by Sandi Lynn
“I just want you to be happy for me,” I said.
“I am, but I think you just need to slow down a little bit.”
While I was getting ready for my date with Henry, my phone lit up and notified me I had a text message from him.
“Hey, beautiful. I’m going to have Christian pick you up and take you to my penthouse. I have an emergency meeting I need to attend, and I know I’ll be later than six-thirty. My housekeeper, Delilah, will be there and I’ll get there as soon as I can. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I understand. I’ll hang with Delilah until you get there.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. Don’t forget to pack a bag.” He sent the emoji wink.
“It’s already packed.”
When Christian dropped me off at Henry’s apartment building, he walked me to the elevator and inserted a key.
“This will take you directly to Henry’s penthouse on the 19th floor,” he spoke as I carefully read his lips. “Just go on up and Delilah will be there waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Christian.”
“What is the sign for ‘you’re welcome?’” he asked.
I showed him and he signed it back to me with a smile. The elevator door opened and when I stepped out onto the light oak flooring, an older woman walked over to me.
“Ellie?” She smiled as she signed my name.
“Yes. You must be Delilah. It’s nice to meet you,” I spoke to her as I signed.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” she signed back.
“You know sign language?” I asked.
“Just a little bit. I had a cousin who was hearing impaired. Forgive me if I get something wrong.”
“That’s okay. I can read lips,” I said as I set my bag down.
I looked around the large penthouse as I followed Delilah to the kitchen. The entire second floor was encased with thirteen-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. The little wall space there was, was coated in a bright white colored paint with light gray furniture as an accent. I’d never been inside a penthouse before, and I was blown away at the luxury of it.
“Wine?” Delilah asked as she held up the bottle.
“Yes, please.”
I took a seat at the expansive marble island as she set the glass down in front of me.
“How long have you worked for Henry?” I asked.
“About five years now. I came to work for him when he moved into this place. He’s a wonderful man to work for and a great guy.” She smiled.
“He is very sweet.” I grinned.
I saw her turn her head to the side, and when I looked over, I saw Henry walk into the kitchen.
“There you are,” he signed with a smile as he softly gave me a kiss. “You look beautiful. It smells delicious in here, Delilah.” He walked over to where she stood and kissed her cheek.
Delilah told us to take our seats at the table out on the terrace while she served us dinner. Oven baked Salmon, red skin potatoes, green beans, a loaf of freshly baked bread and a tossed salad graced the table.
“This looks wonderful, Delilah,” I spoke as I signed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m going to head out. You two enjoy yourselves. I’ll clean all this up tomorrow.”
I placed my napkin on my lap and picked up my fork. When I looked at Henry, I found him staring at me from across the table with a smile on his face.
“What?” The corners of my mouth curved upward as I could feel myself blushing.
“I’m just happy you’re here with me tonight.”
“Me too. I love your penthouse. At least this floor.”
“I’ll take you on a tour after we eat,” he signed as he gave me a sexy wink.
The view from the terrace was amazing as the sun began to set. We talked a lot during dinner. I mostly read Henry’s lips, but every now and again, he would sign while he ate.
“You’re very skilled at signing only using one hand.” I smiled.
“I was taught well. My parents paid good money for the best teacher.”
“Tell me more about Abigail,” I said.”
I saw him inhale a deep breath as he set down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“She was such a happy kid. So full of light and laughter despite her illness. She was in and out of hospitals all the time. Even when she was in the hospital for extended stays, she was always smiling, and everyone loved her. Abigail and my father were very close. They shared a special bond and when she died, a piece of him died with her. He was never really the same after her death. Then, as you know, they had Addison.”
“I really like her. By the way, how is your dad doing?”
“He’s doing okay. He’ll be in the hospital a few more days and then spend the rest of his time recuperating at home.”
As we were in the middle of talking, Henry pulled his phone from his pocket, and I noticed the strange look across his face.
Chapter 16
Henry
Why the hell was Kirsten calling me? I asked myself as I pulled my phone from my pocket. I immediately declined the call and placed the phone back in my pocket.
“You’re not going to take that?” Ellie asked.
“No.” I smiled. “It’s no one important. Are you ready for a tour of my home?” I signed before I held out my hand to her as I stood up from my seat.
“Of course.” A wide grin graced her face.
I took her on a tour of my two-thousand nine hundred and fifty square foot penthouse, saving my bedroom for last.
“Wow. This is nice,” she said as she looked around. “You have a king-size bed.”
“I do,” I signed with a smile. “And it’s very, very comfortable.”
I placed my hands securely on her hips and stared at how beautiful she was.
“How comfortable?” she asked as she bit down on her bottom lip.
“Why don’t you lay down and see for yourself?” I smirked.
She climbed on the bed and laid flat on her back as she ran her hands across the comforter.
“What do you think?” I signed as I stood at the foot of the bed.
“You’re right. It is very comfortable. I don’t think I can get up.”
