SATISFACTION.

BY K.M. GOLLAND.

The Temptation Series.

PROLOGUE.

Bryce.

I've never really considered myself to be a lucky man. Yes, I have more than enough money to feed a small country-which I do-because I make d.a.m.n sure a good percentage of my fortune aids people who genuinely need it the most. But having a rather large bank account has never truly satisfied me, nor has it ever fulfilled me. It was simply a result of working hard and keeping my mind from the emptiness I had felt since the day I lost Mum, Dad, and my little brother, Lauchie. The day they pa.s.sed away, all the love, joy and playfulness I'd once known vanished, and although I tried to recover those feelings, they always seemed to elude me. For a long time, my sister Lucy had been my focus and priority; she was all I had left. I promised myself that I would look after her, because I sure as h.e.l.l was not about to lose her, too. However, when she found her loving partner Nic, I had no choice but to reluctantly hand over the protective reins, and once again, I felt hollow inside.

It's the morning after the Tel V Awards, and I am sitting here on the edge of my bed staring down at the most beautiful creature to have ever walked this earth. I no longer feel hollow; instead, I feel alive, I feel excited, I feel like I've just had the best night of my life, but more importantly I finally feel complete.

Her silky smooth back is bare as she sleeps soundly on her stomach, and as I sit here and take in the sight before me, I cannot believe just how f.u.c.king lucky I truly am.

I think back to the time I first opened Alexis' application folder, and to what felt like being slapped in the face when confronted with her photo. f.u.c.k me, were the words that came out of my mouth, followed by a dry swallow and the loosening of my tie. She was applying for the position of Concierge Attendant, and if I had ever doubted the concept of love at first sight, I sure as h.e.l.l didn't anymore. I had sat there and stared at her intriguing, innocent, beautiful face for almost an hour before reading her resume probably twenty times. She was simply stunning, but it wasn't just her physical beauty that had me captivated. When I looked at her, I felt connected and somewhat drawn in; it was a feeling I wasn't used to.

Her cover letter had mentioned she was married with two young children, and I envied the man who was lucky enough to be responsible for that. Strangely enough, and from that moment on, Alexis' husband existed only on that piece of paper and that piece of paper alone. It was as though my mind deliberately shut him out; Mr. Summers was now a nonent.i.ty where I was concerned. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help it.

I didn't hesitate in informing Abigail that Alexis was a successful applicant and that she was to Concierge at City Towers in particular. I wanted her working in this building and as closely to me as possible. I then asked Lucy to research her-or to put it technically, perform an employee background check. Lucy looked into things for me all the time, so my request was not terribly out of the ordinary for her. She had managed to access Alexis' Facebook account which had given me an informal insight into her intriguing life.

From what I could see she was fun, had lots of friends, played Farmville, and she had been sick because she'd eaten some hidden fructose in a cake. I could also tell by her many status updates and photo tags that her alcoholic drink of choice was gin, that she loved her sports, and admired cars. The fact that she liked cars had excited the s.h.i.t out of me because I couldn't wait to try and impress her with my own collection. I had also noticed from a photo taken of her five years ago, that she'd undergone a pretty impressive physical transformation. She had looked heavier back then in comparison to the photo I had been given with her resume, but heavier or not, she radiated beauty from her angelic face and was still simply gorgeous.

The morning she was to start her traineeship was downright crazy. It was also f.u.c.king weird due to the fact I had felt fl.u.s.tered, stressed, excited, and all things strangely confusing and nice-weird, but nice. I had changed my suit three times, worrying about whether or not she would find me good looking; I was turning into a b.l.o.o.d.y girl. I'm even surprised I didn't turn around that morning and look at my a.r.s.e in the mirror, wondering if it looked big in the particular pants I had been wearing. In addition, my palms had been sweaty that morning, which I always thought was just a myth-a stupid saying even. But it wasn't a myth, it was true, your palms do actually sweat when you are nervous as h.e.l.l.

