His Stand In (14 page)

“
Because you spaced out. Earlier you seemed all chipper and now you’re distant.” She squinted at her, barrowing past the façade.

Egypt toyed with her straw, running it around the remnants of the drink. “I’m just still trying to get into the swing of things since the wedding is all.”

“
You know I don’t believe you, but whatever it is, maybe you should talk to that therapist you had after leaving David. If you can’t talk to me, then maybe you can talk to her. But you need to talk to someone. Now, go home and screw that husband of yours.”

Egypt’s eyes bucked at her comment. “Tasha.”

“
What?” She shrugged. “You’re bringing down my buzz. Go get some and get back happy.”

Maybe she was right. Her focus resided elsewhere. “Fine.”

Egypt grabbed her purse and headed out. Tasha was right. Christian had what she needed and desired.

Chapter Fifteen

Egypt’s fingers fumbled across the buttons as she undid her blouse. Christian would be in for a treat. Once she parked, she planned on walking in the door in nothing but her stilettos. The garage door rose, and her heart sank. His car wasn’t inside.

“
So much for screwing his lights out.” She drove in and waited until the door connected with the ground before making her exit. The neighbors didn’t need to see her brown bosoms. She laughed to herself at the fine the home owners association would come up with.

The blue digital display on the microwave caught her attention as she tossed her keys and purse on the island. Christian never came home this late.

She dug in her purse and pulled out her phone.
Where are you?
She sent a text.

To pass the time, she poured a glass of wine and drank it as she sat in one of our barstool chairs.

“
Wow.”

Egypt jumped at the sound of his voice behind her. She swiveled the stool around to face him.

“
You look amazing.” His gaze roamed the length of her body. Lust filled his eyes.

“
Where were you?” she stared back at him with desire.

“
Working. I told you.” He loosened his tie.

“
You’re never this late.”

“
It wasn’t my intention. Scott insisted I have dinner with our new partners.” Christian moved closer to her and pushed her legs open, giving himself room to squeeze in between. “How much have you had to drink?” He kissed her.

“
Not much.”

“
That bottle was full.”

Sure enough, the red liquid settled well below the half way mark. She gave him a coy smile. “Maybe a bit more than I thought.”

He leaned in, his breath warm as the softness of his lips brushed against hers. Her heart rate quickened at the anticipation of him. His tongue outlined the rim before taking them all in. The kiss ignited her soul, breathing new life into the slight moment of despair she felt when she assumed the brunette was Natasha.

Trembling hands found their way between her thighs. He pushed her skirt up and gently rubbed her silk panties. Heat radiated from her lower core.

His kisses went from her neck, down her collar bone, to her navel and, “Ah,” she let out a soft moan as his tongue flicked the outside of her panties. Egypt lifted her hips, allowing him to slide them off and to the floor.

Christian’s tongue danced along and in her nectar. Her clit pulsated, swelling and yearning for its imminent orgasmic release. She gripped his hair and cried out. The pleasure so much she was afraid if she came, she’d squeezed his neck too hard. She spread her legs wider, giving him more room.

A tugging began at the base of her navel and vibrated throughout her body.

“
That’s it,” he murmured.

He suckled her nub as she moved dangerously close to the edge. Her hips bucked forward. Christian grabbed her waist and moved his tongue fast, so fast on her clit.

“
Oh…” Her body jerked as she released her warm gift to him.

Picking her up out the chair, he positioned Egypt in front of the island and bent her over it. She helped him pull his pants down, and he pushed inside her. Slight pain followed by pleasure followed from his abruptness.

“
I’m sorry. When I saw you, I couldn’t wait to be inside you.” He palmed her breasts and continued thrusting into her.

Egypt’s folds enveloped his hard rod. He pumped deep within. With each stoke, he trailed kisses along her spine and up to her neck. Her body tingled out of control.

He pulled her up right. Her back to his chest, his heartbeat raced. Their bodies were one. Christian calmed his pace and took his time. Slow and deliberately, he rocked inside of her.

“
This is how we are meant to be,” he whispered against her neck.

“
I love you,” she panted.

His thrusts picked up speed. Her hands flailed across the island, searching for anything to give her balance.

Christian tensed. “Argh.” He found his release.

Egypt’s chest heaved. She held her position as her heart rate slowed. Christian had definitely given her what she needed.

*****

Freeing herself from Christian’s arms, she tiptoed out the room and downstairs. All the wine Egypt drank had left her throat dry. The refrigerator held the key to her thirst, a nice refreshing bottle of water.

She twisted the cap and leaned against the stainless steel door and relished in the aftermath of their love making. Her body joined with her husband’s was something she couldn’t get enough of. She closed her eyes and opened them with a smile. The red light from Christian’s cell phone flashed from its resting place on the island and stood out in the darkness. Curiosity got the best of her. She grabbed it to bring upstairs with her but couldn’t help wondering who’d call or message him at this late hour.

Her fingers tapped the display causing it to light up. Three missed calls from an unknown number and no messages. Feeling like an idiot, she waited until the bright white light faded off the screen before entering their bedroom. For all she knew, it could have been Christian’s associates on the West Coast.

