Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  She’s frantically pulling cushions from the couch and storming around the house like a madwoman. It’s cute when she’s worked up, which seems to be all the time when she’s around me. I stand and watch for a few more minutes, then pull it from my pocket and hold it in the air. She stops immediately, and I tilt my head and look at her. She releases a deep breath of relief and walks toward me, but I place it back in my pocket. It won’t be that easy, sweetheart.

  “If you want it, come get it.”

  “Fuck off,” she hisses. “I really need my phone. Give it back.”

  “Well, we both know it’s not for a booty call.” I grin, but she looks less than amused. “Do you even know what that is?” My condescending tone has her nostrils flaring.

  She groans and tucks her chestnut-colored hair behind her ears. “Travis, I’m going to count to five and then you’re going to hand me my phone, or so help me God, I’ll rip your balls off and shove them down your throat.”

  “I dare you,” I whisper and take a step forward. I’m messing with her, but she doesn’t think it’s funny at all, which pleases me even more.

  She puts her hand out with her palm flat. “One.”

  “I’m not a child.”

  “Then don’t act like one,” she fires right back.

  I take another step forward.

  “Two.” She raises a brow. “I’m serious, Travis.”

  Another step.

  “Three.” She huffs. “I’m not kidding.”

  Another step.

  “Four.” She releases a groan. “Stop, you’re being annoying.”

  I’m uncomfortably close, and she shifts on her feet.

  “Please,” she whispers. She’s so calm it’s almost scary.

  “Tell me why I should,” I say. I’m inches away and can smell her hair and the soap on her skin. Being this close to her is dangerous, but I can’t stop myself.

  “You’re an asshole. I can’t handle you today.”

  “I don’t think you’ll ever be able to handle me, princess.” I pull her phone out of my pocket and hold it up. She rips it out of my hand, then storms out of the house. The door slams behind her, and I wonder what I did all those years ago that made her hate me so much.

  When I walk out, she shakes her head at me before backing out of the driveway and then stomping on the gas. I blow her a kiss and wave.

  At the office, it feels like Monday morning on crack. Blake enters with a stack of file folders, and by the look on his face, I know what he’s about to tell me isn’t good. He sets the folders on my desk next to the work I have to get done today before I leave if I want to take the day off tomorrow.

  “Can you look over these contracts today?”

  I stop typing, study the stack, and then look up at him. I’m not a fucking miracle worker. “Today?”

  “There’s a last-minute director's meeting in the morning, and Mr. Crawford wants a full rundown of where we are with expiration dates. They are reviewing forecasts and market predictions and want to know how many more potential clients we can sign before the next quarter. Stacy is busy, and Julie called in sick.”

  “What about Alyssa?” I ask.

  Blake rolls his eyes because we both know she doesn’t do anything other than be the office eye candy in her super short skirts and low-cut shirts. Must be nice to be the CEO’s useless daughter.

  I exhale, knowing I have no choice. “Fine.”

  “Before the end of the day,” Blake reminds me before shutting my door behind him.

  Leaning back in my chair, I pinch the bridge of my nose. I’ve only been here for twenty minutes, and the entire day is already fucked.

  My door clicks open, and Alyssa struts in. She hasn’t been in my office since our arrangement began and we had agreed to meet on a different floor than our own. Her bravery is nothing more than an annoyance, especially considering the extra work I’m doing is because of her. I’ll make sure to give her what she deserves the next time I’m pumping my dick in and out of her mouth.

  She leans against the door and smiles. Alyssa is sexy as hell with big blue eyes and a tight little body. She can blow me, but she can’t blow our cover. I lick my lips and look at her like she’s lost her fucking mind.

  “I’ve been thinking about you,” she says, her tongue slowly running over her bottom lip, obviously up to no good.

  I stop what I’m doing and interlock my fingers together. “Alyssa, what are you doing?”

