Gilded Rose is part of the Golden Era series of later in life romances and is the second story in the More Family Dynasty where the men and women know who they want and aren’t afraid to go after it
LEVI
THE OVERCAST SKY OPENS,droppingasheetoficy,coldwaterontothestreetthemomentmyfoothitsthepavementasIexitthe car.“Sorry,sir.Wantmetograbyouanumbrella?”
I’mlostintheseaofnotificationsandwork,preparingforthebriefingsI’llreceivethenextdaywhenaloud,angry,male voice disrupts whatzenI’ve beenable to conjure. “Idemand a refund. This biscotti was too dry, and the coffee tasted like sludge.”
Thesamesweetvoicethatwelcomedmealmostthirtyminutesearlierreplies,tellinghimthatshe’ssorrybutshecan’tgive a refund whenhe drankall his coffee and ate his biscotti As I glance up, the manleans over the counter, gettinginto her personalspace.Ipushmychairbackandjumptomyfeet.Imaynotliketo people unlessitisworkorfamilyrelated,butmy momma and mysecond momma reallysister-in-law raised me to be a southerngentlemanevenifno one who knows me would ever refer to me as a gentleman. Thatmeans comingto the aid ofsomeone a woman, child, someone defenseless whenbeingpickedonbyabully.AndbulliesaresomethingIknowwell.Inthebusinessworld,I’mconsideredashark.
Before Icansayanything, the womanstraightens, givingme the firstglimpse ofher. Her strawberryblond, longhair is pulled back from her face in a messy knot, leaving her bangs to highlight the thick, dark rimmed glasses. A dishevelled appearance,notatallwhatIexpectedfromthecalm,collectedvoice “Iamtheowner Ifyou’dcometomeafteryourfirstsip or twoor your firstcouple ofbites,Iwouldhave gladlyrefundedyouor made yousomethingelse.Butas youdecidedthey weregoodenoughtoeatanddrinkintheirentirety,youwillnotbereceivingarefund Nowifyouarenotwishingtopurchase anythingelse,Ikindlyaskthatyouleavetoallowotherstomaketheirpurchases.”
Asheturnstostormoff,hemeetsmygaze.TherednessfadesintowhiteasIstare,lettingmydispleasureathisbehaviour show Iguessthat’sonemeetingoffmyscheduletomorrowalthoughitwilladdanotherasIexplaintomynephewwhywillno longerbeusingCraddockandSonsasoneofoursuppliers.
Icontinuetothecounter,staringatthewomanwhoclaimedtobetheowner There’ssomethingaboutherthatintriguesme Maybeit’sthewayshestooduptooneofCraddock’ssonsasheberatedherwhilekeepinghervoicepleasantandnotstooping to his level Or maybe it’s the factthather looks don’tmatchher voice I’d beenexpectingeither a grandmotherlyfigure someonealittleolderthanmyself oraputtogetherbusinesswomanandsheappearedtobeneitherandyetstrangelybothat once.
“Nowthatthat’sbeentakencareof” sherubsherhandstogether “whatIcangetyou?” “Acoffee.Black.Andadrybiscotti.”Shechucklesandmyinsidesflutter.Afeelingsoforeign,I’mleftdiggingdeepinto mymemorybankstonameit Butterflies? But that’s crazy! I’m closing in on sixty, not a teenager Thesuggestionisnearly laughable. Notevenmygreat-nephews getbutterflies anymore whentalkingto anattractive woman. There’s no wayit’s the cause. As she pours my coffee and removes a delicious looking biscotti from a giant glass jar, I offer my apologies for Craddock’sson’sbehaviourwhiletakingaseatatthecounter
She waves me off. “That? Don’tyouworryaboutit. He’s all barkthatone. Notlike some ofthe others thatcome here. Some ofthemhave a real bite to them, butthey’re usuallyreasonable” She shrugs “Itcomes withthe territory But, for the mostpart,peoplearenice.”Sheglancesacrossatmeandgivesmeanothersmile,makingmeweakattheknees. What the fuck is going on here? Butterflies? Weak at the knees? Have I someone been body snatched? “Likeyou.Icantellthatyouhavea meanbitewhenneeded,butyoudon’tflauntit.”
“How’dyouknow?”Herinsightmakesmecurious.Arebaristasthenewbartenders?Dopeoplepourouttheirsoulstoher, letting her see all their sides? Is that why she seems so good at reading people? I take a sip of coffee and nearly moan Whateverblendsheuses,Ineedtogetsome.It’sdark,rich,strong,andmostimportantly,smoothwithoutanybitterness.You’d almostsweartherewasmilkorcreamhidinginit,butIwatchedhermakeit Nothingwentintothemug,butthecoffee
She rests her elbows onthe counter as the doorbell tinkles inquicksuccessionas people leave,revealingtome thatthe rainhasstoppedoratleastslowedenoughforpeopletowanttoventureoutontothestreetsagain.“Whenyouwalkedin,you were clearly pissed off and needing some time alone. About five people bumped into you, cutting you off yet you never snapped at themeven though I could see your fingers balling into fists. You worked hard to keep your cool because you realizedwewerepackedinherelikesardinesandnoamountofyellingwasgoingtochangethat”
“Good?Thisisphenomenal.Idon’tknowwhathewasthinking.Dry,myass.It’sfuckingamazing.”Iwanttosmackmyself whenIreplaymywordsasshestandsandstaresatmeasifIhungthemoon Swearing? Really? How very couth of you At leastmamawasn’tstillalive,orI’dbeyankedbytheeartothekitchensinkgettingmymouthwashedoutwithsoapandwater, nomattermyage
“Really?”IliftaneyebrowasIstareather Ifthere’sonethingIknowhowtodo,it’stogetpeopletocrackwhenthey’re sittingacross the table fromme ina boardroom. Icanpull outall the little items they’re tryingto hide andsniffoutbullshit fasterthananyone.ButasIcontinuetostareather,shedoesn’tcrack.Onlyhersmilegrowswider.
“Keeptrying” She slides another cupofcoffee anda new piece ofbiscotti tome This time,it’s dark,andtakenfroma differentjar.“Peoplescarierthanyouhavetriedtogetthesecretfrommeandallfailed.”Shewinksandmyheartdoesalittle jump,makingme worryI’mfinallyhavingthe heartattackmydoctor has beenthreateningme withfor the pastfifteenyears, sayingmystresslevelswillkillme.ThiseventhoughIworkoutdailyatthegymwithapersonaltrainerandeatacleanand healthydiet for themostpart Wemayownaranchingbusiness inour portfolioofbusinesses,butItendtoeatmoretothe vegetablesideofthingsthanthemeat.
