Speechless, I take the card, and he nods. “I need to get in to the office. Hit a few stores today to obtain a wardrobe. Don’t worry; I’ve arranged a car service and a personal shopper to assist you. They will have a list if what we need, so enjoy your day, and I’ll send for you around 5:00 PM sharp. Please don’t be late.” And with that, he turns to head to his room.

  Welcome to New York. Walking to look out the windows, I stare out at the city coming to life in the morning light, and I can’t help but feel like he’s angry with me for some reason. The thought sits heavy on my chest.

  Chapter 8

  Ben

  Arriving at the office, I quickly shoot my attorney an email to have him draft up a contract for Alexa. I also make out a check and put it in my top drawer for later. Regardless of what she says, I know she could use the twenty-five thousand for school. And no matter what happens in the next couple weeks, knowing she will have it makes me feel better. I push aside thoughts that are begging to be explored like, why her? Why now?

  Forcing myself to focus on work, I scroll through all my emails and messages, getting up to speed on where everything stands. When I’m certain I have everything ready for the meeting, I allow myself a moment to sit back for the first time and take a deep breath. Taking a drink of the coffee I grabbed on the way, I find its grown cold, and I’m reminded of the very hot coffee I had the other night, served by a very hot waitress. Wonder how shopping is going?

  Scrubbing my hands over my face, I think about how callous I must have seemed to her this morning. I didn’t want to be, but my mind was already focused on what was waiting for me here. Looking around my office, I think how much has changed in the past few months. HALtech was my life, and that is all about to change.

  The door bursts open, startling me from my thoughts just as the intercom sounds, “Mr. Hamilton, I’m so sorry; she rushed right past me. I told her you weren’t to be disturbed.”

  Looking up, I see the last person I want to deal with today. Tess.

  “It’s fine Patrice,” I reassure my temporary assistant as I shoot daggers at my ex, who has pranced into my office like she owns the place.

  “Tess, what can I do for you?” My voice is quiet as I try to hold the anger at bay and avoid causing a scene in the office.

  “Darling, is that any way to speak to your fiancé?” she asks, throwing down her Hermes bag in a chair and making her way to my desk.

  “My fiancé? Is that some type of joke?” I spit out, my rage at her careless use of the term boiling below the surface, but I stay seated behind my desk to appear calm. A scene is what she wants, always a scene. And I’ll be damned if I’ll give her one so she can play the poor helpless victim. “We’re through Tess; we have been for a while. You knew it. That’s why you wanted to give me one last show, letting me catch you and Aaron in my office. My office.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She feigns ignorance, rolling her eyes as she walks closer to me, reaching out her hand to run her talons down my chest. “It was all a misunderstanding.” Her perfume, like her, is overpowering and giving me a headache

  Grabbing her wrist, I pull her hand away from me, standing to walk around my desk. “There was no misunderstanding.” My voice is like gravel. “It was you on the desk with him between your legs.”

  “Then why am I still wearing this?” She waves her left hand at me and shows off the obnoxious rock that she and her mother picked out.

  “Because you’re delusional is my guess,” I tell her. “Keep the damn thing for all I care. It suits you… shiny on the outside, hardened on the inside.” Her mouth hangs open in shock.

  “You don’t mean that,” she cries, sitting in my desk chair.

  “Yes. I do.” I begin gathering my things, anxious to get away from her and the cloud of Chanel No. 5 that follows her like a mist of doom. “But you can give back my key to the apartment here, and my condo.”

  “Why? Those were shared properties; you can’t do that. And anyway, the keys are in California,” she whines.

  “Actually, I can. Your name isn’t on either of them, and we were never married, thank God. See that the keys get back to me as soon as possible. You haven’t stayed at the condo in months, and you’ve never stayed at the Manhattan apartment a night in your life. It wasn’t uptown enough for you, remember?” I remind her, with venom lacing my words, knowing I’m so close to blowing up. I open the door when her voice stops me cold in her tracks.

  “Who is Alexa?” She’s standing now and looking at a piece of paper in her hands, smiling. Shit. I must have left the copy of the agreement I printed out.

  “She’s no concern of yours.” I snatch the paper from her evil grip.

  “Doesn’t look like a no one if your attorney is involved.” Now she’s being coy with me. “A waitress, really?”

  “Make any attempt to talk to her, and your parents will be reading about your little indiscretions on the front page of the gossip section while sipping tea at the club.” My threat hits its mark, and I can see her backing down.

  “I trust you can see yourself out,” I throw over my shoulder before storming out of the office to my meeting. The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can get back to Alexa.

  The thought of seeing her after work, knowing she will be there waiting for me, with her witty mind and sexy mouth does something to my chest.

  *****

  Alexa

  Passing the shops on Fifth Avenue is surreal, the car gliding down one of New York’s most infamous streets, allowing me a front row seat, a dream in slow motion. Seeing Tiffany’s is exciting since Audrey Hepburn is one of my all-time, favorite actresses.

  After a few stops at some of the boutique shops on Madison Avenue, it becomes clear that I don’t fit in. That and the fact that I had no appointment and no name to grant me access. Card or no card, my black leggings and simple jersey top must give me away. Imposter.

