Roxanne's Redemption

by Aisling Keegan

  After she reached home, she parked in the driveway. As soon as she got inside the house, the phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “It’s Sebastian. Our date is for seven-thirty at Ambrosi. Do you know how to get there?”

  “Yes.” She looked at the clock on the living room wall. “I’ll see you in an hour.” She hung up the phone before she could change her mind as she desperately wanted. She was almost up the top of the stairs when the phone rang again. She went back down the stairs to pick it up and groaned when she remembered that there was an extension on the end table in her bedroom.

  “Hello.”

  “How was your first day at work?”

  A smile spread across her face. Kira!

  “It’s okay, well as much as it can be from now on.”

  “What happened?” Kira asked.

  Roxanne told her about how she was pretending to date the owner of Ferguson Graphics, Sebastian Ferguson because there was a woman he’s trying to get to leave him alone.

  “She’s completely obsessed with him,” Roxanne said, then told Kira about the elevator conversation.

  “Wow!”

  Roxanne snorted. “My head is spinning too.”

  “Well, good luck and remember girls’ night is every Friday.”

  “I will.”

  “All right, have a good time even if you're pretending he might finally be your Prince Charming.”

  God, she hoped not. Loving a man who another woman was obsessed with was a big no. She would rather stay single and live with fifteen cats than be caught in the middle between an obsessed woman and Sebastian. “Night, Kira. Tell the girls I said hello and I’ll see them Friday.”

  “Okay.” She hung up and ran all the way upstairs to the bathroom so she could shower and shave, and still be ready in good time. After she was dressed and ready, Roxanne picked up her jacket, handbag and keys then headed out.

  * * * *

  A few minutes before Sebastian arrived at the restaurant, he wondered idly why his palms kept sweating and he suddenly felt like his clothes were too small. Not long after, the answer came. He was nervous. Of course he was. Sebastian wanted tonight to be perfect.

  When he finally got to the restaurant he was fifteen minutes early and as he was about to exit his car, a red Ferrari California pulled up next to him. When the driver stepped out, he had to check if he was drooling; while stopping his jaw from falling to the ground.

  It was Roxanne. She was wearing a red dress. Not too short, but not too long and the way it emphasized her curves made his mouth water. His cock hardened painfully. Damn! He felt like a teenager with a crush on his very sexy English teacher—come to think of it, he did have a crush on his English teacher back in high school.

  She was hot and he wouldn’t mind skipping the restaurant to return home with her. Sebastian got out of his car, smiling at her when she looked at him. He wanted to say something, but his brain chose that particular moment to shut down, leaving his cock in charge.

  He locked his car then turned to face her. She was already walking around her car toward him; he took her hand when she reached his side. She tried to pull it away, but he tightened his grip.

  “You look beautiful,” he finally said when his brain started working again.

  She smiled and he felt his heartbeat speed up. “Thank you. You look good, too.”

  They walked hand in hand to the restaurant. When they got inside the hostess smiled and greeted them. “Welcome to Ambrosi. May I help you?”

  Sebastian returned the smile before replying, “Table for two please, under the name Ferguson.” The hostess nodded once then they followed her through the restaurant to their table. She handed them the menu as she said, “Your waiter will be with you shortly.”

  Their waiter arrived while they were looking at the menus. “Hello, I’ll be your waiter for the evening. May I take your drink orders?”

  Sebastian turned to Roxanne. “Do you mind if I order our drink?”

  He asked because he knew most women didn't like it when their dates ordered anything for them and he didn't know if Roxanne was like that. She shook her head; he turned to their waiter. “A bottle of Castelvero Barbera d'Asti, please.”

  “Yes, sir,” the waiter said.

  “Did you forget that we drove here?” He returned his attention back to Roxanne at her words, shaking his head. “Then, why did you order wine?” she said.

  “I’m sorry; I can order something else if you like. I thought half a glass of wine wouldn’t be too much to get us so drunk that we couldn’t drive home afterward.”

