Body Heat by Mia Ford (108)

 

Chapter Eight

Marvin

 

I can’t fucking sleep!

I did for a few seconds, but now it’s impossible because I’m used to sleeping alone. My mind keeps reverting to what happened earlier. It’s as if she was born to be a submissive. I quickly grab my pants and a shirt as I start to make plans for the day.

My sweet Emily. The one that I used to watch as a kid and no longer think of her that way. I can’t as I see her blonde hair swept across her shoulders. My eyes run over Emily’s body from head-to-toe, wondering why I think of her in that way. Something that I’ve ben fighting for so long has become so natural. She looks so fucking hot, and during the night she was holding me so tight. It’s too much temptation, which is why I leave her alone instead of taking her like I want to.

I move to the other side of the room and pick up the phone to call the reception.

“This is Mr. White of Suite 245; I’ll like to book a new room, please.”

She’s down the hall, and I want us in adjoining rooms. I don’t want her so far away, it’s going to be Sunday morning soon and our time together will be over.

“Of course, sir. What would you like?”

I take a moment to think. “Is there a suite available with two bedrooms? Preferably closer to my floor.” I give the number of my room and the floor I’m on. “Can you get back to me as soon as possible?” I check my watch and grimace at the time. I’m lucky the hotel has twenty-four-hour service. “Do I have to wait until morning?”

“No, sir. I can have someone bring a new key to you upstairs in, say, half an hour?”

“That would be great, thank you,” I say and hang up.

I go back to the bed so that I can watch Emily breathing; I can tell that she’s asleep. I shake my head as I think about the way that I’m behaving. So, fucking paranoid and moping around like a lovesick teenager. All the time I want to protect her and make sure that she’s okay. She didn’t mind; she only protested at first, and then she seemed to be begging for more.

I look for a robe in the bathroom because she only has the one dress in this room. I slip it around her as I wait for the room service to deliver the key.

When the new key arrives, I pack my things, picking up Emily’s dress as well, and transfer them to the new room. Thankfully it’s only a few doors down from my suite. Once inside the new suite, I check out both bedrooms and leave my bag in one. Then I go to Emily’s room.

Hope she doesn’t get mad at me, I think to myself as I transfer her things, too. But I’ll probably only be checking out of the one room, and she can keep hers in case she wants it later on.

With everything else transferred, I have to move Emily. I’m worried she’ll wake up the whole time, from picking her up and taking her out the room and the suite, then walking down the hall and letting her into her new room. I leave her sleeping and go to my room to grab a few hours of sleep myself.

 

***

 

Later on, I’m awake before she is, and I take a shower, then order something for the both of us for breakfast. I wait for her in the front room of the suite.

I hear when she wakes up. It's impossible not to because she’s so noisy. She comes out of the bedroom, with her robe wrapped around her tightly scowling. It darkens when she lays eyes on me.

“Where am I?” she asks with her hands on her hips.

I don’t mind seeing it, the fire she hadn't let out last night. The contrast is interesting, actually, and seeing all the sides of her is part of what this trip is about, after all.

“You're in a different room, Emily,” I answer calmly, getting to my feet. “More importantly, your breakfast’s waiting, I bet you're hungry.”

I gesture toward the couch and pull the cart from the door. I transfer the trays of food to the table, while she stands back and watches.

“But I already moved to a different room, so why take me to another room? And how did you even…how many times do I need to move on one weekend?”

She’s blushing, and I have to fight a smile. She has to have known the only way she could be moved was to be carried, and that must be what upsets her the most. The fact that I took her and she didn’t even know.

“I thought it would be more comfortable for you here,” I answer honestly. “Don't worry; you slept in the bed alone.”

She squirms in place. “S-sorry about that. I didn’t mean to fall asleep…”

“It’s fine.”

I knew that if I’d stayed in the same bed with her, I would want her again and again. She couldn’t handle it, more to the point neither could I as the hunger inside me was turning into a thirst on a hot summer’s day. The more I drink, the thirstier I become.

I leave out that part as I explain to her, “So I got a new room, and I’ll be checking out of my former room later on.”

“And… my room?”

“Don’t worry. I moved your things here because I thought you’d like to have them nearby, but you can go back to your room at any time you feel like. Or, I can book you a new one. I’m not forcing you to share with me.” I move to sit down and pat the seat beside me. “Now, why don’t you come and eat with me?”

She doesn’t move immediately, and I wait patiently as she arranges her thoughts.

“Are you toying with me?” she mutters as if she’s trying to make sense of it all.

I raise an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”

“You're toying with me, aren’t you? This is all part of your game. You tied me, blindfolded me, and now you seem set on confusing me too. One minute we’re in one hotel and the next we’re in another. Not only that but we’ve moved more rooms in such a short space of time, this must mean that you’re punishing me for..”

Before she can even finish her sentence. I’m kissing her and comforting her once again. It’s as if her panicking sets me up in a wave.

She takes a few deep breaths as I hold her and then set her back down. She nearly fell in my arms.

“I just think that these rooms are better. I prefer this hotel to the other. Nothing more and there’s no hidden agenda. Now, are you going to eat? Or am I going to have to tie you to the chair and force feed you?”

She laughs at that statement and says, “Force feed me. No, but maybe feed me. I’ve never done that before.”

“You haven’t done anal either?”

She smiles, “You promised that we'd do that later.”

“One thing about me Emily, I’m a man of my word, and I never break my promise.”

“Good,” she blurts out. “Because I’m starving.”

She winks at me, and for a second I wonder if she’s talking about the actual food or sex? She doesn’t let on about what’s going on. As she starts acting innocently all the time tightening her white robe and exposing her legs. She’s letting me know that she wasn’t talking about the food. I can’t help but slide my hand up her leg; she moves closer towards me. I let go, thinking that she needs to eat for now because she’ll be needing her energy much later on.

Chapter Nine

Emily

 

“Wow, I haven’t had a full breakfast for ages,” I say as I stand up and then start to let my robe slide to the floor. I want more of what we did earlier. Now, I’ve had a taste of him. This. I can’t think of any better way than to enjoy him once again. We only have one day left, and I want to make sure that it’s all about sex, sex, and sex.

Like a drug addict needing a fix, I walk up to him and sit down on him. I start grinding my pussy against his rising dick.

“This is what you like right?”

He slowly pushes me away from him, and a wave of panic enters my mind.

“Did I do something wrong?”

He shakes his head, “No, all good things come to those who wait.”

I smirk, “Will you ever stop playing games?”

He sighs as he stands us both up.

“Emily, I need you to get showered and changed, I thought that you understood about last night. But it seems as if I was wrong.”

I roll my eyes, “You sound like my dad.”

His face changes from a loving one, back to that cold man. The one that seems to reel his head from time-to-time.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to mention him. That was a crap thing to do. But I’m standing here naked,” I open up my arms. I want him to look at me. Marvin does the opposite and walks away.

“Everything that happens now is on my terms. We only have sex when I say we do.You only come when I want you to. Nothing is for you to decide or think about. Unless I tell you to do it. Do you understand?”

I find myself breathless and flustered as he’s so close to me. His cock is rising, and I know that he wants to take me, but something’s holding him back, and I have no idea what.

He closes his eyes, “You need to get showered and dressed,” he repeats and then he stands by the window.

What the heck?

I move to my room and slam the door behind me. I can’t believe that he’s treating me this way. And I want to leave. I feel so frustrated thinking about myself being out there and being rejected like that. It’s so damn humiliating and yet for some reason when he said those things he had me turned on. Hearing his command made me even more wet between the legs.

I’m standing by the door. Thinking that he’ll come to apologize, but he doesn’t. I don’t know how long I’m standing there, before the phone rings.

I run to it thinking that it’s him in the other room.

I put on a seductive voice, “Emily Collins speaking.”

“Hi, this is Kurt. Remember I drove you from the airport and then to the hotel last night.”

My memory can be faded at times, but I only saw him last night. Of course, I remember him. Then again, maybe there are people that he drives that don’t remember him and that’s why he’s saying that.

I slump on the bed, “Sure, Kurt. What’s up?”

I’m naked and normally when I’m like this all I can think to do is cover up. I’m not the kind of girl that walks around her apartment naked, Michelle and even Becky or other friend do it from time-to-time. They claim that they walk around in clothes all day, being at home in your space is the best time to be free. The only reason I’m doing it is because I’m hoping that Marvin will come to his senses and just take me.

Why all the games?

“I’m bringing the limo down in about twenty minutes. Mr. White said that I should come to collect you–”

“But he’s in the next room!”

I realize that maybe he’s not, because why else would Kurt be calling me.

“Not anymore. I’ll be there in twenty minutes to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

“Bye,” Kurt says as he hangs up the phone.

I can’t believe that he left so soon. I don’t even bother to check because I know that there’s no way that he'll still be in his room otherwise why would Kurt call?

I jump up and hop into the shower. He said that I should get showered and dressed, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. After a quick shower, I put on my red dress. Something that I feel like wearing today, it’s a crossover dress, and my breasts are on display to tease him and enough for him to give me what I want. I pick up my key, one last check, but my hair’s damp and I don’t have time to dry it. I’m too excited. I decide to tie it up in a loose ponytail which should help it dry to some extent in no time. With my matching red heels, I know that he won’t be able to resist me.

No matter how hard he tries, I hit the elevator button and smile to myself. Marvin wants to be in control, but somehow I feel as if he loses it whenever I’m around, and that’s the part that frustrates him the most.

I keep my eye focused on the exit. I know hat Kurt’s waiting for me. I spent a little longer than twenty minutes. If I’d dried my hair then I would have spent even more time getting ready and one thing I know Marvin hates and that’s to be kept waiting. It seems to be something that I’m doing this weekend, and I smile as I approach Kurt who’s standing by the limo ready to open the door.

“Hi, Kurt. I hope that I didn’t keep you waiting?”

He shakes his head, “Not an issue. Ms. Crawford you look lovely today.”

I’m taken aback by what appears to be an empty limo. I walk in, and I’m disappointed that he’s not inside.

“Kurt, he’s not here.”

He shakes his head, “But he left something for you.” Then he shuts the door, and I look around the limo, unclear what he means. I feel as if I don’t care right now because I thought that he'd take me here in the limo. That he wouldn’t be able to resist any longer. That’s when I see a golden box with an envelope on top of it. There’s no hesitation as I rip open the envelope and Kurt starts the engine.

I start to read the note, and I shake my head wondering when he had time to do all this, I was only with him a few minutes ago.

