“I’m fine.”

  “You don’t look fine. What’s happened?” His hand comes up to the door, and he gives it a gentle push. “Can I come in?” He hesitates before crossing the threshold. “What do you need?” His question is gentle.

  “Zack’s gone,” I blurt out.

  “Gone where?” His brows raise with concern.

  “He’s gone to stay with his father.” I hiccup with this latest round of tears. “He said he couldn’t be here anymore.”

  “Oh, Mel,” is all he says as he draws me into his hug. He holds me tight, rubbing my back in rhythmic circles and making soothing noises. I lay my cheek on his shoulder and give in to the sorrow. It still really fucking hurts, but there’s a comfort from crying in someone’s arms and not sitting by yourself on the bottom stair.

  I draw in several big breaths, trying to find some equilibrium. I pull away and stand within the circle of Alex’s arms, raising my eyes to meet his.

  “Hey,” I say quietly.

  “Hey.” A gentle smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.

  “I’m sorry I made a mess of you. You’re all wet now.” My own smile is watery and thin.

  “That’s okay. I don’t mind. Why don’t we wash your face?”

  “That sounds like a good idea. I don’t think I’ll be able to go out in public anytime soon though. I must look like a disaster.”

  “You’re beautiful. Stop fishing for compliments.” He lays a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He leads me upstairs and into my ensuite, nudging me to sit on the closed toilet seat. He wets a flannel, wringing it out before stepping in front of me. “Tell me if I rub too hard, okay?”

  He doesn’t. His touch is gentle and I sit quietly, gazing at the concentration on his face as he cleans mine.

  “Do you have some cream we can put on?”

  “Over there in the top drawer.” He opens the drawer and appears baffled by the spread of skincare items laid out. “The purple one, please.” He passes the moisturiser over and I unscrew the lid before dabbing some on my cheeks and forehead, massaging it into my skin.

  “I’m not working tonight,” he tells me as he crouches at my feet, brushing some loose hair from my face. “How about we find one of those crime shows you like and order in some dinner?”

  “I don’t think I’ll be much company tonight, Alex. I’m sorry.”

  “Baby, you don’t need to entertain me. I just want to stay with you, so you’re not alone when you’re sad. Is that okay?”

  “I don’t think I’m in the mood for sex,” I warn.

  He quirks his head to the side and bites the inside of his cheek. “That’s not why I’m here. Let me take care of you, Mel.”

  “Okay,” I agree with a nod as warmth spreads through my chest. I like having someone to take care of me.

  “If you’re not in the mood for crime, you can help me pick a new book to read if you like?” he suggests, standing and tugging me up. With all the drama of Zack discovering us, I’d forgotten he’s been sneaking my books out.

  “You’ll have to show me which ones you’ve read so far, and then I’ll recommend some.”

  “Do you know, I hadn’t read books for years, but I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole with all that smut on your shelves?” The grimace he pulls makes me chuckle.

  “Seriously, you’ve not been winding me up? You really have been reading my romance novels?”

  “Uh-huh. I read one with a guy with tattoos the other day. He was in the mafia and snuck into her house to escape the police.”

  “I love that one. She’s one of my favourite authors.”

  “Well, come on, tell me which ones I should read next.”

  Chapter twenty-four

  Alex

  I’m just arriving at the studio ready for the open house event when I see Mel. She’s had a few wobbles the last couple of days since Zack left, but she’s also been busy with the last-minute organisation of this event. I think it helped take her mind off it.

  She’s standing in the middle of the big, airy entrance hall commanding the space around her. She’s dressed in one of those killer tailored skirts that skims her hips and makes me want to get on my knees and crawl over there to worship at her feet. She’s talking to a small group and they all look as rapt as I do. One of them gives her a nod and jogs away, and she turns her attention to the next person.

  I don’t want to interrupt, but it’s fascinating to see her in a work setting, running the creative awards event. Each of the units is opening before the awards for guests to look around and see what we do. It’s the first time it's been held and everyone's been super excited about it.

