Grayson - A Scrooged Christmas

by Regina Frame

  “If you’ll excuse me, I have to be at work in five minutes.”

  I stood and shoved my hands in the pockets of my black slacks. “Why are you still working at the coffee shop?”

  “There is life after Grayson Decker,” she responded, as she walked across the hall to the elevator and disappeared from sight.

  AUBREE

  “So, how are things working with Mr. Hottie?” Missy grinned and bumped me with her hip.

  “You mean Scrooge? Don’t ask.”

  “Oh no! I’m not letting you off the hook that easy. Spill it, woman!”

  “There’s definitely chemistry there. I mean, look at him. One minute he can be this nice, caring person, and the next thing you know, he’s a complete asshole. The man hates the holidays! How can you not like Christmas?” I said, reaching for the napkin dispenser.

  “So? That’s a deal breaker? You wouldn’t have sex with that fine ass man all because he doesn’t like your favorite holiday?” she asked.

  I just shrugged my shoulders. I wasn’t about to tell her that I almost orgasmed while getting a foot rub this evening. I think at that point, I would’ve let him take me right there on my desk.

  “Woman, you need to rethink your standards.” She grabbed her purse from beneath the counter and draped it over her shoulder as the door chimed. Grayson strolled in and sat in one of our corner booths. Missy let out a dreamy sigh, and I rolled my eyes. “What woman in her right mind wouldn’t want to explore that? I bet there’s some mighty fine treasure buried underneath that suit.”

  “Shut up.”

  “I’m just saying.” I pressed my finger against her lips to shut her up, which only caused her to mumble. “Fine. I’m leaving, but you need to think about that Indiana Jones, seek the treasure.”

  “Don’t you need to clock out or something?” I said, glaring at her. If she only knew how many times a day I wondered that very thing, she’d gloat with pleasure.

  “Fine.” She held up her hands in surrender. “Don’t come crying to me when your biological clock stops ticking, because I’ll say I told you so.”

  I just rolled my eyes as I grabbed a towel and disinfecting spray and began cleaning all the empty tables.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked Grayson who was engrossed by a report on his computer. My breath caught in my throat and my heart thundered in my chest as his piercing blue eyes met mine.

  “I’m waiting for my fiancée to finish her shift so that I can take her home.” His grin was wicked, and there was a spark behind those baby blues.

  “Aren’t you afraid someone will snap a picture of New York’s most eligible bachelor hanging out in a coffee house?”

  “Trust me, Aubree. I’ve been caught doing far worse things than having coffee.”

  Was he bragging? Do I really want to know? I turned on my heel and made my way back behind the counter to finish my prep work for the night. I could practically feel his eyes on me, heating my body in all the right places. No wonder he had so many different women showing up at all hours during the work day. If I could practically orgasm from the look he just gave me, heaven help me if I ever had the pleasure of seeing him in all his naked glory. I might just die from orgasm overload.

  “Shit!” I huffed as I stood from my squatted position behind the counter. I was in the process of stacking espresso cups when that deep husky voice said my name.

  “Let me see.” He tilted my chin up and placed a searing kiss on my forehead, practically melting my panties in the process. “All better?”

  I had to keep reminding myself that this was just a business arrangement and that was all. I couldn’t attach myself to a man that was not going to be around after the few weeks were up.

  I ignored his question, and asked, “Did you need something?” I asked, still rubbing my forehead.

  “Coffee, please. Don’t even ask . . .”

  I cut him off before he could continue.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” I poured his coffee and placed the protective sleeve on the cup so that it was not too hot to hold, and then took out the black sharpie from my apron.

  “Do you need my name?” He tilted his head to the side and grinned.

  “Oh no. I got it.”

