The Lost Year

  “Scared, I guess. I’m not used to this.” She was relieved the shower sprayed her face. It disguised her tears.

  “Get used to it.” He palmed the shampoo into his own hair, washed and then rinsed. He held her under the water to rinse, as well.

  “You make us sound…easy.” She lifted her hands, and he washed over her responsive breasts. Then he slid the cotton cloth between her legs.

  “Don’t make us hard, Taddy.” He squatted down, scrubbing her legs as she lifted each foot, holding on to his shoulders for balance.

  Taddy tried to smile. “I’ll do my best, I promise.” She’d give one hundred percent. She wanted, needed and perhaps finally deserved someone like Warner.

  “We’re going to continue this talk after the conference.”

  She left his room to go upstairs to change. From the look on Warner’s face, he thought she might not come back.

  A part of her agreed with his fears. She didn’t want to be vulnerable.

  A 1910 Hourglass Figure

  Warner thought Taddy’s idea for Hôtel de France, which was located on Promenade de la Croisette, to be genius. Taddy was more familiar with the property than his shareholders. Erected as a 350-room luxury resort, Hôtel de France had opened in 1910. It was inspired by a famous French courtesan named Madame Diana la Chatte. Hôtel de France’s building structure, if looked at from an aerial shot, resembled la Chatte’s hourglass figure. Originally, the yards had been landscaped with lush gardens, which the previous owners had destroyed in the 1970s. Since then, it was just grass.

  A Côte d’Azur woman, la Chatte had risen to fame dancing burlesque at The Follies. Taddy’s strategy was to declare the property a historic landmark—she’d filed the paperwork the day before—and to have the lawns restored back to what they’d looked like when it opened.

  Taddy had presented him with the idea to come up with Cannes’ first all-inclusive, adults-only retreat for lovers. Adult guests reserved for this season would receive a VIP invite to stay at a discounted rate the following year. The guests booked with families this season would remain on the hotel’s lower floors while couples only stayed in sensual-themed suites at the top. It would be a modern-day Club Med for the French Riviera with first-class service, as the property would play up the Madame Diana la Chatte history.

  Future plans for the property included new uniforms created by Lex Easton from Easton Essentials and press trips for editors from overseas to bring their lovers. Baden Cosmetics had agreed to brand a new line of spa and body products under the Hôtel de France name. Brill, Inc. was projecting the property’s largest moneymaker to be the adult-themed, all-inclusive wedding package with featured honeymoon incentives.

  Warner stopped the work he was doing for his trip to Asia on his laptop when he heard a knock at his door.

  You returned. When he opened the door, Red came back into his suite. She’d readied herself in her own room one floor below and looked stunning. Her hair was up in a bun. She wore a tight miniskirt, high heels, and a blouse which showed a little cleavage. “Why is your hair up?” He frowned.

  She spun around, giving him a show. “When I need the journalists to take me seriously, I wear it like this.”

  “Cute.” He walked over and kissed her. Hmmm, peppermint. “You could shave your head and you’d still be gorgeous.”

  “I doubt that. Warner, why aren’t you dressed?” She scrutinized his bathrobe. “We have to be down in the main ballroom in about forty minutes.”

  “This is your show. I don’t need to be dressed.” He sat on the sofa and kicked his legs up. “I’ll see you back upstairs after it’s over. I’ve prepared your going-away present, otherwise known as our talk.”

  A gasp escaped her perfect lips. “What are you talking about? You’re the one giving the presentation.” She opened the closet and pulled out a suit. “Let’s go. I have to head downstairs for a sound check.”

  “I never agreed to talk. I don’t do media interviews.” He crossed his arms and slouched back in the seat. “I assumed you’d speak.” She couldn’t be serious.

  “Why else would I want to prep you last night?”

  I’d hoped ‘prep’ was cover talk for us getting to know one another. “I assumed those notes were for you, and I approved them.” He didn’t budge. No public speaking.

  She gritted her teeth. “That’s rich, Warner. The media came to meet you. They could give a rat’s ass about this hotel or me. You are the star.”