  Feeling like an outsider on my first real day in the city is daunting, but I’m running out of time, so at Ben’s insistence, I go to Saks and work with a personal shopper. Halle has a warm personality and instantly puts me at ease.

  “Darling, you have legs for days! We must show these off.” She appraises me as I stand in my bra and panties in the fitting room while she turns me this way and that. Thank goodness I’m actually wearing a matching set I splurged on when Victoria’s Secret had their semiannual sale. I fight the urge to fidget as she figures out which colors and lines would look best on me.

  Shopping isn't nearly as fun as I would have hoped. I think it has to do with being alone. I have Halle, but it’s her job. Although, her enthusiasm for clothing is contagious, and I end up trying a lot of styles and combinations I never would have dared to before.

  Sitting in the dressing room, waiting on her to return with another size, I think about the day so far. It has been different than I imagined, experience overwhelming, and I'm just not used to that much indulgence. Especially since someone else is paying. The trip to the spa is one indulgence I won’t complain about. Who knew having your hair shampooed and blown out could feel so incredible? They painted my nails and toes a classic shade of red. The color gives me courage, and I’m going to need it to get through tonight.

  I glance around this dressing room, which is bigger than my old apartment, seeing all the beautiful garments; the satin, the silk, the lace. So many options. Had it not been for Halle, I wouldn’t have found all of this. I don’t even dare look at the tags because the practical part of me would probably pass out.

  The faint sound of ringing breaks through my thoughts.

  Digging through the mountain of fabric, I finally find my phone, swiping to answer. "Hello."

  "Alexa, how's it going? Did you have fun shopping?"

  "Okay, I guess." Regretting the lack of emotion in my tone, I add, "I've found some amazing things; thank you.

  “Great.” It sounds like he’s walking, horns blaring in the background. “Listen, I’m going to be a few minutes late, but the driver will be on time getting you. I’ll just—“

  Late. Time. “Shit.” Pulling my phone away from my ear, I see it’s 4:45, and I’ll never make it back to the apartment to change in time. Great, my first real date, I mean task, err- event with Ben, and I’ve already screwed it up.

  “Alexa, what is it? Is everything okay?” Ben’s voice pulls me from my mini-freak-out.

  “Yeah, sorry. It’s just that I’m still at Saks.” I bite my lip, and the longer I wait for his response, the harder I bite.

  His laughter surprises me. “That good, huh?”

  “More like that bad,” I retort. “It’s just like nothing I’ve ever experience, and before Saks, not everyone was so… helpful.”

  “I see,” he says. “Well, did you at least find a dress for this evening?”

  “I did,” I reply, smiling with satisfaction. Did I ever! Just wait until he sees me in the red. An off the shoulder satin and lace dress, with a scalloped neckline, cinched waist and a flared-out bottom that falls mid-thigh is going to make his mouth water.

  “Well, I’m actually closer to Saks than the loft, so I could just swing by there and pick you up.”

  “Umm, okay, sure. What should I do with the other stuff, all the bags I mean?” I look around at the sitting room; there is no way I can walk out with all this.

  “Have them delivered. They have my info on file. See you soon.”

  “I’ll be the one in red,” I tell him both so he knows who he’s looking for and just to tease.

  “I’ll be the suit with my mouth hanging open,” he jokes before his voice turns serious.

  “I could pick you out in a room of hundreds Alexa.”

  Heart, be still. Panties, stay dry.

  With Halle’s help, we quickly get me into the red dress. She has me in a red thong and matching demi cup bra. I never knew sexy underwear would make me feel so… naughty. She sends for shoes, while I’m pulled off to makeup to have some kohl liner and mascara applied, dabbed with bronzer, spritzed with perfume, passed a breath mint and lips painted red.

  The simple strappy heels are gorgeous and very high. Hopefully, I can pull this off.

  Now, I’m cheered on and pushed out the door, my tiny jeweled clutch only holding my phone and red Dior lipstick. having only a moment to catch my breath before a black Lincoln pulls up, and Ben steps out, looking like sin in a black fitted suit, crisp white shirt, sans tie with the top couple buttons undone.

  “Red – bold choice – it suits you.” He speaks first, his eyes singeing me everywhere he looks.

  “You look rather dashing yourself.” I saunter towards him, praying I don’t fall.

  He nods at me, meting me halfway and helping me into the back of the car. “Show time.”

  Chapter 9

  Alexa

  Being his date, his escort, plus-one, whatever you call it – it's not as glamorous as one might expect. Dinner is intense. Recalling the way those men talked about buying and selling properties and commodities like it was a game of monopoly, turns my stomach. It is pretty clear, most of the men there never looked at a woman above her neck, appraising me as I held on to Ben’s arm, silently judging with their obvious perusal.

  His hand is on my back, guiding me into the back of the town car, and his touch grounds me, bringing me back to the present. Sliding across the smooth grey leather, my red dress rises up just a little, revealing my thigh. Fixing the lace before I flash Ben, I slump against the backseat, letting out a long sigh.

