by Brenda Ford
“Sure, Marvin,” says Roger enthusiastic as always.
I’m so damn nervous that she’ll back out of it. I sigh as I lean back in my chair behind the desk. I’m glad I got to speak to her after all. I never meant to lie to her. I keep up to date on all of my businesses, but I’m never directly involved unless it’s a venture I started, not a business I invested in which I rarely do, which is why I was hesitant when Brenda approached me about it in the first place. She needed help, and I had the funds to do it.
In hindsight, I was curious about the jewelry business, and Emily had shut me down so many times when I tried to talk to her about it. I wanted Emily to be with me, so when she asked for the money, I saw it as a good opportunity.
I didn’t think of telling her anything once she accepted the offer because I never saw the need. All businesses have competitors, my being the owner of one of hers would have changed nothing.
It hit home at the restaurant that night. The idea of having her, then completely losing her. The whole ordeal affected me a lot more than I realized over such a stupid mistake. A selfish one, I knew that telling Emily would bother her, but I didn’t care.
I had her, and that was all that mattered. I’ll never make that mistake again. I won’t take her for granted if only she’ll take me back. Emily’s perfect in every way and without her I’m just a miserable, lonely fool.
I'm determined to talk to her if only just a little. I can't let what we have just ended where it did, and can only hope she feels the same.
“Mr. White, they’re here,” Roger announces on the intercom. I pop out of my office and Emily’s standing a black suit with her hair tied back. She looks the perfect and I notice that she has one of her designs on her neck.
She starts walking with them, and I rush up to her, and she stares at me for a second. Blinking as I hold on to her arm.
I bow, “Nice to meet you. I’m Marvin White, and my secretary will direct you to the conference room.”
Emily gently shakes her arm; she doesn’t like the way that I’m holding her.
“Marvin.”
“Emily, you look stunning today.”
She doesn’t even crack a smile. Something that she would have done in the past without hesitation.
“I just want to make sure that this deal goes smoothly and there’s no hiccups or misinterpretation of the deal.”
I nod my head, “I see. Can we talk for a minute in my office please?”
She hesitates as I motion with my hand. The last time she was in my office, she was sucking me as if there was no tomorrow. Calling it my lunchtime treat. How so much has changed in such a short space of time.
As soon as we both walk in and I close the door. I can see that she’s nervous about being alone with me. I’m not going to try anything; I just want to talk to her.
“Marvin,” she crosses her arms, which means that she's already defensive.
“I just want the lawyers to sign the deal, and then the merger between Glitter and Silk Box can take place. I noticed that Brenda’s not here.”
I sigh thinking that this isn’t how I wanted the meeting to go. I need to talk to her otherwise I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else for the rest of the day or even week.
“She’s on her way. Roger buzzed her the moment you guys arrived downstairs. Please sit down.”
She shakes her head, “Everyone’s waiting.”
“I know. Just sit.”
I didn’t mean to say it like that, but she gives in and uncrosses her arms and sits down. I sit on my desk, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve, and I need her to know that I mean it.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?”
“Emily, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kept my investment interest in The Silk Box from you.”
She’s looking up at me, but I can’t look at her. I’m ashamed of my actions, and my apology comes from the bottom of my heart.
“I shouldn’t have told you to come to Vegas with me to invest in your company.”
“Why?”
“Because it made perfect sense at the time and afterwards it made none. It’s as if I took your weakness to make use of you and I’m sorry.”
She stands up and faces me.
“I could have told you that I didn’t want to do it. I’m not a kid anymore.”
I nod, “I realized that before we got to Vegas.”
We both smile as our eyes lock and the silence is broken by a knock on the door. I want to kiss her, but I know that I don’t have the permission to do it. Not yet.
“After the deal maybe I’ll take you out for a coffee?”
“Maybe?”
I raise my eyebrow wondering if she’s teasing me or if she means it.
“Not maybe, I will do. Because after today I’m going to have millions in the bank. I may be able to take you to Vegas.”
“Really?”
“Only if you’re a good boy.”
She walks away from me and with her hand on the door handle. I know that nothing’s been in vain. She wants me back, but it’ll take the time to gain her trust.
I have time.
I’ve learned my lesson, and I won’t be making the same mistake again.
Never.
“Good, because if you’re not Marvin. Then you can forget Vegas and don’t ask me about it again?”
“Understood.”
She opens the door, and a flustered Brenda walks in, I can’t hear what she’s saying because I realize right then as Emily leaves my office. I’ve created a monster, and I like it.
Epilogue
Emily
We’re opening a new shop; our expansion plans have kept me busy after signing the papers to merge the companies.
I’m no longer working alone, but I have a team. One that allows me to work on the aspects of the business that I love the most.
Designing.
I’m good at my job, and the expansion has allowed expertise in so many domains, and it’s all down to one man, Marvin.
“Why are you still here?” Katie asks as she hovers at my door.
“I’m leaving right now, just give me a minute to pack up my things.”
