Temptation (The Temptation Series)

by K. M. Golland

  “So what other creepy research have you done?”

  “Just the stock standard. You have been married to Rick Summers for 12 years. You have two children, Nate nine and Charlotte six. You live in Attwood and have done so for 10 years. You were born in Victoria to Maryann and Graeme Blaxlo, who now live on 70 acres near Shepparton and you are 1 of 3 children. You are Fructose Intolerant, love Cars, Football and World Landmarks. You also have a soft spot for frogs and hate spiders. Shall I go on?” I was literally shocked. How the fuck did he know so much about me? I didn’t know what to feel, I couldn’t speak and kept shaking my head. At this point I also realised my mouth was open and I must have resembled one of those carnival clowns, the ones with the big mouths you put balls in, I suddenly lost my appetite and felt very uncomfortable.

  “Alexis, you look a little pale. What you need to understand is, I am a very resourceful man that happens to take great pride and ownership in my assets, and in order to do so, I need to protect them. I need to be able to trust who I let into my company and most importantly who represents it.” I was still speechless and processing the enormity that was this man.

  “Now, as my C.A. I need you to present my assets with the utmost professionalism and show all guests the greatest courtesy and understanding. You need to also be as knowledgeable with this hotel and complex as I am with my staff, there can be no stone left unturned, do you understand Alexis?”

  “I understand” I stuttered, still in shock.

  “Now, I have changed a few job tasks between yourself and Miss Taylor, Miss Taylor will focus more on the hotel guests and less on my needs. I will require you to handle my Concierge requests; I find that one attendant performing this task is much more efficient.” He pointed to the fruit platter.

  “Please it is better to taste than to admire, I assure you.”

  “Oh,” I clumsily grabbed a strawberry, raspberry and cantaloupe flower and placed them on a small plate. I opted for the strawberry first as it seemed less messy and the safest option. The food and drink really did taste delightful here, I bit into the cantaloupe flower and felt myself ease a little. Mr Clark grabbed a couple of blueberries and popped them into his mouth all at once. He was so comfortable and at ease now and appeared to be waiting for my response. He got up and walked over to his desk. Just as I was about to bite into my raspberry he bent over. Oh Shit, juice squirted out and I felt some of it land on my chin, I jerked and in doing so nearly choked on what I had just put in my mouth. Standing up, he rushed back to the lounge, sat on the arm of the seat I was occupying and started patting me on my back.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yes, I’m fine I choked.” What was I? One and learning to chew solids? He still had his hand on my back but now he was rubbing in a circular motion, Oh his hand felt good, If I was a dog my leg would have started to twitch. My eyes got heavy and I started to sink a little. Shit, Alexis snap out of it!

  “I’m fine, sorry just choked a little, really I’m fine.” He held out his hand and pulled me up, then handed me a folder.

  “This is my personal Concierge brief, you will need to come up here every morning and get it from either myself or Lucinda, it will have my requests for the day.” I took the brief from him and he placed his hand on the small of my back gently directing me to the door. Just as I reached for the handle he put his hand up to my chin, I froze solid. What was he doing? This was highly inappropriate, and I’m married. Just as I was about to object, he wiped my chin gently.

  “There you go, I can’t have my C.A. wearing raspberry juice around my hotel.” I automatically followed his wipe with one of my own and felt myself go crimson.

  “Oh sorry, no you can’t, not a good look. Thank you Mr Clark for lunch it was lovely.” I opened the door and walked into the foyer. Lucinda was not at her desk thank goodness, so I hurried along to the elevator and pushed the button. I knew he was still standing there watching me and it made me feel uneasy, but not in a bad way surprisingly. The doors opened and I got in, as I turned around, he was standing in his doorway watching me leave and wearing the biggest ‘smirk’ so far. I couldn’t help but smile back at him and I did until the doors closed in front of me.

  I stumbled back to the far wall of the elevator and steadied myself on the arm rail. Holy Shit, what was that all about? This irresistibly gorgeous, filthy rich, privacy invading, control freak was flirting with me and me back at him. I needed some air, I needed some place to settle my heart which was racing like mad in my chest. I looked at my timetable and found I was due at Front Office in 15 minutes. I opted for the Sundeck again so pressed button number 2, it was still a glorious day and I really did enjoy this spot. I opened Mr Clark’s brief, it was empty, except for a yellow post-it note stuck to the very back of the folder. Handwritten in pen was a note from Bryce.

