Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance Page 12

  Chandler lovingly palms my belly with a look of pride on his striking features. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better. I ate some crackers to quell the nausea I felt coming on earlier this morning.” The morning sickness has been bearable. It should pass soon. At least, that’s what Dr. Liu reassures me.

  We arrive early at Shutters, the breezy, hip hotel on the water in Santa Monica. I love the outdoor patio that overflows from the main restaurant.

  Kelsey, my assistant, and Stewart, my right-hand man, are here early, making sure everything is ready for our guests, who should start arriving within the hour.

  “Nikki, you look fabulous,” Kelsey says, embracing me.

  “Thank you. You look smoking hot yourself. Perfect for Morgan. He will take one look at you and want to devour you,” I say. Kelsey blushes.

  “Stop it. With Bella and the other models you invited tonight, I’m sure Morgan will be distracted,” she replies, organizing the parting gifts table.

  “Don’t be so sure,” I tease with a grin.

  Two hours into the party, and it’s packed in here and guests are overflowing out to the patio. We have a great turnout tonight, but I knew we would. Lipstick Kisses knows how to throw a party. I’m very pleased, feeling jubilant and satisfied as I lean back against the bar and survey the crowd.

  I watch Chandler talking to Bella and a rail-thin model friend of hers, no doubt. She’s gesturing animatedly about something and throws her head back with laughter before squeezing Chandler’s arm flirtatiously and then pressing her hand intimately across his chest. He shares in her laughter and leans into her when she presses up closer to him.

  Shit. I know they’ve slept together. I can feel it in the pit of my knotted stomach. I wonder if it was just once or if it was something more between them.

  “Having a good time?” Kelsey asks as she sidles up next to me.

  “I’m pleased with the turnout tonight. Everyone seems to be having a good time. Some more than others,” I reply, watching Bella and Chandler.

  “Of course everyone’s having a good time. Lipstick Kisses knows how to throw a party!” Kelsey exclaims.

  “That we do. That we do,” I say, nursing my cranberry spritzer. “Look at them. It’s obvious they’ve slept together before, isn’t it?” I nod in Bella and Chandler’s direction, and Kelsey follows my eyes.

  “Chandler loves you, Nikki, and only has eyes for you. When you’re with a guy who looks like he does, he’s bound to have a past filled with ex-lovers. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t had your share of lovers, now is it?”

  “No, I suppose you’re right. I’m no angel. Hey, I noticed Morgan eyeing you big time. Have you spoken with him tonight?”

  “I’ve been busy running things. Besides, being around him makes me nervous as hell.”

  “Don’t look now, but he’s headed this way.” Morgan has a bead on Kelsey, and she is trying to ignore him. I don’t understand her.

  “Ladies, I must say you both look exceptionally lovely this evening. You both are the ladies in red. Would you like to dance, Kelsey?” Morgan asks smoothly, his eyes landing on her cleavage.

  “Uhhh, sure,” Kelsey replies awkwardly. Kelsey needs another drink or two to loosen up.

  “Excuse us, Nikki,” Morgan says.

  “By all means,” I reply. Morgan places his hand lightly on the back of Kelsey’s waist and maneuvers her through the crowd to the small dance floor. He takes her in his arms and pulls her in close. Her chest is pressed up against his, and I see the corners of his lips turn up in a satisfied smirk. Kelsey looks unsure, apprehensive as they sway to the slow and sultry music of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On.

  “Do you care to dance, little lady?” I hear my cowboy drawl out oh-so-sexily, holding out his hand for me to take.

  “I’d love to.”

  Once we make our way to the dance floor and Chandler is holding me close in his arms, he whispers, “I requested this song. Do you remember?”

  “Yes, this was the song they played at the MOCA Gala.”

  “Yes, the first night we consummated our relationship. I remember it fondly,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

  I notice Bella out of the corner of my eye, and I can sense her eyes on us. I’m sure she’s wondering what I have that she doesn’t.

  “Bella is gorgeous, isn’t she?” I ask.

