TEMPTATION

BY K.M. GOLLAND

Book 1 in The Temptation Series

Cover Design by: Wade Angelo

Copyright 2012

Published by Kelly M. Golland

ISBN: 978-0-646-59361-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means, or transmitted, or translated without the permission of the author.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I first and foremost need to thank my husband and children for allowing me the time and space to finally put this story to paper.

I would also like to thank my mum and friend Leanne for their keen eye for detail in the editing process.

Lastly but not least, to all my friends and family for your support and feedback. The encouragement you gave me was instrumental in completing my book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER ONE

Fastening the last bobby pin into my hair, I looked in the mirror. Black pinstripe skirt-suit with a pale pink blouse and black peep-toe heels, your feet are going to hate you tonight Alexis, surely you realise this. My blonde hair was neatly twirled into a bun and I had just a touch of make-up on. I had recently lost 20kg from a mad affair with my local gym and now fit into a size 12 which I was more than happy with. Today was the day I start my first full time job since having my two children and I was so nervous.

Argh, this will do. I really didn’t know how to look the corporate part anymore, I was used to shrugging on a pair of jeggings and t-shirt or gym pants and a tank. The last 9 years of my life were spent getting the kids ready for school and kinder, therefore make-up was the last thing on my mind, if anything my ritual was a quick glance in the mirror on the way out, checking I had no food stuck to my face or teeth.

“Ok Ratbags, are you ready we need to leave or Mummy will be late for her first day at work.” Both my adorable children were waiting by the garage door, Charlotte was 6 and in her first year of Primary School.

“Sweetheart your shoes are on the wrong feet, Nate can you please help her fix them?” Nate rolled his eyes, bent down and fixed his little sister’s shoes.

“Mum I really don’t want to go to before-school care, it’s for babies.”

“Nate, it’s not for babies and you don’t have a choice, please don’t make this difficult, I’m really excited about my new job, anyway it will give u a chance to sit quietly and draw your pictures.” Nate dropped his head and turned for the car, my 9 year old son was very much a mummy’s boy and was not happy about my decision to go back to work.

“What time will you be home?”

“I’m not sure Sweetheart, hopefully before dinner, Dad will pick you both up at the gate after school and the slow cooker is on, so it’s all sorted.” With that I kissed his golden head and gently pushed him towards the car where his sister was already seated and buckled in.

The drop-off was much easier than I had expected, Charlotte was more than happy to play with the other kids before school, she really was a social butterfly, but Nate, well he had the best talent in making me feel guilty, he’ll come around I know he will.

Turning onto the Tullamarine Freeway I felt somewhat free, OMG Alexis, you are really doing this. I knew this day would eventually come, but being a stay at home mum for the past 9 years was what I had grown accustomed to, driving into the city at 7:30 in the morning however, was definitely something I wasn’t used to. The traffic was horrendous, stop start, stop start, how did my husband do this day in and day out? I’d never really had to deal with bumper to bumper traffic, I was a Secretary to a suburban Solicitor not too far from home before deciding to stop work and have children at the age of 25. This new job however was completely out of my comfort zone, not only was I taking on a complete career change, I was doing it in the biggest Entertainment Complex in Victoria. My new role was to be one of the Concierge Attendants at City Towers, which is a luxury 5 star Hotel with 43 floors, 481 rooms, 30 Villas and the Penthouse Residence. I’d always loved City Towers and had the privilege to have stayed in a suite with my fiancé, now husband Rick, a year after we got engaged.

As I pulled into the City Complex staff car park I was running short on time, I hated being in a rush, you’d think that after 9 years of raising my babies I’d be used to it, nonetheless I wasn’t and of all the days I could be late, today was not going to be one of them. I found the closest car spot and bee-lined straight for the entry knowing where I had to be at 9am. Despite my crazy busy lifestyle, with sports pick-ups and drop-offs, running errands, shopping etc, I was brilliant at organisation and multi-tasking so had already visited the complex 3 times in the past fortnight to become familiar with where I was going to be starting my new career. I had made up some time by taking a few short cuts, this allowed me to pop into Gloria Jeans for my favourite drink, hot white chocolate with a marshmallow. The young attendant was bright and bubbly and obviously enjoyed her job, as she handed me my drink I noticed her cheeks flush and her entire demeanour change.

“Thank you.” I said slightly confused by this sudden change of personality. I spun around and began to head for the Hotel Foyer when I slammed straight into the person in line behind me spilling my entire white chocolate down the front of me and him.

“Oh Shit, Shit, Geezus that is HOT, oh I am so sorry.” Looking up, I expected to see an extremely livid gentleman, after all I had stupidly and clumsily doused him in my milky drink. Staring down at me however, could only be described as the most delectable specimen of a man I had ever seen and he was smirking at me, yes ‘smirking’ not livid or furious as I had expected but smirking.

“I am so sorry, I didn’t even stop to think that someone was behind me, I’ll get you a towel, hang on a second.”

“Never mind that Alexis, it’s fine.”

“Mr Clark, I’ll get you a wet cloth.” The bubbly attendant glared at me like she was about to pounce over the counter and scratch my eyes out.

“No Stacey, that’s quite alright, Alexis and I will have to change.” With that, this sexy beast of a man, gently, yet with complete command and control grabbed me by the arm and directed me out of the café. After what seemed like only seconds, I snapped out of my stunned state, stopped in my tracks and gently shrugged out of his grasp.

“I’m sorry, who are you and how do you know my name?” He looked somewhat amused and placed his hand on the small of my back which sent currents right up and down my spine.

“Ms Summers, your name is on your ID tag pinned to that soaking blouse of yours and I am Bryce Clark, your employer.” Oh Shit, Crap, Balls. What have I done? What I had done is spill my drink over my boss before I had even started my first shift. Great start to the rest of your life Alexis, you Idiot.

“I don’t know about you Ms Summers but I don’t like to wear hot chocolate to work.”

“No, I don’t blame you.” Crap my mind started to race, I don’t have any spare clothes, and I certainly don’t have a spare pair of trousers or shirt for Bryce, I mean Mr Clark.

“Come with me,” and he applied pressure to my back, ushering me forward.

Before I knew it we were in front of Versace.

“After you, Ms Summers.” He directed me into the glamorous store and I was dazed by the gorgeous dresses, suits, shoes and handbags that were on display around us, I had never been into such a prestigious shop and felt very uncomfortable. Bryce approached the lady behind the counter, she had an aura of sophistication and was a naturally beautiful brunette with flawless skin.

“Clarissa, Ms Summers and I had a bit of an accident with a hot chocolate, I’ll need a suit and Alexis will need something suitable for the Hotel’s Front Office.”

“Right away Sir, follow me.” Clarissa led Bryce and I into the change rooms, they were very extravagant, a large circular room with the change areas circling the outside. It was also elegantly decorated, with rich brown carpet and seats covered in a deep blue and gold fabric.

“If you’d like to go in here Ms Summers I will be back in just a minute with a beautiful day dress, which should be just what you need and Mr Clark if you’d like to go in there, I will be back with your replacement.” Clarissa gracefully left the room.

“Mr Clark, I really don’t think I need a new dress, I mean really my blouse isn’t too bad, I can just wear my Blazer over the top.” He was at my curtain holding a lovely black wrap dress which looked very smart, the material was silky and definitely something I would wear if I could afford it

“Alexis, please put on the dress, you are not wearing a blouse soaked in hot chocolate around my Hotel.” He handed me the dress and raised his eyebrows in a seductive glare that twisted my stomach, I took the dress and gave him a sheepish grin.

“Of course not, thank you.” He closed the curtain and at that point it hit me. OMG what was I doing here in Versace holding a…..Shit a $2,000.00 dress? and to top it off my boss was so Fucking Hot. I fanned my face with my hand and nearly stumbled into the wall, he is the most glorious looking man I have ever seen with his clean cut, dark blonde hair, chiselled cheek bones and jaw line and the most alluring blue eyes imaginable. I could have sworn he was flirting with me? Surely not, why would he be flirting with me? Alexis Summers, 35 year old mother of two and married, yes happily married to Rick Summers, my childhood sweetheart. I shook my head, no I’m imagining it and with that I stripped off my damp blouse and skirt, put on the dress and stood there looking in the mirror. I didn’t always recognise myself, it wasn’t that long ago I was a size 16 and very plump in all the wrong places. I had always struggled with my weight and after giving birth twice had stacked on a horrible 20kg. I found out recently that I had Fructose Malabsorption, I was finally put on a diet that didn’t make me horribly ill and with a lot of exercise I had reached a weight and body shape I was happy with. This dress suited me, I could honestly say I loved it, except I couldn’t get the zipper up.

“Um, Clarissa would you mind giving me a hand?”

“Is everything alright Alexis?” It was Bryce.

“Um yes, I just need a little help with the zip, is Clarissa there?”

“No, I’ll help you.” He moved the curtain aside and eyed me from top to toe, I think my face resembled a beetroot, I turned, baring my back to him, I was terribly embarrassed but also shocked by his brazenness. I anticipated his touch, my skin was buzzing with expectations, he gently grasped the zip and with his other hand placed just above my bra strap began to pull the zip up, slowly, very slowly. Oh shit, I shouldn’t be feeling this. I’m a married woman. I think I flinched and I think he noticed.

“Are my hands cold?” He said almost defensively, he let go and rubbed them together.

“No, not all, they are fine.” I giggled, more than fine, if anything his touch burned me. He resumed zipping the dress up then placed both his hands on my shoulders and spun me around.

“There, you look very much the part for Concierge Attendant.”

“Let me ask you Mr Clark, do you give this much attention to all of your staff?”

“No Ms Summers, only the ones that share their drinks with me.” He walked out of my room and into his own, he was very playful and left me feeling somewhat naughty. Smiling I picked up my soiled clothes and stepped out after him. Talk about brazen, so brazen in fact he had left his curtain partly open, I couldn’t help but squint so that I could see him. Oh Shit, he is magnificent. I could only see his back and that was enough to make me blush and fumble with my clothes. What am I doing? Stop it Alexis you dirty little perve. I sat patiently on the sofa in the middle of the change area, Clarissa returned just as Bryce came out of his room.

“Mr Clark I expect you are happy with the fit?”

“As always Clarissa thank you, would you mind taking our clothes to the dry cleaners and have them delivered to my room later today?”

“Certainly Mr Clark.” She took our damp clothes and headed out.

“After you Ms Summers,” Bryce nodded towards the door, we walked out of Versace and I looked at my watch, it was 10.30am. Oh crap, I was an hour and a half late. How was I going to explain this?

“Come along Ms Summers, I will need to explain your tardiness.” Tardiness, what are we back at school? He really was quite cute.

Standing at the front desk was an immaculate looking young man.

“Good morning Mr Clark, how may I assist you today Sir?”

“Where is Abigail, Charlie?”

“Just a moment Sir and I’ll track her down for you.” Charlie flittered along the large desk to his computer and started typing away.

“She’s in Conference Room 3 Sir, is there anything else I can help you with?” Charlie raised his eyebrow and gave me a kind but curious look.

“No that will be all thank you. Oh by the way Charlie, have you met Alexis Summer? She will be training as Concierge Attendant. Charlie’s smile grew wide.

“Alexis, it’s a pleasure I look forward to working with you.” He seemed very genuine and I could see we would get along very well.

“Nice to meet you too Charlie, hopefully we get some time later to get better acquainted.”

“Yes hopefully Alexis. Mr Clark would you like me to escort Alexis to Conference Room 3?”

“No Charlie, I will take her there myself.” I blushed bright red, I felt like a school girl being escorted to the Principal’s office. Charlie nodded and in turning to answer the phone smiled at me curiously.

Mr Clark walked me to the elevators and we waited awkwardly, we kept glancing sideways at each other and smiling politely. The elevator doors opened and guests disembarked, Bryce politely gestured me to enter before him, he pushed the button to level 5.

“Thank you Mr Clark, I’m terribly sorry for all this.” He glanced at me again with that ‘smirk’, the ‘smirk’ that made me feel like a naughty child.

“I remember my first day Ms Summers, it wasn’t as action packed as yours but it was nerve racking nonetheless.” I couldn’t imagine this handsome, perfectly dressed, extremely confident man ever being nervous about anything, he oozed confidence and self-preservation.

We reached the 5th floor and he led me along a corridor to Conference Room 3 and knocked gently, a short, middle aged lady answered the door.

“Mr Clark is everything alright?”

“Yes Abigail, sorry to interrupt but I believe you are missing a Ms Summers from your Concierge Attendants briefing this morning? I bumped into Ms Summers and unfortunately spilt my coffee all over her, so of course I had to see she was well looked after and delivered to you.” I gasped and looked at him shocked.

“Abigail this is Alexis Summers, Ms Summers, Abigail Maroney.” Abigail gave me a strange look then smiled and thanked Mr Clark.

“Come in Alexis and take a seat.” She turned and headed for the large oval desk in the centre of the room.

“It was a pleasure meeting you today Mr Clark,” and in a whispered voice I added.

“Again I’m so sorry.”

“Aahhhhh Ms Summers the pleasure has been all mine.” He stepped backward and nodded whilst giving me ‘that smirk’.

“Oh Mr Clark, by the way it’s Mrs, not Ms.” Putting two fingers to his lips he winked and turned.

“I know.” He called behind him and then he was gone.

CHAPTER TWO

I settled into my seat and apologised to Ms Maroney. So far my morning had been a bad dream, how could I have been such a klutz? This job required me to be on the ball, organised and completely professional and I’d displayed none of which so far.

“I am so sorry Ms Maroney for disrupting your briefing.” I smiled apologetically to Abigail and the five other Concierge Attendant Trainees sitting around the table.

“Never mind dear, Mr Clark seemed to have your situation under control and please, call me Abigail. Now Alexis, just to get you up to date, Jessica, Samantha, Jonathan, Marcus and Lorell are all training as Concierge Attendants and you will each assist the Head Concierge from all 3 of City Tower’s Hotels. Alexis you will join Samantha and will Concierge here in City Towers, Jonathan and Jessica will Concierge in City Metropol and Lorell and Marcus at City Promenade. Alexis if you open your brief you will see a manual with everything you need to know about City Towers and the entire City Towers Complex, including the Casino and Shopping Precinct. Your IPhone and Keycard are your life; please keep them on you at all times. Your Keycard will give you access to every room in the Hotel, with exception to Mr Clark’s Penthouse Residence. Special instructions of his requests are also in your brief. Your IPhone is preprogramed with all relevant contacts. Jonathan and Jessica, City Metrolpol’s Head Concierge is Daniel and he is expecting you both in the Metropol Lobby. Lorell and Marcus your HC is Stephan and will meet you at the Concierge Desk in the Promenade. Enjoy your day and don’t hesitate to contact me if needed.” Jonathan, Jessica, Lorell and Marcus all stood up and made their way out of the room.

“Alexis and Samantha, as you are both aware I’m the HC here at City Towers and our office is in the Lobby, now for today I want you to familiarise yourself with the Hotel, you will need to know this building inside and out. You both have a timetable to follow for the week which enables you to get a good feel for how the Hotel runs on a day to day basis, again enjoy your day ladies and I will check in on you both as the day progresses.”

Samantha and I introduced ourselves properly on our way to the hotel’s kitchen. She was 23 and fresh from a Bachelor Degree of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality at Deakin, very similar to the Bachelor Degree that I had completed online with LaTrobe, whilst raising my children. Samantha was single and living with her parents in Doncaster and was approximately 5 foot 7, strawberry blonde and probably a size 10. She obviously took great pride in her appearance, her makeup was heavier than mine but suited her. She wore heals higher than the Eureka Tower and had a smugness about her. I liked her, there’s not many people I don’t like, but I could tell she was very competitive, minor things like entering each room just ahead of me, walking a couple of steps in front and she had a knack of asking questions over the top of mine, which became apparent during our tour of the kitchen and laundry, it was as though she had to have the last word. We decided, or more so Samantha decided, we would eat our morning tea on the hotel’s sundeck. The hotel’s kitchen also had an area dedicated to staff so we were able to get ourselves some fruit, Samantha also grabbed a tomato juice and I, a cup of tea. We sat at a small table shaded with an umbrella by the pool. It was simply beautiful and I’m glad Samantha had made the decision to take our break here, it was the end of Summer in Melbourne and my favourite time of the year. I loved 27 to 32 degree temperature days and the sun with its glorious vitamin D made this little lady very happy. I peeled my banana and opened my brief, there was a whole section devoted to Mr Clark and his Penthouse.

Mr Clark is the owner of City Towers Entertainment Complex and resides in the Penthouse of City Tower. As CA (Concierge Attendant) you are required to assist Mr Clark as a matter of priority. Any request he has must be adhered to as soon as possible. His meals are delivered to the Penthouse at the following times Breakfast 6am, Morning Tea 10am, lunch 1pm, Afternoon Tea 3:30pm Dinner 7pm and Supper 9:30pm. You are required to collect his daily brief from his Personal Assistant each morning at 9.15am which will contain instructions on the following day’s menu, and specific house cleaning requests. Mr Clark’s mail is to be delivered to him as soon as it is received by the Hotel’s Reception. His office also forms part of the Penthouse and all cliental by appointment are to be personally escorted to the Penthouse Foyer where his Personal Assistant will meet them.

“Mr Clark is so hot in his company picture, was he as drop dead gorgeous in the flesh? I couldn’t see when you came in.” Samantha was googling at me like a school girl.

“Oh, yes, he is very handsome and very understanding.” I answered awkwardly.

“Understanding and apparently accident prone, lucky you! He can spill his drink on me any day.” Samantha continued to read her timetable.

“We have a House Keeping Demonstration next, then to the Penthouse to meet Mr Clark’s P.A.” What? The Penthouse?  My stomach almost did a backflip. I wanted to see him again, something about the way he spoke to me and looked at me made me squirm in my seat. I had a flash back to this morning, perving through his change room curtain, his naked back was exquisite; I wanted to run my hands up and down it. Samantha snapped me out of my reverie by slurping the last bit of tomato juice through her straw. My cheeks reddened, I’d been licking my lips so I quickly wiped them with my finger, how embarrassing, I’m happily married and have a very healthy sex life with Rick. He was my childhood sweetheart and I had only ever been with him, we were like two peas in a pod. In 12 years of marriage we had rarely fought and had spent less than a week apart, he really did make me happy my Ricky, so these feelings, if I can call them that, were foreign territory for me. I smiled and got to my feet. Housekeeping Demo, it’s not glamorous but essential to witness nonetheless, then the Penthouse, now that ought to be glamorous. I started to wonder what Mr Clark’s P.A. would look like. Probably drop dead gorgeous and straight from a Victoria’s Secret Catalogue, hopefully with more clothing on.

Housekeeping was as expected, I’d observed the most perfect hospital corner and strangely enough was keen to give it ago on my own bed when I got home. We were on our way up to the 43rd floor to meet Mr Clark’s Personal Assistant, Lucinda; even her name suggested a tone of elegance. I was starting to get quite agitated, why? I couldn’t explain it, these feelings were strange to me. I pushed them out of my mind and took a deep breath in as the elevator doors opened. The Penthouse Foyer was beyond beautiful, gold fixtures and fittings, cream coloured floor tiles with golden edging, floor to ceiling windows with a view of the city skyline line that could only be seen to be believed, and the curtains dressing those windows were superb. I love curtains, they were a secret obsession of mine, a window was not a window if it were not dressed properly. These curtains were of a golden, silk material with gold seems and tassels, from which the light bounced, illuminating them. Oh they are to die for. Directly ahead of the elevator was a solid mahogany desk and sitting behind that desk was a very pretty young woman, she rose to her feet and waddled towards us. I was surprised, she was approximately 7-8 months pregnant.

“Hello, you must be Alexis Summers and Samantha Taylor, I’m Lucinda Clark, Mr Clark’s personal assistant. Welcome to City Towers.” She gracefully extended her hand to each of us, she was radiantly beautiful and I couldn’t help but feel very intimidated by this brunette goddess who was probably the most beautiful Mother-to-be I had ever come across. Suddenly my chest pained. Wait a minute did she just say Lucinda Clark? Yes she did, Oh Shit. She was Mr Clark’s wife, his very beautiful pregnant wife. I was devastated and hurt. How stupid of me and more to the point how ridiculous of me to feel this way, I had absolutely no right. The elevator doors opened, Mr Clark entered the foyer and went straight to Lucinda’s side.

“Good morning Lucy.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Morning Bryce.” They exchanged a quick loving embrace.

“This is Alexis Summers and Samantha Taylor, the Hotel’s new Concierge Attendants, they are here for the tour of the Penthouse Offices.” Mr Clark looked at Samantha.

“Miss Taylor if you wouldn’t mind following me, I’d like to get better acquainted and discuss my expectations of you as C.A. of my Hotel. Lucy if you wouldn’t mind showing Ms Summers around first.” He then directed Samantha to one of the mahogany, wooden panelled doors to the right of Lucinda’s desk. He looked back at me and gave me ‘that smirk’. How dare he, the arrogance of this man. How dare he look at me like that in front of his wife and child to be. I was mortified beyond belief. Raising her eyebrow and displaying a similar smirk, Lucinda looked directly into my eyes

“Very well Ms Summers, if you’d like to come with me.” She almost looked amused as she said it, I was horrified, somehow I felt she knew I’d been day dreaming of her husband on and off since sharing my hot chocolate with him. We entered a large conference room to the left of Lucinda’s desk.

“As you would be aware Ms Summers, Mr Clark is the CEO of Clark Incorporated and owner of City Towers Entertainment Complex. He resides here in the Penthouse which also houses his personal office, the rest of Clark Incorporated’s offices are situated on levels 7 and 8. Most of his personal meetings are conducted here in his personal office, however, the direct running of Clark Incorporated takes place on levels 7 and 8.” We walked through the conference room to another door and into another foyer, Lucinda pointed to a door to my right.

“Mr Clark’s personal office is through there.” I wanted X-ray vision, if I squinted hard enough I might just see what is going on in there and if he was obnoxiously flirting with Samantha as well. My blood started to boil so I looked away.

“Just through here is a kitchenette and off to your left is a bathroom.” This Penthouse floor really was impressive, and I’d only bared witness to the offices here, I wonder what his personal residence was like? What his bedroom was like? Stop it Alexis, again enough of the perverse imaginings that are completely irrelevant to what you are doing here.

“Alexis, are you finished scrutinizing the kitchenette?” Lucinda was standing in the doorway impatiently waiting for me to leave the room.

“Yes, sorry,” I quickly scuttled out and back into the foyer. There was a table in the middle of the foyer and on it was a large vase of beautiful lemon coloured roses, they were immaculate and smelt fabulous. I love roses, I have many rose bushes in my garden at home and loved the array of colours my garden displayed in Spring. Lucinda pointed directly ahead to a large door which was locked by security card.

“That is Mr Clark’s private residence.” The awe I was feeling must have betrayed me.

“It’s pretty impressive isn’t it? All of this I mean.”

“Oh yes, this is an exquisite complex. I’m thrilled and fortunate to be working here.” She smiled.

“Yes Clark Incorporated is a wonderful company to be a part of and Mr Clark is a brilliant employer.” I found it funny how she kept referring to him as ‘Mr Clark’ and ‘Employer’. We took a seat on an elegant day lounge which was against the wall outside the door to Mr Clark’s office.

“I hope I’m not being intrusive, but when are you due?” I thought this could be seen as brazen or rude, or simply none of my business but I was genuinely interested in her answer. She smiled and naturally caressed her very full belly.

“I’m 34 weeks along.”

“That’s wonderful, you and Mr Clark must be very excited. Is this your first child?” I can’t believe I just said that, and by the strange look on Lucinda’s face I was sure I had overstepped the mark.

“Oh never mind, I’m terribly sorry, I’m being intrusive.” I looked down at my feet in horror.

“Oh no that’s quite alright. Yes this is my first child and yes Mr Clark is thrilled, thrilled that in the coming weeks he will be an Uncle.” What? Uncle? Yes she did say Uncle. Oh, Uncle, of course. I was so relieved and stupid, how could I have been so wrong? I’d doubted this wonderful man who did not fire me for covering him in hot chocolate and who comes across as being kind and caring despite him being utterly rich.

“You thought we were married didn’t you?” I put my hand to my head and peaked through my open fingers.

“Yes I did, you can’t really blame me, you share the same surname and obviously share a special bond.”

“We do.” The look of admiration was plastered all over her face, it was very sweet but I felt I was intruding into their special relationship so a change in subject was needed.

“You know, speaking from experience, you are about to embark on a crazy wonderful rollercoaster that is Motherhood.”

“You have children?”

“Yes two, Nate is 9 and Charlotte is 6, they are adorable but I guess I’m biased. I love them to pieces, but gone are the days of solely using my brain to decide what we will eat three times a day and whether to dust, mop or vacuum or all of the above.” I was starting to ramble, I tend to do that when discussing my kids. They had pretty much been my life in its entirety for the past 9 years.

“That sounds lovely, I’m looking forward to using my brain to decide what brand of nappies to use and to breastfeed or not to breastfeed.” We both laughed, I really liked Lucinda, especially now that she was no longer Mrs Clark. The door to Mr Clark’s office opened and Samantha strolled out looking like she had received a lecture on professionalism and stature, hhhmm interesting.

“Alexis, Mr Clark will speak to you now.” Then she stood by the day lounge Lucinda and I were comfortably sitting on. I stood up and brushed my hands down the stunning dress I was wearing, I think I might sleep in it tonight, surely there’s nothing wrong with that! I turned to Lucinda and offered her a hand, she gracefully accepted and thanked me.

“It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Clark and good luck in the coming weeks.” I entered Mr Clark’s office, closing the door behind me and already chills were prickling my spine.

CHAPTER THREE

Mr Clark had his back to me as I walked into his office, he was behind his desk looking out of the floor to ceiling window at the view of Port Phillip Bay. He appeared to be lost in thought, with one hand in his pocket and the other on his chin. I studied his arse which looked very nice in his Versace suit, he definitely worked out or was blessed with not only wealth but good genes. I’d guess he was maybe 6 foot 5 and that hair was just luscious, I am partial to blonde men, my husband is tall, dark and very handsome but there was something about blonde men that made me clench my thighs together and this particular dark, blonde man had me clenching like never before. He turned around, his stare had me worried.

“Alexis take a seat.” He gestured to the cream coloured leather lounge setting in the middle of his office. On the coffee table was what looked like a strong black and a hot white chocolate topped with a marshmallow.

“You never got to drink the one you bought this morning, so I took it upon myself to get you a replacement.” His tone was very stern, I smiled nervously. No, I didn’t get to drink it this morning Bryce, but I would’ve been more than happy to lick it off you. Alexis you devil, get a grip.

“No, I didn’t, I opted for this new dress instead!” He analysed my little black Versace number.

“Hhmm.”He groaned, it was almost a primal sounding noise which made me shift in my seat.

“In all seriousness though, thank you for the dress and thank you for replacing my drink, it was very thoughtful of you. Technically I should be getting you a replacement for the one you never got to order.”

“I wasn’t going to have a drink Alexis.” I screwed up my face.

“Oh, perhaps you are a muffin type of man then?” I took a sip of my drink, mmm yummy, they really are very naughty these choccis.

“No, not a muffin man. I wasn’t there for anything that morning. In fact, I noticed you walking briskly through the Casino and out to Gloria Jeans and thought I’d introduce myself, before you started your shift. You see Ms Summers, I make it a priority to know every single tiny detail there is to know about my staff.” And there it was, ‘that smirk’.

“Every single tiny detail, really? Well I’m not sure if that is impressive or creepy.” He laughed and I felt his initial rigidness wear away.

“So Alexis, how has your morning been so far?” He picked up his coffee, his lips were full and the way he put them over the rim of his cup made my nipples tingle, I imagined him putting those lips on me. Seriously Alexis? You’ve been out of the house one day, one day and you have pretty much undressed this man in your head and now you want to do naughty things with him.

“Well apart from spilling my drink on my Boss, it’s been great. I’ve enjoyed seeing this beautiful Hotel from behind the scenes, I’ve always loved City Towers, I stayed here once before with my husband, although he wasn’t my husband at the time.” Mr Clark raised his eyebrows and took another sip.

“So how was it?”

“The tour has been great, the staff are lovely and….”

“No, not the tour, the time you stayed with Rick?” I was momentarily stunned, he said ‘Rick’; he knew my husband’s name. Then again he did say he made it a priority to know ‘Every tiny detail’. I decided this time it was impressive investigatory skills rather than creepy, so I smirked back at him. This seemed to amuse him, he really was quite cheeky, I liked this about him. He was a man with immense power and authority and here he was being very playful and cheeky with me. I thought I’d play along, why not? It’s just harmless fun.

“So, you have done some creepy research.” I would never have talked to any of my previous employers like this nor flirt my arse off like I was doing now, but I honestly couldn’t help myself, it was though he was drawing this naughty little minx version of Alexis out of me.

“It was wonderful, the room was sophisticated and the view breathtaking. However, we didn’t really leave the room all that much.” I cannot believe I just said that, I was on a roll, but could I keep it up? Quickly Alexis, say something else suggestive or give him a flirtatious smirk, or something. I couldn’t do it; instead I blushed bright red and looked down. Oh my God I am so out of my league. This sexy masculine man had me in knots and I could not keep up.

“I’m glad it served its purpose Alexis. I built this hotel with beauty and romance in mind, I want it to be enjoyed, whether it is down in the Casino or within the Suite walls.” I was still looking down at the cup in my hands, I was morbidly embarrassed by my offering of too much information.

There was a knock at the door and Lucinda walked in followed by a food and beverage attendant with a trolley. Lucinda kindly ushered the young man to the coffee table in front of Mr Clark and I, he very carefully placed the Cloche down and removed the lid. It was a platter of fruit and some tasty morsels.

“Thank you Sebastian that will be all.” Sebastian kindly nodded to Mr Clark and promptly pushed the trolley back out of the room with Lucinda following.

“I don’t know about you Alexis but it is lunchtime and I like to eat my meals when they are due and as we are not done yet would you please join me for lunch?”

“Oh yes, this looks wonderful, thank you.” It really did look wonderful, the fruit platter was divine and it seemed to only contain fruits that I could eat. Having Fructose Malabsorption definitely has its limitations but this platter was perfectly stacked with Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Bananas, the Cantaloupe and Orange segments were cut into flowers, they were gorgeous. It dawned on me that this was no co-incidence. I glanced up at Bryce and yes he was ‘smirking’.

“Let me guess, more creepy research?”

“It’s what I do Ms Summers.” He then reached for a strawberry and popped it into his mouth, I smiled and followed suit.

“So what other creepy research have you done?”

“Just the stock standard. You have been married to Rick Summers for 12 years. You have two children, Nate nine and Charlotte six. You live in Attwood and have done so for 10 years. You were born in Victoria to Maryann and Graeme Blaxlo, who now live on 70 acres near Shepparton and you are 1 of 3 children. You are Fructose Intolerant, love Cars, Football and World Landmarks. You also have a soft spot for frogs and hate spiders. Shall I go on?” I was literally shocked. How the fuck did he know so much about me? I didn’t know what to feel, I couldn’t speak and kept shaking my head. At this point I also realised my mouth was open and I must have resembled one of those carnival clowns, the ones with the big mouths you put balls in, I suddenly lost my appetite and felt very uncomfortable.

“Alexis, you look a little pale. What you need to understand is, I am a very resourceful man that happens to take great pride and ownership in my assets, and in order to do so, I need to protect them. I need to be able to trust who I let into my company and most importantly who represents it.” I was still speechless and processing the enormity that was this man.

“Now, as my C.A. I need you to present my assets with the utmost professionalism and show all guests the greatest courtesy and understanding. You need to also be as knowledgeable with this hotel and complex as I am with my staff, there can be no stone left unturned, do you understand Alexis?”

“I understand” I stuttered, still in shock.

“Now, I have changed a few job tasks between yourself and Miss Taylor, Miss Taylor will focus more on the hotel guests and less on my needs. I will require you to handle my Concierge requests; I find that one attendant performing this task is much more efficient.” He pointed to the fruit platter.

“Please it is better to taste than to admire, I assure you.”

“Oh,” I clumsily grabbed a strawberry, raspberry and cantaloupe flower and placed them on a small plate. I opted for the strawberry first as it seemed less messy and the safest option. The food and drink really did taste delightful here, I bit into the cantaloupe flower and felt myself ease a little. Mr Clark grabbed a couple of blueberries and popped them into his mouth all at once. He was so comfortable and at ease now and appeared to be waiting for my response. He got up and walked over to his desk. Just as I was about to bite into my raspberry he bent over. Oh Shit, juice squirted out and I felt some of it land on my chin, I jerked and in doing so nearly choked on what I had just put in my mouth. Standing up, he rushed back to the lounge, sat on the arm of the seat I was occupying and started patting me on my back.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine I choked.” What was I? One and learning to chew solids? He still had his hand on my back but now he was rubbing in a circular motion, Oh his hand felt good, If I was a dog my leg would have started to twitch. My eyes got heavy and I started to sink a little. Shit, Alexis snap out of it!

