Chapter 20
Nate POV
I've found it difficult to enjoy my birthday ever since my mother died. It's easy for people to say that she would have wanted me to enjoy the day even if she isn't here but my mum made it her mission to throw a big celebration for both me and my brother. Not like he deserved it, for the way he treated her. But my mum had a heart of gold.
Drew and I haven't had the best relationship since she passed, mainly because he acted like he didn't care. I wasn't going to let him give our mother a bad name and neither was my father.
For once I actually enjoyed waking up on my birthday, to see my beautiful Loretta laying down next to me. A small part of me wished I wasn't working today just so I could spend it with her but I needed to be in work today, it was important.
My employees knew better than to celebrate my birthday but I smiled gently as I saw the large birthday card laying on my desk. My assistant walked in with a small bag of her own. I decided to not get angry but rather be grateful.
" Happy Birthday Nate, I know you hate it but I got you something" she said placing it on my desk.
I watched her step back, she nibbled gently on her lip as she waited.
" I'll let it slide just once" I said reaching out to grab the bag. Once I opened it I found a small box inside. Opening it up I found a silk black tie that looked expensive. Technically I bought this myself since I am the one that pays her.
" Thank you, I like it" I said smoothing my finger down the material.
She went to step out but stopped like she had just remembered something. " There's a suit for you in wardrobe, I've been informed that you must wear it later" she said heading to the wardrobe that I have in my office.
" okay thank you, will you call us Mr Kate for our meeting" I said wanting her to leave. She froze as she went to open the door. It wasn't long before she was running out of here and closing the door behind her.
Once she was gone I stood up and made my way over to the wardrobe. Inside was a suit along with pants and shoes. When Loretta said she had a surprise I didn't know what to expect.
I had to push this to the back of my mind as I heard a knock of my office door. Business for now, pleasure later.
At the house
Watching the door to my old family home open was like a sense of déjà vu. Many times I have come to this door and watched the door open and see my adoring mother stand there. Normally with a glass of wine in her hand. But this time I was seeing Loretta. Looking almost angel like in that white dress, with her light brown almost blonde hair in beautiful curls. She is clearly trying to torture me.
I pushed my way inside and grabbed her small waist, pulling her to my chest. I could feel her chest rising and falling rapidly, she must be nervous. I knew that people were watching but right now I didn't care. I missed her and wanted to taste those juicy red lips.
The second she asked me to kiss her I pulled her face to mine with my fingers holding her jaw. I wasn't meant to do it so harshly but when I smelt her beautiful scent I couldn't help myself.
George came and pulled up apart but my arm found Loretta's waist again.
" will you stop panicking Amore, I'm not actually mad at you" I said with amusement as I watched her fiddle with a bottle of orange gin as we stood in the kitchen.
When I walked inside I was shocked to see the people I did. Some of my families friends were here, ones I hadn't seen since my mums funeral. I did a quick round of saying hello only to come back to find Loretta hiding out in the kitchen.
" but I know you hate parties, at first I thought it was a fun idea but now I'm thinking not " she mumbled pouring a little bit into a small glass. I wasn't sure if she was making it for me or herself.
" I admit I don't like to celebrate my birthday but you worked so hard so I'm willing to let it slide" I said staring over at her. My fingers found themselves picking at the small bitesize sushi that was being prepared by one of the chefs.
He didn't dare refuse me.
" I don't believe you the slightest bit" she replied. i chuckled at that, she clearly knew me better than i thought.
" where's that prick at, 7 years and the fucker can't even meet us at the door"
My fingers dropped from the sushi plate. I recognised that voice. Loretta looked at the door before mumbling curses as she dropped her head.
The door was kicked open as I turned my head. Three of my college friends stood there grinning at me. My eyes went back to Loretta to see her covering her face and refusing to look at me in the eyes.
I leant over grabbing her jaw. She stared over at me, nibbling on her lip again. " There's only so much I can let slide" I mumbled before letting her go.
" Oh don't be like that daddy, haven't you missed us" Daniel my college best friend said grabbing my shoulder. I cringed at that name, since I was the oldest and definitely most responsible they would call me daddy. Which was okay until we were around girls.
I would definitely not be opposed to hearing Loretta call me that.
