I was grateful to be home. Beth thought my place was stark, and she was right, but I loved it regardless. She was the hottest new interior decorator in New York and she’d been asking to transform my penthouse for some time. I’d just been too busy to give her access.
“I’ve left your bags by the door, K.K. Need anything else?” Benny asked.
“No. Thanks, Benny.” I walked over and pulled him into a warm hug.
“Everything all right? You seem preoccupied.”
“Everything’s great,” I reassured him confidently, trying to ease his concern.
“Good,” he said. “So…big date tomorrow.”
“Tonight, actually.” I raised my eyebrows.
“Ah…that explains why you’ve been so engrossed.”
I slapped him playfully on the arm. “I’m not engrossed.”
“It’s a date, K.K. Just be yourself,” he said, before walking out.
I put my things away, started some laundry, and turned on Pandora. I scrolled through my favorite artists and stopped at James Taylor. His soft melodic voice was the perfect calm I needed while I waited for Beth to arrive.
I walked over to the wine refrigerator and looked lovingly at my small, but substantial collection of wines. I rolled my fingers along the bottles until I rested my hand on a beautiful Pinot Noir.
I pulled out two glasses from the cabinet when my phone rang. “Hello Marcus,” I answered, wondering why the concierge was calling after I had already notified him of Beth’s arrival.
“Good afternoon again, Ms. Blakely. I hate to bother you, but I have a beautiful bouquet of flowers here for you. May I send them up?”
“That would be lovely,” I replied.
“Oh, it appears that Ms. Beth just arrived. I will send her up as well.”
“Thanks!”
I had on a pair of sweats and a tank and hadn’t given much thought to my attire. However, when I looked down at my tank, it clung a bit too tightly to my bare breast. My nipples were protruding out like the thick heads of two erasers, which was less than appropriate for whoever was delivering my flowers. I crossed my arms over my breasts, trying to hide the obvious. Of course my friend had seen my tits a thousand times, but Marcus’s assistant had not. I felt foolish as they both entered my unit. Beth was leading and the assistant was fast on her heels carrying a gorgeous arrangement of orchids, wildflowers, and simple greenery.
“Wow, aren’t we popular these days?” Beth teased, as she advanced forward wrapping her arms around me. “He must be smitten. Not even a first date and already flowers. No wonder you’re nervous, he’s certainly pulling out all the stops. I’m a little jealous. It’s starting to feel like a complete drought between my legs. If it weren’t for my vibrator, I’d swear I’d grown back my hymen.” I laughed uncontrollably at her hymen suggestion, and then thought to the last time I’d had sex. Wow, I’d been on quite a dry run myself. It took me a moment to place my last sexual encounter and remembered the experience to be quite unremarkable.
I looked to the door at the young man who stood glued to the floor looking nervous and out of place, having just listened to our conversation, his face was red and his smile nor more than a crooked grin.
“Come in. I’m Kasey and this is Beth. Thank you for delivering the flowers.”
“No problem. I’m Ryan. Where would you like them, Ms. Blakely?”
I motioned my hand to the center island in the middle of the kitchen. He set them down gently on the granite countertop. He turned and made his way towards the door, then turned back and winked at Beth before walking out the door.
“Looks like I’m not the only one with an admirer this evening. Maybe Ryan can help you with that hymen issue of yours.” I laughed and bumped my hip into hers, knocking her onto one foot before she could right herself and hip bump me back.
“It’s the red hair and legs. It gets them every time.” She said, and we both laughed. “I think we can both admit Ryan is probably a little out of his league.”
We continued to laugh, and just like that, my nervousness eased.
“So,” she said looking at the flowers, then back to me.
“Oh yeah,” I replied, and stepped towards the flowers. I grabbed the card and broke the seal. To my surprise they weren’t from Joshua, they were from Jake. Hate you left early. Miss your smile. Jake.
“Oh, hell.” I placed the card on the counter and walked towards my open wine. I poured two glasses and handed Beth one. “Looks like they’re for you.”