“I’m fine, sorry just choked a little, really I’m fine.” He held out his hand and pulled me up, then handed me a folder.

“This is my personal Concierge brief, you will need to come up here every morning and get it from either myself or Lucinda, it will have my requests for the day.” I took the brief from him and he placed his hand on the small of my back gently directing me to the door. Just as I reached for the handle he put his hand up to my chin, I froze solid. What was he doing? This was highly inappropriate, and I’m married. Just as I was about to object, he wiped my chin gently.

“There you go, I can’t have my C.A. wearing raspberry juice around my hotel.” I automatically followed his wipe with one of my own and felt myself go crimson.

“Oh sorry, no you can’t, not a good look. Thank you Mr Clark for lunch it was lovely.” I opened the door and walked into the foyer. Lucinda was not at her desk thank goodness, so I hurried along to the elevator and pushed the button. I knew he was still standing there watching me and it made me feel uneasy, but not in a bad way surprisingly. The doors opened and I got in, as I turned around, he was standing in his doorway watching me leave and wearing the biggest ‘smirk’ so far. I couldn’t help but smile back at him and I did until the doors closed in front of me.

I stumbled back to the far wall of the elevator and steadied myself on the arm rail. Holy Shit, what was that all about? This irresistibly gorgeous, filthy rich, privacy invading, control freak was flirting with me and me back at him. I needed some air, I needed some place to settle my heart which was racing like mad in my chest. I looked at my timetable and found I was due at Front Office in 15 minutes. I opted for the Sundeck again so pressed button number 2, it was still a glorious day and I really did enjoy this spot. I opened Mr Clark’s brief, it was empty, except for a yellow post-it note stuck to the very back of the folder. Handwritten in pen was a note from Bryce.

Ms Summers

Today’s Requests:- Try not to spill any drinks!

Mr Clark

Was that it? No, organise Housekeeping to collect my laundry or deliver tomorrow’s meal requests to the Kitchen, or book a table request tonight at Lago’s for myself and my extremely sexy supermodel girlfriend you know nothing about. I was officially confused.

The rest of the day went as scheduled, I knocked off at 6pm and made it home just as Rick was dishing up the Beef Stroganoff that I’d put in the slow cooker early that morning. Nate jumped up from our dining table, ran to me and wrapped his arms so tight I couldn’t move.

“Sweetheart, ease up on the grip, yeah!” I squeezed him back then walked to the buffet where I took off my jacket and put my bag down.

“Mum, you weren’t wearing that dress this morning?” Of course my very observant and fashion conscious daughter had noticed my change of attire.

“It’s a long story, Charlotte.” I looked up at Rick and gave him the ‘I’ll tell you later look’.

“So how was your first day Babe?”

“Yeah really good; the Hotel is stunning from the Lobby all the way up to the Penthouse.”

“The Penthouse, Wow, what’s the Penthouse?” Charlotte asked all wide eyed.

“The Penthouse is the suite at the very top of the building; it’s also where Mr Clark, my boss lives.”

“Oh cool, can we go and see it Mum, can we? I want to see a Penthouse.”

“Maybe Charli, I might take you in one weekend and sneak you past Lucinda, Mr Clark’s Assistant.” I kissed Charlotte on the nose and sat at the table beside her, dinner was lovely and even more so because it had cooked itself!

I was so exhausted after reading Charli a book and putting her to bed, then helping Nate with his homework and kissing him goodnight, I jumped straight in to bed myself. Rick hopped in beside me, he kissed my neck and cupped my breast.

“Oh poor baby, you’re exhausted after one day.”

“Oh shut up,” I teased, I nestled into his arms and started to doze off.

“So, how did you end up with a new dress?”

“I was buying a hot chocci from Gloria Jeans this morning, and as I turned round I bumped into Mr Clark, spilling it down the both of us. So, to cut a long story short, he organised replacement clothing for the two of us at Versace.” I tried to make it sound very casual, but Rick was not stupid.

“Oh he just organised a replacement at Versace did he? Just like he wipes his arse with $100 bills?” I couldn’t help but giggle.

“You idiot, yeah something like that, now shut up and go to sleep. I have to work tomorrow.” I repeated that last bit in my head, I have to work tomorrow and it sounded so good.

CHAPTER FOUR

The next morning I pulled into the Staff Car Park ahead of time, the school drop-off and drive into the city went a lot smoother this time round. Nate had still sulked this morning but had accepted defeat and did not put up a fight, that was one of the qualities I loved about my son, he knew when to stand his ground and when to graciously bow out and make the most of the situation, he was very much like his father in that sense. Charlotte on the other hand was as stubborn as they come, when she had her mind set it was almost impossible to change, this quality I am told (by my own Mother) has come from me! I adored my two ‘Ratbags’ as much as humanly possible and had enjoyed raising them and watching them grow from sweet little babies to confident and well behaved children. I had struggled with the decision to go back to work full time at first, as I did not want the time away to have a negative impact on their lives. I was a very ‘hands on’ Mum, and still hoped to be to an extent. Of course being a Parent Helper at school was now going to stop, but I had every intention to continue to bake cakes for their lunches, sausage sizzle days and to help them with their homework and school projects as much as I could.

I stepped out of my black Ford Territory and grabbed the stunning Versace dress hanging up in the back, I was going to have it dry cleaned and returned to Bryce, as much as I loved the dress it didn’t feel right to keep it. I stepped into the car park elevator and observed my reflection in the mirrored walls, my blonde hair was down sporting a light wave and reaching to just above the small of my back. I had opted for a navy, princess cut, dress with a matching belt and navy pumps, my feet had surprisingly survived yesterday so I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt today. I handed the dress in at the Hotel’s Dry Cleaning Service and had some time to kill, so chose to grab myself an English Breakfast Tea and check out the Shopping Precinct. City Towers offers the ultimate shopping experience showcasing some of the world’s leading designers; Versace, Burberry, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Prada are just to name a few. I’d spotted a gorgeous, nude coloured, mesh detail silk dress in Burberry that was simply stunning, what was also simply stunning was the $2,400.00 price tag. OMG that is pretty much my monthly mortgage repayment! Move along Alexis! Continuing to window shop and sipping my tea, I stopped in front of Versace. Thinking back to yesterday when Bryce had touched my back and zipped my dress up, a shiver went down my spine and I felt my cheeks blush. I’d truly never felt anything like the surge of electricity that went through my body at his touch, it was very different to what I felt at the hands of my husband. I felt loved, safe, warm, content and adored by Rick, but this feeling, was exciting, exhilarating and utterly HOT!

“Alexis, fancy seeing you here!” Samantha was bright and bubbly and looked effervescent in her grey a-line skirt and baby blue blouse.

“See anything you like?  There’s a tote bag in Bvlgari I’m dying for, oh well, there goes my first week’s wage.”

“Hi Samantha, I’m just killing some time before we start.” I shook the memory of Bryce’s electrifying touch out of my mind.

“I’m heading to the Hotel now, are you coming?”

“Yes, take me away before I blow next week’s wage too.”

Charlie was flicking through some paperwork at reception as we entered the Hotel Foyer.

“Ladies, how was your first day?” He raised his eyebrow at me then looked at Samantha, who leaned across the reception counter.

“Can I ask you something Charlie, off the record?”

“Oooooh sounds serious, yes ask me?” Charlie moved closer to Samantha, I found myself leaning in also, so I could hear what Samantha was now saying in a hushed tone.

“Mr Clark, he is an arrogant prick or is the tough big bad boss attitude just an act?” I was a little taken aback by her accusation, until I recalled the way she had left his office yesterday, she certainly didn’t look too happy. Charlie tried very hard to hide a smug smile.

“He is a very diligent, professional and kind man, but watch out if you piss him off. Why what did you do?” Charlie appeared intrigued and so did I come to think of it.

“Oh nothing, I didn’t do anything, he just informed me that I would not be required to Concierge for him privately and that anything he needs will be handled by Alexis.” She turned to me with a critical glare.

“What?” I answered in defence.

“I had nothing to do with it, he explained that his needs are more efficiently handled by one Concierge alone, I couldn’t argue with him, he’s the boss.”

“That, or maybe he felt guilty for spilling his drink on you.” She was definitely pissed off.

“I don’t know, yeah maybe.” If that’s what Samantha wanted to think, then that was fine with me.

My first task was to head directly up to the 43rd floor to retrieve Mr Clark’s brief. Lucinda was behind her desk, as I walked in the phone rang.

“Bryce Clark’s Office, Lucinda speaking, how may I help you? No, I’m sorry he’s out at the moment. Yes, Gareth he’s at Self Defence Class, he’ll be finished soon. Yes, 10 o’clock is fine. Ok, thank you, see you shortly.” She hung up.

“I’m glad you’re here, you’re just in time. Mr Clark will be back any minute now, but I need the toilet BAD, can you answer the phone for me whilst I’m gone?”

“Sure, not a problem.”  She hurried off and yelled back.

“Love the dress Alexis, navy really suits you.”

“Oh, thanks,” but she was gone. I can remember vividly the increasing urge to pee during pregnancy, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go! I was standing on the opposite side of the desk when the phone rang, I automatically leaned over and answered it.

“Bryce Clark’s Office, Alexis speaking, how may I help you?”

“Alexis is it?”

“Yes, can I help you?”

“I just spoke to Lucinda, is she available?”

“She’s just stepped away from her desk. Can I take a message for you and get her to call you back?” I started to jot down the gentleman’s name. Gareth Clark. Didn’t he just call like 2 seconds ago?

“Is Bryce in the office yet?” No you impatient idiot, he wasn’t a minute ago and he’s not now.

“No, he’s not back yet Sir.”

“Let him know, I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes I will pass it on for you, thank you, Goodbye.” Far out, he was pushy. Then it dawned on me, the name Gareth Clark, yes he was Vice President of Clark Incorporated, I’d seen it written down somewhere.

I walked around the desk to put the phone in its cradle, as I finished scribbling my note about Gareth, I looked up, and there in his sweat stained glory was Bryce. His hair was damp, he had on a loose tank, shorts and a towel tossed over his shoulders. His biceps were simply mouth-watering, and those legs! I could imagine having those wrapped around me in a hot steamy bath. Alexis, I think you just drooled on yourself!

“Ms Summers, like a duck in water!” He looked so incredibly delicious, I could barely answer him.

“Yes, so I am. Sorry, Lucinda needed the ladies room desperately.” He strutted past me and sat his arse on Lucinda’s desk, I could smell the remnants of his workout, I was blushing and he knew it.

“You know Alexis, Lucinda will go on Maternity Leave any day now and I will need a replacement, she is a hard act to follow but I think you could handle it with a bit of training.” He got up and walked towards his office.

“Meet me here for lunch at noon and we’ll discuss the finer points.” Before I could object he had shut the door behind him. Shit is he serious? Work as his personal assistant? What would that mean for my Concierge Attendant Traineeship? There were too many questions floating around in my head. Lucinda waddled back in.

“Thanks Alexis, my bladder was at the brink of bursting. Are you ok? You look a bit flushed!”

“I think Mr Clark just offered me your job.” She smiled.

“Well someone has to do it, he has knocked back all the applicants I have shown him so far. So he likes you Hey? Great! No more pointless searching for applicants that were doomed before they had even begun.” Lucinda’s phone buzzed, she hit speaker.

“Yes Bryce?”

“Block out lunch from noon till 2pm for me please and schedule training for Alexis to start as of tomorrow, I’m sure she has filled you in, Alexis what would you like for lunch?”

“Oh, so I get a choice in regards to lunch but the job, that’s been decided for me yeah?” I was laughing but I was still a little shell shocked.

“On second thoughts Lucy, order Alexis a Grilled Calamari Salad and an English Breakfast Tea.” He hung up and I just stared at Lucinda in amazement, she laughed and shrugged her shoulders.

“Do I get a say in this?” It was a reasonable question I thought.

“When it comes to my brother Alexis, no I don’t think you do, he always gets what he wants.” She smiled and handed me the brief.

“I guess I’ll see you at midday then.” She put her hands on my shoulders and spun me around gently pushing me towards the elevator.

“You’re going to love my job Alexis.” The doors opened and a tall, light brown haired, man in a grey suit stepped out, he seemed agitated but smiled and politely said ‘good morning’. He held the elevator doors open for me.

“Gareth, this is Alexis she’ll be taking over from me when I have the baby.” Oh I am, am I?

“Alexis, always nice to put a face to a name.”

“Likewise Mr Clark.”

“Please call me Gareth.” Gareth Clark was not only V.P. of Clark Incorporated but also Bryce and Alexis’ cousin. I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for Hotel Reception, I nodded to Gareth and he removed his hand to allow the doors to close. I was still shocked at Mr Clark’s proposal, or demand I should say. Working as his P.A. was a great opportunity and would look fabulous on my Resume, but I had studied to be a Concierge Attendant and after only one day I really had enjoyed it. I had to call Rick, I pressed level 2 and dialled his number. I got out of the elevator and opened the door to the sun deck as Rick answered his phone.

“Hi Babe, it’s me.”

“What’s up? You haven’t spilt another drink have you?”

“Ha ha very funny, no quite the opposite actually, I‘ve just been given a promotion…I think?”

“Promotion, what do you mean?”

“Mr Clark has asked me to take over from his sister Lucinda as his P.A. when she goes on Maternity Leave in a couple of weeks.” There was silence on the other end.

“You still there?”

“Yeah, so what does that mean?”

“I don’t know, we are having a meeting over lunch to discuss the nitty gritty. So what do you think?”

“Is it more money?”

“Is everything about money for you? I’d assume so, but it would be longer hours too, I think. Look I will see what he says at lunch and talk to you about it tonight.”

“Ok Babe, talk to you tonight. If it’s more money, go for it.”

“Great help you are, see ya.” Well, he didn’t help much, It’s always about the money for him. I decided I would hear Mr Clark out at lunch and then make my decision, but something was telling me the decision had already been made for me.

The next couple of hours were spent reviewing a list of upcoming VIP guests and events that were planned in the Tower and Yarra Function Rooms for the next month.  Midday rolled around quite fast and I found myself rehearsing my questions for Mr Clark in my head. I’ll need to start no later than 8:30am and finish no later than 6:00pm. I’ll need leniency over school holidays. I’ll need an entire Versace wardrobe. I’ll need a key card to your private residence. I’ll need an extensive pay rise and I’ll need to watch you work out in the mornings. As IF Alexis.

I stepped out of the elevator and Lucinda beamed at me.

“Hi Alexis, he’s waiting for you.” She had a ridiculous smile on her face, I rolled my eyes at her and entered Bryce’s office. The sexual tension and electricity that hit me as I entered his space was beyond belief, could I handle this day in and day out?

He was already sitting at the conference table in the far corner of his rather large office. Lunch had been set out on the table, I walked towards it and the smell was delicious, there was a Cloche in front of a seat which I assumed was for me.

“Please sit Alexis.” He really did take my breath away, his vivid blue eyes were so alluring and I felt myself transfixed after only seconds of looking at him. He removed the Cloche and to his word was a delectable looking Calamari Salad.

I picked up a fork, stabbed a piece of Calamari and Rocket and shook my head, before I could accuse him of abusing his powers in the field of research, he laughed.

“It’s what I do Ms Summers.”

“What if I said, I was allergic to seafood?”

“I know mouth-to-mouth, you’d be fine.” Just the sheer mention of mouth-to-mouth made my lady bits stir. I raised my eyebrows at him and slowly took a bite, his stare was equally challenging. I think he wanted me to stop breathing, just so he could prove his statement. After I had swallowed he removed his Cloche and cut a nice big slice of T-Bone. He paused.

“It’s ok, go ahead, I know mouth-to-mouth too.”

“Well in that case Ms Summers, I’ll order Satay next time.”

I laughed, I hoped he did. Oh no you don’t, you little tramp.

“So Alexis, I want you, I don’t want anyone else. What is it going to take?” I pretty much spat the tomato and bean shoot back onto the plate.

“I’m sorry?” Oh that was classy Alexis. He seemed amused with my disgusting display of table manners.

“I want you to be my P.A. I won’t take no for an answer, Alexis. What is it going to take for you to say yes?” I thought back to my questions.

“I trained very hard to be a Concierge Attendant; I was starting to like my career change.”

“If you want your position back, it’s yours when Lucy returns.”

“Ok, my children always come first, what hours do you require of me?”

“7am to 6pm.”

I counter offered, “8:30 to 6pm”

“Deal, what else?” He was definitely keen.

“What is the Salary?” This was going pretty well so far.

“What do you want it to be?” Again, I nearly spat the food I just had placed into my mouth, I really didn’t know what to say.  In the past if I’d been in a sticky situation I would fake it until I made it. I bit down on the empty fork and looked directly at him, he fidgeted in his seat, then broke my gaze and reached for a glass of water. Did I just unearth the infamous Bryce Clark? It was in that moment that I decided I would work for this man for free if need be. There was just something about our chemistry that drew me to him, deep down I knew this could spell trouble for me, but I didn’t care, or at least I didn’t think I did.

“Yes. I’ll be your P.A.” He looked up and smiled.

“Good.” He got up from his seat and went across to his desk and picked up the phone.

“Lucy can you let Michelle in please.”

The door opened and a stunning dark haired Amazonian Goddess walked in pushing a garment rack full of clothing, she carried herself impeccably and seemed to be just as fond of Bryce’s blue eyes as I was.

“Michelle, thank you, as usual you are a treasure.” He was very charismatic and knew just what to say to a woman.

“You’re welcome Mr Clark.” She didn’t seem to want to leave, but got the inkling after Bryce had returned to the conference table, Michelle sullenly said thank you and left the room. I glanced at the rack and noticed the silk mesh dress I’d fantasised about this morning and next to it approximately ten other garment bags and the Versace I had left with Dry Cleaning. My mouth dropped, I turned to Bryce.

“All yours Ms Summers, think of it as an addition to your salary, which you still need to propose.” I got up and went to the rack, it not only contained the clothing but matching shoes and bags.

“This really is too much, Mr Clark.” I was starting to go red with embarrassment.

“Alexis, it’s non-negotiable.” He got up and stood on the other side of the rack.

“Now, Lucy will begin your training straight away and I will need your salary figure by the end of the day, or I will decide for you. I have spoken to Ms Maroney and she has found another C.A. to fill your place and Alexis when you speak to me please call me Bryce.” He held out his hand, I grabbed it and went to shake it, but he turned my hand and put it to his mouth. He gently kissed the top of my hand.

“Thank you.” He said and in that moment I realised this man had feelings for me.

CHAPTER FIVE

My hand was still tingling, I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. You are imaging this Alexis? No, no you're not. You're 35 and have a pretty good idea when someone is coming on to you. I fixed my hair and patted my cheeks with some water. Maybe he is just a very flirtatious guy? I kept trying to justify his actions but the more I thought about it the surer I became. Agreeing to be his P.A. was inevitable; I'm well and truly drawn to this man, I will need to tread carefully especially if he is so brazen with his flirting and especially because I am enjoying it immensely. I stepped back from the mirror and pressed my dress down. Taking a deep breath I gave myself a quick pep talk. Get a grip Alexis, you can handle this, it's just harmless chemistry. I exited the bathroom and headed back to Lucinda.

"So, where to start? Ok, I'm not going to bore you with instructions on how to meet and greet, answer phones or take messages etc, you already know how to do all this. I think what is most important is to educate you on who is my brother, Bryce Edward Clark, and we can do that by invading his privacy, follow me." She gave me a highly wicked grin, forwarded all calls to her mobile and headed through the Conference Room Door. The door to Bryce's Private Residence opened when she swiped her card through the security scanner. The décor was very different in his private quarters to what he had in his office. Instead of the cream, mahogany and gold colour scheme, the palette in here was very masculine. Greys, whites, blacks and deep blues, what really drew my eyesight though, were the windows. The quantity of glass was incredible, it was very open plan which made the view, the star attraction and rightly so. As you walk in you automatically step down into a lowered living area with white leather sofas and stunning black and deep blue silk drapes, with silver sheers.

"Wow, this is just gorgeous, he has great taste."

"Yes he does, he knows what he likes."

"Oh, of course, he has a Piano." I scoffed at the black grand piano near the opening to the balcony.

"Can he play?"

"Yes we both can, but he prefers the guitar." Of course he does, sexy rock god!

I walked past the sofas and to the balcony Bi-fold glass doors. I sneaked a peek outside, it was enormous, fully equipped with a pool, spa, outdoor gym and it continued right around the building. Turning back to face the entrance I look up, the ceiling was approximately three levels high with a glorious glass spiralling chandelier. There was a staircase on the wall near the entrance which took you to the second floor. I'm assuming that is where his bedroom is, butterflies started churning in my stomach just from thinking about his bedroom and more importantly his bed. Get your head out of the gutter, Alexis!

"Just round here to the left is the kitchen, Bryce loves his food and cooks when he gets a chance."

"He cooks, are you serious? All the money in the world and the man cooks." He has just escalated from sexy, rock god, billionaire, boss man to perfect, sexy, rock god, billionaire, boss man. The kitchen was to die for, black marble bench tops that spanned the length of my entire house, well maybe not quite. There were stainless steel appliances and sleek glossy white cupboards, what stood out the most was a single photo of Bryce and Lucinda stuck to the fridge, it made me smile, it was such a sweet sentiment

"A kitchen is not quite a kitchen without something stuck to the fridge, that's a lovely photo of you both."

"Pfft, I look terrible, I had bad morning sickness that day, Bryce took me down to St Kilda beach to get some fresh air, then pulls out the iPhone and takes a selfie of us. He seems to like it though, that or he is deliberately tormenting me by having it on his fridge." She screwed up her face as she walked past the fridge and back into the living area. We started to climb the stairs, she is still quite agile for seven and-a-bit months pregnant. I was pretty much couch bound at that stage with Nate, with Charlotte I was a bit better, but not like this.

"The second floor is made up of bedrooms." She opened a door.

"This is my room for when I stay over, I live in Richmond with my partner Nic." The room was very spacious and feminine, with a pale pink bed spread, white sheer curtains and decorative cushions, there was a brand new cot in the corner of the room with a blue stuffed dog in it. I turned to Lucinda.

"You're having a boy?"

"Yes we are." She was beaming, and on cue gently rubbed her belly.

"That's wonderful." I couldn't help but think of Nate, he was my very special little man and I adored him completely.

We moved along, there were two other guest rooms and at the very end of the hall was Bryce's room. I almost felt intrusive as we entered his private space, his master king bed was in the middle of the room and in front of a feature wall. The ensuite was hidden behind that feature wall and it was huge. The shower was big enough to fit a family of four and the spa was deep enough to disappear in completely, he really did have superb taste in décor. I noticed his after shave on the vanity next to the sink, Jean Paul Gautier Le Male, one of my favourites, I loved aftershave and perfume, it was my secret fetish, I think I owned at least forty bottles myself.

To my delight I could not see any evidence of a Mrs Clark, or a soon to be Mrs Clark, there were no women's perfume or toiletries, nor did I see any photos of him with a significant other. Of course this did not rule out that he could very well be a ladies man and have no intention of tying himself down to anybody. I plucked up the nerve to ask Lucinda, after all this tour was simply a means to get to know the real Bryce.

"Is there a Mrs Bryce?" I tried to sound as professional as possible and not the slightest bit interested either way, other than for factual gain.

"No, Bryce is a single as they come, at first I thought he was afraid of sharing what he has and himself for that matter, you know, afraid of the whole commitment thing. That or he was simply too selfish for a relationship, but I've come to realise in recent years that he just hasn't been tempted yet, hasn't found the right person to whole heartedly give himself too and I think that is what he is waiting for. My brother doesn't do things by halves as you can see, if he sees something he wants, he goes for it and gets it, professionally and personally."

I deliberated what she had said as we left his room. He was a very powerful man, money means power and he had a lot of it. We reached the staircase.

"You'd think he'd have an elevator in here, how are you coping with these stairs?"

"I'm fine and he does. It's his personal elevator; it starts at his private basement and accesses every floor, every level in his private residence, the Helipad and the Observatory."

"Observatory?" Next I'll find out he has his own personal Zoo!

"Bryce dabbles in astronomy; it really is magical on the perfect night."

Nate would love the Observatory, he is mad for planets, stars and more importantly Star Wars! I'd been meaning to take him to the Observatory at Scienceworks, but had never gotten around to it.

We reached the lower level again and Lucinda opened the doors to the balcony, it was a stunning day and it seemed a shame this spectacular outdoor space was unoccupied. I could very easily kick off my pumps and take refuge on one of those comfortable looking sun lounges. As we walked past various things Lucinda pointed them out.

"Pool, Gym and just around this corner is the Helipad." The Helipad was not empty, placed beautifully on the large white painted letter H was a black Helicopter with R44 printed on it and in gold lettering 'Clark Incorporated'.

"This is the company Helicopter, it is mainly used for scenic flights and the transportation of VIP guests, Bryce takes it out every now and again too. All flight requests need to be approved by him, Abigail will email you the request forms when a VIP is scheduled and you will need to get him to sign them off."

"Sounds easy enough, but backtrack a couple of steps, you said Bryce takes it out, do you mean he actually flies it himself?"

"Yes, he is a fully qualified Helicopter Pilot."

"Is there anything your brother can't do?"

"Yes, sing!" I laughed

"Nobody is perfect." But he was close to it.

We sat on the balcony for the rest of the afternoon and between answering her mobile on and off, Lucinda filled me in on what will be required of me. Basically it was whatever Bryce asked for, if he needed room service; order it. If he needed house-keeping; organise it, schedule meetings, book flights and accompany him to events and appointments if required.

We also got to know each other a lot better. Lucy, as I was now told to call her, was a little younger than me. She was 32 and lived in Richmond with her partner Nic, who was actually a Nicole, they had been together for 8 years and had been part of an IVF program for a year, they were over the moon in love. It was clear Lucy idolised Nicole, who had rescued her from a very dark period in her life. Bryce and Lucy were two of three children to Stephanie and Lindsay Clark who tragically died in a car accident with their youngest son Lauchie when Bryce was 19, Lauchie was only 11. Bryce inherited Clark Incorporated from his father who had a small chain of hotels in Melbourne and Sydney. Lucy inherited her parents Toorak mansion but could not bring herself to remain living there so sold it and bought a couple of smaller properties around Melbourne, she also drank and smoked a lot of her inheritance away. Lucy had sunk into a huge hole of depression and anger after her parents and brother passed, Bryce on the other hand had been determined to make the most of his life and innovatively, expanded and changed the direction of Clark Incorporated into the multi-billion dollar company it was today. Their cousin Gareth was the son of Lindsay's brother Charles, Charles had had a love hate relationship with his brother. According to Lucy he was very jealous of his brother's money and achievements, when Lindsay died and passed the company to Bryce, Charles was furious and very bitter towards Bryce; their relationship is still on thin ice. Bryce and Gareth however were close, hence Gareth being in the position of Vice President.

"I'm so sorry for the passing of your parents especially at such a young age, that must have been unbelievably hard?"

"It was, I hated the world and everyone in it and I hated the fact that my Uncle Charles became my guardian, not that he had any control over me whatsoever. Bryce had objected to the guardianship, he fought it but as he was only 19, he wasn't successful. Bryce did everything he could to keep me from getting into trouble, but I was selfish and made his life hell. I didn't realise at the time that my actions were causing him more pain and that was adding to him not being able to grieve his own loss. I think what also assisted my rebelling and anger was the fact I was subconsciously dealing with my own sexuality." She twisted a ring on her wedding finger.

"I met Nic in a bar, she was like a ray of sunshine, I'd been in the dark for months and she was the first thing that made me smile after Mum, Dad and Lauchie's death. I was a mess, broken and she, well, she repaired me." It was beautiful seeing how much she loved Nic.

"I'm so glad you found your Princess Charming." I smiled coyly at her. She laughed.

"That she is.”

"I'm so glad she found her as well." Bryce was leaning against the folding door, he walked out and sat next to Lucy. I felt like we had been busted.

"So what has my dear sister been revealing to you?" He gave Lucy a gentle nudge.

"Nothing, nothing at all." I reminded myself of Nate when he'd been busted playing his Play Station after it had been banned.

"Excuse me for a minute, the toilet calls again!" Lucy got up and waddled away. My heart quickened as I met Bryce's eye line. He was 'smirking' at me, I looked away.

"Your place is just breath taking, Mr Clark, sorry I mean Bryce." He stood up and wandered over to the glass balustrade.

"Do you like heights Alexis?"

"They are fine, when I have solid ground under my feet." I got up slowly and hesitantly met him at the Balustrade, my stomach dropped to my feet and I felt a little light headed. I stepped back, Bryce grabbed my arms and placed them back on the railing.

"It helps if you don't look straight down, start by looking out directly ahead.” He stood behind me and pointed to the Rialto.

“Then move down to something a bit lower, then lower again until you are looking at the ground." He was right it wasn't so gut wrenching once you allowed yourself some time to adjust. I understood why he lived up here, you felt like you were on top of the world and looking down upon it.

"So Ms Summers,"

"It's Mrs, Mr Clark."

"So Mrs Summers, Na doesn't have the same ring to it." He turned to me and 'smirked'.

You cheeky bastard

"Have you thought of a figure, for your salary?" He crossed his arms.

Crap, I hadn't even given it a thought, I looked down and noticed the time on my watch, it was passed 6pm. Great that's my cue to leave. Right I can play his game too. I stepped back, turned and started to walk inside, I called back.

"I don't think you can afford me."

CHAPTER SIX

The next couple of days went by quite fast, I’d been here for a week already, Lucy was a great teacher and I loved hanging out with her. The job so far was quite easy really, the C.A.’s handle his Room Service and House-Keeping pretty much and apart from politely meeting and greeting his appointments, there really hasn’t been much more to it. If it weren’t for the fantastic perve, the electrifying chemistry between us and the ‘smirks’ he throws me countless times a day it would be the most laid back job ever! Maybe this was just the calm before the storm?

Bryce hadn’t talked to me about my salary figure since I so mischievously told him he probably couldn’t afford me. Truth is, for him I was of no value, I’d happily perve and flirt with him for free, not sure my family would appreciate that idea though, especially my husband. Although, Rick was a pretty good flirt himself, so technically we are sort of even. Rick had asked me what my new salary was going to be, all I could tell him was a bit more, he wasn’t happy that I hadn’t negotiated ‘properly’. At the end of the day I didn’t return to work for the money, yeah the money is definitely a big help towards bills and for extra spending. I did want to be well and truly compensated for the time I was giving up with my children, but the main reason for returning to work was for my social life, I needed to get out of the house and amongst other adults in a working environment; I needed this for my sanity.

Lucy wasn’t in yet and Bryce was at the Self Defence Class he instructs for hotel guests, he must be a guru in Martial Arts as well; I wouldn’t put it past him.

I noticed an email from payroll, attached was my payslip, a small smile crept across my face. Hmmm I wonder? I clicked on the attachment and opened it. Holy Fuck! $500,000.00 annually, minus tax gives me just over $5,000.00 clear a week. This is insane. Rick will be over the moon though! It’s too much, way too much, shit he really can’t take a joke, can he? Or is this his idea of a joke. The man is utterly infuriating. Lucy stepped out of the elevator, she looked a bit off.

“Good morning Lucy, you alright?”

“Yeah just feeling a bit icky today.”

“That’s no good, would you like me to go out back and make you a cup of tea?” Tea used to help settle my stomach.

“Thank you, but I need the toilet for like the 5th time this morning, so I’ll make one when I’m done.”

“Ok, but if you need anything just yell out, I’m only happy to help.” She put down her bag and waddled out back. Poor thing, the last month of pregnancy was extremely uncomfortable, the aches and pains and the feeling of pressure on your uterus was not pleasant at all, then there was the back pain and tiredness, she was doing so well but she really should be resting.

I looked back at the computer screen and to the evidence of my new promotion. I couldn’t agree to that much money, it really wasn’t deserving of the job description and he had to be playing a game with me. The elevator doors opened and he stepped out in his jaw dropping work out gear. Be strong Alexis; don’t let his toned legs, biceps and arse distract you.

“Good morning Ms Summers.”

That’s it, he not only said ‘Ms’ but he’s ‘smirking’ at me too, right here goes.

“Mr Clark,” Oh he looked Hot “I don’t know what game you are playing with me, but $500,000.00, really? That’s absurd. I can’t possibly accept that.” He came over and sat on my desk. Does he really need to do that?

“Is it not enough Alexis? I’m sorry, just tell me what you want and I’ll pay it, I don’t want anyone else for my P.A, so whatever you want it’s yours.”

He almost looked worried, he was serious! Shit, I’ve come across as demanding and ungrateful.

“Bryce, it’s enough, it’s more than enough, it’s far too much, my job description doesn’t warrant $500,000.00. I’m sorry, I should’ve just been professional and up front with you in the first place.” I grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled down $85,000.00, folded it and placed it in his hand.

“Here this is more than enough.” I smiled apologetically at him.

He opened the piece of paper and shot up from the desk.

“Absolutely not!” He was offended, I think?

“It stands at $500,000.00 and if you think you are not doing enough to ‘warrant’ the figure, then I will have to give you more to do.” He even did the little quote actions with his fingers as he said warrant, how cute.

