I expect all you none voting readers to get back on track now that ya boy back.😤😑
I'll admit my infatuation with Derrick was a bit unhealthy. It was a fantasy that wasnt harming anyone. We all have our dreams. I just never truly believed I'd be faced with that man. In real life not my mind. He was standing in the flesh. My heart was beating so hard I could hear it. Like an idiot I stood there staring at him. While everyone else stared at him. He didn't seem to mind the others though.
"My my my you have changed." He added, his eyes trailing at his leisure. No longer the girl he once knew. Everything on her was entirely womanly.
"Derrick......wow, hi." Melinda fumbled out, her checks heating in embarrassment. He tilted his head eyes flashing in amusement.
"Hi." He repeated. I didnt know what the hell to say. I just knew I felt a stirring deep in me. He had thrown me off my rocker.
"You just gonna stand there...and not give me a hug?" He teased lightly.
"Oh." She muttered, cheeks heating further.
Stepping forward he smothered her with an embrace. She bit her lip to keep from moaning. This man smelled so damn good. His arms god they were strong and firm. No longer was he lanky, he was definitely toned. Blinking she realized how long this hug had been stepping back his arms were almost hesitant to drop. Or was she mistaken? Looking down at her with such bright fondness you wouldn't guess they hadnt spoken in years.
As he opened his mouth to indulge in conversation his name was called. An old classmate jumping into conversation rudely. Soon he was bombarded with people congratulating him and trying to get in his good grace's. Half of which had been prominent bullies in his life. Sighing Melinda slowly traded off in the crowd. Heading for the bathroom. That man had made a mess of her panties. 3 years of celibacy and one look at him had her creating a waterfall.
Taking care of herself she exited the bathroom. Face to face with her something husband. Her body froze before her mind registered location. He wasn't stupid enough to cause a scene right here. Cooling her nerves she scowled at him.
"What?"
"What the fuck was that?" He hissed stepping closer.
"A hug Robert." She answered dryly, he gritted his teeth clenching his fists.
"I said no flirting. So why dont you take the keys and go home before you piss me off. I promise you wont like me." He threatened lowly.
I dont know if it was alcohol or the threat of not seeing Derrick again but I pulled some courage out of my ass. Nothing in this world did Robert hate more than being second best. Having bragged up the whole damn room. Derrick showing up had made him feel over shadowed. "Is that why he was angry with you?" He was angry with me because another man had blatantly singled me out. After all that damn half cheating he was doing that night I was in the wrong as always.
"No."
"No?"
"No! I will not go home! You've clearly been having fun tonight." Melinda hissed.
"Keep your fucking voice down." He growled, noticing them getting a few looks.
"Tonight I'm enjoying myself. Fuck what you want me to do. Melinda wants to stay so shes staying. Go back to reminiscing with your of sluts." Melinda spat, brushing past him. He spun around snatching her wrists.
"Melinda." It was a warning, a last chance. Snatching her arm away she stomped to the bar.
"I thought you left. I was going to be very disappointed." The sound of that voice, she turned around to face him.
"No no, I just went to the restroom." She spoke, not sure why she was explaining herself. Feeling mildly shy she picked her drink up.
"Well I'm ecstatic. You're the only reason I came." He admitted, she sputtered choking on her drink. He blinked worriedly patting her on the back as she coughed.
"Me?" She freaked, regaining control.
"Yes you Mellie. I thought it would have been nice to see the only person in this class that was a friend."
"If I'm being honest I wanted to see you too." She admitted, instantly regretting it as he smirked.
"Really?" His tone was light and teasing but she flushed. Fanning herself she downed the drink.
"Its so hot in here."
"I think it might just be you." He muttered, she hummed taking the comment at surface value.
"It is a bit stuffy in here. Care to take a walk with me?" He questioned, she blinked up at him and nodded without second thought.
He out stretched an arm as a gesture for her to walk. Moving through the crowd, she felt her soul leave her body as Derrick grabbed her by the waist. Effectively moving her out of the way from being knocked into. He scowled at the clumsy wildly dancing drunk. His hand rooted firmly as he directed her out. She was too damn tipsy for that little touch having her gushing. Or maybe he was just that damn fine tipsy or not. I gave myself a whole pep talk on how to be normal. Hyped myself a bit because a bitch was shaking in her boots. I had wished for this moment so I had to do something with it. Robert wasn't a thought in my mind.
