Chapter 16 Emma stared down at his hand.”Emma?” he asked softly. “Yes?” she replied, looking up into his eyes. “Are you ok?” “I’m fine,’ she whispered. “Just surprised....that’s all.” “Good surprised?” “Oh yeah,” she said, looking back down at his hand again. “Can I tell you a secret?” “Sure,” she said. “That night that I was out with Marissa? The night I....” “Forgot my name?” she said. “Yeah, that night. I was ....well....disappointed to see you with Andrew.” “You were? Why?” “Well, the two of you looked like you belonged together. So I figured there was no chance for me.” She laughed softly. “But you couldn’t even remember my name,” she said in surprise. “I know. Every time I looked at you, I got all tongue tied.” “Now you tell me,’ she said. “You mean you...?” She nodded silently. “I was ready to quit over it. After I decked Marissa of course.” Now it was his turn to laugh. “Are you hungry?” “All of a sudden I’m starving,” she replied. “How about some pizza? I hear it’s pretty good here.” “Sounds perfect,” she said. And it was. The pizza, the wine, the company...the entire evening couldn’t have been better. She could never remember being so relaxed on a first date. She laughed to herself. “Imagine me on a date with Shane McMahon?” She could just imagine the reaction she was going to get from Angela and Judi. “Details...we want details.” She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She was almost disappointed when the food was gone. She could have sat there all night, just looking into his eyes and listening to him talk. He paid the check and helped her on with her coat. Did she imagine it, or did his hands linger on her shoulders? Thet walked back to the parking garage, her hand wrapped warmly in his. When they got to her car she turned to him slowly. Brushing the hair back from her face, he leaned in close. The feel of his lips against hers sent a surge of pleasure through her. He leaned back and smiled softly. “Something told me it would feel like that,’ he said. She reached up and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. He brought his mouth down to hers once more. Her lips parted and she felt his tongue gently explore her mouth. A soft moan escaped from her as his kiss became more urgent. He pulled back reluctantly. “It’s getting late,” he said. “Yeah, I guess it is,” she said, a little disappointed. She unlocked her door and slid behind the wheel. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, bending to give her one more quick kiss. She started her engine, giving him a small wave, before pulling out. She sat at the traffic light, her mind in turmoil. He had professed his feelings for her.....and amazingly, they were exactly the same as hers. So why..now that they both knew how they felt, had the evening ended so abruptly? She could still taste his kiss on her lips. “Oh please don’t let him have second thoughts,” she silently pleaded. “I’ve waited too long for this.” Chapter 17 He sat behind his desk, running it over in his mind once more. He had to make sure that he used just the right words. Last night had come as a surprise...a very pleasant surprise. Finding out that she felt the same way about him had been a revelation. Now he knew that his decision to tell her his feelings had been the right one. But he also knew that the decision he had finally made this morning was also the right one. He just prayed that she would see it the same way. She was humming softly as she hung up her coat. “Ok, either you won the lottery...or Shane has finally remembered your name.” She turned to see Angela smiling at her from the doorway. “Oh he did more than remember my name,” she said, heading for her desk. “What is that supposed to mean?” she asked, following behind her. Emma turned and smiled. “I think I’ll wait until your partner in crime is here. I’d love to see your reactions at the same time.” “Nooo,” cried Angela. “Judi just called, she’s going to be late.” “Oh well,” said Emma, with a shrug. “I guess you’ll just have to wait until our coffee break.” “I knew I should have hurt you when I had the chance,” she grumbled as Emma settled in behind her desk. She knew he had several meetings scheduled for the morning, so she wasn’t surprised not to see him. But she found she couldn’t wait to look into his eyes again...to see what she had seen the night before....he wanted her as much as she wanted him. She was in the middle of a report when someone reached over her shoulder and took her pen. “In the break room.... now,” ordered Judi. Emma laughed and followed her obediently. Their reaction was everything she had hoped it would be. They were ecstatic for her. “There’s just one problem,” said Emma. “For some reason, he seemed to want to end the night sort of....well....quickly.” “Well, if what you said is true, maybe he was kind of surprised by the turn of events,” said Angela. “Somehow I get the feeling, that this isn’t a lighthearted fling to him.” “You have no idea how right I hope you are,” said Emma. When she got back to her desk, she noticed that his office door was opened. She walked over and peeked in. “Hi,” she said softly. He looked up and smiled. “Hi,” he replied. “I just came back for my schedule.” He picked up a folder on his desk and headed out the door. He stopped and turned to her. “Listen....I’ll be tied up until around 4 o’clock. But there’s something I really need to talk to you about. Will you be available then?” Sure,” she said. “Ok, see you then,” he said, walking away. She watched as he got into the elevator. When the doors slid shut, she sat down heavily. She replayed his words in her mind, trying to rememeber the exact tone of his voice..and for some reason she suddenly didn’t feel too well. Chapter 18 She found it nearly impossible to concentrate on anything for the rest of the day. Shortly after 4 o’clock she heard the ding of the elevator. She looked up to see him approaching. “How were your meetings?” she asked. “Fine,” he said. “Why don’t you come into