Emerald Eyes

by N. Michaels

  “I don’t have his number.” I frown.

  “You were plastered weren’t you…” he sighs. “He wanted you to call him in the morning to make sure you’re ok so he gave you his card, I’m guessing you put it in your purse.”

  “Oh… ok. Yeah, I’ll check… oh my God! I need to call Laura! She’s probably called a S.W.A.T team by now.” I run into the foyer and grab my purse.

  “I know I asked you this already, but who’s Laura?” he tilts his head to the side, making himself look even more attractive than he already is.

  Phone in hand, I explain hastily. “Laura is my nanny… err… I mean my housekeeper. Well, she use to be my nanny when I was a child and now she just a housekeeper I guess.”

  I feel my cheeks heat and irritation kicks in.

  Why am I blushing?

  “Your nanny… became your housekeeper…?” he looks bewildered.

  “Yes, and she’s overprotective. She also feels like reporting everything to my parents is also in the job description.” I ramble.

  With amusement in his eyes and a small smile he says, “Well, make sure she calls off the Marines.”

  He kisses the top of my head and leaves.

  I let out a long deep breath and dial her number. After fifteen minutes of calming down Laura, Will and Milan, I decide to look around. Call me snoopy, but is a flaw I have, I’m just curious. I walk around the spacious living room, it’s so masculine, not a shred of femininity in here. The walls are light grey and the couch and the loveseat are creamy in color. The oval coffee table is made of glass with stainless steel rods.

  I walk over to the fireplace and notice a simple silver frame on the mantel. In it a photo of what looks like a younger version of Mr. Miller with his parents. They must be his parents because the woman has the same exact gorgeous eyes and the man has the same exact hair... sexy strands on forehead included.

  I smile back at the grinning teenager, each arm around each parent in a warm embrace. His parents are stunning. I understand why he himself is so striking. I wonder what type of people they were before the accident. Instantly, I feel a wave of sorrow and my heart aches for him, for losing his father and even his mother in a way. I leave the only photo in the room and move along, deeper into the room where I notice a dais with a black winged piano on it. A C. Bechstein D282. I smile and run my fingers on the keys.

  I would love to hear him play… or the both of us together.

  I walk into the hallway I came out of and stop when I find a closed door, my curiosity heightens and I open the door. It’s his home office, just as impressive as the one at work. Taupe walls and dark hardwood floors make the room warm and peaceful.

  Mr. Miller’s desk dominates the room, situated in front of the window. Right across it, a massive bookcase filled with many different textbooks is pressed against the wall. I can imagine him sitting at his desk with that focused expression he has when he’s deep in thought.

  I walk to the window, realizing I still have no idea where I am. I look out of the window and my jaw drops. I have a birds-eye view of Central Park and upper Manhattan.

  And here I thought I had a great view.

  I’m lost in the magnificent landscape when a warm breathe fans across my neck, startling me. I turn quickly to find a frowning Miller.

  “I was about to kiss you.”

  “Sorry about that… you scared me. I didn’t even hear you walk in.” I breathe out.

  “Sorry to have scared you. Are you enjoying the view?” he wraps his arms around my waist and my hands naturally lift to his biceps.

  “I am. You got a killer view. Are we on 58th?”

  “West 57th. I got it the moment construction ended.” He looks around the room then his eyes return to mine.

  “Ready for lunch?”

  I nod and he kisses me. It starts slow and gentle but then it heats up, leaving us breathless when we stop. His turquoise eyes shimmer with the unbearable temptation that’s rising between us.

  “Ah God, I want you again.” He growls and tightens his arms around me.

  His mouth takes mine in frenzy, kissing and biting away as I press myself against him, trying to get as close to him as I can. Until my stomach voices her protest and we both laugh into our kiss.

  “Ok, ok… food… gotcha.” He smiles against my lips.

  Watching Mr. Miller cook is entrancing. The way his arm muscles flex while stirring the pasta in the hot water, and the way he just knows how much heavy cream and butter is needed without measuring. I just sit at the kitchen island with a glass of chilled Chardonnay.

