Chapter 20

"Place a few stools by the spare tables near the refreshments and add a little bit more of the blue streamers above the lights." I ordered watching both men scatter to do as I said

"Ms. Sparks." Amy squeaked catching my attention, turning in her direction I eyed the man standing beside her. He was at least a half a foot taller than Amy towering over her pudgy four-eleven frame much like everyone else, his body was lean to a point where it was neither fat or muscle -wide shoulders, broad chest that dipped to a narrowed waist and extremely long legs that made him resemble a giant "This is Mr. Terrano, one of the owners' husband."

"We spoke on the phone Ms., it's nice to finally meet you." he greeted a slight accent tinging his words, I gave a curd nod assessing the handsome man. His jaw was shaped into a strong square, lips slightly plump and a tempting rosy pink, his cheekbones a feature any woman would die for, the slight croak in his nose was the only flaw and to finish the perfectly sculpted face were a pair of green eyes lined by thick lashes I wished I had.

The man was a present from Italy himself and the woman married to the semi-God was lucky to have snatched the man, shooing the distracting thoughts away I turned my gaze to the two young men setting stools along the round high tables "I hope everything is to your liking Ms. Sparks."

I gave a nod my eyes roaming the room for any flaws and to my surprise I found none, the man sure knew how to deliver I thought "Rest assure I'm pleased with the work you've done Mr. Terrano-"

"Please call me Dominic." he interrupted gracing me with a wide dazzling smile that starred in every woman's sexiest and dirtiest dreams

"Very well Dominic." I said testing his name on my tongue and regretting it when my mind conjured images of the model in front of me doing unprofessional and pleasurable things to me, pushing the naughty thoughts aside I excused my filthy imagination, blaming it on my recent sexual frustration "I'm impressed with the work you've done but I have a few things I'd like to discuss, firstly I'd like for your waiting staff to bring out the first set of entreeś ten minutes into the party."

He nodded his head his shoulder length blonde hair bobbing with him "That's not a problem."

"Good, I'll also need to speak with your head bartender about the guests who aren't permitted to drink."

There were quite a few employees who have been a little rowdy at past company events because they hit the open bar too hard. Amongst those party animals were a few angry drunks who caused difficulties before and with the partners attending the party I wasn't risking any drunkards embarrassing me. Hence why I left the office two hours early already dressed in a mid thigh sleeveless royal blue dress with a dip in the front that could still be deemed classy, half of my blonde hair was held back by a sapphire jeweled clip that allowed the soft curls to cascade down my back and give that flirtatious bounce. I've never had all the partners in one room so when Henry informed me every partner was attending the party tonight I amped up my outfit so as to not come off as a prude in the midst of the crowd. Appearance is everything, my mother's voice chided in my mind.

Dominic smiled his eyes twinkling as if I had told him a joke, my brows knitted in puzzlement at his sudden amusement "He stepped out to retrieve a few more supplies for tonight but he should be back soon."

I nodded walking over to where Tess sat her purple and grey striped maxi dress outlining her recently enormous breasts and just barely tracing the top of her bulging stomach, she moaned shoving a forkful of the chocolate hazelnut cake into her mouth. She showed me to the restaurant after begging for me to take her so she could dig into the deserts before the guests arrived, how could I say no to a pregnant woman who was willing to endure the pain of heels longer than necessary for a few pastries? "Is it wrong that I want to leave my husband for the baker of this cake?"

A soft giggle came from behind us, a girl dressed in black slacks and a crisp white blouse approached us carrying a large plate of the said deserts, her sunshine blonde hair flowing over her back like a river of gold nearly reaching her bottom "The baker is my sister who is happily married to this man." she said in a soft giggle, her heart shaped lips spreading into a warm smile that caused her navy blue eyes to twinkle contrasting the soft tan of her skin, my brow furrowed at the color.

"Ah yes, my Anna is amazing in the kitchen." Dominic chuckled wrapping a large arm around her slender shoulders

"Do you think we could swap spouses for a few weeks?"

He laughed the sound deep and velvety but it didn't hold that same throatiness as Wes's -forget him! I scolded myself for the umpteenth time today after literally running from him this morning. Wes had just stepped out of his apartment in black shorts and no shirt when I ducked around the corner dashing as quick as I could into the elevator in my five inch heels before he could spot me. Now I couldn't rid him from my thoughts, despite my busy schedule he kept lurking back to the front of my thoughts no matter how many times I tried to momentarily forget him.

