‘You promised to make me a snack,’ Brad reminded Tessa, as he turned off the ignition.

‘How about an omelette?’ Tessa offered.

‘With lots of cheese and ham please.’

‘Can I quickly check in on Lyndon,’ Tessa draped her arm around Brad’s shoulder.

‘Hurry, I’m starving,’ he complained.

Tessa was having difficulty keeping Brad at bay.  He was standing behind her at the stove.   His one hand was trailing over her thigh, his teeth gently nibbling at her throat.

‘I wish you weren’t wearing trousers,’ he groaned.

‘Just stop,’ Tessa elbowed him away.  ‘Your dinner’s going to burn.’ 

‘I’m not interfering with the omelette,’ his tongue was doing erotic things at her earlobe.

‘But if you keep doing that, I want to kiss you back,’ she moaned, stealing a quick kiss, whilst trying to finish cooking Brad’s omelette.

‘Good evening Brad, Tessa.

‘Good evening daddy,’ Tessa shifted away from Brad and gave the omelette all her attention. 
Thank heavens, I was not lying on the kitchen table with my legs wrapped around Brad’s hips.

Had they been in her apartment or back home in London, that graphic image could not have been ruled out.  Damn, she should have been aware, that they would not enjoy privacy in her dad’s home.  Well technically it was her husband’s home now.  Brad had bought it from her father and gifted it to Tessa after he married her.

‘Joseph, you’re up quite late,’ Brad was unperturbed at his father-in-law finding him and Tessa making out in the kitchen.  Actually, he was doing the “making out.”  Tessa was trying to stave him off.

‘Tessa, why didn’t you call Hanna to serve you and Brad?’ Joseph enquired.

‘It’s late to trouble her daddy.  I’m just making Brad a light meal.’  Tessa placed Brad’s delicious looking omelette onto a plate and switched the percolator on for his coffee.

‘I heard your car driving in,’ Joseph smiled at Brad.  ‘Tessa, I was wondering if I could see you in the morning.’

‘Oh.’ 
What are you going to try to twist my arm about?

Brad watched Tessa tense up.  She inhaled deeply, her eyes narrowed.  The instant her father had walked into the kitchen, Tessa was full of tension like a spring coil, weary and subdued.  She had been warm and responsive when he had been flirting with her, now she was on edge and dangerously cool, like the proverbial English cucumber.

‘What’s it about?’ Brad questioned casually.  He moved closer to Tessa.  Immediately he felt Tessa leaning closer to him, drawing strength from his presence.  ‘Tessa and I have an appointment tomorrow morning.’

Tessa knew nothing about any appointment.  If her husband saw fit to invent an excuse just for her, then they had an appointment.

‘It should not take long,’ Joseph addressed Brad.  ‘There’s a businessman from the Middle East.  He is in financial services.  He wants me to invest in a local project there.    I wanted Tessa to look at that contract.’

Brad looked at Tessa, inviting her to respond.  She breathed a sigh of relief her father was not intending to lecture to her about anything. 
Come to think of it, since her marriage to Brad, Joseph hardly interfered much in her life, unlike when she had been single, he had constantly badgered her about every aspect of her life.

‘Would you need about an hour daddy?’

‘That’s more than enough,’ he nodded.  ‘You can peruse the contract at leisure and give me an opinion at a later stage.’

‘Sure, no problem, daddy.  Brad your meal’s going cold.’

‘Care to join me Joseph?’ Brad offered politely.

‘No thank you,’ Joseph smiled. ‘We have enjoyed dinner with Lyndon, and he did eat all his vegetables, Tessa.’

‘Good,’ she smiled, as she put Brad’s plate in front of him for the second time.  This time she gave it a warm up on low heat in the microwave.  ‘Darling please eat,’ she instructed.

‘Good night then,’ Joseph left the kitchen.

‘Thank you,’ Brad sat down to his meal.  ‘My coffee ready?’ he asked.

‘Coming up.’

‘What about you?’ Brad asked.

‘I did nibble something at JeTag.   Maybe I will just have a bite with you,’ she moved a chair closer to Brad’s and sliced a tiny piece of omelette for herself. 

‘Darling.’

‘Hmm?’  Brad responded with his mouth full.

‘I’d like to spend a night at the apartment please.’
Brad looked at Tessa.  She was slicing through her piece of omelette.  He could not understand why Tessa would want to stay at the apartment when they had a beautiful home at their disposal.  There were certain times Brad knew from experience not to question his wife, this was one of them.

‘We can do so tomorrow night,’ he draped an arm around her neck and kissed her cheek.

