Chapter 01

"I am not paid for it! "replied Alexis, examining the address in his hand and staring at the building before her.

She was a secretary at Shepherd and Harry’s Landscaping. Office! Amanda Shepherd had no authority over her to ask her to “negotiate” with her former lover!

Well, she could have told that to her boss at the company. Now, standing before the construction of two floors, of apparent bricks, I thought it was too late to complain.

With an exasperated sigh, he smoothed his beige suit, which matched the pants and his white silk tank top. An outfit that made her look like an old woman and not the 26-year-old woman she was, as your friend Norah used to say.

She felt comfortable in her costume. It seemed more professional, more serious. Before pushing the door leading to the bar, she sighed again. Throwing the behaved ponytail over her shoulder, she came in.

By the time, the environment was practically empty. Few people in the background, next to a pool table. And on the counter, three guys, one in each corner.

Who would be Ethan Marcus?

The way was to ask.

"Excuse me, – she leaned over the counter to get the bartender’s attention. "I’m looking for Ethan Marcus. Does he work here?

"No. "the man answered, examining her.

If he didn’t work there, why did Shepherd tell you to look for him instead?

"Do you know where I can find him?

"You just found it, baby!

The voice sounded like a man next to him.

Impossible! Your boss, Amanda Shepherd, would never, definitely never have a relationship with a man like that.

He must have been in his fifties, a very prominent belly, a visible hair defect and must have been at least five feet tall. Amanda was supposed to be one and eighty.

Again, Amanda Shepherd wouldn’t even look at somebody like that!

Alexis tried to disguise his expression of unbelief, while the man displayed a good smile, accompanied by a wink and a silent toast, raising his glass. 

He had a nice face, but he certainly wasn’t his boss’s type.

When she intended to demonstrate, a large, manly hand landed on the subject’s shoulder:

"Impersonating me again, Ed? When will you learn that women will never fall for your trick? "joked the newcomer.

Yeah, that was Amanda Shepherd’s type! By the way, any kind of woman!

He was tall, very tall, an angular face, a manly chin with a very sensual dimple to adorn him, the stubble to do, a well-made nose, fleshy and well-designed lips, thick eyebrows to serpents blue eyes – or would be gray? - and a wide chest.

He wore light jeans that showed his manly thighs – he obviously worked out – a dark, well-cut suit, a white shirt with an open collar and a loose tie that compelled him a masculine stripped air. The strap of his backpack went through his wide chest. It should be coming from work at that moment.

Only then did he realize that he had been motionless, examining the subject, who was also examining him with great interest. Alexis turned red and bowed his head. It had been so long that a male specimen did not call his attention. But that, of course, would not go unnoticed or the most indifferent of women.

Dressed as old. Suddenly, Norah’s phrase came to mind. At that moment, she wished she had worn something more feminine – perhaps.

What? I wasn’t thinking? I was there for work or something like that.

She looked suspiciously at the two men. Did she know that the first was not Ethan Marcus, but how to make sure the second was?

"I can prove it. - the newcomer argued, pasting one of his hands over his chest, seeming to have noticed his doubt. - Want to see my documents? - asked, putting his hand in the back pocket of the pants, intending to get the wallet.

Alexis pondered and decided that this would also be an exaggeration:

"No. it’s okay.

"But what did I do to have a beautiful woman like you looking for me? "removed the strap from her backpack and deposited it on the counter. "Not a lawyer, is she? "he inquired, with a slight smile shading his lips, slowly examining his formal clothes.

That look caused her some restlessness. Suddenly, she felt heat, as if the clothes burned her skin.

"No. I’m not. I’m Amanda Shepherd’s secretary.

Impossible not to notice the change in his brow. It became closed, the eyebrows almost united. But that did not stop her from proceeding:

"In fact, I’m here at her request.

"What does that woman want now?

The implicit pause in his question indicated that he contained a perhaps more outrageous expression. It was obvious that the relationship had not ended well.

Without making any comment, Alexis extended the envelope that the chief had sent to him.

