Lawyers to lovers

New Beginnings

Melissa’s shower was long and warm. The water still stung her skin where she had cuts and scrapes but she wasn’t getting used to it. She was happy to be safe, warm and in her own nighty. Melissa thought about Carl going into her home and getting her clothes, it was kind of weird to think about, she trusted Carl and knew he probably just grabbed some clothes and stuffed them in a bag. Melissa got in bed and was ready for sleep to consume her, but she tossed and turned and with every noise she jumped. She didn’t want to give Anthony the wrong idea, but she needed to be close to him to feel safe. She was extremely attracted to him but she wasn’t anywhere near ready to have a man’s hands on her. She got up and tip toed to his room, she knocked in case he was still awake. He wasn’t. It was only 930 but he must have been exhausted. Melissa went in and what she saw made her giggle. Anthony was in his boxers, in the middle of the bed face down lightly snoring. She didn’t want to disturb him and knew the chase lounge was comfortable. There was a cozy blanket that Melissa was able to get off the bed without disturbing Anthony. Melissa climbed onto the chase lounge and covered herself with the blanket. She fell right to sleep with a sense of safety and comfort being so close to Anthony.

              Anthony woke, and was shocked to see it was 10am, he never slept that late. He heard a weird sound and was shocked to see Melissa asleep on the chase lounge. She looked so peaceful, he stared at her for some time. He tip toed to the bathroom, hoping that the flush wouldn’t wake her, he was disappointed to see that he had woken her. He went over and sat with her on the lounge, covering himself noticing he was in just boxers. “Sorry I woke you.” He smiled at Melissa. Though, Melissa didn’t return his smile, she was embarrassed that she couldn’t sleep on her own. “It’s ok, I shouldn’t even be in here.” Anthony shocked them both when he scooped her up and brought her to his bed. “I’m to big to lay on that thing and I’m still tired.” Anthony tried a smile again but she still didn’t return it. Anthony spread the blanket out over them both and pulled Melissa into him, he could see she was in pain, not physically but mentally. Though he wasn’t sure why, but he was about to try and find out. “What’s wrong Melissa?” She was quiet but Anthony felt her body move a funny way, then heard the sobs. “Hey.” He pulled her in closer and tried to turn her over, she resisted and he didn’t push it. He held her and waited. He could feel her body begin to calm, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You ok?” She didn’t answer but shook her head yes. Anthony responded in a silly but sarcastic voice “Really? Because you don’t seem ok.” Melissa tried to wiggle away from Anthony, but he wiggled right up behind her. He finally had enough and was losing his patience. He let her go and climbed out of bed, once Melissa realized what he was doing she quickly rolled the other way. Anthony reacted by climbing up on top of the bed and standing over her. She kept burying her face trying to hide her smile. She couldn’t deny that he was really good at making her feel better and making her laugh. Finally, she rolled over onto her back and he saw how her mood had changed. “What’s going on stubborn lady?” Melissa threw a pillow at him and he was quick to react and it fell to the floor. It was music to Anthony’s ears when she spoke. “I’m embarrassed.” Anthony got to her side and laid next to her, “About what?” She looked at him shocked he didn’t know why. “Because, I had to come in here like a scared child, I was terrified to stay alone.” Anthony pulled Melissa to his body, she could feel the tension melt away, she now realized that feeling embarrassed was silly. Anthony knew what she had been through and just held her for a while. There was a comfortable silence, until Anthony’s stomach growled. Anthony broke the silence after his stomach “Melissa, you can sleep there, or here right beside me. I won’t pretend that I don’t have feelings for you, because I do, and they are strong. But you’ve been through a lot and I’ll leave the ball in your court. I care deeply for you, and I want to be with you when you are ready, if that’s what you want.” There was another long silence, though this time it was a little uncomfortable. Melissa couldn’t respond or she would cry, she cared about Anthony but wasn’t sure how to express it at the moment. Anthony was a little hurt and irritated she didn’t say anything. After a few moments Anthony broke the silence again. “You hungry? No doubt Mrs. White had whipped something up.”

              They ate breakfast in a comfortable silence, with background noise from Mrs. White cleaning up the breakfast mess. After the kitchen was cleaned and Mrs. White left, Anthony broke the silence. “What would you like to do today?” Melissa thought about it for a while, she wasn’t even sure what there was to do, she wasn’t here more than 48 hours when she was asked to travel to NY. “I don’t know, how about a tour of the area, and maybe some tacos?” Anthony looked at her and chuckled. “You got it, let’s get ready and we will head out.” Melissa decided she would wear light jeans and a cute T- shirt, with some converse sneakers. She was hoping that Anthony dressed similar. She was pleased when she saw him coming down the stairs in jeans, a T-shirt, and running sneakers. “You look great, you ready to head out?” Melissa grabbed her small cross body purse and they headed out. “I asked Carl to bring my dad’s Jeep over, I’d rather drive that around over my truck.” Melissa checked her hair for a pony tail hold, sure enough it was there and she was ready to go. “Sounds like fun.” They both climbed in and took off. It was a beautiful day in Miami and Anthony couldn’t wait to show off the area.