‘Thank you,’ she smiled, her lips lingered close to his.   She kissed him tenderly.  ‘Hurry up,’ she whispered.  ‘I want to go to bed.’

Bentley had just come out the shower when he heard the knock on his door.  He yanked the door opened to find Keri standing there.  She was still in the sexy cream number and stilettos.  She stood before him weary yet determined.

‘You’re still awake?’ Bentley raised an enquiring eyebrow.

‘May I come in?’ Keri asked nervously. She did not know if she’d taken leave of her senses.  He had the fancy hotel gown strapped on, a towel around his neck and he was bare footed. 
He has cute feet.

‘Keri it’s late.’  He did not invite her in.  ‘Mr. Blakely has a hook up session with the Australian team at eight in the morning.  I need to be up early to set things up.’

‘I can help you,’ she stepped into his room, uninvited.’

‘What I have to do is not labour intensive,’ he laughed. 

‘Oh he still laughs,’ she grinned.

Their eyes meshed.  Keri inhaled deeply. Bentley held his breath.  Silently praying she would not be rejected, she walked up to him.

‘Bentley,’ she murmured.  ‘Tell me that we’re okay.  That you’re not angry with me.’  She reached out for his hands and laced her fingers through his.

‘We’re okay.  I am not angry,’ he answered politely as she had bid him.

‘Bentley please---.  I feel like you’re holding out.  Like you’ve cast me out like something you do not need anymore,’ she whispered. 

Am I being presumptuous?  Dare I hope we do have something?

‘Keri,’ he groaned and pulled her roughly into his arms.  ‘You’re not making this easy for me,’ his mouth closed over hers.  He was not gentle, aggressively possessing her mouth.  Not that Keri had any intention of complaining.  She reached for him, wrapping her arms around him and returning his kisses just as fervently.  Gently Bentley pulled away and drew his lips away from hers.

‘What am I not making easy?’ she asked in confusion, her arms still entangled around his neck.

‘I do want you Keri.’

Her countenance brightened.  ‘I want you too,’ her eyes met his earnestly.

‘’But not tonight Keri,’ he removed her hands from around his neck.

‘Why?’ she demanded, looking disappointed.

‘I’m not going to rush our first time,’ he spoke huskily.  ‘I want to romance you,’ his eyes met hers meaningfully.    ‘I’m going to take you to dinner and then---.’

‘When?’ Keri asked, linking her fingers through his again.  He had lovely slim fingers, like a piano player, and they were clean, well manicured like a doctor’s.

Bentley laughed again.  ‘I’m an old fashioned guy,’ he grinned.  ‘I shall do the bidding.’  He was making reference to her knocking on his door.

‘Oh,’ she looked away embarrassed.  ‘I did not come to proposition you tonight,’ she whispered.  ‘I just wanted to clear the air between us.’

‘I apologize,’ he sighed, removing one hand and raking his fingers through his hair.  ‘I wanted to be certain you were ready to start a new relationship.  I did not want to rush in where angels fear to tread.’

‘I want to tell you about Max,’ she whispered.

‘Thank you,’ Bentley smiled supportively.  He held her hand and led her to the sofa.  ‘Would you like a drink?’

‘No thank you,’ she smiled nervously.

‘Do you mind if I have one?’

‘No---no, go ahead.’  Bentley poured himself a scotch and sat across from Keri.  He would have loved to have been closer to her.  To feel her body close to his, their thighs touching, to reach out for her hand, but he offered her some space to gather her thoughts.

‘Go on,’ Bentley smiled encouragingly.  He waved his glass in her direction to begin when she was ready.

Keri nodded.  She was disappointed he chose to sit so far away from her.  She wished he could have been nearer so she could reach out to him.  She inhaled deeply and began.

‘Max and I were living together,’ she pursed her lips.  ‘I did love him ---in the beginning,’ she fiddled with her fingers. 
Keri did not see Bentley narrow his eyes angrily.  He tilted his glass to his lips and emptied the contents in one gulp.

‘Anyway,’ she looked up at Bentley.  ‘He---Max proposed to me.  We were to be married next year.’  A pained expression filled her face.  Bentley wanted to reach out when he saw her anguish, but he held back.

‘Three months before I arrived in the U.K. was Max’s birthday,’ her voice went soft.  Bentley had to strain to hear her. 
'I wanted to make him a surprise dinner,’ her eyes became glassy.  ‘I went home early.’ 
She forced herself to meet Bentley’s eyes. 
‘He was there ---with another woman.’  Tears streamed down her eyes unchecked.

‘I am sorry Keri.’ 
She had not even known when he stood up and joined her on her sofa.