  “You know you’re turning me on right?” I toss over my glass then take a sip.

  He chuckles, “What doesn’t turn you on?”

  “With you, nothing.” I say seriously, placing the glass on the island.

  He turns to me, “It’s the same with me, kitten, the fact you’re breathing is sufficient. Now taste the sauce.”

  He levels the wooden spoon to my mouth, allowing me to swipe my tongue quickly to taste it and hum my approval. His lips twitch and he pokes my cheek with the spoon.

  “Oh damn… got you all dirty again. Here, let me clean that for you.” He husks.

  He leans in, brushing my hair away from my face then he lowers his mouth and slowly licks the sauce off my cheek. Instantly, I feel a familiar ache between my thighs and I gasp as his mouth lowers to my neck.

  Moaning, I look over at the stove, “Ah…the… food… it’s… oh... damn…”

  My eyes roll back as he flicks of his tongue over the hollow of my neck and then kisses it softly. He moves away with a carnal look in his eyes. Smirking, he turns back to the stove. I close my eyes and sigh.

  At the moment, life is good.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  After the delicious lunch, we decided to go out for a walk in Central park. Since I have no clothes in Mr. Miller’s apartment, he called his personal shopper in Bergdorf Goodman and thirty minutes later, I was in black yoga pants, a white tank top and white Gucci sneakers. I twisted my hair into a high bun and came out of his bedroom, finding him standing in the foyer, typing away on his phone.

  “Eric, I’m ready.”

  Wide-eyed, he looks up at me with an expression I find hard to fathom.

  “What? Is it too tight?” I look down at my boobs.

  “No, you look great. You said ‘Eric’. You called me by my name… I like that. A lot.” He pulls me into him, looking down at my lips.

  “Say it again.” He whispers.

  Smiling softly, I repeat his name, “Eric.”

  “Again…” he lowers his head and I tilt mine back.

  “Eric.” My lips brush his as I say his name and he inhales a deep breath.

  Closing his eyes and bringing his forehead to mine he rasps, “You make me hard just by saying my name… what does that say, kitten?”

  Eric’s hand lowers to my butt and he presses me against him, letting me feel just how firmly affected he is.

  “That I’m a very lucky woman.” I wrap my arms around his neck.

  “I’m the one who’s lucky. I can’t believe I kept pushing you away.” He pulls back suddenly with a frown.

  “It’s not because I didn’t want you. I wanted you the moment I saw you. It’s because I wanted you so much, I needed to have some distance. I didn’t want my attraction to you… God, attraction is not nearly enough to describe what I feel for you. I hunger for you, like a drug.” He exhales and looks away for a moment.

  “I didn’t want my hunger for you to mess-up work… does that make sense?” he whispers, tilting his head to the side.

  I nod, “Yeah, I get it… I actually thought you were gay at some point. But – “ I continue before he speaks out, “I quickly understood that you’re straight, and just thought you weren’t interested… but I’m glad I was wrong.” I smile up at him.

  He kisses the tip of my nose, “Let’s go take that walk or I’ll prove to you again just how straight I am.” He smacks my but
t and I giggle.

  When we reach the lake in the park, my phone chirps up. I look down at the screen and read the reminder for the Gala that will be this upcoming Friday.

  Got to call Marcus… Eric will need a new suit.

  “What is it?” Eric tightens the arm around my waist.

  “Just a reminder about the Gala this Friday. I’ll need to call your tailor and order a new suit.” I smile at him.

  See… I’m learning.

  Eric’s smile slips and he stops walking.

  “About that…” he looks down with a frown and his jaw clenches tightly.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Damn it…” he mutters then sighs, “I’m… I’m going to the Gala with Eliza.”

  His eyes are apologetic but I can’t get passed how stunned I feel.

  And I’m going to be there too…

  I take a few steps back, out of his arms and shake my head to clear all the questions that are bombarding my mind. I settle on one of them.

  “You rather to take her than me?” I frown.

  His eyes widen and he holds up his hand to make me stay.