“Starting with tonight, I’ll need you to stay back and attend a meeting with me, I am renovating some of the rooms in City Promenade to be more ‘family friendly’ and seeing as you are a mum, your input would be perfect.”

I felt terrible for offending him, I just wanted to run my hand through his luscious blonde hair and tell him ‘it’s fine I’ll do whatever you say’, how does he turn me from being so angry and infuriated with him to wanting to nurture him like a child? Before I could say anything to him Lucinda appeared at the door way to the conference room, she was standing awkwardly and looked very distressed.

“Um, I think my waters just broke?” Bryce was up like a shot and by her side in no time.

“Right we’ll take the chopper, where is your hospital bag?” He looked panicked but still remained calm.

“It’s in my room, oh crap that hurts.” She was squeezing Bryce’s hand. I looked at my watch.

“Tell me when the contraction stops Lucy, we need to time them, just breathe Hun, nice deep breaths it will ease shortly.” Her body language told me the contraction was easing as she started to relax.

“Ok, that was just over 30 seconds, tell me when the next one begins.” Bryce walked her over to one of the sofas in the waiting area.

“I’ll go and get your bag and prepare the chopper, Alexis stay with her and clear my schedule.”

“Bryce, its fine, go and have a quick shower, I’ll ring the birthing suite and speak to a midwife. Lucy what hospital are you booked in at?” I placed my hand on Lucy’s back.

“The Royal Women’s, arrghh.” Her body tensed up again, I looked down at my watch, 6 minutes, she breathed as I rubbed her back. I kept an eye on the duration; it was just over 30 seconds long again.

“Ok you’ve got time Bryce, go. I’ll let the hospital know you are flying there.” He nodded and took off.

“Lucy, do you want me to call Nic for you?”

“No, I’ll do it, my phone is in my bag.” I got up and fetched it for her.

“You’re doing good Lucy, your contractions are just over 30 seconds long and 6 minutes apart so you’re doing really well.” I handed her the phone and went back to my desk. I dialled the Royal Women’s and spoke to a midwife.

“Her contractions are approximately 5-6 mins apart and between 30 and 40 seconds long, her waters broke about 20 minutes ago.” The midwife’s name was Stacey and she was lovely

“Lucinda’s brother is Bryce Clark, he will be flying her in by helicopter.” Stacey hesitated.

“He can drive her in, by the sounds of it she’s in early labour.”

“I understand that Stacey, but Mr Clark will not take no for an answer. Which Helipad does he have clearance to land on?” She placed me on hold, Lucy was having another contraction, 5 minutes this time and 40 seconds long. Stacey came back on the line and advised Helipad 2.

“Thank you Stacey, they will be on their way soon.”

Lucy had dialled Nic and was explaining the situation.  I took a quick look at Bryce’s schedule whilst she was distracted, it was not too heavy, thank goodness. He had an appointment this morning between 11:00 and noon, then a ‘Jessica’ at 3pm. Hmmm Jessica, I didn’t make that appointment! Lucy hung up from Nic.

“She’s a worry wart, I just hope she drives safely!”

“Is she far?”

“No, she is an Interior Decorator with a firm on Collins St.”

“Oh good. Lucy, I need to cancel an appointment Bryce has with a ‘Jessica’, I don’t know who she is or her contact details.”

“Jessica is, Oh Shit Shit this one is, arrggh, stronger.” She gripped the couch, I ran over to her and rubbed her back.

“Just concentrate on your breathing, I know it’s hard but it does help.” She took deep breaths in and out, then it eased. Her contractions were definitely lasting longer and were now 5 minutes apart.

“Sorry, Jessica is Bryce’s therapist, remind him about the appointment and he will cancel himself.”

“Ok.” Therapist, it’s not surprising really considering his loss. He burst through the door, he was definitely more anxious now.

“How is she?” He looked glorious, his hair was slightly towel dried and he had thrown on a pair of jeans, Nikes and t-shirt.

“She’s fine, her contractions are lasting a bit longer and are more frequent, so whenever you are ready. You have clearance to land on Helipad 2.”

“Good, come on Sis.” He helped Lucy up and allowed her to completely lean her weight on him. I put her hand bag in his free hand.

“Don’t worry about anything, I’ve got it under control, I’ll cancel your appointments and reschedule, go and good luck Lucy, you’ll be fine, soon you’ll be holding your beautiful little boy.” I kissed her cheek and stepped back. She grabbed me.

“Please don’t go, come with us. I need you, please?” She was begging me and quite panicked, I looked up at Bryce for permission.

“Alexis, you’re coming.” I grabbed my bag and took back Lucy’s.

We helped Lucy into the Chopper, I sat next to her holding her hand. Bryce was talking to someone, somewhere through his headset, I had no idea what he was saying and really didn’t pay much attention. Lucy was getting more agitated now as her contractions were stronger. We lifted off the roof of City Towers, I took a moment to take in the view of the city from the air, one word for it, WOW! The flight only took what seemed like a few minutes, the Royal Women’s was on the outskirts of the cbd, so by chopper I guess it was only minutes. He gently placed the Helicopter down on the Helipad, he was good, real good, but I had no time to admire his piloting skills. Lucy was panting now and not far from making Whale noises, we helped her out and into a waiting wheel chair, Bryce held her hand as the nurse pushed her to the birthing suite.

“I’ll wait outside,” I said as they went through the door.

“No, Alexis please come in, arrggghh.” Here come the ‘Whale impressions’. I knew better than to argue with a woman in labour, so followed closely behind.

“Ms Clark, would you like some Pethidine, for the pain?”

“No, no drugs.” Bryce glared at the midwife

“She has a history with addiction, so NO drugs.”

“It hurts, it hurts give me something, anything. God dam it Bryce, if I don’t have something for this pain I will rip your head off.” Bryce looked at me in horror.

“Epidural? What about an Epidural?” I had a feeling it was a bit too late for that.

“She is too far dilated for an Epidural, if she doesn’t want the Pethidine Injection she can have Gas.”

“What’s in the ‘Gas’?” Bryce asked hesitantly.

“Give me the freaking Gas, I don’t care what’s in it, just give me the Gas.” I let go of Lucy’s hand and walked over to Bryce, he was starting to lose it. I put both hands on his shoulders.

“Bryce, the Gas is fine, it’s Nitrous Oxide, it’s a form of anaesthetic, it won’t hurt her. You’re doing well, just hold her hand and let her yell at you and hate you for being a male, she will love you again when it’s all over.” I lightly pushed him over to the side of her bed and asked the nurse for a face washer. I went back around the other side of the bed and placed it on Lucy’s head.

“There you go Lucy, you’re doing so well, deep breaths, suck that gas in and try to relax. Your son will be in your arms soon, just focus on that.” A midwife came in and announced that Nicole Smith was outside.

“Ah, there you go, Nic is here, I’ll go and get her.” I pried my hand out of hers and gave her shoulder a squeeze, I looked up at Bryce and smiled. He managed a half grin, this must be so hard for him. Letting myself out of the birthing suite, I found Nic pacing just outside the door, she gave me a ‘who the hell are you look’.

“Hi Nic, I’m Alexis, you can go in now.” She left no time for thanks and burst into the birthing suite.

One of the nurses directed me to a waiting room where I made myself a cup of tea and took out my phone. Firstly I needed to call Abigail and advise her that the Penthouse was unattended. I cancelled Bryce’s 11:00am but with only 15 minutes to spare. Mr Jackson the VIP services Co-Ordinator, was very understanding about the late notice. I also called House-Keeping to attend to the mess Lucy had left behind in the bathroom and I left his 5 o’clock appointment as is, I figured I’d talk to him about it when he came out, together with the appointment with ‘Jessica’. I gave Rick a quick call to let him know about my exciting morning so far, the over exuberant salary increase and the fact I could possibly be late home.

“Melbourne Mortgages, you’re speaking with Rick.”

“Hi it’s me.”

“Hey, your number didn’t come up?”

“Oh yeah sorry, I’m calling from my work mobile.”

“What’s up, did you find out the salary figure?”

“Yeah I did, steady on, I’ll get to that in a minute. I’m just letting you know that I’m at the Royal Women’s, Lucy has gone into labour.”

“Oh, nice, so why are you there?” He sounded confused.

“She was anxious and didn’t want me to leave her, I think my experience in the whole pushing out babies department was comforting for her. We flew here in the company helicopter!”

“Fair enough, well why wouldn’t you?” He was so blasé about this stuff.

“Anyway, I negotiated my salary with Mr Clark this morning. He wants to pay me, wait for it.........$500k, but, it will mean I need to attend out-of-hours meetings and events possibly starting with tonight.”

“Fuck, $500 grand, are you for real?”

“Yes, I know, it’s ridiculous, but that’s the figure and conditions, thought you’d be happy.”

“Happy, maybe I should get you to negotiate with my boss! Shit, I’m speechless. Wow, Lexi the bread winner, never thought I’d say that.” He was laughing, more like mocking me. I rolled my eyes.

“Is that right Mr Summers? Well seeing I am the household bread winner now, I expect a hot cooked roast dinner on the table waiting for me when I get home and an hour long foot rub, because these shoes are starting to punish me.”

“Your wish in my command Miss half-a-Mill.” I laughed, he really did know how to make a joke about pretty much anything.

“Don’t you forget it. I’ll call you later when I know what’s happening. Love you, bye.” I hung up just as Bryce walked around the corner, he literally fell into the lounge.

“Is everything alright, how is Lucy?” I got up and sat next to his seat, he seemed in shock. “Bryce?”

“Yes, yes she’s fine.” He snapped out of it.

“She’s terrifying, but fine. Guess what? I’m an Uncle.” He looked up, I could see his eyes start to well with tears.

“I’m an Uncle Alexis, Uncle Bryce.” He jumped up and pulled me into his arms. Geez he’s strong. He hugged me so tight and practically spun me around.

“I’m an Uncle.” He gently put me down and apologised, he ran his hands through his hair. Ooooh Fuck, he looks hot when he does that.

“Sorry, I’m just so, so, shit, unprepared.” He slumped back down on the lounge.

“I don’t know the first thing about being an Uncle.” This man was like no other, rich, powerful, strong, obnoxious, a force to be reckoned with, yet he was also kind, caring, selfless, scared and unsure of himself.

“I’m not an Uncle, but I am an Aunty and all you need to know is how to love your nephew, I think you’ve already got that down pat.” I touched his leg and gave him a reassuring look. I really needed to avoid touching him, the feelings and sensations that coursed through me were very hard to cope with. I retracted my hand and stood up. I turned my back to him in the hope he couldn’t sense my embarrassment.

“I don’t know what the coffee is like but the tea is alright, can I make you one?”

“No, I’m going to need something stronger come on.” He gently grabbed my arm and led me out.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Where are we going?” I asked, as he ushered me along the hospital corridor.

“I need to take the chopper back; they don’t allow long term parking on their helipads!” I liked his sarcastic sense of humour, it’s fun to play with.

“Right, makes sense.” He led me out to the helipad and helped me up into the front of the Helicopter, he placed his hand on my hip and the other on my arse to boost me up. Not that I really needed boosting. I didn’t want to make a big deal of his inappropriate grope so just ignored it, but, the stirring in my groin was hard to overlook. He reached over to buckle me in, his head was only inches from mine, he smelt so good. Oh please, hurry up and get that freakin buckle in, I’m about to hyperventilate. He was ‘smirking’, I glared at him.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” He laughed.

“Yes, but your safety is my utmost concern, there you go all buckled in.” He reached for a headset for me from under my seat. Now his head was basically in my lap. Seriously Bryce you are killing me. I clenched my thighs together as hard as they would go. Think about Poo and Snot and Baby Vomit and all things disgusting Alexis. This man was getting the better of me, I’m not sure I like him getting the better of me. I do like it, but do I like him having the upper hand? I could step it up a little and try and beat him at his own smirking, flirting and groping game, but will it work? Or will it just fuel his fire? Is that crossing the line? I’m married, he isn’t. I’m dwelling on this far too much, probably because I have just had an emotional couple of hours. It’s easy, go with the flow, but don’t cross any lines.

“Do you know what it is you are looking for down there, Mr Clark?” I opened my legs to allow him easier access but kept my knees well and truly together, he gritted his teeth and didn’t look at me for a moment or two. When he did finally meet my gaze, his eyes burned with lust.

“I always know what I’m looking for down in this vicinity, Ms Summers.” He removed his hand from beneath my seat and placed the headset in my lap, it took every ounce of me to keep my knees together.

“I should hope so, Mr Clark.” I put the headset on, he burst into laughter, took it off my head, turned it around and put it on the correct way, continuing to laugh and shake his head as he closed my door. He jumped in and we took off for City Towers, as we approached his magnificent building he circled it once. I shouted through the headset, although I forgot I didn’t need to shout.

“Admiring your handy work Mr Clark? The view is just beautiful.” He spoke so softly through the headset.

“The one next to me is better.” I looked over at him in shock, he didn’t return my gaze. He landed the chopper and helped me out, there was awkwardness between us from his declaration moments ago. I followed him inside to his bar, he got two glasses out, poured himself a Scotch and me a Gin. We sat down on the lounge opposite each other and he handed me my drink.

“You and your creepy research.” Gin is my drink of choice.

“It’s….” I mimicked his voice.

“I know, I know. It’s what I do Ms Summers.” I raised my glass. “Cheers, Congratulations Uncle Bryce.” He squinted his eyes at me and I reckon if we were a lot younger he would have probably poked his tongue out too, he leaned over and clinked my glass.

“Thanks, what a morning! I’ve got to hand it to you ladies, that is a hard act to follow.” I laughed.

“What child birth? Ha, that’s not an act, she did a great job and so did you.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it if you weren’t there.” He looked at me sincerely.

“Really Alexis, you were amazing and you kept me grounded, that’s,” he hesitated a moment.  “That’s not something I’m used to.” He leaned back on his couch, putting one arm up on the head rest and the other one resting on his leg holding his Scotch. He looked so comfortable, and so incredibly hot in his jeans and t-shirt, it was a loose t-shirt, but due to the size of his pecks and biceps it clung to him in all the right places.

“Thank you, but it was nothing really, it pays to have experienced it yourself that’s all.” I tried to dismiss his compliment, I’m really not very good at receiving compliments, it’s not that I don’t get them, Rick is always telling me he loves me and praising me, it’s just I don’t think I deserve such sentiments for being just me. Now, if I had actually delivered Lucy’s son, well yes, I’d accept the praise!

“Oh, by the way, you have Jessica scheduled in at 3pm, I didn’t know who she was or how to contact her so I was unable to cancel, also I didn’t cancel the 5 o’clock meeting either.”

“Don’t worry about Jessica, I’ll deal with her.” He obviously didn’t know Lucy had filled me in on who Jessica actually was, it was completely understandable that he would see a therapist, what he had been through was terrible. I didn’t question him any further about Jessica, if he was protecting his pride, then who was I to bring that protection down.

“So Alexis, did Lucy give you a tour when you were here last?”

“Yes, just briefly, your apartment is amazing, she mentioned she stayed here every now and again, which must be nice. She also mentioned you had a private elevator and an Observatory.  It was only a quick tour, mainly just to familiarise me with yours truly so that I can do my job more efficiently.” I was sounding defensive, I really didn’t want him to think I was snooping around his place.

“And rightly so, you will need to get to know me very well in order to do your job properly, which is why I have configured your keycard to allow access to my apartment.”

“Oh, thanks.” Slightly confused I took another swig. Shit, access to his private residence.

“So what else has my darling sister told you about me?” He looked so laid back and with a touch of arrogance, he lounged back on his couch. It was this display that seemed to trigger my inner naughty Alexis.

“Who says she’s told me anything, I may have my own talent in creepy research!” I decided I’d mimic his relaxed position, so I wiggled back into the seat, crossed my legs and put one arm behind my head. Alexis, you probably look ridiculous!

His stare penetrated my body to its core, my heart started to pound, the physical and sexual tension in the space between us was immense. I noticed his free hand clench into a fist, then release again. What was I doing? I was beginning to understand just how much I was affecting him and possibly torturing him, this wasn’t me, I’m not normally like this. It’s just I can't help myself around him, I think he does this to me.

“Well lets hear it? Your creepy research that is.” His tension, eased!

“Ok, you are incredibly wealthy and innovative and have created an empire of luxurious Hotels worldwide. You’re 36 years of age, adore your sister and baby nephew. You have impeccable taste in décor. You are a Helicopter Pilot, Guitarist, Pianist, Astronomer and Martial Art Guru. You like to cook, conduct creepy research and you have an allergy to nuts!” He leaned forward and placed his empty glass on the coffee table between us.

“Is that all?” Grrrr, the arrogance of this man. I placed my empty glass down on the coffee table also.

“You suffered a devastating loss, when your parents and younger brother died in a car accident. You have an estranged relationship with your Uncle, yet seem to get along with his son. You are highly desirable by women all around you yet you remain single. Why? Because, you haven’t met your match yet!” I sat there frozen, Oh Fuck, did I just say all that? Shit, shit, he is going to have me thrown out. I stood straight up and put my hands to my mouth.

“Shit, I’m so sorry. I, I didn’t mean, Shit” I spun around and practically ran for the front door.

Seconds later I felt a hand on my arm and I was suddenly pinned against the entryway wall, he had both hands pressed against the wall on either side of my head.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said any of that, it was inappropriate and rude. I’m so sorry.” He looked directly into my eyes.

“Don’t be sorry, you were right, except for one thing, I have found my match.” He leaned in and kissed me passionately, he moved his hands from the wall and placed them on the sides of my face. I was momentarily stunned, my hands were splayed out on the wall behind me, at first I wanted to fight him off, but he tasted so good. He was a superb kisser, his lips were soft and his tongue was incredible, it possessed mine entirely, I opened my eyes, and pushed him back.

“Stop,” I whispered

“I can’t do this!” He didn’t argue, he rested his forehead on mine.

“I can’t do this Bryce. I’m married and I love my husband, I’m not the kind of person to cheat, ever” I fought back the tears, he moved aside to provide some space between us and put one hand in his hair and the other across his mouth.

“Shit, Alexis, I’m sorry. Fuck!” He turned away and headed for the kitchen. I stood there with my back against the wall for what seemed like eternity. What have I done? This is all your fault Alexis. You flirted with him knowing he had feelings for you. You crossed the line and lead him on. Now you have hurt him and fucked up your job. I pushed off the wall and cautiously entered the kitchen. Bryce was leaning against the bench with his head in his hands.

“Bryce, this is all my fault, I shouldn’t have flirted with you, I was enjoying it a lot, maybe too much and I let it go too far. I’m sorry. I never thought you would want to take it any further, I’ll go and clear out my stuff.”

“Alexis No.” He was firm, yet fragile.

“Alexis, please don’t leave, I should never have kissed you without your consent, I promise it won’t happen again. I want you to stay and I think you want to stay as well.”

I did want to stay, more than anything. This past week has been amazing, I have felt energetic, exhilarated and a bit like the Alexis I once was before I had kids. Don’t get me wrong I love my kids and I love being a mother and wife, but I gave up my single life very early on and sacrificed my career for a family. I would never go back on those decisions nor do I regret them at all, this was now the time to get a little bit of the old me back and I needed that for my own sanity. I just lost control a little bit, that’s all.

“No I don’t want to leave, I love being here, I feel like I was meant to be here, but I am married and I have two beautiful children that depend on me to make decisions in their best interest.”

“I know, I’m sorry. Just don’t leave, I need you to stay.”

“I’m not going anywhere Bryce if you don’t want me too, but I do need some air. You’re about to see Jessica and I need lunch.”

“In that case take as much time as you need, although the meeting tonight will still go ahead, so I’ll see you back in the office at five.” He gave me an unsure smile, I nodded my head and exited the room. I left his apartment I headed straight for the elevator, I had to get some fresh air and dissect what the hell just happened. Alexis, what had just happened was so horribly wrong, but somehow it felt right, it felt very right, how could that be?

CHAPTER EIGHT

I pressed level 2 and headed for what felt like my sanctuary in this place, to my disappointment the sundeck was so busy, too busy to clear my head. That being the case I thought I would go and check out the Aquarium, the Aquarium was built like a cylinder 2 stories high, it was surrounded by a spiral staircase that went from level 1 to level 2. I peered into the it, swimming around were lots of different tropical fish, I didn’t know what species they were, except for Nemo, the sharks and the sting ray. My mind was swimming around just like these fish, I felt terribly guilty, if Rick found out what just happened he’d be furious but more importantly hurt. Rick had become close to a family friend once and although it never ended in a passionate embrace, or so he said, it still hurt terribly that he let himself get in that situation in the first place and here I was in the same position and it happened so easily. I knew I wanted to stay, l loved it here, but I had to be stronger, I couldn’t let this happen again.

I stopped on the landing in between the two levels, I was watching Nemo swim back and forth, he was looking at me, I swear he twitched his fin at me. Don’t judge Nemo, I really am a good person. He swam off, probably in disgust. I peered deeper into the tank and noticed a person looking back at me, it scared the shit out of me at first, but then I realised it was Gareth and he was around the other side of the tank on the stairs. He smiled, waved and started to climb the steps towards me.

“Alexis, nice to see you again, so how have you settled in?” Gareth was attractive, he wasn’t as tall as Bryce, his hair was light brown and short. He gave me the creeps, I don’t know what it was about him, he was pleasant enough, he just gave me the heebee jeebeez.

“Hi Gareth, I’ve settled in just fine, although, I’ll be without my teacher now.”

“Oh?” He looked at me quizzically.

“Lucy gave birth this morning.” He had no idea. Shit did I just put my foot in it?

“Lovely, what did she have a boy or girl?” Again he had no idea, I didn’t want to share any more information, it wasn’t mine to share.

“Um, I’m not too sure, listen I hate to be rude but I have to be somewhere, it was nice to see you again.” I smiled and climbed the stairs to level 2, I could feel his eyes pierce deep into my back and it gave me a chill.

I made my way to the hotel kitchen, I was starving and felt quite ill from the encounter with Gareth, I grabbed myself a salad sandwich and a much needed cup of tea. Abigail walked in as I was about to head back up to my desk.

“Alexis, how are you Love, how’s Lucy doing, did she have the baby?”

“Yes, Abigail she did, she did a wonderful job, I’m hoping to go and see her tomorrow.”

“Oh, wonderful, so how is your new position going?”

“Great, Bryce is a lovely person and very easy to work for.” He is also incredibly irresistible and tempting and I was lip locked with him over an hour ago.

“That’s great Alexis, I’m glad you are enjoying the change. If you do see Lucy tomorrow please pass on my congratulations, babies are such wonderful gifts.” I knew only too well what she meant, my babies were the greatest gifts I’d ever received and I missed them so much, I needed to do something special with them this weekend. Maybe I could bring them in to see where I work and see the baby, I know Charlotte would enjoy that.

“Yes, they are the greatest gifts of all. I must be off Abigail, I’ve been summoned to a meeting with Bryce to brainstorm ideas for the new family friendly rooms in the Promenade.” She raised her eyebrows.

“Really? Hhhhm quite impressive Alexis.” She smiled and let me pass.

I made my way to the elevator, drink and sandwich in hand. Impressive what did she mean by impressive? The fact that Promenade is being renovated or that I’m helping with ideas, or something else entirely? I felt there was so much more going on around here, more than I was aware of. The elevator doors opened and Bryce was standing there with a sophisticated red head who was dressed in a grey feminine business suit, her hair was up and she had glasses perched on the end of her nose. Who is this toffee-nosed carrot top? He placed his hand across the elevator door for ‘Miss Carrot Top’ and smiled looking somewhat relieved when I stepped out.

“Thank you Jessica, I will see you next month.” Of course, Jessica. Ok maybe I was a bit quick to label her ‘Miss Carrot Top’. She tilted her head down just a little so she could see me over the frame of her glasses. Is she sizing me up?

“Yes Bryce, you will.” She stepped into the elevator and pushed her glasses right up to her eyes.

“Afternoon Mrs Summers.” I couldn’t bring myself to smile at her as I sensed a bit of hostility on her part.

“Afternoon.” The doors closed behind me and Bryce’s smile had turned to irritation, which I’m assuming was directed at Jessica.

“Alexis, you came back?” He leaned up against the glass window.

“I thought you might decide to leave.”

“I told you I’m not going anywhere. What happened was my fault and I won’t let it happen again.” I continued on to my desk.

“Have you eaten anything?”

“Yes, I ordered afternoon tea during my appointment with Jessica.”

“Ah, Jessica, who is she exactly? She obviously knows who I am.”

“Alexis, are you telling me your creepy research did not extend to Jessica?”

“Ok Bryce, let’s not play dumb, you told your therapist about me. She obviously knows something because I now have frost bite after her icy reception.” He put his hands down on my desk.

“Not bad! I may need to employ your creepy research services in future!” I looked up at him.

“I doubt that, you are very well equipped with those skills yourself.” Changing the subject, I thought I would get some information on exactly what this meeting would be about and what was required of me so that I don’t look like a deer in headlights.

“Who are we talking with at this meeting and what do you need from me?” I started to bite into my sandwich. Oh thank goodness, I didn’t need my stomach gurgling any louder than it had only minutes ago. I sipped my tea, Bryce was ‘smirking’ at me again.

“You really need to stop doing that.” I mumbled with a full mouth.

“What?” The ‘smirk’ grew bigger. I glared at him.

“We are meeting with my head designer Patrick, I want you to give him ideas of what you would expect in a hotel room labelled ‘family friendly’.” That doesn’t seem too daunting, I took another bite of my sandwich.

“He will be here in about 15 minutes, so finish your lunch and bring him in when he arrives. Ok?” He smiled weakly and headed into his office.

Patrick arrived promptly, I introduced myself and escorted him into Bryce’s office. He laid out some sketch boards on the coffee table and pulled out his iPad.

“Well, Mr Clark, as you can see from the sketches the transformation is not diabolical, adding some extra walls here and there, and taking some out. I’d like to change the colour palette to neutral, contemporary doesn’t suit the demographic. Furniture changes like bunk beds and sofa beds.” Patrick rambled on a little longer. I was almost certain this dude had no kids.

“Patrick, Alexis is a mother of two and I think her thoughts and expectations on what should constitute a ‘family friendly’ room are paramount in deciding the design changes.” Patrick sat back and rested the iPad on his lap.

“I see.” He looked at me in expectation. Oh that’s my cue. I cleared my throat.

“Ok, um, alright. If I was sitting at home behind my lap top looking up hotel rooms to book for a family holiday and came across a hotel advertising and promoting ‘family friendly’ rooms, I would expect safety as a given. It wouldn’t be a selling point, it would be expected. Firstly, I’m not sure what levels you are thinking of renovating but high rise levels would freak parents out. None of us really want to be 10, 15, 20 stories high with kids, so levels closer to the ground would be better. Secondly, rooms with accessible balconies, again, freak parents out, so either no exterior doors or doors that are key locked with the locks being at the top of the door and the parents having the choice to acquire a key or not.” Bryce sat back, relaxed and put his arm on the head rest of the couch, I remembered how much I liked seeing him like this, he smiled at me so I continued.

“If you’re promoting ‘family friendly’ you need to accommodate for families with children from infants to teenagers. If you can configure the walls in the rooms to give you 2 or 3 bedroom apartments that would definitely be a selling point. Rooms with microwaves and dishwashers are great selling points too, as mums don’t want to be doing dishes on their holiday and washing machines/dryers are great incentives also, as it means you would need to pack less luggage. In terms of furniture, nothing with sharp pointy edges, TV’s braced to walls, high chairs, porta pots and heavy duty and easily cleaned carpets as children are ferrals. Bunk beds yes, but not in all rooms, families with children ages between 1 and 5 will find them a nuisance and dangerous, so a variety of sleeping and bed configurations would be great. I think neutral colours predominantly yes, but kids love colour, colour plays on mood, a good mood equals a good holiday. Have things like Nintendo Wiis and maybe big coloured dots on the carpet to resemble a Twister Game and those wall play centres you find in family feeding rooms in shopping centres.” I was starting to go and on and the more I thought about it, the more came to mind.

“I’m sorry, I’ve babbled on too much.” I sat in the chair and twiddled my fingers, looking up I noticed Patrick was taking notes, he smiled.

“Twister Carpet, I love it! That’s a lot of useful information, there are certainly many things we can implement, that would definitely fall within budget.” Patrick seemed impressed.

“Great, work with the information Alexis just gave you and get back to me with new sketches, designs and figures and we’ll go from there. Alexis, I’ll also need you to organise a meeting with Chris from Marketing.” Patrick packed up his things, stood and extended a hand to me.

“It was pleasure meeting you Alexis, I’m sure we will be seeing more of each other in the near future. Mr Clark, thank you for your time.” He shook Bryce’s hand then exited the room.

“You really are a piece of work, Alexis.”

“I’m sorry?” He was smirking the smirkiest ‘smirk’ to date, I laughed even that smirk was hard to ignore.

“Why? Did I Hijack your meeting? I’m sorry, it’s just when I thought about what you were trying to achieve the ideas and expectations just tumbled out.”

“Exactly, you really are the perfect person to work with in terms of these renovations.” I was over whelmed, he was thrilled with my input, so much so that I think I am now a vital part of the project.

“Well I’m glad I lived up to your expectations.”

“You surpass them Alexis.” The tension was starting to creep back in between us. Nip it in the bud, Alexis. I looked at my watch it was 7pm.

“If that is all you need from me tonight, I should head home.”

“Actually if you don’t mind staying a little longer there is something I want to show you.” He looked like Nate when he had seen a Lego Set in Target and just couldn’t live without it. Please Mum!

“Sure, what is it?” He jumped up with such enthusiasm.

“Follow me, Ms Summers.” He extended his hand. Oh my goodness his hands are glorious, strong, masculine and big. You know what they say about men with big hands? Alexis, you need to slap yourself. He led me into the apartment and to his private elevator.

“In you go.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and gently moved me into the elevator, he hit the button titled Ob. Ob? Oh of course Observatory. Ooooh how exciting. The doors opened into a small dome shaped room, it really was very cosy. Hit flicked a switch on the wall and the dome roof started to open. OMG, the stars looked enormous, I don’t know if it’s because there was not a cloud in sight or if it was because we were so high in the air.

“Wow, this is amazing.” I had my head arched all the way back and performed a pirouette.

“You have seen nothing yet, here, take my hand.” He helped me onto a step ladder which led to an enormous telescope, there were only a few rungs on the ladder but he felt he needed to stand right behind me. His body was hard against my back, my breathing quickened. You shouldn’t have agreed to this Alexis, this is what gets you in trouble.

“Look in here.” I leant down to look into the eye piece Bryce was pointing too, he basically hugged me in order to reach a few knobs on the telescope to adjust.

“What can you see?”

“It’s the moon, a big ginormous Moon. I feel like I can just reach out and touch it.” Stupid me does in fact reach out, derrr Alexis.

“This is great, I can see why you like this hobby, I twisted around to see his expression. Our faces were again only inches away from each other. Oh shit not again. I was about to object,

“Don’t worry Alexis; I’m not going to kiss you again.” Phew that’s a relief, or was it?

“Every single entire ounce of me wants to grab you and kiss you until our mouths are dry, then I want to rip your dress from you, take your underwear off with my teeth and kiss every inch of your fabulous body, paying a lot of attention to your sexy arse, gorgeous tits and moist….” I swear my heart stopped beating, I was panting and well and truly lubricated in the very underwear he wanted to tear off me.

“But, I’m not going to Alexis, not until you tell me you want me too. I will never cross the line and kiss you again without your permission. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to though. That will not change.”

CHAPTER NINE

I was speechless and utterly craving what he had just declared, he was ‘smirking’ at me, which I would normally find completely irritating but also endearing. This time though it made me mad, extremely pissed off more to the point, I placed both my hands on his chest and shoved him. He stumbled back and nearly fell on his arse.

“You can’t just say that and smirk at me, what am I supposed to do with that confession? What do you want me to do?” I stepped off the ladder and stomped like a child to the elevator. He followed and stood with his back against the wall facing me, he had his hands in his trouser pockets and was completely relaxed and casual.

“I know you feel it Alexis, you want me between your legs just as badly as I want to be there.”

“Bryce stop it, you are so far out of line it’s not funny.” He started to laugh, I turned to face him. Is he for real? He is so infuriating yet adorable, yet maddening, yet delectable. Oh my God he is turning me into a freakin Yo-Yo. I slapped him across the face, he rubbed his cheek and smiled at me impressively. I tried to keep my furious expression but I was very slowly losing the battle with the muscles in my face. He laughed again and I followed suit.

“I hate you right now.” I was beyond being polite and stepping on eggshells where our employer/employee relationship was concerned, he had overstepped that mark well and truly.

“No you don’t.”

“Yes I do.” It dawned on me we weren’t going anywhere.

“Bryce, I need to go home before I punch you, press the bloody button.” He laughed but this time he was mocking me.

“Oh, you don’t think I can?” I shot him a challenging look, he shook his head.

