by Dawn Umrie
Merissa
I’m dusting the house with one hand while my other holds my cell phone.
“Seth has been paying your rent?” Brook says with disbelief in her question.
“When you put it that way, it sounds like I have a sugar daddy or something. He isn’t paying all the rent, Brook, he never told me exactly how much.”
My phone signals a text. “Hang on, Brook, I’ve got incoming.”
“Me, too.” She says right after.
“It’s Seth in a group chat, so hang up,” I say, laughing, excited that it must be about the bar.
SETH: The Grand Opening for Blue Diamond is scheduled for next Friday night. Final Inspection was this morning, and we’re good to go. Trish is putting the last of the finishing touches as we speak, and I know you’ll all be pleased.
MERISSA enters the chat
MERISSA: Seth! Oh, my freakin’ God! The name… how did you know?
BROOKLYN enters the chat
SETH: Merissa, I will take your enthusiasm as approval. And, I think you know how. This night is for all of you, so I’ve got you covered. None of you will be working it. I’ll email the dates and times for you to meet the new staff, go over the scheduling, which will be on a new rotation, and get the lay of the land.
BROOKLYN: OMG… Blue Diamond like in TITANIC when old Rose threw the 56 Karat diamond heart into the ocean!
NATHAN enters the chat
MERISSA: Brook, I KNOW!
BROOKLYN: Nate! Hi!
MERISSA: Hi, Nate! Seth, you watched it? I’m touched.
SETH: Anything for you. Forget that the diamond’s worth could have set up her granddaughter and generations to come for life.
NATHAN: Hey, Mr. V, and girls. That old coot was senile AF to have thrown that necklace into the ocean.
MERISSA: It was romantic and worth far more to her than its monetary value.
BROOKLYN: I love that scene… she was the cutest.
NATHAN: Cute, my ass. That B should have thrown herself over the railing and left the necklace on the deck.
SETH: Ha-ha on that note, I’ll send each of you an email outlining the specifics. Any questions let me know.
BROOKLYN: I’ll fill Mike in, but I know you’ll probably see him later.
SETH: That, I will. Alright, work calls me.
NATHAN: Byee, Mr. V… thanks.
BROOKLYN: Thanks, Mr. V.
MERISSA: Talk to you later, Mr. V. ;)
SETH: No problem. Bye guys. Merissa, let’s do lunch today?
BROOKLYN leaves the chat.
NATHAN: Or do YOU. LOL
NATHAN leaves the chat
MERISSA: Classy hit and run by Nate.
SETH: This chat was as unprofessional as they come… and I’m strangely not complaining. Come over to Vas at 1:00?
MERISSA: We’re an interesting bunch. I will be there.
SETH: Do you need directions?
MERISSA: Nope, I’ll use my phone’s GPS. Can’t wait to see you. XO
SETH: Same here, sweetheart. xo
* * *
The parking garage is directly across the street from the shiny building that is Vas Enterprises, the reflections in the building’s windows giving it this effect. Conveniently, I’m able to walk through a covered pedestrian bridge that leads right to the building’s entrance. As I gaze up at the large silver letters adorning his building, I can’t help but think that I’m visiting someone else, not the Seth that wears jeans and gets scolded by his Italian mother for using the Lord’s name in vain.
Upon entering the vast lobby, I approach a large desk that looks more like a command center for the CIA.
“Hello, may I have your name, please?”
The woman has on a headset and is typing away at her computer, probably able to pull up the time I stole a Tootsie Roll from the candy store when I was 4.
“Yes, hi. Merissa Manolas,” I say as I survey the well-appointed, ultra-modern space.
Her fingers pause as they hover over the keyboard. “Ms. Manolas, Mr. Vas is expecting you on the 48th floor. I’ll ask that you go over to that gentleman for security clearance. Have a nice day.”
Mr. Vas, not Vastola… intriguing.
My boyfriend wears many hats, but this fancy fedora, so to speak, will take some getting used to.
