Sexy Love (Sexy Series Book 4)

by Dani Lovell

  What a morning.

  Breakfast was also delicious and sitting here in the beautiful sun with this beautiful man watching the beautiful people is exactly what I would have wanted to spend my morning doing, had I chosen it all by myself.

  We sit comfortably next to each other, reading the newspaper and watching the beach as we sip our coffee, the occasional leg stroke here and there; it’s so… easy. We don’t feel an urgent need to talk to one another, no desperate urge to make conversation to keep things going; we’re just super comfortable to get on with our lives alongside each other, this morning, and it’s so incredibly refreshing.

  Every now and again we’ll look up at the same time and smile at each other, a couple of times we shared a private, intimate soft kiss, and it feels so right. I look at his body sitting so casually in his chair, his tanned legs escaping from his effortlessly stylish shorts, his foot tapping against the patio beneath us, naturally.

  I could really welcome this man into my life as a partner, I think. I love my independence, but with Sebastian, I feel like I can still have that. He’s not overcrowding or suffocating, he’s accepting. And he brings effervescence into my life, he brings out a fun part of me that seems to team with the sophisticated ‘me’ so very well.

  I know I shouldn’t be thinking like this at all, but I can’t help but assume that he must feel the same way, based on his nature when he’s around me.

  He folds up his newspaper and sits up in his chair, looking over at me with a casual, natural smile. “Are you done?”

  “Yep.” I nod.

  “What would you like to do with your day?”

  “I think I’d like to take a stroll along the beach.”

  “Sure, we can do that.” He stands and reaches out for my hand. “Shall we?”

  “Thank you,” I respond with a grin, taking his hand and standing to leave. “Then, after that, maybe we can go home?”

  “Home? Sure, your place?”

  “Yeah, or yours. I’d like to play ‘naked’ with you.”

  He grins a surprised and naughty smile, his eyebrows raised. “Oh, well I would love to play ‘naked’ with you, too!”

  His jovial, childlike excitement is so fun against his usual sexy and strong character. It makes those unfamiliar flutters in my stomach rage.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  MONDAY 6TH APRIL

  My workday is hectic, leaving me very little time to reflect on my wonderful weekend with Sebastian.

  I started the day from my own home, having slept there with Seb last night. His leaving this morning was much more positive than the last time he stayed over, and that was such a huge relief to me, though looking back on our recent time together, I really don’t see him acting that way again, anyway.

  I had another session in the gym with Luke at six, and Sebastian was still in my bed on my return, which was a lovely surprise, and we managed to have a little time for some morning fun. This time, my pleasure was all that mattered, and he absolutely nailed it. I can almost still feel the aftershock tingles now. His tongue is one of the most magnificent things ever created, and I will forever need it near me.

  He left at the same time as I did after a shared shower. He isn’t flying today, but he is in the office so he headed straight home to change and go on to work.

  I went straight to the office, smiling the entire journey, looking forward to tonight’s function, immensely. I would be looking forward to it, whoever was going to be there, but because Sebastian is attending as my date, I’m even more excited.

  I don’t want to give anyone the impression that we’re an item, it’s not something we have even discussed ourselves, but they know we have been seeing each other recently so I’m sure the eyes will be on us, especially if we arrive together. But nobody knows he is coming as my date, he was invited anyway, so we don’t need to draw attention to anything.

  Sebastian texted me a couple of times at around lunch time, today, which was thrilling, but we were both very, very busy so we didn’t have time for fun so they were short, sweet and very swoonworthy messages. My responses weren’t quite as swoonworthy, I’m sure, but I responded in the sexiest plausible way.

  I feel, with my comfort around Sebastian, I may have lost some of my sexy ‘touch’. Of course, I can’t tell what he finds sexy, but I know for a fact that I haven’t been actively, knowingly sexy. I really should keep an eye on that, I never want to lose my prowess for anyone, and I’d hate for him to think I’ve relaxed into a bland frump. I’m not, and will never be - a frump (especially not in the altered, vintage, cream Chanel suit I’m wearing today).

