Chapter 25

"I missed you K." Aaron sighed throwing an arm over my shoulder, naturally I leaned into missing the brotherly comfort that Aaron provided with his presences. Our relationship was easy and comfortable for the both of us, from the first time we spoke to each other at one of my father's election parties I liked Aaron and he felt the same. It was a strange friendship since I was know for always being off alone, never bothering to talk to anyone whilst Aaron had his own person entourage following him just to say they are friends with him. Strange or not the friendship was something I cherished especially when Aaron never spoke about my father's occupation or parties or anything the others chatted aimlessly about, no Aaron and I talked about ourselves. Our likes, dislikes, and our families behind closed doors. We were similar in a way -both living in broken homes where everyone smiled because they had to.

"I know you're a big shot and all but couldn't you at least send your old buddy a text." he joked

I smiled, especially since he was the one in Hollywood putting his creativity to use and being recognized for his talent. "Technology works both ways." I replied with a nudge of my shoulder

"Touché." He lead us around an elderly couple walking hand in hand, my eyes narrowed at the soft, adoring looks they shared, envying the happiness they have when Aaron spoke, "I thought you wouldn't want to talk to me since my cousin is a douche."

Shame washed over me as he spoke the truth out loud, it wasn't as if I meant to hurt Aaron but I didn't want his pity and I knew he would want to discuss what his cousin did and I didn't want to. There is no point in moping about what he did, the article was out in the magazines and everyone snickered behind my back -talking wouldn't have changed any of that.

"Let's not talk about him." I announced lowering my gaze to the pavement. It's embarrassing enough I nearly broke down at the florist allowing him to soothe me, to my relief I managed to regain control of my emotions before Stacy noticed.

"No problem, but you do know I'm on your side, right baby?"

Craning my head up I fixed my eyes on him, the look of concern on his face caused a fresh wave of shame to wash over me "I know, and I love you for it." I admitted with a soft smile

"I love you too K, now let's go get some iced coffee. California has long legged, plastic beauties but they can't do caffeine like the big apple."

A broad smile spread along my face, an ache in my chest had me regretting ever cutting off our friendship "You haven't changed at all." I laughed

"I'm one of a kind." he winked playfully, his long fingers gripping my upper arm "Now let's gossip about your sister, I mean could she be any more of a skank." he said with a shake of his head in mocking shame

Throwing my head back I laughed remembering his expression when Stacy flaunted her double D's at the florist, he actually flinched and told her to tuck the twins in for the day. Looping my arm through the crook of his elbow like I use to I glanced out at him with a rare genuine smile, that was neither forced or faint. "Its good to have you back."

The coffee turned out to be longer than an hour, too preoccupied with reuniting with my old friend I didn't realize the late hour till Aaron mentioned grabbing dinner. Unable -and not wanting to part just yet- I said yes, it wasn't as if I had any plans tonight or any other night for that matter. It was late when I returned home after repeatedly telling Aaron I could make it home alone, it took awhile but finally he let me go with a quick kiss on my cheek and storing his number in my phone.

A voice boomed through the door across the hall causing me to jump, the anger clear even though the words that were being shouted were foreign. Glancing over my shoulder I stared at Wes's door as the shouting got louder, wondering what or who could ruffle his feathers enough to get him to sound so -enraged? I couldn't hear another person, perhaps he was on the phone? Curiosity edged me to cross the small distance between our doors and ask the man in question.

My fingers flexed over my door handle as I debated whether I should ask him what's wrong, it's just a friendly question and I'm entitled to at least an explanation as to why he is shouting. My feet stayed rooted to the ground though, refusing to start forward and do as my brain commanded -it's not really my business and demanding to know would be crossing a line I don't plan on doing any time soon.

Although I'm not sure what exactly we are, I'm not a foolish girl who has believed in a delusional relationship forming over these past couple of weeks. A friendship definitely has formed, much to my surprise and that's as far as I think it will go for Wes and I.

Yes, we had sex -twice- but that doesn't mean that I was going to entertain the idea of us truly being together. Knocking on his door would be like jumping across the friendship line and entering the confusing 'feelings' area that came with intimate relationships. Mulling over the last thought I decided I didn't want to venture out of the comfort zone Wes and I were in. With that I entered my apartment without sparing a glance behind me as Wes's voice floated through the door.

"I've sent the schedule to the entire floor with a list of due dates for each department." Amy informed me, her almond shaped eyes darting down to my hand as I drummed my fingers softly against the circular desk. Fixing her gaze she studied me curiously and for a moment I forgot that she awaited for me to give her another errand.

