Taken By You Read online

  “That sounds amazing! I’m so thrilled for you both,” Kate responded. “I can’t wait for Charlie to tell me all about it later. You are going to sweep her off her feet.”

  “That’s the general idea. She means the world to me and I can’t wait to marry her,” Mitch said, great anticipation evident in his voice. “Listen, I better go. I have a lot to do before the big event.”

  “Okay, talk to you later.

  “Later.”

  Kate pressed the end button on her phone. She was grinning from ear to ear as she thought about Charlie and Mitch’s engagement. She needed some good news after what she had endured during the past few weeks.

  Neil strolled into the living room. “Good morning, baby. You look mighty fetching this morning with that big smile on your face,” he said, bending down to kiss her.

  “I just got off the phone with Mitch. He’s going to propose to Charlie today. I’m so excited for them,” she said, beaming with happiness. “They are a great couple.”

  “They sure are. What’s his plan?” he asked, making his way toward the coffee maker.

  “He’s going to propose at her parents’ house, by putting her ring on her dessert plate with a cover over it, so that when she removes the lid, she’ll see the ring box… Isn’t that sweet?” she asked, her big brown eyes still dancing.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” he said, returning with his coffee.

  “What do you mean you guess so? I think it’s romantic.”

  Neil nodded. “Of course it’s romantic.”

  “Charlie will be thrilled that he is asking her to marry him. She won’t care how he does it,” she responded.

  “You’re right. She will be,” he said, bending down to kiss her.

  “When are we leaving for your parents’ house?”

  “In about two hours,” Neil responded.

  “Don’t forget that we are picking up Natalie on the way. I’ll text her the time that we will pick her up.”

  “I haven’t forgotten. And Mac will be there. He has spent most of his holidays with my family. Who knows, maybe he and Natalie will hit it off and we’ll have a love connection. I think that he could really like her.”

  “What’s not to like? She’s kind, beautiful, and generous. The list goes on. You didn’t tell him that we were fixing him up with Natalie, did you?”

  “No, I realize that situations like this take finesse. We will introduce them and let nature take its course,” he said.

  “I’m not sure that Natalie is in a good place to meet anyone, so let’s not mention it to her either. It might make her feel uncomfortable. She’s so broken-hearted over her sister.”

  “Like I said, we can just see what happens. It would be great, however, to have our friends become a couple,” he said, returning from the kitchen. He sat on the sofa next to Kate, sipping his coffee.

  Kate sighed.

  “Everything okay?” Neil asked, moving her hair away from her eyes.

  “I’ve just been thinking about my mom this morning. I haven’t talked to her since we got back from my father’s funeral. This is the first holiday I will spend without seeing her. My brother is going to his roommate’s parents’ home for Thanksgiving. My mom will be alone unless she made other plans. I just wish that things were different,” she said, laying her head back on the sofa.

  “I know you do. There’s nothing saying that you can’t call her if you want.”

  “You’re right, but I honestly don’t know what to say. My trust in her has been damaged, and it’s difficult to be real with someone that you don’t trust. It seems like we always have this big pink elephant in the room and she won’t talk about it. I think I just need some distance from her right now, but perhaps by Christmas…” she didn’t finish her thought. She took another sip of her coffee. Neither of them spoke for a few minutes; they were immersed in their own thoughts.

  She finally looked over at Neil and realized that he was somewhat distracted himself. He was gazing off into the distance. “What’s going on with you, baby? You seem kind of far away,” she noted, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.

  “I’m just thinking about you meeting my family later today. I really hope that you like them.”

  “I’m sure that I will love them. I hope that they like me.”

  “Trust me. They’re going to love you as much as I do. I guarantee it.”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly win over David’s mom, so I’m nervous to meet yours.”

  Neil brought her hand to his lips and kissed it like he always did. “You have nothing to worry about. My mom is thrilled that I am bringing you to dinner. She can’t wait to meet you. She knows how special you are to me.”

