“I have a photo shoot this morning with Revlon. If I don’t hurry, I’m going to be late!” Pensive about coloring her hair red, Taylor ran into the bathroom and jumped into the shower.
Rubbing the soapy washcloth between her sticky thighs, she hoped Zeke would like her new hairdo after he saw it later on this evening. I hope it turns out to look good. If not, Zeke may wish he never ran into me after all these years.
BULLDOZERS DUG dirt from the Earth. Across the way, construction workers wearing bright yellow helmets hammered sticks into the ground. Architects and electricians walked about, pointing, talking, and observing the wide, spacious land.
Cold nipping at the back of Zeke’s nape, he slid his hands inside the pockets of his wool coat and smiled. The site he’d selected to build the new Balfour Renaissance Hotel on couldn’t have been more perfect. Now that he’d come back in contact with Taylor, there were some minor changes he needed to make to the design, though.
Coming up with the perfect present for Taylor, he waved Francois over. Speaking on his cell standing next to a construction worker, Francois shot over to where he stood. “What’s up?”
Francois asked, tapping the button on his cell to end the call.
“There’s some changes I want done to one of the penthouse suites.”
Francois put his hand on his hip. “Say what? What you’ve done thus far is already wonderful. Why in the world would you want to change it now?”
“Because I want it to reflect someone very special to me, and it just doesn’t do that now. The design is too hard. Not soft enough. It needs to have more columns. More curvatures. Its design needs to be utmost feminine, with a hint of exoticness.”
Francois chortled. “Sounds like some woman.”
“I do have a woman in mind, but she’s just not any woman. She’s a very special woman. Taylor is everything a man could ever want.”
“That’s if you like women,” Francois muttered, and Zeke burst into laughter. “Her name’s Taylor, huh?”
Zeke nodded. “Yes. Taylor’s her name.”
Francois tilted his head. “My partner manages a model named Taylor. If your Taylor looks and acts anything like this one, then I see why you’re strung out over her.”
Surprised, Zeke’s lids lifted. “My Taylor is a model. Taylor Spelling.”
“Get the heck out! Yes! That’s her.” Clenching a black binder to his chest, Francois stomped his foot and cracked up laughing. “Wait ‘til I get home and tell Pierre this. It’s a small, small world.”
“Maybe the four of us can double date sometimes,” Zeke suggested.
Francois flamboyantly twirled his wrist in the air. “You can’t be serious. Are you?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” Zeke gave his shoulders a shrug.
“Ah, it’s just that…some people are uncomfortable going out in public with us gays. It’s sad that it’s that way, but it is.”
“The people that feel that way are close-minded. Pay them no mind. Taylor and I would love to hang out with you and...” Trying to recall Francois’ partner’s name, Zeke snapped his fingers.
“Pierre.”
“Yes, Pierre. As a matter of fact, I’m planning a big surprise for Taylor tonight and would love if you and Pierre could be there. If either of you happen to know any of Taylor’s friends, please invite them, too. It’s going to be at LeMeurice. At my expense.”
Francois slapped his thigh and laughed. “Shoot. You ain’t got to invite me twice. Should I wear my dancing shoes?”
Zeke chuckled. “Yes, wear your dancing shoes. I have a lot of last-minute planning to do for tonight, so I’ll catch up with you later.”
Excited about his plans for Taylor this evening, Zeke stalked away from the construction site. He pulled open the back door to the black, sleek Mercedes, slid in the back, and shut the door.
The driver glanced at Zeke in the rearview mirror. “Where to, Mr. Balfour?”
Excitement jumped around inside Zeke as he said, “Jaubalet jewelry store, on Rue de Rivoli.”
His driver, Ricardo, smiled at him. “By the look on your face, something very special is about to happen, Mr. Balfour.”
Zeke smiled so hard, his jaws ached. “You have no idea, Ricardo. None whatsoever.”
Twenty minutes later, Ricardo drove the Mercedes up to Jaubalet jewelry store and parked. Ricardo rounded the back of the car to open the rear door for Zeke, but before he could get there, Zeke hastened out the vehicle. Thrilled, he rushed up to the glass window of the store and spied the huge emerald cut diamond tucked inside the slit of the silver box. Glee rushed through Zeke. “Yes!” Smiling, he spun around. “It’s still there, Ricardo!” he shouted.