THE MAN beforemestandswithaflusteredlookonhisfaceashestaresatme.Alooksodifferent,butnolessattractivethan whenhefirstwalkedin,dressedinthattailoredsuitwithascowl onhisfaceunder hisfull headofshort,silver hair.AndI can’tdecidewhichoneIlikebetter BothmakemeweakatthekneesasIstruggletopullmygazefromhisdeep,darkeyesthat hidesomanysecrets.Eventhematchingscruffalonghischeeksandchinservestohighlighttheanglesofhisunderlyingbone structure,drawingmein He’slikeanoldervampirefromtheromancestoriesmydaughterandIreadexcepthisskinistanned Whenhe firstwalked in, I’d thoughtsomethinghappened to me. Ahallucination, thatIwas seeingfantasymade reality. Somethingthat meant those two headaches I experienced inthe tenyears since I’d left mylying, cheating, ex-husband, had obviouslybeenwarningsignsofamassivebraintumour How elsecouldhelookexactlylikehow I’dagedthemanIsaw at fifteen,talkingbusinesswithmylatefather.I’dneverheardhisnameorsaw himagain,butthatmanstarredinallmygirlish fantasies Andevensomeofmywomanlyones,too,especiallyafterditchingthedeadweightofmyex
Hechucklesandthedeeprumblesetsoffluttersinmystomach ButIpushthemawayinfavorofstudyinghowhisalmost blackeyes lightenintosomethingresemblinga smoothchocolate. “No.Inthis coffee shop. I’ve seenita few times over the yearswhenI’mintown,butIneverhadthechancetopopin.Maybehavingmytravelplansscreweduphasbeenablessingin disguise.Thesilverlininginthecloud.”Hepointsoutsidewherethesunhasfinallybrokenthroughtheclouds,bouncingoffthe glass windows of the tall, towers around us, settingthe shop awashwitha goldencolor. “Or maybe a gold liningis more accurate”
this, I would have made sure to stop by sooner. It tastes something similar to ones I had when I was much younger. And everywhereI’vegoneortravelledto,I’vesearchedforit.LittledidIknow,youhaditall along.How longhaveyouowned thiscoffeeshop?Wasn’ttherealunchplacehereatsomepoint?”
Ifthere’ssomethingIliketalkingaboutalmostasmuchasmykids,it’smyfourthandyoungestbaby,myshop.“I’veowned it for almost four years I needed something to do after my kids were all teenagers and didn’t need me around as much Apparently,Icrampedtheirstyle.”Irollmyeyes.“Iwaslookingforsomethingnewtosinkmyselfintowithallthisfreetime onmyhandsandsinceeveryonekepttellingmehowmuchtheylovedmyfamilyrecipes,Idecidedtoopenthisplace Itwas perfectasIcouldbehomeshortlyafterthekids,didn’tneedtobeopensevendaysaweek,anddidn’tneedalargespace.”
“Andyourhusbandwasokaywithlosingsometimewithyou?”
Iscoffbeforefeelingmycheeksheatup HiseyebrowraisesandthistimeIgiveintoit’smagneticpull “Nohusband Only anexwho Iwas glad to getrid off. His cheatingways helped to payfor this place. Perfectrevenge inmybooks since his businessesweren’tdoingtoowell,forcinghimtosellsomeofthem,givingmeanothergoodchunk”
“SoundslikeaperfectFU.AndI’mgladthingsaregoingbetterforyou.Now myex,isaperfectleach.Stilltryingtoget morefromme for the kids eventhoughthey’realloutontheirown Iguessshedoesn’trealizethatI’vedealtdirectlywiththem aboutfinancialstuffsincetheyeachturnedfifteen.It’swhythey’realldoingwellintheirchosenpaths.”
“Ihatewomenlikethat,”Igrowl,surprisedatthevehemenceinthesound.Butthenagain,Iknewsomanywomenlikethat inoursocialcirclewhenIwasstillmarried Itwasbredintothem,andwhateverlittleformofrebellionthey’dbeenableto takewhileinuniversitywasquicklyextinguishedwithinafewyearsofmarriage.Ajob?Whoneedsitwhenhubbysayshehas enoughtoprovideforyouanddoesn’twantyoutowork,preferringthatyoustayhomeandlookafterthekids Theonesyour in-laws probablyhired a nannyfor. Besides, wasn’titbetter to give backto the community, to help those less fortunate by goingto all those differentfundraisers, gettingto know the wives ofimportantpeople who would help raise your husband’s status? Who cared ifhe didn’treallylove you? Love was overrated. Itdidn’tputfood onthe table or keep youindesigner clothingorvacationstoexoticlocales.Onlymoneydidthosethings.Aliewetoldourselvestohelpnumbthepainfromtheshit andabusewetookfromourhusbandswhodidn’tcareforus
Aloudbeepsounds,stoppinghimmid-sentenceinhisstoryaboutoneoftherestaurantshe’dbeentoinRomeandhowthey couldlearnathingortwoaboutspaghetti fromme.I’dpulledoutoneofpreparedmeals-to-gothatwesoldattheshopafter he’d seensomeone order one, ravingabout how good it was, and heated it for himto taste. Anewer venture for the shop, havingonlybeeninsteadypracticeforjustoverayear Withsomanyyoungpeopleworkingentryleveljobsinthisarea,I’d wanted to give themthe ability to have a wholesome, home cooked meal, instead of surviving on take-out and expensive deliveryservices
“Aperfectname for you. I’mLevi.I’ve heardthatmodernwomenprefer to meetatpublic places whenmeetingwithan almoststranger,isthatwhatyou’dlike,orwouldyoupreferIpickyouup?”
“Idid.”Pennyglancesdownatherphone.“Andshesaystotellyoutostoppanicking.You’rebeingsafe,meetinghimina publicrestaurant,notgivinghimyouraddress,phonenumber,orlastname Plus,shethinkshe’shottoo,foranolderman”At thatPennylaughs,doublingover as she clutches her stomachwithone armas her fingers flyover the screenofher phone.I wanttoask,butIknowbetter PennymaybeacoupleofyearsolderthanEmma,butthetwoarethickasthievesandI’veheard someofthethingstheytalkaboutbefore.Istillbearthescars.
ThedoorsopenandmynephewCalebwaits.Hesmiles,butIseethehintofstraininitashewonderswhyI’mhere,afew weeks after we held our Board meeting back in Morecambe, Alabama, after the Presentation Ball I grin and step off the elevatorholdingmyarmsoutwide.Notmyusualapproachwhichonlyservestomakehimwarier.Athoughtthatpleasesme.I maybefifty-eightbutI’mstillBoardChairofMoreCor,aconglomerateofvariouscompaniesallcontrolledbyourfamily.I mayhavebackedoffalittle,lettingmysonandnephewsruntheircompaniesastheyseefit,butI’mnotreadytoretireandhand overthereinsjustyet.“Caleb,nephew,it’ssogoodtoseeyou.”
