Chapter 3 – A Little Screwed Up

The rest of the day had passed fairly uneventfully. Anna was annoyed and had given me the silent treatment on our way back to the office. This was nothing new to me. Hostility, anger, rage, sometimes it was neither warranted nor justified, yet it rarely bothered me. She would have to take a number.

I decided to go home first and change before heading back to collect Matt from his hotel. I took the opportunity to shower as well, allowing the water to wash away the day, both literally and figuratively. I pressed my back to the cold shower tiles as the warm water snaked its way from my shoulders, down my breasts and across my belly. My hands glided over my body as the water twisted and turned in different directions. I breathed deeply and moved my hand further down my stomach, slowly allowing my fingers to touch the slickness between my legs. I moved my fingers slowly across my clit and then slid a finger inside of myself. I imagined it was Matt’s hands all over me; his mouth and pulsing tongue exploring me. His hard cock resting against my warm body, teasing me... Ahhhhh... My heartbeat quickened, the anticipation growing inside of me was like a fire radiating from the inside out. Every inch of my skin burned, the stream of water felt like tiny pins and needles biting my sensitive flesh. I closed my eyes, picturing his searing gaze, his hard body pressed up against me, as desperate for me as I was for him. I felt myself tip over the edge. My body twitched and pulsated with pleasure as I slid down the wall into a hot mess on the shower floor.

It took me a few minutes to steady myself before turning off the shower and wrapping myself into a large, fluffy towel. My wet hair was pasted against my back as I reached for another towel to wrap my tangled mane in. I was unsteady as I walked into my bedroom, taking a seat on the edge of my bed, still feeling the after effects of my explosive orgasm. I lazily glanced over at my alarm clock - FUCK, I’m running late. I grabbed my favourite Sass and Bide jeans from my wardrobe and raced around my room gathering a clean set of bra and panties. I was intending on displaying them later so I picked up a sexy black lace push up with miniature red bows on the straps and matching underwear. I slid on my jeans, towel drying my hair while pausing momentarily to pull on a pair of boots.

I quickly applied some light make up and raked a comb through my long locks. I had no time to dry it so I smoothed on some anti-frizz serum and threw on a blue cotton t-shirt. I grabbed my keys and headed out the door.

~~~~~~

He was already waiting in the lobby by the time I reached the hotel. He was standing with his back to me but there was no mistaking that ass anywhere. He was chatting animatedly to the concierge, so didn’t notice me enter through the double glass doors. He had changed too; his jeans hung low on his hips, a white t-shirt clinging to every curve on his back, the fabric rippling when he moved his arms.

“Sorry, I’m a little late, I hope you haven’t been waiting too long” I apologized.

“Not at all, I was just chatting to Mark.” he gestured with the tilt of his head. Mark gave me a knowing glance and I smiled back. I think both Mark and I had similar ideas about how tonight was going to end. As if reading my mind he quickly turned to shake Matt’s hand and bid us “Good evening” as we wandered out of the ornate lobby. He handed me a small white gilt box filled with Macaroons. “I got dessert. It’s only fair since you’re cooking dinner.” Clearly his Momma had raised him right.

“Thank you,” I flirted “that’s lovely but unnecessary; it’s a pleasure to have you.” Or at least I’d hoped it would be. I had planned a different kind of dessert.

We walked to my car in silence; the crisp air blew through my hair that was still damp. It sent a chill down my back. Matt eyed me cautiously, “Cold?”

“No, I’m fine... My hair is a little damp” I answered as I slid into the driver’s seat. He effortlessly moved into the seat beside me. The hum of my engine broke the awkward silence.

“I really appreciate this Lexi,” he said, watching the road as I negotiated through the traffic “I don’t know anyone here yet, so it’s nice to get out of the hotel and have some people contact.”

“No problem Matt, we’re going to be working together so this is a good opportunity to get to know each other.” We made small talk on the short drive back to my apartment. The obligatory, getting to know you chatter; siblings, travel histories, working resume etcetera etcetera... I pulled my Civic into its usual spot in the underground parking.

I loved my apartment, it was a rental but it was everything I had wanted in a home. It had two bedrooms and a large balcony that overlooked the amazing metropolis of Melbourne. I had travelled to so many different countries, yet my heart remained firmly tethered to this city. My city, my home. I guided Matt up the stairwell into the hallway that led to my door. I wrestled with my keys, finding the right one and then slowly opening the door.

