New Beginings: Chapter 2
Alexis is in a predicament, her cousin has just divorced Tyler Maintland; the man that holds the key to both their futures. Alexis needs to keep the peace between herself and Tyler, but the more time she spends with him the more she realizes that she is still in love with the man that rejected her all those years ago. On top of everything else Tyler only seems interested in getting revenge on her cousin.
Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying the story. This is my first story so please comment I would really like to know what you guys think
10 years ago
She could feel the man's eyes following her across the room and to the bar.
Alexis shivered not quite sure why she should feel such a reaction to a complete stranger. She sat down on one of the available stools and contemplating whether she should turn around and make eye contact.
She resisted feeling too shy not quite sure what social-bar etiquette required she do. She ordered a drink and sipped idly at it wishing that Claudia would arrive and take her out of this miserable situation.
Her outgoing cousin would definitely know what to do in this situation. "Can I buy you a drink?" the hand on her arm instantly had Alexis feeling nervous, she looked up into the jaded eyes of the man standing almost on top of her.
Alexis smiled as politely as she could and shook her head "No thank you I already have one" The man surveyed her "Come on just one drink with me" She noted the aggressive edge to his voice with dismay. "I am sorry and incredibly flattered" she asserted "but I would rather enjoy the drink I have alone".
His eyes narrowed and he closed whatever distance there was between them leaning over her. Alexis almost choked on the stench of alcohol on his breadth "then maybe we could do something else". He grabbed hold of her wrist causing Alexis to wince.
Tyler's Pov
Tyler had noticed the dark haired woman as soon as she had stepped through the door. She had an air of self-conscious innocence to her that he had not seen in a long time.
He allowed himself the pleasure of looking her over. She was tall and willowy with toned legs that went on forever. She was wearing a conservative but appealing black cocktail dress that did wonders for her. His eyes traveled up over the full mouth with the perfect Cupid's bow, to the tiny button nose and high cheek bones.
Her eyes darted quickly around the room as if looking for someone and he noticed that they were deep brown almost amber. Yes, she was beautiful and it had been a long time since he had actually paid any attention to the opposite sex.
"Earth to Tyler" he smiled back at his sister who was waving her hand in front of his face trying to get his attention. "Sorry" he apologized "I was just thinking about something"
He attempted to listen to the conversation his sister and brother were having all the time keeping an eye on the woman. He watched as she ordered a drink and as someone approached her.
His eyes narrowed in suspicion; don't tell me this is the jerk that gets to date you? His mind asked of her. He got his answer when she stiffened and leaned away from him, he could tell she was uncomfortable and when she looked around the room he instantly recognized the look in her eyes...fear. Tyler felt his blood boil, the adrenalin was instantaneous and he was on his feet marching towards the bar before his family even realized he had left. Who the hell did this guy think he was?
Alexis was in a panic this guy just wouldn't give up. "I said no" she insisted beginning to shift out her seat but he held her in place "not so fast"
"I believe the lady said no" The cool controlled voice behind her had Alexis freezing her attacker paused and turned around Alexis took the opportunity to slide of her chair.
The man who had come to her assistance looked briefly down at her before moving to stand protectively in front of her. Her attacker sneered "mind your own business" he jabbed a finger at Tyler's chest. Tyler effortlessly flicked it away. "you made it my business" Tyler answered easily his voice remained neutral but Alexis sensed the anger behind that cool façade. "Now you can either leave willingly..."
"Whatever" the man snapped "she's not even worth it" he laughed as he bumped passed them. Tyler sighed in relief and turned around. "Are you alright?"
she nodded and he felt his heart melt. God she was beautiful and with her bottom lip trembling uncontrollably he found her irresistible. "No you're not" he comforted he hesitated before he wrapped his jacked around her drawing her closer to him.
"I'm fine really nothing even happened...besides I'm not even worth it" Alexis sighed not even knowing why her attacker's rejection had hit a sore spot.
Tyler cursed under his breadth "I wouldn't take his word for it" he muttered "You are..." what he was about to say was interrupted by a woman who came rushing over
"Alexis" Claudia called from behind her. Alexis spun around noticing that Claudia's eyes were fixed on her rescuer.
Alexis so that was her name. Tyler wondered... his train of thought ended as he locked eyes with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It was over...he was taken.
Present day
Alexis shivered from the experience of day dreaming about the first time she had met Tyler. She ran a hand through her hair and tried to concentrate on the sketch in front of her with little success.
She had never really thought about that night especially since Tyler had married Claudia, but now she found herself wondering what might have been if Claudia had not shown up and if Tyler had not instantly fallen head over heels in love with her cousin.
