He escorted me in, placing his hand gently on the small of my back. We were let right in and told that our guest hadn’t arrived yet. William nodded his thanks. He then led me in, pulling my chair out for me once we got to our table.
The server waited for William to sit down across from me before telling us the night’s food and wine specials. William ordered us a bottle and the waiter gently placed our menus in front of us.
“I’ll be right back with your wine, sir.”
William thanked him and kept his eyes on the menu.
“Darling?” I asked, getting his attention.
“Yes?” he answered, keeping his head low.
“Can you please remind me who we’re meeting with tonight?” I asked casually, hoping he wouldn’t get upset for not remembering.
“My son, remember? He just arrived a few days ago from Europe.”
I swallowed. That’s right. I had forgotten.
“Oh, right.” I smiled, staring at my menu firmly. I wasn’t at all prepared. Mainly because his son was my age and that was just a bit too weird, but I knew I’d have to meet him eventually. I knew he’d been studying overseas the past few years and had just returned back home. I remembered William mentioning it, but it’d been weeks ago and I’d completely forgot about it. I hadn’t put much thought into it and now I was going to have to give my best first impression to someone who probably wanted nothing to do with me.
I knew how it looked. Daddy engaged to some unknown girl half his age…he was probably thinking the same thing all the tabloids were saying—I was a gold-digging whore only after his money. They often forgot to mention I had a successful career and was involved in my own charitable work.
Once I turned eighteen and moved to the city, I went back to school and got my GED. I didn’t attend enough days in any high school to merit my diploma, but I had been determined to finish. I even got my associates in fashion design and technology. I took myself from nothing and carved a path for a better lifestyle, but that didn’t sell magazines. Labeling me as a partying-hussy who managed to land Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor made me a slut in their eyes.
“Don’t be nervous, darling. Alexander will adore you, I’m sure.” He looked up from his menu and flashed me a genuine smile. “But he’s late…as always.” I heard the disapproving tone in his voice and tried to hide my smile.
“Actually, I’m right on time.” I heard a deep voice with a hint of annoyance behind me. A voice I’ve heard before.
No, no, no. It couldn’t be.
My heart began racing, my skin heated, and my body was suddenly glued to my chair unwilling to turn around and come face to face with him.
Alex.
My back was toward him, so he hadn’t seen my face yet. William stood to greet him, shaking his hand, and telling him how good it was to see him again. From what I knew, they didn’t have the best relationship, but William had mentioned a while ago how he’d like to try and repair their relationship once he arrived back home.
I was hyperventilating. My breathing was shallow, and I felt dizzy.
Get it together, Mac. Otherwise, you’ll completely give yourself away, I reminded myself.
I took one deep breath, and with whatever strength I happened to muster up, I pushed my chair back and stood up.
“Alexander, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Mackenzie Hewitt.” I felt William’s arm on me and I turned around, meeting Alex’s deep, intense eyes.
Act normal…act normal, I mentally chanted just before seeing the one man I hoped to never have to see again.
I plastered on a big, fake smile and pushed my hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexander. William has told me many great things about you.”
The corner of his lips curled up in pure amusement. His eyes rested on mine as he took my hand in his, wrapping it delicately around mine. “The pleasure is all mine, Mackenzie.”
The moment our hands touched, electricity shot through me. My heart raced faster, and I was sure my eyes had dilated. This could not be happening…
He dipped his head and placed a gentle kiss on my hand, squeezing it just before bringing his face back up to mine. His eyes burned into me with a silent secret we both knew. But neither of us would say anything.
“Please, sit,” William insisted, taking a step back toward his chair. Alex sat next to him and as William pulled my chair out for me once again, I could feel Alex’s eyes on me. I pulled my chair in and kept my head down, trying to avoid any and all eye contact. My body was trembling, but I was attempting to get a hold of myself. I couldn’t make a scene.
“How was your trip, son?” William asked as he took a seat across from me, patting him gently on the shoulder.
