by L. P. Dover
Since my fateful night in at Society X, I have been devoting my free time, and a bit of work time, to Alex. I’ve deleted Jenica’s number and refuse to go to lunch with Bryant unless I’m the one picking the restaurant. If I never see or hear of that place, it’ll be too soon.
Even thinking about it now makes me shudder. I can’t believe I even entertained the idea in the first place, especially now that I’ve met Alex. That’s all I needed was to get out of my apartment and be social. Resorting to paid sexual action has never been my thing, and I can guarantee it’ll never happen again.
I shut my laptop, packing it away before heading out onto the job site. The apartment complex is coming along swimmingly, and much faster than I had anticipated. Usually we’re looking at a year or longer when we build something like this, but this crew is working sun up to sun down to get this done. It’ll still be nine months or so, but I couldn’t be happier with the progress.
Down the way, the shopping plaza renovation is almost complete. Bryant is a marketing genius and got us in touch with one of the hottest commercial real estate agents in the state. Susan Mason has been a shark when it comes to finding the right clientele, and has been able to secure multiple contracts, with two moving in starting next week.
It’s taken me a bit to accept that the job with Ward Enterprises was for the best, but now that I see everything coming to fruition, I’m glad I did. Of course, dating or whatever I’m doing with Alex doesn’t hurt either. Honestly, meeting her has changed my outlook on Portland a little bit. It doesn’t seem so drab and overpopulated.
As soon as I arrive back at the office, Parker knocks on my door. “Got a minute?”
“Yeah, of course,” I say as I set my stuff down. If it were anyone else, I’d go behind my desk and sit, but not with Parker. He’s a big guy and the boss, which equals him scaring the shit out of me. And because of this, I sit on the edge of my desk, which is really the corner and I’m jabbing myself in the ass.
“Mia and I went out to Sweet Briar last night to see how things were going. I have to say, Kai, I’m impressed.”
“Thank you.”
Parker shakes his head and instantly my heart jumps into my throat. Isn’t being impressed a compliment? “I knew you could do it, but you’re exceeding my expectations. With that said, word will spread fast about your ability and I’m afraid to lose you. I have other projects in the pipeline that I’d love to discuss with you when you’re ready.”
“That’d be great,” I tell him even though mentally I haven’t committed myself to Portland past the two-year mark.
“I have one request though,” he says. I nod for him to continue. “When the job offers start rolling in, give me a chance to match them. You’re an asset to Ward Enterprises, and as far as I’m concerned, irreplaceable.”
My mouth drops open and closes quickly as I try to find the words to tell him how grateful I am. I think my lack of speech is the perfect indication for him because he smiles, then leaves my office. Even as I watch him retreat, I still can’t make my brain work. I’m in complete shock that I have made that good of impression on Parker. Maybe Portland is where I need to stay.
My phone dings, finally spurring my now achy legs to move. I rifle though my bag, only to realize it’s in my pocket.
“Hello?” I don’t bother looking to see who it is.
“Hey, so I was wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner?” Alex asks.
The answer is yes. It’ll always be yes, but that’s all we do, and while I love spending time with her inside our walls, I want to take her on a date.
“You know I do, but I was thinking we could take a picnic down to the waterfront and watch the fireworks tonight?”
“Oh, that sounds lovely, Kai. I’ll bring everything.”
“I’ll grab the wine. Meet at my place at six?”
“I’ll be there.” She hangs up without a good-bye, which this day and age seems to be a lost art. Even my mother will randomly hang up. She tells me it’s because she doesn’t like saying “good-bye” because it feels final. I get it. I know she misses me, and I’m due for a visit. With the Sweet Briar project just starting though, I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it happen.
I decide to stay in the office and finish up a few contracts. Usually once a project starts, paperwork gets pushed off to the side and I find myself scrabbling to get contractors paid or contracts signed. I don’t want anything to slip through the cracks on this one.
