Chapter 1
I had known there was a possibility that I would have to manage personal matters for Mr. Ellis, but this was becoming a daily chore for which I had no interest.
“Ahem” I coughed.
The woman was pretty, a tall, leggy blonde with gorgeous skin. Her full figure was sprawled out over the rich silk bedspread, and I couldn’t help but compare her likeness to the girl from the previous night. Mr. Ellis seemed to have a thing for tall blondes. But, then again, there was the redhead last week who had stayed for the weekend.
The girl in the bed stirred and snapped awake after noticing me at the end of the bed.
“It’s 10:30 a.m. and Mr. Ellis has left for business. Breakfast is available whenever you’d like it, and a car is ready to take you wherever you need to go,” I said.
“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay here until he returns,” she responded condescendingly.
I picked up a few of her things from the floor and tossed them to the bed.
“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible, as Mr. Ellis will be busy the remainder of the day. We have your number should he fancy your company again.”
I couldn’t help but feel disdainful of the woman lying comfortably on the bed. She probably hadn’t done much with her life outside of looking attractive. It seemed she wasn’t enjoying my ogling.
“Give me a minute to get dressed, and keep your tongue in your mouth. I only prefer men…most of the time,” she said while biting her lip.
The idea of sleeping with a woman like that seemed reprehensible.
“Whatever the case, I have business that needs attending. I’ll take my leave.”
She gave me a snarl while picking up her things. I paid her no mind and left the room.
The rich marble walls reflected the light passing through the skylight in the main lobby and illuminated the vast entry space. Brent, my driver for the day, stood by the front door in his crisp black suit and driving gloves.
I couldn’t say that I was incredibly used to being driven around just yet, but it was something I could grow to enjoy.
I snatched my briefcase from the entryway table, and Brent threw open the front doors for my exit.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
He ushered me into the black sedan, and I took a moment to look at today’s schedule on my phone. I was running a little late and was hoping Mr. Ellis wouldn’t be too upset about my tardiness.
Brent was a safe driver and quite quick as well. Before long, we had left Mr. Ellis’s grand estate and were downtown. Perhaps I wouldn’t be late after all.
We arrived at a new dig site that was to be christened today. It was a notably large site in the downtown area and was currently a parking lot. However, the location was excellent for what Mr. Ellis planned to build.
After exiting the car, I walked with purpose to meet with my newest employer. He stood beside a reasonably large stage where several members of the media were setting up for today’s announcement. I could tell he wasn’t nervous in the slightest. He actually looked more excited than anything else.
If only people knew what his nightlife was like.
“Good morning, Mr. Ellis,” I said as I approached.
He held up a hand for silence. He was on the phone, and I couldn’t tell incredibly well, but it sounded like he was speaking Italian. I waited a moment, taking the small amount of time I had to look over the day’s schedule.
I couldn’t help but look up from the schedule a couple times to admire the man who had given me such an auspicious position. He was quite handsome, if you were into tall, clean-shaven men. His cropped hairstyle promoted his professional businessman persona, but his slightly unkempt tie and unbuttoned white dress shirt belayed what little professionalism he tried to exude. His dark brown eyes were piercing when he looked at me as I looked back. Distracted now, he finished his call, and I produced a portfolio with some particulars he needed to look over.
“Mr. Ellis, this was faxed over from legal this morning. They need you to look it over before they make final arrangements.”
He looked down at the folder, opened it for a moment, and then folded it closed.
“What do you think, Nia?” he asked.
I made it a point to look over all legal documents; it was good practice for my business degree.
“They want to close it out at 15 percent, a 4 percent increase from the last proposal. You’d make an estimated 4 million from signing, and that’s before ground is struck,” I said confidently.
He opened it back up and sifted through a few of the papers. “What do you think? I want your opinion.”
I paused and thought. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was testing me or if he really did value my opinion. I considered lying and agreeing with the numbers on the page, but I had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t enjoy his personal aide lying to him.
“The numbers are a little rough, but it’s a good deal. I think we could come up 3 percent on the back end, but it’ll be a good investment either way, Mr. Ellis.”
He handed back the portfolio, and I stuffed it inside my briefcase. “Tell them to come up 3 percent or I won’t sign.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that he’d taken my advice, but I also worried that I may be wrong and might have cost him the deal.
“Mr. Ell—”
“Nia, I know you haven’t been working here long, but after a month you’d think you’d get over the formalities with me. Just call me Tom like everyone else does.”
“Of course, Mr. Ell—” He shot me a look, and I realized my mistake. “Tom.”
Another well-dressed man approached from the other side of the stage. “We’re just about ready for you. Another five minutes and we’ll be set.”
“Good, good. I have to get back to the office as soon as possible,” Tom replied.
