Sweetness

by S Gonzalez

  I step into the bathroom, put my hands flat on the cold metal sink top and exhale with a giggle. Nothing about this is funny but if I don’t laugh I’ll probably cry. After a few minutes I clean up and look myself over in the mirror. I don’t want to stay in here too long but I don’t want to rush out in a hurry either. I have butterflies in my stomach and from the looks on my watch about a little over an hour left of our flight. I take one last deep breath and out I go.

  I immediately notice Gabe is not in his seat, which brings me a little relief as I scurry to my seat. After about five minutes I see him emerge from the bathroom. I am hoping that he was just as embarrassed to come out as I was and not joining the mile high club all on his own.

  Great, now I am blushing again. I try biting my bottom lip to stifle a smile but the closer he gets the less effective it is. He says nothing as he returns. He reaches down to retrieve his IPad and puts in his own ear buds to listen to music.

  I roll my eyes and look out the window for the duration of our flight. What a clusterfuck my life is.

  When we arrive at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, I can see that we are right on the beach, in the middle of all the action. The hotel is the perfect combination of Asian-American influence. The lobby is open and warm with hues of beiges and reds with warm wood accents. The high ceiling is woven with dark wood panels that give the whole atmosphere a feeling of opulence. I am awed by the space and glad as hell that this paradise by the water will be where I am staying for the next few days.

  Gabe keeps a close eye on me, smiling as I take in the surroundings like a kid on the first day of school. I mean, I am no stranger to good taste, but this is amazing. Even as we approach the front desk and I can’t seem to stop twirling around, needing to take in every detail. Gabe hands the woman at the front desk his black AMEX card and checks us in. The brunette takes one good look at Gabe with come-fuck-me eyes. He doesn’t seem to take notice. He simply nods at her politely before she checks his reservation.

  “Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez. Here are the room keys to your suite. Your luggage is already waiting in your room.” The brunette never looks at me but continues to flirt with Gabe as he removes the plastic cards from the counter.

  Mr. & Mrs. Hernandez? Wait…she is flirting with him even know she thinks he is my husband. That’s rude, not to mention unprofessional. I don’t know weather to be offended that she is flirting with my pretend husband or annoyed that she thinks he is my husband.

  “Thank you,” Gabe smiles and nods politely at the assumed husband thief behind the counter. “After you Mrs. Hernandez.” He says with a smothered smile. I gawk at him, confused.

  I narrow my eyes at his obvious enjoyment of everything that causes me to feel uncomfortable. “Why exactly am I Mrs. Hernandez?”

  Gabe lets out a small laugh, “What’s the matter Emma? You don’t like being my wife.” He asks mockingly as I glower at him with my mouth open. “Relax I didn’t make the reservation that way. They probably just assumed you are my wife. Would you like me to go down right now and correct her?” He raises his brow in question.

  I loosen up and shake my head in the negative. “I guess not. I was just surprised that’s all.”

  Without another word said we head off to our home for the next few days. The suite is modern but comfortable with a beautiful ocean view. The living room area is modern with a large TV hanging on the wall. I have thoughts of snuggling up with Dominic watching a movie but I then remember I am not in the suite alone. Gabe hovering around us will be uncomfortable. For all of us.

  “You can have the master, I will take the guest suite,” Gabe states while bending over and picking up his suitcase. “I am sure you will need more room since-“ He looks up at me, mid-sentence and his jaw tenses, “you will be having a guest for at least some of your time here.”

  I don’t know how to respond. “Uh…I…I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. I can stay with him if it makes you uncomfortable.” I lie. Of course I’ve thought about it. Banging Dominic on every free service of this hotel room is all I have thought about since he second he left New York.

  I look around embarrassed to be discussing my sex life with my boss. I don’t know why he is mad with me. He knows I am seeing Dominic and he has to know by now that we have sex. Not that it is any of his business.

  “I don’t think you want to do that. The band gets double rooms and very little privacy.” Well all righty then. Master suite it is. I scrunch my nose and look a little disgusted.

  “Well then, it’s decided. If you will excuse me, I will be in my room unpacking.”