Standing beside the driver’s side door of the Mercedes, Ricardo looked over the roof of the car at Zeke. “What’s still there, Mr. Balfour?”
“The ring!” He threw his hands up in the air. “This shouldn’t take long. I’ll be back shortly.” Zeke flung open the door, and smiling his ass off, he hurried up to the counter.
“How may I help you?” the pretty young woman standing behind the counter asked.
“I want to buy the ring in the window.”
“It’s quite expensive,” she advised.
I’m sure it is. “I don’t care how much it costs, it’s going home with me today.”
Giving him an uncanny look, the lady walked from around the counter, unlocked the glass display, and returned back with the ring. Standing behind the counter, she spread a thin piece of material on the glass counter, placed the box on top, and read the tag. “Its emerald cut, fifteen carats, set on a platinum basket surrounded by a leaf design. It costs three million dollars.”
Three million. Taylor’s worth it, and then some. Zeke plucked the sparkling diamond from the slit and brought it up to his eyes. The emerald cut diamond sparkled. “I’ll take it,” he said, handing it back to the cashier.
“Wait a minute. Aren’t you that famous celebrity, Zeke Balfour?”
“I’m Zeke. But I’m not a celebrity,” he confirmed.
“Well, you’re a celebrity to me.” The cashier rung up the ring, placed it in a nice silver bag, then gave Zeke his merchandise, along with her business card. “If things don’t work out with you and your girlfriend, by all means give me a call.” Flirting, she winked.
“They’ll work out. I’m going to make certain it does.” Package in hand, Zeke left.
Chapter Thirteen
Glancing at herself in the mirror while speaking on the cell phone, Taylor sulked. “I look a hot mess, Pierre!”
Pierre sucked his teeth. “Girl, get a grip. I saw your hair, and it looks gorgeous, honey. Absolutely stunning. That red hair you’re styling is a hit!”
Red wavy hair hung past Taylor’s shoulders and down her back in a big, fat, strawberry mess. Wanting to make her red head of hair switch back to dark brown, Taylor closed her eyes, then reopened them. Too bad; her hair was still red. It’s the same color as Katherine’s. “Zeke is going to hate my hair, Pierre.”
Pierre sucked his teeth. “Girl, please. From what you’ve told me about that man, he couldn’t dislike your hair, or you, even if he tried. The way the two of you came back together after all these years is so romantic, Taylor. Sounds like something in a fairy tale. Francois and I are very happy for you. Speaking of Francois, his birthday is tonight, and I want you to come out and party with us.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t.”
“Can’t, or won’t?”
“Didn’t you hear me when I said I look a hot mess, Pierre? I look like a red-headed African-American Raggedy Ann doll.”
“Honey, please. If you don’t get over your hair, I’m going to spank you. Now, you’re coming to my man’s birthday bash, and that’s it. Bring Zeke if you want to.”
Taylor’s lips pouted. “All right. I guess I’ll put my big girl panties on and suck it up. I guess things could be worse.”
“That-a-girl. See you at eight. Oh yeah, before I forget, I’m doing it big. I’ll
be picking you up in a limo.”
“Hmmm. I see you’re romantic like Zeke.”
“Chile, please. Your Zeke doesn’t have a thing on Mr. Pierre. Bye!”
Giggling, Taylor hung up the phone. Discouraged about her new red hair, she walked from the bathroom into her bedroom and pulled open the closet door. Searching for a nice dress to wear to Francois’ party this evening, her hands floundered over the hangers, causing the clothes to sway.
She pulled an emerald dress from the closet, walked over to the long mirror leaning up against the wall, and held the dress up to her chest. “Oh God, no…I look like a freaking Christmas tree.”
Returning the dress to her walk-in closet, she stumbled across a beautiful ivory dress. Zeke had said the ivory color looked great with her skin complexion. She wondered if he’d still think that after he saw her new hideous hair color.
Now holding the ivory dress up to her chest and gazing at herself in the mirror, she half-smiled. Maybe the hair would grow on her. Maybe if she straightened it, she’d like it better. Tilting her head, the corner of her lip hitched. Well, at least she got paid a whole lot of money for doing the commercial. That being said, she’d be grateful. And if Zeke hated her hair, she’d just color it back dark brown.
