by J. L. Leslie
“I guess that’s why he wants us to represent him.”
“Look at this. According to Twitter, a source is saying Phil claims the woman drugged him and lured him away from the club. He wants the club shut down.”
“I bet he doesn’t explain why he was in there in the first place.” “Oh, he was having drinks with a potential client.”
Sure he was. I take a bite of my sandwich and wonder if the woman he was with is someone Memphis knows. I’m sure it is. Ecstasy is a large club, but not so large that the dancers wouldn’t know one another. Now he’ll be coming in Morgan, Quinley, and Sloan. What if he recognizes her? Shit.
Chapter 16
Memphis
I balance the glasses of ice water on the small tray and walk into the conference room. I took it upon myself to put a few slices of lemon in a bowl and they sit on the tray as well. As I approach the door, I stand for a moment, trying to figure out if I should knock and how I’m going to open the door. Before I can balance the tray on one hand, Cameron steps past me and opens it.
“Thank you.”
“You can just sit the tray right here, Ms. Stone. The client should be coming in any moment.”
I put the tray where Mr. Morgan indicated and then turn to exit the conference room. As I’m walking out, the client comes in. My breath catches in my throat. I recognize him almost immediately. His eyes flicker over me, but don’t linger.
I keep walking and hurry to my office. Stacy’s words come back to my mind. So this is the big-time realtor Mindy went to jail for. Damn. He’ll be represented by one of the best firms in the state. And I can’t say a word to help my friend.
I heave out a sigh and pick up the files that Mr. Morgan put on my desk to file. I get them filed and when Mr. Morgan comes back from his meeting, I don’t look up from my computer. I don’t want anything on my face to give away that I recognized the man he was just meeting with.
I spend the rest of my day staying busy with the tasks Sharon and Mr.
Morgan assign me to do. They’re menial, but busy work.
When it’s time to leave, I start getting ready to shut my computer down. I frown when I hear an instant message ping. ‘C. Morgan’ appears on my screen.
- Come by my office on your way out.
- Please.
I shut down my computer and grab my things. The elevator ride to the floor below seems to go at the speed of light. Maybe it’s because I’m nervous. The last conversation I had with Cameron he told me I was a great fuck. It was a compliment, but still a nasty one.
I knock on his door and hear him tell me to come inside. I open the door and step in with it still propped open.
“Shut the door.”
I slowly close the door and stand beside the doorway. I clasp my hands together in front of me.
“You asked to see me.”
“How’s the job going?” he asks. Small talk is not one of his gifts. I don’t know why he’s wasting our time.
“Seriously? Is this what we’re going to do?” I ask him.
“Fine. Did you enjoy your lunch with Anthony Port?”
I cross my arms and shake my head, a small laugh escaping my mouth. So that’s what this is all about. He’s jealous.
“Is that what you want, Memphis?”
“I don’t know you what mean.” I deadpan.
“Someone to take you to lunch?”
I study his face and he’s frowning. His brows are furrowed and he’s chewing on his bottom lip. I realize what he’s asking then and it surprises me. Something he’s good at doing.
“I think I deserve that.”
I notice him slightly nod. His eyes rake over my body and it instantly heats in response. We’ve done this completely backwards. We started out with sex when we should’ve started out with lunch. What do we do now?
“Good night, Cameron.”
Cameron
I don’t know what came over me. Why did I ask that? A week later and I still can’t figure out the answer to that question. We had thirty great days together.
Thirty great days of sex. That was it. Nothing more to it.
Yet I pass her at work and her scent lingers in the air. It gets in my nose and I smell her all day. I want to just breathe her in.
I hear her talking as she walks by and I like the sound of her southern accent.
I like the sound of her laughter. It’s not too loud and it’s not too soft. It’s just right.
When I get to my apartment I stay up late wishfully thinking I’ll hear the sound of the elevator opening. She’ll walk out. Like she used to. This doesn’t happen.
She wants lunch. Someone who’ll take her to lunch. Dinner. Movies. Dates. A boyfriend. A relationship. I think I deserve that. Maybe I’m just not the person to give that to her.
“Did you forget about my birthday?” Blake bursts into my office, hands on her hips.
“Today’s not your birthday.” I quip.
A grin spreads across her face. “You’re right. Tomorrow’s my birthday, but
Langston has to go out of town with his family tomorrow so we’re going out tonight and you’re coming with us.”
“I’m working on the Beasley case.”
“Don’t care. You’re taking tonight off. We’ll pick you up at seven. Be ready.” She turns to walk out and then peeks her head back in my door. “Good job on knowing when my birthday is.”
I shake my head as she shuts my door. Good thing my phone sent out a reminder a day ahead of time.
I work on the Beasley case a couple more hours then call it a day and head home early. I’m showered and ready when Blake and Langston arrive at 6:45. They walk in with another couple I don’t recognize. I narrow my eyes at Blake.
“I promise you won’t feel like a fifth wheel tonight.” she whispers as she gives me a hug. “This is Layla and Ian. Langston’s friends from work.”
