Kinked Kisses (Club Stratosphere Book 1) Read online

  Soft and cautious, her fingers brushed his skin, tracing the contours of his ribs. He fought the urge to shudder, her touch inflaming his already hyperaware senses, and continued kissing her, waiting for her next move. She didn’t disappoint. Lexa gently dug her nails into his lower back, the slight sting urging him closer.

  Exultant, Tom moaned, wrapped his arms around her small frame, and crushed Lexa to him. The soft rounds of her breasts pressed firmly into his chest, her upper body shaped perfectly to his above the separation of the patio gate. God, had anything ever felt so damn good?

  Lexa pulled back, her lips swollen and glistening in the moonlight. She glanced down at the barrier between them, a frown creasing her brow. Her teeth made another appearance, worrying at Lexa’s lower lip.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, lifting a hand to caress her cheek. He traced the soft sweep of her lip with his thumb, putting a stop to the adorable nervous tick. “Why’d you stop?”

  She lifted her gaze to meet his, the moon reflected in the deep pools of her eyes. “The gate,” she replied with a rueful smile. “It was pressing into my hips.”

  “Oh,” he said simply. “So, am I leaving alone?”

  Her face gave nothing away. They were inches apart and yet he felt like they stood on opposite ends of a chasm while she debated the possibility of a future relationship between them. He wanted desperately to be a fly on the wall inside her mind. Would the one kiss they shared be it and they would continue on as work associates? Or, would she take a leap and trust him? He’d been doing everything, anything, he could to show her that he was a decent guy. The kind a woman like her needed.

  Since coming to the realization that what he felt for her was more than just a passing fancy between co-workers, Tom had set out to prove himself to Lexa in the hopes that when he made his move, she’d see him—the man, the Dominant—and not just her co-worker.

  Finally, she took a deep breath as if she were about to speak. He froze, anticipating the worst.

  “Yes,” she began. Tom closed his eyes, deflated, and let his shoulders droop. “I’m all yours. But, after the presentation. We’ll do dinner and see how things go from there. Okay?”

  Opening his eyes, he grinned at her. His heart beat a mile a minute as elation coursed through him. He leaned in, kissing her hard and fast. It took everything he had not to launch into a victory dance, complete with fist pump, and ruin the moment.

  “Really?” he asked, his eyes jumping from one feature to the other, trying to discern her sincerity. She nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her luscious mouth. Tom couldn’t resist and kissed her again. He pulled back, chuckling softly as he met her gaze. “You realize, this is totally going to screw with my concentration, right? I won’t be able to think of anything else but you through the entire presentation.”

  Lexa looked up at him and bit her lip. She traced a slim finger down his chest and winked at him. Damn, but she was sexy as hell and he couldn’t wait to finally have her under him.

  “Good,” she smirked. “Make sure you think of me without panties on, because I won’t be wearing any.”

  His erection jerked behind the waist band of his shorts and Tom recalled the image he’d texted her. He smiled, reaching out to flip a strap off her shoulder with the tip of his index finger. She shivered and his lips spread into a wide grin.

  “That’s fine, as long as you’re thinking of the pic I sent you earlier.”

  “Trust me,” she chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she looked up at him. “I will be; haven’t stopped since I first saw it. I have to admit, though—the real thing is much, much better.”

  Tom reached out to flick the other strap from her shoulders but she caught him by the wrist and shook her head. She pulled the strap back up, a small smile stretching across her lips.

  “Damn,” he laughed. “Can’t blame me for trying. I’ve been waiting forever for this—for you.”

  She lifted his arm, turning his palm up and pressed her lips to the center of his hand. “Later. For now, I think we should both get some sleep.”

  He nodded, hiding his disappointment when she released his hand and stepped back. Lexa was right, they’d been working on the presentation for weeks and it needed to be stellar. If they didn’t knock the socks off their client, the chances of winning the account went down the drain along with all of their hard work.

  “Okay. After work. Dinner at my place to celebrate.”

