Coulson's Lessons

by McIntyre, Anna J

  Chapter 19

  Kate was unable to talk to Alexandra about Garret. Her sister was so rattled over the attack that Kate couldn’t find the right time to approach her.

  The days slipped by, and Christmas was less than a week away. Coulson Enterprises was hosting its annual Christmas party, inviting most of the active members of the Chamber of Commerce.

  It had been a long time since Ryan and Alexandra had been out together. Alexandra bought a low-cut, long, red dress that hugged her curves and glimmered with sequins. She paid special attention to her makeup and curled her hair. It framed her face in gentle, feminine waves. She slipped on high heels, stood in front of her bedroom’s full-length mirror, and pivoted her body to the right and then to the left as she examined herself critically.

  “Wow, you look terrific!” Ryan complimented as he stood in the doorway.

  “Thanks.” Alex smiled and then noticed Ryan was wearing jeans and a western shirt. “Hey, you aren’t dressed yet.”

  “Sorry, Honey. I’m not going to be able to make it. They called when you were in the shower. The bartender called in sick.”

  “Damn it, Ryan,” Alex moaned, then sat on the edge of the bed and began to slip off her shoes.

  “Don’t be silly, Alex. You can still go. You know everyone that’s going to be there.”

  “I don’t want to drive.” Alex still was afraid to drive at night.

  “That’s what I figured.” Ryan sat on the bed next to Alex and draped his arm around her shoulder. “I’ll drop you off. If you can’t find a ride home, I’ll come pick you up.”

  “I don’t know.” Alex hesitated.

  “Come on. You look great.” Ryan kissed her cheek. “Let everyone see what a lucky guy I am.”

  Coulson Enterprises’ Garden Pavilion was a massive room, a combination of paneled walnut and glass panes, decorated for the season. In the center of the immense lobby towered the Christmas tree, decked out in red and gold shiny balls. Snippets of holly and mistletoe contributed to the holiday décor, as did the live poinsettia plants placed strategically throughout the enormous area.

  The room was smoky and already crowded with formally attired guests when Alex arrived. Champagne flowed freely. Harrison Coulson, Garret’s older brother, was the first person to greet Alexandra. She had never met him before, yet it was obvious who he was. He looked more like Russell than Garret, and his hair was completely gray.

  Garret was just stepping out from the hallway leading from his private office to the Garden Pavilion when Alexandra arrived. He watched silently as his older brother took her hand in his and brought it to his chest in an overly affectionate greeting. Garret wanted to throttle Harrison.

  Garret had never seen Alexandra look so exquisite. For a moment, he forgot to breathe as he watched her full figure move provocatively in the confines of the form-fitting red dress. Even from where he stood, he could see the cleavage spilling from the top of her low neckline. It was as if her ample bosom was being offered up, and by the prying eyes of the male guests, more than one man was considering diving into the soft folds. Lights shimmered off the sequins, making the dress come alive. He couldn’t imagine a husband allowing his wife to be seen wearing such a seductive gown.

  Garret pushed himself through the throng of merrymakers, heading in the direction of Alexandra. En route, he grabbed two full champagne glasses from a passing serving tray and held them precariously over his head in an attempt to avoid spilling the contents. When he reached Alex, she was already being jostled around by the incoming crowd. He called her name. She looked in his direction and smiled at the familiar face. Garret gestured to the glasses overhead, then maneuvered one into Alex’s hand, spilling just a few drops onto the carpet.

  She attempted to take a sip, yet someone bumped her from behind, sending half of her champagne splashing onto the toes of her shoes. Alex laughed, looked up to Garret, and shook her head over the impossibility of the situation. He nodded toward a less congested area of the room. She returned his nod and then followed him to the open area.

  “You look terrific!” Garret’s gaze washed over Alexandra. “Where’s your husband?”

  “Had to work.” Alex sipped what was left of her champagne.

  “How are you feeling?” Garret’s concerned gaze sent shivers traveling down Alex’s back. She hadn’t seen him since the night of the attack.

