Today was the last photo shoot and she was really and truly happy about that. Although she liked Gilles and he had been so good and patient with her, she was thankful that this experience was almost over.
As she waited for him, she thought about Ryker. She still couldn’t believe that they had made love. Her body tingled when she remembered the way he looked at her before he took her in his arms and kissed her for the first time.
She had no idea that he was attracted to her. It explained why he had grilled her about Brian. When he told her that he wasn’t into Melissa, she was shocked and thrilled. She hadn’t expected things to heat up between them when she went to his hotel suite yesterday after the photo shoot. Even now, she still couldn’t believe that it had happened.
After they finished making love, they lay there for a while, trying to catch their breath and then, she got up and got dressed. He sat up in the bed and watched her. “Are you sorry about what just happened between us?” he asked.
She turned to face him. “No, I’m not. Are you?”
“No. It’s something I guess I’ve always wanted. And now you know why I acted the way I did when I saw you go off for that drink with Brian and when you mentioned the dinner date.”
“And now you know why I wasn’t thrilled to see how cozy you were with Melissa at the function.”
“So, we were both jealous–I of Brian and you of Melissa.”
“Yes. By the way, I wasn’t going to have dinner with him.”
“No?”
“I turned him down and then, he asked for a raincheck.”
“And what did you say?”
“I said maybe but I was just being polite. I don’t have any intention of going for dinner or doing anything that’s not work related with him.”
“Good. And it’s the same thing with Melissa. No dinner. Any interaction between us will be strictly business.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She wondered if he knew how irresistible he looked sitting there, completely naked under the sheets. She was tempted to go over there and kiss him on the mouth.
“Where are you off to now?” he asked.
“I’m going to go for a swim. Would you like to join me?”
“Sure. I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes.”
“All right.” She turned and left.
The clearing of a throat told her that Gilles was ready. She forced herself to concentrate although she wondered what Ryker was doing. They had breakfast together that morning and then had returned to their respective rooms. After brushing her teeth, she had come directly here although she had wanted to stop by his suite to find out how he planned to spend the morning while she was at the photo shoot but she didn’t want to be late. Was he still in his suite or had he gone out? She hoped that they would have lunch together.
Ryker was in his suite. After breakfast, he had come back here to catch up on some work and make phone calls. It was a challenge trying to focus on business when all he could think about or wanted to think about was Shaelyn. He got aroused every time he recalled their steamy lovemaking.
He had a ZOOM meeting with a couple of people, including Melissa. After it was finished and everyone else had signed off, she asked, “So, how is Hanoi?”
“It’s fine. Thanks for holding down the fort over there.”
“You’re welcome. How was the conference?”
“Very informative. I’ve got a few ideas which I will share at the next board meeting.”
“How does Shaelyn like Hanoi?”
“She hasn’t really seen much of it because of other commitments.” He hadn’t told anyone about the photo shoot. There would be too many questions.
“Well, I hope she gets a chance to do some sightseeing or to see something of the city. When do you get back?”
“On Tuesday.”
“Perhaps, we can have dinner one evening.”
“I’m sorry, Melissa but, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why? Is it because we work together?”
“No. We don’t have a policy at the company prohibiting employees from dating each other.”
“Then, what is the reason?”
“I’m in a relationship.”
She looked startled. “Oh. I didn’t know that.”
He wanted to tell her that it was Shaelyn but thought it best to keep their relationship under wraps for now. “Not many people do.”
“Well, I guess I won’t be asking you to have dinner with me anymore. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Hanoi and we’ll see you and Shaelyn on Tuesday.”
“Yes. Goodbye, Melissa.”
“Goodbye, Ryker.” He ended the call. That was a bit awkward but at least she got the message. He glanced at his watch. It was almost time for lunch. Shaelyn should be done with her photo shoot. It was the last one. She must be thrilled. He smiled as he closed the door behind him and headed to the elevators. He would ask her how it went over lunch.
Notes to Women 