by Young, Sage
“TMI Ty.” Brianna said.
“You are such a hoe.” Laughed Stephanie. “But seriously thanks guys.” Stephanie gave them a group hug. “I guess I better get ready for dinner. I will call you ladies later.”
They let themselves out as Stephanie prepared for her working dinner. She decided to wear a wrap-around sleeveless black dress. She gave herself one more look in the mirror before going to the living room. The doorbell rang, Stephanie looked at her watch, ‘seven o’clock exactly.’
Ivan had been sitting in his car for the last fifteen minutes. He could not wait to be alone with Stephanie outside of work; he wanted to give her his undivided attention. To hear her voice, to touch her, to kiss her, to fuck her. ‘What the hell is wrong with me? I run a goddamn billion dollar corporation and I can’t get my fucking emotions under control with this a woman.’
He got out of the car and walked into Stephanie’s building. She opened the door and inwardly sighed, ‘he looks so damn good; this is going to be harder than I expected.’
“Hello.” She said as she turned sideways to let him in.
“Hello yourself. You look absolutely beautiful.” That was an understatement. When she opened the door he was blown away by her beauty and the scent she wore was sending his heart rate into overdrive. He had been around beautiful women all his life but there was something special about Stephanie. Looking into her vulnerable and beautiful eyes, he felt an overwhelming need to hold her and protect her from the world.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. Just let me get the lights and lock up.”
His 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 was parked in front of the building. “Nice car.”
“Thank you. It’s sort of a hobby.”
“Men and their toys.” She said just above a whisper.
Ivan smiled and she realized he heard her comment. The ride to the restaurant was quiet. Ivan had classical music playing.
“That’s beautiful. Who is it?”
“Her name is Mina. She is an Italian singer from my mom’s era. I grew up listening to her. This song is called Non Illuderti, loosely translated it means don't delude yourself about love.”
“Oh.” Was all Stephanie could say, until Ivan spoke again.
“So, how do you like working for Quinn Corporation considering the few, uhhh, missteps we’ve had?”
“Missteps? Is that we are calling them?” She smiled. “To answer your questions, the work is demanding but I am enjoying the challenges.”
“Like completing a report that should have taken two days in five hours. Very impressive, Ms. Young”
“Well, thank you.” She said doing a mock bow in her seat. There was silence again and the music continued to permeate throughout the car. A short time later they pulled in front of Napoli, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Philadelphia. He turned to her before getting out.
“I hope you like Italian.”
She smiled at him as the valet opened her door. The smile on her face took his breath away. The restaurant was extremely crowded. The hostess walked up to them as soon as they entered.
“Good evening Mr. Quinn. Would you like your usual table?”
“Yes, that will be fine Maria, thank you.”
“Right this way.”
She said looking at Stephanie with a faint smile that did not reach her eyes. The restaurant was understated in its design, yet sleek and comfortable. Napoli was designed with a multi-tiered terrace, hand-crafted serpentine bar in the lounge and a cozy lounge setting in front of a roaring fire that added to the romantic atmosphere. From the moment they stepped over the stone threshold. Stephanie could tell a restaurant in Italy must have inspired Napoli.
“I can start you off with drinks. Would you like your usual, Mr. Quinn?”
“Yes.” He said as he stared at Stephanie. “And for you Madame.”
“Oh, I’m not really sure. What do you suggest, Ivan?” “Bring us a bottle of Barolo Pajana and Ms. Young will need a menu.”
“Very good sir.” And with that she was gone.
“This is a beautiful restaurant and I assume you come here quite often.”
“One of my college buddies who is also my best friend owns this place. And yes, I do come here often.”
“Well, thank you for bringing me here.”
“My pleasure.”
“So do you really think we are going to get any work done here? The lights are so dim and the setting is sort of romantic. Under different circumstances this could be considered a date.” She said jokingly.
“Do you want it to be?” Ivan said in a serious tone not taking his eyes off of her. Stephanie started to squirm in her seat, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
“Is that a joke, because I doubt I am your type?”
“Oh, really and what’s my type?” He asked staring intently into her eyes. It was hard for her to concentrate with his beautiful green eyes staring as if he could look straight into her soul.
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe a beautiful blonde haired, blue eyed model type. Like the one you are pictured beside of in those magazines featuring you as one of Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelors.” She said sarcastically. Ivan sat back in his chair still not turning away from Stephanie. After a few uncomfortable moments of silence Ivan leaned forward.
“While Ashley is very beautiful, I don’t have a specific type and while we are on the subject, we are friends nothing more, nothing less. What about you? Do you have a certain type?”
