Chapter 3 - Desires

Feeling someone's presence, Stacy turned and saw Berty standing there.

Dressed in a light gray, pinstriped suit, a pink silk shirt with a complementary white, pink and gray tie, Berty exemplified a successful tycoon. The fashionable attire looked exquisite on his fine physique.

Stacy smiled brightly."Good evening, Berty. Good to see you again".

Berty smiled warmly."Same here. Anything you would like to drink?"

Stacy agreed" Cold water is ok. Thank you".

Berty walked over to his desk and picked up the phone punching in the intercom button." Julie, please get in some bottles of cold water and a platter of fresh fruits. Am starving and you know it's way past ready for my dinner order".

"As soon as possible, Mr Nard".

Thanks Julie. I don't know what I'do without you.

Instead of sitting down in the swirl chair behind his desk where he conducts most of his business, Berty opted for one of the plush microfiber sofas. He wanted to make Stacy comfortable.

She sat down. One click of her thumb opened the brown leather briefcase. "Am letting you call all the shots", she reminded him, smiling softly.

Seem we pretty much ready then. Any ideas for the surprise engagement party yet?"

"Based on our discussions yesterday, i think i have some ideas that you'd like, since i can't discuss with Sharon, i only work with your needs and my ideas". Reaching out to her briefcase and removed a few sheets of paper and handed them to him.

"I sketched a few ideas for the centrepiece to include the angels you mentioned."

A light knock came on the door before Berty could respond. The door opened and Julie walked. She set a metal tray on the rectangular chrome table situated in one corner of the vast room.

Julie was dressed smartly and beautifully. Stacy thought she was gorgeous, her attire had class and style. She imagined how men salivate whenever Julie walked by. Dressed in a short red gown showing every curve she had and a dark brown jacket on top.

Getting to his feet, Berty was eager to introduce the dynamic women.

Julie Hens has been my administrative assistant for the past couple of years. I can count on her when I can't rely on anyone else. A trustworthy employee, She's loyal and committed to me and running this office to the best of her ability. I don't know what I'do without her and she had proven behold doubts that she had great future in film making, he told Stacy.

Stacy took Julie's extended hand." Nice to meet you Julie".

Same here, Julie assured Stacy, smilling sweetly.

The two women exchanged pleasantries for a while before Julie turned her attention back to her boss." Do you need anything else before your dinner arrives, Mr Berty?"

"No, am good for now. Thanks Julie."

" Alright, am expecting a call from one of our clients" She smiled at her boss and quickly excused herself and hurried out of the room.

Stacy's eyes followed Julie until the door shut. The lady really did got her eyes.

"It looks like you surround yourself with beautiful women."Stacy wanted to swallow her tongue for

spitting out such a provocative thing about a client.

"Am assuming you are talking about jasmine for one, but who else are you referring to?

Cheeks aflame with embarrassment, Stacy pointed at his desk. "The ladies in the photographs are also stunning."

"Ah, Sharon and Mom. They are beautiful. Sharon's inner spirit matches her physical beauty.

"He suddenly grew silent, his eyes misting. "Stacy needs protecting. She's very fragile."

Stacy looked concerned for Berty. He looked sad all of a sudden. She wanted to ask him more about his mother but something told her not to. The fact that he hadn't mentioned even her name was enough to deter Stacy from making inquiries.

I'd do anything for Sharon, our relationship is immovably strong. I'd even lay down my life for her. We are in each other's blood, Berty confessed.

Berty's comments gave Stacy chills and goose bumps. She has never heard a man voice out his feelings for someone in such an honest and emotional way. Sharon shouldn't be worried or bothered about what she has or what doesn't have because she has a man who truly loves her and is even more than willing to die for her. How many women were able to say that? Stacy could only imagine begin associated with someone like that. She thought about one and only serious romantic relationship she'd had in her adult life but unfortunately it turned out to be a huge disappointment and failure for her. Though she was thankful to God for taking her out of the toxic relationship and made her fall out of love for Mich Scott, a corporate officer.

Excruciating heartbreak had been waiting for Stacy around every corner. By the grace of God, she'd been led onto another path but only after she'd taken an unfortunate detour to Mich's cheating, unfeeling heart. Many women hard fought hard in the trenches to become number one in the life of a successful guy in hopes of winning him over but many has failed as well just like Stacy. She preferred to be alone than have her leisure time filled with a meaningless relationship since she found peace in merely sharing time with girlfriends and with those she'd forged mutual bonds.

Stacy spread out on the coffee table several sheets of paper that outlined get plans for Berty's event. Please take a minute to look at what i came up with".

A knock came on the door again. Just as before, it opened and Julie walked in. Walking across the room to the corner table, she set down the tray and left the domed top in place. "Can i get something other than water to drink?"

"Water is fine."Berty looked up at Stacy. "What about you?".

Stacy nodded." Am ok with just water too".

Berty smiled warmly at his assistant." Thanks. The food smells delicious".

