Opening the Door Page 5

  “I promise you that this time it will be different. Let me show you.” I kissed the top of her head.

  Always remembering that actions spoke louder than words when it came to Melinda. I promised myself that night she would see how much I’ve changed. How happier I’ve become in myself instead of just worrying about the next telephone call that I got.

  I was the luckiest man alive to have a woman who was willing to give me a second chance. Not just any woman. The one that I was madly in love with.

  ***

  The Investor

  CHAPTER 1

  “Too fancy,” I muttered to myself after seeing my reflection in the mirror. I ran my hand over the creases on the sky blue cocktail dress and tilted my head to the right. I needed something that showed off my curves but didn’t scream desperate, something that wouldn’t make me out like a stuck up bitch. I took off the dress and went on to pick my second option for the night, a short sleeveless bareback black dress accessorized with silver jewelry.

  “Too slutty,” I said out loud before throwing my hands in midair and feeling helpless. I needed to call Freda for advice, but she was probably in the ER saving someone’s life. I heaved out a sigh before my eyes landed on the perfect dress: V-neck floral print that hugged my curves but not too much, thanks to its cotton material. I pulled it on and loved how it revealed enough cleavage and wasn’t too short. After accessorizing it with silver high heels and clutching a silver purse, I was ready for the night.

  Online dating was the in-thing, and if it weren’t for Freda, my intrusive best friend, I would probably be spending my night cuddled up in a ball with ice cream and watching an old movie. My usual routine was interrupted by a bet she won on a night out, and I had to agree on being set up on a date. Time was not on my side and after looking at my reflection one last time; I walked out of my apartment and acknowledged the butterflies in my gut. Freda had said he was okay; he had a stable job and was looking to settle down. But wasn’t that everyone’s mantra?

  There was a cab waiting for me once I stepped out of the house. I huddled myself in the backseat and directed the cab driver to where I was headed. He simply nodded and didn’t need any further

  explanation before driving away. I was the one who picked the rendezvous spot and had chosen a fancy restaurant in the town center. For two reasons, for if he was a serial killer he wouldn’t be able to kill me in public, and we had options after dinner, like going for a walk under the moonlight or ice cream for dessert.

  I checked my wristwatch as I walked into the restaurant and was five minutes earlier than the agreed upon time.

  “Table for two under Juliana Murphy.”

  The young receptionist nodded my way before typing something on her computer and looking up at me in seconds, “Mr. Murphy is already here.”

  I wanted to correct her almost immediately but bit my tongue when I realized I did not owe her any explanation. She then directed me to a table by the window and true to her word my date had already arrived. He looked heavier in person, and when he got to his feet, I realized he was much shorter than I was.

  “Juliana,” he said before placing a peck on my right cheek and letting out a perfect smile. I quickly noticed his well taken care of the set of pearly whites and appreciated them. The last man I dated did not give a care in the world about his dental hygiene.

  “Steve,” I answered and watched as he pulled back a seat for me.

  The atmosphere was awkward, and I did not know what to tell him. Unlike other dates, I had not talked to him earlier than the date and knew nothing about him. The waitress walked toward us almost immediately, and showed up with a wine menu. Steve ordered water after I ordered my white wine and this made me slightly uneasy.

  “I take it you don’t drink?”

  “I do,” he answered shyly, “But only on weekends.”

  “Okay,” I answered, feeling like a raging alcoholic.

  We had a light conversation about the weather then, but nothing interesting stood out for me with Steve. He was quiet, reserved and the thoughts about him being a serial killer resurfaced. I, of course, pushed them to the back of my mind and sipped my wine. A red flag alert came when he insisted on ordering for me once the menu arrived.

  “What’s your today’s special?” he asked.

  “We have grilled stake as the special today,” she answered and even before she could explain any further, Steve interrupted her.

  “We will have that.”

  The man should have at the very least asked me if I ate red meat. After a few minutes in our conversation, I was bored stiff. “I wish I was back at my apartment with ice-cream, and watching my latest series.” I thought to myself. He must have noticed I was in my world and decided to wilt me out of my reverie by asking an alarming question.

  “Am I boring you?” No, not at all.”

  “You don’t have to lie,” he answered, “I can tell from your body language.”

  He was right, I didn’t have to answer him, and after nibbling on my steak which was quite tasty, I decided to be equally blunt.

  “I am not good at first dates,” I confessed, “I don’t like this process; I don’t like being reserved and being on my best behavior. I hate entertaining crap that I would have otherwise brushed off, and I hate placing my best foot forward. “

  “I appreciate your honesty.”

  His words were laced with a cheeky smile which eventually broke the ice. The rest of the meal was perfect for great conversation and right in the middle of the desert; I decided to take a daring turn.

  “Nightcap, over at mine?”

  “Sure.”

  His smile was infectious, and it promised a great deal, we did not make the check dance where I offered to split the bill, and he offered to pay it all. He took charge and paid it before pulling back my chair and directing me to his car. Freda was right, the Austin Martin was a clear sign of a good lifestyle, but my mind was focused on the night ahead.