“My type, uh yeah, that would be losers who leave broken hearts in their path.” She said while raising her wine glass to him. “but I’m trying to change my streak.” Stephanie thought about her most recent breakup with Mark, a friend from college she reconnected with and started dating. They dated for six months when Stephanie decided to give him her virginity because he already had her heart. She recalled the painful moment, which sent a chill through her.
“You want to talk about it?” Ivan asked clearly seeing the pain in her eyes.
“No, he’s not worth my breath.”
Their dinner arrived and the conversation lightened as they talked about likes and dislikes families and careers. Once they finished dinner the waitress asked if they would like dessert. Stephanie declined stating she couldn’t eat another thing. Just then a very handsome man walked over to the table and sat down.
“Stephanie, this is my friend and the owner of this establishment, Marco Napoli. Marco, this is Stephanie Young.”
“It is very nice to meet you Stephanie Young. Such a beautiful lady Ivan. She must be special because I don’t ever remember you bringing a date here before.” Stephanie could not hide her look of surprise. She wanted to say that it was supposed to be a working dinner not a date, but instead she said. “It’s nothing like that, I am Ivan’s assistant.” Marco looked over at Ivan with a smirk.
“I think it’s a little more than that considering the way my dear friend can’t take his eyes off of you.” Ivan gave Marco a quick glare to indicate that was enough.
“So how long have you been Ivan’s assistant, Stephanie?” Marco said, amused at Ivan’s reaction. She explained that this was her first week. She also discussed her duties and working relationship with Ivan. The conversation continued between them until Marco excused himself to speak with other patrons.
“Ivan, don’t forget about the barbeque on the fourth of July. Maybe you would like to join us Stephanie.”
“Thank you, but my two best friends and I were going to throw some burgers on the grill.”
“Bring them along. The more the merrier.”
“Maybe we will. Thanks for the invitation.” She said while looking at Ivan for his approval. Ivan smiled.
“Ivan, you will make sure she gets the address?” Marco said without waiting for a response. “It was very nice to meet you Stephanie, and please don’t be a stranger.” He said and walked away.
“Would you like another glass of wine?”
“I better not. Two
is usually my limit.”
“Okay then. I better get you home.”
They left the restaurant and drove home, they engaged in small talk as soft music played in the background. When they pulled up in front of her building she turned toward him and thanked him for a wonderful evening. He got out and opened the car door for her and walked with her to her building. They reached the entrance of the building and she turned to him to say goodnight again.
“I’m walking you to your door.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I insist. I want to make sure you get in your door safely.”
They rode the elevator in silence, when they reached her door he took the key from her hand and opened the door.
“Good night Ivan. Thank you again.”
He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her softly on her lips. “Good night Stephanie. I will see you on Monday.” Stephanie closed the door leaned against it for support and softly felt her lips as her heart slammed in her chest.
‘He is a dangerous man.’ She thought and she was going to have to guard her heart closely working with him.
CHAPTER SIX
Ivan walked into his condo poured himself a drink and reflected on his dinner with Stephanie. ‘What is it about her that is driving me crazy?’ he walked into his bedroom. “I have to get her out of my head.” he said softly.
“Get who out of your head?” Ashley said as she sat up in the bed wearing a white lace bra and matching thong. Slightly startled, then angered, Ivan looked at her.
“What are you doing here and how did you get in?”
“Don’t you remember? You have me on the list and the doorman let me in. I thought you would be happy to see me. I haven’t seen you in over a week and I thought you might be lonely.”
She walked over to him and seductively took a sip of his drink. She put her index finger in the drink and placed her finger in his mouth. He instinctively closed his lips around it sucking the liquid off her finger. He loosened his tie as she unbuttoned his shirt pulled it down his muscular arms and let if fall to the floor. She started kissing him on his chest and then his stomach as she continued downward. He moaned inwardly. She dropped to her knees, unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants allowing them to pool at his feet. He grabbed her hands before she could release his
manhood from his boxers and pulled her to her feet. He then pulled up his pants,
“We need to talk, have a seat.”
Disappointed she sat on the bed with her legs folded under her and listened to him intently as he explained that their arrangement had run its course and they would not be seeing each other again.
As Danny drove her home, Ashley was livid. ‘If he thinks I'm just going to walk away, he needs to think again.’ Her plan had to work because she was going to keep him in her life.
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Over the next few weeks it was extremely busy and Stephanie loved the distraction. Ivan never mentioned the kiss. They worked together closely but it was strictly a working relationship. There were two major acquisitions the company needed to complete and that meant everyone was burning the midnight oil. The fourth of July was fast approaching and Stephanie and her friends decided to attend Marco’s barbeque. Ivan offered to take Stephanie, but she decided to ride with her girlfriends.
