by S. K. Ervin
"Mr. Kane, will you be overseeing the reconstruction?" Alexis asked the elder Kane, remembering what Harper had said previously.
"Noah.” He offered.
“What?”
“You may call me Noah. And yes, I like to keep tabs on all of my...assets." He established, pinning her with a fiery gaze.
Oh! Am I the asset or is my business?
The breath she didn't know she held, left her body in a soft 'whoosh'. Dear God, this man made her brain liquefy with one look. She knew she had to get away from this one, he was nothing but trouble. He was insanely arousing with blood-pounding sensuality, but, he was irrevocably and undeniably…trouble.
Clearing her throat, she nodded at her Mr. Barbaric and turned to Harper, who was staring at his cousin with amusement shining in his eyes.
Why he thought his cousin was funny, she had no idea and didn't really want to know. She just wanted to continue with her business construction.
For the next few hours, she talked with Harper about what changes she wanted to make and he added in his thoughts for her spa, as well. Together, they came up with amazing ideas. Even Noah added a few suggestions which she took into consideration. He was the main reason she got this magnificent spot, as it was. By lunch, they had everything planned out and the construction would begin immediately. She couldn't have asked for much more. It would take around two months to complete the renovations and have everything set up. And she couldn't wait!
Harper kissed her cheek, before taking his leave. He promised that only the best would be working on this assignment and that she could plan for an opening in exactly two months’ time.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Alexis smiled. Her dreams of owning her own spa was coming true!
"Are you satisfied?" Mr. Barbaric asked, though she shouldn't call him that anymore. He had proved, on many occasions that he was anything but that. Maybe Mr. Sensual...
Am I satisfied? With my soon to be spa, YES! With you...NO! I want more of you.
"Ye..yes." She stammered quickly, her eyes battling with his.
Don't look away, don't look away. Damn his stare!
He was not giving in anytime soon. The man knew he was agonizingly sexy with his intense ‘take over your mind’ gaze.
"Ms. Monroe..."
"Alexis. Please."
"Alexis." Her name sounded like a silky caress on his tongue. "I look forward to...feeling how talented you are with your hands."
He turned on his heel and she was left gaping at his broad back and narrow hips.
She didn't stand a chance! He made it very clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer. And she didn't want him to.
Chapter Four
Days went by, with no sign of Mr. Noah Kane. Then weeks.
Alexis and Harper worked on every aspect of her spa, Blissful Me, until everything was finally completed. Harper Kane was an amazing guy and they became fast friends. He was just as handsome as Noah Kane, but, that’s where the similarities ended. Harper was care-free, uninhibited and just plain old fun, whereas, Noah Kane was mysterious, piercing and all-consuming.
In Noah's presence, Alexis felt the room was alive with an intense energy she couldn't explain. An intense energy she hadn't felt, since she last saw him two months ago.
She wondered if he was going to show up for her cutting the ribbon ceremony, to signal the opening of her spa. She hoped so. He had told her he was going to look after his "assets", but, he didn't show his face not once. Alexis hoped he didn't regret selling her his building. And then, she remembered the last thing he’d said to her.
“I look forward to feeling how talented you are with your hands.”
Yea right! He probably hadn’t thought of her since they last talked.
Well, that’s fine with me. I don’t need him anyway.
Alexis would make sure that she was booked for the whole two weeks. And maybe, he would seek someone else for his massages. With a smirk, she pushed play on her music playlist, stepped into the shower and prepared for her big day in the morning.
Her father, sister and two best friends were going to drive with her, to support her for the cutting ribbon ceremony. Alexis was nervous, excited and humbled, all-in-one. She only wished her mother could be there for her big day.
Dressed in her VS nightshirt, Alexis climbed into her bed, said a silent prayer of thanks as she slid into a peaceful sleep. This time...no dreams of her elusive bad boy billionaire troubled her.
Standing before Blissful Me Spa, the large pair of scissors grasped with both hands, Alexis felt exhilarated. Her family, friends and hundreds of others were there to support her and the opening of the newest spa in downtown Miami! Everyone roared their approval when Alexis finally cut the ribbon and announced that her spa was officially open.
