The Chauffeur

By A.P. Hallmark

April Sanders is beautiful and educated. She's also a chauffeur. Her elite client list is extensive, and Jason Rowe is one of them.

From the moment he lays eyes on her, he tries to gain her attention. But unlike the other women he encounters, she isn't impressed. Imagine his surprise when he learns she's hired to drive exclusively for the family.

Remaining the dedicated professional, April rejects Jason's advances. That is until she receives the approval of the family matriarch. Her life will never be the same.

When a business deal goes sour between Jason and a competitive business associate, April gets caught in the crossfire. After a series of suspicious and ominous incidents threaten the Rowes' inner circle, Jason's possessive and protective nature knows no bounds where Ms. Sanders is concerned.

The Rowe's are powerful and have powerful connections. When a member of the family is wounded, there's no stopping the force behind them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.P. Hallmark
• Release date: Jun 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386848295

Book preview

Chapter 1

~April~

May I take your bag, sir?

No, I’ve got it, thanks. He’s not paying attention as he taps out a message on his phone.

I open the trunk so he can place the Louis Vuitton that’s hanging from his shoulder inside. He bumps into me as he rounds the rear of the car, causing me to lose my footing.

Sorry, he mumbles.

I’ve already opened the door for him, and he slips in, never taking his eyes off his phone.

I hurry to the driver’s side door, and once I’m comfortable, adjust the inside temperature. After pulling my seatbelt over my shoulder, I put the limo in drive and make my way out of the circular driveway to the massive, ornate gate. I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, impatient for it to open wide enough to drive through.

I could be here until tomorrow.

Sneaking a peek at him in the rear-view mirror, I observe how handsome he is. By far, the most noticeable feature is his thick hair. I want to run my hands through it before kissing that sculpted mouth.

When his phone rings with the classic telephone tone, I look in the mirror. That’s when I notice his beautiful, white smile and nearly drive off the road. He catches me staring and offers me a smile of my own.

Shit, I blurt out like a truck driver.

Should I be offended that he raises the privacy glass?

Shrugging my shoulders, I follow the directions on the GPS to the second passenger pickup location—Ms. Kathryn Walsh. After pulling up to the front of the high-rise apartment building, I release the trunk before Ms. Walsh reaches the limousine. I’m startled when Mr. Rowe exits the back seat, and my gaze follows his to see what it is that has made him smile like that. Of course, it would have to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Graceful as she can be in five-inch Jimmy Choos, she runs toward him. Her ample breasts beg for release, and if she had another two feet further to run, the task would be complete.

He would date only the best!

Jason, she cries, her arms open wide.

Hey, beautiful. He sweeps her up, spinning her around in his embrace before planting the most amazing kiss on her. The way that chiseled jaw stands out as his mouth moves over hers is a sight to behold.

I break my stare before I get caught again.

Kathryn, my love, you look stunning as ever. Are you ready to have some fun in the sun?

Gag.

I nearly puke listening to baby this, beautiful that, handsome, my love—Barf.

Do women fall for that? Okay, I would if this Romeo were saying that mush to me. I stick my tongue out at her behind the sanctuary of the trunk lid while loading her five- hundred-piece luggage set. All right, it’s only three, but still. How much luggage does one need while having fun in the sun, living in a bikini and your birthday suit?

Always the professional, I hold the door open for them until they finish tongue-fucking and resist the powerful urge to roll my eyes.

Beautiful bends over to enter the car, and I catch a glimpse of Romeo out of the corner of my eye just as he fondles her ass. Thank God, I keep a bottle of spray bleach in the car to clean up after this crap.

Pressing the volume control on my steering wheel, I turn up the radio, so I don’t have to hear the sound effects. The residual cleanup is bad enough as it is.

Okay, so I’m jealous. Is it wrong to want someone to touch me like that?

After I pull into the Executive Airport, I release the trunk and hurry to open the passenger door, and they both exit with a level of grace you can’t help but envy. I can’t help but notice the new, slightly rumpled style of Romeo’s hair.

A male flight attendant runs up to my car, winks at me, and wastes no time grabbing the luggage and loading it onto the jet.

I’ll see you in a week, he says before slipping his hand around Beautiful’s three-inch waist. He guides her to the plane, whispering sweet nothings in her ear, eliciting giggles from her.

