by Juniper Hart
“For the record, I don’t dislike you,” he said, before walking away from the table.
She grabbed her purse and coat and caught up with him at the front door, as he called his driver to pick them up.
“Then why do you constantly take offense whenever I’m around?”
Andrew reached out his hands and took hold of her upper arms.
“Because you make me question everything. You make me question my beliefs, my behaviors, everything I’ve done and become in the last few years.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Tanya urged, looking up into eyes that she realized for the first time were very similar to her hazel ones.
Andrew pressed his lips to her softly, and then more forcefully, backing her up against the wall of the restaurant. She returned his kiss hesitantly at first, and then as the heat claimed her, her kiss became more willing.
He slowly ran his fingers down her chest until they reached the top of her cleavage as he pressed her up against the wall a little more forcefully. Andrew reached his arm around her and lifted up the back of her blouse and placed his warm hand against the bare skin on her lower back. He pushed her forward slightly, closing the small gap between them. Tanya felt his erection pressed up against her, and unable to contain her pleasure, Tanya let out an unwilling sigh.
Abruptly, Andrew ended the kiss.
“One day, I’ll have you, and then everything will make sense. And that’s the day you’ll regret you met me.”
The black Range Rover pulled up, and Andrew jerked the door open, pushing her inside. “Take her where she needs to go. I’ll take a taxi,” Andrew advised, before turning to walk away.
Tanya turned in the back seat to watch his cocky and arrogant retreating steps. She still had not found her voice. She was shocked beyond measure.
“Where to, Miss?”
After a moment, she regained her voice and gave him the address to her sister’s building.
What was that all about, she wondered, pressing three fingers against her lips, recalling the feeling of his lips against hers. She sat back in her seat and savored the taste of him as she caught of whiff of his scent still on her blouse. She didn’t want to think about what he said, or that he was likely going to meet up with Tiffany and Lexie. The thought disgusted her and made Tanya regret accepting his advances.
5
Over the next few weeks, Tanya tried to ignore Andrew, but he kept finding obscure reasons to call him into her office, such as asking her opinion on paint color choices for his office or to give reports on her clients more often than necessary. Every time she met with him, he withheld smiles and spoke in a cold, direct tone. On several occasions, Tanya came out of Andrew’s office to find Veronica nearby, scowling at Tanya. Rebecca had also asked Tanya to provide reports on the private meetings with Andrew. She didn’t ask for, or even want, the private meetings with Andrew. Tanya felt uncomfortable, but continued to put forth her best effort in her work.
Much of her time was spent pulling together the final pieces of the Isabelle Manning campaign. She met the actress and her agent on a few occasions to understand the image they wanted to redeploy. Tanya had found turning Andrew’s image around to be a greater challenge than that of Ms. Manning’s. Since the scandal, Andrew’s image had started making its way onto multiple magazine covers and newspapers as a billionaire bad boy heartthrob. The stories were embarrassing for Andrew and an embarrassment to the company. With national attention being paid to his exploits, Andrew was careful to cut back on his attendance of social events and tried to stay away from the paparazzi.
On the other hand, people wanted to love Isabella and forgive her of her past behaviors. They were not as forgiving of Andrew. The perception was that Andrew had taken advantage of Isabelle in a weak moment of her life. Tanya wasn’t completely convinced that belief was false after the way he kissed her and then proceeded to interact with her apathetically.
Tanya questioned why changing the public’s perception of Isabelle was so easy. It turned out that most people believed that Isabelle wasn’t very intelligent or sophisticated because she had become a star at such a young age. After meeting Isabelle, Tanya knew that was far from the truth. The woman was crafty and extremely smart. It turned out Isabelle was ready for a major change in her life. That had been Tanya’s launching point for the campaign.
Tanya used the media’s perception of Isabelle of being naïve and slightly foolish against them. This sweet, innocent woman wanted to work with underprivileged girls. She partnered with a local non-profit that specialized in career services and education readiness. Together they formed a partnership for youth, and the endeavor had overshadowed the previous headlines that linked Isabelle to Andrew.
That new campaign began to roll in donations for the cause and garnered positive media attention for Isabelle Manning.
The final strings of the Manning campaign had been tied up as the actress’s husband dropped the lawsuit, and Tanya was ready for a vacation. She had been working non-stop for the company since January. She often went to the office over the weekends if she wasn’t working at home. Sarah was not pleased with her sister’s workaholic ways. And apparently, neither was her company friend, Thad.
“Surely, you’re going to the company gala tonight,” Thad said, perched on the edge of Tanya’s desk.
“I really hadn’t planned on it. I need some time to finish a few pieces before taking a few days off, Thad,” she replied, saving a file on her computer before shutting it down.
“It’s the company’s annual anniversary celebration, which just happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day. I’m bringing a special someone, and I know whose arm you should be on,” he said, winking at her.
Tanya laughed looking up at him. “And who would that be?” She already knew the answer.
“Who else but the one and only Mr. Andrew Greene?” he teased with a sly smile.
“Are you kidding me? I would never—” but she couldn’t finish as Andrew appeared in the doorway.
