As The Season Changes
Chapter Ten
"Could you explain to me, Tarou," Keigo asked grimly, looking at his lawyer across the expanse of the other man's desk, "how the hell is Naomi still yapping about monetary compensation and I can't even get Ai to use one credit card?"
"Which one are you angry with?" Tarou asked, keeping his eyes off Kyoususke, who sat across the room nicking through a business magazine.
Keigo had arrived an hour ago. Accustomed to his father's presence in his family's lawyer's office, Keigo got down to business immediately. That done, he leaned back in Tarou's cordovan leather guest chair and stretched out his long legs.
"Neither. Both. Hell, I don't know. I don't give a damn about Naomi. You know that I just wish to hell Ai would let me do more for her."
"That girl has always liked doing things her own way." His father said from across the room.
Keigo rotated his shoulders while squeezing the back of his neck. At first it had been alarming the amount of time Ai spent talking with his father. Something he hadn't been aware of until he started dating her. Apparently the pair had developed a closeness over the years.
In the beginning Keigo struggled with the knowledge of a shared past and their parents long friendship. However, after a stern lecture, Kyoususke hadn't bothered to interfere in his relationship with Ai. And after Keigo got over the weirdness of talking about her to his father, who considered Ai as his own daughter. He found that he didn't mind at all. In fact it would seem it made the father-son closer.
"The signing over the Karuizawa house should be completed. Have you told her yet?" Tarou asked, checking the thick stack of papers Keigo had just signed to make sure his signature was where it was needed.
"No. I'll wait for the right moment before I give her the deed."
"December?" Kyoususke asked.
"It's not a parting gift," Keigo said more harshly than he intended, then modified his tone. "She loves the house. I wanted to give her something..." He smoothed back his hair, looking over his shoulder at his father. When he first presented the idea, he'd been amazed at his father's quick agreement of cosigning the deed. "We rarely go there anymore... She should have the house," he finished brusquely.
He had no intention of telling either his lawyer or his father how happy he and Ai had been in the Karuizawa house. It was none of their damn business. Giving Ai the house was a smart move. He would never be able to take a step in there without thinking of her. It was logical to give it to her.
And he sure as hell wasn't thinking about what Ai would be doing after their 'contract' time was finished. When she'd, oh, so casually, mentioned she was taken until December 30, he'd checked a surge of anger. She didn't have to be so damn complacent about the temporariness of their arrangement. Keigo scrubbed his face with his hand. She turned him inside out, then left him swinging. And somehow she made him think he liked it!
"The property will be a good investment for her." Keigo cleared his scratchy throat, before addressing his father, asking casually, "Has she said anything to you about being bored?"
"No," he admitted, his surprise at his son's question obvious.
"Fine." His tone indicated he was done with the conversation, he picked up his briefcase. "I'm on my way to the airport. When I get back from Russia I'll give her the deed."
"She's not going with you?"
"No. The schedule is too grueling, and I don't think she's getting enough sleep as it is. Keep an eye on her while I'm gone, will you?"
"If I can convince her to make the time to see me," Kyoususke said dryly, "Every moment she isn't with you is spent at your house. Gives her more time to fool around with that mausoleum you live in and fiddle around in your garden. Never seen her happier."
"Is that enough for her?" Keigo asked, recapping his pen and sticking it in his pocket.
Kyoususke set the magazine he'd been pretending to read on the coffee table. "I always thought she would be better at being an interior designer than working at that radio station."
"I've never gotten the impression she's a career woman. Despite the way she looks, Aiko-chan is a homebody." Tarou said, slipping the paperwork into the Atobe's personal file. "Hate to rush you, Keigo, but Kyoususke and I have a meeting at three, and you said you had a plane to catch."
Keigo glanced at his watch. He had plenty of time to get to the airport. He rose, shook hands with Tarou, and walked over to his father, who had also stood.
Keigo cleared his throat before saying briskly, "Bring Helen over for dinner next week so you can both see the house. Ai will have everything finished by then, no doubt."