"I ordered from your favourite restaurant. Miss Sissy". Your favourites corn bread, roasted meat and smashed sweet potato pie along side salad and apple sauce. If you want any other thing else, let me know."

"Alright, thanks again, he said

As Julie walked away, Berty stood and moved over to the table, inviting Stacy to join him. Once they were seated, he said a little prayer over his meal. Picking his fork, he took the first bite of the potato pie, closing his eyes to savour the delicious taste. The meat was tender and thick and seasoned perfectly.

Scooping up a forkful of smashed potatoes, he held it up to Stacy's mouth, shocking her greatly.

He noticed the reluctance in her eyes" Trust me, you want to taste this wonderful dish"

Despite her surprise, Stacy took the proffered food. She wasn't keen on eating off his fork but that was the only way of kissing him and deny herself the desire to taste the full, sensuous looking lips that had wrapped around the fork first and she doesn't want to make a fuss over it.

She suppressed a satisfied moan." It's so tasty! Where's this restaurant located? I must go there."

I'd take you to Miss Sissy for a dinner someday"

Stacy ignored, not quite of sure of respond and moreover it was wrong for him to ask her out for a dinner. Maybe Sharon didn't have a man who truly love her or perhaps his suggestions was simply innocent. Shd just simply convinced herself that he was just being him.

Berty drew in a deep breath, as he picked up one of the sketches. "You sketched these designs?"

"Yeah, i did. I love art. It would have been my choice in career if catering wasn't there"

"And who said you can't do them both?. You are quite creative and these sketches are extra ordinary"

"Really?"

"Of course. You have artistic talent. I had a few courses back in the day. It dovetails with my desire for filmmaking. They are both artistic. I love sketching. Sculpting, too.

Stacy nodded. "Great! Which sketches of mine do you like best?"

He pointed at the drawing with the angel's wings fully extended.

"It's beautiful. The wingspan suggests a flight to me, a journey into paradise, which is where i hope Sharon will always live in".

"Where's paradise for you, Stacy?

"No thoughts on that yet, Stacy lowered her lashes momentarily.

Berty looked totally shocked. "You haven't fantasized about that yet or even given it a real thought?"

Stacy did everything she could not to grit her teeth. Why did Berty care about her paradise?.

She tried very hard not to think about it, her illusions about heaven and love has long been shattered and simply stopped searching for them.

He looked closely at Stacy. " Did i hit a nerve?, Who hurt you?"

Getting up from the table, Stacy walked across the room and stood at the window. As she looked out at what many refer to as paradise, she fought to keep her emotions in check. As she looked out, the colours in the sky were same soft ones she'd used to sketch one of the angels amid a lovely floral arrangement.

Stacy's body came on mute. Berty was right behind her, was close enough for her to hear and feel his breathe. His hands came down gently to her shoulder, she balled her fist tightly. He felt her go rigid and backed off. "I apologize", he whispered. "I shouldn't have gotten way too personal, it won't happen again, let's get back to work"

"We should, Berty"

"Ok, let's sit back now".

Stacy claimed a seat on the sofa, hoping to get done and leave before her emotions gets the best of her. He had just unnerve her and her wild attraction to him and all she thought of right there was leaning him on the sofa, kissing him deeply and passionately but he's about to be married and things between them should be just business related, period.

Berty looked over the catering catalogue once again.

"Sharon loves seafood, but am scared of it spoiling not to even mention the odor. What do you think?

"Seafoods can be kept on ice when it's out, my staff and i definitely look out for that besides cooked seafood doesn't smell bad. What types are you interested in?

"Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are her favorites but am still considering not going for Seafoods, what suggestions do you have?"

Stacy handed Berty a few menus she'd already put together."We have time, so look through them thoroughly before your final decision or better still consult Julie for some of her opinions

Berty Smiled. "You are very specific and straight forward. I know i can trust your judgement. Too many suggestions can cloud a vision. I'd go with yours and one more thing. I don't want alcoholic drinks or beverages, i know it's unusual but Sharon doesn't drink.

His request wasn't a new thing, Sharon had ran so many events were alcohol drinks were absent, it wasn't much of a deal for her.

"You are definitely in charge of what we order. Once we know your likes, leave the rest to us".

"Sounds like you've got it going on" He loosened his tie and popped open the top button on his shirt.

Stacy wished she would not think of what was under that shirt. "He definitely has broad chest and must be hairy, She thought to herself.

The idea of his nipples hardening when she's suckling and licking them like lollipop and his area thickens right underneath her and most likely pierce into her.

By the colour of his skin, she thought of his nipples to be either medium shade of brown ot slightly darker.

"Hello, are you still with me?" Berty sang out, laughing at her dazed expression.

Stacy quickly returned from her dream land, fighting to hide her embarrassment. "Am still here of course. Just trying to come up with new ideas, she lied". "Ideas on how to seduce you perfectly until your body gives in and beg for mercy, She thought to herself".