"I'm jealous of these kids. Getting all of this." Melinda breathed out, he chuckled holding the door open. Leading her to the school courtyard. A new addition smack dab in the middle of the school. The ceiling all glass it reminded her of a fancy greenhouse. The night sky extra bright tonight.
"Woooooow." She drug out, stepping deeper in the vast space. His eyes trailed her body from behind. She had filled out, her ass having grown nicely. Not to mention these curves his eyes kept following.
"You did all this right?" She asked, genuinely in awe.
"Every last detail. Out of pocket too." He spoke, proud of giving back to the school that shaped him.
"You paid for this?! You cant be serious."
"Every penny. I knew this was something I wanted to do." He spoke, watching her admire the structure.
"I cant believe this. Wow Derrick this is amazing."
"Thank you." He muttered, a slight blush coming at her praise. As she looked around he couldn't help but to admire her instead. She was as beautiful as ever. So naturally beautiful too, effortless as it poured from her. It was why she had so many envious girls hating on her back then. His eyes zeroed in on the wedding ring his spirit deflating a bit.
"What made you want to do all this?"
"A dream come true. I set out to do a lot of things. My quest is far from over." He stated, his eyes unable to tear from her form. Definitely far from over.
"Its been so long since I've seen you." He mused, tucking his hands into his pocket.
"Definitely too long. How have you been?" She asked, finally feeling her brain thaw.
"Better now that I've seen you. I'll admit it's been a rough few years though." He spoke, eyeing the ring on her finger again.
"How come?"
"Divorce." He answered, she blinked not to slyly looking at his hand.
"Aww, I'm so sorry."
"No need. It just didn't work. She didn't understand that I was working towards something so amazing. I couldn't just put everything to the side for a month vacation to Athens or anything like that." He sighed, Melunda hummed a damn vacation sounded like heaven right now.
"Plus it's hard being with someone who always has a hand out for the money I earned when they aren't even willing to acknowledge that it came from me." He tossed in.
"I hear that." Melinda blurted without thought. Derrick chuckled at her raising a brow. A pause of silence traveling between them.
"So...who's the lucky man?" He asked, relieving her of her running mind.
"Huh?"
"Your husband." He chuckled, lifting her hand studying the ring. She might have found that weird if she wasnt focused on how his hand felt.
"Oh....I married Robert." She spoke, he paused his examination looking up almost shocked.
"Gayle?"
"That's the one." She responded, the smile not hiding the way her eyes dimmed. Derrick hummed he had plenty of questions on how that came about but he could tell it wasnt what she wanted to talk about. He couldn't help his perceptive nature. With the world he was in it was a needed skill. One he mastered well.
"How have you been Melinda? You ever travel like you wanted?" He questioned, she was very grateful her the subject change. Mildly distracted by her hand still in his. His thumb gently caressing her skin. Why was her body bring so sensitive?
"No, I'm actually surprised you remembered that conversation." She chuckled, ducking from his eye contact.
"I remember a lot. I could never forget that, like I could never forget those smooth grey eyes." He spoke, his tone low and a bit husky as he stared at her. Heat from top to bottom was all she felt. Pulling her hand away she took a seat on the nearby bench. Letting out a breath she didnt know she was holding. She came for fresh air not to lose it.
He knew what he was doing. I could just tell by that gentle smirk. Those hazel green eyes were a trap. Like a sirens call. He made me feel so shy and embarrassed. It was like a......role reverse. "How so?" In high school he was the shy one, and I was the one with all the mouth. For him to pop back in my life and I was the timid one. "Years of abuse of all kinds can break down ones character. You had to adapt." Yeah well I was so self conscious about what he thought of me now. Whole time he was reading me like an open book.
"So how are you?"
"Alive." Melinda chuckled dryly.
"Just alive, not living?" He questioned, tilting his head to the side.
"I stopped doing that a long time ago." Melinda answered, that was just her sad truth.
"We'll have to fix that wont we." He spoke, she blinked up at him raising a perfectly arched brow.
"We?"
"That's what I said." He smoothly replied, that smirk back on his face.
"You have changed." Melinda commented, he hummed walking over to her bench.