  I leave the office at around six, earlier than I would usually leave at such a busy time, but I really don’t want to be late for the celebration, especially if it’ll draw attention to me arriving with Sebastian, and we got so much work done on Saturday that an hour or so really shouldn’t make any difference.

  I still left a few willing members of the department to work late, specifying exactly what I’d like them to get done, even though a few of my managers have very competent knowledge of what needs to be done, anyway. I do need to let go, occasionally, something that maybe Seb… and the porn incident, has made me realise.

  Arriving back at my apartment, I take a shower and change into a suitable outfit for the occasion; black tailored capri-pants, black kitten heel pumps, a cream silk blouse and a black and white silk scarf. It’s not a formal function, but I do like to look smart, it just wouldn’t be ‘me’ to wear jeans to something I’ve been invited to, even if the majority of others are.

  I wear my thick brown hair down tonight. I wear it up for work so it’s quite nice to give my scalp a rest and let it free in the evening.

  The concierge calls up at about half past seven to let me know that Sebastian is waiting in reception. I’m ready of course, so I tell them I’ll be right down, grab my purse and make my way.

  I hadn’t expected Sebastian to drive this evening, assuming he’d want to enjoy a couple of drinks, so it does surprise me when we walk out to climb into his car. Still, it doesn’t bother me either way, I like his company with or without alcohol, and that goes for me, too; I definitely don’t need to have had a drink to enjoy being around Sebastian.

  We arrive at Gemma and Jay’s house shortly afterwards, and perfectly timed. Tilly and Luke are here, but that’s it so we won’t make too much of an entrance.

  “Lex!” I hear Tilly cry as we emerge from the side of the house into the yard. She looks beautiful in a soft, white, linen dress and gold sandals. Her signature heavy fringe shining in the sun with the rest of her naturally highlighted brown locks tousled into a messy knot atop her head. She is still tiny, even after having a baby.

  “Tilly, you look stunning. Happy Anniversary.” I kiss her cheek and release her to rise onto the balls of my feet slightly to rest my hand on Luke’s shoulder and kiss his cheek, too.

  “Thank you, Lex,” Luke says, before greeting Sebastian with a masculine handshake/hug combo.

  “Looking fucking sexy yourself, my darling. Mr Love-maker must be agreeing with you,” she says in a stage whisper.

  I roll my eyes but grin massively, because she has hit the nail on the head. He really is agreeing with me. “Shh.”

  “Oh don’t shh me. But relax, I’m not going to make a big obvious scene or anything, unless you go all sluttish like in ‘Escobar’ that time.” She pokes her tongue out to touch her top lip and winks at me, shoving me with a bony little elbow.

  “Sluttish?” I whisper, mortified. “I was not sluttish!”

  “Ugh, I know, I’m only teasing. Chill out, woman.”

  Gemma and Jay stroll out of the house casually, laughing together, holding tall glasses of something exotic. “Alexia! Hi, how are you?” Gemma says, genuinely, when she sees us.

  “I’m good thank you, how are you? How’s Jack?” I respond with a light, polite hug.

  “He’s great, he’s being put to bed at the moment by Jay’s mum.”


  “Oh, should we try to be quiet?” I ask, apologetically.

  “Oh, no no, he’s used to noise, and anyway, his bedroom is the other side of the house, don’t worry. Sebastian,” she says, directing her attention to him. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you again, how are you?”

  “I’m great, thank you for asking.”

  They continue to talk for a while, with Jay, while Tilly drags me to the kitchen. “O.M.G. He looks so fucking hot, Lex. I need to know everything, and when I say everything…”

  “You mean, ev-er-y-thing?” I ask.

  “Exactly. Spill.”

  “I really don’t do gossip like that, Til, you know that.”

  “Yeah, yeah – we all know that, who gives a fuck? Spill.”

  I laugh at Tilly’s blatant disregard to anything remotely conservative. “He’s great, Tilly. We’ve been having… a really great time together.” I emphasise that last part with a hand on my heart and a satisfied roll of the eyes.

  “Ugh, is that all you’re gonna give me? That’s not good enough. Have you been at it like rabbits? Come on!”

  “Tilly!”

