***Saturday morning***
Jennifer woke up before Jonathan.
She rolled over to embrace him and saw the gift that had been left on the nightstand. She got up and went to his side of the bed and began to shake him.
"Jonathan….. Jonathan…. Wake up…. Someone's been in the house".
He sat up and opened his eyes.
"Someone's been in the house".
She pointed to the nightstand.
He looked over and saw 4 purple irises in a vase on the nightstand.
"How did those get there?"
"I have no idea. They weren't there when you and I went to sleep, but they were there when I woke up".
"Have you been anywhere else in the house?"
"No".
"Stay here, while I go check it out".
"Jonathan! I'm not going to let you just go through the house alone, you have no idea what's out there".
"Ok, ok. Just stay close to me".
He put his hands behind her and she took them.
They walked out of the bedroom and into the living room. First thing they saw was Max trying to fix the window.
"Looks like we had a visitor last night, Mr. H. Funny thing is, nothing's missing".
"I don't think they were here to take anything, I think they were here to intimidate us and leave something".
They got the window back in place and then Max and Jonathan went around making sure the locks were in place on all the windows and working.
"Darling, maybe you should get an alarm system."
"Yeah, maybe you're right. I've never really needed one here before, but maybe it's time".
She headed to the kitchen to get some coffee, and a few minutes later Jonathan came and joined her.
"Are you ok?"
She looked at him and nodded.
"Did he touch you?"
"If he did, I slept through it".
He stepped forward and embraced her, and then called and arranged for a security system with outside and inside cameras to be installed. He also called a security team and asked them to put someone outside the house on both sides until further notice.
"Maybe we should skip the gala tonight, darling".
"No, let's not do that. If we skip it, then he will think he's won. We have to show him that he hasn't".
He kissed her a few times.
"Now, I have an errand to run. I shouldn't be too long. When I get back, you and I can go grab lunch together and do whatever you want, ok?"
"Well, I was going to go find somewhere to get my hair done, and I was also going to find a nail salon. You don't want to go with me to those places".
"I don't mind. I love spending time with you".
"You're wonderful".
He quickly got dressed and then headed out, after giving her several goodbye kisses.
"Max, nobody in or out except the alarm company and the security team, ok?"
"Got it, Mr. H."
Jennifer went to take a long bubble bath while Jonathan was gone. She soaked for a long time and then got out.
She put on a pair of black capri yoga pants, a purple tank top, and a pair of gray flip flops. She threw her hair up into a ponytail.
She had just walked into the kitchen when Jonathan got back.
He scooped her up.
"Eyes closed, baby".
"Jonathan, what are you doing?"
"I have a surprise for you".
He carried her out to the garage and set her down.
"Ok, open your eyes".
She opened her eyes to find a brand new metallic green Land Rover Discovery SUV sitting in the driveway.
"What is this?"
"Well, you are living here full time now, and you need a car to drive. And we need one to drive that's not a sports car sometimes, and I figured you wouldn't want to take the wagon all the time, so I went and bought this. You can drive this one, I'll drive the yellow Mercedes, Max can drive the wagon, and we can save the Bentley for special occasions."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I trust you, darling. Want to take it for a spin?"
She nodded.
She ran back inside and grabbed her purse and came back and hopped in the driver's seat.
He slid into the passenger seat.
"Another reason I got this for you to drive is that it has a computer system. If something goes wrong, it can call me. If you get into an accident, it will automatically call the police, or an ambulance, whatever. You are surrounded by airbags, also."
"I'll be fine, darling. Thank you for getting it for me".
They drove through the canyon and then back to the house.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it. And I love you".
She leaned over and kissed him.
He programmed the garage button for her and then she pulled it into the garage next to the convertible.
He went inside and showered and got dressed, and they headed out.
First stop was the hairdresser. Jonathan dropped her off and then came back to get her.
Second stop was the nail shop. She picked a shimmery pastel green for her toes, and French for her fingers.
Jonathan picked her up right on time.
"Alarm system has been installed. Cameras too. They are coming back Monday to finish installing the inside cameras and the viewing area. I hope you don't mind, but I moved your desk and computer stuff out of the alcove in the living room, since that's where the monitors are going. I put your desk in the sunroom, and moved a tv from the guestroom in there as well. Now you can see the ocean, and work and watch TV at the same time".
"Great idea".
They parked in the garage and then went inside.
She spent about an hour getting her office set up like she wanted it and then headed to get ready for the Gala.
She chose a bright blue strapless gown that had asymmetrical feathery strips at the bottom, and eventually faded into black. It was exquisite and she filled it out quite nicely.
She had just finished putting on her strappy Manolo Blahniks when Jonathan came out of the bathroom.
"Darling, can you tie this?"
"Of course, I can".
She got up and tied his tie and then kissed him.
As soon as she changed purses, they headed out.
***Los Angeles Convention Center***
Jonathan and Jennifer walked the red carpet, posed for pictures and then went inside. She made sure that her engagement ring was prominent in all the pictures, since she had a feeling that Elliott was going to see them.
They danced, ate, danced some more, mingled, and then after a final dance, headed home. It had been a lovely evening, and believe it or not, Elliott Manning had been the furthest thing from her mind.
They had just come in the house and were about to change clothes when the security guy knocked on the door several times.
Jonathan went to open it.
"Mr. Hart, I found this guy skulking around the back. He had tools in his hand, and was trying to pry a window in your bedroom open".
Jonathan reached forward and pulled the ski mask off the guys face.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Michael. I was paid to come here, open a window, and leave something on a pillow".
"What were you supposed to leave?"
"Some irises. I dropped them when he grabbed me".
"Who paid you?"
"A guy named James Piedmont".
"Ok. Call the cops and have him arrested."
"Yes, sir".