  Flabbergasted, he said, “Is that so?”

  “The minute I let on to the journalists you’d be presenting, they agreed to come.” She pulled the confirmation sheet out of her folder and held it in his face. “How do you think we got this many reporters to attend?”

  “I don’t want to be a part of it.” Arms still crossed, he met her eyes without flinching.

  “You’re an odd duck.”

  “Am I?”

  “You’re the only CEO from a major corporation who isn’t the brand’s spokesperson.” She tightened her wristwatch as if the show would go on without him.

  “Not true. There are several…” He just couldn’t name any off the top of his head.

  “Huh?”

  “Taddy, we may need to renegotiate our agreement.” He wanted her to stay longer.

  “What do you mean?” Seemingly annoyed, she was in work mode and didn’t plan on him not going along with her plan.

  “The deal where we agreed you’d make some phone calls and turn this around.”

  “Concluding with a press conference in which you were to speak.”

  “No, Miss Brill.”

  Eyes rolling, she stammered, “You’re right. I’m wrong. I screwed up. I just assumed you’d speak.” Taddy boldly met his eyes. “What are we going to do? People don’t want to hear from me.” As the room became silent, she walked over and sat on his lap, her hands cupping his face.

  “You’ll figure it out.” Warner teased.

  “Why are you afraid?”

  He shrugged. “If I put myself out there, my life opens like a book.”

  “So?”

  “People will start calling me for interviews, assuming they have access.”

  “Your company will never grow if you don’t,” she affirmed.

  “Truman Enterprises is the third-largest resort chain in the world.” What more could a guy want?

  “Why not number two? Or number one?” she asked, eyebrows rising.

  She made a good point. Truman Enterprises had come close to slipping to number four in the last few months. “I’ll agree to speak today if you come to Asia with me.” Hope filled him.

  “I can’t. Today is Monday. I have presentations in New York for my client Neve Adele, and I’m hosting my charity ball. I have to go home and prepare.”

  “The reality TV star?”

  She gave a nod. “We’re pitching her lifestyle line. It’ll take a lot of my time.” Regret washed over her all-too-flawless complexion.

  “I’m leaving for Asia after I wrap up here. I’ll be gone for the month.”

  “So, let’s get together in the fall?” Her eyes narrowed. “Or we could take another stab at New Year’s.”

  No way. I’m not going to let you go. “Come with me to Japan.”

  “Warner…I have a business, too. I have over fifty employees who I’m responsible for. I love my job. My company is who I am. I can’t just neglect it.”

  “I’m sorry I asked. It’s unfair.” He found a perverse pleasure in her independence. In the past, his girlfriends had jumped at the chance to drop everything and follow him around the world. Not Taddy. He’d finally met his match. “Why don’t I come see you in New York on my way east after Cannes?”

  “You mean it?” Her voice rose in surprise.

  “After today’s conference, I’ll ride in the limo with you to the airport. Leave your rental here. I’ll see to its return. We’ll work on coordinating our schedules then.” He wanted more alone time with her, no distraction
s or complications. They needed to talk.

  “A ride with you would make me very happy.” She kissed him. “You still nervous about speaking?”

  “A little.” He squeezed her hand. “But I’ll do it because you asked me to.”

  “Would you care for some public speaking tips?” She reached down for his dick.

  “I’ve heard Brill, Inc. is the best at giving advice.” Warner took her hand as she slid off his lap and knelt down beside him.

  “First, visualize yourself giving the speech in your head.” She opened his bathrobe and stroked him. “Similar to how you’re visualizing me giving you pleasure.”

  “Hmmm.” He grabbed his sac, striking his penis with his palm. Always raring to go, his dick saluted to attention.

  “Second, Mr. Truman, you need to relax when you’re up there. Be comfortable.” She massaged his inner thighs.

  “Oui, mademoiselle.” He dropped his head back in the seat, suddenly feeling more relaxed about speaking in public.

  “Third, don’t act contrite with the group if you start to get nervous.” Playfully, she nipped at his shaft.