Before Claudia had arrived acting the concerned cousin, Alexis was sure that there had been something between herself and Tyler. He had even wrapped his arms around her in comfort. After that night things had never quite been the same. She had watched while Tyler had fallen more and more in love with Claudia while she was left standing on the side lines also falling in love with a man that would never return the feelings.
"This is ridiculous" she reprimanded herself. You have to forget about Tyler Maitland he wants nothing to do with you and after yesterday's little performance he probably can't wait to close the door in your face once and for all.
Sighing, she threw the sketch she had been working on aside. This was embarrassing she couldn't even finish one sketch. It had been like this the entire week. She had to face, it she had the equivalent of writer's block.
Maybe it was the meeting with the lawyers that had her on edge or that for the past couple of days Claudia had basically taken up residence in her apartment ever since her latest love affair had ended. Either way Alexis was not in a good place.
She stood up and crossed to the window in her open floor studio. Outside the city seemed at peace with itself which frustrated her even more. The knocking on her door had her frowning she had asked not to be interrupted "Not now Bess" she groaned hoping that her assistance would take the hint "I need..." she stopped and raised both her hands to cover her face "I need to be left alone right now" she explained through her hands.
"It's not Bess" Alexis wanted to cry. Why me? She implored to the heavens, why can't they all just leave me alone? But she straightened and turned "Hello Tyler" she murmured in greeting.
He raised a bemused brow as he sauntered into the room "hello Alexis" he mimicked. He stepped gingerly in-between the sketches she had discarded on the floor "Are these important?" he inquired bending to pick one up. He observed her handy work and looked up at her expectantly obviously waiting for a reply.
"Yes very, now stop touching them" she snatched it away from him ignoring his soft chuckle.
"Do you know" he began contemplating her as he rose to stand tall above her. "I do believe you used to be a lot nicer..." he paused as if thinking of what to say next "more innocent."
Alexis snorted "That was a long time ago, people change" she tilted her chin in defiance "Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do."
"I can see that" he laughed at her again.
"Get out Tyler" she fumed but he had closed the distance between them before she could get out another word
"Now Alexis" he warned, tipping her chin up with his hand so that she was forced to look at him, "Can you not see that I'm trying to make things right between us. You were right, 10 years is a long time and I don't think it's worth throwing away."
"You're too late" she snapped. He stilled and went quite observing her from under lowered lashes.
God he was beautiful she couldn't believe that something so perfect was inches from her. So close she could reach out and touch him. But she stopped herself she was tired of being rejected by Tyler Maitland and in so many different ways that it gave her a brain freeze just attempting to remember all the ways.
"That's not true little one and you know it...especially where I'm concerned?" he ventured that last part and she drew in her breadth in shocked horror. Did he know how she felt about him? He couldn't she had hid it so well. She shoved him away from her but her effort didn't even budge him, "I don't know what you're talking about so stop whatever thoughts you're having."
He laughed his eyes twinkling mischievously "maybe you should be taking your own advice" he leaned closer "so what thoughts are you having right now?" she shook her head "and now?" he stepped closer and trailed a finger down her bare arm, "stop it" she warned but her breadth was shallow and her heart was going to explode from the pressure any minute "how about now?" and with those final words he bent his head and brought his mouth swiftly onto hers.
Tyler's Pov
He froze as his lips met hers. You idiot what made you do this? You cannot be kissing Alexis Lang you need her for more important things. Her soft moan of protest distracted him and all of a sudden he was really kissing her, wanting her to acknowledge him and when she eventually wrapped her arms around his neck molding herself to him Tyler forgot everything, where he was, what he was doing here, his plot for revenge, there was only her and God she was soft and sweet just how he knew she would be. He pulled away looking down at her flushed face. She looked beautiful with her swollen lips invitingly pouting. "I take it you forgive me then"
It took Tyler a moment to connect the reverberating sound and that his jaw hurt like crazy to the fact that she had just slapped him. When she raised her hand again he caught it easily "never again" he breathed his tone quiet and menacing. He turned the inside of her hand and brought it up to his lips "at least not without my permission."
Alexis' Pov
"Get out" she fumed red with embarrassment. This game of sexual tit for tat that he was attempting to draw her into was going to kill her, couldn't he see that?
"Not yet" he separated himself from her, and she was surprised at how she immediately wanted to back at his side, "have dinner with me tonight" he looked back at her
"Never" she spat out "I would sooner die"
"Let's not be too dramatic" Tyler rolled his eyes "we have things to discuss for the business and we both have to eat so why not do it at the same time" He raised an amused brow as she internally struggled with that. "I'll pick you up at 7"
She watched open mouthed as he marched out of the room without a backward glance. Insufferable man she would show him. He had another thing coming if he thought she was going anywhere with him. Let the games begin; only this time she would come out the winner.
