Happy Birthday To Me

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

November 2003

Disclaimers for those of you who still need them. The story and characters are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author's permission. So there! If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of consenting adult women in a loving and sexual relationship then do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view this story, then I am truly sorry but you must leave now and don't come back until it is no longer a crime.

A special thank you goes out to my beta reader Mountaingirl.

As always this is for Heather.

*****

Oh boy, where to begin? How does one explain my hedonistic adventure? I guess that is one way to describe what happened. It all started with my birthday. I was about to turn thirty-three, and decided that I needed to do something special for myself. I work for a large hotel chain I won't mention which one. As I was saying, I was about to celebrate yet another birthday, and for the past several years I've been working nonstop to climb the corporate ladder. My social life had fizzled years ago so I put all of my energy into my career. I finally decided that I needed to do something for me, something frivolous.

The really great thing about working for a hotel chain is the deals you get when you travel. I can stay at any of our hotels for about twenty bucks a night. Pretty sweet deal huh? The only thing was that I was always too busy working to take advantage of the perk. One night about a month before my birthday, I was working late and caught my reflection in the ladies room mirror. I looked tired and much older than my thirty-two years. That is when I decided I needed a vacation. It was starting to turn cold in Boston, so I immediately decided that I should go some place warm with white, sandy beaches. So, I made my reservations for one and planned out a week in Cancun. My birthday would arrive on the Friday of my stay. What better way to celebrate another passing year than lying on a beach without a care in the world?

My flight was departing on Sunday morning, so my friends took me out for dinner and drinks on Saturday. They plied me with alcohol, birthday cards, good wishes and a promise that my presents would be waiting for me when I arrived at my hotel. They dropped not so subtle hints that I should spend my birthday, receiving my birthday spankings from a gorgeous senorita with bodacious Tatas. My friends were good people who have been insisting for years that I really need to get laid. Despite my squawking at their tawdry suggestions, I was beginning to agree with them.

The next morning I flew to Mexico nursing a hangover and planning to spend my first day in paradise sleeping. Frankly flying with a hangover is a really bad idea, making my plight worse was I was, of course, seated near the engines and the family behind me were traveling with a crying infant and a hyper active three year old. My bad luck continued when the very same family was seated behind me after I made my connection in Miami. My mantra through the excruciating journey was limited to hot bath and bed, hot bath and bed. I just kept whispering it over and over again.

My needs on that Sunday were simple. We finally landed and I grabbed the shuttle to the hotel. My head was still pounding, so I slipped on my sunglasses and ignored the majestic scenery as the van made its way towards my hotel.

My first surprise came when I was checking in and discovered that my room had been upgraded at no extra charge. In fact there was no charge. I assumed that this was my gift from my friends. Stacy must have made the arrangements since she works with me. I made a mental note to pick up some nice gifts for them and thank them when I returned home. The bellhop showed me to my suite.

I tipped him generously as I looked around the room. I had to admit the suite was a lot nicer than the single I had originally booked. I passed on allowing my eager bellhop from showing me around since I was already acquainted with the amenities, basically no matter where you are in the world; all of our rooms look the same. Still, the basket of flowers and bottle of champagne my friends had ordered was a nice touch. There were a couple of packages awaiting my arrival, also from my friends. I decided to put off opening the rest of my gifts since I knew that there was a Jacuzzi waiting for me inside the spacious bathroom.

I walked into the bedroom, drew the curtains and stripped off my clothing. "Bubbles," I exclaimed gleefully as I headed towards the bathroom. I was just about to reach for the doorknob when the door swung open. I squeaked in horror as the petite blonde clad only in a white terry cloth bathrobe emerged. "Hello," she greeted me with a brilliant smile.

I darted back towards the bedroom needing to find something to cover my naked body. "Hold on," she called after me.

I was stunned when she caught up with me and clasped my arm. "There must be some kind of mistake," I babbled like an idiot as she kept smiling up at me.

"I hope not," she offered in a sultry tone.

"Huh?" I stammered once again trying to understand why this stranger was in my room and why she wouldn't let me go so I could put something on.

"Liora?" She questioned me as I felt my entire body turning beet red. "Liora Blasdell?"

"Yes," I responded still reeling from the situation. "They must have booked me in the wrong room," I began to explain before I realized she had called me by my name. "Wait, how did you know my name?"

"I'm Gena," she explained her smile growing brighter as she wrapped her arms around my waist. "I'm your birthday present," she pronounced.

"What?" I gaped down at her. Certainly she hadn't said what I thought she said.

"Happy Birthday," she huskily responded as she reached up and caressed the back of my head. I felt helpless as she guided me closer and claimed me in a fiery kiss.

I'm ashamed to admit that her kiss had caught me completely off guard and I ended up lacing my fingers in her long, blonde hair as her tongue caressed my own. I was jolted back to reality when I felt her hands gliding along the curve my body and caressing my hip. Okay, so I didn't stop her touching at first, I was too caught up in the feel of her touching me, to care. But when I felt her knee slipping between my thighs, I pulled away.

My body was pissed that I hadn't allowed her thigh to greet my wetness. My head was also calling me an idiot as I backed away from this beautiful woman. "Uhm," I stammered as she continued to smile at me. I have to admit she had an amazing smile not to mention sparkling, green eyes, both of which were making it difficult for me to focus on the situation. "What do you mean?" I finally managed to sputter out.

"I am your birthday present," she asserted with a cocky smirk. "Well one of them," she continued as she stepped closer to me. "The room, champagne, strawberries with chocolate, flowers and me. I am your companion for the entire week."

"Companion?" I questioned as she closed the gap between us.

"I'll be whatever you want," she taunted me as her fingers brushed along the swell of my breasts. I inhaled sharply as my skin burned from her touch. "I'll do whatever you want," she murmured as I felt her breath on my breast.

"You're a prostitute?" I gasped as I once again stepped away from her.

"Not really," she shrugged as she took me by the hand and led me towards the bathroom. "You must be exhausted after your trip. I'll fire up the Jacuzzi for you and fetch the champagne. Would you like a bubble bath?"

I couldn't speak as I followed her blindly into the bathroom. I stood there like a naked idiot as she filled the Jacuzzi. She heated it, filled it with bubble bath, and when it was ready lowered me into the tub. The warm, bubbling water felt so good as I became lost in the sensation. "I'll be right back," Gena promised before disappearing.

Now I have to ask, what would you do? There I was lounging in a bubble bath while hot jets massaged my body and a beautiful blonde stepped back into the room with a bucket of champagne and a tray of strawberries. My first rational thought was that I had snapped and none of this was real. Then she leaned over and handed me a glass of champagne, her movements giving me a glimpse of her ample cleavage.

I thanked her as I reminded myself that she had been hired to spend time with me. It is not a concept that I am comfortable with. But here she was, ready to cater to my every whim. I could tell her to leave, confident that she would receive her payment whether or not I sent her packing. I could let her stay, and join me on my vacation as a friend. Or I could give in to the constant pounding of my lower anatomy. I quickly dismissed the last suggestion thinking that it would be wrong.

I was still pondering my options as I sipped my champagne and she held up a huge strawberry dripping with chocolate. I stared at the berry wondering what I should do when she guided it to my lips. 'What the hell it is just one bite,' I reasoned wondering if Adam used the same rationalization.

My mouth burst with flavor as juice and chocolate dribbled down my chin. My guest took it upon herself to lick the errant drops from my face and neck. "Am I making you nervous?" She asked as she refilled my champagne flute.

"A little," I confessed.

"Liora," she began. "May I call you Liora?" She politely inquired. I nodded my head finding it strange that she would ask if it is all right to address me by my first name after spending the past few minutes licking my face. "Liora," she calmly continued. "I am your gift. If you wish to send me away that is your choice. If you wish to simply spend your time sight seeing or reading a book then that is what you will get, and if you wish for me to join you as a friend then that is all I will be. And if you want more, I am more than willing. But it is your choice. It is your birthday and whatever you wish, I will do everything to make it possible."

For some bizarre reason having her sitting on the edge of the tub, washing my back as she explained my options seemed completely normal. "I'm not comfortable with casual sex," I heard myself saying as my body screamed blue bloody murder at my stupidity. I mean this girl was not only attractive she was most definitely my type, blonde, great smile, quick wit and a great pair of . . . Well you get my point.

"Good to know," she smiled as she kept washing my back. "I promise not to lick your face anymore. Can I still help you bathe?"

"Yes," I conceded with a goofy grin and a contented sigh. "It has been a really long time since I've done this."

"Bath time is a lot more fun when it is a shared experience," she quipped as she began to massage my shoulders. "You're so tense," she commented as she kneaded my sore muscles. "Since you are tired from your trip why don't we finish getting you squeaky clean and then maybe go to the beach, or the pool or perhaps a stroll around some of the shops or we could just take a nap. Maybe have lunch or an early dinner out on the balcony?"

All of her suggestions sounded positively wonderful as I yawned. I was already tired from my flight; the bath, champagne and massage were making me sleepy. "A nap and room service it is," she decided for me.

"There is just so much to do and see," I yawned once again.

"Yes, there is," she agreed. "You have seven days to see it all. You are on vacation and it isn't against the rules to sleep in on your first day."

"Okay," I conceded as I wondered just why it was I was letting this complete stranger take over my vacation. One look in her sparkling green eyes and I had my answer. I could feel my body warming from her touch. I felt suddenly cold when her hands departed from my body.

"Have you been to Mexico before?" She asked as she perched herself back on the edge of the tub and sipped her glass of champagne.

"No, I don't travel much," I confessed.

"You're in the hotel business and you don't travel much?" She exclaimed with surprise.

"I work a great deal," I grimly explained. "How did you know that I work in the hotel industry?"

"I know a lot about you," she smirked.

"Right all part of the package," I grumbled as I reminded myself just what it was this woman did for a living.

"Something like that," she threw out casually. "Seems I do nothing but travel. I have been here many times; if you want I can show you around."

"My own personal tour guide," I chuckled as she dipped another strawberry in chocolate and offered it up to me.

"Tour guide, waitress, and back scratcher, whatever you desire," she reminded me as I sank my teeth into the succulent fruit she was offering.

I gave her a wary look as I licked the juice and chocolate from my lips. "I only promised not to lick your face anymore," she explained in a cocky manner. "I never said that I was going to stop flirting with you."

"You don't have to," I offered as her infectious smile beamed down at me.

"No, I don't," she asserted. "I want to."

"Oh," I responded with a hard swallow.

"Now when was the last time another woman washed your hair?" She playfully inquired. "Besides your stylist," she quickly added before I could lie. "That's what I thought."

I let her wash my hair and let me tell you the feel of her blunt nails massaging my scalp was pure bliss. She fed me more strawberries and champagne before offering me some alone time, of course that was after I promised not to fall asleep in the tub. Once I was alone with my thoughts and bubbles I felt calm and relaxed. I also felt nervous and edgy. Things like this just don't happen to people like me. Up until an hour ago I was thoroughly convinced that they never happened in real life. Yet, there I was lounging in a Jacuzzi filled with bubbles with a beautiful blonde stranger waiting for me in the next room.

I started to nod off, so I decided that drowning myself would be a really bad idea. I climbed out of the tub, dried off and wrapped one of the fluffy white robes around my body. I went looking for my quirky guest. My eyes almost fell out of my head when I discovered her curled up in the middle of the king size bed, fast asleep.

I guess I should have inquired about the sleeping arrangements. I have to confess Gena looked absolutely adorable with her little fists tucked under her chin, and her lips slightly parted. I crossed over to the window and peeked out at the white beach. I felt uncertain as to which sight was more breath taking the paradise awaiting me just outside my window or the beautiful woman sleeping on my bed.

Gena released a thunderous snore. I laughed at the monstrous sound emanating out of such a tiny person. I climbed onto the bed, telling myself that the bed was more than big enough for us to share. I nestled my body as far away from her as humanly possible. So, how did I end up with her in my arms?

I was sound asleep, feeling warm, and lost in a very erotic dream. Breath tickled my skin, forcing my eyes to open slightly. Through half open lids, I peered down and discovered tufts of blonde hair covering my body. During our slumber somehow, Gena and I had wrapped our arms and legs around one another. Instead of pulling away, I began to stroke her back, causing my slumbering friend to nestle closer to my body.

Holding Gena was so soothing that I slipped back into a joyous slumber. When I awoke for a second time my body felt so cold that my eyes snapped open. "Gena?" My voice was groggy from sleep. I looked around for my companion. Once again I was confused by my actions. I had known this woman for less than a couple of hours and for some reason I was missing her.

I tightened the knot on my robe and went searching for my bunkmate. I found Gena in the living room talking quietly on the telephone. I couldn't hear what she was saying as she turned to me and smiled. I swear if she could bottle those smiles she would make millions. She winked at me before turning away from me so she could wrap up her conversation.

"Sleep well?" She asked brightly.

"Yes, thank you," I responded as I stared at the way she was leaning against the sofa. "And you?"

"Very well," she purred as I shivered at the way she was looking at me. "I've ordered dinner for us, I hope you don't mind."

I laughed lightly realizing I hadn't been in control of anything since she magically emerged from my bathroom. "I can get my own room," she timidly offered.

"No, no," I smiled not fully understanding why I didn't just send her away. But there I stood agreeing to let her share my vacation. "So, what's for dinner?"

"I figure by the amazing shape that you are in you eat nothing but rabbit food," she theorized as I blushed. "I ordered you a very decadent authentic Mexican dinner sans the margarita's. I figured between your fatigue and the champagne you didn't need any more alcohol."

"Good point," I conceded. "Plus, I'm not to be trusted when it comes to tequila."

"Interesting," she hummed as her eyes continued to wander up and down my body. "This is Mexico, sampling the tequila is a requirement. I know this little Cantina for women only, it isn't far from here, and we should give it a try one night. For tonight would you like to dine inside or out on the balcony?"

"The balcony," I readily agreed thinking of the view of the ocean and the moonlight. "Shall we dress for dinner?" I added as I motioned towards the bathrobes we were wearing.

"No need," she taunted me. "We are on the top floor and with the candle light no one will be able to see us."

"Done this before?" I asked in a slightly bitter tone.

"No," she admitted in a surprisingly honest tone. "Nothing about this trip is routine for me."

*****

Later that I evening I was sipping good coffee while gazing at the stars and the ocean. While the ocean breeze blew through my long dark hair, my gaze would drift over to my companion. More than once when I would steal a glance, I would find her looking back at me.

"Are you enjoying your birthday?" She softly asked.

"Yes," I confessed while releasing a very contented sigh. "Although, my birthday really isn't until Friday."

"And how many spankies will you be receiving this year?" She toyed with me.

I swallowed hard before offering my answer. "Thirty-three," I gulped.

"Plus one to grow on," she slyly retorted. "Spankings aside, I know what you would like to do on your birthday."

"Do you now?" I snickered as I pictured her administering my spankings.

"Chichen Itza," she confidently supplied as my jaw dropped. She couldn't have known this by talking to my friends. All of them assumed that I was going to sun myself at the beach or linger at the pool, which had a bar you could swim up to.

"How did you know that?" I stammered.

"You are much too deep to waste all of your time window shopping and working on your tan," she thoughtfully explained.

"You think so, huh?" I teased blushing slightly from her assessment.

"Yes, I do," she asserted. "You want to see the ruins, you want to explore and see if the feeling of spirituality so many have claimed to feel exists, and just perhaps you want to see if you can find some small clue that would explain why the city was suddenly abandoned."

"Its like you've read my diary," I whispered.

"I'm making you uncomfortable again, aren't I?" She pouted which I found completely adorable. "It was just a guess. You just seem like a person who would think those things. Somehow, I can't see you spending your entire trip drinking and cruising in the bars."

"Thank you," I offered as I cleared my throat, realizing that Gena's profession probably gave her a certain insight into people.

"What about tomorrow?" Gena asked quickly shifting the conversation. "What would you like to do?"

"I'd like to spend the day at the beach, but not sunning myself," I explained. "There is so much to do."

"I know," she smiled. "Jet-Skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, a boat trip to one of the nearby islands. If we head out very early, we could do as much as possible; I know the best places for rentals."

"I'll leave it up to you," I conceded.

"Good, first you have to agree to something," she cautioned me.

"What?" I questioned her nervously.

"No reservations," she asserted.

"Excuse me?" I gasped.

"If you do that then you'll feel trapped and rush through things instead of enjoying them," she carefully explained in a slightly chastising tone.

"It just goes against my nature," I squawked.

"I'm sure it does," she laughed. "This is a vacation. Just relax and trust me. And if I end up driving your anal nature up the wall, you can always kick me out."

I nodded in agreement completely ignoring my innate need to have an itinerary, a back up time schedule and a list of things I would need. "Time for bed," she softly instructed me as she stood and held out her hand.

