“That’s cheating it is your own book.”
“So?”
“Pick a different author.”
“I don’t read much. It is hard to remember the story line.”
“Okay, I’ll relent on books but it is still cheating to pick your own book.”
“Gosh, Uncle Seth, you are not winning any points with your niece.” Cori teased. Seth gave her a glare and leaned to whisper so that no one else in the plane could hear. “Honey, I want to make love to you eventually and I’m so glad to say that I am not your Uncle Seth.” Cori blushed when his words registered.
“Yeah, how about them Texas Rangers?” she said without thought.
Seth chuckled and said quietly “Sweetheart, are you sure you want to talk about baseball now?”
“Hush” she growled “I’m going to sleep now.”
“That works too, babe. I’m going to…” he started to say until she clamped her hand over his mouth laughing at the same time.
“Stop it” she laughed “What about your favorite book or author?”
“My favorite author didn’t write my favorite book.”
“Huh?” she questioned confused
“You are my favorite author.”
“Ahhh, that’s so sweet.”
“I’m trying to get on your good side.”
“You are succeeding.”
“Whew” he said pretending to wipe his brow. Cori laughed. They talked and learned more about each other then took a nap. He held her hand as often as possible throughout the long flight. After arriving at their hotel and checking in, they ordered room service then decided to just stay in and enjoy their quiet evening. Seth called home to talk to Mindy and his mother then stretched out on the couch and pulled Cori to stretch out with him. “Tell me about Hannah’s house and Warm Comforts.”
“That’s a long story.” She said looking over her shoulder at him. He nodded and she continued “well, I guess the why is not too hard to understand.”
“Tell me anyway.” He said caressing her long blonde hair.
“After Roger’s last attack and his death…”
“Slimeball sleeze” he interrupted
Cori continued after groaning at him “I had a lot of healing to do so I had lots of time to plan. John got me back to Texas and my parents looked after me. I had plenty of money but I didn’t know what to do with my life. My mom gave me a stuffed bear and I was bored so I made clothes for it. Then I decided to make my own bear and I succeeded. Faith wanted one so I made her one. Nia wanted one so I made her one and they both showed them off and I got more and more orders. My father passed away suddenly and I was trying to keep mom going and myself. I worked with John on the business plan for the house and the factory. My mom surprised me by wanting to be the house mother at Hannah’s house. She welcomes and cares for all my new arrivals. Unfortunately, she’s very busy. We have a crisis hotline that is nationwide and then we accept arrivals from Texas. I don’t really want to go outside the state yet. I mean, I would if asked but I think I want to just stay in state.” she paused then changed topics. “John set up the non-profit organizations and Warm Comforts corporations. He, as you know is my legal counsel, but he also is the legal counsel for the women at Hannah’s House if they want it.”
“Wow” Seth said amazed. “That’s two specialties.”
“Probably more. I’ve asked him to find himself a partner so he isn’t overwhelmed but he hasn’t found one yet. It isn’t just anyone who I would trust and he knows that.”
“You’ll find someone.” Seth encouraged.
“Anyway, I always wanted something to do with cooking and crafts so I combined the two and made Hannah’s crafts and Warm Comfort Foods. If a woman who comes to Hannah’s House wants the opportunity to work, she has several choices; factory, craft shop, day care center or the restaurant. If they don’t work for me, then they only stay a few weeks until John has worked to get them a new life outside of Texas.”
“And the profits from Hannah’s Crafts and the restaurant go to Hannah’s House?”
“Nope”
“Where do they go?”
“Most go to the ladies themselves.”
“Huh?”
“The profits go into a starting over fund for the woman. She gets a salary and then when she leaves she gets a bonus from the fund for help in starting over.”
“How do you keep funded?”
“Slimeball sleeze was paid well for playing football and I do well at investing.”
“But?”
“It is a little complicated but we’ve set up a system with the investing and the principal and interest and compounding and the money from the store and the restaurant. I do have a catering company and those profits are mine. I don’t have the ladies from Hannah’s house work there, it is outside of the compound and I can’t control the security.”
“I want to give the ladies something to target for so I give them a range of bonus that they can receive if they do this job or that job. Some don’t want it and for some it is too much pressure. I don’t advertise the Teddybearville animals because we might be overloaded with work and I won’t force them to work under pressure. They have had too much to deal with. Most of them want to accomplish something and gain their esteem back. I don’t have to hover over them to get the work done. It is something they take pride in.”
“That’s why you didn’t want to be in my catalogue.”
“Mostly. If we were too successful, it would add more pressure. They can’t take it and they don’t need it.”
“But you would make more money to help more women.”
“I know. When I’ve been up and running for a few years then I may create another line of toys and that factory would advertise.”
“Darling, we could combine forces with that line and save you building another factory.”
“Could be.” She answered considering it. “I have some sketches that might work.”
“Of course you do.”
Cori hid her head under the couch cushion “Go ahead and tease me because everyone else does too. I can’t remember if I have a meeting but I can picture animals dressed in baseball uniforms stationed around a baseball field. I can plan a whole Teddybearville display in my head but ask me if I ate lunch and I probably couldn’t tell you.”
