Authors: Stella White
''But a brilliant one. One Matthew can't do without.''
''Thanks. Okay, I'll come back.''
Aaron gave a huge sigh of relief and kissed her on the cheek. Matthew saw it and clapped.
''We'd better explain all this to the doctor,'' Aaron said.
''I'll do it. I think I'll be able to explain it better.''
In the car on the way home, Matthew sat next to Jodie on the back seat and put his head on her lap. When they arrived at the mansion, Jodie put him to bed and waited until he was asleep.
When she came back downstairs, Aaron was sitting outside in the place where they'd had their argument. ''Do you want to go for a swim?'' he asked.
''I don't know. It's been a long day. I'm tired,'' she said.
''Yes it has been a hell of a day. But once again you saved us. I really appreciate it. And I'm sorry about what happened. I'm going to bed. Swim if you want.''
When Aaron was in
bed,
he heard Jodie dive into the pool. He smiled. She was back, thank God. He was so tempted to peek out of the window at her in her swimwear, but he was determined not to do anything more to upset her. He would get over it and meet someone else one day.
Aaron had the best night's sleep he'd had in many weeks. When he
woke,
he was refreshed and ready to do battle with the world again. When he went down to breakfast, he smiled when he saw Matthew and Jodie making eggs.
''Have you got some for me?'' he asked Matthew.
Matthew shook his head. ''All Jodie's,'' he said.
''My word, I think I've completely lost my child to you.''
''He's an excellent judge of character. And a charming man,'' Jodie joked.
''Just like his father then. He'll go a long way in life.''
Aaron had breakfast and left them to finish. When he arrived at the office, Megan saw that he looked more relaxed than he had done in weeks.
''Great,'' she said when Aaron told her Jodie was back. ''Play it cool and reel her in slowly.''
''No. I'm not playing that game anymore. She doesn't want me in that way. I'll get over it, for Matthew's sake.''
*****
A few weeks went by, and Aaron had managed to temper his enthusiasm for Jodie. Matthew was back to his old self and Jodie seemed to be happy again. Aaron did everything he could to keep things on an even keel. He threw himself into his work and went on the trips he wanted to. Matthew was making progress
again,
and everything was running smoothly.
''How was he today?'' Aaron asked when he got home. Matthew had already gone to sleep.
''Great. You know it will soon be time for him to go to school. Have you thought about that?''
''Yes. He's down to go to a school for autistic kids. He can't cope with mainstream school.''
''No, of course not. That's great. He's a really great
kid,
and I love him to bits,'' Jodie said.
''Thanks for all you do for him. I think your love is mutual,'' he joked.
That evening was
warm,
and Aaron sat outside and went through some paperwork. He fetched a bottle of wine from the cellar and opened it. Jodie came downstairs in her robe intending to swim.
''Have you got one of those for me?'' she asked.
''Sorry I only got one glass, I'll get you one,'' he said. ''There,'' he said when he came back.
''I see you have already forgotten what you said to me all those weeks ago.'' she said.
''Sorry, I don't quite follow.''
''You only got one glass. You could have got two and invited me.''
''Oh. Sorry. Yes, I could have. How thoughtless.''
''Stop treading on eggshells, you're not that kind of man.''
''I'm frightened you will leave again if I do anything to......''
''Upset me?''
''Yes.''
''I've been thinking about it. You shocked me. But now I'm used to the
idea,
and I can feel you meant it. It wasn't just that you wanted to get
in
my panties. You really do respect me. If you
didn't,
you wouldn't be able to behave as well as you have the last couple of weeks.''
''What are you saying?'' he asked.
''I'm saying I would be open to something
more......
er........I mean, if you still want me I would like to explore how that would be.''
''So you are saying you would like to get to know me better.''
She smiled. ''Yes. In a sexual partner kind of way.''
''What has changed you mind?''
''Time. Not being rushed. You. You are a wonderful man. Okay, you haven't got a clue about women, but you are nonetheless a lovely guy.''
''I don't suppose you are going to swim this evening?''
''I might.''
''Maybe we can swim together?''
''I'd like that.''
In the pool, it was Jodie that pulled Aron to her. He was still in shock at her sudden change of
heart,
and he was still wary.
''Kiss me,'' she said. He kissed her and loved the softness of her lips. He felt her breasts touching his
chest, they
were
firm,
and her nipples were already hard.
