“Alexis, you don’t know how hard it is for me to say no to you, I want tonight to be special, so for fuck sake stop torturing me.” He was gritting his teeth and breathing through his nose. I slipped off the bench and grabbed a piece of crusty baguette, I bit into it and growled back at him, he smiled and I scowled.
“Breakfast will be ready in a minute.”
“What are we having?” I started to lick the piece of bread and play with it with my tongue; to my utmost joy he began to display his delectable ‘smirk’.
“Eggs Benedict.” I bit down on the baguette aggressively and turned to exit the kitchen.
“Yum,” I called back. As I walked out, I caught his reflection in the window, he had both his hands through his hair and had dropped his head to the bench top. I left the room, my face displayed the biggest smirk in history and naughty me did not let him see it.
Breakfast was delicious, he was a brilliant cook and it came through in his food, he had asked me if I was ok and if he could do anything for me. I reassured him that I was fine, and deep down I had a feeling there was more to Rick and Claire all along, just not quite that much more.
“What’s done is done Bryce, I can’t change what Rick has done and neither can he. I don’t want to think about it, nor do I want to talk about it. I am here with you and you only, I will speak to Rick when I’m well and truly ready.” He didn’t argue with me. The buzzer to his office went off; he kissed my hand and got up.
“Ah my Cinderella, I hope you are ready.” I watched him leave the apartment, he had been smiling all morning apart from my attempts to torture him, but even then he radiated happiness. He returned momentarily with Clarissa who was pushing a trolley with my dress, a shoe box, some bags and cases, walking next to her was a heavily made up blonde and a very well groomed man.
“Good morning Ms Summers,” Clarissa was effervescent as usual.
“This is Jane and Carl, they are going to do your hair and make-up for this evening.”
“Good morning Clarissa, please call me Alexis.” I went to shake Jane and Carl’s hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’ll leave you in their capable hands Alexis.” Bryce kissed me on the forehead and exited through his office. Jane, Clarissa and Carl all stood wide-eyed as they surveyed the apartment, I couldn’t help but smile, I must’ve looked just like them the first time I stepped in here.
“Wow, I’ve never been in here it’s stunning.” Clarissa raised her eyebrows and smiled excitedly at me.
“Ok, let’s get started.”
“Ready when you are.” I was very keen to get made up, the last time I had a proper pampering session was on my wedding day, so today was going to help put that memory aside.
“Right, first things first, spray tan. Carl help me set up the tent.” Jane got things moving straight away, they both erected the tent quite quickly. I had a choice of wearing a G-string, but I was in a daring mood and just let them spray me entirely. My brazenness was a result of being around Bryce, I think, it was also because today I felt like a new Alexis, that and the fact I had lost a lot of weight and was now more than proud to show myself off when the time called for it. The tanning was done quite quickly, couldn’t say I was a fan of it but I was always willing to try things at least once. We moved right along to my hair, Carl was not your typical stereotyped gay male hairdresser, he was married with 3 kids and had his own salon on Chapel Street.
“Your hair is gorgeously long Alexis, I will only take a small amount off the ends and give it some subtle highlights. Now, because the dress is the star and has quite an eye attracting plunge at the front and back, I’m going to put your hair up and let it cascade to the side.” He began working his magic, Sebastian had come to deliver us lunch, which was organised by Bryce, time really was going by rather quickly. Jane was now working on my make-up and I hoped it wasn’t going to be as full as hers, I still felt less was more in regards to me, I was starting to take shape as Carl finished pinning my hair up.
“Now all hands on deck with the dress.” Clarissa had taken the dress out, she handed me the underwear which I slipped on underneath my robe. All three of them helped me step into the dress without affecting my hair or make-up, Clarissa zipped and hooked it all together, she handed me the most stunning pair of light gold Christian Louboutin heels I had ever seen. I slipped them on and stood up doing a spin for all three of them, the smiles on their faces said it all.