my office?” “Well, he isn’t wasting much time,” she thought. She stood up slowly and followed him in. “Have a seat,” he said, indicating a nearby chair. Emma sat down, nervously twisting at her fingers. He turned to her and took a deep breath. “Do you know Barry Werner?,” he asked. “Isn’t he the publisher of WWF magazine?” she replied. “Yes..he is,” said Shane. “We had lunch the other day, and he mentioed that he’s looking for someone to head up their computer division. He really doesn’t want someone new. He’d prefer someone who’s already familiar with the company.” She continued to look at him..not quite sure where he was heading. Shane fiddled with some papers on his desk, before he continued. “I suggested your name to him.” “Me?” she said. He nodded, smiling at her. “It’s a great opportunity. You’d have the chance to run the entire didvision. I mean, after the great job you’ve done here...you were the logical choice.” His words were barely getting through. “But that would mean leaving here...wouldn’t it?” Shane laughed softly. “Well, yeah. I mean you’d still be in this building....just in another office.” She sat frozen in place. “I thought you liked my work....I thought you liked me.” He looked at her, realizing that she was completely misunderstanding him. “I do,’ he said quickly. “I just thought this would be a wonderful chance for you.” “I see,” she said quietly. Several seconds passed before she could look up at him. “If you aren’t interested in me, why don’t you just say so? I had the feeling last night that something wasn’t quite right.” Shane shook his head quickly. “No, you’ve got it all wrong. This is a legitimate job offer.” “Sure it is,’ she said. “And how convenient that it came right after you lied about liking me so much.” “Emma,” he said, “that was no lie...I do like you.” She shook her head and laughed ruefully. “Yeah, you like me so much..you couldn’t wait to find a way to get me out of here.” Shane looked at her, panic beginning to rise in him. This was what he had been afraid of. “That’s not why I offered you this job,” he said. “At least not entirely.” “So I was right,” she said, standing up.” “Emma please, let me explain.” “There’s no need,” she said. “Tell Mr. Werner I’d be glad to accept the job. In fact, the sooner I can start..the better.” She turned and walked out to her desk. “If you don’t need me for anything else...I think I’d like to go home. I’m not feeling very well.” “Emma please.You have to let me explain.” “There’s nothing to explain,” she said shortly. “May I go?” He nodded silently. She walked to the elevator, punching the button repeatedly. She stepped inside and waited for the doors to close before letting her tears fall. Chapter 19 She stood at her kitchen counter slowly stirring her tea. The rollercoaster of emotions she had been through had left her exhausted. She had been so heart broken by Shane’s rejection of her that she hadn’t even given her new job any thought. She walked into the living room, and curled up in a chair. He was right...it was a wonderful opportunity. “Maybe in time, I’ll even enjoy it,” she thought. Glancing at the clock, she sighed when she realized it was only 8:30. “This night will never end,” she thought. She was heading into the kitchen with her empty cup when she heard the knock on her door. “Who could that be? “ she thought. Pulling the door open slowly, she stared in amazement at Shane. “Can we talk...please?” he asked. “Why? Did you forget to mention that you’re transferring me to California?” she asked snidely. “Can I come in? I’d rather not have this discussion in the hall.” “Fine,” she said, moving aside to let him pass. He took his jacket off and laid it on a chair. Emma sighed softly. “Can I get you anything?” “All I want is your complete attention,’ he said. “You never gave me a chance to explain today. Will you at least sit and listen to me?” She paused for a second. “All right,” she said, sitting across from him. “First of all you were wrong about why you were offered that job. Barry mentioned it to me last week. But my memory being what it is...I forgot to bring it up.” “Really?” she asked. “Yes really.” “And as for me wanting you to be in another office? Well, there might be some truth there.” He could see the pain in her eyes, so he quickly continued. “But it isn’t for the reason you think.” “I’ve been in offices before where someone was dating the boss. It was a disaster. I don’t want that to happen to us. I thought there would be a lot less pressure on both of us if I wasn’t your boss anymore. That’s what I was trying to tell you this afternoon.” “Well you sure did a lousy job of it,” she said, suddenly feeling a thousand times better. “Then I’m forgiven?” he asked, giving her the smile that always melted her heart. “Yes, you are,” she said, walking over to him. He reached out and touched her face. “I hated it when I thought you were angry with me.” “I wasn’t angry...I was hurt. I thought you didn’t want me anymore.” “No chance of that,” he said, pulling her face close for a sweet, lingering kiss. She pulled back and smiled at him. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything?” “I have everything I want right here,’ he said, once more, covering her mouth with a warm, sensual kiss. After several seconds had passed, she leaned back slowly to look into his eyes. “What?” he asked softly, running his hands up and down her back. “If I remember correctly,” she began,” the last time you kissed me, the next words out of your mouth we’re good night.’’ “Not this time,” he whispered, slowly brushing his lips against hers. She took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom door. “Are you sure?” he asked. Silently, she pulled him inside, quietly closing the door behind him. Chapter 20 Taking a deep breath, she finally gave in to the passion that had been building up for so long. She moved quickly to undo the buttons on his shirt, sighing softly as she ran her hands across his chest. She pushed the shirt from his shoulders and tossed it on a nearby chair. “Now you,” he murmured, sliding her sweater up and over her head. He ran his fingers gently across the swell of her breasts. Staring into her eyes, he reached around and unhooked her bra, letting it fall. A smile played across his lips as he reached up to caress her. A short gasp of pleasure escaped from her as her slid his fingertips across her already aching nipples. Leaning down, he flicked his toungue against the sensitive skin before pulling her close and enjoying her fully. He sucked gently, running his tongue in slow, enticing circles. She arched forward, tangling her fingers through his hair. In one quick movement, he released her breast and gathered her up in his arms. Laying her down, he quickly finished undressing them both. His eyes drifted over her slowly. “Beautiful,” he said softly as his hands wandered freely. Emma moaned softly as she gave in to the incredible sensations coming from his searching fingers.”Oh, Shane, I knew it would feel like this,” she said, wrapping her arms around him. He gently took her face and kissed her. Smiling at her quivering response, he let his lips travel downward. A thrill ran through her as his lips brushed across her skin. She whimpered with pleasure as he ventured closer to the center of her desire. When she felt his tongue against her, she cried out, gripping his shoulders. Shane took his time, savoring her sweetness. “Oh please Shane,” she moaned, “I want you.” He moved up until he was face to face with her. “Love me please,” she begged. He eased inside of her groaning as her legs wrapped around him. They moved together, gazing into each other’s eyes. She felt a tremendous wave of pleasure about to envelope her. Burying her head against his neck, she cried out his name. Her response pushed him forward to a long sweet climax of his own. She held onto him, feeling his pounding heart. Leaning back, he smoothed the hair from her face. “Still think I don’t want you?” he asked with a grin.” She laughed softly. “You’ve managed to convince me,” she replied, kissing him tenderly. She awoke sometime later, turning over to reach for him. She was surprised and dismayed to find his side of the bed empty. Sitting up, she was just about to get out of bed when her bedroom door opened. “Hey, what are you doing?” he asked. “I just went to get a little something for us to eat. I seem to have worked up an appetite.” She leaned back on her elbow and smiled at him. “I was wondering what happened to you.” He searched her face carefully. “You thought I left, didn’t you?” Emma hesitated for a second. “Yeah, I did,” she admitted. He put the tray of food on the dresser. He laid down next to her and took her in his arms. “I’m going to say this only once,” he began. “You are an incredible woman. I intend to take my time getting to know you. I think you and I are about to create something amazing together.’ She stared up at him amazement.”The only way I’ll leave is if you ask me to.” “There’s no chance of that,” she whispered. He bent down to kiss her. “Shane,” she whispered. “Won’t the food get cold?” He looked over at the tray of food and back at her. “I’m not crazy. I didn’t bring anything hot.” “I always thought you were smart,” she said, pulling him close. “Who needs food?” he said, surrendering to her once again. Chapter 21 Six months later she was sitting behind her desk when her intercom buzzed. “Yes Michael?” “There are two women here to see you, but they refuse to give me their names.’ “Two women? What do they want?” Suddenly her door burst open. “We want to know when you got to be too good for us?” Angela said with a laugh. Emma sat back and laughed. Judi looked around the office with admiration. “Not bad,’ she said. “I was planning on asking you two to come down and see my new office,’ she said. “I just moved in this morning.” “Tell me something?” asked Angela. “Does Shane know about Michael out there?” “You mean my assistant?” Emma said. Judi laughed wickedly. “What exactly does he assist you with?” “Now you know my heart belongs to Shane.” “It isn’t your heart I was thinking of.” “You never change,” Emma said with a grin. “So what brings you two down here?’ “Well we have a little something for you,” said Angela, handing her a small package. “What is it?” “Open it and see.” She tore off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a nameplate for her desk. “This is great...but I already have one,” she said, pointing to the one sitting on the front edge of her desk. “But not one that says this,’ said Judi, handing her an extra plate. Emma turned it over and smiled at what she read...Emma McMahon. “We wanted to be the first to put your new name in print,” Angela said. “It isn’t my new name yet,” she corrected them. “Ok, so we’re two days early,” Judi said. “I love it...thank you,” Emma said, standing up to hug her friends. “When I think back to just how close I came to leaving this place...” “You can thank me later,” teased Judi. They turned when they heard her office door open. Shane stood there smiling, holding a bouquet of roses. “What’s the occasion?” asked Emma reaching for the flowers. “Well they’re to celebrate your new office. I was going to have them delivered..but I thought you might prefer more personal approach. “Oh, I do,” she said, kissing him. “We’ll leave you two alone,” Angela said with a wink. “You will be at the wedding won’t you?” he asked them. “Are you kidding?” said Judi. “After all we’ve been through? We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” The three women laughed as Judi and Angela closed the door. “What’s so funny?” he asked. “It’s a long story,” Emma said, wrapping her arms around his neck. “But thank goodness, it has a happy ending. She pressed her lips against his. He had no idea what she was talking about...but he didn’t really care. They were together, they were happy, and the the future never looked brighter. The End Copyright © 2002 To Be Continued All rights reserved |