The Total Sum of Two

Chapter 5

Mr. Lycan had insisted he drive.  Gregory opens the front passenger seat door for you and then folds his six foot frame into the back.  Your small city isn’t known for having many high class restaurants.  You could probably name only one and you look at it, stunned, as the car pulls up.  The luxury sedan pulls to the front, avoiding the parking lot, a valet reaching out to open your door and assist you.

Both men come out of the car putting suit coats on. Like some Hollywood movie in slow motion, jackets are wiped back, both arms sliding in as if someone assisted them.  Collars are flipped back, sleeves adjusted, and front buttons closed.  You’re still standing were the valet left you, trying with everything you have to keep the drool inside your mouth. There are two, incredibly sexy, apparently wealthy, men walking towards you. This is a fantasy right?  If this is real life, they’ll just keep walking without even giving me a glance.  You secretly reach over and pinch your arm, releasing the tiniest grimace. Okay, this is real. So, I’m not dreaming, I’m dead.  There’s no other explanation for this.

You turn towards the restaurant entrance as they arrive next to you.  Gregory’s hand moves to the small of your back sending warm tingles up and down your spine.  His breath is warm on your ear as he leans down to whisper. 

“If you don’t stop pinching yourself, you’re going to be covered in bruises.”

You turn quickly towards him, only to realize how close he really is.  His eyes heat for a second and he leans in, kissing you on the nose.

His eyes crinkle as he says, “I don’t move remember?”

You head towards the door only to find his boss staring at the two of you like a cat with all the cream.  He has a naughty smirk on his lips, his jacket pushed back, and his hands in his pockets.  As the two of you approach he makes a show of holding the door open, waiting for you to pass through.

Wow!  Is the only word that comes to mind as you enter the elegant foyer. This place must cost an entire paycheck just to be seated!  The walls are lined with draped, rich fabric.  The tables are all secluded from each other by high walls. The tables far enough away from the walls that even if an annoying child could get in, they couldn’t kick the back of your seat. 

You continue to look around as you’re led further towards the back.  At the rear, tables are now in individual rooms.  Each room with a door open had its own unique decor.  Curiosity fills you, as you wonder what the room you’re heading towards will look like.

At the last door, the matre d slides it open, ushering each of you inside.  Magical.  Is the first word that comes to your mind. Live plants are hung from the ceiling and sitting on planters surrounding the room.  The room doesn’t have direct light but rather what looks like string lights attached to the ceiling, covered with a dark cloth.  Ethereal. Is the next word as you continue to just stand and take it all in. 

You close your eyes as the atmosphere mixes with Gregory’s hand finding your back again. 

“Your shoes,” he comments. 

You look down to see that the two men have already removed their shoes.  You hadn’t even noticed the table in the center; low to the floor with only pillows to sit upon.

Before you can comply with his order, another, softer whisper sends goose bumps down your arms.  “I’d be happy to oblige you.” What sounds like a purr emitting from his throat as he continues.  “I admit I enjoyed removing your shoe yesterday.”

You quickly bend down and remove your heels as he watches, chuckling. 

The men sit across from each other, cross legged and you stand for a minute trying to figure out how to get down to that tiny little pillow in your straight line skirt. 

Gregory’s head motions in your direction and suddenly two hands appear in front you.  Smiling your thanks you clasp each one of their hands and slide side saddle down to the pillow. 

Now you’re at a weird angle. Oh fun!  They get to be comfortable, I get to figure out how to not face plant into my food or fall over on my side.  Before you try another awkward twist, a suit coat is draped across your lap.  You look up at Gregory who simply winks at you. You slide back up to your knees, hitch your skirt up and then sit back down with your legs crossed.  You’re pleasantly surprised that his suit coat fits fully across your crossed legs and even down the sides.  You glance over at him, noticing as his arm muscles flex as he is reaching and pouring a drink for his boss.

How have I never noticed those shoulders?  How many times have I been in his arms?  Okay, I was distracted each time before.  Hmm, those muscles.  You recall when you were watching him yesterday. His shirt sleeves rolled up and the veins in his forearms rolling and moving as he had worked.

