My first Merlot

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

I woke up groaning and hit the snooze on my alarm. 6:00am...great, another day of this bs job. I yawned and got up from bed heading towards the shower. I stood in the steamy hot water and contemplated if I should call in “sick” but if I do, I would be on quarantine...14 days to be exact. Fuck it, it’s Friday I’ll finish the day and then come home to some Chinese and Netflix.

I got out of the shower and started to blow dry my hair. It was really a pain to take care of my long black hair. It was always in the way and I didn’t really know how to “style” it. I stared at my black wavy hair and decided it’s time for a change. Maybe I’ll cut it this weekend, who knows how I will feel.

I looked at the time, it was 6:32. Good, I still have time to at least put on some makeup and wear a decent dress to work. I sat in front of my mirror and decided to do a natural look today. Maybe some concealer, some mascara, blush, and a little brown eyeshadow to bring out my green eyes. I didn’t know what to do with my hair so I just put it up in a low bun and let some of my bangs hang loose.

Ping! I looked at my phone and noticed it was my coworker Cassie well...more like a BFF really. I read the text, “I got something to tell you girl! Please tell me you’re free tonight? I got you a blind date at The Bar with this Italian guy! You can’t back out bitch!” I sighed out loud. I really I mean really hate it when Cassie does this. But at the same time am I a bad person if I stood the guy up?

I texted back, “Where and how did you even find this guy?! I told you multiple times I’m really not looking for a relationship right now Cas, I mean it.”

Ping! “Luci, I’m just helping you out like a friend should. I hate seeing you third wheel with me and Mike all the time. For once, just go check it out alright? I’ll even take you there. C’mon do it for me, you need a little spice in your life Luci!”

Ughhh...fine, she wins. I stood up from my mirror and threw my phone on my unmade bed. I was too annoyed to reply back. I went to my closet and shuffled through some clothes. Hmmm what color should I wear? Well since I’m already feeling like shit, I’ll go with the short sleeve black wrap dress. It made my boobs pop out but it was the only black one I had. I should probably go shopping this weekend too. I slipped it on and sprayed some peach floral perfume onto my neck and wrists. I took one good look in the mirror. Alright, let’s go finish the day...and that annoying blind date.

Living in a condo by myself was really nice. Cassie used to live with me but then she got into a relationship and well you know the rest, fell in love and moved out to live with her boyfriend. I actually don’t mind the peace and quietness.

I grabbed my phone, 6:58 it read. Perfect, enough time to get to work by 7:30. I went downstairs, grabbed my purse and slipped on some white pumps. The sunlight was peeking through my blinds already and I could hear the honking from the cars outside. I picked up the remote and pressed the button for my blinds to open. I saw the beautiful sun peaking over the clouds and the beautiful tall buildings that surrounded my condo.

I went to grab a fruit smoothie from my fridge and headed out the door.

“Good morning Lucinda!” my neighbor Pam said. “Good morning to you as well Pam!” I smiled at her. I didn’t like it when people called me by my full name but Pam was an exception because well she’s an old lady who’s rich and retired and always making me extra food I didn’t really need but appreciated it. I headed towards the elevator and walked towards where my BMW was parked.

I drove through traffic while sipping on my smoothie. I thought back to my blind date I was going to have, wondering what he would look like. Is he going to be one of those fat bald Italian guys? Or was he going to be one of those mafia guys? I shivered and pushed that thought out of my mind.

I pulled into the parking lot, put on my face mask and walked into my hell. Lawyers walking left and right and even cutting me off in the hallways too busy talking to their clients on their phones. I rolled my eyes and finally made it into my office. I pulled my mask off and already found a bunch of files I have to go through today. Being a lawyer is a lot of work and very stressful but this is what I signed up for.

Click clack, click clack, click clack. “Hey! A reply would’ve been nice you know!” Cassie walked up to me with her short blonde bob and girly pink heels that clicked so loud everywhere she went. “Hey, I uh totally forgot” I lied.

“Uh huh. Anyways...are you going or what?! You have to” she said leaning in. Right away her cherry blossom perfume hit my nostrils and her chewing her gum loud made me nauseous. “I don’t know Cass, I really-

She stood up right away, “ C’mon! This will be your last blind date I promise no more after this one!”

Some people stopped and looked at us and wondered what we were talking about. I looked at them and back at Cassie a little embarrassed.

