“You’re such a bitch!” he spat. “You better make sure it’s over between us, because if you get together with him, then we’re finished. I won’t take you back.” As Ryan stormed out, he slammed the door behind him. Dhalia’s head was spinning. She considered that inviting Ryan to Calgary might have been the biggest mistake of her life.
The Meeting
Dhalia received an interoffice envelope from Bradley on the first mail run. Ryan and Dhalia were being summoned to the boss' office at 11:00 a.m. It was evident the meeting was going to be running long, because the memo read that lunch would be provided. Even merely imagining being in the meeting with both men made Dhalia feel uncomfortable.
She decided to arrive fashionably late and got there a few minutes after 11:00. They both glanced at her as she took her seat. Bradley paced the office while Ryan and Dhalia remained seated watching him. She couldn’t resist allowing her mind wander as he walked around with such authority. He was a fine specimen of a man. Ryan was too, but Bradley seemed to grab Dhalia's attention more. There was an air of mystery and unattainability about Bradley that challenged her. He seemed so domineering and downright sexy.
Bradley’s office was atypical for an executive suite. He had floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the CN tower behind his desk. There was an expensive window cover that didn't allow for any light into his office that acted as a projector screen. He used it to show videos of skating competitions. It was controlled by one remote.
Bradley had two fancy chairs where Ryan and Dhalia were seated that were positioned in front of his desk. His desk was cold and impersonal, uncluttered and free of photos. It appeared that Bradley felt personal pictures belonged at home. Next to an adjacent couch was a fully stocked fridge and bar. It was a well designed office.
Bradley started, “I called you in today to discuss the ten competitors and to start creating agendas before they arrive at the camp. I want you to focus on their strengths and weaknesses to determine what needs improving. Keep in mind that if we have three male or three female contestants make the top ten this year at Worlds, then we will be able to send three males and three females to the Olympics next year instead of two in each category.
“My secretary collected images from recent magazines of the competitors and has their long and short programs on video for us to watch. We will focus on each competitor one at a time. Programs were taken from last year's Worlds, and if they didn’t make it to Worlds, then she took the programs from Canadians. Does anyone want a drink before we start?”
“I would love one,” Dhalia responded. “Do you have any orange juice? I was so rushed this morning, I never had a chance to grab breakfast.”
“Freshly squeezed, just for you,” he said adoringly.
“Thanks.” She moved her chair aside and took the middle spot on the couch.
“Ryan?” Bradley asked as he was pouring her juice.
Ryan paused and said, “Coke, thanks.”
Ryan got up and moved his chair beside Dhalia. Bradley brought over their refreshments and moved a table in front of them. The table had a folder on it and coasters for their drinks. Brad took the seat on the other side of her. Dhalia was amazed how life brought her into a position where she was now sandwiched between two perfect men, too bad it was only for a business meeting. She smiled at herself thinking it would be the battle of colognes that would win her heart.
“Let’s start with Sheena...” They discussed at length two skaters and watched their videos. When they were finished discussing the first two skaters Bradley put the lights back on in his office and suggested they break for lunch. "When we finish eating we’ll continue with the rest of the female skaters."
“Sounds like a plan.” Ryan nodded in agreement.
Bradley grabbed the phone on his desk and buzzed his secretary. On the loud speaker he said, “You can bring the food in now please.”
“Sure thing, Mr. Hotman.” She was elderly, clad in a navy suit with glasses hanging from a pearl chain around her neck.
Dhalia excused herself to freshen up in the executive bathroom down the hall. She spent a good couple of minutes reapplying makeup and spraying perfume. When she was looking fresh again she returned to the office.
The food was laid out on the conference table by the time she got back. Bradley had a variety of wraps with additional refreshments. It was a nice spread for the three of them. Dhalia took a plate and helped herself to a turkey wrap and a diet cola. She chose a seat away from the men so she could study their interactions as she ate.
Ryan and Bradley seemed to be tolerating each other quite well. With the way this meeting was going, she couldn’t see them getting out before dinner. They wrapped up their lunch as quickly as they could, so as to continue with the second half of the meeting. Dhalia stayed in her chair and they continued on with the girls. Bradley and Ryan sat together on the couch.
It seemed like the meeting was dragging on for ages. Bradley was in the midst of saying, “Okay, let's move on,” when Dhalia stood to stretch her legs and announced, “I’m going to Starbucks for a coffee. Does anyone want one?”
Trying to be helpful, Bradley offered, “I can have my secretary get you one.”
Dhalia refused. “I could really use some air.”
With that, she left the two men and grabbed her purse and headed for the coffee shop. She left the office door open. When she got back she thought she heard Ryan say her name in a really low voice, but she wasn’t sure. Dhalia really hoped they weren’t talking about her.
They were on their last female skater, when Dhalia looked at her watch and it was 3:30 p.m. Bradley noticed and offered, “How about we wrap up after this and do the men tomorrow at the same time?”
Dhalia rolled her eyes with exhaustion and said, “Sounds like a plan. I’m so tired.”
Bradley pulled out the next media picture and the meeting droned on.
