Sweetness (17 page)

“No thanks, I am going to grab a bite to eat before
I head back home. I’ll just grab a cab. But thank you.”
“Anytime. Hay…uh…can I ask you something.”
“Sure, Luke. What’s up?”
“Um…I don’t know…I uh…” he stutters and
shifts on his feet nervously. “I was just wondering if your
friend Wanda is…single.”
I snort at his question, before realizing he is totally
serious. My, my, my. Luke is nervous about a girl. This is
new. He is usually so confident and together. Come to
think of it, they could be a match made in control freak
heaven.
“Yes. She’s single. Why do you looove her?” I
mock.
Luke rolls his eyes and smiles, “You are such a
child sometimes, Emma. No I don’t love her. I was just
curious if you think she would go out on a date with
me.”
“I think she might if you ask her. In fact I think
there is a good chance she will say yes,” I wiggle my
brows at him and he blushes.
“I don’t know why the hell I asked you. You are
going to tease me forever now aren’t you.”
“No, of course not, Luke,” I say to him as my cab
pulls up. “For a while maybe, but not forever. Later,
lover boy.”
“Good-bye Emma,” Luke replies exasperated.

Since eating alone
depresses me, I text Wanda to see if
she is available to get some dinner. I would love to tell
her that her crush is interested. That should make her
day.

___________________________________________________
Emma:
Hay how was your first day at the
studio? Want to grab some dinner?

Wanda:
It was wonderful. Loved it. Where?
Emma:
How about Italian? I will text you
the address.

Wanda:
As long as you’re buying, I’m
in…lol.
___________________________________________________
As I am waiting for Wanda at the restaurant I decide to
email Dominic to see what he’s up to.
___________________________________________________

From:
Emma Hill
To: Dominic Ross
Subject: New Job

Hi. I know you are probably busy but I wanted to let you
know that my first day went great. I have to work on
some press releases and promo stuff. That should keep
me pretty busy and out of trouble, or so Gabe thinks.

My father asked me about us today. He saw the photo of
me on stage. Gabe told him that we were old friends and
that you pulling me on stage was a publicity stunt that I
agreed to. I also told them both that you wouldn’t sing
my song to anyone else so if they wanted it repeated, I
would need to be around more. Gabe didn’t like it, but
who cares. As long as I get to see you more, that’s all that
matters.

Miss you,
Emma
___________________________________________________

When look up, I see Wanda entering the
restaurant. During dinner we talk about our first day as
career girls. Wanda landed her dream job as in intern at a
popular New York radio station so she is naturally over
the moon when she speaks about what a great time she
had. She loves being the center of attention so this job is
right up her ally. When I tell her about my conversation
with Luke her face lights up even more and I see the tips
of her ears pink up. Ill never get used to smitten Wanda.

She keeps asking me things like “so was he
nervous” and “when do you think he will ask me out”. I
told her the conversation was less then a minute long but
I have to keep recounting the seconds as she analyses it
to death.

After two hours we exit the restaurant and head
home. This has been a long day and I for one am
thoroughly exhausted. In the early evening, as we weave
through traffic, the city comes to life. People are
shopping, eating, walking with strollers, and just taking
in the sights and sounds around them. God I love this
city. I feel like Carrie Bradshaw in my cab while wearing
designer clothes and hanging with my best friend.

When we pull up to the building I see Gabe
getting out of the car with Luke. He is on his phone
standing off to the side of the entrance facing away from
me. I hope to sneak by unnoticed. Wanda and Luke make
eye contact and they both blush a pretty shade of pink.
Luke gives her a shy smile and Wanda tells me she has
some errands to run then hops back in the cab acting as if
she wants to be anywhere but here right now. Luke
frowns instantly and watches as the cab pulls away.

“Don’t worry she likes you. In fact-“ I pause and
look back to the street. “she must really like you to run
away like that. She is usually so put together but when
she saw you she sure left in a hurry. She’ll be back soon
I’m sure. Talk to her then,” I assure him, while I pat his
arm when I pass by.

