by E. L. Todd
“Obviously.”
“Can you live without her?” His answer would tell me what I needed to know.
He turned serious, and his eyes darkened just the way his father’s did. “No.”
“Then I’ll ask her.” I rose to my feet. “Thank you.”
Conrad watched me go. “Skye?”
I turned back around. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for including her. It means a lot to me.”
I gave him a thumbs up. “No problem.”
Chapter Eighteen
Lexie
I squirmed in my seat and I couldn’t sit still. The seat across from me was empty, and everyone in the restaurant was talking in quiet voices. I could hear the chitchat but I blocked it out.
I was having lunch with my mother, and I really wasn’t looking forward to it. I would have to tell her about Conrad, and I really didn’t know what her reaction would be. Would she be happy? Or just suspicious?
Mom finally walked in and made her way to the table. Like always, she hugged me with a smile. Her perfume was the same one she’d been wearing all her life. It was Calvin Klein. “Long time, no see.”
“Yeah, it’s nice to see you too.” I returned the embrace before I sat down.
Mom moved into the chair across from me, and as soon as she could get the waiter’s attention she ordered a glass of wine. It was lunchtime, but she always drank wine. And in the morning, she had mimosas. She wasn’t a drunk but she loved to drink. “I’m glad you called me. I feel like we haven’t talked in forever.”
Because we hadn’t. “How are you?”
She rambled on about the new carpets they just installed in the house. Then she talked about dad’s construction company and how well it was doing. Mom never asked me about my job because it made her too uncomfortable. When I was young, she didn’t even give me the birds and the bees’ talk. It was never mentioned.
I tried not to take it offensively. I knew my area of study was too unorthodox for some people. But their opinion was irrelevant and I tried not to let it get to me.
“And what about you?” she asked. She never specifically asked if I was seeing anyone. After Jared and I divorced the subject was never breeched. They either assumed I wasn’t over it yet or they were so embarrassed by what happened that they chose to ignore it.
It’s what my parents usually did.
“Work has been going well. I’ve taken on a few more patients.”
She sipped her drink and watched the people in the bar.
I tried not to let her rudeness get to me. She was my mom and I had to be nice to her. Now was my chance to tell her about Conrad. Her reaction would probably be identical to the one she just gave but I had to get it over with. “I’m seeing someone.”
She turned her gaze to me and interest came into her eyes. “Seeing someone?”
“Actually, I have a boyfriend.” It was more serious than us just seeing each other. “We’ve been dating for almost a year.”
“A year?” She seemed astounded. “And why haven’t you mentioned this until now?”
I shrugged. “I guess I wanted to wait until I knew it was serious.”
“And is it?” Skepticism was in her voice.
“Very.” I loved Conrad with everything that I had. And I knew he felt the same way.
“What does he do?”
And the interrogation begins. “He works for PIXEL.”
“Doing what exactly?” she asked in a disapproving way.
“Running it.” I didn’t know how else to describe it.
Her eyes narrowed on my face. “As in, he’s the CEO?”
“Yes.” I knew that would make my parents happy. Conrad was going to be one of the wealthiest men on the planet once PIXEL was handed to him. I didn’t care about his money. He could be a bus boy and I would be just as obsessed with him.
“I thought Sean Preston was the CEO? He’s on the cover of People Magazine—and he’s married.”
“He’s on the cover of People Magazine?” I blurted. Since when?
“Yes,” she said in a bored voice. “Do you ever walk by a newsstand?
I would have to check that out. “Well, Sean’s brother Mike also runs the company.”
“And you’re seeing him?” she asked in disdain. “He has to be at least fifty years old.”
I tried not to snap at her. “I’m dating his son. Very soon, they’ll both retire and Conrad will be the new CEO.”
“Oh…” Awe came into her eyes. “He’ll be running the whole thing?”
“Yes.” Not that it should matter.
“When?”
“Probably in the next year.”
“And his name is Conrad?” she asked, intrigued.
“Yes.” Why was it always so tense when I spoke to her?
“Hmm…” She rubbed her chin while she considered my words.
What did that mean?
“Bring him over for dinner. Your father and I would love to meet him.”
And there was one person in particular I didn’t want to meet him. “Is Macy still living there…?”
“Yes.” Mom answered without making eye contact with me.
When would she get her shit together and move out?
“You guys really should make up,” she said. “This has been going on long enough.”
“We will when she apologizes.”
Mom sighed. “Just leave it in the past, Lexie.”
“I will—when she apologizes.” I knew my sister didn’t give a damn about sleeping with my husband. She enjoyed hurting me. And once she took a look at Conrad she would want to do the same with him. My parents were too blind to see the truth—that their daughter was a cunt.
“Lexie—”
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. If you want to meet Conrad, I don’t want her there.”
“She’s a part of this family.”
“I don’t care. She doesn’t come or the dinner is off.”
“Well, we would like to have you both over. It’ll be easier to get to know him.”
“Then she needs to leave.”
