Beginnings (Brady Trilogy) (14 page)

“Thank you my dear. Luke why don’t you boys catch up while I show Isabel where she will be staying.” Kathryn casually hooked her arm with Isabel’s and showed her the way.

An hour later, Isabel was unpacking her clothes and organizing the dresser in the guest bedroom. Kathryn was such a sweet woman as she had kindly showed her most of the house along with the stunning rose gardens she was sincerely proud of. She was also shown the ballroom hall where both events will be held along with the office she can work from. The spacious office had a large center desk which belonged to Luke’s father and a few smaller ones surrounding it. Kathryn told her Rachel worked out of this office and to make herself feel comfortable.

“Please be sure to let housekeeping know if you needed anything.” She had said. After settling into her room Isabel headed towards the office. She selected a corner desk closest to the window and began organizing the files she had brought along. Completely oblivious that it was Sunday, Isabel went right to work. She still had to make a few arrangements for the Christmas Gala. Once she was done in the office, she would tend to the ballroom. She let out a relieved, gleeful sigh as she took a seat behind the desk. She felt relaxed, energized and happy. Almost disbelieving how quickly her life had changed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Two days passed as Isabel, Luke and his father worked silently in the estate office. Luke was keeping in constant contact with his staff back home while his father continuing to secure deals with his lifelong clients. During the day, Isabel kept to herself behind a computer and the rest of the evening worked in the ballroom. She occupied herself with décor, the catering menu and flower arrangements. She had a keen eye for detail and wanted both events to sparkle. There was still much to be done and she was silently grateful for their separate busy schedules that placed some space between them. Luke realized the distance only made the fire inside him flame even higher. He burned to touch her. Kiss and taste her. The last two days they hadn’t had a single minute alone. He remembered clearly how good her soft skin felt under his hands. He ached to have more of her which caused him pained discomfort. He occasionally caught himself watching her as she worked. They spent hours in the same office and barely spoke to each other. The quiet setting of his father’s office was driving him
crazy
.

Thomas wondered if either of the two noticed the sparks they set off each other. He was surprised the office hadn’t caught on fire by the amount of sizzling chemistry that lay heavily lingering between these two. He saw the restlessness in his son as Luke’s eyes shifted to the door each time Isabel walked in or out of the room. If someone told him Luke cut his attention from work due to his distraction for a woman, he would never have believed it. His second born Andrew? Well yes. Sure. Andrew was a different story. He was a playboy who didn’t deny his lack of indifference towards women. But no, not Luke. Yet there it was, right in front of his eyes, his eldest son was completely crazed by his assistant and the tension was making Thomas edgy. He either had to get out or push these two out. Otherwise he would never get any work done.

“Luke my boy I have to head out for a quick meeting with legal and discuss contract renewal with Realtor Mag.” Thomas said as he left his desk. “Have you talked to your brother?”

“I spoke to him this morning. He’s still in Detroit closing up the Jefferson deal. He said he wasn’t sure when he’ll fly back but it will be before the Christmas Gala.” Luke informed his father. “And I haven’t been able to reach Emilia. Where the hell is she?” He asked about his sister.

“She’s in Paris.”

“Still?” Luke was surprised. His younger sister went to Europe for vacation often but it wasn’t like her to stay in one location for more than two weeks.

“Amanda flew out a few days ago and she ended up staying there longer. They both will be back in time for the Gala.” Thomas picked up his briefcase and pulled out a file. “If you’re planning on going into the city, do me a favor and drop these off at my office so Nancy can review them. Also tell them to close early today. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and those people won’t leave till I kick them out.” Thomas released a deep hearty laugh. “Besides it will give Isabel a chance to meet some of our staff here. You two have been locked up in here for two days straight and should get out for some fresh air.” Thomas added as he grabbed his briefcase and left without leaving any room for discussion.

“Up for a visit to the big apple?” Luke gave Isabel a quick smile.

“I’d like that. I hear the city is beautiful this time of year.”

“That and much, much more. Bundle up it’s been snowing. I’ll meet you outside in ten minutes.” He called out as he left the room. She couldn’t tell if his tone was filled with relief or annoyance.

Isabel dashed upstairs and changed into dark blue denim skinny jeans, a cream colored sweater and brown leather flat boots. She reached the foyer and grabbed her white winter coat from the hallway closest. She walked out through the grand wooden doors and felt the cold winter air slap her on the face. “Wow can New York get any colder?” she burred. She took a step to walk down the stairs and her boot slipped on the icy pavement. Just as her bottom was about to hit the ground, Luke’s swift arms caught around her waist and hauled her up. She gasped in surprise when her back crushed against his hard chest.

“Looks like I better stay near you at all times to catch you when you fall.” He murmured in her ear and sent a chill of excitement streaming down her neck. She shivered when he dug his fingers deep into her clothes holding her tighter.  “Not that I’m complaining.” He released her waist and hooked her hand in the crook of his arm. “Hold on to my arm.” He smiled at her with amusement in his eyes. Isabel realized his eyes turned into a more vibrant green during cold weather. She bit her lower lip but managed to smile as he led her to a sleek gray Mercedes SL.

