Tessa collapsed onto Brad’s chest, her lungs starved of oxygen.  Her shoulders and face glistened with perspiration.  Loose strands of hair clung to her face.  She panted breathlessly as if she’d just sprinted a marathon.  She lifted her head and fixed her eyes adoringly on her husband.  Why was it that she was always breathless and spent?  He looked like he could go another five rounds, yet she was the one who spent two hours almost every day in the gym.

As if reading her mind he whispered these words.  ‘You are amazing,’ his lips seductively, pressed on her shoulder.  She was remarkable.  She always gave one hundred percent in bed.  Even after all these years she was still feisty and competitive in bed, never wanting to relinquish power.  He loved her more each day, if that was possible.  No woman had ever made love to him with all of her five senses, yet his wife did so every time, to perfection.

‘I’m glad you think so handsome,’ she smiled brushing her lips to his.  ‘I am exhausted.’

He loved it when she called him that.  ‘So we’re done then?’ he enquired disappointingly.

He was still inside her.  His fingers curved over her buttocks, angling her in the position he wanted her.   She felt him stir, grow larger all over again.

‘I did not satisfy you?’ she asked in alarm.

‘Oh you did,’ his lips captured hers caressingly.  ‘On a scale of one to ten, you get top marks,’ he dragged his lips away to assure her.

‘But?’ she prompted, returning his kiss even whilst she was breathless.

‘No buts,’ he rolled with her so she was under him.  ‘It was that good.  I want seconds.’

‘Oh.  I don’t know if I can move a single muscle, let alone go another round,’ she pleaded.

‘Really?’ he challenged, lifting himself out of her, and teasingly thrusting, and tempting and teasing again and again, until he was as erect as concrete.  She groaned, instinctively lifted her pelvis capturing him, when she thought he was escaping.  It was more than an hour later when she laughed softly.

‘What?’ Brad smiled.

‘You are amazing,’ she murmured, fielding her fingers through the fine strands of hair on his expansive chest.  His head turned from his pillow towards her, smiling into her eyes.  He laced his fingers through hers.

‘I can’t believe you are my wife,’ his eyes locked with hers.

‘Is this a sudden revelation after four years of marriage?’ she laughed.

‘You could have any man in the world.  Why did you choose me?’

She lifted one elbow, gazed into his eyes.  ‘Of all the men I met at JeTag, you were the only one who did not know how to dance.’  She smiled, dropped back onto the pillow, shutting her eyes.  He knew, he was not going to get the answer. 

There were many attractive billionaires in the world.  Before he met her, she was one of the wealthiest women in the world, strikingly beautiful and clinically intelligent.  He had thought she was a spoilt little rich girl with no substance. 
How  very wrong he had been.  She was ten times the man he was, and every day he found new reasons to fall in love with his wife.  She loved him unconditionally.  She was faithful, protective and demonstratively supportive.  She respected him as the head of their home.  She respected his authority in the office.  She loved and cared for Aunt Bertha as if she was her own mother.  She was compassionate to their staff at home and all their international employees.  In a word she was perfection.  She was a perfect mother to their son. 

Lyndon! 
Brad had a sudden fear filled vision of Lyndon opening the emergency exit to try to get to Charlie.  He looked across at Tessa.  She was breathing softly.  Leaning close to him, her palm was gently on his chest.  One thigh was across his legs.   He wiggled away gently.  She stirred, and turned her back to him.  Brad slipped on a pair of boxers and gown and dived out of their cabin.  Softly, he opened the door to Lyndon’s cabin.  Light from the passage reflected on the tiny sleeping form in the bed.  A lock of hair fell over Lyndon’s forehead.  He had pulled the monitor close to his bed so he could watch Charlie in the cargo hold of the plane.  Brad glanced at the monitor.  Charlie was asleep, still under the effect of the tranquilizer.  The dog’s rhythmic breathing assured Brad all was well.  He effortlessly picked up the sleeping Lyndon and walked back to their cabin, securing the lock on the door.

‘Momma wake up.’  Tessa heard the feint whisper and felt tiny fingers and palms on her face.  Her eyes flew open.

‘Lyndon!’ she pulled the sheet up to chin.  Recognition dawned on her the manoeuvre was useless as she felt his ice cold foot against her upper leg.  ‘Where’s daddy sweetheart?’

