"We’ll be back Monday night."
"Have you forgotten that we have work on Monday?" I spoke.
"Have you forgotten that I own the company, my darling? Besides, Lucas already knows you won't be in Monday. Veronica told him she needed you for the day."
“So Veronica must know about us?”
“Yes. She’s the only one. Now let’s go pack a bag so we can get out of here.”
As we were in the bedroom packing, I couldn’t help but wonder why he would tell Veronica and no one else. But he was taking me somewhere and that made me happy, so I didn’t question him about it, yet.
When we climbed into the Escalade, I pulled out my phone and sent a group text to Jasper and Emma.
"Hi. I won't be home until Monday night. Andrew is whisking me away on a little trip. He won't tell me where. It's a surprise. Love you both."
Within a couple of minutes, my phone started buzzing.
"Glad to hear you worked things out. We need to talk when you get back,” Emma replied.
“Happy you two love birds talked. Hope you’re not mad I called him,” Jasper replied.
“I’m not mad. I’ll talk to you both soon.”
We arrived at the airport and were escorted to a plane that was waiting for us on the runway. I looked at Andrew as I stood back and stared at the plane.
"Please don't tell me you don't fly either?" he spoke with concern.
I laughed. "I fly, but are we the only two people on this flight?"
He took my hand and led me to the plane.
"This is my private jet, and yes, we are the only passengers."
We sat in the oversized seats as the flight attendant handed us each a glass of champagne. Andrew held his glass up next to mine.
“To us and our love for each other.” He smiled.
My eyes started to sting with tears and I had to fight to hold them back. No one had ever made me feel as special and loved the way Andrew did. I tipped my glass to his and leaned over and passionately kissed him on his perfectly shaped lips.
"I love you so much. Now, where are we going?”
“I love you and you’ll see when we get there.” He winked.
"Chicago?" I spoke with excitement as we landed.
Andrew had a smile that went from ear to ear.
"Are you surprised?" he asked.
"I love Chicago, Andrew. My dad always took me and my mom here for weekends. He had business there but only worked one day, which was Fridays, and then Saturdays and Sundays, he spent with us.”
"What kind of work did your father do?" he asked.
My expression changed, and Andrew saw it.
"I'm sorry, Addison, you don't have to talk about it."
I could tell he felt bad for bringing it up, but the truth was I always hid from talking about my father because the pain was too great. He was the most important person in my life. Maybe Andrew was right, and I needed to finally talk to someone about Charlie.
"No, Andrew, you have nothing to be sorry for. You want to know about me and my family and you have every right to. Charlie was a high-end top criminal lawyer. He was very successful and very well liked. I remember him saying to me, ‘Addison, all the success in the world doesn't matter if you don't have anyone to share it with.’"
Andrew ran the back of his hand down my cheek.
"He's right. Your father was a wise man."
“He was wise and super smart. No matter how busy he was, he always made extra time for me. We were so close, and I loved him so much. I think the hardest part for me was that I lost two people that day: my father and AJ.”
We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in the Presidential Suite. Andrew put the keycard in the lock, and when the door opened, I was breathless. The suite was furnished in a contemporary style with light gray walls and white trim.
"This is beautiful," I spoke as I examined the room more closely.
On the table in the entranceway sat a big basket filled with champagne, cheese, crackers, and chocolate-dipped strawberries with a note welcoming Andrew to the hotel. I followed him to the massive-sized room with the king bed where he set our bags down. He turned around and picked me up.
"What are you doing?" I giggled.
"I'm taking you to bed now so I can make love to you before dinner." He smiled.
He laid me down on the bed and took off his shirt while his eyes seductively stared into mine. Then he slowly unzipped his pants and let them drop to the floor. I sat up and removed my shirt. When I went to unhook my bra, he spoke, “Leave it on for now.” He looked down at me as I stared at the big bulge through his underwear. I scooted towards the edge of the bed and gripped the sides of his underwear, pulling them down and lightly taking hold of his hard cock. I began softly stroking it before wrapping my lips around him. He moaned and threw his head back. I moved my tongue slowly up and down, licking every inch of him while I gently cupped his balls in my hand. He put his hands on my head and gently pushed down so I could take his entire length in my mouth. I slowly moved my mouth up and down his shaft making small "mmm" noises, which drove him insane. He yelled out my name as he released his salty mixture into my mouth.
He dropped to his knees and unhooked my bra, throwing it across the room. He took each hard nipple between his fingers and fondled it while he kissed and licked each of my breasts.
"Do you have any idea what you do to me, Addison?"
I tangled my hands in his hair while I arched my back in pleasure as his tongue made its way down the front of my panties.
"Yes," I moaned.
After removing my panties and tossing them across the room, he dipped a finger inside me as his tongue continued to explore me.
"I want to pleasure you like no one ever has. You're mine, Addison. All mine."
He pulled his finger out and cupped me as he stared into my eyes.
"What do you want me to do to you?" he whispered.
"Fuck me, Andrew. I want you inside of me."
