by T Gephart
It was no surprise that when I exited the gym bathrooms freshly showered – I was proud of myself for battling my hatred of public bathrooms and not returning to the apartment in the hopes of allowing Alex more sleep—and dressed for work, that DarNell was waiting for me. He was my pre-decreed morning ride and greeted me in the usual morning fashion with, “You ready?”
“Yep, all good.” I slung my gym bag over my shoulder, debating whether I had time to run it upstairs back to the apartment or just leave it in the back of Escalade until tonight. Given my currently fatigued limbs the whole running it anywhere was promptly abandoned, and I made my peace with my sweaty, stinky work out wear camping in the back of the car. Chances are it would remained undetected until later anyway as Alex rarely took the SUV, preferring to drive himself in his stunning Maserati. I needed to buy my own car, this Driving Miss Daisy shit was getting old, and I missed the independence of having my own set of wheels.
“You heading to work?” DarNell grunted as the elevator doors closed behind us.
I nodded as he pressed the B to take us to the undercover parking garage. Yep, a new car was definitely on the agenda. Obviously I could afford something nicer than a Honda these days so the thought of heading to a car dealership actually seemed appealing. I still struggled with the whole shared money thing. The first time I looked at Alex’s bank balance I thought I was looking binary code there were so many zeros.
“Any planned excursions I need to know about?” DarNell folded his arms as we descended, obviously still pissed about being ditched yesterday.
“DarNell, it’s too early for me to rehash my sins of yesterday. Nothing happened. I was fine and I thought we agreed you were going to back off. Can we try and get through the morning without the judgmental looks and sarcasm?” I hadn’t meant to be overtly rude, but as usually my mouth opened before my mind had a chance to catch up.
“You are such a pain in my ass,” he smiled as the doors opened to the basement car park.
“So you’ve mentioned a few times before.” I smiled back as we strode toward the Escalade. He didn’t expect an apology any more than I expected him to be less uptight. We occasionally had a difference of opinion, but the resolution always ended with our mutual respect maintained. I was always going to be a pain in his arse the same way he was going to be a pain in mine. There were no surprises.
He held the door open for me, despite me telling him it was completely unnecessary and watched me slide into my seat and fasten my seatbelt before closing it behind me. His amused grin indicated his silent supervision of my entrance into the car was intended to piss me off.
“You need to find a hobby D, one that utilises your time better than watching me perform inane tasks.”
He jumped into the driver’s seat and fastened his own restraint. “I’m not really a hobby kind of guy, Lexi. Besides watching you perform inane tasks beats watching Dan get jacked off so as I see it, despite the pain in my ass, I’m still coming out on top.”
“Well I can’t argue with that.” I rested my head against the window as he started the car and pulled out into traffic. No really, there should be some kind of Geneva Convention against anyone having to witness that. I was astounded I had gone as long as I had without seeing Dan in all his glory. I knew it was only a matter of time. With a tour looming, the chances were exponentially increased, but catching any kind of glimpse of Dan’s cock was not something I was looking forward to. Ugh. I shuddered. Thank god Power Station didn’t do tour buses.
The only benefit—I was really trying to find a silver lining—to being driven to work was that it allowed me to sort through emails or make phone calls before walking in the door. It also gave me a feel for how my day was going to be and it looked like today was going to be slightly less intense than yesterday. Kim Kardashian was spotted in South Beach with a new bikini so our loved up photos had been lowered on the priority scale against Kim’s arse. My phone buzzed idly by my side as DarNell pulled in front the office building.
“Lexi Reed,” I answered absently, not bothering to glance at my call id.
“You left without saying goodbye.” I couldn’t tell if Alex was upset or just merely stating a fact.
“I didn’t want to wake you.” I tossed my iPad into my handbag as DarNell stepped out of the car and walked around to open my door. “I blew you a kiss.”
“I like it when you blow me, kisses or otherwise,” Alex chuckled. Today is definitely an improvement from yesterday.
“Well we can explore otherwise later.” I slung my bag over my shoulder as I waved goodbye to DarNell not wanting to end my call to Alex.
“You leave, I expect a call up.” DarNell warned as he got back into the car not giving me a chance to reply.
I rolled my eyes as I mouthed, “Whatever.” He refused to drive off until I’d safely entered the building.
“So what time you coming home?” Alex asked, his voice hopeful.
“Alex I just got here. I would say don’t expect me home anytime soon.” I pushed through the glass door and entered the spacious lobby.
“Didn’t you just agree to explore otherwise? You can’t just get me hard and leave me hanging.”
“If you are hard then you’d no longer be hanging.” I smiled as Henry from accounts waved hello and walked over to over to greet me. Great, it’s not that I didn’t want to be social, but I didn’t think this conversation was one I should be having in earshot of my colleagues. “I’m busy. You might need to handle it yourself.” My heels clicked along the marble floor as I made my way to the elevator, Henry not far behind.
“Would it turn you on to know I’m stroking myself right now?” He slowly exhaled.
My pulse rate kicked up a few notches. Yep this elevator ride was going to be interesting to say the least. I guess he was teasing me for not waking him before I left.
