by R. M. Healy
"You are kidding me, right?" He said, shocked, shaking his head and frowning as his tongue touched his top lip.
"I am sorry, Anton," she said honestly, "I really am."
Looking at her for a second longer, he smiled and nodded his head. He leaned forward, invading her personal space.
"Ok. Fair enough. I mean, we will see a lot of each other very soon whether you like it or not," he said smugly before turning around.
Esther watched as he walked back towards the hotel entrance, his smart shoes echoing as he walked away.
It wasn't in her nature to be so rude and turn someone away like that, but it also wasn't in her nature to be an idiot and let someone manipulate her. Which she knew Anton would attempt to do.
When she sat at the table, she realized something. Anton couldn't drive with the condition his arm was in, which meant he'd of either had to get a taxi or someone to give him a ride there.
The more she thought about it, the more she hoped there was no paparazzi out there waiting for him. Again, she ignored the guilt and enjoyed the night with her family.
When Esther got home, she scrolled down the local news articles on her phone. She was relieved to see that the press hadn't, in fact, reported anything about Anton. He'd been on her mind all night, and she felt more and more guilty for turning him away from the meal.
The following day, she finished her shift volunteering at the hospital that morning, and she'd met a little girl whose parents had died in a fire, and she was left with severe burns.
It was so sad, but the young girl, Kimberly, was so strong, and even after all that she'd been through the last few months, she still smiled and acted like a normal little girl who hadn’t suffered so badly.
Esther thought it was so tragic, and now the girl would be spending Christmas in the hospital without any family. She hoped once the girl's wounds were healed that she would get adopted by a loving family. She planned to buy each of the children on the ward she volunteered at a few presents, but she wanted to get Kimberly something special.
It was fortunate she was in the city visiting her father's aunt and cousins at a coffee shop in the town where they would be shopping most of the day. When she met them, the four of them sat by the window with their warm drinks and began to talk.
"It's a shame you can't stay another few weeks. Apparently, it's due to snow the next few weeks," Jae said to his parents.
"Are you staying?" Esther asked Jae, confused.
"Yeah, Chan and I signed a 6-month lease for an apartment yesterday. We need to be based fairly close to New York for our new contract, and the agency recommended the perfect place," Jae said, smiling brightly.
Chan, however, didn't show any response, and Esther wondered if it was really what he wanted.
"Oh and I saw your friend too when I went to check out the apartment block this morning," Jae commented.
"What friend?" She questioned. She didn't have any close friends so she didn't know who he could be referring to.
"Anton Romano, I assumed he was clearing out his old apartment because of the boxes his dad was carrying." Jae sipped his drink and sighed, "I think I may have upset him when we got talking."
"How so?" Esther found it hard to believe Anton would get upset with Jae.
"We were talking about Thanksgiving, and I told him I was a great fan of his modeling work and asked would he be back at the agency soon. He told me he was busy, looked angry, and then he just left."
Esther felt bad for Anton. She knew he was sensitive about his modeling career, and her cousin had asked, unaware that Anton had no intentions to model ever again.
"I see. Who knows. Anyway, let me see what you've bought so far from your shopping trip!" Esther said, changing the conversation.
A few hours later, after her shift at work, she was surprised to see a text on her mobile.
I've been thinking about us. About this chemistry between us, we have to do something about it. Perhaps we should meet up once more before this business meeting...get rid of some of this...energy between us?
Esther couldn't believe Anton had texted her such a thing.
She, too, had thought about him. That didn't mean she had any intention to have sex with him. She ignored the text. On the one hand, Anton seemed angry and lost after his accident. On the other, he was still confident enough to pursue her. Would he really go through with it if she said yes?
Chapter Nine
The couple of weeks that followed went so fast that Esther didn't have time to think about the future of her career.
Her father's sister and brother-in-law had left and gone back to Korea while their son's had been busy in New York working. Since they'd gone, her father's health seemed to rapidly deteriorate, and Esther had been around her parent's house whenever she wasn't at work or at the hospital with the children.
The pressure of looking after her father, working full time, and volunteering 2 days a week was beginning to take its toll, and Esther knew something would have to give.
It was apparent her father would need full-time support soon as Esther and her mother were struggling to help him. He was such a stubborn man and hated his wife and daughter taking care of him.
Rosa had called Esther on Christmas eve to ask if she and her family would like to come to their house for Christmas dinner, but Esther had to politely turn down the offer. This would be the last Christmas that her family would ever have together, and her parents wanted to spend it at home.
Esther spent Christmas morning at the hospital celebrating with the children and sharing out the gifts with the nurses and a couple of other volunteers. When she sat down with Kimberley on the end of the bed, she gave the girl the giant teddy bear she'd bought her.
"OMG! It's Simba, and all grown up!" Kimberly said, hugging the lion that was almost the same size as her.
It was only something small, but it was the four-year-old girl's favorite film, and Esther hoped to give her someone to cuddle at night would take away some of the loneliness. On the car ride home, she did wonder what would happen in Kimberly's future. When would she finally be healthy enough to leave the hospital? Who would adopt her?
