Lost to You

By Patricia Kennedy

For the last five years Jessica James, a real estate broker has led a life in hiding. The only people in her life are Louis and her savior Scott, who live in Atlanta. If it wasn’t for Scott she wouldn’t exist right now and they both know it. She works alone and only through word of mouth for the wealthiest in the world. So with a request from a Mr. Bernard Smith to find a property for his family there, she figured why not. If nothing else she’ll see both Louis and Scott.
Her night out to celebrate the closing turns out to be the best one night stand she’ll ever remember. That is until Mr. Viktor Petrov aka Bernard Smith asks her to find a place for his son. Her quiet, controlled, orderly world does an about turn when his son turns out to be the sex-on-stilts Adonis who did things to her body one never thought possible.
What should she do? Does he remember? Maybe it’s a common thing for him. Was it as fantastic for him as it was for her? What will she say if he brings it up or should she say anything at all? Could she, no should she even go there again if he made a move?
After a week of wondering and questioning herself they make it back from Chicago without a word regarding that night. The one night that made her forget her heinous past and relish in euphoria. Guess it wasn’t the same for him, or so she thought. Unsure of what to do, she runs when it dawns on him exactly who she is.
Regardless how far she runs, he finds her. Now he’s in her hometown and she realizes there’s no way of avoiding him. So, is he here for just another night of fun or is he here for something else, thus spinning her world into a turmoil and bringing up memories of her past? Since she can’t erase her past, though she’s trying, he’s going to have to see all of her for there to be a tomorrow. Will he shun her? Is he going to be disgusted by her? Hell, will he even be able to look at her, truly see her without being appalled? And if by chance he does accept her past how is he going to take the fact he does business with the man behind it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia Kennedy
• Release date: Oct 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781482625158

Patricia Kennedy

Author Patricia Kennedy showcases vintage postcards and images from her personal collection, along with photographs from the San Francisco Archives. She has added to her collection extensively while traveling as a pianist aboard the American Orient Express.

Book preview

Chapter One

I'm lost.

I hate being lost. I find it to be one of the most annoying things in life. I'm looking for a prospective property for a potential client and I can't find it. Guess I took a wrong turn. I'm out running. Running serves many purposes for me but mainly it gets my priorities in check and I get to scope out properties. Unlike driving around in a car where other drivers get annoyed because you are going to slow, honking at you because you don't know exactly where you're going, running makes you aware of the surroundings i.e. neighbors, parks, safety and most of all, vibe.

I'm a real estate broker and not just any broker no I cater to the top wealthy two percent of the world. You know how people say if you want a great attorney who specializes in x you call this guy and if you want one who specializes in y you call that one, well I'm the one you call when you're serious about buying real estate, it’s my niche.

I have a gist of what this client is looking for so before I meet with him tonight I find the top10 houses that meet his general requirements. This client is moving his business headquarters to Atlanta and needs a house that is vast yet accommodating.

Running around Atlanta is such a thrill especially this time of the year. It’s the beginning of fall so it’s brisk this morning and the city is already buzzing with people heading off to work. I love it when it’s like this, I get to wear my black leggings and grey Under Armour cold weather long sleeve crewneck and I zoom around the corners, sprint down the hills and push myself to seven miles instead of my daily five.

It’s exhilarating and I'm not even breaking a sweat yet now I'm not sure where I am exactly. I'm looking around but nothing appears to be what I'm looking for. I know I'm by Piedmont Park and three houses are supposed to be over this way but I'm not seeing any resemblance in any of these homes. Guess I'll just have to drive around after all, damn.

As I turn around to head back to the hotel I at last catch out of the corner of my eye one of the houses I've been looking for. I can vaguely see it down its long winding driveway but from here it’s very inviting and just from the little bit of what I can make out, I'm very intrigued. It’s a large Mediterranean say fifteen thousand square feet and remembering its general bio its three years old on six acres with a tennis court, pool and its own private pond. On this note, I jog back a little lighter in my shoes pleased with myself for finding eight of the ten houses and them being what I had hoped for.

Promising.

I'm staying at my favorite hotel and it’s’ beyond perfect. I've found the owner six properties (an Aspen lodge, penthouses in New York, Toronto, Hong Kong and Paris, and a compound in St. Maarten) for his family and in return I have an open invite to a suite. I've been coming to Atlanta for so long now that I now know the entire hotel staff from valet to day or night hotel manager, by first name.