My palm felt sweaty as I accepted her offer. "I can sleep on the sofa," she reminded me. I stumbled realizing that I didn't want her to be so far away. I just didn't trust myself to be able to sleep in the same bed with her. "We can share a bed without making love," she shyly explained.

"I don't think we can," I muttered as I turned to her. My heart was racing as I looked down into her shimmering emerald eyes. "I'm not ready,"

"Ssh," she silenced me as she pressed her fingers to my trembling lips. "Good night, Liora," she whispered before brushing her lips against my own. "Now go before I change my mind," she teased me as she headed in the direction of the sofa.

I growled at my stupidity before making a hasty exit into the bedroom. For the first time I noticed her luggage stacked in the corner. I tossed my robe onto the bed and threw on my nightshirt before climbing into bed. The huge bed felt empty as I tossed and turned. I did contemplate calling my friends, and asking them just what in the hell were they thinking? My waking them up in the middle of the night was the least of their problems because I vowed that the moment I returned to Boston, I planned on tracking them down and wringing their collective necks.

By some miracle I did manage to finally nod off before sunrise. I was awakened by an overly perky voice informing me that it was morning. "Oh God, she's a morning person," I bitched while furrowing beneath the sheets.

"Breakfast," she tried to entreat me as she tugged on the covers that I was holding in a death grip. "If you don't come out I'm coming in after you," she giggled her threat.

I am quite certain my garbled response wasn't even remotely close to any spoken language. The next thing I was aware of was a cool breeze greeting my body as Gena snuck in from the opposite side of the bed. I snapped the sheets down and squealed as she pounced on me and began to assault my rib cage. "Stop," I pleaded as she tickled me furiously. "Stop, please or I'm going to pee," I begged my little assailant.

My threat halted her movements. I gazed up at Gena who was straddling my body. She was panting heavily as she looked down at me. I blushed from the intensity of her gaze. "We can't have that," she panted never breaking the fiery gaze we were sharing.

I was mesmerized as I watched her nearing my body. My fingers drifted along her khaki shorts brushing her bare thighs slightly. I became focused on her slightly parted lips as she closed the distance between us. "What the hell," I whispered as I gave in to the way my body was feeling.

Sadly my utterance wasn't what Gena wanted to hear at that moment. Gena pulled away, still straddling my hips I watched as she folded her arms across her chest and sneered at me. "Not the right thing to say?" I said meekly.

"No," she confirmed. "Gena you are so beautiful, how can I possibly resist you, would be the right thing to say. What the hell earns you a trip to the shower," she chastised me while wagging her finger down at me.

"Well, crap," I grumbled as she climbed off of my body.

"Hee hee," she snickered. "Shower, dress in something comfortable because the breakfast fare in the hotel restaurant is incredible, so we will need to go for a walk afterward."

"Fine, Miss Bossy," I continued to grouse as I obediently complied with her instructions.

****

"You weren't kidding about the breakfast," I sighed as we strolled along the boardwalk that circled the hotel. "I think I am going to have to review the buffet back in Boston."

"You're the operations manager?" She asked me seemingly lost in thought.

"Yes," I shrugged as she guided me away from the hotel.

"There are some quaint little shops down this way," she prattled on as I fought against the urge to reach out and hold her hand. "Over dinner last night you mentioned wanting to pick up some trinkets for your friends."

"I should, after all they have done so much for me," I explained softly as I peered over my sunglasses at the best gift.

"You still haven't opened what they've sent you," she noted as we looked around.

"Not yet," I responded with a blush while my focus remained locked on Gena.

We talked as I shopped. She helped me with the shopkeepers and the exchange rate. As we strolled back to the hotel I was having a problem reconciling Gena's persona with her profession. Gena was bright, witty, charming and very self-assured, why would anyone like her chose to become a paid escort? Not only didn't it make sense to me, but also it just didn't fit. Something else was nagging at me; the hotel staff seemed to snap to attention whenever we were around. Perhaps they were just very strict with the staff or simple professional courtesy. Still they seemed to go overboard at times.

*****

"Everything was just so amazing," I babbled on as we entered our hotel room that evening. "Thanks for reminding about the sunscreen," I added as we tossed our bags down.

"Can't have you getting burned," she smiled. "What was your favorite part about today?"

My first reaction was to tell her that spending the day with her was the best part, but somehow I refrained. "Scuba," I beamed. "The colors, the feelings, it felt great and for some reason it made me feel insignificant, but in a good way. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes," she agreed as she wrapped her arms around my waist. My body warmed instantly from her touch. "There is a quaint little restaurant down the road that only the locals know about. That is if you feel like dinning out tonight."

"Sounds great," I chimed in agreement. "Just let me take a shower."

"If you're not too tired after Jet-Skiing, parasailing, swimming and, of course, scuba diving, the cantina I told you about is near the restaurant, we could do a little dancing," she suggested hopefully.

"Whatever," I agreed as I headed towards the bathroom. "I'm all yours," I said before I realized what I was implying. I couldn't hear what she muttered in response as I ducked into the bathroom.

After I had showered, Gena took her turn in the bathroom. After I dressed in a simple summer dress, I strolled into the living room and waited for Gena to finish with her shower. Naturally, I contemplated sneaking into the bathroom and joining her. I managed to resist the urge by opening the packages my friends had sent.

I stood there gaping at the items I had spread out on the coffee table. I was so shocked by the contents that I failed to notice Gena entering the room. My friends seemed very determined that I was going to start having a sex life. Spread across the table was an assortment of vibrators, a strap on complete with a leather belt, a variety of lubes, a box of dental dams, and of course a black lace teddy.

"How in the hell did this get through customs?" I pondered out loud oblivious to the fact that I had an audience.

"NAFTA," Gena snickered as she sat down beside me. "Mexico isn't nearly as concerned by what we send into their country as we are of what is being shipped into our own."

"I Uhm," I stammered as I turned to her. The amused smirk she flashed at me only served to make me more uncomfortable.

"Your friends are very thoughtful," she said in a husky tone as she devoured me with her eyes. My throat constricted as I became lost in her gaze. "We should go to dinner, before I ask you to model this for me," she insisted as she held the lacy garment up.

I no longer cared about going to dinner or ever leaving that hotel room. I was captured in her spell as I leaned in closer. Her eyes fluttered shut as the space between us disappeared. Then I remembered that the only reason Gena was in my hotel room was because she had been hired to be there.

The hurt look on Gena's delicate face tore at me as I pulled away from her. "So, you said something about dinner?" I tossed out lightly hoping that it would somehow ease the tension. She stood and held out her hand to me. My resolve wavered when I drank in the sight of her in the simple black dress that revealed just a hint of cleavage.

"Dinner," she asserted coldly.

*****

When we entered the tiny restaurant Gena was greeted with enthusiasm. Once again her presence commanded respect. Everyone addressed her by her first name as they tripped over themselves to please her. She caused a similar reaction when we entered the cantina. She didn't seem to notice the way people responded to her as she guided me over to a table away from the small crowd. Of course part of the reason people paid so close attention to Gena was because of her looks, and that very shiny credit card she used to pay for everything.

I did try to spy a glimpse of the name engraved on the card, but Gena was very quick in hiding it. "Come here often?" I sincerely inquired as two margaritas were delivered to our table without either of us having to bother ordering them.

"I told you I travel a lot," she shrugged.

"Apparently," I grumbled. "Are you at least going to allow to pick up the check every now and then?"

"It's your birthday," she innocently protested.

"And?" I tried to reason with her. "All of this can't be on my friends tab."

"I'm not a prostitute," she gleefully reminded me.

"I know," I played along finally understanding that Gena probably preferred a classier term for what she was. Only I had no concept of just what that would be. "As I was saying," Gena leaned forward to listen more closely. Her actions revealed more of her cleavage to my hungry eyes. Suddenly I had no recollection of just what it was I had been talking about. "What the hell was I saying? You are very distracting."

"I know," she laughed as I sipped my cocktail. "You were saying that you would prefer that from now on we split the expenses."

"Yes," I beamed realizing that was the original focus of the conversation before I took a little detour into cleavage-Ville.

"See, I was paying attention," she teased. "Unlike others who were too busy staring at my boobies."

"You looked at mine too," I retorted in a very serious tone.

"Oh?" She blushed. "I didn't think you caught that," she apologized while staring into her drink.

"I didn't," I proclaimed. "Just a lucky guess."

I couldn't help smiling when she released a boisterous laugh. The music grew louder, forcing us to slide our chairs closer together so we could hear one another. It was so easy to talk to Gena. At one point I did manage to explain, that even if our roles were reversed I wouldn't feel comfortable with her footing the bill. She agreed, she didn't like it, but she agreed.

The subjects we talked about as we drank amazed me. We didn't drink a lot, but there is something about tequila. Well, there is something about tequila and me that has a very interesting effect. For some reason, it causes my hormone level to peek and my IQ to drop. Not a good combination when you haven't had sex in a very long time, and a gorgeous blonde is sitting so close to you that your knees are touching and you have to whisper into one another's ear just so you can understand the conversation. Add to the mix Gena's hand caressing my thigh mixed with the best tequila I had ever drunk, and my self-control decided to take its own vacation.

My pulse raced each time I felt her hot breath in my ear. My heart pounded as her hand slipped higher and higher up my thigh. Each time the scent of her hair greeted me; all sense of reason left my realm of reality. Perhaps that was why I found myself whispering, "Dance with me?"

We joined the few couples scattered across the dingy dance floor, her hands finding their way to my waist. I melted into her touch as I placed my hands on her waist and drew her closer to me. Gena's hands massaged my hips as we began to sway to the music. The demanding rhythm of the music seemed to add to the crackling energy flowing between us. I couldn't stop looking into her eyes as we moved in unison our bodies a breath apart. By her flushed features I knew she felt the same heat that was coursing through my body.

I felt the other women in the bar fading away, becoming only aware of holding Gena in my arms as our bodies began brushing against one another. I could feel our hearts beating as one as we shared the same breaths. My hands slipped from her waist so I could caress her back.

Gena leaned into my touch her head nestled against my chest as her hands drifted to my backside. No longer were we moving in time with the music, now we seemed to follow our own rhythm, as our touches grew bolder. The feel of her thigh brushing my own sent a shiver through my body as I laced my fingers in her hair. It was the softest thing I had ever felt. My nipples hardened as I watched her eyes darken with desire.

At that moment in time, I knew that I belonged in her arms. Without uttering a word I led her out of the cantina. The ocean air caressed my body as we stumbled against each other. The sounds of loud music filtered through the night as I pressed her against the white walls of the building. I felt her hands roaming across my back, as my focus remained locked on her soft pink lips.

My kiss was hungry as I claimed her mouth. I felt her warmth spreading through me, as I pressed harder against her. I parted her lips with my tongue. She greeted my touch as we rejected the need to breathe. Our bodies swayed as our tongues wrapped around one another. I couldn't get enough of her touch.

I broke away from the passionate embrace when I heard someone's voice. "Cuidado," a husky woman offered with a knowing smirk. I looked down at Gena with confusion.

"She's telling us to be careful," Gena translated with a smile.

I nodded with understanding, realizing that groping another woman in a back alley in a foreign country probably wasn't the wisest course of action. "It's late," Gena whispered in an inviting tone. "Time for bed."

I smiled knowingly as I followed her back to the hotel. Not once during our stroll did I question what I was doing or why. I knew why, the reason was simple. I wanted to be with this woman more than I wanted to breathe. The beautiful night air and ocean breeze only served to further fan our desires. By the time we entered our hotel suite we were unable to get past the threshold.

Once the door was shut we became locked in an embrace. Our mouths eagerly sought out the others lips. I didn't waste a moment as I lowered the zipper on her dress. I needed to feel her. Gena's movements were just as urgent. We kissed deeply as our hands fumbled with our clothing while stumbling towards the bedroom.

"Do we need to bring the toys," she gasped as we neared the bedroom.

"Not tonight," I shuddered as I felt my dress being lowered down my body. "Tonight the only thing I need is you," I confessed as I stepped out of my dress. Her eyes welled up as she dragged me into the bedroom.

It was the truth the only thing I wanted at that moment was to feel our skin touching. Well not the only thing, but it was my primary focus as we undressed one another. I didn't care about her past, or why she was there, I only cared about making love to her. My body was trembling as she lowered me down onto the bed and finished removing my clothing. I watched in nervous anticipation as she shed the last of her clothing and joined me. "You are so beautiful," I whispered with sheer amazement as I cupped her face.

Her head dipped bashfully as I drew her in for another lingering kiss. My flesh erupted as our bodies met. The feel of her pressing against me set me on fire. Our kisses grew deeper as our hands began to explore the other's skin. Everywhere she touched me, and everywhere I touched her burned. I could feel my wetness painting my thighs as I cupped her breast.

Her nipple puckered against my palm as I caressed her. Gena's hand massaged my thigh while she nudged my legs apart. "I need to touch you," she whimpered as I began kissing her neck. My thighs trembled as I felt her hand slipping between them. I shifted my body so she could touch me while my tongue teased her nipple.

Her body arched beneath me as I captured her nipple between my lips. I moaned against her skin when I felt her fingers brushing my dampness. I suckled her harder as I felt her gliding along my sex. My hips swayed as she teased my throbbing clit. I struggled in an effort not to topple down on her.

She guided me down onto my back. I whimpered with disappointment that her breast was no longer filling my mouth. My body convulsed as I felt her entering me, while she kissed my neck. Her kisses drifted lower until I felt her tongue flickering across my erect nipple. She suckled me urgently while her fingers plunged in and out of my wetness. My body quivered as her mouth moved down my body. I became lost, as I felt her flattened tongue teasing my passion. I cried out her name as my world exploded.

I drew her into my arms, and tasted my passion on her lips when I kissed her. Gena's wetness painted my skin as we swayed against each other. I slipped my hand between our bodies. Her desire filled my hand as I parted her. I kept kissing her as I dipped into her wetness. She thrust against me as I took her. I could feel her body tightening against my touch as I rolled her onto her back. Looming above I took her higher while she wriggled beneath me. I kept pleasuring her as she climaxed.

"Liora!" She screamed out as her body shuddered.

I held her in my arms as she trembled. We began caressing and kissing until we were once again caught up in the hurricane of our desire. I only stumbled from her embrace to retrieve the box of dental dams from the living room. I hated the damn things, pun intended but given the circumstances, I wasn't going to be an idiot no matter how many times she reassured me.

I fell asleep holding her in my arms. I had never felt at peace before, with the exception that I had the unsettling feeling that Gena wasn't being completely honest with me. When I awoke the following morning I brushed the disturbing thoughts aside when I discovered her still nestled in my arms. I slipped carefully from her embrace and stumbled into the shower.

I felt giddy as the warm water caressed my body. A sudden breeze informed me that I wouldn't be showering alone. I didn't say a word as she stepped in behind me and began washing my back. Lather covered my body as she pretended to clean me. Her hands caressed me as I rinsed the soap from my body.

My arms flew out and I clutched the wall when her tiny hands drifted to my backside. She nudged my legs apart and I felt her wetness pressing against my skin. Her arm encircled my waist. Her fingers teased my stomach as I ground against her. I gasped as I felt her fingers brushing my mound. She kissed my back as she parted me and began to glide her digits along my slick folds.

She stroked my clit while our bodies thrust urgently against one another. The water cascaded down my body as I exploded against her. "Good morning," she greeted me coyly when I turned to her.

"Good morning," I echoed as I pressed her up against the tiled wall and kissed her. It was my turn to play I decided as I slipped my hand between us. She moaned as I entered her.

"Yes," she pleaded as I pleasured her. "Fuck me," she cried out as she rocked against my touch. Gena's blunt nails dug into my skin as I drove her over the edge.

We were so exhausted from our shower that we climbed right back into bed and fell asleep. Okay, so we didn't fall asleep right away. But after we did I was awakened a few moments later, or least I thought it was a few moments later, to the scent of freshly brewed coffee.

I blinked open my weary eyes and discovered Gena fully dressed, kneeling beside the bed waving a cup of coffee under my nose. "Time to get up," she informed me.

"Why?" I grumbled as I snatched the coffee from her perky little paws.

"Tuluma," she directly informed me.

"Excuse me?" I yawned before I took a sip of coffee.

"Tuluma," she repeated slowly like I was a small child. "Mayan ruins just south of here. The only ruins in Mexico that over look the Caribbean. Interested?"

"Yes," I perked up.

"Drink your coffee and get dressed," She said blushing slightly.

"What?" I inquired.

"Nothing," she responded shyly. "It is just that I love making you smile." It was my turn to blush. Not able to think of a response to her obviously sincere statement I returned my attention back to my coffee. "Did you know you have a hickey on your back?"

I almost spewed coffee on the unsuspecting girl as I started to laugh. "It is only fair," I choked out. "You have one on your ass."

"I know," she beamed as she wiggled her eyebrows at me. "I'll let you get dressed."

That day she showed me another wonder; the ruins, the ocean, there is no way to describe the beauty or the beauty of sharing it with Gena. That night we ordered room service and made love in the Jacuzzi.