  “Deal.”

  Lexa gave him a smile and Tom watched her walk back into the house. Her hips swayed with each step, the firm rounds of her backside tempting him. He stood in the moonlit darkness for a moment more before slowly making his way home. There was no way in hell he’d sleep with images of her swimming through his lust addled brain. He doubted she’d be getting much sleep either. The sexual tension flowing between them as they stood out on the patio edge had been off the charts, undeniable and potent.

  It was going to be a long day, but so worth it. His only hope was that she didn’t rethink things and back out. Tom had lusted after her since going to work for Page and Butler, Inc. four months ago. Now that he’d gotten up the nerve to approach Lexa, there was no way he was backing down. She would be his, no matter what it took to make that happen.

  Shutting the patio door behind him, Tom made his way down the hall and flopped down on his bed to wait for his alarm clock to go off at 7:00 AM. It was going to be the longest five hours of his life.

  Chapter Two

  Wrapping a thick cotton towel around herself, Lexa left the steamy confines of her bathroom and ventured out into the carpeted hallway. She took two halting steps toward her bedroom, paused and glanced at Barry’s door, listening for any sign that he was up and prowling around his room.

  How the man managed to sleep through his own snoring continually amazed her. Akin to the ripping of phone books or a diesel train roaring by, her so-called-husband’s loud snores reverberated throughout the house.

  Lexa gave a brief snort and continued on to her room. Closing the door, she dropped her towel in the hamper and padded naked to the closet. She reached in and pulled out the new dress purchased a few days earlier for the presentation today. Black, with a fitted blouse bodice and full, knee length skirt—the dress was simple, elegant and perfect.

  Laying the garment across the end of her bed, Lexa turned to her dresser. She pulled open the top drawer, the one containing her lingerie, and stopped short of reaching for a pair of panties as she recalled the words she’d uttered to Tom. Heat crept up her face as she looked over the bits of silk and lace in front of her. Could she really go through such an important and possibly life changing presentation without panties? Maybe, if she managed to keep the insane urge to blush under control. The teasing comment was so unlike her usual reserved self, she wondered what had possessed her to act so rashly. There was something about Tom, the raw sex appeal he exuded as they stood in the semi darkness that short circuited her brain. Shy, reserved Alexandra had turned into bold, sex kitten Lexa in his presence.

  She reached into the drawer, pulling out her favorite hot pink lace bra, the matching garters and sheer black stockings with pink ribbon detailing along the top. In another drawer, she found a slim, red leather belt and tossed it onto the bed while she put her undergarments on. Her nipples pebbled as she thought of Tom and the surprise she expected to see on his face later when he realized she’d followed through on her promise to go commando. She had no doubt they would end up in bed together. The way she lusted after him, and the clear desire shining from his eyes when they’d talked earlier made it pretty clear that was the agenda for the evening.

  A soft tap on the window drew her from the daydream. Lexa fastened the second stay on her left garter and put her right foot down onto the plush carpeting. She crossed over to the window and pulled the curtain aside to peer out over the patio. Tom stood a few feet from her window, his briefcase beside him in the grass.

  The early morning sun shone down on
him giving his golden hair the appearance of a halo. He caught sight of her, smiled widely and wiggled his fingers in a brief wave. Feeling brave, Lexa smiled back and pulled the curtain further aside to allow him a view of her from the waist up.

  Tom’s eyes widened momentarily and then narrowed. Undisguised lust burned in the green depths of his eyes. His heated gaze tracked her movements as she reached out and pulled the window pane up to allow them to speak. The glass provided her with a pale reflection as it rose, and showed that the action lifted her breasts, pushing them together in a tempting display for him.

  “Good morning,” she said cheerfully through the open window.

  He adjusted his tie and smirked. “It was. That little display just made it a whole lot better.”

  Lexa smiled, resting her hands palms down on the wide window sill. “What brings you by? Hoping to discuss a few last minute details before the presentation?”

