Champagne Kisses

by Zuri Day

  “I didn’t do what that couple said that I did.”

  Marissa glared at him. “You didn’t spike my drink? You didn’t try to assault me with a date rape drug?”

  Steven shook his head. “I swear.”

  “Fine. I believe you.” She didn’t believe him for a second. “But the fact remains that I don’t want to go out with you, Steven. I don’t want to date you. And, unfortunately, because I don’t trust you, we can’t be friends again.”

  “How is it that you could be a slut and sleep with all those other guys but not me? Huh?”

  “That’s it. I’m leaving.” She started the ignition and tried to close the door. “Let go, Steven!”

  “Man, you heard her.” Antonio walked up next to Steven and stood firm. “Let her go.”

  “Before it’s over, you’re going to be with me. And I’d better not see you with nobody else! Or I’ll put those pics on blast so fast, send them out to the world. Starting with Chicago and the congregation at your daddy’s new mega-church.”

  As soon as Steven released the door, Marissa slammed it, put the car in drive and raced from the parking lot. She refused to cry, kept herself composed all the way to her parents’ old neighborhood, where she had dinner with friends. Afterward, she returned to her apartment. She’d washed the clothes from last week and picked out outfits for her remaining week at work. All that was left to do before returning to the resort was fold the last load of clothes and pack her bags. Still, no tears. He’s bluffing. There’s no way that he saw.… As she set about doing this last chore she tried to push Steven’s threat out of her mind. Much, much easier said than done.

  The phone rang. Thank God! Grateful for the distraction, she hurried to where she’d left her purse in the living room, retrieved her cell and caught the call on the fourth ring. “Hello, Mom!”

  “Hello, Marissa. It sounds like you’re in good spirits. Did you go to church today?”

  Girl, this good mood started yesterday afternoon! Forgetting her angst for a moment, Marissa almost laughed out loud. But she resisted the urge to tell her mom about Donovan. What could come of what happened in the barn? Steven’s face flashed before her. Nothing. “I did, and it was excellent. And then I had lunch with the Johnsons.”

  “Oh, that’s fabulous! How are they?”

  Marissa gave her mother a brief update and shared the day’s message. “The church was full and the choir was rocking. It was a really good day. How are you doing? How is Dad?”

  “We’re fine, baby, doing our best to handle the responsibilities of this large congregation. But we’re feeling more at home here with each passing day. The members are great. In fact, that’s why I’m calling. We’ve been invited to join one of the families at their home in the country for the Fourth of July. I didn’t know if you had plans and wanted you to know that you are welcome to join us in Chicago.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing, but I’ll think about it and check out air fares just in case.”

  “Don’t worry about cost, darling. Dad will give you his credit card number. We’d love to see you. You will be off that weekend, correct? And finished with the project you were working on the last time we talked?”

  “Yes, I should be. Jackson and Diamond are due back right after the holiday.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be happy to get back to familiar surroundings.”

  Truth was, when it came to leaving Drake Resorts in general and Donovan in particular, happy was not the emotion she felt. Not at all.

  “Marissa, are you all right? Is there something going on that you’d like to talk about?”

  There went Yolanda, turning that mother radar on. She’d always had the ability to sense when things weren’t quite well with Marissa, even when she tried rocking the happy face. “Actually, Mom, there is something I’d like to ask you.”

  “Yes?”

  “When you were a teenager, did you ever do anything crazy, something that you could kick yourself for? Something that you’d be absolutely appalled if anyone ever found out?”

  “Oh, dear,” Yolanda said with a slight chuckle. “Unfortunately, I have. But I’m afraid that if I told you, then I’d then have to—”

  “Kill you!” they said simultaneously, echoing one of her father’s favorite retorts.

  “Honey, we’ve all done things of which we’re not proud. But you know that once you ask forgiveness, then whatever you’ve done is gone and forgotten, in the past. God doesn’t bring it up again, and you shouldn’t either.”

