Merger (21 page)

Chapter 18

Joshua

I took a long shower
, hoping that K.K. would jump in with me, but my fear of stealing all the hot water got the better of me and I decided to turn it off and get out. As I stepped out, she appeared in the bathroom doorway, now naked and moving around me to get in. I grunted and she looked back at me.

“What?” she questioned
.

“I swear I waited for you to come up here
. I really wanted to take a shower with you. Now, I’m out and you’re about to get in. I was feeling a little robbed, so I grunted.”

“Sorry
,” she laughed. I hit her playfully with my towel. “Ouch!” She reached up, gave me a kiss on the cheek and a wink. “Better luck next time,” she smirked over her shoulder as she got in and I stood there with my dick growing hard just staring at her.

We both got ready and maneuvered around each other like we’d lived together forever
. She seemed to have recovered from whatever little mishap had happened after breakfast and I was glad to see that she was no longer brooding. We both finished dressing and waited for Benny to call up and let us know that he was downstairs.

We sat waiting at the counter
. I drank an unneeded third cup of coffee as K.K. scrolled through her phone, looking at emails. I couldn’t help but stare at her. She looked exceptional with her black pencil skirt, French cuffed shirt, and amazing pumps. She had on subtle diamond stud earrings and a nice watch, I couldn’t tell what kind, but thought to myself how great she’d look in diamond Rolex and that I might have to get her one. It’s funny, that the thought of a watch could lead you so far, but suddenly I was thinking about engagement rings, which then lead to thinking about her as my wife, then the mother of my kids. I beamed internally, at what a girlish moment I was having and remembered as a teenage kid finding Mary Jane Simpson, a girl in my eighth grade class with my name scribbled on her notebook with a big heart around it. I had to chuckle out loud at the thought. I’d just become the stalker of my own future? I shook my head and rolled my eyes, wondering how a little admiration at K.K.’s beauty had led me to marriage and children.

“What’s so funny?” She
looked up from her phone. Just then, as if saved by the bell, Benny rang up to inform us that he’d arrived and would be waiting downstairs.

“Oh, nothing
. I was just admiring your beauty.” I was hoping to deflect my real reason for the chuckle and got up to grab my things.

“My beauty is funny?”
she asked.

“Not at all baby; not at all.” I gave her a reassuring peck on the cheek and held out my hand to help her from the stool
. “Let’s go, partner.”

We walked out of the building
to meet Benny. The door to the car was open and he was waiting with a cheerful smile on his face.

“Good morning
, you two.”

We both replied in unison
. “Good morning.” I placed my hand on K.K.’s back, ushering her into the back of the car. I put my hand on Benny’s shoulder and smiled.

“Big day.”

“Yes, indeed.” He closed the door and off we went to Blakely to sign the contract solidifying me to the girl in the seat next to me. Whether our relationship made it or not, we’d be business partners for many years to come.

We pulled up at Blakely and entered the building
. K.K. presented her ID, and I thought that it was time to secure identification to enter, not as a guest, but an owner. On the way up the elevator, K.K. grabbed my hand, pulling me close and informed me that she had a surprise for me.

“Does it include you naked?” I
grinned and pulled her tighter to me.

“Uh, that would be a
‘no,’ but nice try. This surprise involves me fully dressed. Sorry.” She kissed me and we entered the office. We were immediately greeted by the receptionist and I quickly acknowledged her with a nod and smile as K.K. led me through the office.

She led me to an office adjacent from hers
. We stood staring at the closed door. She grabbed the door handle, opening it and ushering me into a fully outfitted office.

“Surprise
!” she exclaimed. I looked at her and smiled. Happy to see how proud she was, and wondering when she’d had time to organize getting it ready.

“Thank you
, baby. I love it.” I walked over to the desk, ran my fingers along it, and winked at K.K. “I definitely can think of a good way to break this desk in, but we’ll save that for another day since you’ve assured me that this isn’t going to include nakedness.” She smirked, shook her head, and turned to walk out.

“I’ll let you get settled
,” she called over her shoulder. “If you need anything, Susan will be happy to get it for you. I am going to go across the hall to my office and get a few things done. I’m glad you like it. I wanted you to have a place to work while you were here.”

“I love it
, baby. Thank you.” I said and instantly wondered what her reaction would be to my term of endearment, but when she smiled and walked out the door, I felt like I’d just managed to jump some hurdle with my beautiful brunette.

I needed to make a few calls, so I settled into my oversized executive chair and looked out the window to the city below
. I heard my brother before I saw him standing in the doorway.