“Kiss me again, I dare you.” He was on me like a flash. He ravaged my mouth and I his hair, he lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. No, No, No, stop it Alexis, what did you say that for and where was this punch you so boldly threatened? I released my legs and punched him in the arm, he broke away. I tried to get a in second blow but he caught my fist, then brought my arm down, he spun me around and had me cross armed across my chest and perfectly secured to his abdomen, he whispered softly into my ear, his breath was hot and paralysing.

“You gave me permission, Alexis. You can’t then attack me, not that I’d call that an attack, in fact you need a lot of instruction on attack and Self-Defence. So on Monday morning you are coming to my Self-Defence class, wear your gym clothes.”

“Let me go, I need to go home to my husband.” He released me and hit the button to his apartment, the doors opened and I stepped out. I grabbed my bag and turned to meet his face, he was leaning up against the entryway wall where we had first kissed earlier . It felt like days ago but I guess that was because so much had happened today and I hadn’t really let it settle in yet. Thank god it was Saturday tomorrow, I would have the entire weekend to recover from the head fuck that this day had been, I began to talk and he cut me off.

“I can’t help myself Alexis, you, you are like no one I have ever met and I want you.”

“You can’t have me Bryce, I’m taken.”

“I don’t believe anything is absolute. Things change, people change, circumstances change.” I can’t believe him, Lucy was right when she said ‘he sees something he wants, goes for it and gets it’. Well this was something he was not going to ‘get’. I put my hand up to indicate he shut up.

“You’ve had an emotional day and you are probably still high on adrenalin.” You don’t really believe that.

“I’ll see you Monday.” I let myself out and headed home.

“Mum, wake up…….Mum, its Saturday Mum. You need to make pancakes!” What? Pancakes? Coming back to reality I opened my eyes to see Charlotte virtually nose to nose waiting very patiently, but not patiently enough to let me wake up myself.

“Charli it’s too early, let Mummy sleep longer.” Rick moaned as he turned over.

“But Mum, I’m hungry and you always make pancakes on Saturday.” She was right, I did, every Saturday I would cook up a batch of pancakes before Nate and Rick left for football and Charli and I left for dancing, I grumbled and basically rolled out of bed and into a vertical position.

“Slippers, where are my slippers?” Charli was already on bended knee placing my slippers down so I could step into them. I slowly came back to earth as I sipped on my cup of tea and poured batter into the pan, Charlotte was sitting at our breakfast bar waiting eagerly. Nate had not yet surfaced and Rick, well he did make that animal sound when Charli came in, but not a peep since.

“So Charli Bear, how was school yesterday?” I’d gotten home after she had gone to bed last night which was a bit shattering.

“Good, we are going on an Excursion to the Zoo in a few weeks.” Charli loved animals, she had already decided she wanted to be a Vet, but that was after she had decided she wanted to be a Princess, Teacher and the next Rachel in Glee.

“That will be nice, you’ll get to see the baby elephant Ongard.” She did a little happy dance in her seat, I laughed, she was such a delightful child.

“Here you go, maple or lemon?” I don’t know why I asked, she always chose maple.

“So would you like to see where Mummy works and visit Lucy and her baby?”

“Can we? That would be Awesome, what’s his name? Can I hold him? Can I feed him a bottle?”

“Whoa, settle petal, yes we can and no you can’t hold him or feed him, he’s only one day old.” I was going to give Lucy a call after Breakfast to check if it was ok to visit her and to find out if baby Clark had a name yet? I finished cooking the batter and got Charlotte ready for dancing.

“Rick, Nate, get up or you’ll be late for football.” I heard stirring in Nate’s room but knew Rick needed further persuading. He was dead to the world, I could set a firecracker off in the lounge and he would sleep through it. I crept up to him and spoke softly.

“Rick, Rick, get your arse out of bed.” He opened his eyes.

“You get your arse into bed.” He grabbed me and pulled me on top of him.

“Stop it you horny shit, we are going to be late.” I tried to break free.

“We’ve got time, come on Babe, you were barely awake when you finally got home last night.” I leant down and kissed his forehead.

“I know I had a big day.” That was an understatement!

“Come on, we don’t have time.” He surrendered and got out of bed.

“So I was thinking, after footy and dancing I’m going to head into the city to see how Lucy and the baby are, then I might show Charli City Towers.”

“Sounds good, wouldn’t mind checking out your half a million dollar office myself!” Oh shit, I hadn’t bargained on Rick actually wanting to come along too, I hope Bryce was out doing whatever billionaires do.

“Knock, Knock.” I peeped into Lucy’s room and to my delight she was cradling the most beautiful little blue bundle of joy, I had told Rick and the kids to wait outside for a minute, so that I could check if she was feeding or not.

“Aaaaw look at him, he’s adorable.” I gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“This is little Alexander.” She popped her finger on his tiny chin and gave it a very gentle wiggle.

“Hi Alexander.” He was peacefully wrapped up like a cocoon.

“It suits him!”

“It was going to be Jack up until yesterday, I wasn’t a fan of Jack, but Nic loved it. Not only did you help bring him into this world…..”

“Pfft, I didn’t help bring him into this world; you did that all by yourself.” She continued her sentence.

“Not only did you help bring him into this world; you gave me the perfect idea for an alternative name for him.” Alexander, oh shit she has named him after me. No, don’t do that, I didn’t do anything. I was so overwhelmed by her sentiment; I was about to boil over with emotion from the past day’s events.

“That’s lovely Lucy, it really is.” I didn’t have anything else to say.

“No, thank you Alexis. I mean it; you really were a god send yesterday, not only me but Bryce, it’s the least I can do.” I was feeling really uncomfortable, I didn’t want any recognition.

“I bought Rick and the kids in with me, they are just outside, do you mind if I introduce you and Alexander? Charli is very excited.”

“Sure, of course bring them in.” I introduced my family to Lucy, she was great, she had a knack of speaking to you as though she had known you for years. Charlotte was in love with baby Alexander and Lucy let her sit up on the bed for a cuddle. We didn’t stay long as Alexander was not far away from his next feed, we said our goodbyes and Charlotte gave baby Al, as she so aptly named him, the blue teddy she picked in the gift shop.

We walked into the lobby, Charlie was on the phone and gave us an excited wave.

“He sure is excited to see you.” Rick gave me a nudge.

“Shut up, he bats for the other team stupid.” I gave him a little hip and bump.

“So who wants to see the Aquarium?”

“The Aquarium, sick!” ‘Sick’ was Nate’s word of the month, last month it was ‘Totes’. I showed Rick and the kids the Aquarium and sundeck, Charlotte was disappointed she didn’t have her bathing suit.

“There are plenty of chances to come for a swim Charli, just not today, anyway didn’t you want to see what a Penthouse was like?” Her little eyes lit up.

“Come on then.”

The elevator doors opened, there was no evidence of anyone around, I could normally hear a low murmur whenever Bryce was in his office.

“So this is Mummy’s desk.”

“It’s so high up Mum, don’t you feel height sick?” Lol, height sick, I love how her little mind works.

“Only when you look down.”

“Mum, I need to go to the toilet.”

“Of course you do, Nate do you need the toilet too?” He shook his head.

“Good stay here with Dad and we’ll be back in a minute.” I took Charlotte through to the toilet.

“Mum this place is so Cool! I want to work here when I grow up.” She was sniffing her clean hands, I must admit even I was a fan of the hand wash here.

“I thought you wanted to be a Vet?”

“I changed my mind, this is so cool.” We made our way back through the conference room and I could hear Rick talking. Oh shit, it’s Bryce. I took a deep breath and opened the door into the reception.

“Alexis, can’t get enough of the place?” You guessed it, he was ‘smirking’. I managed a fake laugh, maybe too fake.

“Yeah, you just can’t keep me away. No, Charlotte was very keen to see where Mummy worked. Charlotte this is Mr Clark, Mummy’s boss, and this is my son Nate and my husband…….”

“Rick, yes we have already introduced ourselves, so Charlotte have you ever seen a Helipad?”

“No, what’s a Helipad?” She looked at me all wide eyed.

“It’s where Helicopters land, silly.” Nate was acting cool in front of Bryce.

“Come and meet the Crow.” Bryce gestured towards his office, I gave him a snide glare but quickly corrected it to a smile when Rick looked my way. He led us out to the Helipad and introduced the kids to the ‘Crow’ which I’d now cottoned on was in fact the Helicopter.

“Do you fly it? Asked Nate, he was dropping his tough boy façade now.

“Yeah, all the time, would you like a ride?” I jumped in very quickly.

“No, no, not today, maybe some other time.”

“Aaaaw Mum, can we?”

“No not today, Mr Clark is a very busy man, maybe next time.” I shot Bryce a ‘don’t even think about it’ look, he registered my expression and offered a compromise.

“That’s alright maybe next time. Nate, Mum tells me you like Astronomy? Maybe you’d like to have a look at my Observatory?”

“Sweet.” Oh yeah, another past word of the month. It was Rick who started asking questions next.

“So, how often do you take her out?” Fuck, where did this come from. Was it that obvious?

“Never, why?” I said defensively. Rick looked at me confused.

“At least once a week.” Bryce offered.

“Too easy, must be nice and quiet up in the air with no other traffic, or having to fight for a parking spot?” Oh, the Helicopter, stupid me. Rick tried to make out it was a joke, but I sensed he was having a stab.

“That’s one of the reasons I love it, no other idiots to contend with!” Hhhmmm this was starting to feel like the beginning of a cock fight. Bryce led us back inside but this time into his apartment.

“Can I get any of you a drink?”

“No, we won’t take up any more of your time.” I ever so slightly nudged the kids towards the door.

“We aren’t in a hurry Babe, I’ll take you up on that drink.” I’m going to kill him, which one though? They were both pissing me off.

“What’s your drink of choice Rick?” Bryce moved over to the bar, he grabbed out a bottle of Gin. Oh no you don’t!

“I’ll have a JB if you’ve got it.” Rick! Yes you are first on my hit list. Bryce turned to grab a bottle of Jim Beam and in doing so sniggered.

“Do you like Scotch?” He didn’t wait for Rick’s answer, he poured two glasses of Glenfiddich 50. I’m not a drinker, but I know that is one of the most expensive bottles of Scotch in the world. We did a brief module on exclusive luxurious items in my Bachelor Degree and I vaguely recall a bottle being worth approximately $20,000.00.

“A Gin for you Alexis?” You smartarse, now you are definitely on my hit list too.

“No thank you.” I struggled a polite smile.

“Perhaps, you’d like a cup of English Breakfast or a hot white chocolate.” That’s it. They may as well flop their dicks out on the coffee table and get it over and done with.

“Water is fine.” I was gritting my teeth and I just wanted to get the hell out of there. Maybe I could fake an illness, I’d done it before, during school, to get a day off work, to avoid housework, to get out of sex! Bryce picked up the phone and dialled.

“Grace, yes fine, can I order two milkshake mountains.” He looked at Nate and Charli.

“What flavours?” Both my children lit up, spoke at the same time and over the top of each other.

“Blue. Chocolate. Heaven”

“One Chocolate and one Blue Heaven, yes straight away please, thank you.” He hung up the phone. I had to hand it to him, he knew how to impress my children, Rick on the other hand,  well, he was currently holding his own. Bryce bought the drinks over to the lounge and sat opposite us in his laid back sexy couch position, which by the looks of his ‘smirky’ face, knew I had taken a liking too.

“We paid Lucy a visit this morning, and met baby Alexander, he’s amazing.” Bryce gleamed.

“Alexander Bryce Clark, he even sounds perfect.” I could have leaped over the table and hit him. Right if he wanted to play then play I will, I leaned back and put my hand in Rick’s hair, I did this a lot, so Rick would have missed the attempted crack at Bryce.

“So, have you been back to see Lucy since yesterday?” He twitched his head to the side and took a drink. Take that Mr agonizingly hot Clark!

“Yes, first thing this morning.” A buzz came through a speaker near the door to his office, he got up and went through, only to return moments later with what looked like two massive glasses full of cream and chocolate, sprinkles and blue topping.

“Two Milkshake Mountains coming your way.” Oh great that’s just what I need sticky milky drinks spilt all over his rug, which probably cost more than our house alone.

“Up the dining table please.” I ordered and pointed Bryce towards his kitchen, he placed the drinks down on the table for the kids.

“No mucking around and no mess, what do you say to Mr Clark?” Both Nate and Charlie chimed in with a ‘thank you’. I turned and headed back for the lounge, Bryce was right behind me as we passed the kitchen and he very quietly whispered from behind.

“Your arse in those jeans, is making me hard.”

CHAPTER TEN

The kids had their backs to us and were not in ear shot, there was a wall in between the kitchen and lounge which had become a useful shield.

“You need to cut this shit out, now. My husband is in the other room and deserves better than this, do you want me to walk?”

“You won’t.” He was very sure of himself.

“I love my husband and he is good to me, really good, so enough Bryce or I will walk.” I continued into the lounge. I had a sneaking suspicion he was watching my arse, I looked back over my shoulder, curiosity getting the better of me and my suspicion was proven. I can’t deny it; I did enjoy his appreciation of my assets. I sat down next to Rick and squeezed his leg.

“Drink up Rick, don’t forget I have drinks with the girls tonight.”

We weren’t there for much longer, my threat had subdued Bryce, he followed through with his compromise and showed Nate the Observatory, which was apparently ‘the Sickest’, then we politely thanked him for is hospitality and indecent suggestive game playing and said our goodbyes.

“Don’t forget your gym clothes on Monday.” He called from his office door as we entered the elevator.

“What do you need gym clothes for?” Rick was more than just curious, his tone was suspicious.

“Oh it’s nothing, I’m just having a lesson in Self Defence and apparently it’s the Boss’s orders.” I gave him the impression it was non-negotiable but I was actually really looking forward to it.

As we headed back to the car, Nate and Charlotte were on a high. Rick was a lot quieter than usual though, it appeared our interaction with Bryce may have had an impact on him, I was just uncertain as to the effect. Knowing Rick, I’m sure I would get an idea very soon.

“I so can’t wait to have a ride in ‘the Crow’.” Over my dead body you will. I smiled the smile that mother’s do when you hope your child will just forget and move on, but Nate was not going to forget this promise anytime soon.

As we were about to enter the car park I spotted Samantha in the corner of my eye, I was just about to yell out when a man came up behind her, he pinched her arse and kissed her neck. He looked somewhat familiar but I couldn’t quite see his face.  I became aware of exactly who he was when he walked around to face her. What was Samantha doing with Gareth? Surely she had better instincts? Seeing them together left a strange feeling in my stomach, I figured it was best not to make them aware I was here and baring witness to their affectionate display, so I put my head down and went for the car.

I was really looking forward to a night out with my friends, I flicked through the outfits in my wardrobe, settling on a pair of shiny black denim skinny cut pants, black glittered heels, a red silk blouse which gathered at my breasts and a black satin blazer, my hair was down and straightened. I opted for some tinted moisturiser, eyeliner and red lipstick. I was still getting used to wearing make-up again but it was getting a little easier, I did feel that less was more where I was concerned though. I pulled up to Carly’s in a Taxi and the driver beeped the horn. She was my oldest friend; I had known her since we were toddlers, we had lived next to each other for 18 years. Carly knew me better than anybody, we didn’t really get to see each other much but that didn’t matter, we made the most of it when we did, she opened the car door and climbed in. She had curled her ash blonde hair and it fell in loose ringlets past her shoulders. Carly rocked a smoky eye better than most and had opted for a little black dress that covered one shoulder and left the other bare.

“Look at you, Totes Glam!”

“What?” I looked at her and shook my head.

“You sound just like Nate.” She laughed.

“Good! I’d rather sound like him than you, you old fart!” I hit her on the arm, I was only 6 months older than she was, but as I was married with kids, she was single, childless and enjoying her youth. She liked to remind me of that.

“You look pretty smokin’ yourself, love those strappy heels.”  They were gorgeous, a light gold, snakeskin pattern.

“I know right?  My Jimmy Choos and I are like this.” She held up her hand and crossed her fingers.

“So how’s the new job babe?”

“Yeah good, I feel like I’m in over my head most days though and that has nothing to do with the actual work!

“Oh? Do tell.” I knew I could tell Carly anything, It was what I held so dear in our friendship, no matter what we shared with each other we never judged, we were brutally honest, sometimes too honest which results in a speaking famine, the worst being 5 months long.

“Ok, so, my boss is a billionaire, the sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on and wants to fuck me senseless.” She spat the Redbull she was about to swallow across the back of the passenger seat, the driver shot us a dirty look through the rear-vision mirror.

“Fuck off.” She looked at me, my eyes didn’t leave hers.

“Shit, you’re serious.” She grabbed a tissue out of her bag, leant forward and wiped the back of the seat.

“That’s freakin hot, why can’t this shit happen to me? It’s a waste on you.” She looked over at me again.

“Alexis you little Whore, what have you done?” She was very amused, I hated how she could read me so easily.

“Nothing, I wouldn’t do that, you know me, he just kissed me, that’s all, really it was nothing.” She squealed.

“I hate you, ask him if he’d like a threesome?” I shot her an evil look.

“Ok, I’m kidding, right putting on my ‘Serious Carly’ face.”

“I’m struggling Carls. He’s smart, cheeky, kind, loving, he’s arrogant, infuriating, direct and when he talks dirty to me I almost orgasm on the spot. I’m not sure I can resist him, the problem is, I love my job, he’s paying me half a mill…” She spat her drink again.

“I hate backing down Carls, it’s just not in me, so when I stand my ground it only fuels his fire.” Serious Carly was well and truly with me now.

“Lexi, be careful Hun, you are not used to this shit!”

We pulled into Natasha’s driveway, Tash was another close friend, our kids were the same age and attended the same school, so we had seen each other daily before I had returned to work. Tash jumped into the front seat, she was also wearing a dress with shimmery black ¾ length leggings and black latent pumps. I should’ve gone for my navy sequin, shift dress, damn!. Tash had long, dark brown hair, she was also olive skinned and could pull off a vibrant full lip.

“Hey Babe, where’s Lilly?” We were supposed to be picking up Tash and Lilly.

“She’s meeting us there, Scott has Tonsillitis, so she’s waiting till he’s settled then she’ll head off.” Lilly’s son Scott was one of Nate’s friends too.

“Did you hear back from Jade and Steph?” Jade and Steph also had kids that attended the same school, all of our children got along really well, therefore we all became quite close as a result.

“Yeah, they’ll meet us there.” I loved having friends with kids, the mutual topics were always great discussions and always a help when advice was needed. I also loved having a friend like Carly; she was a breath of fresh air for me, tonight was going to be great and just what I needed to get my mind off of Bryce.

“The Metro better brace itself tonight, because I am in the mood to go off!” Tash was charged up by the sounds of it, I love her energy. We usually headed to the Metro, the big black and white disco floor with 70s and 80s music was right up our alley.

“Let’s ditch the Metro and go to Opals?” You Bitch Carls! Opals is one of the Nightclubs at City Towers.

“I haven’t been to Opals in years. Yeah sounds good, I’ll text the other’s and let them know.” Tash started typing away before I could protest. Shit! Carly smiled and poked her tongue out, she did this a lot.

When we walked into Opals, it became quite obvious that the style and décor bared a striking resemblance to Bryce’s Penthouse Apartment. Lots of blacks, whites, silver and lime green. As you walked in the door, the stage was against the far wall and directly ahead of you, the bar was to the left and ran along the walls in an ‘L’ shape. Sleek is the word that comes to mind when describing this bar. It was illuminated by bright lime green lights, which were fitted under the bench lip and silver lights hanging from the low ceiling above the bar. Not quite in the centre of the room, was a staircase which led you up to level 2 and along the walls to either side of the stage, were booths and small tables with stools. Jade and Steph were already seated in a booth, they waved to get our attention. Steph was the epitome of a rock girl, with short brown hair, sporting highlights of red which was sleek yet femininely styled to frame her flawless face. She had on a silver sequined, tunic dress, a cropped black leather jacket and black loose knee high boots. Jade was my savour so far, as she had gone for black dress pants. Ok, feeling much better now. A cream coloured, drapey top and matching cream coloured peep toes. Jade also had her shoulder length, red hair, straightened and framing her face.

“What’s up bitches?” Tash was on fire and ready to get the night underway.

“Schnappies.” She hollowed, at the top of her voice.

“I’m on to it love. Drinks are on me tonight lovelies.” Why not? I was well and truly in the money now and more than happy to share with my beautiful friends. I got us a round of Schnappies, aka as Cock Sucking Cowboys and some Cosmopolitans. I planned on having a big night, with pretty coloured fruity cocktails and shots, lots of shots. This assortment was sure to help ease the built up tension that had formed since meeting my extremely delicious employer.

Lilly joined us almost an hour later. She too had gone for black dress pants and a baby blue blouse, her dark brown, wavy hair was pinned up into a loose bun on her head. I got her up to speed with a row of shots

“How’s Scott Hun?”

“If it’s not Tonsilitis, it’s Gastro.” I felt her pain, there is nothing worse than sick kids.

“And to top it off, I think I am getting it too, I feel like I have a huge hard Cock stuck in the back of my throat.” I laughed at her.

“Well we can’t have that then, right, drink up, and forget about it.” She did just that and slammed all four shots in succession.

“Lil, you’re an animal.”

Opals had three levels, the lower level was more laid back and had that bar feel about it, the band was great, I enjoyed all the songs they covered. I was a Rock Girl at heart, I loved Def Leopard, Kings of Leon, Pearl Jam, U2, Foo Fighters the list goes on. Steph shared my love of Rock too and we did our best version of Eddie Vedder when Betterman came on. I couldn’t help but feel guilty as I sang along to the words. It’s Karma, Alexis and you know it! Level two was current Pop, Tash and Carls had there dancing shoes on, so we spent the night switching between both levels. Level three was hard-core Techno, none of us liked this genre so it was a no-go zone.

I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder for most of the night, I felt like I was being watched and I had a good feeling by who. You’re paranoid Alexis, get over yourself. I couldn’t shake the feeling though, a few times when I was very stupidly performing Gangnam Style with Tash and Jade, I could swear I spotted Bryce leaning against the wall, but when I’d look back he was gone. I had to be imagining it, how could he possibly know I was here? He couldn’t, City Towers Entertainment Complex was enormous and even his creepy research skills could not reveal we had changed our plans to come here, surely?

After copious amounts of pretty cocktails, shots and bad dance moves, including Tash’s infamous bum dance, the clock was fast approaching 1:30am. My feet were reminding me of just how much they hated heels, they had been very good to me lately, but obviously I had taken them for granted tonight. Carls, Tash and Steph were still in dancing mode and continued there dancing, to non-existent music, all the way out of the Nightclub, through the Casino and now towards the car park. Lil and Jade on the other hand looked as punished and exhausted as I did.

“What are they on?” All three of them were crazy and attracting a lot of second glances.

“Fuck, whatever it is, I want some.” Lily started rubbing her throat.

“How’s that Cock going Lil?” I smiled at her.

“Still fucking there.” She cleared her throat.

“I’m too old for this shit.” Jade had stopped to remove her shoes. Fuck it, I’m doing it too. I figured it was the early hours of the morning and no one I knew would catch me being a drunken bogan, surely?

“You are not Jade, maybe we just need to lower our heel height a bit, or drink and dance less.” I attempted to pry off my left heel and stumbled into Jade.

“Lexi, did you have enough to drink tonight, Love?” That was an understatement! My tell-tale signs of stumbling, increased foul language and the constant need to smile were slowly becoming apparent.

“Just a bit.” I put my arm on hers and tried again, I was bending over and an intoxicated sleaze ball thought he had the right to pinch my arse.

“Hey, fuck you prick.” Jade was eyeballing the arsehole. I would normally just ignore idiots like these, but after many drinks I somehow thought I was a lot tougher, so stepped up my aggression also, this wasn’t always a good thing.

“Keep your fucking filthy hands to yourself, arsehole.” We started walking again, he stepped in front of me so I went to walk around him, he stumbled and blocked me again.

“Piss off, dickhead.” I clenched my heel ready for attack.

“Oh come on darling, with an arse like that it’s begging to be felt.” He went for another touch and as he did his arm was subdued in mid grope and bent so far up his back he moaned in pain.

“The lady said Piss off, not touch her arse again.” I groggily looked up to see Bryce standing behind the drunken arsehole, he looked furious and was ever so slightly inching the guys arm up higher. The arsehole’s friend went to throw a punch in Bryce’s direction, but Bryce saw it coming, he wrenched the arsehole round to block the punch. It was actually quite funny, sort of like a Jackie Chan movie, I’m sure I let out a woozy giggle. Jade and Lil had moved us back and away from the action. Two security guards showed up, they had held down both arseholes within seconds. Tash, Carls and Steph stopped dancing and doubled back to see what had happened.

“Ladies, are you alright?” I smiled up at him, my sexy knight in shining armour. He was beautiful, I wanted to pat my hand down his face and coo at him like a puppy. Alexis, you’re drunk, he is not a beautiful puppy!

“Jackie Chan, what a co-incidence, thank you for saving our lives?” I couldn’t possibly have sounded more sarcastic and unappreciative. He ‘smirked’ at me, of course, I just kept staring at him, partly because I loved looking at his immaculate face but also because I was in fact quite intoxicated and found it difficult to look away.

“Jackie Chan?”  He raised his eyebrows at me. Oh Shit, did that come out of my mouth? That was supposed to stay in my head.

“Alexis, earth to Alexis.” It was Carls, when I didn’t respond she introduced herself to Bryce. “I’m Carly, you must be Mr Clark, I’ve heard so much about you.” Oh you have, have you? Carly Josephine Henkley I am going to kill you.

“You have, have you?” He, was loving this, it was written all over his face, Carls had extended her hand. Lil, Tash, Jade and Steph were dead silent and pretty much drooling on the spot.

“How are you ladies getting home tonight?” Carls seemed to be the only one of us who could speak.

“Alexis is driving.” She cracked up laughing and playfully hit Bryce on the arm.

“No, just kidding, we are catching a Maxi Taxi.” She practically sang it, I giggled again. Bryce put his phone to his ear.

“Danny, can you bring the Limo round to exit door 8, thank you.” All six of us were stunned now, even Carly, this time I was the only one who could speak.

“It’s fine Bryce, we can get a Maxi Taxi.” This time I sang it and everyone laughed, including Bryce. You are going to hate yourself tomorrow, Alexis.

“It’s not negotiable Alexis, Danny will take you all home safely, it’s the least I can do after that creep gave you a hard time.” He really was enjoying this power over me and the fact that he could do it in front of my friends. When he opened exit door 8, there was a Limo waiting just outside, Danny helped all the girls in. I turned to Bryce and screwed up my face.

“Thank you.” I was too tired and frankly too drunk to argue or interrogate him on how he just so happened to be there at the right time.

“You’re welcome Alexis.” He eyed me up and down and ran his hand through his hair. I hated yet loved when he did that.

“Fuck, you look good tonight, can’t really blame that arsehole for wanting to touch you, it’s taking every single bit of my strength not to touch you myself, especially your breasts, you have great breasts.” I couldn’t help it, I burst into laughter, it had to be the alcohol, there was no other explanation. I smiled at him and got into the Limo.

Sunday morning was sleep-in day and my favourite day of the week, but this particular morning was not fun.  Unfortunately I think Jade was right, I was too old for this, my head was throbbing and every time I took a breath it felt like I was sucking in a mouth full of dust.  I couldn’t open my eyes, I was already anticipating the blinding light that would shine through when I did.  I thought back to last night, how did he know I was there?  Surely he just didn’t happen to be at the nightclub when we walked in, no I don’t believe that for a second, it had to be some form of ‘creepy research’.  To be honest I was glad he had come to my rescue, looking back now I realise I may not have had the co-ordination nor strength to ward those arseholes off, I really did need to thank him properly tomorrow.  Eventually when I opened my eyes Rick was not lying next to me, the house was quiet, which was very unusual. I got up to investigate this rarity and was spot on, the house was quiet too quiet for the kids to be here, Rick had left a note to say he had taken them to the football.  We were members of the Essendon Football Club and went to as many games as we could, Nate loved the footy and was lucky enough to have his guernsey signed by all the players. Rick you wonderful man!  I thought I would use this alone time, to get the washing, vacuuming and my personal grooming done.  By the time they all got home I had a roast lamb in the oven, washing folded and ready to put away and not a skerrick of hair on my legs, bikini line or under arms.  A Sunday well utilised Alexis!  I mentally gave myself a pat on the back.  My mobile rang, it was Tash.  Shit, no go away, I don’t want a grilling, aarrggh!

“Hi Tash, what’s up?”

“How’s the hangover Luv?  You missy, have some explaining to do, you fobbed us off in the Limo last night, but there is no way I am waiting any longer.  Right, Mr Sexyarse Jackie Chan Clark, explain, now?” Jackie Chan? Shit that wasn’t a dream. Ah Crap, it was inevitable, I was busted!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

I had managed to spill only half the beans to Tash, basically only confessing to having an extremely sexy boss who liked to flirt with me, I brushed her off by explaining that he was a filthy rich bachelor who made a habit of it, so I was no one special. Thankfully she left it at that and just cursed me for ditching our coffee dates to go and work for the ‘Super-Hot God’!

As I was getting ready Monday morning I was still sporting a slight hangover, Sleep I need more sleep! At least I didn’t need to spend half an hour putting on make-up. I’d remembered Bryce’s request to come in my gym clothes for a Self-Defence lesson. I was going to get punished, I had no idea how to participate in a Martial Art Class, he was going to love my lack of co-ordination and have a really good laugh at me at the same time, he seemed to love getting one up on me. I put my hair into a ponytail, grabbed my make-up bag and Burberry shirt dress.

“I hope the two of you are ready and waiting by the time I get out there.” As I walked into the lounge Nate and Charlotte were ready and waiting like soldiers to attention.

“Ah very good, at ease soldiers.” I bundled them into the car and headed off to school, thank goodness the school drop-offs have become less harrowing, Nate has discovered that before-school care is really not that bad, I think it may have something to do with another 9 year old by the name of Chantal!

“Bye guys, love you, I’ll see you tonight.” I blew them both extra kisses as they walked into the office building.

At first I was looking forward to this but seeing the abundance of women waiting here in the Hotel Gymnasium made me feel intimidated and unsure, I had a Gym membership but only ever did Weights or Cardio Machines, I hadn’t actually exercised once since starting my job so I knew this was going to be a challenge, not only physically but co-ordination wise as well. It shouldn’t really surprise me that there were a lot of women here, I bet none of them gave a shit about Self-Defence, nor payed any attention to the learning aspect of the class. Judging by the whispered giggling and obvious excitement when Bryce entered the room, they were only here for one thing, a bloody good Perve! I snuck in two rows from the back; surely I couldn’t do any harm in this little pocket.

“Good morning Ladies, did we all have a good weekend?” The women all agreed in unison. Seriously? I felt like I was amongst a bunch of school girls!

“Good, now that all your fun is over we need to get serious.” A lady behind me murmured ‘I’d like to get serious with him.’ Another laughed and agreed.

“Do I have any newcomers today?” He started scanning the room, a couple of women put their hands up and he directed them to stand in the front row. I figured I’d stay and hide here, but he was on to it, before I had a chance to look anywhere else our eyes met and locked!

“Ah, Alexis my lovely assistant. I’d like you all to meet Alexis, she is going to help me demonstrate a few defensive moves that may one day help save your life.” He held out his hand and then pointed to stand next to him. Oh shit, you didn’t just do that and you’re freakin smirking at me. I hesitantly and very slowly made my way up to the front and gave a sheepish wave to the class, who by the looks on their faces, all seemed to automatically hate me. He placed his hands on both my shoulders and positioned me next to him, I felt my cheeks start to redden and I knew I looked like that beetroot I so often resembled when I was around him.

“Ladies, firstly I want you to remember the following 6 ‘soft spots’. Eyes, Ears, Throat, Groin, Fingers and Toes. By inflicting pain to these very sensitive areas, it can give you the best chance of disabling your attacker.” He started to pace the stage and every pair of eyes followed his every move.

“No matter how big your attacker is, his eyelids are always going to be just a thin layer of skin, this makes them a very vulnerable target to attack. A simple eye gouge with your thumbs, is all that is needed.” He moves to face me and demonstrates the action of sticking his thumbs into my eyes, although he doesn’t actually touch me.

“Or, a quick hard jab to the eye sockets with the fingertips.” As he thrust towards my eyes I flinched and he laughed. Oh you are hilarious, you’ll pay for that!

“Both these actions are great techniques to help you break holds, where your arm and/or arms are not restrained. The next soft spot is the Ears. The Ears are usually easy enough to grab onto and if yanked hard enough will cause a great deal of discomfort, another effective tactic is giving both Ears a hard slap with your palms at the same time, this creates such great air pressure that it may rupture an ear drum.” Still facing him, he instructs me to perform the last technique.

“Alexis, with both your palms facing inwards slap both my Ears in unison.” He puts both hands over his ears. Dammit, he was on to me, oh well my revenge will have to wait. I did what I was told.

“Excellent, hitting both Ears at the same time is paramount in this situation.” He moved quite close to me and placed his pointer and tall fingers to my throat, I tried not to look at him as his face was not far from mine. My chest started to rise and fall quite obviously and he picked up on my sudden change of heart rate.