Closing the car door, I resist looking in the back seat knowing I’ll have to wipe it down before picking up my next passenger. I glance back at the plane and watch the hatch slowly close. Out of habit, I chew my bottom lip, pondering if I will ever have fun in the sun like that—with someone like him.

~.~

Thank God, it’s Friday. I’ve just dropped off my last client, and it's time to let my hair down and hang with my girl. After returning to the limo corral, I hand Mark a fifty to clean lord-knows-what off the back seat. It’s worth it to me, and I get enough in tips to afford it.

Thanks, Mark. I wiped down the seat. Hope I got it all. I’ll see you on Monday, I shout as I run to my car.

I approach her with a smile, and my palms begin to sweat just thinking about driving her. I am having an affair with my pewter BMW Z4 Roadster and have a mini every time I get her up to one hundred miles per hour. Anything under that is foreplay.

As soon as I get behind the wheel, I call Emily to check on tonight’s plans.

Hey, April. Are you ready? I’m almost finished getting dressed.

Christ, Emily, I just got off work and haven’t even left the parking lot yet. I still need to run home and get showered. I look at the clock on the dash; it’s only six-thirty, and she’s ready to go? How long is Adam holding the table for us?

Emily’s brother, Adam, is the manager at the Underground and has a table reserved for us.

He said he'll hold it as long as he can, so hurry and get ready or else he may have to give it away. I’ll drive over to your place to save some time. This is going to be so much fun. See you in a few!

After pulling out of the parking lot, I resist the urge to drive my car the way she’s designed but still make it home in record time.

Running up the stairs to my apartment, I fumble with my keys before getting the door open. Slamming it shut behind me, I head straight for my bathroom, and after stripping out of my uniform, I step under the shower. By the time Emily arrives, I’m rushing out the door I just came through.

You look awesome, April. I love that dress.

Thanks.

You look great in that color of yellow. I just hope you can dance without the boobage slipping out, Emily says, pointing out the low-cut bodice of the dress.

Laughing, I look down, and pull it up to cover the girls. Jumping up and down, I make sure I won’t have a wardrobe malfunction tonight. Yep, they’re packed in there nice and snug, and after I tuck them in a bit more, I look up and see my neighbor watching me from his balcony.

Oh, hi, Mr. Abernathy. I wave his way before tugging some more. I’m sure I’ve given the old guy enough fodder to regale his friends with at the senior center.

You’re going to give that poor man a heart attack one day, April. Mark my words.

Emily is wearing a white strapless dress that has a full skirt with matching hipster panties underneath in case her dancing gets a little wild, which it tends to do. My girl loves to dance.

Once we arrive at the club, I pull into valet parking and place my keys in the hand attached to a heavily tattooed arm. As he pulls away from the curb, that asshole squeals the tires on my baby. Not budging an inch, I wait for him to return so that I can kick his ass. I may be little, but I’m scrappy—my dad says so.

Come on, we need to get inside! Emily says, pulling at my arm.

Nobody drives her like that but me. I take my arm back and wait several more minutes.

April!

Okay, I whine. I’ll deal with that little shit later.

We see Adam as soon as we walk into the club. Weaving through the crowd, he brushes off the throng of ladies vying for his attention. I smile when his six-foot-three-inch ripped frame reaches us, and I can’t help but notice the black T-shirt that stretches tight over perfect pecs.

After we are taken to the best booth in the house, Adam delivers a bottle of Moët Chandon Champagne on ice. And this is why he’s the best club manager in town, or perhaps the sweetest brother on the planet.

Ladies, you outshine everyone here tonight. He pours out the compliments like he pours the champagne—he’s the master. Once he fills our glasses, he gives us a courteous bow and leaves us to enjoy ourselves.

Cheers, girlfriend. Emily holds her flute out to me.

Cheers, sister, I reply, touching mine to hers.

After we have several glasses, and with the DJ killing the music tonight, we end up dancing to exhaustion.

When the eighth song ends, and another begins, I’m parched. I need some water, I tell my dance partner and head for the table. When I turn around, expecting to find him behind me, he’s nowhere to be seen. Shrugging my shoulders, I walk the remaining distance to the table where Adam has placed several bottles of cold bottled water in the ice bucket. I search the room, finding him at the far end of the bar. When he sees me, I blow him a kiss in thanks. I smile when he snaps my kiss out of the air and places it over his heart.