  Ms Summers

  Today’s Requests:- Try not to spill any drinks!

  Mr Clark

  Was that it? No, organise Housekeeping to collect my laundry or deliver tomorrow’s meal requests to the Kitchen, or book a table request tonight at Lago’s for myself and my extremely sexy supermodel girlfriend you know nothing about. I was officially confused.

  The rest of the day went as scheduled, I knocked off at 6pm and made it home just as Rick was dishing up the Beef Stroganoff that I’d put in the slow cooker early that morning. Nate jumped up from our dining table, ran to me and wrapped his arms so tight I couldn’t move.

  “Sweetheart, ease up on the grip, yeah!” I squeezed him back then walked to the buffet where I took off my jacket and put my bag down.

  “Mum, you weren’t wearing that dress this morning?” Of course my very observant and fashion conscious daughter had noticed my change of attire.

  “It’s a long story, Charlotte.” I looked up at Rick and gave him the ‘I’ll tell you later look’.

  “So how was your first day Babe?”

  “Yeah really good; the Hotel is stunning from the Lobby all the way up to the Penthouse.”

  “The Penthouse, Wow, what’s the Penthouse?” Charlotte asked all wide eyed.

  “The Penthouse is the suite at the very top of the building; it’s also where Mr Clark, my boss lives.”

  “Oh cool, can we go and see it Mum, can we? I want to see a Penthouse.”

  “Maybe Charli, I might take you in one weekend and sneak you past Lucinda, Mr Clark’s Assistant.” I kissed Charlotte on the nose and sat at the table beside her, dinner was lovely and even more so because it had cooked itself!

  I was so exhausted after reading Charli a book and putting her to bed, then helping Nate with his homework and kissing him goodnight, I jumped straight in to bed myself. Rick hopped in beside me, he kissed my neck and cupped my breast.

  “Oh poor baby, you’re exhausted after one day.”

  “Oh shut up,” I teased, I nestled into his arms and started to doze off.

  “So, how did you end up with a new dress?”

  “I was buying a hot chocci from Gloria Jeans this morning, and as I turned round I bumped into Mr Clark, spilling it down the both of us. So, to cut a long story short, he organised replacement clothing for the two of us at Versace.” I tried to make it sound very casual, but Rick was not stupid.

  “Oh he just organised a replacement at Versace did he? Just like he wipes his arse with $100 bills?” I couldn’t help but giggle.

  “You idiot, yeah something like that, now shut up and go to sleep. I have to work tomorrow.” I repeated that last bit in my head, I have to work tomorrow and it sounded so good.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The next morning I pulled into the Staff Car Park ahead of time, the school drop-off and drive into the city went a lot smoother this time round. Nate had still sulked this morning but had accepted defeat and did not put up a fight, that was one of the qualities I loved about my son, he knew when to stand his ground and when to graciously bow out and make the most of the situation, he was very much like his father in that sense. Charlotte on the ot
her hand was as stubborn as they come, when she had her mind set it was almost impossible to change, this quality I am told (by my own Mother) has come from me! I adored my two ‘Ratbags’ as much as humanly possible and had enjoyed raising them and watching them grow from sweet little babies to confident and well behaved children. I had struggled with the decision to go back to work full time at first, as I did not want the time away to have a negative impact on their lives. I was a very ‘hands on’ Mum, and still hoped to be to an extent. Of course being a Parent Helper at school was now going to stop, but I had every intention to continue to bake cakes for their lunches, sausage sizzle days and to help them with their homework and school projects as much as I could.

