Touched by a Phoenix (18 page)

Alexis’s mind reeled.
What happened?
He was leaving and it sounded like he was leaving for good.
No!
her mind screamed…
I love him…he can’t leave
.

She grabbed the covers and followed him…she couldn’t think…what had happened?

“Stop. If you are leaving, please tell me what I did wrong,” she pleaded as the tears began to fall.

He kept his back to her. “Alexis, you did nothing wrong. I am the fool. I forced you tonight. I am no better than the son-of-a-bitch who hurt you so long ago.”

The pain in his voice broke her heart. She stood in silence. She had not thought of that dark night, not tonight, not any night since Brad had first loved her. This—this wasn’t the same, this couldn’t be happening. He didn’t take anything she wasn’t willing to give. My God, didn’t he realize she would have given him anything he asked for? Didn’t he understand she loved him? No, of course not, she hadn’t told him; she had been too afraid. It seemed too soon…too fast. She reached him just as he entered the foyer.

“Brad…the only thing you took was my heart.”

His body jerked at her words. His breath caught in his chest but he did not move.

“Brad,” in the softest whisper, “I love you.”

His world crumbled around him. He couldn’t think—couldn’t comprehend the depth of her words.

She approached from behind and let the blanket fall, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You did not hurt me tonight. You have never hurt me and you never will. Brad, please look at me.”

Long moments passed as if he struggled to grasp the implication of her words. His body had gone from tense to shaking to—to what? It was not possible to describe the deep emotions swirling like a raging river inside his body. It was deep, it was turbulent, and it was raw.

She was completely naked…completely vulnerable…and he was worth the risk. She stepped around him and wedged herself between Brad and the door as she flipped on the hall light behind them. She took his face in her hands, forcing his eyes to meet hers. Yes, life with Brad would always be this way. His intensity would always take her breath away.

Her relentlessness tugged at his heart. Why couldn’t she leave well enough alone, he wondered. Shame overwhelmed him. He would not be able to bear seeing one ounce of pain in her eyes, not even for one last glimpse but he knew she would not allow him leave without an explanation. As he lifted his eyes to meet hers, her eyes showed him the special place in her heart for him, his home, the answer to every prayer, as she whispered, “Brad, I love you.”

Her words did not register at first. She stood on her tiptoes, holding his face in her hands and rained kisses over his lips as she told him how much she loved him over and over again. Relief came in small waves as her words began to sink in. The battle was over…he had won. Alexis would be his forever. Elation mixed with a rare and soothing absence of loneliness filled his soul. She had freed his heart with her love. He was alone no more.

Alexis kissed away the single tear that escaped, removing all the pain and loneliness. Her lips found his in what would be the tenderest moments of their lives…the beginning. She whispered against his lips, “I love you,” as she placed the promise of a lifetime on his lips. Brad wrapped her in his arms, returning her kiss with the same promise—soft, warm, full of love and adoration.

She took him by the hand and led him back to the bedroom. Stopping just short of the bed…she turned and closed the space between them.

Her voice soft and full of love, “Michael Bradley Scott, you are never to leave my bed with the intentions of not returning. Do I make myself clear?”

“My sweet Alexis…I could never leave you now,” his voice was thick with emotion. He scooped her up as if he had just plucked the rarest flower under the heavens and laid her down on the bed. He undressed, letting his clothes fall to the floor and slipped in beside her, nestling close to her warm body.

It began with one soft kiss on her sweet lips, entwining her soul with his. Alexis was the white dove who breathed love into his soul, so delicate and so pure. No words would convey the depth of love running though him for this woman. All he could do was show her the only way he knew how. He touched her as if she were a rose, perfect and true. Brad gave Alexis all that he was…his love…his soul.

There was not an inch of her he did not explore with his lips…from the curve of her sweet neck…to the curve of her waist…down to her toes and up again. She blossomed with each sensuous kiss…feeling everything for the first time. Unexpected sensations tingled throughout her body. She trembled with delicious shock waves as kiss after kiss ravished her body…her senses. Soft moans escaped her lips as he placed one kiss after another over her most sensitive areas. The emotion he poured out with each kiss was more than she could bear. Her heart fluttered with love…this man was hers.

He lingered at his garden shocking her senses, tasting the already damp petals of her womanhood. She tangled her fingers in his hair and arched her hips as the tremors of pure ecstasy shook her body. He felt her inner thigh muscles clenched as each spasm washed over her body as acutely as if she were a part of him.

His kisses lingered over her heart, telling her without words that he loved her. With deliberate slowness, he slid his manhood into what would become his secret place. Fully buried within her, he whispered the most magical soft-spoken words she had ever heard, “My darling Alexis, I love you.”

He made love to her with long, languishing strokes, never removing his lips from hers. One long leg wrapped about his, the full weight of his body atop her, she arched her hips towards him…wanting…no
needing
to feel every inch of him inside her. Her wetness turned to pure spun gold, soft and silky against his shaft. Every slow sensual stroke drove her to the brink of madness. Her muscles tightened around his manhood until the height of their passion entwined their souls together as one…leaving them both breathless.