By chance I look up at the clock and realize I only have five minutes to get home. There is no way I’m going to make it. I rush out of the office with my phone attached to my ear, praying Alex is running late. My call goes to voicemail. I call again and again, with the result being the same each time.
“Fuck,” I yell as I reach my car. I drive out of the garage as fast as I can, which isn’t easy with the turns, but I do my best. Of course, traffic would be backed up because why would the universe throw me a fucking bone? She’s already fragile from that other guy and here I am, beyond late for our date.
By the time I pull into my complex, I’m an hour late. Thankfully though, her car is there, except she’s not it, which means she’s likely sitting on my steps. I rush toward my place, taking the steps two at a time, coming to a halt when I turn the corner and find her sitting there.
Alex looks at me, with tears in her eyes, breaking my heart. “Babe,” I say, giving her a pet name without even thinking about what I’m doing. “I’m so sorry. I lost track of time.”
She nods, but her eyes don’t meet mine. I climb the steps slowly, unsure how to proceed. My ex knew that I kept late hours and would often call and remind me of our plans. I shouldn’t have expected Alex to do that. I should’ve set a reminder on my phone, but I didn’t and it looks like I’ve fucked up.
I approach her slowly, waiting to see what she’s going to do. Reaching out, I touch her hand, thankful that she doesn’t pull away. “You said you were seeing someone when we first started hanging out.”
“Yes, but it was … I don’t know what it was, Alex—”
“Is she why you’re late?” she asks, looking at me with tears running down her face.
“God no,” I say, cupping her cheeks. “I haven’t seen her since the night I met you at the Ward party. Believe me, I was working and I lost track of time. I’ll happily take you back to my office and ask security if you want. I will never lie to you, Alex.”
Her hands grip my wrist and her eyes turn expectant. I lean forward and kiss her, brushing my lips across her slowly until she responds by opening her mouth and welcoming me in. Standing, she presses her body to mine, and we try to maneuver the rest of the way into my apartment.
“Your stuff,” she says, breaking the kiss. As much as I would love to say fuck it, I can’t. All my work is in there, and losing it is not an option. I quickly grab my bag and her picnic basket and bring them inside, tossing them down and kicking the door shut. She’s my priority right now and I hate the fact that I had to stop kissing her.
Alex is where I left her, but still looking unbelievably sad. I don’t know how to fix this or her for that matter, but I’m willing to try. Pushing her hair behind over her shoulder, I place a kiss just below her ear. The small intake of breath isn’t lost on me in the least as I continue down her neck, pushing her shirt out of the way so I can kiss the tender flesh of her collarbone.
Her fingers dive into my hair as she tilts her neck to give me full access to her creamy skin. The shirt she is wearing is a V-neck, giving me the perfect path to follow. I know I’m tempting fate, but I don’t care right now. With my arm around her waist, I lead toward my bedroom, anxious to have her laid out on my bed. I’ve only been dreaming about her for weeks, and maybe just maybe she’ll let me touch her.
My lips reclaim hers. Tongues dance together. And I’m undoing my button down, hoping that she’ll put her gentle fingers on my skin. Usually during our make-out sessions she’ll slide her hand under my shirt, but
keeps them firmly on my back. I want to feel her touch me, explore me, and have her make me hers.
We reach my bed, and she sits once the back of her knees touch. I don’t even hesitate as I lift her shirt over her head. Fuck, the sight of her of in her navy blue bra turns me on. I want to reach for the clasp and undo her bra, but I don’t know if she’s ready.
Alex looks up at me and I nod toward my pillows. She moves back without even looking, making way for me to crawl toward her. I center myself over her, letting her feel what she does to me. Her eyes close as her fingers dig into my back. If this is a sign to come, she’s going to be fucking amazing in bed.
Fuck, I want to be inside of her, to feel her body wrapped around mine. I recapture her lips, kissing her deeply and start dry humping her. She moans, and widens her legs so I can fit better. My bare skin rests against hers, the lace of her bra scratching me. Pulling back, I look at her swollen lips and smile before sliding down her body until I’m eye level with her breasts.