  CHAPTER 2

  After a short drive of teasing and careless banter, we finally got to my place, and he parked at the front of my apartment. Steve was a gentleman, he got the car door for me, and I stepped out carefully feeling the effect of too much wine on my knees. He guided me towards the elevator, and I guided him to door number 005.

  I got in first, took off my shoes and invited my midnight guest in. He walked through the doors and immediately took in his surroundings. I walked into the kitchen and retired with more wine and handed him a glass.

  “Thank you,” he said and made himself comfortable on my living room sofa. I sat beside him, wine in hand too and after a sip or two, welcomed his affectionate kiss. This was followed by heavy petting with his hands traveling up and down my back while his other hand squeezed my breasts. I allowed him to take the lead; he let me lie on my back and was gentle with me by peeling off one piece of clothing after the next. I could tell he was a man who loved taking charge and let him play his tongue on my neck, down to my hard nipples and finally to my mount. Even though I had not been sexually active, I had not neglected my fortnight waxing habit. And when his hot tongue licked my, mount, my whole body grew tense, and I ran my hand through his curly hair. I was half impressed by the size of his member, but I went along with it and allowed him to take charge. It wasn’t the best sex I had ever heard but considering my dry spell, I couldn’t complain.

  “You have to,” I said these words after getting to my feet and throwing some of his clothes at him. He had gotten comfortable on the couch, and I didn’t want any company. Steve looked up at me perplexed but did not resist. He took his sweet time to wear his clothes and when he was finally done, got to his feet slowly made it to the door.

  “I hope I will see you again.”

  “No, you will not.”

  “What did I do wrong?” he asked with a concerned look.

  He had done nothing wrong, I was the one who lured him to my place, teased him and led him on. But after getting what I wanted it was time
for him to move on with his life.

  “No, you did not.”

  “Are you a whore?” he asked taking up an offensive look, “Because if you are, I do not have any money on me.”

  “What makes you think I’m a whore?”

  “I have never seen a woman who behaves like you, I mean you behave like a guy,” he drew in a deep breath before going on with his unreversed speech, “You invited me over, and after sleeping with me, you’re throwing me out like last night’s dinner.”

  “Get out of my house,” I said and swung back the door. I was in no mood for him; I did not want anything to do with him and could not wait for him to take his whining to someone who cared.

  “Are you going to be that cold on me?” He kept on whining. He stood in the doorway making it impossible for me to shut the door - “I thought you were cool over dinner, but you are so heartless.”

  “What you are seeing is no reaction,” I answered impatiently with a blank stare, “I have an early morning.”

  I did have an early meeting with an investor who had shown interest in my company. I had only talked to him on the phone but never really met him in person. I needed to look my best and be at my best, but the fool who stood in my doorway did not want to leave.

  “Okay,” he answered and gracefully stepped out trying his best to keep up eye contact with me as he walked out, “Just in case you change your mind, please give me a call.”

  I slammed the door and walked over to my gigantic bed, slipping in between the covers was almost therapeutic, and after having a perfect dinner, mediocre sex and conversation, I did not need to take a sleeping peal that night.

  I woke up the next morning feeling as fresh as a daisy as I rushed to my office. Everything needed to be perfect; I went through my presentation for the millionth time that day as I waited for the investors. The butterflies that swim around in my tummy made me nervous, and I had to ignore Freda’s text when she asked me how my date had been. I had my team in the conference room going over the numbers and reciting them like a nursery rhyme over and over before my assistant finally announced the investors’ arrival.

  “Send them in,” I told her after pressing the intercom and subconsciously straining the blazer I had on that day.

  “Now remember a team, do not answer any questions that you do not understand. Think through the question before answering but above all; you need to look and walk the walk. Sound confident when you give your answer and when in doubt, wink my way, and I will answer. Is that understood?”

  “Yes.” My team answered but not in unison

  “Good,” I answered before staring at the charts on the white screen and drawing in a deep breath as I looked at the numbers. I heard distant footsteps and dared to look at the doorway. Three men walked in, two of who I did not know but one that I recognized all too well. Steve walked in wearing an immaculate suit and had his hair styled back. My nervousness was replaced with great horror as I thought about what I would do or say to the man I had been so rude to the night before. When he saw and caught my eye. He stood still for a while before acting normal. Time passes. Until the meeting was over, Steve and his team left the meeting room.

  I feel pain in my heart. I think if I'm not rude to him that night. Our story is better than this.

  ***

  A Night with the Wolves

  I watched from afar as he crept into the woods behind my house. I held back the curtains gently while I followed his every step, cautiously aware that he could turn and see me at any second. Luckily, he was too enthralled in his own mission to worry about who may or may not be watching him enter. My heart pounded as I took in his muscular physique and handsome brown hair, trimmed short and styled perfectly atop his head. This mysterious man had wandered in and out of my backyard for the past several days and I was determined to find out why. So far, I had no answers, but this did not deter me, not yet anyway. I knew he was destined to return a few hours later, but this was my chance. It was time to leave the comfort of my bedroom and explore, to find out what was happening down there and why he was secretively trespassing on my back lawn and forested garden beds. I quickly threw on some track pants and a worn T-shirt, grabbing my sneakers from the entrance way, and I was off to follow.

