“Does she know you like kinky? Fervid fucking?” Justin forced a smile at our ongoing fervid fucking joke. “Surely you’ve told her that much.”
“No. Which is exactly the problem,” I added. “I haven’t told her a goddamn thing.” I looked at the ground trying to avoid the shaking of my hands.
“This has dangerous-damn-territory written all over it, Justin. I know I need to get her out of my head, but I don’t think I can.” My inner gut was torturous as I thought of my hard cock brushing against her flat stomach underneath the thin material of her dress. I could feel every movement her anxious body made. And she was wet. Soaking fucking wet. I could smell her sweet musk. And I knew better. So what did I do? I lied to her beautiful face. The pussification in that was colossal. She was the first woman who had ever made me feel weak.
“Well, my friend, the obvious choices are simple. First, you can fess up and tell her the truth and hope like hell you don’t wake up with your balls super-glued to your asshole. Secondly, you can fuck her brains out the way I know you’re very capable of doing, enjoy the ride, and just hope like hell she doesn’t discover who you are. But honestly, man, with the look on your face right now and those shaking hands, my advice is to go for the truth. I mean… I’ve never interfered too deeply in your personal shit, but I’ve also never known you to be this wound up over a woman, Tyler. You have some hard choices to make. This is way more than just twelve weeks of fucking, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I suppose it is, but once she finds out who I am … you’re right. I’m el fucked-o, Justin.” I squeezed my eyes shut and held my aching temples between my hands. This was nothing that I hadn’t thought of a dozen times.
“Well, unfortunately, I’m going to have to stir the pot of shit a little more.”
My head sprinted up at Justin’s comment. “How so?”
“Sam called me on the way over here. Two detectives came by the club asking to speak to me. They’re asking questions about Becca.”
Chapter Fourteen
Alex
Tyler was a perplexing enigma. One minute he was telling me he was going to own me. The next, he was walking out of my apartment, leaving an uncomfortable distance between us. Two long weeks had passed and I hadn’t heard another word from him. Finally tossing the shriveled-up lilies into the trash, it was obvious that I shouldn’t have lost it over Becca in front of him. He was still a stranger and I’d led him to believe I was needy and weak. Part of me wanted to apologize. The other side of my brain told me to walk away from it all. Forget and move on. Only another hiccup, I wouldn’t let this break me. He obviously needed something I couldn’t offer. Something I’d quite possibly never know about.
Still, I missed him. His beautiful face. Those full luscious lips. And most of all … his passion that I knew was right there. So close, yet so far away.
What was so unnerving was that one minute he was on top of me. His eyes flashing control and need, getting lost in mine while his hands swept over every inch of my body. His lips and hard erection crushing into me. Just as quickly, he was gone, leaving me with an unexplainable urge to scream and kick the wall in frustration as I stared at nothing for nearly an hour, trying to figure out what the hell went wrong.
Whatever was going on between us had me unbalanced, but I wouldn’t sit around and mope about his harebrained actions. He obviously had issues. I had my own, so why couldn’t I get the taste of his lips or the feel of his hard body straining against mine out of my head? Whatever was happening, or not happening between us, was a perpetual thought I couldn’t wipe from my brain. But I needed to forget. I wanted to forget. We weren’t together. End of story. Plus, I actually had a date with one of the attorneys from Maci’s office tonight. I was nervous, but in a good way. This was my first step at moving on. Maybe Chuck could help me focus on something else.
Maybe he wasn’t unstable. Maybe he didn’t play games.
Still … he wasn’t Tyler.
* * * *
Located in the heart of downtown, The Dock House was an upscale restaurant where reservations were accepted mainly by the well-known and very wealthy. Just the average Joe Blow would have a hard time getting in.
Even though the downtown district was loaded with hotels, restaurants and shopping in the Arts District, Deep Ellum, and other areas, it was actually a very quiet place once the sun went down, unless one was hitting the nightlife at The West End. Tonight proved to be just as calm as it usually was.
