“Auntie Roxy, can I go watch TV please.”
“Don't you want to meet Sebastian's brothers and their friend?”
“I guess.”
“How about they meet you in a little while, squirt,” Kira said prior to returning her wide-eyed stare to Sebastian.
“Okay.” He ran off in the direction of the living room. Kira waited for a few minutes before she spoke. “What is going on? And somebody better talk fast.”
Roxanne had wanted to wait until Ava arrived, so what she had to say needed to be said only once. But since Kira demanded they tell her, this particular news wouldn’t be told only once like how she’d planned.
“They,” Roxanne said as she gestured to Sebastian and his brothers. “Are related to Zach.”
“Oh my,” Kira said then bit her lip before laughing nervously.
Well that wasn’t what Roxanne had expected from Kira at all. Speechless, sure, anger, that too, but her being uneasy wasn’t one of them.
“You know,” Kira said, continuing after dropping herself into a chair, “when Sebastian came to our table Friday night and introduced himself I’d thought it was my imagination when I saw Lexi look at him with fear in her eyes. Are you Zach’s father?”
Ah. So that’s why she’d looked so uneasy. Roxanne winced inwardly; trying to remember if she’d given her friends any indication Friday night that she cared for Sebastian more than an employee should. If that’s the case, and Kira thought he was Zach’s father, Kira was probably wondering how she’d taken it after finding out he had a son with Lexi.
Sebastian's eyes widened. “No. Michael is Zach’s father. He’s our little brother.” Roxanne saw Kira relax as she exhaled noisily. She had to be relieved that she didn't have to see two of her best friends quarrel over something that happened four years ago.
“Did Lexi make you promise not to tell him?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Kira nodded. “She changed, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
Kira frowned before she answered. “Lexi has a very trusting and forgiving nature, or she had. She never expected Michael to hurt her. Her family hurting her, a few months after your brother ripped her heart out and stomped on it, changed her. She doesn't trust or forgive easily anymore; and even though you promised not to say a word to Michael, Lexi is waiting for you to break your promise and it doesn't matter if you had meant it when you told her.”
The men’s eyes went tight as they clenched and unclenched their fists at their sides.
“How was she after what Michael and her family did to her?” Sebastian asked.
“Let’s just say because of us and Zach she decided to get back to the land of the living.”
“Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let’s start grilling. Kira, go change and come back down here,” Roxanne said, stepping into the tense moment.
Kira snickered. “How about you all,” she waved at Nick and Sebastian’s brothers, “go get to know Zach. Sebastian will set up the grill and I’ll help Roxanne with the steaks and potatoes.”
Everyone nodded, leaving Roxanne frowning at Kira.
* * * *
Sebastian stepped out into the backyard and felt his jaw drop. Granted, it wasn’t very masculine drooling over a backyard. But in this case, it was acceptable. The yard was decked out with golden white tiles and in the middle was a huge Gunite pool with a hot tub and by the pool side were four pale gold chaise longues. To the left was the grill and to the right was a table and chairs under a Tuscan-style cabana.
Yep, he had every right to drool over Roxanne’s backyard.
He wanted to just stay for a while as he admired her backyard, but he couldn’t. Either Roxanne or Kira would bring out the steaks, so he had to start the grill instead. As he walked over to the grill he told himself he would be able to do it again when he was alone. He fired up the grill and waited.
He didn't have to wait long, because Kira walked out into the backyard a few minutes later with a large covered dish. The person that made up the phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover’ could have been referring to Kira. The media saw the spoiled pop star she pretended to be, but her friends saw the real Kira. Who would have thought that she wasn’t as self-absorbed as the media saw her?
Another thing was Adrian. He nearly ran from the kitchen earlier, but before that at the club he wouldn’t talk to Kira, he just stared at her now and again like he was trying to solve a difficult problem. Sebastian wondered why that was, before shaking his head. His brother was grown and wasn’t his problem anymore.