Bradley concluded the meeting and Dhalia stood up quickly after grabbing her handbag. She told the men she was going home and not returning to her office. Bradley was the first to ask, “Are you okay?” A look of concern clouded his eyes.
“Nothing that a hot bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a restful sleep can’t fix,” she reassured.
“Sounds good, can I join?” Ryan enticed.
Dhalia smirked with disapproval. “I don’t think so!” She started out the door. Suddenly, she felt really giddy. Her face flushed and her heart started pumping out of her chest. She had this unexpected urge to vomit. The room went black and her legs weakened. That’s all she could remember.
When she came to, she was on Bradley’s couch. Ryan was apparently gone. Bradley looked overtly concerned, and when he saw her open her eyes, he rushed to her side. “You fainted,” he said. He took her hand.“I’m worried about you. I was going to give you a couple more minutes, and if you didn’t wake up, I was going to take you to the hospital.” He brushed strands of Dhalia’s hair from her face with his hands and stayed next to her quietly by her side.
She looked at Bradley and questioned, “Where’s Ryan? Why isn’t he here?”
Bradley flinched and responded, “I told him I would take care of you and sent him to work on the itinerary. I’ll have my secretary inform him that you’re okay. Let me take you home.” He picked up her bag and assisted her to a sitting position. “Thanks. I have to say, I feel a bit woozy.”
Bradley escorted Dhalia to the underground and helped her into his car. Before he turned the motor over he looked at her and said, “I’m taking you back to my home not yours. I want to care for you until I know you are okay."
Dhalia definitely wasn’t going to argue with him, “I’m not arguing with you.” He started the car and they sped off.
Bradley
After they arrived at Bradley’s house, which was like a mansion compared to anything Dhalia had ever lived in, he opened the door and escorted her up the mahogany staircase. “You can shower in my bathroom. You'll feel much better. I want you to feel at
home.”
They went to the master bedroom and Dhalia took a seat on his four pillar bed. Silky sheets and a plush down-filled comforter smothered the mattress. Bradley went to get her one of his business shirts and two towels.
“I’d rather wear your pajama top,” Dhalia told him. A starchy shirt just wasn’t her thing. She wanted his smell on her, even if she couldn’t have him.
“I won’t be accountable for my actions if you do,” he warned.
“I’ll take my chances.” She smiled at him. Dhalia was already feeling better when he led her to the shower.
“You’re not joining me?” she invited. He looked really tasty and she had never seen him naked before.
“I’ll be waiting for you when you come out.” Bradley turned and left the bathroom. The only vestige left behind was his musky scent.
He returned with his pajama top. He placed it on the bathroom counter and left for a second time. Dhalia honestly felt rejected. She strategically left the bathroom door open just in case he changed his mind. She would never stop him from doing anything to her, but it had to be him to make the move. He was far too sexy and she'd no doubt pounce on him at the slightest opportunity.
The shower was luxurious. Dhalia took her time letting the water beat on various parts of her body. Bradley had one of those fancy shower heads with multiple jets. It was decadent. When Dhalia was done she stepped out and towel dried her hair.
Brad's pajama top smelled exactly like she had expected it to smell, like fabric softener. Did the man not know better? He should have given her one he had already worn. There wasn’t a hint of his own smell on it. A tiny bit of disappointment washed over Dhalia yet again. She searched and found a hairbrush. She combed her long wet strands several times before returning from the bathroom. She wanted to look at least mildly presentable for him.
When she was as good as she could look, she stepped back into his “master’s room.” Bradley’s eyes pierced hers and the tension in the room became unbearable. “You take my breath away,” he commented. He tried to busy himself. He lifted the sheets for her so she could slide into his silk bed, and he covered her bare legs. Next, he went to his armoire to get a tray of food he prepared for her while she was showered.
The aroma of the food nauseated her. She had a couple spoonfuls of soup and told Bradley she was finished. She thanked him for his hospitality. When he took the tray away from her Dhalia reclined against the myriad of multicolored pillows. His taste in bedding and accessories was over the top.
“Lie down next to me,” she invited, praying it wouldn’t lead to another rejection. She was up for the challenge Bradley represented. She was starting to get used to it. The boundaries of their relationship at work and Ryan himself, must have been a great deterrent for Bradley to show any interest in her.
“I better not,” he said firmly.
“Please.....” She begged, licking her lips to entice him. This man was going to be hers.
He pulled down the sheets on his bed and slid into it fully clothed. Lying on his back, he didn’t even get close to her. Dhalia rolled on her side and started fumbling with the buttons to his shirt. He didn’t stop her. Once they were undone, she removed it. His chest was golden, with a light covering of hair that she ran her fingers through. She planted kisses all over his chest and then let her tongue run up and down his neck ever so slowly. She glided it to his earlobe where she sucked whispering “Take me.”
Then she started working on his pants. He was ready for her. She found this arousing. “Be careful what you ask for,” he warned. “You took my clothes off, in the room where I told you I was going to claim you. Now you will be mine.”
“I want you to,” Dhalia whispered huskily. She leaned in towards him and again she followed the outline of his ear with her tongue.