After I finish a bottle of water, I head for the ladies' room to freshen up. When I return, Emily is sitting at the table with the guy she’s been dancing with since we arrived.

April, I want you to meet Kyle. Kyle, this is my best friend, April.

It's nice to meet you, I say, shaking his hand. You’re quite the dancer.

Thank you. I just hope I can keep up with this little spitfire here, he replies staring into Emily’s eyes. My heart flips at the way he's looking at her—full of want and longing. I haven’t seen anything like it in a very long time. I peek at Emily, and she’s looking at him the very same way. I hope I’m witnessing something wonderful beginning for her.

The DJ plays a slow song, and Kyle whisks her onto the dance floor again, and just as I'm about to go outside to get some fresh air, I feel a hand on my shoulder. Looking back, I see Adam.

Dance with me? he whispers in my ear.

Sure, I reply, taking his hand.

You look lovely tonight, April.

Thank you, and thanks for taking such good care of Emily and me tonight. It’s sweet of you. I lay my palm on his massive bicep, wanting to give it a squeeze, but remind myself this is Emily’s brother.

You’re welcome. I want you to have fun tonight, all right? He pulls me a little closer and picks up the tempo of our dance.

Feeling him hold me even closer, I wonder what’s going on. I try to make eye contact with Emily, but she’s in a bubble with Kyle.

After the song ends, Adam places his hands on my shoulders, and I think he might kiss me, but he does something equally as surprising—he asks me to dinner.

Um ... do you think that’s a good idea, Adam? I mean with Emily and I being so close and all? I want to take those words back as soon as I say them. The look on his face says it all.

Yeah, you’re probably right, he says, looking down at the floor. Thanks for the dance. And just like that, he’s gone.

I glance over my shoulder before sitting down at my table. While I’m looking for him, Kyle escorts Emily over, bends down, places a lingering kiss on her willing lips, and whispers something in her ear, then leaves.

Oh, my god, April. I think I’m in love.

I laugh and hand her a chilled bottle of water.

It’s not funny. We both felt this instant connection. I believe it was a love-at-first-sight connection. He felt it too. He told me he felt something right away. She watches him make his way back to his friends.

I’m not going to squash her happiness because I would never want to take away the look she has on her face right now.

Hey, Emily, Adam asked me out on a date, I confess, waiting for her reaction.

It’s about fucking time. He’s been wanting to ask you out, but was too nervous.

And you're just now telling me this, why?

Because he asked me not to. He’s shy when it comes to you. Did you say yes? Her eyes go wide with excitement.

No.

She jerks her head around and looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind.

Why would you say that? Why didn’t you say yes? she shrieks.

Because he’s your brother, Emily. I won’t do anything to screw us up, and I didn’t know how you would feel about me dating him.

April, Adam is one of the most decent human beings I’ve ever known. I won’t give him to just anyone, you know.

I know. I need to think about this. We’ve all been friends for so long; I just don’t know about entering into a different relationship with him. I’ll think about it. I around for him again seeing that he’s returned to his position at the end of the bar. He takes a drink from a coffee cup when an attractive blonde sits next to him. He doesn’t look at me again for the rest of the night.

As the evening wears down, Kyle takes a seat next to Emily.

Hey, ladies, my sister, myself and our friends are going for breakfast. Would you care to join us? Emily agrees and looks to me for confirmation.

Which one’s your sister? I ask looking at the table he sits at when he’s not at ours. He points to the beautiful blonde who has taken ownership of the seat next to Adam.

I think I'm going to pass. It’s a rare weekend off for me, and I want to rest. Emily, don’t forget that your car is at my place.

By the way they continue to stare at each other, I doubt she heard me. I’m confident she won’t see her bed tonight. I doubt they even know I’m here.

All righty, then. I’m going to head out now. Kyle, it was nice meeting you. You take care of my girl and get her home safely? I watch as he stares into her eyes and nods. As I get up from my seat, he tears away from Emily to stand when I do.

Thank you for loaning me your friend. You might not get her back if I have anything to say about it, he says before giving me a warm hug.

I think that could quite possibly be the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.