‘Gone to bring me breakfast,’ Lyndon jumped off the bed and went closer to the monitor to check on Charlie.

Tessa wanted to reach for Brad’s gown that was on the night stand.  Maybe Brad had left it there for her.  As she extended her hand out, she felt soft silk press against her body.  She lifted the sheet a fraction and saw with relief she was not naked.

‘How---?’

‘When you were asleep,’ she heard Brad’s amused voice at the door.  He had accurately interpreted her question.  He had showered, was fully dressed, looking attractive in a formal day suit and was holding a rather large breakfast tray.

‘How did I get here?’ Lyndon pre-empted, looking over his shoulder.  ‘My daddy brought me to you momma.’

‘Good morning my angel,’ Tessa’s brain suddenly activated first gear.

‘Morning momma,’ Lyndon smiled happily.  ‘Charlie is going to wake up just now.  My daddy said so.’

Momentarily Tessa’s eyes returned to Brad’s.  She looked troubled.  She sunk back against the pillows and shut her eyes.  Brad walked with the tray to Lyndon. 

‘There you go son,’ he smiled.  He served Lyndon a plate with bacon, scrambled eggs, a slice of toast and orange juice.  He switched the television on to the cartoon network and walked to Tessa’s side of the bed.

‘Darling what’s wrong?’ He placed his hand gently over her tummy.    ‘Is the baby---?’

‘Baby is fine,’ she interrupted him.  Her palm closed over Brad’s hand on her tummy.

‘Then why do you look so troubled?’  His eyes were filled with concern.

‘I don’t know when you dressed me,’ she whispered, her eyes locking with his.

‘And that spooks you?’  Brad looked at her uncomprehendingly.

‘I should have been aware,’ she hissed. 

What she did not admit was, if one man was able to man handle her body in her sleep, another could just as easily undress her in her sleep and have his way with her and she would not know until it was too late.  How could she have been so unconscious?  She never slept that dead to the world.  She had always been aware of where she was and with whom she was.

‘I’m your husband.  That’s why you are comfortable with me.’

His words offered no security whatsoever.  She should have felt Brad trying to slip her arms into the silk negligee.  She should have awoken when he lifted her to slip the garment over her head.  Heaven forbid if another man should dare slip into their bed next to her when she is resting somewhere.  What if she reaches out assuming it to be Brad, and the intruder thinks she is responding to him?  What if Brad should walk in?  Would he find her answer plausible, if she tried to tell him she thought it was him in the bed?  She did not think so.  He would be livid and go ballistic.

‘I guess,’ she offered him a tentative smile.  ‘Good morning,’ she kissed his lips.

‘Good morning my beautiful wife, I brought you breakfast.’

She did not know where he got the stamina from.  They had gone to bed pretty late.  They had not immediately fallen asleep.  It had been the wee hours when Brad had finally allowed her to drift off, she was not exactly sure when.

‘Thank you.  What about you?’ she accepted the tray he placed on her lap.

‘I ate an hour ago.  I was starving,’ his eyes glinted mischievously.

‘I wonder why,’ she sipped from the glass of orange juice.

‘Lyndon, we cannot stay long son.  We must hurry to the office.’

‘But my daddy it is so beautiful here.’ Lyndon dived onto the manicured lawn and rolled about.  Charlie fully recovered from his flight medication, placed his grubby paws on Lyndon’s chest and licked his chin playfully.  He seemed to love their new temporary home just as much as Lyndon.   Brad looked at his wristwatch.  They had arrived an hour ahead of schedule.  He thought it would be pleasant for Lyndon and Charlie to check out their temporary home.  It gave their staff time to unpack their luggage and relax. 

Brad cast a furtive glance at Tessa.  She was subdued. Why was she troubled for heaven’s sake?  She was his wife.  Surely he had the right to dress or undress her, especially when he had not had the heart to disturb her sleep, just to be respectable in front of their son.  Her eyes trained on Lyndon, still looked weary to him.  Her face wrinkled objectionably at Charlie licking Lyndon.  He was sure she was going to thoroughly scrub Lyndon down before they could leave, if he knew his wife who was a freak about cleanliness.   

