Chapter 19

Slamming the door of my Mercedes closed I turned to the motorcycle that has been stealing my spot in the parking for nearly eight months now, not only did the asshole who owned this death machine keep stealing my spot but he parked vertically taking two parking spots. Forced to park in the back I stomped towards the door glaring at the silver bike with hatred, it wasn't officially my parking spot but until now no one dared to take it because that meant a much dreaded confrontation from me and although I spoke to no one in the building regularly they knew not to mess with the lonely, bitter girl on the tenth floor. I had a childish urge to kick the scrap of metal but resisted as I stepped into the elevator.

The soft music played above me, a smooth tempo with no words that was meant to relax the tenants and relax it did. Slumping against the back wall I closed my eyes enjoying the classical tune as the stress of today melted away, when I get upstairs I'm going to soak in a soapy lavender bath till my skin is pruned. Inwardly smiling I snapped my eyes open as I thought of what I'd do after my bath, perhaps I could run across the hall and ask a certain neighbor to keep me company. Chuckling softly under my breath I should have felt embarrassed about wanting to spend the evening with Wes but in truth I felt nothing but anticipation, Wes despite his idiotic moments was actually good company. He spoke his thoughts openly, never coming off as fake as many usually do, his humor -although can be extremely irritating- is a wonderful change from the dreary life I've come accustomed to, and his physical beauty added to the list. There is also his talented mouth and his skillful hands, I thought blushing at the memory of this afternoon.

The small ding of the elevator distracted my thoughts from wandering further on Wes and how he sets my body aflame in seconds with just a touch, stepping out into the burgundy rug the clack of my heels were muted by the expensive rug beneath my feet. Readjusting my bag I felt a swarm of butterflies settling in the pit of my stomach as I thought of spending anymore time with my handsome neighbor, this could be considered a date. Wes said we needed to know each other better by going on dates, although I gave him no prior warning I'm sure he won't mind. Turning the corner towards my apartment I couldn't help the grin that etched across my face as I searched for my keys, I hated to admit it but Wes was growing on me.

Keys in hand I started for my door when I noticed a woman knocking on the twin door opposite mine; the stranger was tall maybe a few inches taller than me, she had on a mid-thigh checkered cocktail dress on, the material clinging to her voluptuous breasts that made my size B's look like grapes. She smiled at me her full lips spreading over a set of straight, white teeth, the friendly action caused her soft blues eyes to shimmer adding to their depth, her short black hair was styled neatly just reaching her shoulders. A look I could never pull off, I thought as I gave the strange female one more rundown a scowl marring my expression. She looked about the same age as the other girls that Wes 'sees', young, shapely and beautiful enough that any woman nearby is dulling in comparison.

Maybe it's not what I think, I thought as she knocked on Wes's door again. Turning to my door I shoved my key into the lock and turned as his door creaked open, unable to resist my curiosity I glanced over my shoulder as the girl launched herself at Wes who chuckled in response. Her arms drew up to his neck as his circled her waist pulling her into a warm embrace.

"I've already told you yes." he laughed his voice cheerful

"This isn't for agreeing, this is because I barely see you lately." she replied before pulling back her eyes roaming over him, analyzing him in a black jeans with a plaid blue shirt that he had rolled up his sleeves halfway up his toned forearms. His jet black hair was a tamed tousled mess on his head as if he tried brushing it back then changed his mind midway. The stranger placed her hands on his chest and glanced up at Wes who still hadn't noticed me standing by eavesdropping "I know you said you couldn't do this anymore but it means a lot to me that you are."

He waved her away "Don't worry about what I said before, I know how much you need this and I want to help." he added with a devilish grin

The female slapped his shoulder playfully "This isn't funny I really need you tonight." Wes wrapped his large arm around her shoulder tugging her to his chest as they embraced again, both oblivious to me watching their encounter. He kissed her forehead before he spoke again "I know Car, let's get started."

Stifling a gasp I turned from their embrace my heart heavy in my chest as I turned my door knob, nimbly I pushed the door open and slipped into my apartment grateful they hadn't noticed me standing idly by as they spoke. Shutting the door softly after me I peeked through the peep hole sighing under my breath, slowly they pulled apart with her arm looped with his resembling lovers, they both walked into his apartment still grinning at each other. My stomach churned in disgust at the thought of them being alone in there and him satisfying 'her need'. Wes shut the door with the stranger still on his arm like a leech, that too large smile still plastered on her softly tanned skin. I stood by the door debating whether it would be strange if I stepped out into the hallway and pressed my ear to his door, the thought of over hearing Miss long and luscious moan as Wes pleases her the way he has me stopped me from doing just that.

