Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series (29 page)

*You’re the most loving, forgiving, passionate woman I know. I love that you’re mine, you’re amazing.*

I feel so bad. He must be freaking out right now; I know if the situation was reversed I would be. I send him a quick text back.

*They’re gone, I’m going to take care of a few things and I will call you in a bit. I love you more than you know.*

Connor comes downstairs with the leftover food and Jess hands me a vodka tonic. “Drink up, Kate. You
need
this after tonight. You realize when that article hits tomorrow you have a very limited amount of time before some sleazy reporter starts hounding you for an insider’s view, don’t you?” Taking a large drink to try and calm my nerves doesn’t really seem to help.

“I hope not. I really don’t have any information, but being the mogul’s daughter, you’re probably right. I’m guessing Michael will probably surface again, too, because the media is relentless and they are going to want answers. Maybe I should skip the engagement party this weekend. I would hate to drag the press along for the ride.”

Connor speaks up immediately, “No, Kate, that’s
not
a good idea. If anything, getting away for the weekend will be good for you. If for some reason the reporters stake out the house here they will have no clue where you are. I’m sure for the first few days they will just be around your dad’s house and Claire’s house; that’s where the bulk of the information they want to get is. Don’t let this wreck your weekend. Jake and April are really looking forward to you guys being there, and so are Daniel and I.” Jess plops down in Connor’s lap and kisses him on the cheek.

“He’s right. Don’t give up your weekend plans because of this mess. Let’s go and relax for the weekend. By next week, you will probably have to give some type of statement, and the sooner the
better, because once you speak up they will stop hounding you. Tell your dad to have his company attorney draw something up and just have them release it when necessary. Besides, do you really want to blow off meeting Daniel’s parents when his dad has already taken time off for it?”

“You guys are right; it’s stupid to think of cancelling. Lauren is spending the night here tomorrow, but just in case, maybe I should stay at her house, instead. I just thought it would be much easier to pack if she was staying here.”

“No, have her stay here; it will be fun for her. Since Jess and I are driving up on Friday, I can just stay here tomorrow. I don’t really have anything to pack because my tux is up at my parents’ house already. I thought Daniel was coming here tomorrow, though.”

“He was going to, but Natalie needs someone to watch Lauren because she is finally getting some hours at work. I know they need the money so I figured I would help her out. I haven’t talked to Daniel about it yet, but I can just meet him at his parents’ on Friday. I wanted to visit Lila Hope on Sunday anyway and that’s easier to do if I have my own car. Thanks for offering to stay over, Connor, I appreciate it. You two will have to keep it down, though, I don’t want to have to explain sex to a six year old.” Both of them start laughing.

“Well, maybe we will just actually sleep and save our energy for the weekend. I know I don’t want to have to look at Lauren and try and explain that, either!” Jess is still laughing but Connor is totally serious.

“I better go upstairs and call Daniel. I’m sure he’s tired, and I can only imagine the amount of questions he has.”

“You know Daniel listened in to pretty much all of the conversation, and he was really concerned about you. I know my friend better than most people, and even though he won’t say it to anyone, he’s going to worry about the Michael situation. I don’t want you to rush into anything you’re not ready for, but the sooner you can put this to rest, the better.” I give Connor a kiss on the cheek as I get up to go to bed.

“Daniel is pretty lucky he’s got a friend like you looking out for him. Don’t
worry, I’ll be gentle with him. Well, unless he doesn’t
want
me to be.”

I feel a little more relaxed after the drink Jess made me. Realizing I’m completely exhausted, I decide to put on my pajamas and get ready for bed. I know Daniel is usually asleep by now, and I feel horrible calling him so late, but I know he wants me to and I can’t leave him hanging. It’s only ten but it feels so much later. Daniel isn’t answering his phone so I leave him a message to call me before he heads out tomorrow because there’s been a change of plans. I try and stay awake but I’m so tired I end up falling asleep.

I’m having such a nice dream that Daniel is kissing me so gently and tenderly. It’s so real I can even smell him. God, I love his scent; he smells like man and spice. It’s sexy, but it dawns on me that I have never smelled anything in my sleep before. My eyes flutter open and I’m staring up at him. I feel warmth flood through my body as I realize he drove all the way here for me.