  “I want you, Travis.” Her voice is sweet and sultry. “I can’t wait any longer.”

  I swallow. I feel my dick slightly harden by her words and stand. I stalk to her and run my fingers through her hair grabbing her head and pulling her face close to mine. I hear her moan with pleasure. Alyssa is a sex kitten who loves getting off just as much as I do. She’s undeniably fucking hot, and the fact she's my boss’s daughter makes my cock salute a little higher. I get high on just the rush of sneaking around as it is, and there can't be anything more to us than that. And it needs to stay that way.

  “If you get out of my office and don’t pull shit like this again, I’ll meet you in the supply room on the second floor at lunch and will make it worth every little second.”

  She leans forward and takes my bottom lip between her teeth and growls. “Deal.”

  When she leaves, I suck in a deep breath and adjust myself. Almost instantaneously, I start on the shitty busy work that Blake left for me, hoping it takes me less time than he gave me. One day I’ll get a project worth something, one that’ll allow me to prove my worth to Crawford Marketing, but today is obviously not that day.

  I’m pissed, and Travis King is to blame. It isn’t the first time, and I’m certain it won’t be the last. Flaunting himself in that perfectly tailored suit that hugs him in all the right places makes me hate him even more. My mother always told me that life wasn’t fair and seeing him dressed like that is proof. I want to gouge out his beautiful dark brown eyes. Because of him and his stupid games, I’m rushing around to make it to the other side of campus. Travis set the foundation for my entire day. Asshole!

  I like to pre-read chapters before class to make sure I’m fully aware of what will be discussed. I double-check my syllabus on my phone that I fought for this morning and read while I power walk. Call me nerdy, but I don’t have perfect grades by sliding by. Honestly, I could probably teach the classes I’m enrolled in because I’ve studied and researched the subjects so much. By some miracle, I finish the chapter and arrive to class with five minutes to spare. My shoulder is practically numb from the huge bag of books I carried across campus.

  Once I sit down, I tuck my hair behind my ears and try to calm down. My heart is racing a million miles per hour, and when I close my eyes, what do I see? Travis’s stupid face, smiling, and I can almost hear the rough in his voice. I close my eyes tighter, take in a deep breath, and then exhale slowly. My economics professor begins to sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown, and I know I need to get a grip. Finally, he asks a question about supply and demand, and I raise my hand to answer.

  “Correct, Ms. Fisher,” he says with a knowing smile. I smile in return, pleased with myself. I don’t mind being the Hermione Granger of the econ department. Five points to Gryffindor.

  The day flies by, and I can hardly believe I only have one more day until spring break begins. One more day until I'm stuck in the same house as Travis fucking King. I wish I could fast forward through the next two weeks and get it over with as soon as possible.

  I walk across campus toward the dorms, switching shoulders when my bag becomes too heavy. As I pass the library, I hear a familiar voice call my name.

  “Lola! Wait up,” Courtney yells, jogging up behind me, her blond hair pulled into a ponytail. With every step she takes, her bracelets jingle. She’s been calling me Lola for years. Courtney complained that Viola reminded her too much of Violet, the first and only girl she’s ever dated. So, she started calling me Lola instead, and it just kind of stuck.


  I smile as soon as I see her. She’s breathless, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Jesus, woman. How fast do you walk? I’ve been trying to catch up with you since we left the lecture hall.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” My brows furrow, wondering how I could've been so lost in my own thoughts to drown the rest of the world out. “I’ve been a little out of it today. What’s up?” We continue walking.

  “I fly to Dallas on Sunday for our family reunion and won’t be back until Thursday, so we need to hang out this weekend. Will you be around?” She bumps my shoulder, knowing exactly what my plans are.

  “Yeah. I’ll be staying at my brother’s house.” With a guy I absolutely loathe.

  “With Drew and Travis?” Her inflection goes up when she says Drew’s name, but she knows exactly how I feel about Travis—almost the exact opposite of how she feels about Drew—but that story’s for another time.