 

Emily,

Change into what’s in the box. Nothing else. Then afterward put the blindfold on. You wanted sex earlier. I’ll give it to you. If you do exactly as I say right now.

Marvin

 

I open the box and inside is a beautiful golden silk dress. I run my hands through it as it delicately tickles my skin and inside is a matching blindfold. Marvin likes to play his games, but then I hesitate as I think about Kurt driving. I wonder if he can see me in the back. Then again, if he can do so what?

I know for sure that I want Marvin and as he confirmed in his note. He wants me too. That’s all that matters, as I start to peel off my clothes awkwardly crouching in the back of the limo. That’s when it stops, and I quickly put on the blindfold. I wanted to fold my clothes neatly, but it’s clear that I don’t have time. Once again Marvin wants to play, and I’m ever so willing, knowing that it’s his rules and the only way for me to get my prize is to follow them.

 

 

Chapter Ten

Marvin

 

I watch from the sidewalk as the limo comes to a stop. I know Emily’s inside, hopefully, changed into her little gift that I left in the limo and I can’t wait to see her.

When I invited her out for a long weekend, I had imagined spending Friday night and most of Saturday getting her adjusted to BDSM.

Then again, I had a lot longer when I was getting used to the idea. I had a mature teacher. My very own Mrs. Robinson, who made Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate look as if he knew what he was doing, I wasn’t so keen at first. But then the more I learned, the more it became second nature to me.

Once the car stops and Kurt come out, he nods his head. I know that Emily must be in the car before he confirms it.

“She’s in the car, Sir.”

I nod in approval. “Goodman. You’ll be driving us all over the city. I want to see the sites.”

That’s a lie. The view outside the limo is the last thing I’m going to have on my mind.

“Do you have any particular sites that you want to see?”

Too many, but they’ll all be in the back of the limo with Emily.

“Surprise me!”

I pat Kurt on the back, and he has a quizzed look on his face. He’s been here a few times because he’s the only driver that I travel with. The rest I don’t feel comfortable knowing all my plans, but I do with Kurt.

He reaches for the door and holds it open for me. I slide in quickly, and the door closes behind me. A moment later, the car starts moving. Then I turn to look at Emily.

She’s wearing the lingerie I left her, and I grin at how good she looks. It’s a sexy gold two-piece set that hugs her breasts at the right places and panties that leave her entrance open for whatever I like - either my fingers or my cock. She’s sitting on the seat, facing forward so I can see her perfectly from the side, but she turns to face me as I slide across the leather, though she can’t see me with the matching blindfold that she dutifully has put on.

“No need to be so nervous, Emily.You can relax.”

She sighs, her body losing some of its tension. “This is all new to me. And then while we were driving, I was worried that you wouldn’t come. That you would just reject me again.”

A smile teases on her lips, and I chuckle. I glance around and find a piece of fabric folded on the seat underneath the partition that separated the front and back of the limo. It is closed, and I assume the dress is whatever she was wearing before. I see her bra on top of the folded fabric.

I can feel a satisfied grin stretching my face. She looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to get my hands all over her body.

Impatience gets the better of me as I growl, “Follow my voice and come towards me.”

She complies immediately, lowering off the seat and kneeling as she crawls on the floor. I wasn’t expecting her to do that; she’s trying to take control again. Obeying and showing them that I can’t deny her as much as I’m tempted too at the best of times.

My eyes widen at the seductive move as I see her breasts on full display.

Her hand comes in contact with my leg, and she gets up on her knees. I let my knees spread apart and touch her arm so she would know to continue forward until she hits the seat.

“And now?” she asks seductively as she’s holding onto my knees and her head is so close to my cock that it’s so fucking hard to resist her.

“What do you want to do, Emily?”

I decide that I’m going to give her a choice, even though it’s pretty obvious what she wants to do. Emily raises her eyebrows and hesitates in speaking before she says,

“You’re asking what I want to do?”

“It’s what I just said,” I tease, touching her chin to tilt her head back further.

“I had so many things in mind, but now having you in between my legs. My cock’s fucking rising like a skyscraper, I think that maybe you have something particular in mind. You’ve been a good girl. I just want to reward you.”

She chews lightly on her lip, and I have to bite back a groan as my eyes drop to her mouth. Her lips are wet and glossy, and I can tell it’s more from spit than some lip gloss.

“I want to do what you want to do.”

I was wrong; she’s fucking learning a lot quicker than I gave her credit for at first. I trail kisses across her forehead down to her cheeks.

“You’re looking so fucking sexy right now,” I murmur with my lips by her ear. Then I take her earlobe between my teeth and give it a careful nip. Emily gasps and tilts her head back, pushing her breasts into my chest.

I pull back to see her face. She’s panting, her cheeks a light pink, and the first thing on my mind is how much I want to kiss her. I look around and see the bottle of champagne I'd asked for with the limo. It’s sitting in a bucket of ice, already opened, and I reach for it, not bothering with the glasses stacked on a tray beside it.

Turning back to Emily, I lean down for a soft, slow kiss. There is some hesitation at first; then she starts to move in time to my lips. As I start to fuck her mouth with my tongue.I press my thumb against the edge of her jaw, encouraging her to open her mouth wider, as I push her back just a little, then I open my mouth and let the champagne spill into her mouth, following it with my tongue. My hand moves to circle her throat gently, feeling it bob slightly as she swallowed, running my tongue in every crevice of her mouth, loving the moan that slips out her throat at the attention.

I lick the champagne that’s escaped from her mouth and lick it with my tongue. I stop for a second and Emily barks, “M-more.”

“What?”

Thinking that I must have misheard her.

“I love the champagne. I want more, please.”

“I didn’t know that you liked champagne, Emily.” I reach for the bottle, t then take her face between my hands. She has her parts her lips eagerly as I let the drink spill from my mouth to hers.

Her bold words surprised me, but I can’t hold my arousal any longer. She follows the movements of my hands as I shift her and her back’s facing me. I sit between my legs on the seat, with my arm wrapped around her waist to hold her fast.

“You’re so fucking sexy and wet for me right now.”

She gasps as I bare a breast, and watch her nipple perk up in the cool air. I cup her breast in my hand, gently pinch her nipple. She arches her back as I reach for her other breast.I squeeze my legs around her, holding both her breasts in my palms and playing with her nipples. Her breathing has already sped up, and I have my lips pressed against her neck.

“Do you like that?”

She hums, “Yes.”

“Remember what you asked me after breakfast?”

I wait for her to respond, but she’s pushing her ass deeper against my groin, and it’s fucking driving me insane.

I start to bite gently on her neck while blowing in her ear.

“Fuck yes!”

She screams out, and I know that she’s being brought to the edge. I haven’t started yet, but I want her to know what’s in store.

“I’m going to fuck you. Not just in the room. But all other fucking Vegas.”

She doesn’t stop as I move from biting to sucking on her neck. I’m bringing her close to the edge and her pussy’s no longer dripping wet, it’s fucking soaking wet. Ready for me to fuck her as we take a tour around town and I have a private one of her pussy.

 

Chapter Eleven

Emily

 

 

After I reach the edge in his arms, I can’t believe that he didn’t put his fingers in my pussy or even give me oral sex. It happened so easily, and the worse part is that I want more. My body’s starting to get aroused again, “Please, Marvin! Don’t stop.” My body’s shaking and I’m recovering but still craving more.

He chuckles and continues peppering kisses up and down my neck. Marvin’s driving me crazy. Just having him nearby, hearing his voice in my ear, is enough to get me hot under the collar.

Everything that’s happening this weekend started is a new experience for me, and if I have to be honest, I love it. I should be looking out of the window and worrying about passer-by’s hearing me scream at the back of the limo. I know for sure Kurt heard me, but I don’t care as I wriggle in his arms, trying to turn around and place my mouth against his. I want more kisses with champagne. My wriggling pushes us closer, and I hear him moan as his big, fat cock presses against my ass.

I roll my hips back against his, pressing against his erection, causing us both to moan.

“If you keep doing that, Emily, I won’t be held responsible for what I do to you,” he warns. One hand is on my breast, but the other travels down to in between my thighs. The panties aren’t panties. It’s more of a lace gold belt that moves across my waist. He has easy access to do the thing that I desire the most, but he’s teasing me as he gets so close to my folds.

“Hmm, I want you so fucking bad right now!”

I hum, “What’s stopping you?”

My eyes are closed as I can’t even open them. I can’t see a thing, we could be in the middle of the Grand Canyon for all to see and the thought of it excites me even more.

“I’m so wet, for you right now.”

My aching sex is begging for him to take me.

“My pants are so wet right now. You’re not dripping; you’re like a reservoir that’s been set free just flowing all over me.”

I lay my head back over his shoulder, arching my chest into his hand as I roll my hips into his palm. I’m panting for breath, and it turns to gasps as his hand pulls away from my sex to slide under the top of my panties.

“Fuck!” I cry out when he touches me, which makes me roll my hips again, pushing my ass back into his cock, then pressing my pussy harder against his hand. I’m trying to get him to put pressure where I need it the most, but he’s toying with me.

“Marvin, please,” I chant as if I’m a broken record.

“What is it, Emily,” he says teasingly in my ear.

“Touch me!”

“But I am touching you,” he retorts.

I growl lightly. My hands are resting on his thighs, and I don’t remember when they moved there, but I use them. I press his hand between my legs even harder against my sex and arch my back to reach my other hand around me to touch his cock.

“Dammit, Emily,” Marvin growls against my neck.

I laugh, breathless. “Good!”

He starts to make primal animal sounds, the same thing that he did last night and I know what that means, he’s ready to take it that step further. There's a peck on the side of my neck, at my pulse, then he’s pulling his hands away, making me moan in disappointment.

“Marvin. Don’t stop…”

I say out of desperation.

“Shh, Emily. We’re just getting a little comfortable.”

He has shifted me so that I’m back on my knees. I gasp as his hands slowly move over my hips. My face is fired up because I’m pretty much naked in the back of the limo. The cool air-con doesn’t reduce my body temperature as he builds a fire of passion within me.

His hands on my hips push down on my gold belt. He slides it off and then he does the same with my bra. Even though my breasts are already out. I’m completely naked and blindfolded; I know that he can’t resist me now.

“Now what?”

I ask impatiently thinking that he’s completely changing the momentum and I’m scared that he’s going to back out once again.

Marvin sucks in a harsh breath. “Sorry, just needed a moment to look at you. You’re beautiful, Emily.”

