One Night (Found Love) Read online

  “Hey, little one let’s get you to bed.” She cooed to her son. Vessa and Eric rose from the table.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Holland thanks for dinner, everything was delicious, and I’ll talk to my wife tonight.” Eric promised Vessa.

  “Good, thanks Eric for driving me home.” She was saying while walking him out.

  “Okay little Martin, bedtime for you.” She said when she returned.

  Vessa left everyone and went to ready her son for bed.

  Lynwood watched her leave, his eyes lingering on the door she exited.

  Martin smiled. “Had a little scare there didn’t you Son,” Lynwood’s father said.

  “What are you talking about Dad?”

  “You know.” Martin smiled broadly. “Hey better not wait too long son, she could be snatched up right under your nose.” He laughed.

  Vessa came back carrying a naked Marty.

  “Lynwood,” she said softly, “Want to help with him?” Lynwood almost knocked the chair over getting up. His parents chuckled. Marty reached for his father.

  “I think,” Martin replied, “maybe they might come together.”

  “Well, it won’t hurt if we give them a little push,” Edie said.

  “Honey, now don’t get involved, Lynwood needs to work for this,” Martin said.

  Edie nodded. “You're right, but did you notice how stupid your son is?” Martin nodded laughing.

  Later that evening, Vessa and Lynwood sat together in the study. Vessa sat in the high back chair with her legs tucked under her going over some contracts, while rubbing her sore feet. Lynwood was trying to go over some of his father’s trade journals. Every so often, his eyes would drift to her. How beautiful he thought she is. When he visited Marty at her home, she was never around when he arrived, if she were she had some of her business people with her, and that bothered the hell out of him. Lynwood knew it was arranged that they were never alone, and that bothered him more.

  After a few minutes, Lynwood rose and stood in front of her looking down at her.

  Her head rose. “Yes Lynwood.”

  “You’re tired,” he stated.

  “A little, my feet hurt more,” she admitted grimacing. Lynwood pulled up the ottoman and sat down in front of her. He lifted her feet to his lap and begun to massage them.

  She sighed. “You don’t have to do…”

  “Let me,” he said softly, “I want to.”

  She nodded returning her attention to her contracts although now she could hardly concentrate with his hands feeling magical on her feet. She looked at Lynwood’s bowed head and set her papers aside.

  “Lynwood,” she called his name softly. “Why are you still here?”

  “I miss you,” was his honest reply. Vessa smiled at him. She took her feet from his hand. “Thanks,” she said.

  She gazed at his face reacquainting her with the man she loved. She reached out and touched his lips. “I miss you too,” she said softly before she could stop the words. Lynwood grabbed a hold of her hand and kissed it like a starved man.

  Vessa sighed. She got on her knees between his legs. Her small hands cupped his face.

  Martin and Edie were just coming from the den when they saw them.

  Her thumb rubbed softly across his lower lip. She pulled his face to hers, her lips lightly touching his; it was like electric to them both. Vessa arms encircled his neck; his arms slipped around her waist as the tender kiss grew into a passionate one.

  “Darling, it's me Jenna. Darling you coming by tonight, I need to see you.” Lynwood’s two-way phone said. Vessa pulled away quickly. Her hand touched his lips, sadness washed over her, while she gazed into his eyes.

  “I’m sorry Lynwood, I forgot,” she rose to leave the room.

  Lynwood swore. He could kick himself.

  “Darling, you there.” The voice said. Lynwood pulled out the phone. “No Jenna, I’m not coming by!”

  “Vessa!” he called getting up from the ottoman.

  She stopped, turning to him. “I forgot,” she told him softly then continued up the stairs.

  Martin shook his head. “That’s your son,” he said to his wife. “It amazes me; for a man who can take a failing company and manages to turn it around and make it profitable, he can’t seem to manage his own love life, and the small woman that holds his stubborn heart.

  “Just as I said, stupid,” his mother added shaking her head.

  Vessa went to her room and did something she had not done in a long time. She cried.

