Temptation (The Temptation Series)

by K. M. Golland

  “Then move down to something a bit lower, then lower again until you are looking at the ground." He was right it wasn't so gut wrenching once you allowed yourself some time to adjust. I understood why he lived up here, you felt like you were on top of the world and looking down upon it.

  "So Ms Summers,"

  "It's Mrs, Mr Clark."

  "So Mrs Summers, Na doesn't have the same ring to it." He turned to me and 'smirked'.

  You cheeky bastard

  "Have you thought of a figure, for your salary?" He crossed his arms.

  Crap, I hadn't even given it a thought, I looked down and noticed the time on my watch, it was passed 6pm. Great that's my cue to leave. Right I can play his game too. I stepped back, turned and started to walk inside, I called back.

  "I don't think you can afford me."

  CHAPTER SIX

  The next couple of days went by quite fast, I’d been here for a week already, Lucy was a great teacher and I loved hanging out with her. The job so far was quite easy really, the C.A.’s handle his Room Service and House-Keeping pretty much and apart from politely meeting and greeting his appointments, there really hasn’t been much more to it. If it weren’t for the fantastic perve, the electrifying chemistry between us and the ‘smirks’ he throws me countless times a day it would be the most laid back job ever! Maybe this was just the calm before the storm?

  Bryce hadn’t talked to me about my salary figure since I so mischievously told him he probably couldn’t afford me. Truth is, for him I was of no value, I’d happily perve and flirt with him for free, not sure my family would appreciate that idea though, especially my husband. Although, Rick was a pretty good flirt himself, so technically we are sort of even. Rick had asked me what my new salary was going to be, all I could tell him was a bit more, he wasn’t happy that I hadn’t negotiated ‘properly’. At the end of the day I didn’t return to work for the money, yeah the money is definitely a big help towards bills and for extra spending. I did want to be well and truly compensated for the time I was giving up with my children, but the main reason for returning to work was for my social life, I needed to get out of the house and amongst other adults in a working environment; I needed this for my sanity.

  Lucy wasn’t in yet and Bryce was at the Self Defence Class he instructs for hotel guests, he must be a guru in Martial Arts as well; I wouldn’t put it past him.

  I noticed an email from payroll, attached was my payslip, a small smile crept across my face. Hmmm I wonder? I clicked on the attachment and opened it. Holy Fuck! $500,000.00 annually, minus tax gives me just over $5,000.00 clear a week. This is insane. Rick will be over the moon though! It’s too much, way too much, shit he really can’t take a joke, can he? Or is this his idea of a joke. The man is utterly infuriating. Lucy stepped out of the elevator, she looked a bit off.

  “Good morning Lucy, you alright?”

  “Yeah just feeling a bit icky today.”

  “That’s no good, would you like me to go out back and make you a cup of tea?” Tea used to help settle my stomach.

  “Thank you, but I need the toilet for like the 5th time this morning, so I’ll make one when I’m done.”

  “Ok, but if you need anything just yell out, I’m only happy to help.” She put down her bag and waddled out back. Poor thing, the last month of pregnancy was extremely uncomfortable, the aches and pains and the feeling of pressure on your uterus was not pleasant at all, then there was the back pain and tiredness, she was doing so well but she really should be resting.

  I looked back at the computer screen and to the evidence of my new promotion. I couldn’t agree to that much money, it really wasn’t deserving of the job description and he had to be playing a game with me. The elevator doors opened and he stepped out in his jaw dropping work out gear. Be strong Alexis; don’t let his toned legs, biceps and arse distract you.

  “Good morning Ms Summers.”

  That’s it, he not only said ‘Ms’ but he’s ‘smirking’ at me too, right here goes.

  “Mr Clark,” Oh he looked Hot “I don’t know what game you are playing with me, but $500,000.00, really? That’s absurd. I can’t possibly accept that.” He came over and sat on my desk. Does he really need to do that?

  “Is it not enough Alexis? I’m sorry, just tell me what you want and I’ll pay it, I don’t want anyone else for my P.A, so whatever you want it’s yours.”

  He almost looked worried, he was serious! Shit, I’ve come across as demanding and ungrateful.

