She whispered against his lips. “The bedroom is over there.”
Alex tried to gather his thoughts. “Not yet. I plan on taking my time you, Ms. Matthews.”
She whimpered. “Alex, you are driving me crazy.”
“That’s my intention, Eve.” He stated as he lowered her onto the couch in the middle of the room. His lips brushed over the tender spot on her neck as he lifted her shirt just enough to feel her bare skin. “Your skin drives me crazy. You are flawless.”
She responded by sneaking her hand around his waist and down the back of his pants. He groaned as he braced himself above her. He felt uncomfortable. He never allowed himself to get this far with the few dates he had since Emily but he couldn't control himself around Eve. He felt her nails dig into his backside and he captured her lips again. Her hand moved around his waist and started to unzip his slacks.
He quickly came to his senses and reached for her hand. "Oh no, I told you I want to savor every moment with you and I can't do that right now. We have to get ready for your big opening."
Eve groaned and eventually nodded. "You are different from other guys in my life. I like different."
Alex laughed as he took a deep breath and smiled. He braced himself above Eve and gave her a slow lingering heated kiss before he got on his feet and tried to compose himself.
Eve stood up and walked over to her glass of wine. “Are you going to escort me tonight?”
Alex smiled. “I would love to, Eve. What time would you like me to return for you?”
“The show starts at seven, let’s say six thirty?”
“Sounds great, I will be back,” Alex said as he kissed her cheek and left her hotel room.
He had definitely fallen for her and hoped that his fears from previous relationships wouldn’t rear its ugly head.
He headed back to his estate and ran into Mrs. Bennett on the way out. “Alex, I’m glad to saw you before I left. I made you dinner and it’s in the oven. I know you have the show tonight but you need to eat something now or you will forget.”
Alex leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, you are always thinking of me.”
“Yes, I am. How’s Eve?”
Alex smiled. “She’s wonderful. I’m sorry again for how you were introduced. But, please trust me when I say that she’s a wonderful person.”
“I believe in you, Alex. I just want you to be happy. I will get to know her over time, I hope.”
“I hope so too. I don’t know what will happen once her show shuts down.”
“I’m sure you will work something out.” She waved at him and headed towards her car.
Alex entered his house and headed into the kitchen to grab the dish that Mrs. Bennett had prepared for him. He stopped when he saw the light on his house phone flashing. He never received landline calls and figured it was someone trying to sell him something. He pressed the button and heard Becca’s voice.
“I knew if I called your cell phone, you wouldn’t answer but I wanted you to know how sorry I am for everything. I understand why you pressed charges against me and why you fired me but I really wish you would give me a second chance. Please call me so we can work something out. I loved working for you, Alex.”
He stared at the phone. Was she serious? He now realized how delusional Becca was when it came to life. He took a bite of his chicken as his cell phone rang. “Smith,” he answered.
“Hey Alex.”
“Hey sis, how’s the job search?”
“I found you someone. His name is George and he’s a graduate of the arts program at University of Buffalo. He knows who you are and loved the idea of working and learning from you.”
“Well, that sounds perfect. Thank you so much for helping me out.”
“You know that I would do anything for you, Alex. Have you talked to Mom lately?”
“Not lately, what’s wrong?”
“She’s complaining about being lonely. She has an admirer but feels she would be cheating on Dad.”
Alex sighed. “He’s been gone for so long Patty, it’s ok for her to move on.”
“We know that but she’s having problems with it. Maybe you could stop over after your show closes and talk with her. She would love to see you.”
“Sure, I will stop over this weekend. I have some good news in the meantime.”
“What’s going on?”
“I found someone, well I really wasn’t looking and technically she found me.”
Patty cheered. “What’s her name?”
“Her name is Eve and it’s her show that opens tonight. She has knocked me over, Patty. Her charm, her attitude and she is absolutely stunning. She has a passion for the arts and has a side of her that I can’t describe yet.”
“Wow, I haven’t heard that tone in your voice since…” she trailed off.
Alex smirked. “I know. I haven’t felt this way since her.”
“I hope it works out. I’m planning on coming by tonight so make sure you introduce us.”
“I will. See you tonight.” Alex hung up and finished his dinner before heading upstairs to the shower.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Alex entered Eve’s hotels’ lobby around six thirty. He spotted her agent as he waited at the elevators. Steve waved at him. “I didn’t realize that your gallery gave a personal escort to the shows.”
Alex sensed a tone in his voice but ignored it since he didn’t know him very well. “I normally wouldn’t but Eve is a special woman.”
Steve nodded as the elevator doors opened and they stepped in. “How long have you been in business?”
“A few years now but it’s always been a dream of mine. I just needed to wait until the opportunity presented itself.”
He nodded. “I’ve been working with Eve for almost two years now. I saw her work in a local art show back in LA and I knew I could help her.”
“Do you have any other clients?”
“Not right now, I wanted to focus on Eve and then her career exploded within the last six months. I have galleries calling me from around the country. After we close at your shop, we will drive to Pittsburgh for a few days.”
Alex frowned as the elevator arrived at Eve’s floor and they both walked down the hallway. Steve knocked on the door as Eve answered. Alex leaned against the wall behind him as Steve hugged her and talked to her.
