Sweetness (11 page)

Sweetness…
You looked like an angel dressed in your white bra and
panties.
The image is permanently imbedded in my brain.
Sorry I had to leave before you woke up but
I had some things to take care of.
I really had a great time last night.

He is so sweet. Who knew that a guy who looked
so hard-core could be such a gentleman? I look up in the
mirror, curious about what I actually look like dancing.
Since I am the only one in the bathroom I begin to do my
own little strip tease in the mirror mimicking what I did
last night. As I am watching myself take off my clothes I
realize, Max and Wanda, are right. Dominic must really
like me, because that was horrible. I laugh at myself and
climb in the tub. As I lower myself down, I wince as my
ass hits the scalding hot water. I think to myself, if my
calculation is correct it has been about 18 months since
the last time I had sex. If memory serves, the guy wasn’t
as nearly as well endowed and we only did it the once
before I hightailed it out of his apartment. So this feeling
achy feeling is definitely new for me. I grin and relax into
the sweetly scented bath as memories of last night flood
my brain.
After my bath and coffee
, and some unpacking, I head
off to the kitchen in search of food. It looks like Max and
Wanda are gone so I decide to make a sandwich and sit
out on the balcony to eat. I put on my strapless bikini
before stepping outside, hoping I can even out my
summer tan. The warm air hits me like a slap in the face
as I open the sliding glass doors. I take a seat on one of
the chaise lounges and watch the people in he building
across the way like a perv.

After an hour of baking in the sun and watching
the couple across the way do it in the kitchen, I head back
inside. Just as I open he fridge I hear a knock at the door.

When I open the front door, there standing before
me is, Mr. Three Piece Suit, himself. The guy from the
elevator last night.

Shit…what did Dominic say his name was? “Yes,
can I help you?”
His eyes slide up and down my body before he
clears his throat. “Yes ma’am, I am looking for Emma
Hill. Is she home?” He doesn’t know who I am? He runs
my fathers company and he has never even seen a
picture of me? That’s odd.
“You’re looking at her,” I reply, realizing just then
that I am standing in front of my boss wearing nothing
but a very skimpy bikini.
Way to make a good first impression.
“You’re Emma Hill?” He says in disbelief. What is
his name, again?
“Yes I am, and you are?”
“Gabe Hernandez, Miss Hill. I am the Assistant
CEO of HMA. May I come in?”
“Sorry, where are my manners. Yes, please come
in Mr. Hernandez.” I step to the side, allowing him
entrance. “If you’ll excuse me a moment. Make yourself
comfortable,” I gesture toward the breakfast bar, “I will
be right back.”
I dart down to my bedroom in search for some
clothes. When I come back out Gabe is sitting at the
breakfast bar impatiently tapping his fingers on the
counter. He is wearing a dark black suit, grey shirt and
black tie. He is just as handsome as he was last night in a,
I’ve-got-a-stick-up-my-ass, sort of way.
“I’m sorry. Now, what can I do for you Mr.
Hernandez.”
“You’re, Emma Hill? You are the girl from the
elevator last night, right? The one who was with Dominic
Ross,” he questions.
I nod. Why does he think I would lie about who I
am.
“Forgive me for my bluntness, but are you aware
that HMA is doing all the promotional, advertising, and
PR work, for his label?”
Whoa, this guy is no joke. In fact he is obviously
annoyed. How about some pleasantries before the
inquisition?
“Well. Mr. Hernandez. To answer all your
questions: Yes, I am Emma Hill. Yes I was in the elevator
with Dominic Ross last night. And no I was not aware of
that bit of information until later yesterday evening. It
wasn’t until after we ran into you, that Dominic told me
about HMA’s business with his label.”
“You mean to tell me he didn’t know who you
were before you brought him up to your apartment. That
is a little convenient don’t you think, Miss Hill.”
He is scolding me?
“Mr. Hernandez, not that it is any of your business
what I do on my personal time, but I have know Dominic
for about 5 years. He did not know my last name until
last night. Our relationship is none of your business. In
fact, until I inquired about who
you
were, I had no idea
about his affiliation with my
father’s
company. I do not
think he came up here with me because of what my last
name is. So to answer your question, yes, it is a
convenient coincidence.” This is not going well. He is
scrutinizing me with a scowl. “Did you come to talk to
me for a reason or did you just want to scold me.”
“First, your private relationships don’t concern
me, but HMA’s business relationships do. Since your
personal relationship with, Mr. Ross, may spill over into
our business relationship, unknowing or not, it will be
my concern. Second, I came up here to introduce myself
to you because we will be working closely together. I
wanted to meet you before Monday morning. I was
completely unaware of who you were last night, so
therefore I did not come up here to scold you. Lastly, I
was hoping we could have lunch or something, but it
appears I am interrupting you. I will let you get back to
what you are doing and see you at 9 AM, Monday
morning.” He starts to walk off toward the door in a huff.
“What do you mean working closely together?
Dominic told me you run HMA. I am just an intern.” I
don’t want to work with him. I assumed I would be
making my rounds in each division learning the ropes. I
don’t really think that includes dealing with, the
Assistant CEO of Hill Marketing Agency.
“Your father didn’t tell you who you are interning
for?” He looks displeased. Of course he is. He thinks
daddy’s little girl is being handed something she doesn’t
deserve.
“No. I have no idea who I am reporting to. My
father was tight lipped on that. He just said he would
make sure I am where I need to be.”
“Well, Miss Hill, it seems like you NEED to be my
intern. I typically don’t take on interns. I have an
assistant who is very good at her job, but your father
insists that you shadow me. He has always championed
what a bright and driven young woman you are and he
assures me you will be a valuable member of my team.
He also guaranteed me you wouldn’t get in my way. So
far, I am not impressed. First impressions are everything
in this profession. You would be wise to remember that.”
I stand perfectly still and hang my head as if I have
something to be sorry for, while he speaks to me like I
am a small child. “Good day, Miss Hill.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Hernandez.” Are the words that
fall out of my mouth, shocking even me. Sorry? Why
should I be sorry? I had no idea what my father had
planned. I certainly didn’t do any of this intentionally.
He opens the front door and turns back to look at
me. “Will you be attending Mr. Ross’s show tonight?”
I nod.
“I am leaving promptly at 8:00. If you are
interested in a ride, you can meet me in the lobby.”
He doesn’t even give me a chance to respond
before he is out the door. Standing here with my head
down, even after he is gone, I’m completely unnerved the
way I just let him make me feel like a speck of dirt on the
ground. I am a grown woman for goodness sakes. Not a
child. How dare he? And how dare my father. I told him
I wanted to start on the bottom. I knew he would do
something like this.
Needing to do something other than think about
my conversation with Gabe, I compose myself and
decide to take a nap before getting ready. I turn down
my shades and set my alarm for 6:00 so I can give myself
enough time to get ready. I don’t sleep though. The last
twenty-four hours play through my mind like a video on
repeat.