He climbed on the bed and pulled me on his lap, so I was straddling him. Carefully lifting me on top of his hard cock, he pulled my hips down as he entered me. We both moaned in pleasure as I threw my head back and started moving up and down. I could feel myself swell and an orgasm began to brew. He reached over and placed his fingers on my clit, rubbing it in sync with my movements. My body quivered, and I let out a howl as the eruption of an orgasm overtook me.
"Good girl. That was beautiful," he moaned.
He gripped my hips tightly and started moving himself up and down as fast as he could while staring into my eyes.
“Christ. Oh God, Addison, I love you,” he spoke as he exploded inside me.
We sat there for a moment and just held each other tight, our hearts beating against each other’s while we took in the pleasure we both gave each other.
“How about a shower?” He smiled.
“I’d like that.” I kissed his lips.
We showered together and then started to get ready for dinner. He glanced over at me as I put on my makeup as did I when he shaved. There was nothing sexier than Andrew London with shaving cream all over his face. Each time I looked over at him, I fell more in love.
I slipped into my black cocktail dress and stiletto heels as he sported a pair of dark gray trousers and a Christian Dior button-down shirt.
"I have something for you," Andrew spoke. "Close your eyes."
I grinned and closed my eyes as he put something in my hand.
"Open," he whispered.
I opened my eyes and looked down to see a red box with the word Cartier written in gold across it. I slowly lifted the top and there sat a beautiful white-gold necklace with two rings covered in diamonds linked together.
I gasped. “Andrew, this is beautiful."
"Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it. This is the most beautiful thing anybody has ever given me."
He removed the necklace from the box and walked me over to the mirror. Standing behind me, he placed the
necklace around my neck.
“It's perfect.” I smiled.
“Addison, this necklace is a symbol of my love for you. The two bands represent us joined together as a couple, never to be apart.”
A tiny tear streamed down my face as I turned around and faced him. He brought his finger to my face wiped it away.
“I mean it when I tell you that I love you. You have brought so much happiness into my life. You make me forget all the bad things.”
“I love you too, Andrew. I’m never going to take this off.”
He ran his thumb across my lips before leaning in and softly kissing me.
The next two days were perfect as we shopped, ate great food, and did some sightseeing, mostly admiring the architecture of the buildings and museums we went to.
I called my mom and told her I was on a business trip in Chicago and visited some of the places that we used to with Charlie. She said she was happy that I was happy but missed me terribly.
"Is there anyone special in your life these days, Addison?" she asked.
I wanted to tell her about Andrew, but I couldn't yet. I wasn’t ready, and I didn’t know why.
“I've been on a few dates, Mom, but nothing special.”
Andrew walked in on that conversation and raised his eyebrows at me.
“Mom, I have to go. My flight leaves in an hour. I'll talk to you soon, love you.”
He walked over and wrapped his arms around me.
“Nothing special, eh?" he spoke.
"It is nothing special. It's beyond that, Andrew. Special is too little of a word.”
He picked me up and carried me over to the bed, where we made love one last time before we left Chicago.
Chapter Eighteen
Andrew took me to my apartment, and as soon as we walked inside, we saw Emma and Jasper sitting on the couch eating popcorn and watching a movie.
"Welcome home, stranger!" Jasper exclaimed. “Hey, Andrew.”
Andrew said hi and made small chit chat before heading to the door. He took me in his arms and whispered in my ear, “I will not sleep tonight without you in my bed.”
I could feel his pain because I didn't want to sleep alone either, but the fact was I needed to spend some time with my friends. I kissed him gently on his lips.
“I know. Me either, but we have tomorrow.”
He smiled and walked out the door. I walked over and sat in between my two friends as I showed off the necklace Andrew gave me.
"Wow, that is one hell of a necklace, Addy. It’s gorgeous,” Emma spoke as she examined it.
“It is pretty. But to me, it looks like two wedding bands. Is there something you aren’t telling us?” Jasper raised his brow.
“We aren’t engaged, if that’s what you’re insinuating. Andrew said it’s a symbol of his love for me and the two bands represent us as a couple joined forever.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little too soon in your relationship to be saying stuff like that?” Emma asked.
"I know things with us have moved really fast, but from the moment he touched me, I felt a connection I never felt before. I feel safe and whole with him.”
“I’m assuming you talked with him about his lack of taking you out?” Jasper spoke.
“I did.” I nodded.
“And?” Jasper popped a piece of popcorn in his mouth.
“He said it’s because he’s around people all day and sometimes it’s overwhelming, so he just likes to come home and be alone with me.”
“And you bought that? Not to rain on your parade, Addy, but that sounds like a load of bullshit to me.”
Emma hugged me. “If he makes you happy, that's all that matters,” she spoke as she glared at Jasper.
The next couple of weeks were busy at work. Andrew and I continued to see each other every night, but this time, we switched on and off between apartments. One night at his place and the next at mine. We continued to order in or cook for each other. Nothing seemed to change when we got back from Chicago, but it didn't matter anymore. Our bond was stronger than ever.
