More Nights With Kate (Jack Ryker) Read online

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  M.T. Stone

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  More Nights With Kate

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2013 by M.T. Stone. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the publisher.

  Steamy Nights Publishing

  www.SteamyNightsPublishing.com

  First Edition - December 26, 2013

  This book is dedicated to all the readers who made My Nights With Kate a success. Thank you, I sincerely appreciate your support. A also want to give special thanks to Sheri for all her help and inspiration and to Megan for her last minute editing and critical input.

  The Author recognizes all of the trademarks of the companies, products and services mentioned in this work of fiction.

  Prologue

  Chapter 1 - Instant Regret

  Chapter 2: Lunch With Kristen

  Chapter 3 – Tears and Questions

  Chapter 4 – Dinner and Answers

  Chapter 5 – The Fire Rekindled

  Chapter 6 – Paparazzi Surprise

  Chapter 7 – A Little R&R

  Chapter 8 – Wrapping Up Things in NYC

  Chapter 9 – The Open Sea

  Chapter 10 – A Night at Grace Bay

  Chapter 11 – Like Father Like Son?

  Chapter 12 – Resetting the Clock

  Chapter 13 – Kristen Drops In Unexpectedly

  Chapter 14 – A New Man & New Mission

  Chapter 15 – Our First Valentine’s Day

  Chapter 16 – Desert Island Intrusion

  Chapter 17 – A Bed Of Roses

  Chapter 18 – Sprinting Forward

  Chapter 19 – Hello Mr. Intensity

  Chapter 20 – The Last Day In Freeport

  Chapter 21 – Settling Unfinished Business

  Prologue

  At the beginning of My Nights With Kate, Jack had been in a 3 ½ year depression after his wife Eva was killed in a tragic accident. Eva had been the love of his life ever since they met in college. Upon graduating from Fashion U, they got married and began building a fashion merchandising business together. When Jack and Eva were 24, they were blessed with a little daughter they named Jayne. Their son Brandon was born a year and a half later. Needless to say, life in the Ryker household was always busy. Eva and Jack built a booming business together, while doing their best to raise their two children.

  Eva’s life was cut short by a high rise crane accident that occurred high above the streets of Manhattan. As a result of her being in the wrong place at the wrong time, life instantly changed for the entire Ryker family. Jack began to let himself go and fell into an unmanaged state of depression. Self-medicating with top shelf scotch, he frequently found himself having the same meals each evening at his favorite bar. His routine had become stale and he was constantly surrounded by reminders of his lost love. Not only had Eva decorated their home, but she had designed their office space as well. Despite the fact that he was only 49 years old, Jack had begun to feel old and tired.

  Everyone around Jack was worried about him including his long-time assistant Kristen, his kids and his mother. They knew what he was going through and tried to help, but there is only so much you can do for such an independent man. Somehow he had to find his own footing and regain his life.

  Jack decided that the answer was to sell the company and get out of the city. He felt that getting away from the constant reminders would allow him to heal. As the buyout progressed however, he began to wonder what he was going to do with all of his free time. He had grown accustomed to burying himself in work as his only form of therapy. Once the business was sold he would be free to do as he pleased, but all the time freedom could be a curse as well.

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  One morning as Jack prepared for his final set of meetings with the lawyers and investment bankers, he caught a news story on the finance channel. The commentator was talking about how college students were going to great lengths in order to pay off their student loans. A new web site allowed young people to post ads online seeking a sugar daddy or sugar momma who would help them pay the bills. Out of sheer curiosity Jack pulled up the website and began to browse through it. It was then that he came across Mila (whose real name was Kate Westby) and he was instantly intrigued by her.

  He contacted Mila using an assumed name, but when they met for their first dinner date she immediately knew who he really was… Jack Ryker. Jack had been her idol ever since she met him when she was only ten years old. Since Kate was a fashion merchandising student and Jack was an entrepreneur who had reshaped the entire industry they instantly had much in common.

  An intense lust filled affair began that very first night, but much to his surprise it quickly transformed into the second love of his life. She made him feel things that he hadn’t felt in years. As things progressed however, he was became troubled by the fact that she was 27 years younger than him as well as three years younger than his daughter. There was also another major concern just beneath the surface, but he hadn’t been ready to discuss it with her.

  Feeling conflicted, he planned his exit. He left Kate behind after pouring all of his feelings into a lengthy letter.

  1/30/2012

  My Dearest Kate,

  The first thing I would like to say is: Thank you for changing my life. For the first time in years I feel alive and am actually looking forward to the future. After losing Eva, I dwelled upon the fact that I had lost my business partner, my best friend and my life-long companion. That’s a lot to lose in a blink of an eye. When I first saw your picture however, I realized there was still a small spark inside me. Getting to know you, I quickly saw that you possess many of the same attributes that made Eva so dear to me. I must confess, that I’ve been trying to rationalize my feelings right from the very first night. I kept telling myself that was impossible to fall in love with someone so quickly, that it was merely lust or me trying to regain my youth. It wasn’t until I started thinking about writing this letter, that I realized how much I truly love you.