* * * *
Adrian followed Joshua and Nick to the living room. To say he was shocked finding out Michael had a son he didn't know about was an understatement. Who would have thought Michael would do that to the woman who loved him? Adrian wondered briefly if Sebastian had told Lexi or Roxanne Michael was moving back to California. Probably not, he decided, because if Sebastian had, Adrian could easily picture Lexi wanting to move as far away as possible. Then again, maybe she wouldn’t.
Most women in Lexi’s position would have given up the baby for adoption or terminated the pregnancy, but she didn't. Then again she wasn’t the only one surprising him either. Kira Wellington. She was making him afraid of being in the same room with her for long. She was the only woman that had him thinking of forever whenever he saw her or heard her voice. And he didn't like it. Nope. Not one bit.
Chapter Twenty
“You’re kidding me!”
Roxanne glared at Ava. “Don't shout.”
Ava had arrived a few minutes before Kira took the seasoned steaks to Sebastian. While Kira had rung the doorbell before letting herself in, Ava on the other hand had just let herself in like she owned the place. Not that Roxanne minded, that was why she’d given each of them a key.
About ten minutes later, Miles—Kira’s bodyguard—drove up. Roxanne had invited him to stay and join their little get together. He was hesitant at first, but then he gave in with a little coaxing from Roxanne and another apology from Kira for ditching him.
It was sincere this time, even if she’d giggled after he was out of earshot.
“I'm not kidding. I found out yesterday morning when Lexi dropped Zach off.”
“Sebastian and his brothers are related to Zach. How did his brothers take the news?”
“I don't know. He told them in the guest room.”
“So, how—” she was about to say something when Zach came around the corner squealing, “Auntie Ava, Auntie Ava! What did you get me?”
“Ah hon, I didn't know you wanted something. How about on Sunday we spend the day out, just you and me? We could go shopping for toys after we eat ice-cream.” Zach looked like he was considering it and after a moment he nodded.
“Ava.”
She stiffened before turning to face the owner of the voice. “Joshua.”
He nodded. Ava took Zach and left, saying she was going to dress Zach in his trunks. Kira left Roxanne, Joshua and Adrian alone as she took the potatoes out back to Sebastian.
“I’ll bring out the salad,” Adrian said as he left. Joshua was still staring off in the direction Ava had gone. When he finally looked away, Roxanne saw the hurt he was no doubt trying to hide flash in his eyes for a second before it was gone.
“She doesn't, you know.”
“What?”
“Ava. She doesn't hate you.”
“Sure she doesn't,” he mumbled dryly.
“Joshua, that’s her way of dealing with things that she doesn't know how to handle or things that scare the shit out of her. In this case I would say it’s the latter.”
“What am I supposed to do?”
“If you feel the way I think you feel about her, then there is only one thing you can do…fight for her.”
“How do I do that?”
“Sorry Joshua, you’ll have to figure that out on your own. Just remember that in the end it will be worth it.”
He nodded, taking the Igloo cooler with the so
das and beers in it outside. After he left, Ava returned with Zach. He was wearing blue swim trunks.
“Hey hon, can you tell Kira to come here?”
Zach nodded before he ran off.
“Did you bring a bathing suit?” Roxanne asked Ava and raised a brow in question at Kira as she entered. They nodded.
“You can go change while I wait for Lexi.”
Ava grimaced as she walked away. Kira, on the other hand, looked excited and Roxanne wondered why that was. A few minutes later Roxanne heard the front door close. Lexi was here.
* * * *
“Bye, Auntie Roxanne,” Zach said after she kissed him on his forehead.
Roxanne waved at them as Lexi drove away. As soon as Lexi’s car was out of sight Roxanne stepped inside and locked the door she headed upstairs to her bedroom. Once inside she stripped out of her clothes, dropped them in the hamper, turned on the shower to a reasonable temperature and stepped under the spray. She closed her eyes and sighed in bliss as the hot water ran over her skin, as she let her mind drift back to earlier today.