“Marvin,” I say, my voice a definite whine because I’m too far gone to be embarrassed now. It’s not like my face can burn any hotter, anyway. “Come inside me.”

I’m on my knees in front of him, lips parted, feeling wet and swollen, sweat slicking down my forehead. Whatever sight is there for him to see, he loves it if the groan that comes out of him is anything to go by.

“Up,” he commands, “on the seat. Lie on your back with me, Emily.”

I whimper as I scramble to do what he says, in spite of my impatience. There’s enough self-consciousness left in me that I don’t want to slip and look like an idiot to him and ruin the mood in the process. There isn’t so much room that I’d have to search for the seat, though, my hands touching smooth leather as I reach them out. I use them to guide me, so I sit down, then move to lie on my back. I end up with my back pressed against the door, my legs pressed against Marvin, though he moves to give me more room.

Then, without warning, he takes one of my legs, the one pressed against the back of the seat, and throws it over his shoulder, spreading my thighs as he moves into the space left between. I gasp and squirm a little because I can't see, but I know I’m bared to him completely, and I can almost feel the weight of his gaze as his eyes rove over my body.

“This view is much better,” he says, voice husky, and I moan. “It’s too much, Emily. I don’t think I can hold back anymore.”

“Then don’t,” I retort, reaching out for him. When my hands grab onto his arms, I slide my hands up to his shoulders, then to wrap around his neck and drag him down.

His lips collide with mine in a harsh, wet kiss. The position is a little uncomfortable, but I don’t say anything about it because I find myself speechless. I feel his lips wrap around a nipple and gently tug on it; then he does the same on the other side. He slides kisses down my abdomen, my body trembling because I know where this is going. Proved right when I feel his warm breath between my thighs.

I'm already so wet, and ready for him. I can feel my clit twitch as he blows another warm breath over me, and then I’m trying not to reach for him to press against me. He moves on, and I cry out, my back arching against the seat as he swipes a broad lick up my pussy and flicks the tip of his tongue against my throbbing clit.

He flicks the tip of his tongue on my clit, over and over again. One of his hands grips the underside of the thigh I have over his shoulder, pushing it back into my chest as he licks all over my sex, then sucks lightly on my throbbing clit. I can feel him slide a single digit in my pussy and thrusting a couple of times, then adding a second and third finger in rapid succession. All I can do is squirm and moan at the provocative touch. At this rate, I know I’ll come before he’s even in me once again.

He moves away, and almost immediately I can hear the sound of foil ripping. Then, there’s silence, and I imagine him wrapping a condom around his cock. The image has a shiver racking through my body. Then his hands are back on me, catching both of my thighs to push them out further, just shy of uncomfortable.

I moan, still waiting, and my breath hitches when I feel the head of his cock rub against my sex, up and down, pressing at my entrance without going in, then sliding up and rubbing against my clit. I’m rolling my hips, trying to get him inside, but he's teasing me.

I feel his hands flex on my thighs, and still almost immediately, taking it as some sign. Then he's sliding in me, finally, and we both moan in relief when he's seated inside me to the hilt.

He’s sending punishing thrusts as his hips slap against my ass with every thrust, his hold on me keeping me in place for him.

“This is what you’ve been begging me for!”

My hands tighten on his shoulders.

“Ah, Marvin!”

I yell out as I try and take what he's giving to me because I can’t get any leverage to move into his harsh thrusts. I babble words that I don’t even recognize as if I’m speaking a foreign language. Marvin fucks me hard and fast, and the painful experience soon surpasses, just like when he was spanking me as it turns into bolts of pleasure.

“Yes. Yes. Yes!” I scream out as my body bursts in pleasurable waves that have me crying out and clutching at Marvin. He gives a hard thrust, then another, and follows me into orgasm. His hand presses against my thigh so that he can grind harder against me. Until his rhythm picks up and he’s thrusting so quickly, and making primal sounds that I know that I didn’t come alone.

“Emily, Emily, you are a bad girl. I was going to save that right for the end.”

“You were going to punish me a little longer.”

He laughs as he pulls away, “I don’t like the term punishment. Aren’t you enjoying it?”

He moves away from me and all of a sudden I feel blinded and helpless.

“Marvin?”
I stretch my hands out to try and touch him, but then I hear his voice as he says, “One minute. The limo’s stopped, don’t worry let’s get you fixed and then we’ll go back to the hotel.”

Are we back already?

A panic sets through me as I reach up and try and take my blindfold off, but then I feel his hands doing it for me.

He’s wearing a white shirt and matching pants; he looks completely relaxed as he kisses me on the lips. I inhale his woody scent and smile, “That’s the best tour I’ve ever been on.”

He smirks, “You’re not the only one. I enjoyed the ride.”

He lifts up my panties and holds them to his nose and closes his eyes.

“I want that as a memorabilia of how good you tasted, just put on your dress. I want to think about your invitation. Your pussy ready for me to take it whenever I want.”

I smile, “And where you want?”

He nods, “You’re learning Emily. A lot quicker than I could have ever envisaged.”

I take it as a compliment and as Kurt announces that we’re officially at the hotel. He asks Marvin if he enjoyed the tour.

“So, much so Kurt. That I might have to take it again before we leave.”

Marvin winks at me as I put on my dress. The red one that I had on before I put on the gold lingerie. My hair’s still damp. Hopefully, eventually, it’ll dry up later, but then by the sound of things. I doubt it.

 

 

 

Chapter Twelve

Marvin

 

As we leave the limo, I know that Emily needs her rest. She’s slouching, and it’s clear that she’s tired. If we go up, the last thing I’ll let her do is rest. Especially with my token of the tour safely in my back pocket.

“Let’s sit here for a while.”There’s a lounge area off to the side with several seats and tables arranged. Emily struggling to walk properly, which is understandable given what took place in the limo not so long ago.

“I don't want to sit down where there are people, Marvin,” she whispers as she gets closer, “Especially when I still don’t have my panties on.”

“Why ever not?” I quip back, and she wrinkles her nose up at me.

She’s clutching tightly to me as I hold her to my side. I’m pretty sure it’s not just because she has a little trouble walking on her feet or the missing panties.

“I feel sticky, and I want to shower and change.”

“And maybe a nap,” I added thoughtfully, my eyes sliding to her before facing forward.

“I don’t need a nap,” she grumbles. Then I notice she’s looking at me out the corner of her eye.

I laugh as I decide to take her to the room. Once I push the button for the elevator. I notice that no one else is inside. I take this opportunity to push her gently against one of the walls once the door’s close. I press my lips against hers only for a second.She whimpers, her body trembling slightly, and I can't tell if it’s her tiredness or eagerness for wanting more. I pull away thinking that she needs to get freshened up and anymore right now may leave her completely sore.

“I’m going to leave you alone so you can have some rest. You need it, Emily. Get something to eat, too.”

The last thing I want to do is starve her.

She pouts at me, my eyes sliding down to her tempting lips. “Marvin at least join me for a shower?” she flutters her eyelashes up at me.

The elevator comes to a stop, surprising both of us when the doors suddenly slide open. I take her hand and lead her out into the hallway. She’s regained herself enough to walk properly, if a little uncomfortable, on her own. I watch her face and notice the slight discomfort she tries to hide.

It’s another reason why I’m putting off any more activities for the day maybe I’ll leave it until tonight. I can tell by the way she’s walking and the look on her face that she’s sore. She wasn’t a virgin, but I doubt she’s seen much action in some time. I remember there being a couple of guys that Ben told me she was dating. Every time he said the words ‘Emily and her boyfriend’ a wave of jealousy would enter my mind, as much as I’ll like to think of me as being her first. I know that it’s not the case, but I do know that I must be the first to please her the way that I’ve done this weekend. So much so that I’ve had her begging for more.

We stop by her door, and she turns to face me, standing close, her face turned up so her eyes could meet mine. Unable to resist, I lean down for another kiss, this time just a soft brush of lips, before I make myself push back.

“I’ll see you later, Emily,” I say quietly.

She smiles softly at me, leaning up on her toes to peck my lips lightly. “You promise?”

I nod my head, “Have I ever broken one before?”

She shakes her head, then she lifts her hand, trying to put her key in and acting like a jilted bride. She said that she wants to freshen up and she obviously needs her rest. This is the best decision, to leave her. Even if it’s only for a little while.

As I turn and go into the adjoining room. I find myself lost as to what to do. Like her, I could have a shower, but then I don’t feel like it right now. As I check the time, I can’t believe that it’s so late.

I decide to hit the shower, and then I hover at her door. The room next to mine with my towel wrapped around my waist. I run my hand through my hair, thinking that this must be the first time. That I’m thinking of not sleeping alone.

Kurt gave us a tour; he must have been circulating for a while. I didn’t realize how late it is, and even though it’s a little early to sleep. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.

 

***

 

I don’t even know if Emily’s aware that we’re due to leave this morning. I get up and knock on her door. I peep in to discover that she’s fast asleep and wrapped in a towel. My eyes sheepishly move across her body as I lift up the covers. She’s naked; it’s almost as if she was hoping that I’ll join her during the night.

I go back to my room and leave her a note. One that I know she’ll love for later on. She can take her time and get her energy back. I have a few calls to make and a flight to change for the both of us.

It doesn’t take long for me to get ready afterward, seeing as everything’s going to plan at work and there’s no emergency that I need to deal with for now. Roger’s one of the best secretaries that I’ve ever had, and I can see that not only is he forwarding my emails, but he’s checking up on them.

I send him a quick thank you note, before heading to the shower and getting ready. I decide on a dark gray suit. I leave my suite, walking at a brisk pace, heading for Emily's room, before I even have a chance to knock on her door. She opens the door, and I run my eyes over the dress that she’s wearing. It’s black, sleeveless, and goes down to her feet with matching black stiletto heels on her feet. She has one of her designs. I recognize it from her latest collection. The necklace adorns her neck with a matching bracelet on her wrist.

She looks mind-blowing, and she’s my date for the night.

“You’re beautiful, Emily. I can see that you got my note. Did you have anything urgent to do today in the office?”

She shakes her head, “No. I’m glad we got to stay another night. Thanks for the compliment,” she spins around and then laughs, “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

I smirk, taking the complement.

"Shall we?" I ask, offering my arm.

She closes her door and steps toward me, slipping her hand around my elbow. I place a hand over hers, keeping her in place, and lead her to the elevator.

“Where are we going tonight?”

“Out to dinner. Just you and I. We can sit and get to know each other better.”

She giggles, “I thought that we’d done that already.”

