“I was calling you back there from the car. I see now you had a headset on and couldn’t hear me. I was starting to think you were avoiding me,” he says, smiling. “Are you listening to anything interesting?”
Here I am in blasted yoga pants and a T-shirt standing in front of this impeccably stylish and well-dressed man. I reply. “Not really, just something with a beat.” I look away, feeling very inappropriately dressed for him and this neighborhood.
“Do you have time for a drink?”
I am floored, but I know I have to say yes. “Sure, where can we go with me dressed like this?” I ask as I look down at myself.
He chuckles. “How about that coffee shop at the corner? I don’t think they’re too picky about their patrons’ attire in there.” So he has a sense of humor. He walks back to the car and tells the driver not to wait. I gather that’s because he doesn’t know how long we’ll be. That’s thoughtful, I think. I wonder, is this considered a date? The driver waves at me and I wave back.
“Do you exercise down here often?” he asks as we head down the street together.
“No, I was just planning to go for a thirty-minute walk to clear my head and found myself here.”
“Well it’s a nice surprise for me.”
“Really? What are you doing here, Mr. Stone?”
“It’s after hours Violet, we are on our own time. Please call me Adam. And yes, it’s a nice surprise to run into you again. We seem to keep meeting this way.”
I am floored again. I’ve just been given permission to call him Adam when everyone around him that I’ve seen, except Paul, calls him Mr. Stone.
He answers my question. “I had an early dinner with a client, a CEO’s contract negotiation.”
“Oh, that must be interesting?”
“Well, the most important thing is the ‘out clause.’ CEOs today get paid to leave if they aren’t changing jobs voluntarily or renewing their existing contracts.” He winks and then smiles making me feel flushed. We approach the coffee shop and pick a table at the back.
“What do you want Violet?” My first thought is, you, just you with no clothes on. Of course that’s not what I say. “I’ll have a latte, please.”
“Do you want anything to eat? You must be hungry; you can’t have had dinner yet.”
I look at my watch; it’s almost 8. “A small scone is good. Thanks.” Are you kidding me? I have no appetite. It’s going to be a challenge just to drink the latte.
I watch him standing at the counter. The friendly female server is laughing and joking with him. Why am I not surprised? I roll my eyes. Gone is Adam’s serious demeanor. As he said, it’s after hours so this must be his after-hours self. He returns to the table with two drinks and my scone. I just want to jump into his arms.
“How have you been? Are you glad this merger is almost over? By tomorrow it will be a done deal.”
“Yes, sort of,” I reply.
He jokingly reprimands me. “Are you kidding? It’s been months and months of being cooped up in meeting rooms. Surely you must be a little glad, aren’t you?”
My inside voice tells me to remember my mantra: Today and every day, I am confident, I am successful and I am sexy. I am going to exercise this confidence now in my reply.
“It means I won’t get to see you again, Adam.” There, I’ve blurted it out. My intentions are known. I think he is speechless.
He looks away and then looks back at me. “We’ll see each other at the meeting tomorrow won’t we? And then again at the opening next week, you said you are going. I hope you are?” His eyes are locked on mine.
“Yes, I will be at both. And thanks for inviting me to the opening.” I know he is going to let me down gently now.
“Then we’ll see each other two more times. That is, unless you want to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
Did I just hear that correctly? I look up at him and he is smiling just waiting for my response. “Ah…yes, that would be nice. Where will we go?”
“Let me take care of that. If you take a cab with me when we are finished here, I can drop you off so I know where to pick you up tomorrow. Is 7 okay?” He could’ve said midnight and I would’ve agreed.
“Yes that should be fine.”
“Why do you look so surprised Violet? You know, I don’t save girls every day and I certainly don’t offer to drive them places either, but I did both for you.” So he remembers that day in March too. How can I not smile at him? He’s looking at me like we’re the only ones here.
“I didn’t know I was anything special to you.”
