One day, she would use this information. She would figure out when and how to handle all the information she now possessed. Any immediate plan escaped her. Should she share this with Heath? Wait to see what David planned to do and work on getting more information out of him? She scrambled for the right answers. “I got it! There is only one good thing that can come out of this.”
She knew right then what she needed to do. She pushed David’s chair back in place and straightened his mouse pad to where it had been on his desk. She left his office, her hand firmly holding her keychain, the ballerina pressing an indentation into her skin. When she was safely out of the restaurant and in her dorm room, she looked around first to see if there were any noticeable cameras. When her room looked clear, she pulled the thumb drive off and tucked it deep in the toe area of leather boots she wouldn’t wear until school started. She pushed a pair of her thick socks in there as well. She propped the boots in the far corner of her closet next to her suitcase. There she thought the entire footage would be safely stored.
David walked into his office after a lengthy meeting with the contractor. His nose perked at the fragrance in the air. Lavin’s scent was present. A slight rose petal reminder that his nose detected in any room she graced. “Lavin, are you in here?” He was hoping she was in the bathroom, but there was no response, and all he saw in the dark empty bathroom was the raised toilet seat from when he’d last used it. He was disappointed she was not in there; he’d hoped to get a moment with her. They had been slacking in connecting recently, but he was also assured that she wasn’t connecting with Heath because the cameras hadn’t captured them together in any way nor had he seen any further interaction between them during work hours.
Forgoing restaurant work, he decided his task now was to copy all the videos and get them ready to finally send off to the editor of the Cape’s local paper. It was reveal time. Sending all of these, along with a letter completely describing Heath’s sexual acts and lack of judgment and professionalism would create a newsworthy fiasco and embarrassment for the ownership of Arden’s… Heath’s father. David would be hailed a hero for cleaning up this mess and removing such a piece of trash. He knew the owner would initially frown on him for the destruction of his son’s reputation.
Yes, the restaurant would take a hit and so would David; perhaps there would be a lawsuit from his illegal tapes. When news died away, Heath would be done, ruined, and the owner would eventually want to rebuild the restaurant. David felt he knew every aspect of Arden’s and the risk of all this would maybe reward him to be brought back to make the restaurant rise again. David would not be commended for his performance at first, but hopefully later, long after Heath was gone, things would change. His smile grew as the files copied, and he finished his letter. Signing his name and title gave him the power inside, the upper hand, and things were about to fall to shit in Heath’s world. David’s focus was so engrossed on Heath that he failed to realize there were far more damaging consequences of his actions.
Placing all the evidence into the manila folder addressed to the editor, David was about to seal it when an emergency demand from a heated chef called him to the kitchen.
“David, what the hell? You’d better get to the kitchen and see why there are not enough lobsters and get me some here in the next two hours.” The chef’s aggravated tone was clear through the phone.
Putting on his manager hat, he decided to button up the parcel later and slipped out of his office. He wanted the season to close with a bang and not just from the restaurant’s annual firework display on their final night of the season. Each year, the town enjoyed the festival of lights launched from a vacant area just beyond the restaurant. They shot high into the night sky and exploded into brilliant colorful displays. Hired professionals set this up during the restaurants last week and a few random fireworks were sent shooting into the night sky testing their workmanship.
David knew the release of his collection of X-rated videos would receive the largest “BOOM”. He would ignite instant gossip and shock within the town. He wished he could edit out Heath’s large cock; girls would flock to that. But he wanted full disclosure and the removal of this guy who still was under his skin, festering every single working shift.
With the finale of bright lights to observe, at the same time his package would be open and displayed across the editor’s desk. A brilliant well thought out plan, David would serve up the OOH’s and AAH’s along with the stifled releases and many other satisfying moans.
9
Present Summer Season – final week before closing
Down to the Wire
The end of the summer season at Arden’s was always a festive time. Not only were all the returning patron’s eager to land yet another reservation to dine, but many new customers came to have dinner, which they ended with a proposal. There were booked private end of summer parties, and the entire restaurant was bustling with a full staff and back-ups hired from a service. No restaurant wanted to close quietly and go unnoticed for several months. Arden’s made it quite memorable, making people want to return year after year.
The menu for the final week had been set and all the food ordered. Tyra and Zach repeatedly prepped the back-up servers on the bar drinks. No detail was missed.
Lavin had been distancing herself from David. She planned to end it with him as the season closed. She wasn’t certain where she would work next season, but she was determined to find something that suited her better. Thinking of all the times she’d been with him now churned her stomach. He was ready to settle down. Lavin was aware of that. She was ready too, but not with him.
That morning, Lavin carried a box of glass flower vases gently to the main dining area to begin cutting and preparing fresh floral arrangements. Each employee was working on a task before the shift began. “You are as beautiful as each of these roses.” Startled by Heath’s voice next to her ear as she cut the stem of the rose, she dropped the scissors to the floor. His breath felt warm and excited her senses.
