Chapter Six - picture of Marcelo
Gemma woke up with butterflies in her stomach the next morning. She rolled over glancing at the digital clock briefly before getting out of bed. Office. Meeting. Marcelo. Date. She shook her head smiling to herself. It was not a date. Business meeting was more like it, and she was quite nervous.
She took her time in the shower pondering over the details she would be relaying to Marcelo. She’s had this idea for a week now, wondering when she would be able to present it to her board and be successful. Now killing two birds with one stone, the suggestion of Marcelo presenting it was an opportunity that came knocking thanks to his friend Emilio.
The stillness and silence of her apartment accompanied her everywhere inside. Gemma was used to waking up to the sound of the TV blaring out the morning news as her father watched in the tiny living room at their old place. The only noises at her new place now were her own footsteps as she ambled towards the kitchen to grab a granola bar and the whirring sound of the AC.
Slipping on her shoes, she opened the door only to be startled to see her new neighbor’s face, Will, with his finger about to press the doorbell.
“Good morning,” he smiled cheekily in his tracksuit.
“Hi Will.” Gemma smiled politely and closed the door behind her. “It’s awfully early in the morning for you to be stopping by.” She didn’t want to make it obvious to him, but his visits this early were a bit too creepy for her liking. Yes, visits, as in multiple times in which he’s done this, either to invite her for breakfast or a walk around Central Park.
He made a motion at his clothes. “I’m going out for a run later. I was hoping if you would want to join me for some coffee. I have no classes or work at all today, so I’m free.” She almost forgot that Will was a medical student working his residency as a doctor at the nearby hospital.
Gemma hated crushing the poor guy’s hopes. “Will-“
He made a hissing sound. “Let me guess. You can’t?”
“Work has just been keeping me busy. I really am sorry.”
Will flashed her a sad smile. “It’s cool. I’ll try again on the weekends.” He winked which made Gemma laugh.
“Sorry once again, but I have to head out. I have a really important meeting to get to.” With a hot Italian businessman. A small voice in the back of her head reminded her.
“I’ll see you around then?”
She nodded and smiled once more before walking towards the elevator. Once the doors opened to the lobby, she rushed out the doors spotting the car and Samuel, her driver, that chauffeured her wherever she needed to be.
“Good morning, Sam.”
“G’morning to you, Miss Braxton.” Gemma tried, but she couldn’t get him to call her by her first name only.
She looked out the window to the cloudy sky. The rolls of thunder were even more boisterous outside the safety of her bedroom walls. Surely, Will doesn’t plan on running in this weather? She thought to herself with concern towards the man. Once the car came to a stop right in front of the building, Gemma reached the inside of the building just as the fat raindrops started to descend.
Talk about a good start to this day…
Gemma was earlier than usual to arrive. She had set the meeting with Marcelo early, so she could let him in on the idea she had for the presentation. She called for a board meeting at ten that morning and looking down at her watch, she saw she had about an hour to prep Marcelo. However, if he was as good as he said he was, that should be plenty of time. Gemma had no doubt in his skills even if she made it out to be otherwise.
The elevator took her straight up to the top floor where her office was. There were employees all around that greeted her a good morning. Even though it was early, there were already some workers headed for their offices. Workaholics, her grandfather told her once when she came with him to work. Just like me, he would then chuckle heartedly. She smiled at the memory.
“Morning, Gemma.” Leila ambushed her the second she stepped off the elevator and onto the steady flooring. She didn’t waste a second in giving her a run-down of today’s events and emphasized on the fact that Gemma had a meeting with Marcelo in approximately ten minutes.
“Yes, Leila, I know.” She sat her things down by her desk. “I initiated it myself. Will you let him come through as soon as you see him?”
Leila nodded professionally but of course, with her personality, she had to ask some more questions. “What is he doing here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with him after learning his corrupt way of doing business?” Leila knew of Gemma’s background research on the wealthy man.
She shrugged booting up the high-tech computer on her desk. “I talked to him last night. My research was wrong. Company needs my help. I need his help. I might as well put my pride down and get help.”
