Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance

by C. C. Cartwright

  And so my morning begins, with Chandler making the sweetest love to me. Slow, tender, gentle love.

  “I love you. You know that, right?” Chandler murmurs softly against my ear after our session of lovemaking.

  “Yes,” I reply, looking up into those eyes of his. I lovingly stroke his cheek with my thumb.

  After he brings me to the edge of ecstasy and back down, he holds me close in his arms.

  “What am I going to do with you?” he asks.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Marry me.”

  “I gave you my answer already,” I reply, shifting my gaze to my fingers, which are lightly stroking his chest.

  “We love each other. What’s stopping you?”

  “I told you before that I won’t trap you into marrying me just because I’m with child.” I quickly roll out of bed, leaving Chandler sighing out in exasperation. I won’t do it. I don’t want him to feel trapped, smothered into marrying me, and so I won’t agree to it. I want him to stay around because he loves me, not because of some obligation or just because I’m having his baby.

  I step into my bathroom, my sanctuary. I turn on the shower and wait for the water to heat. I sense a pair of eyes on me and look out the door, which I left ajar. Chandler is watching me from the bed with the oddest expression. I hold his mesmerizing gaze as he throws the sheet off his naked physique, and I bite my lip. He strides into the bathroom.

  He can tell me all he wants to that he was planning to ask me to marry him, but I’m not buying it. He never talked about marriage before, and I was totally fine with the way things were. We’re happy together, no pressure for anything other than just being together when we both wanted to be. So what if it meant every night of the week? That’s how we seemed to both want it. The feeling was mutual. Neither of us was tugging for more. At least, I didn’t think so. Now, it’s just gotten all muddled up with me being pregnant. He feels some sense of urgency to get married, although, like I said, he never alluded to it before the pregnancy. So nope, not going there.

  When and if I ever get married, I want it to be for all of the right reasons, because we love each other unconditionally. Certainly not because there’s a bun in the oven.

  I’m not showing yet, so I haven’t told my parents. They are going to freak out, with my Catholic upbringing. They’re going to insist we get married, as if it’s any of their business what we decide to do. We’re both grown adults.

  With a heavy heart, I drag myself into the office this morning.

  “Why so glum?” Kelsey asks, walking into my office with my morning latte and placing it on my desk.

  “Close the door.”

  “Is it juicy, juicy gossip?” she asks.

  “You can’t tell a soul, not yet,” I say.

  “I promise.”

  “I’m pregnant.” I gulp.

  “Oh. My. God. Nikki, how exciting! Why, then, are you so glum? Oh . . .I get it.” She pauses, realizing the direness of my situation. I’m an unwed mother.

  “Exactly. The timing is all wrong,” I cry out.

  “How is Chandler taking it? It is his baby, right?” she asks gently.

  “Of course it’s his baby.” I glare at Kelsey.

  “Sorry, I knew that.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Well, I know I’m going to have it.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Kelsey says with a bit of sarcasm. I’m being judged already.

  “I’m born and raised Catholic, remember?”

  “Have you told your parents yet?”

  “God, no. I’m dreading it. They will insist we get married as soon as possible.”

  “And what’s wrong with that? You’re in love. Has Chandler done the honorable thing and asked you to marry him?” she asks.

  “What are you, living in the dark ages? People don’t get married nowadays just because of a baby. Besides, I refuse to trap a guy into marrying me. I’m sick about it all. Yes, Chandler has proposed numerous times since I told him. He never once mentioned marriage before I was pregnant. Now, because it’s the honorable thing to do, he has asked me, so it doesn’t count—not in my book. I said no.”

  “You turned down his marriage proposal? Are you crazy?” Kelsey asks in pure astonishment.

  “He’s only asking me because I’m carrying his child.”

  “Has it dawned on you that he asked you to marry him because he loves you and you happen to be carrying his child?”

  “Stop going around in circles. My answer is no. Let’s just try and get some work done around here, shall we?”