You are totally fixated on his arms and shoulders, lost in the memory of watching him yesterday.  You are oblivious to anything going on or said around you. 

Eyeing you with a bemused expression, Philip turns to Gregory.

“Explain to me why you haven’t just taken this woman already?  From her scent, she is obviously willing.” 

Gregory gives Philip a murderous glance. 

“What?” he questions, motioning to you.  “She isn’t even here with us right now, look.”  He waves his hand in front of your face and you don’t even blink.

“When you find your mate, you’ll understand,” he replies and gently places a hand on top of yours.

His warmth and the sudden zing of his touch bring you back.  Your hand raises to your throat in embarrassment.  “I’m so sorry, I must have zoned out there for a minute.  It’s been a long work week.  What were you saying?”

Gregory’s hand still covers yours and you aren’t sure what to do.  It feels good, too good, but you still don’t know anything about him.  You quietly slip your fingers out from under his and place them back in your lap.

They had ordered the food while you were off in fantasy land.  You’re pleasantly surprised to see an order of Chicken Marseille on your plate. You glance over and stare in mild horror at the plate size steaks, medium rare, placed in front of them.  Blood is seeping onto the plate, almost enough to turn your stomach.  The men pay you no attention as they dig into their meals, determined to eat first, talk later.

As coffee and a decadent chocolate dessert arrive, his boss turns to you. 

“I suppose we should apologize for ordering for you.  It was to your liking?”

“Oh, yes, thank you.  I’ve never tasted better.  This place is amazing.  You come here often?”

He smiles into his coffee. “We built it.  It’s one of the perks we receive from the owner for a job well done.”

“Oh,” you comment, not quite sure what to say to that but then blurt out, “and just what ‘other’ perks do your clients gift you?”

There’s no mistaking your words or their meaning. Philip quickly raises his napkin to his face, stopping his coffee from spraying everywhere.  Coughing a little, he dabs at his mouth, forces a smile and turns to you.  He spares a brief glance over at Gregory who’s trying hard but failing at holding in his laughter.

“I believe I’m beginning to understand.”

“Understand what?” You ask in confusion. “It was a simple enough question wasn’t it?”

He turns his body fully toward you.  “Yes ‘mam. It was definitely a direct, simple enough question.”

“And…” you press.

“Most of our clients are long standing friends or referrals from friends.  This room,” he motions around you, “is our ‘perk’.  We pay for our own meals, make a reservation like everyone else.  However, only our company uses this room.”

At the lift of your eyebrow he tilts his head to look you directly in the eyes. 

“Our company has a strict code of ethics.  We don’t accept bribes or gifts of any kind.  The owners here determined on their own that they would decorate and reserve this room strictly for our company’s use.  And I do mean our entire company’s use. That includes our foremen, brick layers, and even our clerks.  Our men did an exceptional job, came in under budget, and before the deadline.  We accepted this gift, as we felt our employees deserved somewhere nice to take their wives or mates for special occasions.”

You nod, understanding and being impressed that he would look after his employees so well.  Out of the blue you ask, “Do you know your bricklayer’s names?”

Gregory chokes this time but Philip’s eyes crinkle with a smile.

“I do.  There are twelve actually, they work different shifts and are on different crews.  Let’s see on schedule for this week would be William, David, Jonathan, Christopher, and Danny.  Shall I continue?”

You lower your head, your cheeks heating in embarrassment. 

“No, thank you.  I’m just in awe that the C.E.O. of a company your size, knows everyone’s names and jobs.  Even the lowly peons.”

He shakes his finger in your direction, “Ah. See now there’s the difference.  I don’t employee peons in my company.  I employ people.  People who have certain, useful skills.  Not everyone has or even wants to have those skills.  I’m grateful they chose to work at the jobs they do and better yet, work for me.  They’ve made us very successful.”

You lean back a little, staring at this man you had previously judged as an arrogant playboy.  Gregory has been silent through everything, letting the two of you talk.  However you’ve seen him nod his head at Philip’s words, backing his boss up one hundred percent.