ESTHER

Chapter sixteen

I remember the time I had my first kiss. I was in my sophomore year in high school, just a normal teenager preparing for the upcoming prom. It was there that Tod Jakes, one of the smartest boys in my class, probably the whole school approached me. He asked for a dance and who was I to disagree? I didn't have a date and was grateful someone had even asked. The night went well. It was actually very perfect. When all was said and done, he took me home and escorted me to my porch. I remember that his lips felt soft, so soft and it tasted like grape fruit. That was my first kiss and I was happy for it. But what I was experiencing in the hand of my boss, certainly changed my definition of a good kiss.

It was searing hot. Absolutely amazing. Though there were many important reasons going through my mind about why this shouldn't be happening. I have barely worked with him for a month, certainly he couldn't have fallen for me that fast, and Jack Rhodes doesn't strike me as a rake.

As if sensing my wandering mind, he surprisingly deepened the kiss. I let out an embarrassing moan and could feel my cheeks flame red. But he groaned against me in response. I could feel my self leaning to him, feeling him, and I probably would have fallen if not for his hold on my hips, his roaming hold. He pulls me even closer to him, my hips touching his, and immediately I gasp when I felt the alertness of a certain appendage.

He quickly broke of the kiss and stared at me wide eyed, as if realising what he had just done. For the life of me I couldn't make out one single word, my head was totally blank. I was very sure that I had things to say.

    "I'm so sorry Esther, I don't know what came over me." He suddenly said. Now I didn't know how to react to that. I obviously didn't feel insulted by it, if anything I enjoyed it immensely. But I couldn't say that, and I couldn't act as if I was against it either. I was totally at his mercy at that kiss. That just put me in another crisis.

I went home, feeling confused as ever. Uncle and I had dinner and I shared with him the details of my day -apart from the kissing part, of course. I entered my room, just coming from a very relaxing shower and laid down on my bed, trying to gain some sleep. But after turning and tossing for what seemed like hours, I gave up sleep for it kept eluding me.

I wondered how I was going to react tomorrow. It certainly would be a very awkward moment between the two of us, worse with us being alone in that room. I was curious on when he started having feelings for me. They might not be deep feelings, that I'm sure of. The energy was purely physical. But I was still curious. I had barely worked for a month, and Jack Rhodes always kept to himself. In fact, today was the first day he took me out for any serious meeting since I started working for him.

What did he imagine when he looked at me? What did he see whenever he saw me? When did he start to have these kinds of feelings for me? Will he take it to the next level? Will he ignore it?  These questions tortured me all night long. I started to regret my decision on kissing my boss, even if he did start the kiss.

Oh, but I couldn't help but wonder at how amazing that was, it was just perfect. Even on the bed, I still could feel his soft lips on mine, the way his tongue possessively claimed mine, how his hands had felt, gliding freely around my body. I couldn't help the pool of desire that swept through me. I couldn't even believe that I was thinking that. I was a firm believer of celibacy. If care was not taken, Jack Rhodes would make me give up that belief.

I won't lie that I don't feel something for my boss. It's impossible not to. Being locked in the same room with him for weeks will make a girl start to fantasize about him, especially one so handsome. But that was all I took it for, a fantasy. I sighed again, praying for sleep to come and rid me of my problem. I eventually fell asleep, dreaming of a particular pair of firm rosy lips.

I walked to the office, my nerves flying around like huge sparks. I had the urge to run, to go back home and send a message to my boss telling him that I wasn't well. But that would make me a coward. Before I could open the door, a notification sound popped up from my phone. It was a text from my boss, claiming that he is surprisingly, not well. So much for not being a coward, it seemed my boss was keen on being it.

I entered the office, and immediately felt the coldness residing in it. I was so used to seeing Jack Rhodes hunched over at his table, going through piles and piles of paper work. I could almost see him, raising his head to look at me, and give me that formal smile of his, wishing me a good morning. I shook my head, ridding my self of the imagination. Since my boss couldn't make it today, I must as well get to work.

I spent the most part of my day sorting through files, keeping the important ones and disposing of the rest. I updated Jack Rhodes schedule, even went through some of the files on his desk just for him. Now when he returns, he wouldn't have much work to do.

The sound of my intercom rang loudly in the very silent office. I went over to press the receive button.

     "Miss Esther? Mr Rhodes has a visitor. He says that he wishes to speak with him, urgently."

     "And who might he be?" I asked, curious.

     "He said his name is Haman Rhodes, miss".