“Thank you. You, too.”
I’m having a complete out-of-body experience, expecting to be carted off to another room where I’ll be probed by aliens disguised as humans. I place my purse through a scanner similar to that of an airport and walk very carefully through the metal detector as if by doing so, it will guarantee my clearance without setting off an alarm.
It’s like I’ve been teleported into another realm, one that’s very modern and polished, surrounded by men in suits and women in pencil skirts and blouses. I stand in the elevator, dead center, wearing a vibrant vintage rose pattern dress looking like a colorful flower that grew between the cracks of a concrete jungle. The thought makes me want to laugh out loud. I bite my tongue to the
point of pain to ensure that I don’t while looking down at the women’s’ practical pumps next to my hot pink Chucks.
Finally, reaching the 48th floor after stopping on almost every floor on the way, I come to another large desk with Vas Enterprises in thick silver lettering on the wall behind them. Two women look up as I approach.
“Hello, welcome to Vas Enterprises. Do you have an appointment?” the woman with bright red hair says, plastering on a rehearsed smile.
Jesus, I’m meeting my boyfriend, not the President of the United States, yet I’m getting the jitters.
“Thank you. My name is Merissa Manolas. Mr. Vas is expecting me.” I’m going to milk the name Mr. Vas for everything it’s got.
Red gets up from her seat and comes around to where I’m standing and shakes my hand.
“So nice to meet you, follow me.”
I walk behind her as she clickety-clacks down a long hallway, passing offices enclosed by clear glass along the way. She stops when we reach the only office with solid walls and a door that reads, Seth Vastola, CEO.
Seeing his name, I still can’t believe he chose me when he could have anyone he wants.
She knocks on the closed door and the deep, rich timbre of his voice sends tiny sizzle sensations throughout my body like I have hundreds of lit sparklers under my skin.
“Come in,” he says with an oh-so-sexy authoritative tone.
She opens the door for me and announces my name as if Seth and I have never met. He looks up at me from his computer in appreciation as he gives me a once over that glues me right to the spot I’m standing. The woman quietly shuts the door behind her as Seth gets up from his chair and comes around to stand in front of me.
“You’re so goddamn beautiful,” he says while his arms encircle my waist.
I drink in this beautiful man who stands before me, dressed to perfection in a three-piece gray suit, and an I-know-you’re-checking-me-out smirk forming on his insanely handsome face.
“Would your mom approve of such blasphemy?” I say while wrapping my arms around his neck and raking my fingers through his hair.
He brings his lips about an inch away. “Do you see my mother here?” He whispers before pressing them to mine, holding my neck firmly with one hand as he twirls his tongue with mine, sending pulsations of need throughout my body. He nips my bottom lip with his teeth before ending our kiss and pulling me closer, his strong arms wrapped around me. I breathe in his cologne mixed with clean soap and… him.
His chest vibrates with a deep chuckle. “Are you smelling me?”
“Guilty as charged, Mr. Vas.” I wink, then give his lips a quick peck while I softly push off his chest to go look out the massive windows that take up the whole wall behind his desk.
“What an incredible view,” I say as I take in the scenery that could be on a postcard.
“I agree. This dress looks incredible on you,” he says as he stands behind me, wrapping his arms t
ightly around my middle, his fingers lightly stroking my stomach through the material. I could feel his hardness against me, his warm breath next to my ear.
“Your scent—” he says while running his nose along the spot just under my ear. “Your taste—" His palms make a slow journey down my hips; his fingers graze the skin along the hem of my dress sending shivers down to my toes like a current. “Is fucking intoxicating. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”
My head falls back on his shoulder, using him as an anchor as his words and touch make me dizzy. “Seth –”
Soft knocks at his door are enough to make me jump in his arms before the door opens.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Seth. I didn’t realize you had company.” Seth’s PA says while looking over at me. “Larissa, hello.”