  “Stop, kitten, it’s not like I chose her over you – “

  “It’s exactly like that!” my voice rises with the painful sensation that’s intensifying in my chest.

  I look away and notice that people are looking at us.

  Shit… I’m making a scene.

  Embarrassed, I look back at Eric. A muscle in his jaw jumps and his eyes are barely containing his fury. He noticed the curious onlookers as well.

  “I asked her the day I received the invitation. Besides, it’s work, we said we’re going to be professional when it comes to work.” He says through clenched teeth then lifts a dark eyebrow as he waits for my reply.

  My chest feels like it’s been punched through. I try to take a deep breath but my lungs burn. It feels like they’re not even working. I nod and look away. I can’t look at him right now.

  “You’re right, we did. I guess I should tell you this now, so you won’t think I’m stalking you or something, but I’m going to be there as well, with my parents.” I look back at him and shrug, “Just thought you should know.”

  Eric’s eyes widen, he opens his mouth then closes it.

  I sigh, “I guess I should head home.” I look up at the reddening sky, “It’s getting late.”

  I want to be alone now.

  My eyes lock with his and I see it, his turmoil inside and something passes in his eyes.

  “Don’t shut me out, kitten.” He whispers.

  “I’m not. I promised Laura I’ll help her with something.” I lie.

  His eyes harden, “Talk to me.”

  “Eric, there’s nothing to talk about. I understand. I’m not mad.” I muster a smile, “but I do need to go.”

  Frowning, Eric nod and leads me back to his building.

  When did I learn to lie so well, to hide my emotions behind a façade of indifference?

  Is he really all mine or is a part of him belongs to Eliza? The thought weakens me further.

  Our ride back is silent. I keep my eyes on the window and he keeps his on the road, the tension is so intense it’s tangible, yet we say nothing.

  Only when Eric parks in front of my building, he cups my cheek and speaks up.

  “Please don’t be sad, I don’t want to see you hurting. The Gala will be the last thing I ever do with her. I do owe her a decent goodbye. She was a person I would go to when I was in need… I can’t just cut things like that.” His face is tormented and it breaks my heart to see him like this.

  I fight the tears that are welling up in my eyes, as I realize slowly how much Eliza really means to him.

  “Fine, I understand.” I swallow through the lump in my throat.

  I frown as one question keeps flashing in my mind. I ignore the fact I’m already about to cry and ask him anyway.

  Looking deep into his stormy eyes I ask, “Do you love her?”

  Eric immediately says, “No. What I feel for her is a liking, nothing more… not love. I’ve never loved anyone, yet…” he brushes his thumb over my cheek as though he’s giving me a small hint.

  I release a shaky breath, “Ok… I believe you. I’ll see you Monday.” I whisper and manage a small smile.

  His brows furrow again, “Are you sure you’re ok?” his eyes scrutinize mine.

  “Yes, of course.” I force my smile to broaden and nod in emphasize.

  He nods slowly after a beat then leans in to kiss me. The hand that’s cradling my cheek slides to the nape of my neck, pulling me closer until our lips connect. Eric kisses me slow and sweet, taking my upset away with each press of his soft lips. My hand moves to his shoulder and I clench it tightly. Kissing him back, I pour all my jealousy and insecurity into the kiss, making it more desperate and needy. Our lips part and his tongue slide into my mouth, gliding and circling around mine. A small moan escapes me as he sensually sucks on my tongue, making me wet and ready.

  I pull away once I remember where we are, inside a parked car in front of my building while people are walking by on the sidewalk and cars are zooming by on the street.

  Breathless, he looks at me with hooded eyes, “I don’t think I can let you go now…”

  I smile and kiss his lips again, soft and quick.

  “You’re just gonna have to.”

  I come out of the car and enter my building. I walk into an empty apartment. This has been happening quite often lately. I wonder what Laura is up to. I skip dinner I can’t possibly eat now. My stomach is in a huge tight knot. I go straight to my bedroom and fall down on my bed. I know Eric said he doesn’t love Eliza, but how much does she mean to him? He told me she was someone he went to when he was in need, meaning she was his shoulder to lean on.