“Ok my turn, show me the mirror.” I hadn’t seen any of my transformation yet, Clarissa wanted me to get the full and final effect when they were done. Jane turned the mirror around, I was delighted, the dress was simply stunning and it really was a work of art, I think anyone who put it on could resemble a movie star. Carl had kept my hair quite straight with only a very slight wave to it, he pinned it up and only very slightly to the side allowing it to fall down the opposite side to the detailed shoulder strap, it was very elegant. Jane had surprised me the most thank god, my make-up was very subtle, again she had stayed true to the dress allowing it to be the star, I had a light smoky eye, very faint pink blush but a striking red lip. As I was pirouetting in the mirror Bryce walked in and suited up in a very sexy black Tuxedo, the man did not need much to make him mouth wateringly delicious.
He froze at the entry door to his apartment, our eyes were literally stuck on one another, I could see him swallow quite hard which made me do the same. Clarissa, Jane and Carl were looking between us like spectators at a tennis match.
“Ok. We are done here.” It was Clarissa who ushered Jane and Carl to very quickly pack up and get the hell out of there. We had both barely said goodbye as they were walking out the office door. Breaking Bryce’s hungry stare, I shouted out to them.
“Thank you, thank you very much, you all did a wonderful job.” Each of them smiled at me and Bryce showed them out, he was back in the room almost instantly.
“Alexis, you take my breath away.” I blushed, I couldn’t help it, I don’t think I have ever taken anyone’s breath away, well, apart from the time I pushed my sister off the fence and winded her.
“You look very delicious yourself Mr Clark.” He was standing at the top of the step, that led down into the lounge area, he had one hand in his pocket and the other through his hair. He stepped down slowly and made his way over to me, he placed his free hand on the side of my head and kissed me on the cheek, then on my neck and lower again, it was so soft yet so sensual and incredibly romantic. He came back up to my face and rested his head on mine.
“Now that I have you, I am never letting you go.” He pulled out a jewellery box from his trouser pocket and my heart nearly when into cardiac arrest.
Sensing my complete shock, he smirked and opened the box, I can’t say I was disappointed when the most beautiful pair of diamond chandelier earrings were revealed inside.
“They are beautiful.” I went to touch them and he snapped the box shut on my finger. My mouth dropped and I couldn’t help but smile at him, he burst into laughter.
“I’m so sorry; I’ve always wanted to do that.” I laughed and punched him in the arm, he opened the box again carefully removed them and handed them to me. I was still giggling, he was so comfortable and relaxed and it really was lovely to be around.
“Shall we?” He put his arm out and I hooked mine around it, tonight was going to be one of the best nights of my life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
We entered the Atrium were the red carpet arrivals were to be held, I’d figured we would get through this section quite quickly as the celebrities were the star attraction, what I hadn’t bargained on was Bryce being somewhat of a celebrity himself and my dress attracting a lot of media attention.
“I have with me now, Bryce Clark the owner of this fabulous Complex and his date for this evening, Alexis Summers.” OMG, how embarrassing this is going to be televised. I clung to Bryce and used him as a shield, the television presenter for channel 7 kept talking, I recognised her but
couldn’t recall her name.
“Alexis who are you wearing tonight?” She pointed the microphone in my direction, I cleared my throat.
“Versace and the shoes are Christian Louboutin.” My tiny voice was barely audible.
“Absolutely stunning, spin for us.” Bryce held up my arm and twirled me around, I couldn’t help but smile, however I did desperately want to get off the red carpet and out of the spotlight.
“Lovely, well there you have it Alexis Summers, definitely a contender for best dressed at tonight’s 55th Tel V Awards.” The camera went down. Thank Fuck! We kept walking but had to stop a couple of times for photos, Bryce held me close and as much as I liked it, I was feeling uncomfortable I was still technically married, we entered the Queen Victoria Ballroom and were escorted to our seats.
“Here you go Mr Clark, Ms Summers, enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you Paul.” Bryce nodded to the very polite and friendly usher, I loved how he knew what seemed like all of his staff by name.
“Do you have a photographic memory or something?” He was scanning the room, then turned to me, putting his arm around the back of my chair.