He braced himself on his elbows so as not to crush her, placing soft kisses down her forehead to the tip of her nose. His lips hovered just above hers as he whispered, “Alexis, I will love you until the end of time.”

Chapter Eight

A
lexis managed to
avoid Brad since arriving at the office this morning.

But for the life of her, she had no idea how she’d manage to make it through the executive meeting with Brad sitting directly across the table. She flushed from anticipation as she entered the conference room. The lack of sleep pushed her to grab a second cup of coffee. As she poured the hot liquid, a soft voice whispered, “I love you,” close to her ear. His warm breath sent chills down her spine. Alexis nearly dropped the pot. Brad was standing beside her. His scent invaded her senses and before she could take a breath, the flames erupted.

Her thoughts betrayed her as their eyes met. “Me too,” she struggled to get the words out.

Seeing the pink tinting her cheeks and fire raging in her eyes, he let out a soft groan, “Alexis, you know what that look does to me.”

They took their seats as Phillip began the meeting rather hurriedly. Alexis only half-listened to Phillip prattle on about the progress she and Brad had made while in San Diego. Last week…it seemed like a lifetime ago. Her entire world had changed. Fond thoughts of the rain, warm breath on her neck, a picnic at the beach, his loving touch, all brought a warm smile to her soft lips. The absurd conversation about sperm donation. Brad’s volatile reaction at her question, his shock at masturbating into a cup, and her embarrassment. His tenderness and acceptance when she shared her secret with him, still made her breath catch.

Then came the most beautiful weekend of her life. Brad was a superb lover—not that she had anything to base that knowledge on, but good Lord, he brought out feelings that she didn’t know existed. The hair on the back of her neck stood as she glanced across the table to see the dark storm clouds brewing. His intense gaze caused a physical reaction for which she was unprepared. Her body was on fire—she needed him. How in the hell would she get out of here without him finding out?

Phillip was wrapping up. She had missed the entire briefing. In his usual fashion, Phillip went around the room to see if anyone had anything to add. “Alexis, do you have updates this week?”

“No Father, I believe you covered everything,” she replied a little too curtly.

“All right then, you and Brad have done an outstanding job in bringing this portion of the project to a successful completion. Brad, will you stay? I have a few items to go over with you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Alexis picked up her portfolio and darted out of the conference room before anyone could stop her. She made a beeline to her office as she breezed through the waiting area. “Tiffany, would you please hold all calls for the next hour or so? I have some work to catch up on.”

She dropped her things on the corner of the desk and headed straight for the restroom. The heck with this. She stood at the sink and splashed cold water on her face and throat in an effort to cool the fire raging through her. Soaked panties forced her to grab a washcloth. Toilet tissue was not going to be enough to dry her need for Brad! As she wiped the moisture away, the softness against her hypersensitive skin further heightened her desire for his touch. The heat from the cloth was her undoing. Her head fell forward as the soft cloth rubbed against her garden, sending shock waves through her body.
Damn him…
she cried out softly as she used the sink to support her weak knees.
What has he done to me?
It was a long few minutes before Alexis regained enough composure to leave the restroom.

Reeling from both emotional and physical reactions, which she wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with yet, she opened the door at the same time Brad barged into her office. One glance at her heated state was all Brad needed…he locked the door softly behind him and sauntered towards her as if he were about to devour his prey. She froze, her body on fire from simply thinking about him. Now he stood before her.

Alexis inhaled sharply as her eyes met the dark tempest brewing within in Brad. She leaned against the doorframe before her legs gave way.

His stride was purposeful as he made his way to her. He knelt down on one knee in front of her and placed a hand on the outside of each calf. His hands ran up her legs, catching the hem of her skirt between his thumbs and index fingers, raising it higher and higher as he continued his slow progress upwards. He paused about three-quarters of the way up. Lace edging of silky thigh highs graced her splendid legs. The sight ignited his own desire. He placed soft kisses on her inner thigh, just above the lace. He continued the slow, torturous motion of running his hands seductively up to her hips, taking her skirt with them. He sighed as he nuzzled her garden, drinking in the sweet aroma of her sexuality before placing a soft kiss on the front of her navy blue silk panties.

She mewed like a kitten as he rubbed his hand across her wet panties. He groaned. Lord…she was perfect. He loved her willingness to allow him full access to her body and the knowledge that she belonged to him! He had to put one hand on the wall to support his own weakened knees as he stood, hovering above her. He slipped his fingers inside her panties, teasing her until her sweet nectar flowed from her womanhood. She lifted her lashes, passion boiling over. He covered her mouth with his to stifle the cry of pleasure she would release.

As her breathing steadied, he removed his hand from her and tasted her wetness on his fingers. Her knees buckled at the last bit of torture he presented. Brad quickly moved his hand from the wall to her back, pressing her hard against the wall with his body, his own desire raging against her. He whispered, “My sweet Alexis…I will never get enough of you,” as he placed a soft kiss on her parted lips.