He turned so his lips covered hers. The gentle tug of his finger surprised her as his hand slid into her thong. He skillfully swirled his finger and then thrust it inside her. The harshness of it all rendered it all the more exciting for her. She was wet for him and couldn’t hold back from moaning. His tongue entered her mouth slowly, as if he was merely teasing her, then his rhythm quickened. He surprised her by thrusting a second finger into her with brute force and kissing her more fully, barely allowing her to breathe. At this point, she was soaking wet for him. She had to have him now.
She slid her hand through the very short hairs on the back of his neck. When it got long enough for her to grab, she yanked at them. He grabbed the pajama top she was wearing and tore it from her body. His mouth found her breast. He consumed it. She could feel her moisture start to travel to her inner thighs, her desire for him continued to increase. He slowly eased her breast out of his mouth until his teeth met her nipple. He pinched her nipple with his teeth hard and she squealed with excitement. He pulled at it expertly, sending her into ecstasy. The anticipation for his claim to her was mind-blowing.
Brad's kisses slowed and he withdrew his fingers. He was stopping before they got started. His carnal desire seemed to dissipate. Instead of kissing her passionately, Bradley was kissing her with mild affection. All she could think was what the hell did she do wrong to turn off his switch?
He shifted in his bed like he was attempting to get comfortable, and then he put his arm around her as he tried to explain. “My intentions weren’t for this to happen yet, but you are making this hard, me hard. I want you now,” he complained. “I’m not fighting it anymore. You will be mine ... now.”
Dhalia had no idea what he was going to do next, but whatever it was she was excited because now she knew, he desired her too.
Before she knew it, he flipped his body overtop hers. Her arms were locked firmly in place above her head. His knee separated her legs and then he laid claim to her. He took her. He was like a bull waiting to be released from its gate. With sheer power and brute force he drove into her with a raw passion she had never felt before.
His thrusts were relentless. His speed accelerating, and the sex cheetah in her, was matching him. His body pounded against hers with the strength of an untamed lion. His stamina and ferociousness fatigued her until she could do nothing but surrender with a primal utterance. He was barely human and she worshiped every second of it. Dhalia was unable to stop her body from pulsing uncontrollably.
He withdrew from her and ordered, “Swallow.” She welcomed him into her mouth and sucked hard as his self made potion flowed down to the back of her throat. She continued swallowing every last drop, and then she seductively eased him from her mouth. He cried out as he watched her. Afterwards, they laid together, spent. It was exactly what she would have expected from him, even more.
Dhalia laid in his arms for a while before turning on her side, facing away from him. The room was dark and quiet, the only sound audible was the even rhythm of Bradley’s breathing. He had fallen asleep.
While reminiscing and analyzing her feelings for Bradley, Ryan’s image popped into her consciousness. An unfounded emotion of guilt washed over her.
Bradley’s alarm went off at 7:00 a.m. Dhalia got up and dressed in her clothes from the previous day. Bradley offered to drive her back to the condo to get a new outfit before they went to work. He kissed her and commented on how lovely she looked after such a fine evening.
She grabbed her purse and checked her phone. There were four missed calls. Three from Ryan! He didn’t leave any messages. She prayed that when Bradley drove her home, Ryan wouldn’t be there. Her prayer was answered. The condo was empty. Dhalia took a quick shower while Bradley waited for her in the parking lot. Her car was still at the Association’s parking lot so he had to drive her to work too.
When they arrived, they went their separate ways. When she reached her office she closed the door and called Ryan immediately. He answered on the first ring.
"Where the heck were you? I was worried sick!" He sounded like her mom.
"I'm in my office," she said. “You sound terrible. You can come see me if it makes you feel any bett
er.” She decided to roll with it rather than fight.
"I'll be right there." She could just picture him rushing over to her office.
In less than a minute she heard a tap on her door. Dhalia let Ryan in and locked the door behind them so they wouldn’t be interrupted.
“I was worried about you after you collapsed. Bradley said he would take care of you, and he asked me to start working on the itinerary.”
“I was okay,” Dhalia reassured Ryan. “I laid down in his office for a while and later he took me home.”
“His or yours?”
Here we go again, she thought. “His,” she answered honestly.
“Why didn’t you go to the hospital?”
“I started to feel better.”
“So you never bothered to find out what made you pass out? Instead you went to his house? Did you spend the night?” Fury was evident in his voice.
“Yes, I did.” She wasn’t trying to hurt Ryan, but if he was going there, she was going to answer his questions.
“Did you sleep with him?”
Oh my God, the dreaded question. “It’s none of your business,” Dhalia said attempting to avoid answering. She knew if she lied he would know. She couldn’t cover it up, diversion was her only way out. “When does the meeting start again?”
“Did you?” he persisted.
Dhalia's face flushed, and she took hold of his hand.
“Yes, Ryan, I did. Why do you ask questions that you know the answers will probably hurt you? My relationship with Bradley has nothing to do with you.” As she was saying it to him, she thought to herself, who am I fooling? If it had nothing to do with him, then why did she feel so guilty? She couldn’t even go one night without thinking about Ryan, even after choosing to sleep with Bradley.
Kiss & Cry, Where Passion Awaits Page 5