Wanting It All: Michael and Sarah

by Steele, C. M.

  “You forget that the police have pictures of Sarah’s body, showing the bruises you left on her and the fact that she couldn’t breathe or talk after because you were choking her.” All of Jason’s guys just got a wakeup call. They had believed the lies he spilled about Sarah and her false accusations. I watched as they backed away, wanting to stay out of it. Good, because if they didn’t I would fuck their asses up, too.

  Now Paul and David had me in their grasp, trying to keep me from killing him. I kept struggling to break free when security started to approach.

  “What is going on here? Mr. Vitale, is this man bothering you?”

  “Actually Ralph, he is, but it is nothing I can’t handle. You may have seen the article in the paper. This is Jason Andrews from the prestigious Andrews family and he was arrested after attempting to kill my woman.”

  “She is not your woman. She is still mine!”

  “Are you that demented? If you even come near here again, no one will be able to pull me off you. I assure you my fist is the last thing you will ever see.”

  The security spoke into his walkie-talkie to the front desk, telling them to call the police. He had known both Vitale and Montgomery for the last decade and had never seen this other guy before. If what Michael says is true, this bastard is lucky to even be alive right now. If it was his wife, Ralph would have slit the bastard’s throat.

  Now it was security who grabbed Andrews, who tried to lunge at me. All of his friends had bailed on him. They obviously didn’t want to get involved. The police arrived in moments and Jason was in cuffs. They warned me that if I made an attempt to attack Jason right now, I would be in cuffs, too. Fine, I will get the fucker later.

  We had calmed down. Then I had given them a brief rundown of the events. They seemed to ignore the swelling on his face and my hands because it was obvious they Jason had only been there because I was there.

  The police contacted the detectives on the case and what neither Andrews nor I knew was that the order of protection included me as well. Sarah had been disturbed about the flowers and had asked the detectives to add me, which her ass conveniently left out. Since he had gotten into my building, even via a proxy, they could extend the protection to me as well. They had put in the request and it had only been approved that morning but would not be put into the system until Monday morning.

  The police informed both the prick and I of the order of protection, and even though it has been processed, it is not legally active yet, so they cannot arrest Andrews for approaching me. David and I were asked to leave for our safety since Jason wasn’t going to be arrested, but held until we had left the facility. We dressed and I guess David knew I was not in the mood to talk since I was in angry contemplation. We didn’t speak until we got in the truck.

  “Man, that bastard is going to die. I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up here. How the fuck did he know we were going to play ball here tonight?” David was jabbering at the mouth as I sat there and stewed in my anger. I fought the urge to kill him twice now, a third time and Andrews will be a dead man.

  “What did you say?” I had just realized David was saying something.

  “I said, I wonder how the fuck he knew you would be here tonight.”

  “I take it he had either been following us or probably from Brandi. The fuck admitted fucking her. She probably told him that you and I play ball together every week. All he had to do was follow us since they started hooking up. I am just glad he came to us instead of going after Sarah. I have to call her, man.” I dialed Sarah’s number, but it went to voicemail before she could pick up. I was about to try again when she called me back.

  “Hey baby, is everything all right?” Fuck I was nervous.

  “Yes Michael, you worry too much. I was just on the phone with my aunt. She is happy that we are together. She said it was about time.”

  “Well, that is true, baby. It took me forever to make you mine. I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. Are you at least having a good time?”

  “The best. I will see you later. I love you.”

  “I love you, too!”

  I hung up the phone, glad that she was okay. She had me scared when she didn’t answer. I was afraid Andrews would go after Sarah. It was irrational since he left after us and that I was on my way to her.

  “Are you going to tell her about this?” David asked me, but I wasn’t willing to tell her shit.

  “Hell no, she has been upset about this whole situation, especially since the fuck is claiming I was just a jealous lover who interrupted their fuck session. I want to rip his balls off and feed them to him.”