~.~

After trying to sleep in for the first time in months, I wake to the ringtone of one Emily Hanson.

Hey, Em. I roll over and stretch before checking the time on my phone.

Good morning, she sings.

So, did someone get lucky last night? I ask, anxious to hear the details.

Nope. After we had breakfast, he drove me to my car, and then I went home.

No kidding? That’s a shocker. I thought you were a sure thing for him. I gather the energy to get out of bed to fix myself some coffee.

I was, but he happens to be a gentleman. We’re going out to dinner on Tuesday, though. Anyway, I have some good news for you.

I can always use good news. I need that coffee first, though.

I was telling Kyle what you do for a living, and he asked me if you might be interested in applying for a full-time position as their family’s private driver.

Get out! That bit of news had me out of bed faster than the need for coffee did.

The driver they've had for the past twenty-five years is retiring, and when I told him you had been doing it for years, he asked if you would want to talk to him. If you’re interested, and with your approval, he’ll order your DMV records Monday and run a background check. If there aren’t any problems, he’d like to see you. And get this—it comes with a two-bedroom apartment located on the property over the garages, and you would have all the privacy you need. He also said that the pay and benefits are excellent.

Are you kidding me? I nearly spill the coffee I’ve just poured into my cup. Good pay and zero rent? And benefits? I haven’t had benefits in six years. I’ve been afraid of getting sick. And all I do is drive the family around? How many are in the family?

There are five—his parents, Kyle, his sister, and another brother. Do I tell him you’re interested and to email you the application?

To get out of that hellhole I’ve been in for the past four years? Hell yes! You’re the best, Emily. Thanks so much, and tell Kyle he won’t regret it.

All right, I’ll call him right now. He said he wants to get this done so that John can retire. He intends to move to his son’s home in Florida as soon as he can.

Okay, I’ll do it as soon as I get it. I am so taking you to dinner when I get my first paycheck, Emily, I promise before hanging up.

I jump around my living room, excited that I’m finally getting away from James. I get so sick and tired of him hitting on me and accidentally grazing various parts of my body.

After my heightened emotions calm down to a respectable level, I get out my ironing board and iron my uniforms for the week. There's nothing like an ironing board to bring you back to reality. After selecting the outfit I’ll wear Monday, I hang up the others in my closet. I check my email for Kyle’s application, but it hasn’t arrived.

I spend a significant portion of the afternoon working on a grant I’m applying for and remind myself to check the local community college for courses in grant writing. After saving my work, I check my email once more before making dinner.

Putting a DVD in while I eat, I immediately regret the romantic comedy I chose. It only makes me miss what I don’t have—a Romeo in my life.

After cleaning up my dishes, I check my computer one last time for Kyle’s email. It’s not there. I hope he was serious about this. Just as I consider calling Emily, I’m startled by my phone vibrating across my desk.

Sam’s picture appears on the screen. Sam and I have been good friends for about six years now. I sometimes wonder why we’ve never taken it any further than friendship, but what we have works, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Next, to Emily, he’s my closest and dearest friend.

Hey, Sammy.

Hey, beautiful. What’s on your schedule for tonight? Want to come out for a few beers with Mark and me?

No can do, Sam. I’m taking tonight off. I went out last night with Emily, and I have a date with my tub, I say, looking at my toenails trying to decide if they need a fresh coat of polish.

I suppose you don’t need any company, do you? I have to give it to him—he’s always trying.

Ah, not tonight, Sam. Rain check?

I’ve got enough rain checks to wallpaper my apartment. If you change your mind, you have my number. Let’s meet up for breakfast next week, though, okay?

It’s a date.

Good night, doll.

~.~

I plan to spend the day getting groceries, detailing my baby, doing laundry, and printing out next week’s passenger schedule. After a thorough review, I see that I have a pick-up at the Executive Airport in the morning. Mr. Jason Rowe? Romeo? That sure was a short, fun-in-the-sun trip. More importantly, I don't see Beautiful on the schedule. Maybe she has another ride. I shrug it off and tuck the paper into my bag.

After I finish my errands and chores, I check my email once more and click open the message from Kyle Rowe.

Once I complete and return the online application, I go to bed in a better mood and scold myself for getting over-excited about this prospect, knowing full well that it might not work out. I can’t stop hoping that I may finally get away from James.

