by Tracy Reed
“No. I’ll take care of his hand upstairs…isn’t that right?” She looked at Eric.
“Yes. All I need is a little ice and I’ll be fine. Thank you, Clyde.” Eric stepped inside the elevator and Olivia pressed the button for her floor. They rode up to the twenty-third floor in silence. Once the elevator stopped, Olivia exited and noticed Eric was still inside. “What are you doing?”
“I’ve seen you to your floor, and now I’m leaving.”
“You can’t.”
He held the door. “Why not?”
“Because Clyde will get curious as to why you’re back so soon.” The elevator started to ding again. “Get off before my neighbor calls about the dinging.”
He looked down the hall for another door. The only other door was at the far end of the hall. He smiled and exited the elevator, and followed her to her apartment. She opened the door and they walked inside. Eric was very gentlemanly. He closed the door and remained by the credenza. He looked around, spotted the flowers he had sent, and watched Olivia get comfortable.
“How much longer are you going to stand there?” she called out.
“Why did you want me to come up?”
“It’s customary for a gentleman to escort his date to her front door after a date.”
“I did just that when I walked you to the elevator.”
She walked over and handed him a short glass containing dark brown liquid. “What’s this?”
“Something to help your hand.” She took a sip from the glass and stood across from him.
“Smooth.”
“So, are you going to kiss me?”
“Why would I want to kiss you?”
“It’s another post date custom.”
He nodded his head. “I see. You like being in charge.”
She slowly dragged her finger around the rim of the glass. She dipped her finger inside the glass and put it in her mouth. She slowly removed her finger, smiled and took another sip. He was fascinated. She had a power over him. But it was too soon to give in. He had to see how long she was willing to play this game.
“That’s such a hard statement. I prefer to think of it as planning. Every situation needs a planner, and I feel I am the best person for that role in my relationships.”
He laughed, took another sip, and placed his glass on the credenza. “Goodnight.”
“Excuse me?”
“Goodnight. I have an early session in the morning.” He grabbed hold of the brushed gold knob and started to open the door.
“Are you serious?”
“Dinner was different.”
“Eric King, if you walk out that door, don’t bother calling me.”
He opened the door, walked out and she slammed the door shut. He cringed and laughed.
Olivia walked down the hall to her bedroom fuming at Eric’s insubordination. How dare he treat her that way. She was Olivia Bennett. She had dated men much better than Eric. In fact, she could have been the wife an African prince, or the young wife of a Texas oil tycoon. Neither option was appealing once she met their families. Being controlled was not to her liking.
She undressed and threw her clothes in the hamper. Her new red Tom Ford dress needed to be cleaned. She wanted the stench of the evening erased from her memory. She would give the dress to her housekeeper, but she liked the way it fit.
She was about to hop in the shower when the door bell started ringing. She rushed over and looked out the peephole. Then she opened the door. “Yes, Clyde?”
“I apologize for disturbing you, Miss Bennett. However, I was told not to deliver this until your guest left.” He handed her the black envelope.
“Thank you.” She took the envelope and went to hand him a tip.
“That won’t be necessary. Good evening.”
“Good night.” She closed the door and took the card out of the envelope. “I enjoyed spending the evening with you and would like to do it again. Are you available later in the week for dinner, or possibly on Saturday for brunch? Eric.”
She reread the invitation and a huge smile covered her face. “Now that’s how you book a second date.”
When Eric arrived at his office the following morning, his assistant handed him a small cream colored envelope with an orange monogrammed “OAB” on the back. He sat down and read the note. “I enjoyed myself last night as well. Unfortunately, I am not available this week for dinner. However, I would be delighted to accept your invitation for brunch on Saturday. Call this number with the details. Olivia.” He leaned back in his chair, smiling.
Chapter 6
Eric was being the perfect gentleman with Olivia. On the evenings he wasn’t with her, he was with his favorite dish at La Porte Noir. He had a plan when it came to Olivia. He wasn’t going to push her to make love. He wanted it to be her idea. He figured if he made it seem like it was her idea, she’d be a little more grateful.
Tonight was the Milford Gala. He knew she was on the committee and was expecting her to invite him. He gave her every opportunity to do so, but she never did. Last night, when he brought her home, he coolly suggested dinner the following night and she said, “No.” No explanation, just no.
Eric knew things were going well between them, but he had yet to get her to say they were exclusive. He needed to know that she wasn’t seeing anyone else.
The following morning, he had his assistant call the charity and get him a ticket. Unfortunately, it was sold out. Once his assistant explained who he was, they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Olivia had been looking forward to this evening. She loved working with charities and the Milford Gala was her favorite. She was the head of fundraising this year. She didn’t want to do another casino night or concert. Instead, she suggested a Bachelor Auction. She knew it was a definite money maker. There were plenty of desperate single women in Manhattan to provide enough funds to renovate the waiting rooms at all five Milford Clinics.