“Hi Lexi.” Henry held open the door to allow me to step inside.
I gestured to the phone and nodded hello as the metal doors closed in front of us. Henry gave me an apologetic silent ‘sorry’ in acknowledgement.
“I would say that is affirmative.” I cleared my throat as I pressed the elevator button for my floor. The temperature in the enclosed area rose slightly.
“Mmmm baby, I remember how tight your hand was wrapped around me last night,” Alex continued. “Are there people in the vicinity? Is that why you are being so cagey?”
“Yes, I’m on my way up to the office now, should we set up an appropriate meeting time and we can continue this later?” I glanced to my side as Henry continued to smile at me. Damn Alex. I was at work and as much as I wanted play, I really wasn’t in a position to do that right now. Especially seeing as I had an audience.
“I would say right now is appropriate seeing as my hard cock is already in my hand. I would hate to see a good erection go to waste.” I could hear how much he was enjoying it both the pleasure he was giving himself and the fact he was teasing me.
“Yes, however I can’t give that matter the attention it deserves. Perhaps this conversation could be more mutually beneficial later?” I asserted. Translation, you are getting me all kinds of worked up so let’s continue this later where I don’t have to end up all bothered and frustrated.
“Did you want to touch yourself baby? You want to touch that beautiful pussy of yours while I stroke my cock? Mmmm that makes me even harder baby,” he moaned as he continued, I assumed, to stroke himself. The thought of his cock in his hand instantly made me wet.
“Yes, that is indeed the proposal I am bring to the table. So you see another time would be better.” I struggled to sound business-like so as to not arouse—interesting choice of words given the situation—suspicion that the nature of this call was less than professional.
“I’d like to lay you on a table and spread your legs wide so I can lick you baby, watch your pert little pink nipples bounce as you writhe with me between your legs,” he whispered, teasing me further.
“Ah-hum. This rea
lly isn’t a good time.” I coughed as I squeezed my legs, hoping the slight friction would give me a reprieve. Nope, only made it worse.
“Feels fucking amazing for me, oh baby, yes. It feels so good,” he groaned into my ear.
“I am not comprehending your resistance on this. I believe I am offering you a fair deal.” A thin sheen of sweat formed in the crease of my breasts. I hoped like hell Henry couldn’t see my biological reaction, the heat between my legs was unbearable.
“Is it driving you crazy? Being around people and not being able to touch yourself? Knowing I’m here naked and hard and desperate to come. Do your hands want to reach down and just give yourself that release?” His voice dipped, arousing me further.
“Yes,” was all I was able to utter, a little too breathy for my liking and drawing a curious stare from Henry.
“Good, cause I fucking love driving you crazy. It makes me want to come. In fact…ahhh Lexi, yes...god baby.” I heard him shudder as he obviously came hard, his voice muffled as he panted.
I stood in the elevator wound up and speechless, listening to his gentle whimpering as he rode out the rest of his orgasm.
“Wow baby, that was fantastic. Pity you couldn’t share that with me,” he chuckled into the phone.
“Arsehole,” I huffed in frustration. Henry stiffened at my abruptness.
“Indeed. Have a good day Lexi, see you when you get home.” I heard the smile in his voice, clearly knowing what he did and that I was going to either have to find a bathroom and take care of myself or live with the frustration until this evening where I would well and truly make him pay for his little prank. The silver doors of the lift swung open, the open space welcoming me like a rescue beacon.
“Well thanks for sharing that outcome, I assure you though it wasn’t your wisest move. We shall continue this conversation later.” I strode uncomfortably into the hall, wanting to forget what had been probably the worst elevator ride in history. Henry was still not far behind me as he unfortunately worked on the same floor.
“Oh did I make you mad? Fuck… you are turning me on again. Mad Lexi is freaking hot,” he teased, obviously not done with his little game. Seriously, pay back was going to be a bitch.
“Goodbye,” I bit into the receiver.
“Bye baby,” he chuckled as he ended the call.
“Tough call?” Henry smiled weakly as he reached his office.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” I offered as I continued on down the hall to my office. And I would be handling it later, the silent knowledge broadening my smile.
“Good morning, Lexi,” Anna greeted me as I opened the door. She shifted uncomfortably like I had interrupted something.
“Hey Lex.” Matt waved from his seat at his over crowded desk, his beautiful smile lighting up the room. Obviously whatever had been bothering Anna hadn’t extended to Matt. “Couldn’t find you yesterday. Needed some approvals on these briefs before we release to the press.” He tapped a folder on top of his pile.
“Sorry, I had some things I needed to take care of.” I answered curtly, dumping my handbag on my desk, residual feelings of annoyance and frustration echoing through my body.
“Um OK.” Matt placed the folder on his desk, glancing over at Anna before he studied me closer. “Hey Anna can you take this thumb drive to Chris? It has all the appearances we set up for the tour. Get her to add them to the band’s schedule for those dates.” He pulled out a USB stick from the side of his computer.
“Matt, shouldn’t I set up an appointment? Chris is probably busy. Monique said she had meetings today,” Anna argued, slightly annoyed at Matt’s clearly unplanned request. He was trying to get her to leave so he could talk to me and while he was trying to be subtle it wasn’t working out that way.