“The Trachea Well is the little patch of soft flesh here, at the base of the Adams Apple and just like the eyelids is only one thin layer of skin protecting a vital and sensitive body part. You attack the Trachea Well in the same manner as the eyelids, by a thumb gouge, or sharp finger jab, like this.” He repeated the quick jabbing move.

“The second part of the throat area to strike is the Carotid Artery.” He firmly put his hand to my neck and squeezed gently.

“Grabbing in a claw like motion on either side of the Adams Apple will no doubt cause your attacker a great deal of pain.” This demonstration made me feel quite uncomfortable and vulnerable, I couldn’t help but look up to the roof, Bryce relaxed his fingers stood behind me but left his hand resting on my shoulder blade, he gentle flexed his hand which gave me a sense of relief surprisingly.

“The groin is always a popular attack point, because it causes a male severe pain.” There was a snigger around the room, one of the ladies in the front row was licking her lips. I wanted to slap her, hard! Better still I wanted to slap both her ears at the same time and poke my fingers into her Trachea. I found myself glaring at her.

“If you are being attacked from the front and he has your shoulders pinned, a swift kick up into the groin with the top of your foot as hard as you can, will be effective, or if he is closer, a hard knee up into the groin can be just as successful. If you are able to grab his ears when you do this, it will one, give you more control and balance when kneeing him and two, cause pain in a second area at the same time. Now, as you are aware, men will not always attack from the front, in fact attacking from behind is more likely as it enables them the element of surprise. If your attacker has you from behind in a bear hug, there are many things you can do to break this hold, you can simply step to the side and perform a Hammer-Punch down into the groin like this.” He demonstrates his arm being raised to his shoulder with a clenched fist, then swung down and hard behind him, he walks up behind me and whispers.

“Don’t even think about making contact!” Is that a threat Mr Clark? This was a good opportunity for revenge but I thought about his words and he had the power to make me squirm at the best of times, so I thought I would obey. He grabbed me hard from behind, I stepped to the side and swung my arm down firm and fast stopping just in time to gently brush his penis. I couldn’t help but keep my hand resting there. He twitched ever so slightly, I couldn’t move and I don’t think he wanted to move either, after seconds had elapsed he cleared his throat and stepped to my side.

“Instead of a Hammer-Punch you could also grab the groin with force, squeeze really hard and pull your handful forward.” The licking lips lady smiled and battered her eyes. That’s it Bitch it’s on, you and me, right here right now.

“Can everyone grab a partner please? The women all shuffled around until they were paired up.

“Good, finally I want to demonstrate how to break a head hold, one of the most common ways a man will grab you is by the head. When you restrain the head you are gaining control of most of your victim’s body, which is why attackers tend to grab your head first. Now facing Alexis, I’m going to grab the back of her head.” He placed his hand quite firmly on the back of my head and looked me straight in the eyes.

“Your attacker will try to lower your head as it enables him to gain the control that he’s after.  I want you to push back against his hand and keep the control yourself. Now ladies on the left will be the attackers and the ladies on the right, the victims.” They all moved into position.

“Good, attackers you are going to grab your victims at the back of their head with the intention to bring their head closer to you or with the intention to lower it, victims are going to push back with their head. Before you do this, do not put too much strength into your moves, we don’t want any injuries, use just enough force to allow you to feel how to perform the manoeuvre, Alexis and I will demonstrate first.” He looked at me and nodded.

“Are you ready? Push back against my pull on your head.” He replaced his hand on the back of my head and I automatically wrenched my head up and back, I don’t think he anticipated my strength, he smiled in surprise and kept his grip.

“The next thing you need to do is break his hold once you have somewhat of a control over your head. You can perform many of the soft spot tactics I mentioned before or, if he has grabbed you with his left arm, you can swing your right arm around to hit him in the elbow joint with your palm, to break his hold on your head and vice a versa if he has used his right arm. Hitting an attacker with force on the elbow joint is always a good defensive move to try at any point as the elbow is weak. Now as you hit him in the elbow turn slightly in the direction you have hit his arm in, this allows the grip to release easier on your head.” Releasing my head he came round behind me, he stood right up against my back and this time his twitch was not so gentle, it sent tingles up and down my spine, his close proximity sent my body into a frenzy. He picked up my arm ever so gently and like I was a puppet under his command swung my arm round in a swift punching motion.

“Just like that,” he motioned to the class and performed the move with my arm again.

“Everybody got that? Good, now Alexis are you ready?” This time I was the one smirking at him, he grabbed the back of my head and I instantly jerked up and back, I quickly swung my arm around and hit him directly in the elbow joint forcing his grip away from my head. I then finger jabbed his Trachea, but not too hard, enough to catch him by surprise though. That felt great! Revenge achieved. Take that Mr Use me as a guinea pig Clark. He grabbed his elbow with his other arm, then rubbed his throat and bending over slightly, looked up at me in shock. Shit, did I hurt him? He gave his arm a shake.

“Very good Alexis.” He looked slightly annoyed but slightly turned on, I felt a surge of excitement and accomplishment, I grinned and stood back in my position.

“Alright ladies, everyone give that a try please, minus the finger jab.” He shot me a ‘you are going to pay’ look. He began to circulate the room and assist the women with their moves, almost every single one of them needed some form of help.

“Excellent, keep practising that and take turns for a minute.” He stepped back up on the stage, and whispered.

“I like it when you are feisty.” I turned to face him, Oh you do, do you?

“Good what’s next then?” I was ready for more, I had a sudden surge of adrenalin and I wanted to kick his butt, partly because he gives me the shits in a cheeky way, partly because we get up close and personal and I like the feeling of his twitching dick.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The last of the women in the class were starting to get the idea that it was in fact time to leave, Bryce was very polite to the ladies that hung around him like flies and didn’t once give them the impression they were pestering him. He must get this all the time; it would have to be very annoying and draining, maybe it’s different for men, I don’t know but if it were me I would definitely not be as accommodating as he. I grabbed my bag and headed to the change room. Bryce was still held up by licking lips lady, so I gestured to him that I would see him back in his office.

“Thank you Chelsea, I’m glad you enjoyed it, I’m sorry I really must go.” Brush off of the century, take that Bitch. He picked up his pace and caught up to me.

“Alexis, where do you think you’re going?” He gently secured my arm.

“I’m going to have a quick shower, before I see you up there.”

“Not down here you’re not, I have 5 showers in my apartment you can use one of those.” Ok, I hadn’t even thought to ask to use one of his.

“Thank you, I’d prefer that.” I really did, I don’t fancy gym showers they grouse me out. As we walked off, I noticed licking lips lady snatch up her towel and bag, she smiled sarcastically at me. She definitely was a piece of work this one.

We headed up via his private elevator, it wasn’t that much different to the main ones. He punched in a code and it took us directly to the second level of his apartment, he opened the door to one of the guest rooms.

“Please make yourself at home and take as long as you want, I’ll be in my room if you need me.” He stepped out backwards whilst ‘smirking’. He never ceases to amaze me, just so up front and God damn cheeky, if only I was single, I would take him up on that disguised invitation! I walked in to the room, it was gorgeous of course but again different from Lucy’s and Bryce’s rooms. The colour palette was neutral and green and reminded me of a country cottage bed and breakfast room. The bedside tables were of vintage style with white distressed paint, the room really was lovely. The view of Port Phillip Bay was divine, I could see the Spirit of Tasmania docked at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, I had been on the Spirit during a family holiday to Tassie and was so sea sick, I couldn’t bring myself to attempt another trip on it again.

I entered the bathroom and the shower was of course a double, there were brand new bottles of Shampoo, Conditioner and Body wash in the showers’ caddy. Hhmm just what I use at home. No, he couldn’t possibly know what toiletries I use. That is just beyond creepy research, that is disturbing. I told myself to quiz him about this latter, as I was more than happy to put it down to co-incidence, because the alternative was unnerving.

I hopped into the shower and welcomed the soothing hot water. Ahhh that’s so nice, would he notice if I just stayed in here all day? Of course he would Alexis; he is probably watching you now on CCTV. All of a sudden I looked up into every corner of the room. Don’t be stupid, that’s well and truly crossing the line. I couldn’t completely put it past him though, from what I’ve learnt about him so far, it could definitely be a possibility. No Alexis you’re an idiot, hurry up and wash your hair. I did just that, I washed the conditioner out of my hair and started to relax all over. I closed my eyes, I hate hangovers, they linger and linger and over stay their welcome. I must have had my eyes closed for a few minutes, because when I opened them he was standing directly in front of me and completely starkers, he pounced on my face and pressed me up against the shower wall, the chill from the tiles made me gasp.

“Bryce No.”

“Shut up Alexis.” Oh, Ok. I didn’t argue, I was so overwhelmed with sensation and having his extremely sexy hard and naked body up against my bare skin was disorientating. He spun me round and cupped my breasts; he was groaning into my ear and kissing my neck. I was already close to an orgasm, this felt so fucking exciting and hot, I was literally on fire and ready to combust, he trailed his hand down to my clitoris and took control of it instantly. I groaned back and completely lost myself in the moment, I spun around and grabbed the back of his head. Our kissing was so aggressive, like we each had to take control of each other’s mouths, he gripped my arse and lifted me up. I’ve always wanted to be lifted up like this in a shower. I yanked his head back, we stared silent for seconds both yearning for more and breathing hard. His eyes were so honest, I could see how much he wanted me, how much he had wanted this and how I could no longer say no to him, regardless of what it cost me. I was well and truly addicted to him. We resumed our passionate kissing, the intensity had eased ever so slightly though and now we were savouring the moment and exploring each other’s bodies with our hands, fingers, lips and tongues. The entrance to my pussy started to stretch as he entered me, it was exquisite and as he penetrated me further I couldn’t hold back anymore. I exploded with pleasure and fell back against the tap. Suddenly I felt a stream of cold water spray my body, I opened my eyes, it took me a moment to become aware of the explicit and highly forbidden daydream I had just concocted and endured. What the Fuck Alexis? I had actually masturbated and orgasmed in his guest room bathroom. You dirty little bitch. I let the cold water bath me, I needed it after what I’d just envisioned and subconsciously experienced. My body started to settle down to its original state, what is this man doing to me? And more importantly, what am I doing to myself?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I stared at myself in the vanity mirror, my cheeks were flushed, I couldn’t help but laugh, I had never in my wildest dreams, done anything like that before, apparently not anymore, you hussy. The Alexis looking back at me in the mirror was sure of herself, maybe too sure, dressed immaculately in a black Burberry shirt dress with a gorgeous garter and stockings and I had even developed a knack for make-up, I was definitely changing and I could confidently say for the better. I bent down and opened the vanity cupboard, a hairdryer brilliant, I wasn’t really surprised; this was after all a penthouse apartment at City Towers. Also sitting in an elegant basket in the vanity were a number of perfume bottles, brand new and still in shrink wrap. I recognised a few and picked up Dolce and Gabbana, Rose The One, my favourite, what can I say I really do love roses. I perused the basket again and became aware that it was in fact full of my favourite perfumes. Tresor, Le Classique by JPG, Chanel No.5, Lady Million, Chloe, even White Musk from the Body Shop. This isn’t right, how does he know this? It’s not like it’s written on my resume, or plastered across my Facebook page. I had to get to the bottom of this creepy research once and for all, but firstly I needed to dry my hair and spritz myself with D&G.

I cautiously came down his stairs, partly because I was still a learner in heels this high and partly because I had no idea where he was, I reached the bottom step just as he came out from the kitchen holding two plates, he stopped only momentarily then resumed his original course.

“Breakfast is ready, Alexis, how was the shower?” Did he just smirk at me? Oh Holy Shit, he does have CCTV, he watched me, he fucking watched me. I was ready to take a dive from his balustrade.

“Alexis, are you ok, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost. What’s wrong?” He put the plates on the couch and rushed over to me.

“What’s wrong? Please tell me?” He looked horrified.

“Was the shower alright? It should’ve been fully equipped with everything you need.” He waited impatiently for my response. I was getting the feeling that maybe I’d jumped the gun and made the wrong assumption in regards to the CCTV but as I had him here squirming, I might as well utilise it.

“The Toiletries, the Perfume? This is way past creepy, more like spine-chilling, stalker-like research.” He relaxed and very subtly murmured ‘Phew’. He could be so adorably cute sometimes.

“Lucy.” Was all he said.

“Lucy what?”

“Lucy knew, that you would one day need to use the guest room, let’s just say the creepy or spine-chilling, stalker-like research as you put it, runs in the family.”

“But how does she know?” Gee, there as bad as each other.

“She rang and asked your daughter.” He went back to the couch picked up the plates and went out to the balcony, I called out after him and began my pursuit.

“But you can’t do that, it’s an invasion of privacy, not to mention harassment and the taking advantage of a 6 year old with a big mouth.” I sat down at the table he had set up.

“It’s what we do Ms Summers.” Oh Please! I rolled my eyes. Give it up Alexis, you aint gunna win this one. I surveyed the table, salmon and dill omelettes, orange juice, fresh berry salad with yogurt, there was also a hot white chocolate topped with none only than a marshmallow, it looked amazing and smelt incredible.

“Eat Alexis, you need to build up your protein after a workout.” I’ve had a work out alright, just not the one you are referring to. I dug into the omelette, it was delicious.

“Yum, I hope you pay your chefs more than me.” I scoffed down another mouthful, he chuckled. What, was I making a pig out of myself?

“What’s so funny?” I know I wasn’t the most eloquent eater in the world, but surely I wasn’t laughable.

“You could say that.”

“Could say what?” I spoke with my mouth full. Ok scratch that last thought, I was laughable!

“You could say that I pay the Chef more than you.”

“Oh good, because he deserves it, this is wonderful.”

“Thank you.” Ding, goes the light bulb!

“You cooked this? Bryce you are sensational.” He grinned from ear to ear, he put is head down and continued eating. A blushing Billionaire, who would’ve thought!

After breakfast, Bryce had me schedule his itinnery for the upcoming Tel V Awards which were to be held in the Queen Victoria Ballroom next Monday evening, this was very exciting for me as I enjoyed watching it on TV at home from my couch. Being the Australian equivalent to the Emmy Awards, everybody who’s anybody will be here in a weeks’ time. City Towers had hosted the prestigious event for many years and was highly renowned for its attention to detail, extremely high security protocol system and the fact that City Tower had 481 Rooms/Suites and 30 Villas, to host the VIP guests, that are the who’s who of Australian Television and from all over the world. I had spoken to Clarissa from Versace, lovely lady that she is, she assured me Bryce’s Tuxedo would arrive in time for the event. He had meetings booked all weekend with numerous heads of department, Dale - Head of Security, Maria who was Head of House Keeping, Vincent - Head Chef in the Complex’s catering kitchen for large events, Joyce the Head Media Liaison Officer and I was in the midst of organising a meeting with Abigail. I picked up the phone and dialled her mobile.

“Abigail, its Alexis, how are today?

“Alexis sweetheart, I’m assuming this is a business call?” She was a clever cookie, I guess she had to be, in her role.

“Yes, I need to schedule a meeting with you for Friday, in regards to the Tel V Awards. Mr Clark wants your overview delivered here preferably today so he can peruse it and then discuss with you at the meeting. As you can imagine, he has back to backs from Thursday onwards, but I have reserved a time slot for you at 9:30am.”

“Certainly, I’m one step ahead of you, Samantha and Chelsea are on their way with the overview now.”

“You’re one of a kind Abigail, thank you.” I hung up the phone. I miss her, I really could’ve learnt a lot from that wonderful lady. The elevator doors opened and Samantha bounced out, I still needed to get to the bottom of this thing with Gareth, he just gives me a bad vibe and I didn’t think Samantha had a clue what she could be getting herself into. A tall leggy blonde followed behind her. What is that Bitch doing here? It was licking lips lady.

“Alexis, long time no see, are you snobbing me now that you are up here in the ‘Penthouse’?” She poked her bottom lip out and pouted at me.

“Of course not Sweetie, actually I wanted to catch up for lunch sometime this week.”

“Sounds good, listen have you met Chelsea? She has filled your position.” Are you shitting me? Chelsea stepped up to stand beside Samantha, she towered over me as I sat in my seat.

“We haven’t met per se but I was witness to Alexis’ Self Defence skills this morning.” She was hopeless at trying to cover up her contempt for me with a smile.

“Oh, that’s right, Mr Clark asked you to take the class so that you could promote it to guests. Do you know Self-Defence Alexis?”

“No, Mr Clark apparently needed a Guinea Pig and chose me!” The door to Bryce’s office opened and he entered the foyer, it was Samantha who spoke first.

“Good morning Mr Clark, here is the overview you requested from Abigail.” She went to hand it to him.

“Thank you Samantha, but you can leave that with Alexis. Ah, Ms Hogan, can I have a moment in my office please.” She smiled sweetly at him.

“Of course Mr Clark.” He motioned her towards his office and as she walked past he placed his hand at the small of her back and followed her in. I was literally fuming inside, I wanted to army roll across my desk, kick down the door, pounce on this Chelsea bitch and scratch her brown freakin eyes out. Then, I wanted to demonstrate to Bryce just what it would feel like if my Hammer-Punch had in fact connected with force to his groin this morning. Alexis, bury your WWE Alter Ego and get a grip.

“Urgh, I hate her Alexis.” What? Samantha had dropped her head on my desk. Don’t worry Hun, I hate her too.

“Why? What’s been happening?” I missed the interaction with her and Charlie, their gossip sessions were always amusing.

“She thinks her shit don’t stink, just because Daddy owns a Helicopter Charter Company out in Essendon and she has a Pilot Licence and she is 6ft tall and can speak fluent French, Italian and Greek and Blah Blah Blah.” Her voice trailed off like a whinging toddler. Pilot Licence? I hate her unconditionally now.

“Anyway, gotta go, we have so much to organise for the Tel V’s this week, it’s such a huge event, I had no idea. Did you know 4Life are performing and staying in one of the Villas? It’s going to be crazy!” 4Life were the hottest boy band in the world right now, this place was going to be swarming with hypersensitive teenage girls and Charlotte, OMG Charlotte is going to drive me crazy, she adored 4Life.

“Ok Sam, lunch tomorrow?”

“Yeah should be fine.”

Shortly after Samantha left, Bryce buzzed my phone.

“Alexis, can you have Sebastian bring up a bottle of the Chandon Rose, a Club Sandwich and a Crab Baguette, please.” Then he hung up. Fucking Crab Baguette, you can stick your Crab Baguette up your arse. I dialled Sebastian and placed the order. I was mad, but why? Bryce had done nothing wrong really, maybe it was just the fact that this Chelsea bitch was a cocky, little stuck up mole and was clearly making her moves on Bryce, then again, why should this make me mad? There’s not one single woman on this planet that wouldn’t want to make a move on him, I can’t really blame her, he was single. Was I jealous? I think I was, I think I was jealous of the fact that he had declared he wanted me and had made me cross a very strict line when we kissed and now he was just moving on to fresh meat, so yes, I was jealous and pissed off and rightly so. Should’ve added Peanut Butter to his bloody Club Sandwich. Sebastian pushed a food trolley out of the elevator.

“Ms Summers, Mr Clark’s lunch request.”

“Yes thank you Sebastian, I will take it from here.” He gave me a strange look and almost hesitated, poor thing, I must have broken protocol or something.

“It’s fine Sebastian.” I gave him a reassuring look and got up to take the trolley from him.

“Very well, good day Ms Summers.”

Oh I liked him, he was so polite and sweet and I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him his mother would be proud! When he had left the foyer, I pushed the trolley to the door of Bryce’s office, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirrored panelling on the wall. I let my hair down and it fell nicely in waves across my back, my breasts however were conservatively covered up, so, I unbuttoned the top of the dress to reveal just a small section of my red lace bra. Being a shirt dress, I could also unbutton the bottom to allow a split which slightly exposed the lace atop my stockings when I knelt. Right let us see how this settles with him. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door, he didn’t answer right away which only added fuel to my fire.

“Yes.”

I opened the door and pushed the trolley through, Bryce and Chelsea were seated opposite each other at the lounge where we had shared our first lunch together, he’s eyes widened as I closed the door behind me.

“Your lunch Mr Clark, where would you like it?” Chelsea had her back to me and had not looked around. Smug Bitch. Bryce ran his hand through his hair giving away that my small adjustments had in fact been noticed.

“Just down here thank you Alexis.” I pushed the trolley towards him and stopped it right next Chelsea, so that it was in between her and I, from the moment I walked in Bryce had not taken his eyes off of me. Whatever it is you wanted to achieve Alexis, I think it’s working girl. I knelt down beside the trolley to retrieve the Bottle of Chandon revealing the top of my stockings, he fidgeted in his seat and uncrossed the leg he had rested on the other, I leant over to place it on the coffee table; this little manoeuvre exposed just enough of my bra which in turn made him cross the other leg over. I stood back up and was about to produce their plates when Bryce cleared his throat.

“Thank you Alexis.”

I turned to leave and flashed a triumphant expression. Yes, let this be a warning to you Mr Clark. Don’t Fuck around with me. I continued my revolve and walked to the door making sure my arse shook the absolute shit out of him and not once during my display, did I acknowledge that Chelsea was even in the room with us.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I closed his door behind me and leant back against it, that felt so good but it also felt childish and what moments of satisfaction I had just achieved had left me. What am I doing? I am above this shit. I decided I would take lunch myself and tie up a few loose ends which I would normally do from my desk, in person. I forwarded all calls to my mobile and got the hell out of there.

I managed to spend most of the afternoon out of the office, I thought I was home free when my phone rang, it was Bryce. Ah crap.

“Yes Mr Clark.”

“Alexis, where are you?” You tell me, stalker!

“I’m with Chris from Marketing.”

“When you’re done I’d like to see you in my office.” Shit.

“We are nearly done here.” I hung up. Who does he think he is? Yes he’s my boss but he doesn’t have any claims on me what so ever and after his cute display earlier today with Chelsea he had no right to have such a possessive tone with me, I’m not a toy and more importantly, I’m not his toy. Chris and I quickly finished up with our discussions on marketing the ‘Family Friendly’ rooms at the Promenade, he was very nice and seemed quite interested in my point of view as a Mother, I guess that was the point though.

“Thank you Alexis, you’re insight has been a great help. I’ll run a few of these ideas through an advertising submission and will contact you shortly to discuss with Mr Clark.”

“Great, thanks Chris I look forward to it.” I got up and inevitably made my way up to the Lion’s Den.

In the lift, I pinned my hair back up and double checked all buttons were fastened, I was not going to make a point by teasing him like that again. If he wanted to be the rich, playful bachelor that he was, that was his business and none of mine. I have a husband that I love and who loves me in return and I was more than happy with that. The doors opened and I headed straight for my desk, before I had even gotten half way there, he was out of his office and in the foyer.

“Alexis, a word please.” Hold ya horses. He seemed angry. Shit, I’m in trouble. I’ve really pissed him off. I diverted from my desk past him and into his office. You know what Bryce? Bring it on, I’m sick of these games as well. I put my bag on the coffee table but didn’t sit.

“Have a seat Alexis.”

“No thanks I’ll stand.” Screw him. He walked right up to me.

“Why the disappearing act?”

“What disappearing act?” I played dumb.

“Why have you spent nearly four hours away from your desk?” Because you infuriate me!

“I had loose ends to tie up and a meeting with Marketing.” I’m not 14 Bryce, nor am I grounded, back the fuck off!

“I need you at your desk.” I need you to take me on my desk. Alexis, you are angry with him remember?

“Why?” He didn’t answer, he dropped the bad cop attitude.

“Why are you angry with me?” He was a bloody Yo-Yo.

“I’m not.” I was lying, I just wanted to go home. I glanced at my watch. Thank God.

“You are and it has something to do with Chelsea.” He stepped away from me and headed to the buffet where he poured himself a drink and then smirked at me. That does it!

“You know what Bryce? You’re right, I am pissed with you and do you want to know why?” I didn’t give him time to answer.

“Because you have completely turned my world upside down, not only have you single-handedly changed my career path from under me, you have continuously flirted with me, invaded my privacy, taunted me with playful games, lured me in with expensive gifts and a ‘non-negotiable’ and absurd salary increase. You have played on the obvious sexual tension we share and have forced me to cross the line with you, this might be a game for you but it’s not for me. So if you want to play your little touchy feely, wine and dine games with Miss Hogan, go right ahead, I’m going home to fuck my husband.”

I grabbed my bag and made for the door. He had my arm in a flash once again and pulled me to him. Geez he was quick.

“Let me go.”

“No, Alexis.”

“Let me go Bryce.” He looked deep into my eyes and pleaded with me.

“Ask me to kiss you Alexis. Please ask me, or so help me god I will break my promise.”

“No. Let me go, I am not your toy, if you want a toy go and play with Chelsea.”

“I don’t want a toy Alexis, I don’t want Chelsea either, I want you. I want you so fucking badly it is driving me crazy, I’ve never wanted anyone or anything more in my life.” His grip tightened on my arm.

“You’re killing me Alexis, you walk into my office looking so God damn sexy and tease me with your lingerie, then disappear for hours. You‘re jealous, Alexis and you want me too, just admit it.”

“Let me go.” I was close to tears, I wrenched my arms up and hit both his inner elbows hard breaking his grip on me. Ha, thanks for that trick! I felt like bursting, bursting with anger, with regret, with lust, with bloody everything and I did just that, I screamed at him.

“Yes I want you, I want to fuck the living shit out you.” I started to cry.

“Do I like to see you touch other women? No, no I don’t. Do I feel a thousand tiny tingles go up and down my spine and into my loins whenever you touch me? Yes, yes I do. Am I exhilarated and alive whenever I am with you? Yes. Do I want to take it further? Yes, yes I fucking do but that’s not the point Bryce. It doesn’t matter that I want you, it doesn’t matter that you want me, I took vows, to honor to respect and to be faithful and I can’t break them. I won’t go behind Rick’s back, ever! So what we want doesn’t matter. I’m sorry.” I touched his cheek and then left.

My head was a mess. The look of shock that was plastered on his face when I confessed to him, was still stuck in my head. He had texted me on my way home asking me if I was leaving for good, I told him once again, ‘I’m not going anywhere’. The problem was if we both felt this way it was inevitable that I would have to leave at some point. When I walked through the front door I was wrecked, the heels got kicked off, the bag got dumped and I collapsed onto the couch. Charlotte was on me almost instantly, she gave me a kiss and stood in my heels.

“Whoa, these are hard.” She stumbled around the living room.

“I know munchkin and they hurt too.” I rubbed my feet.

“Where’s your brother?”

“Here.” Nate came into the room and flopped next to me.

“Hi gorgeous boy.” I kissed his forehead.

“Mum, how was work?”

“It was, interesting. To say the least! Oh guess what I learnt today?” I wearily stood up.

“Self Defence.” I did a ninja pose and Nate laughed, I must have been in the moment because when Rick came in and put his hand on my shoulder I spun around and whacked him on the elbow.

“Ouch, Geezus Alexis.” He rubbed his arm and Charli laughed.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry Babe.” I went to rub his arm and he grabbed me and crossed both my arms behind me.

“Get out of this one.”

“I can you know, but I’ll hurt you.”

“Sure you will.” He let me uncross my arms then bear hugged me and kissed my cheek.

“So what’s for tea?” All three of them were looking at me.

“Really? Um, well your choices are, Pizza, Pizza and guess what? Pizza. I’m plonking my butt on this couch and I’m not moving.”

It seemed everyone was happy with Pizza on the floor in front of the TV. I really was exhausted, not just physically but mentally and more to the point, emotionally. The kids helped Rick clean up then did their homework and went to bed, I decided a long hot bubble bath was well and truly needed, that or Girls Weekend away. Seeing the Girls Weekend was not going to happen right here and right now I opted for the bubble bath, the idea of a girly getaway did sound good so much so that I decided to ring Tash and get her on to it.

My Bath was bliss, pure bliss, my feet were thanking me for the hot lavender soak and the tension that was radiating through my body started to ease. I grabbed my phone, being careful not to drop it, I had done that once before, Tash picked up.

“Lexi, how you goin Luv, still drooling over that boss of yours? I hate you, you do realise that don’t you?”

“Love you too Tash, I need a Girls Weekend away, in our Barrel.” Our ‘Barrel’ was our little sanctuary away from normality, it was at Tranquil Hot Springs Day Spa down on the Coast. A large Wine Barrel cut in half and filled with Naturally Thermal Spring Water with a temperature of 40 degrees.

“I’m hearing you Luv.”

“You busy this weekend? I need it, STAT! My treat, get Lil, Steph and Jade on to it as well Yeah?”

“Your treat? Piss Off.”

“No I’m serious Hun, It’s a long story and an Emergency, I know it’s late notice but I’m desperate. Pleaseeeee?”

“Alright, I’m on to it, Barrel here we come.” She hung up and I pictured her doing her ruffle butt dance.

I soaked for about an hour then got out, I pulled on my nightie and collapsed face down onto the bed, minutes later Rick was at the base of the bed rubbing my feet.

“That’s great.” I moaned, into the pillow, he started rubbing not only my feet but my calves and slowly up to my thighs. He leant down and kissed the back of my knee, I giggled

“That tickles.” He hiked up my nightie exposing my bare arse and slapped me hard.

“Ooww that hurt.” He chuckled then kissed it better, I rolled onto my back. He lifted my left leg and started trailing kisses down it, he lifted my other leg and did the same, this time kissing all the way down and skimming my clitoris ever so slightly. He knelt at the base of me and removed his shirt, I sat up and helped him unbuckle his trousers yanking them down impatiently.

“In a hurry Baby?” He gently pushed me back on the bed and kissed me, then kissed my neck.

“I need you Babe.” I wasn’t lying, I really did need him, I needed to feel the same excitement that pulsed through me when I was with Bryce, I needed to feel that with Rick, I needed it for reassurance maybe? Up until now, I had never in our 12 years of marriage doubted our physical connection. He licked my nipple and then stretched it with his lips, I put my hands in his hair and massaged his head. He came back up to my mouth and kissed me passionately, I rolled him over so that I was straddling him and climbed on top of his erection and started pumping it. He gripped my hips and helped with the motion, I quickened my pace, I wanted his hardness as far inside me as he could go, I quickened even more.

“Not yet Baby.” He sat up and lifted me off him, I got on all fours and he re-entered me softly. He controlled the pace now, starting slowly he pushed himself inside me, gradually pushing faster and harder until his balls were slapping my arse, we both came together and he filled me. Rick loved my breasts, he massaged them with his large hands as I continued to orgasm.

“I love you Alexis.” He groaned.

“I know Babe, I love you too.” I was breathless and completely and utterly spent.

The next morning I was running late, Nate had spent more than enough time in the bathroom and when he did finally come out he smelt of Joop, the thing was, my 9 year old did not own a bottle of Joop, his father did. Charlotte had asked what the smell was in the car, she knew very well what the smell was, she was just trying to stir her brother. I kissed Nate through the car window and whispered in his ear.

“Not so much next time ok?” He went pink in the face and sniffed his collar.

“One spray dude, trust me.” I winked at him and he nodded back.

Thankfully the traffic was light on the Freeway, it wasn’t until I turned onto Kings Way that we came to a complete halt, the problem was the car behind me had not noticed the traffic ahead had stopped. I saw him coming in the rear-vision mirror so braced myself, the hit was hard, so hard it pushed me into the car in front and set my air-bag off. It happened so quickly, that if it weren’t for the big white balloon in my face and the loud noise from the impact, I may not have realised that it did just in fact happen. I sat there in shock and eventually gathered my head as a man came up to my window, I opened the door, it sounded awful but opened with reluctance.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah.” I was pretty sure I was, I went to unbuckle my seat belt and get out.

“No stay there, I’ve called an Ambulance.”

“I don’t need an Ambulance, I’m fine.”

“No stay there, you’ve been hit quite hard.” Great this was just what I needed, I was going to be late and without a car for God knows how long, I reached for my phone.

“Alexis, is everything alright?”

“I’m going to be late Bryce, I’ve been in an accident, my car is fucked and they’ve called an Ambulance. I’m fine but…..”

“Where are you?” His spoke fast.

“I’m just on the Kings Way off ramp, not even 5 bloody minutes away…..”

“I’m on my way.”

“What? No, I’m fine…”  He hung up, shit, I’m fine.

“I’m just pissed off…..”  I started to yell.

“Pissed off that some dickhead wasn’t watching where they were going.” Screw this, I’m getting out. I stepped out of the car and had to steady myself, the man that had come to my window was by my side again.

“You really shouldn’t move Ma’am.”

“Thank you but I’m fine.” I could hear sirens and knew the Ambulance was not far away, I looked at my car, my poor car resembled that cube thingy from Transformers. My tailgate was well and truly pushed in and jammed, the bonnet had bent up and made its way closer to the windscreen and it was leaking radiator fluid. Fuck, this was going to be a pain in the arse. I was ready to go and give the guy behind me a peace of my mind, when I heard a Helicopter. I looked up and saw a chopper fast approaching and circling to land in the nearby vacant lot next to the off ramp. At first I thought it was a Medi-Chopper but soon realised it was ‘The Crow’. Oh No! He flew here, really? Talk about overreaction. I watched him jump out of the chopper and sprint up the ramp like a mad man, he ran straight up to me and cupped my face, I don’t know if I was in more shock from the accident or from this over animated dash to my aid.

