Chapter 3 : Resurfacing Desires

*Noland’s POV*

I lean back in my leather chair, steepling my fingers beneath my chin as I review the acquisition documents for the new development. Each clause has been carefully negotiated, every detail scrutinized to eliminate even the slightest margin for error.

My phone trills, shattering the silence. “Daddy, can you find where I left the folder I asked you? I can’t seem to find it and I am already back home with Lexie.”

I shake my head. “I will take a look around. I hope this information was not left on your uber drive.”

The chances are thin, but she needs to be scared a bit in order to pay more attention. “I am sorry daddy.”

“We will find it, talk to you later,” I sigh as I end the call and ponder about where she could have left that information. She asked me for one of my high-end estates to see if her company could rent it for events. I told her I could let her host events for free but she insisted on paying.

"The representatives from Pacific Trust will be here within the hour." My assistant says as he opens the door slightly.

“Get me two sets of copies extra of their contract, just in case.”

"Of course, Mr. Reynolds. I'll have everything ready for your review." His prompt response does little to ease the tension coiling in my gut. This deal has to go through.

After ending the call, I rifle through the stacks of papers cluttering my desk until I locate the folder Natasha had left behind. She'd mentioned needing it for a meeting first thing in the morning, which means it's my responsibility to ensure it's in her hands before she leaves for the evening.

I sigh, my fingers tightening around the worn leather. My daughters are the only ones capable of distracting me from my work, despite my best efforts to remain focused. Natasha has always possessed an uncanny ability to derail my train of thought with a single request.

Shaking off the surge of affection, I glance at the time and pick up the phone once more. "I have something to be sent to my daughter at my residence."

Moments later, a soft knock precedes my assistant slipping into the room, his shoes silent across the marble floor. "What would you like me to send, Sir?"

I hold up the folder. "She left this behind. It is important for her meeting tomorrow."

"Oh, ok Sir! I will send this right away," he rounds the desk before taking the folder from my outstretched hand. As quickly as he came, he leaves and I take a deep breath.

She is home now, I will give her a call and check on her and Lexie.

Lexie, my mind wanders to her too constantly today. I need to focus.

Picking up the phone, I dial my daughter’s number and I hear her laugh with Lexie. I am secretly wanting to be there to watch it.

“Yes daddy?” Finally Natasha tells me.

“Sending you a nice folder I found in my office.”

She squeals, a very silly behavior, but she always does it when she is happy. "I would have been lost without this. You're the best, Daddy!"

A faint smile curves my lips as I end the call, the familiar endearment evoking a complicated mix of emotions. With a resigned sigh, I turn back to my paperwork. Sentiment will have to wait. There are still deals to close and fortunes to be made.

Glancing at my phone, I note the read receipt on the message I sent Lexie the previous night, my gut tightening with a sense of anticipation, mingled with a touch of apprehension at the possibility of overstepping boundaries.

My gaze drifts to my phone, a surge of anticipation rushing through me at the sight of Lexie's name. I tap the screen, scanning the contents of her reply and the accompanying selfie she has sent. A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth, warmth spreading through my chest.

Lexie has a way of brightening even the darkest of days. Though I know pursuing a relationship with her is unwise, I find it increasingly difficult to resist her innocent charm and thirst for life's simple pleasures. She makes me want things I have long ago given up on, awakening a part of myself I had thought irrevocably broken.

Shaking off the wistful turn of my thoughts, I type a quick reply, keeping things light despite the temptation to delve into more intimate territory. We are treading a dangerous line, one I am determined not to cross for Lexie's sake. She deserves far better than the complications that would come with me.

My phone buzzes seconds later with her response, another photo flashing across the screen. Laughter rumbles in my chest, warmth spreading through me anew. Lexie never fails to surprise me. Doesn’t she know how much she can affect with those pictures?

I tap out another message, anticipation thrumming through my veins. While I can't give Lexie what she truly deserves, I can at least give her an evening she won't soon forget.

A sharp knock shatters my concentration, my assistant peering into the room with an apologetic grimace. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but there's a call from Vivienne Lambert on line one. She's rather insistent on speaking with you."

My gaze hardens, my jaw clenching at the mention of Vivienne's name. "Tell her I have no interest in speaking with her. If she continues to harass you, threaten legal action."

All of them are a one-night-stand for me, and they knew this when they accepted to have sex with me. I was always clear about what I was after, and what I wasn’t. If one tries to get more, there will be consequences.

"Of course, sir." My assistant nods, shuffling from foot to foot. "How should I handle other unwanted calls? This isn't the first time someone has tried to reach you against your wishes."

"Be firm yet polite," I say. "Inform them I do not wish to be contacted and will pursue legal action if necessary. If they grow belligerent, hang up and add their information to the blacklist. I will not have my time wasted by those unable to respect basic boundaries."

"Understood." Another nod as my assistant jots down notes. "Is there anything else I can do to deter unwanted callers?"

I consider the question, my mind racing through various solutions. A slow, predatory smile curves my lips as inspiration strikes. "Tell them I've left the country indefinitely and will not be returning calls. If they demand proof, imply my location is kept private for security reasons as I'm currently in the process of brokering a multimillion-dollar deal."