My finger traces along the pattern, watching as her skin pebbles in anticipation. I pull the cup aside, ready to take her in my mouth, but her hand stops me.
I look up and meet her gaze. “Not ready?” I ask.
She shakes her head. I respect her wishes and move back up to her body and resume kissing her, pretending that everything is okay. Unfortunately, it’ll be another hand job for me tonight.
Twenty-Two
Alexandria
“Girl, you need to give me some updates.” Dani nudges me in the side. There’s flour on her cheeks and it makes me laugh.
“Updates about what?” I ask, knowing very well she’s curious about Kai.
She rolls her eyes. “Have you told Kai about you losing your virginity in the club?”
Slapping a hand to her mouth, I glance around the room. Luckily, Sandy didn’t hear her. “No,” I grumble, whispering the words. “I don’t plan on it either.”
Adrienne walks by, carrying two apple pies, and sets them on the counter. “I don’t blame you. He doesn’t need to know everything.”
“Exactly,” I agree. “He’s not the kind of guy to do what I did. After being dumped in the dark room by myself, it makes me regret ever going in the first place.”
Smile fading, Dani runs a hand soothingly down my arm. “I can’t imagine how you felt after that. It’s a good thing you’re done with that place. Now you have an amazing boyfriend with lots of money.”
“That’s not all it’s about,” Adrienne chides. “My husband doesn’t make a lot money, but I love him all the same.”
I was never one to care about material things. Maybe it’s because my family didn’t shower me with gifts. I grew up with the bare minimum. Granted, I’m glad I was brought up in a humble household. It makes me appreciate the good things I have now.
Sandy walks over and pats Dani and I on the back. “Figured I’d remind you girls in case you forgot.”
“About what?” I ask, glancing at her over my shoulder.
Her lips purse. “My niece’s wedding. Surely, you remembered you all have the day off.”
Sheepishly, Dani smiles and nods her head. “Of course, we didn’t forget. However, I’m still shocked we’re not catering it. Does she not like our food?”
Laughing, Sandy waves her off. “Rayna loves our food. She thought it was best to hire another company so that I didn’t have to work at hers. That way I can enjoy the wedding. Plus, we have family coming in from out of town. It’d be good to catch up with them.”
“I bet she’s excited,” I reply.
Sandy nods. “She is. It’s going to be a gorgeous event. Make sure to wear something formal.” While she’s walking away, she smiles at me over her shoulder. “You should bring your date.”
“I agree,” Adrienne says. “I’d like to officially meet him.”
Dani winks. “Me too.”
I shake my head. “He’s not going to want to go to a wedding with me. Our relationship is still new. Inviting him to the wedding is like taking the next step.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Dani asks incredulously.
Adrienne places a hand on Dani’s shoulder, gently pushing her away. “D, let me handle this. You’re not helping.”
Dani throws her hands up in the air. “Fine, I’m done.” She winks at me again and disappears into the pantry.
Adrienne laughs softly. “That girl is too much sometimes.”
I nod. “That she is, but she’s never afraid of anything. I wish I could be like that.”
“You are, in your own way. As far as the wedding, there’s nothing wrong with asking Kai to go as friends.” Eyes narrowed, she studies me. “Although, I don’t think that’s really what you want.”
Deep down, I know how I truly feel. I just don’t want to move so fast, not like I did at the club. That was a mistake, one I don’t want to make again. “It’s not,” I confess. “Kai is amazing and we’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
“But, you haven’t slept together, right?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. I want to more than anything, but I don’t want to get hurt.”
“That’s a risk you have to take, Alex. You have to let people in. If you don’t, you might end up with the wrong person. Getting hurt is going to happen. My heart has been broken more times than I can count, but if it weren’t for those bad times, I wouldn’t have found my husband. I’m glad I made all those mistakes.” She squeezes my shoulders reassuringly. “You need to take a chance. You alone know what your heart is telling you. Listen to it.”