“It’s fine. She can squeeze you in between meetings. Just hang out with Monique ‘til she sees you. We’re under control here,” he assured, leaving no doubt that he wanted Anna to give us a few minutes.
“Can’t you just email the information?” she argued, annoyed that there was going to be a conversation that she wasn’t going to be privy to. I couldn’t tell if it was a personal annoyance at her boyfriend or a professional one at her colleague. Either way, I’m sure the two of them would be having words later.
“Anna, please. Go take this to Chris, now.” He tapped the thumb drive impatiently and although he hadn’t raised his voice, his toned had darkened. It was no longer a request.
“Fine,” Anna snapped as she snatched the drive from Matt’s fingers. She glanced between us suspiciously before huffing out of the office.
“Trouble?” I genuinely inquired as I sat on the edge of my desk. It was the first time I had seen either of them acting out toward each other.
“I needed to talk to you without Anna around, and she has been moody the last few days. She just doesn’t like being kept in the dark.” He exhaled slowly, showing for the first time any signs of weariness over the situation.
“No woman does, Matt. What is that you wanted to talk to me about that you couldn’t say in front of Anna?” Granted since my return to work, Anna had been distant, but it was still early days and I hoped that being back would ultimately being us closer together. While we had never been best friends, we had been fairly close and had shared a mutual and professional respect for each other.
“Well firstly to ask if you are OK ‘cause you are obviously out of sorts this morning and secondly to ask where you went yesterday. When I called Alex looking for you he almost lost his mind. It worried me that you snuck off.” He leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Matt, I’m fine. Alex and I just had one of usual discussions. It’s nothing. As for yesterday, I’ll admit it wasn’t my wisest move, but something I needed to take care of, nonetheless.” I dismissed not really wanting to rehash yesterday’s ordeal yet again.
“Lexi, we are still friends. You can still talk to me. What’s going on?” His impassioned plea made me feel a little guilty. He had been one of my best friends and yet over the last few weeks our contact had been minimal. It hadn’t been just Alex. I had shut out when my world came crumbling down, and it had spilled into my other relationships too. The old habit of me against the world, dying hard as it was.
“I’ll agree to a run down if you tell me what is going on with you and Anna. Why has she been moody? What’s going on between the two of you?” I offered, thinking I would feel better about unloading if there was a mutual exchange of problems. I hated feeling like I took more from Matt’s friendship that I gave.
“Between Anna and me?” he paused. “I just don’t know. She’s acting a little strange. I don’t know exactly why. I mean nothing has happened other than your return back to work, but she’s been kind of insecure lately, clingy. I don’t know, I mean it’s not like she isn’t spending every second of every day with me. We live together and we work together. I don’t get where it’s all coming from.” He ran his hands though his hair, clearly confused as to why his once bubbly girlfriend was now moody and insecure.
“Anna’s far from home Matt, all she has is you really. It’s normal for her to feel a little overwhelmed. This was a big step for her, leaving her family, her home and her job to come be with you.” I tried to reassure him. If anyone knew the stress of moving across the globe, it was me. It was scary at the best of times, but Anna was close to her family and had never been away from home for an extended amount of time. It would be natural that she would be hesitant or even nervous and latching on to the one constant in her life, Matt.
“I know and I get that and I don’t want to seem ungrateful, but by the same token, I haven’t done anything to warrant her mistrust. I mean, I am doing everything I can to reassure her but… I don’t know. I think there is more to it than being homesick.” He pushed back in his seat, frustrated and perhaps a little overwhelmed. He had such a good heart and he would never do anything to hurt her. I couldn’t understand why she might be feeling this way if it wasn’t
the obvious issue of being away from home or family. What could possibly be causing her outbursts?
“Have you tried talking about it? With her? Just flat out asking her?” I suggested, knowing that our little ‘think tank’ was probably not going to come up with any solutions given the limited information we had.
“Of course I have, she shuts me down. Look I don’t want you to worry about it, we were both going to try and keep a lid on it here at work, but in the last couple days shit has escalated. Maybe it’s the stress of the upcoming tour?” He shrugged as he tried to come to grips with her actions of late and took a deep breath before continuing. “Anyway, I know she gets over sensitive when I want to talk to you alone, but I was worried.”
“Matt, this is your friend speaking, not your boss. You two need to work it out. Find out why she is acting like this. There has to be a reason. Maybe take her out tonight, go have a nice dinner and spoil her,” I suggested before playfully trying to lighten the mood. “I can give you some pointers if you like?”
“Please no. Save all your pointers for Rock Star,” he laughed, relaxing slightly. “So I’ve given you my run down, what’s yours? Where did you go yesterday? Why the cloak and dagger routine?”
I sighed, moving from my perch on the edge of my desk to my more comfortable desk chair. This wasn’t going to be a five-minute conversation. I launched into the long and detailed story from my first interaction with Nick to his offer to make the man who brutalised me swim with the fishes.
He sat, wide eyed as I finished, his mouth agape. “Lexi, fuck. Have you called the cops?”