“I’ll be seeing you at the party tonight, right?” asked Andrew. He tried to address the question to both Tanya and Thad, but he kept his eyes on Tanya.
Tanya looked at Thad, before turning back to Andrew.
Thad finally answered. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world. And we’ll be there with bells on, won’t we, Tanya?”
“Uh, sure.”
As soon as Andrew left the doorway, Tanya rushed to her door to close it. “Why’d you do that? I just told you I wasn’t going!” she whispered harshly, planting her fists on both hips.
“I didn’t hear you tell him that,” Thad cackled.
“You didn’t give me a chance! And I’m not going with him; he’s my boss for crying out loud. What would give you the impression that I would want to spend time with him?”
“Uh, maybe all the time you two have been spending together lately. And everyone seems to have forgotten about the Top Gossip cover. But, I’ll have you know that I haven’t forgotten.”
Tanya rolled her eyes at Thad’s insinuations.
“Look, I’m going to this party, but not because of Andrew. I’m going to show you I’m just another employee like everyone else, and the relationship my boss and I have is strictly professional.”
“Sweetie, you might want to convince yourself before you try to convince me,” Thad returned, hopping up from the desk and sashaying to the door.
He paused in the door. “One word of warning… Wrap your heart up, place it in a freezer, and don’t let him anywhere near it. I don’t want to have to pick up the shards of another diva’s heartache.”
Tanya growled before resting her forehead in the palm of her hands. She did want to go to the party, but not for the reasons she admitted. For some unexplained reason, she felt the need to be at the party. Now the committee had completed its task and Isabelle’s reputation had been saved, there was no other reason she and Andrew would need to spend any time together. Yet, she felt drawn to him.
/> I’m always drawn to the wrong men. Tanya shook her head and tried once again to convince herself that she didn’t want Andrew up against her every time she saw him.
“You are going to blow his mind!” Sarah said, jumping up and down. She had a date that evening, but she had taken the time to help Tanya get ready for the gala.
“Would you stop? This isn’t about him. I’m simply attending an event hosted by my company.”
“But he stopped by your office to personally invite you, and on Valentine’s day at that,” Sarah gushed.
“He did not! You are just like Thad. You two turn everything into a dramatic movie, and there’s nothing like that going on here.”
“Then tell me what it is then?” Sarah asked, crossing her arms over her chest and twisting her lips. “You forget that Andrew and I have a lot of friends in common. Everyone is asking about you and what is going on between you two.”
“I’m going to a company event, and I want to spend time with my coworkers,” Tanya replied unconvincingly.
She couldn’t help but wonder if she was over or underdressed. She hadn’t planned on going, but Sarah had a closet full of gowns, many of which had never been worn. Tanya chose a red, satin sheath gown a that complemented her skin tone. The modest V-neck that exposed her cleavage was studded with faux-diamonds, which matched her strapped stilettos.
Looking in the mirror she felt beautiful, but she couldn’t help but think back on Andrew’s words.
You have to learn to be confident in yourself.
She blew out a deep breath as she looked in the mirror again. Her hair was tied into a chignon on the side of her head. The sparkling diamond teardrop earrings glistened against the dark shadows of her dark brown hair.
In that moment, Tanya realized she had fallen hard for a man, who along with others, had warned her not to fall for him. She was dressing up to impress him.
“How can I be a fool twice?” Tanya asked her mirror image.
It was Sarah who responded. “You’re not a fool! If he doesn’t see what a wonderful woman you are, then he’s the fool. Just be careful. You know he’s not the relationship type.”
The look of concern in Sarah’s eyes tugged at Tanya’s heart. How could she tell her it was already too late?
“He’s my boss,” Tanya explained patiently as if to a little child. “Nothing’s going to happen,” she lied.
Sarah threw her arms around Tanya. “You’re beautiful, inside and out. Just relax and have fun.”
A knock at the door broke their embrace.
“Is that your date?” Tanya asked, blinking back the wetness framing her eyelashes.
“If it is, he’s too early, and he’ll have to wait another hour,” Sarah complained, stalking off towards the front of the apartment.
Tanya continued staring into the mirror. She knew why she was no longer confident. Brian was Tanya’s high school sweetheart, and the two dated throughout most of college. When Brian slept with Tanya’s best friend, it ruined her. He caused her to feel as if she weren’t pretty enough or even worthy of his love. Tanya thought her way through an inner pep talk. I am worthy of being loved. And if Andrew only wants to sleep with me, then he isn’t good enough for me either.
“Tanya?” she turned from the mirror to look at her sister’s mysterious smile.
“Yes?”
“Your chariot awaits,” Sarah said, motioning her hand towards the hallway.
“What are you talking about?”
“It seems as if the impressive Andrew Greene has sent his driver to escort you to the gala.”
Tanya grabbed her clutch and her wrap and rushed after her sister down the short hall. Standing at the front door was Andrew’s driver, who tipped his hat towards her.
“I’m here to escort you to Greener’s annual gala.”
Tanya’s eyes sparkled as she looked at her sister, and then turned to the driver who held a hand out to escort her to the Range Rover waiting downstairs.
“Ma’am, this is for you,” the driver stated, after pulling to a stop at the hotel’s front entrance.