His father smiled. "Anyone else would take a year to do what Ai does in a week. She really has a damn fine talent."
Keigo turned to Tarou. "Rustle up one of your attractive ladies and come, too." He coughed dryly before opening the door.
"Sounds like you have a cold there, son."
"Allergies," Keigo dismissed. "I'll see you both sometime next week. Thanks for taking care of this, Tarou." Keigo indicated the desk where he'd signed several dozen business contracts. "Oh, by the way," he turned to his father absently asking, "where is Ai's father now?"
Kyoususke's gaze shot to Tarou, then back to Keigo. "Uh... Kyoto, last I heard. Why?"
"Give me his number, will you? I'd like a word."
The moment the door closed behind Keigo, Tarou turned to stare at his friend, "Holy hell, Kyou. What was that all about?"
"God only knows," Kyoususke said with a frown.
"You don't think he knows what's going on?"
Kyoususke waved away the possibility.
Tarou's expression was serious as he said to his long time friend and associate, "If he ever finds out what the hell you and I are doing, he's going to have our asses in a sling, you know."
"By then he'll be so madly in love with her he won't be able to see straight, let alone care one way or the other."
"Then why are we doing this?" Tarou demanded.
Kyoususke scowled. "Just in case my idiot son doesn't see the treasure stuck under his nose."
"I hope you're right about this, Kyou." Tarou grabbed his briefcase from the sideboard and flicked off his desk light. They crossed to the elevator beyond his office and pressed the down button. "The more I know Aiko, the more I realize she doesn't give a damn about material things."
"There are few months left. If—and I say if mind you—Keigo is going to give Ai her walking papers, she'll have a nice little nest egg to tide her over."
"She most certainly will." They got on into the elevator, Tarou tightened his hold on his bag. "I received a copy of her portfolio from the brokerage house last week. I never expected that stock to split so quickly. Thanks to that her company doubled in profit. We're up to sixty million for her."
"Close, but no," Kyoususke reminded him. "We decided on a hundred."
"You decided on that." Tarou shook his head. "I hope you're working on how we're going to explain to Aiko-chan why we ignored her instructions and continued taking money every month from the Saotome Trust, long after she told us to stop." He gave a quick nod of the head. "If he does leave her, I have no doubt she'll be dammed grateful to have financial security."
"I'm betting on a wedding in the very near future. He's given her our summer house. You know how much he loves the place." Kyoususke slapped Tarou on the back. "And you know I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. I love that girl as if she were my own daughter."
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Ai yanked a navy velour robe off its hanger and pulled it on over her naked body. It soft folds engulfed her, surrounding her with Keigo's scent. She rolled up the sleeves and tugged the belt around her waist before going downstairs to wait for him.
Too tired to bother eating, Ai flopped down on the new sofa in the family room. She tried to read. Even the latest terrifying vampire novel couldn't keep her awake. After laying the book on her lap, she channel surfed and found an old movie. She tried to concentrate on the film, pulling down the soft folds of Keigo's robe to cover her bare toes.
He'd gone to Russia this time. Sick of the sterility of his house, she'd persuaded Keigo to let her do something about it while he was away. As usual, she'd overdone it. The money meant nothing to Keigo, so for once she had no compunction about spending some of it. At least it was for him.
She had adamantly refused his offers of money and expensive gifts for months. She'd said no to the car, a condo, high-priced jewelry and a hundred other perks. When he realized she was in deadly earnest, he stopped presenting her with the pricey gifts. She had to admit she did love that Keigo was thinking of her when he bought those things.
However, she could afford her own things. They both moved in elite circles. She had her own designer gowns and jewelry. But little did he know that most of the clothing she possessed were from her days as a socialite. Though it embarrassed half her family that she worked for a living. She took pride in her independence. She refused to be bought and paid for. No matter how this relationship progressed, she didn't ever want Keigo to think he'd had to pay for her services.
She couldn't stop thinking about their trip to the summer house last month. It had been a magical time. For both of them. But it had made her reluctantly reassess what she was trying to get out of their relationship.