Leila grinned behind her black folder. “All right. I’ll make sure to send him in once he arrives.”
“Thanks Leila.”
While waiting, Gemma brewed herself a cup of coffee at her own ‘mini-kitchen’ that was set in the corner of her gigantic office. She couldn’t function a day without at least a cup of it. She sipped the scalding liquid which burned her, dripped down her chin, and made a trail down to the inside of her bra. Real smooth, Gemma. She chastised herself and unbuttoned the first few tops to make it easier for her to wipe the mess away.
The sticky residue would still be stuck on her skin but she didn’t have time to do anything about that seeing as her visitor would be here any minute now. Buttoning her top once more, she grabbed her coffee and went to her desk. Someone cleared his/her throat at the doorway, and Gemma turned around nearly spilling her beverage once more.
Marcelo looked at her with that ever-present dark eyes and a tilt of his mouth in amusement. He had a bag from the Kolache Factory place just a block away.
“Have you been there long?” She asked wondering why she didn’t hear the door open and close. And also wondering if he saw her…adjust her clothing.
He shook his head once and took more steps into the office. “Just got here. Good morning.”
“Uh, hi. Morning.” Gemma didn’t know why she was suddenly so flustered. It was only Marcelo. She shouldn’t be affected by him.
“I stopped by the bakery on the way here.” He held up the bag in his hand as evidence. “I thought you would want some. After all, we’re busy people. There’s no time for a heavy breakfast in the mornings.”
Gemma saw the sincerity in his eyes and took the bag. “Thank you.” She said with a smile. “So, about the presentation. I’ve had this idea for some time now. Honestly, this is one of the many things I wanted to accomplish as CEO. I just didn’t know when that would be. Then this opportunity came up so…” Her voice caught on a hitch and she started talking fast: a sign of her excitement. “It’s a fantastic idea, at least I think so. It would help so many people out there. Plus I also think it’d give the company-“
“Whoa, slow down, cara.” Marcelo chuckled crossing his arms. “I haven’t even had the time to sit down nor do I have an idea of what you’re talking about.”
Gemma’s face flushed in embarrassment. Her flustered face combined with the embarrassment made her face even hotter. “Sorry. Please sit.” She gestured at the two open seats in front of her desk. Once he did, she did the same and continued on. “Scholarships. This company can offer scholarships.”
Marcelo’s teasing demeanor went away as it was replaced with a serious look. “That is a terrible idea. Absolutely terrible.”
Gemma’s hopes were crushed, and even if she didn’t show it on her face, her body language said so otherwise. “But you haven’t even heard of what else I was going to say.”
He waved with his hand. “Let’s hear it then.”
She hesitated, eyeing his bland expression. She was certain he would like this idea! She’s done her research on this topic and there wasn’t a single negative opinion on it. “I’m not going to waste my time if you don’t even look halfway interested in what I have to say.”
He sighed and uncrossed his arms. He placed his elbows on her table and leaned his head towards her. His dark eyes, glinting with hilarity, stared right at her. She tried not to let it faze her. “I’m sorry. Continue. You have my full attention.”
Gemma took a deep breath and ignored his intense gaze. In ten minutes, she recited the speech she was preparing in her mind the night before. It included all of her research, reasons, and points to help make her idea seem appealing. As she talked, it was clear how passionate and determined she was about this subject.
Marcelo noticed that.
“What do you think?” She finally asked with a bit of shyness in her voice.
Only after a few more seconds of thinking did he finally speak. “Okay… I see where you’re going with this. However,” the little hope that built up in Gemma deflated, “charity work is, how do you say this without being rude? Charity work is a bit of an iffy issue with board members. It’s one of those things that have two sides to it and split in half.”
“Yes, but it’s not charity work.” Gemma emphasized, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her mug tighter. “It’s sponsoring scholarships to those deserving.”
“Same thing,” he shrugged leaning back into his chair, most likely wrinkling his suit.
She stared him down with an icy glare. “You know what I think?”
“Enlighten me.”
“I think you’re just sabotaging my company.”
He sighed resignedly but a corner of his mouth was tilted up. “And we’re back at square one. Are you ever going to give me a chance?”