"That should discourage all but the most persistent." Amusement flickers in my assistant's eyes. "Creative as always, sir."

"Necessity breeds invention," I say wryly. "Now, if there's nothing else, I have work to finish before this evening's engagement."

"Of course, sir. I'll leave you to it." With a polite nod, my assistant steps from the room and closes the door behind him.

Alone at last, I turn my thoughts to the evening ahead. If all goes as planned, it is sure to be a night the company won't soon forget. Anticipation thrums in my veins, the familiar thrill of knowing I am close to acquiring a large estate that is so highly coveted.

I shift my attention to the security cameras monitoring my estate, a habit that affords me a sense of control.

There, by the poolside, are Lexie and Natasha lounging in bikinis that leave little to the imagination. Sun-kissed skin and toned curves on display, eliciting a surge of arousal and no small amount of guilt.

I shouldn't be watching. Shouldn't crave what I can't have. And yet, I find myself unable to look away, my gaze tracing the graceful line of Lexie's neck and the swell of her breasts with each breath.

A tightness coils in my abdomen, desire warring with restraint. My knuckles whiten around the edge of the desk, jaw clenching as I fight the urge to give in to temptation.

This is a mistake. I know that, and still I linger, tormenting myself with what I can't allow myself to have.

With a curse, I slam the laptop shut. I won't be weak. I won't succumb to the hunger that threatens to consume me or the longing that pierces my armor of detachment.

Lexie is forbidden. Off limits. And I would do well to remember that before I do something I would both regret and love.

My jaw is set in grim determination as I turn my focus to the documents spread across my desk. I have an empire to run, and no time for distractions. No matter how tempting they might be.

Tonight I will continue as intended. I will go home and just enjoy some socializing with both girls then go to bed. I will keep my distance. For both our sakes, and the good of my family, I have to stay away from Lexie Montgomery. No matter the cost to my own peace of mind. She is too young, too innocent... and not mine to have. A lesson I need to learn once and for all before it is too late.

At the height of my internal struggle, a message notification on my phone captures my attention. Seeing that it is from Lexie, my resolve wavers, a surge of anticipation and trepidation intertwining within me as I debate whether to open the message, aware of the potential consequences of indulging in this connection.

I stare at the message for a long moment, torn between opening it and deleting it without reading the contents. My thumb hovers over the screen, indecision warring within me.

I shouldn't encourage this. I have no intention of acting on the attraction I feel towards her. It is unfair to her and could only end in heartbreak.

And yet, I can't stop thinking about her. About the glimpse I've caught of her by the pool, sun-kissed skin and curves that haunted my dreams. The sound of her laughter and the way her eyes lit up when she smiled.

Against my better judgment, I open the message.

Lexie is alone, she is now in the pool and her hair is all wet framing her face. She is pointing to the background to show Natasha on a call. But all I can see is Lexie. She sends another message and I read: ‘Even while she preaches fun, she still forgets to have fun for herself. Now to wait for her.’

My chest tightens as I read the message again, a blend of longing and lust twisting within me. She deserves so much more than me. More than stolen moments and unfulfilled promises. A life free of the shadows that clung to me.

I should make it clear that there is a line that should not be crossed between us, no matter how much I might wish for it in my weaker moments. But my traitorous fingers were already typing a reply, the words flowing unbidden.

‘I am glad you are having fun, despite Natasha’s obsessive work addiction. Do allow yourself to explore the estate on your own, don’t just wait for her to walk with you. The house has a lot to offer to the worthy eye of someone like you. Remember you are free and safe there. Remember I am here for you if you need anything. I mean it Lexie.’

I send the message before I can reconsider, steeling myself against the ache in my chest. This is so wrong.

-

*Lexie’s POV*

I watch Natasha get away from the pool to bark some orders to some fashion designers she is working with, and I sigh. I thought she wanted to get away from all the stress of her job and events, but on the other side I envy her for being so dedicated and passionate at what she does.

As I kick off my sandals to the side, I leave my phone on the towel and jump to the water. Natasha looks over and waves, but then turns around again to her call.

I chuckle, then turn around to get my phone and snap a picture of myself with my finger pointing at Natasha on the back.

Why am I sending this to Noland? My heart beating fast as I send the picture and feel my cheeks redden. I quickly type something else, so he knows this has no other intention but to share our afternoon. ‘Even while she preaches fun, she still forgets to have fun for herself. Now to wait for her.’

He reads the message and my heart stops as I see him typing. What will he say? Will he be upset I am distracting him from work?

When his message finally arrives, I can’t help but grin reading it to myself. ‘I am glad you are having fun, despite Natasha’s obsessive work addiction. Do allow yourself to explore the estate on your own, don’t just wait for her to walk with you. The house has a lot to offer to the worthy eye of someone like you. Remember you are free and safe there. Remember I am here for you if you need anything. I mean it Lexie.’

Something in between those words makes me feel like I want to explore this estate with him, and I want to discover every story behind its inspiration. My wild thoughts from last night make me blush deeply again. Perhaps tonight, it will happen again.