“Ok ok fine. Just this one and that’s it. Would you keep it down please?!” I hissed. She looked around and rolled her eyes. “Don’t break your promise, I’ll be waiting for you after work. You need some spice in your life Luci, and I’m doing you a favor,” she said while chewing her gum.

I leaned in, “well I didn’t ask for this favor and my life does not need spice. I’m too focused on work I barely have time to even find a relationship.”

“And that’s why I’m here, to help a friend in need. When’s the last time you had sex?” she said curiously.

“Cass! I really shouldn’t be having this conversation with you right now. I’m busy, can we talk later?”

Truth be told, I haven’t had sex in a long long time maybe since college. I really do feel like a virgin all over again.

“Oh c’mon it’s just me. You can honestly tell me when-

Just then my boss walked in, “Ahem ladies shouldn’t we be working..less chit chatting?”

“I’m sorry Stephan, I was just asking if Lucinda wanted to go out for lunch today and maybe you can join us too?” Cassie had that sweet tone of hers every time my boss caught her not doing her work.

“No, I’m good..thanks. Just get back to work. I really need those files done Lucinda” he said.

“Right away sir,” I said. He looked at me but this time it felt different, like that look you give someone when you miss them, or was I just imagining things? Cassie and I watched him turn around and well I couldn’t help but check out his ass and his muscles popping underneath that dress shirt...oh and those dark curls of his that fell perfectly around his face. He had that scruffy look too and that cologne that made the halls smell like him making the other coworkers flock to his office.

Cassie turned around, “by the way his name is Luca... doesn’t that sound so hot just saying his name?” she giggled.

“Uhhh...who?” I said.

“Your date!” she said frustrated with a pout.

“Ohhh...yeaahhh sure,” I said irritated.

“Ugh your no fun. Anyways I’ll see ya later. I gotta get going,” she said walking back to her office.

“Okay! Bye!” I said. Relieved I went back to what I was doing. I thought back to his name...Luca, does sound pretty interesting.

The day went by pretty quickly. Cass and I had lunch, gossiped and talked about her relationship issues with Mike. God she could go on and on about that guy, so glad she didn’t bring up Luca. I went back to my office finished up the day to hand in the files to my boss Stephan.

As I was heading to his office I noticed he wasn’t in there. I went in anyways to just drop off my files for him. His office was bigger than mine. It had a beautiful view of New York. Some nice paintings on the wall and just random office stuff laying around. I never really looked inside his office because he was always in here and I would only be in there for two seconds to drop off files or whatever he needed and left. But standing here now, I took a good look around and took everything in. It was way nicer and cleaner than mine that’s for sure. I saw there was a bookshelf full of books and random folders...probably shouldn’t touch. I randomly grabbed a folder off the shelf and opened it...oops. It was a picture of a man in his late twenties. His name was Giovanni Bertelli, murdered in his own home by burglars. It made it to the news media headlines.

“Ahem...Ms. Valentine I believe that folder belongs back on the shelf,” my boss said entering his office. I quickly shut the folder and looked at my boss. I gave him an apologetic look and returned the folder to the shelf.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I-I guess I got curious. Y-your office is really nice, I never really got to see it,” I said trying to force a smile. God I’m such an idiot I should just get the hell out of here before I’m fired for snooping around.

He gave me a smile which I didn’t expect from him. “Well now you’ve seen,” he said. He slowly walked towards me and stood by his desk. His cologne immediately hit my nose, he really really smelled sooo good like sandalwood and a mixture of pine. I held my breath too nervous to say anything. I stared into his cold blue eyes that looked back into mine. I felt frozen which felt like an eternity but was probably only ten seconds.

“Do you want to see more?” his voice husky and dangerous.

“N-no I’m okay. I should really get going Cassie is waiting for me,” I said with a small smile. He looked me up and down slowly like a predator about to devour his prey, feeling naked under his stare.

“Well maybe next time then,” he said. He loosened his tie a little and sat on his desk to look at the files I put there earlier. As he took his eyes off me I gave out a little sigh of relief. I don’t know why but he really gave me shivers in all places of my body that I shouldn’t be feeling. Okay I really need to leave.

“Have a good evening sir,” I said walking towards the door. I held in my breath walking past him.

“Wait Lucinda,” he said turning around to face me. I turned to look at him as well, and that stare really made me feel nervous. I didn’t want to but my eyes fell onto his soft lips to his abs that peeked through his shirt.

I refocused myself to look at him in the eyes again, “yes boss?” I said.