I tilt my head to the side as I stop in my tracks, “Yes. But this will be different. We’ll have a conversation.”

She looks surprised at my admittance, but I didn’t expect us to be having this much fun and games. I wanted to get to know her differently. Not as her dad’s best friend, but as a friend possibly future lover.

I lead her to the elevator, and we enter in silence, and I sense that she’s thinking too hard about what I’d just said. She’s a thinker, one that likes to try and finding meaning in everything that’s said and done. As we step out of the elevator and glide out of the hotel, on cue Kurt is waiting for us with the limo.

Kurt nods and then greets us both. Swiftly he opens the door for us, being the gentleman that I am, I wait for Emily to step inside first.

It doesn’t take long for us to arrive at the restaurant and after Kurt announces it on the intercom. She looks up at me from under her lashes, biting her bottom lip, and the look goes straight to my cock. I wonder if she knows the effect she has on me and if she reacts the way she does to entice me. If yes, it's working. She gives the barest nod of her head, and I assume that is as much answer as I am going to get out of her for a while.

We lock eyes as we sat in the limo as if we’re strangers. I’m keeping my distance because I know that she must be hungry now. We’ve spent all weekend in each other’s pockets, and I’m aware that tomorrow is another day. One where we’ll go back to our old lives. If my plan works then, she needs to come to me. Not for sex, or for money, but only because she wants us to be together. The way that my cock’s begging to be inside her now. I’m not sure that I can resist the temptation to take her.

“Another hotel?”

Emily asks as she points to the MGM hotel which sits above Joël Robuchon’s restaurant.

I laugh and say, “I don’t make a habit of changing hotels?”

She raises an eyebrow and says, “Don’t you?”

I tell Kurt that we’ll call him when we’re finished and on that note, we’re alone again. We walk in sync to the restaurant, and as we reach the doors, we’re greeted by a pretty French hostess. She doesn’t hesitate once I say my name to direct us to our table.

I can tell that Emily’s fascinated by the chandeliers that hang and the beautiful textures of red and green that run from the wall as I casually walk through the restaurant. As her head moves in different directions. Then we grind to a halt, and the hostess opens the doors. Emily breaks the silence by asking, “Just us two?”

I nod, “Just the two of us.”

“Would you like the menu’s now or would you like something to drink as you settle in?”

I nod, “Can you bring just the wine menu for now?”

She smiles, “As you please. Enjoy your meal, Jean-Claude will be your waiter for the night. He’ll be here in a couple of minutes to give you the menus.”

Emily just stares at her, and then as soon as I walk up to the chair, ready for her to sit down. She tells me exactly how she feels.

“Wow, Marvin every time I think that you can’t surprise me. You go and surprise me even more.”

“Is that a compliment?”

She nods, “If you didn’t get that from what I said, then maybe you’re the one that’s tired.”

I got it alright, but there’s something about the way that she’s so relaxed right now that makes her seem even more enchanting.

“Why were you so quiet earlier?”

“I felt guilty,” she nods her head. ‘I thought that I should be at work. Or at least get there and then talk to the remaining staff about…”

“About the fact that you’re going to make the company great again?”
It brings a smile to her face. One that I’ve been longing for all night. Her red lipstick glimmers in the dim lighting.

There’s a knock on the door and once Jean-Claude, a tall, dark haired waiter enters through the door with our menu.

“Bonjour,” he nods as he walks through the door. He delicately shuts it behind him, and I start to discuss in French the options of our meal with the wine suggestions. Each time I have one eye on the menu and the other on Emily as her eyes wander around the room.

“D’accord. Merci Madame e Mademoiselle,” Jean-Claude nods as he walks back out of the room.

“What did he just say?”

Emily says with bolts of excitement.

“He just thanked us.”

“Marvin, is there anything that you can’t do? I never even knew that you could speak French and not even just a little, like a native.”

I smile as I tentatively reach for her hand and she offers it so naturally. I start stroking her fingers, remembering her touch and the fact that her hands are so soft.

“I spent some time in France when you were growing up. But you probably don’t remember?”

She shakes her head, “I remember that you used to leave for long periods of time. Dad used to laugh about you having a secret wife in France.”

“No, I just love their culture and most of all the language. That’s why I learned it so well. Besides I think of Paris as my sanctuary.”

“How comes?”

I stand up and look at the artwork on the wall wondering if I could show her what I’m talking about. There’s none that captures the beauty of the city, so I blurt out, “One day I’ll show you. I still have my apartment in the city, and I still go there from time to time.”

She sighs, “I would love that, it sounds like heaven.”

“I ordered for you, Emily. I hope you don’t mind?”

“I’m not as cultured as you are,” she winks at me. “I know that whatever you ordered would be a lot better than what I would have done.”

“Don’t understatement yourself all the time. You used to have such confidence as a child.”

“Not really,” she shakes her head, “I just think that I was better at hiding it.”

Maybe she has a point, I never thought of her as a person with doubts. Just a gentle soul who believed the best of everyone and had a gift and wanted to share it with the world.

I’m about to say something to her when Jean-Claude knocks on the door again. I know that it’s him because I was expecting him to come back at any moment.

“Viens ici!”

I sit back down and then Emily whispers, “Whenever you talk in French, it turns me on.”

As Jean-Claude and the other waiter leave the room. Not only did they bring the wine, but our meal too. I know the other waiter wants to stay to serve us. But I can do that myself, and besides that was the message I gave Jean-Claude when I was ordering earlier. That they should bring both courses on a tray and we’ll help ourselves when we’re ready. He was hesitant at my request, but when I explained that I wanted privacy. He didn’t hesitate in compiling with it.

“They’ve brought all the courses, apart from one thing.”

“Water?”
Emily asks as she looks at the tray. Trying to figure out what could be missing.

“No.”

“Okay Marvin, I give up. What did they forget?”

“Desert. I want to eat your pussy for desert.”

“Oh, what happened to us having a meal out.”

I laugh, “We’re doing that. But I want you so fucking badly that if I don’t leave this room without you screaming out with an orgasm. It’ll drive me insane.”

Emily blushes, but she smiles at me and starts to move closer to me.

“It tastes so much better than anything they could have served me on a plate.”

She holds her hand to her chest. “You say the sweetest things, Marvin.”

I stand up and start to get to work. We need to eat, I don’t want us to eat in a hurry, but knowing that after we’ve finished the courses, she’s next on the table. Gets me to work, as I say, “Madam, I will be your waiter for the evening. I’ll serve you and after it’s all done. I’ll please you. Better than any man you’ve ever known.”

I spin around and give her the first dish, and her eyes widen as she doesn’t look at the plate, but only me.

She whispers, “You’ve done that already.”

Her comment takes me aback, but I have a mission on my mind, and I could take her now, but I want us to enjoy tonight and then afterward I’ll be enjoying her sweet pussy.

 

***

 

 

I've been looking forward to this. I lean over her to kiss above her breast, but that isn’t where my focus is tonight. My hands slide under the slit of her dress and push it up around her waist. She raises her hips as I tug at her panties, and pull them off her legs, tossing them aside. I spread her thighs with my hands holding then out.

The table is just the right height that I can go down on my knees and press my mouth against her pussy, pressing my tongue inside before running it all over her sex with enthusiasm. The taste of her is strange after the wine, but so much better; so much more desirable.

Emily cries out when I first press my mouth against her, and I take her clit in my mouth and suck, scraping over it with my teeth. She rises on her elbows to look down at me, and I meet her eyes, pulling back and wiping at my mouth with the back of my hand.

“Lay back, princess and relax. It’s just you and me,” I murmur, my voice husky. She just stares at me, her jaw dropped. When she doesn't say anything, I dive back in. She moans, murmurs something that sounds suspiciously like taking the lord's name in vain, then her hands are in my hair, encouraging me. I smile against her sex, getting down to work.

 

Chapter Thirteen

Emily

 

 

It's almost hard to believe— almost hard to accept—that after that perfect last night together, it's all over.

I wake up in bed alone, but the space beside me is ruffled and a little warm, so I’m at least confident that Marvin slept in this bed with me. I start to blush as I remember all the other things we did on this bed. And other places in the hotel suite.

It’s Tuesday morning already, and in a few hours, I will be going home.

We haven't talked about what happens after our time together, and I debate whether to look for him so I can ask him. It’s the end of the weekend, I've upheld my end of our deal. My business is on the verge of closing, but now, after spending the weekend with Marvin things are going to turn around.

That's another thing. Now that my weekend with Marvin is over, I have to start thinking about my business. But my mind can't focus on it as it keeps wondering to Marvin.

I sigh to myself and get out of bed before freezing. My body is sore all over, especially between my thighs. I frown at myself. I’m starting to get greedy now, also ridiculous with how reluctant I was before accepting this deal at all. The fun is over, and we both have lives to get back to, and there’s no need to delay the inevitable.

But… does Marvin want our time together to be over? Because suddenly I think that I wouldn’t mind if we see more of each other.

What does Marvin even see in me?

I make my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. Afterwards, I stand in front of the sink, checking out my body in the mirror above the counter. My face warms in a blush, my mouth parting in awe because I can see some of where the ache is coming from. I have a bite mark on my left hip, and when I look down at the inside of my right thigh where I felt another deeper ache, there's another bite mark.

I laugh at the idea of leaving here with these memorabilia's as I reach for a towel to cover and rush out of the bathroom. My purse is on the nightstand, and I pick it up, checking inside for my phone and to see if I have any messages.

The idea that there are messages, but I'll deal with them later. I don't want to spoil the remainders of the trip and read them.

I leave the bedroom to see if Marvin’s in the suite. He isn’t, but there’s a note on the table. The last time I saw the table, he had me sprawled out like an eagle as he ate me as if there was no tomorrow.

I push the thoughts out of my mind and move to pick up the piece of paper. According to the note, I’m to wait for Marvin to come pick me up so we can head to the airport. I can order room service. I’m feeling hungry enough to eat something, and make the call to have breakfast brought up.

I order, and then I grab one of the bathing robes. I’ll get changed after I’ve eaten, I don’t feel like it right now. Once the food arrives and I’m sitting down to eat it, my thoughts start going around in circles. Not long after, the center of those thoughts walks into the suite wearing jeans and a black polo shirt. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen Marvin wearing jeans. Watching him come towards me, makes me realize that he’s too sexy. Just like Michelle was telling me when I arrived, and I did all the things that she said I should do. Not to have fun, but because I wanted him.

“Good afternoon. Wow, you’re awake!” he says surprised as he walks up to me and kisses me on the cheek.