“What are you talking about, mine? I assure you it’s been some time since I’ve gotten flowers and don’t tell anyone, but I’m sure they were probably from my mom or Dad. So who are they from?”
“Jake Crawford,” I replied.
“This is getting better by the minute! Jake Crawford…the Jake Crawford, playboy, stud?”
“Yes, ma’am. That’s the one.”
It took about twenty minutes to recount my first encounter with Joshua in the gym to Beth. The incident in his limo, along with my stupid and ungraceful climb over him to get out. His ability to somehow find out my phone number and the several salacious texts. How I’d come home early for a date with Joshua, and then topped it off with my late night drinking and dancing fest with the playboy son of Crawford Enterprise, Jake Crawford. I barely took a breath until I had it all out. I could tell I’d exhausted Beth with all the details, but she asked and I obliged.
“Wow. So, let me get this clear. You told Jake Crawford, one of the most desired men on the west coast that you weren’t interested and then came home early for a guy you barely knew—a guy who asked you out and has gone as far to tell you that you’ll be his and is used to getting what he wants. Ab-so-lute-ly incredible.”
“That does about sum it up. Thanks for the pep talk. I guess I’ll go get ready now,” I joked.
“Funny, you little shit.” she laughed. “I know I cut out the gooey stuff, but that does about sum it up. I would suggest you hide the card on the current flowers and lie about them when Joshua asks. He will certainly know you didn’t bring them back from L.A., or just put them somewhere he won’t see them. Like your bedroom perhaps?”
It was more of a question then a suggestion. I loved my friend, but she knew one thing about me…I wasn’t easy. The chances of a first time date getting a ticket to my bed were slim to none. I erred on the side of just removing the card, but reconsidered because I didn’t want my first night with Joshua tainted with jealously over some flowers and frankly, I wasn’t a very good liar.
I poured us another glass of wine and then we went upstairs so I could get ready. I showered while she rummaged through my closet looking for an outfit she declared would knock Joshua on his ass. This should have scared me, but I was pleasantly surprised when she selected one of my favorite little black dresses with a miniature ruffle at the hem. It was simple, but sexy. She had laid out my shoes and the jewelry she wanted me to wear. All in all, I was impressed with her selection.
I decided at the last minute to just leave my hair down. I applied an extra layer of mascara to give my blue eyes depth and brushed on a little blush. I also added a simple gloss to my lips, not wanting to appear too overdone and looked at myself over and over, assessing the final product.
The butterflies moved through my belly with no relief as the clock read 7:30. Joshua would be here soon, ready or not.
“Okay. I’m out sister,” said Beth, excusing herself to leave. “Promise me you’ll call me later.”
“Sure,” I replied.
She stood waiting on the elevator, then turned back to me. “Enjoy yourself tonight. You deserve this. Let this guy in. If he’s got you this excited, he’s already done something right.”
“Okay,” I said. “Oh wait!” I ran back to the counter scooped up the flowers and ran them back to Beth at the last second. I thrust them into her arms, clumsily spilling a small amount of water down her shirt and stepping back as the doors were about to close. “Oops, sorry. Call you
tomorrow.”
The doors on the elevator closed and I heard my phone ring. I turned and ran back to the counter to get my phone, which was now on its second or third ring.
“Hello,” I answered, winded.
“Kasey, its Joshua. You ready?”
“I couldn’t be readier,” I replied with confidence. “What’s the plan?”
“I’m on my way up. All the way to the top, I’m told.”
“Is there any place else?” I asked.
“No, there’s not. See you in two.”
I ran to the mirror for one last primping session. I didn’t know where to be. Standing, sitting, spread eagle on the couch. I gave a small chuckle at the idea and at my ridiculousness over this whole date. I was truly nervous, but didn’t have time to ponder it when I heard the elevator doors part and there he was, looking incredible. I was once again mesmerized by the sight of him.