I had informed security to notify me when Alexis scanned her employee card at the staff gate so that I could position myself and catch a glimpse of the beauty in the photo that had captured my thoughts for the past three weeks. I had spotted her hurrying across my casino floor, and the sheer sight of her had the head on my shoulders deciding to have a quick chat to the head in my pants. Then, as if I was an electrically charged moving particle, I was pulled by her magnetic force until we were both standing in line at Gloria Jeans. I hadn't planned on talking to her until she was due to visit the penthouse floor. All I had wanted to do at that time was see her up close and personal, but once I did, I had found myself wanting more.

I stood directly behind her, and the scent of her perfume and shampoo nearly knocked me for six. Having been momentarily intoxicated by her presence like a lovesick pervert, I hadn't allowed enough room for her to turn around. Thank f.u.c.k I hadn't though, because the feeling of hot freaking white chocolate covering my Versace shirt was one of the best feelings I had felt in a very long time. The words that then floated out of her perfect mouth sealed my need to be around her as much as I could. She was not only breath-takingly beautiful, she was funny-adorably f.u.c.king funny. aOh, s.h.i.t! s.h.i.t! Geezus, that is hot! Oh, I am so sorry!' I just wanted to grab her and swallow those cute little words directly from her mouth to mine, but it wasn't until she looked up into my eyes that I nearly f.u.c.king had a coronary. I swear my heart skipped a beat if that was at all possible.

I wasn't sure what came over me next, because I lost control of all reason and grabbed her by the arm, leading her to G.o.d knows where. If my world was perfect, I would have led her to the nearest personal corridor and had her up against the wall. But that was not going to happen, so I had to think quickly before she screamed aPsycho' and kicked me in the b.a.l.l.s. She had seemed okay with me whisking her away at first, until she managed to pry herself out of my eager hold and ask me who the h.e.l.l I was. In that moment, I came up with the idea to take her to see Clarissa and lavish her with a Versace dress that would be privileged to adorn her perfect body.

aWho are you and how do you know my name?' she had asked. I had thought about opening my stupid mouth then, and spilling out that the reason I knew her name was because I had thought about her every day since first laying my eyes on her. I'm glad I didn't though, because that would have probably sealed my fate and declared me borderline stalker.

My eyes had quite easily found her wet and slightly see-through blouse, which was lucky, because this was how I had noticed her name badge and was able to use that as the less creepy excuse for knowing her name. I also figured I would throw into the mix that I was her boss, and see how she'd react. The shade of pink her face had turned was adorable. I knew from that moment I needed to make her blush a h.e.l.l of a lot more, as it was f.u.c.king awesome to watch. I then placed my hand on the small of her back to keep her moving, and this instantly had snapped my d.i.c.k to attention, like she deliberately sent an electric shock right through me in order to hit that very spot.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present, where I now sit gazing down at my sleeping beauty, it is quite apparent that Alexis still has that very ability to snap my d.i.c.k to attention-even in her sleep. Just the sight of her naked back gives me a raging hard on. I smile to myself, as thoughts of the first time I saw her naked back come rushing into my mind.

I remembered swallowing heavily right before I crazily opened her dressing room curtain with the dumba.s.s excuse to offer to zip her up. She had spun around quite eagerly for me, that, or she had hoped I would leave, which I had no intention in doing until I had finished with her zip. When I placed my hand on her back that electrifying d.i.c.k charge had coursed through me once again, and I knew I wanted to experience that feeling for as long as I possibly could. So, I deliberately zipped up the dress slowly, even having thoughts about pretending it got stuck so that I could hold her against me and tug at it. She had flinched under my touch, and it worried me to think I had icy cold fingers that disgusted her, so I rubbed them desperately, nearly f.u.c.king producing a friction fire in the palm of my hands. I apologised for them being cold, but when she had said aNo, not at all, they are fine' and then giggled, I relaxed and felt she was possibly flirting with me. That prospect alone was all I needed to take it up an extra notch, and I definitely had plans on doing that.