"In more ways than you think. So Ms. Moore would you bless a humble soul with your number?" He questioned. I hadn't even registered he didnt say Gayle. I was so distracted by the fact that he wanted my number.
"Why?"
"Because I would like to catch up." He answered, reading an urgent message in his email. He was going to have to cut this conversation short and head to his hanger.
"Why would you want to do that with me?" She questioned, her insecurities showing a head. Quality time was a taxing event in her life.
"The real question is why not? I'm still just Derrick." He spoke, looking at her pointedly. He didn't like the way she had said that it sounded as if she didn't feel on his level. Holding out his phone she hesitated briefly before taking it. Putting in her phone number. Handing it back he changed her name from Melinda to Mellie.
"Unfortunately, I have to leave soon." He spoke, watching her face drop.
"Oh..."
"I'll give you a call and we can do lunch? How's that sound?" He asked, she nodded getting up.
Looking in her clutch she sent Jo an SOS text. Now that her night was coming to an end the real danger begun. She'd be a fool to go home tonight. The duo walked in comfortable silence as they headed back to the reunion. Entering Derrick paused turning to Melinda.
"It was really good seeing you Melinda." He spoke, pulling her into a hug. She couldn't help but to melt this time her eyes closing involuntarily. Feeling the need to open them she spotted dark eyes on her. Robert across the room talking to one of his old friends. His look solidifying her decision to not go home. Pulling away Derrick grabbed her hand kissing the skin. She flushed top to bottom as her eyes widened.
"Until next time." Derrick spoke, his final goodbye before exiting the building before another "friend" tried asking for money. Still rooted in place Melinda blinked a few times. Why had that gesture made her heart thud? Quickly slipping out the back door on cue Jo was there to swoop.
"BITCH! Call me your fairy fucking godmother!" Jo erupted. Melinda laughed buckling up as they pulled off.
"So what happened? Spill I want to know it all." Jo pressed.
"I was having the worst time! Ugh Robert was being a dog..."
"Per usual." Jo jumped in.
"Yep. Shit sucked, I was dancing having myself a bit of fun. Whole time he was in the building. Guess he saw me because next thing I know I'm staring him down." Melinda poured.
"He look better than the pictures."
"Niagara. Falls." Melinda simply stated. Jo let out a squeal living for her friend.
"Then you jumped him and got fucked?" Jo playfully tossed.
"No Jo! People swarmed him. I then got into a fight with Robert because he was jealous."
"Hence why your coming over." Jo stated, Melinda nodded. She didnt want to hear nor feel him.
"After that Derrick came to find me. We talked about some stuff. He got my number, then he had to leave." Melinda finished.
"How was seeing him? Everything you thought it was?"
"Better....different..hes different. It was hard to think my quirky friend turned into that. He was so.....charming? Suave?"
"Not he got you perplexed." Jo teased, Melinda rolled her eyes shaking her head.
"Anyways that calls for celebration."
"Celebration?" Melinda echoed.
"Yes, I got a good feeling bubbling up." Jo grinned.
"Did you return home?" Not for three days. Til I was convinced he wasn't going to beat my ass. Still when I got home he choked me and made me promise I wasn't leaving. It was three days not three years. Tried to guilt and manipulate sex out of me. If we hadnt had sex in years youd think he'd stop trying. Once he couldn't get his rocks off the bitch...."Robert." THE bitch took all of my weed and got rid of it. Told me I was banned from smoking...he forbid it. Type of shit was that?
All this was going on at home. On top of bill collectors, on top of my period being nonexistent, on top of negative tests....and the cherry on top? Derrick hadn't called in a week. I was starting to fall back in my hole. Jo was trying so hard to make sure I stayed out of it. I felt even worse that she was burdened by me.
"Sometimes pregnancy tests give false negatives." Jo pointed out, perched on Melinda's desk. Getting a grunt from her in response.
"Why dont you make a doctors appointment?"
"Cant afford it." Melinda grumbled, over this conversation already.
"I'll pay for it."
"No." Mel spat, Jo raised her hands in surrender knowing when to step off of that sensitive topic.
"Well..." She was cut of by the blare of Mel's cellphone. Melinda groaned opening her desk drawer. Having forgot to put it on silent. An unknown number flashing on the screen.
"Answer it." Jo pressed.