"How the hell did they even find you?" I said turning around to face them. I haven't spoke to these guys in years and haven't kept in touch with them since I left.
" technology my brother" Jordan another one of my friends said smacking an envelope to my chest. I watched as he moved his eyes behind me. My hand grabbed onto his arm pulling him back. " not a chance Jord, eyes off my girl" I said, not wanting him staring at Loretta. He was always a flirt, taken or not.
I ended up pulling them outside away from Loretta. I wasn't really that angry that they were here. These were my bestfriend's and I had missed them.
Few hours later
"Man, you are hooked are you aware that you haven't stopped staring at her all night " Jordan says laughing at me like it's the funniest thing in the world. I watched Loretta lean back with a bottle of something in her hand as she laughed with some of the girls here.
"So, she's my girl I can stare at her all I want unlike you " I say confidently with a hint of charisma.
My girl, I like that, hell I fucking love it.
"Can't believe she managed to pull this off though " Jordan speaks up again.
Don't let me forget it. I'm not surprised that she managed to do it, especially with my family helping her, I'm just shocked that she had the time to do all of this above working on her writing and work at the hotel.
Her book has been getting a lot of press and reporters will not give her a break from talking about us. I know that she finds it annoying but she always answers the pressuring question so elegantly.
"Loretta can make miracles happen in the right mindset" I said grinning when I watched her eyes flicker over to me. Her cheeks becoming pink as I don't bother hiding the fact that I was staring at her.
"God does he ever stop " George moans jokingly walking into the dining area where all of the guests are socialising.
"He's smitten" the guys laugh it up finding this all too funny.
I found myself reluctantly turning away from her and heading outside to do some more socialising.
Suddenly, I hear some music coming from the other room. I look over at Loretta's father but he doesn't seem to have noticed.
George pops his head out of the house "Guys listen " he says shutting everyone up for a few seconds.
Straightening my jacket, I start to walk closer to the sweet sound of music playing from the piano in the main part of the house. Than piano hasn't been touched since my mum last played it.
When I reach the door to the main room I meet my dad who's already standing there staring, completely still.
"Dad" I place my hand on his shoulder, but he doesn't even move to look my way.
I didn't understand until I look inside the room and saw Loretta. She sits in front of the piano, I watch her hands move around the keys so elegantly.
Everyone starts to gather behind me some filing in for the other doors.
She stops playing randomly as Kyle taps her on the shoulder. "I'm really happy that you all could join us tonight to celebrate Nate's birthday after so many years. I believe that traditions are meant to be kept so I hope you don't mind me playing for you" I watched as she slowly looked over towards me and my father.
I had a feeling this wasn't just for me, she must have seen how emotional he is today in this house.
Loretta finally begins to play again, I didn't recognise what she was playing but I didn't care. I couldn't take my eyes of her. She was so beautiful.
I quickly glance over at dad and see the smallest teardrop start to make its way down his face. He wipes it away but continues to stare.
I move my eyes back to her just in time to see Loretta turn to me still playing the melody, she quickly winks at me before turning back to the piano.
"Fuck" I mutter feeling my heart to a few backflips.
Dad must have heard me because he chuckles.
Without even noticing it I start to walk towards Loretta smirking slightly when she blushes.
She slowly fades out and stops playing altogether. I joined in with everyone and clapped for her. She really is talented.
Dad walks up to us gently kissing Loretta on the cheek and gently whispers a quick "Thankyou " in her ear. I know this would mean a lot to dad I'm just glad he enjoyed it.
Loretta turns towards me looking up at me through her long black lashes. "Nate " she whispers
God damn it, I curse. Gradually people start to leave the room and get back to their previous conversations.
Before she could say anything else I leant down and captured her rose plump lips gently coaxing her with mine, she wraps her arms around my neck pulling me in further.
Her strength was a little surprising to the point I nearly stumbled. Before I could make a fool of myself I grab her a waist spinning us around so I'm leaning into her, I had to put my hands on the top of the piano just to steady myself
I seem to lose all control whenever we're like this whenever our bodies are joined together and I'm kissing her gorgeous lips with such intensity that I definitely wouldn't let children see.
"I love you " I find myself suddenly blurting out not even realising what the fuck just came out of my mouth. I watched Loretta's eyes widen, her lips parting but no words coming out.
Shit.