Mary walked Smith out of the lobby, to the reception. Smith had his arm around her waist, drawing her close beside him. The two nurses at the reception, Tamara and Clara flashed their teeth, as they gave Smith their best smile. Smith nodded politely at them as they stepped outside towards his car.
"I would love to take you out sometime", Smith said as they came close to his car.
"Well, I doubt if I would be able to make out time because I'm mostly busy", Mary said, batting her eyelashes
"Actually, now would not be a bad idea. It would give you the opportunity to bond with Ella". He said, directing his gaze to the car. "But I totally understand you need to stay with your mum"
"Okay. Nice try but I've got plenty of time to meet her. So, I'm guessing Ella is the reason I got the job?"
"Absolutely! Though I'd like to take the credit for myself", he said, folding his arms while he rested his back to the car.
Mary noted once more, how striking he looked even in casual wears. She was tempted to rip those million dollar clothes off him with her teeth, just to have a glimpse of the sinful body that lay beneath them. She wet her lower lips with her tongue as tons of what she would like to do to him flashed through her mind. She was unaware of Smith's steady gaze on her face, until he reached out for her hand, drawing her closer to him. He gently tugged Mary's bottom lip. It was always a torture for Smith to see Mary sunk her teeth on her bottom lips. It makes him want to do unimaginable things to her.
"You have no idea what you do to me when you do that",:he said, his eyes expressing his thoughts
Mary blushed hard as she tried to avoid his gaze. She could almost see the depth of his soul through them. Like a wounded animal but a fighter nonetheless who would stop at nothing to fiercely protect his own. It hit her hard to see the look of hurt in his eyes. She wondered the reason behind it.
Smith gently raised her head to meet his. He bowed his head, touching his forehead with hers. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"What are you doing to me Mary?"
His voice came out rough. A confused look on his face, as though he couldn't believe he was a part to any of it. He closed his eyes, his breathe coming hard and fast. For the first time in his adult life, he questioned his instinct. He released his breathe slowly as he pulled Mary in for a hug. He almost crushed her to him, unwilling to let go. He breathe in her scent. Kissed her hair. Rubbed the side of his cheek to hers. Trying to confirm she was real and not some figment of his imagination.
"You will resume work tomorrow?" He asked, his eyes seeking assurance
"Yes", Mary said, almost inaudibly.
"I will see you then. Come. Say Hi to Ella and my sister." He instructed, as he tapped the roof of the car.
Mary saw the swift change in Smith's demeanor as he switched from a tender lover to the CEO he was. The change was almost unnoticeable but for the proximity at which they stood. Juliet opened her side of the car door. Smith released his hold on Mary, almost reluctantly. He turned his attention to Juliet.
"I want you to meet Mary, my ..." Smith took a second to consider how to describe his relationship with Mary. "...friend. And Mary, this is my baby sister, Juliet", he finished, his eyes dancing with mischief.
Juliet had stepped out of the car by then, holding Ella who looked at Mary with sheer interest.
"Well, no longer a baby, I would say", Juliet replied, rolling her eyes at Smith.
She went closer to Mary, who smiled nervously at her as she stretched her hand for a handshake.
"Nonsense", Juliet said playfully, using her other arm to pull Mary into a hug.
Mary was clearly taken by surprise. It took a minute for her to adjust before returning the hug.
"Now, that's more like it" Juliet said, lightly slapping Mary's back like some comrade, celebrating their success.
"And this is Ella. Ella, Mary", Smith continued after watching Juliet's approval of Mary.
He knew Juliet doesn't know how to pretend if she doesn't like something or someone. It was a sweet relief, seeing her accept Mary with open arms.
"What am I to you"? Ella asked Smith, seeing that he didn't give a detailed introduction like he did with Juliet.
"Oh baby, you know you are a special one" Smith replied trying to pacify her.
"But she doesn't know that", Ella replied stubbornly, nodding her head towards Mary.