‘It’s over now,’ she rushed on, blinking her eyes furiously.  ‘I am glad I never married Max,’ her eyes were sincere.  ‘I do not love him anymore, and I am so thankful to have met you,’ she whispered.

Keri visibly saw a weight lift off Bentley’s shoulders.  She smiled through her tear stained face.  He reached out and brushed the tears away from her cheeks.

‘If you are prepared to have me,’ she pleaded.  ‘I want a relationship with you Bentley.’

‘I thought I told you, I’m an old fashioned guy,’ he smiled, cupping his palm to her cheek.

‘Kiss me Bentley,’ she leaned towards him.

‘I give up.’
She heard his beautiful laugh, as he gathered her into his arms and obediently actioned her command.

Is she going to propose to me next?

‘I want to have a relationship with you Ms. Packer.’  Bentley dragged his mouth away long enough to assure her of that fact. ‘And I can’t wait to make love to you,’ his lips descended on hers again.

‘Oh Bentley, thank you,’ she spontaneously lurched onto his lap and threw her arms around his neck.

‘Oh dear Lord, give me strength,’ he groaned aloud.  His body reacted artlessly to her strategic positioning on his lap.

‘Why do you need strength?’ she cupped his cheeks and kissed him boldly.

‘You are so forward,’ he chuckled.  Bentley stood up, with her legs entwined around his hips.  ‘Now Ms. Packer, I want you to return to your room.’  He walked with her to the door.

‘Oh,’ she could not keep the disappointment from her voice.

‘Tomorrow evening at seven, you have a dinner date with me,’ he ignored her pouting face.  ‘Wear something sexy,’ he murmured.  ‘I’m taking you to a very fancy restaurant.’

‘Why can’t we order take in?’

‘Keri!’ He rolled his eyes towards the ceiling.

‘And afterwards---are you coming to me, or am I coming to you?’

‘Out,’ he opened his door and ushered her out.  Bentley took her key card, sliced it through the slot.  With his palm at her lower back, he gently pushed her through her own door. 

‘Good night Keri,’ he leaned towards her and kissed her slowly.

‘Good night Bentley,’ she whispered huskily.  ‘By the way, you look hot in that gown,’ she grinned.

‘Thank you,’ he laughed. 
Keri was so pleased to see the laughter reach his eyes.  There were no more barriers between them.  The sun had definitely come out again and life was definitely looking good from where Keri was standing.

When Bentley took the three steps back to his own suite, Keri shut the door, and began hopping about excitedly in her room. 

Thank you Bentley.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

‘No, don’t wake up just yet,’ Tessa clung to Brad, refusing to let him get out of bed.

‘I have a conference call with Kim and her team in less than an hour,’ Brad urged.  As it is he was going to have to skip breakfast.

‘Why do you schedule things so early?’ she moaned, snuggling closer to Brad.

‘Blame Bentley,’ Brad moaned, his palm slid down Tessa’s ribcage.  She purred delightedly as his palm caressed over her petite bottom.

‘Mrs. Blakely?’

‘Yes,’ she giggled.  Her husband hardly ever addressed her that way.

‘Shouldn’t you have been in the gym an hour ago?’

‘I’m on holiday and pregnant,’ her sleepy eyes opened with difficulty to meet Brad’s.

‘Oh, I see,’ he suppressed a grin, but his eyes were filled with laughter.

‘Are you insinuating something Blakely?’

‘No and please do not go on a diet,’ he instructed.  ‘I love your body just as it is.’

‘Don’t worry Blakely,’ she smiled.  ‘I am not concerned about my weight.  I’m taking my son swimming, so I thought I’d skip the gym this morning.’

‘Good,’ he smacked her bottom playfully.  ‘I find those size zero models distasteful.’

‘You have no business looking at them!’

‘I haven’t ---since the day I laid eyes on you,’ his eyes locked with hers.

‘I actually believe you Blakely,’ she pressed her lips to his.  Tessa trusted Brad.  Their love had grown stronger during the years of their young marriage.  They understood each other, respected their boundaries and supported each other unconditionally.  Tessa smiled as she gazed into her husband’s eyes.  She thanked God every day, for giving her this amazing man as well as for the beautiful family he has blessed her with.  Very soon she would be the proud mother of two babies.

‘Can I get up now?’ Brad pleaded.  ‘New York’s traffic is the pits,’ he groaned.

‘I’m going to fire your P.A.,’ Tessa threatened.

Brad laughed.  He kissed her lips and reluctantly got out of bed.

‘So should we meet at the apartment tonight?’ Tessa asked when Brad returned from showering.