“No, why?” He looked interested in my answer.
“You seem to know everyone and more particularly your staff, by name.” He smirked and gently put his hand on my leg.
“It’s what I do Ms Summers.” I placed my hand on top of his.
“What else do you do Mr Clark?” I challenged him and licked my lips; this made his eye and cheek twitch.
“You’ll soon find out.” Those words had me squirming, as much as I was excited and thrilled to be here in this elegant ballroom amongst some very high profile celebrities, I couldn’t wait to go back up to the Penthouse. The intense stare Bryce was giving me was momentarily broken when he looked up, he then looked back down at me with pain and anger plastered across his face. I looked up to see what had caused this sudden change of atmosphere and Gareth was standing there with Samantha hanging on his arm and sporting the biggest grin I’d seen since Christmas Day.
“Good evening Bryce and Mrs Summers.” Smug arsehole. He pulled a chair out for Samantha and pushed her in.
“So Alexis, where is Mr Summers this evening? At home with the children?” Samantha turned grey and looked between Bryce and myself. You know what? Fuck him.
“If you must know Gareth, Mr Summers and I have been separated for quite some time now.” Slight exaggeration.
“So to be honest I’m not really sure where he is.” I wiggled in closer to Bryce and he moved his hand from the back of my chair to my shoulder. Gareth glared at me and waved a waiter down, Samantha smiled shyly. The table began to fill with other board members and their partners, at first the other gentleman seemed a bit sceptical of me as I’m sure Gareth had filtered lies into their heads, however as the evening progressed I had a good feeling I was winning them over.
“So, Ms Summers”
“Oh please call me Alexis.”
“Very well, Bryce tells me you have been a vital part of marketing for our new family friendly rooms in the Promenade Building.” Mr Gordon was an older man with silvery white hair and large thick glasses, he sort of reminded me of Santa, maybe it was the white hair or maybe it was just the child in me but I found it hard to take him seriously when he chuckled. Gareth rolled his eyes and said something under his breath. If Bryce could kill with just a look Gareth would be no longer. I had to get to the bottom of whatever it was that made Gareth so majorly pissed off and especially with me.
“Yes Mr Gordon, actually I’m flattered to have been consulted on such a huge project it really is an honour.”
“Well then Alexis, I look forward to seeing some of your ideas at the board meeting next month.” I smiled politely and realised the ladies room was well and truly calling me. Bryce was deep in discussion with a few of the other men at the table, I placed my napkin on the plate squeezed his leg and made my way out, it was now or never the telecast was on pause for advertisements and that gave me a small window to get there and back.
The ladies room was quite hectic with women making minor adjustments to their gowns and make-up. Sierra Thomas was up for a Silver Tel V for Best Actress, she was also the hottest new thing on Television at the moment and Charlotte’s favourite actress, she eyed me in the mirror whilst I was touching up my lipstick.
“That dress is stunning; I think I’m going to have to fire my stylist.” She was blotting her face with a tissue.
“Is it Versace? It looks like a Versace.”
“Yes it is, you’re Sierra Thomas right?” She smiled.
“That would be me.”
“My 6 year old daughter adores you.”
“Nice, what’s her name?”
“Charlotte.” She pulled out a napkin from her bag and scribbled on it with eyeliner.
“Here, I know it’s not perfect but you have to work with what you’ve got.”
“Aaaw thanks, she’ll love it. Can I get a quick photo?”
“Sure.” I pulled out my iPhone and took a photo of the two of us.
“Thank you so much Sierra and good luck tonight.” The announcement of 5 minutes to recording time came over the speaker, we picked up our clutches and headed out the door.
I exited the ladies room and was caught on the arm, startled I looked up to see who was restraining me quite painfully.
“Not so fast Mrs Summers.” Gareth had me in a vice like grip, onlookers second glanced at him and he released his strength just slightly, he smiled and put is other hand round my shoulder.