  There are a few people I know up for awards, but I didn’t get a ticket to the ceremony itself. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to snaffle some canapes. Brenda called me in to help out as she is attending the awards. I’ll be spending most of my time demonstrating on the wheel.

  I tear my gaze away from Mel to head into the studio and start prepping for the demonstration.

  I’m busy wedging balls of clay ready to go when someone makes their way in. I look up to see Mel chatting intently with another woman as they approach. I don’t know how to play this. Are they colleagues? Should I greet Mel like I know her? The decision is taken out of my clay covered hands when Mel gasps my name in surprise.

  “Alex.” Her mouth gapes before she squares her shoulders and gathers her composure. “I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”

  “Hey, Mel.” I raise my eyebrows, giving her the smirk that seems to fire her up. “I got called in to do some demonstrations.”

  “Oh, wow.” She seems to forget herself and where she is, her gaze locked on my hands as I continue to knead the clay to make sure all the air is out of it.

  “So what do you want us to do about the drinks, Mel?” the woman beside her asks. Satisfaction eases into my bones when she has to tear her gaze away, her bottom lip caught between her teeth and asks her colleague to repeat the question.

  “Sorry, Stacey. I think the wait staff should circulate with drinks and canapes in the entrance hall.” She pauses, her bottom lip worried by her teeth once again. “We’ll see if we can get some representatives from the units by the doors, ready to welcome them in.” She gives a nod. Stacey agrees and excuses herself to make arrangements.

  “Did you need something from me?” I can’t help but ask, trying to draw her attention back to me. This time, it’s me who’s flustered when her gaze pins mine. I’m intrigued by this professional version of Mel. She’s confident and assertive and it’s hot as fuck.

  “Just doing the rounds to check each unit is ready for tonight and know the plans. Is Brenda around?” she asks with a quirked brow.

  “She’s due back in five minutes,” I tell her, hoping she’ll stay while she waits. “Want to see my demonstration?”

  Indecision clouds her gaze. “I really wish I could. But I need to get to the other units. I’ll pop back in a while to see Brenda though, so maybe I can see you in action then?”

  “You can see me in action any time you like, Mel. You just have to ask.”

  She gives me a wry smile before chiding me, “Keep it clean, boyo. I’m here working.”

  “You’re seriously hot when you’re giving out instructions. Feel free to boss me around anytime you like.” My pulse kicks up a notch.

  She purses her lips. “I’ll be back in a while.” Okay, maybe it was just me flirting. She turns and heads back to the entrance hall and I sigh as I grab another chunk of clay.

  I’m getting started on the wheel, so I’ve got a couple of thrown pieces ready for visitors to see, when my spidey-sense tells me Mel is nearby. I look up to see her walking in with Brenda and Maggie, a visiting potter and sculptor that Brenda introduced me to the other day.

  “Here he is.” Brenda beams as the trio approach. “I don’t know what we’d do without him. He’s such a hard worker and incredibly skilled as a potter.”

  “Jeez, Brenda, you’re making me blush,” I tell her with a grin, not failing to notice Mel’s side eye as Brenda waxes lyrical about me.

  “And will you be available to help in my workshop?” Maggie asks as she tucks a strand of purple hair behind her ear. Her creativity clearly extends to her wardrobe with the funky patterned dress she has on. The style suits her.

  I looked her up after being introduced the other day and was amazed to see she’s not even thirty years old yet. She’s wildly successful and has travelled the world with her sculpting and pottery work. It gives me hope that I can make a living from my art.

  All three women watch me work the ball of clay to get it centred on the wheel.

  “Possibly, depending on the dates we finalise and his availability,” Brenda answers for me. “Maggie’s thinking about offering a life sculpture workshop as a trial run.”

  “Oh, wow.” My eyebrows raise. It would be an incredible opportunity to work with her.