As I walk into the lobby I spot Marcus (the valet) and let him know that I will need my car in an hour and I wave to desk clerk Lucinda and day manager Eric. After I'm done taking a shower, I put on my "uniform. My uniform" to me is like a man who wears a suit to work every day, it’s mindless. Mine consists though of my long brown hair swept up into a tight bun, light make-up, six carat diamond stud earrings and white gold Patek Philippe Twenty Four-hour watch. I wear this every time I do any business. The only thing that changes is my clothing, shoes and necklace.

For this afternoon in which I'm meeting with all the realtors who hold the listings on the ten houses, to do a walk through by myself, I'm wearing tan slacks, a white button down blouse that has french cuffs with a wide collar, matching tan four inch Manolo's and top it all off with a tad bit of color, a five carat princess cut emerald pendant necklace.

As I go to leave my suite, I hear the elevator ding and realize the other penthouse suite is now occupied. I hope during my stay over the next four days I don't hear them or see them. I'm very private. Once I hear the door shut I grab my iPad, to make notes on the houses as I go, put it in my purse grab the other necessities, close the door as quietly as possible and call for the elevator. As I wait I start getting the happy excited bug that I feel with every property seeking adventure. It’s like the feeling you get seeing all the presents that await you on Christmas eve knowing tomorrow you get to open them. Riding down the elevator I get into business mode and I mentally set out a time table of each house and how long the traveling time will be between them, just in case my client wishes to still see them all.

The weather is perfect as I step out of the hotel. Marcus, doing his job to a T opens the door to my awaiting charcoal grey S65 Mercedes (a purchase from the commission on closing a Dallas estate).As I climb in he asks when I'll be returning, when I'll be leaving for dinner and if I will want to see Louis tonight. I tell him the times and yes I happily want to see Louis though it'll probably be ten thirty/eleven before I'll be back and he nods then sends me off.

I'm getting a little light headed when I realize that its lunch time and so far I've seen half of the houses and three of the five are still holding my attention. Content with my progress I head towards Buckhead, where three of the other houses are, and decide to have lunch over that way. After having some yummy Italian food I'm feeling much better. Only one of the houses in Buckhead wowed me so I took off for the other two. They're in Alpharetta and while it’s a bit of a drive from downtown you get more bang for your buck here. The last house is a large traditional southern style home. Its red brick with three white columns, lots of balconies, six car garage, and a fabulous chef's kitchen but the most eye catching thing for me is the ten foot tall double front doors. I'm very pleased with my day and on my drive back to the hotel I decide that I'll present this one and the Mediterranean last tonight.

Chapter Two

After my shower I opt to wear for the meeting tonight, my boat neck half sleeved navy lace knee length dress with a wide nude color patent leather belt and matching four inch Jimmy Choo's pumps. Under the dress is what does it for me more though. I love wearing sexy lingerie. It’s like it’s my own little secret and I don't have to share it with anyone. So I don a strapless navy blue lace Agent Provocateur basque with a matching thong. I slide on nude silk thigh highs and attach the garter straps onto the lace tops. Standing in front of the mirror to check my current attire that has me pushed up, contoured and covered I'm relieved to not be able to see the scars.

Once I'm dressed I put on my uniform, a bit of make-up, diamond tennis bracelet and change purses. I hear my phone vibrate and check the message. It’s from Marcus saying my car's ready so I grab my things and head downstairs.

I thank Marcus and take off to dinner. Being the very punctual person that I am, I arrive to the restaurant ten minutes early. Much to my surprise my future client Mr. Bernard Smith has beaten me here. He grins as he notices me walking towards him. When he stands to greet me I notice he's a tall very fit broad shouldered man with more salt than pepper hair, wearing a dark charcoal suit and white shirt with blue opal cuff links that seem to match his eyes and for a man in his mid-sixties he's very attractive.

Mr. Smith it’s very nice to finally meet you in person.

Yes, Ms. James it is. My you are the most beautiful real estate broker I've ever met. He replies surely as we sit.

I chuckle, Thank you. Do I dare take that as a sincere compliment? The server greets us and we place our drink orders. He orders a Macallan twenty five and I order a Hendricks and tonic with cucumber. Mr. Smith smirks oddly. He leans in with his elbows on the table like he has a secret he wants to share.