“I am giving you one right now, if you do this presentation. That was the deal, was it not?” Gemma took a sip of her coffee but put it down and pushed it away with a finger. It was now lukewarm and only going cold, like this meeting with Marcelo.
“Fine. I will do this presentation on behalf of you. But I will do it my way.”
Gemma felt her body relax into her chair. A smile found its way on her face. “Great.” She looked down at her watch. “The meeting is in about ten minutes. Do you want to go in now or do you need to prepare for it? I have an extra office space you can use.”
Marcelo stood up along with her, tugging on his suit coat. “I can do a presentation on the spot, cara. Don’t worry about me.” He grinned cockily.
--
Marcelo did great. He was amazing in that boardroom. Gemma couldn’t help but be in awe of him as she watched from her place at the head of the table. She got to see for herself what the business magazines were saying about the Italian businessman. Halfway through the presentation, she didn’t even realize that the board members were in the same trance as her. Marcelo mesmerized everyone inside the room.
At the end of the presentation did it really prove how competent Marcelo was. He managed to influence the entire board in favor for the sponsorship idea with just his words alone.
“Thank you everyone for taking the time to listen to Mr. Valacari this morning. Are there any further questions, concerns related to this meeting?” When no one spoke up, she adjourned the meeting.
Some of the members went and congratulated her on her idea and this new project the company was embarking on. Belinda, the woman who doubted Gemma in the first place, even came to shake hands with her.
“I’m glad you have someone like Mr. Valacari mentoring you,” she said with a genuine smile. “He will definitely help the company succeed again.”
Gemma only nodded and smiled.
The chatter died down and left the room, and it emptied out until it was only Marcelo and Gemma left once again. He came over with a triumphant grin on his face.
“So…” He started slowly, keeping his eyes trained on hers. She couldn’t meet his gaze more for her pride than anything else. “I hope you didn’t forget about that chance you are suppose to give me.”
“I haven’t,” she said, still not meeting his eyes. She pushed the chairs in to keep her hands busy. “Besides, some of the members already think you’re my mentor. Word must have gotten around. I can’t bring myself to disappoint them again.” She thought of Belinda as the words left her mouth.
“Is that a yes to my services?” His grin grew wider when their eyes finally met.
Gemma scoffed. “Services. You make it sound-“
“Marc!”
The two turned their heads to the sound of the door opening and two women walked in as if they owned the place. They might have used to. Not anymore.
“Hilda, Caroline. What are you two doing here?” Gemma asked curiously standing beside Marcelo who looked amused.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be in America?” Caroline ignored her question and walked right up to Marcelo. She ran her hands down the front of his jacket and gripped his side. Gemma raised an eyebrow. “Here no less.”
“Caroline, I don’t have to-“ Marcelo started but was once again interrupted.
Gemma’s young step-aunt looked up into his eyes with the look of an angel that had to be rehearsed plenty of times to get it to perfection. “What are you doing here? Do you have deals with Daddy’s business?” Caroline moved her left hand to caress his face.
Gemma had to look away in order to contain her laughter. “Caroline, please get back to work. It’s not lunch time yet, and I will not tolerate idle chit-chat in the middle of a work day.”
Caroline’s eyes finally strayed to hers. “Don’t you think you’ve ruined my life enough as it is? I will not tolerate being told what to do.”
Gemma took one step closer to her with a menacing smile. “I am your boss. I think I have all the rights to tell you, my employee, what to do. Now, please go back to the financing department before I have you suspended from your job.”
“Don’t you dare threaten my daughter.” Hilda, who was silent for the first part of conversation, finally spoke up. Gemma finally took a good look at her. She was dressed in her grandmother’s pearls and dressed in nothing but well-known designer clothing. Gemma’s eyes twitched.
“Hilda.” As much as this woman angered her, Gemma still had the respect towards those who were elder to her. “What is it that you need?”
“We’re here to talk to Marcelo, not that it’s any of your business. We heard he was in for a board meeting?” Her tone was of curiosity. One that Gemma didn’t want to settle.