The nostalgia inmywords surprises me I’ve never beenone to looktowards the future and planunless itwas business related.ThereIwasblessedwithanuncannyabilitywhichhelpedexpandMoreCorintowhatitisnow,increasingourcoffers so thatthe boys mysonand nephews could all purchase or startbrand new companies innew directions, increasingour diversification. That’s not to say my older brother and father hadn’t done a great job, but neither of themsaw the need to expandpastour initial venturesinmining,ranchinginAlabama,andmarineshipping.Atthethoughtofmyolder brother, my chestconstricts He’sbeengoneforsixyears,leavingmeinthisweirdstate I’mnotcompletelyalone,betweenfriendsandmy sister-in-law,yetIfeel thatway.After all,mysister-in-law is morelikeasecondmother tomeas Iwas bornthirteenyears afterWaylonwas ItmeansI’vealwaysbeenoutofstepwitheveryoneinmyfamily Waylonlefthomeandthenstartedhisown familywhileIwasinmyearlyteens,andmynephewsareallolderthanmyownkids,butnotcloseenoughtomyagetobemy contemporaries.InevernoticedtheagedifferencesonceIturnedeighteenevenifWaylonwasinadifferentstageoflife.There wastoomuchgoingoninmyowntoletmeseeit.Butsincehisdeath,I’vebeenbeginningtofeelit.
Of all my nephews, I would never have picked Caleb to be the one to see through to my real emotions His brother Alexander,yes,ashefoundhissoulmate,thewomanwhomadehimfeellikehe’dbeenkickedinthechestbyamulelikemy brotherWaylondidwithEleanor.Butthenagain,Calebwaslikeme.Notintheagething,thatbelongedtohismuchyounger
brotherBenjaminwhowaselevenyearsyoungerthanhim.Rather,Calebwasalone,likeme,withhisonesoninhisfinalyear ofuniversity,leavinghimanemptyhomeandonlyhisworkforcompanionship.Fifteenyearsago,thewomanhemarried,was inthe middle ofleavinghimwhenshe was killed,andhe never foundsomeone whometthe mythical mule kicktothe chest thingthatrulesourfamily.
He taps his finger againsthis chinas ifhe’s thinkingaboutit,butIknow it’s a ruse.He’s alreadymade uphis mindand isn’tabouttoletmein.“Nah,IthinkIwanttopresentthisonetoyouasasurprise.You’llfindoutallatthemeeting.It’llgive usauniquestampadvantagewithinourhotelbusiness”
“That’sfine.”Irollmyeyes.Lethimkeephissecrets.I’llfindoutsoonenoughandit’snotasifIdon’thaveotherthingsto occupy my mind “Besides I’m in meetings all day tomorrow, anyway, showing my face at the different monthly report meetings.FiguredI’dtakethatoffyourhands.”IwinkasCalebputshishandstogetherinaprayerpositionandbowshishead. WhileCalebseemstohaveinheritedmyheadasabusinessvisionary,meetingsaboutmonthlyreportsforbusinessesthatare alreadywell-establisheddrive himnuts.He prefers todelegate others toattendthemfor him,skimmingtheir writtenreports instead.SoIusuallybitethebulletandstepinacoupletimesayeartokeepthemallontheirtoes.
“For doingthat, I’ll eventake yououtfor supper tonightand pay Butonlyifyoukeep your bill under fiftydollars” He winksashetossesbacktherestofhisdrink.
Hiseyebrowsrise.Beforetonight,Ican’trememberthelasttimeIturnedhimdown.Usually,it’stheotherwaywithhim alreadyhavingmealplanswitheitherafriend,colleague,orafemalecompanion yet another thing he learned from me My heartsinksatthethought.HaveIdonesomethingtokeephimfromsearchingfor thewomanwhoisperfectfor him?Hasmy disbeliefofour familystorybeenthe basis ofwhyhe’s still single? Mybrother’s boys have always lookeduptome Iwas more ofanolder brother whentheywere growingup thananuncle. And all ofthem, exceptfor Alexander, followed inmy footsteps, marrying a woman for other reasons instead of our mythical mule kick to the chest thing. All of us, except for Alexander,endedupdivorced orwidowedbutseparatedforCaleb “Awoman,uncle?That’safirst.”
“Guess Ishould letyougo and restup, old man. Heard youhad a delightful flightto the city. Whatwas it? Two public airplanesandneitherofthemeveninfirstclass.Howeverdidyousurvive?”
“THERE.YOU’RE ALL READY, MOM.”ChristyspinsmychairsoIcanlookinthemirrorandseewhatsheoptedformymake-up aftershewashedoffmyfirstattempt,tellingmeIlookedlikeIwasgoingtoafuneralinsteadofadate.
Istareatthesoft,smokyeyewithahintofglimmer,highlightingthegoldcolourinmyeyes Betweenitandwhatevershe didwiththeeyelinerandmascarahasmademyeyeslookhuge,makingthemoneofmymostprominentfeatures.AfactIlove because to me theywere always mybest feature, onlyhiddenbehind myglasses and withhow small theyare “Wow You reallyareamazing.”
“Christy!AreyouchannelingPenny?”Shelaughsatmyhorrifiedexpression Butasamom,Ineedtohavethelastword and to shockher. “Besides, youdon’thave to worryabouta sibling. Ihad mytubes tied after youand Iwentthroughearly menopausesoI’mallgoodthere.Besides,ablowjobdoesn’tgetyoupregnant.”IwinkasIsashayoutofthebathroom,leaving herstandingtherewithmouthhangingopen.
“TMI,mom.TMI.”
As Istand infrontofthe Maître D’, waitingmyturn, mystomachcramps and Ifeel the sweatbeadingonmyskinunder my dress What am I thinking? I can’t do this I’m barely holding my life together with everything that’s happening with my business. I don’t have any energy to put towards dating. Decisionmade,Iturnaround,planningtoleavewhenIhearmyname beingmutteredbyavoiceIknowalltoowell Well, fuuucccckkk Withmyexinlinewithhislatesttart,Iturnbacktothepodiumasthehostleadsoffthecoupleaheadofme. “Doyouhaveareservation?”TheMaîtreD’looksdownhisnoseatmestandingsolo IresisttheurgetosquirmorsmoothdownmydressasIstarehimintheeye.“I’mmeetingmypartyhere.It’sforLevi.” Hiseyebrowsriseashesquintsatme,makingmefeellikeI’mascrapofgumontheheelofhisshoe.“Mr.Levi?”
Another man, wearinga suit, steps forward and holds out his hand “It’s nice to meet youRose I’mPhilip, the owner You’reeverybitaslovelyasLevisaid.LetmeescortyoutotheroomI’vesetasideforyou.”