After a quick visit to B. Pentagon’s New York office, Luke drove around town showing Isabel the highlights of the city. She told him the last time she was in New York, was at the tender age of five with her parents and had very vague memories. Luke handed his car to a valet service of a luxurious hotel on a main busy street. They walked around through the crowded streets of New York while Isabel kept herself warm and snug against Luke’s arm. They watched a few street performers and laughed hysterically when a mime tripped and fell during his act and began cursing vigorously. She dragged him to a street vendor and convinced him to try a thick slice of pizza with her. Luke tried to persuade her they could have lunch at the hotel where he left his car but Isabel told him she always wanted to try a big New York pizza. Luke watched her take a big bite of the greasy slice as she closed her eyes and licked her lips with satisfaction. He had to force himself to swallow the lump in his throat. He never imagined watching a woman eat a slice of pizza to be this utterly seductive. Then again he constantly felt seduced by Isabel. Worst part of it all was she wasn’t even trying. He was naturally drawn to her. He couldn’t help himself so he leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss on her cold cheek. Isabel’s eyes fluttered open and her chest tightened and quivered from the sweet gesture.

They walked towards an outdoors ice-skating arena crowded by jolly tourists. Luke pulled Isabel towards the ring and began purchasing ice skating shoes from a vendor. Isabel shrieked and ran the other directed. She burst into frantic, screaming laughs when he caught her around the waist and brought her back towards the ring. After a small amount of pleading, Luke was able to convince her to put on the skating shoes. He held on to her waist tightly while they slowly circled around the ring. Each time her feet threatened to slip, Isabel pulled Luke closer. He occasionally sent her wide grins as he encouraged her that she was doing great and to keep going. Finally after what seemed like an hour of skating, they headed back to the hotel to pick up Luke’s car.

Isabel sat in the passenger seat and was unable to remove the wide grin on her face. She felt as though her heart would burst from overwhelming joy. This would go down into record as her most favorite day with Luke Brady. Luke listened as Isabel happily chattered on about their day and how much she loved New York and how different life here was compared to California. He himself hadn’t imaged how much fun they could have together. For those few hours he forgot what their roles in reality were. Now that they were back in the car, it dawned on him they had to go back to playing boss and assistant. He desperately wanted for them to have what they just had on the streets of New York. Any onlooker would have assumed they were a couple out about town enjoying the winter air and each other’s company. But they weren’t a couple. He couldn’t break that wall between them no matter how much he wanted to. He was falling for her and it frustrated him that he couldn’t have her. What could he do to make things right? What could he do to make Isabel his?

“Luke? Did you hear what I said?” Isabel broke through his thoughts.

Luke blinked a few times and then turned to glance at her. “What? No sorry can you say that again please?”

“I was just saying that little girl with the pink scarf was so adorable. The one who was trying to help me skate,” Isabel giggled.

“Yeah, yeah. Real adorable.” Luke said absentmindedly.

Isabel noticed his inattentive answer and her brows drew together in concern. He seemed really distracted by his own thoughts. Then her brows raised in surprised when he
abruptly pulled the car to a halt on the side of the road and jumped out of the door.

“Luke what is it? What’s wrong?” Isabel hurried out as well. Luke was already on her side of the car.

“I can’t breathe I just need some fresh air. I can’t take it anymore. I’m a man with a lot of control and I can’t seem to control myself around you.” He placed both hands on the car capturing Isabel in between. He leaned forward and watched her body tense.

“Luke. What are you doing?” Isabel barely heard herself say.

“I don’t think I can hide how much I want you anymore. I’ve wanted to kiss you since the day we met. And since I already have, now I can’t get the thought of taking you to bed out of my mind. I want you Isabel. I want all of you. I want to make love to you. I want to feel your naked body pressed underneath mine.” Luke himself couldn’t understand what had come over him. He had a basic animal need clouding his mind and he wanted his hands on her.

Now it was Isabel’s turn to worry about self-control. Worried she might explode with the desire growing rapidly inside her. His words burned her ears and despite the cold, icy air she felt her body fever from need. She had never been more aroused by any man other than Luke. Her heart was pounding. She couldn’t breathe. Isabel thought she saw his eyes become darker. More wild. More intense. His eyes were burning into hers as he watched her while making no attempt to cover his desire for her. Bracing herself for the impact, Isabel felt a strong violent shake rock her body as Luke crashed his lips to hers. This time she could feel heat, passion and impatience. These would be nothing like his gentle kisses from before. This was
raw
and
intimate
. He wanted her and every movement of his hard lips on hers sent a whole new shiver of excitement racing through her body.

He pushed her roughly pressing her back on the car and took even more. His hands were roaming all over her body. Slightly pulling her hair to tilt her head back and deepen the kiss. He caressed her arms until they came down to her hips. He moved his hands over her butt, gripped her and pulled her even closer to him. He didn’t want any distance between them. He wanted to feel every part of her body touching his. He bit her lower lip and exploded with fire when a loud moan escaped her lips. He heard her breathing become uneven from pleasure and it made him want to touch and feel her even more. He snaked his hand under her blouse and cupped her breast making the peeks turn hard. He stroked and teased her breast until her moans against his lips became higher.

Luke knew if he didn’t stop himself soon, he would end up dragging her to the back seat of his sleek Mercedes, undress her, spread her legs and take her.
But Isabel deserved more than this
his mind screamed at him. He broke free of the kiss and rested his forehead on hers. Both gasping for air as they stared into each other’s eyes, his wild green burning into her chocolate brown irises. Neither dared share a word. They stayed in this position for what seemed like eternity until they managed to catch their breaths. Isabel’s cheeks were burning.
Had she just been moaning on the side of the road?
This thought made her yearn for more. She hadn’t realized how ready and willfully she would give her body to Luke if he demanded it.