Saccharine

I looked up at the darkening sky and wished that the sun was shining instead. Maybe it would help make this dreadful feeling inside me disappear. I knew that everything I felt was a reflection of the sky. It reminded me that I was about to break open a flood and with it, disaster was about to follow.

          Downtown Minneapolis was busy as usual with cars, men and women in business suits, trying to get back to work after lunch. Traffic lights were switching colors and the exhaust of car dust was in the air. Around me there were signs of life. But within me, it ceased to exist. I felt as if I was just a shadow following around the crowd. It left me nowhere and gave me no sense. It left me with no purpose. I was alone, it seemed, as the world moved around me.

          The Hishware building was close as I crossed the street. I was thankful I was wearing low heels because my feet were already beginning to ache. I was dressed in my best black suit today. My long black hair tied up in a chic bun and I had applied minimal makeup. I wanted to look the part of a good woman. I felt heavy as the doors to the building came closer. I took a deep breath and walked through the revolving doors and entered. It was busy and I made my way to the elevators. I pressed the button, stepped back, and took a deep breath. When the silver doors opened, I got on and they closed before me.

          When the doors opened again, I was standing on the tenth floor facing glass windows that read Miller, Jones, and Park, attorneys at law. I walked through the elevators with heavy feet and made my way to the glass doors. A pretty brunette woman was behind the desk and she buzzed me in. She handed me a guest badge and directed me to go four doors down. I did as instructed and when I stopped at the fourth door, my husband, Alan Nelson, was sitting in a chair, dressed all in gray with his lawyer beside him. I took a deep breath and opened the doors, forcing the two to stand up. Colleen Miller, my lawyer, was sitting on the opposite table, and she stood up to greet me. We shook hands and she directed me to sit across from Alan and his lawyer.

          Alan. The biggest mistake I ever did was falling in love with him. He was a good guy from a good background, old money and good heritage. We met in college and dated for four years. After graduation, he pursued his master’s degree and I supported him. I was in love with him. He was the first man to make me feel as if I was safe. We were good together and after he graduated, he proposed. I accepted. And then I learned that he had proposed out of pity to me. He had a list of women he dedicated himself to every day. I was just an idea of perfection. That was when happily ever after came crushing down and I was met with heartache, misery, and pain.

          Alan was a handsome man with dark hair and brown eyes. He always wore his hair shorter than most men and his stare was what captivated me and held me. But what lay beneath his heart tore at me from every angle and it left me bleeding. He never apologized for his ways, instead, he said if I couldn’t take it, then I should divorce him. But I stuck around because I wanted to be a good wife. I worked on finishing grad school and got a job at a major advertising company where I worked as a lead account manager. I made good money and I was going places. But my marriage was slowly drowning and the word “home” translated to prison. I came to a prison after work every day. He bounded me in chains with the women he slept with and he never cared if I was hurt. So what changed? The night he confessed he had gotten a woman pregnant and was leaving me for her. I was a distraction, he said. I was a mistake. Just hearing the word “baby” struck me hard with pain and I gave up. I wasn’t going to let anyone hurt me again.

          Now, as I sat across from him, he looked smug, not even remorseful at his own actions. His lawyer, a rich man, named Greg Johnson, was sitting next to him dressed in a black suit with his graying brown hair. Colleen, a woman in her mid-forties was gathering up paperwork from her folder. She was pretty with light blonde hair and misty blue eyes. She was a fighter and she made partner in two years. That was why I had hired her. I wanted her to rip Alan out for everything he had. I wanted to take him to the cleaners.

          “Are we ready to begin?” Colleen asked.

          “When you are,” Greg answered.

          “My client has reviewed over your offer and she’s not going to take it. As a matter of fact, that offer is an insult. What are you two playing at here? She makes six figures a year. Why would she settle for what you have to offer her?”

          Greg smiled and Alan flinched. “Listen, Miss Miler, you and I both know that this offer is without a doubt, the best offer anyone has ever laid out on a table. If your client refuses to take this offer, do not think we’ll lay it out again. We’ll withdraw it and offer her what insulting really is.”

          “Do you think tactic like that scares me, Mr. Johnson? I’ve been working with people like you long enough to know that men like you and Mr. Nelson are nothing but cheap bullies who think money can buy others out.”

          Greg didn’t let the insult get to him. “We’re professionals here. No need to bring out the big guns.”

          “I guarantee you that if I were to bring out my gun, you’d notice it. We’re not taking the offer.”

          Alan looked up at me. “Tiffany, you’d be wise to take this offer.”

          I looked up at him with my brown eyes and straightened my posture. “I think my lawyer has given our answer.”

          He leaned forward. “Are you serious? If you think I’m going to feel sentimental, you’d better think twice.”

          “I don’t think you can feel, Alan, not unless you’re screwing someone between the legs.”

          His face turned red and anger flashed across his eyes. “You bitch.”

          “I’m not going to take your shit anymore, Alan. I did that for two years and look where it led me. You’re a selfish man who only thinks with his dick.”

          “All right,” Colleen interjected. “It’s clear that we’re not going to take your offer. So this meeting is over.”

          “No, it’s not!” Alan yelled. “If you think I’m going to let you drain a penny from me, you’d better think again.”

          “Was that a threat?” Colleen asked. “Mr. Johnson, I’d be wise and advised your client to keep his mouth shut if he doesn’t want another lawsuit slapped against him.”

          Greg stood up. “There’s reasons why my client is upset. Your client is refusing to work with us.”

          Colleen stood up. “Why should she when it was your client who broke the vow of marriage? As far as I know, my client supported your client for years while he was in school. Every penny paid for his tuition came from her pocket. He committed adultery and he owes her half of his property and money. To give us an offer of not even close is like a slap to the face. As a person who has a track record like yours, I’m ashamed to even think of you as a lawyer.”
          I stood up. “I assume this meeting is over. If you have questions, you can contact my lawyer. Thank you, Colleen.”

          She smiled and shook my hand. “You have a good day.”

          I turned to go when Alan reached out and grabbed my arm. But Greg pulled him back just as Colleen called security. As the security team arrived, Alan pulled back and dropped my arm. I dared him to move toward me. Yet he remained silent with his dark eyes. I walked out and heard Alan curse at his lawyer.

 

          I ended my day with my best friend, Amy Tucker, at the bar downtown for drinks. Amy had been my go to person for as long as I could remember. She never judged me and she always had a good answer for everything. She was a therapist specializing in abuse surviving. She did great community work and I respected her highly. She was a pretty blonde with large tits, a great ass, and long legs. But she never let it get in her way when men hooted at her. She also cursed like a truck driver.

          “Fuck!” she cried as I told her the events of today.

          “You should have seen his face.”

          She smiled and drowned her shot of tequila. “I wished I had been there. His dick was probably hanging out with no balls.”

          I laughed. “Only you could say stuff like that and make me laugh.”

          A man from across the bar whistled at her and she flipped him the bird. The man laughed and walked away. She picked up her empty glass and shook it at the bar tender for a refill. I reached over and took her hand.

          “Thank you so much for everything, Amy. I don’t know what I would have done without you here.”

          She waved her hand in the air. “Girl, please, as much as you claim I’m a goddess, you would have been fine without me. You’re a fighter. You can do anything you set your mind to. So…when is the official divorce date?”

          “We’re waiting on Alan’s counter offer. If he’ll just bend over and give me what I deserve, everything would be signed and over with. But he’s not playing fair and he wants a battle. An ugly one, I know, and he’s not going to settle for anything less. But I want to screw him so bad it hurts and that is his money. I don’t need it. I’m good on my own. I just want it to make him hurt.”

          Amy smiled as the bar tender refilled her glass. “Yeah, baby! Pay back time! Once pay day hits, it’s you and me on a deserted beach!”

          I smiled and clinked glasses with her. “You got it!”

 

          The apartment I lived in was close to the St. Anthony Bridge. Its view was spectacular and I woke to the sun rising every day and closed the day with the lights of Minneapolis. It was a one bedroom apartment with wooden floors throughout, granite countertops, a large living room, and a chef’s dream kitchen. I loved to cook and so I admired the designer for his taste in making my dream kitchen.

          When I returned home from my drink with Amy, I showered, and dressed in my black pj’s. Then I turned on the TV lowering the volume down, and settled on the couch with some new design layouts from work. Spencer and Spencer, the advertising company I worked at, was founded by the Spencer brothers, Maverick and Lincoln, although I had never met either one of them. They had branch offices throughout the twin cities, but I worked at the corporate one in downtown Minneapolis. I had been there for almost three years now and I had never seen either one of them appear at the office.

          The ad I had been working on was a resort newly designed in Florida. My boss, Jason Miles, was a great man who worked his ass off to prove he could lead all of us. Although I was the account manager, I still reported to Jason on a daily basis. We worked throughout most of our projects together and had gotten close. He was single and had hinted dinner a few times, but I always declined out of respect for him and because I loved my job. He got the message, but never really stopped trying.

          I had just turned the page into my notes when my phone rang. I reached for it on the counter and saw my mother’s name, Isabelle, lit up on the screen. I sighed. I didn’t really want to talk to her right now, but I knew that she wouldn’t stop calling.

          “Hi Mom,” I said.

          “Honey, I was just calling to ask how things went today.”

          My mother had been a fan of Alan’s from day one. She still couldn’t understand why I hadn’t been more patient with him. To her, if I had been a better wife, he wouldn’t have the urge to stick his dick in other women.

          “I didn’t take his offer.”

          “Oh?” she sounded excited. “Does this mean you’re getting back together?”

          I cringed. The thought of being with Alan again made me want to vomit. “No, Mother, you can stop hoping. We’re never getting back together.”

          “Darling, you have to stop this. Men have the urge to sleep around.”

          “Perhaps you don’t understand the situation here, Mother. Your son-in-law cheated on me with numerous women and got one of them pregnant. How am I supposed to continue loving him when he’s created another human being with someone other than me, who was his wife?”
          “Tiffany, I know that you don’t really like intimacy, but you should have tried harder.”

          “No, Mother, I loved the idea of sex, just not fucking around.”

          “Watch your mouth, young lady!”

          “Why? It’s the only time you can hear me. Listen, if you called to say this, then I’m hanging up.”

          “Wait,” she said. “I’m sorry. I just…I don’t understand why you won’t try again. I mean, marriage is never easy. Take a look at me and your father. We have stuck around for years and it’s taken a lot of hard work, but we made it…eventually.”

          My father, Darren, was another story to be told. I sighed and rubbed my temple. “Mom, I’ve had a long day. I’ll call you later.”

          I hung up before she could say another word. As expected, she called again. I turned the phone to vibrate and set it off to the side. My eyes filled with tears at the thought of my mother wanting me to settle for less. She could never see that being faithful was a good thing in marriage. She never would because she had never been faithful herself. Her years of marriage to my father were a horrible tale and even today, while he was still married to her, she continued to flirt with men. Why my own father tolerated it was beyond me. But I suppose when you loved someone beyond reason, you could overlook it. It had me wondering if I ever really loved Alan.

 

          I jerked awake from the nightmare I was having of Alan sneering at me through black teeth. I sat up, drenched in sweat, and took a deep, unsteady breath. The nightmares were reoccurring and it was coming more often, especially after seeing Alan. I swung my legs over the bed and got up, thinking some milk would calm me down. I walked to the kitchen in the dark, my feet padding on the wooden floor. I opened the fridge and grabbed the carton of milk, kicking it close with my foot. My fingers found the light switch and I poured myself a glass. As I downed it, I felt the liquid slide smoothly down my throat, erasing the ache almost, as I felt it settle down in the pit of my belly. But I still felt uneasy. I returned the carton, made my way to the couch, and sat down.

          Nights like these were what left me feeling lifeless. It drained my entire soul and left me feeling empty. Alan had been a weakness of mine for so long and since we were separated, I had only begun to piece back together what I had lost. I had spent a majority of my life pleasing him, being his beck and call, and turning myself inside out for him. In return, I got misery and a slap in the face. That did something to a woman and I wasn’t sure if I would ever recover.

          Sex. That was another story. Alan was never gentle. He did it his way and sometimes used force when necessary to get his ways. I caved in and did what he wanted, but I used to remember lying there, counting the minutes until he was done. It made me feel unclean and the sounds and grunts were like animal mating calls, so not human. He never made love to me. He never seduced me. He just fucked me like a piece of trash and then rolled over to snore. I would lay awake for hours crying myself to sleep. He was the only man I had allowed to know that intimate part of me and I was afraid that if I let another man know, it would never be the same.

          The ticking of the clock reminded me that I had to go to work soon and was still wide awake. If I continued this pattern of waking up in the middle of the night, my energy would soon be drained and I would find myself worthless at work as well as at home. Did I really want that? Of course not, but when I was fighting demons, how was I supposed to get rid of them? I didn’t know how and I was afraid of the outcome. In the end, would I be alone?

 

          Spencer and Spencer was a large advertising company with glass doors, wood floors, and huge cubicles throughout. I had an office in the back with a receptionist, Mia Emerson. My cubicle faced downtown Minneapolis and had a large white couch with a glass topped desk and a mini bar. I hardly used the bar unless I had clients to entertain, which was seldom, since all entertaining was done elsewhere. When I walked in, Mia had the ear piece on and was talking rapidly into it. She stopped to wave me hello and gave me my messages. I smiled at her. Mia was a pretty girl with short black hair and blue eyes. She always wore designer label clothes and shoes, like today, she sported a red DKNY red dress with black Jimmy Choos. She was a gorgeous girl who made most of the men turn heads. But she was engaged to a very good looking man and never took a second glance at those men who gawked at her.

          I walked into my office and took off my black jacket. It was July, but the summer weather had been cooler than usual. I was wearing a black skirt with a red blouse paired with some black pumps. I had my hair done in a braid and coiled up in a bun. I turned on the computer, sat down, and went through my messages. There were a few from clients and then one was from my mother. I sighed and set them aside as I opened up my schedule to take a look at what I had.

          Mia walked in with a steaming cup of coffee and set it down beside me. “The Spencer brothers are here and would like to meet with you and Jason as soon as you are in.”

          My hand reaching for my coffee stopped and I looked up at her. “They’re here? In the building?”

          She nodded. “Yes.”

          “Why are they here?” I glanced at my schedule again and then back at her. “I don’t see them on here.”

          Shrugging, Mia said, “I’m not sure either. But they specifically asked for you two. Twentieth floor is calling your name.”

          I cringed. “Don’t say that. I’m afraid it’s the latter.”

          She laughed and backed out of the door. “Be brave, Tiffany.”

          As she closed the door, I sighed deeply. I had never met Maverick or Lincoln, the two brothers who started this company. I had never seen pictures either. What were they doing here and why were they asking for me and Jason? I hoped I wasn’t getting fired. I stood up, smoothed down my skirt, and walked out. I found Jason at the elevators waiting for me. I sighed and Mia gave me thumbs up as I walked to meet him. Jason was a tall, well-built man with sand colored hair and brown eyes. He wore a blue suit with a black tie today making his eyes stand out. He was handsome in a chic way, which wasn’t really my type. I could tell he was as nervous as I was by how he kept tapping his hand against the wall.

          “Tiffany, you got any idea why the big dogs want to see us?” Jason asked.

          Shrugging, I replied, “I’m just as lost as you.”