  She sighed and he wondered if she was angry at him for assuming. He hid his relief when she mumbled, “That’s all right.”

  A few minutes later the waiter returned with the bottle of wine and two glasses.

  Chapter Six

  Sebastian watched as the waiter poured wine into Roxanne’s glass. She stopped him when her glass was half-full. He did the same. The waiter set the bottle into the wine bucket and turned to Roxanne. “Are you ready to order your appetizers?”

  After they placed their orders and the waiter left, Sebastian sipped at his wine before returning his attention to Roxanne. “Tell me about yourself.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not a real date. Let’s talk about something else.”

  Sebastian sighed. “All right, tell me about what Ashley said today in the elevator.” Her eyes widened and he suppressed a chuckle. “Yes, I heard about it so tell me.”

  “Why?”

  “I need to know. Besides I'm the reason you’re involved in the first place,” he said.

  She hesitated for a minute before mumbling, “She said I wasn’t your type and you wanted her not me. I didn't answer that nor did I answer when she asked whether I could please a man like you in bed.”

  “Can you?” he asked jokingly and regretted it at once. He didn't want her to get scared and run away plus his erection hardened more at the thought. Her eyes widened, but instead of running like he assumed she would, she looked away. When she looked back at him, he saw relief in her eyes. He didn't have to wait long to find out why.

  “Here comes the waiter with our food.”

  They ate their appetizers in silence. After they were finished the waiter collected their plates before leaving again. Sebastian decided the best way to know about her was by asking questions about her life, just nothing too personal.

  “Have you lived in California all your life?”

  She muttered something about persistent men and he pressed his lips together to keep from laughing as he waited to see if she would answer.

  He smiled when she sighed. “No. I moved back here three months ago.”

  “Why?” he asked, knowing he shouldn’t. Deep down he knew asking her questions when she wasn’t ready would give her an excuse to stay away, and that was the last thing he wanted her to do.

  “Personal reasons,” she mumbled.

  He wouldn’t ask for any explanation yet.

  “How long has Ashley been trying to get in your pants?” she asked, her eyes twinkling. He smiled at that and wondered if she thought he didn't realize she was changing the subject.

  “Three months.”

  She snickered. “So for three months you’ve been telling her no, while trying to avoid her so she knows you're serious.”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you ever think that maybe she was in love with you?”

  He tried not to flinch as his head swam, making his vision blurry. As corny as it might sound he didn't care, but the only woman he wanted falling for him was Roxanne. “No. Did she tell you that?”

  Why can’t I say what I really want to say? Am I that messed up?

  Roxanne shook her head.

  He was just about to ask another question, but the waiter arrived with their main course more quickly than Sebastian had expected, so he decided to wait.

  They turned their attention to the food for some time before Sebastian broke the sil
ence. “How old are you?” he asked.

  She arched a brow and he thought for a moment she wasn’t going to answer. He was wrong. “I’m twenty-four. How old are you?”

  “I’m thirty-four.”

  She nodded, but didn't comment and he wondered if she thought he was too old to be dating her. He wanted to ask but the waiter arrived with their desserts so he decided to leave the question for another time. At the end of their meal, Sebastian helped Roxanne out of her chair. He tried not to beat his chest like a caveman when she didn't pull her hand out of his.

  When they reached their cars, she opened her driver’s side, and placed her jacket and purse on the passenger seat. He caught her staring at his mouth, a second before she cleared her throat and looked away. He was ready for her and as soon as she turned to face him again, Sebastian captured her mouth in a rough desperate kiss. His tongue swept inside her mouth as he explored and stroked every inch. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against his body. When she stiffened, he knew she could feel his erection. He could and would have kissed her all night, but he ended it when a passerby shouted for them to get a room. They were breathing hard when she stepped away. His gaze never wavered from her swollen lips.

  “Goodnight, Sebastian.”

  With that she got in her car and drove away. Double damn! It would be a miracle if she still continued to help him. He got in his car and drove off, thinking about the cold shower that awaited him.