After shakinghis hand,andmurmuringmyowngreeting,hefolds myhandover his armandleads methroughthedouble glassdoorsintotheclassiestrestaurantI’veevebeenin.Individualglasschandeliershangovereverytable.Tallpottedplants andbeautiful screendividers keeptables separate while still allowingtantalizingglimpses ofthe people seatedatthem.It’s oneofthoseplaceswherepeoplecometobeseen,butnotnecessarilybotheredbythosewhoseethem
“Rose.”Levistepsforward,takingmyhandsinhis. When did I release Philip? Icouldn’tremember.Levihadsuckedme into his orbitto the pointwhere nothingelse existed. He kisses bothmycheeks before steppingback, keepinga hold ofmy hands “I’msogladyoumadeit Andyoulookabsolutelyamazing”
Releasingonehand,hepullsmetowardsthetable,makingsuretopulloutthechair.Theshowofmannersimpressesme. It’ssomethingmyexneverdid,excusinghimselfbysayingthatheknew Iwasastrong,independentwomanwhodidn’tneed help Yet,despitehissupposedAlphastatus,hestillexpectedmetoshowhimdifferentialtreatmentandrespectlikehavinga drinkreadyforhimwhenhecamehomefromwork,havingsupperonthetableataspecifictimeevenwhenheshoweduplate withoutbotheringtocallandletmeknow Sohavingthislittlepieceofrespectbegrantedtome heavenly Philippoursalittleroseintomyglass.“I’vecreatedaspecialtastingmenuforyoutonightwithmychef.Doyouhaveany foodallergiesordietaryrequirementsbeforewestart?”Ishakemyhead,awestruckatthesituation.I’vealwayswantedtodo atastingmenuthatIdidn’tplanandcookmyself Sotohaveonecreatedbyspecificallyformebyamulti-starMichelinchef and Philip, who’s world renowned for his restaurants and findingincrediblytalented chefs, is overwhelming. “Perfect.” He claps his hands andsmiles “Thenhavealittletasteofthis rosewinefromour privatevineyardinCalifornia ChefAntoine and I, alongwitha master winemaker, have created a range ofrose, white and red wines to pair specificallywithvarious ingredientsweuseinthisrestaurant Andthisistheonewecreatedtowhettheappetite Ithinkthelightpinkcolourstimulates theeyeswhilethetastestimulatesthesenses.”
Iwholeheartedlyagree withhim, butnotjustaboutthe wine. Everythingso far includingshowingupmyex has been delightful. Ican’twaitto see how the restofthe eveningturns out. Maybe itwill keep mymind offthe upcomingbusiness meetingaboutthefutureofmycompany.
LEVI
SHE MOANS as sheswallows thefirstbiteofthevegetariantrioofappetizers Philiphas pairedwiththesecondwine,afullbodiedwhite.NotthatIreallycareaboutthewineeventhoughweownpartofthevineryunder Benjamin’sMoreFarmand Ranchcompany I drinkit as needed, but the finer points are lost onme Not like Rose though She converses easilywith Philip, discussing the different notes she tastes, and I can’t stop watching the way she lights up when he compliments her palate
Mymoveflustersherasmuchasitsurprisesme.I’venevertriedthishardwithawomanbefore.I’mnotproudtoadmitit, butItreated myex-wife horribly. She wasn’tthe love ofmylife, nor eventhe love ofthe moment, butshe checked all the boxes;goodbreeding,samesocialcircle,familybusinesslikeours,andgoodlooks ItwasallIcaredabout Thatandthefact that gettingmarried meant Ino longer had to attend the meat market disguised as a PresentationBall. But withinyears, the minorcracksbecamestructuralfaultlines,andIhadn’tcared IactedwithinmymarriagelikeIdidinbusiness Iwastheboss, thisiswhatneededtohappen,andI’dmakeithappen,notcaringaboutmywife’sfeelingsatall.
Thatisn’ttosayourmarriagebreakupwasallmyfault Shecertainlycontributed,havingaffairs,nevertreatingmelikeher husbandbutonlyacashmachine.And,inhermind,ourchildrenwereherforevertickettothegoodlife,butIcutheroffwhen myyoungestturned eighteen. It’s notlike she looked after our children, sendingthemoffto boardingschool as soonas they wereoldenougheventhoughshecollectedanicecheckeachmonthto care forthem
I nod and reachacross the table, takingone of her hands inmine “I reallydo I want to know all about you Myfirst relationshipfell apartinpartbecauseIdidn’tcare.Ididn’tknow herandneverwantedto.I’mashamedtosayit’show I’ve treatedanywomanwhowasn’tabusinesscolleagueorfamily.ButIdon’twantthatwithyou.Iwanttobedifferent.”Isqueeze herhand.“Iknowitsoundsstupidandcrazysincewejustmet,butyoumakemewanttobebetter,dobetter.Whatyousaidthis afternoonmademerealizehowshallowandselfishI’vebeen.I’vebeenanassholeandproudofit.ItmademewhoIaminthe businessworld,buttalkingwithyou,hearingalittleabouthow yourextreatedyou,Isaw myself AndIneverwanttocause youthesamehurthedid.”
Shechuckles.Thetensionbleedsoutofhershouldersasshetakesadeepbreath.“I’vealwaysbeeninterestedincooking and nutrition I took Home Ec in school and then started to study nutrition in university I would have preferred to go to culinary school, but it wasn’t allowed.” She shrugs and suddenly I know more about her background than she probably realizes.Igrewupinthosesocialcirclesaswellevenifwemightnothavebeeninthesameonesfromotherthingsshe’dsaid, butsheobviouslydidn’tgrowupwonderingwherehernextmealwascomingfrom Womeninourcircleswereencouragedto gotoschool,butnottogetapracticaldegreeunlessitcouldhelptheirfuturehusband.Culinaryschoolwouldn’tbeacceptable because itwas expected thatyour spouse would be able to afford a chef, or a food service ofsome type Butnutrition, that wouldbeacceptabletoensurethatyourhusbandandchildrenwerehealthy.
“Andafter,”Iprompt
“Withnothingto do duringthe dayexceptsocializingwiththe ladies, Iwatched a lotofcookingshows onTV, spoke to variouschefsatthecountryclubwhenpeopleweren’taround,hadthemshowmeafewthings.”
“That’samazing Ilovethatyounevergaveuponsomethingyouobviouslyhaveapassionfor”Thesmiletightensonher face as her eyes cloud over. Something in my comment triggered her and I need to know what the issue is. A feeling of protectivenessthatI’veonlyeverfeltformychildrenandextendedfamily exnotincluded risesinme
“Thankyou.IjustwishIknewhowlongitwouldlast.”There’sfear,butalsoalittleangerinhervoicethatworriesme.If it’sabusinessissue,thenIcanandwillhelpbecauseshe’sobviouslyputherheartandsoulintoit.Theevidenceofthatwas plainto be seenthis afternoon. And ifit’s not business related, but health, thenI’ll find her the bestdoctors. She deserves happiness after everythingher exputher through. Ifmyexshowed halfthe strengthand compassionand remorse thatRose does,I’ddothesameforher,butthat’snotthecase ItmeansIhavenoreservationsaboutshowingthiskindof love? to RosewhenIneverdiditformysupposedwife.
“What do you mean?” Unable to resist not touching her despite my earlier comments about pretending we’re just old friends, I reachacross the table, takingher hand inmine. “Is there somethingI canhelp with? Youknow” I wink “I’m knowntobeaprettygoodbusinessguy.”
“Isthatright?”shesassesback,andI’mrelievedtoseesomeofthefearandconcernrecedingfromhereyes.Ismirk.She hasn’t said anything, so I don’t know ifshe knows who Ireallyam, but now isn’t the time to tell her. I’mactuallykind of enjoyingthefactthatthatsheseemsnottoknow ItmakeswhatI’mfeelingsomuchmorereal AfeatthatIhaven’tfeltinyears UsuallyeveryoneknowswhoIamandwantssomethingfromme.