They had been sleeping together for months and she was still not pregnant. Each month the crushing disappointment had warred with a strange feeling of relief. The relief that the gods were giving them a little more time together.
That weekend had nudged a little place in her mind that said perhaps what she felt for him was more than the need to cold-bloodedly procreate. She'd been struggling with the decision for weeks.
She'd originally decided that having the baby alone, raising it alone, would be ideal. However, the better she got to know Atobe Keigo the more certain she was that she would never walk away from him once she was pregnant with his child. She was positive now that Keigo would track her down to the ends of the earth if he ever found out she had stolen something so precious from him. Because, even if he didn't know it himself, Keigo would make a terrific father.
Once he forgot about his image and they were alone, he could be tender and demonstrative. The man had potential. They deserved the opportunity to explore this relationship. He made her happy. She made him laugh. Surely, there was more to what they had than just sex?
Ai wanted to find out.
She had shed a bucket of tears before going to the drugstore. She had spent a whole day packing all the baby things and putting everything in storage. Luckily, Keigo was on one of his long trips. For days she had been alternately weepy and then optimistic. Finally she had become sick of the inactivity. The decision had been made.
It had been remarkably easy. She'd packed a small bag and had been at Keigo's since.
Redecorating his house into a home had been exactly what the doctor ordered. The busier she was, the less time she had to think. And between her job at the radio station and supervising painters and wallpaper hangers, picking out new furniture and live plants, the days flew fast.
She had a wonderful time changing the house into a real home. Not a trace of his corporate colors survived. Instead, she had filled his home with light. Beautiful fabrics and textured wall coverings, flowers and wonderful antique accent pieces had brought it all together. She'd rearranged his priceless art collection and sculptures. The house had been crawling with people for days, sending Keigo's security staff into fits.
She was worn to a nub, Ai though with sleepy satisfaction, letting her head fall back on the plump pillows. The room still smelled faintly of paint. She smiled.
Ai rested her eyes. She wanted him home, sitting beside her, rubbing her feet as he sometimes did. Or making love to her over there on the floor by the fireplace where he'd filled the missing gaps in her education with alacrity. Telling her what a shamelessly slow learner she was, so she had to keep practicing until she got it right. It was those quiet moments with him she cherished the most: Listening to music. Watching an old movie. Talking. It was amazing they had so much to talk about, considering they hardly agreed on anything.
But, no matter what the subject, they were both fascinated with looking up strange facts in Keigo's extensive library. When she came up with some off-the-wall question, Keigo would laughingly look it up in one of his many books or on the internet.
They were closer now than they had been as children. He seemed more relaxed. He laughed more. He seemed to like her touching him even when they weren't making love. And Ai touched him whenever she felt the urge, which was often. She loved the feel of his dark blonde hair between her fingers. She adored the scrape of his rough jaw under her mouth as she snuggled against him on the sofa. He didn't push her away. If he didn't enjoy the cuddling as much as she did, he didn't show it. He seemed perfectly content to let her tumble against him at whim like a pesky kitten. These were all things she would never have dared to do as a little girl.
Most of the time, if she didn't dwell on not conceiving, she was happy. Their lovemaking was spectacular. Ai had never imagined two people being more in tune, more compatible than she and Keigo in bed. Or on the floor. Or on a chair. They were both insatiable. She taught him to be uninhibited and inventive. That sex didn't just happen horizontally on a bed. After all, he took the gamble of the outdoors. Ai blushed at some of his choice locations. She would never be able to look at the stairs again without remembering the rug burns she'd had on her butt the next day.
She sighed contentedly and slid down into a more comfortable position on the sofa. Even the couple on the television waltzing around the ballroom couldn't force her eyes to remain open.
Keigo come home.
ATSC
Keigo could hear the TV as he let himself in and set his garment bag by the foot of the stairs to retrieve later. A strong smell of paint permeated the air. She'd left the front hall light on for him as she always did when he was late. A small thing, but something he always noticed the moment he walked in.
