***Kyle***
I had just landed at Los Angeles International Airport for my best friend's wedding when a call entered my phone upon switching it on. My mother had called to tell me that the major investors for the KP Fashion Week had just pulled out, giving no solid reason for their action. Damn! This was impromptu. I had backup plans, although it would cost me more than I had planned.
As the founder and CEO of KP Fashion, I was a core strategist and I knew my onions when it came to the world of fashion. Over the years, I have been able to build quite a reputable standing in the fashion industry, both at home and abroad. KP Fashion was a household name, a brand to be reckoned with, operating a network of more than sixty outlets globally.
I had a low-key profile. Not everyone knew that I was the brains behind KP Fashion. I allowed my mother, Olivia Preston, whom I made the managing director of the company, to take all the glory while I sat on the sidelines. I was one to live life to the fullest, not wanting any paparazzi to stalk me and take photographs of me whenever I was in my full element — having fun with friends and girls.
I decided not to let the news my mother had shared disturb me. I had flown in from New York City to Los Angeles for my best friend, Jace's wedding. Jace and I go way back. We practically grew up together and spent many nights planning what we wanted our future to look like. I'm glad we both made something great for ourselves, and now, Jace was leaving bachelorhood behind, and I was extremely happy for him.
I arrived at the transportation area and got into the car that had been arranged to take me to my hotel, feeling exhausted. I hated long travel, even if it was just for one hour. I had asked my assistant to make pre-arrangements for my lodging and the service of a driver to take me anywhere I wanted. We got to Beverly Wilshire Hotel and I stepped into its grand lobby, heading straight for the receptionist's desk.
"Good evening and welcome to The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, how may I help you?" The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile. "Hi," I returned the greeting, "I have a reservation for the Presidential Suite under the name Kyle Preston." The receptionist confirmed my booking on her computer.
Once confirmed, she asked for my passport as a means of identification, which I wasted no time giving. It was standard protocol after all. She processed my check-in and handed me my passport, a key card, and a four-digit code. "To gain access to the suite, simply insert the key card into the reader and enter your personalized four-digit code, sir," she explained.
I knew that already but waited patiently for her to be done with her explanation. I did not want to interrupt her or come off as being rude. It wasn't my first time lodging in the hotel, but it seemed like the receptionist was newly employed. I dismissed my driver and told him I was going to give him a call if I needed his services again. I planned to head over to Jace's later in the evening to know how the preparations for the big day tomorrow were going on.
I got up to the Suite and went straight to the shower after arranging the few clothes I had arranged for the trip. I knew I could have had my assistant travel with me, or better still, order the services of a personal butler, but since I had planned to stay for just two days, I saw no need for all that. After Jace's wedding the following day, I'd spend one more night in Beverly Hills before heading back to New York.
Shortly after I had my shower, I picked up my phone to call Jace to inform him that I had landed safely. He picked on the second ring, his voice as excited as ever! Who wouldn't be happy to get married to the woman of their dreams? "It's good to know you're around, Kyle. Head over here man, I've missed the hell out of you," Jace sounded happily.
I knew Jace would be disappointed if I did not make it to his wedding. He was my best friend and someone who I'd go the extra mile for. I had made sure I cleared any schedule I had planned for this weekend weeks ago, making sure that nothing stood in my way of making this trip for Jace's wedding, and performing my best man's duties.
I got dressed quickly and made a call to the driver that had been arranged for me. We drove our way to Jace's immediately after he arrived. "Kyle!" Jace screamed upon sighting me. "You cannot tell me I'm the one making you this excited, Jace," I said, raising an eyebrow. "I am just super excited, man. I cannot contain my joy, you know. By this time tomorrow, you will be looking at the latest husband there is!" Jace exclaimed.
"Congratulations my friend. I'm sincerely happy for you," I said, stretching out my right hand for a handshake. Jace ignored it and gave me a quick hug instead. I wondered if getting married was all it took to be this happy. In all the years I had known him, I had never seen him this happy. I moved over to where Jace's parents were to extend my greetings to them. It had been a minute since I last saw them.
Everyone was happy to see me, especially Jace. Jace and I went on and on, talking about his plans with his wife-to-be, where they would visit for their honeymoon, the number of kids they would have, the name to give their first child… I watched with awe as Jace gushed over the feeling of starting his family. He even made me promise to be the godfather of his first child. I agreed.
It was getting late, so I had to take my leave. It is going to be a long day tomorrow. Minutes later, I got to my suite and placed a phone call to my mother. "Hey, son," my mother's voice called from the other end of the call. I wasn't sure I was going to have the time tomorrow to tell her what I wanted to so I had to do it now.
It was about KP Fashion and the next step to take. I added my assistant to the call, using one bird to kill two stones. I gave instructions to my assistant, telling him the role he had to play to ensure that the coming KP Fashion Week was held as planned. Afterward, I let my mother in on her part too. When it came to my brand, I was a different person entirely, but when it was time to have fun, I trashed the business side of myself in the dumpster.
I was grateful to those two people, especially my mother. They have been a major contributing factor to the company's growth. After I was done with my assistant, I disconnected him from the call, after asking him to give me a moment with my mother. I spoke with my mom for a while, as she filled me in on other happenings going on since I was away. The call ended a few minutes later, and I decided to call it a night.
Morning soon came, as I woke up to the insistent ringing of my alarm. It was 8 in the morning. Knowing that the wedding service would be by 10 in the morning, I got up and proceeded to the bathroom. I had to make a good impression and contribute as much as I could to the success of Jace's big day.
