A Whirlwind Marriage: f*******n Love

The Bet

work one night Michael and Jason met at the Starlight rooftop cocktail lounge. Jason could see Michael was deep in thought. He clap him on the back. "It's after hours, buddy." He said before taking a swing of his Brandy. Michael angled his head, shutting his eyes briefly. "I'm not thinking about the company." He said lightly. Jason glanced at him, a smile on his lips. "Oh really? Then would it happen to be that very pretty secretary you're thinking about?" He asked his friend as he tapped his glass silently asking the bartender to refill his glass. When Jason heard silence instead of a denial, he knew it was the truth.

Michael arched his eyebrows in confusion. "I don't get it. All other women go out of their way to get a night with me except her. It seems like Diana is repulsed by me and I know that's not the case. Look at me!" Michael exclaimed, "I am a vision of every woman's fantasy." He retorted.

Jason couldn't help but laugh. "Still conceited." Michael rolled his eyes when his friend continued. "Look, do you feel something for her or do you want to have a one night stand with her?" He asked gently, definitely amused. Michael narrowed his eyes. "Women like her don't do one night stands and she has a boyfriend."

The bartender gave Jason his drink. "So do you think she's fighting her attraction for you or is there something more on your part?" He was truly interested. Michael returned to that moment when he kissed her in his office. He recalled how she fit perfectly in his arms. He could feel her desire in the kiss. No, he knew she found him handsome and exciting. "I respect her."

Jason grinned. "Do you, now?" Michael thought about it. "She's f*******n territory, Jason." Jason scuffed. "Seems to me you like her." Michael tapped his glass asking for the same drink. "While you check out these other women, why not try to win over Diana's affections? " He asked. Michael thought about it but decided against it. "All I'm saying is see where it goes. I'm not saying you should screw her brains out."

Michael rolled his eyes at that comment. He remembered how Diana refused to answer his question. "I need a contract wife, not a-" He declined to say more. Jason turned serious all of a sudden . "What?" He inquired. "An honest one? Look she's fair game since that boyfriend of hers hasn't proposed." Michael knew Jason was right. Sassy bastard! "And I can tell your are attracted to her." Jason finished. "She seems like the traditional good girl next door. The type you would introduce to the family. Your grandfather loved her." Jason stated gulping down his drink, giving his friend the push he needed.

Michael stared at his friend in shock. "Besides, the type of woman you need is one that will stand up to you and actually help you with your company. Be your equal. She knows the history of your family and how to run the company." Jason had a very good point. It wasn't just about his grandfather's will now. The corporation was built on family values so in order for him to remain as the CEO, he needed to marry as soon as possible. "So here's the bet of making her fall in love with you. I mean you just said you could have any woman you want. Plus there's the situation with your grandfather's will."

Michael stared at his friend. "And if I win?" He asked. Jason smirked. "I'll buy you a family car with plenty of room for your future little ones." Jason continued with a genuine grin. "But if I win, I want a new 1930s style Rolls-Royce."

Michael thought about it and extended his hand. "I accept." Jason clinked his glass to Michael's.

"You know I think she's cute." Jason said all of a sudden as he pulled out his card, paying their bill. Jason grinned as he saw Michael had a cold look in his eyes. He was jealous! Michael knew she was damn well intelligent, she didn't have any problems putting him in his place, she loved animals especially Cats. No other woman ever did that. He didn't know if she loved children.

The following evening, as they were leaving work, Michael held out the executive elevator just for her. Through her pea coat, he noticed her light pink skirt suit peaking out which showed off her curves but in the most elegant way. His eyes looked over her form. Her hips were birthing hips. Stop! He ordered himself. How did he not notice her form before? Diana stared at him and mumbled a, "Good Evening, Mr. Salvatore." She was next to him as the lift moved from their floor. Michael, all of a sudden, pressed the emergency stop. Diana stared at him in shock. "Salvatore-" She began. Oh he heard it. She was nervous around him.

Before Diana could count to 5, his mouth was on hers urgently, seeking her taste. God, the desire she was bringing out on him. When he cupped each side of her head, intensifying it, he heard her moan. With just one look from the ice blue eyes of hers she could have him falling over himself. Diana used all of her strength and pushed him away. She wouldn't be harassed or intimidated by him. She stared up at him with determined eyes. Michael leaned an arm on the elevator wall, staring down at Diana. "You need to stop doing this." She replied as she wiped her mouth. "I'm not your girlfriend and definitely not mistress material. Not to mention, I'm in a relationship."

He watched with intense eyes as she brushed her lips. He backed away from her, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you like this with his touch or am I the only one that can ignite such passion in you?" Diana blushed slightly as he lightly caressed underneath her jaw. Diana felt shivers at such a touch. "It's none of your business." She whispered. He was definitely amused. "Oh yeah?" He challenged. "Since you respond to me like a heated knife to butter, I'm making it my business."

Diana stepped around him and started the lift. "I gave you 3 women to get to know. So why are you doing this to me?" She demanded, shutting her eyes, drowning out how it felt to have him so near. Michael couldn't answer that. All he knew was he liked to spend time with her anyway he could. Michael sighed, "It could be hormones, Diana. I mean you are a beautiful woman. You make me feel different. I want to be different when I'm around you." He muttered, their eyes meeting. Michael was unable to say another word.

3 hours had passed. Diana received a call from the Starlight rooftop cocktail lounge Michael Salvatore was intoxicated to the point he couldn't stand. Diana wanted to strangle him. She looked down. Here she was in her heart and cat print pajamas. He asked the bartender to use his phone and call his secretary, Diana Kendrick.

It was roughly 45 minutes later. She stood before him in a pair of tight Jordache jeans and a romantic red velvet top. She put one of his arms around her neck as she helped him up. He opened his eyes briefly. "You really are here, my goddess." Diana scuffed. "Why on Earth did you drink so much?" She asked as she helped him out of the bar and into the waiting cab.

When they got back to his place, she helped him into his room. He sat down on his bed. All of a sudden he pulled his white shirt out from his pants, unfastening it. Diana's eyes widened. She turned her head and tried to walk away. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her down on his bed. She stared up at him. His eyes didn't leave her. He was laying on top of her. She didn't dare to move. Dear God She could feel his well toned abs. She knew he wasn't himself. She lightly pushed him off her. Diana didn't know how she did it but she was able to pull him into the right sleeping position, placing the blanket over him. "Michael," She said his name for the first time in a whisper. "You need to rest." His face was flushed. Diana hesitantly put a hand to his forehead. He was burning up. She brushed his damp bangs away from his head and smiled. He looked boyish again. Diana understood she would have to stay the night.

When morning came, Michael opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Diana sleeping in a chair near him. He stared at her. What was she doing here? He had a couple of brief flashbacks. He silently got out of bed, moving towards her. He bent his knees, looking at her closely. A warm feeling was spreading in his heart. "Thank You, Diana." He whispered, observing as Diana before he gently lifted her hand to his lips. She was kind and sweet.