She patiently waited for him to examine its contents. After all, Amanda entrusted him. In fact, she ordered him to return with an answer.

After reading the contents of the letter, the man let out a funny laugh. Then he raised the leaf towards the bartender, saying:

"Hey, Tom, she’s not giving up!

The other laughed too, seeming to know what it was all about:

"Who told you to wind up?

"Go laughing! Remember that his neck is also involved. "replacing the letter inside the envelope, he turned to Alexis. "The answer is. "he seemed to ponder, but in less than a second already answered. "No. "and stretched the paper back across his arms over his wide chest. "And tell that crazy woman to leave me alone, once and for all.

"Ok… "I was curious to know what was there that had made him so upset. But obviously did not ask anything. Collecting the envelope, he put it in his pocket, straightened the body and held out his hand to say goodbye to him.

He took her in and a long, languid electric current ran down her spine. God, she’d been so long without sex that the mere touch of that man’s hand turned her on.

Trying to disguise the blush, which obviously covered his face, Alexis broke off contact by saying:

"Thank you very much for your attention. I will not take up any more of your time. "and so you made your way to the door.

"Wait! "He called her, making her turn. "Why hurry? Let me at least buy you a drink!

Why did he have to have that sexy smile? And the smell of cologne that reached his nostrils? Disturbing, very disturbing.

Maybe if he was in another situation, and he wasn’t who he was. Yeah, because she had to remember that that was Ethan Marcus, the ex, but still wanted Amanda Shepherd’s lover. It was more than obvious that his boss hoped they would get back together. So, sharing a drink with him was out of the question. I didn’t want to risk losing my job because of a man. Even if it was The Man.

"It is not worth saying that you are still working. "he joked, noting his hesitation.

"In a way, I am.

"But it’s almost six. It’s Friday. It was a long week of work. We deserve a good cold drink, don’t you think?

"I’m sorry, but I really can’t.

"Then give me your phone number. So I can call and arrange another day.

The idea was tempting. To spend a few hours in the company of a charming and fragrant man like that.

"I’m sorry, but I doubt that’s a good idea.

He scanned his face for a moment, slightly shaking his head:

"I understand. "said vaguely. "But if you change your mind.

You realized he was waiting for you to say his name:

"Alexis. Alexis Morgan.

"Well, if you change your mind, Alexis Morgan, you know where to find me.

Smiling briefly, she headed for the door. What man was that? His walk was tense, for he had the distinct feeling that he was still examining her.

Upon reaching the heavy door, he risked a look back. And as he predicted, he still stared at it. Hiding a cowering smile, he left the place.

The building belonged to him, bought it when he moved to New York and set up his architecture office in the city center. And it was that building that Amanda Shepherd wanted anyway to buy and out, of course, the desire to go back to her bed.

Ethan could not stand women like Amanda, possessive, full of frills and who liked to show too sophisticated. She attracted him by her appearance, since she was a gorgeous woman and, I had to admit, perfect in bed. But that was all. When he got to know his personality better, the charm ended.  Even the sex cooled. Not liking prolonging an unnecessary situation, Ethan ended the relationship.

And it was during this brief relationship that she developed an interest in her property. He said he wanted to buy the place to create a restaurant for his father, who lived in Chicago. The building was really well situated, in a prime neighborhood, with many renowned establishments installed on the street.

But Ethan didn’t want to sell. Not even for the price way above the market that Shepherd wanted to pay. Money wasn’t a problem for him. He lived well, was not a millionaire or anything, but his office, which he shared with partner Eric, a childhood friend, was well regarded. It guarantees you financial comfort.

He had already clarified it that he had no interest in the business, but that woman would not take no for an answer. Then, of course, it wouldn’t be the last time I’d hear of her.

Well, suddenly there would be a bright side: the chance to review the beautiful Alexis Morgan.

Sitting in the subway on the way home, Alexis pretended to be focused on something on his tablet, to avoid the insistent looks of a man, sitting a few meters away from her.

I was too tired for a flirt. Although I would happily flirt with charming Ethan if I could.