Secrets, Lies and Deception

by Shaw, Vicki

  The conversation over dinner was not that interesting for me. Carly and Max mainly talked about work. I did not say much. However, I answered questions when asked, but that was about it. I just sat back and listened to Carly and Max. I kept thinking about what happened today, and I could not get Bolt out of my head. I did not want to ruin Carly’s night so as soon as the waiter came and took our last dishes I said,

  “Come on let’s get up to the club so you can get your groove on,” I could see Carly was just about jumping out of her seat. She did not need any more encouragement than that to be on her feet and grabbing my hand pulling me along with her. I turn and look at Max for help. He just shrugs, shakes his head and slowly gets up to follow.

  The club is in full swing. Music pumping and the dance floor is full of people. There are colourful lights shooting all over the place from the light ball hanging from the roof. We head towards a set of stairs that leads up to a platform overlooking the dance floor.

  “I thought it would be better for us up here to be able to talk, so I reserved us a table. It’s pretty loud down there.” Max says as he leads us to the bar. I don’t think he is much of a nightclub sort of person. It seems like he is only here to keep Carly happy. “What do you want to drink?” He asks Carly and me. Before I have a chance to answer, Carly pipes up.

  “We will have two shots of tequila each and a JD and coke please” I give Carly a dirty look, but she just smiles and walks over to a table. Max brings our drinks over and we down the two shots. Carly grabs my hand and the next thing I know I am on the dance floor.

  “Come on Rox we came out to have fun please try and relax.” She has such a sad, pouty look on her face that I cannot help smiling and relaxing. I do not know how long we were dancing for, but I was hot, sweaty and needed a drink. I have to shout for Carly to hear me over the music.

  “I’m going to get a drink. You coming?”

  “No, I’ll stay. Send Max down.” I walk back up to our table and send Max down to Carly. I am glad that Max has a jug of ice water and glasses at the table. I sit down and pour myself a glass of water while watching Carly grind her arse up against Max’s groin. I hear a male clear his voice behind me, and I slowly turn around.

  “Miss Wilson what a pleasant surprise to see you here. May I?” he indicates towards an empty chair.

  “Mr. Bolt I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He pulls a chair out and sits anyway.

  “Please call me Martin. I think we got off on the wrong foot in my office earlier. Let me buy you a drink and make it up to you.”

  “What, you think buying me a drink is going to get me to drop the claim?” I shot him a disgusted look as I am saying it.

  “No. I do not want you to drop the claim. I want to help you.”

  “And what’s in it for you Martin?” I say as I fold my arms across my chest.

  “I’m not going to lie to you; I find you very attractive and I know you felt something when I grabbed your arm as you were leaving. I would like to get to know you better. I don’t normally handle the claims, the board does, but I’m going to make sure the board are fair and not drag this out for you.”

  “And what do you want from me in return? I am not going to sleep with you. I’m not some hooker you can buy off.” I am now seeing red. Does he really think that I would sleep with him to get money? I stand up and start to walk away. Just then Carly and Max get back to the table.

  “Hey, Rox, who’s the sexy guy?”

  “No one. I’m leaving NOW.” I walk past Carly and Max and run down the stairs and out the door. Just then, a hand grabs me and backs me up against a wall. Martin has his hands on the wall on each side of my head blocking me in. His Green/Gold eyes are searching mine.

  “What the hell do you think you are doing?” I yell at him.

  “I want to know if this attraction I have for you is real or not.” With that, he leans his head in and kisses me. At first I start to fight him but the tingle that has started at my lips is starting to travel down my whole body. Even the end of my fingers and toes are tingling. A heat that I have never felt before settles between my legs and I can feel my panties getting moist. All thought has gone out of my head. Just as suddenly as he was there kissing me, it stopped, and he was walking away. I just stood there breathless as I watched him get into his car and drive away. Just then Carly and Max barge out the door looking around for me. Carly sees me and runs over.

  “Are you ok?”