  “Drew’s going out of town. So yeah. I’ll be living in hell for two weeks with Travis.” I pause and grit my teeth. “Just Travis.”

  “You say it like it’s a bad thing.” She pinches her lips together in a knowing smirk.

  “It’s the worst thing that could possibly happen to me.”

  Courtney met Travis a few times in passing and instantly thought he was sex on legs, but she knows how I feel. She’s the only one that’ll listen to me bitch about his antics. My mood shifts, and it’s not a good one, and she notices.

  “Come with me to Texas then. I can promise cowboys and delicious carbs.” The corners of her lips turn up.

  All I can do is laugh. “I’d love to take you up on that offer, but I have tons of reading to do and stupid jocks to tutor.”

  “Fine,” she says, exaggerating the word. “Choose books over your best friend again.”

  Courtney is the best friend every girl wishes she had, and I’m lucky to have her as one of mine, even if we don’t have much in common. She’s loyal, kind, and good at purposely making me laugh when I’m trying to study.

  Her phone goes off, and she squeals. I’m sure it’s Toby, the love of her life. “I gotta go. I’ll text you what time this weekend.” She gives me a quick hug, then turns around and heads the other direction.

  “Perfect,” I say with a laugh.

  The wind feels nice against my cheeks, and the sun kisses my skin as I walk across the grass toward the dorms. I want to remember how this feels. As I think about my future and the opportunities and possibilities, everything looks so bright. In less than two months, undergraduate life will be nothing more than a fond memory. Life will change, and my friends and I will start new chapters.

  I walk into my dorm room and find Ashley sitting on the couch, listening to music through her earbuds so loud that I can almost make out the words. I drop my bag by the door, giving my shoulder a much-needed rest, then walk toward her, waving my arms to get her attention.

  “What?” she says, pulling out an earbud.

  “You’re going to be deaf by the time you’re thirty if you keep listening to your music that loud.”

  She rolls her eyes at me. “I didn’t realize I was rooming with my mother.”

  “Shut it.” I glare. “So, I have a huge favor to ask,” I say sweetly, batting my eyes at her.

  She puts her earbud back in, then bursts out laughing at my scowl. I place my hand on my hips, and she removes the earbuds once again. “What is it? I fly home first thing tomorrow so whatever it is has to be done tonight.”

  “I really, really, really need help carrying my boxes and bags over to Drew’s house. I’ll even buy Starbucks on the way. Venti. Extra shots. The whole menu if you want.”

  Her eyes widen. “You’re taking that much with you?”

  “Just the essentials. Clothes, my Harry Potter collection, textbooks, and a dozen other books I want to read over break.”

  She chuckles, knowing I’m taking way more than just my necessary essentials.

  “I don’t want to have to do more than one trip, so that’s why I need your help.” I smile sweetly.

  She sighs. “Fine. I have to run across campus and pick up some paperwork from the lab first, but it won’t take more than ten minutes. Plus, you know I’m a sucker for free coffee,” Ashley says, her lips pulling together in a smirk. “I’ve decided you’re getting me a Trenta instead, by the way.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  “That’s because you play to my weaknesses.”

  “Only because you’re the best roommate ever. But please don’t tell the other ones I said that.”

  She gives me a thumbs-up before putting the earbuds back in and rocking out to some song I can’t make out because the beat is too fast and the lyrics are jumbling together. I plop down on the couch next to her, and she moves her feet so I have more room. I lay my head back and stare at the ceiling until my vision blurs, then I close my eyes. I hardly slept a wink last night, and it’s beginning to catch up with me.

  My five-minute catnap is interrupted when my phone goes off. It’s a message from Drew.

  Drew: You know you’re the best little sister in the entire world, right?

  Clearly, Drew needs a favor, and after hearing he’s leaving this weekend, I’m not sure I feel like being much help. Actually, when I think back on it, that was the restart of all of this drama with Travis. I had been able to avoid him otherwise.

