8.
His coughing fit lasted a few more seconds before my body sprang into action. Normally, I was very wary of people who were sick because I couldn't afford to get sick myself. Somehow, I convinced myself that this was different, mainly because he probably got sick from me.
"Oh my god, are you okay?", I asked as I rushed to straighten him off the wall he leaned onto.
My hands landed on his arms firmly as I pulled him upright.
I placed the back of my hand on his forehead, the heat immediately searing my skin.
"You're burning up, have you taken anything to help the cold? "
"I'm fine. It's just a cold. Thanks, by the way.", his voice was deep and clearly congested. His mouth was slightly parted, making his lips look pouty. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I brought you coffee.", I said. I followed his questioning gaze to my empty hands. Only then did I realize in all my haste and courage to get here, I had forgotten the one item that justified my random presence. "I-uh, shit. I forgot it at the office."
His eyes trailed upwards slowly. On normal circumstances, I would have taken the length of his gaze to mean something else, but considering he seemed be in slow motion today, I'd just conclude it to him being very sick.
"You know, if you wanted to see me you don't have to make an excuse.
", the left side of his lip tipped up slowly, and hung in a smirk.
His perfect straight teeth peeking through his pink lips made my thoughts wild.
I found myself somewhat entranced not just be his looks, but his blatant flirtation.
However, the moment he broke out into a sneezing fit, I knew I had to reign in my emotions.
"Alright, come on. Let's go to the couch.
", I said softly, as I rubbed his back in small circles that I hoped were comforting.
He must have been really sick because he didn't argue with me as I led him down the few steps and to the brown leather couch.
With a gentle push on his shoulders, he slowly sank onto the couch.
I pulled the throw blanket from the top of the couch and placed it on top of him, pushing in the loose edges under his body.
"What are you doing?", he tensed slightly as I tucked the blanket under his torso.
As I looked up to face him, I noticed how close we were.
My breath caught in my throat as my eyes quickly examined the edges and contours of his face.
I'd probably never be this close to his face again and I wanted to engrain his face in my memory as one of the most handsome men I've ever met, probably will ever meet.
His eyes were locked on mine, clearly not having the same intention as my wandering eyes did.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" He narrowed his eyes at my response.
I stood upright and turned my body to face the opposite of him.
There was a fireplace, lit with small flames flicking up, and a large TV screen.
That was it. It was bare and empty of any emotion or memory.
Cold and forgetful, like his office. "So, wanna pick a movie?
I'll order us some comfort food and I can us hot chocolate.
I make a mean hot chocolate. Trust me, you'll be at your 110% by tomorrow, and that's a Merile guarantee. "
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about his answer to my proposal.
My heart was racing and I felt my hands shake with a light tremor as seconds passed without one.
Finally, he nodded as he leant forward taking one arm out of the cocoon I basically wrapped him in and reached for the remote on the console.
As he grabbed and went to lean back, his hand brushed mine.
His tired expression hardened as his jaw clenched and eyebrows furrowed into nearly a straight line.
Clearly appalled by touching me, he avoided eye contact and focused on the TV screen behind me.
I tried to ignore the hurt his reaction to physically touching me produced.
I knew better than to be hurt by that, but it was easier said than done.
A man like that, so influential and powerful not in his looks but all aspects of his life, would never be with someone like me.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I pointed towards the direction I was facing. "Is that the way to the kitchen?"
All I received as a response was a tight nod.
I didn't take me long to find his kitchen. It was beautiful, much like the rest of what I'd seen of his house. Surprisingly, his pantry was fully stocked and had everything I needed to make my specialty hot chocolate.
Growing up, everyone in my family drank coffee. While they mastered that, I mastered the art of making a hot chocolate. It was my comfort beverage, my go to if ever I needed a little pick me up.
With the two mugs in my hand, I walked slowly to where Mr. Morrentti sat. Careful on my neck, I bent down to my knees and placed them on the table on their respective coasters. I stood upright, before plopping myself down on the couch.
"Why did you get up like that?", he asked as his face examined the side of mine. I had pulled out my phone and was ordering the best chinese takeout all of New York had to offer.