The following morning I awoke with a sense of dread, as I realized that the week was half over. Gena must have sensed my trepidation because that day she took me swimming with the dolphins. "Happy?" She asked that evening while we dined out on the balcony.

"Yes," I murmured as I felt her thumb caressing the back of my hand.

"Not completely," she said as if she was reading my thoughts.

"The week is half gone," I tried to explain, "and then it is back to the real world."

"Such a pesky place, the real world," she concurred.

"Are you going to tell me?" I finally asked.

"Tell you what?" She sighed while she continued to caress my hand as she looked out at the ocean.

"What you're lying about?" I dryly asked. I wasn't making an accusation, just stating a fact. Based on the sigh she released, I knew that she understood.

"I haven't lied to you," she carefully began. "But I haven't been completely honest with you either."

"Ready?" I encouraged.

"Not yet," she sighed.

"Okay," I agreed not certain I was really ready to hear the truth.

"Ready for bed?" She asked.

"Tired?" I responded with concern.

"No," she smirked. "I want to play with some of your toys."

"We need to," I began as she helped me to my feet.

"I cleaned them while you were asleep," she cut me off as she led me to the bedroom.

"You are so resourceful," I complimented her as she undid the knot on my robe.

"You have no idea," she boasted. "Tell me birthday girl, how do you want to play?" She taunted me as she lowered the robe down my body before dropping it onto the floor.

"Take off your robe," I whispered as I caressed her face. She smiled sweetly as she opened her robe and dropped it onto the floor. I ran my fingers along the curve of her neck, across her shoulders and to the swell of her breasts, my eyes never leaving her beauty as I touched her.

She shivered as my fingers tickled her skin. I brushed my fingertips across her nipples watching as they puckered. My lover released a deep moan as her eyes drifted shut. She licked her lips as I guided my touch lower to just below her breasts. I watched as her breathing became erratic.

I brushed my cheek against her face and nuzzled her long golden hair. "Climb onto the bed," I whispered hotly in her ear. Her eyes opened, she looked up at me with a dreamy expression as she climbed onto the bed. I spied the toys on the nightstand. "Which one?" I asked while climbing up on the bed.

I leaned over her. I circled her nipple with my tongue as she made her selection. I nipped gently on the erect bud as she slipped the slender tube into my hand. Giving her nipple one last flicker I moved away from my lover and peered at the sleek aqua colored vibrator she had handed me. "Ever wonder why they make them in so many interesting colors?" She quipped as she leaned into my body.

"Constantly," I agreed before I reclaimed her lips in a searing kiss.

I could feel her hands roaming along my body while my tongue explored the warmth of her mouth. "God, I love the way you kiss," came my breathy response as our lips parted. She responded by kissing my neck as I knelt between her thighs. We began kissing again, her hands cupping my breasts while I turned on the vibrator.

I ran the humming toy down the front of her body. She moaned into the warmth of my mouth as I glided the vibrator between her slick folds. I teased her with it, her body arching against my hand until I slipped it deep inside of her. She clasped my shoulders and wrapped her legs around my waist. I could feel my own desire escalating as I glided the toy in and out of her. Hearing her calling out my name as she climaxed made my heart swell.

All too soon I found myself lying on my stomach with my hips in the air while she pleasured me with another vibrator. After our bodies and the batteries were exhausted we snuggled up together. "I really like your friends," she yawned before falling fast asleep.

The following day our bodies were still spent so we spent the day lounging and swimming in the hotel pool. I must admit a bar you can swim up to is a rather nifty invention. We were wading at the bar, sipping on some unknown concoction. The only thing I knew about our beverages were that they were made in a blender with a lot of rum and they tasted like candy. Not a good combination, I decided when I slipped more than once.

"I really like that suit on you," Gena whispered as she caressed my stomach. When her hand drifted to the top of my bikini I thought perhaps it was time to swim away from the bar.

"Want to go back to the room before we drown?" I suggested as I began to play with the straps of her bathing suit.

"I think I'm drunk," she confessed as we climbed out of the pool.

"Me too," I agreed as I led her towards the lobby.

*****

"I need to wash the chlorine out of my hair," she announced when we arrived in our room. "Care to join me?" She coaxed as she took off her top.

"But of course," I readily agreed.

We took turns soaping up one another's bodies and washing each other's hair. Gena seemed disappointed when I finished and excused myself. I really wanted to stay and explore every inch of her body, but there was a little something I wanted to do more. I was lounging on the bed when she entered the room. I was wearing one of the hotel robes with a little surprise I hoped she wouldn't notice hidden underneath.

"What are you up to?" She asked as she dried her hair with a towel.

"What makes you think I'm up to something?" I innocently retorted.

"I just can," she seemed surprised by her answer. "Why do you have to be so damn beautiful?" She asked as she climbed up and straddled my hips.

"Why do you?" I sincerely inquired knowing that our time together was nearing the end.

"Ah," she moaned as her hips pressed against my body. "Is that what I think it is?" She panted as she opened my robe with a flurry. Her eyes lit up when she discovered the phallus strapped to my body. Her breath became shallow as she gripped the shaft. I watched as she lubricated it with her wetness. Our eyes met and she stripped off her robe before kneeling beside me.

I leaned up on my elbows and watched as she clasped the phallus once again. I thought I was going to die as I watched her tongue circling the tip before she plunged it into her mouth. I was on fire as I begged her to suck it harder. My stomach was in knots as she complied with my requests.

I was ready to explode when I slipped it from her grasp. "Turn around Baby," I pleaded.

Gena quickly turned away from me balancing on her hands and knees while my hands caressed her ass. I knelt behind her and began kissing her back. She shivered from my touch as I slipped the phallus between her thighs. "Liora," she whispered as I stroked her clit with the shaft. I clasped the shaft with one hand and her shoulder with the other. "Please," she pleaded as I pressed the tip against the warm wet opening of her center.

She repeated her plea as her hips jerked backwards. I thrust forward and filled her. I remained still behind her, as her body adjusted to the phallus. She groaned as she thrust against my body and our bodies began to grind wildly. She growled with frustration as each time she neared the edge I slowed our movements.

My body was shaking knowing that neither of us could resist any longer. I rode against her nimble body furiously until we collapsed. Our hearts were racing as we just lay there in a heap. When I could breathe and move I finally slipped away from her and removed the last of my friend's gifts and tossed it on the floor. "Can't move," she squeaked as I kissed her shoulder. Somehow I managed to get the both us under the covers before we fell asleep.

*****

I awoke the next morning to the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee and some idiot singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of her lungs. I didn't need to look up to know it was Gena. "What don't like my singing?" She quipped as I laughed and reluctantly opened my eyes. "In lieu of cake," she explained as she handed me the coffee. "Happy Birthday," she repeated before placing a lingering kiss on my lips.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Okay, we have a big day ahead of us so you really need to get your tired old carcass moving," she instructed me.

"Old?" I squawked. "And just how old are you?"

"Twenty-nine," she boasted as I grumbled. "Seriously, Chichen Itza is huge and there is so much to see, I don't want you to miss any of it."

"I know the drill my little dictator," I continued to grumble. "Coffee, shower, and clothing." She smiled brightly at my response. Then the oddest thing happened, as she was staring into my eyes she opened her mouth as if she was going to say something. Then she just snapped it shut and left the room.

Chichen Itza was everything I had read it was. Yet, nothing compared to seeing it in person. Once again I felt humbled by my surroundings. Each stone I touched filled me with a sense of peace. Neither of us spoke as Gena led me around trying to allow me to experience every nook and cranny. At one point I was so overcome by what we were experiencing and that we were sharing it together I almost burst into tears.

I was still speechless when we returned to the hotel. Gena held my hand as we approached the room. "I never," I began still awestruck.

"I know," Gena murmured in agreement as she unlocked the door. "Someday we, I mean you should really see," her words were cut off as a group of hotel employees standing inside our room holding a blazing cake as they sang happy birthday or least I think it was happy birthday. "I forgot I had arranged this," she muttered as I blew out the candles and thanked everyone.

As the staff shuffled out of the room I gave Gena a very curious look. "How is it that you have so much pull around here?" I asked knowing that I couldn't have pulled off such a stunt back in Boston.

"Not now," she said as pleading green eyes blinked up at me.

"I'm leaving tomorrow," I huffed as she took me by the hand.

"Please, it is your birthday," she requested. "I don't want to ruin it. We have cake, presents and spankings."

"No," I blushed before darting away from her.

We laughed loudly as she chased me around the suite. She finally managed to tackle me in the bedroom. Gena's nimble fingers tickled me furiously until I was helpless enough for her to bend me over. "Don't," I laughed.

"One," she declared as she swatted me. My body lurched forward from the sensation as I gripped the edge of the bed. "Two," she said more gently before delivering the second blow. With each spank I could feel my wetness pooling and my body warming. By her labored breathing I knew that Gena was enjoying this just as much as I was.

My face was flushed as my knees trembled when she started caressing my backside with each blow. By the time she reached twenty I couldn't stand it. She moaned deeply as I fumbled to pull down my shorts and underwear. "Don't lose count," I gasped as I felt her hand smacking my bare flesh.

Now with each blow her hand would linger and fondle my ass exploring each crevasse thoroughly before returning to her count. I felt her painting the puckered opening with my wetness as she continued. I was ready to scream by the time she reached thirty-three. "And one to grow on," she choked out as her fingers slipped inside of me.

My hips thrust against her touch as I felt her thumb pressing against the opening. "Do it," I begged before she filled me completely. My body erupted as she pleasured me. Our pleas filled the room as we rocked against one another until I sank to my knees. My body quaking as she held me.

Our passion quickly reunited after I ate my birthday cake off of her naked body. We made love all through the night until it was impossible for either of us to speak. I awoke just before dawn alone. I wrapped a robe around my body. I wasn't surprised to find her on the balcony looking out at the ocean. What did surprise me was that she was fully dressed and her bags were waiting by the sofa.

"Birthday is over," I grimly acknowledged as I joined her. I noticed that she had been crying. I was about to wrap my arms around her when she cleared her throat.

"Back to reality," she blew out trying a little too hard to sound flippant.

"Where are you off to next?" I asked hoping that the answer would be Boston.

"I have a destination," she said clearing her throat once again.

"And someone special waiting for you?" I fearfully inquired.

"I hope so," she timidly answered as my heart shattered. "I'm normally a very intelligent person. I hope someday you will see that." Her tone was pleading with me as she reached into her pocket and extracted a small wrapped package and placed it in my hand. "A birthday gift and something to remember me by."

"Gena," I began fully prepared to beg her to come back to Boston with me when a knock on the door interrupted me.

"I have to go," she blurted out as she pushed past me.

"Gena," I repeated as she opened the door and showed the bellhop in. I watched helplessly as he gathered up her luggage and she stepped towards the doorway.

"Liora, I don't normally do impulsive things," she stammered as the tears rolled down her face. I rushed to her only to have her step away from me. "I'm very controlled," she continued.

"Gena," I echoed once again.

"Liora, your friends didn't send me," she blew out.

"What?" I gasped as she stepped out into the hallway.

"Don't hate me," she pleaded.

"What do you mean my friends didn't send you?" I demanded thinking that somehow them not sending her made sense.

"I did this on my own," she confessed. I was still trying to get my bearings as she walked away.

"Damn it," I scowled as I raced after her. I was too late.

*****

By the time I returned to work on Monday I was a mess. Not only had my room been comped, but also all the little extras I had accumulated during the week. I had no idea who Gena really was. All I had to remember her by was the memories and a simple jade necklace carved into the shape of a rose. Of course the little trinket I was wearing around my neck only added to my confusion since I had never seen anything remotely similar being sold on the island.

"Thank God you're back," Stacy greeted me as I stepped into the lobby.

"Did you upgrade my room?" I demanded as she looked at me with confusion.

"Huh?" She blinked with surprise.

"Did you guys send me flowers, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, upgrade my room, and throw in a blonde?" I blurted out as the doorman stared at me.

Stacy pulled me aside. "We sent you flowers, champagne and sex toys," she whispered. "I have no idea what you are babbling about. Wait did you meet someone? Never mind you can fill me in later. You will never guess who checked in last night?"

"Jesus Christ," I snarled.

"He would be easier to deal with," Stacy cautioned me. "Genevieve Ashcroft."

"Oh crap," I sputtered, as I turned pale. Genevieve Ashcroft was the daughter of Lawrence Horton Ashcroft III who owned the hotel chain. Genevieve for all intents and purposes worked for Daddy. She traveled from hotel to hotel. One word from Daddy's little girl could get you promoted or terminated. "Okay don't panic," I said more to myself than to poor Stacy. "You put her in the penthouse right? Gave her all the fax, telephone lines, modem hooks she could handle?"

"Yes," Stacy nodded.

"Sent her flowers, fruit and offered her anything she wants?" I continued to rant.

"Done," Stacy confirmed. "I used the plan you put in placed in case she ever showed up."

"Does she have any pets or guests with her?" I continued.

"None," Stacy answered. "She wants to see you."

"Not a problem," I said before taking a cleansing breath.

"She's not happy you weren't available until today," Stacy sputtered.

"I take one vacation in seven years and she's pissed?" I hissed. "Fine, I'm off to see her highness. Don't worry no one is going to lose their jobs," I reassured Stacy before bolting towards the elevator.

As I slid the key for the penthouse into the elevator's security system I said a silent prayer that I hadn't just lied to Stacy. My head was pounding when the elevator doors opened at the penthouse. I brushed my sweaty palms on my skirt before knocking lightly on the door. "Come in," a hauntingly familiar voice beckoned.

I shook my head as I opened the door. "When I say Monday, I mean Monday," she shouted into the cell phone that was plastered to her ear.

"Now this should be interesting," I theorized as I entered the suite and poured myself a cup of coffee from the tray on the table. I figured what the hell, I'm probably already fired, and I might as well be comfortable.

"Would you pour me a cup?" She curtly requested.

"No," I snickered.

"Please," Gena pleaded.

"Fine," I sighed dramatically as I poured her a cup. "Now I know why you are so bossy," I grumbled as I handed her the cup. Gena stuck her tongue out at me. "No thanks," I snickered once again. "Anything else Ms. Ashcroft?"

"No, I said Boston," Gena shouted into the telephone. "Not Buffalo, Boston." She covered the telephone. "I can explain," she addressed me.

"Hang up the phone," I demanded in a surprisingly calm voice. "You have exactly two seconds to explain Cancun before I hit the bricks."

Much to my surprise she snapped the phone shut. "It all started when I arrived in Boston last week," she began as I sat down on the sofa and sipped my coffee. "I wanted to relax before checking into the hotel. I get really uncomfortable with all the sucking up the staff does. Anyhoo, I went to dinner and saw the most beautiful woman in the world who, based on the conversation I over heard, was single and about to go on vacation in Cancun."

"You stalked me?" I shouted.

"No," she vehemently denied. "Okay yes, and trust me I've never done anything remotely close to this before. But when I heard that you worked for Ashcroft enterprises what else could I do?"

"Several things come to mind," I noted while she fidgeted.

"I came up with better ideas myself," she offered with a halfhearted laugh. "But that was after you arrived in Mexico. I couldn't meet you as me."

"Okay, that does make a certain twisted kind of sense," I reasoned secretly enjoying watching her squirm. "I could have rejected or accepted you based solely on your name. But posing as a working girl? You do know that is insane don't you?"

"Yes," she agreed as she slumped down beside me. "I don't know why I did it. I sat there listening to the sound of your voice and I just had to meet you. But I already knew that we were going to meet. But not as Gena and Liora, I'd be Ms. Ashcroft."

"I work for you," I stammered.

"Technically you work for my father," she pointed out.

"Same thing and everyone knows it," I argued. "Just like everyone knows you are already running most of the company."

"True," she grumbled.

"You know what I find truly amazing?" I laughed. "You are running a billion dollar corporation and you had no idea on how to ask me out?"

"Because it is a multi billion dollar corporation, I couldn't ask you out," she clarified. "Just so there is no misunderstandings, I'm not here to review you or your staff. That would be inappropriate."

"Now you understand that word," I laughed once again.

"Bit late, I know," she smiled. "Anyhoo, the reason I came to Boston is to review the security measures you want to put in place for the Democratic Convention. The home office is very impressed."

"Really?" I chimed.

"Yes, I do have a few suggestions so we need to work together," she explained. "And by work, I mean work."

"I understand," I nodded in agreement once again captivated by her smile. "Damn that smile of yours. Any chance that once this assignment is completed, you might take some time off to enjoy our city?"

"Yes," she blurted quickly as we both started laughing.

"And I thought I was a stressed out executive," I laughed. "All right I need to get to work the boss is in town," I explained as I stood.

"I really like you Liora," she sheepishly offered.

"I like you too, Gena," I confessed. "Insanity must be contagious."