The stranger disappeared into the small crowd that began to swell.
“Tom,” I said, feeling a little more personal, “come a little closer.”
He leaned in, smiling, and I took the opportunity to straighten up his collar. I couldn’t avoid the amazing smell that wafted from him. The cologne he wore must have cost more than my old apartment. He seemed not to be paying much attention to his clothing, as he lingered a little longer than was needed.
“You’re all set,” I said. “I’ll have the documents drawn up again for the meeting later.”
“Nia, what would I do without you?” he asked with a smile.
“You’d find another personal assistant capable of making a slob like you look good,” I said with a wink.
He couldn’t help but laugh. but it was cut short by the man from before tapping him on the shoulder. Tom nodded, flashed me another smile, turned around and joined the rest of the suits onstage.
I took a moment to send an e-mail to the lawyers to have them draw up the new documents. Before long, there was applause onstage as Tom stood behind the podium.
“Today we are here for an historic occasion. What used to be an open parking lot will soon become low-rent housing for so many citizens who need it.
“I wish I could provide a home for every man, woman, and child in need, but one man can only do so much. I would like everyone to know that this will not be the last development project in this area, as I am in the process of creating new places for people both young and old to relax and play in.
“We are also building a new park and a new community center that will be free for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Today is the dawn of a beautiful and bright future for us all. Thank you.”
The crowd cheered at his comments, and I felt proud of my boss. So much money in the world sat in banks, but he wasn’t afraid to spend it to improve the city in which he lived.
I knew this area well, as I had grown up not far away. I could remember staying indoors to study while avoiding the gangs. And when I did play on the street during the summer with my friends, I remember wishing I had a real place nearby to play. To be honest, it really had made me into the person I was today, and looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Tom stepped off the stage and shook a few hands. There were a few people I recognized in the crowd, but I didn’t presume they’d want to sit around and talk. I had no time for reminiscing anyway.
I sent Brent a message to start the car and joined up with Tom once again. He had finally managed to clear himself from the crowd of people.
He took a novelty shovel from another fellow and walked to the middle of the parking lot where a patch of dirt had already been cleared. He dug the shovel into the loose dirt and paused, waiting for all the photos to be taken before ripping the dirt from its rest.
After more handshaking, we made for the nearby waiting car. Brent held the door as the two of us entered.
“I find it odd, Tom. You could probably take a helicopter instead of waiting in downtown traffic.”
“I like being driven,” he replied before taking a moment to think. “Flying makes me feel like I’m looking down on people; driving makes me feel like one of the people.”
I enjoyed that sentiment: feeling like a normal person and not looking down your nose at everyone else. I felt attracted to his honesty and tried to push back any romantic feelings I had. It was easier to do this morning, as I knew what his previous night had been like.
It wasn’t long before we reached his corporate headquarters in the heart of the city. The massive glass structure loomed over most of downtown and housed nearly all of his employees.
It was quite intimidating to look at every time we came.
Exiting the car, I was greeted by a courier holding a small stack of papers. The lawyers had already redrawn the agreement, and I briefly checked the changes, which appeared to be in order.
“Here you are, sir. The new agreement, as requested,” I said, handing him the stack of papers.
He glanced over them as we walked through the lobby, where we were joined by many finely dressed men ready to petition Tom for business approvals.
As we entered the elevator, I shooed the incoming crowd away and was met with harsh stares of disappointment. It honestly made me feel a little important.
We zoomed to the top of the tower. I had to break the silence. “Your private box is being readied for the game later today, sir. Any special requests?”
He pondered briefly before replying. “It would be nice if my assistant could come as well.” A coy smile crossed his lips.
I stifled a laugh and continued. “It’s supposed to be a private event with your brother and his family.”
“What’s the name of his youngest son?” he asked.
“Jonathan, sir. He’ll be two years old in March. Their oldest is a girl named Isabel. She just turned five last month. His wife, if you can’t remember her name, is Lydia.”
“Oh, I remember her name. I was just testing you, is all. Send my brother an e-mail and let him know I’m excited to see him and his family again. And request to have some toys brought there as well. I don’t know what kids like anymore.”
I couldn’t picture him around kids, and what I could imagine made me fear for his future wife.
“I’ll send a runner to make a selection.” The elevator shimmied open, and he went on ahead while I fussed about sending more messages here and there.
I tried my best to look professional, but in a world full of old men, it was hard being a young woman.
Tom entered a glass-walled meeting room and sat at the head, as he always did. I got a lot of rough looks from one of the elder statesman in the room; it was easy to see he didn’t like me at all. I didn’t have the heart to ask whether it was my sex or my race that angered him the most. Racial diversity nearly seemed an afterthought in the office building.
I plucked the water carafe from the stand and poured Tom some water while he finished looking over all the papers.