  “I’m always in need of models if you’re interested,” Maggie says with a grin, but I notice that Mel gawks in my periphery. “You’ll be paid handsomely. Although it’s preferable if you haven’t been in a brawl.” She focuses on my blackened eye with a frown.

  “Err, yeah, maybe, depending on when it is.”

  “Excellent.” Maggie nods. “Brenda can let you know the dates when they’re agreed, and you can decide from there.”

  “Is it, uh, fully nude?” I ask, curious rather than worried. Mel’s gaze burns into my cheek.

  “Oh yes, we need to see the full form.” She looks me up and down. “I get the feeling you’ll be wonderfully in proportion.”

  My jaw slackens at this woman blatantly checking me out. “Err, thanks, I think.”

  Mel clears her throat with the growliest noise I’ve ever heard from her. “Brenda, I’m sorry to rush you, but I really need to go through the timeline with you and I have to get back to the hall to check arrangements.” Her voice is tight.

  “Of course. Sorry to hold you up, Mel. Maggie, why don’t you chat to Alex and I’ll just do the run-through with Mel?”

  “I’d be happy to.” Maggie gives me a wink. I try to catch Mel’s eye but she’s intent on Brenda. Is she mad at me? Or is she jealous?

  Chapter twenty-five

  Mel

  Everything seems to be under control. It’s the inaugural Creative Awards at the Arts Centre and I need it to run smoothly. I wrestled with the board to take full control of the event rather than share it with a colleague. I know I’m fully capable, but I need to prove myself. I’m getting fed up with some of the board's decisions recently; they’re leaning more towards micro-management than the strategic direction they’re supposed to be there for and it’s pissing me off.

  Not for the first time, I give myself a moment to daydream about running my own business and doing it my way. My life is so up in the air at the moment, perhaps I should just embrace the chaos and go for it.

  “Mel, can you come and check this?” Stacey calls from the other side of the hall where the awards ceremony is being held. I head over to see what she needs and once I’ve put out that fire I take a slow lap of the room, checking all the details like the table decorations and how the stage is set up.

  I’m backstage when Alex appears, strolling towards me with a grin on his face.

  “Hey, I’ve been looking for you,” he says as he steps so close that our toes are touching and tucks a loose tendril of hair behind my ear. “How are you doing?” I draw in a breath. There’s a hint of frustration bubbling in my veins after earlier when that woman had been flirting with him. And in my professional capacity, I couldn’t exactly tell her to take her eyes off him just because I want him all to myself. Dammit. She was closer in age to him and attractive in an edgy, artsy way. They looked like they’d fit together as a couple. “Mel?” he states again, drawing me out of my envious thoughts.

  “I’m fine, thanks, Alex. What do you need?”

  “I just wanted to check how you were. It’s a big event. All going okay?”

  “Yes, getting there.” I check my watch. “Almost time to open the doors. Is everything organised in the studio?”

  “Yep, done all my prep work and made some samples too. How long have we got?”

  “What do you mean? The doors open in an hour,” I reply with a frown.

  “Come with me. I’ve got something to show you.” He grasps my hand and tugs me further backstage.

  “Where are we going?”

  “In here.” He opens up a door that’s invisible apart from its handle.

  Inside, there’s a rack full of costumes and shelves stacked with props. “Why are we in here?” I ask as I look around, trying to take it all in. He closes the door.

  “For this,” is all he says before he reaches for my face and walks us backwards until my back hits the hard, cold wall behind me. His long fingers tangle in my hair as his other hand cups my breast through my blouse. I moan low as his heat spreads through me. His thigh pushes between my legs, but my pencil skirt is tight and there’s not enough room in it for him to give me the pressure I need.

  His mouth eases back, and he peppers my face with kisses. “These tight skirts you wear give me such dirty thoughts,” he rasps. “And paired with these silky, almost see-through blouses… fuck, Mel. I just wanna strip you down and worship you.”

  My eyes close and a blush works up my cheeks as I picture him at my feet, my skirt abandoned while he feasts on my clit.

