A Time for Hope (Lexi, #3)(23)
“Well then.” Alex tiptoed his fingers down my back and grabbed my ass. “Let’s find a better use for that aggression.”
Chapter 5 – Back in the Saddle
Morning sex with Alex was always spectacular. It’s not like evening, afternoon or even middle of the night sex wasn’t great, ‘cause it was. It was better than great, it was amazing. But there was something about the hurried sexual frenzy before starting the day that made it more… wow. Like trying to defuse a bomb while the timer is ticking down, I do some of my best work under pressure. This morning had been all that and more. Firstly because it had been a really long time since we’d had morning sex, the last time being in my old apartment in Melbourne (a really long time ago) and more because even though Alex was still cautious, last night had gone a long way towards relieving his fears. He was less restrained than last night and definitely less controlled. It was mind blowing. I had almost decided to call Matt and tell him to deal with photo mess on his own, reasoning it would be good for his professional development, but I didn’t. My absence from the office had been long enough and I wasn’t about to let someone else clean up a mess I had made myself.
After some more morning sex in the shower (It’s a wonder I made it to work at all) I eventually told Alex about the sexy photos of him and his hot mystery woman. He, like Matt had thought it was hysterical. Yep, it was a motherf*cking riot! One that we still had made no comment on despite the photos showing up on various internet sites. I wasn’t embarrassed about the candid shots, more annoyed that our intimate reconnection was now news. Meh, whatcha gonna do? Hannah’s words had never rung more true.
“Hiya Lex!” Anna’s smiling face welcomed me as I entered our office.
“Hey Anna.” I smiled as she gave me a light hug.
“It’s so good to see you up and about.” Anna shuffled awkwardly in her spot.
I guess it was always going to be weird coming back to work after everything that had happened. We hadn’t had a real conversation since her move to New York. Almost all of the work related issues I needed to discuss had been vetted with Matt and I hadn’t been overly social since my return from hospital. So it was no surprise that there was an uneasy distance between us. After all, Hallmark doesn’t exactly have a card for “Thanks for the job and the apartment, sorry your life went down the toilet.” There really was a deficiency in the greeting card market.
“Good Morning Lexi.” Matt burst through the door with a tray of takeaway coffees, his beautiful smile lighting up his clear blue eyes. He really was a genuinely decent human being. “Here, I know you aren’t crazy for coffee,” he handed me a cup and gave me light peck on the check, “so I got you a Mocha.”
“Thank you.” I cradled the paper cup in my hand while I gave him a hug. “I am in desperate need of caffeine this morning.”
“Can’t say I’m surprised.” Matt handed Anna her latte, “Perhaps you need to cut down on the late night make out sessions in random clubs.” Matt shot me a wink.
Anna smirked, demonstrating she had been fully briefed as she sat down at her workspace.
“Ha-Ha!” I mused sarcastically. “I am drawing up a statement. You can distribute it after I’m done.”
“No problem, boss!” Matt quipped as he squeezed past me and moved to his desk.
The office itself was huge by Manhattan standards but with three desks and three people’s crap crammed in, it had lost a lot of its original appeal. It was probably time to think of an upgrade, like other areas of my life - it was in need of change.
The day progressed surprisingly normally. My first point of business was to draft a statement (the first one I had personally addressed since my return) thanking everyone for their well wishes and concern. I then reiterated that I was unable to discuss any information regarding my assault as the case was still pending before the courts, but that I was doing well and was happy to be back. After the formalities were taken care of I then explained the infidelity that had never occurred. Moving out of my comfort zone and speaking candidly, I expressed my desire to let my hair down without the looming press presences. It was because of those feelings and my need for privacy that I went to out in disguise. The photos plastered all over gossip sites were not of Alex Stone and a seedy one-night hook-up but in fact of the two of us trying to be a normal couple without the ever-present watchful eye of the media. I knew that no doubt some people would see my attempt as pathetic or juvenile but their reaction was not important for me. I was also not na?ve enough to think that I could move forward without an explanation. With Alex, the loss of a certain amount of anonymity came with the territory; I’d always known this, so there was no point bitching about it now.
Of course my inbox was flooded with requests for interviews and further information, all of which were tactfully declined. It was lunchtime before I stopped to take a break and was finally able to check my phone messages. Predictably there was one from Alex. I couldn’t help but smile as I read his message.
- Dear random seductress, the photos of us (while quite fetching) are all over the internet and I do believe you made assurances that my wife was not going to find out. I believe you made other promises as well, ones that involved “sucking” and “my cock”. I would like to explore this more thoroughly seeing as my wife is probably out shopping for a divorce lawyer. xx