Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance by C.C. Cartwright Read Free Book Online Page A

me.
    Then we often curl up together and watch a movie some nights, like we are tonight. He’s a sweetheart and will enjoy a chick flick with me now and then.
    Tonight, we’re watching Magic in the Moonlight , and I’m curled up next to him, admiring his legs stretched out in front of me as our feet rest on the leather ottoman.
    We’re at a good place right now. He’s become a calming force in my life. When I’m here and wrapped up in his arms, there’s no place I’d rather be. All of my stress melts away.
    There’s a soft knock at his door.
    I slowly raise my head off his chest as he moves to get up and answer it. He opens the door, and I see a pair of arms wrap around his neck, startling him.
    “Carrie,” I hear Chandler say in surprise.
    “Chandler,” I hear a breathy, feminine voice squeal in delight.
    A sun-kissed, naturally gorgeous girl steps across the threshold and wraps her arms tightly around Chandler’s neck and giggles. She seems the sweet, wholesome, Montana type.
    “What are you doing here?” he asks the beautiful blonde wrapped around him. He stands there awkwardly, and my heart sinks into my stomach.
    She kisses him full on the lips.
    This isn’t just a friend.
    I’m so out of here, right now. I can’t get out of here fast enough as a sick feeling swirls around in the pit of my stomach.
    “I should get going,” I say, standing and trying to get out of here as soon as humanly possible.
    They both look over at me.
    Chandler stands there with a look of shock. She, on the other hand, is staring daggers at me.
    They make a nice looking couple, I think bitterly.
    I’m so outta here. I’m getting what I expected. You’re such a fool, Nikki.
    Chandler removes her arms from around his neck and she pouts, looking unhappy.
    “Nikki, this is Carrie. Carrie, this is Nikki.”
    Chandler’s vague attempt at introducing us stumbles from his mouth.
    “Hi. Bye,” I say.
    I grab my purse and walk out the door past them.
    “Nikki,” Chandler calls after me.
    He stops me just as I’m opening my car door.
    “I had no idea she was going to show up here.”
    “Who is she?”
    “A girl from home. She must have flown down from Montana, I guess.” He shrugs, running his hands through his hair as he looks back at the porch.
    “Guess you have a choice to make here. Goodnight, Chandler.”
    “Nikki,” he says pleadingly. He doesn’t move to kiss me, which isn’t a good sign.
    I get in my car and put it in reverse, leaving him to his reunion with Carrie.
    Tears well up in my eyes on my drive home. My fists pound my steering wheel while I silently curse myself.
    Nikki, why did you listen to Kelsey and let yourself live a little ? Why did you go and fall for Chandler’s endless charms? You’re just one of many girls who want a piece of that gorgeous man.
    How many times did you tell yourself he was too good looking, too good to be true?
    As soon as I walk into my condo, I feel so down that I almost cry. I was really starting to have feelings for Chandler—real feelings. I know that now, judging by how sick I feel. Sick knowing there is, in fact, someone else. Someone who looks like that girl, who had her arms around him so intimately.
    Nikki, why the hell are you acting so surprised? You predicted as much from the very beginning. But like a fool, you let something happen with Chandler. You let him into your life and into your body. What a mistake that was. So now I need to lick my wounds and move on. Forget about him.
    He was a good time.
    I thoroughly enjoyed him.
    End of story.
     

Chapter Nine
Chandler
    “What are you doing here?” I ask Carrie once I get back in the house.
    “I miss you. Aren’t you happy to see me?” she asks her eyes pleading. But I won’t fall for her again. She made her choice.
    “Look, I need to go after Nikki,” I say, searching for my keys.
    “But I came all this way for you.”
    “Does it look like I care?”
    “Chandler, what we had together was so good. Come