“Tom, why the devil did you bring that sales mark up 3 percent? You’re making them nervous; it’s going to blow the whole thing!” said the elder statesman suddenly.
“George, I did it because the deal they offered wasn’t solid enough. On the will of my personal assistant I increased the price, and I trust her judgement.”
“You trust her judgement,” he restated. “I wouldn’t trust her with a serving tray, let alone a multimillion-dollar deal. You should’ve left this one where you found her.”
My anger was tugging at me and draining what little patience I had.
“If I cared for your point of view, I’d ask for it, Mr. Dibney. But your opinion is worth about as much as the dirt I stepped in on the way over.”
Mr. Dibney looked obviously distraught at having his opinion so carelessly negated. “Listen here, Tom. Your dad and I were running this company before you were in diapers! My opinion should be the only one that matters!”
Tom sat in his chair with his face resting in his hand and listened. “You know, you used to run this company before I bought it, Mr. Dibney. I only kept you around out of respect for my father, who helped build it. And let me emphasize that: I bought it. I didn’t have it handed to me on a platter like many sons do. I didn’t spend my days doing nothing but driving fast cars and meeting loose women. I spent them studying and investing so that I could one day make something of myself.” Tom paused and grinned. “If you’d like, I would happily give you Nia’s job. She could take yours.”
Mr. Dibney sat back in his chair and didn’t pursue his thought any further. But it was obvious that he had a lot more he wanted to say.
I grew a bit more fascinated by my boss, hearing him talk like that. He was shrewd when he needed to be and never minded using the stick instead of the carrot. His powerful words gave me a new sense of accomplishment, and I wanted to live up to them.
“Mr. Dibney, you’ve given me a great idea. I’m going to add a provision that any money accrued on the 3 percent figure, which you so obviously hate, will be deposited in a trust for my personal assistant to do with as she pleases,” Tom said.
I quickly did the math in my head and nearly fainted thinking about the numbers. That would add up to nearly 1.2 million dollars.
“Now see here, Tom. Throwing money around doesn’t do any good for this company. You’re going to cost a lot of jobs if this deal doesn’t go through. Are you prepared to deal with that?” Mr. Dibney spouted.
“If a deal is to cost jobs, I should make it yours. The amount of money in bonuses you make at years’ end would shore up the loss quite readily. So, I should hope for your sake that this deal goes through,” spat Tom.
I couldn’t tell if Tom was interested in this conversation or not. He had a stake in the outcome of this deal, but treating an old businessman like this felt a little harsh, even by my standards.
I leaned in and whispered in Tom’s ear. “You don’t have to keep fighting for me, if that’s what this is about. I get annoyed by racist rhetoric, but I’m professional enough to deal with it.”
Tom turned and whispered back. “I like watching him squirm. He knows it’s a good deal. He just wants more money for his pet projects. Besides, you’ll need some seed money when you start your own business, and I want to be an investor.”
I felt giddy again knowing that he was serious about giving me a percentage.
It was around then that another group of people entered the meeting room. They looked like penguins lined up in a row once they sat at the opposite side of the table.
“Mr. Ellis,” began one of the men; it was Mr. Benjamin Riley, a lawyer we’d had favorable dealings with in the past. “I see you want to increase the margin by 3 percent? I don’t think my client is able to go that high with how the economy stands. We can go as high as 16 percent.”
Tom stood up and looked over the crowd of new people at the table.
“Need I remind you all what this deal is for?” Tom started. “We’re here to change the lives of so many people.” He walked down the line of chairs while he spoke. “This is to secure the land rights for the park. Are you really trying to profit off the backs of subjugated minorities? I know I’m not. That’s why I’m waiving my usual fees to make this deal happen.” He stopped and leaned against Mr. Dibney’s chair, which continued to fluster the old man.
“You might be waiving your fee, but you stand to make a lot of money from this deal, hiring people from your own company to build a project the city is commissioning from you.” Mr. Riley leaned back in his chair. “You also will own the land rights for any businesses that build on the site, meaning we couldn’t go near it with any franchise we own. You’re asking a lot. Even though you know we need to sell, the deal is still raw.”
“I’ll not have any franchises mucking up this community center; nor will they tarnish the parks. This is to be a place for small local businesses to thrive and build up. The only way for people to care about their community is to be active members of it. I’ll build the buildings, I’ll handle the rent check, but you’ll still get paid a fair share, and more than a fair share. I could give you less than 20 percent, but instead I’m giving you more than 80.”
Tom was right and they knew it.
The group of men talked among themselves for a moment and then returned. “We’ll sign, and we hope you might reconsider the option at a later date.”
Tom had received his increase in price, which was great for him and great for the people. Hands were shaken, papers were signed, and I couldn’t help but respect him just a little more.