Whenher shouldersrelax,loweringfromtheir spotnear her ears,andshenods,afeelingofsatisfactionandreliefflows throughme Butit’s whenshe thanks me andbegins to tell me her problems thatIbegintofeel proud andhumbled thatI’ve gainedhertrustalready.
NowIjustneedtoprovemyselfworthyofit
ROSE
MY MOUTH IS MOVING, telling Levi about how some major conglomerate is pressing me to sell while my brain rebels, wonderingwhyI’msharingpersonalissueswithamanIjustmet.Butnothingaboutthishasbeennormal.Idon’tacceptdates andneverfromstrangers NordidIeverfeelthiscomfortablewithsomeonesosoon Trustishardforme Itrustedmyexfor fartoolong.Itrustedmyparentswiththeirinputintomylife.Itrustedmygirlfriends.Andnoneofthosesituationsworkedout. MyparentssteeredmeawayfromthecareerIwantedandintothearmsofamanwhoabusedmeemotionally Mygirlfriends chosetobetrayourfriendshipsbysleepingwithmyex,allwhilepretendingtobeshockedwhenItoldthemIwassurehewas cheatingonme.Andmyex,well,heneedsnoexplanationaswhyheruinedmytrustinmenandinmyself.
So,definitelynotanormalsituation
“But didn’t yousaythat the moneyyoureceived, fromthe divorce, youpurchased the business? Unless youhave other loans,telltheconglomerateit’snotforsale”
IchewontheinsideofmybottomlipasIwonderhowtoexplainthattheyhavemeoverabarrel.Howtheyknow,Ihaven’t gotaclue,buttheydoandthey’reusingittotheiradvantage Themainportionoftheshopbringsinalittleprofit,butkitchen renovationstoallowforthepreparedmealscostmorethanIhad.Thenthesmallcoffeefarmco-operativesupplierwasunder threatfromdevelopers.Icouldn’tstandbyandwatchalltheirfamilylivesbedestroyedsoIinvestedinthem.Butnoneofthe banksIapproachedwouldhelpme Ididn’thaveanycredittomynamethankstomyexandmybusinesswastoonewforthem tofullyconsidertheprofitwhentheymadetheirdetermination.Withnootherchoice,Iwenttoabusinesscolleagueofmyex’s who’dalwaysspoketomelikeaperson Heloanedmethemoney;Ijustdidn’tknowitcamewithstrings Iopenandclosemymouthrepeatedlybeforereachingformynewlyrefilledglass.Swallowingalargemouthful,Ipraythe wordscome Fromhisskilledquestioningandhisowncomments,Iknow he’sgoodwithbusiness Hemightbeabletohelp, butatthe same time, revealingmynaivetyand foolishness to himscares me. For years myexbelittled me, tellingme Iwas stupid,thatIcouldn’tdoanything.Thisbusinesswastobemyvindication,mywayofprovinghimwrong.Yetallit’sdoneis provehimright Ishouldhaveknownthatthemoneywouldcomewithstrings Anyonewould Hesqueezesmyhand,pullingmefrommythoughts.WhenIdon’tlookup,hereachesacrossthetable,andusingthesideof hisfinger,heliftsmychinuntilI’mstaringhimintheeye “Whateveritis,youcantellme Iwon’tjudge Andifit’scriminal, I’llfindyouthebestlawyersandhelphidethebodies.”
“Ididborrowmoney.”IholdupmyfreehandtostophimfrominterruptingmeasIclutchtightertohisfingers.Thiswillbe hard enoughto saywithout himinterruptingme all the time. I explainwhyI borrowed the moneybefore myvoice catches again Itakeasteadyingbreathbeforetellinghimtherest “So,whenthebanksturnedmedown,Iwenttoacolleagueofmy ex’swhoIknew wouldhelp.Andhedid…butnow he’smakingdemands.DemandsIdon’twanttopay.IfIdon’t,thenhe’s callingintheloan AndI’llloseeverything”
IliftmyglasstomylipsasIwaitforLevitosaysomething.Heremainsquiet,butIcantellhisbrainiswhirling,putting the pieces together and probably coming up with the stuff I left unsaid. With each breath, I begin to panic. Why isn’t he speaking? Does he agree with my ex? Craptastic I knew this was a bad idea
As Igo to stand, he tightens his grip onmyhand and his gaze clears. “Thenwe’ve gotour workcutoutfor us to find a solutionwhereyoukeepyourbusinesses,becausethere’snowayI’mlettingyoulosethemevenifIhavetoloanyouthemoney myself.”
“Youcan’tdothat Ican’tacceptyourmoney”
“Youcanandyouwill.”Iopenmymouthtoprotestbutheplaces his fingers over mylips,keepingmequiet.“Butwe’ll saveitforalastoption,okay?”
Inodasmybreathcatches.Insteadofremovinghisfingers,heusesthemtotracemylipsashiseyesdarken.Heatpoolsin mybodyasifI’mexperiencingalong-forgottenheatflash.MygazeistrappedinhisandIstruggletobreathe.It’snotjusthis touch or his gaze but also his attitude that lights the fire inside me No one has ever taken my side before outside of my children.Everyonealwayswantssomethingfortheirhelp,butnothimandit’saheadyfeeling.
“Nonsense,” Philip protests as he fills my glass “I insist It’s the least I can do for thanking you for gracing my establishmenttonight.Ican’ttellyouhowmuchfunI’vehad.Youwillalwayshaveatablehereinthefuture.”
“Thankyou,” Imurmur to the waiter as Isavor the scentofthe mushroomsauce coveringthe slices offiletmignon. The slicedvegetablesontheplateareamedleyofcolors,bringinghappinesstomyheartandpushingoutthoseliesplacedthereby manyofthepreviouspeopleinmylife.
After theyhave us all sorted, and withwords to enjoy, Philip and the waiter leave, and I’malone againwithLevi. This timeitisn’tascomfortableasithadbeen.Toomuchhasbeensharedbyme…andit’sweird.AddinthealmostmomentandI don’tknowhowtoreact Thankfully,Levidoes
It’sthesamethat’sonmyplate,buttheintimacyofhisactionmakesmeopenmymouth,allowinghimtofeedmethebite Mylips close around it. Flavor explodes inmymouthas the butterysteakmelts onmytongue, mixingwiththe sauce. The lingeringhintofblueberriesfromthewineaddsabrightnote.“Mmmm.Soooogood.”
As myeyes slide beginto shut to enjoythe mouthful, I catchhis eyes darkening, sendingthose excitingshivers of heat throughmeagain.Butit’swhenhelickshimbottomlipthatanothermoanescapes.I’mnolongerabletostoplookingathim. He’scapturedmycompletegazeasheleansclosertome
“You’vegotalittlesomethinghere.”Therough,grittinessofhisvoicehasmemeltingevenasIsitlikeastatue,unmoving as his finger slides across mylips As Icontinuetowatch,hesucks his finger andmoans Thesoundshoots throughme My breathrushesoutwithawhoosh.“Delicious.”