“The meeting is between board members only. The entire company will know soon once it is announced. Now, since there is nothing you need of me, I will see you two later.” Hopefully way later in the future.
Gemma took one last look at the trio and walked off. Marcelo looked at her with pleading eyes, but she left him not being able to handle another minute with those witches.
The meeting took place in one of the meeting rooms in the lower levels of the building due to remodeling at the usual meeting room. Gemma walked through the maze of office cubicles of the PR floor of the company. Many eyes were on her as the new CEO and those who didn’t get the chance to see her before, they certainly took advantage of the opportunity.
Before heading for the elevator, she went to the restroom to splash cold water on her face and refresh before continuing the work day. She was still giddy about her idea being approved and she couldn’t wait to tell her dad. As she stepped out of the restrooms, a familiar face caught her eye that was leaning against one cubicle.
He was obviously waiting for her as he straightened and headed towards her. “Gemma.”
Gemma regained her composure back and sped up her steps to the elevator.
“Gemma! Wait.” He was able to get a hold of her elbow, and she spun around to face him.
“It’s Miss Braxton to you.” Gemma looked everywhere except his eyes. They were a light blue and hard to pull away from. She knew this from experience and wouldn’t dare go through with it again.
“Miss Braxton,” he said resignedly.
Gemma shook her arm away from his grasp. Old memories flooded her brain at his touch, and she shook her head to clear them away.
“Can we meet up and talk?” He asked. It almost sounded like he was begging.
“There is nothing we need to talk about,” Gemma replied in a low tone to keep the conversation away from listening ears. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my office.” That was when she finally looked up to meet his eyes. “It was…nice seeing you again, Isaac.” And it was nice. It was nice seeing the man suffering just as she was several years back.
Revenge was sweet. Unexpected revenge was even sweeter.
Marcelo pried off Caroline’s arms from him as soon as the doors shut closed. He took several steps back and looked at the two ladies who were looking right back at him with eager eyes.
“Marcelo, what are you doing here? I thought there were issues with our business deals? Are you here because it’s back on again?” Hilda was the first to break the ice.
“My business deals,” Marcelo corrected, “and no, it has not gone through. I am here for completely different reasons.”
“Marcelo…” Caroline made a move to get closer but he backed away once more. “Then what is the reason for your presence in this company? Surely it’s not because of Gemma?”
He smiled showing his teeth. “Actually, you are correct. I will be mentoring her, helping her.”
“What?” Both women exclaimed.
“So, what I’ve been hearing from the board members is true then?” Hilda asked with the same look of disbelief on her face. Marcelo only nodded. “You can’t do that! Let that woman fail. She doesn’t know what she’s doing. Sooner or later, she’ll lose the company and it can fall in nobody else’s hands but mine.” The greed was talking in Hilda.
“I believe I can’t do that.”
“Why not?” Caroline asked distressed. “You are only making things complicated for your company and ours. Do you think she’ll agree to those business deals you have in store for the two companies?”
Marcelo smiled to himself. Of course he didn’t think that. Gemma flat-out told him no, at least for the time being.
“Do you think this is funny?” Hilda shrieked throwing an arm in the air. “If it took you several months to get Zachary to agree, what makes you think that woman will be any easier? She is as stubborn as her grandfather.”
“Listen, ladies. I’ve changed my mind. Whatever deals or promises I had with the three of you, your other daughter included, are broken. I will handle Valacari the way I want and will help Miss Braxton with Dalliance.”
There was no question that Gemma was the reason for his change of mind. He couldn’t get himself to take advantage of someone innocent such as her.
“Now, if you two will please-“
“Marcelo, you can’t.” Hilda brazenly took hold of his upper arm and froze him in place. “The money Marcelo or have you forgotten?” She had a crazed look in her eyes. The greed must have really taken over her.
He gently tugged his arm away and straightened his suit. “I am not in dire need of money. However, I cannot say the same for you after hearing about the reading of the will.” He flashed them one more smile before successfully heading out of the meeting room.
He left the two conspiring women in the room not wanting to be involved in their scheming little games anymore.
