“Good evening, ladies and gentleman. It is with great pleasure that I thank you all for being here today. It’s been amazing being in a crowd of like-minded individuals working hard to give back to their communities, so please view this conference not only as a way to network and learn from each other, but also as an opportunity to share your successes, your triumphs. As your keynote speaker, I’m not here to bore you with details or meaningless rhetoric. I’m here to celebrate and to thank you on behalf of the entire city for being dreamers and doers,” said the keynote speaker and we all applauded.

I heard the words, but I still just stared at the person who delivered them, unable to believe what the director who had introduced the keynote speaker earlier had said. I sat in the lavish ballroom next to the other conference attendees, not taking my eyes off the stage. To say this was the last thing I had expected, would be a gross understatement.

When I had arrived at the hotel where the conference was being held, I pulled up in the driveway and had been in the process of stepping out of my car when a familiar voice called out my name.

I turned around, not believing my ears and just stared at him for a second, then said with incredulity in my voice, “What are you doing here?”

Jonathan stood there smiling at me as the valets quickly came over to fetch our cars.

“You need some help?” Jonathan said coming around and grabbing my luggage from the backseat of my car without answering my question. A hotel attendant quickly offered to assist us and Jonathan loaded my suitcases onto the cart, before turning around and getting his own.

“What are you doing here?” I repeated as he came to stand in front of me.

“Remember I mentioned that I had something to prepare for?”

“You’re attending the conference for nonprofits as well? I’m confused. Isn’t a dojo a for profit industry?”

He said simply, “Mine are. But my business here isn’t related to the dojo, I’m the keynote speaker.”

I laughed assuming that he was joking. When he didn’t say anything more and just shrugged, I realized that he was serious.

“I’m sorry, please explain: Why did they choose you as the keynote speaker?”

“I’m a master at delivering riveting speeches and great to look at.”

“I can’t confirm either of those statements.”

He laughed and took my hand, placing it in the crook of his arm as we followed behind the hotel staff assisting us with our luggage. Our conversation came to a halt as I took in the splendour around me. The hotel from the outside just looked like your average high-end hotel, but the inside, wow. I had never stayed in a hotel so swanky. The lobby was lined with four large columns; between the columns were two grand staircases that snaked up to the second floor. A chandelier that looked like a modern take on an old classic hung in the middle of the ceiling, displayed directly under a sky light. I stood under the chandelier and looked straight up, loving that I could see the clouds from my viewpoint in the hotel.

There were two seating areas near the reception desk. The floor throughout the hotel was sleek marble, but the seating areas had thick, plush geometric design baring rugs under them. Not to mention, the chairs there looked so delicate and stately that I was afraid to sit on them. Apparently the company hosting this conference had spared no expense.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Jonathan said watching me attempt to take it all in as he asked for our rooms.

“Mr. Warren, such a pleasure to have you back again and Ms. Sanders, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

I was trying not to be nosey, but I couldn't help hearing the receptionist’s words to Jonathan. So I decided to pry, but to be subtle about it.

“You’ve stayed here before?”

“Yes, it’s sort of my stomping ground when I want to get out of town for a bit. The area just beyond the hotel has some really great hiking trails. Do you like to hike?”

I nodded, “I used to go on hikes with Lincoln strapped to my chest when he was a little one. It helped calm him down when he was fussy and it kept me centred as well.”

Jonathan nodded, “I know what you mean. I can spend hours just walking, miles on end thinking and when my feet finally start to hurt, I stop, meditate and then walk some more.”

We were now at the elevators and they seemed to instantly open when we appeared. Stepping in he pushed the button to our separate floors.

We continued our conversation, chatting about our mutual love for the outdoors. As the elevator stopped at my floor, Jonathan stepped between the closing doors, blocking them from closing. “Can I take you to dinner tonight after the opening introductions and what not?” Jonathan asked.

I nodded and we arranged to meet up after the end of the workshops scheduled for that day.

There was a whirlwind of activity after that, as I got into the groove of the conference. I met up with old friends in the non-profit world and we argued and lamented over the role of the non-profit in today’s society. After a few good-natured debates, I was feeling chipper and relaxed. I was also eagerly anticipating my date with Jonathan. I hadn’t seen him throughout the conference and realised that he was scheduled to speak at the end of the day, as noted by the agenda.