Esther hoped it would be soon.
Despite the dark cloud that hung over her and her family on Christmas day, they still made the most of it, and Esther's mother and sister cooked Christmas dinner for them. Jae and Chan also came in time for dinner since they had no other family, and Esher's father really enjoyed their company. After dinner, Jae asked if he could speak to her in private.
"What is wrong with your father?" He said in a hushed voice, his dark brows pinched together.
"I don't want to talk about it today. Perhaps we can meet for coffee another day?" Esther whispered.
"Ok. But tell me this now, is it serious?" He rested his hands on the counter behind him as he waited for her response.
"Yes."
Nodding, he sighed, "Ok. We can arrange to meet another day. But my brother and I plan on sticking around. You're are our family. We are here to help you whenever you need it."
Esther appreciated his words, but now wasn't the right time to discuss it.
Ignoring her father's long coughing fits and the fact he barely ate his food, everyone opened their presents and enjoyed the rest of the evening. By the time Esther got home at 8pm, she was exhausted, but she knew if she went to bed now, she would be staring at the wall overthinking every problem in her life. Walking into her apartment, she kicked off her heels and put her bags with presents down by the door.
She turned up the heating since it had begun to snow outside and decided to leave her curtains open to appreciate the view of the snow on the rooftops. Using her controller, she turned the Tv on and poured herself a glass of red wine.
When her apartment door knocked unexpectedly, she jumped and spilled some of the wine on the counter. Who would be at the door without being asked on Christmas day?
"Hey June," Ester said when she saw her young neighbor waiting in
the doorway.
"Hi Esther, I heard your heels on the floor and thought I'd come to drop these off," the petite brunette held out a giant bouquet of red roses and tulips. Esther couldn't help raising her eyebrows in confusion at her neighbor.
"They're not from me," June laughed, "Sorry, I should have said first, a dark-haired man with a bandage on his face asked me to give them to you when you were home. I have to say, if I wasn't into women, I might have invited him into my place."
Esther laughed at June and took the bouquet from her.
"Thanks, June. And trust me, if you knew him, you wouldn't be saying that. Have a nice Christmas."
"Not a problem. Merry Christmas to you too," June waved over her shoulder as she walked back into her own apartment.
Esther shut the door behind her and put the flowers on her coffee table. She had to admit, they were beautiful and smelt divine.
She picked the card which had her name wrote neatly on the front and opened it. Seeing the picture of little pea's on the front with the words 'Hap-pea Christmas' at the top of the card, she laughed.
Squashed inside of the card was a small piece of mistletoe, and Esther shook her head, smirking at the simple message inside.
Looks like you have to kiss me now...
She wanted to be annoyed and angry with him, but it was kind of funny to receive the card after such a mentally tiring day. Had she have opened the door to him, she may have felt differently, but the fact he'd come to her flat on Christmas day and even bought her a bouquet was very thoughtful.
After putting the card on the windowsill and pouring her wine, she decided to text him a thank you message. His response was quicker than she expected.
If you really want to thank me, then I will come to your place right now, and you can show me just how thankful you really are... - Anton
Esther sipped her wine and replied.
I think this text is thanks enough. Don't get any funny ideas! - Esther
There is nothing funny about the things we could be doing to keep each other warm tonight - Anton
Taking a deep breath and feeling her skin begin to heat up, Esther knew she had to put an end to his flirty texts before she got tempted to do something stupid. She was stressed, and having Anton come around would be a perfect distraction. But that would be the most foolish mistake she could make.
Goodnight Anton! - Esther
Like she expected, he replied.
I'll be spending my night thinking of you lying naked in my bed, your freckled cheeks pink and your hair disheveled from hours of me pleasuring you - Anton
Just because she would never sleep with him in real life didn't mean she couldn't fantasize about it, especially after the stressful few weeks she had. Maybe even a cheeky text back wouldn’t be so bad.
I can pleasure myself just fine. – Essie
She took a long gulp of her wine as she waited for his reply.
Nothing compares to the real thing. I can picture you now, your body shaking as you come around my hard dick. Begging me for more. Years of pent of frustration, desperate to be freed. You need a good fucking, you want me, but you’re too afraid that once I take you, you will become desperate for more. Which trust me, you will. - Anton
Everything he said was right. She was horny. She wanted to have sex with him, more now than ever. But she wouldn’t tell him that. She didn’t reply, but she couldn’t ignore her own body or imagination.
"Your ass looks perfect in that skirt. Bend over the desk. I want a better look at it," Anton demanded as he sat on the office chair directly behind her.
Esther bit her lip as she followed his orders and looked over her shoulder at Anton as she did so.
"Hmmm, I wonder what kind of underwear you'll be wearing, a thong?"
Anton was asking the question more to himself as he stood directly behind her, placing his large hands on her waist.
"Or maybe silky french knickers?"
One of his hands slowly trailed up her back and round to the front of her chest.
Esther pushed her torso slightly off the table, arching her back, giving Anton's hand easier access to her breast.