  “I suppose some men may find her appealing,” he replies.

  “Are you one of those that finds her appealing?” I can’t stop myself from asking. My jealous little green-eyed monster is rearing its ugly head.

  “Not especially.” Is his curt and tight answer. I debate, mulling it over in my mind. Should I just come out and ask him?

  “Have you two slept together?” Why do I ask this and risk ruining our night? I sense his body stiffen at my bold and blunt question.

  “I only have eyes for you, the mother of my child,” he whispers close to my ear.

  All right, that answers my question. I say no more. What more can I ask for? I close my eyes and try to just enjoy being in his arms. The past is past. Be happy in the now, be happy in the now, I try to remind myself.

  After a few moments pass, I open my eyes again, curious to see how Kelsey and Morgan are doing together. I scan the dance floor and see them off to the side, standing close together at one of the cocktail tables. I can tell Morgan is turning on the charm, leaning into Kelsey, and she’s giggling at something he’s saying.

  “Check out Kelsey and Morgan. I think they’re getting along swimmingly.”

  “Are you trying to play matchmaker, sweetheart?”

  “I want Kelsey to find someone. Is that a crime?” I pout.

  “No, but do you think he looks like the settle down type? He has player written all over him, if you ask me. Too good-looking, and that British accent of his must draw the girls around in swarms,” Chandler says, eyeing Morgan across the room.

  “Kelsey’s a big girl. She can take care of herself,” I reply, hoping I’m right. But Kelsey’s single and attractive. She needs to live a little, just like she encouraged me to do in the beginning with Chandler.

  It’s after midnight now, and the crowd is thinning out. I’ve done my fair share of air kisses tonight, and I’m exhausted.

  “Are you getting tired? Maybe we should call it a night,” Chandler says, always taking care of me.

  “I need to stay until the end, send my last guest home, and thank each one for coming.” Just as the words are out my mouth, Kelsey comes up to us.

  “It’s winding down. Why don’t you go home now, Nikki? I can stay until the last guest leaves.”

  “Are you sure? Hey, I see Morgan is still here, sticking to you like glue,” I tease.

  “Yes, I know. He wants to drive me home.”

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” I chuckle.

  “Mmm-hmm.” She smiles, staring pointedly at my baby bump. “So in other words, I should sleep with him? I can assure you that’s not happening tonight. He hasn’t even taken me out on a proper date yet. Haven’t you read The Power of the Pussy? I plan on making him work for it.”

  “I’m proud of you. You have more willpower than I do, apparently.” We giggle together as I discreetly rub my stomach. “What kind of book is that? Is that really the title? You’ve got to be joking!”

  “No, I’m not. I’ll loan it to you. It’s hilarious, but most of it rings true.”

  “You make me laugh, Kelsey. But yes, I would be curious to read it. I remember when you were reading Why Men Love Bitches. You’re a relationship book addict. You just need to get out there and “do” rather than staying home at night alone and reading about how to do relationships.”

  Morgan comes up behind Kelsey and leans in really close, and I see her body tense.

  “May I take you home now?” Morgan asks Kelsey in his sexy British accent. How can any girl say no to that accent? I’m sure none ever do.

  “Morgan, you go ahead
and take her home now. I can see the last of the guests out,” I volunteer. Chandler eyes me, anxious to get home himself. It’s late, and I can tell he’s concerned about me being on my feet all night.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Kelsey

  I’ve enjoyed Morgan’s company most of the evening, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eating up all of the attention he’s lavishing on me.

  Once we pull up to my building, Morgan kills the engine of his Ferrari.

  “May I come in, Kelsey?” he asks in a confident bedroom voice that sends a shiver through my body.

  “It’s late, and I’m getting sleepy.”

  “Why don’t you let me come in and tuck you in for the night?”

  “As tempting as your offer sounds, I think I can manage just fine.”

  “Well, let me at least walk you to your door,” he replies smoothly, making it hard to say no.

  “I suppose there’s no harm in that.”

  He sends me a wicked grin as he turns to get out of the car and comes around to open my door to help me from his car. I’m impressed. Chivalry must not be dead in England.