The staff she’d hired two months ago, were all excited to begin their jobs; and it was a good thing because they were already booked for weeks! Katie, her assistant, had told her a week ago that the online advertisements were a hit for the spa and that the first two weeks were booked almost immediately. Everyone would be extremely busy for a long while. But, she couldn't complain; so far her business was succeeding.
Harper came up to her and hugged her, whispering "Congrats Sexy Lexi!"
"Harper!" Alexis laughed. He was such a ball of sunshine, he never failed to make her laugh.
"What?" He shrugged a shoulder giving her an irresistible grin.
Her best friend came over to congratulate her. "I'm super proud of you Lexi. Whenever you need help with anything, you can always count on me."
"Aww thanks Cade, you’re the best! Harper, meet Cadence my best friend and Cadence meet Harper, the man behind the architectural plans!"
They both greeted each other with smiles, Harper's a little more mischievous.
"I have to go check on a few things and I'll catch up with you guys later, ok?" Alexis told them and turned to leave.
"Oh Alexis, Noah says he’ll see you later. He had to take care of some business." Harper told her.
"He was here?" She asked breathlessly. Just the mention of his name brought back all of the memories and vivid dreams she'd had the last few months. The man was a plague to her mind and body.
"Of course, he was here every day before you would arrive, to have me go over each of the plans with him. He didn't tell you?" Harper was occupied staring at Cadence, so he didn't notice Alexis's eyes narrow.
"No. He did NOT tell me." She spoke through clenched teeth. The man had the ability to get her worked up, without even showing his face. She balled her fist and stomped inside her spa.
She would NOT let him ruin her day!
Easily falling into the routine of working and running the spa, Alexis perfected the job. She was born to run her own spa. Everyone had a jovial mood and loved their job, she couldn't have chosen a better staff. During the day, she had given mostly waxes, a few body scrubs and massages. When the work day was coming to an end, she went in search of her assistant, Katie.
"Ms. Monroe! May I get anything for you?" Katie asked when she saw Alexis headed to the reception desk.
"Yes, Katie. Inform me on how today went, please." Alexis instructed slumping into the chair beside Katie. She was exhausted, a good type of exhaustion, like she’d accomplished a ton! Which she had.
"Okay. Each of our appointments arrived on time and completed their waivers; no one cancelled. The staff were all very friendly and we had no complaints. The last appointment will be arriving in 5 minutes for...you." Katie ended with an apologetic grimace.
"Well, that's what this job’s all about...pleasing customers!" Alexis exclaimed, brightly. She honestly didn't mind, she loved this job and probably would choose to continue working until she grew old and wrinkled. Laughing at that thought, she asked, "Who's my client?"
Katie looked through the database and gasped, "Oh my goodness. It's Mr. Noah Kane!" She exclaimed, waving a hand back in forth in front of her flushed face.
Alexis groaned with
frustration. Now how had he managed that?! "There must be someone, anyone else available for Mr. Kane?" She muttered to herself. Katie’s eyebrows shot up, but, kept her private thoughts to herself. "Everyone’s currently with a customer. Besides, I think he’s partial to you...he’s filled in this spot for a whole two weeks, and you're the only one he’s booked for his massages."
"Oh, lucky me." But Alexis felt the exact opposite. He couldn’t even say hi to her on her most important day! No, she didn't want to get near Mr. Noah Kane, let alone touch the man. Except…she did.
Who was she kidding, she wanted to do much more than that. And as if she summoned the sensual Mr. Kane, he walked through the doors as if he owned the place; his eyes finding hers immediately.
Maintaining her professional demeanor, Alexis grabbed a clipboard and walked over to him.
"Hello Mr. Kane, I'm glad you could make it. Please fill out this form and hand it to Ms. Katie, at the reception desk. She will buzz me when you’re finished and I will show you back to the massage room."
Noah Kane frowned at her. And she couldn't have been more pleased. He would see that it was nothing but business between them and that him not wanting to see her, didn’t hurt her feelings whatsoever.
"Sure thing...Alexis. It’s good to see you again."
