Secret Lover Ch. 02

Hello Again readers , I want to thank everyone for there reviews and feedback and words of inspiration in getting me to proceed with Secret Lover , And a huge thanks to my new editor Amanda *you rock*. I had to close up shop for a bit to make a few changes in my life but Im happy to say it is all squared away. I recently got engaged and that spark of ecstatic happiness compelled me to finish chapter 2 I decided to speed things up between this couple and also add a new protagonist to the mix Please give me lots of feedback and thoughts on this chapter, I think you've all waited long enough so here's Secret Lover chapter 2!

*****

"So who is she?"

"Who?" Cole asked. He rubbed the small of his neck with his large hands and stared into the sky-blue eyes of his little sister Sophie.

"You know damn well who." She said, chuckling lightly. "Whenever you're not being upfront with me you rub your neck like that." Unconsciously, Cole did it again.

"See? See there it is again! So are you going to spill or do I have to get Mum on the phone?"

"Alright, alright little sister calm down! Her name's Melanie, she's a coworker of mine and I really like her."

"That's great Cole," said Sophie "so why do I sense a 'but' somewhere in there?"

Cole sighed. "Because there is - I don't think she likes me."

Sophie's eyes widened at the words that just fell from her brother's lips. "You mean the great King Cole has met a woman on God's green earth who doesn't drop to her knees at the sight of him? Gasp!" Sophie said as she threw her hand to her forehead in mock surprise and couldn't help but smile at the soft scowl that crept over her brother's face.

"I'm serious Soph. She seemed to find me attractive, but when I spoke to her it was like being put in front of a firing squad." He said.

"Well maybe you're going about it all wrong. Try getting her to have coffee with you and talk, or maybe lunch. Be subtle - and I know thats hard for you, so try. If you really like this girl as much as you say, then it's worth a shot." Sophie stared at her brother for a moment. "So? Details! What does she look like?"

"Well she's about 5'5, brown hair, hazel eyes, a gorgeous smile..." Cole's eyes began to glaze over as he spoke of Melanie. He hadn't seen her in a few days and it was obvious she was doing everything in her power to avoid him. Deep inside, that upset him even though he wasn't really sure why. It was as if his heart had staked claim on her and was urging him to make the first move. But the arrogant playboy in his mind was yelling that she was just like any other woman and that he shouldn't go running after her.

"Well she sounds wonderful Cole, and from the look you just had I can tell she isn't like the other bimbos you've been running around with. So go for it."

Cole loved his sister, she always seemed to understand and respect him no matter how much she busted his chops. Cole eyed his watch, not wanting to be late for work he decided he should go. "Well I had better head out. I'll call you before the weekend comes." Cole placed a quick kiss on his sister's forehead before standing to leave. He wanted Melanie and had some thinking to do to get her.

*****

"Hey Mel I can wait for you if you'd like."

Melanie looked up, smiling. Her friend's perfectly placed makeup couldn't hide her exhaustion and she would feel like a absolute jerk if she made her wait any longer other account. Melanie knew she had a lot of work left and looking at the clock above her office door saw it was already 10 o'clock. "No Kandi you head on home. I'll be fine." With a weak smile, Kandice turned on her heel, closing the door behind her. After another half hour passed, Melanie looked over her work one last time before hitting the power button on her laptop. She leaned back into the plush leather of her office chair - a gift from Marcus when she finally landed the advertising exec promotion. She remembered how silly he had looked, stripping away the large white sheet that had hidden it, revealing a brand-new office chair with a large red bow. "Surprise!" He yelled, doing a passable Vanna White wave over the gift. She had chuckled and told him that he looked liked a ghetto magician, causing him to tackle her. Their playful wrestling turning into harsh pants and rough touching only to lead to...

"Stop Mel! Remember he hurt you, right?!" Melanie mentally scolded herself and ran her fingers through her hair, pushing memories of the past to the back of her mind. She had been working herself ragged after accepting the new Nike campaign from Mr. Stokes. When he presented the job at the last meeting she had jumped at the opportunity, partly because she knew the management was looking for someone in the company worthy to be given the chance to become partner, but also because she knew the heavy workload and demanding schedule the campaign required would make it easy to avoid Cole. Melanie knew she was being childish, but she felt that keeping her distance was best - especially with her feelings still so vulnerable.