  I open the door to my room and begin to unpack. After a long, uncomfortable flight I just want to take a nice long bath and unwind. Before I do, I should check with Gabe to see what our plans are for the evening. When I reach Gabe’s room the door is open. I knock on the doorframe and call his name, he doesn’t respond. I move further into the room and see him emerge from the bathroom bear chested, with his pants hanging off his hips, and naked feet. My eyes take full inventory of his flawless body. I admire his tan skin, broad shoulders, tight abs that narrow at his waist, and ripped arms, that are usually hidden under Armani. I visually trace his body all the way down to where his ‘Loin of Apollo’ is creeping into his pants. Jesus, this man is flawless. Gabe clears his throat, causing my eyes to dart up to his. We stare, each studying the other as the air in the room thickens with sexual tension.

  Speak, Hill.

  “Um…uh…I was wondering if you need me this evening.” I blush. I can never say anything to him that doesn’t imply sex. Damn it. I see a small smile creep up on his lips.

  “What I mean is, do we have any…what is on the agenda for tonight regarding work, sir?” His lips pull into a full blown smirk as I stumble over my words. I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly trying to regain my composure while taking a few steps back, standing in the doorway. Me in his bedroom while he looks at me like that is unnerving. Or dangerous, I haven’t decided.

  His eyes are grow darker and more seductive. “Nothing. You are free for the evening, Emma. To do anything you want.” He breaks eye contact and shakes his head as if he just had a thought. After removing his watch and placing it on the nightstand he moves about his room completely ignoring the fact that I am standing in the doorway, watching like a dope.

  “Is there something else you needed?” He steps towards me and places his forearm on the side of the doorframe standing mere inches in front of me. My breathing hitches and I notice his pupils are almost completely dilated. His scent engulfs my nostrils in an almost intoxicating way.

  “No, sir.” My eyes draw down to his lips before I catch myself and take a slight step back to put as much space between us as possible.

  “Well than Miss Hill. If you will excuse me I am going to take a shower.”

  Never breaking eye contact I notice him slowly shift his weight back to close the door. I release the breath that was locked away in my lungs and turn back to my room. What kind of an idiot am I? How do I always manage to make a fool of myself around him?

  Feeling guilty for even looking at him, I pull out my phone to text Dominic before I go in the bath. I know he is on the bus and I hate talking to him with all those people around so texting is my best way to tackle this.

  Emma: Hay babe.

  Dominic: Hay beautiful. What’s up?

  Emma: Nothing. Just got to the hotel. Going to take a nice hot bath.

  Dominic: Well now, that sounds interesting. Anything I can do to help?

  Emma: Hummm, what did you have in mind.

  Dominic: Oh, Sweetness, there are lots of things I can think of. Perhaps I will have to demonstrate when I get there.

  Emma: I will be counting the seconds.

  Dominic: We may have to drive faster. I don’t know how long I can contain myself. C U soon. Very soon! I turn on the water and pour some bath salts into the tub. I strip my clothes and emerge into the hot water, shoving away an
y naughty thoughts that don’t have Dominic in them. I can’t wait to see him in the morning. I contemplate making an early night of it just so time will pass quicker. My mind wonders to all the different things we can do together. It feels like an eternity since I’ve seen him.

  I don’t know how long I have been in the tub but the water is now colder. I get out and put on the hotel bathrobe after drying off. While I am in my room unpacking there is a knock at the door. No way in hell I am answering the door in my bathrobe. There is enough sexual tension between us as it is.

  “Emma,” Gabe calls through the door.

  “Yes… give me…give me a minute. I am getting dressed.” I rip clothes out of my bag to get as decent as possible before I open the door.

  “You don’t have to open the door, just listen. An associate of mine has just informed me that there is a band playing at a nearby club. She is interested in hiring our firm since she has heard such good things about us, including our role in the Lost tour. I was wondering if you would join me.”

  “Um…sure. Of course. I will be ready in about a half an hour.”

  “Ok, great. I am going to order room service first. Can I get you anything?”

  “Uhhh…cheeseburger, cooked medium, fries, and a diet Coke.”