  I mirrored his footsteps. Each print on the ground was set wide apart. I struggled to place my foot in line with his own manly steps. The woods were dark, more so than I remembered. It had been a few months since I had dared enter the dimly lit trees. In recent weeks, there had been rumors of wolves being seen close by in my neighborhood. Not just any wolves either, but ones that were almost double the size of those that had lived on the outskirts of town for as long as we all could remember. I shuddered to think what may become of me if I was unfortunate enough to encounter one of these strange beasts, but the pull of my curiosity was too strong. I longed desperately to know who this beautiful being was and what he was doing here. He felt out of place somehow. I could not put my finger on it, but I knew everyone who lived in this town and they all knew me, but this is a man who I had never laid eyes on before he appeared in my yard one day. It was, for lack of a better word, peculiar.

  I could no longer see him, but I could definitely hear the crunching of the leaf litter beneath his feet as he tracked his way through the forest. I stepped carefully, hoping not to arouse suspicion as I followed him from far behind. Suddenly, the sound I had followed for what seemed like hours finally came to an abrupt stop. I waited until I could hear the rustling leaves again. This time though, it did not sound like he was walking; rather he was searching for something perhaps. It was hard to decide just what he was up to without being able to see it for myself. I tiptoed closer, hoping to catch a glimpse. As I carefully shuffled my way through, I could see him for the first time, from less than a few feet away. He was even more handsome up close.

  I was taken aback by his flawless skin and dreamy blue eyes. I watched on intently as he continued to search through the leaf litter. Could he have lost something here? Was he unable to find it in the dim lighting of the undergrowth? Surely, after several days of searching, he would have given up. It must be something of great importance. Soon, my questions were answered. He pulled hard on what seemed to be a handle and a trap door suddenly appeared beneath him. As he moved forward and daintily step through, I lost my footing and stumbled abruptly into the open. The man stared blankly at me, not sure what to make of the situation. All I could do was try and explain myself, but my mouth simply flopped open and no words managed to escape. Even if they had, I had no valid reason for being there, not one that did not sound utterly insane!

  "Who... Who are you?" He questioned, still halfway through the door that had until recently been hidden from sight. Rather than being angry or upset at my sneaking and spying, he seemed somewhat amused. He smiled at me, with pearly white teeth as he jumped back to the forest floor and extended a hand to me. I grasped it softly and he hoisted me back to my feet. I brushed myself off while he finally introduced himself.

  "I'm Alex," he greeted me. I looked up at his sheepish grin and could not help but smile too. I realized how stupid I had been to follow him without announcing myself earlier. My cheeks began to blush at the thought.

  “Emily...” I mumbled, trying to keep eye contact and avoid the embarrassment that I felt. We cautiously approached each other. He moved with a strange precision that I had not been anticipating. It was clear that we were wary of each other, but he seemed just as interested in me as I was in him.

  "Where did you come from?" I could not keep my questions to myself any longer. Thoughts raced through my mind as he seemingly struggled to respond. He thought long and hard. I could see from the quizzical look plastered across his face as the cogs turning.

  "I just moved here, with my family," he decided this was just vague enough for me. I nodded in an understanding way. He had always been alone when I saw him, so I wondered where he was living or what his family was like.

  "I'm sorry I followed you.
I have seen you for the past few days in my backyard and I was just... curious," I explained. It was truthful enough. He smiled knowingly and beckoned me closer. I did as he gestured, making my way toward where the trap door was laying. He urged me to look down.

  "We live here," he revealed. I wondered why he was being so open with me, a stranger who had stalked him through the woods. Perhaps he felt the same unspoken connection that I had felt toward him. It was an unorthodox place to call home. I had not known anyone from town taking refuge in the woods, no one that made a regular appearance around me as it were. He closed the door and patted the log next to him, taking a seat himself before I joined him. We chatted for a while about our lives. He had been forced to move here by his father, who had obtained a new job in the city not far from us. They preferred a more humble and isolated living than they could hope for in the big city. I fully understood or at least thought I did. This family had a secret back story that I was soon to find out.

  We sat on that log for what seemed like hours. The sun began to set overhead as we discussed our lives at large and our dreams for the future. Never had I had this kind of instant connection with another human being. It was magical and so unexpected. In this dead-end town, nothing ever happened, yet here I was with a man I barely knew having the most meaningful conversation of my young life. Soon, the moon began to rise in place of the sun, making a brief appearance through the canopy of the tree branches as it found its place among the stars. Alex noticed this almost instantly. Looking worried at the sky, he rushed to find the entrance to the hidden home once more.

  "I have to go," he mumbled, not giving an explanation for his sudden change of mood. Was he afraid of the dark? I could not put my finger on the exact cause of his urgency. I stood with him and helped him locate the handle that had once more disappeared below the increasing depth of leaf litter. He opened it up and before climbing inside, he looked back at me. Our eyes met and he took my hand tenderly in his. My heart skipped a beat as he proposed another meeting.