Chapter 15

 

“I missed you,” Alex says. He leans towards me, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. It’s Monday morning, and we’re heading to the Cosmo Hotel site.

“I missed you, too,” I reply, thinking how happy I am to see him. I was actually glad the weekend was over, knowing I would see Alex on Monday morning.

We arrive to the site and see a structure that looks close to completion. Walls are up, windows are in place, stairs are in, and a concrete floor has been laid. Sam, the project manager, greets us as we walk towards the building. Alex and I don our hard hats and boots before we enter.

“You look sexy in your hard hat,” Alex whispers in my ear, his hand grazing my back. We follow behind Sam, trying to listen as he gives us tour.

“Thank you, Mr. McCall,” I whisper back, a slight grin playing on my lips.

Sam turns around, eyes us slightly, before turning back around and continuing with the tour.

Later, as we leave the site, I turn to Alex and ask, “Are you happy with progress, Mr. McCall?”

“Oh yes, Miss Harris, I’m very happy with progress,” Alex says, grinning.

 

 

“I have a surprise for you, Katherine.” Alex swivels around in his office chair, closing his laptop. It’s three o’clock Thursday afternoon. We’ve both been swamped with phone calls and paperwork for the hotel, which is typical. The closer the hotel gets to completion, the more intense the workload. Alex has spent much of the week at the actual site, overseeing the construction progress, and speaking with Sam. I’ve been mostly in the office, scheduling meetings with interior designers and finalizing choices for fixtures and fittings.

“A surprise?” I question, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, a surprise. I won’t be coming in tomorrow.” He pauses, and then says, “And I’d like you to leave work early, at noon.”

I was floored. “Wait, let me make sure I’m hearing you correctly. You won’t be coming to the office tomorrow, and you want me to leave at lunch? What about all the work we still have on the Cosmo?”

“It can wait. And yes, I want you to leave early tomorrow. You’re under strict orders,” he says, grinning. “I have something special planned.”

My heart skips a beat, and I walk over to the office windows, taking a moment to gather my thoughts.

Something special, he says. This should be interesting.

“Okay. But will you at least give me something, a hint?”

Alex shakes his head, still grinning, clearly enjoying this. “No. But, I will tell you this - I’ll collect you tomorrow at two o’clock, sharp. Pack a bag for the weekend. Oh, and bring a swimsuit.”

He walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Or not,” he whispers in my ear, nibbling on my earlobe. I giggle, leaning against him.

“Two o’clock sharp, you say?”

“Two o’clock sharp.”

“Alright. You’d better not be late,” I say, turning around to face him, playfully tugging on his tie.

“Oh, I can assure you, Miss Harris, I won’t be.”

 

 

The following morning flies by in a blur. I take care of everything I need to do, making sure to tie up all loose ends before I leave for the weekend.

I wonder what he’s got up his sleeve. The anticipation of what’s to come only fuels my desire for Alex.

I make my way to the front door, passing Sandra on the way out. “Have a nice weekend,” I call out, unable to keep from smiling.

“What? You’re leaving?” she asks, a note of surprise in her voice.

“Yeah, I thought I’d leave early today, you know, get an early start on the weekend.” I hope she doesn’t push for more information. I don’t want to lie to Sandra, but I was not going to tell her anything about Alex and me. I knew she would be concerned, and frankly, it’s no one’s business.

“Oh. Well, that’s great,” she says, clicking her pen. “You know, Dean asked about you the other night, wanted me to tell you he says hello.”

“Really? Tell him I said hi and I hope he’s doing well.”

“I’ll do that. So, big plans for the weekend?” Sandra asks.

“Not really,” I shrug, hoping I sound nonchalant. “Don’t stay too late, I’ll see you Monday.” I give her a hug goodbye, and hurry out the door.

 

 

Just as he said, Alex arrives at two o’clock sharp. I’m zipping up my bag, and my cell jingles with the sound of a text from Alex, letting me know he’s arrived. I punch in the code to the front lobby door, allowing him entrance into the building. A few moments later, a soft knock on the door. I stand on my tippy toes, looking through the peephole. It’s Alex. I open the door and come face to face with him, in all of his British gorgeousness. He’s dressed casually in dark jeans, a polo shirt, and aviator sunglasses. Sex radiates from him, hitting me in full force. I want to rip his shirt off right there and devour him.

He smiles seductively, removing his shades. “Hello.”

“Hi,” I respond. We lock eyes, both unable to tear our gaze away from one another. No other man has ever had this kind of effect on me.

“Please, come in,” I say, opening the door, trying to compose myself. Alex strides in, glancing around. He eyes are drawn to the windows, the view of the courtyard in full display.