  “Yeah you got his ass good in there. I thought he would have been smart enough to shut his mouth, but I guess not. I don’t think Sarah will appreciate it though, but you are right. Keeping this from her will be better.”

  “She needs to feel safe. I am going to take her on a trip to Italy soon. I want to show her around. Now that she is mine, I don’t have to hide her from all the freaking flirtatious Italians over there. Although, I might want to wait until I make it permanent.” The thought of taking her there made me fucking happy. I wanted her to know my parents and love them like I do. I know they would love her, too. Mom already talked to her. The first time was on her second day in the office and they hit it off.

  “Congrats my friend. I am glad I always thought she was a sweet, but tough girl, although I haven’t seen her in years until that night at the club. What is going to happen when your assistant comes back? What is Sarah going to do?”

  “She wants to get a job somewhere else. I don’t want her to get another job. I have more than enough to give her a wonderful life.”

  “Well, she is being smart. Should your relationship end and she has no experience except working for her ex-boyfriend, then she will have a harder time getting a job.”

  “That is the same issue she brought up to me. She thinks that we are going to split up, which really pisses me off. I already told her I was not letting her go. If she wants to find a job, I told her I could make one up for her, but she doesn’t like the idea.” I rolled my eyes. I happened to like the idea.

  “Are you that shitty of a boss that your woman doesn’t want to work for you?” The fucking prick had jokes.

  “Actually asshole, she says I am too distracted when she is around. I know she is right, but I like having her there. Plus, I don’t want anyone to get ideas of trying to steal what’s mine.”

  “My friend, do you trust her so little? I don’t think she would do anything to hurt you.”

  “It’s not that. I don’t like anyone to think about her the way I do,” I grumbled. She was mine. I didn’t like anyone looking at my girl, so sue me. I don’t give a shit. She’s mine, end of story.

  “Do you think about your other female staff that way?” Motherfucker was trying to make a point, but I didn’t appreciate it.

  “Hell no!” I have thought about being with a woman since I met Sarah and even then my only thoughts were I needed a release and not just from my hand.

  “Then you are just perverted for her. You just need to get her a job where the boss isn’t a pervert and tries to hit on his employees so you will have nothing to worry about.”

  “Yeah, I guess you are right, but she wants to do it on her own. She is so damn smart and independent. It’s hard to get her to do what I want all the time.”

  “You should be grateful. You could have a woman like Brandi who wants all you have, just for putting out.” We laughed as we pulled up to the condo. I was anxious to see my girl. I kind of didn’t want my boy there so I could enjoy my woman in private, but he’s my guy and Sarah wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “So what are you going to tell her? What’s our story?” We sat in the car as we thought of a reason why we were back so early. Paul was going home tonight, so David was either staying or catching a cab. When we entered the condo, Sarah was getting off the phone.

  “You’re home.” I smiled
at my man. He walked right up to me and squeezed me tight and kissed me like he hadn’t just seen me two hours ago.

  “What’s wrong?” I was concerned about his overt tenderness in front of David. I wonder what happened after he left the gym, because I already know what happened at the gym. I wonder if he is going to tell me. We needed to work on the trust. I know why he wouldn’t tell me, but I needed to teach him honesty was better than trying to protect me. I could see that his knuckles looked swollen.

  “Nothing baby, I was just not a lot of fun to play with. I was missing my girl.” He cuddled me tighter. Damn it, his touch had me forgetting I was mad.

  “It will wear off soon!” David’s smart ass chimed in.

  Bullshit is what I thought. I might have bought it, but I had just got off the phone with Detective Turner and was informed that the order of protection went through and Michael was informed already because of an altercation with Jason.

  “You sure that’s it? You didn’t throw your back out or anything?” I will play along.

  “Nope, we thought we would just come and hang out with you tonight.”

  “Yes, and I get the boot after dinner so you two…” David started swiping his index fingers across each other saying shame, shame on us, but we didn’t care. I had enough of the charade.

