On the way to the hotel, Mark busied himself with his office work as Melissa sat quietly beside him. Acting like she didn't exist, he discussed his work schedule with his assistant as he went through the documents he had to sign.
Her gaze trailed to the colorful buildings they passed getting to the heart of the city, she wondered why he brought her along. He was not as playful as he was in Tommy's room. With his straight face screaming don't get any closer, one could hardly believe he was the same person. Glancing at him, she thought of starting a conversation but thought against it opting to alight.
"Drop me off at the intersection. I will take a taxi to the hotel." Avoiding being seen arriving in his limousine, she requested.
As the driver slowed down, he caught his boss's gaze through the rearview mirror.
"Keep driving." Mark instructed his attention still on his work.
"Hey, stop." Melissa shouted as the vehicle neared the highway, but they didn't stop.
Biting her bottom lip she grayed at Mark who went on with his work like nothing had happened. Having ordered, Melissa knew the car won't stop. Sighing in her heart all she could do was to sit back and brace herself for what awaited her.
The hotel was not located far from the city, but it was tranquil. Trees were planted along the road giving a mystical feel of walking into the forest. Rowling down the window, Melissa closed her eyes inhaling the sweet cool fresh air. Without the motor noise and the city rush, it was like being back in the province. She had come here several times but every time she was mesmerized by its beauty. So close to the city yet so quiet and peaceful.
Watching her lips curve up with her eyes closed, Mark closed the file taking time to draw in all her beauty. He had tried to finish the important work he had, but he couldn't focus. He noted every slight movement she made and whenever she glanced at the time he wanted to look at her. Gaze into her eyes and hold her hand just to feel her soft warm skin under his.
As the hotel came to view, she opened her eyes catching him staring at her.
Staring back at him, Melissa felt her heart thud causing her to take shallow breaths.
"Welcome, sir!" The security guard spoke as they passed the gate causing Melissa to back away from Mark.
The hotel was opening the following day for customers, awaiting the official opening ceremony that Saturday.
Though her project was finished ending the contract, she accepted a full time job as one of the chief designers. Working in the hotel chain and real estate with her two office mates and the team they had built.
Trying to keep her thoughts from Man beside her, she looked at the hotel feeling accomplished, having designed a first five star hotel. Though her colleagues had chipped in, most of the design ideas were hers. She was not highly educated but her work was impeccable.
As the vehicle went around the fountain stopping at the entrance, most employees stopped their work to salute their boss.
They were already in their workstation getting the place ready for the guests.
Sliding out of the car as the door opened, she smiled at Mark's bodyguards who escorted them to the hotel entrance. Making sure the place was safe and secure for their boss.
Melissa walked beside Mark their hands almost touching, hoping only the hotel staff would be there to greet him. But to her horror, when the glass doors slide open, her manager, the hotel manager, and her whole department were in the lobby waiting.
"Welcome, sir." The hotel manager spoke as all eyes fell on her.
They looked as surprised as she did and for a moment she didn't know what to do. Standing there lost in her thoughts, she didn't understand what Mark was saying to the manager until one of the staff coughed. It was probably her friend Nancy. She didn't have time to check as she noticed Mark raise his eyebrows at her.
"What? Oh, sorry, sir." Getting back to her senses she realized he was addressing her while everyone quietly awaited her response.
"As I was saying, Ms.White shall show me around and give a detailed account of the work put into this place." He told the manager who kept nodding at his every word.
"No, I mean. My senior is here, she should show you around sir." Melissa made an excuse trying to get away.
The situation was as bad as she thought it would be and she didn't know what to tell her office mate's when they start asking questions. More so, she didn't want to be in a room alone with him.
"Melissa, since this project was carried out by you, no one else is in a better position to give the tour. That's why I sent you to welcome Mr Johnson." As the manager directed, Melissa looked at her two colleagues noticing they were not as surprised as everyone else.
Apparently, the manager had made an excuse for her. Now she understood why neither Nancy nor Jenifer had told her anything about meeting in the hotel. It seemed Mark had everything well planned.
Side by side they walked around the lobby, enjoying the view from the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the hotel garden. With blooming flowers lighting up the room, they married perfectly with the skylights. The hazelnut color made one feel the tranquility and serenity that you experience when outdoors in the countryside. With the floor lamps illuminating the white cushioned woven chairs, she pictured herself seated there with Mark beside her.