  Chapter 10

  Lynwood dined with Calvin Stanton, a loyal friend and a source of information when it came to business. Calvin and Lynwood remained friends throughout the years, although they did not move in the same social circles.

  Calvin was a tall, blonde, and blue-eyed man, whom most women found attractive. He was a decent, hardworking, and honorable man. Calvin kept Lynwood knowledgeable about which businesses were going under, due to the neglect of an operating CEO. If the company was of interest to Holland Enterprises and still somewhat salvageable, Lynwood went after it.

  Calvin was prosperous in his own right, overseeing companies owned by Holland Enterprises.

  “It’s been a long time Lyn,” Calvin commented before putting a piece of juicy steak in his mouth.

  “Yes it has, how are Daria and the kids?” Lyn asked.

  “Good, your son?”

  “He’s great,” Lynwood replied proudly.

  “The mother?” Calvin asked.

  Lynwood shrugged his shoulder taking in a forkful of baked potato.

  Calvin chuckled. “That good huh?”

  “When you told me, you were a father I was floored. I couldn’t get around that. You have always been so careful with that sort of thing. Than to discover who the mother is,” Calvin whistled low. “She’s a beautiful woman, the most beautiful shop owner I have ever seen; leave it to incomparable Lynwood Holland to get the richest shop owner on the east coast.”

  “Enough,” Lynwood grumbled.

  “I’m just saying. It is said through the business grapevine she was known as the ice princess, yet you thawed her,” Calvin chuckled spearing asparagus, “some knuckleheads have all the luck.”

  “Luck has nothing to do with Vessa and me, Marty was not planned, but I love my son with all my heart. Vanessa Sander is another situation in itself.”

  “So how is it working out, just being parents?”

  Lynwood didn’t want to talk about Vessa now, or any time, and although they have become more cordial whenever they did see each other, there was still that invisible barrier between them.

  “We tolerate one another, for the baby’s sake,” Lyn answered shrugging.

  “Tolerate?” Calvin repeated frowning. “If I didn’t love Daria so much, I swear I would snatch her up and very quick like. She's a great lady; not only is she beautiful, but she intelligent and has an excellent business mind, not to mention pinup sexy.”

  “How would you know all that?” Lynwood growled wishing Calvin would drop the subject of Vanessa Sanders.

  “I’ve known Vessa many years, didn’t you know that?”

  That astonished Lynwood. “When?” “How?”

  “We met in Philly, when she opened and took over the running of Vessa’s boutique,” Calvin stated. “I thought you knew that.”

  “I didn’t know, you never told me about her.”

  Calvin shrugged. “I know your reputation Lyn, back then Vessa was just starting to grow, if you knew her then you would have been all over her, I didn’t want to see her hurt. It seems fate intervened. Look at you now father to Vanessa Sanders child and not with her.”

  Lynwood remained silent. Refusing to comment.

  So how did you part, or should I not ask?” Calvin queried.

  “Don’t ask.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  “Worse.”

  Calvin shook his head, a slow smile spreading on his face. “Don’t look now, but that beautiful shop girl just wa
lked in with your favorite person, Clay Claiborne.”

  Lynwood head turned sharply.

  “Mmm, they look awfully friendly, don’t you think Lyn?”

  Lynwood turned to see Vessa walking in with Clay Claiborne. In Lynwood’s assessment, Clay was the lowest form of man. He was a liar, a cheat, not to mention the man had no honor. Many years ago, Clay tried to buy him out under unsavory means. In his attempt to destroy and force him out of business, information came to him that Clay was involved with insider trading. The small group of men involved in the plot were arrested and jailed. However, no evidence proved Clay was involved. Clay was also the man he found in bed with Bea that day he was going to propose to her.

  Lynwood had pushed that part of his life away, although it hardened him, he thought he was in love with Bea. Clay never liked him. Maybe because he had beaten him to a bloody pulp. Of course, Clay sued him and rightly won the lawsuit. As it turned out, Clay didn’t quite get over it and was a thorn in Holland Enterprises side these past few years. Now he was going after Vessa, he knew just to spite him. That was strange, not many people knew of his involvement with Vessa or his son. So why was Clay with Vessa? He wondered.