  When I passed him his cup, the smile slid from his face as he stared at the name Scrooge scribbled across the cup. Sweet satisfaction. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t complained about the Christmas music playing through out the shop, but whatever he was working on, on his computer had his full attention. That was good. At least I knew he was not watching me. Just the fact that he was there, waiting for me, made it hard to concentrate. He was bigger than life when he was in his work environment, his suit and tie, taking charge of the world, but in the coffee shop, waiting for me, almost seemed intimate.

  ***

  I couldn’t say I was surprised by Grayson’s place. I say place because it was not what I would call a home. I guess it was what you would expect for someone with as much money as he had. He lived across town in a high-rise apartment in the penthouse on the very top floor. It was very modern; everything in black, white, and gray. It gave off a cold, not lived in kind of vibe. There were no personal photos that I’d seen so far. Only abstract type prints in the same color scheme as the rest of the place.

  “You have a thing for heights, don’t you?” I said, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows in his living room.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, your office is on the one hundred and twenty-fifth floor, and your apartment is on the top floor.”

  “I like being up among the clouds. I guess it gives a sense of privacy. No one can touch me up here.” He walked over to me, pushed my hair aside, and trailed his fingers lightly down my neck, sending tingles down my spine. “Let me guess. You don’t like heights.”

  I shook my head adamantly.

  “Not at all. When I was a kid, my parents took me to the fair and I got stuck on the top of the Ferris Wheel when something malfunctioned. I was ten years old, and in that seat alone. I swore then, I would never ride another one. I’ve been terrified of heights ever since.”

  “Are you hungry?” he breathed in my ear, causing the little hairs on the back of my neck to stand.

  “Why does that sound like a proposition?” I turned in his arms and met his smoldering blue eyes.

  “Maybe because it is,” he admitted, trailing his fingertips along my jaw line.

  I honestly don’t know that I would survive the next few weeks without throwing myself at him, but something tells me, that’s exactly what he wants.

  “I could use some food, but first, I’ve got to get out of these work clothes. I smell like coffee.”

  “I’ll run you a bath, and you can relax while I make dinner.”

  My eyes widen in surprise.

  “You’re going to cook?” I said, skeptical.

  “I’ll have you know that I’m an excellent cook.” His smile beamed, and that little dimple in his chin appeared. Damn!

  “Come on.”

  He took my hand and led me down the hall and to his bedroom instead of one of the guest rooms where my things were. He filled the extra large tub with hot water and bubble bath, and left me to soak. It was pure heaven. I think I may have even dozed off at one point.

  The minute I stepped from the tub and wrapped the towel around me, I remember that I didn’t bring a change of clothes with me. Shit! Did I risk running down the hall and have Grayson see me? When I stepped into his bedroom, that was when I noticed it. Clothes folded nice and neat lying on the side of his bed. A pair of plaid boxer shorts and a soft white cotton tee shirt. There was something about the feel of his clothes against my skin that felt like what I imagined it would be like to have his arms wrapped around me.

  “Thank you for the clothes.” He turned from where he stood at the stove, letting his eyes rake over me, stopping on my breasts. Instantly, my nipples pebbled against the tee shirt I was wearing.

  “You’re w
elcome. My clothes look sexy on you.” I could feel my face flush with warmth. “I didn’t think you’d want me going through your suit case, although I would like to get a look at those lace panties again.”

  “What if I told you that’s the only pair of lace that I own? Maybe the rest of them are white granny panties,” I teased.

  “Well, I’d say, we need to rectify that issue.” His grin was down right wicked.

  I needed to change the topic, and quickly.

  “Something smells good,” I praised.

  He walked to the glass top table in the dining room and placed two plates of salmon, asparagus, and salad side by side, where two glasses of white wine had already been placed.

  “I hope you like salmon.” As if on cue, my stomach rumbled loudly. I hadn’t eaten since lunch today. “I’ll take that as a yes.” He laughed. How embarrassing.

  “Tell me about Aubree. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asked, his blue eyes on me as he lifted the wine glass to his full lips.

  “I’m an only child.” I paused for a moment while remembering what my mom had told me.

