The Ambassador and Me: an unlikely love story (The Ambassador Trilogy Book 1)

by Villano, Mia

  Anthony was back in town because his father was sick and he was to take over the funeral home. The last thing I wanted was to run into him out at a club. Anthony drinking and seeing me was not a good combination. He has been back for three months now, yet I haven’t seen him yet. I wanted to keep it that way. I was terrified of him.

  “Come on. Let’s go out. We will be back early and you can be in bed by ten, grandma,” she laughed, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Let me see how my first day goes, Ave. I’m not promising anything. I’m a nervous wreck over this new job and the Ambassador. If I’m not up for it, I promise this weekend you and I will go crazy.”

  “I’m holding you to that, Izz. You aren’t bailing on me. We’ll go somewhere away from here if you are afraid of running into Anthony.” She walked to the sink to rinse out her glass of green goo she guzzled. She loved to concoct smoothies that looked more like baby diarrhea. She put anything and everything in them and they came out the same color: pea green. Avery tried to eat healthy and was worried about her weight. We both worked out as much as possible, but she was more obsessive than I was.

  “I will make us dinner tonight, though. How does salmon sound?”

  “Your secret recipe salmon?”

  “Of course, with those crispy potatoes you love.”

  “Sounds better than a night out.” Avery grinned at me while she skillfully removed her bra in the kitchen under her t-shirt.

  “I’m going to get a shower and go to class. Have a great day and good luck. You do look incredible. I love what you did with your hair. I have some running to do after class and then I’m going to the gym, but I may help you with dinner.”

  “Oh, how nice of you, since I will be working all day. Will you be alone tonight, or should I cook for a third person?” I laughed. Grabbing a to-go cup of coffee, I headed to the door.

  “You never know, Izz. But, don’t worry- we'll keep it down.”

  The second I stepped outside our apartment I was hit with the sounds and signs of life in D.C. Though it had been a part of my life forever, I was in awe at its vast energy and importance. I chose to stay here and go to college and graduated from Georgetown. All my friends left and went away, but I had no desire to move from what I thought was the most exciting city. This was my home and I loved every aspect of it. My family lived in Old Town Alexandria and it’s where I grew up. Avery insisted on buying a condo with some spare money she had and we found this huge one in Foggy Bottom.

  We lived close to the train station and it was an easy to walk. Although I owned a car, I hated driving and drove only when it was necessary or when I visited my parents. The rest of the time, I left my car in the garage at our apartment. It wasn’t the highway that terrified me; it was the local traffic that sent my pulse racing and my fear skyrocketing. It didn’t help I also had a small case of road rage. I didn’t want anything to mess up my first day on the job.

  The heat was stifling for September. My favorite month was here and the leaves would be changing, kids would be back to school, and football would be playing once again. Growing up with two older brothers, I loved football and my favorite team was the Washington Redskins. I try not to miss a game. I could smell fall approaching as I walked to the corner of Walnut and Lexington and, though I was nervous, it put a smile on my face. The train station was a busy place and I always arrived early; it seemed to be forever crowded.

  Arriving at my stop, the Metro took me right to the French Embassy. I made a mental note to bring flats to walk in the rest of the week. The twenty-minute train ride allowed me to settle down and get myself together. I checked my texts and saw my mom sent me one that she was thinking of me and wished me good luck. I sent her a quick text back to let her know I appreciated it and I loved her. Avery of course sent me an offensive picture of some man having sex on his desk with his secretary; she drew a beret on his head with ‘Oui, oui’. I didn’t even know how to respond to that.

  A jolt of excitement and fear shot through me when I noticed the French Embassy sign at the gate. It read Embassy of France. It was huge and impressive, and I was officially an employee. I had to keep it together and not act like an immature child when I arrived at the building. I was to report to the Chancellerie, which is the military part of the embassy and the Ambassador’s office. I made a dry run the week before to be sure I would make it on time.

  I was so happy to make a living on my own and not rely on my parents or work full-time in the restaurant. I knew early on that I didn’t want to wind up depending on anyone. Anthony had a plan that he would take over the funeral home and I would work right along with him. That was the last thing I wanted to do and I knew it wouldn’t make me happy. For one thing, I hate death, and another, I wanted my own life, even if it was for eight hours a day.

  I had already picked up a security badge and I made sure I put it in my purse where I could get to it easily. I panicked when I walked up to the door, worried it for some reason wouldn’t work. I swiped it, the door gave me the green light and I heard it unlock. The security guard nodded at me as I smiled back at him. I stepped into the elevator, with two others. I nodded and smiled at them. Once I walked in the elevator, I grabbed my compact and lipstick and reapplied. The elevator doors were about to shut when a hand popped through to stop them. In stepped the gorgeous Ambassador. I put my compact and lipstick up, feeling embarrassed for my vanity.

  He nodded at the other two in the elevator with me.

  “Good morning, Isabella.” His Parisian accent was thick. His voice sounded raspy and masculine. The sound of it made me want to have ball-slapping sex with him right there in between the first and second floor. Once again I was rendered speechless and lifeless. I felt like all my bones were turning to rubber. He wore a black suit with a red tie. He stood in front of me giving me a good look at him from behind. Tall and muscular, his body was as perfect from behind as it was in front. My lips became dry and I’m sure I licked off my lipstick I had applied.