  “Yeah I’m fine. I’m just going to go home.” I am still trying to piece together what the hell just happened.

  “How do you know Martin Bolt?” Max asks as he comes up behind Carly.

  “His company is the one I’m making the claim against. He was at the meeting today. Do you know him?”

  “He is one of our clients and I play basketball with him.” Carly can see that I’m shaking.

  “Come on let’s get you home. You have had a big day.” She puts her arm around my shoulders and walks me to the car.

  To lost in my own thoughts, I don’t say anything on the way home. I cannot stop thinking about that kiss. His hand on my arm at his office was intense, but it was nothing compared to that kiss.

  We got home, and Carly followed me up to my room. “Are you ok?” she asks as she is rubbing my arm.

  “Yeah I’m fine. I just want to forget today ever happened.” I try to give her a small smile, but it did not work.

  “Ok, but if you want to talk, I’m just down the hall.”

  “Thanks, Carls. I’m sorry I ruined your night.”

  “Don’t be silly. You are more important to me. Try to get some sleep. Nite.

  “Nite Carls.” I walk over to my bathroom to have a quick shower. While I am washing my face, my fingers brush against my lips and the kiss replays in my head. I feel the heat between my legs growing again and groan. Why does he have this effect on me I don’t even like the man. Ok, so he is hot. I have never seen eyes the same colour as his. They are gold with a bright green ring around the outside. Even though, I haven’t seen him out of a suit I can tell he has a great physique. He towers over my 5-foot frame, easily being 6.1” or 6.2”. He has golden brown hair that is messed in that sexy way that all you want to do is run your hands through it.

  The water starts to run cold, so I get out and dry myself still thinking about Martin. I pull my cami over my head and feel it brush against my hard raised nipples. I don’t worry about putting any pants on and just climb into bed.

  My phone chimes that I have a message. I check the number, but it is one I don’t recognise.

  I knew there was something there, and I know you felt it too. I want to take you out for dinner tomorrow night.

  MB

  As I lie there thinking about what to say to him that kiss keeps replaying in my head. My nipples grow harder, and I can feel the moisture building between my legs. It was only one kiss why is it having this effect on me? It’s not like I’ve never been kissed before. I have been a total bitch to him so I don’t know why he would even want to talk to me let alone take me out to dinner.

  Why the hell would you want to take me out? I have been a bitch to you since the first time we meet.

  Roxie

  I did not expect a reply let alone a reply so quickly.

  What can I say I like a woman with a bit of fight in her. I also think that under all that bitch there is more to you. I want to find out what is.

  MB

  What is wrong with this man? Going by his looks, he would have women falling at his feet begging to go out with him. I think carefully about my reply.

  Look, Mr. Bolt, I’m sure you would have any number of women willing to go out with you. Why don’t you just ask one of them and leave me alone.

  Roxie

  A few minutes goes by so I think he has finally given up. I am about to put my phone down when a message comes through.

  You’re right I have a number of beautiful women that I could call for a date but right now, they are not t
he ones I want to share my evening with tomorrow night. You are. And, I told you to call me Martin.

  MB

  For the love of God…Why is he being so persistent? Maybe I should just give in tell him I felt something and go. It is only one evening, one meal. Right?

  Ok, Martin, I will admit that I felt something as well but I don’t think going to dinner with you is a good idea.

  Roxie

  The reply was almost instant.

  Great, I’ll pick you up at 7 pm.

  MB

  Who does he think he is?

  I didn’t say yes.

  Roxie

  Again an instant reply comes.

  Good night Roxie.

  MB

  I roll over and punch my pillow. The arrogant bastard

  THREE

  Roxie

  I wake the next morning with Carly bursting through my door.

  “Someone has an admirer.” She is holding a great big flower arrangement in her arms. She hands me the card.

  “Come on who are they from?”

  “Can you give me a minute to open it?” I say as I’m pulling a card out of the envelope.

  Roxie.

  I can’t wait to see you tonight. Be ready at 7 pm sharp.

