Thanks for the love and being so patient life is pretty crazy at the moment. Hope you're still enjoying Political Persuasion too, that's about four chapters off from completion so would really love your reviews still. Glad to see you're all concerned about the mess in the kitchen, don't worry I've got it covered
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 22: You Can't Hurry Love
Vail, Colorado, January 20 2015 7:23am
Klaus stirred from his sleep, his eyes fluttering open slowly. After a few moments his eyes adjusted to his surroundings and fell on her blonde hair messily splayed across her chest.
He smiled feeling a shiver of desire ripple through his body at the memory of their night. Klaus didn't doubt the sex would be good given their strong attraction but he was completely overwhelmed by just how right it felt.
Laying there in the delicious afterglow of their activities Klaus watched her sleep unable to keep the grin off his face. She looked angelic, her usually creamy skin flushed and her blonde waves hanging around her face. He leaned across brushing away a stray tendril and inhaling her delicious vanilla scent. Klaus didn't usually get in the habit of watching anyone while they slept but realised he'd only ever done it with her.
He'd reluctantly pulled himself from bed, careful not to wake her, remembering the mess they'd left in their wake downstairs. Considering he wanted a promotion Klaus thought he should at least clean the kitchen.
Klaus had never remembered cleaning being that enjoyable but as flashes of their food fight came back he couldn't help but smile. Caroline brought out a side in him he'd not seen in a long time. His mood immediately changed realising he thought he'd felt this way once before and it hadn't ended well. He shook his head determined to dislodge the negative memories.
Creeping back into bed Klaus was half tempted to rouse sleeping beauty but she looked too peaceful to disturb. He was fairly tired from their workout and felt sleep overtake him shortly after.
Klaus lay there watching the sunlight peek through the blinds unsure of what to do or say in the full light of morning. He'd been greedy for intimacy with her but hadn't considered the consequences and was wondering what to do next.
He knew he loved being with her but where would they go from here? It was probably the first time he'd ever regretting moving so fast, although on further reflection realised it had actually only been about four weeks, something he would have once considered a lifetime.
She wiggled slightly scrunching up her nose making him think how cute she looked. He sensed she was about to wake and turned over quickly so she wouldn't catch him watching her while she slept.
He listened intently wondering what she would do or say but the silence hung thick in the air. The longer the silence went on the more impatient he became hoping she would break the silence. He felt the bed sink just as his heart did the same thing realising she was leaving the bed.
He heard her pad towards the bathroom before that familiar knocking sounded from their door. Caroline gasped loudly making him turn over in curiosity catching her in all her naked glory. His eyes roamed over every inch of the body he'd enjoyed the night before. Klaus realised seeing her naked was never going to get boring, she was stunning and he grinned unable to hide his amusement or his desire.
"Morning love." She blushed profusely only making him want her more. He could feel himself stir hoping she'd come back to bed so they could pick up where they left off.
She must have read his mind diving back under the covers obviously trying to hide her embarrassment. He chuckled unable to help himself she looked that adorable. The knocking continued followed by Georgia's unmistakable voice.
"Knock knock." Klaus looked at Caroline who was making sure every inch of bare flesh was covered, it was a great shame really.
"Who's there?" He asked struggling to keep his eyes off Caroline.
"They can't see me like this." She whispered her eyes wide.
"You realise we're supposed to be a couple right?"
"They're just kids." She hissed trying to wiggle down further touching him by accident and causing electric shocks to pulse through his nether regions. "You obviously forgot James and his girl germ phobia."
"Iva."
"Iva who?"
"Iva a sore hand from knocking." They chuckled pushing open the door their mischievous faces peering inside the room.
"What are you doing?" Lucy asked innocently her eyes wide.
"We are…" Klaus started before James interrupted knowingly.
"Being kissy kissy again."
"Well that's what people in love do James." Klaus answered automatically not missing the curious look from his supposed better half.
"Ick." He sighed. "Can we go skiing today?"
"We can." Caroline smiled finally finding her voice. "What's for breakfast first?"
"Omelets." Georgia grinned. "I'm having ham and cheese, it's my favourite."
"Well what do you know that's my favourite too." She smiled at the little girl.
"Are you going to come downstairs now?" Lucy asked impatiently. They both looked at each other knowing just how naked they were. Before they could answer Jen came to the door shaking her head at the children.