"Like what? What do you mean?", I asked passively. I didn't want to worry him. It was just a stiff neck after all and he was in much worse condition than I was.
While confirming my order, I received a text from Kyle telling me he didn't need me to come in tonight. I needed the money, but I would take it as an opportunity to study nonetheless. The quicker I graduated, the quicker I got a real paying job.
"Look at me.", his rough voice commanded. I shut off my phone as I turned my body slightly to face him. "See? Now what the fuck is that all about?"
Facing back towards the TV, I waved a hand in the air. "I didn't sleep well. My neck is tense. It's really not a big deal.", I said with a chuckle. "So, what are we watching?"
Instead of answering, he raised the remote and pressed play.
I was pleasantly surprised at his movie pick.
He chose Just Go With It with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler.
I always pictured him to be the horror or thriller genre type of man.
I loved those genre's but I was in a mood for a good light hearted film.
Despite myself, I tried to catch a few glimpses to see his reactions during the film. Tried being the key word since I could barely move my neck.
About fifteen minutes into the movie, his hand wrapped around my wrist as he pulled my arm towards him.
I turned towards him, confused. "What?"
"Come here." He sat further upright on the couch and widened his legs. His hand was still wrapped around my wrist as he pulled me closer and motioned to the space in between his legs.
"Why?", I asked. Although I was confused at what was going on, my body clearly was just rolling with it, doing whatever he demands.
My frustration reached tenfold as I felt myself get up and sit in the empty space.
My back was towards him and I leaned forward, trying to avoid us touching despite our close proximity.
This is so inappropriate. I should go back to my side before I embarrass myself and get Ophelia fired.
All sane thoughts left my head as quickly as they came in when I felt his his hands cup the expanse of my neck and collarbone.
He slowly worked his thumbs in the muscles of my neck, his soft skin rubbing against mine.
Like butter, I melted under his touch. My body slowly deflated from its stiff forward position.
Our legs were touching, his strong muscular thighs encasing mine.
I leant into his touch. The pain diminished with the more work he put into it. He was a mastermind with his hands, carefully and tactfully applying pressure. My eyes closed as I leaned my head forward, biting the content moan I so desperately wanted to release.
When I thought I could stay in this moment forever, his doorbell rang throughout the room alerting us of someone's presence.
His hands stilled on my shoulders and they slowly trailed their way down my back until they rested loosely on the sides of my waist. I rolled my neck slightly, feeling a greater range of motion than before.
I turned to look at him over my shoulder.
His eyes were cast down, staring at his hands. His jaw was tight.
"That must be the food. I'll be right back.", I said with a large smile that quickly got wiped off my face as I stood and his touch fell from my body.
I walked towards the door expecting it to have been the food I ordered. My footsteps stopped as I caught sight of a tall blonde haired woman kicking off her heels whilst hanging her jacket on the coat rod.
I was frozen like a statue praying to the heaven above she wouldn't see me but how could she not? I was literally standing smack dab right in the middle of the hallway entrance.
This was so awkward. I didn't know Mr. Morrentti had a girlfriend or wife or whatever she was to him. She probably wouldn't take kindly to me taking care of her man. I wouldn't.
"Oh, hey Ophelia! How are you?", she smiled as she greeted me. My racing heart calmed slightly knowing she had met 'me' in the past. I so did not want to get beat up today.
"Good, you?", I squeaked out.
"Good! Hey, do you know where Mason is?"
"Mason?"
"Mr. Morrentti? Your boss?", she asked with a teasing smile. Everything about her screamed elegance. Her warm brown eyes complimented her honey blonde hair. The twinkle in them matched the brightness of her smile, showcasing her perfect teeth behind red lips.
"Oh, yes. In the living room." I pointed behind me.
"Thanks! See ya!", she tossed me another envious smile as she walked past me in his direction.
She was here. She was meant to be here. I wasn't. I was his secretary. He called in sick. I wasn't supposed to be here. He had someone to take care of him. He would be okay.
With that, I slipped my coat and shoes on and left. I noticed the delivery arriving around the same time I managed to leave the door and I kind of felt sad that I wouldn't get to eat anything. At least that's what I tried to blame the sadness for. On the bright side, it wouldn't go to waste.
Written:
11/5