As you should. All the other agents I've ever done business with are plain janes, and have never looked so polished. I'd be on my way to trying to court you but since I'm a happily married man, let’s stick to business. You said you'd be able to have business completed within five days. Please forgive me but I find that a little hard to believe.

I smile not at all fazed by his candor. Yes on that note, I should explain how I go about doing my job. You gave me a general area, idea of square footage you'd like and dollar amount. With that I have found a few houses and walked through them before coming here to meet you, just to get an idea of what's available and what might grab your eye. Throughout the night I'll be picking your brain as to what you love/hate, like/dislike, what turns you on/turns you off. He leans back in his chair with a warm grin that is almost meeting his eyes which relaxes me.

I'll give an inquisition, we'll narrow things down to what exactly it is that you are wanting. I'll produce what you want within the parameters you give me I inform.

I love this already. Doing business with you is very appealing. So when do we start this inquisition as you say? Mr. Smith asks, obviously intrigued.

Well, that's up to you, before or after dinner? I inquire.

How about after you tell me a little about yourself?

Oh boy, I hate this part. It always makes me a little uneasy. So I go with summarizing. Well I live in the same small town I was raised in. After college I couldn't really find my way. Nothing piqued my interest so I started working for an Architectural design firm. The business itself didn't really do a whole lot for me. It seemed like most clients could never make up their minds to figure out what they really wanted. But the housing industry did intrigue me so I decided to get my real estate license. From there my friends asked me to find properties for them and I discovered what I'm really good at, one thing led to another and here I am, sitting across from you. I swallow and finish by saying but refusing to disclose why, I prefer to do business by word of mouth to honor discretion.

He nods as if he understands and just watches me for a moment. This makes me a little uneasy so I stick to what I do very well. I turn the attention back onto him asking him the question that has been bothering me.

Mr. Smith, tell me a little about you. How about, what is your real name? I've done my research and Mr. Bernard Smith doesn't exist. He eyes me wearily and smirks but does not answer. Okay Mr. Smith how did you become so successful and why now are you moving your business headquarters here?

The evening progresses much better and with greater of ease. He gives me the run-down of his company from the beginning to the current state and that the reason for moving here is because of his wife's side of the family. Most people would find a lot of what one says a little on the tedious and selfish side but doing what I do, everything that he tells me describes him, his family and what he finds important. For instance he relishes in his love for family that consists of three kids, two boys and one girl and two grandchildren from his youngest son.

By what he's professing, he wants a home that is inviting, welcoming, warm and open. I nonchalantly begin my inquisition by asking simple questions, keeping things light. I ask who does majority of the cooking, are there big family get togethers, does he do a lot of business from home, is his wife an avid reader, etc.

When dinner finally wraps up I pull out three real estate listings that so far match all the qualities in a house he's looking for. He likes two of them. With that I show him my last two, the Mediterranean and the traditional.

Oh wow! While these two are very different aesthetically, I love them both. You're good Ms. James he tells me, obviously pleased.

Thank you Mr. Smith I'm just doing my job. I say with a genuine smile. How about we meet in the morning and go look at these properties? What timeworks best for you?

I'll be free after nine and I'll clear my schedule from there.

I'm very much looking forward to working with you Mr. Smith and I'm striving to have a contact for you to sign no later than Friday. Though just to remind you sir, I can only do my job to the best of my ability if there's utmost communication. And as a successful businessman you know, everything is for sale.

He smiles and stands, grabs my right hand and gives it a kiss. My name is Viktor Petrov and I'll see you tomorrow morning at nine Ms. James.

Chapter Three

I arrive back to the hotel. Angelo the night valet greets me with a kiss on the cheek. God he's Italian sex on legs, too bad he's gay. I ask him to let Louis know I'm here though I'm just gonna go up and change into more comfortable clothes and that I'll be right down. I head on up to my suite, change into a pair of very worn Seven jeans, a long sleeve white tee shirt, sans bra and my favorite University of Florida baseball hat and flip flops.

When I walk into the Lounge, Louis is standing behind the bar. With a shit eating grin when he sees me and opens his arms wide to. I walk up to him, let him embrace me because he knows where not to touch and plant a solid kiss on his beautiful lips soundly in which he laughs.

There's my gorgeous vixen! Where have you been my whole life? My life isn't the same when you're not around. he confesses dramatically while holding me at arms-length to appraise me.