"Its probably a scam." Mel muttered, ending the call only for the number to call back. Her heart stuttered at that. She rushed to answer without second thought. Forgetting about the no personal call rule.
"Hello?" Mel squeaked, biting her lip nervously.
"Make sure you save my number." Derrick's voice tossed, she pulled the phone from her ear looking up at an excited Jo.
"I will. Hi."
"Good morning Mellie. I'm sorry it took me so damn long. Had to fly out of country." He apologized.
"No it's okay. I understand."
"Its just I could have texted you. Let me make it up to you. Are you free this Saturday? " He asked.
"No, I work." Mel sighed.
"Friday?"
"Work."
"Sunday?"
"Work."
"Damn, let me rephrase this. What time are you free this week?" He chuckled.
"Ummm.....:" Mel looked up at Jo holding up the number 4. Mel frowned she worked from 6 to 6.
'I got you.' Jo mouthed.
"I'm free today actually." Melinda answered.
"Great. What time?"
"After 4." She answered.
"Consider yourself booked." He joked, getting a small laugh from her.
"I'll be picking you up. Text me an address." He added.
"Okay, I guess I'll see you later."
"You will." He stated, before they exchanged goodbyes.
"And you'll be leaving at 3 to get ready. No ifs and or buts. I got you covered." Jo stated firmly, Melinda nodded gratefully.
I was so damn excited. He wanted to spend time with little ol me. I remember that day so vividly. I went home to find Robert not there. Where his no job having ass was I didnt know. I didnt care either. I tore my closet up looking for something to wear. My wardrobe was so dull and colorless. I found an old yellow off the shoulder shirt Jo got me. Took a shower put on my best perfume.
"Where are you going?"
"GOD!....Robert what the hell!" Melinda shrieked, dropping her mascara. Robert's sudden appearance unnerving her.
"Where you going?" He asked again, eyeing her as she put away her makeup.
"Out." She simply answered, brushing past him. Catching a face full of perfume that didnt belong to her. She gritted her teeth fighting down the tick trying to tear its ugly head. Sliding on her wedges she grabbed her phone watching anger mount on his face.
"Where the fuck are you going!?" He barked stomping behind her.
"Out with a friend Robert."
"You dont have friends." He barked, she winced at his words. Unable to hide that hurt. Huffing she headed downstairs checking the time.
"Melinda!" He roared, snatching her arm. She whimpered as pain shot through.
"Who you tryna look good for?!!" He growled, nails digging into her skin.
"Myself! Get off!" She hissed.
"Who the fuck are you talking to? I'm your damn husband I deserve to know where you going."
"Thats a lovely fragrance you have on." She randomly blurted, throwing him for a loop. She snatched her arm away glaring at him.
"....I was out shopping for you. I tested some smells." He tossed out, tone lowering drastically. She rolled her eyes hard, shopping her fucking ass.
"You don't believe me? Huh? You think I'm lying?" He snapped, she knew he was going to try to flip this on her.
Before she could ask where the bags were the bass of a car was heard loud and strong. Walking to the door Melinda opened it her mouth dropping. A sleek roaring all back Ashton Martin Vantage rolling down her street. Parking in front of her house Fantasy by Ludacris blasting as the door opened butterfly. She grinned walking out the house and down the walk way. Fiery eyes on the back of her head.
Derrick exited his car in a pair of sunglasses. Dressed in business casual. The simple white button up was snug. Giving her eyes a delicious view. Easing his shades to the top of his head he grinned. Eyes taking Melinda in, looking over her head he spotted Robert. He looked about the same as in highschool just bigger. His glare was molten lava on him. Hubby wasn't to happy about the situation. That was just too damn bad.
"You ready to go?"
"Yes."
"Let's roll." He spoke, opening her door. She blushed thanking him as she got in. Shutting the door he shot one last look at Robert. He couldn't help but to flash him a taunting smirk. Sliding his shades back down he rounded the car hoping in.
Derrick made me forget how boring my life was. That lunch was so fun so freeing. We talked everything under the sun. I found out that in college his family struck oil on an old family land. They became rich instantly. We talked about my life much to my displeasure. We reminisced all day long. He was such a big flirt. Not even bothering to hide it. He made me feel....seen...beautiful. "Your smile dropped. Did something happen?" Robert beat my ass when I got home. Then locked me in my bedroom for a whole day. He showed me the crazy hidden in him. I had to beg for his forgiveness for him to let me out. I was a prisoner in my own house. He drove me to work and picked me up every day. I would try to sneak out and run to Jo's but he always saw me somehow. It was like he had tabs on my every move while he fucked off to do whatever he wanted. It wasn't fair...