"Your husband and I would be receiving the shorter end of the stick." he chuckled his shimmering green orbs a temptation to the female race, if only they were blue -stop it!

"But my husband is a great cleaner." Tess offered with a wink

Again the beast of a man howled with laughter followed by the soft chime giggles of the girl standing beside him, I crossed my arms not finding the sudden joking amusing at all but than again it's none of their asses on the line tonight! Dominic was the first to notice my annoyance at their teasing banner, he cleared his throat his expression wiped clear of any humor from moments ago "Carrie here helps him at the bar so you might want to run that list by her too."

Carrie gave a small wave and another pearly smile which I tried to return but even I felt the corners of my mouth twitch with the force I put into it "Do you have pictures of these people?" she asked leaning the large plate of pastries on her slender hip

"I have descriptions but it's not too many, just a hand full." I informed her as I retrieved the list from my bag

"Ray has a dry martini obsession that usually ends with him stripping down to his birthday suit." Tess laughed at the old man who just so happened to be both her and I's boss

Carrie smiled and raked her eyes over the small paragraph nodding a minute later "My brother runs the bar most of the night but I'll keep an eye out too."

"Thank you." I sighed the sound coming out a little more forced than I had intended, slumping into the stool beside Tess I rubbed my temple feeling the beginnings of a headache forming from the stress tonight brought

"Take it easy we've got you covered Ms. Sparks." Dominic assured me with a friendly pat on my shoulder that made me ashamed of my earlier thoughts about him

"Wait Sparks..... as in Khloe Sparks?" Carrie asked her navy blue eyes widening as she turned towards her brother-in-law who nodded

Tensing I nodded hoping she wasn't one of those people who obsessed over gossip they read in those trashy gossip magazines, the last thing I need is a gossip lover hounding me about the latest dirt they've read about me.

"Why don't you show Ms. Sparks the bar and get her something to calm her nerves?" Dominic said his eyes darting behind him in what I presumed was a sign she understood, Carrie nodded before ushering me towards the large old styled wooden bar. The stools were a dark metallic color that matched the grey granite counter, the shelves stacked with different arrays of alcohol bottles serving from mild to pissed-drunk and a few wine bottles as well as champagne stacked below the counter cooling in what I assumed was a built in fridge.

Taking a seat I thought of ordering a vodka recalling how Wes claimed it would calm my nerves at Stacy's engagement party and I definitely needed to relax now. Remembering Wes's order I watched Carrie's eyes widened in surprise but she merely nodded, grateful I downed the whole shot down readying myself for the after burn. Still I winced as the liquid lit a fire down my throat "I'm sorry for being rude back there I didn't know you were the customer today."

"Your brother-in-law didn't tell you?"

She shook her head and filled my glass as well as one if her own "All he said is we have an important customer who wanted the restaurant closed off for a party, cheers." she clanked her glass to mine and downed the clear liquid, mimicking her I coughed unprepared for the double burn of the vodka as it scorched the inside of my esophagus "Wow.." I rasped my voice hoarse from the alcohol

"Not a drinker, huh?" Carrie asked taking our glasses away

"Wine is more of my thing but I guess I needed that." I admitted feeling the warm liquid settle in the pit of my belly

"This party is pretty big than."

I laughed the sound sounding artificial even in my own ears "You could say that."

Carrie leaned her elbow against the counter her eyes raking over me in a curious way any stranger would look at a fellow stranger and I told myself it was normal; there was something vaguely familiar about her eyes though I just can't place my finger on what it was. Shifting on the stool I looked down at my clasped hands trying to place her face but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't place her face, did I even know her?

"I'll call my brother to see where he's at." she said excusing herself just as I was going to ask if we've met before