  Calvin watched Lynwood observe the couple.

  “Lyn don’t do anything stupid,” Calvin warned.

  “What’s he up to?” Lynwood wondered aloud.

  “Maybe nothing, maybe he just attracted to Vessa, she is a beautiful woman,” Calvin said glancing at them.

  “No, that's not it, he’s up to something, I know it,” Lynwood replied pushing his chair from the table.

  After being seated, Vessa faced the charming Clay Claiborne. She had met him through one of her models when she first opened the boutique in Atlanta. She never seriously gave him much thought after the initial introduction a few years ago. Yet at that time, she was deeply into Lynwood Holland to think of any other man. Since she has returned, Clay was constantly asking her out. Actually, she truly didn’t care for him. There was something about Clay Claiborne that bothered her. Oh, he was handsome, well dressed, and charming, but there was a suppressed unsavoriness about him. She didn’t like him, but he mentioned he wanted to talk to her about a business venture he was interested in, so she promised to hear him out.

  “Clay you asked for this dinner shall we get on with it then,” Vessa stated impatiently.

  Vessa could have sworn she saw a glimmer of maliciousness in his eyes. She ignored it.

  “Of course,” Clay responded, “shall we have a glass of wine before dinner,” he smiled.

  Vessa watched Clay closely while ordering wine and then proceeded to order dinner for the both of them. One thing Vessa hated was a man to tell her what she was to eat. She remained silent, doubting she would be here for dinner.

  “Now Vessa,” Clay began after the waiter had left.

  “As you know, I am in the business of buying and selling companies, recently I bought a large department store that could use your fashion savvy and your expertise..,”

  Vessa interrupted him. “Before you continue Clay, I’m just a small boutique chain and would prefer to stay that way, that’s the appeal to my success.”

  “Understandable, but you won’t lose that appeal it will just be on a larger scale,” Clay argued.

  Vessa shook her head.

  “Hear me out,” Clay implored.

  “Clay I appreciate the offer, I have enough stores in most of the major cities. One large department store holds no interest; it will require too much capital to run. I make it a rule never to involve myself in ventures I am not sure of, besides my clients like the one on one personal service Vessa’s provides,” Vessa explained concisely. She didn’t miss the clenching of jaw line. She could see Clay was a man who refuses to accept no for an answer.

  Clay smiled at her, probably the best one he had.

  “That would not change the quality of service it will just be a larger homey feel, I envision…”

  Vessa interrupted again. “Clay I thank you for your insight, but I’m happy with my boutiques as they are,” Vessa concluded.

  Clay’s eyes narrowed. She’s not charmed with me as other women have been in the past, Clay thought. He had to change his tactics. Vanessa Sanders was no fool. He had to play on her self-esteem, a woman’s weakness.

  Clay shrugged. “Well okay if you want to be small time, you know what they say small time gets swallowed up by big corporations, if you're happy with small time who am I to begrudge that, don’t expect to be around in the next, let’s say five years.”

  Vessa mouth quirked, mildly irritated by Clay Claiborne.

  “Small time,” Vessa repeated. “As I said, I have boutiques in most major cities in the US, I failed to mention the stores in Milan, Paris and London, believe me, Mr. Claiborne, I am not small time as you so aptly put it, I have all the stores that I am interested in and each one just as prosperous as the next. No amount of flattery, bribing, or deceitfulness will change my mind so if you will excuse me Mr. Claiborne, I will say goodnight.”

  Clay glared at her. She was tougher than he thought. He was so sure that he could pawn the failing department store off on her. Damn it, he cursed. When he heard that Holland Enterprise had an interest in the store, it jumped on it, putting all his loose cash in on the project. Any way he could stop Lynwood Holland he was for it. Later to find out Holland Enterprises passed on the deal. Too late, he had purchased the store, finding out later the original owner never made a large enough profit to keep the store open. After a few minutes, Clay replied. “I apologize if you are insulted Vessa, I was not my intention, I just thought a woman of your intelligence could see a good deal before her.”

  Vessa shook her head. “Goodnight Mr. Claiborne.”

