Rich emerges from the hall. He is accompanied by a short, heavy-set man with closely cropped hair and a beard speckled with grey. Even though he’s probably no taller than me, he projects power and confidence. He claps Rich on the back, and his deep voice fills the room once more. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Richard. Send my regards to your father.” Another laugh.
“Thank you, Mr. Calloway.” Next to the shorter man, Rich looks relaxed and striking. As the two men approach us, Min and I both stand. I brush away a piece of lint from my skirt.
“This is my sister, Min,” Rich says. “And my girlfriend, Penelope.”
“Mindy!” Mr. Calloway exclaims, laughing. He takes her by the shoulders and kisses both cheeks. The action obviously takes Min by surprise, but she recovers quickly. “You’ve grown so much. Why, you were still suckling at your mother’s breast last time I laid eyes on you!” He clears his throat and coughs in his hand. “No disrespect meant, of course. Sometimes my tongue gets ahead of me. Your mother was a wonderful woman.”
“Thank you,” Min says politely.
“And Penelope!” I’m brought in for the same hug-and-kiss treatment. Rich chuckles. “My, aren’t you beautiful?” Mr. Calloway nudges Rich with one elbow. “She’s a keeper, this one. Don’t you let her go, son.”
Rich smiles at me with his eyes. “I don’t intend to, sir.”
“Well!” Mr. Calloway claps his hands together. His enormous presence fills the room. “I certainly appreciate you coming here and returning this vital piece of technology.” He turns the USB stick over in his hand. “I’m sorry for all the trouble it caused. Mindy, my dear girl, we never meant to frighten you. It was just business. And Penelope! Richard told me all about what you went through as a result of this.” He looks at the USB stick in disgust. “Please accept my most sincere apologies. Now that this chase has come to an end, I hope we can put all this unpleasantness behind us,” he says smoothly.
Then, turning to Rich, he holds out his hand. “Richard! I meant what I said in there. RedArm can use more bright men like you. If you ever find yourself in the market for a job, come to me. I’ll set you up nicely.”
“Thank you once again, Mr. Calloway,” Richard says. He’s amicable enough, but I can tell the offer rubs him the wrong way.
“Oh, nonsense! It’s my pleasure. It’s the least I can do after your services to our firm.” He holds the USB stick up in emphasis. “Sandra!” he barks at his receptionist. “Get these three fine young people a table at Dieci’s tonight.” He turns back to us. “My treat. Unfortunately, I have to fly to Boston early tomorrow morning, or I’d join you. But then again, why would you want an old fart like me ruining your evening?” He breaks off into more heavy laughter. “Dieci is the finest Italian restaurant on the east coast. It’s one of only two establishments to be granted a perfect thirty-point rating from Zagat. Reservations stretch eighteen months in advance.” Mr. Calloway winks at us. “Lucky for you, I own the place. Enjoy yourselves tonight—as a token of my appreciation.”
“We will, sir,” Rich says. “Thank you very much.”
“And that same offer extends to you, too, Mindy,” Mr. Calloway says. “It’d be good business for the Blackthorne and Calloway families to be partners again. Too much animosity has arisen between us over the years. I’d like to remedy that. If you’re looking for a job once you’re done with school, let me know.” He pauses. “You know, I see an MBA in your future. Work for me for three months, and my firm will sponsor your education at the school of your choice. Two years at Wharton or Harvard can pay real dividends in the future.”
“Thank you, Mr. Calloway.” Min gives a tiny bob of her head. “I’ll certainly consider the offer.”
“Well! It was a pleasure to see you again, Richard, Mindy. And an honor to meet you, Penelope.” He shakes all of our hands. “My work beckons. You three enjoy the nightlife. God knows, you’ve earned it.”
Chapter Nine
I run out ahead of Rich and Min into the open air. I throw my arms out wide and spin around. People shoot me strange looks as they pass. But I don’t care. For the first time in I-don’t-know-how-long, I feel like a free woman.
I want to run through the streets and dance. I want to take in the sights of New York City without fear of the future. I want to melt into Rich’s arms and kiss him passionately as the world passes us by.