  “Better. Garret, I want to thank…” she began, but Garret stopped her by grabbing her free hand and squeezing it reassuringly.

  “You don’t have to thank me, Alex. I’m just grateful that you’re all right.”

  Garret removed the empty glass from Alex’s hand and passed it along with his to a server, then picked up two full glasses of champagne. He offered one to Alex.

  “Better luck with this one.” Garret winked. She accepted the glass.

  “Well, I’ll be damned if it isn’t Alex Chamberlain,” greeted a tall man wearing a dark suit and tie.

  “Well, Mickey, long time, no see.” Alex smiled warily at her one-time boyfriend, noting his cocky grin. Mickey didn’t hesitate; he swept his arm around Alex, pulling her forward, crushing her body against his, and sending her second glass of champagne tumbling to the floor. He attempted to plant an unwanted kiss on her mouth, yet she quickly averted the attempt when she turned her head, and the wet kiss landed on her cheek.

  “Damn, Mickey,” Alex whined as she roughly pushed him away and then used the back of her hand to wipe his kiss from her face.

  “You’re still hot.” Mickey grinned like an idiot.

  “You’re still a jerk,” she countered.

  “Good to see you too, kid.” Mickey laughed, then gave Garret the once over before he walked away.

  Garret’s entire body had tensed when Mickey grabbed Alex. His first instinct was to drag the man away from her and hurl him into the refreshment table. He managed to stop himself before he embarrassed Alex. She obviously knew the man, yet Garret did not like men touching Alex. That realization struck him like an unexpected bolt of lightning.

  “Who was that?” Garret frowned incredulously.

  “Do you believe I used to date that guy in high school?” Alex grimaced as she spoke.

  “Looks like he never got over you.”

  “I’m afraid wounded egos have a long memory.” Alex helped herself to Garret’s champagne, finishing the glass.

  “Egos?”

  “You know, high school boys whose brains are in their pants? Mickey planned a home run. I had different ideas.” Alex smiled sweetly.

  Garret nodded knowingly, yet thought to himself, Yes, I was once one of those high school boys. Sometimes I feel like I still am!

  Garret escorted Alex through the crowd, mingling with the other guests and finding conversation difficult over the noise. She managed to secure another glass of champagne, which she was able to consume without tossing half of it to the floor. Garret switched from champagne to scotch but procured another glass of the bubbly for Alex. She was becoming wonderfully lightheaded.

  Alex had been at the party for well over an hour when Garret excused himself to go to the men’s room. He had already walked away when Alex realized that she too needed to visit the restroom. She looked in the direction of where Garret had disappeared and started that way. Certain he had exited through the first paneled door, she slipped unnoticed from the Garden Pavilion.

  Alexandra found herself in a long hallway with a series of closed doors. She didn’t see any restroom signs but noticed light coming from under one closed door. She opened the door and found Garret standing beside a large desk. It was obviously his office.

  “Oh, Garret, I’m sorry. I was looking for the restroom.”

  “Come in, Alex,” Garret said softly. “You can use my private restroom. It’s right through that door.”

  Alex entered the office shyly and gently closed the door behind her. She walked across the width of the room toward the door Garret had indicated. He stood silent, watching. After s
he used the restroom and stepped back into Garret’s office, she was surprised to see the lights turned off. Moonlight flooded the room. Garret was still standing silently, leaning against the edge of his desk.

  Alex quietly made her way across the room. Her head was a little fuzzy. When she began to pass the desk, Garret reached out his hand and stopped her. Slightly confused, she turned and faced Garret. He took several steps and positioned himself directly in front of Alexandra. Both of his hands reached out and gently cupped her face, caressing it tenderly. Alex’s eyes were wide, her arms rigidly by her side. He tilted his head ever so slightly and closed the distance between their mouths, bringing his lips to hers. His tongue gently traced her closed lips, urging them open. Alex did not move. He applied more pressure, and to his delight, he found her mouth opening to his, inviting him in.