          He sighed. “I hope I’m not getting fired.”

          “You and me both.”

          The elevator doors opened and we stepped in. He reached over and pressed the twentieth floor and we began to ascend. The atmosphere seemed like it began to close around us as we got closer and closer to where we were supposed to go. My throat began to feel tight and my hands got sweaty. I wiped them on my skirt just as the doors opened. Jason gestured for me to step out first and I did. As soon as my heels hit the granite floors, I took in a deep breath. I had never been up here before. The whole floor was designed in black and white with glass doors and windows, large black couches, and glass tables set in a semicircle. Jason took my elbow and we began walking toward a young lady sitting at the desk with blonde hair. She looked up at us with her blue eyes.

          “You can go right in,” she said as she pointed to a double door to our left.

          We both let in a breath and walked together to the double door. We looked at each other and then he opened the door. I walked in first and the first thing I saw was a pair of deep sea blue eyes staring up at me from behind a manila envelope with dark black hair. Another man was standing at the window looking out wearing a gray suit that held the same resemblance as the one sitting down. But the one by the window was older with silver dusting his temples. The man by the window turned and looked at us. He was handsome with a soft complexion and a kind smile. Then the sound of a chair scraping against the ground was heard and I turned around to find the one sitting pushing himself to a standing position. He had dropped the envelope and was now looking straight at me. Holy shit, he was drop dead gorgeous. His gaze was electrifying with a devilish stare that made my toes curl inside my shoes. He was staring coldly at me and I stumbled backward only to be caught by Jason’s hand.

          “Welcome,” the one by the window said. “Please sit down.”

          Jason smiled and helped me settle down in a chair and took one beside me. The two men walked toward us and then took a seat across from us. I noticed that both were wearing gray suits except the older one was wearing a black tie and the other was wearing a blue one. The older one had a ring sparkling on his left hand indicating he was married. The younger one’s hand was empty.

          “I’m Maverick,” the older one said. “This is my younger brother, Lincoln. We’re Spencer and Spencer.”

          Jason smiled. “Great to meet you both. What is the honor of this meeting?”
          Maverick smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ve been leading the Thompson account for a while now, haven’t you, Mr. Miles?”

          “I have,” Jason answered.

          “We’ve been tracking your work and I have to say, it’s spectacular. You’re doing a great job.”

          Jason beamed. “Thank you.”

          “We’d like to move you to a different position. One of our employees has suddenly left and the position of Director of Marketing is open. We’d like you to fill in.”

          The color drained on Jason’s face and I almost gasped. Director of Marketing was what Jason had been working toward his whole career while here. I could feel the room get smaller and I saw Jason’s hand twitch.

          “D-director of Marketing?” he managed to ask.

          Maverick nodded. “Yes. We’ll raise your salary by two thirds of what you’re making now plus a hefty bonus. You’ll get a raise every six months and if you can continue your fabulous track record, we’ll give you 5% of the shares.”

          Jason laughed. “Wow! I mean, excuse me, certainly sir. I would love to take the position.”

          Maverick leaned forward. “Great. You can start tomorrow. My receptionist, Glenda, will gladly give you all the information along with the paperwork to finish the work needed.”

          “Thank you so much.”

          Then Maverick turned to me. “Mrs-“

          “Tiffany,” I interrupted him.

          He was quiet for a moment. “Tiffany will not be working with you.”

          Jason’s smile faded. “She’s not? Will she be staying where she is?”

          “No,” Lincoln finally spoke leaning forward. “She’ll be working beside me.”

          I turned my gaze to the man who spoke and found his glare to be intense and wild. I swallowed hard, almost feeling my heart skip a beat. Jason looked from me to him as Maverick cleared his throat.

          “We’ve been following your work, Tiffany, and it’s outstanding. Your business nose is what we need here on the top floor. I know that you haven’t been here long, but you’ve proved to us that you know your way around a business deal. The Taiwanese were quite adamant about your work. My brother, Lincoln, would like to offer you a permanent job as his executive director.”

          My throat went dry and Jason almost went white. I looked from one to the other, not sure if they were playing games with me or not. Lincoln hadn’t spoken again and they were all staring at me. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

          “I’m not sure I’m qualified for that pay grade,” I finally said.

          “I think you’re more than qualified,” Lincoln answered coolly. “In fact, I don’t think there’s anyone else more qualified than you. I’ve been keeping tabs on your work and I have to say, I’m impressed. I need you.”

          I need you. Did he just say that? I felt the heat in the room circulate me and I felt dizzy. I turned to find Jason staring at me willing me to agree with his eyes. I turned back to find Lincoln staring at me, his forefinger rubbing his chin. I cleared my throat and I sat up.

          “What exactly will I be doing?” I asked.

          Lincoln smiled. “You’ll be working beside me and handling all my accounts. In a nutshell, you and I will be partners.”

          Why did that sound so sexual? I blinked and found Maverick smirking. I felt a lump form at the base of my throat. I didn’t know what to say. I sat there in silence as all three men stared at me.

          “It seems we’ve stunned her into silence,” Maverick said.

          I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to get my way around this. I really like the position where I am currently at. I like the people I’ve been working with.”

          “You’ll like me,” Lincoln said.

          I hid my surprise. “It’s not that I won’t, Mr-“

          “Lincoln,” he corrected me.

          “Lincoln,” I said. “I’m sure we’ll get along fine. But I’m afraid I may not be able to do as you wish. These last accounts were small.”

          “I don’t take no for an answer,” he said quietly.

          I finally understood his proposition. He wasn’t giving me any room to think. I nodded and stood up. “If you say so, I will take the position, but I make myself clear that I will not accept any bonuses or pay increase. I get the same pay as I did when I was working with Jason.”

          Lincoln stood up. “No. You will take the increase and you will accept my bonuses. Welcome.”

 

          Back at my desk, Jason was already celebrating his news with his co-workers as I stumbled over what to think about what just happened. He had given me a position I knew I was not qualified for and a pay increase that made my salary jump to triple its numbers. I should be happy, but I was afraid I would disappoint him. Mia walked in and gave me a hug as she smiled from ear to ear.

          “I just heard! I knew you would be going places!” she cried.

          I gave her a dry laugh. “Thanks.”

          She noticed my mood and shrugged. “Uh…am I missing something? You’ve just been promoted and you’re acting like someone died.”

          I frowned. “I’m not sure I can do that job.”

          “Oh come on! If anyone can do it, it’s you, Tiffany! I believe you can. I’ll sure miss you dearly, but do remember to visit me when you have a chance.”

          I smiled and hugged her. “Thank you.”

          As she left, I sat down at my desk and looked at my messages. My mother’s name was scrawled in black ink and it was staring at me. I massaged my temple, not really knowing how this day had happened. I sighed deeply and figured, if I had been handed this position, then I needed to take better control of myself and my surroundings. I was now an executive director to the president of the company. Just thinking of it made me shake my head in wonder.

          I leaned back in my chair and finally a smile graced my lips making me feel good. I had to be thankful for what had come my way. Yes, I deserved this. I deserved it and I had worked hard for it. I pushed the negative out and decided I needed to concentrate on the positive. I was now an executive director to the president of the company.

          “Repeat it, Tiffany,” I said.

          Throughout the day, I finalized some of the paperwork I had from my previous accounts and gathered together everything to put into a portfolio, ready to hand to Mia, to give to the new person who would take over my job. I received a message from Maverick that I needed to get everything in order to be turned over by Thursday, which gave me another day only. I had everything put into order and was working on the last final detail when Jason tapped at my door. I looked up and he was smiling as he walked in. He’d removed his suit jacket and was wearing his button down shirt and tie.

          “I guess we woke up on the right side of the bed today, huh?” he asked.

          Smiling, I replied, “I’m so happy for you, Jason. I know you’ve been working on this for a long time.”

          “Well, I’ll still be stuck here on this floor while you’ll be up there with the big dogs.”

          “It doesn’t mean anything less.”

          He swallowed and then closed my office door, giving us privacy. “Look, I wanted to ask you something. I know that you and I have been working together for a while and you know that I’ve hinted a few dates here and there. Now that we’ll be no longer be working side by side, how about I take you out? To celebrate our success, you know? What do you say?”
          Before I could object, my phone began to ring. I held up a finger. “Tiffany Nelson.”

          “Tiffany,” Lincoln’s voice came on the line. “I need to see you, please.”

          “Oh, alright. I’ll be right up.”

          I hung up and Jason moved forward. “Who was that?”
          I stood up. “It was Lincoln.”

          He frowned. “What does he want?”
          “I don’t know. How about we pick up this conversation later?”

         

          When I got out of the elevators on the top floor, I was feeling nervous. His expression still burned me and I wasn’t sure what he wanted. The young lady at the desk smiled at me and pointed for me to enter not the double door I had earlier, but the single one to the left of it. I walked to the door, knocked and heard his voice telling me to come in. I opened the door and walked in, closing it behind me. He was standing by the window with his back turned to me. He had gotten rid of his suit jacket and tie, rolled up his sleeves revealing thick muscled forearms, and unbutton his shirt down to the fourth button.

          “We meet again,” he said.

          “Uh…what can I do for you?” I asked.

          He walked to me and gestured for me to sit down. I took a seat and he took one across from me. “I was hoping we could have an afternoon together to get to know one another.”

          I frowned. “What do you mean?”
          “I’ve gone over your resume, your work history, and your file. You’re divorced?”

          “Going through a divorce,” I corrected.

          He nodded. “I’m sorry to hear. How would you like me to address you?”

          “Tiffany is fine.”

          “Good. Please address me by my first name as well. I noticed that when you worked with Jason, you did his meal planning and also ran his daily schedule.”

          “I did. His assistant was assisting two other managers so I helped out when possible.”

          “I don’t expect you to do my meal planning, however, I expect you to go to lunches with me when I meet clients.”

          I nodded. “Of course.”

          “I also expect you to accompany me to charities, events, and dinner parties.”

          I shot my head up. “Excuse me?”

          “I would need you there to listen, to take notes mentally, and to appear as my partner.”

          “Is that what is written down as a duty in the executive director position?”

          He smiled and his eyes twinkled. “No, but I am requesting it. Most of the clients will be dealing with you and me directly and to appear together to close deals or to make an appearance is necessary.”

          I nodded, understanding his point. “I understand.”

          “Where do you live?”

          “Close by.”

          “I don’t expect you to be here at the crack of dawn, but I do expect you to be here before I arrive, which is at 8 in the morning.”
          “That won’t be a problem.”

          He stood up and extended his hand to me. “We’re settled then.”

          I stood up, took his hand, and shook lightly. “I’ll see you Friday morning.”

 

          Friday arrived faster than I had anticipated and it had my stomach in butterflies. I picked out a black dress with red pumps and as I made my way into Lincoln’s office, I noticed that the entire twentieth floor was quiet. The young lady at the desk was absent and there was no noise. When I walked into his office, I set down my briefcase and had just taken a deep breath when I heard the elevator doors opening. I waited and then I heard footsteps coming to the office. Lincoln appeared before me wearing a black suit and a red tie. A smile graced his lips as he walked in and put down his briefcase.

          “Good morning,” he said.

          “Good morning. I didn’t know where to go so I came to your office.”

          He smiled. “Your office is being remodeled. You’ll take the desk opposite mine for now.”

He pointed to the desk opposite him and I nodded. I picked up my briefcase and set it down. His phone rang and he picked it up.

“Lincoln.”

I walked out to give him some privacy. As I closed the door, the elevator doors opened and the young lady who was at the desk appeared wearing a gray dress. She smiled at me and I returned it. She settled down at the desk just as Lincoln opened the door.

“Come in,” he said.

I walked in and he opened the shades to let in some light. “How do you take your coffee?”

“Glenda usually gets my coffee. You don’t need to worry about that. I’ve put together a file for you. Please look it over. We’ll be meeting with the client at lunch.”

I took the folder he handed me and our fingers brushed. I pretended to not let it bother me that I felt something. I walked to sit down at my desk and opened the folder up. He excused himself and walked out. I remained seated looking over the paperwork. The company, Waldy Inc, was a business built by James Waldy, an older gentleman who wanted to give back to the world by creating investment opportunities for those in need. He had funded some of the world’s foremost researches and was now making millions by taking royalties from the companies he helped built. But he was slowly losing his spark when it came to the public eye. He needed something new and that was where we came in. He wanted us to design him a new ad that would market his investment deals to the foreign countries. He wanted to be labeled as a God. I glanced at his picture. He had white hair and blue eyes and was wearing a thousand dollar suit. He looked the part of a God, but was he really one?

I spent the morning going through the details of the business and making sure I didn’t miss a mark. At noon, Lincoln returned and we walked out together to meet James Waldy. We took the company’s SUV and drove a few blocks down to the Bar and Grill. When the SUV parked on the street, we got out and headed inside. It wasn’t as busy as I had thought and I spotted James immediately. He was seated at a table looking over the menu. He looked up as Lincoln and I got closer. He stood up and extended his hand.

“Lincoln,” he said his voice smooth and low.

“James, this is my executive director, Tiffany.”

He took my hand. “Pleasure.”

“Likewise.”

We all sat down and James immediately got into business. “I’m ready to hear what you can offer me. I’ve had several good offers from around the area; most of them are your competitors, so I’m looking to hear that you’ll offer me something I have not heard of yet.”

Lincoln didn’t seem intimidated by it. “James, you understand that if you’re talking to our competitors, then our time here is done. You can’t play catch and release with both of us.”

He laughed. “You’re very smart, but a man like me, has to keep his options open. I only fish for the big ones.”

“Of course you do, but remember that your lure is not very attractive.”

James’ smile faded. “Look, why don’t you skip the bullshit and start talking.”

I was appalled by his attitude. Lincoln, however, didn’t flinch. “James, you’ve been running your business for what, ten years now? Why the sudden redesign? You and I both know that redesign is a death sentence. You’ve created a name for yourself. You’re well-known by your same ad prints. Why now? Why the sudden change?”

“I need an eye opener to make me more visible.”

“How are you not visible? Your billboards speak for themselves. You’re not a small name. Most companies that are looking for money automatically think of you as their first source to go to.”

James smiled and leaned back in his chair. “They do, but that’s because they’re supposed to. But I need bigger. I need bigger and better. The companies that have been contacting me are just small time bull shitters. I need the real deal, the mega millions.”

Lincoln smiled. “You’re telling me that after ten years, you’re not a mega million company? How do you expect me to not believe that?”

Then I remembered something from my reading. “Mr. Waldy, pardon me, but how is your lawsuit going?”

Lincoln switched his gaze to me and so did James. “Excuse me?” James asked.

I cleared my throat. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re being sued for fraud, am I right? You took one of the companies you’re investing in for a spin and now they’re taking you to the cleaners. Is that the cause for this sudden change of design?”

He remained mute.

I continued. “Spencer and Spencer won’t require you to give us all the details, however, if we are to represent you and give you an ad that will tie our name to yours, it would be good if you’d start by being honest with me and Lincoln. As you know, Spencer and Spencer have been doing your ads for the last ten years and they’ve stayed the same. If you change it as a way to avoid a lawsuit, we can counter sue you.” 

James’ face turned white. “You better get your facts straight, young lady.”