  * * * *

  Ashley unclenched her hands when her nails bit painfully into her palm. In the elevator earlier, she’d thought Sebastian was lying to her about his date with that woman. The kiss they had just shared was anything but friendly. If it was, then they should win an Emmy and change careers.

  She shook her head.

  Lust or no lust, Sebastian Ferguson was hers. She saw him first. If he didn't dump that bitch quickly, then bad things were going to happen.

  * * * *

  Roxanne pulled into her driveway. She turned the ignition off, picked up her jacket, purse, and walked toward the house. Once she was inside, she set the alarm then went upstairs. In her bedroom she stripped out of her clothes and dumped them in the hamper.

  In the bathroom, she washed off her makeup and brushed her teeth. She thought about the kiss she had shared with Sebastian and shivered. He was more dangerous than she’d thought. How was she to keep her heart from getting involved? What would she do if it happened? Roxanne didn't want to fall for him, especially since their relationship wasn’t real.

  Heck, real or not, she didn't want or need a man in her life. She was happy being single for the rest of her life. Wasn’t she? If not, she could always go buy a cat or some other pet to keep her company.

  She wanted to tell him tomorrow that she couldn’t do it anymore, but she would never break a promise. But with her heart in danger of getting involved, she really wanted to.

  Back in her bedroom, she put on her pajamas, promising herself she wouldn’t think about that kiss again and fell asleep immediately after lying down.

  Chapter Seven

  When the alarm sounded, Roxanne groaned before sliding out of the bed. About an hour later, she was getting her belongings from the passenger seat of her car, when a Porsche 911 Carrera S pulled up beside her. She sighed in relief when she saw Nick. The elevator doors had just begun closing when Sebastian appeared. She gulped when she caught him staring at her mouth.

  “Sebastian, you might own the whole damn building, but get your ass in the elevator before it starts moving, then you can undress Roxanne with your eyes.”

  Roxanne laughed softly when Sebastian blushed.

  “Hold that door,” a female voice called out as Sebastian was about to step inside. He flinched and Nick laughed. Immediately, Roxanne realized who it was.

  Sebastian stepped back as Ashley stepped inside wearing a dress fit only to wear anywhere but work. Sebastian followed her into the elevator. Roxanne watched as Nick looked at Sebastian’s expression and smirked. As the doors closed, Ashley turned to Sebastian.

  “How was your date last night?” she asked through clearly gritted teeth.

  Suddenly they all focused their attention on Ashley. Sebastian turned to look at Roxanne with heat in his eyes before answering. “My date was amazing.”

  Nick smirked.

  Ashley sneered then muttered, “It was just a kiss,” before she stepped out.

  Roxanne’s mind whirled with questions.

  Nick's smirk and Sebastian’s heated look vanished and were replaced with wide eyes and gaping mouths. Roxanne shook her head and chewed on her lip as she tried to remember if she’d seen Ashley at the restaurant last night, but she came up blank.

  “Come on.” Sebastian’s voice along with his hand on the small of her back pulled Roxanne out of her thoughts. She looked around, just now realizing the elevator had stopped on Sebastian’s floor. She let Sebastian guide her to his office with Nick following behind. Sebastian opened the door and held it for her and Nick to enter, then he closed it behind them.

  Nick sat on the couch and watched Sebastian as he paced. Roxanne sat in the chair in front of Sebastian’s desk and watched him too. Finally, when his pacing led to nothing but agitation, Nick spoke. “What’s the last thing you did after your date last night?”

  “We kissed in the restaurant’s parking lot,” Sebastian said with a smile as if remembering.

  “Damn. If Ashley knows that, then she followed one of you to the restaurant and waited until both of you left.”

  “Yes. I think she followed me,” Sebastian said with a scowl.

  “What are you going to do now?” Nick asked.

  “We’re going to see a movie tonight and you can come with us. You can help look for her while enjoying a night out with friends.”