10 years ago
She could feel the man's eyes following her across the room and to the bar.
Alexis shivered not quite sure why she should feel such a reaction to a complete stranger. She sat down on one of the available stools and contemplating whether she should turn around and make eye contact.
She resisted feeling too shy not quite sure what social-bar etiquette required she do. She ordered a drink and sipped idly at it wishing that Claudia would arrive and take her out of this miserable situation.
Her outgoing cousin would definitely know what to do in this situation. "Can I buy you a drink?" the hand on her arm instantly had Alexis feeling nervous, she looked up into the jaded eyes of the man standing almost on top of her.
Alexis smiled as politely as she could and shook her head "No thank you I already have one" The man surveyed her "Come on just one drink with me" She noted the aggressive edge to his voice with dismay. "I am sorry and incredibly flattered" she asserted "but I would rather enjoy the drink I have alone".
His eyes narrowed and he closed whatever distance there was between them leaning over her. Alexis almost choked on the stench of alcohol on his breadth "then maybe we could do something else". He grabbed hold of her wrist causing Alexis to wince.
Tyler's Pov
Tyler had noticed the dark haired woman as soon as she had stepped through the door. She had an air of self-conscious innocence to her that he had not seen in a long time.
He allowed himself the pleasure of looking her over. She was tall and willowy with toned legs that went on forever. She was wearing a conservative but appealing black cocktail dress that did wonders for her. His eyes traveled up over the full mouth with the perfect Cupid's bow, to the tiny button nose and high cheek bones.
Her eyes darted quickly around the room as if looking for someone and he noticed that they were deep brown almost amber. Yes, she was beautiful and it had been a long time since he had actually paid any attention to the opposite sex.
"Earth to Tyler" he smiled back at his sister who was waving her hand in front of his face trying to get his attention. "Sorry" he apologized "I was just thinking about something"
He attempted to listen to the conversation his sister and brother were having all the time keeping an eye on the woman. He watched as she ordered a drink and as someone approached her.
His eyes narrowed in suspicion; don't tell me this is the jerk that gets to date you? His mind asked of her. He got his answer when she stiffened and leaned away from him, he could tell she was uncomfortable and when she looked around the room he instantly recognized the look in her eyes...fear. Tyler felt his blood boil, the adrenalin was instantaneous and he was on his feet marching towards the bar before his family even realized he had left. Who the hell did this guy think he was?
Alexis was in a panic this guy just wouldn't give up. "I said no" she insisted beginning to shift out her seat but he held her in place "not so fast"
"I believe the lady said no" The cool controlled voice behind her had Alexis freezing her attacker paused and turned around Alexis took the opportunity to slide of her chair.
The man who had come to her assistance looked briefly down at her before moving to stand protectively in front of her. Her attacker sneered "mind your own business" he jabbed a finger at Tyler's chest. Tyler effortlessly flicked it away. "you made it my business" Tyler answered easily his voice remained neutral but Alexis sensed the anger behind that cool façade. "Now you can either leave willingly..."
"Whatever" the man snapped "she's not even worth it" he laughed as he bumped passed them. Tyler sighed in relief and turned around. "Are you alright?"
she nodded and he felt his heart melt. God she was beautiful and with her bottom lip trembling uncontrollably he found her irresistible. "No you're not" he comforted he hesitated before he wrapped his jacked around her drawing her closer to him.
"I'm fine really nothing even happened...besides I'm not even worth it" Alexis sighed not even knowing why her attacker's rejection had hit a sore spot.
Tyler cursed under his breadth "I wouldn't take his word for it" he muttered "You are..." what he was about to say was interrupted by a woman who came rushing over
"Alexis" Claudia called from behind her. Alexis spun around noticing that Claudia's eyes were fixed on her rescuer.
Alexis so that was her name. Tyler wondered... his train of thought ended as he locked eyes with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It was over...he was taken.
Present day
Alexis shivered from the experience of day dreaming about the first time she had met Tyler. She ran a hand through her hair and tried to concentrate on the sketch in front of her with little success.
She had never really thought about that night especially since Tyler had married Claudia, but now she found herself wondering what might have been if Claudia had not shown up and if Tyler had not instantly fallen head over heels in love with her cousin.
Before Claudia had arrived acting the concerned cousin, Alexis was sure that there had been something between herself and Tyler. He had even wrapped his arms around her in comfort. After that night things had never quite been the same. She had watched while Tyler had fallen more and more in love with Claudia while she was left standing on the side lines also falling in love with a man that would never return the feelings.