He had on dark denim jeans, a white button down shirt, and a navy blazer. His clothes were perfectly tailored to fit his muscular physique. He looked just as appealing clean and shaved as he did sweaty and disheveled. His short brown hair was thick and styled easily on his head. His skin was flawless and sun-kissed and his eyes were the most captivating blue. His smile was deadly and I could see his gleaming white teeth as he stepped off the elevator.
He advanced me without breaking stride. I stood glued, unmoving, and hyperaware of his every step. My stomach flipped as he came within inches of me.
“Wow. You’re absolutely are the most beautiful thing I think I have ever laid eyes on. I can’t tell you how the thought of you has been driving me crazy. First when I saw you at the gym. Then on the elevator, I had to fight my instincts not to crush my mouth to yours and take you right there. Then you mistakenly got in my car and I thought I was going to lose my mind. I’m glad you came home early. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”
“I’m counting on it.” I grinned foolishly, like a teenager who’d just discovered the cutest boy in school liked her.
He moved closer and I could feel his intensity radiating off me. My throat felt dry and the tremble in my legs caused me to take a step back. I found the wall behind me and realized that there was nowhere else to go. He put his hands up against the wall straddling my head and just stared at me.
The smell of him was intoxicating; clean and sweet, like spice and vanilla. His blue eyes up close were even bluer than I had remembered on the few occasions I was able to look at face. His jaw was chiseled, his features distinct. He was a tall, masculine specimen of manhood and I could picture him donning the cover of any magazine. I could see the pulse of his heart in his neck and I didn’t know whether to kiss him or run from him. He was like nothing I had ever encountered. The word confident didn’t even come close to capturing his aggressiveness. Please kiss me…please, please, please.
The warmth between my legs rose up my chest to my face and I was suddenly desperate for his touch. We stood staring into each other’s eyes, waiting for someone to make a move.
“May I kiss you, Kasey?” he finally asked. “I don’t want to scare you away, but I’m not accustomed to feeling like this and I really want to kiss you.”
I didn’t reply; I just leaned in and licked his bottom lip. His lips parted and our tongues rolled smoothly over each other’s. Suddenly his hand was around the nape of my warm neck, pulling me deeper into his kiss. His arm slid around my waist and I was encased in him completely. I could feel the warmth of his body against mine and the thickened bulge of his cock against my stomach. It was clear I had the same effect on him as he had on me. I could almost feel the blood pumping through my veins. My pulse quickened as the seconds ticked by and I was already lost in him. He released my mouth but didn’t release his hold on me. He looked into my eyes but didn’t say a word. Longing? Isn’t that what he said? Hell, I wasn’t longing, I was starving and wet with lust.
“That was incredible. I’m so glad you came home.” He grabbed both my hands and wrapped them around his tight muscular waist. I had to fight the urge to pull his shirt out from his pants so I could run my hands up his back, but let him control me with his hands and eyes.
“Me too.” I pulled my lip between my teeth.
“God, you’re hot. We need to go, or else I am going to take you up those stairs right now and do things so naughty to you that all you’ll remember about me is my name.”
“Well, I may be attracted to you and your dirty mouth, but I don’t sleep with anyone on the first date.”
It was a lie, but a drunken encounter in college didn’t really count.
He led me towards the elevator, but sidestepped it for the adjacent door. It was the door to the roof, and while all the tenants of the building could access the roof, I was the only one that had personal access from my unit. Being at the top did have its perks. I followed him up the stairs, my curiosity piquing with every step. I wanted to inquire why we were headed to the roof, but suddenly reached the top stair and everything came into view.
Strings of lights hung from one end of the roof to the other then crossed back and forth, brightly contrasting the dark sky. There before us was a small table with full white linens, crystal, and sterling silver utensils. Music was playing in the background, but I wasn’t fully aware of where the sound was coming from. It was soft and jazzy, mellow and sexy.