She took the black and red masquerade mask he offered, and turned it over in her hands, before pulling it down over her face.
“I was told to inform you if you did not have one of your own, it would be provided for you.”
“I had no idea it was a masquerade ball.” The driver handed her his business card so she could call him when she was ready to go home. He opened the door for her, and Tanya followed the signs to the ballroom where the gala was taking place.
The red and silver decorations of the hotel’s ballroom were exquisite. Tanya gasped as she took in the beaded and sparkling décor. A chandelier candelabra hung from overhead providing romantic lighting. Glass vases holding elaborate floral arrangements were decorated with beads and silver masks on the front of each. It was as if the floral arrangements transformed the tables into works of art. Everywhere she looked, guests wore masks, transforming their identity.
How did I miss the part that this was supposed to be a masquerade ball? She should have read the invitation more closely.
Moving across the floor as if she were walking on water, Tanya found herself mesmerized by the scene. The guests were coworkers and affiliates of the company, yet, on this magical night, everyone was transformed by gorgeous gowns and tailored tuxes. She didn’t recognize anybody, so she wandered around for a while until she found an empty table.
A part of her wished Sarah were there to ease the discomfort away. Tanya wished she had gone with a date so she wasn’t wandering around alone. What if Andrew saw her? She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she didn’t care what Andrew thought.
A gentleman in a black suit with a silver handkerchief extended his hand towards her. He bowed slightly and pointed to the dance floor without uttering a word.
Tanya was glad she wore a mask to protect the fact that she was blushing. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the floor. It wasn’t Andrew. She would have recognized him by his stature and his scent.
Etta James’s At Last played through the speakers as her partner drew her close to him with his arm lightly clasped around her waist. As the chords of the brass and wind instruments wrapped itself around the dancers of the room, Etta’s husky voice cloaked Tanya in a whirlwind of emotion. As her unidentified partner whisked her around the dance floor, she found herself lost in the moment.
His gloved hand held onto hers in a protective manner, while his other hand guided her through every move. She wished for a moment that it was Andrew who held her closely. She imagined what it would be like to press her cheek against his chest, and to feel his warm touch once again.
Just for the moment, Tanya allowed herself to pretend she was dancing in Andrew’s arms and he wanted her there. She imagined what it would be like to be loved by him. She knew in her heart there was another side to him, one waiting to be discovered and unleashed. But she also knew she was treading in dangerous waters, but she couldn’t help that Andrew consumed her thoughts.
The song came to an end. This was not Andrew, and she needed a distraction.
Her partner led her back to the table, where others had gathered to enjoy the evening. She greeted her companions for the night and made small talk with them, enjoying the festivities.
As the evening went on, Tanya identified a few of her coworkers, especially Thad who wore a velvet, purple suit with rhinestones across the back of the jacket. She ate, laughed, and worked the room, making small talk with several people. Tanya realized she needed a night out, and this was the perfect sendoff to her anticipated vacation.
Tanya was asked to dance several more times over the course of the evening. Disappointment swelled within her as the party came to an end at two o’clock in the morning. She hadn’t seen Andrew once. If she had, she was unaware. It didn’t matter; she had plans to fly to Florida for a few days to spend time with her parents. Hopefully that would be enough time to get him out of h
er mind. And out of her heart.
Tanya reached into her clutch to pull out the driver’s business card so she could head home. She paused and decided to go outdoors on the balcony first, to enjoy some fresh air.
She couldn’t help but wonder why Andrew’s driver had picked her up if he hadn’t even attended the gala. What sort of game is Andrew playing? she wondered. Is he trying to win me over, only to leave me like he did Veronica, Isabelle, and the others?
She looked up at the beautiful, moonlit night sky. Stars twinkled overhead as if they were speaking to her.
He’s even warned me against him. But I can’t help how I feel when he’s around.
Shivering in the cold night air, she pulled her wrap more tightly around her shoulders and arms. It was time to go home. Andrew wasn’t going to show up.
Another shiver coursed through her as the wind whipped through the surrounding buildings. She shook, tugging at her wrap, just as a hand rested on the middle of her back, turning her around into strong arms. A gentleman in a black suit with a red, silk handkerchief towered over her.
She would know those hazel eyes anywhere.
A breath caught in her throat as he looked at her in a way she had never seen Andrew look at anyone before. There was a look of possession in his eyes, as he moved her across the patio with ease. Somehow, dancing with him felt natural as they moved in unison.
Tanya’s heartbeat sped up as she felt the hard muscles flexing in his arms as she rested her hands on them. He drew her body nearer to his own. Andrew removed her mask, and slightly lifted his own. He lowered his lips to hers, claiming them in a passionate kiss.
Tanya’s fists clenched, grabbing a portion of his jacket inside of them. The tips of his fingers curled in her hair, creating a warmth that warded off the freezing temps of the winter night.
Andrew bit down on her lower lip causing her to pull back slightly. Tanya felt a smile spread across his lips. He stopped kissing her and stared into her eyes.
“You have always been so beautiful to me. From the moment I first saw you at the elevator, you stood out. But never have you been more beautiful than you are at this moment.”