Two weeks later....
Pulling on her bra Diana peeked over her shoulder. Robert perched with his hands behind his head looking up at the ceiling. Feeling her eyes on him he turned looking at her. His eyes soft and vulnerable. Her heart went out to him. She hadn't planned on sleeping with him at all. Just friends getting together. That life had been behind her. When he broke down at lunch she just wanted to hug him tight. Melinda was cheating on him, and playing him like he didn't know. How did a woman like Melinda....break down such a confident man. She had to have been some kind of evil. Hell the woman did try to murder them once upon a time.
"We never got to eat lunch. Can I make you something?" She questioned, he sat up checking the time.
"If you don't mind....I don't want to be a burden."
"You're not a burden Robert. I'd love to cook for you." She smiled, pulling on her panties. He bit his lip admiring her slim frame.
"Thank you Diana. It means alot to me. I just...want to apologize for what happened. Its wrong of me to seek comfort with you. I just feel so terrible now....I dont know how she does it....I just I'm so sorry." He voiced, pulling on the act so smoothly.
"You didn't use me Robert. I wanted to sleep with you too. I'm sorry you feel like that." She softly spoke walking over to him. Grabbing her hands he looked up at him.
"You are such a special woman. I've never felt such comfort from anyone. I promise that once I get out of that toxic house.....me and you will build a life. You deserve to be a wife....not a secret. I'll make that happen." He stated, laying it on so heavy.
She was eating it all up to. Bending down she kissed him igniting his sexual appetite once more. Leaving her cooking for him much later than anticipated. He tried not to show his need to rush too much. Hiding it with the notion that he hadnt had a cooked meal in ages. As they ate the news played in the background.
"Pennsylvania native Derrick Collins becomes a multibillionaire as HDR Foundations continues to be a growing powerhouse. Yet with his sweeping success he hasn't ceased revitalizing the community. His latest project his company headquarters was finalized today and what can we say. The building is utterly breath taking..."
Robert scowled at the television. Pictures of the work flashing across the screen as the anchors gushed over that man. Robert didn't trust him. What would a millionaire need with his Melinda? She had nothing to offer him. She wasn't worth a damn. So what could it be.
"He did the new Prescott building."
"Huh?" Robert muttered, snapping out of his thoughts.
"Derrick Collins. He gave the building a makeover making it energy saving. Him and Mr. Prescott are good friends."
Robert stared at her. His fucking battery was energy saving. Maybe he was looking at this the wrong way. Not only was Derrick into bettering the environment but he had connections....and who had connections to him? Melinda. She could be his pawn in this chess game. Maybe it was time to dust her off and put her to good use. What did he have to truly worry about. She was mildly attractive, barren, and a damn downer. This was perfect he just need her to get in Derrick's camp and push his battery.
Stopping to get some flowers on his way to pick up Melinda he pulled his final speech together. She was already going to be pissy he was late. Pulling up he found her outside smoking with Jo. His eyes narrowing at her. He couldn't flip on her though. He needed her compliant.
"Clocks exist! How hard is it to pick someone up? What do you have to do? Work?" Jo spouted off, as he rolled the window down. He glared at the woman. He hated her guts and if he could he'd make her disappear.
"Come on." He called, Melinda ashed her blunt giving Jo a hug before she got in the car. He was used to the silent treatment by now. Pulling off he passed her the flowers. She stared at them as if they were a bomb. Blinking slowly she turned to look at him.
"Look Mel baby I'm sorry. I overreacted like always I been such an asshole lately. I just get so worked up thinking I'm just nothing. Ite so hard to be your man and not contribute a thing. I'm so sorry. I know I've said and done things I shouldn't have. You deserve better and I'm going to be your better. Take these as a promise. We will flourish baby....I promise."
More empty promises. I dont think he understood how checked out I was. A part of me then still knew that if something happened to him I'd be the first person to run to him. Another part of me just didnt give a damn. So I took those flowers, let him make dinner, listened to him preach about how his battery was finalized. Mention how ready he was for the lime light. I didnt pay him much mind. I grabbed a glass of wine and took a much needed bath. While I was in there I got a text.