“Mom, what are we going to do?” Caroline broke the silent tension that was in the room by facing her mother. “We can’t live like this all our life! We can’t live under that bitch’s orders! We have to put her in her rightful place.”
Hilda patted her daughter’s back soothingly, staring off at the doors where Gemma and Marcelo left earlier. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll just have to put plan B into full effect. That granddaughter of your father’s will no longer stand in our way.”
Her daughter made a sound of approval.
“We always win, and we will get back what is rightfully ours.”
Gemma was still lost in her thoughts even after arriving in the privacy of her office. As much as she didn’t want it to, seeing Isaac still affected her. He had been-
“Listen, if this is your way of rejecting me, you’re going to have to do better than that.”
A voice finally brought her out of her deep trance. “What?” She looked up from her desk to see Marcelo standing just before it. He raised an eyebrow. “Sorry. Did you ask me something?”
“Dinner tonight? You and me?”
The question definitely made her forget about the troubles that arose earlier. “Are you asking me out on a date?” She blurted out, narrowing her eyes at the man.
He chuckled placing both of his palms on her desk, so he could lean down closer to her level. “Dinner as in a way for us to celebrate the success of the presentation this morning. However, a date sounds good to me.”
Gemma quickly corrected herself. “Celebration, right. Sure.” Marcelo stayed quiet after she answered, only looking at her. “What?” She asked self-consciously. She put a hand to her face to feel for any crumbs or drool.
“I’m surprised you agreed so easily. I thought you would have me begging on my knees for an answer.”
Gemma relaxed and rolled her eyes. “I’m not as uptight as I seem. Besides, I do owe you a dinner at least for doing the presentation for me. Maybe you could also help me out on these contracts that I’ve been bombarded with. I don’t quite-“
“By dinner, I meant a night of relaxation. If I wanted a business dinner, I would have invited Mr. Newton as well. Maybe even the entire board.”
“Fine. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll meet you there.”
Marcelo’s smile widened. “How about I pick you up?”
“I’ll most likely be stuck in this office for the rest of the day. You can just pick me up here at, say around nine? You have Leila’s number, don’t you? Just give her a call, and she’ll let me know.”
“I much rather call you instead.” He hinted with a hopeful look.
Gemma grinned wickedly. “Leila.”
“Nine o’clock sharp then.”
“I’ll see you tonight. Goodbye, Marcelo,” she dismissed with a small smile.
He opened his mouth about to say something more but returned her smile as he turned around and left. Only when Gemma was safely alone in her office did she lean back into her chair, resting the back of her neck on it. She let out a big sigh while the smile still remained on her face.
Tonight was going to be interesting.
--
Just as she predicted, work kept her busy until well past nine. She even told Leila to tell Marcelo to cancel the dinner plans and reschedule for another night when she wasn’t busy. It was already nearing half hour past nine when she finally stepped foot out of her office. The lights were dimmed now, and the late custodians would be coming in soon. She was alone on the top floor of the building, and it was a bit eerie.
Gemma hurried to the elevator that brought her straight down since there was no one to ask for the elevator on the other floors. The lobby was emptying out quickly with other late workers such as Gemma exiting the building to end the work day. The streets were now dry after the little rainstorm this morning. The crisp, cool evening air whirled around Gemma, and she was thankful for the change of breathing environment. It seemed to have cleared up her mind and awakened her.
She looked at the curb for the familiar car and Samuel but there was no sign of it or him. However, what she did find surprised her. Marcelo was leaning against a car with his eyes already trained on hers. Gemma came to stop in front of him with a curious look.
“Did Leila not inform you that I would reschedule dinner?” She clutched her suit jacket to her chest, leaving her in only the white blouse tucked into her black skirt that ended mid-thigh.
He pushed himself off the car and opened the passenger car door for her. “She left a message on my phone. I found it unnecessary. The night is still young, is it not?”
“I- I have someone to pick me up.” She fished for her phone getting ready to contact Samuel.
“I already told your driver you will be coming with me. He’s already left. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him the rest of the night off.”