Lincoln turned to face James. “If my partner is wrong, why the sudden loss of color? I wasn’t made aware of any lawsuits against you. You have not come forward about them.”

He pointed a finger at us. “It’s bogus! It’s not true that I stole money from Wrightheart.”

I stood up. “I never said it was Wrightheart.”

 

“You remembered well about the law suit,” Lincoln said as we rode the elevator up to our office.

The lunch was cut short when James walked out on us heated and embarrassed. Lincoln and I finished lunch and then took the company car back. I noticed that he was staring straight ahead, avoiding my eyes. He had this dark presence that made my body respond in a way I had never known it could. I felt my heart beat faster, my pulse intensified, and my hands began to sweat. Did he notice? Of course not, he was in control of everything.

“I hope I didn’t make any mistakes,” I said.

“You did well.”

The elevator doors opened and we walked out together. The young lady at the desk smiled at us and handed him some messages. Then she went to clacking at her computer. When we entered our office, Maverick was standing by the window dressed in a blue suit, waiting for us. His eyes spoke volumes that he knew how the lunch had gone. I swallowed hard as I grabbed my notepad and decided to give the two of them some privacy when Lincoln spoke my name.

“Sit down,” he said.

I did as he asked and the two brothers took a seat across from me. I noticed that Maverick had a smirk on his face. Lincoln, however, was not grinning at all.

“So…James walked out on you,” Maverick began. “It doesn’t surprise me.”

“He’s a snake that should be cut off,” Lincoln replied.

I swallowed, trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. Then Lincoln turned his gaze on me and our eyes met. I almost stopped breathing. The look he sent me was full of a wild passion I’d never seen before. He didn’t talk, didn’t move; he only stared. I fidgeted uncomfortably until Maverick cleared his throat and it broke our gaze.

“Look, as much as I hated James Waldy, he was making us money. Have you figured out what you’re going to do?” Maverick asked.

Returning his gaze to his brother, Lincoln replied, “Yes, I’m going to buy out his business and shred it apart.”
          Maverick raised his eyebrows. “Oh? Is that so?”

“Why the hell not? He fucked around with too many people and cost them money and their lives. I’m going to give him a taste of his own medicine. It’ll be for the benefit of him. He’ll learn that I’m serious when it comes to business. I’ll make sure he can’t start business anywhere else.”

Maverick stood up. “I’ll leave you at it then. Tiffany, walk with me.”

I got up and walked with him out the door. When we reached the door, he took a right turn down a hallway toward his office. “Can he do what he just said?” I asked.

Maverick laughed. “My brother never jokes when it comes to business. He’ll do exactly as he said he would. And James Waldy won’t know what hit him. I heard it was you who mentioned the law suit. You’ve got good eyes. Anyone else would have missed it, especially who the client suing him was.”

I blushed. “I pay attention to details.”

“That’s what we need and that’s what got you the job. Lincoln sometimes lacks sense of humor when it comes to life itself and makes everyone around him a bit dark. Don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard when the moment should arise. You’re a great asset to this company and I’d hate to lose you over something stupid my brother might do. Not that he would jeopardize anything, but it’s a fine printing I thought I should say out loud.”

I didn’t really understand, but I just nodded. “Thank you.”

“Good day, Tiffany.”

That was the cue to my closing. I nodded and headed back the same way to Lincoln’s office. I found him just hanging up the phone. I put the notepad on the desk and sat down just as my phone began to ring. I picked it up.

“Tiffany Nelson.”

“Were you ever going to tell me you got a new job?” my mother’s voice came on the line.

I blushed and shot my eyes toward Lincoln who was staring at me. “I can’t talk right now. I’ll call you later.” I hung up.

“If he calls again, please let me know and I’ll step out,” Lincoln said boldly.

“He?”

“Your husband? Boyfriend?”

I let out a nervous chuckle. “No, it wasn’t my husband or boyfriend. It was…someone else.”

“Oh, well, I had assumed the latter.”

I remained mute as I lowered my head. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Let’s go over the details of James Waldy’s business and see if we can get this show on the road.”

 

When I returned home, I was exhausted. I wasn’t used to the late hours and one look at the clock told me, I needed to hit the sheets. I undressed, showered, and had just put on a new pot of coffee when my phone rang. I walked over and Colleen’s name was lit up on the screen. I answered.

“Tiffany, Alan has come back with another offer. Can you meet us in the morning?” she asked.

I sighed. “I’m not sure. I just got promoted and my schedule is pretty busy right now. Can a late evening do?”

“Oh, congratulations! Yes, I can set it up for a later time. How about seven?”

“Perfect.”

I hung up and rubbed my head. What was Alan going to offer me now? The last time it had been an embarrassing number that made me see red. I had supported him for so long and all he could do was give me 15% of his assets. I deserved better, especially since he was the one who was screwing around. I plopped on the couch and shut my eyes, exhausted and remembering a pair of dark eyes that burned into me.

I jerked awake and realized I had fallen asleep on the couch. The lights were still on. I got up, groggy, and made my way to the kitchen. I shut off the coffee maker and turned the lights off. As I walked to the bedroom, I shed off the robe I was wearing and crawled under the sheets. I didn’t need to look at the clock to realize it was late. But as soon as I hit the bed, my eyes shut and I slept.

Knowing I would be meeting Alan later, I decided to wear my best dress. It was a gray dress that came to my knees and I paired it with my red pumps. I let my hair down and applied some makeup. When I entered the office at 7, Lincoln was nowhere to be found. A little after 8, the young lady at the desk arrived. I walked out to where she was getting settled. She saw me and smiled.

“Lincoln called earlier today. He won’t be in. He’d like you to prepare some presentations on a few accounts. The paperwork is on your desk,” she said.

“Thank you.”

I returned to the office and found a folder with my name written in his handwriting. I opened the folder and dove into work. By lunchtime, I was starved. I called up Amy to meet me for lunch. We met at a small café around the corner not far from both of our work. She was wearing a black pinstripe suit and when she walked in, men turned their heads toward her. Yeah, it was never a surprising moment when that happened. She saw me and waved to me as she walked toward me.

“You bitch!” she cried. “You look amazing. Promotion pays, doesn’t it?”

I smiled as she sat down. “It sure does. Although I’m meeting Alan again tonight.”

She cringed and rolled her eyes. “That prick needs to get his dick chopped off for what he did to you.”

“How about we refrain from using that language since we’re about to eat here?”

She laughed. “Girl, you need a drink.”

“No, I need to eat. I’m hungry!”

After lunch with Amy, I returned to my office to finish working on the presentation Lincoln had set out for me to do. At six-thirty, I left for my appointment with Alan and my lawyer. As I made my way to the building, my heart felt heavy. I didn’t know what he would throw at me this time. I sighed deeply as I entered the door and found all of them already waiting for me.

“Sorry, I’m late,” I said as I walked in.

“No, you’re right on time,” Colleen said.

I turned to find Alan staring at me with cold eyes. His look was full of hatred as I sat down. Before I could say a word, his lawyer handed Colleen a folder. She took it and opened it. Then she handed it to me. I glanced at it and saw that he was now going to give me half of his assets equaling in almost a quarter million dollars. I looked up at him as he continued his dark stare.

“Did you want a moment to think through?” Colleen asked.

I shook my head. “No. I’ll take it.”

Alan pushed back from his chair and got up. “Good because this is the last time I’ll be seeing your face.”

He walked out as I signed the paper and handed it back to Colleen. I thanked her for her time and walked out. I let out a breath of relief, knowing that if this was finalized, our divorce would be settled and I could go back to my maiden name. I took the elevator down and when I opened the door to go out, my arm was yanked violently back by Alan. He was waiting for me outside. I tried to jerk my arm free, but he tightened his hold as he pulled me toward him.

“You heartless fucking bitch! You’re taking my money and you act all high and mighty. I promise you that this isn’t the end,” he said.

“Let me go, Alan! You’re hurting me!” I cried.

His fingers dug deeper and I felt the pain in my arm. “If you think this is pain, wait until I get you for good.”

I tried once again to free my arm and failed. That was when I heard a voice behind me, a voice I had come to think of as smooth, dark, and wild.

“Let her go or I’ll make sure you can’t work another day in your life,” Lincoln said.

Alan’s eyes looked up as Lincoln walked toward us. His gaze dropped to mine and then he shot up his head at Lincoln again. He finally released my arm and I stumbled backward into Lincoln’s arms. He caught me and gently set me aside as he came to stand before me. Alan looked from me to him and then he laughed.

“Seriously, Tiffany, you and I have been separated for this short amount of time, and the best you can do is him? He’s got nothing on me,” Alan said.

“If I were you, I’d keep my mouth closed. You’re making a big mistake in letting her go as it is and being that you and I are both businessmen, you should really take a look at what you’re going to lose,” Lincoln said.

Alan laughed. “Look, if you like leftovers, be my guest and take her. She’s not even half as good as she looks. She’s worse than a pity fuck.”

Tears filled my eyes as Lincoln smiled and stepped forward. “Well, let’s just say you and I are quite different. For instance, I’m quite well hung.”

Alan’s face lost its color. “What the fuck?”

“If you ever touch her again, I’ll make sure you end up wiping toilet seats for the rest of your life.”

He turned to me and extended a hand to me. I took it and we walked away as Alan tried to resume his posture. When we had walked far enough, I let his hand go and took a deep breath. I stopped walking and managed to try to look at him.

“Thank you for helping me out. I think I’m good now. You can go to wherever you were heading,” I said.

His gaze softened and he took a step toward me. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes,” I whispered and then I started crying. I felt stupid as the gates opened and I started bawling. Before I knew it, he had pulled me into his arms and was comforting me. He smelled good, like good old fashion comfort as he held me. Oddly enough, I felt safe in his arms. His hold was strong as he held me. When I had cried enough, I pulled back and he handed me a tissue. I took it and dabbed at my eyes and nose. I was embarrassed as I looked away.

“I’m so sorry,” I said.

“Don’t apologize. It is not your fault. He was being a dick.”

“I’m embarrassed.”

“For what? For feeling hurt? For feeling violated? No, Tiffany, don’t ever feel embarrassed for truly being honest about your feelings. I don’t like women who hide it by acting brave.”

I looked up and sniffed. “Well, I think I’m ok now. I’ll just go back to my car.”

“Are you parked in the company lot?”

“Yes, it wasn’t that far and so I thought I’d walk over.”

He gently took my elbow. “My car is right there. Let me drive you over.”

“No-“

“I insist.”

 

When we arrived at my car, I was feeling a lot better. Lincoln had been quiet on the drive over and given me some room to think and breathe. I had been thankful he was there because I had no idea what Alan might have done. I got out of his BMW and walked over to my Ford. I looked up at him as he walked over to me.

“Do you need some time off?” he asked.

Shaking my head, I replied, “No, I’ll be fine. Thank you for everything. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Nodding, he said, “See you tomorrow.”

I got into my car and drove home, my eyes wandering to watch my rearview mirror at Lincoln still standing watching me drive off. When I reached the intersection of highway 94, I took a deep breath and let the traffic swallow me up. I was feeling better, but I still felt the fear that instilled me when Alan wouldn’t let my arm go. He’d never been abusive, but there was a first for everything. The look in his eyes was frightening and it made my heart stop beating. I wondered what he would have done if Lincoln hadn’t stepped in.

 

Screaming awake seldom happened to me. Yet, that was how I found myself at four in the morning. My body was drenched in sweat, my throat sore from crying, and my hands shaking. I didn’t think what Alan had threatened me with would follow me to my dreams. But it did and in my dreams, he had beaten me to a pulp. I shut my eyes, trying to get the images of myself lying in a pool of blood out, but all I could do was remember how vividly the pain felt. Sobbing, I pulled my legs up to my knees and hugged myself. I thought I would be alright. But as I rocked myself back and forth, I realized I wasn’t going to be ok, not for a long time.

By the time six rolled around, my eyes were swollen and my throat was hoarse. I couldn’t go to work like this. I called up Lincoln’s number and left him a message that I was going to be at home and that I was sorry for not coming in. But knowing he had seen what had happened last night, I knew he would understand. I took some sleeping pills and hoped they would erase some pain and let me catch some much needed energy.

When I woke, it was noon and I was starched in my throat and my belly was growling. I rolled out of bed and showered, letting the hot water wake me slowly. I dressed in jeans and a simple t-shirt, letting my wet hair down to dry. I walked to the kitchen and pulled out a box of cereal to eat. I reached for my phone and saw I had a few missed calls. Four of them were from Lincoln and two were from my mother. Four from Lincoln? I sighed and dialed Lincoln’s number. He answered on the first ring.

“Tiffany, are you alright?” he asked gruffly.

“Yes, I am now. I’m sorry. I took some sleeping pills and knocked out.”

“Thank God! I was so worried. When you didn’t return my calls, I had the worst scenario in mind. I was about to come to your place to make sure you were ok.”

I sat down, unsure of why he was so determined about my safety. “I’m fine now. Thank you and I’m sorry about missing work today.”

“No, don’t worry about it. Take all the time you need. In fact, take tomorrow off too. I’ll see you come Monday morning.”

I was speechless. “Ok. Thank you.”

He bid me good bye and hung up. I was a bit confused at his attitude, but I brushed it off. I dialed my mother’s number and she answered on the fourth ring.

“Why haven’t you gotten back to me?” she cried.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy lately.”

She sighed deeply. “Tiffany, I spoke to Alan yesterday. He said you’re already dating a new man!”

I was shocked and then anger filled me. “Mother, have you been talking to him?”

“Of course I talk to him! He’s my son-in-law!”

“Your son-in-law who is about to have another child with a different woman other than your daughter! How can you go behind my back like this?”

“Don’t get upset, Tiffany. I love him still. He’s a good man; he’s not just the perfect man. You got to learn to forgive him at some point.”
          “That’s my business! If I should ever forgive him or not, it’s my business! What right do you have talking to Alan behind my back? He’s the one at fault here.”

“Tiffany, calm down. I don’t think you realize how much it hurt Alan when he realized you were already dating someone else.”

“I’m not dating anyone. He was my boss and he happened to be there when Alan assaulted me outside of my lawyer’s building.”

My mother was deaf to what I said. “You should really consider if this is the right route for you.”

“I’m hanging up.”

I ended the call and threw my phone down on the couch. I had enough stress as it was and I didn’t need to deal with my mother. The phone rang again and this time, it was my Dad calling. I sighed and picked it up, knowing it was my Mother asking him to call.

“Hi Dad,” I said.

“Tiffany, are you alright? What’s going on?” he asked gently.

Just hearing his voice made me feel emotional. I couldn’t hide the tears and my voice cracked. “I’m just…exhausted of all this.”

“Can I come over?”

“Please.”

 

A little after one, my father, Darren, arrived bearing Chinese food and wine. He was always a good man with a kind heart. He was a tall, slender man with thinning blond hair and bright blue eyes. He was a contractor and even though he was now retired, he still wore the contractor fashion statements, overalls and boots. The moment he set down the food and opened his arms, I burst into tears and ran into him. He held me and I inhaled his scent of spicy wood, male, and soap. I could never get tired of it. It always made me feel like I was home.

“Tell me, sweetheart,” he asked gently.

I pulled away and wiped my nose. I took him to sit on the couch and curled my legs underneath me. “I’m just…why is Mom taking Alan’s side? She’s deaf to me.”