I grabbed my menu again, gluing my eyes to it. I’d let them have their chat and pretend I didn’t exist.
Yes, good plan.
“It was great. But…I’m really glad to be home.” I heard a hint of amusement, his voice filled with condescending torture. Oh, god.
“Good to hear.”
“Took a few days to get over the jet lag, but the hotel has been very…accommodating while I waited for my belongings to ship over.”
“Great news. It’s good to have you home on the same continent.” William’s voice was genuine, but I hadn’t ever asked much about their relationship. Mainly because he didn’t talk about it. William was a very private person. He grew up wealthy and had learned at a young age to keep things in because he never knew whom he could trust. Money gave you labels—which I hated—but William was used to it. I was still getting to use to it, not sure I’d ever get used to it, but when you have money—or marry into money—people tend to have expectations. The less the public knew, the better.
“Yeah, it feels nice to be back home again,” Alex stated. My throat suddenly went dry, so I reached for my glass of water since the server hadn’t arrived with our wine yet. “I’ve been looking forward to moving back.”
“Your room will always be yours, son,” I heard William say. At that precise moment, the water in my mouth spewed out in front of me as I choked on Alex and William’s exchange.
“You all right, sweetheart?” William reached across to tenderly grasp my hand.
I brought my other hand up and patted against my chest a couple times before saying, “Yes, I’m fine. Just went down the wrong way.”
Alex’s eyes locked on mine, a wicked grin playing on his delicious lips.
Shit, no.
No looking at his lips.
Oh my god…
Realization just sunk in…Alex was my future stepson! I felt like vomiting. I was going to be sick.
“I’m going to use the ladies room. I’ll be right back,” I told William, placing my napkin on top of my menu. “Order me the jumbo shrimp in vodka sauce, darling. Extra sauce, please.”
He gave a curt nod before standing up with me, Alex following his lead. “I’ll just be a moment.” I leaned in and kissed William’s cheek before rounding the table and heading for the nearest restroom.
I rubbed a hand down my dress, my palms sweating profusely. I found the ladies room and locked myself inside.
I needed to get my nerves under control…
After using the bathroom, and patting myself down with fresh towels, I finally felt ready to head back. I gave myself a lame pep talk, deciding to pretend nothing ever happened between Alex and me. It never happened; therefore, there was nothing to be nervous about.
Satisfied, I unlocked the door and pulled it open, walking into the dim hallway back toward the dining room. I took a left before slamming into something solid—into a familiar wall that smelled an awful lot like sweet, forbidden yumminess.
Whiskey and mint.
“Alex…” I said just above a whisper. My hands were pressed against his chest as I spoke into his throat.
“Mac…what an interesting turn of events.” I looked up and he was smirking. Actually smirking! As if my humiliation was amusing him.
“W
hat are you doing?” I backed up, needing space between us. He smelled too good.
“I was checking up on you. You’ve been gone a while so I told my dad I needed to use the restroom and that I’d keep an eye out for you.”
“I’m fine…” I breathed. “I just needed a moment.” I adjusted myself, smoothing my hands down my dress once again.
My chest was rising and falling, matching my racing heartbeat. “You don’t look fine.”
“I’m just really surprised, is all…I had no idea.” I concentrated on my breathing, counting backward from ten.
“Mac…look at me,” he demanded. I shook my head. I couldn’t do it. “Mac.” His voice sounded desperate, but I couldn’t find the will to lift my head.
He placed his fingers under my chin and lifted my jaw until our eyes met. His looked intense, hungry. They were stunning, and I felt myself engaged in the very beauty of his dark, intense eyes. “Mac,” he said again, directing my attention, “or should I call you Mom now?” he taunted, his lips forming into a teasing grin.
I pulled back from his hand and slammed my fists into his chest. “That’s not funny!” I whispered loudly.