"What did I tell you about leaving our guests alone this early in the morning?"
"They don't mind." James replied rolling his eyes at his mother.
"Well Caroline and Klaus may feel differently at having three noisy Taylors waking them."
"Really it's fine, we just uh need to…" Klaus trailed off before Jen responded knowingly.
"Yes of course, come on kids let's leave these two to get ready." She smiled before dragging them away reluctantly.
"So."
"So." He replied. "That was a little awkward."
"Only a little?" She teased. "I'm just relieved I was under the covers in time."
"I don't know, I have to say I was a little disappointed because I was really enjoying the view."
"You would." She groaned rolling her eyes. "Those children though I seriously doubt."
It was then the room descended into silence and he wasn't sure what to say next. He figured giving her a glowing review of her bedroom prowess wasn't going to cut it right now.
"So last night was uh nice." He stammered thinking how lame it sounded as soon as he'd uttered it.
"Yeah it was um nice." She replied quietly. His phone started to ring and Klaus had to admit he was relieved by the interruption the tension between them was that thick. He smiled apologetically and reached for his cell on the bedside table. He was just hoping it wasn't Rebekah because he wasn't in the mood for a lecture right now.
He noted the caller ID and connected wondering what was happening in New York City.
"Morning boss." She chirped through the phone.
"Lexi, how are you?"
"Did you just ask me how I was?"
"Yes that's the general thing you do on the phone after greetings." He said unsure of where she was going with this.
"Well yes normal people do but it's not your style. Generally if I'm lucky to get a hello you move straight on to what do you want."
"I'm not that bad." He laughed noting the silence on the other end of the line. "Oh come on."
"What have you done with the real Klaus?" She asked curiously.
"Not sure why you want him back if he's as bad as you make him sound." He growled feeling the bed sink, not quick enough to catch sight of her stunning naked figure before she shut the bathroom door. Klaus only hoped he'd get to see her again and very soon. "What do you want?"
"Now that sounds like my boss." She laughed. "For a second there I was worried, well that or the fact that Caroline might have actually humanised you."
"Humanised me?"
"Yes it's a foreign concept I know but that can happen when you like someone or…." She trailed off making him slightly uncomfortable at her inference.
"Or what?" He asked unsure of why he was buying into her wild theories.
"You two had sex!" She cried making his cheeks heat up. Klaus was momentarily stunned, one because she came out and said it and two she was actually right. "I knew it."
"I don't know what you're talking about Lexi." He spluttered eventually finding his voice.
"You'd never make a good actor." She drawled and Klaus could tell she was rolling her eyes. "So it was that good hey?"
"I am not discussing my sex life with you." He hissed hoping Caroline couldn't hear their conversation. "Some things are personal."
"Funny how you've never been this shy before." She teased. "But I'll leave it alone for now."
"So kind of you Lexi, so what is the matter?"
"Back to work I see." She murmured. "Apparently there is a big problem in the London office."
"What kind of problem?" He asked sitting up in bed suddenly not liking the sound of that.
"They auctioned Le Printemps by Manet last week for $65 million."
"Well that doesn't sound so bad to me."
"Except for the fact it was a fake."
"They did what?" He groaned hoping he'd heard her wrong and was still half asleep.
"I'd say it again but I figure that was a rhetorical question." Klaus rolled his eyes thinking how ill-timed her supposed wit was.
"How the hell did that happen? We have procedures in place to stop this from occurring."
"Apparently they followed the proper process but I found out they organised an appraisal with Millers." She sighed.
"This is why we use reputable companies so things like this don't happen." He growled balling up his fists thinking how incompetent his successor in the London office was.
"So who bought the Manet?"
"Gordon Rose."
"You're joking right?"
"No I'm not joking. I am talking about the same Welsh billionaire we know."
Klaus felt physically ill, he'd spent so much of his time courting Gordon's business knowing his love of art and just how much money he was willing to spend on it. This kind of mistake meant they may well lose him after one stupid error in judgement.
"He's one of our best clients, think of all that lost business not to mention the public relations disaster if this gets out."
"You're telling me." She muttered. "They're in damage control but it could still come out unless..."
"Unless I try and smooth things over with Rose." He said hopping out of bed and putting on some clothes madly. "The phone isn't going to cut it for this."
"Exactly why I was calling boss."
"I'm assuming Ben Taylor has no idea about this yet?"