‘Sweetheart, we have to leave now.  You will be back with Charlie very soon.  I promise,’

Brad watched her study her wristwatch.  She was clearly mentally calculating the time required to have Lyndon bathed and changed.  He knew his wife had memorized their entire itinerary.  She was a perfectionist; punctual and paid attention to the minutest detail of everything she did.

‘Sir, we have to leave for the Sydney office in twelve minutes,’ Bentley rapped the itinerary over his wrist.                   

‘Stay away from my wife Bentley,’ Brad warned.  ‘I will apologize for being late.’

Bentley stepped back submissively.  Brad watched Tessa whisper into Lyndon’s ear.  He smiled at his mummy and clasped his tiny palm into her hand.  She checked her wristwatch once more and hurried inside.  Tessa returned with a refreshed Lyndon.  He looked adorable in blue denims, a white baseball cap, black baby polo shirt and sneakers. 

‘We are ready,’ Tessa smiled politely at Brad and Bentley. 

Brad looked at his watch.  They still had three minutes to spare.  He directed an accusing glare at Bentley, who cowered as he mouthed an apology to his boss.  Brad grinned as he opened the limo door for his wife and son.  Keri and Stacy got in as well.  Bentley slipped in next to the driver.

Tessa was speechless, as she possessively had Lyndon’s hand clasped into hers.  There was resounding applause from everybody gathered in the main boardroom of the Sydney office.  She was positively humbled as she exchanged a surprised look with Brad.  This international family had given them a standing ovation.  Overcome with emotion, some openly sobbed at the joy of seeing this young, happy, successful family, their employer actually.  The Blakely’s were touring the international offices, giving into pressure from the external staff who wanted to see Tessa and Lyndon after Lyndon’s kidnapping ordeal. 

Brad purposefully took a back seat.  He watched his wife work the room.  She smiled sincerely.  Touched a shoulder here, offered a hug there.  She introduced Lyndon to all who wanted to greet their son.  She was a seasoned pro, never allowing her time to be manipulated.  She managed all the interactions like a born leader.  Occasionally she looked up, found Brad’s eyes, drew strength there and moved on.

‘Alaister, lovely to see you again,’ Tessa smiled at the Sydney Editor-in-Chief.  It felt strange wrapping his name around her lips.  An ex lover who owned a helicopter charter service here in Sydney was also called Alaister.

‘You have an amazing boy there,’ Alaister patted Lyndon’s hair affectionately.

‘Thank you,’ Tessa smiled.

‘I have a three year old too,’ Alaister spoke.  ‘He was born epileptic.  My wife had complications giving birth.’

Tessa’s eyes filled with concern.  Gently her palm touched his shoulder.  ‘I’m so sorry,’ she whispered.

‘Mathew’s a great kid,’ Alaister smiled brightly.  ‘You know he has this paranoia about opened doors.  ‘I’ll be at the refrigerator trying to get out a beer and chatting to my wife.  Matt will shut the refrigerator before I’m finished.  He drives his mom crazy when she’s packing groceries.

Tessa laughed good-naturedly as she pictured Matt trying to shut the cupboard as his mom was trying to pack it.   ‘I’d love to meet Mathew if you do not consider it too intrusive.’

‘Not at all,’ Alaister smiled.  He placed his hand on Tessa’s arm.  ‘Why don’t you and Brad come to dinner tonight?  It will be a fitting farewell.’

‘Farewell?’  Tessa was astonished.

‘You do know I have resigned?  Brad received my letter a week ago.’

She did not know.  Not that she expected her husband to inform her of every situation in their international offices.  It was not part of her purview.  Brad managed that quite well.  He had amazing intuition in identifying the best person to lead each region.

‘Alaister,’ Brad joined his wife.  His possessive arm around her waist was like a homing signal.

 Perhaps she had allowed Alaister more than the customary time she had offered to everybody else. 

‘So where are you defecting to?’ Tessa smiled at Alaister, ignoring Brad’s iron hold around her waist.

‘Alaister is leaving the industry darling,’ Brad smiled at his wife.  ‘In the last year he’s spent a lot of time coaching and offering sport psychology to the children in the school young Matt attends.  He’s joining the school in a permanent capacity.’

‘I’m sure Mathew is going to be delighted to see more of his daddy,’ Tessa smiled.