Brad looked over his shoulder.   He had been busy knotting his tie.  Tessa was curled on her side, facing the mirror, her eyes looked guarded.    She looked away when Brad tried to read her eyes.    Brad dropped his tie.  He walked to the bed, lowered one knee onto the mattress.  He leaned over Tessa and kissed her lips.  She inhaled his musk cologne.  He smelt divine.  She purposefully kept her hands beneath the duvet.  If she touched him, she was going to keep him in bed and he would miss his conference call.

‘You okay with your meeting with Joseph today?’ He enquired conversationally. 
If his wife needed him, he would drop everything to be by her side.

‘Yeah,’ she replied immediately.  If her father wanted legal counsel, she could hold her own with him quite adequately.  It was only when Joseph tackled her personal life, was she weary to grant her father an audience.

‘Tell me if you need me and I will reschedule the conference call,’ Brad offered.

‘Don’t be silly Blakely,’ she sat up and expertly finished his tie knot.  ‘Go to work,’ unable to resist, her fingers cupped his face.  She closed her eyes and met his lips in a lingering kiss.

‘How are you able to do that so well?’ he was referring to her ability to so deftly knot a tie.

‘Experience,’ she bit on her lower lip.

‘Really, I can count on one hand the number of times you’ve helped me?’ he shoved her down onto the bed and tickled her mercilessly. 

‘Wait,’ she gripped his wrists as she choked on a laugh.  ‘In high school,’ she caught her breath.  ‘I had to wear a tie.’

‘Ah,’ Brad lowered himself over her.  ‘I bet you looked real sexy,’ his lips worried at a tender spot on her neck.

‘Blakely,’ she groaned, wrapping her arms around his neck.  ‘You wouldn’t stay in bed with me, because of your conference call.  Now what the hell,’ she moaned and pulled his head closer so she could kiss him.

‘Have breakfast for me,’ he dragged his mouth away.  ‘I will return this afternoon for you and Lyndon,’ he kissed her lips.

‘You’re not going to be home late?’

‘Nope,’ he winked.  ‘Just after lunch.  Bye darling.’ 

‘Bye. I love you.’ Tessa called out.

‘I love you too,’ he threw her a kiss as he left their bedroom.

Tessa stepped into a pair of faded denims.  She was spending the morning with Lyndon, so did not feel the need to dress up.  When Tessa entered the room next to theirs, Lyndon was fast asleep.  She sat on the bed and carefully moved the lock of hair falling over his face.  Lyndon was so gorgeous, just like a miniature version of his daddy.  His long dark lashes beautifully fanned his cheek.  His lips were rosy red as if it had been painted that colour.  Tessa lowered her head and kissed his cheek.  Charlie whimpered at the foot of Lyndon’s bed.

‘Morning Charlie,’ Tessa spoke softly.  The hound enthusiastically shifted closer to Tessa.  ‘No stay,’ she lifted her hand to halt the dog from coming close to her.

‘Momma,’ Lyndon’s sleepy voice called to Tessa.

‘Morning darling,’ she smiled adoringly at her little angel.  ‘Are you still tired my baby.’

‘My daddy---,’ Lyndon lifted his head, searching for Brad.’

‘Daddy’s gone to work darling.’

‘I know.  My daddy told me you’re taking me swimming.’

‘He did?’

‘Yes,’ Lyndon smiled.  ‘And he said I must take care of you,’ Lyndon woke up and wove his arms tightly around his mummy’s neck.

‘Oh that’s so sweet, my baby.’

‘Can Charlie swim with us please?’

‘Yes he can,’ Tessa smiled.  ‘Dogs love swimming.’

‘Who taught my Charlie to swim?’

‘They are born with the ability to swim,’ Tessa smiled again.  She used her fingers and combed Lyndon’s hair away from his face.

‘Are we going to swim right now?’

‘Not right away.  Do you mind if I spend an hour working with grandpa?’

‘No momma,’ he shook his head vigorously, clearly he was still tired.

‘Thank you,’ Tessa hugged him.  ‘I’m going to ask Stacy a little later, to attend to your breakfast and to brush your teeth, then I will come and fetch you okay?’

‘Okay momma.  Is the baby fine?’ he asked randomly.

‘Yes, why?’ Tessa laughed.

‘I can’t wait for my brother to come.’

‘What if it’s a girl?’ Tessa prompted.

‘Will she play football with me?’

‘If you teach her to,’ Tessa smiled.

‘You look beautiful momma,’ Lyndon placed both his palms on her tummy.  ‘Baby is inside there, is he not?’

‘Yes,’ Tessa’s voice was throaty.  ‘The baby is still growing.  When he or she is ready and strong enough then it will be born.’

‘I can’t wait,’ Lyndon smiled at his momma enthusiastically.

