Emerald Eyes

by N. Michaels

  I keep my voice clam and my breathing steady, “Nice to meet you Miss Montgomery. Excuse me… long day tomorrow. Good night.”

  I turn and head to my bedroom but right before I reach my door, I hear Mr. Miller’s voice. I stop walking. I stop breathing. They can’t see me and I want to hear what Mr. Miller will say to her.

  “Why are you here Eliza?” Mr. Miller sounds agitated.

  “What, you’re not happy to see me?” she purrs.

  “I’m here for you, Eric, is it not clear? I missed you, but I’m more interested to know why you and your executive assistant are sharing a suite. I come to you and find this.” Eliza hisses the last part of the sentence.

  “I told you before, don’t visit me when I’m working. This is seriously pissing me off. You are pissing me off.” Mr. Miller growls quietly.

  “What about her? Does she piss you off?” her tone turns sarcastic. “Did you take your frustration on her?”

  I frown. What the hell does that suppose to mean?

  “Katherine is my employee, nothing more. Seriously Eliza, this jealousy has to stop and you can’t keep telling people you’re my girlfriend, when we both know damn well you are not.” Mr. Miller’s voice is border lining on a wild animal’s growl.

  I can’t listen to them anymore. The fact he said I’m just an employee, cuts me to the quick. I made up this whole flirting scenario in my head. This man is starting to seriously mess me up. I‘ve always been in control of my desires, always got what I wanted from any man, until he came along. I couldn’t even introduce him to Mark for crying out loud! It hasn’t been long enough but Mr. Miller’s already tearing me down, little by little, opening each seam until my soul will be torn wide open for him to do as he pleases. I need to keep him at arms length to make sure that won’t happen.

  No. I won’t let that happen.

  I open the bedroom door then quietly close it behind me. I pull the covers off, in frustration, thinking about her sharing his bed in a few moments and them having passionate make-up sex.

  I got to get the hell out of here tomorrow and get a different room.

  A long sad sigh escape my lips. I close my eyes, trying to think about anything but Mr. Miller’s breathtaking eyes, his lips… his hair… those sexy strands falling on his forehead… his arresting muscular physique…

  Stop!

  I toss and turn for what feels like an hour, trying to escape the turquoise irises that stare at me each time I close my eyes. Then I hear a light knock on my bedroom door.

  “Katherine?” The door muffles Mr. Miller’s voice.

  Slowly, I sit up and turn the lamp on my nightstand on. Excitement rushes over me, but I kill it at that same moment.

  Don’t get your lacey boyshorts in a twist; you just said you wouldn’t let anything happen.

  I pull my robe on, school my face and open the door. Mr. Miller’s turquoise eyes light up as he gazes down at me.

  “Is everything ok?” I ask.

  “I – I just wanted to apologize for what happened before. I wanted to make sure you’re all right.” Mr. Miller’s eyes float across my body, drinking me in until finally settling on my eyes.

  “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine. Ms. Montgomery is not the first jealous girlfriend I met. I’ll book a separate room tomorrow… give you guys some privacy.” My tone is reassuring, but I’m far from it, all I feel inside is hurt.

  I never knew rejection… never knew how bad it hurts.

  “No. There’s no need for that. She’s not staying with me… she’s not my girlfriend. Things between us are…” Mr. Miller frowns, looking like he’s struggling to find the right word. “Complicated.” He finally says, looking deep into my eyes looking for what...?

  I don’t know.

  “You don’t need to explain yourself, Mr. Miller. I understand.” I smile tightly.

  Mr. Miller sighs. He looks torn, his eyes search deep in mine and I know at that moment, I will never forget his heavenly turquoise eyes until the day I die. To haunt me, to taunt me, to remind me of the one man I desire with every cell of my body, with every thread of my being, and whom I’ll never have.

  Mr. Miller looks like he’s about to say something more, but he closes his mouth and shakes his head lightly.

  “I need you to stay with me. You’re a great help.” He says softly.

  My heartbeat quickens to those sweet words coming out of his mouth. Even though they are only work related, they still make my breath catch.

  “Ok, if you’re still comfortable with me being here, I’ll stay.” I murmur, surrendering to his penetrating eyes.