  “Alexia.”

  I pause for a moment, looking at her, wondering why I’m holding back so much. Do I want to talk about it? Fuck yes; I want to talk about it! I want to sit and squeal and talk about him all night in pyjamas with bottles and bottles of wine like some sort of Bridget Jones character, minus all the crying. It’s bizarre; I’ve never in my life felt compelled to open up like this. The only reason I haven’t been is because I’m not used to it and it feels… naughty.

  “Tilly…” I take a hold of her forearm and exhale loudly. “He’s amazing. I can’t get enough of him, he rocks my world, he fills my cup, he makes me crazy, he makes me weak, he makes me see a whole new world to the one I thought I knew… he introduces me to things, he makes me feel alive, he sets my freaking bed on fire! He knows what I want, he gives me what I want, he made me watch and enjoy porn for Gods sake!”

  Tilly’s mouth is as far open as it can possibly go, her eyebrows on the ceiling; delighted doesn’t even touch what’s written all over her face. Did I really need to divulge about the freaking porn?

  “More! Give me more!” she cries.

  “Tilly, honestly, a man has never,” I pause to look around to check nobody is near, and pull her by the arm deeper into the kitchen, “I’ve never ever felt like this with a man before. He has shown me exactly what I want. He has made me see that what I thought I wanted, is absolutely nowhere near what I need.”

  “You in love with him?” she asks, casually, like it’s an every day question.

  “What? No!”

  “No, no – don’t poopoo the question, take a minute to think about it.”

  “No, I’m not ‘poopooing’ it, as you so elegantly put it,” I smile, laughing, “I just don’t think we’ve really got to that stage yet. It hasn’t been long.”

  “I know what you’re saying, Lex – but if it’s real, sometimes it really doesn’t take long. Look at Bea and Daniel… look at me and Luke.”

  “I know, I know. I just don’t think I’m…”

  “Just, don’t say anything. Let yourself think about it, okay?” I nod, reluctantly. I would like to convince her that I’m not in love with him, if for nothing else than to save myself embarrassment if this all goes wrong. “Anyway, this is all too exciting. I’m satisfied for now because we have to get back out there, but you know I’m going to need more – especially about this whole porno business, okay?”

  I giggle. “Okay, maybe. But Til…”

  “Lex stop it, you can trust me, I know what I can and can’t tease you with, I’m not going to go talking in front of anybody about anything like porn. Okay?”

  “Yes. Thank you, I feel strangely amazing for having let all of that out.”

  “You need an outlet, Lex, you’ll find it exhilarating when you start realising you have people you can open up to - about anything. Stop keeping every tiny feeling inside you.”

  “Thank you. You’ve given me a little buzz.”

  “I’m not the only one, you kinky little bitch. Go and rub yourself against your meat out there, he’ll be missing you. I’ll bring you a drink. Wine?”

  “Yes, please. White would be lovely.”

  “Done – now go away and give a devilish pilot some loving.”

  I laugh my way out of the kitchen feeling a huge sense of relief and another of gratitude. I’ve never opened up like that to anyone about things like sex, and I’m so incredibly lucky to have found friends that I can do just that with. I’ve never had that before and it’s a fantastic gem that I’ll keep with me, always.

  When I get back outside, Daniel and Bea have arrived, along with Cole and an unknown-to-me date, and a few others that I don’t know. I’m glad that I was inside when they all got here, putting less pressure on Seb and me.

  I greet my brother and his ever-so-lovely fiancée, before moving directly to Sebastian, who is talking with Cole and his date.

  “Lexie,” he says warmly as I approach, holding his arm out to welcome me into the conversation. “This is Dawn, a friend of Cole’s.” Friend. Right.

  “Good to meet you, Dawn,” I say, shaking her hand. I try not to judge people by their appearances, but I can’t help myself when it comes to Dawn. She looks like a typical bimbo, long hair – bleached to within an inch of its life that by the time it reaches her lower back, it’s so thin and crispy you could order it with pepperoni and extra cheese.