“Which you probably didn’t eat either.” He grumbled. “You need to eat more.”
“Why?”
“How much do you weigh?”
“I don’t know. My clothes fit.”
“That’s a goofy answer. How much?”
“I haven’t weighed since I went to the doctor the last time.”
“When was that?”
“Are you the weight police?” she questioned trying to evade.
Something dawned on Seth due to her evasive answers “You’ve been told to gain weight by your doctor, haven’t you?”
Cori sat up and looked at Seth aghast “How could you possibly guess that? How? I didn’t tell anyone that.”
“You are too skinny.”
“Too skinny? In woman’s world, there is no such thing.”
“Darling, I’m going to make sure you eat three meals and decadent desserts while we are here.”
“I only have to gain ten pounds more or less.”
“At least ten, I’d say more like twenty.”
“So, how about them Texas Rangers?”
“I knew it.” Seth laughed. Cori grumbled and went to get some water from the kitchen area. When she returned, Seth pulled her close and kissed her longingly. Cori clung to him as their legs intertwined. Seth groaned into her mouth as he felt her response to him. He rolled over on her and she welcomed him. He tried to move away when he realized he might be scaring her but she didn’t let him go. “Am I scaring you?” he whispered between kisses to her neck.
“Not at all” she said then groaned when he gently nipped her ear. “I like this.”
/> “This kissing? This what?”
“This everything.” She answered. Seth smiled wickedly and lowered his head to capture her mouth in a hot open mouthed kiss that went on and on. Cori clung to him to keep grounded and not float away with how light she felt. Seth buried his head in her neck when they separated. They were both breathing heavy.
“I should have kissed you in high school and found out how hot you were.”
“Yeah” she teased “you should have.”
Seth growled at her and took her mouth again. Cori was smiling happily when he looked at her after their kiss. “I’m going to shower and go to bed. I have a breakfast meeting early then I’ll be back to get you to go set up our displays.”
“I can go if you tell me where to go.”
“Just wait for me, we will have plenty of time. Sleep in, order breakfast and enjoy it.”
“Why did you want me to come with you?”
“Darling, what am I doing right now?”
“Talking to me.” She answered.
“Yes and what else?”
“You kissed me and hugged me.”
“And?”
“We cuddled on the couch here.”
“And?” he questioned again. Cori looked at him confused. “All those things are the answer. I wanted to talk to you, be with you, kiss you, hug you and cuddle on the couch with you. I wanted you with me but I also want you to show off your creations and Teddybearville. You could get a lot of business from this show.”
“I didn’t bring sale items.”
“I know. Isaac ordered when he was at the fair. Just take orders.”
“I will. Thank you for including me. And thank you for wanting me here with you.”
“You’re welcome.” He chuckled before kissing her again. “Good night sweetheart. Good dreams.”
“You too.” She said watching him leave the living room of the suite. Shortly after he left, she moved to her bedroom and sat down to draw.
“Do you sleep?” Seth asked Cori when he saw her the next morning before his breakfast meeting.
“Not much. Bad dreams usually.”
“Oh honey, I’m sorry.” He said hugging her gently.
“It isn’t your fault, no need to apologize. Now, go to your breakfast meeting. I’m going to order breakfast, call home and see what’s happening.”
“Don’t just order the breakfast, eat it.” He teased after a quick kiss. “You look beautiful today.”
“Thank you, now go.” She said firmly but with a smile. Seth waved goodbye and Cori went on to do the things she had told him that she was going to do.
“How’s New York?” Faith asked
“Cool. It looks like it is raining out. I hope Seth’s meeting was here, he didn’t take a coat.”
“So, how is Seth?”
“Very good.” She answered shyly. “How’s Isaac?”
“Very good” Faith answered confidently. “He’s coming to Catesville next weekend.”
“That’s good. How’s business?”
“Good. The orders are really coming in. You’ve had twenty thousand hits on the website this week.”
“You’re kidding? Why?”
“Word of mouth, I guess. You have a full house and the factory is fully staffed and they should be able to handle the load.”
“I hope so” Cori replied. “Don’t schedule me anything with the restaurant or craft classes next week. I need to do some work at the restaurant on the foods.”
“Are you working the catering at the Mayor’s luncheon?”
“I’ll go but not to work. I was invited to speak wasn’t I?”
“Yes, but you schmoozed the Mayor out of it.”
“Thank goodness.”
“Anything else?” questioned Faith.
“No, I think not.”
“Enjoy Seth and New York.”
“What does it mean to enjoy Seth?”
“It means, enjoy being with him.” Faith explained.
“Oh, well, yeah, I am doing that.”
“You’re weird” laughed Faith
“You’re weird first” countered Cori laughing. “Goodbye” she said hanging up. She didn’t know what she would do without Faith around to keep her going and helping her out. If Isaac married Faith, she will probably move to Houston. I’ll be lost without her. Cori thought to herself later as she ate her breakfast. She was deep in thought and didn’t hear Seth enter.
“What’s wrong?” he questioned. Cori jumped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I guess I was thinking.”