  “No,” he said. Tom dangled keys from between his right index and thumb, jangling them lightly. “I wanted to see if you’d like to ride in to work together. We can discuss a few things about the presentation on the way in. Plus, it will save you having to ride the bus with no panties on.”

  She looked him over while contemplating his offer, smothering a chuckle at his no so subtle reminder. He wore a tailored black jacket, a crisp white shirt and a red silk tie. From what she could see of his pants above the gate, they were his usual black slacks. Their outfits matched. Cute.

  “Too funny,” she chuckled softly.

  Tom eyed her quizzically. “What is?”

  Lexa shook her head and smiled at him. “Nothing. Give me twenty minutes to finish dressing. I’ll meet you out front.”

  “I think you’re perfect just the way you are,” he quipped and turned to exit the backyard. “See you in twenty.”

  Laughing, Lexa let the drapes fall back into place and turned to slip into her dress. She slid her feet into her favorite pair of black leather pumps, wrapped the thin belt around her waist and went to fix her hair. Nothing fancy today, a quick blow dry of her bangs—half of the wavy mass tied back with a clip, and she was done.

  Lexa applied chocolate brown liner to her eyes, brushed a dusting of bronzer over her cheeks and skimmed her lips with a clear gloss. Giving herself one final look over, she turned off the light and walked down to the kitchen.

  Her leather portfolio bag sat on a chair at the small breakfast table. Reaching inside, she pulled out a slim packet of paper from the inner pocket. For three weeks the pages had been sitting in her portfolio, taunting her every time she reached in for something, but she hadn’t built up the courage to hand them to Barry. Now, with her career about to take a jump for the better and Tom’s obvious mutual interest, the time had come to put the dead horse of her marriage to rest.

  She set the bundle where she knew Barry would find it—in front of his beloved coffee machine. The man was disgustingly predictable in his routines, and was a bear to deal with until he’d had at least two cups of coffee. Lexa knew, without a doubt, Barry would find the paperwork and life as she knew it would take a drastic change. The question was, for better or worse?

  Butterflies took up residence in her stomach as she looked at the pale blue exterior page. She’d done it. Now all she needed was Barry’s signature on the divorce papers. Then she could file them and move on with her life.

  The sound of a key turning in the front door lock drew Lexa’s attention. She turned, surprised to see her housekeeper arriving on a Friday morning.

  “Oh,” the pretty redhead exclaimed and stopped in her tracks. “Mrs. Porter. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

  Lexa cocked her head to the right. “I could say the same, Carissa. You’re supposed to come on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Is there a reason you’re a day early?”

  “Barry, um, Mr. Porter asked me to come by today instead.” She bit her lip and quickly glanced down the hallway. Lexa didn’t miss the direction of her maid’s look. She shook her head and let out a slow breath. “I can come tomorrow if you want but, I’m already here.”

  “No, it’s fine,” Lexa said. She picked up her bag, keys and purse. “You go ahead. I’ve got to get going. Make sure he…” The maid tilted her head, eyes wide as she waited for Lexa to finish. “Forget it. I’m sure he’ll pay you well enough.”

  The maid has the decency to blush as she nodded and Lexa exited without her morning cup of tea, or breakfast. Great, she thought. I let the little hussy chase me out of my own house.

  Making her way down the front steps, Lexa shook her head and laughed softly. What did she care about her soon to be ex-husband and the maid getting it on while she worked? It wasn’t like they’d be having sex in her bed anyway. As soon as Barry autographed the divorce papers she would be a free woman and the hunt for a cozy little apartment of her own would begin.

  A sleek, silver Lexus pulled up to the curb and Tom smiled at her from the driver’s seat. He climbed out and came around to her side, taking her bag to place it in the backseat.

  Tom held the passenger side door open for her, sweeping his arm out in a grand gesture. “Your chariot, milady.”

  “Thank you, kind sir.” She laughed at his silliness and climbed inside.