  I swivel my legs out of the car first, and he places his hand out for me to grasp. My eyes travel the length of his arm and straight to his heart-stopping and mesmerizing eyes.

  “Thank you,” I whisper.

  “My pleasure.”

  Once we get to my front door, he presses me against the door.

  “Have dinner with me tomorrow,” he tells me, not asking.

  “Are you asking me on a date?”

  After a long pause, he sensually brushes his lips against mine and my legs go weak.

  “Yes, I suppose I am. But what I’d really like to do is come in.” Then he takes my lips in a tantalizing kiss. His tongue snakes into my parted lips, and I surrender, enjoying his lips on mine while our kiss deepens. The desire is building between us. My resolve is weakening. I’m imagining him naked in my bed, doing delicious things to my nether regions with his talented tongue.

  I place my hand firmly on his broad chest before I manage to pull away from the passionate kiss that leaves me breathless.

  “Goodnight, Morgan,” I say, trying to say it as firmly as I can muster.

  His gorgeous face is inches from mine, and his hooded, lust-filled eyes lock onto mine.

  “Let me come in, Kelsey.”

  “Nope. Maybe if you play your cards right, you can come in next time. Thanks for seeing me home, safe and sound. Goodnight.” I turn and slide my key into the lock, twist the knob, and hastily step into my condo. Then I swiftly close the door. My heart is racing. Damn, he’s nearly irresistible, but I try to remember the rules of my latest relationship read, The Power of the Pussy. I need to make him work for it, prove himself to me.

  I head into my bedroom to get ready and crash.

  I remove my makeup, slide my dress off, and pull my silk nighty on. Too bad Morgan isn’t here with me, keeping me warm tonight.

  I pick up my Kindle from my nightstand to continue reading about the power of the pussy. I have failed miserably in all of my past relationships. I know it’s time to try a new approach because, obviously, what I’ve been doing hasn’t been working.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Nikki

  Chandler drove up to Santa Barbara, for a photo shoot today. I told him he could just spend the night up there rather than make the drive home tonight after a long, tiring day of work.

  I continue to work late tonight since he won’t be there. Coming home after dark sets me on edge now, ever since the last attempted break-in, but I push those thoughts out of my mind as I turn into the driveway and pull into my garage. I kill the engine. Immediately, I notice a shadow behind my car in my rearview mirror. I panic and hit my garage door button, watching as the door closes down. My heart is racing and I don’t know if it was a figment of my imagination or if it was someone. My eyes frantically scan the garage to make sure no one made it in as the door was closing.

  Opening my car door, I can hear Kahlua barking from inside the house. He doesn’t usually bark this much when I come home, but usually, Chandler is inside and home with him, keeping him calm. Chandler keeps both of us calm. I miss him tonight more than ever as my hand trembles to unlock the door.

  “Kahlua, it’s me,” I say, hoping he will stop barking. “Hey, baby,” I soothe, giving his head a rub. His tail is wagging now.

  I disarm the alarm and go into the kitchen to make myself some kind of dinner. I’m starved. Another reason I miss my cowboy—he cooks for me. I count my blessings. A good man who loves me and feeds me. How perfect is that?

  After rummaging around in the refrigerator, I decide to fix myself a turkey sandwich, something quick and easy. I’m exhausted from a long day of running Lipstick Kisses.

  I carry my plate and a tall glass of pomegranate juice to the sofa. I’m looking forward to watching the last episode of Ballers that I taped on the DVR. Click. It’s running, and I immediately become engrossed in ogling Dwayne Johnson. Damn, he is a fine specimen of a man. I love watching anything he’s in. He’s such a versatile actor, not to mention that he is incredible eye candy.

  Suddenly, Kahlua starts barking as he runs for the front door. I tense. He rarely barks. Plus, I’m already spooked from what I think I saw when I pulled in tonight.

  First, I remember that I forgot to re-arm the alarm when I came home. So I make a dash over to the control panel. This way, if anyone tries to break in while I’m here, a call will immediately go to the alarm company.