Clearing my throat I smoothed out the front of my cream colored blouse, wincing when I realized it was turning into a bad habit. "You can go for lunch now." I said, excusing her

With a nod she started to take her leave when I called out to her, she stared back at me confusingly but didn't say a word.

"Did anyone call?" I asked warily

"Yes, the publishers departmen-"

"No, Amy." I shook my head stopping her from the long list of work related calls I received today "I meant personal calls, other than my mother that is."

Her eyes softened with pity, the emotion one I've grown too accustomed to by my middle aged secretary. On holiday weekends when I call to ask where a certain file is, on my birthday when I stay till nearly midnight. It was a look that spoke volumes - 'poor boss doesn't have anyone who cares'. Swallowing past the lump lodged in my throat I couldn't hold her stare any longer, averting my eyes I gave a dismissive wave unsure if my throat would work. Tentatively Amy left, shutting the door softly behind her but the soft click sounded too loud in my ears.

He didn't call.

Not last night, not today. Biting my bottom lip I wondered why he didn't stop by last night. It's not as if he promised me but I was expecting-

Stupid girl! His life doesn't revolve around you, a voice sneered.

Releasing a frustrated sigh, I wondered for the umpteenth time if I should have knocked on his door but I knew my pride would never allow me to do such a thing. No matter how much I longed for his presences I couldn't bring myself to walk the small distance or even lift my phone and call him. Stubbornness was something I inherited from my mother, both a gift and curse depending on the situation. Right now it was a curse.

Perhaps I could go see him. Quickly shaking the idea away I twisted in the dark swivel chair when something caught my eye, reaching for Carrie's draft I corrected yesterday while I pitifully waited for Wes. Collecting my phone off the desk, I snatched my tote bag off the hanger and started out the door in long, determined strides.

Avoiding eye contact I explained to Amy that I was going out for lunch and left the building well aware of the woman's gaze on my back. Making my way down to the parking lot I hopped in my car, going on by memory I drove down the busy streets of the upper east side to the west side. Circling around the area a few times I found the restaurant. Mustering up all the courage I had I stepped out of the car, -lucky I found a parking spot around the corner- on trembling legs I made my way to the decently sized restaurant and inhaled a deep, calming breath and walked in.

"I'll be with you in a sec." Anna called out her voice floating from behind a door beside the front door.

Taking that as an opportunity to look around I was surprised by the staff wiping down the tables and chairs, placing a small ceramic vase with a single flower on each table. Setting plates, napkins and condiments on each top before placing two sets of wine glasses at each plate setting.

"Khloe."

Turning to greet Carrie I found a pair of thin arms barracking me to a her slender body, flare my arms up in attempt to loosen her grip around my throat.

"Carrie you're killing her." Anna's soft voice was a blessing

Pulling away Carrie flashed a sheepish smile and looked away. Throwing a grateful glance at Anna I rubbed my throat, it burned where she squeezed. "Where did you go yesterday? We were so worried when we couldn't find you. Why did you leave?"Carrie asked, her voice holding a bit of anger

Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth I felt like a teenager being caught sneaking out of the house "I wanted to go home." I admitted watching Carrie's brows pull downwards in questioning "I couldn't find you or Wes." I lied before I could help it.

The truth wasn't really an option. Your brother left me for his ex fùck buddy -who turns out is into girls but I didn't know- so I left thinking he was cheating on me but it's impossible. See we aren't even really together. I scoffed at the thought, I'm sure his sisters will have a few issues with that confession.

"Don't do it again." she scolded with a wag of her finger "Wes was going crazy, he thought someone drugged you and took you out of the club."

Something fluttered in my chest -excitement I realized a moment later. Wes told me he was worried but to hear that he was worried made me feel -in a strange way- special, like I'm not just sone girl he bangs and walks away from without a second thought. It was dangerous thinking but I couldn't stop smiling despite a voice warning me not to get my hopes up.

"Sorry." A slight grin pulling at my lips contracting the apology. Digging out Carrie's draft I watched her dark blue eyes widen, the anger long forgotten. "I came by to tell you the good news."

"Good news." she gasped, pressing her shaky hands to her mouth I couldn't stop the smile that formed on my lips.

"Yes, I've read your story and its very interesting but you will need to improve some areas of the plot, some chapters are a tad bit confusing otherwise I loved it." I said with a curd nod.