  “Bryce, it’s enough, it’s more than enough, it’s far too much, my job description doesn’t warrant $500,000.00. I’m sorry, I should’ve just been professional and up front with you in the first place.” I grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled down $85,000.00, folded it and placed it in his hand.

  “Here this is more than enough.” I smiled apologetically at him.

  He opened the piece of paper and shot up from the desk.

  “Absolutely not!” He was offended, I think?

  “It stands at $500,000.00 and if you think you are not doing enough to ‘warrant’ the figure, then I will have to give you more to do.” He even did the little quote actions with his fingers as he said warrant, how cute.

  “Starting with tonight, I’ll need you to stay back and attend a meeting with me, I am renovating some of the rooms in City Promenade to be more ‘family friendly’ and seeing as you are a mum, your input would be perfect.”

  I felt terrible for offending him, I just wanted to run my hand through his luscious blonde hair and tell him ‘it’s fine I’ll do whatever you say’, how does he turn me from being so angry and infuriated with him to wanting to nurture him like a child? Before I could say anything to him Lucinda appeared at the door way to the conference room, she was standing awkwardly and looked very distressed.

  “Um, I think my waters just broke?” Bryce was up like a shot and by her side in no time.

  “Right we’ll take the chopper, where is your hospital bag?” He looked panicked but still remained calm.

  “It’s in my room, oh crap that hurts.” She was squeezing Bryce’s hand. I looked at my watch.

  “Tell me when the contraction stops Lucy, we need to time them, just breathe Hun, nice deep breaths it will ease shortly.” Her body language told me the contraction was easing as she started to relax.

  “Ok, that was just over 30 seconds, tell me when the next one begins.” Bryce walked her over to one of the sofas in the waiting area.

  “I’ll go and get your bag and prepare the chopper, Alexis stay with her and clear my schedule.”

  “Bryce, its fine, go and have a quick shower, I’ll ring the birthing suite and speak to a midwife. Lucy what hospital are you booked in at?” I placed my hand on Lucy’s back.

  “The Royal Women’s, arrghh.” Her body tensed up again, I looked down at my watch, 6 minutes, she breathed as I rubbed her back. I kept an eye on the duration; it was just over 30 seconds long again.

  “Ok you’ve got time Bryce, go. I’ll let the hospital know you are flying there.” He nodded and took off.

  “Lucy, do you want me to call Nic for you?”

  “No, I’ll do it, my phone is in my bag.” I got up and fetched it for her.

  “You’re doing good Lucy, your contractions are just over 30 seconds long and 6 minutes apart so you’re doing really well.” I handed her the phone and went back to my desk. I dialled the Royal Women’s and spoke to a midwife.

  “Her contractions are approximately 5-6 mins apart and between 30 and 40 seconds long, her waters broke about 20 minutes ago.” The midwife’s name was Stacey and she was lovely

  “Lucinda’s brother is Bryce Clark, he will be flying her in by helicopter.” Stacey hesitated.

  “He can drive her in, by the sounds of it she’s in early labour.”

  “I understand that Stacey, but Mr Clark will not take no for an answer. Which Helipad does he have clearance to land on?” She placed me on hold, Lucy was having another contraction, 5 min
utes this time and 40 seconds long. Stacey came back on the line and advised Helipad 2.

  “Thank you Stacey, they will be on their way soon.”

  Lucy had dialled Nic and was explaining the situation. I took a quick look at Bryce’s schedule whilst she was distracted, it was not too heavy, thank goodness. He had an appointment this morning between 11:00 and noon, then a ‘Jessica’ at 3pm. Hmmm Jessica, I didn’t make that appointment! Lucy hung up from Nic.

  “She’s a worry wart, I just hope she drives safely!”

  “Is she far?”

  “No, she is an Interior Decorator with a firm on Collins St.”

  “Oh good. Lucy, I need to cancel an appointment Bryce has with a ‘Jessica’, I don’t know who she is or her contact details.”

  “Jessica is, Oh Shit Shit this one is, arrggh, stronger.” She gripped the couch, I ran over to her and rubbed her back.

  “Just concentrate on your breathing, I know it’s hard but it does help.” She took deep breaths in and out, then it eased. Her contractions were definitely lasting longer and were now 5 minutes apart.