  “You got it. See you in a bit,” he answers, his tone relaxed and friendly. Perhaps if I can get a drink or two in me I’ll feel more relaxed as well.

  A half hour later I am dressed in black skinny jeans, a white camisole, a loose fitting, dark gray, shirt that is cut wide at the shoulders so it lays off the one side, and black leather high heeled ankle boots. I twist my hair up and cinch it with a lobster clip with a few stray strands hanging off my face. I put on just a hint of makeup and look at my watch to see that I am right on time. When I exit my room, I see Gabe signing for our food order. He turns around and gives me a once over visually critiquing my clothes, again.

  “Glad to see you didn’t opt for leather and lace again,” he grins.

  “Well sir,” my words dripping in sarcasm, “I didn’t think it was appropriate for work.”

  “Are you mocking me?” He says with a smile, his bourbon colored eyes twinkling.

  “Me, sir?” I put my hand to my chest and fake my distain, “I would never be so bold.”

  “Yeah, ok,” he puffs out, chest heaving. “The band should be going on in about an hour or so. We have to get going shortly.”

  He pulls out my chair and motions for me to sit, gentlemen Gabe is back. We eat in almost silence except for some small talk about the band we are going to see. Apparently we are seeing some Indie rock band. So at least the music will be good, I hope.

  Once we are at the club Gabe throws his name around to get the VIP treatment right through the front door and into a private area where there is already a bottle of campaign on ice. We sit facing the stage off to the side so we can observe without being in the mix of it all. I see a tall, leggy, redhead eyeing us up from the corner of the bar. Gabe nods to her before she saunters toward out table like a cougar stalking her prey. She is all tits and ass. Her tight black dress fits her like a second skin. Her short red hair is cut into a sleek bob and her Lisa Loeb style glasses make her sexy, nerd girl look complete.

  “Mr. Hernandez, nice to see you in something other then a suite and tie.” The redhead holds out her hand, palm side down as if she wants him to kiss her knuckles. Instead Gabe grasps her hand firmly and shakes it as if the offer was lost on him.

  I peek at him from the corner of my eye, bewildered. Why wouldn’t he jump all over the opportunity to indulge her? This woman is attractive enough. Hummm…as a matter of fact he doesn’t give any woman the time of day. I have seen at least a half dozen woman throw themselves at him today alone, but he doesn’t seem the least bit interested.

  Maybe he’s gay? There’s a thought. Maybe that is why he enjoys teasing me with all the sexual tension. That’s it. That’s got to be it. He isn’t interested in me; he is just toying with me. It all makes sense now.

  I relax a bit more and internally laugh at myself for being so worried about the events of today. The plane ride incident probably just embarrassed him. A woman falling on his lap all breathy and nervous probably just isn’t what he’s in to. That’s got to be it. It is the only thing that makes sense. Clearly, Mia had it wrong. My father probably doesn’t even know he is gay. I don’t think he would have an issue with it but Gabe doesn’t strike me as the type of guy who allows people into his personal life. This gives me hope that we may be able to have a friendship without me acting like a bumbling mess after all. I can’t ask him outright about it, it would be highly inappropriate. I will have to be on the lookout for more clues.

  “Miss Wright, this is my assistant, Emma Hill. Emma Hill this is Angela Wright, the bands manager,” Gabe says in his CEO voice.

  “Nice to meet you Miss Wright.” We shake hands and I smile politely.

  “Miss Hill, nice to meet you as well. Mr. Hernandez has told me you are doing a great job with Lost. I look forward to working with you in the future.” She looks back at Gabe. “If I play my cards right that is.” She shoots him a wink before excusing herself backstage.

  We sit back down and Gabe pours me a glass of the expensive Champaign that was chilling in the bucket. “You know she was flirting with you don’t you.”

  “I know,” he flinches.

  “You do? Could have fooled me.” I take a large sip from my glass, staring at him over the top.

  “Emma, I don’t mix business with pleasure,” Gabe exhales. I nod my head slightly and shrug my shoulders. I’ll leave it be for now. He is going to be a tough nut to crack. He is always so damn serious.