My father took a deep breath and rubbed his face. “Your mother isn’t deaf to you. She’s just got a problem hanging onto things better let go.”

I stared at him and saw exhaustion in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. “Why do you love her so much?”

Smiling, he shrugged his shoulders. “Why does anyone love anyone? It’s a feeling that creates a center for us. Your mother is my balance. She’s not perfect, no one is, but she’s the gal I asked to take my name. Through good or bad, I will love her no matter what.”

I felt the thickness of hurt fill my heart. “Why couldn’t I land a guy like you?”

“You do have me, darling.”

I smiled and took a deep breath. “Alan…is nothing compared to you. He has hurt me in so many ways.”

“And that’s why I can never forgive him. He has taken the brightness from your eyes. I always cherished it when I saw you. When he led you down that path, it disappeared. Tiffany, I want you to promise me that you will never let a man like Alan rule over you. You’re too good for that. I want to see that brightness again.”

I felt the tears well up in my eyes. “I don’t know how to find it, daddy.”

He came to me and wrapped his arms around me. “You can find it. You found the courage to leave him, that’s enough as it is. But now that you’re free from him, don’t let his shadow rule over your life. Stop thinking of others. Start loving yourself.”

I swallowed. “I’ll try.”

He kissed the top of my head. “Come on, let’s dig into some greasy food.”

When my father left a little after three, I felt better. The wine and food helped calm me down and the laughter he brought to me made my heartache melt away. That was how special he was to me. He could just sit and talk to me and everything would be right as rain. I felt so good I decided to take a walk. Putting my shoes on, I descended the stairs and strolled along the St. Anthony Bridge. The sun was out and it was warm. Lovers holding hands, families chasing one another, and joggers were seen out beside me. I took in the fresh air and walked to the railing.

I shut my eyes and let the sun warm me over. When I opened them, I saw Lincoln jogging. I almost fainted at the sight of him. In the office, his body was clothed in business suits, but today, this moment, he was half naked wearing only a pair of blue shorts. His stomach was tightly designed with abs that made me want to run my fingers over them. His chest was hard, well-muscled, and glistening with sweat. His dark hair was over his eyes and his biceps were large and well formed. I sucked in a breath as his gaze roamed until it met mine. I stood frozen as he stopped jogging and stared at me. Then he strolled over while all the women stared after him. When he reached me, he ran a hand through his hair and I could smell his scent, male and husky. Damn it, I felt myself uncoil before him.

“Tiffany,” he said.

“I…I didn’t know you jogged.” My legs were now mentally kicking myself in the ass. What a conversation starter I was.

He smiled. “I normally run in the gym, but the weather was nice today. How are you doing?”

I swallowed. “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”

He looked around and then his eyes fell on me again. “You must live close by?”

I pointed to the building behind him. “I live up there.”

“How convenient for you and what a view you must wake up to.”

“Yes, to both.”

He nodded. “Would it be too much trouble to ask if I could come up for a drink of water? I’m thirsty.”

My throat went dry and when I spoke, my voice cracked. “Sure.”

 

My apartment was usually too big for me. For some reason, with Lincoln standing in the middle of the kitchen, half naked and drinking water, it felt so small, I could barely breathe. I kept my distance away from him and watched him with dark eyes. He had no idea how incredibly gorgeous he was at this moment. He was good enough to devour and eat. When he set the glass down, his tongue flicked across his lips and I turned away.

“You have a nice place,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said quickly.

He walked around the room, taking a glance there and here. Then his eyes turned to me. “You must be wondering what I’m doing here.”

I raised my brows. “You’re drinking?”

He laughed. “You’re so innocent, Tiffany. If only you knew what dark thoughts roamed inside of my mind.”

“Is that supposed to scare me?”

He walked toward me. “I came here to lay myself out to you.”

What did he mean? I watched as his eyes flickered back and forth. I caught no hint of irony and I began to sweat. He broke the gaze by roaming his eyes over me from head to toe. I felt conscious as his eyes returned to mine. Then he walked behind me and I felt him move toward me until his hips were touching mine.

“I’ve been watching you for weeks, Tiffany,” he whispered.

My eyes flew open.

“I wanted you the moment I heard you were divorcing that scumbag.”

I turned around too fast and our mouths touched. I gasped and stepped back, but he pulled me into his arms and kissed me. His tongue dove into my mouth, exploring, devouring me until my knees went weak. I was gasping as his hands ran up my back to my neck and held.

“You make me burn,” he whispered.

“Lincoln,” I gasped.

“You’re burning,” he said.

“I know.”

“You’re burning.”

His deep voice rocked me to the present. What the fuck just happened? I jerked awake and found my sleeve had caught fire. I shook it and cleared my throat as I turned the stove off. I was heating up some pasta for Lincoln and me to eat when my mind had formed a wet dream in the middle of the day. Lincoln was standing in my kitchen with a shirt on and staring at me. The glass of water he had been drinking from was empty. He wasn’t kissing me. He wasn’t into me. He wasn’t trying to seduce me. It was all in my mind.

“I…lost my head there for a bit,” I said.

“Are you alright?”

I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks.”

I took some plates from the cupboard and filled them with pasta. I handed one to him and he took it. We walked to sit down at the table and he picked up his fork. He took a mouthful and muttered his appreciation. I stared at my food wondering what had gone through my mind. Was I that seriously gone that I would have a sex dream of my own boss? Jeez, it hadn’t been that long since I’d had sex. Ok, that was a lie. It had been a long time.

“How long have you lived here?” Lincoln asked.

I cleared my throat. “Uh…about six months.”

He noticed I wasn’t eating. He put his fork down. “Tiffany, if this is making you uncomfortable, I can leave.”

I looked up. “No, it’s not you. It’s just…its strange having a man in my place; a man who is not my husband.”

Lincoln wiped his mouth with the napkin and swallowed hard. “I’m sure it’s going to take some time to move on.”

“It is. It’s not easy and I’m trying to move forward. We’ve finalized everything so the divorce is practically done. I can now move forward and begin my life again. For so long, my life had been tied to his. I’m sorry. You don’t need to hear this.”

“No,” he said. “Please don’t think that.”

“Anyways, excuse my poor manner. I’m not used to entertaining guests. I seldom get visitors.”

He laughed. “If this is poor manners, I must have missed the class.”

I smiled, finally letting the glass wall down. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for the food. It’s wonderful.”

          When Lincoln left, the apartment suddenly became too big. When he was here, his figure seemed to fit into everything making it small. But now that he was gone, all I saw was empty spaces. I looked at the fork he had eaten with earlier and inside, I still felt the heat from the dream I had. God, when did I become a day dreamer like that? It had never happened to me before and the feeling it left me with was new, exotic, and I wanted more. I could almost feel his lips on mine, his breath on my skin, and my body burning for him. What would it be like to actually kiss Lincoln? Would it be as good as I had imagined it? Or would it be better? I closed my eyes, sighing deeply, at the thought of seeing his face come Monday morning.

 

          My office was finished over the weekend and it was perfect timing. I didn’t have to look at Lincoln and I hated the thought of the dream repeating itself. The office I was given to was large with windows and an oak table with a computer. There was a glass table in the middle with a white rug, a few chairs, and a mini bar. There were shelves that I could decorate with my own items and the walls could use some pictures. I made a mental note to pick up a painting or two to hang. I sat down and turned the computer on. It hummed to life and a schedule popped up on my screen. I had a lunch meeting with Lincoln, Maverick, and a client named William Henry. Later that evening, there was a charity event at the convention center for a cancer research foundation that Spencer and Spencer had helped build their ads for.

          There was a knock on the door and I looked up as Lincoln entered wearing a black suit and gray tie. His eyes were intense and dark, almost reeling me into him. He smiled as he walked in and put his hands in pockets.

          “Do you like your office?” he asked.

          “I do, very much.”

          “I asked the decorators to leave everything plain. You could decorate it as you see fit.”

          “Thank you.”

          “Listen, I’m sure you’ve seen the schedule and I’d like you to join me for tonight’s charity event. It’s a black tie event, which, I’m sure you’ve seen already if you did look it over. My limo will pick you up at seven-thirty.”

          “Ok.”

          When lunch came, I went with the two brothers in the SUV and met with William. He was a tall, slender man with brown hair and blue eyes. He wore a gray suit and had a gentle voice. He was also very smart and dedicated to getting his feet into the business world. He wanted to amaze the world with his technology of medical devices that would help change the way MRI’s were done. When we wrapped up lunch, however, he asked me to stay behind and would drive me back before the hour was up. I noticed that Lincoln’s eyes turned dark at the request, but Maverick only grinned. The two brothers left and I sat in the same seat as William smiled at me.

          “Alone at last,” he said.

          I laughed. “Is there something I missed?”

          He leaned forward. “Look, I’m not someone to beat around the bush. I come straight out and say what needs to be said. So here goes. I find you very attractive. How about dinner tonight?”

          “I can’t. I’ve got a charity event to attend.”

          “Fine, how about after the party ends, I’ll call you, pick you up, and we’ll go from there?”

          I fidgeted in my seat. “Uh…isn’t there some fine line that says you and I can’t date?”

          “Not in my book.”

          “Well, in my book, there is. I don’t associate with clients outside of work. It would be bad for the business if it should fall sour. I hope you don’t mind.”

          I stood up to go when he grabbed my wrist. I jerked free and took a step back. “Don’t bother sending me. I can walk.”

          As soon as I made it outside, I took a deep breath and shook off the feeling of sickness forming in the pit of my belly. When I rounded the corner, I found Lincoln waiting for me. He was staring at me with those dark eyes of his. The SUV was nowhere in sight and neither was Maverick.

          “You didn’t have to wait,” I said.

          “I needed to,” he replied.

          “Let’s go.”

          “Did he hurt you?”

          “No.”

          He sighed. “Tiffany, I know William pretty well. His resume and background may be flawless and decorated, but his taste for women and sexual pleasures can be quite dark. He has another side to him that is pretty scary.”

          Trying to hide the fear that kept rising in my throat, I looked away and began digging into my purse to distract myself. When I looked up, Lincoln was staring at me. I swallowed hard and cleared my throat.

          “I’m fine. We should head back.”

 

          All through the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about William’s dark stare. It burned into my soul and created in me a deep fear that I had never known before. The thought of being stalked scared me and I found myself looking over my shoulder as I walked everywhere. I couldn’t put what Lincoln said out of my mind. It seemed to course its way into my veins and settled in making my skin crawl.

          When the time rolled for me to leave, I couldn’t move fast enough. Grabbing my purse, I took the elevator down and when I reached the bottom floor and walked to the double glass doors to go out, I realized it was now pouring. I didn’t have an umbrella so I decided to make a run for it. I took my heels off and headed out, breaking out into a run once I got outside. The rain was coming down fast and I was beginning to soak it all in. I unlocked the door and got in, taking in a deep breath. I started the car and headed home.

          Looking through my closet, I wasn’t sure what I was going to wear to tonight’s charity. All I had were the basics, nothing formal enough. Sighing, I wished I had done some shopping before I came home. The bell ringing at my door surprised me. I walked over and saw my doorman standing in the peephole. I opened it and he had a large package in his hands.

          “This arrived for you,” he said.

          “Thank you.”

          I brought the package to my room, wondering what was in it. The handwriting on it told me it was sent from Lincoln. I opened it and my heart almost stopped beating. Inside was a silk gold dress complete with a stunning diamond collar necklace and a pair of white sparkling heels. My mouth dropped open and I almost laughed. No one had ever given such an extravagant gift before. I reached out and touched the fabric. It was so soft, so beautiful, and so expensive. I took it out and looked at the size. It was my size. How did he know? I turned to the mirror and smiled.

          The limo arrived at exactly the time Lincoln said it would. I was waiting in the lobby and walked out. The rain had stopped, thankfully, as I stepped out and the door to the limo opened. Lincoln came out wearing a three piece tuxedo suit with a black bow tie. He looked good enough to eat. I almost tripped on my feet as his eyes gazed over me. He smiled and reached out a hand to me. The dress fit perfectly. It was a one shoulder piece that hugged my curves and made my waist longer than it appeared. I had my hair coiled on top of my head and kept my makeup light.

          “You look beautiful,” he said as he kissed my knuckles.

          “Thanks to you.”

          “The pleasure is all mine. Come on, let’s go.”

          I settled into the limo and he sat across from me. He opened up a bottle of wine and poured me a glass. I took it and drank slowly, knowing my stomach was empty. I didn’t want to be dizzy when I arrived.

          “Who will be at this charity?” I asked.

          He turned his gaze to me. “Mostly people with big money who wants to keep their names in the public news. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. We’re not going to be doing any business. Tonight, it’s just mingling and keeping things light.”

          “Will Maverick be there?”

          “Yes. You’ll get to meet his wife.”

          I nodded. I’d wanted to meet her. I wanted to see what she looked like. The limo came to a stop shortly and we both got out. Lincoln helped me out by taking my hand. Photographers were already snapping pictures as we walked to the entrance. As we neared, Lincoln took out an invite and handed it to the host. He smiled and took it as we made our way in. I was thankful for the dress Lincoln bought me because everyone was dressed in rich textured clothes, especially the women, whose jewelry were dazzling. A band was playing soft music and some people were dancing on the floor. Waiters in black and white were walking around with champagne flukes and simple appetizers.

          “There you are!” Maverick said.

          I turned around and saw him making his way toward us with one of the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. Her hair was red and coiled on top of her head with soft curls around her cheeks. Her eyes were a deep emerald green and she wore a black dress that had a slit up to her thigh revealing a very slender leg. A large diamond ring sparkled on her left hand and Maverick kept his hand on her back as they made their way to us.

          “Tiffany, meet my wife, Cassandra.”

          I turned to her and she smiled at me, extending her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

          She returned the smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

          I blushed. “It’s not all true.”

          She laughed and took my arm. “Come, let’s mingle and let the boys be boys.”

          I walked away with her as the two brothers stepped away. I noticed a very leggy blonde staring at me from across the room. She was wearing a dark green strapless dress with a string of pearls across her slender neck. Her hair was down and straight. But the look she gave me was a very heated stare. I tapped Cassandra on the arm.

          “Who is that woman?”

          She turned to where I was looking and then scoffed. “Oh, her? I didn’t think she’d be here tonight. That’s Naomi. She’s an ex of Lincoln’s. She probably thinks you’re his new item, which explains the ugly stare she’s giving you. Ignore her. I do.”

          Cassandra handed me a glass of champagne and we settled down at our table. I noticed that Lincoln was to sit beside me and someone named Dr. Mark Law was to my right. Lincoln and Maverick made their way to the table and sat down. Before long, Dr. Mark Law appeared and took his seat beside me. He was younger than I thought and we picked up a conversation immediately. His specialty was adult medicine and he had been practicing for almost four years. He was a very tall, well-built man, with dark hair and light eyes. He wore a tuxedo just like the rest of the men.

          “I have to say you’re the highlight of my evening,” he said as he finished a joke he was telling.

          “Why, thank you.”

          “I always leave early at these functions because they’re so boring. I give my donation, I chat, and then I find myself snoring at the wrong times.”

          I laughed. “You’re so funny.”

          He beamed. “I’m known for that.”

