Scandalous Desires

Chapter 4

Kathleen Hearte sat at a large wooden desk covered in neat piles of papers. She was looking over them through reading glasses like an old lady, even though she was barely 35 years old. A large, floor to ceiling glass window was behind her with a perfect view of downtown.

Everything in her room was varied shades of brown, including Hearte's clothing; a brown jacket, dark rust colored chiffon top and matching brown, knee length skirt. Micah couldn't see her shoes, but she could guess they were brown as well.

"Hey Babe!" Elliot said warmly as he approached Hearte's desk and kissed her on both cheeks. Micah wondered if she should be so surprised that he was casually familiar with her boss too?

Hearte frowned, "I told you not to call me that," she said to Elliot in a no nonsense tone.

"Just a term of endearment, big sis. You know how affectionate I am," he says leaning against her desk.

Big sis!? "You're her… bro, bro" she could barely get the words out. Micah's expression of shock amused them both. No wonder everyone on the floor knows him!

Elliot extended his hand again, "didn't I introduce myself, I'm Elliot Hearte," he grabbed Micah's hand and kissed it.

"But you're…" Micah had to point out the difference in race.

"Adopted," he clarified. "The Hearte's are like an Angelina Jolie rainbow tribe. You'll meet us all soon enough," he winked.

Hearte peeked at the exchange over her glasses. "Can you stop flirting with my staff, please?"

"And Micah, you can have a seat, you're late," said Hearte as she continued to glance at papers. Micah frowned.

Before Micah could speak, Elliot interjected.

"So she's late, it's my fault. She's too gorgeous not to bother her for ten minutes. If you ever want to let her loose we have a front cover at Belle waiting for her!" He winked assuredly at Micah.

Hearte remained quiet, still staring at her papers.

"...Ms. Hearte," chimed Micah, "my apologies. I got some coffee for you, the way you like it," she beamed as she set it on her desk and took a seat on a brown leather chair facing Hearte's desk.

She grabbed the cup and took a sip, "wow, I needed this very badly, how'd you know," she glanced down at the papers again.

Micah was relieved.

"Elliot, I have a lot to cover with Micah today please head back down to Belle. I'm sure they can be without their Art Director for but so long," she stated.

"Art Director?" said Micah, surprised again.

"It's ok, love. You can still think of me as just a photographer and I'll still date you," he winked as he made his way to the exit.

"Big sis, Micah my love, until we meet again!" And then he looked to Micah, "If the Queen bee let's you out the hive, let's do lunch!" He whisper shouted.

"I heard that," she replied.

Micah quietly nodded with a grin, and he bows and closes the door.

"In case you're wondering, yes, he's always a handful," she said with an exasperated look.

Micah chuckled, "I like that though."

"So I see," she said, raking her eyes over Micah. "Let's get down to business, shall we?"