Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance Read Free Page B

for it.”
    “Look, Nikki, I know you want me.”
    “Yeah, the only problem is, so does every other hot-blooded female.”
    “What does that have to do with us? I want you, and I WILL have you,” Chandler promises.
    “Goodnight,” I reply with a quick kiss on his lips. I duck into my car, leaving him standing there as I back out of his driveway, making a quick getaway.
    But something tells me he isn’t going to be giving up that easily, and I secretly hope he doesn’t.
     
    *****
     
    I try to throw myself into work the next day. I desperately need a distraction from my lustful thoughts of Chandler last night. How I managed to show self-restraint is beyond me, but I’m thankful I did.
    Why do I feel like I could really fall for this guy? He’s totally different from the guys I normally go out with, which, Kelsey was quick to point out, hasn’t been working out too well for me. We’ve only been out twice. Get a grip, girl .
    “These just came for you,” Kelsey says, walking in with the most beautiful floral arrangement.
    “They’re lovely,” I gush. I haven’t received flowers in forever.
    “Open the card. Who are they from?” she asks.
    I reach for the card buried amongst the blooms.
    I will have you.
    “Who are they from?” Kelsey asks again, grabbing the card out of my hand before I can wrestle the card away from her.
    “Oh my God, that’s so hot,” Kelsey squeals. “Are these from Mr. Hottie himself? Damn, Nikki, you’re one lucky girl.”
    Kelsey’s so cute. She starts fanning herself with the card, and I can’t help smiling at her.
    “So you haven’t slept with him yet?”
    “No, of course not. We’ve only been out twice.”
    “Well, you will be soon, mark my words—and his, for that matter.” Kelsey giggles.
    “No!”
    “Why not? How can you possibly resist that kind of temptation? I sure as hell couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I told you before. Indulge, girl. You’re single. Then, please tell me all about it so I can live vicariously through you.” She roars in laughter.
    “Kelsey, you are a bad influence. Here lies my problem: I like him.”
    “How is that a problem?”
    “This guy is trouble—trouble for my heart. I don’t want to put it out there again.”
    “Throw caution to the wind and live, will you? You’re always so cautious with men, and look where it has gotten you. You’re gorgeous, successful and single.”
    “Thanks, Kelsey, but I just can’t do it. I refuse to be another notch in his bedpost or his flavor of the month. I’m so done with those types of men.”
    “Have you ever thought that maybe he really likes you?”
    “Doubt it. It’s a conquest thing.”
    My phone starts ringing, and I walk over to my desk to answer it.
    “Hey, gorgeous. Did you receive my flowers?”
    It’s Chandler’s sexy voice on the other end of the line, and I melt ever so slightly.
    “Yes, I did. Thank you. They’re lovely. That was a pretty bold comment you made in the card. Sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
    “Can I see you tonight?” he asks.
    “Kelsey read the card.”
    “Oh, sorry about that. How about tonight?”
    “No.”
    “I won’t wait long, Nikki. You might as well say yes now, or else I’m going to show up at your office and distract you from your ever-important makeup empire,” he presses.
    I cradle the phone to my ear as I gaze out my office window at the city skyline in the distance.
    “Hello, Nikki?”
    “Yes, I’m still here.”
    “How about this weekend then?”
    There is a long pause before I agree.
    “All right, Saturday then.”
    “I’ll come and pick you up. What’s your address?”
    “No, I will meet you somewhere.”
    “Nikki, don’t test me.”
    I acquiesce against my better judgment and tell him my address. Now I’ll have to clean up my place—another thing to add to my long to-do list.
    “See you Saturday,” I can hear his smile over the phone, and I can’t help smiling back.
    “Till Saturday.” And we hang up.
    Maybe I