He stepped into me, making me step backward. He continued until my back was flat against the wall. He positioned a hand against the wall next to my head, smiling down at me. “It’s a little funny.”
I bowed my head, begging myself not to cry. “Sure, it’s hilarious. I’m the little slut who had a one-night stand on my fiancé—a kind, charming, and near perfect man. Not only that, but also it’s with his damn son.” I lifted my head to look at him, a smile no longer on his lips. “So, yeah…it’s fucking hilarious!”
“Mac, calm down,” he urged. I was not in the mood to be calm. This…was not a calming situation.
I felt my face heating and turning red, I was sure. That always happened when I got overly upset. I couldn’t help it. “How am I supposed to calm down, Alex? I was never to see you again and now you’ll be living in my house!” I hissed, trying to keep my voice low while still yelling at him.
He leaned into me and I was so surprised by his gesture, I didn’t even push back. “Listen,” he said smoothly, rubbing his knuckles along my cheek. “I like you. I really like you. Our night together was incredible, Mac. I’m not sorry about any of it. The only thing I regret is that you can’t remember it.” His voice was sultry, capturing me with every word he said.
“Mackenzie?” I heard William’s voice, and I instinctively pushed Alex away from me.
“Yes?” I called back, standing away from Alex and walking toward William’s voice. He quickly came into view with a glass of amber liquid. “There you are, darling. Everything okay?” he asked, his eyes moving sharply to Alex behind me.
I swallowed, wondering how bad this probably looked. I didn’t get to respond since Alex cut in.
“Everything’s great. Mackenzie was just saying her ring had slipped off her finger, and I was helping her look for it.”
My eyes widened in shock. He knew I didn’t have my ring. Why would he say that?
“What?” William’s shocked tone echoed through the hall.
“You know chicks, Dad. They have tiny wet fingers after washing their hands. It probably just fell off on her way out.”
I turned around and scowled at him. How dare he!
“Ah, turns out I was right!” He bent down and pretended to pick it up from the floor. Fucker had it the whole damn time.
I had to hide my anger—so instead I thanked him.
“Oh, thank goodness!” I flashed a smile at William who looked pleased. “Perhaps I need it re-sized,” I said as a lame excuse.
Alex stood up with the ring in his hand. “Here,” he said, looking directly at me, heat and desire evident in his eyes. I stuck out my hand, my palm upright as I waited for him to give me the ring. Instead of dropping it into my hand, he turned my palm around and grabbed my ring finger. I swallowed hard.
This was not happening.
I tried to pull my hand back, but William was standing behind me, and I didn’t want to make a scene. I sighed, giving in, and relaxing my hand in his.
He slipped the ring back on my finger, slowly and torturously while keeping eye contact with me. I was shooting him daggers while he continued smirking at me. Once he pushed it all the way on, he squeezed my hand and patted it gently.
“There. All better,” he said, not bothering to take a glance at William. I took my opening and pulled my hand back sharply.
“Thanks,” I gritted between my teeth and swallowed.
“Darling?” William called, breaking my scowl at Alex. “Our dinner will be arriving soon.”
“Let’s go.” I turned around and smiled at him, wrapping my arm through his. Alex walked behind us, sending a mixture of goose bumps and needles up my arms. This night needed to end as soon as possible.
Chapter Six
“So, Mackenzie…Dad told me you work in fashion,” Alex said just as I lifted my wine glass. Our food had arrived, and I was enjoying my shrimp as they talked about work. In fact, I had faded their conversation out until I heard my name.
I swallowed the wine, gently placing my glass down before making eye contact with Alex. “Yes, I’m a fashion blogger at Boxy Magazine.
“So you know a lot about designer clothes?” he inquired, a fresh grin on his lips.
“Yes, I do. I’ve loved fashion for a long time. I jumped at the opportunity to work there.”
“So you know the dress you’re wearing cost at least four thousand dollars?”
I nearly choked on the shrimp I had just forked into my mouth. What the hell was he up to now?
