Dedicated to AlexHarper for being so sweet, thanks hun:)

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Chapter 7

Sighing I placed my iPad down after finally finishing the last chapter of the story I was editing, now three to go. Groaning loudly I stood up from the beige love seat after sitting in it for nearly two hours to complete the story I had started last night after the party. Stretching my arms above my head I felt the stiff muscles loosening in my shoulders from my slumped position and my bones cracking. Rolling my head I glanced at the round silver clock hanging by the door, great I missed lunch again.

Strolling over to my desk I rang Amy asking her to grab a quick lunch when I heard a familiar voice telling Amy to continue working.

The door to my office opened revealing Tess holding a bag in one hand and a rolled up magazine in the other.

"No surprise Khloe skips real food for work." Tess said with a disapproving shake of her head

"I had to finish Berkley's story by this afternoon for printing." I argued reaching up for the bag in her hand

Flashing her a grateful smile I motioned for her to sit on the love seat and I took the seat beside her. Opening the bag I smelt the tantalizing aroma of spices that tickled my nose, my mouth watered at the unrecognizable, homemade smell.

"Your the best." I grinned up appreciatively

"I know." she said rolling her eyes playfully

Opening the container I nearly moaned at the over sized meatball sub stacked with melted cheese, green bell pepper and the mixed spices that gave the perfect kick to the already mouth watering sub. The steam rolled off of the over stuffed sub indicating its freshness. Taking a less than ladylike bite I leaned back against the sofa chewing the mouth full.

Tess curled her feet to the side and turned in my direction her swollen belly outlined in the floral maxi dress. Fluttering her lashes she cleared her throat in the way she does when she knows something juicy. Usually I'd sigh and make something up to get her out of the room but the lunch she brought put me in a good mood. Than again maybe Tess had done that on purpose to butter me up.

"What is it?" I asked

Twisting her rosy red lips to the side she shrugged retrieving the magazine from next to her.

"It's nothing really." she said as she turned to the middle of the magazine

Dubious I lowered the sandwich eyeing her suspiciously. Folding the magazine in half she slammed it on the table.

"Just that your face is plastered on nearly every magazine and gossip column."

Puzzled I leant forward to get a better look at the magazine and what I saw had my eyes widening to an abnormal size. Placing the sandwich down I took the magazine into my hands reading the big bold letters:

'Has Khloe Found Love?'

Next to the outrageous question was a picture of Wes's arms around me while I leaned into him, recognizing the picture I knew it was when he was telling the over exaggerated story of our meeting. When had they taken this picture, they were busy with Stacy's engagement? Shocked by the unexpected photo I glanced on to the next page where there were more pictures. One of Wes with his hand on my butt, with his arm around my waist another with his eyes trained on my cleavage. There was even a picture of us walking out of the ballroom next to the photo it read:

'A Quick Break'

The article spoke of the ridiculous story of our meeting courtesy of Wes's stupidity. Quotes from on lookers who said we were getting touchy when in reality I was removing Wes's wandering hands from where ever he had slid them down to. The man was relentless through out the night and by the time we arrived at our building I had hit him enough for him to be bruised. Than again he was all muscle.

Hard, toned, muscle. Much like a siren's hypnotizing song his arms begged to be touched and for a second I thought of giving in. After this mess is all done with I should actually get a real love life maybe than these random thoughts of Wes will go away.

"Judging by the photo of his hand on your ass the night went well." Tess said snapping me from my thoughts

Closing the magazine I placed it on the coffee table determined to keep my professional face on "Yes the night was a success, no thanks to your cousin."

Her brows knitted together "What do you mean? That is the escort, right?"

Shaking my head I purposely lifted the sub to my mouth and took a bite, chewing slowly just to watch Tess squirm impatiently. Finally gulping the saucy bite I spoke

"Your cousin sent my grandfather's childhood friend Tess."

She shook her head shifting closer on the sofa, her knees touching the side of my thigh.

"No, Melvin said he had a perfect match for your demands. A guy named.."

"Frank." I finished suppressing a shudder as I recalled the old man

Her mouth hung open in a shocked state, nodding I took another bite wondering where she got the saucy, spicy meaty goodness. When a small giggle caused me to stare up at a grinning Tess.

"Seriously?" she snorted covering her smile with her hand

"A fucking old man, wrinkles and all." I snapped glaring up at her

Her bell like laughter filled the room, her hand remained over her mouth as she fell forward leaning against me for support. Taking a quick glance at her round belly I gave her a gentle push backwards.

"I'm glad you find it funny." I said sarcastically

Slowly rolling off her back she swiped her fingers under her eyes wiping the moisture.

