IN BED WITH THE BOSS

“Have you had anything to eat today, Mr McCall” Vivian asked him.

He hadn’t.

The truth was that he’d even forgotten about food. Worried about his sister, and concerned about his mother, he’d focused on work, trying to get rid of the anger and the worry. Not that it had helped much…

“I took some coffee in the morning” he replied and stood up, brushing it off like it meant nothing. He moved to his desk, grabbed his jacket and put it on. He noticed that she had also packed up his suitcase and grabbed it too. “Thanks Miss, Sanchez” he said. “You can go home now”

He didn’t want her to see him this way. In fact he didn’t want anyone to see him this way. He was used to being the tough guy. The one who was always in control. The one who fixed things… but she made no effort to leave.

“You should come with me to the shop” Vivian said, like he hadn’t spoken. When he raised an eyebrow, she added, “The cheesecake shop. I’m going over there now”

“Now?” he asked.

Vivian nodded.

“And why would you be going there instead of going home?”

She shrugged. “Because I work there. I work evening shifts there”

She said it so simply, Scott thought. As If it was such a normal thing to work from morning to evening and then go out for another shift.”

“You could get something to eat there” Vivian continued, oblivious to the thoughts going on in his head. “You said you liked the cheesecake so you can have some…. And you really look like you need to get something to eat. You look worn out. Again… no offense.”

“None taken,” he said. “Fine. I think I’m ready to go.”

Vivian stared at him. His shirt wasn’t tucked in, and it was a bit messy from the way he’d been lying on the couch. He’d put his suit back on in the worst way possible, and his tie was draped around his neck. Standing there with his briefcase, he looked quite hilarious and unable to help it, her lips curled upwards.

He tilted his head to one side. “Is something funny?” he asked.

She shook her head. It wasn’t supposed to be funny, but being a man she was so used to seeing always collected and In control, he looked quite funny.

“Let me help you with that” she said, and without waiting for him to speak, she reached out and took away his tie, then she went for his suit jacket. She helped him out of it, and tried not to gasp when her hands felt the muscles beneath his shirt.

“That’s better,” she said. “You don’t need these anymore. At least not today. Let’s go.”

He stared at her for a moment, then angled his head. “Fine. Can we go now? Now that you’ve mentioned the cheesecake I’m hungry.”

Vivian smiled at him. She noticed that the harsh places which were on his face that morning had softened into an expression she didn’t quite know how to describe. All she knew was that it heated her blood and made her stomach feel like she had butterflies in them.

Still holding his jacket and tie, she started for the door, aware that Scott was following her closely. The quiet tap of his shoes echoed off the deserted hallways behind her. They got into the elevator and the butterflies in her stomach seemed to increase. Being in such a small space alone with him was torture. She tried not to stare and didn’t even attempt to speak, but she was so aware of him.

“Why didn’t you quit your job as a waitress when I employed you?” he asked suddenly.

Vivian didn’t look at him. “I… I needed the money” she said.

He turned to stare at her. “And what you’ll be earning here isn’t enough?”

“It is, but I can’t really depend fully on that, besides my job here isn’t secured… I mean, permanently.”

He looked confused. “Why is that?”

She stared at him then. “Well, you said it was temporary… because your assistant would be back at some point, so I wanted to have something to hold on to… and I figured some extra money wouldn’t be so bad.

He looked away. “Oh”

They got out of the elevator and Vivian could finally breathe again. The door clicked shut behind them and she almost ran across the lot, her need to escape him as strong as that of any convict fleeing from prison. At the main exit, his hand shot out to open the door, and Vivian edged past the heat of his body into the cool of the evening. She had the distinct sense of being escorted by a man who found her delicate, who wanted to protect. She resented the feminine rush of pleasure his gallantry gave her. It was such a stupid thing to think, she cautioned herself. He was a boss and entertaining such thoughts about him would do her no good.

When she headed towards his car, he stopped her by gently grabbing her arm. “Hey, ladies first” he said, and smirked at her. He reached out and took his jacket and tie from her. “Where’s your car?” he asked.

Embarrassed, Vivian nodded in the direction of her small car which looked even smaller when compared to his. Still holding his tie and suit jacket in his other hand, he walked beside her to it. She expected him to let go of her arm but he didn’t and Vivian tried her best not to squirm.

“Get in,” he said.

Stunned, Vivian allowed him to open her door. The hand on her arm urged her into the driver’s seat. He took her hand bag from her and tossed it on the passenger seat. She sucked in her breath as his hand came dangerously close to her breast. He straightened, closed the door, and patted it twice.

“Come on lady, let’s go” he said. “You lead the way and I’ll be right behind you.”

——-

“What should I get for you to eat?” Vivian asked as the both of them walked into the restaurant.

“The cheesecake.” Scott replied without hesitating, and Vivian smiled. “Definitely the cheesecake.”

She led him to an empty table, then went out to get his order. She hurriedly changed into her uniform, tied her apron around her waist and returned after a few minutes. When she dropped his cheesecake and turned to go he stopped her.

“Where are you going? Join me.”

“Thanks, but I have to work, remember?” Vivian replied and went out to attend to her other customers.

Scott sat there. As he ate he watched her move from table to table. She had a way with people, he thought as she watched her deliver orders, taking her time to listen to her customers with a smile plastered on her face. He’d never thought once in his life that he’d find staring at a waitress so fascinating and captivating.

Vivian returned to his table when she was sure that her customers were satisfied and she could take a little break.

“I’m surprised that you remember that I’m still here,” he teased when she returned.

“Well, how could I?” she replied, playing along with his joke. “I think you should go home now, Mr McCall. You still need to rest.”

“Chasing me out, Miss Sanchez?”

“Oh no… I just….”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Relax… I’m kidding…. And you’re right. I should get some rest.” He said and got up. There was a brief silence, before he said, “Will you please walk with me?”

Vivian nodded and did as he asked and followed him outside. The salty breeze had begun to drain away. The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, and the trees swayed in the gentle breeze. Neither of them said a word as they walked to his car. After he unlocked it, he turned to her and said, “I want to apologize, Miss Sanchez… for my attitude this morning.”

It was the last thing Vivian expected him to say and for a moment she couldn’t say a word. “It’s alright” she blurted out when she finally found her tongue. “And you were right. I shouldn’t have forgotten about the meeting.”

“Yeah, but I was still way out of line and I…”

He stopped talking. He couldn’t possibly tell her that most of his attitude had been fueled by jealousy. It would be the most absurd statement ever and even he still didn’t understand why he’d felt the way he did. But she was standing there, staring at him with wide, beautiful eyes. A strong gust of wind blew against her face, teased her fringe and ruffled it and Scott watched as she smoothed her hair back in place with her fingers. He fought to keep his hands to himself.

“I’m dealing with some personal stuff” he continued, “And I guess I kinda let it get to me, but that’s still no excuse for the way I spoke to you. I hope you forgive me, Miss Sanchez. And thank you too… for the cheesecake”

“You’re welcome.”