  “You drop this bomb on me and expect me to act like nothing has changed and it will be business as usual around here? You are going to be a mother. Can you freaking believe it? I’m so happy for you!” Kelsey exclaims a little too loudly.

  “Please keep your voice down. I don’t want to announce it yet.” I turn on my heel and walk to my window and stare out at the view of the city. A million people in LA, going about their business like it’s a normal day. But for me, my life has changed forever. Every emotion runs through my body. I’m happy, sad, and scared, yet determined to get through this.

  “Nikki,” my friend says quietly. She’s standing right behind me now.

  “Everything will be all right. A child is a blessing,” she says quietly, trying to reassure me.

  I turn to her. “Those are the same words Chandler said,” I whisper. “To be honest, I’m scared to death. Scared of how my life will change, how my body will change. A baby is not in my plans right now.”

  “Look Nikki, I know you like to be in control at all times, in all areas of your life. I could totally see how this is freaking you out. It will just take a while to get used to the idea. You will be fine. You’re resilient. I know you want children. Maybe the timing isn’t right, but then again, when would it ever be for the hard-working, all-business woman like you?” she says, putting her hands on her hips.

  “You’re probably right. I would never think it was a good time to have kids. When did you become the voice of wisdom? Thanks for trying to put it in perspective for me and making me feel a little better about it all.”

  Kelsey wraps her arms around me to comfort me, and I let her.

  “Have you been to the doctor yet?”

  “I have my first appointment next week. Chandler wants to go with me.”

  “How sweet. He loves you, Nikki.”

  “I know.”

  “Then why the hell won’t you marry him?”

  “Let’s get to work. I don’t want to talk about it any more. The subject is closed for now. Have all of the shipments gone out to Morgan Cosmetics?”

  “Yes, the last shipment went out Friday from our main warehouse. I called and confirmed it first thing this morning.”

  “Good. Morgan was breathing down my neck about it last week.”

  “He sounds like I would love to have him breathing down my neck. What does he look like? Is he as sexy in person as he sounds on the phone? That British accent is to die for!” Kelsey giggles.

  I tilt my head and picture Morgan, the owner of Morgan Cosmetics. “Yes, he actually is a dashing fellow. That British accent is a lady killer,” I laugh.

  “He sounds yummy—that’s why I was asking.” Kelsey grins.

  “You’ve never met him? He’s been in before.”

  “I must have been out or away from my desk.”

  “He’s a little too pushy for my taste, but I guess it’s because I only know him on a professional, cutthroat level. I hear he is quite the skirt chaser though.” I laugh.

  “Hmm, he sounds like the international man of mystery. I will need to be in the next time he comes for a visit.” Kelsey waggles her eyebrows at me.

  “We’re meeting to discuss exclusive packaging for his chain of cosmetic stores,” I say aloud as I flip through my appointment calendar. “Ah yes, he is coming in next Wednesday morning at ten. Dress extra-sexy and wear some high-heeled f*ck me pumps.”r />
  “Nikki!” Kelsey squeals.

  “Hey, you need to make the most of your assets. Come in that day dressed to kill. You’ve got great legs. Wear a tight pencil skirt and a sheer blouse with a cami underneath.”

  “That hardly sounds like appropriate business attire.”

  “I’m your boss, and I am telling you it’s appropriate. And be sure to wear your hair down instead of in your usual pulled back ponytail. Curl the ends.”

  “All right, all right. But I highly doubt I’m his type.”

  “Don’t be so sure. I have a feeling about this one. “

  “Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

  “Yes, you could use some help in that department. You haven’t been on a date since you and what’s-his-name broke up.”

  “Dylan. Dylan McCabe was his name.”

  “Oh yes, Dylan, the commitment phobe.”

  “You should talk, Nikki.”

  “It’s hard to find a good man these days.”

  “But you have Chandler,” Kelsey points out.

  “So far, he has proven to be, yes,” I admit.