  “Sorry, Jessica is Bryce’s therapist, remind him about the appointment and he will cancel himself.”

  “Ok.” Therapist, it’s not surprising really considering his loss. He burst through the door, he was definitely more anxious now.

  “How is she?” He looked glorious, his hair was slightly towel dried and he had thrown on a pair of jeans, Nikes and t-shirt.

  “She’s fine, her contractions are lasting a bit longer and are more frequent, so whenever you are ready. You have clearance to land on Helipad 2.”

  “Good, come on Sis.” He helped Lucy up and allowed her to completely lean her weight on him. I put her hand bag in his free hand.

  “Don’t worry about anything, I’ve got it under control, I’ll cancel your appointments and reschedule, go and good luck Lucy, you’ll be fine, soon you’ll be holding your beautiful little boy.” I kissed her cheek and stepped back. She grabbed me.

  “Please don’t go, come with us. I need you, please?” She was begging me and quite panicked, I looked up at Bryce for permission.

  “Alexis, you’re coming.” I grabbed my bag and took back Lucy’s.

  We helped Lucy into the Chopper, I sat next to her holding her hand. Bryce was talking to someone, somewhere through his headset, I had no idea what he was saying and really didn’t pay much attention. Lucy was getting more agitated now as her contractions were stronger. We lifted off the roof of City Towers, I took a moment to take in the view of the city from the air, one word for it, WOW! The flight only took what seemed like a few minutes, the Royal Women’s was on the outskirts of the cbd, so by chopper I guess it was only minutes. He gently placed the Helicopter down on the Helipad, he was good, real good, but I had no time to admire his piloting skills. Lucy was panting now and not far from making Whale noises, we helped her out and into a waiting wheel chair, Bryce held her hand as the nurse pushed her to the birthing suite.

  “I’ll wait outside,” I said as they went through the door.

  “No, Alexis please come in, arrggghh.” Here come the ‘Whale impressions’. I knew better than to argue with a woman in labour, so followed closely behind.

  “Ms Clark, would you like some Pethidine, for the pain?”

  “No, no drugs.” Bryce glared at the midwife

  “She has a history with addiction, so NO drugs.”

  “It hurts, it hurts give me something, anything. God dam it Bryce, if I don’t have something for this pain I will rip your head off.” Bryce looked at me in horror.

  “Epidural? What about an Epidural?” I had a feeling it was a bit too late for that.

  “She is too far dilated for an Epidural, if she doesn’t want the Pethidine Injection she can have Gas.”

  “What’s in the ‘Gas’?” Bryce asked hesitantly.

  “Give me the freaking Gas, I don’t care what’s in it, just give me the Gas.” I let go of Lucy’s hand and walked over to Bryce, he was starting to lose it. I put both hands on his shoulders.

  “Bryce, the Gas is fine, it’s Nitrous Oxide, it’s a form of anaesthetic, it won’t hurt her. You’re doing well, just hold her hand and let her yell at you and hate you for being a male, she will love you again when it’s all over.” I lightly pushed him over to the side of her bed and asked the nurse for a face washer. I went back around the other side of the bed and placed it on Lucy’s head.

  “There you go Lucy, you’re doing so well, deep breaths, suck that gas in and try to relax. Your son will be in your arms soon, just focus on that.” A midwife came in and announced that Nicole Smith was outside.

  “Ah, there you go, Nic is here, I’ll go and get her.” I pried my hand out of hers and gave her shoulder a squeeze, I looked up at Bryce and smiled. He managed a half grin, this must be so hard for him. Letting myself out of the birthing suite, I found Nic pacing just outside the door, she gave me a ‘who the hell are you look’.

  “Hi Nic, I’m Alexis, you can go in now.” She left no time for thanks and burst into the birthing suite.

  One of the nurses directed me to a waiting room where I made myself a cup of tea and took out my phone. Firstly I needed to call Abigail and advise her that the Penthouse was unattended. I cancelled Bryce’s 11:00am but with only 15 minutes to spare. Mr Jackson the VIP services Co-Ordinator, was very understanding about the late notice. I also called House-Keeping to attend to the mess Lucy had left behind in the bathroom and I left his 5 o’clock appointment as is, I figured I’d talk to him about it when he came out, together with the appointment with ‘Jessica’. I gave Rick a quick call to let him know about my exciting morning so far, the over exuberant salary increase and the fact I could possibly be late home.