              They explored for hours, there were so many people and shops everywhere. Melissa was happy to be out of the confinement of four walls and it really helped to clear her head. She had been through a lot but she knew that she was safe with Anthony. Melissa was in deep thought about her recent relations with Anthony and was brought back to reality when she heard Anthony. “Earth to Melissa, you in there?” “Ya sorry, I guess I got lost in my thoughts.” “Good ones I hope.” She smiled and nodded. “You hungry? It’s almost dinner time, and I know the best taco spot.” Melissa hadn’t realized just how hungry she was. “I’m starving.” Anthony drove another few minutes, getting closer and closer to the water. They pulled up to this open parking lot with a food truck. The line was pretty long and Melissa was excited. “You good with a food truck? It’s the best tacos I’ve ever had in the area.” Melissa smiled and climbed out of the Jeep, she was ready to eat. They waited in line and talked about the menu, neither could decide what to get, so Anthony ordered 2 of each kind of taco. “Are you serious? That’s 40 tacos?” Anthony looked at Melissa as serious as he could “This is a no judgment zone, I expect to eat in peace, and I’ll let you eat in peace.” Melissa burst into laughter, she was secretly thrilled that she could eat and not be judged for the amount of taco’s she could put away. They sat at a simple but romantic table right by the water. There was a rock wall that separated them from the water. There was something calming about the way the waved sounded against the wall. This beautiful, but older Latina approached them with a massive tray of Taco’s. She set the tray down and greeted Anthony like she knew him. “I haven’t seen you in a few weeks, where have you been?” He smiled “I have been out of town. But I’m back now.” She smiled at him and greeted Melissa. “You have a good man here, treat him well and he’ll treat you like a queen. Enjoy you two.” Melissa thought about what she said while they ate, she was shocked to know that together they could put down 36 tacos. “I’m so full I won’t eat for a week, we have to bring these home though.” Anthony laughed at the way she knew exactly what he was thinking too. He also like the fact that Melissa enjoyed this place as much as he did. Stacey hated good food, he had to sneak away to eat this food because she didn’t like it. He was pulled from his thoughts as Melissa stood up. “I’m going to get a box.” He watched Melissa walk away, he ass looked amazing in those jean and he had been sneaking looks at it all day as they walked. The owner saw her coming and pulled her from the short line. “Do you need something love?” Melissa introduced herself and found out the woman’s name was Mari. “Maria, your Tacos were AMAZING, thank you so much. But could we have a small box, we’ve both tapped out with 4 left.” Maria smiled and asked for a box through the window, she handed Melissa the box, “You’re different than the last. He seems much happier.” Melissa smiled and was about to respond with the typical were not together. But Anthony came up behind them and Maria focused her attention on him. Melissa and Anthony worked together to get the last of the tacos in the box. Maria took the tray and said goodbye to them both. They ride back home was quiet but peaceful.

