Chapter 17

Kyle dialed Joe’s number early in the morning, instructing him to email the website and let them know he was taking care of Kiera’s prescription. He’d cover the cost, so they wouldn’t have to fret about it.

When they called him back, wanting to speak with Kiera, he wasn’t taken aback. Joe, quick on his feet, told them she was in the shower.

He made it clear that he was satisfied with Kiera’s work and didn’t want them bothering her with calls or visits.

Later that day, Joe arrived at Kyle’s hotel. He was careful to ensure he wasn’t being followed. He knocked on the door to Kyle’s office before stepping inside.

“I’ve got that package you asked for,” he announced, taking a seat across from Kyle.

“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Kyle responded, accepting the package and tucking it into his pocket.

“So, how are things with you and Kiera?”

Kyle filled him in on Roy’s visit. “I really hope he can nail those bastards soon. She’s starting to lose it, being cooped up all the time. It sucks that we can’t go out for dinner or dancing.

“I’m doing my best to keep her entertained. The daytime is the hardest for her, since I’m down here working most of the day.”

“Why don’t you let me take her out to lunch?”

Kyle shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He didn’t want her going anywhere without him. He wondered if he was being selfish, keeping her confined to his suite.

“Look, nothing is going to happen. If we’re seen together by any of those guys, it’s all right. They’ll be expecting it. And it will give her a chance to get out of that room, even for a short time.”

Kyle leaned back, scratching his chin in thought. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt, as long as you stayed in the general area. All right, I’ll call her and let her know you’re coming up to take her out to lunch.

“Just be careful. Make sure no one sees you leaving or coming back with her. Take the back way and the stairs.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“All right. Just let me call her first before you go up. I had told her not to open the door for anyone, but if she knows you’re on your way up, it’ll be okay.”

He then made the call. After talking to her, he hung up, turning to look at Joe. “You have to wait half an hour. She’s going to shower first.”

“I could help her with that,” he said, smirking.

“Not funny,” he said, giving Joe an angry glare and throwing a rolled-up piece of paper at him. He then took his wallet out and took out his credit card and handed it to him.

“After lunch, you can take her shopping and tell her to buy whatever she wants.”

Twenty minutes later, Joe left to go pick up Kiera.

She greeted him with a smile. She was happy to be getting out, though she wished it was Kyle she was going with. “Hi, Joe. I’m ready to go. Where are we going?”

“Since Kyle would kill me if I took you too far away, I thought I’d take you to this nice Italian place just down the road.

“He also told me to take you shopping and gave me his card to give you and said for you to buy whatever you want,” he said, handing her the card.

She took it. Looking at it, she shook her head. “He has given me so much already.”

“He loves you and would give you the world if he could. Now let’s head out. I’m starving,” he explained to her why they were using the stairs and going out the back way.

They walked for about fifteen minutes before stopping at the restaurant, where he opened the door for her to go in first.

They were seated and handed a menu and asked if they would like a drink to start off with.

“I’ll have a glass of white wine, please. And for the lady…,” he said, looking at Kiera.

“I’ll have the same.”

After what she thought was the best lunch ever, he took her for a walk down the Strip, pointing out various shops.

“You know Kyle wants you to buy something nice for yourself, and yet at every clothing store we walked by you shook your head no, not wanting to go in.”

“I don’t feel right spending his money, and besides I haven’t got a clue what to get.”

Joe stopped. Crossing his arms, he looked around.

“This is just a suggestion, but seeing that Valentine’s Day is coming up, why not get a sexy outfit to surprise Kyle with? I can guarantee he’ll love it.

“There’s a store just down the road that specializes in such outfits. Shall we go take a look?”

She thought about it. It would be nice to do something just for Kyle, as he had done so much for her. So she nodded. “It wouldn’t hurt to take a look.”

Her face turned a light shade of red when they walked into the store and she saw all of the sexy and revealing outfits.

There was also an assortment of sex toys, handcuffs, whips, and so much more. She had no idea what most of them were for.

She couldn’t help giggling as she watched Joe. He was a kid in a candy store, the way he was drooling as he checked out the sexy clothing.

“Oh man, I need to get me some of these,” he said, picking up some handcuffs and whips.

“Do you guys really like this kind of stuff?” she asked curiously.

He smiled brightly at her and winked. “Hell yeah, girl. There’s nothing sexier than a beautiful woman handcuffed to your bed.”

She wandered around the store until an outfit caught her eye. It was red, complete with stockings and a garter belt. It even had a red feather.

She just knew Kyle would love it, but she felt shy about buying it with Joe there. She moved away when she saw him walking toward her carrying a small bag.