Apparently, Rich has a similar idea. I feel his hands wrap around my waist. He lifts and spins me, laughing when he sets me down. I pull his head in for a long, sensual kiss. His body is a solid wall against mine. For the first time ever, I can enjoy the feeling with no lingering doubts in my mind.
Min is beaming when we separate. “You deserve that,” she says. Whether to me or to Rich, I’m not sure. “Penny,” she almost squeals, “That’s it! All this is over.” She laughs. “It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?”
“Believe it,” Rich says, swinging an arm over both our shoulders. We start down the street together. “We need to celebrate. You girls want to go shopping?”
“You mean you’re going to let me pick my own clothes for once?” I joke.
Rich kisses my forehead. “Baby, today you can pick anything you want.”
“I’ve never been shopping shopping before,” I admit. All the clothes I’ve worn my entire life have either been hand-me-downs from the orphanage or, when I finally earned some money, triple-markdowns from the sales rack at Macy’s.
“Then you’re in for a treat,” Rich says, his eyes glimmering. “If I remember correctly, Min here has quite the penchant for maxing credit cards with expensive clothes.”
Min elbows him in the gut. Rich oomphs.
“That happened once,” she defends. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe you remembered. And it only happened because I used my small credit card!”
“With a ten-thousand-dollar limit,” Rich whispers to me. He pauses for effect. “When she was twelve.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or be amazed. Ten thousand dollars for clothes? It’s more than I would have made in four months working at my old job.
“Don’t worry,” Min says. “I’m not as spoiled as Rich is trying to make me sound. At least not anymore,” she adds, breaking away from Rich and pulling me forward. “But today, he’s right. We definitely need to celebrate.”
--
Rich doesn’t interrupt as Min and I shop. I’ve never dreamt of stepping into the expensive store we’re in now. But by our third stop, I feel right at home. I have a great time with Min, picking out different clothes. The fact that we’re the same size makes it even more fun. Sometimes, something I don’t like fits her perfectly. Other times, it’s the opposite. We even try on the same thing at once and giggle like little girls when we see ourselves look like twins in the mirror.
Rich keeps his distance, sometimes lounging on the seats in the dressing room, other times flirting with the attendants working the store. I don’t mind. In fact, I like seeing him like this: relaxed, carefree, and confident. I know his thoughts are never far from me. Every once in a while, when he thinks I’m not looking, I find him smiling at me.
We leave the final store, our arms overflowing with bags. I didn’t mean to buy a lot, at first. But, Min convinced me otherwise. She paid for everything using her dad’s card, ignoring Rich when he tried to get us to use his.
I’m exhausted but exhilarated when we get back to the hotel. Min wants to go home to put her things away. At least, that’s what she tells Rich. I know by the wink she gives me that she’s really leaving to give Rich and me some much-needed time alone.
“I’ll be back at seven to pick you up for dinner,” she tells Rich when he gives her the car keys. “I’ve never been to Dieci, so don’t be late!”
Rich has a wolfish smile on his face after he closes the door on his sister. “So, beautiful,” he says, stepping into me and wrapping his arms around my back. “We have a few hours to ourselves. No distractions. No worries. What do you suggest we do?”
<
br /> I have to tilt my chin up to look at him. I love the musky scent that fills my lungs with each breath. “I don’t know,” I say coyly. “I have all these new clothes that your generous sister bought for me. And I’m going to have such a hard time picking out what to wear tonight. Maybe I can try them on for you… and you tell me what you think?”
“A sexy fashion show,” Rich rumbles. “Sounds like an amazing idea to me.”
I go up on my toes and brush my lips against his. “Be right back,” I promise, darting out of his arms when he tries to kiss me for real. “You just make yourself comfortable over there on that couch, cowboy, and enjoy the show. But remember!” I warn him, “Keep your hands off the model at all times.”
Rich laughs. “I’m not making any promises.”
The first outfit I try on for him is a beaded silk gown with a halter bodice just made for my body. I strut out wearing the light Jimmy Choo sandals, swaying my hips and giving him a sultry smile. I hop back when he tries to grab me and give him an admonishing look. He laughs.
