Authors: Destiny Davis
“He wants to meet me for a freaking business dinner. At the hotel. At the freaking hotel where we spent our first freaking night together!” Angela screeched into the phone as she stood in front of her closet, clad in nothing but her underwear. She breathed heavily through her nose as she stared at the array of clothes in front of her.
“Maybe it’s really just a business dinner,” Lilly answered. “When did he ask you?”
“Right before I left the office today. He didn’t even wait for my answer. He just ordered me around and left. As usual.”
“Maybe it’s really a work thing?”
“Yeah, right,” Angela scoffed, clutching the phone with one hand and rummaging through her closet with the other. “He just wants to have sex again. After all, that’s what our so-called relationship was about, wasn’t it? What the hell am I going to wear now?”
“Babe, calm down,” Lilly said. “You’re gonna get yourself all hot and sweaty.”
“Goodness knows that’s exactly what he wants,” Angela muttered. She inhaled deeply and shook her head. “No, you’re right. Composed. I should remain composed. And poised.”
“And businesslike,” Lilly added. “Why don’t you wear your ivory silk blouse and black pencil skirt? It’s elegant but businesslike. He’ll know that you came here for professional reasons only.”
“Yeah.” Angela took another deep breath. “I’d better go get ready.”
“Good luck, babe. And don’t let yourself be swayed by his charms again.”
“Not happening. Talk soon, Lil.”
She tossed her phone on the bed and retrieved the skirt and blouse from her closet. Trying very hard not to think about their date -
business meeting
- Angela slipped off her bathrobe and into her chosen outfit. She automatically began to step into her new red stilettos but then paused with one shoe off remembering that she had to appear businesslike. Kicking off the stiletto, she grabbed a knee-length pair of black faux leather boots and quickly zipped them on.
It was two days after she’d been discharged from hospital. Apparently following strict instructions from Lilly, Dimitri hadn’t tried to contact her. He’d sent her flowers and a card wishing her a speedy recovery but other than that he’d completely ignored her. This bode well for her - especially considering the procedure that she was scheduled for in just a few days. It wouldn’t help to grow more attached to him now. Somewhere along the lines, Angela had numbed herself to everything. It was easier to not think, not feel, pretending that the living proof of their relationship was not growing inside of her.
Of course, she had no idea how numb she would be able to remain when she would be face to face with him in just a few hours’ time at the very hotel where it all started.
“Shit,” she muttered, noticing the time. She was late. She quickly grabbed a brush and worked it through her curls. Her hair was flowing loosely around her shoulders and she hesitated for a brief second before twisting it in a severe chignon.
No. She frowned at her reflection in the mirror. She looked way too matronly. She freed her hair again and pulled it up in a high ponytail, allowing just a few curly tendrils to frame her face. She outlined her eyes in black, dabbed on some white eye shadow, slicked on the faintest touch of blush and filled her lips with soft pink. It wasn’t until she reached for her favorite perfume that she realized that her fingers were shaking. Her stomach was churning furiously and she had to take several deep gulps of air to refrain from throwing up.
“Get a grip,” she murmured to herself, spritzing on her favorite scent. “It’s just a business dinner.”
She grabbed her black briefcase and, at the last minute, decided to bring her iPad along. It wouldn’t kill her to look even more businesslike just in case he decided to try anything. She checked her watch as she rushed down the stairs. She had exactly twenty minutes to get to the restaurant.
Angela flung open her front door and froze.
In front of her house was a sleek limousine. A limousine that she knew much too well. The tinted window rolled down and Dimitri’s face grinned up at her.
“I was just in the neighborhood and I thought you might need a ride.” His eyes swept down her figure, landing with bemusement on her briefcase. He opened the door and flashed her his panty-melting one-sided grin. “Come on in.”
“No, thank you.” She glared haughtily at him. “I’ll meet you back at the restaurant.”
He laughed. “I’m already here, baby. And I’ve got champagne.” He patted the soft leather seat. “Hop in.”
Angela briefly deliberated and then walked towards the limousine, her lips set in a tight line. She slid next to him and closed the door. With dismay, she realized that the opaque partition was up, which meant that he was basically alone with Dimitri in a confined space. Slow, sensual music filled the car as they glided smoothly down the road. She crocked her head to the side, suddenly realizing that this was the same song they’d made love to on that first, drunken night together.
“Champagne?” His voice was slow and sensual as he handed her a flute.
Unable to help herself, she drowned it in one gulp. He let out a slow chuckle as he refilled her flute. This time, she took a small sip and set it down on the glass holder before fishing into her purse for her iPad.