“Please, call me Stephan. Uhm...well how should I say this? Your...dress...is undone...in the back,” he said cautiously as to not make me feel embarrassed...already am sighhh. He looked away quickly and my cheeks became hot. Oh no, what do I do? Do I tell my boss to-no no no no how awkward. I’ll just walk to the bathroom really fast. How the hell did I not feel a draft in my back? I’m not even wearing a bra oh gosh.

“Uhm ha ha well thanks for telling me...Stephan,” I said nervously. He looked up and gave me an awkward smile. “Let me help you,” he said. I felt my heart skip a beat when he wanted to help me and took a huge swallow.

“Thanks but I can-”

He cut me off. “Really Lucinda, it’s ok,” he said chuckling trying to lighten the mood. He walked to me and I stared up at him thinking what the hell is going to happen. He looked down at me warmly and with...hunger. He placed his hand on my hip and his other hand on the back of my zipper. The way he was slowly zipping me up made me have goosebumps all over and he seemed to be enjoying that as I saw a little smirk on his lips. When he reached the top of my dress he touched the back of my neck a little and I almost lost my balance but he held me in place with his hand gripping my hip.

“There...hopefully I didn’t make you uncomfortable,” he said while taking a step back. I bit my lip and it seemed like he was enjoying himself.

“Thanks...I should go,” I said letting out a breath that I seemed to be holding in forever. My cheeks and my ears felt warm. His touch seemed to linger on my skin and it still made me tingle. I turned around and opened the door and shut it as quickly as possible. I leaned against the door for support because I felt like I couldn’t stand properly.

“Fuck,” I whispered to myself. Well at least it was a good thing and bad thing that he helped me out, otherwise everyone would be staring at me because of my stupid dress. Cass must’ve been waiting for me outside...shit.

I went out to look for her but there was no sign of Cass waiting anywhere around here. What the fuck.

Ping! I took my phone out and read the text message from her. “Hey sorry Mike got into an accident don’t worry nothing major! He’s ok I’m in the hospital with him right now. I’m sorry I can’t take you to your date! Your gonna have to be on your own. Hope all goes well! Be there sharp at 4! I’ll call you later!”

I let out a big sigh...great. I texted back, “ I hope Mike is ok. Lemme know if you need anything! Love you!”

I looked at the time on my phone, it was 3:55 pm. Oh shit I’m going to be late, it’s all because of Stephan. There’s really no time to go home and change. Luca or whatever his name is just going to have to like what I’m wearing today.

I got into my car and saw Stephan walk out. My heart was thumping again from what he did to me earlier and I shook the thoughts out of my head. Let’s just get out of here. I peeled out of the driveway and took my time going to The Bar couple blocks from where I lived. I’m already late so I’ll take my time.

I pulled into the busy parking lot of The Bar. I really hate being around people and especially drunk people.

I looked at myself in the mirror and pulled out my pink lipstick and dabbed a little on my lips. I let my bun loose and tousled my waves around to frame my face. In this bar there’s not a lot of people wearing masks because they’re always drinking or eating. I decided to leave my face mask in the car.

Ding! I pushed open the door as the bells above rang in my ear. I looked around in the crowd trying to find this Luca. I don’t know what he looks like so any guy in here could be him. I don’t drink much but I need to loosen up so I squeezed my way through towards the bartender.

“Hey miss, what can I get for ya?” the bartender said loudly.

“I’ll get a Stella!” I said back. He nodded and went to grab a Stella from one of the drink fridges.

He came back with my drink, “you wanna keep your tab open?”

“No thanks!” I said.

He nodded, “it’s on the house!” I was confused because I never had a bartender that said that before. Hmm oh well I’m not complaining. I looked around and decided to go find a table or this Luca. This is why I hate blind dates because your literally blind not knowing what the other person looks like.

A tall blonde guy with a polo shirt and slacks walked up and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around surprised. He held a large cup of what seemed to be beer and his cheeks were flushed red from drinking too much.

“Heyy I uhh saw you from afar and uhh was wondering if you wanted a drink? By the way...you look so beautiful. A-are y-you single..?” he said slurring his words. God this better not be Luca.

“I’m sorry I’m actually waiting for a friend,” I lied. I could smell the alcohol from his breath and it stunk. I tried to back away but he grabbed my wrist trying to pull me towards him. I never had an encounter like this before and I didn’t know how to react, I was frozen in place. “Oh c’mon babe. Lemme get you a drink or something. Your hot,” he said pulling me closer.