After Lexi arrived, they’d gone to change into their swimwear. A few minutes later, they returned to the kitchen to carry the remaining items outside. For the rest of the day, Roxanne felt like doing a happy dance, whenever she caught Sebastian staring at her with enough heat that suddenly made her want to drag him upstairs and leave their guests to themselves for a little while.
There were times she almost laughed when she caught Adrian trying very hard not to look at Kira and failing. Nick didn't even try to hide whenever he was ogling Kira. Adrian had caught him doing it a few times and glared, and then, as if realizing what he was doing, he scowled. Kira was either oblivious or ignoring them. Roxanne guessed it was the latter.
Joshua and Ava stared at each other with longing and heat in their eyes. Ava would look away first, panic clear in her expression, while Joshua would shake his head ever so slightly before looking away.
And Lexi was talking to Miles. They were having what looked like a very enjoyable conversation. Roxanne didn't interrupt the others because she enjoyed watching them squirm when they caught her watching them.
They all had a good time eating, drinking, playing Marco Polo, racing and playing pool ball with Zach. The harder part came later in the evening, after everyone had pitched in to help clean up. After they’d returned to the living room, Lexi had told Zach that Sebastian and his brothers were his uncles because Zach’s father was their brother.
Roxanne had held her breath waiting for the questions, but they never came. Instead Zach had nodded and smiled at them. Roxanne had wondered if on some level Zach had known that his father had hurt his mother. She shook her head. She knew Lexi never told Zach what her relationship with his father was like and never would. So Roxanne wondered if he was waiting until they went home before he began asking questions.
Roxanne was brought back to the present by the ringing of the doorbell. Sebastian’s back, she thought to herself. He’d left after the others, because he’d wanted to change his car and get a suit for tomorrow. She turned off the shower, dried off and put on her robe then headed downstairs.
Roxanne grimaced as she caught herself skipping down the stairs to open the door for Sebastian. It was absolutely scary, feeling as if he had been gone for two years instead of just two and a half hours. Shit! When had she found the time to watch the clock? This was bad and she was so screwed.
Her nerves felt jangled and she suddenly felt faint, as she realized why she always felt like a part of her was missing when he wasn’t around or when she didn't see him at work. While she was busy attempting not to fall for Sebastian, Roxanne hadn’t realized that she’d already fallen for him the first time they met.
Why did she have to fall for another boss? The better question was, why had she gone and fallen for him when their relationship wasn’t real? Sure there was something between them and, after last night, Roxanne couldn’t deny it anymore, but their relationship was fake and all for Ashley’s benefit. Maybe when things settled down they could have a real relationship and she wouldn’t have to worry so much.
She loved Sebastian and losing him would kill her. What if he didn't or couldn’t love her? Roxanne froze with one foot in the air and the other on the bottom step. Oh, God! She had not only fallen for her boss, but said boss had a psycho stalker out there somewhere determined to have him.
She was so screwed! The pealing of the doorbell frightened her out of her thoughts and made her lose her footing. She grabbed the banister quickly to avoid a serious injury. She walked the rest of the way to the door, smiling brightly as she opened it. There he was! The man who turned her perfectly single—she preferred it that way—life upside down. His hair was still wet from his shower, and he was wearing it loose. She ran her gaze up and down his body, pausing with a smile when she spotted a big bulge that looked like it was about to rip his pants open. Oh, yum! She licked her suddenly dry lips.
Both last night and this morning she didn't get the chance to explore his body and she was determined to rectify that, even if it meant she had to drink a lot of coffee in the morning to keep from falling asleep. Roxanne wondered idly if a woman had ever made him scream as he came. She squashed the thought as the little green monster reared its ugly head.
The clearing of a throat brought her out of her lust-induced state somewhat. “As much as I’d enjoy taking you here against the door, I don't think you’d appreciate your neighbors getting a front row view,” he remarked huskily after she was finally able to take her eyes off his pants long enough to look at him.