Blushing to match the delicate pink petals, she enjoyed hearing his kind words. The summer season ending and with that she would again close her heart where Heath Harrison was concerned. Lavin would store him in her thoughts and in her heart, and maybe one day they would meet again.
“Allow me.” Heath retrieved the scissors from the floor. “Be careful, no more accidents for you. Your skin still hasn’t fully healed from the scalding.”
“Thank you, and yes, I will be more careful.”
Heath took hold of a yellow rose that had caught his eye. The shipment of flowers was always pink and white, which softened and complemented the black décor in the main dining room. Oddly, a single yellow rose was mixed into the order and stood out amongst all the others. Heath snapped the stem between his fingers, shortening the length of the rose.
“Hey, I need all these flowers to finish the vases.”
Heath stepped closer and pressed the bright yellow rose behind her left ear, slowly twining it into the highlighted strands that framed her face, hoping her hair caught around the stem secured it in place. “This is where a beautiful flower should be placed.” He pulled back, taking in his workmanship. Her smile, although slight at first, bloomed across her face.
He had achieved what he’d wanted. To make her smile at him. He would take baby steps with Lavin just to have her smile at him and see him for who he was. Many gave their bodies for sex—a vehicle and a means that didn’t reach his emotions; it only fulfilled his growing dick. He’d never pushed to have the conversation with her after he’d kissed her forehead when she burned her leg. He thought more often of his lips touching her skin that day and wanted to kiss her much more. Even now, she looked beautiful and he wanted badly to capture her lips.
This sweet gesture of his was innocent and heartfelt. He wanted inside her heart. He knew he could be good to her. He imagined them dating, being exclusive, and then marrying. His head was so into her, but he wanted, needed, her reassurance, an
d he hadn’t gotten that yet.
David entered, abruptly breaking their moment. “Heath, I think Lavin is quite capable of handling the floral arrangements, or would you prefer finish them and allow her more time with me?” His sarcasm blew holes into Heath’s thoughts.
“I was just…never mind.” Heath made certain his eyes pierced through David’s. He didn’t want Lavin embarrassed or caught up in any ugly words he wanted to blast at David. Hell, it was the end of the season; he could rip David a new asshole and say whatever he wanted, knowing that even though his father would anger, he’d get over it by next season. However, he didn’t want Lavin to see his anger. He simply left the room to find someone else to assist.
“Lavin, your hair looks beautiful with the rose in place. You should wear it like that more often. I hope tonight I can cover your naked body with rose petals and me.” David was sure of himself since Heath had walked away, backing down to his power.
She pressed her lips in a courteous smile. She was pleased Heath had given her the rose. Lavin continued to offer the fake smile that seemed to satisfy David. She yearned to be laid in a bed, covered with soft rose petals, and stroked gently and lovingly. She wanted kisses cascaded all over her skin until she was filled completely within. That is was she craved, desired, and wanted Heath to fulfill this evening.
Lavin finished her task at hand with the flowers. She filled each of the vases equally and arranged them beautifully. She was done in the dining room and heading toward the bar to catch Tyra. She and Tyra were going to discuss more of their own plan in place regarding the videos she had found. Her feet kept moving forward, farther away from where she heard her name being called out.
“Lavin, I look forward to spending time with you alone tonight. I will text you when things are wrapped up after the shift.”
She didn’t change her fake expression, nor did she comment. She reminded herself that a yellow rose adorned her hair. The sweet fragrance filled her senses and tonight, she was ready to put herself out there and try one final time to be with Heath.
She hoped the yellow rose survived the night at work because it was the sign she’d finally needed. She had a yellow sundress laid out on her bed to wear. She knew Heath would love her in it. He’d said his favorite color was yellow once when asked. Several had asked why, and he’d said, “I just like yellow; it comforts me.” His answer was amazing from across the room as Lavin eavesdropped, storing that to the long list of things she’d noted about him.
On a rare day off from work, she’d popped into a secondhand store that had a lovely yellow lace sundress in the window display. Happy that she’d scored a deal, she placed the dress in her closet for a special day to wear it.
Tonight was going to be the debut of the yellow sundress and the admission of feelings to Heath. It was going to happen. Despite time ticking away quickly, it was working in their favor, and they were moving swiftly.
Tyra had been blown away that she’d been filmed and the videos saved; she’d wanted to rip David’s head and dick off. Lavin had calmed her, explaining that she too felt vengeful, but the best way to get back at him was to plan something strategic and boomerang it back onto to him.
Lavin approached the empty bar area. She and Tyra whispered their plans although no one joined them near the bar. They winked in agreement; David was going down; they were hell bent on making certain that happened.
“On a much better topic, I finally decided I am going to open up to Heath tonight.”
“Well, let’s celebrate that, and don’t lose those good intentions. I don’t want us to wallow in a pitcher of Secret Crush. You can do this.”
“Sounds perfect. Tonight, I will share my true feelings. Hopefully, he will embrace me. Please be available if I come knocking at your door in pieces.”
“Lavin, you’re an incredible girl; one should hope to have you.”