Smith had been careful with his choice of words earlier for two reasons. One, he wanted Mary signing the NDA before he would bring her in on the matter. Not that he had any reason to doubt her loyalty but he was not ready to take any chances with her. Secondly, until he was able to explain in detail, the circumstances surrounding Ella's presence in his life, he didn't want Mary jumping to conclusion and take any hasty decision regarding him. He looked at Ella, seeing the unmasked hurt as her eyes began to fill with tears. He saw doubt crept in and he knew he just couldn't deny Ella that one thing she sought.
It seemed to mean more to her. Like she was marking her territory and if he refuse to grant it to her here and now, he could already envisage how difficult Ella would make Mary's job be for her. He did not want them starting on a wrong foot. He stretched his arm, collecting Ella from Juliet as he rubbed her head, bringing her close to him. He kissed her forehead, giving her a public display of affection. She relaxed a bit, staring into his eyes. Her tears no longer threatening to fall. Smith kissed her again, on the cheek, then throw her up in the air before catching her midway. Ella shrieked, then giggled after he caught her.
"More!" She demanded, as Smith continued to throw her up.
She kept laughing, enjoying herself. Her initial request of introduction, abandoned. It would be easy to let it slide but Smith knew it would remain a part of her memory and might destroy her confidence in him.
"This is my beautiful daughter, Ella. She is daddy's most precious gem", he said to Mary, his eyes searching hers.
He hoped Mary would be able to read the message he was sending with his eyes. All he pleaded for is a little time to be able to explain himself better. He saw how happy his introduction made Ella felt as she wrapped her small hands tightly around his neck, staking her claim. He was glad he didn't deny her request. How could he. She was his healing process during those dark times. She was his only assurance to light and a new beginning. Ella had given him purpose to forge ahead.
Mary smiled at Ella, nodding her head
"It's nice to meet you dear"
"Nice to meet you too", Ella replied
Mary turned to Smith, her expression unreadable.
"I should check on my mother. She could wake up any moment now"
Smith held her left hand in his right, as he was carrying Ella on his left. He raised it to his lips, kissing it briefly.
"I will see you tomorrow", he said, as though he was assuring himself.
"Alright sir. Thanks for your time".
She hugged Juliet once more, lightly touching Ella's cheeks. Smith had hoped for some sort of parting touch himself but Mary made an exception of him as she turned to leave. A few steps away, she called back to Smith.
"You should say 'hello' to your sick cousin before you leave", she said with a knowing smile, before walking away.
"She got you", Juliet said laughing at her brother.
"Let's go have some fun ladies", Smith said, urging them inside the car.
James set the car in motion as they made their way to the city. It was half past six, the sun had disappeared below the western horizon.
"Okay, so what would you ladies prefer for dinner?"
There was a look of disbelief on both Juliet and Ella. Usually, Smith would not have given them such opportunity. He would drive them to his choice of restaurant, select what they would have from the menu and ordered the waiter to have it delivered. The only consolation Juliet had was how he ensured they got the best of everything; all exquisite, but she would never get over his infringement on her right. Even a child knows what food he wants and how he wants it, Juliet would say but Smith would give her a deaf ear always.
Now that he had decided to dance to their tune, for the first time in ages, both Juliet and Ella were overjoyed. Ella was looking at Juliet for direction. She would readily go for whatever choice she made. Juliet nodded at her, getting the signal. Juliet knew how much Ella craved for another experience to dine at a Chinese restaurant. She had confided in her on few occasions. Juliet thought now would be the best time to make her wish come true.
"Let's have dinner at a Chinese restaurant", Juliet said excitedly
Ella looked at her, immediately knowing why her Aunt had made such decision. She leapt out of Smith's arms, to jump at Juliet, wrapping her arms around her neck as she whispered those three magical words to her ear.
"I love you"
Juliet wrapped her arms around her small figure, excited to please her.
"I love you more".