Mom shook her head slightly. “Don’t be hateful. I raised you better than that.”
I couldn’t believe my parents brushed everything off like it wasn’t a big deal. It pissed me off. “Your daughter is the evil one, not me.”
“Take that back, Lexie,” she commanded.
“No.” I held her gaze without backing down. “I don’t care. Now, do you want to meet Conrad or not?”
“Of course I do,” she said.
“Then I don’t want Macy there.”
Mom considered my words before she spoke. “Fine.”
***
I arrived at Conrad’s office and told his secretary I was there. Then I took a seat and waited until he was ready.
As soon as my ass touched the seat, the door flew open and Conrad stepped out. “Baby, get in here.” His voice was hostile like he was angry.
“Uh…okay.” I grabbed my purse and approached him.
Conrad shot his assistance a glare. “Whenever she comes here, just let her in.”
“My apologies,” his secretary said immediately.
“It’s not a big deal,” I said. “I don’t mind waiting.”
“Shut up and get in here.” He grabbed my elbow and dragged me inside. Then he shut the door behind me.
Before I knew it, he picked me up and placed me on his desk, my legs dangling over the edge. He pressed his chest against me then kissed my neck and the area just below my ear. His hands groped me like he was a sailor just returned from leave. “I gave you a blowjob this morning. How can you be this horny?”
“Look at you,” he whispered in my ear. “That’s how I can be this horny.” His hand moved to the front of his slacks and he started to unzip them.
“Whoa, slow down.” I grabbed his hand and steadied it.
“Don’t tell me to slow down,” he barked. “If I want to fuck my lady on my desk, I will.”
“And as
flattered as I am, three of your family members work here.”
“Your point?” He gave me an irritated look.
“They could walk in on us or hear us. Your family likes me and I don’t want to jeopardize that.”
He rolled his eyes. “You think they don’t know I run my ass over to your place the second I get off work and fuck your brains out?”
“It’s one thing to know about it and another to walk in on it.”
“Come on, baby.” He pressed his lips to my ear. “Where’s my spontaneous and sexy lady?”
“When your dad and uncle retire, then you can take me on this desk as many times as you want. But not a moment sooner.”
He released a growl. “Fine.” He zipped up his slacks. “Then why are you here?”
“Lunch?”
“I’ll make a deal with you.” He rubbed his nose against mine. “Make out with me for five minutes then I’ll take you somewhere nice.”
“Why do you want to fool around with me so bad?” I gave him an annoyed look but I was anything but annoyed. Knowing he wanted me at all times made me feel special. I felt like the only girl in the world he ever looked at.
“Because I’m obsessed with you.” He gripped my thighs and pulled me close to him as he sealed his lips around mine. His tongue immediately darted into my mouth and he made me moan involuntarily.
Now I didn’t give a damn if anyone walked in on us.
The door opened and Skye entered. “Conrad—oh. Um…I’ll come back.” She immediately retreated.
Conrad pulled away from me and didn’t seem at all embarrassed.
I fixed my hair nervously and didn’t look her in the eye. Man, this was awkward.
“The moment is over so you may as well stay,” Conrad said.
Skye turned back to the office, her hands held together in front of her like she was uncomfortable. “Sorry, I should have knocked first.”
“Let’s make a pact here on out,” Conrad said. “Always knock first. I really don’t want to walk in on you and Cayson one of these days.”
“Ditto.” She smiled but it was forced.
“So, what do you want?” Conrad asked. “Lexie and I are about to get lunch.”
“Can I speak to her alone for a moment?” I asked.
Conrad looked annoyed. “Hurry up. She’s my girlfriend and not yours.” He walked out and shut the door behind him.
Skye came closer to me and dropped her hands to her sides.
“I’m sorry about that,” I blurted. “Conrad is very pushy and—”
Skye raised her hand. “It’s really not a big deal. Cayson and I do it all the time, but fortunately, we’ve never been caught.” She knocked on Conrad’s table. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.”
“Okay.” At least it was less awkward.
“I would love it if you would be one of my bridesmaids.”
Me? Seriously? “I…” I couldn’t think of anything more intelligent to say. “I’m honored but also surprised…” I hadn’t spent anytime alone with Skye. I really didn’t know her that well.
“Well, Conrad and I are cousins. He’s a really good guy and we’re pretty close. Plus, he’s my business partner and someone I see on a daily basis. I know he’s really important to you and I wanted to have you in the wedding so you could be included in the family. Years down the road when we look at pictures, I want you to be in it.”
My heart was racing in my chest.
Skye stared at me, still smiling.
“He…said this?”
“Well, he said he couldn’t live without you. I interpreted that to mean you’re the woman he’s going to spend the rest of his life with. And I want you to be included in everything.”
He said that? I knew he loved me but…I was so glad he felt the same way I did. Conrad was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I promised myself I would never get remarried but it was different with Conrad. “You guys have been so nice to me since the day Conrad brought me around. I would be honored to stand beside you on your special day.”