  “Got it. Just as you should never apologize for being scared to get closer to me, or try for a relationship. Go with it, with us, and let it be.” Taddy, don’t push me away.

  “A relationship?” She gripped his dick harder.

  “Glad you can say the R-word without stuttering. We’ll talk about us after the conference.”

  Taddy redirected her focus to the lecture. “Fourth, know your material. And you do. You’ve read the presentation.” She traced her tongue over his bulge for a few seconds, then slipped it into her mouth.

  “Similar to how you know my body by now?” He enjoyed her mouth, the suction tight. “You know you can take it all.” Warner held the back of her head as she took him. “Taddy, suck my cock harder, baby girl.”

  Her head bobbed with natural ease. Wiping her mouth, she instructed, “Fifth, realize your audience is there to see you succeed, not fail.” She licked his nuts as he spurted pre-cum.

  “Aaaah, like how I want to see us succeed as a couple.” He loved having her nails rake his pubic hair. Taddy went back at his cock again, working him over as she went faster. The more he talked about a relationship, the harder she went down on him. She was avoiding any talk about them as a couple. Damn you, woman.

  She withdrew his cock from her mouth, making a loud popping sound. “Ready for number six?” she asked.

  “Yes.” He sank his body further back in the chair. His toes were starting to curl.

  “Own the room. I bet you’ve stood in the main ballroom a million times. You understand where voices carry, where lighting is good, where the best photos should be taken.” She went back to sucking and moaned in pleasure as if tasting something sweet.

  “Fuck, Taddy, I’m going to come.” His body trembled. He pinched his nipples, biting down on his tongue. Ouch.

  “Seven: Practice over and over again. Sorta like how I’m getting it on with your monster dick.” She slid her hand tight around his shaft and pumped. One. Two. Three.

  “I’ve enjoyed our weekend.” Warner looked forward to her getting real. He wanted to meet her friends and see where she lived in addition to getting to know her better. But he couldn’t think about that at the moment. Right then, his thoughts were on coming.

  “And number eight, the last one, is for you to concentrate. Focus!”

  Rockets shot high, making that impossible. All he thought about was her.

  Taddy stuck her tongue out.

  His pearl liquid streamed across her open mouth. “Good girl.”

  “Mmm, mine.” Taddy laced her tongue around his shaft and drank him dry. “By far the best job I’ve given.” She glanced up and smiled at him.

  Warner leaned forward and nuzzled his nose to hers. “Perhaps because you made it work-related,” he observed and kissed her. You’re not going to hide behind your PR firm forever.

  “This is a full house.” Warner couldn’t believe it. He was by no means a star, let alone very good at public speaking. His throat was closing up.

  “Everyone came, just as I expected.” Taddy smiled.

  “I can’t do this.”

  “Yes, you can. Just remember what I told you.” Taddy grabbed his hand, giving him a loving squeeze.

  “Okay.”

  “Let me welcome everyone. Then I’ll introduce you.” Taddy headed to the podium, leaving Warner in the back of the room.

  Taddy gave a small wave and smile to a few reporters sitting in the front row as if they were old friends. She mouthed, “Thank you for coming.” It was obvious she knew those people. They were her peers. Taddy owned it.

  “Good morning. I’m Taddy Brill, from Brill, Inc.” She spoke with such ease and confidence.

  The cameras flashed in her face, but she seemed to embrace the attention.

  “Thank you for joining us this morning. Obviously from the turnout, this is a significant event. This speaks to the interest you have in Hôtel de France and Truman Enterprises.”

  He could hear people breathing. The room was dead silent, everyone hanging on her words.

  “We have an exciting presentation for you today. You’ll be leaving here with insights on where the luxury hotel industry is headed next. And it’s not Hôtel du Anal, I promise you that.”

  The crowd laughed and clapped.

  “I do ask one thing before we start.”

  Huh?

  “Our speaker is a little shy.”

  The journalists giggled. Who knew Taddy was such a ham?

  “Please refrain from taking any photos or asking any questions ’til he’s finished with his presentation. I don’t want to trip him up.” Taddy smiled jokingly, but the reporters knew her rules. They seemed to love her all the more. “Afterward, we’ll open the floor up for questions.” She smiled at Warner. “I’d like to introduce the man of the hour.”