              They pulled into the garage to park the Jeep, Carl could take it back in the morning. They entered the penthouse, it was almost 9 by the time they got back. Anthony took several wrong turns on purpose, hoping Melissa would talk to him or bring up what they had discussed that morning. They had an amazing day filled with great conversation, fun, and little touches here and there. Anthony was willing to wait for Melissa if she had expressed interest. But she hadn’t and it had been far too long since Anthony had any kind of release, and he was getting antsy. “I’m going to go change, I’ll be back in a few.” With that Melissa bounced up the stairs, Anthony watched every step she took until he could no longer see her bouncy ass. Anthony had an idea. Anthony got on the phone with Carl and asked him to make some phone calls and set everything up for the guests that would hopefully arrive tomorrow night. Melissa came down as Anthony hung up the phone. She sat on the couch waiting for Anthony to come sit with her. She was a shocked when he went upstairs without saying anything. Melissa got comfortable and put a show on, she soon fell asleep. She woke several hours later to the crack of thunder. Melissa was so nervous and unlikely to fall back to sleep. She looked at the time and made her way to the kitchen. It was 5 in the morning, she decided to make some tea. Melissa was shocked when she entered the kitchen, there was a small light on in the far corner. There sat Carl and Mrs. White! “Good morning dear.” Mrs. White said just above a whisper when she saw Melissa. Carl smiled and went back to the paper he was reading. “I hope we didn’t wake you.” Melissa smiled and shook her head. “It was the thunder, I don’t think anyone could have slept through that.” “What can I get you dear?” Melissa looked at Mrs. White and noticed she was still in her nightgown. “Mrs. White, please I can make myself some tea, this is clearly your down time that I’ve interrupted.” Mrs. White threw daggers and Carl looked shocked. “Such non scenes from a pretty girl. Sit while I make your tea.” Melissa knew those daggers and quickly sat across from Carl. “That was brave of you.” Carl chuckled. “The water is started, I’m going to get dressed, don’t touch the water.” They both nodded as she left. “She’s very serious about her role as a caretaker, you would do well to let her take care of you. She’s a good lady and enjoys doing it.” Melissa would take Carl’s advice moving forward. They both heard a shout and Melissa jumped. “Melissa?!?” She recognized the voice as Anthony’s “In here.” Anthony entered the kitchen and was instantly irritated, why was she sitting in a dim lit kitchen in the corner with Carl? What the fu*k? He was initially worried when he woke and she wasn’t there, he felt terrible that he went to change and fell asleep leaving her alone on the couch. “Good Morning sir” Anthony didn’t respond. Mrs. White appeared just as the tea pot started to scream. She took it off the stove and greeted Anthony. “Good Morning sir, I see you’re joining out early morning we can’t sleep club.” He sharply greeted her and sat at the counter. “What can I get started for you sir?” She placed Melissa’s tea at the counter indicating to her to sit at the counter. “Just some toast please, oh and coffee.” Melissa moved to the counter and placed her head on Anthony’s shoulder. He instantly forgot how irritated he was. After all it was her and Carl. He wouldn’t dare. “Where did you sleep” Anthony asked. “I fell asleep waiting for you on the couch” she pouted. “I woke up with that loud crack of thunder and couldn’t get back to sleep. Anthony snaked his arm around her “I’m sorry I never came back down, I laid down for a second, next thing I knew I woke with the loud crash as well.” They stayed like this until their food was served. They ate silently and watched as it got lighter in the room, thought the sun was covered by clouds. “Let’s go upstairs and rest a little more, I have something exciting planned for you this evening.” Melissa was still tired and didn’t resist his suggestion. They went upstairs, Anthony took Melissa by the hand indicating to her that he wanted her to come with him. Melissa didn’t resist and was happy to follow him into his room and bed. They easily fit together and fell asleep.

              Anthony woke to his home phone ringing, it was his father. They hadn’t spoken much since he and Melisa had gotten home. “Yes?” Anthony answered. “How are you both doing son?” Anthony was a little shocked by his father’s question. “We’re well father, how’s the litigation going with Vincent?” He heard his father sigh “Everything is over, the snake got off with a fine.” Anthony scoffed as he sat up. “Well at least we are free from that scum.” There was a long silence “About that son, your brother, uncle, and I would like to speak to you and Melissa about that on Tuesday afternoon. Vincent has offered a large sum to keep up on retainer. We haven’t agreed because we need to discuss it as partners.” Anthony was furious, knowing his involvement made him want scream at his father. “Son, there are things to discuss, but we will do it on Tuesday when you and Ms. Young have had time to rest. I will see you both Tuesday at 1.” With that he hung up. Anthony was seething with anger, how could they even consider this? Anthony felt her hand on his naked back, he took a second to calm down before laying back down next to her. “You ok? That didn’t seem to go well with your father.” Anthony looked at her and chose not to mention it right now. “Things are ok, I guess we have a lot to discuss on Tuesday. We need to be in by 1.” Melissa stretched and looked at the time, it was noon and she needed a shower. It was almost as if Anthony read her mind. “Let’s take showers and head to the phone store, we’re both in need of new ones.” He didn’t have to say it twice Melissa was up and in the shower before he even got into his bathroom. Anthony had plans to rub one out before he got in the shower, he couldn’t take it anyone. They both did their own thing and met back up down stairs by 1230. Anthony knew Melissa’s surprise was showing up at the house by 430 so he had to get her back by 4. “Ready?” Melissa grabbed her bag and tossed it over her shoulder. “Ready”

              The phone store was packed, even with first class treatment due to who Anthony was it still took them over two house. They had to pick what they wanted and load all of the previous apps, settings, and phots remotely. By the time they were done it was nearly 245. “I’m starving” Melissa proclaimed. Anthony couldn’t deny that he was too. “Let’s call Mrs. White and have something ready when we get home.” Melissa was happy with that idea, they called her from the truck and she was thrilled to make something for them. Melissa’s nose led her straight to the kitchen where Mrs. White was just finishing their lunch. “Mrs. White that smells amazing.” Anthony and Melissa sat at the table, they ate and talked about work and different things. Melissa was amazed that they were able to restore so much of her stuff from her old phone, without it being present, Anthony made fun of her lack of understanding of technology. She understood the law very well, but couldn’t comprehend technology? Suddenly they doorbell rang, Anthony look down at his watch, had they really spent an hour and a half talking? It was 425, he purposefully split his full glass of water, “damn it. Melissa, could get the door so I can help Mrs. White get this cleaned up?” Melissa thought nothing of it and went to the door. She was completely shock when she opened the door. “You’re really here right now?”