An older gentleman in a tuxedo advanced us and I didn’t move from Joshua’s hand, though I was sure my palm was sweaty. My body was still hot from his kiss. I looked at him stunned and amazed. My smile broadened and I squeezed his hand tighter.
“You did all this? For me?” I asked, staring into his eyes and seeing them now filled with self-appreciation. He could see from my honest surprise and delight that he’d done good.
“Of course. I wanted our first date to be special and I knew I didn’t want to share you with anyone. I hope you’re not disappointed that we didn’t go out?”
“Are you kidding? I am rarely impressed, but I must say, this is lovely.” I reached over and cupped my hand against his cheek. He leaned into my palm and kissed it.
“I hope you like Silver Oak?”
“I do. Now I’m really impressed.” I replied. “As if the scene alone wasn’t enough, but Silver Oak…you have really pulled out all the stops.”
“I told you that I’d make coming home worth your while.”
“Yes, you did.”
He poured two glasses of wine and he tipped his glass to mine in a silent toast. No words were said, but the body language and sexual tension between us was feral. I absolutely wanted him.
It was mid-spring in New York; the weather was beautiful, but still cool in the evenings. The sky was full of stars this evening, making the night appear a bit more magical than normal. I grabbed Joshua’s hand and walked him over to the exterior wall. It was tall enough not frighten those afraid of heights, but low enough to offer the rest of us a bird’s eye view of downtown Manhattan. I placed my glass to my lips and savored the exquisite wine. Smokey with a hint of tobacco and raspberry, it was full-bodied and amazing. I could feel the warmth of Joshua’s body next to me as I sipped the wine. I leaned closer, wanting more than anything to melt into him as he wrapped his arm around me.
“Your arm is cold. Do you want my jacket?” He asked.
“No, really I’m fine. I can go get a sweater if I need one, but I’m good.”
“Here.” He removed his blazer and placed it around my shoulders.
“Thank you, that’s sweet, but really I’m fine. I swear.”
“Yes, you are fine,” he said, “but I don’t want you cold.”
I pulled the jacket closer around my arms and took a long drink from my wine as I became encased in the wonderful smell of him. If he wasn’t staring at me, I could picture myself nose deep in his jacket, inhaling his scent like a cheesy commercial for fabric softener. Thank God I still had some self-respect.
“So tell me about Kasey Blakely,” he said, leaning into me. “I know you�
��re stunningly beautiful, your kisses are magical, you like to work out, and I understand you’re quite a force of nature in business, but that’s all Google crap. I want to know the real you.”
“You Googled me?” I looked at him amazed. “Surely, there couldn’t have been much? There’s really not all that much to know. I assure you that whatever you read was mere blips of my life and probably mostly about my Dad’s corporation.”
“You, Ms. Blakely, need to give yourself more credit. Magna Cum Laude at Yale, MBA in business. Next in line at one of the largest corporations in the country. I’d say there’s a lot to know about you.” He leaned into my ear. “I want to know everything. Why’s a beautiful and talented girl like you single?”
“Ah…the age old question.” I smirked. “I guess I’ll give you the ago old answer…haven’t met the right guy.”
“Well, I’m here to change all that, Ms. Blakely.” He turned my face to his and kissed me, capturing my breath. By the time he released me, I felt lightheaded and airy.
“Oh, really?” I questioned.
“That’s the plan,” he answered. “Let’s eat.”
I wasn’t the kind of girl who pushed her food around on a plate in front of a man because I was afraid to let him see me eat, but I was so anxious and excited that my appetite was waning.
It was about 9:45 when the caterer and staff left. A trail of tuxedos one by one exited the roof. I was glad we were alone. We had finished off the first bottle of wine and were about two glasses into the second. The wine had me flush, but the real heat emanating from me was deep between my legs. I lingered on every word and watched his every move. The way his lips moved as he spoke. How animated his gestures were when he was truly passionate about what he was saying. The way he never took his eyes from mine. How he was constantly touching me and just how much I loved every touch.
“May I see you again tomorrow?” he asked.
Merger Page 6
