Seducing The Single Dad: His Temptation

Chapter 1 New Designs

LJ JEWELRY COMPANY, PITTSBURGH.

Alexis grinned to herself in delight at the sight of her beautiful designs on the screen. For three months, she had worked hard on creating some set of designs for their new summer jewelry collection. However, she had been skeptical whether it would turn out well. Most of her best-selling jewelries are the ones that keep her up at night the most. Still, the feeling never appears familiar at the intake of every new project. Her grin disappeared immediately at the faces of each of her design team members. Even though they had their eyes glued to the screen, none of them was giving off any form of excitement, it worried her.

"Hey." Alexis whispered to her personal assistant, Jada. "What's going on in their minds?"

Jada had a mischievous smile on her face. "They are definitely smitten."

Looking around to affirm it herself, Alexis nodded, probably she was thinking too hard. Despite being the CEO of LJ Jewelry Company, she prides herself in doing the best of works. The design team all have designs and ideas for the summer collection. However, Alexis always insist on presenting an individual work just in case someone feels too shy to work with a group and most importantly it's all to boost her employees confidence.

"Damn!" Joel, her very first employee whom she started out the jewelry company dream with muttered. "This is a work of art. What in the world goes on in your pretty head, ma'am?" He joked.

She squinted her eyes playfully. After working together for so long, she and Joel have maintained a healthy friendship and only him has the guts to call her a pretty head being the boss without Alexis taking offense to it.

"Give me my flowers because I deserve it." A round of applause resonated the entire space as they all mumbled noisily, praising Alexis for always giving her all to the designs.

After a final consensus had been made as regards the designs slated to be up for the new collection, the meeting was brought to an end. Alexis stretched loudly, feeling her bones crack at the effect of her body movement. Creating new designs takes a huge toll on her, especially when they are working towards a particular collection. Sleepless nights become countless, and she has to survive on caffeine. But then, Alexis loves her job as it's her most cherished possession and would never let it go for anything.

When she had chosen to open up a jewelry company six years ago after her final year in the New York fashion school, she had expected her parents to be against it. Considering the number of times she had whined into their ears about wanting to be an international fashion icon. Her love for jewelries became notable when every odd and incredibly nice jewelry mesmerized her. She was influenced the more due to her elder sister, Athena's obsession with jewelries. It wasn't a surprise when she became one of LJ jewelry most cherished clients.

Speaking of which, she has been avoiding her sister for an entire week all because Athena keeps insisting on celebrating her twenty-eight birthday on her behalf. Anything that has to do with going out to meet people and discuss things outside the jewelry business, Alexis wants nothing to do with it. This had prompted her to instruct Jada to never allow any of her family members, her sister to be precise, into her office. It was easy to bypass them at her house, all she needs to do is check through the door camera to know who the intruder is and do what she knows how to do best, ignore the unexpected visitor.

"What else do I have to do today?"Alexis asked Jada as they made way to her office.

Jada hummed as she scrolled through the tablet in her hand. "Actually, you are free for the rest of the day. I guess this would enable you some sleep after such a long while." She smiled sweetly.

Alexis snorted playfully, "I doubt if I would be able to, I need to be sure the goldsmiths have been contacted and that they haven't changed our assigned workers. Those people can be funny. That reminds me, help me make that call and get back to me. From next week, I would supervise the production."

Jada didn't bother to ask why Alexis would bother when they had a team assigned to do the job. She has always been meticulous and likes to follow through on every aspect concerning the company. Never backs down and thinks a job is beneath her, unlike other bosses.

"Alright ma'am." She said, opening the door for her to walk in.

Alexis looked like she had seen a ghost the moment she stepped into the office. Not only was Athena chewing Alexis special gum that she had sacredly and carefully kept in her purse to keep prying hands away, even though such an instance was rare. Her best and long lasting friend, Yvonne, was raiding through her jewelry samples placed on the table she loves to regard to as her legendary show of Fame and Success. There in lies her best-selling jewelries and awards. Not to forget the FORBES magazine that had her named as one of the richest under thirty CEOs in America. Out of everything on display, featuring on FORBES had been one of her major dreams.