“Stop!” I tried to get out of his grip but it was too strong of a hold.

All of a sudden I see someone come in front of me and punched the guy in the face. I yelped because I was in shock I didn’t know what was going on and everything happened so fast. Everybody stopped their chit chatting and stared and some hollered telling them to fight. I saw the guy that punched the blonde and realized it was my boss Stephan. What in the hell.

“Stephan! Stop!” I yelled. The security guards came in and pulled Stephan off of the blonde guy right away. Stephan looked at me and I was in total shock. What the hell was he doing here? Someone in the crowd yelled that the blonde guy started it and that Stephan threw the first punch. He grabbed my wrist and we ran out of the bar into the cold night while the security guards were too busy handling the blonde guy because he was trying to fight them as well.

“Stephan?! What the hell? W-what are you doing here?!” I said out of breath. He cursed under his breath and looked at his fist that was starting to bruise. He still held onto my wrist but I didn’t care at the moment. I’ve never seen this side of him and had no clue he would be here as well.

“Why? Does this bar only belong to you?” he said out of breath. I just looked at him probably looking like a scared child.

“I-I didn’t expect to see you here that’s all,” I said while still clutching my Stella in my hand I don’t know why I was still holding. He looked me up and down. “Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” His blue eyes blazing into mine. “N-no, I’m okay,” I said shyly.

“Let’s get out of here before cops show up,” he said. I just nodded and then I realized about my blind date I had and he’s probably waiting in there for me to show up...sorry...I’m going to have to stand you up Luca, maybe another night just not here.

We kept walking and I didn’t realize that my car was back there and I should probably go home, but at the same time being with Stephan made me feel safe and secure. I didn’t bother taking a sip of my drink, I just got it so I didn’t look like the only one that wasn’t drinking.

He broke the silence, “did you want to go eat?” He still held my wrist like I was going to get kidnapped or something but I let him anyways. “I’m not that hungry,” I lied. As soon as I said that my stomach growled and he chuckled. “I know a good Italian restaurant around the corner.” I looked down looking like a idiot in front of my boss. Oh my god my boss...is taking me to dinner...and he’s holding my hand. Okay don’t freak out don’t freak out, just stay cool. We’re just coworkers.

We arrived at Sammys Pizza and I saw maybe only two or three couples inside eating and chit chatting. The little petite brunette host greeted us, “Mr. Armani! What a surprise to see you! Lookin a little rough.” She took a peek at me and looked at Stephan. “New girlfriend eh?” she laughed. I guess Stephan must be a regular here for the hostess to talk so casually to him. She also had a thick accent also, probably Italian.

“No, but I hope so soon,” he said laughing.

Did I just hear that right? Or am I hearing things again? Soon? Oh no no no, we cannot be dating...although I couldn’t resist myself either.

I cleared my throat, “excuse me where’s your restroom?” She turned her brown eyes to me and pointed behind her, “down the hall on your right,” she said smiling. I got out of Stephan’s hold on my wrist as I could feel his eyes on me while I walked towards the bathroom. I went in and splashed a little of cold water on my face. Tonight’s been one weird night. I chucked my Stella in the trash and pat my face dry and walked out to find Stephan sitting at a dimly lit booth. I sat down across from him and he gave me that smile that had me feeling all types of crazy.

I cleared my throat, “is your hand ok?” He took a look at his hand and one of his dark curls fell softly touching his eye. He ran his hand through his dark hair and looked out into the window. “I’ll be fine.”

Thump thump thump, my heart was doing flip flops again. “Soo umm do you usually go to that bar on fridays?” I said.

“Umm no...actually I was there for a...blind date,” he struggled to say embarrassed.

“Oh my gosh me too,” I said. Then I realized what I just said out loud. Oh my gosh, no freaking way. He’s Luca? He saw the realization on my face and connected the dots as well.

“Soo your my blind date...?” he said.

“Annnd you’re Luca...?” But his name is Stephan how can he be Luca?

“ Well funny story...that’s actually my middle name. I don’t like to use my first name when going on blind dates...” he said looking at me seeing how I will react. So Stephan Luca...Armani? I had no clue my boss was Italian. Wow. How the hell did Cassie not know?! She literally hooked me up with our boss?! Oh my god.

“Well uhm, since we already know each other there’s no need for introductions right?” I laughed nervously.