Derrick: I cant help but feel your ignoring me. I'll see you tomorrow.
I had been ignoring him. Its not like I could see him again. I still didn't respond even though he said he was gonna come I didn't really believe it. "Did he show up?" Yep, walked right in that damn building to see me. I took my lunch early because everyone was being so damn nosey. "What happened then?" He was upset but it wasn't aggressive upset. My mind was having trouble registering the difference. Something about him Being so displeased made me.....ill? "What do you mean ill?"
I don't know it just made me not want to do it again. After he scolded me he took me out to eat. This time when I got home Robert didnt flip. He asked if I had a good time. That should have been a red flag. Instead bounded like an idiot I continued to see Derrick. Some days Robert was cool somedays he'd be ready to beat me black and blue. It depended on the day. That didn't stop us from forming a routine. For a month straight Derrick would just come on my lunches. Sometimes we'd go out other times we'd eat in his car. It was always a great time. Always.
Melinda groaned checking the time. Knowing it was time for Derrick to be outside. Sighing she pulled herself up. Today was just all in all shaping to be a bad day. Last night she had cleaned all by her lonesome. Christina out sick. She was tired, knee deep in bills, and her car was acting up. Her stress was becoming physically painful. Spotting the sleek BMW she walked over getting in the car.
"Good afternoon Mellie." He greeted, just ending a phone call.
"Hi." She muttered, he frowned noticing immediately something was off with her.
"Are you okay? You up for lunch today?"
"Yeah....I'm just tired." She sighed, rubbing her shoulder. He hummed pulling out.
"I have just the idea for that. When does your second job start?"
"9 why?" She questioned.
"Its a suprise." He simply responded.
Taking her for a quick lunch. He knew she was tired when she didnt argue with him about the bill. He made sure to be at her job when she clocked out later. Taking her to a luxury spa. She needed this more than ever. He couldn't believe Robert really let Melinda work 2 fucking jobs. That man was a piece of work. He pay good money to see Melinda truly smile. Her eyes seemed so empty of life he couldn't stand it. Life had dealt her some hard cards.
Getting a short treatment himself, he waited for her at the Thai restaurant attached to the spa. She joined him skin glowing, looking every bit of relaxed. She played with the belt of her robe taking a seat. He smiled despite the desire to see beneath the fluffy fabric. Shaking that from his mind he slid a menu over to her.
"How was that?"
"Amazinggggggggggg, they give the best massages." She gushed, he chucked taking a sip of water.
"I wouldn't say the best. That title remains for me." He stated, she rose a brow giving him a playful eyeroll.
"What? You don't believe me? Do I need to demonstrate?" He questioned, she blinked an image of him kneading her bare skin playing in her head. She crossed her legs feeling a tingle erupting.
"You hungry?"
"Yes...." Her cheeks heated not expecting her voice to come out so airy. It didn't help that he was just staring at her. Clearing his throat he called over a waiter ordering his dish, while she ordered a simple crispy egg rolls not sure what all was on the menu she knew of.
"Thank you for setting this up. I'll make sure to pay you back." She spoke, toying with straw in her cup.
"Why would you do that?"
"This place has gotta be expensive. I dont want you to think I'm spending time with you because of money." She muttered.
"Its a gift Melinda. You need this. As for the money I pay because thats how I was raised. I will never let you pay for a thing when we are out. That's not the way a man carrys himself in the presence of a woman." Derick spoke, a firmness in his tone that made her think twice before arguing.
"Well....thank you."
"You are very welcome Mellie." He smiled, she nibbled on her lip looking down.
He chuckled she could be so cute sometimes. As food came put she felt her stomach growl. Eager to eat something. She frowned a bit at the three eggrolls they brought out. Half expecting there to be more. She was too self conscious to ask for more though. Reading her easily Derrick orderd them to bring out some more for her. She hummed eyeing him while she ate. There was something sexy about the way he did that. How was he so good at just...knowing?
Listening to Derrick explain the Tom Yum soup he was eating Melinda zoned out. Why was the light always hitting his skin just right? Reflecting off of those bright teeth. She hadn't even realized that was something to be attracted to. The confidence he carried was borderline arrogant but it was so rightful. So....attractive on him. She didn't think she could bare it on any one else. With him it mounted his appeal. As he looked up she stared at his lips moving.