  His tongue slipped into her mouth and boldly explored her sweetness. In turn, Alex’s tongue greeted his, shyly exploring. His body shook with desire and need. But he didn’t want to scare her away. Her arms were still at her side, she did not attempt to embrace him. The fact that she was returning his kiss, returning it with such fever, made Garret hard with desire.

  Alexandra pulled away. She looked bewildered, her eyes incredibly wide in wonder. Or was it fear? She was speechless.

  “I’ve always wanted to do that,” Garret whispered, his voice husky from the ache that was building within him. His chest was incredibly tight, as if it might explode. His outstretched fingertips gently traced the outline of Alex’s face. She blinked, as if attempting to recapture some sense of normalcy. She turned and bolted from the room.

  Chapter 20

  Alexandra lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling. Ryan had left for work an hour earlier. Adam was still at her mother’s house, where he had spent the previous night. Alex was confused, bewildered.

  After Garret had kissed her the night before, she fled like a frightened child. She went immediately home, easily finding a ride from another Chamber member.

  Part of Alexandra was shocked and a little angry that she had allowed the intimacy to happen. Another part actually wished she could try it again. It was an incredible kiss, yet it had happened so fast that she barely had time to enjoy it fully.

  She did not really feel guilty. After all, people were always kissing each other at Christmas parties. Yet, she had to admit, she had never French kissed another man since she had gotten married.

  Alex was not a fool. She had known for sometime that Garret found her sexually attractive. Yet, she naïvely believed that their friendship could continue, unhampered by sexual overtures. She was troubled, for she deeply liked Garret. She didn’t want to lose his friendship. It was in that instant that she knew she must talk to him. He needed to understand that they could only be friends.

  Alexandra quickly dressed and drove to Coulson Enterprises. She walked into the Garden Pavilion, where several janitors were busily picking up the debris from the party. It was Saturday, yet she remembered Garret saying he would be working today, and his Jeep was in the parking lot.

  A security guard greeted Alexandra. She told him her name and asked to see Garret Coulson. The guard picked up a phone, called the office, spoke into the receiver, then nodded for Alexandra to go on in. She knew the way.

  When she entered the office, she found Garret standing in the same exact location as he stood the previous night when she had first barged into the room. He wore faded denims, and as he leaned against his desk, his legs were crossed at the ankles. She noticed the silver-tipped cowboy boots once again peeking out from under the hem of his pants. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he wore a plaid flannel shirt. Garret’s thick, dark hair was in need of combing, the curls tousled as if he had just stepped out of bed, and it was apparent he had not shaved.

  After Alex slipped quietly into the room, she gently nudged the door closed by leaning against it, stepping backward. She stood there for a moment, leaning against the door as if it were her only support. Her hazel eyes met his blue ones.

  Garret’s expression was unreadable. He simply stared at Alexandra without saying a word or attempting to move. His steady gaze unsettled her, making her flush uncomfortably.

  She took a deep breath and moved forward, inching closer to Garret.

  “We need to talk,” she began, her voice wavering slightly.

  “I’m listening,” he said softly, still not moving, yet watching Alex slowly approach him.

  “I don’t want to lose you as a friend,” Alex whispered.

  He was now just four feet away.

  “I don’t want that either,” Garret whispered, his eyes still locked on Alex. He stood up straight, no longer leaning against the desk and uncrossed his limbs.

  “We can’t let what happened last night happen again,” Alex told him. Now she was just two feet from him; she could feel his warmth.

  “No, we can’t.” Garret’s murmur was no more than a faint whisper. His blue eyes quietly searched her bewildered expression. They stood in silence. Each could feel his or her own heart beat pounding wildly.

  Ever so slowly, Garret reached out his right hand, barely caressing Alex’s skin, as he brushed his fingertips down the length of her face. By unconscious reflex, she moved her face into his caress, nuzzling his fingertips gently. Her acceptance of his touch, her invitation, caused Garret to gasp involuntarily. He then brought his other hand to her face and wound his fingers into her hair, pulling her to him.