As much as I want to protect myself, I have to stop running. Kai is a wonderful man and hasn’t given me a reason not to trust him. “You know what, Adrienne, you’re absolutely right. I know what I have to do.”
Taking a deep breath, I pull out my phone and walk outside. The sky is blue with thin, white wisps of clouds floating by. It’s the perfect day. I search for Kai’s number and hit send.
“Hey, beautiful,” he answers.
“Hi, how are you?”
“Great now that you’ve called. Is everything okay? I didn’t think I’d hear from you until you got off from work.”
I smile. “Everything’s fine. There’s something I want to ask you. You’re more than welcome to say no. I know it’s kind of last minute.”
“What is it?”
Just the sound of his voice makes me shiver. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. “There’s a wedding this weekend and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me.” The line goes silent and I start to panic. “If you’re busy, that’s totally fine. You don’t have to go with me.”
He bursts out laughing. “I’d be happy to be your date. At least, this way, people can actually see us together. It’s time we made our relationship official.”
Heart racing, I can’t deny how amazing that sounds. “I couldn’t have said it better.”
The week flies by and I can’t shake the butterflies in my stomach. When the doorbell rings, I hold my breath as I open the door. Kai stands there, all decked out in a tux with his hair gelled to perfection.
His eyes slide down my body. Since the wedding is formal, I didn’t have much in my closet for it. I didn’t want a long, formal gown, so I bought a short, midnight purple one with crystal beading around the waist.
“You look …”
“It’s the dress, I know. I fell in love with it, too,” I say, joking around.
His eyes darken and it makes me tingle in all the right places. “That, and you’re stunning in it.”
Giggling, I lock the door behind me. “You don’t look too bad yourself.” Taking my hand, he leads me to his car and opens the door.
On the way there, he holds my hand, never once letting it go. “Thanks for inviting me tonight.”
Glancing over at him, I smile. “Thanks for coming with me. My friends want to officially meet you.”
“I look forward to it.” It doesn’t take long to get to the venue, and when we arrive, there are a
ton of cars. Kai is pleased and grins wide. “We get to make a grand appearance it seems.”
My nerves are shot. It’s our first social event together and I know people will talk, but I’m ready for us to be out in the open. There’s valet parking so Kai gets out and opens my door, taking my hand to help me out. Dani is in line to get inside, and when she sees us, she waves frantically and rushes to join us. Her long, green evening gown looks amazing with her skin and chocolate-colored hair.
“Hey, you two. I’m glad you’re here. I didn’t want to walk in by myself.”
“You didn’t have a date?” I ask.
She waves me off. “I was hoping to meet some single, handsome men. So far, it’s looking like they’re all taken.” Grinning wide, she holds a hand out to Kai. “I’m Dani. We haven’t officially met. I went to school with Alex.”
Kai smiles and shakes her hand. “Kai Robicheau. Alex has told me a lot about you.”
“Hopefully, all good stuff.”
I wink. “Of course.” Once inside the door, we sign our names on the registry and find our seats. I glance around the room to see if I recognize anyone, but none stand out.
“Adrienne’s not coming,” Dani says sadly.
Finding some vacant seats, we sit down. “Why not?”
Sighing, she sits down beside me. “She wasn’t feeling well. You saw how swollen her feet were before we left. I doubt she’ll be working for much longer.”
“That sucks. I wonder if Sandy’s going to hire someone while she’s out on maternity leave.”
Dani shrugs. “Don’t know. She probably needs to. Not unless she retires and shuts down.”
A part of me wishes she would so I can branch out on my own like I’ve always wanted. Until then, I’m going to stay with Sandy. More people flood through the doors and there’s not a vacant seat in the venue. The flowers are exquisite, all different shades of pink. It reminds me of Shelby’s wedding in Steel Magnolias.