Twisting around I allowed my eyes to roam around the surprisingly large restaurant, it was a casual place for friends to catch up by the bar and even family dinners, the long rectangular tables would sit over twenty people without any feeling crowded or disturbing the other customers. Now the honey colored wooden floor was void of the said tables with only a few scattered around for anyone who wished to sit, a large table covered in a beige printed table cloth stood a few feet away the top of it packed with plates of the foreign food and deserts that had my mouth watering, the spicy sent my senses reeling in want a painful reminder that I skipped lunch today. The walls were a soft green that partnered well with the sky blue ceiling above, ordinary florescent lights lit the room each long bulb outlined by a curvy white design that gave the simple lights a bit of oomph. The walls were decorated with blue papery banners that were eloping with a white string like banner twisting around the soft material, the far wall with was littered with picture frames much like a fridge would be littered with a child's drawings expect this wall seemed more sentimental, photos of children, grown ups and what I would assume are family gatherings that consisted of many old woman surrounding one of the family tables but there was a picture that stuck out to me. The picture frame was twice the size of the others and less candid, a couple posed hand in hand grinning at the camera in front of the restaurant that must have been the grand opening, I assumed they were the owners. I thought, yet I haven't seen either of those people.

"They should be arriving any minute." Carrie said breaking my stare at the collage of photos

Nodding I turned back to face her noting the sudden smile etched on her face "You're pretty young to be working as a bartender." I said estimating she was in her early twenties

"Technically part time bartender, I'm a part time student but when I am free I try pulling my weight around here. As you've probably guessed it's a family business besides I'm terrible in the kitchen."

The corners of my mouth twitched into a semi smile that didn't quiet reach my eyes "What are you studying?" I asked my curiosity getting the best of me

"Journalism but I am taking a few creative writing classes." she paused tracing a non existing circle on the granite counter her eyes fixed downwards "It's silly but I've always had this hobby of writing stories and I saw the classes were available.." she trailed off sounding embarrassed by her hobby

"You think that's a bad thing?" I questioned watching her shake her head, she glanced behind me as if someone were listening before explaining "My sisters don't really understand my passion for writing, they think it's a waste of my time."

My expression softened in empathy for the young woman standing in front of me, growing up with a family who never understood me I could relate to her struggle deciding whether to pursue a career she loves or follow in what her family wanted. Carrie met my gaze her navy blue eyes shimmered with life and a spontaneous spunk I envied, although she was young she had a vibe about her that anyone could spot, she wasn't one to allow others to crush her dreams;she was a fighter. "Well you know I am an editor and if you happened to have one of those stories laying around.."

He gasped placing a hand over her mouth her eyes widening "Are you serious?" she mumbled from behind her hand

I nodded confusing even myself with my generous offer, to be giving a novice writer not to -mention a young one my time when I have enough on my plate as it is isn't anything I would usually do but something about the innocent way she spoke about her family not understanding her passion tugged at my heart strings. In a way she reminded me of myself when I was younger but rather than stand up for myself the way Carrie did I cowered under my family's pressure until -he broke me.

"I'm not one to say something I don't mean Carrie." I injected in a serious tone "If you're serious about pursuing a writing career I can give you an honest opinion and if I feel your work is qualified you just my end up at next month's newbie party."

Her high pitched squeal startled me, she waved her hands over her face resembling a crazed teenage fangirl given the opportunity to meet Justin Beiber, despite my better judgement I laughed under my breath as she hopped, skipped around the bar and wrapped her arms around my neck. I froze my body as stiff as an stale bread, the unfamiliar touch of another person foreign to me but if Carrie noticed she didn't remark on my stiff posture as she squeezed me despite her small frame and literally left me gasping for breath.

"Carrie help me out with this." a male voice called out the smooth throaty sound washing over my senses and I stiffened further but for a different reason. Flashing me a sheepish smile Carrie ran off to the direction of the voice my eyes following her as she reached the tall man struggling to hold two crates of alcohol and cradling a oversized package of olives under his arm. She took the olives allowing him to straight his leaning posture, he kissed her cheek his grey eyes cast down at her filled with brotherly adoration "Thanks Care Bear, now let's get these in before the rich snobs get here."

"We aren't all snobs." I said watching his shoulders tense, dragging his eyes up to meet mine I felt my breath catch in my throat when his stormy blue eyes settled on me obviously shocked to see me. Involuntarily I swept my eyes over him dressed in black jeans that hung low on his hips, a sky-blue flannel shirt clinging to his lean body and acting as a second skin against his chest; the fit was tight enough that I could make out the curves of his washboard abs. Clenching my hands at my side I felt the urge to run my hands over his chest in adoration remembering vividly how the hard ridges of each muscle felt beneath my fingers, the warmth that seeped from his hard body and into mine.