Ugh! His voice did that thing with her name, making her insides melt.
She straightened her shoulders, turned and left the room. She could have sworn she heard him chuckle, but couldn't be sure because of the blood roaring in her ears. Once inside the massage room, she closed the door and leaned against it, releasing a pent up breath.
Alexis had imagined seeing him again, but, nothing prepared her for this. He wasn't dressed in a suit, like she had imagined. He was wearing a dark blue button up, opened in a V, showing his corded neck and chest. His pants were black and fitted to perfection, capturing the muscular tone of his thighs, calves and narrow hips. His hair was in a riot of silky, disheveled curls she’d found so damned sexy. And his lips...she never forgot those luscious things. They beckoned...dared her, taunted her to kiss them.
She had to get a grip. This was business. He was just showing his support and making sure her business succeeded. That’s all. Nothing more, nothing less. The buzzer in the room pinged, letting her know he was ready. Taking another fortifying breath, she plastered on a smile and went to get him...her Mr. Sensual.
Alexis walked into the waiting area, which was decorated in warm tones of orange, green, cream and brown; and felt completely relaxed…until she looked at him. He stood slowly and sauntered over to her with easy movement for his size. Like a panther stalking its prey.
"Are you ready?" His deep voice a low and husky challenge.
Alexis couldn't say what that did to her insides...she wouldn't say. She swatted that challenge like she would a troublesome fly and challenged back. "Are you?"
For a moment, he looked positively shocked that she would tease him back, then a deeper, darker look surfaced, "More than you know."
Her anxiety kicked up and she had to turn from his probing eyes. It wouldn't do to show him just how much he affected her. "Very well, follow me Mr. Kane." She could feel his eyes traveling down her body and almost gave into the urge to swing her hips a bit more, but thought better of it. Do not encourage him! Strictly business Alexis! She reminded herself. All about business!
Entering the medium-sized room, she gestured for him to precede her. Brushing past her, she inhaled his clean, masculine scent. There was a hint of cologne, but just enough to tease her senses; enough for her to want to inhale more of him. His chest just barely brushed across her nipples, hardening them instantaneously. She knew he meant to do that. And he knew she knew that, but didn’t offer an apology. His eyes dared her to say something, anything to show her interest.
I’m not that easy, Mr. Kane.
When she didn’t say anything, he continued inside. Whew!
"I'll leave you to undress...." Alexis began, then abruptly stopped. He was way ahead of her. She followed his large, yet, swift hands; watched as he unbuttoned his shirt with his long, strong fingers, staring at her as she watched him with undisguised desire. Blushing red hot, she turned around and lurched out the door as she uttered, "When you are finished, please slide under the sheet, face up. I'll knock in two minutes."
This time, she didn't mistake his deep chuckle. She was in the middle of collapsing against the door, when Katie strolled over to her.
"Everyone’s finished for the day and has cleaned their stations. Everything’s in order for tomorrow. Do you need anything before I send them home for the night?" Katie rushed, though her eyes kept shifting to the room, where Mr. Kane was. Alexis couldn't blame the woman, Mr. Kane had that effect on everyone. All he had to do was saunter into any room, and all eyes would be on him, including the men.
"No, if everything’s good to go for tomorrow, there’s nothing else to be done. You may also leave, I can close up here." Alexis told her.
"You sure? I don't want to leave you with work to do." Katie asked, sincerely.
"I'm sure, you may go. I'll see you tomorrow. Lock the door on your way out and turn off the open light."
"Ok. Have a great night!" Katie added with a wink.
Alexis smiled at her assistant. Katie was proving to be a great member of the team. Alexis knocked on the door before opening it. Mr. Kane appeared to be asleep on the massage table, his face calm. The soft melody of spa music played softly in the background.
"Mr. Kane. I will begin your massage now." Alexis addressed softly, coming to stand beside him. He really was a big hunk of a man. She wondered if she could get to all of him within the allotted hour. He opened his eyes and focused on her, his face now blank, almost bored looking.
