Hello Again readers , I want to thank everyone for there reviews and feedback and words of inspiration in getting me to proceed with Secret Lover , And a huge thanks to my new editor Amanda *you rock*. I had to close up shop for a bit to make a few changes in my life but Im happy to say it is all squared away. I recently got engaged and that spark of ecstatic happiness compelled me to finish chapter 2 I decided to speed things up between this couple and also add a new protagonist to the mix Please give me lots of feedback and thoughts on this chapter, I think you've all waited long enough so here's Secret Lover chapter 2!
*****
"So who is she?"
"Who?" Cole asked. He rubbed the small of his neck with his large hands and stared into the sky-blue eyes of his little sister Sophie.
"You know damn well who." She said, chuckling lightly. "Whenever you're not being upfront with me you rub your neck like that." Unconsciously, Cole did it again.
"See? See there it is again! So are you going to spill or do I have to get Mum on the phone?"
"Alright, alright little sister calm down! Her name's Melanie, she's a coworker of mine and I really like her."
"That's great Cole," said Sophie "so why do I sense a 'but' somewhere in there?"
Cole sighed. "Because there is - I don't think she likes me."
Sophie's eyes widened at the words that just fell from her brother's lips. "You mean the great King Cole has met a woman on God's green earth who doesn't drop to her knees at the sight of him? Gasp!" Sophie said as she threw her hand to her forehead in mock surprise and couldn't help but smile at the soft scowl that crept over her brother's face.
"I'm serious Soph. She seemed to find me attractive, but when I spoke to her it was like being put in front of a firing squad." He said.
"Well maybe you're going about it all wrong. Try getting her to have coffee with you and talk, or maybe lunch. Be subtle - and I know thats hard for you, so try. If you really like this girl as much as you say, then it's worth a shot." Sophie stared at her brother for a moment. "So? Details! What does she look like?"
"Well she's about 5'5, brown hair, hazel eyes, a gorgeous smile..." Cole's eyes began to glaze over as he spoke of Melanie. He hadn't seen her in a few days and it was obvious she was doing everything in her power to avoid him. Deep inside, that upset him even though he wasn't really sure why. It was as if his heart had staked claim on her and was urging him to make the first move. But the arrogant playboy in his mind was yelling that she was just like any other woman and that he shouldn't go running after her.
"Well she sounds wonderful Cole, and from the look you just had I can tell she isn't like the other bimbos you've been running around with. So go for it."
Cole loved his sister, she always seemed to understand and respect him no matter how much she busted his chops. Cole eyed his watch, not wanting to be late for work he decided he should go. "Well I had better head out. I'll call you before the weekend comes." Cole placed a quick kiss on his sister's forehead before standing to leave. He wanted Melanie and had some thinking to do to get her.
*****
"Hey Mel I can wait for you if you'd like."
Melanie looked up, smiling. Her friend's perfectly placed makeup couldn't hide her exhaustion and she would feel like a absolute jerk if she made her wait any longer other account. Melanie knew she had a lot of work left and looking at the clock above her office door saw it was already 10 o'clock. "No Kandi you head on home. I'll be fine." With a weak smile, Kandice turned on her heel, closing the door behind her. After another half hour passed, Melanie looked over her work one last time before hitting the power button on her laptop. She leaned back into the plush leather of her office chair - a gift from Marcus when she finally landed the advertising exec promotion. She remembered how silly he had looked, stripping away the large white sheet that had hidden it, revealing a brand-new office chair with a large red bow. "Surprise!" He yelled, doing a passable Vanna White wave over the gift. She had chuckled and told him that he looked liked a ghetto magician, causing him to tackle her. Their playful wrestling turning into harsh pants and rough touching only to lead to...
"Stop Mel! Remember he hurt you, right?!" Melanie mentally scolded herself and ran her fingers through her hair, pushing memories of the past to the back of her mind. She had been working herself ragged after accepting the new Nike campaign from Mr. Stokes. When he presented the job at the last meeting she had jumped at the opportunity, partly because she knew the management was looking for someone in the company worthy to be given the chance to become partner, but also because she knew the heavy workload and demanding schedule the campaign required would make it easy to avoid Cole. Melanie knew she was being childish, but she felt that keeping her distance was best - especially with her feelings still so vulnerable.
She packed her laptop and other items into her briefcase and grabbed her jacket before hitting the light switch on the wall and heading for the elevators. Hitting the basement button, she sighed as the elevator doors closed - leading her down to the office garage.
*****
"Cole, sweetheart I've been calling all day. Please..." Message deleted.
"What the fuck! I know you've seen all these missed calls and messages! I..." Message deleted.
"So you think you can just sleep with me and leave me!? You're sorely mistaken, you sack of..." Message deleted.
"Cole baby I'm sorry, I'm just mad that you're ignoring me - you know I don't like being ignored..." Message deleted.