He closed the door and locked it and went back to the bedroom.
"Everything ok?"
"Security caught another one of Elliott's hoodrats trying to break in".
He walked over to the phone and sat down on the bed.
"I think I'm going to call Lt. Gray and see if he can come over now and talk instead of waiting till tomorrow".
"Good idea".
He quickly dialed his number and asked him to come over. Lt. Gray agreed.
Jonathan went and told the security team that Lt. Gray was coming, and to let him in.
Jennifer changed out of her dress and into some comfy clothes.
About 20 minutes later, Lt. Gray arrived.
"Hey, everything ok?"
"Lt., this is my fiancée Jennifer Edwards".
"Hi, nice to meet you".
"Likewise".
"So, she's been living here almost 2 months now. Before that, she was living in Australia and before that, she was living in New York. When she was in Australia, she met and dated a guy who hasn't stopped harassing her. They broke up, she and I ran into each other a few minutes later, and I brought her back to the states with me. He gave a press conference stating that she was the love of his life, and that I kidnapped her. So, we gave one stating that she was with me of her own free will and that I had never and would never kidnap her. And since then, he's been pressuring people not to do business with me, he's tried to keep her from getting jobs. And last night, he or someone who works for him, opened a window here in our home and snuck in and put some flowers on our nightstand. So, today, I had an alarm system installed with cameras. And I had security posted here at the house. And tonight, they caught someone trying to sneak in again. Also, I had one of my employees dig up information about this guy, and he found out that not only hasn't he paid taxes in the US, he found an email where he blatantly states that he doesn't intend to. I was going to give you all of this tomorrow, when you came by for poker, but after the surprise visitor tonight, I decided I didn't want to wait."
"Good call. Can I see the folder?"
He handed it to him.
Lt. Gray opened the file and then looked at Jennifer.
"You dated Elliott Manning? The hotel mogul?"
She nodded.
"I don't mean to sound like your daddy, or tell you what to do, but I feel the need to impress upon you. Elliott Manning is a dangerous man. He's impulsive, he's reckless, and he won't take no for an answer".
"I know."
"How did you get away from him?"
"Well, I had planned on going back to New York for a legal matter. So, we were at a business dinner and he ignored me all evening. So, I told him I was leaving, and he asked if I was going back to my hotel. I told him yes, for starters, and then New York for good. He grabbed my wrist and told me I wasn't allowed to, and I said watch me, and yanked my wrist away and walked out the door. He was shouting after me that I would come crawling back, and that he wasn't worried. And when I walked out of the hotel lobby, I stumbled. I started crying, and Jonathan was right there".
"You are very lucky. Many women that have dated him haven't been as lucky to be able to get away like you did."
He looked at Jonathan.
"We need to be able to sneak up on him, he always sees us coming from a mile away. I will definitely take this to the DA, that's no problem. What if you put the word out that you are interested in buying one of his hotels in downtown Los Angeles? When he shows up to meet you, we will show up too".
"I can do that".
"Darling, he just said he's dangerous! What if he hurts you?"
"I'll be fine, darling. I promise".
"I don't like it, Jonathan. He's dangerous. Really dangerous".
"Jennifer, if this gets him out of our lives and behind bars where he belongs, then it's worth it to be in his presence for a few minutes."
"Not if he shoots you before the cops come in".
"Jonathan, she has a valid point. How about if we put an undercover agent in the office with you? He can be your silent partner".
"I guess that would be ok. But it needs to be someone really good, because I don't want to spook him".
"I will make all the arrangements. Now, I think you and Jennifer should pack a bag, and go spend the night at one of his hotels. When you check out tomorrow, give the front desk your business card and tell them to tell the owner that if he ever wants to sell, you are interested".
"Got it. Darling, let's go pack".
"I'll escort you to the hotel, just to be safe".
"Thank you".
They quickly packed an overnight bag, and then headed to the car.
Jonathan decided they should take the convertible since Elliott knew that Jonathan drove that.
They held hands as they drove along.
"If they ask us, we are staying here because the air is out at our house".
"Got it".
They pulled up and parked. Lt. Gray signaled to them that he was heading out.
They walked inside and checked in. Jonathan got them the nicest room they had available, and they put it under Jennifer's name.
They got their room key, headed to the elevator and took it up to the 18th floor.
They came in and got settled into their room. Jennifer changed into a black lacy nightgown and turned the bed down.
"Darling, put your robe on. Just for a minute".
She obliged him.
"What are you doing?"
"Making sure we are alone".
He examined every inch of the room and found no cameras, bugs, or other types of recording/listening devices.
"I think it's safe."
"I think you're paranoid".
He chuckled.
"Only about keeping you safe".
He leaned forward and kissed her.
They climbed into bed and snuggled up together.
"Comfortable?"
"Yep".
"Have enough room, have enough covers?"
"I'm fine, Jonathan. Honest".
He rolled over and kissed her several times.
"You mean everything to me. I love you, all my heart".
"I love you too".
He made love to her and then they fell asleep together.
***Sunday***
They took full advantage of the hotel room when they woke up. They had a double whirlpool tub, so they took a long soak together. Jonathan ordered them room service, and they ate out on the terrace.
They finally checked out just before lunch.
"Here you go, sir. We hope you enjoyed your stay and we hope you come back".
"By any chance is this hotel for sale?"
"Not that I'm aware of".
"Well, I'm a businessman, and I'm willing to purchase it, if your owner is willing to sell it. Can you see that he gets my business card? All my contact information is on the back".
"Yes, sir. I will go put it on his desk right now".
"Thank you very much".
He and Jennifer laced their fingers together and walked out the front door to the car.
She put her sunglasses on as he dropped the top on the Mercedes.
"You think it worked?"
"We will find out soon, my guess is sometime tomorrow".