Touch

Emily

I was right. Mr. Torres had called me for a meeting to talk about the Pascoal Villa. It was his most valuable and most exquisite villa.

Every time the villa was about to get tenants, he’d always call me so I could get a heads-up on how to deal with them.

The only other time he’d meet me was just before Christmas. He made it a point to give me my Christmas bonus in person.

This time, he wanted me to know that a young couple would be staying at the villa for two weeks.

Elliott, the chauffeur, had already picked them up from the airport, so there was no need for me to meet them today.

“I am sure they will want privacy, so your services will not often be required. Having said that, you must know that Mr. Harding is here on business as well.

“He and I are investing in a project that will require a few meetings next week.”

“Would you like me to set up the meetings at the Menti Conference Room?”

“Yes, dear. I’ll make sure you have the dates so you can arrange all of it as usual. Thank you.”

“Anything else, sir?”

“Yes. Mr. Harding has taken an interest in the area, so would you be so kind as to take the couple on a guided boat ride on Sunday and show them the view from the sea?

“I’m afraid I’m too old to entertain such a young couple. I have already made sure the yacht is ready. You will receive double the usual daily fee for your help.”

“Certainly, sir.”

“Thank you. That will be all.”

I checked my messages as I was walking out of the office, and I was not surprised to see that I had five unread messages.

Yep. Blame it on the truck, girl!

Oh, lord.

Why Nicole? Why?

Sigh.

When I get home, Nicole starts dancing around me, showing me her new dress. It is absolutely amazing; it makes her look taller, and she definitely exudes confidence.

She hands me a box. I open it to see the dress she got me, and it is, no doubt, beautiful.

“I love it! Thanks, Nic!”

“I know you would. It has your name written all over it. I couldn’t leave it at the store!”

The knee-length dress is simple, it clings to my upper body, and its open back, all the way down to the small of my back, does make me feel sexy. I guess no bra for me tonight.

Its A-line cut makes it comfortable to walk and dance in, and that’s exactly what I look for in dresses.

It’s close to nine pm, and Nicole is almost done helping me with my makeup. I don’t like wearing much. Just enough to enhance some features and maybe hide a few flaws.

“My eyes always look a lot greener when you do my makeup, Nic.”

“I barely did anything, Em. That’s all you! You’re beautiful,” she says as we head towards my kitchen counter to get a drink.

We’re getting two shot glasses when we hear a knock on the door.

“Better make it three glasses,” Nic sings as she lets Alex in. He’s wearing a perfectly tailored black suit and tie. He could be on the cover of GQ every single month, and no one would ever object to that.

“I know it’s not the first time we've seen you in a suit, but damn boy, you look—”

“Like a yummy, classy taco!” Nic cuts in, and we both laugh. She’s a mind reader.

Alex winks at Nic and starts walking in my direction, looking at my dress every step of the way.

He’s inches away when he stops. He places his right hand on my waist and whispers in my ear.

“Tell me again why we decided we’d never hook up?”