  He climbs in after me, his long legs taking up the space…the same way his personality takes up space commanding a room. It’s so easy to see why he’s incredible at what he does. He shuts the door, shielding us from the outside world and the prying eyes. Relived to be out of the spotlight, we drop the act. My fingers go to work, gently massaging away the tension building in my temples.

  "Was it that bad?" He searches my face, pulling my feet into his lap and undoing my heels.

  “It was different than I expected.” Angling my body towards him to give him better access to my feet, I try to explain without offending him. “There were a few times I wanted to use my heel as a weapon. But overall, I guess it went well.”

  Ben has been nothing but a gentleman since we entered into this agreement, well… a flirty, handsy, tease of a gentleman, but knowing we slept in a bed together and nothing happened helps me realize I can trust him.

  He’s almost a little too proper, but I won't be the one to cross the line

  “How so,” he asks, and I can tell he’s sincere. It’s only been a couple days, and I’ve quickly learned how to tell when he's on and off.

  “Instead of being what some would call arm candy, I feel more like an experiment, being viewed under a thousand microscopes.”

  He remains silent, letting my observation sink in before turning his megawatt smile on me.

  “Well, you are pretty sweet.” He gently taps my shoulder with his. “I’m going with arm candy.”

  “Arm candy?” It sounds a little funny and a whole lot sexy when he says it.

  “Because I’m dying to taste you.” His voice grows husky as he leans closer.

  “Nice line.” I try to breaking tension. The chemistry sizzles in the air.

  “It wasn’t a line.” His hands have stopped massaging me feet and are slowly working their way up my calves.

  “That cheesy joke…is that the best you've got, and you’re an ad campaign genius?” My voice is breathless and laced with desire; my legs open a little wider as his hands near my thighs, modesty out the window.

  “You couldn't handle the heat of my best lines,” he taunts me. Reaching behind my knees, he jerks forward, and I’m in his lap, straddling him before I can exhale, my dress bunched up around my hips.

  “How about this one… Arm Candy because you look good enough to eat,” he whispers against my neck as I rock into him.

  “That's terrible.” I try to laugh, but it comes out a throaty moan.

  His fingers slip under the fabric of my dress, digging into my hips, and he grinds himself against me. I can feel his hard length pressing against my wet core.

  “Last one,” He rasps out. “If I told you that you looked sweet would you let me taste you to find out?”

  “Yes.” It’s barely audible, but it’s there hanging in the air with the silence.

  The car pulls to the curb, and he gently places me back in my seat, never making eye contact as we straighten our clothes. Masks back in place, just in time for the doorman to open the door.

  *****

  Ben

  We ride the elevator in silence, our fingertips barely brushing. It’s taking every ounce of control I have not to slam her against the wall and have my way with her. I want her so bad, even though I know I shouldn’t.

  I don’t want her thinking that’s part of the deal. That’s why nothing can happen tonight.

  When we get in the apartment, she turns to me expectantly, and I draw her into my arms, gently kissing her forehead. “You were incredible tonight. I don’t know about you, but I could use a shower.” Shit! That’s not what I meant.

  Her eyes light up in hunger, and that light dims when I say, “That came out wrong.”

  Pulling away, but not before I see tears swimming in her eyes, she walks to the bedroom we’ve been sharing and slams the door.

  Silence.

  I’m about to go after her, and my phone rings. Perfect timing.

  “Hamilton,” I bark into the phone. I take off my jacket, roll my sleeves, and pour a drink. It’s going to be a long night.

  After dealing with a work issue for nearly an hour, I hang up, pour myself another drink and head to my bedroom to shower.

  When I enter the room, I see she’s asleep. Crossing the room, I go to her and give in to the urge to run my fingertips down her cheek. Seeing dried tears on her face guts me. “I wish I could offer you more. I wish I could be enough,” I whisper. Stepping back, I take off my shirt and toss it on the end of the bed.

  Just as I’m about to head for the shower, she sits up, and the sheet falls, revealing a sexy red bra and panty set. “Ben?” Her voice is breathless and sleepy.

  Make that a cold shower.

  “I’m here.” I stand next to the bed but don’t dare touch her. ’Cause if I do, I might never stop.

  Chapter 10

  Alexa

  I barely heard him come in, but when he caressed my cheek, I felt it in my core. And when he spoke words into the night I wasn’t meant to hear, those I felt in my heart.

  “Why?” I sit up and reach for his shirt to cover myself.

  “Alexa, it’s late…”

  “Why did you bring me here?” The question hangs heavy in the air. Looks like tonight there will be pillow talk after all.

  “To accompany me to events. You know all this.” His annoyed tone does not go unnoticed.

  My expression must ask what I'm having trouble putting into words.

  “And to show the partners that my break up with Tess was amicable. I need them to know that our breakup isn't going to cause any drama, and I can push through the merger and be done with her, once and for all.” He sighs, running his hands through his hair the way he does when he’s frustrated, and slowly paces away from me.

  I try to let it go, take his word that she’s really gone, but the need for validation rears its ugly head.

 

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