‘It is so rewarding,’ Alaister smiled.  ‘I procrastinated about my decision for a long time.  When I finally plucked up the courage to call Brad, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders when I put the phone down afterwards.’

‘Well I wish you the best in the future then,’ Tessa smiled again.

‘Thanks,’ Alaister grinned.  ‘Things are looking good already.  Brad has offered major sponsorship to the school to build equipment for the children’s special needs.’

Tessa had not known about that either, but her husband was an amazing, compassionate and benevolent human being.  She was not surprised at all. 

‘So we on for dinner tonight?’ Alaister repeated.

‘Dinner?’ Brad laughed softly.

‘We’re having dinner at Alistair’s home with his family,’ Tessa’s eyes met Brad’s challengingly.

Brad’s face was a mask.  A smile was lazily plastered across his face.  It did not fool Tessa, but she chose to ignore it.

‘Tessa!’

She pivoted around to see an old university acquaintance.  ‘Kim St Claire, good heavens!’ Tessa spontaneously hugged her.

‘You two know each other from another era?’ Brad laughed.

‘Small world,’ Tessa laughed.  ‘You’re not going to tell me you work here.’

‘Executive Director Finance,’ Kim grinned.

‘Hi Kim,’ Brad smiled.  ‘Harvard colleagues?’

‘Yeah,’ Tessa smiled.  ‘Kim was a year ahead of me.’

‘She still got all the good looking guys,’ Kim accused Tessa.

Tell me something I did not know Kim! 
Brad’s eyes shifted to Tessa’s but she was avoiding him.

‘So how long have you been here?’ Tessa tried to redirect the conversation.   ‘Sorry,’ Tessa laughed.  ‘This is embarrassing.  I should know these details.’

‘You’re forgiven,’ Kim smiled.  ‘Nobody expects you to keep a finger on the pulse in every region of GR.’

But my husband does it perfectly.

‘Brad I think your wife still holds the record as the youngest Harvard graduate and she did it with flying colours.’

‘Beauty and brains.  I chose well,’ he pressed his lips to Tessa’s cheek.  He knew very well she did not like his public display of affection around their staff.  She tried to shift away, but his grip tightened around her waist.  Tessa gave up.

‘I am not the only one with bragging rights Kim.  I recall you collected many awards for financial and economic achievements.’

Kim shrugged modestly.  ‘We must get together before you leave Australia,’ she invited.

‘I noticed we have a spare day in Sydney,’ Tessa laughed.  ‘There seems to be no agenda.  You’re on,’ Tessa accepted, without consulting with her husband.  If he had plans, tough.

‘Momma are we finished yet?’ Lyndon tapped her arm impatiently.

Tessa looked down at her son.  She had promised him, they would not be long.  She had already met every single employee in the Sydney office.  She hadn’t thought she would get around to all of them, but surprisingly she had.

‘Yes my angel, we can leave if daddy is done.’  Brad may want to stay longer and chat to the executive staff.  If he did, the limo could always drop her and Lyndon at their rented villa.  It was such a stunning estate, plush rolling gardens, Olympic swimming pool, picturesque flower garden, and the weather was just gorgeous.

They had enjoyed a most sumptuous dinner with Alaister and his family.  Mathew was such an endearing little guy.  Tessa had been pleasantly surprised at how instinctively protective Lyndon had been over Mathew.  What Tessa found even more astonishing was Lyndon giving one of his favourite story books to Mathew.  Tessa was thrilled her husband’s benevolent nature was rubbing off on Lyndon.

When Tessa came out of the shower, Brad was on his laptop studying something or the other.  She popped into Lyndon’s room.  He was asleep in bed.  Charlie was spread eagled on Lyndon’s bed.  She smiled, as she sunk onto the bed.  She brushed Lyndon’s hair away from his face and kissed his chubby cheek.  Charlie whined as if expecting a kiss as well. 

Forget it.  No way!

He had also been despatched to the doggy parlour for a scrub down.    He had come back so clean and fresh, she could have been tempted to hug the brat, but she had not. 

‘Take care of my baby Charlie,’ she instructed and slipped out of Lyndon’s room.  As if understanding, Charlie moaned, moved closer to Lyndon and rested his big head on Lyndon’s tiny chest.