“That’s because you keep tiring me out,” I smile at him. “Marvin, what time’s our flight?”

“You have at least twenty minutes to eat and get ready.”

“But, why didn’t you say anything earlier? I could have got ready.”

He laughs, “Don’t panic if we miss that flight. We’ll just get another one.”

I know that for him this is nothing, he can afford to just book one flight after another, but I still feel guilty about it.

“I wanted to make sure that you got the rest that you needed.”

He’s talking, but I’m too busy panicking about getting ready. I jump up and head for my room. I get dressed and put my things in order, then move to wait in the living room while Marvin does the same, but his pace is a lot slower than mine. I watch for a second as he has his clothes all folded and neatly puts them in his case. I just stuffed them in mine.

Afterward, I'm rushing out of the hotel. We stop by the reception so Marvin can drop the room key before heading outside. Again, I’m out of breath rushing, and he’s walking in his stride as if he’s got all the time in the world.

“I paid before coming up for my things. I left early to tie up things here, so we’re clear to go.”

“Okay,” I say as we get into the limo waiting for us beside the curb.

Kurt is dutifully holding the door open, “Ms. Crawford.” He nods, but I’m too busy thinking about getting on the plane, and I wish that he’ll call me Emily. There’s no need for him to be formal all the time.

“Kurt,” I blurt out as I hand him my case. The one that Marvin said that the bellboy could take and we didn’t have to rush down with it.

The drive to the airport is a quick one. It takes almost an hour before we can board our plane, but then we’re finally seated. It’s when the plane is gliding down the runway, about to take off, when everything settles down for me. I sigh a breath of relief, whereas Marvin’s still as cool as a cucumber.

“You panic too much.”

“Marvin you don’t panic enough,” I say as I’m still trying to catch my breath. That’s not the real reason that I’ve been panicking, so I say exactly what’s on my mind, “Is this it then?”

He coldly turns to me. The same way that he did when we first met in Vegas, “The deal was for the weekend. A weekend, and I give you the amount you wanted. The deal is done, isn’t it?”

His eyes watch me closely, or so I feel.

“I don’t want it to end. I don’t want our time together to end,” I clarify, in case he doesn't get what I mean.

I think he looks pleased as he takes my hand and lightly kisses the back of it. My breath catches as I meet his eyes, an intensity in them that I swear was not there a moment ago.

“It doesn’t need to if you don’t want it to end.”

I don’t, and I wish that I didn’t have the seatbelt on, because no longer do I feel tense, but I close my eyes and shriek inside my mouth as the excitement takes over me. Marvin has said exactly what I need to hear. I open my eyes, and he’s smiling at me. I wonder if he knew that this was going to happen all along?

I don’t care because I’m holding on to his hands and I have no intention of letting him go.

 

Chapter Fourteen

Emily

 

 

I wait almost impatiently for Marvin to show up after being back for nearly a week, I can’t go a day without seeing him. It’s as if I have a constant craving to be with him.

We’re supposed to go out to dinner, and I’ve been ready for a while because I’m too excited. I didn’t even bother to go to the office today. I just spent most of the day trying to figure out what to wear and catching up on some sleep. One thing about us is once we get started, we don’t know how to stop.

The business is coming along nicely with Marvin's help, and I have fun thinking of all the ways I can reward him for all the help he’s giving me.

I find myself thinking all too much of Marvin lately.

There are the occasional thoughts, where I wonder what I mean to Marvin, compared to what he means to me. He seems to care about me and doesn’t want our time together to end. He even offers me more help than we agreed on, and I have hope that it isn't just an extension of our original deal. But he's so hard to read, it's difficult to guess what he thinks, and I’m not confident enough to just come out with it and ask.

My doorbell rings bringing me out of my thoughts. I grab my purse from the couch than head for the door, taking a second to catch my breath before opening the door.

Marvin is on the other side, breathtaking in another of his tailored suits. At one point, I found him intimidating, but now, all I can think about is seeing him without clothes, and I blush every time such thoughts enter my mind.

“Are you ready to go?” he asks, holding out his arm for me to take.

“Of course,” I reply breezily, sliding my arm into his. I’ve gotten good at acting like I’m not flustered by him. Now, if I could stop the blushing habit, it would be even better.

By the smirk he aims at me, he probably knows what I’m thinking. His eyes trace over my body, and I bite my lip, pleased at the look of satisfaction in them.

“Every time I think you can get even more beautiful,” he murmurs, taking my hand from his elbow to kiss the back of it, before placing it back. “You just keep proving me wrong.”

“Every time I think you can't get even more cheesy,” I say teasingly as we walk out of my apartment building and out into the cold air, “you just keep proving me wrong.”

Marvin just chuckles. I’m looking forward to our date, but also to what comes after if I would go to his place or he would return to mine.

We walk to his car, Marvin circling with me and holding onto my hand as I climb in, then he closes the door and moves to the driver's side. Once he's seated, he sends a smirk my way, then the car is on, and we're moving.

“We’re going to Del Posto. I know how much you love Italian food?”

He knows me so well, as a kid, my dream was to visit Italy.

“You’re spoiling me.”

He nods, “You’re worth it.”

He lifted up my hand and kissed it. I can get used to this type of treatment. I don’t know what part I love the most. The fact that he’s so caring and always thinking about the best way to take care of me. It’s the little things that a girl likes. Not the fancy restaurants, but just paying attention to the things we like.

Marvin’s more than any man that I’ve ever known, and he makes me want him not just for now, but always.

“I spoke to Ben last night. It was a bit weird when he asked what I was doing tonight and if we could meet up.”

“Oh, if you wanted to meet up with dad then that’s fine.”

He shakes his head while keeping his eye on the road.

“It’s not that. I’m just trying to think how to talk to him about us. I’ll have to do it eventually.”

“I know, but I don’t want to think about it tonight. Can we just spend a lovely evening out.”

“Eating pasta?”
“Exactly!”

I’m sticking my head under the carpet as far as my parents are concerned, I know that it’s a path that I’ll have to cross. I just don’t want to do that right now.

Two weeks ago, I’d come to the realization that I may have to lose my business. My parents are not going to take our relationship lightly, and we both know it. So, until we get to that bridge, I just want to enjoy him.

It doesn’t take long for us to arrive and I’ve always wanted to eat here, but I’ve never been able to afford it. I want to look around the restaurant, but my eyes are more focused on my date. As soon as he gives his name and we’re seated, Marvin blurts out, “I have a request tonight.”

I take a deep breath as I think back to the conversation in the car, wondering if it has something to do with my parents.

“What?”

“Can we please not talk about work tonight?”

I smile, pleasantly surprised by the request and more than willing to give in.

"Of course," I answer easily.

The meal is brought out to us, and it's as amazing as I thought it would be. We each get a different dish, but he lets me taste his. It’s all so delicious I can't tell which I prefer, and he offers an exchange, half of mine for half of his, so we can each taste everything.

“This is so good, Marvin,” I almost moan on another bite.

Marvin chuckles at me. “I’ll be taking you to a few of my favorite places around the city, but we can always come back here whenever you want.”

“Definitely,” I say with enthusiasm, and we go on to have a little discussion about other restaurants we’ve gone to, foods that we like.

It's not all innocent, of course. We’re getting on and flirting with each other, Marvin’s offering me food on his fork just to watch my mouth as I eat, and me doing the same as I pick up the cue from him and feed him from my plate.

“You didn’t make a mess. Where did the clumsy girl go to?”

I wink at him, “I can show you where she went to?”

He stiffens up and then abruptly asks for the bill. If only we could spend one night, without thinking of sex, then it would be amazing, but something always makes one of us want to go home early.

Tonight, it was my turn as I looked at the lady eating ice-cream and all I could think about was Marvin scooping up my pussy with his tongue.

He pinches my butt as we head out of the restaurant and growls, “You’re such a bad girl.”

That’s when I bump into someone. A person that I love to hate. Brenda Keeps, the CEO of the Silk Box. The company that’s been dragging me down and I needed Marvin to pick me right up.

“Watch it!”

She pushes me away from her and then I bounce in the direction of Marvin.

I’m just about to say something when she smiles, a sexy, seductive smile. Totally different to what she was doing a few minutes ago.

“Oh, Marvin. I never saw you.”

I watch as Marvin seems indifferent and wants to pull me away from her.

“What? You know her. How?”

Brenda’s blurts out, “See you in the morning, Marvin.”

He’s pulling me away, and I think that she’s laughing as Marvin’s refusing to answer my question. I’m not getting in the car with him.

No way!

“What does she mean about to see you in the morning? How do you know her? Why would you be seeing her in the morning?”

I think that I’m starting to answer my questions, but I’m throwing my hands up in the air because I want Marvin to respond to me right now. But he’s quiet. That can only mean one thing. I hate causing a scene in public, but I need to know the truth right now.

“Marvin?”

“Can we talk about this at home?”

I shake my head, “No. I can’t wait that long.”

“Fine, seeing as you want to hear it. I own the Silk Box. You happy now.”

“No, but I’m going home alone. Don’t follow me and don’t call. I don’t care what you have to say about it. Everything that’s happened has been a lie.”

“No. Not the way I feel…”

“Save it, Marvin! I’m not interested. At what point were you going to tell me that the one company that’s ruined mine, just happens to be one of yours?”

He smirks, “I thought that we agreed that you destroyed your company. Not the other way around.”

Wow!
“I can’t believe that you just said that, but then again what should I expect from a snake. You used me, knowing that you could have helped me a long time ago.”

He starts to head to the driver’s side.

“If that’s what you want to believe then fine. I wanted to talk about this at home. Behind closed doors, not on the street like animals. I think you’ll find that you used me too. You never came to Vegas for a good time! You went for the money.”

Then he gets in his car, and then he leaves me on the side of the street like a hooker. I hated Marvin when I thought that he was using money as a means to get me hot and bothered under the sheets.

But now I hate him even more, not only for the secret. But for saying that I’d slept with him for the money, even if it was the truth.

 

 

Chapter Fifteen

Emily

 

I stand on the street corner, watching his car go by. I don’t want him anywhere near me ever again. I start to wonder if he’d planned the whole thing and through my tears, I call Michelle. Maybe if she’s at home, then I’ll talk to her about the whole humiliating experience that I suffered tonight.

“Michelle, are you home?”

I blurt out as soon as she picks up the phone. My voice is muffled, and I should have tried to calm down before speaking to her, but I’m so upset. Heartbroken and I can’t stop fucking crying.

