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Her smile is filled with happiness as I leave the room. She begins humming softly and I turn.
I recognize that song.
It’s a melody from my childhood that my mother used to sing me to sleep at night. Strange that with the recent thoughts of my parents passing, I hear her humming that melody. It strikes me at that moment that Mrs. Rosemary has worked with my family in one manner or another for as long as I can remember. It's been some time since I've had a sentimental thought for my parents. The ice around my heart truly is thawing.
* * *
The elevator opens up and Bella enters my home. I hear the clicking of her high heels as she walks slowly through my space. Mrs. Rosemary greets her and takes her jacket as I appear in the hallway.
Bella is dressed casual, yet classy. She wears a black flared skirt that goes to just above her knees with black flats. Her blouse is black with white polka dots. It’s fitted across her chest and loose underneath. Her hair is in a ponytail and her face glows as she smiles at me.
Mrs. Rosemary nods to me and smiles at Bella, then excuses herself. Bella tentatively steps forward and we stand awkwardly in front of another.
“I don’t know how to do any of this,” she confesses, her hands nervously wringing as she comes to stand before me.
“There’s nothing to be worried about. This, what we’re doing, is a relationship, even if it is a bit unconventional. We all have different roles, multiple roles we play in various parts of our lives. If you feel better by compartmentalizing those roles, then we will. If you wish to intertwine them, that is fine too. I completely understand that you do not wish to mix the two.”
“Wouldn’t you rather be in a relationship you can openly discuss at Adams Enterprises?” she asks.
“My private life is mine, always has been. You are a part of that now, though, so it’s ours. I own the company, so I can choose what I do and do not disclose. Besides, in the time that you've known me, have you be aware of any of my personal business to be common knowledge? Do you hear gossip about me around the water cooler?”
“I heard you have a monthly dinner date. Aside from that, people say you work too much and go to the gym a lot,” she recounts.
“Then I hope you believe me when I say I can keep the relationship separate from work. Although, I will admit, keeping my hands to myself when I see you may be harder on me,” I admit.
“How so?” she asks.
“I’m only a man and my thoughts aren't always of the purest nature when it comes to you, especially when I imagine you on my desk, or against the windows of my office. “
“Only a man, eh?” She laughs at my choice of words.
“I don't know what it is about you.” I reach out and clasp both of her hands in mine as I look up to the ceiling. “You get me to say things that I wouldn't.”
“I am, after all, one of a kind.” She laughs.
“Dinner will be ready in a moment. I hope you like eggplant. Once I learn your tastes, I can better accommodate your preferences.”
“Ben. It’s okay. You don’t have to reorganize everything for me or cater to me. Whatever you want to eat is fine. As long as it's edible, I'm usually game for anything. I grew up on a farm, so it's not like I'm picky,” she says, placing her hand on the collar of my shirt.
The elevator opens again, this time with Wayne bringing in Bella’s bag. I catch his eye and ask him to drive Mrs. Rosemary home so Bella and I can be alone.
I set Angus to sleep mode so there will be no interruptions from him, so Bella and I can finally be alone.
For the whole weekend.
Together.
And hopefully naked.
Chapter Seven
Benjamin
It’s not a normal occurrence that I eat a private meal with this beautiful woman. I’ve shared meals in the presence of Bella, with other associates and with friends once upon a time - but tonight dinner has a whole new meaning.
Tonight is the beginning of something I can’t quite name.
Tonight is the beginning of something I can’t wait to start.