The room cleared quickly, and Tom stared out the sixtieth-floor window, looking out at the city. He may have liked to keep his feet on the ground, but it was obvious that he loved surveying his domain.
“Did I make a change today?” he asked suddenly.
It took me a moment to piece together an answer. “You are improving the lives of those in a community in which I used to live. Of course you made a change today.”
I cleaned the space a bit, replacing water glasses and readying papers to be filed or shredded.
“Really, Nia, I made a promise to improve lives and create jobs for as many as I could. I feel like it takes so long to make things happen that I won’t have really done a thing by the end.”
“Nonsense, sir. You are young and bold. Rocks are only hard to drag when going up a hill, not down one. I think you’ve carried this rock to the top of the mountain, and all it needs to do now is roll down into place.”
He laughed and sighed.
“Thank you, Nia. I’ll be sure to add your provision to the document when legal is done going over the final particulars.”
The way he stood seemed so introspective and lonely. I wanted to give him a hug and assure him it would be all right. I wanted to give him the strength to continue the fight I knew he would win. Then I stymied the thought, knowing I shouldn’t be thinking of my boss that way.
He handed me his now empty glass and walked out. The rest of the day continued as usual, but it was shorter than normal, as he had to leave for his game today.
****
I took the opportunity to have some time for myself, which I hadn’t had in quite a while. I invited my friend Denise out to drinks and to catch up, and she was more than willing. It wasn’t long until we were more than a couple drinks into our evening and chatting like we were schoolgirls again.
“Okay, okay, tell me. Is he cute?” she said through slurs.
“I don’t want to think like that. He’s my boss!” I replied.
“Yeah, but he’s gotta be cute. Otherwise you wouldn’t still be working there, right?”
“I cannot confirm nor deny his cuteness.”
“Spoken like a businessman. I want details, details!” she replied.
She wouldn’t let me go until I said something.
“He’s cute for a white guy; I can’t say I haven’t thought about it. But he’s my boss!” I said for what felt like the millionth time.
“Nia, you are barely out of college and this gorgeous rich boy picks you up and makes you his assistant? Sure, you might be some smarty businesswoman, but deep down he’s gotta be thinkin’ about that sweet backside you know you like showin’ off.”
She was half right. It did seem odd now that I thought about it. He’d hired me, from thousands of candidates, to handle his personal affairs.
“Where are you living these days, hun?” she continued.
“Well…I’m a live-in personal assistant. He requires near constant help with his affairs, so, per my contract, I live in his mansion.”
Her eyes lit up. “You live with him? Girl, you might as well be married already.” She continued to sip at her drink while making eyes at nearly every man in the room.
I laughed at her offbeat comment; she always had a way of making me laugh at myself. “I doubt he’d want to marry someone who wasn’t white. You should see the models I have to throw out almost daily. He wouldn’t be interested in someone like me.”
“Hun, he might sleep with a bunch of white chicks, but that boy is all over you, trust me.”
I laughed again. “Girl, don’t preach like that. I’m doing this job until I figure out what I want out of life. And I hope I can figure it out soon, because it has been exhausting.”
The night continued on, and soon my friend left my company for a man. She knew what she wanted out of life, and it made me a little envious. Her cavalier attitude toward meeting men was a sight to behold; not ten minutes later she was dancing with a completely different man.
I finished my drink and called Brent, who readily drove by and picked me up. It had started raining, and I had a feeling the evening was only getting started.
A few minutes passed and then we were back at the estate. I sheltered my hair from the rain with a file from earlier in the day, but it did little to prevent me from getting drenched on the short walk to the front doors. Brent didn’t seem to be having much of a time of it either as he trudged into the house.
“All right, miss, I’ll be in the servants’ quarters till you need me. Have a good evening,” he said before retiring to the back rooms.
I made my way upstairs, stumbling and a little weak. The bannister was my best friend as I made my way, which was slow going.
I slammed open the doors to my room, which happily shut behind me as I entered. I kicked my heels off and plopped onto the bed, trying to avoid moving as much as possible. It didn’t last long, as my clothes were sopping wet and irritating to wear.
I removed my blazer and unzipped my slim yet professional black dress. I slid it down my shoulder, and it clumped into a wet pile on the floor.
I caught sight of myself in the mirror and gave in to my vanity. I may not have enjoyed every part of myself, but the parts I saw I liked. I didn’t have model-level skin, but it looked quite smooth with its rich chocolate color. I started doing model poses and came to the conclusion that it wasn’t as hard as it looked. My black lace panties did an amazing job of accentuating my hips, and they went well with my black bra that squeezed me in just the right ways. But, there were few things better than taking it off at the end of the day.
