Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance

by C. C. Cartwright

  “Oh, what kind of recommendation?” I’ve peaked her curiosity.

  “To a good jeweler,” I smile, knowing what is about to come next.

  Caroline’s eyes go wide with excitement. “Are you looking for an engagement ring, Chandler Winslow?” she gasps in astonishment.

  “Yes, I’m in the market for one.” I chuckle, taking a sip of my café latte.

  “Oh. My. God. You’re settling down and breaking the hearts of girls across the world, you know that?” she squeals.

  “Nikki and I are expecting, and I couldn’t be happier.” I share the truth with her. It will be evident the next time she sees Nikki anyway. There’s no sense in hiding it.

  “Oh, congratulations. I’m happy for you both.” Caroline always says the right thing in every single situation, the epitome of class and sophistication. That’s my agent, Caroline Chambers.

  She has been my agent since day one, and I immediately took a liking to her. She has become like an aunt to me. Caroline looks out for me at every turn. She’s even brought me chicken soup when I’ve been sick. I couldn’t ask for a better agent—or friend, for that matter.

  “So you’re happy?” she asks, reaching across the table and squeezing my hand.

  “Yes, I’ve never been happier. Don’t worry. Nikki isn’t trying to trap me. On the contrary, she won’t agree to marry me. I’ve asked her a dozen times, and she turns me down every time.”

  “What? You have got to be kidding me. I need to have a talk with her,” Caroline says in a scolding voice. “No one turns my boy down. No one.”

  “Settle down, Caroline. I know what I’ve been doing wrong. Nikki’s dad, who is the greatest guy, tipped me off.”

  “Oh? And pray tell, what were you doing wrong?”

  “I didn’t have a ring, and I didn’t get down on bended knee. I’ve been such a fool. A chicken.”

  “Hmm, her father has a point there. A woman likes to be wooed and romanced. Oh, I know the perfect jeweler. Joseph is right up the street from here, on Camden Way. I’ve bought all of my baubles from him. He even will design something if he doesn’t have it in his shop.”

  “Well, if he’s good enough for you, and I know what exquisite taste you have, then I’m sure I would be happy with him. I just hope my wallet can afford him.”

  “He will take good care of you. Shall we pay him a visit?”

  “Right now?”

  “There’s no time like the present. You’ve got a bun in the oven.” Caroline winks at me. But I hear the warmth in her voice, so I don’t take offense. Besides, she is just speaking the truth.

  We walk over one street and up a block until we are standing in front of Joseph’s Jewelry Designs as we gawk at the jewelry displayed in the front window first before walking inside.

  It’s a small store, with three glass cases.

  “Caroline, how nice to see you, my dear,” a gentleman greets Caroline warmly.

  “Joseph, it’s nice to see you too!” They do the proverbial LA air kiss. “I’ve brought my good friend, Chandler Winslow, in to see you today. He is looking for just the right engagement ring, and I told him I knew just the person to see.”

  “Chandler, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Joseph extends his hand, and we shake firmly.

  “Likewise.”

  “This case here has most of my engagement rings.” He gestures to the glass case to our right.

  As my eyes peruse the baubles, one in particular catches my eyes. It looks very similar to the photo my mother sent from the magazine ad.

  “May I see this one in the bottom right of this tray?” I ask, pointing to the sparkling ring.

  “Ah yes, a cushion cut set in a halo setting. It’s a very popular style.”

  “You have fabulous taste, Chandler,” Caroline remarks.

  “This has a 2.65-carat, cushion cut center stone, surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds in what is called a halo.”

  “This is it. Nikki will love it. It’s stunning and dazzling, just like she is.”

  “Spoken like a man in love.” Caroline sighs.

  “I’ll take it.”

  Driving on the way home, all of the sudden, I’m feeling anxious with this velvet box burning a hole in my pocket.