As Taylor laid the ivory dress on the bed, her cell buzzed on her nightstand. Walking over to answer it, she hoped it was Zeke calling. “Hello?”
“Hello, beautiful.”
I might not be so beautiful to you once you see my hair. “Hi, Zeke.”
“How did the commercial shoot go today?”
“Good.”
“Are you sure? You don’t sound like your usual self.”
“They changed my hair, and it’s just taking some getting used to.”
“Oh, I’m sure your hair looks fine. Just like you. I’m not going to be able to make it over there tonight.” Oh no. “Something came up with the construction, and I need to get some things straightened out. I’ll be working late tonight and will call you first thing in the morning.”
Taylor released a soft sigh. “My talent agent, Pierre, invited us to his partner’s birthday party tonight. Are you sure you can’t get away? Just for a little while?” Please say yes.
“Sorry. But I can’t. Being with you for the last couple of days has me way behind. But I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. I have a phone call coming through. Got to go.” Zeke rushed off the phone so fast, he didn’t give her the chance to say goodbye or that she loved him. Tapping the ‘End’ button on her cell, insecurities developed inside her.
What if Zeke had someone else, and that’s why he couldn’t see her tonight? What if he’d changed his mind about the two of them? What if he had a girlfriend in Hilton Head Island? Of course, he had to have a woman back home. At least something. No man like Zeke could really be single. Not completely alone. Realizing she’d been a complete and utter idiot, she slapped her forehead and tried her hardest to think she was overreacting.
Hours later, Taylor stood inside the foyer of her apartment building, waiting for Pierre and Francois to arrive. “You look absolutely stunning this evening, Taylor. Love the new hair color, too,” the concierge, Hank, stated as he stood behind the desk.
Taylor smiled. “Do you really like the hair? You wouldn’t lie to me, would you, Hank?”
“No, Taylor. The red hair suits you.”
“Thanks, Hank.”
A sleek black limo pulled up in front of her building and parked. The driver of the limo exited the vehicle and rounded the rear. Wearing her usual white trench coat, Taylor’s Christian Louboutin heels clicked against the pavement as she made her way to the chic ride.
“Good evening, Ms. Spelling. I was told to advise you that Pierre and Francois are waiting for you at the restaurant, so you’ll be riding by yourself this evening.” He pulled the door open for her.
“Okay. Thanks.” Finding it strange that Pierre failed to call her and apprise her of his change of plans, Taylor slid in the backseat of the fancy limo. As the limo drove down the dark road, Taylor’s cell buzzed inside her sparkling diamond clutch. Extracting her cell, her heart longed for Zeke.
Bling. Looking at the screen of her cell, she had a text message.
ZEKE: Sorry I couldn’t join you tonight. I’ll make it up to you.
TAYLOR: I completely understand. You don’t have to make it up to me. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
ZEKE: If I finish up early, maybe I’ll swing by if it’s not too late.
TAYLOR: I’d like that.
ZEKE: Will you?
TAYLOR: Will you what?
ZEKE: Will you let me lick your pussy if I come over tonight?
Typing, Taylor burst into a fit of giggles.
TAYLOR: Of course I will. Try hard to come.
ZEKE: Come? I definitely plan to cum inside you. Goodnight.
TAYLOR: Goodnight.
ZEKE: Meant, I’ll see you soon.
TAYLOR: Ok.
Hot and bothered from the text messages, Taylor smiled. Thinking about the way she’d slept on top of him last night, a delicious shudder heated her body. She tossed her cell in her clutch.
The limousine pulled up to the restaurant and halted. Gazing out the window at the grand white building of LeMeurice, Taylor wondered if Pierre was about to pop the question to Francois. Very expensive and grandeur, LeMeurice sat in the heart of the city. Zeke is going to miss out big time. The driver pulled open the back door of the limo, and Taylor stepped out into the cold night air.
As Taylor mounted the steep stairs to the eloquent building, strong winds blew from the direction of the Seine, causing her hair to brush across her lips. Swiping the long strands from her lips, she stepped inside the warm building. Whew. It’s so cold out.