  ***

  Lexa smiled and shook hands with Philip Watts, the middle aged CEO of Watts & Associates. She studied his moderately handsome face, trying to keep the elation bubbling inside of her firmly under wraps. Tom stood to her left, his hand firmly in their boss’ grip, and accepted the hearty congratulations being offered. Their presentation had gone off without a hitch and met with a rousing round of approval from everyone present. The account, Mr. Watts had announced almost immediately after she and Tom completed their pitch, was theirs. Lexa and Tom had looked at each other, wide eyed and slack jawed until the reality sunk in. They’d been prepared to wait days, possibly weeks, before hearing whether they’d successfully landed the project or not.

  Messrs.’ Page and Butler took Lexa and Tom out for a celebratory lunch at one of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants in town, Scotia’s. As anticipated, they announced her promotion to senior account manager, effective immediately. Tom smiled proudly at her from across the table. Their coup with winning the Watts project was nothing short of brilliant and their bosses firmly believed in giving reward where it was due.

  So far, the day had been a banner one for her, but Lexa couldn’t ignore the little twinge deep in her belly. Four o’clock rolled around and she had yet to hear a word from Barry or his lawyer about the divorce papers. Nothing from her attorney either, for that matter. It was all going too easily for her, and the skeptic in Lexa waited for the axe to fall. Barry had become a vindictive jerk since the breakdown of their marriage. Any chance he could do something to slight her was met with much relish. Expecting him to sign the paperwork without putting up a fight wasn’t something she counted on happening.

  She gave the artwork on her desk one final look over and decided to call it a day. The photographs for this new project wouldn’t get any better no matter how long she stared at them. The art department would have to do a reshoot. There was no alternative. That conversation, however, would wait for Monday.

  Shutting down her laptop, Lexa gathered everything she’d need to get some work done on the weekend and placed them in her bag. Knowing her soon-to-be ex-husband, that plan was likely to go off the rails faster than an out-of-control freight train. A soft knock at the door made her look up. She smiled at Tom as he leaned against the frame, his arms crossed over the breadth of his powerful chest.

  “Looks like you’re ready to go,” he said.

  She nodded and zipped the bag shut. “Yep. I was hoping I could entice you into playing hooky with me for the rest of the day. We deserve it.”

  Tom grinned, leaned down and showed her the briefcase he’d stashed out of sight. “No enticing needed. I was planning the same thing.”

  “Well then,” she laughed, picked up her bag and slung it over he
r shoulder. “Let’s go. No point in hanging around here when there are much better things to do.”

  He stepped aside to allow Lexa to close her office door. When she turned, Tom leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Each other?”

  “Yes, exactly.” Lexa shuddered, a zing of desire skidding down her spine like a pebble across water. She nodded and smiled up at him as she turned to leave the office.

  ***

  Lexa stood with her back to him, arms folded across her chest, while Tom prepared a light supper for them. He noted the way her fingers clutched her biceps, the skin around each fingertip white from the pressure. Something in the back yard had caught her attention and he glanced out the kitchen window to see what might be out there.

  Across the yard, on the steps leading down from her patio, several suitcases and boxes sat waiting. He shook his head, rubbed his eyes and looked again. The view hadn’t changed. What the hell?

  “Am I seeing right, Lexa?” he asked.

  She nodded slowly, releasing the grip on her arms. Lexa shrugged and let out a soft breath. “Can’t say I’m totally shocked. I did serve him with divorce papers this morning. Wonder which box or bag they’re in?”

  Tom stopped his chopping and gaped at her. “You what?”

  “I served him with divorce papers. This morning.” She turned to face him without meeting his eyes. A sheepish smile curved her lips as she studied something on the floor just off to his right. “I’ve been holding on to them for a while now. This morning just, I don’t know, felt right. Guess this means I need to speed up my search for somewhere to stay.”

  Putting down the knife he’d been using to chop mushrooms, Tom crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her. He hugged her gently and brushed a loose curl from her cheek.