"You will have to return these one day" he said while brushing his fingers on my cheek where he just planted a kiss. I was confused. Why was he behaving like that? Was it because of Meghan? To make me get used to his touch so that we could seem like a real couple. It must be that.
He released me and then left to continue his work. On my side, I was finding it difficult to move as I was sure my legs turned into jelly. I never had such a strong reaction to a man. I met countless men in my life, some tried to be intimidating others tried to use me to their advantage. But none of them woke such a yearning in me. I returned to work without meeting him as I could not trust myself around him. I might just jump on him.
The rest of the days were similar with us having lunch together and then leaving together. Even at his apartment we would dine and then talk to know each other more. It was surprisingly easy to talk to him. I had to refrain myself from sharing too much with him. He did not need to know about the insecurities and bullies raiding my mind and body. He would take me to my bedroom door everyday and kiss me on my cheek. I tried to kiss him back but there seemed to be an invisible force stopping me.
Two days before our wedding ceremony, as I reached the penthouse for lunch, I saw Emilio staring out the window. He did not even hear me approaching. He looked distraught. I called him and after the third time calling his name a bit more loudly, he was brought back to reality. It was evident that there was something bothering him.
"What's wrong?" He did not reply at first, so I moved closer to him and took his hands into mine. He breathed in deeply and said.
"There is an opening which I was waiting for so long. Now that company wants to talk to me. It is an incredible opportunity which will propel my company to new heights. It is my dream opportunity. But they want the meeting in three days. With all this already happening, there is no way I can prepare a proposal and submit within the time frame."
"Did you ask if you can have a delay for the submission?"
"It is impossible as my competitors are all jumping on this opportunity. It is one in a lifetime" I could see the turmoil in his eyes. How he was fighting. On one side there was his family and the other his dream. I have been on that impasse myself and knew far too well how heart wrecking this could be.
I placed my hand on his face and tilt his face until he was looking at me.
"Emilio, you are not in this alone. I am here with you. Do not let go of your dreams. We will find a solution together" He looked strangely at me and I could see he was not convinced.
I tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on his cheek and then looked at him. He was surprised and I could see the corners of his mouth twitching. This man was bad for my health. I released his hands and took a step away from him and asked.
"Do you think you can prepare a proposal in two days?" He ran his hand through his hair and then went to sit behind his desk.
"Yes, I can but then I would not have time for the wedding."
"Look Emilio, almost all the things are ready. We must only sign the wedding register which we will do on that Island your father booked. Most of the other preparations are for me and that Meghan is going full Hitler, concentrate on your proposal. You can arrange for a video conference meeting on the Island. You do not need to be in person to submit the proposal, right?" He narrowed his eyes at me still thinking it was impossible. I continued.
"Call the team managing the submissions and ask them about the guidelines or whichever way this works" He was tapping on his desk thinking about it and the implications and then after a while he said.
"I will not be at home then. Most of my time will be taken up by this proposal. You will have to go through all the preparations alone".
I sighed and asked
"Which preparation Emilio? We have almost finalized everything. My dress is ready, but I think you still haven't chosen your tuxedo for the ceremony. But I know you'll look good in anything you pick. So no worries" He smiled at my last statement.
"So, you'll do it?" I asked almost forcefully. He nodded and I beamed clapping my hands. As I stood to leave, he came and grabbed my hand. I turned to look at him.
"We didn't have lunch Jane" I gasped and spoke.
"Oh sorry, I forgot. Come I'll heat the food" I tried to take my hand from him but he simply joins fingers with me and lead me to the kitchen.
"What are we having?" he asked finally releasing me so that I could heat the food.
"Prawns Pasta" He made a yum sound and continued
"If being married turns out to be so good, I think I'll stay married" I halted in my steps and looked at him. He was totally oblivious to the comment he just made. I brushed it off as I knew that he was simply joking.
There was no way this gorgeous man would ever want to spend the rest of his life with someone like me.