"I couldn't help it honey, I'm sorry."

Pouting my lips out I placed the sub down my hunger long forgotten, cleaning my hands on the napkin in the bag I pulled out the diet coke.

"Wait, if the escort was a flunk who is that hunky piece of man meat at your side?" Tess asked lowering her feet to the ground

Biting my bottom lip I took a long sip hoping to buy myself time but it seemed hopeless with Tess taping her thin fingers against her knee. Her arched brow was the push I needed to blurt out the whole embarrassing ordeal excluding when I begged Wes. I had to hold on to whatever dignity I had left and confessing that I resulted to begging would be losing the last shred I had left.

Tess laughed as I explained Wes's behavior last night, especially when the jerk had slapped my ass.

"What ever the guy did it worked, the press thinks you are a couple."

That was the upside to this out of control situation. I showed up at my ex's engagement party with a date who had shown on multiple occasions his interest in me. Sure I didn't approve of the inappropriate touching but that's what sold our story to the press and hopefully my family.

"He's out of control, how do I know he won't go rogue again?"

"You don't but what can he actually do?"

Reaching for the magazine I turned it to the photo with his hand causally on my butt "He squeezed my ass three seconds later." I growled dropping the magazine on her lap

Tess's ocean blue eyes sparkled "And that's a bad thing?"

"Of course you would say that." I muttered pushing off the sofa

Although Tess and I are friends we don't close to nothing alike. While I like a quiet, organized day she would rather it be unpredictable and loud. While I wore proper, dull colored suits to the office she wore colorful, flattering clothing that hugged her figure. Even our hair was different; while hers was a shiny golden color mine had mixed strands of light blonde that only appeared under direct sunlight. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is now pregnant with their first child. I had to beg my neighbor to pretend to be in a relationship with me. Tess is a bubbly, funny woman who had many friends in the office while I sadly have one friend and a scarred secretary who doesn't talk unless it has something to do with work.

We are polar opposites like the sun and the moon. Me, being the darker one that no really sees.

"I'm just saying it's not so bad if the guy is a little touchy."

"A little?" I repeated motioning to the magazine

She rolled her eyes "It was a squeeze and frankly I think that's the most action you've gotten over the last seven months."

Heat creeped onto my face at the sad truth of my less than exciting sex life. Much like my love life my sex life was lacking. The last time I was intimate with a man was nearly a year and a half ago and the last time a kissed a man was three months ago. Tess dragged me out to the club with some of her friends, after a failed attempt at fitting in and making new friends I was tired of sitting by the bar alone. Grabbing the nearest guy I shamelessly made out with a partly drunk man. It took his slimy tongue pushing into my mouth ten seconds later for me to realize that it was a stupid mistake. Tess didn't know about my few seconds of desperation.

Turning towards the window I heard her slowly standing up, a smile tugged at my lips as I pictured her struggling to stand with her round belly swaying from side to side before she stands on her feet with help from the sofa.

"Khoe, you know I want the best for you but sometimes I feel like you are too busy with pleasing your family that you forget to please yourself."

"I'm fine Tess." I said dismissively

"No, you are not! Your lonely Khloe."

"No, you think I'm lonely and my private life is none of your business." I snapped

Turning to face her I saw the worry etched into her usually soft, kind features. Swallowing the guilt, I sighed in defeat feeling the anger dissolving quickly before melting into nothing.

"I'm sorry for shouting at you." I sighed never really good at handling situations like this

"It's okay Khloe, I'm use to you by now." she said a small smile forming in her heart shaped lips

Returning her friendly smile I nudged her shoulder, Tess has never been the dramatic kind so her sudden burst out about me being lonely was a surprise. I'm not going to lie to myself and say I'm not lonely but it's never occurred to me that it was noticeable to others. I thought I was doing a good job of hiding the secret emotion but apparently not too well.

"I think this fake relationship would actually do you some good. You can mess around with the hunk and let loose for once."

Shaking my head I circled the long desk, sitting on the black swivel chair I grabbed my phone sending Berkley a text about the official publishing of her newest novel.

"That's never happening for the sole reason that Wes is a dirty player, one I don't plan on getting involved with." I said never looking up as my thumbs tapped the screen of my phone rapidly "Besides he is not my type."

"And what exactly is your type?"

Finishing the text off with a congratulations I sent it to my long time client, lifting my head I shrugged.

"A sophisticated, mature, well mannered, respectable man who doesn't think with the head in his pants. All of which are not Wes." I stated simply

Tess pursed her lips "No wonder they sent grandpa over, your list is fitting to any man over sixty."

