Lily's Dream (Unexpected Lover Series) (9 page)

Lily noticed to her amusement a very
different attitude at the table. Suddenly she was not just Andre’s fiancé but someone
of fame and celebrity. That’s what matters to these people, she thought.

Andre’s mother suddenly said, “I’d be
afraid to wear one of those little beaded dresses. Suppose I was at a social
event and the thread broke and beads started rolling everywhere.”

Lily immediately replied, “There would
be no way the thread would break because I don’t use thread. There is a special
beading wire that is used these days. It doesn’t break. There are numerous
books available on beading techniques. You might find out more about the topic
before criticizing it.”

Lily realized she had spoken sharply to
Andre’s mother but she loved her beading and was quick to defend it. Everyone
looked surprised at Lily’s comment.

Eleanor laughed and said, “Well said,
Lily. You’re the expert and I, for one, will admit that I know nothing at all
about beading. But I would love to have one of those beautiful dresses. Where
is Jacqueline’s shop?”

“It is in the large mall in the middle
of town just a few blocks from here,” replied Lily. “It’s across from Andre’s
salon, actually, on the second floor of the mall.”

Andre’s father was very interested in
the business aspect of the discussion and said to Lily, “You need an associate
with good organizational skills to help you restructure to get more products
out. You could be a millionaire with some help.”

“I don’t want my wife to be constantly
making dresses. And why should she want to be a millionaire when she’s marrying
a millionaire?” asked Andre.

Eleanor said, “Some women want to be
independent and not have to depend on a man for security.”

“I would never neglect my husband for a
business. And I look forward to the patter of little feet, “replied Lily. Andre
reached over and kissed her soundly.

“You’d better get married first. When is
this big event to take place?” asked Andre’s mother.

Andre answered, “We haven’t decided yet.
We don’t want a long engagement, though, so sooner rather than later.”

Jacqueline passed by their table on the
way out and came over to tell everyone goodbye. Lily said, “Jacqueline, I forgot
to tell you that I’m working on a special order.”

“What!” she exclaimed. “Who for?” she
asked in surprise. Lily replied, “Marcella Devereaux.”

“Why, she’s overweight and middle aged.
Plus all orders go through me. You know that.”

Lily explained, “We went to a lavish
party at her penthouse and I felt sorry for her. She looked so tacky in her
outfit so I told her I would design something special for her. I’ve designed
two dresses and she will pick the one she likes best. She was so thrilled. I
was going to tell you but getting engaged and other things just made me forgot.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cut you out of it. We will bring the designs down
to your shop and she can meet us there and you can set the price.”

Jacqueline looked at a loss for words.
“You do realize she’s one of the wealthiest women in Miami, probably in
Florida. You could end up her personal dressmaker if you don’t watch out and
all her friends will want you to design one for them, too. I’m floored and need
a strong drink. See you tomorrow, Lily.”

Andre looked at Lily and said, “You
didn’t tell me about that, honey.”

Lily replied, “We haven’t been spending
much of our time talking lately, Andre.”

With this comment, Andre blushed and
everyone laughed except, of course, his mother.

Andre stood and said, “It was nice
seeing all of you. If you’re in Miami again, maybe we can get together.”

 Both Andre and Lily shook his father’s
hand and Eleanor extended hers as well. Andre’s mother just looked at them with
no expression and kept her hands in her lap. Both Andre and Lily looked at her
and said, “Goodbye.” She nodded her head.

Lily and Andre were looking at a large
poster in the vast interior of the hotel. It was advertising a dancing contest
to be held in a week. The prize was large plus a performance at the hotel. “Wouldn’t
Molly love that? She would stand a good chance of winning, too, if she had Tony
as a partner,” said Lily.

Andre’s parents walked out of the
restaurant without noticing them. His father went into the bar. His mother
stepped on the elevator. Eleanor, however, saw them and walked up to Lily and
said, “I need to talk to you both. Let’s find somewhere private.”

Puzzled, Andre and Lily suggested a
seating area in the corner of the large room. Once seated, Eleanor said to
Andre, “I feel I owe you one, Andre, so I’m going to tell you the truth about
this visit. Things aren’t going so good in your family. Your brother, Peter,
did go to work for the company as vice president but large sums of money began
to disappear. An audit of the books revealed that Peter had been systematically
stealing for years and stole over three million dollars. Your father kicked him
out so they don’t know where he is now.”