The bed shifted as she rejoined her husband.

“
I missed you.” He planted a kiss on her check and held her tight.

The jealousy faded, and she allowed herself to relax. She absorbed his body heat and soon drifted off.

Chapter Sixteen

Egypt tapped her pen on the desk. She was beginning to loathe the end of the quarter nonsense and with her husband going out of town that afternoon, most responsibility fell on her. She’d gone over the numbers three times before sending them off and her phone still rang with one of the managers from the hotels in Florida calling.

“
Yes, Gregg. I’ve accounted for everything.” She wasn’t new to checking numbers and accessing the spending and earnings. In fact she’d proved her worth and was no longer Christian’s administrative assistant but his VP. That she didn’t question one bit. Her work spoke for itself. When the other VP moved back to the Barbados she jumped at the opportunity. Now, she’d rather be sitting in a dentist office having a root canal than listening to this man.

“
I’m not sure why I’m not the top hotel this quarter,” he huffed.

If you quit giving rooms to your women then it wouldn’t be an issue.
“Gregg, yes you were top in sales, but you have way too much flowing out the back in. What matters is the bottom line. The numbers don’t lie. You’re spending is way too high over other locations.”

“
Bah.”

She refrained from giving him a piece of her mind at the disrespect. “We both know it’s the extra spending. I set a limit, and each month you went over the amount.” She relaxed in her chair, trying to match her posture to the calm she wanted him to feel.

“
Because the amount you set is ridiculous.”

“
Excuse me? May I remind you that every hotel has been allowed the same rate and only you happen to blow the budget.”

“
Fine. If you say so”

“
Good. But, Gregg I want you to understand something. I know this is your first time dealing with me on the phone and I’m not sure what transpired between you and Ruben, but if you continue to behave as if I’m not your superior then I will be forced to take disciplinary action.”

A shocking cough came across the line. “Um sorry. My apologies.”

“
Accepted but there won’t be another chance.”

“
Understood.”

The phone went dead. What a jerk. If it happened again he’d find out how much of the
Help
she wasn’t. Whatever his issue was she didn’t have to deal with it. Rarely did she throw her weight around but if he kept up she’d shove it right down his throat.

Her head throbbed. A long hot bath with Christian would cure her woes but that wouldn’t happen until he returned. It was close to four so she focused on her last few emails before going to the other side of the building and meeting with Christian to take him to the airport.

Egypt fired off her last message and grabbed her purse. “Night, Lisa.” It felt great having her own assistant. “Have a great weekend.” She gave her a wave and headed towards the elevators.

The ride to his floor couldn’t come fast enough. Prior to him leaving, she planned on having her way with him right on top of the desk, or in his chair. She hadn’t made up her mind yet. Either option will have his cock spreading her fragile walls before he left her for a few days.

The doors dinged and people milled on as she made her exit. Brunette hair whizzed by her just as the doors were closing. Her head spun. She mashed the door open button but the elevator numbers began counting back down. Desperation set in and she jumped on the next elevator going down.

She almost ran into the door before it opened when she caught sight of the woman again. The woman glanced over her right shoulder and back at Egypt. She felt a gut punch. The woman was Natasha, no doubt about it.

“
Mrs. Bradley, are you okay?” One of security men at the desk glanced at her with concern.

“
I’m fine. I…” She glanced back at the man and then out the door. She was gone. “I’ve had a long day. Excuse me.” She sidestepped him and ran as best as she could in her high heels, out the front door.

Natasha didn’t appear in either direction. She’d disappeared. Egypt had no doubt it was her. Christian had some explaining to do. This wasn’t a coincidence. No way she’d come to his place of business to see anyone else. The nerve of the woman.

Egypt marched back inside and jammed the button for the elevator. The doors slid open, and she stepped on. As the car lifted her to his floor, her mind raced. Did she try and get him back and why in the hell had he not called Egypt as soon as he saw the woman.

A wave of nausea hit her. Natasha was gorgeous and white. She’d be the perfect fit to pull this rouse with. What if Egypt truly was the stand in to get Natasha upset and change her mind on being with him. He wouldn’t have to bribe her with money. It was clear she already was loaded.

The ride jerked to a halt. Her shoulder caught on the door in her haste to get to Christian’s office. Heat scorched out her collar and up the nape of her neck as she raced down the hall. Thankfully his personal assistant had already called it a day or she’d be caught in the crossfire.

“
You want to tell me what’s going on?” she stormed in like a woman on a mission.

The smile he wore faded. “What are you doing here so early? What’s wrong?”

“
What am I doing here? I’m your wife, and I can come and go as I damn well please!” She crossed her arms, daring him to tell her different. In that instant, it occurred to her that Christian and she never had an argument, disagreement yes, but never a heated battle. He better hold on because here it comes.

She held her breath as her heart pounded against her chest. The swinging of the metal pendulum on his clock hanging on the wall caught her attention. With each sway, the second had nudged forward. It neared the twelve. If this were the old west, she’d probably have drawn her pistol. She doubted if she’d kill him, but she’d surely make him dance. Egypt let out the breath and waited.