"You would assume right, at least you can break the news to him in person."
"Yes how convenient that he's only a few doors down the hall." He drawled sarcastically. "Can you get me on the next available flight to London?"
"Sure thing." She responded. "So do you want two tickets or one?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well I just thought you might want Caroline to tag along and keep you company."
"This is business Lexi."
"Well last time I checked your arrangement with Caroline was business, unless your night together has changed things?" Klaus sighed thinking work had to come first but he knew he would miss her, especially after their phenomenal night together.
"Text me the flight details." He said disconnecting quickly trying to ignore the heavy ache in his heart. He heard a click from the bathroom door as she emerged fresh faced and beautiful as usual in a baby blue sweater. Klaus realised that was just her default setting.
"Hi." She smiled shyly.
"Hi."
"So uh how's Lexi this morning?"
"She's Lexi, you know still bossing me around." Klaus wasn't sure how he was going to break the news about his departure to Caroline. It was terrible timing given they'd finally taken a step forward and he had to leave when things were still so uncertain between them. "I've actually got to…"
"Knock knock." Klaus smiled at Caroline, not surprised by the interruption.
"Who's there?" They both replied in unison.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"You realise it's only early still right?" Kol said lazily watching Bonnie throw on some clothes and wishing she'd come back to bed so they could continue their fun.
"I have a job this morning."
"At eight am?" He asked surprised. "I thought you were a fashion photographer, surely those models would want to sleep in after those cocaine fuelled nights with rock stars."
"Someone's been watching too many movies I think." She said distractedly tying up her dressing gown.
If she was being honest Caroline's phone call the previous night had made her nervous. Bonnie only had casual sex, it was fun and it was easy. Looking back she should have been concerned that it had already been three weeks with Kol but she was so caught up in the moment that she'd lost track of time.
Kol had been an enjoyable companion and she was reluctant to let go straight away. He constantly kept her entertained, he was intelligent, witty and not to mention great in bed. Given all those characteristics Bonnie had every right to be distracted.
The fact others had noticed though had caused her to think about her choices and Bonnie knew she had to let him loose. Looking at his cheeky grin now she knew it was going to be difficult. He had this way of smiling at her then her insides instantly turned to mush.
"So are we catching up tonight?"
"Uh no, I have an event opening tonight I need to shoot."
"I'd be more than willing to come along if you need someone to carry your equipment."
"Thanks that's sweet but this is work."
"No problem. So how about the weekend?"
"I'm not sure what I'm doing yet, my schedule is all over the place." She said hurriedly hoping he would get the message without her having to say it. Bonnie didn't do emotions and this was getting too close for her liking.
"Okay." He replied and she swore he looked upset. "This is just a casual arrangement anyway I suppose."
"It is." She smiled hoping he understood. "So it uh sounds like operation promotion is going well in Vail."
"Have you spoken to Caroline?" He asked propping himself up on the pillow and she had to physically stop herself from jumping him he looked that delicious with his messy hair and sleepy smile.
"Yeah last night, I think the whole Taylor family are pretty smitten with them."
"Like they're smitten with each other." He said knowingly.
"How do you know?"
"Trust me Niklaus has never spent this much time or been this interested in anyone since..."
"Since who?" She asked curiously.
"Oh just an ex-girlfriend he had in London but that was a while ago now." He explained quickly.
"So you don't think he's doing this just for the promotion?"
"No Niklaus would never use someone, that much I know. He's invested in this and I don't think it's business related, even Elijah agrees and he's usually off in his own world."
"Oh and how is your brother?" She asked guessing what he was going to say after speaking to Katherine earlier.
"Pissed off, angry and not to mention very determined to bring down your friend."
"Sounds just like Katherine." She agreed. "I hear their court hearing yesterday didn't quite go as planned."
"That's an understatement." He groaned. "I almost want to take the morning off work so I can witness their stoush when the case resumes next week."
"I had the same thought, maybe we should buy some popcorn and watch it all unfold." His eyes lit up excitedly and she immediately felt bad for suggesting something other than sex. She didn't want Kol to get the wrong idea after all.
"Well you have my number love."
"I really have to get ready." She said nervously unsure of how to act around him.
"Of course." He said simply watching her with an amused glance. "I'll just be out here naked if you need me." Bonnie smiled and nodded before escaping to the bathroom.