Whenever he was over, Emma kept questioning me why his phone rang so much and why he wouldn't answer it around me. I told her I had questioned him about that and he said it was work related and he had a time and place for that, and when he was with me wasn't the time.
“I got to thinking about our conversation last night,” Andrew spoke as he took the plates down from the cupboard.
“Which conversation was that?” I continued to toss the salad.
“The one where you’re going to tell your mom about me. I think you should wait a while longer.”
“What? Why?” I glanced over at him.
“I just think that she’ll be a little upset about it.”
“No, she won’t.” I laughed.
“Listen, Addison.” He placed his hands on my hips. “Your mom is still having a hard time dealing with you living in New York. If you tell her that we’re dating and are serious, she might not take it so well. I don’t want her to resent me and think that I’m taking you away from her.”
“I don’t think she’ll resent you.” I cocked my head.
“I just think it would be best to wait. Okay?” He kissed my forehead.
“Yeah. Okay.” I furrowed my brows.
“Guess who’s going on a date tonight?” Jasper came flitting into the kitchen with a wide grin across his face.
“You are?” I pointed playfully at him.
“That’s right. I talked with Lucas on the phone. He sounds dreamy. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Lucas?” Andrew spoke with seriousness.
“Yeah. The guy who works for you. Addy hooked us up.”
“Why would you do that?” Andrew spoke sternly to me.
“Because I thought they would get along. Is that a problem?”
“Jasper, I need you to do me a favor. Do not under any circumstances tell Lucas that Addison and I are dating. Do you understand me?”
“Sure, Andrew. I won’t mention it.” He narrowed his eye at him.
“It’s just I don’t want anyone at work to know about us yet. I’ve already explained this to Addison. I have my reasons.”
“Yeah. Okay. I promise I won’t say a word about the two of you.”
Jasper walked out of the kitchen and I glared at Andrew.
“Don’t give me that look. You know how I feel about this,” he spoke.
“And like I said before, I can take care of myself.”
We took a seat at the table and began eating dinner. Neither one of us spoke a word. I was pissed with the attitude he took towards Jasper and the fact that he was angry at me for setting him and Lucas up.
“Jasper is a great catch for anyone,” I spoke.
“I didn’t say he wasn’t.”
“Then why the fuck are you so angry with me for setting him and Lucas up?”
“It’s not that. I’m just not ready for anyone to know about us yet.”
I rolled my eyes as they started to fill with tears.
“Addison, please don’t cry. I love you so damn much.”
“You say that, yet you won’t tell anyone about us, except for Veronica. Why does she get to know? Why is she so special?”
“Veronica is my right-hand person. You know that. My father trusted her, and I trust her.”
“By the way, Andrew, when are you going to tell your mother about me?”
“When she gets back from Paris. In fact, we’ll both tell our moms at the same time.”
He reached his hand across the table and placed it on mine.
“Please don’t be angry with me.” He pouted. “You know I hate when you’re mad at me.”
“Then stop giving me a reason to be mad.”
“I’m sorry, Angel. I really am. Are we good?”
“Yeah. We’re good.” I looked down.
“Show me how good we are.”
He got up from the table, took my hand, and helped me up from the chair. He placed on
e arm around my waist and we began dancing in the kitchen. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“There’s no music,” I spoke.
“We make our own music.” He smiled as his lips pressed into mine.
Chapter Nineteen
Two Weeks Later
Lucas and I were in his office working on the plans for a new shopping mall in California.
“So, you and Jasper have been seeing quite a bit of each other.” I grinned.
“Yes. Thanks to you. He’s a great guy and I like spending time with him. Plus, he’s an amazing chef. I asked him about your boyfriend and he wouldn’t give me any details. Why are you keeping Mr. AJ such a secret?”
“I’m not. There’s not much to tell.”
“I’d say you’re lying, judging by that necklace he gave you. He must have some serious money. I’ve seen what that necklace costs in the window at Cartier.” He smirked.
“He does okay.” I winked.
“I'm going to take these specs up to Mr. London. Would you like to come with? I don't think you've been up to the top floor yet."
My face lit up at the thought of seeing Andrew and his office.
"Sure, I'd love to." I smiled.
We took the elevator to the top floor and walked down the hallway towards Andrew's office. I couldn’t believe I'd worked here this long and I'd never seen his office. As we approached it, there was an older woman sitting at the desk outside his door. She was petite, maybe early sixties with salt and pepper hair that sat in a bun. She was sharply dressed in an emerald suit that looked expensive.
“Hi, Maria. Is Andrew in?" Lucas asked.
“He just stepped out, but he’ll be back in a minute.”
“Addison, this is Maria, Andrew’s secretary. Maria, this is Addison. She works under me.”
“Nice to meet you, dear.” She smiled.
“You as well.”
“There he is." Maria pointed. “Andrew, Lucas and Addison are here to see you.”
Andrew looked at Lucas and then at me. His face was straight with no emotion or expression at all. In fact, he looked nervous as hell.
“We have the specs on the San Diego building,” Lucas spoke.
"Great, come in my office and I’ll have a look."
“You remember Addison, right?” Lucas asked.