~.~

It’s Monday morning already, and I wake up earlier than usual. Taking an extra-long, hot shower, I spend more time than normal on my hair and makeup, finishing with colored lip gloss.

Feeling confident and sexy, I select a black lace bra with matching thong, then give myself a thorough review in the mirror. Usually, I wear a tie, but today, I open my crisp white blouse at the neck and pair it with a red pinstripe vest and pencil skirt. To bring it all together, I slip on a pair of black Louboutin’s. I like that the sole matches the red buttons on the vest. After grabbing my cap and bag, I head out the door.

The drive to the corral is relatively silent, and just as I turn into the parking lot, Sam pulls up on his Harley. There’s something about a big handsome man like Sam and a Harley. I wait for him to remove his helmet and he smiles when he sees me.

Hey, Sammy, I say, watching him swagger toward me. I’ve always loved the way he walks with that sexy strut.

Hello, doll. You’re wearing my favorite today. He wraps his arm around my shoulder, tugging me into his side. You know you look fucking sexy as all get out in that, don’t you?

A lot of good it does me except get unsolicited groping from James. I swear I’m going to cut his hands off at the wrist and his dick off at the balls. Bastard.

Fuck him. Let’s go grab a coffee before we hit the streets? He tucks me closer under his arm.

Sounds good. I wrap my arm around his waist and snuggle into him.

After we put our personal items away in the locker room, we make a dash across the street to Starbucks to fill our travel mugs. As soon as we walk through the door, the women in line sneak peeks at him, giggling behind their hands. I will never get over how the ladies stare at you, Sam. You need to find a good woman and settle down.

I’m saving myself for you, doll. Just say the word. I look up at his six-foot-one-inch frame and smile. He’s such an excellent flirt.

After we get back to the lot, he gives my hand a squeeze. Drive safe out there, beautiful.

You too, Sammy.

~.~

I wait by the passenger door while Romeo’s plane taxis toward the hangar. The trunk is open and ready for the attendant to place his luggage inside, and once the plane’s hatch opens, he quickly exits down the stairs. I lick my lips as he walks toward me. If I thought Sam had a sexy strut, nothing has it on this guy. Holy Jesus! His whole body moves when he walks. It doesn’t help that he’s also wearing my favorite look on a man—a black suit, white shirt and red tie. My breathing escalates at the sight of him.

I barely notice him look up from his phone, but when he does, his pace slows, and his eyes never leave me. When he’s within five feet of me, I open the door for him. He doesn’t climb inside, though. Instead, he stops in front of me and tilts his head to the side, trying to look into my eyes.

You look lovely today, April, he says in deep, smooth voice that sounds like melted butter...whatever that sounds like.

I move my lips to reply, but think better of it and give him a slight nod instead.

After he slides into the back seat, I shut the door and feel his eyes on me as I make my way to the front of the car. Once I’m secure in the driver’s seat, I pick up my schedule to check the drop-off address.

To confirm your destination address, Mr. Rowe, 2335 Lakeview Drive?

That’s correct, April. Thank you.

My name has never sounded as sexy before. My eyes fly to my rear-view mirror.

I quickly gather my wits at hearing him say my name, place the car in drive and head downtown. The entire trip, I listen to his voice while he’s on his phone. I take a deep breath and sigh.

Once we arrive, I pull the car up to the curb and hurry to open the door for him. When he steps out, he again attempts to make eye contact, but I don’t let him. He chuckles and shakes his head before turning toward the building.

As is habit, I look inside before shutting the door and see his precious iPhone lying on the seat.

Mr. Rowe, I call out. He stops and turns. Your phone, sir.

Thank you, April. His long thick fingers graze along mine as he takes the phone from me.

I can feel his eyes on me as I walk back to my car. Taking a deep breath, I slide behind the wheel and find myself reciting a silly line in my head.

Oh, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

Okay, that shit's corny, and I shall never say it again.

I giggle at my ridiculous thoughts and shake them off. Like I would ever have a chance with the likes of him. Sadly, though, if I get this job with Kyle’s family, I will never see him again.

Just as I’m perusing my schedule for my next customer pickup, Kyle texts and asks me to stop by 2335 Lakeview Drive to meet with him and his mother about the driver position. He requests that I come to the twenty-fifth floor. I couldn’t be more surprised at the coincidence and text back that I’ll be there in five minutes.