Cole deleted the rest of his voice mails before tossing the phone onto his desk. It had been a long workday and he was more than ready to head home for the night. He stood and stretched, relieving the throbbing he felt in his limbs. He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair and slipped it on and, grabbing the folders he knew he had to look over, tossed them in his bag. He wondered when he would see Melanie again. He had seen her earlier that day - their eyes met briefly and he attempted to reach her, but was stopped by a colleague before she ducked off behind a group of people and disappeared. He felt compelled to go to her office, lock the door behind him, and force her to hear him out, but he could tell she was stubborn and would rather quit than acknowledge the attraction between them. In no time he had gathered his things and entered the elevator down to the company garage. With no effort, he found his black Range Rover parked only a few steps away. Hopping in, he warmed the engine before pulling off around the corridor of the garage.
As he drove towards the exit he could see the silhouette of a shapely figure - her hair was pulled to one side, giving him a view of her supple neck. She was bending over the opened hood of the sage-green Jaguar, giving an even-better view of her round bottom. Cole sucked in a breath, feeling his manhood swell at the sight before him. Even from this distance he knew it was her and he thought it was funny that she had this effect on him even from this far. He pulled slowly beside her car and stepped from his vehicle, walking towards her. It took every ounce of self control Cole possessed to keep from wrapping his arms around her tiny waist and pushing his face into her neck. Her beauty was effortless and Cole wondered if she even knew it
"Car trouble?" he asked, his arms crossed.
"Unfortunately." Melanie replied, sighing audibly.
Cole removed his jacket, tugged and rolled his sleeves above his forearms, and leaned into the car. He poked and prodded at her vehicle's insides for a moment before turning around, his hands slightly stained in black oil.
"Please tell me you can fix it." Melanie said, her eyes pleading with Cole to say yes.
"I don't think so - looks like your engine locked up. Whens the last time you put any oil in this car?" Melanie bit her lip and tried to remember. She was terrible when it came to cars.
"I honestly don't remember." She replied, running her hand through her hair.
"Well what do you say I give you a ride and you can call someone in the morning to pick up your car and haul it to a shop?"
"N..No I don't think so. I don't want to take you out of your way." She stammered
Cole sighed. "It's not out of my way, Melanie, I'm offering to get you home. It isn't a problem."
"And I appreciate it, but I'll give Kandice a call - I'm sure she'll come get me."
"Don't' be ridiculous, I'm sure that at this hour Kandice is asleep and why would you want to wake her when you have a perfectly capable and willing man at your disposal?"
Melanie had to admit he was right. She was exhausted and would probably fall asleep before a cab arrived and she would feel like a first class heel if she woke Kandice for her own selfish reasons. While thinking this over, she still couldn't help but notice how sexual his words always seemed - no matter how nonchalant they were. Against her better judgment she answered him: "Okay, I'll take the ride."
"Great." Cole said, releasing the hatch on the hood of her car. He walked her around to his vehicle and opened the door for her. Once she was inside, he made his way to the driver's side and climbed in before turning the car and making his way out of the garage.
*****
The majority of the ride proceeded in silence, and apart from Cole asking her for her address to enter into the GPS, she hadn't spoken. He would glance in her direction occasionally, never meeting her gaze, only to see her focus was stuck on the buildings they passed. He wanted to say something to her, maybe take his sister's advice and strike up a conversation with Melanie but he felt like his efforts would be lost - even sitting right next to him she avoided him, and it was beginning to get to him.
Melanie knew her lack of social etiquette was becoming annoying. She felt Cole's eyes on her as she continued to look at the various buildings and cars. When the feeling had gone, she took the opportunity to steal a peek herself. For the first time she could really drink him in, from his long, trimmed hair to his chiseled features and soft pink lips. She saw his muscles flex when all he did was tighten his grip on the steering wheel and damn near lost it. Before she could register what happened in her mind and stop herself, a soft moan escaped her lips. "Did that just come out of me?"She thought, turning her eyes back out the window. She looked down and noticed her hands had developed a mind of their own and were gently stroking the soft lace that was the only thing blocking her moist folds from her touch. "Melanie, stop! You're in the man's car, for Christ sake!" Again she mentally scolded herself, knowing for sure this ride was going to be the longest of her life.
*****
Cole knew no other explanation other than his mind was playing tricks on him. He could have sworn he heard Melanie moan and upon looking in her direction, he caught her fingers between her thighs. This was to much for Cole to take and in a swift motion he pulled the car to the side of the road and killed the engine. He released himself from the seat belt and turned to face Melanie.
"Wh...why did you stop? What's wrong?" She stuttered.
"Melanie I'm not going to continue like this."
"Like what, Cole?"
"You know what. It's obvious we're attracted to each other. I felt it the moment I stepped on that elevator, and I know you felt it too. But instead of owning up to it you just avoid me like I have the plague or something."
"Cole I don't avoid you its just.." She began.
"Oh really," He interrupted. "The last meeting we were at you bolted out of that room so fast I swear I saw flames. I know I want you, but the question is if you want me."
"N...No, I mean yes, but I... Look yes, I've been avoiding you but I don't know what you expect to get out of this. So we're attracted to each other - so what? There are rules about employees dating and I'd rather not lose my job."
"Well I'll change the rules." Cole said, obviously frustrated.
"You'd change the rules to get what you want?" She asked, incredulous.
"If what I get is you.. yes."
Cole's last statement struck a cord with Melanie. She didn't expect his words to be so heartfelt and she wasn't sure if she believed him, but something inside told her he was genuine.