She leaned up against the wall inhaling deeply suddenly feeling partly bad for fobbing him off and partly turned on at the same time. She'd would have given anything to open the door and invite him into the shower but she didn't want to lead him on at the same time. How did she get herself into these situations? Bonnie wasn't sure if she was worried about her feelings or his, it was all so new to her.
Bonnie promised herself that by the end of the week Kol Mikaeslon would be history. He had to be otherwise she was scared of the consequences.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Are you working?" Ben asked Klaus as he consulted his lap top seriously.
"You can talk." He smiled knowingly over his computer. Ben Taylor was just as work obsessed as him and they both knew it.
"Okay fair enough. Maybe I should have rephrased that as I want to know what you're working on because I'm jealous." He laughed. "Just don't tell Jen."
The two were sitting in one of the nearby bars in Vail in front of a roaring open fire having some drinks while the girls and kids continued to ski the slopes. Klaus really liked Ben and enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together and talk.
"Not sure you'll be that jealous, there's actually been some trouble in London."
"Not sure I like the sound of that."
"Apparently a Manet painting went to auction last week for over $60 milion."
"And this is a bad thing?"
"Turns out it was a fake. It wasn't appraised by our preferred company and Gordon Rose isn't happy."
"The Welsh billionaire?"
"Yes not to mention one of our best clients." He conceded before quickly explaining. "Look he's a great client and I know him well. I'm sure I can sort this out."
"How exactly are you going to do that?"
"I'm out on the next flight to London tomorrow."
"So you think you can fix this?"
"I can smooth this over Ben, Gordon and I go back a long way. In fact I was the one to convince him to buy his first purchase from us and I'm certain I can convince him to stay."
"That's very committed of you Klaus given you're based in the United States now and London isn't your problem."
"We're a worldwide company Ben, I'm interested in what goes on everywhere."
"It's good to see you putting the company ahead of everything else Klaus." He smiled obviously impressed. "Not sure Jen will be happy with you taking Caroline away prematurely."
"I'm sure she feels the same way, we've had such a great time with you two and the kids." He said sincerely knowing it was true promotion or not. "I'll be off to London and she has to return to work in New York anyway."
"You are a good man Klaus." He smiled appreciatively.
"Just make sure you tell Caroline, Georgia, James, Lucy and Jen that when I break the news about leaving early."
"They are all going to miss you, I think first and foremost Lucy who has a bit of a crush on you according to Jen."
"Trust me it's just the accent." He joked.
"Just please let my daughter down nicely, you are her first love after all."
"I'll do everything I can." He promised noticing the little girl in question approaching them shyly next to Caroline.
Klaus smiled at Caroline realising just how much he'd missed her and it had only been a few hours. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and as she removed her beanie and shook out her hair he could see that it was slightly damp from the snow. She couldn't have looked more beautiful to Klaus. The kids raced over to the games room nearby leaving the four of them alone.
"Nice to see you two are relaxing while we were busy exercising." Caroline joked.
"I don't think these two know what relaxing means Caroline." Jen teased noting their laptops open on the table.
"I was only checking facebook, Klaus was the one working." Ben quipped.
"Don't believe him, Ben hates social media."
"I really was the only one doing work." Klaus admitted. "Ben was just listening to me vent about the London office."
"What did they do?" Caroline asked taking a seat next to him.
"They auctioned a fake Manet last week for over $60 million." Ben replied deadpan.
"They did not?" Jen asked incredulously.
"Oh they did but Klaus is heading to London tomorrow to fix things." Ben smiled confidently. Klaus looked over at Caroline guiltily, upset that she had to hear the news from Ben and not him. He noticed a shadow cross her face and he immediately felt bad.
"I suppose that's one way of putting it." He smiled uneasily in her direction. "Sorry to have cut the holiday short ladies." He was only looking at Caroline when he said that.
"I think under the circumstances that's fair enough." Caroline murmured not looking him directly in the eye.
"It's just…" He started before Georgia came over and took her hand.
"Come and play a game with me Caroline." She pleaded before heading off with the little girl dutifully. Klaus knew he had to speak to her before he left the country.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Klaus walked around the chalet aimlessly looking for Caroline. He hadn't had the opportunity to talk to her after Ben mentioned his impromptu trip to London. They'd all been at dinner together but she hadn't said much which was out of character.
He was desperate to find her so he could explain, Klaus wasn't sure what had come over him. Work had always been his one and only priority but for some reason he cared about what Caroline thought.