By 7:45, I am ready
to rock and roll. Pun intended.
Taking one last look at the mirror I look over my outfit
for the night. Scantly dressed, in my new black dress
with bright red satin peeking through the lace that barely
covers my breasts, and a hemline that’ll stop traffic. My
black strappy shoes with the skull and crossbones charm
on the back complete the outfit perfectly. My hair is sleek
and straight as it flows past my shoulders and down my
back. Smoky eyes and dark red lips are a complete
contrast from the look I was going for last night.

When I enter the lobby, I find Luke talking to
Gabe at the front desk. Hearing my heals click on the
marble floors, Luke glances over Gabe’s shoulder and his
mouth falls open. I can almost read the naughty thoughts
forming in his head as he trails his eyes up and down my
body. Gabe turns, when he sees he no longer has Luke’s
attention. He looks equally as pleased until he realizes
that the woman he is ogling is the boss’s daughter.

He is dressed more casual then I have previously
seen him. He is adorned with dark jeans, a red fitted tshirt, and black boots, and his hair a little more tussled.
He looks much younger than before, but still screams
tight-ass.

As I walk closer to Luke, who is still gawking, I
put my finger under his chin and force it up. The look on
Gabe’s face tells me he is not pleased Luke is still staring
at me.

“Uh...umm…sorry Emma. I didn’t recognize you.
You look very…nice.” Luke says, embarrassed I caught
him looking.

“That’s what you are wearing?” Gabe snaps. “A
little risqué for the daughter of the man whose company
is hosting this event. Don’t you think?” He’s right of
course, but I will never tell him that. I was so wrapped
up in Dominic I didn’t even consider it.