“Alexis, are you ok? Are you hurt? Is anything Broken? You really shouldn’t be standing here.” Before I knew it he had swept me off my feet and was carrying me to the side of the road, where he placed me down.

“Bryce, what are you doing? Seriously I’m fine, stop making such a fuss, I’m fine.” People were now looking at me and the frantic Helicopter Pilot who just ran up an off ramp to an accident scene and rescued the damsel in distress.

“Where’s the bloody Ambulance?” He ran his hand through his hair and was clearly distraught. That’s when it struck me, the accident! The car accident, of course he was freaking out over the accident because of his parents and brother. Oh Shit, I should never have called him. Alexis you bloody idiot. I got up and grabbed his hand, he was searching around looking for the Ambulance.

“Bryce, Bryce look at me.” I turned his head to get his full attention.

“I’m fine, see? I’m fine.” His panic, started to slowly fade, he grabbed me and squeezed me tight.

“Shit Alexis, you scared me half to death.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have called you like that. I didn’t think, I’m so sorry.” He pulled back.

“Don’t be, shit if anything had happened to you, I…” He stopped mid-sentence.

“Alexis I’d die if anything happened to you. I, I lov…..” A paramedic interrupted him and knelt down beside me. What? Holly Shit, was he about to say the ‘L’ word? Oh fuck I hope not!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The Paramedic was a young man, with ginger hair and an Irish accent.

“Hi there, what’s your name Ma’am?” I loved Irish accents, I smiled at him.

“Alexis.”

“Alexis how are you feeling? Do you have any pain anywhere?” He started checking me with a mini torch, shining it into my eyes then away, then into my eyes again. Bryce was telling me he loved me, I’m sure he was in the middle of saying Love. Maybe I have concussion and he really isn’t here and I’m just imagining it, or maybe I’m day dreaming this whole accident. Now that’s a possibility, my day dreams have been just a tad vivid lately! I pinched myself. Ouch, that didn’t work. I pinched Bryce, he looked stunned.

“What is she doing? Alexis what are you doing?

“Huh? I’m, I’m.” Not a day dream! “I’m, fine.” Bryce looked at the Paramedic, concern covering his face.

“Did you hit your head? Black-out for any time at all?” ‘Ginger’ placed his hands on my neck and felt the base of my skull.

“No really I’m fine.” I sat up straighter, he got me to perform a few movement and response tests then took down my details, he was happy to let me go.

“If you notice any vision changes, or black-out, or experience severe headaches, sharp pain or imbalance in any way, please go directly to Hospital. You may feel a little drowsy and that’s ok. You will have some whiplash and bruising where your seat belt has restrained you, he touched my shoulder and chest lightly to indicate a redness already appearing. If the pain from whiplash becomes quite severe, again make your way down to the Hospital. Refrain from anything strenuous or any heavy lifting and take it easy for a day or two.” He gave me a reassuring smile then walked off.

The guy behind me though was not so lucky; he suffered a broken collarbone and concussion and was taken by ‘Ginger’ to Hospital. The police also attended the scene; they interviewed me quickly, as to the version of events and were assessing the damage to the cars and directing traffic around us. I rang my Insurance Company and they arranged a tow truck for my crumpled car. The traffic jam had thrown the Westgate FWY into chaos.

Before we took off in the helicopter, Bryce had to wait for air traffic clearance due to a couple of News/Media Choppers flying around, he was flicking switches and looking at gauges.

“You really didn’t need to fly here you know.” He kept doing all his checks.

“Yes I did.”

“No you didn’t, I understand your concern because of your family but not every accident will have the same horrible outcome Bryce. All I’m saying is, I’m fine and I could’ve caught a taxi, this was all a bit much, I’m grateful that you came, don’t get me wrong, it’s just I feel like an idiot.” I looked out the window, I felt so embarrassed, I should never have told him about the accident, the part about being late, yes, but the accident, no.

“You didn’t hear me did you?” The engine got louder and we took off, I could understand now just how quickly he had gotten to the accident because we were landing at City Tower before I had even processed what he had said to me as we took off. The rotors started to slow and he was flicking lots of switches again, he climbed out of the cockpit and came around to my door. He unbuckled me and lifted me onto the roof, as we stood there staring at each other wind blowing around us, I started to get a bit dizzy.

“I think I need to sit down.” It probably had more to do with him staring at me the way he was, rather than the accident but I didn’t tell him that. He scooped me up in his arms again, and carried me towards his apartment.

“Bryce put me down, you can’t keep doing this.”

“I can and I will.” There’s just no arguing with this man, he’s the most stubborn person I’ve ever come across, he placed me down on his lounge and knelt beside me.

“Bryce, you are going way over the top, I have legs and I can use them.” He interrupted me.

“I know you have legs, I want them wrapped around me.” I blushed.

“That’s not going to happen, you know that don’t you?” I was starting to get sleepy.

“I know nothing of which you speak.” If I had more energy I would’ve rolled my eyes but I did manage a smile.

“Alexis, I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with you.” My eyes flew wide open.

“You’re not Bryce, you can’t.”

“I am and I can and I have.” I couldn’t stop staring at him, this gorgeous, handsome and sexy knight in shining armour was knelt by me, confessing his love and all I could do was stare. My eyelids became quite heavy and I found myself fighting to keep them apart, as I drifted into unconsciousness I felt him kiss my forehead.

I started to come round, I could hear Bryce’s voice in the distance

“Sebastian, yes now please”, but then drifted away again. Stirring once more I heard footsteps and a gentle clanging not too far from my head, I opened my eyes slowly and he was on the lounge opposite me. He had placed a blanket over me and put a pillow under my head, on the coffee table was some Panadol, a glass of water, a cup of tea and a cloche.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“A couple of hours, Janette has been up here every half an hour, checking over you. She assured me you were just having a snooze, she also said you’d be hungry and have a headache when you woke, so take the Panadol and eat your soup.” Janette was the Nurse on Site. I sat up and felt quite good. Shit I haven’t called Rick.

“I have to make a phone call.” I grabbed my phone from my bag and walked over to the balcony door, I dialled Rick.

“Melbourne Mortgages you’re speaking with Rick.”

“Hi, it’s me.”

“Hey, you sound tired, did I wear you out last night?” Last night? Oh Yeah. I felt my cheeks warm and I turned ever so slightly to see if Bryce was watching me. Of course he was.

“No, I had a car accident this morning.”

“Shit Babe, you alright? What happened?”

“Well I got hit up the arse and in turn hit the car in front, the air bag went off so the Territory is stuffed. It was towed to Airport West.”

“Shit, the air bag went off? What about you, did you get hurt? Why are you only telling me now? It’s after lunch.”

“I’m fine, although I was a little drowsy from the whiplash, so had a sleep, I feel fine now.”

“Where are you?”

“At work.”

“And you slept?” He sounded confused.

“It’s a Hotel Rick!” I felt like adding Derrrr. Not that I occupied a Hotel suite but that was only minor details.

“Oh yeah, well as long as you are alright. How are you getting home? Do you need me to pick you up?” Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.

“Um no you go get the kids, I’ll catch a cab. Ok Hun I’ve got to go, bye.” I walked back to the lounge and lifted the cloche. Mmmmm Minestrone Soup.

“Have you eaten?” He was watching me intently and nodded.

“Yes.” I dipped my crusty bread in the soup and took a bite, it really was awkward, awkward eating soup on a coffee table and awkward because he was watching me, I put the spoon down.

“Stop it.”

“Stop what?”

“Stop staring at me.” He lent forward and rested his arms on his knees.

“I like staring at you.”

“I can’t eat, if you watch me.” He laughed.

“Why?”

“Because I’ll drop some or spill it or something.”

“Do you need me to feed you?” He was mocking me now but something told me he would be pretty keen if I’d agree.

“No. Oh well, if I make a mess on your rug, or make a pig out of myself, then stiff shit.” He sat back with one leg resting on the other and one hand in his hair. Shit, can you possibly make it any harder for me to eat right now? I came up with an idea, ok smarty pants, enjoy watching this. I started to slurp the soup really loud and bite my bread like a hungry Viking, I looked up at him and he didn’t even flinch. Right! I went in for a marathon slurp and nearly choked on a bit of celery, then did my best Cookie Monster impression with the last bit of bread, that broke him, he cracked up laughing.

“Are you sure you didn’t hit your head?”

“No not really!” Maybe I did? Would explain this crazy display.

“Hurry up and finish, I want to show you something.”

“I’m done.” I grabbed the napkin and wiped my face praying I had removed all the crumbs and soup spray, he stood up and extended his hand.

“Your chariot awaits my dear.” What? What is he going on about?

He led me to his elevator and pushed the basement 4 button, he keyed in a code and down we went. When the doors opened I was confronted with what could only be described as a view from a luxury car dealership, easily 20 cars, new and old.

“Are these all yours? On second thought, don’t answer that, of course they are.”

I love cars, I was my father’s daughter when it came to anything with an engine on four wheels. Dad had taught me to drive a manual transmission in a Stock Car at the age of 16, he had strapped me into the harness and pointed me towards the racecourse. I can vividly remember the adrenalin rush I had when I flew down the gravel track. Our division of motor car racing allowed contact with other vehicles, so I didn’t hold back and that unfortunately was my downfall in that inaugural race. I did get better over the years, earning myself a Victorian Title and 2nd place Championship placing. I competed in the ladies division for 3 years until a bad accident left me with hairline fractures to my C1 and C2 vertebrae, unfortunately after that I could no longer race due to the chronic headaches.

Standing in his private car park was like being a kid in a candy store. The Gold McLaren F1 caught my eye first, how could it not, next to that of course was a Ferrari Testarossa, Omg just like the Barbie one I had when I was little, I had to go and have a look, it was immaculate in all its bright red glory. It didn’t stop there though, side by side were none other than an Aston Martin One -77 and Lamborghini Reventon. Holy Fuck, that’s over $3,000,000.00 just there, between those two. I looked up at Bryce and he was boasting a very big grin, I shook my head at him and kept walking. A bright Yellow Porsche Cayman, Black Jaguar, White Mercedes Benz, Dark Blue BMW, Silver Lexus, Blue Cadillac, the list goes on. It was truly beyond words the calibre of motor vehicle parked in front of me. I stopped in my tracks as I rounded a pylon, I was without a doubt impressed with the luxurious models I had just passed but I was a classic girl at heart and when I saw the 1969 Purple Dodge Charger, I froze, it was accompanied by a 66 Ford Thunderbird, 1979 Trans Am and 1957 Chevy Bel Air. I practically ran up to the Charger, it was sensational, obviously not factory colour but the restoration was immaculate, I ran my finger along the front guard and peaked inside the window. Bryce was leaning against the pylon biting his thumb nail.

“I’m literally speechless.” I was awestruck, I’d always wanted a Charger but to own all these vehicles was simply mind blowing.

“It’s open, hop in.”

“Really? Arrggh!” I squealed with delight, if I could perform a series of backflips right now I’d be tumbling right through this garage. I pushed the handle button in and opened the door, the black leather was pristine and I could pretty much see my reflection in it. I sat down in the driver seat and placed my hands on the steering wheel, it wasn’t small, thick and chunky like they are made nowadays; it was large, round, thin and hard. I closed my eyes and put my head back whilst gripping the wheel. Oh this is so good, I’m in Heaven. Almost instantly I felt his hand on my neck, I let out a soft cry of pleasure but didn’t open my eyes, he trailed his finger up and down my throat, I opened my mouth and he stuck it on my lips. I bit down gently then consumed it with my mouth, he removed his wet digit and traced it back down my throat and in between my breasts, slipping it into my bra and gently massaging my nipple. My eyes remained closed and my breathing became quite ragged, he removed his hand from my cleavage and the anticipation of his next touch was excruciating. I wanted to open my eyes but couldn’t, if I did I would stop him; it seemed closing my eyes made it acceptable. He replaced his hand at my knee, slowly moving it up my leg and underneath my skirt, I had stockings on again and when his hand reached the bare skin between my legs I moaned. He leant in the door and kissed my wanting mouth and continued to move his hand up and underneath my underwear, I tilted my pelvis up to give him access. This was my ultimate fantasy, he was my dream guy and he was about to finger fuck me here in my dream car. As he touched my soft sensitive clitoris I groaned out loud, the sensation was unbelievable; he entered me with not one but two fingers and stretched my inside in a circular motion. Holly Fuck, I’m gone. I arched my back and my sweaty hand slipped from the steering wheel and landed on the horn. The loud beep forced me to open my eyes and I was jolted back into reality. Shit Alexis, not again. This time Bryce really was at the window, I was perspiring and literally coming down from a climax, my chest was heaving and the look of lust I threw at him didn’t go unnoticed. I opened the door forcing him to step back and I got out, I stood there with my back against the Charger, he was leaning against the Bel Air. I couldn’t do or say anything, what I’d just experienced in my reverie was so overpowering I had no control whatsoever. His hands were splayed on the door panel and I noticed them both arch and tense up, the look he directed at me asked one thing and I couldn’t refuse.

“Yes.” I sighed, in surrender. I expected him to pounce as his body language suggested it but he moved so slowly and with control, it was so God damn sexy and just added to my already uncontrollable need for him. He grabbed my face and kissed me with such passion I nearly convulsed on the spot, I gave in to the kiss, I felt I needed to and owed us both the experience of it being consensual. He broke off and looked into my eyes, when I didn’t protest he kissed me again but this time with more lustful aggression. Lifting me up, I wrapped my legs around his waist. I’m sure I told him about an hour ago, this would never happen. He placed me down on the bonnet and laid me back. Fuck me; I’m going to have sex with him on the bonnet! No, no you’re not Alexis. He leant over me and ran his hands up my legs, pushing my skirt up and exposing my garter, stockings and underwear.

“Fuck Alexis, you’re so beautiful.” He rubbed his hands up my thighs and took hold of my underwear, in an instant he had torn them apart. Oh shit, that was Hot! I was so vulnerable right now, spread eagled on his Charger bonnet with nothing to cover my pulsing sex, he slowly moved forward not taking his eyes off me, that’s when I stopped him.

“No, I can’t.” He just froze, my hands resting on his shoulders, his head was only a foot away from its target. He didn’t argue with me nor was he pissed off, well he probably was, I know I was, but he didn’t let on, instead he gave me his hand and picked me up.

“I’m sorry, I want to, fuck do I want to but I just can’t do that, it goes against everything I stand for. I could never do anything like that behind Rick’s back.”

“I understand Alexis.” I was now sitting on the edge of the bonnet and my legs were still wrapped around him.

“How could you possibly understand? Even I don’t understand what’s going on here, what are we going to do, I can’t keep doing this to Rick and I can’t keep doing this to you or me either.” He pulled me in to his chest.

“I understand you have morals and have made vows you don’t want to break, I respect that, I truly do. It just makes you even more desirable.”

“Fat lot of good that does you.” He kissed the top of my head.

“There’s always a way Alexis, you don’t get to where I am without being resourceful or thinking outside the square. If you won’t give yourself to me behind Rick’s back, then we’ll get his permission.” I’m sorry, what?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“I’m sorry, you’ll what?” I pulled away from his chest, unwrapped my legs and leant back on the bonnet.

“You’ve only ever been with Rick Alexis, you don’t know any other way, if you could spend one week with me, just one week, let your guards down, I could show you that there is more than what you have grown accustomed to.” He grabbed my face. I love how he grabs my face.

“I could show you that you are falling in love with me too.” His eyes were so honest and upfront.

“It’s not that simple Bryce, I’m happy, if I was miserable then that’s a different story but I’m not, I’m happy, I’m content.”

“That’s just it Alexis, are you happy with being content?” Well I thought I was until you put it like that.

“It’s not just that, it’s Nate and Charlotte. I can’t just abandon my family on the notion that, yes I might be falling in love with you, it’s too complicated.”

“Nothing is too complicated, life is too short to stop at complications. I want a week with you, and I will get it.” He leant over and kissed me with intention. I want a week of just doing this! No Alexis, it’s not going to happen, I don’t see how it can. He pulled me up and grabbed my torn underwear off the hood of the Charger.

“I’m keeping these,” and he shoved them into his pocket, I had to laugh.

“What am I supposed to wear?” He eyes lit up and that irresistible yet unbelievably annoying ‘smirk’ returned to his face.

“No.” Alexis you dirty girl; I couldn’t possibly, could I?

“You have no choice!” Squealing, I turned beetroot and put my face in my hands, he took a hand away from my face and led me to the where the BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Porsche, Merc and Jag were.

“Which one?” Which one what…..do I want to sprawl across next? I was happy on the Charger.

“Which one what?

“Which one, do you want? You are going to need a car.”

“No way Bryce, I have a car, it’s just a fair few inches smaller than it was yesterday.” He spun me around and turned into Mr Serious Pants.

“Alexis, you need a car to get home. Then again I’m more than happy for you to stay here, in fact its settled you’re staying.”

“Like hell I am and I’ll take a Taxi thanks.”

“And what about tomorrow and the next day and the next? Cars don’t get fixed overnight you know.”

“Grrrr, fine I’ll borrow the….” Hmmm Cadillac? Na. BMW? No. Lexus the most expensive! Jag? Maybe.

“Porsche, I’ll take the Porsche.”

“Good it’s settled then, come on, I’ve got work to do and so do you for that matter.” He gave me small pushes towards to elevator. I didn’t want to leave, I wanted to stay and gaze at these pretty machines a bit longer.

“If we don’t leave Alexis, I will have you in the back seat of the Bel Air.” Oh that sounds good. I stepped into the elevator and waved goodbye.

“Give me back my underwear.” He pulled them out and draped them over his face.

“Stop it.” I was laughing but also mortified.

“Bryce, I mean it.”

“No, they’re useless to you and anyway they are mine now.” I went to grab them and he jumped away. As the doors opened to his apartment he quickly stuffed them back into his pocket and sprung out of the elevator.

”Bryce, I’m going to kill you……” Standing in the lounge was Lucy and Nic, they looked up as we both sprang into the room.

“Please don’t.” Said Lucy.

“Please don’t kill him.” She stood up and cradled in her arms was Alexander. I glared at Bryce and he smirked back at me as he poked the underwear farther into his pocket.

“Aaaaaww, look at him.” We walked over to Lucy and Alexander.I gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“You look fabulous and you Mister,” here comes the baby voice, “are just the cutest little button ever.” She handed him over to me, instantly I reverted back to when I had one of these eating, pooing, crying, windy bundles of my own. They are just so peaceful when they are asleep, there is nothing more tranquil. Bryce came over and touched his nose.

“Hello little man.” I caught an exchange of eye contact between Nic and Lucy.

“You must be feeling a lot better after this morning then Alexis?” Lucy sat on the lounge and put her arm around Nic. At first I had no idea what she was talking about, then it dawned on me, the accident but how did she know? Bryce probably spoke to her whilst I was asleep.

“I am, I was a bit groggy at first but after a sleep I’ve recouped.” ‘Hhhmmm’, she muttered.

“And you dear brother, that was some display of heroics.” What, I’m totally confused now. Bryce looked at her with a piercing glare but it didn’t deter her.

“When we saw the accident on the news this morning and my dear brother running up the ramp and whisking you up into his arms, we thought you’d been seriously hurt, either that and you have made a miraculous recovery or Bryce went just a tad overboard.” Shit, it was on the news? Oh No. I glared at him, I was morbidly horrified, how was I going to explain this? I handed baby Alexander to Bryce.

“I’ll leave you guys to it, I’ve got a lot of work to do.” That’s it Alexis, run for the hills. That won’t make it look any more obvious. I turned and headed for my desk, Lucy caught up to me as I walked through Bryce’s office.

“Alexis, please wait. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you, I was just playing.”

“No, its fine, I just have work to do.” I didn’t really, nothing that couldn’t wait anyway.

“Alexis, it’s ok, I know.” Know what?

“Bryce doesn’t just talk to Jessica you know, he confides in me also, we both do. After I withdrew and closed myself off from the world, I promised him I would always talk to him no matter what and vice versa. So I know he is falling for you, falling for you very deeply.” I fell down onto the lounge in his office and started to cry, Lucy came round and rubbed my back.

“Alexis I’m sorry. Let it out, it’s better that way.” She handed me a tissue, I did the whole disgustingly loud nose blowing thing.

“I don’t know what to do? I’m falling for him too but I can’t, I shouldn’t, it’s wrong.”

“Why is it wrong?” She handed me another tissue.

“Because I’m married.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, trust me I know from experience, you can’t help who you fall for and it’s best not to fight it.”

“I’m losing, I can’t fight it anymore. The thing is I can’t lose either, I can’t destroy my family, that is not an option.” She got up and helped me up also.

“I can’t tell you what to do but what I can tell you is my brother isn’t playing. I have never seen him like this before and when I saw him running to you on the news footage with that look of terror on his face, it told me one thing. He is absolutely and undoubtedly in love with you.”

Those last few words stuck in my mind for the rest of the day, He is absolutely and undoubtedly in love with you. What the hell was I going to do? I knew without a shadow of a doubt that we had very strong feelings for each other and the more time we spent together the stronger they became. I also believed him when he said that if I spend one week with him I would discover that I could possibly be falling in love with him too. The issue was, what the fuck do I do with all these revelations? My head started spinning, I really need to get away, I grabbed my phone and texted Tash.

Hey Hun, Are we on for the weekend? -Alexis

Yep, just waiting on Jade but it’s definitely a goer! - Tash

Yay, I’m counting down the minutes, thanks lovely you’re an angel xo - Alexis

xoxo ☺ xoxo - Tash

Just the thought of sitting in ‘our barrel’ with a glass of bubbles sent waves of relief right through me. That moment soon faded, when Gareth stepped into the foyer.

“Good afternoon Gareth, Bryce is not in, he’s out with Dale going over some security checks.”

“Oh bugger, I needed to have a quick word to him about a new proposal, never mind.” He came over to my desk and sat on the corner. Ok, you’re encroaching on my personal space, this is slightly awkward. I rolled my chair in the opposite direction just enough to give me some distance, he swivelled around and closed the newly created gap.

“So how are you feeling Alexis? That was some bump you took this morning by the looks of your car and the fact Bryce had to carry you off the road.” Shit, has everyone seen it? What is this prick insinuating?

“I’m fine thanks, it looked worse than it actually was, Bryce was good enough to come down and see if I was ok, it was very kind of him.”

“Oh come on Mrs Summers, you and I both know he didn’t just come down to see how you were, that’s going just a bit far and beyond the expectations of an employer.” I stood up to get the higher ground and suggest that he did not intimidate me.

“What are you getting at Gareth?”

“Feisty, I can see why he likes you. Are you feisty between the sheets too?” I slapped him across the face as hard as humanly possible.

“How dare you?” I went to leave and he grabbed the back of my head.

“Listen here you little whore, you just keep spreading your legs for Bryce, because you are doing me a favour, you want to know why?” I didn’t answer.

“The board won’t be too impressed that he is fucking a married woman, it doesn’t look good for the company.” He licked his lips and placed his free hand on my breast.

“You are a sexy whore, I’ll give him that.” I swung my right arm as hard as I could hitting him in the elbow and releasing his hold of my head. I jammed my thumb into his eye socket and kneed him in the balls, he doubled over in pain. I must thank Bryce for those moves.

“You Bitch, you’ll fucking pay for that.” He started to straighten up and that’s when Bryce grabbed him from behind, he must’ve come up in his private elevator and through his office. He flung Gareth into the wall, then picked him up by his collar and punched him in the ribs, he then swung an upper-cut into Gareth’s jaw. Gareth fell to the ground and Bryce kicked him in the stomach.

“Bryce stop.” He looked up at me and the fury in his eyes was immense, he looked back down at Gareth and stepped away.

“Get the fuck out of my building, now you piece of shit.” Gareth slowly got up, he laughed sarcastically and spat the blood in his mouth at Bryce’s feet, the look they exchanged was terrifying.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bryce’s burning gaze towards Gareth remained even after the doors slid shut, for a brief moment I thought he was going to turn green and rip his shirt apart. I walked in between him and the elevator blocking his view of the doors and forcing his focus to turn to me.

“Bryce, are you alright?” I spoke softly, he definitely seemed fragile.

“Bryce, show me your hand.” The rage he was harbouring began to subside, bowing his head without making eye contact he raised his hand.

“Did he hurt you Alexis?” I tilted his head up with my finger and looked deep into his eyes.

“No, this guy I know taught me some pretty handy Self-Defence.” He smiled wearily.

“This guy I know, he’s incredibly hot and infuriating but he knows his shit. Did you see the eye gouge he taught me? He managed a mild laugh.

“Infuriating hey?”

“And incredibly hot!” I grabbed his hand, his knuckles were bleeding.

“Come on Mr Clark, you need some assistance from Nurse Summers.” His eyebrows lifted.

“I’m liking the sound of that.”

“Settle down tiger, it’s not what you think.” I led him to the sofa in his office and sat him down, I grabbed some ice from the mini bar and wrapped it in a napkin, then took a seat on the coffee table opposite him, remembering to keep my legs closed, as from memory I was without underwear.

“Here, give me your hand.” Taking his hand in mine, I rested the ice on his knuckles.

“So where’s the Nurse costume?”

“Nurse Summers doesn’t wear a costume, she sings.” He seemed intrigued.

“Well, let’s hear it!” I giggled to myself and began the ‘Ouchie Song’.

“Ouchie Ouchie Ouchie A, make the boo boo go away.

Ouchie Ouchie Ouchie I, kiss the baby wipe the eye.

But as long as flowers grow, bumps and bruises come and go.

That is what my Mummy’d say, when she kissed the hurt away.”

As I sang the final words I picked up his hand and kissed it. He grabbed my other hand and pulled me forward; standing above him he began to move my skirt up my legs. Stop him Alexis, before it’s too late. I was about to stop his hands from moving any higher and exposing the very part of me that wanted him the most when he stopped himself, he had hiked up my skirt just enough for me to open my legs and climb onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around me and placed his head on my chest.

“You have a nice voice, Nurse Summers.”

“It’s the best medicine Mr Clark.”

“Alexis, if he had hurt you, I, I would’ve killed him.” He buried his face in my breasts.

“He didn’t Bryce but what are you going to do about him?” I pulled his head away from my breasts.

“Let him calm down for a few days and remind him whose boss.”

“You’re not going to fire his arse? He’s trying to have you disgraced by the board.” He sat back and put both hands through his hair. Fuck I wish I was riding him right now, I really should get off.

“It’s not that simple, I can’t fire him. It’s a long story but the short of it is, he is a minor stake holder and by binding agreement he cannot be fired by me per se. What he did to you today though, will not go unpunished I fucking promise you that.” He dropped his hands and put them on my arse.

“I like this position very much; I think from now on we will have all our discussions like this.” He squeezed, which sent excitement through my core.

“Bryce, behave or I’ll get off.” He put his hands up in surrender.

“You realise he is trying to take your company and I’m his ammunition.” I went to get off and he held me there.

“He can’t take my company and you are not ammunition. He thinks he can have me disgraced but he has no fucking idea what he’s dealing with. Don’t worry about Gareth, I will make sure he doesn’t hurt you, ok?” I wasn’t convinced but I knew I’d better let it go for now.

“I have to go Bryce.” He stood up whilst holding me on his lap, this time my skirt did in fact go up around my waist. His hands clenched my bare arse and he groaned wildly, putting his forehead to mine he walked me over to the conference table and sat me there.

“Say it.” He growled through gritted teeth. Oh Shit.

“Yes.” I whimpered, he invaded my mouth so passionately. I had never been kissed like this before, the raw emotion in the way he owned every part of my mouth was beyond intense, the way he kissed me felt so right, it felt like our mouths were meant to be together. He broke off and we caught our breath.

“Alexis reach into my left pocket.” Alright, bit weird, but I’ll do it. I removed my hand and in my grasp was a set of keys.

“Now go, take it, or I’ll retract my offer and hold you hostage.”

I pulled into our driveway, Nate came bounding out and opened the driver’s door before I had even switched off the ignition.

“Awesome, can we keep it?” He impatiently waited for me to get out so that he could take my place.

“Be careful, you break it, you buy it.” Rick was standing at the front door with his hands in his pockets, he smiled slightly and approached the Porsche.

“Nice Taxi!”

“Yeah, same colour though.”

“Let me guess, Bryce?”

“Don’t worry, he isn’t going to miss it!” I walked up to give him a kiss on the cheek, he wasn’t cold towards me but he was a bit withdrawn, I met his gaze.

“You saw?” He nodded and told Nate to get out of the car. I’m going to have to spill my guts, shit I’m not ready for this. I need booze, lots of booze.

We sat down to a dinner of slow cooked corned beef and mash, Nate wanted to know about the other cars Bryce had in his basement which only added to Rick’s irritation. After Charlotte and Nate went to bed, I poured myself and Rick a drink and found him under the Pergola.

“So, he flew to the accident?” There was a trace of sarcasm in his voice.

“Yes, he did, he panicked due to his horrible past with car accidents and I guess, went overboard.” I took a drink and swallowed heavily.

“So, what was with the ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ scene then?” I let out a breath, I must’ve been holding it subconsciously.

“I don’t know, as I said, he panicked, he’s a very excessive and stubborn man, I guess it goes with the territory?”

“Lexi, is everything alright?” Tell him, you wimp.

“I’m just tired Babe, I’ve had a really big day.” I sculled the last of my drink and got up.

“I’m going to bed, you coming?” He had barely even begun his drink.

“Not yet, you go, I won’t be too far away.”

The next morning when I got to work, Bryce was not there, he’d left me a note telling me to go to his office and open the brief on his desk, I did as instructed, in the brief was a sticky note.

Nurse Summers,

When you left me last night my hand was not the only thing aching. My mouth aches for yours to join it, my erection aches for you to sit upon it. My entire body aches for yours but what aches the most is my heart, my heart aches for yours to make it one.

I will be out for most of the day but am due back just after lunch, I need you to go to my room and collect another brief.

Your Mr Clark

My Mr Clark? I think my heart just broke. He’s killing me, he’s really freakin killing me. I took the note put it in my pocket and made my way to his apartment heading directly to his bedroom. Entering I remembered the tingling I felt between my legs the last time I was here, this time there was no change. In the middle of the bed was a box and on the box was another sticky note.

Nurse Summers,

In this box is a promise, when I get my week with you, you will wear this and kiss my boo boo away again!

Monday night I will need you to accompany me to the Tel V Awards, please go and see Clarissa she has a dress for you.

Your Mr Clark

This man is something else, I had a sneaking suspicion of what to expect when I opened the box, so it didn’t come as a surprise when I lifted the rather erotic Nurse Costume from beneath the wrapping. Cheeky bastard. I read the note again, he wants me to accompany him to the Tel V Awards, shit how exciting.

I placed that note with the other and made my way down to Versace, as I passed through the lobby, I stopped at the Concierge Office in the hope I would see Samantha to remind her about lunch. She was at the computer showing Chelsea something, I cleared my throat.

“Uh um, excuse me Sam.” She looked up.

“Are we still on for lunch?” Chelsea looked up too and flashed me her unpleasant, smugness.

“Yes, can’t wait, where do you want to go?”

“Somewhere private, we need to talk, I’ll pick a spot and meet you here at noon.”

“Oooh sounds serious.” I smiled reassuringly at her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain later, anyway I’ve got to go to Versace and pick up my dress for the Tel V’s.” Both hers and Chelsea’s jaws dropped. Take that Chelsea you bitch. I walked off and if it wasn’t so obvious, I would’ve fist punched the air.

When I walked into the store, Clarissa was elated and extremely attentive as usual.

“Ms Summers, the dress Mr Clark ordered for you has arrived please come with me and I’ll assess the fit, you are going to love it, it’s incredible.”

She closed the store and led me to the circular change room. Hanging in the very room I experienced my spine tingling encounter with Bryce, was a magnificent red dress.

“Wow! Is that for me?” She nodded and ushered me into the room.

“Ms Summers, I will need to help you but if you are not comfortable with undressing in front of me then…..”

“No, no, that’s fine, I’m just scared to even touch it let alone put it on, it’s simply stunning.” I turned around and she helped unzip my dress.

“That’s a beautiful Corset Ms Summers but it will have to go, the dress comes with matching lingerie, I’ll leave you to put it on and be back in a moment.”

I began the frustrating task of unclipping the Corset’s hooks one by one, as frustrating as it was, I did enjoy luxurious underwear, I had always worn beautiful lingerie, even before I started wearing beautiful labels, labels that I had only ever seen in magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. The Versace dress dipped at the front and back therefore you could not wear a bra, so the matching lingerie that accompanied the dress wasn’t really a set, it was a teeny tiny little lace G-string and it was something special, if I closed my eyes, I swear I wasn’t wearing anything at all. I gotta get me some more of these babies, but only if they come with matching bras!