  “But what if it’s something that can be brought up, something in writing or…caught on tape?”

  Silence on the other end of the phone and then, “Marissa, is there something specific you’re asking?”

  She couldn’t even bring herself to think about it, let alone speak her deepest fear out loud. “I saw Steven at church today. He made a threatening comment…but I don’t believe anything he says.”

  “Lord, is that boy still bothering you? You need to take out a restraining order against him, Marissa. He seemed like a fine young man when you met him and during the times he was at our house. But the more you tell me about his recent behavior, well, the more I wonder if all of his Crayolas are in the box!”

  “Mom!”

  “I’m serious, honey. I’m growing concerned.”

  Marissa knew her mom would go ballistic if she knew about their last “date.” And her dad would more than likely go to prison for murder. “Don’t worry about it, Mom. I hardly see him anymore, and I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

  “I tell you what, Marissa,” Yolanda said, her voice filled with the type of assurance that only a mother can transfer. “The next time what he says causes fear to knock on your heart’s door? Send faith to answer it. When faith shows up, fear disappears. ”

  Tears sprang to her eyes unbidden. It was at times like this when she really missed having her family close and really missed her mom. “I’ll remember that, Mom. Thanks.”

  Chapter 23

  By the time Monday morning came and Marissa walked into the executive offices of Drake Wines, she’d almost erased the bad feelings gained from her encounter with Steven. That was due in no small part to her mother’s words of wisdom and, once she’d arrived back at Drake Wines Resort and Spa, the invitation she’d found for another spa visit under her door. Through a little detective work, she’d found out that those full-service appointments were not cheap. No money came out of Donovan’s pocket, but still. The thought was nice, as was the fact that he had to have been thinking about her to have made the reservations in the first place. In spite of Steven’s threat, there was a glimmer of hope for a future with Donovan.

  This time the treatment took place in the hotel spa. After two hours of delicious pampering, of being wrapped and waxed and flexed and peeled and scrubbed and soothed, Marissa had fairly floated back to her room, ordered a light salad for dinner, watched a movie and, after mentally reliving every single second of her tryst with Donovan, fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. Because of the profound rest, she figured, she’d awakened early, refreshed and ready to go. That’s why she sat at her desk at eight-fifteen, having downed a bagel and orange juice, her coffee at the ready, inputting information into the computer as if she were moving to China herself.

  “Wow! Good morning!” Marissa startled a bit at the voice, then smiled as she saw Diamond’s assistant, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, standing just inside the finance department’s doors. “I thought I heard activity back here, but figured it was my cockled brain since I know the guys who get here early.” Kat lowered her voice and put her hand to her mouth as if sharing a valuable secret. “It’s usually not the guys in this department.”

  “I heard that, Kat,” said a voice from behind her.

  Kathleen turned, and Marissa looked up to see Donovan appear at the door, give Kathleen a hug around the shoulder and walk into the room. Carrying flowers.

  “Two early birds,” Kathleen said, her green e
yes twinkling as she eyed the flowers and then the look on Marissa’s face. “What hot project is going on in this department?”

  “Just back from vacation and I see you’re already about to wear out your welcome, Mrs. Fitzpatrick,” Donovan said without an ounce of embarrassment or guilt. “But if you must know, these are for Marissa—” he made a show of presenting her with the bouquet “—because of the excellent work she’s done so far and for what I’m sure we’ll continue to see over these next several days.”

  “Well, well, don’t you rate,” Kathleen said with an exaggerated wink at Marissa. “But you’d better get those out of here before Sharon comes back. Lord knows when was the last time you got that woman anything and she’s been here since dog was a pup!”

  “Kathleen, you know you’re wrong,” Donovan said between guffaws. “Sharon knows how much she’s appreciated. In fact, you’ll be happy to know that I personally delivered a bouquet to her just yesterday.”