She walked around the room greeting guests before checking in with her assistant. The auctioneer was ready. She made her way to the stage.
“On behalf of the Milford Clinic, I would like to thank everyone for their support. It’s because of people like you, that we are able the fund the clinic and make the necessary renovations. So let's get started. Ladies, grab your wallets and let's sell some dates. Thank you.” She handed the microphone to the auctioneer, walked down the steps and took her place off to the side.
“Our first bachelor tonight is Harold Thornton. Harold is a real estate developer, and likes spending time on his boat. If you’re interested in learning to sail, while spending time with a man and his golden lab, this is the man for you. He’s six feet four, dark blond hair, killer blue green eyes and abs for days. Trust me, ladies. I saw him back stage, that’s all muscle.” The crowd laughed. “If I weren’t married, I'd be all over this gorgeous man. I bid two thousand dollars…just don’t tell my husband.”
The auctioneer’s joke and opening bid was just what was needed to get the crowd going. The rest of the auction went very well. Olivia was taking note of every winning bid and tally. They were on the last bachelor. She wanted to reach a million dollars, but fell short by fifty thousand. As she was about to walk back onto the stage, the auctioneer made an announcement.
“Ladies, we have one more bachelor this evening. Dr. Eric King.” Olivia looked up and caught Eric’s eyes and smile. It couldn’t be.
She went searching for her assistant and found her in the back of the ballroom. “Stef, who is that on stage?”
She looked up and replied. “Oh, that’s Dr. King.”
“I heard that. What is he doing up there? I personally interviewed every bachelor and he wasn’t on the list.”
“He called this morning. He said he had spoken to you a while back and told you he wasn’t sure if he would be in town. Turns out his plans had changed, and wanted to know if he could get a ticket. I asked him if he still wanted to be one of the bachelors, and he said "yes". Besides, we needed someon
e to replace Dr. Milton. Is there a problem?”
“No.” She folded her arms across her chest and watched Eric on stage.
“Come on ladies, I know you have a few dollars left. We can’t let this fine specimen of a man go home alone. I’ll read his stats again. Dr. Eric King is a marriage therapist. So he knows how to read your mind. He’s gorgeous. Look at those arms.” Eric took his jacket off and flexed his arms. The auctioneer walked over and patted his bicep. “He’s solid. I think I’ll get in on this…three thousand.”
A voice in the back shouted, “Turn around.” When he turned around, she yelled out, “That behind alone is worth five.”
Another bid, “Ten”
Another, “Twelve.”
Then the numbers came rapidly, “Fifteen, eighteen, twenty, twenty two, twenty four…”
The bids kept going. Olivia was growing more and more irritated. She was angry with Eric for intruding on her event. Angry with the other women bidding on him, and angry with herself for caring. But, at the same time, his final price would push her over her goal for the evening.”
“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” a voice called from the rear. Everyone looked in the direction of the bid.
“Who said that?” Called out the auctioneer. A light scanned the ballroom looking for the woman who called out that insane bid. Olivia covered her mouth with her hand as the light landed on her. “Miss Bennett, was that you?”
Olivia cursed to herself. She shielded her eyes from the spotlight, looked at the auctioneer, and nodded. She couldn’t believe she did that. She didn’t care about the money, it was the fact the she made herself vulnerable to Eric.
“SOLD! Everyone, let’s give our committee chairman a round of applause.” The auctioneer looked at Eric. “Dr. King, go get your date. On behalf of the Milford Clinics, we would like to thank you for your contributions, and we look forward to seeing you next year. DJ, hit it. Where’s my date, Harold?” The music came up, and Eric went searching for Olivia.
He finally found her in the service corridor pacing. It looked like she was talking to herself.
“Olivia…” She ignored him. “Olivia…” He carefully approached her.
She stopped pacing, faced him, and folded her arms across her chest. He couldn’t help staring at her. She was beautiful. Her skin was glistening and her anger added to the color in her cheeks. He carefully stepped toward her.
“Why did you embarrass me like that?”
“How did I embarrass you?”
“You made it seem like…now everyone will…never mind.”
He stepped closer. “Everyone will what?”
“Eric, how could you do…”
He brushed her arms. “What’s wrong? If it’s about the money, I’ll…”
She brushed his hand away. “It’s not about the money.” She turned and started walking away.
“Olivia,” he said sternly. She kept walking. He ran towards her, grabbed her by the arm and turned her around. Her eyes were filled with tears. This was definitely not the strong and sassy woman he’d been seeing. This was a hurt little girl.
“How could you do that to me?” She wiped the tear rolling down her cheek.
“Do what?” He was confused. He thought he was one upping her as usual, but she seemed hurt.
“Everyone in that room probably thinks you and I are, or that I…”
“What, like me?” He rubbed her shoulders. She started laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“You really need to work on your words.”
He stepped closer. “It made you laugh, didn’t it?” She nodded. He lifted her chin and gently pressed his lips against hers, and then slowly pulled back. “I think you’re afraid to let go.”