  I brainstorm scenarios of how and when I should propose. I need to make it special and romantic and catch her off guard. Then maybe she will agree to marry me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to beg a girl to marry me. But to be honest, I wondered if I would ever get married or find that special girl I could trust with my heart. I know I’ve found that in Nikki. I don’t have a single doubt.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Nikki

  I’m sitting at my desk, brows furrowed studying the latest business trends in the cosmetics market when my private line rings. I quickly answer the call before I even check caller ID.

  “Hi, Nikki, It’s Jonathan. Please don’t hang up. Hear me out,” he pleads before I hang up on him.

  “What do you want?” I can hear a tremor in my voice.

  “I heard you’re expecting and I wanted to congratulate you. You and Chandler.”

  “Really? Well, thanks.”

  God, this is weird.

  “I also wanted to call and apologize for getting a little obsessive about you.”

  I don’t respond. What’s there to say?

  “And I wanted to let you know that I’m moving back to New York tomorrow.”

  “Oh. Going back home?” I ask. Hearing his voice again brought my fears to the surface again. I’m caught off guard and surprised by what he has to say. It’s setting my mind at ease, and hopefully, we can move past this.

  “Yes. I realized I missed the big apple, and there’s nothing keeping me here, so I thought I would go back and start fresh,” he says, and he sounds sincere about it.

  “Well, I wish you the best, Jonathan.”

  “Thanks. I just wanted to clear the air between us before I left. I wish you and Chandler the best too.”

  We say our goodbyes and hang up.

  That was—awkward and a little scary. When did he become such a threat? He was a nice guy at one time. Before he got obsessed with me. I truly hope he’s in a better place now and will find happiness in New York, far away from LA.

  I press the intercom button on my phone, “Kelsey, get in here.”

  “What is it?” Kelsey asks, scurrying into my office and closing the door behind her. I guess she could tell by the tone of my voice that it was something urgent.

  “Jonathan just called in on my direct line.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I should have been able to screen the call for you,” she says, cringing.

  “Actually, it was a good call.”

  “How can a call from your stalker be a good call?” she asks, sitting on the edge of her seat across from my desk.

  “He called to congratulate Chandler and me and apologize for stalking me and to tell me he is moving back to New York.”

  “Really!” Kelsey gasps.

  “Yes, really. On all three counts. I’m glad I took the call and heard him out. I could hear a glimmer of the old Jonathan I used to be friends with, before it got so strange. I can’t tell you how relieved I was to hear he’s moving all the way back to New York. It sets my mind at ease like you wouldn’t believe.” I sigh as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can breathe again at night and not wonder if he’s lurking around or watching me.

  “Well, that is all good news. Did you ever tell Chandler?” she asks.

  “No, never. And I think I will keep it that way. Why rehash past lovers, especially to your current lover?” Anybody knows that’s never a good idea.

  “That’s never a good idea. That’s what my Power of the Pussy books says too.”

  “You and that damn book. How are things going with Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome? Who I set you up with, by the way,” I tease.

  “Oh my God, Nikki. It couldn’t be better. I’m shocked and amazed by how well i
t’s going! ”

  “You can thank me later. I hope it continues to run smoothly. I take it he must be good between the sheets, no doubt.” I can’t help but comment. After all, she wanted details from me when Chandler and I first got together.

  “Nikki, I don’t kiss and tell,” she replies, feigning modesty and decorum.

  “Spill. I want details. You were after me for details when Chandler and I first got together,” I comment, hands on my hips. Honestly, the old double-standard.

  “If you must know, I haven’t slept with him just yet.”

  “You have got to be kidding me.”

  “Nope, I’m following the rules laid out in my latest relationship book. It’s been working like a charm. I almost have him eating out of my hand. He wants me so badly.” Kelsey giggles, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree.

  “I’m happy for you. Happy you found someone who treats you right, for a change.”

  Christmas is fast approaching, and I’m getting bigger by the day. I always seem to be hungry, and sweets are what I crave. Our office is filled with goodies our different vendors send as Holiday gifts, and I’ve been over-indulging. Chocolates, cookies, cakes and wine, but I have to abstain from the wine for the time being.