"This is your company event?" he asked realization washing over his confused expression, he shook his head muttering a string of curses under his breath before storming away his eyes dark with fury

Blinking my momentary shock away I felt the slight sting of disappointment, I hadn't expected him to be here either but that didn't mean we couldn't act civil with each other -he didn't need to walk off the way he did it was immature, rude and pissed me the fuck off! What possible reason did he have to greet me in that matter? Sure I'm not his usual long legged beauties but I'm not going to allow that -asshole to treat me like last week's forgotten one night stand. Spinning on my heels I caught Tess's sapphire eyes on me, no doubt taking in the scene before her, pressing my lips together I inhaled through my nose hoping the yoga technique would help calm me.

"Wasn't that-"

"Yes." I snapped my obvious irritation towards the handsome and rude man slipping through, so much for calming breaths

"Oh honey he's even better looking up close, now you really got to tap that. Come on it's just sex." she said with a wiggle of her eyebrows, I narrowed my eyes in response to her hormonic comment and in no mood for her 'get laid Khloe' speech. Placing my hands on my hips I sent her a glare "Did you know he worked here?"

Her thin brows jumped answering my question "You're shitting me." she gaped her eyes darting behind me as the familiar spicy scent of his cologne floated around me like a scented cloud, turning on my heels I felt anger coil in my chest at his unmannered actions moments ago, I refuse to be treated in such a cold manner. Tonight is important and I'm not going to let him sour my mood, not this time.

"We need to talk." I said my words laced with my suppressed anger, he nodded his features blank and unreadable. Without a word he turned back around motioning for me to follow as he led us throw the restaurant towards a honey colored wooden door, I stepped in after him shivering when the door slammed shut and I was left alone in the small house like room which I assume was a break room. It had a couch in the corner of the room in front of an old styled tv, there was a long granite counter at one side of the room and a mini silver fridge resting alongside a matching microwave.

I turned to face Wes my anger serving as the small thread of confidence that still had me standing tall rather than melt to the ground beneath his heated gaze "Did you know I was the customer today?"

He shook his head the dark disheveled hair sweeping across his smooth forehead "Dominic takes care of things like this, he refused to tell us who you were and I now know why."

Nodding I recalled Carrie's surprise when she learned my name, shifting onto my other leg I watched his eyes raking over my appearance, his eyes darkening as they traveled back up my body settling on the V of my chest. Heat creeped up my neck staining my cheeks with a soft shade of pink at his less than appropriate stare, I cleared my throat uncomfortable with his heated stare.

"I expect you to act like a professional tonight and do your job with no complications, my bosses are attending tonight and I don't want any difficulties so here." I thrust the list of wild drunks at him noticing the paper trembling in my hands, he reached his hand out but rather than take the list he curled his fingers around my wrist and tugged me towards him. With a yelp of surprise I jerked forward feeling our hips brush shamelessly together in a lovers' caress that sent a liquid warmth to pool in my lower stomach.

"You weren't lying yesterday when you said you were busy." he stated his warm breath fanning my face, my mind failed to conjure a response so I nodded feeling my heart pounding against my ribs like the low sound of a drum, thumping, echoing in my ears reminding of how I reacted to Wes.

"But you were avoiding me." he added his eyes dipping down to my lips before returning to meet mine again, I shook my head gulping nervously when he pressed his hips further into mine causing my nipples to strain against the soft fabric of my bra evidence of my apparent arousal. His eyes narrowed when I took a step backwards but not because I feared him but rather in fear of the way my body yearned for his touch, his kisses, his mouth....

"I saw you this morning kitty." he said taking a deep forward, I took two larger steps backwards unable to tear my gaze from the twin stormy orbs pinning me down as I comprehended his comment. He saw me this morning, mortification flushed through me at being caught running away like a girl with her first crush but the emotion was soon forgotten when he took two steps forward nearly closing the space between us.

Shaking my head in denial I stepped backwards feeling the cold granite counter press against my lower back "You saw me coming out so you ran, why?" he asked this piercing blueish-grey eyes fixing on my mouth again as I chewed on my bottom lip the swarm of butterflies in my stomach fluttering like a second heartbeat in my belly as Wes closed the small gap in one long stride. Gripping the counter behind me I felt my knees quake together, the bones dissolving into goo as he pressed his hips to mine allowing me to feel his member jerking forward more than excited about the physical contact "Are you embarrassed about what we did at the park?"