“Hi.” I say, trying not to grit my teeth.
“I have some more friends meeting us there.” Blake explains. “Can’t wait.” I reply, dryly.
I ride in silence while the four of them chat about Langston’s upcoming trip to Alaska with his parents. I listen to him make up an excuse about it being family only and that’s why he couldn’t invite Blake. He’ll miss her though. He even smiles over to her as he says this. I can’t get out of this vehicle fast enough.
I close my eyes and rest my head against the seat. As much as I try not to, I think of Memphis. Her form-fitting business skirts. Her black heels. Bending her over my desk. My cock throbs against my jeans. I imagine she’s rubbing her hand over the thick material, making my length harden even more. It feels so real.
I shift in the seat and my arm brushes against Layla. Her hand is in my lap. I look down and she’s stroking me. Fuck, it is real. I look over to her and her face is fixed forward. Her gaze not giving away what she’s doing. I wrap my fingers around her wrist and despite how good it feels, I push her hand away.
I keep my eyes open until we arrive at Melee’s. I notice a line waiting outside the club, but Blake walks straight to the bouncer and whispers in his ear. He lets us in without a word.
I follow behind the two couples as we make our way through the crowded club. I’m sure Blake is headed to the VIP area.
“You made it!” she exclaims. “I said I would!”
I turn at the sound of pure southern charm. Memphis returns Blake’s hug and peers at me over her shoulder.
“I see you already met Kalee and Niko.” Blake says to Memphis. She introduces me to another couple and I nod at them. Blake grins back at me and I know she’s silently telling me I won’t be a fifth or seventh wheel of any kind. If I don’t want to be.
A waitress brings a tray of shots for everyone and we all toast to Blake and her upcoming birthday.
“Time to dance!” she yells, right after she takes her shot. Langston picks her up and carries her to the dance floor. She laughs against his lips. The other couples follow behind.
“No
t going to dance?” I ask Memphis.
“Maybe in a little while. I do enough of that already.” she grins.
“Afraid you might get everyone all hot and bothered?” I tease, coming to stand beside her.
“Afraid I might get you all hot and bothered?” she counters.
“I’m pretty sure I’m hot and bothered every second I’m near you.”
Chapter 17
Memphis
I laugh nervously at Cameron’s confession. He’s so close I can smell him. His arm brushes against mine, sending tingles of heat all through my body. Why did I wear a sleeveless shirt? It’s warm outside. Even warmer in here. That’s why.
Cameron’s wearing jeans and a button up black shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. The fabric is soft on my arm. I can feel the warmth of his skin through the shirt. I want to touch him. I miss him. I remind myself how he ended things between us. You’re a great fuck.
“It was nice of your sister to ask me to come out tonight.” I say. I’m desperate to break the silence between us. Desperate to stop thinking about him being hot and bothered. It’s making me hot and bothered.
“She likes you.”
“I like her too. She’s nice. She talks a lot. Makes it to where I don’t have to.” I chuckle.
“I know what you mean. It’s hard to get a word in with her.”
“That’s what I like best about her.” I smile at him then tear my gaze away when he smiles down at me. “I think we’re getting summoned to the dance floor.”
“Looks that way.”
“It’s her night. I might as well dance at least one dance.” I tell him.
I walk past him and head towards Blake and Langston. I know I don’t need to be alone with Cameron any longer. He makes me want things I can’t have. I don’t need to focus on that. I need to focus on things I deserve. Not just things I want.
“Something New” blares from the speakers and even vibrates the floor. I reach the group Blake is with and she turns her back to Langston so I can dance with them. I do my best not to look like a stripper. Habits are hard to forget though.
I move my body to the beat and stay close to Blake and Langston so I don’t get lost in the crowd. When hands rest on my hips I turn around defensively.
Cameron laughs and pulls me to him. I maintain a little distance between us, but start dancing again.
“I didn’t know you could dance.” I tell him over the music.
“There was always no touching before.” he smiles.
I shouldn’t let you touch me now. It just makes me want to melt against you.
Everything about Cameron Morgan is intoxicating and I know how good he can make me feel. And how bad.
Yet I find myself inching closer to him. I just want to feel his chest against mine. Brush against him as we move. Breathe in what he’s breathing out. Be close to him. Just for a few minutes.
“Did you invite him?” Blake tugs on my shoulder, breaking me from my trance. “Did you invite Anthony Port?”
“Um, no. I…I didn’t invite him.”
“I know you’ve been seeing him, Memphis. Tell the truth if you invited him.” Blake scolds.
“I’ve went to lunch with him a couple of times. I’m not seeing him and I didn’t invite him.” I say, firmly.
“Well, he’s coming this way.”
Cameron’s grip on my hips tighten and I nearly feel suffocated by the possessiveness he’s emanating. As much as I tell myself I don’t like it, I know that isn’t true. I want to be possessed by Cameron Morgan. I want to be spanked, bound, tied up, hair pulled, and owned by Cameron Morgan.