She'd placed an enormous, and glossy, vase on the half-circle table against the far wall. The smell of the massed fresh flowers vied with the unmistakable odor of paint and lemon furniture polish. She'd probably worked his staff mercilessly. To them Aiko-sama could do no wrong. They all adored her. A small, satisfied smile tugged at Keigo's mouth.
He loosened his tie and top button, his eyes gritty with exhaustion as he walked down the short hallway to the family room in the back of the house.
"Ai?"
He didn't remember being this tired in his life. Although his business had gone well, he'd missed Ai more than he'd thought possible.
"Ai?"
There was no response to his second louder call. For a moment he stood in the doorway. So much for fantasizing about her silky naked skin on satin sheets. He didn't have the energy right now anyway. He glanced at his watch. Well after midnight. She must have left the TV on and gone home.
The configuration of the room was different, the smell of fresh pain much stronger in here. His head throbbing, Keigo moved to turn off the TV before he went to bed.
The flickering test pattern illuminated Ai asleep on the sofa, her neck at an impossibly uncomfortable angle, her feet tucked up under his robe. Her lashes cast intriguing shadows on her cheeks.
"Ai," he whispered with intense satisfaction. She was here. Crouching down, Keigo ran the back of his fingers across the silky skin of her face and neck.
She slept as she did everything else. Totally. Nothing short of an earthquake would wake her. He took the book off her lap and marked the place.
She stirred briefly. With a lightening of his spirits, Keigo bent and lifted Ai to carry her upstairs.
He lay her gently on the bed, then stripped, settling under the crisp sheets beside her. The room was dark and warm, Ai's scent tantalizing as she unconsciously snuggled against him. Before he could sleep, he wanted to feel her naked skin against him. He skimmed off the robe she'd appropriated and for a moment was tempted to turn on the light.
She had a magnificent body and he wanted to see it. Was hungry to see it. But he could wait. Even with the brief glance he'd given the house when he'd walked though it, he could see she hadn't wasted a moment of the time he'd been gone. Ai must be as exhausted as he was.
She stirred restlessly as he slipped her arm out of the second sleeve, her silky hair frothing over his chest as he settled her against him.
Obviously they both needed to... Ah, hell! Ai's open mouth found his naked shoulder and sharp little teeth took a nip before her lips trailed like fire to the joint of neck and shoulder. Was she awake? Tired muscles electrified back to life as her tongue sent jolts bone deep.
He shifted to his side, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. Desire clenched in his gut. Now that she'd aroused him, she damn well better be awake! His hand made a slow and thorough inspection of her body. As his body came wildly alive, he groaned aloud. He pressed her against the pillows and took her mouth. He could feel the firm curve of her breasts now flattened against his chest. Catching a handful of springy hair in his fist, he nudged her head up so he could just make out the pale oval of her face.
"You'd better be awake, lady."
"Haru?" Ai whispered huskily, as her fingers climbed his shoulders.
Keigo fell on his back, taking her with him. He grinned up at her. "Haru? You little wretch. How long have you been awake?"
"Since you started ripping off my clothes." Ai ran her fingers through his hair, the tips lingering on his face. He needed a shave. "When did you get back?" She wriggled farther up his chest.
Keigo captured her hand and brought it to his lips, a feeling of profound... something pouring through him. He had no name for what Ai did to him. He didn't even want to think about it. Her entire satiny length was pressed the length of his body. "Half an hour ago." His answer was muffled against the pulse in her throat.
Ai's mouth blindly searched his. His arms went around her. They kissed slowly, savoring the moment.
"I missed you." Ai's voice was low, husky with need.
Keigo's grip tightened as she moved, her smooth skin skimming over his. He heard her sight. Shifting, Keigo ran his hand up her side. He'd missed her, too. He hadn't wanted to. For days, the memories of this woman had colored his thoughts. It was unprecedented. It was unacceptable. It was. He nudged her knees apart and settled in the cradle of her thighs. "Show me how much you missed me, Ai." He slid into the welcoming warmth of her. They made love slowly savoring the closeness.
TBC...