‘What are you doing?’ Tessa asked Brad as she came back to their room.

‘I need to make an announcement tomorrow on who will succeed Alaister.’

‘Do you have somebody in mind?’

Brad pointed to two men on the screen.  Both have more than ten years experience as senior editors.  Both understand the local market perfectly.  I asked Bentley to put his feelers out as to who would be a more popular choice.’

‘And?’ Tessa prompted, slipping out of her gown and climbing into bed.  Brad drank in her hourglass figure.  His eyes darkened.  He held his breath.  His wife’s body was always a distraction.  There was no way he could concentrate now.

‘Both are equally popular,’ he finally dragged out.

‘Give the job to Kim,’ Tessa stated.

‘But she’s---.’

‘A woman?’ Tessa cut in, as she glared at Brad frostily.

‘Got no experience as an editor,’ Brad stood up.  ‘I am not sexist.’

True.  She was Group Head of Legal and that was no Mickey Mouse function.

‘Kim is far too young as well,’ Brad broke into her thoughts.

‘I am younger than her and I hold a more senior position and do not tell me I got the job because I was your wife or Joseph von Biljoen’s daughter.’

‘You got the job because you have legal competency, a legal qualification and you were a practising attorney, specialising in corporate law,’ Brad’s voice rose an octave.

‘Blakely do not raise your voice when you talk to me,’ she sliced him with an icy stare.

‘You are mixing apples and potatoes when it comes to Kim,’ he paced the room.  ‘She is a chartered accountant.  Her competency is in finance.’

‘Brad.’ 
When she called him “Brad” in the bedroom, it spelt trouble.

‘Yes,’ he answered guardedly.

‘Do you remember the first meeting I held on your behalf with Orion?’

He knew where she was going with this.  She knew nothing about marketing, yet she secured the contract not only for her father’s company but his as well.

‘Yes,’ he acknowledged, raking his fingers through his hair.

‘I know Kim St Claire.  She is an over achiever, has an astute business mind.  She is intelligent.  She will take calculated risks.  She loves challenges and is an objective person.  A journalist’s core function is to inform the public, right?’ Tessa prompted. 
Brad was silent as she rattled on.  She knew he was digesting every word she uttered.  ‘Every employee in the media industry is aware of that vital fact,’ Tessa finished.

Brad did not have a female Editor-in-Chief anywhere in the world.  All his top men were highly qualified journalists who had gut instincts about how a front page could sell a newspaper. But perhaps is was time to redress the past imbalance.  Who was he kidding?  He had not been a journalist, yet look at him.  He was the most successful man in the media industry in all of Europe.  He could mentor Kim.  Alaister offered his continued support for whoever would be his successor and Alaister was a very fair man.

‘Fine.  I will offer the job to Kim.’

‘Come to bed Blakely.  Your job is done for the day.’

Brad ripped off his gown, sending it to the floor and climbed into bed.

‘Feel like an evening drive?’ Bentley leaned against the door frame of Keri’s bedroom.

She was shocked to see Bentley at her door.  She thought he was gone out.  Brad had intimated that Bentley had his own plans and would not be babysitting her and Stacy.

‘I thought you had plans,’ she admired how good he looked casually dressed in denims and a pull over.

‘I want to show you some of the sights,’ he grinned, ‘come on,’ he jerked his head.  It wouldn’t hurt to have a friendly tour guide in a foreign city.  It was foreign to her.  She’d never been here before.

‘What about Stacy?’

‘I like Stacy,’ Bentley stood to his full height, ‘but three’s a crowd.’  Keri felt the colour fill her cheeks.  She blushed profusely.

‘We should not exclude her,’ Keri pleaded.

‘Very well then,’ Bentley reluctantly agreed.  ‘If that’s the only way I can get you out, so be it.’

‘I’ll just grab a sweater,’ Keri smiled.

‘Stacy, Bentley would like to take us on a drive,’ Keri smiled as Stacy opened her door.

‘I’d love to join you,’ Stacy held her fingers to her temple, but this hot weather has given me a splitting headache.  ‘I have to sleep it off,’ she pleaded apologetically.

‘Thank God for small mercies,’ Keri heard Bentley whisper from behind her.  She elbowed him.

‘Do you have some pain killers?’ Keri asked.