As they
kissed,
she let her hand slip under the water and felt for his manhood. ''Wow that's quite some surprise,'' she laughed when she felt him. She slid her hand inside his shorts and held him. Slowly she began to rub up and down his length.
''Oh God,'' he moaned. He'd waited for this for so long. He'd thought it would never
happen,
and now it was happening, he loved it. He let her play with
him, he
was enjoying
to too much to stop her
. She too didn't want to stop. As her hand explored him, she felt a whole range of sensations. His hard shaft and the softness of his balls, their coarseness and the way he shivered at her touch.
''Take me to the shallow end and have your way with me'' she whispered.
He swam and pulled her with him, and when they could stand
up,
he stopped and pulled off her top.
She put her hands on his smooth chest and felt his tight muscles. Again she felt between his legs, driving him crazy with lust for her. Unable to wait any longer, he spun her around and pushed her against the side of the pool. Her panties offered no resistance as he ripped them from her. When his hand rubbed over her under the water, she moaned and thrust herself against his hand.
''Do it,'' she moaned. ''Take me.''
He pulled her hips to him, placed himself where he wanted to be and thrust into her with the force of a man who'd been waiting too long. Inside her, he stopped and kissed her neck, savoring the smell of her skin and the way her hair brushed his cheek. The water began to ripple as he started to move.
All the confusion that had played in Jodie's mind in previous months had
disappeared,
and she knew, more than ever before, what she wanted. She wanted this man. She wanted him to love her with all the intensity and desire he was now showing. The feeling of him inside her was the most intense sexual feeling she had ever
had,
and she wanted it to last for the rest of her life.
He was thrusting hard now. She could feel his hot breath against her back as he clung to her. One hand held her hip as the other caressed her belly, pushing against the pressure that was building up in her. As soon as his hand slipped between her legs, she cried out at the intense feeling that shot through her. His fingers were playing with her most sensitive
part,
and she couldn't hold on any longer.
''Jesus,'' she hissed as every muscle in her body tightened.
''Your so sexy,'' he muttered as he fought to control his breathing. She rolled her head violently as waves of pleasure racked through her. He stopped and held her tightly to him as she shook. When she was still, he began to thrust again. His eyes devoured her as she felt him slapping against her, the strength of him taking her breath away. He rammed harder and harder, until she came again, this time taking him with her. When she felt his desire seeping into her, she was overwhelmed and couldn't stop a wave of emotion engulfing her, sending tears rolling over her cheeks.
''Okay?'' he asked as he clasped her to him.
''Never better,'' she gasped
*****
Aaron had never thought he would find such intense love again. But in Jodie, he did. She loved him
unconditionally,
and when their first child came, he was blown away to see how much effort she put into ensuring Matthew didn't feel left out.
*****
THE END
I knew there was the possibility that I would have to manage personal matters for Mr. Ellis, but this was becoming a daily chore of which I had no interest.
“Ahem…” I coughed.
This woman was pretty, a tall leggy blonde with gorgeous skin. Her full figure was sprawled out over the rich silk bedspread, and I couldn’t help but compare her likeness to the girl from the previous night. Mr. Ellis seemed to have a thing for tall blondes. But, then again, there was the redhead last week that stayed for the weekend.
The girl in the bed stirred and snapped awake after noticing me at the end of the bed.
“It’s 10:30 am and Mr. Ellis has left for business. Breakfast is available whenever you’d like it and a car is ready to take you wherever you need to go,” I said.
“Thank you, but I think I’ll stay here until he returns,” she responded condescendingly.
I picked up a few of her things from the floor and tossed them to the bed.
“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible as Mr. Ellis will be busy the remainder of the day. We have your number should he fancy your company again.”
I couldn’t help but feel disdainful of the woman lying comfortably on the bed. She probably hadn’t done much with her life outside of looking attractive. It seemed that she wasn’t enjoying my ogling.
“Give me a minute to get dressed, and keep your tongue in your mouth. I only prefer men … most of the time.” She said while biting her lip.
The idea of sleeping with a woman like that seemed reprehensible.
“Whatever the case, I have business that needs attending. I’ll take my leave.”
She gave me a snarl while picking up her things. I paid her no mind and left the room.
The rich marble walls reflected the light passing through the skylight in the main lobby and illuminated the vast entry space. Brent, my driver for the day, stood by the front door with his crisp black suit and driving gloves at the ready.
I can’t say that I’m incredibly used to being driven around just yet, but it’s something I could grow to enjoy.