‘I know,’ Tessa agreed.  ‘Would you like to rest a little more my baby, before Stacy comes in?’  Tessa pressed her lips to his forehead.

‘Okay,’ Lyndon dropped his head back on the pillow again.

‘See you just now,’ Tessa whispered, as she tucked Lyndon’s sheets around him. 

The breakfast hall was empty when Tessa walked in.  She expected her dad to be there but thankfully, she could breakfast by herself.  She scanned the buffet thoughtfully, still undecided on what to have.

‘Morning Mrs. Blakely,’ the maid greeted Tessa with a silver platter in her hand.

‘Hanna, good morning,’ Tessa smiled courteously.  ‘Where are my parents and Bertha?’

‘They’ve had breakfast already,’ Hanna smiled.  ‘They are in the conservatory having coffee.’

‘Okay, thanks,’ Tessa picked up a plate and walked to the fresh fruit bar.

‘I have a treat for you,’ Hanna smiled shyly.

‘Oh.’ Tessa looked at the maid curiously.  She could not see what was in the covered platter.

‘There you go,’ Hanna removed the lid.

‘Wow!  Where on earth did you get those unseasonal fruits?’ Tessa exclaimed appreciatively.

‘I requested the chef to have it flown in for you,’ Hanna gushed.

‘Thank you Hanna,’ Tessa took the platter and greedily eyed the delicious display of fruit.  Spearing a juicy looking kiwi fruit, she brought it to her lips, closed her eyes at savoured the taste. 
‘Oh I can’t believe you’ve done this for me,’ Tessa grinned, as she chewed on the fruit.

‘It’s a pleasure to do it for you Mrs. Blakely.  You were always kind and never ever demanding when you lived here,’ Hanna smiled.  ‘We all miss you,’ she lowered her head, thinking she had been far too bold.

‘I did love it here at Scarsdale,’ Tessa replied nostalgically.

‘Let me leave you to enjoy your breakfast,’ Hanna spoke.  ‘Please tell me if there is anything you would like the kitchen to prepare for you.’

‘I will.  Thank you Hanna,’ Tessa could not wait to do justice to her special treat.

After breakfast Tessa went to her father’s study.  His table was clean and empty, sans the contract he had alluded to the previous night.  The document looked very formal and ostentatious.  The liquidity of cash in Saudi Arabia was clearly evident.  Her analytical brain wondered why the entity in question was looking for a foreign investor.  Tessa perused the contract with clinical precision.  She made a copy of the document and made private notes for herself. 
Using her father’s laptop, she scanned a few search engines to research some of the data the contract presented.  Totally absorbed, she did not even hear the door open.

‘So what do you think?’ her father’s voice interrupted her.

‘Morning daddy,’ Tessa looked up.  ‘They’re not cash strapped.  Why are they looking for a foreign injection?’

Joseph smiled, ‘Sheik Farhaan tells me he wants a “foreign heavyweight” to stimulate economic opportunities in that country. 

When Tessa stared at her father with a blank expression, he expanded.  ‘Revenue from the oil industry is not going to last forever.  They need to look at new sources of economic activity.  Farhaan wants to attract foreign businesses, so it can create sustainable jobs for his people.  He can’t risk a civil war if there is job insecurity.  A discreet market research in his country shows a slight increase in unemployment.'

‘Daddy, I don’t have to tell you of the number of banks here in the U.S. that has folded during this economic crunch.  You can see the disastrous ripple effect in Europe.’

‘I’m not going to make any hasty commitments,’ Joseph responded.

‘Their financial sector compels foreign investors to take a Saudi minority partner. That country enjoys jurisdiction in the event of disputes.  That host country’s courts protects their national interest.   I’m no economist,’ Tessa continued,  ‘but from a regulatory perspective, you have to contest a lot of the clauses daddy.  For example, assuming you do invest there and five years later you wish to pull out of that country, the contract is very rigid.  It dictates the capital it allows you to take out.  Once you are in there, they screw the bolts on pretty tight, you will not be able to easily exit.’

‘I did not even think that far,’ Joseph smiled at his daughter proudly.

‘I’d say if you do have disposable income to channel there, do a clinical risk exposure first.’

Joseph nodded, agreeing with Tessa’s cautionary advice.

‘This contract is pretty skewed.  Only a philanthropist with very deep pockets will sign it as is.’

‘So a businessman looking for a handsome bottom line should tread cautiously.’

‘Yes,’ Tessa nodded.  ‘You are not looking for additional streams of income are you daddy?’

‘Not particularly,’ Joseph laughed.  ‘You know we are in a very comfortable position financially.’ 
Tessa nodded.  Her father was getting spectular dividends since Brad turned her father’s company around.    'I’m trying to retire, but it seems I’m getting hounded not to.’