“Let me go. Now”
“Don’t make a scene Alexis, you are quite the centre of attention tonight.” We smiled falsely as Bert and Patty Newton walked past. With their backs to us and no further witnesses around, I slammed the heel of my Louboutin into his foot and broke away, making my way directly to my seat. As I approached our table, I noticed Bryce looking a bit concerned and trying to find me, when he did see me coming relief flooded his face. I sat down and almost instantly his arm was around my shoulder.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yes, just nature calling.” I leant in and kissed him briefly, I think it caught him off guard, Samantha also blushed and looked away. I scooted across a seat to get closer to her.
“Hey, are you ok? You’ve been very quiet.” She looked around nervously.
“Um yeah, I’m fine, what’s be happening with you? And why is Gareth so horrible to you?”
“Good question.” It was a good question and one I wanted an answer to sooner rather than later. It was obvious he hadn’t mentioned anything to her, however she was acting a little nervous.
“So this thing with Gareth is it serious?”
“No, I don’t think so, um, I really don’t know. What about this thing with you and Mr Clark? What about your husband?” She had that gossipy look in her eye, normally I would be intrigued with what we were discussing when she possessed that look but seeing this time it involved my private life, I was not impressed.
“It’s a long story but like I said I’m separated.” I shuffled back to my seat and Bryce automatically claimed my leg. The telecast resumed and 4life took the stage, the room was a buzz. It was a moment where I wished Charlotte was on my lap, she would have been ecstatic.
“What are you thinking about?” Bryce had been watching me.
“Nothing.”
“That’s not a nothing look Alexis.” He squeezed my leg.
“I’m just thinking Charlotte would have loved to see 4life perform, they are her favourite group.” He kissed my cheek.
“I need to make a phone call.” He got up as the song finished and walked away, at this moment Gareth returned with a slight limp. I shot a satisfied look in his direction, he was far from impressed. Mr Santa Oops,I mean Mr Gordon asked if Gareth had taken a fall.
“No, some bitch stood on my foot.” Mrs Gordon was offended by Gareth’s choice of words and muttered something into her husband’s ear.
>
“Perhaps it was an accident Gareth.”
“Hhhm Perhaps.” Bryce returned to the table with a sneaky smile on his face.
“What have you been up to?”
“All in good time my love.” My love? I liked the sound of that. Samantha blushed and went back to concentrating on her crème brulee. A guitar kicked in and my ears pricked, Oh Shit, my eyes lit up and Bryce picked up on it.
“Do you like Muse?”
“They are one of my favourite bands, didn’t your creepy research reveal that?” He growled soft but harsh into my ear. I felt his hand slide onto my thigh and up my leg, he moved it slowly until it stopped only centimetres short of the very spot that was aching for him. Very gently he began to circle my thigh, teasing and tantalising me, I kept my eye on the band knowing that if I looked his way I would launch myself on top of him and that would probably not go down too well. Hysteria was the closing song and for me a very fitting ending to the evening. When the song finished, I looked heavily into to his eyes, my desire for him was becoming overwhelming. The gentleman on the board including Santa helped their wives up and said their goodnights, I was ready for a good night myself when Bryce informed me we were headed elsewhere. What? No!
“Good things come to those who wait Ms Summers.” I dug my Gels into his arm as he escorted me out of the Ballroom.
“Where are we going?”
“Firstly to meet a few friends of mine, then to Studio C for a private function with another of your favourite bands.” I raised my eyebrow at him, he wasn’t giving anything away.
He led me to a room back stage and knocked on the door, a beefy security guard opened it and nodded to Bryce to come in, I looked into the room and saw 4life set up on 4 stools with a couple of acoustic guitars, I nearly fumbled into Bryce’s waiting arms.
“Mr Clark and this must be Alexis.” It was the lead singer Harry, he leant forward and I shook his hand together with the other three members; I should know their names Charlotte has mentioned them time and time again. Bryce sat on a stool opposite them and pulled me onto his lap, he got out his iPhone and began to record. I turned and looked at him, I was excited and overly curious, he hugged me to his chest whilst pointing the phone at the group, Harry nodded at him.
Temptation (The Temptation Series) Page 17