Tuff shit. I am not backing down. He doesn’t get
to call the shots until Monday, so tonight I will wear
what I like. Willing my backbone to straighten out, I take
a deep breath and turn toward Gabe. “I don’t officially
start my new job until Monday, so tonight I am not the
bosses daughter. I am a spectator watching her new
favorite band.”

“If you say so, Miss Hill. But I will warn you, this
event is getting a lot of press and if you’re photographed,
there is a good chance you will be recognized, as, Emma
Hill, employee of HMA and daughter of owner Martin
Hill. But if that is how you wish to portray self this early
in the game, then there is not much I can do to stop you.”

His head games will not work. I will not bend to
his will. He’s slick but I am not budging. I am wearing
this dress and I look good in it. He will not convince me
otherwise.

“Yes, Mr. Hernandez, I say so. Also call me Emma.
You make me feel old when you call me, Miss Hill.” I
turn to Luke. “Will you be driving us?”

“Yes, Emma. Cars out front.” Luke walks around
the desk and holds the front door open for Gabe and I.
He opens the door to the limo and we both climb in
silently. I really don’t want to sit next to Gabe so I sit on
the bench seat opposite the bar, tugging on my hemline
in a failed act of modesty. He sits on the back seat
between the two doors, purposely not looking at me. I
fidget with my fingers in my lap and toy with my black
leather wristlet. The car is uncomfortably silent except for
the tick of his watch and the bustle of traffic outside the
car.

“If you really don’t want me to work with you I
will tell my father to put me elsewhere. I had no
intention on being an intern for the Assistant CEO.” I
break the ice without looking up.

“If that is what you want, Emma. I am sure you
can convince your father to change his mind. You strike
me as a very persuasive girl.”

