by Jaye McCloud
“Sorry Mr. Bentini! I didn’t know you were there. I didn’t see you. Are you okay?” I finally realize that I sound like a complete moron and cut off my nervous monologue with another lame, “Sorry.”
“What do you have to be sorry for Ms. Hawkins? Of course you didn’t know I was right behind you. You couldn’t have, unless you have eyes in the back of your head. Do you have eyes in the back of your head, Ms. Hawkins?”
I can’t miss the hard emphasis on my name or the sarcasm dripping from his lips. Not able to bear his intense scrutiny I bend down to pick up my purse and laptop bag off the floor, where they fell when we collided.
He’s making me feel nervous and defensive. He’s intentionally trying to intimidate me, and I don‘t like it!
“No, Mr. Bentini, I don’t have eyes in the back of my head. I’m looking for Mrs. Bentini and took a wrong turn. She’s in the Pink Parlor and I’ve only been there once before. If you would be so kind as to point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.”
“My, that’s a lot of frost coming out of such a pretty mouth. The very least you can do is look at me when you’re addressing me.” I don’t know why, but my eyes start to water. As I work to keep the tears from spilling, he steps closer placing his hands on my arms, holding me steady in his firm grasp. “Damnit Tiressa. I’ve missed you. I can’t stop thinking about you.” His husky voice vibrates with passion, sending a shiver through my body. When I just stand there giving him the stupid eyes, like I can’t understand what language he’s speaking, he squeezes my shoulders and steps even closer, not an inch between us. His heavily muscled chest gently brushes against my soft heaving breasts causing them to tingle. One strong hand moves from my arm to undo the top button of my blouse, caressing the sensitive skin at the top. With trembling knees, I try to step away, but he easily holds me in place as he glides the back of his fingers across one throbbing peak causing it to pebble, seeking more of his attention.
“You know that I’m attracted to you.” He declares, swirling his thumb around one hardened tip. “And we can see that you’re just as attracted to me.” His gaze slides down to the breast he’s gently fondling, before hastening back to stare deeply into my dazed expression. “Give me a chance to show you how good we can be together.”
Although I’m weak with desire, I have enough strength to think somewhat coherently. He wants me to give up my job with his mother so that I can have the privilege of being what…his new toy?! It’s one thing to be attracted to him and to fantasize about him, and yes, to be passionately turned on by him, but this is really happening! Even though he has flirted with me, I have not reciprocated. And for him to actually want to act on whatever he’s feeling…whatever we are feeling... He can’t be serious because he knows damn well there can be no permanency in a relationship with him.
So, that means that he must want to use me. And he thinks that by telling me that he wants me and proving that I may want him, he figures I’m ripe to be ‘showed’ how good it can be…
What a rotten bastard!
I angrily knock his hands away. “Mr. Bentini…” I begin in a cool, albeit shaky, tone. “…I apologize if I have done anything that gave you the impression that…that I was…” I stop talking, not really knowing exactly what to say. My only thought is to get away from him, from this horribly humiliating situation. “Excuse me, I have to find Mrs. Bentini.” Wrenching myself out of his arms, I attempt to walk past him. “Tiressa!” He tries to grab hold of my arms again. But I don’t care. I dodge him and practically run down the hall, leaving him standing there staring holes in my back.
“Damn little brother. You sure blew that to hell and back.” William Bentini says frowning as he approaches Antonio from the opposite end of the hallway.
“Yeah, I guess I did, didn’t I?”
William continues. “So, what’s up with that? You know how Mom feels about us playing with the help.” He says in that superior manner that has always grated on his younger brother’s nerves.
“How about you mind your own business Will.”
“This is my business Tony. Mom is pleased with Tiressa and would be very upset if she has to put time and energy into hiring and training her replacement so soon.”
Tony stands toe-to-toe with his brother, belligerence firing from his eyes.
“You know I’m right, bro. Besides, there are plenty of fish in the sea.”
“Yeah, I know you’re right. And yes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. But this is the fish I caught and this is the fish I’m keeping.”
Will didn’t like that response. “Tony, I’m serious. You need to reconsider this before you really mess up.”
