Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Marjorie was throwing Henry a party even though he'd given her strict instructions not to do anything of that sort. According to her, it would be a surprise and he wouldn't be able to be mad at her for not listening. So she dragged Alexis along to shop for the things they needed. As they went from one shop to the next, Marj chatted nonstop. She was excited about surprising Henry and how he would react. Alexis wondered if she thought about how angry he might be if it turned out that he didn't really want a party. Or maybe he'd just get drunk and forget everything. Either way, it was a bad idea considering the amount of people Marj invited. The idiot had twitted that she was throwing her boyfriend a party and that her followers were all invited. Half a million plus followers.

"Marj that is a lot of alcohol. Who's going to drink all that?"

"People of course. You just wait and see"

"What if they don't show up?"

"Stop worrying. There are always people ready to party. All you have to do is shout 'free booze' and wallah!"

"So you want Henry to spend his day with total strangers? People he doesn't know and probably doesn't want to spend his birthday with?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you sure about this? You told me Henry was pretty adamant about you throwing him a party. Shouldn't you at least make it small?" Alexis asked eyeing the liquor order. Even a whole club wouldn't go through that in one night.

"Just trust me. He's my boyfriend and I know him. He'll love it"

"Okay." they both had their own boyfriends to worry about. No need to meddle in someone else's relationship. Hers and Ray's was perfect. She was the happiest she'd ever been. Looking down at her bracelet, she smiled. A month had passed ever since she'd told Ray she loved him but he still didn't believe her. He'd come home everyday and demand she tell him over and over until he got tired of hearing it. They both knew he would never get tired of hearing her say it.

Being with him made the world seem brighter. It was almost December but the chilly weather had nothing on her mood. She walked with a spring on her step knowing someone out there loved her to distraction. He spent every day showing her just how much. Especially when she'd surprised him with a candle light dinner. The funniest part was watching him eat his food like a three year old because he kept missing his mouth as he was too busy staring at her. She had to admit that it was cruel of her to make him sit through it while she was dressed in nothing but a tiny baby doll lace lingerie. He'd fumbled with his food almost choking on his glass of wine, when she drank water and let it spill on her, the droplets trickling down to the middle of her breasts.

She'd never forget how he'd lost it. Ray had kicked his chair back, cleared the table with a sweep of his hand and thrown her on top of it. Seeing him lose control at the resort had been nothing compared to that day. She was happy. Even if her father kept pestering her about what she saw in her boyfriend. Her mother had forbade him from meddling in their relationship but when Hayley wasn't looking, JR would bombard her with questions. He wanted to know everything. Mostly he just wanted to know if Ray had messed up in any way so he could have an excuse to beat the shit out of him. It was funny considering Marjorie's father couldn't be happier for her. Both of them actually since they'd found themselves people they were willing to spend the rest of their lives with. After Marjorie had called him telling him she had a boyfriend, he'd given her back her credit card and told her to do whatever she wanted as long as she went back home engaged. Poor guy. Marj must have been a pain to want to marry her off like that.

"Hey. Stop daydreaming, this party isn't going to plan itself"

"So hire party planner's Marj since you're so keen to throw this party" Alexis shrugged. This was boring. She should be with Ray, spending the day together. Cuddling or cooking or even having crazy hot sex. He was a drug she was becoming fast addicted to.

"I tried but it's so last minute. No one would be able to make it"

"Can I give you some advice?"

"If you want to. There's no guarantee that I'll listen to you."

"Plan a nice intimate dinner. Just the two of you. Make him feel special and loved instead of throwing an insanely large party with people he doesn't know. Trust me on this Marj. Please"

"But it's his birthday"

"Precisely. Make it memorable. Something he'll never forget. Taking him to a club and feeding him alcohol isn't a memorable birthday especially if he wakes up with a hangover. Be different from all the other girls he might have dated in the past. Stand out and make him want to put a ring on your finger."

"You think that'll work?" Marjorie asked stopping. Just a little more push and Alexis could go back to being with Ray. Every second she spent away from him was almost painful. She wanted to be with him always.

"I know so. Henry is a laid back kind of guy. He would appreciate a nice dinner with just the two of you. Imagine how romantic it will be with just the two of you"

"But I already hired the club and bought the alcohol and invited people" she whined stomping her foot like the spoiled princess she was. Goodness. No wonder Mr. Sullivan was so keen on finding her a husband.

"Send the alcohol to the club and let the guys enjoy free drinks. Let's go buy some candles and sexy underwear." Alexis had to convince Marjorie that this plan was better than the last. She knew her friend's personality was the Polar opposite of Henry but that's why they got along so well. But one idiotic move could cost her. Thank God one of them was wise enough.

When they finally hit a Victoria Secret shop, they were exhausted. But the way they picked out the pieces was a testament to how much they loved their boyfriends. After they were done shopping, Alexis helped Marjorie decorate the house then ordered since it was too late to cook.

"Okay I believe I've done all I could. I'm leaving now"

Marj sighed "If this plan goes sideways I'll destroy you Alexis"

"Nothing can go wrong with a candle light dinner Marj. Relax and go get ready. Henry will be home any minute"

"Thank you"

"Don't mention it" Alexis said running out of the house. It would be a waste if Henry happened to find her there. She also had her own surprise for Ray and she couldn't wait to see him. As she got out of the elevator down at the basement, the hairs at the back of her neck stood up in alert. This was a private parking lot and unless you lived in the building there was no way you would have access to it. She'd never been scared because her apartment building had the same structure as this one but the goosebumps rising on her skin told her that something was wrong.