“So.” Her voice shook as she opened the folio case. She tapped on the screen with a stylus. “I’ve got all the details about the merger right here.”
“Oh, do you?” He raised an eyebrow and took a sip of champagne. “Let’s see it then.”
Angela stiffened as he threw an arm around her shoulder, his fingers tracing slow circles on her bare arms. “Please, don’t,” she said with excruciating politeness as she dislodged from his embrace. “We’re just colleagues, remember?”
“Ah.” He nodded, pulling his arm away. “Just colleagues. Yes.”
“So.” Her stylus trembled visibly on the screen as she tapped much harder than necessary. “I spoke to Mr. Anderson this afternoon and…”
“Screw Mr. Anderson,” he murmured, playing with her hair. He frowned. “Actually, no. Don’t. I don’t think his old heart could stand the sight of you naked.”
She slapped his hand away, furious. “What‘s your deal, Dimitri?”
Instead of replying, he drowned his champagne flute and nodded towards the street. “We’re here.” He got out of the car and walked over to open her door. She glared up at him and ignored the hand he held towards her as she got out of the car.
“Don’t forget your tablet,” he grinned.
Angela flushed as she swiped her iPad from the seat and held it under her arm. He wrapped a loose arm around her waist as they walked into the restaurant. She gingerly tried to push him away but he only curved his arm more tightly around her body, holding her firmly by his side.
“Mr. Fox.” A smart-suited man walked over to them as soon as they entered the stunningly elegant restaurant. “Your private table is ready.”
“Thank you, Brent.”
“That’s not the head waiter,” she whispered to Dimitri as they strode across the eating area.
“No, that’s Brent. Hotel manager.”
Angela blinked. “Oh wow.” She suddenly noticed that they’d left the restaurant altogether. “Hey where are we going?”
His caramel-tinted eyes twinkled down at her. “You’ll see.”
They slipped out of the restaurant and followed the manager into the hotel’s luxurious compound. Angela couldn’t help but gasp as they advanced towards a wide, circular swimming pool, illuminated by soft pink and turquoise light. There was a stone gazebo right in the middle of the water and this time she let Dimitri hold her hand as they crossed the stone bridge leading to it.
“Oh, wow,” Angela whispered, transfixed. “Dimitri, it’s…”
“It’s all for you,” his voice was low and husky in her ear.
The circular railing was artfully decorated in fairy lights and hundreds of candles that flickered gently in the cool evening air. In the gazebo, a small table has been set up for two, with crisp white linens and delicate china. Another small buffet table was set up in a corner, next to a large ice bucket with several bottles chilling in it.
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Brent said courteously. “Mr. Fox, the buffet has been stocked with your requested menu. I’ve also roped off the pool area to staff and guests for tonight. As per your request, the staff is not to disturb you at any cost. But, please.” He touched the pager hooked in his belt. “Do page me if you require anything. Have a good evening, Sir. Miss.” He gave a polite nod in her direction and retreated.
“Shall we?” Dimitri pulled out her chair.
“Dimitri… wow,” Angela gasped as she sat down. “Thank you,” she added when he draped her napkin on her lap.
“Would you like a drink?” He walked over to the ice bucket. “We’ve got red and white wine, champagne and…” He grinned and held up a bottle. “Tequila.”
“Champagne, please.” She felt her lips unfolding in a small grin. “I vaguely remember what happened last time we had tequila here.”
“So do I.” He held her gaze as he filled her glass.
Angela cleared her throat, flustered. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to be careful not to get drunk again.”
“Are you hungry?” Small tea lights flickered from under the chrome buffet tureens to keep the food warm. He lifted the covers and peered in. “I ordered your favorite food. Oysters, roasted asparagus with hollandaise sauce, charred lobster, and olive focaccia. We also have chocolate mousse for dessert but I can call in and order anything else that you want?”
She couldn’t help but smile at how insecure he suddenly sounded. “It’s perfect, Dimitri.”
He set the plates down in front of her and poured her more champagne before taking his seat.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” She teased.
He dipped an asparagus stalk in the sauce and held it to her lips. Her eyes locked with him as she opened her mouth, biting down gently on it.
“How did you arrange all this?” She sat back in her chair, listening to the lazy sloshing of water against the stone wall.
“I paid off the manager,” he replied with a small wink. “I actually rented the whole pool area for tonight. Just for us.”
“Well.” She started on the lobster. “I guess it’s very… appropriate for work talk. Very quiet.”
