by Sadie Grubor
Save the Date
(Modern Arrangements Series – book 1)
by Sadie Grubor
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright 2013 Sadie Grubor
Cover Art by VST
This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any existing means without written permission from the publisher. Contact Author at [email protected].
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.
Dedication & Special Thanks:
To my husband, as always, thank you for putting up with the neglect while I spend time with my many characters and laptops.
Special thanks to:
-My work wife – Glenda – for taking the early journey into this story with me.
-My mother for always making me feel like I can accomplish anything.
-Monica, thank you, thank you, thank you. As always, you make my words read so much better.
Blurb
AIDAN IVERSON III, old money wealthy and blatant playboy, has never felt the need to be with one woman. Why, when he has the looks, money and a family name to rule the nightlife? And, when it thoroughly aggravates Grandfather?
LILLIAN SNOWE, do-it-yourself overachiever, has a plan to keep her father healthy and living in the home where he raised her. But, how can she, when the hospital bills are piling up, the bank wants their money and she is hundreds of miles away from home?
From the moment they meet, Aidan would have to be blind not to feel an attraction, especially with Lilli's work attire and feisty humor.
When illness, death, debt and a mutual friend, bring these two together, feelings are hurt and someone is insulted. It takes determination, sneaky actions and cockiness to secure the deal. But, even with an iron clad marriage agreement and pre-nup in place, there are those who would seek to destroy the spark threatening to engulf our couple in a happily ever after.
So, Save the Date, because you are cordially invited to the seduction of Lilli Snowe.
Prologue
Growing up in New York is just like growing up anywhere else, but growing up an Iverson in New York, was not something most could relate to. As an Iverson, there were as many open doors as there were open hands.
My grandfather, Aidan Iverson Senior, started AIS while married to his first wife, Isobel. After her death, even after remarrying, he built AIS into a multibillion-dollar company. My father, Aidan II, only child from Grandfather’s first marriage, and my uncles, Liam and Henry, worked vigorously at AIS. They learned everything from Grandfather, becoming executives in the company. Father, being the golden son, was second only to Grandfather.
Grandfather often preached of love, marriage and Iverson heirs. It was beaten into my head for as long as I could remember. Being the third Aidan Iverson and the male heir to the golden son, I was an instant commodity to grandfather. He never hid his favoritism, often creating tension within the family. Where my father reveled in the favoritism, I didn’t enjoy the backlash.
One evening, while I stayed with my grandparents, my parents attended an AIS sponsored charity event. The police arrived to my grandparents’ home at an ungodly hour. I remember coming down the large staircase of my grandfather’s Manhattan mansion seeing Grandma Olivia collapsed in a chair sobbing and watching my grandfather cry for the first, and only, time in my life. That was the night my parents were murdered. I was ten.
My parents, Aidan and Eliza Iverson, had arrived at the townhouse we lived in, only to be greeted by what the police believed was a robbery. Both of my parents were shot, but not before they were forced to open the home safe, and not before they abused my mother.
The grief that washed over the family after that night was detrimental. Grandfather became colder and more adamant about family loyalty and heirs. Where morning conversation would fill the breakfast table, now there was silence. Every time Grandfather’s eyes landed on me his brow would furrow and a scowl would form. As a ten year old orphan, it felt as if he hated me.
Each day that passed without finding the people responsible for my parent's death, became one more Grandfather grew harder and pulled further away from the family. Uncle Liam and Henry took over daily operation of the company and tried to run things on their own. It was four months before they located the group of former AIS employees who committed the crime.
Grandfather was never the same. The media’s attention and coverage of everything played a part in keeping his demeanor in the cold zone. When Grandfather finally resumed lead chair of the company, I was taken in by Uncle Liam and his wife Viola. Vi was pregnant at the time and due at any moment with a baby girl.
Maggie arrived ten days after I moved into their Manhattan home. It was after her birth that my grandfather started showering his full attention on me, his golden boy or prodigal son.
Aunt Viola raising me was a blessing. Never overbearing, I respected Liam and Vi very much and still do. They also gave me something I'd never known before – a true love and passion for each other. My parents had appeared to love each other, but it was never blatant. Viola and Liam were much different. They were openly affectionate and genuine. Their love spilled over onto Maggie and me.
Since I'm an Iverson, I was subjected to private school, chauffer, body guard and an obscene amount of power. Every person in my grade school had a chauffeur and house help. The best thing to come from school, besides education, was Oscar Emerson.
Oscar came from a very wealthy Texan family; his father and uncles owning multimillion dollar oil companies and refineries. Since Oscar was from a socially acceptable family, Grandfather embraced the friendship. We played baseball together, baseball being the one extracurricular activity my family enjoyed. When Grandfather found time he would join us or take us to a game.
High school was the beginning of the rebellious years, much to the dismay of Grandfather. I lived up to the family obligations with the company and social events. However, I often did unacceptable things and definitely multiple unacceptable women. College brought out similar behavior, but also brought my cousin, James, and I closer.