  “Michael, do me a favor. If you want my trust, don’t fucking lie to me. I just got off the phone with Detective Turner.” The look on their faces was priceless.

  “Yes, I see you know what she told me.” I crossed my arms, looking at my man and his partner in crime. I wasn’t going to lie down and just take it. I will let him control a lot, but I draw the line at lying, no matter what the reason, unless of course it’s a surprise.

  “I just wanted to spare your feelings. I didn’t want you to fear for your safety or mine.”

  “Michael, I understand you want to keep me safe physically and mentally, but I want to know if my deranged ex is out to get you. Now enough about that, what do you want on your pizza, fellas?”

  “Pepperoni,” shouted the hungry observer from his perch on the chewed up couch.

  “Baby really, tell me, are you mad at me?” Michael felt like he was on punishment and I hadn’t actually been angry or mean, but my disappointment was felt.

  “No Michael, I am not, but I prefer honesty in this relationship.” I let him kiss on my neck when he whispered sorry again.

  “Good, now I want some veggies on my pizza. We didn’t get that great of a workout tonight at the gym,” I told my girl suggestively.

  “Okay, I will order it right now. You too pick something to watch and I will bring the beer.”

  “Spoken like a good wife! You have her trained well!” David said loud enough for her to hear and for me to laugh a little and shake my head. David received a smack to the head by a playful Sarah after she handed us the beers.

  “It is no wonder he doesn’t have a girl. No manners what so ever,” Sarah said as she sat on my waiting lap.

  “There was a Bulls game on tonight. I DVR’d it. Let’s watch that.” Sarah flipped on the DVR and started the game.

  “See, what did I tell you? Trained.” This time he caught a throw pillow to the head. We all laughed and I stole a quick kiss from my girl.

  “Hey baby, where is the little fuzzy terror?” I noticed that he wasn’t at my feet yet.

  “He is in his room, destroying it probably. I got one of the security guards to walk with me while I took him out, but he will need to go out again before we go to bed.”

  “Ok baby, we will take him for a walk after we lose this guy here.” I pointed at David, who looked hurt, fucking goofy jackass.

  “Oh yeah, I haven’t met the newest addition to the Vitale family yet.” David said purposefully, garnering Sarah’s attention.

  “Oh, let me go get him!” Sarah jumped off my lap and headed to the guest bedroom to get her little devil.

  “Nice drop of the Vitale name. I am glad she didn’t correct you. Perhaps she has resigned herself to her fate,” I said, satisfied by Sarah’s lack of negative response.

  “Buddy, she didn’t resign herself. She looks like she is waiting anxiously to be the wife of Mr. Michael Vitale.” David smiled happily at me.

  “You think?” I wondered. I have to look at my woman throughout the rest of the night. I needed to be sure. I was ready, but I didn’t know if I could handle a rejection.

  “Hell yeah. So are you going to ask her soon or drag it out? You have only been dating like two weeks, but you two already have had it in for each other for longer, according to Stacy.” I couldn’t take the grin away from my face.

  “Yes, I will ask her soon. I already have the ring. We love each other and we live together.” What could be more right?

  Sarah walked in a moment later holding Frankie in her arms. That dog was adorable when he wasn’t a terror.

  “David, I would like you to meet our furry baby, Frankie.” Sarah smiled gleefully.

  “Wow, he is a cute pup. You did good, Mike. He looks like he is going to grow into one of those strong sleigh dogs that race.”

  “The Iditarod is the name of the race. Yes, it will look like one of those handsome devils,” Sarah said as she squished her puppy to her chest. I was feeling a little jealous. I wanted her to squish my face into them.

  We played with the dog as he jumped around the couch and finally landed on my lap. Now it was Sarah’s turn to be jealous.

  “Hey Frankie, that is my spot.”

  I quickly scooted Frankie off my lap and pulled my woman down on it.