I snatched my briefcase from the entryway table, and Brent
threw open
the front doors for my exit.
“Thank you,” I muttered.
He ushered me into the black sedan, and I took a moment to look at today’s schedule on my phone. I was running a little late and was hoping that Mr. Ellis wouldn’t be too upset over my tardiness.
Brent was a safe driver and quite quick as well. Before long. we had left the grand estate of Mr. Ellis’ and were downtown. Perhaps I wouldn’t be late after all.
We arrived at a new dig site that was to be christened today. It was a notably large site in the downtown area and currently a parking lot. However, the location was excellent for what he was planning to build.
After exiting the car, I walked
with purpose
to meet with my newest employer. He stood beside a reasonably large stage where several members of the media were setting up for today’s announcement. I could tell he wasn’t nervous in the slightest and actually looked more excited than anything else.
If only people knew what
his nightlife
was like.
“Good Morning, Mr. Ellis,” I said as I approached.
He waved and continued to talk on his phone. I couldn’t tell incredibly well, but it sounded like he was speaking Italian. He held up a hand for silence as I approached and I waited for a moment taking the small amount of time I had to look over the day’s schedule.
I couldn’t help but look up from the schedule a couple times to admire the man who gave me such an auspicious position. He was quite handsome, if you’re into tall, clean shaven men. His short, cropped hairstyle eschewed his professional businessman persona, but his slightly unkempt tie and unbuttoned white dress shirt belayed what little professionalism he tried to exude. His dark brown eyes were piercing when he looked at me as I looked at him. And, as I distracted him he finished his call, and I produced a portfolio with some particulars he needed to look over.
“Mr. Ellis, this was faxed over from legal this morning. They need you to look it over before they make final arrangements.”
He looked down at the folder, opened it for a moment and folded it closed.
“What do you think, Nia?” he asked.
I made it a point to look over all legal documents; it was good practice for my business degree.
“They want to close it out at 15%, a 4% increase from the last proposal. You’d make an estimated 4 million from signing, and that’s before ground is struck,” I said confidently.
He opened it back up and sifted through a few of the papers. “What do
you
think? I want your opinion.”
I paused and thought. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was testing me, or if he really did just value my opinion. I considered a lie and thought I should agree with the numbers on the page but had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t enjoy his personal aide lying to him.
“The numbers are a little rough, but it’s a good deal. I think we could come up 3% on the back end but it’ll be a good investment either way, Mr. Ellis.”
He handed back the portfolio, and I stuffed it inside my briefcase. “Tell them to come up 3% or I won’t sign.”
I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that he’d taken my advice and I also couldn’t help the shallow feeling that I may be wrong and might have cost him the deal.
“Mr. Ell-“
“Nia, I know you haven’t been working here long, but,
after a month,
you’d think that you’d get over the formalities with me. Just call me Tom like everyone else does.”
“Of course Mr. El-.” He shot me a look and I realized my mistake again. “Tom”
Another well-dressed man approached from the other side of the stage. “We’re just about ready for you. Another five minutes and we’ll be set.”
“Good, good. I have to get back to the office as soon as possible,” Tom replied.
The stranger disappeared into the small crowd that began to swell.
“Tom,” I said, feeling a little more personal, “come a little closer.”
He leaned in, smiling, and I took the opportunity to straighten up his collar. I couldn’t avoid the amazing smell that wafted from him; the cologne he wore must have cost more than my old apartment. He seemed
not to be
paying much attention to his clothing as he lingered a little longer than was needed.
“You’re all set,” I said. “I’ll have the documents drawn up again for the meeting later.”
“Nia, what would I do without you?” he asked with a smile.
“You’d find another personal assistant capable of making a slob like you look good.” I said with a wink.
He couldn’t help but laugh for a moment. His laughter was stopped by the man from before tapping him on the shoulder. Tom nodded, flashed me another smile, turned around and joined the rest of the suits on stage.
I took a moment to send an e-mail to the lawyers to draw up the new documentation, and, before long there was applause on stage as Tom stood behind the podium.
“Today, we are here for an historic occasion. What used to be an open parking lot will soon become low-rent housing for so many citizens that need it.
“I wish I could provide a home for every man, woman, and child in need, but one man can only do so much. I would like everyone to know that this will not be the last development project in this area as I am in the process of creating new places for people both young and old to relax and play.