He turned and walked away, leaving her standing with only the doorframe for support.

Oh hell no, she thought. I cannot deal with this today. She grabbed her purse and headed for the door, pulling her skirt down as she walked.

“Tiffany, please move everything on my calendar to tomorrow. I’m leaving for the rest of the day.”

“Hi Tiffany, this is Brad, may I speak to Alexis, please?”

“Sorry sir, she has left the office for the day. May I take a message for you?”

“When did she leave?”

“Umm
, right after you left her office this morning. Is everything all right sir?”

He let out an amused chuckle. “Everything is fine, Tiffany. I needed to go over some contract terms with her. I will catch her tomorrow though. Thank you,” as he hung up.

Quite pleased with himself, Brad picked up the phone and dialed Alexis’s blackberry.

“Hi there,” she cooed all too sweetly.

“Darling, Tiffany said you left early today. Are you all right?”

Alexis took in a deep shuddering breath. “No.”

He laughed in a sweet tender tone, “I’m sorry, I promise to make it up to you tonight.”

“How?”

His hearty laughter was filled with pure joy, “How about dinner?”

“
Mmm,
why don’t you stop by and pick up some clothes? I’ll cook dinner,” the honey sweet tone in her voice assured him she had more than dinner on her mind.

“You got it. I should be there around six,” he paused, “Alexis, I do love you more than life itself.”

“Oh Brad, I love you too, but what have you done to me?”

“The same thing you have done to me, my sweet angel. Until later….”

“Later, love,” she sighed as she disconnected the call.

“Hi,” Alexis purred as she opened the door. She welcomed him with a long, slow kiss. His arms snaked around her and pulled her in close, kicking the door closed behind him.

As she unwrapped herself from his arms, she asked, “Where’s your bag?”

“In the car.”

“Why?”

“Alexis…so much as happened so fast. I thought perhaps we should talk about it over dinner and if you still want me to stay…I will.”

Alexis smiled, “Sweetheart, you can be so sweet and considerate at times and such a grump at others. I love you for both.”

“I’m not good at the considerate part but with you…I am trying.”

She walked past him and opened the door. “Please go get your bag. I’ve made room in my closet, and we can talk about whatever you want over dinner.”

“Alexis…,” he trailed off as her brow arched. It was her way of warning him,
do not argue with me…I am the lawyer and you will not win!
He decided it might be better to do as she asked for now but as he walked to the car, he whistled a happy little tune.

Brad surveyed Alexis’s closet. Wow, he had more clothes in his closet than she did. Oh, there were plenty of business suits, sundresses, longer dresses for winter, a few pair of jeans, and a dozen or so lovely evening gowns. I suppose those are for the symphony, he mused.

For a young woman who is worth billions, no one would ever know. She lived simply, had a beautiful home, which was warm and inviting—suiting her to perfection. She drove a
Lexus RX 450
, not some elaborate sports car. She had lavish things, but nothing more than she needed. Simply put…she was down to earth, quite his opposite. Her simplicity and love for life was indeed new and refreshing. He smiled at her practicality but he would have to do something about her wardrobe. She was much too lovely to hide herself from him.

“Which evening gown will you be wearing for the anniversary party?” he asked curiously.

“
Hmm,
I’ll pick it up Wednesday.”

He nuzzled her neck. “Will you model it for me before the party?”

“No, I think it should remain a surprise,” she giggled. “I have to get dinner out of the oven. We can finish this conversation later,” as she promptly walked away.

She pulled the baking dishes from the oven—stuffed flounder with roasted asparagus topped with a white wine sauce.

“Alexis, whatever you prepared smells divine,” Brad grinned as he entered the kitchen.

“I hope you like it,” she beamed. “I haven’t cooked in some time.” She hesitated, unsure of herself, but then again, her day had been filled with uncertainties. Finally, she continued, “I picked up a few things for you today: Gin, Tonic, Scotch, Cognac, and your Montecristo’s. Would you like a drink or a glass of wine with dinner?”

He stood speechless for a moment. “You did what?”

Hoping she had not overstepped her boundaries, she simply explained, “I wanted you to feel at home when you are here.”

She prepared the plates with her back to him as if what she had done was no big deal, but it was…at least to him. Amazing—simply amazing…no other woman he had ever been with had bothered to pamper him. They only wanted what he had to offer. No one had ever cared enough to have his favorite things in their home. Usually, it was the other way around…forcing him to make room in his life for them. Yet here stood Alexis. She had gone out of her way to make him feel at home and happy. She did both well, perhaps too well.

As she turned, he kissed her and smiled, “Thank you darling.”

“You’re welcome. Why don’t you fix the drinks and I’ll put some music on.”

A mischievous glint fluttered in those golden eyes. She was up to no-good and he loved it. “Alexis, are you trying to seduce me?” he asked with a hint of smugness.