  “Are you okay?” he questioned. I had my hand on my chest right over my heart.

  “I was a twin, but the chord was wrapped around my sister’s neck.” My voice was barely a whisper with the last few words.

  “I’m sorry,” he apologized, taking my hand in his warm one. It was so warm and comforting, and felt too right. I pulled my hand from his and picked up my wine glass to take a sip.

  “How about you? Do you have a big family?” I asked. He laughed. “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m surprised they ever had me. I’ve never seen my parents hold hands or even kiss. I can’t imagine them doing the deed, nor do I want to.” He frowned and shook his head several times, along with a mock shudder. I couldn’t help but laugh. Grayson Decker had a playful side that most people didn’t get to see. “I love the sound of your laughter,” he admitted with a full smile, revealing perfect white teeth.

  “Dinner was delicious,” I praised. Being that close to him with the look he was giving me right now, was dangerous. Standing, I began stacking our plates to take to the kitchen.

  “You don’t have to do that. My housekeeper will be here in the morning.”

  I turned and scowled at him. “You’re spoiled.”

  “Maybe,” he admitted.

  I began loading our dishes into the dishwasher, and then he was there, his hands on the granite countertop, caging me in. His warm body pressed against mine. It would be so easy to melt into him like warm butter.

  “You’re so beautiful.” His voice came out husky, making my knees weak. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself, because I wanted to throw myself in his arms and beg him to take me.

  He tucked a strand of my still damp hair behind my ear, and said, “I don’t know why you wear makeup. You don’t need it.

  “Please,” I said, placing my hand in the middle of his chest, his heart pounding beneath my fingertips. “I’ve seen the women that come into your office.” Before I could say anything else, he stopped me.

  “Those aren’t real women. They’re just playing pretend.”

  “But, you’ve slept with all of those women.” My voice came out almost a whisper.

  “Not anymore,” he declared, pinning me with his smoldering blue eyes. “That’s not who I am anymore.”

  I could see where this was going, and I didn’t have it in me to continue. I had to resist him, because I knew if I didn’t, it would be harder to walk away when the time came.

  “We need to keep this professional,” I said, ducking underneath his arm and away from his delicious masculine scent. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed.”

  The feeling swirling throughout my body was dangerous, and if I spent another second in his presence, I would succumb to his advances and that could be dangerous for my heart. Any other man would have the look of defeat on his face, but not Grayson Decker. He had the look of challenge on his handsome face, and something told me he was used to getting his way.

  As I walked down the hall toward my bedroom, I heard him say, “Soon.”

  GRAYSON

  After watching Aubree’s firm ass sway as she walked down the hall toward my guest room, my dick was straining against my zipper. She wasn’t anything like those women she mentioned earlier. She was real, she was beautiful, and her smile alone lit up the room. I wanted to get to know her better. I wanted to know what her favorite food was, what made her laugh, and what made her cry because that was something I never wanted to do, and when I finally made it to that point, I’d worship her body, like she deserved.

  After jerking off in the shower, I crawled between the sheets and closed my eyes. I woke sometime in the night to the sounds of laughter coming from Aubree’s room. The clock on the nightstand said 3:00 a.m. I lied there and listened, trying to figure out what she could possibly be doing at that early hour. She didn’t seem to be carrying on a conversation with anyone, so I didn’t believe she was on her cell. Just the melodic sound of her laughter now and again. When her laughter finally came to a halt, I lied there, wide awake, trying to talk myself into going into her room and kissing her senseless, but, instead, I threw on my sweats, shoved my feet in my running shoes, and headed out. I needed to rid myself of the sexual tension that kept building, because if I kept jerking off as often as I had been, my dick was going to be chaffed. Ever since she walked into my office, I’d been in a constant state of arousal. I was beginning to wonder if a man could die from a constant hard-on.

  Finally, when my lungs began to burn, I headed back to my apartment.