Everyone gathered in the ballroom. The director of the organization hosting the conference went up to the podium and introduced Jonathan. The first words out of her mouth sent my head whirling.

“It’s not every day that you’re in the company of an altruistic billionaire, especially one as warm and unassuming as Jonathan Warren.”

What? A billionaire? Jonathan. She must be mistaken.

“I asked Jonathan to speak today in honour of all he’s done not only for charities, but for his support of non-profit organisations. This conference, allowing us to use his hotel and charging us nothing...” There was applause and hollers from the crowd and I had to focus on her next words.

“As you all know, Jonathan and his family have been steady supporters of our community for generations. And Jonathan’s work in the community, when he’s not kicking butt in a ring that is…” The crowd laughed and I sat there perplexed, “Is what keeps many of our organizations afloat. So please help me in giving a warm round of applause to our keynote speaker for the evening and the former CEO of the world’s highest grossing hotel chain, Jonathan Warren.”

I applauded still unbelieving when Jonathan took the stage, looking incredibly handsome in an expertly tailored dark suit. I was too busy thinking of how a billionaire had asked me out. Me. The single mom with the average girl-next-door looks. I was torn between feeling self-conscious and maybe a little bit of indignation that he hadn’t told me.

After he was done speaking, he left the stage and the director continued speaking about the goals of the conference. I didn’t have much to say as I was occupied by thoughts of this new found information. It didn’t bother me that Jonathan was a billionaire, at all. I just wished he had told me so I hadn’t felt so caught off guard earlier. Lincoln’s father had come from money and provided well for Lincoln. Even though my son didn’t see his father all that often, he made sure we had everything we needed. Those thoughts were on my mind as I changed into a dress I had packed that would have to suffice for a date outfit.

I heard a knock at my door and as I opened the door Jonathan stood there, holding a picnic basket in his hand. “Are you ready?” he asked directing his eyes towards my dress that was the colour of pink rose petals. The dress hit just above my knees and made me feel youthful given that every time I turned, the full skirt of it seemed to twirl. I had shaped my curls into a cute bob that framed my high cheek bones. I knew that I looked lovely.

I was the first to speak as I quickly picked up my purse and closed the door behind me. “You looked great up there this afternoon.” I said breaking the silence between us.

He grunted in reply still taking in my dress and reaching up to stroke a stray hair away from my cheek. “I should be the one offering you compliments. That dress looks beautiful on you. Or rather, you make that dress look beautiful.”

I blushed and shyly as he hit the elevator call button and we stood there staring at each other, sizing each other up. He had changed as well. Gone was the dark suit and in its place were loose fitting brown pants and a long sleeve white t-shirt that fit him remarkably well. His wide, muscular chest was so easily emphasized by his choice of clothing, distracting me from my earlier thoughts.

He extended his hand and I took it as we waited. We stepped into the elevator and I briefly wondered what the other conference attendees would think about seeing us together. But then I dismissed my insecure thoughts. If I wanted to see Jonathan, that was my own business. He led me out of the hotel through a back entrance where a car waited that I hadn’t seen before. It was a large SUV limo and I hesitated before getting in.

“So this is our transportation for the night?”

“I didn’t want my mind occupied by anything but you, so driving was out of the picture.”

I blushed and he took that as an opportunity to open the door for me. I slid in to the plush interior and settled against the extremely luxurious seats.

As the driver pulled off I said, “Would it be absolutely obnoxious if we rolled down the sunroof and stood up to look out?”

“Yes, but don’t let that stop you.” He then hit a little button and I smiled at him before standing up and positioning my arms on either side of the sunroof, feeling like a movie star. I looked out over the city and couldn’t help but giggle. I then felt Jonathan moving to stand next to me.

“This is pretty awesome, isn’t it?” he said yelling over the wind.

“Have you never done this before?”

He shook his head, “Nope, I rarely use a limo. I just thought you might enjoy it.”

I looked at him and gave him a big smile, “I’m loving this,” I cried. Then we hit a pothole and I raised my eyebrows in alarm and slowly sat back down.

“So... you own the hotel?” I said as he settled back down next to me.

He nodded, “Several of them in this area,” he said nonchalantly.

“So your family owns hotels?”

Jonathan nodded, “As the director mentioned, I used to be CEO until I decided to go on an early retirement.”

“How did you get into practicing karate? Specifically, how’d you go from being a big time hotelier to a dojo owner?”