“Hello, sleeping beauty. Sorry I woke you up. I wasn’t going to, but you just looked so kissable I couldn’t resist.” He makes my heart flutter. I glance over at the clock and it’s only ten forty-five.

“You don’t ever have to feel sorry for waking me, but how did you get here so quickly? Why are you here?” He flashes me the sexiest lopsided grin.

“I was worried about you, so I pushed my morning meeting back and hopped in the car. Sweetheart, I know tonight couldn’t have been easy for you. I didn’t want you sleeping alone tonight. Would you rather I wouldn’t have come?”

I pull him down on top of me and run my fingers through his hair, kissing him slowly and enjoying the tingles that are running through my body. I think I’m addicted to him, to these feelings I have when I’m with him. I can’t imagine ever being with anyone again that doesn’t give me this feeling. It’s all consuming and an even bigger turn on that I know he feels it, too. Slowly I break away from him.

“Never, I always want to see you. It was hard, but I’m okay. I’m so lucky to have you. There’s nothing I want more than to fall asleep with your arms around me. First we need to talk about this weekend, and after that I want to make love to you and fall asleep in your arms. Do you think you can handle that, Mr. McCormick?”

“Oh, I
definitely
think I can handle that, Ms. Moore. So what would you like to talk about?” I prop myself up on my elbow and lie on my side to face him

“I was calling to tell you I’m canceling on you tomorrow to watch Lauren while Natalie works. Now that you’re here I don’t feel so bad about it. I’m concerned about your lack of sleep. Tomorrow, I really want you to just go home and relax over a few beers. Can you do that for me please?”

Daniel leans in and kisses my forehead. He traces my face with his fingers and is slowly working his way down my arm while I’m talking. His touch is so soft and gentle but leaves me feeling like he left a trail of fire on my skin.

“Of course.
Honestly, it will make my day a lot easier since I’m already pushing back my first meeting. Natalie and Lauren are lucky to have you. Someday you are going to make a great mother. Our kids are going to be the luckiest kids in the world. We’re supposed to be at my parents’ house at noon, will that still be okay?”

I can feel tears pooling in my eyes, but I’m not going to cry. It’s just been a really emotional day, and to hear him talk about
our
kids just makes me realize how lucky I am to have found this amazing man.

“That will be fine. I’m going to pack tomorrow night. Lauren is staying here and then I’m taking her to school in the morning. I have to run a few errands, but nothing that will take too long. Noon should be fine, once we finish at your
parents house if we have enough time I would like to pop over to see Maryanne. Her birthday is next week and I want to drop off her present. I think Jess and Connor are going to be there visiting too for a little bit.” Daniel’s hands wrap around my waist and he pulls me in closer.

In between kisses and slowly peeling off my clothes, he manages to give me an answer.
“Sounds. Good. To. Me.”

I mutter something back that sounds along the lines of “
mmmkay” but it might have been a little incoherent due to his delicious assault on my skin. I love him so much. I love how he shows me what he’s feeling, and how he says exactly what’s on his mind and doesn’t hold anything back. I can’t even begin to explain how good it feels to know this man cares about me and puts me first. I know that I would do anything for him if he asked me to. I’ve never been happier or more content. I don’t ever want Daniel to wonder about or have second guesses about my love and desire for him. Maybe if Michael would have known deep in his soul how I felt about him, he would have trusted me and not doubted me. That doesn’t really even matter, though, because knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a single thing if it would mean I still end up with Daniel.

“Daniel?” He kisses his way up from my belly to my mouth,
hovering just a breath away from my lips.

“Yeah, what can I do for you?” Oh my god. The biggest panty-dropping smile I have ever seen is looking right at me. That is a smile filled with pleasure and sin, and it honestly makes me a little wet.

“I just want you to know that I’m really, really glad you’re here tonight. You have no idea how much this truly means to me. I love you so much I can’t even begin to describe it to you.” I lace the fingers of both of my hands through his and he raises them above my head pinning me down with his incredibly sexy body. “I just want you to know that I would do anything for you; all you ever have to do is ask.” He answers with one slow tantalizing kiss and I melt under his touch.

“There is something you can do for me right now. Let me make slow, passionate love to you.” I smile up at him and nod my head.