  Roxanne cleared her throat to get their attention. “If she’s really following us, she’s going to very careful not to be seen next time.”

  “Maybe, but since she got away with it the first time, it might make her too eager to be careful the next time.”

  Roxanne nodded. It could happen like that, but only if she was being brash about her first victory. “Okay, where should I meet you?” she asked after a few seconds of silence.

  Sebastian shook his head and smiled. “You won't. I’ll pick up Nick and then you around seven-thirty.”

  Roxanne hesitated for a few minutes then nodded before leaving.

  In her office Roxanne wondered if the way Sebastian decided to handle Ashley’s unwanted attention was the right way. Would Ashley take her obsession with Sebastian to the next level and try to hurt her or Sebastian? She shook her head. No, she didn't think Ashley would hurt any of them intentionally. Besides Sebastian would put a stop to what they were doing if it came to that. Wouldn’t he? She wasn’t sure, but her heart was telling her that he would. What a mess.

  * * * *

  The door opened. When Nick entered, Sebastian sat up straight and waited until Nick closed the door. “Did you find out?”

  “Yes. It’s a white gold Pearl Chrysler Sebring Convertible.”

  Sebastian arched a brow at his friend.

  “I found out when I was heading to lunch. Satisfied now?”

  “Thanks.”

  Nick nodded before leaving.

  Chapter Eight

  Roxanne pulled into her garage at six-thirty and groaned as she thought about how she’d have to hurry if she wanted to be ready by the time Sebastian arrived. She was almost ready when the phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “It’s Sebastian. Nick and I are outside.”

  Already!

  She looked at the clock, groaning when she saw they were five minutes early. “I’m not done dressing, so park in the driveway and I’ll open the door for you.”

  “Okay,” she heard him reply before hanging up.

  She’d just started walking in the direction of the stairs, when the doorbell rang; she sighed and hurried downstairs. Roxanne opened th
e door and almost swallowed her tongue at the sight that greeted her. Sebastian was wearing pale blue jeans and a white button-down shirt. His hair wasn’t in a ponytail as usual. He looked so yummy, she had to stop herself from licking her lips.

  Nick was dressed similarly to Sebastian in the jeans department, but his T-shirt was black. His brown hair looked windblown, or it was the result of him running his fingers through it? Roxanne stepped aside so they could enter. “Make yourselves at home. I'm going to finish getting dressed.” She dashed back upstairs without waiting for an answer.

  When she reached her bathroom, Roxanne put on her clothes and shoes that she had laid out prior to going downstairs. With everything done, she grabbed her leather jacket, her cell phone and keys. Downstairs she found Sebastian and Nick seated on the couch watching television.

  “I’m ready now.”

  “You look great. Can I ask you a question?”

  “Thanks,” she said then shrugged.

  “Do you own any flat shoes at all?”

  “Sure I do. My bed slippers,” she answered.

  Nick laughed and Sebastian smiled as he turned off the television. She locked up and then followed them to the car. When they reached the car, Nick opened the front door for her and went in the back.

  * * * *

  Roxanne pulled back the sheet as she stripped off her clothes and dumped them in the hamper. Immediately after cleaning up, she put on her pajamas then dropped into the bed. She wasn’t sleepy, so she thought back to earlier.

  After they’d left her house, about twenty minutes later they pulled up into the cinema’s parking lot. Once they were inside, Sebastian purchased the tickets and bought popcorn, sodas and chocolate for her. From the moment they sat down until the beginning of the movie, she didn't know anything that happened. With Sebastian sitting next to her, she was wound so tight that she thought she would go crazy with need.

  When he wasn’t running his finger down her arm oh so slowly, he was whispering something in her ear, and all she could think about was his mouth and how it would feel on her body. Thinking about that had led to her wondering what it would feel like to have him back her up against a wall as he fucked her hard, or have him lie on his back while she rode him hard. Those thoughts had her creaming her underwear, and that was the reason she didn't remember anything about the movie.