by Tracy Reed
“You feel more comfortable having him around?”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s done. Anything else?” He stepped closer and took my hands in his.
“I need you to understand I’m not like the other women you’ve dated.” I tried not to fidget. “Yesterday, you said you wanted to share your bed with me.”
“I shouldn’t have said that.” He stepped closer. “I like you. I want this thing with us to work…but only if you do.”
I looked at him searching those gorgeous dark eyes for his truth. I cleared my throat and continued. “I do, but I need you to understand that I can’t give you what you probably had in your past relationships…that’s not me.”
I hope he understands what I’m trying to say. Although I am deeply attracted to him and my mind fills with all kinds of wicked thoughts when I’m around him, and his kisses turn my insides to hot jelly, I can’t sleep with him.
“I understand. I respect your honesty.” He stroked the side of my face. “I’m prepared for this. It just means, I’ll be spending a lot more time in the gym and taking a lot of cold showers.” He teased. “Gabriella, I like you and I promise not to push you to do anything you don’t want to do. Anything else?”
I stepped closer, and the heat of his body surrounded me. He pulled me to his chest and brushed the side of my face with his lips. I wanted to sink deep into his space. He grabbed my lips between his and kissed me like he did last night.
There was a knock on the door followed by a familiar voice. “Miss Townsend.” Another knock.
“Yes, Tony…”
“Have you seen Mr. Marchant?” he called out. We pulled apart and I walked over and opened the door.
“Good morning ,Tony.”
“Good morning, Miss Townsend. Have you seen Mr. Marchant?” I opened the door wider and Phillippe walked around and stood in the middle of the room. Tony looked at Phillippe and then back at me. “I’ll meet both of you downstairs in ten minutes.”
“I’m…we were…”
“We’ll be right down, Tony,” Phillippe answered. Tony looked at Phillippe with a raised eyebrow and left.
I closed the door and grabbed my chest breathing hard. “What did you tell him?” The last thing I need is for Tony to look at me with a disapproving eye because I’m dating my boss.
Phillippe walked over, wrapped me in his arms, brushed his tongue across my lips and kissed me.
“I told him we’re taking it slow.”
* * *
phillippe
* * *
I rolled over and tried to sleep, but every time I closed my eyes, Gabriella was there with those sexy lips and those dangerous hips. She’s got me all tied up in knots and now the not sleeping is getting worse. I was getting a few torturous hours. Now, I’m sleeping like a baby…two hours here and then up for one. This ongoing agony is killing me.
I bet she’s sound asleep, secure in knowing she’s got the upper hand. I could try another cold shower, but what good would that do? I’d just be cold and wide awake with the only warm solution guaranteed to help me sleep at the end of the hall.
“No.” The sound of her sweet and innocent voice uttering that powerful two letter word is like an anvil landing on my foot. I know she said it, because I saw her lips move as the word floated off her lips. In the past, when I asked, well I didn’t really ask, it was more like me taking the liberty of inviting myself in, I was always received with open arms. And not for a hit and run, but for the night.
And when there was a little apprehension, I simply dropped a few words of French. I myself am amazed at how powerful the French language is. The French side of me is well versed in the art of seduction. A few choice words in French, a little ear nibbling and a gentle stroke of the arm at the door and I’m in for the night. None of that worked with Gabriella.
I rolled over and slapped my clock. It was six thirty. I’m not sure what time Gabriella finally left my dreams and allowed me some sleep.
After a quick workout, I got dressed and called Gabriella. Her distant tone left an uneasy feeling with me.
“What’s wrong?” Tony asked.
“I’m not sure.” I looked at my watch. “I’ll be right back.” I picked up my jacket and left.
I hurried down to her room, and stopped at the door. I took a deep breath and knocked hard, but there was no answer. I started to walk away, but I wanted to settle this before we left, and in private. I knocked again.
When she opened the door, she took my breath away. Even in casual clothes, her curves were evident. Once I surveyed her body from the ground up and met her eyes, what I sensed was on her face. She looked distressed and I’m pretty sure I was the cause for the furrowed brow.
I wanted to scoop her up in my arms and tell her everything was going to be fine and to trust me. I realized there were only nine words that would alleviate her obvious anxiety, “You will not be fired if this doesn’t work.” When I made my promise, her body and face quickly relaxed and I was treated to a smile.
I went a step further and took Tony’s advice and asked her how she wanted to conduct our personal relationship. I think I caught her off guard. Who knew being open would yield the results I got. When she stepped to me, I got a surprise I wasn’t expecting.
Her honesty about our not sleeping together did two things to me. One, it made me respect her even more. And second, it made me want her even more. Those simple words, conjured up visions of her lying underneath me bringing her so much pleasure she would be begging me not to stop.
I closed my eyes and when I looked up she had invaded my space. I pulled her to me, crushed my lips against hers, taking her mouth and tongue, leading them in a passionate dance. Her response was immediate. She pulled me closer and treated me to a slight moan of approval inside my mouth. If this kiss had happened a couple of months ago, we’d be prostrate on the floor with her gorgeous thick thighs wrapped around my hips and us crying out in pleasure together.