  MB

  Carly is looking at me waiting for me to say something.

  “They are from Martin Bolt. He wants me to go to dinner with him tonight.”

  “Do you really think it’s a good idea to go out with him? I don’t know what happened last night, but I could see that whatever it was it upset you.” I can’t meet her eyes, so I keep them down looking at the sheet picking at an imaginary piece of lint.

  “He kissed me,” I say with a sigh.

  “He what?” she yells.

  “He kissed me. And, before you say anything I have told him I think it’s a bad idea for us to go out but he wouldn’t listen. “

  “Then I’ll make him listen, or better still I’ll get Max to have a word with him. I will not let anyone hurt you.” I look at Carly shaking my head.

  “No. I think I want to go out with him. That kiss, WOW I have never felt anything like it before Carls. It got me all hot a bothered in the right places if you know what I mean.” I couldn’t help but smile at the look she was giving me. She puts her hands up as if to back away.

  “Ok go out with him on one date but I’m still going to get Max to have a word with him. There is no way I’m going to let him hurt you.”

  “Carly it’s one date for dinner I really don’t think he can hurt me while eating dinner.”

  “Well just be careful. You have been through a lot over the last few years.” She gives me a quick hug and walks out.

  I sit there looking at the card and smell the flowers. I don’t know if I should send him a message to thank him or not. I jump when my phone chimes.

  I hope you like the flowers?

  MB

  I smile as I read the message.

  They are beautiful, Thank you

  Roxie

  As always the reply is almost instant.

  Not as beautiful as you and you are more than welcome. I can’t wait to see you tonight.

  MB

  I put my phone back on my bedside table and make my way downstairs with the flowers.

  Max and Carly are sitting at the breakfast bar drinking coffee.

  “WOW. Nice flowers. Someone must have made an impression.” Max points towards the flowers. I’m hunting around for a vase to put the flowers in.

  “What do you know about Martin Bolt,” I ask Max as I pull a vase out and start filling it with water.

  “I have known him for years. He took over Bolt Enterprises when his parents died in a yachting accident about three years ago. He hasn’t had a girlfriend for quite some time but in saying that I also know he has no problem picking women up. Just be careful, I don’t think he is after a long-term thing.” At that Max stood up, gave Carly a kiss that caused me to blush and walked out the door.

  “Ok, Carly you have avoided talking about this for long enough. What is going on with you and your boss?” I make a cup of coffee and sit across from her.

  “No one can know. If the board finds out we are seeing each other, they will sack me and God knows what they will do to Max. We have been seeing each other for about three months, and I’m pretty sure I love him.” Carly looks at me with tears in her eyes. I get up and go around to her, put my arm around her shoulder and give a little squeeze.

  “Does he feel the same way?”

  “I think so, but neither of us has said it. I don’t want to because I’m scared that if I do it will make it to real and I know if he has to choose between the company and me, he will choose the company. What am I going to do? I can’t lose him Rox.” I sit down and bring her in for a hug. She is now crying on my shoulder.

  “You need to talk to him, Carls. You’re worrying about stuff that may not happen.”

  “I can’t talk to him. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” She can barely speak through her sobs.

  “Carls look at me. I know he feels the same way. I can see it every time he looks at you. He adores you. I’m sure if you talk to him he will put your mind at ease, and you will be able to work out what to do about the board.” She gives me a small smile and wipes away her tears. I don’t tell her I get a weird vibe when I’m around him because as long as she is happy so am I.

  “Sorry, I'm just a big sook. We need to find you something hot to wear tonight.” With that, she jumps up and heads towards the door. I’m still sitting in my chair shaking my head.

  “Are you coming or what?”

  “I don’t want to look hot for him. I don’t even think I want to go.” I stand and slowly start to follow Carly up the stairs.

  “Just go you might find you have a good time.” I’m still dragging my feet while I walk into her dressing room.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want to have a good time with him. I can’t forget that it’s his company that has caused my family so much pain and is still doing it.” I sigh as I plonk myself on Carly’s bed.