She packed her laptop and other items into her briefcase and grabbed her jacket before hitting the light switch on the wall and heading for the elevators. Hitting the basement button, she sighed as the elevator doors closed - leading her down to the office garage.

*****

"Cole, sweetheart I've been calling all day. Please..." Message deleted.

"What the fuck! I know you've seen all these missed calls and messages! I..." Message deleted.

"So you think you can just sleep with me and leave me!? You're sorely mistaken, you sack of..." Message deleted.

"Cole baby I'm sorry, I'm just mad that you're ignoring me - you know I don't like being ignored..." Message deleted.

Cole deleted the rest of his voice mails before tossing the phone onto his desk. It had been a long workday and he was more than ready to head home for the night. He stood and stretched, relieving the throbbing he felt in his limbs. He grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair and slipped it on and, grabbing the folders he knew he had to look over, tossed them in his bag. He wondered when he would see Melanie again. He had seen her earlier that day - their eyes met briefly and he attempted to reach her, but was stopped by a colleague before she ducked off behind a group of people and disappeared. He felt compelled to go to her office, lock the door behind him, and force her to hear him out, but he could tell she was stubborn and would rather quit than acknowledge the attraction between them. In no time he had gathered his things and entered the elevator down to the company garage. With no effort, he found his black Range Rover parked only a few steps away. Hopping in, he warmed the engine before pulling off around the corridor of the garage.

As he drove towards the exit he could see the silhouette of a shapely figure - her hair was pulled to one side, giving him a view of her supple neck. She was bending over the opened hood of the sage-green Jaguar, giving an even-better view of her round bottom. Cole sucked in a breath, feeling his manhood swell at the sight before him. Even from this distance he knew it was her and he thought it was funny that she had this effect on him even from this far. He pulled slowly beside her car and stepped from his vehicle, walking towards her. It took every ounce of self control Cole possessed to keep from wrapping his arms around her tiny waist and pushing his face into her neck. Her beauty was effortless and Cole wondered if she even knew it

"Car trouble?" he asked, his arms crossed.

"Unfortunately." Melanie replied, sighing audibly.

Cole removed his jacket, tugged and rolled his sleeves above his forearms, and leaned into the car. He poked and prodded at her vehicle's insides for a moment before turning around, his hands slightly stained in black oil.

"Please tell me you can fix it." Melanie said, her eyes pleading with Cole to say yes.

"I don't think so - looks like your engine locked up. Whens the last time you put any oil in this car?" Melanie bit her lip and tried to remember. She was terrible when it came to cars.

"I honestly don't remember." She replied, running her hand through her hair.

"Well what do you say I give you a ride and you can call someone in the morning to pick up your car and haul it to a shop?"

"N..No I don't think so. I don't want to take you out of your way." She stammered

Cole sighed. "It's not out of my way, Melanie, I'm offering to get you home. It isn't a problem."

"And I appreciate it, but I'll give Kandice a call - I'm sure she'll come get me."

"Don't' be ridiculous, I'm sure that at this hour Kandice is asleep and why would you want to wake her when you have a perfectly capable and willing man at your disposal?"

Melanie had to admit he was right. She was exhausted and would probably fall asleep before a cab arrived and she would feel like a first class heel if she woke Kandice for her own selfish reasons. While thinking this over, she still couldn't help but notice how sexual his words always seemed - no matter how nonchalant they were. Against her better judgment she answered him: "Okay, I'll take the ride."

"Great." Cole said, releasing the hatch on the hood of her car. He walked her around to his vehicle and opened the door for her. Once she was inside, he made his way to the driver's side and climbed in before turning the car and making his way out of the garage.

*****

The majority of the ride proceeded in silence, and apart from Cole asking her for her address to enter into the GPS, she hadn't spoken. He would glance in her direction occasionally, never meeting her gaze, only to see her focus was stuck on the buildings they passed. He wanted to say something to her, maybe take his sister's advice and strike up a conversation with Melanie but he felt like his efforts would be lost - even sitting right next to him she avoided him, and it was beginning to get to him.