  “I am.” Mr. Miller smiles a soft, warm smile and all I want to do is press my lips to his, but I don’t. “Good night, Mr. Miller.” I say after a few moments of silence.

  Mr. Miller breathes out loudly, “Good night, Katherine.”

  I close the door and sag against it.

  He wants me to stay… She’s not staying with him.

  I fight that optimistic feeling that flares deep inside me, telling myself not to be delusional, but a tiny drop of hope gently falls on my heart and I fall asleep with a small smile on my lips, dreaming about hopeful possibilities and a coveted future.

  Morning arrives too quickly. I feel as if I’ve closed my eyes and a heartbeat later the sun was filling my room with bright light. I wash up and get dressed. I choose a V-neck, powder blue button down shirt and white pencil skirt that hugs my curved hips. I tie my hair into a high ponytail and apply light make-up. When I come out, Mr. Miller is nowhere to be seen.

  Is he still sleeping?

  I glance at my watch, its seven thirty a.m. I decide to order breakfast for Mr. Miller and me. Just when I put the receiver down, Mr. Miller walks in and I stop breathing. He’s wearing a navy, sleeveless t-shirt and black sweatpants. Beads of sweat at his hairline catch my eyes, and he wipes them with the white towel he’s holding in his hand. He’s been to the gym. Mr. Miller arms look bigger, but then again, I only saw them through shirts and t-shirts. They are sinfully shaped, every sinewy muscle defined and etched, as though a sculptor created him.

  I wonder how it would feel… his arms around me, squeezing me affectionately.

  The thought floats like a whisper in my head. Mr. Miller notices my reaction, I am sure I’m all wide-eyed and salivating. He smiles a smoldering smile, making me inhale and reminding me that I need to breathe.

  “Good Morning, Katherine.”

  “Good morning. I ordered some breakfast for us. Should be here soon.” I smile and mentally slap myself to wake up and stop ogling my boss.

  “Great.” Mr. Miller smiles again. “I’ll be in the shower.”

  I nod and he turns, walking out the room. My eyes linger a beat too long on his Traps and Lats, and I force myself to look away.

  Oh dear God… if this is a test of restraint, I feel like I’ll be getting an F.

  I notice my iPad on the dinning table so I take it and open the calendar. I see that Mr. Miller has only one meeting today. We’re meeting, Juan Ramirez at noon.

  I guess we’re going to SoFi.

  I’m a little apprehensive but Mr. Miller will be there with me. Mark wouldn’t dare messing with me when Mr. Miller is by my side.

  I hope.

  Ten minutes later, the dinning table is ready with breakfast for two. As if on cue, Mr. Miller walks into the room. His hair, still wet from the shower, is glistening with water droplets. He’s wearing a white shirt, sleeves rolled three quarters up, showing off his powerful forearms and who would’ve believed it… Mr. Miller makes khaki pants look hot. He walks towards the table, barefoot and comfortably sexy.

  We settle down and start eating. Passing the milk, the maple syrup, and the sugar. Chitchatting over silly things. This feels great, comfortable and easygoing. Like we’ve known each other for years. I like this part of him, the laid-back, smiling man, not the cryptic, serious boss. Then three loud knocks interrupt our relaxed breakfast. A small piece of pancake h
alts in my throat, and I grab the orange juice to force it down.

  “I’ll get it.” Mr. Miller rises.

  When I look over at the door, I see Eliza throwing her arms around Mr. Miller’s neck, trying to plant a kiss but she hits his cheek instead.

  “Morning, babe!” she smiles brightly.

  “Good morning, Eliza.” Mr. Miller releases her.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting…” Eliza looks at me and then adds “or maybe I hope I am.”

  “Good morning, Miss. Montgomery.” I smile at her, unfazed.

  “Eliza, call me Eliza.” She says dryly.

  Mr. Miller’s cellphone rings in his bedroom and he excuses himself, leaving the room. Eliza sits in Mr. Miller’s chair, making herself a cup of coffee.

  “Listen and listen good.” Eliza points the teaspoon she’s holding at me. “Eric is mine. I don’t care if you’re crushing on him, but know that nothing will ever happen between you two. I’ve known him and loved him for years. I’m the only one that can handle him. So whatever plans you’re making in that head of yours, cut it out.”

