Always My Baby Page 7

  “Oh, wow... I need you now,” China all but begged.

  Alexander kissed his way up her body, capturing her lips in a heart-piercing, sensual kiss. “I can’t even explain how much I need you,” he whispered.

  “Show me...”

  Alexander held her gaze as he slowly entered her. China wrapped her legs around his waist and he led her body in a long, slow, erotic dance. China stared into Alexander’s eyes as she tried but failed to fight back tears. “I’ve never felt so complete.”

  “Neither have I,” he said, kissing away her tears. “Neither have I.”

  With each passionate kiss and slow purposeful thrust of Alexander’s hips, he permanently branded China’s heart and she knew that no matter what happened between them, things would never be the same. Their zealous lovemaking resulted in them falling into a deep sleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 8

  Alexander woke with China’s warm body in his arms, and he’d never been happier. They’d made love most of the night and he still wanted her. The one person he trusted above all others. The person he would start and end most days thinking about was now part of his DNA. Alexander realized this was how things were meant to be between he and China and Alexander was going to make sure things stayed that way. He knew that together they could do anything, and he was just grateful he hadn’t missed his opportunity.

  Hearing China release a deep, satisfied breath, Alexander kissed her exposed shoulder before slowly retrieving his arm from under her neck. He made his way to the bathroom, where he used one of several unopened toothbrushes she always kept for guests. After taking a quick shower, Alexander dressed in last night’s clothes and made his way downstairs to the kitchen. If I want China to even listen to my proposition, I’d better feed her. He opened the refrigerator, smiled and shook his head. “Well, at least you have eggs, cheese and orange juice.”

  * * *

  China rolled onto her back, stretched out her arms and found that she was alone. She sat up as her eyes scanned the room. Seeing no sign of Alexander, she fell back onto the bed. China grabbed his pillow and inhaled. “Damn, China, what’s wrong with you? You can’t keep sleeping with Alex if you’re serious about moving forward with your plans to create your own family with someone else. You know he can’t give you what you want, so start thinking with your head and not your heart and hormones,” she chastised herself.

  China smiled when she was hit with the aroma of coffee. “Hmm... Alex started the coffee before he left. Excellent.” She checked the time and headed to the bathroom, her muscles screaming all the way. “Damn, girl, you have got to get back to spin class.”

  After brushing her teeth and taking a quick shower, China walked into the large walk-in closet adjacent to her bathroom. She selected and dressed in a pleated red short-sleeved Calvin Klein dress, pulled her hair up into a tight bun and applied a minimal amount of makeup. She slipped her feet into a pair of black Louboutin shoes, grabbed her purse and phone, and made her way down the stairs; she was more than ready for that much-needed cup of coffee.

  She walked into her kitchen and found Alexander at the island dressed in last night’s clothes, his shirt half buttoned and his feet bare, standing in front of two plates that held omelets and toast, and pouring orange juice into two glasses. Her treacherous body started to override her brain and responded to the gorgeous man standing in her kitchen. Focus. China placed her phone and purse on the island next to the newspaper.

  “Alexander, what are you still doing here?” China asked, picking up the paper and reading the headline: Billionaire Playboy Threatens the Environment for Money. She shook her head and immediately put it back down. “At least they spelled the names right. Thanks for bringing in the paper.”

  “No problem, and I was making breakfast for us. Why are you dressed like you’re going to work?” he asked, frowning, setting the container of juice down.

  “Because it’s Tuesday and I am. The question is, why aren’t you home doing the same thing, especially since you and the company are splattered all over this morning’s newspaper? I can only imagine what’s happening on social media and how our equity partners are handling the news. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Victoria is meeting with the powers that be and has already convinced them of our innocence.”

  China pulled her travel mug out from the cabinet and poured coffee into it. Alexander leaned against the island and folded his arms across his chest. “It’s nothing we didn’t expect, and yes, my mother has already met with both investment groups. I thought we’d eat. Talk about where we go from here.”

  “We go to work.” China picked up a fork, sliced into her food and took a bite. “This is good. You made this,” she asked, pointing at the omelet with her fork, “with what I had in my refrigerator?”

  “Yes, can you at least sit down?” Alexander’s tone was flat.

  China complied and Alexander took the seat next to her. He ate two bites of his omelet and slid his plate forward. “You done?” China asked before taking a sip of her orange juice.

  “I guess I wasn’t that hungry after all,” he said, his tone hard.

  China sighed. She picked up a napkin and wiped her mouth. She turned her body toward him. “All right, let’s talk.” China relaxed her hands in her lap.

  “After last night I thought we’d...” Alexander held her gaze in silence.

  China tilted her head slightly. “What, exactly? Nothing’s changed since the first time we slept together. Well, except that we broke our promise not to do it again.”

  “So, last night meant nothing to you?” he asked with a pained expression.