“Look big brother. I don’t question what you do with your personal life. Because if I did, I’d ask you why you’re screwing Katherine, when you have a fiancée.”
***
I finally make my way to the Pink Parlor, truly thankful that Mrs. Bentini in sight. I see Kathy immediately and sit down in the chair next to her. She looks up and her smile of welcome quickly turns into a frown of concern when she gets a good look at my face. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Yeah”, I reply with a shaky out of breath voice. “I got a little lost and found myself face to chest with Antonio Bentini.” Observing me closely Kathy ask, “Oh? Did something happen?”
Of course there’s no way in hell I’m going to tell her how I let Antonio Bentini caress my breast while I damn near purred like a Cheshire cat. “No. I was just surprised he was here at this time of the day. Not to mention that he can sometimes be a little intimidating wherever I see him.” To which Kathy replies, “Yes, I guess he can be at times. I don’t know what’s going on, but something must be because I ran into William here as well. Maybe they had a late breakfast with Mrs. Bentini and that’s why she isn’t here yet.”
Wishing I had never opened my big mouth, I quickly change the subject. I know what the rules are and I have no intention of breaking them or giving Kathy or Mrs. Bentini any reason to think that I would.
Mrs. Bentini comes into the room, with Mr. Honeycutt following close behind her, pushing one of those fancy serving carts with what I assume to be tea or coffee. We spend the next three hours discussing and making plans for their upcoming thirty-seventh wedding anniversary, which is months away. Well, to be more accurate, the event planner is more in charge of this big and very important event. Kathy and I are responsible for making sure things go smoothly, and we’re supposed to make certain that the planner has everything she needs…so that Mrs. Bentini gets everything she wants.
Afterwards, Kathy and I decide to meet up and have dinner at one of her favorite cafés downtown. We were able to park close by each other and walk into the restaurant together. We take our seats, place our orders, and chat while we wait for our meals. “So, do you still enjoy working for The Boss Lady after all the birthday party planning and wedding anniversary planning and the numerous to-do lists?” I know exactly what she means. Sometimes we’re at Mrs. Bentini’s beck-and-call for hours on end. Those days can be very grueling. “Yep…” I reply with a pretend grimace. “At times it’s a bit daunting, but I can honestly say that I never find it boring. Besides…the busier we are, the quicker the day goes by.”
“And what do you think of Mrs. Bentini?” Kathy asks next.
I give her a sassy answer. “She’s okay for a rich white lady. I don’t even mind her sharp wit and bluntness. She’s a go-getter and I’m not mad at that.”
Kathy says with a hint of disdain. “Yeah, she’s the queen of the Bentini clan and they all love her and try to keep her happy.” Then to my surprise, Kathy puts her hands over her face and burst into quiet tears, shoulders shaking like leaves in the wind. I move over to her side of the booth and put my arms around her, saying words that I hope are soothing. Crying people make me either uneasy or irritated or sometimes a little of both. I don’t always know how to comfort them and usually end up feeling awkward and useless. But this is Kathy and I’ve reall
y become fond of her; I hate seeing her so upset. “Kathy, tell me what’s wrong.” Still sobbing and covering her face… “I can’t Tiressa, I just can’t.”
“Yes you can…I won’t judge…and I promise I’ll do what I can to help.” Kathy looks at me with tears still shimmering in her eyes and confesses, “I’m in love with William Bentini.”
Well, hot damn! I didn’t see that one coming! Sure, Kathy is a looker and has known the Bentini family for years, but I’ve never seen her show personal interest in any of the Bentini men, or they in her. More importantly, she knows full-well how Mrs. Bentini feels about employees becoming personally involved with the family. Even employees they care about and have known for years.
“Wow.” That’s all I can say as I look at her. Now that Kathy has stopped crying, I move back to my side of the booth. The waiter brings our meals and drinks, and leave with an uncertain smile on his face. “If you want to talk about it, I’m here to listen. No Judgment. And I swear it stays between us.”