“I picked up a couple of things for myself. Well, for the next lucky woman I meet,” he said, holding up the bag. “Hey, aren’t you going to get something?”

“I did see something, but I’m not sure,” she said, her face turning red.

Joe recognized that look in her eyes, a mix of innocence and shyness that made her cheeks flush. He had a hunch she wouldn’t feel comfortable shopping with him hovering, so he came up with a plan.

“Here’s what we’ll do. I’ll hang out outside while you pick out what you want. No rush. I’ll be right out there,” he suggested, pointing towards the window.

Relief washed over her at his words. “Okay, thank you. I promise not to take too long.”

She waited until he was out of sight before returning to the outfit that had caught her eye.

After finding her size, she added a pair of fluffy handcuffs and a blindfold to her basket.

Anticipation bubbled up inside her. She couldn’t wait for him to see her in the outfit, to show him she was open to exploring new things.

The challenge would be waiting until Valentine’s Day, and keeping her purchase a secret until she could surprise him.

After paying, she couldn’t help but wonder what the cashier thought. But the woman’s face was blank, as if she’d seen it all before.

Bag in hand, she stepped outside to find Joe waiting patiently.

“So, are you going to show me what you got?” Joe asked, a playful grin on his face.

“No way,” she replied, shaking her head.

He just laughed. “Worth a try. How about we grab some ice cream before I take you back?

“I’ll just call Kyle and let him know we’re running late. I bet he’s been watching the clock since we left the hotel.”

They stopped at an ice cream parlor and shared a large banana split.

Joe had her in stitches. She was grateful for the fun afternoon, but eventually, she said it was time to head back.

They took the back route, opting for the stairs again.

Joe waited while she unlocked the door. “I had a blast with you today, but I should get going.”

“Would you like to come in for a coffee and wait for Kyle? He should be back soon.”

“I’d love to, but I better not. Kyle might not appreciate it. I’ll catch you another time,” he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.

Kyle looked up as Joe walked in. He leaned back in his chair, relieved they were back, even though they’d taken longer than he’d expected.

“So you finally decided to come back.”

Joe settled into a chair. “We had a great afternoon. You’re a lucky guy.”

“I know,” Kyle replied. He pulled a small box from his desk and opened it to reveal a pair of heart-shaped diamond earrings.

“I bought these for her, for Valentine’s Day. Do you think she’ll like them?” He’d spent over two hours in the jewelry store, searching for the perfect pair.

Joe picked them up and whistled. “Holy shit, man. These are stunning. She’ll absolutely love them. You old softie. I’ve never seen you buy jewelry for a woman before.”

“She’s not just any woman. She’s the one I’m going to marry.”

Joe sat up straight, his eyes wide. “Marry! I thought you said you’d never get married.”

“I did, didn’t I? I meant it then, but now I know in my heart that we’re meant to be together. There was a force beyond our control that led me to that kitten site and to her. It was fate.”

He looked at Joe. “You didn’t try anything with her, did you?”

“I flirted a bit, but she’s immune to my charm. She only has eyes for you. Don’t worry, buddy. I was a perfect gentleman.

“You should wrap up for the day. I think she’s missing you.”

Kyle smiled. “I was just heading up before you came in. Thanks for taking her out and showing her a good time. She deserves some fun after everything she’s been through.”

Once Joe had left, she hid the clothes deep in the closet, where Kyle wouldn’t find them.

She’d never imagined herself in such an outfit, but then again, she’d never imagined doing half the things she’d done with him.

She changed into shorts and a tank top and started dinner. She put the meat in the oven and went to greet him as he came in.

He smiled when he saw her, thinking she looked adorable and sexy in her shorts and ponytail. He wrapped his arms around her as she approached, looking down at her.

“I’ve missed you like crazy,” he said, kissing her. There was something incredible about coming home to a beautiful woman who greeted you with open arms and a hug.

He cupped her face, pulling her in for a kiss that showed just how much he’d missed her.

When they finally broke apart, she slipped out of his embrace.

“Dinner will be ready in an hour. Let me pour you a drink,” she said, smiling as she walked over to the bar and poured him a glass of scotch.

He watched her as she walked away, admiring her long legs and the way her shorts hugged her perfect ass.

He shed his tie and jacket before sitting down. He accepted the scotch from her, pulling her down next to him.

“The day after tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and the hotel is fully booked, so I’ll be gone all day and won’t be back until dinner.

“I’m sorry I have to be away so long, but I’ll try to sneak in for a quick lunch with you.”

She snuggled into him. “This is your business. I understand. But you won’t have to go back out after dinner, will you?”

“No, baby. I’m all yours that night.”

“Good,” she said, hopping off his lap to check on the meal.