“Is something wrong?”
“Is Isaac serious about Faith? Marriage, serious?”
“I think so, why?”
“I’m being selfish. She helps me a great deal and I’ll miss her if she moves to Houston and marries Isaac.”
Seth knelt down beside her chair and caressed her hair. “Let’s not jump the gun, sweetheart. I’m sure it won’t be tomorrow.”
“I know, I was just thinking about it.”
After a quick kiss Seth spoke “Think about it later, are you ready to go down?”
“One minute, then I will be.” She said rushing to her room to brush her teeth very quickly. She rushed back and they headed down to the toy show.
Seth watched Cori as she sat up his display. He hadn’t asked her too but after she was finished with her portion she came to help him. As he unpacked the items then she would take them and place them around the booth. He almost stopped her but decided to let it go. She was so good at this stuff so he pretended to be busy so she would finish the whole thing. Her portion looked very inviting and now his portion did too.
“Thank you” he said when she stepped back to observe the whole setup. Cori looked at him confused. “It looks good.” He said nodding to the booth.
“Oh, crap” she said softly “I’m sorry. I put together your display my way not your way. I’m sorry.”
“I like it a lot, it looks really inviting.”
“I just got carried away.” She justified. “Change it to how you wanted it. I’ll just go the ladies room and never know there were changes.”
“I’m not changing it. It is perfect. Thank you and I mean that.”
“You are too nice to me.”
“Relax Sweetheart, I love it and thank you for the help. Now, I’m going to go grab us a quick lunch before the show opens. You stay here and charm anyone who comes by.” Cori smiled and he kissed her briefly. As he walked away, Cori moved back behind the booth and was rearranging something on his booth that she thought could look better.
“Can I help you?” she heard asked from behind her. She turned to find a man standing there who was dressed like Seth was. He had a Beaches Toy Company shirt on and cream colored pants.
“Have a met you before and I forgot?” questioned Cori.
“Believe me, we have never met before. I would definitely remember someone as beautiful as you. My question is why are you in my booth and where is my boss? Oh, and will you have dinner, breakfast, lunch and dinner with me?”
Cori blushed “No, on the meals. And can I assume Seth Reynolds is your boss?”
“Yes, I am” answered Seth as he walked up behind the man who was talking to Cori. “Temporarily though if he keeps flirting with my girlfriend.” He growled. The man grimaced and shot an apology look towards Cori.
“Hi Seth” the man greeted.
“Hi Michael” Seth returned. Seth handed Cori the lunch and the drink. “Cori Lewis, please meet my New York representative and employee, Michael Carter. Michael, this is Cori Lewis, my friend, my girlfriend and the designer of our newest product.” Seth said pointing to the bear that was lying on the miniature beach towel under the miniature beach umbrella.
“Hi Cori” Michael greeted
“Hi Michael” returned Cori.
“That’s adorable.” Michael said to C
ori. “What is Teddybearville?” he asked pointing to the other half of the booth.
“Cori’s other business. I invited her to share our space since she designed the bear. It is a non-profit organization that Cori founded. She’ll handle her side and we will handle ours.”
“These are fabulous” Michael said inspecting the baseball display the Cori had up. Cori blushed “are you the designer of these too?”
“Yes” Cori answered shyly “I design all my stuff.” She said pointing to the catalogue. Michael moved to inspect the other display and then onto the catalogue.
“Exceptional” he said in awe. Seth hugged Cori to his side. “Truly exceptional” He said again. “Oh, I get really carried away around toys.” He said moving back towards Seth and Cori.
“Cori, Michael stays in New York and sells Beaches’ products on the east coast. He is really good at his job.”
“Thanks boss.” Michael grinned. “I have to go get some stuff from my car. I’ll be right back.” Seth waved him away and went to eat lunch with Cori.
“Did he frighten you?” Seth asked.
“No.” she said gently “He was very nice.”
“Good. I wasn’t sure when he would arrive or I would have warned you.”
“Not a problem. Seth, sweetheart, I don’t need your protection but I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Relax and enjoy the toy show.”
“You will get my protection anyway though, my dear.”
“I figured as much” she teased. “You are a good guy.” Seth winked at her and they finished eating their lunch. Michael returned to the booth and he and Seth talked business for a few minutes while Cori wandered quickly over to the booths that were nearby. She returned to her display when the announcement was made that the toy show was opening. For the next six hours, she barely had time to look at Seth and his displays because she was swamped with questions, comments and orders. When they had packed up their displays for the evening, Seth wished Michael a good evening and walked an exhausted Cori back to their suite.
“Well, what did you think?” he questioned when she collapsed on the sofa.
“I never expected so much interest in stuffed animals.” She spoke into the couch cushion. “I have six months worth of orders in six hours.”
“I expected that.” He said sitting beside her and beginning to massage her shoulders. She groaned and Seth continued “I expected you to be very busy. I have a ton of orders for the Beach bear also. People love him.”
“I’m glad.” She groaned as he worked on her shoulders. “I’ll give you ten dollars to keep this up for about ten minutes.”