"Here she comes, the woman of the hour!" Yvonne mumbled in her awful singsong voice, grinning widely.

Athena paused in her chewing, feeling victorious at the look of frustration on Alexis face. "See how happy she looks to see us."

Staring in horror, Alexis clenched her fist, trying hard to calm her breathe. "What in the world are these two doing here?" She asked, directing her question at Jada.

Jada gulped hard, "I thought they could come since you have the rest of the day free. Also, it's almost lunchtime."

Gritting her teeth, Alexis was unsure of what to say to Jada but she manage to mouth a get out. Jada hurried out of the office, leaving Alexis with her nightmares. She slumped into a chair. "I really don't like seeing you two. Why won't you just let me be?" She whined, her face squeezed together like she would cry.

Yvonne laughed hysterically. "You prompted us to act this way, after refusing to see any of us. You should have been expecting this."

"There is no need to explain things to her." Athena made a loud sound with her mouth, popping the gum, as she stood up. "Anyways my love, we only came to invite you for lunch. Don't you think it's so sweet of Jada to give us a chance at spending a quality moment with a loved one?"

"Shut up!" Alexis moaned. Jada was definitely going to get a piece of her for throwing her under the bus.

"Come on, girl, you know you want to." Yvonne urged, helping Alexis to grab her bag.

Sighing into resolve, Alexis let herself get dragged out of the office. The rest of her day has been hijacked and there is no rescue coming.

Chapter 2 The sexy strippers

D'CRUZ RESTAURANT, PITTSBURGH.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Alexis explained, feeling charged at the gossip. She had almost forgotten how interesting it is to spend time with her friend and sister. They have the juiciest gossip and it only gets interesting if it doesn't have to be about her.

Athena smacked her lips, "I tell you, sis. She has some guts trying to get in the way of my husband. You know how Ralph can be; shy and too polite. I couldn't just wait to pass the news around that her jewelries are costumes from India. Not so expensive as thought."

"You are so spiteful." Yvonne noted laughing her head off.

Alexis gasped for breath, "I'm sure Ralph would regret letting you come with him. His business associates would definitely hate you."

She shrugged. "It's not like I care. As long as Ralph keeps getting the bag we are cool. And I assure you, my baby does know how to get the bag." Athena boasted.

"Does Sophia know you call her dad, baby?" Alexis couldn't resist mentioning her niece just to stir Athena up.

"Do you always have to remind me of the little girl, who has chosen to steal my man away from me?" Athena scoffed.

"I have never seen a mother be so jealous of her own child." Yvonne taunted with a chuckle, before looking all serious. "Anyways, let's leave all of that aside. So, Alexis when do you plan on getting laid?"

"Yvonne!" Athena whispered cautiously, looking everywhere except Alexis face.

Alexis didn't look in the least surprised at Yvonne's outburst. She has always been vague with her words. If Alexis wasn't so in love with her best friend since middle school, she would have tossed her out and bury her deep into a pile of snow. Yvonne knows just what to do to annoy her.

"What is all of this about? I thought we are just having lunch?" Alexis asked.

"Well, you talk about finding a way to get eat while eating." Yvonne rhymed, exchanging an high-five with Athena.

"Are you both ganging up against me now?" She asked.

"Nah." Athena replied. "But it would be better if you admit it to us now and maybe you would be saved from the line of ready to fuck strippers that we have prepared for your birthday tomorrow."

Spitting out her drink, Alexis stared hard in shock. "Please tell me I didn't hear you right. What the hell?"

"Come on, girl. You need to get laid, it's why you keep going around looking frustrated, angry and depressed." Yvonne noted.

"That place sure needs some drilling." Athena added.

"Can you both stop. I don't like you meddling in my business."

"How many years has it been?" Her sister asked.

Yvonne snickered. "I can answer that. It has been two years, twenty four whole months! If I try that shit I will definitely end up dead."