She placed her hands flat against the charr coal colored desk, she leaned forward causing her blonde hair to fall over her shoulders like a silky curtain of gold.

"Honey, you have a sexy as sin man candy on your arm and your not even going to try to bang him?"

"No, because I don't do flings." I added curtly

Sucking her teeth like an over grown teenager she stood up straight, one hand on her growing belly and the other on her hip.

"Everyone has a shameful, dirty fling and this yummy man is your dirty fling Khlo, go for it."

"You know what everyone else does, work. Something you should be doing right now."

Huffing she shook her head as her arms flew up in the air a sign of frustration rather than defeat.

"Fine I'm going but I'm not letting this go so easily." she said pointing a finger at me

Ignoring her I turned my attention to the computer screen as she stepped out shutting the door a bit loudly after her. My shoulders slumped, I leaned back against the plush chair staring aimlessly at the white ceiling. Maybe she has a point, about a fling that is.

It wouldn't hurt to grab any old joe from the club and have one dirty, regret filled night. Although the last time I picked up a random guy it backed fired, I grimaced recalling the man I kissed at the club. His breath reeked and he kept trying to touch my butt. Picking up a random guy was definitely out.

Sighing I turned towards the ceiling high window entraining the thought of having a fling with Wes. It wouldn't be anything strange for him, every week there is a new face sneaking out of his apartment in the morning. He had to be good if those women agreed to no strings attached sex.

My womb clenched recalling his hand on my hip last night, the warmth of his large, manly hand had me shifting uncomfortably in my seat. His touch was welcoming and foreign, it feels like forever since I've been with a man and last night awakened my unsatisfied sexual appetite.

Biting my lip I stood up pondering over the idea, flings are just a way for two people to release their sexual frustration and to past time. Nothing serious comes out of the relationship but than again that was the point. Maybe Tess is right about letting loose. To have carefree, spontaneous, meaning less sex.

Snorting at the idea I made my way over to my forgotten lunch, reaching for the sub I caught a glimpse of the still open magazine. Lifting the famous gossip magazine up I glanced down at the photo of Wes with his long arm around my waist. He had the dazzling grin on that made his eyes glimmer, his hair nearly combed to one side still had the messy, carefree look that could tempt any woman. Lowering my gaze down to his body I found myself scowling at the worn out black slacks he wore and the soft blue dress shirt that hung from his shoulders obviously too big.

At the time I thought he looked fine but now that I saw him next my father's golf buddy he stood out and not in the good way either. His clothes looked worn and unfitting for the occasion but Wes had insisted it was his best clothing other than a gray suit he miraculously owns.

There would be numerous events we would be attending in the time we have together and if that's the best clothing he owns I am in trouble. Dropping the magazine back on the table I chewed on my bottom lip, no one seemed to mind last night and the press hasn't caught it yet but I am not going to take a chance.

Walking back to my desk I buzzed Amy who answered in the same, stuttering voice that seemed irritating lately.

"Call Tess and tell her I want the book cover done in the next two hours and reschedule my meeting with Jane at four thirty to three."

"R-right away Ms. Sparks, anything else?"

"Yes, stop stuttering." I said dismissively

Returning to my seat I grabbed my phone and dialed a number I have grown to memorize, my family's taylor. Tapping my fingers against the dark desk I asked for my father's favorite taylor.

"Ms. Sparks what can I do for you?" the man asked obviously pleased by the sudden call

"I need suits, formal, casual the works Finn and I need them ready and delivered to my apartment building by five." I ordered

After giving him the address and a photo of Wes to go by I hung up confident that Finn would do nothing but an amazing job. His talent to find clothing to match a person and their personality was nothing short of extraordinary and that's what I want.

If Wes was going to be at my side he had to look good.

Returning to my work I found myself distracted by the said playboy. Would he get upset because I bought him clothes? Snorting loudly I knew the answer, hell yes. Most men had pride that wouldn't even allow a woman to pick up the tab at a date and Wes seemed like that kind of guy.

"Well too bad." I mumbled to myself

I'm not some dainty girl that needs a man sweeping in to save me and whether he likes it or not he will have to accept the clothes. He will just have to swallow his pride and deal with it. With that final thought I shook all thoughts of the infuriating man away and returned to my work.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Slipping my heels off my feet I released a content sigh at the small freedom before pulling my hair free of the scrunchy that held it up and proper all day. Padding softly to the fridge I searched for something edible since I wasn't quite in the mood to cook. Although I rescheduled my meeting so I could come home early Henry had called as I was leaving asking me to review the deal with a new client an editor from another department had signed. After an hour and a half I had managed to fix the minor flaws in the contract without changing too much and faxed a copy to Henry. As always he was pleased with my work.