"This is ridiculous" she reprimanded herself. You have to forget about Tyler Maitland he wants nothing to do with you and after yesterday's little performance he probably can't wait to close the door in your face once and for all.
Sighing, she threw the sketch she had been working on aside. This was embarrassing she couldn't even finish one sketch. It had been like this the entire week. She had to face, it she had the equivalent of writer's block.
Maybe it was the meeting with the lawyers that had her on edge or that for the past couple of days Claudia had basically taken up residence in her apartment ever since her latest love affair had ended. Either way Alexis was not in a good place.
She stood up and crossed to the window in her open floor studio. Outside the city seemed at peace with itself which frustrated her even more. The knocking on her door had her frowning she had asked not to be interrupted "Not now Bess" she groaned hoping that her assistance would take the hint "I need..." she stopped and raised both her hands to cover her face "I need to be left alone right now" she explained through her hands.
"It's not Bess" Alexis wanted to cry. Why me? She implored to the heavens, why can't they all just leave me alone? But she straightened and turned "Hello Tyler" she murmured in greeting.
He raised a bemused brow as he sauntered into the room "hello Alexis" he mimicked. He stepped gingerly in-between the sketches she had discarded on the floor "Are these important?" he inquired bending to pick one up. He observed her handy work and looked up at her expectantly obviously waiting for a reply.
"Yes very, now stop touching them" she snatched it away from him ignoring his soft chuckle.
"Do you know" he began contemplating her as he rose to stand tall above her. "I do believe you used to be a lot nicer..." he paused as if thinking of what to say next "more innocent."
Alexis snorted "That was a long time ago, people change" she tilted her chin in defiance "Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do."
"I can see that" he laughed at her again.
"Get out Tyler" she fumed but he had closed the distance between them before she could get out another word
"Now Alexis" he warned, tipping her chin up with his hand so that she was forced to look at him, "Can you not see that I'm trying to make things right between us. You were right, 10 years is a long time and I don't think it's worth throwing away."
"You're too late" she snapped. He stilled and went quite observing her from under lowered lashes.
God he was beautiful she couldn't believe that something so perfect was inches from her. So close she could reach out and touch him. But she stopped herself she was tired of being rejected by Tyler Maitland and in so many different ways that it gave her a brain freeze just attempting to remember all the ways.
"That's not true little one and you know it...especially where I'm concerned?" he ventured that last part and she drew in her breadth in shocked horror. Did he know how she felt about him? He couldn't she had hid it so well. She shoved him away from her but her effort didn't even budge him, "I don't know what you're talking about so stop whatever thoughts you're having."
He laughed his eyes twinkling mischievously "maybe you should be taking your own advice" he leaned closer "so what thoughts are you having right now?" she shook her head "and now?" he stepped closer and trailed a finger down her bare arm, "stop it" she warned but her breadth was shallow and her heart was going to explode from the pressure any minute "how about now?" and with those final words he bent his head and brought his mouth swiftly onto hers.
Tyler's Pov
He froze as his lips met hers. You idiot what made you do this? You cannot be kissing Alexis Lang you need her for more important things. Her soft moan of protest distracted him and all of a sudden he was really kissing her, wanting her to acknowledge him and when she eventually wrapped her arms around his neck molding herself to him Tyler forgot everything, where he was, what he was doing here, his plot for revenge, there was only her and God she was soft and sweet just how he knew she would be. He pulled away looking down at her flushed face. She looked beautiful with her swollen lips invitingly pouting. "I take it you forgive me then"
It took Tyler a moment to connect the reverberating sound and that his jaw hurt like crazy to the fact that she had just slapped him. When she raised her hand again he caught it easily "never again" he breathed his tone quiet and menacing. He turned the inside of her hand and brought it up to his lips "at least not without my permission."
Alexis' Pov
"Get out" she fumed red with embarrassment. This game of sexual tit for tat that he was attempting to draw her into was going to kill her, couldn't he see that?
"Not yet" he separated himself from her, and she was surprised at how she immediately wanted to back at his side, "have dinner with me tonight" he looked back at her
"Never" she spat out "I would sooner die"
"Let's not be too dramatic" Tyler rolled his eyes "we have things to discuss for the business and we both have to eat so why not do it at the same time" He raised an amused brow as she internally struggled with that. "I'll pick you up at 7"
She watched open mouthed as he marched out of the room without a backward glance. Insufferable man she would show him. He had another thing coming if he thought she was going anywhere with him. Let the games begin; only this time she would come out the winner.
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