Luke nods but doesn’t look convinced. What the
hell got into her? I duck into the building and try to
avoid Gabe but he catches up to me at the elevator and
joins me inside.

“Mrs. Hill.” He nods politely.
“Mr. Hernandez.” I mirror his nod.
“How was your first day?”
“It was fine, thank you. How was your day, sir?”
“Fine,” he says coolly as the door opens to his

floor.

Before the doors close he turns back to catch one
last glimpse of me; as if he is taking a mental picture or
something. Just as the doors seal shut he flashes me a
weird smile, like he knows something I don’t. Whatever
that smile means, it shot straight to my hot spot. Again.

How does me manage to do that? I close my eyes
and his face flashes behind my eyelids. I hate that my
body reacts when he is around. Perfect face, nice body,
and shitty personality. Yup, that’s usually my recipe for
hot and bothered if I recall. Shaking my head of the
thought I make a mental note to try and avoid elevator
contact with him in the future. It is almost as if it is not
big enough for the two of us when we are alone in an
elevator car.

After showering I fetch my phone out of my
purse. I see that I have a new email but decide to use my
computer to retrieve it instead. After logging on I see that
the email is from Dominic.
___________________________________________________

From:
Dominic Ross
To: Emma Hill
Subject: Old friends?

And what did you tell your father?
___________________________________________________

From:
Emma Hill
To: Dominic Ross
Subject: Old Friends?

I confirmed to my father that we have known each other
for many years and we are glorified friends. I told him
that I have no intention in making our personal
relationship an issue when it comes to business.

Emma
I hit send and begin looking over the request for
proposal that I need to hand in tomorrow, for the Miami
show. I can’t wait until the show in August. I am going to
work very hard to prove to Gabe and my father that I can
and will handle this job with integrity. Just as I was
cleaning up the RFP a ding on my computer startles me
from my concentration.
___________________________________________________

From:
Dominic Ross
To: Emma Hill
Subject: Glorified Friends???

Ouch…bit cold don’t you think? Is that what we are?
Glorified friends? Or was that just for your fathers
benefit. I am happy to hear that you had a good first day.
You working our tour is a good thing. I know you will
make sure we get good exposure.

Well Miss Hill, I will be heading to the stage now for the
show. Business first. We wouldn’t want our personal life
interfering with business.

Dominic Ross
No term of endearment and full name. Shit, I
must’ve hurt his feelings. I didn’t mean it the way it came
out. I was just trying to be honest and tell him what I told

my father. I want to make this work. Long distance
relationships are hard enough but ours is barely off the
ground and we are so far apart. He doesn’t realize that I
am doing this because I like him? I am going to do
everything I can to be closer to him. I can’t honestly tell
my father we are friends who fuck on occasion.
___________________________________________________
From:
Emma Hill
To: Dominic Ross
Subject: Cold…Sorry

You know what we are. I didn’t mean it the way it
sounded. I am trying to be honest and tell you what I
told my father. He doesn’t need to know the ins and outs
of our daily lives, so to answer your question, yes it was
for his benefit. We know better! I don’t think I could tell
him we are friends with benefits without giving him a
coronary. I hope you have a good show. I will contact
you tomorrow. Nite.

xoxo-Emma

He won’t get off stage until late tonight. Hopefully
he will understand where I am coming from so this
doesn’t carry over until tomorrow. I hate that he is so far
away. I miss him. I take a few minutes to look at the
photos on my computer before finishing up with work. I
try and settle into bed but thoughts of Dominic, and
Gabe, and my father are getting the better of me. I leave
the shades open and watch the city lights from my bed as
a slowly drift off to restless sleep.

DING!
I lazily open my eyes to see the light illuminate on
my phone. I look at the alarm clock reading 3:23 am. I
grab my phone and see a text from Dominic.

Dominic:
Just saw your email. Yes, I know better.

