Cassidy
THE PREVIOUS TWO weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. Spending New Year’s Eve with Brooke and Rich, I had to sneak off to the restroom in order to Facetime Blake at midnight. We’d spent nearly every night since then on the phone, and I was actually looking forward to seeing him again.
Brooke, of course, continued to give me the third degree when I told her Kaity and I were visiting New York. I tried to convince her it was just a work trip, but she finally got me to admit that I’d also made plans to see Blake while we were in the city. Little did she know, the entire trip was actually his doing and on his dime. She’d even offered to watch Kaity while I was gone, but I insisted that it’d be a cultural experience for her. Convinced I’d return home to a bevy of questions, I was just thankful that she’d finally agreed to my terms–at least for the time being.
Glancing over my side, I watched momentarily as Kaity struggled to find her seatbelt.
“It’s not like the car, Baby. It fastens at your lap–like this,” I explained, reaching over her tiny legs to clasp the buckle, making sure to pull it extra tight.
I strapped myself in before listening to the flight attendants’ emergency instructions. Did she say to exit at the front, or at the rear? I didn’t fly much, and my nerves began to get the best of me. Wiping my sweaty palms against my jeans, I blew out a deep breath. I needed to relax, or Kaity would soon sense my fear, and I didn’t want that. This was her first time flying, and so far she was a champ. Doing much better than her mom anyway.
Leaning my head back in the seat, my mind began to swirl over the hum of the engines.
I can’t believe I was actually doing this. Letting a man sweep me off my feet and fly me, first-class no less, off on a getaway. I definitely didn’t believe in love at first sight, or this insta-love bullshit, but here I was going goo-goo ga-ga over this man. I wasn’t sure if my heightened nerves were because we’d soon be thirty-nine-thousand feet in the air, or because I was taking a chance with Blake. They were both risks that I wasn’t used to taking–both equally as terrifying.
With a little help from the five tiny bottles of Prosecco the flight attendant had kindly given me, I wasn’t feeling a thing as we began our descent. First class was definitely the way to travel. Blake had certainly ruined me for all future adventures. I wasn’t sure if I should thank him or yell at him–after all, it’s not like I had a ton of extra cash coming in this time of year. Most Michigan brides don’t dream of winter weddings, at least after the holidays.
Turning toward Kaity, I saw she’d fallen asleep watching her Disney movies on the portable DVD player we’d brought along. Gently shaking her shoulder, she stirred in the reclining seat next to mine.
“Kaity, wake up,” I whispered into her ear. “We’re about to land, and you don’t want to miss seeing the Statue of Liberty!”
“Is that the big lady we talked about? The one from . . . ?” she paused for a moment, trying to remember what we’d talked about.
“Yes, the one from France. Do you remember where France is?” I asked, hiccupping from the aftermath of the bubbly.
Pondering my question, she scratched her chin before responding. “Is that in Texas?”
“No, France is a country in Europe. It’s pretty far away. We’d have to cross that entire ocean to get there,” I said, pointing down to the water below.
Her eyes got bigger as she looked down at the Atlantic. “Wow, it must take an entire year to get there! That water looks so big!”
I chuckled at her innocence, “Not quite a year, but probably an entire sleep. Look there she is–there’s Lady Liberty.”
“Wow, she looks old and shiny. Will we get to see her closer?”
“Probably not this time. It’s still pretty cold outside. Besides, Blake might have other fun stuff planned for us,” I explained as I felt the wheels hit the tarmac. “Get your stuff together so we can meet our friends.”
Texting Blake that we’d landed, we headed toward the baggage claim area. I’d planned to get a taxi after we collected our items, but he’d once again surprised me and said that he already had a car outside ready to take us back to his place. This man was definitely swooning me, and as much as I hated to admit it, I was falling for it–and maybe even him.
A little unsteady from the Prosecco, we’d nearly made it to the baggage claim when I stumbled over my own feet. Preparing to fall, I was shocked when a pair of extra-large, masculine hands caught me from behind.
With my back to the mystery savior, he wrapped his arms around me, holding me steady with his hands resting just below my breasts. It may have been the Prosecco talking, but I felt safe wrapped in this stranger’s embrace. Leaning back into him, he spoke before I even had a chance to turn around.