"What? Do you want me to rub your nipples?" He said, pressing his body against hers as he whispered in her ear.
His fingers began to circle her nipple over the white shirt and bra. His breathing tickled her ear. Esther felt something hard press against her ass and knew it was his dick.
She loved that she'd made him hard.
"Or are you naked under that skirt?”
His other hand began to push up her skirt, exposing the tops of her black stockings. Teasing her, his finger traced the pattern of the strap and pulled it back, letting it slap against her skin.
"My favorite," he said, seeing her black lace knickers. His hand wrapped around her hip and slipped it down the front of her knickers.
"And they're wet too. Desperate for me to fuck you, aren't you?" He laughed, taunting her as his fingers began rubbing her clit slowly.
She was close already, it wouldn't take her long, and Anton could tell from the moaning noises falling from her lips. His other hand slipped under her shirt and tugged the front of her bra down just enough to rub her nipple, and Esther couldn't stop the noise that came from her mouth.
"Better keep it down, Esther...do you want everyone to know that I have you bent over the manager's desk? Begging him to rub your wet pussy? That you’re desperate for me to stick my cock in you?"
The words sent Esther over the edge, and her body fell flat against the desk as she let out a satisfied sigh.
Esther opened her eyes and looked at the roof. It didn't take long for her to feel embarrassed that she'd masturbated over Anton.
She would never have sex like that in her life or act so desperate. It was better that she did this than the real thing, and she tried to use that excuse to feel less guilt over what she'd just done. Because she'd never actually go through with something like that anyway.
Chapter Ten
Esther began to feel more and more apprehensive as she drove to the Romano's farmhouse.
She'd agreed to come and drop off the presents she'd bought on her way back from Jessica's and was regretting it now she was almost there.
It had begun to snow heavily, and Esther struggled to drive with poor visibility.
Her car didn't feel safe as she drove along the road to the farmhouse, and Esther questioned if it would be safe to drive out of there so soon. She'd planned to drop the presents off quickly and pretend she had to be somewhere. However, she knew it would be foolish to drive in such harsh conditions.
The house looked beautiful in the snow. Fairy lights and candles could be seen flickering in the windows making the house seem warm and inviting. Esther parked her car under the canopy and pulled on her gloves and hat. When she got out of her car, the wind was blowing strong, and the snow felt as if it was cutting her face.
As quickly as she could, she picked up the gift bags and shut her boot door.
Her feet became soaked as she walked across the drive, which was now carpeted in a layer of snow.
It was hard to believe how bad the weather was. It was lightly snowing when Esther left her apartment, and according to the weather forecast, it was supposed to stop. She began to shiver even with her thick purple coat on and knocked on the door, hoping someone would answer quickly.
Rosa opened it and immediately ushered Esther in. "Come in quick. You must be freezing!"
"I had no idea the weather would be this bad," Esther said to Rosa, who shut the door behind her.
"The radio said it will be like this for a few hours. I did try to call and tell you," Rosa took the gift bags from Esther, "Hang your coat up, and I will go and pour us a hot drink."
Esther hung her coat up and put her gloves and hat in her handbag.
More lights were wrapped around the staircase, and a real decorated pine tree sat in the middle of the entryway.
Although she began to feel the benefit of
the heat, her feet were still wet, and her jeans had also absorbed the water as well as the boots she wore. A fire was roaring in the kitchen, and Esther went and sat directly in front of it at the wooden table they'd eaten at Thanksgiving.
"Looks like you will have to stay here this afternoon. It's not safe to drive."
Rosa poured Esther a hot chocolate and topped it with marshmallows.
"I know. I'd of dropped the presents another day if the weather said it would be this bad," Esther sighed and took the hot drink, loving the heat on her cold hands.
"Don't worry, it's always a delight having you here, Esther. The three of us can share the leftover food from yesterday, which there is a lot of!"
"Oh, is Anton out?" Esther felt relieved.
"No, he's upstairs. Anthony is at his brother's, and he already called to say he's staying there until this weather calms down."
Gulping, Esther tried to act indifferent. She still felt embarrassed about her dirty thoughts the previous night, even though only she would ever know about it. As if he'd sensed her shame, Anton chose that moment to walk into the kitchen. Esther didn't look his way at first, instead choosing to take a sip of the still boiling drink.
Why was she suddenly feeling nervous around Anton Romano?
"Oh, Esther, your feet must be freezing! Let me go and grab you some of my socks," Rosa set her own drink down and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Esther and Anton alone.
"What a pleasant surprise," Anton said as he leaned against the kitchen counter.
His black dressing gown was conveniently open, and he wore nothing under it other than a pair of designer black underpants. She knew he’d modeled for the brand of underpants he wore, and it was apparent they didn’t need to photoshop his pictures to add any size. Although his body was pale and was partially covered with white bandages, it was still muscular and defined.
His wide thighs had a sprinkling of black hair, and Esther found it oddly attractive that his body looked so masculine. Trying to seem as indifferent as possible, she looked down at her drink.