"You think she's good?" Anna asked, her mocha colored eyes widening

"Like I said she will need to brush the story up, but I'm confident with some assistance Carrie will have a bright future in the publishing business." I said to Carrie who shook with every word I spoke. "You are very talented and I would be honored if you joined We-oomph."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Carrie squealed her slender arms tightening around my neck, once more stopping my intake of oxygen. Gasping I slapped the draft against her back as black spots danced over my vision, it took her a few seconds to realize I couldn't breathe "Sorry." she mumbled awkwardly and stepped back allowing me to suck in a breath.

A glass of water was pressed into my hand as a soft voice urged me to drink, doing as Anna instructed I gulped down half of the water enjoying the coolness dribbling down my throat. Setting the cup down on a near by table I cleared my throat wondering how such a small girl could have such strength. Straightening my blouse I winced and quickly dropped my arms to my side.

"I have an hour after twelve open when ever you feel ready to sign the contract come on by but-" I raised my index finger cutting Carrie off from speaking, I sent her a knowing look "Lawyers will be included, it's a company policy but I must warn you they can be rather slick. Make sure when you decide to come by that you have thought out what you want from this contract, be very specific." I warned

Her soft blonde hair bobbled as she nodded her head, I smiled -a soft, meaningful smile- at her childish excitement. It was a perk to my job, allowing people to make a living from their passion for writing. "Good, I'll tell my secretary to allow you up so just give her your name."

She nodded, a megawatt smile etched on her face "Thank you." she gushed

Handing over her draft filled with notes and advice -courtesy of me- I placed my fingers over her still trembling ones "You have true talent." I said with my eyes meeting hers "Now, go brush up your plot." I added teasingly in which she nodded vigorously before sitting on the nearest table, pulling a pencil from behind her ear.

Something tells me she's going to be entering my office within the next forty-eight hours, I thought. If she is anything like her brother she'll be making the demands at the contract signing.

Speaking of her brother, unconsciously my eyes roamed over the front of the restaurant in search of a dark head amongst the many workers rushing around to set the place up before customers arrived. The corners of my mouth dipped when I didn't spot Wes, perhaps he was behind the bar. Craning my neck I froze when I came face to face with Anna, who grinned at my startled expression.

"I'm guessing you came for more than just business." she chuckled

"I-" no words followed as I stood with my mouth slightly gaped as I struggled to search for an explanation.

"Relax, I get it." she said with an understanding nod "He's in the back office." she informed me before walking off

I waited till she disappeared back behind the door beside the front before I rushed toward a waiter asking where the back office was located, the young boy gestured in the direction. Approaching the wide dark door I rasping my knuckles once against the door before a deep voice called for me to come in. Brushing away the sliver of nerves, I pushed the door open and entered before I changed my mind and ran the other way. Peeking my head in I was met by a pair of grey eyes "Hi." I said awkwardly

He pulled himself up right from his slumped position on the L shaped desk, the look of surprise in his eyes bot going unnoticed. Stepping into the brightly lit room, I shut the door and clutched my tote to me.

"What are you-" Wes started to ask and quickly shook his head as if thinking better of it "Come, take a seat."

"No thanks, I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to see how you are." His brows shot upwards and I wanted to kick myself for saying that, nice one genius. "I mean...shit." I chuckled running a hand through my hair

Cursing my lack of speech I started to for the door wishing I had given up to the urge and ran the other way. This was a mistake and it only took making a complete fool of myself for me to realize it. The sound of a chair scraping backwards had me racing for the door when his tanned hand clasped around my wrist, whipping me around I was forced to meet his gaze.

"You came to see me?" he asked amused as I tried escaping his grip, it was pointless.

Huffing out in frustration I glared up at him "Don't get happy, I came to talk to Carrie about her story." It wasn't a complete lie, I thought and quickly looked away from his shimmering grey eyes.

"But you came in here."

"Yes, but I didn't....I thought.."

Sinking my teeth into my bottom lip I racked my brain for any excuse, hell I'd settle for a full sentence coming out properly. His throaty laughter rang through the room adding to my humiliation and encouraging me to run. Tugging my arm out back I felt stupid for coming here, the jerk is laughing his ass off at me for being so needy.

"Let go." I demanded, squirming beneath his touch too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

His laughter quieted and then stopped all together, his fingers flexed over my wrist before he spoke "I shouldn't have laughed." he said somberly

"A little too late." I hissed darkly

"It's just.." Dropping my wrist he tucked his fingers beneath my chin forcing my head to tilt upwards, his grey eyes searched mine before he continued "I thought after having sex you'd disappear for a week and imagine my shock when you show up the next day, willingly?" he chuckled shaking his head, as if it were some incredible miracle "It's a pleasant surprise especially since I couldn't stop by yesterday like I thought."