  She takes a sip and looks at me menacingly.

  Handle him?

  “Eliza. I understand.” I lift my hands in mock-defeat. “You don’t need to keep marking your territory like an eager Chihuahua.”

  I look at her as her mouth drops open and she turns crimson. If it was possible, I could probably see steam coming out of her ears and the top of her head.

  Ha!

  “Chi… Chihuahua?” she growls. “I’ve been there for Eric every time he needed me emotionally and physically! So trust me bitch, you’re in for a huge disappointment!” She hisses at me.

  I lean back in my chair and keep my cool, even though all I want to do is sucker punch her.

  “Like I said. I understand. You won’t have any problems coming from me.” I keep my face smooth and serious.

  It hurts me that she had him first, that she knows him in everyway… everyway that I won’t. But why is she reacting this way? If she had Mr. Miller for years, why is she reacting as if he might dump her is a blink of an eye?

  Eliza lifts and eyebrow and eyes me suspiciously.

  Wow, major jealousy problems with this one… but I could see why… if Mr. Miller were mine, I would have done the same if not worst.

  “What’s going on?” Mr. Miller is standing at the entrance of the room, glaring at Eliza and me.

  “Oh, nothing… just girl talk, ya know.” Eliza smiles a very fake smile at me.

  I smile and nod while Mr. Miller approaches the table and picks up his coffee. He settles on the couch, facing us.

  “So, what are your plans for tonight?” Eliza asks Mr. Miller. “I was thinking dinner, just me and you.” She winks at him and I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

  “Not tonight. Tonight, we’re going to SoFi.” Mr. Miller looks at me, eyes blazing.

  Eliza follows his stare and frowns slightly.

  “Well, I’m coming too… I’ll just need a new dress and shoes, and I’ll be good to go.” Eliza chirps up, and I notice how annoying her voice becomes when she tries too hard.

  “All right, we have extra tickets so you can join us.” Mr. Miller says dryly.

  He reaches for the tickets on the coffee table, and holds one up. Eliza jumps up and snatches it out of his hand.

  “Great! I’ll see you at…” she looks at the ticket. “Ten!” she smiles a victory smile and looks at me.

  I give her a small smile that really says go to hell.

  Eliza leans into Mr. Miller, trying to kiss him on his lips, but he moves his head slightly and she only gets his cheek… again. Mr. Miller looks at her with fury and she gets the message.

  “See you later.” Eliza says as she walks out of our suite.

  I look back at Mr. Miller who sighs, “I’m sorry. Again. She get extremely jealous when I’m around beautiful women.” He smiles apologetically.

  I roll my eyes and smile, “It’s fine. I told you last night, she’s not the first jealous girlfriend I had to deal with.”

  “She’s not my girlfriend.” Mr. Miller looks at me intently and I feel his eyes piercing my soul.

  I’m paralyzed momentarily, taken aback at his divine and powerful features. His beautiful irises captivate me with their heat. His powerful face is flawless… He truly is gorgeous. I inhale hastily and smile, “Whatever she is, she’s very territorial.”

  Mr. Miller frowns slightly, “That she is.” He mumbles.

  “So… what are we doing before the meeting at noon?” I change the subject.

  “Work. I need you to print out a contract for Mr. Ramirez. Rose sent it to you. After that you need to make the PowerPoint presentation for the meeting.” He eyes me cautiously.

  If you had actual work experience as an executive assistant, you’d know this!

  “Of course, I’ll get right on it.” I smile my irresistible smile and feign confidence.

  Mr. Miller looks at me intently, probably trying to figure out this bizarre executive assistant he’s got, then nods and returns to the dinning table to finish his breakfast.

  I cannot eat now, the panic that seized me merely seconds ago, has shut my throat tight.

  I hate being unprepared!

  I go to my bedroom and turn my Mac on. I log into my email account and find the contract Rose has emailed me. I click print, but then I realize there’s no printer in our suite.

  Oh God, how am I supposed to print this damn contract?

  I click the ‘Help’ button and read that I need to set up a connection to a printer, via cable connection or wireless network.