I wave to her. “Merissa.”
“Sorry, my bad?” she says with a smile plastered on her face as she places several bags, plates, and cutlery on Seth’s desk.
“I was just bringing in your lunch, Seth.”
“Thank you, Janine,” Seth says with slight irritation in his voice.
“You are very welcome,” she says to Seth with a bright smile on her face, her smile slightly fading when she looks over at me again.
I pipe in. “Yes, thank you, Janine. It’s nice to see you, again.” I emphasized the word, again, surprising myself. It wasn’t meant to be mean-minded on my part, but a twofold reminder. A reminder that a woman never forgets and to call her out on the inaccuracy of her comment in the ladies’ room at the charity.
“Yes… you, too.” I saw, the moment she made the connection. Her brightness lowered just a fraction as if controlled by a dimmer switch. She cleared her throat. “Enjoy your lunch.” exiting before we could respond.
“Let me feed you,” Seth says as he studies my face for a few seconds before planting a pillow soft kiss on my forehead. He begins to take out an array of containers from the bags, never noticing how my voice took on the slight inflection or her reaction during my exchange with Janine.
I sit in the chair in front of his desk. “Why thank you, Mr. Vas,” I say while blinking my eyes rapidly, my fingertip touching my throat.
He stops what he’s doing and places both of his hands on the arms of my chair caging me in. “Mr. Vas is going to spank that pretty ass in a minute. You’re making it very difficult to act like a gentleman in my office.”
I place both of my hands on his cheeks, “Who said you had to act like a gentleman?”
Seth lets out a deep growl. “I hope you like cold Thai food.” He says before taking my lips in an aggressive kiss.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Seth
Having been on the West coast of Florida the last three days on business, I’ve had to do a lot of delegating to get everything finalized for tonight’s grand opening. I’ve been assured that we are more than ready to open the doors back up. Between Trish’s tireless efforts and talent, and the amazing team I’ve put together to oversee every detail, I had no doubt.
The bar was originally just a vested interest, nothing more than a solid investment in the city, a deal that I would have considered a flip and eventually sold to someone else who wanted to make it their dream.
Not anymore.
Its success is for them.
For her.
Merissa and I have had to settle for short phone calls and quick text messages in between long meetings and her time spent at the bar with the rest of the staff.
I’ve missed her—yearned for her.
Three short days have felt like an eternity.
My driver will be here shortly, so I’ll be back home within a few hours’ time. Merissa and I will be spending the night at her place, which is another first for me. Ever since the conversation we had about how I helped her with the house, she hasn’t brought it up again. That’s one of the things that I love about her, she’ll tell her piece, then end it. The women in my past will beat a subject to death, then bring it back to life, only to kill it again.
I tried to convince my parents to come to the opening, but my mother said that they already had plans to attend a bingo tournament at the church. Therefore, I’ve always been able to stay grounded no matter how much money I’ve made over the years.
We’ve set up a new V.I.P section at Blue Diamond, so I’ve reserved a large table for all of us for the evening. Merissa said that everyone is most excited to try out the illuminated dance floor, and I would agree. Having her soft body in my arms, swaying in time to the music is the only thing I’ve been thinking about since I woke up this morning.
Maybe not the only thing I’ve been thinking about.
Last night, I picked up a gift for her after calling several jewelry stores before finding what I had in mind. I know that she’ll love it. That is after she gives me hell for spending that kind of money on her, but she’s going to have to get used to it. I plan on spoiling her as much as possible.
In every way possible.
* * *
A lot has happened since I bought Graffiti’s, turned it into Blue Diamond, and met the love of my life at Perks. My sister reminds me all the time how I owe her, so I replied that I’d find her a man who’s just like me. I laugh thinking about what she said back, “I said owe me, not try to punish me.”
Brat.
She’ll be at the opening with a new guy she just started seeing, so I’ve been threatened to be nice as if she needs to worry—much.