"It's not like I waited." I snorted, knowing it was a bald-faced lie.

"Yes, well I want to make up for that." he said smiling mischievously

I rolled my eyes at his one track mind but couldn't help the excitement pumping in my veins and the liquid forming between my thighs. "I'm not doing that here." I said in a stern tone "Your family is right outside and I'm on a lunch break." I informed him

His hand dropped from my chin and I had to stifle a protest when he turned towards the door, talk about mood swings. Pushing my disappointment aside I lifted my bag when the sound of a door locking rang in my ears, doe-eyed I snapped my gaze up only to see Wes yanking his shirt over his head and tossing it aside. His smoldering stormy eyes luring me in with their depths, dragging me deeper with every second I stared into them.

"I'm serious Wes." I breathed out, the sound close to a whimper. Ignoring my protests he stalked forward like a lion, watching his prey, timing his attack to a precise moment -before going for the kill.

Gulping nervously I took a step back well aware of the desire flaring alongside my blood, the carnal look in his eye was a turn on, living my parched lips I found my eyes wandering over his bare chest. The bronze skin gleamed under the fluorescent light calling for me to reach out and touch him, run my fingers across the ridges of his abs, lick his pebbled nipples-

The sound of my bag dropping to the floor snapped me from my thoughts but did nothing to extinguish the flames scorching my body from the inside, out. "After the shitty day I've had kitty, all I want is to feel you around me as you scream my name." he whispered in a guttural voice that had the inside of my thighs dripping, literally.

"We can't." The words leaving my lips contradicted my body's actions, reaching my hand out I touched the hard muscle of his chest and shivered in delight as the muscles flexed beneath my curious touch.

A low rumble came from his chest, causing my hand to vibrate with the sound and before I could shudder I felt the side of the desk digging into my hip. Wes's body wedged between my open legs, his arousal pressed to the moist, heat that was my core. Hands firmly on my hips he rotated his pelvis allowing his hard erection to rub against my throbbing channel and eliciting a fervent moan from me. One hand slid over my flat torso and over my heavy mounds, his long fingers undoing the buttons of my blouse until I was exposed beneath him like a grand meal for him to feast on, and feast he did. His eyes darkened to a dark grey shade that I've never seen on any other person, as he drank in the image of me half laying on the desk with my blouse open.

"Say yes, kitty." he groaned and lowered his mouth over one breaśt, his large hand slid behind me successfully unhooking my bra on the first attempt. He wasted no time before capturing the hard, dusty tip into his hot, velvety mouth. "Say yes and allow us both the release we need." he said between long, torturous sucks

My hands shot up to hold on to his shoulders as he leaned my body flat against the desk, allowing his erection to fit snuggly against my drenched panties.

"Yes...fúck, yes!" I hissed. His large hand slid underneath my pencil skirt, drawing small circles across my thigh as he slowly reached my burning core. Gritting my teeth I resisted the urge to moan as he traced circles over the soaked fabric, teasing my swollen lips.

"Always so wet." he groaned, his index finger tracing my swollen lips over the silky panties. I moaned loving the feel of the smooth fabric brushing against my throbbing clít and judging by his growl I'm guessing Wes did too. His calloused fingers brushed the side of my thighs, looping an index finger on each side my silky blue panties and pulled them down my legs.

"New panties?" he asked, holding the skimpy fabric by one finger

Words seemed so difficult to form with his tongue flicking my erect tip like it was a lollipop, sucking in a breath I squeezed my eyes shut "I figured..it was a good..... investment."

He inserted two fingers into my weeping channel, the sudden invasion stretching my clenched walls. "Hmmm no arguments."

Lifting his mouth off the moist nub he peppered soft kisses up my throat, his hot breath fanning my skin as he left a scorching path of wet kisses in his wake. Arching forward I could stop my hips from rotating over his digits, forcing them further into my core. "You greedy girl." he chuckled, his breath ghosting over my lips

"You want me to fùck you, don't you?" he asked, dragging his teeth over my bottom. I whimpered -a soft, begging whimper- needing to feel his mouth over mine. Parting my lips apart I slipped my tongue out, grazing it around the edge of his mouth, he moaned and parted his lips allowing me to snake mine in.

Digging my fingers into his shoulders I moaned, allowing his tongue to slid over mine before drawing it into his mouth, taking control of the kiss. I moaned again as his fingers started to move inside me, finding a slow pace. The smooth, sensual strokes caused a slow burning to start from the pit of my belly and spread like wildfire down low to my regional area. Circling my hips around his thick digits, his fingers curled touching a sensitive area I never knew existed.

