My personal life, however, is another story.
Almost seven months of living in the States, and I’ve only dated two men, both of which ended after the first date. There’s a certain arrogance to American men, or in reverse, maybe the arrogance stems from me.
I’m not looking for just sex or even just friendship. If I’m to be with a man, I want him to shake me to my core and make me feel like nothing else in the world matters. I’ve watched too many movies, binged on books with the idea that romance comes with so much more, and not some date to a pancake place with a two-for-one deal, where we talk about Star Wars.
Then guilt soon follows, having only broken up with my ex, Jules, not long ago. We’d been in a relationship for four years and attempted the long-distance thing until it became too difficult. He’d also been my first.
But I’m young, unwilling to settle down into marriage and children, everything Jules wants right now. The final ultimatum came with a marriage proposal—wed him or we’re over.
He deserves a woman who can please him. I’m far from ready for that level of commitment, despite our lengthy relationship and the fact that I love him.
Perhaps my lack of experience with men outside work has been my downfall. Jules is my age. We’d grown together from our teenage years, then through college. At twenty-four, we still had so much of the world to lose ourselves in.
Dominic Kennedy, though, shouldn’t be part of that equation. A man, much older than me, an age-gap of easily ten years.
My memory flashes back to the delicious smirk playing on his lips and the way his eyes creased behind his black reading glasses. I groan at the feeling passing between my thighs, blaming it on being around couples and drunk on cheap champagne. He’s sexy, yet possibly that sex appeal stems from him being untouchable.
I learned of Dominic through Kate, my boss. I knew of his past, the elements of their relationship, though some parts still remain a mystery. The wedding and pairing of them in the bridal party left a very bitter taste in her mouth. Being the good friend she is, Kate agreed so that Eric could have his perfect wedding day.
Her husband, Noah, didn’t take it as well. I had witnessed him inside the office lose his temper several times. I didn’t blame him, Dominic’s timing had been impeccable, and Kate, in a way, did nothing but ignore it.
I still remember my conversation last week before we flew out to New York to commence the wedding celebrations.
“Emile, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Noah closed my office door behind him, his expression anything but welcoming.
“Is everything all right, Mr. Mason?”
Crossing his arms, his lips pursed tightly as the skin bunched up around his eyes. Whatever the issue was, it appeared serious and began to worry me.
“I want… I need.” He cleared his throat. “For you to do something for me.”
“Of course.”
“I want you to keep a close eye on Dominic Kennedy this weekend.”
I fell silent, uncomfortable with his request. “Um… sure.”
“I know he will use the opportunity to get what he so desperately wants.”
“Kate…” I trailed off.
“Yes, my wife.” He gritted with a flinty stare. “I trust Kate. That isn’t the issue, but I refuse for her to be put in a position where she’s made to feel like a pawn in some twisted game he insists on playing. This is why I need your help.”
“My help? I just thought you just wanted me to keep an eye on him?”
“Yes, that, but perhaps you can keep your identity hidden and act as somewhat of a distraction,” he suggested in a persuasive tone.
My mind began to jumble. Is he asking me to make love to Dominic? Is that what a distraction is? Surely, he wouldn’t request such a thing.
“I’m… I don’t exactly understand what you mean by distraction?” I stammered.
“You’re a beautiful young woman, Emile. Kate often speaks about the men wanting to date you. All I’m saying is that your beauty can prove a distraction for a man such as Dominic. If, let’s say, you were to use that to the advantage of this situation, it wouldn’t be so bad, now would it?”
“No… I guess not.”
“Then it’s settled.” Noah looked rather relieved by my acceptance. “I’m not asking you to do anything to compromise your integrity. A simple flirt at the bar can work wonders for a man.”
It shouldn’t be a big deal. ’I’ve flirted with men before. Flirting can be harmless,
but as I stand there with him, knowing all his dirty secrets, having somewhat kept tabs on him over the past week through Eric, I can’t help but find myself enamored with his charisma.
The man is nothing like I had conjured up in my mind or the monster Kate had painted him to be. All that stood beside me was this unbelievably gorgeous man who spoke to me in French, my language I had missed so dearly.
I give myself a few more minutes before someone knocks on the door needing to use the bathroom.
The wedding continues, and speeches are made by Eric and Tristan only. They are heartfelt speeches with humor because Eric knows exactly how to make a crowd laugh. Shortly, the cake is cut, and people fill the dance floor again.
Scanning the area, I spot Dominic on the dance floor with a woman I saw him with earlier. The woman, dressed in a designer gold gown, is very beautiful. She places her hand on his chest, though, and appears annoyed rather than happy to be dancing with him.
Removing my gaze from them to wash away the unsettling feeling, I linger at the bar by myself.
“Emile!” Kate moves toward me, out of breath. “Come join us?”
I offer