My shoulders sagged in reluctant disappointment, kicking off my heels I didn't bother rubbing my aching soles from being on my feet all day as I dropped on the couch with a loud thump. Scooping the plush pillow in my arms I rested my head on the soft fabric the bath I had planned to take completely forgotten, my thoughts occupied with Wes and the bombshell next door bumping hips. Anger and hurt coiled in my chest, the different emotions wrestling in my chest for control neither one able to up show the other.

I shouldn't feel hurt he isn't my actual boyfriend and it's not as if he took this mystery woman out where someone could spot them so he wasn't breaking any of the rules we agreed on and that was what angered me. He wasn't doing anything wrong yet I still felt the sting of betrayal despite the logical voice that told me to cease my childish whining, I have no claim on him, he is free to do what -or who he pleases without any worry of conflict. Biting my bottom lip I curled my legs upwards so I was in a fetal position, the truth although very much true was bitter to swallow let alone except and I felt like a fool for allowing myself to think for one minute otherwise. If I hadn't seen that woman earlier I would have knocked on his door like a naïve little girl ready to spend an innocent evening with him while he has some young goddess waiting in his bed ready to receive and give the same pleasure back.

Squeezing my eyes closed I felt like a clueless child for ever considering a man like Wes who got laid more frequently than Hugh Hefner would choose a frigid woman who ran after receiving her first orgasm -which he still didn't know about thank goodness- like me, Greg the cheating prick barely wanted sex yet when he did he always seemed unsatisfied afterwards and he wasn't shy to voice his displeasure. It was degrading and horrific when he would rant on and on about how unresponsive I was, cold and stony he would call my performance in the bedroom. Was that what Wes thought? That I was a cold fish between the sheets, was I not responsive enough? When he touches me I feel my entire being awakening unlike the previous times I've been with men, my body reacts to him before my mind could process what it was doing. Maybe he realized I wasn't experienced or perhaps he just didn't enjoy my touch?

It was happening again. Once more I was demeaning myself for a man who's interest strayed to another woman, picking at each of my lacking qualities and wondering what I did wrong, something I promised I would no longer do after the first man broke my heart and stepped on the shattered pieces. I swore to never allow myself to downgrade anything about myself to please a man, he can love me -all of me or leave me.

Scoffing at the 'L' word I wanted to laugh at myself for even thinking it, if my lack of a love life wasn't a sign that love didn't exist than my parent's sad excuse of a marriage is more than enough proof. The only 'L' word that exists in relationships is lust and even that doesn't last forever, eventually the passionate fire dies down before being extinguished all together and slowly the couple's supposed 'love' is gone.

Swinging my legs over I sat up with a shake of my head, that is what I felt for Wes, lust. He's a handsome man who shows me attention and sadly happens to be the only man who has touched me in nearly eighteen months, naturally my body would give in to my pent up sexual frustration and seek it's release with any man willing and experienced enough to get the job done. That's all this was, sexual frustration- I nodded in agreement to my thought. I just have to keep a clear head when around Wes so my mind doesn't jumble up again with thoughts of something real developing, he's just a man pretending to be my boyfriend till this wedding is over who I also happen to desire. It was strictly business and if I treated our relationship as such I would be able to avoid what occurred tonight. Wes is like any other business partner I've worked with in the past, concentrating on getting the job done and setting away any unwanted feelings aside was something I had a knack for -just another job to get done.

Nothing I can't handle. Pushing off the couch I started toward the bathroom to take a shower before rummaging through my over stacked containers of leftovers in the fridge that would be considered my dinner tonight as I curl up watching a reality show about a dysfunctional family...could I still catch Keeping up with the Kardashin's now? Pondering on the thought I peeled off my clothes pushing Wes out of my mind completely as I returned to my normal routine that based on day old food and bad tv.

*~*~*~*~*~*~

Amy placed my third cup of coffee down in front of me without me having to ask her to do so, I smiled appreciatively at the small woman as I continued to listen to Henry on the other end of the line. It was unlike him to call this early and certainly not normal for him to have a 'chat' as he so called it that wasn't about a client.

".......the other partners will be attending the party this Friday Khloe and I will be expecting nothing but the best from you and that the evening goes smoothly without a glitch. I've praised you far too long for you to humiliate me in front of the others." he said with a ting of teasing in his last words

There was a reason Henry came to me with the bigger more important projects, he trusted in my ability to get the job done the first time with little to no problems and over the years he has praised me on my success. I've become one of his favorite employees and spending years first training by his side I learned Henry had a humor, one many didn't know existed. The old man loved to tease and poke fun especially at the newer employees in the company, it amused him to watch them freeze and stutter as he pretends to be 'the asshole boss' as he put it. Never less Henry could still be serious and when he was it usually meant someone was going to get a tongue lashing and a stack of paperwork long enough to put the Eiffel tower to shame.

"Have I ever given you a reason to doubt me Henry?" I challenged, grabbing the steamy cup of coffee noticing Amy was still standing in front of me her expression wary

Henry chuckled "No, and that's precisely why I like you Khloe, you put one hundred percent into your work and the end results show just that. I knew the first day you corrected one of my editors at the monthly conference that you weren't a regular intern."