I removed what little of my clothing remained and examined myself further. Shoulder-length black hair flowed over my shoulders and frizzed up because of the rain. My soft features and high cheekbones gave my face a thin profile. I pursed my lips and laughed at my silly poses before settling back on the bed. I felt too lazy to put anything on and just settled under the covers.
Then I heard the front door slam open, and raucous laughter filled the entryway. Considering how thick my door was, I couldn’t help but be interested in what was going on.
I pressed my ear to the door to try to hear, and the first voice I heard was Tom’s.
“Deborah, tell me, am I striking out here?”
“I don’t think you can strike out. I think you’re about to hit a home run tonight,” the woman said.
And then another woman spoke. “Come on, Tom, I wanna see what the pool looks like. I brought my swimsuit just for you.”
“Jen, I don’t see how you can fit a swimsuit in that tiny purse,” Tom said.
“Trust me, you’ll like what you see.”
I had to see what was going on, as I had never been up while he was in the middle of one of his trysts. I cracked the door to my room, which let out a small creak as it slid open, and started to tiptoe down the hall.
Looking out over the foyer, I saw one girl already hoisting her incredibly small dress off her tiny frame, showing off her model-sized assets. I sneered at her skinny frame and wished I could at least have a slimmer physique.
The other girl was leading Tom toward the back of the house and out of sight. Tom didn’t really show much trepidation as they went, and he seemed quite excited.
I knew I should stop, but my curiosity and intoxication led me forward still. I crept down the stairs while trying my best to keep an eye on the trio. Tom pointed them toward the pool and I continued to follow just a corridor behind them, trying my best to keep out of sight.
The women, now naked, climbed into the pool, and Tom grabbed another drink from the decanter nearby. He looked down the hall, and I ducked behind a doorway. As I turned to look back into the pool room, my gaze was met by Tom, who was now standing right beside me.
I was spellbound by his stare, and he had a drunken smile on his face. He gave me a look up and down.
“Nia, are you aware that you’re naked?” he asked.
You could probably have boiled water on my cheeks, I was so incredibly embarrassed. I did my best to cover myself up, but it wasn’t much of a relief.
“If you want to go for a swim, the pool is open, and it’s apparently clothing optional,” he said while stripping off his shirt.
I didn’t have any response; I just wanted to be back in bed and forget this had happened.
“Okay, I can see I’ve embarrassed you. Let’s just say that I’m too drunk to remember anything and you can head off to bed. Does that sound okay?” he said.
I nodded and started backing away down the hall. His eyes never left me, nor my body, and I wanted to slap him for staring, but at the same time, it was my mistake.
I nearly lost my footing on the carpet and caught myself with my hands, giving him another eyeful. While I was incredibly embarrassed, I did feel at least a little flattered that he wanted to stare at me instead of the women in the other room. So I slowed my pace and let him stare as I walked off with the sexiest walk I could muster.
I heard his footsteps follow me for a moment before stopping as I made my way upstairs. I felt a little flush when I closed the door to my room; I felt like being naughty.
The alcohol was catching up with me, and I sprawled out in bed. The silk sheets I had grown accustomed to would be my only comfort of the night. Still, I felt much better about myself.
****
I dressed sensibly the next morning, throwing my wet things over the shower in my bathroom and feeling much better after the rest. I journeyed through the halls toward the kitchen downstairs, but it felt oddly empty this morning.
The chef was nowhere to be found, and neither were Brent nor Magda, the maid. I hunted through the house to see where everyone was and found only Tom sitting in a deck chair in the pool room. The room was empty save for him. The girls who had been here last night had left no trace.
“Tom?” I said.
He lifted his head and squinted his eyes. “Ah, it’s just you, Nia,” he said, laying his head back down. “I gave everyone the day off. Clear my schedule for the afternoon, if you don’t mind.”
I started looking over his schedule for the day on my phone and found it was to be a light work day anyway. I sent a few e-mails and texts to make sure his staff was abreast of the matter.
He stood up and stretched his muscles a bit. “What would you say to dinner?”
I looked at my watch, wondering if I was up late.
“It’s barely eight. Why are you asking me to dinner?” I replied curiously.
“It takes about seven hours to get to Paris from here, Nia,” he said as he casually strolled closer.
“Paris?” I asked in astonishment. “You want to fly to Paris for dinner?”
“Isn’t that generally what you do when you have a personal jet and a day off?” he replied.
I couldn’t find fault in his logic, and it helped that I didn’t want to find fault in his logic.
“I would be happy to join you, if that’s what you wish,” I said.
He clapped his hands in a cheer and gave me a hug.
“I own a restaurant that’ll open a table up for me tonight. Have my tuxedo pressed, and take the car out and buy something dressy. If you’re going to be holding onto my arm, you need to look the part.”