Ben and Jennifer had taken advantage of two willing babysitters to go out and spend some quality time together. The kids were fast asleep and Klaus was determined to use their alone time to speak to Caroline.
He looked out the window noticing a lone figure in the outdoor Jacuzzi perched on the verandah overlooking the snowfields. Klaus walked out the door noting the cold air and rubbing his hands together to create some warmth before stopping suddenly at the sight in front of him. Caroline was leaning against the side of the Jacuzzi, her arms stretch out and staring off into the distance.
Klaus felt himself stir knowing just what was hidden under the ripples of water. Suddenly a Jacuzzi was feeling very appealing. Her hair was wet and her cheeks flushed from the warmth conjuring up images from the shower the previous night. She looked over hearing him as he approached.
"Great minds think alike." He murmured trying not to imagine her naked.
"You were coming out here for a Jacuzzi?"
"I was." He replied quickly realising he was fully clothed. "It was a little too cold to wear less outside."
"Wusse." She teased looking at him unconvinced. He quickly removed his top and jeans leaving him in nothing but his tight Calvin Klein boxer shorts slowly easing himself into the warm water. She remained silent making him feel even more uncomfortable if that was possible.
"So uh you were quiet at dinner." He stuttered.
"I guess I'm a little sad this is coming to an end so abruptly." She said looking at him shyly before continuing. "You know because the Taylors are so nice and all."
"They are, I never thought I'd admit that I'd miss being woken up so early in the morning with a knock on the door."
"Yeah who's going to tell us knock knock jokes now?" She laughed just before the dreaded silence took over. Why couldn't he just say what he meant? Why did everything have to be so damn awkward?
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about London myself."
"Considering what's going on I understand the urgency I just..." She said before he interrupted.
"I'd prefer not to leave though, not yet."
"Really?" She asked her voice raspy with desire.
"Really." He reiterated not dropping his gaze. Klaus knew this was the part where he had to be honest about what he wanted. He knew he wanted Caroline, that was clear, he just wasn't quite sure how to articulate that. It had been a long time since he'd been in this position.
While he was madly thinking of what to say Caroline surprised him by moving closer, her expression unreadable before she spoke softly.
"I don't want you to leave either."
That was all he needed to hear and Klaus closed the gap between them hungrily attacking her lips and running his fingers through her wet hair greedily. He pulled her flush to him feeling her bare breasts rub against his chest tantalisingly.
He pulled back gazing at her happily. "Well you've made my work a whole lot easier love."
"I didn't have a swimsuit." She explained before pulling him closer and adding. "Just shut up and kiss me."
Klaus heard her yelp in surprise as he picked her up with ease so she was straddling him. Klaus had never wanted anyone more than he wanted Caroline at that exact moment.
He dived in assaulting her mouth, running his hands down the length of her neck and across her chest before tweaking her rosebud nipples between his fingers. She cried out in response her eyes closed clearly savouring every sensation pulsing through her body.
Klaus felt his erection straining against his boxer shorts knowing just how close he was to climaxing. He knew he was entering dangerous territory, rushing things was just how they got into this situation. He pulled back reluctantly his breath ragged noticing her surprised expression.
"Sorry I just thought that maybe we should take things slow." He panted wondering what she was thinking.
"Well it's a little late for that."
"I suppose you're right but we moved so fast we didn't consider everything last night, including protection and..."
"I'm on the pill there's nothing to worry about Klaus. Trust me I wouldn't have just had unprotected sex." She spat obviously offended by his comment.
"That didn't come out right, I'm sorry." He stuttered trying to explain. "I was trying to say in a really bad way that maybe we need to talk about what's happening between us rather than just jumping into bed."
"Or the Jacuzzi." She added her smile finally returning.
"Yeah I'm not sure my boss would have appreciated us doing it in his Jacuzzi."
"Probably not the best way to get a promotion." She agreed. "So we should probably get out of here."
"Ladies first." He grinned mischievously hoping to see her naked again.
"Oh no you don't mister." She pointed her finger at him accusingly. "You can't just hit pause and expect me to prance around naked still."
"You have to stop giving me these visuals love." He teased. "I would most definitely love to watch you prancing around naked."
"Well someone is going to have to wait so turn around buddy." He did it begrudgingly realising it didn't matter because the image of her naked was already emblazoned on his brain.