Sipping the coffee I smiled remembering that day nearly six years ago, it was my turn to fetch the coffee and refreshments when I heard one of my than bosses confusing the horror client he signed up for the long time thriller client. Immediately I spoke up addressing his mistake which earned me dirty glares from around the room but Henry was impressed, he pulled me aside later on and gave me a job as a regular editor from than on I kept climbing higher "Thank you sir, I have sent my assistant out to the restaurant and she approves, I'll be heading down there tomorrow to settle a few more details before the party. I assure you sir it will be a night to remember."

"I'll hold you to that darlin'." he retorted, Henry never checked on small details such as this welcome party it was out of character for him to doubt me and I wanted to ask what brought this sudden 'chat' up but decided against it "I'll let you return to your work than, see you Friday."

"Bye Henry." I said and hung up puzzled by his strange behavior, did someone complain about the work leaving my departments? Or did Mr. Sanders go tattle on me for not breaking down like he wanted?

"Ms. Sparks." Glancing up I noticed Amy was still standing in front of my desk, seeming strangely uncomfortable much like yesterday when she handed me Stacy's wedding invitation. Darting my eyes down to her hands to breathed a mental sigh of relief when I saw both empty, the last thing I need now is any more surprises "What is Amy?" I asked when the slightly plump woman hadn't spoken

"There's someone here to see you-"

My phone rang interrupting her, lifting a hand up I answered expecting a call from one of my outer state clients "Send them up." I mouthed as I greeted the person on the other line

"But Ms. Sparks.." Amy began to argue when I shook my head and waved her off. With a weak nod Amy left as a deep voice sounded from the other end of the phone

"You're sounding cheery, I'm guessing your day is going well."

Clenching my fists I wanted to hang up but thought better of it, there is no need to be childish you're a grown woman and you will deal with this as such. Taking a calming breath I reminder myself that I couldn't hold him accountable for his actions and I was not about to show him how it first affected me. Keep it professional, I chanted in my head "I am having a good day, what can I help you with Wes?" I asked in a professional tone

"Well I was calling to see if you would like to have lunch with me?"

"I can't." I replied proud of myself for not snapping out my response

"Oh." he sounded disappointed obviously not expecting me to decline his offer, I grinned knowing I knocked him off his cocky pedestal. He probably still doesn't know I saw him with that girl yesterday or that I spotted her leaving his apartment this morning wearing a large sweater that I presumed was his. Despite my small pep talk yesterday I couldn't help but grind my teeth as I wondered what he did to her dress that caused her to borrow his shirt.

"Yes, I'll be busy the next couple of days organizing a company event." I answered purposely adding the next few days in for good measure, it's not a lie and I don't want to see Wes unless it was necessary in which it isn't right now.

"I'm going to take a guess and say you'll be busy tonight also." he stated with sureness tinging his tone

"Guessed right." I shot back as Amy popped her head into my office, I waved her in and whoever accompanied her as well. I'm not expecting any visitors and rarely I ever had any visit me at work excluding my mother but that is only when she can't reach me any other way.

Wes sighed into the receiver "Are you just saying that because of what happened yesterday?"

"What happened yesterday?" I questioned my eyes widening as panic surged through my veins, maybe he saw me choosing to ignore my presence so as to not scare off his new toy "Yeah, what we did in the park."

Releasing a breath I wanted to laugh at my paranoia, of course he didn't spot me he was too occupied with the bombshell to notice a plain Jane like me "No, it has nothing to do with that."

"Ms. Sparks." Amy called her voice a small squeak, fixing my gaze on her I opened my mouth to tell her to wait a moment when I noticed a man standing in front of my desk dressed in a black pin-striped suit that fit his wide shoulders, the shirt beneath a soft peach matching his white and peach striped tie. His jaw was narrow yet fit his soft features, a slightly flat nose and lips so thin you could barely notice them, his hair was brushed neatly back the grey streaks at the sides of his temple enhancing the rest of his glossy dark brown hair and his grass colored eyes ran over me in assessment just as I did to him.

"Hello Khloe." the man greeted flashing a robotic smile

"I have to go." I mumbled into the phone and hung up, Amy took that moment to scurry out of the room as the man took a seat on the leather chair across from my own. Composing my shocked expression I leaned back refusing to let him make me feel uncomfortable in my own office and knowing him he wants to see me squirm.

"Dad." I bit out

His green eyes gleamed with amusement at my bitter tone and he had the audacity to smirk at me, gritting my teeth I narrowed my eyes at him not caring enough to offer him a drink. Truth was the quicker I can get rid of him the better, my relationship with my father wasn't normal or even a stable one. I tried my best to dodge any interaction with him when I can, the last time I saw him was ten months ago at my aunt Beatrice's seventy-eighth birthday even than I avoided my father expect when I greeted him with an awkward hug -my mother's request.