I add a bit of lip gloss, check my hair and lock my car and silently ride the elevator to the twenty-fifth floor. When he escorts me to a small conference room, a stunning woman is waiting for us, and he takes his position next to her.

Mother, this is April Sanders. She comes highly recommended and has already cleared security. April, this is Grace Rowe.

Everyone knows you, Mrs. Rowe. Your charity work is exemplary, and the social events you plan around those charities are well known. It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am.

I wonder if Emily knows Kyle is her son and then it hits me like a brick right between my eyes—Jason Rowe.

My son has been singing your praises, April. I understand that you just met the other evening? she asks, tilting her head, waiting for my answer.

Yes, ma’am, that’s correct.

I also understand he has outlined the terms of the position?

He explained that your current driver is retiring and that you need someone right away. He also said there would be health insurance and an apartment.

That pretty much covers it, she says, scribbling on a piece of paper. Here’s the starting salary. There’s also an annual bonus at Christmas. Is this acceptable to you?

The number leaves me speechless. She tilts her head again, and I see right away where he gets it.

Yes, ma’am. Quite acceptable, thank you.

Can you start tomorrow?

Surprised that she wants me to start so soon, my brain runs through my current obligations before I answer.

I’d like to give some notice, but if you need me right away, I’ll do it as soon as I return to my car.

Yes, I’m afraid I do need you right away. You see, John will need to show you around before he leaves us, and that doesn’t give you much time with him, so as soon as possible is vital, she explains as she looks at Kyle.

Son, will you go get your brother and sister so that we can introduce them to April? Kyle nods and hurries to follow her instructions.

While Mrs. Rowe is advising me to contact Human Resources, the door opens, and I hear their voices.

April, this is my sister, Nicole, and this is my brother, Jason. Guys, this is April Sanders. She’ll be our new driver, so be nice to her. Jason, don’t scare her off.

April, he says, shaking my hand. I finally get to see the color of your eyes. They are breathtaking.

Chapter 2

~Jason~

Do you have everything you need, Jason? iPad? iPhone? Speedo? Sue, my ever-efficient assistant, teases while I pack my briefcase.

Yes, thanks to you, I answer, juggling the phone between my cheek and shoulder. "And, really? Speedo? Do they even make those anymore?" The vision of my private, white sandy beach is ruined by the image of an overweight, beer-bellied, silver chest-haired man in a small swimming suit. I have only one word in my mind.

Eww.

I know, right?

The car’s here so let me get off the phone. Oh, and send me those contracts that Farmer drafted for me, would you? I want to read them on the plane.

You shouldn’t be working if you're on vacation, Jason.

‟I know, I know."

I just sent them. I’m hanging up now, so you won’t be getting anything else from me. Go vacate your life and have some fun.

Oh, I plan to.

Kathryn Walsh is one of the classic beauties that know me inside and out. She's my match in the bedroom and also in the boardroom. She likes to fuck and knows how to run a good deal. Unfortunately, we butt heads in the corporate world quite often, but we always end up in the same spot—bed. She pleases me, which is why I’m taking her to my family residence in Hawaii. I have ten acres of secluded white beach, blue water, and a warm naked body. We both need to get away to enjoy the down time, absorb some sun and let her have her way with me.

Have a pleasant trip, Mr. Rowe, Garrett says as I pass him on the front landing.

Thank you, Garrett. Give Rita a kiss for me and tell her I’ll miss her cookies.

She slipped a container in your luggage, sir.

I smile at that. My sweet, Rita. She takes care of my sweet tooth.

"Well, in that case, give her a big sloppy kiss for me, would you? She likes those." I chuckle when he rolls his eyes at me, knowing full well she hates them.

You keep ordering me to give her those, and you may find your cookie supply dwindle with regularity.

You’re probably right. Better not make it too sloppy, then. See you next week.

I slip my carry-on over my shoulder, and as soon as I walk out the door toward the car, a female voice asks if she can take my bag. Thinking the bag is bigger than she is, I tell her no and drop it in the trunk. I inadvertently bump into her as I make my way to the passenger seat. When I look up from my phone to apologize, I can’t see her face because the visor of her cap is pulled down over her eyes. I attempt to get a glimpse, but she avoids me. I merely shrug and slip into the back seat, smelling her perfume as soon as I get into the car. It’s very pleasant.