Jesus. I was trying to be nice here. What the hell is
his problem?
“It is obvious you don’t like me, Mr. Hernandezcan I call you Gabe?”
“I prefer you didn’t. I like my employees to call
me Mr. Hernandez. I am not your friend, I am your boss.
It is not that I don’t like you, Emma. I don’t know you. I
do however not approve of the behavior I have seen thus
far. You are a reflection on the company and in turn a
reflection on me, not to mention your father. Making out
in elevators, answering doors to strangers while wearing
nothing but a bikini, and looking like-,” He regards at me
up and down, “you just climbed out of a 1980’s rock
video, is not something I would tolerate from any other
employee. This is an event that HMA is hosting and like
it or not, you are expected to act the part”
“I am not some spoiled kid.” I hiss. “I will work
very hard for you and my father. I didn’t even know
about HMA hosting the event until yesterday, so let’s
both pretend I still don’t. I will enjoy my last night with
Dominic before he leaves on tour. Then Monday, I will
show you what I am capable of.”
“Do what you want, Emma. You have made it
clear you will anyway, so I won’t waste my breath any
more.” He looks deep in thought while he watches the
city pass by. I catch him stealing glances in my direction
through the reflection in the window. Its weird but I can
feel his eyes on me every time without even looking.
When we arrive at the club, the front door is alive
with lights and photographers while fans are screaming
to get in. Gabe tells me to stay put then instructs Luke to
take me to the rear entrance. Luke nods and calls the
security guard posted in the rear. I watch Gabe smile and
pose for pictures in front of the step and repeat, while
Luke fights the traffic at the front of the building. His
shitty attitude toward me is replaced with a brilliant
smile while he works the crowd. Talk about Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde.
Luke turns down the ally to the rear of the
building. There is a large security guard posted outside
waiting for me.
“I’ll see you later. Mr. Hernandez will contact me
with a pickup time,” Luke mutters.
“That’s great but I am not going back with him. I
will find my own ride,” I give him a wink before I scurry
towards the club.
I walk in the building to find it bustling with
excitement. There is equipment being moved, loud noises
coming from the front of the club, and people rushing by
with headsets on. I look around for someone who may
know where I can find Dominic, and find a young man
digging through a drum case. After getting his attention
he was more than happy to assist me. He points to a red
door on the far side of the open area with the words
“private” displayed in black lettering.
Dodging cases and roadies along the way, I gently
knock on the door. The guitarist, Justin, answers. Dressed
in black jeans and a white t-shirt with, Lost, written on
the front, Justin gives me a once over. “Girl, I don’t know
who you are, but I am glad you’re here.” He says in an
Aussie accent and flashes me a look like he wants to eat
me.
“Knock it off, dude. That ones mine,” says
Dominic, as he steps away from the vanity.
He is mouthwateringly sexy in black cargo pants
and his t-shirt with no sleeves. Memories of what is
underneath his clothes cause my dirty little mind to
wander.
“Emma, you don’t disappoint! You look-“ he leans
in to whisper in my ear, “good enough to eat again. Right
here, if I had it my way.”
I make a full turn to display the entire package.
“You like?”
“Uh…,” someone clears their throat from the
couch behind Dominic. He turns around and as I look
past him all the blood drains from my face.
Glen!
What the hell is he doing here? Not again. Not
again. This can’t be. This can’t be happening again. It’s
like déjà vu. Glen can’t be here. I take a step back to put
space between us before I slip into a panic attack in front
of all these people. Without taking my eyes off of him I
take another step back and stumble over the person
behind me. Dominic’s arms reach for me and hold me
steady.
“Hello, little sister.”
Dominic steadies me on my feet and shoots me a
confused look. Looking between the two of them I feel
like I am going to hurl all over he floor. The room grows
silent. Prying eyes wait to see what is going on. I don’t
know what Glen’s game is, but the outcome WILL be
different this time. This time I will scream bloody murder
if he so much as touches me.
“Little sister?” Dominic is the first to break the
silence. He glares back at Glen.
Glen shrugs.
I see Dominic working something out in his head.
“Wait…the show in Jersey…you were the brother who
took her out of the club? You never said anything to me
about it,” he states dumbfounded.
“Yup, she was underage, you jerk, and you were
molesting her on stage. I was there with a bunch of my
friends who were asking me why I was allowing my best
friend to dry hump my sister in front of a room of
people,” Glen said, punching him in the arm.
“Yea, but you should have told me it was your
sister. I wouldn’t have crossed that line had I have
known.”
“It’s done now. Besides, I put the fear of God in
her that night. She was not going to do anything like that
again any time soon, so there was no reason to make a
big deal about it with you.” A smirk plays on Glens face
and bile bubbles up in my throat.
“How do you two know each other?” I ask
Dominic. He pulls me closer to him by my waist. “And
Glen, what the fuck are you doing here.” I make no
attempt to hide my anger.
He will not ruin my night. I will personally cut his
balls off if he tries to mess with me. I have waited for
years to reunite with Dominic, and if Glen even tries to
pull anything I will take him down.
“Glen and I went to high school together. The
night he took you away,” Dominic peeks at Glen,
“without telling me. I invited him and the rest of my
friends to the show. I invited him tonight, too. It’s weird
you guys are related and I didn’t know. You don’t have
the same last name.”
“Glen is my step-brother, not my brother,” I hiss,
heated with anger. “If you’ll excuse me, I am going to
find
my
friends.” I pull out of Dominic’s grip and step
out of the room into the frantic back stage. I feel a hand
on my shoulder and immediately go into defense mode.
“Get the fuck off-“, whipping myself around I see