  God, please don’t let me screw this up. Taddy’s worked so hard.

  “He’s been a mystery for most of you for far too long.” Taddy spoke freely, without reading from her cards. “He started Truman Enterprises with one bed and breakfast over a decade ago and has since grown Truman Enterprises into the world’s leading resort chain. Ladies.” Taddy paused. “Gentlemen.” She held her hands out. “I give you…Warner Truman.”

  Warner walked up to the front of the room and took the microphone. Taddy stood to his left about two feet behind him. It made him feel more confident knowing she was within reach.

  “Thank you Miss Brill.” He faced the group. This isn’t so bad. “Good morning.” He greeted them and started the presentation.

  Reporters, bloggers, and TV producers from North and South America, Africa, and Europe had come to hear the Hôtel de France presentation.

  He elaborated on the touch-points Taddy had created. To his surprise, Warner felt at ease with the cameras when they later posed for the question and answer session.

  By the end of the day, Truman Enterprises increased 301.7 percent on the New York Stock Exchange. The shares rose 2.4 percent for his corporation. Impressed, Warner offered Taddy a seat on his executive board.

  Taddy declined.

  On His Knees

  Warner hated seeing Taddy leave. As their time neared the end, he feared she’d put her walls up as demonstrated the previous night and earlier that morning. She’d agreed not to make things hard, but fear had been etched on Taddy’s face. Her issues may be deeper than I guessed.

  “Let’s roll.”

  “Are you sure you can’t stay in Cannes longer?” Be with me.

  “I’d love to, but I must get home.” She kissed him. “You promise you’ll come see me in New York before you go to Asia?”

  “Yes.” The limo pulled into the parking lot. “My driver is here. Thank you for letting me take you to the airport.”

  “I’m happy to spend these moments with you.” Her hands shook when she held his arm.

  The chauffeu
r collected her leather roller bag.

  “Careful with my belongings, please,” she ordered.

  “Oui, Mademoiselle.” His driver placed the bags in the trunk.

  “After you.” Warner took her hand and helped her into the car. She stepped into the limo. Damn, he was going to miss her. It was inconceivable to have separation anxiety from someone he barely knew, but the twists in his stomach proved otherwise.

  He got in with her, hoping she’d sit on his lap.

  Taddy didn’t. He could tell that after the conference, she’d snapped back into work mode. She was Taddy Brill. He’d lost his Red. The second the press conference started, her face had changed to what he’d seen at the police station—a woman on a mission to rule the world.

  While they drove, Red accepted calls, fired off e-mails, and thumb-punched text messages from across the limo. He’d not seen her so serious earlier. She was now taking calls and treating him as if he didn’t matter.

  He, too, was a busy man. He owned eleven hotel, resort and spa brands on five continents. Truman Enterprises covered upscale, mid-market, and budget…but he’d mastered the art of delegation. His assistants coordinated assistants, and those assistants also had staffed assistants. Taking time off was part of creating balance. Taddy, on the other hand, hid behind her business.

  “Did you see The Observer this morning?” Taddy asked.

  “No, why?” When would I have the time? Err…she’s avoiding our talk.

  Red handed him her tablet computer.

  Adjusting the screen to eye level, he read, “Manhattan Gay Socialite Thor Edwards in Line to Inherit Great-Grandmother’s $90 Million Manhattan Mansion.”

  “New York City has room for mansions?” Did she want him to buy her the property and kick the Thor dude out? Warner could. He would if he was given the time for their relationship to develop. Whatever she wanted.

  “It’s an eighteen thousand square-foot townhouse in Greenwich Village. You’ve heard about Thor, haven’t you?”

  “No.” He returned the mobile tablet to her.

  “He’s sorta NYC-famous. My vice president, Blake Morgan, and Thor are best friends. We all went to Avon Porter Academy together. Thor’s an eccentric gay, and a riot.” Taddy returned her view to the screen and kept typing. “I must secure this project.”