"I hope so," she shouted after me.

That is the whole story. She of course stayed on after the project. Not full time, but eventually she moved her base of operations to Boston, and she has convinced me to take more vacations.

The End

True Hearts

(Happy Birthday To Me Part Two)

February 2004

A very special thank you goes out to my beta reader Mountain Girl.

As always this is for Heather.

*****

"No, no, no," I kept repeating into my cell phone. From the moment I landed and got off the plane my ear has been glued to my cell. As I listen to my latest assistant drone on, I have to wonder just why it was I turned the damn phone on in the first place. "I said Boston," I shout as people turn and stare at me. "Not Brisbane, Boston. What is it with you and B's? Donald," I scolded the young man. "Forget it. This isn't a working trip, I'm here for personal reasons so feel free to forward any inquiries to Brisbane," I snarl as I wave to the driver holding up a sign with my name. I hand the tall, young man my claim stubs as I snap my phone shut without bothering to say goodbye to Donald.

"I'm going to have to fire another one," I grumble as I look at the nervous looking driver. "Oh I'm sorry," I mutter as I reach out to reclaim my claim tickets. I keep forgetting about the changes with security.

"Not to worry Ms. Ashcroft," he reassures me. "I'll collect your bags after I see you to the car. My apologies for not being able to have it waiting at the curb."

"No need to apologize," I smile. "I don't mind walking if it means that someone isn't going to blow up the airport."

"Thank you," he smiles once again.

"Getting a lot of flack these days?" I tease.

"You have no idea," he responds with a heavy sigh.

"What is your name?" I politely inquire.

"David," he smiles once again.

"Tell you what David, I need caffeine," I begin to explain. "Why don't you just meet me over there by the coffee stand? Would you like a cup?"

"Uhm, yes," he stammers truly surprised by my offer.

"Don't worry it isn't your tip," I tease him with a playful wink. "How do you take your coffee?"

"Cream and sugar," he stammers still surprised by my offer.

"I'm on it and I'll see you once you've collected the luggage," I smile as I give him a wave. After I pick up our coffee I once again snap open my cell phone. This call is far more important. "Come on where are you?" I mumble as I begin to chew nervously on my lip. Once again I remind myself that I hadn't told her I was coming.

"Is this your first trip to Boston?" David inquires as he helps me into the limo.

"No, I've been visiting a great deal over the past four months," I smile warmly as I recall the reason why I found the city suddenly charming. "I will be relocating here in the near future," I offer. "A lot of traffic today," I offer absently noticing, even for Boston, the roadways were crowded.

"Holiday weekend, Valentine's Day and all the stuff going on at the State House," he supplies seemingly hesitant about the last part of the statement.

"I've been watching," I sigh, as he seems to stiffen. "No talking politics with the patrons?"

"It is never a wise move," he smiles knowingly. I silently agree knowing that if he is some blockhead who opposes marriage between same sex couples I won't be as generous with my gratuity. I study him as we weave through traffic and smile knowing that he and I are playing for the same team.

"I wonder if that is where she is." I whisper as I once again dial the number that I know by heart. I frown as I am once again greeted with her voice mail. "Come on Gena, you didn't tell her you were coming," I remind myself. "It is a busy weekend and you, of all people, should know she couldn't take the weekend off."

"Ms. Ashcroft?" David disrupts my rambling. "We are here."

"Okay," I nod as I wait for the doorman to open the limo door while David retrieves the luggage. "Thank you very much David," I compliment him as I hand him a generous tip.

"Thank you Ms. Ashcroft," he beams with a tip of his hat. "And don't worry she's probably just at the state house," he offers with a sly whisper.

I feel like Moses parting the red sea as I step into the lobby. Yes, nothing like a surprise visit from the boss to send everyone into a blind panic. I look around pleased to see so many guests and everything running smoothly. What I fail to see is a certain dark haired operations manager. "Probably in her office," I theorize as I feel someone grabbing me by the arm. I flinched before the warmth spread through my body. I knew when I turned around it would be her. "Liora," I gush before I catch the worried look on her face.

"Take Ms. Ashcroft's belongings up to the penthouse," she instructs a very nervous looking bellhop.

"Surprise," I gulp out still concerned about the panicked look on her face.

"Hate to be a stinker darling, but we have a problem," she blows out nervously.

"I'm sure whatever it is you can handle it," I reassure my lover.

"You're sharing the penthouse," she explains in exasperation.

"I beg your pardon," I snip. Normally I'm not a snotty person, but I also never share the penthouse. Well almost never. "If the room is booked I can find accommodations elsewhere," I try to reason as her lips curl in the most unnatural manner. "Liora, I only share the penthouse with family."

"Your father arrived about an hour ago," she wearily informs me.

"Daddy's here?" I beam with excitement.

"Yeah and he almost got one hell of a surprise," she chuckles nervously.

"I wonder why Daddy is here." I ponder.

"Probably because he knew you'd be here and he wanted to see you for your birthday," she explains as she begins to calm down.

"Makes sense," I nod. "That was sweet of him. Wait you knew about my birthday?"

"Yes, and I also knew that you were coming this weekend," Liora wearily responds running her fingers through her long, dark hair.

"How?" I bluster.

"I have my sources," she taunts me with a confident smirk. "That is neither here nor there. What I was unaware of was your father joining us."

"Is this where you get to the part where my father almost got one hell of a surprise?" I question her eager to find out just what faux pas had occurred.

"As I said, I knew that you were planning to surprise me for Valentine's Day so I was planning a little surprise of my own," she explains as I find it positively adorable that she is blushing. "I added a few romantic touches to the suite and was waiting for you."

"Waiting for me?" I question as I feel the heat rising to my cheeks. "And just where were you waiting for me?"

"In the main bath and lets just say I have some interesting underwear on," Liora quickly concludes. "Thank goodness for Stacy's quick thinking and cell phones."

"Really?" I smirk my eyes darting to the hint of cleavage peeking out from her blouse.

"Gena," she cautions me with a throaty growl.

"Show me?" I entreat her as she drags me towards the elevator.

"Gena," she repeats her crystal blue eyes narrowing as she glares down at me. My eyes are still raking up and down her long, lean form as my mind tries to conjure up the image of just what she is wearing beneath her pristine business attire. She ignores my ogling as she pushes me into the elevator. "Tell me what your father knows about me?"

"Not much," I shrug my eyes still seeking answers regarding her under clothing.

"Really?" She mutters with a slight hint of dejection in her voice, her eyes turning from me as she notices the crowd of people in the elevator with us. She slides the keycard into the security slot so we can proceed up to the penthouse.

"Liora," I begin in a hushed tone not wanting to share our private life with the strangers surrounding us. "My father and I both travel a great deal; actually seeing one another is a rare event. I told him that I am seeing someone, but I didn't want to tell him everything during a quick phone call or by email. Forgive me, but for someone this special I wanted to tell him in person."

"Special?" She questions as her face lights up.

"Yes, special," I sigh happily as I brush my fingers against her silk covered arm.

"Does he, Uhm, know that," her voice trails off in a nervous fashion as we hide in the back of the elevator.

"You're a woman?" I laugh at her question. "Trust me despite the lack of normalcy in my family; I have never hidden who I am. Speaking of dunderheads, how are things going at the state house?"

"It is insane," she grumbles with frustration. "They keep yammering about amendments that would allow civil unions, but not marriage or ban both. They've voted three times on the same thing plus taking break after break. I swear I should have gone into politics; I never have time to spit."

"Have you been down there?" I ask curious about what was happening.

"A few times," she groans. "Each time I ended up in a shouting match with some holier than thou butt head. I'm not going back, but I've been watching it on television."

"I caught it in between flights," I explain as more and more people exit the elevator with each passing floor. "Don't you find it interesting that most of the opposition that is interviewed look like closet cases?" My comment earns some snickers of amusement and a few snorts of disgust.

The elevator is now empty and she reaches down and clasps my hand. "I missed you," she whispers keeping a careful eye on the floor numbers passing as we near our destination.

"I missed you too," I happily respond giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm excited about seeing my father, but it certainly throws a monkey wrench in the romantic weekend that I was hoping for."

"I know," she sighs in agreement. "I was really looking forward to surprising you for a change. Then again it is really going to be hard to top the way we met. You know the stalking and all."

"I didn't stalk you," I giggle in protest as the elevator opens at the penthouse door. "I saw you in a restaurant, charted the company jet so I could beat you to Mexico, and hid in your bathroom."

"Yes, how could anyone think of that as stalking?" She smirks as we linger outside the door. "Damn cameras," she mutters as her eyes drift up to the ceiling. "Can't make out in the elevator or the hallway."

"That didn't stop you in Athens?" I tease her as she blushes.

"I'm not the operations manager in Athens," she concludes.

"Coming in with me?" I ask in a desperate attempt to spend some time alone with her.

"Uhm," she stammers as her face turns pale.

"Oops," I apologize suddenly remembering that my father is inside.

"I'll come up later," she reassures me squeezing my hand tenderly before releasing it. My body suddenly feels cold from the loss of contact. "You know if it gets too crowded in the suite, you could stay at my apartment?"

"Tempting," I purr in response. "But since it is a full house this weekend, you'll be here almost twenty-four seven. We'll work it out."

"Gena, I wouldn't be comfortable with your father in the next room," she warns me.

"Neither would I," I agree. "I will think of something, I promise."

"Good," she hums as her eyes darken. "Because I owe someone birthday spankings."

I inhale sharply as I watch her disappearing into the elevator. "I'm going to kill my father," I vow as I knock on the door. I can't help smiling as my father opens the door and wraps me up in his arms. "Daddy," I sigh happily wondering how long it has been since we've seen one another. I step back thankful that he looks fit although his hair seems even whiter than the last time I saw him.

"Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea," he smiles boldly as he ushers me into the massive suite.

"That isn't until Sunday," I caution him not eager to be crossing the threshold into my thirties. "Why are you in Boston?"

"Because my baby girl is turning thirty and I wanted to celebrate with her," he beams brightly. "Fix you a drink?"

"No thank you," I politely decline.

"I'm curious as to why you chose to spend your birthday in Boston and not somewhere more exciting?" He asks while pouring himself a scotch on the rocks.

"I like Boston," I offer nonchalantly not eager to tell him about Liora. My hesitation stems from my father's over protective nature. I want them to meet, but I am not looking forward to the interrogation I know he will subject my lover to.

"You must since you've been spending so much time here lately," he offers directly as I cringe knowing he must already know the answer to his original question. I shrug off my coat wondering if perhaps I might need a shot of liquid courage after all. "Is it because at any other hotel you stayed at you would be expected to turn in a report on the operations? I understand that Jerome is handling all inspections at this hotel and every other operation around the globe falls under your domain," I release a throaty growl as I try to wait patiently for him to get to the point. He ignores my growl as he crosses the room and makes himself comfortable on the sofa. "Is that why your luggage arrived up here twenty minutes before you did?"

I tried rolling the tension from my neck only to feel the muscles tightening. I ignore my father's curious stare dumping my coat on an armchair and pouring a double shot of Disaronno for myself. "No ice?" He taunts me as I gulp down a healthy swig.

"No need," I snarl as I take a seat next to him spying the folder lying conspicuously on the coffee table. "I want you to meet her."

"I've already had the pleasure," he confidently retorts. "She was preparing the room when I arrived. Liora Jane Blasdell," he begins in a knowing tone.

"My God, tell me you didn't have her investigated?" I bellow as I slam my glass down on the table.

"It wasn't difficult, she works for us," he tries to reason with me as I feel my ire growing. "Genevieve," he begins, as I fear the worst. It can't be a good sign if he is calling me by my full name. "My daughter hijacks the company jet and sprints off to Mexico when she is supposed to be reviewing the Boston operations. Not only do you run off to Cancun, you don't stay in the penthouse, and instead you comp an employee's vacation. What was I to think?"

"That I'm an adult," I fume pleased when he shrinks back ever so slightly. "I told you that I am seeing someone. I was planning on telling you all about her, but I didn't want to do over the phone. I wanted you to meet Liora. She is a very special person."

"I must admit that on paper she is very impressive," he concedes as I suspect more is coming. "She has a stellar reputation, has performed well for the company and Cancun was the first vacation she has taken in seven years. She is very well educated, although not Ivy League, and in very good health."

"You read her medical records?" I sputter with disbelief. "That is a criminal act."

"She's an employee," he contradicts me.

"And her state of health is her business," I growl before grabbing up my glass and downing the rest of my drink. "Having her medical records is a crime. Where is this going?" I demand as I get up and freshen up my drink.

"Gena, I was only curious about her," he tries to defend his actions. "And she seems to be truly wonderful and very attractive I might add."

"Eww," I scowl as I return to my spot on the sofa. "Don't forget you are still married to my mother. Then again the two of you haven't lived together for over twenty years. Plus I'm dating this woman."

"I didn't mean it in a sexual way," he grimaces. "I'm just trying to explain that Ms. Blasdell seems to be a very nice person, on paper."

"She is a nice person," I quickly interject.

"And an employee," he cautions me.

"I don't review her or her staff," I offer in Liora's defense. "Is it because she is on the staff? Don't tell me you are turning into a snob in your old age?"

"That isn't my objection," he sternly admonishes me. "Hear me out. A very career orientated employee takes her first vacation in almost a decade to romance the person who will in the future own the corporation she is working for. It sounds suspicious."

"It does," I agree with cocky grin. "If she had known who I was when we met."

"What?" He eagerly inquires. "Wait she took of to Mexico with a complete stranger? I don't think I like the sound of that."

"Oh boy," I sigh thinking of just how I was going to explain my little adventure in Mexico without going into the details. I am certainly not going to tell my dear father that I raced down there and pretended to be a working girl. "No, she went down there by herself," I carefully begin. "I arranged it so that we would meet but she never knew my real name until after we realized we had feelings for one another."

'There that should cover my bases without having to admit the gritty details,' I confidently smile as my father mulls over what I have said.

"She had no idea?" He pries, as my smile grows brighter.

"None," I confirm. "When we met I was just Gena. She didn't find out that I am Genevieve Ashcroft until after we returned to Boston."

"How did she react when she found out?" He asks seemingly truly interested.

"Not well at first," I cringe recalling how she demanded that I explain everything. "In fact, she inferred that I might be insane."

"I think I am going to like this woman," he beams over at me while I respond by slapping him playfully.

"Daddy?" I squeal honestly amused by his response. "Liora is coming up later, I want you to be nice."

"I'm always nice," he protests. "Tell me how did the two of you end up meeting? I want to hear how my little girl lost her heart."

"Oh well," I hedge knowing my face has turned crimson. "You know."

"No I don't," he urges me. "You didn't stay at our hotel; don't tell me you stayed at one of our competitors?"

"Daddy," I stammer not wanting to lie to my father, but not really feeling a need to shock or cause him concern either. "I told you, I didn't want her to know who I was. I had already discovered that she worked for us. We met in Mexico on her first day there, and since she hadn't been to Cancun before I offered to show her the sites."

"Sounds very romantic, wandering about the ruins and the white sandy beaches," he sighs as I say a silent prayer that I didn't have to reveal all of the truth, the sex toys alone would have killed him. "Your mother and I went there once," he smiles at the memory.

"Together?" I curiously inquire. My parent's relationship has always concerned me. Even when they shared the same address I never really recall the two of them spending very much time together.

"Yes, together," he snorts indignantly. "How is your mother?"

"Very, well," I inform him. "I spoke with her just last week. In fact I'm planning on doing a tour of our French operations this spring. It will give me an excuse to visit her."

"Still living with that youngster, the one whose only goal in life is to build up his muscles and have a really good tan?" He grumbles with a slight hint of hurt clouding his dark green eyes.

"No, Hans has been absent for quite some time now," I inform him watching the slight etching of a smile dawn on his lips. "How are the boys?" I ask eager to get through all of the pleasantries as quickly as possible. The boys are my two older brothers who should have been the ones to take over the corporation. Since neither had a desire to work for a living nor can remain focused on anything for longer than a few weeks, I stepped in.

"Larry," his lips purse with displeasure as he speaks. "Is off somewhere on that boat of his and Tom is in Switzerland."

"Sailing and skiing, that must keep them busy," I drolly retort before rolling my shoulders. I don't want to discuss my wayward siblings knowing that it will only lead to my father erupting into a tirade about how my mother coddled them as children. Lawrence Horton Ashcroft, IV and Thomas Winthrop Ashcroft were two very wealthy young men who spend more in a single day than most people make in a year. They don't have to work and chose to do nothing. I have to admit that they are very good at doing nothing. I don't begrudge my brother's frivolous lifestyles; I just simply don't understand it. I like working, and running the business appeals to my sense of structure. "How long will you be staying?"

"Trying to get rid of me so soon?" He laughs.

"No," I reassure him. "I was just wondering."

"Monday," he answers me as my heart drops knowing that the romantic weekend I had hoped for had just evaporated. "Have I interfered with your plans?"