“Looks like I found you right on time,” he said. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol, or the husky timbre of his voice, but a chill rolled down my spine.
“Blake?” I whispered. “Is that you?”
“Were you expecting someone else,” he growled.
“Well, yes, I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought when you said there was a car here that someone else would be driving it. I’m glad it’s you though,” I said, leaning further into him. “Sounds like someone is jealous?”
Before standing me back on my feet, he placed a gentle kiss on my neck. “Maybe a little,” he confessed, whispering in my ear. “But, I guess that’ll have to do for now.”
Looking at him with confusion on my face, he continued. “I’ve been waiting two weeks to kiss you.”
“You’re so smooth, Mitchell,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“I must be doing something right. I have you literally falling for me,” he said with a smirk.
“Haven’t we talked about your cheesy pickup lines?” I laughed.
“Yeah, but since I was your knight in shining armor, I thought you’d forgive me.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. And, where did Kaity go?” I asked, panic setting in. I shouldn’t have drunk that much on the flight. That wasn’t typical of me.
“She’s right over there,” he said, pointing toward the row of benches just a few feet from where we were standing. “She’s been playing with her electronic game. I’ve been watching her the whole time.”
Sighing in relief, “Looks like you’re her knight in shining armor, too.”
“I’ll protect both of you–always. Now let’s get going. I think you need a nap. How much did you actually drink on that flight?”
“More than I care to admit,” I giggled, trying not to read too much into his comment about protecting us.
It was nearing sundown when we finally checked into the hotel. For the last two weeks, Blake kept insisting that we could stay in his spare bedroom, but I’d stuck to my guns. I’d told everyone that this was a business trip, and I knew if I stayed with Blake that someone would be sure to find out about our arrangement–whatever that may be. I kept trying to convince myself that we were just friends, but after that kiss a few weeks ago, I knew it was turning into something more.
“Are you sure I can’t get you to change your mind? We can always tell the front desk clerk that we found a bedbug in the room, and they’d be forced to refund your money,” he said, unlocking the room with a swipe of the keycard.
“Ewww! You better not have just jinxed me,” I said, as I began itching my arm. “See, look what you’ve done! Now I’m itchy all over!”
“A shower might cure that,” he said with a playful smile, wheeling my suitcases into the room.
“Oh, that’s a great idea! I guess that’s your cue to leave then.”
“Oh, I thought we could take one together.”
“Did you forget my daughter is staying in this room?” I asked, pointing toward Kaity who was still engrossed in her princess game.
“I’m sure my mom wouldn’t mind taking her for the night. After all, she already has Maddy and Ben. Actually, she’d probably love the help!”
“I’m not sure your mother would consider an additional five-year-old as help,” I laughed. “Besides, I have a major headache from all that Prosecco, and I’m exhausted from the flight. I think I might just start a new book and crawl into bed.”
“You don’t even want to get dinner?”
“I’m sorry. I’ll probably just order a pizza for Kaity, or maybe some room service. I hope you didn’t have anything fancy planned for tonight.”
“Nah, not really,” he said, sounding upset.
“You don’t sound so sure about that.”
“I didn’t have anything specific planned, but I haven’t been kid-free for nearly two years. I’m just not really sure what to do with myself. I was hoping I could spend the evening with you two. Maybe show you around the city?”
I felt bad leaving Blake alone for the evening after we’d just arrived, but I really didn’t feel up to a night on the town either. “Do you just want to get dinner and eat here with us?” I asked, before thinking about my suggestion.
He studied my expression for a moment before answering, “Um, sure. If you’re really fine with it then I’d like that a lot.”
“OK, then. If you don’t mind, I really do think I’d like to hop in the shower–alone. Would you mind ordering dinner for us?”
“No, I can do that. Do you or Kaity have any allergies, or preferences?”
“Spoken like a true dad,” I laughed.
“Yeah, I guess so,” he chuckled. “Seriously, though, do you?”
“No, we’re both fine with whatever you’d like as long as you don’t try to feed me fish eggs.”
“One order of caviar coming right up,” he joked.