          A song began playing and he stood up, extending his hand to me. I smiled and took it as he led me to the dance floor. He was an expert dancer and was flawless in his moves. I was laughing as he spun me around. Lincoln tapped him on the shoulder.

          “Mind if I cut in?” he asked.

          Mark’s face paled, but he gently stepped aside. “Go ahead.”

          “I’ll save you the last dance,” I said to him as he smiled and returned to his seat.

          Lincoln took my hand and we began to move across the floor. He was an even better dancer than Mark. But I sensed something was on his mind.

          “Are you alright?” I asked.

          He focused his eyes on me. “Why did you dance with him?”

          The question came as such a shock, I almost fell over. “What?”

          “You heard me.”

          “He asked me to and besides, I didn’t know I couldn’t dance with anyone. I thought we were business partners.”

          “He was holding you too close and you were laughing too loud. That’s saying something.”

           I frowned. “What’s the meaning of this?”

          He bent down so that only I could hear what he had to say. “Tiffany, so help me God, I will tear this gown off of you and make love to you right here if you don’t stop arguing with me.”

          My eyes flew wide open as his eyes once again returned to mine. I swallowed hard as his hands tightened on mine. I felt his thigh press against me and as he pulled me even closer, I felt his erection against my belly. When I tried to pull away, he tightened his hold.

          “What are you doing?” I asked.

          “Right now, I’m doing everything I can to not take you right here. Since I saw you in that dress, everything in me has gone haywire.”

          I swallowed. “I work for you.”

          “It doesn’t matter. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to start to uncoil these feelings in me. I tried to keep them at bay. But tonight, with all these men around you, I want you so bad, it hurts.”

          “Lincoln.”

          “Don’t talk.”

          I felt his hand creep up my back and something inside me stirred. His erection grew harder against my belly and I took several deep breaths. At one point, he lowered his lips to my ear and I heard him moan. His hand tightened on mine and I felt my breath quicken. The song ended and I immediately tore my hand from his. I walked quickly to the ladies’ room knowing he couldn’t follow me there. Once safe inside, I let out the breath I was holding and stared at myself in the mirror. I was flushed. I walked to the sink and turned the water. I heard a flush and then the blonde who Cassandra had called Naomi walked out to join me.

          “So…you’re with Lincoln,” she said.

          I turned the water off and faced her. “I’m not with him. I work for him.”

          She scoffed. “That’s a smart way of avoiding a confrontation.”

          I frowned. “I don’t have to talk to you.”

          I turned to go and she yanked me back by digging her fingers into my arm. I tried to jerk free and she dug deeper; her nails were now drawing blood.

          “You listen to me, you bitch. You stay away from him. He belongs to me.”

          “You can have him.”

          I pushed her and she stumbled backward. I hurried out of the bathroom and right smack into Lincoln’s arms. Naomi exited right after me and their eyes met. He took one look at me and then his eyes fell on the finger marks on my arm. A darkness swam over him as Naomi walked off. When I turned to go, he gently took my wrist.

          “Did she do this?” he asked.

          “I can handle your jealous cats.”

          He didn’t find that funny. “Are you alright?”

          I nodded and he stepped closer. He took my arm and examined it. Then his eyes met mine. The feeling he had been describing to me earlier still lingered in his eyes. I felt his emotion hit me so strong, I almost knocked over. When his tongue dabbed at his lips, my heart skipped a beat

          “I’m taking you home,” he said.

          I stepped back. “I’ll catch a cab.”

          His eyes darkened. “No, Tiffany, you’re coming with me. Either you walk or I’ll carry you out.”

          Home turned out to be his place. The moment the limo stopped in front of the mansion, I felt as if my whole world had come crumbling down. I wasn’t supposed to be where I was right now. I wasn’t supposed to feel these tingling sensations everywhere. But here I was standing in front of the door to the entrance of a giant home that belonged to a man who wanted to make love to me. The thought was not only seductive; it was erotic.

          Lincoln’s home was beautifully designed in rich colors with white couches that sat around the house. The floor was cherry red with granite countertops, a large spiral staircase, a white piano, and a huge den on the first floor. There were paintings of Van Gogh on the wall and art sculpture around the living room. One look and I was lost, not just in the place, but in him.

          He turned around and took his jacket off revealing a black vest. His eyes were dark, misty, and full of heat. I started backing up as he came toward me. I swallowed hard, knowing that I was on fire, already wanting this as much as he did. I’d wanted this, I knew it now, the day I met him.

          “Do you know what you do to me?” he asked. “When I met you, I knew I had to have you. I was going to do anything so I could get you.”

          “Why do you want me?”

          He cocked his brows. “Do you really have to ask? You’re not only smart and determined you have an aura about you that sends my bones chilling.”

          I gasped silently and felt my thighs start to sweat. He came closer to me and grabbed my chin. He lowered his face to me and when I didn’t move, he closed the distance and kissed me. Holy shit! The kiss made my toes curl until I felt my feet would cramp. My heart quickened and my thoughts were fogged with nothing but the fever of sex. No one, not even Alan, had kissed me like that. I felt as if everything around me faded to a blurred image and left me with just him. When he pulled away, he was breathless.

          “I need you, Tiffany. If you make me wait, I swear, I’ll die,” he said.

          “I’m…,”

          “Don’t,” he interrupted. “Don’t even speak; just feel.”

          With that said, he turned me around and his hands roamed down my back to my buttocks. The feeling left me shaking as his hands made their way down to my shoes and helped me out of them one by one. Then his hand lifted my dress and I felt his hand touch my leg. I gasped as his hand slid up higher and higher until it reached my inner thigh. When one of his fingers flicked across my panties, I moaned.

          “You see, Tiffany, you want me just as much. It would be wrong to deny this,” he whispered.

          I swallowed hard as his fingers traveled up toward my rib and over my breasts. Then with one strong movement, he tore the silk dress off of me. I gasped at his actions, but he turned me around so quick and kissed me hard, I had no time to argue. I had on my silk red panties and strapless bra. He pulled away, took one look at me, and growled. Then he picked me up and carried me up the stairs two at a time. He reached a door, kicked it open, and put me on the bed. He undressed and I watched as his clothing came off. First, the vest and then he unbuttoned his shirt slowly. I felt on fire as I watched him strip. When he came to his pants, he whipped them off quickly and I sat there staring at his erection.

          “I’m going to make sure you never want another man again,” he said as he came toward me.

          I gulped and watched as he walked to me and ran his fingers along my legs and then traveled up toward my panties where he removed them. He unclipped my bra and disposed of it. When he touched me, it was gentle and with care that it made my heart ache. I reached for his neck, pulled him down, and kissed him deeply. He groaned my name and pushed me back until he was on top. Then he stared deeply into my eyes as I breathed in. In that moment, I felt as if I was reborn, just by looking into his eyes. He kissed my lips gently and then he pushed my legs apart with his knees. I closed my eyes and let the fire take over.

          “Open your eyes,” he said.

          I opened them.

          “I want you to see and feel everything.”

          I felt him near me and when he finally entered me, I gasped for it had been a while. He captured my mouth and rocked with me as he whispered gentle words. My heart opened up and my body began to sing. Everything I never thought I’d feel during a moment like this came crashing against me and I felt alive. His hands never left my body and his words never stopped coming. I felt as if I was being transformed to another planet. I was seeing stars and everything was coming together at once. I could feel the fire being stroked until it burned brighter and brighter. And then I felt it. It was like warm butter melting and it came softly at first, then it washed over me like a thunderstorm, hitting me hard until I cried out his name in tears.

 

          “Did I hurt you?” he asked.

          We were wrapped up in each other’s arms lying in bed. Our bodies were entwined together. I could feel his heart beating beneath my cheek. What we had just shared was so beautiful. I felt things I’d never felt before and suddenly I became emotional. I turned away from him and the tears poured out of me. He kissed my shoulder and gently turned me around. The look I saw in his eyes was nothing but concern.

          “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

          “It’s not you. You were…amazing and beautiful. You gave me something I’d never had before.”

          He frowned. “What do you mean?”

          I blushed and tried to turn away, but he held me tight. I was afraid to reveal this. I wasn’t sure how to word it. My lips began to tremble and he brushed a finger across it. He tilted my chin and looked into my eyes.

          “Tell me, Tiffany, nothing you say can push me away.”

          That gave me the courage I needed. I took a deep breath. “I’ve…all my years married to Alan, I’ve never had an orgasm.”

          “You mean?”

          “Yes. I’ve only had two lovers; Alan and now you. I never knew love making could be so beautiful.”

          Lincoln’s face broke into pain. “Did he hurt you?”

          A tear fell from my eye. “Yes.”

          He wiped it away with his thumb and kissed my forehead. “You’re a survivor, Tiffany, and that’s why I cherish you so much. I knew you were a fighter before, but now I can see that you’re more than that. If I ever see Alan again, I’ll kick his fucking ass. He just didn’t know how to make the woman in you feel anything. It’s his loss.”

          I started crying. “Don’t you think you’re being too kind? You hardly know me.”

          “I know enough that the woman who was withering beneath me earlier was having one of the most powerful orgasms and I gave it to her. Don’t be ashamed to feel, Tiffany. I want to make you feel good. You deserve it.”

          I wiped my eyes and touched his face. “Thank you.”

          We spent the night together. We woke up several times during the night and made love. It was both feverish and exhausting as he

made me come several times. I was touched in a way no one could reach. I felt things I had only read of. What women claimed to be the most pure feeling in the world, it happened to me and it was because of Lincoln. I knew in that moment that our relationship would never be the same again. He took something from me and I gave him everything of mine. We were never going to be the same again.

 

          I woke up alone. I grabbed a shirt of his and walked down the stairs. He was nowhere to be found. I rummaged through the kitchen and found a bottle of water. I took a long gulp and heard the door open and close. When I turned around, Lincoln was standing before me dressed in sweats and a simple t-shirt. He’d gone running. He smiled at me and then walked to me.

          “Good morning. I like the shirt on you,” he said, his eyes beaming.

          “I hope you don’t mind.”

          “Mind? As much as I prefer you without it and on my bed, I don’t mind.”

           I blushed at his words. He came toward me, his hair wet and over his eyes. He smelled of sweat, Lincoln, and male. He reached out a finger and traced my jawline.

          “I like how you blush. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have you as mine.”

          Again, I blushed. He smiled and leaned down to kiss my cheek. I inhaled deeply and then he slid his hands under the shirt. I felt his erection growing against my belly as I gasped when his fingers flicked across my bare belly. He pulled away and licked his lips.

          “Join me in the shower.”

          I had dressed in one of his shirts and one of his shorts as I descended down the stairs. Lincoln was in the kitchen setting up breakfast. He smiled at me and I beamed. Our shower took longer than usual because it ended up with us making love. My hair was tied up and I felt fresh as I made my way to help him set up.

          “This looks great,” I said.

          There were an assortment of fruits, toast, and eggs spread out on the table. A pitcher of orange juice with two tall glasses and two plates were set. He put some helpings onto my plate and had just picked up a fork to help himself when the door to his house opened and Maverick strolled in. The look on his face and ours was priceless. He noticed my wardrobe and a smile formed on his lips.

          “Good morning,” Maverick said.

          I put my fork down and swallowed, heat rushing across my face. I turned to go when Lincoln grabbed my wrist and helped me to sit down. He didn’t seem all too concerned about this awkward meeting.

          “What’s up, Maverick?” Lincoln asked. “Please, help yourself.”

          He raised his hands and smiled. “Thank you, but I’m good. I came by to give you this.”

          He removed something from his pocket and pushed it on the table. Lincoln took it and opened it. He read it over once and then gave it back to his brother.

          “That’s great news.”

          Maverick smiled. “I thought so too. Well, I’ll be off. Tiffany, good seeing you.”

          I nodded. “You too.”

          When he left, I stood up and cleared my throat. “I’m going to go.”

          “Don’t let my brother’s intrusion ruin things for us, Tiffany. I want you. Last night and this morning proved that I want you for a long time. My brother is a very understanding person. My personal life and my business life isn’t his to mess around with. Just like I pretend I don’t hear him making love to Cassandra in his office when I’m working late and she pays a visit.”

          I blushed. “How…do you suppose we continue working together exactly?”

          “Nothing’s changed, aside from the fact that I know what you look like naked and I happen to like it a lot. Please don’t do this awkward thing with me. Personally, I find it insulting if you were to suddenly resign just because we’ve been together. I like you. I want you on my team and in my life. People do it all the time.”

          I sighed deeply. “And if things shouldn’t work out? How do you suppose we go about that?”

          He smiled. “There won’t be any talk of that because I know already that I’m not going to let you go.”

 

          Lincoln took me home where I could change and then we rode together into work. When we arrived, Glenda was already there clacking away at her computer. She smiled at us, handed Lincoln his messages, and continued her work. He walked to his office and gave my hand a squeeze before I turned to my office. I turned on my computer and opened the shades as soon as I entered. The schedule was pretty bare today except for a late dinner with a client tonight. I spent the day going through some various files for the next couple of weeks. When lunch came, Lincoln came into my office.

          “You pick a place,” he said.

          I sighed. “I’m horrible at picking places to eat. I’m a grease monkey.”

          He laughed. “So am I.”

          After lunch, I poured into reading about the client we were going to meet later on tonight. His name was James Burns, a poor orphan who took the world of stock market for a ride and turned millionaire overnight. He was now venturing into a different field, medical breakthrough, and needed someone hot to design his ad labels for him. Of course, he was smart enough to call Lincoln and Maverick.

          The dinner was at Brave’s, a few blocks down from our office, a new contemporary restaurant that had opened recently. I’d driven by it a few times and had been meaning to try it, but never had the chance. Maverick wouldn’t be joining us. For reasons I didn’t know, I was nervous. I’d seen James’ photo and he was young, handsome, and slender. He was a man set out to change the world.

          At six, Lincoln and I took the company car down the block to the restaurant. It was just starting to get busy as we entered. The hostess took one look at Lincoln and immediately walked us to the back of the restaurant where there was a private table. James had not arrived yet. We both took a seat and were handed menus.

          “What would you like to eat?” Lincoln asked.

          I skimmed the menu just as the hostess returned with James, dressed in a blue suit and a gold tie. His eyes were bluer than the picture and his sandy blond hair was shorter; although the same smile and facial feature stared right back at me. We both stood up as he extended his hand to first Lincoln and then me. After our greetings, we all sat down and ordered a drink each; a beer for the men and a Cosmo for me.

          “You’ve done well for yourself,” Lincoln said.

          James beamed. “Thank you. I certainly have risen from my orphanage days.”

          “Well, everyone has a story to tell.”

          “I’ll drink to that.” And he took a sip of his beer.

          “Tell me about this new venture. Why have you suddenly taken a route down this road?” Lincoln asked.    

          He smiled and folded his long fingers together. “If you must really know, it’s because I’ve been sick.”

          “I’m sorry to hear that.”

          “Don’t worry. It’s nothing you can catch. I was in the hospital for a few weeks and was wondering what I was going to do if I should die. The nurses there took excellent care of me, but the doctors lacked their job. They only came when necessary and hardly seemed interested in my health. In fact, the nurses were the ones who did all the hard work and the doctors got the glory of it.”

          “Isn’t that life?” I asked.

          He shifted his eyes to me and smiled. “Apparently. But I wasn’t going to be a statistic.”