“Hey bro
. They said I’d find you in here. Nice office.” He gazed from left to right, taking in the office before walking over and taking a seat in the chair across from me. “So, how are you today? What the hell happened last night? Is everything okay with you and K.K.?”

“Yeah
,” I said, sitting back in my chair. “We talked last night and she fessed up to what was really going on. Apparently she was near my phone when Megan called. Honestly, I knew I missed her call and called her back later, but didn’t think anything of it.”

“Ouch
. Megan’s watching your place while you’re gone right? Did you tell her that?”

“Yes, but she jumped to conclusions and then brooded about it instead of just talking to me about it
. Then she started questioning everything. It fucking hurt to have her walk in there so nonchalant and cold. It just took me by surprise. I’m sorry I flipped out and left. I just needed to clear my head. She came home with me and we talked through it. Honestly, I was scared that I’d lost her. I’m so fucking crazy about her.” I offered honestly.

“Wow
.” He shook his head. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you remotely interested in anyone, let alone this deep, this fast. I like it. Just be careful, Josh. I don’t have to remind you that you to have to work together as well. But you already know that. Hell, you’ve got my support, whatever I can do. I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks man
. I appreciate it,” I said. “How did everything go with you and Beth? You seemed to be getting cozy last night.”

“She’s cool
,” he said, now smiling mischievously. “Very cool. I like her.”

“Like her
? As in like or
like?
” I grinned, urging him for more information.

“Slow it down
, big brother. There’s enough love in the air to suffocate a man. I just mean I like her. I enjoyed hanging out with her. I think she’ll be at the party tonight and I’m glad. She’s cool.” He stood up.

“Good
. Dad here?” I asked.

“Yes
. He’s with Mr. Blakely. I think they were waiting for the some of the board members to get here and I know some of our people have already arrived. You ready to do this?” he asked.

No sooner
did the words spill out of my brother’s mouth, K.K. made her appearance in my door, looking beautiful. She leaned around the doorframe.

“So, you ready to do this
?” she asked.

I gave them both a firm “yes.
”

I walked from behind the desk and my brother stepped in behind me
. I stopped short of the door and grabbed K.K. by the hand. My brother stopped behind me and looked at the both of us. I looked at K.K. and pulled her to me, kissing her fully on the mouth. I didn’t care who was around. I wasn’t hiding my feelings, now, or ever. I loved her.

“I won’t call you baby at this office, or rather, I’ll try not to call you baby at this office
. But do know that when we’re together, I won’t play at this whole friend thing. If we are going to make this whole thing work, I can’t have you acting like we’re strangers. No hiding. Promise me,” I said looking into her blue eyes.

She kissed me back
. “No hiding. Just us being us. I promise.”

Jake shook his head at the both of us
. “Let’s go love birds?” he chided.

K.K. turned from me
, wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek.

“And for
God’s sake. Will you two stop with all the affectionate playfulness? It makes my blood boil,” I said shaking my head at them both.

“Jealous much?”
she questioned.

“Only over you
. Now let’s go sign some contracts.”

Chapter 19

Kasey

The boardroom was full of suited men with a few woman sprinkled in
. My father and theirs headed the conference table, the documents laid out before them. They both signed the contracts making the long awaited merger official. The next couple of hours went by quickly. Champagne was poured liberally and handshakes were abundant. My father came to Josh who was sitting next to me and reached down to shake his hand. Josh stood, taking his hand in his and placing his other hand on his shoulder.

“Congratulations
, sir.” he said.

“Thank you
,” he replied. “I hope my daughter hasn’t played too much havoc on your heart. She can be frustrating at times, but she’s incredible and worth it.”

“Daddy
,” I said, shocked at his comment.

“You are
, K.K.,” he replied.

“Frustrating?” I asked.

“No honey. Worth it.” He beamed with the sincerity only a father knew.

I jumped up and threw my hands around his neck
. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too sweetie
. I have a few things I need to attend to before tonight. What time is the party?”

“Six o’clock.”

He nodded, put his hand on Josh’s shoulder, and walked out of the conference room. Josh grabbed my hand and I was ushered out of the conference room, as well.

“Where are we going?” I asked
.

“Home
,” he replied.

“Where home
? My home?” I questioned.

“Yes
. I had Jake text Beth. It’s ready. I want us to see it together. I also have a little surprise of my own. Besides the party doesn’t start for three more hours and I can’t wait another minute to be inside you.”

I stood on my toes and whispered in his ear
. “Makes me wet just thinking about it.”