“I’m—“
He put his index finger on her lips. “Shhh…let’s get out of here.”
* * *
_______________________________________________
* * *
Eric followed Olivia inside her building past Clyde at his desk. “Good evening, Miss Bennett. How was the gala? Did you meet your goal?”
“Yes, we did. I won Dr. King.” She smiled.
“Really?” He smiled.
“I got the highest bid,” Eric added.
“And how much would that be, sir?”
“One fifty.” Clyde almost choked. “Good evening, Clyde.”
“Good evening, sir.”
They boarded the elevator and rode up to Olivia’s floor. “Why did you say that?” She stared straight ahead.
“Someone probably already told him.”
“No, good evening. You made it sound like you were spending the night.”
“I’m sure Clyde knows better.”
“Does he?”
“I don’t want him getting the wrong idea.” The elevator stopped. They exited and walked down to her door where they stopped, as usual. “Coming in?”
“No, I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”
“Now you’re mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
“Stop acting like a child and come inside. I’m not going to…I don’t want my neighbor to hear us.”
“What neighbor? I keep hearing about your neighbor, but have yet to see any signs of life other than you on this floor.”
“Stop it.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. She put her bag on the credenza and tried to collect herself. “What is your problem?”
“You.”
“Me.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Why are you acting like this?”
“I’m just responding to you.”
“Meaning?”
“One moment you’re all vulnerable and saying you like me and—-“
She held up her hand. “I never said I liked you.”
“You didn’t have to because your body said otherwise.”
“My body.”
“Look at you. Your body is speaking volumes.” She lowered her arms and walked past him into the living room. “You know what your problem is?”
“I know what you’re trying to do.”
“What am I trying to do?”
“You’re trying to make me so angry that I’ll find you sexy, and want to sleep with you.” She covered her mouth just like she did at the auction when she called out that outrageous bid.
“What did you say?”
She quickly brushed past him to the front door and opened it. “Please leave.”
He walked over and stopped in front of her. He stared at her, reading her body language. She was angry and excited. But most of all, she was embarrassed. Not at what happened earlier, but because for the second time that evening, she let her vulnerability show. He knew if he pushed, she’d make love to him, and it would be incredible. All that hate, anger, passion and heat would make for an unforgettable night.
He felt his body writhing. He needed a release, and he knew it wasn’t going to be with Olivia, not if he wanted her to help him. He had forced her hand tonight. Everyone in her social circle knew there was a new man in her life. The amount of the bid she screamed out made that clear. But he wouldn’t embarrass her anymore.
“Good night.” He walked out without kissing her. He knew not having his lips and body pressed against her one last time tonight would be more torture than she could handle.
He heard the door slam, followed by a loud thud, and a door opening. He looked in the direction of the open door, and saw an old man standing in the doorway. The elusive neighbor. The elevator arrived and he boarded.
Chapter 7
Olivia was still very angry with herself about last night. How dare Eric think he knew her that well. Her rational mind told her not to take his calls or flowers. It was over. Dr. Eric King was a memory, a part of her past.
After her meeting, she decided to treat herself to a massage. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to relax, because she kept thinking about Eric. She was imagining his hands massaging her body and doing things to her that no man she’d been with could
possibly do. She hated to admit that she found her verbal sparring matches with Eric very sensual and stimulating. She also knew, if he would have kissed her on his way out last night, he never would have left.
These feelings were new. No man had ever moved her the way Eric could. It couldn’t be love. It was too soon for those feelings to be manifesting. Besides, he wasn’t suitable husband material. She needed someone not so strong, but she didn’t want boring either.
After her massage and tea with her girlfriend, DeeDee, she went home. When she walked into the lobby, all of the doormen and Clyde were smiling. The hedge fund guy on ten must have given them all huge tips.
“Good afternoon,” she said to Clyde.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennett.”
She continued to the elevator. “Nice to see everyone in a good mood.”
“Most definitely. Have a good rest of the day, and let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” He released the doors and they closed.
Olivia closed her eyes and tried to meditate. This relationship with Eric was not what she wanted at this time in her life. She decided to invite him for coffee in the park and break up with him.
The elevator stopped and she exited. As she walked to her door, she noticed a white flower petal on the floor. That was strange. She picked up the petal. She took out her key, put it in the lock, turned the knob, and pushed the door open. It was a toss up between which was wider, her eyes or her mouth.
The mysterious flower petal was an escapee from the flower shop that had been erected in her apartment. She closed the door and placed her bag on the credenza. She walked into the living room and it was a sea of Spring blooms. Then she went into the kitchen, and the marble-topped island was covered in white tulips. She walked down the hall and every where she went, there were flowers. She walked into her bedroom, and the floor was covered in white rose petals. She went to the phone and called downstairs.
“Clyde here.”
“Clyde, it’s Miss Bennett. Where did the flowers come from?”