“Alexis, are you ready for the dress?” Standing in next to nothing, literally, I answered.

“Yes Clarissa, come in.” She helped me into the dress.

“If you have not already realised the bra support is built into the gown, I know it plunges at the front but you should feel secure.” I did feel secure, it was extremely elegant but also daring, much more daring than anything I would have chosen for myself, I’m guessing that’s why Bryce picked it. It plunged down the front stopping half way in between the bottom of my breasts and the top of my navel, the long skirt fell in a drape with a split to my mid-thigh. The strap on my left shoulder was covered in small red leather scales that went over the shoulder and down the back following the dip, then across like a belt which in turn went around the waist. The scales then continued up around the outside of my right breast and to the right shoulder strap, then across the back of the neck connecting with the left shoulder strap. You could say the detailing looked a bit like large shiny leather sequins, it really was unique and very sophisticated, it also had an edge of sex kitten to it. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and I dared to think of how much this dress actually cost.

“Ms Summers, you look simply beautiful, such a great choice for you. Are you happy with how it sits?”

“I am but the plunge at the front, is a bit revealing.” I really didn’t know if I could pull it off.

“We can raise it just slightly if it makes you uncomfortable but Ms Summers you are a beautiful, sexy young woman who should not be ashamed to show off a bit of skin.” A bit of skin, try a lot of skin. I understood what she was saying though.

“You know what? You’re right, I do look great and I’m going to wear the shit out of this dress on Monday night.” Classy Alexis, you are in Versace, not K-Mart. Clarissa laughed.

“I have no doubt Ms Summers.” I reluctantly took the dress off, Clarissa explained she would have it delivered to the Penthouse Monday morning and in leaving she handed me an envelope and smiled deviously.

I met Samantha in the lobby, I figured we’d have lunch in the Penthouse conference room, it was the most private place I could think of.

“Hey, do you mind having lunch in the penthouse?”

“Sure, is everything ok?” We headed for the elevator.

“No, not really but I can’t tell you here.” We stepped in and she turned to me.

“Spill, now, I’m not waiting any longer.” Here goes.

“I saw you and Gareth in the car park a couple of weeks ago.” She was clearly surprised but she also looked somewhat embarrassed.

“We are just having a bit of fun.” She was lying, it was obvious she was lying; being a mother of two I have developed a talent for lie detecting.

“There’s more Sam.” As I was about to fill her in on the confrontation I had had with Gareth, the elevator stopped and he got in, my stomach dropped and I froze on the spot.

“Miss Taylor, just the lady I am looking for.” Sam tried to hide her embarrassment and giggled. It was hard not to look at him, the elevator was covered in mirrors. Why are they all bloody covered in mirrors?

“Miss Taylor, would you mind helping me with something?”

“Now?”

“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble.” She looked at me apologetically and shrugged her shoulders.

“No, it’s no trouble.” The doors opened to level 8 and he guided her out. Looking back he shot me a terrifying, yet triumphant look, he knew I was about to spill the beans, I don’t know how but he did and for some reason he did not want her to know, the look he just shot me, was a clear warning to keep my mouth shut.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Stepping out of the elevator I tried to shake that last encounter, there was more to Gareth Clark and I was determined to find out what. I pulled out the envelope that Clarissa handed me, it was sealed and inside another sticky note from Bryce.

Nurse Summers

I’m very much looking forward to seeing you in the dress on Monday night at the Tel V’s, it will be a late night so you might want to occupy the guest room, or mine.

Your Mr Clark

Stay overnight? It was bound to happen at some stage, I did explain to Rick that it was a part of my job and the $500,000.00 that goes with it, but due to the news coverage of the accident, I don’t think he will be happy about it and rightly so, as the temptation of Bryce wanting me to share his bed, could prove to be a bit much. I have to create some distance; I need space and time to think about where my life is heading and with whom for that matter. The Girl’s Weekend away, could be this outlet and really couldn’t come any sooner. I decided to ring Tash.

“Hey Hun, what’s up?” Her scratchy and very unmelodic voice began singing through the receiver.

“Love lift us up where we belong,

Where the Eagles cry,

On a Mountain High.”

“Shut up, not you too.” She laughed.

“Come on Lexi it was very ‘Officer and a Gentleman’.”

“That’s what Rick said.”

“Shit, was he pissed?”

“He didn’t come out and say it but yeah he wasn’t happy, can’t really blame him it was on the news.”

“Lex, you do know what you are doing, don’t you?” I hung my head and my eyes welled up.

“No Tash, I don’t, I’m seriously fucking fucked in the head at the moment.” I wiped my eyes.

“Ok Poppit, this weekend there will be no mention of husbands or sexy stalker billionaires.”

“Sounds good, Oh by the way one of you will have to drive, I don’t have the Territory anymore.” Suddenly the phone was taken from my hand. Hey!

“Tash is it? It’s Bryce Clark, Alexis will have my Limousine and Driver for the entire weekend, so please don’t worry about another vehicle.” I snatched the phone back.

“Alexis will not have the Limousine.” I glared at him, he sat on my desk with his arms crossed ‘smirking’.

“Oh no you don’t, Mr Clark.”

“It’s what I do Ms Summers.” He got up and walked back into his office.

“Hello, Lexi, you still there?” Tash’s tiny voice was barely audible through the phone’s receiver. Shit!

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

“Oh Lex, if you don’t screw him I will.”

“Natasha Jones!”

“I know, I know, it’s not funny. Soooo are we going by Limo?”

“Yes,” I grizzled into the phone.

“Tell the others I’ll pick them up after 6pm Friday night. I have to go Hun, I have to go and punch my employer, bye.”

“Make love, not war,” and she quickly hung up. You’ll keep Tash, you’ll keep.

Bryce was at his desk when I entered the room; he looked up and smiled defiantly.

“So Nurse Summers, how was the dress, do you like it?”

“I can see why you like it.” His smile dropped.

“You don’t like it, you can pick whatever you like I….”  I quickly stepped up to his desk.

“No Bryce I love it, it’s stunning, it’s just I have never worn anything like it, ever!” His defiant smile returned.

“Good, I want you to experience new things.” Hhmm what’s he up to? Ok probably best to change the subject.

“Now, whilst you were out you missed a call from Joyce, apparently you need to sign off on Chanel 7 having exclusive televising rights for the red carpet arrivals on Monday. Also, Vincent has finalised the menu which I have emailed to you and Samantha gave me the flight transfer requests for your approval. Speaking of Samantha I was supposed to have lunch with her today, did you know she is seeing Gareth?” He looked wary.

“No.”

“Well she is, we were supposed to have lunch together and as we were heading up here, he pretty much stopped the elevator and whisked her away. There’s something you’re not telling me about him Bryce, the look he gave me when he left the elevator was clearly a warning to stay away from her and I want to know why?” He got up and this time I swear he did change to a shade of green, he stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind him. Shit, what did I say wrong?

It was nearly an hour later when the ding of the elevator doors rang, I looked up hoping to see Bryce and of all the people that could’ve come through those doors, it had to be Chelsea, she strolled up to my desk. Yes, what the fuck do you want?

“Yes Chelsea, can I help you?”

“I’m here for my appointment with Bryce.” He is Mr Clark to you, you little troll.

“You mean Mr Clark.” I glared at her. I have no appointment scheduled for her, why is she not in the diary.

“Are you sure it’s today? There is nothing in the diary and he is not here.” She looked devastated.

“It is today, I spoke to him earlier. I’ll just have to wait.” She didn’t have to wait long, because Bryce came through the doors about a second later, he looked flushed and mighty pissed off. Uh Oh, I hope that’s not my fault..

“Mr Clark, I was starting to think you had stood me up.” She went to follow him into his office.

“Chelsea take a seat over there, I will see you in a minute, Alexis if you don’t mind.” He motioned me to his office, I hesitantly followed him in, whilst watching Chelsea sit on the couch in the foyer. Before the door closed completely he had me pinned to it, he didn’t even have to ask, because I said yes and kissed him before he had the chance, his embrace was quite aggressive and wanting, he mauled my neck and it was divine.

“Fuck,” he shouted. It made me jump, I put my forefinger to his lips and hushed him.

“Bryce, what’s wrong?” He lightly hit his head against the door.

“I’m sorry, I promised you I wouldn’t let Gareth hurt you, he just fucking doesn’t listen and pushes me over the edge.” Over the edge, Shit!

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.” He kissed me softer this time. Nothing my arse.

“You may not know but Chelsea is a qualified Helicopter Pilot.”

“I do know, I’ve done some of my own creepy research on your little admirer.” His mouth twitched.

“Chelsea is here to go over the agreement we have with her father’s chartering company. I don’t want you to become green-eyed again, although I did like the show you put on for me last time.” I glared at him.

“So, I thought you could sit in on the meeting and take some notes, as the agreement will need to be amended. Go and grab your laptop and tell Chelsea to come in.” I put my hand up to my forehead in a salute.

“Yes Sir.” As I went to turn and leave he grabbed my hand and kissed it, he then proceeded to trail kisses down my wrist hitting that very sensitive spot behind your elbow which made my legs weak, he kept creeping kisses up my arm, across my chest and up my neck. I can’t keep letting him do this to me. He found my mouth again and took control with such sweet softness, it was a very different kiss to before but again, I had never been kissed like this and it was intoxicating. He broke away and placed another light kiss on the tip of my nose.

“Please.” He said and opened the door for me.

Chelsea had been checking her reflection in a little compact mirror when I walked out, she quickly slid it in her pocket, in the hope that it had gone unnoticed. Stupid tart! I unplugged my laptop and asked her to follow me, as I opened the door to his office she went to enter before me, I let go of the door and it nearly knocked her off her feet.

“Oh, I’m sorry, my bad, I need another set of arms.” She glared at me, Bryce witnessed my ‘not so accidental slip’ and smirked. I’ll see that smirk, and raise you another smirk, Mr Clark.

“Chelsea, thanks for meeting with me this afternoon.” He held out a chair for her at the conference table, she sat and he pushed her in, he then held a chair out for me, I sat and turned on the lap top opening a word document ready to take notes. Taking a seat next to me, he casually dropped his hand so that it rested on my leg under the table, I froze and glanced at him through the corner of my eye. Thank goodness for the lap top and jug of water blocking Chelsea’s view.

“Here is the draft agreement for this year. There are a number of guests attending the Tel V’s that are very High Profile, in particular 4life, they will need to be transferred by the Bell Jet Ranger, that’s been stated in section 5, their itinerary is also mentioned and as you can imagine, will need to be followed quite strictly. He started to move his hand up my thigh, I could only imagine the expression on my face, looking like one of those Pantomimes with the white painted face, who always looks shocked. Chelsea was going on about Cyclic Stick Controls, and Rotors and Blah Blah Blah. Bryce maintained the conversation not to mention his composure, however I was completely lost, what was I supposed to be typing? It dawned on me that Bryce only wanted me here for one reason and it wasn’t to take notes, I had to type something, surely it would be obvious if I just sat here. I clicked on font size 48 and changed the colour to red, this will get his attention and hopefully disguise my lack of Helicopter note taking, I began to type.

STOP IT

He licked his lips and babbled on about Squash Plates and Collectives, his hand squeezed my thigh and moved slightly closer to the spot he was aiming for.

BRYCE EDWARD CLARK, YOU’RE DRIVING ME CRAZY, STOP IT NOW!

“Excuse me Chelsea. Alexis, you need to write it like this.” He leant over and started typing, this gave him the ability to do two things, one, get his finger underneath my underwear and two, type a cheeky response. He began to massage my clitoris, Oh Fuck. I looked at the screen.

YOU WANT IT, I CAN FEEL IT!

Oh I wanted it alright.

“Oh, really Mr Clark? I thought it was like this?” I typed again.

YES I WANT YOU NOW!

His eyes practically bulged out of his head; he began to pack up the papers

“Chelsea we can finish……” Fuck he’s going to get rid of her.

“Sorry, sorry to interrupt but Mrs Clark, is it like this?” Chelsea snorted as if to say I was hopeless.

ONLY KIDDING, NOW STOP IT

I shut my legs on his hand and he put his free hand through his hair. Uh huh the tell-tale sign I was getting to him.

“No Alexis, definitely not. It has to be like this.” His tone, had an edge of annoyance.

FUCK YOU DRIVE ME WILD

I laughed, he tried ever so slightly to pry my legs apart but years on the Wide Leg Press at gym ended his attempts.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Mr Clark, you’re right.” I continued typing so it looked like I was correcting my so called error. Chelsea rolled her eyes at Bryce, he just smiled at her. The joke is on you Bitch!

YOUR TURN NOW MR CLARK!

I lowered my hand and removed his, he fought it at first but surrendered when I dug my new Gels into his Dorsal, he retreated quickly and rubbed his hands together. I placed my hand on his leg, my arm was shorter than his so couldn’t stretch any further without looking strange. Crap, damn you little arms. Think Alexis, think! I smiled, leant forward and poured myself a drink of water. I strategically placed the glass close to the edge of the table, he sat up straight. Shit he’s on to me, here goes. Very inconspicuously, I knocked the glass into his lap.

“Oh No, Mr Clark, I’m so sorry, I’m such a klutz.” I grabbed the napkin next to the water jug and began patting his groin, very firmly and slowly. Ah, there we go. Fuck that feels very nice.

“I’m so sorry My Clark.” I looked up at him and batted my eyelids, he grabbed my hand and took the napkin, Hey, I grabbed another napkin and continued my patting of his very wet and full package.

“Thank you Alexis, I can take it from here.” I handed him the second napkin and produced one monster of a ‘smirk’, Chelsea’s mouth was agape.

“I think that’s all Chelsea, if you wouldn’t mind getting your father to go over those few amendments and get it back to me tomorrow.” He got up and escorted Chelsea out whilst I packed up the lap top and wiped the chair down, she must’ve said something about my clumsiness on her way out, because Bryce replied with, ‘It’s only water.’

He closed the door and kept his back to me for what seemed like eternity, he slowly turned around and the devilish grin plastered across his face had me squirming on the spot. He began to unbutton his pants, my heart skipped more than just a beat, he slowly unzipped his trousers and they fell to the floor. Oh Fuck, Oh Fuck, Oh Fuck. He stood there in his underwear, the man was simply a god, his quads were flexed and hard, I swallowed the lump in my throat. Stay cool Alexis, you can still win this.

“Your underwear is wet too.” I eyed his crouch as I poured myself another glass, this time with the intention of actually having a drink. He hooked his thumbs into the elastic waistband and pulled them down kicking them aside, I nearly spat my mouthful.

“You wanted this, Ms Summers?” Holly Shit, he’s got me, I have nothing left. I tried to shake my head in answer to his question when a rebellious smile crept across his face. He was standing there with not a care in the world, his superb erection at full stretch, Fuck that’s gloriously huge.

“Bryce Edward Clark, you stay right there.” He mimicked me by slowly shaking his head from side to side and that devilish grin came back, he’s going to set upon me any second I know it. I quickly scouted the room; in front of me was my main weapon, the large oval conference table. To my left approximately 5 metres away was his desk; in equal distance to my right was the door to his apartment. 2 metres in front of the conference table was the lounge area of 3 sofas and a coffee table, then it was open space to the door. He lunged in my direction and I squealed. The table Alexis, stay behind the table. He stopped directly opposite me and eyed me ferociously. I’m screwed! He motioned to his right, so did I, then back to his left, I copied.

“You won’t win this one Alexis.”

“Watch me, Bryce.” I stepped to my right, then left then doubled back and headed for his apartment door. My downfall was the fact I had to scan my keycard and that took a lot longer than I had planned. He grabbed me and I screamed, hauling me up over his shoulder, he punched in a door code and entered his apartment. My head was only centimetres from his amazing bare arse, so I slapped it hard which made him grunt.

“Put me down Mr Clark.” I was laughing uncontrollably, we passed the staircase. Ok good, not going to the bedroom. Then we passed the lounge. Right, I’m now lost.

“Where are you taking me?” He tightened his grip.

“You wanted wet, you’re getting wet.” Wet? What does he mean Wet? Oh Shit, No! He pushed the Bi-Fold doors open and walked to the edge of the pool.

“Bryce Clark, don’t you dare!”

“I love it when you dare me.” He entered the pool one step at a time.

“Bryce No, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” I was screaming and laughing but I knew it wasn’t going to do me any good, he kept going. I straightened up as the water level got higher and then we were in, I came up for air the same time he did.

“You Prick.” I punched him in the shoulder and he grabbed me and pulled me to his chest, I pushed off him and splashed water in his face. Laughing we swirled around each other breathing quick and hard, I remembered he had no pants on and tried to look down into the water.

“Would you like a pair of goggles Ms Summers?” His smirk was back, I sunk down under the water and wriggled my blouse off, surfacing I took another breath and went under again. I swam up to his groin, his legs were open, so I swam between them blowing out my breath harsh as I passed under his manhood. I surfaced behind him and wrapped my arms and legs around his body, he grabbed my legs like a piggyback and dived under. Slipping to his front I kissed him under the water and when we surfaced our lips were still locked. I could seriously kiss this man until I ran out of breath.

“Alexis, will you give me a week?” I wanted to but it was impossible.

“How?”

“Don’t worry about the how? I need to know if you will?”

“Yes, I will give you a week but it is impossible.” He moved his hands down the sides of my face.

“Nothing is impossible.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I wanted to stay in the pool with him all night but the simple fact of the matter was I couldn’t because waiting at home for me were my two adorable children and my loving husband. I don’t know how he planned on me staying with him for a week, he seemed quite adamant that it was going to happen, my gut told me he’d find a way but my head said it was impossible. I had no doubt I would fall for him in that week, because deep down inside I already had, that was obvious to me as there was no way in hell I would be here in a pool with him, if I hadn’t. I pulled away from him, grabbed my floating blouse and swam to the edge of the pool. There were towels neatly folded on the ends of the sun lounges, I climbed up the pool steps, took one and draped it over myself. Thank goodness my shoes had fallen off because the rest of my clothing was well and truly soaked. Bryce swam to the edge and followed me out, I passed him a towel and caught another glimpse. Just the sheer sight of him made me blush, he was immaculate. Stop staring you perve.

“Are you sure you don’t want the towel back, Alexis?” He was drying between his legs, then very casually swung the towel around his waist and secured it. I wanted that towel back more than anything, the sight of his erection made my throat dry and wet at the same time. There was so much more to him than he’s stunning physique, I think it was the ‘much more to him’ that I had fallen for. He was playful, challenging, kind and intelligent; he took pride in himself and his possessions and never did anything by half. He was down to earth yet, displayed a shield of power and authority, it was all these qualities that drew me in, I was simply captivated by this man.

“I will give you a week Bryce but I’m certainly not going to ask Rick for it and I will certainly not go behind his back. I believe in fate, signs and chances, so if it is meant to be, it will be, in the meantime I cannot keep crossing the line with you. I know we haven’t had sex but what we are doing is still wrong and it’s killing me, I don’t want to be a cheating whore, anymore.” He grabbed my arms and glared at me.

“You are not a cheating whore, don’t ever say that.

“Bryce I am, you have seen me, kissed me, touched me and I have seen you, kissed you and touched you. I’m so disgusted in myself, It’s just I can’t help it when I’m with you.” He pulled me into an embrace and kissed my head.

“I’m sorry Alexis, I’m sorry I have forced you to break your vows, to question your morals, I never meant to hurt you.” Now I was glaring at him.

“This is not your fault, you are not married, you are not even in a relationship.”

“But you are and I wouldn’t leave you alone.” He sounded disappointed.

“I didn’t want you to and I still don’t, Bryce.”

“Alexis, I’m hurting you and that’s…”  He turned to walk inside.

“That’s not an option, in your room is a whole set of clothes, have a shower, get changed and go home to your family, Hunny.” He dropped his head and bounded up stairs. My room? Go home?

He was right, the wardrobe was completely full of clothing, underwear, nighties, jeans, tops, bathing suits and shoes. I stripped down and hopped into the shower, bending down I hugged my knees and cried. Did he just let me go and say goodbye? That’s what it felt like and it hurt, hurt more than the pain I was already feeling. Fuck, what have I gotten myself into? I’m well and truly in a huge whole and I seem to be getting deeper into it. I found a very similar skirt suit to what I’d had on previously, blow dried my hair and made myself up again. When I came down stairs, Bryce was sitting on the lounge, he got up and walked towards me.

This is it, he’s letting me go. I braced myself, it was the right thing to do, the only thing to do but I couldn’t bear to hear it.

“Alexis, I don’t want to hurt you anymore, hurting you is the last thing I would ever want to do. I won’t touch you, I won’t kiss you and I won’t put you in any situation that will make you question your integrity. Like you said, if we are meant to be, then we will be.” He took my hand and kissed the back of it, I grabbed his face and kissed him as though it was the last time I ever would. My eyes were flooded when I broke away, I couldn’t let him see the extent of it, so dropped my head and turned for the elevator, I didn’t look back, it was too hard.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Bryce.” Then I left.

CHAPTER TWENTY

The next two days at work were really dreadful, Bryce was out for the entire day on Thursday, I did notice he had scheduled an appointment with Jessica and hoped it had nothing to do with me but I knew better than that. I was pretty much done for the day and really looking forward to getting away with the girls. I figured I’d leave a sticky note on his bed, I was afraid I had tormented him far too much and I needed to tell him how I felt once and for all.

Mr Clark

I have fallen head over heels for you but have not been brave enough to admit it. I can’t be around you and be with you but I can’t be away from you either. I want you but I can’t have you and I’ve made you want me when you can’t have me either.

I’m sorry I have come into your life and tormented you to the point of avoiding me, you must hate me for this and I truly don’t blame you.

Alexis

I left the note on his pillow after picking it up and giving it a sniff, it was a bit stupid of me really, because it smelt like fresh linen. I headed to his private elevator, the doors opened and he came in.

“Hi, I was just um, leaving you a note.” I looked down at my hands feeling embarrassed.

“Right. Danny will be at your house at 6pm, if you would still like to use the Limo?”

“Oh thanks, yes if it’s still alright?”

He nodded, smiled ever so slightly and moved aside, I stepped into the elevator and the doors closed. Shit, that was beyond awkward, he really does hate me. He’s done with you Alexis, you flirted and dick teased him for far too long, and he’s done.

Was it really such a surprise that I was in this awful fucked up situation? I had been couped up for 9 years at home with my housework and Bold and the Beautiful and as soon as I faced temptation, I gave in. There was never the intention of taking it any further, because I couldn’t and he has now realised this, probably thanks to Ms Fucking Carrot-Top Jessica. I have fucked up my career and possibly my marriage for that matter, what I have done will eat at me and eventually I will have to confess.

Oh Shit, the note, Fuck. I need to get it back, Alexis you’re a fool. He’s obviously fed up with my indecision and doesn’t want me anymore and I have basically poured my heart out to him on a stupid freakin sticky note.Ok options are, go back up and hope he hasn’t gone to his room yet, he probably went straight to his office. I could sneak in and get it before he has even seen it, or hop in the Porsche and high tail the fuck out of here and deal with it Monday in the hope he has forgotten all about it and providing I even have a job by that stage, shit! The elevator stopped abruptly, I was ready to get out thinking I was in the basement when it started to go back up. What the? I pressed the basement 4 button again but it wouldn’t light up. Oh Shit, Crap, Balls, he’s found it! The elevator came to a stop, if there was ever a moment I wanted super powers, it was now; invisibility, or Spiderman super-suction so I could hide against the roof. The doors opened and he was standing there holding my sticky note. Get in first, Alexis.

“Before you say anything, I’m sorry. I’m fucking fucked in the head and I’m a dick tease and I’m pathetic and I understand.”

I gave him the keys to the Porsche and walked past him, I kept babbling shit about not being ready to go back to work because my legs were just like a can opener and turning to goo when I was faced with the hottest man on earth, I kept walking and babbling till I reached my desk and started grabbing my personal things, he just stood there and watched. I had been in my own little bubble of confusion and humiliation, that I had not noticed the massive smirk on his face.

“So, I just want to apologise for arousing and tormenting and……..” Why the fuck is he smirking at me? I have just completely confessed to falling for him, teasing him and fucking him around and he is smirking.

“I love you Alexis.”

What? Is he insane? I stood speechless and frowed at him from utter shock.

“I love you Alexis and you love me.” He walked over and scooped me up in his arms, he took me back into his apartment and into the private elevator, he elbowed basement 4 and we began to descend.

“You don’t love me, you can’t love me after what I’ve put you through, I’m teasing you, you can’t love me.”

“Alexis Hunny, I’m not confused about my feelings for you at all, they are set in stone and will not change. You love Rick but you love me too and you can’t admit that until we can openly share time together. Go on your Girls Weekend, have a great time and when you get back I will have made the impossible, possible.”

He put me down next to the Porsche and opened the door; I took back the keys and got in. I was stunned and couldn’t say anything, the confused frown I had upstairs was still plastered on my face and remained that way until I pulled out of the basement car park.

Danny pulled up in the Limo, not too long after I got home. I was still thinking about what Bryce had said. Why is it he understands the way I am and feel better than I do? Make the impossible, possible? What did he mean by that? Alexis, wipe it from your head, no more Bryce, no more Rick, weekend with girls, weekend with girls. I kept repeating weekend with girls in my head in the hope it would work and take my mind off the alternative.

“Danny, would you mind taking Nate and Charli for a ride around the block for 5 minutes, I’m not quite ready.”

“Certainly Ms Summers.” He opened the door and Nate and Charli jumped in.

“Right, no mucking around or Danny will lock you in and bring you straight home, won’t you Danny?” He nodded and smiled in my direction, I waved goodbye as he pulled away. Rick was in the kitchen cooking pasta; he was so sweet and really was a wonderful husband and father. I walked up, kissed him on the shoulder and wrapped my arms around him. Glancing around, the house was spotless, the rubbish was out, the dishes were put away, the washing was folded and he had even picked up our dry cleaning, and here I was leaving for the weekend to drink alcohol and let my hair down with my friends. Rick had been so good to me, even the changes he had to make to allow me to go back to work had not been a problem for him in the slightest.

“Thank you.” I said as I squeezed him tight.

“What for?” He kept stirring the sauce.

“For being you, for being wonderful and for letting me get away for a breather.”

“You deserve it, you’ve been a wonderful Mum and Wife and deserve a bit of you time.” He put the spoon down and turned to face me in my arms. He was a very good looking man, short dark brown hair neatly cut and sexy brown eyes to match, he pretty much always had a 5 o’clock shadow which I thought suited him. He was slightly shorter than Bryce by about 2 or 3 inches and not as muscularly built but still strong enough to pick me up and carry me to the bedroom whenever he saw fit.

“Go on hurry up and finish getting ready, or you’ll be late.” I went up on my tippy toes and gave him a kiss.

Danny did the rounds and picked up Tash, Lil, Jade and Steph, they were all buzzing with excitement not only about the weekend we were about to smash but the fact I had picked them up in a Limo, Tash was the exception being she had been witness to Bryce’s request, or should I say demand that we take it for the weekend. They were all smiling at me, and waiting for me to explain this emergency getaway.

“What? Stop smiling at me.” Tash stood up, her way of distraction I think, God I love her.

“Fuck it, I’ve always wanted to do this, how do you open this friggin sun roof?” I laughed, I knew exactly what she had in mind, so did Steph, because she was on the button like a flash, Tash stood up and peeped her head out.

“Shit.” She gradually got higher until her arms were resting on the roof, Steph joined her and they were both squealing and laughing hysterically.

“You might want to keep your mouths shut girls, unless you don’t mind the odd bug between your teeth.” Jade was ever so cautious and anal.

“Come on Jade, get up here.”

“No, you’re both fucking lunatics.” She laughed.

“Hey, watch this,” I motioned to Jade and Lil. Tash had on a pair of black shiny leggings and a shimmery tunic. I grabbed the top of her waistband and yanked them down, she screamed and fell down on to Jade and I, collecting Steph along with her.

“You bitch, like my new ruffle butts?” Tash and her ruffle butts, I swear she lived in the bloody things. All four of us were giggling like a bunch of school girls.

“Oh I need this; I’ve missed you crazy bitches.” Apart from our night out, I had barely seen Steph since going back to work, she was still home full time with her youngest Holly who was 3, Lil and Tash worked part time and Jade worked full time like me. I had seen her some mornings at the before-school care drop off but it was nowhere near enough, I missed my friends and were thankful they had dropped everything to be with me this weekend. Lil started to explore the Limo.

“Ooooh, there is a mini fridge here, I hope there’s wine.” Of course there was wine, there was also a bottle of gin and cans of lemon squash, strawberries dipped in Chocolate and a very expensive bottle of Dom Perignon 1966 and stuck to it was a sticky note.

Alexis,

Whatever you and your girlfriends need for the weekend is on me.

Enjoy your time away.

Bryce

I looked further into the fridge and there was a credit card. You sneaky shit! Steph grabbed the bottle.

“Fuck, Dom Perignon 66, that’s over a grand a bottle, crack this shit open!” Tash and Steph poured everyone a drink and we clinked glasses.

“Cheers girls and cheers to Lexi and her love triangle!” Nice Jade, real nice. She squeezed my leg, I knew she was kidding. My wonderful friends were just what I needed, we knew how to make each other laugh and when to bring out a box or two of tissues. We finally got to Peninsula Country Club just after 9pm, we were all pretty stuffed and went to bed early.

Saturday was spent relaxing at the hot springs in the Spa Dreaming Centre, it was pure bliss. We found ‘our barrel’ and soaked up the relaxing and rejuvenating setting.

“Can we stay here and never leave?” Steph was chilled and quite adamant we were not going anywhere.

“Yeah right, what about Chris and the kids?”

“Ah screw em, they can cook, clean and fend for themselves.” If only, we all giggled, the notion was nice though.

“So dinner and drinks out tonight? There is this great Karaoke bar in Rye.” Jade loved a good sing-off.

“You and me Lex, Hold On by Willson Phillips, it’s on like Donkey Kong.” I smiled at her challenge. Tash then chimed in with her best Gloria Gaynor impersonation.

“At first I was afraid I was petrified, kept thinking I could never live without you by my side.”

It wasn’t long before we were all belting out ‘I Will Survive’ in the middle of what was supposed to be a tranquil Day Spa. An elderly couple walked past in their robes and gave us a dirty look, Tash stood up in the middle of the barrel and did a shimmy for them, their dirty look increased and they picked up their pace.

“You are a bad girl Tash.” I shook my head at her.

“You can talk?” She bit her lip.

“Maybe, maybe not.” I gave her a cheeky grin.

“Let’s go for a walk, up the hill. There’s a nice pool and you can see the ocean.” We all hopped out and put on our white terry-towelling robes and flip flops.

“Shit its cold.” It was, the pool water’s average temperature was between 39 and 43 degrees, so when you stepped out the cool air really hit you. We all shuffled along and must’ve resembled a colony of penguins.

“What the Fuck?” Tash was leading us up the hill and stopped in her tracks, we all nearly bumped each other like a set of dominos.

“Check this dude out, he is lying in a foot pool.” There was one lone man lying flat on his stomach in a pool that was very shallow and shallow because it was meant for your feet only.  Tash continued on and we all followed, trying to stifle our impending laughs, as I walked past muffling my mouth with my hand, I pointed to the ‘Foot Bath’ sign. Let’s just say the guy, got out of there very quickly.

We had a blast Saturday night at the Karaoke Bar, lots of songs were killed including, Holding Out For a Hero, Love Shack and Battlefield, the Schnappies kept coming and Danny made sure we all got back to the Country Club safe and sound. I never once used Bryce’s credit card, this weekend was about me and my girls and I was more than happy to splurge. Steph had passed out on the sofa and Jade had put herself to bed. Tash, Lil and I sat out in the Al Fresco area and opened another bottle of Dom, apparently there was an entire case in the Limo.

“So Lexi, all this extravagance, lust and knight in shining armour shit aside, what are your feelings for Mr Clark? Have you and Rick been having some problems?” Trust Lil, to come right out with it.

“No, no problems really, well I don’t think so? As for Bryce, you want the honest truth? She raised her eyebrows and nodded.

“I think I’m in love with him.” Tash and Lil turned and the atmosphere had really become quite serious.

“Lex, are you sure? What about Rick?” Tash looked devastated.

“Is it possible to love two people? I don’t know that’s what it feels like?” I began to tear up, but fought the salty menaces away.

“Have you slept with him yet?” Lil was all Dr Phil.

“No Hun, I haven’t and I won’t behind Rick’s back but we have had a few passionate kisses, and when I say passionate I mean fucking passionate. I feel incredible when we are together, this might sound stupid or wrong or even naïve but I think we were meant to be.”

“But didn’t you feel that way about Rick before Bryce came along?” Tash was still dubious.

“Yes and that’s just it I have never had a comparison, you guys forget I have only ever been with Rick.” Both of them shrugged their shoulders.

“Ok Lex, take away the billions, the cars, the hotel and strip Bryce down to the core. Do you still think you’re in love with him now?” I thought about stripping Bryce down to the core and a greedy smile crept across my face.

“Yes, I honestly think I do. It’s not the money or power that attracts me to him, it’s him and the way he feels about me, money can’t buy that.” Lil lit up a cigarette.