‘Yes thanks I got some from Mrs. Blakely.’

‘Call me on my cell, if you need anything,’ Keri urged.

Stacynodded. ‘Good night and enjoy,’ she closed her door.

‘So this is the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge?’ Keri smiled, admiring the breadth taking view.  There was a beautiful full moon.  Hundreds of twinkling stars filled the southern hemisphere sky.  The night was crisp.  Light mist filled the air.  She was glad she carried a sweater.  She had not draped it on as yet.  Strolling beside Bentley was raising her body temperature crazily.

‘Yep,’ Bentley laced his fingers through Keri’s.  She allowed their fingers to remain entwined.   She looked up to find his eyes trained on hers.

Bentley held his breath.  His deep chocolate brown eyes caressed her.  His gaze heated, was drawn to Keri’s hair tumbling over her bare shoulders.  He longed to bury his face in her scented hair. 

That has to be desire in her eyes.

He gave Keri a wolfish smile, totally aware of her responding body.  He pressed his palm to the small of her back, tension coiled inside him.  He felt her warmth as she drew close to him.  They turned into each other oblivious to where they were and those around them passing by.

Against all reasoning against all her inner warnings, Keri wanted him to kiss her.  Her nipples tingled, her inner thighs became warm.  His hand lifted.  His fingertips stroked at the base of her throat.  He heard her soft sigh.  Her lips parted.  He lowered his head.   His lips claimed hers, gentle, soft and enticing.  Her body curved weakly into his.  Fervently, the heated entanglement of lips and tongues meshed and ignited explosive desire.  Her fingers raked through his hair.  The kiss deepened, their groans of pleasure became louder.  His thighs pressed against her.  Keri’s hunger increased.  She clung to him, taking her fill of his sweet tasting lips.  Bentley gently pulled away.  He found her eyes closed.  Moonlight washed over her face, bathing her in a glowing form of arousal.   She was so beautiful.  So perfect.  He wanted to look into those brilliant sapphire like gems.  His finger gently lifted her chin.  Keri slowly opened her eyes, her mouth still pouting expectantly. 

‘Let’s get out of here,’ Bentley clasped her hand tightly and led her back to their rented vehicle.

Keri sat quietly trying to process her feelings.  She stole a glance at Bentley at the wheel.  He had not spoken a word since they got into the car.  He seemed focused on his task of driving. 

He is good looking.

So very attractive.

And his kisses ---are so damn enjoyable.

‘You okay?’ He reached for her hand, his eyes not moving of the road ahead of him.

‘Yeah,’ she smiled, even though he would not see it.  Keri laced her fingers through his.  Bentley lifted her hand to his lips.  She groaned silently.

With haste Bentley parked the vehicle and helped Keri out.  He stole a kiss as he opened her bedroom door.  Keri felt uncomfortable knowing they were not alone in the extravagant rented villa.  The Blakely’s had the uppermost level suite to themselves, with an office for Brad.  Keri, Bentley and Stacy had rooms on the second level.  The cleaning staff, chef and the butler Brad requested were on the ground floor.  He ushered her into her room and switched on the light.  The silhouette of her cascading hair glowed from the deflecting lamp.  He smiled as he drew her into his arms again.  Keri hesitated only for a moment.  When his lips sought hers, her arms gripped his shoulders.  Bentley moulded her body to fit his.  A whisper of pleasure escaped her throat.  He deepened the kiss, his fingers undid the button to her blouse. 

‘Bentley---’ Keri pulled away.

‘What is it?’ he murmured, pulling her into his arms again. 

She lowered her head, hiding her eyes.  She wanted him.  Her eyes reflected her desire, yet something held her back.  It was wonderful being in his arms.  Empowering that he desired her so much, that his body trembled.

‘Please---I can’t.’

‘You can’t or don’t want me?’  He exhaled heavily.

You must know I want you. 

‘I ---need time---please.’

‘You‘re toying with me Keri,’ his eyes glittered.  ‘I am not an adolescent.’

‘No!  I’m, ---sorry.’

‘Good night Keri.’

‘Please don’t be angry at me,’ she gripped his arm.

‘I’m not,’ he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.  ‘Go to bed, I shall plan something special for us tomorrow.’

‘Thank you for understanding.’