Alexis reached over and poured oil into her hand, his dark gaze following her every move. She rubbed her hands together and then slid them under his broad shoulders, kneading up the back of his neck, sliding into a slow neck rotation.
The moment her fingers touched his skin, his eyes closed briefly, showing her the thickness of his long lashes. Women would kill for his full, long lashes. As she continued kneading his thick muscles, she noted that they were bunched. It seemed that he was really in need of a massage. Curbing her desire, she worked her magic on him until she felt the muscles give, before moving down toward his chest.
Noah’s searing gaze darkened the further she went. She massaged his entire upper body and was rolling the crisp white sheet off of one leg when he asked, "How was your first day?"
She peered at him, his intense eyes looking sincere. Sensing no ulterior motive to his question, he really wanted to know how her first day was, she decided to answer.
"It was perfect Mr. Kane. I have nothing but good things to say."
He smiled, "It’s Noah. And I'm glad. I know the first few months of running a new business can be quite hectic. And you'll have to get your hands dirty for a while...but, it will be worth it in the end."
Nodding her head, she disregarded calling him by his first name. It's was dangerous, at least for her. It gave her hope that she would get to know 'Noah" and not “Mr. Kane”. And that was just asking for trouble. "I agree. Besides, I don’t mind getting my hands dirty."
"Is that so?" His voice dropped four levels of deepness.
"I mean...I...like my job. I don’t mind working hard." She sputtered. He could do that to her so freaking easily.
Get a hold of yourself Alexis. You’re not a naïve schoolgirl. You know how this ends.
"Oh you like rubbing your hands up and down a person's body?" He teased, with a lazy grin.
She laughed, "Trust me, it's more to it than that. It’s all about making a person feel their best...relaxed. Sort of like healing and renewing them. A de-stressing, if you will."
"Ah. I see. Well, you’re really good with your hands." He admitted with a grunt, when she worked a knot out of his upper thigh.
Alexis smiled at the compliment, refusing to believe he
meant anything lascivious. Lifting the sheet so that she couldn't see, she ordered, "Turn on your stomach please."
Mr. Kane rolled over in one swift motion and she settled the sheet low on his hips. Dear lord, the back of him was just as gorgeous as the front of him. How in the hell was that possible, she didn't know. A man shouldn't be this damned sexy! He probably had girls at his beck and call, and never had to wonder where he would find his next piece of ass. As she worked her hands over his back, she wondered if he had a girlfriend. From the rumors, he was a playboy, someone who never settled down and was never seen with the same girl twice.
"What are you thinking?" he asked.
Alexis started at his question. "Uh...nothing in particular."
He grunted again, when she hit another group of bunched muscles in his lower back.
"You must exercise your back a lot. That's the fourth knot I've found."
He grunted again.
What is he...a caveman?
A sexy cavemen. The little red devil on her should jeered.
"Mr. Kane...," she began and gasped when he swiftly stood up, the sheets falling to the floor. Alexis stumbled backwards about to fall, but, he grabbed her arms, steadying her.
"I've asked you repeatedly to call me Noah. I want you to say it, Alexis. Say my name." He urged darkly, as he towered over her, crowding her. Alexis struggled to get air into her lungs. The man stood over her, bare ass naked! His face too close to hers. Looking up into his gaze, her legs melted and would've fallen if he hadn't been holding her up. The stark hunger in his eyes consumed her, ravaged her, and imprisoned her.
Her throat dry, she tried to shake her head. She couldn’t say his name, she wouldn't damn it. It would mean giving into this man, to become his plaything until he tired of her. Become like all the rest of his mass of women. Closing her eyes, she tried to reel in her sense of self-worth. She worked too hard to become a plaything for any man.
If anything, he would become my plaything.
"Alexis?" He spoke softly, her name lingering on his tongue in that way she loved. She was losing the battle. Her body was lost in the feel of him when he pulled her closer. His cock cradled against her womanly alcove. It felt very large…and magnificently hard. She felt her insides clinch at the thought of him between her legs and knew with an intensity that almost scared her, that she wouldn’t win this battle of will. Her body was his to command. And she wouldn’t fight it any longer. She couldn’t.