“Yes, yes, what’s wrong?”

“Everything!”

“Okay, just come over. Calm down, and then we’ll talk, okay?”
“On my way.”

“Or maybe I should come to you? Are you at home?”

I shake my head, “No, I’m out, but I can come to you. It’s okay. I’ll just grab a taxi.”

She sighs, “Good. I’m waiting okay?”
I nod, “Okay.”
Then I hang up, and I feel guilty for calling her at nearly midnight, just because I’ve been a fool. Maybe I should have waited until the morning, but I know one thing for sure. I’m not sleeping tonight. I’m so fucking mad and upset.

I walk up a bit, and within no time, I manage to hail a cab. After I give him the direction, I manage to wipe most of my tears on my dress and to take in a few deep breaths and close my eyes for the short ride allowed me to calm down. Just a little bit.

By the time I pass the taxi, then buzz her apartment, the tears start falling once again. I can’t help myself, as much as I’m trying to control myself. I’m not doing a good job.

“Emily!”

Michelle screams as she opens her door in her pj's. I feel guilty that she must have been sleeping when I called, but the look of concern on her emerald eyes tells me that she’s more concerned about me.

“Michelle, he used me!”

I run into her arms. She pats me on the back, and her soothing voice reassures me that, she’s not bothered. She’s more worried about my emotional state at the moment.

“Come on, let’s sit down. Do you want a drink?”

I shake my head as she goes to shut the door and I dump my purse and my body on her sofa.

“So, we’re at dinner. Marvin and I. Then Brenda who owns ‘or so I thought’”, I use my fingers to highlight the fact that I’ve been so wrong about the owner of Silk Box.

“Bumps into me and then tells me that Marvin owns Silk Box. Not her. She’s just the ….”

I don’t even know her position.

“So the face or whatever of Silk Box?”
I nod my head, “Yes, and he owns it.”

She sighs with a puzzled look on her face, “So, how did he use you?”

“Well, he told me about the deal and that I had to go to Vegas with him to keep The Glimmer & Dazzle running.”

I’m crying, and she’s trying to make sense of it all.

“I’m lost. He owned the competitor and gave you money and a hot time in Vegas, but he’s using you?”

I feel as if I’m talking to a brick wall, she’s not listening at all.

“Yes.”

“But how Emily? He gave you money to run your company. His main competitor. How is that using you?”

I sigh, “You’re not listening.”

“I am. But it makes no sense. What did Marvin say?”

I stop crying because when I tell her this part, she’s going to think that I’m going over the top and after speaking to her. I think that maybe I am a little.

“He said to discuss it at home, and he didn’t want to talk about it on the street.”

“I see,” she clears her throat and says, “Look I get that you’re upset that he never told you. The fact that Brenda’s the face of the Silk Box, most likely means that he has nothing to do with the day-to-day runnings of the company. And doesn’t Marvin own loads of different types of companies.”

I stop facing her and put my head at the back of the sofa and sigh, “I guess.”

“So, most likely this is just one of them. I bet he didn’t even remember that he owned it.”

She grabs my hand and then leans after the sofa next to me.

“Emily, you get all wound up over things all the time.”

I lift my head up, “What do you mean?”
“Well, like designing you call all crazy and obsessive and shit. The same thing.I hate to say it; you’ve been doing with Marvin. It’s been all about Marvin this, Marvin that. Before that, it was all about the designs. You get all emotional about things, which is great. But I think that we both know that Marvin didn’t do anything wrong, but I get why you’re mad at him. Just try not to be mad forever.”

I mumble, “I’ll try. But it’s going to be hard.”

She shakes her head, “It’s going to be fucking hard because you’re as stubborn as hell. Maybe just take some time out and work on the business again and then after then see how you feel about Marvin.”

“I’ll try, but it’s going to be hard.”

“As I said, girlfriend, you’re as stubborn as hell!”

I drop her hand and then hit her as my tears turn to a laugh. I know that she’s right, but Marvin kept it from me for a reason. He was aware that he owned the main competitor, the one company that I hate at the moment. All the time that we were together, he never told me, and that fucking hurts. Cuts like a fucking knife. Mainly because I never realized until that moment, that I'd fallen head over heels in love with the man.

 

 

Chapter Sixteen

Emily

 

Dammit!

Dinner had been great, had been amazing in fact, and I'd had a long night planned for us. If only it didn’t get ruined by the last person I expected to meet.

I may not like Brenda at the moment, but business is still important. I’m not going to go after Emily right away. Especially after the way, the evening ended so badly. She needs time to calm down and see things. Well, at least be ready to hear my side of the story. I may own the company, but the day-to-day business is down to Brenda. She’s a family friend, and I was asked to invest in a viable business.

Emily had turned me down time and time again. I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket, so I invested in The Silk Box. I’m a silent owner who has the final votes on the main decisions. Anything else is down to Brenda. I won’t apologize for that, then again what do I have to apologize for?

I have work to catch on, and besides, I’ve been so distracted with Emily lately, that I’ve as good as forgotten about it. Well, not entirely, but I haven’t been paying as much attention to it all as I’ve done in the past.

“Roger, what’s this email about?” I shout out as I read the lines of my email.

He rushes in as if there’s a fire, probably not used to my tone. I never use it with him, because I never have to. He’s so damn efficient at the worst of times.

“There’s a shipment that came in from Europe. You’ve been a little difficult to reach recently, so I haven’t had the chance to let you know, yet.”

Goddammit!

This isn’t working; I need to go home. I’m going to be shouting at Roger for the rest of the day, and I’ve got a fucking headache.

“Sorry, Roger. I’m going to get out of here.”

He nods knowing that my bad mood has nothing to do with him. I just haven’t been paying attention. I wonder for a second if I should take my Mac with me. I decide against it as I pick up my phone and head out of the door.

“Have a good night.”

“You too Roger and sorry about before.”

He smiles, “I know that you’ve been stressful lately. Don’t worry about it. Just make sure that you get some rest.”

I’m about to say something, but then I decide against it as I’m about to walk out. I was going to ask him if he wanted a beer. I could do with a bit of company and see as the only real friend I have is Ben. He’s the last one that I’ll be calling for a beer.

I head down the hall to the elevator. Press the button and then all the time the elevator’s going down, there’s only one person on my mind.

Emily!

Fuck it!

I start to dial Emily’s number as I get out of the elevator. The first time she doesn’t answer. The second time it goes to voicemail, and the third time she’s switched her phone off. She’s angry, and I should give her time. But it’s so damn hard!

Things have been good between us, even better than our Vegas weekend. But now, Emily’s not taking my calls this is going to be so damn hard.

This could mean that there’s only one option. Going to talk to Ben. Something that I didn’t want to do. Not yet. This isn’t how I imagined breaking the news of our relationship with him, but I call and ask him to meet me, anyway. He sounds exhausted on the phone, but this is something I've decided to do, and I intend to carry it out.

 

***

We meet the next day in a garden restaurant for lunch, out in the open and away from anyone that works for me. They tend to go to lunch near work or stay in the building.

“Marvin, it's been a while.”

I pat him on the back in silence, and then I motion for him to sit down.

“A lot has happened in the time since,” I say, and he nods. I imagine he has his stories to tell.

“Yeah, Sharon’s been great, and Emily’s been quiet lately. Have you heard from her?”

“Me. Why would I hear from her? What about her friends, Michelle and Katie. I’m sure that they would have heard from her.”

“Wow, I’ve never known you to be all defensive,” he laughs nervously, and I can sense that I’m not the only one that has something to ask, he does too.

“Fuck it; I need a drink!”

“To tell me about you and Emily?”

He raises an eyebrow. I can’t believe that he knew all along.

“How did you know?”

He laughs, “When you went to Vegas. Katie called because Emily wasn’t picking up her phone. She called Michelle, and you know what women are like. Anyway, it seems that they were worried because Emily’s been so stress lately with the business.”

“Two G&T’s,” I signal to the waiter, but I’m still shocked about Ben knowing all this time.

“And you never said anything?”

He shakes his head, “We’ve been friends a long time, and I know that you’re not the type of guy to take advantage of her. And you can’t help who you fall in love with.”

I nod my head, thinking that my oldest friend make’s perfect sense. I feel a fool forever been nervous about the whole thing.

“No. I knew that when you and Emily were ready to tell the world. We would be the first on your list. Besides I’m not the kind of guy to interfere in my daughter’s love life. Anyway, things aren’t great for me at the moment. I don’t want to think of anything else but good things at the moment to keep me going.”

“Tell me, what’s going on?”

He shakes his head, and we both know that I’m not going to be fobbed off with a simple head shake. There’s something bugging him, and I want to know the reason that he seems so nervous.

“I’ve decided to close up shop. I’m folding the business.”

“What the..”

“Marvin I know that I could turn to you, but how many times can you bail me out. This has been a long time coming. You want to hear the funniest thing about it all?”

I shake my head wondering why he never came to me?

Feeling like a fool for mopping around and all the time ignoring the one friend that I’ve known since college, needed help.

“What?”

He sighs as he finishes his drink and signals to the waiter for another one.

“I feel fucking free. I don’t have to worry about my marriage being on the rocks for staying out late. I don’t have to think about anything twenty-four-seven. I didn’t realize until now, that I’ve been running a business that hasn’t made any profit for years and I’ve been trying to keep it above water for all the wrong reasons.”

“What do you mean?”
“The only reason I’m even doing all this is for sentimental reasons. I should have shut up shop a long time ago.”

“Don’t say that,” I shake my head trying to get rid of the guilt and trying to make some sense of it all.

“I’ve sold it. Someone else can deal with the shit, and it’s enough to pay off the loan. Barely. And that’s the most important thing. Not having to move. So, it’s not all bad.”

“I suppose,” I whisper as I start to knock back my drink and get rid of the pain. The ache of missing Emily and not helping my friend when he was in need, even if he says that he’s happy the shock of it all hasn’t hit him. I’m sure that in few days, he’ll be regretting his decision. That part I’m certain off for sure.

“Now, you going to tell me your side of the story?”

“Ben, what do you mean?”

He laughs, “I know that you called me for a reason. It wasn’t to tell me that Emily and you were over. It was for another reason. I already know that something’s up. Katie's been on the phone.”
“You’re one step ahead of me. Aren’t you?”
He laughs, “For once in my life I’m ahead of you. Not the other way around. Now, are you going to tell me what happened? Or am I going to have to listen to Emily’s side of the story?”

I shake my head, but as I start to tell him. He comes out with something that I could kiss him for right now.