"A bit," I confess. "No worries. I am very happy to see you and can't wait to show you around," my body tenses as I hear a knock on the door.

"I've been here before you know," he chastises me as I stand and walk over to the main door.

"I know," I grumble under my breath. My entire body lights up when I open the door and find a very nervous looking brunette waiting on the other side.

"I've been watching the news," my father drones on as my lover and I simply gaze into one another's eyes. "We should be doing something about this. Who do we know?"

I break away from my lover's mesmerizing gaze to rub my brow. "Every one of your associates is already voting the way they should be," I call out over my shoulder as I take my lover's hand. "Ready?" I whisper to her as her hand trembles in my own. She simply nods in response. I find it interesting to see my normally controlled lover looking positively frightened. I guide her into the room. She trembles beside me as my father stands to greet her.

"Ms. Blasdell a pleasure to see you again," he greets her warmly. "Now about this gay marriage thing?"

"Excuse me?" Liora squeaks out as I glare over at my father. My chest tightens as I begin to fear that he has already begun to make plans for our wedding.

"We need to be on top of this if it goes through," he informs her as Liora blows out a sigh of relief. Her posture straightens as she releases my hand. I know that she is relieved that he wants to discuss business not his daughter. Honestly so am I.

"I am already on top of it Sir," she begins in a calm professional manner. "We've been catering commitment ceremonies for years. I've already had ads designed for the local gay papers and the national magazines. They are very tasteful announcing that if a couple wishes to come to Massachusetts to legalize their union they are welcome to have the ceremony, reception or to honeymoon here. The church just around the corner has also been performing commitment ceremonies for ages, and I've spoken to them as well. They are very pleased by our enthusiasm and will gladly recommend the hotel to couples seeking a church wedding. There is also a carriage service that I have made a deal with so we can include it in the package."

"Splendid," he compliments her. "A church wedding, then a short carriage ride over here for the reception and the honeymoon suite. You should put together some brochures of different wedding packages."

"Done," she responds confidently. "If you have the time I could bring them up?"

"Later," he waved off her suggestion. "First we have dinner."

"Beg pardon?" I cut in furious that my father was taking over and I had yet to spend anytime alone with my lover.

"I assumed that the two of you had planned on dining together," he confidently retorts. "I am also assuming that my arrival has changed your plans."

"To say the least," I hiss.

"The three of us will dine together," he informs me. "A private table upstairs will suffice."

"I'll make the arrangements," Liora agrees. I can hear the ire in her voice.

"Daddy?" I coldly address him. "Go to your room."

"Excuse me?" He gapes at me.

"Go to your room," I repeat sternly. "I just flew in from London and I haven't seen Liora in weeks. Now that you have taken over our evening I want two seconds alone with her. And I'm warning the both of you right now; at the restaurant no one is discussing business."

I am pleased that my father nods in agreement and disappears into one of the bedrooms. I am worried that my lover has folded her arms across her chest and is glaring down at me. "Why can't we talk shop tonight? It is certainly something all three of us have in common." She pleads.

"Not tonight," I argue as I pull her hands away from the tight hold she has on her chest. "Tonight you are not having dinner with the boss; you will be dining with your girlfriend and her father."

"I'm afraid," she whimpers as she begins to pout. "I don't do well with parents, and your father isn't just another dad. He's the guy that Donald Trump calls when he needs a loan. Gena your family is a little out of the ordinary."

"Oh sweetie," I sigh as I pull her trembling hands to my chest. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but Daddy is just the tip of the iceberg."

"Oh fuck," she stammers before taking a calming breath. "No matter," she asserts as she bolsters her courage. "It is just dinner with my girl and her dad at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city."

"Which you over see and I own," I tease her. "At least you and Daddy won't have to arm wrestle over who pays the check."

"True," she concedes still trying to catch her breath. "Before anything else happens there is something I really need to do."

Before I can ask her what she is talking about, she is cupping my face in her hands and attacking my lips. I moan deeply as the kiss quickly turns passionate. My hands are roaming her body as we stumble backward. I forget our surroundings as I begin to tug her blouse out her skirt. My knees bump into the edge of the sofa and we begin to fall. I pull her down on top of me, my body reeling from the feel of her.

Liora suckles my tongue as my knee slips between her thighs. I need to feel more of her so I slip my hands up under the cool silk blouse and begin caressing her stomach. Her body moves slowly against me setting my nerves on edge. "I want you," I pant helplessly in her ear.

"I'm yours," she whispers against my skin as she kisses my neck.

"Are you done out there?" I hear my father calling to us snapping me back to reality. Liora springs off of my body leaving me in heaving bundle of want lying helplessly.

"No," I bark in response as I watch my lover straightening her clothing.

"When is he leaving?" She pants out her inquiry.

"Monday," I groan my body still trembling with an aching need.

"And when are you leaving, again?" She timidly asks.

"I had planned on leaving Monday as well," I respond as a look of disappointment clouds her chiseled features. "I'll be changing my plans and staying on for an extra few days."

"If you have work I understand," she graciously offers.

"No," I refuse still unable to stand. "It can wait. I'm certain that several operations managers in Colorado will be thankful for the reprieve."

"I missed you," she smiles down at me, her eyes still filled with hunger. I inhale sharply as her cell phone chirps. Her eyes continue to devour me as she answers the call. "I have to go," she reluctantly explains. "I'll see you at dinner. Eight O'clock?"

"Fine," I sigh lost in her electrifying gaze. I am filled with a sense of loss as she turns to exit. "Did you leave me any presents in my room?" I tease her.

"No, I had to take your gifts away since I was uncertain which room your father would prefer," she explains blushing profusely.

"This sucks," I sneer as my mind ponders just what my amorous lover had planned for me.

"Gena, I promise you that no matter what we are going to have a very romantic Valentine's Day, and I am going to move heaven and earth to make your birthday special. Even if I have to quit my job or lock your father in the trunk of my car," she vows before brushing my lips with a tender kiss.

I can still feel her kiss even though she left the room. I bring my fingers to my lips savoring the way they are still burning. "Can I come out now?" My father whines from his bedroom.

"Yes," I mock him quickly adjusting my attire as he enters the room. "When did she do that?" I wonder upon discovering that Liora had managed to unclasp my bra. My heart is pounding as my hand fumbles up my back and I fix the problem before my father notices. I fail in my attempt to conceal our amorous encounter. My father simply looks away with a nervous expression. "How tall are you?"

"Why?" He cautiously responds.

"Just wondering if you could fit in the trunk of Liora's car," I quip as he laughs finally turning back around.

"I'm interfering," he sullenly offers.

"Yes," I concede as I stand and go through my luggage until I found my briefcase. "You're not leaving. I never get to see you," I place the briefcase on the coffee table and snap it open. "Now, since we can't discuss business over dinner, why don't I go over my trip to the UK?"

"Why can't we discuss business over dinner? It would certainly be a common ground." He challenges me as I gather my notes.

"Because you are meeting my girlfriend, not reviewing a member of the staff," I chastise him. "The hotel in London might be in need of some reorganization in the upper management," I begin ignoring the scowl as he is sporting. "I was treated like royalty I fear that the paying guests were not treated as well. I also fear that there might be some improprieties in the accounting department, I'm having the financials forwarded to me here; if Donald can figure what continent I'm on. I've sent Jerome over to check in as a guest, I want to see how he is treated."

"Your cousin loves that under cover stuff, I think he missed his calling," my father chuckles.

"Now what impressed me were our smaller operations outside of the main cities," I continue smiling at his comment regarding Jerome. "One in particular the Wellington. The whole set up was very homey; the staff seemed to be extraordinarily attentive to all of the guests. I think we should, market it more, lower the rates and increase the staff's wages."

"Hold on," he begins to bristle at the notion. "Lower the rates and increase the cost of operations?"

"Yes," I flatly respond. "The staff treats the guests as if they are welcoming them into their home as a special guest. To most of the staff the area is their home. They are doing a fabulous job and should be rewarded. Lowering the cost will encourage more people to travel away from the tourist spots. Wellington offers a quiet week or weekend in the countryside with enough activities to maintain a steady flow of guests year round. Fewer and fewer people are going away on holiday because the economy is so bad. Offering them a deal that they can afford will encourage more people to leave home. Plus there seems to be a resurgence of going off to the countryside. If we do this I feel that the Wellington and the other smaller hotels will be at capacity year round. We keep the rates of the larger hotels status quo that should off set the financials."

"You've already set this in motion haven't you?" He smirks over at me.

"Everything but the pay increases for the staff, that needs your approval," I confidently respond.

"A weekend in the country," he mulls over the idea. "That does sound appealing. Very well do it. Oh wait you already have," he laughs.

"And what have you been up to while I've been slaving away?" I challenge him.

"I sold the property in Dallas," he sighs with a sad look.

"To the university?" I nod with approval.

"Yes, it will be a dormitory next fall," he grumbles. "I hate putting people out of work."

"It is only temporary," I reassure him. "The construction on the new hotel has already begun. I will see what I can do about relocating the staff until the new hotel is operational. Daddy, that old hotel wasn't drawing any real business. The new one will. It could have been worse, we would have shut down completely and instead of creating new jobs we would have left a void."

"You're right," he concedes with a hint of pride.

"You taught me well," I compliment him as I mentally prepare myself for the next bit of business I am about to drop in his lap. "Now, I need to tell you something and I don't want you to fly off the handle."

"Me?" He gasps with mock indignation. "What is it?"

"I moving into one of the executive suites here in Boston," I firmly assert hoping that he understands that I won't be talked out of it. The executive suites are one floor below the penthouse. For decades the suites were one unit reserved for the members of my family. It is where I grew up, and my father grew up. Never having lived in a real house the family suites were our home. When I first came to work for my father he was stunned when I recommended that we divide the suite into six separate units creating more rooms to rent. I was correct the idea of a family suite had long ago became a relic from the past and were no longer needed since the family no longer lived together and usually stayed in the penthouse when it was available. My father was initially outraged by my suggestion until I explained that every hotel had a family suite and by reconstructing them we would have an additional twenty five hundred suites to rent out to high paying guests. It broke his heart, but it was done.

I sit and watch, as the look on his face turns grim. "Why Boston?" He finally inquires in a grim tone. My mouth opens fully prepared to present my side of the story. "You haven't known this woman long enough to move your base of operations to Boston."

"And I won't get to know her unless I do," I counter confidently.

"Genevieve I think you should reconsider this rash action," he cautions me.

"It isn't rash," I calmly explain as I fight to keep my anger in check. I had expected his reaction and I am fully prepared to shoot down any of his objections. I know the best way to get through to my father is to explain my reasons as if this was simply another business deal. "Daddy, I can run this company from any where in the world. In fact I do run this company from all over the world," I knew my comment had hurt him. I had just broken the unspoken agreement between us. I worked my way up the ladder of the family business. I started as a night clerk at one of the hotels. Little by little with each rung I climbed I took on more and more responsibility. Now I have more power than my father, yet no one is suppose to talk about it. "I'm sorry," I quickly apologize. "That was uncalled for."

"No," he quickly corrects me. "It is the truth. You may not have the title but you are running the business. I think we are the only two people who never admit to that fact," he adds with slight smile as I think back to what Liora had said when she first discovered who I really am. She said that she worked for me and everyone knew that I was running most of the company.

"Daddy, I'm not asking you to hand over the reins," I reassure him. "I look forward to working for you for many more decades," I add letting him know that I have no intention of trying to force him out. That isn't what I want all I want is to do my job and build a stronger relationship Liora. Of course it still bothers me that I know deep down my father is still harboring the hope the one or both of my brothers will wake up and want to work in the family business. "All I am doing is changing my mailing address."

"That isn't all you are doing," he slowly begins as I watch his discomfort growing. "What about your staff?"

"My staff mainly consists of Jerome and Donald," I explain. "Jerome travels as much as I do and I'm about to sack Donald. Sorry, I know he's family but he is an idiot."

"True," my father agrees with a slight smile.

"I've moved my base of operations at least a dozen times before, why the problem this time?" I challenge him already knowing the reason. "Where I fly home to has been of no importance over the years, until now. I am not going to start a new relationship with someone who lives in a different state. Liora and I have the beginnings of something wonderful; it won't become a real relationship if we never see one another."

"And if it doesn't work out?" He tries to sway me.

"Then I move," I counter with cocky smirk. "She isn't a gold digger and I want to try to make this work. I don't want what you and mother have."

"Your mother and I have been married for almost forty years," he argues as I almost laugh at his objection.

"And you haven't been in the same room since I graduated from Stanford," I grumble. "I know that you are legally married but you separated over twenty-five years ago. Daddy, give me some credit here. I've met a nice woman who happens to live in Boston. You seem to like her already just give her a chance."

"For you anything," he promises as I see the wheels spinning.

"Thank you Daddy," I accept before heading towards my bedroom. I know that while I am unpacking my father is probably hiring another private investigator to dig deeper into Liora's past. I blush as I unpack the special lingerie I purchased for what was to be a romantic weekend. "Just a slight delay," I reassure myself as I wonder what my father has planned. "A job," I snort as I stretch out my tire muscles. I gather up my things and prepare for a long soak in the Jacuzzi. My father is busy on the telephone as I pass by. I shake my head knowing that at this very moment he is making arrangements to have Liora offered a very lucrative position in the company that will pay her more money than she could have ever dreamed of making and very far away from me. "She's going to tell you to shove it," I whisper as I slip into the bubbling water.

I don't blame my father for what seem like callous actions. I spent my life-watching people trying to get close to members of my family. All of them seemed truly sincere and almost all of them were looking for a pay off. I wish that I could claim that I had been spared from that scenario in my own life, but it simply wasn't true. Because of countless women trying to blackmail my brother's or me my father has grown overly cautious and severely over protective.

As I stroll back into the main room clad only in a robe my father looks smug when there is a knock on the door. "You should get that," I gleefully instruct him. "I think it is for you. I should warn you she has one hell of a temper," I add as he gives me a perplexed look before opening the door. I linger in the background as my very irate lover storms into the room.

"Mr. Ashcroft, Sir," she begins in a very harsh tone.

"I don't think there is any need for formalities," he tries to placate her.

"Oh I think there is," she coldly cuts him off as she uses her height to tower over my unsuspecting father. "This is a business matter. You should be hearing from a Mr. Giles very shortly. I've thanked him for the offer but I must decline becoming the Vice President of your New Zealand operations."

"A different hemisphere?" I mumble thinking it was a very good call on my father's behalf.

"I live in Boston," Liora continues as the veins in her neck bulge. "And since the person I am involved with is relocating here, just to be with me I think I'll be staying right here."

"Ms. Blasdell I assure you that any promotion offered to you is based solely on your work," I hear my father lying as I cringe.

"Lying to me is a very bad idea," she fumes. "No need to worry, I resign."

"Stop!" I shout before either of them got any further.

"Did you know he would do this?" Liora shouts at me.

"Frankly, yes," I confess as I eye the both of them carefully. "Okay, time for damage control."

"Damage control?" Liora stammers with disbelief.

"Yes," I try to comfort her by crossing the room and taking her hand. "Daddy, apologize then go for a walk."

"A walk it is freezing outside," he protests. "This is my hotel."

"Which is filled to capacity this weekend and your manager is about to walk out," I sternly inform him. "First you will apologize to your operations manager then you will apologize to my lover. Both of which you have offended."

"Ms. Blasdell, I would be grateful if you would over look my behavior and stay on," my father offered sincerely much to Liora's indifference. "Liora, forgive me I'm just trying to look out for my daughter. I'm certain that any explanation or excuse I could offer you at this moment would be an insult. I'll leave that to Gena's more than capable hands. In the meantime, I'll be downstairs at the bar."

I can feel Liora's anger growing as my father leaves the room. "You knew?" She tearfully asks.

"Yes, and I would have warned you if I knew the two of you would be meeting today," I carefully begin my mind spinning as I try to figure out just how I am going to explain this to her. "When I was sixteen, I thought I was in love with a girl I thought loved me too. Unbeknownst to me she video taped us one night and then tried to blackmail me."

"Oh my God," Liora sputters as she wraps me up in her arms.

"I told her to go to hell," I continue. "Instead she went to my father threatening to sell the tape to the tabloids, he had her arrested. When my brother Tom was fifteen and a virgin a girl he barely knew claimed he was the father of her baby. We've been accused, threaten and manipulated all of our lives because our names are Ashcroft. Just two years ago I had personal assistant who I let go because she was incompetent she filed a sexual harassment suit. Those are some of the nicer incidents that have happened over the years. My father isn't a bad man he just loves his children. Although he seems to like you and he does trust my judgment the past has made him overly protective."

"I can understand his motives," she concedes. "I'm still offended but if my kids had been treated like that I guess I might try to pay someone off."

