When the unexpected became the inevitable

Chapter 31

-April

The past 4 months of my life have been amazing. Alex turned 28, 2 months ago. He didn't want to do anything fancy so me, East and Cass just went for dinner. I have a new job now. I'm a training marriage counsellor. I have my degree's and all that jazz from my university days I just don't get my licence until I have at least 2 years of experience and honestly I'm okay with waiting. They offered me an office so I'm not complaining. Alex keeps asking me to work with him but I refuse because there's no way in hell we'd both ever get any work done.

Easton and Cassidy are dating now. They were worried that maybe it was too quick but they knew they liked each other from the moment they met. I'm still single and so is Alex. Neither of us have been dating because we genuinely don't have the time. Chris is still living his single life and being a man whore at the same time. I didn't find out that Chris works for Alex until 3 months ago when I walked into Alex's office and saw Chris with a woman. I'm still trying to erase that picture from my head. Now every time I go to Alex's office and Chris is with him, Chris immediately starts laughing and I shake my head because of the disturbing image.

Conor, Ella and Jackson are back in New Orleans. They came to London for Alex's birthday a couple days prior and I cooked dinner for everyone. It was nice that we were all like one big, happy family.

Melanie has bumped into me a couple times. She apologised and I accepted her apology but told her I still didn't want to be her friend. She understood and was happy that I guess it's not awkward when we see each other in public now.

Alex and me have been happy.

 The apartment still looks the same.

I think that's it. 

Oh wait, I got a car! Yeah, after literally years of me using public transport, even though I had my drivers license, I finally got a car. I decided to spend the money I've been saving for the past couple years on something productive. I bought a black BMW. Alex wanted to get me something fancier but I wanted to get this car myself. 

Now I think that's all that's happened in the past couple months. Oh and today is my 25th birthday. 

I look at the framed picture I have of Alex on my desk. Him in his navy suit, the day of his grand opening. His greatest achievement. 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRICOT!" Alex yells as he runs through the double doors of my office. I laugh as I see him holding a cake and his body tangled in balloons. He puts the cake on my desk and tries to un tangle himself. I get up and help him out. Once he's released he immediately scoops me up in his arms and hugs me tightly. I look over his shoulder and see all of my colleagues staring at me. Sometimes I forget the doors to this office are glass. 

"Okay release me Reed." I laugh and gasp dramatically when he lets go. He turns around and realises all the women are staring at him. They all think he's the world's sexiest man and think I'm crazy for not being with him. He gives a small wave to the ladies and they melt. He turns around to face me and says,    

  "How does it feel being 25?"          

"Very normal."                  

 "You're getting old."            

I raise my brow at him and say, "At least I'm not almost 30."   

His jaw drops and I laugh. Before he can say anything I wrap my arms around his neck and say, "I'm just joking. If it makes you feel better you'd be a hot 30 year old."    

"Is that so." He says, cocking his head to one side. I nod and look at his eyes. He's wearing a black shirt today so his eyes are green with specs of grey. He brings his hand up, I follow what he's doing with my eyes and he tucks a stray hair behind my ear and leaves his hand on my cheek.

I look back at him and we lock eye contact. He has a different look in his eyes, one I've never recognised before. He slowly walks back and stops once he realises my lower back is against the edge of my desk. Our bodies automatically come closer and I lower his head with my arms still wrapped around his neck.    

"You know." He says in a gruff voice, "I'd never make you do something you didn't want to do." I smile at him and whisper, "I know." A lot more seductively than I thought it would sound. I take one of my arms away from his neck and run my fingers through his hair. He rolls his eye in pleasure for a brief moment and suddenly my breath quickens. He notices my change in breathing and uses both hands to cup my face and leans in. I close my eyes when...

"Miss James your appointment is here to see you." Alex puts his head on my shoulder and groans. I lean back and press the small button on the phone in my office and say,                                "I'll be right there, give me a second." 

I lightly push Alex off my shoulder so I can look at him and I smile.             

"I'll see you later?" I ask.                      

 "Later." He repeats and kisses my forehead while murmuring, "Happy birthday."  He opens the door and leaves but I catch him before he gets to the lift and everyone watches me hug him.    

 "Thank you for the cake and balloons." I mumble against his chest. He kisses the top of my head and tells me to get back to work. I give him a small two finger salute and watch him go into the elevator. 

I walk back into my office and speak into the phone asking if they can send my client up. I take a seat behind my desk. What the heck was that between me and Alex?