As soon as the car pulls out onto Lake Avenue, my phone rings.

Hello, Kate, I answer. Knowing it’s her, and the direction our conversation would go, I raise the glass partition.

Hello, darling. Are you on your way? I hope you are because I plan on doing some naughty things to jumpstart that cold heart of yours.

Oh, baby, you have no idea how much I need your mouth on me. I can feel your luscious lips as we speak. I sigh, laying my head back against the seat.

Soon, darling.

I’ll be there shortly. Be waiting out front. I’m hard for you already. I hang up the phone and stare at the opaque glass in front of me.

Once we arrive, the driver opens my door, and I step onto the curb to find Kate looking beautiful as ever in a sea-green strapless sundress. There's no doubt in my mind that she has nothing on underneath. I open my arms to her as she runs into them.

The skirt of her dress floats like a cloud around her with the sway of her hips, and I lick my lips in anticipation. When she bends to get into the car, she intentionally gives me access to her, so I obligingly slip my hand up her skirt and caress her. I lock the doors and lie back. In no time, Kate gets busy with that sexy mouth of hers. The moment her lips wrap around me, I have to control the urge to come.

After we arrive at the airport, I unlock the doors, and they swing open. Kate slips out first and scurries toward the jet where we plan on picking up where we left off.

I’ll see you in a week, April, I say as I turn toward the plane. I sneak a peek at her over my shoulder to see her bent over, looking at the car, giving me a view of the tops of her stockings.

Nice.

~.~

Once Kate and I arrive on the island, the first thing we do is go skinny dipping in the pool then have lunch that’s waiting in the refrigerator.

I need to make a few phone calls. Why don’t you do a little sunbathing in my favorite swimming suit? I suggest, running my hand across her smooth, bare bottom. She looks utterly fuckable, wearing nothing but the ribbon holding up her hair in a blonde, sexy mess.

No, Jase, stay here with me. No work. You promised, she whines.

Let me take care of a little business first. I’ll join you in about an hour, all right? I run my hand over the back of her leg, and after seeing what’s peeking back at me from between her thighs, I can’t resist and slide my greedy fingers between her folds. She opens for me, raising her hips, keeping time with my touch. As soon as she cries out her release, I kiss her small round ass.

I’ll be back for mine, I whisper in her ear. I smile because I think she’s already down for a nap.

I shut the door as soon as I enter my office and turn on my computer. I want to research a property my lawyer may have found, so I Google it. After conducting my research, I determine it’s the perfect place for my new venture. It’s the right size, the right location, and the right price. I want it.

While reviewing the specifications of the property, I can’t help but wonder why this particular location wasn’t brought to my attention, especially since I was looking in the greater Chicago area. It was intentionally left off the market—it had to have been. I’ve been looking too long and too hard to have missed it.

I send an email to Neal Farmer, my long-time corporate attorney, telling him to look into the Aurora property he told me about. Apparently, another offer is on the table, and I want him to make a higher offer as soon as possible.

After taking care of my emails and answering a few of Sue’s questions, I reach for my phone when it pings. The offer was presented to the shareholders and asks if I want him to make the deal if it’s accepted.

Make the deal under CM Dynamics.

Apparently, the shareholders were desperate to get out from under the building, and no doubt excited to be making more money on the deal, because an hour later, the offer is accepted. Farmer promises to deliver the contracts to the Board first thing in the morning. I notify Susan to get the details from him to transfer the funds from the Lionsbrook account.

You are on vacation, mister. Stop working!

I chuckle at how she tries to be stern with me as if that ever works.

Sitting back in my chair, I think about the next step in my new venture and smile to myself. Is it possible to buy a manufacturing plant in just under an hour? I fold my hands behind my head. Corporate America—you gotta love it. I’m going to build airplanes—classic, sleek, sexy jets.

Grabbing a bottle of chilled wine from the refrigerator, I rejoin Kate by the pool. She’s awake now, sitting in the lounge chair sunning her beautiful breasts. I run the cold bottle over her pert nipples, and they instantly respond.

You look beautiful in this light, Kate, I say to her, meaning it. Bending down, I nibble the tender skin behind her ear.