  For a moment, Alexandra was mesmerized looking into his eyes, her lips slightly parted as he pulled her to him. His mouth conquered hers, forcing it open, and he plunged his tongue inside. Alexandra found her arms willingly slipping around Garret’s neck and pulling him closer. She heard him groan; his arousal was apparent as her body crushed against his.

  Garret’s lips were relentless, demanding. His tongue explored the recesses of her mouth. Alexandra responded with eagerness; her tongue boldly met his, and her own obvious arousal sent Garret’s passion dangerously out of control. His hands released her hair, then roughly traveled down her back. Seizing her bottom firmly in his hold, he urged her as close to his arousal as was humanly possible without actual penetration. He wanted to lose himself in Alex, bury body and mind deep within her. She responded by arching wildly, her body shamelessly pleading for fulfillment.

  Never before had Alexandra experienced such total passion. Her blood grew warm until she was burning inside, and a longing like none she had ever felt stirred within her limbs. It was a helpless restlessness, a mixture of pleasure and pain. Consumed with the moment, Garret leaned Alexandra across his desk. She could feel the hard surface against her back, yet she did not mind it as long as Garret continued kissing her, holding her. She closed her eyes for a moment, and Garret’s body pulled away from her, yet his hands stroked her arms, her shoulders, and the swell of her breasts. He stood beside her and gently pushed her down onto the desk. His breathing was ragged and labored. Alex felt Garret’s hands on her waist, and then they moved down and unfastened her zipper. She could feel her pants slipping off her body.

  As if shot out of a cannon, Alexandra leapt off the desk and roughly moved away from Garret. Her eyes were blazing wildly as she pulled up her pants and secured the zipper. Garret’s hand moved to his forehead and sent his fingers combing through his hair in frustrated exasperation. He attempted to steady his breathing; leaning against the desk for support, he gazed at Alexandra. They stared warily at each other, each silent, each considering what had almost happened.

  In restlessness, Alex brushed her fingers through her hair and attempted to straighten her clothing. She paced the room anxiously, stealing quick glances at Garret, who had not moved an inch. Finally she spoke.

  “I came here to stop something. Not start something,” she breathlessly gasped.

  “I’m sorry, Alex,” Garret whispered hoarsely. In his heart, he wasn’t sorry for the kiss. He was sorry it had ended.

  “It’s me as much as you,” Alexan
dra said. She was torn between the desire to run from the office or run back into Garret’s embrace.

  “I’ve got to get out of here,” Alex said abruptly, then turned and started for the door.

  “Alex, wait,” Garret called out just as she reached for the door handle. She stood, her back to Garret, her hand touching the brass knob.

  “Alex, do you know where my cabin is?” Garret asked softly. Alex turned slowly and faced Garret. She said nothing.

  “It’s up at Clement Falls. About a thirty-minute drive from here. It’s the corner of River Bed and Canyon Drive. A log cabin. You can’t miss it.” His words were soft, his gaze intense. “I’ll be there tomorrow morning at nine. The garage door will be open, and my Jeep will be inside. If you could come there, we could talk. We could be alone.”

  Alex said nothing. She turned and left the office.

  Chapter 21

  Temptation, lead me not into temptation.

  When Alexandra replayed Garret’s final words in her head, she could feel an inexplicable tightening in her chest, a yearning unlike anything she had ever experienced. She was tempted, more tempted than she had ever been in her entire life.

  In an effort to combat the overriding urge to succumb, she immediately told Adam he could see Santa Claus. When you promise a first-grader he can visit Saint Nick the day before Christmas Eve, a mother knows her entire day is spoken for.

  Ryan closed the Lucky Lady for Christmas Eve and Christmas. When he and Alexandra first opened the restaurant, they vowed Christmas would always be for family. Alexandra was desperate to spend time with Ryan and was grateful for the opportunity Christmas afforded their marriage.

  She found herself clinging to her husband. Alex tried desperately to create the passion with him that she found in Garret’s arms. Late into the night, on Christmas Eve, they made love in front of the living room fireplace. Alexandra brought her awakened desires to the lovemaking. Although it was satisfying, she found it lacked the fire that Garret had kindled.