  “Melbourne Mortgages, you’re speaking with Rick.”

  “Hi it’s me.”

  “Hey, your number didn’t come up?”

  “Oh yeah sorry, I’m calling from my work mobile.”

  “What’s up, did you find out the salary figure?”

  “Yeah I did, steady on, I’ll get to that in a minute. I’m just letting you know that I’m at the Royal Women’s, Lucy has gone into labour.”

  “Oh, nice, so why are you there?” He sounded confused.

  “She was anxious and didn’t want me to leave her, I think my experience in the whole pushing out babies department was comforting for her. We flew here in the company helicopter!”

  “Fair enough, well why wouldn’t you?” He was so blasé about this stuff.

  “Anyway, I negotiated my salary with Mr Clark this morning. He wants to pay me, wait for it.........$500k, but, it will mean I need to attend out-of-hours meetings and events possibly starting with tonight.”

  “Fuck, $500 grand, are you for real?”

  “Yes, I know, it’s ridiculous, but that’s the figure and conditions, thought you’d be happy.”

  “Happy, maybe I should get you to negotiate with my boss! Shit, I’m speechless. Wow, Lexi the bread winner, never thought I’d say that.” He was laughing, more like mocking me. I rolled my eyes.

  “Is that right Mr Summers? Well seeing I am the household bread winner now, I expect a hot cooked roast dinner on the table waiting for me when I get home and an hour long foot rub, because these shoes are starting to punish me.”

  “Your wish in my command Miss half-a-Mill.” I laughed, he really did know how to make a joke about pretty much anything.

  “Don’t you forget it. I’ll call you later when I know what’s happening. Love you, bye.” I hung up just as Bryce walked around the corner, he literally fell into the lounge.

  “Is everything alright, how is Lucy?” I got up and sat next to his seat, he seemed in shock. “Bryce?”

  “Yes, yes she’s fine.” He snapped out of it.

  “She’s terrifying, but fine. Guess what? I’m an Uncle.” He looked up, I could see his eyes start to well with tears.

  “I’m an Uncle Alexis, Uncle Bryce.” He jumped up an
d pulled me into his arms. Geez he’s strong. He hugged me so tight and practically spun me around.

  “I’m an Uncle.” He gently put me down and apologised, he ran his hands through his hair. Ooooh Fuck, he looks hot when he does that.

  “Sorry, I’m just so, so, shit, unprepared.” He slumped back down on the lounge.

  “I don’t know the first thing about being an Uncle.” This man was like no other, rich, powerful, strong, obnoxious, a force to be reckoned with, yet he was also kind, caring, selfless, scared and unsure of himself.

  “I’m not an Uncle, but I am an Aunty and all you need to know is how to love your nephew, I think you’ve already got that down pat.” I touched his leg and gave him a reassuring look. I really needed to avoid touching him, the feelings and sensations that coursed through me were very hard to cope with. I retracted my hand and stood up. I turned my back to him in the hope he couldn’t sense my embarrassment.

  “I don’t know what the coffee is like but the tea is alright, can I make you one?”

  “No, I’m going to need something stronger come on.” He gently grabbed my arm and led me out.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Where are we going?” I asked, as he ushered me along the hospital corridor.

  “I need to take the chopper back; they don’t allow long term parking on their helipads!” I liked his sarcastic sense of humour, it’s fun to play with.

  “Right, makes sense.” He led me out to the helipad and helped me up into the front of the Helicopter, he placed his hand on my hip and the other on my arse to boost me up. Not that I really needed boosting. I didn’t want to make a big deal of his inappropriate grope so just ignored it, but, the stirring in my groin was hard to overlook. He reached over to buckle me in, his head was only inches from mine, he smelt so good. Oh please, hurry up and get that freakin buckle in, I’m about to hyperventilate. He was ‘smirking’, I glared at him.

  “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” He laughed.