Melanie knew her lack of social etiquette was becoming annoying. She felt Cole's eyes on her as she continued to look at the various buildings and cars. When the feeling had gone, she took the opportunity to steal a peek herself. For the first time she could really drink him in, from his long, trimmed hair to his chiseled features and soft pink lips. She saw his muscles flex when all he did was tighten his grip on the steering wheel and damn near lost it. Before she could register what happened in her mind and stop herself, a soft moan escaped her lips. "Did that just come out of me?"She thought, turning her eyes back out the window. She looked down and noticed her hands had developed a mind of their own and were gently stroking the soft lace that was the only thing blocking her moist folds from her touch. "Melanie, stop! You're in the man's car, for Christ sake!" Again she mentally scolded herself, knowing for sure this ride was going to be the longest of her life.

*****

Cole knew no other explanation other than his mind was playing tricks on him. He could have sworn he heard Melanie moan and upon looking in her direction, he caught her fingers between her thighs. This was to much for Cole to take and in a swift motion he pulled the car to the side of the road and killed the engine. He released himself from the seat belt and turned to face Melanie.

"Wh...why did you stop? What's wrong?" She stuttered.

"Melanie I'm not going to continue like this."

"Like what, Cole?"

"You know what. It's obvious we're attracted to each other. I felt it the moment I stepped on that elevator, and I know you felt it too. But instead of owning up to it you just avoid me like I have the plague or something."

"Cole I don't avoid you its just.." She began.

"Oh really," He interrupted. "The last meeting we were at you bolted out of that room so fast I swear I saw flames. I know I want you, but the question is if you want me."

"N...No, I mean yes, but I... Look yes, I've been avoiding you but I don't know what you expect to get out of this. So we're attracted to each other - so what? There are rules about employees dating and I'd rather not lose my job."

"Well I'll change the rules." Cole said, obviously frustrated.

"You'd change the rules to get what you want?" She asked, incredulous.

"If what I get is you.. yes."

Cole's last statement struck a cord with Melanie. She didn't expect his words to be so heartfelt and she wasn't sure if she believed him, but something inside told her he was genuine.

"Cole I -" She began.

"Melanie look, I know you're worried about what others will think, but I'm not.

"But Cole we're so different."

"What, because you're black and I'm white? Who gives a fuck? Because I sure don't. I'm just asking you give it a shot, just one date and if after that you don't feel what I feel, I promise I'll let it go." Cole knew that deep down inside he was lying - he would fight for her if that's what it took but he just hoped she felt the same. He didn't understand why he was so wrapped-up in a woman he barely knew, but damned if he cared - for once he was spurred bon less by the feeling of his cock and more by the feeling of his heart.

"Okay." Melanie whispered.

"Cole could no longer contain himself. He leaned forward and, capturing her lips, he nibbled and sucked at them, loving the way her lips felt against his own. He probed her lips with his tongue before she finally allowed him access to the moistness of her mouth. After a moment he released her, loving the look of animalistic lust all over her face and the sight of her lips her swollen from his assault. He couldn't wait till she let him go further.

He turned back, adjusted his seat belt, and started the engine, glancing once more at Melanie before pulling onto the road.

After about ten minutes, the pair arrived at Melanie's apartment complex. They got out of the car and Cole walked close behind Melanie as she made her way up the stairs.

"Thank you for the ride I appreciate it."

"Anytime." Cole said, taking her hand in his and kissing it softly. He waited for Melanie to unlock her door and go inside before turning to leave. As he did, he said a silent prayer thankful that he finally got the chance he had been waiting for.

*****

Melanie pulled her shoes from her feet and tossed her bag and jacket on her sofa before trudging off to her bedroom. She was exhausted, and after the steamy kiss in Cole's car was even more confused then before. "I don't get it." She thought. "Cole obviously has everything going for him, so what does he want with me?" Melanie threw herself onto her plush bed and sighed. With her mind racing, she could feel her eyes get heavier and soon she was asleep.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Melanie shot up from her bed. She walked towards her bedroom door and paused when she saw her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her hair was a mess of stressed curls all over her head, she was still wearing her suit from yesterday, and her eyeliner and mascara stained her under-eyes. Again she heard the loud banging at her door and hurried to answer. She didn't even bother looking through the peephole but opened the door and was nearly knocked over by Kandice and Melanie's neighbor Raul.