“Oh,isitthatgood?Thefood”Iseethehintofachallengeinhiseye Withoutgivinganythoughttowisdomofmyactions, Icopyhis, ignoringhis inuendo exceptfor the blushthatIknow coats mycheeks. Ihold myforkoutto himas he opens his mouth Whenhis tongue pokes outfirstto taste the food before he wraps his lips around it, Ishuffle inmyseat, needingto relievetheache.Andwhenhelickshislips,ashisbodymeltsandhiseyesrollatthetaste,Ibitemylowerliptokeepfrom whimpering.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me I’ve never been this turned on before even with no clothes on So, sitting in a restaurant,eatingfood,drinkingwineshouldn’tbemakingmefeelthiswayevenifitiswithoneofthehottestmenI’veever seen
“I,uh…”Hegivesmeanodwithasweetsmiletoencourageme.Givingin,Ispill.“Idon’tknowifteenageguyseverdid this,butpreteenandteengirlsusedtomakeabigdealabouttouchingsomethingwiththeirlipsthattheircrushdid ” “Doesthatmeanyouhaveacrushonme?”Hiseyestwinkleastheydartfrommyfacetomyforkandback Heat burns my cheeks. By this point, I’m praying that the foundation makeup my daughter put on me along with the concealeraredoingtheirjob Ifnot,he’sgoingtothinkthere’ssomethingwrongwithmefromhowoftenmycheeksturnred I didn’tevenknowIcouldblushthismuch.YetfromsomewheredeepinsidemeaboldnesseruptsasIwinkathim.“Maybe.” Igobacktoeatingmyfoodashelaughs “I’llletyouinonalittlesecret Imightjusthaveabigcrushonyou,too” Afterthat,wesettledownandcontinueoursmall-getting-to-know-youtalkaswefinishthemealwithanincredibledessert pairedwithaCanadianicewine.AsLevileadsmetowardthebackentrance,IstoptokissPhilip’scheeks,thankinghimforan amazingmealandexperience Hedoesn’tletmegountilIpromisetobebackandsoon
Idon’tknowwholeansinfirst,butthenextinstanceourlipsarepressedtogether.Kissing.ThefirstmanI’vewillinglylet touchme since mydivorce Andlike the night,it’s amazing His lips are a combinationofsoftandstrongas theyslide over mine, teethnibblinga little onmybottomlip until Iopenenoughfor himto slide his tongue in. Fireworks go offbehind my eyelidswitheachstroke When did I close my eyes?
Before he’s evenfinished talking, I’mnoddingmyhead. Idon’twantthis feelingto end. He smiles atmyeagerness, but doesn’tsayanything,choosingtoplaceasweetkissonmyforeheadbeforereleasingme,urgingmetogoinside YetasIliein mybed,achingwithanunfulfilledneed,Ican’thelpbutwishthathehadn’tbeenquitesuchagentleman.
LEVI
“YOU
’RE FAR TOO CHIPPER tobefacingeighthoursofback-to-backmonthlyupdatemeetings.”Calebsmirksashehandsmea cup of coffee, brewed fromthe machine built into the wall inhis well appointed, but smallishkitchenette. Whenhe’d first purchasedthishotelonMaddisontobecometheflagshipofMoreHospitality,heconvertedthemassivepenthousesuitetothe needsofthefamilyandhisowndwelling,givingusaspacetocallourownevenifweusedoursmallapartmentsinfrequently. “Musthavebeenagreatnight DoIneedtomakeanothercupofcoffee?”
Iglareatthefauxinnocenceonhisface.Ineverbringwomenbacktomysuite,preferringtouseastandardhotelroomfora tryst,andhewell knew that.Refusingtogiveintohistaunting,Ichangethetopic.MyconversationwithRosecirclinginmy mind “Hey,doyouknowanylocalbusinessmenwhomightbeintheloansharkingbusinessormightbewillingtotakeunfair advantageofwomen?”
“Please.”Idrainmymugbeforeplacingitnexttohis,knowingthemaidstaffwillcleanitup.Aswemakeourwaydown tothecar,IremembermyinteractionwithCraddock’ssonatRose’s SomethingIforgottotell Levi sincemymindhadbeen clouded with thoughts of seeing her again. As we settle into the leather backseats of the chauffeured town car, I bring up CraddockandSons “What’syourmeetingaboutbecauseImighthavehadalittlerun-inwithoneofhissonsyesterday?” Calebgrimaces.“Theheir?”Inod.“Yeah,that’saconcern.Ifoneofhisyoungersonsweregoingtotakeoverthebusiness, Iwouldn’tworrysomuch,butitseemslikehe’swantingtofollowtheoldways.Twoofhissonshavealreadylefttostarttheir owncareers indifferentareas while the youngestis still inschool. It’s one ofthe things I’d planned to gentlybringup with him.”
Itrytolookoffended,butIcan’t He’sspeakingtruthsinceIonlytendtointerferewhenIseesomethingthat’sgoingtogo horriblywrongor is dangerous. “True, but youknow Ionlyhave our best interests at heart and stayingwiththemafter the behaviourIwitnessedyesterday,that’sano-goforme.”
Withmyheadrestingagainsttheseatback,Itellhimthewholesordidencounter,leavingoutRose’snameandthenameof thebusiness Forsomereason,I’mnotreadyshareherwithanyonejustyet “Yeah, I’d heard rumours, but nothing I could substantiate. No one was willing to speak about his threats, knowing he probablyhadthepowertofollowthrough Nowthatyou’veseenitinaction,they’redone Wecan’tbeassociatedwiththose typesofbusinesspractices.It’sonethingtotakeoverabusinessordothingstothemwhenthey’renotactingabovethelaw,but it’sanotherthingtothreatenaninnocent’sbusinessandlivelihoodforhisownselfishandpersonalgain.”
Withnothingto keep me occupied I prefer to go into the monthlyreview meetings withanopenmind I pull out my phoneandtextRose.AsmilelightsupmyfaceasIrereadthemessageshe’dsentmethenightbefore,thankingmeagainforthe evening Thatfirstmessageledtoaslewofothersfilledwithinnuendos,longings,anddesire Theyweren’tquiteatthelevel ofwhatmygreat-nephewslabelled sexting buttheywereclose.Likeateenager,I’dhadtotakemycockinhandtorelievethe pressure despite wanting to hold off my orgasmfor the increased pleasure fromdelayed gratification. Using my thumbs, I quicklytypeamessage
Levi: Driving in the back of a car and wishing you were here with me I’d be a teenager again and ask you to go parking
Before she responds notthatIexpected her to since this time ofthe morningwould be some ofher busiesttimes with everyonerushingfromhometoworkandneedingtheircaffeinefixplussomefoodtofueltheirmindsfortheday oratleast untiltheirnextfix thecarpullstoastopinfrontofourbuilding.AsIexit,Ican’tstopmyselffromstaringacrossthestreetat her shop Throughthe windows, all I cansee is a wall of people The door is almost revolvingfromthe steadystreamof peopleenteringandexiting.Mygutclenches.Thisshopisobviouslywellloved.Ican’tseeitbeingtakenfrombelowherfeet.