She stuck with me through thick and thin, and with everything going so well, I’m able to give her a raise, to pay her back for staying when most left at the threat of closure.
“Good. It’s not nice to keep your boyfriend waiting all the time.”
I purse my lips but don’t argue.
“Well, remember he’s still on a thin line.”
“But it’s been six months!”
I laugh as she lifts her hands up in the air, “I know, but I thought that you were coming to the opening too?”
“Yes, but I was just thinking of seeing if Roger was still in the office too?”
It seems like someone has a major crush, it’s amazing that both our secretaries seem to be hitting it off. I’m not sure if Roger’s keen, but by the way, Katie’s wearing a hot sleeveless black dress with her boobs on display. I think that she’s more than keen.
“Is Michelle coming too?”
I ask because I don’t remember if she was on the invitation list.
“Yep, I sent her an invite too and to your parents as well. Don’t worry just get home and get ready. Okay?”
My mind is already moving ahead to getting home, and I’m excited. In the time since we signed the contracts, my relationship with Marvin has grown and in many ways matured. We aren’t running around like kids anymore. Even though I know that he’ll love it if we were sexual again. I want to take things slow. One step at a time, because I think part of the reason that I was so upset is that I rushed things. I thought that everything was perfect between us and it made sense to just spend all my time with him.
But I was a fool in love, and I don’t want to do that ever again.
As soon as I get in the car and drive home. I slip off my shoes and then head to the bathroom. After taking one a quick shower, I take out the silver dr
ess that I designed especially for tonight. I stare at it for a while remembering how far I’ve come in such a short space of time.
I’d dreamed about this day so many times. I dry my hair tempted to call Marvin and ask if he wants us to drive together. He’d offered before, and I kept thinking that it was too soon to move on to that stage. I want to take things slow, just for my sanity. He says that he respects it and I hope he does because things have changed between us and only for the better.
I do crave him sometimes at night I touch myself wishing that it’s his hand between my legs. I shake off my feelings as I grab the dryer for my hair. Before I switch it on, I hear my phone. I bend to get it off the bed, and there’s a message from Marvin.
Marvin: I hope you don’t mind, but Kurt’s picking you up in twenty.
Wow, he sent his driver. I quickly tell him, ‘Thanks’ and then get back to my task. Drying my hair. I wonder why he decided to send Kurt. I want to call and ask, but there’s no time to do that. I need to get going, because time is of the essence and for once in my life, I want to be on time.
After a failed attempt to dry my hair with only two minutes left to get downstairs before Kurt rings my apartment. I wrap it up in a bun and then slip into the dress. It’s not exactly how I wanted to go tonight. I had a more glamorous style pictured in my mind. The girls wanted us to go together, and I declined because this night means too much to me. I knew that if I went with them, I'd be even later.
I can’t be late!
Not tonight!
I grab my purse and even forget to put on the chain and bracelet that I’ve spent weeks designing. I rush back to my dresser where they’re on display and dump them in my purse. I’ll put them on in the car. With everything in place, I’m just about to open the door when my apartment buzzer rings.
Kurt!
He’s right on time, which is more than I can say for myself at the best of times. I slip into my three-inch heels, clear heels and hope I don’t trip at the end of the night.
On cue, I arrive outside and Kurt is holding the door open.
“Good evening Ms. Crawford. You look as lovely as always.”
I touch his arm and say, “Will you ever call me Emily?”
“Sure, if you really want me to do. Then, I’ll call you Emily.”
Thank goodness!
I’ve asked him about ten times, so there’s no way that I wouldn’t want him to call me Emily. Then, as we drive I look at the streets and realize something that as much as I want to take it slow with Marvin, I hate being alone and I feel it when he’s not around. I can smell his woody scent in the limo and it makes me want to call him and tell him that I want things to change. Maybe mom’s right and I’m really as stubborn as dad. I should be opening up the gates instead of putting them up as far as Marvin’s concerned and I decide that tonight’s the night that I’m going to make a change.
“Ms….Emily, we’re here.”
Crap! I forgot to put on my pieces. I quickly fix them and as Kurt opens the door, I notice that no one’s here.
“Damn! I’m late as always.”
He smiles, “Have a nice night and see you later.”
“Sure Kurt!”
I rush in and find that everyone’s seated and Marvin’s making a speech. It’s the first time that I’ve seen him in a tux and he looks as sexy as hell with his hair gelled back. I notice mom, Dad, Michelle and Katie all seated at the same table and there’s a space. I know that it must be for me. I rush over and notice that the displays are on the walls.
Nice!
They really set this place up and as usual I was too busy worrying about the designs to be a part of the finished look for tonight. I fake a smile at Brenda, to say that working with her has been easy, is an understatement. It’s been a nightmare, but we’re getting there.
“And here she is, late as always but in my eyes, always on time.” Marvin points at me and I feel embarrassed as all eyes are on me.