“Well, now you know. There’s just something about you, and I want to learn more, take a deep dive into Violet Cole.” I feel myself blush again when I think of what that deep dive could entail. Before I can respond he says, “We should go, it’s getting late.” He’s telling, not asking. I follow him out of the coffee shop and watch him hail a cab. He opens the door for me to get in first and then slides in beside me. “So where are we going?” he asks, pointing to the cab driver. I give the driver my address. I’m overwhelmed and feel like I’m dreaming. He interrupts my nervous thoughts, “Are you all set for the meeting tomorrow?”
“Yes, we are, and I still can’t believe we’re finally here. There have been many nail-biting moments.”
This makes him laugh as he says, “Yes, I remember the long calls with Paul after hours on weeknights and on weekends. These things take lots of time. That’s part of the process, though. It always is.” I nod in agreement.
The taxi pulls up outside of my apartment. Adam asks him to wait while he walks me to the door. I open my door and get out of the car. Adam comes around to my side and says, sounding slightly annoyed, “Next time, let me open your door. You shouldn’t be opening your own doors when I’m around, okay Violet?”
The earth has just opened up under my feet. Can this guy be any more perfect? I find myself apologizing, explaining, “Oh sorry, I am just used to doing a lot of things on my own.”
His smile returns when he says, “Maybe I can change that for a while.” He takes my key out of my hand to open the apartment security door for me.
“Thank you,” I say as he hands me back my key. He’s standing very close to me. I just wish he would take me in his arms and kiss me, but he doesn’t. Instead he takes a step back and says, “Good night Violet. I’m glad we ran into each other tonight. See you tomorrow. Sleep well.” I watch him get back into the cab and drive off.
Inside my apartment, I lean against the door and hug myself for a long while. My heart is pounding out of my chest. I feel so much excitement combined with disbelief. Dreams do come true! I hear Ann’s optimistic words from Sunday in my mind. I can’t believe what just happened.
I sit down on the sofa and pull out my cell. Ann picks up on the second ring.
“Hey Vee, what’s up.”
“Are you sitting down?” I ask.
“Yes. Ok spill, you clearly have something to tell me. It’s Mr. Stone isn’t it?”
“Yes! I went for a walk this evening and found myself in Yorkville again. Out of nowhere, Adam, he’s asked me to call him Adam after hours, I see him walking towards me. At first, I’m mortified as I’m dressed in yoga pants and a T-shirt. Not the best look, but there is a happy ending. Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m holding my breath. What happened next? Tell me now!” she demands.
“He asked me out for a drink. We went for coffee. And then he asked me out to dinner tomorrow night. Wow Ann, you were right! My heart is still racing inside of me. I am so excited and scared, all at the same time.”
“Yahoo!” she yells down the phone.
“I know. I almost can’t believe it. But it really happened! Sorry, I am blabbering now. How is your night going?”
“Forget my night. Let’s talk about you and Adam! So where are you going for
dinner?”
“I don’t know. He’s picking me up at 7. I’ll also see him tomorrow morning at the closing meeting. I’m so nervous I won’t sleep tonight. I was thinking I would go shopping after the meeting to buy something to wear to dinner. I need to expand my wardrobe.”
She laughs. “You mean now that you’ll be dating the successful lawyer you’ve gotta look the part! That is the most sensible thing you’ve said tonight. If you want, we can go shopping this weekend. I can meet you Saturday afternoon.”
“That would be great. Thanks Ann. Anyway, my head is still spinning. I need to lie down and breathe to calm myself. Geez, I wonder how he feels?”
“Okay, Vee. Glad you called me. Let’s connect after your dinner then. Love you. Bye.” The line goes dead. I will not sleep well tonight, I am too excited. Suddenly, my excitement turns to slight concern. My last date was a nightmare. I think back to when the jock tried to force himself on me, and how it made me feel scared and angry. I breathe to calm myself. Adam is not a jock; he is a businessman and well-established lawyer. His mannerisms indicate sophistication, confidence, and experience, not a horny jock. I resolve to trust that I will be safe going out to dinner with him. My excitement soon comes back, reminding me that it’s going to be a long night. My thoughts trail to Gia. My eyes close and I can feel his lips pressing down on mine.