Gemma stared at him disbelievingly and laughed. “Of course I mind. He’s my driver. You don’t get to make decisions like that for me. What if I need him in an emergency?”
“That’s what I’m here for tonight. Come on, cara, we have a dinner to get to.”
She couldn’t help but be amused at his cockiness or simply, confidence. Gemma looked around for Sam one last time before taking one more step closer to Marcelo and the car. That was the only sign Marcelo needed to open the door wider for her to enter the two-seater sports car.
Gemma got in hesitantly and tucked her legs in before he closed the door. Within seconds, Marcelo was in the driver’s seat looking impeccably sexy behind the wheel of a sports car and they were speeding off in the streets.
“So, what restaurant are you taking me to for the celebration?” She made sure to emphasize the last word as it lingered in the air between them.
“It’s the new one off the corner of Rose Boulevard and 26th street. Emilio, you’ve met him, recommended the place. Low-key, perfect for a night of relaxation.” Marcelo took his eyes off the road for a second to flash her a smile.
Gemma nodded. “Sounds great.” A chill night is just what she needed after the hectic and busy day at work.
Although, she didn’t know to what extent of relaxation she could get with Marcelo staring at her intently the way he was doing when they both were seated at a corner booth of the restaurant. He was right about the place being low-key. There wasn’t much attention towards it, and inside it seemed very private. There was a performer singing softly for music, but it wasn’t the main focus of the restaurant.
“So, what business do you have with my step grandmother and aunts?” Gemma didn’t waste a second in asking as soon as the waiter left. Ever since Caroline and Hilda barged into the meeting room asking for Marcelo, her interest piqued.
Marcelo looked surprised by the abrupt question. The low lamp above the table which was the source of the dim lighting flashed across his face, giving Gemma a good view. They were both on the corners of the corner booth, with lots of space in between them, Gemma noted.
“I don’t have business with them,” he replied smoothly. “What made you think that?”
Gemma sipped her drink through the straw. “Then why did they want to speak to you earlier?”
Marcelo smiled at her, trying to ease her worries with just the tilt of his lips. “Don’t worry, cara. We just resolved some issues that were misunderstood.”
“I didn’t know you associated with them before.”
“When I was working with your grandfather, I ran into them a lot. They were always glued to his side whenever he had business deals or company parties. It would have been rude of me to brush off meeting his family.”
Gemma was suddenly suspicious at what he said. Why would the two be interested in company dealings? It’s not like they were executives or anything. They just worked for the company.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they were working with someone to take over the company. They just can’t stay content with what they have. They always want more hence why I think Hilda just married my grandfather for the money.” Marcelo choked on his drink. “Are you okay?”
He nodded, wiping away his mouth with the cloth napkin. “Fine.”
“Anyways, I’ve had enough of my company for today. What about you? I haven’t heard much from you or Valacari besides the newspapers and business magazines.”
Marcelo leaned back into the cushioned booth. “What do you want to know about it?”
“How you started… how you became this, prodigy, at a young age.”
He smirked. “I wouldn’t call twenty-nine to be young.”
“It’s not old either. Besides, it’s young when you’re leading an entire company that is very successful, by the way.”
“You’re one to talk. You’re in the exact same position as I am, or have you forgotten? How old are you, twenty-five? Twenty-six?”
Gemma couldn’t help but smile. “I’m surprised you don’t know how old I am. It seems like you know everything else about me.”
He leaned forward, the light shining on his face once again by the lamp. “I make an effort in learning more about you from you personally.” The intense gaze was on her again, and Gemma shifted uncomfortably under it.
“I’m twenty-seven. Too young for you, Mr. Valacari?” She teased, wondering where the sudden flirty side of her came out. It would have been really useful back in high school.
He grinned. “You’re perfect for me, cara.”
Her cheeks flushed red, and she hid it behind her hair as she pretended to search for something in her purse. “Have you, um, always wanted to run your family’s business?”
“No, but I had no choice. However, I don’t see myself doing anything else than this. It was what I was born for, my father said.”
“Is your father strict?”
He laughed. “As hell. If you don’t follow his orders, you’ll be kicked out on the streets to fend for yourself.”