A small gurgling noise sounds from Alexis' stomach, snapping me out of my happy recollection. Even her stomach rumbling is s.e.xy as h.e.l.l. She's hungry, I'll make her breakfast. I quietly stand up from the bed and sneak out of the room. I could make a quick batch of blueberry pancakes for her. I make my way to the kitchen and quickly produce a pile of pancakes, dressing them with yogurt and berries. I smile as I put them aside, then head back to my room to wake my perfect sleeping beauty.

When I return to the room, she is still sleeping soundly. f.u.c.k, I must've really worn her out last night. I plan on wearing her out like this every night for the rest of our lives. The problem with that is, when she finds out about my deal with Rick, we may not have the rest of our lives. The fact he has cheated on her is in my favour; knowing Alexis like I do now, she will not go back to him because of that. But will she leave me when she finds out about my part in all of it? I'm not quite sure. Just the thought of it terrifies me beyond belief. I can't lose her now. No, I won't lose her now. I have this week to show her just how much she really means to me, and to show her that what we have is magical, special, and rare. I have this one week to prove to her that we belong together, and I'm not going to waste another second of it. Now that I have her, I am never letting her go.

CHAPTER ONE.

There is a feeling you get when waking for the first time after an incredible night. It starts with your eyelids fluttering, slowly responding to a message sent from your brain, a message telling them to open completely so that you can return from your unconscious hibernation, and face the joy that begins to spread across your body as you remember what you had experienced before entering it. My brain was sending this message, instructing my mouth to curve into a smile as I slowly woke from my slumber, a slumber which was the result of a night full of pa.s.sionate love-making. My eyes were heavy as were the muscles in between my legs, but it was the tickling sensation I felt up and down my bare back that distracted me from my aching loins. I opened my eyes, finding the morning sunlight to be unwelcome, but the realisation of what was tickling my back; or more so who was doing it, was probably the most welcoming thing imaginable.

"Ms. Summers...wake up, my love." Hmmm, anything you say, you incredibly satisfying, s.e.xy man. He kept trailing the object up and down my spine, sending tiny sensations radiating from the point of contact, through to my b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and right down into my pelvis. I rolled over slowly and without hesitation-although-there were things I did not want to imagine, and what I looked like at that particular point in time was one of them. From last night's memories of s.e.x Up Against the Wall, to a f.u.c.k On the Floor, to our wrestling in a bed full of roses, then s.e.x In the Shower-I could honestly take a guess and say that I looked well and truly f.u.c.ked.

"Good morning, Mr. Clark," I mumbled as a yawn escaped my mouth. Bryce was sitting on the edge of the bed wearing nothing but a pair of jeans and in his hand was a long-stemmed red rose, one of the hundreds scattered around the room. I couldn't help myself and smiled at him. I smiled because he was gloriously hot in the morning with his s.e.xy jeans, and I smiled because he had made me very happy. Last night was, if I am going to be completely honest with myself, probably the best night of my life. He had tempted me for months, pursued me tirelessly and when the opportunity arose, I succ.u.mbed to the temptation that was Bryce Edward Clark; a 36 year old billionaire, CEO of Clark Incorporated, my boss, and a man who was aabsolutely and undoubtedly' in love with me.

He placed the rose on my forehead, and then gently dragged it along the bridge of my nose, allowing me to breathe in its glorious scent. He then continued his sultry a.s.sault and trailed it over my lips. I tantalised him by sticking out my tongue and licking the petal as it pa.s.sed. This initiated one of his tell-tale signs that I was setting a fire within him; he twitched his eye and held the rose still for only a split second. I'm guessing his pause was an indication of him deciding whether to pounce on me there and then, or continue his seductive tease. If it was, then he opted to continue the rose's southern journey by dragging it over my neck and intensifying the sensations I was already feeling.