I tried my hardest to hold in my excitement. Not only would I get to go to Paris, but I’d also get to play dress up and feel rich for the evening.
“I’ve arranged a limousine for you today since Brent has the day off. Flight leaves in two hours, so don’t take long.” Tom poured himself a drink from the whiskey stored nearby and sat back down in the deck chair.
I lingered a moment, trying to understand his motivation. He could have done anything on his day off, but he was taking me to Paris. I had to think this had something to do with last night.
No matter. I could use the day off. I left him to his vices and joined the driver who waited outside by the limo. A few minutes later I was being shown some of the most beautiful and incredibly expensive dresses I had seen—and I wanted them all. I settled for a skin-tight black dress that ended just above the knee. The low back and deep neckline accentuated my curves, and I looked amazing. Twenty-five thousand dollars later, I had my dress for the evening.
It wasn’t long before Tom and I were sitting a few thousand feet above sea level in his private jet, sipping on wine. He kept glancing at meet from the corner of his eye. I pretended not to notice.
“Nia, I hope my attitude last night wasn’t off-putting,” he said.
“Off-putting in what way?” I asked.
He swiveled his chair toward me and kicked a leg over his knee.
“I might enjoy the company of many women, but I didn’t mean to do so in front of you. I would prefer to stay professional when possible.”
I swept the hair out of my eyes and gave him a big smile. “I’m not put off by sex, Tom.”
“That may be so, but watching your boss have sex must be strange.”
“The only reason I would’ve been watching is if you hadn’t noticed me. I didn’t see anything except two young trollops showing what god gave them,” I said.
Tom gave me another insightful look. “Don’t you mean three?”
I blushed a little, thinking about it, and crossed my arms, trying to cover myself more than I already was. “You didn’t have to stare, you know.”
“And you didn’t have to walk that slowly and sensually, but you did.”
I suppose someone as perceptive as him would notice something like that.
“Okay, okay. I was out drinking, and my best friend told me in no uncertain terms to pursue you as more than just a boss. But, I stand by my professional work. I’m not interested in being arm candy to some rich man.”
Tom sat back in his chair, partially pleased with himself. “I didn’t do anything with them last night, and you can blame yourself for that.”
“What did you do?” I asked.
“I called Brent and told him to take them home,” he said. “They didn’t seem that interesting anymore after I caught you.”
I was feeling a bit lightheaded as the blood rushed to my face. I couldn’t tell if it was a compliment or an insult, so I prodded further.
“You gave up a night with two beautiful women because you saw my bare ass? Am I that much of a turnoff?” I asked.
“Just the opposite,” Tom said. “It’s like living in a world full of cabbage. You eat it and it’s familiar; it keeps you full and satiated and happy. But, then you have your first taste of cake.”
“So you’re saying that I’m cake now?” I asked.
“No. I’m saying you’re a beautiful woman who deserves more praise than you’re probably afforded.”
I gushed with pride when he said that. I felt as light as air, and that felt a bit ironic since we were in a jet. I could see something was holding him back from saying anything else.
“Is that all you wanted to say?” I asked.
His face twisted as though he had something to say but didn’t know how to say it. I had a feeling I knew what he was attempting to vocalize.
“You’re afraid I’ll call a lawyer and claim you’re sexually harassing me. Something along those lines?” I asked.
He nodded and sighed, taking another large sip from his glass. I slipped a piece of paper from a nearby notepad and, with the pen from my purse, wrote a quick note. On it I absolved him of all sexual misconduct that may happen aboard this plane. Adding my signature to the bottom, I handed it to him for perusal.
He took it and read over it quickly. “You know this isn’t legally binding,” he said. But before he had finished, I’d already slunk into his chair.
He tossed the note over his shoulder and gripped my back with his soft hands, taking me into a deep kiss. My knees weakened while he petted along my curves. I shuddered in anticipation while hooking my arm under his shirt and feeling his chest.
He stood up and lifted my top from my chest. I did the same to him, and as it came off, I kissed his chest. He threw the garment behind him and reached around to unhook my bra.
My breath grew heavier as he pulled it from me. I pulled him in close for another kiss, and he obliged. Feeling a little naughty, I shoved him back into the chair.
I looked around for a moment and found the remote for the stereo; I clicked it on and turned it to music I could dance to. I started to dance for him, letting him stare all he wanted as I swayed back and forth to the music.
His eyes lit up like a hungry dog staring at a freshly cooked steak. I liked feeling his stare on my topless body. The music bellowed deeply, with a steady beat, and my hips gyrated as I undid the pants I wore. I turned around and let him watch as I inched them down my legs, giving him a full view of my dark skin.
I threw the pants aside and felt my panties getting soaked as I continued to dance. I could see the bulge in his pants bursting to get out, and I wanted to help it, but not yet.
