Body Heat

by Mia Ford

  I ring the bell and think about the fact that I’ve gone from being so low to being so high lately.

  “There she is!” mom smiles as she opens the door.

  Wow, the way she’s acting, it’s as if she hasn’t seen me in years. When she only met me last week for lunch. She didn’t stop talking, and it’s funny seeing her now with her blonde highlights and her new hair cut. Maybe selling the company wasn’t only the best thing for dad, but her too.

  “Hi, mom. Sorry, I’m late.”

  She waves her hand, “If you ever turned up on time anywhere. Now that would be a surprise.”

  “I suppose,” I mumble as I hand her the bottle of wine that I got from the store on the way here.

  “You didn’t need to do that.”

  I nod, knowing that I didn’t, but it makes a nice change from buying a bottle for myself and using it to help me sleep. Which has been a bad habit lately, one that I need to break before it gets out of hand?

  “I know, but I thought that you might like it.”

  She kisses me on the cheek, “I do.”

  I walk around the house and notice that it’s empty. I thought that dad was going to be here and we were going to have dinner together.

  “Oh, dad’s not there. They’re at the back..”

  They?

  “Who’s they?”

  She doesn’t answer me as I follow her to the back. I’m not sure how I never noticed the smoke before but as I see both dad and Marvin sharing a beer. I have the answer to my question.

  Holy crap! The last thing I need is to see him. I feel like taking the wine that she’s holding in her hand and going back out where I just came from. I want to scream that it’s a problem. A big fucking problem and I don’t want to be anywhere near that man.

  My eyes dart to mom as she smiles, “Marvin said that he'd join us.”

  I stop at the porch doors, “It’s not a problem is it, Emily?”

  I want to do the one thing that I’m good at..run!

  I don’t want to be anywhere near him, and the idea of pretending is too much for me to bear. Mom smiles and I wonder if he’s told them. Did he tell them that he used me to get to Vegas? Made me fall for him knowing that he was the main reason that my company was in trouble.

  Did he tell them that?

  No, I bet he didn’t because he’s the type of man that loves to act like a snake. That’s the part of him that I missed out on the whole trip.

  ‘Just listen to him!’

  Katie’s been begging me to do the for the last couple of weeks.

  ‘Maybe there’s a good reason for what he did,’ Michelle tried to explain to me. It makes no difference what they think about him because it’s as clear as night and day that he owns The Silk Box and he knew that it’s the thorn in my business side.

  Mom winks at me, “Just give him a chance.”

  “I did, and he used me…”

  Mom shakes her head and then takes my arm and drags me to the kitchen. Away from them. Away from him.

  “You were innocent in all of this too. You could have told him no and just gone to the bank and if that didn’t work just sold up as your dad did. He gave your business the life that it needed to run again. I’m not saying that what he did was right.”

  She’s probably trying to make sense of it. Thank goodness I wasn’t around when she heard about what happened, I would hate to have seen their faces knowing that their daughter had offered herself for the sake of her business.

  “All I know is that Marvin’s a good man. He’s been friends with your dad for years. He may not be perfect, but then no man is. He’s loved you for so long. Even I knew that.”

  “You did? But why did you never say anything?”

  “Because the only thing that your dad wanted to talk about was the business. And the only thing you could see was your designs. I’ve been ignored in this family for so many years that if he hadn’t sold it. I would have walked out.”

  “What?”

  “Emily, it doesn’t matter. All I know is that Marvin’s been trying to help you for years. Correct?”

  I nod and then she continues talking.

  “He’s told you that he’s interested in investing in that type of a business for a while and you were never interested. Correct?”

  “No, I was never interested in giving him my body for…’

  “That’s not what I asked you. You could have come up with a contract or something. Told him that you would listen to him. Take his investment under his terms. But you never did, correct?”

  God! I hate listening to home truths. I move to the other side of the kitchen. Get the bottle opener seeing as mom’s going to walk around all evening with the bottle of wine in her hand.

  As she hands me the glasses and I pop open the bottle. I start to pour the wine and mumble, “Okay mom. You have a point.”

  She knocks her glass next to mine and smiles, “You are too stubborn just like your father.”

  She takes a sip and says, “Marvin saw a business opportunity and took it. There’s nothing wrong with that in his world. Why he kept it from you, do you have to ask? He was worried that you'd take it the wrong way. Look I do not agree with what either of you did, but I do know one thing. You’ve been miserable and by the look of him too. He’s been feeling the same. Don’t make the whole thing go to waste. At least give your love a try.”

  I giggle as I sip a bit too much wine quickly, “I was shocked seeing him unshaven and in those shorts.”

  She nods her head, “And as for the Hawaiian shirt. What’s up with that?”

  She takes my hand and leads me outside to dad and Marvin. As soon as Marvin seems me, he’s no longer smiling but looking at me.

  “Dad,” I kiss him on the cheek, and he hugs me, making me nearly spill my wine.

  “Dad! Why did you do that?”

  I say as I pull back, thinking that maybe after today I’ll stop drinking. I’m getting a bit too attached to it.

  “Because I thought that you would run through the door.”

  I turn and face Marvin, “Marvin.”