“That was my plan,” I signed before unbuttoning my shirt. Sliding it off my shoulders, I slowly climbed on top of her as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
My lips met hers and our tongues danced in the night. I’d been looking forward to this all day. Not just the sex, but to hold her in my arms and kiss her lips. I helped her undress and ran my finger along her collarbone and down to her bare breasts before my hand glided down her torso. Her skin was soft, and the scent of jasmine that lingered on her flesh was intoxicating. She let out a soft moan as my fingers slid over her opening, taking in the glorious wetness that coated her. The need to taste her was unbearable as my lips devoured every inch of her. After she orgasmed, I took off my pants and reached in the drawer of the nightstand and pulled out a condom. As I went to tear the corner of the wrapper off, Ellie reached over and grabbed it from me.
“We don’t need to use that,” she spoke. “I’m on the pill.”
I reached over and turned on the lamp.
“Are you sure, Ellie?”
“Yes. I trust you.” She smiled.
Leaning over, I brought my lips to hers. Our passionate kiss took my breath away as I hovered over her, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. Slowly, I thrust inside her and took in the warmth that enveloped my cock. Being inside her, skin to skin was incredible. I picked up the pace as I thrust in and out of her while my heart raced at the speed of light. Soft moans escaped her as I grabbed her wrists and held her arms above her head. With each pulsating thrust, we were immersed in pleasure. An orgasm overtook her causing my cock to spasm with delight. With one last thrust, I halted and exploded inside her as I groaned at the gratifying feeling that erupted through me. As my body collapsed on hers, I fisted my fingers through her hair as I tried to regain m
y breath. Her arms wrapped themselves around me and her fingers softly stroked my back. Before rolling off her, I lifted my head and kissed her lips. I lay on my back with my hand over my heart as Ellie turned on her side and faced me with a smile.
“That was incredible,” she spoke.
“Incredible and perfect,” I signed.
“I’m meeting with Frankie tomorrow at the gallery to go over his website design. He also asked if I would be willing to bring some of my paintings to display.”
“Really? That’s wonderful. Do you need me to go with you?”
“No. I’ll be fine. You’re a very busy man. Especially with your father being gone.”
I pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear before I began signing.
“I want you to listen to me very carefully. I will never be too busy for you. If you ever need me, I’ll be wherever you are in a flash, regardless of what I’m doing at the time.”
“You’re an amazing man, Henry. I’m really happy you pushed my cart into the apple display.” She grinned.
“And I’m really happy you left your cart in the middle of the aisle so I couldn’t get through,” I signed as I grinned before hooking my arm around her and pulling her into me.
The next morning, after we showered and had some coffee, Christian dropped Ellie off at her apartment on the way to taking me to the office.
“Thank you for staying last night,” I signed.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
I softly kissed her lips before opening the door and climbing out of the limo. Extending my hand to her, she climbed out and I gave her a hug goodbye.
“Let me know how things go today with Frankie,” I signed.
“Okay.” A bright smile crossed her lips. “Will I see you later?”
“Definitely. I can’t seem to stay away from you.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
After kissing her forehead, I climbed into the limo and Christian pulled away from the curb.
“I have to say, Henry, Ellie is breath of fresh air.”
“She’s the ray of sunshine I never knew I needed in my life, Christian.”
“And your parents?” he asked.
“They’ll either accept her or they won’t. And if they won’t, I’m prepared.”
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I’d forgotten that Kirsten left me a voice message last night. Bringing up my voicemail, I listened to it.
“I just wanted to let you know that everything’s been cancelled, and we lost all of our deposits. The cake, photographer, reception hall, flowers, the band, and my wedding dress. I’m humiliated, Henry, and I hope you’re fucking happy.”
I sighed as I deleted the voice message and dialed my mother.
“Yes, Henry?” she answered.
“Good morning, Mom. How is Dad doing?”
“He’s doing as well as can be expected.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll be by this afternoon to visit him. Will you let him know?”
“I’ll tell him.” The sound of her voice was harsh.
“Thanks, Mom.”
She ended the call without saying another word, and I knew the inevitable was coming.
Chapter 17
Henry
Picking up my phone from my desk, I dialed Frankie.
“Hey, bro.”
“Hey, Frankie. Ellie told me she’s coming to see you today.”
“Yeah. She is. We’re going over my website design and she’s bringing in some of her artwork. Why?”
“Just remember she can’t hear you, so you need to look directly at her when speaking. Also, don’t talk fast.”
“I know, Henry. I have a notepad ready just in case.”
“Good idea. By the way, don’t mention Kirsten. I haven’t had a chance to tell her yet.”
“Seriously, bro? That should have been the first thing you told her.”
“I know and I’m going to.”
“You better do it soon,” he said.
“Listen, I’ll talk to you later. I’m going to visit my dad in the hospital.”
“Okay. I’ll call you later, bro.”