  “I know it’s hard but while you are out, do not think about his company, just think of him like a hot guy that wants to take you out for dinner. You owe yourself to try and find happiness, and I don’t think Steve is the one who is going to give it to you.” I haven’t even thought of Steve since Martin kissed me. I know I could probably have a happy, comfortable life with Steve, but it wouldn’t be fulfilling for me. It wouldn’t be fair on either of us if I were just to go back to him.

  Carly is pulling dresses out of her dressing room at me to try on. We are both the same size, but our tastes in clothes are very different. Carly likes short tight fitting dresses where I would prefer a nice pair of jeans or slacks and a nice shirt. She also has longer legs and slightly longer body than me, so I should be grateful that her dresses that are short, short on her are a bit longer on me. There is no way Carly is going to let me out of here wearing any of my clothes, so I don’t even bother fighting her on it. We finally pick out what I’m going to wear.

  I walk back to my room to have a lie down for a while before I get ready. I pick my phone up and see I have missed calls and messages. The calls are all from Steve. I listen to the first couple and delete the rest, as I know they will all be the same. Where are you, I miss you, when are you going to come back. I start reading my messages. Most are from Steve, but one is from Martin.

  Hi gorgeous. How was your day?

  MB

  I can’t help but smile to myself as I send him a reply.

  Carly has had me trying on dresses all day for our date tonight.

  Roxie

  I wasn’t expecting a response as his message was sent an hour ago.

  I can’t wait to see. I’m sure you will be sexy as hell.

  MB

  I lie on my bed with a smile on my face thinking about THAT kiss. Carly is right. If I don’t think about him and his company and just get to know
him, I should be ok. Why should I not go on a date with him? He is hot.

  I must off dozed off because I wake to Carly jumping on my bed. “You are still going on your date aren’t you?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Well, it’s 5.30. If you want to be ready on time, you better get in the shower. Make it quick so I can do your hair and makeup.” She pulls me off the bed and pushes me towards the bathroom. I have the quickest shower I can and walk out with a towel wrapped around me. Carly is there waiting with a chair so she can get started.

  “Just remember I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup so, please go easy.” I plead with her as I sit down. She will not let me look in a mirror until my hair and makeup are finished, and I’m dressed with shoes on. She leads me to the full-length mirror with my eyes covered with her hand. When we are in front of it, she drops her hands.

  “WOW, Carly. If you ever need a new job, you could always become a hair and makeup artist.” Last night she went for the sexy slutty look, tonight she has gone for the hot sexy supermodel look. She has stayed with neutral colours that bring out my blue eyes. My brown hair is flowing in loose curls down to my waist showcasing my blonde highlights. The simple blue dress is not as revealing as the one she made me wear last night but highlights all the right curves. There is a knock at the door, and I can hear male voices.

  “Roxie your date is here,” Max yells up the stairs.

  “She will be right down. Get him a drink Max.” Carly yells back. She turns me around, so I’m now facing her and not the mirror.

  “You look hot. Go and try and have some fun, but not too much.” She says with a wink. I give her a quick hug and head down to my date.

  “You look fantastic Roxie,” Martin says as we walk out to the car.

  “Thanks. Where are we going anyway?” His driver opens the door for me, and I climb in. When he comes around to the other side and climbs in next to me he says. “You will find out when we get there.” He looks at me with a grin.

  We pull up outside a modern building in the city. Martin gets out, comes around to open my door and extends his hand to help me out. As soon as I take his hand, I can feel the tingling race up my arm and spread through the rest of my body. My head snaps up, and I meet Martins's eyes. By the expression on his face, he feels it too. I have never felt anything this intense before, and it throws me for a six. I climb out with my hand still in Martins. As soon as I’m standing on the footpath he moves his hand to the small of my back and guides me towards the entry of the restaurant. We are lead to and interment table for two. As soon as we are seated, and our drinks are ordered Martin asks.