Oh God. What am I doing bringing him here? He’s used to penthouse suites with views of the city, not a shabby little flat with a view of a courtyard.

“I know it’s not the penthouse, but its home,” I say self-consciously.

Alex turns towards me, immediately sensing my discomfort. “It’s lovely, Katherine. I know it’s not the penthouse – its better.” He draws me to him, embracing me in his arms. He pulls back, looking deep into my eyes, and says, “It’s better because it’s your home.”

I nod, realizing I have no reason to feel ashamed. “Thank you.”

“Okay, let’s go,” Alex says enthusiastically, bending down to pick up my bag.

We leave my flat, and I expect to see Antonio waiting patiently in a Range Rover or a Mercedes. Nope. Parked outside is a black convertible vintage Porsche. My jaw drops. Two words come to mind – vintage and amazing.

“You like it?” Alex asks, smiling, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Do I like it? Are you kidding me?! I love it!” I squeal with delight. He opens the door for me, and I slide into the Porsche, grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s a 356B Cabriolet,” Alex explains, as he expertly maneuvers the Porsche onto the A40, heading northwest. The car glides smoothly along, obviously in impeccable condition.

“This car is really something,” I remark, inspecting every inch of the gleaming, spotless interior. “My father and brothers would go crazy for this car.”

“Oh really? They have an interest in vintage cars?” Alex asks curiously.

“They have an interest in cars, period. Any and all cars. My dad used to repair cars on the side. Kind of a hobby, really.”

“Perhaps one day I’ll have the opportunity to meet your family,” Alex replies. He glances at me, smiling, wearing his aviator shades, the wind blowing in his hair.

“Perhaps,” I respond lightly, a small smile playing on my lips. I slide my hand into his, squeezing gently.

We continue to travel along the A40, driving farther away from London. The scenery gradually transitions from city life to countryside – quaint villages, green pastures, and wooden fences along the motorway. I lean back in my seat, inhale the sweet scent of fresh, clean air. It reminds me of home.

I think about asking Alex where exactly we’re going, but decide against it. I’m enjoying the drive, his company, and this moment. Wherever he’s taking me, I’ll gladly follow.

 

 

An hour later we decide to stop and grab a bite to eat. We find a restaurant just off the motorway, The Plough, a family style restaurant. We dine outdoors, enjoying the warm summer weather. Alex orders two plates of fish and chips, both of us starving. After polishing off the most delicious, freshest fish and crispy chips, Alex picks up the desert menu.

“Do you fancy some spotted dick?” Alex asks, smiling broadly, after our plates have been cleared away.

“Excuse me, what?” I ask, almost choking on my water. I must have misunderstood. Spotted dick?? I’m afraid to ask.

“Spotted dick,” he says with a straight face.

“What, exactly, is….. spotted dick?” I can barely contain my laughter.

“Oh, you’ve never tried spotted dick?”

“Um, no. This must be some kind of weird British food. I’m an American, remember? We don’t eat things called spotted dick.”

“That’s a shame. Everyone needs a little dick in their life.” He grins mischievously, winking.

I can feel the heat rising in my face, and we both laugh.

“It’s a desert and it’s delicious,” he says, chuckling.

And he was right. The name doesn’t sound very appetizing, but spotted dick is melt in your mouth, sticky sweet goodness. Everyone should try a little spotted dick deliciousness.

 

 

Alex and I leave the restaurant soon afterwards and continue our journey, still heading northwest. We’re silent for a stretch of the road, both enjoying the comfort of being able to be quiet in one another’s presence. Eventually, Alex breaks the silence, telling me we are now entering Buckinghamshire. Alex drives the Porsche carefully, slowing down, the road becoming quite narrow. We travel along a winding back road and finally come to a stop in front of a massive, wrought iron gate, at least fifteen feet high. Alex gets out, punches a code into the keypad. The gate slowly begins to open, heavy under its own weight. Alex drives through the entrance, stopping to make sure the gate closes securely behind us.

We drive along a paved one-way road, a white wooden fence on each side. Beyond that is nothing but sweeping emerald green pastures as far as the eye can see. We drive past a pond with beautiful white swans gliding peacefully along the water’s surface. I see horses grazing lazily in the summer’s heat. I am speechless. The beauty and grandeur takes my breath away.

And then the house comes into view. A sprawling, two story English countryside home. Alex drives around the circular driveway, a water fountain of a nude woman in the center, and parks the car.

“Is this yours?” I ask in awe, eyes wide, stunned by the beauty of the estate. I’d only seen homes like this in magazines or coffee table books.

“Yes, it’s my country home. I suppose you could call it my retreat from the real world.”

I sit in silence for a few moments while Alex unloads our bags.

This is unbelievable. I’ve stepped into a fantasy world.

Let the fantasy begin.