I couldn’t seem to get enough of her. A knock broke through the euphoria, and I tried to ignore it. Another knock followed by, “Miss Townsend.”
Chapter Ten
gabriella
* * *
We finally made it back home and I was exhausted. I’ve stayed in some amazing hotels, but I missed my bed. It was difficult getting used to no room service or turn down service. However, I wouldn’t be home long enough for my old daily routine to reattach itself to me.
When we landed, Phillippe told me to take a couple of days off and rest. I was a little surprised he didn’t drive me home. Instead, Tony dropped me off reiterating Phillippe’s instructions.
I tried not to let it bother me that he didn’t drive me home. I took a bath and crashed deciding to deal with Phillippe and my luggage tomorrow.
I was awakened from my sound sleep by someone shaking me. “Gabby…Gabby…wake up, baby. Your phone is ringing.”
I rolled over and wiped my eyes. “What?”
“You left your phone on the counter. I think it’s your boss.” She handed me the phone and walked out, closing the door behind her.
I opened my eyes wide as if that would help me see the screen easier through the layer of sleep distorting my vision. I checked the voicemail and there were three voicemails and six texts from Phillippe. I pressed his number and the loud ringing sent a sharp pang to my ear.
“Mon Amour, are you alright? I’ve been trying to reach you for a few hours.”
Am I alright? You’d know if you brought me home and not had one of your henchmen deliver me like a call girl after she fulfilled her assignment. “I was sleeping.” I think we need to rethink this whole personal relationship thing. Last time I checked, I thought it was customary for a boyfriend to take his girlfriend home from the airport, not have her… “What do you want Phillippe?”
“I wanted to make sure we were still on for dinner tonight?”
“We don’t have anything scheduled for tonight.”
“Did you get the flowers?”
“What flowers…what are you talking about?” I sat up.
“That’s why I had Tony take you home.”
“You lost me.”
“Did you get the flowers?” he repeated.
“Hold on.” I looked around my room and didn’t see any flowers. I climbed out of bed, put my robe on and went downstairs. “Mom.”
“I’m in here, baby,” she called out.
I went into the kitchen and stopped at the counter. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. It was a huge arrangement of white lilies and roses.
“When did these come?”
“Before I went to my meeting.” She took her jacket off and placed it on the chair. “I figured you’d see them when you came downstairs. You must be exhausted.”
“I uhm…” I reached up for the small black envelope, opened it and pulled out the simple white card. Welcome to the team. Good first month. Phillippe. “Oh crap! I left him on hold.” I ran back up to my room.
I picked up my phone. “The flowers are beautiful, but I don’t see anything about tonight.”
“I thought you would have called as soon as you read the card.”
“I’m sorry, the flowers came while I was asleep.”
“No, it’s my fault. I was trying to surprise you.” Now I felt bad. I was unduly angry and possibly missed out on a great dinner. “I know you want to keep things private that’s why I didn’t…when you called me, I was going to tell you about dinner.”
“Tony didn’t mention anything.”
“That’s because I didn’t tell him.”
“Is it too late?” It was six and it wouldn’t take me long to get dressed.
“Are you sure you feel up to it? We can do it another time.”
“I’m fine. I’ve been sleeping since Tony dropped me off.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you…”
“I’ll come to you.”
“No, I’ll pick you up.”
“Please don’t. It’s too soon. I just don’t feel like…”
“I’ll give in this one time and send Marcos. He’ll be there in an hour. See you soon. Bye.”
“Bye.” I pressed the button ending the call. I looked at the clock and then at my reflection. I looked a hot mess and had an hour to turn myself into something amazing. “Mom,” I called out and ran back downstairs. “Mom.” I hurried into the kitchen. “Mom.”
“Gabriella, stop all that yelling.” She continued putting the groceries away. “What’s going on?”
“I have to meet my boss for dinner.”
“Excuse me?”
“I need your help. A car will be here in an hour to pick me up.” I hurried back upstairs and stood in front of my closet looking for something to wear. I threw my suit case on the bed and went searching for the black DVF dress. Crap, it’s wrinkled and I need time to get my hair together.
My mother walked into my room. “What is going on?”
“My boss wants me to attend a last minute dinner tonight and I wanted to wear this, but…” I held up the black dress. She walked over and grabbed me by the shoulders.
“Calm down.” I took a deep breath. “What did he say?”
“He said he’s sending a car to pick me up in an hour.”
“Where are you going?”
“I forgot to ask.”
“Let me see the dress.” I handed her the wrinkled black dress. “I’ll work on getting the wrinkles out and you work on getting yourself together.”
I kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you, Mommy.”
“You’re welcome.”
I walked into the restaurant and my heart was racing. I felt a little guilty not telling my mom the details of my dinner. I know her and if I told her the truth about this dinner, she’d be sitting in the bar or parking lot watching me.
I stopped at the maitre’d station. “Phillippe Marchant’s table.”
The grey haired gentleman looked at me and smiled. “This way, Miss.” I followed behind him as we walked along the narrow aisle that lead to a private room at the back of the restaurant. He pushed the door open and I walked inside. I looked around and didn’t see Phillippe. “Have a seat.”