The rose made its way down in between my b.r.e.a.s.t.s, where he circled each of them with controlled precision. I watched the ownership he displayed in his eyes as he teased my nipples with the petals. The problem was he didn't own me, by law I belonged with someone else-Rick Summers, my husband. I quickly, but only in a very shallow way, buried the memory from a couple of days ago where Rick had confessed to having an affair. I was going to have to deal with him soon-that was inevitable-but for now, I wanted him out of my thoughts and out of my head completely. I got up on my elbows and mouthed the words acome here', but he didn't move. Instead, he just displayed the infuriating yet adorable and delectable smirk he possessed, and so often fired my way.

"Mr. Clark, are you deliberately torturing me?"

"No, Alexis, Hunny. I wouldn't dare." Oh, yes you would, you s.e.xy beast. I lifted my knee, allowing the sheet to drop to my foot, therefore exposing the rest of my naked body. He growled, which as per usual sent waves of excitement right through me. He placed the rose in between his teeth, turned, and began to crawl up the bed with a devilish glint in his eye. I loved his devilish glint, it meant one thing and one thing only; Alexis you are in for it now! I accepted his rose, put my arms around his neck, and kissed him pa.s.sionately. This was by far my new favourite pastime, followed very closely-and I mean very closely-by what always comes next. He tried to speak, but I wouldn't let him leave my mouth. It didn't deter him though, because I could still understand his mumbling.

"I've made you breakfast, my love."

"Thank you, but it can wait," I replied without separating my mouth from his and performing the same m.u.f.fled speech. Breakfast was the last thing on my mind, so I wrapped my legs around his back and rolled him over until I was sitting on top of him. He comfortably and arrogantly, mind you, placed both his hands behind his head.

"Hmmm...my new favourite view, Ms. Summers."

"Mine too, Mr. Clark." I reached down and began to unb.u.t.ton his jeans. He had a strange look on his face which made me stop after pulling down the zipper.

"What?" I asked curiously.

"Nothing." His attempt to disguise his amus.e.m.e.nt was not particularly good.

"Bryce Edward Clark, what are you trying to hide?"

"Nothing, my love. Here, do you need a hand?" He tilted his pelvis up, thrusting me ever so slightly into the air, which allowed him to pull his jeans down at the same time. Cheeky b.a.s.t.a.r.d. I could feel his full erection pushing into my inner thigh, so I reached down and positioned his crown so that it just touched my entrance. He smiled and tilted to allow admission, but I knelt higher, refusing that admission.

"What are you hiding from me, Bryce?" I raised my eyebrow, indicating that he better confess.

"Nothing, Alexis. You do realise you are not going to win this." I know. This was another game I did not really want to win, but I was enjoying the pretence nonetheless. He tilted again, and again I refused. "Are you telling me, that you don't want my c.o.c.k inside of you?" he asked, calling my bluff. No, f.u.c.k no. He tilted yet again, and this time I lowered, allowing him to be entirely engulfed by my warm, lubricated p.u.s.s.y. He gritted his teeth and groaned loudly as I started pleasing his erection with my rhythm, which in turn pleased me. I craved the rawness he displayed when I gave him what he wanted, because it made me want him even more. I was absolutely possessed and captivated by this man-put quite simply, I was completely in love with him.

He placed his hands on my hips, greedily holding me to him. I liked riding him slowly and seeing the look on his face as I moved up and down his shaft. I found it empowering knowing that the rhythm I created was the root of his pleasure. I leaned forward, and placed my hands on his chest, then relaxed my arms so that I could flick my tongue across his lips. He opened his mouth and caressed my tongue with his own, then moved his hands to grip my a.r.s.e with sensational force. The look we bore into each other's eyes was intense, and as our pelvic movements escalated so did my o.r.g.a.s.m. I sat up, arched my head back and touched my b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

"Alexis, you are f.u.c.king gorgeous, especially when you touch yourself." Holy f.u.c.k, the things you say to me, Mr. Clark. I reached my climax, and his followed closely behind. He sat up and wrapped his arms around me, securing me to his chest. We didn't say anything, just hugged each other for what felt like hours. I could have stayed like that indefinitely, but the rumble that roared from within my stomach indicated I had to indulge in breakfast. Laughing, he pulled away, and looked down at my belly. "Lucky for you, my love, there's a big plate of blueberry pancakes downstairs with your name on it." Yum! I couldn't possibly love you anymore my, smirky Chef.