          “What did you learn?” I asked.

          He smiled. “I learned that I needed to create a better system for doctors. You see, the doctors have no sense of time or value. They come and go as they please, taking on hundreds of patients, not even remembering all their names. The only time they do remember a patient is when they have a chart in front of them. Otherwise, we’re just ants all over the place.”

          Lincoln folded his arms. “What’s your new design?”
          “Ah, that’s the beauty of it. The design is a simple template designed to fit the palms of their hands without the hassle of an entire chart. This template will have the patients’ information, which can only be accessed by the swipe of the doctor’s finger. He can carry it around like an iPhone and it will hold all information he needs. It will be lightweight, easier to access, and all he needs to do is enter the patients’ name. Everything he needs to know will become available to him.”

          Lincoln sighed deeply. “A lot of hospitals and clinics are going with online medical records nowadays. What’s different about yours?”
          “Mine can be carried with the doctor and can also be downloaded into their phones. This way, if there’s an emergency, he can simply take a take look at the app and find all information he needs for that certain patient.”
          “Have you had this patented?”

          “It’s pending as we speak. I’ve also got an investor who’s already interested in buying it as soon as it hits the market. Trust me, it’s a good design.”

          “I’m not going to say whether or not it’s a good design because I’m not an inventor myself. I work in advertising and I work mostly with words. Have you taken this to anyone yet?”
          James laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Are you kidding me? You’re the God of advertisement. Why would I risk my chances with anyone else?”

          Lincoln didn’t seem amused. “The reason why I’m asking is because the last time you came to us about your ad label designs, you took everything I invented to another ad agency and he did everything I thought of. In another word, he got paid for what I came up with. You ran with my designs and fed them to someone else. Why aren’t you asking him to help you run these designs?”

          James face paled and I almost swallowed my tongue. So that was why Lincoln seemed so cool and unaffected by James’ new idea. I was sitting here thinking how smart this man was for coming up with such a brilliant idea. This part of the story wasn’t located in the files. And I was sure no one else knew about it except James and Lincoln.

          “Listen,” James said. “You’re still not sore about that, are you? I mean, your ad designs are great and all, but you lack a little bit in manners. You didn’t change what I asked and so I took off.”

          “With everything I designed.”

          “Are you turning me down?” James asked.

          “Who wouldn’t?” I chimed in. “First rule of business is that you must respect each other. Clearly you missed that portion.”

          James swallowed and cleared his throat. “So, I was a little shit and did something bad. Does that automatically smear my record with you?”

          “Yes, it does,” Lincoln said.

 

          On the way back to my apartment, Lincoln was quiet and was staring outside the window. It had gotten dark while we were talking with James. I knew that what had happened tonight lay heavy on his mind. His hand still held mine, which was entwined tightly on his lap. I felt a cold distance between us and when I tried to release my hand, he turned his head toward me and his eyes darkened.

          “What’s wrong?” he asked.

          I sighed. “I know that what happened tonight wasn’t pretty. But you’re in a place where you should be alone. Perhaps you should just go home after you drop me off.”

          I felt his hand tighten around mine and then he shifted until he was facing me. He was quiet for a few moments and I thought he wouldn’t talk. Then he reached over and brushed his finger across my bottom lip, making me quiver lightly.

          “I’m not leaving you alone tonight. Do you not understand, Tiffany? It’s moments like this that I need you the most. How can I step away when every fiber of my being is calling for your skin? I need you.”

          I sighed deeply, letting his words sink into me. His eyes turned misty, a kind of fog covered them that made him look extremely attractive and dark at the same time. My insides melted and when he lowered his eyes to my lips, I felt an electric pull of my heart. Suddenly, he reached over and grabbed my face, slamming his lips into mine. The feel of his lips against mine made my mind become a blank canvas allowing him to paint new adventures as he made love to me with his mouth. I could never get over how incredible he made me feel. I let out a soft moan and he pulled away, breathless.

          “You make me ache in places I never knew existed,” he whispered. “How is it possible to want you more than this? Does life get any sweeter? Do you know…when I’m sleeping next to you, I wish the morning would never come so I would never have to part with you. If I could cloak the sky with darkness, I would do it just so I could hold you longer.”

          I didn’t know what to say as I stared at him. I felt as if my world had come crumbling down and in the center was Lincoln, perfect and loving. Would it last? Would it hurt me? I pushed the thought aside as I let him kiss me once more, closing the perfect moment.

          I woke up to the morning light and shifted my body. Lincoln was wrapped around me like a vine and I felt warm, comfortable, and safe. Our clothes were scattered on the floor, pieces of them turned inside out. I smiled at the memory of us getting everything off without a moment’s pause. I turned and found him sleeping soundly beside me. His lashes were long, dark and made him look extremely handsome. In a sleeping position like this, he looked younger than how he always portrayed himself. I reached up and touched his face gently. He stirred, moaned, and his eyes fluttered open. The first thing I saw was a smile as he gazed down at me.

          “Good morning,” he said hoarsely.

          I smiled. “Good morning.”

          “You’re up with a plan, I suppose? Does that include me?”

          I laughed. “No, I’m up because I just realized I’m late for work and I don’t want to be fired.”

          “Well, you’re lucky the boss likes you. He doesn’t mind if you’re late especially if you’re lying next to him.”

          I smiled and propped up on my elbow. Then something hit me that didn’t before. I dropped my smile and the spark from his eyes faded. I sat up and he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I pulled the blanket up to cover me as he sat up and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

          “What’s wrong? You were happy and then suddenly, you disappeared and I find this strange girl looking at me.”

          I sighed deeply. “I’m sleeping with the boss. It doesn’t look good on my resume or anywhere. What if people start talking? What if they start saying that I only got the job because I slept with you?”

          He turned me around gently. “But you got the job on your own, Tiffany. Besides, what people say shouldn’t matter to you. It doesn’t matter to me. I know what’s in my heart. I know what is real and what isn’t. I’ll admit, I was attracted to you, and a part of me wanted you real bad. But I knew that patience had to be played because if you were to come to me willingly, everything would be better than me forcing my hand. Besides, as you can tell, I don’t force women into my bed.”

          “I understand that, but what about your reputation?”

          “What about it?”

          “Aren’t you afraid people might say…I don’t know, something bad?”

          He laughed. “Darling, I’m in advertising. People always got something bad to say. I’m made of steel, Tiffany. The only thing that could hurt me right now is if you were to walk away from me.”

          I watched as his eyes gazed into mine and suddenly, I felt as if I was in a place where I hadn’t been before, which was true. With Alan, everything was all over the place. He wasn’t kind and he wasn’t keen on making life bearable. I had a feeling that with Lincoln, things would be easy, smooth, and he would make sure I was taken care of at all times. Before I could say what was on my mind, he spoke.

          “I know that your life hasn’t been easy. That asshole made it so you could never feel safe. But I guarantee you that I can rearrange it so you can understand how safe is again. I want you to trust me enough that you can give me everything of yourself. I know that you and I have only known each other a short time. It’s like a dream, almost surreal, but what I feel, what I know, it’s so real.

          “I’ve always held myself off from women because I wasn’t ready to commit to anything more than a few roses and dinner dates. I wasn’t ready for the whole package. Spending this time with you made me realize it was because I was going for all the wrong women. They were making me realize they were a mistake and that I needed something more. Then you walked into my life and everything came to a standstill. I realized for the first time that I could love without fear, dream without sleeping, and live without trying.”

          Tears came to my eyes and I turned around to hug him. He smelled of us and the fragrance made my heart turn upside down. Alan had always been disgusted when he smelled of me. But for Lincoln, he welcomed it, because it reminded him that we had been together as one. It wasn’t something he was ashamed of. When I pulled away, he kissed my lips gently and brushed away my tears with the pads of his thumbs.

          “You’re done crying, Tiffany. I don’t want to see you shed another tear. If you are to cry, it’s because you’re overwhelmed with happiness, not sadness. You’ve cried enough. You’ve been hurt enough. This moment forward, I want you to erase all of Alan’s memories because I intend to fill you with mine and make you forget that you were ever second best.”

          I reached for his hands and held them. “Lincoln, are you sure you want to travel down this road with me? I’m a wounded woman. I have demons that I’m trying to outrun. There’s a part of me that has died and I’m not even sure if it will ever be alive again. You’ve done more than your share in making me feel like human again, but there’s always a part of me that will never feel safe. Alan killed that part of me.”

          “Don’t you worry about it. It’s my job to wipe away those memories and if I can’t do it, then I’m the wrong man. But I know that I’m the right man because I’ve never felt this way before. I chase things I know I can have and once I have them, I don’t let them go. You’re one of them, Tiffany.”

 

          When I got into work, it was two hours later than my usual time. As I sat in my office, going through the daily schedule, my mind wandered back to the conversation we had this morning. Alan had always been the reserved type when it came to life conversation. He preferred to have things come as life unfolded. He didn’t care much for future planning or anything that involved deep words. But with Lincoln, with the way how he was so sure of himself, of how he felt for me, and what he wanted for us, that it frightened me a bit. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to ever accept a man like Lincoln and let him just love me. I was still scarred deeply from Alan and a part of me was afraid that if I allowed it, I would end up hurt again.

          My phone rang and I jumped. I picked it up. “Hello?”

          “Tiffany, there’s someone here to see you,” Glenda said.

          I frowned and stared at the schedule. No one was scheduled to see me today. “Who is it?”

          “Naomi.”

          The name made me queasy. I didn’t want to see her or even talk to her. But she was here. I asked Glenda to send her back. Lincoln was at a lunch meeting with Maverick. I was alone in the office with Glenda. I heard heels clicking and then she appeared at my door. She was dressed exquisitely in a black sleek dress with red pumps; her hair was down and straight and her lips were colored bright red. Anyone would stop and stare at this beauty. I stood up and smoothed down my simple gray dress as I stepped around from my desk.

          “Naomi, what a surprise,” I said.

          She walked in and closed the door, looking around at the office. Then her eyes found mine. “This is a new wing.”

          “It’s recently been redesigned. But I doubt you’re here to talk about the renovations.”

          She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re right. I could care less about décor. It’s a shitty subject better left to decorators with nothing to do but talk about shades of curtains. I’m more interested in what you’re doing with Lincoln.”

          “Why are you still mooning over him? From what I heard, you guys are old news.”

          She walked toward me and crossed her arms. “Do you know that I’m the longest female relationship he’s ever had? Nine fucking months together; that’s how long it takes to create a human being. It means something. He can say it’s over, but I don’t believe him. He belongs to me and I won’t let anyone take him away. Tell me, do you honestly think he will love you when he’s got someone like me to fall back on?”

          I swallowed. She had a point. “It doesn’t matter what you think or say, Naomi. The truth lies in Lincoln’s heart.”

          She laughed loudly. “If Lincoln had a heart, it’s seen better days, dear. Let me give you a clue. That man only gives a fuck about women who don’t dote on him hand and foot. He never will remain faithful to anyone because it’s not his style. He likes his freedom. When you make him succumb to being a one woman show, he will fucking hate you and worse, probably never touch you again.”

          I pretended what she said didn’t hurt me. “Well, you should know, shouldn’t you?”

          Her face paled and she uncrossed her arms. She walked closer to me and her eyes were filled with tears. I saw that her lower lip was trembling. She was really upset and she wasn’t going to be let down easy.

          “You listen to me, Tiffany, and you listen well. Lincoln is a part of me and I am a part of him. We’re cut from the same cloth. Unlike you, who has no idea what his world is like. If I were you, I’d be wise and leave the devil alone. You’re too innocent in all this to be caught up in his hell fire.”

          She held her gaze for a moment before she turned around and opened the door to walk out. I stood there watching the wide opened door and felt myself trembling. Why did her words affect me so much? Perhaps it was because she knew more about Lincoln than I did. Perhaps it was because she had been with him long enough that it made me realize I didn’t know him at all. Perhaps this dream of mine was just after all, a dream.

          A little after two, Lincoln appeared at my doorway where I was busy typing up some memos. He was wearing a black suit with a blue shirt underneath. His tie had been taken off and he looked stunning. He walked in and closed the door as I finished typing. When he walked to give me a kiss, I turned away and got up. He grabbed my arm and swung me around.

          “What’s wrong?” he asked.

          I released my arm. “Nothing.”

          “Why are you avoiding my kiss?”

          “Am I?”

          His gaze darkened. “Tiffany, you were all sweet this morning when we came to work. I leave for two hours to a meeting and return to a cold woman. What happened?”

          I shrugged and gathered up some folders. Then I looked up at him. “Nothing is wrong, Lincoln. It’s just that I think around work, we shouldn’t do this. It’s not very professional.”

          “You’re lying through your teeth.”

          I straightened. “What do you want me to say?”

          “How about the truth?”

          “The truth? The truth? Is that what you want to hear? Can you handle the truth?”

          He cocked his head and then he laughed. He walked to sit down on the couch and rubbed his temple. He looked up at me and then a grin appeared over his lips. “Naomi has been by to see you.”

          I hid my gasp as he smiled and leaned his head back on the couch. How did he know? He shed his jacket and stood up, staring at me. I watched as he unbuttoned a few buttons and took a deep breath.

          “Ask me how I know,” he dared.

          Gathering up my wits, I asked, “How did you know?”

          “Because she’s done this to every single woman I’ve dated after her.”

          I was silent.

          He walked toward me, his eyes dark with a strange passion I hadn’t seen before. He came to the edge of the table, looked me up and down, and then laughed. “Tiffany, you’re more naïve than I thought if you choose to believe her. Did she feed you that “nine months creates a human being,” shit?”

          I blushed.

          “I can see the answer on your face. You need to understand something, Tiffany. Naomi and I weren’t anything but a show for the record. I never slept with her. She doesn’t know me like you do. She’s never seen my home. She’s never seen me naked. In fact, you’re the only woman who has seen my home aside from Cassandra.”

          I remained silent. I wasn’t sure to believe him or keep on believing the story Naomi fed me. He rolled up his sleeves and showed off his muscles. He ran his hand through his hair and then locked his eyes with me.

          “Do you believe her? Is that why you’re acting the way you do?” he asked gently.

          “I don’t know what to believe,” I finally said. “You’re standing on the opposite side of the story. Why don’t you tell me?”

          “I’m sure I look like a prick to you right now. I’m sure what she said sounds realistic and that I’m an asshole. But to tell you the truth, if you rather believe her, some little bimbo who offered herself to me and got rejected than me, the man who can make you shiver when I make love to you, then I have no words to say.”

          I stood very still watching him as he continued staring at me. Then I put the folders down and I realized he was right. I walked across the distance between us and I threw my arms around him. When his arms came around me, I felt the same comforting feeling I had before engulf me. He pulled away and titled my chin up to look at him.

          “Tiffany, the truth is that I happen to see you as my fairy tale and she’s not ready to face the fact that she never was. Anyone who is jealous or wants revenge will say just about anything to get her point across. The question is if you believe her or not. If you do choose to believe her, she’s won and is probably celebrating her victory and glory. If you don’t, she’ll realize she’s fighting an empty war.”

          I swallowed hard and touched his face. “I’m sorry. I guess a part of me is very vulnerable and I believed everything that was fed to me. I’m still afraid of this.”

          “Unless I say it, know that you’re never going to leave my side.”