  “I just can’t stop stuffing my face. Get these things out of my office, would you? Move everything into the conference room so I’m not tempted. Look at me, I’m as big as a beached whale,” I groan, rubbing my belly.

  “Nikki, you are the cutest pregnant woman I’ve ever seen!” Kelsey exclaims, but I don’t believe a word my friend says. What does she know?

  Stewart walks into my office. We have a meeting to go over our holiday sales figures. It’s been another stellar year peddling makeup.

  “How are you feeling these days? Is Dr. Liu taking good care of you?”

  “Yes, I love Dr. Liu! She is always so patient and spends time with me at every visit, answering my every question and putting my fear of childbirth at ease. Honestly, I marvel at how women survive childbirth. I’m scared to death of it. I won’t watch any of the films they show in those childbirth classes. I look away at the gory parts,” I say with a shudder.

  “Man up, Nikki. You run this huge company, and you let having a baby scare you?” Stewart chides.

  “Hey, until you’re a woman who has to go through the ordeal, don’t tell me to ‘man up’,” I retort.

  “If my wife can survive it, anyone can. Have you thought of names yet?” Stewart asks.

  “Chelsea if it’s a girl, and Chandler Jr. if it’s a boy.”

  “You’re going to do that to the poor kid if it’s a boy. He’ll be Chandler the second?”

  “I like the name, Chandler,” I say in defense.

  “I guess it’s different,” Stewart shrugs.

  “I love the name, Chelsea,” Kelsey chimes in.

  After Stewart and I go over our numbers and our meeting is finished, Kelsey and I are left alone to decide what she will pick up for lunch to feed my growing belly.

  “Chandler’s family is spending Christmas with us.” When he asked if they could come for Christmas, I could hardly say no. I do love his family. They’re such a warm and loving family and have welcomed me with open arms. But being pregnant, I am just so worn out all of the time. It will be a real effort for me to entertain them, but I’m happy to do it for Chandler.

  My parents have offered to have Christmas at their home and have invited Chandler’s family to join us. To be honest, I’m a little nervous about how everyone will get along. I hope my mom behaves herself. I never worry about my dear old dad. He is always a jovial host. Who wouldn’t love my dad? He’s like a soft teddy bear that you can’t help but want to wrap in a bear hug the minute you meet him.

  “You like them, right?”

  “Yes, I do. Chandler has such a warm family. They always make me feel like I’m part of the family.”

  “Well, you will be soon. Now that you are giving them a grandbaby.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

  *****

  “How was your day, Princess?” Chandler asks once I come into the kitchen after I’ve changed out of my work clothes and into something comfortable. I always change the minute I get home into my most comfortable baby doll dress, escaping the confines of my maternity work clothes that can feel so confining by the end of the day. My feet are killing me. Most nights, I’m lucky enough to have my darling cowboy give me a much-needed foot massage.

  “Dinner smells heavenly. I’m starved,” I say, going up to him by the stove and giving him a kiss. Oh, how I love my personal chef/lover. My appetite has been in overdrive since I’ve been pregnant. “Work was good today.”

  Hearing from Jonathan today had set me on edge at first. But once I heard him out, I’m glad I did. He put my mind at ease and lifted the cloud that was hanging over us. I could hear the old Jonathan again, the one who had always been my friend. The fact that he’s moving across the country to New York made be feel a whole lot better too. I never did breathe a word about any of this to Chandler. But now that I’ve gained some closure and I’m at peace with it, maybe now is a good time.

  “I heard from Jonathan today,” I volunteer.

  “Oh, you haven’t talked to him in a while. How is he?” Chandler asks as he’s dishing out dinner and setting our plates on the table. I’m a lucky girl. What can I say? I found the man of my dreams right here, my cowboy. Who would have known?