  “Really? You saw her?” Kathleen’s interest was genuine. She and Sharon were two of the company’s longest-running employees. “I meant to call once we got back from vacation, but the grandkids came over and time got away.”

  “I spent yesterday afternoon with her and her daughter. She put up a valiant and cheery front, but I could tell she’s still pretty weak. And she’s lost weight.”

  “I need to get up to L.A. and see her.”

  “She’ll appreciate it. They hope to release her in a couple days, but she’ll be at her daughter’s house for at least another week. In fact—” Donovan made an exaggerated show of looking at his watch “—unless you have a lot to do, why don’t you go right now? After all, it’s work related. And it will keep you out of my hair!”

  “Fine, I know how to leave when I’m not wanted. Marissa, call me if the warden here lets you out of your cell. If I’m back in time, we’ll do lunch. And if not today, tomorrow.”

  “Ha! Will do, Kat. Thanks.” Marissa waited a beat, during which time she inhaled the fragrance from the bouquet of flowers. The only ones she could identify were the lilies, large petals of deep pink with ruby red centers and spots and orange whiskers. “These are very beautiful, Donovan. You really didn’t have to, especially considering the gift I found under my door last night.”

  “Hmm,” Donovan asked looking around. “Pray tell, what was that?”

  “Yeah, right. I’m sure you have no idea who arranged that. I’ll be sure and tell Jackson how well I was treated while I was here. Boss man will have to step up his game when he comes back.”

  “That conversation should prove interesting.”

  “Ha! You think?”

  Donovan lowered his voice. “Of course, those flowers have nothing to do with your performance at the office.”

  Marissa felt instant heat, a flush creep from her neck to her chin. And from her navel to her nana. Simultaneously. With eyes darting around, she murmured, “I thought we weren’t going to talk about that. Professional, that’s our word…right?”

  “Right.” He stood straight, his hands clasped behind him, his tone clipped and formal, rocking back on his heels. “How was church?”

  “Good,” Marissa said with a smile that turned to a scowl when she remembered how her Sunday meeting had ended. Maybe he didn’t notice.

  “What kind of good news elicits a frown?”

  He did notice. “The message was great and timely.” She told him the title. “And then I stepped outside the church and walked right into Satan.”

  “Let me guess. Steven.”

  “Can you believe it?”

  “What happened?”

  “Nothing serious. Just him being his usual irritating self. But I’ve decided not to let him bother me anymore. I’m finally ready to move on with my life.”

  That statement hung in the air, dancing with all kinds of questions Marissa was certain Donovan wanted to ask but none she wanted to answer. Before he could ask her anything else, two of the company’s accountants showed up. Within fifteen minutes the office was in full swing.

  Because of last week’s meetings with the Asian consortium, Donovan’s calendar was doubly busy this week: meetings with management, overseeing sales and other general tending of the company operations. After he left her desk, she only saw Donovan once all morning. After a refreshing and informative lunch with Kathleen, she didn’t see him at all until just before it was time for her to leave the office.

  He entered her area just as she turned off her computer. “What? The workaholic is actually leaving at five?”

  “It’s been a very productive day. Kat is now helping input data so we’re flying through those pages.”

  “A good woman, that Kathleen Fitzpatrick. And the world’s best busybody. What did she tell you about me?”

  “You?” Marissa’s look was as innocent as a newborn babe’s. “Why, Mr. Drake, we didn’t mention you at all!”

  “Ha! You may not have said my name but I guarantee you Kat did.”

  “What she shared was all good, promise.”

  “Then you’ll have no problem sharing with me. Come on, let’s have dinner.”

  Marissa waited until an accountant walked past them. Lowering her voice, she murmured, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  Donovan’s eyes lowered to her lips. “It’s not the only idea, trust me. Just the first one.”

  She had to ask. “And the second?”

  “Checking out Chardonnay, and I don’t mean our latest vintage.”

  He meant her suite. Dayum! She admired brother man’s skills, in spite of herself. “I thought you said we weren’t going to do this.”