"He didn't mean to be a jackass," I offer as her embrace tightens. "It is just that we haven't known one another for very long and I'm relocating here plus you've traveled with me a few times, to him it just seems rather sudden. On a good note he did seem happy when I told him you didn't know who I was when we met."

I stumble slightly as she jumps out of the warm embrace we are sharing. "How much does he know about that?" She asks in blind panic.

"Just that we met in Mexico and you had no idea who I really was," I laugh as I reassure her.

"Whew," she blows out as I rub her forearms. "I doubt that I could have managed having dinner with him tonight if he knew more of the details."

"Trust me, no one need know about my little charade in Cancun," I tremble slightly at the thought. My gaze drifts down to her cleavage and once again I find myself pondering her underwear.

"What are you thinking?" She asks in a sultry voice.

"What is underneath this beautiful blouse?" I pant in response my fingers brushing the material slightly open. I look up, her eyes are smoldering with desire and her face is pensive. Before she can tell me that we don't have time, I am leading her into the bedroom and locking the door behind us.

"Gena," she whispers as her face draws near. Quickly my body is on fire as I feel her soft lips moving against my own. I feel a slight chill as my robe falls open. My body warms quickly as her hands caressing my naked flesh. My robe falls from my body as our kiss deepens and she guides me backward. I can feel my arousal growing as she lowers me down onto the bed. I need to see her to touch her magnificent body. She clasps my wandering hands as I try to unbutton her blouse.

I am delightfully trapped beneath her. She uses one hand to pin my wrists above my head as her kisses drift down along my neck. My eyes flutter shut as I feel her suckling my neck while her other hand slips between our bodies. I release a needy whimper as I feel her long knowing fingers parting my swollen nether lips. She moans as my wetness greets her touch.

I silently curse that our time together is limited as her tongue traces the swell of my breasts and her fingers dip into my wetness. My nipple becomes erect between her lips as she strokes my throbbing clit. My body arches as I feel her slipping inside of me. She is driving me insane as she fills me while she suckles my breast. "God Baby, I need you," I pant as my body convulses. "I need to taste you, to feel you explode against me." My desire swells as she moans her agreement against my flesh.

My body releases as she plunges in and out of me. We both release a frustrated sigh; each of us craving more and knowing that for now this is all we can share. "Come home with me tonight?" She whispers hotly in my ear as I feel her touch slipping from my body. "After dinner come back to my place?"

"Are you certain that you can get away?" I ask as she adjusts her clothing my body still quivering beneath her haunting gaze.

"Even if the hotel is on fire, I'm going home with you," she vows my heart soaring from her promise.

"I'll pack an over night bag," I say smiling as I climb off of the bed and put my robe back on.

*****

I smile at the view of the city as my father and I sip champagne at the table by the window the Liora has selected. Daddy and I are enjoying talking with one another, yet both of us are becoming increasingly aware that Liora is quite tardy. "Life of an executive," he offers after I glance at my watch once again. "How do you handle it when she travels with you?"

"I promised her that half of the day is for business and the other is devoted to her," I explain, feeling pleased when he smiles back at me. "Occasionally, work does over lap but I am very mindful not to take Liora for granted. She is the same when I visit here. At least she normally is," I frown again glancing at my watch. "It isn't like her to not at least ring me when she is running late."

"I didn't scare her off did I?" My father questions with worry.

"If I haven't your little stunt certainly couldn't," I inform him with a laugh. "Here she is," I blow out relieved when I see her tall form moving towards our table.

"I'm sorry," she quickly apologizes as I begin to worry as we all remain standing. "We have little problem," she begins as she motions for Daddy and I to sit. I doubt that I will be very happy as we sit down and she remains standing. "Mrs. Ashcroft has checked into the penthouse."

"Mother is here?" My father and I smile.

"Not yours," Liora explains as she clears her throat. "Well not unless she has had a lot of work done," she mutters as she waves the waiter over. "Jasper set another place."

"I don't understand," my father, mumbles, as I feel suddenly light headed.

"She means my mother," I inform him feeling suddenly nauseous as I grasp the situation.

"Oh then you're right she has had a lot of work done," my father begins tease before his jaw drops. "Wait you mean my," his voice trails off as his face turns ashen.

"Your wife," I correct him as I spy my mother being led over to our table.

"I thought your parents were divorced?" Liora questions as she pulls out a chair for my mother as both my father and I rise to greet her.

"No," I mutter. "They just don't see one another," I quickly explain noting that my mother is making her usual grand entrance.

"Should I have the waiter arrange for separate tables?" Liora offers. "Maybe could bump a guest from one of the rooms? Some one's credit card must have been rejected."

"Not necessary," my father graciously steps in. "We'll figure out the sleeping arrangements later. I'm certain your mother just wanted to surprise you for your birthday, there is no reason why the four of us can't have a civilized meal together."

"First have Jasper take the knives back to the kitchen," I whisper. "Mother, how good to see you."

"My baby," my mother cries out swooping me up in her arms managing to ignore my father and lover.

"Marion," my father greets her politely as she eyes him with suspicion.

"Lawrence what brings you to Boston?" She taunts him as he holds out a chair for her.

"Apparently the same thing that brought you here," he politely responds as he waits for Liora and I to sit. My lover's eyes are filled with panic. I yank her down into the chair beside me before she can run off. My mother looks shocked that Liora is joining us.

"Mother this is Liora Blasdell the woman I told you about," I assert quickly before my dear sweet snob of a mother can say something stupid.

"My dear this is your new friend," she gushes as she turns a curious glance towards my lover. "My apologies Ms. Blasdell from the way you assisted me downstairs, I mistook you for an employee."

"I am," Liora coldly retorts as I place my hand on her thigh in an effort to comfort her.

"Really?" My mother's voice drips with sarcasm as she glares at me.

"Liora is the operations manager here," I explain proudly while caressing my lover's thigh.

"Really?" My mother repeats in a droll tone her eyes now boring into me. "I must be confused then, perhaps it is the jet lag. I thought that you just implied that Ms. Blasdell was your new companion."

"Companion?" Liora sneers and I can feel the waves of anger rolling off of her. "Okay, that's it," I feel my heart drop terrified that Liora's is about to throw in the towel. "Mr. And Mrs. Ashcroft my name is Liora Blasdell; I've been seeing your daughter for the past several months after meeting her in Mexico under the most extraordinary circumstances. We are lovers and I care for Gena very much and I also work for a living. Sadly I happen to be employed by you. Now forgive me for my outburst but I was under the impression that we've all gathered here to celebrate Gena's birthday."

I was just so proud of Liora at that moment I could have burst. My father seemed ready to salute her as well, but I think that had more to do with the way my mother was suddenly struck mute.

"Thank you," I congratulate her with a peck on the cheek.

"Well now that everything has been cleared up, Mr. Ashcroft perhaps you would like to make the wine selection while Jasper tells us this evening's specials?" Liora triumphantly concluded.

"Excellent suggestion," my father smirks. "I just have one question why are there no ashtrays?"

"Boston enacted a smoking ban last May," Liora explains as I feel her ire ebbing.

"Hells bells," my father grunts.

"Smoking ban, not that I'm unhappy with the thought of you not firing up one of those disgusting cigars, but who ever thought of such a thing?" My mother tosses out.

"Mother has been living in France," I quickly explain.

"I see," Liora nods as she covers my hand with her own. "I think I am beginning to understand you just a little better."

"Honey, you'll never understand me," I tease her with a wick gleam in my eye.

"True," she says with a soft smile. "Maybe I just understand why you seemed so stunned when you met my family."

"That's because I've never met normal people before," I whisper as my father orders a bottle of champagne. "Mother stop pretending to read the menu, we know you can't see it without your reading glasses. And don't order something fancy just to keep up your image. I know what you want and you haven't had one in over a decade so just order it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," my mother lies as my father and I roll our eyes.

"Fine, I'll order it for you," my father blows out. "Jasper, is it possible for the chef to make the lady a large cheese burger and an order of fries?"

"With pickles, onions and lots of ketchup?" My mother adds almost pleading with the stunned waiter as Liora chokes on her water.

"Ah thank you," I sigh with relief watching the icy facades slipping away and my true parents revealed. I know it won't last long and soon they'll be bickering but I want to enjoy these few moments of peace. "Finally, my real parents. Liora these are the people who raised me not the stuff shirts you've been subjected to. Just give mother a greasy cheese burger and she's a new woman."

"I love France and the cuisine but it is true sometimes I get homesick," mother concedes. "I just have a weakness for burgers."

"That is how we met," my father laughs and I smile already knowing the story he is about to tell. "We were about seventeen and stuck at this stuffy dinner party our parents had dragged us to. Paper-thin veal, escargot, and caviar I mean all very elegant and nice but we were teenagers. All of the other kids my age seemed to love it, except this one little blonde hiding in corner looking completely bored out of her mind."

"He strolls over as cocky as can be and invites me to go for a milk shake," my mother finishes for him. "I mean milk shake, who ever heard of such a thing. I accepted immediately."

"The poor car hop looked terrified when we pulled up in a Rolls Royce," my father laughs heartily.

"Not as terrified as you looked when we returned and your father found out you had taken his car and spilled ketchup all over the dash," mother laughs as Liora looks on in amazement. "Bucky's drive-in those were good times," mother adds thoughtfully.

"Yes they were," my father agrees. I gape at them as if they had been taken over by pod people as the rest of us place our dinner orders. "Why are you staring?" My father finally asks.

"I'm accustomed to seeing the both of you relax and drop the attitudes it just doesn't usually happen when you're together," I confess. "Normally, by this time I'm sending one or the other off to the airport before someone gets hurt. Is this my present?"

"Gena," my mother scolds me. "Your father and I are more than capable of behaving civilly."

"Yes, I am well aware of that fact," I concede. "In fact you manage to carry it to an extreme until some one tries to run some one over."

"For the last time I didn't know the car was in gear," my mother fumes as Liora sits back and watches the show. Thankfully the champagne arrives before my father can argue the point. We drink a toast and I watch as both my parents study my very quiet lover.

"It was very romantic," Liora finally offers as our food arrives.

"What was?" My mother questions her mouth full with a beefy burger.

"How the two of you met," Liora explains with a smile.

I study her profile my heart beating rapidly as I say silent thank you that I lost complete control of my senses and followed her to Mexico. "Speaking of romantic meetings," my mother begins as she swallows her food and my eyes widen with horror. "How is it the two of you met? I know it was in Mexico, but Gena has been a little vague with details."

"Yes she has," my father agrees as both Liora and I stare blankly at them. "So, just how did the two of you meet?"

"In Cancun," I assert hoping that I can nip this in the bud.

"We've heard that dear," my mother smiles. "That is where you met but not how you met."

I take a hard swallow as Liora begins playing with the jade necklace I had given her for her birthday. "I was vacationing in Cancun for my birthday," Liora slowly starts as I feel the air escaping my lungs. "I met Gena when I first arrived at the hotel and somehow she knew it was my birthday. I had never been down there before and she graciously offered to be my very own personal tour guide. She flashed that dazzling smile at me and I was helpless to resist."

"That's sweet," my mother says as I blow out a sigh of relief.

"How did she know it was your birthday?" My father inquires as my chest tightens once again.

"I think she was stalking me," Liora teases as my parents laugh thinking she is joking. "I must have mentioned it when I was checking in. She was very evasive though. I didn't even learn her last name until I returned home and was summoned to the penthouse."

"Gena you sly puss," my mother complements me.

"Yes she is," Liora agrees flashing me a knowing look. "At the time I had no idea I just thought she was a cute blonde with this amazing smile. I also thought I'd never see her again."

"Gena mentioned that you weren't happy when you discovered the truth," my father pries.

"No, in fact I made her hang up the telephone and told her she had exactly two seconds to explain herself before I hit the bricks," Liora recounted her hand still linked with mine beneath the table.

"Merde, you got her to hang up the telephone?" My mother gasps. "Half the time I'm convinced that could only be removed by surgery. Smart, good looking, and doesn't take any guff are there any more like you at home my sons could certainly use a woman like you in their lives. Where are the boys by the way?"

"Boating and skiing," I supply my eyes still glued to my lover's profile. 'My God she is gorgeous,' my mind screams out as I once again wonder just what she sees in me. 'She must see something because any sane person would have kicked me to the curb in Cancun. Or at least gone screaming into the night after meeting my loving parents,' I conclude as an incredibly goofy grin emerges on my lips.

"Tell me I am responsible for that smile," Liora whispers in my ear.

"Yes," I helplessly whisper in response. "How is it that you are still here willing to endure this torture and all I've brought into your life since the moment we met is utter chaos?"

She leans in to respond as my father clears his throat alerting the both of us that we are being watched. "Gena I was just trying to explain to your mother that the two of you will be bunking together since there is no room at the inn," he explains as my ears turn pink knowing that I was dangerously close to kissing my lover right then and there.

"Actually, I won't be staying at the hotel this evening so Mom can have the room to herself," I explain as my parent's eyes almost bulge out of their heads. "Not to be in delicate but the two of you have flown in for my thirtieth birthday so no comments. Or should I lie and tell you I'll be sleeping in Liora's guestroom."

"Works for me," my father grunted uncomfortably.

"Sounds lovely," my mother concurred.

I am amazed that the four of us not only made it through dinner and dessert but all of us had an enjoyable time. As I enter my room with my mother in tow I am pondering when the last time my parents got along so well? I make a mental note to track down one of my brothers and ask them. I gather up my over night bag and my coat. Liora excused herself to finish up a few things in her office before coming up to get me.

I am well aware that my mother is watching my every move. "Do I need to remind you of my age?" I turn and challenge her.

"No in fact I'd appreciate it if you started lying about your age," she teases me. "I find it quite annoying that all three of my children are now over thirty. I am concerned."

"Don't tell me that you are going to try having a sex talk with me?" I plead.

"Bit late for that," she sighs heavily as she sits down on the bed. "Darling this is so sudden and she works for the company."

"Didn't take you long to slip back into that mode," I grumble fully prepared to do battle.

"I'm not being pompous," she tries to dissuade me. "You haven't known this young lady for very long and now I hear that you are moving in with her."

"No," I fume tiring of defending my relationship. "I'm relocating to Boston. I'll be living here at the hotel."

"It is just so frivolous, this doesn't sound like you," she presses her point.

"You're right from the first moment I saw Liora I haven't acted like my old self and for the first time in years I am truly happy," I blow out in exasperation. "I am getting very tired of explaining this. If you want to know anything about Liora ask Daddy, I'm quite certain that he has had her investigated. Can I ask you something? If I walked into a party with Liora on my arm and she didn't work for the company and we had been together longer what would you think of her?"

"I would think that the smile on your face would tell me everything I need to know," she explains with a smile of her own. "How does she feel about you being away so much?"

"She understands," I respond thoughtfully. "She travels with me when she can. Both of us are very dedicated to our jobs."

"Oh?" My mother's voice turns grim.

"But whenever we are together we make certain that we take time to enjoy and appreciate the other," I explain in an effort to quiet her fears. "Even when we are on opposite sides of the world we end up calling one another almost every day."

"She is much smarter than I am," mother sadly utters.

"Is that what happened?" I began finally seeing some insight to what happened between my parents. A knock on the door cuts off any response. "I have to go," I say as I step out of the room and find my father and Liora awaiting me in the outer room. Liora takes my travel bag as we bid goodnight to my father.

****

The elevator fills with more and more people the closer we get to the lobby. From a business stand point I am thrilled at how well Liora marketed the holiday weekend. From a personal viewpoint I want all of these strangers to leave us alone so I can get fresh with the tall dark beauty standing beside me.

From the first moment I heard her laugh echoing through that busy restaurant I have been positively smitten with her. My mother tried to teach all of us to relax and enjoy life to somehow over look the station in life we were born into. She also tried to get us to not to be consumed by the business, so that it over shadowed our lives. My father tried to teach us just the opposite, to respect the responsibilities we were handed.

Funny when I think of how my brothers and I opted to follow the extreme they chose the life of complete leisure and I becoming the responsible head of the family. What is even stranger is how as my parents grew older each traded positions, my mother becoming the society matron and my father spending more time on the golf course than at his office.

Meeting and perusing Liora gave me a balance between the two worlds. With one look she can get me to drop everything just to take a walk in the park. I seem to have the same effect on her; it is as if we compliment one another. Just a few months ago one look at her made me break out of the prison that was of my own making and throw caution to the wind.

Liora releases a throaty grumble as we step into the lobby and the staff snaps to attention. It is a response that I am more than accustomed to for her this is new. So much of her life has changed when I barged into it. "It bothers you doesn't it?" I say as we cross the lobby heading towards the glass revolving door that will lead us away from the hotel. "The way they suddenly treat you differently simply because we are dating it bothers you."

"I find it annoying more than anything else," she confesses as she motions for the doorman to hail us a cab. "It bothers me that friends and co-workers suddenly fear my presence. Even worse are people who suck up to me just because I socialize with you. I was the boss before Cancun and I'm still the boss. A position I earned."