  Kate kissed Neil on his lips. “I think we should start a Thanksgiving tradition,” she said looking up at him through her lashes.

  “Oh, and what would that be, my beauty?” he asked, grinning in expectation.

  “I think it would be better if I showed you my idea rather than telling you.”

  “Showing always works for me. I think talking is overrated,” he said, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her up to their bedroom.

  ***

  An hour later, Kate was staring at the clothes in her closet and trying to decide what to wear. She wanted to look just right when she met Neil’s parents. Making a good impression was very important to her. She pulled out her chocolate suede skirt and the golden sweater that she normally wore with it. Then she put it away. This wasn’t right.

  “Neil, how dressed up do I need to be to meet your parents?” she asked, hoping for some direction.

  “Baby, whatever you wear will be great,” he said, emerging from the bathroom in black slacks and a hunter green button-down shirt that hugged his muscular physique. He wasn’t dressed up, but he wasn’t exactly in jeans either.

  “It helps to see what you’re wearing. Something in between casual and dressed up. I’m feeling indecisive today. Would you help me choose something?”

  “Of course.”

  He thumbed through her clothes until he found the “just right” dress. “Here, this one is sexy on you,” he said.

  Neil handed her the black wraparound dress that showed off all of her curves. It had a beautiful silver fastener at the waist. “Are you sure this is the one? It has a way of showing off the girls.”

  “Yeah, I know. That’s one of the many reasons I like it.”

  “Will your mom be okay with this?”

  “My mom is a beautiful woman who keeps herself in really good shape. She doesn’t have a problem with showing what you’ve got, trust me.”

  “Okay, but if it doesn’t go well, you’re going to be in big trouble.”

  “I like your kind of trouble, baby,” he said pulling her hips to his. “Plus, you wearing this dress gives me something to look forward to later.”

  She glanced at him with a questioning look.

  “I’ll get to unwrap you,” he said with a salacious smile.

  Kate smiled. “There’s nothing I’d like more,” she said, thinking about the first time she saw him and wanted to gift wrap herself around his muscular body.

  ***

  Kate texted Natalie that they were on their way to pick her up and that she was wearing a dress. That would give her enough time to change clothes if she wanted to.

  Natalie was waiting outside her condo when they pulled up. She really was a beautiful woman. She had long blonde hair and big blue eyes. She had such delicate features. When she smiled, she put everyone at ease. There was a glow that emanated from her that seemed warm and inviting.

  Neil pulled the car up next to where Natalie was standing on the sidewalk. Kate had already lowered the window. “You look beautiful, Natalie,” she said as her friend moved toward the car.

  “Thanks. I got your text and changed clothes. Thanks for the heads-up about wearing a dress. I’ve had this one for a while, but it is one of my favorites,” Natalie said, buckling up in the back seat.

  “Tha
t blue is gorgeous on you. It brings out your eyes,” Kate said, turning in her seat to smile at Natalie. “How are you holding up?”

  “Well, I’ve been better. But I’m doing okay considering the circumstances. It was great staying with Charlie and Mitch for a few days, but I’m glad to be back home in my own bed.”

  Kate nodded. “I talked to Mitch earlier today. He sounded very excited about proposing. Did he have a chance to show you the ring while you were staying with them?”

  “Yes, it’s absolutely gorgeous. He is going to blow Charlie away today,” Natalie said, a slight smile on her face. “Do you think she has any idea?”

  “I don’t think so. I think that she is going to be surprised. I can’t wait to hear all about it,” Kate said with a gleam in her eyes.

  “Me, too. Charlie deserves to be happy.”

  “Yes, she does and I know that you will be happy again one day, too,” Kate said as she reached back and took Natalie’s hand.

  Natalie’s eyes filled with tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She breathed in deeply and then spoke. “Jessica was all that I had left since momma and daddy are gone. I don’t know what I am going to do without her.”

