Disastrous (Disastrous Series) (6 page)

I shrugged my shoulders; I wouldn’t know. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean—,” he said.

I interrupted him, “Don’t worry about it. You know, I think I will have that wine.”

“Yes, I agree.” He called for the older man.

After a couple glasses of wine, we forgot about the touchy subjects and discussed other things, such as Marcus taking over the firm from his brother who began it all. His brother quit practicing law and started a private company. We didn’t discuss this company much. He also mentioned how within a year after taking over the firm, he managed to double the size and clientele and tripled the profit.

We also talked about Harvard, which he also attended. He remembered Professor Johnson as his instructor. He made me feel a little more comfortable when he explained that Professor Johnson was attached to him and made similar comments about one day him being bigger than the average attorney. To know that Professor Johnson had an eye for knowing who would succeed made me feel at ease. Marcus also translated between Mr. Giuseppe and me, and I grew more fond of the old man the more we talked and laughed throughout the evening.

Pushing my plate aside and wiping my face with a cloth, I felt overstuffed. “Ugh, if I eat or drink anything else, my stomach is going to explode.” I laughed and Marcus joined in.

“Yeah, me too.”

We sat and talked a little before Mr. Giuseppe cleared our table. Marcus asked for the check, but the old man refused to take any money. He said that Marcus was family, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Marcus told him he’d leave a tip for the cook, and Mr. Giuseppe approved. We rose from our chairs, and I watched as Marcus pulled out his wallet, opening the flap and revealing several hundred-dollar bills. He placed three of the bills on the table, and we left. It was darker out, but the lights from the park made it feel earlier than it really was.

“Would you like to walk through the park? I know it’s a longer way to get you back home, but I figured we could walk off what we just ate, and I can spend some more time with you.” He truly had the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen.

Smiling at him, I said, “I would actually like that.” We walked side by side to cross the street. We entered the empty park. A nice breeze gave me a slight chill, and he took off his jacket and wrapped it around me. I thought it was such a sweet gesture. He leaned closer and placed his arm around my shoulder. I was close enough to smell his cologne; it was a sweet smell mixed with his own glorious body’s scent. It was delicious. I leaned my head against the side of his chest, and we continued to stroll through the park.

We didn’t say anything, just enjoyed each other’s company. I was comforted by his scent and his strong grip around me. I could breathe his aroma all day and not get tired of that sweet smell. My thoughts began to turn on me as I imagined him ripping my clothes off and laying his naked body on top of mine. It gave me the chills. I shivered at the delicious thought, and he rubbed his palm against my arm to warm me. If he only knew what caused me to shiver…

When we reached the front of my building, I surprisingly didn’t want to go in. I enjoyed a beautiful night with Marcus, and he was leaving. I’d be alone, thinking of him in my dreams. He stood in front of me, and I couldn’t help but move in closer and inhale his scent. “You smell so good,” I whispered, unable to control my thoughts.

He cupped my cheek with his hand and lifted my face till our eyes met: his dark brown eyes to my emerald green. His thumb gently rubbed against my cheek. “Your eyes are so beautiful; you’re beautiful,” he whispered back. “Promise me you’ll think about what I said about us spending more time together.” I nodded while my eyes remained locked to his.

He licked his lips in a different way this time. He took his time; it was a more erotic lick and ended with a slight bite to the bottom lip. He ducked his head, tilting to the right. He was going to kiss me! I could feel the electricity going through my veins, and he hadn’t even touched me yet.

I closed my eyes, anticipating his mouth. My heart raced as I felt them: his soft warm lips against mine. I felt his mouth open, and he slid his tongue into my mouth. He was gentle, sucking on my bottom lip and returning his tongue back inside in soft circular motions. I wanted more, so I deepened the kiss, forcing my tongue in as far as I could go. He moaned and pulled my hips to his.

I dragged my fingers through his soft, thick hair and tugged lightly. He groaned again, and I felt his erection pressing against my body. Just thinking that my kiss could have that effect on him made me want him more. I rose on my tiptoes, so I could further the kiss.