  I stepped out of my black Ford Territory and grabbed the stunning Versace dress hanging up in the back, I was going to have it dry cleaned and returned to Bryce, as much as I loved the dress it didn’t feel right to keep it. I stepped into the car park elevator and observed my reflection in the mirrored walls, my blonde hair was down sporting a light wave and reaching to just above the small of my back. I had opted for a navy, princess cut, dress with a matching belt and navy pumps, my feet had surprisingly survived yesterday so I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt today. I handed the dress in at the Hotel’s Dry Cleaning Service and had some time to kill, so chose to grab myself an English Breakfast Tea and check out the Shopping Precinct. City Towers offers the ultimate shopping experience showcasing some of the world’s leading designers; Versace, Burberry, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Prada are just to name a few. I’d spotted a gorgeous, nude coloured, mesh detail silk dress in Burberry that was simply stunning, what was also simply stunning was the $2,400.00 price tag. OMG that is pretty much my monthly mortgage repayment! Move along Alexis! Continuing to window shop and sipping my tea, I stopped in front of Versace. Thinking back to yesterday when Bryce had touched my back and zipped my dress up, a shiver went down my spine and I felt my cheeks blush. I’d truly never felt anything like the surge of electricity that went through my body at his touch, it was very different to what I felt at the hands of my husband. I felt loved, safe, warm, content and adored by Rick, but this feeling, was exciting, exhilarating and utterly HOT!

  “Alexis, fancy seeing you here!” Samantha was bright and bubbly and looked effervescent in her grey a-line skirt and baby blue blouse.

  “See anything you like? There’s a tote bag in Bvlgari I’m dying for, oh well, there goes my first week’s wage.”

  “Hi Samantha, I’m just killing some time before we start.” I shook the memory of Bryce’s electrifying touch out of my mind.

  “I’m heading to the Hotel now, are you coming?”

  “Yes, take me away before I blow next week’s wage too.”

  Charlie was flicking through some paperwork at reception as we entered the Hotel Foyer.

  “Ladies, how was your first day?” He raised his eyebrow at me then looked at Samantha, who leaned across the reception counter.

  “Can I ask you something Charlie, off the record?”

  “Oooooh sounds serious, yes ask me?” Charlie moved closer to Samantha, I found myself leaning in also, so I could hear what Samantha was now saying in a hushed tone.

  “Mr Clark, he is an arrogant prick or is the tough big bad boss attitude just an act?” I was a little taken aback by her accusation, until I recalled the way she had left his office yesterday, she certainly didn’t look too happy. Charlie tried very hard to hide a smug smile.

  “He is a very diligent, professional and kind man, but watch out if you piss him off. Why what did you do?” Charlie appeared intrigued and so did I come to think of it.

  “Oh nothing, I didn’t do anything, he just informed me that I would not be required to Concierge for him privately and that anything he needs will be handled by Alexis.” She turned to me with a critical glare.

  “What?” I answered in defence.

  “I had nothing to do with it, he explained that his needs are more efficiently handled by one Concierge alone, I couldn’t argue with him, he’s the boss.”

  “That, or maybe he felt guilty for spilling his drink on you.” She was definitely pissed off.

  “I don’t know, yeah maybe.” If that’s what Samantha wanted to think, then that was fine with me.

  My first task was to head directly up to the 43rd floor to retrieve Mr Clark’s brief. Lucinda was behind her desk, as I walked in the phone rang.

  “Bryce Clark’s Office, Lucinda speaking, how may I help you? No, I’m sorry he’s out at the moment. Yes, Gareth he’s at Self Defence Class, he’ll be finished soon. Yes, 10 o’clock is fine. Ok, thank you, see you shortly.” She hung up.

  “I’m glad you’re here, you’re just in time. Mr Clark will be back any minute now, but I need the toilet BAD, can you answer the phone for me whilst I’m gone?”

  “Sure, not a problem.” She hurried off and yelled back.

  “Love the dress Alexis, navy really suits you.”

  “Oh, thanks,” but she was gone. I can remember vividly the increasing urge to pee during pregnancy, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go! I was standing on the opposite side of the desk when the phone rang, I automatically leaned over and answered it.

  “Bryce Clark’s Office, Alexis speaking, how may I help you?”

  “Alexis is it?”

  “Yes, can I help you?”

  “I just spoke to Lucinda, is she available?”

  “She’s just stepped away from her desk. Can I take a message for you and get her to call you back?” I started to jot down the gentleman’s name. Gareth Clark. Didn’t he just call like 2 seconds ago?

