Falling For Her Boss

by Tracy Reed

  He wrote that he never knew or understood love until he opened himself up to her. Once he let his walls down and shared who he really was deep down, his feelings for her were more powerful than any sexual experience he had ever had. Now, I understand something he said to me when I brought Chantal home to meet them. He pulled me to the side and asked, “Does she make you see the man God destined you to be?” I blew him off. I wasn’t trying to hear a sermon. However, when I’m with Gabriella, I understand his question. She makes me see who I was destined to be.

  I can’t believe I overslept. That’s a joke. I think I got twenty minutes of sleep, or something that resembled sleep. The Gabriella dreams were already bad. But now I have my father and the words of his journal being lived out in my subconscious. I need sleep. My body and mind are exhausted. I could always break things off with Gabriella, and hope for a good night’s sleep. But that’s a joke. Then I would be up all night kicking myself for letting the perfect woman go.

  I walked into my office, sat down, opened my father’s journal and began reading.

  I cannot believe I’ve lasted as long as I have. I made an agreement with Elizabeth which I never expected to have to live out this long. When she confessed how old-fashioned she is, I was startled. In this modern age, I was shocked to discover the woman I fell in love with is still a virgin. That was almost as shocking as her pronouncement that she was prepared to walk away from me, if I couldn’t respect her decision.

  Funny, she used the word respect. I have nothing but respect for her. I see a future with her and I am willing to do something I never have…court a woman by her rules. I sense the payoff will far exceed any temporary false satisfaction. God, I’m trusting You with my heart and pray You guide me in pursuit of this amazing woman. Amen.

  Wow. I got a chill. It was like having my father right there with me. To know he chose to make the same decision I did is mind blowing. I sipped my coffee and continued reading.

  I did not think I was going to physically survive this dating paradigm Elizabeth presented me. The first couple of months were horrendous. I’m not sure which was worse, the illicit thoughts or my intense desire for her. The intense kisses, subtle glances and gentle touches help. However, it is the dreams I am having a problem with. Those curves and lips plague both my conscious and unconscious mind. Some of the dreams are so real that I have woken up thinking she was lying next to me, only to discover, I’m alone.

  I have tried everything, but nothing works. I have resolved myself to the simple fact that she is in my blood and there’s only one way to purge her and get the rest I deserve. Come tomorrow, I will get the sleep I long for.

  What the crap! How could he just leave it like that. I stood up and started pacing and stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, and did something I hadn’t done in years.

  “Father God, I need Your help.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  gabriella

  * * *

  Seattle is finally on track which means we are settling into a level four stress zone instead of a level twelve. I actually saw Phillippe and Tony smile. Today is the perfect day to brooch the subject of meeting my family.

  I tapped on the door and Phillippe looked up at me. “May I come in?”

  “Mon amour, of course.” Phillippe walked over, slipped his hands around my waist and kissed me. The intensity was way more than we agreed upon at work, but it was exactly what I needed. I gave into the kiss and wrapped my hands around his neck, pulling him closer to me. My body was starting to heat up and tingle. He kissed me harder, and it began to feel like the first time we kissed. His hands slid down my back and cupped my behind. I could barely breathe. Suddenly, I heard a deep moan pass from Phillippe to me. I was done. His lips moved across my cheek to my ear.

  “I really needed to kiss you.”

  “Me too.”

  He closed the door, took my hand and led me over to the sofa in the corner of his office. We sat down and picked up where we left off. I couldn’t believe we were in his office carrying on like two horny teenagers. We never kissed like this at work. That was part of our agreement. Not even when we knew there was no one else in the building…we are usually the first ones in the office and often the last ones to leave. But it was only five thirty and there were plenty of people floating around the building.

  Phillippe’s hands were everywhere. I was pinned against the corner of the sofa with his hard body pressed against mine. In my mind I knew if anyone walked in it would be difficult to explain. However, with all the tension and stress we had been experiencing, it felt good to let loose.

  He slowly pulled back, and I looked at him through half opened eyes. Man, he’s sexy and smells so good. He has no idea how many times I considered laying down my beliefs and…man, I bet he would make my first time memorable. As Phillippe was pressed against me, I remembered my aunt Niki’s words. “Niecy, look at his hands and feet. If they’re large, chances are, so is everything else.” A chill ran through my body. I looked at Phillippe’s hand as he stroked the side of my face, and his thigh wasn’t the only large, firm body part pressing against my thigh. I swallowed hard.

  “Someone could walk in.” I smiled.

  He brushed a stray curl off my forehead. “And what would they see?”

  “The president sexually harassing his assistant.”

  “You would have to be protesting for it to be harassment, and I don’t see you protesting.” He smiled.

  I bit the corner of my lip and smiled. “Help me,” I said softly.

  “What was that?”

  “My protest.”

  “Maybe I am the one being harassed.”

  “You’re on top of me.”

  “But your hands are around my neck and my hands…”

  “Shut up and kiss me again.”