  “Yes it is, baby. Kiss me.” We shared a brief yet passionate kiss.

  “You two need to get a room.” David stuck his finger in his mouth pretending to gag, fucking asshole.

  “Hahaha, don’t be jealous; you have had Michael to yourself for a long time. Now he is mine.” She stuck her tongue out at him. That’s my girl. I love it when she is playful and sweet.

  Security buzzed to say our pizza had arrived. I got up and signed for it while Sarah got some plates, napkins, and some more beer.

  “So I was just thinking, David, do you have any openings that would fit Sarah’s qualifications?” I whispered to David, afraid to make any suggestions in front of Sarah, just in case he didn’t have anything for her.

  “I will have to see, but yes, I think I might. I would need her résumé.”

  “Whose résumé?” Damn that woman is fast and quiet as fuck.

  “Yours, baby. I was asking David if he had any availability at his company.”

  “Oh really? I can give you a copy via email tomorrow if that will work.” She was practically jumping up and down at the mere suggestion.

  “Absolutely. I have a few spots available, but I have to make sure I don’t ruffle too many feathers with hiring new people because I like to promote from within.”

  “Yes, that is understandable. Plus, I may have a MBA, but that doesn’t make me qualified as others with actual experience. I just want to get some work in before someone over here tries to tie me down with diaper duty.” I smiled at them. I had heard their conversation earlier. I realize I was becoming an eavesdropper, big time.

  Michael was beaming from ear to ear by that statement. I guess he was thinking the same way I was, thank goodness. I was hoping he was serious. We all hung around and watched the Bulls beat the Pacers 103 to 87 and then it was time for David to hit the road. Michael offered to drop him off, but David wanted to give us time alone. We called him a cab and sent him on his way.

  Frankie was yapping, so we got our light jackets for the chilly night air and took the pooch for a walk. We ended up in Millennium Park, which wasn’t too far from the condo when Michael tied Frankie to the little fence post and sat with me on the bench.

  He wrapped his arms around me, giving me a delicious shiver. “I hope you are not too cold to sit out here for a bit.”

  “No. No, I am actually perfect with you here to keep me warm.” I cuddled further into his embrac
e. Being in his arms is my favorite thing, it doesn’t matter where we are or what we are doing. The strength and comfort I get from them makes me warm and glow with happiness.

  “Always.” We sat there for about two minutes when I turned to the love of my life and put everything on the line. My heart started pounding hard in my chest as I got down on one knee.

  “Sarah, I know that I have told you that we are going to get married, whether you like it or not, but I have never asked. I love you with all that I am and will never stop loving you. You are the better part of me that has always been missing. I want to be the man you need, the way I need you. I want to watch you walk to me with joy and hope in your eyes as you give your name to me for safe keeping as you take mine. I want to grow old and gray with you. I want to watch your belly swell with my child. Sarah, I will love you forever. Can you handle that? Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife?”

  “Michael, I love you so much and I can and will handle your brand of love forever. Yes!” She was bouncing in her seat with excitement.

  I pulled the four carat diamond out of my pocket and slipped it onto her finger, kissing it and her hand before releasing her hand.

  “Thank you, Sarah. Thank you for making me so happy.”

  Chapter 20:

  The next two weeks flew by in a hurry. Sarah was no longer working at the office. She had started working for David at his company as an executive assistant to the marketing VP, who to my delight and relief happened to be a fifty-two year old female. Madeline had been back at the office and things had picked up right where they left off. Except I missed my woman since I only saw her when we both got home from work. With my goal to get a move on with the wedding, Sarah, Stacy, Kate, Anna, and Maddie had been extremely busy meeting up to discuss the plans and the dresses. I was glad I was leaving everything to her because I had my hands full at the office.

  The two idiots had not been heard from, and it was mistakenly assumed that they had given up after the last confrontations. The girls were out shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses. All the girls had left except Stacy, when we were confronted by none other than Jason outside the store.