“I want to say that Glimmer as Silk, wouldn’t be the company that it is today without her. I wouldn’t be the man that I am today without her. Emily, come here please. I want everyone to see you.”
Oh no!
I don’t like crowds or speaking in front of everyone, yet I find myself moving slowly to the top of the wooden stage. I just hope that I don’t fall down. I look down at mom, who is beaming at me.
Hmm, what’s going on?
I look up and Marvin’s doing the same thing. As I stand in front of him, wanting to whisper and tell him that I really don’t like what he’s done tonight. I don’t get a chance as he goes down on one knee.
“Emily, you’ve made me into a man that I don’t recognize and I love it. Mainly because I love you. I want you to be my wife. If you’ll have me.”
I can hear from the side, both Katie, my mom and Michelle shouting, ‘Yes!’
But I ignore them as I see the big diamond ring in front of me and I think that I can’t think of anything better than being his wife.
“I love you Emily!”
With those word, I shout out, “Yes!”
He grabs me in his arm and then holds me. This night is the one to remember. Not only did my business expand, but I ended up with the man of my dreams. Not as the woman that was weak and needed fixing, but the woman that could be his wife, for life because she’s stronger and in more control of her own mind.
I hope you enjoyed your time with Marvin and Emily! If you love office romance that has some HOT steamy scenes, keep reading for an excerpt from my bestselling romantic suspense A CHANCE ENCOUNTER.
Excerpt
It just takes one casual encounter to find your someone special!
WOMEN - I had sworn them off my life!
Yet, I feel something in my heart when she crashes into me
Those wide green eyes and the embarrassment in them… They almost stop time for me
But then she runs away.
I never thought I would ever see her again
But, later in my office, the same green eyes meet mine!
I try to resist but my heart can’t.
And soon, there was that first amazing kiss!
Can I keep myself from falling in love again, especially when I know she’s having a child already!
or Was it the chance encounter that I’ve found the love of my life!
CHAPTER 1
Isabelle
I pulled into traffic after taking a long look at the yellow building, merging with the other commuters. I was so nervous about my first day at work and spent extra time getting ready this morning. My dark red hair was pulled into a smooth bun at the nape of my neck and my dark green eyes popped with the light liner and mascara that I picked out at the store over the weekend. I didn’t usually wear a lot of makeup but this was a new start for me and I wanted to present myself as best I could. I licked my glossed lips and sighed as I got on the freeway, singing along to the song that was playing through my speakers in the beat up Honda that I’d had for several years.
She was old and probably ugly to some people but my Grandma handed the car down to me. She died ten years ago, and the car was a way for me to remember her by. Well, if I was being honest it was also due to the fact that I was just starting a job in Seattle after moving to a cute little neighborhood just outside of the city. I did love the car though.
I exited the freeway and looked ahead for a coffee shop. If I hurried and there was one near to the building, I could sneak in for a cup. I grinned when I saw the building that housed the publishing company that I was now employed at and saw one right across the street. This day might go well after all. I parked in the designated lot and slipped my purse over my body before I walked to the crowded intersection, looking around at the tall buildings and gray sky with a rueful smile.
It was sure different from San Diego where I’d moved from.
The light changed, and I followed the crowd, separating myself along with a few others to head into the coffee shop. It was crowded, but I had
enough time to grab a cup and make it to work. I stood in the fast-moving line and ordered a large cinnamon brew before stepping into the group that was waiting for their orders. I looked around, trying to fit into this business crowd as I swallowed the lump in my throat. When they called my name, I stepped forward and thanked the barista for the coffee before making my way to the counter to add some cream to the cup, inhaling the spicy scent. I loved cinnamon coffee. I finished the preparation and sealed the cup before I turned to leave and go to work.
As I was walking towards the door, someone bumped into me and I almost lost my footing as I pitched forward. I squealed as someone caught me, closing my eyes to avoid seeing the hard floor and then opening them to see arms holding me steady. “I am so sorry. Someone bumped into me…” My voice trailed off as I noticed that my precious coffee was staining his pristine white shirt and dripping from his black tie. I blushed as I looked into his face, stunned momentarily by the bright turquoise eyes gazing back darkly at me. “Oh my God. Can I get you a napkin or something?” I knew that my voice was shrill, but this was too much for my first day at work. It was too much to process, and I turned to look at the counters for a napkin dispenser.
“It’s fine. I can change at work.” The voice sounded irritated and curt as I looked back with wide eyes. He looked angry and started to brush past me as I opened my mouth to speak. The man disappeared into the crowd to stand in line as people glanced between us, making me heat up even further. I dropped my shoulders and sulked out the door, mourning the loss of my coffee as well as the horribly awkward moment.
I did think about his eyes as I stood empty handed on the curb. They reminded me of the photos I’d seen online of tropical beaches in lands far away and those could be beautiful if he wasn’t angry. I sensed that he was the kind of man to show his emotions well and I was not his favorite person right now.
Oh well. It wasn’t like I’d see him again in this city. What were the chances?