“Thank you. Where is Mr. Marchant?” He answered my question with a smile and left.
I looked around the beautiful dark wood paneled intimate dining room. The small table was dressed in white linens, white china, white roses and soft soulful music was playing. I heard a door open, looked up and Phillippe walked in wearing a white apron tied around his waist. “What’s going on?”
“I’ll be your server for the first course.” He smiled.
It felt like my smile covered my face. “What?”
“I wanted to do something special for our first date.” He set the plate of appetizers down, walked around the table, and kissed me. “I have been wanting to do that since this morning.”
“Me, too.” He took his apron off and sat down. “You know this isn’t our first date.”
“It’s the first one that counts.” He smiled as he poured each of us a glass of wine.
“So what are we having?”
“For our first course, we have a plate of assorted appetizers…Grilled Crostini with Burrata, Figs, & Prosciutto, Herb Blinis with Smoked Salmon and Creme Fraiche, Roasted Lamb Ribs with Jalapeno Mint Sauce and Roasted Beet & Herbed Goat Cheese Napoleon.”
The past month I have stepped way outside of my food comfort zone and tried some foods I don’t think I would have ever tried, if Phillippe hadn’t persuaded me. “I’ll try the blinis.” I reached for it and he stopped me.
“I’ll serve.” He picked up a blini. “Open your mouth.” I hesitated at first and then I complied. He placed the petite bit on my tongue. I closed my eyes absorbing the flavors as I chewed. “What do you think?”
“Incredible.”
A couple of hours later, we had finished three more courses and were enjoying some cheese and wine. “Tonight is the first time I’ve seen you drink wine.”
“We were working and I didn’t think it was appropriate during business hours.”
“But tonight…”
“I’m on a date.”
He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it.
“Tomorrow, I thought we…” His phone started vibrating on the table. He looked at the screen and pressed the Ignore Call button. “I thought it would be nice if we…” His phone buzzed with a text and he looked at the screen. “I’m sorry. I really need to deal with this.”
“I understand. Where’s the ladies’ room?”
He walked around the table, kissed me on the neck and pulled out my chair. Then he opened the door and pointed. “It’s at the end of the hall.”
“Thank you.”
* * *
phillippe
* * *
Planning this date has been more stressful than any other date I’ve planned. If Gabriella were like my past companions, I’d fly her to Vegas for dinner and a show. And if she were so inclined, we’d stay the night, possibly longer.
I should be upset that Gabriella doesn’t expect a lot from me, but it’s like Tony said, she’s not impressed by the things. I have dated girls who had the audacity to email pictures of the latest bags, shoes and things they wanted me to buy for them. These women would jump at the chance to join the private jet mile high club, or willingly offer me limo sex. Gabriella isn’t like that. I had to force her to take that gown and wear it to a work function.
I didn’t push the issue of not picking her up, because right now I’m letting her call the shots until she feels comfortable and trusts me.
I set this date up a couple of days ago, and for a minute there, it looked like it was all for nothing. I think the reason I’m so nervous is because being intimate on a level that does not include my body, is foreign to me.
I opened this restaurant because I love good food and wine. The other times I’ve brought dates here, I never went out on limb like I am tonight. This is a woman I see a future with. I remem
ber something my dad said. “When you find the woman you are willing to completely change for, that’s the one. And do whatever it takes to keep her.” So if that means learning to be celibate, then so be it. The prize is well worth the wait.
“She’s here, Phillippe,” Tomas announced.
With those three words all talking in the kitchen ceased. It’s as if we’d just been informed royalty had entered the restaurant. In a way it had. The woman I desire to make the queen of my world has just been seated. “Thank you Tomas.” I looked at Chef Paul. “Give us about twenty minutes and then bring out the next course and the wine. Thank you, chef.” I grabbed the plate of appetizers and wine.
“Bon appetite.” The conversation and bustle of the kitchen resumed.
A couple of hours later with three additional courses completed, we sat back and enjoyed some cheese and wine.
“Everything was amazing.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
She looked around the room and sipped her wine. “Nice place for a first date.”
I lifted her hand to my mouth, kissed it and started to share details about our adventure tomorrow when my phone started vibrating. I ignored it, because I sensed it was bad news and I didn’t want anything to overshadow my time with Gabriella. However, when my phone buzzed with Tony’s ringtone, I knew I couldn’t ignore whatever it was. I told him not to text or call me tonight unless it was an emergency. I looked at the screen.
“I’m sorry, I really need to deal with this.”
Gabriella excused herself and went to the ladies’ room. That gave me time to call Tony back. I pressed the button and had an uneasy feeling as I dialed the number.
“Hello…I’m at dinner…did you tell them we have a signed lease and if they go back on our agreement, I’ll tie them up in so much…I don’t care…no…this is why I need someone in place I can trust…he did what…why didn’t he…that was my final offer…let him…uh-huh…uh-huh…no…when…I don’t want to, but…” I looked at my watch. “Crap! Do you have anyone we can put there to oversee the move?…I don’t want to do that…I know…I was finishing dinner…I’ll call when I’m on my way…I know.”