"Put your lips on it...."
"Huh?" She blurted, not sure he actually said that. Her mind taking a leap into the gutter. In another world she'd lick him top to bottom if he'd allow. He chuckled at her gathering some of the dish on his spoon.
"Never mind, here try it." He offered, holding out the spoon. Blushing she reached for it but something in his eyes stopped her. Was he some type of super natural being? His eyes had captured her in some kind of hypnotic trance. She leaned forward unconsciously, trapped in his gaze her mouth opened. Sliding the spoon into her mouth he expected her to pull back once she took the food. She seemed to be stuck. Eyes boring into his, lips pursed around the utensil. He felt his member harden as a different scenario played in his mind.
"Mel....if I didn't know any better I'd think you were seducing me." He spoke lowly, she blinked once...twice then pulled back. Face heated as she quickly consumed the food.
"I'm so sorry."
"Dont apologize, the view was lovely." He teased, truth bleeding in his words.
"Huh?" She knew damn well she heard him this time. As did he, he simply flashed her a devious smile. Licking his lips he fed himself the Tom Yum. His seduction full force and he was pleased to see her fawning once more.
"I said.....the view was nice. Would you like to reenact?"
"....you're teasing me." Melinda pouted, her cheeks permanently heated. He chuckled lightly his eyes stopping his smolder.
"It's amusing." He shrugged, she laughed before pouting harder for show. His eyes falling to those plump lips once more.
"I cant have you upset now can I?" He spoke, holding up the spoon. She glanced at it before looking back at him. Leaning in she quickly took the food without hesitation. Derrick groaned a darkness in his eyes. She was confused wondering if she did something wrong. His eyes made her gush. Taking a second to compose himself he decided to bring up his proposition.
"Melinda....how would you feel about working for me?" He tossed out.
"What?"
"I'm in need of a PA and I want you to take the position." He reiterated.
"Don't you have requirements?"
"Not for you. What do you say? Better yet how much an hour do you make at both of your jobs?" He asked.
"11 and 9." She answered, he scowled that was chump change.
"What if I say 75 dollars an hour, plus full benefits including all insurance without deductions. Plus a company car of your choice. 5 days a week, holidays off, with paid sick and vacation time."
"......Wow. Are you being serious?"
"Yes."
"Derrick your joking..."
"I promise you I'm not. Mel I'm offering this to you for one as your friend, and two for your dedication. You work day in and day out with everything in you. I think you'll be a great asset to my company." He stated, she stared at him awe struck. She could pay off some debts with that money.
"Sleep on it?" He asked, she mutely nodded still reeling. She wanted to scream yes right now but she had a factor to calculate....Robert.
Later that night...
Biting her lip Melinda perked into Robert's bedroom. She felt like a damn child asking their parents something. If she didn't ask him now she wouldn't sleep with these nerves. Not seeing him in there she went downstairs to his work room. Knocking she heard his grunted response.
"Hi...."
"What?" He spat, not looking up.
".....I got offered a job. 75 dollars an hour. Full benefits." She tossed, he looked up all ears now.
"You better take it."
"I'll work for Derrick.....as his personal assistant. It means I might have to travel......" She muttered, he stared at her for what felt like forever. Standing up he walked to her. That was still great news in his book. She was infiltrating like he needed.
"I can trust you right baby?" He asked, cupping her face with a gentleness that worried her. She mutely nodded her nerves mounting.
"Good. Take the job." He ordered, pecking her lips.
"Okay." She mumbled, he hummed tracing her lips with a finger.
"We should celebrate." He spoke, leaning in to claim her lips.
"My period is acting again." She muttered, it wasn't a whole lie. She was super irregular from skipped months to month long bleeding. He grimaced pulling away.
"Now you can get the rest of that shit taken out once insurance hit." He tossed, walking back to his desk. She bristled at his comment placing a hand over her stomach.
"What? It's useless Melinda. What's the point of your cycle if you cant bare fruit? Get the full and be done with it."
"....It's not....useless." She spat, her voice coming out shaky.
"Get pregnant then." He tossed, staring at her blankly. Her eyes misted before the tears came. Rushing out the room to the safety of her bedroom.