Her car was only a few steps away and with each step she took, her heartbeat accelerated. Why was she acting like that? Spinning around she looked from car to car. No one was there. She was alone. So why was she so scared? Stop being so paranoid. She told herself unlocking her car and getting in. She was way too excited to see Ray that she was becoming paranoid. Locking her car, she backed out her eyes on the rear view mirror. She blinked, saw a shadow, blinked again but it was gone. Slamming on the brakes she got out. Was someone playing with her or was it just her imagination? And if so who was it? Why had she gotten out of the car anyway? Huffing, she went back in and drove away. Maybe it was a fan who was scared to approach her. Or some thief planning to steal a car.

By the time she got home, she had forgotten about the little scare she had. Shopping for lingerie with Marj had made her splurge on something she wouldn't have had the courage to buy on her own. The stockings and garter belt were sexy. But the pair of underwear that accompanied it was downright sinful. Pulling up in front of her apartment, she tipped one of the guards to park her car for her and rushed to the lifts. As she inserted her key card she wondered if Ray was already home. That morning after Marjorie had called her, he'd been reluctant to let her go but after explaining to him that she was helping plan Henry's birthday party, he'd relented. After she agreed to shower with him of course.

"Ray are you here?" she called out walking in. The place was quiet. She was alone. Good. Taking her phone out she dialed his number. "Where are you?"

"On my way home baby"

"Okay. Hurry up. I have a surprise for you"

"What kind of surprise?"

"The kind I'm sure you're going to like. Just hurry up" she hung up then rushed to the shower.

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Ray gripped the steering wheel trying hard not to break all the speed limits in order to get to Alexis. The last time she said she had a surprise, it was the best night of his life. Maybe this one would be better than that. No. Nothing could top that. He'd spent the day trying to calm down Henry because the guy just realized he was in love with his girlfriend. Which he understood because Marjorie was one of a kind. It made sense that his friend would be scared of feeling like that. If Marjorie found out she would have him wrapped around her finger and making him dance to her tunes if she wasn't already.

The difference between them was that Ray would gladly dance to Alexis's tunes if it would make her happy. He hadn't told anyone yet but he'd made an appointment with his jeweler. He wanted an engagement ring. Something extraordinary just like his girlfriend. The problem would be talking her father into letting him marry his daughter. He knew deep down that JR's dislike wasn't really directed at him but his father. This beef they had going on needed to come to an end. Neither of them was going to stop him from marrying Alexis. So they would either suck it up and hug it out or he was going to cut them off from seeing their grandchildren. Yes. That was definitely a good threat.

Smirking, he pulled in to the parking lot. He jumped out of the car feeling confident about his plan. As he walked to the elevator he tripped on something and almost fell. Just as he caught himself, he saw a shadow disappear towards the entrance. Thinking it was one of their neighbors leaving, he looked down to see what had tripped him. His own shoe lace. Damn it how old was he? Shaking his head, he kept walking. No need to tie it up when he was going to take the shoes off anyway. When the elevator dinged, he got out and went to Alexis' apartment. He wondered why he still had his own when he spent all day and night at hers. Opening the door he expected to see candles everywhere but the house was normal? Not even a chair was decorated. Where was the surprise?

"Alexis?" he called out heading to the kitchen. Maybe she was there. Or not. The kitchen was empty. No nice aromas from cooked food or anything. Bedroom? He spun around but tripped on his shoe lace again and this time he went down cursing. Kicking the shoes off, he sat on the floor rubbing his elbow. He was too old to be having to such accidents. If he couldn't tie his own shoe laces how could he handle a baby? Was it too soon to be thinking about children? Maybe they needed more time. After all no one was rushing them. It was up to them to decide when they were ready to be parents.

"I thought I heard you. Why are you sitting on the floor?" Alexis asked. Ray turned his head to look at her and forgot how to breathe.

Holy cow. He thought swallowing. She definitely knew how to surprise him alright. If she wanted him to dance right there and then, he'd gladly do it. Her hair was wet, falling over her shoulders in curls like she'd just taken a shower. She had on a black silky robe that was hanging open to showcase her nippleless bra and crotchless panties. The stockings, garter belt and come fuck me heels were added to make him lose it. He was sure about that. "So? Do you like it?" she asked placing a hand on her waist and jutting a hip out.

"Do I like it?" how could she even think to ask if he liked it? Mentally snapping a photo, he stored it somewhere he could revisit later. Then he got on all fours and crawled towards her. "I'll show you just how much I like it baby" he stopped in front of her kneeling. "Marry me"

She looked taken aback "What?"

"Marry me. I'll get you a ring tomorrow or we can go together and you can pick the one you want."

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious Alexis. I love you and you love me. What are we waiting for?" she hesitated chewing on her lip. Taking her leg, he threw it over his shoulder and kissed her inner thigh, teasing her. "Marry me Alexandra. I'll make you the happiest woman in the whole wide world." when he didn't get an answer he swiped his tongue along her length. "Come on baby. Say yes"

"Yes, Ray. I'll marry you" her answer came out breathless because he'd gotten down to work. Teasing her with his tongue and fingers. Later he'd think if manipulating her into saying yes was the right thing to do. As for then, well, he was a little occupied and he'd be for the rest of the night.

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"Enjoy it while it lasts my little bird. When I get my hands on you, you'll know what true love really is. You just wait and see. You just wait" he murmured to himself staring up at the window on the top floor. Not wanting to look suspicious, he walked away. Soon he would have her. She would be his.

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I honestly thought Ray would be a little creative or romantic when he proposed

Any who. What are your guesses on this mystery stalker? It's definitely not who you're thinking about.