"Melanie Ive been calling you and texting you and you haven't...." Kandice looked over her friend's appearance and crossed her arms. "Would you mind explaining what Cole was doing driving you home and why you look like you were playing in traffic?"

"I fell asleep and I... Wait, how did you know Cole drove me home?"

"Raul told me, now answer the question."

"My car broke down last night and he just so happened to be leaving at the same time and gave me a ride home."

"Mmmhmm and that's all that happened?" Kandice said, a slight smirk on her face as both her and Raul shot Melanie knowing looks.

"Alright alright, he did ask me out and I said yes." Both Raul and Kandice began to jump and yell.

"That's great Melanie! I'm so happy for you!" Kandice said, pulling Melanie into a hug.

"Yeah you will finally get rid of that drought you're having" Raul said in his thick Spanish accent.

"I am not having a drought, just not making my self readily available." Melanie said, pinching his arm for being so crass.

"Soooo whens the date?" Raul asked

At that moment it dawned on Melanie that after their kiss her mind had been a complete blank and they didn't even talk about when or where they would have their date.

"You know, I don't know. It all happened so fast.... I didn't even remember to ask." Melanie told them.

"Well maybe he'll call you." Kandice said, taking a seat on the sofa.

"I don't see how if he dosen't have my number."

Kandice sounded exasperated "Awww, Mel! You didn't give the guy your number either? Thats like girl-code 101!"

"I know... I know, but maybe the date wasn't meant to happen..."

knock knock knock

The friends stared at each other before Raul broke the silence. "I guess I'm playing Hispanic house maid." He said sarcastically before answering the door. Both Melanie and Kandice watched as he spoke with someone on the other side of the door before coming back inside, his arms filled with an arrangement of exotic orchids, lilies, and baby's breath wrapped in a large blue bow. Attached was a card dangling from a ribbon strand.

"These are so beautiful." Melanie said, breathing in the scent of the bouquet.

"Read the card." Kandice said, pointing to it. Melanie pulled it from the ribbon and read aloud:

"Melanie, I spent hours in a floral shop trying to find flowers as beautiful as you

unfortunately I couldn't, but these will do for now. I look forward to our date tonight.

Yours,

Cole

P.S. In case you're panicking right now, Ill pick you up at 9 ;)

Melanie looked up from the card at her friends. They were staring wide-eyed at her with goofy smiles on their faces "Ooh Melanie! I wish I could find a man like that." Raul said, sighing. "He said nine tonight so that means you have five hours before he shows. You stay here, take a shower, and we'll be back." Kandice nodded, jumping from the sofa and headed for the door with Raul not far behind.

"But where are you guys going?" Melanie yelled.

"Don't worry about it - we'll be back" Kandice said, leaving the apartment.

"I'm still worried." Melanie said, walking towards her bathroom to shower.

*****

"What do you think, Mr. McKinney?"

Cole ran his fingers over the detailed stitching in his new suit and was more then pleased. He loved the light-grey of the suit and the cuff links the tailor had paired with it.

"Fantastic as always, but what do you think Leo?"

"I think that any woman can appreciate finely made Armani, but this is guaranteed to catch your lady-friend's eye."

Cole smiled, hoping his dear friend was right. From behind, Cole could hear the sound of footsteps. He turned to see Leo's assistant standing in the doorway.

"Yes Sharon?" Leo said, facing her.

"My apologies for interrupting, but there's a phone call for Mr. McKinney." She replied.

Cole couldn't think who it might be - he hadn't informed anyone of were he'd be, he had even left his cellphone at home. "Hello?"

"Sweetheart if you were going to get all dressed up for me you should have let me know."

The high-pitched voice on the other end of the phone made Cole fill sick. He wanted nothing more than to hang up but knew she would simply call back. "What is it you want, Jamie?"

"You know what I want Cole and only you can give it to me." Cole scoffed at her failed attempt to be seductive. "Well you can forget it. I'm busy and I don't have time to deal with you."

"Oh is that what your doing Cole, dealing with me? You've been ignoring me for months and now you're 'dealing with me'?"