  Vessa started to rise, turning her head slightly she saw Lynwood moving towards the table, his large body moving with purposeful strides. She quickly sat back down.

  Clay looked in the direction she had. Clay chuckled. Lynwood, he thought pleased. He knew Vessa and Lynwood were a hot topic at one time, and it was obvious he was not happy to see Vessa with him. Clay reached over to lift Vessa hand bringing it to his lips. Vessa pulled her hand from him.

  Lynwood’s steps faltered. A stab of jealousy slid through him. If Clay thought he was going to take Vessa away from him, he would kick his ass again, he thought.

  “But Vessa is not yours,” a voice spoke to him. She may not be mine, but she will never be his.

  “Hello Vessa, Clay,” he greeted when he reached the table.

  Vessa looked up at him. As always, her heart did several short flips before she could manage it.

  Vessa nodded her head in acknowledgment.

  “Hello Lynwood, did you need to see me about something?” Clay asked a malicious grin on his face.

  Lynwood’s eyes Vessa noticed seem hard, angry. Lynwood ignored Clay.

  “I need to speak with you Ms. Sanders, privately,” he stated.

  Before Vessa could decline, Lynwood was behind the chair pulling it from the table. Vessa felt his firm grip on her elbow. Vessa frowned up at him, but stood allowing him to lead her from the dining room.

  Excusing herself, she went with Lynwood. Lynwood didn’t release her until they were partially hidden by a large potted plant in the lobby.

  Vessa turned sharply to him. His expression was harder than she had ever witnessed.

  “Stay away from Clay,” he bluntly stated.

  “I beg your pardon?” Vessa asked incredulously.

  “You heard me, he can’t be trusted.”

  Vessa spine tensed and straightened. She had already deduced that Clay couldn't be trusted, and didn’t need Lynwood verifying it.

  “Who I see is no concern of yours, whether he is trustworthy or not is also no concern of yours; I owe you no explanations Lynwood.”

  “You are correct, but I warned you, you don’t know Clay as I know him.”

  “I don’t care now nor in the future of your warnings, or your advice, at the risk of re
peating myself, I don’t I concern you.” Vessa turned to leave and was suddenly pulled back against him. Vessa opened her mouth to protest. Instantly Lynwood’s mouth covered hers. Vessa struggled, his arms tightened around her waist. She felt the warmth of his mouth, tasting him as his tongue stroked hers. Her struggle lessened and was soon returning his kisses. Heat surged through her, and passion for him she thought long gone returned fiercely. She was no longer pushing him away. Her arms slipped around his neck. She rose up on her toes pressing her body into his.

  Lynwood raised his head, gazing at her. Both were breathing deeply.

  “Come to me tonight,” he replied huskily.

  Vessa pushed herself away from him leaving him to stand alone.

  She was not returning to the table and Clay, she needed to get away from Lynwood with what little dignity she had before she agreed to go with him.

  Composed, Lynwood reentered the dining room going directly to Clay.

  “Stay away from her,” Lynwood warned, turning he walked away.

  “Bastard!” Clay hissed under his breath.

  Chapter 11

  Martin and Edie’s annual summer pool party was underway, and Vessa actually looked forward to a night of fun. She put greater efforts in avoiding Lynwood after that night at Verdi’s. He came to spend time with Marty; if she were there, she would leave. She knew Lynwood would be at the party tonight, she expected it. As long as Ron and Izzy were there, everything would be okay. She just wanted to have an enjoyable evening, before she went to Vegas in a couple of days.

  She decided to wear a silver metallic haltered bathing suit, with a deep plunge in the front, to her naval. A long black, sheer tunic with splits to her waist covered her. As Vessa understood it, Edie and Martin went all out for this midsummer party. An event they hosted ever year at this time, inviting neighbors and friends. The backyard strung with colorful lanterns around the diameter of the large yard giving the area a festive feel. Tiki torches dotted throughout the area giving it intimate lighting. A bandstand with live music was at the far corner, along with an open bar and a catering staff serving the guest, from steak to lobster and all the trimmings to all.