  Kelsey leaves my office, and I try to stay focused and get some work done today. The problem is that my mind keeps dwelling on my predicament. I glance down at my tummy and place my hand on it. To think there is a little life growing inside me. A little Chandler, or a little princess like me. I almost want to cry. I have nine months to get my head around the fact that my baby will be born into this world. The world I create for him or her. I will be responsible for a new little person.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chandler

  Nikki dropped a bomb on me this weekend, something very unexpected, to say the least.

  I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that I’m going to be a father. Not sure I’m up for the task. I mean, I will step up to the plate and be here every step of the way with Nikki, but I was just blindsided by it all. Still reeling, in fact.

  I call my mom at the first opportunity when I’m alone, after Nikki leaves for work this morning. I’m anxious to share the news with her, although I don’t think Nikki feels the same way about telling her family. I know she hasn’t told them yet. She’s probably dreading it.

  “Hi, Mom,” I say as soon as my mom picks up the phone.

  “Chandler, honey, it’s nice to hear from you. How is LA treating you?”

  “Well, good and not so good.”

  “Tell me what it is, Son. Are you all right?” I immediately hear the concern in her voice.

  “Yes, Mom, I’m fine.”

  “Is it Nikki then, how is she?”

  “Actually, it is Nikki.”

  “Is she all right? You two haven’t broken up, have you?”

  “Nikki is fine. We’re fine. She’s expecting our first child.”

  Dead silence for a moment.

  “Wait a minute. I need to sit down for this. I am going to be a grandmother?” my mom whispers, but I can hear the smile in her voice.

  “So it seems.”

  “How can you be so nonchalant about it all, Son? Are you two going to get married?”

  “She won’t have me. I’ve asked numerous times and gotten shot down.”

  “How can that be? I know she loves you and you love her. I’m coming down there and talking some sense into her.”

  “No, Mom, that’s not a good idea right now. Don’t you have faith that I’ll be able to work my charms?”

  “I do, but I also gather that Nikki is a strong-willed young lady. She won’t be persuaded easily.”

  “Give me a little time.”

  “I give you three months, and then I’m coming down if she hasn’t agreed to become your wife by then.”

  “Deal,” I reply, pacifying my mother and buying myself some time.

  Nikki will come to her senses sooner or later.

  I’ve been the ever-attentive boyfriend, catering to her every need this past week.

  Tomorrow is our first doctor’s appointment, and she’s still trying to dissuade me from going with her, but I’ll have none of it.

  I pick her up at her office to make sure we don’t miss the appointment. She’s very quiet on the way over, and I just let her be with her thoughts.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Kelsey

  I don’t know what’s up with Nikki.

  Why is she trying to play matchmaker all of the sudden?

  Honestly, I can find my own man. Although I guess I haven’t had the best luck with choosing the right men.

  So today is the day. I dressed exactly how my bossy boss told me to.

  “How do I look? Do I pass your inspection?” I ask, walking into Nikki’s office this morning.

  “Turn around,” she commands in her I mean business voice.

  “Yes, you look fabulous. But here, use this shade of lipstick,” Nikki says as she rummages around in her desk drawer before finding the right shade and handing it to me.

  I go back to my desk and finish primping.

  Shit. I look up from my desk, and I see a drop-dead gorgeous, David Beckham lookalike striding in my direction. I swallow hard, and my throat goes bone dry. I reach to take a sip of my coffee for sustenance.

  My palms start sweating, and I wipe them off on my too-tight pencil skirt.

  “Good Morning. How can I help you?” I say to the gentleman now standing at my desk.

  “Morgan Daniels. I’m here to see Nikki. We have a ten o’clock,” he says in the hottest British accent I’ve ever heard, and I just about die.

  “Oh yes, she’s expecting you,” I manage to stammer out.

  He leans on the hutch of my desk and asks, “And who might you be?” He pierces me with his crystal blue eyes.

  Yowza.