“I’m just gonna go.” I push his hands away and turn to Blake. “Happy early birthday.”
When Anthony stops me as I’m slipping through the crowd, I make up an excuse about not feeling well. He buys it and tells me to get better. I grab my purse from the VIP lounge and slip it over my shoulder as I head outside. I walk to the edge of the curb and look both ways for a cab.
“Memphis!”
I glance back at Cameron as he walks towards me. I spot a cab down the street and hold my arm up for it.
“Come home with me.”
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard him say these words. They sound so good.
So tempting.
“I can’t.” I answer.
“Is this about money? Were you only with me because I was paying you?”
I look down the street and see the cab is getting closer. I silently will it to move faster. I need to escape. I can’t give in. I deserve more.
“It wasn’t about the money, Cameron.” “Then why not?”
The cab stops as he asks this and I open the door. I don’t know. Why not?
“I want more than you’re willing to give me.”
Cameron
The knock on my door is unwelcome and jars me from my thoughts. I reluctantly tell whoever it is to come in. I wasn’t expecting to see Anthony Port walk in my office. He closes the door behind him, but doesn’t sit down.
“Can I help you, Mr. Port?” I ask.
“I see no reason to beat around the bush here. I don’t like what I saw last night at Melee’s. I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m making a move on Memphis Stone. You need to back off, Morgan.”
I cock an eyebrow at him and the gall he has to come in my office and tell me to back off.
“I’m sure Memphis can make her own decisions.”
“You think just because you’re a Morgan you can come in and take what belongs to someone else.” he sneers.
“Maybe she already belonged to me.” I shoot back. “Is that so?”
“Yep. Now get the fuck outta my office.”
I look back down at my file and don’t bother glancing up again. He lingers a few more seconds before he storms out. Pretentious ass.
Who even says things like that anymore? I start going through my file again, trying to concentrate on my case. He’s making a move on Memphis. Good luck with that. Fucking piece of…
“Did you just threaten Anthony’s job?”
I look up and Memphis has stormed into my office. Two people in one day. Wow. The door slams shut behind her and she stands before me with her arms crossed over her chest, green eyes flashing.
“Excuse me?”
“Did you threaten Anthony’s job?”
“Why would I do that?” I ask, leaning back in my chair. My cock twitches at the memory of her on her knees on this very floor, me in this position. Her head bobbed in my lap, over my cock, until I came in her perfect mouth.
“He said you made a threat against his job if he didn’t back off me. Is that
true?”
I stand up from my chair and come around to where she’s standing. I love
how she stands her ground and doesn’t back away from me. It makes me want to bend her over my desk and spank her tight little ass.
“I did no such thing, Memphis. He said you belonged to him and I said you didn’t.”
I know the moment she realizes she’s in danger. Her fingers tighten their grip on her arms. Her gaze flickers away from my eyes. Her lips part and her breath hitches.
I close the gap between us and capture her lips before she can say a word.
Electricity zings through me. Pure sexual heat courses through my blood. Damn, how I want this woman.
Her arms loosen and wrap around my neck. Her tongue dances against mine. Tasting. Giving. I miss this. Her hands slide down my chest and she gives me a gentle push. I reluctantly break the kiss.
“Cameron…don’t…” she’s breathless as she speaks. “Just don’t…”
“I’ll take you to lunch.” I state.
She looks at me, eyes wide. A hand reaches up to touch my lips that are still tingling from our kiss.
“It’s fine, Cameron. Don’t say things you don’t mean.” she says, quietly.
“I’m serious. Let me take you to lunch.”
I don’t know what’s made me say these id
iotic things, but I can’t get her off my mind. I know deep down I’ll probably fail miserably at being who she wants me to be, but I feel like I’m damned if I don’t at least try. I have to try.
Memphis leans in and gently pecks my lips. My heart hammers in my chest waiting on her answer.
“I can go to lunch with you tomorrow.”
Chapter 18
Memphis
Holy shit. I’m meeting Cameron for lunch in fifteen minutes. What the hell am I thinking? We can’t do this. It’ll never work. We’ve already had crazy hot sex. Now we’re trying to be normal. I guess. I don’t even know what we’re trying to do.
I pick up my phone and call Anniston. Sharon and Mr. Morgan have already gone to lunch so I have a few minutes to myself. She picks up after three rings. I half expected to get her voicemail.
“I’m freaking out.” I say.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“I have a lunch date with a guy from work that I really like. It’s complicated.
That’s all I can say. Calm me down.”
“Well, don’t tell him you’re a stripper. Don’t sleep with him too soon. And be nice. You’ll be fine! He’ll love you!”
Three things that are shot to hell. “Let’s change the subject. How are your grades?”
“Better. All A’s and B’s. I told you I would bring them up. How’s the new job?” “It’s good.”
“So why are you still stripping?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about quitting soon.”
“Just stop now. I’ll get a part-time job. Maybe I should strip.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“I’m only kidding! But seriously, I could get a part-time job and maintain my grades. I’m doing good now. I’m not going out as much and my grades are solid.”