Two phone calls from Chuck since the company party, finally agreeing to go on a date with him, I was glad I’d accepted. He seemed genuinely nice. Maybe all attorneys weren’t really the self-assertive, uppity schmucks I’d labeled them. He was also hot. Slim-cut black slacks and a matching black, equally form-fitting button-down, proved just how fit he really was.
The Dock House had been written up in D Magazine for the last few years, known for having the best fresh seafood in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Common knowledge that it took more than just a simple phone call to get a reservation on quick notice, Chuck obviously pulled some strings.
“This is awesome, Chuck.”
“My pleasure, Alex.” Handsome, he also had hidden dimples, which I hadn’t noticed before tonight. When he smiled, a medium-sized indention formed in both cheeks. The biggest difference between his and mine was the simple fact that his were actually attractive.
The waiter brought a bottle of wine wrapped in a napkin and poured a small amount in a glass, handing it to Chuck. He lifted the glass and swirled the liquid, then smelled before drinking it. He nodded his approval. The label read Archery Summit Arcus Pinot Noir 2012. I didn’t recognize the brand, even though Richard carried an extensive collection of wines at the restaurant. After my first sip, I was confident that it also wasn’t one of the names I generally looked for in the grocery store on the bottom shelf.
“This is delicious, Chuck. Do you drink a lot of wine?”
“Not a lot. I have had this one before though. I’m glad you like it.” He reached for my hand as I lowered it from my wine glass, and laid it along with his, on top of the linen napkin on the table. His fingers brushed gently across the top of my wrist and up my arm. “I’m glad to finally have a chance to take you out, Alex. You’re very beautiful.”
I’d never been comfortable with compliments, but I forced a smile, then nervously excused myself and made a quick run to the ladies’ room. When I returned, Chuck stood, pulling out my chair. Such the gentleman, my stereotyping cliché that all attorneys were dicks was officially out the window. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. This guy was totally sweet. Not to mention smoking hot.
As a waiter neared our table carrying a basket of bread, I blinked up. Instantly nauseous, only feet away was Tyler. Sweet Jesus! Did the man have a tracker on me? Why was he here? This town was huge. Chances of running into him yet again were a million to one. It had to be fate. Or quite possibly a reality check. The redheaded bimbo skank he assured me meant nothing, sat across from him. From the look on her face, there was most definitely something still going on between them besides business.
As I lifted my drink, Tyler’s head turned toward me. Had he already seen me? Maybe he really was tracking me. Maybe this was his way of letting me know there really was nothing more between us. His eyes cut directly toward mine and I quickly blinked away from his sharp, intense green stare, looking back at Chuck with a smile. Pretending. Hurting. My belly aching.
“Is everything okay?” Chuck asked. Pretty confident all the color from my face had drained, I could do this. If Tyler could, I could manage my part just as easily.
“I’m good,” I said.
Lies. More lies.
“So, you’re still uncertain where you’re headed with your career, Alex?” Appearing to be genuinely interested in what plans I had for my future, sadly, at the moment they were a big nothing. Overall, Chuck seemed great. He was definitely a catch. For someone.
“No, not really. Hopefully I…” A large hand touched m
y shoulder as Chuck’s eyes lifted. I shifted, only to see Tyler standing at my side, all six plus feet of him towering over me. As usual, my breath caught by the mere sight of his eyes, setting fire to the aggravation I felt toward him. What the hell was this guy’s deal? And when had I become so damn weak?
“I need to talk to you, Alexa. Can you excuse us a minute?” I looked up at Tyler, then back at Chuck, mortified.
“I just need a few minutes, Alexa.” Tyler reached for my hand, his beautiful face blank as he nodded at Chuck.
I stood, ignoring Tyler’s hand. “I’m sorry,” I whispered to a stone-faced Chuck.
“What the hell are you doing, Tyler?” My temper blistered as we walked toward the restaurant entry. “That was completely rude and inappropriate.”
“Please. Just sit with me for a few minutes. Let me explain.” Tyler motioned toward the bar area and I stepped inside, standing against a table, my fingers curled at my sides. The normal bolt of energy sizzled between us like it always did, only tripling my turmoil.