"I know you earned it," I reassure her. "I am well aware that you started out as a bellhop and worked your way up while putting yourself through school."

"The good thing about the experience is that I truly understand why you pretended to be someone else when we met," she explains with a smile as the taxi pulls up in front of us and the doorman opens the door for us. "Now no more shop talk, my girlfriend flew in to spend Valentine's Day with me and I simply wish to enjoy her company," she concludes as we snuggle together in the back of the taxi.

"And you say I'm bossy," I snicker as nuzzle her neck.

"You are," she whispers hotly in my ear, my body trembling as her breath caresses my neck. "Now I know where you get that from."

"Hmm," I sigh as I drink in the delicate aroma of her body. "They are a piece of work."

"They were great once everyone calmed down," she chuckles I feel her laugh reverberating in her chest. "I find it interesting how you seem to control them; it is almost as if you were the parent."

"The more responsible I became somehow reversed our roles," I sigh deeply stealing another whiff of the faint remnants of her perfume. "I don't want to talk about my parents there has been something troubling me for hours," I explain as my hand slips beneath her long wool coat and I begin to caress her nylon clad thigh.

"Now what would that be?" She softly teases me as I feel her blunt nails massaging my scalp.

"You're wearing sexy underwear and I still haven't seen it," I hotly inform her as I nip at her bottom lip. My hand slides up along the nylon barrier until my fingers brush against the hem of her skirt. I nip at her lip once again this time sucking into my mouth as my fingers creep beneath her skirt. I can feel the rapid beating of her heart as my hand glides higher. I inhale sharply as I realize that I haven't been caressing pantyhose but stockings. I play with the lace straps of her garter belt while her tongue traces my ear.

I feel the bare flesh of her thigh quivering against the tips of my fingers. My head falls back as her tongue darts into my ear. Her breath is burning my flesh as I brush my fingers against the silk covering her mound. I can feel her wetness seeping through trying to reach my touch.

She captures my lips in a searing kiss as my fingers brush along the lacy border of her panties. I need to touch her to pleasure her until she is screaming out my name. It still amazes me how much our bodies crave the other's touch. I had feared that once Cancun was over and we began dating that the fire would dim. It hasn't instead it only seems to burn brighter.

She parts her thighs inviting me to slip past the barrier that is keeping me from feeling her desire. My fingers slip beneath the silken barrier and brush against her dark curls that are wet with desire. Our kisses deepen, her hands slipping inside of my coat as my fingers glide along her slick folds.

I consume the throaty moan she releases as my fingers brush against the throbbing bundle that is begging for my touch. I stroke her while her tongue invades the warmth of my mouth. Locked in the darkness with only the dim lighting of the passing street lamps I slip inside of the warm wetness that is calling to me.

Her body rocks against my touch as I plunge deep inside of her. I need to taste her passion, each time feels like the first time. I know the driver is probably watching, I don't care let him watch, I need her far too much to wait for the seclusion of her home. She trembles against my touch as I feel her body tighten. She grasps my backside guiding me to ground against her.

Her body traps my fingers as I feel her shudder. I swallow her cries of pleasure kissing her harder as I feel her releasing. I don't want to stop but I am dimly aware that the taxi is no longer moving. We clear our throats while reluctantly slipping away from the other's embrace. She tosses money to the driver and grabs me by the hand.

We race into the quaint brownstone her hold on my hand never faltering as she guides me up the staircase. The heat is surging off of her body as she unlocks the door to her small apartment. She drags me inside kicking the door shut behind us. I am pressed up against the door her mouth ravishing my neck.

I struggle as I try to remove her coat. We fumble as she assists me with my task. "I have so many surprises for you," she growls into my ear as I feel the hem of my dress being lifted higher. "It is your birthday, and whatever you desire I will gladly give to you."

I cry out as the impact of her words reach me while her hands clasp my hips. "I'll grant your every wish," she vows as I feel my body being pressed harder against the door. My eyes are closed tightly as I feel her hand cupping my mound. "Tell me what you want?" She taunts me while teasing my pulsating clit with the heel of her hand. "Tell me?" She repeats as she somehow manages to pull my coat off of my body.

"Liora," I cry out my body already crashing from the sound of her voice and her lustful promises.

"Tell me," she repeats as she turns me away from her. My face now pressed against the hard wood of the door. I feel her hands everywhere as my dress is lifted to my waist and my pantyhose yanked down to my ankles. I thrust my hips back and shameless grind against her body.

"Fuck me," I manage to gasp as she pulls my panties down to my thighs. I thrust harder against her touch as I feel her long fingers slipping between my slick folds. I press my palms against the door my thighs quivering as I part them. My body is shaking as she gathers my wetness with her fingers. My body bucks as I feel her using my own passion to tease the puckered opening.

I am unable to speak, my throat constricting as I feel her fingers gliding along my sex. I can only manage strangled gasps as I try to impale myself on the fingers pressing against the opening of my center. I claw at the door as I feel her slipping inside of me. My body erupts as I feel her thumb teasing the puckered opening. She fills me completely and I am incapable of speaking as I simply allow her to take what is already hers.

I am slapping the palms of my hands against the door as our bodies slap together her fingers plunging deeper as my body explodes. I suddenly realize that I am chanting the word yes over and over again as she takes me higher. My mind goes blank, as my body is lost in the frenzy of her touch.

Through a foggy haze I realize that I have collapsed against the door and my body is slipping to the floor. I know that she is holding me; she would never allow me to fall. She kisses my neck as she brushes my hair from my sweaty brow while keeping a tight hold on my body. "Bed?" She offers tenderly as I nod in response.

"Then can I see your underwear?" I somehow manage to choke out as I turn in her embrace. I stumble my heels caught in my nylons. I release a dreamy chuckle at my state of utter disarray. She smiles at me her eyes dark with desire. I lean against the door as she undresses me.

I am still lost in a foggy haze as my clothing slips from my body; the only action I am capable of is watching her. My legs tremble and my knees buckle as she gentle guides me out of the living room and into her bedroom. I purr contently as she pulls back the covers and places me in bed. She kisses me tenderly and smiles unaware that the night is just beginning. I wag my finger at her. "I want to see," I sternly instruct her as she quirks her eyebrow playfully.

I lean against the pillows and watch her undress before me. She takes my breath away as she stands beside the bed wearing nothing but a black lace teddy. "I thought I tore that in Cancun?" I question my body still quivering from our encounter in the living room. My mind briefly flashes to the image of how I tore it from her body.

"This is new," she informs me her smile lighting up my heart and her half naked body igniting my passion. "So, birthday girl what is it you desire?"

"My birthday isn't until Sunday," I whimper as my eyes raking up and down her long firm body.

"On my last birthday, the most adorable blonde in the world promised me a week I would never forget," she teases me as I lick my lips.

"Now however did you meet a woman like that?" I quip as I curl my finger beckoning her to join me.

"She was hiding in my bathroom," she laughs as she climbs onto the bed and straddles my naked body.

"Imagine that," I blow out as I tease the garter belts that are a part of the teddy. "This is new," I compliment her, my fingers dancing lightly against the soft silk. "Love the garters, now take them off."

"As you wish," she huskily responds my body quivering from the rich timber of her voice. She rolls off of my body as I prop myself up on the pillows. My eyes are riveted to her hands as she unsnaps on garter and painstakingly rolls the stocking down her long leg. I am ready to die as she repeats the gesture with other stocking.

She is at the opposite end of the bed resting on her elbows as she casts a loving look back at me. "Stay there," I instruct her as I sit up and begin to massage her feet. She hums with pleasure. The room is filled with electricity as I begin to kiss my way up her endless legs. I feel her fingers playing with my long blonde hair as I make my assent up her body.

I nudge her thighs apart as I nestle my body between her legs. I can hear her pleasure as my tongue traces the lace barrier of the teddy. I had no idea what she was wearing as I pleasured in the backseat of the taxi seeing her now my heart is ready to burst. My hands slip beneath her body as she wriggles against my touch. I cup her backside drawing her closer.

Her musky aroma fills me as unsnap the snaps at the bottom of her attire with my teeth. I can taste her as I hold on piece between my teeth and drag it up her body. I allow it to fall from my mouth dropping it on her stomach. Her eyes are set ablaze when I tell her she can't touch me.

I lower my head caressing her cheeks as I guide her passion to my eager mouth. I take long strokes tasting her slowly. She claws at the bedding as I tease her with the tip of my tongue swirling around the engorged nub. I have been dreaming of doing this to her. While we were apart I would fanaticize that I was licking her as she begged to touch me. Now this is what is happening. She begs to touch me as I suckle her clit teasing it with my teeth and my tongue. Her pleas make me quiver as I buried myself deeper inside of her drinking in every last drop of her nectar.

In my need to feel her exploding against me I feast upon her hungrily. I fight to hold her body steady as she trembles against me. I know she is close to the edge, I want to make this moment last yet we are quickly tiring and my need to feel her all of me consumes me. Her cries of ecstasy echo in my ears as I am given what I have been craving. I need to taste all of her. I lick away every last drop pushing her further into oblivion until I have captured all of her essences and her body becomes limp.

I am shaking my body having crested along with her. "We need sleep," she murmurs her voice husky from crying out.

"I know," I wearily concede as we climb under the covers. "I'm sorry," I yawn my day and my journey catching up with me.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," she murmurs happily as she cradles me in her arms. "We have plenty of time to play with all of your gifts," she assures me as my eyes flutter shut. I drift off listening to the steady beating of her heart.

I am awoken by the feel of Liora squirming beneath me. I am only mildly aware that I have once again plastered my body on top of hers and she is trying to get out of bed. "Don't go," I whisper.

"Sorry Gena," she tenderly offers as she somehow manages to climb out from beneath me. "Sleep," she whispers before placing a loving kiss on my brow. I drift back into a sweet slumber. I awake several hours later, shocked that it now well past noon. I find a single red rose and a note resting on the pillow beside me.

"Gena,

I hated leaving you but duty calls. I miss you already and have plans to show you just how much tonight. Enjoy your day and the coffee maker is all set you just need to push the red button.

Liora"

I take a long relaxing shower before dressing in casual attire. Thankfully some of my wardrobe has made its way into Liora's closet. I sip my coffee as I look around her home. I am grateful she told me which button to push on the coffee maker; she knows that I only see a kitchen when I am inspecting it. As I glance around her comfortable yet sparse surrounding I am reminded of the fact that even though we were born into two different worlds we are very much alike. Each of us filled the void in our hearts with work. Now that we have found one another the void is quickly diminishing.

I am still holding the rose Liora left for me as I stroll into the lobby of the hotel. It is the only thing keeping me calm as I bicker with Donald via my cell phone. "Never mind I will handle it myself," I snarl before disconnecting the call.

I struggle with my overnight bag as I hit the speed dial button on my cell. "Good Morning," the young man working the desk greets me. I don't recognize him and wonder if there will be a problem. "How may I help you this morning?"

"I've seem to have forgotten my key card, could you give me one that will access the penthouse?" I politely request before addressing Jerome's assistant. The young man behind the desk seems surprised by my request. It is obvious that he doesn't know who I am and I am curious to see if he will follow procedure.

"I'll just need to see some id?" He politely requests.

"That won't be necessary," an older woman I do recognize steps in. "I will be more than happy to access the elevator for you Ms. Ashcroft. Right this way."

"Thank you, Doris isn't it?" I offer sincerely as the young man turns pale.

"Yes," Doris nods. "My apology for Jarrod but it is required."

"No need to apologize," I reassure her as she guides me into the elevator. "Jerome would you mind holding?" I quickly request as he picks up my call. "Tell Jarrod not to worry he did exactly the right thing."

"I will convey your message," she smiles politely as she slips the security card into the elevator. "If there is anything else you need feel free to call upon me."

"Actually," I blurt out suddenly holding the elevator open. "I have personal errand that my soon to be ex-assistant seems unable to handle. If it isn't too much trouble could you have some flowers delivered for me?"

"He couldn't order flowers," she mutters with bewilderment. "We have an in house florist just tell me what you need and where you would like them sent?"

"Two dozen roses, mixed colors of red, pink and lavender," I request. "The delivery should be easy, have them delivered by tomorrow morning to Liora Blasdell's office."

"What would you like the card to say?" She asks slightly surprised by the delivery address.

"Uhm," I stammer trying to think of the right words. "Happy Valentine's Day, I guess," I conclude not certain of what to say and uncomfortable with a member of Liora's staff hearing anything I might want to tell her.

"Anything else?" She calmly inquires with slight smile.

"No, that should do it," I shrug happy that no one is waiting for the elevator.

"Ms. Ashcroft," she hesitantly begins. "Teddy Bears," she offers in conspiratorial whisper.

"Beg pardon?" I squint at her.

"I've worked in Ms. Blasdell's office for some time," she continues in a hushed tone. "She loves them, but thinks it is silly to buy one for herself and there hasn't been anyone who has been in a position to give her one for a very long time. Shall I have one added to the order?"

"No," I blurt out positively giddy with this bit of information. "I'd like to pick it out myself."

"Very good," she nods as she steps out of the elevator her eyes twinkling with approval.

"Thank you," I proclaim my gratitude as the doors begin to close. "Thanks for holding Jerome."

"It is your dime," he teases me.

"More like a dollar fifty," I laugh. "I need you to do me a favor, contact personal and have them prepare a severance package for Donald Winthrop."

"About bloody time," Jerome agrees. "How do you want to handle it so Uncle Frank won't go ballistic?"

"Simply that I am relocating to Boston so my worthless cousin won't be needed any longer," I calmly explain. "If he volunteers to come with me pull him aside and politely and I do mean politely explain to him that he won't be needed here."

"How politely?" He teases.

"As if he was just another employee," I caution him. "No sticking his head in the toilet like you did when we were kids. Understand?"

"Yes," he glumly concedes.

"And when you talk to personal have them pull another file for me, Doris Manning, and just have them fax it to me here in Boston," I request.

"The assistant operations manager in Boston?" He questions. "I can you tell that I would be very surprised if you found anything negative in her file. In fact if she had a college education she might be higher up."

"Any chance we didn't move her up because of her age?" I inquire directly.

"It is possible," he concedes. "I don't know."

"Then we owe her," I smirk as I wonder just how mad Liora is going to be if I do what I am planning on doing.

"Gena, stealing her assistant is going to piss her off," he cautions me.

"Probably," I laugh silently agreeing with him. "Any idea where in Boston I can find a really big teddy bear?"

"Huh?" He stammers.

"Never mind tell me about London," I redirect the conversation as the elevator opens and I step out.

"We need to clean house," his tone is grim.

"I need to shuffle my schedule around, I'm staying Boston just a little while longer than expected," I explain as I knock on the door. "I'll push Colorado to the end of next month and meet you in London some time next week. Shit," I mutter when no one answers the door.

"Something wrong?" He asks with concern.

"You wouldn't know where my parents are would you?" I sheepishly inquire.

"Last I heard your mother was in the South of France and your father was playing golf in Chapel Hill," he supplies.

"Wrong they are both in Boston," I grunt. "Only not in the penthouse and I'm locked out."

"Should I ask how that happened?" He taunts me.

"No, smart ass," I scold him as I trudge back to the elevator.

*****

I feel like a transient as I wander around the hotel looking for my parents. I breathe a sigh of relief when I spy Liora leaving the bar. "Just make certain the ice sculpture is ready," she instructs a young man. "The bride's father was very particular about it." Her eyes light up when she spies me. She flips open her cell phone. "Doris I'm going to be tied up for a bit," she instructs her assistant as she approaches. "Just getting in?"

"Not exactly," I smile thinking I must be a sight wandering the hallways in my jeans and an old coat. "I forgot my card key when I left last night. My parents seem to be missing and I can't get in the room."

"Oh they went to the Garner museum and then I think they are heading over to the MFA," she explains as she leads me to the elevator. "They'll probably be gone for hours."

"Together?" I sputter.

"Yes," she smiles as we step into the elevator. "Wait how did you get up to the top floor without your key?"

"Your second in command took pity on me," I explain feeling slightly guilty.

"Doris is a life saver," she acknowledges as she escorts me to the penthouse and unlocks the door. "You have a fax," she informs me as we step into the suite.

"I'll look at it later," I inform her as my mind takes a detour. "Are you terribly busy right now?"

"Incredibly," she sighs until she catches the gleam in my eyes. I give her a smile. "But for you I could make time. What is going on in that naughty mind of yours?"

I don't respond with words instead I take her by the hand and lead her into the bedroom. I lock the door behind us. I kiss her deeply. I guide her to the bed. She sits watching me her smile is playful. I grab one of my suitcases and begin to dig through it. "Close your eyes," I instruct her as I hide my surprise behind my back.

When she complies with my wishes I scoot over to the bed and begin kissing her. She eagerly returns my affection. "I brought gifts of my own," I whisper hotly in her ear nudging her thighs apart. Her eyes remain shut as I slip the vibrator from behind my back. She gasps as I turn it on and slip it between her thighs.