She looked breathtaking in her black cocktail dress with her stiletto black heels that made her legs seem even longer. Her blond hair was pulled up into a french twist on the back of her head and her makeup was perfectly applied.
Steve entered her hotel room as he gaze turned to Alex. Their eyes locked with each and the temperature rose. He stepped closer to her and leaned down to press his lips against her cheek. “You are stunning, Eve. I really wish we were alone right now.”
She smirked and whispered. “You can have your way with me later tonight.”
Alex groaned as he pulled away from her. “Are you ready to go?”
Eve nodded. “Steve, I should have mentioned to you earlier that Alex would be driving me tonight. I could have met you there.”
Steve frowned as he looked at Alex. “It’s ok. I will follow you over there.”
Alex reached for Eve’s hand and headed down the hallway. He whispered, “Don’t get any funny ideas about the elevator ride.”
Eve smiled. “I don’t know. You are so handsome in that suit. I don’t know if I will be able to keep my hands off of you.”
Alex allowed her to step into the elevator and he leaned against the back wall as he stared at her. He noticed as her tongue licked her lower lip and bit gently on it. He groaned softly so that Steve wouldn’t hear him but he knew that Eve could.
They entered the lobby as everyone stared at Eve as she walked to the main doors. He smiled as he opened the door for her. The valet opened his car door for her as he hopped into the driver seat.
He headed out onto the highway as his hand found her bare knee. “Do you realize how be
autiful you are? You had the attention of every man in that hotel lobby even your agent.”
Eve gasped. “Steve? No, he’s not interested.”
Alex looked at her as they stopped at a red light. “Just like Becca wasn’t interested in me, right?”
“You are crazy. He’s a good friend, that’s it.”
Alex nodded and started to drive towards the gallery. He ran his fingers up and down her smooth skin as they talked about the show and how things would go. “I heard that you are moving onto Pittsburgh.”
Eve nodded. “Steve told me earlier today. He was able to fit this show into the schedule. It’s the first time that I’m not happy about moving onto a different city.”
He nodded as they pulled into the parking lot. “Let’s show Buffalo what you have to offer, Eve.” He walked around the car and opened the door for her.
They walked into the main reception area and Beth greeted them. “Good evening, Ms. Matthews, Mr. Smith. The guests have been trickling in and the room is a buzz. I believe you are in the great evening.”
“Thank you Beth for stepping in on short notice. I just need to speak with you for a second.” Alex turned towards Eve and kissed her cheek, “Go and mingle. I will be in shortly to introduce you to some of my friends.” She nodded and smiled as she walked into the side room.
“What can I help you with, sir?”
“Becca contacted me today. Under no circumstances is she allowed anywhere near this venue. Not tonight, not ever. If she tries to contact you, I want you to call me immediately. Is that understood?”
“Of course, Mr. Smith but she hasn’t made any attempt to contact us since this morning. So, maybe she has moved on and accepted the consequences.”
Alex nodded but knew the truth that she hadn’t. “Please notify me if anything comes about, I’m going to go and enjoy the show.”
Beth nodded and went to greet the next batch of visitors. Alex entered the room and found Eve talking with a local reporter about her pieces. He smiled as he grabbed a glass of champagne from the server. He took a sip as he continued his gaze. Eve looked up and locked eyes with him. He felt his body stir with electricity. He wanted her and he was trying to control every fiber of his being that wanted to run over to her and push her up against the wall.
Eve started to approach him and put her hands on his chest. “Why are you staring at me like that, Alex?”
He smirked. “Because when you are in the room, there is no one else.”
Eve smiled. “Nice answer.”
“Thank you.” Alex grabbed her hand and led her over to Henry. “Henry, I would like for you to met Eve Matthews, the star of the evening.”
“Ms. Matthews, it’s an honor to met you. Your pieces are exquisite.”
“Thank you, Henry. I’m so happy that you enjoy them.”
Alex stepped into the conversation. “Eve, this is Henry’s beautiful wife, Barbara. They own the gallery down the road and are happily retiring.”
Barbara blushed and patted Alex on the arm. “You are a charmer, Alex. Always have been, I’m going to miss that.”
“It’s a pleasure meeting you as well, Barbara,” Eve said.
“How’s your family, Alex?” Barbara asked.
“My mother is doing well and my sister should be here shortly.”
Eve smiled at him. “Steve is trying to flag me down. I should go speak with him.”
Alex reached for her waist and leaned down to whisper. “Don’t run away for too long, you are mine tonight.”
Eve gasped and looked into his eyes. She softly purred, “Oh Mr. Smith, you have opened a door and there is no going back now.”
“I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
Eve walked away from him as he watched her long legs move smoothly in her stilettos. He could picture her wearing nothing but those later in the evening. His attention went back to Henry.
“Any word on the break in from earlier, Alex?” he asked.
“Yes, the main problem was my assistant. I have a horrible track record so my sister has hired the next one so I pray he will work out.”
Barbara nodded. “I heard that you were able to see Emily yesterday.”
Alex nodded. “It’s always wonderful to see her. She will always have a spot in my heart. I’m trying to convince her to show her pieces here since you are retiring.”