"Mr. Clark, you are just too good to me," I said as I pressed a quick kiss to his lips. I was quite eager to get the delicious circles of antioxidants into my mouth, when the thought of pancakes reminded me of my children. I hope they are all right. I was definitely going to ring Mum after breakfast to see how they were and to face the music.

I climbed off Bryce's now fallen soldier and grabbed the navy satin nightie that had been discarded on the floor in the early hours of the morning. Bryce put his jeans back on and gave me the aI'm going to lift you up look'.

"Don't even think about it, I'm walking!" I couldn't have been more matter of fact, than if I had shook my finger at him, placed one hand on my hip and wobbled my head at the same time. He put his hands up in defence and just laughed at me. There was something about his laugh that gave me the sense he was still hiding something. "What?"

"Nothing, Ms. Summers." Bulls.h.i.t, nothing. Grrrrr. He smirked, grabbed my hand, and led me downstairs.

The man was a G.o.d-a s.e.xy, mouth-wateringly sweet and talented G.o.d- and the dish he just put in front of me only added to his list of credentials. Plated on the table before me was a stack of heart-shaped blueberry pancakes, with a dollop of yogurt and some berries on the side. I put my hands to my chest as the sentiment was truly adorable.

"That's so sweet, thank you." Unfortunately though, I was now struggling to come to terms with the fact I was going to have to ruin his masterpiece by consuming it.

"It's what I do, Ms. Summers." Oh, Mr. Clark, I'll do you in a minute. I picked up my fork. But it looks so pretty, I can't do it... Alexis, stab the pancakes you stupid b.i.t.c.h. I hesitated then speared the pile of berries instead, and dipped them into the yogurt. Looking up I noticed Bryce smirking at me. I smiled sweetly back at him and then popped the blueberries into my mouth. Is he just going to sit there and watch me eat? I hate it when he watches me eat.

"For the love of G.o.d! What Bryce?"

"Nothing, my love."

"Stop saying that. Clearly there is something you're not telling me." I glared at him. He lowered his head with a grin, and took in a mouthful of his own pancakes. I, however, continued to hover over mine. They really did look yummy. How could I possibly devour this plate of love? I lifted the top pancake with my fork and underneath it was another perfect heart. They were all equally impeccable and I found them to be more and more untouchable the longer I looked at them. Just do it, Alexis. I was still contemplating the angle of attack when Bryce got impatient and destroyed my blueberry tower of love with his fork. "Hey?"

"Eat them." He scowled.

"But they looked so cute and pretty, and I didn't want to wreck them." With my bottom lip pouting, I forked the sabotaged pile and placed some into my mouth. Oh, these are just divine! The pout disappeared and I quickly followed with some more. "You do realise you just broke my hearts?" I mumbled with a mouthful.

"Hunny, if I ever broke your heart, I would mend it." He looked sincere. Oh, okay, a Dr. Phil moment that has come out of nowhere. I searched his newly stern face.

"But what if you couldn't mend it?"

"That's not an option." The serious nature this conversation had turned into was starting to worry me. It was as though he was trying to tell me something or rea.s.sure me. Whatever it was, I didn't like it.

"Well, it is simple then, isn't it? You won't have to worry about mending my heart, if you promise to never break it." I aggressively stabbed the remainder of my aLeaning Tower of Pancake-Love' and ate it. His smile returned which then magnetised my own.