It doesn’t take long for my cock to wake up and tent my shorts. It also doesn’t take Kate long to begin sucking me down her throat balls deep. I quiver as I attempt to set the bottle and glasses down on the small table next to me while trying not break contact with her warm, exquisite mouth. She never disappoints me with the amount of enthusiasm she shows when performing a perfect blowjob.

Thank you, I say, breathless. I pull my shorts up and tuck my cock back inside, then sit at the end of her lounge chair and spread her open, returning the favor.

And this is what I mean by fun in the sun.

It’s beautiful here. Thank you for bringing me, Jason. Her voice is mellow as she basks in her orgasmic afterglow. Just as she begins running her tongue around the shell of my ear, we hear the ping of an incoming email. Her mood changes as she reads the message.

"What the fuck?"

She begins to type and rants, Who the hell is CM Dynamics? This isn’t good. This is so not good. Not good, not good ... Her fingers fly over the keyboard.

What is it, Kate? I ask, keeping my involvement with CM close to my chest.

Someone has taken control of a property I needed to buy. If I don’t get this plant, I’m doomed, she says, still typing away.

It can’t be as bad as that, Kate.

I need this property, Jason. You don’t understand. If I don’t acquire it, everything I’ve worked for is gone.

She can’t mean that. Why would your life’s work be based on the purchase of a single manufacturing plant? Surely, you’re exaggerating.

Her head snaps up, and she gives me a glare that I’m sure is meant to kill me. "You?" she hisses, standing up so fast she sends the chair backward to the ground.

Kate, please, I didn’t know. I was told of it being available just this morning, and I took the opportunity. Why did you need it so bad? I ask as I bend to set the table right.

Did you read my emails? Did you look at my computer? she asks through her teeth.

"No!" I pour a glass of the wine and offer it to her. I’m rewarded with her smacking the glass out of my hand. She then, in the throes of a temper tantrum, kicks the table, spilling the wine and glasses onto the patio. There are shards of glass everywhere. I look down at our bare feet and carefully step to the door, where I slip into my flip flops. I retrieve her sandals and hand them to her.

Watch your feet, Kate.

How did you know, you backstabbing prick? You knew I was buying it, didn’t you? Are you doing this because I bought Blackguard out from under you? Her voice is so loud that I look around as if she might disturb the neighbors ten acres away.

I didn’t know it was you.

"No one knew about this property but me, Jason. No. One. How did you know about it if you didn’t read my emails?" she shouts. It’s difficult not to laugh when she’s standing naked with her hands on her hips and her breasts bouncing around in her anger.

I knew there was someone else interested, but I didn’t investigate who. I didn’t think I needed to. And wasn’t the Blackguard matter put to bed?

Pun intended.

Business is nothing but a game with us that we’ve played many times before. She was successful at outbidding me for a company that I wanted, and we had a huge argument that lasted for weeks which ended with us fucking for hours.

Jason, you stop that sale right now, she cries. Immediately.

I take a step toward her, reaching out to her. The offer was accepted, and the funds have been transferred pending the signing of the contract, which will be in front of them in the morning.

Don’t you fucking touch me. I want to know who told you about this, she pants, almost to the point of hyperventilation. "No one but my mother and I knew about this sale! I know because I initiated the deal by approaching them personally and privately. It wasn’t even on the market. How did you know, dammit? Tell me!"

Kate, calm down. Did you or your mother let someone know you were trying to buy it?

"No!"

Listen, everyone knows that I’ve had every realtor in Chicago looking around for me. Even you know that. This opportunity fell into my lap, and I took it. If you need it that badly, you can buy it from me.

You have no idea what you’ve done, Jason. She picks up the phone and dials, her distress evident. Mother, Jason just bought Aurora out from under us. Get me a flight home as soon as possible. I’ll sleep at the airport tonight if I have to! Just get me off this fucking island.

Kate, now stop. This is business—it’s what we do, I plead. Don’t leave like this. We can stay the week and then fly back to fix everything. Trust me.

Never again, Jason. You and I are no longer friends. What you have done is beyond devious and conniving.

But—

I will never forgive you for this, and I promise you with everything in me, I will ruin you. Then, I will own you, she says, a mere fraction of an inch from my face. She says