  “You’re a survivor, Natalie. You will make it through this and Charlie and I will be here to help you every step of the way. We’ll do anything for you.”

  “I’m here for you too, Natalie,” Neil said, making eye contact with her in the rearview mirror. “I’m really glad that you can join us for Thanksgiving.”

  “Thank you. Me, too.”

  Neil pulled the car up to a circular driveway. Kate had to consciously close her mouth. Neil’s parents had an estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She knew Neil’s family had money, but she had no idea how much. Italian cypress trees lined the walkway leading to the stunning double doors with wrought iron scrolled between the glass. It was breathtaking. Neil opened the door to a foyer that seemed larger than her mom’s condo. A beautiful circular mahogany table with an autumn floral arrangement adorned the center of the space. On one side was a grand staircase with a wrought iron railing that matched the door. On the other side was the entrance to the great room. Neil showed Kate and Natalie the way. The décor had an old world flavor with modern comforts. A grand piano was nestled in the corner. Neil took Kate’s hand as he called out to his family. “Where is everyone?”

  “We’re in the kitchen,” his sister yelled back. “Come on in and help with the preparations.”

  “Neil, is this the home that you grew up in?” Natalie asked, peering around, taking in its splendor.

  “Yeah, a little over the top, isn’t it?” he replied.

  Natalie nodded slightly, but didn’t say anything.

  They continued through the dining room and saw a table dressed for the Thanksgiving feast. Kate couldn’t help but notice the fine china and sparkling crystal glasses. They walked through the swinging door and were warmly greeted by Neil’s family and his best friend Mac.

  Neil’s mother came toward them first. He was right; his mother was a beautiful woman. She could have given Raquel Welch a run for her money with her dark hair, big brown eyes and curvaceous figure. She hugged her son and then hugged Kate. “Kate, I’m Sophia. It is so wonderful to meet you,” she said, smiling warmly.

  “Thank you. I’m so glad to meet you as well. You have a beautiful home.”

  “Thank you. And who is this lovely young lady?” Sophia asked, gazing at Natalie.

  “This is Natalie, my dear friend,” Kate replied.

  “Welcome Natalie,” she said, hugging her as well. “We’re thrilled that you could join us today.”

  Neil’s father was hugging him while Kate was greeting Sophia. Then, he turned to Kate and hugged her. “Kate, I’ve spotted you at the office, but haven’t had a chance to officially meet you,” he said.

  He patted Neil on the shoulder and said, “My son’s a lucky fellow to have found you.”

  “Thank you Mr. Statton, but I think I’m the lucky one. You have a wonderful son and I don’t know what I would do without him.”

  “Please call me Magnus.”

  “Natalie,” he said taking her by the hand and smiling. “We’re pleased you could be with us today.”

  Next was Neil’s adorable and very pregnant sister along with her husband. They embraced her after hugging Neil. “Hi, I’m Jessica and this is my husband Doug. We’re so glad to meet you.” They made Natalie feel welcome as well.

  “Jessica,” Natalie repeated as if the air had been sucked out of her. Her eyes glistened with the sadness she felt.

  Kate didn’t think to forewarn Natalie that Neil’s sister had the same name as hers. She gently placed her hand in the small of Natalie’s back, hoping her touch would give her a little comfort.

  “It’s wonderful to meet you both. Neil has told me so much about you,” Kate said.

  “He’s told me about you, too. Thanks so much for helping him pick out such amazing baby items for us.”

  “Absolutely. When are you due?”

  “January fifteenth.”

  “That is so exciting. I bet that you have been going a mile a minute with preparations for the baby.”

  “Yes, it’s been crazy. The best part has been decorating the nursery. Mom and I have had a wonderful time finding everything to make it an oasis for our child.”

  “I know from Neil’s place that your mom is quite the decorator,” Kate said, glancing over at Neil’s mom. “I love how you have decorated Neil’s condo. You have an eye for it.”

