Fervent Desires

Chapter 5 – A NOT SO First Encounter

It had been almost a month and I still couldn’t get Erica out of my mind. Not even Noelle’s advances could take my mind off her. She had been livid when I told her I was moving to New York.

“When did you make this decision?” she had screamed “You didn’t even tell me you were thinking about it”. I never could understand her, she always seemed so indifferent. She had made it clear that she didn’t want a relationship but then she acted like we were a couple.

“Umm, Ms. Vanderbilt,” a timid voice brought me from my musing. I looked up to see my assistant Anna, I wondered how long she had been standing there. “I need your signature” she continued.

I smiled as I took the folder from her, “I need to look these over” I responded, briefly scanning its contents. “Can I bring these back to you by lunch?” Anna nodded and left the office, closing the door behind her.

It was only my second week in New York and already Vaughn had taken me to most of the city’s hot spots. I had tried hooking up with other girls but no one seemed interesting enough to hold my attention. I could still remember the chemistry I had felt that night with Erica, the raw need, the desire; I inhaled deeply as my mind flooded with memories. I could picture her clearly; I could smell her, taste her, feel her. I cleared my throat as if that could clear my mind. Frustrated I grabbed my phone from my desk and headed for the door. I needed a walk.

I donned my sunglasses as I stepped onto Wall Street. It was midday and the street was bustling with pedestrians, most of which I assumed were assistants grabbing lunch for their bosses. I stood out among them as I aimlessly made my way to the corner. That’s one of the major differences between L.A. and New York; New Yorkers always seemed to be in such a hurry. I made my way to a hot dog cart as I pondered what to do next.

My phone buzzed, it was Anna; I had totally forgotten to sign her papers.  I hastily made my way back to the office; where she was no doubt wondering where I had gone off to. As I rushed into the building I saw Anna hurrying to meet me. “You have a meeting in ten minutes,” she started “I’m having someone bring your files down”. Anna turned to acknowledge someone approaching and I turned with her; I could feel the blood immediately drain from my face.

“There you are Erica!” she exclaimed. Taking the folder from her and handing it to me. "Erica this is our CFO, Ms. Taylor Vanderbilt”.

I was shocked. I didn’t think I would ever see her again. I could see the shock on her face as well.  “Ms. Vanderbilt this is our newest intern Erica Collins,” Anna’s voice roused me from my shock, clearly she hadn't noticed the awkwardness between us.

Erica spoke first “It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said stiffly.

“The pleasure is all mine,” I did my best to maintain eye contact.

Her long hair was pulled up in a tight bun and I yearned to pull it down so I could run my fingers through it. Her muted grey outfit complemented her frame nicely, my hands longed to peel back the layers to reveal what I knew was hidden underneath. I extended a hand, which she took gingerly. I looked into her blue eyes and felt myself getting lost. “Your car is here,” I vaguely heard a voice and registered that it was Anna’s. I reluctantly tore myself away from Erica, my mind was doing cartwheels. I couldn’t believe it, here I was thinking that I would never see her again meanwhile she had been right under my nose the whole time.

....

Where do interns typically hang out? I thought to myself as I searched the office almost frantically. I hardly paid any attention in my meeting, I had been too busy anticipating seeing Erica again. As I walked by, various employees stared at me, no doubt wondering what I was doing in that part of the building. Executives hardly came down to the third floor and when they did they never stayed long. I finally found Erica in the copying room wrestling with the printer.

“Dammit!” she yelled as she bent to pick her papers off the floor.

“Do you need help? I asked already retrieving the papers closest to me.

“Ms Vanderbilt,” she seemed surprised to see me.

“Taylor,” I corrected

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea-”

“Is that why you pretended that you’ve never met me before?” I interrupted.

“Look I don't usually go home with strangers. Cindy suggested that I loosen up a bit. It figures that the one time I do I end sleeping with my boss."

"I won't hold it against you if you don't," I smirked.

It’s just that I thought it would be better if we didn’t know each other,”

“We don’t know each other,” I responded as I handed her the papers. “But I’d like for us to.”

Our hands touched ever so slightly and felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. Erica pulled her hand back as if she had gotten burnt and I knew she had felt it too.

“Look I have a huge project coming up and Anna is going to need some help.” I lied “I heard you were really promising and just came to offer you the position”. A frown crossed her face, no doubt wondering why I would deliver such an offer personally. “Are you interested?” I continued when she did not answer immediately.

“Y-Yes, when do I start?” she sounded cautious.

“Monday”

That gave me all weekend to come up with something. I could feel Erica’s eyes on me as I walked away and it took all of my self-control not to look back. As I strolled past I could see the various interns and assistants whispering, no doubt gossiping as to me reasons for being down there. As I neared the elevator inspiration hit me. I turned and hurried back to the copying room where she was just gathering up the last of her papers. Erica jumped when I cleared my throat.

“On second thought, I’d like you to go over some of the documents before Monday. I’ll have Anna send you the files”

Erica nodded.

“This is a very important client so if you need any help don’t hesitate to call me.”

Our hands touched again when I handed her my card and I anticipated the current that would inevitably run through my body. I smiled stiffly in an effort to conceal my arousal; but I could feel every ounce of my restraint slipping away. I had to have her and I had no clue why she had so much power over me. My phone rang and I used it as an excuse to get out of there. I had meetings that would take me away from the office all afternoon I was glad for the distraction but I also wanted to be close to Erica, this was frustrating.