“Wow, this is a great place!” His eyes travelled over the interior. “You live here alone?” I walked ahead of him toward the kitchen. Dropping my keys and handbag on the coffee table on my way through the lounge room.

“Yeah, sure do... I’m not a great roommate. I am obsessive compulsive about certain things and it’s just easier than dealing with other people’s issues.” I realised how nervous I was because I was volunteering a little too much information.

He followed me through the apartment to the kitchen. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Nope, all good. Take a seat.” I gestured toward the bar stool pushed up against the breakfast bar. “Would you like a drink?”

“Sure,” he nodded. I pulled a bottle of Absolut from my freezer and poured it over ice in waiting tumblers on the bench. I added some freshly cut lime and handed him a glass. I watched him take a slow, steady sip before I followed suit and raised the cold glass to my lips.

I busied myself with dinner preparations, Matt’s eyes following me as I moved around my kitchen. I quickly got some chicken breasts seasoned and in the oven to bake. While they were cooking, I pulled out a deep saucepan and placed it on top of the stove. “What are you making?” he asked.

“It’s kind of my own creation. A chicken pesto fettuccini. It’s pretty quick but really tasty.”

“Sounds delicious”. His smile lit up his face. He continued to study me as I went through each of the steps, asking me about the ingredients I was using and whether I enjoyed cooking. He drained his glass as I reached up to get some plates from my kitchen cabinet.

“Another?” I tilted the vodka bottle toward him.

“You trying to get me liquored up?”

“Actually the freshness of the Vodka and lime goes really well with the dish, but if you prefer the liquored up idea we can go with that” I smirked, repeating the words he had taunted me with earlier in the day.

A smile slowly spread across his face. “Touché, Ms Reed.”

He took the fettuccini filled plates from me and carried them to my round kitchen table while I mixed our drinks. I seated myself across from him and watched as he waited until I was settled before eagerly raise his fork loaded with fettuccini to his mouth.

“Wow, this is amazing... so good.” He took another bite.

“Glad you like it, it’s just one of my many talents” I teased.

“I’ve heard about your talents Lexi. Your reputation precedes you.” he teased back.

Instantly my back stiffened. “What have you heard?” I questioned cautiously.

“Relax Lexi... it’s all good. My boss Jerry, had the pleasure of working with you in New York last month; he told me how impressed he’d been with your work.” Matt gave me relaxed smile.

“Yeah New York was fun. It was great working with Jerry.” I eased back into my chair and took a small bite of my pasta.

“You know we have a really good team in Houston. Jerry is thinking of expanding and possibly allowing me to head up the department when I get back.” His eyes flirted as he slowly sipped his drink.

“That sounds promising. I’m sure your exchange with us can only help with your possible promotion.” I wasn’t really sure where this was heading.

“Yeah, I think working closely with you will definitely help my cause. I’m sure there is a lot you could show me and I’m very willing to learn. Possibly things I could show you, if you allowed me the chance. Maybe other opportunities we could share…either here or…. elsewhere. Like I said Jerry speaks very highly of you and I’m beginning to see why. Tell me, have you ever been to Texas? ” I felt anger slowly building inside me, making me drop my fork. What the fuck?! Was this some aggressive head hunting exercise? Was he supposed to seduce me like I was some dumb piece of ass?

I didn’t need to say anything. Panic spread over Matt’s face as he took in my reaction. “I didn’t mean it like that Lexi, I’m not trying to use you. Jerry knows you’d never leave Kate... I’m sorry, I know it sounded bad.” He tried to explain further “Look, you have made a name for yourself... this tough talking Aussie who shows no fear; I could name a hundred agencies in the States that would kill to have you. You could name your price. You must know that. Jerry just meant that if someone was going to make you an offer you would consider that he hoped you would allow us to counter it.”

I raised my glass to my lips, slowly taking a long sip of the clear icy liquid. I wasn’t sure if I should be offended or honoured. “So, were you going to fuck me into submission or were you just going to throw dollar signs at me and see if I succumbed?” I asked calmly wondering how far he was going to take this charade.

His eyes widened. “Lexi, I wasn’t going to fuck you, I...um...I wouldn’t do that...I mean that’s not how I operate.”

“Why, is there something wrong with me? Are you not attracted to me?” I shot back indignantly.

“Are you serious? I can think of nothing more I’d like to do right now than throw you up against a wall and screw your brains out,” he panted “but we have to work together and I’m not that guy. I really like you, I think you’re hardcore in the business world and as sexy as hell but I know it would be a mistake; one I am not willing to make. It just is not an option.”