  “Thank you. It’s kind of my hobby. I get a vision and then have a ball making it come to life.”

  Mac had been conversing with Neil while he was waiting for an opening in the conversation.

  “Kate, it’s good to see you again,” he said with his devilish grin. She realized that he was far better looking than she remembered. He was tall and well built, with chestnut brown hair and golden brown eyes.

  “It’s good to see you too, Mr. Matchmaker. Natalie, this is Neil’s friend who I met at school the day that Neil stood me up. He’s the reason that I met Neil,” she said glancing at Natalie.

  Mac took Natalie’s hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Natalie. I’m Michael, but my friends call me Mac.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. How was Mac derived from Michael?” Natalie questioned with a quizzical look on her face.

  “My full name is Michael Aaron Clark, Mac for short. I acquired it during little league and it stuck.”

  Natalie nodded and looked down at her hand. Mac was still holding it.

  Neil whispered into Kate’s ear, “He clearly thinks she’s hot.”

  Kate whispered back in Neil’s ear, “She seems to like him too. And look, he’s still holding her hand.”

  Magnus offered them each a glass of wine. Kate took a sip, grateful to have something in her hands. She was still a little nervous, even though Neil’s parents had been so gracious. They had been more welcoming than she could have imagined. Neil had become the most important person in her life and she wanted his family to be pleased that they were together. She didn’t want to relive the disapproval that had plagued her relationship with David. She noticed that Natalie drank her wine a little quickly and Mac refilled her glass. She really didn’t blame her friend. She must be completely overwhelmed right now.

  “So, Natalie, how do you and Kate know each other?” Mac asked, putting his wine glass down on the counter.

  “We worked together at Nordstrom for several years. We’ve been friends since our first day together.”

  “Yep,” interjected Kate, “Natalie is a kind, generous, loyal friend. You can’t find anyone better than her.”

  Mac smiled and nodded at Kate as if he knew that she was thrusting her friend in his direction.

  “How about you and Neil? How long have you been friends?” Natalie asked in response to Mac’s question.

  Mac looked up at the ceiling briefly. “I think we met in third or fou
rth grade. It seems like we have been friends our entire lives. He’s like a brother to me and his family treats me like their own,” he said and then took a sip of his wine.

  “Are you not very close with your own family?” Natalie asked, but then tried to take her words back. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked such a question.”

  “Please everyone, help yourselves to the hors d’oeuvres on the kitchen table. We are about an hour away from dinner being served,” Sophia said, motioning toward the table. “You all can take your wine and snacks and go sit out on the terrace if you want. It’s a beautiful day.”

  They did as Neil’s mother suggested, each taking a small plate of tasty treats along with their refilled wine glasses to the terrace. The sunshine’s warmth on their faces, though unexpected for late November, was soothing and added to the feeling of peace. Kate and Neil sat on the sofa while Natalie and Mac each took a chair.

  “In answer to your question, my parents are gone and I am an only child. They died in a plane crash when I was nineteen. So, Neil’s family took me under their wing. You could say that his parents helped guide me through the first few years of adulthood. I view them as my adoptive parents,” he explained and then popped a cracker laden with spinach dip into his mouth.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. You are lucky to have them. Family is a blessing,” Natalie responded, her eyes filling with tears. “Excuse me. Neil, where is the restroom?”

  “Go through the kitchen door and turn left down the hallway. It’s the second door on the left.”

  Natalie got up swiftly and fled to the bathroom. Kate made eye contact with a bewildered Mac. “Was it something I said?” he asked, concern covering his handsome face.

  Kate took in a deep breath. “You and Natalie have a lot in common, I’m afraid. She is no stranger to grief, as her parents also died a few years ago and her younger sister was killed just over a week ago in an accident. So, she doesn’t have any family either.”

  “Oh shit Kate. Why didn’t you tell me? She must be devastated.”

  “She is. I better go check on her,” Kate said as she got up and went to find Natalie.