James Iverson was the only son of Uncle Henry and Aunt Anne. He was also the shame of the family, at least in Grandfather’s eyes. James worked in the pharmaceutical area of the company. He was a cocky bastard but he was loyal and I loved him.
College life also introduced me to Dixon Haywood. He was one hell of a sports player; football, baseball and wrestling. He was huge and overwhelming for most people. What most didn’t know is that Dixon was a nothing but a jokester and a great guy.
After College I took my place next to Grandfather and worked endless hours at his side. He was adamant that I learn and be a part of everything, something which thoroughly infuriated Uncle Henry.
My life was planned by Grandfather. Except for my personal life, where he didn’t have the same control. We fought about it endlessly. He even went as far as to set up meetings with prominent girls in our social circle, attempting to make me a one woman man with a purposeful relationship. When I would bed these girls and leave them, Grandfather finally gave up. Though, he never held back his disapproval.
I followed his business plan. The rest of my life is mine.
Chapter One
Memories
Aidan
Hearing my phone ring on a Saturday morning, I looked up to the nightstand clock. Nine in the damn morning was not a welcome wakeup time. I groaned and reached for my phone.
"Hello," my greeting muffled by a pillow.
"Are you still fucking sleeping?" Oscar barked. "Christ, Aidan, it’s after n
ine in the morning."
"You’re the one that had me out all night." I rolled over to my back, rubbing my face.
"Well get your ass up! We are playing some ball today and you need to join us, so wake the hell up and meet me outside of your building in thirty minutes," he ordered.
"Who is us?" I asked quickly before he hung up.
"A couple of the guys and a few I work with," he answered. "Now, get your ass moving. You have thirty minutes!" The phone went silent.
I groaned and headed to the bathroom. After taking a five-minute shower, long enough to rinse off and scrub some shampoo through my overgrown hair, I got dressed and went to the kitchen, grabbing a banana and some milk. I ate fast and chugged.
My cell phone pinged. Oscar.
I’m waiting.
What a little bitch. Shaking my head, I grabbed my glove and cleats and headed out the door.
We arrived to the field and were greeted by familiar faces, including James. I was completely caught off guard when a large familiar guy appeared in the group.
"Dixon Haywood?" I grinned.
"Well if it isn’t Aidan fuck-em-n-leave-em Iverson!" He laughed.
"What are you doing here?" We clasped hands and shook. He was still as strong as ever.
"I work with this pussy over here," he pointed to Oscar.
"You’re a doctor?"
"Nope," he smiled widely. "I’m a nurse."
"Well, I didn’t see that one coming," I chuckled. "Get much shit for that?"
"Nah, I’m scary," he wiggled his brows. "Alright, bitches, it’s time to pulverize the other team." He waved for us to follow him out onto the field.
It was good to see Dixon again. We had lost track of each other after college. Once we beat the other team pretty decently, we sat around on benches drinking beer and catching up. Seems that Dixon had thought about becoming a doctor but, when he realized how much the nursing field could use a man his size and how much he loved doing it, he just went with it. I was envious of Oscar and Dixon; they got to choose their careers, their lives. They weren’t burdened with being an Iverson.
"Hey, we’re out of beer," Dixon frowned. "We should head to my place and watch the game. I’ve got plenty of beer there," he smiled and then looked at us for a response.
"Aidan?" Oscar raised his eyebrow to me.
"I think that I need a shower before I go anywhere," I laughed.
"Oh hell, you can shower at my place if you are that concerned about it," he grinned widely.
"What the hell," I shrugged and got up.
Oscar and I climbed into his car. Dixon led the way in his Jeep. We pulled up to a decent apartment building. Nothing like what Oscar and I had, but that was because of our family’s money. Dixon didn’t come from that kind of life. I could hear music before Dixon opened the door.
"Loud neighbors?"
He chuckled.
"Nope. My roomie." He opened the door and the music was blaring.
Dixon dropped his things by the door and we followed suit. The place was actually a lot nicer than it looked from the outside. Once we were in further, Oscar and I stopped in our tracks. A petite dark haired girl—wearing a tight blue t-shirt and tiny pair of sweat-shorts— danced around a small kitchen, singing loudly. The sight of her white socks, the kind with the stripes around the tops, made me smile wider. The kitchen was open to the living room, so you could easily see everything as soon as you walked through the door.
Dixon didn’t miss a beat. He walked up to her and grabbed her arm. Spinning her around, he started singing with her. The smile that was on her face was gorgeous and watching them was hilarious. They both started to air guitar at the same time and that was when I recognized the song, I believe in a thing called love by The Darkness. They started to dance foolishly with each other. She grabbed his face and kissed him on the forehead when the song was over. This must be his girlfriend. She moved and turned off the music.
"Game over already?" she asked and even her voice was amazing.
"Yep and we creamed the pussies" Dixon motioned to us and she looked over. I watched her face turn pink and then deepen into red. She smacked him on side of the head. "OW! Shit! What was—?
"You could have told me that you brought people home with you idiot!" she yelled at him and glared. He gave her a look. She just started smiling at him and lightly punched his arm.