  We sit down for dinner. We always like to dine out on the balcony when the weather’s nice so we can enjoy our breathtaking view of the crystal blue Pacific every chance we get. There’s a nice breeze blowing tonight. Chandler made my favorite. His mouth-watering lasagna and garlic breadsticks are to die for. I’ve gained quite a bit of weight, probably more than I should at this point in the pregnancy, but I don’t care, and Chandler doesn’t seem to either. I have an excuse. I’m eating for two, right? He claims I’m extra sexy while pregnant. Go figure. I think he’s just feeding me a line. He’s such a sweetheart.

  “He called to congratulate us on our impending arrival and to tell me he’s moving back to New York,” I reply between bites of my garlic breadstick.

  “Is that where he was from originally?” Chandler asks, taking a sip of his wine. I miss drinking wine, but I had to give alcohol up for the time being. Dr. Liu warned me against drinking, and I’ve been following her advice to a tee. I want to bring little Johnny or Suzie into the world as healthy as can be.

  “Yeah, I guess he misses the big apple.” I decide not to say a word about the would-be intruder being Jonathan. We’ve moved past it, and Chandler and I are in such a perfect place right now. Why divulge unnecessary information about my past relationships? What’s the saying? Let sleeping dogs lie. He may just wind up getting jealous about the fact that I had slept with Jonathan. I don’t want to dig all of that up again.

  “How was your day?” I ask, changing the subject off me and Jonathan.

  “Good too. I had lunch with Caroline,” he replies.

  Caroline is Chandler’s awesome agent. She’s the best in the business. He’s fortunate to have her. She works hard and genuinely cares about each of the models she represents. She and Chandler have become close friends. Caroline is a class act, someone I admire and look up to.

  “Caroline is the best. I love her,” I comment.

  “Yeah, she’s a special lady. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for her discovering me on the beach that one fine day. Then I wouldn’t have started modeling, and I would have never met you, darlin’,” he drawls with a grin.

  “True. True. Do you think our paths would have crossed otherwise?” I wonder. Maybe fate would have intervened.

  “We would have never ever met otherwise. Come on. I don’t hang out at any of your fancy parties or galas. And you never go to the beach or bars and clubs that I frequented. Nope, we would have never met.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I’m so glad she discovered you so I could
discover you,” I tease and laugh at my sexual innuendo while waggling my eyebrows at him.

  “The feeling is mutual. You’re the most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  “Please. How many pregnant ladies have you been around?”

  “I’ve seen them around.”

  “Well thank you, sweetheart.” I accept the compliment, although I’m not sure I believe him.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Nikki

  Chandler’s parents and sister, Cassie, arrive today. He’s picking them up from the airport and taking them to his bungalow in Venice to settle in. Since he is always at my place, it made sense for them to make themselves at home at his place. I’m thankful he didn’t ask me if they could stay here. As much as I adore them, I need my personal space right now, especially since I get so tired these days. By the evening, after a long day at Lipstick Kisses, I need to put my feet up, and Chandler is usually willing to pamper me with a foot massage.

  “Did your parents and Cassie settle in all right at your bungalow?” I ask Chandler this evening after dinner when we are kicking back in the living room.

  “Yes, they’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for dinner.”

  “I can’t wait to see them either.” Truth be told, I’m a little nervous about it. I’ve spoken to his darling mother on the phone since we found out I was expecting, and she couldn’t have been nicer or more supportive of our little surprise. But I’m nervous about seeing them face-to-face. Once they see my growing belly, will it just be a reminder that I’m trying to trap their precious son? I know I’m mind reading and they’ve never given me a single reason to think they disapprove of it all, but that’s just how I imagine they must be feeling.

  “Nikki, you look fabulous,” Mrs. Winslow gushes as she wraps me in a tight embrace. She is just being kind. I look like I’ve swallowed a basketball.

  “Mrs. Winslow, I’m so glad you are here to spend Christmas with us.”

  “Kate, remember. Please call me Kate, dear.”

  “How was the flight down?”