  What the hell was wrong with me? I don’t get worked up like this over anyone. The effect he had on me was sinful. Like the other night at the gala, I felt my breasts swell and my thighs tingle. Why did he have to be right there now as soon as I walked in? I had to close my eyes for a second to quit looking at him. The two people exited on the second floor, leaving Fabrice and me alone. He stepped back and turned to look at me with his finger on the elevator button.

  Maybe it was my nerves, but I caught him taking me in as much as I was him. My clit twitched as I noticed his days’ worth of stubble on his gorgeous face. His suit jacket was unbuttoned and I was able to get a look at his tight, flat stomach. This man was the perfect package. I prayed he didn’t notice that my cheeks became flushed. I had to be bright rosy red, I always was when I was uncomfortable or horny, and I was both.

  Not just a beautiful older man, he was why romance novels were written. I mentally stripped the suit off and imagined him fucking me up against a wall hard. I couldn’t help but wonder what was under that expensive suit he wore so well. Did he wear boxers, briefs, or maybe commando? Stop, I told myself.

  “Are you anxious to start your day?”

  “I can’t wait. This is exciting. I love the security and the men in uniforms.” Glancing at his watch I heard him chuckle. Fabrice had a large bag and a briefcase he sat on the floor next to him. When the elevator dinged, he picked up the bags and I held the door for him. At the same time as me, he put his hand up to the door and it brushed mine, sending an awakening throb through my body.

  “We are going to the same place, I believe.” He stepped aside so I could walk in front of him.

  “Thank you,” I said. He glanced at me and winked which caused me to almost lose consciousness. I was pissed I had become so frazzled by such an exquisite man before I had to start a new job.

  “I will see you inside. I must go see someone in another office.” I nodded unable to speak.

  “Holy shit,” I said to myself mentally as I walked d
own the hall. I had to get myself together before I walked into the office. I felt like I just had sex for the first time. I had to shake this feeling, so I found a ladies room near the elevator. I went in and inspected myself in the mirror. My face was rosy red, my lips were fuller, and my eyes looked dilated. It was eight o' clock in the morning and my head was scrambled like I had been drinking. My head was full of questions and concern and more importantly, lustful thoughts. Maybe the old Isabella was back? Something new, a glimmer of hope after such a bad last three years? I stared back at my reflection in the mirror.

  “Stop this.” I said to myself. I turned on the faucet and let the cold water run against my wrist, hoping to cool down. I applied a fresh dusting of powder, wiped under my eyes, turned around, and left the restroom. I walked into the office hoping my erotic mood was not evident. I was so turned on I didn’t want to sit. I checked my cell phone and noticed I had fifteen minutes to spare.

  The receptionist at the front desk greeted me with a smile. Wasn’t she this derailed by this man every day? She was beautiful in a plain way. Her dirty blonde hair pulled back into a severe up-do. She had on minimal makeup and an engagement ring on her finger.

  “Hi. Today is my first day as the assistant to the Attaché. I was told to report here.”

  Her acrylic nails tapped loudly on the keyboard looking for my name.

  “Elizabeth, no you must be Isabella. I’m sorry, the Ambassador’s assistant starts today as well.”

  How lucky for her. I wonder if I slipped this receptionist a couple of Ben Franklins she could do a switch in the computer, put me in as the Ambassador’s assistant, and put this Elizabeth with the Attaché. I could tell her purse sitting on her desk was a fake Prada. I’m sure she could use the extra money. However, that was probably some felony or something, and I’m sure the end of my career.

  “Have a seat, Isabella, and someone will be here in a moment.” Her lips curved in a fake smile at me.

  I sat nervously in the elaborate office waiting to start my new job and, hopefully, my new career. I wanted to break away from the family business and start making my own money by doing what I studied. This was not congress, but it was a step in the right direction. My mother was happy for me, but my father was upset that I accepted a job outside the family business. My dad was all for me going to college, but wanted me to pursue a degree that would benefit the restaurant. I had always been interested in government and politics and it was my dream to one day make a difference.

  At the interview, there were at least ten of us they narrowed it to. My first interview was quite detailed, as I’m sure everyone’s was. The security check alone would have had anyone refuse to work here. There were men that came down to the restaurant to talk to my parents and some of the regular customers. My credit was checked, my addresses I had lived at verified, and my closest friends were interviewed. I’m also sure that even though I had a degree from Georgetown University, he could have chosen someone more qualified than myself. I didn’t think I would get the job and the day I received the phone call to come in for the second round of interviews and then a third, I was shocked.

  When the door swung open, I thought for sure it was the Attaché. To my surprise, it was Vance from the other night. He looked impeccable in his expensive suit. He carried a large leather messenger bag crossed over his chest.

  “Glad to see you made it. Are you ready to get started?” asked Vance out of breath. I was half-tempted to ask him if he scored that night at the gala. He and his designer suit walked toward me, smelling of expensive soap. His hands shook as he handed me some paperwork.

  “Hi. Yes, I’m anxious to get started.”