  She is wearing a very tight, very short dress, wholly inappropriate for such an event, with garish, silver, platform stilettos. When she speaks, the only thing that comes to mind is Minnie Mouse. My eyes itch as I watch her eyelashes tangle together every time she blinks, thanks to the seventeen layers of clumpy, jet-black mascara.

  I know Cole likes the ladies, but they usually have a little more… well, for want of a kinder word – class.

  “Cole, how are you?” I ask, unable to look at the neon pink lipstick for another moment without reaching for my purse for a make-up wipe. I kiss his cheek and hug him, fondly. I like Sebastian’s best friend a lot, we have always gotten on well.

  “I’m great, how are you? You look fantastic.”

  “Thank you, I’m good.”

  We talk as a foursome for a short while before Cole and Dawn stroll around the pool and into the house to get a drink.

  “Dawn seems… nice?” Seb says to me with a slight smirk, though I could be reading it incorrectly and wouldn’t like to come across as bitchy, so I agree.

  “Yes, she’s sweet.”

  “Sweet,” he says, smiling. “I need to have a talk with Cole.”

  “Oh really? What about?”

  “What about?” he asks, laughing. “About Cotton Candy over there.”

  I smile, understanding. “I see, well I’m sure she’s got a great personality – maybe she didn’t get the memo about the type of event it is. Though she doesn’t seem like Cole’s usual type.”

  “No, she doesn’t, but I’m sure you’re right and her ‘personality’ is great.”

  “Oi, lovebirds…” Tilly’s voice distracts me from the conversation and as I turn, she’s walking towards us with drinks in her hands, smiling happily. “Here’s your wine,” she says, handing me the glass, “and I brought you a beer because you’re a big strong boy and the other big strong boys are having beer.”

  “Gah! I was hoping for a strawberry daiquiri.”

  “Ah, I see. Those usually come during the skinny dipping later,” Tilly laughs.

  “Interesting…” Seb says, sarcastically. “But this is all I’ll have, anyway. I’m driving tonight.”

  “Okay, fair enough. You’re looking just smashing standing there together, darlings, doesn’t she look lush tonight, Seb?

  “She looks beautiful,” he says immediately in agreement, “she never looks anything but.”

  “I know; I can’t stand her.”

  “Gee, thanks, Til.
But you can hardly speak, you’re always so fresh and pretty – and you have a baby to wake up to all night long, I don’t know how you do it.”

  “You just do it, Lex, when you have a baby – you just adapt. But if you saw me first thing, you’d realise I’m a dog in real life.”

  Seb and I both laugh, knowing she’s talking absolute nonsense. “So, Seb – what exactly are your intentions with the sexier Alexia?”

  “Oh, Tilly!” I scold, laughing, and Sebastian laughs with me.

  “Pff! Well, I had to give it a try, didn’t I? Got to love a good old love story, hey, Mr Love?”

  “Only the best when there’s a ‘Love’ involved.”

  Tilly continues in a whisper, “So, did Cole bring the stripper as entertainment or does he usually date women like that?”

  Sebastian’s laugh is so real, so rich, it’s a shame that it’s at the expense of that poor girl but it really is fair to say that she ought to reconsider her wardrobe for dates where members of the public will be present. “No, he definitely does not date women like that so I’m really not sure what it’s all about, but now that you’ve offered that option, I’d like to think that’s a possibility.”

  “We’ll see if she starts writhing by the pool, later, then.”

  “Hihi!” Bea says, as she and Daniel join us. Sebastian and I move around to the side to welcome them into the conversation and I’m surprised to feel so comforted when he slides his hand around my back to rest on my hip, holding me into his side subtly.

  This would definitely be a first in front of friends and sober, we haven’t even made our dating that public so to have him hold me in a crowd is different; but good. I would like to just tell everyone we’re dating and be able to hold hands and touch all night long, but we should really discuss our status privately first.

  “I feel like we haven’t spoken for so long, how are the wedding plans coming along?”

  “Really good, thank you – it’s all coming together now.”

  “Oh my God, my arse is making buttons, I’m so fucking excited!” Tilly cries.

  “So how long is it, exactly?” Seb asks.

  “It’s just under three and a half months now, July the eighteenth.”