“I think that would be wonderful. You know how she works, you are familiar with her situation, it sounds like a perfect combination,” Henry explained.
“I agree but Eric doesn’t see it that way so we will see how it all plays out,” Alex said as he spotted Steve with his hand on Eve’s lower back, the jealously raced throughout his body as he excused himself and proceeded across the room to Eve.
“Excuse me for a second. I just need to see Ms. Matthews about one of the displays in the other room,” Alex smiled as he grabbed Eve’s hand and pulled her across the hallway and into a vacant room.
“Alex, there is nothing in here.”
“I know,” Alex said as he twirled her around and pinned her against the closed door. “I couldn’t take his hands on you anymore.”
“I told you that we are just friends.”
Alex groaned softly as he pushed tighter against her. “I’m about to lose control with you, Eve and I’m trying my best to remain a gentleman.”
“We only have a couple more hours of professionalism to get through and then you can have your way with me, Mr. Smith.”
Alex smirked as he covered her lips with hers. She parted them immediately for his access. He felt her nails trace over his dress shirt and underneath his suit jacket. He bit her lower lip as he pulled away.
Eve winked at him as she stepped away and entered the hallway. Alex introduced her to a few more of his friends and saw his sister as she entered the main room with her fiancé, Dan.
“Alex, nice to see you again,” Dan said as he shook his hand. “We need to get together for a round of golf.”
Alex nodded. “Agreed, it’s been a little bit crazy around here lately but we will schedule something. Hey Patty, thanks for coming.”
“I’m always here to support you,” she said as she hugged him. “And this must be Eve.”
Eve nodded as she shook hands with Patty and Dan. “I am, thank you for coming tonight. It’s so nice to meet some of Alex’s family.”
“It’s great to meet you. I’ve been worried about him lately. He can’t seem to find anyone that makes him happy and I sense that he may have finally found someone.”
Alex frowned at Patty. “You need to leave now.”
Patty laughed and playfully hit his arm. “You love me. Come on Dan. Let’s go see how talented Eve is.”
Alex laughed as he nervously looked at Eve. She smiled back at him. “Looks like you have been talking about me?”
“Just a little bit, don’t let it go to your head.”
Eve chuckled as she reached for his hand and pulled him into the exhibit room. “I’m really happy with my exhibit tonight. The turnout has been wonderful and everyone seems really into my work. I would love to have some things on permanent display here.”
Alex smiled and looked at her. “Absolutely, we would love that.”
“I will have Steve work out the details with you.”
“Oh good, Steve,” Alex said unenthused.
Eve chuckled. “You have nothing to worry about, Alex.”
Alex mumbled. “We will see about that.”
Beth ran into the room and lightly grabbed Alex’s arm. “I need to speak with you, Mr. Smith.”
“Of course Beth, excuse me, Eve. I will be right back.”
Alex walked behind Beth into the front lobby. She pointed towards the parking lot and he saw Becca pacing back and forth behind his car. “How long has she been here?”
“About five minutes. She came to the door but I wouldn’t allow her in, she lost it and now has been pacing.”
Alex looked at Beth. “Thank you, I will go see if
I can talk some sense into her and allow her to leave before we call the cops.”
He stepped out the front doors and slowly walked down the front pathway. Becca spotted him and stopped pacing. “Alex.”
“Becca, I clearly told you that were fired and weren’t allowed anywhere near this building. I will ask you calmly to leave. I don’t want to call the police.”
“Alex, please listen to me. I can’t stop thinking about you. I loved this job. I never wanted to hurt you. I did everything for you and you always complimented me. I made a mistake but that doesn’t mean this has to end.”
Alex sighed. “Becca, our relationship was purely professional. You never went over any lines. I just don’t understand your obsession.”
“I told you, I tried to keep it to myself. I wanted to earn your trust and then your heart.”
“Becca, you are wasting your energy on me. You are a beautiful girl but there is no future for us.”
“That’s because of her, isn’t it?” Becca shouted. “You are so in love with Emily. She’s married, Alex! When are you going to accept that fact and move on?”
Alex approached her slowly and noticed her right arm behind her back. He glanced around her back and gasped. “Becca, do you have a gun? Have you lost your mind?”
“Apparently so, that’s what the police have said and my parents were supposed to be watching me until my hearing but I don’t see any problem. I’m just in love with you, Alex.”
Alex looked behind him as he heard the front door open and close. He yelled back towards the building. “Get back inside and lock the door. Call the police!”
The guests ran back inside and Alex turned his attention back to Becca. “You are smarter than this, Becca. Put the gun down and just take a deep breath.”
“Just when I thought that maybe you had moved on from Emily, I saw her enter the gallery and kiss you. All my hard work of getting your attention was destroyed.”
“Becca, I don’t want to see you get hurt. Please drop the gun and we will talk all night long, if you want?”
“No we won’t, why? Because you meet someone else and it’s my fault. I found Eve Matthews and brought her here. I was trying to show you how I could find top of the line exhibits to help your gallery and I find your next girlfriend.”
True Love (Volume 4) (Now and Forever) Page 6