  “I think that’s harassment.” He pecked me on the lips. “Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?”

  I looked into his eyes. He seemed calm. Now was the time to ask him. I brushed the side of his face. “How would you like to have dinner with my family?”

  “Tonight?”

  I playfully socked him. “No.” Then I thought about his answer. “Why not tonight? You don’t have anything on your calendar.”

  “Yes I do.”

  “Did you forget I keep your calendar?”

  “But you don’t keep the one for my girlfriend.”

  I sat up a little. “You don’t have a calendar for me.”

  He sat up. “Yes, I do.”

  “No, you don’t. You’re just saying that, because…”

  He stood up, helped me up, we adjusted our clothes and walked over to his desk and he pulled out a small black lizard covered book. He opened it up and handed it to me. I read through the days, noting all the things we had done. He slipped his hands around my waist and pulled me to his chest. Leaning over my shoulder. “Go to today.”

  I turned the page and under today he had a simple note. Dinner and a movie with Gabriella at home. Must leave work early tonight. I turned to face him. “So what are you cooking?”

  “Old-fashioned spaghetti and meatballs.”

  “What’s the movie?”

  “Your choice.”

  * * *

  phillippe

  * * *

  I can’t believe I agreed to meet Gabriella’s family. What’s even more difficult to believe is the way she conned me good. She came over with those dangerous lips, and I never stood a chance. Now I’m going to meet the family.

  God help me.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  gabriella

  * * *

  I sat in the car as long as I could before getting out and going inside to face the music. Phillippe said I could stay over in one of the corporate apartments, but I knew my mother would have a crap fit. I don’t need her freaking out just when I’m about to grant her wish. Phillippe needs to meet her without any added strikes.

  “Miss Townsend, is there a problem?” Marcos ask
ed.

  I met his gaze in the rearview mirror. “I’m about to go in there and tell my mother I want her to meet Phillippe.”

  He smiled at me. “Oh.”

  “She thinks he’s…well, she’s not…Phillippe isn’t exactly at the top of her favorite people list.”

  He smiled. “Miss Townsend…”

  “Marcos, after all these months, I think it’s safe for you to call me Gabriella.”

  “Miss Gabriella…” I smiled at him. “I’ve known Mr. Marchant for a while, and I think your mother will be very impressed.”

  “You do?”

  “Of course I do. You like him don’t you?”

  I felt a huge smile rise on my face. “Yes.”

  “If your mother is anything like you, she will like him as well.” He got out of the car, walked around, and opened my door. “It’s been my experience, the boyfriend that parents make pre-conceived negative judgments about is usually the one they end up liking, a lot.” He extended his hand and helped me out of the car. He took my bag out of the car, closed the door, and walked me to the front door.

  “So you think she’ll like him?”

  He handed my bag to me. “I do.”

  I exhaled. “Thank you, Marcos.”

  “It has been my pleasure.”

  “Are you going somewhere, I mean that goodbye sounded permanent.”

  “In a way it is. Once Mr. Marchant meets your family, he’ll be the one driving you home from that point on.”

  “But I’ll still see you.”

  “Yes, you will. I have enjoyed being your escort.”

  I kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He waited until I opened the door. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Good night.”

  I walked inside and closed the door. I stood in the foyer and let the quiet surround me. I looked around and knew that in just a short time, my life would never be the same. I knew my mother would approach this meeting like a general going into battle.

  * * *

  phillippe

  * * *

  I stood on the porch trying not to hyperventilate. I tried to get Tony to come with me, but he gave me some weak excuse about a prior commitment. What good is a wing man when he won’t fly with you on one of the most important flights of your life.

  Gabriella said it was a simple family brunch. However, my nerves said otherwise. I asked what her mother was serving so I could bring wine, but she didn’t know. I did the next best thing and had a mixed case of wine, and three dozen yellow roses delivered to her parents. She texted me they were impressed, although her mother tried to hide her delight at the roses.

  I took a deep breath, and rang the door bell. God, please let Gabriella answer the door, Amen.

  Shortly after my prayer the door opened. I looked ahead and instead of the beautiful sexy woman that’s been plaguing my dreams, it was a slightly older version in a simple white cotton dress. The woman looked like an older version of Gabriella. If this is her mother, Gabriella is going to be stunning when she reaches her mother’s age.

  I took my sunglasses off and extended my hand to her. “Hello, I’m Phillippe.”

  “Oh, damn.”

  “Excusez moi?”

  “Mommy,” a familiar voice called out. “I told you I would get the door.”

  I looked past Mrs. Townsend, and saw Gabriella walking towards the door. We were at a standstill. Gabriella finally came to my rescue. So far, this was not going well.

  “Vivi…” a masculine voice called out.

  “Excuse me.”

  She quickly brushed past Gabriella. “Mommy…”

  “Vivi.” The voice called out again.

  “Gabby, your father is calling me.”