“Tyler, this isn’t the time or place for this.” My teeth clenched as his eyes softened.
“No, it isn’t, Alexa.” He tugged at his hair, looking upward.
“Then why are we here? Am I some sort of challenge for you? Is this just a game? The last time I saw you, unless I was dreaming, your exact words were that it could never work between us. A respectful man would never do the kinds of things you have, Tyler. You don’t want to date me, so what exactly is your aim? This whatever between us is … unhealthy.”
Tyler took a step forward, his lips warm against my cheek. “This whatever as you call it, isn’t going anywhere. Do I really come across as someone who walks away from something he wants as badly as I do you?”
I shrugged, my mood becoming darker by the minute. “You absolutely walked away, Tyler. How else can you possibly define what you did?”
“I’ve never dated, Alexa. I’ve never had the desire.”
I giggled a humorless laugh. “Obviously … and very well noted,” I whispered.
“Angel, I’m complicated. Can’t we just go somewhere and talk?” His expression dwindled into a frown. “After your date perhaps?” He took a step forward, sweeping a finger underneath my lip. Unwanted crackles of heat swept down my spine. As much as I should have been disgusted with Tyler’s actions, he had a deep-rooted influence on me that blurred my sanity.
“No, Tyler. As you’ve seen, I’m with someone. In all fairness, my suggestion to you is to go fuck your so-called business acquaintance until she walks with a crooked limp, and then call it a night. No dating necessary.”
“Alexa … when can I see you again?” he asked in a throaty tone.
“Enjoy your date, Tyler. Goodnight.”
Back inside, I looked toward the table this guy had gone to no telling how much trouble to reserve. For me. Shit! My stomach overturned. The table had already been cleared, my date nowhere to be seen. What an inconsiderate bitch he must have thought I was. Maci would never forgive me for this and I felt like complete shit. More importantly, how the hell was I going to get home?
I looked toward the table one last time and then back to the door before reaching in my handbag for my cell phone. I guess a cab was going to be my choice of ride. A soft hand brushed my shoulder. Thank God.
“Let’s get you home, Alex. I guess you have other issues on your agenda.” Chuck looked at me, the sexy smile and dimples I had seen earlier, hidden from his face. Because of me. Because of Doctor Tyler Yates.
“Please forgive me, Chuck. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I had no idea he’d be here. Will you let me make this up to you?”
Chapter Fifteen
Alex
“Well, that went well, didn’t it?” I’d cried a million tears. “Just absofuckinglutely terrific!” I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror, wiping away what little mascara was left on my swollen, bloodshot eyes. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn’t even go on a date without it turning into full, undivided suckage. Luckily, Chuck waited on me, bringing me home, but saying less than ten words the entire uncomfortable time. Who could blame him? He’d gone to the trouble of getting us reservations to one of the most sought-after restaurants in Dallas and shelled out good money for an incredible bottle of wine that was barely touched. Yet, being the gentleman he was, he still walked me to the front door and kissed me on the cheek.
“You’re such a beautiful woman, Alex. Make sure whoever this man is treats you the way you deserve.” Unable to even respond without bursting into a fit of tears, I simply stood on my tip-toes and kissed his cheek before closing the door. How was I supposed to counter that? Chuck was spot on. I did deserve to be treated well. Didn’t everyone?
After brushing and flossing my teeth, I changed into a short, black nightgown and grabbed some lotion. Tension pounded behind my forehead. Suddenly, I wondered what Tyler had eaten for dinner. If he’d had dessert. Was he a health nut?
Why the crap did I care!
A light knock on my door startled me. I returned the tube of lotion that fell from my hands to the counter, pondering even answering the door. I wasn’t dressed. I looked like hell. And there was no one I cared to see. Honestly, I was irritable and tired. I just wanted my damn bed.