I ended the call, grabbed my suitcoat, and walked out of my office.
“June, I’m heading over to the hospital to see my dad. I’ll be back.”
“Okay, Henry. Tell him we’re thinking about him.”
I gave her a small smile as I left the building and climbed into the back of the limo. When I walked into his room, my mother looked up from the magazine she was reading and then looked back down.
“Hi, Dad,” I spoke as I walked over to his bedside. “How are you feeling?”
“Like shit. How are things at the office?”
“Good. You don’t need to worry about the office.”
“Well, I am worried. I always worry.”
“Which is why you had a heart attack, Carlyle. Henry can handle things. At least for now.” My mother glared at me. “Henry, can I speak to you out in the hall?”
“Sure, Mom.”
I followed her out into the hallway, and she stood there with her arms folded.
“I want you at my house tonight at six-thirty, and don’t even think about telling me you have plans. You are to be there, or else.” She pointed her finger at me.
Tucking my hand in my pants pocket, I slowly shook my head as she turned around and walked back into the room. I didn’t have a choice. This situation needed to be discussed and it was better just to get it over with tonight so I could move on.
As I walked out of the hospital, I pulled my phone from my pocket and sent Ellie a text message.
“Hello, beautiful. I’m sorry but I can’t see you tonight. I was just at the hospital visiting my dad and my mother needs me to come over tonight.”
“Hi. It’s okay. I totally understand. Family comes first.”
“Again, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night. Are you free?”
“I am.”
“Excellent. I’ll text you later.”
I took in a deep solid breath as I placed my hand on the door handle of my parents’ townhome. Stepping inside, I walked up the stairs to the living room where I knew my mother would be waiting for me. Just as I suspected, she was sitting in my father’s favorite winged back chair holding a glass of wine in her hand.
“Pour yourself a drink, Henry,” she spoke when I walked into the room.
Stepping over to the bar, I poured myself a double scotch.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? The embarrassment you’ve caused this family?”
“Why? Because I’m not in love with Kirsten?” I asked as I took a seat on the couch.
“You were until you met that deaf woman,” she scowled.
“First of all, her name is Ellie Scott, and second, I never loved Kirsten. I only asked her to marry me because of you and Dad. Which you have no business telling me who I can and cannot see.” I pointed at her.
She brought the glass up to her lips and took a sip of wine.
“Don’t be a fool. She is a remarkable woman.”
“Then why the hell don’t you marry her?!” I shouted.
“Watch your tone with me, Henry!” she spoke through gritted teeth. “People are already talking about you and this family. Rumors are being started all over the country club.”
“Of course they are, because those snob ass people have nothing better to do with their lives than to gossip about everyone else! It’s what they live for.”
“That is enough!” she shouted at me. “Your father and I are so disappointed in you.”
“Why, Mother? Because graduating at the top of my class at Yale, running the company with Dad, and doing exactly what you’ve both told me to do my entire life isn’t enough? I don’t love Kirsten. I’m not in love with her and I never will be. Why can’t you understand that?!” My voice grew in intensity. “You cannot make me love someone!”
“He’s right, Mother. You cannot force us to love the people you want us t
o,” Addison spoke as she stepped into the room.
“This is none of your concern, Addison. Go to your room,” my mother spoke.
“No. I’m an adult and you cannot tell me to go to my room anymore. I’m happy Henry called off the wedding because I don’t like Kirsten. I never have and I never will.”
I didn’t want her involved, so I needed to stop her.
“Addison, go upstairs and we’ll talk later,” I softly spoke to her. “Go on. I’m okay.”
“Actually, I’m going out. Call me later,” she said.
I gave her a nod and she walked out of the room. After I heard the slamming of the front door, I turned my attention back to my mother.
“So that’s it?” my mother asked. “You’re choosing that deaf girl over the woman you’ve been with for the past three years?”
“Stop calling Ellie that. Is that how you would have referred to Abigail if she were still alive?”
She went to speak but stopped herself and stared at me with a narrowed eye.
“Is that why you’re so infatuated with that woman? Because of Abigail?”
“No! Of course not! Ellie is a magnificent woman, Mom. My God.” I got up from the couch, slammed back the rest of my scotch and walked over to the bar.
“She’s not right for this family, and you better never bring her around.”
“Why? Because she doesn’t come from money or from a well-known family? Or is it because she’s deaf? Because if you even hint that’s the—”
“That is enough, Henry,” she scolded as she got up from the chair. “If you want to continue seeing her, there will be consequences and you won’t like them. Consider yourself warned.” She walked out of the room.
Chapter 18
One Month Later
Henry
I’d barely spoken to my parents the past month. My father was home recovering and when I’d stop by to see him to give him updates on the company, he would say maybe two words to me. My mother didn’t even acknowledge my presence. I knew they always held grudges. I’d seen it with other family members and with some of their old friends. But I never thought in a million years they would do that to their own children.