I’m glad he is not mad but damn it’s late. Maybe
he thought I would see it in the morning. I suddenly get
the urge to hear his voice. Since I’m awake I may as well
call him.

“Emma? What’s wrong?” His voice laced with
concerned.
“Nothing. I just got your text so I knew you were
up. I wanted to hear your voice.” I yawn without
opening my eyes.
“Oh, I was worried about why you were calling so
late. Why aren’t you sleeping?” He asks sounding
relieved.
“I sleeping. Your text woke me up. Usually I
sleep right through any alerts on my phone. So you saw
my email?”
“Yeah.” He sighs. I can hear him settling into bed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come off the way
it did. I just wanted you to know I talked to him.”
“I understand. You’re right. He doesn’t need to
know everything we do. I guess telling him we are
glorified friends
sounds better than fuck buddies.” He
yawned deep trying to finish his sentence. “I’m sorry I
woke you.”
“I’m not. I love hearing your voice. No matter
what time it is,” I yawn in return.
“Go back to sleep, Sweetness,” he smiles through
the phone. I am not ready to let him go yet. I miss him so
much it hurts. If this is as close I can get to him for now,
I’ll take it.
“How was your show?”
“It was great. Would have been better if you were
here.” I can practically hear him grinning at his little
confession. My heart melts into a sloppy puddle of goo.
“28 days. I will see you in 28 days,” I giggle.
“You’re counting?” He snorts. “Good. I can’t
wait.”
“And besides, you have all your groupies to keep
you company until I get there.” I was half kidding but
also weary of his response. I don’t want to hear about
him with other girls but a part of me needs to know.
“Emma! You know better then that. We talked
about this. I have told you that that’s not my style so I
don’t know if you are kidding or just insecure.” I can tell
from his voice that I have his full attention. No trace of
sleepiness that was there a second ago is present now.
“Both.” I reply in a small voice.
“Emma, you really have to stop thinking like that.
You are going to drive yourself crazy,” his tone softened
but the irritation was still there.
How the hell do I stop thinking like at? I see the
pictures on the internet, of all the woman that want a
piece of him and the other guys. Temptation is around
every corner. I can’t compete with that.
“I know,” I let out an exasperated sigh and pull
my arm over my face in shame. “I just miss you.”
“I know. I miss you too. Go to sleep now. You
have work in the morning and you need your sleep. I
will text you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Good night.”
“Night Sweetness. Sweet dreams.”
“Only because you’re in them,” I tease.
“You keep talking like that and I am not going to
be able to sleep with the hard on your giving me,” he
groans.
“Night Dom.” I rush the words out of my mouth
not wanting a repeat of last night’s bathroom escapades.
“Night, baby.” He breathes before hanging up.

After two weeks of work
, gym, sleep, I need a break.
Wanda, Max, Mark and I decide to go to the beach for
some fun. This is the first summer I have had to work
and truth be told I am missing the lazy days of being a
college student. It is a beautiful, Saturday morning and I
desperately need some R&R. I throw on my blue and
white, stripped bikini, a white tank top, short denim
shorts and flip-flops. I throw some snacks drinks, towels,
and lotion in a backpack and grab my IPod. Just as I
finish, Wanda strolls in slipping her summer dress over
her one-piece black bathing suit with the sides and back
cut out.

“Ready chica?”
“Yup, let me grab my phone and tell Mark we will
meet him downstairs.”

When we hit the lobby Wanda searches for Luke
but he isn’t there. They have gone out on two dates,
officially, and she is certainly a smitten kitten. I think she
times her arrivals and departures to match his schedule.
He always gives her a goofy smile and her hips always
seem to sway a little wider when he is around.

As we step outside it feels like the sun just showed
up on my stoop with a baseball bat and I owe him
money. Fuck it’s hot out here.

The boys are late as usual so we just loiter against
the building trying to stay cool. Just as irritation kicks in I
see Gabe running toward us dressed in blue running
shorts and a white t-shirt soaked in sweat, clinging to his
chest. Wanda and I look at him then give each other a
“fuck yeah” look.