I lowered myself into his chair and rubbed my swollen pussy up and around his throbbing member. Dancing and swaying to the music, it felt like he was near ready to burst.
I faced and straddled him and then undid his pants. He grabbed my hips as I continued to grind. I stood back up and pulled what remained of his clothing off him.
I lowered my own underwear down my legs and let him admire my sex from behind while continuing my dance. I backed toward him again. Once again I grinded in his lap, letting him feel me with his skin. I could feel his penis pushing against me, and it drove me wild.
I couldn’t wait any longer; I straightened my back and allowed him to penetrate me. I moaned as he entered, inching farther and farther in as I sat down.
He grabbed my hips and held me down, and I could feel him deep inside, throbbing. He was bigger than I’d thought he would be, and it felt good as he continued to swell.
He worked me up and down with his hands, and I tried to catch my breath as we continued. He became more ravenous with each thrust, pounding deeper and deeper. I lost my mind in the sexual music we made.
I lifted myself off and turned around so that I could kiss him, and as I did, I lowered myself back onto him. I hugged him around his neck, and he continued to work me up and down along his shaft. My wetness ran down to the rich leather of the chair, and he didn’t seem to mind.
I gave myself over to the ecstasy of the moment and felt the familiar tickle of an orgasm beginning to crest. And it felt like he wasn’t far behind.
I arched my back, and he had to hold me as I clenched my muscles for the orgasm that kept wracking my body. I could feel him pumping his fluid deep inside me, and I accepted it readily.
It was then that I noticed the flight crew peeking out of the cabin, and with a bashful smile, I threw the radio remote at them.
****
It took a while before we finally managed to pry ourselves off one another. I had to lock the cabin door shut so the crew would stop their attempts at sneaking a peek.
After we had landed, there was a limousine waiting for us that I had arranged prior to liftoff. Tom wore his pressed suit and I wore my wonderful new dress. Unfortunately, I hadn’t brought a change of underwear, which didn’t really bother me as much as I had thought it would.
We drove through the narrow streets of Paris, and I took in the sights. The Eifel Tower’s million lights twinkled like stars. I imagined being here, but not like this. I imagined coming here as a successful businesswoman, running my own company, not as an escort.
I couldn’t drive the thought out of my head. Had he hired me with this as his end goal? Or had this just been an incidental byproduct of working in such close proximity to a womanizer?
The car pulled up to a small restaurant that overlooked a fountained courtyard. The scene was picturesque and soulful at the same time. Inside, the restaurant was a simple scene, almost as though it hadn’t been changed for more than a hundred years.
The night flowed on and our conversation was light and fun. I hadn’t really spent time getting to know Tom that well until now. I had always seen him as my boss, and that had suited me just fine.
But I still felt unsettled, and I needed to address it.
“Tom, this experience is something I’ve never had, but I still wonder if I’m just another woman you throw away once you’re finished with her.”
He played with the cork from the wine and leaned back in his seat. “Why would I throw you away?”
“I’m supposed to be your personal assistant. There are supposed to be boundaries between us, and it feels like we’re tearing them down needlessly.”
“Are you trying to say that you want to go back to being boss and assistant? I don’t know if I can do that,” he replied.
“I’m saying I want more. This last month has inspired me, Tom. I’ve seen you making million-dollar deals before breakfast and coming home with more conquests at night.
“I don’t want to be the prize you unwrap. I want to be the equal that you make deals with. Give me some time to build up my resume and my capital so I can see you as an equal before considering the possibility of continuing this.”
My heart ached as the words came from my mouth, but I really did want to be something more than an assistant in his eyes, and I needed him to know that. I certainly did not wish to be just another one of his conquests. I had to make him prove himself.
“All right. We’ll go back to being boss and assistant again. The best things in life are worth waiting for.”
He raised his glass and I mine, and we toasted the agreement.
****
On Monday, I went back to work as though nothing had happened. Tom had changed. His passion toward work overtook him and his nightlife faded considerably.
A few months passed and he hadn’t been with anyone in a while. He seemed to distance himself from many of the women who had thrown themselves at him in the past, as if a part of him had died. I felt sorry for him.
He started spending a lot of time with his brother’s family. Before our trip to Paris, he barely would see him once a year, but now it seemed to be once a week. Tom would show me photos of him giving new toys to his brother’s children and of how happy they were.
In those few months I had learned something else.
I was pregnant.
I had a strong feeling it was his, and I didn’t want to burden him further with the responsibility of being a parent.
“Tom,” I said one day after a meeting, “I think it’s time I move on. I’ve been working toward a few projects of my own with the money you helped me raise, and I think I have some good prospects.”
He flashed me his smile again, but I was struck by how sad his eyes looked. He embraced me, and my feelings were swept away. I kept myself straight-faced, which was the hardest thing I’d ever done.