“I’ve been doing martial arts since I was a child. I studied abroad in Japan and lived there after I quit the family business. And I decided to do what I really wanted and opened the dojo and several others in the area when I retired from the corporate world.”

“And how are you affiliated with the non-profit world?” I said genuinely curious. “Are you just a big donor?”

“Yes and I do my own form of community service, going to different schools teaching karate to kids who can’t afford lessons, that sort of thing.”

“Wow, that’s pretty impressive.”

He shrugged nonchalantly again. “I do what I can.”

Suddenly the car pulled over and the driver opened the door. I quickly drew in a breath at the landscape around me.

“Wow. Just wow.” I said.

In front of us was a gorgeous lake with a dark green luscious forest bordered each side of it. A dock led to the centre of the lake and Jonathan grabbed my hand and led me to the end of the dock. We sat with our legs hanging over the edge of it, like a couple of teenagers on summer vacation.

We sat talking, exchanging stories about our youth. He told me how he was “inspired” by Karate Kid and I reacted by teasing him mercilessly and making lots of really bad “wax on, wax off” jokes that related to the movie. He then asked about Lincoln and his father.

I became quiet as I stalled by taking a few grapes from the picnic basket. “There’s not much to tell. We met in high school. We were high school sweethearts and then I married him shortly after my mom died. Stupid move on my part, but I was hurting and I got pregnant with Lincoln and we thought we were doing the right thing by getting married. It didn’t work out. He moved to Europe. His dad is into international commercial real estate and I think my ex overseas the England branch.”

“I’m sorry about your mom. I’m not too sorry things didn’t work out with your ex. We can talk about something else if you want.”

“Oh, I don’t mind. I’m very much over Lincoln’s dad.”

“So how often does Lincoln get to see his father?”

“Normally about twice a year. He normally shows up for Lincoln’s birthday and Lincoln spends his summers there. He was a crappy husband, but he’s great to Lincoln.”

“Well, that’s good at least. Lincoln’s a great kid.”

“Thanks,” I said. The sun was setting and I couldn’t take my eyes off it. The view was gorgeous from where we sat.

“It’s beautiful here. You come out here often? I bet you bring tons of dates out here, don’t you?” I said playfully. Now that I aired some of my dirty laundry I was feeling more comfortable.

“I like to keep my concubines out here. You know, introduce them to my lady friends. It keeps them on their toes, stops them from rebelling.”

I laughed so hard that I snorted, “You’re ridiculous.”

“I know it.”

“Ready to head back?” He asked and I nodded.

He helped me up and instead of releasing my hand he used his grip on it to tug me forward.

“Would it be too forward of me if I said that I wanted to taste you?” he asked huskily as he placed a hand under my chin and brought my face up to his.

I was unable to speak at the boldness of his question and I guess he took my silence as consent as he pressed his lips down onto my own.

He placed his other hand on the small of my back and tugged me forward, deepening the kiss as our hips made contact. I sighed against his lips and opened my mouth a little, allowing his tongue greater access.

He let his hand trail up and into my dress and I gasped with pleasure as he began to trace circles around my nipples through the fabric of my bra. When he finally pulled my bra away and his warm hand touched my flesh, I breathed out his name.

“Do you like that, Mia?” He asked speaking to me with his lips still brushing against mine.

I didn’t answer and he wasted no time putting his other hand into my dress and releasing my bra. He pushed the bra to the side, freeing my breasts and cupped them delicately, using his thumbs to play with their now taut pink tips.

“How’s that? Tell me you like it,” Jonathan said, against my lips and then he continued to stroke my nipples while his mouth placed damp kisses across my searing flesh.

He nibbled on my neck and ear, while fondling my breasts now roughly in his hands and I breathed, “Oh God, Jonathan…”

“You feel so good, Mia. So good…” He whispered roughly and I could feel my sex pulsing with every tug of his fingers against my nipples and every stroke of his palms against my breasts.

As he returned his mouth to mine, he kissed me hard on the lips and murmured with his face pressed against mine, “Let’s head out, ok?”

And he reluctantly let go of my breasts and I mumbled a protest that died on my lips when he kissed me hard again, “Let me help you straighten your clothes.”

After he was done, he placed an arm around my waist and led me back to the limo. His warmth next to my side was unsettling and I tried to keep my mind off the crazy sexual thoughts that had instantly popped into my mind as we settled back into the limo and headed to town.