“Yes.” He held up the champagne bottle again. “More champagne?”
She nodded and was just about to say “Yes, please” when her blood ran cold.
Shit. What the hell was she doing? Shit.
“What’s wrong?” Dimitri asked in alarm when she visibly paled.
Angela couldn’t reply. She was mentally trying to count the number of glasses she’d had tonight. How could she have been so exceptionally stupid?
“Angela? Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Angela’s eyes could barely focus as she looked up at him. “I just… I just have to make a quick call. Please excuse me.”
“Sure.”
She grabbed her phone and crossed the stone bridge, walking over to the other side of the pool. She glanced at Dimitri’s back before quickly punching in Lilly’s number.
“Hey,” her best friend sounded surprised. “Aren’t you supposed to be on your date?”
“Lil, you have to help me.” Angela breathed in panic. “I forgot that I was... I drank champagne. Lots of it.”
“But aren’t you…”
“Yes, I know,” Angela gritted her teeth. “I told you, I didn’t think. I… I lost my head for a while. Listen, can you call Doctor Nelson for me please?” She suddenly realized that her eyes were full of tears. “I need to go back to Dimitri. Please ask her if there’s anything I can do, any meds I should take… and then text me.” She sniffed. “Please, Lilly.”
“I’m on it, Angie. Don’t worry. I’m sure a few glasses won’t harm the baby.” She paused. “Have you decided to keep it, then?”
“No,” she said automatically. Almost by its own accord, her hand slipped to her stomach. She didn’t look pregnant yet, but her fingers did skim against an unmistakable bump which she cradled, unable to stop the tear that rolled down her cheek. “Maybe. I don’t know. Anyway, here’s Doctor Nelson’s number.”
She slowly recited the number and flipped the phone shut. Her heart was positively hammering as she wiped her tears and slowly walked over the bridge again.
“Is everything alright?” Dimitri asked, looking at her with concern when she slipped into her chair again. His eyes searched her face. “You look upset.”
“No, I’m fine.” She gave him a tight smile as she set her phone on the table. “Just… Lilly. A blind date thing I had to bail her out of.”
She tapped on the table with her manicured fingernails, trying to focus on the conversation but her eyes kept darting back to her phone. She sipped on her water, berating herself for having been so stupid. What if she’d damaged the baby in some way? What if she miscarried?
“Hey.”
A long, pale finger curved under her chin, titling her head up. Warm caramel eyes bore into hers, piercing her to the very core. She stared at his face across the candlelight, the sudden realization of what was happening to her body crashing upon her. She was going to be a mother. She was carrying his child. A little boy or a little girl who would maybe have the same captivating eyes.
She’d never truly planned on going through with the abortion. This was clear to her now.
It had taken her a while to realize that but, deep down, Angela finally accepted that she cared for this baby more than she’d wanted to admit. She’d never been the maternal type; she’d never even thought about having babies before. Yet, this was different. Her hand surreptitiously cradled her stomach under the table. This was different indeed. This was
their
child. This was a part of him. No matter what happened in the future, she would always have a part of him with her.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked.
Her phone finally beeped. She punched the button at once, her entire body sagging with relief as she read Lilly’s text.
All okay. Doc said not to worry. She’s sure there’s no damage. Just stay away from the booze from now on. Appointment tomorrow for checkup.
“Angela?”
Her face broke into a smile as she finally looked up at Dimitri. With a sudden surge of affection for him, she placed her hand over his and grinned.
“I’m fine, don’t worry.” She poured herself some more water. “I just had too much to drink. Maybe I’d better stick to water from now on.”
He raised an eyebrow. “If you say so. But feel free to drink as much as you’d like. Don’t worry about getting back home, by the way. I’ve booked us rooms here.” He took a spoonful of mousse.
She stared at him. “What?”
Dimitri shrugged. “Tomorrow’s Saturday. No work, remember?”
“So?”
“Well, I just thought that we could both use a break. I took the liberty of arranging a massage for you after breakfast tomorrow. We can leave after lunch.”
She frowned. “Dimitri, I’m not spending the night in a hotel room with you, alright?”
He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest, cocking his head to the side. “I’m not asking you to spend the night in a hotel room with me, darling. I booked two separate suites.”
“Oh.” She blinked. “Oh, I see.”
He gave her a knowing smile. “Is this a problem?”
“Well, no. But you really shouldn’t have.” She objected. “I mean, you already spent so much money in this dinner and…”
“It’s no problem,” he waved a careless hand in the air.
“It
is
a problem to me,” Angela said. “You know that I hate it when you spend money on me.”