I shook my head watching his large tanned hands resting on the sides of the counter, he leaned forward his body pressed flush against mine, his hard chest mashing against my sensitive -and erect nipples the pressure a painful welcomed pleasure "No." I croaked my voice sounding thick in my ears

He arched a dark brow his face dipping downwards, the wet stroke of his lips against the skin where my shoulder and neck met sent a warm shiver to travel down my spine "Than why did you run sweet-cheeks?" he said against my skin the hum of his voice running down to my core and sparking every nerve in my body to awaken from their sexual coma

Whimpering under my breath I leaned my head back leaving my neck exposed for his mouth to ravish, he sucked the wet skin where he kissed his hot breath the perfect touch against the moist area. My eyes rolled backwards feeling the pleasure of his skillful mouth as he nibbled and sucked the area retracting a soft moan from my throat, raising my arms above me I tangled them behind his neck and thrust myself forward.

"You taste like vanilla." he groaned, his tongue licked up my neck stopping on my chin, he grazed his front teeth across my jaw causing me to shiver in delight as his large hands gripped the back of my thighs pulling them apart so he could fit his erection between my heard core. The touch of his hard, solid erection against my throbbing cl!t had me groaning as I thrust my hips up to meet his, I was rewarded with a throaty growl and a rough thrust forward hitting my aching channel.

"You have no idea how bad I want to ram into you." he whispered into my ear, his voice sensual and thick with desire that grew with his wonton honest comment

My knees quaked together as his words sunk in creating images of our nude bodies tangled together, a thick coating of sweat covering our bodies as our breaths come out in shallow pants after a series of rounds of sex -rough, mind-blowing sex that would leave me limping for days. I shuddered in his arms eager to feel the hard evidence of his manhood plunging into my channel that I dropped my hands down to his waist fingering the loops of his jeans in open curiosity, how would he feel inside of me? As if sharing my thoughts his erection jerked upwards through the restrain of his jeans and I could help but reach for the front of his jeans when his clamped over them halting them from revealing his arousal.

Blinking up in confusion I wanted to hiss at him for stopping me from doing what I've wanted -needed for over a week when he shook his head and slowly peeled my hands away from his waist "As much as I'd love to lift you on this counter and fuck you senseless I don't want my family hearing you scream my name when I make you come."

I moaned in frustration at his explicit comment that did nothing to settle the flames licking at my body, I didn't care who heard us I just wanted him to make me explode like in his apartment. Wes pulled away his fingers laced with mine as he tugged me away from the counter as if the very area tempted him, despite his decline I could see the glaze of lust in his eyes proof of his desire other than the clear hard on pressing against the front of his jeans.

"Come on kitty kat let's get back out there before I change my mind and lock this door." he said in a teasing banter

Mentally shooing the dirty thoughts from my mind I nodded wondering what had come over me, Henry and the other partners were due to arrive in less than an hour and I wanted Wes to have his wicked way of me in the break room with his family on the other side of this door. My hormones were out of whack jumping everywhere when ever Wes was within a two mile radius. Pulling my hand out of his I patted my hair hoping I hadn't ruined it in my moment of heat, satisfied with the pins securely holding up the bouncy curls I glanced down at Wes's pants. My mouth spread into a smile at the solider standing tall and proud "You should do something about your tent there." I pointed out with a soft laugh

He glanced down and chuckled "Would you care to do me a favor kitty kat?" he asked with a mischievous wink

"Not in your dreams." I laughed and slipped out of the room leaving an aroused Wes behind to figure out how to calm his buddy down

Laughing under my breath I stalked back to where Tess still sat stuffing her face with the Italian pastries shamelessly, noticing me standing beside her she opened her mouth to speak and instead gasped. My brows formed a V as she struggled to swallow the large morsel of cheesecake her manicured finger pouting at my neck, frantically I wiped the area terrified some sort if bug was crawling in my skin.

"What is it?" I asked my voice a high pitched squeak

Finally gulping her food down she fished through her handbag retracting a small silver mirror, snatching it out of her hands I gasped at my reflection. There on the my creamy pale skin was a blood red love bite the mark evidence of what Wes and I had been doing, dropping the mirror I spotted Wes stepping out if the room I left seconds ago. He met my wide eyed gaze with a smirk knowing exactly why I was shooting daggers his way his erection as hard as ever.

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Looks like you're all wrong my lovelies....the mystery girl is not his sister but than who could she be? O.o