"You have a cute little office." he sneered as he looked around the room which wasn't 'little' as he put it in truth it was one of the largest offices in the building excluding the partners upstairs "I don't understand why you chose such a ridiculous occupation, who picks being an editor over working at the country's largest magazine."

Tilting my chin up in defiance I met his hard stare with one if my one "A person who doesn't care about the pay and refuses to get a free pass because of her family name." I shot back my voice icy and detached

"People do anything to get to the top." he retorted his thin lips twitching into a knowing smile

"Only cowards slither their way to the top." I countered watching his mouth flip downwards, his dark brows pulled together a crease forming between the neatly trimmed brows indicating his displeasure. Much like my mother my father wanted me to follow in his footsteps, claiming my mind shouldn't be wasted on fashion but rather in politics -my father always said I had a clever way of thinking, my brain processed information quicker than others and my father wanted me as his protegé. At one point I did exactly what he asked of me hoping to make him proud of me -for him to show any sort of interest in me because I was desperate for any type of attention from him even if it meant tossing my morals aside.

"Still as clever as ever." he said, it was meant as a compliment but his tone was dry betraying his true feelings

"What do you want and don't try giving me the 'visiting you' bullshit." I rudely demanded

He smiled, the row of straight white teeth a camouflage for the slippery serpent beneath his tidy, sophisticated outer shell that gave him a 'honest man' outlook. He smoothed out the front of his suit of non existing wrinkles, a nervous habit of his I've picked up on over the years "Always the keen observer." he chuckled shifting in his seat in discomfort "Never less your assumption for my visit is spot on."

Any other person would have been hurt at being correct, not me though I've been wounded to deep and long from this man for him to hurt me anymore. Steeling my shoulders I motioned for him to continue my heart firmly guarded from his on coming attack and judging by the way his eyes keep darting downwards whatever he is going to say isn't good.

"I've struck a rough patch." he began his eyes downcast in either shame or embarrassment I wasn't sure which it was "Gambling." I stated knowing I was correct before he nodded

"I was sure of my hand and Raymond was down on his luck all night so I went for it-"

I raised a hand up to silence him uninterested in how he managed to get himself in this tight financial situation, it always started the same with him misinterpreting a round and losing then his over grown pride would edge him to attempt in winning his loses back but it ends the same. With him losing it all.

"How much?" I asked, reaching for my checkbook I noticed him shifting in his seat. Leaning back into my own seat I clicked the top of the pen and raised a brow awaiting the amount, he cleared his throat nervously his powerful aura sucked away leaving a fidgety, desperate man in his place "Four hundred and eighty grand." he mumbled

Lifting the pen off the check I gaped at him taken completely by surprise by the largest amount yet, he offered a sheepish smile not bothering to explain what had driven him to gamble that large sum of money mainly because I didn't care. Scribbling the number down I tore the check out and slid it over the table. Eagerly he tucked it into his side pocket a look of relief flashing in his green eyes, returning my checkbook to it's original place I stood up watching him mimic my action.

"If I didn't have a tight deadline I wouldn't have asked." he quickly explained

I waved his pathetic excuse away knowing he messed with the wrong people and needed to shut them up before they revealed his dirty laundry. Writing them a check would mean linking his name to the shady men he mixed with but having me lend him money would keep his name clean so to speak "It's fine." I dismissed him quickly

"How about I take you out to make up for this?" he asked flashing his popular smile that won him three elections in the past

"I have work to do." I declined knowing he offered because he felt guilty, he nodded and straightened his shoulders returning to that powerful man who first stepped into my office and not the man who greedily took a check moments ago. The guilt wore off as soon as I declined his offer just like every other time before, its partly the reason I always declined him to get over the brief moment of guilt.

"Well I guess I should go congratulate your sister since I'm in town." he chuckled softly and turned towards the door never once acknowledging the fact that Stacy was marrying Greg -a man my father had convinced me to date. I hadn't expected him to bring that small detail up, my father is too self absorbed to bother with such minor details and for once I was grateful for that. He paused by the door, turning in my direction "This is the last time, I promise."

I wanted to laugh and send him away because despite the serious expression he wore we both knew it wasn't. As far as I could recall my father has been repeating those same words sounding genuine each time and I guess that's why voters elected him and why I had believed in the past. He was a terribly good persuasive man that at times I think he fools himself with the garbage he spews.

Rather than point out the fact that he made that very same promise three months ago over the phone from some random tropical island I nodded and said what he wanted to hear because it sent him away quicker -and soothed his growing guilt "I know."

************

A little insight on Khloe's relationship with her father, I'm sure you all have some colorful words to describe him....as for Wes well I'll let you give me your ideas ;)