An elegant Donna Karan summer dress comes next. The colors and fabrics are something I’ve never had touch my skin before. It’s playful and fun, but definitely not suited for a fancy night out.
And so it goes on and on. Rich tells me what he thinks every time. I continue teasing him by staying just out of reach. I go back into my room to change into my final outfit. I’ve saved the best for last. It’s something Min managed to sneak into my bag without Rich noticing.
I hope he appreciates it as much as I want him to.
Rich’s jaw drops when I come out. I keep an impassive face but smile to myself. I can feel the raw heat of his gaze. I’m wearing a sexy black camisole made of a silk mousseline with pretty lace trimming. The matching sheer panties have a tiny ribbon tie on the front. I don’t have anything else on.
I look straight into Rich’s eyes as I take my time walking toward him. I stretch my legs with every suggestive step. His eyes swallow my body whole and then meet mine again. He heaves out a breath. His fingers dig into the cushion as if he’s afraid he’ll leap up at me if he lets go.
I don’t say a word as I come up to him and stop right between his spread legs.
“Penny…”
“Shh.” I bend at the waist and put a finger on his lips. “Be quiet. Just watch.”
I run my finger down his neck, over his chest, and lean forward even more as I reach beneath his waist. He groans as my hand starts its slow exploration. I throw my hair back and meet his eye, offering a sultry smile. I can feel his gaze on me. His chest begins to labor with deep breaths as my fingers find his belt buckle and open it.
Rich moves his hands to my legs. I let him. He runs them up and down the back of my thighs, then stops them on my butt and gently squeezes. I shake my head, “Naughty boy.”
Rich gives me a wolfish grin. His hands remain glued to my body. I smile as I slide his belt free and undo his pants. With one hand, I push against his chest so he leans back. Next, I shimmy his pants off his legs.
There’s a nice surprise waiting for me under there. Rich is already rock-hard. I lick my lips and go to my knees between his legs. Rich’s eyes follow my every move. I reach for the waistband of his boxers and pull them down. A delighted gasp escapes my lips when his cock springs free.
I turn my head and start by kissing the inside of his leg. I remember how good it felt when he did that to me. I trail my tongue over his skin until I’m licking the base of his cock. He shudders and flexes his hips forward as I slide my tongue from the base to the head. I look deep into his eyes as I swirl my tongue over the tip. They’re glazed with desire.
“Do you like how that feels?” I coo, lowering my lips over his shaft and taking him in my mouth.
“Oh my God, yes,” he rasps in affirmation. I feel particularly naughty and supremely attractive. I start bobbing my head up and down. I go slow at first. Rich’s fingers thread through the strands of my hair. He clears the front my head. “Look at me baby,” he begs. “I want to see your beautiful eyes.”
His request turns me on even more. I comply, tilting my head up ever-so-slightly to change the angle. I focus my eyes only on him. Soon, Rich is lost in his pleasure. His hands start guiding my head more eagerly. He begins to pump his hips into me. I let him take control. The suckling noises I’m making fill the air, combining with Rich’s masculine sounds of satisfaction to create a stunningly hot atmosphere.
Accidentally, he pushes too far. He hits the back of my throat and I gag without warning. Immediately, he pulls out.
“Sorry,” he says. “You’re just so fucking good at that, I kind of lost control.”
“I don’t mind,” I reply in a heady voice. I start to take him in again, but he stops me by guiding my chin up.
“Enough of that.” Rich bends forward and kisses me. The deep connection of our mouths catches me by surprise. Nobody else has ever wanted to kiss me after I’ve given head.
Clearly, Rich is different. I already know that. I crawl onto his body as I kiss him hard. Lust and desire pulse uncontrollably through my body. There’s also a surprising warmth in my chest. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before. It comes, I think, from the deep way he kisses me.