My eyes snapped open as a sudden wave of molten heat washed over me, drowning me beneath the heavy pressure. Using the tips of his fingers he touched the sensitive area tearing a scream from my throat that he swallowed. He continued to thrust against the strange area, his thumb pressed against my swollen clìt, I gasped unable to stop myself from pulling away as the heat grew in my lower abdominal.

"Wes, Wes, Wes..." I chanted, his name over as I felt my walls closing around his digits.

"Shh...kitty." he laughed, pressing his thumb against my clìt as his thrusts grew faster "We wouldn't want the whole restaurant to hear you scream." he teased, adding a third finger.

"Oh my g-" I bit my lip tasting the metallic flavor of blood but refusing to free my bottom lip, freeing I'd scream loud enough to gather a crowd. My nails dragged down his back stopping just below his shoulder blades, he tensed above me as my walls gripped him in a vise grip. The moisture dripping from my core dribbled down his wrist and in between us as I clung to him, the first signs of my climax claiming my body.

Wes lowered his head and kissed my neck, his lips gently brushing the heated skin "Scream my name kitty, I need to hear you scream my name." he grunted, thrusting his hips against the inside of my thighs

Warily I meet his gaze as my body quivered, holding on by a thread. Sensing my hesitation he gave a small nod assuring me to do as he asked but I didn't have much choice did I? Releasing my bottom lip I barely released a breath when the pleasure washed over me like a tidal wave, pulling me under and extracting a curdling scream that would put a banshee to shame. Wes captured my lips swallowing my screams of pleasure as I rode the wave of pleasure pounding my body.

"Fùck." he growled and jerked forward, his member jerking against his jeans and my still raw channel.

Withering beneath him I relaxed feeling last of my climax leaving my body, leaving me a twitching, sweaty mess. Sensing my sudden change Wes pulled both his mouth and fingers away, I winced as his fingers grazed my swollen clìt -still sensitive.

"If I only had protection." he sighed, straightening to his full height and moving away from my spread legs.

Propping myself onto my elbows I watched him bend down as he slid my panties up my legs, my eyes heavy with desire. But I didn't say anything when he grabbed a paper towel from under the desk and wiped the inside of my thighs from my juices. "I'll taste you yet." he muttered, unaware I heard him as he pulled my panties up.

He came up behind me and clasped my bra as I fumbled to button my blouse with shaky fingers. Brushing my hair back I hopped off the desk wobbling slightly on my feet, pressing a hand to my temple I felt my body swaying sideways and I would have fallen over if it weren't for the sturdy hands on my shoulders. Anchoring me against a solid wall of muscle "You are loud." he joked

"Am not." I shot back childishly. Pulling away from his touch I straightened my pencil skirt hoping I didn't look like I just had a shattering orgasm.

"I have to get back." I said when I caught a glimpse of the clock on the wall, turning on my heels I bit my lip wincing when I tasted blood. "Sorry, I have to go." I interjected as I grabbed my bag off the ground

"This was enough." he smiled, he reached a hand out and tucked the stray strand behind my ear. The sad look in his eyes had me frowning, was it there when I first came in?

"You okay?" I asked, stepping forward so we were chest to chest.

He nodded but the pained look didn't lessen, his arm feel limply to his side. Reluctantly I took a step back, whatever was bothering him he doesn't want to talk about it.

"I guess I'll get going." I said and started to walk backwards. Back to work and the dull, loneliness that was the rest of my day and of course my mother.

"Actually I wanted to ask if you were busy tonight?"

"Are you asking me out?" he smirked

I rolled my eyes at his joking attitude "No, my mother invited us to dinner. My father is in town." I added

"Your dad? I don't know." he admitted nervously

"It's just dinner but I understand if you don't want to go." I blurted when he rubbed his neck awkwardly

Honestly I didn't want to attend alone. Not only would I have to suffer a night with both my parents in one room but Stacy would be there with Greg, taunting me all night with our father's infatuation with Greg. I hated these rare dinners but with the wedding rearing closer this one would be the worst yet.

"I think I can make it." he finally said

"Really?" I squeaked excitedly

He nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. It wasn't a full blown grin nor his trademark smirk but it lessened the sadness in his eyes "I'll pick you up at seven."

Eagerly I nodded "It's a date." I agreed and turned away unable to wipe the smile off my face.

I won't be facing my family tonight alone.