  I had a full day planned for Aubree and myself, and we were going to start with breakfast. The first thing I did when I stepped off the elevator and entered my apartment was rid myself of my jacket and sweaty tee shirt. A loud gasp came from across the room where Aubree was sitting on the sofa. Her bright green eyes widened with surprise, her pink lips parted. I got that reaction a lot when people saw my tattoo for the first time. It was a large tribal tattoo that spread up my left arm, over my shoulder, and down my side, stopping at the waistband of my pants.

  It was not something that I allowed to be seen in the professional world.

  “Good morning.” My lips twitched. “I’m surprised you’re up so early.” Her brows rose in confusion. “I heard you laughing earlier this morning. I thought you might sleep in.” Her face flushed a bright crimson.

  “I’m sorry if I woke you. I couldn’t sleep, so I watched a movie on my iPad and when I have my earbuds in, I don’t realize how loud I am.” Her smile faded, her forehead crinkling. “I won’t let it happen again,” she promised apologetically.

  Shaking my head, I said, “There’s no better sound than the sound of your laughter unless it’s the sound you make when you come.” Her mouth dropped open again, but she quickly closed it. “I plan on finding out very soon. Now get dressed. I’m taking you to breakfast.” I walked down the hall toward my shower with a dick hard enough to pound nails.

  ***

  “You better grab your coat. Its cold out.”

  She looked beautiful in her black leggings, boots, and oversized sweater, but with the way the wind was blowing earlier, she’d freeze without her coat. I, on the other hand, had so much adrenaline pumping through me, I was surprised I was not sweating. I helped her into her coat and ushered her downstairs to the parking garage with my hand resting just above her hip. Touching her affected me in ways that I wasn’t used to. My chest tightened, and a tingle ran up my arm.

  As we headed to our destination, I quickly decided that it was a feeling that I liked.

  “We’re going in there? In Burke’s?” She nibbled on her bottom lip.

  “If you don’t like it, we can go somewhere else.” I looked down at her while she shifted on her feet.

  “It’s not that. I’ve heard of this place, and I’ve heard it can be really pricy. Besides, I’m not dressed for a place like this,�
� she nervously rambled.

  “Well, for one, you look beautiful, and two, price is not an issue,” I replied.

  Wrapping my arm around her small waist, I pulled her close to my side. I could practically feel her body tremble beside me. It was obvious that she wasn’t used to places like that. I’d never had that reaction from a woman before, and I didn’t know what to make of it. The women I’d taken out before always wanted to go to the most expensive places and order the most expensive things on the menu, only to take two or three bites and say they were full.

  “Good morning, Mr. Decker. Your usual table?” the hostess beamed as she stepped around the podium with menus in her hand.

  When we reached my table in the back corner, secluded from anyone’s sight, she placed a single menu on the table. Keeping her smile as she stood beside our table, staring at me. I looked to Aubree where she stood at my side, her face and neck red with … embarrassment? Nervousness?

  “What would you like to drink, sweetheart?” Her big green eyes widened as she looked up at me beneath her dark lashes.

  “I would like coffee, please,” she responded.

  The smile vanished from the hostess’s face as her eyes scanned Aubree from head to toe.

  “I’ll get that for you and grab another menu.”

  She totally ignored Aubree on purpose, and I would be taking that up with Tony Burke, the owner and my client. I’d see to it that she never treated anyone like that again.

  “Another menu isn’t necessary. We’ll be sharing this one.”

  Helping Aubree out of her coat, I draped it over one of the chairs across from us before pulling my chair as close as possible next to hers. As she concentrated on the menu, I took the opportunity to drape my arm over the back of her chair, tracing small circles on her shoulder. Goosebumps rose on her arms from my touch.

  ***

  AUBREE

  “Thank you. That was delicious.” I smiled as we stepped outside and into the frosty air. “I’m proud of you, Scrooge. You didn’t complain once about the Christmas music they were playing in there.”

  A look of surprise flashed across his too handsome face as he peered down at me.