  “Emily.”

  Dad blurts out, “Okay can you kiss and make-up already. I want to have a nice dinner tonight with the people that I care the most about.”

  Marvin takes off his shades and says, “At least we’re speaking now.”

  I nod my head, “Yes, but one step at a time.”

  “I just want you to hear what I have to say.”

  “Mom already explained some of it to me. But you can do it too…”

  “But not tonight. As I said tonight's about celebrating. You guys can have your discussions later. Right now, I’ve got a big steak to cook and too much beer to get through. Now, Marvin come help me behind here and stop making sad eyes at my daughter!”

  I laugh with that final comment. I decide that I’ll listen to what Marvin has to say, what mom said made a lot of sense. I feel like a fool acting as if I’m the wounded soldier, I’ve never been in a relationship before ever been in love. I didn’t know how to react to it all. Now, I’m starting to realize that I have been a fool in love.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Marvin

  I’m sitting in my office, waiting impatiently. I check my time on my phone screen and almost growl, wanting it to move faster.

  This is happening.

  When I got the call from Emily that she was going to take my new offer, to say I was overjoyed would be an understatement.

  I press the button on my intercom and speak to my secretary. “When Emily and her team arrive, please let them all in. They should be arriving soon.”

  “Sure, Marvin,” says Roger enthusiastic as always.

  I’m so damn nervous that she’ll back out of it. I sigh as I lean back in my chair behind the desk. I’m glad I got to speak to her at all. I never meant to lie to her. I keep up to date on all of my businesses, but I’m never directly involved unless it’s a venture I started, not a business I invested in which I rarely do
, which is why I was hesitant when Brenda approached me about it in the first place. She needed help, and I had the funds to do it.

  In hindsight, I was curious about the jewelry business, and Emily had shut me down so many times when I tried to talk to her about it. I wanted Emily to be with me, so when she asked for the money, I saw it as a good opportunity.

  I didn’t think of telling her anything once she accepted the offer because I never saw the need. All businesses have competitors, my being the owner of one of hers would have changed nothing.

  It hit home at the restaurant that night. The idea of having her, then completely losing her. The whole ordeal affected me a lot more than I realized over such a stupid mistake. A selfish one, I knew that telling Emily would bother her, but I didn’t care.

  I had her, and that was all that mattered. I’ll never make that mistake again. I won’t take her for granted if only she’ll take me back. Emily’s perfect in every way and without her I’m just a miserable, lonely fool.

  I'm determined to talk to her if only just a little. I can't let what we have just ended where it did, and can only hope she feels the same.

  “Mr. White, they’re here,” Roger announces on the intercom. I pop out of my office and Emily’s standing a black suit with her hair tied back. She looks the perfect and I notice that she has one of her designs on her neck.

  She starts walking with them, and I rush up to her, and she stares at me for a second. Blinking as I hold on to her arm.

  I bow, “Nice to meet you. I’m Marvin White, and my secretary will direct you to the conference room.”

  Emily gentle shakes her arm; she doesn’t like the way that I’m holding her.

  “Marvin.”

  “Emily, you look stunning today.”

  She doesn’t even crack a smile. Something that she would have done in the past without hesitation.

  “I just want to make sure that this deal goes smoothly and there’s no hiccups or misinterpretation of the deal.”

  I nod my head, “I see. Can we talk for a minute in my office please?”

  She hesitates as I motion with my hand. The last time she was in my office, she was sucking me as if there was no tomorrow. Calling it my lunchtime treat. How so much has changed in such a short space of time.

  As soon as we both walk in and I close the door. I can see that she’s nervous about being alone with me. I’m not going to try anything; I just want to talk to her.

  “Marvin,” she crosses her arms, which means that she's already defensive.

  “I just want the lawyers to sign the deal, and then the merger between Glitter and Silk Box can take place. I noticed that Brenda’s not here.”

  I sigh thinking that this isn’t how I wanted the meeting to go. I need to talk to her otherwise I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else for the rest of the day or even week.

  “She’s on her way. Roger buzzed her the moment you guys arrived downstairs. Please sit down.”

  She shakes her head, “Everyone’s waiting.”

  “I know. Just sit.”

  I didn’t mean to say it like that, but she gives in and uncrosses her arms and sits down. I sit on my desk, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve, and I need her to know that I mean it.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What?”

  “Emily, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kept my investment interest in The Silk Box from you.”

  She’s looking up at me, but I can’t look at her. I’m ashamed of my actions, and my apology comes from the bottom of my heart.

  “I shouldn’t have told you to come to Vegas with me to invest in your company.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it made perfect sense at the time and afterward it made none. It’s as if I took your weakness to make use of you and I’m sorry.”

  She stands up and faces me.

  “I could have told you that I didn’t want to do it. I’m not a kid anymore.”

  I nod, “I realized that before we got to Vegas.”

  We both smile as our eyes lock and the silence is broken by a knock on the door. I want to kiss her, but I know that I don’t have the permission to do it. Not yet.

  “After the deal maybe I’ll take you out for a coffee?”

  “Maybe?”

  I raise my eyebrow wondering if she’s teasing me or if she means it.