His left hand was at my waist, pressing me against him, and his right hand was in my hair, his fingers wrestling through my ponytail. His mouth tasted of wine and salt, and I craved him. I’d never wanted a man so much. I would’ve taken him right there in the middle of the sidewalk if I didn’t care that others were watching. I was lost in his spell, and at that moment I
didn’t
care if anyone watched.

He broke from the kiss first at the sound of the door closing behind us. I looked up, and there was my third floor neighbor. I scowled at the old witch, disliking her even more for interrupting my moment.

She walked down the stairs and glanced at us suspiciously. Marcus gave her a polite nod, and I shot an annoyed smirk at her. She continued down the street, walking her pug. I touched my lips to calm the soreness of the kiss. Once my neighbor was out of earshot, he snapped back in my direction with intense eyes. “
Mia
,” he breathed. I tried to catch my breath as well.

As if I needed any more distractions, I felt my phone vibrate against my back pocket. I took it out to see a text from Jeremy.

Jeremy (10:22pm): Where are you?

Me (10:23pm): On my way up.

Shoving the phone back in my pocket, I sighed heavily. “I have to go.” He nodded. I was midway through shrugging his jacket off when he grabbed my arm to stop me.

“Keep it, that way you can have my scent near you, and hopefully it will make the decision about us easier for you.” He flashed that dimple and gorgeous smile I was beginning to love and leaned down to plant a small kiss on my forehead. Without another word, he strode to his car which was parked only a few feet away. I watched him get in before I entered the building.
What
just happened?

Hopefully it was dark enough that he couldn’t see from the rear-view mirror my stupid, girly, ear-to-ear grin. He tasted so good, his lips were so soft, and he was such a great kisser. I was sure I’d replay that kiss in my mind the rest of the night. Was that his plan to kiss me so passionately that I had no choice but to want more? Well it worked. What was I supposed to do? He gave me the best kiss I’d ever had and then left me deprived.

After taking a few moments to calm my racing heart, I entered my apartment with thoughts of Marcus, but they were instantly placed on standby. The brunette from the club last night startled me as she peeked from over the open refrigerator door. She straightened and slowly closed the fridge. She didn’t move, and her expression was one of a deer in the headlights. Jeremy rushed out his bedroom door and nodded, which meant it was my cue.

“What the fuck is going on here!” I yelled, throwing my clutch and Marcus’ jacket on the dining room table.

“Please, baby, let me explain.” Jeremy was holding his hands up to stop my movement.

“Oh don’t ‘baby’ me, who the fuck is this?” I dramatically turned my body and waved my arm in her direction. She was shocked and confused; her eyes went from Jeremy and to me and back several times. The realization that she was naked came to her, so she quickly covered her breasts with her arms.

“Uh, you … you have a girlfriend?” she stuttered at Jeremy.

“Try fiancée, sweetie! You have ten seconds to throw your shit on and get the fuck out of my apartment!” I glared at her. She didn’t move, and I placed my hand on my hip. “
Now!
” She ran to Jeremy’s room and back out, throwing her dress over her head. Rushing by me, she grabbed her purse and phone from the dining room table and hurried out the door barefoot, not saying a word or apologizing. I looked at Jeremy and rolled my eyes. He ran over to me, kissing both of my cheeks.

“You are a true talent, my dear Mia!” He placed his arms around my shoulders and led me to the sofa. I lay back and rested my head against the arm of the couch with my legs thrown across his thighs.

“I take it she wasn’t good enough for you?” I asked, knowing the answer. Jeremy had a habit of mixing me up in his sex life. If a female became
too
clingy, he was instantly turned off. It all started a year ago when he brought home a girl who wouldn’t leave; he’d run into my bedroom, begging me to get her out. Ever since it’d become a ritual: he would nod, and I’d know he wanted her out. If he immediately introduced us, then I’d know he wanted more time with her. I knew it was disgusting, and it was even worse that I played along, but he was my best friend. He was my
only
friend.

He slapped my thigh, “You have no idea! The minute we were done, she started comparing our facial features and told me how cute our babies would be. G
eez,
can I ever find a non-psychotic female?”