“Damn,” Wanda mutters under her breath as she
averts her eyes back to Gabe.
Is he running is slow motion?
He stops right before the front door and puts his
hands on his knees to catch his breath. Needing to do
something, other then gawk, I riffle through my bag for a
bottle of water and walk toward him giving myself a
silent plea not to fall on my face in the process.
“You look hot,” I say, more breathy then I intend
to as I hold out the water bottle to him. He looks up,
shooting me a knowing smile as if he got the double
meaning.
Shit I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I shove
the bottle in his face without saying another word. I can
feel my face getting warmer and it has nothing to do with
the weather.
“Sorry Mr. Hernandez, I…I…didn’t mean…” I
stammer. He stands up straight and steps right in front of
me, grabbing the bottle from my shaky hand. He is
inches in front of me. I can hear his heavy breathing, and
from the way he is gripping onto that water bottle I can
tell he is straining not to touch me.
He takes a sip of his water, his eye contact never
breaks mine. I lose this staring contest as he reaches for
the bottom of his shirt and lifts it to wipe the perspiration
from his neck and face. My eyes glance downward
toward his perfectly sculpted abs to the line where his
happy trail disappears into his shorts.
I try in vein to avert my eyes to the ground,
hoping he didn’t catch me. But there is no way he missed
it. Even though we have only been standing here for less
than a minute it feels like an eternity because he is not
saying anything. Just when I think he is finally going to
put me out of my misery and walk away, he leans in
close. Close enough so there is but a fraction of an inch
between us but not close enough to be actually touching
me. I can smell his sweet sweaty scent and my knees
almost buckle.
“I know what you meant Emma,” he whispers in
my ear. My eyes suddenly dart up to meet his to find him
smirking at me.
What does he think I mean? Oh, God!
While trying to figure out what to say he steps
past me and walks into the building. Like a complete
idiot I just there, speechless; No doubt with a stupid as
shit look on my face. Damn it!
“Damn Hill, what was that all about? It looked
intense,” Wands queries as she steps into my line of sight
searching for my eyes to meet hers.
It felt intense. He has avoided me for the past two
weeks and has only spoken to me when absolutely
necessary. If Gabe doesn’t even like me as an employee,
why is he…what is he doing…flirting? No clearly not. He
was just reacting to my stupid comment. Right?
“I don’t know. I said that he looked hot and he-“
Wanda laughed, more than amused by my confusion.
“You told him he’s hot,” Wanda puts her hand on
her hip. “Why Emma I do think there is hope for you yet
girl.”
“That’s not what I meant!” Well maybe it was my
subconscious rearing her ugly head again, truth telling
on me.
“Oh no? You don’t think that fine piece of ass is
hot? Shit, I do. Who wouldn’t? Tall, dark, and handsome
usually doesn’t come with great body, tight ass, and fat
bank account.”
“Really Wanda. He is my boss and usually a huge
douchlord. He is probably just playing with my head. I
am sure I was being tested, again. Gabe Hernandez
doesn’t do anything but push my buttons,” I reply to her,
annoyed. Just as I was about to continue with my next
phase of insults, Mark pulls up in my car and honks the
horn. “Forget it. I just want to go to the beach.”
I stomp off in the direction of the car like a kid
taking a temper tantrum. I do not like Gabe Hernandez.
Not like that anyway. He is my boss and nothing more.
He is stubborn and irritating and, and, and just an all
around ass.
“Whatever Emma. Protest all you want but that
man is getting under your skin. If you won’t let him, then
point him in my direction because I would really enjoy
him being under my skin,” she snickers as she bumps my
shoulder with hers.
“What about Luke?”
“What about Luke. I like him but we went on two
dates. We are hardly exclusive,” she lies. I can tell by the
way she keeps peaking through the glass door just to try
and steal a glance of him.
“Whatever Wanda, lets go,” I snort back to her as
we climb into the car.