‘I’m going to setup a meeting with the U.S. Trade Division that deals with Saudi Arabia.  Let’s see what progress has been made between our two countries.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I’ll give you feed back tomorrow,’ Tessa stood up.  ‘I promised Lyndon, I’ll take him swimming.

‘Good,’ Joseph stood up. ‘Excuse me.  I’m taking your mom and Bertha to a flower show.’

 'Enjoy.' Tessa nodded and hauled out her mobile.

‘Hey Keri, how are you doing?’

‘Hi Tessa.  I am just great,’ Keri beamed.

‘You’ve been to see your mom?’

‘Er---yes.  Yesterday morning,’ Keri replied.

‘I need you for about an hour or two?’ Tessa requested guiltily.

‘Oh it’s about time,’ Keri laughed.  ‘I feel so guilty taking my salary.’

‘Enjoy it,’ Tessa smiled.  ‘When we get back to London, you’re going to slave.’

‘Okay,’ Keri grinned.  ‘So what can I help with?’

‘I want some information about U.S. cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia.  I’ll fill you in when you get here.’

‘I’ll be there in thirty minutes,’ Keri hung up.

Tessa made a second call to Bentley.

‘Mrs. Blakely, good morning.’

‘Hey Bentley, Brad still busy on his conference call?’

‘Yes,’ Bentley sighed. ‘They’re about halfway through the agenda, so I guess he will be busy for another hour or so.’

‘Has my husband had breakfast?’

‘I ordered him a platter of sandwiches,’ Bentley smiled.

‘Seeing Brad won’t need you in the next hour, can I see you?’

‘Yes of course.  I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

‘Thank you, please bring Brad’s diary with.’

‘Okay,’ Bentley answered rather curiously.

Tessa went in search of Lyndon.  He was in the breakfast hall giving Stacy a hard time.

‘Why do I have to have cereal?  Boys have bacon and eggs.  My daddy eats bacon and eggs.  Cereal is only for babies.  I am a big boy.’
He pursed his lips tightly when Stacy tried to feed him a spoon of cereal.

‘Good morning Stacy,’ Tessa greeted Lyndon’s nanny.

‘Morning Mrs. Blakely.  ‘I’m afraid we are in a rebellious mood this morning,’ Stacy grinned.

‘I see so,’ Tessa nodded, looking at Lyndon with a straight face.

‘Morning momma.  Are we ready to go swimming?’ He ventured cautiously.

‘That depends if you’ve finished your cereal.’

‘But why can’t I have proper food like my daddy?’  He sulked.  ‘And I don’t want fruit, they are yak!’

‘You would like some bacon and eggs?’ Tessa sat down next to Lyndon.

‘Yes please,’ he smiled expectantly.

‘You must have some of your cereal, then you can have all the bacon and eggs you want.’

‘Can I phone my daddy please?’ Lyndon sobbed.

‘Sure,’ Tessa handed Lyndon her mobile, but you will only call him after you are done with your breakfast.’

‘Grandpa!  Help me.  Grandpa!’  He could not get any help from that quarter, his grandpa was out.

‘Morning Mrs Blakely.’

‘Bentley hi.’

‘Hey Lyndon,’ Bentley greeted Lyndon.

‘Good morning Bentley,’ Lyndon scowled.

Bentley was about to chat further with Lyndon, when Tessa interjected.  ‘Let’s go into my father’s study.  Stacy, I’ll be back when Lyndon’s done with his breakfast.’

‘I love you momma,’ Lyndon sobbed.

‘I love you too my baby, but you are not leaving your chair until you finish your breakfast.’

Tessa led Bentley into her father’s study, offered him a seat and sat next to him at the round conference table.

‘It’s my husband’s birthday in two days time,’ Tessa stated.

‘Yes,’ Bentley nodded.

‘What’s going on in Brad’s diary?’

‘He’s the keynote speaker at a business breakfast,’

‘And the rest of the day?’

‘At twelve, he has a one hour meeting with the New York editor-in-chief and your father has requested to have lunch with Mr. Blakely, but he has yet to confirm.’

‘Can you clear Brad’s diary?’ Tessa’s eyes challenged Bentley’s.

‘I beg your pardon!’

‘I want to spend the day with my husband Bentley, can you shift his appointments?’

‘Mrs. Blakely!’ Bentley looked mortified.   ‘The business breakfast was confirmed two weeks ago.  Attendees were secured on the strength of Mr. Blakely’s key note address!’

Damn!

‘Can you reschedule his twelve o’ clock and block of the rest of his day?’