Andre and Lily both looked shocked. Eleanor
continued, “I didn’t think my presence on this trip would help their cause but
I came along to tell you the truth and, I will admit, a certain amount of
curiosity to see how you’re getting along. I’m sincerely glad you’re doing well
and have found someone you love. Your mother arranged it all thinking she would
find you miserable and ready to come back to the company in Chicago. I don’t
know why she lied about Peter. Certainly she’s embarrassed with his behavior
but who knows why your mother does things. She is very calculating so I don’t
know what her motive is. I have never understood her.”

“What is
their cause
as you put
it?” asked Andre.

“I honestly don’t know. My original
thought was that they wanted you to come back into the company but seeing you
doing so well here and coming in with a fiancé was a shock. And why did she lie
to you about Peter? Your father didn’t correct her so they obviously want you
to think everything is rosy at home. The truth is that your father was very
hurt to learn that his son was stealing from him. He always wanted one or both
of his sons to inherit and run Nelson Construction. The company is doing well
and has just finished building an apartment building.  I really don’t know and
can only speculate.”

Lily said, “I think he is shrewd and
looking for something to invest in. He was very interested in my dress business
which made me uncomfortable.”

“Thanks for telling us the truth, Eleanor”
said Andre. Eleanor shrugged, “I felt I owed you. I want to tell Lily something
about you,” she said with a grin. Andre looked uncomfortable as she told Lily,
“I doubt Andre has told you he was a sports star in both high school and
college. He played football, baseball, basketball and soccer. He was good at
everything he played earning him his choice of scholarships. All the girls were
gaga over him but he was totally interested in sports.”

“He could have gone on to play
professional sports but his father was determined he join Nelson Construction.
Now Andre is the only successful son. I think you leaving, and then Peter’s
dishonesty really was a blow he hasn’t recovered from. Your father is not as
autocratic as he used to be, Andrew. Imagine being married to your mother. Try
to cut him some slack.”

They all stood up and Andre said, “I appreciate
you telling me the truth, Eleanor. Whatever father has in mind, he’ll let us
know what he wants to. I wish you the best.” Eleanor waved as she walked away.

Both Andre and Lily sank into the back
seat of their car with extreme relief. They rode for a while without any
conversation. Finally Lily said, “That was one of the strangest experiences of
my life. Everything seemed off, somehow.”

Andre replied, “My father and mother never
do anything without a reason. I have no doubt he has been keeping track of me
for years. Now I am his only child who is successful. He would like to get me
back to Chicago but now realizes that’s impossible. This was a fishing trip, I
think. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next.”

“How old is your father? He looks almost
like your older brother instead of your father, “asked Lily.

Andre thought for a moment, and then
said, “He’s 48. My mother is five years older. He started working for my
mother’s father and ended up marrying the boss’ daughter. Eventually he
inherited the company and made it more successful and became a millionaire in
the process. My father admires success and was proud of my success in sports.
Peter was not good at sports so this made for some resentment on his part. I
can well imagine my father’s disappointment in Peter and my mother’s
embarrassment.”

During this conversation, Andre had
pulled Lily’s skirt up to her waist and was struggling with her pantyhose. “How
do you get this damned thing off?” he asked in irritation. “We only have a
short distance to go…”she reminded him.

He turned on the car intercom and told
the driver to take the long way home.

“Now we’re set. Take those things off.”

Lily took off her pantyhose and panties.
Andre unzipped his pants to release a huge erection. He lifted Lily up by her
waist, instructed her to spread her legs and lowered her onto his erection. She
gasped with pleasure and he said, “Oh, yeah.” He lifted her up and down with a
little help from her knees, she moved up and down on him faster and faster. She
felt that wonderful warm feeling enveloping her, and then she climaxed crying
out with pleasure. Andre surged into her twice deeply then shuddered with his
own release. “Why did I not think of this before?” he murmured.

Sated, they stayed in that position
until they realized they might be near home. Lily stuffed her pantyhose and
panties into Andre’s pocket just in time as the driver announced they were
home. Andre picked up Lily and carried her up the steps and Louis gave a bark
of laughter and had a wide smile as they reached the door. As Louis opened the
door, Andre said, “It was a very nice ride home.” Louis said, “Yes Sir.”

Lily asked Andre, “What was that all
about?”

Andre didn’t reply but just kept
smiling. When they reached their apartment, Lily immediately noticed her
pantyhose leg hanging out of Andre’s pocket. Lily turned red with embarrassment
and said, “You just announced to the whole world we messed around in the back
of the car.” Andre looked pleased, “Not the whole world, just Louis. We make
his night interesting. He was probably envious. Did you enjoy it?” Lily smiled
and answered, “Yes, very much.”