  “Did you at least speak to Phillippe?”

  She turned around. “Welcome to our home.” She turned and quickly hurried away.

  Gabriella looked shocked at her mother’s behavior. And to be honest, so was I. “Come in.”

  I stepped inside and she closed the door.

  She gently kissed me. We discussed not being too affectionate this afternoon. I didn’t need another strike against me. Although, one of Gabriella’s deep kisses would be just the sedative I need to get me through this afternoon.

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “That’s okay.” I looked at her and the white jeans she was wearing were making this meeting even more difficult. “Great minds.”

  “What?”

  “Your jeans.”

  She looked down, then at me and smiled. “Oh. Great minds.” She took my hand and we ducked into the hall next to the kitchen. “Okay. I need to brief you.”

  I looked around to make sure no one was around and crushed my lips against hers. At first she tried to resist, but then she gave in. I wrapped her in my arms and slid my hands down her back and pulled her closer. Every one of her curves locked against my body. Her signature parfum traveled up my nose and I was intoxicated. With one kiss, she relaxed me enough to face the barrage of questions that were likely to be thrown at me. I slowly pulled back, and those gorgeous dark eyes slowly looked up at me, and I remembered why I agreed to this meeting. “You were saying?” I brushed the side of her face.

  “Uhm…my mother invited my Aunt Niki and Uncle Jimmy. Aunt Niki is my mother’s younger sister, and Uncle Jimmy is her husband.”

  “Aunt Jimmy and Uncle Niki.”

  “What? No.”

  I smiled, kissed her again and stroked her arm. “Just teasing you. Aunt Niki and Uncle Jimmy. Calm down, Mon amour.”

  “Definitely no French.”

  I whispered in her ear, “J’avais l’impression que tu l’as aimé quand je te parlais en Français?”

  She swallowed hard and cleared her throat. “You know I like everything you do that’s French, but no speaking French in front of my family.” She smiled and patted my chest.

  “So French kissing you in front of them is fine?”

  “What? No.” She playfully socked me. “Phillippe…s’il the plait…” she sang.

  “I thought you said no French?” I grazed her lips with the tip of my tongue.

  “Phillippe…” Her pouting and pleading was reminiscent of a sexy French woman.

  “Oui, mademoiselle.” I kissed her neck and she hummed.

  “My family might think you’re being rude or arrogant if you start speaking French. And no kissing.”

  “No French.” I kissed her again. “And no kissing.” I nibbled her ear.

  “Phillippe…behave…”

  “Oui, mademoiselle.” I kissed her neck and she hummed.

  “We better get out there.” She stepped out of my grasp, lowered her head, shook the beautiful mass of curls and quickly raised her head up.

  “No fair.”

  “Comment?”

  “I’m trying to forget I want to ravage your mouth, but it’s a little difficult when you’re doing things like that.”

  She smiled. “Behave.”

  “I’m trying.”

  She took my hand and we started towards the patio. She stopped at the door and turned around. “Oh, I told them we weren’t staying for dessert. So no matter how much they insist, we aren’t staying.”

  “Pourquoi ?”

  “Why? Because I’m desperate to pick up where we left off in the hall.” She winked.

  I had my orders and if I behave, I get to spend the rest of the afternoon with her wrapped in my arms ravaging those beautiful lips. “Oui, mademoiselle.”

  We walked out to the patio and all eyes were on us. “Everyone, this is Phillippe.”

  I swallowed hard and looked at the four sets of eyes staring back at me. This was going to be more difficult than standing before the board telling them I was trimming the fat until the company got healthy.

  * * *

  vivian camille townsend

  * * *

  Phillippe is my worst nightmare come to life. Oh, my God. Th
ere’s no way this relationship is going to end well. What does a man like that want with my sweet baby girl? Look at him. He’s seen things, done things…he’s…

  “Hey, Vivi.”

  I invited my sister for support and help probing. Unfortunately, she hasn’t taken her eyes off Phillippe since he stepped onto the patio.

  “Yes, Niki.”

  She followed me into the kitchen. “First off, nice wine.”

  “He sent it.”

  “Who?”

  “Him,” I pointed to the man hugged up against my sweet baby girl.

  “So that’s Gabby’s boyfriend slash boss?” She smiled.

  “Yes Niki.”

  “He’s the one she went to Paris with?”

  “Yes, Niki.” She started laughing and shaking her head. “What?”

  “Nothing.” She sipped her wine. “Way to go, niecy.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  She walked over to the other side of the counter. “Now I understand the dream.”

  I forgot I had told her about waking Gabby up from her dream. The one where she was screaming and writhing up and down on the bed. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I know she was having one hell of a sex dream about that man. I couldn’t look at my sister, because I knew we were thinking the same thing. “Understand what?”

  “That my niece was having a hot sex dream about him.”

  “That’s absurd.” I continued getting the food ready to go out to the table.

  “Did you look at that man?”

  “He’s a boy.”