With him so close, she shook the thought away, afraid he would read her mind.
Carrying out the project, Melissa was afraid of disappointing Mark. And when she saw his face lit up and his lips twitch in approval as he looked around she felt relieved. The project was a success.
As one of the board members who had come to see how the opening preparation was progressing came to meet Mark, she excused herself. Heading to the restaurant for tea, she joined Nancy and Jenifer.
"Hi, can I have a cup of tea please?" Melissa placed her order as she sat at the table.
The staff were offered a special treat to celebrate their accomplishments. Getting free breakfast and massage at the spa.
"This is great. Melissa finally decides to join us." Nancy scoffed.
"Don't mind her, she's a bit jealous you got to a company the big boss. Try these pies, they are to die for." Jenifer handed her the plate not sparing Nancy a glance as she shoot daggers at her with her eyes.
"Melissa you're my friend and you knew I could do anything to spend five minutes with Mark Johnson." Nancy turned to Melissa pouting her mouth. "When the manager asked you to accompany our CEO, you should have turned him down. Ask me to join him instead but what did you do? You even had to match clothes with him. I am so hurt." She held her chest dramatically showing how much pain she was in.
Seeing her sad face, both Jenifer and Melissa laughed.
Melissa tried apologizing but as always Nancy couldn't quit her drama until she promised to introduce them.
Looking at the three men who walked into the restaurant sitting across from them, Melissa realized Nancy was right. Mark wore a well tailored black suit with a white shirt that matched her dress. He was so handsome, no wonder all the women in the room had a clash on him.
As if sensing her stare, he looked at her but she raised her tea cup covering her face avoiding his gaze.
After breakfast, they went for the meeting in one of the conference rooms and she had to sit beside him. Having to answer a call, James left the room briefly leaving her to act as his assistant. And every now and then he turned to her, asking about some of the agenda being discussed.
With his warm breath fanning her neck, occasionally accompanied by the smell of his masculine cologne unsettled her nerves making her uncomfortable.
He congratulated everyone for the great work and gave a list of other hotels they were to open in their current financial year.
As the meeting ended the manager sent most of the employees back to the office but Melissa had to continue the tour around the rooms, especially the VIP rooms which were fully booked for the opening ceremony.
Not wanting to be alone with Mark, she asked Nancy and Jenifer to accompany them after the brief introduction but James declined assigning them to other duties. As Mark walked to the elevator, he shook his head enjoying Melissa's stunts as she always looked for an excuse to get away. No one other than her was bold enough to question or oppose him.
"Ms. White, are you coming?" James held the elevator indicating for her to join them. On the other hand, The manager urged her to follow, to avoid angering Mark by delaying him. Swallowing her pride, she reluctantly walked into the elevator standing at the corner far from them. And kept cracking her knuckles as they went up to the top floor.
At the presidential suite, James excused himself to answer a video call, leaving them both in the room.
Taking a deep breath Melissa went on to explain the choice of color they used for the lighting and other decorations in the room and the hotel. With his gaze on her, Mark grabbed her arm ruthlessly, taking her to one of the bedrooms.
"Mark! What are you doing? Stop you are hurting me." She shouted hitting him to let her go.
"No one questions me, which you seem to enjoy so much." He pushed her onto the bed and stared her down. For a moment Melissa felt frightened. She had never seen him this furious. He looked ready to pounce on her but she was not going to let him intimidate her.
"You tricked me into coming here. Put up a show in front of my colleagues and drag me around like a parapet." She complained trying to get up. "Well Mr. CEO, everyone is used to doing as you command but not me. I'm not your typical employee."
Looking at her flashed annoyed face he couldn't help but guffaw a bit. "I see that." Traping her on the bed he slowly kissed her on the cheek from left to right. "It's always a turn on when you get so angry, love." He whispered into her ear nibbling her earlobe.
"Get off me you son of a...." She tried pushing him off but he held her hands above her head.
Leaning closer holding her gaze, he sealed her lips with his swallowing the curses. Deepening the kiss she gradually relaxed, putting her hand's around his neck as his hand lavished her body. He caressed and kissed her from her eyes to her neck enjoying her sweat lavender perfume cent. With his hand under her dress, she unbuttoned his shirt...
Melissa.....!