The momentIstep onto the conference roomfloor, I’mwhisked awaywithbarelya momentto letCaleb know thatI’ll checkinwithhimwhenIcan Andforthenexttwohours,factsandfiguresflyatme,provingthatCalebhasinheritedmyhead forbusiness.That’snottosaythathisbrothersandmysondon’thavetheMidastouchaswell,butCaleb’sastepabovethem.
Istifleachuckle,raisingeyebrowsaroundthetableandfromthemanagerpresenting.Inhishead,I’msurehe’swondering whathesaidthatIthoughtwasfunnyandisrapidlyrepeatingeverynumberhesaidtomakesurehedidn’tmakeamistake.I wavemyhand,motioningforhimtocarryon I’mnotabouttoexplainmyself,notwhenI’mking of the hill
Levi: For you? It’s never to late
Levi: What I’d give for one of your mediocre coffees and dry biscotti right now Don’t know where our coffee came from but it’s putting me to sleep, and the baked goods are sucking the sugar from me.
Rose: Lol And it’s not like you have any sugar to spare.
Levi: Wow Ashot right to the heart
Levi: But you ’ re right Most people would say there’s no sugar in me.
Rose: And they’d be wrong because you showed me plenty of sugar
Myheartthumps inmychestand like the Grinch, near the end ofthe story, Iswear itgrows a few sizes larger Athroat clears, pulling my attention frommy phone. Everyone at the table is staring at me, questioning what’s wrong. I guess my behaviourisalittleoffformeconsideringI’vebarelyaskedasinglequestionduringthevariouspresentationsandnowtohave zonedoutforthepastfewminutes It’scompletelyunlikeme,butthat’swhatRosedoestome Shecompletelyoverwhelmsme, takingtopprecedenceinmythoughts.YetIhaveareputationtouphold.Ican’thavethemthinkingI’vegonesoft.
Themanagerswallowsassweatbeadsonhisforehead. Thought I wasn’t paying attention, huh? Theurgetogloatathis reactionistampeddowntightly,notwantingpeopletoknow thatthisiswhatmakesthesemeetingfunsfor me Imean,Ican figureouttheanswerbasedonmyknowledgeabouthow employeeexpenseswon’tbeashighsincesomeemployeeswillbe trainingthenewonesandtheycomefromotherresortswhowillcovertheirsalary Addtothat,thebonuswe’llbegettingfrom theselectedtravelagenciesweofferedexclusivebookingpackagesto.Thesamewithsomecharterairlinessinceweweren’t inthepassengerbusinessyet.That’swheretheextraprofitswill comefrom,butIwanttoseehow well heknowswhathe’s presenting
KeepingmyfaithinCaleb’s abilityto surround himselfwiththe bestand the brightest, after takinga momentto collect himself, the manager spouts offall the points inmyhead, includingthe amounts Igive a slightjerkofmychinto show my approval asCaleb’sright-handmanstandsandsuggestswebreakfor thecateredlunch.How theymanagedtosetupalunch withlessthanaday’snotice,I’mnotsure,butitprovesthatCaleb’sstaffistopnotch ItalsomeansIwon’tbeabletosneak outtoseeRosewhichfrustratesme.
Astheroomemptiesaroundme,ImessageRoseback.
Levi: No sugar from me or for me for lunch. They catered in. Acommand performance.
Levi: I miss looking at your beautiful face Send me a picture to help ease my plight?
Rose: Miss seeing you too Only if you reciprocate
Levi: If you insist
Ihitacoupleofbuttons,holdmyphoneup,andsnapaselfie awordIneverthoughtI’dsay,letalonethinkabout.And usingtheskillsmyyoungesttriedtoteachme,IhitacoupleoffilterstochangeoutthebackgroundsinceInevercheckedtosee ifthere was anyproprietaryinformationdisplayed behind me. NotthatI’d worryshe’d share or sell anything, butitwas a smarthabittoalwaysemploy.Oncefinished,Isendthephotoandeagerlyawaithers.
Levi: You’re beautiful. Meet me tonight? I’ve got to see you
Rose: Okay. Where?
Levi: My place? I’ll provide supper I just want to be selfish and keep you all to myself.
Levi: Plus, it gives us a quiet, secure place to talk about your “problem”
Rose: I guess I can do that I’ll need the address though so I can let my daughter know where I’ll be.
Levi: That’s fine because I need something from you
Rose:
Levi: I need the name of the man you borrowed money from.
Rose:
ROSE
THE ELEVATOR DINGS,rampingupmyanxietyasthedoorsopentoawide-openspacethatlookslikesomeone’sliving. A living room! In a hotel! I’mdefinitelyoutofmycomfortzone. And thatdoesn’teventake into accountthatI’mstandingina hotel ownedbymyenemy ItmakesmewonderevenmorewhatMr More CalebfromwhatIlearnedwhenhelaststeppedintomy shop wants withmytinyshop.It’s notlike hotels don’talreadyhave coffee shops inthem.Nor is myshopnear anyofhis hotelstobeencompetition ItmakesmewonderwhyLeviishere Inthisplace Isheworkingforthem?
Hepullsmefromtheelevatorandintohisarms Hislipsbrushmineinasoftkissthathasmemeltingagainsthimdespite my misgivings. When he pulls back, I’mweak-kneed and fuzzy brained, following himquietly as he leads me through the seatingareatooneofthefardoorsthat’sproppedopen “WelcometomyhumbleabodewhenI’minthecity”
Istepinsideasmaller,homierroom.IfyoucansaythataboutaroomfilledwithwindowsthatlookoutovertheNewYork skyline There’sasmallsittingarea,adiningtablesetfortwo,andasmallkitchenette Adoorinthefarwallisn’tcompletely shut, allowingme to see a portionofthe bed. This room, windows and penthouse status aside, reminds me ofanupper end suiteinanormalhotel.Theknowledgerelaxesme,easingupmyfear,butstill,Ineedtoaskthequestionevenifthepossible answerscaresme “L-Levi,whydoyouhavearoomhere?”
Asighleavesmylipsandmyshouldersdroop I’dworriedforahotminutethatCalebwasusingLevitogainanedgein ournegotiations.NegotiationsbecauseIcouldn’tseeawayoutofnotlosingmybusiness.RalfhadphonedmethiseveningasI was dressing, tellingme how Ineeded to be readyto be his “armcandy” atanupcomingcharityball. Ifthathad beenit, I wouldhaveagreedwithoutissue,buthemadesuretoinformthatIneededtobepreparedtospendthenightwithhim Andhe hadthenervetotellmehowIhadtowaxmyself.Ilovemybusinessbutnotenoughtowhoremyselfout.Ialreadylivedthat waywithmyexbecausehetreatedmethatway
He slides a file towards me “This is the informationIwas able to find aboutRalf You’re notthe firstpersonthathe’s strongarmed. Mostofthe others have become fronts for launderingmoney. He’s probablyunder investigation, butno one’s beenabletopinanythingonhimduetothecontractshemakesyousign There’salsoapenaltyclausethathekeepshiddenand obscured,butmysourcehassaidthattopurchaseoutwhatyouowe,you’reprobablylookingintherealmoffourtofivetimes whatyouborrowedplusagagordersothatyoucan’tevertalkaboutit.Infact,ifheknewyoutoldme,he’dtrytogoafteryour business. Not that I’d let him, but he’d try. And he’d interfere with your ability to deal with the company that’s trying to purchaseyourbusiness.”