Rich’s hands go to my shoulders. He slips off the straps of my undergarment and pushes it down to my waist. My breasts are tender and swollen. As I press them against Rich’s hard chest, his cotton shirt feels rough as straw against my skin. His erection is cradled between my legs, pushing into the thin fabric of my panties. I’m hot and moist with desire. I claw his shirt off and kiss his chest. His cock rubs against my folds. The sensation feels do deliciously sinful that I can’t stop myself. I grab him and direct him into me, pulling my panties to the side.
I sigh in pleasure and lean my head back as I slide over him. Rich kisses my shoulders, then holds my face above his as I begin to rock. His green eyes shine with desire.
“Oh, Rich,” I moan, holding him close. His presence satisfies the deepest need lashing through my core. I lean back and expose my breasts. He takes one eagerly in his mouth. I close my eyes and soar with the pleasure that shoots through every synapse of my body. I’m awakened by Rich. This is what I have craved since opening my heart to him. There are no doubts remaining in my mind. No voices scream in worry. I do not need to concern myself with anything except him, me, and our pleasure.
All of a sudden Rich emits an animal growl. Before I can blink, we’re both on the floor. The carpet scratches against my back. I pick my legs up and wrap them around Rich as he pounds into me. My nails dig into his shoulders as I near the verge of climax.
The release comes in a great wave that roars through my body. I cling to Rich, surrounded by his strength, his smell, his feel. I cry out his name, my voice raw and vulnerable and unreserved. I am fully his—in body, mind, heart, and spirit.
He pulls out and groans as his own climax comes. The sticky fluid spurts all over my abdomen and breasts. It’s hot against my skin. I satiate in that feeling as I close my eyes and remember to breathe. He’s marked me as his. I would not have it any other way.
Chapter Ten
We find Min waiting for us in the lobby. After our bit of fun, Rich and I took a shower to clean up. What was meant to take ten minutes ended up spanning almost two hours. So, we’re just a little bit late for her.
Min smiles at me, obviously aware of the cause for our delay. If Rich’s winning grin wasn’t enough of a clue, then the deep glow on my face is. She scowls at Rich when he leans in to kiss her cheek. He laughs and does it anyway.
Considering the evening traffic, the trip to our destination does not take long. Rich drives. A beautiful hostess ushers us inside after the valet parks our car in the underground lot. Dieci is bustling with patrons. We’re led to a grand table in the heart of the restaurant that provides a great view of the city.
The waiter takes one look at our group and decides Rich is the one in charge. He informs Rich that Mr. Calloway has generously
agreed to cover our tab, then sets the menus in front of us. The first thing I notice is that none of the dishes has a price.
Rich thanks him and orders a bottle of wine to start. The waiter returns with a single glass for Rich, who takes a taste and approves. Two more glasses appear at the table.
I can’t help but marvel at Rich the entire time. He is so sophisticated, so very much at ease. He is right at home in this environment. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me, considering his upbringing. But it’s just so much at odds with the man who starts bar fights and rides motorcycles and has tattoos covering his forearms.
Rich catches me looking and shoots me a marvelous, loving smile. I grin back like an idiot. Those two smiles house an entire conversation.
“A toast!” he proposes, hoisting his wine glass high. “To the two most wonderful women in my life. Both of you never cease to amaze me. Min, I have loved you since the moment I heard your cries echo the halls of our father’s house. And Penny, let me say that the beginning of love is difficult to point out. But it’s easy to know that it has begun. I worried I would not see you again after I left Oregon. You risked everything to come to me. For that, and for so much more, I love you. And I promise you now, as I have before: I will never let you go again.”
His words are so heartfelt that I choke up. I feel my eyes become moist. I blink through the tears, smile, and whisper, “I love you, too,” as we three clink glasses.
Our food arrives soon. It is delicious. The taste, the texture, the smell—all of it is superb. Our conversation lightens after Rich’s toast. We laugh about the past we’ve shared and talk about frivolities with little meaning. It’s a glorious change of pace.
After our main meal is taken away, Min smiles and asks a question. “So, Penny, have you given any thought to what you’re going to do next?”
I take a sip of water. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, now that all this is over, you’re in control of your life again! Are you thinking of going back to school, in Oregon?”
Uncovering You: The Complete Series (Mega Box Set) Page 213