“Mr. McCormick, there is nothing in the world I want more right now than you inside me.”

“Well, future Mrs. McCormick, I think that can be arranged.”

Hearing him say those words doesn’t scare me. Last week when I thought he was proposing?
That
terrified me. Now something has shifted. With him showing up here tonight, it has sealed our future even more. My heart swells, and together we find an even deeper level to our love. It’s the most incredible feeling. Daniel makes love to me slowly and gently, but it doesn’t last long; my body is so emotionally and physically responsive to him tonight. I have the most incredible, mind numbing, orgasm. It just keeps going and going, multiple orgasms, one after the other. Finally, I feel like I’m going to pass out when Daniel finds his own release. Good god, I think it’s probably the most intense one he’s ever had, too. After a few minutes, he wraps himself around me to spoon me.

“I love you, Kate.” Turning my head, I kiss him on the cheek.

“I love you, too, Daniel.”

Chapter 17 – Daniel

Waking up with Kate wrapped in my arms has to be the best feeling in the world, besides waking up and making love to her. This morning I have been fortunate enough to have done both. Knowing that I have to get up and get ready to leave in a few minutes puts a serious damper on my happiness. Last night was without a doubt the most amazing sex I’ve ever had. Each time with her just gets better, but last night we had such an intense emotional connection. Kate opened up to me—truly and completely gave her whole self over to me. I felt the shift in her attitude, and also in her responsiveness to me. It took everything I had not to come inside of her as soon as she started having an orgasm. Just feeling her ride out a multiple wave of orgasms was fucking indescribable pleasure. Finally, when I couldn’t hold out anymore, I found my release with her and it was a life-altering experience.  I think that moment in time has ruined me for any other woman. Not like I plan on being with anyone else, but that officially put the nail in the coffin for life. I kiss Kate on the back of her head and inhale the sweet scent of her shampoo.

“What time do you have to be at school today?” Kate rolls over and faces me running her fingers along my lips. I can’t help myself I bite at them and catch one between my teeth.

“Hey, tiger, easy now—you know what they say about biting the hand that feeds you.” She
does
have a point, so I grab her hand with mine and slowly suck up and down her finger instead. I can tell by how she starts to squirm that it turns her on, but I let get go and softly kiss the tip of her finger. She gives me a chaste kiss on the lips.

“That’s better. I have a class at ten, but I’m actually debating skipping class today. I’ve gone to every class this semester, and after last night I think I just want some me time for a while before things get hectic around here.”

“I can understand that. I think getting out of here this weekend will definitely help. I wish I could stay, but unfortunately, if I don’t leave in the next thirty minutes I’ll never make my ten o’clock meeting.”

Kate pops out of bed and throws her clothes back on.

“Hey you just took away my view!” Laughing, she chucks a pillow at me.

“Get up, Romeo. I don’t want to piss off your dad before I even get to meet him. I already know how much he
loved
your ex.” I growl at her and throw the pillow right back.

“The difference, Juliet, is that you’re not a money-hungry whore out for your own agenda. My parents are going to love you. Especially my dad, but even if he doesn’t love you as much as I do it doesn’t matter because I LOVE YOU and nothing will ever change that.” 

“I know, but I love hearing you say it. Now, be a good boy and get in the shower so you’re not late.”

“Yes ma’am, are you going to join me?”

“Nope, I already told you I don’t want to piss off your dad and I mean it. You need to hurry and get to work. But if it makes you feel any better, I really, really want to,” she says with such a seductive tone, and I can tell from the sparkle in her eye and the flush of her skin that she means it.

After my shower, I wrap up in a towel and go to get dressed, but Kate isn’t alone—Jess is there, too. Jess whistles loudly through her fingers.

“Damn, sexy, if Kate decides she’s through with you my room is just across the hall. Mmmm, you
are
yummy with your clothes off and downright fuckable with all that water just dripping off your sexy body.” Kate’s blushing, but I’m just laughing even though Jess
is
giving me some pretty hardcore ‘fuck me’ eyes. I know she’s just kidding.

“I’ll be sure to let your boyfriend know my rating on your
fuckability scale.” Connor walks up behind her and props himself in the doorway, arms crossed, and wouldn’t you know it, he’s
also
wrapped in a towel.