“We are building a new park and a new community center that will be free for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
“Today is the dawn of a beautiful and bright future for us all. Thank you.”
The crowd cheered at his comments, and I felt proud of my boss. So much money in the world sat in banks, but he wasn’t afraid to spend it to improve the city in which he lived.
I knew this area well as I had grown up not far away. I can remember staying indoors to study while avoiding the gangs. I couldn’t forget playing on the street during the summer with my friends and wishing I had a real place nearby to play. To be honest, it really did make me into the person I am today and I wouldn’t have changed a thing when I look back.
Tom stepped off the stage and shook a few hands. There were a few people that I recognized in the crowd, but I didn’t try to presume that they’d want to sit around and talk. I had no time for reminiscing anyway.
I sent Brent a message to start the car and joined up with Tom once again. He had finally managed to clear himself from the crowd of people.
He took a novelty shovel from another fellow and walked to the middle of the parking lot where a patch of dirt had already been cleared. He shoved the shovel into the loose dirt and paused waiting for all the photo’s to be taken before ripping the dirt from its rest.
After more hand shaking had finished, we made for the nearby waiting car. Brent held the door as the two of us entered.
“I find it odd, Tom. You could probably take a helicopter instead of waiting in downtown traffic.”
“I like being driven,” he replied before taking a moment to think. He continued, “Flying makes me feel like I’m looking down on people, driving makes me feel like one of the people.”
I enjoyed that sentiment; feeling like a normal person and not looking down your nose at everyone else. I felt attracted to his honesty and tried to push back any romantic feelings I had. It was easier to do this morning as I knew what his previous night was like.
It wasn’t long before we reached his corporate headquarters in the heart of the city. The massive glass structure loomed over most of downtown and housed nearly all of his employees.
It was quite intimidating to look at every time we came.
Exiting the car, I was greeted by a courier holding a small stack of papers. The lawyers had already redrawn the agreement and I briefly checked for the changes which appeared in order.
“Here you are, sir. The new agreement, as requested,” I said, handing him the stack of papers.
He glanced over them as we walked
through the lobby
to be joined by many other finely dressed men ready to petition Tom for business approvals.
As we entered the elevator, I shooed the incoming crowd away and was met with harsh stares of disappointment. It honestly made me feel a little important.
We zoomed to the top of the tower. I had to break the silence. “Your private box is being readied for the game later today, sir. Any special requests?”
He pondered briefly before replying. “It would be nice if my assistant could come as well.” A coy smile crossed his lips.
I stifled a laugh and continued. “It’s supposed to be a private event with your brother and his family.”
“What’s the name of his youngest son?” he asked.
“Jonathan, sir. He’ll be two years old in March. Their oldest is a girl named Isabel she just turned five last month. His wife, if you can’t remember her name, is Lydia.”
“Oh, I remember her name. I was just testing you, is all. Send my brother an e-mail and let him know I’m excited to see him and his family again. And request to have some toys brought there as well. I don’t know what kids like anymore.”
I couldn’t picture him around kids and what I could imagine made me fear for his future wife.
“I’ll send a runner to make a selection.” The elevator shimmied open and he went on ahead while I fussed about sending more messages here and there.
I tried my best to look professional, but, in a world full of old men, it was hard being a young woman.
Tom entered a glass walled meeting room and sat at the head as he always had. I got a lot of rough looks from one of elder statesman in the room; it was easy to see he didn’t like me at all. I didn’t have the heart to ask whether it was my sex or my race that angered him the most. Racial diversity nearly seemed an afterthought in the office building.
I plucked the water carafe from the stand and poured Tom some water while he finished looking over all the papers.
“Tom, why the devil did you bring that sales mark up 3%? You’re making them nervous; it’s going to blow the whole thing!” chimed in the elder statesman.
“George, I did it because the deal wasn’t solid enough as they offered. On the will of my personal assistant I increased the price and I trust her judgement.”
“You trust her judgement,” he restated. “I wouldn’t trust her with a serving tray let alone a multi-million dollar deal. You should’ve left this one where you found her.”
My anger was tugging at me and draining what little patience I had.
“If I cared
for your point-of-view
I’d ask for it, Mr. Dibney. But, your opinion is worth about as much as the dirt I stepped in on the way over.”
Mr. Dibney looked obviously distraught having his opinion so carelessly negated. “Listen here, Tom. Your dad and I were running this company before you were in diapers! My opinion should be the only one that matters!”