Alexander
I settled back into my chair, catching Scarlett’s predatory smile. Her foot traced up my leg again
under the table.
“The tiramisu for everyone,” Grandfather announced to the waiter. “And bring my grandson a double portion.”
“Really, I don’t-”
“Hush,” Grandmother interrupted. “You’re too thin. A growing boy needs sustenance.”
“I’m thirty–two,” I muttered, but the tiramisu appeared before further protests could be made.
Scarlett leaned forward, giving me another calculated view of her cleavage as she “accidentally” dropped her napkin. “Could you get that for me?”
I ignored her, focusing on my dessert while Uncle James launched into another story about his golf game. Scarlett’s foot continued its journey up my leg, but I shifted away, trapping her ankle between my feet. Her eyes widened at being caught.
“More coffee?” the waiter asked.
“Please,” I said, releasing Scarlett’s foot with a warning squeeze. Her cheeks flushed – whether from embarrassment or arousal, I didn’t care.
“Such a lovely dessert,” Aunt Patricia sighed. “Almost as good as that little café in Paris…”
I tuned out the inevitable travel story, methodically working through my tiramisu while dodging Scarlett’s continued attempts at footsie.
“Alexander, darling.” Madelyn’s voice cut through Aunt Patricia’s Paris tale. “You’ve been so distant lately. Always working, never joining us for family events.”
I swallowed another bite of dessert. “The company keeps me busy.”
“Too busy for the family?” She dabbed her lips with a napkin. “We miss you at our Sunday dinners.”
“I’m sure he has other commitments,” Scarlett chimed in, her tone dripping with false innocence. ” Don’t you, Alexander?”
I caught the predatory gleam in her eye. She was playing the sweet, concerned friend act perfectly – as if she hadn’t tried to seduce me in my office.
“Just work,” I replied smoothly. “Scarlett, have you reconsidered those expansion plans?”
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“Oh yes?” She perked up, all business now. “I’ve revised the projections. Much more conservative approach
Conservative, for you, means conquering only one continent instead of three?”
She laughed, a practiced tinkling sound. “You’re so funny, Alexander. No, I’ve scaled back considerably. Focus on European markets first, then Asia in phase two.”
Still too aggressive.” I pushed my empty plate away. “Start smaller. Build your foundation.”
“But-”
“The board won’t approve it otherwise.” I fixed her with a stern look. “You know that.”
She pouted prettily, playing to our audience. “Fine. I’ll revise again.”
I checked my watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have meetings.”
“Always rushing off,” Grandmother tutted, but I was already standing.
I’d had enough family bonding for one day. And definitely enough of Scarlett’s games.
I pushed back from the table and stood to make my exit. “Thank you for lunch. I need to head back to the office.”
Already? Grandmother Eleanor’s face fell. “But we hardly got to talk about your future.”
“My future’s looking just fine.” I kissed her cheek. “The company keeps me busy.”
“Join us for Sunday dinner,” Madelyn said. “The whole family will be there.”
I adjusted my tie. “Sure, I’ll make it.”
“Oh, Alexander!” Scarlett stood up quickly. “Would you mind giving me a lift? My car’s at the service
center.”
“I have work to-”
“Don’t be silly,” Georgia interrupted. “It’s on your way.”
Madelyn nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, darling. You can’t let a lady take a cab.”
I caught the triumphant gleam in Scarlett’s eye. Clever girl, using my family to corner me. “Alright. Let’s go.”
“Such a gentleman,” Madelyn beamed.
I made my rounds, saying goodbye to everyone while Scarlett gathered her things. Uncle James
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clapped my back too hard, Aunt Patricia insisted on another kiss, and Grandmother Eleanor made one last attempt to discuss eligible bachelorettes.
1 led Scarlett through the parking lot, pressing the key fob to unlock my car. She slid into the passenger seat with practiced grace, crossing her legs to show an unnecessary amount of thigh.
“Where am I dropping you?” I pulled out of the lot, keeping my eyes firmly on the road.
“I thought we could spend some time together.” Her hand landed on my thigh. “For old times‘ sake.”
I removed her hand without taking my eyes off the traffic. “I postponed three meetings to make this lunch. I’m already behind schedule.”
“Oh, please.” Her laugh dripped with suggestion. “Like you’ve never postponed meetings for me before. Remember that board presentation you skipped to fuck me?”
“That was months ago. Different priorities now.”
“Fine.” She huffed.
The silence lasted about thirty seconds before I felt her hand slide up my thigh again. From the corner of my eye, I caught her adjusting her dress, the hemline inching higher.
“Alexander…” She purred my name, leaning closer. Her perfume filled the car too sweet, too heavy. Nothing like Madison’s subtle scent. “We could have some fun, for old time’s sake.”
“Remove your hand or walk the rest of the way.”
She pouted but withdrew. “You’ve changed. The Alexander I knew would’ve pulled over by now.‘
“The Alexander you knew grew up. Keep it professional.”
“Professional?” Her laugh held an edge. “Is that what you tell all the girls now?” She shifted in her
her dress riding up further. “I could come by tonight. Give you a proper reunion.”
seat,
“Not interested.” I switched lanes, eager to reach her stop.
“Your loss.” She adjusted her dress, making sure I caught a glimpse of lace. “The offer stands. Just like old times – no strings, just pleasure.”
I kept my eyes on the road, suppressing an eye roll. “Scarlett, we’ve been through this. The answer’s
no.”
“But why?” Her hand crept toward my thigh again. “What happened to the old Alexander who used to fuck me?”
“He grew up. Got smarter.” I spotted the service center ahead. Thank god. “And learned not to mix
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1 led to the service center’s parking lot, matting the engine. “My sex tide ital ́t your concern ayor You our thould be ready.”
“Y” She gathered her purse, then paused with her hand on the door handle. “But when you get tired of playing businessman, you know where to find me.”
“Goodbye, Scarlets.”
She stepped out, bending down to give me one last view of her dearage “Such a waste. We could’ve hands from.”
I waited until she was inside before pulling away and loosening my the Christ, that woman never knew when to quit. At least the service center was done any longer in that car, and the might have tried dimbing into my lap.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