“Don’t bother, I heard every word, so I guess now
it’s Kate’s turn to appraise my fuckable rating. I’m totally game for a swap if it will help with all the sexual tension radiating off of these two lovely ladies.”

Connor is so devious. I see the twinkling in his eyes, but what surprises me is Kate. She gets up and walks over to Connor. Kate interlaces one hand in Connor’s, runs her hand down his chest, and takes her sweet time while she does it. I’m starting to get a little on edge—Jess is, too, but I know she has a plan. Kate leans in really close, and blinking her long eyelashes at him, she pauses and looks him over from head to toe. In a sexy, breathy voice she answers him.

“Connor, your fuckability rating is about a zero on my scale. Perhaps if you hadn’t drilled into me that I’m the sister you never had, I could give one or maybe even agree to swap, but incest just isn’t my thing.” She kisses him on the cheek, and as she walks away she pulls off his towel. She doesn’t look—she’s watching me the whole time. She throws the towel to Jess even though Connor doesn’t bother to cover himself.

“Better keep your boyfriend under control or my fuckable man might have to do something about him.”

Kate stalks up to me and takes me into a very passionate kiss. Connor sounds a little wounded as Jess drags him out.

“Damn, I would tell you two to get a room, but since you’re already in one, we’ll leave you to fuck each other’s brains out one more time.” I hear the door close and Kate breaks away, cracking up.

“I’m sorry, Daniel. I hope you aren’t mad, but that was really funny and I needed a good laugh.”

“I know, babe. I thought it was funny, too. What was Jess doing in here, though? I’m surprised you let her in. What if I would have walked out naked?” Kate’s expression turns suddenly serious and she points to the desk.

“She wanted to bring me that. The story’s out—he’s been arrested. For now, they just mention the arrest and the mismanagement of the company. But within the next forty-eight hours, once the media blackout is lifted, shit will hit the fan. After the blackout is lifted and he’s been arraigned, myself and everyone else involved will all be fair game to the media. It’s going to be a media circus. Hopefully, my dad and Claire’s engagement will deflect some of it. You know, eventually they’re going to want to open old wounds and talk to us about Grant. It was pretty high-profile in the business world when he died. I’m sure this will also bring Michael out of hiding. Things are probably going to get really hectic from here on out. Are you sure you’re up for this?”

“Kate, not only am I up for it, but I want you to make a pact with me. I won’t read any of the papers or turn on the news until next week if you agree to do the same. I want this weekend to be special for you. I want to dance in the moonlight and show everyone I love just how much you mean to me. When we’re alone, I don’t want you distracted thinking about all this crap—I want you concentrating on me and screaming my name. Let’s avoid all this drama for the next few days, and I promise we’ll deal with the fallout together. Everything together from now on… What do you say? Can you wait until Monday to read the papers?”

“That is a promise I can
definitely
make. I’m going to go make you some coffee to go while you get dressed.” She wraps her arms around my neck and stands up on her tiptoes to kiss me. “Besides, you standing there in only your towel is way too tempting. Your fuckability rating is off the charts, and if I stay here we’ll
both
be in trouble.” I watch her sexy ass leave the room.
God, is that ass luscious.
She was totally right, too. If she wouldn’t have left I would be really late.

After a long kiss goodbye, my coffee and I are on the 101 freeway heading to work. I really hope I can get this transfer down here sooner rather than later. Waking up with Kate feels too good to constantly be so far away from her. Luckily, there isn’t much traffic which is shocking because there is
always
traffic on the 101, especially in Woodland Hills.
Hotel California
by the Eagles is on, which is probably one of the best songs of all time in my opinion. I’m playing the beat on my steering wheel and singing along. My phone rings and the Eagles are no more. I answer the Bluetooth that is routed through my truck’s speaker system.

“McCormick speaking.”
I know it’s a work call, so I’m not worried about saying hello.

“Hey, it’s Mike, our ten o’clock just cancelled.
I  guess Lewis’s wife went into labor this morning.” Well, that frees up more of my morning.

“I wish I would have known earlier, I would have stayed and taken Kate to breakfast.” Michael laughs.

“Boy, you’ve got it bad. I didn’t know you went to LA after work. You just can’t stay away, huh?”