  “Look at me,” he demands, and I open my eyes before I can even question if I will do what he says. “You’ve got two choices: I can pull your skirt up here and now, turn you round and fuck you until your pussy weeps all over my cock. Or you can wait until later and we can take it slow and I’ll make you come all over my tongue before I fill you. Which one, Mel?” His voice is low and gravelly and his chest rises and falls as he pulls in breaths. He’s as into this as I am. I love his dirty mouth and wonder if he’s been taking lessons from the romance novels he’s been sneaking out to read.

  “I need you now. But you have to be quick. I have to get back out there.” I’d love nothing more than to spend hours in his arms, but I don’t have time. And he’s got me so worked up with just a kiss that I need some kind of release.

  “Good girl. Turn around,” he tells me as he steps back, giving me room. “Hands on the wall.” His hands skate over my rear and down towards the hem of my skirt. He pulls it up over my thighs and bunches it at my waist. “Fuck,” he growls as he pings the lacy top of one of my thigh-high stockings. My pussy clenches as it snaps against my skin. He tugs at my silky underwear, pulling them down my legs and holding each ankle up in turn to free them from my legs. I’m standing, palms flat against the wall, in my heels and stockings but otherwise bare below the waist. It’s a vulnerable position, but the goosebumps on my naked body and involuntary shiver aren’t from fear. I need him.

  “Alex, please,” I beg.

  “If we had all the time in the world, I’d be on my knees right now, worshipping this tight cunt with my tongue.” He palms my pussy as he says it.

  I whimper as one of his fingers eases inside me and swipes at the wetness building there. “Fuck, you’re already so wet.”

  He pulls it out slowly and I clench to try and keep him there. He chuckles. “Such a needy pussy. Let’s fill you up.” His breath fans my ear as he whispers it, causing me to shudder.

  His belt clunks open and then there’s the rasp of his zipper easing down. “Good job I bought supplies,” he murmurs as he rips open a condom packet. I want to turn around and watch while he puts it on, but he’s fast and the crown of his cock is soon nudging at my entrance. This never gets old. I close my eyes, ready to savour the feeling of being completely filled. He grips my hips and we both moan as his cock pushes inside me. I wiggle my hips to find an angle that works and let out a gasp as he slides home.

  “Fuck, Alex.” I want to chant his name.

  “I wish you could see this, Mel. You look so fucking hot standing there in heels and stockings, stretched around my cock.” He pulls out slowly and pushes back in, building up the speed of his thrusts until our skin slaps together with each push. I pant, getting wetter with every stroke. “I’m going to reach around and touch your clit. I want you to come all over me.”

  It can only be minutes and yet every nerve in my body is already at fever pitch, desperate for release. I welcome the brush of his callused finger rubbing at my swollen clit, moaning loudly. I’m too far into this now. I don’t even care if people can hear me getting off. When he pinches it, I detonate. My whole body quakes with the orgasm as I give in to every sensation. Our breathing is laboured, and he rocks his hips, letting out a low, sexy groan as he thrusts deep and gives in to his own release.

  We’re both quiet while we catch our breath and he eases from me. His hands are gentle as he smooths them over my rear. He crouches down and kisses each cheek before helping me back into my underwear and easing my skirt back down. Thank goodness I have a change of clothes for the event because it’s badly creased. But I needed that. The stress from the last few days has been overwhelming. I’m grateful he took me out of my head for a moment to just focus on the physical.

  I turn round as he removes the condom and wraps it in a tissue before putting it in the bin by the door. He fastens his trousers and his belt with a smile on his face.

  “Okay?” he asks, reaching out to brush a thumb over my cheek.

  “I think so.” I lean into his hand. I want to stay and talk to him. I want more than just a quickie in a store cupboard, but we’ve both got jobs to do. This isn’t the time to discuss where we go from here. What this thing between us actually means. “I’m sorry to rush out on you but I really need to go.”

  “I know. You’re an important woman. Go be awesome. We can catch up later.”