He’s going to help, just as I’d hoped he would and it’ll just involve Emily listening which is something that she’s not doing at the moment. I know that it’s a glimmer of hope, but that’s all I have right now.

Hope that she’ll at least listen and I know that at least if she does that then maybe, just maybe she’ll see that I’m not evil.

I was just a man after her heart.

Chapter Seventeen

Emily

 

 

The last few days have been crazy, I’ve been trying to focus, and it has been so hard to do it without thinking of him. My parents have summoned me to the house this weekend. Dad sounds a lot happier, but I don’t want to tell him about my problems with Marvin or the fact that my business has gone from being on in the slumps to a little empire at the moment. The new Marketing Manager is taking things in the right direction. Contracts that were canceled have been replaced with new ones, more profitable ones.

I ring the bell and think about the fact that I’ve gone from being so low to being so high lately.

“There she is!” mom smiles as she opens the door.

Wow, the way she’s acting, it’s as if she hasn’t seen me in years. When she only met me last week for lunch. She didn’t stop talking, and it’s funny seeing her now with her blonde highlights and her new hair cut. Maybe selling the company wasn’t only the best thing for dad, but her too.

“Hi, mom. Sorry, I’m late.”

She waves her hand, “If you ever turned up on time anywhere. Now that would be a surprise.”

“I suppose,” I mumble as I hand her the bottle of wine that I got from the store on the way here.

“You didn’t need to do that.”

I nod, knowing that I didn’t, but it makes a nice change from buying a bottle for myself and using it to help me sleep. Which has been a bad habit lately, one that I need to break before it gets out of hand?

“I know, but I thought that you might like it.”

She kisses me on the cheek, “I do.”

I walk around the house and notice that it’s empty. I thought that dad was going to be here and we were going to have dinner together.

“Oh, dad’s not there. They’re at the back..”

They?

“Who’s they?”

She doesn’t answer me as I follow her to the back. I’m not sure how I never noticed the smoke before but as I see both dad and Marvin sharing a beer. I have the answer to my question.

Holy crap! The last thing I need is to see him. I feel like taking the wine that she’s holding in her hand and going back out where I just came from. I want to scream that it’s a problem. A big fucking problem and I don’t want to be anywhere near that man.

My eyes dart to mom as she smiles, “Marvin said that he'd join us.”

I stop at the porch doors, “It’s not a problem is it, Emily?”

I want to do the one thing that I’m good at..run!

I don’t want to be anywhere near him, and the idea of pretending is too much for me to bear. Mom smiles and I wonder if he’s told them. Did he tell them that he used me to get to Vegas? Made me fall for him knowing that he was the main reason that my company was in trouble.

Did he tell them that?

No, I bet he didn’t because he’s the type of man that loves to act like a snake. That’s the part of him that I missed out on the whole trip.

‘Just listen to him!’

Katie’s been begging me to do the for the last couple of weeks.

‘Maybe there’s a good reason for what he did,’ Michelle tried to explain to me. It makes no difference what they think about him because it’s as clear as night and day that he owns The Silk Box and he knew that it’s the thorn in my business side.

Mom winks at me, “Just give him a chance.”

“I did, and he used me…”

Mom shakes her head and then takes my arm and drags me to the kitchen. Away from them. Away from him.

“You were innocent in all of this too. You could have told him no and just gone to the bank and if that didn’t work just sold up as your dad did. He gave your business the life that it needed to run again. I’m not saying that what he did was right.”

She’s probably trying to make sense of it. Thank goodness I wasn’t around when she heard about what happened, I would hate to have seen their faces knowing that their daughter had offered herself for the sake of her business.

“All I know is that Marvin’s a good man. He’s been friends with your dad for years. He may not be perfect, but then no man is. He’s loved you for so long. Even I knew that.”

“You did? But why did you never say anything?”

“Because the only thing that your dad wanted to talk about was the business. And the only thing you could see was your designs. I’ve been ignored in this family for so many years that if he hadn’t sold it. I would have walked out.”

“What?”

“Emily, it doesn’t matter. All I know is that Marvin’s been trying to help you for years. Correct?”
I nod and then she continues talking.

“He’s told you that he’s interested in investing in that type of a business for a while and you were never interested. Correct?”

“No, I was never interested in giving him my body for…’

“That’s not what I asked you. You could have come up with a contract or something. Told him that you would listen to him. Take his investment under his terms. But you never did, correct?”

God! I hate listening to home truths. I move to the other side of the kitchen. Get the bottle opener seeing as mom’s going to walk around all evening with the bottle of wine in her hand.

As she hands me the glasses and I pop open the bottle. I start to pour the wine and mumble, “Okay mom. You have a point.”

She knocks her glass next to mine and smiles, “You are too stubborn just like your father.”

She takes a sip and says, “Marvin saw a business opportunity and took it. There’s nothing wrong with that in his world. Why he kept it from you, do you have to ask? He was worried that you'd take it the wrong way. Look I do not agree with what either of you did, but I do know one thing. You’ve been miserable and by the look of him too. He’s been feeling the same. Don’t make the whole thing go to waste. At least give your love a try.”

I giggle as I sip a bit too much wine quickly, “I was shocked seeing him unshaven and in those shorts.”

She nods her head, “And as for the Hawaiian shirt. What’s up with that?”
She takes my hand and leads me outside to dad and Marvin. As soon as Marvin seems me, he’s no longer smiling but looking at me.

“Dad,” I kiss him on the cheek, and he hugs me, making me nearly spill my wine.

“Dad! Why did you do that?”

I say as I pull back, thinking that maybe after today I’ll stop drinking. I’m getting a bit too attached to it.

“Because I thought that you would run through the door.”

I turn and face Marvin, “Marvin.”

“Emily.”

Dad blurts out, “Okay can you kiss and make-up already. I want to have a nice dinner tonight with the people that I care the most about.”

Marvin takes off his shades and says, “At least we’re speaking now.”

I nod my head, “Yes, but one step at a time.”

“I just want you to hear what I have to say.”

“Mom already explained some of it to me. But you can do it too…”

“But not tonight. As I said tonight's about celebrating. You guys can have your discussions later. Right now, I’ve got a big steak to cook and too much beer to get through. Now, Marvin come help me behind here and stop making sad eyes at my daughter!”

I laugh with that final comment. I decide that I’ll listen to what Marvin has to say, what mom said made a lot of sense. I feel like a fool acting as if I’m the wounded soldier, I’ve never been in a relationship before ever been in love. I didn’t know how to react to it all. Now, I’m starting to realize that I have been a fool in love.

 

 

Chapter Eighteen

Marvin

 

I’m sitting in my office, waiting impatiently. I check my time on my phone screen and almost growl, wanting it to move faster.

This is happening.

When I got the call from Emily that she was going to take my new offer, to say I was overjoyed would be an understatement.

I press the button on my intercom and speak to my secretary. “When Emily and her team arrive, please let them all in. They should be arriving soon.”

“Sure, Marvin,” says Roger enthusiastic as always.

I’m so damn nervous that she’ll back out of it. I sigh as I lean back in my chair behind the desk. I’m glad I got to speak to her at all. I never meant to lie to her. I keep up to date on all of my businesses, but I’m never directly involved unless it’s a venture I started, not a business I invested in which I rarely do, which is why I was hesitant when Brenda approached me about it in the first place. She needed help, and I had the funds to do it.

In hindsight, I was curious about the jewelry business, and Emily had shut me down so many times when I tried to talk to her about it. I wanted Emily to be with me, so when she asked for the money, I saw it as a good opportunity.

I didn’t think of telling her anything once she accepted the offer because I never saw the need. All businesses have competitors, my being the owner of one of hers would have changed nothing.

It hit home at the restaurant that night. The idea of having her, then completely losing her. The whole ordeal affected me a lot more than I realized over such a stupid mistake. A selfish one, I knew that telling Emily would bother her, but I didn’t care.

I had her, and that was all that mattered. I’ll never make that mistake again. I won’t take her for granted if only she’ll take me back. Emily’s perfect in every way and without her I’m just a miserable, lonely fool.

I'm determined to talk to her if only just a little. I can't let what we have just ended where it did, and can only hope she feels the same.

“Mr. White, they’re here,” Roger announces on the intercom. I pop out of my office and Emily’s standing a black suit with her hair tied back. She looks the perfect and I notice that she has one of her designs on her neck.

She starts walking with them, and I rush up to her, and she stares at me for a second. Blinking as I hold on to her arm.

I bow, “Nice to meet you. I’m Marvin White, and my secretary will direct you to the conference room.”

Emily gentle shakes her arm; she doesn’t like the way that I’m holding her.

“Marvin.”

“Emily, you look stunning today.”

She doesn’t even crack a smile. Something that she would have done in the past without hesitation.

“I just want to make sure that this deal goes smoothly and there’s no hiccups or misinterpretation of the deal.”

I nod my head, “I see. Can we talk for a minute in my office please?”

She hesitates as I motion with my hand. The last time she was in my office, she was sucking me as if there was no tomorrow. Calling it my lunchtime treat. How so much has changed in such a short space of time.

As soon as we both walk in and I close the door. I can see that she’s nervous about being alone with me. I’m not going to try anything; I just want to talk to her.

“Marvin,” she crosses her arms, which means that she's already defensive.

“I just want the lawyers to sign the deal, and then the merger between Glitter and Silk Box can take place. I noticed that Brenda’s not here.”

I sigh thinking that this isn’t how I wanted the meeting to go. I need to talk to her otherwise I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else for the rest of the day or even week.

“She’s on her way. Roger buzzed her the moment you guys arrived downstairs. Please sit down.”

She shakes her head, “Everyone’s waiting.”

“I know. Just sit.”

I didn’t mean to say it like that, but she gives in and uncrosses her arms and sits down. I sit on my desk, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve, and I need her to know that I mean it.

“I’m sorry.”

“What?”
“Emily, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kept my investment interest in The Silk Box from you.”

She’s looking up at me, but I can’t look at her. I’m ashamed of my actions, and my apology comes from the bottom of my heart.

“I shouldn’t have told you to come to Vegas with me to invest in your company.”

“Why?”

“Because it made perfect sense at the time and afterward it made none. It’s as if I took your weakness to make use of you and I’m sorry.”

She stands up and faces me.

“I could have told you that I didn’t want to do it. I’m not a kid anymore.”

I nod, “I realized that before we got to Vegas.”

We both smile as our eyes lock and the silence is broken by a knock on the door. I want to kiss her, but I know that I don’t have the permission to do it. Not yet.