“Very funny,” I sassed, stripping my clothes before sashaying into the bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I leaned up against it and gazed at myself in the mirror, smiling at my boldness. The look on Blake’s face as my clothes dropped to the floor was priceless. Even though I was still covered by a bra and boy shorts it wasn’t something I’d typically do. The alcohol had really done a number on my senses.
Turning on the faucet, I removed my undergarments and stepped under the hot water. Deep down, I’d hoped that Blake would join me, but I knew he wouldn’t do that with Kaity just in the other room. He talked a big game, but Blake Mitchell was nothing but a gentleman.
Closing my eyes, I leaned against the wall and imagined what Blake would do to me with those firm, strong hands of his. Those same hands which had rescued me from a near disaster just hours earlier. Squirting a dab of coconut-scented body wash into my palm, I began rubbing the soap across my breasts. Inhaling the fresh scent, I could easily envision the two of us rolling around on a sandy beach as the sun began to set in the distance.
I tweaked and pinched my nipples as water cascaded around me, pooling at my feet. Not being able to resist the tension that was building between my legs, I slid my left hand lower as my right hand continued to palm my breasts. Through the water clinging to my belly, I slipped my hand to my core and gently inserted one finger. Arching my back in pleasure, my elbow hit the bottle of body wash, knocking it off the shower shelf. Without bothering to pick it up, I added a second finger before using my other hand to rub my clit.
After just a few minutes of self-pleasuring, I let out a soft mewl as my orgasm overcame me. Resting against the cold tile for a few more minutes, I took some deep breaths before turning off the water. Grabbing a nearby towel, I wrapped myself in it after drying off my body.
Stepping out of the shower, I reached for my bathrobe, but realized I’d left it, along with a change of clothes, in my suitcase which was out in the other room with Blake–the same Blake for whom I’d just done a partial striptease just minutes earlier. Pondering my situation for a moment, I soon realized I had no other option but to ask him for assistance.
Making sure the towel was completely covering my upper body, I opened the door a crack and hollered out to him.
“Blake, can you do me a favor? Can you bring me my big suitcase? I left my clothes out there.”
I heard him laugh before answering. “I think that sounds like a personal problem. Maybe if you hadn’t been in such a hurry with your exit, you would’ve remembered. I think you should just come out here wearing only what you were wearing before.”
“Please,” I begged. “It’s getting really cold in here.”
“Fine,” he huffed.
“Thank you! You can just set it by the door. I’ll grab it from there.”
“OK,” he said, as I heard him get off the bed.
Opening the door a few minutes later, I was surprised to see him staring back at me with his arms folded across his chest.
“Blake! What are you still doing standing here? I’m practically naked!”
Completely ignoring my question, he grinned, asking one of his own. “Why are your cheeks so flushed?”
“They’re not!” I insisted.
“Oh, they definitely are. And, come to think of it, I heard something fall when you were in there. What were you doing in the shower?”
“Oh my god! Nothing! I must still be warm from the hot water. That’s all.”
“I thought you just said you were freezing?” he continued, refusing to let this go. He was trying to embarrass me, and it was working.
“Seriously, are you done? I’d really like to get dressed.”
“Don’t let me stop you,” he added with a wink.
“Alone,” I said, stomping my foot.
“Oh, now you’re shy?” he asked, raising his brow. “So, let me try and understand. A bra and those cheeky panties are OK, but a cotton towel is not?”
“It was no different than a bikini,” I squeaked in defense. Suddenly feeling vulnerable under his intense glare, I wrapped my arms around my chest.
“Whatever you say. I could nearly see your tits through it,” he growled into my ear so only I could hear.
Not trusting myself around this man, I took a step back before responding. “I’m sorry. I really don’t know what got into me earlier. That was really inappropriate of me.” I said, apologetically.
He sniggered before answering, “Please don’t feel you need to be appropriate on my account.” With that he walked back into the bedroom, allowing me to get dressed. I could tell, I was really in for a long and torturous trip.
After taking a few minutes to regain my composure, I threw on a pair of leggings and my favorite oversized hoodie. I’d already given Blake the wrong impression, and I definitely didn’t want to add fuel to the fire by wearing something too sexy. Opening the door into the bedroom, I saw Kaity propped up on several pillows eating a piece of cheese pizza.