“You’re a pig!” He truly was disgusting! I threw my arms over my head.

“Whatever, I couldn’t wait for you to get home. You were out pretty long. Were you with DeLuca the entire time?” He reached for the remote and turned the TV on.

“Yeah, we had dinner at a little Italian restaurant called Romano’s. Have you heard of it? It’s literally one block away from the university.” Desperately trying to avoid questions about Marcus and me, I thought the subject of the restaurant would steer us away from it.

“Uh, yeah, I walked past it a few times. I thought it was closed though; I’ve never seen anyone go in and out of that place.” He flicked through the channels until a comedy, The Hangover, was showing. We didn’t say anything after that and just enjoyed each other’s company while laughing at each scene.

Once it was over, I slowly moved off the couch, trying to avoid waking Jeremy from his sleep. Grabbing my clutch and Marcus’ jacket from the table, I entered my room.

After changing into boy shorts and a tank top, I was finally nestled in my comfy bed. I was pulling my phone out of my bag to charge it when I noticed two text messages. Both were from Marcus: one an hour ago and one less than five minutes ago. Before I opened the text messages, it took me a few seconds to realize that he must have programmed his number into my phone while at work. Looking at the text, I couldn’t help the huge grin on my face.

Marcus (10:40pm): U were on my mind all day, n u will surely be on my mind all night. TY for a lovely evening and a kiss I will never forget.

Marcus (11:50pm): Sweet dreams, baby.

I waited before responding, not able to wipe the smile off my face. I wanted to give him something to think about all night.

Me (11:53pm): I will surely have sweet
wet
dreams of that kiss all night.

Marcus (11:53pm): You’re killing me.

Me (11:54pm): Good night Marcus
J

Marcus (11:55pm): Good night Mia.

****

Last night was the best sleep of my life. Dreaming of Marcus’ lips, body, and scent put me at ease. Then the thought that I could have it all in reality put me in a greater mood. I woke up, sang in the shower, and made breakfast. I also placed a plate of pancakes, eggs
,
and bacon for Jeremy in the microwave and headed out the door to meet Professor Johnson to go over the interview questions. It was a beautiful day out, so I decided to walk instead of drive. The university was only a fifteen-minute walk away. The entire stroll he was on my mind. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d woken up this happy. It was early, but I decided to send him a text anyway.

Me (8:35am): G.M., I slept very well last night. I hope you did as well?
J

Before entering Harvard’s building, I switched my phone to vibrate mode and shoved it in my back pocket. I headed for Professor Johnson’s office. His door was open. When I walked in, he was sipping on coffee and reviewing the newspaper. He popped his head up at the sound of my footsteps and smiled. Taking the seat in front of his desk, I returned his gesture with a brighter smile than usual. “So Mia, are you ready for this interview tomorrow?” He placed the paper down and took another sip of coffee before placing the mug on top of his desk.

“Ah, yeah, I think I’m ready, but it’s nice to go over these interview questions. I appreciate you taking the time to go over this with me, Professor.”

Almost an hour later, Professor Johnson went over my resume, asked a few questions, and quizzed me on the firm. I didn’t know much about Marcus DeLuca himself, just what was in a small biography written on the firm’s website. Johnson said it would be smart to do some research on him as he always does research on the owner or
CEO
of the company he interviews with.

Having that extra knowledge of charities he has sponsored or awards he may have received gave it an extra touch. I thought it would be a good idea for me
personally
as well. I thanked Professor Johnson again before heading out the door and wishing him a happy summer.

Reaching for my phone, I knew I had messages because it had vibrated against my behind during my meeting. I had three messages: two from Marcus and one from Jeremy.

Marcus (8:40am): GM Beautiful. I slept well thank you.

Jeremy (9:10am): Thanks for the breakfast, Mia, you’re the best. Luv ya ;)

Marcus (9:22am): Have lunch with me today. I can send a driver to ur place. I have to see u.

I quickly respond to Jeremy with a simple “you’re welcome,” and then I replied to Marcus.

Me (9:34am): Lunch sounds great, let me know where to meet u, I can drive there.

Marcus (9:35am): You choose.