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MONDAY, JULY 4th
Marco lived in Whitemarsh, a suburb of Philadelphia. The ladies arrived around three o’clock in the afternoon. When they entered the house the party was already in full swing. Stephanie looked around for a familiar face when Marco approached and welcomed her and her friends to his home. He pointed out where the food and drinks were as he walked them to the back of the house, introducing them to other guests. The trio made their way to the bar. They were instantly aware that they were the center of attention. As they walked towards the bar, men eyed them with lustful looks and the women looked at them with envy. The three ladies were brown beauties and they stood out. Tara smiled and whispered to her friends that the song ‘Men All Pause’ by Klymaxx was playing in her head. They all laughed.
“You would say that Ty.” Stephanie said.
When they reached the bar, Marco told them to help themselves to whatever they wanted and to enjoy themselves. Marco turned to Stephanie and said.
“Ivan is somewhere in the house and I will let him know that you arrived.” Stephanie just smiled. The ladies got drinks and stood at the bar momentarily until they spotted a free table. As they were approaching the table, Adam and Lawrence walked up behind them.
“The word traveled through the party that three beautiful women have arrived and we had to see what the buzz was about. All I have to say is: Damn, you ladies look beautiful.” Lawrence joked. Tara punched him in his arm. “Thanks, I think.”
“We are just trying to rescue you ladies because these men look like they are on the prowl and the women look like they are going to pounce.” Adam said.
They all laughed as Isabella Napoli, Marco’s wife approached. She was a brunette with long flowing hair, a voluptuous figure and model-like features. She introduced herself and welcomed them to her home; she then focused her attention on Stephanie.
“So, I understand that you work for our Ivan. How is that working out?”
As they spoke, Lawrence wrapped his hand around Tara’s waist and whispered something in her ear and then they excused themselves. Adam asked Brianna if she was interested in a game of pool and she accepted.
“Now that we are alone, allow me to give you a tour of our home. That should give us a chance to talk.” Isabella said with a genuine smile. She hooked her arm into Stephanie’s and led her towards the house. Stephanie loved her beautiful Italian accent. She could tell that Isabella was a genuine person and she liked her immediately.
“So, I hear that you and Ivan are dating?” Stephanie looked away not wanting to give her eye contact or she would know how much she really cared for Ivan.
“No, we are colleagues.” Stephanie said.
“Me think thou protest too much.” She said with a smile. “From what Marco said, he could not keep his eyes off of you at the restaurant and we have never seen Ivan with an actual date other than the usual gold diggers and he has never brought them to the restaurant. I just wanted to meet the woman who has apparently captured Ivan’s attention and heart, I can see why. You are an extremely beautiful woman and you definitely have a warm personality.” Stephanie smiled shyly and thanked her for the compliment but denied Ivan had feelings for her. “Please dear, the fact that you are here is proof that he has feelings for you.”
“I don’t understand. Your husband invited me not Ivan.”
“But you see dear, the mere fact that you were even at our restaurant means that Ivan cares about you. Trust me, it’s a big deal.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Do you like wine?” Isabella inquired.
“Yes.” Stephanie said.
“Come, let’s have a drink and we can talk in private.”
Stephanie and Isabella talked for about 30 minutes before Ivan walked in with Marco.
“You better get your lady before my wife tells all your secrets and starts planning a Christmas wedding.” He whispered while laughing. Ivan quickly moved to Stephanie’s side.
“Hey.” Stephanie turned to see Ivan standing right behind her. She could feel the heat rising in her body. It was crazy how he affected her just by standing close.
“Hey yourself.” Stephanie responded.
“May I borrow her Bella? I’m sure you have given her more information that she can handle in a day.” Ivan said.
“On the contrary, we were just getting to know each other.” She smiled warmly at Stephanie.
“Well, I would like to speak with her if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all Ivan. Stephanie I hope we get to continue our conversation. It was lovely meeting you.” She leaned into Ivan and said. “She’s a keeper, don’t screw it up.” She kissed
his cheek said ciao to both of them and then walked away.
“Have you eaten?”
“No. I was about to look for Bri and Ty.”
“I saw them on the patio with Adam and Lawrence and they appear to have started without you.”
“Well, I guess it’s just you and me then.” Stephanie said with a smile. Ivan placed his hand on her lower back as he led her to the patio. She felt warm all over from his touch. They got something to eat and found a private table.
“So, how much dirt did Bella dish about me?” Ivan said.
“Actually she had nothing but good things to say about you.” Ivan raised an eyebrow.