“Are you here for a party?” the gentleman at the hostess desk asked.
“Yes.”
He pointed to his left. “Down that hallway. Last door to the right.”
“Thanks.” Gosh, this is some fancy hotel, Taylor thought, making her way down the hallway. When she reached the end, she turned into the room to find it dark inside. Suddenly, the lights flicked on.
“Surprise!” a group of people shouted.
Taylor jumped. Startled, she clenched her heart. Momentary panic shot through her. Mouth wide open, her eyes slowly traveled around the room to find Zeke there, along with several more of her friends. Pierre, Francois, Sofia, and even her first roommate, Ivey, was there.
Confused, she finally pressed her lips together. A woman to her right gestured for her to remove her coat, so she did, then handed it to her.
Standing at the front of the room, Zeke held out his hands toward Taylor and beckoned her to him. As Taylor walked toward Zeke, she noticed a live band on a stage to her right.
“What’s going on, Zeke?” she asked, coming to a stop after she reached him.
Wearing a navy blue suit and red paisley tie, Zeke looked gorgeous. Cupping her hands, his eyes danced with merriment. Everyone encircling them had big, wide smiles on their faces.
“Taylor. Ever since you walked into my life twelve years ago, I’ve loved you. Even when we were apart, I always loved you. At a very young age, I felt in my heart you and I were meant to be. And now that I’m older, I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Zeke reached into his pants pocket, pulled out a silver box, and got down on one knee. Taylor slapped a hard hand to her trembling lips. “Ooo”s and “Ahh”s emanated from the crowd. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Gazing up at her, loved flickered in Zeke’s pupils. He popped back the lid on the box. She gasped. Inside the box lay the emerald cut diamond she’d been looking at on the day they’d rediscovered one another. Oh. My. God. The tears dripped like raindrops from her eyes.
Zeke gently took Taylor’s right hand into his. “Taylor Spelling. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
Sniffing, Taylor nodded profusely. �
��Yes! Yes, Zeke. I’ll marry you.” I’m finally going to marry the right man for me—my Mr. Right.
Applause erupted inside the room.
Zeke slid the sparkling ring up Taylor’s wedding finger. The humongous rock covered her entire knuckle. Zeke rose to his feet, draped an arm around her waist, and drew her to him. “I love you so much, my love.” With his chest pressing into hers, Zeke slanted his mouth over Taylor’s and French kissed her. Overwhelmed, Taylor fought to stop all that darn crying.
“I’m going to be Taylor’s maid of honor!” Pierre shouted.
Snickering, Taylor broke her kiss with Zeke. She pointed at Pierre. “You knew about this all along, didn’t you?”
Pierre clapped his hands together. “Okay. I’m guilty.”
Zeke laughed richly. “Thanks, Francois and Pierre. I couldn’t have pulled this off without the two of you. Before the night begins, I just want to thank all of you for coming out to support me and Taylor.”
“Yes. Thank you all so much for coming.” Taylor placed a hand to her chest. “Your attendance at my engagement party means so much to me.”
Zeke nodded at the man standing at the microphone, and the band began playing a slow rendition by John Legend. Tugging her hand, he led her to the dance floor. Swaying side to side, she twined her arms behind his neck.
Slow dancing, Zeke’s shaft pressed into Taylor’s belly. His eyes studied her face. “I can’t wait to marry you, Taylor. I can’t wait for you to have my last name.”
Taylor gazed at the twinkling lights in Zeke’s eyes. A silken cocoon of euphoria wrapped around her. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Balfour. You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world.”
“I’m glad.”
“Please don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way, but I think the ring is too much. Too expensive.”
“Nothing’s too much for you, baby. If I could, I’d buy you the world. From this day forward, I’m going to spoil you rotten. Whether you like it or not, I’m going to make sure you’re treated like the queen you are.”
Taylor slid her fingers into the dip at the front of her dress, grasped the diamond ring circled at the end of her necklace, and pulled it out. She held the silver promise ring Zeke had given her on the day she’d been kidnapped up to his eyes.
MARRYING MR. RIGHT (The Brides of Hilton Head Island Book 3) Page 10