          I let out a shaky breath and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

          “Don’t apologize. Now how about we forget all this and I take you home where I can have my fill of you?”

 

          My world had changed completely. I was in a place where I found warmth and safety to be first. I had never had that and it was beginning to feel like home to me. Lincoln gave me everything I wanted without a moment’s thought. I was content, something I hadn’t been for a long time. I began my days with him and ended it with him. The more time I spent with him, the more I realized I was falling in love with him. He had this magic spell that wrapped around me until I felt I couldn’t breathe. He changed my world and I was never going to be the same again.       

          Then one morning, something happened that changed everything. It was a morning just like every other morning. I woke up, showered, and dressed for work. Lincoln hadn’t spent the night with me and I was feeling anxious to see him. I choose a bright red two piece dress suit, wove my hair into a low bun, and applied minimal makeup. When I arrived at work, Glenda was on the phone and waved to me. I heard Maverick talking in his office as I walked into Lincoln’s office to say hello. The door was closed, but I knocked gently, and then I opened. On the ground was Lincoln, half naked with only his pants on, and Naomi in nothing but a silk wrap around her naked body. Her hair was a mess, a just fucked look, and her makeup was smeared. Lincoln was asleep and she was blushing as she stood up and stumbled over her heels. I stopped dead in my tracks and felt my heart race. This was the reason why he hadn’t spent the night with me?

          Naomi stood up and smiled. “Good morning Tiffany. As you can see, we’re quite busy. Why don’t you come back when we’re better dressed?”

          I felt the tears rush to my eyes and I ran out of there, slamming the door. I walked into my office and shut the door, trying to catch my breath. All the good thoughts came crashing down against me and left me drowning. The image of Lincoln lying there half naked with her made me sick to my stomach. I felt as if I was being buried alive. How could I be so stupid? How could I let myself love him so fast, so soon? I gulped down tears and made my way to the couch where I sat with shaking legs. Before I knew it, the tears came crashing over me and I was gasping for air. It hurt to breathe and it tore me apart. Once again, I had been ditched for another woman.

          “Tiffany!” Lincoln’s voice shouted from outside my door.

          I ignored it and then I heard the sound of a key opening the door. It opened and he stepped in wearing a rumbled shirt. He took one look at me and his face turned dark. I stood up and wiped my eyes, not caring if I smudged my makeup or not. I took a deep, shaky breath as I straightened myself.

          “Tiffany, whatever you think you saw, it’s not true,” he said.

          I gulped down the pain and took a deep breath. “Lincoln, please leave me alone. I’m at a point where I don’t want to see you or talk to you. Just leave me alone, please.”

          “Please tell me you’re smarter than that.”

          “Smarter? I should have been! I shouldn’t have trusted you so fucking fast! Look at what it did to me! It has left me torn to pieces once again after I just picked up my life.”

          He stepped forward and I moved away from him. He slammed the door shut and came to hold me. I fought him off and pushed him away. I turned around and slapped him hard across the face. The look of surprise entered his eyes and I slapped him again.

          “Get out of here! I don’t want to see you.”

          He swallowed hard and shook his head. “You have to believe me when I say what you saw isn’t what you think.”

          I laughed. “Oh really? The man I have been sleeping with is found half naked with his naked ex-girlfriend who looks like she’s been fucked all night. How do you fucking explain that? Where were you last night?! You choose to be here with her instead of me.”

          “I wasn’t here last night. I woke up here this morning.”

          “Stop fucking lying! Go back to her and stop bothering me. It’s done and I’m resigning.”

          He grabbed my arm. “No, you’re not! I don’t care if I have to drag you to the alter right now and marry you just to get you to stay with me, Tiffany. You’re not leaving me and you’re not resigning.”

          “Marry you? Why on earth would I want to marry you after I’ve seen you with her?”

          “Because the eyes can be deceiving, Tiffany. Look with your heart and you’ll see the truth.”

          I tore my arm from him. “No! I know what I saw! I know what is real. I’m not going to let another man break me again.”

          He smiled. “As far as I know, I’m the only man who has broken you. You’re mine and you’re not leaving me. I don’t care what I have to do. If you refuse to stay, I’ll force a ring on your finger.”

          I laughed. “It’s the 21^st century, Lincoln. I have a choice to do what I please. I don’t have to listen to you. I’m not going to cave in just so you can have some sort of pride. Get out of here. It’s over.”

          He leaned down and his eyes darkened. “I’m not letting you go. I’ll prove to you that what you saw was nothing but a scheme built by a jealous woman.”

          Lincoln turned to go and when he was out the door, I broke down and began to cry. How could I let my heart love him so? This was what happened to Alan. I let myself love too soon and the hurt I was left with was too unbearable. Here I was, once again, lost and broken except this time, I was sure, I would never recover.

          Throughout the day, I avoided and ignored Lincoln. At lunch, I ordered in and ate alone. I heard his feet shuffling to my door numerous times. He stood outside my door as if waiting to hear my gesture to come in. But I never spoke and after moments of silence, he would turn to go. As soon as I heard his footsteps walk away, I began to cry. I was a mess and I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through the day.

          By the end of the day, I had no energy left to argue or to feel. I was exhausted and beyond pained. The office was quiet as I made my way to the elevator. As I pressed the button waiting for the elevator to arrive on my floor, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around and found Lincoln standing behind me. His eyes were dark and misty, his face rugged, and he looked a mess. He was still wearing the same clothes from the night before; just seeing it on him made me feel sick. The elevator doors dinged and I turned to go when he grabbed my arm and began leading me back to his office.

          “Let me go!” I cried.

          “No! Not until you listen to me!” he shouted.

          I tried to free myself and when I did, I turned to go. He swung me around and hoisted me up on his shoulder. I pounded my hands into his back as he carried me into his office and kicked the door closed. He dropped me on the couch and held my wrists together.

          “Stop it!” he shouted. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want you to see something.”

          I was beyond angry as I pushed him away and stood up. “I don’t care to see anything you have to show me. As far as I know, you and I don’t exist anymore.”

          He grabbed my shoulders and shook me lightly. “The hell we don’t exist, Tiffany. I was just beginning to enjoy myself with you. You’re not going to leave me hanging.”

          “You should have thought of that before you brought her in here!”

          He slammed his lips against mine and kissed me hard. I bit his lip, yet he didn’t stop. When I felt his tongue, I let out a sob and pushed him away. He grabbed my face and shook his head.

          “God damn it! Will you just listen to me?! Give me a chance here, Tiffany! I’m trying to redeem myself and you’re not giving me a chance in hell.”

          I began to cry. “You hurt me! After such poetic promises, you turned around and stabbed me in the back, just like Alan!”

          “I’m nothing like Alan! For one, I was drugged and had no control of myself. Alan did it out of his own purposes, whatever it may be.”

          My breathing almost stopped as I thought about what he had just said. My heart finally slowed and I glanced at him. His eyes were dark and he looked like he’d been hit by a train. I gulped down and pulled myself out of his hold. I stared at him as he let out a big sigh and walked to his desk. He grabbed the end of his desk and turned his back to me. He stood like that for a long time before he turned around to face me.

          “It’s all on tape,” he said.

          He pressed a button on his laptop and turned it around. I walked over and watched as a black and white image of his office came up on the screen. I saw him sitting at his desk on the phone. Then he got up to answer the door when there was a knock. I saw him come back with Naomi trailing behind him. There were no sound, but the actions between them told me he was fighting with her. After a few moments, she left in tears. He walked to the bathroom and Naomi entered again. She dropped something into his cup of coffee and left. When he returned, he took a gulp of his coffee and gathered up his things. As he turned to go, his legs gave out and he fell to the ground. Naomi came in and began to undress him. I slammed the laptop down and turned away. I had seen enough.

          “I woke up here,” Lincoln said. “I have no idea what happened. She was here, naked just like you saw. Throughout the day, I couldn’t believe that I would have done anything like that unless I was drugged. My office is equipped with cameras to make sure no one steals any of my ideas. I finally was smart enough to take a look at the video surveillance. Nothing happened. She undressed me, undressed herself, and slept beside me through the night. She wanted you to find me like that with her. She wanted to hurt you.”

          I felt his fingers on my arm and I shivered. Then he turned me around gently and I saw the hurt in his eyes. What had I done to him? I had refused to listen, had refused to give him a chance to explain. The sob came fast and it tore at me like a lion roaring at a prey. I threw my arms around him and began to sob. He held me tightly and inhaled my scent deeply.

          “Oh, Tiffany, I would never hurt you the way you think. Do you honestly think I’d give all this up when I’ve been searching for it my whole life?” he asked.

          “I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “When I walked in and saw you like that with her, my entire world came crashing down. I thought, why did I give him so much of me when this was bound to happen? I hated myself for loving you.”

          He pulled away and tucked a loose strand behind my ear. “Tiffany, don’t think so low of yourself. It hurts me.”

          I sobbed and swallowed hard. “I’m sorry.”

          He brushed my tears away with his fingers and shook his head. “Don’t apologize.”

 

          Making love was something I was new to. It was a way that opened up my soul in ways I never knew possible. It was pure, heartfelt, and real. That’s what Lincoln did to me that night when we arrived at his home. He took his time to know my body, taking each layer off with care, making sure he kissed every inch of skin he exposed. I was shivering from his kisses, almost exhausted at how he made me feel. He wasn’t afraid to show me how he wanted me to feel and each time he had an orgasm, he made sure I watched him unravel. It was beautiful.

          Lying next to him as he slept beside me was perfect. I finally understood what he meant when he told me he wished morning would never come. Just seeing him beside me, breathing and perfect, made my life easier. Since he entered my life, it had been turned upside down and I was introduced to things and feelings I’d never felt or known before. But as I started to piece together my life from Alan’s wrath, I realized that having Lincoln with me as I did the repairing made it bearable.

          The following morning was Saturday and I woke up alone. He was probably out jogging as usual. I showered and wore a shirt of his and a pair of his shorts. As I descended down the stairs, I heard some soft music playing. He was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. I could smell the bacon and eggs. I smiled as I came down to wrap my arms around him. He turned his head slightly to kiss my forehead.

          “Good morning,” he said.

          “You’re such an early riser.”

          He smiled and turned around to face me. “Old habits are hard to break, dear. Are you hungry?”
          “Starving.”

          His eyes twinkled. “That’s what I want to hear.”

          I helped him set the table and sat down to eat. As I helped some eggs and bacon onto my plate, his phone rang. He excused himself and picked it up. He listened a moment and then he stood up, angry.

          “What the fuck? Are you fucking serious?” he shouted.

          I stopped eating and watched as he walked around the table and up the stairs. I could hear him shouting as he disappeared into the hallway. Suddenly, my mouth felt like cotton and food was no longer interesting. I put my spoon down and sighed deeply. I heard the door upstairs close and then Lincoln came down the stairs dressed in jeans and a black v neck shirt. The look on his face was hard to read. I stood up and swallowed, waiting to hear the worse.

          “Should I go?” I asked.

          He sighed and walked to him. “That was Maverick. He called me to say that someone broke into our office and left a threatening message on the wall of my office.”

          I frowned. “What? How? I thought your office was protected.”

          “It is. But this person isn’t just anyone.”

          “Who is it?”

          His face drained of color. “It’s Naomi.”

          I sighed. “Why didn’t I know that?

          He rubbed his temples. “She broke in and spray painted the words “I’m not done,” on my office wall. Nothing was taken.”

          I sat down because my legs were about to give in. He came to me and touched my cheeks. I looked up at him and saw that the event that had unfolded had him stuck in a corner as well. I shrugged my shoulders gently and touched his face.

          “What does she want with you? What was your relationship really like? Will you tell me?” I asked.

          “I’ll tell you tonight. Right now, I have to go to the office. Will you be here when I return?”

          I felt sad about this whole situation. But I knew I couldn’t give up on him. I slowly nodded and a smile spread across his face. He gave me a quick kiss before he turned to go. As soon as he was gone, the house seemed eerie and I felt alone. I stared at the food before me and suddenly I felt like vomiting. I stood up and started clearing the plates away. I felt sick staring at it and tossed everything out. I washed, dried, and put the dishes away. Then I sat in the large living room staring at the walls, wondering what I was doing here. Lincoln had a life before me that was starting to haunt both of us. His past wasn’t going to let him go and I had run smack dab into the middle of it. What if Naomi decided drugging him, breaking into his office wasn’t enough? Could she hurt him? Could she hurt me? I shut my eyes, pushing the thought away, but it came back like an unwanted rash.

          “Get out of here,” I said.

 

          “Seriously Tiffany, you need to stop seeing him,” Amy said as she handed me a glass of red wine. I had nowhere else to go besides her place. Amy lived near Lake Calhoun in a nice updated condo. She had decorated it with an urban taste and it was chic and tasty just like her. I had caught her right after a run and she was still wearing her workout clothes with her hair piled high in a bun.

          “What am I supposed to do? Just cut him off and walk out?” I asked.

          “Why the fuck not? His crazy psycho ex is probably going to murder you in your sleep. Why the fuck would you stay?”

          I shrugged and she took a long gulp of wine as she stared at me. Then she gasped and put her wine glass down. She stared at me and I looked up at her.

          “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” Amy asked quietly.

          I didn’t answer.

          She shook her head. “Tiffany! How can you allow yourself to do such a crazy thing like that? You know you just got out of a sticky situation. Why would you run into a train wreck like him head on? Haven’t you learned anything from Alan?”

          I sighed deeply. “Look, he’s not Alan, ok? Yes, I may have fallen in love with him, but it’s not as if we’re getting married or anything. I happen to like how I feel around him. He makes me feel safe. Is that so bad to want after Alan?”

          “Ok, I’ll give you that. But, Tiffany, come on! This guy is a walking heart attack!”

          I rubbed my head and let out a deep breath. My eyes caught the time on the clock on the wall. It was two in the afternoon. This morning when I left Lincoln’s home, it was eight in the morning. I sniffed and tucked my hair back as I stood up to go.

          “I should go home.”

          Amy stood up. “Tell me you’ll be alright.”

          “I’ll be alright. I promise you.”

 

          A little after three, I unlocked the door to my apartment and dropped my keys and purse on the counter. On account that I had been staying with Lincoln, my apartment needed some fresh air. I walked over to the windows and opened them all, letting in the cool air. I lit a few candles around the room and walked to my room where I stripped and showered. I took a long time in the shower, letting the water run down my skin, washing away the event that happened today.  When I finally turned the water off, I noticed my fingers were all pruned. I reached for the towel and was wiping my hair when the door to the bathroom flew open. I screamed as Lincoln walked in just as I wrapped the towel around myself. The look on his face was dark as he entered the bathroom. I sighed a relief seeing that it was just him. I gulped down the fear that had almost flogged me.

          “What are you doing here?!” I cried.

          “I thought you said you would wait at my home,” he said.

          I ran a hand through my wet strands and let out a breath of unbelief. “So I didn’t. You can’t just break in here and-“
          “Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you? Where were you? I came here hours ago and you weren’t even here. Where did you go?”

          I frowned. “What? You were here? How did you get in?”

          “I made copies of the key.”

          My eyes flew open with surprise and shock. “You did what?”

          “Where were you?”

          I raised my hands. “No! Wait! I’m still stuck on the part where you made copies of my key!”