“No, man, actually it wasn’t like that.
well not ‘til I got there anyway. She’s going through some personal family stuff right now. I just wanted to be there for her when I heard it was all going down. I’m actually making really good time, though, are you still at Jake’s house?”

“Yeah, he just left for work. We pretty much finished the deck last night and April will be over the moon when she comes home after this weekend.”

“I know she’s going to be so excited. She’s wanted to do something with that backyard for months; Jake’s going to get the best sex of his life after it’s done. Well, I’m only about thirty minutes from you. Since the meeting’s cancelled, want to hit up Harold’s for breakfast? I could really use an omelet as big as my head right now.” I can hear Mike laughing.

“Guess you worked up an appetite last night, but waffles sound good right now and they have the best, so I’ll see you there.”

I find a spot right next to Mike and park. He must already be inside which makes sense—this is one of those places where you take a seat when you can get one. I see him at a table in the corner and head over.

“Somebody’s got a glow about him today. Did you have fun last night?”

“Hahaha, aren’t you a funny one? I thought only pregnant women had a glow about them?”

“Shit no, we
all
get that just fucked glow, especially when it’s really kinky or really good. So, did you get your kink on last night, Danny boy?” I flick a straw wrapper at him. Before I can reply, the waitress comes and takes our order, and once she leaves I answer him.

“Not that I would tell you about my kinky sex anyway, but no, it wasn’t like that at all. I just love her, more than I have ever loved anyone, and last night we hit a turning point in our relationship. I felt her open herself up to me completely—she wasn’t holding back at all. It was the most intense feeling I’ve ever felt. Have you ever felt like that?”

“No, man, sorry. I can’t relate since my ex was my first. I think we both opened to each other right away. After her, you know I just fucked them and left them; I wasn’t interested in any emotional attachments. The only one I want an attachment to is her.” I nod sympathetically. I feel like I just stuck my foot in my mouth big time.

“I did it, man. I went to her house yesterday and I left the letter. I waited outside for a couple of hours. I saw her roommate leave and her car was in the garage. As soon as the roommate left, I ran up to the door, left the letter, and took off.” He’s really on edge. I should have noticed it before, but I was too busy floating on my Kate cloud.

“I’m guessing you haven’t heard anything yet?” 

“Nope, nada, zip, zilch, not a damn thing, and honestly
I’m not surprised. I’m sure it’s something she’s really going to have to think about. I was just hoping against hope she would read it and call me instantly like the old days. When I moved, I grabbed a box of letters and trinkets she had given me over the years. Of all the things I left behind, even in all of my anger I still grabbed that box. It’s been under my bed this whole time. I finally looked through it the other day; it was one of the most painful things I have ever done in my life. I’m so screwed, Daniel. I’m going to love this girl until the day I die, but deep down inside I don’t think she’s going to love me.”

Our food arrives and it looks amazing as usual. My dad used to bring me here almost every weekend, and it’s been way too long since I’ve been here. I’m trying to think of what to say to him because he really looks miserable. Maybe we can figure out a way to bring her into our circle somehow and try and help him plead his case.

“Mike, all I can say is true love is worth fighting for. If you were as much of a dick to her as you say, it’s probably going to take you more than just a letter to get her back, but it’s a starting point. What time frame do you have in your head before you try your next move?”

“I’m thinking I’ll give it a week. She could be out of town or busy, engaged or married. Maybe she’s trying to figure out what to say or if she wants to talk to me at all. It’s not really fair of me to put it all on her, but since I don’t have a way to contact her I really didn’t have a choice. Next week, I will just park and wait until I see her then try to talk to her. In the meantime, I’m just going to try and keep busy. Helping Jake with the deck is really helping. I’m going to stay at his house tomorrow night instead of heading out to his folks’ house. That way I can do the last minute touch-ups for him so it’s perfect when he brings April home. I’ll drive out Saturday in time for the party, and then Sunday after brunch I think I’m going to go see my mom. She’s been leaving me at least three messages a day. I guess it’s time to fix all my issues, it’s beyond time, actually.” I have never really understood why Mike doesn’t talk to his mom. I can’t even imagine cutting my mom out of my life. I know Mike misses her and feels like he’s lacking family because he blends in so well with mine and Connor’s.