“Thanks. I feel better knowing that I can talk to you in confidence. But right now, I’m starving. I just want to eat this slice of pizza and my big-ass salad, relax a little, and forget that William Bentini exists. Even if it’s only for a few hours.” She says with a slight hitch in her voice. So, we eat our slice of pizza and big-ass salads and try to relax. Although Kathy laughs and talks, it’s easy to see that she’s still upset. In the parking lot, I give her a hug and make her promise to call me anytime she wants to talk.
By the time I make it to my apartment, on the other side of town, it’s past nine, and all I want to do is take a shower and fall asleep watching TV. Which is exactly what I do.
***
Antonio
“Hey bro what’s got you sitting in the dark looking at the stars…or shall I ask, who?” Nicholas Bentini saunters onto the patio and reclines in the chaise next to his brother. Antonio offers him a drink before replying with a slight grimace, “…the latter.”
“Such is the way of the fairer sex.” When Antonio quirks an eyebrow, Nicholas clarifies. “To torment us poor weak male creatures.” They share a laugh.
“You want to talk about it? You never know, it wouldn’t be the first time you benefit from my wise counsel.” Nicholas offers half teasing, half serious. Antonio smirks, “Wise my ass. I got you beat by four years.” They chuckle over their long establish sibling joke.
“Who’s the lady? Anyone I know?”
Without blinking an eye, Antonio a half-lie. “No, you don’t know her. She’s not in our mutual circle of acquaintances.” Nicholas doesn’t miss the word -mutual. Much to their mother’s chagrin, Antonio doesn’t hesitate to build friendships with people from all walks of life.
“So, does that mean she doesn’t have money or comes from money?” Giving his brother a contemptuous look, Antonio replies in a hard voice. “Yes, that’s exactly what it means. Does it matter?” Throwing his hands up in surrender, Nicholas attempts to soothe his brother’s ruffled feathers. “Whoa, whoa calm down bro. If it’s good enough for you, then it’s good enough for me.” They sit in silence for a few minutes, sipping their drinks, each in his own thoughts.
“Are you serious about her Tony?” A picture of Tiressa flashes in his mind. “Yeah, I am.”
“Is she serious about you?” Releasing a long sigh, Antonio reluctantly admits, “No, not yet. But she will be.”
“What’s the hold up?” Nicholas can’t help asking.
“I have two strikes against me.” Antonio says with a shake of his head as he refills his drink and offers his brother a refill as well. “What the hell do you mean two strikes against you?” Nicholas is indignant on his brother’s behalf. “What two strikes could you possibly have that will make any woman turn you down?” Shifting his luminous gaze back to the stars, Antonio answers truthfully, “I’m rich… and I’m white.” Tense minutes go by before defensive silver eyes meet concerned blue eyes, and then Nicholas whispers, “Oh, damn.” Antonio resumes his observation of the stars. “Be careful Antonio.”
Swinging his long legs off the chaise, Antonio utters defensively, “That was more than ten years ago.” Nicholas continues to look at him, apparently unwilling to open old wounds.
Antonio stares back at his brother, stone faced. “This is a different time, and she’s a different girl, Nick.” Nicholas plants both feet on the ground as well, “I hope you’re right, Antonio.”
“I know damn well I’m right.” Nicholas holds his glass up, offering a toast. “Then here’s to you and your lady, may you defeat every obstacle that comes your way.” Blue and silver Bentini eyes meet and hold before they click their glasses in understanding and support. “Good night bro, don’t stay out here too long. Mom would hyperventilate if she came down for morning tea and you’re there snoring like a drunk.”
“Yeah, don’t I know it?” Antonio Bentini chuckles at a long-ago memory. “Good night little brother.”
~~~~
Sharing my feelings with my brother has unleashed a desire in me that I have been suppressing since the first moment I laid eyes on Tiressa Hawkins. Her rejection rankles, but it only makes me more determined to have her. To show her that we belong together. I’m now consumed with the need to put my mark on her, so that she understands that she’s mine and only mine.
***
Tiressa
I’m not sleep for long, when the sound of my doorbell ringing wakes me up. Jumping out of bed, I hurry to the door thinking that it must be a family member with an emergency because it’s almost midnight. But no matter how scrambled I am, I never unlock my door without checking to see who’s on the other side. As I stand on my tiptoes looking through the peephole, I stop dead in my tracks. Standing on the other side of my door is the last person in the world I expect to see at my apartment in the middle of the night—or at any other time.