I know we don't have much time; the thought of my parents interrupting us is nagging at me. Normally the thought of someone catching us is exciting. Not when it is my parents. I push her down onto her back and hike up her skirt while dragging the slender vibrator down her body. She is quivering as I lower her pantyhose. I press the vibrator against her passion soaked under before slipping the lacy garment to her thighs.

She gives me control of her body as I pleasure her rubbing the toy against her clit. Watching her brings me to the edge. While pleasuring her I use my free hand to undo my jeans. I slip my hand inside my underwear; my eyes remain on her body as she arches beneath. I stroke my clit while pleasuring her until we climax in unison.

I snuggle up beside her as she wraps me in her arms. Being held by this woman feels incredible. We remain nestled comfortably for a long time. Finally we both know it is time for her to go. "Good thing I keep a change of wardrobe in my office," she teases me. "There is no way I am walking around all day long in this condition."

I gave her quick kiss as I escort her to the door. "What are your plans today?" She asks as we linger by the door.

"I'm going to do a little shopping then probably dinner with my parents. Care to join us?" I ask my body still quivering from the brief encounter.

"I would but I want to get as much work done as possible," she informs me with regret. "Tomorrow I want to devote as much time to you as possible. Plus I know I am going to have to share you with your parents on Sunday."

"Don't work too late," I caution her. "If you don't mind, I think I'll stay at the hotel tonight. I'd rather be with you but I think I should spend some time with my parents that way when I blow them off for the rest of the weekend they can't bitch about it."

"Sounds like a plan," she smiles. "I will miss you tonight."

"I'll miss you too," I confess as I reach up and kiss her. The kiss is meant to be innocent; it quickly turns fiery as we become lost in one another. Finally we have to force our bodies apart before we end up back in the bedroom.

After she leaves I take another shower. Liora isn't the only one who needs to freshen up before walking about. Then I take off to find the perfect teddy bear.

I spend the day walking around the city despite the cold I can understand why Liora loves her home so much. That night I enjoy a nice dinner with my parents. They are not only behaving but truly seem to get along. In fact at times I think they are flirting with one another. I find it more than a little confusing. I thought that they would be happy that I would be spending the night with them. Instead they seem a little put off.

"Who is the big furry gentleman in the bedroom?" My mother asks as I sit in the main room going over Doris' file.

"There's a man in your bedroom?" My father teases.

"A teddy bear," I inform him the two of them have been pacing around me all night. I finally showered and put on my nightgown and decided to work. "It is a gift for Liora."

"Perhaps you should give it to her tonight?" My mother eagerly suggests.

"I'm giving it to her tomorrow on Valentine's Day," I explain as they stand at opposite ends of the sofa looking down at me. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"No," my father asserts a tad too quickly.

"Not at all," my mother echoes with the same false reassurance.

"I thought the two of you came here to see me?" I bristle confused by the events.

"We did," Daddy tries to reassure me.

"It is just that it is Valentine's Day and you are in new relationship," my mother begins to argue.

"Liora is working late so we can spend tomorrow night together," I explain feeling completely flustered.

"Then perhaps you should go to bed early and rest up?" My father suggests as the both of them keeping staring at me.

I have no idea just what it is that they are up to and I'm not quite certain that I want to know. "I do have some business to discuss with Liora," I say suddenly feeling unwanted. I stand and stomp into the bedroom. I change quickly and head out of the room. I glance quickly at my parents who a trying a little too hard to look innocent.

I knock on Liora's office door praying that she is still working. I try to calm my heart when she answers the door. I remind myself that I am here on business as I take a seat in her office. She has a wicked look in her eyes as she approaches me. "This is business," I squeak out as she scowls.

"Well rats," she mutters before taking her place behind her desk.

"I'm also trying to avoid my parents they are acting very strangely," I mutter. "I think they are trying to ditch me."

"I think I know what is going on," Liora coyly offers. "Business first."

"I've been reviewing Doris Manning's personal file," I carefully begin while silently reminding myself that this is business.

"Whatever for?" Liora barks I can see that she is fully prepared to defend her staff. "Doris has a stellar reputation. She has worked for this hotel for more years than I can count. She is very capable, dependable and I am very surprise that she didn't end up sitting in this chair."

"Do you have any idea why that didn't happen?" I inquire still struggling to remain professional as my mind is filled with lustful thoughts.

"I have my suspicions," Liora begins dryly. "It was never offered to her; instead I was promoted over her. Although I know I earned my position, I have feeling that I was offered the job over her because I am single and at the time had no social life. Doris is devoted to her children and grandchildren. Plus she doesn't have a college degree. But I think the real reason is because when this position suddenly became available, she had just turned fifty. And for that you should be ashamed of yourself."

"You're right," I sigh as I mull over what I am about to say. "She should have been at least considered for the position. I am trying to rectify these practices. Fewer people with my last name are being hired into prime positions."

"Why the sudden interest in Doris?" Liora bristles. "I can't imagine anyone has called her work into question. I depend on her."

"No one is questioning her abilities in fact I'm quite impressed with them and her work history," I explain as my lover's jaw clenches. "I know you depend on her. As you know I am relocating to Boston,"

"No," she wails and begins to pout. "You can't steal Doris?"

"Yes I can," I gleefully inform her thinking that the sight of her pouting made her look even more adorable. "Certainly there is someone on your staff who deserves to move up and would be more than adequate at filling her shoes."

"Adequate, yes but not Doris," she grumbles. "Gena?"

"Liora, she could turn me down," I point out.

"No one can turn you down," she teases me.

"You did, that first night," I taunt her. Suddenly I am lost in a smoldering gaze. I tear my eyes away and clear my throat. "She deserves this promotion. Is she on duty tomorrow?"

"Yes, just until the early afternoon," Liora concedes.

"Set up an appointment can I use your office?" I politely request.

"I'll set up the appointment for the penthouse at ten. No way I'm letting you use my office so you can cut off my right arm," she grunts.

"Fair enough," I smile. "She deserves this."

"Can I borrow her from time to time?" Liora pleads.

"We'll see," I tease her.

"At least pay her a decent wage you slave driver," she quips.

"It will be about three times the amount she is making now," I bluntly inform her as her jaw drops.

"That's more than I make," she laughs.

"I am very demanding and my assistant should be properly compensated," I tell her as she stands and sits on the edge of her desk.

"Oh I am very well aware of just how demanding you can be," she purrs causing the hair on my neck to prickle. "Are we done with business?"

"Yes," I reply with a hard swallow as she traces my cheek with her fingers.

"I think I know what is going on with your parents," she whispers as I lean into her touch.

"Yeah," comes my breathy response.

"I think they are smitten with one another," she coyly informs me.

"What?" I bark out as I jerk back.

"They were all goo goo eyed over breakfast this morning," she chuckles.

"You had breakfast with them?" I smile.

"I excused myself early," she states with a shudder. "I felt like a third wheel."

"Huh?" I stammer unable to grasp the concept.

"Forget about them for a moment," she encourages me as she slips off of her perch and kneels before me. Suddenly as her hands slip up under the sweatshirt I am wearing all thoughts of my parents slip from my mind. She fills her hands with my breasts as she nestles her body between my thighs.

Soon her mouth replaces her hands and my body is rocking against her. I grip the chair tightly as she teases my nipples with her tongue. I grind myself against her body my pulse racing as I feel her undoing my jeans. Her lips continue teasing my erect nipples as I feel her fingers gliding along my sex.

My skin prickles as I feel her mouth moving down my body. I wrap my fingers in her long dark hair as I encourage her to further her exploration. I am on fire as I feel her tongue pleasuring me. I press my throbbing clit harder against her lips. I scream out when I feel her tongue plunging inside of me.

I lose all track of time as her office becomes our playground and we ravish one another. It is late when I return to the penthouse. I sneak into the bedroom quietly not wanting to awake my mother. "I don't want to know," I mutter as I find the room empty. I feign ignorance as I shower and climb into bed.

*****

The following morning I share an uncomfortable breakfast with my parents. Liora's deduction seems to be right on track. They excuse themselves and leave to explore the city. I ignore what is happening as I prepare for my meeting with Doris. She arrives promptly at ten with flowers. "I thought I'd bring them up myself," she explains. I can see that the older woman is nervous.

I ignore her discomfort for a moment as I read the card from Liora. I know I am smiling like an idiot. "Sorry," I apologize as I place the vase down and try to focus on business.

"No need to apologize Ms. Ashcroft," she reassures me her nervousness ebbing for just a moment. "A lady should enjoy flowers."

"Well said," I smile. "Please have a seat?"

Her nervousness returns as she takes a seat on the sofa. "Would you like some coffee?" I politely offer.

"No thank you," she respectfully declines as I take a seat next to her.

"Relax," I try to comfort her knowing she must be on edge after being summoned up to the penthouse. "I wanted to talk to you today because I was very impressed by the way you handled things yesterday. You were professional, courteous and most importantly discreet. I am also impressed that I'm quite certain that you've heard rumors and chose to ignore them. I've been reviewing your file and your work for the company is very impressive."

"Thank you," she blew out in relief. "I was a little worried. As for the rumor mill I don't put much stock into that. I also have no interest in another person's personal life."

"Some of the rumors are correct; Ms. Blasdell and I do share a personal relationship. Which we keep separate from our business relationship," I explain with a comforting smile. "And today I need to discuss a business matter with you. I am relocating my base of operations to Boston. I'll be living in one of the executive suites."

"I'll do whatever I can to make your transition comfortable," she warmly offers with a tender smile. I can tell she approves of my relationship and yet still maintaining a professional attitude. Instinct tells me that I have made the right choice.

"I'll need a new personal assistant," I state. "I am very demanding and travel a great deal; my assistant would need to run things from my home base during my absence. You would also be called upon to handle things in my personal life. Are you interested?"

"You're offering a job?" She gasps.

"This is the salary," I inform her as I slide the paperwork over. "You would be starting at the beginning of next month, but I will be calling upon you to help get things set up for my arrival. So, are you interested?"

"Of course," she accepts her mouth still hanging open as she stares at the amount of money she will be making. "Thank you, Ms. Ashcroft."

"Gena," I quickly correct her. "And don't thank me yet, I'm a major pain in the ass. Your first assignment is to help Liora select a suitable replacement for you. She is quite miffed at me for stealing you."

"She can be a tad cranky. I'll handle it," she smiles.

"Thank you," I laugh.

*****

That afternoon I dined with my parents. Now I am nervously fidgeting as I recheck the black dress I am wearing. Liora has been very evasive about our plans for the evening. I dart out of the bedroom when I hear her voice. "Hi," I nervously greet her noticing that her long coat is hiding whatever she is wearing. My parent's smile at us each is sitting on the sofa with a very large teddy bear nestled between them.

"Now who is this?" Liora playfully inquires as she points to the bear. "Another relative?"

"No," I blush as I retrieve the bear from the sofa. "He's for you?" I shyly explain as I thrust him into her arms.

"Really?" She gushes like a small child hugging the large monstrosity. "Thank you and for the flowers earlier," she beams before kissing me lightly. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," I groan eager to find out what she wearing beneath her coat. "Do you want to leave you coat up here?" I suggest.

"We are not dinning at the hotel," she informs me with a confident grin. "Get yours."

She helps me on with my coat my heart flutters with each innocent touch. "Behave you two," I call out to my parents as we make our departure. Liora is still hugging the bear as she escorts me to the lobby. She takes my hand as a taxi pulls in front. I step forward only to have her halt my movements.

"That isn't our ride," she smirks as she glances down the street. My eyes widen as a horse drawn carriage approaches. "This is," she informs me as the carriage comes to a halt. I can't speak as she helps me into the carriage. We nestle under a blanket in an effort to fight off the chill of the winter air.

We steal kisses as the carriage roams about the city streets. I barely notice the city as we sip champagne and kiss. I don't feel the cold as her body warms me. I have no concept of how many times we circled the common. "We're here," she whispers against my lips as I release a soft moan.

I am filled with an inner peace as my eyes blink open. I look around surprised to discover that we are in front of her apartment building. She tips the driver before helping Theodore, and me, which is what she has chosen to name the teddy bear out of the carriage. My body warms the moment she captures my hand with her own. "I cooked," she explains her crystal blue eyes twinkling in the moonlight.

"You cooked for me," I sigh with delight as we step into her apartment. "No one has ever cooked for me before."

My words cease as she removes her coat and I finally see the red dress that is hugging her body. I am in awe of her as she removes my coat. I stand mute before her as she lights the candles at the dinner table. The room is filled with flowers and balloons and I am still unable to move as she lowers the lights and her body is bathed in candlelight. "Sit," she politely requests.

"You are so beautiful," I gasp as she guides me to my seat.

"You are the one that is beautiful," she sighs before kissing me deeply. I miss her touch as she steps away and opens another bottle of champagne.

Dinner is wonderful. I have no idea what we dined on my focus remained riveted on her. We talked and laughed until it was time for dessert. I blush as she kneels before me and feeds me chocolate covered strawberries. She licks the errant drops of chocolate from my lips as I sit there helplessly. "Do you remember?" She murmurs hotly in my ear. "You did this for me when we first met."

"Of course," I whimper. "I wanted to make love to you right then and there."

My heart and body are pounding with an aching need as she leads me into the bedroom. "No toys," I request knowing that I only need her.

"Not tonight," she vows as we step into her bedroom leaving Theodore behind since he is much too young to witness what is about to happen. The bedding is pulled back revealing rose petals covering the sheets. She steps behind me and wraps her arms around. I swoon as she kisses the nape of my neck. I melt into her touch.

I turn into her embrace and she cups my face in her hands. Her eyes are on fire and I am trembling. "I love you," she whispers as my heart stops. My soul soars as I hear the words escaping her lips for the first time. Her face dims as I fall silent.

"Sorry," I gasp finally able to breathe again. "I'm just so much in love with you and I have been waiting to hear those words since the moment I first saw you."

She looks as if she is about to cry and I feel the tears of joy welling up in my ears. She kisses me deeply before either of us starts blubbering. I quickly become lost in her kisses as our hands begin to roam.

Our touch is slow and tender devoid of the hurried lustfulness we've shared over the past few days. We take our time undressing one another stealing promising kisses until we stand before one another naked. I feel her eyes on my body as mine drink in her beauty. I feel rose petals caressing my skin as she lowers me down onto the bed. I moan as her flesh melts against my body.

We are still kissing as our hands caress the other's body. I can feel her desire on my skin as our bodies become one. Slowly we rock against one another the softness of our breasts pressing together, her erect nipples teasing me as she suckles my neck. Our hands slipping between our bodies until each of us are caressing the other's wetness. I feel her inside of me as I enter her.

We hold one another in a mesmerizing gaze as we slowly plunge deep inside the other, our bodies swaying in perfect rhythm until the passion consumes us and we cry out the other's name. We become lost in fiery kisses as our desire takes over. She is beneath me as I press my wetness inside of her. I rock my hips against her firm backside as she clings to the bedding. "I belong to you," she cries out as I drive us higher.

Her words claim me as I slip inside of her. "You feel so good," I pant as I ground my clit against her firm flesh. Her passion fills my hand and I need more. I lick my way down her spine until I taste her. Liora's body rises to greet me and I thrust my tongue into her wetness. My hands groping the firm flesh of her cheeks as I feast upon her.

She collapses against the bed as I drive her over the edge. She rolls over her eyes blazing as she pulls me to her. She savagely claims my lips as I ground my wetness against her stomach. "It is after midnight," she growls my body still thrusting against her. I don't understand since I am lost in a euphoric haze.

"What?" I whimper with disappointment as she halts my movements. I swallow hard as I catch the fierce look in her eyes. I am still adrift as she takes control and guides me so that I am balancing on my hands and knees. I cry out as her hand slaps my ass. "Oh my God," I groan with pleasure.

"One," she purrs before delivering another slap. "Two."

"My birthday," I moan deeply as she continues to count. Her hand lingers each time and soon she caressing my wetness with each slap. I am on fire as I suddenly wish I were older. Her slaps are playful as I shamelessly rise to meet her touch. My head falls forward as I feel her stroking and caressing me. With the final spank she is inside of me and I am begging her for more.

My throat is raw as I cry out with pleasure as she takes me longer and harder with each stroke. I've lost count of how many times she has brought me to the pinnacle. I suspect the number is dangerously close to my age. My body finally succumbs unable to give anymore and I collapse.

I am limp unaware of my surroundings until I realize that I am nestled in her arms. "Happy Birthday," she murmurs kissing me once again. I can only squeak in response as we hold one another. She repeats the sentiment with a wry chuckle as I slowly drift back to the land of the living.

"I love you," I sigh as I gaze up at her.

"And I love you," she vows as our embrace grows tighter.

I am smiling as I drift off to sleep resting happily in Liora's arms listening to the steady beating of her heart.

The End.