“After the deal maybe I’ll take you out for a coffee?”

“Maybe?”

I raise my eyebrow wondering if she’s teasing me or if she means it.

“Not maybe, I will do. Because after today I’m going to have millions in the bank. I may be able to take you to Vegas.”

“Really?”

“Only if you’re a good boy.”

She walks away from me and with her hand on the door handle. I know that nothing’s been in vain. She wants me back, but it’ll take the time to gain her trust.

I have time.

I’ve learned my lesson, and I won’t be making the same mistake again.

Never.

“Good, because if you’re not Marvin. Then you can forget Vegas and don’t ask me about it again?”

“Understood.”

She opens the door, and a flustered Brenda walks in, I can’t hear what she’s saying because I realize right then as Emily leaves my office. I’ve created a monster, and I like it.

 

Epilogue

Emily

 

 

 

We’re opening a new shop; our expansion plans have kept me busy after signing the papers to merge the companies.

I’m no longer working alone, but I have a team. One that allows me to work on the aspects of the business that I love the most.

Designing.

I’m good at my job, and the expansion has allowed expertise in so many domains, and it’s all down to one man, Marvin.

“Why are you still here?” Katie asks as she hovers at my door.

“I’m leaving right now, just give me a minute to pack up my things.”

She stuck with me through thick and thin, and with everything going so well, I’m able to give her a raise, to pay her back for staying when most left at the threat of closure.

“Good. It’s not nice to keep your boyfriend waiting all the time.”

I purse my lips but don’t argue.

“Well, remember he’s still on a thin line.”

“But it’s been six months!”

I laugh as she lifts her hands up in the air, “I know, but I thought that you were coming to the opening too?”

“Yes, but I was just thinking of seeing if Roger was still in the office too?”

It seems like someone has a major crush, it’s amazing that both our secretaries seem to be hitting it off. I’m not sure if Roger’s keen, but by the way, Katie’s wearing a hot sleeveless black dress with her boobs on display. I think that she;s more than keen.

“Is Michelle coming too?”

I ask because I don’t remember if she was on the invitation list.

“Yep, I sent her an invite too and your parents. Don’t worry just get home and get ready. Okay?”

My mind is already moving ahead to getting home, and I’m excited. In the time since we signed the contracts, my relationship with Marvin has grown and in many ways matured. We aren’t running around like kids anymore. Even though I know that he’ll love if it we were sexual again. I want to take things slow. One step at a time, because I think part of the reason that I was so upset is that I rushed things. I thought that everything was perfect between us and it made sense to just spend all my time with him.

But I was a fool in love, and I don’t want to do that ever again.

As soon as I get in the car and drive home. I slip off my shoes and then head to the bathroom. After taking one a quick shower, I take out the silver dress that I designed especially for tonight. I stare at it for a while remembering how far I’ve come in such a short space of time.

I’d dreamed about this day so many times. I dry my hair tempted to call Marvin and ask if he wants us to arrive together. He’d offered before, and I kept thinking that it was too soon to move on to that stage. I want to take things slow, just for my sanity. He says that he respects it and I hope he does because things have changed between us and only for the better.

I do crave him sometimes at night I touch myself wishing that it’s his hand between my legs. I shake off my feelings as I grab the dryer for my hair. Before I switch it on, I hear my phone. I bend to get it off the bed, and there’s a message from Marvin.

 

Marvin: I hope you don’t mind, but Kurt’s picking you up in twenty.

 

Wow, he sent his driver. I quickly tell him, ‘Thanks’ and then get back to my task. Drying my hair. I wonder why he decided to send Kurt. I want to call and ask, but there’s no time to do that. I need to get going, because time is of the essence and for once in my life, I want to be on time.

After a failed attempt to dry my hair with only two minutes left to get downstairs before Kurt rings my apartment. I wrap it up in a bun and then slip into the dress. It’s not exactly how I wanted to go tonight. I had a more glamorous style pictured in my mind. The girls wanted us to go to together, and I declined because this night means too much to me. I knew that if I went with them, I'd be even later.

I can’t be late!

Not tonight!

I grab my purse and even forget to put on the chain and bracelet that I’ve spent weeks designing. I rush back to my dresser where they’re on display and dump them in my purse. I’ll put them on in the car. With everything in place, I’m just about to open the door when my apartment buzzer rings.

Kurt!

He’s right on time, which is more than I can say for myself at the best of times. I slip into my three-inch heels clear heels and hope that I don’t trip at the end of the night.

On cue, I arrive outside and Kurt is holding the door open.

“Good evening Ms. Crawford. You look as lovely as always.”

I touch his arm and say, “Will you ever call me Emily?”

“Sure, if you really want me to do. Then, I’ll call you Emily.”

Thank goodness!

I’ve asked him about ten times so there’s no way that I wouldn’t want him to call me Emily. Then as we drive, I look at the streets and realise something, that as much as I want to take it slow with Marvin. I hate being alone and I feel it when he’s not around. I can smell his woody scent the limo and it makes me want to call him and tell him that I want things to change. Maybe mom’s right and I’m really as stubborn as dad? I should be opening up the gates instead of putting them up as far as Marvin’s concerned and I decide that tonight’s the night that I’m going to make a change.

“Ms….Emily, we’re here.”

Crap! I forgot to put on my pieces. I quickly fix them and as Kurt opens the door. I notice that no one’s here.

“Damn! I’m late as always.”

He smiles, “Have a nice night and see you later.”

“Sure Kurt!”

I rush in and find that everyone’s seated and Marvin’s making a speech. It’s the first time that I’ve seen him in a tux and he looks as sexy as hell with his hair gelled back. I notice mom, dad, Michelle and Katie all seated at the same table and there’s a space. I know that it must be for me. I rush over and notice that the displays are on the walls.

Nice!

They really set this place up and as usual I was too busy worrying about the designs to be a part of the finished look for tonight. I fake a smile at Brenda, to say that working with her has been easy is an understatement. It’s been a nightmare, but we’re getting there.

“And here she is, late as always but in my eyes always on time,” Marvin points at me and I feel embarrassed as all eyes are on me.

“I want to say that Glimmer as Silk, wouldn’t be the company that it is today without her. I wouldn’t be the man that I am today without her. Emily, come here please. I want everyone to see you.”

Oh no!

I don’t like crowds or speaking in front of everyone, yet I find myself moving slowly to the top of the wooden stage. I just hope that I don’t fall down. I look down at mom, who is beaming at me.

Hmm, what’s going on?

I look up and Marvin’s doing the same thing. As I stand in front of him, wanting to whisper and tell him that I really don’t like what he’s done tonight. I don’t get a chance as he goes down on one knee.

“Emily, you’ve made me into a man that I don’t recognise and I love it. Mainly because I love you. I want you to be my wife. If you’ll have me.”

I can hear from the side, both Katie, my mom and Michelle shouting, ‘Yes!’

But I ignore them as I see the big diamond ring in front of me and I think that I can’t think of anything better than being his wife.

“I love you Emily!”

With those word, I shout out, “Yes!”

He grabs me in his arm and then holds me. This night is one to remember. Not only did my business expand, but I ended up with the man of my dreams. Not as the woman that was weak and needed fixing, but the woman that could be his wife, for life because she’s stronger and is in more in control of her own mind.

I grab my purse and even forget to put on the chain and bracelet that I’ve spent weeks designing. I rush back to my dresser where they’re on display and dump them in my purse. I’ll put them on in the car. With everything in place, I’m just about to open the door when my apartment buzzer rings.

Kurt!

He’s right on time, which is more than I can say for myself at the best of times. I slip into my three-inch heels clear heels and hope that I don’t trip at the end of the night.

On cue, I arrive outside, and Kurt is holding the door open.

“Good evening Ms. Crawford. You look as lovely as always.”

I touch his arm and say, “Will you ever call me Emily?”

“Sure, if you want me to do. Then, I’ll call you Emily.”

Thank goodness!

I’ve asked him about ten times so there’s no way that I wouldn’t want him to call me Emily. Then as we drive, I look at the streets and realize something, that as much as I want to take it slow with Marvin. I hate being alone and I feel it when he’s not around. I can smell his woody scent the limo, and it makes me want to call him and tell him that I want things to change. Maybe mom’s right and I’m as stubborn as dad. I should be opening up the gates instead of putting them up as far as Marvin’s concerned and I decide that tonight’s the night that I’m going to make a change.

“Ms….Emily, we’re here.”

Crap! I forgot to put on my pieces. I quickly fix them and as Kurt opens the door. I notice that no one’s here.

“Damn! I’m late as always.”

He smiles, “Have a nice night and see you later.”

“Sure Kurt!”

I rush in and find that everyone’s seated and Marvin’s making a speech. It’s the first time that I’ve seen him in a tux, and he looks as sexy as hell with his hair gelled back. I notice mom, dad, Michelle, and Katie all seated at the same table and there’s space. I know that it must be for me. I rush over and notice that the displays are on the walls.

Nice!

They set this place up, and as usual, I was too busy worrying about the designs to be a part of the finished look for tonight. I fake a smile at Brenda, to say that working with her has been easy is an understatement. It’s been a nightmare, but we’re getting there.

“And here she is, late as always but in my eyes always on time,” Marvin points at me, and I feel embarrassed as all eyes are on me.

“I want to say that Glimmer as Silk, wouldn’t be the company that it is today without her. I wouldn’t be the man that I am today without her. Emily, come here, please. I want everyone to see you.”

Oh no!

I don’t like crowds or speaking in front of everyone, yet I find myself moving slowly to the top of the wooden stage. I just hope that I don’t fall. I look down at mom, who is beaming at me.

Hmm, what’s going on?

I look up, and Marvin’s doing the same thing. As I stand in front of him, wanting to whisper and tell him that I don’t like what he’s done tonight. I don’t get a chance as he goes down on one knee.

“Emily, you’ve made me into a man that I don’t recognize, and I love it. Mainly because I love you. I want you to be my wife. If you’ll have me.”

I can hear from the side, both Katie, my mom, and Michelle shouting, ‘Yes!’

But I ignore them as I see the big diamond ring in front of me and I think that I can’t imagine anything better than being his wife.

“I love you, Emily!”

With those words, I shout out, “Yes!”

He grabs me by my arm and then holds me. This night is one to remember. Not only did my business expand, but I ended up with the man of my dreams. Not as the woman that was weak and needed fixing, but the woman that could be his wife, for life because she’s stronger and is in more in control of her mind.