Dominic holding his hands up in defeat. “Sorry.”
“Emma, what’s wrong. Why are you mad at me?”
His eyes are searching mine for some sort of answer. I
know this must be very confusing to him. If he has no
idea that I am Glen’s step-sister, that means Glen wanted
it that way.
“Sorry, I am not mad at you. I don’t exactly get
along with Glen and I don’t want to be anywhere near
him. I am going to watch the show with my friend, Max.
He is here somewhere. I will see you after. If you still
want?” I tell him, defeated. I don’t want to leave but I
can’t stay here with Glen looming around.
“Of course I want to see you. Don’t go. Stay back
here with me.” Out of the corner of my eye I see Glen
approaching us.
“Emma, I am going to find my table. I have a
friend waiting on me. You stay back here with Dominic.
You are his date and I’m intruding.” I narrow my eyes at
him. He is not being sincere; he is trying to make me look
like a fool. He always has this knack for fooling everyone
around him into thinking he is this nice guy, but I know
better. He is a sick, perverted, sonuvabitch.
“Of course, Glen, you go find your date. She
probably charges by the hour, so you should get your
moneys worth,” I spit out.
Filter, Hill, filter.
Dominic snorts a laugh. Glen’s eyes are glowing
with that merciless look of rage only I have ever seen. But
immediately corrects himself when Dominic steps in
front of me.
“Dominic, call me from the road, dude. I will see
you when you get back to town. Your car is safe with
me.” They clasp hands and gave each other a half hug
not releasing their grip, then slap each other on the back
with their free hand.
When they release, Glen looks over Dominic’s
shoulder, “Emma, can I just speak with you for one sec.”
I turn my head slightly with my eyes not leaving his.
“Please. One second.” He puts his finger up.
“Fine” I conceded. “Dominic, I will meet you back
in your dressing room.”
“Ok, Sweetness. Don’t be too long. I have to go on
soon. Maser…I will see you later man. You two play
nice,” he reprimands as he turns and walks away,
disappearing into the chaos. We both make sure he’s out
of earshot before looking back at each other.
Glen steps closer so he can whisper, “Emma,
Emma, Emma. I thought we agreed the last time this
happened, when you embarrassed me in front of my
friends while dressed like a slut, there will be
consequences.”
“Fuck you, scumbag.”
“Tu..tu..tu..Princess.” He clicks with his tongue
behind his teeth. “Perhaps I need to teach you how to act
like a proper young lady again.” The hell he will. Glen
has not touched me in over 4 years. He will never touch
me again.
I take a step back, smiling a toothy grin as if I am a
crazy person. “Glen, you so much as look at me crooked
and I will have your ass bounced right out of here. I am a
friend of the owners, and my father’s company is hosting
this event. You are on my turf, asshole.”
“Princess, I do like it when you are feisty. Don’t
forget, Emma, tit for tat. I warned you what would
happen if I ever caught you with Dominic again.
Nothings changed.”
“You don’t scare me, Glen. And if you ever
threaten me again they are going to find you in the
bottom of the East River.”
“I love it when you play hard to get.” Glen licks
his lips like a lion ready to eat his prey.
“I am warning you for the last time Glen, don’t
ever threaten me. I am not a kid you can push around
anymore. You can’t hurt me.” I say through gritted teeth
as I turn back toward the dressing room.
“We’ll see. Have a pleasant evening, Princess.” He
yells in my direction, earning my middle finger to shoot
up in the air without turning to look at him.
I know he is pissed. It is a dangerous game I am
playing, provoking him like I am. But I can’t let him get
to me. He can’t have any power over me. I have worked
so hard and fought so hard to be the woman I am. I can’t
let him break me into the scared girl I once was.
I knock on the dressing room door and Justin is on
the other side. “Jailbait, you’re back.”
“Uh, yeah. I guess I am.”
“Good. I hope you got rid of Maser. Saves me the
trouble.” He pops his head out of the door to look
around.
“Yeah, he’s gone. Sorry about that. Is Dominic still
in here?”
“Yup. He’s all yours, beautiful.” The room clears
with a snap of Justin’s fingers before I enter. Dominic,
sitting on a director’s chair facing the door, scans my
body up and down.
“Want to tell me what that was about?”
“Not really. We don’t get along. He is a jerk
and…I don’t want to talk about him.”
“Good. I don’t want to talk about him either. He
was just back here picking up the keys to my car. I am
storing it behind his shop until I get back.”
I walk over to Dominic and he opens his legs to
grant me closer access. I lean in to run my nose up his
neck and across his jaw before placing a small kiss on his
cheek. Damn he smells good. If I could smell one thing
for my entire life it would be him.
“I do want to talk about you,” he murmurs,
pulling my body closer so there is not even air between
us. “I’m sorry I left before you woke up. You looked so
peaceful sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Its ok. I had a really nice time last night. I really
liked the music. I have been humming it all day. Maybe
once you put it to words you can send me a copy.”
“Deal,” he says with a slight smile, like he is
keeping a secret. “But for now I got to go on stage. I want
you right off to the side. Just like old times.” He stands
and runs his large hands down my bare arms before
kissing me. “I like when you watch me. But do me a
favor, don’t’ bend over. You look smoking hot, but I
don’t want anyone else to see my girl’s ass. This dress is
very short.”
“Your girl? When did I become YOUR girl?” I say
mockingly as I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Last night.” I open my mouth to speak, and then
close it when nothing comes out. He cuts me off by
holding up his finger to my lips.
“Calm down. I don’t expect you to be my
girlfriend or anything I am just saying that tonight…you
are my girl. I know I’m leaving tomorrow but I wish we
could have more time together. For now, lets just enjoy
each other.”
“Fair enough. Are you ready or do you need a
minute alone?”
“I’m good. Lets go.” He grabs my hand and leads
the way through the crowd never letting me trail too far
behind.