  “I hadn’t counted on not being able to live without you.”

  “That we were going to remain professional.” Lowering her already low voice to a whisper, she hissed, “Platonic.”

  His shrug was devil-may-care, his smile sexy. “It’s simple, girl. I lied.”

  “What if someone sees us?” Marissa reached for her purse; her actions conveying she didn’t care if they did. “What if we get caught?”

  “I’ve got connections with management. We won’t write you up.”

  And just like that, the two reconnected. Dinner and then…round two.

  Chapter 24

  Morning, my sweet Marissa: I’ll be out of the office for most of the day. Have dinner with me. D.

  This was the text that greeted Marissa as she woke up bright and early for her last day temping for Donovan Drake. The last few days had been a whirlwind of work, eat, love, work, eat, love, over and again. Because of Kat’s help, the bulk of the project was finished; today would be tying up loose ends and having a major powwow with her so that when Sharon returned to work Kat could easily bring her up to speed. Marissa read the text again, and a third time, her stomach roiling with a slew of emotions. She was in like, in lust, ecstatic, afraid. Nothing had gone the way she’d planned, but everything had turned out better than she’d hoped. Deciding to live in the moment, she’d simply followed Donovan’s lead, did what he told her, met when he summoned, loved him when he appeared. But what now? They hadn’t discussed the future, hadn’t talked about life post work assignment. Was this a “last supper” invite, a fond farewell, a bon voyage, a thanks for the memories before goodbye?

  There was only one way to find out. Marissa’s response was short and sweet. Yes. After showering, she checked her phone.

  Great! My place. D.

  He’d texted his address. An invite to his home. That meant something, didn’t it? But what? Tired of thinking, she donned an oversize top, a pair of jeans and sandals, then reached for the bags that she’d packed last night and was out the door. No matter what happened tomorrow, today she checked out of paradise.

  The rest of the day passed in a blur of final entries and goodbyes; even Donovan’s crazy brother Dexter stopped by her desk and paid her a visit.

  “I see you survived The Don.”

  “His bark was worse than his bite, I guess.” Then thinking
of the way he’d used his teeth last evening, Marissa almost blushed. She hurried on, lest Dexter notice her discomfort. “Kathleen’s returning was a huge help. She knows her way around a computer. With her here, really, it’s been a breeze.”

  “So, what now? You mosey on back to Boss Construction without looking back?” The gleam in Dexter’s eye suggested his question had nothing to do with administrative assistance.

  Has he seen us? Does he know? Did Donovan tell him? If not, considering the tightness of the Drake clan, it was only a matter of time. “Pretty much. Boss bid on a riverfront project in Louisiana. The decision should come shortly. If we win it, for the next couple months, I’ll be up to my ears in work.”

  Dexter crossed his arms, his look contemplative. “Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of you around here. Donovan hasn’t invited you to our Fourth of July party?”

  “No.” And why not?

  Fortunately, one of the other assistants had come up and interrupted the conversation, Marissa had gone in to meet with Kat and before she knew it five o’clock arrived. Now she was freshly showered and changed, having returned back home, unpacked her bags and rifled through mostly junk mail. Donovan lived close by, about fifteen minutes from her complex. It had been less than twenty-four hours and still she couldn’t wait to see him.

  * * *

  In La Jolla, Donovan stirred and then tasted the sauce. Satisfied that it was exactly how he wanted, he readied the bread to be placed into the oven, then removed his apron and walked into the living room. Looking around, he tried to imagine his abode through Marissa’s eyes. It was his dream home, but would she like it? They’d been intimate several times, but Donovan felt as though this was a first date. “It is in a way,” he admitted to the empty room. After tonight, Donovan planned to invite her to the picnic, introduce her as his woman. He couldn’t have been happier that he and Marissa had gotten together, that their love had blossomed. It was time to come out of hiding and take this situation public. He remembered something he’d left in his bedroom and just as he’d retrieved it, the doorbell rang.