I loved sitting out on his balcony eating a meal with him that he had cooked. It was so different to what I was used to back at home. I was used to slaving over the stove for hours covered in pot splatter, sporting a blush of flour across my cheek, and smelling of odour Le Garlic and Onion. If that was not bad enough, I was then told by Nate and Charlotte, that they ahate it, and it's the worst ever!' So, having someone else cook for me was a pleasant change, and I was lapping it up. I did however, regardless of their dislike of my cooking, miss my ratbags immensely and were dying to hear their voices.

I glanced up to see that Bryce's cheeky aI'm hiding something' look had returned yet again. "Okay, tell me what the f.u.c.k is so amusing?" I viciously forked a strawberry and shoved it into my mouth. "Or I will take back your permission to kiss me." He stopped chewing, put his fork down, and stared at me wildly.

"Is that a threat, Ms. Summers?" Sure is bucko!

"It's a promise, Mr. Clark," I mumbled, as I murdered the strawberry between my teeth. His eyes were now literally burning me, and I could feel his radiant heat. He forcefully tipped the entire table over and out of his way. I swallowed the deceased berry and nearly choked. Oh s.h.i.t. I gripped my seat tightly, partly out of shock, and partly because I had to hold onto something. The last time I challenged him, I ended up in the pool.

He kicked his chair backwards, and prowled toward me, his eyes not leaving mine for a second. The way his stare penetrated me was indescribable, and already my b.r.e.a.s.t.s and pelvis were vibrating with excitement. He stopped directly in front of me, then leaned down so that his face was now level with my own. He went to kiss me, but stopped only centimetres from my wanting mouth, the pause and extreme close proximity were excruciating. His soft breath was warm against my skin as he moved his head down my neck, I arched back giving him access, but he didn't touch me. Holy s.h.i.t, this is hot. He moved back up to my mouth, again coming as close as possible without making any contact, then shifting to my ear, and hovering over it, he breathed and whispered.

"You were saying?" Nothing, absolutely nothing, do not listen to me.

I moaned very lightly, and that was enough for him to caress my mouth. His lips were warm and tasted ever so slightly of blueberries. I gently licked them and savoured the taste. Mmmmm, he tastes so good. We deepened our kiss, but kept it very controlled and sensual, it was simply wonderful. Suddenly, he broke away and stood up. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Ms Summers." Grrrrrrr, he is winning too many of these challenges!

"I hate you," I said sulkily as I recovered from his spellbinding tease.

"No, you don't." He sn.i.g.g.e.red back at me as he walked away. No, I don't.

Bryce began cleaning up the tipped over table and leftovers from breakfast, and watched me as I walked up the stairs. He still wore a secretive and mischievous smile, so I poked out my tongue and followed with a rather loud raspberry in response to his annoying expression. This only seemed to add to his already private joke, so I glared at him then disappeared to his room to freshen up after our marathon of f.u.c.kery.

As I entered his bathroom, the reflection in his mirror stopped me in my tracks, finally revealing what his b.l.o.o.d.y secret was. Are you kidding me? Oh very funny, Mr. Clark. Stuck in various spots amongst my hair were approximately five rose petals. I looked like a freaking human bird's nest. I couldn't help but let out a little squawk, the joke was already on me, so why not? Cheeky b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Alexis Summers does not forget things very easily. As I plucked the petals from my hair, ideas of revenge started floating around in my head. I stepped into the shower and ran through them. Right, the good old fashioned hug him and stick a note to his back! Or, kiss him on the cheek with a bright red lipstick. Unfortunately, none of these satisfied my building urge for retribution. Patience, Alexis. Was it not Mr Hotpants Clark that said aGood things come to those who wait?' Well wait I shall.