  Viola: What do you want?

  I reply, suspicious. It beeps seconds later.

  Drew: I want you to know how much I love you and tell you how you’re the greatest and my most favorite sister ever.

  I sit up on the couch and groan.

  Viola: I’m your only sister. So, spill it.

  Drew: Well, see Travis texted me and asked if I could bring him lunch again today because he’s super busy, but I’m stuck at work and can’t leave. He swears he won’t ask again for the rest of the year.

  I immediately see red, and my fingers can’t fly across the screen fast enough.

  Viola: NOT FUCKING HAPPENING! HE CAN STARVE FOR ALL I CARE!

  For someone who has his shit together, he needs to plan better. Bring a sandwich, make a protein shake—for fuck’s sake, takeout is always an option.

  Drew: C’mon, sis. It’s totally not like you to be like that when people are hungry.

  I sigh and close my eyes. Why must he do this to me?

  Viola: It’s not happening, Drew. The sob story won’t work today. He can do delivery. And don’t ask me again.

  I know it’s harsh, but I don’t care.

  Would Travis bring me lunch if I were starving and couldn’t leave? After I sit for a second, I feel a little guilty because even though I hate his guts and he doesn’t really care for mine, he would do it for me. I wait a few minutes then send a text back to Drew.

  Viola: Fine. He’s getting the most fattening meal I can buy or worse.

  Drew: Thanks, sis. I knew I could count on you. Love you!

  I’m tempted to text some colorful things back to him, but instead, I get up, walk to the kitchen, and throw something together, and then grab my car keys.

  While I walk toward my car, I ask myself what the hell is wrong with me. Something inside tells me I should’ve stuck with my original response.

  Chapter 4

  Travis

  File folders are messily stacked on my desk, which is driving me fucking insane. But I’m more annoyed I have to work through lunch. Or rather, my ‘lunch’ with Alyssa.

  Blake dumping his workload on me is a dick move. He’s threatened by the progress I’ve made since I started. He’s supposed to want me to do well, but I think if he thinks I do too well, I’ll end up taking his job. So, he pretends to set me up for success when he’s waiting for me to fail. He might be right about me taking his job if he continues pulling this shit on me.

  I’m lost in reading the reports when I hear my office door creak open. I pop my head up to see Alyssa.

  I’m so not in the mood for her neediness right no
w.

  “Yes?” I ask without looking directly at her. “I’m busy.”

  “You stood me up,” she states, her tone sharp.

  “Yeah, well…” I look up and see she’s standing directly in front of my desk, her tits on display. I swallow. “I’m on a tight deadline.”

  “Too bad…” Her voice laced with seduction. “I could help you unwind.”

  I’m tempted, fuck, I really am. But Blake will murder me if I don’t get this shit done.

  “Not today, Alyssa,” I say, groaning at my own words. “I’ll make it up to you,” I promise, flashing a wink at her.

  “Well…” She rounds the desk, toward me. I spin in my chair and catch her between my legs. “That doesn’t mean I can’t give you a little motivation…” She kneels in her tight skirt and runs a finger along my thigh. “You won’t even know I’m here.” She winks, and I know she’s so full of shit, but I’m at a loss for words the moment she wraps her hand around me through my dress pants. She slides her knees along the floor, gliding my chair back toward my desk. She kneels lower, hiding herself under the desk and begins pulling at my belt and zipper.

  “Alyssa…” I warn, grabbing her elbow. “We can’t…”

  “Shh,” she hisses. “Get to work, Mr. King.” I hear the amusement in her tone, and I can no longer deny that mouth of hers.

  I try to straighten in my chair and finish reading the reports, but it’s useless. There’s absolutely no way I can concentrate on anything other than the wetness of her mouth and how it feels wrapped around my dick. The moment she puts a hand around me and begins stroking, the room begins to blur.