Chapter 5
I jump out of bed at 5. My plan to look great is even more important to me now, as this time I know I’m dressing for him. It’s his attention I’m seeking. I step into the shower and shampoo and condition my hair and shave all the right places. I slather on the expensive moisturizer Ann left behind that smells like vanilla and bergamot. Back in my bedroom I slip into the black matching bra and panties I bought and look in the mirror behind the door. I look good and feel sexy in the lingerie that will be underneath my dress. Exactly what am I expecting? Will tonight be the night? As I zip up the dress my form takes shape, showing a nice bust and curvy waist accented by the white belt around it. I put on my black sling-back pumps and look like a professional.
The meeting starts at 8:30, so I arrive at 8 and drop off my coat before making my way to the restroom. I want to check myself before anyone arrives, by which of course I mean Adam. On my way out, I hear his voice. He’s on the phone. He sees me and smiles widely, then winks at me. I melt at the sight of him. What is happening to me? You know what is happening to you, I tell myself. Adam signals for me to wait by raising his hand. I stand just outside of the women’s restroom door. He finishes his conversation with an abrupt, “I’ll get back to you on that,” and hangs up.
He strides towards me, glancing behind him to make sure no one is there. He looks in the direction of the women’s restroom and I shake my head confirming no one is in there either. Within seconds he gently pushes me through the door and pins me up against the wall inside. He is going to kiss me, I realize. Butterflies rouse in my belly. His hand is at the nape of my neck as he brings my face to his for our first kiss. The room spins. His lips are soft and his skillful tongue finds mine instantly, making this a very passionate kiss. He is the leader, exploring my mouth. I hear myself moan but I can’t help it. The sensations that rush through my body make my legs tremble. When he pulls away he looks in the mirror to check his reflection and says, “Good morning, Violet,” then exits the restroom, leaving me breathless.
I lean against the wall. I need to compose myself but stand there frozen. My heart is racing and my stomach is doing flip-flops. I touch my lips and can still feel his kiss on them. I take a deep breath becoming conscious of time and the important meeting ahead of me. I check myself in the mirror before I return to the meeting room, flushed from my first real kiss. My legs are still like jelly. Are all kisses that powerful? I must ask Ann. I enter the room and see Paul shaking hands with Adam.
Paul looks over at me, smiling warmly. “Good morning Violet, do you remember Mr. Stone?”
I pull myself together, standing tall and extending my hand to him. “Good morning Mr. Stone, how nice to see you again.”
He takes my hand and sounds very cheerful when he says, for the second time, “Good morning Violet.” His eyes look mischievous.
We are expecting the two CEOs to arrive at 10. Both Paul and Adam will go down to the lobby to meet them and bring them up to the meeting room. We are finally here: closing day. It’s a wonderful, fulfilling feeling. I have so much to be grateful for. A job well done and a man I am falling for more with every passing minute.
Adam is such a professional. He has complete control, unlike me who can’t stop admiring him for extended periods. I keep reminding myself it’s not just him and me in this room. He treats me with only professional courtesy. I find that impressive given the thoughts that are circling around in my mind like sharks in the ocean. The fact that he has so much control really turns me on. There is something wildly hot about having a secret that only we are aware of.
At 9:30 we break so that Adam and Paul can head down to the lobby. I deliberately stand up so he can get a good look at my dress. Although his demeanor is all business, he is looking in my direction watching me at the refreshment table. I need to walk past him to leave the room to speak with a hotel employee. As I walk past, I purposely brush my hand against the back of his hand that is hanging over his chair. The shock that runs through me is insane. I breathe deeply to calm myself.