  God damn it! Why am I driving myself crazy?

  I’ve never felt jealousy. Never felt like I am unworthy or beneath someone.

  God, this is really messing me up.

  I clench my pillow hard as frustration bursts in me. I can’t do anything about this, we promised work is work… but Eliza can be sure as hell I won’t just hand him over on a silver platter.

  I fell for him, hard… so hard. Like I’ve never fallen for anyone before. Eric takes my breath away and amazes me every time we’re together… and the sex, oh my God… I bit my lip as goose bumps bloom on my skin. Just one look from him and I’m wet, panting and willing.

  I’m lost in my sexual fantasy when I hear my cellphone ring. I snap out of it and leap out of bed to answer.

  “Hello?” I exhale.

  “Katya? Are you all right?” it’s mama.

  “Hi mama, yes, I’m fine. I was just in the bedroom and the phone was in the living room, so I ran to get it.”

  “Oh goodness, I thought I called you in a bad time…” she giggles making me shake my head and smile.

  “No, mama… not busy at all. How are you?”

  “Good! I actually called you to ask you to join me on Thursday. I want to schedule an appointment at SoHo Spa.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s a good idea. I’ll be there, just make it after five p.m. ok?”

  This is great, this is much needed pampering.

  “I’ll make it for five forty, all right?”

  “Sure, that’s fine. How’s papa?”

  “Oh the usual, you know saving lives.” She says with a cheerful tone but I know what lies beneath it, loneliness and longing.

  “As long as he doesn’t forget you mama…” I sigh.

  I hate this profession. That is one of the reasons why I didn’t want to become a neurosurgeon. Never having time for your loved ones.

  “Oh no Katya, he never forgets. Don’t say silly things.”

  “I’m sorry mama, you’re right.”

  She stays with him through thick and thin. No matter how lonely she feels, she defends him every chance she gets… that’s how much she loves him. It makes me think about my situation.

  I won’t give up
on Eric that easily... no, scratch that, I won’t give up at all.

  After catching up with mama, I showered and went bed but no matter how I laid or how hard I tried, I just couldn’t fall asleep. My mind kept playing a thousand different scenarios of how Eliza and Eric end up naked in bed.

  Bloody hell…

  I placed the heels of my palms on my eyes and took a deep breath, releasing it slow and steady.

  “He doesn’t love her, he doesn’t love her… he does not love her…” I mumbled quietly over and over again, until I finally felt the waves of exhaustion lull me to sleep.

  I spent all Sunday in my building’s gym. Working out clears my mind and I needed that. At six p.m. I fell down on my couch and passed out for a quick power nap. I woke up to Laura shaking me awake and dangling my cell in front of my face.

  “Your phone is ringing non-stop. I think you should pick up.” She says with a hushed voice.

  Sleepily, I grab it and look at the caller I.D.

  Mr. Miller.

  My eyes snap wide open and I jump up, tangling my feet together and ending up on all fours.

  “Ouch…” I cringe at the pain shooting from my knees.

  “Be careful.” Laura admonishes then helps me up while I answer the call.

  “Hello?” I wince.

  “Katherine! Where the hell have you been? Why aren’t you picking up your damn phone?” Eric roars.

  I frown and walk into my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

  “What’s going on? Why are you screaming at me?”

  “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you since morning! Where the hell have you been?” he snarls.

  My frown becomes a scowl.

  “I’ve been at the gym. I didn’t take my phone. Is there something I can help you with?” I snap back.

  What the hell has gotten into him?

  I hear him take a deep breath. “I want to see you. Now.”

  “Well… I’m heading into the shower now – “

  “Good. Make sure you let Laura know, I’m two minutes away from you.” He hangs up.

  Stunned, I look down at my phone.

  What the…?

  I quickly let Laura know we’re expecting a guest and jump into the shower. Exhilaration bubbles up inside me as I lather up. How can he irritate me and excite me at the same time?