Hi sexy and you know exactly where I've been mister and it ain't around your block! I chuckle taking a seat on a barstool, loving the banter we have become so good at.

Normal honey? He asks referring to my cocktail of choice.

Yes darling. So tell me, what all have I missed? How's my other favorite lover? I inquire.

Don't talk about Scott like that, you're making me jealous! He's great, beautiful as ever. Nothing new going on around here, just the normal for this time of the year. You being here makes it just perfect though! How's your baby coming along? He asks handing the cocktail to me.

I take the much desired sip. We'll get to that in a second. I scan the lounge and see only one other patron sitting in the corner with his back to me. I give Louis a questioning look.

It's okay honey, he just drinking he responds knowing what I'm wondering about.

Put his tab on me because you and I both know how we're gonna get. I tell him and he shakes his head at me but concedes, knowing I never have a tab because the owner makes it a point to take care of me. You ready to play darling because I'm willing, able and well-funded.

He gives a good belly laugh, pulls out the cards and while he's informing the other patron, who I will gladly say has a great head of dark wavy almost shaggy long hair, I shuffle the deck. I deal out the cards We're playing gin, twenty dollars per win ten hands and then double or nothing, right?

Oh baby you turn me on when you talk like that! Yes ma'am that is what we're playing. Just to let you know I'm feeling very lucky right now.

Ha we'll see just how lucky at the end of the night Mr. Cocky! I counter. The cards are dealt and while we're organizing I tell him My baby is finally complete Louis, I'm so happy! In fact furniture is being moved in as we speak! FYI you and Scott have Christmas plans, just so you know.

Hmmm…. A vacation with you to ourselves? I think that sounds like heaven! We'll probably gain ten pounds by the time we leave but it'll be worth it! Have plans tomorrow night sweetheart? I took it off when I heard you were coming to town. Scott and I were hoping you'd come over for dinner.

I do have plans and of course they are with my two favorite men. I wouldn't miss it for anything. I should be done by about three which would put me at your place by three thirty/fourish. Is that okay? What can I bring? What do you want me to cook?

Honey, come as soon as you can.

I bust out laughing at his suggestive comment. It takes him a minute though to catch up and soon we're both curled over crying laughing.

Oh honey, you know what I mean and cook whatever you want, you know we love your food but Scott will call you in the morning.

I'm sitting with my feet on the barstool next to me, up five games so far as I hear the dark hair patron thanking Louis as he leaves. After he's left, Louis decides to open the can of worms. Really honey, how are you?

Damn him.

I'm getting through it. One day at a time. I see a therapist weekly and we discuss what my triggers are or might be. Building the house really helped me. It kept my mind from going there.

You know we are here for you any time all the time, just because we don't live in the same state doesn't mean we can't be a shoulder for you to lean on. Please always remember that. he pleads.

Enough of this emotional talk. Darling you just went down! You want to hang your hat up now or you want to double it now? I say steering the conversation away from the subject I loathe.

He frowns. Damn it! I promise I really was feeling lucky! I'm not doubling it now, no way Jose! I know when to hang my hat up missy!

I stand up and he meets me half way and give him an endearing hug. Giving him a kiss on the cheek I say I'll see him tomorrow when I'm done with work. Once inside my room I change, making it a point to not to look in the mirror. I put on a cream silk Carine Gilson chemise and the matching floor length robe. I try very hard to not acknowledge my past. Damn Louis for bringing it up!

I sit at the desk and send emails to the realtors on the four houses Mr. Petrov aka Mr. Smith liked. I let them know when we'll be seeing them in the morning. After doing some research on Mr. Viktor Petrov, I learn he's a colorful man, with colorful ties to lots of people. I wouldn't say he's necessarily dangerous, but from what I've read he's a man you do not want to piss off, rumored to be head of Russian mob though so I’ll keep that in the back of my mind.

Chapter Four

I'm waiting in Mr. Petrov's reception when he comes walking out wearing a navy suit with matching tie, baby blue shirt and same cuff links on from the night before, he looks good. I stand and greet him. He kisses my hand, very chivalrous. Good morning Ms. James, ready?

Yes sir. I must admit I admire a man who can dress well.

He chuckles and says Ah, I guess it runs in the blood. My mother was a keen dresser. Come now the car is waiting.

We climb into the back of a black Maybach and go house shopping. After we've seen the others, just to make sure they are not what he wants we head to Buckhead to see the traditional. Even though it’s very southern, I love it! Now let’s go see the last one and we can compare over lunch, I'm famished.

