Free Emerald Eyes by N. Michaels Page B

arresting muscular physique…  
    Stop!  
    I toss and turn for what feels like an hour, trying to escape the turquoise irises that stare at me each time I close my eyes. Then I hear a light knock on my bedroom door.
    “Katherine?” The door muffles Mr. Miller’s voice.  
    Slowly, I sit up and turn the lamp on my nightstand on. Excitement rushes over me, but I kill it at that same moment.  
    Don’t get your lacey boyshorts in a twist; you just said you wouldn’t let anything happen.
    I pull my robe on, school my face and open the door. Mr. Miller’s turquoise eyes light up as he gazes down at me.
    “Is everything ok?” I ask.
    “I – I just wanted to apologize for what happened before. I wanted to make sure you’re all right.” Mr. Miller’s eyes float across my body, drinking me in until finally settling on my eyes.
    “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine. Ms. Montgomery is not the first jealous girlfriend I met. I’ll book a separate room tomorrow… give you guys some privacy.” My tone is reassuring, but I’m far from it, all I feel inside is hurt.  
    I never knew rejection… never knew how bad it hurts.
    “No. There’s no need for that. She’s not staying with me… she’s not my girlfriend. Things between us are…” Mr. Miller frowns, looking like he’s struggling to find the right word. “Complicated.” He finally says, looking deep into my eyes looking for what...?  
    I don’t know.
    “You don’t need to explain yourself, Mr. Miller. I understand.” I smile tightly.  
    Mr. Miller sighs. He looks torn, his eyes search deep in mine and I know at that moment, I will never forget his heavenly turquoise eyes until the day I die. To haunt me, to taunt me, to remind me of the one man I desire with every cell of my body, with every thread of my being, and whom I’ll never have.  
    Mr. Miller looks like he’s about to say something more, but he closes his mouth and shakes his head lightly.  
    “I need you to stay with me. You’re a great help.” He says softly.
    My heartbeat quickens to those sweet words coming out of his mouth. Even though they are only work related, they still make my breath catch.  
    “Ok, if you’re still comfortable with me being here, I’ll stay.” I murmur, surrendering to his penetrating eyes.
    “I am.” Mr. Miller smiles a soft, warm smile and all I want to do is press my lips to his, but I don’t. “Good night, Mr. Miller.” I say after a few moments of silence.
    Mr. Miller breathes out loudly, “Good night, Katherine.”
    I close the door and sag against it.  
    He wants me to stay… She’s not staying with him.
    I fight that optimistic feeling that flares deep inside me, telling myself not to be delusional, but a tiny drop of hope gently falls on my heart and I fall asleep with a small smile on my lips, dreaming about hopeful possibilities and a coveted future.
    Morning arrives too quickly. I feel as if I’ve closed my eyes and a heartbeat later the sun was filling my room with bright light. I wash up and get dressed. I choose a V-neck, powder blue button down shirt and white pencil skirt that hugs my curved hips. I tie my hair into a high ponytail and apply light make-up. When I come out, Mr. Miller is nowhere to be seen.  
    Is he still sleeping?  
    I glance at my watch, its seven thirty a.m. I decide to order breakfast for Mr. Miller and me. Just when I put the receiver down, Mr. Miller walks in and I stop breathing. He’s wearing a navy, sleeveless t-shirt and black sweatpants. Beads of sweat at his hairline catch my eyes, and he wipes them with the white towel he’s holding in his hand. He’s been to the gym. Mr. Miller arms look bigger, but then again, I only saw them through shirts and t-shirts. They are sinfully shaped, every sinewy muscle defined and etched, as though a sculptor created him.  
    I wonder how it would feel… his arms around me, squeezing me affectionately.  
    The thought floats like a whisper in my