Anger once again flared inside me, I was not used to rejection, I was not a MISTAKE, nor would I ever be. How dare he! It had been a long time since a man had turned me down. Despite him dressing it up with all his fancy compliments all I heard was I don’t want you. My face heated and my gut turned and twisted.

I decided to change tactics; I rose slowly out my chair, walking over to him. My mouth slowly parted as I held his face in my hands, my fingers twisting through his wavy, dark brown hair. He looked up at me as he tried to decipher my mood. I gently tilted his head back and leaned in, the tip of my tongue exploring the edge of his mouth then my lips feverishly finding his. His lips were soft as they opened slightly, giving me permission. I grabbed his shirt tight in my fist, pushing him against the chair back, my legs straddling him either side. Let’s see how you resist me now, Cowboy.

He tasted fresh, like the lime and I thought he was going to give in but then he stiffened and pushed me away “Lexi, NO! I am not doing this.” Hurt and anger ripped through me like a tidal wave, I wanted to throw him out but I couldn’t formulate words. How did this happen? How could I have read this all wrong? Damn it Lexi say something! I willed myself to speak.

“I think I need another drink” was all I could manage and I walked back into the kitchen. I felt him follow me, standing directly behind me. I couldn’t turn around; I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself not to cry. He moved closer to me, his chest pressing against my back. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the back of my head.

“I’m so sorry Lexi, I didn’t mean to hurt you, really I’m so sorry” his voice genuine and apologetic.

“No, I’m sorry,” I paused. “I don’t know what got into me. I guess I just misread the situation. I don’t usually get these things wrong. I guess I am just not used to being told “no”. It’s been awhile... I’m kind of a little screwed up.” I breathed. He turned me around and stared into my eyes

“No, Lexi. You did nothing wrong - it was me; I guess I let you believe... I guess I alluded to the fact... I guess I’m a little screwed up too.” He gently stroked my hair.

“I guess we’re all just a little screwed up” I shrugged my shoulders and he grinned.

“Some of us just wear it better than others and you make crazy look good”

“So now I’m crazy?” I grinned back.

“Can I have another drink before I answer that?” He tensed.

“Sure let’s get loaded, maybe then I can have my way with you!” I laughed, “You sure you can’t be convinced?”

“Oh Lexi, please... I don’t think… I’m still a man you know.” He shifted uncomfortably.

“It’s OK Matt, you’re safe. I was kidding. You and your virtue are safe.” I grinned and grabbed the bottle of vodka and took a swig before handing it to him.

“To friends who don’t fuck,” he said, lifting the bottle towards me in a mock toast. I laughed as the effects of the alcohol started to course its way through my body.

“To friends who don’t fuck,” I agreed.

The rest of the evening was a blurred mixture of giggling and drinking, I’m not entirely sure we even finished dinner. My eyes flashed open when I felt a pair of arms around me. I was lying fully clothed in my bed, Matt’s legs tangled around me. How did we get here? God, my head hurt... I needed to stop drinking like that. I fumbled for my phone, 3AM... Shit!

“Matt, you need to go home!” An eye slowly slid open.

“What time is it?” his sleepy voice was a low rumble.

“It’s 3 in the morning. We both have to be at work by 9.”

“Crap, I didn’t mean to fall asleep... Shit, where are my shoes?”

“It’s ok…” I smiled “we both fell asleep, I’ll call you a cab. I’m not in any condition to drive.” I dialled and gave the operator instructions while Matt pulled on his shoes. “Matt, I’m really glad we had last night, it was kind of fucked up but I haven’t been that honest with anyone in a long time. Thanks for not wanting to fuck me.”

He shook his head and tousled his hair with his hand. “The pleasure or the lack of it was all mine,” he smirked. “I’ll see you in a few hours, try to get some sleep.” And with that he kissed my cheek and left.

I felt an odd warmness spread across me, like I had moved forward. I hadn’t slept with a man in years. In fact, I prided myself on not having to deal with the walk of shame the next morning, having discovered how much easier it was for all parties involved to forgo the faux pleasantries and enjoy the moment for what it was. I stumbled back to my dark bedroom and rid myself of my clothes. The night had taken a most unexpected turn, and one I wasn’t entirely disappointed about. I let sleep overcome me as I fell into bed.