Scarlet pulled me in for a hug. “Great. We’re going to be cousins-in-law someday. I think we should get to know each other better.”
“I would like that.”
“Then are you coming to my bachelorette party? It’s in Atlantic City.”
“Of course,” I said with excitement. “Conrad made it sound like Trinity’s was totally wild.”
She chuckled. “It was. But I hope mine isn’t like that.”
Conrad knocked on the door then peeked his head inside. “Are you done yet? Because this is my office.”
“Yes, we’re done,” Skye said. “And thanks for letting me use your office.”
“Sure. Now get out.” His hands moved around my hips. “I want to make out with my girlfriend.”
Skye rolled her eyes and walked out.
Conrad immediately went for the kill.
I put my hand on his chest and stopped him. “Whoa…none of that.”
“Why not?”
“Because we won’t get lunch.”
“We’ll get lunch,” he said darkly. He sucked my bottom lip. “Or at least I will.”
***
After we finished lunch, Cayson leaned over the table with his elbows resting on the surface. He blatantly stared at me, his eyes focused on mine. Like usual, his eyes were dark and had an endless depth. His thoughts were hidden but his desire wasn’t.
“What?” I asked.
“A guy can’t stare at his girlfriend?”
“You stare a lot.”
“Then stop giving me a reason to stare.”
“What am I doing?” I asked.
“Looking sexy as hell.” His eyes still bore into my face.
The only reaction I had was squeezing my thighs together.
He leaned further over the table and lowered his voice to a whisper. “I want to eat you.” He glanced down, looking at something in particular. “Now.”
How did he turn me on in a heartbeat? “Come over after work.”
“I said now, not in a few hours.”
“Well, you’ll have to wait.”
“There’s a bathroom here.” He wasn’t going to let this go.
“Conrad, no.”
“Nobody tells me no,” he threatened.
“Funny…because I just did.”
His eyes darkened noticeably. “Let’s stop by my apartment.”
I eyed my watch. “We don’t have time.”
“We can both be late. They’ll get over it.”
“You can be late because you own the damn company. I can’t.”
“Then we’ll go to your office and I’ll do it there.” His hand grabbed my wrist across the table and he squeezed it gently.
He was making it so hard to say no. “After work.”
“Right now.”
“You’re killing me here.”
“I’m eating that pussy whether you like it or not.”
Now my body was on fire and I lost the strength to resist him. “Fine.”
He grinned like the cocky asshole that he was. “Then let’s go.”
***
Conrad devoured me and made me come—hard. Then he inserted himself inside me and pinned me to the mattress as he rocked my headboard into the wall. It tapped a hundred times before he tensed and released.
Now that he was satisfied he wasn’t so aggressive. “I’d been needing that all day.” He pulled out of me and wiped off before he put his clothes back on.
“I’m not meeting you for lunch anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because this always happens.”
“Well, I like this.” He winked at me.
I pulled my clothes on and rolled my eyes.
“Don’t act like you don’t love it. I know you do.”
“I do. But I don’t want to get fired over it.”
“You don’t need a job, baby. You got me.” He put his tie on then straightened his jacket.
>
It was the first time he ever said anything like that. Skye’s words came back to me. “I still like my job.”
“You should just stay home all day and be ready for me at a moment’s notice.”
“Like a sex slave?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“I have more important things to do than wait around for a man all day.” I walked out as I buttoned my jacket.
Conrad snatched me by the arm and pulled me to his chest. “I’m not just any man. And we both know that.” His lips were directly next to mine as he spoke. “And don’t refer to me as such ever again.” The threat was in his eyes. The darkness pooled and remained cloudy. Then he pulled away.
He sat in the chair by the dresser and pulled his shoes on.
I watched him, noting his strong back and shoulders. “I spoke to my mom yesterday.”
“And what did she say?” he asked as he rose to his feet.
“I told her about you.”
He grinned. “About time.”
“And she wants to have you over for dinner.”
“Excellent,” he said. “I’ll charm the shit out of them.”
I was surprised Conrad still wanted this to happen after I told him how my parents were. “Is Friday okay?”
“It’s more than okay,” he said. “But I’ll have to make sure I get enough of you before we go over there. It would be awkward if they caught us in the bathroom together.”
Yes, it would.
Chapter Nineteen
Conrad
Lexie was nervous for the entire drive. She stared out the window and crossed her arms over her chest. Her left knee shook from left to right. Her anxiety filled the entire car.
I rested my hand on her left thigh. “It’ll be alright, baby.”
She didn’t turn my way.
After work, I went to my dad’s personal shopper and had her pick something out for me. She dressed me in a gray collared shirt with a black tie and black slacks. The clothes fit me like they were made just for me. And I got a new Rolex to match the ensemble. I took extra care when I did my hair after stepping out of the shower. I looked like a million bucks—and I certainly felt like it.
Lexie was more rigid than a statue.
I drove my Tesla until we reached their neighborhood. Fortunately, she gave me the address before we left. If I had to rely on her directions I would have been met with silence.