  China lowered her head, briefly trying to rein in her emotions. “That’s not what I’m saying.”

  “Then what are you saying, China?”

  She raised her head and looked into his handsome face. Keep your emotions out of this, China. He’d appreciate an honest, businesslike response. “I adore you and your family, you know that. It’s just I’m ready to have my own family. Can you honestly say you’re ready for that type of relationship...with me?”

  Alexander reached for China’s hand. “Look, what I can honestly say is that I believe there’s something special between us. Why does everything have to come back to that one issue? Why does it even have to be an issue at all...right now, anyway?”

  “You know why.”

  “You have plenty of time for kids. I’d like to see where this could lead.”

  “And what if it leads us to a place we can’t come back from? You’re my best friend, my only family. Do you really want to risk that for what could turn out to be a sexual infatuation? I don’t.”

  Alexander released her hand. “That’s what you think? That this is a sexual infatuation.”

  “That’s just it, Alexander, I don’t know what to think.” Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me that this is real, that you’re my future.

  Alexander stood. “I get it. Maybe you’re right. Maybe last night was a mistake...one that definitely won’t happen again.”

  China’s heart was breaking. “Please don’t be angry.”

  “I’m not.” He slipped his feet into his shoes. “I’m glad we talked. Everything is crystal clear.” Alexander leaned down and kissed China on the cheek. He picked up his keys and phone. “I’ll see you later at the office.”

  “At the office,” China murmured, wiping tears away as she watched him walk out the door. She reached for her cell phone, dialed and waited for the call to connect. “I really need to talk. Can you meet me at our spot in thirty minutes?”

  * * *

  Alexander made it to his office in record time. He’d changed into a clean pair of jeans and a white T-shirt, and was sitting on the couch in the lounge, putting his cowboy boots on, when his assistant, Tammy, walked into his office.

  “There you are. I need you to call for the chopper.”

  “Good morning to you, too, sir,” she replied sarcastically.

  “Morning. Call for the chopper...now. I’d like to leave as soon as possible,” he ordered, pulling out a small black-leather suitcase.

  “Can you tell me where you’re going...without snapping my head off?” she asked, glaring through narrowed eyes.

  “Sorry, Tammy, bad morning. I’m going to be working the rest of the week out at the ranch.” Alexander started placing the backup clothes he kept at the office in his suitcase.

  “Okay. Anything I can do?”

  “Yes, reschedule any in-person meetings I may have. If something urgent needs my personal attention, I’ll video chat from there.”

  “Will do. I’ll call your pilot.” Tammy turned and ran into Larry, Alexander’s good friend from law school.

  “Thanks, Tammy,” Alexander said.

  “Yeah, thanks, Tammy,” Larry echoed, smiling down at Tammy, but paying more attention to her chest area than her face.

  “Move,” Tammy said, giving him a playful shove before stepping around him to make her exit.

  Alexander closed his suitcase and walked over to his desk, where he started packing up his briefcase. “What are you doing here, Larry?”

  “I heard about the EPA’s investigation. I know China’s got your back on this, but if you need any additional backup, just let me know.”

  Too bad at my back isn’t where I want her. “Thanks, man, and you’re right, China is all about this business. We’ve got this. We didn’t do anything wrong, and as soon as we prove that, things will get back to normal.”

  “I don’t doubt that, but Kristen had better make sure her PR people are on point because your reputation and your company’s NASDAQ ranking is taking a big hit,” Larry warned.

  “No worries, she’s on it, and so is my mother,” Alexander assured him.

  “I don’t doubt that. Victoria is one tough cookie.” Larry took a seat in a chair across from Alexander’s desk. “Where you going?” Larry asked.

  “I’m—”

  “Excuse me, Alexander,” Tammy called, entering the office. “The helicopter will be here in twenty minutes.”

  “Thanks,” Alexander said, frowning at the way his friend was still staring at Tammy.

  She nodded and walked out the door, closing it behind her. “Damn, she fine,” Larry praised her.

  “She’s efficient...and engaged,” Alexander explained to his obviously interested friend.

  “As of when?” Larry’s forehead creased.

  “Last month—she’s been seeing the brother of one of our other employees.” Alexander sat behind his desk and fired up his computer.

  “Looks like everyone is getting married.” Larry slouched in his chair.

  Not everyone. China’s face popped into his mind. Her dismissing his feelings and proposition because he was not prepared to commit to having children right now had Alexander’s emotions bouncing between hurt and anger.

  “So, where are you running off to?” Larry asked.

  “I’m not running off anywhere. I’m going to go work at our ranch for a few days.” Alexander connected a flash drive to his computer and began transferring several files.

  Larry leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “How long have we known each other?”

  “Too long,” Alexander said sarcastically, not bothering to look up from his computer.

  “Right, which means I know when something isn’t right, and you deciding to go work in North Texas at your family’s ranch, on a Tuesday, means something’s not right. What gives?”