It was Tuesday morning and technically a work day, so I made my way to the walk in stadium. Yes, stadium! I still cannot get over how big his closet actually is. I found it quite overwhelming standing in this enormous s.p.a.ce staring at the numerous high-end fashion choices. I think the fact there were so many items to choose from actually made it much more difficult to make a decision. I did, however, make a decision; finally deciding on the Versace square-neck lace dress. I picked this one because I knew he would like it, a lot. It was tight-very tight-clinging snuggly to my b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and with the a.s.sistance of my Aubade push-up bra, made them look about ten years younger. Ha, check these puppies out! Not bad...this will teach him. The dress was predominantly an ivory colour with black laced chiffon over the top. It had long sleeves, and the hemline rested just above my knee. I completed the revenge outfit with a pair of black patent, Jimmy Choo Mary Janes, then I blow dried my hair, and applied the very minimal makeup I was now used to wearing. I a.s.sessed my vengeful attire in the mirror. Alexis you are getting quite good at this.

I reached for my phone. The clock read 10a.m. already. Lucky you sleep with the boss, or you'd be fired! There were also five missed calls and two text messages from Rick.

Message 1 - Babe, I'm sorry. It's not what you think, really it isn't.

You never gave me the chance to explain myself.

Please call me back, Rick Message 2 - Alexis, obviously you need time and don't want to talk.

I respect that, take the time.

But by the end of the week, if you have not returned my call or messaged me I will track you down.

By the way, you looked stunning on TV last night, and I miss you xo It's not what I think? What am I supposed to think then? You accidently tripped over, and your d.i.c.k just happened to land inside of Claire? I closed the messages. I was beyond hurt, now I was mad. How dare he try and defend himself and brush it off as though it was nothing, our twelve years of marriage was now flushed down the toilet. The worst thing about it though, wasn't that he'd been tempted to cheat-I knew how that felt. It was the fact he had lied to me for so long about it, he had kept it a secret for five friggin' years.

Claire was the daughter of my parent's friends and was 27 at the time. I had helped her get the receptionist position at Melbourne Mortgages as a favour to her parents. I remembered back to when Rick came home after a late shift with Claire, smelling of Red Door (which I hate by the way). I asked him outright, 'Is something going on between the two of you?' He'd said 'No' and informed me she'd had a fight with her best friend and was upset, so he'd hugged her in the hope she would stop crying. I know he hates crying, so I'd accepted his version of events, but I'd become slightly suspicious at the Christmas party when she seemed to hang off everything he said and did. She only worked there for another month or so after that, and apparently took off backpacking overseas-I hadn't heard or asked about her since. I hope she is stuck in the f.u.c.king Sahara Desert somewhere and being spat on by a camel. I shivered all over and physically tried to shake the memories of her out of my head. Right don't think about it, Alexis. Deal with it at the end of the week.

Whom I did have to deal with right now was my mother, Maryann Blaxlo. Mum was not a stupid woman. In fact, she was as sharp as they come, and I had no doubt she knew something was not right, not only from my televised appearance the night before, but by Rick's and the kids' moods. The good thing about Mum was she didn't stubbornly force you to pour your heart out if you didn't want to, and she never judged. I sat on the edge of the bed and hesitantly dialled Mum and Dad's phone number.

"h.e.l.lo, Alexis Elizabeth." Yep, she knows something. Typical mother tactic of saying your full name.

"Hi, Mum. I'm just checking in on the kids. Are they around?"

"Nate is on the tractor with your father, and Charlotte is helping me with the herb garden. So Alexis, how was the Tel V Awards? That was quite some honour being named best dressed." What? Holy s.h.i.t. Cool, or was it? G.o.d I hope I'm not being splashed all over Sunrise and The Morning Show right now. c.r.a.p!

"Really!? I didn't know that! Yes, that is an honour. It was a stunning dress, Mum" Change the subject, Alexis. "Mum I really can't be long. Can I speak to Charlotte, please?" She murmured something and handed Charli the phone.

"Hi, Mummy. I saw you and Mr. Clark on TV. You looked beautiful...like a famous person." Lol, silly little rabbit.

"Thank you, darling. It was a very pretty dress, wasn't it? Hey, guess what, Charli Bear? Guess who I met?"

"Who? 4life? Who Mum?" If she was this excited at the sheer mention of me possibly meeting her favourite band, she was going to hyperventilate when she found out what Bryce had arranged for her the night before; her face would be priceless.