He laughed along, “yes I suppose.” I looked at him and then looked away quickly. I tapped my fingers on the table looking for our waiter. A tall blonde waitress came with some wine and two glasses her hands walking towards our table. Oh great more drinking.

“I hope you don’t mind if I got us some wine first,” Stephan said.

“Of course not,” I lied. The waitress set the wine bottle on our table and each of our glasses. She poured some in our glass and asked, “would you like to order right away miss?” There was no menu in front of me so I didn’t know what to get. I looked to Stephan for help.

Stephan interrupted, “just get the usual, I’m pretty sure Ms. Valentine over here would like it.”

“Okay coming right up!”

I picked up my wine glass and swished it around and took a sip. It tasted sweet and strong. I never really was a wine person, I kind of leaned towards beer more.

“Do you like it?” Stephan asked eyeing me intently.

“Hmmm... my first time trying this. What is it called?

“It’s called Merlot,” he said while taking a swig of his as well. I took another sip while looking at his lips. He noticed and cleared his throat.

“Something on your mind?” he asked. I took another sip and looked down at my lap.

“You know you don’t have to be here...just cuz I’m your coworker doesn’t mean you should be nice to me. I understand if you feel uncomfortable going on this date,” i said truthfully because it was the truth and I honestly did not want to make my boss uncomfortable.

He rubbed his lips with his finger as if thinking really hard on how to reply to me.

“I’m actually enjoying myself,” he simply said.

Oh, I honestly didn’t know how to respond because I was as well... is that bad? He noticed the concern on my face and reached out to put his hand on mine. I was taken aback by his touch.

“You’ve been tapping your fingers on the table for awhile now,” he said with a small chuckle. I didn’t realize how nervous I was in front of him and how quiet it was in here. I felt like he could hear my heart beating out of my chest.

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t notice,” I said nervously.

“Am I... making you feel uncomfortable?”

“No... no you’re not,” it was just my stupid brain that can’t think straight.

“I’m glad to hear,” he said smiling. The waitress came back and Stephan withdrew his hand from mine. I noticed her name tag read Diana on it. She has two hot plates on her hands and set them down in front of us carefully.

“Do be careful, it’s hot,” she said. I saw and it was lasagna with two bread sticks on the side. It smelled amazing. Pizza would’ve sufficed but I didn’t mind lasagna either.

“Enjoy!” She said.

“Thank you,” we both said.

“Hope you like lasagna,” he said with a wink. We mostly ate and talked about work and then where’d we go to college. It was really interesting to get to know my boss outside of work. He didn’t seem like a douchebag after all. He paid for dinner and we both agreed to walk with each other back to our car that was still at The Bar. His hand kept accidentally brushing against mine and I just kept my head down blushing like a school girl.

“How’d you like the restaurant?” He said breaking the silence.

“It was amazing, I have to come back and have more,” I said looking up at him. He showed a smile of satisfaction.

We finally reached my car and I was going to tell him goodnight but he grabbed my hand and slowly pulled me towards him. He had that look of hunger and I didn’t know how to react so I just stared into his blue icy eyes.

“I wanted to tell you, this was probably the best night of my life,” he told me. His cologne hit me right away and I could almost feel his breath on me. He was looking at my lips, “you’re also so tempting right now.”

He gently put his hand on my cheek and leaned in to kiss me. My whole body was on fire. My mind went blank, all I could feel was his touch...his soft lips. I also leaned in and kissed him back. He seemed to like that and I tasted his tongue in my mouth. I did the same and gently pulled on his black curls wanting more. He pushed me against my car and pulled my head back while he kissed my chin down to my neck. I let out a little moan realizing I’m going a little too far and gently pushed him off me. We were both breathing pretty hard and I noticed we’re still outside where people can see us.

“Get a room!” Someone yelled towards us while walking to their cars. We both snickered feeling a little embarrassed.

“Goodnight...Stephan,” I said hating to say goodbye. He looked a little hurt but realized maybe we’re moving too fast.

“Come with me,” he said. To where? Then I realized he meant to his place. Oh crap. He was waiting for my response. The fire burning in my body was still coursing through my veins. The fire and hunger burning in his eyes. Sleeping with my boss is probably a bad idea but my heart wanted to go with him. Cassie is going to explode when she finds out I’m fucking our boss.

I just gave him a nod and he led me to his Mercedes. I didn’t know what was going to happen tonight...actually I knew exactly what was going to happen tonight because we both craved each other like prey and predator. I felt the Merlot kicking through my blood and I let the night take me away with Stephan.