The meeting is supposed to end at noon, followed by lunch in the hotel with Adam, Paul and the CEOs. Tom Brewster is the CEO of E&B Dominion and Brian Heller is the CEO of Berkley’s. They both have presence, but neither is like Adam, who is definitely leading this meeting. He gets the two to work well together. He masterfully recaps the steps that have gotten them to the final process and what needs to be done today to finalize the deal. He then outlines next steps around integration of the two banks, all heads nodding yes and both CEOs smiling. I am wowed by the power he wields in the room, making me wonder what he must be like in the bedroom. My heart races faster while I do my best to stay focused on the meeting. I can’t take my eyes off him. Hours later, the closing documents signed and witnessed, all parties around the table are shaking hands and smiling.
Paul comes over to me and pats my arm. “You were a big part of this, Violet. Thanks again for your commitment and good work, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
I see Adam looking at us as I smile at Paul. I am very fond of Paul in a professional way. I reply, “It’s been a pleasure and a great learning experience for me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.” I mean it sincerely, given I have only been with the firm a few months.
Adam suggests that the two CEOs and Paul head down to the restaurant and says he’ll be right behind them. The associate lawyers are also getting ready to leave. I pull my things together slowly with the hopes of getting even one minute alone with Adam. He steps out of the room and my heart sinks. All the excitement gone from my body, disappointment sets in. I manage to keep smiling as the associate lawyers shake my hand and say goodbye. I’m about to leave too when I hear the door opening slowly; it’s Adam coming back into the room. His blue eyes look darker now as I watch him lock the door. He gets to me in seconds and pulls me into his arms. His mouth pressing firmly on top of mine, the exploration begins again, his tongue doing the exploring. It feels amazing.
Between kisses he asks me, “Were you deliberately flaunting yourself in front of me today, Violet?” He enunciates my name again; it’s so hot.
Breathlessly, I respond, “Yes, did you like it?” I feel bold all of a sudden.
“Yes, I did, quite a bit, actually.” I lean in to continue our kiss. I just can’t help myself. Adam is a good teacher as my tongue finds his this time. After a few minutes, Adam steps back. “I’ll see you tonight,” he says. I watch him run his thumb over his lips to remove any residue of my lip gloss.
Before he leaves I ask him, “What should I wear?” I feel stupid asking wha
t to wear but I have no idea where he is taking me.
He smiles and says, “Something nice so I can admire you. I’ll pick you up at 7, okay?”
“Okay, see you later. Have a nice lunch.” He smiles as he closes the door behind him. Again, my legs feel weak and the sensations down there are undeniable.
I’m on my way to the department store and on cloud nine. I need to buy an outfit for tonight. Paul won’t mind if I work from home given the long hours I’ve put in lately. The department store is only two blocks away. Taking the escalator up to level 2 to the women’s department, I find an attractive sales associate who is dressed well.
“Hello, I’m Sophie. Can I help you?” she says with a nice smile.
“Yes, please. I need an outfit for dinner tonight.” I realize she is going to need more information than that to be truly helpful. I continue, “It’s a dinner date with a well, a very well established individual.”
She is smiling. “That sounds exciting. Let’s go over here. Do you have a preference for a dress or pants?”
“A dress is good, but not too fancy. It should be nicer than office clothes though. I am making this confusing, sorry.”
She smiles, “No, of course not. I suggest we go with a girl’s best friend, the little black dress.” I like this girl. She shows me an A-line, black, mid-sleeve and mid-length black dress; it’s simple but the material is good quality jersey. It’s not Chanel by any means, but it makes me think of Chanel and the ‘little black dress story’ Ann had told me about. With a nice necklace and earrings it will look good for dinner and without the adornments will be good for work as well. The dress accents my waist and has a rounded neck. With the new bra I’m wearing it shows just the right amount of cleavage. It’s perfect.
I walk out and Sophie smiles with approval. “You have a great shape. This dress was made for you! Do you like it?” she asks.
“I really do, thank you. I was expecting to be here for hours trying to find something. You’ve made it so easy.”
Solid Stone: Revolving Door Page 4