I bent back the edge of the mini-blind and peeked outside, already knowing in my gut who was here. Tyler was standing on the porch, his lengthy arm stretched out and resting against the side of the door. My first thought was to ignore the knock and let him assume I was asleep, or better yet, not home. But it was Tyler, and as much as I wanted to look at him and tell him I was done with him and his detached ways at anything intimate, ultimately, I couldn’t do either. As I always did, I gave in and opened the door.
His face was a long mask of unreadable emotion. The immediate urge to kiss him made me furious with myself, the pull this man had over me outrageously unhealthy. It only added to my current mental state, complicating things that much more. Plus, it was going to be a cold day in hell before I overlooked his rude behavior tonight.
“Tyler, I’m not dressed. I was just getting ready for bed.”
His male scent filled my nostrils, weakening my mindset. I circled my arms around my chest, trying to hide the inevitable hardening of my nipples.
“Alexa.”
He reached out for me at the same time I was taking a step back.
“Angel,” he breathed, knowing how I was feeling. Like always, he could read behind my eyes.
What seemed like long minutes passed. He didn’t speak. His body was stiff. His gaze burned through me. The tension between us was so dense, I couldn’t breathe. When I blinked away from his stare, my eyes trailed downward over his toned body and the impressive bulge behind his slacks. With another draw of oxygen, I returned my stare to face level. He was watching me—watch him. Again, stalling for what seemed like a lifetime, he inched closer, dropping his forehead against mine.
“I’m so goddamn sorry, Alexa. About everything.” His voice was remorseful. “All this is just … it’s just fucking new for me.”
A small bead of sweat glistened above his top lip. The way he was looking at me was baffling. I didn’t have a clue what was really going on with Tyler. No doubt, he was holding things back, and I felt a grudge toward him for not being able to confide in me. It still didn’t change the fact that I wanted him more than anything I’d ever wanted in my life. I looked toward the ground, zooming in on his shoes, fighting the urge to send him away when in all reality, I didn’t want to.
He caught my chin, compelling me to look at him. “You deserve everything. You know that, right?” His green eyes were troubled. What was going on with him? What was he hiding?
It was all so frustrating. But then, it was Tyler. And even through his shortcomings, he brought out a weakness in me. He drew a flood of raw desire deep down inside my soul that I didn’t altogether understand.
And I wasn’t sure I liked it.
Yet, I was painfully aroused. W
ould he ever give in and just touch me? Stop stalling and run his amazing, talented hands over my painfully erect nipples that throbbed for his embrace? Or would he simply continue with his game playing?
“Did you know that the pink lily is my mother’s favorite flower? They were also on my sister’s casket when they lowered her into the ground.” Oh… Oh! “I find them to be the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen. I’ve never given them to a woman before you.”
His words were solemn, his eyes glassy with emotion.
“Jesus, Alexa.” He ran his hands through his hair again, anxiously pulling at the dark strands that I was dying to feel against my skin. “I’m standing on your doorstep like a fragile, uncertain pussy. At ten fucking o’clock at night! At least invite me in,” he said in a clipped tone.
My pulse raced. I was so aroused, yet hated these mind games. “Okay,” I whispered. “But I really don’t know what you want with me, Tyler.” I sucked back a breath and willed away the stinging in my eyes. His face still lingering with confusion, he walked inside, startling me as he pushed the door shut with his foot.
In seconds, his fingers nestled through my hair, drawing me against his chest. “I’m apologizing. Admitting to being a first-rate asshole. Admitting that I want you. I couldn’t stomach watching that man lay his hands on you. Those should have been my hands, Alexa. I want you underneath me so badly that I ache. I want to make you come again and again until you fall apart from exhaustion and can no longer whimper my name. I want you to feel me in every step you take the next day. I can’t walk away from you. I’ve tried. I simply don’t know how to make myself leave.”
An undeniable moistness dampened my panties as I fought for my next breath.
“Why is it so important that you always have the upper hand, Tyler? I’m not altogether sure I’m comfortable with that.”
His eyes widened, the small frown line between his eyes deepening.
Pink Lilies (Beautiful People Book 1) Page 8