Before I can say a word, he yanks me up into his arms, kissing me with all the fear he professed and the passion he expressedoverthephone.Thewayhewindshishandintomyhair,controllingthemovementofmyheadshouldsetoffalarm bellsandsirens Afterbeingundersomeoneelse’scontrolforsolong,I’dvowedtoneverputmyselfbackinthatsituation,but thisfeelsdifferent.Thisfeelsright.Hemightbeexertinghisdominance,butIknow thatifIweretoevenstiffeninhishold, he’dstopandbackoff I’mreallytheonewiththepowerhere
He forces mymouthopen, shovinghis tongue inside until I’malmostgagging. Butwhenhe tries to pull backa little, to softenthekiss,Igrasphisheadandholdmetome Whenhe’sfillingallmysenses,makingmefeelnothingbuthisbodyand mine,lettingmesmellnothingbuthisclean,spicyscent,forcingmetotastethebitternessofhisearliercoffee,I’mnotthinking aboutmyproblems.I’mnotthinkingabouthowI’mlosingmybusiness.I’mnotworriedaboutwhatI’mgoingtodonext.
“Make me forget.” Once those words leave mylips, Idon’tstop. Others containingsome ofmydeepestfears spill out. “Makemefeelalive,wanted.Makemefeelworthy.”
“Ah, love. I can do that. I can make you forget everything but that fact that you’re alive, worthy, and most definitely wanted”Ashespeaks,helowersthezipperonmydress,lettingthecoolerairhitmyoverheatedskin,makingmeshiverand mynipples tighten. Or maybe that’s justmyresponse to his moanas he helps mydress to slip downmybody, revealingmy somewhat saggy breasts and all the silvery stretch marks covering the small, soft pouch below my belly button “You’re gorgeousandIcan’twaituntilyou’remine.”
Islidedownhisbody,lettingmyhairbrushoverhisskinasIheadtowardmyprize Itstandstallandproud,abeaconof pleasure thatbegs for me to taste. Withone swipe, his hands grip me, pullingme up. As Igo to protest, he silences me by flippingmeontomybackbeforeslidingintome,fillingme It’sbeensolongthatittakesmybreathawayasItakeasecondto adjustto the feeling.Butonce Ido, I’murginghimon,wantingitharder, faster.He complies. In.Out. Kiss. Lick.Itall runs together,drivingmehigherandhighertoapointwhereIknowthatonelittletouchwillsendmehurtlingovertheedge
Headjustshisposition,sittinguponhislowerlegs,raisingmylowerlegsuptohiships,tiltingmypelvis.Ilaysplayedout before him, able to see the raw lustand desire inhis eyes. He reaches betweenus, playingmyclit… and that’s the nudge I need FireworksgooffbehindmyeyesasIcryout Mybreathcatchesasmymusclesspasm Ifeelhisreleaseandhearhiscry ofmynamebeforeI’mgatheredinhisarms.
I’mspared the need to respond withanythingmore thana nod as Caleb’s second-in-command clears his throatfromhis positionatthe lectern “After extensive marketresearch, discussions withlarge corporations, and watchingthe various new lawscomingintomajorcitiestoregulateshort-term,non-hotelrentals,we’vediscoveredagrowingneedforresidentialhotels thatfeellikehomes We’dalreadypurchasedacoupleofcondobuildingsthatwereinfinancialdifficultyinareasthatwould bebestforbusinesspeople closetopublictransportation,closetorestaurants withtheideaofturningthemintohotels.But therenovationcosts turningapartmentsinmultiplehotelrooms wascostprohibitive.”
Ashecontinuedtotalk,myamazementgrew Residentialhotelswereprobablyfineforaweekortwo,butanythinglonger and people started to go stir crazy. Most of themwere one room, plus a bathroom, which meant you never had any place differenttogo Theirkitchenetteswereusuallybasicandwhattheysuppliedorofferedvariedfromplacetoplace Shortterm rentalshadofferedhigher-endbusinesspeopleanewwaytohandlethoselongerstays.Acondowasmorecomfortablethana hotelroom Butwithsomanypeopleracingtoselltheircondosbecausetheycouldn’tleavethememptywhiletheywaitedfor longer-termbusinessrentals,thecondooptionwasnolongerfeasibleandresidentialhotelsneverkeptupwithrenovationsor theyclosedsincethey’dbeenlosingmoney.
Enter Caleb’s planto offer those longer-termrentals for higher end businesses and since itwas also doublingas a hotel withahotellicense,hecouldalsooffershorttermrentalsforthosewhodidn’twanttostayinatraditionalhotel.
Aftertheoverviewpresentationsconcludedandwebrokeforlunch,IpulledCalebaside,congratulatinghim “Thisisvery forward thinking. Aperfectwayto increase hotel space withoutall the cost. And withcondo prices fallinginareas where peopledon’treallywanttoliveandraisechildren,it’sperfect.”
Anew personstood atthe lecternwhenwe returned. She discussed how the lower-level condos those onthe firstand second floor would be converted to typical hotel amenities if they weren’t already present, including enlarging existing exerciseroomfacilities.Butthenshewentfurther.“Manyoftheseareasareinfooddeserts,meaningtherearen’tanygrocery stores close by We’ll offer that Theywon’tbe bigor fullystocked, more like a convenience store butfor health-conscious peopleforthoseitemstheyneeduntiltheyreceiveagrocerydelivery somethingwe’llalsoprovide.”
Withthis firstlull, inour jampacked day, Ipull outmyphone to message Rose, whenIhear her gasp “Thankgoodness you’rehere,Levi.Iwasn’tsureifyou’dmakeitwhenIdidn’thearbackfromyou.”
“Rose?” Istand, wrappingher inmyarms Completelyunprofessional ofme, butthe need to touchher is overwhelming whenwe’vebeenapartforafewhours.Andafterlastnight,theneedisonlygreater.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
IlooktoCalebwho’swearingabemusedlookonhisface.“Uncle,youdidn’ttellmeyouknew ” Idon’tneedtohear the restbecause ithits me Caleb,andbyinference me,is the one behindthe offer for her business Shhiiiitttt.
ItrytotellherIdidn’tknow,butRosecompletelyignoresme,movingtoanopenchairoutofmydirectlineofsight,buton theoppositesideofCalebandI.Nowondershe’dbeenonedgewhentheelevatordooropenedlastnightandthereasonfor herquestionaboutwhyIwasthere HadIrealized,Iwouldhavetoldherthetruth,insteadofonlygivingherapartialone I wasenjoyingmyanonymitytoomuchtoexplainwhoIreallywas.I’dwantedtowaituntillater,untilIknewshewouldn’trun awaybeforeimpartingthatinformation,butallmygoodintentionswerefornaught.Mydelaymayhavesentherpacking.