  If this were lust or some other form of self-serving indulgence, I would be thinking about what’s best for me. Instead, I find myself constantly struggling with what’s best for you. I dwell on the fact that you are only 22 years old and have your whole life ahead of you, with so many opportunities and adventures. Looking at my own life, I feel as if my days of chasing opportunities and raising kids are complete. I’ve already lived that life and it no longer stirs my passion. If I were 15 or 20 years younger, things might be completely different. I can’t bear the thought of selfishly enjoying your company for the next 35 years, only to leave you alone and filled with regret.

  Most people believe that if you love someone, you must possess them. After having children however, I now understand the meaning of unconditional love. It’s not about possessing someone, but about wanting what’s best for them. As I sit here, with tears streaming down my face, I only want what’s best for you Kate. I love you unconditionally and that’s the absolute truth.

  I want you and Brandon to work with Jayne and the others to build your business. I want you to experience the thrill that comes from working together as a team and overcoming all the challenges. It’s my hope that you and Brandon will find a bond, similar to the one shared by Eva and me. If you do, trust me, it will be absolutely magical. Brandon is truly my son, with the
exception of his mother’s heart of gold and brown eyes. Give him a chance Kate and I believe you will never regret it. There are no strings attached however, so don’t think that I’m insistent upon anything. As I said earlier, I simply want what’s best for you. Regardless of what you choose.

  If a year from now you can honestly tell me that you would rather sail the world with me, I’ll welcome you back with open arms. This is not about me breaking up or abandoning you. As I’ve told you before, I will always be here for you Kate. Always!

  Let’s take the next couple weeks to clear our heads and then we’ll begin our morning conference calls. If you need to talk in the meantime, just call or send me a text. I’m not leaving you; I’m simply giving you freedom. You’ve always had parents controlling you or been constrained by money issues. It’s time for you to spread your wings and find out who you really are Kate.

  I Truly Love You,

  Jack

  There was only one flaw in his plan. Within minutes of getting back to his yacht, he realized that nothing was going to be the same without Kate. He had made the biggest mistake of his life. After his daughter Jayne called to remind him that ‘nothing is more important than love’, he knew what he had to do. He immediately went back to his suite, to call the woman he loved. Hopefully she would forgive him.

  Chapter 1 - Instant Regret

  Kate

  After a crazy month, which completely transformed my life, everything came to a sudden halt when Jack left me behind with nothing but a letter. After crying myself to sleep Sunday night, I spent most of Monday trying to accept the fact that Jack and I would be better off apart. By late afternoon, I had finally distracted myself by working on some new designs. That’s when I heard my phone buzz and it was a text from Jack telling me he was headed for Puerto Rico. After sending him a sappy reply, I once again found myself in tears. It was time to get out of the house. That night I really regretted the fact that I hadn’t stayed in better contact with some of my old girlfriends. My sister had theater rehearsals until late into the evening, so I resorted to having dinner with Mom when she got off work.

  I instinctively knew that it was going to be another downer, but misery loves company. My sister, Belinda, had recently received her acceptance letter from the University of Chicago for the fall semester, so Mom was feeling sorry for herself. Listening to her talk about what it was like being a single woman, living alone at age 49, really got me thinking. Obviously, I hadn’t told her about my dilemma, but based on the way she was talking, it was as if she already knew. It may have been sheer coincidence, but she effectively illustrated the future downside of being in love with a much older man. I love Jack, but I definitely don’t want to end up in the same position. How depressing.

  When I came home that night, I pulled out Jack’s letter once again. Then I read it with both Jack and my mother in mind. In that context, the following words really struck me:

  “It wasn’t until I started thinking about writing this letter, that I realized how much I truly love you. If this were lust or some other form of self-serving indulgence, I would be thinking about what’s best for me. Instead, I find myself constantly struggling with what’s best for you. I dwell upon the fact that you are only 22 years old and have your whole life ahead of you, with so many opportunities and adventures. Looking at my own life, I feel as if my days of chasing opportunities and raising kids are complete. I’ve already lived that life and it no longer stirs my passion. If I were 15 or 20 years younger, things might be completely different. I can’t bear the thought of selfishly enjoying your company for the rest of my life, only to leave you alone and filled with regret.”