Mind games, reminders that I wasnt what the average man looked for. "A way to deter you from seeking Derrick." Yep, as if the state of my body wasnt something I already constantly thought about. "Did you take the job?" Well duh! I needed the damn money. I was worried though. "About?" How I was going to work for him long term....and remain professional.
"You didn't have to help me." Melinda tossed, as she boarded the elevator with Jo.
"And miss looking at the inside of this damn building? Hell no, girl do you see this shit. What company has their own damn food court?!!"
"Girl I dont know. I'm still processing all this. Full benefits Jo...retirement....paid vacation!" Melinda gushed, looking out the glass planes ofthe elevator.
"Tell me about it. If you see a job opening up in finance call me asap!"
"I'm so nervous..."
"About working? Or about poppin some pussy for him?" Jo teased.
"Jo, I'm being serious." Mel whined.
"Mel you're gonna do fine. You're out your box....grasp that."
Melinda hummed as the elevator dinged. Stopping on the top floor the two stepped out. Few people around this early. Adjusting the hold on her box Melinda bit her lip looking for the executive office. Her eyes spotting a particular yellow man coming her way. She let her eyes trail his body landing on the print he always had.
"Mellie, you're here great." He spoke, closing in eyeing the lip held hostage.
"Mellie?" Jo softly tossed.
"Shut up." Mel whispered, before responding to his call.
"I hope I'm not too early."
"No your fine. Gives me time to personally show you around." He smiled, stopping in front of her. Melinda's lip twitched into an almost attempted smile. His goal was get a full true smile from her that reached her eyes. Jo looked between the two now silent people just looking at eachother. Teasingly she cleared her throat giving Mel a small nudge.
"Oh right, this is Jo." Mel blushed, introducing her friend. Derrick turned his dazzling small onto Jo sticking out his hand.
"I heard much about you. Its great to finally meet you." He spoke, giving Jo a firm hand shake. He was definitely a better specimen to be up close on. She could see why her friend was entranced. Beneath that exterior teased something else.
"Yes it is yes it is." Jo muttered appreciatively, its was Mels turn to nudge her.
"Would you like a tour as well?" He offered.
"Sure." Jo chirped excited to see more of the building.
"Oh we need to put..." Melinda's words cut off as he took the box from her hands.
"Excellent. Mark! Put this on my assistant desk. Ladies follow me." He ordered, a man retrieving both boxes before heading off. Holding out a hand gestured for them to follow him to the first destination.
"Bitch that man is fioneeee." Jo spoke, as they followed behind him.
"He knows it too. Look at the way he walks." Mel whispered. Turning the corner Derrick stopped flasking a knowing smile at them. One that made both girls quiet from being heard. Stepping into the elevator he decided to add to their awkwardness.
"Thank you by the way. It's very appreciated" He simply spoke, purposely eyeing Mel. The ding breaking their eye contact. Leading them down a hall he stopped.
"This is our mothers den. We offer breastfeeding mothers the opportunity to bring their child to work. To not interrupt routine established during maternity leave." He spoke, showing them a dim room full of essentials. Empty at the moment due to time. Continuing on the tour they looped the building ending at Melinda's desk. Her spacious personal space connecting to the executive office. Any guest needed to pass hers to enter his. Just outside their joined space a cozy lobby.
"Get settled I'll see you later." Jo spoke, taking her exit leaving the two.
"So.....I know I dont officially start till tomorrow but I got the schedule you sent. I ordered all your meetings, appointments, without personal schedule. Ready to email. I also...." Derrick chuckled hearing her rambling. A hard worker to the car.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asked, her mood deflating.
"You did nothing wrong Melinda. I'm pleased with your performance already."
"Oh...good. Um....I can get you a coffee or if you need to me to work on something..."
"Mellie Mellie, take a seat. Settle in, relax, if you need an assignment why dont you submit your company car submission. So you can have it by the weekend." He muttered, she nodded looking at her desk.
"Sit. Relax." He stated again, watching her mind running once more. She nervous bit her lip sitting down.
"You're a perfect fit." He spoke, a pleased glint in his eyes dancing with something else. Giving her a wink he entered his office leaving her to her thoughts. Letting out a breath Melinda looked around at her new environment. I just remember thinking what changes this had in store. I had no idea just how much really did change.
Hope you enjoyed!🤤