Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Emma's POV

It had been two weeks and I hadn't heard from Ethan. He didn't called or text me or even bother to show up at my apartment. I couldn't help but wonder if I had pushed him away completely without knowing. I knew what I said to him was hurtful, but I did apologize in the end and I tell him how I really felt. Of course, I didn't want to lose him so soon, but something was telling me to stay away from him a while longer.

I had agreed to Roger's asking me to attend an evening event with him. He had been asking for a week so I finally gave in and told him that I would accompany him as a friend. I elaborated on the term "friend". I knew he was attracted to me, but I wasn't about to complicate my life with two gorgeous men.

Working as the receptionist at the complex was going well, so far. Roger had coached me on everything I was to know and I'd caught on pretty easily. I was a fast learner; that was one thing I admired about myself.

I stepped out of the shower and towel dried my brown skin. I moisturized with my Jergens lotion then put on a black lace underwear before I put on stockings that blended well with my skin tone. I always wore stockings when I would be wearing a dress. It was a habit.

I brushed back my hair in a low ponytail and tamed my baby hairs. I put on my favorite color—a black dress— and a gold body chain, as an accessory, together with my gold clutch purse. I did very light makeup since I was still new to it and didn't want to mess up my face. At times like these I'd wished Halley was around. 

I looked simple but I thought I looked beautiful.

I met Roger out front on the pavement. His eyes popped open when he saw me.

"Wow, you look stunning," he complimented. "All eyes will be on us tonight."

I blushed, returned his compliment and slid into the car. 

We drove out of Manhattan and down the streets of Brooklyn. 

We arrived at a really outstanding building with a gold carpet at the entrance. Paparazzi lined the exterior, snapping pictures and shouting at the famous people attending. 

Roger took my hand in his and we walked passed the commotion and entered into what looked like a ballroom. Huge chandeliers and soft lighting made the room glow. Tables were neatly arranged with settings of white and gold. There was a stage with a microphone and band instruments and people were already in place playing soft, soothing music. The atmosphere was breathtaking. I was mesmerized and speechless.

Roger led me to a table in a far corner. A server came and gave us each a glass of white wine. I sipped on it slowly, remembering what had happened at the function in Miami.

"How were you invited to this event?" I asked Roger.

"Oh, the COO of the company is my sister. She told me to come along and said I could bring a friend," he answered.

I gave him a warm smile and sipped on the wine again.

About thirty minutes later, when the rich and famous had stopped taking pictures and talking with the press, the room was filled.

"A pleasant, good evening everyone, and welcome to the annual Autumn Gala of Hollen Tower," a host said over the microphone, getting everyone's attention and almost making me spilled my wine.

Bloody Hell!

Executive Officer of Hollen Tower,

he walked on stage with a bright, pearly smile, wearing a sharp black suit with a gold shirt dress shirt and gold tie. His gold Rolex was visible. His hair was tamed neatly slicked back on his head. He looked absolutely delicious; my mouth watered for him instantly and my kitty was doing something so heated and unusual that I had to cross my legs to

far corner of the room. The other guests were hiding our appearance and he

spoke for only five minutes then walked to the corner of the stage and raised the gold curtains behind him, revealing a casino setup, a buffet table with a wide range of many different foods and chefs,

a beeline to the stage and over

the crowd, hoping not to run into him.

okay?"

to smile and look

get something

I nodded. 

nice serving of some fancy dish I couldn't even pronounce. It smelled delicious though and I couldn't wait to get back to the table and have it in my

my sister over there with her boss.

Ethan talking to a woman; they seemed to be having a heated argument because his eyes

later. These shoes are starting to kill me. I need to sit down and

You want me

You should say hi to

sitting room area and the table we had previously occupied. I unbuckled my heels a bit

food on my plate and immediately felt relaxed. The food was everything. I took a sip of another glass

talk with your sister," I said without looking at him; my eyes were fixed on the plate.

"I don't have one."

the COO—" I cut myself off as I looked

staring at me hard, which made me uncomfortable.

was now latching in my stomach. The fork fell onto the plate with a cling.

asked me, taking my glass of wine and sipping on it. He still looked handsome, though he was angry.

out of my mouth as I was face to face with him and he wasn't taking his eyes off me. I placed my hands onto the hem of my dress

finally managed to

opening of my dress. He gave a small sly smile then his expression turned cold

doing here with that

him as

guy you told me isn't

it wasn't the time or the place

table, taking my

believe that asshole— that sexy, mouth watering

he walked away. He passed a group of women, about my age, and they smiled and pointed at him as he disappeared out of sight to the