Antonio Bentini.
I’m in shock, unable to move to unbolt the door, and unable to move away from the door. His voice comes thru the thick wood of the door…low and strong. “Tiressa, I know you’re there. Please open the door.” I stand as still as a statue, barely breathing, hoping against hope that he will go away. My heart is beating a mile a minute, and I don’t know what to do. “Tiressa open this door. I want to talk to you.” He sounds annoyed and more than a little desperate. Pressing close to the door, I finally respond in a calm firm voice. “I’m not sure why you’re here, Mr. Bentini. Whatever you have to say can wait until the morning.”
“Tiressa. Tiressa. Open the damn door.” His voice is even lower and harder. He’s really starting to become irritated with me. Now I’m becoming desperate. “Please, Mr. Bentini, go away.”
“I’m not going anywhere Tiressa. Not until I talk to you. Now open up. Don’t force me to make a scene and wake your neighbors.”
“I don’t know why you’re here, but you need to go away.” I can’t keep my voice from shaking.
“Gawd damnit, Tiressa! Open this door!” He growls furiously. During my short time with the Bentini family, I’ve learned that they are a force to be reckoned with.
After unbolting the door, I step back, and keep backing up as Antonio Bentini enters my apartment; startling me when he turns to lock the door before walking into my living room, where I have retreated. Standing tall with feet braced apart and arms crossed, his gaze scorches me as it slowly sweeps from the top of my head, to my brightly polished toes, then back up again.
Antonio
I can’t stop staring at her. I’m captivated by the stunning picture she makes standing before me disheveled and half-naked with nothing on but a sheer nightgown barely protecting her luscious body from my hungry eyes and lustful imagination. Although I’ve spent plenty of time with her, I’ve never seen her hair down before, and I’m mesmerized by the sight of glossy ebony hair falling softly on her shoulders. I can’t wait to run my fingers through it. Letting my eyes feast on her unbound breasts and firm shapely legs, I can’t resist speaking my thoughts. “I�
��ve never seen so much of your bare legs before, not even in a pair of pantyhose. You wear either slacks or those skirts that cover you up, which for some reason is damn sexy. I guess it has something to do with keeping your body a mystery. I freely admit that it teases and tantalize some of the men at the office; including me….hell, especially me.” Leaning a shoulder against the wall, I run my hot eyes over her delectable little body again. I can’t get enough of looking at her; I’m bewitched by the display warm caramel skin. I want to taste her…everywhere.
~~~~
Damnit. I left my robe on my bed when I dashed for the door. I need to put on some clothes. I turn and take a step towards my hallway saying, “Excuse me while I go change into something more comfortable.” His voice lashes out, low and gritty. “Tiressa, I’m not here to hurt you, but if you go into your bedroom, I’m coming in there too and I don’t think I’ll be able to resist taking what I want.” That sends a jolt right through me. I stand still looking around for something to cover myself with. There’s nothing available but a decorative pillow. So, I put that in front of me as I fold myself into the closest chair. Looking up, I see Antonio Bentini watching me closely with a knowing grin. “Mr. Bentini…” I’m trembling and I can’t stop it from sounding in my voice. “Mr. Bentini…can I help you with something?” He exhales an exasperated sigh. I can’t tell if he’s irritated with the situation or with me using his formal name. “Look, I’m sorry that I’m frightening you, but we need to talk. May I have a seat?”
He doesn’t look as mad as I imagined he was when he was on the other side of my door. Maybe he really does just want to talk. “Um yes, please have a seat.” I say without looking at him. It’s amazing how I fall back on training that’s well instilled in me, as I attempt to follow rules of decorum and courtesy…even in a high anxiety situation such as this.
“Tiressa, why won’t you look at me?” His piercing gaze has me hugging the pillow even closer to my body. I feel so exposed, wearing only a thin sleeping gown that barely reaches mid-thigh. He’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt. For some inane reason, I can’t help thinking how good he looks in casual clothes.