“Alexander…” William cut in, scolding him. “That’s hardly appropriate.”
“Just checking out my future stepmom, Dad,” he replied in an amused tone. “Hard not to believe everything the tabloids say when I’m half a world away.”
“You know that shit is garbage. Plus, Mackenzie isn’t anything they bring her out to be.” He turned and smiled at me reassuringly, letting me know he didn’t believe them either.
“One week I’m too fat, the next I’m too skinny,” I cut in. “They obviously have no idea what they’re talking about.”
His eyes rolled down my upper body and smirked. “Well, whoever is writing the articles must be fucking blind.”
I blushed at his words, wishing I could kick him from under the table without causing a disturbance.
“It’s all about the money, Alexander. Whatever will sell their dreadful paper,” William retorted, focusing on his plate in front of him while he cut into his steak.
I bent my head down again, but I could feel Alex’s gaze. It was as if there was a magnetic charger attached to my body and his eyes were glued to it.
Just then, William’s phone rang, startling me. “Excuse me, darling. I have to take this.” He stood up and kissed the top of my head before making his way down the hall.
I waited until William was out of earshot before speaking. “Stop staring at me,” I snarled, not moving my eyes as I scraped my fork alongside my almost empty plate.
“Why should I?”
“It’s distracting.”
“So?”
“So I’d like you to stop.” I finally lifted my head to meet his daring eyes. “It’s inappropriate to gawk at your future stepmom,” I added, throwing his words back at him.
He burst out into quiet laughter, dropping his fork alongside his plate. He brushed his napkin slowly across his face before laying it back down and leaning toward me. “Sweetheart, I will never stop looking at you. As long as I hold the memory of us, what we did, and how your lips taste against mine, I will never stop looking at you.”
My cheeks heated at his bold words. He wasn’t going to make this easy on me.
Of fucking course not.
Asshole.
“Fine…stare all you want, Alex. But it’s never happening again. Never. You can look, dream, fantasize all you want. But it’s William’s
bed that I’ll be in tonight.” It was a bitch thing to say, but he wasn’t getting my point. He wanted to play dirty—I’d play back.
Instead of getting pissed as I had hoped, he leaned back in his chair with an overly-amused grin. “We’ll see, sweetheart. I have no problem taking the queen away from the king.”
I scowled. “I don’t even know what that means.”
He leaned toward me again and whispered, “According to Life & Style Magazine, you and William are “Manhattan’s royalty couple,” he explained. “Prince William married Kate Middleton, a girl next door, not from a royal background. Sound familiar?” He tipped his head at me. “Except this William isn’t going to marry his Kate…”
“You’re pretty ballsy entertaining me with all your empty threats,” I snarled right back.
Before he could respond, William walked up behind me, cupping my neck as he leaned down and kissed the top of my head again. “My apologies. What did I miss?” he asked as he took his seat across from me.
Alex and I both smiled, mine completely fake, as I shook my head saying, “Not much. Alex was just talking about his time in Europe.”
We spent the rest of dinner and all of dessert listening to Alex talk about graduate school, his weekend adventures and comparing their economy to ours. I tried, for William’s sake, to act interested, but I was ready to get the hell out of there.
“Well, son. I believe my fiancée is ready to fall asleep at the table. I should get her home.” He smiled at me, caressing my cheek in a sweet manner.
“Sorry, long week at the office has me exhausted,” I lied.
“No worries. We’ll have plenty of time to catch up when Alex moves in next week.”
Huh? When was that discussed?
“Next week?” I repeated.
“Yes, didn’t you just hear us?” he asked a tinge of annoyance in his voice.
“No, sorry. Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”
William stood up and grabbed my jacket from the server behind me. I hadn’t even seen him call him over. Shit, I needed to stay focused.
“Alex’s things are being shipped to the apartment. He needs somewhere to stay while he looks for a new place. Is that all right?” he asked with concern.
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