“Yes, yes, I know.” Dimitri rolled his eyes. “You’ve got your pride and all that. But I want to shower you with gifts, baby. I only wish you’d let me.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Do you shower all your employees with gifts, then?”
He leaned towards her until his face was inches away from hers. “Only the really deserving ones.” She opened her mouth to protest again but he pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t sweat it, beautiful. Consider this your early Christmas bonus.”
“Well, okay.” Angela finally relented with a small smile.
“Dessert?” He pushed the chocolate mousse towards her.
“Sure.”
He dipped a spoon into the mousse and brought it to her lips. She closed her eyes, a small moan escaping her lips as the dark chocolaty taste invaded her mouth.
“Mmm…” Angela purred, running the tip of her tongue across her lower lip to gather up the chocolate. “That’s amazing.”
Without breaking her gaze, he brought the same spoon to his lips. “You’re right. It is good.”
Her body tingled at the gesture. The sensual, smoldering look in his eyes made her feel like she was the most beautiful woman on earth. Angela held his scorching gaze as she dipped her finger in the chocolate mousse and brought it to her lips, swirling her tongue around.
His lips pulled in an alluring grin. “Are you trying to seduce me, Miss Banner?”
“Me?” She whispered breathlessly. “Not at all, Mr. Fox.”
“Good.” Dimitri sat back. “Because this is a business dinner, remember?”
“Yes.” Angela grinned as she patted her stomach, lazily surveying the empty plates in front of them. “Which, incidentally, was excellent. Really great business dinner.”
“Good. I’m glad you liked it.”
“I don’t think I can eat anymore, though,” she giggled, suddenly feeling lighter and more relaxed than she’d had in days.
“Would you like to go for a walk around the hotel grounds?” Dimitri asked.
Angela hesitated for a brief second before nodding. He got up, briefly brushing his hand against her bottom as he walked past her. The contact made her jump with a sudden jolt that coursed through her body but Dimitri only walked straight ahead. She frowned as she followed him, not knowing if the gesture was intentional or not.
“They’ve got a fantastic orchard and spice garden at the back,” he said conversationally as they walked across the bridge. “Do you want to take a stroll there?”
“Sure.”
“It’s right over here,” he said, brushing his fingers against her naked shoulder as he steered her towards the orchard.
Her body all but exploding at his casual albeit lingering touches, Angela followed him into the garden. She inhaled deeply, allowing the deep, exotic scent of citrus and spices wash over her. Small diamond-shaped lights paved the stone path, bathing the entire garden in an almost ethereal glow.
“Here.” Dimitri pointed at a tree. “I bet you’ve never see a mango in a tree before.”
Angela giggled. “Not really. I’m more of a city girl, remember?”
“Well, why don’t you go get it?”
Before she could say a word, he took her by the waist and lifted her off the ground, holding her as highly as he could. Angela threw back her head and laughed as she reached up, plucking one perfectly ripe mango.
“Got it,” she breathed, clutching the fruit. “You can put me down now.”
Fire danced in his eyes as, with deliberate slowness, Dimitri lowered his arms. He allowed every single inch of her body to brush against his as he set her back to her feet and by the time she was standing again, Angela felt positively consumed with need.
“I… Uh…” She brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “I… um, I’m feeling pretty tired.”
“I’ll walk you up to your room,” he said with impeccable courtesy.
“Are you sure? About us staying here, I mean.”
“Yes, Angie. Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay.”
There was a sudden coldness about him as he walked her to her room in perfect silence. He opened the door for her and handed her the keycard but didn’t come in.
“I took the liberty of having some clothes and a toothbrush sent over from the hotel shop,” he said. “I thought you could use them.”
“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you.”
He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek and sheer impulse made her react. Before she could think about what she was doing, Angela titled her head, capturing his lips in a slow, soft kiss. He hesitated for the briefest of seconds before curving his hand around her neck, impaling his mouth to hers as the kiss grew in intensity. She moaned in his mouth, wrapping her body around his, part of her brain marveling once more at how easily they fit together.
“This isn’t the wisest thing to do, Angie,” he whispered when they finally broke apart for air. “But damn it… I want you so much. I miss you so fucking much. No, listen to me,” he said when she started to speak. His eyes were fierce, his face taunt with emotion. “I’ve been an asshole. Asshole being an understatement. I want you back, Angie. If you still want me, I want you back. I’ll change, baby. I’ll do everything in my power not to lose you again.”
Angela didn’t have to speak.
She pulled him into the room, slamming the door behind them.