  Alexander pushed out a breath. He removed the drive, placed it in his pocket and turned off his computer. He sat back in his chair and turned to face his friend. “My company is being attacked by the EPA for something we didn’t do and the media is crucifying me for it. I think I have a right to be a little off.”

  “True that...”

  Alexander’s desk phone rang and he hit the speaker button. “Yes, Tammy.”

  “Your ride is five minutes away and that movie director woman called to see if you were available for dinner. She said she’s staying at her usual hotel.”

  “Thanks, and Tammy, please send flowers to the Hilton Americas Hotel.”

  “What would you like the card to say?” Tammy asked.

  “Just say ‘next time.’”

  “Will do,” Tammy replied before disconnecting.

  “Well, that’s my cue.” Larry stood. “You know what you need?”

  Alexander picked up his briefcase and went to retrieve his suitcase. “What’s that?”

  “Something warm to ride other than your damn horse. Maybe you should rethink the flowers and send the director an invite to join you,” Larry advised, laughing, as he left the office.

  “Yeah, well, right idea...wrong woman. She has other plans,” Alexander murmured, walking out behind his friend.

  * * *

  China walked into her favorite coffeehouse down from her office and heard, “Welcome to Starbucks...” She acknowledged the eager associate with a smile. China scanned the patrons until she found her target. Porsche was sitting at a table in a corner with two large cups placed in front of her, reading from a binder. China made her way to the table and took a seat.

  “Thanks for meeting me so quickly.” China sat her purse in one of the empty chairs at their table.

  Porsche slid a cup in China’s direction. “Actually I was already here working.”

  “Thanks. What are you working on?” she asked, before taking a sip of her drink.

  “I’m reviewing another contract proposal,” Porsche explained.

  “That’s great. All these companies are lining up to work with you, one of the best commercial real estate contractors out there.” China gifted her friend with a proud smile.

  “I know, and it’s wonderful, but I need to bring on some legal help. Speaking of...” she said, offering up a sheepish grin.

  “Oh, no.” China’s brows snapped together and she shook her head and left hand.

  “Come on, China.” Porsche brought her hands together as if she was praying. “Just this one last time.”

  “That’s what you said the last time,” China reminded Porsche.

  “Okay, but I’m not sure how helpful I can be with whatever your issue is, when I’m so worried about missing anything in this proposal.” Porsche smiled and batted her eyes in an exaggerated manner.

  “Blackmail, really?” China glared through narrowed eyes.

  “Blackmail...negotiation. You say tomato, et cetera...et cetera.” Porsche used her hands to imitate balancing a scale. She pushed the binder in China’s direction. “It’ll take you ten minutes and then you’ll have my undivided attention.”

  China rolled her eyes skyward before checking her watch. She knew it wouldn’t take long and she could use the distraction from her emotional morning. “Fine.” China accepted the binder and the highlighter Porsche was handing her. “This really is the last time.”

  “Agreed.” Porsche sat back and watched China with a satisfied grin.

  China opened the binder and ran the tip of her index finger across the page from left to right. She continued that process until she’d touched all two hundred and twelve pages of the document, stopping only long enough to highlight areas of interest in the contract she thought her friend should verify and reconsider. After less than ten minutes China closed the binder, placed the highlighter on the table and gave Porsche a smile that erased her earlier look of satisfaction.

  “What?” Porsche sat up in her chair. “Did you find something?”

  China intertwined her hands and sat them on top of the binder. “My turn.”

  Porsche threw her head back and laughed, ignoring the curious stares of the customers who were now watching them. “Touché. What’s going on?”

  China’s shoulders dropped and she lowered her head slightly. “I...I slipped.”

  “You slipped? What did...” The two women stared at each other in silence for several moments. “So, now what?”

  China swallowed hard. “We agreed it was a mistake.”

  “Another one.” Porsche folded her arms. “I don’t know what you want me to say here. You know how I feel about men, especially men like Alexander, and the way they treat women. Do you need me to tell you to go for it or run like hell? I can say either.”

  China finished the last of her coffee, drinking it down like it was some magic potion that would provide her with the answers she needed. “I don’t need either. It’s done. We’ll remain friends and hopefully be close without fear of crossing that line again.”

  Porsche dropped her arms. “I think you’ve made the right decision. You may have been right about the way I handled my business relationship with Alexander. However, I’m right about this. He’ll never give you the family you want. He’s not the type. As soon as the novelty of sleeping with you wears off, he’ll be on to the next one.”

  China bowed her head, covered her mouth with her left hand and closed her eyes. She was so overwhelmed by her emotions she couldn’t defend Alexander against this character assassination. Alexander didn’t use women in the way Porsche was describing. He knew what he wanted out of his relationships and he was always clear about that with whomever he was seeing. China had no doubt that Alexander cared about her, just not in the way she was starting to care about him; their personal lives were headed in different directions.