Gemma frowned. “That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? Surely, he didn’t actually go through with his threat?”
He only shrugged. “Crazy, Italian man but we all love him.”
“My father was really strict with me back then, too. Especially when I was a kid. He didn’t want to spoil me, but my grandparents did. He and Grandfather never got along for several reasons unknown. It was why when my mom and grandmother died, he and I moved out of the mansion. There was no reason for us to stay there.” Gemma blinked away the tears forming. “Anyways, let’s not talk about our pasts. What’s Italy like? I’ve always wanted to go there, to any country in Europe actually.”
Marcelo smiled at the question. “Beautiful. Beautiful scenery, beautiful culture, beautiful women…” Gemma couldn’t help but be jealous of the women Marcelo thought beautiful. “Pasta’s pretty great too.”
Their conversation was halted once the waiter came back out with their food just as the performer was starting a new set of songs. They enjoyed the food with light conversations here and there. The both of them took turns in telling the other about themselves.
Gemma was even more intrigued by Marcelo. He certainly was not the man Gemma thought when they officially met for the first time.
“Do you have a wife or girlfriend?” She asked when they neared the topic of relationships. “Fiancée, perhaps?”
His smile stretched out on his face at the question. “Jealous?”
“I’m the one having dinner with you, am I?”
He held up his left hand. “No wife. No girlfriend, and I don’t plan on getting married any time soon.”
That seemed to have appeased Gemma. “Can I tell you something then?”
He raised an eyebrow. “You can tell me anything, cara.”
“I really want to kiss you.”
His eyebrow rose even higher. He most definitely was not expecting this from her. Gemma didn’t even expect it from herself. She was a strong believer in guys making the first move all her life, but there she went defying her belief for a man like Marcelo.
“Come closer then.” His voice was husky and low, fitting for the mood.
Gemma could not believe she was now moving across the empty space of the booth to Marcelo’s side. His eyes were solely on her and her every movement. She stopped just an inch away from his body as hers was angled towards his. She brought one hand up to his face, barely touching him, when she heard him suck in a breath.
Gemma tilted her face up, closing her eyes, getting ready to go through with the kiss she so desperately wanted. If she didn’t kiss him now, she probably would never get the chance to.
“What about you?” He asked hoarsely. Shut up and let me kiss you, Gemma thought. “Do you have a husband or a boyfriend? Plan on marrying anytime soon?”
“I’m not a cheater,” she replied, her breath blowing across his skin.
Marcelo’s arms found their way around her waist, his hands tightly on her hips. He was glad he chose this restaurant to bring her. The private ambiance was perfect for a moment like this, and the singer singing a soft tune added to the mood.
“Good, because I don’t like cheaters.”
She knew he was waiting for her to make the first move. She finally regained back all of her courage from asking the question and leaned in even closer to his lips. While adrenaline was still pumping through her, she would smack her lips against his.
Both of their eyes were closed but flew open when the chatter by nearby tables became noticeable as the singer finished her song and her voice no longer drowned the conversations. Marcelo and Gemma looked at each other and one of them sighed before Gemma pulled away letting Marcelo’s arms drop back to his lap.
It was safe to say the mood was undeniably ruined.
Gemma looked away from him and down at her hands below the table. She couldn’t believe she was that close to kissing him. Marcelo cleared his throat.
“I should get going.” Gemma announced not being able to look him in the eyes. “It’s almost eleven.”
“I’ll drop you off,” he offered waving for the waiter to come by with the check.
“No need,” she declined going back to her original spot across from him. “I can just take a cab back. My place is pretty far from here, and it’s out of your way.” She recently learned that he also had a condo but was on the other side of Manhattan, away from her apartment building.
“I insist, cara,” he stood up as well placing his credit card back into his wallet.
“Marcelo-“ Gemma didn’t want to spend another awkward second with him. It was all too much for one night.
Without looking at her, he placed one hand on the small of her back and led her through the restaurant and out onto the street to wait for the valet to fetch his beloved car. He helped her inside making sure she didn’t run off to the line of cabs waiting just down the street where bars and clubs were located.
