I’m so proud of you, Kate.’ He presses his lips against mine. ‘Go and strut your stuff, Mrs Sutton.’

  ‘Kate, they’re calling for us,’ Mr Jones says and holds his hand out to me.

  ‘Here goes.’

  We stand side by side at the entrance to the catwalk. I link my arm through Mr Jones’; he tilts his head towards me.

  ‘In case I haven’t told you, there’s no one else I’d rather stand here with.’

  ‘Likewise, Kate. Ready?’

  ‘Ready, Mr Jones.’

  14

  ‘You look tired. Are you OK?’

  Mr Jones removes his glasses and gently rubs his eyes. ‘The travelling has affected me more than I thought it would.’

  ‘Jet lag – I know what you mean. My body clock is still on New York time, not London.’ I gather the photos of the fashion show from the boardroom table. ‘So, we’ve agreed on these pictures for the website. I’ll send these to Mrs Gold, and the same to the magazine. I still can’t believe they want to print a spread.’

  ‘Quite unexpected.’

  ‘It still feels surreal. Like Christmas Day and my birthday at once.’

  Mr Jones smiles. ‘It is definitely a time for celebrations.’

  ‘Mrs Gold sold all the tickets. She was really happy with the pieces we donated for the auction too. Hopefully she raised lots of money for her Alzheimer’s charity.’

  ‘A worthy cause.’

  ‘Luke was shocked,’ I say.

  ‘Shocked? I would say he looked immensely proud of you. I noticed him watching you from the sidelines. He’s not the only business entrepreneur in the Sutton household.’

  ‘Entrepreneur? I don’t think so. I’m no fashion mogul.’

  ‘My dear, do not underestimate your ability.’

  ‘Oh my God, he’s far too powerful for me to compare myself with. Anyway, I’m just so bloody proud of us. Together, we smashed it.’

  ‘We did, Kate, that we did.’

  ‘Tanya said her phone hasn’t stopped ringing since.’

  ‘My mother always said a phone off the hook is better than a deadline.’

  ‘Looks like your mum was right.’ I take his hand. ‘Let me take you home. I’m going anyway, so I can drop you off.’