They hugged, and Tyra felt ready to cry at any moment. She was happy for Lavin but hoped it would not end in disappointment. As they released each another, Lavin spotted her friend’s moist eyes.
“Are you crying?” Lavin questioned.
“Absolutely not. It’s the tiny jar onions I was opening up earlier; they get my eyes watering every time. Maybe I touched my eye with some of the juice from the jar.”
Lavin winked at Tyra and walked away from the bar with all her vases. Her next task was to put them onto the tables and then place the stemware and plates.
The evening was uneventful, and the patrons raved over the food and service. The entire staff enjoyed a drink afterward for a job well done. Tyra made a pitcher of Secret Crush, only she added more alcohol than it called for. “This is so good!” Lavin drank down a glass and extended her hand for more. Tyra gave her another round, along with the liquid confidence to catch up with Heath and talk to him.
David had sent Lavin many texts, which went unanswered. He feared the season’s end would cut him off from her sexually, and he wanted all he could get now. Pacing his office with nothing left to do, he decided to take a walk into the dorms and see if anything was happening. Maybe he’d catch Lavin in her room and lock the two of them in there for the rest of the night.
The loud sounds of the fireworks had faded into the night air. Just a few loud bangs sounded from the initial test fireworks. No grand finale yet. Lavin had finished getting showered and changed. In high heels, which she hadn’t had the opportunity to wear all summer, she walked down the hall, hoping Heath would be alone and invite her in. Her legs were shaking nervously. Her hand connected with his door, but she didn’t knock. She tightened her fingers into her palm, ready to tap the wood, and again they did not knock. She paused; was she doing the right thing or was this the biggest mistake she would ever make? Second-guessing herself, her hand fell to her side. She walked a few steps way. She was going back to her room to hide once again. However, she knew she needed to face him. She had to do this step herself; there was no more time, the season end was closing in fast. She didn’t have anything to lose. She flipped her feet around and was instantly greeted as the door opened before her hand grazed the surface to knock.
“Lavin? Wow, you look incredible. Who’s the lucky guy? “Heath questioned from his open doorway, blown away at the vision of her in front of him.
“Actually, I was just heading to my room; I was out for a drink earlier.” She wasn’t lying; she was chicken shit and clearly heading past his door. Also, there was truth in that she earlier was having a drink. Her smile was genuine. She didn’t want to let him know all this was for him. She was about to escape as she always did. She was thankful he caught her in time or she would have been back in her room alone again.
“Lavin, if you don’t have to rush off, I would enjoy your company.” His voice was filled with sincerity.
When she walked closer to Heath, he almost came undone. He had to maintain his composure tonight. Sure, he wanted to remove her dress and lay her in his bed, keeping the high heels on. But that wasn’t going to happen. Not this night.
They sat in silence for a few moments and then both attempted to speak at the same time. Each offered to let the other go first.
“You go ahead, Heath.”
“No, you can start, but I’m glad I stopped you in the hallway.”
Lavin took the lead. This was unlike her. She was the one with personal walls built sky high who rarely opened up. She was doing the opposite, tearing the walls down and putting herself out there, finally opening up to Heath after so long. Pouring your heart out to the man you have dreamed would look your way, one that you have had a crush on wasn’t an easy task. Hell, Lavin would wait on a full night of tables with no back-up servers; that would be easier.
“Heath, at first, I was afraid of you. I thought if I acted like my co-workers, that it would be only a fleeting night. During this past season, my feelings evolved, not for David, but for you.”
Heath reached and took her hands into his. Not to stop her words, but to hold onto the love she was giving h
im and to hold onto a part of her as his blood warmed and rushed through his body. Never had anyone poured out their soul to him. Never had he loved, yet he knew this was something extraordinary, and if it was love, he was all in.
“Heath, you can tell me to leave if this conversation is too deep. I must confess I’ve had feelings for you for a long time. I pushed you away every time you tried to get closer; I was scared to let you in.” Her eyes reflected sincerity. “I once had a secret crush on you, but it’s so much more; I have fallen for you.”
Her words flowed straight to his heart. He was thrilled that all this time they’d been on the same page. Wanting one another, hoping they could be the better person for each other. Lavin had so much to tell him, two summers of conversations withheld. She continued to speak, unaware the Heath had left his door open.
Heath had initially thought to close the door, but to make her feel comfortable; he’d left the door ajar. If things between them advanced and they wanted privacy, he would surely close it tightly. No one was stopping by his room, and the hallway didn’t seem to be well traveled this evening.
Heath pulled her into his arms. There were no more words exchanged for the moment. Something more important was to be done. Their lips found each other’s, and they exchanged a deep passionate kiss, sealing their feelings for one another. Tonight didn’t have to go beyond that. They were getting to know one another. They were each taking a baby step toward the other.
Whispers escaped his kisses. “Lavin.” Kiss. “I too.” Kiss. “Have fallen.” Kiss. “Completely in.” Kiss. “Love.” Kiss. “With you.” Kiss. “Lavin, I don’t miss much where you are concerned; yellow is my favorite color, and you look irresistible tonight. But then I generally find you that way.”
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 103