“Sorry,” she murmured.
Nope, I’m not sorry at all, she thought as she watched his very fine squeezable butt going upstairs. After locking up, she followed behind as she undressed him mentally. “Where am I going to put my clothes and the other items?” he asked once they were in the bedroom.
How could she answer him without giving away how excited she was at the thought of his clothes next to hers in the closet? “You can put your suit in the closet,” she pointed to the doors. “And your shoes can go underneath the chair.” He entered the closet and came out a minute later with wide eyes.
She groaned. “Ah, come on, it isn't that bad.” He raised his brows. “Okay, but it still isn't as bad as how you pretend.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“It looks like a small clothes and shoes store in there.”
Roxanne rolled her eyes. He was exaggerating. Yes, she had plenty of clothes and shoes but not enough to fit in a small store. She went to sit on the bed as he started putting away the items in his duffle bag. She was still reeling from the fact that the one thing she so desperately tried not to let happen, happened anyway—falling for Sebastian.
A groan had her attention right back on the current focus of her obsession. The amusement that had been in his eyes a few minutes ago was gone and was now replaced with pure unadulterated lust as he looked at her. Well it wasn’t her, as much as it was her exposed sex the robe failed to cover. She gulped when he dropped the bag and stalked toward her.
She licked her lips, not caring at the moment that he looked like he was going to eat her alive, that he could do given that she wasn’t about to object. When he stood in front of her, he pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his. Their tongues tangled and dueled as he kissed her deeply. He groaned as he deepened the kiss when she sucked on his tongue. He continued to kiss her hungrily, as one of his hands left her waist and pulled the robe loose.
His mouth left hers. He alternated between soft kisses and sucking on her neck. She knew it would leave a mark, but didn't care at the moment. Roxanne moaned softly as Sebastian nipped her neck, licking the spot to take the sting away. She squealed then giggled when he picked her up and tossed her on the bed.
Roxanne watched in amusement as Sebastian stripped off his clothes in one minute. That was the fastest she ever saw a man undress, and he was still able to make it look like he was putting on a sh
ow. Her amusement was instantly replaced by need as he covered her body with his own. The tip of his penis nudged her opening sending a bolt of desire straight to her womb and clit.
She opened her legs wider for him to enter her and ease the need that was slowly driving her insane as her clit throbbed. He shook his head. She groaned in frustration.
“I want to explore you, before I take you,” Sebastian said huskily.
“Are you trying to let me die from sexual frustration?” Roxanne asked.
He smirked. “No, but would you deny me what I wanted from the moment I saw you?” He smiled and she surrendered.
“Fine. You can explore me all you want.” He winked at her as he started exploring. More like torturing. If I survive, he's going to find out what ‘pay back’s a bitch’ means, she thought with a smirk.
He sucked a nipple into his mouth, making her yelp when he bit it. She moaned as he sucked on it harder, taking away the sting of pain. She made a sound of disappointment as he released her nipple, only to sigh happily as he took the other one in his mouth and repeated the process.
She wiggled desperately, trying to get closer to the finger of the hand that stroked her opening ever so slowly. He stopped every time she moved; only starting again when she remained still. She gripped the sheet and held on for dear life.
His mouth left her breast as he trailed down her stomach leaving small wet kisses on his way. Roxanne lifted herself up on her elbows and watched him when he stopped at her navel. His eyes held hers as he held her navel ring with his teeth giving it a gentle tug. Her eyes widened and she let out a half moan, half groan when she felt the tugging sensation in her clit.
That was it! She couldn’t take anymore. “Please, Sebastian.”
“Please what?”
“Please fuck me. You can explore later.”
His lips twitched. Oh, she was going to make him pay. “Will there be a later?”
“Yes. Anything you want. I swear I’ll stay as still as possible and not interrupt you next time, even if it kills me.” She hoped those words didn't come back to haunt her.
Roxanne's Redemption Page 9