  “Is Bryce in the office yet?” No you impatient idiot, he wasn’t a minute ago and he’s not now.

  “No, he’s not back yet Sir.”

  “Let him know, I’ll be there shortly.”

  “Yes I will pass it on for you, thank you, Goodbye.” Far out, he was pushy. Then it dawned on me, the name Gareth Clark, yes he was Vice President of Clark Incorporated, I’d seen it written down somewhere.

  I walked around the desk to put the phone in its cradle, as I finished scribbling my note about Gareth, I looked up, and there in his sweat stained glory was Bryce. His hair was damp, he had on a loose tank, shorts and a towel tossed over his shoulders. His biceps were simply mouth-watering, and those legs! I could imagine having those wrapped around me in a hot steamy bath. Alexis, I think you just drooled on yourself!

  “Ms Summers, like a duck in water!” He looked so incredibly delicious, I could barely answer him.

  “Yes, so I am. Sorry, Lucinda needed the ladies room desperately.” He strutted past me and sat his arse on Lucinda’s desk, I could smell the remnants of his workout, I was blushing and he knew it.

  “You know Alexis, Lucinda will go on Maternity Leave any day now and I will need a replacement, she is a hard act to follow but I think you could handle it with a bit of training.” He got up and walked towards his office.

  “Meet me here for lunch at noon and we’ll discuss the finer points.” Before I could object he had shut the door behind him. Shit is he serious? Work as his personal assistant? What would that mean for my Concierge Attendant Traineeship? There were too many questions floating around in my head. Lucinda waddled back in.

  “Thanks Alexis, my bladder was at the brink of bursting. Are you ok? You look a bit flushed!”

  “I think Mr Clark just offered me your job.” She smiled.

  “Well someone has to do it, he has knocked back all the applicants I have shown him so far. So he likes you Hey? Great! No more pointless searching for applicants that were doomed before they had even begun.” Lucinda’s phone buzzed, she hit speaker.

  “Yes Bryce?”

  “Block out lunch from noon till 2pm for me please and schedule training for Alexis to start as of tomorrow, I’m sure she has filled you in, Alexis what would you like for lunch?”

  “Oh, so I get a choice in regards to lunch but the job, that’s been decided for me yeah
?” I was laughing but I was still a little shell shocked.

  “On second thoughts Lucy, order Alexis a Grilled Calamari Salad and an English Breakfast Tea.” He hung up and I just stared at Lucinda in amazement, she laughed and shrugged her shoulders.

  “Do I get a say in this?” It was a reasonable question I thought.

  “When it comes to my brother Alexis, no I don’t think you do, he always gets what he wants.” She smiled and handed me the brief.

  “I guess I’ll see you at midday then.” She put her hands on my shoulders and spun me around gently pushing me towards the elevator.

  “You’re going to love my job Alexis.” The doors opened and a tall, light brown haired, man in a grey suit stepped out, he seemed agitated but smiled and politely said ‘good morning’. He held the elevator doors open for me.

  “Gareth, this is Alexis she’ll be taking over from me when I have the baby.” Oh I am, am I?

  “Alexis, always nice to put a face to a name.”

  “Likewise Mr Clark.”

  “Please call me Gareth.” Gareth Clark was not only V.P. of Clark Incorporated but also Bryce and Alexis’ cousin. I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for Hotel Reception, I nodded to Gareth and he removed his hand to allow the doors to close. I was still shocked at Mr Clark’s proposal, or demand I should say. Working as his P.A. was a great opportunity and would look fabulous on my Resume, but I had studied to be a Concierge Attendant and after only one day I really had enjoyed it. I had to call Rick, I pressed level 2 and dialled his number. I got out of the elevator and opened the door to the sun deck as Rick answered his phone.

  “Hi Babe, it’s me.”

  “What’s up? You haven’t spilt another drink have you?”

  “Ha ha very funny, no quite the opposite actually, I‘ve just been given a promotion…I think?”

  “Promotion, what do you mean?”

  “Mr Clark has asked me to take over from his sister Lucinda as his P.A. when she goes on Maternity Leave in a couple of weeks.” There was silence on the other end.