“Oh my
.” He eyed me up and down. “Keep that up and I’ll take you into the office and fuck you on that new desk of mine.”

“I’ll get my things then, because the thought of that hard desk isn’t that appealing
,” I laughed.

I got my things and we left Blakely, hand in hand, headed to my newly renovated penthouse
. We decided to take a cab back and held hands the whole ride home, our fingers tangled with his thumb rubbing the top of my hand. I stared out the window willing my mind not to travel too far from the present. I was nervous to see my place, but even more nervous about Josh. My feelings for him grew by the minute and I knew he was supposed to leave tomorrow. It made my stomach turn thinking about him getting on a plane for L.A. He gripped my hand tightly sensing something in me.

“Quit brooding
,” he said.

“What makes you think I’m brooding?”
I pouted.

He looked at me with his head cocked to the side and an eyebrow raised. “Really?”

Okay, so he did know me better than I thought. “I’m thinking about you leaving tomorrow,” I said sadly

“And…?”
he questioned.

“I feel sick to my stomach
. When will I see you again? I don’t want you to live somewhere else Josh. I like having you here. With me.” I meant it, I did feel sick at just the thought of seeing that plane takeoff. I was looking directly at him when he touched my cheek.

“Come home with me
,” he said.

“What?” I
blinked.

“Come home with me. Stay with me for a couple of weeks and see how it feels to run the companies from L.A
. I’m not asking you to leave New York forever. Yet.” He was so close to my face I could smell the champagne on his breath. “I’m asking you to give it a chance. Give us a chance.”

“My home is here
, Josh.”

“My home is there
, K.K.,” he replied back.

“And here we are
. In the complicated place, I knew we’d be. It’s going to break me tomorrow when you leave. I can’t go with you tomorrow.” I pulled my hand from his and put it in my lap. I looked out the window as the cab came to a stop. We both exited the cab and walked into the building. The air was now thickening around us…again. Josh took my hand and pulled me close. I curled into him and put my head against his chest.

“We’ll work this out
. I promise. Don’t worry about it.” He sounded so sure.

“Okay.” It was the only thing I could think to say in reply, but I was worried anyway
.

When we
emerged from the elevator and entered my unit, I stood motionless to move in utter shock and virtually glued to the floor. It was a totally different place. A few of my pieces were still there, but almost everything else was new. It was absolutely gorgeous. Even the walls were painted a different color. Tones of brown and tan filled the main area and a variety of earth tones in the others. My living room floor was covered in several pelts of different size and color—steer or cowhides, I believed from the looks of them. A massive antlered coffee table stood on top of them. The couch was a sectional in the most incredible waxy brown leather. It looked rich and worn, but smelled brand new. Thick, expensive silk drapes lined the windowed wall, but were pushed into single lines, puddling the floor, but open so that the view of the city was front and center. Josh and I moved from room to room taking it all in. It was amazing. I was sure she’d spent every penny I’d authorized and I’d probably be getting invoices by mail in the coming weeks, but I didn’t care. My friend was truly amazing at her craft.

“I love it
,” I managed to say. “I’ve got to call her and maybe find out what this set me back. I can’t imagine this was fifty. She must have had an entire crew here for the last two days.”

Josh walked over and looked at the cowhides on the floor
. “I think I love these the best. It’s kind of rustic and rich at the same time. It’s an amazing transformation. I loved your place before, but this is incredible. It looks like a whole different place. She is really talented. We need to use her to do all of our corporate work as well,” he said and I could imagine how she’d react at the corporate offer – thrilled.

“Do you mind if I call her real quick?” I asked.

“Sure. I’m going run down stairs and get out of this suit and then I’ll be right back up.”

“Sounds great
. Don’t be long,” I said smiling.

I walked over and gently sat down on the couch
, taking in the smell of the new leather and the fresh flowers that were in a vase in the middle of my coffee table and scattered all over my house.

“Yes
,” she answered, drawn out and waiting for my reply at the discovery of my new home.

“It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen
. You’ve got talent, girl,” I said sincerely.

“Did you ever doubt it?”
she asked, baiting me for more compliments and I’d have razzed her any other time, but right now, she more than deserved them. She’d come through and on a moment’s notice. I was proud of my place and proud of her.

“Yes, yes, yes
. You are the greatest interior designer and decorator ever.”

“Now that’s more like it,” she chuckled
. “I’m so glad you like it. It wasn’t quite my original idea, but it turned out fabulous.”

“Okay, so how much did this bad boy set me back?” I asked.

“Maybe that’s something we should discuss in person.”

“Oh, hell no
. You spent everything and then some didn’t you?”