          He grabbed my hands and pulled me closer to him. “Answer me, damn it! Where were you?!”

          I shook his hands off of me and pushed him away. “I don’t have to answer you, Lincoln! You have no right barging in here and demanding things of me. You don’t own me!”

          I walked around him to my bedroom and into my closet where I pulled on a robe. I had just finished tying it when he spun me around and grabbed my shoulders.

          “Tiffany, I don’t want to see you get hurt. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I came back and you were gone? You were nowhere to be found and you turned your fucking phone off. I had no way to reach you. I was going crazy for hours thinking of God knows what!” he cried.

          I shrugged out of his hold. “I’m fine! I’m alive and I’m fine, ok? I couldn’t stay at your place and just fiddle with my thumbs. I needed to talk to someone. I went to Amy’s place, ok? You have no right to be angry. You took something of mine when I never gave it to you.”

          “Just hear me out, Tiffany.”

          I watched as his eyes turned misty and I realized they were tears. I let the anger in me subside long enough to listen to his side of the story. He stared at me until I nodded and then he reached for me again.

          “I arrived at the office and found the note she left on the wall for me. But what scared me was that she had taken a photo of you in your home and pinned it on the wall next to what she wrote.”

          That sent chills down my spine and I began to shake. He noticed and led me to sit on the bed where he held me. I couldn’t believe I was hearing this. It seemed like some sort of bad movie I was seeing except I was starring in it this time.

          “What does she want with me?” I asked.

          “I don’t know, but it scared me shitless. I ran back home and you were gone. I thought the worse. I came here and you weren’t here. I searched everywhere for you.”

          I looked up at him and saw the worry in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Lincoln. I was…I needed to clear my mind so I went to see Amy.”
          “You scared me.”

          I hugged him and held him until I was sure he knew I was alright. Then I pulled away and looked at him. “You said you would tell me about your relationship with her.”

          He ran his hand down my back and sighed deeply. “I met Naomi at a cancer fundraiser. She came with a date, a man named Marcus Hale, a brilliant doctor who specialized in cancer treatment. They had been dating for several years and he was getting ready to propose to her.

          “That night, they were the couple of the night, dancing and laughing together. But as the night came to a close, Marcus had a bit too much to drink and they began arguing. I found them in the parking lot where he slapped her up a quite a bit. I should have walked away then, but the gentleman in me just couldn’t stand it. So I intervened. I sent her home and checked up on her time to time. She mistook it as something more.”

          He took a deep breath and his hand came to hold mine. “One night, she appeared at my office in a trench coat and nothing underneath. She was unstable, talking crazy and wanting me to make love to her. Marcus had left her for another woman and she wanted me to take his spot. I refused her and she called me all names possible. I rejected her and she made a promise that she would never let me go.”

          “And all this happened in nine months?” I asked.

          “I had been dating other women and each woman I dated was driven away from me because she would try to get in the way. But I wasn’t in love with any of those women. I’m in love with you and when she plans on hurting you, it’s something I aim to stop.”

          I stared at him for a long time. “Has she tried to hurt you before?”

          “Not like this. But it’s probably because she’s never seen me like this with a woman before.”

          “I don’t understand. Why don’t you just call the police?”

          “It won’t help her. I turned her over to a top notch therapist and she tried to commit suicide.”

          “Lincoln, am I supposed to just sit back and let her be a third wheel in our relationship? Do I have to fear that each time you utter love words to me, I’ll wake up with you running after her because she’s threatened to kill us?”

          He shook his head and cupped my face. “No. I’m not going to let her interfere any longer. I’ve taken measures into my own hands. I’ve put out a restraining order against her. She’s not to be within fifty feet of us or she’ll be locked up. The last few times were just women who I brushed off. But this time, it’s you, and I won’t stand it if she hurts you just to get to me.”

          “Do you really mean it?”

          “Of course I do.”

          “No, I mean the part about where you said you loved me.”

          His eyes turned passionate and his lips were inviting as he lowered his lids to look at mine. When he gazed back into my eyes, his breath had become unstable and he was breathing hard. He took my hand and placed it over his chest where I felt his heart pounding.

          “Do you feel that?” he asked.

          I nodded.

          “That’s the heart beating for you and only you, Tiffany. When I’m near you, my heart races in a way that makes me ache in pleasure and pain together. I’ve never felt that and it’s amazing to feel. I can’t give that up. I’ve been searching for far too long for it. Do you think I’d be foolish enough to let it slip away?”
          “I don’t know, Lincoln. I’m not you.”

          “Right, you’re not me. But you already have me.”

          I inhaled a breath and threw my arms around him. Our lips met and I ripped his shirt off of him. I needed to feel skin. He pushed me toward the bed where we fell together on it. My heart was racing as he made love to my lips. I needed this. I craved it. I lived for it. He made me feel alive, safe, and gave me something I never thought possible: hope. It was what I yearned for after the mess I’d been in. When our bodies became one, the problems before us melted away and all I could feel was him inside me, filling me with love, giving me breath. It was all I needed.

 

          We lay together on the bed, the sheets twisted around our legs. The fan on the ceiling was giving us some wind as it spun around. I was in his arms, his fingers trailing down my back, drawing small circles on my flesh. I could hear his heart beating against my ear drum. The room was quiet except for our breathing. I was taking this all in and it was making me feel confident about our relationship. Perhaps I had judged too fast and didn’t see this the way Lincoln had. We could make this work. Even if we had a crazy psycho ex stalking us, we could make this work.

          “What are you thinking about?” Lincoln asked.

          I lifted my head up to gaze at him. His eyes were bright and clear. “Why do you want to know?”

          He smiled and kissed my hair. “I always want to know what you’re thinking about. Call it envy. It’s the only place I can’t seem to reach.”

          I cleared my throat. “I wasn’t thinking about anything.”

          He laughed. “Tiffany, you are a horrible liar.”

          A smile spread on my face. “So I’d like to keep my thoughts to myself.”

          “Do they involve me?”

          I shrugged and wiggled out of his hold. I pulled my robe on and stood up. As I tied the knot around my waist, he sat up, the blankets covering his waist down. The look on his face was priceless as he gazed at me. I smiled, liking him in my bed. He laughed and ran a hand through his hair.

          “Darling, you can’t look at me like that and expect me to not want to know what’s going on through your head,” he said.

          “I’ll give you that one. I was just thinking about how much I liked having you in my bed.”

          His brows shot up. “Really? Well, I like being here too.”

          “I’m going to make dinner. I bet you’re famished.”

          “I am, but it’s not for food.”

          “You’re a devil.”

          I cooked dinner for us as the evening sun began to set. We ate and talked, laughing when the other one told a joke. I felt peaceful and protected. When we finished, he cleaned the dishes while I relaxed on the couch. I finally took out my phone and saw numerous missed calls from Lincoln and several text messages from him stating for me to call him. A smile came upon my face as I erased them. Then a message popped up from Alan.

          You’re quite brave to be fucking another woman’s man.

          My heart stilled and I sat up. All happy thoughts disappearing from my mind. What did he mean? Then suddenly, I knew. Naomi must have made contact with him. How? I swallowed hard as Lincoln entered the living room. His smile faded when he saw my expression. I stood up and handed him my phone. He read the message and slowly lowered the phone.

          “I’m sure he’s referring to Naomi,” I said. “The question is how she was able to contact him.”

          Lincoln’s eyes turned cold. “I’ll deal with this.”

          “No. You don’t know Alan. I’ll talk to him.”

          “Why would I ever let you near that bastard? Don’t you remember what happened last time?”

          The encounter between Alan and me outside the law office came into mind. “Yes, I remember, but I need to do this. He’s just a ghost to me now. He can’t hurt me. Can you find out how she was able to contact him?”

          “It’s already done.”

 

          The park was empty as I parked my car. I saw Alan’s car parked a few feet away. He was sitting by the bench staring at me as I got out of the car. I walked over to where he sat. Dressed in blue jeans and a light blue sweater, he looked like the man I had once thought I loved. But now, all thoughts of love containing him were gone. He had an angry look on his face as he stood up to meet me.

          “You’re late,” he said.

          “You’re early,” I said.

          He laughed. “You’re quite brave now. Is it because you’re porking someone else? How does it feel to be on the other side of the line?”

          I bit the inside of my cheeks to stop myself from hitting him. “At least I’m not married while I’m doing it, Alan, which is something you’ve got to learn.”

          His eyes narrowed. “You should talk. You’re sleeping with someone else’s man.”

          “What I do with my private life is none of your business, Alan. That’s the beauty of divorce. Why do you care? Why are you even here to talk about this? Does my sex life mean that much to you?”

          He pointed a finger at me. “It does when this woman threatens to go public and ruin my reputation.”

          I laughed. “Ruin your reputation? Alan, you did that yourself when you decided to fuck someone else besides your wife!”

          He stepped forward. “You better watch your mouth.”

          “I don’t have to. I don’t have to answer to you anymore. And while you may believe what this deranged woman has to say, know that the truth is deeper than what she says. I don’t care about it. I learned a lot when you decided to put me out. I’ve grown stronger now and I’m not afraid of you. I’m free of you, Alan. I can do what I please and fuck who I please.”

          The look on his face was pure horror as I turned and walked back to my car. When I got in and started the car, he was still standing where I left him. Good, I thought, as I drove off; let him be stunned for once.

          When I returned home, Lincoln wasn’t there. I knew he was probably at the office. He’d told me to work from home today while he figured out a few things about Naomi. I decided to cook some lunch while I was waiting for him to return. I took out some beef, carrots, and potatoes, roast beef on my mind. The beef was still in my hands when I saw something flicker from the corner of my eyes. I turned around and there stood Naomi, dressed in a white sheer night gown with her hair down and sleek. She looked frightening thin as she stared at me. The beef fell from my hand as I swallowed hard. In her hand was a gun and she had it pointed straight at me. My breath became heavy as she began walking toward me.

          “I knew he was in love with you,” Naomi said. “I knew it the moment I set eyes on him at the charity that night. The way he held you when he danced with you, it was perfect. It was how I’ve always wanted him to hold me.”

          “Naomi, put the gun down,” I said.   

          “Shut the fuck up!” she growled.

          I almost jumped back. “This isn’t what you want. Do you truly think that if you killed me, Lincoln would love you? He’d hate you.”

          She began to cry, big tears rolling down her cheeks. “I don’t give a shit whether you live or die! All I care about is that Lincoln will return to me! He loved me for nine months! Me! Then suddenly you come and he’s turned all attention to you. What the fuck do you have that I don’t?”

          Jesus, she was seriously crazy. I swallowed and found my throat had gone dry. She was shaking and I was afraid she’d accidentally pull the trigger. Sweat began to form and I found my heart was racing, pounding against my rib cage, loud in my ear drums. Shit. I had nowhere to run.

          “You’ve got nowhere to go,” she said as if she read my mind.

          “Look, if you want Lincoln that much, I’ll leave. I’ll give him to you. Just leave.”

          She threw her head back and laughed. “You’re really funny, Tiffany, you know that? Why would he want me when you’re still here?”

          Shit! I knew her plan. Kill me and in the mourning process, she’d take over my place. Fear slammed hard in my body and I felt my legs begin to tremble. Take control, Tiffany. I sighed deeply and narrowed my eyes on her.

          “You think he’d want you if you killed me? Do you honestly think he’ll let you take my place? He’d never want you again.”

          Naomi sobbed. “Yes, he will because I’ll say that I tried to stop you from killing yourself. You don’t understand. I love him with all of my heart.”

          “But he doesn’t love you. Shouldn’t love be equal?”

          “He does love me! He’s just blinded by you, you fucking bitch!”

          The door opened and Lincoln walked in. In an instant, Naomi turned the gun on him. He walked in and closed the door, his eyes gazing into hers. Then he shifted his gaze to me. When he saw that I wasn’t hurt, he returned his stare to her. She was shaking now and tears were dripping from her chin.

          “Naomi,” he said.

          “Lincoln, I love you. Why do you have to do this to me? What does she have?” she cried.

          He began walking toward her. She wasn’t backing down and fear was pounding in my heart. “Naomi, give me the gun.”

          She jumped back. “No!”

          He stopped. “You don’t want to do this.”

          “Yes, I fucking do! She’s the reason why you’re not with me. If I put her out of her misery, you’ll come to me. I know you will! Tell her about us, Lincoln! Tell her you love me! No one can love you like I love you!”

          Tears filled my eyes as I watched their encounter with each other. Naomi was shaking her head as both hands now gripped the gun. She held her stance in place as Lincoln moved toward her slowly.

          “You know what it was like between us, Naomi. But if you even touch Tiffany, I’ll never forgive you,” he said.

          Sobbing, she replied, “I love you, Lincoln. I’ve never loved anyone like I loved you. How can you just leave me?”

          “Don’t do this to yourself.”

          She sobbed and then suddenly she stopped and eyed me. Then her eyes moved back to Lincoln. “Fine, if that’s how you want it.”

          She turned the gun on herself and fired a shot. I screamed when the trigger went off. I covered my ears as Lincoln rushed toward her and caught her just before her body hit the floor. Sobbing, I rushed to my phone and dialed the police. When I ended the call, I turned to find Lincoln holding her as she gasped for breath. She’d shot herself in the heart and was bleeding profusely on my kitchen floor.

          “I love you,” she gasped.

          Lincoln touched her cheek. “Naomi, why?”

          It took her a moment to answer. “I love you. If I can’t have you, then I’d rather not live. I can’t watch you love someone else when knowing your love is so much to live for. You’ll never know how much I could give you.”

          “Love isn’t a one way street, Naomi. If I let you into my life, it would be a lie. I’d be telling you lies when I said I loved you. You’d be unhappy because my heart would hold someone else. No one on earth deserves to be second best, no matter who they are.”

          She smiled softy as a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of her lip. “I know, that is why I love you so much.”

          She gasped in pain and then suddenly her eyes turned cold and she stopped. Lincoln lowered his head and ran his fingers over her lids to close them. I stood there watching as I heard the sirens in the background.

 

          It’s been a little over a week since Naomi died and our life has gone back to normal. There are days where I still think about her as she lay dying in my kitchen. I think about what she went through and how she must have felt as she pulled the trigger. Lincoln has moved past it and he’s not talked about it since it happened. I don’t talk about it because I know he doesn’t want to hear it. I know that somewhere deep inside, he blames himself for what happened. If only he hadn’t been so caring, she would not have developed feelings for him. But it wasn’t his fault. Naomi wasn’t well. There was nothing he could do.

          It’s a Sunday evening and we’re lying together in bed after making love. I feel him close to me and that’s all I need. I know that the tomorrows to come will always bring a challenge. But with him beside me, it’s almost as if I’m not afraid to face them. I haven’t heard from Alan since our last encounter. I received the money from him a few days ago. For once, my life is quiet and peaceful. It’s almost surreal that it’s this way after being whipped in a tornado for so long. It’s almost hard to even imagine what a quaint life would be like. But as long as I have Lincoln, I know quaint is enough for me.

          On my finger is a sparkling three carat diamond ring. He proposed to me. I said yes and suddenly a wedding is being planned. It’s funny how fast life can move and how slow time can tick at times. But I know for sure that no matter where I am or what the future brings, being Mrs. Lincoln Spencer is my one dream come true.