Athena had a horrified look on her face. "I might have tried jumping off the roof. What? How do you sleep at night?"

Alexis hissed. "How about you both learn the perks of celibacy."

"How about you check the health benefits of having sex regularly." Yvonne retorted.

Alexis held her head, she wondered how her friend and sister had linked up and chosen today of all days to make her life miserable. It's not like the both of them are oblivious to her experience with the last man she dated two years back.

Ethan was one of the sexiest man she had ever met. She should have known someone like that who always had an odd smile on his face would bring her nothing but trouble. She had to admit that Yvonne intuition about Ethan was right this time around cause her friend had blatantly refused the guy saying he looked like fraud. Yvonne would know because she gets to meet several of them all up for the cookie and nothing else.

However, Ethan didn't just come for the cookie but he was all of her money too. Alexis had bad dating experiences, but none of them was quite attentive like Ethan, which made her believe he might be different. He stole from her and almost ran her business to the rock, when she did recover, Alexis promised herself to stay away from men and focus on growing her business. It also includes refusing one night stands or any casual sex. She believes it's the only way to keep her heart safe.

"Even if you won't date any, you need some good sex in your life." Athena said, breaking her thoughts.

Alexis glared at the both of them. "Why are you so hellbent on ruining my peaceful life moment? What is it with you two?"

"I guess the sexy strippers have a job then!" Yvonne announced loudly, causing the other people in the restaurant to look towards them.

"Urggghhh." Alexis groaned. "What can I do to escape this awful plan of yours?"

"Come to the club with us and get a one night stand!" Athena said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Does Ralph and mom know you are so dirty minded." Alexis queried her sister, uncertain if she heard well.

Athena scoffed. "Whatever."

"I'm not coming." Alexis insisted.

"You know you would be present and even participate." Yvonne told her boldly. "You don't have to come to the club. I prefer the presence of the strippers to having a one night stand, don't you think Athena?"

"Sounds perfect. I am sure it's on your bucket list to get fucked by a stripper on your twenty-eighth birthday." Said Athena.

"When did I ever mention that to you, Athena?" Alexis bellowed.

None of them responded to her as they giggled at a silent joke, Alexis wish she could lie her way out of the crazy plan. The both of them have been trying really hard to get her to live a little which she doesn't think applies to getting laid by a random stranger. However, the thought of having to feed her innocent eyes on half naked men was tormenting.

Alexis felt a slight headache, if she kept on with going back and forth with the two ladies she might end up knocked out and unable to do a thing. Taking a deep breath, Alexis stared at them. "Fine! I will go to the club with you." She said.

Both ladies screamed loudly, slapping the table hard and ignoring the number of eyes scrutinizing them. "Tonight is going to be a fun night. We pop bottles till midnight!" Yvonne yelled like a banshee.

Chapter 3 Bad Bitch

PHANTOM CLUBHOUSE

Alexis knew she had made a huge mistake agreeing to visit the club. Athena had given the excuse of being married and expecting to be home to make a good example for her daughter, leaving Alexis with crazy Yvonne. She knew it was all a lie, they had it planned from the very beginning. The two them know Alexis hates being pressured and can't take the heat for too long.

"Tell me the truth, who planned this?" Alexis yelled into Yvonne's distracted ears over the loud music, she has had her eyes glued to a man seated at the bar. He appears to be interested too.

Getting herself together, Yvonne giggled. "Mine. I pleaded with Athena to give me a hand."

Alexis cursed under her breath, "I should have known better. I can't remember the last time Athena went clubbing since she got married."

"However, she had the strippers deal planned. But I know it would be harder to get you to agree to that."

"I'm glad you know me better." She stated in sarcasm.

Yvonne ignore her sore attitude. "Just cheer up, Alexis. You can't spend the rest of your life working all the time. You need to give yourself freedom and also live a little?"

"Oh, that is so thoughtful of you, Brian Tracy. Can I get an autograph?" Alexis scoffed.

Yvonne laughed. "You are so bitter."

"It's not like I'm denying it."

"Anyways, make yourself comfortable I will be back."