Settling on strawberry yogurt I shut the fridge and pulled out a spoon when there was a loud banging on the door. Placing my less than nourishes dinner down I ran across the living room when another bang sounded.

Pulling the door open I hadn't even uttered a word as a large figure brushed past me and into the apartment.

"I don't recall inviting you in." I said in a not so welcoming tone

"Yeah, well I don't recall asking you for clothes." he said throwing the navy blue slacks from his hands onto the back of the couch

Crossing my arms over my chest I stood my ground "We will be attending events that require proper attire not hand-me downs."

His nostrils flared angrily, his grey eyes taking a darker blue hue as he took a step forward with an aura that screamed danger.

"Listen here little miss money bags I don't need your charity and I sure the fuck don't need your money. So you can take your designer clothes and throw them at a man who wants them because I sure the fuck don't."

"How dare you-"

"No, how dare you buy me clothing like I'm some boy toy. If you wanted me to be all proper and classy you could have just said so." he growled

My eyes widened momentarily before narrowing at the seething man in front of me. Sure I knew he wouldn't like that fact that I bought him clothes and I expected him to get upset and maybe scream, but to barge into my apartment and scream at me like I child caught doing something wrong, oh well that is just crossing the line.

"I was being nice you asshole since it was because of me that you would be buying these clothes. You don't want them fine, but don't you come in here yelling at me like I did something wrong." I shouted

His brows smoothed out as some of the anger left his face but I was still livid by his sudden ambush. Shoving his tanned hand into his messy dark hair he huffed out loudly as if blowing out his anger in that one breath.

"I didn't mean to snap at you the way I did but you can't expect me not to get mad when a girl sends suits that cost more than my rent over. A man has too much pride and your right I shouldn't have come in here screaming like a manic."

My eyes narrowed in on him not trusting the sudden change of attitude but I didn't interrupt him either. With my arms firmly crossed I merely nodded in response. He dropped his arm to his side with a loud thump as he waited for my verbal response.

"Are you going to keep them than?" I asked in a steel like voice

"No." he practically growled

"Fine." I forced the word out and turned my back to him

The sound of heavy footsteps followed close behind me as I returned the kitchen for my 'dinner'.

"How about a compromise though?" he said his voice returning to that soft, velvety tone every woman's dreams were made of

Turning on my heels I raised a brow, I'm not agreeing to anything but I am listening. Realizing this Wes took a large step forward so he was now directly in front of me.

"How about you come shopping with me for better attire." he spat the word out as if it were garbage in his mouth "And I pay."

Pondering in the idea I thought of saying no at first but the image of more clothing like last nights flashed in mind. We got lucky last night that no noticed his state but I don't want to push our luck and go for a second time.

"Deal, but I choose the place."

"Deal." he grinned stretching his hand out for me to shake

Hesitantly staring at that large hand I ever so slowly reached my hand out to shake his. As my hand found his, his fingers wrapped around my wrist as he pulled me against his massive chest, his other hand resting on the small of my back. It was a brief hug which I stood awkwardly with my hands at my sides, completely shocked by the physical contact.

Pulling back he flashed a pearly smile and brushed his lips against my cheek in a soft kiss. My body froze at the feel of his lips touching my skin.

"Tomorrow at ten good for you?" he asked still grinning like the Cheshire cat

"Huh.." clearing my throat I nodded feeling heat spread along my cheeks that no doubt were red as tomatoes "Yeah, it's good."

"Great." he said and started to walk away when he stopped by the hallway

"And kitty."

"Hmm." I responded stupidly straightening my slightly slumped stance

His tongue slipped out and moistened his pink lips causing a slideshow of naughty images to flash in my mind. His grey eyes darkening to a dark blueish grey color as they ran along my body.

"You look sexy with your hair down." he said in a low husky voice that caused me to shiver

Pleased by my reaction he gave me one last wink before disappearing, I waited to hear the door shut before I melted to the tiled floor like a forgotten ice cream in the summer heat. Fanning my flushed face I felt my lower abdominal clench at the memory of the abandoned, lustful gaze he looked me over with. That one look was enough for my toes to curl and my knees to buckle beneath me. If a simple glimpse could unravel me so quickly what would his touch do?

"What have I gotten myself in to?" I muttered to myself

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Hmm so Khloe is all hot and bothered by the sexy brute no surprise there but who could blame her! Speaking of the sinfully delicious Wes who should play the sexy man candy? I'm coming up blank so share your ideas:)

And what do you think of Tess?

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Comment!