“I hope pepperoni is OK?” Blake asked as I walked into the room. “I wasn’t really sure what toppings you liked, but I figured everyone likes pepperoni, right?”
“Pepperoni is fine,” I said, scooping a few pieces onto a paper plate before joining Kaity on the king-sized bed. “Honestly, I’m so hungry, I probably would’ve eaten anchovies at this point.”
Scrunching up his nose, “So fish eggs are bad, but teeny fish are acceptable? You never fail to surprise me, Cassidy Carpenter.”
“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment, but I was totally kidding about the anchovies. Those are definitely not acceptable.”
Grabbing a few pieces of pizza for himself, Blake turned to look for a place to sit. The only other option besides the bed was an uncomfortable looking office chair in the corner of the room.
“I guess I’ll just take a seat over there,” he said, pointing toward the chair.
Before I had a chance to suggest otherwise, Kaity piped up. “Don’t be silly, Blake. You can’t even see the TV from over there. There’s plenty of room here between me and Mommy,” she said, patting the space between us in bed.
By the look on his face, he was conflicted on whether or not to take her up on the offer. “It’s OK, Blake. Come sit with us. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss an episode of Full House because you’re sitting over in the corner. Besides, that chair looks like it’d be a killer on the back,” I said, caringly.
“Well, if you insist. After all, Full House has always been one of my favorite shows,” he said, the bed dipping as he sat.
Kaity’s eyes grew in excitement. “Really? It’s my favorite show, too! Mommy and I watch it every night. I just love Uncle Jesse,” she beamed.
I laughed at her candor. She was just so at ease with Blake. “Like mother, like daughter, I suppose. I’ve always had a huge crush on John Stamos,” I said with a shrug.
“You do? You know I’ve always thought my hair looks just as good as his,” he joked, running his fingers through his thick mane.
“You’re so goofy,” I said, as soda squirted up my nose. “Now look what you’ve made me do,” I laughed, picking up a pillow and bopping him over the head.
The next thing I knew, pillows were flying and laughter filled the air as the three of us entered into a full-fledged pillow fight.
“That was fun,” Kaity giggled. “Can we do it again?”
“Not tonight, Baby. Mommy is too tired,” I said, trying to catch my breath. Looking over at Blake, I wasn’t surprised to see he hadn’t even broken a sweat. The guy was in top physical condition. I couldn’t help but peek at his sculpted abs when his shirt rode up during our little pillow fight. He must spend hours in the gym every week.
I wondered for a moment how he was able to raise two children, work a high-pressure job, and spend so much time staying in shape. Did he really have the time to add me, let alone my daughter, into his already busy life?
The three of us watched another episode of Full House before Kaity fell asleep sprawled across both of us.
“Well, I suppose I should get going,” Blake said, gently lifting Kaity’s feet from his legs. “I had a great time with you two tonight.”
“Me too,” I whispered. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
“What are your plans tomorrow,” he asked before opening the door.
“Actually, I was able to line up a meeting with one of the top bridal gown designers in the city–just as you suggested. I’m meeting him for brunch. After that, I figured Kaity and I would just explore the city until you got home from work.”
“I’m actually not working this week. That’s something I was hoping to discuss with you. Maybe we can talk about it over dinner tomorrow night?”
“Dinner sounds nice,” I said.
“I’d be happy to take Kaity while you’re at your appointment. The kids would love it, too,” he suggested.
“Oh, I didn’t want to impose on you so I already arranged for a reputable sitter through the hotel.”
“Cancel it. I’ll pick her up around ten, and then I’ll drive you to your appointment. Afterwards, we can all explore the city together.”
“You drive a hard bargain. I have a feeling you always get your way, don’t you?” I asked.
“I do when I set my mind to something,” he said, staring right into my eyes.
“Well, I guess we’ll see you at ten then,” I said, dropping my gaze to the floor.
“I had a great time tonight, Cass,” he said, planting a quick kiss on my lips before stepping out of the room.
“Me too,” I said, waving as he walked down the hallway toward the bank of elevators.
Turning toward me once more, “I meant what I said, I really did have a great time tonight. Sweet dreams,” he said before stepping onto the elevator.
Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it and took a deep breath. The more time I spent with this man, the more I worried that he really would get his way.