Just as expected, the atmosphere inside the car was tense and awkward. Gemma sat respectively in his car with her hands tucked in her lap. Marcelo focused on the road with a hard look in his eyes. His jaw was set and the muscles on his forearm were taut. She decided against saying anything until she had to thank him for dinner and the ride.
For a foreigner in the country, Marcelo was very familiar with New York City. Gemma’s apartment building came into view as he drove towards it. The streets were still busy with people roaming around which was nothing unusual for the city.
Marcelo found a good spot in front of her building to stop the car and let Gemma get out. He put the car in park but didn’t stop the engine and that was enough of a hint for Gemma to say her goodbyes quickly.
Still not meeting his eyes, she grabbed her purse on the floor by her feet and put it on her lap. “Thank you for the dinner.” She had one hand on the door handle. Oh, what the hell? She thought. “Okay, about that kiss-“
She turned back to face him when she was all of a sudden interlocked in a kiss with Marcelo.
Gemma let out a squeak of surprise but it was muffled by Marcelo’s mouth over hers. One of his hands was on the back of her neck, keeping her close to him.
“I really wanted to kiss you too,” he whispered against her lips before connecting them once again.
Gemma’s earlier surprise evaporated and she let herself relax and enjoy the skillful lips of Marcelo. She dropped her purse back on the floor and both of her hands wound themselves into his hair bringing him closer. His dark hair was as soft and silky as she imagined it to be.
He leaned over the console and over her, and with nowhere else to go, Gemma was pushed back against the leather seat under him. His tongue swiped across her bottom lip and within seconds the kiss became hot and heavy. She met his tongue with her own, hoping she wasn’t making a fool of herself with the French kiss. Although by the sounds Marcelo was making, she continued doing what she was doing.
Thank goodness for the darkly tinted windows, was one of Gemma’s thoughts as she tilted her head diagonally. His lips left hers only to trail down her jaw and neck sucking on a spot right where her collarbone and neck met.
“Oh,” Gemma let out scratching her hand against his back. She bunched up his shirt in her hand.
“Do you like that?” He whispered into her ear as he came back up to hover above her lips.
Her eyes still closed, she nodded urgently kissing him again. He obliged willingly, his hand on her blouse unbuttoning the top few buttons expertly with just one hand. She felt his fingers softly run over the exposed cleavage. Too fast. Her mind warned her.
Marcelo pulled his lips away to lean his forehead on hers. His eyes flickered down, and Gemma noticed the lustful gaze on his eyes which had to mirror hers.
“So beautiful,” he murmured. “It looks even better up close than standing at the doorway to your office.”
Her whole face flushed. “You said you weren’t there long!” She accused pushing him away and buttoning her shirt back up.
Marcelo grinned sheepishly, his lips full and swollen. “I lied.” He leaned over and left one more lingering kiss on her lips wiping away any anger she might have had. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, cara. Trust me.”
His statements didn’t help in cooling her face down. Her entire body was on fire from that kiss. She couldn’t wait until-
Wait. Whoever said about there being more after this night?
“Goodbye, Marcelo,” she said politely opening the car door.
His hand went out to grab her wrist before she could leave. His free hand cupped her face and swooped in for another long, sweeter kiss. Gemma’s eyes were closed when he pulled away with a grinning face. “Good night.”
She didn’t say anything else, afraid that whatever would come out of her mouth was the gushing excitement she felt. She stood at the sidewalk, fixing her clothes and hair before walking into the building and being greeted by the doorman. He had a knowing look on his face, and Gemma blushed for what seemed like the millionth time that night.
Once inside, she turned back around to see Marcelo’s car merging into the traffic. He waited until she got inside safely.
She couldn’t wipe off the beaming smile on her face. Tonight turned out to be interesting, indeed.
--A/N
I hope this chapter made up for the long wait? Hehe. So, how do you guys think they will act around each other after that night? ;)
Also, that man in the picture is who I pictured Marcelo to be. You don't have to look, but I had someone ask if I was going to be putting up actors for the characters' faces.
Please vote and comment down your thoughts! It will really help my story to spread :)