Bentley sighed, ‘I suppose I can,’ he reluctantly conceded.

‘Hi Tessa, I’m here---.’ 

The study door opened and Keri breezed in.  She stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Bentley there.   Her eyes flew to his with surprise.  Bentley’s head swung to the door, when he heard the melodic voice.  Instinctively he stood up when he saw Keri standing there looking pretty in a sundress and sandals.  She looked so refreshing.  They gazed into each others’ eyes neither able to disengage. 
Tessa leaned back in her chair.  She folded her arms and watched the exchange with curious interest.  Her eyes danced mischievously as she patiently waited for them.

‘Should I leave the room?’ Tessa’s voice echoed in the electrified air.

‘Er---sorry.  I’ll come back,’ Keri responded, dragging her eyes away from Bentley.

‘Good morning Keri,’ Tessa smiled.  ‘Please take a seat.  Bentley and I are almost finished.’

‘Thank you,’ Keri smiled.  ‘Morning Bentley,’ she greeted politely.

‘Morning,’ he lowered his head and sat down after Keri did.

‘Okay Bentley, so I can have my husband to myself after his business breakfast?’

‘Yes,’ Bentley nodded.  ‘I will clear his diary.’

‘He’s not to know about his diary being cleared,’ Tessa cautioned.

Bentley raised an eyebrow, wondering how he was supposed to perform that miracle.

‘I’m sure you’ll think of something,’ Tessa grinned, accurately reading his silence.

Bentley stood up.  He just nodded as he gathered his stuff.  Automatically his eyes fell on Keri.  She smiled pleasantly when Bentley’s eyes met hers.  His eyes softened as he returned her smile.

‘Why don’t you guys stay for lunch?’ Tessa offered.  ‘It’s just Lyndon and I spending the morning at the pool.’

Keri raised her eyes to Bentley, wanting him to respond first.  He did not disappoint her.

‘Thank you Mrs. Blakely, I don’t have any plans.’

‘Neither do I,’ Keri added.  She and Bentley exchanged another glance before he departed.

Tessa explained to Keri what she required, and left the study to join Lyndon.  As Tessa left her father’s study, Bentley immediately rushed back in and shut the door. 

Tessa was pleasantly surprised to see Lyndon was done with his breakfast.

‘I finished momma,’ he came racing at a speed of knots towards Tessa.

‘You have my angel?’ Tessa dropped to her knees to offer Lyndon a hug.  ‘You look so handsome in your swimming trunks,’ she smiled lovingly.

‘Are you going upstairs to change momma?’

‘No, I’ll do it here in the change room.’  She had her costume on beneath her jeans and sweater.

‘Okay,’ Lyndon hopped about impatiently.  ‘Hurry momma.  I must put sun block for you.’

‘Go easy Lyndon.’  Adorned in a bright blue two piece bikini set, Tessa handed him the bottle.

‘I know momma.’  His tiny palms worked over her shoulders and back.

‘Come here’ she caught his tiny hips and threw him onto the grass.  Spurts of laughter escaped Lyndon.  Tessa pinned him down and smothered him with sun block.

‘No momma no,’ he pleaded.  ‘Stop now.’

‘Race you into the water,’ Tessa laughed and was first into the pool.

‘Come this side momma,’ Lyndon kept Tessa at the shallow side.

‘I’m barely in the water here,’ Tessa splashed at Lyndon.

‘I can’t swim there,’ Lyndon’s eyes were filled with concern.

Tessa called for one of the servants to bring Lyndon some swimming aids, an exercise mat for herself and refreshments for the two of them.  An hour later Tessa lay sprawled on a towel.  Lyndon continued bobbing about in the shallow end.

‘Are you having fun my baby?’

‘Yes momma.  Can I have my juice please?’

‘There you go.  Mummy is going to do some exercises.  Please stay here in the shallow end okay?’

‘Okay momma,’ he dived onto the floatable recliner and stayed close to the shallow end.  ‘Tell me when you want to swim again momma.’

Tessa pulled a pair of gym shorts over her costume.  She was not getting much exercise in the pool and figured she may as well do a workout under the warm sun.  With one eye on Lyndon, she continued her workout close to where Lyndon was lounging on a floating lounger. 

Brad saw his son relaxing on the floater in the water with his eyes shut and his face plastered in sun block.  He smiled, imagining the tough time his wife would have had, getting the sun block on Lyndon.  Tessa was nearby on an exercise mat. Her face was a mask of concentration, her cheeks contorted as she went through her routine, inhaling and exhaling rhythmically.  With sheer determination and gruelling effort, she was putting her body through a very fast paced fitness regime.  Every so often, her eye strayed to Lyndon in the pool.  He did not know why his wife needed to exercise so strictly.  There was not an ounce of fat on her body.  One could not even tell she was pregnant.  Brad longed to see that well defined bump taking shape.  Tessa was enjoying the sun beating down on her body and the fresh midday air when she heard her husband’s voice. 