I pull into Merissa’s driveway thinking maybe, I could try to convince her to let me buy her another car, one that is reliable, so I don’t have to keep worrying about her getting stuck every time she ventures out. I don’t really see that happening, but I could be very persuasive.
I open the driver’s side door, then remember to grab the gift bag from the floor of the passenger seat. She opens the door as I’m walking up the pathway and gives me a soft kiss before I enter.
I place her gift on the coffee table. “Jesus, you look so beautiful that my eyes hurt.” I bend down and kiss her forehead.
She’s wearing a sapphire blue mini dress with her waist open except for the crossing straps that sparkle.
“Thank you, and you look very handsome, as usual. I love what you’re wearing.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. I’d much prefer wearing you.” I say as I grab her by the hips and pull her into me.
She puts her arms around my neck. “I’ve created an insatiable monster.”
“That you have.”
Thinking about my gift for her, “I’m glad you wore blue tonight.”
“Brook and I both decided to, in honor of the name and all.”
I love it when she acts shy, not quite making eye contact. “Did you both decide not to wear shoes?” She’s still barefooted.
She puts both hands on her hips, “I’ll have you know, that wearing heels all night is no easy feat… pun intended.”
I laugh, “But, you look sexy as all hell in them.” I grab her hand and kiss the back of it. Hey, I got you something.” I walk over to the table and pick up the bag.
“What did you…?”
“Please, just accept this gift without giving your boyfriend a hard time… deal?”
She bites her lip to one side. “Deal.”
She takes out the tissue paper, then reaches in and removes the burgundy velvet box and opens it.
“Oh. My. Sweet. Jesus.” She touches the blue diamond earrings with reverence. “Seth, they are… wow. I love them.”
She reaches up on her tiptoes and presses her lips to mine. “You are wonderful. Thank you,” she says inches from my lips before placing a kiss on them.
“In one minute, I’m going to show you just how wonderful, so we’d better get out of here before we end up missing the opening.”
She excitedly jumps out of my arms, taking out the silver hoops that were in them already, in exchange for the new ones.
“What do you think?’ She says moving her head from side to side to show me.
Her eyes become glassy and I worry if maybe I shouldn’t have quoted her favorite movie, until she jumps in my arms, her dress riding up, as her legs wrap around my waist. She hugs me tightly while I hold her up by her beautiful ass.
I practically growl in her ear. “Baby go put on your shoes before I bring you upstairs right now.” She practically slithers down my body and I groan out loud, while she looks pleased with herself.
What the hell is this woman doing to me?
Merissa
A simple car ride with Seth is making me all too aware of my new-found overactive libido, then toss in how sexy and capable he looks with one large hand gripping the wheel.
A man driving is sexy.
Seth driving is just unfair.
“Sweetheart,” he says with a soft laugh.
Great, also add in a term of endearment and I’m a goner. “Mm-hm?”
“You alright, baby? You’re staring into space over there.” Humor lacing his words.
“I can’t help it. Have you seen yourself tonight?” Seth is wearing a black button-down shirt, two small blue diamond cufflinks that he must have bought with my earrings, and black slacks, but they have a unique black on black pattern to them.
And…he winks. The man has mastered the art of seduction, in fact, he is the creator of it. Tonight, I’ll show him what I’ve got in my own repertoire.
Seth pulls onto a side street to get to the back lot where spaces are reserved for staff only.
“Seth, look at the line of people at the door! I almost wish I was working tonight.”
“I, for one, am glad that you aren’t. It’s good to see people coming… just like in the movie Field of Dreams, right?”
We both say the famous line in unison with a straight face that lasts all of two seconds. “‘If you build it, they will come.’”
He always manages to surprise me with how down to earth and humorous he is since many men in his position have taken pretentious-asshole-avenue, instead.
The first noticeable change is the metal door that I entered through daily, which shuts on its own for once. I giggle as I walk in ahead of him, allowing him to lock the door behind us.