  The band comes on and we sit and tap our feet in our seats. They are pretty good. The lead singer is kind of homely looking with his long, greasy hair and terrible wardrobe of tight skinny jeans and oversized t-shirt. I make a mental note to take care of that first if we are going to represent them. Total makeover for the band is a must. After two hours we get up to leave, we’ve seen enough to know they have potential. When we approach the bar area Gabe spots Angela waiving him over.

  “I will be back in a minute. Wait here,” he says directly in my ear before walking off toward Angela.

  Fighting my way to the bar I order two beers and wait for him to return. Within five minutes Gabe is back and I hand him his beer. We discuss the pros and cons of this particular group. Gabe agrees that they need a major overhaul in the appearance department and the lead singer is much stronger then the rest of the group. An inebriated blond tries pushing past me to get to the bar. She bumps my shoulder as she attempts to further squeeze between us. I glare back at her waiting for an apology but it never comes.

  Gabe watches me stare her down and interjects. “Ready to go?”

  “Sure give me a few minutes, I want to use the ladies room first.” He points to the far left corner of the bar area and I see the long line of woman waiting to use the restroom. Why is it that there is always such a long line for the ladies room and the men’s room is always empty?

  After what feels like forever I use the bathroom and walk back to where I left Gabe. I see the drunken blond hanging on him and he doesn’t seem to be enjoying her company. From afar I watch him. He’s annoyed, sitting on a bar stool looking away, toward the dance floor. She is very close to him and I can see him politely smiling and nodding as she continues to talk too close to his face. He spots me, his eyes pleading for help. Watching the scene play out in front of me I stand with my hand on my hip and bite my lower lip to repress a laugh. He narrows his eyes at me. I decide helping him is the least I can do.

  I clear my throat, stand up straight, and strut toward him. His eyes are thin slits by the time I approach. I sidle up right next to him and lace my fingers together before placing them on his shoulder. I run my finger down the side of his face and give him a very sweet kiss on the cheek. The girl pulls her head back and scrunches her face at me.

  “Ready to go
baby? I think its time for you to take me home now.” I say sweetly but loud enough for his new friend to hear me. I brush my nose against his cheek and down his neck, sniffing his masculine scent as my face fills the void in the crook of his neck.

  “Yup, lets get out of here,” he wraps his arm around my waist and gracefully eases off the stool holding me close placing a small kiss on the side of my head. The girl turns in a huff and curses as she walks away. Once she is out of earshot we both break out into a fit of laughter as he pulls me through the crowd. We get halfway across the dance floor and Gabe stops in his tracks while releasing his hold on my waist. I look up confused by his actions to see Dominic standing in front of us with sad and very angry eyes.

  “Dominic!” I say, excited to see him. I step toward him but takes a step back and puts up his hand for me to stop. He is looking at me, disappointed and angry. Definitely angry! But why? “What’s wrong?”

  “What’s wrong?” he shouts, “Seriously Emma!” He turns around and double times it toward the front door, carefully dodging the other patrons of the club.

  I look back at Gabe for answers. I shrug my shoulders with wide eyes in his direction. What the hell is going on? Why is he mad?

  Gabe thins his lips to a tight apologetic smile and shakes his head. “Perhaps he saw your little show and thought we were being serious.”

  Holy shit!

  “Hell. I’m sorry Mr. Hernandez. I am going to talk to him. I will see you back at the hotel.” He nods and wishes me a very insincere ‘good luck’.

  I run out of the club and look left then look right. I see Dominic cross the street at the corner heading back in the direction toward the hotel. Good thing it’s only a few blocks away. I sprint after him as fast as I can in heals but he is walking too fast. I call his name but he doesn’t turn back. I run across the street and I am nearly taken out by a cab that screeches to a halt in front of me. Dominic stops, turns to see that I am ok, than continues to walk away. I pick up the pace once I am safely on the sidewalk and continue to yell his name as I close the gap between us. The humidity and the heat make it hard to breath as I run in these god-forsaken shoes. When I’m about 15 feet behind him I scream louder, catching the attention of people all around us who are now staring at me like I’m crazy.