Lily put her arms around his neck and
said, “Did I tell you today how much I love you?” Andre replied, “Not nearly as
many times as you should. You neglect me shamefully.” He undressed himself and
Lily, put her on the bed, and then lay down beside her. They both fell
instantly asleep.

The next day Andre told Lily that he
needed to go to his salon for a few hours. She reminded him she had an
appointment with Marcella Devereaux in Jacqueline’s Salon in the afternoon.
“Don’t go out without me. Remember that, Lily. Promise?” insisted Andre in a
stern voice. “Yes, I promise,” agreed Lily. “I’ll come by and pick you up. I
won’t take any chances with your safety,” said Andre.

Molly came up to help Lily with the
sewing and about an hour later, the telephone rang. Lily answered and was told
by a woman that Andre had been involved in an accident and she needed to come
immediately. He was hit on the sidewalk just in front of the bank. Lily was
extremely upset and told Molly about the call as Lily prepared to run out the
door. “It’s just two blocks to the bank. There’s no need to take the car. I can
just run down there,” she said as she started to run out the door. Molly
grabbed her arm and said, “Wait Lily. This doesn’t sound right. How badly is he
hurt?” asked Molly. “I don’t know…I forgot to ask,” replied Lily. “Don’t go
rushing off like that. It’s exactly what Andre told you not to do,” cautioned
Molly.

“Call Andre at his salon and see if he’s
there before you go out,” suggested Molly. Lily did as she suggested and when
Andre came to the phone, she said, “You aren’t hurt on the sidewalk in front of
the bank?”

“Of course not,” he replied. “What are
you talking about?”

Lily started crying with relief and
Molly took the phone and explained to Andre about the phone call. “Obviously
someone was trying to lure her out of the apartment. Don’t let her go anywhere
no matter what she is told. I’ll be home shortly,” replied Andre. “Put her back
on the phone.”

Lily said in a quivering voice, “Andre,
are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, my love. I’m just here in my salon
perfectly fine. Someone was trying to lure you out. Calm down. I’ll be home
soon to check out my favorite things.” Lily laughed as he intended.

Andre walked across to Jacqueline’s
store and knocked on her office door. She said, “Come in,” and Andre walked in
to find to his surprise his father sitting across the desk from Jacqueline. His
father asked, “Would you like for me to leave?” Andre replied, “No, father. You
may be able to help in some way.”

Jacqueline said, “This sounds serious.
What is going on?”

Andre asked, “Do you remember when the
car jumped the curb and hit Lily a few weeks ago?”

Jacqueline said that she did. Andre
continued, “Neither I nor the police thought that was an accident although I
haven’t told Lily. Just a little while ago she received an anonymous phone call
telling her I was hurt on the sidewalk in front of the bank and she should come
there immediately. Of course she was going to run down there but fortunately
Molly was with her and talked her into calling me first. This was obviously an
attempt to get her into a vulnerable situation.”

Jacqueline looked shocked and
speechless. Andre’s father said, “Why would anyone want to hurt Lily?”

Andre replied, “We think her sister is
behind it but we aren’t sure. Jacqueline can explain. I just want you two to
know the situation and watch out for anything suspicious. I need to go home and
reassure Lily I’m okay. She’ll be here later for a meeting with Marcella
Devereaux.”

Jacqueline told Andrew about Lily’s
sister and the scene she caused at the fashion show and her attempt to get into
the apartment building. “The building is very secure and Lily is safe as long
as she stays in the building. Andre insists on accompanying her everywhere she
goes. Of course, she works on dresses most of the time but she will have to
come up with a way to increase her output as she just cannot keep up to the
demand. Marcella Devereaux is certainly a plum of a client and I anticipate
more demand on Lily.”

“So, what do you think of all this
drama?” she asked Andrew.

He replied, “I am happy to be involved
in my son’s life again, even a little. The atmosphere here is so different than
in Chicago. I plan to tell Andre today of my plans. I have put the company up
for sale. I already have one offer but I’m hoping for a higher one. I told Lorraine
this morning that I want a divorce and she is agreeable. My lawyer says it will
be a simple divorce since there is no adultery or other grounds and the
division of property has already been decided.”

“I will have ample funds to invest in a
business. I am wondering if you would be interested in taking in a partner and
expanding. I know nothing about women’s clothing but Andre knew nothing about
women’s hair and look how successful he’s become. I would be a silent partner,
if you wish, and we could open another store or expand this one. What do you
think?”

Jacqueline looked surprised but
interested. “I have never thought about a partner and expansion. I’m doing okay
as it is.”