“Don’t make me wait” was all he said.
I pushed myself away, knowing that if I stayed any longer, I would become a mess.
“I’ll have my things packed and be out of the house before the day’s end. Thank you again, Mr. Ellis,” I said.
I turned and left, leaving him standing there sullenly.
As I exited, I wondered if I’d gone too far, if there was something else I could’ve done to know if he wanted me for my business savvy or my looks. But I couldn’t decipher anything at the moment.
At the mansion, I began to pack everything I had, which I realized was not much. Then I heard a knock on the door.
“Hey, Nia.” It was Brent. “I know we don’t talk much, but can we have a chat?”
I cracked the door and let him wander in.
“This place is way better than the shack I’m livin’ in. You must be one smart cookie,” he said, admiring my living space.
“Did you come here to talk or to admire the scenery?” I asked rudely.
“Whoa, calm down,” he said while stepping back toward the door. “I just have one thing to say, so I’ll say it. You got Mr. Ellis twisted up good. I never seen him like this in the last ten years I been workin’ for him.”
“Are you referring to how he doesn’t seem to sleep around as much?” I asked.
“No. I’m referring to how he keeps askin’ me what you’re up to. He wants to know if you’re seein’ anybody or if you are feelin’ taken care of.”
“He asks about me when I’m not around?”
“He does. I’ve never seen him like that for anyone.”
I finished packing my bag and zipped it closed. I took a moment to take the sight of this palatial bedroom and then let out a deep sigh.
“Let’s go, Brent,” I said.
I made for the door, but Brent wouldn’t let me carry my own bags. Like a gentleman, he took the bags and followed me down the front stairs.
I had him take me to a hotel downtown for the evening and scheduled time with a real estate agent while on the way. My excessive funds from working with Mr. Ellis had grown into a small fortune over the past few months.
I said my final farewells to Brent and entered the lobby. It was completely empty save for the one attendant at the front desk who was waiting patiently for business.
He looked at me, smiled, and handed me a room key. I found it rather odd, as I hadn’t called ahead.
“Is this for me?” I asked.
“Of course it is,” he replied. “Room 1506. The elevator is around the corner.” Another on-hand attendant swooped in to relieve me of my luggage and led me to the elevator.
We zoomed up to the fifteenth floor, and my curiosity swelled. I inserted my keycard into the door and swung it open.
Mr. Ellis was sitting on the bed, waiting patiently.
“How did you—”
“I work downtown; this is only three blocks from headquarters,” he said.
“Mr. Elli—”
“My name is Tom. I told you months ago, Nia.”
He sat me down on the bed and stood over me.
“I’m going to talk, and you’re going to listen,” he began. “The last several months I’ve been meeting more with my brother and his family, and you know what I’ve learned? Don’t answer that; I still want you to listen. I learned what makes him tick. I learned why he wakes up every morning and goes to his dead-end job upstate. I learned that it’s not easy to be in love.”
He was pacing back and forth as he talked, and I smiled as he continued on.
“That’s right, love. Love is what gets him out of the house in the morning so he can go work a dead-end job to provide for his family. I saw him get into fights with the person he loves, only to watch them kiss and seemingly forget it ever happened. It was like some kind of magic was happening in his household.
“I watched them play with their kids and saw how amazing it is to watch someone grow up. I watched them roll their eyes at the millionth diaper they’d had to change, knowing that they’d have to do the same thing an hour later—only to give that baby a kiss on the cheek.
“Love and compassion are two things I’ve been trying to spread around the city, and yet I haven’t ever been able to find those things in my own life. These last few months, I think I’ve started to find it, and would you like to know where it started? Guess.” Tom paused. “No, don’t answer that either. I started finding it the moment I caught you downstairs that night. I continued to find it in the airplane the next day, and I know I found it when I saw you exit that airplane wearing that black dress.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks as he continued to talk.
“I want you in my life. I need you in my life. I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing this, because I think you want me in your life as well.
“Nia, I love you. And if you’ll have me, I want to start a family.”
I sat there, shocked to hear all of that. All I could do was nod and smile as he leaned in for a kiss. I stopped him before he could, though.
“I need you in my life, too. But, I have a couple things I need to say first.”
Tom sat down in a chair nearby and listened.
“As it turns out, starting a family will be easier than you think.”
He thought about it for a moment, and then his eyes started to beam. “You’re—”
“Yep.” I nodded. “And the second thing: I only want to start a family as long as I can continue pursuing my own career as well. I want to be your equal, not your damsel.”
Tom nodded happily. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I gave him a loving embrace and kissed him all over his face.
We walked from the hotel arm in arm. Our future started that day, and it had never looked brighter.
***
THE END