  “He will be here shortly. I wanted to say sorry that I forgot to bring you your champagne the other night. That blonde was an old girlfriend and was giving me a hard time. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging.”

  “It’s not a problem.”

  “I have some more paperwork for you to fill out; it's formalities for HR. I will take you to his office and you can finish it up while you wait for him. Would you like water, coffee?”

  “No, I’m fine, thank you.” I would’ve loved a martini.

  My thoughts were all over the place as I followed Vance down a long hallway to what I thought was Mr. Gerard’s office. What was I doing here? Why did he hire me? Would I be able to handle all of this?

  “This is Mr. Arbidoux’s office. Jean is running behind today and Fabrice said he would talk to you about your duties before the Attaché comes in. Fabrice is the boss of the Embassy, so he’s who we answer to. Jean’s office is down the hall the other way. I will show you your office when he gets here.”

  “Okay.” I smiled.

  “Have a seat in this office; it’s the Ambassadors assistant's, but go ahead and sit down.”

  I sat at the desk complete with two laptops, phone, fax, and a beautiful photograph of France. A huge floor to ceiling window brought in light and an amazing view of the outside.

  “Sure you wouldn’t like a cup of coffee?” he asked.

  “No, I’m fine. Thanks.”

  I could tell he was in a hurry to get to his office. The paperwork was simple: My name, social, address, person in case of an emergency, terrorist attack, etc. I put my brother Danny down because I knew my parents would not be able to handle it if there was some sort of an emergency. It wasn’t that farfetched to think we could be the victims of a terrorist attack. Any embassy would be a prime place for terrorists these days.

  I was filling out the last page when I heard a light tap on my door.

  Turning around, my heart leapt to my throat.

  “Miss Piori,” he said, in a Parisian accent that melted my lace thong.

  “Yes, hello again, Ambassador.”

  “As soon as you are done with that silly paperwork, come in my office and we can have a cup of coffee. Jean is running late as usual, and asked me if I would get you settled. We can get started on what is expected of you.” He smiled at me and winked.

  I nearly fell off my chair. It was not a wonder this was one of the most sought after jobs. This man oozed sensuality even out of his tuxedo he had on the other night. I noticed he looked at me as he walked over to Vance and they began to talk.

  I was certainly in the mood of a good lay after that day. I couldn’t even remember the last time I saw a real dick. It’s been so long. I think anymore when the wind blew too strong I became wet. I had been so caught up in finishing my last semester of college, getting over Anthony, and getting my head back on straight that sex was put on the back burner. After this encounter, I needed to rethink my situation and possibly consider going out with Avery after all. I think a good lay would help me.

  I finished and nervously walked on shaky legs to his office. His door was open and I noticed he was on the phone, speaking French. He gazed up at me when I started to turn around and go back.

  “Isabella, come in.” He said “come” in a French accent. Nothing could have been better unless he was under me instructing me to come for the fifth time. He spoke a few more words in French and hung up the phone. I handed him my paperwork. His hands felt like silk against mine, and I could not help but think of them on my body. Not to forget how he smelled. It was nothing I had smelled on a man before. I was beginning to wonder if this man was actually real or a figment of my imagination.

  “I’m working on this unflattering accent. Forgive me if I’m hard to understand.” He smiled. Unflattering, it was not. He seemed to hold my gaze longer than I expected. His fixation on me was rather appealing.

  “Sit down. You look nervous.” Sitting in front of his large, overly-polished mahogany desk, he smiled up at me. The chairs were comfortable, large leather and, thank God, it cooled off my burning hot skin. I hoped he could not see that I was sweating. I looked around his office taking everything in. The walls were dark grey with the French map behind his desk, and D.C on another wall. His office was huge. An enormous bookcase took up one wall filled with books. He
also had three very large flat screen televisions mounted high on the wall each with a different channel and no volume turned on.

  “Tell me you didn’t accept a coffee from Vance. That swill will kill you. Do you drink coffee?” He asked, pouring himself one from his personal French press.

  “Yes, yes I do.”

  “Here, try this real coffee.” He winked and poured me a steaming hot cup. The smell of it was different from the usual espresso I drank at my parent’s restaurant. It smelled of cinnamon and vanilla and, when I tasted it, it was like sex in a cup. I had not tasted a coffee so good before. This confirmed my previous thoughts that this man was not real.

  “Wow. That is, wow.”

  “C’est Si Bon,” he said. I was wrecked for the rest of the day.

  “Every morning I have this brewed. I want you to come in and help yourself. General Gerard likes to leave me with none, so I have to watch him. I have it brewing all day. It’s one of my guilty pleasures.” One, how many did he have?

  My eyes scanned his office again as he took another call. I wanted to see if that redhead’s picture was on his desk, an ex-wife, and kids. He had to have a past with a woman or several. The Internet showed him with many. The only pictures in the room were of an older couple that looked like they could be his parents, a Bugatti, and a fat cat.

  I didn’t know why I cared, but his desk could tell me what was important to him. On each corner was the French flag in gold plates. His name was on another plate, etched in gold. He opened up a folder on his desk and handed me at least five stapled pages with what was expected of me.