“Give me one of those.” I put my hand out.

“You don’t smoke.” Lil threw me the packet.

“I do today.” She leant over and flicked on the lighter, I could see her sweet concerned face in the flame light.

“I heard a quote once, by memory it was by Mr Johnny Depp, it might pertain to you - If you are in love with two people, choose the second one; because if you really loved the first one, you wouldn't have fallen for the second." She flicked off the lighter and sat back in her seat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Rick was watching the Grand Prix when he heard a knock at the door, annoyed he got up and answered it.

“Better not be a friggin telemarketer.” He opened the door, it definitely was not a telemarketer, instead the illustrious Bryce Clark was standing on his door step. Fuck, what does he want?

“G’day Bryce, you do remember Alexis is not here, yeah?”

“I’m not here to see Alexis, have you got a moment alone to discuss something?” Bryce looked around in the hope Nate and Charlotte were nowhere to be seen.

“Yeah, the kids are out with their friends, come in.” Rick dubiously showed Bryce inside, he knew something was up and at the very bottom of his stomach had an idea of what that was.

“Can I get you a beer Mate? It’s not the nice drop you offered me but it’s a frothy.” Rick went to the fridge and grabbed a couple of Crown Lagers and then they sat down on the lounge. Bryce was looking at the countless number of photos on the wall of the kids when they were babies. A lump formed in the powerful, billionaire’s throat but when he caught a glimpse of Alexis in her wedding dress looking simply breathtaking, he pictured himself in the Tuxedo next to her, this thought gave him pure joy and he buried the guilt of what he was about to do, Rick handed Bryce the beer.

“So what can I do for you?” Rick tried to look as comfortable and confident as he could but deep down felt very intimidated by his wife’s boss.

“Rick I’m just going to come out and say it, but hear me out entirely.” That bit, at the very bottom of Rick’s stomach, started to churn.

“I’m in love with Alexis and I want a chance to spend some time with her, without her feeling guilty.” Ok not quite what I expected, this dick head is on drugs!

“I want to spend a week with her, a week where she can freely decide to do whatever it is she wants to.”

“You mean, you want to spend a week, fucking MY wife.” Bryce lent back and placed his leg across his knee taking a swig of the beer.

“If that’s what she wants to do then, Yes.”

“Are you for fucking real? You come into my house, asking permission to take my wife away for a week so you can throw money at her like a whore and convince her to sleep with you, you’re pathetic.” Rick was beyond shocked; he was outraged and offended on behalf of his wife.

“It’s not like that Rick, she has feelings for me and she has cravings that only I can cure.” Rick stood up.

“Get the fuck out of my house.” He pointed to the door, Bryce didn’t budge.

“I’m not finished. I’ll pay you $5,000,000.00 to give her permission to spend a guilt free week with me.”

“You are fucking insane.” Rick sat back down and put both his hands behind his head. 5 Mill, fuck that’s a lot of money, is he serious or yanking my chain?

“No, I’m not insane, I want a chance to show Alexis I love her and she does in fact love me too.” There’s no way in hell she could love an arrogant fucking self-centred prick like you.

“She’s not going to agree to this, I can guarantee you that.” Rick was sure Alexis could not possibly have fallen in love, with an obnoxious, arrogant, pig like this douche bag, she had more sense than that.

“If I accept, you do realise you are wasting your time and money, she won’t give you the time of day when she knows you’ve bought her, you obviously don’t know her too well.” Clearly the guy has money, but no brains.

“That’s why you need to keep your mouth shut about the money, if she finds out before our week is finished, the deal is off.”

“Ok Hot Shot, so what am I supposed to say after I’ve finished making love to my wife…….” Bryce cringed.

“Hey Babe, go and spend a week with your boss, fuck him, do whatever you like, it’ll be fine. Or hey Babe, ever heard of a Hall Pass?”

“That last one is an idea!” Bryce thought that the Hall Pass thing could possibly work. Rick just laughed.

“How’s that going to work, I’d have to want one too and I don’t.” Bryce put the beer down on the coffee table.

“That’s because you have already had one haven’t you? Oh, that’s right, you never had permission, because Alexis doesn’t know about it does she? Does Claire Longmire ring a bell?” Rick fidgeted in his seat.

“She does know about Claire.”

“But does she know the whole story?”

“You fucking son of a bitch!” Bryce stood up and went to the door.

“I want this to happen as soon as possible, I’m taking her to the Tel V Awards Monday night and she will be staying the night at my Hotel, so you might as well make this happen tomorrow. The money will be wired at the end of the week into an account of your choosing.” He opened the door.

“For all it’s worth Rick, I think you’re a good bloke and I’m sorry.” He shut the door and took off in his Lamborghini.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Do we really have to leave? Surely we can just stay here forever and become lesbians and never have to deal with men and children again.”

“Seriously Steph? Na not for me, I’m strictly dickly.” Jade had finished folding her clothes perfectly into neat little piles and put them in her bag, Steph threw a handful of clothes at her.

“Here, now do mine.” She threw them back. I smiled at the girls, they didn’t have a care in the world, they were all so happy and their lives were so uncomplicated.

“You’re quiet.” Lil had come up behind me.

“Oh, just thinking about things.” I smiled warily at her.

“Seems like you have a lot to think about.” She squeezed me on the shoulder and left me to finish packing.

Danny dropped the girls’ home one by one, Tash being the last. He was getting her bag out of the trunk when she gave me a big hug.

“I don’t envy you Hun but you’ve got to get to the bottom of this and quick. Where are the kids going for school holidays on Monday?”

“Up to Mum and Dad’s farm, they can’t wait, I won’t see them for a week, it’ll be good but I’ll miss them. Then Rick and I’ll go and get them next weekend and they’ll go into a School Holiday program for the following week.”

“Well maybe you can use this chance to have some one-on-one time with Rick; she touched my arm and headed for her door.

“Thanks for the weekend, it was great, we had a ball and please thank Bryce for the Champas and Limo, that really was nice of him.” It was!

“No worries Hun, I’ll see you soon.” I got back into the Limo and Danny took me home

When I walked in the door Sunday night, the kids were at each other’s throats, I’d barely stepped in past the kitchen and they were both on either side of me.

“Mum, tell Charlotte to stay out of my room.”

“Mum he keeps taking the scissors and glue, how am I supposed to do my homework if I can’t find the glue.”

“Easy squeak, get your own.”

“Don’t call me squeak, I don’t squeak, Mum tell him not to call me squeak.”

“Squeak.” Charlotte went to push Nate but he was too quick, he ran off to his room and shut the door. Charlotte growled threw her hands to her sides and stormed off to her room slamming the door also.

Rick was hiding in the garage sweeping.

“Hi Hun, I’m back. What’s with the kids, hope they haven’t been like this all weekend?” He didn’t look up, something was wrong, his body language was well and truly off.

“Rick.” I raised my voice.

“What? Sorry what did you say?” He was in another world.

“Never mind.” I shook my head at him and went back inside, I grabbed some Chicken Kievs out of the freezer and chopped up some vegetables. Dinner was well and truly strange, Nate and Charlotte were having a silent war of stares with each other and Rick was still finding it difficult to make eye contact with me. I cleaned up the dishes and helped the kids pack their bags for Mum and Dad’s house, Rick had the day off tomorrow so was driving them up to Shepparton in the morning. I tucked Charlotte into bed first.

“Be good at Nanny and Poppa’s, I don’t want to get a phone call saying you and your brother are fighting.”

“But Mum, he never helps me or shares with me and he always tells me to go away.” I kissed her little head.

“Sometimes big brothers just want a little bit of space that’s all, I’ll talk to him and tell him to be nice.”

“Mum, are you going to the Tel V Awards tomorrow with Mr Clark?” How did she know about that?

“Yes, how did you know about that?”

“Daddy told me, will you see 4life there?” She sat up in bed, I gently pushed her back down and gave her a big kiss and hug.

“Maybe, if I do I’ll say hi for you, now go to sleep and I’ll see you next weekend, love you Charli Bear.” I was still trying to figure out how Rick knew about the Tel V’s, I was sure I hadn’t mentioned it yet, I’d planned on doing it tonight.

It was Nate’s turn for bed next, I picked up his dirty clothes from the floor and gave him a ‘they don’t belong here’ look. He jumped into bed waiting for his kiss and cuddle. I hope he wants these until he’s at least 21. I sat on the edge of his bed.

“Be good at the farm and stop being nasty to your sister.”

“But Mum…..” I gave him the stern Mummy look.

“But nothing, she is your baby sister and looks up to you, so be nice and make sure you wear all your safety gear when you take your motorbike out, Ok?”

“Yeah, Ok.” I gave him a big cuddle.

“I’ll see you on the weekend, love you my little man.” I kissed his cheek and left the room.

Rick had resumed sweeping in the Garage. How much sweeping does he need to do? He knows something Alexis!

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” I called from the door, he lent the broom up against the wall and looked at me.

“No.”

“Ok.” I gave him a frown and went to turn back inside.

“When were you going to tell me about the Tel V’s tomorrow night?” How the fuck does he know? It was really bugging me.

“Tonight, I only found out on Wednesday then forgot to tell you before I left on Friday night, anyway, how do you know I’m going?” He pulled out a crumpled and semi faded sticky note from his pocket. Oh Holy Fuck, Bryce’s Sticky Notes. Shit, the Dry Cleaning. I’d completely forgotten about them being in my pocket when we’d taken a dip in the pool. I walked over to him and he handed me the note, he only had the one sticky note and bits of the others. The part in which Bryce says he’s ‘very much looking forward to seeing me in the dress on Monday night at the Tel V’s’, was still intact, the rest was really hard to make out, but words like ‘occupy the guest room or mine’ and ‘mouth aches for yours’ and ‘Your Mr Clark’ were clearly readable.

“What’s going on Alexis? Are you sleeping with your boss?” I felt like I’d been hit in the face, my cheeks were red and hot and my stomach was twisting and making me feel nauseas.

“No Rick, I’m not sleeping with Bryce, I, I wouldn’t do that.” He sat on the edge of his work bench, he didn’t seem pissed off which was weird.

“Do you want to sleep with him?” Now’s your chance to be honest Alexis. I walked towards him and put my hands in his.

“Honestly? Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No but I would never do that.” He remained calm and it was very hard for me to comprehend why, I had gone off my tree when he had mentioned that he and Claire, an old friend of ours, shared an embrace and nearly a kiss.

“Why sometimes yes?” What’s he getting at?

“What kind of a question is that? I don’t know, I guess I’m curious as to what it would be like with someone else that’s all.”

“Alexis, be honest with me, have you kissed him?” Oh Shit, Shit! My eyes started to fill with tears. There’s no holding back now.

“Yes Rick, I have, I’m so sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I don’t know why, I, I.” Rick dropped my hands and put his face in his.

“I know why, Babe.” I stood back; I wanted to run, run as far away as possible.

“Why?”

“Because I have felt what you are feeling.” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. What is he talking about?

“I have wondered what it would be like with someone else too, the thing is I didn’t just stop there either Lexi, at the wondering bit I mean.” I stumbled a little, my legs were trembling from owning up to my own form of betrayal but now I was worried they would completely give way.

“What are you saying Rick?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear it but deep down I think I already knew.

“Claire and I didn’t just console each other years ago.” He jumped off the bench and grabbed my shoulders.

“Lex, I slept with her and I’m glad I did it in the end, because it made me realise that all I’ve ever wanted is you and this need I had to see what it felt like, was completely gone and I’ve never had that feeling again. This is why you should go and get the same curiosity off your chest, so that we can move on. Look at it like a ‘Hall Pass’.”

“A Fucking Hall Pass, you want to give me a Hall Pass to make your infidelity ok?” I knew it, I fucking knew it. I began to cry as the enormity of what he had just professed, hit me.

“How could you do this Rick? Being curious and sharing an embrace or a kiss is one thing, but sleeping with her, fucking her, that’s just….. I can’t do this.” I went to leave but he grabbed me.

“Alexis I’m sorry, please don’t leave, sleep on it, I promise it will make more sense in the morning. Don’t leave I’ll stay in the spare room.” I hit him in the elbow releasing his grip.  This really does work. I grabbed my bag and phone a stormed out the door.

I swiped my card and pulled into the basement car park, I must’ve looked like a Panda a very puffy eyed Panda, I had cried all the way here. Switching off the engine I looked in the rear-vision mirror. Fuck I do look like a Panda. I grabbed a wet wipe from my bag and began to wipe the smudged Mascara from underneath my eyes; I can’t let him see me like this. Grabbing my brush I quickly ran it through my hair, blew my nose and put a little powder on my face, to hide the redness. Who am I kidding, I look a mess. As I got out of the car the elevator doors opened and he came sprinting out to me, I dropped my bag and ran to him also. We collided into an embrace only a couple of metres from the car. I was practically ravaging him and he the same of me, he lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around him, I ripped his t-shirt off from his head and yanked my own free. I was hungry for him, for all of him, I had never wanted him, as much as I did right now. Furiously I tried to get his jeans undone and unleash the probing thickness that was inside his pants.

“Alexis Hunny, hold on, stop.” I stopped fumbling and burst into tears, he held me tight and put his hand on my head. I hung over him like a limp child asleep in their parents arms.

“What’s wrong Hunny, tell me?” I pulled myself up off his shoulder and looked directly into his eyes.

“Rick, he admitted to having an affair years ago.” The tears came thick and fast now, I couldn’t stop them. He carried me to the elevator and up to his apartment, I just clung to him, I didn’t want to let go. We got out on the second level and he went to take me to the guest room.

“No, I don’t want to be alone.” I looked into his eyes.

“Alexis, I don’t want our first time to be like this or as a result of you being angry with Rick.”

“I know, I don’t want that either. I just want to be held, that’s all, please.” He wiped away the tears that sat on top of my cheeks and kissed me tenderly.

“That I can do, that I want to do.” He took my hand and led me to his room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

I woke up the next morning, at first I had to get my bearings. Yes you are in Bryce’s bed; yes you’re still partially clothed. He wasn’t next to me, I shot up. Where is he? I left his room and could hear him in the kitchen, I ducked into the guest room or ‘my room’ as he had put it and grabbed a long black satin nightie. Looking in the vanity mirror there was still remnants of the river of tears I had cried yesterday and through the night. Urgh, I need a shower. Stripping off again, I hopped in, the water was soothing and helped wash away the betrayal and hurt I had been feeling, the memory of my daydream in here crept into my mind, then the memory of me crouched down when Bryce told me to go home followed, this shower was becoming an emotional outlet for me, a place to expel my inner feelings. I hoped the kids were alright, I was sure Rick would not have said anything to them, knowing him, he probably expects me to come home tonight like normal. The problem was they were not stupid, they picked up on the slightest things, especially Nate. I reminded myself to give Mum a call later just to check in on them. I got out and put the nightie back on, this time when I looked in the mirror I was clean and fresh and the anger and sadness I had felt washed down the drain pipe, well for now at least.

He was moving around the kitchen like a natural, I stood leaning against the wall observing. He had a relaxed and happy vibe radiating from him and it was infectious, smiling I watched him chop the chives, he was like a professional chef on one of those cooking shows. Now that is God damn sexy! The way his hands moved so quickly on the chopping board was exciting my insides. He stopped chopping and I raised my eye level from his hands to his eyes, his chest began to rise and fall heavily which made mine do the same. He put the knife down and I slowly closed the distance between us, he lifted me up onto the kitchen bench pulling my nightie up so I could open my legs and encase him in them. Our kissing was truly indescribable; he kissed my neck, dragging his bottom lip down my throat. The strap on my nightie fell from my shoulder exposing my breast, he engulfed it instantly in his mouth making me cry out, he then removed the other strap and greedily consumed my other breast, it was so good I could’ve climaxed just from the sensation his mouth was giving me. He returned to my lips and growled like a hungry animal, the rawness of his sound nearly tipped me over the edge, I moaned and crossed my legs around his back.

“Alexis, you’re driving me wild.”

“Good, make love to me.” He deepened his kiss for only a second then pulled away and grabbed my face.

“No Hunny, I have plans for you later.” The sheer thought of his plans sent me into a frenzy, but I was wanting, and wanting now. He unwrapped my legs, stood back, shook his head and resumed chopping. I was panting. No, don’t stop now! I dropped the bottom lip and pulled my straps back on. Oh no, he’s not getting away with this. Still sitting on the bench next to him, I draped myself back and crossed my legs in a seductive pose, he growled again. Oooh I love it when he growls.

“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.

“Charlotte, we are sorry you couldn’t be here tonight so we’ve put together something especially for you.” I gasped and put my hands to my mouth. Liam, that’s one of their names Liam, go me! Liam counted them in. They started to sing an acoustic version of ‘Anything’. I was so excited for Charli Bear, she was going to flip, but I was also overwhelmed, with what Bryce had put together and I began to well up. No Alexis, tears lubricate mascara, mascara runs when wet and wet mascara equals Panda. I blinked them back, turned my head and kissed him gently; I think the phone recorded a second or two of the roof. When they finished singing I thanked each of them and ensured them that she would more or less faint when we played it back to her, they all laughed and handed me several signed pieces of Memorabilia. Bryce shook their hands and we left the room, once outside I released my pent up excitement.

“OMG, thank you, thank you, she is going to go crazy, I love you, thank you, thank you.” I was jumping up and down and clapping my hands like a lunatic. He grabbed me, kissed me and dipped me backwards.

“I love you too.” Oh shit, I did say that didn’t I? He pulled me back up and I whispered into his ear.

“I want to go upstairs, NOW!” His body tensed and I felt his pants twitch.

“Mmmm, you do too don’t you?” He discreetly adjusted himself and took my hand.

“Patience Alexis, come on you won’t want to miss this, we have all week to be upstairs.” That thought sent waves of pleasure right through me.

Studio C was one of the Tel V’s private after parties, Bryce led me to a booth which had been roped off near the stage and a young waitress came to take our order.

“Mr Clark can I get you and Ms Summers a drink?” Did everyone know my name now? Bryce turned to me and smirked.

“Would you like a Naked Martini?” I’d like a Naked you.

“No, I’ll have a Mind Fuck, followed by a Sex Up Against The Wall.” I smiled ever so sweetly at Miss Blondie and then challenged Mr Clark with an equalling smirk. She smiled to herself and jotted it down on her notepad then raised her eyes at her boss.

“I’ll start with a Stiff Dick Shooter and finish with a Fuck On The Floor.” I cracked up laughing and dropped my head, Geez he was good. Blondie stifled a giggle and said she’d be right back with our drinks. Bringing myself back together, I thought I’d try and play his game as best I could.

“Can I try your Stiff Dick?” He endeavoured to keep his cool, but evidence of him breaking was sneaking through.

“Can you handle my Stiff Dick?” I fought very hard to stop myself smiling but it was excruciatingly difficult.

“I can handle your Stiff Dick and a Fuck On The Floor but can you handle my Mind Fuck and Sex Up Against The Wall?” I licked my lips, he clenched both his fists and burned me with his want, I kept my eyes locked on his.

“Good things come to those who wait Mr Clark.” The music began to play and I knew straight away who was on stage without taking my eyes away from his. Kings of Leon started playing ‘Closer’ and I felt myself begin to lubricate, this song was my favourite and incredibly hot but what was melting my core was the look Bryce was giving me. I didn’t know how much longer I could endure it, before I exploded with desire for him. Blondie must have put our drinks down, because I was downing my Mind Fuck and he, his Stiff Dick. I licked the rim of my Sex Up Against the Wall and he demolished his Fuck On The Floor. We‘d come to our brink, I put the glass to my mouth and started to drink. Bryce grabbed it, placed it down and led me out of the room.

CHAPTER TWENTYFIVE

We barely made it to his private elevator, thoroughly tasting each other before the doors had even closed. He lifted me up and placed my arse on the hand rail; I had my hands through his hair as excitement surged through my body right down to my yearning cave. He was ravaging my neck with his soft and glorious mouth, making me moan with delight. I loved how he owned everything he touched, it was so God damn sexy and hot and right now he was owning me. We stopped for a breath and his eyes were burning me like never before, I began to slowly unbutton his shirt without taking my eyes from his, burning him to his very core also. His pecs were lightly covered in hair and his chest was gloriously smooth but hard and flexed in all the right places, his arms were solid and exquisitely textured. He was watching me explore his body with my eyes and hands, it was obvious he was enjoying my approval. I ran my hands down his shoulders and pushed his shirt off. Leaning in closer I planted a kiss just underneath his Adams-Apple, then another down further and further again until I was tracing my tongue around his nipple and chest hair. Fuck he tasted good! He arched his head back and growled so wildly my pelvic floor convulsed. The doors opened and with possession, he lifted me into his arms, starting up our passionate and hungry kissing once again as he carried me out. He gently positioned me against the entryway wall, the very spot where we first kissed.

“You wanted Sex Up Against The Wall, my love?” Oh shit, he was sexy; I’ll have him against the wall, on the floor, on the ceiling and anywhere I could fucking have him.

“Yes.” I whimpered.

“Yes, now.” He placed me down and vigorously spun me around splaying my hands on the wall, then slowly, he ran his hands along my arms and up over my shoulders to unhook and unzip my dress.

“Alexis I want you so badly it hurts?” My dress fell to the floor, leaving me in only my red lace G-String and Louboutins. He pressed his body hard against my back gripping my arse and kissing the nape of my neck, he bit down gently on my earlobe which made my arms weak, then he whispered into my ear.

“You are so fucking sexy my love.” Oh Fuck, I love it when he calls me that. He spun me around and held my arms outstretched against the wall, his look of lust and admiration made me want him even more. He dropped to his knees and put his hands on my hips, his devilish face exciting me, then very sensually he pulled down my G-String, lifting my legs one at a time until I was there against the wall completely bare and at his mercy, he leant back on his knees and looked me up and down.

“I could stare at you forever Alexis.” I smiled at him, I loved his appreciation of me, it wasn’t just lust for my physique, it was admiration, awe and sheer worship.

“Someone once said to me Mr Clark. ‘It is better to taste than to admire, I assure you.” His devilish smile widened and he picked up my leg placing it on top of his thigh, he kissed my knee then started to move higher and higher with each kiss and not once did he take his eyes off mine. He paused momentarily breathing hard and hot on my wanting clitoris, my hands were on his head and my gels lightly flexed into his scalp. Oh for fuck’s sake, I can’t bare it any longer.

“Bryce.” I pleaded. His lips touched me and I sighed with delight, his movements were controlled and utterly mind-blowing. I loved his tongue and how he mastered its use, it was by far my favourite muscle in his body. My breathing became staggered and my fingers tensed, the building sensation was like none I had experienced before. Sensing my rising orgasm he quickened his tongue and moved his hands from my hips to my arse, pulling me further into him and tipping me over the edge, I cried out his name and exploded with pleasure. He released himself from between my legs, kissing and trailing his tongue up my stomach around my navel and to my breasts. I placed my finger tip under his chin and directed him back up to my face.

“You Mr Clark, are still far too clothed for my liking.” I unbuttoned and unzipped his pants and they fell to his ankles, he kicked off his shoes and pulled his pants and socks off together, flinging them across the room.

“Is this better Ms Summers?” He was swollen and very hard and I could not wait to have him inside me, standing there with my back against the wall and him in his naked brilliance within my reach, was agonizing.

“Yes, much better.” I grabbed him aggressively and pulled him to me, he lifted my leg up and I guided him into me. The feeling of him filling me was sensational and we both growled in succession. My Louboutins gave the perfect height for him to drive me effortlessly. Fuck Fuck Fuck. What I was feeling both physically and emotionally was pure pleasure, his rhythm was superb and escalating my orgasm once again.

“Mr Clark I do believe you ordered a Fuck on the Floor.”

“That I did Ms Summers.” Lifting me up and securing me on him, he walked down into the lounge. He was so strong and he moved with me attached to him like we were meant to be that way permanently. Squatting down, he braced himself against the sofa until he was sitting on the rug and I astride him. I began to pump his erection which made him groan eagerly, the more I pumped the more he groaned. My breasts were thrusting in his face and he took full advantage of them, massaging, licking and sucking as I pumped away. I could feel his fullness tense within me, he was close and I was right there with him. His arms were behind me and his hands on my shoulders, I picked up my pace and he helped me by tightening his grip. We climaxed together, Fuck! Licking his tongue with my own and flexing my hands through his hair, we very slowly started to gain our breath back. Our mouths really couldn’t get enough of each other’s, his kissing ability drove me wild, I was damp all over and I loved it, he kissed my shoulder then threw his head back on the sofa. I let out a satisfied giggle, he bought his head back up and smiled at me.

“Something funny Ms Summers?” He took my hand and kissed the back of it. I got up and stood over him

“I would say I handled your Stiff Dick quite well.” He laughed and got up also.

“Oh Alexis Hunny, I haven’t finished with you yet.” He scooped me into his arms and I squealed.

“I should hope not.” He shook his head at me and carried me upstairs. I noticed the smile on his face as he claimed me for his own and held me tightly in his arms, it made me smile not just on the outside but within. We entered his room and the scent of roses hit me like a plank of wood. I looked around and there were literally hundreds of long stemmed red roses in vases, on the floor and petals all over the bed. He placed me down on top of it and I scooted backwards, petals sticking to my sweat stained skin.

“You and your creepy research, Mr Clark.”

“Hunny, I’ve told you before. It’s what I do.” I burst into laughter.

“Yes it is my love.” He began to crawl up the bed towards me.

“And don’t you forget it.”

“Ha, I wouldn’t dare.” He picked up my foot and kissed my toe, I giggled.

“Eeeeeewww.” He laughed and moved it away from his face.

“What?”

“I don’t do toes, so this is one thing, I aint going to reciprocate.” I shot him a ‘matter of fact look’. He moved my toe back to his mouth and put the whole thing in, I screamed.

“Stop it.” He mumbled the word ‘No’ as he continued to consume my toe. I got up on my elbows.

“Bryce, don’t make me use my newly acquired Self-Defence skills on you.” His eyebrow raised and sheer excitement spread across his face. He removed my toe again.

“Is that a challenge my love?” Shit, I’m not going to win this one, doesn’t hurt to try though. He stuck it back in his mouth and I swung my other foot towards him. He caught it without evidence of even the slightest flinch, now he had one foot in one hand with my toe in his mouth and my other foot in the other hand giving him complete control of my legs.

“You need more lessons Ms Summers. I’m thinking some private ones will help.”

“I think you will always have the advantage Mr Clark.”

“Well that’s just too bad for you then isn’t it?” I surrendered and fell flat on my back throwing my hands above my head.

“Hmmmm what am I going to do with you now.” The excitement began to stir in my loins again and my breasts told me they also wanted more. He gently yanked my legs towards him, sliding me along the bed and collecting a load of petals along the way. Kneeling on the bed he pulled me up onto his lap, I bear hugged him squeezing him as hard as I possibly could securing him with my thighs.

“Ha, you didn’t see that move coming now, did you?”

“You won’t win Alexis, didn’t you learn the last time?” Ah last time yes, I did in fact lose that challenge but I did get to see his naked manhood and that made the loss well worth it. He grabbed my ankles from behind his back and attempted to pull them apart. I clenched as hard as I could and at first he gave me the false sense that I might just have a chance of winning. Who am I kidding, I don’t want to win. I watched his biceps, triceps and pectorals flex as he increased his strength. I growled, Mmmm he is extremely yummy and this just added to his urgent need to open me up, I surrendered and almost instantly he was inside me again, he lifted me slightly placing me down on my back not slipping from within me, not even an inch. A couple of petals became airborne and landed on his chest and lips. He spat it off which made me laugh hysterically.

“Not fucking doing this again.” I was laughing uncontrollably which amused him immensely.

“You think it’s funny Ms Summers?” He began to push hard and deep into me. I nodded but could laugh no longer, his penetration was intense and far from funny, it was wonderful. He pushed and pushed, harder and deeper until I arched my back and lost control, he groaned and emptied himself into me once again. He relaxed his weight on top of me and kissed my forehead, then rolled off onto his side supporting his head with his arm.

“You look beautifully fucked my love.” Pfft, I’m an energizer bunny reincarnated.

“Are you writing me off Mr Clark.”

“Never.” He jumped up with enthusiasm. Maybe HE is the energizer bunny reincarnated. He pulled me up and again scooped me into his arms taking me into his ensuite.

“How long are you going to keep carrying me around for?”

“As long as I want.” He placed me down turned on the shower and gestured me in.

“After you my love.”

“But you’ll ruin my hair.”

“Get in.” He scowled and I stood to attention.

“Yes Sir.” Growling he slapped me on the arse making me cry out. I squinted my eyes at him, but secretly I loved a good smack.

I can honestly say there is nothing better than being in a small confined space, surrounded by hot steam and water and having the man of my dreams swollen and hard in my mouth, I loved being down on my knees and in complete control of his orgasm. My mouth was only small and his thick warm hard erection was a challenge to completely consume. I dragged my tongue up and down his shaft and he placed his hands gently on my shoulders and tensed his fingers. I thoroughly enjoyed having him in my mouth not to mention the look and feel of his body when I brought him completely undone, I could listen to this man growl and groan 24/7.

“Fuck Alexis.” I watched him as he expelled his ejaculation, his body rippled with pleasure and the satisfaction that gave me was truly wonderful.

“You’re an angel my love.” He helped me up on my feet.

“I’m no angel Mr Clark or have I not proven that yet.”

“You are my angel, Alexis and don’t ever forget that.” Fucking angel my arse. I was a devil round him and I loved it. I began to wash my hair, he was leaning back against the wall and wearing that delectable smirk.

“Yes?” I questioned him. He ran his hand through his wet hair. Hmmm, the things you do to me Mr Clark.

“You do realise that from now on I am going to have to see you naked every day for the rest of our lives.” I loved hearing him say things like this to me but at the same time my life was far from simple and every day for the rest of our lives was something I couldn’t even begin to comprehend right now. He did look unbelievably sexy in this shower though and I would be more than happy to see him like this every day too. I leant against the opposite wall to him completely mesmerised in his presence, we both just stood there taking each other in.

“Do you realise Mr Clark, I’m going to have to dig my nails into you every day for the rest of our lives?” I raised my eyebrow at him and his eye twitched. I loved his little tell-tale signs of when I was unearthing him.

“You do realise my love, that I’m going to have to taste every part of your body every day for the rest of our lives.” My body squirmed, the sheer thought of it had my insides going crazy. Oh Fuck, I hope he does.

“Do you realise my love.” He put his hand through his hair. Ha, got ya!

“That I am going to make you cum every day for the rest of our lives?” He pushed off the wall and had me completely captured before I could blink, I wrapped my arms around him and he lifted me up.

“Maybe I should have said, you do realise you are going to be lifting me up every day for the rest of our lives.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way Ms Summers.” I smiled and kissed him, I really did love kissing this man I could see myself getting swollen lips on a daily basis, his mouth was truly sensational and when he had it attached to my neck, my body reacted by igniting all over.

“I want you Bryce, I want you again, now.” Dropping one leg I invited him to enter me once more, he obliged and I gasped, the feeling of him stretching me and filling me was something I planned on getting used to.

“Alexis, are you ordering another Sex Up Against The Wall Hunny?”

“No Mr Clark I’m ordering A Sex In The Shower.” He laughed.

“Of course you are.” We consumed each other again and it was as equally incredible and mind-blowing as before.

We got out of the shower and dried ourselves off, I went to go to my room to retrieve a silk nightie when Bryce caught my arm.

“In here Ms Summers.” He turned on the light to the walk in closet. Or more to the point, walk in Stadium, the thing was friggin huge! All my clothes had been moved, along with dozens more and were looking perfectly in place in their new home. I walked in and started inspecting the items, everything you could possibly need was hung, folded or tucked away in draws, the copious amounts of shoes resembled a wall of rainbow. I was stunned, simply speechless, turning around Bryce was leaning up against the doorway, he smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s what….”

“It’s what you do.” I nodded my head

“I know”. I opened a drawer and found a long navy silk and lace nightie, it was perfect. He slipped it over my head and went to scoop me up again.

“Oh no you don’t.” I led him to the end of the bed and turned him around. Climbing up on the bed I hitched my nightie up and jumped on his back.

“A compromise my love.”

“Fuck I love you Alexis.” He piggy backed me down stairs and I slid off near the bar. He then got out two glasses and whilst he poured our drinks I walked outside and stood by the balustrade. The city night sky was amazing, he walked up behind me with two glasses, a gin for me and a Glenfiddich for himself. Wrapping his arms around me, he passed me my drink.

“Don’t ever leave me Ms Summers.” I twisted my head round to kiss him.

“I’m not going anywhere Mr Clark.”

COMING SOON!

SATISFACTION

Alexis and Bryce spend the most amazing week together and very quickly become inseparable and completely bound to each other, but what happens when Rick reveals Bryce’s 5 Million Dollar Deal? And his admission of an affair with Claire was not at all what he had said it was. Will Rick’s naiveness lose him his wife, or will Alexis forgive him? Will she hate Bryce for offering Rick money? Or will she stay with the man she had been tempted with and whom she is completely and utterly drawn to?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS