Keep Me Going : An Office Romance Read online

  We cleaned up enough to nap until Lindsay got up and she joined us in the bedroom. The window was open, but I doubted that Lindsay would pick up on the scent anyway. She was young, and we kept that part of our relationship under wraps for now apart from some mild PDA. She wanted us together from the start and welcomed it.

  Lindsay cuddled with her mom, still dozing off and I watched them. I imagined her growing up in this room, seeing a blur of the little girl as a teenager. I imagined us all in a house down the line, grilling in the yard as Soledad rubbed her swollen belly with a warm smile.

  I woke up with a shock when I watched Soledad die giving birth to our baby in my dream. She was in the hospital and our son was so small. He was barely hanging on and she just bled too much. I looked around to see my girls asleep and stroked Soledad’s hair gently before going to get some water.

  Rosie got settled in her room with the assurance to make herself at home. She knew what was going on and thanked me for my kindness to keep them all safe. She looked at me shrewdly when we first met. I knew that she saw me as the player that I was prior to meeting her friend. I was transitioning, after all.

  We got along well as time went on. She learned to respect me as we cooked together and talked over meals. I assured her that I had Lindsay’s best interests at heart as well as Soledad’s. I wanted to take care of them and that was before all of this went down. Now we were close, and she trusted me with this new sense of danger.

  I woke up to the alarm, seeing how tired Soledad still looked. I decided to work from home for the first half of the day while Rosie watched Lindsay and get us to the office after lunch. I knew that Soledad would refuse to bail on her team from previous experience.

  She walked down the hallway in some black slacks and a green silk blouse that brought out her eyes. I’d enjoyed watching her buy clothes for work. She pulled off the business casual look well and looked sexier by the day. I knew the extra sleep had done her good, even though I was still thinking about my dream about her. “Are you okay?” She asked as we drove in, earning a lazy smile from me. “You’re not mad, are you?”

  “I work from home sometimes. It’s a nice break for me. I’d be happy to make a day of it, but you refused, stubborn girl.” I teased her as she rolled her eyes.

  “I have to make my boss some money, you know.” She knew that her team was the highest producing and felt quite proud of it, once she was here for a while. “There seems to be something else going on. Did you hear something new?”

  I did know where Keith was staying. It was a motel on the edge of town. He didn’t seem to have a lot of money and I hoped that would make him leave sooner rather than later. I always went back to his enabling father though. Was he bankrolling his son? “I’ve heard a few things, but they aren’t a big deal. I’m just keeping track of him.” I paused and parked in the crowded lot. “Did you know his family well?”

  “No, they were estranged when I met him. At least, that’s what he told me. They never saw Lind or seemed to do anything for her. That might be his doing now that I know what a mess Keith is. I don’t want her to meet them if he willingly saves his ass every time he needs it.”

  We walked into the office as some people were returning to work while others were leaving. I went with the standard rule of no contact even though Kathy passed by us with a bright smile. I went into my office as she took her things to meet the team. They were making great strides with the ad and the client was happy. I enjoyed seeing her working so hard and enjoying it, but I’d take care of her and Lindsay if that ever changed. I had the money, both from a trust fund and the company. I was ready to give her the world once we figured out the Keith situation.

  When work was done, we went back to the loft for a home cooked meal from Rosie. I enjoyed watching the women together since it was much like a mother and daughter relationship. It made me wonder about Soledad’s mom. She’d mentioned her a few times and I knew they kept in touch. Now that I knew about Keith, I understood why she’d stayed away. Soledad must have felt guilty for potentially bringing a dangerous man into her family’s life.

  I knew that I could fix that for her, terminate the problem. I took Rosie back to her hotel after dinner, earning a kiss on the cheek before she told me to take care of her girls. I assured her that I would and headed back to the loft to where Soledad was likely giving Lindsay a bath before bed. I parked in the garage and headed up to the loft, unlocking the door and walking into the foyer. “Sol?”

  “Back here,” she called out as I walked to the bedroom that Lindsay was using. They were in the big bed with a pile of books, wearing pajamas and smiling at me. “She’s going to bed right after this book. She wanted to tell you good night first.”

  I walked into the room and sat on the other side of Lindsay. I watched as Soledad read to her, memorizing her gorgeous face as she looked at her daughter with such warmth. I hugged Lindsay good night and kissed her cheek as she told me thank you for letting them stay here. She also told me that she loved me in a low whisper as my eyes stung.

  Holy shit. They both loved me.

  I followed Soledad into the hallway, shutting off the light as she stretched. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me as she laughed softly. “I love you,” I told her as I kissed her bare shoulder.

  “I love you, Alex.” Soledad stroked my arms with her soft hands and I closed my eyes.

  “Lindsay told me tonight that she loved me,” I told her as she leaned back against me.

  “She told me that she wanted to in the bath. I knew that she’d been thinking hard about something and she asked me what I thought. I told her that I loved you and it was okay if she did too.” Soledad turned in my arms and pressed her mouth to mine. I kissed her back, reaching down to cup her ass and hauling her against me. I carried her to my room, knowing that I locked the front door for the night. Anything else that needed to be done could wait.

  Chapter Eleven

  Soledad

  I laughed as Alex brought me to his room and closed the bedroom door softly. He kissed me hard, pressing me down to the mattress as he eased himself between my thighs. “The last few days have been the best in my life in some ways, having you here. I hate that it’s under these circumstances, but I love you. I love having you here.” He eased his hands under the clingy cotton tank and lifted it slowly, baring my breasts. My nipples were already hard, and I moaned as he circled one with his finger.

  “I spoke to Rosie today, Alex. I want to move in with you and make this our home. I love you too much not to be in your arms every night.” I watched as he stared at me in the light from the lamp on the side of the bed, his eyes dark.

  “You do?” He asked. I nodded, and his mouth claimed mine hungrily in a savage kiss. I pulled him down to me as our tongues danced together. I knew that he was going to claim me as we removed clothing and he spread my legs wide. “I love you, Soledad.” His cock entered me, and I moaned as he filled me, seeing a spark of hope for the future. I knew that we’d move past this situation with Keith and make a future together.

  Our bodies rocked together, straining with need. I held in my moans and I let him fuck me hard, feeling him all over my body. Every nerve ending was tingling, and I clawed his back as he thrust inside of me again. I rocked with him and wrapped my legs around him as I arched my back. I felt free telling him the words even though a hint of fear still lingered under the surface. When we were recovering, I draped my body over his and breathed in our scent.

  “I’m going to call Carly and tell her that you’re moving out. She can surely rent the unit out to someone and we have some new hires coming in to begin with. Maybe we can give it a week to get your things out.” He spoke softly, and I smiled. “I haven’t forgotten about Rosie. I am going to keep her up in a hotel and find something for her close to us. I’d even let her move in to the third bedroom if you’d like that. She’s a great woman.”

  “I know that she likes being close to Lindsay. I felt a few times whe
n we shared the apartment that she looked forward to her getaways more than she was willing to admit. Maybe something she could settle in and have her own space while being safe and close to us? I don’t know what Keith has planned but I won’t let him hurt anyone I love.” I told him as he stroked my skin.

  “She can watch Lindsay here. I prefer that since I know they’re both safe. Do you agree?” Alex asked, revealing the protective side that turned me on.

  “Yes. I don’t want him anywhere near Lindsay like that. I want to protect her so hard, but I understand that it would be stupid to go out there and be at risk.” I shivered and pressed closer to him. “Do you have any idea what he’s doing here?”

  “From what I’ve learned, his father is pulling away with the enabling. He’s offered Keith some money which he is living on, but he’ll need more down the line. I think he’s feeling reckless and thinks that you’ll be his saving grace. I also don’t think he’s thinking straight and I need all of you to think safe. You’re going to work with me from now on.”

  “I’d expect that since we’re co-habitating,” I murmured as I moved to kiss him. Our lips fused as I moved over him, settling my pussy over his hardening cock. It didn’t take long for me to slide over him, rocking slowly as he gripped my hips. “I can’t wait to do this morning and night.” I moved forward, groaning at the feeling of him filling me.

  “I’ve never felt this way with a woman before,” Alex confessed as he held me after. I was sweaty with the sex and my thighs were drying with the combination of our desire.

  “Have you wanted to?” I asked, hoping he knew what I meant.

  “I suppose I’ve tried and by that, I’ve seen a woman that piqued my interest more than a few times. I thought that things would continue to increase as I thought they might in the beginning. They never did.” He kissed my swollen lips. “Not until you. It felt different from the moment I laid eyes on you, Sol. I thought Lindsay might steer me away, but she won my heart equally as fast. I want to give you both the world.”

  “I love you,” I breathed as I curled up against his chest. I knew that it was only getting later but I didn’t want the night to end. I’d never felt this way, not even for Keith. He was charming and fun in the beginning but changed after the first year. I got pregnant quite by accident and I slowly started to see his rage. I was planning a way to leave when I was three months pregnant, but he beat me to the punch and abandoned us.

  I was relieved. I was fucking relieved. How sad was that?

  I started my new life by moving in with my mom. I had Lindsay there and we both loved her, along with my stepfather. It was ideal, and I loved my daughter more than anything.

  Then the calls started, and my stepfather’s car was vandalized.

  I closed my eyes and took in the feeling of this man holding me in his arms. I never had this once I was on my own. Men tried, and they were even sometimes nice, but I was too scared to even try. I was only focused on keeping my daughter safe and moving around to fit that bill. I wasn’t anywhere long enough or even focused enough on anyone to look for love.

  I had it now. I listened to Alex’s even breathing and smiled as I took a slow breath of my own. Everything was going to work out.

  We woke up together and he made coffee while I showered. Rosie was coming over soon and I rushed in the bathroom, slipping on a wrap dress before I added some makeup. We were going to talk to her tonight and see if she was good with the idea that Alex had. Rosie had a lot of pride and did collect social security though we both knew it wasn’t enough for a nice place. That was why she was in the hotel with me in the first place.

  Alex wanted to cover the rest as a form of payment for taking such good care of Lindsay. My daughter was happy with the grandma in her life that was teaching her everything about life. I wanted to spoil Rosie because without her, I’d be lost here. She was the first person to love us here.

  I kissed Lindsay goodbye and hugged Rosie as she knowingly smiled at me. Alex told her that he wanted to talk to her later tonight after a firm hug and a reminder to stay in the building. We were lucky to have an indoor pool in this building, offering entertainment despite the gloomy Seattle weather.

  We drove in together and I was lost in a fog of happiness and the need for more sleep. I sipped my coffee as I stole glances at Alex, who was listening to the news as he always did. My man liked to keep up on the current news and I smiled as I looked forward.

  His hand was still in my thigh as he drove, reminding me that he was always thinking of me.

  We entered the office and I held my head high. I was in love with this man and wanted everyone to know it. Gossip be damned. He took this relationship further than any before it and I didn’t want to hide that. I smiled as we made our way to our desks and warmed everything up as I checked him out. He was walking into his office and his ass looked amazing. I knew just how it felt to be holding it as he fucked me.

  I settled into my morning routine and checked emails and appointments. I sent a few naughty texts during the process to tease Alex, who demanded I come into his office and lock the door. I had to hold in my scream as he pushed me to his desk and made me come all over his tongue. God, that man knew just what to do.

  I had lunch with Millie and she whistled slowly as she took one look at me. “Shit. You’re glowing. Are you having inappropriate relations with your boss during office hours?” She burst into giggles as we walked down the sidewalk to our favorite deli,

  “I am officially moving in with my boss. He asked me over the weekend.” I confided as she clapped her hands.

  “I have never seen that in him. Not that I know him well, but that man is in love.” She told me as I smiled. “Have you told Lindsay?”

  “No but she told him that she loves him last night. She settled into the loft immediately. It was so sweet.” I said as we walked into the deli and up to the counter to order. I always got the pastrami and iced coffee and Millie followed me as she placed her order.

  “I am so happy for you. You broke that man. You deserve this.” I’d confided in Millie about what Keith was doing, needing a shoulder. “Have you gotten any calls or anything today?”

  “A couple. They were hang ups.” I replied solemnly as I sipped my drink. “I tell Alex about all of it and I know he’s busy in there messaging and whatever he does. He’s working so hard.” I glanced forward and looked at our office through the rare sun in the sky. “I just want to feel safe again.”

  We were at the curb waiting to cross and the light signaled for us to cross. I took a step but felt someone grab my arm and yank me back as a car raced by, screeching around the corner as I leaned against a building. “He was going right for you,” Millie told me as she stroked my hair.

  What was I saying about feeling safe?

  I slipped to the ground and breathed in deeply as I closed my eyes. “What did the car look like?”

  “It was black. Just a fucking black blur coming right for you. Give me your phone,” Millie urged me as I handed her my purse. She dug inside, and I tried to calm my racing heart as I imagined myself walking with Lindsay and having that happen. I would die for her in an instant but for Keith to end the life of his own daughter was nearly too much to deal with. My ears were ringing, and I could only make out pieces of the conversation happening around me.

  Eventually, the ringing subsided and I came to reality. Millie was sitting with me and there were just a few people staring at me. I learned that nobody had seen the license plate of the car with the excessive speed and that while the police were called, there was little to give them. There was even a chance that it was just a case of reckless driving.

  Alex was there during the last half of the questions. He held me close on a bench and his jaw was set as I spoke, feeling like I had nothing to offer. It happened so fast and there were no solid witness accounts. There were no cameras that got any more details they needed. Alex helped me back to the office and his car, stroking my hair as I stared through the glass. He�
��d told me that my day at work was done and I didn’t have the energy to argue. Millie was told to tell everyone I started feeling sick over lunch and nothing more and she nodded solemnly, taking in Alex with wide eyes.

  “Baby, I’ll get him for this. I swear to you.” I heard the rage in his voice even as he stroked my hair gently.

  “How? There’s no proof just like before. It was just a car driving too fast.” I spoke in sobs, feeling my body shake. “What if I was with Lindsay and that happened?”

  “That won’t fucking happen. Ever.” Alex promised as I leaned my head back and tried to catch my breath. I needed to get it together before we saw my daughter. “He’ll be dead before that happens. I am increasing the search for this mother fucker.” I felt his lips at my hair as he wrapped his arm around me.

  “You’re taking on so much baggage with me, Alex. Why?” I asked, feeling my walls start to tumble away. “I just want to run again and start over. He’ll stop looking eventually.”

  “Baby, you can’t do that. You have me now and Rosie. You have family and I am going to take care of this.” He promised me as he tilted my head to look at him. “I love you. I love all of you.”

  “You’re insane,” I told him as he kissed me gently. I pulled it together and we agreed to tell Rosie and Lindsay that I started feeling sick at work. I was going to take a long nap in the bedroom and he’d entertain them in the living room.

  I hugged my daughter when we walked in the door, going along with our story. I told her I was going to sleep for a while and went back to the bedroom to change into leggings and a t-shirt before dropping against my pillow.

  I couldn’t sleep. I kept feeling myself pulled back as the car sped by us. I kept imagining if I’d been hit and killed in that instant. Was it Keith or just a crazy driver? Was I being paranoid?