  “Not maybe, I will do. Because after today I’m going to have millions in the bank. I may be able to take you to Vegas.”

  “Really?”

  “Only if you’re a good boy.”

  She walks away from me and with her hand on the door handle. I know that nothing’s been in vain. She wants me back, but it’ll take the time to gain her trust.

  I have time.

  I’ve learned my lesson, and I won’t be making the same mistake again.

  Never.

  “Good, because if you’re not Marvin. Then you can forget Vegas and don’t ask me about it again?”

  “Understood.”

  She opens the door, and a flustered Brenda walks in, I can’t hear what she’s saying because I realize right then as Emily leaves my office. I’ve created a monster, and I like it.

  Epilogue

  Emily

  We’re opening a new shop; our expansion plans have kept me busy after signing the papers to merge the companies.

  I’m no longer working alone, but I have a team. One that allows me to work on the aspects of the business that I love the most.

  Designing.

  I’m good at my job, and the expansion has allowed expertise in so many domains, and it’s all down to one man, Marvin.

  “Why are you still here?” Katie asks as she hovers at my door.

  “I’m leaving right now, just give me a minute to pack up my things.”

  She stuck with me through thick and thin, and with everything going so well, I’m able to give her a raise, to pay her back for staying when most left at the threat of closure.

  “Good. It’s not nice to keep your boyfriend waiting all the time.”

  I purse my lips but don’t argue.

  “Well, remember he’s still on a thin line.”

  “But it’s been six months!”

  I laugh as she lifts her hands up in the air, “I know, but I thought that you were coming to the opening too?”

  “Yes, but I was just thinking of seeing if Roger was still in the office too?”

  It seems like someone has a major crush, it’s amazing that both our secretaries seem to be hitting it off. I’m not sure if Roger’s keen, but by the way, Katie’s wearing a hot sleeveless black dress with her boobs on display. I think that she;s more than keen.

  “Is Michelle coming too?”

  I ask because I don’t remember if she was on the invitation list.

  “Yep, I sent her an invite too and your parents. Don’t worry just get home and get ready. Okay?”

  My mind is already moving ahead to getting home, and I’m excited. In the time since we signed the contracts, my relationship with Marvin has grown and in many ways matured. We aren’t running around like kids anymore. Even though I know that he’ll love if it we were sexual again. I want to take things slow. One step at a time, because I think part of the reason that I was so upset is that I rushed things. I thought that everything was perfect between us and it made sense to just spend all my time with him.

  But I was a fool in love, and I don’t want to do that ever again.

  As soon as I get in the car and drive home. I slip off my shoes and then head to the bathroom. After taking one a quick shower, I take out the silver dress that I designed especially for tonight. I stare at it for a while remembering how far I’ve come in such a short space of time.

  I’d dreamed about this day so many times. I dry my hair tempted to call Marvin and ask if he wants us to arrive together. He’d offered before, and I kept thinking that it was too soon to move on to that stage. I want to take things slow, just for my sanity. He says that he respects it
and I hope he does because things have changed between us and only for the better.

  I do crave him sometimes at night I touch myself wishing that it’s his hand between my legs. I shake off my feelings as I grab the dryer for my hair. Before I switch it on, I hear my phone. I bend to get it off the bed, and there’s a message from Marvin.

  Marvin: I hope you don’t mind, but Kurt’s picking you up in twenty.

  Wow, he sent his driver. I quickly tell him, ‘Thanks’ and then get back to my task. Drying my hair. I wonder why he decided to send Kurt. I want to call and ask, but there’s no time to do that. I need to get going, because time is of the essence and for once in my life, I want to be on time.

  After a failed attempt to dry my hair with only two minutes left to get downstairs before Kurt rings my apartment. I wrap it up in a bun and then slip into the dress. It’s not exactly how I wanted to go tonight. I had a more glamorous style pictured in my mind. The girls wanted us to go to together, and I declined because this night means too much to me. I knew that if I went with them, I'd be even later.

  I can’t be late!

  Not tonight!

  I grab my purse and even forget to put on the chain and bracelet that I’ve spent weeks designing. I rush back to my dresser where they’re on display and dump them in my purse. I’ll put them on in the car. With everything in place, I’m just about to open the door when my apartment buzzer rings.

  Kurt!

  He’s right on time, which is more than I can say for myself at the best of times. I slip into my three-inch heels clear heels and hope that I don’t trip at the end of the night.

  On cue, I arrive outside and Kurt is holding the door open.

  “Good evening Ms. Crawford. You look as lovely as always.”

  I touch his arm and say, “Will you ever call me Emily?”

  “Sure, if you really want me to do. Then, I’ll call you Emily.”

  Thank goodness!

  I’ve asked him about ten times so there’s no way that I wouldn’t want him to call me Emily. Then as we drive, I look at the streets and realise something, that as much as I want to take it slow with Marvin. I hate being alone and I feel it when he’s not around. I can smell his woody scent the limo and it makes me want to call him and tell him that I want things to change. Maybe mom’s right and I’m really as stubborn as dad? I should be opening up the gates instead of putting them up as far as Marvin’s concerned and I decide that tonight’s the night that I’m going to make a change.