‘Hi darling.’

‘Brad,’ she exclaimed excitedly.  ‘You’re home.’

‘You look so sexy,’ he kissed her lips.

‘So do you.’ She admired his attractive body only covered in a Speedo.  She curved her arm around his neck.

‘Hello my daddy,’ Lyndon waved from the water.

‘Hey son,’ Brad smiled. ‘You joining me?’ Brad held his hand to Tessa.

‘Yeah,’ Tessa removed her shorts and walked with her hand laced in Brad’s to the pool.

‘The water is cold,’ Lyndon complained, when his parents dived into the water.

‘How come you’re exercising?’ Brad swiped the water away from his face.

‘Please don’t ask your son to look after me again,’ Tessa groaned.

‘What!’ Brad laughed, holding Tessa in the circle of his arms.

‘I was not allowed to go to the deep end of the pool, “because I can’t protect you there and my daddy told me to take care of you.”  Tessa mimicked Lyndon’s voice.

Brad laughed, ‘that’s my boy.’

‘He’s worse than you,’ Tessa complained softly.

‘You can do a few laps now,’ Brad offered.

‘Thank you,’ Tessa swam away from Brad’s arms and completed a few laps.

Lyndon was delighted when a servant brought them ham burgers and cool drinks.  He ate them with gusto and complained to his daddy about the unpalatable breakfast his mummy had subjected him to.  Brad was careful not to take sides.  He very diplomatically changed the topic, offering to take Lyndon for a drive to the ice cream parlour.

Evening light washed through the French doors.  It lit up Keri’s sandy brown hair making it glow like an illuminated lamp.  Soft music played in the busy French restaurant that Bentley had brought Keri’s to.  The ambience was set for romance in their secluded booth.  Discreet waiters hovered not too far away.   Keri’s smoking eyes locked with Bentley’s across the dinner table.  She looked stunning in her black one shoulder gown.  It showed off her hour glass figure and curves to perfection.  Bentley had swallowed sharply and called on nerves of steel for strength.  He almost cancelled their dinner appointment.  All he wanted to do was lift Keri into his arms and carry her to his bed.

‘Would you like more champagne?’ Bentley smiled.  They had just completed their first course.

‘I shouldn’t, it goes straight to my head,’ she replied.

‘Then perhaps you should have more,’ he teased.

‘I don’t need Dutch courage,’ her eyes met his.  She had barely been able to keep her eyes of Bentley as they had enjoyed a sumptuous creamy soup starter.

Their main course was taking rather long.  Keri was no longer hungry for nourishment.  She longed to leave the restaurant with Bentley and either get into his bed or hers.   

Keri did not know how she managed, but they were finally ready to leave after a sumptuous dinner.  Bentley had proposed they share dessert.   She thoroughly enjoyed the delicious chocolate.  It melted and crumbled in her mouth.  When Bentley offered her coffee, she was ready to scream.

‘No thank you.  We should leave,’ Keri picked up her clutch bag.

Bentley signalled the waiter and settled the bill.  On the ride home, Keri was quiet, allowing Bentley to focus on his driving.  She stole a glance at him.  He was attractive, with lovely strong angles shaping his baby face.  She could not wait to sink her lips on that superbly moulded mouth. 
It is amazing that he is still single.

‘Come into my room,’ Keri urged as they exited the lift on their floor.  His eyes caressed her angelic looking face.  His fingers traced over her cheeks.  Bentley reached out for her key card.  Keri fumbled in her bag and handed it to him.  Not taking his eyes from hers, he slid it through and had the door opened in seconds.  He reached for the light switch.

‘Don’t,’ she whispered.  Soft streams of light filtered from the outside, vaguely outlining the silhouette of their bodies.

‘You look beautiful,’ he spoke huskily.  His palm feathered over her body, caressing her bare shoulder.

‘Thank you,’ she blushed.

Unhurriedly, he traced his hands down the seams of her dress, measuring her hourglass frame.  Keri inhaled.  She reached for him.  Her fingers stretched over the silk fabric of his shirt. 

‘Kiss me Bentley.’

He smiled.  His head lowered in acquiescence.  Her lips rushed to meet his hungrily.  Bentley pushed her in a backwards motion towards the bed, where they discovered each other’s body’s and lay in each others’ arms all night.

     -end chapter twenty eight-