"I’m sorry," he batted his eyes at her.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear that a lot from you." Her eyes narrowed but her lips split into a grin.
"At least I’m consistent," he laughed. "Alright, Lilli this is Oscar and Aidan, guys this is the roommate Lilli," he introduced.
"Nice to meet you," she smiled and gave a small wave.
"Pleasure," Oscar responded as I nodded.
"You both want beers, right?" Dixon shouted from inside the fridge.
"Yeah," we answered in unison.
"Lilli?" Dixon peeked over the refrigerator door.
"Nope, I’ve got some reading to do and then I need to get to work," she grabbed an apple from a bowl, a bottle of water that was on the counter and then pulled her IPod from the docking station in the kitchen.
"You have to work tonight?" Dixon shut the refrigerator door, two beers in each hand.
"Of course I do, it’s Saturday night." Rolling her eyes, she walked out of the kitchen. She glanced at us still standing "You guys can sit and make yourselves comfortable. Don’t expect him to be a good host." She motioned to Dixon and then disappeared down a hallway.
We sat for a couple of hours watching a game on TV and having typical guy conversation. Dixon wanted to know how many women I had in my life now in comparison to college. Oscar was all too happy to join in on teasing me about my lack of commitment, so to say.
When we were all arguing about the best player ever in baseball, Lilli emerged from the hallway. Dixon was still talking but both Oscar and I were distracted by jeans that looked like they’d been painted onto her by Michelangelo himself. Her black leather vest teased us with deep cleavage and an exposed midriff. Long mahogany hair lay in loose curls down her back. Then there were her boots. Shiny, black, knee high heeled boots.
Dixon took one look at our lustful faces and followed our gazes to Lilli.
"Close your mouths, boys." He chuckled.
"Hey, Vixen, is it time for work already?"
She nodded and her hair bounced as she walked from the kitchen.
"Unfortunately," she wrinkled up her face.
"It’s kind of early, isn’t it?" he looked at his watch and then back to her.
"I have to meet your girlfriend, we’re working together tonight," she smiled knowingly at him.
"You're working with Celia tonight?" he asked, smiling like a kid in a candy store.
"Yep," she smiled and ruffled his hair. "Does that mean I should leave your name with Sam?" He smiled. "I’ll leave it with him. Later."
"Bye Lilli," he shouted as she grabbed her bag and headed toward the door.
"Bye," she looked at Oz and me.
"Bye," we said—in unison again, like we were fucking losers.
"You can close your mouths now," Dixon said right before bursting into laughter.
Oz and I both joined in his amusement.
"That is just a roommate?" Oz asked incredulously.
"Yeah. Lilli and I go way back. Neighbors since I was like sixteen," he shrugged.
"Damn," Oz sighed. "If that’s just a roommate then I want to see this girlfriend you have," he blew out a heavy breath.
Dixon gave a large toothy grin.
"Technically, she isn’t my girlfriend. But she is fucking hot as hell! Her and Lilli work together. That’s where I saw her for the first time. We’ve only gone out a couple of times, nothing serious." He shrugged.
"Where do they work at?" I asked.
"Downtown at Club, Inc.," Dixon said. "I can get in easily thanks to Lilli," he smiled.
"We were there the other night," Oz looked at me and I
nodded as I took another drink of my beer.
"You must not have been at the bar or you would have noticed Lilli," Dixon chuckled. "She draws some attention."
"Looking like that would—" Dixon cut Oscar off.
"No, no, they all dress similar and all the girls at the bar are ridiculously hot," he took a drink "Lilli does bar tricks and draws a crowd. When she and Celia are together it is dangerous."
I raised my eyebrow and Oz answered.
"We were up in the VIP area, so we had our own bartender."
"Well if you want my advice, next time request Lilli and/or Celia. They are the best and will keep everyone happily entertained between their tricks, antics and witty sarcasm." He took another drink.
"So Dixon…" Oz looked at me then back to Dixon "What are you doing tonight?"
Dixon smiled.
Chapter Two
Conditions
Aidan
Oscar and I left Dixon’s apartment, heading home to clean up and prepare for a night out. Dixon was going to give us the Dixon special, as he called it.
Once I was showered and in the appropriate clothing for the club, I sent Oz a text saying that I was on my way. He drove this morning, so I was driving tonight. We would meet Dixon there. Once Oz was in the car, he called Dixon to tell him that we were on our way.
Dixon got there before us and told us to meet him inside at the bar. Calling ahead, I got Oz and I on the list, so when we arrived the bouncer let us right in.
Inside, the dance music was pounding loudly and lights were flashing. During the fade between songs Oz smacked my arm and pointed toward the bar. There was Dixon.
"Hey man," Oz said as he slipped in next to him.
"Shh, just watch, this is a perfect song," Dixon responded and motioned with his head to look forward. ‘Dangerous’ by Akon was pumping and in front of us was a tall, perfectly curved blonde. She looked like she could have easily given Marilyn Monroe a run for her money. She was gorgeous.