  “Hush, boy, what is it?” I ask Kahlua, who is still barking at the front door.

  I turn on the porch light and then look through the peephole and see nothing. I walk to the bedroom, where through the window, I can get a better look onto the porch. I see no one.

  Why does this kind of thing only happen when Chandler is gone?

  Kahlua is standing next to me. He’s calmer and no longer barking.

  “What would I do without you, boy?” I stroke his thick coat of fur. He’s my companion and best friend. Kahlua has been with me through thick and thin, always been here for me after a long day’s work. Now, he’s my protector too.

  I could never get to sleep on a night like this if he wasn’t sleeping at the foot of my bed. Dog—a man’s best friend, or in this case, a woman’s best friend.

  Chandler calls, and I debate whether to tell him.

  “Hi, I miss you,” Chandler says as soon I answer the phone. We always talk before we go to sleep when he’s away.

  “Hi, Cowboy, how was work today?” I ask.

  “Good. We had good weather here today. They seemed happy with pictures, but a long, tiring day. How about you? Did you work late tonight?” he asks.

  “Yeah, I figured I might as well, with you gone and all.”

  “What did you eat for dinner?”

  “A turkey sandwich.”

  “A sandwich for dinner?” he scoffs.

  “My personal chef was away this evening and I had to make do,” I tease, but I’m still tense. “Something strange happened tonight.”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, when I first pulled into the garage, I thought I saw someone or something move behind my car,” I start.

  “What did you do, are you all right?” he says, his voice filled with concern and worry. I shouldn’t have even told him. Now, he will worry unnecessarily.

  “I’m fine. Kahlua is here to protect me, remember? Plus, I do have the alarm on,” I reply, trying to reassure him although I’m still a little shook up.

  “I hate when I have to leave you for the night. I’m not taking any more out of town jobs from now on.”

  “Chandler, you can’t do that.”

  “Watch me. Your safety is more important to me than any job.”

  “That’s very sweet of you to say, but really, we’re fine.”

  “I hate to scare you even more, but do you think it’s someone you know? I know you never want to talk about
Blake, your ex, but do you think it could be him?”

  “I have no idea. I haven’t had any contact with him in months. I can’t imagine it would be him,” I say, but we did end on a very bad note. He was angry. I bruised his precious ego and all. He never loved me though.

  “Is there anyone else? Perhaps a scorned lover,” he pries.

  “No, I haven’t had that many lovers, if that’s what you are alluding to, mister!”

  “I know, that’s not what I meant. Just any guy bordering on obsession with the lovely Nikki Russo.”

  “Stop it. I don’t believe anyone would be obsessed with me. Come on.”

  “Well, I just wish I were there to protect you. I can drive back now.”

  “No. Don’t you dare. It’s too late.”

  “I’m leaving first thing in the morning then. You call the police if anything else happens tonight,” he cautions, and we say our goodnights.

  I go in early the next morning, and Kelsey is already in as well.

  “You’re in early this morning,” she says, following me into my office.

  “Yeah, I had trouble sleeping last night. Chandler was gone. And I swear, someone came around again last night and spooked me,” I say, placing my things down on my desk and shuffling through the mail.

  “What? Tell me what happened,” she exclaims.

  “Well, it could have been my imagination, but Kahlua was barking, so I do think someone was there. When I pulled into my garage, I thought I saw a shadow in my review mirror. I was able to close the door and get in the house. Then later in the evening, Kahlua started barking at the front door. I looked out the peephole and saw nothing. It could have just been another animal or something that spooked Kahlua.”

  “Oh my God, again? Who do you think it could be? I think it’s someone you know—Blake or someone else,” Kelsey says.

  “Please don’t keep saying that. It freaks me out! Let’s get to work. I need to take my mind off this. I told Chandler, and he said he’s never going out of town again. That’s just plain silly.”

  “How sweet though! He loves you and wants to protect you. Chivalry still lives on in Chandler Winslow.” Kelsey smiles.