Over lunch we banter back and forth about what qualities in particular he loves. He says finally that it’s the Mediterranean one he loves most, pretty much because of the proximity it is to his office and that his wife would prefer to be closer to downtown because she very involved in the arts. He tells me that she's coming into town tonight and he wants to show her the two houses just to make sure.

Happy about these revelations I suggest, How about we all go see the houses around eleven tomorrow morning then go to lunch after to chit chat or if you prefer it can be just your wife and I.

Wonderful. That sounds like a great idea. Come by my office in the morning and you ladies can have my driver. I'll make the reservations at her favorite place for you two and after we can all discuss and go from there.

Chapter Five

After a successful lunch I get into my car and head to Louis and Scott’s. They live in a penthouse in Buckhead that Scott inherited from his grandmother. It has beautiful views of downtown from every room.

Scott’s waiting for me in the kitchen, leaning his hips on the counter holding a glass of Veuve Clicquot for me. Damn this man is gorgeous. He’s wearing jeans that are hung low on his hips with just a white undershirt on, yummy.

I walk up to him and give his lips a lingering kiss. You are so good looking Scott. Have you made your decision about joining the other side?

He smiles down at me with an eyebrow raised and leans down so he’s just a whisper from my face and says Is someone’s libido coming back to life? If so I might entertain the thought, but only with you sweetheart. I’m giggling at Scott and I’s sexual banter as I go to take a seat at the bar counter when Louis comes walking out from their bedroom. Man these guys are just edible, I just love them.

You made it beautiful. How did work go? Got an exciting client? Any good gossip to dish to your favorite gay men, Love? Louis strolls over to give me a kiss then sits at the bar next to me, he’s wearing cut off khaki shorts and a gray tee shirt.

I tell them about my client and that everything is progressing nicely. We spend the evening drinking fabulous wine, I cook them my lemon herb chicken with white wine reduction and after we all snuggle up on the couch to watch one of our favorite movies, "Vanilla Sky."

Next morning, after making the guys a breakfast of my buttermilk pancakes, I make myself a latte and I go and get ready for my meeting with Mrs. Petrov. Last night I looked her up online to get an idea of who she is and what she looks like. She’s strikingly beautiful and is very active in the arts community. So I opt to wear tan dress pants with a Ralph Lauren emerald green blouse and nude Manolo pumps, simple yet fashionable enough. Once dressed and ready I go and find the guys. They are both sitting at the bar drinking coffee. I thank them, tell Louis I’ll see him after I go to the gym and I give them both a kiss as I leave.

Mr. Petrov introduces and escorts us down to the awaiting black Maybach. Mrs. Petrov and I hit it off, she is witty but yet a complete lady, she too loves the Mediterranean house.

When we walk back into Mr. Petrov’s office, he’s on the phone speaking harshly in Russian to someone, with his back facing us. He turns as he hears us entering and you can tell when he sees his wife the love he has for her, he just melts. Ending his call he confesses that it was their son on the phone and he’s having a tough time encouraging him to relocate as well.

So what did you think, honey? Do you love it?

Oh Viktor it’s everything I could have asked for! Ms. James has done a fabulous job. Where ever did you find her? Mrs. Petrov proclaims.

She came highly recommended by a colleague. Well in that case Ms. James I believe we now have money to discuss. Honey do you want to stick around for this or do you have other plans? Mr. Petrov asks his wife.

Dear you know business is your area, I don’t need to be bothered. I’ll see you for dinner this evening. Please though Viktor; have us moving in as soon as possible. Ms. James, please do your best to see to that and you have been an exceptional help and have done a wonderful job, thank you.

With that Mr. Petrov give his wife a kiss on the cheek and she leaves us to discuss numbers. I tell him what the numbers are on the house regarding what the land was purchased for, estimated cost to build, taxes and so on. We then come to terms with an offer that I’m pretty positive won’t be refused. It’s a little off the asking price but its reasonable and fair. The contract does have a few stipulations. Mostly the concerns are closing and move in dates. Mr. Petrov wants to move in in ten days. That gives just barely enough time to agree to the offer, inspect and appraise.

I tell him we should hear something by tomorrow morning as to acceptance, due to the length of time the house has been on the market. So with that I head to the realtor’s office. The agent