  Riiiggghhht…

  I pick up the phone on my nightstand, and ask the front desk where I can print documents. Gary, the young man on the other line, guides me step by step, how to connect my Mac to the hotel’s wireless network, and then to the printer. After that’s been established, I convince him by flirting a little to have someone deliver the documents once they’re ready. Gary agrees and assures me, that he himself will deliver them. I smile victoriously at the familiar feeling of men succumbing to my charms.

  Except, Mr. Miller.

  I refuse to dwell on that and start working on the PowerPoint presentation. While I work my appetite wakes up and I head to the kitchen to grab a snack. I find a Granny Smith apple and head to the bedroom, when light knocks on the door stop me midway. I open the door and see a tall, young man, wearing hotel uniform with a nametag that reads, ‘Gary’. I smile at him and he blushes.

  What a cutie. My smile broadens.

  “Hello Miss Slav. I’m Gary from the front desk. Here are your documents.”

  His brown eyes twinkle as I reach for them and touch his fingertips by accident.

  “Thank you Gary. You’re a lifesaver!” I wink at him and I’m rewarded with a shy smile.

  “No problem. If there’s anything you might need, please don’t hesitate to call.”

  “I’ll remember that. Have a lovely day Gary.” I tip him generously.

  “You too.” He replies and I close the door.

  I turn around, finding Mr. Miller sitting on the couch, his left arm is stretched out on the back of it, his right ankle is resting on his left knee and an open file is resting on his thigh. He’s looking at me with an amused expression on his face.

  “They just can’t resist, can they?” his voice is full of humor.

  “As long as I can. It makes no difference to me.” I shrug.

  Mr. Miller smiles softly and nods.

  “I’m working on the presentation now. Here’s the contract.” I lightly shake the documents up.

  “After you’re done, you can go shop for a dress for tonight and shoes, if you’d like. You can use your work card. It will be considered as a work expense.” Mr. Miller says.

  “Really? That’s great! Thank you!” I smile.

  I refine myself from jumping up and down at the joy of a free dress and shoes, but as I take a few steps towards my room, a
memory of my first day in the office hits me, Eliza fanning her face with Mr. Miller’s platinum Amex.

  I stop walking. I don’t want to be like her, a user. I don’t want Mr. Miller to look at me like he looks at her, as an annoyance. As much as I would love a free dress and new shoes, I must decline. I turn around.

  “Actually, I don’t think shopping will be necessary. I believe I brought something of my own.” I smile softly.

  Mr. Miller frowns slightly, looking at me, perplexed, “As you wish.” he mutters.

  I turn again; grab my apple and head back to my room to finish the presentation. At eleven a.m. sharp, I’m done. The presentation shows perfectly why Mr. Ramirez should sell forty nine percent of his company’s shares to Miller Financial Enterprise, and the contract is neatly settled inside the company’s folder. I stretch out on my bed and breath in deeply. I’ve never thought about how hard people work, until now. I miss my lazy days; hanging out by the pool, reading a good book, shop-till-you-drop days with my girlfriends, partying… A light knock on my door brings me to the now. I rise and open the door.

  “Still breathing?” Mr. Miller teases.

  “Yes. I’m done.” I giggle, looking at my Mac and the folder that rest on my nightstand.

  “That’s good. Our meeting will be over lunch, at Prime Italian.”

  “Do you need me to reserve a private room?”

  “No. Rose did that already.”

  “Oh…” I suddenly feel a little useless.

  My head falls fractionally. Mr. Miller reaches for my chin and lifts it slightly so I can look into his eyes. His touch is so light and warm it heats my skin instantly.

  With mesmerizingly eyes and a soft voice he says, “Don’t worry. You’re new… you’ll learn soon enough.” Mr. Miller smile melts me from the inside and I beam back at him.

  His fingers linger on my chin and as he removes them, his thumb lightly strokes my cheek. I gasp at the light spark of electricity I feel, igniting my desire for him and instinctively, I lean into his warm body. Mr. Miller’s eyes heat up, blazing and pinning me to the spot and my breath hitches as I watch, captivated, as his lust takes over him. I’ve never felt this ferocious instant passion before, not like this. He’s barely touched me, but I’m already burning for him.