‘I don’t,’ he removed her hand from his arm and walked out.

‘Bentley what the hell is wrong with you?’ Brad hissed.  He stood in front of him with legs outstretched, his hands angrily on his waist.

‘I beg your pardon sir?’  Bentley was silently relieved they were alone.

‘I wanted an appointment with Kim St Claire set up for one P.M.  She called me to confirm our appointment at eight P.M.  Brad glared at Bentley.  ‘Do you want my wife to blow a gasket?’

Did I tell her eight P.M.? 

‘I’m sorry sir.  I shall rectify that.’

‘Don’t bother, it’s done already.  Are you still jet-lagged?’

‘No sir,’ he mumbled.  He suspected that may have been a rhetorical question, as Brad started striding away before Bentley had offered his feeble response.

Bentley slapped his palm to his forehead.  He’d had Keri on the brain when he was talking to Kim St Claire.  He had been thinking about where to take her tonight.  He wanted it to be somewhere extra special, he just did not know where.

At one P.M. when Brad went out to lunch with Kim St. Claire, Bentley went in search of Tessa Blakely.

‘Bentley?’ Tessa smiled.  She looked up from the novel she was reading.  She cast a cursory glance at Lyndon trying to retrieve a tennis ball from Charlie’s mouth, but Charlie was not playing nice. He kept bucking his head into Lyndon’s tummy and kept dropping her gorgeous baby to the ground.

‘Lyndon seems to love it here,’ Bentley smiled.  He winced when again, Lyndon fell on his back.

‘He is,’ Tessa laughed softly, ‘but then you did not come here to talk about Lyndon.’

‘No.’ Bentley pursed his lips, dragging his eyes away from Lyndon to Tessa’s face. 
‘I wanted your recommendation on a place to go dancing.’ 
Tessa’s eyes widened.  She had not been doing the social circuit since her marriage.  Sure she had loved dancing and could name the “hotspots” anywhere in the world when she had been single, but that was four years ago.  Oh well perhaps Sydney had not changed that much.  There was a particular nightclub that she had loved here.  It was pretty exclusive.  One could not get tickets at the door.  Bentley could use her name.  It should allow him entry.  She reached for the notepad on the pedestal next to the settee she was lounging on.  She scrolled on her mobile, scribbled a name and a number on the notepad.

‘Call Ferdinand,’ she handed him the notepad.  ‘Mention my name,’ her eyes locked with Bentley’s.   
Tessa wondered if he was taking Keri out, or both the girls or somebody else.  He did not offer any information, she did not interrogate him.

Bentley smiled to himself, very satisfied with the results he achieved.  Ferdinand had fallen over himself trying to accommodate Bentley.  He wanted to know if he should send a limo for Bentley and his entourage.  Bentley had declined.   He had use of the Blakely limo.  Bentley removed the gift box from his inside pocket.  He lifted the lid and admired the glittering stones sparkling back at him. 

Exquisite, can’t wait to see her reaction.

Bentley sent a text message to Keri.
Tonight, 8 o’ clock.  Dress formal.

He snapped the box shut and slipped it back into his pocket.  He looked at his wristwatch.  Seven more hours, he groaned silently.

‘You’re not dressed!’  Bentley looked at Keri’s trousers.  He had expected to see her in a black cocktail number, or something that would reveal her very sexy legs.

‘I am dressed,’ she replied.  He looked again at her attire.  She was wearing evening trousers.  The silver spaghetti strapped top, clung to her hour glass frame, but her hair was held together with a ribbon or something.

‘I have something for you,’ he smiled, kissing her on the lips.

‘Oh,’ she looked surprised when he removed something from the inside pocket of his tuxedo.

‘Go on,’ he grinned, when she did not take the box from his extended hand.

‘Bentley, I don’t think we should go out tonight.’

‘What!’
The smile disappeared from his face.  Did she know the trouble he got into today, consumed by erotic thoughts about her?  Did she know he had to go to his boss’s wife to enquire on the fanciest place to spoil her at?  He had been counting the hours to see her and she turns him down---just like that.

Keri glanced at the rather expensive looking box he still held out.  ‘I can’t accept that,’ she whispered.

‘Then don’t bother,’ he flung it angrily into her waste paper basket and stormed out. 

        -end chapter twenty five-