  Jack knew how hard it was to lose your soul mate in your mid-40s. The words he had written made much more sense after listening to my mother. Seeing her in a similar predicament made me realize that the world was filled with lonely people, who one way or another had lost at love. Why does life have to be so complicated and depressing? Why hasn’t someone figured out a better way for people to find the next love of their life? Of course, it’s not easy with all of the restrictions we impose on one another. Some people believe you can only love someone close to your own age. Others base it on religion, race, location, or social standing. They have to look a certain way, or behave, as one would expect; otherwise, things just wouldn’t work out. Long distance relationships never work out either, so it has to be someone who lives nearby. By adding layer after layer of restrictions and expectations, soon there is a very small pool of qualified candidates. For most, it’s a number very close to zero. It’s hard enough to find true love the first time; I can’t imagine how challenging it must be the second time around.

  While washing my face and getting ready for bed, my phone buzzed. Jack appeared on my screen causing an instant flutter in my already fragile heart. I had assumed I would have some time to heal before we had to talk, so I wasn’t sure if I was ready to pick up. Part of me wanted to listen to a voice mail and see what he had to say instead of talking to him in person. My emotions were so raw, I wasn’t even sure I could hold myself together. Another part of me wanted to run next door and have Brandon answer. It would serve Jack right if he were led to believe that I had immediately jumped into bed with his son. He made it so obvious that Brandon was part of his exit plan. That probably hurt more than anything. If I am going to move on and find love more my own age, it will be with someone I choose. What was he thinking, trying to pre-arrange something between his son and me? As a myriad of thoughts raced through my mind, Jack’s call went to voicemail. A minute later, there was another beep. Jack had left me a message.

  My heart began to pound as I hit the key and waited for the message to be retrieved. I could feel my pulse pounding in my chest and cleared my throat in an effort to squelch the discomfort.

  “Hi, Kate… I know that I said a couple of weeks, but it only took about two seconds to realize that this ship is completely empty without you. People often think that just because someone is successful in business, they can handle personal relationships with the same level of ease. As you just witnessed, nothing could be further from the truth. I’m sorry for being so hasty and for handling everything in such an awkward manner. I hope that you can forgive me. I miss you so much… Give me a call when you get a chance.”

  After listening to his message a second time, I contemplated calling him back; instead, I decided to send him a quick text.

  Me: Thanks for the message. I didn’t pick up because I didn’t want to wake up Brandon. Can we talk tomorrow?

  After waiting two full minutes for a reply, I had to send a follow up.

  Me: Just kidding… You know you deserved that. : )

  This time when Jack’s name appeared on my screen, I answered.

  “You’re right, I deserved that. What the hell was I thinking?” were the first words out of his mouth.

  “I have no idea. You obviously wanted to get the hell out of town as fast as possible and wrap up all loose ends in the process.”

  “Yeah, I’ve never been one for leaving loose ends,” he replied. I could hear a little smile come across his face and imagined what it looked like.

  “So why the sudden change of heart?” I asked, having just come to terms with the full extent of what he meant in his letter.

  “I’m not completely sure. I’ve already lost the love of my life once and I guess I’m afraid of losing my second chance,” he replied, followed by a deafening pause.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what to say. I just spent the last day and a half rationalizing the explanation in your letter. Now you’re telling me you’ve changed your mind?”

  “It’s not so much that I changed my mind, but I may have been a bit impulsive.”

  “Yes, you were more than a little impulsive. I never imagined I would be dumped with a letter or told goodbye through a text message by someone flying 1600 miles to get away from me.”

  “You make it sound way worse than I intended,” Jack replied after anot
her pause. “I flew 1600 miles for several reasons, but none of them were to get away from you.”

  “You could’ve fooled me. Your letter really hit home after having dinner with Mom tonight. My sister is leaving for college this fall, so now she will be lonely and depressed.”

  “There seems to be plenty of that going around,” Jack replied. “Without you, I can see myself falling right back into the funk I was in until a month ago.”

  “It seems rather obvious to me that I should hook up with Brandon and you should start dating Mom. That would solve everyone’s problems in a neat little package.”

  “You’re not going to let me live that one down are you?”

  “Eventually maybe, but not tonight,” I replied with a smirk. “Let’s get back to why you called.”

  “I called because I miss you. I’ve been trying to rationalize my feelings for you since the very beginning. The only conclusion I’ve come to is that sometimes love doesn’t make perfect sense. I never expected to find someone who made me feel the way Eva did, but you brought it out of me. Letting you go seemed like the right thing to do, but tonight it feels like the biggest mistake of my life.”

  “I’m hurting, too, but going through this now might spare me a whole lot of pain down the road. I really don’t want to end up 49 and alone like my mother.”

  “I know… that’s part of why I acted so irrationally in the first place. Even though we could have a great time the next several years, I couldn’t stand the thought of you being left alone and filled with regret later on.”

  After a few more moments of tentative discussion, I eased the tension by transitioning the conversation to business. There was no easy resolution to our personal dilemma and I had an early morning meeting with my manufacturing director. Jack seemed relieved to talk about strategies for retooling the plant, instead of continuing to focus on his feelings. At the end of our conversation, Jack reassured me that regardless of what happened between us, he would always love me.