Alexis watched Yvonne walk towards the man her eyes caught and in a minute, the two of them were laughing hard like they had known each other for ages. Most times, Alexis couldn't judge her friend who had resolved to live a carefree life. Yvonne has always been the life of the party since they have known each other.

When love found Yvonne during their first year in college, she chose to be a recluse and listen to every needs and wants of her then boyfriend, Andrew. Alexis had been worried about Yvonne's sudden detachment. Not only did their time together become less, but she no longer picked calls and was hardly seen. Yvonne was madly in love with Andrew and he took advantage of it by dominating her. He controlled all of her activities and warned her against talking to anyone aside him. Being an orphan, her parents had died in an accident when she was in high school, Yvonne had no one to look out for her which was why Alexis and the rest of her family stood their ground to save her.

The crazy Andrew had her locked up in his flat, turning her to his sex slave while forcing her to do the house chores. Alexis parents ensured he was jailed and took Yvonne fully under their wings. After she recovered, Yvonne promised to never loose herself for anyone. She doesn't care about finding love anymore, one night stands and flings was just enough to get her by her strenuous Civil and human right attorney duties. One of the best, if not the best in the city at that.

Alexis was and would always be proud of her friend. A smile played on her lips as she sipped her drink, her eyes still on Yvonne and her new friend. Even though her life was a bit reckless, she does look happy.

"Do you mind if I join you?" A baritone voice said next to her. Despite the blaring music from the speaker, Alexis could hear him clearly.

Looking back at who the stranger was, Alexis hissed to herself. The man looked irresponsible and she feels unapologetic for being quick to judge him. The snide smirk on his face looks so much like the one Ethan had used to sway her. There was no way she would have any form of conversation with him.

"I'm Bob, how about you?" He asked.

Alexis ignored him, turning her attention to the people dancing with all of their hearts. Seeing she might keep ignoring him, or just playing hard to get. Bob leaned into her, his mouth close to her ears.

"How about we find a more quiet place, just you and I."

Alexis stood stiff at the fHow dare you come close to me?"

Bob kissed his teeth, rubbing at his assaulted cheek. "You bitch!" He boomed, slapping her back and gripping her hand tightly when she attempted to retaliate.

Most people didn't notice what was happening since they were too busy. Knowing how sneaky her friend was and might end up running away from the club, Yvonne had been keeping a keen eye on where Alexis was seated. Her eyes went there again and she found herself floating angrily towards the VIP section. Her new found guy followed behind.

"You bastard! Who do you think you are to lay that filthy hands of yours on her?!" Yvonne screamed, hitting Alexis assailant with the bottle of wine on the table. Bob groaned hard as the effect of the pain settled into his head and he let go of Alexis immediately. Gripped by fear at the sight of blood trickling down his face, Alexis grabbed her bag in a rush.

Bob turned to Yvonne, making an attempt to grab her. "How dare-" He didn't get to reach her before the Yvonne's supposed date gripped him by the neck.

Seeing how bloody it was becoming, Yvonne grabbed Alexis by the hand and they made a run for it. Unfortunately their car was packed about two minutes away from the club. Nodding at each other as they exchanged a knowing look, they took off their heels and ran barefooted when someone ran out of the club and asked for the both of them to be caught.

Entering the car breathless, Yvonne turned on her car ignition and drove off into the night. Alexis was glad she didn't volunteer to drive. It would have been too much for her to drive in such state of mind and that would have resulted in the both of them getting caught. After they had driven in silence for about three minutes, Yvonne bursted into a fit of laughter and Alexis joined in.

"That was crazy! Are you hurt?" She asked Alexis.

Alexis rubbed at the spot Bob had hit. It didn't hurt much. "Trust me, I feel better knowing he would get some major stitches tonight."

"Oh, wow. Acting like a bad bitch now? Want to try it again?" Yvonne teased already knowing the answer.

"Save your breath. I'm never trying that with you ever again." Alexis said, causing them to laugh loudly as they drove through the busy road of Pittsburgh.