Andrew said, “I have heard at least four
or five woman ask about
Lily’s Collection
since I’ve been here.
Apparently her dresses are very popular right now.”

Jacqueline responded, “I could sell
several a week because they are trendy. And when Marcella Devereaux wears hers,
demand will skyrocket. We could even have a section of the store for
Lily
Collection
. She could design and supervise but obviously we would need help
sewing. I don’t know if Lily would go for this, though. She loves her dresses
and they wouldn’t be so personal if other people made them.”

Andrew suggested they go out for lunch
and discuss the expansion idea. Jacqueline agreed since they had time before
Marcella was due.

*************

          When Andre got home, Lily ran
to him and put her arms around his neck. “I was so scared something had
happened to you,” she cried. He replied, “Darling Lily, I am fine.” He kissed
her tenderly.”Molly, I am so grateful to you for being here and helping. Lily
would have just run straight down the street into whatever was planned for her,
probably another car jumping the curb.”

Molly responded, “I am so glad I was
here, too. I thought the telephone call just didn’t sound right.”

They sat on the sectional sofa and
looked at each other. Andre said, “I need to report this to the police.” He
phoned in the report and looked discouraged when he hung up. “They said they
would try to trace the call but there wasn’t anything else they could do.”

“Lily, a deliberate attempt to lure you
into danger is to be taken seriously. Can you think of anybody who would wish
to do you harm? Think carefully,” Andre asked.

Lily thought for several moments then
said,” No, I honestly can’t think of anyone except my sister and it’s hard for
me to believe that she would actually try to kill me.”

“Then we will take the same precautions
we have been taking since there seems to be nothing else we can do. You do not
go out unless I am with you.”

Andre suggested to Molly and Lily that
they stop sewing for today since Lily had to meet Marcella Devereaux. Molly
agreed and left telling Lily to be careful.

Lily stood up and told Andre to lie down
on the sofa. He complied with an interested look on his face. She slowly took
off her blouse and bra, then shorts and panties. Andre had a look of intense
anticipation by this time. She unzipped his pants and released his large
erection. “It’s time for me to play with my favorite thing,” she said and
kneeled on the floor beside him. She took him in her mouth and began to swirl
her tongue around the head of his penis. He groaned and she licked all around
his enlargement and sucked gently on the head. She licked from the bottom to
top over and over. His eyes were becoming glazed and his hands fisted and he
warned, “I’m about to come.” Lily quickly got up and started running into the
bedroom. Andre was soon in pursuit. He quickly caught her, picked her up and
tossed her on the bed. He stripped his pants and shorts off and jumped on top
of her. “You’re going to pay for that, you minx,” he warned. He began kissing
her passionately and with one hand parted her and positioned his penis for a
quick penetration. He rode her fast and hard and she buckled under him and
climaxed with a cry. He thrust deeply two more times and climaxed with a groan.
He muttered, ”God, Lily, you’re going to kill me.”       

They lay for a while in complete
exhaustion sated with great sex. She kissed him gently and said, “I love you so
much. Did you like that?” “No,” he replied. “I loved it. I innocently come home
to pick you up and…..wow! You are so incredibly hot. And you’re all mine. You
cannot, however, ever play with your favorite thing while we’re in the car.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want you jumping out naked with
me chasing you. It would for sure freak Louis totally out.” They both started
laughing at the mental picture. Lily laughed until she had tears running down
her cheeks.

Two hours later, they walked into
Jacqueline’s shop to find Andrew still there looking over the dresses for sale.
“I had no idea dresses sold for this much money,” he commented as they walked
in. “Welcome to the real world, Father,” said Andre. Lily kissed him on the
cheek.

Jacqueline asked if Lily would like to
use her office for the meeting with Marcella and Lily agreed. ‘’You guys can
wait outside by the fountain for ten minutes or so.”

Marcella arrived, hugged Lily and
exclaimed, “I’m so eager to see my new dress that I haven’t been able to do
anything all day.”

Lily spread the designs on the desk and
began to explain the designs to Marcella. “I’ve designed a dress with a gradual
flared hem so it’s not tight on your body but flows loosely over. It’s
important not to outline those areas but to camouflage. The top needs to do the
same but we can be very creative.

I’ve designed a loose top with beadwork
down the front, or the dress could have sleeves and the top could be
sleeveless. I personally like the top with sleeves better as we could do all
sorts of fancy beadwork or embroidery and draw emphasis to the upper part of
your outfit. I was thinking of blue silk to match your eyes and beadwork of
roses along the hem and around the top or another flower if you wish.”