  “I’m . . .I’m Kelsey, Nikki’s assistant,” I stutter, flustered by the attention he is giving me.

  “It’s a pleasure, and I do mean pleasure, to meet you, Kelsey. I don’t remember meeting you the last time I came in, and I’m sure I would’ve remembered meeting someone as gorgeous as you.” He dazzles me with a panty-dropping, sly grin.

  “It’s nice to meet you too,” I reply. What a skirt-chaser is right.

  “Let me show you to the conference room.”

  I stand in these ridiculous shoes and try not to trip as I walk down the long, white-tiled corridor to the conference room. I can feel the heat of his gaze as he watches me walk around my desk. My nipples harden just from the look he’s giving me. I look at the ground in sheer embarrassment and offer a small, knowing smile.

  “Morgan, nice to see you,” Nikki says, standing to greet him with a handshake once we walk into our high-gloss, ultra-clean, modern conference room.

  Nikki likes to have all of her meetings in there. Her office is filled with samples and is in disarray most days.

  “Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee, tea or water?” I ask Morgan.

  “Some coffee would be nice. Black, please. Thank you, Kelsey,” he replies.

  I turn to leave, but not before Nikki hits me with a nod of approval and a smirk. The little matchmaker.

  When I bring Morgan his coffee, my hands are shaking as I hand it to him. Hope he doesn’t notice as I offer him a stiff smile. The guy is so devilishly handsome that I’m a nervous mess around him. I get out of the conference room as fast as I can without tripping in my f*ck me pumps—that Nikki bought me, by the way. I don’t know how she can wear these every day of the week.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Nikki

  “Nikki, you have a very attractive assistant,” Morgan says the minute Kelsey closes the door.

  “Oh, Kelsey? She’s been with me since day one.”

  “Is she married?”

  “No.”

  “Does she have a boyfriend?”

  “No.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Are you interested?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

  “What do you think, love?”

  “I thought sh
e might be your type.”

  “Most definitely,” he replies with a broad grin before he takes a sip of his coffee. “You still dating that pretty boy model, Chandler Winslow?”

  “Who are you calling pretty boy? You are just as pretty,” I retort.

  “You flatter me, but few men are as pretty as Chandler Winslow, my dear. His face graces many a magazine cover, not my ugly mug,” Morgan says, all modesty. But honestly, he could be a model.

  We get down to business, discussing packaging ideas to showcase our line in his Morgan Cosmetic stores. It was quite a coupe for Lipstick Kisses when he approached us to carry our line.

  “I’m getting hungry. It’s about lunch time,” Morgan declares, glancing at the vintage Rolex on his wrist. He is always dressed and accessorized to the nines.

  “Did you want to grab lunch together?” I ask to be polite.

  “That sounds good. Can we invite Kelsey along?”

  “You don’t waste time, do you?” I smile at him across the table.

  “I believe in seizing every opportunity when it presents itself,” he replies, cool as a cucumber. So smooth. I hope I’m not setting Kelsey up for heartache. I regret it for a moment.

  “One of the many reasons for your success.” I smile. “Let me go and see if she’s still here and hasn’t left for lunch. I’ll be right back.”

  I stroll down the corridor toward my office, and I can see Kelsey sitting at her desk. She’s on the phone. I motion for her to come to my office. Once she ends her call, she walks into my office.

  “Morgan took the bait. He inquired about you after you brought him his coffee. He basically asked if you were available, and I gave him an emphatic yes. Now he wants you to join us for lunch. What do you say?”

  “Oh God, are you serious?” Kelsey says in a hushed squeal. Then she buries her face in her hands, suppressing a smile.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “God, I am so nervous around him. I sputter like an uncoordinated schoolgirl. Didn’t you see my hand shaking when I gave him his coffee? I am never going to make it through lunch without doing or saying something stupid. He is way out of my league. I can’t go out with him.” Kelsey admits her insecurities about a man like Morgan finding her attractive.