I reached for my tailored tuxedo, one that was made by KP Fashion, as soon as I got out of the shower. As I got dressed, I remembered I had to call my driver. He arrived some minutes later, and we headed straight to the location. I was early, more like, among the first set to get to the church. It wasn't long before people began to assemble gradually.
The wedding ceremony had barely begun when a text popped up on my phone. It was my mother telling me that there were new investors who were willing to invest. My mother explained further in her text, that a meeting will be held with the investors in about three hours, demanding my presence, whether physical or virtual.
I was confused. I couldn't leave Jace hanging, he needed me. All through the wedding, I couldn't concentrate as I thought of ways to balance both ends. The ceremony came to an end, and we moved to the wedding reception hall. I had just an hour to the meeting. The reception was going on smoothly, and I tried to compose myself in the best way possible. I was unaware that Jace had noticed a slight change in my mood.
After the couple's first dance, Jace moved towards my direction, and whispered into my ear, "You know I would certainly understand if you left and attended to what you needed to." I was moved. We were best friends but the way we read each other's moods and body language was top-notch. I couldn't leave without giving my best man's speech and handing out my wedding gift to the newlyweds.
I was allowed to give my speech on time, which was not the original plan. I knew in my heart that I was going to make it up to Jace and his wife. Hurriedly, I left for my hotel and got in on time for the meeting. The meeting was a successful one, with everything right on track.
The evening soon came, and I was bored to death. I picked up my phone to call Jace but changed my mind. He would be having a good time with his wife and I would hate to interrupt their private moments. I decided to drive myself to a nice-looking bar I had spotted earlier. It was close to my hotel, so there was no need to bother my driver.
I put on a charcoal gray cashmere sweater and paired it with tailored black trousers. I slipped on my polished black leather loafers and soon found myself at The Tipsy Gypsy. The sound of smooth jazz hit me as I entered the bar and the aroma of fine whiskey filled the air.
I made my way to the bar counter and chose the seat at the extreme. The bartender came up to me asking for my order. I wanted to try something new, so I told him to work something out for me, just anything as long as it was good. The bartender got to work, mixing his preferred Negroni with a complex blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
It was good. I sipped the drink as I scrolled through the reports my assistant had sent to me. In no time, I downed the drink and ordered another. I was halfway through the drink when Jace's call came in. I picked, surprised that he would have the time to reach out. He wanted to know if my meeting with the investors had gone successfully. I was glad he reached out because it allowed me to apologize again for leaving early.
Just as the call ended, I decided to have one more glass before calling it a night. I had just gotten the almost-filled cup before I watched as a young lady stepped into the bar, still in her work clothes, looking devastated. She placed her order and gulped the drink almost immediately, ordering another. She did the same thing and ordered a third glass.
I walked up to her, wanting to give her a little company and know what it was that could be bothering her. I approached her and when she turned, I realized that she was as beautiful as a delicate flower, blooming in the garden of dreams. Her eyes were a little red and swollen. She must have been crying. I wondered what could be disturbing to her that had made her tear up.
I started a conversation, and she seemed to flow in it, exposing her warm, captivating smile that almost caught my breath. "I'm Kyle," I introduced myself. After introducing herself as Cindy, the conversation between us escalated. We ordered more drinks, talked, and chatted all through. I could see the spark in her eyes suddenly lighting up. I was right, she needed company.
Soon after, we decided to call it a night. "Mind if I drop you off at your location?" I offered. I was glad when she agreed to it. I thought she would have objected. We got to my car and I saw how she struggled to put the seatbelt in its buckle. I moved to assist her but was shocked when she planted a quick kiss on my lips. My body almost froze. I had been imagining her already in my arms, and she just gave me a sign that she had been reading my mind, perhaps.
I looked into her eyes and saw that she wanted me as much as I wanted her. I wasted no time further as I grabbed her and kissed her hungrily, letting out the heated flames of passion that had built inside me. I suggested that my hotel was just a few meters away and she agreed to follow me. We had barely gotten into the room when we resumed what we had started.
I sensed a little guilt in her eyes and decided to be gentle as ever. I undid her clothes as she did mine. I wasted no time in feeding on her pink nipples, sucking hard on them. She let out a soft moan, calling for more. My hard erection was already begging to be thrust into her. I gave in to its demands as I raised one of her legs.
I slid into her and noticed she was a little bit uneasy. Was it her first time? I got the answer in her eyes immediately. Fuck! It was my first time having sex with a virgin. I took it easy on her, making sure she enjoyed every bit of the experience. She let out a whisper, her body melting completely and surrendering to me.
The passionate encounter soon came to an end. I cuddled her tightly in my arms as if making sure not to let her out of my sight, drifting to sleep almost immediately. It wasn't long before the jarring sound of the alarm clock exploded into the quiet morning. I sprang upright, my senses on high alert. I looked around the room quickly for Cindy, but she was nowhere to be found.
I moved to the living area and still couldn't find her. "How can she leave without a number or a note at least?" I asked myself, feeling disappointed. "Was she ashamed to have slept with a stranger?" I was trying to understand the situation, and why she would leave as if the sex meant nothing to her. It meant a lot to me. No woman has ever made me feel the way I felt last night.
I picked up my phone and made a quick call, "Find me a certain woman named Cindy. Even if you have to turn the whole Beverly Hills upside down, I don't care! Just find her."
As soon as the call ended, I got a message from my assistant, "Sir, your flight leaves in the next two hours."
Damn!