I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps behind me and glanced back to find Josh had made it back
. He was now dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. I went back to my conversation, slapping my hand against the seat next to me, as indication that I wanted him to come join me.

“Spill it sister
,” I said. “I promise I won’t be mad. You know I love it, I already told you you’re the absolute bomb. You have my word, whatever it cost I won’t be mad.”

I could feel the weight of Josh’s body next to mine on the couch and turned to look at him
. He had his hand out gesturing for the phone. I looked at him inquisitively, cocking my head slightly to the left. “Josh wants to talk to you? You’ll be here tonight right?” I asked before handing the phone over.

“Yes ma’am
. Can’t wait. Put Josh on.” I handed him the phone, now more confused than ever.

“You’ve done an amazing job with K.K.’s place
. We may have other work for you at the company if you’re interested.” I could imagine her lighting up like a hundred watt light bulb at the offer.

As Josh continued his conversation, I looked adoringly at my smashing new digs.

“Got it handled. We’ll see you tonight.” He hit end and laid the phone down on the coffee table. Turning back towards me, he put his hand gently on my knee. “So you like then?”

“
Like
is an understatement. I love it!” I placed my hand over his and pulled him back into the couch next to me.

“Great
. Don’t be mad at me when I tell you something then. You have to promise.” I turned to look at him and he looked slightly nervous. “Okay…I promise.”

“I paid for this
,” he said.

The look of astonishment that overcame me at that moment was overwhelming
. I pulled myself upright, moving to sit on the edge of the couch and turned to have a better view of his face and eyes. I didn’t know if he was serious or joking.

“You did what?”

“I wanted to pay for it. I knew it was something you did on the fly and I kind of talked you into having the whole thing here anyway. So, I paid Beth.” I sat speechless just looking at him. I didn’t know if I was supposed to be happy or mad. I was just shocked that he’d done it, first and foremost, and as much as it was such an awesome gesture, I couldn’t accept it. It was such a great deal of money. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the money. It was more that I’d done nothing to deserve such a gift.

“I can’t accept it
. And before you say anything, know that I’m not mad at all. I am actually shocked that you’d do such a thing, but it’s too much,” I said.

He pulled me back to him
. My chest was now on his and our faces only inches apart. We were eye to eye and the intensity we’d always shared not wavering.

“You will accept my present and we will not talk about it again
. I wanted to do it.” I didn’t know if I wanted to kiss him or slap him. He was stubborn and I knew that he wouldn’t change his mind. I’d just have to find another way to get his money back to him, but for now, I leaned further in and kissed him.

“Thank you
,” I said, gliding further up his body. “Now it’s time for a present from me.”

I slid back down, rolling fully onto him and gliding down between his legs and onto my knees
. I put my hands on his knees and ran them up his jeans, the denim heating under the weight of my strokes. He smirked at me and I was sure he was fighting the urge to touch me, but kept his hands at his sides and allowed me the freedom to do what I wanted. I unbuttoned the top button of his jeans and then pulled the zipper down. I folded the opening back encouraging him to lift up so that I could take them off. He lifted enough for me to pull them down his thighs and over his ankles before slipping them off and tossing them onto the new couch. I turned back and his eyes were glassy and soft. The tent rising from his boxers made me smile.

“Excited?” I questioned
, stroking my hand up the flesh of his thighs, getting teasingly close to his penis but stopping short.

“Yes
. Very. Hadn’t you noticed?”

“I had, that’s what made me laugh
,” I was still smiling.

“A
) get up here and kiss me, and B) don’t ever laugh at a man’s penis.”

I
eased back up his body kissing him fully, his arms now around my neck and back, pulling me close. I could feel his penis pressing into my stomach and reached down into his boxers to touch him. He moaned in my mouth.

“I love it when you touch me,” he whispered on my lips
.

I stroked him with one hand and put my other hand on his face, pulling him more aggressively into my kiss
. He was holding onto me when I broke free and slid down his stomach pulling his boxers down and taking him in my mouth. His hands were instantly on my head, softly caressing my hair as I gave him my mouth’s full attention. I could feel his solid length over my wet tongue, sucking him to the back of my throat and taking him all the way. He moaned and I could feel him get harder in my mouth. His thighs tensed and he pushed his hips up to meet my mouth. He cried out my name as he came in my mouth. I swallowed everything he had to give before pulling my mouth away and licking my lips.

“That was the best present ever
,” he said smiling. “What else can I buy you?”

I smacked his thigh playfully and within seconds I was on the floor
, his weight on top of me, and his face over mine.